Me and my family have been taking advantage of some foraging lately thanks to the great weather in the UK, and we thought it would be a good idea to share some recipes with anyone who might be looking for some culinary inspiration.



This is also a great way to indulge in the delightful flavours of dandelion and plantain pancakes while reaping the health benefits and saving money. This recipe not only offers a unique twist on traditional pancakes but also incorporates nutritious ingredients that can be foraged or found easily. By incorporating these pancakes into your routine, you can enjoy a wholesome and cost-effective breakfast option.

Health Benefits:

Nutrient-rich Ingredients: Dandelion leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Plantain leaves are known for their antioxidant properties and contain vitamins A and C.
Digestive Aid: Both dandelion and plantain leaves have been traditionally used to support digestion and promote a healthy gut.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The combination of spices such as ginger and garam masala in the recipe adds anti-inflammatory benefits to the pancakes.
Gluten-free and Dairy-free Option: By using buckwheat flour (or your favourite gluten free flour) and coconut milk (or your favourite dairy-free milk), this recipe offers a gluten-free and dairy-free alternative for individuals with dietary restrictions.



Cost Benefits:

Foraging Opportunities: Dandelion leaves, plantain leaves, and flowers can often be found in abundance in parks, gardens, and open spaces. Harvesting these ingredients yourself can save you money and provide a connection to nature.
Versatile Ingredients: The dough for these pancakes can be customised with various herbs, spices, or vegetables, allowing you to use up leftover ingredients or adapt based on personal preferences.
Bulk Buying: Purchasing flour, coconut milk, and spices in larger quantities can be more cost-effective in the long run, as these staple ingredients can be used in a variety of recipes.
Reduced Food Waste: By incorporating wild medicinal herbs such as dandelion and plantain that are often overlooked, you can reduce food waste and make the most of what nature has to offer.

By integrating this recipe into your routine, you can enjoy a breakfast that not only tantalises your taste buds but also supports your well-being and saves you money. So why not embark on a culinary adventure and savour the health and cost benefits of dandelion and plantain pancakes?
Dandelion and Plantain Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients for the dough:
• 400 ml coconut milk, FF
• 4 organic eggs
• 250 g buckwheat flour (or flour of your choice)
• 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt
• Handful of dandelion leaves
• Handful of plantain leaves
• Handful of dandelion flowers
• 1/8 tsp white pepper
• 1/8 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
• 1 tsp fresh grated garlic
• 2 tbsp finely chopped green onion
• 1 tsp garam masala (cumin, coriander, cumin)
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp fresh grated lemon zest

You will need some goos fat for greasing the pan.


Goos fat

Pancakes dough ingredients

Grated ginger and garlic

Chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, add the eggs and a pinch of salt. Beat with an electric whisk for a couple of minutes.

Adding Himalayan salt to the eggs

Whisking eggs and salt
2.Add 100 ml of coconut milk and continue mixing for another couple of minutes.

Adding 100 ml coconut milk to the eggs mixture

Mixing eggs and coconut milk
3.Gradually add the flour while mixing until it forms a fairly thick dough.

Adding flour to the eggs mixture

Mixing the flour with the eggs mixture
4.Slowly add the remaining coconut milk while mixing until the batter becomes smooth.

Adding the remaining coconut milk to the mixture

Mixing the batter until smooth
5.Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in the refrigerator while you prepare the vegetables.
6.Wash, dry, and chop the dandelion leaves, plantain leaves, and dandelion flowers. Place them in a bowl.

Plantain, dandelion leaves and flowers

Chopping dandelion flowers

Chopping dandelion and plantain leaves

Bowl with all chopped greens
7.Finely grate the garlic and ginger and let aside.

Grating garlic and ginger
8.Finely chop the green onions and add them to the bowl.

Adding chopped green onions to the wild greens
9.Prepare the spices spices (white pepper, grated nutmeg, garam masala) and set aside.
10.Once all preparations are finished, add the spices and the green vegetables to the dough and mix well.

Adding white pepper

Adding garam masala

Adding grated nutmeg

Adding grated garlic and ginger

Adding all the chopped wild greens and onions to the batter

Mixing all the ingredients
11.At last add the grated lemon zest and whisk until combine.

