March Newsletter 2012

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...Psalm 104:14

Lavender

From The Herb Patch

From My Perspective

The windy month of March! I think the saying is “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” But, I happen to know that from years gone by this is not always true. Sometimes it comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion! We finally had the snow I talked about last month, but it didn’t last long, not here where I live anyway. I wanted to go out and build a snowman, but by the time I got around to it, the snow was melting profusely. I didn’t even attempt to build one knowing it would be melted down to “nothing” by the late evening. I have to keep reminding myself that we are still in “late winter”. The daffodils are blooming and there are many new greens growing from our ground. This time of the year there seems to be a rush of everything green coming in at once. I have noticed this morning there are many “fat” robins flying around as well as blue jays, chirping loudly. Spring is on its way!

As you already know, the herb of the month is “heady” lavender. I planted lavender about three years back and have had good results with it. The first year it had to get its “feet’” in good where I planted it, so I didn’t get too many flower stems, but last year to my amazement, even after having a dry fall, there were profuse blooms on my plants. I still have lavender from last year’s harvest. I also found that lavender makes me sleepy, so when I harvest and dry it, I have to end up taking a nap! Working with this dried herb (for me) is done easier outside in the warm, fresh air. I have a tendency to have allergies with flower herbs.

Lavandula: Information taken from Everything-Lavender.Com.   -The English word lavender is derived from Old French lavandre, to wash, referring to the use of infusions of the plants. It has been cultivated for so long that accurate identification is not always easy, and most of those grown in gardens are hybrids or cultivars. Lavenders flourish best in dry, well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils in full sun. All types need little or no fertilizer and good air circulation. In areas of high humidity, root rot due to fungus infection can be a problem. Organic mulches can trap moisture around the plants' bases, encouraging root rot. Gravelly materials such as crushed rocks give better results.
According to folk wisdom, lavender has many uses. Infusions of lavender are believed to soothe insect bites, burns, and headaches. Bunches of lavender repel insects. In pillows, lavender seeds and flowers aid sleep and relaxation. An infusion of flower heads added to a cup of boiling water soothes and relaxes at bedtime. Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) heals acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel; it also treats skin burns and inflammatory conditions. Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during World War I to disinfect floors and walls. These extracts are also used as fragrances for bath products.

Flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourris. Lavender is also used extensively as herbal filler inside sachets used to freshen linens. Dried and sealed in pouches, lavender flowers are placed among stored items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance and to deter moths. Dried lavender flowers have become recently popular for wedding confetti.

Lavender Sachets

•To make them from your own lavender:

First dry the flowers by cutting them, with long stalks, as soon as they are fully open, on a dry day. Tie with raffia or string, in small bunches and hang in a warm, dry place, with the heads suspended in paper bags-to keep off dust and catch petals as they fall. When fully dry—this will take about a week, depending on humidity and air temperature—rub the petals off the heads.

•To make the sachets:

Cut circles of muslin, or any fine see-through fabric; put a small handful of dried lavender in the center, gather up to form a bundle and fasten at the neck with an elastic band. Finish with a ribbon.

Food for Thought

Milk, It Does the Body Good?A few months ago I said I would continue my discussion on osteoporosis and concerning the controversy over milk. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t like milk. Ever since I was a child I can remember having a supply of milk, either from my great Aunt Laura who lived next door to us in the country (she had dairy cows) or the milkman who brought our milk on his route. Yes, there really was a “milkman” back then! I think I like every kind of milk product there is. Sweet milk, buttermilk, chocolate milk, cheese products, ice cream...the list goes on. But, I also realize that the milk of today is a far cry from what it used to be. We used to get fresh milk (unpasteurized) that had a wonderful taste to it. That milk in its raw state has a lot of needful nutrients in it that hasn’t been cooked out. So much has been written lately about whether or not milk should be considered as a viable source of calcium, that many people have become skeptical about consuming dairy products. And a lot of this is because there has been a major change in how the cows are raised, what they’re eating, and how the milk is processed. And then, you could always drink goat’s milk!

