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Berried  Treasures and Huckleberry Friends

1/7/2022

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This post is from January 2021. I’m reposting and hoping to find someone who can provide directions to  the Losh Run Box Huckleberry.  I’ve visited the Hoverter & Sholl BoxHuckleberry  but have never found the Losh Run. Please send me a message if you know how to find it. Thank you!
The Hoverter & Sholl Box  Huckleberry
(Gaylussacia brachycera)
​
 Can you name a plant that covers 8 acres of land, is 1300 years old,
will protect you and bring you luck as  you enter the new year?
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Gender: Feminine
Element:  Water
Planet: Venus
My quest to find an herb worthy of being featured as the first  in a series for 2021 unfolded magically! My daughter Mycenea self quarantined for 14 days,  as did  I,  so we could be  together for Christmas. We spent a lot of time outdoors, and one of our favorite jaunts was to visit the Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry in Perry County, Pennsylvania.  

The box huckleberry is a member of the acidic soil loving Ericaceae family, which include azaleas, rhododendron, trailing arbutus, cranberries and blueberries, among others. Unlike the giant Sequoias and the Bristlecone pines, also known for their their age, the box huckleberry is only about a half a foot tall. It covers the forest floor and can easily  be overlooked. 

The box huckleberry and blueberry are often confused, but there are differences. The blueberry grows  in clusters, and the box huckleberry, as well as the huckleberry, has more singular berries, with occasional small clusters. Though the skin of all of the berries are blue, the blueberry is white or light green inside, and the huckleberry and box huckleberries  have a deep red violet or purple inner flesh  with  a tendency to stain. 

There are several folk names for the Huckleberries, including Blaeberry, Whortleberry, Bilberry and Hurtleberry. Bilberry is a folk name for the Blueberry. It gets confusing. Fortunately, scientists use Latin names to provide clarification. We are referring to the box  huckleberry (Gaylussacia brachycera) in this case. 

There were two box huckleberry plants in the area we visited. One, at Losh Run, is thought to be over 13,000 years old! Bristlecone pines, at 5,000 years old, were considered to be the oldest living organisms  on earth, yet the box huckleberry is significantly older. The age is determined by the rate of growth, approximately 6 inches a year, and was calculated by the size of the plants.

The Losh Run Box Huckleberry, which at one time covered an area of about  100 acres, nearly 10 times larger than the Hoveter Sholl, was damaged by a forest fire in 1963, then partially destroyed during the 1970s due to road construction of  U.S. 22/322. The remainder is in an area difficult to access.  

The younger plant is estimated to be 1,200 to 1,300 years old, and fortunately has been  in a protected area as a National Natural Landmark since 1929.  The 8 plus acre box huckleberry, named because its leaves resemble boxwood, is situated within a 10 acres area in Tuscarora State Forest with a quarter mile path around the plant. Twenty-seven stations along the loop give an educational overview. 

The  Hoveter Sholl  plant was discovered in 1845 by Spencer Fullerton Baird, a professor at Dickinson College in Carlisle. He was a naturalist and later became the first curator of the Smithsonian Institution, advancing to become the second Secretary of the institution. 

The box huckleberries were almost forgotten until 1948 when Dr. Fredrick Coville, a graduate of Cornell University working for the Department of Agriculture, determined the plants, one covering over 8 acres, and the  other  nearly  100 acres, were each individual massive plants! The  relict species, miraculously surviving the  ice age, is considered self-sterile, and reproduces through a system of root stalks.  

This remarkable plant has not always been well revered. Mark Twain’s Huckleberry  Finn is probably the most well know of the  huckleberries, and in an  interview in an interview  in 1895, Twain said he used the name to  indicate Finn was a boy “of lower distraction”  than Mark Twain. 

A more positive huckleberry reference was featured in the song Moon River in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It is beautifully explained by Jessica Dang, Single Girl Dinner. “For years I had no idea what it meant: "My huckleberry friend." It hung in my mind. I searched Paul Varjak's relationship with Holly Golightly for the answer. Theirs was a mutual adoration laced with innocent flirtation; there was a certain playfulness that freed them from being neither friends nor lovers."

