The Intelligence of Plants

[Sandy]

I wanted to share this amazing article that qualifies something I am experiencing for myself.
http://www.dailygood.org/story/1891/the ... known-yet/

Well maybe I should begin at the beginning...(Eric you already know some of this. )About 6 weeks ago, I was sitting among the branches of a shea oak tree, one of many in the little grove that rests between our yard and the Lake. I was crying, torn up about the soon to be demise of a beloved Eucalyptus tree friend of mine. As I got past my initial upset and as I had released some of the interfering emotions, I began to see in my spirit vision images of this little bit of land I was resting on. The images changed rapidly and faster and faster and I viewed it became clear that these pictures were snapshots of this place in time... With this realization also came the wisdom of the trees telling/showing me, in not so many words, that they live on...their memories and life through their roots and the roots of all the trees and plants that will come to be. When they die they will become part of the living memory a tapestry that stretches on beyond human memories.

It is easy to be wowed when this happens but also easy to wonder as days and weeks pass as to the validity of these experiences. It was such a mood I was in yesterday, after 2 weeks of living next to "tree demolishing Hades" as every tree ...30 palms, several large eucalyptus, among a host of others were removed from the once magical yard next door. And so, I asked the Creator for some concrete answers. Well the response was thankfully quick in the form of this article which highlights in greater detail the wisdom of the trees, something akin to that which comforted me on that long ago day.

I hope this articles opens the door for perhaps new avenue of thought in regards to the plant life we easily take for granted. They do have "voices" and may very well share some of their knowledge with those who have a mind to understand.
So once again...
The Intelligence of Plants, an interview of author, Stephen Harrod Buhner, an award winning author of 22 books on nature, indigenous cultures, the environment, and herbsl medicine.

xxSandy

[happyrain]

Wow Sandy, though your experience was upsetting initially the spiritual commune and even guidance is amazing. This guy seems to have a lot of knowledge on the matter and I found the quote about nature having a way to solve overpopulation interesting. You’re right we do take plant life for granted and most often place our sights on very tech based comforts which seem damaging and disconnecting from the earth we share. I do like the trees around here and wanted to thank you for posting and finding such an intriguing link. Wishing you well and I am happy to know you’ve found some solace in the matter.

[Welles]

This little video is a kidney bean time lapse with soil cross section that shows how how the roots and upper part of plant grows. If you watch it I don't think you'll be disappointed.

https://youtu.be/w77zPAtVTuI

[Sandy]

Brilliant! Life is truly miraculous! I found it interesting that the upper part of the kidney plant did not even begin to start until there was substantial root to support it. This helps me to understand some of my little baby plant failures when separating a clumps of interwoven roots with some missing much of this root bulk. Thank you Welles... I found this exciting to watch!

Sandy

[Seeker13]

Welles,
That was so enjoyable to watch! It's amazing how beautiful and intricate the root system was. Made me happy to see it!

Oooh Sandy!
I'm getting so excited for spring! You know how I am about gardening! A little sad I'm not starting many plants from seed this year, except a bushel of basil of course. We're starting a big project on the house in a few weeks, so something has got to give.

So sorry to read about loosing your wonderful tree neighbors. It sounds dreadful. I'm sad now thinking of it. We're having tree diseases and high winds happening right and left in our area. Tried so hard to save as many as we could when building our house, but have lost so many in the past six or seven years. Since Dave works for the village, if ever there's a tree to come down we try to have parts of them brought up to the playground at the center to add to the natural playscape. I hope they did something constructive with your trees instead of making mulch!

On the subject of plant intelligence, you know I'm a crazy old lady tree talker. Lol! The bard owl in the back woods just started talking up a storm! Hmm, wonder if he's agreeing with the idea of tree intelligence, or that I'm a crazy old lady?... Any way back to trees, haven't had too many experiences like the one with the sycamore a few years ago, but I definitely feel a deep connection with plants. They help me cope with life.

