#Grape Planting Instructions

[lorablackmane]

ISAT Act 5 Missable Interactions

I missed a shitton my 1st playthrough bc I was on that Siffrin mindset during act 5's loop and I realized afterwards I had a save in the meadow b4 everything. So I decided to compile stuff I found I missed 4 others who might've missed things too! Please keep in mind that below will be spoilers for this act and the next, and that there are some concerning things about Siffrin found here that I've labeled this post with a few trigger warnings. Check them before reading to decide if you want to read!

Updated!!!!!!!

Please note the section on the favor tree has new info!! If you don't want to know how a secret boss fight goes please skip the 2nd to last dot.

• Literally every kid in town is terrified by Siffrin now, ignoring him or telling them to go away. You'll walk away from the shopkeeper if you try to talk to him, causing Odile to look at Siffrin with concern. He eats the pain du chocolat in one bite, concerning the pastry maker.

• Says stepping on the banana peel isn't in the stage instructions if u try to use it now.

• Everything that had a smell in earlier chapters now smells like sugar.

• If you interact with the cookies on floor one Siffrin will try to eat one. It's as hard as a rock.

• Interacting with the landscape drawings in the broken egg key room makes them hysterically ask if they'll ever see anything outside this loop ever again.

• A new group of drawings are also here of Siffrin with his face completely blotted out like the friendship drawing.

• The dictionary makes him scream that he isn't taciturn anymore, is he?!

• Interacting with the "grape juice for adults" makes them say they hate alcohol (jlmfr) b4 taking a swig.. only to discover its actually just juice. They remark hysterically they can't even get drunk in peace here!

• Mira's dying plant reminds them of someone, and they remark how there's four happy, never changing plants all together on the other desk before hysterically laughing. Rubs their arms when passing the desks to try to simulate the human contact they'd get in earlier loops from their family.

• Says they'll make all the wishes come true if you Interact with the Head Housemaiden's wish survey.

• Rips the info on the King, if interacted with again they attempt their breathing exercises to no avail then suddenly smell sugar again.

• Looking at the drawings in this office will make Siffrin start thinking about defacing them, but remarks he doesn't have a pencil as he hysterically thinks scribble, scribble, scribble.

• Mocks themself for thinking odile is there if u interact with the checked out book list in the library.

• Gets upset if Interacting with the diary area bc they still can't say the name of their home country. Calls himself a stupid blinding idiot.

• Gets upset at the theater scroll section, stating why read one when you're in one. Tells themself to stop going off script and go if interacted with again.

• Wonders if they'll ever carve again when Interacting with the carving wood. States they'd like to carve the King if so so they can snap him in half if interacted with again.

• Interacting with the cupboard with eyepatch makes them say they're cold, their stomach hurts, they can't stop shaking and a headache is forming from thinking about their mistakes. Then they take the painkillers, one over the recommended dosage for their size.

• Interacting with food shelves makes them ask why their stomach hurts so much and they're so hungry like they haven't eaten in years.

• The croissant cookbook makes them grip their coin.

• The anthology of horror stories makes them repeat the scene with their family, before they mock themself again for knowing it by heart since they have always wanted to never forget

• Breaks one of the statues on the change God shelf in the pottery room.

• Refuses to take the gizmo, stating a fair fight or none at all.

• The clothing closet where Isabeau talks about your cloak makes him repeat the scene though says he's had this cloak forever in shaking text. When Isabeau goes to check the cloak Siffrin says that he doesn't touch them because they're disgusting. They say they're so cold. This time they realize they're hallucinating the others being there when they are going to do the final reply.

• They tell themselves to stop monologuing if they try to go towards the bathrooms.

• You can see the House inhabitants if you leave the final room!! And go back to Dormont to see the party they were getting ready for. The others will join Siffrin out of corcern for his mental state instead of stopping him which is nice. There's a bunch of interactions here I won't note but they're delights.

• Loop is gone, but Siffrin will leave their silver coin where they sat in a custom from his homeland.

Edit: thanks to @cleverretortnotfound for the hint that this changes! Instead of nothing there u find a silver coin. If interacted with he'll remark its the exact same as his own and call out to Loop, then ask if they should call them by their previous name... and Loop reappears. Silently they let Siffrin look them over, and though they don't have any features that mirror Siffrin's own... he knows. Theyre the same person. He takes their own coin out, flipping it before sending it to Loop who catches it without thinking. They look at it for a moment, before saying, "Oh stardust... so, you've won, haven't you? You broke the loops? Defeated the King? Talked to your party? Realized that all along, the reason you were stuck here was because of a stupid blinding wish you made? Awww. I'm soooo happy for you. You got your perfect ending, after all. And now... I have nothing left to say to you. So you should go."

Siffrin doesn't reply, causing Loop to ask why they're there still. What does he want them to say? WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY? HE'S WON!

Once again, Siffrin doesn't reply. Loop laughs, before saying "oh, Stardust! You know, you know I was just like you once! A stupid, aimless traveler, trying to find any reason to keep going! And then, I met everyone! And I felt that finally, I had people i could count on, people I could love! And then, I got scared! And made the exact same mistake you did! Make a stupid blinding wish, hoping I could stay with them! Went through the House, tried to fight the King, tried to win! Did that for so long, I couldn't even give you a number! And then... I couldn't do it anymore. ...You see, not unlike you a few hours ago, I did a very special kind of giving up. But unlike you, who gave up on your wish, and almost destroyed the world in the process... I gave up on my wish, and destroyed myself.

And made another wish instead. I wished it could be over. I wished I could get out of here. I wished for someone to help me. For someone... Anyone, to help me!!! And someone did help me, right? The Universe did! They got me out of here! And trapped me in some other Siffrin's loops instead!!! And it was fine. It was different. It was even peaceful, for a while. I didn't have to stay inside the House, trying to defeat the King. I didn't have to fight, I didn't have struggle, I didn't have to do anything.

(Note: during the last paragraph, during the I wished section up until the scream for anyone to help,, we see stills from the intro animation where Siffrin eats the star. Theres a new still though, a close up of Siffrin crying out before he ate it.)

I just had to watch, and be happy that at least, I wasn't the only idiot out there who trapped themselves eternally in time. I just had to be happy that at least, this time, it wasn't me. And now. And now. AND NOW YOU-!!!

So! Since you won't leave, here's what I'm thinking... let's fight, you and I! Let's have a cute, minuscule, old-fashioned little fight like a bonded couple. Okay~?"

Once again, Siffrin doesn't reply and Loop laughs, "nothing to say, still? Haha... HAHAHAHA!! STARS, killing you would make me SO HAPPY. (note: during this sentence temporarily Loop turns into Siffrin and looks rather... concerning) Are you ready?"

Siffrin tries to speak up, but Loop says they don't get a choice.

The battle commences, with Loop saying let's just get to it. Loop strikes with stars but isn't very strong, they loop back the 1st time you win, the 2nd, the 3rd, and on the fourth the photo changes (will add link to another post with pics later).