On New Year’s Eve,  the residents of  New Bloomfield, PA traditionally  assemble to  pay homage to their oldest resident. They lower a huge huckleberry from the  courthouse  clock tower at midnight  to pay tribute to this humble herb. This  year’s pandemic will prevent the assemblage, but they will hopefully  meet on New  Year’s  Eve next year  to  honor this enormous, ancient plant. 
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As  you enter 2021, I  wish you  the blessings of  huckleberry! May  you  gather magic and find luck and  protection in “berried treasures”,  I’m  hoping there will be unexpected   blessings and virtues all around you. And may  each of  you  find a  ‘Huckleberry friend”! 
 “Everyone should have a huckleberry friend at one point or another. 
It is an experience that showers your life with magic for as long as it lasts,
whether it be for a couple of weeks or a couple of years.”
​
 ~  Jessica Dang, Single Girl Dinner, #SingleGirlDinner
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Mistletoe’s Lesser Known Virtues

12/12/2021

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​The legend states, "those who kiss  under the mistletoe
will fall in love and stay  in love."
​

Memories of mistletoe may be pleasant for some, but my most frequent experiences were sheer panic, as I realized, often too late, there was a cluster over head and the wrong guy standing next to me. 
Romantic novels, and some friend’s stories, give a different perspective. They describe an opportunity to finally have an  innocent kiss  with your heart's desire and  find out if there is a  special spark. If the legend holds true, this is followed by a guaranteed happily ever after. 

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MISTLETOE Caution - POISON
Gender: Masculine
Element:  Air
Planet: Sun
But this year, the coronavirus, masks, and distancing will eliminate what we have probably all thought of as mistletoe’s one and only role in holiday celebrations. We think of it as the  ‘kissing herb” and further examination probably  ends. When we apply labels, positive or negative, we tend to stop looking for other characteristics. 2020 has given us the  opportunity to view almost everything from a different perspectives, and taking a closer look at mistletoe may be surprising and beneficial!
Mistletoe, like most herbs, has a variety of folk names. One is All Heal, referring to its long, historic  role  in providing protection and healing. It has been carried to prevent, or cure, plague. It also ensures safety from fires and lightning, and will bring about good luck and fortune. Some sources  go  so far as to suggest there are spells using mistletoe to help you obtain immortality!
If you see mistletoe this year, I suggest  you abstain from kissing, but give some thought to attributes you might not have considered. We could all  use a bit of protection and healing from the plague, and mistletoe, all heal, will serve  us well.  
You might want to use the same approach with friends and family. What gifts and talents have been hidden in others  because they are over shadowed by a more dominant  label?   Holidays will be less  hectic this year and we’ll have more time to hunt for previously unnoticed treasures. Are there people in your life who have gifts and talents  you hadn’t noticed? Look beyond their most obvious talents and discover what you’ve been  missing!
Have  you discovered aspects in yourself that you have kept hidden? Do  you have interests  you’ve wanted to explore but haven’t taken the time to research or practice? You may  have an affinity  for music, but  focused  only on team sports. You might want to learn a  language and  study another  culture  so you’ll be ready  to visit exotic lands when  its safe to travel again. You might have  considered writing a novel but never made  the commitment to  follow through. These long dark days of isolation can give  us  an opportunity  to  explore and  develop new, or dormant, talents and skills. 

Nature is filled  with lessons.  Being more aware of mistletoe’s role in  lesser known virtues may guide  us to  insights about ourselves and  others we might not have considered. 
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St. Lucy's Day, December 13th

12/11/2021

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St. Lucy's Day is currently most often associated with Sweden, one of the celebrations of light in the midst of winter's darkness. Little Christmas, or the Feats of Saint Lucy, is a favorite advent celebration. In the early morning, the Lucia Bride, usually the youngest daughter, is dressed in a long white gown with a myrtle or bilberry crown and lighted candles. She awakens the family, often bringing coffee and tea, and braided Lucia twists, flavored with saffron and cardamon. After the family is served, she visits the barns, taking food to the animals.

In addition to the home celebration, the young girls attend services at the church dressed in their lighted crowns. St. Lucy represents the promise of the light in the darkness and the sun's return. 

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Saint Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and those with visual challenges. Lucy was born in Syracuse, Sicily in the 3rd century. She was born to wealthy Christian parents and at an early age she secretly vowed to remain a virgin and serve God by helping others. 

