September is a good time to come....past peak busy season. I hope you decide to come to Scotland. I know you will have the best time. The trees are looking lush at the moment. If you do come past my neck of the woods I would love to meet you if you have spare time. Happy mulling. Xx
I've been there three times - once in May, Once in June, and once in October. My friend was going to go in the summer but I convinced her to wait, like you said, past peak busy season. If I come, I will surely look you up, Kirsty. xo
I so love these witchy posts. And I’m starting to recognize some of the weeds in my backyard from you pictures. I let the yard overflow with “crab grass” to the admonished comments by my neighbors. I only have a few dandelions, but this year, my yard was overgrown with creeping Charlie and the purplish flowers are so darn pretty. Any medicinal uses for those?
I had to look up Creeping Charlie and did not know that it's Ground Ivy!! Which I also know very little about so we can learn together. Neighbors be damned! :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRc4hYzsySQ
Well very interesting! It's good for respiratory stuff. This also led me down the path of finding out my wild lemon balm can help with my kid's cold sores! Will be harvesting some of that this year for sure!
Barbara! Thank you for such an informative yet intimate post! When we lived in CT we pulled ticks off ourselves and our kids endlessly, and we all got Lyme, too. BLECH.
I had no idea NH was so insect-happy! Makes sense, though, given the density of woods.
Your passion for weeds is contagious! I have a dear friend who is similar -- she inspired an essay you might like:
Oh, Mary! I just skimmed it and will go back and re-read later when I have time. Thank you for sharing. I LOVE what you wrote and can you believe that I've been on the hunt for Horsetail here on this land? My body feels like it needs it and dried Horsetail from a vendor just isn't the same. If you still lived in that house I would be asking you to send me some!
Isn't is crazy now to see with a clear set of eyes all of the programming that's been going on for decades? Centuries. That "sweet" children's book. 😮 And houseplants! Mine get treated like royalty and go outside whenever possible. So many gems in your post. Can't wait to re-read! Thx for reading mine. 💚
Hi Barbara, thanks for sharing. I agree with so much of what you say. We have ticks and the midge to contend with in the Scottish highlands! I had my own act like a baby moment last year regarding ticks! I had to get my husband to remove a nasty little blood sucker from a very intimate place!?! I became mildly hysterical crying and laughing at the same time!! Can't imagine what I would have done if he wasn't home. For me it is the thought of them in me that creeps me out. Yikes!
On the other hand, I like you love "weeds". I'm growing yarrow in my herb swirl in my new pollytunnel. It's thanks to you I appreciate the power of her. As for dandelions, they cover my garden.
I was thinking Tam the turkey from the Burns poem Tam o 'shanter. Your turkey sounds like a rowdy Scot steaming drunk on whisky( not a pretty sight).
I'm off now to battle with these little critters while I try to tend to my veg garden. Xx
Oh, Kirsty! Sorry, but this made me LOL! Bless your husband. That is HORRIFIC and knock on wood hasn't happened to me yet. But when you find one in your bed, the mind goes crazy. I had one attached behind my ear once and the thought of it going into my ear was 😮. I've heard all about the midge. I'm sure they're related to the blackfly. They're all in the family of misery.
I love that you are growing Yarrow!! I love her so much. She's just beginning to flower here. I made some Dandelion oil with the flower heads for the first time. I'd never heard of a pollytunnel until I started watching Danu's Irish Herb Garden on YT. I love her and the videos make me homesick for Ireland and Scotland.
Tam!! I love it. Lolol the steaming drunk Scot. I haven't seen my turkey friend in two days and I'm a little worried. It's turkey-hunting season here...
Much love, Kirsty, and thx for reading and commenting! I love that I'm connecting with someone from the Highlands. :) 🏴 💚
Please don't apologise. It was very funny just not at the time. But what a sight!! Oh and we need all the laughter we can get right now haha!!
Hope your turkey friend makes an appearance soon. Perhaps he has found a lady friend?
I have a little yarrow in a hanging basket from last year and now a blue tit mummy and daddy are using it as a launch pad to get to their nest on the side of my house. She has so many uses.
Much love from the Scottish highlands.....It really is beautiful right now. Xx
Howdy, MJ! Thx for reading. I have tried all the essential oils, including those. I'll admit I've been lazy putting them on. I've gotten a little sensitive to using essential oils. But, I will give them a go. Good idea about the Knotweed.
Haha about the jars! I feel like I should jazz mine up a bit. Poor things. They just want to suck our blood and regurgitate into us. 😳
I love all of those herbalists! And yes! My Milkweed is huge and super healthy looking!! Bring on the Monarchs! I love looking out and seeing all the Dragonflies feasting on the blackflies.