The flowers at work love the vibration of children's voices. The garden in the front looks like a jungle by the end of the summer! There are two currant bushes that produce fruit the entire summer and into the fall. I don't know how, seems like they were picked clean every day! Clementine was the biggest fan! There's a huge mulberry tree at Dave's work we visit a few times a summer. The kids hold on to the edges of a huge sheet and I shake the branches with a pole saw! It's hilarious!!!... and quite messy, but we don't care, the fruit is delicious. I'm asking for currants and a mulberry tree for Mother's day this year.

I'm pretty sure our plant neighbors are quite proud and content knowing the happiness their presence gives to us Ahh! Come on spring!

Separating seedlings can be quite successful if you make sure the soil is very moist, us a trowel to lift the clump out of the ground. Use a very gentle grasp pulling them apart. This saves the stems and roots from bending or breaking and make sure the roots don't dry out.

Getting late.

Love to all you plant lovers out there,
Kim

[Sandy]

Hi KIm or rather " crazy old lady tree talker",

I thought of you during this whole tree killing fiasco over here and was glad you didn't have to witness it. One of the saddest things was that after the tree trunks were gone a scooper bulldozer kind of machine came in that dug up the tree and roots thus I worry silencing a bit of plant tree history. I am hopeful that Nature in all her brilliance and the celestials in charge of such probably have a contingency plan.. but it is a little daunting when you think of our enormous cities and the skyscrapers that touch the sky...Think about how deep the foundations must go and how much was removed to make the enormous structures safe. Are the natural history of these areas gone forever in the model of plant history described in the above article? ...don't know... hope not.

Oh I do hope you get your mulberry tree and currant bushes... You know, I don't think I've ever eaten mulberries.

Well, anyway, I just love hearing/reading about your adventures with plants and trees... Thanks for the separating seedlings tip. We're winding down just a bit in the gardening as autumn sets in but since we are not nearly as chilly as my gardening space in Ohio, I am sure there are still much that can be done to stretch out the green and growing joys throughout the winter months.

Love to you, Aleah, Clementine and the rest of the family,
Sandy or as I am known in these parts..."the Crazy Bird Woman of Koona Street"

[Seeker13]

Dear

Crazy Bird Woman of Koona Street

,
Man-o-man I'm having so many dot to dot connections lately! Mulberries look like a small blackberry, with a light sweet berry taste. The trees can grow very tall and are crowded with thousands of berries that ripen at varying intervals for several weeks. So while some are falling off the branch overripe, others are either, green, pink, red or purple! They are extremely messy, but delicious and cause all species of wildlife to come for a visit! Last weekend I found a picture when the boys were little. They were riding on a pallet being lifted up to the high branches of a mulberry tree on Dave's parents farm. The pallet, skewered by the tines of a loader tractor, was about seven feet up in the air. Their faces, hands, hair, clothes, shoes,... the pallet were smeared in a deep indelible purple, but they wore the biggest smiles imaginable! The day was sunny, warm and sticky! It's silly I'm so happy the tradition continues, even though the farm and Dave's parents are long gone.

The quote at the bottom of my posts comes from a visit to Colorado several years ago. I learned that all the aspen in the United States are connected by a gigantic underground root system! They are in fact one organism! Found it so profound and left a lasting impression on me. Was reminded we are all connected. That's probably where empathic feelings come from! We are all attached to this magnificent intricate web, when one heart causes a vibration, some of the others of us feel it!

Although your trees are physically gone, I don't believe their history can be removed form the tapestry that records all living things. We can no longer see them with our physical eye, but spirit is unending, right?

Much love to you from this crazy old lady tree talker,
Kim

PS, So excited to have finished another poem last night! It's going to be imposed on a picture of Clementine on their vacation to Arizona last month. Keeping in line with her nature, she's completely naked sitting on a boulder in the middle of a lazy river, gazing down stream. For me it's right up there with one of the most beautifully revealing sights I've ever seen.

[Sandy]

Hi Kim

I don't think we had mulberries down south in TN. I don't ever remember hearing anyone speak of them other then in books..or the nursery rhyme "Here we go round the Mulberry bush. It sounds yummy. All those berries must come from some flowers. Do they smell sweet? I had to look them up on Google...
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=mulb ... 1&bih=1052
Just look at all those luscious berries!!!!! Now I want one too!

