Local natural world
For someone coming from the city, like me, it may be comforting to understand something about the “critters”, as my Virginia husband refers to them. A few bats (we never see them) live in and old pipe in our yard for part of the year and return the next year. Their function is to pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and gobble up mosquitos.
The bees visit our yard for part of some years. They may burrow in some wood or work in some bushes. I’ve checked with Virginia Cooperative Extension to learn the kinds that come are not interested in stinging. Bees pollinate flowers and vegetables. And according to the natural health folks, honey made from local bee keepers boosts the immune system.
This year the owls are really chatting loudly late at night. With fewer trees from all the development their population is dwindling in this country. In some cultures there’s a lot of superstition surrounding them. but really they are our friends – eating rats and other rodents that damage homes, barns, and other buildings. We needn’t be afraid to hear them. We should not try to feed them – that’s when they may turn on us.
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Emerald Thai is a very nice authentic restaurant for Thai food just off Rt 60. Many gluten-free choices are available. You can choose the spice level, if any. You can choose seafood, beef, or chicken or vegetarian for an entree. Traditional music. Beautiful fish in the glass tanks.
The Spice Palace Indian Restaurant is another place with many gluten-free choices. It’s just off Rt 5 near the big Food Lion. It has recipes from southern India, home of the owner. You can choose spice level, if any. You can choose seafood, beef, or chicken or vegetarian for an entree. Traditional music.
Sandy’s Pancake and Waffle House on Richmond Rd also has some gluten-free choices – waffles and pancakes. Servings are large. I won a free prize through the JCC Rec Center and ate there before the lockdown.
These gluten-free choices are necessary for those with celiac disease. Non- celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is another health issue surfacing as our USA food supply has been altered. (Entries 4/17&20/20.)
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