Anecdotes, Antidotes, and Anodes

How Safe Are Your Fur Babies Tonight ?

Dear HansMan ! The mystery as to what happened to your house shoe has been solved. Check out the video at the bottom of this post. 

 

Many pet owners will spend New Year's Day looking for their beloved fur babies. Shelters report that New Year's Day and The Fourth of July are when they are full of scared run aways. . . mostly dogs. 

Dogs and cats are able to hear fireworks that are miles away because of their amplified hearing. Because of that they can still sense the noise even when a human can faintly hear it.

Holidays like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July are the days when most pets get lost due to them running away from fear.

These sounds trigger their nervous system, causing them to become afraid or anxious. The bright flashes and smells from fireworks can have an overwhelming effect on pets. 

Distressed pets exhibit symptoms that vary from one animal to another. On a general level, they may drool, pant heavily, or attempt to escape. While these signs are easy to pick up on, there are more subtle ones a pet owner should observe. 

Toileting in the house is a symptom. The pet may also be overly restless for unexplained reasons. No matter what you try, calming them when already distressed may take a long time. Cats tend to hide from the source of distress, while rabbits may keep still and thump the ground heavily with the back feet.

Dogs left outside will possibly scale a fence, dig under it,  or break a leash to escape a sound they hear that may be miles away, but they sense it is in their backyard. Therefore, they run from it. 

Fireworks phobia is a common occurrence in pets around New Year’s Eve. If left unchecked, it can escalate into full-blown fear where even the slightest thud throws the pet in anxiety mode.

A Few Tips:

MicroChipping/Identification

Be sure the dog or cat is micro-chipped. Check with the company that all the information is up to date. Micro-chipping is crucial as it increases the chances of being reunited with your pet should they get lost. If your pet is not micro-chipped, this should be on your 2021 To Do List ! Identification tags on collars are important and should have license, rabies information, vet information, owner's name, phone numbers, address, etc. Many times if a pet escapes, the collar sometimes comes off. This is why micro-chipping is important. 

Dogs

It’s advisable to have preparatory measures in place before the fireworks begin. Take the time to walk your dog before dusk. A pleasant long walk will wear the dog out.

If the dog is exhausted as the fireworks begin, he’ll be less prone to panic because of the sound.

Walk your dog with the leash on. Remember that even the best-behaved dog can get frightened and take off. 

Keep the house secure for your dog to prevent him from running away when the fireworks go off. A safe and comfortable hiding place within your home will help in easing his suffering. Keep your dog company during this “hiding” period to prevent him from panicking.

Keep the curtains closed in the area you intend to keep the dog. Turn on some light soothing music on radio or TV to lessen the effect of the sound from the fireworks. You could also keep the dog occupied by playing games until the fireworks have ended.

If the dog needs to go out for a potty break, put him on a leash and stay with him. One loud bang and he is gone ! 

Some dog owner have found that Thunder Shirts work well. 

Cats

Animal welfare organizations recommend keeping your cat indoors during fireworks. In the same way you calm a dog, you can comfort a cat by putting on some calming music during the fireworks. Ensure your cat stays indoors by blocking off your cat flaps. Keep the curtains closed and allow your cat to roam around the house or put it in a safe place.

Small Animals

If you have a pet in the form of a rabbit or guinea pig, you also need to consider its safety. If you keep them in a cage or pen outside, you could consider one of two available options. You could either move them indoors or have their cages soundproofed.

Soundproofing the cages doesn’t have to be costly or a huge project. Simply covering them with heavy blankets will do the trick twofold. It will prevent the flashes and keep the firework sounds muffled.

Alternatively, move the cages to the garage or shed. Increase their beddings to increase their safety and make them feel snug.

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In case your pet gets too stressed there is a possibility to get prescribed medicine from a veterinarian for anxiety. This can help them. There are also new CBD products that veterinarians are prescribing for anxiety in animals. 

Give them a new toy and a special treat and play a soothing sound. Pair good things with the noise and it will hopefully help them out for next year.

 

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HAPPY NEW YEAR, Ya'll !

Black-Eyed Peas and Good Luck...What's the Deal ?