Her father died when she was young. When she came of age, her mother arranged her marriage to a pagan but Lucy rejected him. It was the time of the Diocletian persecutions and when her suitor denounced her as a Christian, she seemed destined to death by burning or life in the brothels. Her fate was to be martyred by a sword through her throat. 

In another story she escapes the marriage by tearing her eyes out in frightful desperation. She is often depicted carrying her eyes on a tray. 
Miraculously, her sight was restored and she was able to serve God and mankind as she has intended. She is celebrated for giving sight to the blind, food to the hungry, and light to the darkness. The name Lucy comes from the root word Lux, meaning light. 





Herbs associated with St. Lucy's Day

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Saffron                Myrtle                 Dill                     Goldenrod        Bilberry

St. Lucia's Saffron Braided Bread

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Bread

I teaspoon saffron, soaked in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Let cool

2 packages dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
4 T softened butter
3 eggs
3 T sugar
1 teaspoon salt
I cup slivered almonds
1 cup dried bilberries (blueberries) or raisins
5 to 6 cups unbleached flour

1. Prepare saffron.
2. Dissolve yeast in water. 
3. Mix the butter with eggs, sugar and salt in a large bowl. 
4. Add milk to butter and eggs.
5. Add almonds and dried fruit
6. Stir in saffron mixture.
7. Add flour gradually and stir with wooden spoon until it is is smooth and forms a ball. 
8. Place on floured board or counter and knead until smooth - about 5 minutes.
9.Put into a greased bowl, turn it over and cover with a towel in a warm place until double, about an hour and a half. 
10. Punch down dough, divide into 3 sections. Braid and form into a circle shape. 
11. Place on cookie sheet and let rise until double - about 30 minutes.
12. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
13. Bake about 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
14. Remove from oven, cool and ice.

Icing

2 cups confectioner's sugar 
1 teaspoon almond extract
Combine and gradually add water until it is the consistency of icing. 
Drizzle on to bread. 
Decorate with slivered toasted almonds and/or dried fruit if desired. 
Top with candles





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Saint Nicholas Day

12/6/2021

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St. Nicholas was born in the 4th Century in Lycia, Asia Minor to very wealthy parents. Even as a child he was very religious. He was very young when he became a priest and he went on to become a bishop. Sadly, his parents died shortly after he was ordained. He inherited a great fortune, and he shared it generously with people in need. His giving was from the heart - he was not interested in credit or compensation. He often gave unanimously. He was dedicated to common people and emperors alike.

St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children, laborers, merchants, pawn brokers, and particularly sailors and those who work near water. 

There are many stories describing his generosity. A nobleman who had lost his fortune was unable to provide dowries for his three daughters so planned to sell them into slavery. St. Nicholas galloped by their castle in the dark of night and threw a bag of gold in the window. He did this three nights in a row, providing each daughter with a dowry. Eventually, it was discovered that he had been the generous benefactor. His fame as a gift giver spread through out many lands and he has been credited with the concepts of Father Christmas and Santa Claus.

The three bags of gold represent the three golden balls found on the signage outside pawn broker's shops.

In another more gruesome story, he saved three babies, often pictured beside him. During a famine, an inn keeper had no meat to feed his customers so he cut up three children and tossed them into a brine filled pickling tub. Thankfully, St. Nicholas walked in just in time to bless the boys and bring them back to life!

During that same famine, he convinced sailors on a ship filled with grain to unload some of their cargo to feed those who were starving. They were initially reluctant since the grain had been weighed and they wanted to deliver the entire shipment. He assured them that the cargo would weigh exactly the same amount when it was delivered. It did.

As you celebrate St. Nicholas Day, give a gift from the heart. It doesn't need to be expensive. It could be a kind word, a quote that would make someone feel valued, a thank you. Or is could be a poem, or a recipe! Here's my gift to you!

