Passion for Passion Flowers

One of my absolutely favorite plants is the passion flower vine (passiflora). According to Wikipedia there are aproximately 500 species of this flowering plant. I only have experience growing the vine type. The passion flower can also produce a fruit – known as the passion fruit – which is frequently used in juice mixes. This delicate flower was given its name on the basis of its unique structure and the resemblance to the passion of Jesus found throughout Christianity. Much symbolism was taken from the petals, leaves, tendrils and more that compose the blossoms.

The passion flower is also known for its medicinal purpose as a remedy for nervous disorders. The plant can have a sedative effect on the nervous system. Hoping to use it at home – research more on its medicinal powers here. Note that these remedies are often made from the plant or flower itself – not the fruit. If you’re not a gardener, you can always purchase passion flower extract or supplement from many retailers.

Relatively easy to grow, the passion flower enjoys moist, well drained soil with moderate to full sun. The vine is an avid climber and you may find yourself trying to tame its tendrils. The plant is not considered hardy in Pennsylvania and should be brought indoors if you’d like it to survive through winter. Another option is to take cuttings and keep them in water near indirect light. If you have a large vine, this is a great way to share the plant with family and friends. Cuttings typically root within 2-3 weeks.

Sponge Bob and Patrick

Saturday, June 12 – the place to be is the parking lot at the Red Hill Fire Company for the 3rd annual Touch A Truck event! Sponsored by Upper Perk Youth and Family Services, the event will run from 10am to 2pm.

This is an excellent, family oriented event. Amazing photo ops as vehicles of all kinds will be there – and the kids (of all ages, size permitting) are invited to touch, climb and explore!

Special guests Sponge Bob Squarepants and his friend Patrick will also be on-site! You don’t want to miss this!

Plant Sale Time!

Yes, it’s that time of the year. Time for the Upper Perk Youth and Family Services annual plant sale! May 15, from 9am to 3pm is when the action and excitement will take place. From an insider, arriving early is your best bet to finding the most unusual and perfect plant specimens for your garden.

Looking for the perfect summer gift? Along with plants, find gardening gifts for the beginner to the expert at multiple tents on the YFS grounds. Are you a secret silent auction junkie? Don’t worry – they have that too.

There is something for everyone! And the best part? All proceeds benefit YFS!

Chickens Rule the World

 

Snapple “Real Fact” #755 tells me “There are more chickens than people in the world.”

Good heavens. We could be over-taken at any moment. I have met some very mean chickens in my lifetime. On the other hand, I’ve also met some chickens that looked like they should be performing on the strip in Vegas.

In surfing the internet, I’ve discovered that there are billions of chickens walking the grounds of this planet. Yes – BILLIONS. There are more chickens than any other bird on Earth accoring to Wikipedia. (Don’t criticize my source – this isn’t a scientific article post.)

With all these chickens roaming around (and filling our dinner plates and evening bar specials) – why haven’t we been able to figure out which came first?

Iditarod XXXVIII

What needs 4,544 booties starting this Saturday, March 6 at 10am?

That would be the 1,136 dogs that will be a part of the 71 teams entered in the 2010 Iditarod.

 

Do you think you have what it takes to cover 1,150 miles with 12-16 dogs over the course of  10-17 days? I definitely don’t. I can barely stand one day in the cold – let alone a week. The race begins in Anchorage and winds its way through remote villages to metropolitan areas. Journalists from all over the world flock to Alaska to cover the events. Teams train for months, years – to compete in what some have called the “Last Great Race on Earth”.

Thanks to the internet and advances in GPS and video technology, fans can watch almost the entire race from start to finish via the Iditarod Insider.

And of course…its never too late to practice your mushing terminology. Take some time to watch the teams come gee and come haw in their quest to reach the burled arch.

Capital Campaign for HSHA

The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) has begun a capital campaign in order to raise funds for expansion. Not only is more physical space needed for animals and their owners, but the HSHA is hoping to expand their community programs as well.

HSHA has grown tremendously over the years and helps out thousands of animals and individuals each year. They currently house animals in their office space as the actual shelter is constantly filled to capacity. According to their capital campaign site, “Hundreds more unwanted pets in need are placed on a waiting list and wait an average of 9-12 months to get in to our shelter.”

Having always been a supporter of pet adoption and rescue, it seems only fitting to write about the needs of the local area. Even if you are not a resident of central Pennsylvania – I’m sure there is a local humane society near you that needs your support. Consider donating time, money or other resources. The work that such facilities do is invaluable. Not only do they help unwanted pets find new homes; but they offer education and prevention programs, training, vetrinary services and cruelty investigation.

PawsAbilities 2010

Susquehanna Service Dogs is bringing a fantastic, fun weekend for the entire family (and of course the dogs) on March 13-14, 2010. PawsAbilities 2010 is almost here! I’ve written about Susquehanna Service Dogs previously, and their commitment to their dogs and the families they serve is truly one to admire.

This annual event is being held from 8am – 4pm on both March 13 and 14 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. The PawsAbilities website has the full schedule of events – from obedience compeitions to high-flying, high-catching canines!

You can’t beat the price or the excitement! So round up the kids and pups – and make a day of it!

Driving Miss Goat

Most days I wish my cell phone camera took crisp, clear pictures.

Maybe it does and I just have no idea how to make that happen. (Chances are that is the main problem.)

In any event – surely you can tell that this is a goat attempting to drive my car. Just who does she think she is?!?

Foster Greyhound Update

Mother and the family have been very busy attending to their latest charge – Henry! (His racing name was Test Score; call name Weston. He is probably going through identity crisis, but seems to be handling it well.) This foster received a new name on the ride home from the dog wash: the very day he came into town. What a handsome hound! (Sorry for the delay in pictures, I actually don’t have any yet!)

He is a tall brindle; with what seems like a two-foot tail! However, along with that came a case of “happy tail” from all the enthusiastic wagging. He had a visit to the vet to be neutered – and also had an inch or so trimmed from his tail.

So far mother has only had one crime scene at her house (a result of the happy tail syndrome). But other than that, everything is going wonderfully. I’m fairly certain that she is going to adopt Henry and add him to the pack with Mickey and Foster. Oh yes, its pretty crowded there!

I can’t wait to visit and see the herd! I don’t think a dog could ask to go to a more loving and comfy home!

Squirrel Appreciation Day

Thank you January 21 – for bringing us “Squirrel Appreciation Day!” An even bigger thank you to Christy Hargrove of Asheville, North Carolina for starting Squirrel Appreciation Day in 2001.

Take some time to honor your favorite furry friends and perhaps lay out a few extra nuts for them.

My personal favorite, Bud-Bud.