My Whimsical Notions

The Iron Lady

2012-01-22T18:47:00.000-05:00

Dave and I went this past Tuesday to see the movie "The Iron Lady" starring Meryl Streep. It is about the life of Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of England.

Meryl was superb. Do see it if you can.

Story line was wishy washy in places but the acting was worth the visit.

February

2012-01-22T18:42:00.000-05:00

February is American Heart Month

February 2 - Groundhog Day
February 4 - Thank a Mailman Day
February 5 - Super Bowl XLVI
February 8 - Kite Flying Day
February 11 - Make a Friend Day
February 14 - Valentine's Day
February 20 - President's Day
February 22 - National Margarita Day
February 29 - Leap Year

January 2012

2012-01-22T18:39:00.000-05:00

January 1 - New Year's Day
January 4 - Trivia Day
January 5 - National Bird Day
January 15 - National Hat Day
January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 19 - National Popcorn Day
January 23 - Chinese New Year
January 25 - Opposite Day

Shoes and Knee Pain

2011-12-30T11:20:00.000-05:00

Knee trouble? You might want to stick to flat, flexible walking shoes. The reason? They may help reduce stress on your joints and keep pain in check, a study has found.

Previous studies have shown that going barefoot reduces stress on the knees. So researchers at Rush Medical Center in Chicago decided to explore whether different kinds of shoes might affect knees differently.

STRESS TEST: They studied the force of "load" on the arthritic knees of 31 men and women wearing four different kinds of shoes: clogs, athletic shoes with stability features (designed to prevent feet from rolling inward), sneakers with flexible soles and flip-flops.

So which ones were easiest on the knees? Much to researchers' surprise, flip-flips and flexible flats took the prize, according to the study published online in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.

According to the study, clogs and stability shoes resulted in a 15% higher load on knees than going barefoot or wearing flexible flat walking shoes (like sneakers) or flip-flops.

SURPRISE RESULTS "The shoes that we intuitively recommend to our patients and thought might be best - stability shoes and clogs - were associated with the highest load", lead study author Najia Shakoor said in a news release. "We think it's the flatness and the flexibility that may provide the benefit."

Flip-flop wearing teens will no doubt love the findings. But researchers warn that most people, especially older folks, should steer clear of flip-flops. As balance declines, the popular beach footwear can increase the risk of falling.

American Red Cross Volunteer

2011-12-30T11:10:00.000-05:00

This past week has been a busy week for my Red Cross volunteering: December 23 at Whetstone Library; December 27 at Mt. Carmel West and December 28 at AMC Lennox. I'm taking a break until the end of January.

Special Olympics Scarf Project

2011-12-28T11:14:00.000-05:00

For the World Games in February 2009, the initial call for Delft blue and white scarves was sent out. Scarves were received from 50 states and 12 countries. Not only did the athletes go home with the special gift but also communities were transformed and the sea of blue and white spoke an overwhelming message of warmth, welcome and inclusion.

The handmade scarf has since become an unprecedented symbol of unity for an often-neglected population. The intellectually disabled, life can be very isolated, with individual differences sometimes being more obvious than the many similarities among us all. The simplicity of bringing everyone together, wrapped in a common handmade bond, provides an ever-lasting reminder of equality, sharing, and togetherness.

Through the Special Olympics Scarf Project, a common yarn is woven through the lives touched by Special Olympics, and key attributes fundamental to the mission of Special Olympics such as empowerment, unity, and joy are represented. Growing the project to the national level has been possible in thanks to a partnership with Red Heart Yarns, U.S. national sponsor of Special Olympics and exclusive yarn company of the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project.

Special Olympics is an inclusive movement to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, and it also provides them with free health screenings, lifelong friendships, and leadership opportunities to ultimately educate and empower them to pursue viable jobs in our communities and be active members of our society.

The Special Olympics USA Scarf Project provides a unique way for people to show their support for Special Olympics. Each handmade scarf donated is a symbol of unity, support, compassion, and empowerment. The athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters wear them with pride in knowing they have become part of the Special Olympics family.

The official colors for the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf projects are:

Red Heart Super Saver - 387 Soft Navy
Red Heart Super Saver - 319 Cherry Red
Red Heart Soft - 4004 Navy
Red Heart Soft - 9925 Really Red

Both a red and a navy blue should be incorporated into your scarf design. Scarves should be between 54 and 60 inches long including any fringe or embellishments and approximately 6 inches wide. Any pattern is welcome, and creativity is encouraged!

Visit www.Scarves For Special Olympics. org

GERM ALERT: Beware of Shopping Carts

2011-12-26T19:22:00.000-05:00

Next time you go to the supermarket you may want to wear gloves and swaddle the kids in protective gear. Or, at least, bring some disinfectant wipes--or use the ones in store dispensers--to clean cart handles. Turns out shopping carts are teeming with germs, according to a recent study.

Researchers swabbed shopping cart handles for bacteria in four states. Their somewhat unsettling findings: 72% of the 85 carts examined had traces of fecal bacteria. The researchers took a closer look at samples from 36 carts. They found that 50% of them were contaminated with E. coli.

"That's more than you find in a supermarket's restroom", said lead study author Charles Gerba, a microbiology professor at the University of Arizona. The reason? Shopping carts aren't routinely scrubbed like restrooms!

SOURCE : Gerba said the bacteria likely stem from raw foods, bird or other animal feces (while carts are outside) and contaminated hands.

And carts aren't the only bacteria magnets at the supermarket. You know those reusable shopping bags designed to save the environment? You might want to wash yours -- immediately! Gerba said tests showed reusable bags that aren't washed regularly also contain a lot of germs.

SO GO GREEN -- BUT GO CLEAN, TOO!!!!!

Cosmetic Clues

2011-12-25T14:57:00.003-05:00

When you look into the mirror to wash your face or put on mascara, do you notice anything new -- a funky red patch or a bump that hasn't healed? When you blow-dry your hair, does it seem to be thinning on top? Sometimes monitoring your looks can help you monitor your health. Do you need to make an appointment with your Doctor?

EXCESSIVE SWEATING

It's probably just.....that you sweat more than other people. It's called hyperhidrosis, which makes you sweat up to four times the amount needed to regulate body temperature. 3% of people have it and women report it more than men do.

But it could be.....an overactive thyroid. Grave's disease, the number one cause of hyperthyroidism, most often affects women under 40. In addition to sweating and thinning hear, symptoms include losing weight when you're not trying to, bulging eyes, anxiety, rapid heartbeat and intolerance to heat.

THINNING HAIR

It's probably just.....stress, genetics or hormonal changes.

But it could be.....low thyroid. Your thyroid gland helps regulate your metabolism and can become underactive or overactive. In either case you may have gradual hair loss.

PATCHY DRY SKIN

It's probably just.....a natural part of aging. Your oil glands get smaller as you get older, which leads to drier skin. Sun damage and decreased cell renewal also contribute to it, as does being dehydrated. Medications for high blood pressure, antihistamines and retinoid therapies for acne and antiaging can also make it worse. Try shorter, cooler showers and trade in harsh bar soap for a mild, creamy cleanser. Afterward, apply a skin cream that contains a humectant like glycerin. Drinking more water may help too.

But it could be.....psoriasis. When skin cells grow too quickly and your body doesn't shed them normally, the cells pile up and form thick, scaly patches, often on your arms and legs, scalp, palms and soles of your feet. Genetics and an overactive immune system may both play a role.

A RED FACE

It's probably just.....rosacea. Common in fair-skinned women between 30 and 50, rosacea is an inflammatory condition in which blood vessels dilate easily, making skin look red and flushed. Acne-like bumps often appear on the cheeks, chin and nose. Self-treating often backfires......see your doctor for the proper moisturizer.

But it could be......lupus. Caused by an overproduction of antibodies, this autoimmune disease affects about 1.3 million U.S. women. It may cause a distinctive red rash on the face in the shape of a butterfly. Other symptoms include fever, pain, fatigue and problems with your heart.

INCREASED FACIAL HAIR

It's probably just.....perimenopause. As you age and your estrogen levels ebb, the relative rise in testosterone that thins your hair may also lead to hair where you don't want it.

But it could be.....polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS, an imbalance of your sex hormones, can cause excessive facial hair growth, thinning hair, acne, ovarian cysts and weight gain (particularly around your stomach), we well as infertility, diabetes and heart disease if left untreated.

A STUBBORN PIMPLE

It's probably just.....adult acne. Even if you left your teenage problem skin behind years ago, you can develop acne now. When estrogen and your skin's protective oil barrier decrease with age, bacteria can penetrate more easily and cause breakouts.

But it could be.....skin cancer. A pimple that looks waxy, pearly, persists for weeks, doesn't seem to heal completely or bleeds occasionally could be a basal cell carcinoma.

DO NOT SELF-DIAGNOSE OR TRY YOUR OWN FORM OF TREATMENT. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS, SEE YOUR DOCTOR.

Holiday Choir Concert

2011-12-19T11:30:00.000-05:00

Dave and I went to our church's Holiday Choir Concert yesterday afternoon at 4. The Worship Center was packed by patrons of all ages, who had a great time.

The songs were:

Brass Section - Canzona per sonare No. 2 by Giovanni Gabrieli

Combined Choirs - December 'Round the World by John Jacobson/Roger Emerson

Peace Pals (young children) - La Pinata; Happy New Year by John Jacobson/Roger Emerson

Congregation - Angels We Have Heard on High

Rising Voices (teens) - Yuletide Memories arr. Gary Parks; Light a Little Candle by Mae Huff; Secrets of Snow by Amy Bernon; The Tree by Peggy Lee

Congregation - The First Nowell

Spirit of Life Choir (selected adults) - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by P. Tchaikovsky arr. Jeff Funk; Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind by John Rutter; You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch by Albert Hague (Dr. Seuss) arr. Jeff Funk; How Many Christmases by Jim Papoulis

Congregation - Deck the Halls

Combined Choirs - The 12 Daze of Christmas arr. Tony McDonald (our church's Director of Music)

Intermission

Chalice Choir (full adult choir) - Gloria by the Welsh composer Karl Jenkins (if you haven't heard this presentation do try, I found it to be a modern composition in the theme of Handel's Messiah). Brandon Moss is our Choir Director and we had a selection of musicians from the congregation.

All were superb.

There was a reception afterward but we didn't stay.

Christmas Hints & Tips

2011-12-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

Because the German Christmas tree has its "roots" dug deep in pagan religions, New England Puritans refused to accept it until 1875. Still, trees have always been used in religious services. Early Druids for example, worshiped the oak. And because fir trees were "evergreen", they became symbols of various gods.
Did you know Santa Claus never traveled alone? Besides eight (or nine) "miniature reindeer", dear ol' St. Nick used to visit the children with a character named Krampus. Known also as Pelznickel, Rumpleklas, Klaubauf, Zwarte Pitt, Hans Muff and Black Peter. Krampus was a shaggy little devil with horns who's main job was to pass out the switches and coal to the bad children Santa visited. He was also known as Knecht Ruprecht, who wore tattered robes and carried a sack to put the bad children in! In Salzburg on December 5th, there are events called Krampus Runs where good children chase after "St. Nikolaus" and bad children get tossed in a sack carried by a masked man dressed as the devil. As for us, we'll just stick to sitting on Santa's lap at Macy's.
The term Christkindlein (meaning Christ Child) became "Americanized" into the name Kris Kringle
There really was a St. Nicholas. He was a bishop in Myra in Asia who died on December 6 (St. Nicholas Day) in 343 AD. This bishop was a far cry from the Santa we know today whose legend got its start in 1822 with the famous Clement C. Moore poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas". In the 1930s, artist Haddon Sundblom of the Coca-Cola Company gave us our modern visual interpretation of the "jolly old elf".
Did you know you can track Santa's progress across the entire world on Christmas Eve? The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been doing it since 1957. It all started when a Colorado Springs newspaper ran the Operations Hotline phone number for the Continental Air Defense Command (NORAD's predecessor) as a "Santa Hotline". Imagine the surprise on the military officers' faces when a bunch of children began calling asking about Santa's whereabouts. The first call was answered by Col. Harry Shoup who quickly figured out what was happening and replied that he was tracking Santa's progress by radar. The media picked up the story and by the next year, a tradition was born. Phone calls came pouring in. NORAD's Santa Tracking hit the Internet in 1997. It's live, it's incredible, and it even has video footage! Simply go to the Web site for details: www.norad.mil/NORADTracksSANTA.htm Or you can call them at (719) 554-5816 for more information. This has to be one of the most incredible ways to spend a modern Christmas Eve with children--of any age.
Santa Claus ought to know. He has many names, among them: in Austria, he is Chriskind; in Brazil, it is Papai Noel; in China, Dun Che Lao Ren; in Denmark, Julemanden; in Holland, he is called Sinterklaas (an early version of the now Americanized Santa Claus); in Sweden, the kindly gift-giver is called Jultomten; in Norway, Julenissen ; in Japan, Santa Kurousu; and Pere Noel in France. In Italy, the gifts are delivered by, of all things, a witch known as La Befana. Let's hear it for the Christmas witches.
The Christmas tree dates back to a seventh century legend about a monk in Devonshire, England who used the triangle shape of the fir tree to represent the Holy Trinity. By the twelfth century, the tree was being hung from the ceiling....upside down.
Tinsel isn't exactly a new thing. It dates back to around 1610 and was made originally of real silver. In fact, it was still being made of silver well into the 20th century.
The first decorated Christmas tree was in Latvia in 1510. Martin Luther is said to have first put candles on the tree to depict the stars that were shining the night Christ was born.
The son of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright first introduced Lincoln Logs to the public in 1916.
Glass ornaments in all shapes and sizes had been made in Germany for centuries, but weren't imported to the U.S. until around 1880. They were sold in such stores as Woolworth's, Sears, and Montgomery Ward. Americans first filed for patents on Christmas lights in 1882 and the metal hook for hanging ornaments in 1892. By this time, trees had decidedly grown into floor models, replacing the now old-fashioned tabletop varieties.

World Travellers

2011-12-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

Dave and I went to Asheville, NC for our vacation this year and just returned in the small hours of Saturday morning. We are pooped!!!
Definitely did the tourist thing and I came home with some books and funky yarns.

Like every tourist that ever goes to Asheville, we spent a whole day at the Biltmore Estate. The views of the Smoky Mountains are something else.....I could spend days just sitting on the patio and watching the mountains change!!!!

Saying Goodbye to a Famous Tree

2011-12-06T17:23:00.000-05:00

An ancient oak tree that has shaded everyone from the Crusaders to the Millennials is the latest victim in the struggle between humans and nature. The Jordan News Agency reported in May 2011, that a developer in Samou, a north Jordan village, recklessly excavated underneath the 750-year old tree. The digging decayed the oak's trunk and, despite efforts from the local agriculture department, the tree perished. The venerable oak served as a resting place for more than seven centuries worth of Ottoman Empire travelers, soldiers and merchants, who took advantage of the 540 square feet of shade the arboreal relic cast each afternoon.

