Picking Out a Good Watermelon--A True Challenge!

Picking out a good watermelon can be a crapshoot!  I bought one the other day that fit all the criteria to about 90%.  It was sooo good.  These photos, however, are NOT of that melon, but the closer you can meet the following criteria, the better chance you have of a good one with pleasing texture and flavor.  

SHAPE:  

• Is the melon misshapen or well formed

Exterior:  

• If it is a striped variety, are the stripes fairly evenly distributed? 

• Does the exterior have a fresh and firm appearance or a wrinkled state? 

• Are there any soft spots--avoid those. 

• You may find small spots of what looks like dried syrup which are called "sugar spots". Often a sign of sweetness, but not necessarily of flavor or texture.

• Minor blemishes and scratches do not generally affect the quality.

• Seedless varieties are often less flavorful.

• Yellow spots or a yellow tinge to the green can mean the melon stayed too long in the field and might be sunburned or that it is past the prime.  (You might find a slimey or grainy interior even if flavor and sweetness is good.)

THE "BELLY":  That portion of the watermelon that was on the ground and didn't get the sun. 

This pic should appear a little more yellow

• A good smooth and creamy yellow will be preferred to a very yellow.  Too much white or a green tinge will often prove an melon that hasn't developed it's sweetness or color.  In the picture (which doesn't show the degree of yellowness that was there) the blemishes aren't that important. Though there could be some yellowing and brown spotting in the interior white section of the rind, doesn't usually affect the flavor too much.

WEIGHT: 

• A melon should feel heavier than it looks. You are looking for weight due to "water weight".  More weight, all other things considered, should be nice and juicy.

 THE WATERMELON "TAP", "PAT", OR "THUMP": 

• You may have seen crazy people (like me) patting or thumping melons.  This takes practice. You are feeling and listening for a reverberation and a heavy sound.  If the flesh is firm and the juice is full, there is a peculiarly distinct feel and sound.  When you can identify that (all other considerations being good) when you cut into the melon it will often split on it's own.  THAT is very often a GOOD sign. 

 I knew when I bought the watermelon pictured here that the reverberation did not match what I wanted, but was the only one I could find that was near what I wanted.  I also noted that it was a bit too "yellow", but all the melons were like this or worse. It did have a good shape, good weight, and a fresh "skin" with evenly distributed stripes. 

Hopefully, this will help you pick out a good melon.  Also, a good judgement of what will be inside a melon is to have a look at some of the pre-cut melons.  If they all seem to be mushy, grainy, or not red enough...that is probably what yours will look like too. 

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Squash Bug An Organic "Control"?

A starter kit for capturing the Squash Bugs

I went to water the acorn squash bed and found my plants faltering one morning.  I thought at first that our dramatic heat was taking a toll.  I watered a little extra and didn't think about it. My husband watered the next couple of days, and I hadn't checked on them, nor had I thought to ask about them. (Out of sight--out of mind, I guess)

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The next morning I took my turn at watering and (to my horror) I saw the plants looking as if they were dying.  A closer examination and I found all kinds of creepy creatures all over the leaves, especially the underside of the leaf. 

The bodies actually appear "bluish", though the camera picked it up as green

I cannot tolerate most insecticides and I value organic gardening and farming, so I knew chemical bug control was out.  I had heard that often gardeners will just pull up their plants and bag and throw the plants away, or if locally legal, they consume them on a big fire.  I didn't want to throw the towel in without a fight.  I grabbed my Smart Phone and read quite a few articles about the problem and watched a few video remedies.  Not much help there, though I did see two amusing things to try.  Duct Tape and a small hand vac.  My only small vac operates in the car, so that option was out for the moment. (Although, it actually seems like a viable thing to try...if it doesn't make you feel too foolish to vacuum plants in front of the neighbors!)

Although most people who tried Castile soap and water in a spray bottle said that their mixtures almost always stopped the pests in their tracks, my trial with that ended in failure.  Some substituted Palmolive or Dawn dish soap, but not sure that is "organic", though a better choice (to me) than insecticides.  That left the "hand pick the adults and cut away the portion of the leaf with the eggs on them" remedy...and the duct tape.  Since I had hands, and a knife, and duct tape and a little time...I thought I would give it a whirl.

use a small knife to cut out only the portion of the leaf affected with eggs

 

eggs may vary in color and shape

To my happy surprise, it was quite easy to capture a whole batch of small squash bugs with one press against them.  You can also press the duct tape against an egg clutch, but you tear the leaf.  Cutting those out with a knife seemed to harm the plant less. The adult (creepy looking stink bugs) can be knocked into a cup of soapy water, using brave fingers or edge of the knife.  I didn't have any of them escape the soapy water. (I used Palmolive, don't believe it really makes a difference for that.)         

Just knocking the adults into the soapy water killed them quickly

This won't be an overnight cure, and I'm not sure it is a cure.  I will certainly have to keep up with this every day for a while.  The adults were hiding at the base of the plants and hard to get to without harming the plant itself.

throw away or burn the waste

Clean out old leaves and the pieces of leaves with the eggs on them, along with the pieces of duct tape and all the "buggy" stuff.  Place it in the trash.  I used an old coffee can to put the debris in...make sure you put the lid on.  I may  have to eventually give up a battle hard won, but I am not bested yet. 

