Here is a good link to put in our favorites for future reference! This is an extensive list of toxic plants and each is a link of it's own for further info. It also lists the common names for each plant to help solve that potential dilemma also.
Here in the midwest, it's time to beware of the red maple leaves and wilted wild cherry trees. Both are highly toxic in the wilted stage and it's a horrible death for an animal and for the owner to deal with.
Prevention is always the best method! Also, a well-fed animal is much less likely to sample anything toxic as they aren't hungry so will graze for the tastier morsels of good grass and such!
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/plant-list-horses.html
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sex Offender Registry & Trick or Treat
Something to ponder.....
On a daytime show they had a segment on taking the kids out to trick-or-treat and safety. One of the items mentioned was use of the SO Registry to know which homes one might want to avoid. This was interesting and I had not thought of doing this or even in the past when we didn't have that resource! These days one can look up the registry online and purvey the neighborhood they will visit for the kids to have fun.
I thought I'd mention it so you can give it some thought and decide if you are concerned or if it isn't an issue for you.
I know in my area there use to be a "community program" through the parole officers for the SO registrees to attend and it was mandatory for them to attend. Personally, I think it's a good idea for the program and would be a way that the SO's could spend some quality time that affords them something to do to. They are after all human and deserve to have some fun too.
I didn't know if the readers would find this of interest, but thought I'd give you the option....;)
Have a good day! I've got a little sunshine after a night of rain so it's a pretty day!
On a daytime show they had a segment on taking the kids out to trick-or-treat and safety. One of the items mentioned was use of the SO Registry to know which homes one might want to avoid. This was interesting and I had not thought of doing this or even in the past when we didn't have that resource! These days one can look up the registry online and purvey the neighborhood they will visit for the kids to have fun.
I thought I'd mention it so you can give it some thought and decide if you are concerned or if it isn't an issue for you.
I know in my area there use to be a "community program" through the parole officers for the SO registrees to attend and it was mandatory for them to attend. Personally, I think it's a good idea for the program and would be a way that the SO's could spend some quality time that affords them something to do to. They are after all human and deserve to have some fun too.
I didn't know if the readers would find this of interest, but thought I'd give you the option....;)
Have a good day! I've got a little sunshine after a night of rain so it's a pretty day!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A Great Find
I stopped at a barn sale and found a few really neat "finds". One thing I'd been looking to find for a couple years is one of the old reel type mowers that you push and uses no gas..... just spins along with it's unique clattery clatter and flinging bits of grass above the blades.
The only bad thing about this find was something I hate..... finding 2 and not being able to decide! I just hate that as my luck is if I only get one I'll pick the one that is about to croak! What is one to do?
Well, I did the only "logical" thing.... I bought them both. They were so cheap that it was like getting 2 for one price anyways! They both work well so now I can mow in my "dog yard", mow around the garden raised beds, and get those little spots that make me wish I had one of these! Plus it's so much easier to get the weeds under the electric fence or up to the woven wire and not be worried about snagging the fence posts, wire, etc.
As you can guess, being I'm writing about something so simple, I'm tickled with my find! I really have been watching to find a working, reasonably priced one for a couple years! I've even posted on a cheap cycle group in my area asking to buy one with no luck.
I'm a farm girl and I LOVE a farm barn sale! I bought several things and am going to go back over. There was a square cast iron pan (frying pan type) with sides so not a griddle that I debated and debated over. I'm going to get it if it's still there.
It's interesting how "little things" in life can make one so happy! I felt like dancing all the way home!
The only bad thing about this find was something I hate..... finding 2 and not being able to decide! I just hate that as my luck is if I only get one I'll pick the one that is about to croak! What is one to do?
Well, I did the only "logical" thing.... I bought them both. They were so cheap that it was like getting 2 for one price anyways! They both work well so now I can mow in my "dog yard", mow around the garden raised beds, and get those little spots that make me wish I had one of these! Plus it's so much easier to get the weeds under the electric fence or up to the woven wire and not be worried about snagging the fence posts, wire, etc.
As you can guess, being I'm writing about something so simple, I'm tickled with my find! I really have been watching to find a working, reasonably priced one for a couple years! I've even posted on a cheap cycle group in my area asking to buy one with no luck.
I'm a farm girl and I LOVE a farm barn sale! I bought several things and am going to go back over. There was a square cast iron pan (frying pan type) with sides so not a griddle that I debated and debated over. I'm going to get it if it's still there.
It's interesting how "little things" in life can make one so happy! I felt like dancing all the way home!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Some days it doesn't pay.....
to get up! Yesterday was one of those days one just can't get ahead and for everything one does they take a step forward but 2 or more backwards!
I don't have time to go into details but suffice to say, hubby has a lot of medical problems. He had an appointment with a podiatrist yesterday over an hour's drive away as he's done the "stint" with lamasil for his toe nails and it was time to trim them back. We got that done, BUT that was the least of the problems! He has a new quarter size diabetic ulcer on the edge of the Rey Amputation done on his foot AND he's got a broken foot! He has diabetic neuropathy so didn't feel it but looking at the xray sure made me CRINGE as it's separated and now over lapping the bone's 2 pieces. We have no insurance so surgery is another cringing stressor. The thought is it might heal and he can't feel it so if his foot will "accept" it it will be ok... and it is trying to heal. They did culture the ulcer as he had a major staph infection with other "culprits" before in the infection that turned to gangrene and precipitated the amputation last August. I didn't need 2 steps backwards.... AGAIN! So more prescriptions too and it looks like we have another specialist we will be "getting to know" on a regular basis.