I know that chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl eat ticks, but I just read this: "Opossums are one of the top predators for ticks, killing more than 90% of the ticks they encounter and eating up to 5,000 ticks per season." WOW! How do we encourage opossums to visit us? There was one on the outdoor camera once, so I know they're here. Also, spiders, frogs, squirrels, lizards, ants, and fire ants. Ants eat ticks??? Who knew??
is there a possibility that by taking in a lot of herbs you will deter your ticks etc. from wanting your blood? I have read that mossies will go after people who have sweet blood (too acidic or too much sugar in their blood)...don't know if that is a fact or not.
Other than bugs you have an ideal life what with the rural setting and the moose, bear and yes, Tom the tick eater---encourage that guy to stay--build him a nest in the barn --hahaha. Tell him to bring along his family.
P.S. about Tom. Have you ever seen where wild turkeys sleep at night? They fly up into the trees to be safe from predators. I saw a group of them take flight one night all the way up to the top of the Pines! It's amazing. Tom has brought his better half a few times but I haven't seen her lately. I wonder if she's going to have babies soon...
I think I saw a PBS special where some guy had to play parent to about 11 or so baby wild turkeys? Cannot recall why--they were orphans, maybe. Fascinating show, it was about 5 years ago?
I'm not surprised! We really have to be careful driving here because they're always crossing the roads. I haven't seen Tom/Tam in a few days. Getting a little worried about him.
Jeanne, yes, you're right on about all of this. I've been very conscious of my sugar intake because of that. Also, supposedly they hate garlic but who wants to eat it in the morning? Not me! I've been thinking of upping my intake of Yarrow, Mugwort, and other bug deterring plants. IDK. Ticks don't like the heat so they will be less when it heats up. You are so right and I know I shouldn't complain. Thx for reading! xo
I’ve found that consuming an anti-parasitic supplement helps make your blood yuck to bugs. Think oil of oregano, olive leaf extract, maybe black walnut?
Meanwhile, some intentional communication with them can also help. I do this with wasps and hornets to avoid stings. 🐝
Thx for the input, Sasha. I agree that our inner environment is probably repelling or attracting them. I used to use Oil of Oregano but now stay away from it - it can really mess up your gut. My system is so sensitive - I use less and less supplements, no essential oils. But, definitely watching sugar intake and eating garlic, consuming Yarrow and other bug-deterrent plants might help. I hadn't seen any in a few days and then saw three this morning on my patio. Not on me though! Yay for that!
And yes, about intention. Sometimes I just plain forget! I'm worried about no wasps here this year. They never bothered me and they started to build a nest in my outdoor electrical socket box so I had to remove what they'd built. IDK where they all went. They're usually really active. I shouldn't complain but it's so troubling that the insect population is so low. :(
I would call it not so much as complaining, but more letting your readers know something that really bugs you- ( ; > [} ) ----so how else will we know how you are faring? And ya never know--there might be a suggestion from the toolies that would get rid of some of those wretched pests.
Here is one of mine: make Dahl (an Indian curry using lentils and spices but lots of garlic). it has been a staple for me in the morning because it has tons of energy-giving properties (lentils), uses tumeric and garlic (antioxidents) and a great way to start the day. I am aware that some folk think curries are 'stinky'; I say it beats that frootloopie cereal my younger siblings were given or those things, poptarts? Gross!. I was raised on oatmeal, because my parents were poorer when they started out in life. They were poorer but richer at the same time if you get my meaning. If I ever were to write a cookbook, it would be titled something along the lines of EAT LIKE A PEASANT AND YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER!
I love your comments, Jeanne! :) I am a huge kitchari fan and have been eating it for lunch and dinner the past few days to do a little cleansing. I just can't eat it in the morning. It's my go-to when I know I need to eat but want to keep it simple. Omg, when I think of what I ate as a child in the 50s/60s, holy moly. Love that book title!! Thx for reading! xo
September is a good time to come....past peak busy season. I hope you decide to come to Scotland. I know you will have the best time. The trees are looking lush at the moment. If you do come past my neck of the woods I would love to meet you if you have spare time. Happy mulling. Xx
I've been there three times - once in May, Once in June, and once in October. My friend was going to go in the summer but I convinced her to wait, like you said, past peak busy season. If I come, I will surely look you up, Kirsty. xo
I so love these witchy posts. And I’m starting to recognize some of the weeds in my backyard from you pictures. I let the yard overflow with “crab grass” to the admonished comments by my neighbors. I only have a few dandelions, but this year, my yard was overgrown with creeping Charlie and the purplish flowers are so darn pretty. Any medicinal uses for those?
I had to look up Creeping Charlie and did not know that it's Ground Ivy!! Which I also know very little about so we can learn together. Neighbors be damned! :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRc4hYzsySQ
Well very interesting! It's good for respiratory stuff. This also led me down the path of finding out my wild lemon balm can help with my kid's cold sores! Will be harvesting some of that this year for sure!
