Showing posts with label Seasons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seasons. Show all posts
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Still going strong....
T'was a crisp September morning, corduroys and socks were in order......but someone had something else in mind
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Times they are a-changing
This week has been glorious. We have spent most every afternoon at the lake. Most afternoons it has just been the two of us, the water so still, the afternoon light fabulous, and the beach quiet, so quiet........just a week ago it was full of life.
There are signs what comes next, what lies ahead.
Still, I wonder when Zoe will wake up and not ask to go to the lake first thing.....will we be alone at the beach in November Zoe swimming to the ladder and back and me in my down jacket, wool socks, hat and mittens pouring carrot and ginger soup from a thermos?
There are signs what comes next, what lies ahead.
Still, I wonder when Zoe will wake up and not ask to go to the lake first thing.....will we be alone at the beach in November Zoe swimming to the ladder and back and me in my down jacket, wool socks, hat and mittens pouring carrot and ginger soup from a thermos?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Bubbles and Sprinklers
childhood magic!
in other blogging news I am participating in a few swaps a kid's stationery kit swap over at Kiddio
and also a Gratitude Swap over at Day to Day- better get crafting!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Introducing
Herbert Rainbow Sherbert
the new addition to our family! Our family now consists of Zoe (girl child age 4) Annabelle the Angora (Rabbit age 2 1/2) and Old Man Ashley ( our Maine Coon Cat age 12)
zoe and annabelle
We are dreaming about purchasing two Alpaca.....maybe in a few years........
the new addition to our family! Our family now consists of Zoe (girl child age 4) Annabelle the Angora (Rabbit age 2 1/2) and Old Man Ashley ( our Maine Coon Cat age 12)
zoe and annabelle
We are dreaming about purchasing two Alpaca.....maybe in a few years........
Sunday, June 15, 2008
the "growing" tree
Every Tuesday from June to November since Zoe was in diapers she has been building community in this tree! She meets her special friends and makes new friends, she checks out how far the older kids climb and sets her goals. I have learned a lot by watching her, though she is very outgoing and assertive she is not a fearless nor a confident climber. Cautiously week after week she inches higher and higher carefully watching how the more experienced climbers do it.
It is a White Pine- the Tree of Peace. Here's a sweet article on White Pine written my teacher/mentor Susun Weed
The tallest White Pine in Mass is the
Jake Swamp Tree on the Mohawk Trail SF-Trees of Peace which is 160.8.
while z is building her community I am growing mine for this tree is at our beloved CSA Natural Roots. This is my fifth season and I cannot imagine a summer without the weekly vegetable pick ups. Every year the store grows to include more locally grown foods- honey, bread, yogurt, kombucha, cheeses, salad dressings and of course the on site South River Miso. Their Wild Leek and Dandelion Miso is too die for!! check them out!!! All these AMAZING products are made within a few miles from us.....how grateful are we.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Tuesday apprenticeship in photos
Week 4
Partly Sunny, Sixty something
The life of Tussilago
Family: Asteraceae
European native
"the son before the father" Very early in the spring, coltsfoot develops flat orange flower heads, but only after they eventually wither do the broad, hoof-shaped, sea-green leaves develop. Since the flowers and leaves appear at different times, they are collected separately. Coltsfoot is found along brooks and in wet places and moist clayey soil along roadsides
The flowers should be gathered before they have fully bloomed (end of February to April) and dried carefully in the shade. The leavesare best collected between May and June. They should be chopped up before theyare dried and stored. The fresh leaves can be used until autumn.
Constituents: Coltsfoot contains flavonoids, about 8% mucilage (consisting of polysaccharides), 10% tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, vitamin C, and zinc. There are useful levels of zinc in the leaves. This mineral has been shown to have marked anti-inflammatory effects. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids may have a toxic effect on the liver, but are largely destroyed when the parts are boiled to make a decoction. The polysaccharides are anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant. The flavonoids are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.
