Nurse Health Writer

Advantages to a recession

2010-09-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

Although the recession has caused a lot of problems for many people, this economic crisis has some advantages, especially for people who are frugal. There is now a perfect excuse to offer spoiled children, freeloading relatives, pushy salespeople, charities, and others who are constantly trying to separate people from their money. All you have to do is mention the recession and people understand. Thanks to the recession, those money grabbers back down when you tell them you have no money, instead of calling you are a miser or a cheapskate.

One of the advantages of a recession is that both children and adults have the opportunity to learn to be grateful for the things they have. Children are more likely to appreciate receiving any gift, rather than complain and ask if that is all they are getting. Children are hearing about the recession and watching people lose jobs and homes. The recession provides the perfect opportunity for children to increase their confidence by earning the things they want. Being spoiled and wasteful is no longer in style.

The recession is a great excuse when dealing with freeloading relatives. These are the people who always need you to save them with your credit card or a loan. They often have fancier clothes and take more expensive vacations than you can afford, but have a way of making you feel like their problems are yours. You may love these master manipulators, who use both guilt and your strong feelings for them, to separate you from your money. Tell them you are not able to save them due to the recession. You will ease your guilt by blaming the recession. These mooches will go looking elsewhere for a relative who doubles as a bank.

Obnoxious salespeople are everywhere. They could be working in the cubicle next to you with their boxes of candy, calendars, wrapping paper, or other items you do not want to purchase. Sometimes they stand in front of stores. The ones that come to your door or call you on the phone are the worst. The recession has made it much easier to get rid of these pests. The best way to deal with these pushy people is to ignore them by not answering your phone or door. You can pretend like you do not see or hear them. If they are able to catch you off-guard, you can complain about the recession and tell them you have no money.

Charities are the most difficult to say no to. You can get away with giving less to charity and blame the recession. However, during a recession charities tend to suffer. The best way to deal with charities is to investigate who benefits from the money you give and only give what you can afford. An advantage to a recession is that people are more likely to make sure they give only to charities that are spending money on helping those in need, rather than on fat salaries for charity administrators.

The biggest advantage to the recession is that you can invest the money you save by blaming the recession in assets that are a lot more affordable due to the recession. Acquiring assets is the key to financial security and will help you to survive the next recession.

Prickly Pear Cactus

2010-04-24T16:34:00.001-07:00

Prickly pear cactus is used to make food, red dye, hair conditioner, and possibly medicine. The fruit of the prickly pear is carefully peeled and eaten. Flour is made from the tiny edible seeds inside the fruit. The branches are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Prickly pear nectar and red dye are made from the fruit juice and pulp.

The fruit and branches of the prickly pear are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fiber that help stabilize blood sugar. Researchers are studying the prickly pear to determine its usefulness in lowering bad cholesterol and the amount of insulin needed by people with diabetes.

Edmund Burke Quote

2010-03-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" - Edmund Burke

Broccoli grown in raised planter beds

2010-03-24T14:03:00.001-07:00

Broccoli is easy to grow in winter and early spring. Raised planter beds protect vegetables and make growing your own food easier.

Happy Spring

2010-03-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

Edible Landscapes

2010-03-01T16:56:00.001-08:00

Turn your garden into an edible landscape by planting a few pepper plants or strawberry plants in with your flowers.

Simplify

2009-09-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Those who live a simple life and do not have too many material possessions have more freedom. When you have too many things to maintain, you end up working so much that you do not have time to enjoy life. The things you own really own you.

Henry Davis Thoreau built a 10 x 15 cabin on the shore of Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. He lived a simple life and did not have to work too much to support himself. Henry grew his own food and had lots of time to spend writing, thinking, and studying nature. One of his most famous sayings is "Simplify, Simplify".

The ruins of Henry's original cabin can still be viewed on the shore of Walden Pond. This cabin is a replica of the home Henry moved into on July 4, 1845.

Pet Chickens

2009-09-23T21:14:00.001-07:00

People all over the United States are keeping hens as pets. Hens eat bugs, lay eggs, and help make a nice compost for the garden. Hens have personalities like other pet birds. Hens need food, water, and secure housing. These hens live in an environmentally friendly suburban neighborhood in Massachusetts.

