Glad this post got upped, because I've been wondering about my purslane. I had a plant that I had to toss because of aphids. And my purslane weeds in the yard have all disappeared. I think, from last year's experience, they will come back. But anyone got a good way to grow the pretty ones, or cross the pretty ones with the weed ones in the lawn? I'm happy to eat the weed ones in the yard - they do thicken a stew nicely, and honeybunchy has it right, good food value cheaper than salmon. But wondering who else grows it and advice they might have. Susannah

Honestly, I disagree that good for you food costs more. Chips and convenience foods are very costly. I live in the Chicago suburbs and there are many ethnic markets that are far cheaper than the big chain grocery stores. I can get a week's worth of produce for 2 adults for $10-15 if I shop the local Italian market. This includes fresh garlic, ginger, lemons, limes, zuchinni, avocadoes, salad, artichokes, carrots, onions, potatoes, cilantro, peppers, tomatoes, parsley, celery, melons, grapes, peaches, cucumbers, mushrooms, asparagus, you name it! I don't buy all that every week, but they often have avocadoes for $.50 each whereas the big stores they are $2 each. Limes are $.05 each. Vine ripened tomatoes are $.99/lb instead of $3.99. Yes, it takes more time to shop the sales, but it doesn't have to cost more if you can't afford it. They also have very cheap lunchmeat - often 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the chains. It pays to shop around! I go to the big stores only for their sale items, and almost assuredly they lose money on me...but I am not their typical customer, so they don't care. : ) I also have strayed away from packaged rice and noodle mixes latety and I do everything from scratch. It doesn't take any longer, really. I just make my own mixes now - rice and thyme, cumin, paprika, cayenne...whatever I feel like throwing in that would complement each other and the rest of the meal. I used to cringe at powdered garlic and onion, but now I keep it on hand so I can make my own rubs and such. And I totally agree with Ruth & Oprah - losing weight takes hard work, plain and simple. It basically takes creating a life that is purposefully trying to lose weight. It takes mental effort and perhaps bordering on obsession at times. Yeah - that stinks - it doesn't come easy for anyone, unfortunately, but if you want to make your goal, it has to be done. I guess this is as good of an introduction as any to a forum - Hi! I am Christine and I make all my own rice and other mixes. I don't use any artificial sweeteners or fats (olestra/olean) and I am caffeine free. I sound like I am probably really hippie/granola/crunchy, but I don't think I am - I am really just trying to eat as healthfully as possible. If I am losing weight in addition, that is a bonus. I like real food. : ) I am looking forward to getting to know this bunch!

Yes, wasn't that good? I especially liked her method of repeating the name of the task after "good": "good sit" rather than "good dog". She says it reinforces the behavior. "Sit" is something they can do, "dog" is not. & those white Goldens! Gorgeous!

They were good shows and i've heard Oprah make comments many times over the years about Gai; not cooking,and Gail herself admits it. I told dh oprah has never forgotten her roots,she grew up poor,and when your poor,living in the country you learn how to do a lot of thing!! Yes her and stedman are still together,he called her while she was there camping,and we heard her end of the conversation.She even said after the fishing trip that she thinks she may go along with stedman and his friends when they go fishing. I've always liked Oprah and all she does,she's a very caring woman. Oprah didn't look as bad in the morning as she did when she came to san diego a few years ago to run in a marathon.At that time if they hadn't said it was her i would have never believed it. I wish her the best in her new ventures. Kathi