It's a never-ending learning experience! :) I LOVE Lemon Balm!
It smells so good!
I have it growing right outside my kitchen door, alongside Peppermint. :)
Barbara! Thank you for such an informative yet intimate post! When we lived in CT we pulled ticks off ourselves and our kids endlessly, and we all got Lyme, too. BLECH.
I had no idea NH was so insect-happy! Makes sense, though, given the density of woods.
Your passion for weeds is contagious! I have a dear friend who is similar -- she inspired an essay you might like:
https://marypoindextermclaughlin.substack.com/p/what-weeds-can-teach-us-about-the
May you heal swiftly! 🙏
Oh, Mary! I just skimmed it and will go back and re-read later when I have time. Thank you for sharing. I LOVE what you wrote and can you believe that I've been on the hunt for Horsetail here on this land? My body feels like it needs it and dried Horsetail from a vendor just isn't the same. If you still lived in that house I would be asking you to send me some!
Isn't is crazy now to see with a clear set of eyes all of the programming that's been going on for decades? Centuries. That "sweet" children's book. 😮 And houseplants! Mine get treated like royalty and go outside whenever possible. So many gems in your post. Can't wait to re-read! Thx for reading mine. 💚
It IS crazy. I feel like Dorothy, most of the time. You're welcome, and I loved reading yours!!
Hi Barbara, thanks for sharing. I agree with so much of what you say. We have ticks and the midge to contend with in the Scottish highlands! I had my own act like a baby moment last year regarding ticks! I had to get my husband to remove a nasty little blood sucker from a very intimate place!?! I became mildly hysterical crying and laughing at the same time!! Can't imagine what I would have done if he wasn't home. For me it is the thought of them in me that creeps me out. Yikes!
On the other hand, I like you love "weeds". I'm growing yarrow in my herb swirl in my new pollytunnel. It's thanks to you I appreciate the power of her. As for dandelions, they cover my garden.
I was thinking Tam the turkey from the Burns poem Tam o 'shanter. Your turkey sounds like a rowdy Scot steaming drunk on whisky( not a pretty sight).
I'm off now to battle with these little critters while I try to tend to my veg garden. Xx
Oh, Kirsty! Sorry, but this made me LOL! Bless your husband. That is HORRIFIC and knock on wood hasn't happened to me yet. But when you find one in your bed, the mind goes crazy. I had one attached behind my ear once and the thought of it going into my ear was 😮. I've heard all about the midge. I'm sure they're related to the blackfly. They're all in the family of misery.
I love that you are growing Yarrow!! I love her so much. She's just beginning to flower here. I made some Dandelion oil with the flower heads for the first time. I'd never heard of a pollytunnel until I started watching Danu's Irish Herb Garden on YT. I love her and the videos make me homesick for Ireland and Scotland.
Tam!! I love it. Lolol the steaming drunk Scot. I haven't seen my turkey friend in two days and I'm a little worried. It's turkey-hunting season here...
Much love, Kirsty, and thx for reading and commenting! I love that I'm connecting with someone from the Highlands. :) 🏴 💚
Please don't apologise. It was very funny just not at the time. But what a sight!! Oh and we need all the laughter we can get right now haha!!
Hope your turkey friend makes an appearance soon. Perhaps he has found a lady friend?
I have a little yarrow in a hanging basket from last year and now a blue tit mummy and daddy are using it as a launch pad to get to their nest on the side of my house. She has so many uses.
Much love from the Scottish highlands.....It really is beautiful right now. Xx
Let's hope it was a one-time event! That is so sweet that the birds are using the Yarrow! I love it! Where in the Highlands are you? xo
I hope so! I'm just outside fort William. Not far from Ben Nevis. I live on old Croft land. I know I am extremely lucky! Xx
That's amazing! I know the area. A friend invited me to meet up with her in Scotland in September. I'm doing some serious mulling over... xo
Hello neighbor. Nice post.
Ahh, the bugs. I went for a hike today. They were ravenous. The breeze helped a bit... thankfully.
The ticks don't like lemongrass or rose geranium oils... and I also take a small dose of Japanese Knotweed daily.
We can only make sure to check, check, check. I think we're the only people who have tick jars instead of tip jars. 😂
Thanks for sharing. The videos are great.
PS My Milkweed is HUGE already. Is yours?
Howdy, MJ! Thx for reading. I have tried all the essential oils, including those. I'll admit I've been lazy putting them on. I've gotten a little sensitive to using essential oils. But, I will give them a go. Good idea about the Knotweed.
Haha about the jars! I feel like I should jazz mine up a bit. Poor things. They just want to suck our blood and regurgitate into us. 😳
I love all of those herbalists! And yes! My Milkweed is huge and super healthy looking!! Bring on the Monarchs! I love looking out and seeing all the Dragonflies feasting on the blackflies.
