Sharon, I sure wish that you would write a book. I always look forward to your memories. You describe them so vividly it is like I am there with you

What inspiring words, thank you, my friend.

I have been compiling these articles into some kind of book form for a few years now, I think it's about time I get it finalized. I do appreciate your words so much. And I've been meaning to tell you, I love the kitty in your avatar.

Thank you - he is my full time, 24/7 buddy. I have always been a dog person (the bigger the dog, the better) but my heart now belongs to a 12 pound feline

Please let me know when your book is finalized. I really want to purchase a copy. You are such an exceptional writer. When I read your articles, I truly can picture every detail and even feel the sun gently shining on my skin. You are a talented woman indeed !

Wow. Your words made me take a deep breath. Aunt Bett always said that deep breaths were needed when you felt 'overcome'.
I think she might have meant overwhelmed.

I'm hoping to have it all done by November, that's the plan anyway. I'll be sure to let you know.

I think your Aunt Bett and my grampies had the same background I am excited that you are so close to completion. 'Just in time for Christmas!

I don't mean to ask a silly question, but is there a type of yarrow that is used more frequently for rheumatism? I see that there is A. filipendulina, A. millefolium, etc., and was wondering which one (if any) are most commonly used in herbal medicine.

Not a silly question at all. I only have real knowledge of the medicinal properties of A.millefolium. It seemed to be the one that grew fairly freely in the mountains. There are several varieties of it now, but I still think most teas are made from millefolium.

I also meant to respond to your kitty note; I've had a cat or two for maybe 30 years and suddenly now for a year I have a rescued dog. A big dog that I absolutely adore. Her name is Sunshine, no particular ancestry at all. Just a dog from the shelter.

But . . . yarrow, I only know for sure about A.millefolium.

Thank you for the information - that is extremely helpful.

I actually read about Sunshine on Cubits. She reminds me of a dog I got from the shelter for my middle son when he was a little boy (but your Sunshine seems so much better behaved). I had been all set to pick up a shepherd puppy when the door burst open in the shelter's office and a 100# black dog came charging in (he later topped out at about 120# - more than I weigh). He of course knocked me flat on my back. His owners (a single mom and her teenaged daughter) were giving him up as they had another dog at home (they lived in a 1 bedroom apartment) and could no longer keep the two of them. They warned me that Sebastian could be a bit wild (ha! - he was more than a bit - he even chewed a hole through a fire door) but I knew the moment that I hit the ground that he was the guy for us!

He ended up being the best dog that we ever had by far although it took a year of extensive training and time to get him to calm down. Sadly, the day before my son left for college, Sebs had a massive stroke that left him mostly paralyzed. He was put to sleep in our front yard with my son and I holding him. I still tear up when I think about our guy but I believe on some level, he knew his job was done - he had helped raise a good man. I hope that sunshine brings you many years of ... well, sunshine, too

Again, thank you for the information on the yarrow. I appreciate all of your help

Beautiful story, many parallels to mine, thank you!

OldGardener said:Sharon, I sure wish that you would write a book. I always look forward to your memories. You describe them so vividly it is like I am there with you

Old Gardener,

What a wonderful story Sharon and so much good information - thank you so much

It's about merry old time to see/read an Aunt Bett story again! :>)

Yarrow is a favorite around here, too. Great to have for the bees, the beneficial bugs and pollinators. I've never ate it before but have used it in tandem with plantain for bee stings. Works great!

Waving and sending hugs to ya, Sharon...

Shoe (counting down the days now til November!....)

Vic and Shoe! Beautiful to read your words. Thank you!

Shoe, my old buddy, you will be the first to know!

Aloe and plantain and now yarrow, never thought about yarrow for bee stings, great advice. Sure hope it works on wasp stings too, the wasps and I are having an ongoing battle this summer, running neck and neck right now. Six for me and one for them though, and I tell myself I'm gaining.

Sharon, try an empty 1.25 litre Dr. Pepper bottle. It makes for a great swatter! I am batting over .900 now with these aggressive, green-metallic, June-type beetles who decided earlier to swarm me whenever I am on the front stoop. Now, when I pick up the bottle, away they fly

Ya reckon my wasps would respond as well to an empty 1.25 litre of Coke?

It is worth a try I used to think that insects did not have a lot of capacity to learn but they sure do clear out now when they see the bottle