I think I need to find a course on foraging...

Monday, June 06, 2011

I am game and I will try anything once. Once of my favorite thing about traveling is trying their local cuisines and trust me some countries eat totally different from what we eat in the United States. Today as I was weeding my garden area I came across some wild onions and then I thought hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Can I eat these? They smell good. I goggled and it says yes but it also says you need to make sure it is exactly what you think it is or it may be poisonous. If you have been reading my blogs you know my luck is almost non existent. Me thinks I will not be eating these.


Wild Onions


There is so many different things in nature you can eat which is why I am thinking about a foraging course if one exists in NJ. I love cardone which is also known as burdock in the US. I did a blog on this a month or so ago. My Grandmother used to pick it wild by the roadside and she got everyone including complete strangers who saw her picking it hooked on it. Here is that link:

www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
urnal_individual.asp?blog_id=4223971


I love fiddle head ferns. They are so expensive in the grocery store but free in the woods. Here is the blog I did on that one:


www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
urnal_individual.asp?blog_id=3090030

I love mushrooms but I definitely will stick to the kind I buy in the grocery store or Farmer's Market. I just know I would poison myself if I went foraging on my own. There are so many different greens in the woods you can eat like lambs quarters (blogged on that too), miner's lettuce, stinging nettles, purslane, and the list goes on and on.


Bet you did not think you could eat these.

Cattails

You can. I read an article by Sergi Boutenko. Here is video I found for you where he speaks about it. For Real - not kidding! In fact I saw this a few years back when I was researching Raw Food. It kind of really got me interested in Raw Food because that was what our ancestors ate. They taste like cucumbers. Cattails also have healing properties as antiseptics for the skin.

www.radiopaniekzaaierwebradio.com/vi
deo/stalking-wild-greens-the-cattail_0
7:00__fjwh4ghZx3A.html

Keep tuned in even though it gets silly with a dream sequence with a mermaid. Hey at least he trys to keep it interesting.

I think a foraging course would be fun and very educational. Sometimes you have to think outside the box and expand your horizons. Try a new food is always fun.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EWEINHISPASTURE 6/7/2011 5:44PM

I also have often wondered about wild onions, especially since they are so abundant in my yard and I am always pulling them out, and other wild things...we also have a lot of wild strawberries which are kind of tasteless. Interesting Yvonne, I would love to read more about this. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY728 6/7/2011 12:38PM

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DEFIANTVEGAN 6/7/2011 11:41AM

Love this blog so informative and who would have thought you can eat Cattails. Although I probably would never try them, I can only imagine how expensive they would be. My Honey's Daughters live in Oregon and they went hunting for wild mushrooms I thought that was real cool, I would love to do that someday. Comment edited on: 6/7/2011 11:42:42 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

4A-HEALTHY-BMI 6/7/2011 11:27AM

Even if you can't find a foraging class, you could start with these books and links... Maybe some of them are even in your local library? http://www.amazon.c om/Edible-Wild-Plants-Foods-Adv enture/dp/1423601505?tag=manifo lds-20 http://www.amazon .com/Natures-Garden-Identifying -Harvesting-Preparing/dp/097662 6616?tag=manifolds-20 ht tp://www.amazon.com/Foragers-Ha rvest-Identifying-Harvesting-Pr eparing/dp/0976626608?tag=manif olds-20 http://www.wiseb read.com/free-food-in-your-yard -edible-weeds http://fru galliving.about.com/od/eatforfr ee/tp/Edible_Weeds.htm h ttp://www.organic-nature-news.com/edible-weeds.html Have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

DS9KIE 6/7/2011 8:36AM

blog Report Inappropriate Comment

HOWDOIHEARTTHEE 6/7/2011 7:30AM

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NEW-CAZ 6/7/2011 2:40AM

great blog thanks for the information Yvonne Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILAD1963 6/6/2011 10:14PM

