From The Desk Of Bill Varga
Blue Elderberries naturally boost the immune system. Yes – no – maybe? Probably? Well, they have been used in healing for thousands of years, and that should stand for something! The fruit extracts, syrups, wines, jams, pies are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It has been said that Elderberries reduce Uric Acid in the blood stream which in effect helps lower blood pressure. On the other hand, too much of a good thing may have negative consequences. Elder stems and seeds contain toxic compounds, i.e. Hydrocyanic Acid and when eaten raw can cause nausea and diarrhea. The compounds are neutralized in the cooking and/or heating process. Only in the last few years has the secret to propagating Blue Elderberries been teased out of the bag. Oh, yes you can still wild-collect the fruit treasures in the mountains, but only Black Elder plants have been available to nurserymen for consumer sales. Researchers at U.S.U. have successfully propagated and begun selecting plants with productive characteristics. So, why all the fuss over “Blue” Elderberries? It’s because they’re ours! Yes, native and adapted to our arid, high Ph soil conditions. So, until we begin seeing Blue Elderberry plants at our favorite plant store, manage some time to wild-collect and experiment with a new healthy hobby! I wonder if my wife, Jan, will notice my bath tub concoction in the guest bathroom.
Mother of the Bride:
Jennifer’s wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen her excitement – not even her parent’s divorce. Her mother had found the PERFECT dress to wear and would be the best dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!
A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father’s new young wife had bought the exact same dress as her mother! Jennifer asked her step mom to exchange it, but she refused. “Absolutely not! I look like a million bucks in this dress and I’m wearing it,” she replied. Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, “Never mind sweetheart. I’ll get another dress; after all, it’s your special day.”
A few days later they went shopping and did find another gorgeous dress. When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, “Aren’t you going to return the other dress? You really don’t have another occasion where you could wear it.” Her mother just smiled and replied, “Of course I do, dear. I’m wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding.”
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