Monday, June 29, 2009

Laundry -- Basil -- Grasshopper

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Laundry

Around our home it just seems to be a never-ending chore even with just the two of us. I did... and I say this with great pride :-) ... two large loads and one super load of laundry this morning. Yep, folded and almost all put away. It took me longer than usual because it plain hurts to use the left arm much. Lucky me... my right arm is strong!

I am used to putting the laundry into the dryer with my left hand, so I had to think about not doing that. It is hard for me to not do something the way I have done it for years.

Good news! I was stretching my arm today and can now hold it up to shoulder level to the front of me, but can't quite make it that far when I raise it from my side and up towards my shoulder. When I do these slow movements I start thinking about the movie Karate Kid for some odd reason.

I also did a bit of vacuuming. Frank had to finish it up and of course I got scolded. That is okay, payback you know. I scolded him a lot after his surgery in February.

In a normal day this all would be a small accomplishment. This bit of chores has tired me and when asked if I wanted to go to a few stores by Frank I said no.

Basil

While walking around the yard today I took a few pictures to share with you.

My mother-in-law gave me three basil plants, each a different variety, a few weeks ago that someone from her church gave her. She said she had no idea what to do with them and thought I might enjoy them. She knows that I have grown basil in the past.

I usually grow this variety, Sweet Basil.

Sweet Basil

I have not researched what these two varieties are.

Basil

Basil


Basil is an annual herb belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae (Labiatae). There are over 40 known varieties of basil of which Ocimum basilicum or Sweet Basil is the most commonly known and grown. Ocimum is from a Greek verb that means "to be fragrant." The foliage is easily bruised; just brushing against its foliage releases its pleasing aroma. I sometimes will touch a leaf just to smell the pleasing aroma.

Varieties can grow to a height of 2 1/2 feet and are about as wide. Foliage colors range from pale to deep green, vivid purple and even purple laced with golden yellow foliage. Texture varies from silky and shiny to dull and crinkly. Flowers appear in summer as whorls on the ends of branches and are either white or lavender.

Some of the unusual fragrances and flavors include: cinnamon, lemon and anise. Basil is native to India and Asia having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years. It is grown there as a perennial in those warm, tropical climates.

I like to use basil fresh in sauces and stews. I like putting it on meat, especially chicken. I have dried it and I have frozen it, but the best is fresh.

Isn't it nice to have someone think of you :-)

Grasshopper

As I walked around the house I picked a fallen leaf from the pecan tree out of the hydrangea and disturbed a couple of flies. This grasshopper, at least I think that is what it is, was just sitting there refusing to be disturbed. Doesn't it just blend in among the leaves?

Grasshopper

I wanted to get its face a bit better, but could not stoop that low :-)

Grasshopper


The house is quiet and I'm enjoying the sound of the window air conditioner whirring away. The clouds come and go. There could be some more thunder storms later.

Maybe its nap time...
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11 comments :

  1. Hi Zaroga,
    Glad you continue to improve! Great shots of the grasshopper.

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  2. Hi Zaroga! Don't overdo, Miss Z, please...:)
    LOVE the title of your post!
    Ahhh the neverending task of laundry..but it does feel SO GOOD for the few moments that all the bskets are EMPTY, doesn't it?
    Wow, your photos are just incredible...can almost touch the leaves and the icky grasshopper~~lol!
    Thanks so much for stopping by today!
    Hugs,
    Lynn♥

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  3. Glad to hear you are up and about today. There's nothing that smells as good to me as fresh basil from the garden. It just smells clean. I like to add it to spaghetti sauce. Enjoy being inside in the quiet coolness and take a nap while you can. Take care.

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  4. Sounds as if you are doing great. You take it easy as long as you can and try not to over do it. Love me some basil!

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  5. I'm so glad to hear that you are able to do some things like fold clothes!- That is quite a feat this soon after surgery!! Don't overdue, I've previously paid that price after a surgery:)

    I am wondering how you get grasshoppers to pose so nicely for you?:)) Your photos are great- you have a talent in photography- that's for sure!!

    Happy Monday!

    Linda C

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  6. It's good to hear that you're able to do more...but you better take it easy!

    And you take the best pictures, Zaroga! You should be a professional photographer!

    Tammy

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  7. Glad to hear that you are much better but just be careful as you can over do it REAL QUICK!!
    Thanks for stopping by as always. i had been wondering how you are...

    Sandy

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  8. I can't think of better therapy than what you are doing!!! What lovely photos. I MUST go do some laundry, I was behind, and promised myself two loads a day, must get busy. I'm so glad you can do-how marvelous!! We grow Sweet Basil here for hubby: Once, when I bought some plants, I was given my choice of three free basil plants, I picked one of each, I don't remember the names or colors of the fancy ones, but they made great plants for the flowerbed. Hope yours do wonderful for you:)
    Take care Zaroga!

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  9. I'm glad to hear you are getting better. I enjoyed catching up on your life and the photos you posted are awesome. Don't overdo it.

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  10. Hi Zaroga, you are amazing! That you are doing so much so fast. The photos are wonderful. What lens did you use on the grass hopper?
    I was looking at a AF 50mm f/1.7 LENS. And ordered +1 +2 +4 +10 Close-Up Macro Filter Set.
    Have a great day.

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  11. I have Spicy Globe Basil, it is a wonderful plant, I also have Greek oregano and several mints, I wish I could have gotten herbs while they were 5/$10 last week end but I had to stay away, LOL!

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Thank you for visiting my Nook. Your comments are much appreciated.

Make it a great day!

Zaroga