At the end of the battle Loop looks away before saying, "you... Siffrin, Stardust, whatever our real name actually is... just kill me."

Siffrin is shocked and asks why. "Why," they say, "Are you stupid? Isn't it obvious?! I wanted to kill you!! So I could take your place!! I wanted what you have!!! Stars, I still do! You... you don't.. you don't want another you walking around. You should just kill me and get on with your stupid life!!"

This makes Siffrin laugh and reply their self-hatred isn't strong enough that'd they'd kill another version of themselves. Loops laughs at that and says he's got weird priorities... then say but what if they're asking him? What if Loop wants this? What if dying is the ending they want?! Siffrin doesn't reply and Loop starts to beg, "Stardust, please, please just kill me!!! I don't want to be here! What else is there for me now?! You've won, so I should be gone!! I can't go back to how it was before, because that past is gone! I can't go back to my friends, because they wouldn't recognize me!! There's nothing else for me to do, no script to follow, no Universe to lead me, I-"

They can't continue, sobbing. "Why.. why did it have to be you...? I could've... I wanted to... if only back then, I... if I had held on longer... maybe then..."

Oh Loop, Siffrin thinks. But don't you get it, he says. Loop asks what is there to get. The reason he succeeded, he replies, but Loop still doesn't understand. They take Loop's face into their hands as they say Loop was the reason they succeeded! Without them, he would've given up too. Because they were by Siffrin's side they continued going. Yes they didn't tell him everything, yeah they didn't know what to do... but knowing they were here and he wasn't alone...

They tearfully reply he's lying, but he says he's not. They shout again Siffrin is lying, but they reply again they're not! They try to scream it again, but siffrin stops them by saying, "Loop. Mira sends her thanks, by the way. They all do." Confused Loop repeats the word thanks, adding "...to me...?"

Siffrin laughs, and reminds them they helped the others get to the King. That they sent their thanks for leading them to Siffrin. For helping them save him. Loop can't reply, and Siffrin says, "See?"

"Stardust... why couldn't it have been me...?" Loop asks, to which Siffrin replies they don't know. Maybe it was the script, maybe it was the Universe, or maybe... maybe it's no one's fault. Loop is silent once more and he replies, "I'm sorry, Siffrin."

Finally using Loops real name. Then adds, "And thank you, Loop. Without you, I would've given up a long time ago. Thank you for helping me, this whole time."

Loop doesn't respond and Siffrin goes, "Loop, we can-"

Loop cuts them off, "Siffrin." He flinches as they continue, "Please, you're going to have to talk to them, from now on. No more keeping how you feel from them. We both know where this leads. And if one day, no matter what you do, everyone's paths and yours diverge... you'll have to learn to be okay with it. We cant... we can't do this again. Hold them hostage, against their knowledge, against their will, just because we're lonely. Learning to talk to them... learning to let go... it'll be hard. It'll feel impossible. You might think you'd rather die than share how you feel. After all, isn't bottling things up the reason you managed to break the loops? You didn't have to tell them anything until the very end, and it turned out fine didn't it?"

Siffrin is silent, then attempts to say but, but if I talked to them earlier, then maybe - then gets cut off by loop, "Yeah, dummy. If only you had been strong enough to talk to them, maybe this whole story wouldn't have happened at all. If only... oh well. It doesn't matter now."

Loop starts to disappear. Siffrin asks where they'll go now? Loop sadly replies, "Oh, stardust... I don't know! I'll join you so we can become one? I'll Die? I'll stay under this tree forever? Does it matter?"

You can choose between it does and I guess it doesn't. I won't update this with the other, I'm sorry but this is taking a toll on me, so I'll atleast tell you what "It does!" Leads to.

They laugh, then say Siffrin's sweet. "Aww, don't worry, Stardust. Somehow... I'm sure I'll see you again. You... and everyone else. Mirabelle, Isabeau, Odile, and Bonnie. I need to accept their thanks in person, don't I? That's just basic etiquette. And I'll need to give you back your silver coin eventually!"

Siffein agrees, and Loop continues, "...hmm. I'll see you all again soon enough, Stardust. I promise! I super promise! I super duper promise! So don't forget me, okay?"

The screen fades, leading us back to the gang. They welcome Siffrin back and ask if everything's okay. He says he thanked Loop, to which they're relieved. Odile says she was hoping they'd bring em back so she could thank them in person, and the others agree though Isa says they looked shy so maybe they were too embarrassed. Which is too bad because he had so many questions, and so he hopes they see them again soon. Bonnie says they wanted to know how Loop glows and how it felt, to which Mira chides them saying you can't ask someone how they glow. Bonnie is flabbergasted, making the others laugh.

Odile adds she hopes Siffrin told them they can see the gang anytime. Sadly Siffrin smiles before saying he did, and how they too hope Loop says hi again soon. The others note Siffrin looks sad while saying this to which he replies he was thinking of Loop. The others tell them they'll have to tell the gang more about them then soon. Like how they met and why they're a star. Also how they knew about the loops. They then go back to the final room.

• The best artist ever has something new in the epilogue.

Souvenirs

Silver coin

B4: grips it in his pocket.

Epilogue: remarks that it's been with them through it all and feels like it could've been used for something. Backstory no longer unlockable, but can be used at the Favor tree.

Drawn card

B4 epilogue: says it's a traveler walking to their death with open eyes, rips it apart.

The end: looks at the card and just says "it's you!"

Epilogue: says it's a traveler starting a new journey, the card is labeled the fool.

Bright flower

B4 epilogue: tears off all the petals then discards it

The end: says it's still here.

Epilogue: you still have the flower, he says before deciding that it's theirs now!

Friendship doodle

B4: Siffrin's face is blotted out, no reaction to viewing this..

Epilogue: their face is no longer missing. Unknown whether this was a hallucination on their end or not.

Clay

B4: presses it between their hands to try and help them with their breathing exercises.

The end: squish, squish they say.

Epilogue: Clay they say, before making a star. 

Piece of glass

B4: uses it to self harm by piercing it through a bit of the back of their arm multiple times. Says stars afterwards, can't tell if being sarcastic and calling the dots they made that or screaming the word like a curse as usual. (Updated: if used a second time Siffrin says they're making more tiny stars. Concerning)

The end: they say hide it, hide it don't make the others worried.

Epilogue: they become scared and startled, saying they need to be careful. Then they toss it before they can hurt themself.

Broken doll

B4: fixes the clothing on it, if u click on the cupboard it's from again tells it it'll see the end if it's the last thing it does.

The end: turns the doll so it can see everything.

Epilogue: they hold it close as they look at the sky, saying they both made it.

Crumpled poem

B4: genuinely could not read this the first seven times but using the capture reveals after reading it Siffrin repeatedly says they want to go home.

Epilogue: they read it, then say they'll never go home again, but maybe they can make a new one. They can't wait to see if they can.

Mirror picture

B4: no reaction. Says its of them and the actors despite no one being there.

Epilogue: they grip it tightly before tossing it, saying it's in the past now. That they're fine, they're fine! And if not they will be soon.