Doctrine of SIgnatures: Coltsfoot, the dried leaves and/or flower heads of Tussilago farfara L., is one of those plants whose botanical name reflects its medicinal application. Tussilago derives from the Latin tussis, meaning cough, and coltsfoot has long been used to treat that affliction.
Coltsfoot combines a soothing expectorant effect with an anti-spasmodic action. Coltsfoot may be used in chronic or acute bronchitis, irritating coughs, whooping coughs and asthma. Its soothing expectorant action gives Coltsfoot a role in most respiratory conditions, including the chronic states of emphysema. As a mild diuretic it has been used in cystitis. The fresh bruised leaves can be applied to boils, abscesses and suppurating ulcers.
A note regarding smoking of this plant: Since the principal active ingredient in the plant is a throat-soothing mucilage, smoking coltsfoot is not rational therapy. The mucilage would be destroyed by burning, and the effect of smoke on already irritated mucous membranes would be increased irritation. Inhaling the vapors from coltsfoot leaves placed in a pan of simmering water s again without value. The useful mucilage is not volatile and would not reach the affected tissues.
It combines well with licorice, thyme, and black cherry. In China, coltsfoot is classified as a "warming" herb that helps relieve coughing and wheezing.
Safety
Over the years, coltsfoot has been a very popular folk remedy for coughs and bronchial congestion. As early as the first century, coltsfoot was recommneded for dry coughs and for breathing problems by the Greek doctor Dioscorides. However a study carried out in Japan revealed that the hepatotoxic (poisonous to the liver) pyrrolizidine alkaloid senkirkine to be present in relatively small amounts (0.015 percent). Continued or prolonged exposure to these pyrrolizidine alkaloids may have a cumulative effect. For some time it was hoped that the rest of the plant might be devoid of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. However, a subsequent investigation of coltsfoot leaves showed senkirkine to be present in them as well.
Here are some safety considerations:
-Coltsfoot flowers should not be used.
-The herb should not be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women.
-It should not be given to children under age 6.
-Some countries have legal restrictions regarding coltsfoot availablity and usage. The USDA classifies coltsfoot as an herb of "unknown safety" due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The amount of these alkaloids is extremely small, though, and the beneficial effects are generally believed to outweigh the risk.
-It is recommended that coltsfoot tea or syrup not be used for more than 4-6 weeks at a time.
If readers prefer to try alternative very safe herbal demulcent (soothing agent), try slippery elm bark or marshmallow root
Partly Sunny, Sixty something
The life of Tussilago
Family: Asteraceae
European native
"the son before the father" Very early in the spring, coltsfoot develops flat orange flower heads, but only after they eventually wither do the broad, hoof-shaped, sea-green leaves develop. Since the flowers and leaves appear at different times, they are collected separately. Coltsfoot is found along brooks and in wet places and moist clayey soil along roadsides
The flowers should be gathered before they have fully bloomed (end of February to April) and dried carefully in the shade. The leavesare best collected between May and June. They should be chopped up before theyare dried and stored. The fresh leaves can be used until autumn.
Constituents: Coltsfoot contains flavonoids, about 8% mucilage (consisting of polysaccharides), 10% tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, vitamin C, and zinc. There are useful levels of zinc in the leaves. This mineral has been shown to have marked anti-inflammatory effects. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids may have a toxic effect on the liver, but are largely destroyed when the parts are boiled to make a decoction. The polysaccharides are anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant. The flavonoids are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.
Doctrine of SIgnatures: Coltsfoot, the dried leaves and/or flower heads of Tussilago farfara L., is one of those plants whose botanical name reflects its medicinal application. Tussilago derives from the Latin tussis, meaning cough, and coltsfoot has long been used to treat that affliction.
