Judy Bowman

Well, golly gee.  I wasn't being ugly, as I rarely "correct" posts myself.  Since I can only go by "West Texas, zone 8a" which is right smack in the middle of the "historic" range of the honey mesquite I wasn't aware that the tree had been eradicated in the individual's particular area.  It certainly was never eradicated here. Just makin' conversation as I am no expert on anything.  Please pardon my imposition.

For germinating certain "special" seeds I've gone a step further and used an old styrofoam egg incubator.  I cut up green florist foam (the kind that soaks up water) to fit into a blue mushroom cartons and add about an inch of water.  On top of that I lay down a paper towel, the seeds, and cover with another paper towel.  Keeping the water level up, the foam keeps the towels at just the right dampness.  I set the temp between 80 and 85 degrees and usually within 2 days I have sprouts.

I think the more accurate term is a pest tree as opposed to invasive.  West Texas Zone 8a is firmly in the historic range of the mesquite.  Here in far southwest Oklahoma we're on the very edge of the northern range.  The tree became invasive during the 1800's when cattle drives carried the beans from south Texas for horse feed.  Or so I've been told.  Cattle are often mentioned as being contributors to the spread, but to my mind horses and wild pigs are more likely culprits as cattle being ruminants chew their food twice.  Goats and sheep can help with control of seedlings.

Jason, can you elaborate on the 3 pits?  Location, shape, etc.  Thanks.

I agree with James, Anne and Pearl.  Almost all stitch and tension problems can be traced to 1) improper threading, 2) improper needle positioning.  I bought a Singer Featherweight from a lady for $50.  I questioned her repeatedly about the price because I felt so guilty.  Got it home, turned the needle 180 degrees to the proper insert position and the little thing sews like a dream.

This is an interesting post, so I went digging.  This is a very comprehensive sort of meta-analysis from the NIH.

Do Herbal Medicines Have Potential For Managing Snake Bite Envenomation?

I bought an inexpensive still and hope to make my own clear alcohol.  Otherwise, I like everclear but have used vodka as well.

I go ahead and do the quick blanch to skin them. Then slice and toss with some sugar and lemon juice or a bit of citric acid then freeze them flat (for space) in cobbler sized portions.

I agree with Tyler.  A big dog and an accurate rifle.

Any tree that will grow out here makes me happy. My favorite individual tree is a huge old bois d'arc in my backyard that is a true testament to survival on the plains.  My favorite species is mesquite.  Grows fast, can't be beat for firewood or cooking and the beans are nutritious and can be used as a coffee substitute, a flour, to make syrup and wine.