You wrote:

The quote at the bottom of my posts comes from a visit to Colorado several years ago. I learned that all the aspen in the United States are connected by a gigantic underground root system! They are in fact one organism! Found it so profound and left a lasting impression on me. Was reminded we are all connected. That's probably where empathic feelings come from! We are all attached to this magnificent intricate web, when one heart causes a vibration, some of the others of us feel it!

Although your trees are physically gone, I don't believe their history can be removed form the tapestry that records all living things. We can no longer see them with our physical eye, but spirit is unending, right?

I never knew that about Aspens! I mentioned this to George and he told me he learned that from a little boy in Colorado whose family he was staying with on one of his AC teaching tours. The little fellow told him all about the aspens and how they were connected and he showed him where they had a fire and roasted marshmallows and the place where so and so and so and so had spent the night in a tent. This confirmed some gossip I think going around at the time. LOL I just love listening to little kids share what they have discovered and what grabs their attention. Makes me miss my preschool "littleies". (Who are all grown up by now I think) But yes... they are part of spirit history now...thinking about the movie, Avatar now.

So excited to have finished another poem last night! It's going to be imposed on a picture of Clementine on their vacation to Arizona last month. Keeping in line with her nature, she's completely naked sitting on a boulder in the middle of a lazy river, gazing down stream. For me it's right up there with one of the most beautifully revealing sights I've ever seen.

Awhhhhhh I bet she is adorable! You are a great writer so I suspect along with the photo it will be something to cherish forever and a day.
This day has flown past and already late afternoon. Been a good joyful one though.
Well got side tracked a bit there looking at Mulberry trees again... gotta get a move on.
Love,
Sandy

[Seeker13]

Sandy,
Ah ha ha! Out of the mouths of babes! I've had to keep many a family secret under my hat after having an innocent conversation with a preschooler.

Those pictures of mulberries made me want some too! They are not much good commercially, because they don't all ripen at the same time and generally have their stems intact when picked, but what a joyous treat for children, well and me!

Speaking of trees and scent of flowers! It reminds me of another connection! Oh, now I miss Petra. She was going through a hard time, I was sending her a message when suddenly the room filled with a strong scent of apple blossoms. We still had snow on the ground, so I asked her what apple blossoms had to do with her? She replied back so excited because just before that she was sitting out in her yard(in France) under an apple tree in full bloom!.. I wonder why that spark of memory at this place and time?... What lesson or connection is going to follow? I miss that crazy woman!

Successfully applied the poem to Clementine's photo last night. That being said, technology is proving to be a more and more elusive beast for me! Just a few years ago(and two computers) I was teaching others in my writers how to do that very thing. My son Ken 'helped' with the last endeavor... I say helped because basically he took the laptop out of my hands, tapped a few keys and, "Zip!" It was done. After sighing heavily, I asked if he could 'show' me how to do it and make a few changes. It was decided that he would 'help' me with the next one today, as both our blood pressure and patience were not at healthy levels! "Aaagh," I would much rather be out talking to the trees.

I did write another poem though, titled Trends and Grandmas.

Hope you're having a wonderful sunny day!
Kim

[Sandy]

Morning Kim,

I loved the apple blossom connection you made with Pet. I hope it made her feel better. I miss her too... all of those gals who were so instrumental in helping my slippery ole spiritual feet stay on the ground in those early days. You tell her Sandy said to get her hilarious little backside back here on the double!I gotta admit I am a little Leary of FB lately after what has recently come out about the doings. But to leave FB completely, I would loose the treasured physical connection with Petra, Lilly, Sammy, Aqua Deb, etc... You've shown there are connections made though that can't be measured in "normal" ways.

How'd the "tech"{ session go with Ken. I struggle a bit with the tech stuff. Must see if Geoff will show me how to do a few things when he has the time. He's so busy these days, though, I hate to bother him. And then again...some of the stuff I really should know how to do by now. But the whole trouble with me...you so eloquently illustrated with this...

