tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38213962829095295172024-03-13T02:28:19.198-04:00She I Love AlwaysUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-10175540527530320282020-03-15T14:12:00.000-04:002020-03-15T15:10:09.217-04:00Spoon Theory (Miserandino)<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7333333333333332; margin-bottom: 38pt; margin-top: 19pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #231f20; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">What’s Spoon Theory?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7333333333333332; margin-bottom: 38pt; margin-top: 19pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“</span><a href="https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #01adb9; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The Spoon Theory</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">”, a personal story by Christine Miserandino, is </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">popular among many people </span></span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">dealing with chronic illness. </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">It describes perfectly this idea of limited energy, using </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">“spoons” </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #231f20; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">as a </span></span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">of energy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Miserandino lives with lupus, a chronic </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/autoimmune-disorders?" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #01adb9; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">autoimmune disease</span></a><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> which causes an </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #231f20; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">immune system to </span></span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">attack the body’s healthy cells. One day, Miserandino writes, </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">her friend wanted to understand </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">better the realities of living with a chronic illness.</span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">“As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">or at least </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">stall </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">How do I answer a question I never </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">was </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">able to answer for myself? </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Miserandino writes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">“How do I explain every detail of every day being affected, and give the emotions </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">a sick person </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">goes through with clarity. I could have given up, cracked a joke like </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">I usually do, and changed </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">explain this, how could I ever expect </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">her to </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">understand. </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">If I can’t explain this to my best friend, how could I </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">explain my world </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">t</span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">o </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">anyone else? </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">I had to at least try.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7333333333333332; margin-bottom: 38pt; margin-top: 19pt;">
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Sitting in a café, Miserandino goes on to explain how she gathered spoons and used </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">them to </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">represent finite units of energy. </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; white-space: pre;">Energy, for many of us with chronic illness, </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">is limited </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and depends </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">on many factors including stress levels, how we’re sleeping, </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">and pain. </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Miserandino then walked h</span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">er friend through the friend’s normal day, </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">t</span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">aking spoons, </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">or energy, away from the friend as </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">the discussion went on. </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">By the end of the day, her friend wasn’t able to do as much </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">as she wanted. When she realized Miserandino went through this every single day, </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">her friend started crying. She understood, then, how precious time was for people </span><br />
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">like </span><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Miserandino, and how few “spoons” she had the luxury of spending.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-17082990091872020812015-07-16T12:46:00.000-04:002015-07-16T12:46:15.664-04:00How to Forgive and Why it's Important That You Do So<h1>
How to Forgive and Why it's Important That You Do So</h1>
<br />
<br />
Someone has wronged you. Your boyfriend has cheated on you, your
colleague took credit for your project, that guy just took the parking
space you've been patiently waiting for, for ten minutes. You're
justified in your anger - they are wrong and you are right. And it's
easy and very tempting to dig your heels in and stay mad, especially if
the offense was a large one. But it doesn't really matter if the
incident was large or small. There's good reason to learn how to let it
go. Learning to forgive those who have "wronged us" may not always be
easy, but it's definitely worth it. Here's why.<br />
<br />
First, what exactly do we mean when we say "forgive and forget"? You may
have been taught to "turn the other cheek", which can be interpreted as
letting those who have harmed you in some way walk all over you. Don't
fight back, just let it happen. But is that really what we're supposed
to do? If your boyfriend cheated on you, are you just supposed to sit
there and allow him to do it again? Should you let your colleague get
away with taking credit for your work, while you sit in silence? Would
it really be so bad to at least shoot that guy who took your parking
space a disapproving look?<br />
<br />
Forgiveness isn't about playing the martyr or victim. It's not about
being a doormat. In fact, it has absolutely nothing to do with the other
person at all. Forgiveness is about one thing and one thing only: it's
about how YOU feel.<br />
<br />
This is why it doesn't matter if the offense was large or small - the
concept is the same whether we're talking about a broken heart or a
stolen parking space. When you hold on to the anger, when you get stuck in blaming the other person and refuse to move on, you are hurting no one but yourself.<br />
<br />
It's easy to get stuck in this emotion. It feels good. When someone
"wrongs" you, it can be very easy to begin blaming yourself. You think
"How could this happen to me? How could I be so stupid? Did I do
something to deserve this?" And blaming yourself is pretty much the
worst feeling in the world. Blaming others, although still not a pretty
emotion, feels a heck of a lot better. And so we move into that anger
and feeling of revenge with fervor. It wasn't your fault at all. It was
THEIRS. Turning your blame away from yourself and onto others feels like
relief. And you're so justified! After all, they really DID do
something wrong. Your boyfriend is a bastard, your colleague is a
backstabbing little weasel and that guy who stole your parking space
just wasn't raised right!<br />
<br />
But while it's important to move into anger, because it actually IS
better than blaming yourself, you should not get stuck there. Because,
while anger and revenge feel better than self-hatred, they still don't
really feel good. They are just stepping stones on the way to feeling
good. So once you've gotten good and angry, once you've stabilized that
emotion, you need to move forward. When you let go of anger, you are not
absolving the other person of all responsibility. You are not telling
them "Oh, that's ok, no problem, do that anytime, I don't mind." You
don't have to say anything to them at all. This isn't about them. This
is about you. What you are saying is "I will no longer allow this
situation to dictate how I feel. I refuse to keep giving all of my power
to this person, to this incident. I have the power to change how I feel
at any time, and I choose to exercise that power. Now."<br />
<br />
Forgiving others is not about laying down and letting them walk all over
you. To the contrary - it's really about honoring yourself. But what do
you do about the boyfriend who cheated? Well, once you've taken back
your power, it will actually be easier to make that decision. You'll
communicate more clearly (have you ever tried to express yourself while
very angry?), you'll have greater insight into what you really want and
how to get it. You'll make the decision that serves you best, not from a
place of anger and pain, but from a place of honoring who you are and
what kind of relationship you want.<br />
<br />
From this place, you'll also be able to calmly explain to your boss who
actually did the work on that project, without seeming overly emotional
or like you have any kind of agenda other than to set the record
straight. And you might just be able to entirely let the incident with
the parking space go (perhaps you'll be able to see the possibility that
there was a reason you didn't get that parking space. For example,
there was a nail on the ground and the car in that space got a flat tire
later that day. You weren't a vibrational match to that, but the guy
was. Isn't it great that he cut in front of you?)<br />
<br />
It's important to note that this also (and especially) applies when it
comes to forgiving yourself. Since thoughts of self-blame or self-hatred
are the worst feeling thoughts we can have, staying stuck in that
vibration will cause more harm than any other emotion. Move into anger,
stabilize there, and then move up the emotional scale until you gradually but consistently feel better. You owe it to yourself.
