What I'm Sipping ...

Well ... right now I'm sipping a brew of Cafe arabica (commonly called coffee) ... but that's not the point . . . 

To you Listeners, I have a challenge: Offer a post from time to time with an herbal beverage that you are enjoying - with or without a photo. In this season of increasing cold, I know you all are sipping warm and nourishing and enjoyable beverages. In this season of celebration and festivities, I know that many of you are sipping warming and enjoyable herbal beverages of the spirited kind!

So share your sippers with us!

To Those Who Listen With Us: Post your comments and share your green-inspired beverages too!

Slainte!

Listen Up Listeners!

I know that in this season of winter, much of Nature recedes (reseeds) into the spiral of darkness and quiet. Even so, as I stood in Nature yesterday there was much chatter ... 

... and oddly enough one voice asked about this blog. The query?

"Why so quiet?"

Physalis alkekengi

Do you recognize this plant? You are likely seeing it now, around these parts anyway, in harvest decorations. I most often hear this plant referred to as Japanese lantern. The common name I use is ground cherry. 

It's a lovely perennial around here that will take over a garden if you let it. It makes creamy white flowers in summer and then bright red-orange fruits that are hidden within the lovely, lacy, papery orange husks.

The berry within is so beautiful and its nature mirrors - for me - the many lessons and stories of this darkening season. I nibble on these autumn fruits and find them delightful. Some folks don't care the tart autumn flavor, and I've heard that too many can cause tummy aches. I've never experienced this and - quite frankly - too many berries of any kind are likely to inspire tummy upset.

Phytolacca americana

Commonly called Poke 'round these parts, this plant is BIG medicine. The berries and the root. I hope you can see the root communicating this fact in this photo.

If you still have any doubt about what BIG medicine this plant holds, or the respect that it deserves, go harvest a root.

October Honor

I gave thanks and offered honor as I harvested two more trays of calendula for drying today. This could be the last calendula harvest of significance.

I gave thanks and offered honor as I harvested the last of the catmint for drying.

I took the milkweed pod from the Platt Hill walk and set it outdoors. I gave thanks to the spirit of the plant as I asked that a few (or several) seeds plant themselves on my little acre.  

I enjoyed a pot of a new favored tea ... sweet basil and peppermint as I gave thanks and offered honor for all that I am.

Platt Hill Weed Walk

I found Crataegus spp. dropping leaves and offering up ripe berries. You might know it as hawthorne. 

I found the fading plants and changing leaves of Hamamelis virginiana, commonly called witch hazel. 

I found an Asclepias spp. seed pod, the common milkweed 'round these parts and was reminded of harvesting the young stems in spring to simmer like asparagus. 

I found two species of oak growing side by side.

I found beautiful sugar maples in the midst of their drama.

I found beauty and bounty and recall and dreams.

Aloe spp.

This is one of my green allies in full bloom! With just these images of the buds and blossoms, can you name the plant? 

Hint #1: I bring this plant indoors to overwinter. 

Hint #2: I consider this an essential plant for every home.

Hint ##: May be useful for Halloween costuming. 

It's an Aloe.