I try to look at the pluses and it means he only has 6-8 weeks off his foot to heal the broken bone and ulcer (crossing my finger there) instead of several months of being bed-ridden. We got the prescriptions and got the missing one from our monthly 34 mile trip that Wal*Mart missed filling on the 8th without a separate trip. So we don't have to make a special trip back to get the missing prescription.
The weather was rain on the way there but cleared just before we found the place (big city traffic and a small office back in a multi-road/multi-professional complex of many many many identical buildings). They can sure make those complex roads twisty and puzzle like and with all the identical buildings..... WOW! The way home we took a shorter route to get out of town and took the main back roads home which was a nice scenic drive. We traveled a couple roads I'd not been on for years so saw changes and old "haunts" I use to travel when our girls were in 4H and I was on our county mounted division. It was an enjoyable ride albeit a long one!
I'll try to get back to homesteading type posts tomorrow! Today was catch up. I grabbed a cheap turkey at Wal*Mart and put it in the oven. I turned the oven on but forgot to turn the temp control back up so took a step back wards there too. I have the legs and wings in the micro and the squash and potatoes are almost done roasting. We got lots (I do mean LOTS) of squash and potatoes for winter storage at the orchard up north last week. Dinner will be GOOD!
Have a good evening and a good dinner!
I don't have time to go into details but suffice to say, hubby has a lot of medical problems. He had an appointment with a podiatrist yesterday over an hour's drive away as he's done the "stint" with lamasil for his toe nails and it was time to trim them back. We got that done, BUT that was the least of the problems! He has a new quarter size diabetic ulcer on the edge of the Rey Amputation done on his foot AND he's got a broken foot! He has diabetic neuropathy so didn't feel it but looking at the xray sure made me CRINGE as it's separated and now over lapping the bone's 2 pieces. We have no insurance so surgery is another cringing stressor. The thought is it might heal and he can't feel it so if his foot will "accept" it it will be ok... and it is trying to heal. They did culture the ulcer as he had a major staph infection with other "culprits" before in the infection that turned to gangrene and precipitated the amputation last August. I didn't need 2 steps backwards.... AGAIN! So more prescriptions too and it looks like we have another specialist we will be "getting to know" on a regular basis.
I try to look at the pluses and it means he only has 6-8 weeks off his foot to heal the broken bone and ulcer (crossing my finger there) instead of several months of being bed-ridden. We got the prescriptions and got the missing one from our monthly 34 mile trip that Wal*Mart missed filling on the 8th without a separate trip. So we don't have to make a special trip back to get the missing prescription.
The weather was rain on the way there but cleared just before we found the place (big city traffic and a small office back in a multi-road/multi-professional complex of many many many identical buildings). They can sure make those complex roads twisty and puzzle like and with all the identical buildings..... WOW! The way home we took a shorter route to get out of town and took the main back roads home which was a nice scenic drive. We traveled a couple roads I'd not been on for years so saw changes and old "haunts" I use to travel when our girls were in 4H and I was on our county mounted division. It was an enjoyable ride albeit a long one!
I'll try to get back to homesteading type posts tomorrow! Today was catch up. I grabbed a cheap turkey at Wal*Mart and put it in the oven. I turned the oven on but forgot to turn the temp control back up so took a step back wards there too. I have the legs and wings in the micro and the squash and potatoes are almost done roasting. We got lots (I do mean LOTS) of squash and potatoes for winter storage at the orchard up north last week. Dinner will be GOOD!
Have a good evening and a good dinner!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A bit of humor...
I'm not seeing any signs of an Indian Summer and I'm already tired of the rain and COLD! Our temps here are running a good 10 degrees below normal and the jet stream seems stuck in a jet stream rut!
So I decide to humor myself with finding a spring banner to see how many days until Spring..... This isn't funny!
Human error is human and error and happens but now I don't know if Spring really ends then and Summer begins or it it's this number of days until Spring. I don't know if it's a joke or error though. I guess the good news is that in that number of days I should be enjoying some weather more to my liking, right?
I guess a banner for the number of days until January 1st might be an idea.... that a good step in the right direction of seeking Spring!
At least this number is below 100 so not so "depressing"!
I do know that I could sure enjoy some 60 + degree days like we should be getting!
In spite of my whining, have a great day. Yes, I will get over it but probably not until the real Spring gets here or at least close to it!
So I decide to humor myself with finding a spring banner to see how many days until Spring..... This isn't funny!
Human error is human and error and happens but now I don't know if Spring really ends then and Summer begins or it it's this number of days until Spring. I don't know if it's a joke or error though. I guess the good news is that in that number of days I should be enjoying some weather more to my liking, right?
I guess a banner for the number of days until January 1st might be an idea.... that a good step in the right direction of seeking Spring!
At least this number is below 100 so not so "depressing"!