<br />
<div class="CopyrightBlurb">
<br />
Would you like to use this article in your website, ezine, newsletter, or blog? No problem!<br />
All I ask is that you use the entire article without changes and include the following information:<br />
Copyright(c) 2010. Melody Fletcher. All Rights Reserved. Visit <a href="http://www.deliberatereceiving.com/"> www.deliberatereceiving.com</a> for articles and information on the Law of Attraction and sign up to receive the free e-book and audio <b><a href="http://www.deliberatereceiving.com/law-of-attraction-ebook.html">"Deliberate Receiving - How the Law of Attraction really works".</a></b><br />
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />Read more: <a href="http://www.deliberatereceiving.com/how-to-forgive.html#ixzz3g4cAK8EJ" style="color: #003399;">http://www.deliberatereceiving.com/how-to-forgive.html#ixzz3g4cAK8EJ</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-57493557798755961542015-02-26T14:34:00.001-05:002015-07-06T02:03:42.249-04:00Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Two, Vidalia Green Onions sliced and caramelized along with 1 teaspoon of minced garlic & healthy pour of EVOO, add sliced and diced Portabella, Shiitake, and Button Mushroom stems and inner caps (usually every single mushroom I have in the house), and dash or 2 of black pepper (cracked peppercorn prefered). Simmer until the flavors meld deliciously together for 10 minutes or so - remove from pan. A jigger or 2 of EVOO and 1 cup of Orzo into the pan and fry until browned lightly then add 1 cup of water - bring to boil, add previous mixture with 1/2 up to 1 whole container of Cream Of Mushroom soup and simmer 10 minutes. Add mixture by spoonful into gutted mushroom caps up to the half way mark (invisible line). *Add diced, sliced, or shredded cheese to act as a binding agent or flavor packet (either way you want to look at it), more mushroom/onion mixture to top of cap, one more layer of cheese (over the opening). Bake for 10 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
((I usually make several things at once and freeze meals ahead of time, I made a Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie at the same time and took the rich buttery tasting juice from the bottom of the mushroom pan and added it to the base of pie))<br />
<br />
*Vegan cheese </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rsgbynNs-nSe3QNbYfLA2RjFxlunQPcyhNjBB2xmC018VDhHbf8CH9LyG4A1q3FkE0YgSG-XRFLGehe_vlH9aBj3Si1Iv6a3CKzz5Eb374X-abdlvvYiZn4Nz4tojjixY-lGH9W6PF1w/s1600/20150226_135055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rsgbynNs-nSe3QNbYfLA2RjFxlunQPcyhNjBB2xmC018VDhHbf8CH9LyG4A1q3FkE0YgSG-XRFLGehe_vlH9aBj3Si1Iv6a3CKzz5Eb374X-abdlvvYiZn4Nz4tojjixY-lGH9W6PF1w/s1600/20150226_135055.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Baby Bella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOh6KDCucqblAuHUvpZZvqitUaWHnttULLOxtNB3tW9_1WcKPLAuJUZHdjiW1NQcMAPzmaf3b-oVtrHnJLuEcoZUkPjZYBgRCB_LDLMbp6sql0CF4Na19MXIDxVBidQBO8ABO1hSZEcO9/s1600/Stuffed+Mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOh6KDCucqblAuHUvpZZvqitUaWHnttULLOxtNB3tW9_1WcKPLAuJUZHdjiW1NQcMAPzmaf3b-oVtrHnJLuEcoZUkPjZYBgRCB_LDLMbp6sql0CF4Na19MXIDxVBidQBO8ABO1hSZEcO9/s1600/Stuffed+Mushrooms.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, Orzo, Garlic, & Cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3_1MUpymRWlTOoHzo4TJDAYGyOcO-82ity624FE3o695Gl7DiND_zvL5AATg8NmqxYkFUiZdvLya83qTY_KRE-KnOCcq1QK-ZNl0f3Bnu2Dl0xOy-PrPWMiFrjiZ_8-A-Phy7wiH42_9/s1600/Vegetarian+Stuffed+Mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3_1MUpymRWlTOoHzo4TJDAYGyOcO-82ity624FE3o695Gl7DiND_zvL5AATg8NmqxYkFUiZdvLya83qTY_KRE-KnOCcq1QK-ZNl0f3Bnu2Dl0xOy-PrPWMiFrjiZ_8-A-Phy7wiH42_9/s1600/Vegetarian+Stuffed+Mushrooms.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggie Stuffed Mushroom Caps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-48488722169943360862015-02-12T13:07:00.003-05:002015-02-12T13:07:44.181-05:00Why are barns red?Have you ever wondered why almost every barn you have ever seen is usually red? Think that it may be because of superstition, like maybe red is a color that appeases to the God of Fire for protection against... fire. Well, you wouldn't be correct in your assumption. Turns out barns are painted red because red paint is the cheapest paint available for purchase. Why is the red paint cheaper? The Smithsonian wrote an article on just that and it seems that the reason behind red paint being so cheap is because of the nuclear fusion of stars. To read more on this check out: <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/barns-are-painted-red-because-of-the-physics-of-dying-stars-58185724/" target="_blank">Smithsonian Mag</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-54648061294604941982014-04-26T20:28:00.002-04:002014-04-27T08:44:05.429-04:00Hay thats soil too!So many ideas from YouTube, there shouldn't be anything one can't attempt if they just search YouTube on the subject or stumble across a video that is interesting, and that is the case with my raised garden beds.<br />
<br />
The ground here is too low - absolutely no way to have a well draining garden in this clay that floods every time it rains. So I was going with raised garden beds out of used pallets - only problem there is that my funds were shrinking - not expanding, and for the life of me I couldn't squeeze out an extra $100.00 for the reciprocating saw that I needed to do this project, so I used the pallets for different odd projects around the place and went in a completely different way about this - don't get stumped - find another way - when the brain is working in a well functioning phase - that is entirely doable, but when the brain is having foggy days I can't tell up from down much less figure out to tie shoes or come up with brilliant ideas.<br />
<br />
Hit a couple of bumps in this project too - the microbial inoculant I was suppose to use to heat up the seeds and 'burn up' the hay - didn't happen, purchased some at the local feed store - was 5 years out of date, a hardware store told me it just doesn't sell - so they don't stock it and likely no one else would - when I mentioned that I did purchase some it hit me that it was 5 years out of date - so he could very well have a solid point there. While talking to the man I realized that it needed to 'heat up', I decided to put organic fertilizer on the bale and cover it with a black plastic tarp for a couple of days - what I got was a mess, the fertilizer mildewed and though the end result was the same - I removed all the moldy hay\straw and when I was done I had my trough dug out. Filled the hole 1\2 the way up and added some organic fertilizer then topped off with soil.<br />
