Jul
9
We Want Your Input!
We will be taping Kari Coffey’s first-ever visit to her newly won HGTV Green Home in the coming days and we want to know: What features of the HGTV Green Home 2009 remain a mystery to you? What spaces and places would you like Kari to investigate and show to you? Be as specific as possible. Wondering what the master closet looks like? What it feels like to sit on the screened porch and feel the tropical breeze against your cheek? Wondering just how sweet those strawberries in the hydroponic garden are? Post your ideas, thoughts and suggestions below and we’ll ask Kari to give you a personal peek at anything and everything you’ve been dying to see! Then keep checking Green Home Central for a video launch date announcement.
While we are waiting to approach landing, and the taping of Kari Coffey’s first-ever visit to her newly won HGTV Green Home, I figured I might as well entertain you all once again with a MGTOTD. I know you must miss my quandry of information, so here goes:
With strawberries, pick only the cartoons at your local market with the reddist, plumpest berries. Strawberries that are showing patches of green or white are not yet ripe and once strrawberries are picked, they will not continue to ripen…if they're unripe, they'll stay that way!
Happy landings my friends from your 'rambling rose!"
MarieMiller, one of the sweetest berries of the bunch, thank you for our MGTOTD. It will come in handy during my next grocery store visit, since I like to have fresh strawberries with my morning granola and rice milk.
When I encounter an unripe berry, I refer to them as "strawbarelies"…
Quality vs quantity–really doesn't matter to me. I enjoy having the opportunity to share with other bloggers. One of the highlights is reading Marie Miller's GTOTD.
Who knew that it would take years for me to learn that strawberries don't continue to ripen when picked? Thanks for that tip Marie! Any other ripe fruit tips?
Cindy,
Do you really think HGTV can keep this bunch in a holding pattern? Surely Mary knows how out of control we are by now. It's a good thing that we have fellow bloggers in the vicinity of the Green and Dream Homes.
Now I know why HGTV prefers gated communities. It keeps us nosey bloggers out!!!!
Cindy,
You said, "This has gotten so confusing." Don't sweat over this. How long does it take to get your favorite chocolate delight? Problem solved. Eat, enjoy and chill…..
Hi Lessie: i'm just trying to see if this "reply" will up your score of +1. I don't quite know what that rating means, What do you have to do to get to the replies? Don't we have an excellent group of bloggers right now? Pleasant Greams, friend.
More confused than ever. I don't see any difference in Reply or Post a new comment: Except for an arrow pointing to my ghost picture. If that is really a "rating", Coop and Marie Miller and many others are rated +1, but myself and Show Me are zero. Doesn't matter, this is fun, but Mary, it would be so much more fun IF WE HAD SOMETHING NEW TO TALK ABOUT. When is the program showing Kari and Mike seeing their Green HOme?
Hi Katydid,
I haven't the faintest idea how to increase a score. Have you registered with Intense Debate? If so, when someone replies to your comment, you'll get an email notification. If not, I guess you'll have to do it the old fashioned way, reach each comment.
Personally, I haven't had time to digest ID. Let me stop lying. To be quite honest, I haven't taken the time to explore ID. GlennNYC, Coop, Lynn Coggin and some of the others have really taken time to explore ID. Maybe you should post a comment to them.
Katydid, I think you need to register with Intense Debate to get an automatic +1 when you comment. When I comment and a +1 appears, I assume it's because I'm registered with ID.
When I click on your shadow photo, it doesn't allow me to follow you. That's how I know you haven't registered with ID. Click on some photos and see what happens. Also click on a name and see what happens. You should get feedback if a person has registered with Intense Debate. By register, I mean set up an account.
Cindy, I like your picture. This is a great group of bloggers.
Katydid your a plus one now too! Can't have one of our fellow bloggers being a big ZERO!
Well done, EdinOregon! You're absolutely right, Katydid is one of our finest, and we always see to it that our friendly bloggers are made welcome.
