The time is not far off when the air in Central Florida will be heavy with the intoxicating sweet scent of orange blossoms. One of the most fragrant is the bitter orange blossom. The bitter orange tree yields three distinct oils, one from the blossoms: Neroli; the rind of the fruit: bitter orange; and the [...]
14. February 2010
The Queen of Flowers
This Valentine’s Day some lucky ladies will be receiving roses, “The Queen of Flowers.” The reputation for roses symbolizing love goes back to ancient mythology where the 1700’s Spanish opera “La purpura de la rosa” or “Blood of the Rose” describes a scene in which Venus’ lover Adonis has been wounded by Marte (Mars) disguised [...]
7. February 2010
Mouse in the House
It seems no matter where I have lived, when winter comes, I have been plagued with a mouse taking up residence in my house. The stories of me vs. mice are legend. One time in NY, I had left a box of white powder sugar donuts on the kitchen counter. I was in the living [...]
3. February 2010
Reflections on a birthday
Well today marks the entry of another year of living for me. I had to make a visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles to renew my license and photo. They now require like 10 forms of ID to assure them you are a legal resident and not an illegal alien or terrorist. I was [...]
31. January 2010
Refreshing Citrus Paradisi!
I always look forward to when citrus is in season, in particular Grapefruit. Grapefruit is much maligned by some because of its tartness, but I absolutely love eating a fresh grapefruit each morning. I mean really, how could you say anything bad about a fruit whose botanical name is “Citrus Paradisi?” The name alone sounds [...]
18. February 2010
1 Comment