The following information is taken from The Doctor’s Book of Food Remedies by Editors of Prevention Health Books:

Milk, a Glassful of Goodness

          “Once you get the fat out, milk is a highly nutritious food, says Curtis Mettlin, Ph.D., chief of  epidemiologic research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York. The many nutrients that milk contains can go a long way toward preventing high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis, and maybe even cancer.

The Best Bone-Builder

Milk is best known for its ability to help strengthen bones. There’s good reason for this. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, with 1 cup skim containing more than 300 milligrams, almost a third of the Daily Value. That’s why drinking milk is often recommended as a great strategy for preventing osteoporosis, the bone-thinning disease that affects more than 28 million people in the United States, most of them women.

          In a study of 581 women past menopause, researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that those who drank the most milk in their teens and early twenties had stronger bones than those who drank less.

          The Daily Value for calcium is 1,000 milligrams. But the amount that you need depends on your age, sex, and other factors. While men between the ages of 25 and 65 and women between the ages of 25 and 50 need 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day, men and women over 65 need 1,500 milligrams. Women who are postmenopausal and taking estrogen need 1,000 milligrams. Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding need 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams a day.

A Note From Alice: From my perspective, I would rather do without milk than to drink skim milk. I have often thought that this is just whole milk watered down...I really don’t know. Another low fat alternative is buttermilk, which I really like. As I stated above, I really enjoy milk, especially with a peanut butter sandwich and/or soup!

Milk of cows and goats are both amply mentioned in the Bible as nutritious foods from God.

Genesis 18:8 (Abraham the friend of God)

And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

Proverbs 27:25

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. And thou shalt have goats milk for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance of thy maidens.

Cornstarch for Excess Oil

Cornstarch, or corn flour, works well to absorb excess oil from your complexion. Simply brush a small amount of cornstarch onto your skin and brush or tissue any excess off. This will help to reduce pore size and absorb excess oil. Be sure to use a very small amount so that you don’t end up with a ghostly complexion! You can also use cornstarch as a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil from your scalp. Simply sprinkle a small amount onto your scalp, massage through your hair, and brush out using a natural bristled brush.

Bentonite Clay Mask

1 Tablespoon bentonite clay                           1 Tablespoon spring or filtered water

Put ingredients in the palm of one hand. Put hands together and rub, rub, rub. Apply mask to face, avoiding eye and lid areas. Relax! No talking. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Rinse well and pat dry.

Ecclesiastes 10:18; 11:4

By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

RECIPES FROM ALICE’S KITCHEN

I thought it would be a good idea to send along some helpful hints that I found while skimming through an organic recipe book.

HINTS for the COOK

•Use vegetable broth or bouillon for sautéing in place of oil.

•When browning onions or mushrooms, try using tamari sauce instead of oil or butter, if you are on a fat-free diet. The flavor is excellent.

•Add dry soup mix to cooking water before adding brown rice for a delicious flavor.

•Thicken soups, gravies, and stews with potato slices or add cubed, fresh potatoes to the pot and as it cooks, the starch will thicken the liquid.

•For greaseless gravy, pour pan drippings into a tall glass. The grease will rise to the top in minutes and can be easily removed.

•Wash dirt and dust from the lids of cans and your can opener before you open them to remove bacteria.

•Lay a large spoon or spatula across the top of a pot to prevent the contents from boiling over and splashing during cooking.

•Do not use aluminum cookware. Some doctors believe Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the accumulation of aluminum in the brain. Do not use coated pans. Cook with only stainless steel, iron, glass or Corningware®.

•When using herbs which are to be removed from broth after cooking, place them in a stainless steel tea ball or tie them in several layers of cheese cloth, attaching the tied ends to the pot handle.

•Fresh herbs may be chopped and frozen for future use in cooked dishes. Use frozen, no need to defrost.

•Parsley, onions, celery, and garlic go with just abut everything; keep them on hand.

•Do not burn garlic; it will spoil the taste of the whole dish.

•To avoid tears when cutting up onions, store them in the refrigerator for several hours. Chop the bottom of the bulb off last, limiting exposure to the irritating sulphur compounds.

•Lemon effectively removes garlic and onion odors from the hands.

•Submerge lemons in hot water 15 minutes before squeezing to yield twice the amount of juice.