Cheers to you, Pilgrim Katydid!
And to correct another oversight, 'Show' now has his own +1 rating as well.
Welcome Pilgrim Show Me The Green!
Hey there Lessie:
Yes I do have other ripe fruit tips? Just so you know, the following is a list of fruits that never ripen after picking: Cherries; Citrus fruits; Grapes; Lychee; Olives; Pineapple; Soft berries ; and Watermelon!! Nature seems to know best!! Your best bet is to avoid these fruits in the market if they are out of season. Instead, go for the seasonal fruits that are grown locally. You’ll even reduce your carbon footprint. Out-of-season fruits are picked weeks in advance or grown in artificial conditions that require more fertilizer, stripping the fruits from essential nutrients and giving them less flavor. Hope this helps the next time you are 'in the market' for fresh fruit!!
Wow, Marie Miller, definitely a fruitful comment you've made there—I never realized that pineapple did not ripen or sweeten after picking. I suppose, left out, it just starts going downhill. I know the feeling.
Now that gives me a thought—I'm going to have to find out if pineapples are grown in Thailand. I don't believe so, but I could be proven wrong. They certainly HAVE pineapple there, but very likely it's imported, and I'll have to find out the source.
There's always research to do, in the blogs or out, I guess…but one can never stop learning.
Here's to the perfect pineapple, piña coladas and Plymouth Pilgrims!
Well, that was easy to research, and little did I suspect!!
"Thailand is one of the world’s leading exporters of pineapples, both fresh and canned and thus, one of the country’s major sources of foreign exchange. "Smooth Cayenne" grown mainly in Petchburi and Prachuab Khiri Khan provinces in the West, and in Chonburi and Rayong provinces in the East, is the main variety exported."
"Most Thai fruits are not only seasonal but also regional. In northern Thailand, for example, where the climate is more temperate than Bangkok and the south, fruits familiar to western eyes are cultivated. Among them are apples and strawberries, though far more common and loved by all are lychees, longans, pineapples and mangoes."
Other fruits grown in Thailand are: papaya, durian, banana, guava, watermelon, rambutin, mangosteen, jackfruit and pomelo. Whew! (Mangosteen is grown almost exclusively in Thailand.)
Good to know I won't go hungry….
Marie Miller, you are the best! Absolutely love the information you share. When I'm in the market for fresh fruit, I'll know what to look for. Thanks!
ED IN OREGON, What a sweet, encouraging comment to Katydid! Love your perspective.
DBCoop, thanks for allowing Show to have his own ID account. Can't wait to see who will have control of the keyboard, especially on vacation.
Coop, think of all the RIPE fresh fruit you'll have in Thailand. Enjoy the pineapples! Wouldn't be surprised if you extended your vacation. Enjoy!
Coop I would have to be under duress to eat durian!! The rest of your fruit salad sounds delicious!
Wow! July 9th was the last time we heard from Mary in "We want your input.." Withdraw symptoms I have been having here in Georgia..Today July 16th I think if I remember correctly the Coffeys were going to see their new home and BTW what ever happened to the New Super Fan Contest?
When ever Coop or anyone else puts down "Pilgrim" for some reason I hear John Wayne's voice (this is called too many movies!)
"Pilgrim." (The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance – Reportedly John Wayne used the expression "Pilgrim", as in "tenderfoot" or "dude" or "amateur", 23 times in that film, and once also in McLintock!. It became a catchphrase for impressionists such as John Byner, and Rich Little)
"I haven't lost my temper in 40 years; but, Pilgrim, you caused a lot of trouble this morning; might have got somebody killed; and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth. But I won't. I won't. The hell I won't!" (He belts him in the mouth). (To Leo Gordon in McLintock!)