I know the Missouri Extension office offers booklets on wild food. You might try your local university to see if they have an extension office. Dandelion greens are edible, and I've had dandelion wine. Polk or poke is like wild greens, but it's too late in the season for them. My favorite is pawpaws, which are kind of like wild bananas, but they are very hard to find. Hickory nuts are also good. Report Inappropriate Comment

L*I*T*A* 6/6/2011 9:51PM

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FUZZYMOTO 6/6/2011 9:51PM

there are many Native American books on this subject. You might think about starting there before you go for the course. Might save some money. Report Inappropriate Comment

NO_SNOW_BODY 6/6/2011 9:24PM

great blog Report Inappropriate Comment

ERIN1957 6/6/2011 8:48PM

I grew up eating most of what you mentioned, and do morels as well. The root of the cattail is what was the native stable, as was their grass (wildrice) where we are from. Yes we have eaten many wild onions and other greens. The library holds many wonderful books on these natural edible beauties. Good blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEVORA4 6/6/2011 8:42PM

Isn't funny how we can remember certain things from many years ago but not what was eaten by us a few days ago? When my brother had his tonsils out (years and years ago) my grandmother went into nearby woods and brought out certain grasses and whatever and made a herbal medicine for David, My Aunt Rose and mother laughed at her and said,"Ma, this isn't Russia, but the USA and we have pharmaceutical medicines today!" I recall how hurt my grandmother looked. Wouldn't she be shocked that the pendulum has gone the other way! I am afraid that your idea about foraging is Gone with the wind, A lost art of a few generations ago. Perhaps the folks of the Ozark region know it. I would gladly do such a course too! Report Inappropriate Comment

TJHIERS 6/6/2011 8:24PM

good information,... but i think i'll stick to the farmers market or the grocery store, just not my kind of eating ! good blog for those who like foraging though ! Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSNANA 6/6/2011 8:16PM

We have wild onions in our backyard too. My husband picked a few of them and we tried them. Strong onion flavor! I snipped a few of the green tops into eggs, and they are so stiff, felt like they were scratching my thoat when I swallowed! No more wild onions for us! I would rather grow my own green onions this summer! Interesting blog! I enjoy your blogs! ~hugs~ Nancy PS: I LOVE watermelon too! I got some from Georgia last week, best watermelon I have ever had!! Report Inappropriate Comment

COOKIENRUSTY 6/6/2011 7:14PM

I live in new jersey too--Middletown exactly and we have these onions here also and my husband eats them all the time--its so funny that your talking about these. Report Inappropriate Comment

WISEDUP1 6/6/2011 6:38PM

I didn't know about cattails being edible. Interesting! I took a Mycology class that allowed us to go forage then return with what we found to identify (and to eat a few too. ) Most you can eat. just not too many! Happy foraging! Report Inappropriate Comment

Maybe this will give you a different perspective on veggies (funny)

Sunday, June 05, 2011

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIYTcd63Kik

I told you I was bored! I did find this quite amusing though!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SPARKLEIIGHGAL 6/8/2011 5:52PM

Funny. Report Inappropriate Comment

DS9KIE 6/7/2011 5:50PM

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TEDYBEAR2838 6/6/2011 7:57AM

Thanks for the smiles so early this AM Report Inappropriate Comment

ROSAMARCELLE 6/6/2011 7:36AM

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L*I*T*A* 6/6/2011 12:46AM

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WILLOW49 6/5/2011 11:33PM

Very cute! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY728 6/5/2011 9:32PM

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MAGA99 6/5/2011 8:53PM

cute Report Inappropriate Comment

FUZZYMOTO 6/5/2011 3:35PM

Good one. Though I prefer the unprocessed oranges better. And a large glass of water. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 6/5/2011 2:59PM

Too much time on your hands Yvonne Great clip Report Inappropriate Comment

BIBLIOMANE1970 6/5/2011 2:13PM

Veggies! Report Inappropriate Comment

-JUDITH- 6/5/2011 2:07PM

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DAWNWATERWOMAN 6/5/2011 1:58PM

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LAMARY9 6/5/2011 1:49PM

Sooo Cute. Thanks. Report Inappropriate Comment

CJYOUCANDOIT 6/5/2011 1:44PM

This was really cute. :-)! Report Inappropriate Comment

WISEDUP1 6/5/2011 1:38PM

Love it. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

Question to ponder...

