Yummy Stinging Nettle

Yep, you read it correctly. Stinging nettle is yummy. And it doesn't sting when cooked.

You see, since trading houses, I have a lot more land to take care of while also finding various plants on my land. I was aware of the stinging nettle growing on my property and I didn't want to eradicate it. As many of you are aware, the plant stings. The sting will last several minutes, but I find it to be quite painful. I didn't want to eradicate the plant because I read that it was a favorite to beneficial insects (e.g. certain butterflies).

Also, last summer, I came across several websites and blogs stating that stinging nettle is edible. Since stumbling on these websites and blogs, I've been wanting to try stinging nettle as a dish. It was only today that I got the nerve to give it a try. I collected some nettle (use gloves to avoid the sting), rinsed and took off the leaves off from the stem, and blanched the leaves in hot water. I then pan fried the blanched leaves in olive oil. I ate it with rice and hot pepper. It was yummy. It really reminded me of the vegetables that my mom cooked for us to eat when I was living with her. In particular, it reminded me of pan fried pumpkin leaves (my siblings know exactly what I'm talking about). Apparently, cooked nettle has a lot of vitamins and nutrients (see thttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinging_nettle). I'm just excited that I have a lot of "free" food in my yard, ready for the picking.

I would recommend that you try some if any is made available to you. Of course, I would recommend that you find out what kind of environment your nettle grew in before you consume it. For example, I think I'm the only person on my street that doesn't spray insecticide or pesticide on my grass, in my yard, or near my property. The stinging nettle grows "wild" on my property, so I think it's pretty safe to eat. Anyhow, if you're ever in my neck of the woods and want to try stinging nettle, just come and visit me.

Rain is Better Than Snow, Right?

It has been a very rainy weekend and I've only been able to put in a little amount of time into my gardening. Yesterday I went to numerous garden centers to purchase plants and mulch. There were so many plants that I wish I was able to buy, but I don't have enough space that has a lot of sunlight.

Today, I purchased more mulch and several tools to do yardwork. Can you believe that I am a proud owner of a chainsaw and a weed-wacker? Well, I am. Despite the rain, I was able to weed a patch of my garden (in the rain) and spread a bit of mulch over that area. I have a tree that needs to be planted, but more on that later. I've since gotten out of the rain so hopefully that tree will last one more day in the box. It's also supposed to rain tomorrow too, so I'll see if I can go ahead and plant that tree in the rain tomorrow after work. I hope to write a post on my new tree.

The Calm Before the Storm

[Taken on May 10, 2011 in Cambridge, MN,
right before severe thunderstorms struck and tornado warnings were issued.]

Photography (AGAIN)

When it comes to photography, I'm only a hobbyist and nothing more. I love taking pictures, but I just don't make enough time for it. As of late, I haven't been taking enough pictures with my old dSLR (digital single lens) camera. Earlier this year (in January to be more specific) I took my camera home, shot some awesome photos of my family, but then all of my pictures became corroded. After reading several articles on the internet, in trying to narrow down what caused the corrosion, it appears that my camera may be the cause of it or it may just be the memory card. To make the long story short, if it's my camera, then I have to get a new camera. If it's just the memory card, then I need to only buy new memory cards.

I recently purchased a new memory card, so I will test it out today. Lets hope that it's the memory card and not the camera. Also, the pictures I've been posting as of late were taken with my phone camera. The pictures' quality aren't too bad, but definately leaves a lot to be desired. Anyhow, I hope to be posting some more pictures.

Embracing My Femininity

Those who know me really well, already know that I'm pretty laid back and have a blase attitude about my appearance. I love being all natural and not wearing any make up or perfume. I love having a simple enough haircut that doesn't require me to blow dry and style it all the time. In other words, I love having "wash and go" hair. I love to wear jeans, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. I love clogs, sneakers, and sandals. I didn't own any stilettos for most of my life and I really didn't own a dress, just for the sake of owning a dress (there had to be an occasion for me to purchase the dress in the first place).

Yet, recently a friend and I have decided that we were going to embrace our femininity. I know there's a whole debate in the academic world, specifically women studies, as to what constitutes femininity. Putting that aside, I will say that for myself, I have defined "embracing my femininity" as embracing methods, habits, and ways that most mainstream women share. For example, I am learning to put on my own make-up. Considering my age, many tweens and teens are experts compared to me because I do not know how to put on eyeshadow or even pick out a proper liquid foundation (that's why I've chosen to use mineral make-up as my foundation). I was also told recently that I needed to learn to walk in stiletto heels (which is probably true). Anyhow, these are just some examples. I won't bore you anymore, but I am going to try my best.

What an Easter Sunday

Happy Easter to all of those celebrating the holiday.

Today's such a beautiful day outside. It has been rainy/sleeting/snowy that last two weeks and I'm just excited to see the sun out. I can't wait for warmer days.

Spring Twilight

[Como Lake, Saint Paul, MN]

911 Emergency

I don't think I have ever called 911 to report an emergency. With the advent of cell phones, it's not a surprise that I had to call 911 two days ago.

Just this past Thursday, I took the bus after work to meet my brothers at the laundromat. While on the bus, I was playing sudoku on my phone. I started hearing gasps and several women stating, "Oh my gosh." I looked up just in time to see an SUV hit a van. The impact was so great that the van flipped right over onto its roof. The other bus riders were already commenting on how the van, as it landed, nearly missed a biker on the sidewalk.

I stopped playing sudoku, got out of the game, and called 911. I'm sure there may have been others who already called, but just in case there weren't, I wanted to report it. My conversation was brief and the operator was quite helpful. He informed me that help was already on its way.

As I hung up, the bus was abuzz with talk about the accident. From what I gathered, the van ran the red light and crossed into the intersection. The bus driver saw that the van, which going north while the bus and SUV were going east, was running the red light and opted not to go forward. She stated that had she gone forward, it would have been the bus (and not the SUV) crashing into the van. For whatever reason, she said, the SUV did not wait like she did (yes, even though the bus and SUV had the right of way).

I guess there is always a first time for everything, including making a 911 emergency call. Of course, it helps to have a charged working cell phone on hand when the emergency occurs.

Creative Juices

Lately I feel a lot like myself again. The anticipaton of spring and the passage of time have helped me so much. Of course, I've also changed for the better (e.g. wanting to clean all the time), and something is stirring inside of me, ready to start living again, to be active and ready to try new things.

I've found the enjoyment of books again, having read for pleasure four novels in about a month' period. I want to start cooking and baking again. And I want to get creative again. I've been telling myself that I want to take up painting, and I think I will this year. I'll even try to stretch and prime my own canvas to paint on. I also told myself that I would run a 10k this year (just need to keep training some more).

Right now I feel as if I'm up for anything that comes my way. I'll try and keep you posted.

Signs of Spring

[Taken March 28, 2010, Minneapolis, MN.]