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HODGE ~ PODGE.

April 28, 2016 114 Comments

I MATCHED THE ROOM.

I arrived with a BOX of CHEERIO’s for MY GRAND PIG!He heard me coming and ran away the BOYS said.He did an ABOUT FACE when HE saw who it was shaking that BOX of DELICIOUS TREATS coming down the staircase………….HIS FAVORITE PERSON IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD.I would HOPE.

CHEERIO's

I just gave HIM a FEW as it was close to dinner time!

DELICIOUS.

SEE, just a FEW……………

I was pleasantly surprised he had not grown much more since my last visit.

FEEDING TIME

The BOYS have a CHART set up in the kitchen to mark HIS height!I suggested WE weigh HIM instead of saying we think HE is close to a 100 pounds.

MY GRAND PIGGY

SO BRAVE STRONG NATE Took to the IDEA and brought the scale into the room and stepped on it HIMSELF. HE picked UP BANKSY the TEA CUP PIGGY in HIS arms and I read the scale upside down!

He was SUPPOSE to be a 35 pound PET PIG!

FALSE!!!

HE IS SMILING!

After doing the MATH WE deducted that BANKSY weighed a WHOPPING 123 pounds……SO, much for OUR THEROY of 100 pounds.

Can you make out HIS SMILE In this photo?He has A LITTLE FROTH in the corner of HIS mouth from the TASTE BUDS going into OVER DRIVE!

ALL I could think of was I was 124 POUNDS when I married 30 years ago!I think BANKSY hides it WELL.

As for me………I wear long Coats, Kimono’s and DUSTER’s

to hide the EXCESS.

THEODORE HAS A GARDEN CHAIR.

Theodore,

one of the LOVES’s of MY Life!

He is the GRAND MASTER of the GARDEN both FRONT and BACK.

He PATROLS by NIGHT and sleeps by DAY.

I had visions of this dilapidated love seat going into the COOP!

I do think The CHICKENS would LIKE it to PERCH on.

Never mind the ITALIAN decided it needed to go OUT for GARBAGE PICK UP DAY!

WHY am I the ONLY ONE with CREATIVE, RECYCLING VISION around HERE?

Can YOU SEE the PHOTO OP this chair would have brought to the COOP with chickens High and Low?

YELLOW ROSES

This ROSE I purchased in SEBASTAPOL 16 years ago!That is how long I have been working on MY garden.I had a BIRTHDAY and THREE of us went trekking NORTH for the DAY!.I bought THREE YELLOW ROSES that day.

They are ALL still ALIVE and THRIVING!

One of those Dear Friends has gone to HEAVEN.

The other DUMPED ME

8 years ago.

I have forgotten the name sadly enough………of this particular Yellow Rose.She is a climber.

I have NEVER forgotten MY DEAR BALLERINA in HEAVEN.

I have finally gotten over BEING DUMPED.

It TOOK YEARS!

BOLERO NOT!

This ROSE is NEW to me.I must get down on MY HANDS and KNEES to bring YOU the name.If someone ASKS I will DO IT!

BEAUTIFUL……….

MICHANGELO ROSE

I think I have told YOU ALL before I only DO Yellow and WHITE with a SPLASH of PINK in my GARDEN!

WHY?

BUGGERS……. Got ME……..?

I must have read somewhere that TWO colors made MORE of an IMPACT verses MULTIPLE colors….

THE PLANTS I have had to PASS UP!

SWOONING……

SAVING MANY DOLLARS!!!!!!

Still after 16 years of working in THE GARDEN I can say…….. still pretty much on target.I have the same VISION I did then as I do NOW.

I did ADD purple LAVENDER to a new BED last week!

It spoke to me at the GROCERY STORE of ALL places.

I passed it up the first DAY.

Second day still all 8 of them were still THERE!

I assumed they would BE GONE!

The PLANTS TALK to ME!

SO

That DEAR READERS ; I took as a SIGN!!

TO MY GARDEN

They have Sauntered.

Bridge of Sighs

THE BRIDGE of SIGHS………..with a POTATO VINE.

A few LEAVES still need to FALL down but soon it will be COVERED like a COVERED WAGON!

How many of YOU recall

PAINT YOUR WAGON

The MOVIE

with CLINT EASTWOOD!

I LOVED THAT MOVIE AS A CHILD.

TERRACE GROWTH

Second TERRACE filled with LEMON BALM.This plant grows rampant and self seeds…….I actually LOVE IT.I wonder if we could make a TEA with this….anyone know?

OH MY GOODNESS!

I GOOGLED IT!!

LOOK LOOK LOOK!

NO WONDER I LIKE IT!

 Benefits of Lemon Balm

lemon-balm-plant

Lemon balm has earned a reputation for being a potent health-supporting tool. The name ‘lemon balm’ is attributed to its noticeable lemony scent. While the plant’s reputed effect on vigor and longevity have certainly contributed to its popularity, scientific studies have only served to reinforce its reputation. Here are 10 benefits lemon balm users enjoy.

