If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
Be Nice To Nettles Week. You Couldn’t Make it up. Are these the same people who go round hugging
trees? The Nettle - Urtica dioica, is a highly successful plant found all over the temperate areas of the world. It spreads by means of seeds and underground rhizomes that creep around just under the surface of the soil. The jagged leaves held in pairs along the square stems are easily recognisable particularly after having experienced the sting. The plant itself is variable growing from 0.6 to 2 metres plus in height and can be found in a variety of habitats and soil types. It prefers rich soils and therefore does well around human settlements benefiting from the waste we produce - often indicating where old settlements have long since disappeared from the countryside. The Latin name of the plant dioica means 'two houses' - this refers to the fact that the male and female flowers are normally carried on separate plants. It is possible that the 'nettle' is derived from Noedl meaning a needle - referring to the stinging mechanism in the nettle leaves. Others suggest that it comes from the Latin nere and other similar old European verbs meaning to sew. The stinging structure of the nettle is very similar to the hypodermic needle although it predates that man-made invention by millions of years! Each sting is actually a hollow hair stiffened by silica with a swollen base that contains the venom. The tip of this hair is very brittle and when brushed against, no matter how lightly, it breaks off exposing a sharp point that penetrates the skin and delivers its stinging payload. It used to be thought that the main constituent of the sting was formic acid - the same chemical used by ants, giving that never forgotten burning sensation that demands to be scratched. Although formic acid is present in the sting, recent research has shown that the main chemicals are histamine, acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). A fourth ingredient has yet to be identified. Remember when stung a natural remedy will often be found close at hand. The leaves of the dock contain chemicals that neutralise the sting and also cool the skin. A real sting in the tail The sting of our native nettle is nothing compared to some of its tropical cousins! One species in Timor causes a burning sensation and symptoms like lockjaw which can last for days or weeks. The effects of another species from Java last for months and have frequently caused the death of some of its unfortu- nate victims. We found their website
www.nettles.org.uk and they have a
recipe called Lady Ridley's Nettle Soup. Here it is. Ingredients: 1 lb potatoes—½ lb young nettles—2 oz butter— 1½ pts chicken or vegetable stock—sea salt & black pepper—4 tablespoons of sour cream. Method: Cook the peeled, chopped potatoes for 10 mins in salt- ed water. Drain. Wash & chop coarsely the nettles (Only pick the new, young tops, using gloves!) Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the nettles and stew gently for a few minutes. Add the potatoes and heated stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes or until tender. When all is soft, cool slightly & purée in a blender, adding seasoning and the sour cream.
Quiz. All the answers can be found in these pages.
1. Which British TV Sitcom inspired Elton John’s middle name ? 2. What was the name of the group who scored Nil points for the UK in the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest ? 3. Who was the youngest actor to be knighted ? 4. Who was the youngest ever British Prime Minister ? 5. Which year did Roger Bannister break the 4 minute mile ? 6. What were the painter, L.S. Lowry’s First names ? 7. Which Football club was Eric Morecambe a director ? 8. Who was Henry VIII’s third wife ? 9. In 2000 what model of VW was used in an armed robbery at Harry Ramsden’s Chippy ? 10. Who is the patron saint of Fire-fighters ?
Victoria has worked in the flower industry for the past twelve years after finishing college with qualifications in art and design, graphics and photography. She saw a chance opportunity for a trainee florist and has blossomed from there. Victoria is fully experienced in all aspects of floristry and invites you for a chat about you floral requirements. The Blossom Tree is full of stunning ideas and designs with friendly help and advice to meet your every need. The Blossom Tree is offering 10% discount off any wedding flowers booked within the first six months, valid until the end of September 2011. They have wedding packages to suit every budget and funeral flowers are catered for with a kind and understanding approach. High Quality Arrangements From The Florist You Can Trust.
Everyone is in such a hurry to scream 'racism' these days. A customer asked, "In what aisle could I find the Irish sausage?"
The clerk asks, "Are you Irish?"
The guy, clearly offended, says, "Yes I am. But let me ask you something. “If I had asked for Italian sausage, would you ask me if I was Italian? Or if I had asked for German Bratwurst, would you ask me if I was German? Or if I asked for a kosher hot dog would you ask me if I was Jewish? Or if I had asked for a Taco, would you ask if I was Mexican? Or if I asked for Polish sausage, would you ask if I was Polish?" The clerk says, "No, I probably wouldn't." The guy says, "Well then, because I asked for Irish sausage, why did you ask me if I'm Irish?" The clerk replied, "Because you're in Halfords."
15.
1. I r on Ma i de n
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