I would much rather be out talking to the trees.

I would love to read some of your poems I am intrigued by the latest title..."Trends and Grandmas"

Okay better go I really ought to mow the grass today... It has been hit and miss for a couple weeks mowing around the big trucks and vehicles coming and going. So far it is rather quiet and as I am typing I just remembered that I didn't mow the front yard last time I mowed.
Enjoy your evening up there,
xxSandy

[Seeker13]

Sandy,

all of those gals who were so instrumental in helping my slippery ole spiritual feet stay on the ground in those early days.

I hope you know that you were that to all of us and continue to be so to anyone who visits the boards. You have your own way of connecting through the ether and helping us make sense of the unknown.

As one who joined Facebook in protest(my daughter did it for me) I'll send out a mental invitation through the clouds to all those amazing people letting them know they are missed and loved. I too miss all those women and the Secret Thread Café. There are a few people that the only way I know of contacting them is on fb, but that is the extent of my visitation there.

Lol! The tech session went pretty much identical to the first one, except I laughed at him more. He sat across the table and proceeded write a detailed list of steps to follow. I'm not sure if it was the laughter or blank expression, but before even getting to the end of the list he took the laptop and finished in about thirty seconds. That's what happens when genius meets mediocrity, impatience abounds! Maybe next time I'll find an online tutorial for dummies,.. pretty sure it won't be nearly as entertaining.

Living in the woods we still have a lot more snow than most, so I'm longing for the days of mowing the lawn and playing in my flowers. Our big project for this spring is building a one bedroom apartment in the basement. Someone else is doing the construction, while ours is wading through and disposing of thirty three years of...stuff. It feels good getting rid of and organizing the remnants of the past. Only so much of it can fit into the storage space. It's so much easier to be brutal with Dave's stuff than my own! It all falls in line with the task of cleaning up issues and emotions not dealt with in my past, not easy but necessary in order to move on. I'm proud to say I've been able to let much of it go.

Alright, time to move on. When I get the chance I'll post more poems. Happy mowing!

Love,
Kim

[Sandy]

Hi Kim,

I hope you know that you were that to all of us and continue to be so to anyone who visits the boards. You have your own way of connecting through the ether and helping us make sense of the unknown.

Thanks sweetie.

As one who joined Facebook in protest(my daughter did it for me) I'll send out a mental invitation through the clouds to all those amazing people letting them know they are missed and loved. I too miss all those women and the Secret Thread Café. There are a few people that the only way I know of contacting them is on fb, but that is the extent of my visitation there.

I mean to do better with facebook but it never lasts for long. I just can't stand an extended time on my computer and since we don't use a mobile phone that is the only way to connect.. So I tend to put FB towards the end of my to do list and often I run out of time for it.
I think if I had a mobile with one of those nice built in cameras I could make my FB page more personal, but I don't know...in this crazy age of hacking maybe its better I don't.
Your tech sessions sounds a bit like some of mine with our Geoff in the past. All this stuff is like second nature to him and others whose life work involved such things extensively. I know I must have driven him crazy at times. Thank goodness for his patience with us. My trouble is I really don't like sitting in front of the computer and can't wait to get away from it.
What would we do without the "dummies books". You know, sometimes you can get some really good advice online for these things. Even videos showing you how to do them.

Do you still have snow on the ground? Oh my! In Ohio we sometimes would have a small late Easter snow, but it was usually gone in no time flat. Right now I would love to be out in a snowstorm...
I'm sorry to say that I didn't get the grass mowed yesterday...ran out of umph and time. And my excuse today is Good Friday and I do not wish to disturb those who cherish it as a sacred day..so maybe tomorrow I'll get it done. I always feel so good afterwards...don't know why I am putting it off.

Yeah!! I look forward to those poems!
If I don't get a chance later hope you and the family have a lovely Easter.
xxSandy

[Seeker13]

Happy Easter Everyone!