I do know that I could sure enjoy some 60 + degree days like we should be getting!
In spite of my whining, have a great day. Yes, I will get over it but probably not until the real Spring gets here or at least close to it!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday Meanderings
The 2nd was National Pickle Day. What is your fav pickle? Mine are home canned dill with garlic. I like lots of dill and like them a bit salty. YUM!
I canned a jar of squash pickles for hubby on pickle day. I went out to pick the last of my garden bounty, as it was suppose to frost and freeze that night, and I picked several tiny zucchini and summer squashes, I figured they'd be good (and attractive) in a soup, but hubby thought they'd be attractive in a pickle jar. So pickles they are.
The 4th was National Taco Day! I need to find these important days before the fact! Today (5th) is Apple Betty Day and tomorrow (6th) is Noodle Day. I can do that! ;)
I also canned a pint of fresh goat milk when I did the pickles. I did BWB it (NOT USDA appropriate) but need to reread directions, as I think it's suppose to be pressure canned. I need to have some on hand for orphan kids in the spring if we have a goatie emergency.
Yesterday I made goat cheese again and today I'm using the whey to cook dry beans to freeze for quick and easy use. I also cut the bottom 2/3 off a vinegar jug to have for a container for the bags of beans in the freezer (and have one with small packages of cheese also). That way I know just where they are and how many are left. I have a problem with loosing small packages of food I put aside in there so this is a new organization effort that I think will be successful. It also gave me a chance to recycle another plastic jug that goes to filling landfills.
Wednesday we are heading north for our annual pilmagride to the orchard and to enjoy the Fall colors. A couple months ago I bought a fresh juicer machine and I've juiced a few things since. I LOVE it! I'd buy it again in a heart beat. I'd wanted one for a long time and now I wonder why I waited. Last week I did some apples off a scrub tree and ohhhh was that ever good. I refrigerated some until the next day and my intent was to have a few sips now and then .... you know, drag it out to enjoy it more. After a couple times of having sips when I got into the frigde I couldn't do it..... I had to drink the whole glass. It was cold and soooo delicious. I wanted MORE!!Now I'm in a complete state of not knowing how many bags of windfalls to buy just to juice (and will get carrots too!). I also want to can some quarts of juice. (The muskmelon was also wonderful! Carrots are GREAT!) I'm going to use the pulp to either add to applesauce or have for making muffins, etc. Either way I'll get double the use with the apples and there sure won't be any "waste" other than the seeds when I get done!
It's a busy time of the year!
I canned a jar of squash pickles for hubby on pickle day. I went out to pick the last of my garden bounty, as it was suppose to frost and freeze that night, and I picked several tiny zucchini and summer squashes, I figured they'd be good (and attractive) in a soup, but hubby thought they'd be attractive in a pickle jar. So pickles they are.
The 4th was National Taco Day! I need to find these important days before the fact! Today (5th) is Apple Betty Day and tomorrow (6th) is Noodle Day. I can do that! ;)
I also canned a pint of fresh goat milk when I did the pickles. I did BWB it (NOT USDA appropriate) but need to reread directions, as I think it's suppose to be pressure canned. I need to have some on hand for orphan kids in the spring if we have a goatie emergency.
Yesterday I made goat cheese again and today I'm using the whey to cook dry beans to freeze for quick and easy use. I also cut the bottom 2/3 off a vinegar jug to have for a container for the bags of beans in the freezer (and have one with small packages of cheese also). That way I know just where they are and how many are left. I have a problem with loosing small packages of food I put aside in there so this is a new organization effort that I think will be successful. It also gave me a chance to recycle another plastic jug that goes to filling landfills.
Wednesday we are heading north for our annual pilmagride to the orchard and to enjoy the Fall colors. A couple months ago I bought a fresh juicer machine and I've juiced a few things since. I LOVE it! I'd buy it again in a heart beat. I'd wanted one for a long time and now I wonder why I waited. Last week I did some apples off a scrub tree and ohhhh was that ever good. I refrigerated some until the next day and my intent was to have a few sips now and then .... you know, drag it out to enjoy it more. After a couple times of having sips when I got into the frigde I couldn't do it..... I had to drink the whole glass. It was cold and soooo delicious. I wanted MORE!!Now I'm in a complete state of not knowing how many bags of windfalls to buy just to juice (and will get carrots too!). I also want to can some quarts of juice. (The muskmelon was also wonderful! Carrots are GREAT!) I'm going to use the pulp to either add to applesauce or have for making muffins, etc. Either way I'll get double the use with the apples and there sure won't be any "waste" other than the seeds when I get done!
It's a busy time of the year!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
A Day Time Nighmare!
Ohhh my goodness! I am sitting here reading email and pondering a post for musings of the summer gone by and goodbye September.
Today is National Mulled Cider Day. There's not much I can say about that other than it's "not much" of a special day to me. I love cider but not so much a lot of mulled cider. I am fine with the national day though as I know many many people do enjoy it. Maybe they'll tip their cup to me!
In my pondering for a post though, I've just been struck by lightening so to speak. I'm having a mini nightmare of sorts. It's the last day of September so it's time I "get over with it" as to summer being over.... done... another "gone by" .... and I don't want to. Summer is my favorite season. I love the sunshine and cherish it. Maybe that is because I live in the northern midwest and ours is short and not to many horribly hot and humid days.... just a lot of humid days with sunshine.