Lavender

2011-12-03T11:50:00.000-05:00

Lavender is well known for its unique fragrance. Its name is derived from the Latin word lavare, or, "to wash". It was used throughout Europe during the 17th century to disguise unsavory household odors and textiles that were only washed twice a year. The Greeks and Romans used it in their bath water, while years later ladies of refinement carried lavender sprigs tucked in their tussie mussies. Lavender has also been used medicinally for hundreds of years.

Today lavender can be applied to treat sunburns and minor cuts and scrapes. Cool compresses soaked in strong lavender tea promote healing for sunburns as well as other minor skin problems. It is also known to counter insomnia and promote restful sleep. A lavender-mint tea, for example, calms the senses and helps you relax. Place a few drops of essential oil on the cooled light bulbs in your lamps. When you turn on the lamps, the heat from the bulbs will warm the oil and disperse its scent throughout the room.

Lavender is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that grows quite easily on a hill or in a backyard with good soil and drainage. You can also buy lavender in bulk from dried herb suppliers or by the scoopful at most health food stores.

A great way to keep your rooms and linens smelling fresh is linen water. The French use linen water to iron their sheets, spraying again just before laying a duvet over bed sheets. Linen water can be made using any essential oil: lavender, sage, linden, rose hydrangea, orange blossom or by combining oils to come up with your own scent.

Lavender is used in the home for its sweet scent. To preserve your own lavender, gather the plant for drying when the first bud on the flower stalk is starting to open. Some varieties, such as Hidcote, remain tightly closed for some time, which allows you 7-10 days to do your harvesting. Other species, like Croxton Wild, are completely open in a day or two, which often causes them to lose their blossoms in the drying process.

Be sure to cut your lavender stems just after the dew is off of them early in the morning. If you wait unit later in the day, the plant will have lost its essential oil in the process of cooling down.

To dry lavender, bind 25-75 stems with a rubber band and hang in a warm, dry, dark spot for 4-5 weeks. When completely dry, store in cardboard boxes or cloth bags.

LAVENDER LINEN WATER

1 tsp (100 drops) lavender essential oil
2 oz. denatured alcohol
10 oz distilled water
12 oz bottle with lid

Pour essential oil and alcohol into a bottle, close lid or cap, and shake to mix; add distilled water. Mixture will become cloudy and eventually separate. Shake well before each use.

GRASSE BATH SALTS

1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup fresh lavender, sage, rosemary
1/2 cup sea salt
5 drops lavender essential oil

Blend the above ingredients in a food processor or blender. (You can substitute the essential oil for another, for example, geranium, orange blossom, or rose.) Place 1/2 cup of blended salts in a cotton muslin bag and run under warm water when filling your tub. You can also let your feet soak in the salts once the salts dissolve a bit. The salts actually drain the aches from your muscles, while the soothing scents fill you with a sense of calm and well being.

HERBAL BATH BAGS

1/2 cup dried rosemary
1 cup dried lavender flowers
1 cup dried lemon balm
1 cup dried mint
1 cup dried rose petals

Blend the above ingredients in a food processor or blender or crush finely with a mortar and pestle. Fill small cotton muslin bags and tie drawstring tightly. Let bags steep in a hot bath--the water will be infused with the scent of a fresh garden.

HERBS DE PROVENCE MIXTURE

There are many different varieties of this wonderful dried herb blend. The following recipe is from a dealer at the St. Antonin farmer's market, held every Sunday morning in the medieval village of St. Antonin de Noble Val, just an hour north of Toulouse, France. Using Herbs de Provence is a great way to cook with the sweet herb of lavender.

2 T lavender flowers
3 T oregano leaves
3 T savory leaves
3 T thyme leaves
1 tsp basil leaves
1 tsp rosemary leaves
1 tsp sage leaves

Combine and mix well. Store mixture in a small airtight jar in a cool, dark location. Makes about 3/4 cup. Use for salad dressings and as a poultry, beef, or fish rub.

American Red Cross Volunteer

2011-12-01T19:05:00.000-05:00

This past Tuesday, I was at Goodwill Industries in Grandview Heights. What a superb facility.

Hints & Tips - Outside the House

2011-12-01T19:01:00.000-05:00

KILL WEEDS WITH BOILING WATER

Pour boiling water on weeds growing between pavers of a pathway. Keep the kettle close to the ground to avoid splashing yourself -- or any nearby plants you want to keep.

TOPIARY TEMPLATE

A morning of pruning by eye can turn into an afternoon of trying to balance lopsided shrubs. With a tripod template as a guide, it is easier to trim plants into even, well-proportioned cones. Tie three bamboo poles of appropriate height together at the top. The feet of the poles can be spread or pulled closer to form a broader or taller cone.

KEEPING DIRT IN LINE

Window boxes filled with vibrant flowers are a welcome sign of spring. But when it rains, the soil in them often spatters, dirtying windows and sills. To prevent the muddy splashes, spread river stones (available at garden centers) in a layer over the tops of the flower beds. The stones will act as a barrier while keeping the soil moist for the blooming plants.

Hints & Tips - Inside the House

2011-12-01T18:52:00.000-05:00

PITCHER GRIP

Condensation on pitchers can leave unsightly drips and make pouring a slippery endeavor. A linen dish-towel bandanna will absorb the moisture. Fold the towel into a triangle, and turn folded edge over 2 inches to form a collar. Wrap the fabric tightly around the pitcher's rim, and anchor by knotting the ends around the handle.

TRAY PROTECTOR

Simple mats cut from wallpaper remnants or sheets of decorative paper work magic on serving trays. Drinks are less likely to slide around, the tray is protected, and snack time is brightened up by this unexpected bit of color and pattern. Using scallop-edge scissors, cut the paper to fit the tray. For trays in irregular shapes, place paper pattern side down; next, place tray on top of paper. Trace tray's base onto paper. Cut out with decorative shears.

CLEANING KIT

For easier cleaning, fill a bucket with basics that need to be toted from room to room: all-purpose and glass-cleaning sprays, a sponge, a toothbrush, a squeegee, a scrub brush, hopsacking, and terry-cloth towels in washcloth and hand-towel sizes. Between tasks, hang rubber gloves over the rim to dry.

HERBAL REMEDY

Sachets of aromatic herbs, such as the classic bouquet garni of thyme, parsley, and bay leaves, add flavor to simmering soups, stews, stocks, and braises. But fishing these cheesecloth bundles out of the pot can be difficult. The next time you use one of the herb packets, tie a length of butcher's twine to the sachet, and then tie the loose end to one of the pot's handles. (Be sure the twine stays clear of the burner.) When the time comes, the bouquet garni will be easy to retrieve and remove.

A LINE RUNS THROUGH IT

Use this tailor's trick whenever you need to cut a straight line through a woven fabric such as cotton or linen. Tease several threads loose at the point where you'll make the initial cut. Then gently pull out the threads to create a trail of perfectly aligned holes in the fabric, which can then guide your shears.

QUESTION: How do I loosen a stuck cap on a bottle?

Try hot water or nail-polish remover. That's right--leave your teeth out of it. Instead, submerge the glue bottle in a glass of hot water for a few seconds. If that doesn't work, use acetone nail-polish remover (which works best for superglue). To apply, dip a cotton swab in the nail-polish remover and rub it generously around the tip of the bottle and under the cap. Some remover might seep into the glue tip, so squeeze out a couple of drops of glue before you apply it.
To prevent a cap from getting stuck in the first place, hold the bottle upright for several seconds after using it so that the glue drains out of the dispensing tip. Then wipe the tip with an all-purpose cleaner before replacing the cap. Store the glue upright to avoid future sticky situations.

J. Edgar

2011-11-19T21:57:00.000-05:00

Dave and I went to see the movie, J. Edgar. Great acting by all the actors, lots of cameos by not-so-active actors and lots of information. But vvveeerrryyy long, we enjoyed it but be prepared for it to drag at times.

Crazy Facts About December

2011-11-19T21:55:00.000-05:00

December 2 - National Fritters Day
December 4 - Santa's List Day
December 5 - Walt Disney's Birthday
December 6 - Mitten Tree Day
December 7 - National Cotton Candy Day
December 13 - National Cocoa Day
December 21 - Hanukkah
December 22 - First Day of Winter
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25 - Christmas
December 26 - Kwanzaa Begins
December 31 - New Year's Eve

Discover These Christmas Destinations

2011-11-07T18:03:00.000-05:00

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Christened "Bethlehem" on Christmas Eve, 1741, it is now known as The Christmas City. Don't miss the Christkindlmarkt, a shopping experience filled with gifts and fine arts and crafts, from jewelry to handmade quilts. There is music, food, and hot chocolate to enjoy, rides and ice sculptures. Santa is, of course, available to chat.

North Pole, Alaska: Cruise down Santa Claus Lane, then stop at the Santa Claus House. The kids (or you) can even mail postcards from the U.S. Post Office - Santa's zip code is 99705.

Leavenworth, Washington: This Bavarian getaway was crowned "The Ultimate Holiday Town USA" by the A&E television network. Enjoy caroling, roasted chestnuts, and good old-fashioned Christmas cheer in this beautiful snow globe town.

Woodstock, Vermont: Wassail Weekend begins the Christmas countdown in this picturesque town. There are holiday shows, parades, horse and carriages, music, historic home tours, and a 19th century Christmas celebration.

Durango, Colorado: Cowboy boot stockings and bridle bit garland make up an Old West Christmas. There's even a Polar Express for the little ones (bonus--they get to wear PJ's).

Mountain View, Arkansas: Caroling in the Blanchard Spring Caverns gives incredible sound. Create corn shuck angels, and watch a whittler make spools into ornaments.

New Orleans, Louisiana: The city twinkles with lights, and garland decorates balconies and streetcars. Historical characters are ready to chat as you stroll through the Vieux Carte. There are many historic homes and museums to visit, all decked out for the holidays.

San Antonio, Texas: 40 foot Christmas trees and sparkling lights as far as the eye can see are only some of what you will experience in this southern city. Instead of turkey, feast on tamales, while you enjoy a special reenactment of the first Christmas Eve, called "La Gran Posada".

Natchitoches, Louisiana: This original French colony celebrates the Festival of Lights and the Christmas Festival, one of the nation's oldest community-based holiday celebrations.

Winter Park, Florida: Christmas in the Park celebrates with the annual lighting of beautiful, century-old Tiffany windows and a free concert.

Alexandria, Virginia: The fresh scent of heather and the sound of bagpipes fill the air along the quaint streets of Old Town. Enjoy all the activities that the Scottish Christmas Walk has to offer.

Kennebunkport, Maine: Santa arrives by lobster boat in this coastal town. There are three different tree lighting ceremonies, music, and seasonal food to enjoy.

Mackinac Island, Michigan: This town of only 500 residents celebrates Christmas in a true, old-fashioned style. No joke--they only travel by horse and buggy, since cars have been banned for 100 years. Santa visits every child to hear their Christmas wish, and there is an annual bazaar, filled with lots of goodies.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Grand Illumination is the first weekend in December, with fireworks and fife and drums. Sip a glass of Wassail as you stroll by historic homes decorated for the holidays in colonial style.

New York City, N.Y.: What list would be complete without NYC? The lights, the shopping, the decorated store windows, that big decorated tree (yeah, you know the one). Try and go at least once in your lifetime.

Christmas Craft Bazaar

2011-11-06T18:48:00.000-05:00

Maylene, Duchess and I staffed my two-tabled booth at a Christmas bazaar yesterday. We are definitely tired "elves" today but happy.

There are some very talented people in our city and we met several yesterday.

The bazaar was well organized and well run. The positioning of the tables couldn't be any better. If possible, will go back again next year.

Sickness and Diabetes

2011-11-06T18:41:00.000-05:00

You must take special care of your diabetes when you are sick. That's because a cold, flu or infection can make your blood sugar go higher than usual. Talk with your doctor, nurse or educator about sick-day rules that are best for you.

SICK-DAY TIPS
Do not stop your insulin shots or diabetes pills without consulting your physician.

drink water or sugar-free liquids to prevent dehydration
try to eat regularly. If you cannot keep down solid food, drink 1/2 to 1 cup of juice, broth or regular soft drink (not diet soda) every hour until you can start eating again.
check your blood sugar every 4 hours. Call your doctor if the results are outside your target range. You may need more insulin.
if directed by your doctor, check your blood or urine every 4 hours for ketone levels
call your doctor immediately if you:

- cannot eat regularly for more than 24 hours
- cannot keep down any liquids
- have a fever
- have elevated ketone levels in your blood or urine
- have blood sugar levels that stay high
- cannot take care of your diabetes
- feel you are getting worse
- have any questions about your illness

Needle Knowledge

2011-10-30T20:02:00.000-04:00

In my last posting I talked about the books leftover from the lazy days of summer. Here I'm talking about different Christmas trees.......goodness but I'm mixed up!!!!!

BALSAM FIR
Similar to the Fraser, this tree native to the northeastern U.S. has short, flat, long-lasting, aromatic needles, but it's branches aren't terribly sturdy.

DOUGLAS FIR
This medium-priced sweetly scented evergreen--the most common on Christmas tree lots--is grown in the East, Midwest and West, where it's been dubbed "the friendly fir" because of its soft, long needles.

FRASER FIR
Considered the king of Christmas trees in the eastern U.S.--with a royally high price tag to match--this dark green sharp-scented fir has branches with short needles that don't tend to drop often. When the needles are fresh, they are firm yet soft to the touch--not prickly or sharp and the branches are strong enough to hold heavy ornaments.

NOBLE FIR
Popular in the West, this pricey bluish-green fir has upwardly curving needles that stay on longer than those of any other variety of Christmas tree. It it's well watered, it can last up to 6 weeks or more.

SCOTCH PINE
Grown in the Midwest and East, this lower-priced plant has bunches of needles protruding from stiff branches. It dries out quickly and will only last about 3 weeks.

Summer/Autumn/Winter Reading

2011-10-30T19:41:00.000-04:00

Everyone has noticed that during late spring, magazines, newspapers, libraries, friends.....tell you what is the popular list of books for reading during the lazy days of summer. Again, like most people, I have too much going on and never get around to all the books that I'd like to enjoy. So I've kept a couple of the lists and I'll share them with you. Just think about being snuggled down in your favorite chair, with an afghan tucked around your legs, a nice warm drink close to hand, the snow raging outside and reading about...............