•Freeze fresh lemon juice in ice trays and store in plastic bags as cubes to add to herb teas and in cooking, on fish and any other way that fresh lemon would be used.

HERBED CORN BREAD

Cornbread is a delicious, moist, cakelike bread that is served at Thanksgiving in recognition of the importance of the maize harvest to the American people. This herbed cornbread, made with herbs of your choice, is a delicious variation that deserves to be eaten more than once a year.

 Makes 2 inch squares

¾ cup all-purpose flour                                                                  1 cup milk                            1 tablespoon baking powder

½ cup yellow cornmeal                                                                  ¼ cup sugar                       

¾ teaspoon salt                                                                                                1 large egg

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled           2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs

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Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Sift all the dry ingredients together into a bowl. In another bowl beat together the milk, egg, butter and herbs. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into a buttered 8 inch square tin. Bake the cornbread for 15 minutes until it is puffed and golden. Using a skewer or toothpick, check that the center is cooked. Cut into squares and serve warm with butter.

BONNIE & CLYDE

Part 1

Recently, while looking through some old pictures, documents, etc. left behind after my mother-in-law’s death, I came across a booklet entitled “LAST OF BONNIE & CLYDE GANG. The True Story of Floyd Hamilton, Public Enemy No.1, As Told to Chaplain Ray”. Also contained in this booklet was “Clyde Thompson EX 83-The Meanest man in Texas; Seven Hours to Live-by Joe Frank Logue-Plus Special Features.”

This is a fascinating booklet in the fact that it gives detailed events about each one of these notorious outlaws, how they lived their criminal lives and how they came to be captured and behind bars—the prison system. But, the most important aspect of this booklet is how they came to surrender their lives to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is a booklet worth reading. This booklet reminded me of a time in my younger years when my husband and I were on a trip with our children when we saw a group of men who ran a “boys home” passing out leaflets entitled “Twelve Rules for Raising Gang Members & Drug-Addicts. The following, I feel is a great guideline for avoiding the raising of children who will later be a menace and problem in society, costing tax payers enormously and putting our lives in jeopardy. Also, creating havoc among the family that has to deal with them emotionally and physically.

Twelve Rules for Raising Gang Members & Drug-Addicts

1. Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.

2. When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he’s cute. It will also encourage him to pick up “cuter” phrases, that will blow off the top of your head later.

3. Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he’s 21 and let him “decide” for himself.

4. Avoid use of the word “wrong”. It may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested for stealing a car, that society is against him, and he is being persecuted.

5. Pick up everything he leaves lying around—books, shoes, and clothing. Do everything for him so he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility onto others.

6. Let him read any printed matter he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feast on garbage.

7. Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they will not be too shocked when the home is broken up later.

8. Give a child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. Why should he have things as tough as you had them?

9. Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.

10. Take his part against neighbors, teachers, and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.

11. When he gets into real trouble, apologize for yourself by saying, “I never could do anything with him.”

12. Prepare for a life of grief. You will be sure to have it.

BE A RESPONSIBLE PARENT. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN CHRISTIAN MORAL AND VALUES. REFUSE TO FOLLOW THE RULES LISTED ABOVE.

The Bonnie & Clyde booklet spoken about above was written somewhere around 1976...there was a calendar on the back with these dates. The booklet contained an address for those who wanted to order additional copies which appears below:

Chaplain Ray

International Prison Ministry

P.O. Box 63

Dallas, Texas 75221

March 2012 Newsletter

From Daughter Beth

Thursday, February 23, 2012

It's The Little Things

This story is about six months late. I have talked before about wanting a grain mill to make my own bread. A grain mill at Breadbeckers cost $259, which I didn't have at that time. After about nine months of wanting a mill, saving money toward it, and then having to spend that money on other things, I gave up. One morning I told Todd, "Well, it looks like I will never get a mill. Whatever."

Not two days later a couple of friends and I were talking. I said that it looked like I would never get a grain mill. One of my friends said, "Oh! That reminds me!" and walks outside. She comes back with THIS GRAIN MILL. She had been helping someone clean out old junk in their house and they were going to throw this grain mill away because a tiny piece on it had come unglued. She had brought it back to me knowing that I wanted one.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's about what I felt. Sometimes God is just too amazing for words.

