LEARNING AT THE POTTER'S WHEEL

We've started the adventure of flea marketing. Duke has decided that we need to simplify our lives, so to that end, we've started lightening our load of 'stuff' at the local flea market. He's been quite pleased with the process . . . AND, it turns out, has just one or two extra coins in his pocket as a consequence.

This has meant that in the last month, we've actually been able to visit our favorite eatery a couple of times.

A couple of weeks ago, dear friends were in town and we went there after a day of fun in the sprinklers. While there, we celebrated their 4-year-old's birthday by singing to her with the whole candle in the chocolate chip cookie thing.

This past Saturday, we went there for lunch after the flea market as Duke's treat to us all. It tickled me to realize that our boys have now just accepted a couple of things as fact. The 9-yr-old has decided that it is a GRAND bargain to get tokens for the arcade and trade tickets he's won for about fifty cents worth of plastic. I agree that it's well worth the entertainment, but I couldn't help but grin hearing him talk about all the 'stuff' he'd won as though it were treasure. It's his money, he'll figure it out soon enough that he could have bought three times as much 'stuff' at the dollar store for that same amount. I doubt he'd have had as much fun, though.

His perspective came to light as we enjoyed our lunch and "B" spoke in glowing terms of the 'champion' of ticket winners. That guy had his picture on the register along with his 3,000 tickets. Boys love having something to conquer! What I see as pennies worth of plastic is to him the spoils of war!

Then there's Z-man. Remember in my earlier post (Happy Normal Birthday, Z-Man), when I said we didn't get out much? Well it's true. So, this month has been an exciting change of pace. However, for Z-man, The Flight Deck has become the place you go to eat a meal, and then have everyone come out, clap and sing "Happy Birthday" with a lit candle in a cookie. Well, it happens every time we go there lately. Seems like a logical conclusion, right?

This tidbit of information came to light as Z-man polished off his lunch and then looked around expectantly and said, "Okay, NOW Happy Birthday!"

We laughed and explained to both boys that no, we don't have to play in the game room every time we eat at Mr. Ted's, and no, we don't have to end every meal there with a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday To You.

*happy sigh*

It's nice having children remind you what fun it is to find occasions to celebrate.
Let's party!

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I'm shaking my head as I sit here. Not because I'm surprised, mind you. I'm shaking my head because I should have seen this coming. I should have known better. It's my own fault really. I know what sort of people I'm surrounded by, and I continue to operate under false assumptions. Like:

• I assume you have a grasp of the English language.
• I assume that when I emphasize something, the listener grasps its importance.
• I assume that eye contact and nodding accompanied by associated noises imply you were listening.
• I assume that I have effectively communicated something when I heard myself say it to a person I thought was listening.

You can see where I'm going with this, can't you? Or, at least you THINK you know where I'm going with this. *wink*

This post isn't about husbands or children. It may be in defense of them. Rather, this post is about how we wives and mothers often think it's just limited to our own household that these oddities exist. It isn't. In this world of electronic gadgets constantly vying for our attention, you pretty much need an orchestral sound track and backup singers to be SURE you have someone's attention.


I'd forgotten that. I had started to think that it was just MY children and MY husband that sometimes just can't 'tune in' to my channel. Boy, did I get a reminder!

How much? How often?
A male relative came over to my house for me to help him with a poultice application. I sent him on his way with several items. Included was a colon cleanse that included an ingredient to get things moving along. Another item helped pull out toxins. They work together.

I instructed him on how to use both products, how often to take them, what amounts and when. I reminded him that the labels were marked clearly if he forgot and that he should call me if he had any discomfort (which shouldn't occur if you follow instructions). He nodded, asked questions and seemed to easily comprehend all that I said. In fact, he drove himself to my house, so I KNOW he was alert enough to operate heavy machinery.

Today, I asked him how he was coming along. He said he wasn't doing too well and hadn't been able to really do the cleanse because the first ingredient (that moves things along) had really been harsh. I asked him if he had cut back to only one capsule (taken with the evening meal, 1x a day). He said, "Yeah, one capsule with every meal, just like you told me."

"WITH EVERY MEAL?!!"

That poor man had not heard what I said. He hadn't read the label and he had just proceeded as he thought he should. He didn't hurt himself, but he sure feels a lot lighter.

When I corrected him on the application, he defended his actions by saying, "You know you have to get my attention first. Just because I'm looking at you and nodding doesn't mean I was actually listening."

I had to laugh as I replied, "I'll bet this is one bit of instruction you won't forget." He agreed.

The funniest part of all of this is that I've mistakenly believed that this behavior is odd or uncommon. It's not. It's all too common, and I forget too often to move within that reality.

Good Advice Too Late
Duke has had the reverse experience trying to live with me. He couldn't figure out what was so confusing to me when he tried to warn me of impending danger. When we married, I can't tell you how many times I nearly got hurt because I was constantly confused by him calling out to me 'careful.'