The Adirondack Chair: A Celebration of a Summer Classic by Daniel Mack. This iconic symbol of summer has graced America's backyards, patios, beaches and summer camps for more than five generations.
Picnics by Hilary Heminway and Alex Heminway with photographs by Audrey Hall. Those who delight in the pleasures of casual dining will find joyous inspiration in this entertaining tome that provides dozens of creative ideas for packing and enjoying the perfect picnic in diverse and sometimes unconventional locales.
The Summer Cottage: Retreats of the 1,000 Islands by Kathleen Quigley with photographs by James Scherzi. Discover the the storybook enchantment of this 50-mile archipelago cradled by the water of the St. Lawrence River, between the borders of New York and Ontario.
Perfect Porches: Designing Welcoming Spaces for Outdoor Living by Paula S. Wallace. Whether utilized for solitary sanctuary or convivial celebrations, porches engage the senses like no other room in our homes.
Nantucket: Island Living by Leslie Linsley with photographs by Terry Pommett. Embark on an insider's tour of one of the world's most celebrated vacation destinations, conducted by longtime residents.
America's Parks by Philippe Bourseiller. A must have resource for planning your next summer adventure, this exquisite book of unforgettable oversize photographs reveals the majesty of fifty-four U.S. national parks.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. A haunting love story that spawned a hugely successful motion picture, this novel has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of readers throughout the world.
In the Company of Others by Jan Karon. The second in the author's acclaimed new series, this enchanting story recounts the journey of Episcopal priest Father Tim Kavanagh and his wife, Cynthia, as they travel to Ireland to explore his ancestral homeland.
Getting to Happy by Terry McMillan. This much-anticipated sequel to the beloved 1992 novel Waiting to Exhale fast-forwards fifteen years into the lives of Savannah, Bernadine, Gloria, and Robin.
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. Revisit this classic novel, or discover it for the very first time. Featuring equal parts romance, mystery, and suspense, the story takes place in 1792, during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror.
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. Full of warmth and humor, this coming-of-age tale set in rural Georgia at the turn of the century is told from the perspective 14-year-old Will Tweedy.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. Delight in a thoroughly charming but quite surprising romance between staunchly British widower Major Ernest Pettigrew and his widowed neighbor, Pakistani shopkeeper Jasmina Ali.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. This riveting look at Depression-era circus life paints a vivid and poignant portrait. The story opens in a nursing home, as 90-something Jacob Jankowski reflects back seven decades.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett. An uplifting tale of triumph over hate and fear, The Help portrays the pre-civil-rights era of Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962.

Medical IDs

2011-10-26T18:28:00.000-04:00

For people with certain conditions, a simple bracelet can make a lifesaving difference in an emergency. Paramedics are trained to look for medical-alert jewelry, and the wrist is the first place they check while taking a pulse.

SHOULD YOU WEAR A MEDICAL ID?

A bracelet can alert first responders to lots of important information, including:

food, drug or insect allergies
hypertension, stroke risk or other cardiac problems
asthma
kidney disease
diabetes
anemia
rare diseases
epilepsy or seizures
sickle-cell anemia
certain medicines such as blood thinners
surgery, transplant and cancer patients

Crazy Facts About November

2011-10-22T13:50:00.000-04:00

Here are some Crazy Facts about November:

November 2 - Look for Circles Day
November 4 - King Tut Day
November 6 - Fall Back - Daylight Saving Time Ends
November 8 - Election Day
November 11 - Veteran's Day
November 13 - World Kindness Day
November 15 - America Recycles Day
November 17 - World Peace Day
November 20 - Universal Children's Day
November 21 - World Hello Day
November 24 - Thanksgiving Day
November 25 - Black Friday

Protecting Wildlife in your Garden

2011-10-22T13:43:00.000-04:00

PROTECTING WILDLIFE CAN BE EASY AND FUN

Just follow these four simple steps and open your backyard to a wonderful world of wildlife.

Grow native plants found in your area, including trees, shrubs and other plants that offer food such as pollen, nectar, nuts, cones, berries and other seeds.
Provide water for wildlife with a small pond, birdbath or shallow dish...or care for a natural spring or stream on or near your habitat.
Create protective cover for wildlife by growing a meadow, a prairie, densely branched shrubs and, when appropriate, evergreens. Place hollow logs and rock piles in your yard.
Build birdhouses, attach to metal poles and monitor their use. Grow host plants for butterfly and moth caterpillars to eat and provide dense plantings to create safe areas for nesting wildlife.

Please watch what you plant in your garden. Exotic species not native to your region can become invasive and can be harmful to both people and wildlife. NWF's [National Wildlife Federation] Certified Wildlife Habitat program helps you plan your landscape with the needs of wildlife in mind. For more information visit www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife

Cookies for Santa

2011-10-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

Christmas Goodies

Soft Gingerbread

Gingerbread:
2 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ginger 1 tsp cloves or allspice
1/2 cup butter, soft 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup dark molasses 2 tsp baking soda
1 cup boiling water 2 eggs, slightly beaten

Icing:
1 cup icing sugar 1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 - 4 T hot water ( or more if needed to make a smooth, spreadable consistency)
round flat colored sprinkles

Gingerbread:

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Grease and flour cookie sheet (or use cooking spray).
Combine flour and spices. Add baking soda to boiling water in separate bowl. Mix in remaining wet ingredients. Add to dry ingredients. Bake until top is firm to the touch.

Icing:

Combine all icing ingredients, then spread on gingerbread. NOTE: You may put frosting on while gingerbread is still warm; this will help the icing spread and adds a pretty gloss.

Decadent Coconut Macaroons

For Macaroons:
1/3 cup sugar 3 T flour
1/8 tsp salt 2 eggs whites from large eggs
1/2 tsp almond extract 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

For Dipping:
one 4.25 oz bar Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate, broken up
1/2 cup salted almonds, chopped very small

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick sheet.
Combine all macaroon ingredients except the coconut in a bowl and stir well. Add the coconut and stir well. Take a tablespoon full of batter and form it into a dome, pressing against it slightly with the spoon to keep the mound firm; place on a cookie sheet.
Make tablespoon-sized domes from all the batter. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through baking so all macaroons are evenly (but only lightly) browned.
While macaroons are baking, melt chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water. Stir gently to be sure it is completely smooth.
When the macaroons are cooled, dip the bottoms in the melted chocolate, allowing the chocolate to come over the edge a little so you can see it, then dip the chocolate-covered bottoms into the chopped almonds. Place on a nonstick sheet of wax/parchment paper to set up. Once chocolate is dry, store in an air-tight container.

Viennese Rounds

Cookies:

1 cup butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted

1 1/2 cup flour, sifted 1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 c ground filberts (or hazelnuts), skin removed 1 cup raspberry preserves, seedless

Icing:

1 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted 1 - 2 tsp water or milk

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease cookie sheets.
In mixer, cream butter and sifted confectioner's sugar until well blended.
Stir in sifted flour, vanilla, and ground nuts until well blended.
Roll 1 level teaspoon of dough between palms of your hands to form a ball. Place balls two inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Lightly grease the bottom of a measuring glass or cup. Dip in confectioner's sugar and press lightly over each ball to flatten to a 1" round; be careful not to press too thin, as cookies will spread slightly while cooking.
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
Remove carefully to cooling racks; cookies are very delicate while cooling.
Once cool, spread the bottom of half of the cookies with a layer of preserves, then top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
To make icing, place confectioner's sugar in a small bowl, then add water or milk 1 tsp at a time to desired consistency (icing should be thin enough to pipe in a swirl pattern). If desired, one drop of red food coloring may be added to icing to create a very light pink color.
Fill a small plastic sandwich baggie with icing. Push icing down to corner of baggie, twist baggie to seal, then snip a tiny opening off the corner. Pipe icing onto top of cookie sandwich in a circular swirl pattern. Allow icing to set, then enjoy.

Makes approx 3 dozen cookies

Chocolate Snickerdoodles

1 1/2 cups sugar 1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs 1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 cup flour 4 T sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 4 T ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp almond extract 2 T decorative sugar crystals

Preheat oven to 400 F
In a large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups sugar and butter until creamy. Blend in almond extract and eggs.
Blend flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt into the creamed mixture.
Combine 4 T cinnamon and sugar and set aside.
Shape dough into 2" balls, dab 1 - 2 times in large sugar crystals, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place balls 2" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 6 to 9 minutes or until set.

Makes approx. 4 dozen cookies.

Santa Cookies

You could make them with a coconut beard and raisin eyes, but frosted beards and mini chocolate chip eyes are good too.

Cookies:

1 cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar

3 eggs 1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla, almond, or lemon extract

4 1/2 cups flour

Frosting:

1 cup shortening 4 cup confectioner's sugar

4 T milk 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, baking soda, salt and extract.
Add flour and knead dough into a ball. Wrap in wax paper and chill for at least 2 hours.
Roll dough to about 1/4" thickness. Using Santa cookie cutter, cut out cookies, making sure to flour cookie cutter with each cookie. If you are using raisins for eyes, add them now, as they will plump when they bake. If using chocolate chips, wait until decorating the cookies to add them.
Bake cookies on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for about 8 - 10 minutes. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.
Combine icing ingredients and decorate as desired.

Jam Tart Cookies

Cookies:
3 cup flour 1/2 tsp salt
1 T cinnamon 1 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg

Filling:
1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam 1/4 cup jellied cranberry sauce

With an electric mixer, cream butter with both sugars. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy. Add flour, salt and cinnamon. Beat until well combined.
Roll dough out 1/8" - 1/4" thick, and cut with a 2" round or scalloped edged cookie cutter. Place them on a cookie sheet. From half the cookies, cut out a small window using a small cookie cutter (I like a small heart) about 1/2" in size.
Bake at 375 F for about 7 - 8 minutes. Cool on racks.
Thoroughly mix raspberry jam and cranberry sauce together. Turn a solid cookie over and spread a small amount of jam mixture in center. Top it with a cookie that has a window in it, bottom side touching jam.

Apple Crisp Bars

Crust:
2 cup flour 1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter

Topping:
2 1/2 cup flour 1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon 12 T melted butter

Filling:
4 tart apples 1 tsp cinnamon
1 T flour 1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9" x 13" baking pan.
For the crust, mix the flour and brown sugar together, then cut in the butter using a pastry blender, two knives, or your hands. Press the mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Set aside.
For the topping, mix the dry ingredients together then mix in the melted butter. Stir well until everything is moist. Set aside.
For the filling, mix the dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Peel and core apples, then chop into 1/4" x 1/2" pieces. Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and blend it so all the apples are coated completely.
Place the apples on the crust in the pan, spreading them out to form an even layer. Sprinkle topping over apples, breaking up clumps as you go. Cover the entire surface of the apples, then press topping down gently with the palms of your hands. Bake for 45 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutty Caramel Corn

2 quarts popped corn 2 cups salted almonds

3/4 cup clear Karo syrup 1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp vanilla extract

Place Karo syrup, sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat and boil without stirring until it reaches 300 F on a candy thermometer.
While candy coating is boiling, pop the corn and mix with nuts in a large bowl. Line a jelly roll pan (or cookie sheets with sides) with a nonstick sheet or parchment paper and set aside.
When candy coating reaches 300 F, stir in vanilla extract; it will bubble. Pour most of the candy coating over popcorn and nuts, stirring around so most of the corn gets coated. Pour remaining candy coating over areas of popcorn that need coating and stir again. Note: The coating stiffens up pretty fast, so you need to work quickly. Pour coated corn/nut mixture onto pan and spread it out. When it hardens, break it up and store in an airtight container or zipper plastic bag.

Poetry and Quotes

2011-10-18T11:54:00.000-04:00

It is good to realize that if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor nature's gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever. - Jimmy Carter
What is paradise? But a garden, an orchard of trees, and herbs full of pleasure and nothing there but delights - William Lawson, 1668
The air was fragrant with a thousand trodden aromatic herbs, with fields of lavender, and with the brightest roses blushing in tufts all over the meadows. - William Cullen Bryant
We shall find a cleanly room, lavender in the windows and twenty ballads stuck about the wall. - Izaak Walton, The Compleat Angler
Ladies fair, I bring to you Lavender with spikes of blue; Sweeter plant was never found, Growing on our English ground. - Caryl Battersby
The Goddess of turmeric brings color in life. It is the ornament of married woman And any woman who puts turmeric in her purse, Her purse will never be empty. - Indian folk song
Cancer is a word, not a sentence. - John Diamond
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. - Winston Churchill
The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. - C.C. Scott
We acquire the strength we have overcome. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving. Make every day a holiday and celebrate just living! - Amanda Bradley
Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice. - Dave Barry
Come, woo me, woo me; for now I am in a holiday humor, and like enough to consent. - William Shakespeare
A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours. - John B. Priestly
The night was clear and frosty, all ebony of shadow and silver of slope; big stars were shining over the silent fields; here and there the dark pointed firs stood up with snow powdering their branches and the wind whistling through them. - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Burning wormwood leaves and flowers, Shall help thee develop psychic powers. This herb, when carried, shields from hexing blights, and protects thee from sea-serpent bites. - Jeffrey D. Mason,The Vine Rhyme Herbal
Colors change in the morning light, red shines out bright and clear and the blues merge into their surroundings, melting into the greens; but by the evening the reds loose their piquancy, embracing a quieter tone and shifting toward the blues in the rainbow. Yellow flowers remain bright, and white ones become luminous, shining like ghostly figures against a dark green background. - Rosemary Verey, The Scented Garden
As tansy herb 'tis a powerful charm, Repelling ants if they shouldest harm. When carried, tansy bringeth a maid and man increase of their natural life span. - Jeffrey D. Mason, The Vine Rhyme Herbal
Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius. - Pietro Aretino
When the bold branches bid farewell to rainbow leaves - welcome wool sweaters. - B. Cybrill
The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination. - Terri Guillemets
Winter came down to our home one night, quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow, and we were children once again. - Bill Morgan Jr.
One kind word can warm three winter months. - Japanese proverb
Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire. It is the time for home. - Edith Sitwell.
You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. - Mark Twain
For I dipped into the future, far as human eye could see, saw the vision of the world, and all the wonder that would be. - Lord Tennyson
Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt
The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend. - Henri Bergson
The eyes indicate the antiquity of the soul. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Who are you going to believe; me or your own eyes? - Groucho Marx

Jeepers, Creepers, Look at my Peepers

2011-10-18T11:28:00.000-04:00

Several foods can contribute to better eye health, you might consider incorporating the following ingredients into your diet. You'll find that each of these delicious foods has benefits for overall health.

almonds contain vitamin E and other components that slow age-related eye disorders, such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
apricots contain certain chemicals that promote antioxidants.
berries, like raspberries and blackberries, may reduce the risk of cataracts.
broccoli contains chemical compounds that may help age-related eye disorders and cataracts.
carrots (as we all learned in kindergarten) have a high vitamin A content.
eggs contain vitamin A and other properties which help retina function and lessen the chance of macular degeneration and cataracts.
flax seeds (freshly ground) contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that help promote eye health and help prevent and alleviate conditions like dry eye and age-related eye disorders.
fish oil supplements have essential omega-3 fatty acids. (You can also look to whole fish like wild salmon, herring, tuna, and sardines.)
garlic and onions are rich in sulfur and antioxidants.
spinach contains a chemical that helps protect the eyes from light damage and oxidation.
tomatoes are good for eye health and can also help protect eyes from sun damage.
yogurt contains (among other things) zinc, which helps the body absorb antioxidants.