1. Calms the Mind

Lemon balm has been used for centuries as a popular oil in aromatherapy. It is said that the pure, sweet aroma of the oil promotes a feeling of relaxation and calm. Most sweet oils are said to provide the same benefit. Look for a pure lemon balm essential oil if you are thinking about using the herb in your aromatherapy practice. Lemon balm oil is the oil that has been carefully pressed from the flowers of the lemon balm plant.

2. Encourages Restful Sleep

Lemon balm also encourages a more restful sleep, according to some research. Parents of the children in the German study reported their children slept more peacefully throughout the night after supplementation. A placebo-controlled trial found menopausal women suffering with sleep disruptions reported much better sleep after taking a lemon balm/valerian extract compared to those taking the placebo. [1]

3. Makes Skin Look Years Younger

Lemon balm is still frequently featured in many cosmetics for its soothing effect on the skin. The first cosmetic use of lemon balm goes back to the 1300s when the Queen of Hungary used it to erase the years (and reportedly the wrinkles). It’s still recommended for soothing the skin and reducing fine lines.

4. Boosts Alertness

Although lemon balm calms the mind, it certainly doesn’t dull the mind. An Australian study noted improved alertness in participants supplementing with the herb in addition to feelings of calm and an improved, more positive mood. [2]

5. Sharpens Memory and Problem Solving

Studies like the one above have observed improved memory and problem-solving in test subjects regardless of age after taking lemon balm. Young or old, those taking lemon balm show improvements in problem-solving skills and recall.

Though preliminary, patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have seen improvements based on several recent studies. In one Chinese study eugenol, a powerful antioxidant found in lemon balm, and acupuncture helped test subjects recover memory-related functions. [3]

Another study noted lemon balm suppresses brain chemical acetylcholinesterase which breaks down the brain-signaling chemical acetylcholine which is responsible for memory and thought. [4] This action helps stimulate and support memory and mood.

6. Powerful Antioxidant

Lemon balm is loaded with antioxidants that keep your cells safe from free radical damage. Studies on eugenol and rosmarinic acid show they support a healthy brain. Other significant antioxidants include ferulic, caffeic acids, and quercetin. [5] Quercetin specifically is known as a powerful compound.

7. Supports the Liver

The liver clears toxins from the body, so keeping it healthy means keeping your entire body healthy. Over time, the process of detoxification can wear down the liver and lead to liver damage. This is especially true if you are eating a diet that is less than ideal. In one trial using animal models, lemon balm proved as effective as a liver drug in protecting the organ from the damaging effects caused by toxins. [6] It also supports the liver’s production of two of the human body’s natural antioxidants: glutathione and superoxide dismutase. [7]

8. Supports Normal Blood Sugar

Many herbs that support antioxidant levels also help balance blood sugar. Although research is limited on lemon balm’s effect on blood sugar, one study has shown that, when taken consistently, it does promote stable blood sugar and reduces insulin resistance. Based on the research so far, lemon balm appears to have a positive influence on blood sugar. [8]

9. Protects Brain Cells

Beyond the positive effect on memory, thinking, and calmness, research suggests lemon balm protects the physical brain from damage. Eugenol neutralizes free radicals before they can attack brain cells. [9] Rosmarinic acid, another key compound in lemon balm, has shown promise in the treatment of stroke victims. Research with animal models shows that given shortly after a stroke, lemon balm appears to protect areas of the brain against damage. [10]

One Final Thought

Lemon balm can be taken as a tea or as a supplement. The most potent comes from its extracted form. Whether you choose to take lemon balm as a tea or in a supplement, make sure to check the quality of your source. For the best effect, it should be organic.

GOT MY ANSWER!!!!

LEMON BALM TEA will be the BEVERAGE served for the coming SUMMER SEASON!

ELLIE BUST

MY New BUST.

I have given HER the name of ELLIE.If you are a REGULAR READER here You know

WHY .

A BIG THANK YOU for ALL who donated to the cause or BID on the CHANEL handbag!!

ALS

BE GONE!

Yellow PUFF

Rose called CHARLOTTE.

Fainting & SWAYING

FAINTING and SWAYING……….

Perhaps I should PLUCK HER!I find it VERY hard to cut my roses and bring them indoors.I MUST get OVER this FEAR!

They seem to last SO much longer in the GARDEN.I find it HARD to SNIP.

Please CONVINCE ME of cutting them!

I need some COUNSELING here!

ABUTILION

The Humming Birds adore this ABUTILON plant.We lost one last year from the drought and have to start ANEW.

My FINAL SHARE today is of this LADY with a TATOO.

Have you ever ASKED someone why they got a TATOO?

I have not as I am deeply ROOTED AGAINST THEM.

I know they have been the FASHION for how many years now?

AT least TEN……….EUROPE STARTED the WHOLE MOVEMENT!

These young girls with their arms covered………..in INK.

and THE COLORS Are NOT even BECOMING!

I feel for their MOTHER’s!

Would YOU be so BOLD?

Her choice of TOP is INTERESTING TOO……is it to SHARE the BIRD in FLIGHT?

Does she like HER SHOULDERS as one of her many ASSETS?

I do like HER short HAIR.I think it is VERY becoming on HER.

