Let's start with snakes, my son has a big dog, 90ish pounds. Actually he has 2. Last Sunday night the dogs were raising heck just before bedtime, they were tethered for their last outside visit before night. When my son flipped on the porch light to see what was going on, there was a copperhead on the porch between the dogs. It bit one of the pups on the face and mouth several times. Oh sure, it's night, vets are closed etc. So he got in touch with a friend of his that works at the animal shelter, and followed her instructions til morning. Dog's face and tongue got really swollen causing problems eating and drinking, but after treatment and a course of anti biotics, he seems to be recovering., This does raise some odd thoughts, why are snakes right up on the porch, and how likely are we to encounter them in the yard while working. It's been a wet, snaky summer. I am not fond of the critters, so will be glad to see them slither off to their dens for the winter.
We had a discussion this week about a lady who is gluten intolerant. She was on vacation in a European country and salivating over their gorgeous fresh baked breads. Finally decided to taste even if it made her sick. No bad results. She ate more, and then tried other kinds, no problems. After questioning the baker, she found that GMO's are banned in most foreign countries so all goods are wholesome, and non poisoned. Back in the states, she can not eat the breads, grains etc. We have such a strange way of treating people here. Go ahead, feed us bad stuff, make us sick, then hand out mega medicines that cause more trouble. And cost a lot. Our country is run on greed, by manufacturers and our government. People don't seem to count for much. Of course, there are millions of people who don't read or know about our food chain, and continue to eat what they like, at the cost of their health. I am grateful that we grow most of our own veggies, and fruits too. I volunteer for the agency on aging here, and call and chat with people who are alone and not well, so many are so much younger than I am and in such bad shape, bad backs, arthritis, cancer, aches etc. My constant hunger for knowledge on foods and health has been good to me.
Have you ever thought about making your own sausage? Buy a pound of lean ground turkey, and add to your taste garlic powder(or fresh finely chopped), oregano and fennel seeds to taste. No salt needed. I would put the seeds in my mortar and pestle and smush them up , not fond of the whole seeds in stuff. You can shape this into patties, or sauté loose for use in casseroles, soups or eggs etc.
Instead of the usual burger, try a tuna burger. I look for the bags now, no water or oil, and there are organic ones in the store. Anyway, mix 4 chopped green onions, 3/4 cup of whole wheat bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon of chopped dill, a splash of lemon juice and a little salt and pepper. If you like spice, a little hot pepper sauce can be added. Shape into patty's and sauté in a little oil. Use on whole wheat buns with lettuce, onion slices, tomato slice etc, whatever you like and have a great tasting, healthy burger. This for me would require at least 2 bags, maybe 3 of tuna. Recipe calls for 2 5 ounce cans. I would also add an egg to bind ingredients together, this recipe does not add that. Topping with cabbage slaw sounds good too.
Halloween is fast approaching. My magazines are full of creative ways to make a pumpkin festive, most are no longer carved, but stenciled, decoupaged or painted. Some in stacks, some are white, just use your imagination, maybe create a theme and run with it to decorate your porch or windows. I fancy the white ones with green designs, fresh.
Our pears are golden on the trees this year, usually they fall off while still green. It's been about 5 years since I did a lot of canning with them, but looking forward to making pear butter and canning up some for the winter again, I like adding cinnamon to mine.
A while back my son told us how to use the tomato skins to create a dry tomato paste powder, so I have some of that set aside. Now I find you can take the peels and cores of your apples and make your own apple cider vinegar. It's fairly simple but takes a while, if this appeals to you, a lengthy set of instructions can be found on Grit magazine's site. Mostly it's easy, just letting the peels sit until they process, changing out the tops on the jars once in a while. It's nice to know that so much of what we normally toss out can be used to make healthy products.
We had a few cracks of very loud thunder last night, some lightening and rain, didn't last long and was not severe, but it ushered in a cold front. The air is cool and fresh this morning, sitting here by the window and my bare feet are chilly. Feels so good! The next week will be much cooler, near 80 days and in the 50's at night. Plan to leave the windows up and pull up a blanket. My cat went under the bed at the first crack of thunder, and stayed til the storm had passed by. After that she was tucked in next to me for the night. She is good company, and if I talk to her I am not crazy, like being alone and talking to the walls. She is always close by, sitting by my feet or waiting to chase a string. Pets are good for your health, keep your blood pressure down and make good companions. It's sad the world is full of abused unwanted pets, much like kids. Compassion people, find some. Look after others, help those you can, make our world a better place. Sometimes a kind word or a smile can lift some one's dark mood and make the day better for them.
Change the world this week, do a good deed of some sort, anything helps. AHave a good weekend and a safe week, see ya next time.
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