In my grasp of the language the term careful means to take care, to stop what you are doing and rethink your method. So, when Duke would say, "CAREFUL!" I would stop and try and figure out what I was doing that was so dangerous.

Apparently, where Duke comes from, it doesn't mean that. "Careful!" means to take cover, duck, get out of the way. It's like a golfer yelling, "Fore!" or a military lookout hollering "incoming!" -- at least that's what it means to Duke.

He also employs the term to children that have fallen and hurt themselves. By calling out "CAREFUL!" the moment after an injury has occurred, the blame of the hurt is placed firmly upon the victim and the person calling out the word is absolved of any responsibility. As a parent, Duke calling out "Careful!" is the playground equivalent of "Not it!" The funny thing is that the children (having grown up this way) understand Duke's use of the term perfectly.

Imagine someone carrying a large heavy object on a collision with another human yelling "Careful!" while the other party (me) stands there looking confused as to what to do (because I didn't see it coming and I'm not doing anything to be careful of), then you've got a pretty good idea of what we are talking about here.

All this time, I thought it was something that was unique to Duke, but my male relative and Tim Hawkins reminded me today that I'm the one that's odd. Watch the video below for further explanation.

Living with men has led me to discover a few things that they take for granted, but which are foreign to females. The funny thing is that I get the strangest looks from those I live with when these things occur. Because I am the only female in residence (besides the dog, and she'll go along with anyone that feeds her), they look at me as though they suspect I'm either in need of medication or just very confused.

• When it comes to movies, plot is never as important as action, fight scenes and pyrotechnics. If plot is part of the mix, that's okay, but not necessary.
• It's considered clean if you can't see the dirt. This includes dirt outside of your direct line of vision.
• It's still food it you picked it up off of the floor before the dog got to it.
• Ice cream is one of the major food groups.
• Having MEANT to say something is the same as having said it and you should have known what they meant.

There are different rules of conduct for the house depending on whether or not mom is in the room. I'm not sure where all of these differences lie, but all of the suspects males quickly settle down and look a little too innocent when I enter the room after hearing a herd of wild buffalo run through the house -- This even includes my spouse!

There are many others, but if you've lived with men, I'm sure you get the idea . . .

The scary interesting thing is that the longer I reside with these male creatures, the more their ways seem normal to me. Every now and then, I have to get around a group of females to recapture my femininity.

I just had to laugh at this video when I saw it. I believe it illustrates such a wonderful moment when this father realizes that he really IS the father of a GIRL.

I know that boys can talk, but I have gained a new appreciation for a LACK of communication after watching this! Too too cute!

As I sit here at my computer, my middle son is in our front yard talking to strangers. That goes against a lot of my maternal instincts.

When I got up this morning, he was already there, flagging down customers.

Customers!?

My husband took one look at my expression of concern and explained that he had sent him out there to get rid of our stash of video tapes.

He meant for his explanation to comfort me. Instead, it gave me additional concerns about my husband – momentarily.

I pulled myself back together and went to fix breakfast. This was going to be a learning experience for all of us.

I got a refresher course in trusting my husband’s judgment and protection over our children. He hasn’t left the window or door watching to be sure the little guy is okay. Of course, he does it just beyond the line of vision of the boy.

I also learned from watching my husband that this letting go business isn’t really any easier for fathers than it is for mothers. Duke was alternately cheering at every sale and expressing concern for whether or not the kid was chatting up costumers, remembering all of the prices and the tips he gave him for sales, etc. It was a good thing he was in the house, LOL.

Our son made several new friends and a little guy that rode his bike over to sit and chat with this new kid entrepreneur. He also learned about dealing with distractions, counting change, and that a Saturday spent in the front yard could earn him some money. Later today, he will likely learn a lesson on who to trust, depending on whether or not the neighbor who took several tapes returns to pay him the money.

The greatest return on the experience has been the excited look on B’s face when he comes running into the house to announce another dollar in sales. I do believe he is taller today as he contemplates the possibilities of his own ability to earn money and how that will only increase as he gains years and experience.

It’s been nice to see how gracious our neighbors are. Those boxes are full of westerns, war documentaries, classics and children’s videos. Ironically, grandmothers are the ones that have stopped and proved to be his best customers – God’s best encouragers.

Me? I’m having a ball watching it all. I keep trying not to grin too widely as I watch the menfolk navigate this new water. It’s nice to see solid proof of what I already knew. We've got some wonderful boys that take after their father. Duke is alternately concerned and delighted to see all he’s invested bearing fruit.

Something tells me that there is a trip to the dollar store coming soon.

