Beet Kvaas for Health

June 15, 2024

A few years ago I worked at the Tucson farmers market for Suzette Smith, owner of Garden Goddess Ferments. She has developed her business and no longer sells at the Tucson market. It was fun to give people samples of fermented raw vegetable products to try.

The experience has enhanced my health significantly because Suzette taught me how to make beet kvaas. The customers who came from eastern Europe had their own recipes that came from their cultures. This drink is much more popular than I had imagined. Now that I have been on the stuff for many years, I can never imagine going without it. We drink it daily.

It’s easy to make, starting with some of the last batch to stimulate fermentation. It’s the most simple formula for improving bodily health that I know. Beets, salt, and water become a magical elixir. If you’re not interested in fermentation as a hobby, you can purchase high quality kvaas from Suzette at Garden Goddess. She delivers.

Ruta Graveolens

June 12, 2024

Ruta graveolens guards the back door

Herb of grace, a protective plant,

Repels insects and unwanted company

Keeps the threshold clear and clean

An herbal bath of rue cleanses the aura

Immersed

June 11, 2024

We have been surrounded by whirlwinds

Sunk by the undertow of useless data

This was all done in the name of progress

Like many terrible popular ideas in the past

We allowed sensational performances

While ignoring the obvious questions

Reckoning

June 10, 2024

The bill is expected to be significantly higher

Than our resources can withstand

Yet the pattern we have carved out for ourselves

Is a deepening rut of fewer choices

We have created some stories that trap us in regression

If we listen to the ancestors they warn of disastrous possibilities

It’s time to stay highly aware and still

Floral Focus

June 6, 2024

Flowers say festive, flavorful, fun is afoot

Ripe fruit with honey in a bowl

Pairs well with fizzy drink, exotic garnish

Summertime music calls for a picnic

Bright warm morning followed by delight

Modest Moves

June 5, 2024

Crossing paths with destiny in spring

A place hardly recognizable by fall

What colors are woven into the structure

That stain the background and shape time?

Forrest Consciousness

June 4, 2024

Subtle changes take place in every direction

Forrest has been living as a freestyle artist

Taking care of animal inhabitants with care

Providing shelter and food to the aggressive

Hiding from danger the strategic

Giving a peaceful resting place to the lucky

Allowing the predators to find their prey

Borage

June 3, 2024

Beautiful blue borage brings bees

The lovely flowers are delicious

Clean taste of cucumber lightly flavors

Bright color enlivens the presentation

The small details of lunch make me happy

Shadenfreude

June 2, 2024

The dark side of my being streams joy

This imbalance hurts my composure

Compromising the safety of my mind

There is no obvious remedy to take

Beyond that, nothing rhymes with

Shadenfreude

Sidereus Vineyard and Winery

June 1, 2024

I’m a member of the wine club at Sidereus Winery for several reasons. Last year I tasted the Sidereus Riesling at Forrest Grove Uncorked, a community wine event we attended. The owner, new to the wine business, said she was sold out but would give me the special event price if I came to her tasting room. After long consideration I visited the winery. I was instantly impressed by the view. The fancy tasting room and deck have a straight shot of Mt. Hood. This elusive peak is usually shrouded in clouds. When we can see the snow capped beauty we all feel lucky.

The wine they produce is excellent. A previously hard core red wine drinker, I have now discovered the joys of rose and white wine. My current favorite is Sidereus 2023 Rose of Pinot Noir. I am making plans to pair it with something made with strawberries from the garden. Yesterday I contemplated the options by savoring a glass while Mt. Hood blessed me with a great view.

The reason I joined the club on my first visit is the charming and erudite hospitality director, Zach Mance. He knows EVERY THING about wine. He has recently completed a course of study to top off his already impressive knowledge. Zach completed WSET 3 with merit, making him one of the most qualified sommeliers in this area full of wine experts. His delivery is way less than snooty, making the information available without intimidating anyone. He says that the rose is fruit driven. I say that it’s the perfect way to toast a peek of our favorite peak, Mt. Hood.