|
[ Past Issues Index ] [ Rex's Seedco Home ] [ Our Seed Catalog ] [ About Us ]
|
|
Table of Contents
1) Editor's Comments:We start this issue with A Christmas Legend, and some poinettia facts you may find interesting. And, of course, we have other things of interest we hope you'll enjoy. Please pardon the following, but it is important to explain why many may not have received the e-mail version of last week's issue. It also brings up a sore spot with us and many other newsletter publishers. Last week we got caught up in a spam filter mistakenly placing us in their list. It was quite frustrating. About an hour after the issue was sent, we visited the spam reporting site to check into why some of the newsletters bounced. Their report said we were mistakenly placed in the filter. That didn't help for those folks whose email providers utilize this spam reporting service to filter messages. Personally we do not like spamcop and some of these other self appointed righteous "spam fighters" because of the number of legitimate newsletters and email addresses that get grabbed into their clutches. You can be falsely accused and have no recourse or avenue to defend yourself - you're just automatically filtered. Well, enough of a rant. For this issue and future issues you may find it arriving from a different address. We'll be doing this to avoid what happened last week. The address will be one that is a backup provider for Tom and is rarely used. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop us a note. Rex Gregor Tom Krueger 2) A Christmas Legend:The poinsettia has a beautiful legend that has been told for nearly 2,000 years. It has become known as the "Flower of the Holy Night."
The three Wise Men carried packs of rich gifts - gold, myrrh and frankincense. The shepherds were carrying fruits, honey, and doves. The Wise Men told Madelon they were searching for the Holy Child which would be born this night beneath the Star in the East. Madelon followed the Wise Men until the star hovered over the stable where the Baby Jesus lay. She watched as the Wise Men placed their gifts at the feet of the Baby Jesus. She too, wanted to place a gift at the feet of this Holy Child, but she had nothing to offer. She stumbled out in the field and knelt down weeping. An Angel, seeing the young shepherd girl's weeping, knelt beside her and brushed aside the snow at her feet. A beautiful cluster of winter roses appeared - waxen white with pink tipped petals. "Now, my child," the Angel said, "you may gather the flowers and lay them at the feet of the Holy Child." Today, in Central and Northern Europe, at the beginning of the advent season, there is a long time custom that calls for the believers to break a branch from a cherry tree - place it in water in a warm room, and the branch will burst into bloom with a Christmas Rose on the Holy Night. Poinsettia Facts
Give the gift that will be treasured for generations. 3) Humor for Today:Ethel and Mabel, two elderly widows, were watching the folks go by from their park bench. Ethel said, "You know, Mabel, I've been reading this 'Sex and Marriage' book and all they talk about is 'mutual orgasm.' 'Mutual orgasm' here and 'mutual orgasm' there- that's all they talk about." "Tell me, Mabel, when your husband was alive, did you two ever have mutual orgasm?" Mabel thought for a long while. Finally, she shook her head and said, "No, I think we had State Farm." 4) Shipping Holiday Gifts:Now is the time to ship those holiday gifts. Don't wait any longer.
You'll also want to check the length, height, and weight limits of your package. Use clear packing tape to secure the box because your package will likely encounter a bumpy ride. For those in the US, be sure to check the United States Postal Service Web site for additional information on international rates and fees, addressing your package, and more. Click Here or visit http://www.usps.com/ 5) Hanukkah History and More:
To find out more about the long history of this Jewish holiday, visit the History Channel or enter the following URL http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/holidays/hanukkah/ For more background information and suggestions for planning your own celebration, take a look at the Hanukkah Traditions site. http://www.hanukkah-traditions.com Kids will find games, music, crafts, e-cards, and more at the Chanukah page from KidsDomain.com. http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/chanukah/index.html Click Image for Our Country Churches
Gallery 6) Quote for Today:"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took
me to see him in a department store and he asked me for my autograph." 7) Preparing Your Cut Christmas Tree:Are you a traditonalist who prefers a "real" Christmas Tree? Well, here are some tips to extend its life.
Store it somewhere out of direct sunlight and wind such as in the garage, or enclosed porch, until you are ready to bring it into the house. Next week we'll take a look at a recipe for your treestand. 8) Adult Holiday Punch:We haven't personally tried this punch, but we don't often find punches strictly for adults. This sounds like a great punch for a party because you can make the base the day before. Serves 10-12
Cut the tops off of the strawberries. Place the berries, pineapple, and oranges in a food processor or blender. Puree. Mix with the cider, bourbon and rum. Cover and refrigerate overnight. At serving time, add the well-chilled champagne to the mixture. Chill with a block of ice. 9) Subscribe/UnsubscribeThis newsletter, the Green Thumb Times, is sent out only to those who have requested a FREE subscription by signing up at http://rexseedco.com or specifically asked to be added PRIVACY: Your email address is held in the strictest of privacy. It is never traded or sold to anyone else. To subscribe to The Green Thumb Times To unsubscribe Rex Gregor, Editor Tom Krueger, Publisher Please feel free to forward The Green Thumb Times to a friend. Rex’s Seedco has searched the world for quality
growers of garden seeds. Many of these farmers bring together ancient
wisdom and modern science so people everywhere may have good health
and enjoyment in life. We are dedicated to providing the best wherever
they are found.
|
|
[ Past Issues Index ] [ Rex's Seedco Home ] [ Our Seed Catalog ] [ About Us ] Rex's Seedco
|
The
legend tells the story about Madelon, a young shepherd girl who was
tending her sheep one cold and wintry night when she saw a bright and
shinny star that appeared in the East. As Madelon stood watching this
beautiful sight, three Wise Men leading their camels and other shepherds
arrived.
So
your gifts are not damaged in shipping, you'll want to use packing materials
such as shredded paper, styrofoam pellets or popcorn or peanuts (whatever
you like to call them). You can also wrap bubble wrap around smaller
cartons or gifts before inserting it into a larger carton.
We
certainly don't want to slight those of other faiths. We'd like to also
wish folk a Happy Hanukkah! Here are some Web site we've found dedicated
to helping you celebrate the Festival of Lights this holiday season.
First,
be sure the tree does not get wind-burned on the ride home. Then once
you get it home, cut one to two extra inches of the trunk to allow the
sap to flow. Place the tree in a bucket of warm water. The warmth of
the water will help get the sap flowing and open up the water-conducting
channels in the wood.