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.

I have not researched what these two varieties are.

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?

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

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...