<br />
Put Bland Farm Sweet Onions all the way around the outer perimeter - natural insect repellant and I love onions! Hid some Morning Glories on the back side so they don't get cooked by too much Sun and I placed some Cucumber plants on one half of the center growing space. Have to do some research and find out what compliments the plants I have growing now - everybody might as well and accept the onions - they are going in every bale concoction I do this year. This is the first one, there will be more - how many I don't know at this point, but I have to grow enough to feed myself this summer and hopefully have some to can for the winter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 bales of straw tied together and center removed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glory to wrap around bale to attract butterflies, etc.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucumber - a vine apparatus will be constructed for the center where these plants are.</td></tr>
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Earlier this year I started several organic potato plants growing from the eyes of my supper, several of them made it to the below potting stage when we had some really hard rain and very cold temps - lost all but two. They remaining ones are looking very good - here's hoping they are exceptional producers, they will be getting their own double bale raised garden bed pretty soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpry88lgYxC49dc0qU4MXR7nVDTztjwGAwd3v6oPYIJpKqZqD3KPZ9OZeqiJ-Oh0PkBo8Dl5vgnhhiDTRVGfIQwK4I_5CLxrQnPajE2G3QxEzrKVOFwoQuJSIwEl_iHoeAwhmCPwG01LuV/s1600/straw+bale+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpry88lgYxC49dc0qU4MXR7nVDTztjwGAwd3v6oPYIJpKqZqD3KPZ9OZeqiJ-Oh0PkBo8Dl5vgnhhiDTRVGfIQwK4I_5CLxrQnPajE2G3QxEzrKVOFwoQuJSIwEl_iHoeAwhmCPwG01LuV/s1600/straw+bale+057.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic Potato Plant and self watering device (recycled bottle).</td></tr>
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When you want to entice the local fluttering community to stop by and smell your flowers (in this case vegetable flowers), you must give them something they will remember (so they keep coming back). My garden will consist of many local flowering plants and some of my favorites - it will take me some time to get everything growing and I will try my best to protect the young plants against natural forces.<br />
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When things get bad you better know something to get you through them times. I predict difficulties, not having to look into any crystal ball for that one... Was in the process of signing up for Food Stamps, but I can do this, I can grow my own food and I can make it and I will - there are others out there that have small children, hell children period and they need the help more than me. Have faith in the Universe that all will be well. Keep my chin up, things get better - back straight - because I can't stand a slacker. I am absolutely everything I need to make it and then some.<br />
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When everything is stripped away you better be sure you are ready to stand butt arse naked and hold no shame. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glories<br />
<i><b>Ipomoea tricolor</b></i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-5391062120086923842014-02-15T07:22:00.001-05:002014-02-15T07:22:43.501-05:00ScorpionThe scorpion is a predatory anthropod animal that has a venomous stinger on the end of it's tail. There are over 1700 species of scorpion ranging throughout our planet - except Antarctica. Out of the 1700 species only about 25 of them have venom potent enough to kill humans. It is believed the word 'scorpion' has been derived thru English and Italian languages to originate in Greek from <span lang="el"><a class="extiw" href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CF%83%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%81%CF%80%CE%AF%CE%BF%CF%82" title="wikt:σκορπίος">σκορπίος</a></span> - skorpios. Which was given to the constellation Scorpios, a large constellation laying in the Southern Hemisphere between Libra to the west and Sagittarius to the east towards the center of the Milky Way.<br />
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This critter has a couple of meanings for me, one it is dangerous if not handled correctly - secondly - why would one have any reason to handle one... as it so happens I have had reason to handle just such a critter when I lived in Rye Patch, Georgia.<br />
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Upon checking the rural mailbox on the side of the road, there was mail so I slid it onto my lap in the car. When I realized the mail was not alone I swear the monster was a foot long with pinchers a foot wide and snapping constantly while waving that damn stinger right at me. It ran across my legs and down by the seat and door. That was all I needed and unleashed my seat belt and jumped out of the car and did one of them little diddies where you spin around and flick all kinds of nasties off of you. My car door was open for all of this time but I couldn't of told you if the thing came out on it's own or not. I swallowed my fear and got back in the car - freaking out still - but maintaining - somewhat. I didn't re-hook my seat belt as I wasn't sure if I would need to make a quick bail again before I drove the 1\8th of a mile or so to my home. Then when I went to put the vehicle (column shift), into drive I find that I never took it out of drive! The car stayed in place while I did my little dance outside of it - probably laughing at me in it's own mechanical way.<br />
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I had to investigate my fear, I had to understand this and face it - by gosh! When I pulled into my parking spot I went inside and located a jar (With Lid), and back to the car - I didn't know if the scorpion was still there, but in case it was - I had jar (with lid), and chopsticks because I can work them like nobodies' business - they are extensions of my fingers without the danger that would be obvious in this situation.<br />
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Found the scorpion, caught the scorpion, placed in jar (with lid), and set up in my home to learn from. I provided a natural habitat and crickets (my own recipe for feeding other animals - long before now).<br />