Minuteman Trail in Concord, Massachusetts

2009-09-22T12:47:00.001-07:00

The last week of summer along the Minuteman Trail in Concord, Massachusetts

Equal Protection Under the Law

2009-09-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

"One question we must consider today is how we can take action to unify our nation, heal racial division, end poverty and give real life meaning to the Constitutional mandate that there be equal protection under the law," - Senator Ted Kennedy

Courage to Stand up for an Ideal

2009-08-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

"Let no one be discouraged by the belief that there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the world's ills -- against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence... Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation...

It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man or a woman stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he or she sends a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." Robert Francis Kennedy

Courage to Speak Up and Speak Out

2009-08-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

"Laws can embody standards; governments can enforce laws--but the final task is not a task for government. It is a task for each and every one of us. Every time we turn our heads the other way when we see the law flouted--when we tolerate what we know to be wrong--when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt because we are too busy, or too frightened--when we fail to speak up and speak out" - Robert Francis Kennedy

Coyotes in Southern California

2009-07-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Coyotes have been living in the waterways of Southern California for many years. They keep the rat population under control. Coyotes will also eat garbage, pet food, and other small animals besides rats.

Coyotes may be seen during the day or at night. You can protect your small pets by keeping them on a leash and close by. If you have small dogs, walking with a group of dog walkers is safer than walking alone.

Coyotes visit neighborhoods when they are attracted by food. Pets need to be supervised and properly housed. Covering trash and keeping pet food inside will help keep coyotes out of neighborhoods.

Never feed or approach a coyote. Feeding or cornering coyotes can make them aggressive.

Famous Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote

2009-06-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

"Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to the end requires courage." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Cottage Inn on the cliffs of Pismo Beach

2009-06-08T16:54:00.001-07:00

Pismo Beach is located on the central coast of California and is a great place to go for a relaxing vacation. You can surf, swim, fish, hike, view wildlife, and ride dirt bikes or horses on the beach. Finding a place to stay in Pismo Beach is easy. You can rent a house, stay at an Inn overlooking the ocean, or camp. Many of the motels accept dogs of all sizes and breeds. Dogs are allowed on the beach. The shops in Pismo Beach have reasonable prices and many of the restaurants have outdoor tables. We spotted quite a few families dining outdoors with their canine companions. The Cottage Inn is our favorite place to stay, but there are lots of other nice places too. The Cottage Inn offers rooms with a view of the ocean and has an environmentally friendly garden with many place to sit and view whales and other sea mammals.

Happy Horses

2009-05-17T14:09:00.001-07:00

These horses are grazing in a pasture near Sierra National Forest and Bass Lake. Horses in pastures get to walk around and eat all day, the way nature intended. Our horses seemed a lot happier and looked healthier when we took them out of pipe corrals and gave them a large pasture to graze in.

Las Vegas

2009-04-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas has a lot to offer besides casinos. You can hike, view wildlife, ride horses, walk dogs, or go for a scenic ride just a few miles away from the strip in Red Rock Canyon.

Reaching Out to Others

2009-04-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

"You can't stay in your corner of the forest, waiting for others to come to you, you have to go to them sometimes" - Winnie the Pooh

Best Cures

2009-04-06T16:04:00.001-07:00

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. ~Irish Proverb

Yoga

2009-02-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yoga is a 5000 year-old spiritual practice that has become a popular form of exercise. While practicing yoga, individuals flow through a series of postures called asanas that relax, connect and strengthen the mind and body. Some asanas mimic the actions of animals such as dogs and cats. Yoga is practiced barefoot on sticky mats to prevent slipping. Postures can be modified to meet the specific needs of individuals. Props such as blankets, straps and chairs are used in some classes.

Different types of yoga classes meet the needs of unique individuals. Prenatal yoga, power yoga, restorative yoga, weight loss yoga, and partner yoga are some of the classes that are offered at yoga studios and health clubs. Classes often start with meditation to quiet the mind. After relaxing the mind and body, asanas are practiced that build strength and increase flexibility. At the end of a yoga class, yogis lie on their backs in a pose called savasana, to once again quiet the mind and body.

Many people who start a regular yoga practice claim yoga helps relieve all sorts of ailments, including obesity, sciatica, and back pain. Practicing yoga will make you stronger, more flexible, and improve your balance.

Urban Legends

2009-02-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Urban legends are those shocking emails that report false happenings in order to get a reaction out of people or ruin a reputation. Emails that do not have a source, are written in large font, and encourage you to forward the email to everyone you know are likely urban legends.

