100th Birthday, Dr. Jonas Salk, Medical Pioneer

The late Jewish American researcher Jonas Salk, who discovered the polio vaccine, was honored Oct. 28 with a “Google Doodle” for what would have been his 100th birthday. Before the polio vaccine was introduced in 1957, many children became paralyzed as a result of the illness.  Dr. Salk was from my beloved hometown, Pittsburgh, PA. 

Desperately Seeking Symmetry

Desperately Seeking Symmetry is mesmerizing, a brilliant video from RadioLab.

Jad Abumrad and Robert Kruwich, the stars of RadioLab

The Prairie Garden Is No More

Too many gardens so I wanted to remove half the prairie garden but Ed thought it would be a good idea if the entire garden were gone.  He was right.  (As usual!) Kevin Neisen transplanted several of the plants to the patio garden and besides, I have some of these magnificent specimens there. 

In 2011 in its heyday although the very tall Prairie Dock 
and Compass Plant are not up yet.  These monsters are 20' tall!   
The leaves of Prairie Dock are at least 12" long.  No foolin'!

Because the tap roots of some of these plants are so long, 
I wouldn't be surprised if a few show up next year. 

"20 Years Ago" Kenny Rogers

We love the song, 20 Years Ago, sung by Kenny Rogers.

What a cool dude!!!!

Fungus Flower

My friend Martie Honan told me about this amazing fungus she found at her house when she was here for lunch last week. 

Gabriella Riva Hines: Cooing for October

Baby Naming Celebration in Seattle for Gabriella Riva Hines, September 17, 2014

Rabbi Aaron Meyer led  a Baby Naming Ceremony at Neal and Carla's home at 6 p.m.  In attendance  were Meema, Oompa, Aunt Laurie, Maggie, Nama and Will.  Afterwards we feasted on brisket, kugel, salad, Neal's homemade applesauce, and angel food cake smothered with fresh strawberries and blueberries created by Laurie.  Happily Rabbi Meyer stayed for the good eats!

 

Hummingbirds

Procrastinating -- so much to do to get
 ready to meet Gabriella in Seattle next week but
the body refuses to move.

The other feeder leaked.  This is the kind they use
 down at Sugar Grove Nature Center.

Muffin Shaped Like a House

My friend Linda Larson made these!  She also makes chocolate bugs.

Roasting Tomatoes

Place tomatoes skin side down on large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Sprinkle with garlic salt and drizzle a bit of olive over the tomatoes.  Roast for 4 hours in 275 degree oven.

Cool.  Spread on crackers or smash and use on pasta.  Or eat plain -- note places on cookie sheet where my will power was nil.

Or -- slip them off into a plastic bag and freeze.