Saturday, June 04, 2011

You do not necessarily need to answer here, just think about it in private if you like. Share if you think it will help others or just answer to answer. You choose.


Is your journey here on Spark People your steering wheel or spare tire?


*******************************
In case any one else doesn't understand the question; is your journey here on Spark People foremost in your thoughts, do you always strive to do better and eat and live healthier? Or is your health just an after thought and you pull it out only when you need it or it suits you?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEFIANTVEGAN 6/6/2011 2:54PM

I'm definitely in the driver seat but right now due to my leg I wish I was on the passenger seat and able to reap the benefits of seeing my muscles grow if someone else was doing it...... Ok now that I'm awake from some crazy dream.. LOL Definitely I have to get back into it as much as I am allowed considering my knee injury.. Thanks for the kick in the butt I can still do other exercises so tonight I have to check out my yoga and pilates exercises and see what I can and cannot do. Thank for being my friend and kicking me ever so softly.. Report Inappropriate Comment

LOOZINITNOW 6/5/2011 5:54PM

Wow!!!! Thanks for the wake up call that I really needed! Report Inappropriate Comment

BE-THE-CHANGE 6/5/2011 3:08PM

Back in the drivers' seat! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY728 6/5/2011 1:53PM

Steering wheel Report Inappropriate Comment

REDSHOES2011 6/5/2011 3:15AM

I am definitely in the drivers seat! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 6/5/2011 3:02AM

Def steering wheel. After years of neglect..not to mention ill health (dystonia- couldn't walk barely 100 yards without being in pain) I had an operation and found SP purely by accident looking for a cheep weight loss site. Since then I've not looked back- except to notice how far I've come. I MATTER now! My health MATTERS! My fitness MATTERS! and fueling my body with good foods MATTERS! I have "steered" my body to good health and I intend keeping it! Thanks for the blog Yvonne, it made me stop and think! Report Inappropriate Comment

TIGSCHEF1 6/5/2011 1:57AM

Wow...I've been pondering this question most of the day. I would love to say yes this is my steering wheel & my health is foremost in my priorities. Your question has made me realize that I've been standing outside "the car", walking all around "the car", reading all about "the car", talking about how much I want "the car." Now is the time to actually get in the car & grab this steering wheel & go. Thanks for the kick. Report Inappropriate Comment

PILOTJESS 6/4/2011 10:05PM

I would like to think that I am in a transition from only thinking about my health occasionally to putting it near the forefront of my mind. I have been much more conscious of what I eat, and in what quantities, that before I was using SP. I am more diligent about drinking water as a primary choice. A huge part of making sure that I exercise (at least until I am in the habit) is to be on a team, in a challenge, and being responsible for pulling my weight (pun intended) to meet that challenge. However, I think that until I read your post, I had not consciously thought about where SP was in my priorities. Thank you for making me think...again! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEDYBEAR2838 6/4/2011 9:13PM

OH, My Gosh! It's definitely in the forefront of my brain, what there is of it. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANATASHIKI 6/4/2011 9:00PM

I'm just like Kelly , I don't need spark for eating or moving and I am VERY healthy , always was , no matter weight. I'm here because of the people. and the answer is yes , my health is top priority always. can't say I 'm great with my sanity these days though Report Inappropriate Comment

SEASONS_CHANGE 6/4/2011 8:07PM

Health and fitness wise, it's a plethora of information, however, it's the people. People like you who keep me hooked and motivated. I love reading other's achievements, ideas and being others number 1 fan. After all, we're all in this together, right? Love ya kiddo Report Inappropriate Comment