Today is a Tiny day. We decorated a little counter top tree with spring ornaments, dyed the eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide and later will hang plastic eggs on the lilac bushes. A few weeks ago she found the Christmas garland I was giving away and thought it made the most beautiful Easter decorations! Our house was wall to wall garland. It was the most beautiful thing she ever saw! Last week I put out the tub of real Easter decorations, so it was acceptable to replace the green and gold garland.

Yes we still have snow. We've experienced several misleading sunny days with temperatures rarely getting above freezing. Supposed to rain on Sunday, hopefully taking the snow with it...Or? It could turn into a snow storm! Which ever the outcome we'll be having the craziest Easter dinner ever! Dan's birthday was on the 29th, so are combining celebrations, he gets to choose the menu. Apparently we are having a concoction that has pepperoni pizza for the bottom bun, then French fries on a bed of ketchup, this is topped with cheese, then a hamburger, pickles, strips of bacon, topped with a hamburger, then another pepperoni pizza for the top bun. Dessert is home made windmill cookies with cookie dough ice cream. Of course none of this is ok for me to eat. I suggested several heart friendly vegan and vegetarian substitutions. His response was, "Ewww!" The side dishes are up to me, because of course he believes the meal is complete. Fresh fruits and veggies here I come!!!!

Life is calling in a very very squeaky voice! Time to go.

Love,
Kim

[Sandy]

Hi Kim,
Hug that "squeaky voice" for me.
You know, you are every kid's dream grandma! I swear you should teach grandma lessons. I bet tiny adored all the decorations... To tell you the truth, I have fall decorations up. (Bought from the dollar general after Thanksgiving clearance. It really looks rather nice and...You know me, I adore fall so I just decided to skip the bunnies and pastels this year and went with the actual season going on down here.

I am dying to know how the worlds oddest sounding "caserole" tasted. It does sound wild and wooly but I bet it was delicious...french fries, ketsup and all! What did you serve for the side dishes?
I've been sneaking alfalfa sprouts into everything we eat. George tolerates them and they're sort of cute and appealing... so look out! Tuck a little alfalfa into the ham/pizza casserole and voila! Health food!

One day last week I finally made the healthy version of shamrock shake. https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2018/ ... milkshake/ It was really yummy, even with a 1/4 cup of the frozen spinach making it green. You really couldn't taste it. There was still a very faint banana taste to it but the peppermint extract covered it up nicely. YUM!

Anyway I might try on a smaller version your crazy wonderful pizza burger fries casserole so could you explain when you have the chance how long you bake it and at what temp? I know I am going to regret it after...but what a way to go...

Have a good week!
xxSandy

[Seeker13]

Sandy,
Could you give yourself a big hug from me please? Thanks for the grandma support. Guess I just want to create wonderful memories and she only has one grandma, so they have to count!

The fall decorations makes complete sense! For those who grew up in the northern hemisphere, were used to certain cycles that go along with the weather. Oranges, red, yellows and browns create a sense of warmth and comfort for the winding down of the seasons. Easter decorations for me represent spring, renewal, promise of warm sunny days! Its a balmy 31 degrees Fahrenheit today. We had three more inches on Saturday, so egg hunt was very exciting with all the slipping and sliding, but made it a lot easier to find the colorful treasure! We used two new methods of dying the eggs this year. First we put a small amount of dye on a little tray, then dipped tiny sponges in the dye and applied to the eggs. That one was a little messy, but we had very vibrant eggs. The next one we placed the white egg in a small clean plastic bag, added a few drops of different colored dye, then shake and roll the egg around in the sealed bag. In three seconds you dump the egg back into the carton to dry. Clean up is a breeze!

I love alfalfa sprouts! Not exactly sure if that honestly makes your casserole healthy though. Sounds like my husband's version of eating healthy. The other day he proudly announced, "I only had an orange for breakfast.... then Chris brought in donuts." We'll have to try the shamrock shake, sounds good!

So the appetizers for Easter dinner were raw almonds, tortilla chips(both low sodium, low fat), salsa, cheese cubes, pea snaps, dried berry mix, peanuts and dinner mints(only candy we had). Side dishes were fresh papaya, red grapes, large veggie tray, with low fat Ranch dressing. No windmill cookies, Aleah made Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies. I made an angel food cake topped with whipped cream and blueberries. FYI, it's very difficult to make number candles stand up in an angel food cake! Had to prop them up with toothpicks. Individual candles are impossible! LOL! the only other candles Dan had to blow out were four little ones in a Easter train decoration. Hey! Necessity is the mother of invention right?!

