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Nystagmus

Definition

Rhythmic, oscillating motions of the eyes are called nystagmus. The to-and-fro motion is generally involuntary. Vertical nystagmus occurs much less frequently than horizontal nystagmus and is often, but not necessarily, a sign of serious brain damage. Nystagmus can be a normal physiological response or a result of a pathologic problem.

Monday, March 8, 2010

A harvest- Edibles from my winter garden

From L > R starting at the 9 O Clock position: Curry Leaves, Pansy "Morpho", Cardamom leaf, Eureka Lemon, Natal Plum, Tangerine, Basil, Lemon Grass, Meyer Lemon, Parsley, Sugar Snap Peas, Calendula, Rosemary, Nasturtium " Empress of India", Marjoram, Strawberry Guavas, Bay Laurel Leaf ( Laurel nobilis).
Center: Spearmint, Miniature Pomegranate.


Some of my fondest memories of childhood are of my mother giving me a stainless steel thali ( platter) and giving me the task of picking some fresh vegetables from the garden. I learned to look for the new little beans hiding in the trellis of the branches over which the vine had clambered, the just emerging little eggplants, the tiny okra guarded by prickly spines, the petite tomatoes just starting to blush...
There lives a Hunter Gatherer in everyone of us still. We just have to discover that entity within ourselves. 
I have always loved harvest edibles from my own little patch. Living in San Diego is a dream. The climate here is very conducive to gardening. In the past two years of residing here, I have been adding newer plants that interest me.
There is however, one spot of trouble in this paradise,
That comes in the form of the California Ground Squirrel. Members of this pesky group of rodents, now thriving mightily, have no natural predators here. The occasional hawk flying overhead, sends them scurrying into the extensive maze of burrows they have created.
There is a particularly persistent group of these critters that is marauding my garden. They seem to like Methi ( Fenugreek) leaves as much as we do. All my efforts to thwart the squirrels are sadly in vain. As yet. As you can see, there are no Methi leaves in the picture above.
It is a daily battle. But I have time on my hands, I think.

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