Long thingy-thing

B4: tosses it, saying it's not needed anymore.

Epilogue: they say it's their long thingy now.

[sunmoon-starfactory]

Grapes of Rad - Updates & Optimization

Grapes of Rad allows your sims to grow grapes and turn them into tasty wine. This update includes an earlier fix that was never added to the main archive as well as a good amount of optimization:

Changelog

The infamous wine glass fix bug, which had already been fixed in a mini update, has now been fixed in the main archive too

A number of textures have been reduced in size for better performance and less disk space.

The edible grapes and grape harvest baskets have been repositoried to their respective grape plants and the Harvest Basket Inventory Tool.

A file with legacy recolors that didn’t work anymore has been removed, saving 8 mb

The wine cask can now be grabbed and put into ones inventory.

Please redownload the entire set and delete all old files. Some files have been removed and others have had their names changed.

Download - SFS

View Use/Instruction Manual

View Keep Thread

[justkeeponsimming]

Hex has just enough gardening skill to plant most of the crops in her inventory.

She took a gardening class whilst she was at university, thinking it would be a couple of extra, easy credits. Little did she know that her skills would really come in handy for a future business!

Strangely, as per the instructions on her nectar making machine, apples are the main ingredient for most nectar types. All of the grapes she foraged from her family’s farm on Windenburg Island are no use for now!

Luckily, the Sim God has visited the family farm frequently to add to the produce variety. Hex has perfect crops from most of the sim world updates. One day, she’ll have a tree full of perfect apples to make the best quality nectar in all of Chestnut Ridge!

After a long, hot afternoon, Hex finally finishes planting all of her crops. She wipes her arm across her forehead, smearing dust across her face. She makes a note to make a staff bathroom with a shower a priority once the business makes money!

Hex won’t have time to visit the New Appaloosa Nectary until after her wedding. She snaps some photos of her progress and sends them to her criminal contact, Gabriella Avila. Hopefully the progress of her business will show how dedicated she is to opening up new opportunities for the Llama Gang!

[sweethoneyrose83]

Rambley's Railroad Menu ( Fanmade) Part 4 

Lunch in the Dining Car

Locomotive Club Sandwich: Triple-decker sandwich with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, served with a side of coleslaw or potato chips.

Pullman Porter’s Chicken Salad: A light and refreshing chicken salad with grapes, celery, and almonds, served on a bed of mixed greens or in a croissant.

Caboose Chili: A robust and spicy chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, topped with shredded cheese and sour cream. 

Locomotive Club Sandwich 

Ingredients:

- 12 slices of thick-cut bread (sourdough or multigrain recommended) - 1/2 pound of cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced - 1/2 pound of cooked ham, thinly sliced - 8 slices of crispy bacon - 4 large leaves of romaine lettuce - 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced - 8 slices of cheddar cheese - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped (optional for a spicy kick) - Butter for toasting bread - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers to hold the sandwich together

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spread: - In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined. If you like a bit of spice, add the chopped pickled jalapeños.

2. Toast the Bread: - Lightly butter one side of each bread slice. - In a large skillet or on a griddle, toast the bread over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Sandwich: - Lay out three slices of toasted bread for each sandwich. - Spread a generous amount of the mayo-mustard mixture on one side of each slice.

4. Layering: - On the first slice, place a leaf of romaine lettuce, followed by a few slices of turkey, two slices of bacon, and a slice of cheddar cheese. - Top this with another slice of bread, spread side down. On this slice, spread more of the mayo-mustard mixture on the top side. - Add tomato slices, ham, avocado slices, and another slice of cheddar cheese on top of this second slice of bread. - Place the final slice of bread on top, spread side down.

5. Secure and Serve: - Insert skewers or long toothpicks at each corner of the sandwich to hold it together. - Carefully cut the sandwich into quarters, ensuring each quarter has a skewer through it.

6. Plating: - Arrange the quarters on a plate, garnish with some pickles or a small salad if desired.

Tips: - Customize the sandwich by adding or substituting ingredients like roast beef, different cheeses, or additional vegetables. - For a vegetarian version, replace the meats with grilled vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative.

Enjoy!

[bijoumikhawal]

The Tzohar

When the world was first created, God filled the world with a sacred light, known as the primordial light. This was the light that came into being when God said, “Let there be light” (Gen. 1:3). It was not the light of the sun, for that did not come into being until the fourth day, when God created the sun and the moon and the stars. It was a miraculous light by which it was possible for Adam to see from one end of the world to the other.

When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, the first thing they lost was that precious light. Without it, the world seemed dark to them, for the sun shone like a candle in comparison. But God preserved one small part of that precious light inside a glowing stone, and the angel Raziel delivered this stone to Adam after they had been expelled from the Garden of Eden, as a token of the world they had left behind. This jewel, known as the Tzohar, sometimes glowed brightly and sometimes was dim.

As he lay on his deathbed, Adam gave the jewel to his son Seth, who passed it down to the righteous Enoch. Enoch grew in wisdom until he was taken into Paradise in a chariot, and transformed into the angel Metatron, the heavenly scribe and Prince of the treasuries of heaven.

Before departing this world, Enoch gave the Tzohar to his son, Methuselah. Methuselah slept in its glowing light, and some say that is why he lived longer than anyone else. Methuselah passed on the jewel to his son Lamech, who gave it to his son, Noah, who brought it with him on the ark. Indeed, God instructed Noah to do so when he said, “Put the Tzohar in the ark” (Gen. 6:16). Noah hung it on the deck, and for forty days and nights it illumined the ark. Noah determined whether it was day or night by gauging the brilliance of the stone. It was dim during the day, but it shone brightly at night.

When the ark landed on Mount Ararat, the first thing Noah did was to plant grapes, and when they grew ripe, he made wine and became drunk, and at that moment the Tzohar fell from where it had been hung in the ark, rolled into the water, and sank to the bottom of the sea. There it was carried by the currents until it came to rest in an under-water cave.

Years later, after the waters had subsided, the child Abraham was born in that cave. His mother had gone there to give birth, to escape King Nimrod’s decree that all new-born boys be put to death. For Nimrod had seen a sign that a child born at that time would overthrow him. After giving birth, Abraham’s mother grew afraid for the safety of her family, and at last she abandoned the infant in the cave and returned home. Then the angel Gabriel descended to the cave and fed the infant with his thumb, through which milk and honey flowed, and because he was fed in that miraculous way, the boy began to grow at the rate of a year every day. And on the third day, while exploring the cave, he found a stone glowing in one of the crevices of the cave. Then the angel, who knew how precious it was, put it on a chain, and hung it around Abraham’s neck.

Thirteen days later Abraham’s mother returned to the cave, for she could not put the fate of the infant out of her mind. She expected to find that the child was no longer living, but instead she found a grown boy, who said that he was her child. She refused to believe it at first, but when he showed her the glowing stone and the sacred light it cast, she came to believe that a miracle had taken place.

