We had some very warm, humid weather in Munich, last week. Was it only last week, already? Anyway, that seemed out of sinc for Germany. We came home to a lot cooler weather in California and have thoroughly enjoyed the overcast, chill of Spring. Sure, it warms up in the afternoon but anything under 100 degrees tends to seem cool to Southern Califonria residents. We are bracing for the triple digits of summer but are thankful that we are blessed with such beautiful weather right now.
After spending most of the day, yesterday, trying out four, new cookie recipes, I'm back to sewing today. I have an order for some tote bags and have two gift ones to make and send off next week. My upcoming treat of the weekend? A trip to the fabric warehouse on Monday! No, I don't really need fabric but half the fun is discovering something you didn't KNOW you needed!
The e-coli problems in Germany are certainly worrisome. We were still over there when they began. Between the e-coli outbreak and the Iceland volcano going off, again, it certainly added some adventure to our vacation. We initially thought about trying to leave a few days early in the wake of the flight concellations and such. After talking it over with my husband (Phone cards are wonderful when keeping in touch overseas!), we figured that if we tried to get out during the height of the volcano excitement, we would probably find outselves sitting around the airport for three days whereas if we waited and left on our scheduled flight, we'd most likely not run into problems. We didn't want to give up a single day of vacation and waited and got home without a hitch with either our flight or rescheduling.
When I initially heard that the e-coli was linked to cucumbers, I had to wonder about just thoroughly washing them and peeling them before eating. Turned out that cucumbers were not the culprit but only after they sent out the panic news and tons of the produce was dumped. The next thought was bean sprouts. Again, I had to wonder if all of the 2,000-plus that got sick and/or died, actually ate the bean sprouts. Bean sprouts are not usually a staple on the German dinner table. Yes, there are Asian restaurants but they are in the minority compared to other ones. Last I heard, the bean sprouts tested negative. I read in the news, yesterday, that since the EU recommended that people not eat bean sprouts, cucumbers, and tomatoes, all these farmers are now hurting. One company that raise tomatoes said his produce tested negative yet he has had to dump tons of some of the best harvest he has ever raised.
You have to hope that the powers that be can prove enough basis for all the 'recommendations' they have come out with that have destroyed so many people's income this year. Seems to me, in my small, humble opinion, a common thread should be found amond the sick and deceased to see what they all ate. From my sideline view, the EU jumped on the bandwagon a little sooner than they had solid facts.
Never the less, we have to remember all these people in our prayers. It is a sad thing to have your health ruined or lose a loved one because you just prepared them a meal that unknowingly included the unwanted e-coli.
Personally, I always rinse my greens and vegetables in a vinegar bath, rinse with water, and then a hydrogen peroxide soak, and water rinse before using.
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