February 2012 Newsletter

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...

Catnip

From The Herb Patch

From My Perspective

It’s February! Why is it that February always seems like it is much shorter than the other months when it’s really only two days shorter, unless there’s a leap year? So, far this winter we have not had any snow here in our area except a slight (I mean really slight) dusting a couple of weeks ago. For those who work outside the home and have to travel, especially in the rural areas, snow and sleet (ice) can be quite treacherous. For the ones who don’t have to venture out in such weather, we look forward to some snow in the winter. I especially enjoyed the snow when my youngest daughter Grace lived at home and we romped outside with our Malamute Husky dog named Mikey (who is still alive) and made a snowman or threw snowballs for fun. Everything seems to come to a screeching halt and becomes awesomely quiet after it snows. This is not so in all places that folks live. Years ago we moved to Montana in the summertime, but also endured the winter in a place named Havre. Believe me when I say nothing stops moving there in the winter (work wise). Those people just throw dirt down on the snow and keep moving. That is, until the Chinook winds come through and warm everything up! It was a totally different living experience! It’s the first time we actually experienced 40 degrees below zero temperatures with a wind chill factor at times of 70 below! I know you probably think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not. We had to put heaters that plugged up to the engine in the car to keep the motor from freezing up. It was so cold outside that the ice would build up “inside” the windowsill and folks ran fans to melt the ice.

This month I decided to write about an herb that is very good (and usable) for children. This time of year there seems to be more for the children to endure due to the weather and all the other people that are sick. There are some herbs that are far better to use on babies and children than any of the medicines that are so readily available in the stores. Think! What did people a hundred years ago do before Tylenol and Sudafed, etc. came into our lives? And also, think about all the possible side effects from these over-the-counter drugs. Yes, drugs!!! We have really made ourselves sicker by relying on these things mainly because they mask symptoms and don’t provide the healing our bodies need. Plus, there is a chance of getting liver disease from these medications. I know, I was one of those moms that readily used these things when my children were growing up, when finally one day after many bouts of children’s sicknesses that continually came back after all the antibiotics and medicines, I looked into alternatives. And wished that I had done this much sooner.

What Is Catnip? Catnip Cepeta Cataria is a mint and perennial herb. It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and Eastern Himalayas and grows well in many regions of the world. From a gardener's standpoint, catnip can either be a pesky plant that easily takes over any flower bed or a welcome addition. If you're just starting an herb garden, it's a great first plant because it's so hardy, grows fast and survives most conditions. Catnip also makes a great potted plant. That makes it easier to access the plant.

Catnip is Easy to Grow You can easily start catnip from seed. You'll also find starter plants in the spring at your local retailer or garden center. Catnip can easily be grown in any sunny garden. Catnip leaves loose some of their potency once they bloom (photo) so it's best to harvest leaves to dry before plants bloom.

Delicious Catnip Tea

Tea drinkers like catnip for its soothing properties. It is known to induce sleep, relieve upset stomachs and calm nervousness. Some Europeans still use catnip as a cure for colic in babies. In 2003, catnip oil was discovered to repel cockroaches, termites and other undesirable insects.

To make a nice cat lover and tea lover gift package fresh-dried catnip in a plastic bag or tin with a metal tea spoon or tea bag. Add a little gift tag with instructions: start with 1 tsp of dried catnip per cup, adjust to taste. One of the most thoughtful cat gifts, and cat lover gifts, is to give catnip. Why Do Cats Like Catnip? Approximately 75-90% of all cats are attracted to catnip. The attraction is a genetically-inherited trait. Cats react to nepetalactone chemicals using their vomeronsala or Jacobson's organ, located in the roof of their mouth. The Jacobson's organ gives cats a pleasant sensation that combines smell and taste. Some cats act very silly after getting exposed to catnip.