Coltsfoot combines a soothing expectorant effect with an anti-spasmodic action. Coltsfoot may be used in chronic or acute bronchitis, irritating coughs, whooping coughs and asthma. Its soothing expectorant action gives Coltsfoot a role in most respiratory conditions, including the chronic states of emphysema. As a mild diuretic it has been used in cystitis. The fresh bruised leaves can be applied to boils, abscesses and suppurating ulcers.
A note regarding smoking of this plant: Since the principal active ingredient in the plant is a throat-soothing mucilage, smoking coltsfoot is not rational therapy. The mucilage would be destroyed by burning, and the effect of smoke on already irritated mucous membranes would be increased irritation. Inhaling the vapors from coltsfoot leaves placed in a pan of simmering water s again without value. The useful mucilage is not volatile and would not reach the affected tissues.
It combines well with licorice, thyme, and black cherry. In China, coltsfoot is classified as a "warming" herb that helps relieve coughing and wheezing.
Safety
Over the years, coltsfoot has been a very popular folk remedy for coughs and bronchial congestion. As early as the first century, coltsfoot was recommneded for dry coughs and for breathing problems by the Greek doctor Dioscorides. However a study carried out in Japan revealed that the hepatotoxic (poisonous to the liver) pyrrolizidine alkaloid senkirkine to be present in relatively small amounts (0.015 percent). Continued or prolonged exposure to these pyrrolizidine alkaloids may have a cumulative effect. For some time it was hoped that the rest of the plant might be devoid of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. However, a subsequent investigation of coltsfoot leaves showed senkirkine to be present in them as well.
Here are some safety considerations:
-Coltsfoot flowers should not be used.
-The herb should not be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women.
-It should not be given to children under age 6.
-Some countries have legal restrictions regarding coltsfoot availablity and usage. The USDA classifies coltsfoot as an herb of "unknown safety" due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The amount of these alkaloids is extremely small, though, and the beneficial effects are generally believed to outweigh the risk.
-It is recommended that coltsfoot tea or syrup not be used for more than 4-6 weeks at a time.
If readers prefer to try alternative very safe herbal demulcent (soothing agent), try slippery elm bark or marshmallow root
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
A Tuesday apprenticeship in photos
Tuesday May 13th
Sunny 70 Degrees
Ladys Mantle Unfurling
Alchemilla vulgaris (Rosacea family)
In mediaeval Latin it was called Leontopodium (lion's foot), probably from its spreading root-leaves, and this has become in modern French, Pied-de-lion. Two common English local names, 'Lion's foot' and 'Bear's foot.
Alchemilla has lime green leaves and dainty star shaped flowers, and has been in gardens since before the 16th century and I'm sure in the wild much before then. The entire plant is covered in very fine hairs that cause dew or soft rain to gather in it's leaves. This liquid was known as "celestial water" and used in alchemy. These tiny jeweled drops inspired poetry and magic over the years.
The herb became known as Our Lady's Mantle because the scalloped shape of the leaves, were thought to resemble the mantle (cloak) of the Virgin Mary. Later, politics intervened, and the "Our" was taken from the name.
Some medicinal uses.....of the herb and roots.......
Lady’s Mantle was once a widely prescribed treatment for gynecological problems. This herb is commonly used as a cure for excessive menstruation and is taken internally as an infusion ( 1 OZ. of the dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water) in teacupful doses as required. It is thought to help the uterus return to its natural size after childbirth. Decoctions made from the lady's mantle can be used as vaginal douches or as a lotion - it can be mixed with rose water as well. These decoctions can help reduce vaginal discharges, minimize irritation and infection in the vaginal cavity. A strong decoction of the fresh root, by some considered the most valuable part of the plant, has also been recommended as excellent to stop all bleedings. It has also been used externally for wounds and skin irritations, as well as a compress for treating puffy eyes. In Sweden, a tincture of the leaves has been used in cases of spasmodic /convulsive diseases.