Abraham wore that glowing jewel all the days of his life. Whoever was ill and looked into that stone soon healed, and it also served as an astrolabe to study the stars. Before his death, Abraham gave that glowing jewel to Isaac, and Isaac gave it to Jacob at the time he gave him the stolen blessing. For Isaac had intended to give the glowing stone to Esau, but Rebecca, who was a seer, knew well that it was destined to belong to Jacob.

Jacob was wearing the Tzohar when he dreamed of the ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. And he, in turn, gave the stone to his beloved son, Joseph, when he gave him the coat of many colors.

Jacob made Joseph promise to wear the stone at all times, but he did not reveal its power, which he knew well. And because Joseph’s brothers did not know that the amulet was precious, they did not take it from him when they stripped him of the coat of many colors and cast him naked into the dark pit.

Now snakes and scorpions lived at the bottom of that pit. And when Joseph heard them slithering and creeping in the dry leaves, he shivered in the darkness at the bottom of the pit. All at once a light began to glow, and Joseph saw that it was coming from the amulet he wore around his neck. And as long as Joseph remained in that pit, the jewel continued to glow, so that he was never afraid. At last Joseph heard Midianite traders calling out to him from the top of that pit. They pulled him out of the pit and brought him to Egypt, where they sold him into slavery and to the destiny that fate held for him, which was to become Prince of Egypt.

When Joseph was imprisoned in the dungeon, he discovered that if he placed the Tzohar inside his cup and peered into it, he could read the future and interpret dreams.That is how he interpreted the dreams of the butler and baker, and later the dreams of Pharaoh that prophesied the seven years of famine. It was that same cup that Joseph hid in the saddlebags of Benjamin, about which his servant said, “It is the very one from which my master drinks and which he uses for divination” (Gen. 44:5).

That cup, with the precious jewel in it, was placed inside Joseph’s coffin at the time of his death, and it remained there until Moses recovered Joseph’s coffin and was told in a dream to take out the glowing stone and hang it in the Tabernacle, where it became known as the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light. And that is why, even to this day, an Eternal Light burns above every Ark of the Torah in every synagogue.

Pg 85-86, Tree of Souls by Howard Schwartz

[mouthoftheocean]

Jean Harlow: Do you have a garden? If so, what kind of plants do you have?

Humphrey Bogart: Do you travel a lot? Where have you been?

Myrna Loy: Do you like going to parties?

Spencer Tracy: What time do you wake up?

Jean: My garden is shared, and predates me (no, not that way.) The largest trees are over 40 years old; an Agonis Flexuosa and Pōhutukawa dominate the north and south sides of the house, respectively, both are in excess of 15 meters tall. In the backyard, an equally freakishly large variegated Pittosporum continues to challenge them for supremacy. A flowering eucalyptus grows on our nature strip, and together with the Agonis, and a teetering Virgilia, make seasonal threats against our overhead powerline. Closer to the ground, I have made attempts to introduce more Australian plants despite the reputation of our local soil being complete trash (spoiler: it is, our suburban block was quite literally built on a historic landfill.) The survivors, to date, include Callistemon, several varieties of Correa and Leptospermum (honorable mention to the coastal teatree* to which I have a not insignificant emotional attachment that will no doubt end in bitter disappointment), Kangaroo Paw (they’re alive but screaming for help), Banksia (alive but refusing to thrive), Eucalyptus ‘Baby Blue’ (he’s adopted), Thryptomene, Hardenbergia, and Acacia. Plants that have been here for longer than I’ve been alive include Fuschias, Pelargoniums, and an ocean self-seeding Cinerarias. My father planted a Diosma in the early 90’s that he has dotingly hedged ever since, it’s now as tall as I am, but I remember jumping over it with my sister when it, and we, were much, much smaller. Back then, we also had an enormous cherry plum tree growing on our eastern boundary – shading our driveway, and the neighbours’. Summer would arrive, the fruit would fall, and with every passing car a chorus of popping plums would foreshadow the looming familial task of scraping half-fermented plum slurry off the concrete. On the upside, our local blackbirds were very happy, and so were the Hydrangeas growing in the shade of the plum tree. And because you didn’t ask for an essay, I’ll make a list of the rest: Roses (17 at last count); Buddleja; Elderflower, Convulvulus ‘Silver Bush’; Salvia; Borage; Violets; Statice, Jasmine; Rosemary; Sunflowers; Gladioli; Petunia; Viola; Jade, Zygo Cactus, Catmint, Seaside Daisy, a dream of red Poppies (waiting to discover if the seeds are still viable), Grape Hyacinth, Foxglove, Snowdrops, and Bluebells (despite my best efforts at wholesale murder.) Humphrey: Not a lot. Internationally, I’ve been to Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England - first in 2005 (there was a brief weekend in Paris, as well), and then again in 2015. In 2010 I visited New Mexico. It was my first time traveling alone, abroad, to meet and stay with people I’d met on the internet. Accordingly, I have a vivid recollection of my sister giving me instruction on how to brutally incapacitate someone as I was packing to leave for the city to catch my plane. While my friend will tell you she still has the bruise, I can at least attest that she wasn’t trying to take me to a second location when I gave it to her… affectionately – but you know this story already. Locally, I’ve been to South Australia, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory… but in the grand scheme, I’ve seen very little of Australia. Living where I do, in a little damp corner of Victoria, the rest of the country intimidates me like the promise of third-degree burns. Myrna: Categorically get away from me if people are coming that I don’t know. I can enjoy myself, or I can make small talk with strangers… I can’t do both. Smaller scale, close friends/family is fine… but anything too peopled and I’m liable to be person-not-appearing-at-this-soiree. Spencer: Any random-ass time between 1 and 4am, and ostensibly for no reason.

*the coastal tea tree's final form. Mine is still only 8 inches tall.

[karume-selfshipper]

Working on Inari's story and hitting a snag (my friend irl brought this up when talking about what all her presence changes outside of being All Might’s daughter).

Who would she replace within 1-A, if anybody?

I instantly said Mineta cause... I don't particularly care for the little grape. But after a bit of thought, I realized that Hanagure also sat in a decent position to be quietly shuffled out of the plot. And both have decent moments where I could shoe horn in a moment or two for Inari. But I can't figure out which one I like better. Contrarily, I could give Inari Main Character Status ™️ and let her be in 1-A without kicking anyone. And each has some merit and decent character building/revealing moments early on... which I've listed below.

Things that happen no matter what:

She would have a front-row seat to All Might's injury being ripped open and this would cause Inari to enter a feral state, tearing the Nomu a new one

That would turn into Inari hurting herself from misuse of her quirk. (She can build up strength from taking hits and releasing the force all at once which if built up too much can break her bones/tear her muscles like Midoryia)

Giving All Might two scares from 1 thinking that Inari might have One for All (again... like the second or third time he's thought this), and 2 when she very calmly tells Recovery Girl that this isn't the first time something like this has happened and it's just a negative side effect of her quirk

Inari would win the Sports Festival Tournament, setting up a one-sided rivalry with Todoroki... even though she "whispers" (only Todoroki can hear it) that He doesn't have to be his father the way she has to be hers

When the mid-year training comes around, she's one of the first to realize what's about to happen. If she replaces Mineta, no one is around to say "Everyone back to the bus". If not, then she ignores that call. Either way, she jumps over the railing without a second thought.

