GENEALOGY MADNESS!

I have been immersed in genealogical research for the past few weeks -- no, I was not raptured up. So intent on getting my family tree finished for the big presentation next week for the third grade immigration project! I will be sharing some tips on how to use the internet to find long lost relatives and research family history. With my own family investigation over the last few months, I have discovered and connected several important answers to the puzzle of one missing family - the Garnhams. I was able to trace them through the census, UK village records and the most important document - the family will!

TOMATO POTATO

I came across a fun magazine illustration that I had done years ago. Working from a photo that was given to me from the art director, I rendered the plant as they wanted me to. I never really saw an actual Tomato-Potato Plant, but I think of it every year when I go to get my new crop of tomato plants. Today grandson Chris and I picked out heirloom, cherry and plum tomatos and planted them inside of the bamboo obelisks that we had made. Now we just have to wait until August!

A THOUGHT...

In Buddhism, we are taught to regard all sentient beings as having been our mother at one time or another. Imagining this helps us to develop compassion and kindness towards others.

SENSATIONAL COLOR!

Here is the recipe for Violet Jelly, it is perfect for Mother's Day. The two cups of boiling water are poured over the violets and put into the frig for 24 hours. Then the violets are strained and the infusion left for jelly making.

VIOLET JELLY

2 Heaping cups of fresh violet petals
2 Cups of boiling water
1/4 Cup strained lemon juice
4 Cups of sugar
3 oz. of liquid pectin

As soon as the lemon juice is added to the violet infusion - VOILA! a magnificent color is created!

VIOLET HARVESTIME

There is a profusion of violets this Spring. Lots of thought on how to showcase them, in ice cubes, candied, and of course, violet jelly!

SEASCAPE