BUT, I JUST realized..... next time Summer is here I'll be 60! WOW.... YIKES... OMGoodness! And worse than that.... Winter is staring me in the face and it's time to scurry and get the homestead ready for winter.... BUT in February I'll turn 60 so I'll be 60 before the winter is over too! Winter is my least fav season.
I guess I'll write my goodbye to summer tomorrow..... I've got to ponder somemore!
Today is National Mulled Cider Day. There's not much I can say about that other than it's "not much" of a special day to me. I love cider but not so much a lot of mulled cider. I am fine with the national day though as I know many many people do enjoy it. Maybe they'll tip their cup to me!
In my pondering for a post though, I've just been struck by lightening so to speak. I'm having a mini nightmare of sorts. It's the last day of September so it's time I "get over with it" as to summer being over.... done... another "gone by" .... and I don't want to. Summer is my favorite season. I love the sunshine and cherish it. Maybe that is because I live in the northern midwest and ours is short and not to many horribly hot and humid days.... just a lot of humid days with sunshine.
BUT, I JUST realized..... next time Summer is here I'll be 60! WOW.... YIKES... OMGoodness! And worse than that.... Winter is staring me in the face and it's time to scurry and get the homestead ready for winter.... BUT in February I'll turn 60 so I'll be 60 before the winter is over too! Winter is my least fav season.
I guess I'll write my goodbye to summer tomorrow..... I've got to ponder somemore!
Friday, September 25, 2009
How Important is the Title "World's Coolest Parent"?
I find issue at times with the wording of titles for the news, online and other, when they are going for drama which feeds into status in life. Today's example comes from the AOL news. "Be the World's Coolest Parent" We are suppose to go buy our munchkins Halloween costumes that beat all others and of course a trip to Disneyland is also crucial.
How important is it to be the coolest parent? What ever happened to striving to be the best parent we can be? Where are our goals for being parents? I know we can work the # goal of many of us, to have our munchkins grow up feeling loved, cherished and valued AND to be other things too. BUT do those other things raise munchkin up to be the quality or type of person we would like to see them be?
That's just something for you to ponder to day. Sometimes it's good to pause a moment and look at the road we're traveling and see if we are on course or if we think we need to take a different route. May you all end up where you hope to be and enjoy the "trip"!
How important is it to be the coolest parent? What ever happened to striving to be the best parent we can be? Where are our goals for being parents? I know we can work the # goal of many of us, to have our munchkins grow up feeling loved, cherished and valued AND to be other things too. BUT do those other things raise munchkin up to be the quality or type of person we would like to see them be?
That's just something for you to ponder to day. Sometimes it's good to pause a moment and look at the road we're traveling and see if we are on course or if we think we need to take a different route. May you all end up where you hope to be and enjoy the "trip"!
Monday, September 21, 2009
THE RULES OF CHOCOLATE
If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.
Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices & strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
The problem:
How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in hot car.
The solution:
Eat it in the parking lot.
Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.
A nice box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?
If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate, what's wrong with you?
If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top ofthe fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.
If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don't they actually counteract each other?
Money talks. Chocolate sings.
Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger.
If not for chocolate, there would be no need for controltop pantyhose. An entire garment industry would be devastated.
Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to-do-today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.
Why is there no such organization as ChocoholicsAnonymous?
Because no one wants to quit.
Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices & strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
The problem:
How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in hot car.
The solution:
Eat it in the parking lot.
Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.
A nice box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?
If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can't eat all your chocolate, what's wrong with you?
If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top ofthe fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.
If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don't they actually counteract each other?
Money talks. Chocolate sings.
Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger.
If not for chocolate, there would be no need for controltop pantyhose. An entire garment industry would be devastated.
Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to-do-today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.
Why is there no such organization as ChocoholicsAnonymous?
Because no one wants to quit.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Gardening Goaties
No pics so you have to just visualize it....
The girls in the romper room wanted a good romp (2009 doelings - when don't they) this morning so "we" decided to do a couple little chores I needed done. Sometimes things are a pita such as the wheel barrow tire is flat again. :( So I used the dolly/hand cart (with low wheels and squeaking like the dickens) and an old fiberglass sink/tub. I needed to move some nicely composted black dirt to a garden plot I've been working on off and on all spring and summer and had tomatoes in it last year. I mulched it heavily with cardboard, bedding and some manure interspersed in there last Fall. Then I had some bad hay given to me so it got a layer of that too. It's loaded with worms under neath so is deteriorating and settling nicely.
With the help of the 8 young inmates from the romper room, the 3 new Boer kids, and several adult goats (Alpine and Boer) along with a horse, I got the tub filled and, while giving rides to who ever jumped aboard, got the dirt moved. With help from all and sundry, the dirt from 3 loads was roughly spread within the wooden sides of the garden plot and is now ready to have the netting strung around it and a couple more posts put in at the corners. They also helped in spreading the dirt around within the frame.