That ignites everyone else's competitive spirit as the rest of the class follows her without instructions... leaving Aizawa to stare blankly and say "well sh-t... she's more like All Might than I thought"

Replacing Mineta means:

I don't remember what all Mineta does prior to the USJ but Inari would take his place completely in training. I just don't fully remember what that is or what kinds of character moments Inari could have...

Inari will be able to take on the Nomu at the USJ and show that even with her minimal training she can rival All Might in strength

Jumping to the tournament, Inari, Shoji, and Tsuyu getting into the tournament as opposed to Tetsutetsu and (the vine/plant quirked girl I can't remember her name to save my life). And nudge the last of Shinsou's team out as the reverse Sparticus moment that Oujiro (probably misspelled that) started

And during the Mid Term (that should have been an end-of-yearoff-handedly test but whatever) Inari would be paired with Sero.

He would still try to do the self sacrifice, but Inari would be more than capable of yanking him back with her then quickly make a plan to defeat Midnight with heavy reliance on Sero's quirk

Sero would off handedly remark how she's like Midoriya which would be the first time anyone has compared her to someone other than All Might to her face.

Replacing Hanagure means:

During the first training, Inari would be paired with Oujiro (probably misspelled it) and she would be against Todoroki

The outcome would be different as Inari tries to counter Todoroki (or run out the clock) as her perfectionism would not let her accept defeat readily

Very early setup for their rivalry, but it would be a little more obviously one-sided (on Todoroki because Inari really doesn't care, she's just trying to be the perfect daughter... according to outside forces telling her that "All Might's daughter shouldn't... wouldn't... needs to... etc.)

She also gets sent to the same area Todoroki does during the USJ fight and they just exchange a look and a nod before going to the center of the arena

During the tournament, she gets a wild card effect (possibly teaming up with Shinsou willingly or teaming up with Tetsutetsu)

Main Character Syndrome™️ means:

She's essentially hot-glued to Midoriya for plot reasons (outside of One for All business)

Instead of 300 students and Aizawa having a class of 20, it is 301 and 21 respectively

Most people assume that it's because of All Might with no credit given to Inari for anything (or the flac being given to the miss filed paperwork) and no one is surprised because she's All Might's daughter. Of course she'd be allowed to break the entrance rule, she's a legacy student and the daughter of THE number one Pro Hero... Nezu would be insane to not give her a spot in UA's top freshman class...

Inari would be teamed up with Iida and Bakugo during the first training lesson, giving this calm, collected air and proving that she can handle most situations cleanly (also setup for her to be a touch more social)

Her participation in other things would boil down to her being hot-glued to Midoriya for plot reasons and reacting like a poor girl with perfection complexes and the pressure of living up to All Might's legacy in the forefront of her mind

[breesays]

But me, I'm still a sunbeam

THIS is a blog of a balanced person (me, right now), so let's capture this moment in my personal history.

These are the workouts I do. No talking, just simple instructions and percentage progress + music that serves the purpose. I've been trying to view workouts more as playtime and tell myself "I get to" rather than "I have to." The toys I have are bosu, bala, mini bands, kettle bells, sliders, stability ball. We're playing, that's all. Not measuring or weighing, just the tiny triumphs of "Oh, when I did this two weeks ago it was much harder."

I went to Nico Vega's comeback show at The Bellwether and got a ticket to their headlining show at The Lodge Room in December. I've used all my ticket perks for 2024 already, plus K.Flay in March. WWWY and The Postal Service next month.

We got a hummingbird feeder for our balcony, and we've started to name them. So far: Murphy (after the balm I must cover my body in to fend off the mosquitos), Quacksley, Mousey, Little Puff and Cherry. We're growing stuff out there, too - grape tomatoes, basil, nasturtiums, pretty succulents.

Read Maggie Smith's "You Could Make This Place Beautiful" and I definitely started out thinking I was going to give it 5 stars but had a lot of mixed feelings about it toward the end.

This is everything I've read so far this year - but a few on that list are DNFs (looking at YOU, Russell Brand). Speaking of that, I'm giving Clare Dederer's "Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma" another chance, but some of it is hard to stomach.

From Kate Baer's "What Kind of Woman"

I've used ALL my kitchen appliances this month: Air fryer (everything), blender (raspberry lemon smoothie), food processor (pesto, hummus), instant pot (tomato soup, tiktok pasta). This is mostly because I can fit them ALL on my counter at once. Oh, and I made a vanilla cake from scratch. Baking is not my favorite, but I like to challenge myself. And sometimes it's more about not being able to find what I want as ready-made.

Desmond's teacher told me his gross motor skills are advanced - he finishes projects early, is great at any sport he tries (even ones he invents) ... has he expressed interest in sports? Oh yes, I said, he loves all sports... he just doesn't want to play them with other kids. Maybe we'll give soccer another try. But I prefer to let him play openly - we draw, we build, we plant, we cook, we dance, we make up words (this is harder than it sounds). He asks for playdates with friends so I know he cares very much about them -- I just don't think he wants parameters placed around what he can do with said friends. He has a 2-year-old friend and he loves to just explore Griffith with him. It used to be ME, but he has since requested the presence of said friend. Said friend extracts more joy from sliding down piles of dirt than I do, anyway.

Desmond has really changed my relationship with food. He is such an adventurous eater. I have a history of disordered eating that's been mostly resolved with meds and years of therapy - but I still had rules, you know? Things I wouldn't keep in the house, ingredients I didn't trust myself with. But Des is such a role model of intuitive eating. He'll try anything, even give it a few good chews before making a decision. Jicama was a recent rejection. I'm trying all kinds of recipes, not just low calorie or veggie-based. He makes me excited to make new meals, and he loves to help, too. We have a dining table and he drinks oat milk and I drink fizzy water and it's just an entirely new experience for me. Tasting and tweaking and using our senses. There's no good and bad. He's allowed to have candy, but he isn't crazy for it. We listen to our bodies. Are we full? Do we want more because it tastes good, or because we're still hungry? Listen.

What else? Getting my last peak hike in might be a challenge, since WEATHER has arrived in SoCal. I feel like the window for hiking in good conditions was a relatively short one this year. Baldy is the closest, but might have to trek down to South OC for Sitton.

My show (Setlist Insider) x 311 is published

My Oli bug turned 6 years old

I have 33k words written.

[vanilla-cigarillos]

Mayapple Jelly Recipe

Here’s another Appalachian granny recipe to fuel your tastebuds! Make sure to check out my post on the Mayapple in my Herbalism section for information about this plant.

