Garden Update

 

It's been about five weeks since we planted our vegetable garden.  You may recall reading my post about critter-proofing the garden.

The above photo shows what it looked like just after planting it.  

 

After five weeks into the growing season, I am happy to report that all of the plants are happy and healthy!

 

Using good soil and compost has made such a difference.  The plants are huge, and everything is flowering. 

 

The woodchucks and rabbits have not been able to eat the plant flowers.

My husband and I are very excited!  Lord willing, we should be enjoying the fruits of our labor very soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Product Review: Hoover MultiCyclonic Canister Vacuum

Our vacuum cleaner finally died, and it was time to buy a new one.  This time, I wanted a canister vacuum, as the old one was an upright.  It was so heavy and not convenient to use when vacuuming the stairs.  I did a little research online and found this Hoover MultiCyclonic Canister Vacuumon Target's website.  It was exactly what I was looking for, so this afternoon, my darling husband went down the street to Target to buy one for me.  I'm so glad he did...thanks, Honey!    ( He subscribes to my blog, so I know I will score a few brownie points with the shout-out.) 

If you could to fall in love with a vacuum cleaner, this is the one.  It's lightweight, bagless and has excellent suction.  I also love the telescoping wand and how the tools are attached to the hose, so they can't pop off and get lost.  All in all, this is an awesome vacuum cleaner for $149.00!  If you're in the market for a new one, I highly recommend this one.   I could definitely become addicted to vacuuming using it.  And, yes, Hon, those are vacuum marks on the sectional in the family room...I ran out of floor and just kept going! 

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Grilled Stir Fried Shrimp

This is a quick, no-fuss grill meal that's perfect to serve on those hot summer nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. cooked shrimp
• 2 medium zucchini
• 2 medium summer squash
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp. Ken's Lite Asian Sesame Vinaigrette Dressing

Directions:  

1. Cut zucchini and summer squash into slices.
2. Slice peppers into strips
3. Remove tails from shrimp.
4. Add all ingredients to a large ziplock bag; add dressing and mix well.  
5. Preheat grill; spray a grill wok with cooling oil spray and set on grill.
6. When grill is hot, add shrimp and vegetables to grill wok.
7. Stir occasionally until vegetables are cooked and shrimp is browned.
8. Serve over whole grain rice, quinoa or couscous.

Enjoy!
 

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Boston Bruins 2011 Stanley Cup Champions

It's been a long time coming--39 years, but here in Boston, we're thrilled the Boston Bruins are the 2011 Stanley Cup Champions!  In an amazing game on Wednesday night in Vancouver, they beat  the Canucks, 4-0.  Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand each scored a pair of goals, while MVP Tim Thomas posted a 37-save shutout in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. It was his fourth shutout of the playoffs.  

My husband, daughter and I watched the game in the family room together.  While my husband was glued to the television, my daughter and I alternated our time between watching,  eating popcorn and reading comments about the game from friends on Facebook.  How exciting it was to finally see the Bruins finally win the Stanley Cup!

Here in the Boston area, Bruins fans everywhere are elated.  After the win, people danced in the streets of Boston.  For the past two days, fanfare surrounding the win has dominated the local news on both television and radio. 

 After their return home to Boston yesterday, the team took to the streets, sharing the Stanley Cup with excited fans.   

A Bruins parade is scheduled for this Saturday, June 18, at 11:00 a.m.  It will start at the TD Garden and will proceed to Copley Plaza.  During the parade, the team will ride in Duck boats while showing off the Stanley Cup.  After 39 years of waiting, this is really exciting stuff!

Thanks for stopping by!

Valerian Root

I’m not usually one who has trouble falling asleep and staying there until the alarm rings in the morning, but a few months ago, it began to be a bit of a problem. Once I actually fell asleep, I was fine, but it was the falling asleep that was becoming a real issue. After ruling out any physical problems, I decided that I simply had too much on my mind, and it was keeping me awake at night. I couldn’t relax, I couldn't rest, and I just didn’t know what to do about it. It was starting to affect my ability to be alert during the day.

I’ve never really taken any kind of over-the-counter sleep aid, and I prefer not to take a prescription sleep medication. So I tried reading, watching TV, and various other activities that would normally relax me; however, all I accomplished was keeping busy until about 3:00 AM when my mind and body would just give out and let me sleep. And it sure made those 7:15 AM wake-ups pretty horrendous, to say the least.

One evening as Jane and I were talking, the subject came up, and she suggested that I try Valerian root. It’s a natural, non-narcotic, gentle, and inexpensive herb that you can purchase at just about any store that sells herbal supplements. I decided that it would definitely be worth a try. I first checked with my doctor who made sure it didn’t “clash” with other medications I’m currently taking. With her okay, I bought a bottle of Valerian root and tried it.

It worked. I mean, it really worked! As the instructions on the bottle directed, I took three capsules about 30 minutes before bedtime. I fell asleep, slept through the night, and woke up feeling really great. I didn’t have any unusual dreams, and I didn’t wake up groggy or sluggish. So now I keep Valerian root on hand, just in case. I don’t often have problems sleeping now, but I know that if I do, I have something that will safely take care of it. And I don’t have to break the bank or get a doctor’s prescription to buy it.

A final word or two about Valerian root. It’s an all-natural product, but if you decide that you’d like to try it, be sure to check with your doctor for possible drug interactions with any medicines you might be taking. Even some of the most natural of herbs can react unfavorably with certain medications. Additionally, Valerian root does have a distinct odor that could be very off-putting to some; however, the benefits it provides most certainly make the scent easy to over look. Finally, be sure to take the dosage exactly as the directions tell you. My adult son took four capsules rather than three as directed, and he had a bit of difficulty waking up the next morning. For more in-depth information on Valerian root, click here.

If you ever have difficulties falling asleep, I suggest that you consider trying Valerian root. I’m certainly glad I did!

Thanks for visiting!
Sherry