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

Clemens is suing McNamee now. So, who's lying? I think I know. Personally, I don't much care if someone wants to abuse their body. The problem is that one of the side affects of steroid use is violent behavior ie the wrestler who killed his family. There's also the problem of young athletes using them because their heroes do and because they want to go further than their natural talents will allow. Still yet, the playing field isn't level. Very interesting dilemma.

Versed ... hate the stuff. Not because I've ever had a bad reaction to it, it just creeps me out that I can have lengthy conversations while on it yet have no recollection whatsoever. The first time I was given it was for a colonoscopy. They told me right before the procedure what they were giving me (Versed) and how it works. I fully expected to have no recollection whatsoever. It was the kind of setup where you could watch the actual scoping on a TV monitor while you were having the procedure done. I find that kind of stuff fascinating and was sad to think I wouldn't remember it but by that time the meds were in my system. Well apparently they didn't give me much because not only do I clearly remember what I saw on the monitor but could recite at the follow up office visit the exact steps taken. The doctor was shocked. I have been given Versed two other times for surgery and it did erase all memory while inside the operating room. The second time I clearly asked that I NOT be given the drug but they gave it to me anyhow. I was not a happy camper when I found that out. Grrrr. Oh well, moving on... I received an email from a gal who has lurked at the KT for a long time. She wanted to pass along this message. *** I read your message this morning about your vocal chords and reflux. Last August my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. We were stunned needless to say and very surprised when we found out that the type of cancer he has, adenocarcinoma, is caused by a condition called Barrett's Esophagus which is caused by acid reflux. He didn't suffer from reflux like many people do, but the Dr. said that it could happen at night when he was asleep. I am not trying to scare you but I am trying to make people aware of this cancer as it is on the rise in the U.S. Would you consider putting the message on the KT, I feel like you are all my friends? If not I understand since you don't know me at all. For more information one of the best sites I have found go to the link below. VW *** Thanks for the info VW. I know I was visually checked for any lesions that might indicate cancer but with the exception of swelling and redness on my vocal cords due to the irritation from reflux, everything looked good. And apparently because I experienced so little discomfort, the doctor was able to scope quite a ways down my throat. Jodi- Here is a link that might be useful: Esophageal cancer info

I agree its not only hard cooking for one its hard to eat healthy and not waste money and food especially on fresh fruits and veggies. I think it takes some thought and (my pitfall) a lot of planning since often when you buy something its more than you can eat and doesn't always freeze well by itself. So if you buy a big stalk of broccoli, separate some for eating and make a casserole for freezing, or certainly try to figure which is cheaper, frozen or fresh?. A bag of applies for fresh fruit may be a better deal than single applies but can't eat the whole bag before mushy? Make pie for freezing. Eggs on sale? Again, eat some fresh then make something freezable (is quiche freezable?) A couple of thoughts, Rachael Ray always mentions when using frozen spinach what a good deal it is since you get so much packed in the box for the price. Its good for you so you could google casseroles with spinach (I had a friend in college with no money, he ate one meal a day, spaghetti and spinach). Also lentils, and beans are high in protein and all sorts of good for you things. Back in the day people only ate meat a couple of times a week and ate things like lentils flavored with a chunk of salt pork or soup bone. Dr. Oz on Oprah was just talking about this very thing, cut back on meat and eat more lentils and beans (actually I think his wife is a vegetarian) You can search these forums, I'd search the cooking forum and even ask this question there for favorite recipes (actually I think there was a recent thread on depression food). You can check your library for older cookbooks, the kind that don't use a bunch of expensive ingredients. I imagine there are books on eating on a budget too. You might also keep your eyes out for someone in a similar situation - perhaps you can buy some things in bulk and split them. Last, you might look at the rest of your budget, how much do you spend on cleaning supplies when baking soda and vinegar would work? Do you have an Aldi's near you?