A note from Alice: I have been growing catnip for about 5 years which I started from seeds. It is true that catnip will take over other plants. I planted mine in a circle with lemon balm and regretted it later, mainly because it spreads quickly and it looks similar to the lemon balm plant. Also, while staying with my daughter Grace a couple years back, at the time she had a cat and I decided to throw some dried catnip (that I had brought for my grandson who was teething and not sleeping well at night) on the floor to see if the cat would react the way I had heard. To our amazement that cat started rolling all over the catnip and acting very frisky!! It made a believer out of Grace and me and we had a good laugh over this! So, I also made some catnip toys which I give as gifts and also am intending to sell very cheaply.

How to Dry and Harvest Catnip

The favorite form of catnip is dried. Dried catnip is best harvested prior to bloom. Blooming reduces the potency. Dry in a basket or on paper towels on top of a refrigerator, or in a cool, dry area. Dried And Fresh Is Best. Most cat toys usually include older, dried catnip. Before deciding whether or not your cat likes catnip, make sure to try freshly dried catnip. Dried catnip looses its potency when exposed to air for long periods of time. http://streambankgardens.com/Catnip_Catmint.html

Another note from Alice: I harvest mine when it is tall by cutting the plant and tying a rubber band around the ends, then hanging inside a cool area so that air can get through easily. This works for all of the herbs I dry.

Catnip has a long history of use in alternative medicine, being employed especially in treating disorders of the digestive system and, as it stimulates sweating, it is useful in reducing fevers. The fresh juice is used to promote menstruation. Mild catnip tea is used to relieve colic in babies, restlessness and nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Stronger tea relieves fevers due to colds and flu as well as calming the stomach and preventing nausea and diarrhea. The fresh young shoots are good in spring salads and rubbed into meat for flavor. Applied externally or added to bath it is good for skin irritations. Catnip oil is great for aromatherapy. A strong infusion can be used to repel fleas from carpets or the fur of animals. An extract from the leaves (called nepetalactone) has herbicidal and insect repellant properties. Recently found in a University Study to be 10 times as effective as Deet at repelling mosquitoes. www.altnature.com/gallery/catnip.htm

From Jerry Baker’s HERBAL PHARMACY

If you don’t want to count sheep or take a sleeping pill, you can easily fall into a peaceful slumber with this special soothing recipe:

1 tsp. dried catnip leaves                                 1 tsp. dried mint leaves

1 tsp. dried marjoram leaves                          1 tsp. dried chamomile leaves

Blend all of the herbs together thoroughly. Scoop out 1-2 teaspoons of the mix and stir it into a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain out the herbs, and then sip yourself into dreamland!

Food for Thought

Last month I started a series on foods that our Lord created and that is mentioned in the Scriptures. One of my friends reminded me that one of the foods that I didn’t mention last month in the “g” section was gourds. Thanks friend! I thought I’d spend a little time this month talking about gourds, which somewhere in my past I tried to grow. Our family once rented from an elderly man who planted gourds, hardened them and made dippers, etc. out of them. He sold these for extra profit. After reading the scriptures below, I don’t see where these gourds were actually good to eat, although I know gourds, squash and pumpkins are in the same family. As a matter of fact, it seems to me that the gourds had something wrong with them as far as eating. I will do some more research on the eating of gourds!

II Kings 4:39 Jonah 4:6-7; 4:9-10

Squash—Packed with Beta-Carotene—And More

Taken from Healing Remedies by Editors of Prevention Health Books

Healing Power: Can Help Prevent lung problems and Reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

When researchers talk about the healing powers of squash, what they’re usually referring to is winter squash such as hubbard, acorn, and butternut, which are distinguished by their deep yellow and orange flesh colors. These colorful squash are both rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, two antioxidant vitamins that have been shown in studies to help prevent cancer, heart disease, and certain age-related conditions such as problem with the eyes.

While zucchini other kinds of summer squash don’t have the rich nutrient stores of winter squash, they have a generous amount of zinc and they do contain a lot of fiber, but only if you eat the peel.

_________________________________

Proverbs 24:30-34

I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Solving Problem Skin

Winter Months seem to especially take a toll on our skin and hair. The following recipes are

from the Herb Quarterly with information written by Janice Cox who has written many workable solutions for skin care.

Apple-Cider Vinegar Scalp Treatment

Psoriasis is a common skin problem that often affects the scalp leading to dandruff in many cases. Work this apple-cider vinegar treatment into your skin at the hair roots to calm the itch and treat chronic dryness.

