3 more questions for Ask Arlene

Ask Arlene©

By Arlene Wright-Correll

One of my email questions asks, “I have been trying to find a recipe for a cucumber skin refresher.  Can you help?”

Yes, I can.  Recently in one of my Mother Earth magazines Janice Cox contributed a great recipe called Body and Soul: Soothing Cucumber Splash and here is her recipe.

 This splash has a cool scent that will lift your spirits and tone your skin. Cucumber juice is a natural astringent that also is cleansing and refreshing. It can be used all over your body and works wonders to soothe sunburn.  The ingredients include: 1 medium cucumber, chopped, 1⁄4 cup witch hazel extract,
1⁄4 cup distilled water, 1 teaspoon aloe Vera gel.

Directions: 1. in a blender, process cucumber into a smooth puree and strain. 2. Mix cucumber juice with remaining ingredients and stir well. Pour into clean spray bottle. 3. To use: Spray onto clean skin after bathing or whenever your skin could use a boost. It can spoil easily, so store in refrigerator between uses.

Another email question asks, “I love violets, but they come and go so quickly. Are there any other violets that grow larger and longer?”

None that I know of!  All violets tend to be small plants, growing a maximum of 4 to 6 inches high. If you lie down on the ground with any one of these beauties and look more closely, you’ll see they all have similar heart-shaped leaves, though some will be smooth and others will be hairy. The flower itself tends to carry the typical "Mickey Mouse” petal arrangement, with two petals arranged together at the top of the flower like ears and three petals arranged together at the bottom like a face.  I suggest you just enjoy them when they do arrive in your garden.

Another email question asks, “Summer time is coming which means outdoor grilling for me and my family.  I would like to try grilling directly on hot coals.  Do you have any suggestions?”

Yes, fire safety is prevalent!  Don’t wear loose clothing around the fire and keep hair tied back.   Don’t let children attend the fire alone. Responsible adult supervision is required.

Avoid using fuels on the fire, and start it only with a match or torch.  I can remember when I gave birth to my 4^th child who was born on July 3^rd, a pregnant woman was brought into the maternity ward on July 4^th with 3^rd degree burns because she had squirted a can of charcoal lighter unto the hot coals which flew back up the spray arc into the can which blew up and all over her.  Keep devices and other distractions away from the flame. Don’t build a fire in high wind. The fire will simply blow out or sparks will blow around. Build a good fire ring or designated fire place. Keep any dry grass in at least a 10-foot radius from the fire pit. Don’t play in the fire or pull burning sticks out of the fire.

I also suggest a good pair of thick fireproof gloves.  You can grill meat directly on the hot coals and also red and green whole peppers, onions, white and sweet potatoes.  Have a good long pair of tongs to work with.  The potatoes will take longer than the meat which will take longer than the onions and peppers so you have to plan what you are doing.

May the Creative Force be with you as you tread the earth lightly.

Home Farm Herbery LLC