Winter Beauty

2011-10-18T11:20:00.000-04:00

QUICK TIPS FOR WINTER BEAUTY

Seasonal changes also mean changes to your beauty regimen. Keeping your body hydrated and well-rested is essential for a healthy appearance.

SKIN: Keep your skin fresh, clean, and full of moisture by using a good skin scrub or loofah sponge. Lock in moisture after bathing with a rich skin cream or natural oil, such as light sesame or almond. Dry skin is not caused by lack of skin oils but from moisture that has evaporated from your skin. Oil creates a protective barrier that locks moisture in.

HANDS: The skin on your hands is thinner and needs extra protection during the winter. After washing your hands, always dry them thoroughly and use a rich hand cream or natural oil such as olive to keep them moisturized. Wear gloves when possible outdoors.

LIPS: Try to avoid licking your lips. This actually dries them out more, causing them to chap and crack. Protect your lips by using a rich lip balm every day. Melt together equal parts cocoa butter and coconut oil. Let cool and then massage into your lips.

HAIR: Cold, dry winter weather can cause your hair to become dry and brittle. Protect it by wearing a hat and giving yourself a weekly, deep-conditioning treatment to restore lost moisture. Try massaging a teaspoon or two of warm olive or walnut oil into your scalp before shampooing.

BATHS: During the winter months, nothing sounds better than a long, hot bath. But nothing could be more drying to your skin. Stick to short, warm (not hot) showers, which will protect skin and feel more energizing.

MASSAGE: Practicing the art of massage is not only a perfect activity for cold winter days, it's also fun and relaxing. Massage also boosts circulation and rids your body of toxins, helping you feel healthy and calm.

Cinnamon for Diabetes

2011-10-18T11:10:00.000-04:00

As one of many people with diabetes, I am always on the look-out for news, articles or information. Here is something I ran across awhile ago which I found interesting.

Some 20 million Americans have type-2 diabetes, which accounts for about 95% of all diabetes. Type-2 diabetics produce plenty of insulin (unlike with type-1), but their bodies can't use it effectively (often due to obesity), leading to insulin resistance, a condition that interferes with the transport of blood sugar into the cells. Lifestyle changes--regular exercise; weight loss; a low-fat diet with more fruits and vegetables; less meat, fast food, and junk foods - can produce dramatic healing of type-2 diabetes.

Recent findings about cinnamon (cinnamomum zeylanicum) may also offer diabetics some aid. Over the past decade, several studies have shown that cinnamon helps reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics.

The latest report comes from Mike O'Call-aghan Federal Hospital in Las Vegas, where researchers gave 109 type-2 diabetics either standard care or combined it with cinnamon (1,000 mg/day--about a teaspoon of powdered bark). After 90 days, the cinnamon group showed significantly reduced blood sugar.

Anyone and everyone who has diabetes or any pre-diabetic elevated blood sugar should incorporate cinnamon into his or her daily diet starting today. Use it on toast, fruit, and in cooking. Cinnamon is surprisingly versatile and lends itself to many savory recipes.

Arthritis

2011-10-17T14:34:00.000-04:00

Rose Hips

Turmeric

Mounting evidence shows that both rose hips (rosa canina) and curcumin, the yellow pigment in the Indian spice turmeric (curcuma longa), have anti-inflammatory action that helps treat the joint pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, the leading cause of chronic pain.

The latest report on curcumin comes from Greek researchers who gave 50 people with arthritic knees three tests: an X-ray, a standard assessment of joint pain, and a treadmill test to see how far the subjects could walk before knee pain became severe. The researchers then gave the participants curcumin (the equivalent of 200 mg/day of powdered herb.)

After three months, the participants retook the tests. The x-rays showed significantly less joint swelling. The survey also showed a significant decrease in knee pain, and the distance the subjects were able to walk pain-free increased from 76 to 332 meters, a very sizable difference. In addition, the curcumin treatment allowed participants to reduce mainstream arthritis medication, which reduced their stomach distress and improved their quality of life.

Meanwhile, Scandinavian scientists decided to conduct a meta-analysis of previous research focusing on rose hips and their ability to reduce arthritis pain. The team identified the three most rigorous studies, which involved 306 people with osteoarthritis of the knee, average age of 66, who took either a placebo or rose-hip powder for at least three months. Based on standard before-and-after tests of knee pain, rose hips seem to have reduced knee pain substantially (66 percent). In addition, while taking the herb, participants were able to reduce the amount of medication they took.

Organic Strawberries and ADHD

2011-10-17T14:20:00.000-04:00

Gardeners who have long thought organic growing methods offer higher quality fruits and vegetables now have scientific proof: a Washington State University study compared 13 pairs of organic and conventional strawberry fields and discovered that the strawberries from the organic farms had more nutrients and stayed fresh longer than their conventional counterparts.

If that's not enough of a reason to go organic, a growing body of evidence, including a new University of California study of 300 children from farming families, shows that organophosphate pesticides, such as parathion and malathion, are a prime cause of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Organophosphates are widely used on food crops throughout the United States to control insects. Experts say the pesticides kill insects by attacking their nervous systems. It makes sense that these chemicals contribute to a human nervous-system disorder like ADHD.

The University of California study found that a tenfold increase of pesticide levels in a mother's urine was associated with a fivefold increase in her child's attention problems. And a recent joint study from Harvard University and the University of Montreal of more than 1,100 children found that those kids who had a detectable amount of organophospates in their urine were twice as likely to develop ADHD as kids whose bodies were free of the pesticides.

Goin' Potty

2011-10-17T14:10:00.000-04:00

MAKE A MOSS-COVERED TERRACOTTA POT

To start, you will need an unglazed, completely dry terracotta pot. Dicranum flagellare or other moss that propagates by fragmentation makes a good choice for this project.

2 cups buttermilk or yogurt
1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped moss (do not use sphagnum)
blender (one you don't use for food, such as an old or second-hand one)
water
paint or sponge brush
gloves

Chop green moss in small bits and then let it dry. Make sure to remove any excess debris from the bottom of the moss.
In the blender, mix dried moss pieces and buttermilk or yogurt until the mixture becomes creamy. (You can add water to help attain desired consistency.)
Using a small paint or sponge brush, paint the mixture on the areas of the pot where you'd like to see moss grow. You can also paint the entire pot.
Place pot in a shaded area out of direct sun. (A garden shed is a good choice.) Mist with water daily. In approximately four to six weeks, moss should be growing on it!

Pet Health

2011-10-11T19:13:00.000-04:00

DANGEROUS FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS

This list is by no means all-inclusive. If you're not sure something is safe for your pet, always talk to your vet.

grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure
onions can lead to anemia
raw dough for baking contains ethanol; if eaten it can expand in a dog's stomach and cause a lot of pain.
evening primrose oil and borage oil both pose seizure and epilepsy risk
phosphorus, iron, and copper accelerate the aging process; phosphorus is very detrimental to kidney function.

Hands

2011-10-11T19:09:00.000-04:00

TIPS FOR HEALTHY HANDS AND NAILS

Hands need moisture more than any other part of the body because they have very few oil glands. (Nails are also very porous and can quickly lose moisture.) That's why it's so important to apply natural creams and oils to your hands and nails, especially after washing your hands.

Here are some simple tips for healthy hands and nails to keep them looking and feel good.

keep your nails the same length (shaped into square ovals) and well hydrated.
give yourself a weekly manicure, and if you wear polish, let your nails breathe for one day each week.
massage your nails daily to boost circulation and promote nail growth.
wear gloves when cleaning, gardening, or working with chemicals.
eat a healthy diet with plenty of calcium and good-quality protein. A diet that's lacking in proper nutrition will reveal itself in weak or flaking nails.
never cut your cuticles, as they protect your nail bed from bacterial and infection. Instead, gently push them back using a cotton swab or manicure tool.

AT HOME MANICURE

wash your hands with soap and water.
put sliced lemons, fresh lavender, mint, or rosemary in a bowl of warm water and soak your hands for 10 minutes. Use a gentle nailbrush and clean under each nail.
massage a rich hand cream or natural oil, such as olive or almond, into your hands and cuticles. Gently push back your cuticles with a cotton swab.
file your nails into square ovals using a paper emery board.
for extremely dry hands, make a hand mask with plain yogurt or sour cream and a teaspoon of honey. Spread the mixture over your hands and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
rinse off the entire mask with warm water, followed by cool water.
massage more hand cream or oil into your hands. Work from the base of your palm to your fingertips, one finger at a time.
polish your nails or buff them with a soft cloth for natural glow.

Too Hot For Tea

2011-10-11T16:50:00.000-04:00

Does your breakfast cup o' tea have a little less oomph these days? Blame it on global warming. The Associated Press reports that growers in Assam, India's main tea-producing region, believe rising temperatures are not only changing and weakening the flavors of their teas, but cutting the number of crops per year and leading to price increases.

Assam teas, which include black and British-style breakfast blends, are known for their strength and body. The Associated Press reports that Assam grew 564,000 tons of tea in 2007, but only 487,000 tons in 2009 and an estimated 460,000 tons in 2010. As a result, Assam tea prices have increased by about 10 percent.

Experts say the region's temperatures have risen 3.6 degrees over the past 80 years, and scientists at the Tea Research Association are studying whether this hot weather leads to rainfall fluctuations, which in turn can affect tea production and taste. Their theory: Global warming produces more monsoons and less sunshine, which creates unfavorable conditions for tea growth.

Growers are urging the Indian government to fund studies about climate change and tea production. Tea is big business in India--the Associated Press reports that the tea industry employs roughly three million people across the country.

Poetry and Quotes

2011-10-10T10:54:00.000-04:00

Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends - Cindy Lew
I used to wake up at four a.m. and start sneezing, sometimes for five hours. I tried to find out what sort of allergy I had but finally came to the conclusion that it must be an allergy to consciousness. - James Thurber
What linguistic genius set up the sneeze and wheeze to rhyme so very perfectly with the word for allergies? - Charlie N. Abbers
I am pretty sure that, if you will be quite honest, you will admit that a good rousing sneeze, one that tears open your collar and throws your hair into your eyes, is really one of life's sensational pleasures. - Robert Benchley
Be able to sneeze without sounding ridiculous: That means never stifling yourself or spraying your immediate vicinity. - Marilyn vos Savant
I fear one day I'll meet God, he'll sneeze, and I won't know what to say. - Ronnie Shakes
The Autocrat of Russia possesses more powers than any other man on the earth; but he cannot stop a sneeze. - Mark Twain
Do you know how helpless you feel if you have a full cup of coffee in your hand and you start to sneeze? - Jean Kerr
A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams. - John Barrymore
You are a young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. - Douglas MacArthur
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. - Chili Davis
In youth the days are short and the years are long; in old age the years are short and the days long. - Nikita Ivanovich Panin
Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone. - Jim Fiebig
How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were? - Satchel Paige
I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent. - George Washington
The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground. - Buddha
I never saw a discontented tree. They grip the ground as though they liked it, and though fast rooted they travel about as far as we do. - John Muir
If you would lift me up you must be on higher ground. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt
Cocktail party: A gathering held to enable 40 people to talk about themselves at the same time. The man who remains after the liquor is gone is the host. - Fred Allen
At every party there are two kinds of people: those who want to go home and those who don't. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other. - Ann Landers.
Health: what my friends are always drinking to before they fall down.- Phyllis Diller
I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends. - Nancie J. Carmody
One's friends are that part of the human race with which one can be human. - George Santayana
If life gives you limes, make margaritas. - Jimmy Buffett
I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade....then try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka and have a party. - Ron White
We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors, and furniture polish is made from real lemons. - Alfred Newman
It is probably that the lemon is the most valuable of all fruit for preserving health. - Maud Grieve, A Modern Herbal
I got the blues thinking of the future, so I left off and made some marmalade. It's amazing how it cheers one up to shred oranges and scrub the floor. - D.H. Lawrence
Huge lemons, cut in slices, would sink like setting suns into the dusky seas, softly illuminating it with their radiating membranes, and its clear , smooth surface aquiver from the rising bitter essence. - Rainer Maria Rilke
Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend, and inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. - Groucho Marx
If often happens that a man is more humanely related to a cat or dog than to any human being. - Henry David Thoreau
Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. This Praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog. - Lord Byron
Happiness is a warm puppy. - Charles M. Schulz
Sir Isaac Newton, the scientist who first described the principle of gravity, also invented the swinging cat door for the convenience of his many cats.
You see, a dog growls when it's angry, and wags its tail when it's pleased. Now I growl when I'm pleased, and wag my tail when I'm angry. Therefore I'm Mad! - The Chesire Cat; Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland

Getting the Bad Guys

2011-10-10T10:20:00.000-04:00

Scientists at Colorado State University (CSU) are bioengineering plants that turn from green to white in the vicinity of explosives and toxic chemicals. Military and Homeland Security officials hope that these plants can serve as early-warning systems in buildings, airports, combat zones, and other areas where terrorists make or carry bombs.

"The idea to make detector plants comes directly from nature," said CSU biologist June Medford. "Plants can't run or hide from threats, so they've developed sophisticated systems to detect and respond to their environment. We've 'taught' plants how to detect things we're interested in--and respond in a way anyone can see--to tell us there is something nasty around."

Medford and a team of about 30 researchers dipped arabidopsis (a member of the mustard family) in a bacteria solution to pick up the plant's custom receptors. Then they genetically altered these receptors to detect a pollutant or explosive in the air or soil near the plant. Further genetic altering causes the plant to lost its green color when it senses dangerous substances.

Currently, it takes three hours for the plan to turn from green to white, but the Pentagon's Defense Threat Reduction Agency has given Medford and her team $7.9 million to work on speeding up the color change to only a few minutes. There's also a plan to modify the plants so only agents using special infrared technology can see the plants change color.

"Our hope is that if these plants could be located ubiquitously, we might be able to detect explosives at the point they are being assembled," Homeland Security Explosives Research Program Manager Doug Bauer told The Denver Post. "You would have a much greater opportunity for first responder to interdict and disrupt that activity."

Medford says that any plant can be altered to have these special abilities, so she's adding sterilization to her genetic modifications so that these new traits don't inadvertently spread to other plants.

Bathing Salts

2011-10-09T20:18:00.000-04:00

Usually we think of salt in the culinary sense, for seasoning our food and to aid in food preservation. Salt has many more applications, including its use in the bath to promote relaxation. Naturally occurring salts harvested from diverse locations, as well as some refined salts, can enhance a warm soak in the tub.