Adding the grated lemon zest

The final dandelion and plantain pancake mixture
Cooking the pancakes:
1. Heat a cast iron pan with lid and spread a spoonful of goose fat as soon as it reaches the desired temperature.

Cast iron pan, goos fat and the ready to use pancake batter with spoon
2. Once the fat has melted, pour the pancake batter using a small cup or a spoon, leaving some distance between each pancake. Cover with lid.

Arranging pancakes

Covering the cast iron pan with the lid
3. Cook the pancakes for a couple of minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Carefully flip them using a spatula and then cover with lid.

Pancakes after a couple of minutes of cooking, before flipping them

Pancakes half cooked, after flipping them
4. Transfer the cooked pancakes to a wire rack to cool.
5. Repeat the process, adding another teaspoon of goose fat for each batch, until all the batter is used.

Ready to eat dandelion and plantain pancakes

Optional baking method:


Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF) and grease a baking pan.
Pour the dough into the greased pan and spread it evenly.
If desired, dissolve 1 tsp of baking soda/baking powder in 20 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and add it to the dough before pouring into the baking tray.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the dough, until it turns golden brown and resembles a focaccia.

Storage and serving:
•The pancakes can be served immediately or cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
•Alternatively, you can freeze the pancakes and enjoy them within two months.
Enjoy the unique flavours and nourishing qualities of these dandelion and plantain pancakes. Whether served fresh or toasted, they are a delightful addition to any mealtime.

May your meal be nutritious and healthy always!

Hello, Hivers and Readers. Thank you for visiting and reading my blogs, all of which are 100% my original content.
About The Author:
When I'm not working, you can find me dancing, foraging in nature, cooking or baking healthy meals in my kitchen, spending time with my grandson, working out in the gym, exploring the world of cryptocurrencies, and much more.

Happy cooking!

Larnaca Hermes International airport We were a little early, so now we are waiting at the gate for the plane to line up and for boarding to begin.
The flight lasts 2.5 hours, I hope it will be calm, without turbulence, so that I can take a good nap.

The Tampay Bucs and the Tampa Bay Lightnings won championships twice the same year historically. What we are seeing this year is something really big. We have the opportunity in Florida to Witness two of our Sport Teams win a Title the same year again. This time it will be the Florida Panthers and the Miami Heat. I can imagine how crazy things are going to get around here if both of these clubs pull this off. I am truly hoping they do pull it off. Go Panthers and Go Heat!


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As at the time I drew this, I was stuck in school waiting for my Prof to fix a class for an elective. So I thought of making a few sketchers in the mean time. I was able to make about two quick drawings and this was the first. Funny how I am likely to face the same fate tomorrow....lol
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I tried the best I could to replicate the light effect on his face without burning anything...
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These are the outlines.....
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**Thanks for the visit friends, have a lovely weekend.**

Do you ever find yourself drifting off to sleep, already daydreaming about the delectable breakfast that awaits you in the morning? It's almost time to rest, yet the thoughts of the next day's first meal dancing in your mind. I can't help but feel the same excitement, contemplating the delightful breakfast options to satisfy my taste buds when the sun rises.
Planning my morning meal has become somewhat of a ritual. There's a certain comfort in knowing what my body craves and having a delicious plan to start the day right. And since tomorrow is Sunday, a day to indulge and savour the moment, I've already set my sights on a mouthwatering combination.

I pictured a plate adorned with perfectly cooked eggs, their golden yolks gently flowing as I slice into them. The rich, velvety texture pairs harmoniously with the slow-cooked pork belly, the meat tender and succulent with layers of flavourful goodness. It's a hearty and satisfying combination that promises to kickstart the day with gusto.
But breakfast isn't complete without a refreshing and nourishing element. A berry smoothie, brimming with vibrant colours and bursting with antioxidants, feels like the ideal accompaniment. The blend of luscious berries, nutty milk, and a hint of cinnamon creates a symphony of flavours, offering a refreshing and invigorating sip to complement the savoury delights on the plate.
As I drift off to sleep, these thoughts of tomorrow's breakfast bring a sense of anticipation and excitement. It's a small joy that awaits, a moment of indulgence and nourishment to be relished. The simple act of planning my morning meal adds an element of excitement and intention to my routine.
Tomorrow, as the sun rises I will delight in preparing my dream breakfast. The crackling of eggs in the pan, the sizzle of pork belly on the stove, and the whir of the blender as it transforms berries into a velvety elixir will create a symphony of morning delights.