2 Tbls apple cider vinegar

2 Tbls water

2 Tbls olive oil

Mix together all of the ingredients.

To use: Massage into your scalp and let sit for 20 minutes before shampooing. Rinse and shampoo hair as normal. Repeat weekly, if necessary. Yield: 3 ounces

Epsom Salt Bath

People have used Epsom salts for years to soothe sore muscles, but they also relieve dry, flaky skin, thanks to the salt’s magnesium sulfate, which softens the skin and draws out toxins and impurities.

½ to 1 cup Epsom salt

As you fill your tub, pour the Epsom salts under the running water and stir well to dissolve. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes in warm (not hot) water. Pat skin dry and moisturize well with a rich cream or natural oil to lock in moisture. Yield: 4 to 8 ounces.

For more information visit her website at JaniceCox.com

Recipes from Alice's Kitchen

The following recipe comes from an Amish recipe cookbook:

OVEN FRIED POTATOES

6 large potatoes             ¼ cup oil                          2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon salt               ½ teaspoon pepper           ½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Scrub potatoes well and cut in wedges lengthwise, leaving skins on. Combine rest of ingredients in a plastic bag. Add potatoes and shake to coat. Spread potatoes onto a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake uncovered in a 400º oven 25 minutes, stirring once.

______________________________________________________________________________

I made this casserole for my lady boss at the Chiropractic Office a few years back and we both thought it was great!

POTATO CASSEROLE

6 large potatoes                             2 cups shredded cheese                   ¼ cup butter

4 teaspoons chopped onion              paprika                                       1 teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups sour cream                       ¼ teaspoon pepper                  2 tablespoons butter

Cook potatoes with skins on. Cool, peel and shred. Over low heat, combine cheese and ¼ cup butter in saucepan, stirring until melted. Remove from heat. Blend in sour cream, onions, salt and pepper. Fold in potatoes and pour into 2 quart greased casserole. Dot with 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350º for 45 minutes. Enjoy

Until Next Month

Writings from Beth's Blog

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A New Body

I can't wait to get my new body. Even though I enjoy life now, there are limitations to what this fleshly shell can do. It aches sometimes. It's stiffer than it used to be. It gets tired easy, and it gets hurt easier than it did twenty years ago.

I ask my kids what they want to do when they get their new, pain free body. A body that is not physical, but spirit, able to go through walls, swim in the deepest part of the sea, free fall from a cliff without getting hurt. Kids say the craziest things, and they get excited about the prospect of doing things they've only read about. Want to fly? I ask them. I make up wild stories of riding on a dinosaur's back, dropping through the crust of the earth's surface, hopping from cloud to cloud. Want to travel to another galaxy?

In this world of fantasy, witchcraft, murder, and mayhem, it is my way of fighting back. Why box yourself in to this shallow world when the sky's the limit? Harry Potter has nothing on stepping on the moon and flying without a broom. The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings can't give me an immortal body that will see a perfect King sitting on the throne in Jerusalem. They can't give me streets of gold to walk on, and the idea of playing fetch with a full grown lion.

Kids are spiritually dying in a constant stream of the same ol', same ol'. They are turning their back on stale Christianity that bores them to tears. Why not give them something that's better than what the world can offer them?

 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Vote the Right Way!

The kids and I are reading in Daniel for school, and I came across this verse:

Daniel 4:17

This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

This verse ties in with the beginning of Romans 13. I have noticed recently all of the bashing of the president (and it is hard not to!) and the downright anger of Christians who are about to draw blood over who is going to be president.

But we can see from scripture that God is in control and prayer changes things. He gives the kingdoms to whomever he wants!  It would be better to bow on your knees to vote, trusting in God, than to go into a booth after months of worry and stress, only to have that vote tallied by corrupt people.

January Newsletter 2012

January, 2012

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...

Parsley

From The Herb Patch

Hello once again friends!

Hope this new year has started off right for you! I know that yesterday it was terribly cold here in my neck of the woods. I actually ventured outside to hang clothes on the line. Yes, I hang clothes on a “clothesline” and have ever since I can remember. This is another way that I have a chance to show my frugality and also get some fresh air and exercise. And, even if I had a lot of money, I would still hang my clothes outside unless, of course, the outside air is so “stinky” that it would defeat the “natural” purpose, if you know what I mean!