Historically, our forebears used cool baths for lowering a fever and warm baths to ease pain. Many holistic practitioners suggest using salt and herbal baths for treating various maladies. Although any type of salt may be used for soaking, some of the most soothing in bathwater are unrefined and additive-free sea salts, kosher salt, and Epsom salt.

Bath salts are fun, easy, and inexpensive to make. Personalize the mixtures by adding the garden aromas of home-dried lemon verbena, scented geranium leaves, rosemary, lavender flowers, or calendula petals. A few drops of a favorite essential oil intensifies the fragrance. Use only pure-grade essential oils, preferably organic, and, because some essential oil can irritate sensitive skin, use them sparingly. Prepare extra bath salts and give them as gifts, presented in cellulose bags with natural twine, hand-sewn bags of colorful material, or pretty recycled-glass jars.

Making and Using Bath Salts

Start by measuring the salts into a glass or stainless-steel bowl. Add the essential oil, adjusting the amount for a lighter or stronger scent. Mix thoroughly. Stir in the herbs, reserving a few for decoration, if you wish. Pour into a pint jar. Place the reserved herb sprigs or petals on top of the salt before sealing the jar.

The amount of bath salt used is a matter of preference; for a hearty soak, use the entire jar. Pour the salts into the flow of water to mix and dissolve the salt crystals. Relax and soak.

Salts for Soaking

Epsom salt: a hydrate form of magnesium sulfate named for the mineral-rich spring waters of Epsom, England
Celtic Sea Salt: a brand of unprocessed salt with trace minerals; from coastal France.
Himalayan salt: a rock salt mined in Pakistan that sometimes has a pink tinge from iron oxide.
Baking soda: sodium bicarbonate; softens water and relieves minor skin irritations.
Hawaiian sea salt: sea slat mixed with red clay containing iron oxide; color ranges from white to pink.
Kosher salt: a coarse and flaky salt, intended for curing meats; usually additive-free.
Pickling salt: fine-grained to dissolve quickly; does not contain the iodine or anti-caking agents usually added to table salt.
Pretzel salt: a coarse salt that does not dissolve quickly.

Relaxation

2 cups salt

4 to 8 drops lavender essential oil

1 or 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers and rosebuds

Sore Muscles

2 cups salt

4 to 8 drops wintergreen or lemongrass essential oil (or a mixture of the two)

1 or 2 tablespoons dried lemon verbena leaves

Greenville, Ohio

2011-10-08T22:12:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was such a gorgeous autumn day, that Dave and I decided to take a day trip. We chose Greenville, Ohio (which isn't too far from the Indiana border). We visited the Garst Museum in downtown Greenville -- amongst other exhibits, two famous people from Darke County (where Greenville is located), they are the main exhibits........

Phoebe Moses better known as Annie Oakley

Lowell Thomas, a famous newscaster. Here he is shown on the right with T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) on the left.

Remains of the Garden

2011-10-08T22:02:00.000-04:00

Saving and Storing seeds from your garden.

In 2005, scientists in Israel germinated a date-palm seed that was nearly 2,000 years old when archaeologists found it in the desert near the ancient fortress of Masada. Even though most seed savers are not trying to produce plants that date to the time of Jesus, there's a lesson to be learned from this feat: Store seeds in a dry place.

Whether the seeds are collected in the garden or store-bought, proper storage is essential to germination next year--and ideally, for several seasons to come.

A seed's worst enemies are heat, humidity, sunlight, and hungry rodents. Here's some suggestions on how to preserve them.

Start with dry seeds. Make sure harvested seeds are totally dry before storing. if they're not, they can develop mold, which will make them unusable. Purchased seeds are already dry.
Pack 'em up. Put collected seeds into envelopes, seal them, and clearly mark the envelopes with variety names and dates. Leave purchased seeds in the packets they came in, taped shut. Place the envelopes into a plastic zipper bag, mason jar, Tupperware or other resealable storage container-- anything that will seal out humidity and keep the seeds safe from rodents. Don't use cloth, paper, or thin plastic bags that cannot be made airtight. Place some dry milk powder or a disiccant such as silica get at the bottom of the container as added protection from dampness.
Keep them cool, dry, and dark A dark basement corner--or any cool, dry room -- is a good place for storing seeds. But with some exceptions (such as aquatic and tropical plants), seeds remain viable longer if stored at constant temperatures of 40 F or lower, making a refrigerator a better choice for long-term storage. To prevent moisture from condensing on seed packets that have been refrigerated, allow the storage container to warm to room temperature before opening it.
Check for viability. Before planting, spread 10 seeds from each packet on a wet paper towel, fold it, and then place it in a plastic bag, seal, and label it. Allow it to remain at room temperature for a week or more. If all 10 seeds sprout, you're in business, but even if six or seven sprout, you can still use them -- just sow more thickly to allow for duds.

EXPECTED LIFE SPAN OF STORED SEEDS

1 to 2 years - corn, onions, leeks, parsley, parsnips, pepper
3 to 4 years - asparagus, beans, peas, beets, cabbage family, carrots, eggplant, squashes, pumpkins, tomatoes
5 to 6 years - cucumbers, lettuce, melons, spinach

Girl Time

2011-10-05T16:22:00.000-04:00

Janice, Linda and I met for lunch today at The Cambridge Tea House in Marble Cliff. We had a very nice meal (hey, you can tell I like this place by the number of times I go to it) and a great chat.

Do visit it if you like to be pampered, eat fancy little things and like either hot or cold tea.

Cold & Hard Bounty

2011-10-05T16:17:00.000-04:00

As many of us know all too well, there can be too much of a good thing -- especially after hauling in a bumper crop of squash from the garden or farmer's market. The only viable option for the bounty is freezing it, which should be done without hesitation. Despite fears to the contrary, most vegetables, fruits, and even herbs will keep in the freezer for several months. And, when ready for use, the produce can be tossed straight into soups, or steamed or boiled like fresh vegetables; there's no need to defrost. Or worry. Here are some things to try or think about:

Pick in the morning If harvesting from the garden or farmers' market, do it early, when the temperature is coolest and the leaves and stems, fruit and petals are still turgid (filled with water). Keep the produce cool until it's too be prepared for the freezer, so it stays as fresh as possible -- no languishing on the counter top for 2 days.
Get to know blanch Blanching kills enzymes that cause vegetables to discolor and develop off flavors over time. Chop vegetables into even, bite-size chunks (so they can be used in a recipe, straight from the freezer, without having to be cut down from iceberg density) and drop them into boiling water. The timing will vary depending on the vegetable--greens such as spinach or kale need to be immersed only long enough to wilt--but 1 to 2 minutes should be plenty. Transfer the vegetables to an ice bath to stop the cooking, then spread on a towel to dry. One exception to this rule is tomatoes. Pop them into the freezer whole (the skins should peel off easily when they thaw) or peel and chop or puree them. There's no need to cook first, they'll emerge from the freezer perfect for soups and sauces.
Freeze in Single Layers. Once the blanched vegetables are dry, spread them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then pour them into zip-top freezer bags and label with a name and date.
Think About Future Menus. If you're planning to make a special squash dish later, you may want some thinly sliced rounds rather than only square chunks. Create a bag of each so you have options. When freezing pumpkin for pie filling, cook it completely, then mash it, so it will be ready to use.
Take stock of your belongings. Make a list of what's been frozen and stick it on the front of the refrigerator/freezer. Even if your basil gets hidden beneath a frozen turkey, the list will remind you it's there. Somewhere.

FREEZING FRUIT

Berries will lose some of their structure when thawed but are still great for smoothies, compotes, or pies. Spread berries in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then pour into a zip-top freezer bag.
To freeze apples and peaches, peel and slice them, then toss with an ascorbic acid preservative (such as Fruit Fresh) to prevent browning. They will be soft once thawed, so they're best for compotes or pie filling.

FREEZING HERBS

Treat basil like a leafy green vegetable. Blanch it briefly--just long enough for it to wilt; cool in an ice bath, pat dry, and freeze.
Other herbs can be frozen as they are, sealed in zip-top freezer bags. They may turn brown but will still taste fresher than they would if dried.
Consider freezing chopped fresh herbs in ice-cub trays. Drop a teaspoon or two of herbs into each cube and fill with water or chicken broth. Pop out the cubes to add to sauces or soups.

American Red Cross Volunteer

2011-10-01T18:39:00.000-04:00

On Friday, I did another location for three hours.......the Hilliard Public Library. Steady flow of people for the first three hours. I went home and someone else took over.

I've got another posting at the end of October for another library location.

Giving Thanks

2011-10-01T18:23:00.000-04:00

At church recently there was a luncheon for the seniors. At my Women's Spirituality class this past week, one of the members read us the "grace" that was said before the meal. I liked it and thought to share it with you.

"So, as I see it, we did not make the food we are about to eat. We didn't plant it, pick it, buy it, clean it, chop it, cook it.

We did not grunt real hard and think the food into existence.

We did not set the sun into place to give light to the vegetables, or gather the clouds to make rain to drench the roots.

We did not set the earth to spinning at the edge of the galaxy of stars around a small and unimportant star, nor did we do anything much more than find ourselves here when we opened our eyes as babies, surprised to be anywhere at all, I suppose, but not knowing any other possibility. We are about to eat as we always eat, mysteries at the table of mystery.

Glad to be alive to share the gift of the food.

Glad to be alive to share the gift.

Glad to be alive to share.

Glad to be alive.

Glad.

Ravelry Swap

2011-10-01T16:20:00.000-04:00

My Ravelry swap partner was very generous to me this month. She chose an alpaca yarn in my favorite color - purple. The merino/silk yarn is in a grape colorway--hey, still more purple. The red yarn (and forgive my camera, for some reason it doesn't like taking pictures of red things) is so very soft and from Bernat......can't go wrong with any of these.

In the box she also put four pair of her own handmade pierced earrings in great autumn colors of orange and red. Drat, since she also gave me some autumn themed note cards, guess this means I'll have to dig out a nice pen and write some letters :). And Constant Comment tea.....need I say more. My day is complete.

Crazy Facts About October

2011-09-28T15:33:00.000-04:00

October 2 - Name Your Car Day
October 3 - Child Health Day
October 5 - World Teacher Day
October 7 - World Smile Day
October 8 - Yom Kippur
October 10 - Columbus Day
October 11 - It's My Party Day
October 14 - National Dessert Day
October 15 - Sweetest Day
October 17 - National Boss's Day
October 21 - Babbling Day
October 30 - National Candy Corn Day
October 31 - Halloween

Econundrum

2011-09-28T15:28:00.000-04:00

Computers can come with toxic baggage, including mercury and lead. If it's time for a new one, suggest you try these green tips:

first, try tweaking your current model. Ask the manufacturer for advice on how to boost speed by deleting files or adding memory.
If that isn't enough, do your research before buying a new one. Check ratings based on criteria such as recycled content and packaging by using the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool at epeat.net
Responsibly dispose of your old machine. Find out where to sell, recycle, or donate it at ecosquid.com Or give it to a needy school through the National Cristina Foundation (cristina.org)

5 Ways to be a Better Friend

2011-09-25T20:10:00.000-04:00

Bert and Ernie. Laverne and Shirley. Thelma and Louise. These duos knew what it took to create a lasting bond. Here are some suggestions for creating your own enduring relationships (none of which involve driving off a cliff).

STOP GIVING ADVICE - if you always tell your friend how to fix her problems, the relationship will be unbalanced. You become the One Who Knows All, and she becomes the One Who Is Troubled. Eventually you're both going to tire of those roles. Instead, let her bounce ideas off of you. Ask, "What are you planning to do about this tricky situation?" Or just give a supportive comment: "That sounds difficult. How do you feel about it?" Offer your opinion only if she asks for it. Otherwise you're not having a dialogue; you're giving a lecture.
SHOW A DIFFERENT SIDE OF YOURSELF - one great way to do that is to mix friends from different areas of your life--say, throw a get-together with your college buddies and your pals from work. You'll find yourself opening up more, and your friends will learn new things about you. Friendships benefit from a breath of fresh air.
BE (GENUINELY) HAPPY FOR YOUR FRIEND'S SUCCESS - friends want you to celebrate with them when good things happen. Sometimes that's harder than it sounds, especially if you're a little jealous of your pal's success. Swallow that emotion, because she doesn't just need a shoulder to cry on in a crisis. She's also looking for someone to cheer her triumphs. Joy shared is joy doubled.
MAKE SMALL GESTURES - You don't have to go to great lengths - throwing a surprise party or giving an expensive gift - to show your friends you love them. Here's an example - when you had surgery, about 50 people posted short comments online wishing you well. You'd be touched. If you don't use social media, reach out in other ways. Leave your friend a compassionate voice message, or stop by her office with a latte if she's had a tough day. It will mean the world.
ACT LIKE A NINE-YEAR OLD - grown-ups should work harder on seeing their friends. When you're in school, it's easy. You get to spend all day, every day, with them, except on Saturdays and Sundays. But once you've graduated, a company can't offer jobs to you and all your friends so that you can stay together. Adults have to make more of an effort to see each other, and sometimes they don't do that enough.

Ice Cubes

2011-09-25T19:51:00.000-04:00

New Uses for Ice Cubes

SOUP SKIMMER - to skim excess fat from soup without refrigerating it, fill a metal ladle with ice cubes and glide it along the surface a few times, wiping the ladle as needed. Excess fat will cling to the ladle's bottom.
SOIL SOAKER - water your plants without leaving them in the sink to drain by covering the surface of the soil with ice cubes. They'll gradually hydrate your plant as they melt.
CAULK SMOOTHER - as you squeeze a new caulk line around a bathtub, run the corner of a cube behind it. The ice will create a clean edge without sticking.
BROW SOOTHER - a few minutes before you tweeze, rub an ice cube over your brows to numb the skin, then dry. Post-plucking, ice again to minimize redness.
DISPOSAL SCRUBBER - run a handful of ice cubes and a pinch of baking soda through your garbage disposal. You'll get rid of the built-up grease on the blades and the leftover smell of.....leftovers.
HANDHELD A/C - when the summer heat is stifling, hold a piece of ice on the underside of your wrist. As blood flows through that chilly pulse point, your body temperature will slowly drop.