Lady's Mantle has astringent and styptic properties, on account of the tannin it contains. It is 'of a very drying and binding, and has been considered one of the best vulneraries or wound herbs. Disorders such as diarrhea and gastroenteritis are easily dealt with by the strong astringent action of the herb, the herb is also rich in salicylic acid and this induces a rapid reduction in the inflammation affecting the digestive system as well as the reproductive system of patients.
In folklore it is thought that if placed under the pillow at night, the herb will promote quiet sleep.
The herbal lady’s mantle decoction can also function as an excellent skin lotion for the treatment of rashes in diseases such as eczema, it can be used to heal cuts and wounds, as well as external sores and insect bites of all kinds. The herbal decoction can also be used as a mouthwash and gargle in cases of bleeding gums, to treat mouth ulcers and to minimize the symptoms of sore throats in patients.
Sunny 70 Degrees
Ladys Mantle Unfurling
Alchemilla vulgaris (Rosacea family)
In mediaeval Latin it was called Leontopodium (lion's foot), probably from its spreading root-leaves, and this has become in modern French, Pied-de-lion. Two common English local names, 'Lion's foot' and 'Bear's foot.
Alchemilla has lime green leaves and dainty star shaped flowers, and has been in gardens since before the 16th century and I'm sure in the wild much before then. The entire plant is covered in very fine hairs that cause dew or soft rain to gather in it's leaves. This liquid was known as "celestial water" and used in alchemy. These tiny jeweled drops inspired poetry and magic over the years.
The herb became known as Our Lady's Mantle because the scalloped shape of the leaves, were thought to resemble the mantle (cloak) of the Virgin Mary. Later, politics intervened, and the "Our" was taken from the name.
Some medicinal uses.....of the herb and roots.......
Lady’s Mantle was once a widely prescribed treatment for gynecological problems. This herb is commonly used as a cure for excessive menstruation and is taken internally as an infusion ( 1 OZ. of the dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water) in teacupful doses as required. It is thought to help the uterus return to its natural size after childbirth. Decoctions made from the lady's mantle can be used as vaginal douches or as a lotion - it can be mixed with rose water as well. These decoctions can help reduce vaginal discharges, minimize irritation and infection in the vaginal cavity. A strong decoction of the fresh root, by some considered the most valuable part of the plant, has also been recommended as excellent to stop all bleedings. It has also been used externally for wounds and skin irritations, as well as a compress for treating puffy eyes. In Sweden, a tincture of the leaves has been used in cases of spasmodic /convulsive diseases.
Lady's Mantle has astringent and styptic properties, on account of the tannin it contains. It is 'of a very drying and binding, and has been considered one of the best vulneraries or wound herbs. Disorders such as diarrhea and gastroenteritis are easily dealt with by the strong astringent action of the herb, the herb is also rich in salicylic acid and this induces a rapid reduction in the inflammation affecting the digestive system as well as the reproductive system of patients.
In folklore it is thought that if placed under the pillow at night, the herb will promote quiet sleep.
The herbal lady’s mantle decoction can also function as an excellent skin lotion for the treatment of rashes in diseases such as eczema, it can be used to heal cuts and wounds, as well as external sores and insect bites of all kinds. The herbal decoction can also be used as a mouthwash and gargle in cases of bleeding gums, to treat mouth ulcers and to minimize the symptoms of sore throats in patients.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Fish and Spirals
A friend's thoughtful husband offered to take Zoe for the day yesterday........A day to myself! Fully appreciated and fully enjoyed. When in the evening I went to pick her up she handed me a Mother's Day gift. A rainbow trout that she caught at the lake. She's been talking about wanting to fish and while she and her friends were playing at the lake they wondered over to a man fishing. He gave them each a turn and voila....DInner.
I must admit I have never eaten a fish right out the lake. I have never skinned, cleaned or be-headed a fish! Zoe was so eager to participate in the process that I thought I'd give it a try. An hour or so later fish for dinner!
I have always loved spirals. The Wise Woman Tradition of Herbalism takes place in a spiral. I always seem to be drawn to the spirals all around.....Here are some pictures I gave taken over the past week.
