"The two most important days in your life were the day you were born and the day you find out why."
Mark Twain
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April 23, 2020--Day 40 of the Great Michigan Lock-Down
Now, I am really beginning to get concerned. Our Governor was on the Rachel Madow show the other night and expressed a desire to keep us locked down for an additional week simply because people dared to protest in her state.
If she continues to tighten the noose around Michigans' collective neck, well, I feel it could get ugly! Not to get into too much politics here but I can see where people just might not agree with her motivation or get upset if they saw her spouting off on the Madow show or some of the other broadcasts she frequents. People are getting hungry and frustrated, most of all, they can't pay their bills.
Ok, end of rant! I promised not to make this blog about politics. Only to say that Whitmer's father served as head of the state's Department of Commerce under Governor Milliken and was president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan between 1988 and 2006. Just an FYI, I'll just let that sit here.
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Being locked-up, as is our current situation, we could put a positive spin on it and take a moment to actually witness spring greening up in our backyards. We have the perfect opportunity to explore the wonders of edible plants. I bet the kids are getting restless by now, too. Grab your phone and put a plant identifier app on it. Round up the kids and go out and identify the green things in your back yard. Soak up some very much needed vitamin D, your body will thank you.
While you are out and about take some time to investigate the neighbor, too. We just may need to know what edibles are available close to home.
Early Spring Edibles
Everyone knows what a dandelion is and that it is delicious in a green salad but did you know that these also make excellent soups and salads?
Burdock roots-- excellent nutrition
Stinging nettles
violets
chickweed
cinquefoil
marshmallow root
nasturtiums
borage,
squash blossoms
There are just so many more!
Rhubarb-Rose Syrup
Kids will think this drink is really special if pick the ingredients themselves. And they it is so simple too.
1 pound rhubarb, chopped
1 cup sugar or honey
1 packed cup of rose petals
Simmer the rhubarb in 2 cups of water until soft, strain off the juice.
As the rose petals are picked, trim off the white part at the base of the petal. The rose petals should come from one of the older varieties or wild roses, strongly scented.
Combine the rhubarb juice, sugar and rose petals in a sauce pan. Simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes. Don't let it boil, the rose flavor will evaporate.
Strain the syrup and either refrigerate it or can it.
Stir 2 to 3 tablespoons into about 12 oz.of water, add ice and enjoy!
FYI- rhubarb juice can be a substitute for lemon juice.
Uncooked Berry Syrup
2 cups ripe berries- any kind
sugar or honey
Clean and sort your berries, rinse. Crush or mash the berries in a little water and set aside for 2 hours.
Strain through a strainer covered cheese cloth, squeezing to remove all the juice. Sweeten with sugar or honey to your liking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons to a glass of water, add ice and enjoy.
Large batches of berry syrup can be canned or frozen for later use. Kids love them frozen in ice cube trays for individual drinks.
Spring-time Morning Drink
This is my favorite all time morning beverage!
In a 2 quart jar or pitcher add;
1 lemon, sliced in thin rounds- seeds removed
10 fresh mint leaves- dried peppermint will work too
1 medium cucumber- washed, sliced thin
Fill the pitcher with water and let set in the refrigerator over night. In the morning, before coffee, drink a full glass of this energizing drink. It will make you feel great! It may even put a glow in your skin.
Get the Sludge Out Tea
This time of year it is natural to want to do a bit of detox to shake off those winter doldrums and clean out or bodies the same way we do our closets during the spring time cleaning ritual.
Actually, spring cleanses and tonics are age old. From Europe to the U.S., grandmother whipped out the herbal spring bitters this time of year to "get the blood moving."
Clover tea--
2 cups red clover blossoms
2 thin sticks cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated, dried orange rind
Chop and grate, place all the ingredients into a glass jar or plastic bag and shake. Take one heaping teaspoon, put into a cup. Pour boiled water over the herb mixture, steep for 5 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey.
Open the Windows!
In the olden days, when spring arrived grandmother would open the windows for a fresh air exchange. Moving out winter stale air was so invigorating! It seemed to energize the whole house.
Next she took the blankets and comforters and hung them out in the sunshine to freshen up. Ultraviolet light kills germs and chased away the stink. Blankets and comforters were just to heavy to wash by hand or put into early day washers.
Couch cushions and pillows were put out in the sunshine too. Throw rugs were cleaned or beaten on the clothes line.
You know, whatever happens, I think know we got this! We can be the best we can be. Spring is a time of renewal and breathing. There is definitely change in the air. The old ways can/will be new again. After all great-grandmother was a domestic diva in her day.
Face East--
I ask the great spirit of the eagle to be with me. To sharpen my eyes and ears to hear his directions and contemplate on them, and that I will be able to recognize and honor the tremendous power and vitality that is. Thank you for all the beauty and all that you have given us. We ask for blessings for this years crops in anticipation of a bountiful harvest as we will most certainly share with others. Amen.
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