Right now I am sitting here in front of my computer waiting oh so patiently for my email (send a message) to come available so that I can send in a Medical Transcription quiz that I am doing from my home. Yes, it is very “involved” but it is something that I feel is necessary, as it is a “go anywhere” job prospect. I have been meaning to get back to transcription work since graduating from college in 2006, except I really had no intentions of going into the medical aspect due to the fact that “I Don’t Like the Drug World”, and the understanding that “Doctor’s Can Kill You!” Well, enough of that.

This month I have decided to talk about a little herb called parsley. About 8 months ago, (yes it’s been that long) I planted some parsley (heirloom) seeds in a long container in the shade side of my porch and believe me it is still growing. I have watered it and fertilized it with fish emulsion (not much) and tea and even through the extreme cold weather it keeps coming back! I am totally surprised and have the last few months let it grow, then cut it back before it “bolted” which means goes to seed. I am learning that I can keep growing parsley this way until.....

I will let you know when it gets too old to stop growing..

Description: A frost-hardy biennial, growing a short, stout taproot to 1-2 ft., it has triangular, three-pinnate leaves, curled at the margin. Yellow-green flowers are borne in umbels in its second year. The genus is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, found in fields and on rocky slopes.

Growth: Parsley requires rich, moist but well drained soil and a sunny position, or partial shade. It is both a medicinal and culinary herb. According to Jerry Baker’s Herbal Pharmacy, parsley’s role in life goes far beyond being a mere plate garnish. Its high chlorophyll content helps explain why it makes for such a great natural breath freshener. Herbalists have relied on parsley leaves and seeds for three main therapeutic needs: ridding the body of excess water, stimulating the menstrual process, and easing gas pains...And we all could use the last one, right? You may not know this, but there are actually two types of parsley: curled and Italian. Curled parsley is distinguished from its foreign cousin by its tightly woven, crisp foliage. Although both can be used in cooking, curled types are chiefly used as a garnish. Italian parsley has broad, flat leaves and yields a more pungent flavor. This is the one chefs prefer in their soups, stews, vegetables, salads, meats, and poultry dishes.

Harvesting Tips: You can snip away at the leaves as soon as the plant is 6 inches tall. Be sure to harvest the outer leaves to give the inner ones time to mature.

Storage Tips: To keep a steady supply of fresh parsley on hand, store the cleaned leaves (patted dry with a paper towel) in an airtight plastic bag or glass jar in the refrigerator. Store dried leaves in sealed glass jars away from sun and heat.

Dig Into Indoor Gardening

Think you need a plot of land to be a gardener? If you have a sunny spot in your home, you can enjoy fresh flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs without ever touching a tiller. Start plants from seeds, or purchase seedlings from a nursery.

Vegetables such as leaf lettuces, spinach and kale are easy to raise from seeds in a small window box. Root vegetables such as radishes and small varieties of carrots and beets are container candidates, too. With adequate light, cherry tomatoes can yield a good harvest indoors. Select a high-quality potting soil, and don’t let it dry out.

Herbs are low-maintenance plants and are pretty and practical. Keep a few small pots near a kitchen window, and fresh basil, chives, rosemary, thyme and other seasonings will be just a snip away.

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold, therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Proverbs 20:4

Dental Problems

Most of my life (after all my teeth became permanent) I have had an obsession of wanting to keep my teeth! I mean I used to have nightmares where I would lose a front tooth or something. I know that sounds foolish to some but for me it is a big deal. For all of my readers out there that would like to have some good advice on how to keep those dental visits at bay, especially those of us who do not carry dental insurance or health insurance due to extreme costs (never mind the “out of pocket” expense) the following information was accidentally discovered by me after a library visit about a year ago, and now since going to one of those dentist who uses advance technology and being told all this outlandish stuff about me teeth, (and especially the cost) I wish I had taken the advice of the dentist mentioned below. Of which at this point I do not intend to do all the stuff that I was told needed to be done.

