My Monday

The beets we pulled last night are cooked, sliced and pickling. I’ll be adding eggs to the jar soon. A variety of veggies are coming on, but not a lot of any one thing just yet. So I cleaned a few snow peas, a few beans, some green onions and zucchini. They will be put together for a veggie stir fry this evening.

I strained and bottled the calendula oil that has been infusing on my windowsill for the past two and a half weeks. Calendula is very good for soothing and healing the skin. I have skin problems so I’ve been meaning to try it for some time. Most calendula preparations are pricey, so that was a deterrent. Naturally I decided to make my own.

Here’s how.

I filled a sterile pint jar with dried calendula flowers. Next, fill jar with high quality oil. I used apricot kernel oil, because it’s less greasy than some. Almond oil is good, too. I set it on my windowsill for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar at least once or twice per day. Some say to set the jar in a sunny window, others say not to, some say infuse it for a longer time, also. Some say heat the oil slightly before adding it to the jar. My thoughts are that heat and sunlight destroy essential oils so I opted for my kitchen window which is on the north side, so it gets light but no direct sun. After said duration, strain oil through a couple layers of cheesecloth and bottle in dark colored bottle(s). I recommend storing excess in the fridge. Tah dah! I may add some pure essential oil to it such as lavender for its therapeutic value and the added antibacterial/preservative properties of essential oil.

On a sad note, my twin sister’s beautiful color point kitty “Sky” died unexpectedly the other day. He had eaten a ribbon off a balloon and required emergency surgery to remove it. He came through the operation perfectly the vet said, but upon checking him the next morning, the vet was shocked to find him expired. He thinks a blood clot may have formed and caused his death. My sister is just heartbroken over the loss of her best friend and kitty boy. When I learned of this, all I could do besides cry for my sister was to gather my kitty boy Arther up in my arms and be thankful for his presence. Please dear readers, take good care and cherish your pets. You never know when something tragic may happen to them and they can be gone from your life in a heartbeat.