Beauty at Water's Edge

Today was a rare treat for me to walk in the woods and discover blooming Lady Slippers, Minnesota's state flower. It is also known as the moccasin flower. These flowers are in the orchid family. The Latin name is cypripedroidea which means slippers of Venus. It is illegal to pick and uproot the showy Lady Slipper flower. They have been protected by state law since 1925. The Lady Slipper grows in the deep woods and near damp marshes. They usually bloom in June and last only a short while. Deer really enjoy this flower as a tasty treat which then shortens their life span!
Earlier in the day I was forced to make a sudden stop while driving on a township road. A very large turtle was talking its time crossing the road. It is not uncommon this time of the year for turtle crossings as they seek out places to bury their eggs.
Showy spring flowers required another photo stop. Hope you enjoy the pictures and the recipe below.
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Spring Asian Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 package of coleslaw mix
• 1 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/2 cucumber cut in thin slices
  
• 1/2 package of snap peas
• 1/2 package chow mein noddles
• 4 chicken breasts cooked and chopped
• fresh cilantro
• 3/4 cup chopped green onion
  

Directions:
Toss all ingredients, add dressing and chill for 30 minutes
Dressing:
1/3 cup peanut butter, 1/2 tsp. curry powder, 1/2 tsp. each of salt, garlic powder, ground ginger. Whisk together 1/3 cup water, 2 TB lemon juice and 2Tb. olive oil till smooth and add to other ingredients.
Tip: If short on time use your favorite purchased Asian type dressing