The book entitled Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye by Dr. Ellie Phillips provides a lot of insight on how to keep bacteria and acidity out of the teeth and gums and have a healthy living environment for your mouth and teeth. I didn’t seriously get involved with this mainly because in the past I had great dental checkups and didn’t want to use fluoride in my mouth. Even now I believe there is a way to eliminate the fluoride situation. So, hopefully the book and website will be of help. She also has a blog that has questions and answers which are very helpful. www.cleanwhiteteeth.com

RECIPES FROM ALICE'S KITCHEN

The following recipe comes from an Amish cook book. Instead of using just chopped onion, try varying the recipe with chives/onions and any other chopped herb of your choice. Some great flavor examples would be rosemary, oregano and/or basil, garlic powder. This recipe is very flexible and turned out well for me which is saying a lot in the bread category.

Onion Dinner Rolls

¾ cup milk       1 ½ tsp salt         ¾ cup onion, chopped fine       1 Tbsp yeast

¼ cup honey        ½ cup warm water      3 Tbsp butter               4-5 cups flour

Combine milk, onion, honey, butter and salt. Bring to simmer and cook 5 minutes. Cool. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add cooled milk mixture to yeast, mix well. Stir in flour. Knead 5-10 minutes. Let rise until doubled. Divide dough in 12 pieces. Roll each in a ball and flatten slightly. Place 2” apart in greased 9” X 13” pan. Let rise until doubled. Brush rolls with lightly beaten egg. (optional). Bake at 350º 20-30 minutes.

*A note from Alice- When making these rolls I decided to pinch off small amounts of dough, roll them out and make crescent rolls with them. They were delicious so will go in my herbal cookbook. Enjoy!

What is the Difference

Between a Spice and an Herb?

Taken from the Herb Companion Magazine

A: Many people use the words “herb” and “spice” interchangeably, but there actually are subtle differences that distinguish one from the other. Herbs are obtained from the leaves of plants that do not have woody stems. They tend to thrive in more temperate climates, and can be used fresh or dry. Spices, on the other hand, can be obtained from woody or non-woody plants and are always dried before use. Except for the leaves, all other parts of the plant are spices, including the seeds, fruits, flowers and bark. Spices are usually native to hot, tropical climates. Additionally, while herbs sometimes seem to have more medicinal properties than spices do, most herbs and spices have both flavoring and healing properties. All these definitions mean that the same plant can, in fact, be an herb and a spice. Take cilantro, for example. Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander leaves and because of this, cilantro could be classified as an herb. However, dried coriander seeds (a spice) are frequently used in cooking, making it completely legitimate to refer to coriander as either an herb or a spice, depending on what part of the plant you’re using.

CURRY POWDER Is a tantalizing mixture of finely ground spices. It may contain as little as six spices or as many as 20 or more, with flavors ranging from mild and savory to slightly spicy and sweet, and even fiery hot. Each region has its own distinctive taste. Customize the heat and flavor of the curry by making your own blend from scratch.

Curry Spices

Commonly used spices are chile, cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger and turmeric, which gives curry its distinctive yellow color. Other spices can include black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fenugreek seeds, mustard and most any other spice. Cinnamon helps sweeten the blend, while chile, black pepper and mustard turn up the heat.

Tips for Making a Blend

To make curry powder, dry-toast whole spices over medium heat in a nonstick or heavy-based pan, stirring constantly for two to three minutes or until the spices give off a rich aroma. Don’t overcook, as burning may make the spices bitter. Allow the spices to cool, then crush in a coffee or spice grinder, or with a mortar and pestle. Add powdered spices such as ginger and turmeric to your blend after whole spices have been dry-toasted and ground.

Store the powder in an airtight glass or ceramic jar in a cool, dry location—such as a cupboard or pantry—for up to six months.

Curry Blends

Looking for a few ideas? Try one of the following blends, from sweet to spicy:

Sweet Blend

1 tablespoon: cinnamon, ginger, chile powder, turmeric, 2 teaspoons whole, toasted coriander seeds and cumin seeds

Medium Blend

1 tablespoon: ground coriander, cumin, chile powder and ginger; 2 tablespoons turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground mustard seeds

Until Next Month!!!