So, whether it's Sunday or any other day of the week, I adore embracing the anticipation of breakfast. Do you?
I’m allowing myself to savour the pleasure of planning and relishing a morning meal that nourishes both body and soul.
Because at these simple moments, we might find a hint of happiness and forge beautiful feelings that remain all day.
Have a happy weekend everyone!

Full moon that illuminates the firmament, you're the guide of my eternal love, in a sky full of stars where the gentle breeze caresses our traces.
Celestial lady, your divine beauty inspires me to write this poem, in honor of your grace and purity, that illuminate every night and every day.
May your celestial eyes always guide me, may my soul be like the light of the moon, may your stars accompany me tirelessly, until the aurora that culminates me arrives.
Thus, may my love shine in the darkest night, like a star in the infinite sky, shining in eternity with the beauty of a celestial lady who holds me in her flashes.

Eleven of the most important ways to maintain a healthy
immune system include:
1. Adequate exposure to sunlight
2. A good amount of sleep
3. Moderate-intensity exercise
4. Reduced carbohydrate consumption
5. Fasting
6. Fixing micronutrient deficiencies
7. Reduce stress
8. Frequent exposure to pathogens
9. Healthy gut microbiome
10. Removal of toxins
11. Medicinal mushrooms

Source: Eashwarran Kohilathas

"God loves and celebrates life. So must we."

You make known to me the path of life… (Psalm 16:11)

For many in America today, the advent of June signals the beginning of what has been labeled “Pride Month” by the activist Left. Originally linked to what is called the “Stonewall Uprising,” Pride Month symbolizes glowing affirmation of LGBTQ identity.

All June long, corporations and cultural institutions practically trip over themselves to promote their involvement in Pride Month, putting many Christians (or people who simply hold to a traditional sexual ethic) in difficult spots. When we try to watch a show at the end of a workday, our entertainment platforms drive us to Pride Month content. When buying a tube of toothpaste at our local big-box store, Pride Month displays greet us. When we watch sports, teams wear rainbow patches to celebrate Pride Month. The celebration of LGBTQ identity feels ubiquitous, and belies the claim that our public square is “neutral” and closed to assertive worldviews.

𝐖𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬
From many angles, the entire tone of June in America has shifted. It is one of aggressive approval of a heart attitude that the Word of God rebukes in no uncertain terms: pride. To be proud in one’s natural instincts and desires is to go against God at full velocity. It is to put oneself under certain threat of eternal judgment. Sin, after all, is at base nothing other than pride — it is choosing one’s way over God’s way, and one’s instinctual desires over God’s eternal truth. How we Christians should tremble and pray for all who exult in Pride Month. How we should reach out to them, and proclaim Christ in love to fellow sinners just like us.

But we should not stop there. We have our own cause to celebrate in June. Our cause, quite simply, is life. In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, the devastatingly inhumane court decision that since 1973 has enabled the destruction of millions upon millions of children. In the long annals of public jurisprudence, one can scarcely find a more wicked measure than Roe. Yet in his all-wise providence, God saw fit to strike Roe down right in the middle of Pride Month. What a rebuke! What an otherworldly intervention.

It’s hard to underplay just how shocking this development was and is. News of the coming overturning of Roe started leaking in early May 2022. Personally, I happened to be flying into D.C. for FRC meetings just as this news broke. It seemed too wonderful to be true: the most monstrously evil decision in modern American history was going to be struck down? The night after word got out, FRC staffer David Closson and I went to the Supreme Court. The tone was one of rage as countless young men and women protested the news. I scarcely knew what to do as David and I wound our way through the huge — and very angry — crowds. Was this real life?

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡
It was indeed real life. But those days of dazed wonderment are over. Now, as in ancient Israel, have come the days of settled joy. No, the fight against abortion is not over, not by a long shot. But believers should celebrate genuinely God-given victories. We who are saved by grace would be ungrateful children indeed if we did not honor this great outcome in the public square, one akin to the ban on slavery in Wilberforce’s day. Toward that end, here’s my encouragement: all through June, celebrate “Life Month.”