 

Generally I post something about eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Eve, but this year I'm posting EARLY in order to give all of you ample time to go buy yours NOW !

You have several options . . . dried black-eyed peas (the best with a recipe to follow), canned black-eyed peas, frozen black-eyed peas, etc. 

Here's my history of black-eyed peas . . . 

If you sat down to supper with my parents on December 31 around their drop-leaf kitchen table covered with a mustard-colored oil cloth, there’s a one-hundred per cent chance a very large bowl of black-eyed peas would be sitting there, front and center.

Curls of steam rose above the peas which were swimming in the juices of a succulent ham that had cooked on top of the stove for most of the day.

If you’ve ever tasted a black-eyed pea that hasn’t been seasoned with an ample amount of salt, ham, and the grease contained therein, it tastes a little bit like dirt.

No matter how badly you might not want to eat a bowl of black-eyed peas, rest assured that before being excused from my parents’ table, you would eat at least one.  Not one bowl.  One pea. According to my mother, it wasn’t so much that eating black-eyed peas would bring good luck for the next 364 days, but that not eating at least one might bring bad luck.   

My mind is hazy as to when I actually began to like the taste of black-eyed peas.  Possibly when I had children of my own and needed to convince them of the importance of eating them. At least one of them.

The complete meal consisted of the black-eyed peas cooked with ham, a fully baked ham, greens of some kind, cornbread, and a dessert. Usually, a banana puddin’. The greens might be anything from turnip greens, to mustard greens, to collard greens, to spinach, or a combination thereof. Polk salad was out-of-season, or it would have been on the table, too. The greens were also seasoned with copious amounts of grease and topped off with that hot, vinegary juice of pickled peppers. The cornbread was baked in an iron skillet.  Mom fried bacon bits in the skillet, and while the pan was still hot, she poured the batter in.  It sizzled and browned immediately around the edges. 

During the years, it was explained to me by various family members what this meal represented:  The peas swell when cooked and symbolize prosperity, the greens symbolize dollar bills, the pork symbolizes a positive motion because pigs root forward when foraging, and the cornbread represents gold.

Whether or not eating black-eyed peas brings good luck for the coming year, or not eating them brings back luck, the memories of sharing this meal with my family brings good memories for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Mom's Recipe . . .

Black –Eyed Peas with Ham
(serves 6 or a lot more if your guests only eat one pea)

1 pound dry black-eyed peas
1 small ham, cut into chunks
32 ounces chicken or beef broth
1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
4 cups hot water, additional as peas cook
salt to taste

Place peas in colander / Rinse with cool water to remove dirt and stray hulls / Drain well
Place peas in a large stock pot / Cover with hot water /   Soak for at least an hour
(Soaking is not necessary, but peas will cook faster.  Supposedly, soaking helps to reduce the risk of . . . a-hem . . . digestive upset. . . a euphemism . . . for farting)
Place the ham chunks, chicken broth, and onion in a stockpot
Simmer on low heat while peas are soaking
Drain peas, again
Add hot broth, ham, and onion to peas
Add enough hot water to cover peas 
Place lid over stockpot and heat over medium high until liquid boils
Reduce heat and simmer for an additional 1 to 2 hours
Add more hot water to keep level just above peas
(Amount of time it takes peas to cook and additional water will be determined if peas were soaked and juiciness of the ham.  Amount of salt needed will be determined by ham.)
Overcooking will cause peas to lose their shape and turn to mush

If you are vegetarian or don't eat pork, the peas can be seasoned with any number of other 'additives' . . . 
vegetable broth, green peppers, chilis, tomatoes, (Rotel), celery, garlic, anything in your refrigerator that might add to the deliciousness of this deletable dish . . . 

Serve peas and ham with greens and cornbread.  And, banana puddin’

Good luck ! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The History of Black-Eyed Peas

The black-eyed peas in this story are not to be confused with the American hip-hop group, The Black Eyed Peas.  Botanically speaking, these ‘black-eyed peas’ are actually beans, members of the legume family.

It is thought that they originated in North Africa. The peas were a staple of the Roman and Greek diets, and were quite possibly introduced into India over 3.000 years ago. 