Good gardening goaties that they are, they also discovered there was a job of spreading and compacting the newest compost bin down some and took turns frolicing and jumping in and out of it. The compost bin is pretty full now and next to this garden plot so it was deemed to be lots of fun and part of the gardening game. I will say I'm glad that this group likes to hang out with me as they do make it easier to have them out and about with me that way.
Thankfully I don't have to go after them as they want to be with me and to be "helping". When I call they come running and answering and resume the underfoot assistance.
Needless to say, with lots of fun and my laughs, the project drug out to a couple hours and we were all nicely wore out. We did take a short stroll out into the pasture for nibbles in the "roughts" and their goatie fun there too.
The romper room inmates are now back in their "room" (double stall) to chew cud. They've also met a new inmate. I have a hen who was being picked on, who needs some healing time, and the inmates have been wasting a lot of grain so they've joined forces and now have a feathery maid to clean up after their messy meals. After all, they MUST stand in those tubs with the grain so they don't up and disappear out from under their hungry little mouths!
And, I'm EXHAUSTED! 14 gardening goaties is a lot of "intensive labor"!
I'll try to start posting pics soon. I did get a couple taken of some of them in the paddock but need to crop and shrink it. Altogether, there are currently 22 goats!
The girls in the romper room wanted a good romp (2009 doelings - when don't they) this morning so "we" decided to do a couple little chores I needed done. Sometimes things are a pita such as the wheel barrow tire is flat again. :( So I used the dolly/hand cart (with low wheels and squeaking like the dickens) and an old fiberglass sink/tub. I needed to move some nicely composted black dirt to a garden plot I've been working on off and on all spring and summer and had tomatoes in it last year. I mulched it heavily with cardboard, bedding and some manure interspersed in there last Fall. Then I had some bad hay given to me so it got a layer of that too. It's loaded with worms under neath so is deteriorating and settling nicely.
With the help of the 8 young inmates from the romper room, the 3 new Boer kids, and several adult goats (Alpine and Boer) along with a horse, I got the tub filled and, while giving rides to who ever jumped aboard, got the dirt moved. With help from all and sundry, the dirt from 3 loads was roughly spread within the wooden sides of the garden plot and is now ready to have the netting strung around it and a couple more posts put in at the corners. They also helped in spreading the dirt around within the frame.
Good gardening goaties that they are, they also discovered there was a job of spreading and compacting the newest compost bin down some and took turns frolicing and jumping in and out of it. The compost bin is pretty full now and next to this garden plot so it was deemed to be lots of fun and part of the gardening game. I will say I'm glad that this group likes to hang out with me as they do make it easier to have them out and about with me that way.
Thankfully I don't have to go after them as they want to be with me and to be "helping". When I call they come running and answering and resume the underfoot assistance.
Needless to say, with lots of fun and my laughs, the project drug out to a couple hours and we were all nicely wore out. We did take a short stroll out into the pasture for nibbles in the "roughts" and their goatie fun there too.
The romper room inmates are now back in their "room" (double stall) to chew cud. They've also met a new inmate. I have a hen who was being picked on, who needs some healing time, and the inmates have been wasting a lot of grain so they've joined forces and now have a feathery maid to clean up after their messy meals. After all, they MUST stand in those tubs with the grain so they don't up and disappear out from under their hungry little mouths!
And, I'm EXHAUSTED! 14 gardening goaties is a lot of "intensive labor"!
I'll try to start posting pics soon. I did get a couple taken of some of them in the paddock but need to crop and shrink it. Altogether, there are currently 22 goats!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Personal Goal Posts
I could write a post with the following quote, but some things just don't need a lot of words! That coming from a wordy person - me. I don't know who is quoted to give them credit but.... wow....
"Life is said to be a game -- but how can we play if we don't know where the goal posts are?"
Do you know where your goal posts are? I do but I'd rather be on the offense than spending so much time on defense these days!
I'll leave you to ponder this and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
"Life is said to be a game -- but how can we play if we don't know where the goal posts are?"
Do you know where your goal posts are? I do but I'd rather be on the offense than spending so much time on defense these days!
I'll leave you to ponder this and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Fall & Daylight Savings Time Countdowns
I'm wondering if countdown banners work to add the html to a blog so here's my test.....
I can't believe Fall is sooooo close! I'm not overly thrilled with this situation! I'm one to want to hang on to good weather and especially weather I enjoy outdoors.
At least with DST I don't have the same feeling of cringing as when looking at Fall and Winter arriving. I don't enjoy this Fall time change but it's not dreaded as much as Winter's arrival.
I guess I better get use to it, huh?
I can't believe Fall is sooooo close! I'm not overly thrilled with this situation! I'm one to want to hang on to good weather and especially weather I enjoy outdoors.
At least with DST I don't have the same feeling of cringing as when looking at Fall and Winter arriving. I don't enjoy this Fall time change but it's not dreaded as much as Winter's arrival.
I guess I better get use to it, huh?
Monday, September 7, 2009
A New Direction!
Due to some life priorities, I got behind on blogging and in that time, decided I wanted to change directions with my blog to be more of a homesteading type blog. I have a couple other blogs but decided I'd rather focus on one and keep up than have a few that I'm not doing justice with. So I'll be closing the others and starting in the new direction of focusing on homesteading and all that involves for me.
I hope you'll come along and enjoy this new direction with me!