What YOU canNOT see are the FAKE EYELASHES.

That’s a TREND TODAY…….have you PAR~TAKEN?

What I want to know from some of YOU who HAVE indulged in the FAKE LASHES……..is do you realize WE all look at YOU and the FIRST thing that enters OUR mind is FAKE LASHES.

HOW CAN SHE SEE?

Does SHE not realize WE all KNOW they are FAKE?

Is that OKAY with YOU?

If YOU invested $$ to look EXTRA PRETTY do YOU want the WORLD to know YOU DID IT?

Shoulder LOVEI think she is a very attractive woman.

I would have put a LARGER Neckpiece on her neck.

Or

COLORFUL EARRINGS.

That DEAR READERS is all I have to share with YOU today!

MAY, is fast approaching and I have SOME VERY EXCITING things to SHARE with YOU!

A TRIP.

A BOOK SIGNING.

And perhaps a HOUSEGUEST!!!

STAY tuned for MORE

  CONTESSA CHATTER CONTINUES………………XO

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114 Comments
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114 Comments

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  • Lisa Duke
    · Reply

    May 8, 2016 at 8:25 PM

    Gosh I think you are rather full of yourself….do you not think some look at you with all your accessories and overly gaudy house and think FAKE??? The women you choose to expose in a negative fashion is expressing herself just as you do with all of your “look at me” outfits! To each his own….
    I find it rather cruel that you take a picture of another woman to make fun of her on the internet.

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 6:00 AM

      LISA DUKE………
      “I think she is a very attractive woman.”
      IS what I said………..and I SHARED HER with an audience.
      You can THINK what YOU may about me but I am anything but FAKE!!!!!!!!!!
      There are NOT many who SPEAK what they THINK or SAY the way I do.
      FAKE isNOT in MY MAKE ~ UP.
      “GAUDY and LOOK AT ME”…………..COULD BE the way I come across……….but thats’s NOT ME either.
      Thanks for your visit.

    • Lori
      · Reply

      May 16, 2016 at 4:41 PM

      I agree with you Lisa. I think Contessa is becoming a bit like her friend Ellie ,whom she adores so completely, vulgarities and all. When you lie down with dogs…………

  • Anita @ Vue at Jindivick
    · Reply

    May 2, 2016 at 11:06 PM

    I just wrote my comment and the gremlins took it.
    I hope it shows up.
    It was about how I much I loved Hodge Podge.
    How you bought sunshine into my day when there hasn’t been any.
    How I think that yellow rose is Golden Showers.
    All of that.
    Anyway…….thanks mate
    Ciao Bella
    Neat xx

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 3, 2016 at 7:19 AM

      NO< it's NOT GOLDEN SHOWERS, I have that one elsewhere.............off to search for those GREMLINS! I know the feeling!Has happened to me on VARIOUS Occasions.................. What time did the GUESTS appear?!!! XX

  • Anita @ Vue at Jindivick
    · Reply

    May 2, 2016 at 11:01 PM

    Home Elizabeth and enjoying every photo on Hodge Podge.
    Elizabeth, that yellow climber I think you told me was called “Golden Shower”?
    Is that right?
    I remember asking you last year and I got it.
    It started life at Vue but then I dug it up and is now here in Beaumaris and doing well……..next to bright orange canna lillies!!!
    As usual , you’ve brought sunshine into my day when the wind is blowing a gale and the rain has just started too.
    .
    Ciao Bella
    Neat xx

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 3, 2016 at 7:23 AM

      This comment landed in MY SPAM!I FOUND IT NEAT!!!!!!!!!
      I remember now YOU going to get that rose!!!Next to ORANGE lilies you canNOT GO wrong!
      XX

  • Vanessa P
    · Reply

    May 2, 2016 at 10:31 PM

    A bit late to the party here but just wanted to say that lemon balm tea (aka the lovely Melissa) is my favourite herbal tea. A couple of generous sprigs in the bottom of a mug, boiling water on top and off you go! Sipping around the floating leaves is a pleasing way of interacting with a soothing and delicious beverage.
    As for tattoos, they have sprouted like a psychedelic plague on exposed skin here in Sydney. I’m not looking forward to sharing my nursing home dotage with wrinkled, saggy and utterly distorted post-surgery images which will no doubt frighten me half to death when I’ve lost my wits and then catch sight of them. Slightly off piste here, but I think we’ve hit Peak Tattoo as boutique tattoo removalists are opening up shop in my ‘hood. These days of Piracy will soon pass.

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 3, 2016 at 7:18 AM

      They will make a FORTUNE those REMOVALISTS is my guess over the next DECADE!
      THANKS for YOUR VISIT!
      XX

  • Jen
    · Reply

    May 2, 2016 at 9:34 AM

    Those roses are glorious! Love Banksy. Perhaps he should steal the love seat. xo

  • Jennifer
    · Reply

    May 2, 2016 at 7:36 AM

    Why is it that women just DUMP their friends?? It happened to me several years ago too. No reason whatsoever. It’s painful. Lemon Balm tea will be going in my cart today at Whole Paycheck. I do love your shorter ‘do! Very flattering. Xxx

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