Golden Bishop's Tea

4 cups black or green tea
4 cups apricot nectar
Serve hot with a honey if desired and a sprig of rosemary 
and a sprinkling of nutmeg

Optional: 1 Tablespoon apricot brandy per cup


Golden Apricots, Tansy and Wheat

As you celebrate St. Nicholas Day, think gold! Decorate with golden wheat and tansy! Serve apricot or orange nut bread with Golden Bishop's Tea. Create your own golden delights! 
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Calendulas bring Joy and Protection

8/7/2021

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The Calendula symbolizes joy and protection. Wishing you both! 
Calendula officinalis

Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire
Planet: ​Sun
In January, my intention was to post an herbal collage every week, but my life changed dramatically and “life got in  the  way”, as the  saying goes. 
Zippy, my  precious 17 year old puggle, passed over the rainbow bridge in mid April. Loving  and  supporting  him through  the transition was difficult. His no  longer being by my side was  even more difficult. Many of you sent me warm condolences and they were greatly appreciated.
Preparing to sell the house in Maryland, a greatly  needed escape with a dear friend to Cape Cod, and finding, purchasing and setting up  a home, limited my time in the garden, art room and on line. 
Several things played  into my deciding to sell my house and move back  to central  PA - most of all my two lovely daughters and my  new son (in-law)! Moving closer to them has brought me  great joy.!  
Since the calendula represents joy, it seems a perfect segue back to my  illustrations, collages, gardening  and herbal experience and research!  It also symbolizes protection. I wish each  of you good health and a feeling of safety and calm in these challenging times!
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Harvesting Calendula

8/6/2021

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Calendula blossoms gathered and prepared to dry. 
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Red and Golden Beets and Mangos in  Honey, sprinkled with Calendula
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Beets and Mangoes with Calendula
​

2 medium red beets, peeled and diced
2 medium golden beets, peeled and diced
Cover beets with water, bring to a boil, and simmer until tender. Drain. 
​
Add
2 Tablespoons honey
​1 mango, peeled and diced
Heat until all  ingredients are warm.
Sprinkle with calendula and serve. 
​
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Lavender Almond Cookies

6/18/2021

 
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1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh lavender blossoms
I cup (two sticks) butter at room temperature
2 cups almond flour
1 cup flour

Combine the sugar and fresh lavender blossoms using a food processor. 
Add the butter and combine. Next add the flours. 
Mix until thoroughly combined. 
The batter will be soft.
Chill for 30 minutes.

Flour both sides of the dough and place between two long sheets of waxed paper.
Using a rolling pin, roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Work quickly. The dough will get soft again as you work with it.
Cut cookies with a floured cookie cutter.
Remove all the excess dough and return to the 'fridge. This will make it easier to move your shaped cookies. 

Gently lift cookies onto a cookie sheet lined with baking parchment paper.
Chill the cookies on the baking sheets for 30 minutes

Set oven temperature to 300 degrees F. 
Once the oven is preheated, bake for about 30 minutes. Begin checking at 20 minutes and don't let the edges of the cookies brown.
Cool on a wire rack placed.

Glaze
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1 Tablespoon water.
Mix thoroughly with a fork. Add a little more water if needed. 

Keeping the cookies on the wire rack, move them over the sink if your rack fits, or place waxed paper under neath for easy clean up. This can get messy!

Use a spoon to lightly glaze the cookies. Top with lavender blossoms. Let the glaze set up and serve. 


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My last harvest of lavender and almond lavender cookies to celebrate the summer solstice.

Lavender Season is Here!

6/17/2021

 
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One of the simplest ways to use lavender is to simply gather the stalks of lavender and tie with a ribbon. It's best to cut them as soon as the flowers are in bloom in the spring. Cut them a few inches above the woody growth so you won't harm the plant. Gather first thing in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun becomes intense.
Hang to dry in a cool dark place. 

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Lavender hearts
You'll need 6 stalks of lavender
Ribbon - I've been using 3/16 inch lavender satin ribbon for all my projects. It's not too large to over power the lightness of the flowers.

Make two lavender braids using 3 stalks for each braid. When they are braided, bend into a loop. Put the two loops together to form a heart, keeping the flowers on top. Cut off the stems in the back and tie with a ribbon. 



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Lavender garnishes
12 to 18 stalks of lavender
One egg white, beaten until frothy
1/3 Granulated sugar
Waxed paper or parchment paper

Dip just the flowers of the lavender into the egg whites to completely cover, then dip them into the sugar. Place on waxed paper or parchment paper and let dry away from heat or sun. Use as a garnish with fruit salad, lemonade, or iced tea.
​
Stir some fresh lavender flowers into your favorite sugar cookie recipe, vanilla ice cream or lemon sherbet. 