I hope you'll come along and enjoy this new direction with me!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Plastic Grocery Bag Fact
Did you know that that a car can go one mile on the oil used to make 13 plastic bags?
This is one of the reasons our gas prices are too high - it's used to go into making plastics. If people would use less plastic then the earth would be better for it.
Do you use your cloth grocery bags? I do and some stores give me a discount per bag for each one used, regardless of the store the bag came from!
This is one of the reasons our gas prices are too high - it's used to go into making plastics. If people would use less plastic then the earth would be better for it.
Do you use your cloth grocery bags? I do and some stores give me a discount per bag for each one used, regardless of the store the bag came from!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Catnip vs roaches
A little catnip a day can keep the roaches away. Two researchers from Iowa State University say the old folklore that catnip repels cockroaches is true. In August 1999 Chris Peterson and Joel Coats reported their findings at the national meeting ofthe American Chemical Society in New Orleans. They said "roaches are repelled by two forms of Nepetalactone, a chemical found in catnip plants". This might lead to greater use of catnip or the development of new natural insect repellants that could be sprayed along baseboards to keep cockroaches from coming out of the walls. "There are really no commercial cockroach repellants", Peterson said. "Most are insecticides designed to kill roaches. People don't seem to just want them to go away-they want them dead.
"Milk may have potential as a fungicide.A report in the October 16 1999 edition of New Scientist suggests that spraying diluted milk on cucumbers and courgettes (zucchini) may be effective in killing powdery mildew, caused by the mold Sphaerotheca fulinginea. This could be a significant benefit for organic farmers trying to meet the growing demand for chemical free vegetables.According to the report, milk's fungicidal powers were discovered by Wagner Bettiol of the environmental laboratory of Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, in Jaguariuna, north of Sao Paulo.Bettiol, who was looking for cheap ways to control plant pests, observed that by-products from milk-processing factories killed powdery mildew on squash. So he decided to simply spray fresh milk on the plants to see if it had the same effect.To his surprise, he found that it did. In fact, spraying heavily infected plants twice a week with a mixture of one part cow's milk to nine parts water was at least as good at stopping mildew as the chemical fungicides fenarimol and benomyl, Bettiol discovered.Bettiol added that several organic growers in his region were able to control less severe outbreaks by spraying once a week with a 5% milk solution. In many cases, milk was both faster and more effective. After two to three weeks of spraying with milk, the area of leaves infected was in some cases only a sixth or less of the area affected on plants treated with chemical fungicide.Bettiol is not yet sure why milk works so well, but he speculates that it helps the plants in two ways. Milk is known to kill some microorganisms. It also contains potassium phosphate, which boosts the plant's immune system and so may help it inhibit the mildew's growth.
***
The above came from a group I belong to and didn't cite the source. It does include a bit about the researchers. Unfortunately I don't know where the source is to get permission to post it and will therefore gladly delete it if needed. I hope that isn't an issue though as roaches can transmit nasty bacteria and such so I"m hoping in the interest of public health that it's ok I have posted this. IF the source is found, I'd appreciate someone making a comment with the info so I can obtain permission (which I really do do!!).
On the home front, I now have catnip growing in a small flower garden spot outside the back door (both sides) and it's now going to stay for it's bug repelling potential. I hope it repels other than roaches (ants would be great). I'll also transplant some from out under my pasture fence to the outside of the kitchen where the gas line hole is (supposedly plugged) and I can sprinkle some (I have LOTS of catnip as I dry it and sell it too - hint hint) at the front door!
And, I now have a new use for souring milk! I wonder if whey does anything helpful like that? I hear it's supposed to be wonderful for tomato plant growth and raspberries!
"Milk may have potential as a fungicide.A report in the October 16 1999 edition of New Scientist suggests that spraying diluted milk on cucumbers and courgettes (zucchini) may be effective in killing powdery mildew, caused by the mold Sphaerotheca fulinginea. This could be a significant benefit for organic farmers trying to meet the growing demand for chemical free vegetables.According to the report, milk's fungicidal powers were discovered by Wagner Bettiol of the environmental laboratory of Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, in Jaguariuna, north of Sao Paulo.Bettiol, who was looking for cheap ways to control plant pests, observed that by-products from milk-processing factories killed powdery mildew on squash. So he decided to simply spray fresh milk on the plants to see if it had the same effect.To his surprise, he found that it did. In fact, spraying heavily infected plants twice a week with a mixture of one part cow's milk to nine parts water was at least as good at stopping mildew as the chemical fungicides fenarimol and benomyl, Bettiol discovered.Bettiol added that several organic growers in his region were able to control less severe outbreaks by spraying once a week with a 5% milk solution. In many cases, milk was both faster and more effective. After two to three weeks of spraying with milk, the area of leaves infected was in some cases only a sixth or less of the area affected on plants treated with chemical fungicide.Bettiol is not yet sure why milk works so well, but he speculates that it helps the plants in two ways. Milk is known to kill some microorganisms. It also contains potassium phosphate, which boosts the plant's immune system and so may help it inhibit the mildew's growth.