On that Note.."Have A Great day All you Pilgrims!" *smile*
Dear Coop: Even though the Papaya was originally from southern Mexico, Central America and Northern South America, I am sure with the tropical climate of Thailand you will find wonderful Papayas!! It is my understanding that Green Papayas are used in the Thai cuisine, both raw and cooked…very interesting!! I would love to hear from you about actually experiencing both while on your visit there! I love the Papayas when I visit Hawaii…I purchase them from the flea market there, and must say they are some of the best I've even had!! They are the size of a football…no kidding! So, while I'm there I feast on Papayas and blueberries for breakfast on my lanai!!
Cindy: I guess I didn't remember that you were from Georgia…wow…another southern belle! I was born in Americus, Georia!! In fact, my grandfather owned a plantation adjacent to the Carter's…can you believe that? The old farm house is still standing on that property in all of its splender!! Of course, it has been 35 years since I saw it…so, who knows? Any way, so happy to have a Georgia Peach posting on this site!!
LOL, yes, EdinOregon, I agree completely about the durian!
EdinOregon, I love that reply! This blogging community is great!
Marie Miller, I learned to love Papaya when I was living in Mexico as a college student. I don't think I've had the combination of papaya and blueberries, but why not?!! And on your lanai in Hawaii…how delicious. Sounds wonderful, and I will be more aware of the types and manner in which the Thai cuisine uses papaya as a result of your post.
When it comes to papaya, Go Green—Live Lean!
Cindy, Hope Kari and Mike are enjoying the visit to their new home. This is an exciting day for them and I pray that this will be one of the most memorable weekends of their lives.
BTW Cindy, same here—when I read the word Pilgrim, I hear John Wayne's voice, whether I want to or not! He had a way with that word.
Another Proud wannabe Pinehills Pilgrim!
Come on guys! Would you really pass up an opportunity to eat one of the "King of Fruits"? I know, I know, it's hard to get pass the odor, but really scooping out the edible flesh out of the husk is like eating a rich highly flavoured custard dessert!!
By the way Coop, Mangosteen, that is grown almost exclusively in Thailand, is the BEST!! No kidding, I've been taking Mangosteen for about four years now & cannot begin to list the benefits I receive from it! Modern researchers have discovered that there are chemical compounds in the rind called Xanthones. These Xanthones are what gives the fruit its effectiveness, and it's no wonder Oprah's Dr. Oz recently proclaimed the Mangosteen to be one of his anti-aging secrets. He included it as an example of a very ancient healing tool that works as a very strong antioxidant. I LOVE MANGOSTEEN!!
MGTOTD: The traditional Chinese way to store ginger is to fill a small, lidded clay pot with plain white sand, and bury the giner in it. It will keep for months!!
Marie Miller, your trip to Hawaii sounds as delightful as Coop's trip to Phuket. I've never been to Hawaii or Phuket but from what you've both written, I know I would love both!
Marie Miller, yes, I know of the benefits of Mangosteen too, and have been drinking it mixed with other juices long before I realized its source was Thailand. I'll have to plant my own little Mangosteen tree when I'm over there!
Wow Marie Miller, you are a wealth of information! Mangosteen–will definitely check it out.
Durian – tasty, foul smelling fruit with prickly rind. Let me see, do I want to sample that? Will get back with you on that later. In the mean time, don't hold your breath!
Marie Miller, thanks for the MGTOTD. Will use it to store ginger. I'm glad you're continuing to post green tips.
Renee loves and lives Green,
I'm assuming that you haven't regained your strength and energy. Know that I'm still praying for you. Hope all is well soon.
Regarding the durian fruit, many hotels in Thailand do not allow guests to keep it the rooms due to the smell. I can understand their caution!
Ed and Coop: Thanks for your encouragement . I needed that.
Whatever Mangosteen is, I think I need that too, so I will look it up.
I love all the imitators of the Duke's voice saying "Pilgrims". Where ever his spirit is, he would be so proud.
Marie Miller: I am so glad you have found a way to avoid long blogs because I love every thing that you post. You are a wealth of knowledge and information, and I love it.