There are several theories about how they ended up in the New World, but the most common one is that slaves from Africa stowed the seeds in their clothing so that they would have their beloved food in this new land.  Another theory is that European and African slave traders arranged for the durable food item to be sold and traded in the New World.  Regardless of how black-eyed peas arrived, they became a life-saving staple during the Civil War.

General William T. Sherman’s March to the Sea in November of 1864 resulted in all the land from Atlanta towards the Port of Savannah being stripped of food, crops, and livestock. The surviving Southerners were left with nothing . . . except black-eyed peas.  In the North, people ate English peas. Only cattle ate black-eyed peas, the reason they are also known as ‘cow peas.’  Union soldiers did not leave the crops as a good-will gesture, they just didn’t know people ate black-eyed peas, so they saw no reason to destroy the crops since they had killed all the livestock.

Black-eyed peas were about the only source of food in the South after the Civil War, and saved thousands from starvation.  Because the Southerners saw the crop as giving them a Second Chance, it became a tradition to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity.

During the 1900’s, the planting of the crop was promoted by George Washington Carver, the famous African-American chemist.  The legume adds nitrogen to the soil and has a high nutritional value. 

The black-eyed pea is a widely used ingredient in soul food and many Southern dishes.  One of these dishes is called “Hoppin’ John.”  There are plenty of stories as to how the dish became known as “Hoppin’ John.”  One comes from the ritual where children on New Year’s Day hopped around the table before eating the dish.  Another was to invite guests to eat the meal and hope for good luck by saying, “Hop in, John.”

Even in the Babylonian Talmud, there are recordings about ‘good luck’ traditions of eating black-eyed peas at Rosh Hashana.

Details of all these ‘black-eyed-pea-stories” differ, but all of them, in some way or another celebrate the communion of family and friends, bound by grateful hearts and renewed hopes for good times ahead.

Memories of Redstone, Colorado. Christmas 2020

Moon over the clock tower.

6:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve - 2020

 

Redstone, Colorado is known as “The Ruby of the Rockies."  (red sandstone cliffs)

It is a tiny mountain town nestled about sixteen miles south of Carbondale in the Elk Mountain area of Pitkin County. It's about forty-eight miles from Aspen. The population ten years ago was 130. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Redstone was founded in 1898. Originally the town was built as a model company town for coal and steel pioneer, John Osgood. He was the sixth wealthiest man in America at the time in 1900. He had 88 individually-styled European cottages, complete with plumbing and electricity for his workers.

Osgood's home was the 24,000 square foot Redstone Castle. His guests included such figures as Teddy Roosevelt, John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan and Prince Leopold. 

All that to say, HansMan and I have enjoyed going to Redstone for many years. 

This year we packed up Stella and PeekaBoo and headed there for two days and nights. Might I say, 'frosty' days and nights. 

Yes, there are pet friendly rooms built about a century ago. But, they are clean and comfortable and we have our favorite room. 

As I've mentioned in the past, my 'travel' posts are just to document where we've been as a reminder to us that we've actually been there. 

You are welcome to come along for the ride. Or at least watch the videos. Put on a coat because it's very cold. 

 

 

 

I videoed Main Street standing in the back of the pickup, looking over the cab of the truck, freezing in 18 degree weather.
I had no idea how long that street was until I did this. BRRRRRRR. 

Sunburst over Redstone Inn.

View from our pet friendly room

Snow-covered cactus at Tiffany of Redstone

 

Frozen River

Redstone General Store and Santa

 

This little hill has special memories.

Even though it's small, we spent hours sledding down it with grandkids and dogs. 

And, we built a snow cave. 

 

And, if you don't want to sled . . . you can always slide. 

 

 

Any guesses?

Salamba Shirshasana
(Yoga headstand)
Adho Mukha Shvanasana
(Downward-facing Dog)

 

Snuggle buddy

The Griswalds

Our Christmas Card to You . . . "It's Christmas Time at the Schmoldt House"

Sung to Silver Bells . . . 

All together now . . . and a 1, and a 2, and a . . . 

