JenKor

How do you make this thing go?

Mixed with hail, rain, snow, tornados, and 70 degree weather this May has been a roller coaster of a month.  As most would say “Springtime in the Rockies!”

Eating Dandelions?  It had never crossed my mind before about eating a flower that grows wild in my yard and I have long considered to be a weed.  As it turns out many countries across the world consider the dandelion a delicious vegetable, and has been used for medicinal purposes.  Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, and the Soviet Union are among those that find this flower a source of nutrition.  China finds it to be one of its top herbs.  In America we find it as an irritating weed and is poisoned or pulled and is flat out despised.

 Dandelion nutritional benefits can be found in the greens and roots.  They are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Dandelions are a rich source of beta-carotene, from which Vitamin A is created, particularly rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, and are a good source of protein.

 Along with the nutritional value the herb also offers medicinal properties as well.  They have been used to treat digestive disorders, arthritis, eczema, and used as a blood detoxifier.  Its richness in calcium can be helpful for bone health.   Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating production of insulin, and also make patients urinate frequently, which helps remove the extra sugar.

 There are many varieties of dandelion, but the common dandelion is scientifically known as Taraxacum Officinale.  It can be easily identified by its green leafy foliage and bright yellow flower.  You will find it growing mainly in the spring and fall.  If they are to be harvested it is best to do in the early spring, before they flower.  Young dandelions are tender and can be served in salads, or sandwiches.  Dandelions can be a bit bitter but mixed with other greens can enhance the flavour.  Another popular use is in tea.

I watched a documentary on Discovery Channel tonight about the secret service and how they keep the president safe.  They mentioned that their old reliable weapon of choice is the Sig Sauer P229. 

Jen and I have been looking for a hand gun to have with us a home and to carry with when camping for protection.  We also looked at a Springfield Armory XD at Sportsmans Warehouse the other day.  Jen liked how that felt when she held it.  Here is a picture of the Sig Sauer P229-DAK.

I’ve not held or shot the Sig.  In fact I’ve not shot any of them.  It would be nice to have a place we could go and try a variety of guns to see what we like.  We are still looking for a handgun to purchase but these are some that we started to look at.

Our Little Monkey

Our little monkey climbing grandma’s trees in North Dakota.  I’ve been told he enjoys climbing and also puts his worms in a bucket and puts it in the tree to keep them away from his little brother.