Some urban legends are ridiculous, like the one about the two hundred pound army dog that is saving the world. Others are down right mean when they tell lies about charities or sick children. Elected officials and celebrities are sometimes the targets of absurd urban legends.

You can verify the validity of incoming emails by googling the topic and urban legend or by checking it out on the snopes website at www.snopes.com.

Pine Trees are Oxygen Factories

2009-02-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

Planting pine trees in Southern California is good for the environment. Trees clean the air. Thirteen tons of dust, gases, and pollution can be removed from the air by one acre of trees.

Pine trees are an oxygen factory. They soak up the carbon dioxide in the air and produce oxygen for us to breath. Pine trees produce more oxygen that any other tree in the south.

Diabetes

2009-02-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

These signs were placed along a path at UCI to educate people about diabetes.

Kindness Matters

2009-02-11T23:06:00.001-08:00

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." -
Mother Teresa

Tips For Young People Traveling Abroad

2009-02-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

A young person who is traveling abroad needs a safe trip that does not put them in debt. When planning a trip abroad, beware of expensive trips offered by tour companies. There are cheaper ways to travel. Non-profit educational or spiritual organizations offer educational travel at reasonable prices, because their goal is community building and education, rather than profit. There are also jobs that offer travel opportunities.

Some tour companies have aggressive marketing techniques. They send you a letter stating that you have won a trip or have been chosen to be a delegate. These for-profit companies buy mailing lists and send lots of letters. They want people to feel they have been nominated for the honor of traveling with their company. Make sure you know whom you are traveling with.

After making your travel plans you will need to pack. The best packing tip is to pack light. Avoid check-in luggage. Fit what you need in a carry-on suitcase and a personal bag, such as a purse or camera bag. You will save a lot of time and energy by packing light and you are less likely to lose your luggage. Washing your clothes is easier than carrying too much luggage.

Dress appropriately when you travel abroad. Make sure you are dressed for the climate and culture. Carry yourself with dignity and respect at all times. You will need sturdy shoes and a hat. A light windbreaker jacket is easy to pack and will keep you dry in case of a storm. Keep accessories to a minimum. Do not make yourself a target for thieves by flashing your money or allowing yourself to look like a rich or drunk tourist.

Make sure you have good maps. Either a paper map or a map on an electronic device will do. Even if you are going with a tour guide, read maps of the area before you go. You could become separated from the group. A good map will show you the quickest way to travel and save you from becoming lost.

Souvenirs should be small and easy to carry, or you should ship them home. People who buy too much at the beginning of a trip will carry extra weight for days. Send your family and friends a picture of you at a special place. They will appreciate a picture of you more than some trinket they have to dust.

Research the area before you get there. Learn a few words of the native language. Learn the locations and the prices of restaurants in the area. What is the appropriate attire for the region? Find out what the weather will be like. This will help you to pack light. Only bring clothes you need. Leave some room in your suitcase. You may want to carry something home.

The laws are different when you are traveling abroad. If you plan to drive you will need to know the laws and have insurance. The drug laws in some countries are very harsh. Make sure you have a prescription for any medications you are carrying and do not carry any illegal substances.

Budget your money so it will last the entire trip. Ideally, you will have earned and saved for your trip. Young people should not charge up credit cards or go into debt to travel. When young people travel on credit, they set themselves up to become a slave to debt for the rest of their lives

Safety of Children Traveling Abroad

2009-02-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

There are organizations such as the for-profit People to People Ambassador Program that offer adults and children trips to foreign countries. We traveled to Washington D.C. with the People to People Ambassador Program and were disappointed with their communication skills, and the way they treated both the children and the adults who were traveling with their organization. After we returned home, we learned about Tyler Hill. He was a sixteen year-old student who died in Japan while under the care of the People to People Ambassador Program. You can read about him at http://www.tylerhill.org/

Living Christmas Tree

2009-02-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

We purchased a living Christmas tree growing in a pot again this year. Cut trees are dry and dead. Cut trees are also a fire hazard. We chose a living tree that stayed fresh and green all through the holiday season. In January, we donated our living tree to a park. Some people use the same living tree for several years before planting it. This is a great way to save money.

10 Ways to Use Vinegar

2009-02-02T18:35:00.001-08:00

Vinegar is a mild acid that is made from oxidizing ethanol such as wine, cider, beer, fermented fruit juices, or other liquids that contain alcohol. Vinegar is inexpensive and friendly to the environment.

My grandmother taught me that vinegar has many uses. Vinegar was one of her favorite things to use around the house. Here are 10 ways to use vinegar.