​A few more thoughts on lavender

I've always thought of lavender as an herb of the night.
​Lavender is associated with peace, nocturnal wishes, sweet dreams and restful sleep.The fragrance has been used for centuries to create a restful night's sleep. 
  • Sip a cup of lavender tea before bed time. Use two tablespoons lavender flowers in 4 cups of boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Strain. (Makes 4 servings). Sweeten with honey. 
  • Lavender baths are delightful! Place the dried lavender blossoms in a bath bag  and place in the tub. Soak for about 15 minutes. There are numerous recipes for herbal baths on the internet, ranging from pure lavender flowers to herbal blends and additions of epson salts, sea salts or oatmeal, so I won't add them here. There is only one way to do this incorrectly! If you read about adding lavender flowers, rose petals and other herbs directly to the water, consider the clean up and use the bath bags. 
  • A sprig of lavender under your pillow provides a restful fragrance and an added bonus! You can make a wish right before you go to sleep and if you dream of your wish, it will come true!
  • You'll find a recipe for a sleep pillow using lavender if you take the time to search under herbs in the categories to the right on my blog. This is Hidden Treasures, after all, and there are many treasures worth the search!


As we continue to explore lavender's nocturnal charms, keep in mind that not everyone sleeps at night. Lavender is also very useful if you plan to stay awake!
  • Lavender is the only herb I know attributed to aiding those who want to attract ghosts! Simply carry a sprig with you and ghosts will become visible! It also provides protection so no worries! You'll find more about lavender and other herbs associated with witches and goblins and ghosts - oh my! - in my free Haunting Herbs e-book.
  • Attracting love, passion, and romance have long been associated with lavender. It is used in perfumes and oils. love spells, sachets, potpourris, to scent stationery for love letters, and to scent lingerie and sheets. It is also recommend to place lavender in lingerie drawers or when storing wedding gowns and other heirloom quality clothes, to prevent moths and insects from harming delicates and to add fragrance. 
  • There are accounts of it being misused though. Prostitutes have used it to attract clients, and reputedly had success luring even the unwilling. 

Whether you plan to stay awake or sleep, lavender will make your experiences more enjoyable!

Lavender Wands

6/14/2021

 
Lavender wands are easy to make and a Facebook friend just old me she has had one for
​40 years and it still holds its fragrance!
Begin the wands immediately after the stems are cut so they will be flexible when you bend them. 
You will need 15 stalks of lavender, ribbon (buy good quality satin - I used about 3 yards of 3/16 inches wide, but amounts will vary depending on the length of the lavender stalks. 
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Cut lavender stems as close to the base as possible. Remove the leaves to use for potpourris or other projects. Gather and loosely tie the flowers at the base with thread. Trim the stalks to an even length. 
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Begin weaving the ribbon over and under each stalk. 
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Tuck the end of the ribbon into the stalks to secure it. Gently turn each of the stems over the lavender flowers.

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Continue weaving to the base of the flowers.Secure the ribbon in a knot but don't cut it. 

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Wrap the ribbon diagonally down the stem, secure at the base of the stem with a couple of knots, then cut the ribbon. 

Scarlet Bee Balm

6/11/2021

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​Monarda didyma
Scarlet Beebalm

Gender: Feminine
Element: Water
Planet: Mercury
​
The brilliant scarlet bee balm,  is a perennial herb and belongs to  the mint family, Lamiaceae. My fondest memories  are the patches that grew at Camp  Arcona, a much loved Girl Scout Camp in Mechanicsburg,  PA. Sadly, the camp was sold for real estate development. Our beloved camp  may be gone,  but our memories remain. When day camp began in June, the gorgeous crimson flowers were always there  to  greet us!
There are two reasons bergamot  has the folk name bee  balm. One is  bees are attracted to it, and another  is the leaves are soothing  when rubbed on a bee sting. 
The  flowers are edible and the petals add a tangy flavor, in  addition to a  splash of color, to garden salads and fruit salads. Add to corn muffins or corn bread for unexpected zest! They compliment sweet as well as savory.   Use your imagination and  make  this versatile herb a part of  your welcoming  summer ritual! 
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    romance and treasures within and around them 
    that are often dismissed or completely overlooked."
    



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    Mikell is a writer, artist and professional treasure hunter, finding the greatest treasures in the wonderful people who enter her life!

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