Minnesota's Favorite Nasty Plant

   I don't know about you, but when I come across a leaf of Poison Ivy nearly 5" across, I usually take notice. We tend to grow 'em big here in Minnesota and you have to be constantly watching out for the leaves of three when hiking any of the most used trails. It is a curious thing about poison ivy, it seems to be most prevalent in areas that are touched by man. Usually disturbed soils, cut trail ways, well traveled paths and roads of many types, all will lend themselves to helping poison ivy get a foot hold. The worst thing about the plant itself is the oil. It's all about the Urushiol.

Canteenshop Stove and Thistle Soup - A Simple and Quick Review

Ok, so there were these thistles, and they were just standing there, the very tops of the stalks looking all tender, ready to eat. Well, you know you just have to go for it. You have that canteen full of water, the canteen cup and of course that Canteenshop Grilltop Stove Stand that just happens to nest around all of the others. Put it all together and you have fresh veggie soup for dinner. Seems really easy, right?

Minnesota Closed it Doors

   On July 1st, 2011, the State of Minnesota closed it's doors and stopped doing business. This was a historic event that has had far reaching effects, all brought on by this shutdown. Most of it you can read about in the news or online. The most immediate affect was the furloughing of over 20,000 state workers.