I've been looking for a complete book on herbs, medicinal and culinary for a long time now. I am pretty sure there isn't a "complete" book printed, but this comes closer than some others I've read through. It's pretty thick too.
Our library only has a 1996 edition of this book, but it's pretty close (but not yet complete) to a good resource.
Our library only has a 1996 edition of this book, but it's pretty close (but not yet complete) to a good resource.
There are long descriptions for some plants, but calendula is not even listed in this book. Now that I think about it, it may be listed as a "pot marigold" or something else. I'll have to check that later.
Ginger is explained in a very short paragraph, but some other plants (such as mullein) have pretty good descriptions. I'm thinking of just taking a notebook and writing my own findings, and just borrow this book for now. I'm not sure if I want to spend the money just yet. Until then I'll keep looking. This book has a medicinal description for almost every plant/tree, history, and other information.
Speaking of herbs, I stocked up on thyme yesterday. I waited too late and had to dig through my thyme patch for ones that had not gone to flower. However, since most did, I should have a nice large thyme patch next spring.
About 5-6 potato plants already turned brown. I dug them up to see what the lack of rain grew. I got a few good sized ones, but mostly small. I'm glad the other plants are still green, and rain is on the way.
I haven't said much to Hubby about the root cellar. We are both working are bums off, and his hours are crazy. If we don't get it done (which he says "we still have time this fall" I have another plan to stock these up.
The popcorn looks great so far, and stalks have ears (yay!). However, we planted the sweet corn a bit too late, taking a chance. It's about 1 foot tall. I may not want to miss the chance of stocking up while farmstands have some on hand, but finding organic will be a chore. I may be taking a break and doing some driving today. I have zero corn in my freezer. It's not my first "go to" vegetable, but it would be nice to have some.
Guess what? The scale continues to slowly move. I'm very happy and feel so much better. My first concern was my weight involving my varicose veins, so that keeps me motivated. I've struggled with the thyroid issue far too long. However, I am not convinced the brazil nuts are doing it. I honestly think it's adding the greens, especially the dandelions, and possibly cutting out all store bought bread, and making the breads from scratch.
Truth be told, I felt my size had to do with family genes, but I don't feel that is the case anymore. I believe when we finally find what our body is missing, it all clicks into place.
I'll keep watching things and see what happens. I stopped eating dandelions for two weeks and my weight stayed the same. Coincidence? Not sure. I don't eat enough blueberries either, so I have been making a smoothie for lunch on these hot days. I don't add any sweetener, just fruit, organic yogurt, organic milk and some ice.
My to-do list is growing, so I must get this posted and get my day started. The coop is needing a good cleaning today. I want to get it done before the rain arrives, and they are all stuck inside for a few days.
Comments
Kudos to you, m'dear, for your continued weight loss and the fact that you're feeling better all the time. You've changed your way of eating probably even more than you realize and you can see it's a good thing.
We've been having strawberry smoothies for lunch every day for weeks now. But the strawberries are all but done producing. Good thing the blueberries are starting!
Wish we had rain in the forecast but there's none in the near future. We need it.
If only our doctors in the US would learn something from doctors in other countries, I'm sure we'd all benefit from it.
God bless.
RB
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