It is that time again in West Virginia to head into the woods for ramps and morel mushrooms. This is a tradition that officially signals spring is here at last. I am ready to grab my ramp hoe and head for the hills. I really miss my time in the woods with mom.
We would take our baskets and a PB&J sandwich and hit the hills early. We could dig two or three bushels in no time flat, then usually give all of them away to family and friends.
She could dig more ramps in an hour than most people could dig all day. Neither of us cared to eat them but we both loved to dig them. She would take her electric skillet outside and fry them up for my step-dad so they wouldn’t stink up the house. Everyone calls them the Spring Tonic but to me they are just stinky little plants. For those not familiar with ramps, they could be described as a cross between an onion and garlic. Momma Said, “They are potent little buggers.
The first quarter of this year has flown by and I hope everyone had a glorious Easter. It won’t be long before we are planting the garden and mowing lawns. Momma Said, “Anything is better than shoveling snow!” We get past the snows of winter and move right into tornado season for the Midwest, so I hope everyone stays safe.”
Another sign of spring is ants. I never have a problem with them until the springtime and they seem to invade my house. I have tried a lot of stuff to get rid of them, but every year they come back and it is always in the same place. I can’t find how they are getting in but it is always the same path onto the counter. I have a new recipe I am going to try this year and I will share it with you.
Borax Ant Killer
Materials:
· 1/2 cup sugar
· 1 ½ tbsp. Borax (find in laundry aisle pretty much anywhere)
· 2 cups water
· Empty jar with lid (I used an old peanut butter jar)
· Cotton balls
· Tin foil/ coke bottle lids, milk lids, yogurt lid
Directions:
1. Boil water and pour in empty jar
2. Add sugar and borax to hot water and stir until completely dissolved
3. Soak cotton balls with mixture and place on a small tin foil piece or old drinking lid
4. Place cotton ball wherever you have ants!