December SKI Tips

1. Myrrh is a large shrub or small tree that grows in the Middle East--Ethiopia and Somalia. A pale yellow oil drips from cuts in its dull gray bark and hardens to form teardrop-shaped nuggets of myrrh, which are powdered for use as a healing herb.
2. Plant grass seed in a clay pot on December 1 then watch it grow. On Christmas Eve set the grass by the chimney so Santa can “feed” his reindeer friends.
3. On average snowflakes fall from the sky at 3-4 miles per hour.
4. Protect shrubs such as junipers and arborvitaes from breaking under heavy snow by tying stems together with twine. Carefully remove heavy snow with a broom.
5. Water houseplants less and withhold fertilizer this time of year.
6. Mistletoe symbolizes peace and joy. The Druids deemed that whenever enemies met under it they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day.
7. The Indianapolis Colts were the first team in NFL history to win 12 or more games in five consecutive years. The Colts were also the first NFL team to have cheerleaders.
8. Humus—organic material in advanced stage of decay.
9. For a golden crust on your berry pies, brush the top with milk before putting in the oven.
10. Cut holiday greenery a day before use and condition by trimming lower   leaves, cutting stems on a long diagonal, crushing woody branches, and plunging the plants into a deep bucket of warm water overnight.