Winter 2005

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=150 BGCOLOR="#99FF66" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04050961dkfecn.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Professional Gardening by Earthenjoy Flo"><U><IMG SRC="05ed9490.png" border=0 width="473" height="73" ALT="Earthenjoy Home" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Professional Gardening by Earthenjoy Flo"><U>Home</U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="services.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gardening Services"><U>Gardening Services</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Quarterly Newsletter"><U>Quarterly Newsletter</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="showcase.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Garden Showcase"><U>Garden Showcase</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="about.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Earthenjoy"><U>About Earthenjoy</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="contact.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Earthenjoy"><U>Contact Earthenjoy</U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=190 BGCOLOR="#99FF66" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>In This Issue:</B></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8f_m.htm#holiday_stress_busters" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2005"><U>Holiday Stress Busters</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8f_m.htm#interior_plantscaping" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2005"><U>Interior Plantscaping</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8f_m.htm#the_blessing_of_chocolate" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2005"><U>The Blessing of Chocolate</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8f_m.htm#some_fun_thoughts_about_chocolate" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2005"><U>Some Fun Thoughts About Chocolate</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8f_m.htm#hot_cocoa_fights_cancer" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2005"><U>Hot Cocoa Fights Cancer</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8f_m.htm#herbed_tomato_soup" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2005"><U>Herbed Tomato Soup</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="snow_covered_evergreen.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="snow_covered_evergreen.htm" target="TRLX"><U><B><IMG SRC="55496c80.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="200" ALT="Snow Covered Evergreen." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="snow_covered_evergreen.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="snow_covered_evergreen.htm" target="TRLX"><U>Click for larger picture.</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>Archive of past newsletters:</B></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Quarterly Newsletter"><U>Current Newsletter</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2008"><U>Spring 2008</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2007"><U>Winter 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Fall 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2007"><U>Summer 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter9d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2007"><U>Spring 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter9b.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2006"><U>Winter 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2006"><U>Fall 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2006"><U>Summer 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2006"><U>Spring 2006</U></A></div> <div> Winter 2005</div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2005"><U>Fall 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8b.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2005"><U>Summer 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2005"><U>Spring 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter87.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2004"><U>Winter 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>Fall 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter83.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2004"><U>Summer 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter81.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Spring 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Winter 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7c.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2003"><U>Fall 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2003"><U>Summer 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Spring 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2002"><U>Winter 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id78.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2002"><U>Fall 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2002"><U>Summer 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id75.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2002"><U>Spring 2002</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=330 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Winter 2005</div> <div> <B>Quarterly Newsletter</B></div> <bR> <div> Earthly Elements</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="holiday_stress_busters"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="57ad9b90.gif" border=0 width="217" height="185" ALT="Clipart. No stress for the holidays." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="579d9af0.gif" border=0 width="217" height="175" ALT="Holiday stress busters for you and your family." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Most people agree, that the holidays can be stressful. It seems the number of holiday tasks continue to grow, yet there aren't any more hours in the day to complete them. After the cards are sent, the gifts bought, packages wrapped, and the schedule for visiting family and friends is set, the holiday season is just getting underway.