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This animal became my science project until my grandchildren came to visit. I was so excited to show them the animal that in my haste I inadvertently left a chopstick in the habitat and the bugger just got up and walked the stick out and jumped onto the floor of my kitchen. It scurried under the island and unfortunately I had to deploy a safety measure for the children that ended the animal's life.<br /><br />I have felt bad for that animal, it (he\she), didn't deserve what happened to it. I was naive, I was a fool. It is through experiences like the above one that have taught me to value life a little bit more. Just because I could, didn't mean I should. My curiosity, my thirst for knowledge (in this case of something I was afraid of), cost this animal it's life and that wasn't my call to make.<br />
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This picture was drawn of that animal, it is a rather rough drawing. A young friend in south Georgia seen this picture one day and asked if he could have it tattooed on him, I said yes - to me it was a way of honoring the scorpion that I caused to not be here anymore.<br /><br />He gave me the original back after having it photocopied and I never thought anymore about it, and then of course you know it... I was walking across a parking lot when I walked by a group of young people leaning against their vehicles talking, and lo and behold I seen MY artwork on someone's outer bicep and was like WoW, that looks so familiar. My look must of said something because the young man the arm belonged to spoke up and called me by name (not unusual - I'd lived there almost 20 years), when I meet his eyes I realized immediately who the arm belonged to, and me giving him the picture. But I would of never thought in a million years that he would of actually inked it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhE_nkieKQ27HNvyp4lTkjHN9kxr9_ubHag0XNnBD3y2AkvYUkRs6z11oaZwln0mFJxYwYohXwZ8l5l81BoIpwm8cNiBBzE2gwYJ7081bTqBHGNfpte5gO6GEb1132n-lllIl86HatBeD/s1600/scorpiona+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhE_nkieKQ27HNvyp4lTkjHN9kxr9_ubHag0XNnBD3y2AkvYUkRs6z11oaZwln0mFJxYwYohXwZ8l5l81BoIpwm8cNiBBzE2gwYJ7081bTqBHGNfpte5gO6GEb1132n-lllIl86HatBeD/s1600/scorpiona+001.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call them animals now - not insects.</td></tr>
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There are so many people who don't have a clue as to the person I am, they would so rather talk smack about me than get to know the truth. <br /><br />I started jumping up and down a couple of years ago about a situation that will come to head soon enough, the people who needed to take heed have been so caught up in 'them' that they can't see anything beyond. I'm done screaming, I'm through with begging, I pull back to me all of my energy. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-86537136541122491642013-11-09T03:41:00.001-05:002013-11-09T03:41:55.487-05:00This ole house - snakes alive!<p dir=ltr>Really getting upset about the whole snake thing. Awoke a couple of hours earlier than normal and the mind keeps racing back to the snake I found on my porch the other day. I remember hearing noise in the wall and thinking it was a squirrel. </p>
<p dir=ltr>My travel partner Phoebe Peppercorn isn't much bigger than a 'cat' squirrel and I'm afraid for all of my cats. If we are infested and the legless bastards gets inside I could lose friends and that isn't acceptable. </p>
<p dir=ltr>As if I didn't have enough to deal with and worry about - let's just throw some rat snakes into the mix - or king snakes - either way they have got to go!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ2pmebknYWIsoqPnBZdHEwadtmtClnky_OYeSkkKu6WMVlVDAnV22QRMmliH6oDvOb-Jl_HYcKUXkT1SHDy-L8UqEih-C6bpUfBaCO3KnOSnG7_IKq_kaVVOSuLSNUmuMkJG-ysiJPEC/s1600/20131107_151522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ2pmebknYWIsoqPnBZdHEwadtmtClnky_OYeSkkKu6WMVlVDAnV22QRMmliH6oDvOb-Jl_HYcKUXkT1SHDy-L8UqEih-C6bpUfBaCO3KnOSnG7_IKq_kaVVOSuLSNUmuMkJG-ysiJPEC/s640/20131107_151522.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-44006492032122349062013-11-09T03:20:00.001-05:002013-11-09T03:20:53.894-05:00Yikes Snakes in My Home!http://www.amazon.com/Snake-Trap-Humane/product-reviews/B00348H2OW?pageNumber=2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvfxH5iZhadx5FHomYLGEKxXZ-WvstHAXgdIomnRJaAnjqGIPVqESMV-Cz2islwwSxmIPekyNWuwsfNx-stvKsy1sI5xIjCkK9ShfeYzSHVKHpZBj22RWj-p6dlguFFgrI36iD1e3c-rq/s1600/20131107_151516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvfxH5iZhadx5FHomYLGEKxXZ-WvstHAXgdIomnRJaAnjqGIPVqESMV-Cz2islwwSxmIPekyNWuwsfNx-stvKsy1sI5xIjCkK9ShfeYzSHVKHpZBj22RWj-p6dlguFFgrI36iD1e3c-rq/s640/20131107_151516.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gF0qen3BcC75vtKer8jlP9-i4CViOE7LrBB-hfizrXL0kA5pTiFE5DmzWjiU_hxKv1FYy0JTzHL39O46wPjD6SsLSmk_rpTi6nKGaUfyubXcSWGXaL8_NgPvfF9T7GLziIjpf9wvIuo6/s1600/20131107_151932-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gF0qen3BcC75vtKer8jlP9-i4CViOE7LrBB-hfizrXL0kA5pTiFE5DmzWjiU_hxKv1FYy0JTzHL39O46wPjD6SsLSmk_rpTi6nKGaUfyubXcSWGXaL8_NgPvfF9T7GLziIjpf9wvIuo6/s640/20131107_151932-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-5237133894503379872013-11-06T21:54:00.001-05:002013-11-06T21:54:19.251-05:00This old house...<p dir=ltr>Oh my goodness me, we are coming up on week one in our NEW 100 year old home.</p>
<p dir=ltr>We will completely replace and re-route the whole entire plumbing & it will be done correctly.</p>
<p dir=ltr>What is in place now is a joke, and that is being kind.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I have drawn like six different plans for the two levels but must not get the cart before the horse. The plumbing, electricity, and my opinion the foundation in order first. Everyone says the foundation is fine - I say pour some concrete in that bad boy and I will rest easy.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Water, water soothe my soul...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bUjFbJy43yBx8W-v9CI4ZfwPluFCIrLxhDWM4EgCA94PnPul9HARZzVUwMvmaf6tydwgM92uu8lhKqVH4R3v0NXCQyinn_7piXnz3khqoXudcsbm1tB3FMEL6b_PJMasvMRO5JUv0Tsn/s1600/20131028_093627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bUjFbJy43yBx8W-v9CI4ZfwPluFCIrLxhDWM4EgCA94PnPul9HARZzVUwMvmaf6tydwgM92uu8lhKqVH4R3v0NXCQyinn_7piXnz3khqoXudcsbm1tB3FMEL6b_PJMasvMRO5JUv0Tsn/s640/20131028_093627.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-77364770210588524992013-03-02T09:17:00.000-05:002013-03-02T09:17:46.963-05:00DMG<div class="entry-content">
