Choice Morsels

  My physical therapy for my arm is going well. I started going back to my nearby gym again last Friday. I use the bike that works both arms and legs. It's good for my elbow.  For Thanksgiving, I've picked up a pre-cooked turkey & sides from my local grocery and will heat that up for 3 or 4 people from the Sunday bible study who are staying in town. Today's Gardens Pics: A clump of late season "Butterfly Garden" seed I planted back in August. It was the last portion of a box of seed from Dollar Tree. I hadn't gotten anything to come up in spring or summer---but, surprise, the fall planting took off like gangbusters! The yellow flowers are Calendula. To their left is a Forget-me-not. To the right is a clump of Bachelor Buttons (cornflower) and one Coreopsis. This nice shot captures of glow of late day sun! Next, my fall Gerbers: In the last picture you can see these are just above the Calendula clump. That pottery container is a cute thing my husband and I ...

Today's photo topic is a herb called Calendula: Calendula It's common names include Pot Marigold, Butterwort, Cowbloom, Marsh Marigold, Mary Flower and Bull Flower, among others. The Calendula flower is both edible and a medicinal herb known for it's anti-inflammatory effects when it is used topically and it is also a potent antioxidant. It can be soothing for the gastrointestinal tract when ingested as tea. Because of its antiviral and antibacterial qualities, it is also useful in treating minor wounds and abrasions.    The petals of Calendula are often added to salads as well. Their bright orange color is an attractive contrast to salad green and their slightly bitter flavor compliments the other vegetables. When cooked, the flavor mellows. Calendula can be used much like saffron by adding it to rice and pasta dishes.    The photo above is actually last year's lone Calendula. I saved 2 heads of seed from it and this year have 10 pl...