Numbers

2011-09-25T19:43:00.000-04:00

100 - the number of years since the birth of Lucille Ball, who transformed the quotidian chores of a homemaker into slapstick gold. On August 6, I hope we all stomped some grapes, scarfed down some chocolates, ordered an entire side of beef, baked a giant loaf of bread, and enjoyed a good old belly laugh -- all for The Love of Lucy.
83% - the percentage of human-resource managers who say the appearance of an employee's workspace affects their perception of her skill level and professionalism. Want to be known as a go-getter? Then go get those dirty coffee cups and messy piles of paper!
20 - how many years ago the world's first website, info.cern.ch, went live. The inventor of the World Wide Web, physicist Tim Berners-Lee, launched the program on August 6, 1991, but only people with NeXT computers could access it. The site offered details on using the Web, including how to build a page and search for information. Don't believe me? Google it. (My how times have changed!)
2/3 - the proportion of heterosexual relationships in which the man says "I love you" first, according to a study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. On average, men utter those three little words six weeks before their girlfriends do. Any guy who would like his lady to beat him to the punch should heed the Supremes' advice: You can't hurry love-you just have to wait.... about a month and a half.
30 - how many minutes the average American spends cooking each day. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Americans whip up meals faster than the residents of any other country. Citizens of India and Turkey take the most time - 74 minutes on average. Maybe we should take back dinnertime this fall.
$1,300 - the amount of money you could receive the next time you're kicked off an oversold flight. Thanks to new passenger-protection rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation, travelers who are involuntarily bumped and, as a result, are delayed more than two hours for a domestic flight or four hours for an international flight can collect four times the price of their tickets, with a cap of $1,300. And if your luggage is lost, the airline is now required to refund the cost of any checked-baggage fees (in addition to compensating you for the suitcase and its contents). Consider it extra peace of mind when things get turbulent.

Favorite Birds

2011-09-24T20:50:00.000-04:00

most colorful bird - Baltimore oriole
top songbird - northern cardinal
best woodpecker - pileated woodpecker
top warbler - yellow warbler
favorite hummingbird - ruby-throated hummingbird
#1 owl - snowy owl
favorite troublemaker - blue jay
greatest raptor - bald eagle

Favorite Flowers

2011-09-24T20:46:00.000-04:00

favorite annual - sunflower
favorite hummingbird flower - bee balm
favorite bulb - daffodil
favorite shade plant - bleeding heart
favorite butterfly flower - butterfly bush
favorite perennial - day lily
favorite drought tolerant plant - black-eyed susan
favorite tree or shrub with berries - dogwood
favorite foliage plant - hosta
favorite vine - clematis

Gardening/Nature Hints

2011-09-24T20:37:00.000-04:00

hollow out your pumpkins and fill them with cracked corn and birdseed to give ground-feeding birds a special treat.
use a turkey baster to water plants you have started from seeds indoors. It prevents you from over watering or flattening tender plants.
don't throw old sheer curtains away. They're perfect for covering cabbage plants to keep destructive moths from laying eggs there. They're also a good cover for lettuce during hot weather.
filling large flower-pots with soil is expensive. Instead, put empty aluminum cans in the bottom of the pot to save money and keep it lighter.
once your children outgrow their swing set, make a feeding station out of the frame. It could be equipped with a large variety of feeders.
to combat hot birdbath water in summer, fill a cottage cheese container with water and freeze it overnight. Place it in the birdbath in the morning, it keeps the water coll for hours.
Robins often nest in woven baskets. Simply turn a basket on its side and attach it to a wall with screws. Mount under an overhang to protect against the elements.
try attaching a hand-held watering wand to a trellis that covered with a vine. The birds can't resist zipping through the shower.
try using a watering can to make filling your bird feeders easier. Just remove the heat from the spout and pour.
try buying unsalted peanuts and tuck them into or under the bark of your trees. The birds love to hunt for the treats.
try hanging a suet cage at the edge of your yard with orange slices inside during the spring. It usually brings in beautiful birds maybe even a Baltimore oriole.
try suspending a muffin tin from wires for orioles. The lip of the tin serves as a perch, and the cups hold orange halves and sugar water.
Try this nectar recipe for hummingbirds and orioles. Prepare the basic sugar-water mix (4 cups water to 1 cup sugar, boil and cool)., then add a special ingredient: a couple of drops of orange extract.
Robins often arrive when the ground is still frozen, and it's hard for them to find worms. So scatter raisins around to give them something to eat.
position your camera at the level of the subject. If you see a robin pulling up a worm, lie down and take the picture from the ground level.
take several shots of each bird. It may turn its head,ruffle its feathers or open its bill mid- shot. Odds are you'll get an even better shot.
sit in one spot and be patient. Once you become part of the environment, the birds go about their routines and you/ll get the best pictures.
during the winter it's too difficult for some to fill their bird feeders,. Try converting your window boxes into feeders. Line them with pineboughs and place pinecones, birdseed and slices of apples and oranges.
provide several sugar-water feeders for hummingbirds, but make sure they're out of sight of one another. The males don't like to share.
try hanging a hummingbird feeder from the same hook as a basket of impatiens or other favorite flower. You'll give hummers a double treat.
try attaching cedar branches to your bird feeder posts. These serve as perches where birds can wait their turn to feed and also provide protection from predators.
here's recycling idea....when you plant containers, place a used dryer sheet at the bottom of the pot. This way, no potting soil falls through the holes, and still water your plants properly, since the dryer sheet allows for good drainage.
to make stepping-stones, line a spring-form cake pan with plastic wrap, then fill it with cement to form each one. As the cement is drying, children can make hand prints in it and decorate with marbles, rocks and other items.
in spring,plant sunflowers with the birds in mind. At harvest time, set out the seed heads. Then use leftover stalks to make roosting tepees.
use Christmas cookie cutters to make birdseed ornaments. Just cut shapes from leftover bread and brush with egg white. Then press them in birdseed and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Thread and hang for the birds.
after the holidays, haul your Christmas tree outside and decorate it with goodies, like dried fruit and pinecones coated with peanut butter. This provides shelter and a feeding station for birds.
even butterflies sometimes need relief from the hot summer sun. Place some nectar plants where they'll get a few hours of afternoon shade. Most will still flower, and you'll be surprised at the number of butterflies that visit.
resist the temptation to be too tidy in the garden, and don't disturb plants that are going to seed, so the birds can have a fall feast.
place a few pennies in your birdbath. They slow down algae buildup.
try keeping a bar of antibug soap in your watering can. When you water your plants, they get a dose of the antibug soap, too.
to keep flies away, plant savory in pots next to your house and doorways. Flies don't like the smell.
try gathering cornstalks from your garden and wave them through loose wire fencing stuck into the ground around your feeders. They block wind and predators.

Welcoming Guests

2011-09-22T17:40:00.000-04:00

Welcoming guests into our lives:

Wise role models enrich our guest lists and often bring the gift of expanding horizons into our lives
Make sure to stay in touch with friends. It takes being intentional, but it is too easy with our crazy busy life-styles to let people drift away
Work to keep our address books current. I'd hate to think I lost track because of a move I didn't record until after the forwarding address had expired
Connect with each other at least once a year. People groan at the thought of Christmas cards as a way to stay in touch, but it could be a good discipline. I especially appreciate getting Christmas letters or newsletters.
Keep a record of special contributions. Some people keep a people journal. I think that's a wonderful idea. I'd love to have a page or two for every friend with a photo and many of the wise things they've said to me. What a treasure it would be.
Find a "safe" way to give. I struggle with giving money to obviously needy people I meet on the street. We all worry about enabling substance abuse, but I like what I've heard more and more people are doing. They carry fast-food gift cards with them and give those, making sure that the stranger can at least get a hot meal.
A simple courtesy can go a long way, much like the complimentary cup of coffee/tea offered by the man at the airport. We can open a door, pick up a dropped item, offer a seat, give a compliment.
A smile costs absolutely nothing, and sometimes it is all that is needed to connect with a stranger.
Figure out what's bothering you, and work to resolve it. This sounds easier than it is. Sometimes we need help--even professional help--to do this.
Take care of the physical. Are you getting enough sleep? Do you eat right? Do you need to see a Doctor?
Reduce the stress. We all live under a load of stress. Be creative and try to find ways to minimize that stress.
Apply discipline to the situation. Even though I may feel out of sorts or permanently cranky, I don't have to let anyone else see that. Try to avoid rudeness, instead being patient and kind, I can change the dynamic. When we resolve to discipline ourselves to practice this kind of response, very often we find that the feelings will follow.
Journaling is a powerful way to chronicle. Historians cull much of the immediacy and color of an era from first-person accounts. In the same way, family members will benefit from seeing the mountains and valleys of your spiritual journey. You need a willingness to be vulnerable. No one wants to read a fictional account of the exemplary life. The value and strength of a memoir come in the simplicity of truth, warts and all.
Correspondence makes a lasting impact. Ignore the convenience of the telephone and return to pen and paper for important family correspondence. We tend to save letters. As the years pass, they become more precious. Commemorate important milestones like births, deaths,graduations and marriages with letters expressing what the recipient means to you and what you appreciate most about them.
Family recipes are rich with sensory remembrance. Compile a recipe file, but include more than just the ingredients. Add family memories.
Do you draw, paint or sculpt? Your creative works bear witness to your faith long after you are gone. Creative gifts often point to the creator more clearly than spoken words. A garden bears witness to the gardener's faith, through the notes, records, and anecdotes the gardener keeps. A poem draws us into the presence of the writer.
Don't underestimate your children. Have high ambitions for their swift, step-by-step growth into maturity. We all tend to become what we think about, and kinds tend to become what their parents expect of them.
Don't treat teenagers like large children. Think of them, and treat them, as near-adults. Pull them up, fine-tune their consciences, welcome them to adult reality. Show them how to balance a checkbook, pursue a job, work professionally, please their bosses, deal respectfully with the opposite sex.
Don't ever tell your teens that the high-school years are the best part of their lives. This isn't true. Adolescence is , in fact, one of life's toughest times: teens have to cope with blunders and glandular upheavals, surfing up and down learning curves.
Don't let your kids dress in such a way as to bring shame to the family. Nobody has a right to do this.
Don't miss small opportunites to talk with your kids. Listen politely and respectfully. You can talk with them while driving, doing dishes and other chores together, walking and biking, working on hobbies you share, tucking them into bed. Don't forget to praise your children, and be specific about it. Kids need a pat on the back from time to time. We all do. Give praise for effort, not just success.
Am I kind? It sounds simple, but if kindness is practiced, it could revitalize families.
Am I an active listener? Do I show that I care about what's being said?
Do I do the little things, the caring things, instead of worrying about the grand gestures or big gifts?
Do I treat my spouse with as much deference in private as I do in public?
Do I forgive and seek restoration?
Do I say things to honor my spouse in the way I speak about him or her?
Look for ways to brighten the days of the elderly. Home-baked breads or sweet rolls might remind someone of home. Books and magazines might fill an otherwise lonely day.If you love animals, donating a few hours at the local animal shelter may be just the fit the regular shelter employee needs. The animals will appreciate it as well.
Write thank-you notes to those who serve thanklessly, wither that's soldiers, your pastor, your children's teachers, or even local politicians.
Take a harried young mom and her brood out to a fund fast-food restaurant with a playground feature.
Buy some warm scarves and gloves to hand out to street people who look like they could use them.
Take a lonely child to the zoo.
Plan a makeover party at a shelter for battered women.

Be creative. You'll come up with a whole list of ideas on your own.

Welcome you are my guest as I am yours.

If I Had A Cat........

2011-09-20T19:25:00.000-04:00

Since Dave volunteers at the Humane Society as a cat snuggler [official title is Socializer], I have chosen what I believe to be the perfect name for four different colors of cats......and yes, I'm sort of hoping he'll weaken and let one follow him home.

For a brown cat -- Gingerbread

For a grey cat -- Circe

For a white cat -- Luna

For a black cat -- Pandora

New Uses for Bathroom Items

2011-09-20T18:57:00.000-04:00

New Uses for Antacid Tablets

Clean a toilet: Toss in two dissolving antacid tablets, such as Alka-Seltzer, wait 20 minutes, then brush
Remove a stain from a vase's bottom: drop a tablet in a little water and let is sit for several minutes. Wipe and rinse.
Soothe a sting: Dissolve two tablets in a glass of water, then dab on bug bites
Impress a kid with a fun science experiment: Pour water into a plastic 33-millimeter-film canister until it is one-third full, drop in a tablet, replace the lid, and quickly place the canister upside down on the ground. Stand back, in 5 to 10 seconds, the gas pressure will make the canister pop its lid and shoot several feet into the air.

New Uses for Baby Oil

remove latex paint from skin: pour a generous amount of baby oil on a cotton ball and scrub
untangle a necklace chain; massage a dab of oil onto the tangled area, then use a straight pin to carefully pull apart the knot
peel of bandages: avoid involuntary hair removal--and extra agony--by rubbing baby oil over and round the sticky part of an adhesive bandage before pulling it off
slip off a stuck ring: massage oil onto your finger and rotate the ring until you can slide it off

New Uses for Cotton Swabs

touch up paint on cabinets or walls: or use a swab to apply wood stain to elaborate carvings on furniture or scratches on furniture and floors
keep your phone charged: use a swab dipped in alcohol to clean the battery contacts of a cordless phone, cell phone, or laptop. This will help maintain good battery connections and sustain the charge for a longer time
make a face: apply Halloween greasepaint with a swab and save your makeup brushes for the good stuff
tote touch-up makeup: in a tiny evening bag, rub cotton swabs in concealer and eye shadow, sealing them in a plastic bag, and tucking the bag into your clutch
take a shine to your silver: use a swab to apply polish to crevices in flatware or tea services

New Uses for Dental Floss

unstick a photograph: slide a length of dental floss under the corner of a photo that's stuck to an album page or another snapshot. Work the floss between the two surfaces to separate them without damaging the picture
save a necklace: rescue a busted strand by threading the beads onto dental floss for a quick, sturdy fix
hang a painting: to hang lightweight artwork that's not in a heavy frame with glass, use dental floss in place of picture wire
string a popcorn garland during the holidays: just thread the floss through a needle as you would ordinary sewing thread

My Nutritionist

2011-09-07T12:51:00.000-04:00

Went to my nutritionist/nurse this morning....gave me some reading to do, had a great chat and time to stop @#$%^&* around and get my act together.

American Red Cross Volunteer

2011-09-07T12:49:00.000-04:00

Did a session last night.....lived to tell the tale and didn't get "fired". Ready for the next one.

What Does a Portion Look Like?

2011-09-03T12:14:00.000-04:00

1 ounce of hard cheese = a pair of dice or domino
3 ounces of cooked fish = a checkbook
1 cup = a closed woman's fist
2 tablespoons of peanut butter, salad dressing, jam = a ping pong ball or golf ball
1 teaspoon butter or margarine = a postage stamp
2 to 3 ounces of cooked meat = deck of cards
1 oz of chocolate = a small package of dental floss
1small baked potato = a computer mouse
medium piece of fruit = a baseball
1 cup of cooked rice, pasta or ice cream = tennis ball

Steps for Reducing Added Sugars

2011-09-03T12:06:00.001-04:00

Switch beverage choices - sodas and other sugar-sweetened drinks are the main source of added sugars in our diets. Switch from regular soda to a non-calorie soda or sparkling water. For unsweetened beverages like iced or hot tea/coffee, try sweetening with sweetener instead of sugar.

