Joe Pye Weed/Queen of the Meadow

Eupatorium maculatum, better known as Joe Pye weed, was in full bloom when we were in North Carolina recently. The huge blossoms are on sturdy stalks that can reach up to six foot tall. It only grows in the eastern United States, and I haven't seen any growing wild here in Northwest Alabama.

The wildflower reportedly has many medicinal uses. It got its common name from a New England Indian healer named Joe Pye who lived at the same time as the Pilgrims. Folklore says that Joe Pye cured typhus fever using the plant.

I don't know if this plant has true medicinal properties, but I think it must have some sweet nectar. Everywhere you find the plant, you will find some bumblebees and butterflies.

Is it not inherently wrong to call a plant like this a 'common wildflower'?

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8

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Amish in Stantonville, Tennessee

Last week, my sis and her hub went with us to the Amish community near Stantonville, Tennessee. It was a beautiful day, and we love driving to new places and finding new treasures. We enjoy these mini-trips we take together, where we giggle a lot and get caught up on everything. Also, the squirrels ate all our tomatoes, so we needed to find some to buy. You know the food you are buying is fresh when they bring it from the field while you are standing there waiting for it. Here is part of what we brought home, and it was all delicious. Stantonville is located in McNairy County, Tennessee, northwest of Shiloh National Military Park.

Holy Smoke Pie

I think it was in the late seventies that I first had Holy Smoke Pie. It was at a party at Debra Morris Harville's house. After we ate, Debra had to give the recipe to everyone there. I came home and made it for my family, and it has been a favorite since then. I always make it at holiday dinners, because I believe tradition is important. It has become a favorite of our granddaughters. I've heard it called Chocolate Delight, Four-Layer Chocolate Dessert, and other odd things. We call it Holy Smoke. Here is how I make it: Chop us a cup of pecans; set aside. Add a stick of softened butter (NOT margarine) to one cup of self-rising flour. Cut the butter into the flour. Add the chopped pecans, and work it all together. Save two tablespoons of the pecans to sprinkle on top. Pour into a 9" x 12" pan that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Spread it over the bottom of the pan. It helps to use your hands (or hand, if you have t

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