FUZZYMOTO 6/4/2011 7:37PM

SP is part of my reinventing my life in a better way. Healthy living is one of my stepping stones to live a full and happy life. I have many other stepping stones I am working on placing firmly in my path, but SP is and has been the best one as of yet. I don't always step on it but I do strive to almost every day. I also believe that Sp is helping me learn how to get the other stones in place firmly. (thanks to Chris). Hope that is what you were asking for. Report Inappropriate Comment

BREWMASTERBILL 6/4/2011 7:01PM

Oh, OK, thanks for the clarification. In that case, SP has been instrumental to me living a healthier more active life. It is definitely at the forefront of my mind. I spend a lot of time on this site. While it is really no longer the site I seek for information, it is the site that launched me on this journey and I won't forget that. I hope that answers the question you're asking. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAWNWATERWOMAN 6/4/2011 6:57PM

WOW.... interesting question & point to ponder. Personally, in the beginning Spark People was my STEERING WHEEL! Lately, I am ashamed to say that I've let being too busy get in the way and far too often I've been using it as my SPARE TIRE! I've been regrouping a LOT in my life this week. I've made some very serious decisions in my personal, private, spiritual, AND my Spark life. I hope that we can get the time to really TALK about them sometime. But, for now, it is my commitment to make Spark People my STEERING WHEEL from here on out! Thanks for asking the hard questions! Love ya, Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment

BREWMASTERBILL 6/4/2011 6:36PM

I don't understand the question. Report Inappropriate Comment

With pain there is gain!

Friday, June 03, 2011

I was literally afraid to wake up this morning to see how my shoulder/arm would feel. I hurt so bad last night. The MRI I had yesterday really did me in. I was in constant pain yesterday no matter what position I put my arm in. Iced my shoulder yet again right before bed and took a pain pill so I could fall asleep.

Woke up, no pain! Went to therapy, minimal pain! Talked with the therapist about it and although it was not a smart thing to do by having my arm in that position for 40 minutes during the test yesterday it must have given my arm a really good stretch (although a painful one). Thank God it panned out that way because I really had visions of having to go back to the doctor. I guess maybe it was worth all of that pain because my range of motion and strength is really like night and day today.

We also talked about the dilemma I seem to be having cutting things with a knife. I make a lot of salads and twice this week I cut my thumb, the same thumb twice. Both cuts were deep and on opposite sides so my thumb is pretty useless right now because if I touch it, it hurts. The one i did last night was really bad and took a long time to stop bleeding. This morning after i got out of the shower and was combing my hair I saw blood on the floor - big drops. the darned thing opened again but I was able to stop it faster than last night.

I am not going to say I never cut myself, but it is rarely. She told me to make sure I have my right elbow locked at my waist and I should have more control of my shoulder but the surgery should not have any bearing on me cutting myself.

My solution is to use a duller knife. Made 2 salads today and no cuts.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEFIANTVEGAN 6/6/2011 2:50PM

Ugh so sorry twice you cut yourself. Seems like mommy is highly needed. I hope your recovery is quick so you stop cutting yourself it's amazing how much we realize how such a small accident can put us out of commission I will never take my body for granted. I'll keep you in my prayers.. they do have mini tomatoes and some chopped veggies maybe try that or you can just bite into each veggie. LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

WILDLOTUS16 6/5/2011 2:20PM

When it rains it pours.. Sorry Report Inappropriate Comment

STOP-IT-KNOW 6/4/2011 5:49PM

i know what your going through my left shoulder is short need new one but. and i can't take pain pills they would kill me. i hope you get yours worked out soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNYH99 6/4/2011 11:09AM