The Monstrosity Pizza Burger(my name for it) was quite an endeavor. I made the gluten free crust and pizza sauce the night before. Dave bought premade crusts(not the regular choice we would make) thinking it would be easier. Would not recommend it, tasted more like a dry thick cracker... yuck, but we persevered. Also didn't have the pickles, guess Ken had a midnight snack and polished them off. Dave was in charge of making the Monstrosity Pizza Burger while I did the rest of the meal. I swear he used every pot and dish in the kitchen! He cooked the pizzas at their recommended temperature, assembled, then put back in the oven just long enough to get them nice and hot. They were about five inches in diameter, tasted quite good, I substituted turkey bacon and carrot/potato fries on mine. None of us were able to eat the whole Monstrosity. I got through about a quarter of it.

Gotta run a few errands, hope everyone is enjoying their day!

Love,
Kim

[Sandy]

Hey Kim,
(consider me hugged! thank you!

Oh my kingdom for an angel food cake!... They're not popular here and you rarely see them. But I always enjoyed them and they are much better for you then regular cake. Well I suppose I should say, in reality, they are not as bad for you as regular cake. LOL

What a wonderful and mostly healthy Easter "spread" you had up there! You wouldn't have a good recipe for homemade ranch dressing would you?... I can find a few bottles of it here but I am rather particular and it tastes so much better fresh. I see you made individual smaller pizzas..I was picturing some massive "thing" occupying the center of the table, like an Easter centerpiece. LOL I'm also taking note of your egg decorating ideas too. I bet they were stunning! (Now I am in the mood for a pretty boiled egg! )

I walked with our neighbor to the bus stop where she stopped and I went on then to the post office and Pharmacy this morning. I do like getting out in the morning these days. G and I are on different schedules. He is still a night owl and I have evolved into a child of the morning. He would love for me to come back to the "dark side" but I tell him it would not work as every bird in the area expects me (lets me know too) to be at their beck and call.
Thankfully, The trees in the back of the yard near the lake seemed to have adjusted just fine to the recent upset. I feel no animosity from their part for which I am grateful. I too have settled down a bit, and contemplating forgiveness at a deeper level.

That's about it from over here. We live a rather quiet (boring lol) life I suppose. I live vicariously through your grandma stories... taking notes too for when I get another opportunity to put them into actions with my own grand babies.

Enjoy your week everyone.
love,
Sandy

[Seeker13]

Sandy,
Yikes! Looks like Old Man Winter is reluctant to give up the ghost! Had a 'doozie' of a storm! In the past 24 hours have gotten 10 inches of fresh snow and more on the way. On Friday another one is predicted. Not the spring I was hoping for. But hey, don't have work today!!!...Nobody has to work ANYWHERE! Well, except for Dave. He drives a plow for the village.

Angel food cake is healthy...it's named after angels isn't it! The Betty Crocker boxed cake is better than any I can come up with from scratch and is a whole lot easier to make. Ranch dressing is tricky. Find the brand you like and stick with it. We also like using the dry package mixed with Miracle Whip, although for us it's quite strong on taste if mixed according to the directions. A lot of people are picky about their Ranch. I've also experimented using Greek yogurt with the packaged and Greek yogurt with other herbs instead of the packaged stuff! I like to experiment, if you didn't realize that about me. Been trying out lite vinaigrettes more lately, less sodium and fats. If I make it myself, using stevia to cut down on sugars.

LOL! Even at five inches, the Monstrosity was pretty massive. With so many different requirements in our family it's easier to prepare food for individuals. Usually I'll set out all the ingredients and have everyone assemble their own, then they get exactly what they want. You should see the selection for pasties!

By the way, boiled eggs can be eaten any time of the day.