The pink one is looking inside a magolia blossom and the second Korean Fairybells
I must admit I have never eaten a fish right out the lake. I have never skinned, cleaned or be-headed a fish! Zoe was so eager to participate in the process that I thought I'd give it a try. An hour or so later fish for dinner!
I have always loved spirals. The Wise Woman Tradition of Herbalism takes place in a spiral. I always seem to be drawn to the spirals all around.....Here are some pictures I gave taken over the past week.
The pink one is looking inside a magolia blossom and the second Korean Fairybells
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
A Summer of Color (for the Kids)
Join us in exploring colors this summer. Get your kids exploring with their camera noticing the colors that surround us. We'll photograph, paint, craft and read as we explore colors. Weekly I will post crafting ideas that you can do with your children while exploring the theme color of the week and link to books and stories also. I am also accepting submissions of projects, poetry (written by your kids) and suggestions of books for each color. If a project is used it will include a link to your blog. (Please send project idea submissions no later than the week before a color is going to begin)
June 28-July 5 Red
July 6-July 12 Purple
July 13-July 19 Blue
July 20-July 26 Pink
July 27-August 2 Green
August 3-August 9 White
August 10-August 16 Brown
August 17-August 23 Yellow
August 24-August 30 Orange
I will set up a flickr group so that we can see our kids creations......
Here are a couple of books that may help with inspiration
Berry Smudges and Leaf Prints Finding and Making Colors from Nature by Ellen Senisi
Nature Crafts by Joy Williams
Please leave a comment if you intend to play along with a link to your blog if you have one, Thanks.
Friday, April 25, 2008
I love trees!
Some trees are tree house trees, some are thinking-under trees, some are fairy house trees, there are climbig trees, shade trees, drawing trees, hugging trees, meditating upon trees, picnic-ing under trees, animal living in trees, playing hide and seek in trees...huge trees, and barely trees, scrawny trees and glorious trees...
Between Earthday on Tuesday, Arbor day today and the glorious April weather we have been blessed with we are spending lots of time outside.
There are so many ways that you can celebrate and honor trees. Our favorite is to take a tree walk a hike with the intention of finding a favorite tree. When either of us find one often we will stop and spend some time with "her" doing a bark rubbing, tracing/drawing the leaves, photographing, hugging, identifying and finally sitting up against her quietly to see if she has a message for us......often we will end our time together by me reading or telling Zoe a story. Out favorites for our tree walks are nature tales by Thornton Burgess.
There are so many kids books about trees, some fiction and some non. I am drawn to them all......there are the typical early science ones by Gail Gibbons or Bobbie Kalman but here are a few of our favorite with the reasons why!
Fiction:
- The Tree Farmer by Chuck Leavell (Author), Nicholas Cravotta (Author)
- The Old Tree by Ruth Brown: (A fun nature story with a great suprize at the end!)
- An Elm Tree and Three Sisters by Norma Sommerdorf (Author)
- Sarah's Willow by Friedrich Recknagel (Author), Maja Dus (Illustrator)
- Spirit of the Forest: Tree Tales from around the world by Eric Maddern (Author), et al. (Great campfire stories)
Art/Science:
- Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art- by Thomas Locker (Illustrator), Candace Christiansen (Author) (Beautiful Illustrations as we all expect from Thomas Locker)
- The Tree in the Ancient Forest by Carol Reed-Jones (beautiful lyrical story of life around an old-growth fir tree)
Non Fiction:
- Around the Oak by Gerda Muller
- My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America Diane Iverson (Kids sharing about their special tree....somewhat of a field guide)
- A Logs Life by Wendy Pfeffer (Lifecycle of trees)
- Exploring the Forest with Grandforest Tree by Joanne Dennee (Author), Julia Hand (Author), Carolyn Peduzzi (Illustrator) (Great homeschooling book! Like no other)
Guide Books:
- Trees, Leaves & Bark (Take-Along Guide) by Diane Burns
There are so many more....already I am thinking of a few more that I really like but I have to stop.....I'll have to gather up some of my favorite from my adult collection and share a list one of these days!
