HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-12-22, Page 13THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY. DECEMBER 22,2005. PAGE 13.
Mistletoe draws people together during Christmas
The aroma and romance of a live
Christmas tree in the living room
never fails to bring people close
together during the holidays.
There is another live evergreen,
however, that we also traditionally
bring indoors during Yuletide that
beats the pines, spruces and firs
hands-down for drawing people
close to each other. Whether this
function is considered by botanists
as part of the plant’s ecological
niche is debatable.
But its effect on humans is
certainly enchanting, generally
endearing, and occasionally
enduring. The plant is the tiny sprig
of gray-green leaves and white
berries suspended over our heads
called mistletoe.
MISTLETOE FACTS:
Tree Thief. Mistletoe is semi-
parastic. It draws nourishment
through root-like hairs it sends
through the bark and into the
sapwood of a tree. But it also
produces some of its own food from
sunlight from chlorophyll in its
gray-green leaves. Its scientific
name, phoradendron, is derived
from the Greek phor (thief) and
dendron (tree).
Poison berries. Although relished
by birds, mistletoe berries are
poisonous to people. They contain
certain toxic chemicals which cause
acute stomach and intestinal
irritation with diarrhea and slow
pulse. In contrast, other parts of the
plant have been used in old home
remedies that reportedly raise the
blood pressure. Illnesses that require
such a prescription, however, should
be treated by a doctor, not home
remedies. “Safe” increases in blood
pressure can be obtained without
ingesting mistletoe, by simply
putting it to its more traditional use.
Real vs. Plastic. Mistletoe thrives
in the south-central and southeastern
United States. Purchasing a sprig
imported from where it grows
abundantly is fine, or you can obtain
the plastic alternative, which,
although possibly safer for children,
may cost you an embrace with
someone who knows the difference
between phoradendron and
polyethylene.
ROBERT RADFORD
FARM MACHINERY REPAIRS
SEASON'S GREETINGS
0
Mevty
<£
Seat Wia/iea
/at
406 Mill St., Blyth 519-523-4793
519-523-4851
Students at Grey Central performed a sequel to Charlotte's web where Wilbur was the guest
of honour at Christmas dinner at the concert this week. (Heather Crawford photo)
Snowmobile
stolen in Huron
East
OPP were contacted regarding
the theft of a snowmobile.
The victim had been storing his
snowmobile in a barn located on
Amberly Road in Huron East.
The 2000 Mach Z 800 Skidoo
(Plate #883407 VIN
#2BPS15859YV000185) was
placed in the barn in August of
2005.
The victim returned on Dec. 19
and discovered that the machine
had been stolen.
If you have any information that
can assist Police with any
investigation, please call the OPP
or CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-
222-8477. (1-800-222-TIPS).
‘Enough is
enough’ NDP
candidate said
Continued from page 12
charge in this election,” Lobb said.
“He has [given] a policy driven
platform. People want to hear what
the Conservative Party will look like
and then they want to see the party
deliver.”
‘People want something they can
depend on and I think you have to
look at the past 12 years the Liberal
party has been in power and all of the
things we have done ” Steckle said.
Joslin said he would not promise
what he can’t deliver. “What we need
is a government with unchanging
political and moral principles” he
said.
Robertson said Canadian people are
fed up. “I think people feel like
enough is enough ” he said. “They feel
let down. My impression is that is the
reason why people are looking
around.”
A Christmas Wish
From Our Home To Yours
May peace
and good
fortune visit
your home
this holiday
season.
It's always a
pleasure to
serve you.
CALDWELL
CONSTRUCTION
Blyth 523-9354
Gary, Linda & family
P.O. Box 144
Londesborough, Ontario
N0M 2H0
NESBITT CONSTRUCTION INC.
Garry, Rod & Dan Merner & Staff
R.R. #3 Clinton
482-3232
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rriwiiwiimi i iwwwwwwwwmnM 11ijl u.i i ui jjo.i i i.i 11 i ■We would like to sincerely say, "Thank You" to all our
loyal customers and friends for letting us be of service
to you the past year. Many times we meet by accident
but we are always glad to know you are okay...
...Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Happy Holidays and Safe Driving
Tina & Shane, Shane & Theresa & Ethan & Owen
Bill & Brenda
ttURKHOLDEft
* AUTO BODY & TOWING LTD.
BLYTH 523-9474 - 1-800-350-6993