I’M JUST CURIOUS: Bits and pieces

by Debbie Walker

Some of these pieces you may know about and some you may be introduced to today. My hope is you find usefulness and hopefully a little humor, too, in what I am going to share with you. Most of this information is coming from the 2020 Farmer’s Almanac.

We’re going to start out with a couple Helpful Hints:

Reusable Storage: Don’t throw away any of those cardboard carriers of a 6-pack. You can use one for the cookouts. Use the individual holes for carrying ketchup, mustard, mayo and other things necessary. OR Use one for crafting or kids activities to hold supplies.

Home Spa: Tie a bunch of fresh eucalyptus to your shower head and let the smell turn your shower into an invigorating way to start the day. (It is said to open nasal passages).

Bug Bite Relief: (The bugs will return soon!) Soak a cloth in a mixture of two tablespoons of Epsom salt in one cup of water. Wring out and hold cloth over the bite for several minutes.

Plastic Snow Sled: (Summer use) Use a plastic snow sled with a rope lead to haul your camping gear from the car to your site. You can also use it for carrying planting supplies and tools around the yard, from one site to another.

Have you ever wondered about eating insects? (Me neither, but it’s kind of funny):

Crickets: Remove legs; dry roast, fry, or stir fry. There is also such a thing as cricket flour. I don’t have any, how about you? Oh, and you can get them at a pet store.

June Bugs/Beetles: Fry in oil/butter with shallots. (Oh, bummer, I am all out of shallots!)

Ants: Can be roasted in a dry pan and added as a flavoring or crunchy topping to other dishes. (If you ever wondered what to do about the ants I’ll bet you never thought to cook them up for a new taste!)

Pill Bugs (Sow Bugs): These insects are related to lobster and shrimp. Boil or sauté briefly in butter.

CAUTION: Avoid insects with bright yellow, red, or orange markings. Be aware of areas sprayed with pesticides. (And please check for more information before you try any of these things, please.)

Camping Hacks:

Bring two coolers – one for just the drinks and the other for food.

Duct tape: Always bring it. It has helped us out with medical problems and patching holes, use your imagination.

Tic Tac Containers: Fill them with your favorite seasonings. Use permanent marker to write what’s inside.

Fruit Flies: Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar plus two drops of liquid dish soap. Mix well. Fruit flies will be drawn to the bowl… and to their demise.

Philosofacts:

It doesn’t require many words to speak the truth.

Spring is when you feel like whistling even when your shoe is full of slush.

A snowflake is winter’s butterfly.

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

Some people only like the changes that jingle in their pocket.

I am just curious if you found any bits or pieces useful. Let me know, contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org. I hope you found some things to smile at. Thank you for reading and have a great week.