<h3>
N,N-Dimethylglycine</h3>
I take this as an herbal supplement in the form of a chewable tablet, 1000 mg per day.<br />
<h3>
WHY <a href="https://www.mountainnaturals.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=7" target="_blank" title="DMG Supplements ">DMG</a>?</h3>
<ul>
<li>DMG (N,N-Dimethylglycine) is a metabolic enhancer that can provide
increased benefits when supplemented even if there isn’t a deficiency.</li>
<li>DMG helps the process of metabolism (breaking down or building up of compounds in the body) work better and more efficient.</li>
<li>DMG is a completely safe hypoallergenic nutrient.</li>
<li>We don’t produce as much DMG as we grow older or if we are immune
compromised, which leaves us more susceptible to stress and infection.</li>
<li>DMG improves oxygen utilization, detoxification, cell protection, immune system modulation, and physical performance.</li>
<li>Extensive research with animals and in clinical testing shows that DMG is an adaptogen that helps maintain homeostasis.</li>
</ul>
Adaptogens like DMG normalize physiological functions and help
maintain homeostasis within the body. These physiological functions
include blood glucose levels, pH, blood pressure, hypoxic or low oxygen
conditions, hormone levels, cholesterol levels, and levels of important
biologically active nutrients. DMG has received a great deal of
attention because it is beneficial in so many areas of human health and
well being. Research and clinical studies over the last 25 years
demonstrate that DMG can help the body overcome a number of specific
health problems. Since DMG is cost effective and results are usually
seen fairly quickly, it should be relatively easy to determine if DMG is
for you!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(as copied from: http://dmgdoctor.com/information/about/) </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This supplement aids me in <span style="font-size: small;">staying focused, being able to organize thoughts and actions, and in the execution of duties. When I have run out and had to manage my day without this supplement<span style="font-size: small;">, it has been proven to be quite diff<span style="font-size: small;">i<span style="font-size: small;">cult<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-82753062016062993832011-12-11T20:48:00.001-05:002013-03-02T10:51:18.700-05:00The Few, The Proud.... Semper Fidelus!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Marine Corps Base Camp Lejuene, NC</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXi1JdpMz9npRIi9pggS7asTiFwBqJ93IZSO38mJlJ20P_1lptYH7DoVVIWPOiiWMcKrqeNMRmve3qdOMGIh4feyNYTnZD3vwg1_VYCKawnUGfnaqoaMOhIo-i-nV6VEfb2zFbwGTt7sYT/s1600/ega.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXi1JdpMz9npRIi9pggS7asTiFwBqJ93IZSO38mJlJ20P_1lptYH7DoVVIWPOiiWMcKrqeNMRmve3qdOMGIh4feyNYTnZD3vwg1_VYCKawnUGfnaqoaMOhIo-i-nV6VEfb2zFbwGTt7sYT/s200/ega.gif" width="191" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Toxic Water Contamination</span></div>
<br />
From the 1950's up until 1987 this Marine Corps Base suffered a heavy loss right here at home. Thousands upon thousands of lives have been affected by toxic water contamination. Many of those lives suffering terrible pain physically not to mention the mental anguish of not knowing why or how this came to be.<br />
<br />
The Dry Cleaners were dumping cleaning solvents into the ground, the Marine Corps Motor-pool was dumping degreasers into the ground. All of these toxic substances were leaching into water reservoirs and making their way to barracks, housing, businesses, and schools on Camp Lejuene.<br />
<br />
At first there wasn't any regulations on what to do with these chemicals and then I don't want to speculate, what I do know is that the powers that be were informed of the 'situation' in 1982 and there was still a problem with people being exposed all the way up till 1987. That is all that I am going to say on the matter of what transpired then till now and just say that the Marine Corps seem to be stepping up and owning the tragedy.<br />
<br />
My father, Kenneth Keith Shafer was a Marine stationed at Camp Lejuene during the late 50's and spent several years back and forth between Camp Lejuene and Korea. After the war he went back home and married my mother and they moved to Florida where I was born in 1966. At age 12 my horrible teeth were undergoing braces and in the process an x-ray was taken and a cyst was discovered in my jaw, full of thousands of thousands of baby teeth cells in this cyst.<br />
<br />
In my junior year of high school I became pregnant and lost that child at 4 1/2 months along. My second child was born at Camp Lejuene in 1985 with a severe case of Jaundice and recovered.<br />
<br />
My husband was a Marine stationed at Camp Lejuene and I took work with Special Services on Camp Lejuene and worked there until 1987 when my husband received orders to Okinawa Japan and the Marine Corps moved us back to Florida. Before I left North Carolina I became pregnant with my third child who was born in Florida with congenital spinal deformity, but a mild case that seems to of healed on its own.<br />
<br />
Shortly after her birth I suffered mental breakdowns, severe neurological behavior that no one identified and I dropped through the cracks and have suffered greatly a large portion of my life since that time. I was a case book study if anybody cared to look at me any other way than down. I attempted suicide - if that isn't a cry for help - what is?<br />
<br />
Not going into all the specifics of my experiences, lets just say having a damaged brain can put you into some peculiar predicaments.<br />
<br />
