Chocolate

[Brian Ellis]

That's good to know Roma, I will give it a try with one of my old ones.  Is it in a sheltered spot?

[Lesley Cox]

You suggesting I'm a crusader Lesley? True blue me!

You're on a hiding to nothing then Anthony. I'll stick with the Highlanders, which is a bit of a misnomer because most of the Scottish forebears who came to NZ (Otago/Southland) were from the lowlands, especially the Borders, or at least Edinburgh south, exept my grandpa who was frae Aberdeen. I believe there were more Highland Scots emigrated to places like Waipu in the north.

Poor northern hemisphere people haven't a clue what we're talking about here.

[Lesley Cox]

Does your Cosmos set seed Roma? It is frost hardy with me but really doesn't like drought so has to be watered copiously through the summer.

[David Nicholson]

You suggesting I'm a crusader Lesley? True blue me!

You're on a hiding to nothing then Anthony. I'll stick with the Highlanders, which is a bit of a misnomer because most of the Scottish forebears who came to NZ (Otago/Southland) were from the lowlands, especially the Borders, or at least Edinburgh south, exept my grandpa who was frae Aberdeen. I believe there were more Highland Scots emigrated to places like Waipu in the north.

Poor northern hemisphere people haven't a clue what we're talking about here.

Some of us do! Now if only it was proper rugby

[Anthony Darby]

We have proper rugby her too David, with The Warriers. What's happened to The Giants? I had high hopes! Where is Leeds?

[Lesley Cox]

Re reply 76, it seems to me I am finding it increasingly difficult to remain "on topic." We all suffer to some extent, but I find my mind wanders off in any direction except the appropriate one. Is this telling me something? Following my "time out" episode of a few weeks ago, and the subsequent doctor visit, I now find myself with an appointment at the public hospital at a clinic I didn't know existed, the "Older Persons' Health Clinic." When the appointment card came I immediately felt myself to be 85! I go there on Tuesday, but have a further appt with my doc to discuss x-rays which show "serious joint degeneration." In other words, some arthritis is getting worse. Oh hell!!!!!

Does chocolate have a beneficial effect on joints? See, I can get back on topic quite easily.

[Lesley Cox]

We have proper rugby her too David, with The Warriers. What's happened to The Giants? I had high hopes! Where is Leeds?

Do you mean Warriors or Worriers?

[Anthony Darby]

We have proper rugby her too David, with The Warriers. What's happened to The Giants? I had high hopes! Where is Leeds?

Do you mean Warriors or Worriers?

Not lately. They're doing well. Anyway, I've discovered the gentle art of chai tea which exercises my right elbow and relaxes me at the same time.

[annew]

Does chocolate have a beneficial effect on joints? See, I can get back on topic quite easily.

Maybe if you rub it in, Lesley?

[Anthony Darby]

Does chocolate have a beneficial effect on joints? See, I can get back on topic quite easily.

Maybe if you rub it in, Lesley?

There's an avert on the telly for crisps here where a couple are in a field and the girl drips, then pours honey onto the exposed torso of her prostrate male friend. Then she goes off and eats a packet of crisps!

[Maggi Young]

Wikipedia gives these stats for oils in cocoa butter....
Saturated fats    57-64%:
Stearic acid: 24-37%
Palmitic acid: 22–29%
Capric acid: 0-10%
Myristic acid: 0-4%
Arachidic acid: 1%
Lauric acid: 0-1%
Unsaturated fats    36-43%
    Monounsaturated fats    29-43%:
Oleic acid: 29-38%, 35–41%
Palmitoleic acid: 0-2%
    Polyunsaturated fats    0-5%:
Linoleic acid: 0–3%, 1-4%
Linolenic acid: 0-1%


So.... with all that oil  in chocolate made with cocoa butter it must be some use as a joint lubricant, wouldn't you think?    Hope costs nothing, y'know!

[annew]

'Arachidic acid: 1%'.... sounds like something to do with spiders, Maggi. Maybe I'd better look after your chocolate for you.

[Roma]

That's good to know Roma, I will give it a try with one of my old ones.  Is it in a sheltered spot?

It is in a fairly exposed position about the midle of a slightly raised bed.  We are quite sheltered from the north but exposed to wind from the south.  In recent years the Cosmos has become overgrown first by Fragaria 'Red Ruby' then a Viola, I think riviniana.  A white japanese anemone is encroaching fast from the other side so I think a rescue operation is needed.  I am a little worried that once I remove the 'weeds' it will feel too exposed.

No Leslie, I have not seen seeds on the Cosmos.  This year I have a few plants of a dwarfer version called 'Chocamocha' so will try to transfer pollen if I remember.  I am not sure how this one originated but it seems to be available as plants from seedsmen and garden centres.   

[Lesley Cox]

I've discovered the gentle art of chai tea which exercises my right elbow and relaxes me at the same time.

David N would say that lifting a pint would give better exercise and relaxation as well.
I rather like that honey ad, the look of increasing bewilderment on the poor guy's face as the drip becomes a stream and finally the whole jar is upended.

Chocolate rubbed in eh? It would be hard to keep Teddy and Cain away from me. Roger's never been a chocolate fan though.

[Anthony Darby]

Anyone got a really good recipe for making tablet? The children like the smooth type that breaks easily.