Visits and Bad Bugs

Science, or para-science, tells us that geraniums bloom better if they are spoken to. But a kind word every now and then is really quite enough. Too much attention, like too much feeding, and weeding and hoeing, inhibits and embarrasses them. ~Victoria Glendinning

So, Michele and I had a wonderful (but too short) visit yesterday. It was incredible how quickly the time flew by. Yes, I took pix, but Michele doesn't like her picture online, so I can't share.

We didn't do much besides talk. We went to lunch and walked the dog and watched the birds on the feeders, and seldom shut our mouths. *G* It was good.

We took a walkabout my yard, and I mentioned to her that my previously healthy squash had died and she suggested it might be the squash vine borer -- which fits the symptoms to a T! I've seen the moth around, but didn't know what it was. Now I do, and it goes on my "kill without regard" list (not many bugs go on that: mosquitoes and black flies, ticks, japanese beetles and red lily beetles are there) AND now I understand why I've been told to keep piling dirt up around the base of the squash plant as it grows -- that is an organic way to keep the plant from dying, even if the borer attacks (sounds like a bad B movie).

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Brandy... I love tomatoes in all forms, so seldom have enough to can, freeze or make sauce. Making sauce can be a pain if you don't have the right equipment (I use a vittorio strainer so I don't have to scald and peel the tomatoes). I do like fresh salsa a LOT, and can eat it as a meal. I even use it as the "dressing" on my salad -- much healthier than regular dressing.

Try this:

3 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup finely diced onion
5 serrano chiles, finely chopped (you can use a can of diced green chile from the store - for more heat, add a jalapeno pepper but DON'T use the seeds!)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
minced fresh garlic to taste (one or two cloves)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lime juice

You'll want it to set for a bit in the fridge before eating it to let all the flavors combine.

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You Are the Innovator

You're the type of person who is always a step ahead of everyone else. You thrive when you're experimenting with new designs, ideas, and attitudes. You are a creative person with many talents. You have to have artistic outlets in your life. You need to create - whether it's writing furiously or redecorating your home. If not, your life becomes chaotic. You tire of doing the same thing every day. You change your job, friends, and personal style often. You are at your best when you have a focus. If not, you develop a flaky artist's temperament.

What Role Do You Play?

Except for that last (because I LOVE routine and "sameness"), that's pretty close!

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