Man in the Moon Herbs

The skunks in our neighborhood are moving about quite a bit now. I think they are trying to get that last layer of fat on before hibernating for the winter! While they don't usually create any problems, now and then my dog, Heidi Bear, gets way too curious and ends up getting sprayed. Fortunately, there is a simple remedy to remove the smell. Add a bottle of peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and a few drops of dish washing detergent to a bucket of warm water. Thoroughly bathe then rinse your dog, avoiding getting the mix in the eyes.

Spice filled mug mats and trivets make a thoughtful, fragrant gift. While they are not hard to make it does take a little time if you age your mix properly. The secret to long lasting fragrance in any potpourri type mix is sufficient aging. You can vary the spices and oils in this recipe to suit your own nose. Mug Mat Mix 1 cup of allspice 1 cup of cinnamon chips 1/2 cup of cloves 1 cup of dried orange peel 1/4 cup of star anise 1/4 cup of dried rosemary 1 cup of oak moss or cellulose fiber chips 1/2 teaspoon of orange essential oil 1/4 teaspoon each of clove and cinnamon essential oils Mix the first 6 ingredients and put into a jar with a tight fitting lid. Make sure it is large enough to allow for future mixing by shaking. Place your oak moss or cellulose fixative in a small jar with a lid and add your oils. Shake well and let sit for several days until the oils are fully absorbed. Add to your spice mix, put the cover back on and shake gently to mix. Let age for at least 4 weeks, s

I so totally believe in the ability of nature to provide a cure for all our ills, but have been frustrated with finding that cure for rheumatoid arthritis for over three years now. I have tried gluten- free, night shade-free, gin soaked raisins, accupuncture, accupressure, weight training, visualization, cherry juice, etc, etc. I give! I had my first Humira shot yesterday and I am hoping it will prevent permanant damage to the tendons and joints that are so necessary to create for a living. Wish me luck!- or tell what has worked for you.

I just love to use a nice powder after a shower, but don't want to worry about the effects of talc so I created my own using all natural ingredients. You can vary the herbs and oils used to make your own signature scent. You can find arrowroot powder in the natural foods section of most larger grocery stores or at Jean's Greens . They also carry powder cylinders with a shaker top to package your fragrant creation for gift giving. Lavender Body Powder 1 pound of cornstarch 1 pound of arrowroot powder 2 cups baking soda 1/2 cup ground lavender buds 2 1/2 teaspoons lavender essential oil Mix dry ingredients thoroughly with a whisk. Gradually add essential oil a couple of drops at a time, mixing thoroughly each addition. Put your mixture in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and age at least a week before using to allow the scents to mellow and mingle.

The tradition of milk baths goes back to the time of Cleopatra. This bath is soothing, softening and makes a thoughtful gift. Package in a pretty jar with a muslin bag and directions for use. LAVENDER ROSE MILK BATH 1 cup of powdered milk 1/2 cup of powdered goat milk 1/2 cup of ground lavender 1/4 cup of rose petal powder 1 cup of finely ground oatmeal Thoroughly mix all ingredients and store in an air tight container. To use, place 1/4- 1/3 cup in a muslin bag and hang from the faucet as the tub is filling. You can find the lavender and muslin bags at lavendermim.com

These photos don't even scratch the surface of the wonderful collection of contemporary and traditional artwork at the Iroquois Museum in Cobleskill, NY. It is definitely worth the time to visit if you are ever in the area. If you have children, they have many hands on and outdoor activities to keep them happily occupied. Hope you enjoy this small peek!

We spent a pleasant day at the Iroquois Indian Museum in Cobleskill,NY today. We just missed seeing the dancers but got to hear some great stories and see some beautiful art work and animals. This festival so resonates with that bit of Iroquois DNA in me. While my grandmother knew the Native American portion of our heritage, she was discouraged as a child and young woman to even mention it. In the early 1900's, when she was growing up, it was considered something to ashamed of and she never really got over those early lessons in shame. The real shame is not knowing that part of my history and to be able to pass it on to my son. The birds in these photos are all recovering from injury to hopefully be re-released into the wild. The turtle lives in a little pond inside the museum with other turtles. This one is the largest and seems to be supervising all the others! The opening photo is of a beautiful Red Tailed Hawk with an injured wing. SCREECH OWL NORTHERN HARRIER HORNED OWL Tomor

I was talking with Kalan from Lucky Dog Farm about beneficial insects at the Cooperstown Farmers Market on Saturday and the subject of walking sticks came up. I told him I hadn't seen one yet this year but they usually appear on the back door screen. Well, look who appeared on Sunday morning! This beauty wasn't content to hang out on the screen. He came in to pose on the fridge for me so I could share his magnificence with you!