Some random memories from MY rocking chair

A year ago I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism which can in some cases, such as mine, affect your memory. And as much as I hate to admit it, I’m getting older and with that comes memory loss.  I have to have post it notes and lists everywhere so I don’t forget things. That’s what triggered this blog – I wanted to record some of my personal memories as well as make a tribute to the past and the women who worked  hard to provide a loving and caring home for their families by blogging about different eras, challenges, and experiences of keeping a home .

My oldest daughter and I were walking the other night and I, of course, had my camera with me and kept taking pictures of my Granddaughter. My daughter asked why I brought my camera with me everywhere I go – something I never really used to do unless we were on vacation. I told her that it was because with my thyroid problems and forgetfulness it was the best way for me to remember things – taking photos and blogging about them which includes the date and information.

Then tonight when I was sitting in our gazebo with my youngest daughter, I was reading a magazine called Country from Reiman Publications, and it had wonderful photos of mountains that reminded me of The Canadian Rockies and something my youngest said on our drive through them – she was only 9 and was in awe of the mountains as we drove higher and higher into the clouds when she peeped from the back seat of the van - “Who made them?” We asked what she was talking about and she said “ the mountains”. We simply replied “God”. She simply said “cool!”

That’s something I never want to forget :)

Medicinal Plants

Plants have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Of course 150 years ago it wasn’t easy to see a Doctor, especially if you lived in the country as many people did. The Doctor had to be fetched and brought to your house and if he was away on another call, you had to wait until he was finished.  Sometimes you would wait hours, other times days, so the lady of the house became knowledgeable in medicinal plants for practical reasons.

I’ve always been fascinated with articles about healing plants and have always wondered if they really work. I’ve never tried any. Not sure if I’m a sceptic or maybe I’m just plain scared to try something that my Doctor hasn’t prescribed for me. So this year, one of my goals is to try using a plant for a minor medical issue to see if it helps.

Here are a few plants and their medicinal uses that I found online at Healthmad.com

Begonia

1. Use the infusion made with Begonia flowers for eliminating toxins from the body.
2. The infusion helps in promoting blood circulation.
3. Rub the flower on burns, pains and toxic sores.

Calendula

1. Use the essence of Calendula for relieving from menstruation pain, sore throats and tonsillitis.
2. Apply it on cancer sores and wounds for quick healing.

California Poppy

1. It treats insomnia, nervous tension and anxiety.
2. It relieves from menstrual cramps and pain.

Chrysanthemum

1. The drink made with this flower cures cold and fevers.
2. Apply the drink with a cotton ball over the eyes for relieving the inflammations.
3. The drink relieves from headaches and hypertensions.

Corn flower

1. Rub the essence over the eyes for relieving conjunctivitis and strain.
2. Use the stem facial of this flower for facial skin eruptions and acne.

Dandelion

1. The infusion made with dandelion treats anaemia, jaundice and nervousness.
2. It also purifies the blood.

Honey suckle

1. Gargling with the essence of this flower relieves sore throat.
2. It is also effective for all inflammatory conditions.
3. The blossoms are rich in antiviral and antibacterial properties.
4. The leaves and stems of this flower are useful for arthritis.

Hyssop

1. Gargling with the essence of this flower relieves sore throat and reduces inflammation.
2. It relieves from cold and flu.
3. Rubbing with the essence on cuts and bruises heals them.

Nasturtium

1. The infusion of this flower cures cold, influenza.
2. It fights against reproductive and urinary tract infections.
3. It fights against bacterial infections and respiratory infections.

Plum flowers

1. This flower is useful in curing cough and diarrhea
2. The smoke of this fruit is effective against parasites.
3. It is helpful in stopping ulcers.

Rose

1. Chew the petals for improvement in blood circulation.
2. The petals act as anti-depressive agents.
3. The petal tea cleanses the liver and gall bladder.
4. Infusion of this flower improves the efficiency of lungs.

Sunflower

1. The infusion of this flower relieves from menstruation pain and ulcers.
2. Gargling with the infusion relieves sore throat and tonsillitis.
3. It is a remedy for cancer sores.

Valerian

1. This flower relieves from anxiety and insomnia.
2. It is a remedy for migraines, tension headaches and rheumatic pains.
3. The essence of this flower relieves from muscle and menstrual cramps.

Viola

1. Apply the essence of this flower to cure eczema and varicose veins.
2. Take the infusion of this flower regularly to cure from coughs and bronchitis.
3. It is useful for urinary problems and cystic.

Yarrow

1. Use the infusion of this flower for upper respiratory phlegm.
2. Use it externally as a wash for eczema.
3. It is a remedy for cold and flu.
4. Smell this flower for hay fever and mild asthma.

I have never tried any of these and take no responsibility for  this information.  Use at your own risk. If you have ever tried any of these flowers medicinally, I would love to hear if they worked for you or not.

Good Old Primitive Kitchen

Here are a few shots of the Kitchen cabin they had at the Heritage Village. I love the decor and all of the enamelware. I started my collection of enamelware years ago and am always on the lookout for more!

Our kitchens today are so much easier to use but I love the look of these old ones. The warmth and smell of wood burning coming from the old cook stove was wonderful!