Mayapples have a very unique flavor! Most people describe them as tasting like a mix of grape and pear, with a slight citrus hint. The fully ripe fruit can be used in marmalades, jellies, and drinks, but the rest of the plant and unripe fruit is poisonous. Ripe mayapples will be soft to the touch. The skin can become slightly wrinkled (think prune-y!) and it will have a strong odor that rubs off on your fingers (and attracts raccoons/opossums).

Ingredients:

2 cups mayapple slices

3 cups water

1/8 cup lemon juice

3  1/2 cups sugar

3 ounces liquid fruit pectin

Instructions:

Wash ripe mayapples, then cut away stem and blossom ends, and any waste parts. Remove seeds. Cut fruit into pieces and place in large kettle with water to cover.

Bring to a boil, then simmer until fruit is tender, mashing during cooking.

Strain juice through cheesecloth (should result in at least 1  3/4 cups mayapple juice). Add lemon juice and sugar to strained juice. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly as you stir in the liquid fruit pectin.

Continue to boil and stir constantly until “jelly stage” is reached (220 F, or dip a spoon into boiling mixture and let it run off side of spoon. 

When it separates into two distinct drops that run together into “sheet” off edge of spoon, it is finished and should be taken off heat.)

Remove jelly from heat, skim foam from top, and pour into hot, sterilized jelly glasses. Seal at once with lid, and process jars in hot water bath.

[trylkstopocket]

4 strategies to stop blood sugar swings and avoid that afternoon crash

Unless you have diabetes, you probably don’t give much thought to how your blood sugar changes throughout the day. You’d be wise to pay more attention: While some fluctuation is normal, many people experience major spikes and dips, which can sap your energy, derail your focus, and lead to weight gain, says Grace Derocha, MBA, RDN, CDCES, a dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who specializes in workplace wellness.

Perhaps even more concerning is the fact that high glucose variability—meaning you have a significant gap between your highs and lows—has been tied to an increased risk of insulin resistance, or the inability to use insulin efficiently, which often paves the way for type 2 diabetes. Wide glucose variability may also increase your odds of having heart attack or stroke, according to a 2020 study published in Cardiovascular Diabetology. 

How to get off the rollercoaster? For otherwise healthy people (who don’t have diabetes), it largely comes down to making some key lifestyle changes, starting with what you eat. These four smart strategies can help even out your blood sugar so you feel better and stay healthier.

1. Watch out for surprising sources of sugar

You likely know that candy, pastries, and heavily-sweetened drinks (including soft drinks and various coffee concoctions) can all send your blood sugar soaring. But anything carb-heavy, even if it doesn’t contain added sugar or taste sweet, has the potential to cause a similar effect. Watch out for refined (white) breads and highly processed cereals, which are easy to overdo.

Bottled salad dressings and condiments like ketchup and barbeque sauce also often pack a surprising amount of added sugar, as do many plant-based milk alternatives. Be sure to read labels, and pick accordingly—especially if you tend to drown your salad and like your coffee extra light, warns Derocha.

Fruit is another potential offender, especially if you choose the dried variety or super-size your servings. “One of those little boxes of raisins is probably equal to 15-20 regular grapes” as far as (natural) sugar content is concerned, says Derocha.

Whole fruit is generally a better bet, but that doesn’t mean you should eat unlimited amounts when it comes to higher-sugar options like grapes, bananas, watermelon, and mango. “People think, ‘It’s fruit and it’s healthy for me, because it has a lot of fiber and vitamins,’ and that’s true,” she says. “But I had a patient that used to freeze grapes and eat the whole bag.” 

2. Eat fiber first

It might sound gimmicky, but there’s good evidence that simply changing the order in which you eat your food makes a big difference in terms of the impact it has on your blood sugar, says Jessie Inchauspé, a biochemist who studies the effect of food on health. Even if you don’t change the components of a meal—say, pasta, chicken, and vegetables—eating the vegetables first, followed by the protein and finally the carbs—can cut the resulting glucose spike substantially.

“We often talk about what to eat or not eat, but this is about how,” she explains, echoing advice shared in her new book, Glucose Revolution, and on her popular Instagram page. She points to several studies, including a 2018 research from the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology in which subjects were instructed to eat the same meal of rice, vegetables, and meat after an overnight fast on different days; when eating rice last, glucose and insulin levels were significantly lower 30 minutes after the meal than they were when they ate the rice first.

Fiber, Inchauspé explains, coats the upper intestines and creates a mesh that prevents the body from absorbing too much glucose from the rest of the meal. Protein and fat also help slow movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, so by the time the carbohydrates enter the body they don’t flood the bloodstream with glucose as dramatically.

For bonus points, she advocates starting meals with an additional vegetable dish, such as a salad, and drizzling on some vinegar: “It can curb a glucose spike from a subsequent meal by up to 30%, because the acetic acid in the vinegar slows the breakdown of starches into glucose,” she says. “It also goes into the muscles and tells them to soak up more glucose” from the bloodstream.

“I was actually shocked when I learned this about vinegar,” she says, but “clinical trials have shown how it can impact your health from a glucose perspective.”

3. Be carb-consistent throughout the day

Going low-carb at breakfast and lunch for the express purpose of splurging at dinner doesn’t work if your goal is to keep your blood sugar steady. “You can’t bank carbs,” says Derocha. The best way to keep your blood sugar on an even keel is to have a similar amount of carbohydrates during each of your three meals (or, if you prefer, five mini meals).

On a similar note, while a sweet treat might seem most appealing mid-afternoon or late at night, the best time to give into that ice cream or cookie craving is actually right after you’ve finished eating a meal that contains some protein, fat, and fiber. Not only will you eat less of the treat,, but the other nutrients you just consumed will help blunt the impact on your blood glucose level and the impact won’t be as great as if you indulged on an empty stomach. For the same reason, consider starting your day with a savory (rather than sweet) breakfast, says Inchauspé.

4. Move after meals

To avoid a major post-meal blood sugar spike, resist the urge to lounge on the couch after dinner. Instead, do something moderately active for at least 10 minutes, says Inchauspé. The goal is to activate your muscles so they’ll seek out glucose from your bloodstream and utilize it rather than letting it linger there.

Indeed, numerous studies support the importance of moving after meals, including a 2021 meta-analysis published in the journal Sports Medicine; the authors concluded that 30 minutes of aerobic activity in the postprandial state is ideal for decreasing glucose and insulin levels in healthy adults. Derocha also points to research that found people with fasting blood sugar readings in the prediabetic range were able to modulate their high blood sugar simply by walking for 15-minutes three times a day (after each meal). “Even just cleaning up the dishes or folding laundry will provide some movement that helps lower blood sugar,” she says.