Good morning, Yvonne. I had rotator cuff surgery over 10 years ago, and the PT and home exercises really made a difference. I'm good now. Best to you in your recovery! As to the cutting, I have cut my left hand several times of late. That's the hand that holds the onion or the carrot. In one case I slipped shaving legs and the cute pink lady razor embedded in the side of my left thumbnail. Painful and scary! It took a couple of weeks to grow out until I could trim it to look normal. I think I'm older than you, having the big six oh in 2 weeks, but some of this strikes me as perception changes with age. I try to be really mindful now, no matter what I'm doing! Sunny Comment edited on: 6/4/2011 11:09:58 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

BE-THE-CHANGE 6/4/2011 4:04AM

Glad your shoulder is feeling better. Perhaps some kind of chopper would be a good idea right now. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAWNWATERWOMAN 6/4/2011 3:20AM

Good grief. You keep having one problem after another. Glad that you're getting a better range of motion, but sorry that it came with such pain. Be careful with that knife! WOW. You're in my thoughts and prayers dear friend. Love, Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 6/4/2011 3:08AM

What a nusiance for you Yvonne! I feel for you. However...word to the wise, a blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one- it can slip and cut far more easily. Don't be in a rush to prep your food and make sure you don't tire that shoulder and don't have any distractions Take care hun Report Inappropriate Comment

DS9KIE 6/3/2011 11:36PM

you need my chopper http://www.walmart.c om/ip/Progressive-Fruit-and-Veg etable-Chopper/10097012 Its the best way to chop veggies Report Inappropriate Comment

NO_SNOW_BODY 6/3/2011 11:14PM

Glad your range of motion is better, careful with those cuts, you ahve enough to deal with. Report Inappropriate Comment

WISEDUP1 6/3/2011 10:07PM

Glad to hear that you had a good stretch! Maybe hire a neighbor to come over and slice some food for you? That way you can have it ready to toss and eat? Report Inappropriate Comment

PILOTJESS 6/3/2011 10:00PM

Not sure what you're cutting, but if slicing vege's have you thought about a mandolin slicer? There's a guard on it so that you have less chance of cutting your self....altho I've still managed it w/ potatoes, so it's not fool proof! Report Inappropriate Comment

L*I*T*A* 6/3/2011 9:41PM

i agree but the pre cut one till you have recovered further..... take care....have a restful weekend.... blessings and hugs............lita Report Inappropriate Comment

PATTILYNN224 6/3/2011 9:20PM

Glad you've had a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEDYBEAR2838 6/3/2011 9:09PM

You sure got to be careful when cutting things. I'm so glad the arm is feeling better with better range of motion. That happens a lot and I'm glad, even though painful, that it made it feel better. Report Inappropriate Comment

JONICACALDWELL 6/3/2011 9:00PM

Please, for sake of your thumb buy precut veggies. Report Inappropriate Comment

FUZZYMOTO 6/3/2011 8:36PM

I have to really agree with olderandrt. Dull knives cause major injuries. Please put the non sharp knives down now. Take it from some one that has scars all over my hands from using the wrong tool because I was being too lazy to get the right one. And dull knives are always the wrong tool. If your cutting yourself try slowing down with what your doing. The muscles your using probably are just a little unsteady and that is what is causing the issue. Take more breaks whale your preparing your meals so that you don't fatigue your shoulder too much and have a more likely chance of slipping while preparing your food. Please take care of yourself. I really like reading your blog and if you get your hands all bandaged up I will not see you posts for a while and I will be sad. (I know very self serving but the truth). Report Inappropriate Comment

OLDERDANDRT 6/3/2011 7:59PM

But please remember a dull knife is MORE likely to cause cuts and injuries b/c you wind up having to use more force to get the cut started then it suddenly rips and God help you if a limb is in the way!!! I'm sorry you already cut yourself twice, but the knife was not at fault those times. Please be careful... Eat softer food that doesn't take so much to cut Report Inappropriate Comment

One step closer to Memory Study

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Today I received the approval from the pharmaceutical company that is sponsoring the Memory Study to get an open MRI. An open MRI is not as accurate as a closed MRI. We tried to do a closed MRI earlier this week but it was too painful for my shoulder. Surgery was only on April 19th.