Had a good laugh over your comment about George wanting you to come back to the dark side. Don't go back to the dark side Sandy,... unless you want to. My sleep schedule is determined by what ever the day decides it should be lately. Summers, I definitely prefer the morning.

Dave came home pretty riled up a few days ago. A resident in the village wanted to cut down some huge oak trees to put in solar panels. They were denied since the trees were technically on village property. They took it upon themselves to prune off most of the lower branches of three or four beautiful old trees in front of their house. Then came in the Village Office on Tuesday saying they guess they should have asked first. I must say I'm getting tired of , "It's easier to apologize than to ask for permission." We're loosing so many trees to disease the past couple of years, I wish people would think more long term in their decisions. Just makes me sad.

I feel so blessed my kids came back home to raise their families. After spending three days with me last week, Tiny asked yesterday if she was coming over today. Can't imagine how hard it must be for you. Actually, it's hard for me to think about! She's been experiencing some serious anxiety lately, pretty sure it's because mom is having a baby in about six weeks, and/or experienced a scary situation with an adult in her life. Because of the prevalence of anxiety and depression in our family, I hold my breath praying she will be spared. I know if it's part of her plan then it's her path, but darn it... enough is enough. We try not to overreact and practice coping skills and tools with ourselves and with her.

One thing's for sure, our lives are NOT boring. On that note, I should decide what I'm going to do with my time off today! Brr! Probably should shovel out my car...and have some breakfast, not sure pecans count? There are boiled eggs in the frig!...and mangoes.

Love to you, George and everyone else out there this fine chilly morning!
Kim

[Sandy]

Hi Kim,
Yeah I know what you mean about everyone is picky about their ranch dressing. I was always that way too. But I don't like any of the couple of ranch bottled dressings you can find here. (Ranch isn't popular..You'd be shocked by Australian French dressing too...but to each their own I suppose)

I suppose trial and error. Look online...find a recipe and giver it a try. Although, lately I have been just putting a light splash of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil on my salad. I used to not care for olive oil but I decided to give it a go and stick with it and now I enjoy it. (Rod would be proud of me. ) I think it has some good health benefits as does coconut oil.

I used to make taco salads for the family and I would think I was keeping them smallish when I would start out but they would grow and grow until they were monstrous by the time I added all the ingredients to the plate. Yum. That would taste good right now.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for an angel food cake mix...but I've never seen one. They do sale some Betty Crocker but only the stuff that appeals to Aussies. That would be Brownies and cupcake mixes mostly. I mostly try to stay away from those because "they're evil!!!!" I can't stay out of them once made! For Easter since I wasn't in a very good mood... I bought a Sara Lee carrot cake and you know... It was excellent! (as they extra 5 pounds I am carrying can attest. )

Yep, snow days are another benefit of teaching eh? But 10 inces in April!!! That's crazy...and with more on the way...
But on a happy note I got to play with my grandson on skype this morning. You should have seen his face when I pulled out a dried bush to hide behind. (Nanas can produce anything and everything. LOL ) Actually, it was a short branch from one of our neighbors passed on trees that overhung our yard. How I loved that tree.... Oops drifting off into the negative again... But anyway, it was lying on my desk and I used it to hide behind when he was pretend shooting. I suppose after all the latest troubles with guns I ought to encourage something less destructive. We always used light sabers before but they still injure. I tried disabling his defenses with a stink ray emitted from a rose that I had on my desk but the little "smartie" said it wasn't allowed. Hmmm I'm beginning to see a pattern forming here with any innovations coming from Nana being disallowed or obsolete. Maybe we can have a drawing contest next time... although I suspect the rules will still be stacked against me by this clever little man.

I bet Dave will be so glad with this winter behind him. He has probably been so busy with the cold snowy winter the north has suffered this year. I for one am just about to go mad with warm days. I want that fall nip in the air. That's about the only thing I can hope for as our winters are virtually non existent along the southeast coast. Not complaining really (even though I must admit it does sound like it in every way imaginable LOL) Truly, we are blessed in so many ways.

Well, I hope you've had a lovely day...Are you off tomorrow too?
Love to you and all,
Sandy