ALSO KNOWN AS:
Plantago major
Plantago lanceolata L.
narrowleaf plantain, buckhorn plantain, broad-leaf plantain,

PARTS USED
Leaves (can also use roots and/or tops & seeds)

PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTS
Adenine, allantoin, aucubin, apigenin, benzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, fiber, luteolin, oleanolic acid, p-coumaric acid, salicylic acid, tannin, ursolic acid, vanillic acid
Potassium, vitamin A

Description:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantago
The leaves are attached by to the base of the plant rather than to a stalk or stem. The leaf is distinctive having three or five parallel veins that are spaced apart following the shape of the leaf, width depending on the species.

http://dnr.missouri.gov/greenbldg/wildflowers/english-plantain.htm
Narrow leaf plantain is also known as buckhorn or English plantain. It is native to Europe and reaches a height that ranges from six to 30 inches. From April to October, the plant blooms with a short spike of white flowers. It has been used traditionally in tea form as a remedy for coughs and diarrhea. The leaves help sores heal more quickly when applied topically.

PROPERTIES & USES

KIDNEYS
As a tea, plantain acts as a diuretic, helping reduce water retention and soothe the urinary tract with its demulcent (mucilaginous and soothing) properties. In this way, plantain supports kidney health.

LUNGS
Plantain also acts as an expectorant, helping remove excess mucous secretions from air passages. It is considered by some to be helpful in the slowing of tuberculosis bacteria.

VEINS
Plantain has anti-inflammatory properties and deobstruant properties that help reduce inflammation and clear areas obstructed by infection. This is also helpful for chronic infection of the lymph nodes.Some research has shown that it is helpful in lowering cholesterol (an inflammatory response) and controlling diabetes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantago

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Heartburn and indigestion are eased by use of plantain. This herb also has anti-microbial properties which help the body destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms -- this includes bacteria, fungi and viruses. Plantain is an alterative which means it balances the process of nutrient assimilation and excretion, restoring the body to normal function. A hepato-protective herb, plantain helps protect the liver.

SKIN
Some of the most dramatic uses of plantain involve those where it is applied topically. On contact, plantain has a healing, antibiotic and styptic (stops bleeding) effect. In a poultice, plantain is good for all kinds of insect bites and rashes including allergic skin reactions to poison oak, ivy, nettles and sumac. An anodyne, plantain is a pain reliever and soothing to skin irritation. I've seen it stop pain in 15 seconds, although this can vary. An anti-inflammatory, I've yet to see it fail to stop fire ant bites from turning into angry whelps. The astringent properties of this herb cause the tissues in the skin to tighten and dry fluid secretions. A vulnerary, plantain promotes wound healing and normalization of damaged tissues.

Other conditions that have been helped by plantain include the treatment of tumors and venomous bites.

The seeds of this herb are called psyllium seed and are used in many commercial laxative formulas. These same seeds are said to be helpful in the treatment of diabetes.

AS A FOOD
Young leaves of the broad leaf variety are tasty and can be eaten in salads.

AS A SUPPLEMENT
Plantago psyllium is a type of plantain whose seeds are used (psyllium seeds) as a fiber supplement (taken with LOTS of water) in many bulk laxative formulations -- commercial and natural. The husks of the seeds expand and become mucilaginous (similar to the texture of egg whites) when wet. This is helpful in the treatment of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease.

FIRST AID
A good first aid plant to have close at hand. A few fresh leaves, crushed or chewed, can be used quickly to stop bleeding of an open wound, stop pain and inflammation of bites and stings, relieve itching from poison ivy. Its anti-toxin qualities have given it a reputation in folklore as being useful for snakebite.

TEAS, TINCTURES, SYRUPS
A cup of strong plantain tea will quell the worst indigestion. Taken as a tea, tincture or syrup, plantain can also relieve coughs and bronchitis.

ORAL PAIN
A small was of chewed leaf placed next to the gum will quiet a painful toothache until it can be attended to.

SALVE
Ointment made with olive oil extract of fresh plantain and a little beeswax is a very good general purpose remedy for many skin ailments, and is especially helpful with diaper rash.

JUST FOR FUN -- PLANTAIN WARS
During my childhood, we used to have plantain wars in the summer. We would pluck the long leggy stems and use them as ammunition. To do this, fold the stem over itself forming a loop and shove it forward while pulling backwards on the section of stem nearest the bud. This will cause the bud to pop off and shoot forward. With practice your aim can improve and catch your unsuspecting target off-guard.

CAUTIONS & CONSIDERATIONS
Do not mistake plantain for foxglove (Digitalis lanata), which has a similar appearance.

As with all herbs, avoid use of plants that have been exposed to toxic chemicals or have not been certified 'chemical free.'

DISCLAIMER: None of this is to be considered a substitute for medical examination and/or treatment. Use what you will, but do so knowing that you must consider your own circumstance and the application of these things with sound judgment.