 

Christmas tree lights. Holiday lights.

Hung in tangled-up style.

In the air there's a feeling of tension.

Hans is laughing. Kath is stressing. Are we having fun yet? 

During these times at our house you'll hear . . . 

Hang them here. No not there.

It's Christmas time at the Schmoldt house.

Plug them in. They don't work.

Soon it will be Christmas Day.

Lots of eggnog in a moose cup should relax all our nerves.

As two Boxers look on in amazement.

Stella's whining. Peeka's howling.

As Hans barks at them both. 

And above all this noise you'll hear . . .

Take them down. No I won't. 

It's Christmas time at the Schmoldt house. 

They look great. No they don't.

Soon it will be Christmas Day. 

We have finished. With the lighting, It is time to relax.

In the air there's a scent of wires burning.

What do I smell? Alarms are blaring.

There is smoke in the air.

As the lights catch on fire outside.

Get the hose. Call 9-1-1.

It's Christmas time at the Schmoldt house.

I told you so. It's not my fault. 

Soon it will be Christmas Day. 

 

Merry Christmas
from
HansMan & Kathy
Stella & PeekaBoo

 

When Homelessness Has a Name

 

H-A-N-K . . . 

That name would be Hank. 

Most of my blog posts are random and have no specific goal in mind other than to entertain me, myself, and I.  And to document places I've been so I can remember I've actually been there. This post is different in that I'm serious and am in some sort of way, reaching out for advice.

We'll start with this link:  Grand Junction Mutual Aid

This is a public Facebook site that has over 14,ooo members. It is no different than the other thousands of  sites that popped up when we found ourselves in the middle of a pandemic and wondering what to do and how to help. These sites were created by caring, wonderful people who saw a need and used social media to reach out to the public. 

On Thursday, the site randomly popped up on my phone. I had joined the group several months ago when I was 'sheltering in' in Oklahoma. 

This is the message I saw that was posted by a beautiful, caring young lady: 

Hi everyone. We have a homeless man sleeping near the entrance to our store. Next to David’s Bridal and Kohl’s. He’s kind, quiet and not bothering anybody, he’s been here all week sleeping on the bench. Does anyone have a sleeping bag and warm gear? Feel free to pm me.

This man's name is HANK.

Hank who lost his job, as many others. Lost his house, as many others. And is now living on the street. Actually, living on a bench outside David's Bridal. 

Hank is now homeless. He has two blankets and a blue plastic tarp. 

Later on Thursday, an Update was posted:

UPDATE: A KIND LADY AND GENTLEMEN PUT HIM UP IN A HOTEL FOR A FEW DAYS IF ANYONE WANTS TO DONATE ITEMS FOR THIS MAN ONCE HIS TIME AT HOTEL IS UP PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I CAN PICK UP ITEMS OR YOU CAN CALL THE HOTEL AND PAY FOR AN ADDITIONAL NIGHT. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!

Hank put all his belongings into a trash bag and was taken to a hotel nearby. His feet were numb. The temperatures at night dropped into the teens. IT WAS IN THE LOW THIRTIES WHEN HE LEFT FOR THE HOTEL. 

Next Update:

HIS ROOM IS PAID FOR THROUGH THE 24th. As of now he’ll need to check out on Christmas Day. If you’d like to pay for another night,  HE’S AT WOODSPRINGS SUITE 970-644-5902 address is 659 Market Street.. I will pick up and drop them to him if you have things you’d like to donate. He needs food and warm clothing.

Next Update:

HIS ROOM IS PAID FOR THROUGH JANUARY 1. 

The rate at Woodsprings in $65 a night unless a week is booked at a time. The weekly rate is $50 a night. 

****************

A short-term solution is in place. It's the long-term solution we are working on.

"Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime. 

The problem is, Hank knows how to fish. He just needs a place to fish. We are in the process of learning about Hank . . . if he's a Veteran . . . what skills he has and what type of employment would work best for him. There are several people who are involved who will get this information this week. But, at the, moment, Hank is warm.  He even has a tiny Christmas tree with red bows and lights in his room which is equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and two burner cooktop. Food can be left at the reception area for Hank to pick up. 