</div> <bR> <div> As the holidays get closer, some people feel the only thing that makes all the hustle and bustle worthwhile is the joy on their children's faces. What parents don't realize is that children can also suffer from holiday stress. The never-ending list of chores and activities takes a toll on youngsters as well.</div> <bR> <div> To keep you and your family from falling victim to stress during what should be a joyous time, experts say that resting is the key! Here's some tips to help your holidays stay stress-free:</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rest & relaxation are essential.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > No matter how hectic it gets, everyone needs the proper amount of rest. if you have small children, stick to their regular napping schedule. This will keep them happier and better adjusted throughout the entire season. It's also important to follow other established routines as well. When routines are broken, children get stressed.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Get Physical.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > Take the family out for a long brisk walk outside, in a park. Go sledding or skiing on the fresh fallen snow. Physical activities help ease tension and people who aren't active enough tend to get stressed easier than those who get adequate exercise.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Have a sense of humor.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > Laughter is a proven stress-buster. If you notice yourself or see your children feeling stressed, find something to laugh about. it will immediately change the mood.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Don't neglect nutrition.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > Eat at least one healthy meal together as a family each day. Don't fall victim to fast-food just because you're busy. The holidays provide enough opportunities to eat high-calorie foods. Also avoid the urge to overeat when stressed. Overindulgence leads to discomfort and more stress. Keep ALL things in moderation.</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="interior_plantscaping"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="5638a480.gif" border=0 width="394" height="72" ALT="Interior Plantscaping. Using houseplants as interior accents." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="57caec80.gif" border=0 width="174" height="200" ALT="Clipart of potted fern." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="565f4c80.gif" border=0 width="244" height="200" ALT="Clipart of potted plant." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="57e7ac80.gif" border=0 width="122" height="200" ALT="Clipart of potted plant." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Here's 8 creative tips to help you integrate houseplants as part of your home's interior design.</div> <bR> <div> <B>1. Group in uneven numbers.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > This is a basic interior and lanscape design method you can use with houseplants. Odd numbered arrangements offer a more interesting appeal.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>2. Display only healthy plants.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > Put tired plants in a sunny back room for some rehabilitation. Keep plants healthy by rotating (every 3 weeks) them to brighter light. I suggest buying 2 of each plant so you don't have to alter the look of a room's decor when you switch them around.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>3. Mix colors and textures.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > Using contrasting leaf color and texture will add depth and interest to the group. Tie the whole arrangement together by using the same size pot (if plant size permits), color or material.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>4. Right plant, right space.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > Just as in landscaping, before you make a purchase, know the size and shape of the plant you'll need to fill the space. Are you looking for something tall to accent a furniture grouping? A trailing vine for a bookshelf? Perhaps a centerpiece for the dining room table? Next you'll need to find out what plants are acclimated to the conditions of that room.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>5. Stagger plant heights.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > Instead of lining up a row of African violets on a windowsill, place them at different levels. Also consider putting smaller plants around the base of a taller one.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>6. Blend and compliment.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > Choose plants and containers that compliment your decor. If you have Oriental decor, choose a bamboo or dracaena and put them in china pots. Like a Southwest style, go for cacti, succulents or yuccas and use a terra cotta container.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>7. Keep it cool.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > Overheated homes are unhealthy for plants. While plants vary in their temperature needs, it differs from day to night. The best ranges are between 60 F and 75 F in the day, and 60 F to 65 F at night.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>8. Don't overdo it.</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > If 'houseplant mania' strikes you, it's easy to go overboard. Remember that too many plants make rooms look like a cluttered jungle.</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_blessing_of_chocolate"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="56c68550.gif" border=0 width="104" height="85" ALT="Clipart of heart-shaped box of chocolates." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="56b44540.gif" border=0 width="324" height="84" ALT="The Blessing of Chocolate." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> Valentine's Day wouldn't be complete without CHOCOLATE. History proves however, that we're not the first to treasure this divine concoction. The Mayans worshipped the cacao plant (Theobroma cacao). They used its beans as money, and brewed them into a medicinal drink mixed with wine and fermented corn, called xocolatl. The later Aztecs of Mexico added chile peppers to make an aphrodisiac. The explorer Cortez knew a good thing when he saw it and took the cacao beans back to the Spanish court, where passions soon ran high over chocolate-and not just because (with sugar and without chiles) it was tasty. Doctors began prescribing the new drink for everything from tuberculosis to intestinal parasites and sexual dysfunction. It was also said to cure hangovers, shrink tumors, and strengthen the heart.</div> <bR> <div> More recently (and reliably), scientists have learned that chocolate has twice as many antioxidants as red wine, and that it may relax blood vessels and reduce the risk of blood clotting. So, pass the chocolates, please, and hurry!</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="some_fun_thoughts_about_chocolate"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="58055550.gif" border=0 width="85" height="85" ALT="Clipart of heat-shaped box of chocolates." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="56859540.gif" border=0 width="345" height="84" ALT="Some Fun Thoughts About Chocolate." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="56a81550.gif" border=0 width="129" height="85" ALT="Clipart of heart-shaped chocolate candies." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Chocolate is a Vegetable: Chocolate is derived from cocoa beans. Bean = vegetable. Sugar is derived from either sugar CANE or sugar BEETS. Both are plants, which places them in the vegetable category. Thus, chocolate is a vegetable.</div> <bR> <div> To go one step further, chocolate candy bars also contain milk, which is dairy. So candy bars are a health food. Chocolate-covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.</div> <bR> <div> If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.</div> <bR> <div> The problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in a hot car. The solution: Eat it in the parking lot.</div> <bR> <div> Diet Tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite, and you'll eat less.</div> <bR> <div> Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives help make you look younger.</div> <bR> <div> Put 'eat chocolate' at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="hot_cocoa_fights_cancer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="5886e970.gif" border=0 width="110" height="151" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">    <IMG SRC="5843f5e0.gif" border=0 width="319" height="94" ALT="Hot Cocoa Fights Cancer." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Here's even more proof that chocolate really is good for you. Researchers at Cornell University have found that hot cocoa (PURE COCOA powder and water) is high in cancer-fighting antioxidants. The research showed that one cup of hot cocoa contains double the protective antioxidants found in one glass of red wine, three times the amount found in one cup of green tea, and up to five times the amount in one cup of black tea! These antioxidants protect against cancer by ridding the body of free radicals.</div> <div> The researchers also conducted a study that suggested that milk may block cocoa's antioxidant activity, so hot chocolate drinks made with milk or other ingredients may not be beneficial. The best way to know for sure is to use PURE COCOA powder. </div> <div> The price ranges from $4.80 (non-organic 10 ounce size) to about $7.25 (organic 10 ounce size).</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="herbed_tomato_soup"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="5856e2d0.gif" border=0 width="366" height="45" ALT="Herbed Tomato Soup." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion<IMG SRC="5868bbf0.gif" border=0 width="139" height="191" ALT="Clipart of a tureen of tomato soup." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> 3 cloves garlic, minced</div> <div> 1 Tbsp. olive oil</div> <div> 1 Tbsp. butter</div> <div> 1/4 cup water</div> <div> 2 cups chopped or shredded carrots</div> <div> 5 cups chopped or diced canned tomatoes (three 14 1/2 oz. cans)</div> <div> 1/2 tsp.sugar</div> <div> 1/2 tsp. dried basil, crushed</div> <div> 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed</div> <div> 1/8 tsp. black pepper</div> <div> 1 cup chopped tomatoes</div> <div> Optional Extras:</div> <div> Sour cream, fresh or dried basil, <A HREF="newsletter87_christmas_star_croutons.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2004"><U>Star Croutons</U></A> (see December 2004 newsletter)</div> <bR> <div> In a large saucepan cook onions and garlic in hot oil and butter until tender, about 5 minutes. Add water and carrots. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or just until the carrots are tender. Stir in the 5 cups canned tomatoes, sugar, basil, thyme, and pepper. Bring to boiling. Reduce the heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Cool slightly. Place one-third of tomato mixture in a food processor or blender container. Cover; process or blend until nearly smooth. Repeat with remaining mixture. Return to saucepan; stir in the 1 cup chopped tomatoes. Heat through.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5716c640.gif" border=0 width="108" height="100" ALT="Clipart of a cartoon tomato with a smiling face." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Earthenjoy FlowerScaping L.L.C.  ©2005</div> </td> </tr></table></body>