Keeping the acorn squash "safe" might also protect the yellow crookneck squash in another bed, as well as, the muskmelons and the tomatoes.  There is no infestation there at this point.  When planting, though, next year I intend to do further research on this problem, and try more companion planting.  Some suggest that nasturtiums, petunias, garlic, radishes, and marigolds may be helpful to deter the little pests.  Though, nothing is foolproof and the exact variation of the pest could make a difference too.

Save the yellow squash!

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Qick and Easy "healthier" version of Ramen Noodles

A "healthier" version of "ramen-style noodles"

I am always looking for "healthy" or at least "healthier" versions of some of the common dishes we like.

Using the Annie Chun brown rice noodle you get whole grain brown rice and no gluten.  The box of noodles will be at least 4 servings, which you can divide before using.  You can use any broth that you please, but I chose the Trader Joe's chicken broth because it has reduced sodium, comes in a liquid packet, and tastes pretty good. 

The brown rice noodles can be added to the broth as you begin to cook.  It takes very little time to hydrate the noodles...if they are not quite done, pull off the fire and let them sit a little.  The noodles are quite fine...meaning very thin.  If you want a thicker noodle, not so quick to cook, you can use the pad thai noodles.  I think you need to soak those first, though. 

As always, I am not paid by any company or product I recommend, all my recommendations are based solely on my own opinion and experiences. 
 

Vegetarian Fed Free Range Happy Egg

Great Day Farms Omega-3 Eggs

 



Comparing Eggs...can you taste the difference?

I am "big" on eggs.  Love them.  Think they are great for most diets, and are very inexpensive...even the most expensive are still are great value.

I admit, I tend to purchase the medium-priced range.  Not the least expensive and not the most.  I do try to get the biggest bang for my buck though.

I have always wondered if I could "taste" the difference between the "cheap" eggs and the ones you might feel like taking out a food loan for.  

My taste test wasn't blind...so not very scientific.

You could definitely SEE the difference in the eggs, though.

On the left is an egg from a TEN egg carton of eggs.  The right is an Omega-3 egg.

Notice the yolks first...and I highly recommend eating the yolks, since that is where most of the nutrition in contained...and it tastes good.  

• The yolk on the left is a bit larger and a little lighter in color than the one of the right. 
• The white on the left, the first layer, is larger and less well formed.  The white on the right is well contained and stands higher. 
• The second layer of the white, is all over the place on the left, and not that much better on the right.  I was taught in high school that a good fresh egg should have well defined layers. Both these eggs seem fairly good. Whites are a little more "runny" than I care for but acceptable.

 Now for the taste test...and I know, the eggs both look terrible...my bad. I generally use an iron skillet to fry eggs, and I had the heat too high for the pan...

(L) Happy Egg           (R) Great Day Farm Omega-3

 I was expecting the Omega-3 by Great Day Farms to taste the best.  They are the eggs I purchase most often, and generally under $3 a dozen.  To my surprise, though, I found The Happy Egg to taste even better. The yolk had a much richer taste. The price was quite a bit higher for fewer eggs.  (Over $4 for 10)  

Overall, I found them both to be acceptable choices.  Depending on your circumstances and availability, (and your personal views of the world and farming practices in general), you might like to do your own taste test.  

It might be fun to do a blind taste test with your friends for a morning brunch get-together.

check out the egg companies websites...and PLEASE, eat the yolks!
 
Please note: I do NOT have any agreements or arrangements with either of these egg companies, and all the opinions are mine. I am not paid by either company, nor any company, for the that matter.
 
 
 
 
 

Christmas Mourning: The practical things (part 1)

It is so hard to believe how many of my friends and family are mourning this Christmas for loved ones lost this year of 2013. I lost my mother. My husband lost his father. All since August of this year.

There is no proper way to grieve.  Some will want to continue the special holiday events and traditions...others will want to postpone...still others may wish to "ignore" the holiday this year as too painful to endure.  No way is right, no way is wrong.

Do what is right for you...even if every one else in the family feels otherwise.  

You can't even go by what you think would make your lost love one the most happiest...if that is not what makes you feel most comfortable.

It is hard, no matter whether you expected it or whether it was a complete surprise and shock. There is really nothing anyone can say that will help, except that they will do what they can to help you.  You must ask them for help if you need and want it, and you must ask for peace and quiet if that is what you need and want.

When little ones are involved, that is a little different. You may need to carry on for them, but you can ask that things be scaled back.

It is a time to be grateful.  It may be a time you feel hurt and angry.  Find someone, a family member or friend or pastor whom you feel comfortable confiding in.

Don't be afraid to use the internet to help you get answers to questions you may have about services or what is expected of you.  We had many questions about basic services like burial or cremation.  There are many sites that will help you understand the processes and what will happen--so you don't need to try to compose yourself to speak with a person on the phone or in person until you have some facts.