We should not do so in an obnoxious way. We are not fighting flesh and blood, after all. But in days that feel so dark, God has given us a great victory. This means that June is no longer a month for exalting human pride; June is a month for exalting God’s greatness. It is a time to rejoice in God’s gift of life, natural life, and spiritual life. God is our Creator, making every image-bearer such that every single unborn child has God-given dignity, worth, and purpose. God is also our Redeemer, making dead sinners live through the gospel message (Romans 1:16).

There is no better message than this. It is far, far greater than the pagan gospel, the message that you will find true happiness by embracing your natural instincts and then finding affirmation from others in them. This is no gospel at all, in reality, and it leads to fleshly captivity. But according to the true gospel, there is a way out of this enslavement. God is not only Creator and Redeemer, but Lord. The risen and ascended Christ rules the cosmos. At present, his rule is a spiritual rule, calling us to forsake the flesh, join the visible church as members, and live by grace as salt and light in this realm. In human pride, there is slavery; in Christ alone, there is freedom.

𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞
Our world loves death, for death is what following the father of lies gets you. But Christians love life, for life is what God delights to form, naturally but especially spiritually. So, in June, I encourage you: celebrate Life Month. Praise God for his grace. Share your celebration on social media. Create graphics and images, and promote them. Do podcasts about this. Don’t be silent; don’t be intimidated by our pagan culture into muteness. Speak, and don’t stop speaking. Pray, and don’t stop praying.

Start serving at a pro-life work. In fact, work against abortion any way you can, recognizing the murder of an unborn child as a genuine crime, whatever complex factors may lead to the pursuit of one. Calmly engage someone who is celebrating Pride Month, and proclaim Christ to them. Lovingly tell them the truth about sin and the hope that is in Christ. No one is too far gone for God to save them. And no one who is saved is a hopeless case, an abandoned child of God, or too much of a spiritual failure to grow in grace. I repeat myself: for all of us, there is hope, infinite hope, in Christ (Colossians 1:27).

June is Life Month. It cannot be otherwise. In June 2022, the Lord of heaven and earth saw fit to strike down the chief “right” (and rite) of the liberal worldview in the very month when that worldview was most glorified and praised. What an incredible move this was. God, you see, is not mocked. Nor is God asleep. To the contrary, the living personal God is active and working. This God is the God of dramatic reversals and breathtaking miracles. This God loves and celebrates life.

𝑊𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑦 𝑂𝑤𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛, 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑.

Ethiopian Airlines has inaugurated its new direct flight between Abidjan and New York City, a press conference and inaugural ceremony were held at Abidjan Airport in the presence of Mr. Lemma Yedecha, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer and other dignitaries.

#FlyEthiopian

A famous photograph showing test pilot George Aird ejecting from a pre-production example of the English Electric Lightning fighter in September 1962.

Fortunately the pilot survived after coming down in a greenhouse full of tomatoes. He suffered multiple breaks of his limbs and cuts from the shower of glass that rained down on him after going through the roof of the greenhouse.

www.Sierrahotel.net
Image capture: Jim Meads

Oh, the British weather right now is so lovely!

Our faces are soothed by a little breeze, and the countryside is bathed in a cosy glow from the sun. It's the ideal time to take our cherished grandchild on a stroll through the neighbourhood in the evening, taking in the scenery and making lifelong memories.
The moment we step outside, a chorus of chirping birds fills the air. Their enchanting sounds seem to be expressing their delight at our presence as they greet us. As he hears the joyful chorus, our young grandson's eyes sparkle with enthusiasm, his curiosity awakened.

But what primarily captures his interest are the birds. With their wings flapping and melodies singing, they perch on branches. They appear to be aware of our presence as we go closer and act without hesitation or fear. Instead, they extend us a warm welcome, their feathers shining in the sunset's golden light.

As he approaches these feathered buddies, our little one's face glows with pure excitement. His fingers tingle in anticipation as he extends his hand. The kind and intelligent birds appear to comprehend his honesty and innocence. Their beady eyes briefly lock with his as they edge closer.


The magic of this serene evening walk unfolds before our eyes. We witness the bond between our grandson and nature growing stronger with each encounter. The birds become his friends, his confidants in this enchanting outdoor adventure.