Take note of labels - Identify sugars by reading the "Nutrition Facts" label. It is important to understand the two different types of sugar.

Naturally occurring sugars, like fructose and lactose, are found in foods like fruit and milk. Foods that contain naturally occurring sugars provide you with carbohydrates (carbs) for energy plus vitamins and minerals.
Added sugars are included during processing or cooking. They are often "hidden" in food labels with names like high fructose corn syrup and sucrose. Other names for added sugars: high fructose corn syrup; corn syrup or corn sweetener; brown sugar; fruit juice concentrate; sucrose; glucose; malt syrup; honey; agave.

Eat Healthier Carbs - Try to choose more healthy carbohydrates - the ones the provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Healthy Carbs -

whole-grain bread/pasta

grains (try barley, brown rice)

fresh fruit

vegetables (such as broccoli, lettuce)

low-fat or fat-free dairy foods (such as milk, yogurt, cottage cheese)

Less Healthy Carbs -

white bread/pasta

sugar-sweetened (full calorie) soda

fruit or sports drinks with added sugar

cookies, cakes, pies

high-calorie, high-fat dairy desserts (such as ice cream)

Practice portion control - A recent study showed that, over the past 2 decades, hamburgers are 23% bigger; soft drinks are 52% larger; and salty snacks like chips and pretzels have increased in size by 60%. Growing portions have led to increased calories, which has led to more and more overweight Americans.

Start moving - regular exercise can help your body manage blood glucose levels (sugar). Along with a healthy diet, exercise an burn calories, helping you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or biking.

Crazy Facts About September

2011-08-26T15:15:00.000-04:00

September 3 - Skyscraper Day
September 4 - Newspaper Carrier Day
September 5 - Labor Day
September 9 - Teddy Bear Day
September 10 - Swap Ideas Day
September 11 - Grandparent's Day
September 12 - Chocolate Milkshake Day
September 13 - Positive Thinking Day
September 14 - National Creme-Filled Donut Day
September 15 - Make A Hat Day
September 17 - Constitution Day
September 19 - Talk Like A Pirate Day
September 21 - International Day of Peace
September 23 - First Day Autumn (unofficial)
September 25 - Gold Star Mother's Day
September 28 - September 28
September 30 - National Mud Pack Day

Keep In Touch

2011-08-26T15:10:00.000-04:00

At the recent Summer Festival at Our Lady of Victory church , they had about 100 items available for a Silent Auction bid. I bid on "Keeping in Touch" which was a basket heaped with writing supplies--a tin of Van Gogh note cards, two scratch pads, a box of birthday cards and index as well as two boxes of assorted note cards.

I bid under the suggested amount and mine was chosen....I am pleased.

My Clay Cafe Creations

2011-08-20T15:31:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I went to the Clay Cafe, which is within walking distance of our place, to create a couple of things. This is my second visit and there is still lots of room for experience. The paint soaks in differently on different parts of the surface. This is a cat gargoyle for the garden.

I was looking for a chalice or some kind of flat-dished candle holder. Came up with this idea of an inverted cup and saucer. The sauce part is just what I was looking for.

July 1st and July 4th

2011-08-20T15:20:00.000-04:00

Okay, okay, I'm unbelieveably slow......here is a picture of the front of our place decked out for both Canada Day and Independence Day.

Kiss Them Goodbye

2011-08-20T15:12:00.000-04:00

From mistletoe in England to knobwood in Kenya, a variety of botanicals face extinction.

Britain's National Trust reports that mistletoe has become increasingly harder to find, due in the dramatic decline of traditional orchards in the apple-growing regions of Somerset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire over the last 60 years. Mistletoe thrives on apple trees.

In East Africa, increasing development threatens populations of plants that have treated malarial symptoms for hundreds of years, according to researchers at the World Agroforestry Centre and the Kenya Medical Research Institute. Their findings show that knobwood, a deciduous, spiny shrub that grows in dry woodlands and grasslands, is disappearing. Also in danger is the African Wild Olive tree, which has succumbed to a growing need for timer. Both species treat malarial fever.

Here in the states, the number of lodge pole pines in the Pacific Northwest has decreased because of climate change, according to a new study. The trees could virtually disappear by 2080. Researchers at Oregon State University and the University of British Columbia say the cold-loving pine will only be able to survive in about 17% of its current habitat if global warming continues. The trees play a key role in many Western U.S. and Canadian ecosystems, filling in large areas after major fires, thanks to their ability to thrive in cold temperatures, poor soils, and branch-breaking snows.

Flower Color Meanings

2011-08-18T15:01:00.000-04:00

Dark red - constancy, continuity and immortality
Green - health,optimism, good fortune and youth
Lavender - refinement, grace and elegance
Orange - energy, enthusiasm and warmth
Red - desire, strength and passionate love
Pink - youth, innocence and joy
Purple - dignity, pride and success
Turquoise - fulfillment for those with great intelligence
White - purity, innocence and reverence
Yellow - joy, light heartedness and friendship

Feng Shui At Work

2011-08-15T20:51:00.000-04:00

When you look at your workspace, what do you see? Chaos? Confusing? According to the Chinese art of feng shui, the state of your environment mirrors your life. When you take control of your space, it creates positive energy for improving everything else. Ask yourself what one or two goals are most important to you, whether it's improved health, success, or inspiration. Then rearrange your desk based on the area of that matches those goals.

Back Left: wealth - A plant encourages growth in this area, as does a water fountain or symbol of water. Other ideas: an item of value, such as a crystal vase, to represent your fortune.
Middle Left: family - to nourish close ties, display a family photo, a gift from a family member, a wooden bowl or lamp. Accent this space in shades of blue or green.
Front left: knowledge - keep books or reference materials here, along with a blue object (like a candle), to energize learning.
Back Center: fame and reputation - this area represents who you are to the world - your character and image. Place a red lamp or candle, your business cards, or an award or certificate here.
Middle Center: health - Keep this area clear of dust or dirt. Energize it with yellow or green, or symbols of the earth (flowers, stones, or shells).
Front center: career - Place your computer here, and select an image of water (ocean, waterfall) for your desktop screen to symbolize money. Use green accents for new opportunities and red ones for motivation.
Back right: relationships - Display a picture of you and your loved one, or a red or pink flower in a small vase to invite more successful relationship into your life.
Middle right: creativity - Add a journal or light to enhance creativity. Place colored Post-its here or items made of copper, silver, gold or other metals.
Front Right: helpful people - Keep your telephone and project and client files here to stay connected to those who support you and your work. Accent colors are gray and silver.

Let's Get Cozy

2011-08-15T20:39:00.000-04:00

Coming home should feel like one giant restorative hug, with warmth and comfort surrounding you on all sides. Turn your home into a blissfully snug haven.

Hang Drapes They'll not only help block drafts but also add a nice layer of softness to the walls. Hang them from ceiling to floor, which will maximize coverage and anchor the room, creating a pleasantly cocooning effect.
Keep Some Slippers By The Door Mr. Rogers had the right idea: Nothing says "welcome home" like ditching your street shoes for something comfier.
Create a Nook - Designate one chair as your "quiet chair". Pull it into a corner and add a fluffy throw for curling up with.
Heat up your Palette - Blues, greens and purples are calming, but they can make a room feel cold. Instead, mix warm neutrals (tans, oatmeals, creams, and grays) with a few accents in fiery colors such as deep reds, yellows, and oranges.
Get Cuddly Accents - Pick pillows and blankets that resemble your favorite sweaters. Feeling crafty? Use a previously loved sweater to sew a cover for a pillow you already have.
Strategically group furniture - Push sofas, chairs, floor lamps, and tables away from the walls and into the center of large rooms. You'll create more intimacy and no doubt feel warmer if you're farther from the windows.
Warm the Floors - Encourage your family to gather closer by creating little islands of coziness. Lay soft area rugs in social spaces and scatter a few floor pillows and cushions about.
Simmer Down - A sewing pot or slow cooker will infuse your home with delicious aromas and warmth.
Take Care of Drafts - Test for leaks by holding a candle near your window frames to see if the flame wavers.
Surround yourself with happy memories - Don't relegate your family photos, kids' artwork, or keepsakes to one place. Sprinkle them everywhere and you'll spread warm and fuzzy feelings throughout the house.
Light Right - Table and floor lamps paired with compact fluorescent light bulbs marked "warm" or "soft" can give rooms a cozier glow than bright overhead lights. Or you can soften those overhead lights by installing dimmer switches from any hardware store.
Show off your books - A stuffed shelf or a stack here and there makes a room feel more lived in - especially if your titles look like they're been read a time or two. Prominently display the books that are most meaningful to you.
Think Texture - Quilts, nubby wool blankets, and tufted duvets offer cloudlible comfort. Warm things up even more with brushed cotton or flannel sheets.

More Thoughts on Living

2011-08-15T20:21:00.000-04:00

Invigorate body and mind; exercise until your spirit soars
Make this the year you follow through.
Other people may have opinions about where your life is headed,but only you have the power to prove them wrong.
The path to fearless living goes straight through the roadblocks, NOT AROUND THEM.
Seek out foods that sustain, nourish, and warm you.
Creativity goes beyond sheer artistry; IT TAKES COURAGE TO EXPRESS YOUR IDEAS.
Disagreements offer invaluable insights. Don't avoid them - study them.
To truly detoxify your lifestyle, thing about what you can add in, NOT JUST TAKE OUT.
The coziest homes aren't merely filled with stuff; THEY'RE DESIGNED TO BRING PEOPLE CLOSER.
An ending doesn't have to be sad. IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO BEGIN SOMETHING NEW.

Common Conflicts

2011-08-15T20:15:00.000-04:00

Power vs. Passivity - Both partners feel conflicted about responsibility. The one "in charge" needs power yet feels "burned out". The passive one wants to be taken care of but not controlled.

Getting your needs met vs. Caretaking - Some kind of addiction is often involved. One "selfless" partner focuses on the troubled mate to the detriment of his or her own needs.

Closeness vs Distance - The partners will shift between periods of wanting and shunning intimacy, and they may be out of sync.

Conformity vs Rebellion - One side of each partner wants to conform to others' expectations; the other side is rebellious.

Justice vs Injustice - The partners share a strong sense of fairness and a heightened sensitivity to injustice. People with this conflict can become very angry when they feel wronged.

Success vs Sabotage Both partners have potential to succeed but find ways to block themselves from reaching their goals.

Specialness vs Ordinariness - Each partner struggles with feeling plain and ordinary; to compensate, the other side feels entitled and extra-ordinary.

How To Break Your Worry Habit

2011-08-13T17:48:00.000-04:00

Research shows that 85 percent of worries don't have the expected negative outcome--and even when they do come true, 79 % of people say they handled it better than expected. Here are some tips for getting your frantic monkey mind under control.

MAKE A LIST. Divide your worries into two types: those you can do something about, and those you can't. The ones you can't act on, track for two to three weeks and observe how many of them come true (and how many don't).
CREATE A WORRY JAR. Jot down each nagging thought onto slips of paper and drop them into a designated jar before you go to sleep. This helps you let go of them for a while so you can rest.
REJECT THEM. Every time a worry arises, mark it mentally with a big red X. This ritual satisfies the minds desire to do something when helpless worries take hold.
VISUALIZE A BETTER ENDING. How would you imagine your desired outcome if it were up to you? Let it be the symbol for the outcome you would create if you were writing the script. Energize that image by making it look and feel as real to you as possible.

At Home Spa - Stealing Beauty from the Professionals

2011-08-13T17:40:00.000-04:00

Simple spa treatments bring moments of tranquility. Your bathroom, with its heaps of wet towels, may not exactly be Canyon Ranch, but even the lowliest setting can become a luxury escape with some simple at-home treatments.

Balinese Bedtime Bath Soak

Balinese-style baths are renowned for their fresh, fragrant flowers generously strewn about a giant tub. It's part of an elaborate treatment called the lulur, intended for princesses of the royal families before their wedding day. But fantasy aside, "Certain flowers contain antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and signs of aging,". "You can get the same effect from tea leaves or more conveniently, tea and flower extracts." Another beauty benefit: After a hot bath, your body is forced to cool itself down, and a cooler body temperature promotes sleep.

Dry brushing stimulates the body's lymphatic system, a network of fine capillaries just under the skin that flush excess fluid and cellular waste. Before bathing, gently brush around your knees and groin, where lymph nodes cluster. Then brush from your toes to your waist and up your arms.
If you have real hibiscus or other fragrant blossoms, go for it. Otherwise, a bath product that uses tropical ingredients like teas and flowers can impart similar antioxidant (and aromatherapy) benefits. While the tub is filling, simply pour in a bath soak,then submerge and unwind.
When you're towelling off, leave your skin dam p and apply a nourishing body oil. Oils are a more concentrated form of moisture than lotions, and they help lock in hydration from your bath.

Hammam Shower Soak

The Turkish and Moroccan women who visit elaborately tiled public hammans each week experience an intense body scrub given briskly and thoroughly by a woman with a coarse came-hair mitt. American women often don't take time out for a regular detox practice. A vigorous scrub jump-starts cell turnover and gives a boost to the body's lazy lymphatic and circulatory systems.

Sugar based exfoliators don't leach moisture from skin like salt can; sugar contains natural alpha hydroxy acids, so it imparts moisture as it remove the rough, dry top layer of skin.
Skin-softening rose is a beauty remedy prized by many cultures for its stress-relieving properties and gentle treatment of skin. (Plus , it smells luxurious.)
Once you've towelled off, slather on some of the Middle East's most emollient ingredients, such as nut butters and natural oils, which give skin its smoothness and snap-back elasticity. Then trow on a robe and let the hydration begin.

Chinese Medicine Facial Treatment

Balance is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM]. This three-step facial ritual, which includes a face scrub, hydrating mushroom mask, and a serum applied with quick pressure-point work, is like a reset button, designed to help get your skin back on track. Gentle exfoliation benefits almost every skin type--it sweeps away the top layer of dead cells and blackheads and make skin instantly more luminous. Mushrooms have long played a healing role in TCM, and the antioxidants in reishi and maitake mushrooms, such as omega-6, make them a great topical tonic and face mask for skin troubled by anything from acne to aging.

Pour a small amount of nonabrasive, natural washing grains into your palm, then add water or your favorite serum to create a small lather. Gently massage your face with the exfoliating mixture, spending time on your T-zone or sun-damaged areas. Removing dead skin allows serums to penetrate better.
Spread a thin layer of hydrating mask rich in mushroom extracts over your face and neck and let it sit for five minutes, taking some time to sip tea and de-stress. Gently remove with warm water, using your fingers or a soft cloth.
Don't just slather on your serum. Apply it with TCM massage, which benefits the skin and relaxes the body. Warm a few drops of serum in your palm and follow the directions above, then rub the remainder over your cheeks and face.