I am in lots of pain anyways because the position I was in even though they tried using bolsters under my shoulder helped a little but my shoulder/arm was stuck in that position for almost 40 mins. Took a pain pill and iced when I got home but it really hasn't taken the pain away. Hope I did not do something. Hoping my shoulder is just screaming at me in pain because of the position it was in for so long.

Results should come back in by Friday and I am hoping they are OK. I am hoping the MRI was able to show the minute detail they need for the study. I don't even want to think about redoing this over again. I didn't freak out like before surgery when I had the MRI for the surgery because this time I kept my eyes shut.

I am hoping I can chop up my veggies for a dinner salad. Right now it hurts just to move it. Hoping when I wake up tomorrow the shoulder has calmed down. If not I will see if I messed it up when I go to physical therapy tomorrow. Cross your fingers for me.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEBBIEANNE1124 6/3/2011 4:48PM

I sure hope you're feeling better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

L*I*T*A* 6/3/2011 1:11PM

hope it all works out as planned.... blessings and hugs............lita Report Inappropriate Comment

SECRETMUSIC 6/3/2011 8:58AM

Fingers crossed! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 6/3/2011 6:25AM

Hope all goes well Yvonne get better soon hun Report Inappropriate Comment

HOWDOIHEARTTHEE 6/3/2011 3:11AM

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DAWNWATERWOMAN 6/3/2011 12:20AM

I'm sorry that you're having to deal with so much pain & trauma drama. I hope that the you didn't do any more damage to your shoulder. You're in my thoughts and prayers dear friend. Love, Dawn Report Inappropriate Comment

BE-THE-CHANGE 6/2/2011 10:43PM

Feel better! Report Inappropriate Comment

PAPPHEM 6/2/2011 10:33PM

MRI's are never comfortable, sorry! Report Inappropriate Comment

WISEDUP1 6/2/2011 9:54PM

That MRI better be worth the pain that you are in! I hope that all works out for you sweetie~! Keep icing! Praying that you sleep well and feel good tomorrow! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEVORA4 6/2/2011 9:47PM

you are continually in my prayers, about so much pain, Report Inappropriate Comment

FUZZYMOTO 6/2/2011 8:01PM

feel better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

COOKIENRUSTY 6/2/2011 7:44PM

hope u feel better soon Report Inappropriate Comment

DYNAMICDEB53 6/2/2011 7:16PM

Yvonne, I do hope in the morning you are feeling better. Take care and hope the results will also help you to really be getting better. Thanks too for the comment. Yes I am feeling down but in reality there are more good things happening and the time will come when this stubborn body lets go of these pounds as long I stick with it. I do appreciate the nice kick it was needed. Hugs gently Deb Report Inappropriate Comment

TEDYBEAR2838 6/2/2011 7:14PM

I am praying the pain goes away BEFORE you go to bed, so you can get a good nights sleep. I am sure it will calm down, just take it easy and maybe NOT cut those veggies. that can only aggravate it. take care. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY728 6/2/2011 6:15PM

Hoping all goes well. YOu knoW I am rooting fot you! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEFIANTVEGAN 6/2/2011 6:12PM

Ugh so sorry to hear that.. I'll definitely keep you in my prayers... What an annoying experience you had. and keep your away from any pulling, picking, chopping and handling as possible. Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIEK1991 6/2/2011 6:04PM

I had surgery on my ankle on April 4 to separate two fused bones (They also sucked out a lot of fluid and had to shave away some abnormal bone growths.) It stinks to have surgery in the first place, but it stinks worse when you're trying to lose weight - kinda sends you to a temporary standstill (at least it did for me anyways). I hope your shoulder starts feeling better soon! - Katie K. Report Inappropriate Comment