A good mortuary will help you make decisions without pressing you to purchase more than you want.  You should always get plenty of certified death certificates. One will be supplied for Government use only, but other places will need one. Some will keep them, though often if you ask that it be returned to you, they can make a photocopy and return the original.  It can take some time to get additional copies, so better to have more than enough, than not enough. You might consider 6-10...I've heard of families ordering at least 15.  They can get expensive...about $20 a piece (in AZ), so think it through. 
 
After the initial shock of the pronouncement you will need to contact a few places...

• Social Security will be one that needs to handled.
• Place of Employment, unions, etc. There may be insurance policies paid through or even by work, so you may not know about them. 401(k) and other accounts. Some businesses allow you to purchase stock in the company...also something to check into.
• bank(s) [The bank we dealt with wouldn't allow the account to be touched for a minimum of 30 days, with a beneficiary listed]
• Insurance(s) Life,Health, and Auto
• Doctors, Dentists, Chiropractors, etc.
• Tax Preparer
• Bills in the descendent's name, and if they lived alone. You may not wish to cancel everything right away, but you may be able to cut out extra things you won't be using like long distance, or cable, etc. It can be surprisingly difficult to make changes to anyone else's accounts if you were not designated in a will or trust. A simple Power of Attorney "expires" upon the death of that person. For us, trying to cancel the cell phone even with the death certificate was near impossible with one company!  [If picking up the mail coming to their home and business is too difficult, you may be able to have all mail to those addresses forwarded to another responsible party. It is not a good idea to just stop the mail, there may be important information and records sent to that address.]
• Members of Church or Synagogue, clubs, etc.
• Veterans Affairs, if applicable.  There may be benefits you are unaware of, check out the website  http://www.va.gov/
• Hairdressers, since the person may have a standing appointment, they need to be notified.
• Magazines and newspapers and subscriptions

Obviously, not a complete list by any means, but there will be many phone calls and in-person meetings...and some places will refuse to speak to you.  

Try to locate their address book(s).  Hopefully they have hard copies and didn't keep everything on their computer or phones, since you may not have access codes.  

Ask friends who have been through this before if they have any helpful ideas or problems they didn't foresee, and how they resolved them.

It is overwhelming, even if you have gone through the process before.  Allow yourself the feelings you are having, and don't judge yourself harshly.  If you are fortunate enough to have had your course laid out for you by your loved one, all the better for you.  If this is out of the blue and all these things are dumped on you, well, that has happened to many of us.  You will survive this, with Love and Patience for yourself and your family members, friends, and those you need to deal with.  Pray and Give Thanks...A LOT!

A TOAST TO GLUHWEIN FROM THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS!

Do you know where you have to go to find one of these mugs?

My Brother and Sister-in-law got me started on these...and luckily, I can find these (occasionally) stateside, rather than in GERMANY!  They brought home one for me from their travels in Germany during the holiday...where there are quite a few Christmas markets that sell every type of Christmas item imaginable.  They are also famous for serving  Glühwein: a type of mulled wine that is served during the holiday season in collectible mugs such as these.  I actually picked up a few at local thrift stores!  To find out more about the markets...there are youtube videos to view...all a little different and all very enjoyable. 

view Christmas Markets 

There are 10 to view on this page...ranging from 1-5 minutes.  Have fun!

 

NOT A JOB...A SOURCE OF INCOME!

Take a different path...

I attended a media conference ( TechPhx ) recently and was chatting with a fellow attendee on the way to our cars.  I said something to her that nearly blew her away.  It wasn't anything I had thought of myself, but it seemed to take her by surprise.

We were discussing "needing a job"...and I turned to her and flatly stated that I didn't want a job, I wanted a source of income or rather provision.  You could see lightbulbs going off in her head.  "Oh," she said,"I never thought about it like that before!  ...but, you're RIGHT!"

We have trained ourselves to think that the only way to provide for ourselves and our family is to get (or make--taking the entrepreneurial route) a JOB...and if we work hard and go to college we will be rewarded with a good job and equally good wages.

Well, Dorothy...we aren't in Kansas anymore.   It is only in the recent past that people thought of having a job and that being their source of income or provision.  

In days gone by, we didn't hold that mind-set, and that mind-set didn't have the accompanying mind-limiting attributions.  

Your "job" was to provide for yourself and your family...and that meant you wore many hats and did many things.  You could provide for yourself by farming and gardening.  Probably both.  Your provision might show up in the form of hunted game or a catch of fish.  Your provision could come from your ability to sew and knit your own clothes.  You might have a few chickens.  Maybe you also grew and ground some wheat and baked your own bread...all without having a "job".

Fortunately, you could sell off your "extra" eggs or chickens, or you might be handy with a needle, or with wood working, or metal-smithing.  All these things might become a source of income--your provision--without you becoming a chicken farmer, or a seamstress, or a wood carver, or a blacksmith.

You could barter things you couldn't do or didn't want to do yourself.  

The trick is to provide for yourself as much as possible, barter or trade what you can't or won't do, and find a few things to sell.  


Suffice it to say that "jobs" tend to enslave us away from  being able to enjoy and live our lives.