I think that dyeing tends to shorten the flower life of most things quite a bit. Plants that are sprayed with dye/pigment such as poinsettias definitely tend to abort the flowers/bracts much faster than ones that are not. A regional chain of "superstores" here in the midwest was promoting their blue phals for Mothers Day. Quite a disgusting abomination IMHO, and most of them were pretty dead looking in the store already, whether it was the dye or just the fact that, like any big box, they abuse the plants, is hard to say.

How would you know at that age if the baby has a tendency towards allergies? Well, if there is a family history of food allergies, you start more carefully. And whether there is or not you start with the low allergy foods introducing one at a time following the 4 day rule. And if a food does cause a reaction, you stop using it - it isn't a big deal. One of our children had a milk allergy when we introduced it as a baby so we stopped using it and after a few years tried again with no issues. Why didn't we wait to introduce egg white - a) her mother wanted to introduce it at about 11 months so she could know whether egg in the 1st birthday cake would be okay and b) Passover occurs right around her 1st birthday and there are recipes I use then that rely on egg white like sponge cake so we wanted to know whether that would be an issue. Everyone has to decide for themselves based partly on family history and how the first foods go. I think it is important for parents to have the information to make an informed decision so I reference the Wholesome Baby Food site which presents a balanced view IMO - neither alarmist or ignoring the issue. By the way, one baking tip - a few people have a cinnamon allergy. One of my son's friends does and I found out that it is usually Cassia cinnamon (what you find in the grocery store as cinnamon but it isn't true cinnamon - it is a related plant) that causes the allergy. True cinnamon (or Ceylon cinnamon) doesn't have the compound that is the usual allergy trigger - you can get it at Penzeys or The Spice House. That is what we introduced to our granddaughter first and it has allowed our son's friend to share foods that we make with cinnamon.

A good quality (yes even grocery brand)dry kibble formulated for your dogs' age ,weight, size and activity level is the best thing you can do for your dog. In order to meet the nutritional requirements for a healthy dog you would have to buy bottles and bottles of vitamins, minerals and supplements to add to the home cooked food. It is true that there seem to be more animals developing tumors and other stuff that we didn't see so much of before. That could be because we are just "seeing" it more because more animals get vet care today instead of dying of unknown causes but research is leaning towards over-vaccinating our pets. Dogs should get all their puppy shots and also be fully vaccinated the first year after. Then you should talk to your vet on what vaccines are really necessary for your individual dog and on what schedule. My dogs are on the 3-4 year plan. The only vaccine they get exactly on schedule is for Rabies. We are fortunate that our county requires the rabies vaccine every three years. Little known dirty secret is that there is no one year vaccine or three year vaccine. The only time one year comes into play is for puppies who get it and then need another dose after the first year. Another culprit may be heart worm meds.If you live in an area where exposure is likely you MUST continue your heart worm meds but if the problem is seasonal or non-existent in your area you don't need it year round or at all unless you travel with your pet. People worry about the food but don't have a qualm about using weed killers and pesticides in the ares their dogs run around in. Your dog doesn't need to be dosed with heavy-duty flea killers on a monthly basis either unless environmental issues come into play. I'll get off my soapbox now.

Wow...you all are so kind. I always think 2x about posting on "food" but do think it is related to the Kitchen Forum in the best way ! We are such a diverse group that something usually appeals to someone LOL !! tea4all: I wish you were closer too. If you ever get a chance... I haven' read the other articles yet. DIL is sending the actual mag in the mail to me so I can read it all at my leisure. We will be up there in mid -May to see them and new grandson so will get to indulge then. Thank you for looking. Hey to you too Elyse !! You are right it is so rewarding when the "kids" make such a nice move in life. I know your sons are your light too . I am " fair to middlin. I was planning on riding across Canada starting June 1 but have had a sudden and unwelcome change of plans. So I just keep on and things will change and evolve and it will be OK. Thank you for your sweet note. rosie: I am SO glad you will be able to go. Make sure and tell them that you are a "friend " from GW...they have learned to expect that and love to meet you.We will be there mid May also...when are you planning your trip ? You can email me through GW. Yes the kitchen is actually about 6 ft wide and the work space is less than 15 ft. for sure. I keep meaning to get picks when I am up there. I will do so the next visit and post them. I read the other thread and was impressed by what a " mess" many folks mentioned. I never ever make a mess when I am cooking and neither does DS1. I think that may be a particularly important key to space usage and the need for more and more. We all do mise en place and clean as we go...it sure makes a difference. But each person has their own methods...that's what makes the whole forum so interesting ! oldhouse: glad you enjoyed it and do please mention that you "read it here" and are a friend ! A national magazine will be doing an article on DS1 and the Red Hen soon...can't say what one yet...but I will post when it comes out. It will be a very big deal..at least that is what they say. We will see. He is going to DC soon for a major conference on Charcuterie so he will be meeting and greeting a lot of important people and most importantly will learn so much. He is a sweet young man and very personable so hope he gets lots of attention. Thank you all for indulging this "braggy Mom" !