Mary: is there a glitch? Shouldn't there be a new blog by now? Are you waiting for Kari's visit to her new Green HOme?
Regarding the durian fruit, many hotels in Thailand do not allow guests to keep it in the rooms due to the smell. I can understand their caution!
In addition to looking forward to video of the Coffey's first visit to their new Green Home in Port St Lucie, Florida, don't miss checking out the Design Star Season 4 blog threads. You can even place your votes on some very important issues already.
The Design Star blog really gives you a heads up about the exciting new talent coming our way starting Sunday evening, 19 July. Hop over and take a look.
And, lest I forget, a hearty thank you to CHAD for bringing the Design Star Season 4 blog to my attention.
Now I'll feel much better informed and more prepared for all of the activity that this show is going to throw at us right out of the gate!
I'm wondering if Marie Miller will be favoring Dan Vickery, who hails from Vale, Oregon.
There are ten (think I counted correctly) very excited and enthusiastic Design Star hopefuls…perhaps with another lucky person (out of 3) to be voted in as well.
Six hopefuls are from California (four from Los Angeles, one from Beverly Hills, one from San Diego.)
Don't miss getting the inside scoop on the Design Star hopefuls' Hollywood home. It's an estate that's not only very striking architecturally, but with a well-connected history and celebrity mystique that's hard to match, even for Hollywood.
For hardcore Green-landers:
'“Radio Green Earth” is South Florida’s first and only all-environmental radio show."
"It is owned and produced by Eco Advisors in Palm Beach Gardens, and helps listeners become more informed on sustainable business practices, how to reduce their environmental footprint, and live more eco-responsible lifestyles. It includes interviews with government policymakers, educators, scientists, authors, top vendors, and experts discussing the critical environmental issues today from climate change to green building."
It is broadcast weekly and simulcast on the web at RadioGreenEarth (dot) Org.
Perhaps the start of another great Florida tradition for the Tradition-bound Coffeys?
Renee loves and lives Green,
Now that you're in Florida, you may be interested Coop's post on "Radio Green Earth." It may give you a lead for a new business.
Also, Renee loves Green, our MGTOTD'er Marie Miller, and fellow Green-landers, you might want to check out the Scripps Networks Interactive webpage and blog, 'Ecologue'—taking eco-friendly to the next level.
Go Green—Live Lean!
MARY, can you ask the editing staff to put a rush on the online video of the Coffey's first visit to their new Green Home, the acceptance of the house key, and the "taking of the waters" at Port St Lucie's beaches? I only have a few precious days before my Thailand sojourn, and I hope to have time to soak it all in before packing up and heading out.
Still, if I'm lucky, I'll be able to view it all from my balcony with laptop in hand. That remains to be seen, and better safe than sorry.
Power to the Pilgrims!
MARY, I'm sure Coop wouldn't mind if you posted the floor plans to the Dream or Green Home first. We wouldn't want the experts at HGTV rushing to post the online video of the Coffey's first visit to their new Green Home on a Monday.
I think we all would agree that you can post what you already have—the floor plans for the Dream and Green Homes. That would certainly put a smile on everyone's face!
MARY: I heartily second Coop's plea for showing the Coffey's first visit to the Green Home. Although he is not the King of Siam, he is the King of this blog and has displayed fervent loyalty to all things Dreamy and Green.
LESSIE: I would agree that floor plans are ALWAYS welcome. Come on, Mary, give us something.
COOP: A while ago I looked up properties for sale (or rent?) in Phuket. All the decorating seemed to be clean, sparse and modern. Are you going along with this style? Or have you put your own personal stamp on the decor? You have such good taste and inventive ideas. Any chance you would share some of it with us?
Safe trip, and somehow I know you will find a way tokeep in touch.
Katydid, I love reading your comments. We seem to think alike. When we differ, you give me a different perspective and that's good too.