I Created Today

2011-08-13T17:14:00.000-04:00

I created today to celebrate my second day of temporary bachelorettehood. Went to Clay Cafe to make a critter for the garden - did a cat gargoyle. Also wanted to make a small chalice for my desk.

Will take picture of them when I pick them up from the studio.

More Thoughts on Living

2011-08-13T17:08:00.000-04:00

Don't mistake predictability for peace: some of life's most important moments are born of chaos.
Strength is defined not by what you can resist, but by how much you can expand.
While prayer may not change a situation, it may change the way you experience it.
Eating a warm meal nourishes the body; preparing it nourishes the soul
Try to see your family for who they are; not who they were (or weren't).
Find reasons and ways to give. It'll make you happier than you expect.
The best escape is to let yourself become absorbed from time to tie.
If you feel hungry, ask yourself what you're really craving.
You'll gain more by facing up to fear than you ever will by running away.
Creativity isn't just making something from scratch, but seeing potential in what already exists.

Walking as Meditation

2011-08-12T21:03:00.000-04:00

FOCUS ON YOUR BREATHING.

Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 steps, keeping your breath in for 2 steps, exhaling for 4 steps, then waiting 2 steps before inhaling again.

GENTLY CORRAL YOUR WANDERING MIND.

Try repeating an affirmation in time with your breathing and steps. How about a phrase such as "My life is a pleasure.", I speak the truth and listen with judging", or "I see all things in clarity". Another trick: Visualize putting your worrisome thoughts in a balloon and letting go of the string.

HOLD ONE HAND BEHIND YOUR BACK.

This will help slow your down. Don't let yourself get into race-walking mode.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SENSES.

Focus on vision first, which is easiest. Notice a place overhead, leaves in the trees. Then notice sounds around you, the sun on your face, the smell of cut grass. These are ways to stay in the present.

ON A PRACTICAL NOTE.

If you're walking for distance, carry a little "mad money" in case you tucker out miles away. But no cell phone--or turn it off if you must have it on you.

Walking as "Therapy"

2011-08-12T20:56:00.000-04:00

WHEN YOU LISTEN TO SOMEONE ELSE, REALLY LISTEN.

That means resisting the urge to jump in with your own two cents. Instead, bite your tongue, pinch your arm, or count to 10 in your head. You want to send the message to your friend that what she has to say matters.

LET YOUR FRIEND TEL YOU WHAT SHE NEEDS. Does she want to vent, or is she asking for advice? If she pauses often or says she doesn't know what to do, it's a great place to ask if she'd like to brainstorm solutions. If she's yammering endlessly, she probably just needs to blow off steam.

AVOID "WHY" QUESTIONS OR "YOU SHOULD HAVE" STATEMENTS.

They can come off as "critical or judgmental". These are the no-nos to communication.

HOLD YOUR OWN. If you friend is constantly leading the conversation, then maybe it's your turn to pipe up. Assertiveness doesn't mean being rude, it means being open, honest, and setting a boundary.

IT'S OK TO JUST SHUT UP AND WALK. Don't feel you have to fill every minute with meaningful conversation. Sometimes it's therapy enough to enjoy some one's company without saying a word.

Walking for Fitness

2011-08-12T20:49:00.000-04:00

WALK TALL. Draw your ribs slightly down and in. Lengthen your spine, keeping your head level and your eyes straight ahead.

TAKE SHORT, COMFORTABLE STEPS. Make contact with your outer heel and roll through your foot, pushing off with your big toe.

NO HAND WEIGHTS They strain joints. For extra oomph, try a weighted walking vest, which could add up to 20 pounds.

TO BOOST CARDIO BENEFITS, DO SPEED INTERVALS. On a scale of 1 to 190, with 1 being very little effort and 10 being your max, alternate 1 minutes o walking at a 5 or 6 effort with 1 minute at an 8 or 3v3n 9. Repeat 10 times, then take a 5 minute cool down.

BEND YOUR ELBOWS AT 90-DEGREE ANGLES. Your hands should swing as high as your chin and as far back as the side seams of your shorts.

BE BRISK You should be able to talk in brief sentences, not chat on your cell.

INCREASE INTENSITY BY HEADING UPHILL or crank up the incline on a treadmill. It is recommended a zero grade a 4 mph for 2 minutes, then a 5 percent to 7 percent grade for 1 minutes, alternating 10 times.

Thoughts on Living

2011-08-12T20:41:00.000-04:00

More thoughts:

Your body already knows how to heal itself; you just have to get out of its way.
Go ahead - vent a little. Think of it as detox for the soul.
Good posture isn't about rigidity, but fluidity.
When you can appreciate being alone, you're rarely lonely.
Clutter is the by-product of indecision. Make sure everything in your space is there because you choose to keep it.
You may not be in school anymore, but there's always more to learn
True sufficiency doesn't mean having plenty; it means having enough.
Pay attention to how you walk. Ask yourself what you're rushing toward - or away from.
Transform anxiety into excitement; focus not on the fear of what lies ahead but the possibilities you might create.
Lead with your heart, not your ego.

Way Up North

2011-08-12T20:35:00.000-04:00

I dropped Dave off at the airport this morning for his trip to Duluth, MN. He travels there every year to visit with his two daughters, Helen and Elaine. Hope he has a good flight and time while there.

I'll be picking him up Tuesday afternoon. I'll be a bachelor girl for five whole days.......is Daniel Craig in town (sssshhhhh don't tell Dave but Daniel called !!!!!!!)

My First Time Volunteering for the Red Cross

2011-08-12T20:31:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the first posting I had for the Red Cross bloodmobile.

WCOL Radio Station (country music) hosted the drive. We were expecting 130 and over 300 showed up. Everyone was going crazy, volunteers and staff alike. I was there from 6 am till noon. Staff was there around 4:30 and heaven only knows when they were able to leave. The place was still humming when I finished my shift.

We had some food corporate sponsors as well as supplies from the American Red Cross -- cookies, crackers, bottled water.

Panera Bread was there bright and early with coffee (3 kinds), bagels (lost track of the varieties) and cream cheese (6 different kinds).

Raising Cane's was there later in the morning with sweet tea, coleslaw, chicken fingers, garlic toast and their special sauce. Don't know if you've ever tried them (I hadn't) but they were darn good, worth a visit to their restaurants.

Dairy Queen was good enough to give us a supply of Dilly Bars.

I was a little disappointed in Dave though, when I got home and needed a Bacardi transfusion, he wasn't able to rig one up for me. Hey, he's got time before my next posting to figure out how to do it!!!!!!!

Support Group - Diabetes

2011-08-08T16:37:00.000-04:00

Went to the hospital today for my diabetes self-help group. The guest speaker was on vitamin therapy. His presentation was aimed towards those with loss of feeling in their limbs. But the short story is B complex vitamins should help but definitely won't hurt. If you take too much, don't worry, you'll just pee the excess out.

Water Aerobics

2011-08-08T16:34:00.000-04:00

Entering week 2 of water aerobics--might even live long enough to get healthy. Believe it or not but the body part that hurts the most is the thumb sockets............:(

Lists for Retirement

2011-08-08T16:32:00.000-04:00

When I retired, Dave gave me a card and I thought I would share the wording:

"Now that you're retiring, you can throw away your "Things to do" list and replace it with one of these---

Things I might do
Things I might do but want to think about a while long
Things I might do if I damn well please

Goodness but there isn't enough paper in our home for me to use for the third one!!!!!

[and Dave, watch those comments about the amount of paper in our place!!!!!] (sigh)

Neighborhood Garden Tour

2011-08-08T16:28:00.000-04:00

Early Saturday evening Dave & I decided to do a mini garden tour of the neighborhood. There was a listing of 6 homes and 1 business posted in the community newspaper so we thought why not since it was a drive-by kinda tour. The neighborhood residents made the nominations and the program was sponsored by the Recreation and Parks Dept.

No Place Like Home

2011-08-06T15:32:00.000-04:00

You don't have to be a Feng Shui master to rid your house of stressful energy; Just follow these 10 easy steps to serenity.

Create A Happy Zone- Whether it's a whole room, a nook, or just a chair, make one spot in the house your personal place for peace and joy. Everyone in the family should know that when you are there, you are not to be disturbed. One the flip side, save one area, like a desk or a corner, for the not-so-fun stuff--bills, papers to file, to-do lists--and the stress that comes with them.
Make Your Bed Every Day - "The state of your bed reflects the state of your head", says a Zen Buddhist Priest. Forget hospital corners--just take a few minutes to smooth the covers out.
Let the Natural Light be your Morning Alarm Clock - Trade the blackout shades in the bedroom for more translucent ones; it's a gentler wake-up call. When your alarm goes off, your first feeling is resistance, when creates stress. The rest of the world awakes with the sun--why don't we?
Declutter using Emotion as your Guiding Principle - Consider how each possession makes you feel. Don't keep things with negative energy, like gifts from people you had a falling-out with, photos from unhappy times or failed relationships, unfinished projects, clothes that are too small, or medicines from an old ailment. Make room for things that have a positive association.
End Each Evening by Performing a Completion Ritual - Make it something you know you should do but don't always--like washing all the dishes in the sink or hanging up clothes. It will help your mind recognize that the day is finished.
Keep Houseplants or Flowers - Greenery reduces stress. Studies have shown that the presence of plants significantly eases the recovery of hospital patients and lowers the blood pressure of office workers. Got a black thumb? Pick a hard philodendron, hoya, or aspidistra (often referred to as the "cast-iron" plant).
Use a Kitchen Timer for Tasks That Make You Cringe - Whether it's a mountain of laundry waiting to be folded or weeks of mail and magazines to sort through, seemingly insurmountable tasks can be paralyzing. Set the timers for 15 or 20 minutes to make a dent in your chore list, and then let a bell release you--allowing you to move on to something else. (Hey, it's how monks have kept time in monasteries for centuries.)
Set Up A Landing Strip - If you have an organized place (like a basket and a few hooks) for keys, sunglasses, mail, and all those other things you dump right after you walk through the door, you'll put the kibosh on frazzles mornings.
Unplug electronics when not in use - all the humming turns your home into a "temple of electronic stimulation". Better yet, keep televisions and computers out of the bedroom entirely, for sounder sleep.
Surround yourself with Calming Colors - Hotter tones, like yellows,oranges, and reds, can actually raise your blood pressure. For rooms where you'll want to relax, opt for walls and furnishings in purples, greens, and blues.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doc Away

2011-08-06T15:11:00.000-04:00

Organic vs. Local
Apples are often heavily sprayed, so buy organic when possible. That said, small, local producers tend to use fewer pesticides, especially when apples are in season.

Eating
Eat the peel--it contains 2/3 of the fiber and loads of welcome antioxidants.

Selecting
Choose smooth apples with tight, unblemished skin, and look for the most vibrant color, whether a brilliant lemon-lime green or blush red.

Baking
A baking apple needs a firm texture and bright flavor. Try Cameo, Cortland, Gala, McIntosh and Winesap.

5 Key Supplements for Women

2011-08-06T15:06:00.000-04:00

Busy lives can prevent us from getting all our vital nutrients. Which supplements do we ten to need most? Individual needs and tolerances vary, so talk to your doctor first about testing your body for existing levels of these vitamins and minerals.

IMMUNITY/BONES - Vitamin D

Bodies make D when exposed to sunlight, but many don't get enough sun or D-fortified milk. Low levels are linked to everything from heart attaches to fracture risk.
Vitamin D3 is the most potent. It's also fat soluble, so take with any healthy fats like eggs, yogurt, or oils.

BONE HEALTH - Calcium

You should look to food first for calcium - think dairy and greens. If that's not doable, 1,000mg a day from supplements might help. Besides bone health, calcium can improve mood (it helps regulate the nervous system) and PMS.
Best absorbed when a 500mg dose is taken twice daily; the form calcium citrate delivers the mineral efficiently.

MOOD - Magnesium

Greens and legumes are rich in magnesium, which helps regulate neurotransmitters and may improve mental health. The RDA is 350mg.
Best as a magnesium glycnate - calcium citrate combo with equal mg of both. Avoid if you have kidney issues.

ENERGY - Vitamin B

Vitamin B, found in spinach, meat, and diary, is necessary for a strong immune system. Deficiency can manifest in depressive symptons.
Take in a.m.; spiked energy might distrupt sleep. Use 3 complex or a multi with 100% of RDAs for the various Bs.

HEART/BRAIN HEALTH - Omega-3

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that have been shown to lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation. No RDA yet; healthy women looking to boost well being can take 250 to 500 mg a day.
To ensure fish oil capsule purity, visit consumerlab.com for the Environmental Defense Fund's Web site.

FOUR MORE TO TRY

INSOMNIA - L'Theanine

This calming substance, found naturally in green and black tea, can ease sleepless nights.

DEPRESSION - SAM-E

Synthetic form of a chemical that's crucial to brain processes; can target depression. Talk to your doctor about dosage.

PMS - Evening Primrose Oil

Can ease premenstrual syndrome, especially the sore, tender breasts that can accompany it

ANXIETY - Valerian/Lemon Balm

This combination of a perennial plant and an herb of the mint family is an all-natural sleep aid that's been shown to soothe nerves.

Kettles

2011-08-06T14:40:00.000-04:00

I was browsing around the housewares section of a top-end department store and discovered the Cuisinart Perfec Temp Kettle. Here's the write-up: "Boil, steep, repeat? Sure, it works, but to bring out the optimum flavor or tea or coffee, you need the right brewing temperature. Cuisinart's Perfec Temp Cordless Programmable Kettle makes this insanely easy. Push the button for your beverage of choice, and drink with confidence."

There are buttons for:-

delicate 160 degrees
green 175 degrees
white 185 degrees
Oolong 190 degrees
French Press 200 degrees
Black boil
Keep Warm

Nope I won't tell you what the suggested retail price is......you'd faint!!!!

A Fresher Bathroom

2011-08-06T14:33:00.000-04:00

Ferns are masters at clearing indoor air--in fact,the Boston fern, tops the list of the most effective air-purifying species. And even though its wild, lush look may make it seem like a temperamental houseplant, all a fern needs to thrive is high humidity and diffused light. Here's top: place one fern (or many) in a bathroom with a window and let the warm steam from the shower act as a virtual greenhouse.

Wellness Journal

2011-08-06T14:25:00.000-04:00

I was at Barnes & Noble last night and discovered this Wellness Journal from Moleskine.

Here's a write-up:- "You know you're more likely to stick with healthy habits if you track them. This wellness journal from Moleskine makes it a pleasure, not a chore. The book has sections to record personal goals, exercises, doctor's appointments, diet, vitamins, inspirations, and more. With its signature soft black cover and creamy pages, the little volume gives veggies and jogging a Jane Austen-esque sort of dignity."