I know that chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl eat ticks, but I just read this: "Opossums are one of the top predators for ticks, killing more than 90% of the ticks they encounter and eating up to 5,000 ticks per season." WOW! How do we encourage opossums to visit us? There was one on the outdoor camera once, so I know they're here. Also, spiders, frogs, squirrels, lizards, ants, and fire ants. Ants eat ticks??? Who knew??
See ya soon, MJ! xoxo
is there a possibility that by taking in a lot of herbs you will deter your ticks etc. from wanting your blood? I have read that mossies will go after people who have sweet blood (too acidic or too much sugar in their blood)...don't know if that is a fact or not.
Other than bugs you have an ideal life what with the rural setting and the moose, bear and yes, Tom the tick eater---encourage that guy to stay--build him a nest in the barn --hahaha. Tell him to bring along his family.
P.S. about Tom. Have you ever seen where wild turkeys sleep at night? They fly up into the trees to be safe from predators. I saw a group of them take flight one night all the way up to the top of the Pines! It's amazing. Tom has brought his better half a few times but I haven't seen her lately. I wonder if she's going to have babies soon...
I think I saw a PBS special where some guy had to play parent to about 11 or so baby wild turkeys? Cannot recall why--they were orphans, maybe. Fascinating show, it was about 5 years ago?
I'm not surprised! We really have to be careful driving here because they're always crossing the roads. I haven't seen Tom/Tam in a few days. Getting a little worried about him.
Jeanne, yes, you're right on about all of this. I've been very conscious of my sugar intake because of that. Also, supposedly they hate garlic but who wants to eat it in the morning? Not me! I've been thinking of upping my intake of Yarrow, Mugwort, and other bug deterring plants. IDK. Ticks don't like the heat so they will be less when it heats up. You are so right and I know I shouldn't complain. Thx for reading! xo
I’ve found that consuming an anti-parasitic supplement helps make your blood yuck to bugs. Think oil of oregano, olive leaf extract, maybe black walnut?
Meanwhile, some intentional communication with them can also help. I do this with wasps and hornets to avoid stings. 🐝
Thx for the input, Sasha. I agree that our inner environment is probably repelling or attracting them. I used to use Oil of Oregano but now stay away from it - it can really mess up your gut. My system is so sensitive - I use less and less supplements, no essential oils. But, definitely watching sugar intake and eating garlic, consuming Yarrow and other bug-deterrent plants might help. I hadn't seen any in a few days and then saw three this morning on my patio. Not on me though! Yay for that!
And yes, about intention. Sometimes I just plain forget! I'm worried about no wasps here this year. They never bothered me and they started to build a nest in my outdoor electrical socket box so I had to remove what they'd built. IDK where they all went. They're usually really active. I shouldn't complain but it's so troubling that the insect population is so low. :(
I would call it not so much as complaining, but more letting your readers know something that really bugs you- ( ; > [} ) ----so how else will we know how you are faring? And ya never know--there might be a suggestion from the toolies that would get rid of some of those wretched pests.
Here is one of mine: make Dahl (an Indian curry using lentils and spices but lots of garlic). it has been a staple for me in the morning because it has tons of energy-giving properties (lentils), uses tumeric and garlic (antioxidents) and a great way to start the day. I am aware that some folk think curries are 'stinky'; I say it beats that frootloopie cereal my younger siblings were given or those things, poptarts? Gross!. I was raised on oatmeal, because my parents were poorer when they started out in life. They were poorer but richer at the same time if you get my meaning. If I ever were to write a cookbook, it would be titled something along the lines of EAT LIKE A PEASANT AND YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER!
I love your comments, Jeanne! :) I am a huge kitchari fan and have been eating it for lunch and dinner the past few days to do a little cleansing. I just can't eat it in the morning. It's my go-to when I know I need to eat but want to keep it simple. Omg, when I think of what I ate as a child in the 50s/60s, holy moly. Love that book title!! Thx for reading! xo
The bug stuff is awful... just awful. Ugh!!!! Yuck!!!! The wildlife is incredible. I'm glad to hear your healing up lady!!!! Xoxoxo
Just my leg. My ear was injected with blackfly juju and is all swollen and itchy. Poor me. :( :) Thx for reading, Jamie. Love you! xo
Lady!!! I give you so much credit. Sadly... I honestly don't think I'd leave the house. I love you ❤🥰🥰🥰 xoxo... September isn't that far 🤭 hold tight
Thanks for the walk in the north woods of NH! Bugs and all, I can relate!
Yes, you can! We will survive, Bonnie. Thx for reading. xoxo
You're welcome, J.R. Thx for reading! It was a long one! :)
Hee hee... :)