I've made contact with the proper authorities and am following the correct procedures to ensure my case is secure. But to be completely honest, knowing the truth of what and how makes me feel so much better. I've always said I can face anything so long as I know what I am facing - now I know.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-88381138013448709002009-08-23T09:26:00.000-04:002009-08-23T09:29:42.707-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFsGvMS0BL3Y_IYC60lD7hfJ89IQZ9HFt7wLmuh5nR1va0o98i5tSF8VCt5S4NJvYQjx8bkZfJ2ZiqFSY8ZXJrdjG0HCwLSFbHRvVDxB35-2ygF0M0P_o4X82DG5Vx3Io8Rd1SfTe-FV0/s1600-h/432.large.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFsGvMS0BL3Y_IYC60lD7hfJ89IQZ9HFt7wLmuh5nR1va0o98i5tSF8VCt5S4NJvYQjx8bkZfJ2ZiqFSY8ZXJrdjG0HCwLSFbHRvVDxB35-2ygF0M0P_o4X82DG5Vx3Io8Rd1SfTe-FV0/s400/432.large.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373150849311307842" /></a><br />Ancient Egyptian Art of Body Sugaring<br />a Care2 favorite by Annie B. Bond<br /><br />Body sugaring is a method for removing body hair that is a cheap, homemade alternative to waxing (or shaving). The theory behind body sugaring is that the hair is removed by the root, and when it grows back there will be less of it, and it will be softer and not stubbly as it is if a razor had been used.<br /><br />Body sugaring is done by making a paste of sugar, water, and lemon juice that has been heated to the softball candy stage.<br /><br />After you have let the paste cool enough so that it won’t burn, you spread it on your skin, cover it with cotton strips of cloth, and then rip the cloth off like one does a bandage. Most find sugaring less painful than waxing.<br /><br />Due to many requests from readers for this recipe, I have looked hard for what I have finally found and give you here, what I think is the best formula:<br /><br />INGREDIENTS<br />2 cups sugar<br />¼ cup lemon juice<br />¼ cup water<br /><br />Equipment: Candy thermometer<br /><br />Combine the ingredients in a heavy saucepan, and heat on low using a candy thermometer. Watch the mixture very carefully so that it doesn’t boil over. Heat the mixture to 250 F on the candy thermometer; this is the hardball candy stage.<br /><br />Remove from the heat and let cool enough to pour into a jar without breaking or melting the jar. (Note that this jar will be reheated in the future. Make sure it is safe for whatever form of reheating you plan to do—in the microwave, or in a pan of water.<br /><br />Rip clean cotton fabric in 1-inch strips. Make sure the cotton isn’t too coarsely woven.<br /><br />This next step is very critical: Let the mixture cool enough so that it won’t burn your skin. The first time I did this I didn’t let the blend cool enough and I burned myself! Test the mixture on the palm of your hand, knowing that is much tougher than the sensitive skin under your arms.<br /><br />Using a dull knife or Popsicle stick, spread the cooled sugar onto your skin. Cover with the cloth strips, let set for a few minutes, and then rip off quickly as you would a bandage.<br /><br />In the future you can reheat the mixture to a warm and not hot temperature (see above), and reuse. Note that reheating will thicken the paste.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3821396282909529517.post-13754219977031741482009-06-14T01:41:00.000-04:002009-06-14T02:08:34.254-04:00Natural remedies ~ Wild harvesting herbs<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Two herbs that grow wild in most of North America, Golden seal (yellow root), and Chasteberry are two herbs that when used together will soften the natural blow of menopause and aid women with their monthly cycles. The facts are out there but I'm not boring anyone with the details. Here is the dirt of the story, what these plants look like, where you may find them growing, and how they are to be used. Good luck and may we be at peace with our bodies as they mature.</span></span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fhgswqOBRpSug_kymNdBTQEnbRAMBzsGA5AZEILYT3sm5NhwRAlIhc8I4infB6BVK_UCB39QeFL6atbI95wx2XfIWWSh0Xytr1MZf8H-Zd7b9rQ0T83wpUPPUw4eYBULqltV8-tr6Lci/s1600-h/XanSim.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fhgswqOBRpSug_kymNdBTQEnbRAMBzsGA5AZEILYT3sm5NhwRAlIhc8I4infB6BVK_UCB39QeFL6atbI95wx2XfIWWSh0Xytr1MZf8H-Zd7b9rQ0T83wpUPPUw4eYBULqltV8-tr6Lci/s320/XanSim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347057365043636866" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 9"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 9"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/03/clip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/03/clip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536871559 0 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Comic Sans MS"; panose-1:3 15 7 2 3 3 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:script; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Wingdings 2"; panose-1:5 2 1 2 1 5 7 7 7 7; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} h1 {margin-right:0in; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:1; font-size:24.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning:18.0pt; font-weight:bold;} h2 {mso-style-next:Normal; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.25in; text-align:center; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:2; font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; font-weight:normal; font-style:italic;} p.MsoBodyTextIndent, li.MsoBodyTextIndent, div.MsoBodyTextIndent {margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p {margin-right:0in; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.style2, li.style2, div.style2 {mso-style-name:style2; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1328636117; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:150641466 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l1 {mso-list-id:1339624556; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-1889389396 61225336 154041990 1045488984 193738936 941418164 232056012 556979036 -112275700 -2122962066;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1030"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Yellow Root – (Hydrastis Canadensis) Also known as golden seal, yellow root is anti-inflammatory and a natural antibiotic. The plant can help in the treatment of sinus infections, bladder problems, colds, flu, sore throat, laryngitis, mouth sores, colitis, gastritis, chest congestion, and earache. Yellow root is a uterine tonic and a digestive aid. It is an excellent liver stimulant and is useful in soothing mucus membranes. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Yellow root is used in teas, tinctures, tonics, capsules, powders, eye washes, gargles, ear drops, douches, and salves. It is known as a powerful cooling astringent that reduces phlegm. When combined with ginseng, yellow root helps improve the entire immune system.