After a couple of season of doing these tree walks I have found that Zoe notices trees where ever we are, " Oh that would be a great tree house tree" or "look mama that tree needs a hug".
Another way to celebrate Arbor Day is to make tree cards for your special friends and family and include a few seeds and instructions for planting a tree. For a while now I have loved to give seeds and tree planting kits as childrens birthday gifts. I like to choose plants such as giant mamouth pumpkins, fatmama sunflowers or baby carrots as well as all kinds of gourds.
Between Earthday on Tuesday, Arbor day today and the glorious April weather we have been blessed with we are spending lots of time outside.
There are so many ways that you can celebrate and honor trees. Our favorite is to take a tree walk a hike with the intention of finding a favorite tree. When either of us find one often we will stop and spend some time with "her" doing a bark rubbing, tracing/drawing the leaves, photographing, hugging, identifying and finally sitting up against her quietly to see if she has a message for us......often we will end our time together by me reading or telling Zoe a story. Out favorites for our tree walks are nature tales by Thornton Burgess.
There are so many kids books about trees, some fiction and some non. I am drawn to them all......there are the typical early science ones by Gail Gibbons or Bobbie Kalman but here are a few of our favorite with the reasons why!
Fiction:
- The Tree Farmer by Chuck Leavell (Author), Nicholas Cravotta (Author)
- The Old Tree by Ruth Brown: (A fun nature story with a great suprize at the end!)
- An Elm Tree and Three Sisters by Norma Sommerdorf (Author)
- Sarah's Willow by Friedrich Recknagel (Author), Maja Dus (Illustrator)
- Spirit of the Forest: Tree Tales from around the world by Eric Maddern (Author), et al. (Great campfire stories)
Art/Science:
- Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art- by Thomas Locker (Illustrator), Candace Christiansen (Author) (Beautiful Illustrations as we all expect from Thomas Locker)
- The Tree in the Ancient Forest by Carol Reed-Jones (beautiful lyrical story of life around an old-growth fir tree)
Non Fiction:
- Around the Oak by Gerda Muller
- My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America Diane Iverson (Kids sharing about their special tree....somewhat of a field guide)
- A Logs Life by Wendy Pfeffer (Lifecycle of trees)
- Exploring the Forest with Grandforest Tree by Joanne Dennee (Author), Julia Hand (Author), Carolyn Peduzzi (Illustrator) (Great homeschooling book! Like no other)
Guide Books:
- Trees, Leaves & Bark (Take-Along Guide) by Diane Burns
There are so many more....already I am thinking of a few more that I really like but I have to stop.....I'll have to gather up some of my favorite from my adult collection and share a list one of these days!
After a couple of season of doing these tree walks I have found that Zoe notices trees where ever we are, " Oh that would be a great tree house tree" or "look mama that tree needs a hug".
Another way to celebrate Arbor Day is to make tree cards for your special friends and family and include a few seeds and instructions for planting a tree. For a while now I have loved to give seeds and tree planting kits as childrens birthday gifts. I like to choose plants such as giant mamouth pumpkins, fatmama sunflowers or baby carrots as well as all kinds of gourds.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A tuesday apprenticeship in photos
Happy Earthday everyone!
Week 1
April 22 2008
75 degrees Sunny
Bloodroot
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Blazing Star Herbal School beginner herbal apprenticeship founded by Gail Ulrich in 1983. To celebrate I will be posting photos from every class this year.
Week 1
April 22 2008
75 degrees Sunny
BloodrootToday marks the 25th anniversary of Blazing Star Herbal School beginner herbal apprenticeship founded by Gail Ulrich in 1983. To celebrate I will be posting photos from every class this year.
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