Growing Basil...

My basil has really taken off in the garden and now I'm looking for creative ways to use this delicious herb. I'm growing two types: dark opal basil and the well-known sweet basil type. Their aroma is so strong every time you brush against them or water.

The best use I've found for both basils being grown is to make a pesto. Pesto is made from fresh basil, garlic, parsley, salt, pine nuts (or walnuts), olive oil, and romano (or parmesan) cheese. You can even leave out the cheese and freeze the pesto for a delicious addition or spread anytime. Look at this pesto over mozzarella picture I found:

So simple and so delicious!

Hillsborough County Animal Shelter Overcrowding & Population Sickness

Sadly, I read a news story today about overcrowding and sickness in Hillsborough County Animal Shelters.. You can read the original article here: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_hillsborough/hillsborough-county-animal-services-shelter-criticized-for-suffering-pets. The article states that the county shelters are extremely overcrowded, the entire animal population is declining in overall health, and the staff at the shelter are afraid to speak up to upper management. Both my dog and cat are rescues and I'm especially sensitive to populations that don't have a voice in society, such as animals and children.

The article states both sides of the no kill policy in local Animal Services state the entire population of animals including rescues are increasingly seen as diseased and sick. The veterinarian, Dr. Roese, says after 13 years of practice "she remembers days when she did nothing but write prescriptions for antibiotics" and many animals are suffering because of the no kill policy enacted in the last couple years in Hillsborough County Animal Shelters.

This immediately reminds me of the importance of spaying or neutering your pets. If you're not going to breed them, please spay or neuter your pet.. They will be much happier family pets and less prone to roaming. If you want to breed your pet, please consider not breeding them and encouraging rescue adoption. You'll make a lot of animals happy if you get them out of the shelter!

Now the issue of sickness: always take your doctor's recommendations, but consider not taking antibiotics for minor infections that you could get over with a little rest and home remedies. Antibiotics are hard on the body and I personally have gotten over a number of infections in the past few years with out the use of antibiotics. I feel that my immune system and digestive system have been built in the right way by diet to help fend off some of these infections. Just a thought. I also shy away from vaccines as an adult. I support the baby/childhood regular vaccines.

My rescue dog Duke and rescue cat Amorra:

Mmmm.. So Good.. An Alternative to Soy Milk

Making the switch to vegetarianism? I recently watched the free Youtube documentary entitle "Home". I highly recommend seeing this film.

Watch it here when you have the time.

What struck me the most in the film is that it takes 10x more energy to produce an animal meat product that a vegetable or fruit product- meaning more water, feed, space, etc - and creating 10x the carbon footprint. Yes, animal protein was extremely important initially in our species' brain development, and I know I'll probably want a thick, juicy steak grilled to perfection at some point down the road (my mouth is watering at the thought). Thanks to greater availability of non-meat imitations, soy products and increased grocery availability in general for most Americans, its not hard to shift your eating choices away from that of meat products.

If you are adapting to a vegetarian lifestyle (no matter what type), try this product as a non-soy milk replacement: Silk Pure Almond. I've tried the vanilla flavor so far, and it tastes DELICIOUS! Its low in calories and high in calcium, vitamins D & E, and protein. I feel like I'm having a milkshake when I'm drinking a glass... Yum!!

Check out all the great reasons to switch to Silk Pure Almond here.

Invitation to Love (poem)

I wrote this short poem after my KINS Founders weekend: an enlightening and connecting weekend with some very special people I now call my KINS. We shared an afternoon walk of silence and meditated on our individual vision of a green, vibrant Tampa Bay. Sitting at my computer desk at home, I recall that inspiring afternoon:

Invitation to Love

 

the earth seemed inviting

as the grass crunched under my feet

the sun fell warmly on our bodies

as we stood in communion

with the earth, as one organism

the metal and glass are a contrast

to our natural place of belonging

the love extends from the earth

in a way that man-made never could

Helen, Georgia    taken by: Amber C. Lee