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >When used as an external wash, yellow root can soothe irritated skin, eczema, and measles. As a mouthwash, yellow root helps heal mouth ulcers, gum disease, and sore throats. Powdered yellow root can be sprinkled on infected cuts and abrasions to help heal and protect. Yellow root salve makes an excellent remedy for chapped lips and dry skin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Yellow root is used to treat some female conditions including PMS and yeast infection. It can be useful in preventing night sweats and hot flashes during menopause especially when combined with chaste berry. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >The Cherokee Indians used yellow root to cure indigestion and to improve appetite. They used the herb for cancer, whooping cough, liver disorders, fevers, and heart problems. Yellow root was also considered useful as a dye and was often added to war paint.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Yellow root is one of the most popular of all herbs. It is estimated that 250,000 pounds of yellow root is now sold each year. Demand for yellow root has increased dramatically since 1990 due to the belief that the tea can mask the presence of drugs in a urine test. This assumption is false. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Most golden seal is harvested in the wild. Since demand has increased (and supplies have dwindled) the price of golden seal has skyrocketed. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Yellow root plants usually grow from 6 to 14 inches tall. After emerging in early spring, flower buds quickly develop into small white flowers. Each plant produces a single, green raspberry-like fruit, which turns red in July. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Yellow root rhizomes (roots) should be harvested in the fall and dried for future use. As the name implies, the roots are bright yellow. The plant likes rich soil and is usually found growing in patches on shady creek banks along with May apple, trillium, blood root and black cohosh. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >*Avoid yellow root in pregnancy. Do not use if you have high blood pressure. Do not use internally for more than three weeks. (The plant should not be eaten fresh.) The safety of golden seal in nursing women, children, and people with kidney and liver disease is unknown. Side effects are rare but yellow root can cause mouth irritation and nervousness. Always consult with a physician before using any herbal remedy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="style2"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">Look on the ground for spots that do not have a lot of briars and brush.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">Look for plants that have five lobes. They have a tooth edge.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">They are as tall as 2 feet<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">They are too small if less a foot tall</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">To dig up properly; with a hand mattock, dig 3 or 4 inches under root.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grab the root and twist it off the stem.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">Put the roots in a paper bag. Save the leaves and put them in a bag.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">Rinse the roots of dirt and air dry, spreading them so the do not mold.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia;" align="center">
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<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqKXVGVYj_Dd2ZDyridg7SPYKEYsABUGgl4aJxKW3HhKCpUvCBvYWnf3WeluZBQC7diQrBHGHhUL6Dk40vWzbMrfZGBwNl4pZ-86JFcQb6dWW7YyowZ78vAtG1_n6G5Dh2Do9Xx6csCqE/s1600-h/Xanthorhiza_simplicissima.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqKXVGVYj_Dd2ZDyridg7SPYKEYsABUGgl4aJxKW3HhKCpUvCBvYWnf3WeluZBQC7diQrBHGHhUL6Dk40vWzbMrfZGBwNl4pZ-86JFcQb6dWW7YyowZ78vAtG1_n6G5Dh2Do9Xx6csCqE/s320/Xanthorhiza_simplicissima.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347057649731794786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOm3U90BgYkEixE9TsNXAizAtoILs9c9bglcG2k_uttVbHuuYxMFDHQwtxPHcKE4YJfEjGOZfh5I_VPbmeOqfPm1LzFyYwcFvvGjKTOc283FED6xXs4ZjBoDo9V6ASCGL0JNtFEx7WwdBh/s1600-h/crop+yellow+root.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOm3U90BgYkEixE9TsNXAizAtoILs9c9bglcG2k_uttVbHuuYxMFDHQwtxPHcKE4YJfEjGOZfh5I_VPbmeOqfPm1LzFyYwcFvvGjKTOc283FED6xXs4ZjBoDo9V6ASCGL0JNtFEx7WwdBh/s320/crop+yellow+root.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347057855038382210" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; font-family: georgia;" align="center"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia;" align="center"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >
<br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 0in; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><u><span style=";color:red;" >Chasteberry</span></u></strong></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style=";color:red;" >Habitat:</span></strong></span><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The chasteberry tree is native to southern Europe and originally was mainly found on the shores of the Mediterranean sea. It still thrives in the Mediterranean region but today is also cultivated in subtropical areas around the world, having become naturalized in many regions, notably Western and Central Asia. </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 102);">Characteristics and properties: </span></b></span><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Chasteberry has been renowned since ancient times as a treatment for various problems of the female reproductive system. It is a traditional remedy for irregular periods, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, and has long been used to help ease the symptoms of the menopause. More recently it has become recognized in Europe as a standard herbal treatment for general PMS symptoms and is also commonly used to treat other problems, which can be linked to the menstrual cycle, such as migraine and acne. Chasteberry also has a reputation for alleviating fibrocystic breast disease, relieving the pain of endometriosis and for regulating ovulation and therefore promoting fertility.