As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sky, we reluctantly head back home.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude for this beautiful experience and the precious time spent with our grandson. We realise that it's these simple moments, surrounded by nature's wonders, that leave an indelible mark on our souls.

The weather may change, but the memories we create during these walks will endure. We look forward to many more evenings like this, where the pleasant weather embraces us, the birds serenade us, and our grandson continues to discover the magic that lies just beyond our doorstep.

So, if you find yourself blessed with delightful weather, seize the opportunity. Take your loved ones for a stroll in nature, where the birds eagerly await your presence, and let the enchantment of the outdoors create cherished memories that will forever warm your heart.
Happy weekend everyone!

Happy International Flight Attendant Day to the great team who work tirelessly round the clock and throughout a flight providing comfort, care and reassurance to our passengers.
We are glad to have you.
#FlyEthiopian #flightattendantday

[Photo Credit](https://www.pexels.com/photo/writing-typography-blur-bokeh-5124915/)
Today is Friday and my free day. After nine days, now I think I have the time to continue the second part of what I started about The Way to Financial Freedom, and as I mentioned in my first post, what I will do this time is share a story taken from the Bible that will somehow provide us with lessons to give us guidance on how to achieve this vision of financial freedom.
In sharing this story, I would like to divide my content into two parts:


A general background of the book where we get our story


And the three basic principles about the evil of tyranny and oppression.


In this article, I just want to share the first part and we will continue the second part in the next article. The second part by the way will be further subdivided into three sub-topics. However, for now, let me go straight to the general background of the book of Exodus, the second book in the Old Testament.
General Background of Exodus
At this point, I am going to start with a story taken from Exodus about the experience of the Israelites during the time of the man of God known in biblical history as Moses. After sharing this story, I would like to relate this to our current situation and to the kind of education that we need to achieve financial freedom that only a few have the privilege to achieve.
In exploring the book of Exodus, we find relevant insights from its first chapter. Chapter 1 tells us the story of the threat to people’s personal and economic freedom by an abusive civil government. But before I share with you the details of this story, I would like first to provide a general background of the book.
The transliteration of the Hebrew title for the book of Exodus is "w’ elleh semot," which means "And these are the names." That's how the Jews gave titles to Old Testament books. They used the first couple of words and that would be the title of the book.
As for its theological message, it is all about the presence of God with Israel as Savior and King. This message is developed throughout the forty chapters of the book.
We see the presence of God in Israel as Savior and King from 1:1-18:27 displayed in the historical act of exodus out of Egypt. There we see God as Divine Warrior.
In 19:1-24:18, we see the presence of God in Israel as Savior and King by the giving of the Law. In that Law, the holiness of God as Israel’s Savior and King is highlighted.
Exodus 25:1-40:30 shows us the institution of the Tabernacle. In modern times, it’s like a place where people go for public worship. This institution shows the abiding presence of God in Israel as their Savior and King.
The book’s first section is all about God's act of setting His people free from the power of an abusive government, the government of Egypt. Many liberation theologians appeal to this theme to justify a socio-political and economic ideology that considers the free market social order as their enemy. This to me is a misuse of the book. Their model does not fit the story of Exodus. The kind of bondage that the Jews suffered was not the bondage under a free market social order, but under the tyranny of a civil government, the state of Egypt.
The story of Exodus 1 is all about the themes of slavery and freedom. These themes are also related to tyranny and oppression.
I think that's it for now for our general introduction of the book where we will be basing our story. In the next article, I am going to touch on three basic principles about the evil of tyranny and oppression.
Grace and peace!
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We were delighted to have had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and his delegation today at State House.

Our talks primarily focused on the partnership between the UN and Zambia, particularly regarding our contribution to peacekeeping operations.

Zambia has a proud history of engaging in peacekeeping efforts with the UN, dating back to 1988 when we first deployed peacekeepers to Iraq. Currently, we have a significant number of troops deployed in various peace operations with the majority in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

We reaffirmed our commitment to continuing our contributions to peacekeeping efforts, as we believe instability in any part of the world affects stability everywhere. We also firmly understand that peace is a fundamental prerequisite for economic development.

As Zambia prepares to assume the Chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Peace and Security in August, we have requested the support of the UN to effectively maintain peace and security in the region.

Hakainde Hichilema,
President of the Republic of Zambia.