***
The above came from a group I belong to and didn't cite the source. It does include a bit about the researchers. Unfortunately I don't know where the source is to get permission to post it and will therefore gladly delete it if needed. I hope that isn't an issue though as roaches can transmit nasty bacteria and such so I"m hoping in the interest of public health that it's ok I have posted this. IF the source is found, I'd appreciate someone making a comment with the info so I can obtain permission (which I really do do!!).
On the home front, I now have catnip growing in a small flower garden spot outside the back door (both sides) and it's now going to stay for it's bug repelling potential. I hope it repels other than roaches (ants would be great). I'll also transplant some from out under my pasture fence to the outside of the kitchen where the gas line hole is (supposedly plugged) and I can sprinkle some (I have LOTS of catnip as I dry it and sell it too - hint hint) at the front door!
And, I now have a new use for souring milk! I wonder if whey does anything helpful like that? I hear it's supposed to be wonderful for tomato plant growth and raspberries!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Hummingbird Mystique
The link below goes to a website where a gal has documentated a hummingbird's nesting through the flight of her babies. It's amazing (to me anyway!) that one would find the nest as it's so tiny and the eggs no larger than a marble! Be sure to check out all the pages on the link at the bottom right as you won't want to miss any pics!
http://community-2.webtv.net/Velpics/HUM/
Truly amazing!
http://community-2.webtv.net/Velpics/HUM/
Truly amazing!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
A Couple Mind Boggling Thoughts For the Day
Wow! With the new gas prices today, the noon news just reported that the local school district will pay $625,000 for fuel for the school buses to get kids back and forth this year! That doesn't account for the potential for another steep rise and if one calls it luck, it was cheaper most of the school year! They approved $125,000 of that last night just to finish this school year! YIKES, and I thought my gas cost at the pump was bad.... Yes, it is! I had the initial thought that I would be thanking my "lucky" stars at the pump, and then the realization hit me quickly that I am paying a portion of that $625,000 out of my pocket as a tax payer!!! The oil companies are getting me double!
Now, IF the oil companies wanted to "play nice", couldn't they give some discounts? Yes, they will cheat us royally and probably sitting "scrubbing" their hands in glee, but it'd be nice if schools and police/fire/ambulances could be given a break. After all, their prices are paid by us all through our taxes.
I think it's time we all stand at the pumps screaming "This isn't fair!" as we pump the liquid gold into our vehicles. OR the greedy oil people should come to my vehicle with a little gilded tray with a paper doily and a piece of chocolate to collect my money and THANK ME!
~*~
The other mind-boggling thought was another news item. This one is teen safety at the wheel!
On the average 17 teens are killed daily in the US in vehicle accidents. Friday and Saturday nights are the highest danger. Being an average, I'll leave it to you to ponder the daily averages.
The report also discussed teen driving boot camp and other teen driving safety programs that are in addition to and post drivers education. My thought is that insurance companies give some discounts for wearing seat belts and such. I think parents of teen drivers should consider checking with their insurance to find out if they have any discounts for kids who have taken the "boot camp" safety programs and completed them. It might be worth the expense of the class and if it makes your teen safer then you've already earned a great bonus.
~*~
That's today's rambling and I hope you found something to ponder for a moment.... Have a good day and thank you for reading my blog!
Now, IF the oil companies wanted to "play nice", couldn't they give some discounts? Yes, they will cheat us royally and probably sitting "scrubbing" their hands in glee, but it'd be nice if schools and police/fire/ambulances could be given a break. After all, their prices are paid by us all through our taxes.
I think it's time we all stand at the pumps screaming "This isn't fair!" as we pump the liquid gold into our vehicles. OR the greedy oil people should come to my vehicle with a little gilded tray with a paper doily and a piece of chocolate to collect my money and THANK ME!
~*~
The other mind-boggling thought was another news item. This one is teen safety at the wheel!
On the average 17 teens are killed daily in the US in vehicle accidents. Friday and Saturday nights are the highest danger. Being an average, I'll leave it to you to ponder the daily averages.
The report also discussed teen driving boot camp and other teen driving safety programs that are in addition to and post drivers education. My thought is that insurance companies give some discounts for wearing seat belts and such. I think parents of teen drivers should consider checking with their insurance to find out if they have any discounts for kids who have taken the "boot camp" safety programs and completed them. It might be worth the expense of the class and if it makes your teen safer then you've already earned a great bonus.
~*~
That's today's rambling and I hope you found something to ponder for a moment.... Have a good day and thank you for reading my blog!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Fun With Favorites
Have you pondered making a list of your favorites in life? I find the blog profiles and blogs themselves very interesting when they have a favorites listed. I read one a short time ago that made me think it would be fun to just list all our favs. Are you game? You don't have to share it, but it may be one of those time-capsule things that you go back and read some time later, so be sure to date it! Here are some favs to get you started in the thinking process. Don't forget we can all go back and add more or edit a fav listing!
A flower garden - the first crocus' and daffodils of the season - freshly dried clothes off the clothes line- spending time with family - my kids - hugs from a child - my 2 horses (mares) - our cats - my dogs - good friends - a hug from a good friend - a freshly painted room just as it's put back into order - a spring day - curtains blowing in the breeze - scented candles - my computer - vanilla - finding good bargains - curling up with a good book or sudoku in front of the tv- calves playing and bounding around their mommas - baby goats - chickens peacefully free ranging - a proud hen announcing her fresh new egg - a garden with veggies for the picking - apples and other fruit in the Fall - the first pot of chili in the Fall - good news from a doctor - good news from the vet - lilacs loaded with blooms
My list will become huge (as I've learned the age old ability to appreciate good things in life) and I'll be back to add to it!