</span><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" > </span><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" >From all these uses it is clear that the berry has distinct hormonal effects on the body, and in modern times it's general success in these applications has prompted a great deal of research to be carried out to try and discover its mode of action. However, so far the chasteberry has managed to retain </span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:128.75pt;margin-top:0;width:168.75pt;" allowoverlap="f"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/03/clip_image009.jpg" title="cb6"> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" >its secrets and the constituents responsible for its therapeutic actions have not been positively identified. Nevertheless, it is believed that the berry has the effects it does because it contains chemical compounds which act on the pituitary gland, the body's master gland which both produces hormones and from its location at the base of the brain directs the other endocrine glands to produce hormones. Chasteberry is believed to effectively regulate the pituitary gland's functions, especially its progesterone and prolactin functions, and to therefore have a considerable influence on the body's hormonal balance, normalizing it by enabling greater or lesser hormone release to occur, and making the chasteberry one of the world's most medically interesting herbs and the subject of ever increasing study.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Given the amount of study carried out on chasteberry, there is now a significant body of scientific research supporting its use for various complaints. Its use with PMS has been the main area of study, with trial results indicating that between 60% and 90% of women given chasteberry show reduced PMS symptoms. Results clearly improve over time, which is what should generally be expected from herbal treatments, but an important point about chasteberry is that because its overriding benefit is the long term balancing of a woman's hormonal system, it can never be regarded as a fast acting herb, but must be seen as a gradual remedy which needs to be taken for some </span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style="'position:absolute;" allowoverlap="f"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/03/clip_image011.jpg" title="cb20"> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;">months to realize its therapeutic properties.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Another area of considerable study on the effects of chasteberry has been its use for relieving breast tenderness or cyclic mastalgia. Several studies have reported a significant reduction in breast pain in women given chasteberry, again based on trials which were carried out over several months. Another recent study was on the berry's effects on women with a form of irregular menstruation known as luteal phase defect, a condition believed to be related to excessive levels of the hormone prolactin. After a trial lasting 3 months significant improvements were noted, reinforcing the claims made for chasteberry as a regulator of the pituitary gland's release of prolactin.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" >Although no studies have been carried out on the effects of chasteberry for those in the menopause, this application of the berry continues to be very popular and it is as firmly established as ever as one of the most important herbs for treating menopausal symptoms. It is also prescribed by herbalists for uterine cysts, for depression, anxiety and fatigue, and for use as an anti-androgen, as it is believed to inhibit the action of </span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:126.5pt;margin-top:0;width:166.5pt;" allowoverlap="f"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/03/clip_image012.jpg" title="cb19"> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" >androgenic hormones. It remains best known asa remedy for PMS and its reputation in this regard grows ever greater, its popularity for this purpose having spread in modern times from its native Europe to the Americas, especially the United States where it is generally known by its botanical name of 'vitex agnus-castus' or more often just 'vitex'.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 102);">History and curiosities:</span></b></span><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" > Chasteberry received its name </span><span style="font-size:100%;">from the belief in ancient times that it countered sexual desire. The Greek physician, Dioscorides, recommended that it be used to make beverages to help keep the wives of soldiers chaste while their husbands were in battle. The Romans did exactly the same for their wives when the legions were away from Rome and also spread the aromatic chaste tree leaves around the home for the same purpose. Medieval monks also believed that the chaste tree had the ability to constrain sexual desire and were known to add the berries to their meals for this purpose, giving the chasteberry the alternative common name of 'monk's pepper'.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The ancients also valued chaste tree as a remedy for many different health problems. The berries were renowned for treating woman's complaints and the seeds were used to treat headaches and fevers, to help with indigestion, colic and diarrhea, and to ameliorate dropsy and spleen diseases. The seeds and the leaves were both considered very efficacious in treating the bites of spiders and snakes, and the leaves were also used externally to treat boils and inflammations. Later the Persians, who used the berries with other herbs to make remedies for calming hysteria, madness and epilepsy, knew the chaste tree.</span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style="'position:absolute;" allowoverlap="f"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/03/clip_image014.jpg" title="cb13"> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></p> <span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >In addition to its therapeutic uses, based on the berries, the seeds and the leaves, the chaste tree was also found useful for the properties of its twigs. These are strong but very flexible, which enabled them to be used for making baskets, ropes and even furniture.
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<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7FAzf9MpAI-DHTGK_IpVkdQ4HDCuIzHrH4wdGEKBDQvt_JLHqwtFNraxRU1RrfSPGh1UAobjFODwU00khH5-c-zqNPH4mf9U9lyt83X6s98H4E7zjTQdVbnW9Yqz7c3weJ35dcIy0uSN/s1600-h/chasteberry_bush.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7FAzf9MpAI-DHTGK_IpVkdQ4HDCuIzHrH4wdGEKBDQvt_JLHqwtFNraxRU1RrfSPGh1UAobjFODwU00khH5-c-zqNPH4mf9U9lyt83X6s98H4E7zjTQdVbnW9Yqz7c3weJ35dcIy0uSN/s200/chasteberry_bush.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347058923530985186" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0