[cathaedra]

      *      STORMLASHING      /      ft.   zagreus      —      the   boy   is   battered   as   he   approaches   the   cottage   in   elysium,   zagreus   having   no   way   to   reach   this   level   other   than   to   fight   through   the   others.      still,   he   dusts   himself   off   and   stands   a   little   taller   as   he   approaches,   offering   patroclus   a   friendly   wave.            “      hello,   sir.      hope   it’s   alright   that   i’ve   come   to   visit.      ”

patroclus   is   gardening   again.         he   has   not   done   so   since   his   time   in   the   land   of   the   living,   though   the   soil   in   elysium   is   certainly   fertile   and   lush.      before   his   achilles   is   returned   to   him,   he   does   not   see   the   point.      he   does   not   need   food   anymore,   and   nothing   is   worth   the   tasting   anymore      —      not   for   a   long   time;      not   until   @stormlashing​​.      he   returns   to   his   herbs   and   his   medicines   to   give   the   underworld’s   prince   boons   as   he   passes   through   patroclus’s   makeshift   home,   but   it   is   never   more   than   absolutely   necessary   for   zagreus   and   zagreus   alone.

now,   he   has   cultivated   this   patch   of   earth,   and   the   fields   of   elysium   have   returned   his   work   in   kind.      olives,   grapes,   herbs,   grains      —      no   longer   must   patroclus   consult   the   seasons;      no   longer   does   any   shift   of   the   weather   alter   his   plants’   lives   or   yield.      and   this   way,   he   can   make   achilles   his   favorites   once   again.

“      hello,   stranger,      ”            he   calls   to   the   boy,   affectionate   as   ever   in   the   dry   nickname   and   straight-laced   tone.      humor   rests   beneath   it   all,   as   zagreus   well   knows   by   now.            “      i   have   never   known   you   to   knock.      ”            pat   smirks,   tilting   up   zagreus’s   chin   to   observe   a   particularly   nasty   cut   at   his   hairline.      hardly   the   worst   he   has   seen   him      —      but   he   cannot   ignore   the   lad’s   wounds,   can   he?

“      take   a   seat   inside,      ”            he   instructs,   nodding   towards   his   and   achilles’s   cottage.            “      i   will   follow   you   in   a   moment.      you   need   more   than   a   potion   this   time,   i   expect.      ”            he   plucks   up   some   of   his   healing   herbs,   scooping   up   some   water   from   the   spring      —      not   the   lethe;      no   need   for   the   lethe   anymore      —      in   a   bucket   as   well.      this   may   be   a   long   night   .   .   .      or   day,   or   whatever   it   may   be   in   elysium   at   present.      but   patroclus   doesn’t   mind.

[fitnessfusiongo]

Best Back-to-School Healthy Meal Prep Ideas on a Budget for Kids and Adults.

Introduction:

1. DIY Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups: A Healthy Twist on Lunchables

Problem: Store-bought Lunchables are often high in processed ingredients and can be expensive over time. They may be convenient but lack the nutrition and savings a homemade version can offer.

Solution: Create your own healthier version at home with these easy DIY turkey and cheese roll-ups. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also allow for customization with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

Sliced turkey (or your favorite deli meat)

Cheese slices

Whole wheat tortillas

Carrot sticks or cucumber slices

Grapes or apple slices

Instructions:

Spread out a tortilla, layer turkey and cheese, and roll it up.

Slice into bite-sized pinwheels for easy eating.

Add carrot sticks or cucumber slices and a side of fruit.

Why it’s a healthy choice: Using whole wheat tortillas and lean deli meat provides a high-fiber and protein-packed meal, perfect for sustained energy.

Problem: Traditional pasta salads can sometimes be loaded with unhealthy dressings and refined carbs, lacking the essential nutrients needed for a balanced meal.

Solution: This veggie-packed pasta salad swaps regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta and is filled with fresh vegetables, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

Whole wheat or chickpea pasta

Cherry tomatoes, halves

Cucumber, diced

Shredded carrots

Black olives, sliced

Chickpeas (for added protein)

Shredded mozzarella or feta

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to the instructions and allow it to cool.

Mix together all veggies and chickpeas.

Add cheese, and toss everything with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.

Why it’s a healthy choice: Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while chickpeas provide plant-based protein. Fresh vegetables give a boost of vitamins and antioxidants for a balanced meal.

Problem: Kids (and adults) need snacks that are healthy but also fun and easy to prepare. Many packaged snacks are high in sugar and preservatives, offering little nutritional value.

Solution: These peanut butter and banana roll-ups are quick to make, healthy, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients:

Whole wheat tortillas

Peanut butter (or any nut butter)

Bananas

Honey (optional)

Instructions:

Spread peanut butter on a tortilla, place a banana in the middle, and roll it up.

Slice into small pieces and drizzle with honey for a sweet treat.

Why it’s a healthy choice: Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein, while bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness without added sugars.

Problem: Finding a meal that’s both filling and healthy for busy school days can be tough. Many pre-packaged meals lack the fresh ingredients needed to fuel a long day.

Solution: This chicken and veggie rice bowl is packed with protein, healthy carbs, and nutrient-rich vegetables. Plus, it’s super affordable!

Ingredients:

Brown rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)

Grilled chicken breast

Steamed broccoli

Sliced bell peppers

Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce

Instructions:

Cook the brown rice and grill the chicken breast.

Steam broccoli and slice bell peppers.

Divide into containers and top with soy sauce or teriyaki.

Why it’s a healthy choice: Brown rice is a whole grain, rich in fiber, and chicken provides lean protein. Veggies like broccoli and bell peppers are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.

Problem: Mornings are often rushed, making it hard to fit in a nutritious breakfast. Many grab-and-go options are high in sugar or carbs but lack protein to keep you full until lunch.

Solution: Egg muffin cups are the perfect make-ahead breakfast option. They’re packed with protein, low in carbs, and full of veggies for added nutrients.

Ingredients:

Eggs

Spinach, chopped

Diced bell peppers

Shredded cheese

Instructions:

Whisk together eggs and add chopped spinach, bell peppers, and cheese.

Pour into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

Store in the fridge and heat them up in the mornings.

Why it’s a healthy choice: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for energy and focus. Plus, adding vegetables ensures you’re getting a dose of vitamins right at the start of the day.

Conclusion:

Prepping healthy meals for back-to-school doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With these simple, budget-friendly recipes, you’ll be able to keep both kids and adults happy with nutritious meals all week long. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, lunch, or snack, these ideas are designed to save time and money without sacrificing health.

For more healthy, budget-friendly meal prep ideas and school-time hacks, best weight loss tips & tricks, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter and stay updated on the latest tips! Let’s make this school year the healthiest one yet. 🌟

https://fitnessfusion.ck.page/5621828b3e

Get the best keto air fryer cookbook (ebook) with numerous recipes here. Don’t miss the chance to take advantage of the big discount!

[millcreekvet]

Understanding Poison Control For Pets

Pets are beloved members of our families, bringing joy and companionship into our lives. However, their curious nature and indiscriminate eating habits can sometimes lead to accidental poisoning.