I began this post saying I was reaching out for advice . . . please feel free to make suggestions. Or if you find it in your heart to extend Hank's stay during these terribly cold days and nights in Grand Junction, the hotel info is above. They know him as "Hank, the homeless man living on a bench by David's Bridal."  You can also go to the Grand Junction Mutual Aid FB link above, scroll down, and find the post. Your comments and suggestions are welcome there. 

I will end with this original story by Loren Eisley:

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said…..“I made a difference for that one.”

Menorah . . . Hanukkah

 

Even after a year, I'm still giggling about what my friend said to me when I asked her, "Is this Christmas garland yours?"

She replied, "Nope Kathy, that's not my Christmas garland. I'm Jewish. Remember?"

This post is my attempt to learn more about Hanukkah and the significance of the Menorah. 

Because of different cultural backgrounds, educational history, and personal relationships, there are many different religious beliefs.

Or should I say, a different belief: possibly that only one religion contains 'the truth.'  Personal relationships could be the strongest connection because it may be the belief of our parents. For many, it is difficult to part from the belief of our parents that there's only 'one truth.' 

For me, learning about Hanukkah and other religions is an effective way to cultivate the kind of intellectual empathy needed to take seriously the religious views and beliefs of others. That there is more than 'one truth.' 

Of course, I'm speaking from my childhood memories and being so confused as to why there were so many different churches in the small town where I lived. I'm embarrassed to say that my dogmatic views followed me into adulthood. These were the views of my parents, and how could my parents maybe be wrong?  

In Living Buddha, Living Christ, Vietnamese Zen Master, peace activist, and poet Thich Nhat Hanh describes an exchange that occurred at a conference of theologians and religion professors. A conference leader addressed the assembly: “We are going to hear about the beauties of several traditions, but that does not mean that we are going to make a fruit salad.”

In response, Hanh gently observed: “Fruit salad can be delicious!” In analyzing the incident, Hanh explains: “I do not see any reason to spend one’s whole life tasting just one kind of fruit. We human beings can be nourished by the best values of many traditions.”

Hanh wasn't advocating that we abandon our own spiritual heritage. He is simply suggesting that we all have much to learn from different religious traditions. “

Since reading that book several decades ago, I gave myself permission to deviate from the belief that there's only one truth and taken opportunities to cultivate a deeper understanding and respect for other religions. 

One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple.

It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and its mission to be "a light unto the nations." (Isaiah 42:6). The sages emphasize that light is not a violent force; Israel is to accomplish its mission by setting an example, not by using force. This idea is highlighted in the vision of the Prophet Zechariah who sees a menorah.

The kohanim lit the menorah in the Sanctuary every evening and cleaned it out every morning, replacing the wicks and putting fresh olive oil into the cups. The illustration featured is based on instructions for construction of the menorah found in Exodus 25:31-40.

The lamp stands in today's synagogues, called the ner tamid (lit. the continual lamp; usually translated as the eternal flame), symbolizes the menorah.

The nine-branched menorah used on Chanukah is commonly patterned after this menorah, because Chanukkah commemorates the miracle that a day's worth of oil for this menorah lasted eight days.

The menorah in the First and Second Temples had seven branches. After the Temples were destroyed, a tradition developed not to duplicate anything from the Temple and therefore menorahs no longer had seven branches. The use of six-branched menorahs became popular, but, in modern times, some rabbis have gone back to the seven-branched menorahs, arguing that they are not the same as those used in the Temple.

 

 

Thanks to Amy for the first two photographs of the Menorah in her home.

Thanks to my daughter for the third photograph of the Menorah in her home.

The fourth photo was taken somewhere. I can't remember where. 

And the fifth, with the Christmas tree providing the background for the Menorah, was taken on Wall Street. 

******

In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh . . . we human beings can be nourished by the best values of many traditions . . .

 

War of the Roses...I Mean War of the Poinsettias

 

 

Today's post concerns the pronunciation of this plant:

Poyn-seh-TEE-uh?

Poyn-seh-ah ?

For over twenty years the holiday season brings with it a bit of discourse between theHansMan and me. on several different levels.