Any comments?
A flower garden - the first crocus' and daffodils of the season - freshly dried clothes off the clothes line- spending time with family - my kids - hugs from a child - my 2 horses (mares) - our cats - my dogs - good friends - a hug from a good friend - a freshly painted room just as it's put back into order - a spring day - curtains blowing in the breeze - scented candles - my computer - vanilla - finding good bargains - curling up with a good book or sudoku in front of the tv- calves playing and bounding around their mommas - baby goats - chickens peacefully free ranging - a proud hen announcing her fresh new egg - a garden with veggies for the picking - apples and other fruit in the Fall - the first pot of chili in the Fall - good news from a doctor - good news from the vet - lilacs loaded with blooms
My list will become huge (as I've learned the age old ability to appreciate good things in life) and I'll be back to add to it!
Any comments?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Woman's Week At The Gym
WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM
If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.
Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Brad, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Brad waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Brad gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Brad was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Brad made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little! wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Brad's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on t he counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Brad was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Brad put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Brad told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other crap too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY:
Brad was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late, it took me that long to tie my shoes. Brad took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny idiot to find me. Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FRIDAY:
I hate that Brad more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little punk. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Brad wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY:
Brad left a message on my answering machine i n his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing him made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel..
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little s... ) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds.
If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.
Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Brad, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Brad waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Brad gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Brad was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Brad made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little! wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Brad's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on t he counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. Brad was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Brad put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Brad told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other crap too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY:
Brad was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late, it took me that long to tie my shoes. Brad took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny idiot to find me. Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FRIDAY:
I hate that Brad more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little punk. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Brad wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SATURDAY:
Brad left a message on my answering machine i n his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing him made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel..
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little s... ) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds.
~ Anonymous
I won't post jokes much, but this one has really struck my funny bone. It could have been written about me! Kudos to the author and if posting it here is a problem I will, of course, remove it immediately. In the meantime, enjoy and at least you'll all have something to help get through those work outs by thinking back to this!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Mascots
I saw a cute thing on tv the other day that caught my attention and gave me something to smile about. It wasn't a baby cute or cutsie cute.... just cute! Scottsdale Community College (AZ of course) are the Scottsdale Articokes! I would never have thought of using a veggie for a school mascot. I have however experienced (close up/first hand) the results of hatred against any thing Indian (Am. Indian) for a mascot for schools. Our local school went through the mess and legal hassle of a local tribe fighting to have their mascot changed. Even though I'm part Am. Indian, I really felt it wrong and so unnecessarily expensive for the public school to have to sand down the gym floors, redo walls, new logo, new athletic uniforms, etc to remove the Indian Chief's head. I just personally felt the mascot symbol was intended and probably chosen to represent strength, integrity and honor as that was the era it was chosen in. (Yes, I'm close enough age wise to understand and know the history.)
So, this mascot at Scottsdale CC struck me as cute and smile worthy. I enjoyed the tv news segment telling about "Arti" and a brief glimpse at the SCC campus. Had I heard about Arti, otherwise I'd have probably thought funny and laughed. The news segment was light-hearted and informative..... kinda cute.
Arti struck me as being healthy and vibrant. He was a smilie kinda "guy" with a skip to his step. He had manners and class.
My high school mascot was the panther. It was a sleek, powerful cat. they are automatically thought of as having speed, athleticism, grace.....they have a quiet presence about them and reek strength and ability.
Our local school here has a bronco as a mascot. I love horses, but don't care for this bronco. It's a coarse and wild looking graphic and just doesn't draw me to it. It doesn't speak well to me and the kids don't seem to have a real connection to it either. I find that sad as I feel it should be something the kids bond with for repore' and team spirit.
Do you ever ponder about school mascots? What impressions do you have about the ones that are connected to your life/family? Do you like your mascot? What do you think would make a good mascot?
So, this mascot at Scottsdale CC struck me as cute and smile worthy. I enjoyed the tv news segment telling about "Arti" and a brief glimpse at the SCC campus. Had I heard about Arti, otherwise I'd have probably thought funny and laughed. The news segment was light-hearted and informative..... kinda cute.
Arti struck me as being healthy and vibrant. He was a smilie kinda "guy" with a skip to his step. He had manners and class.
My high school mascot was the panther. It was a sleek, powerful cat. they are automatically thought of as having speed, athleticism, grace.....they have a quiet presence about them and reek strength and ability.
Our local school here has a bronco as a mascot. I love horses, but don't care for this bronco. It's a coarse and wild looking graphic and just doesn't draw me to it. It doesn't speak well to me and the kids don't seem to have a real connection to it either. I find that sad as I feel it should be something the kids bond with for repore' and team spirit.
Do you ever ponder about school mascots? What impressions do you have about the ones that are connected to your life/family? Do you like your mascot? What do you think would make a good mascot?
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