Common Household Hazards Human Medications: Many medications meant for humans, including pain relievers, antidepressants, and vitamins, can be toxic to pets. Medication should always be kept safely out of reach. Household Chemicals: Cleaning products, pesticides, and automotive fluids pose significant risks. Ensure these items are stored in cabinets that pets cannot access, and follow usage instructions carefully. Certain Foods: Chocolate, grapes, onions, and alcohol are toxic to pets. Plants: Some common indoor and outdoor plants, such as lilies, azaleas, and ivy, are toxic to pets if ingested. Every pet owner is responsible for putting their furry family members’ protection first. Our goal at Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic is to support you in maintaining the health and safety of your pets.

[seaofpoppies]

Poppy Seeds, Papaver Somniferum, Mixed Color Bread Seed Poppy Seeds, Great for Cottage Gardens

Papaver Somniferum is sometimes known as Bread Seed Poppy or Breadbox Poppy. The large papery poppy flowers are a welcome sight in spring gardens. The poppy seeds are a mix of rich reds & purples. The mix contains a lot of Lauren's Grape Poppy. Lauren's Grape is a lovely purple that reseeds true to color. There is also a lot of fringed "Heirloom" poppies in pink, purple, and red. There may be a few doubles but I find this to be a weak trait that breeds itself out. Dried seedpods make wonderful additions to dried arrangements and craft projects. 

Each packet contains a minimum of 700 seeds. They are small and tricky to count so extras are included. 

I've been growing great poppies for over 20 years and each order comes complete with my growing instructions and tips. Seeds are packed in simple kraft paper envelopes.

Please see the Blog section for an article on growing different types of poppies. 

Mountainlily Farm is a licensed plant nursery. We garden naturally and without chemicals. 

[appsypaps]

energy.

The elderly man

Leads me through

His fruit farm, his land;

A maze, infatuated,

An organized impress

Of still-bare fruit trees,

Rusty tools, I see

Weeds as tall as me,

Wild, biting arugula for

Crispy, chilled salads

On chipped ceramic plates.

He stops me and motions

His crooked, gentle finger

towards the commotion

Of the untamed grape vine.

Layers of leaves spring

In every direction,

Tangled fully in its kingdom.

“See,” He instructs:

“It was a wet winter, and so,

They’ve grown alone--

They make their own shade.

Water will not dry quickly,

And the plant will become sickly.”

He cuts branches without intonation,

Until the ground is littered

with corpses, erasion—

And the birds scream

In mortification.

The grapevine, then, is

Sparsely covered with

Two branches at each thumb,

Leaving the vine small and dumb.

“See,” He says:

“There needs to be

Enough sun to reach here

To keep the leaves clear.”

The farmer speaks

Slowly and carefully,

Planning each word as

It is spoken— truly,

He is aware

Of the plants’ stare.

“Two branches for each thumb.”

He holds out in front

His withered hands.

“There cannot be a branch

Close to another, or else

The fruit that dispels

Will not have enough energy.

One or two sacrifices, and already--

It’s the best for our plenty.”

The farmer’s painting

Is a field of the physical

And metaphysical,

Energy drawing upwards

From the ground and seeping

Through the roots, Leaking,

Then, into our guts.

His farm, to him:

A method, an art, yes, but,

A colonization, a balance.

O’ humans, so galant!

An unending cycle

Of birth and death,

Destruction and the hearth:

Full plates, happy hearts.

This print will stay

For long after

The kind, aging man

Has been reclaimed by

His land.

[skei-chilldelightseats]

The Sweet Scoop: Exploring the World of Ice Creams

A Brief History of Ice Cream

The origins of ice cream date back to ancient times. It is believed that as far back as 200 BC, the Chinese enjoyed a frozen mixture of milk and rice. The evolution continued in Persia, where people made a sorbet-like treat by pouring grape juice concentrate over snow. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century that ice cream began to resemble the dessert we know today, with Italian chefs adding milk to the mix and perfecting the creamy texture.

Ice cream made its way to America in the 18th century and quickly became a favorite. By the 19th century, ice cream parlors started to appear, and the invention of mechanical refrigeration in the 20th century made it possible for ice cream to be enjoyed year-round.

Popular Ice Cream Flavors

Ice cream flavors are as varied as the people who enjoy them. Here are some timeless classics and modern favorites:

1. Vanilla: The quintessential ice cream flavor, known for its creamy, smooth texture and rich, comforting taste.

2. Chocolate: A close rival to vanilla, chocolate ice cream is a decadent treat for all ages, with variations ranging from milk chocolate to dark chocolate.

3. Strawberry: This fruity delight combines fresh strawberries with creamy ice cream, offering a refreshing, sweet taste.

4. Mint Chocolate Chip: A favorite for its cool mint flavor and crunchy chocolate bits, this ice cream is both refreshing and indulgent.

5. Cookie Dough: Combining the best of both worlds, cookie dough ice cream is packed with chunks of raw cookie dough, providing a delightful texture contrast.

6. Salted Caramel: A modern classic, salted caramel ice cream balances sweet and salty flavors for a sophisticated treat.

7. Matcha: This green tea-flavored ice cream has its roots in Japan and offers a unique, slightly bitter taste that pairs well with sweet desserts.

8. Pistachio: Loved for its nutty flavor and subtle sweetness, pistachio ice cream is a gourmet choice.

9. Cookies and Cream: Featuring chunks of chocolate cookies mixed into creamy vanilla ice cream, this flavor is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

The Latest Trends in Ice Cream

As tastes evolve, so does the world of ice cream. Here are some exciting trends that are making waves in the ice cream industry:

1. Plant-Based Ice Cream: With the rise of veganism and lactose intolerance, plant-based ice creams made from almond, coconut, or oat milk are becoming increasingly popular. These alternatives provide a creamy texture without the dairy.

2. Exotic Flavors: Adventurous eaters are turning to unique flavors such as black sesame, lavender honey, and even savory options like basil or olive oil ice cream.

3. Artisan and Small-Batch Production: There’s a growing demand for high-quality, handcrafted ice creams. Small-batch production allows for more creativity and higher-quality ingredients, resulting in superior taste and texture.

4. Functional Ingredients: Some ice creams now include health-boosting ingredients like probiotics, collagen, or adaptogens, catering to health-conscious consumers who don’t want to sacrifice indulgence.

5. Rolled Ice Cream: Originating in Thailand, rolled ice cream is made by pouring a liquid base onto a freezing-cold metal surface. As it freezes, it is spread thinly and rolled up, creating a visually appealing and customizable treat.

6. Ice Cream Sandwiches and Cones: Innovative ice cream sandwiches using cookies, waffles, or even donuts as the base, and creatively flavored cones are becoming trendy, offering a fun twist on the traditional scoop.

Making Ice Cream at Home

Making ice cream at home is easier than ever, thanks to modern ice cream makers and simple no-churn recipes. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Your choice of mix-ins (chocolate chips, fruit, cookie dough, etc.)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined.

Add your mix-ins and gently fold them into the mixture.

Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or container, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Scoop and enjoy your homemade ice cream! Skeiicecream represents a fascinating fusion of art and food, offering a new way to appreciate the beloved dessert. As more people discover the joys of this innovative treat, it’s likely that skeiicecream will continue to gain popularity, inspiring both artists and chefs to push the boundaries of their craft.