One level is, simply stated, we don't pronounce the name of this flower the same. That causes most of our conversations to be peppered with the word, "poinsettia."

"Did you buy dog food today?"

"Yes, and I bought some poinsettia chews for them, too."

Each of us emphasizing the word POINSETTIA for effect.

"Did you have the oil in the truck checked today?"

"Yes, and they balanced and aligned the poinsettias, too."

This highly intelligent form of conversing to antagonize each other is carried over into about everything we talk about. You can use your creative minds to just imagine where the word 'poinsettia' can be substituted.

TheHansMan and I have agreed to abide by the consensus of the blogging and Facebook world. Here is the million dollar question:

How do you pronounce POINSETTIA?

1)  poyn-seh-TEE-uh

2)  poyn-seh-AH

3)  or some other way

We will forever use the pronunciation of the one that receives the most votes.

Wikipedia has THIS TO SAY.

Other tidbits about this flower:

Is this flower poisonous?

No, says POISINDEX.  Ingesting this plant will make you sick but it probably won't kill you. A fifty pound child would have to eat more than 1.25 pounds of poinsettia bracts (about 500-600 leaves) to exceed the experimental doses.

Question # 1: Whose fifty pound kid was used to conduct this experiment ?

Question #2: What was the experimental dose? Did they use an entire greenhouse full of poinsettias?

Question #3: Wouldn't eating 500-600 of these leaves kill a horse? 

Just some Food For Thought...pun intended.

 

Just for the record . . .

Some say poinsetta and some say poinsettia. In both cases, either pronunciation is acceptable. This traditional holiday houseplant, a native of Mexico, is named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico (circa 1820).

In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as Flor de Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve Flower. You may also see it written as La Flor de la Nochebuena, which means Flower of Christmas Eve. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it's known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower.

Devil's Kitchen, Hotel Maverick, Grand Junction, Colorado

Back in the days when we used to travel, I loved writing about places we visited, especially about restaurants. It was my way of journaling. Actually, it was my way of remembering where we had been. It was my own little travel guide. Move over Rick Steves. And Frommer's. And Lonely Planet. And Fodor's. 

It's been a heck of a long time since I've been outside the city limits of Grand Junction. But, I still have that urge to share a dining experience. To list my favorites on the menu. Or describe the ambience of a quiet table for two tucked away in the corner by the fireplace. 

In order to go out for dinner requires one to change out of either day PJs or night PJs and put on 'hard clothes.' That's what my daughters and I have now started calling real clothes. You know. Those clothes without elastic in the waist band. The ones that actually touch your body. 

HansMan and I had a date night last week, and I climbed into some 'hard clothes.' We went to Devil's Kitchen which is the restaurant on the fourth floor of the Hotel Maverick. We love that place. 

I suggest checking out their menu and going there for lunch or dinner. 

Because of COVID, they have installed 'igloos' on the outer deck. They are heated and warm blankets are provided. Even though it was a bit chilly, we didn't need the blankets. Each igloo has its own special lighting and the view is spectacular looking across the city to The Colorado National Monument. 

 

My menu favorites are:

Appetizer: Grilled Artichoke

Hand held: Rowdy's French Dip

Salad: Grilled Salmon Salad

Soup: Seafood Soup-Viche

Sides: Brussel Sprouts, Smashed Potatoes, Pork Rinds

Dinner Menu: Filet with White Truffle Butter

Dinner Menu: Always ask what the special is.

Dessert: Maple Bacon Doughnuts & Bananas Foster

You just can't go wrong with any choice on their menu.

The service is excellent. A trip to Devil's Kitchen is absolutely worth 'climbing into hard clothes' for. 

Oh. I almost forgot . . . they are serving hot mulled wine . . . gluhwein !  That would be HansMan's favorite. 

If you do plan to go, be sure to make a reservation.

 

 

Captions, Comments and/or Questions ?!?!

 

 

Just a random day here at The Asylum.

I was looking for a particular photo and came across these. 

Maybe one of them will make you smile . . . 

 or at least go . . . 

h-m-m-m-m-m-m !

Any questions ? 

