Here are some lovely pictures I on apple trees on Flickr. Ther eis something about apple tree pictures that makes you want to go out and just buy a whole load of apples. Actually, talking about apple trees, I'm buying some more apple trees for sale for my orchard, anyway enjoy
Here is where I'm getting them from Apple trees for sale
I'm a tiny bit overdue, but I would like to wish one and all a happy new year!!!
A fascinating and interesting blog excerpt I found… enjoy.
A plate charger or dinnerware charger is the decorative plate that sits beneath the actual dinner plate. Years ago, we called these a “service plate” or “underplate” because their function was merely decorative. A charger or service plate is usually larger than a dinner plate, typically measuring between 11″ to 13″ in diameter.
Because a charger is not used for food, it can be made out of any kind of material. Plastics and metal are pretty common materials used for a charger, although leather, mother of pearl and even wood chargers are available.
To buy at the store, chargers can cost between $2 to $5 each. Target usually stocks some of the cheaper gold and silver chargers I've seen at an affordable $15-$20 per 12 count though at these prices, they tend to run out quickly.
But with a package of plastic plates and some metallic spray paint, you can make your own chargers for less money. While they won't look exactly like the ones in the store, they really quite nice and can save quite a bit of money, especially if setting up a banquet for a crowd.
Materials needed to make your own decorative charger
There's two essential items needed to complete this project; sturdy plastic or acrylic plates and cans of metallic gold or silver spray paint. For the charger, a round plate size of 12-13″ is preferable. When plates reach this size, they are often referred to as either round platters, chop platters, or hors d'oeurve platters. You should be able to find them in your town at restaurant supply stores or party store. If not, on-line etailer Instawares.com also carries large, clear platters. The 12″ rounds currently in stock is made by Waddington, and the platters are priced in quantities of 25 for $31.80
Instructions
There's two ways of spraying these plates and either method will work. For a glossy shine, the underside of the plate should be sprayed. For more of a matte finish, the top of the plate can be sprayed. It's totally up to you.
Step 1: Place the plate on a sheet of newspaper in a well ventilated area.
Step 2: Gently spray the plate following manufacturers directions. Keep in mind that it's always best to apply the paint in three (or more) light mistings instead of trying to cover everything at once.
Step 3: Let the paint dry thoroughly before using, usually a couple of days.
You've probably heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Unless the apple you're eating happens to be organic, it may increase your chances of having to seek medical care.
Although apples are, in their natural state, quite healthy with high concentrations of flavonoids, phenols, and vitamins, they also rank number two on the list of fruits most contaminated with pesticides. In fact, the sobering news is, according to the EWG report, pesticides were detected on over 90% of the apples they tested and the list of pesticides found totaled thirty-six, all with very ominous sounding chemical names.
Unfortunately, apple trees are often sprayed with organophosphate pesticides which are designated nerve agents that can alter brain function. Who is the most susceptible to this brain altering effect? Children are the real victims since their nervous system tissue is still developing to some degree. The effects of organophosphate pesticides can have such effects as lowering I.Q scores and causing problems with focus and attention. Plus, many well meaning parents encourage their children to eat apples on a frequent basis, never realizing the hidden dangers.
What can you do to prevent the harmful effects of pesticides on apples? The most important thing you can do is to buy organic apples. Not only do you avoid the harmful pesticide exposure, organic apples are known to have higher concentrations of healthy antioxidants and vitamins. There's no reason to deprive you and your children of the amazing positive benefits of apples when there are sources for organic apples grown without the use of pesticides.
Another alternative, if you can't afford organic produce is to substitute apple juice for the whole apple. Apple juice tends to be lower in pesticide residues than the whole apples are. There are disadvantages to choosing the juice over the whole apple. You'll miss out on the fiber contained in the whole fruit, plus you consume more calories when you drink apple juice as opposed to using the whole fruit. This may be a worthwhile tradeoff when you consider the damage that frequent exposure to pesticides can do to your health.
If organic apples aren't readily available in your area, try seeking out a natural food cooperative in your area. They often stock organic apples at reasonable prices and have good availablity. You may also want to let your local grocery store know you're concerned about pesticides on produce and encourage them to stock organic alternatives.
Next time you're in your local grocery store and you pass the produce section, keep an eye open for organic apples. You'll be doing you and your family a big favor.
This time of year the crab apples are at their most exciting the orchards are weighed down with diminutive pretty apples that hold when everything else has fallen. Crab apples are really practical tiny trees, not only for their decorative fruit but also for blossom and autumn leaf colour. They are some what ineffective as a food harvest, apart from that they do make the most delectable crab apple jam that goes well with a whole range of veg, meat and fish. However, they are very handy as a pollinator for many apples and as soon as we have had a few cold weather which can soften the fruit, they will present a decent food supply for birds.
My crab apple trees are bountiful this harvest!
Apple season in extensive swing. Just comparable cream tea and scones our especially English preocupation apple season is here once again in full swing. All of the diversities of apple fruit are imminent one by one in my patch.
I used to acquire a gift pack of apples to my door, until I started my private apple orchard several years ago. This year I have some of the nicest, largest, prettiest harvests ever. We are fortunate, bags of sun, lots of precipitation, lots of cool weather conditions all at really the correct time.
Because I'm receiving such a immense crop this season, I think others are as well. I'm going to contriubute with you one of my tips for storing apples.
I make use of plain coloured only paper for storage in open wooden enclosers. Coloured ink can have toxic elements in, and open timber containers allow atmosphere to gush about the apple.
Hola, this is my initial entry. I'm just starting out with blogging in general, and also blogging here. I'm slightly out of touch with the contemporary blogging world, but figured it was definitely time to become a part of it, so I find myself here.
My goal is to reveal my general opinions and ruminations. I'm also a bit of a photographer, so would like to share my photos also. So, is everyone getting prepared for Christmas?