 

Thanksgiving Cactus or Christmas Cactus ? There Is A Difference !

There really is a Thanksgiving cactus AND a Christmas cactus. Who knew ? I just always thought my Christmas cactus was an over-achiever and bloomed early. If your Christmas cactus bloomed at Thanksgiving, then it's probably not a Christmas cactus at all. It's a Thanksgiving cactus.Even though these two plants look similar, there are certain characteristics that help to tell them apart. 

And if you keep reading, we'll eventually get around to that. 

Christmas cacti and Thanksgiving cacti belong to the same botanical genus, Schlumbergera, meaning they’re closely related. It’s easy for even the well-trained eye to mistake them for the same plant. Both grow wild in the mountains of southeastern Brazil, so they prefer things on the cool and shady side, unlike the cacti found in desert habitats. This is partly why they are an easy to care for house plant, although they do need more regular watering than a desert cactus would.

The beautiful blooms grow on flattened, spineless, segmented green stems. They can be pink, red, white, or yellow.  They don't have leaves. Although these cacti have similar-looking flowers and stems, each of these features offers clues to help you distinguish a Christmas and a Thanksgiving cactus from one another. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) was once commonly called the “crab claw cactus” or “crab cactus" before it started being marketed around Turkey Day. It also goes by zygocactus. You can identify it by the pointy “teeth” on the sides of each stem segment. These teeth are soft, not sharp, and can vary in size, but are almost always visible on the plant to some degree. The Christmas cactus stem segments lack pointed teeth and have more scalloped or rounded edges. 

There is another way to tell the difference. Sticking out from each blossom, the cluster of long, thin anthers will be tipped with pollen. If the color of the pollen is yellow, you more than likely have a Thanksgiving cactus, and if it's pink, you probably have a Christmas cactus. While the Christmas cactus stems hang down like a pendant, the Thanksgiving cactus has stems that grow upright at first and then arch. When figuring out which one of these cacti you have growing in your house, consider the age of your plant for some hints. In recent years, all sorts of new varieties have been produced with characteristics that blur the differences between the two species. These are what you're more likely to find for sale nowadays, instead of the original species-type plants. So if your plant is a young one from a garden center or grocery store, chances are it's a major mishmash between Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti, and maybe a few other related species. Who knows what all is mixed in? This plant is what we might call a "Mutt cactus." 

But if Grandma gave you a cutting off that 50-year-old plant growing on her kitchen window sill, you might actually have a straight-up Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus with nothing else mixed in. A pure-bred cactus for sure. 

Confused yet ?  Well, hang on because there is another look-alike cactus.

It's the Easter cactus. Yup. For those of you in to the Latin names, it's called Hatiora gaertneri (formerly classified as Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri), and it blooms in the spring. Its flaring, trumpet-shaped flowers have pointy pink or red petals.

If the “Y” shaped segment breaks off from one of your cactus branches,  just stick it in a pot of sterile soil or vermiculite. It will root in no time.

My cacti were all tiny when purchased and came in a plastic pot. I immediately replant them in a glass or terra cotta pot so that when they become root bound, I can just break the pot and lift the root ball into a larger 'breakable' pot. There is no way to lift that plant out by the top without breaking it to pieces. 

Below are photos of my Christmas and/or Thanksgiving cacti which could be held in the palm of my hand when I bought them.  You can see the

different colors of the pollen on some. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next lesson:  Is It Cacti or Cactuses ? 

 

Cactus plural: 

 

Cacti is a noun. It is the plural form of cactus, which refers to members of a family of spiny plants. Cacti are famous for having sharp

 

spines. They can survive extreme conditions by storing water in their stems for extended periods of time.

 

Cactuses is an alternative spelling of the same plural noun. According to Bryan Garner (2016), both are accepted variants. Cactuses is more common

 

in speech and ordinary usage, while cacti is favored in print sources and scientific uses.

 

Now, here's the kicker . . . In a sense it is a misnomer to call these plants a cactus. because they do not have the long prickly spines of the desert

 

cacti/cactuses. They do have the required areoles or sunken spots that put them in the cactus clan. 

 

There will be a test !