1. Drains - Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of distilled white vinegar. When the fizzing stops, flush with hot water. Your drain will be clean and deodorized. This also helps to speed up a slow drain.

2. Cleaning - Bathrooms, kitchen counters, and stained plastic food containers can be cleaned and deodorized with full strength or diluted white vinegar. You can put vinegar in a spray bottle and use it like other spray cleaners. Vinegar is cheaper and less toxic than most cleaning solutions.

3. Rust - Loosen rusted metal on tools, toys, spigots, and bolts by soaking with full strength distilled white vinegar. My friend was having trouble taking apart the A-frame that she uses for her dog agility classes. I poured a little white vinegar on the rusted screws. The screws loosened right up.

4. Laundry - Add a cup of white vinegar to each load of laundry to decrease the build up of soap residue in the mechanical parts of your machine. The vinegar will also deodorize your laundry and help prevent lint from sticking to your clothes.

5. Cooking - Vinegar will remove both onion odor and fruit stains from your hands. Pour some vinegar over your hands. Then, you can wash your hands with soap and water.

6. Cats - Vinegar will remove the odor of cat urine. Cats do not like the way vinegar smells. They will avoid urinating in areas that are sprayed with vinegar. A newspaper or rag soaked with vinegar will help keep cats out of your flowerbeds.

7. Garden - Hot distilled white vinegar can be use to kill the grass and weeds that grow through the cracks in the cement.

8. Hair - After washing and conditioning your hair, rinse your hair with diluted vinegar. Mix half a cup of vinegar into a quart of water. White vinegar works well for blonds. Apple cider vinegar is recommended for brunettes. Pour the diluted vinegar over your hair. Rinse your hair with water to remove the vinegar smell. Your hair will shine and be easy to comb.

9. Nails - Soak your hands and feet in distilled white vinegar to kill fungus and undesirable microbes. The vinegar will clean your nails and make them less likely to break. Some people use full strength distilled white vinegar to soak their nails. If the smell bothers you, try diluting the vinegar with water.

10. Hot spots - If your dog tends to develop hot spots, try applying a little apple cider vinegar to the area with a cotton ball. The hot spots on my dogs respond well to apple cider vinegar. If the hot spot does not go away within a day, I would take my dog to see the animal doctor. So far, I have had good luck with the vinegar treatment. The hot spots disappear within a day of applying apple cider vinegar to the area.

FDR Memorial

2009-01-31T12:45:00.000-08:00

The FDR memorial is incredible. This one is a must see when you visit Washington D.C.

FDR Memorial

2009-01-30T06:18:00.000-08:00

More words of wisdom written in stone.

FDR Memorial

2009-01-29T08:54:00.001-08:00

The FDR Memorial is filled with messages written in stone.

Blog Scraping and Plagarism

2009-01-28T21:06:00.000-08:00

Stealing pictures and articles is plagiarism and illegal. If you steal an author's work, you could face serious criminal and civil charges. You will also ruin your reputation and lose the respect of other artists.

Bowls That Sing

2009-01-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

Singing bowls produce a soothing sound. They are used for meditation, relaxation, music, self improvement, and to increase creativity.

The music is produced by rubbing a wooden mallet around the rim of the bowl. The singing bowls are also hit gently with a soft mallet to produce a bell tone.

Singing bowls are made out of metal or crystal. The metal bowls are much more durable. The crystal (silicon glass) bowls can break.

Music and sound are an important healing power. Bells, chimes, bowls, and chanting are used in many spiritual practices. Sound increases the flow of energy in the body and helps to relieve blockages. Singing bowls are used by artists and writers to increase their creative energy.

Mother Teresa Quote

2009-01-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

"Good works are links that form a chain of love." - Mother Teresa

The Inauguration of President Barack Obama

2009-01-23T05:40:00.001-08:00

We attended the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, along with a few million other people. Our tour bus picked us up at our hotel and dropped us off near the National Mall before sunrise. We were greeted by dozens of people wearing red ski-caps with Obama's name printed on the front in big letters. They were saying welcome to everyone. The greeters had large boxes of American flags and they were giving them away. The warm welcome gave people the courage to keep moving forward in the dark towards the National Mall, despite the crowds and freezing temperature. The energy in the crowd was incredible.

When we arrived on the National Mall, we saw a huge crowd of people. Some people were sleeping in piles like puppies. They were huddled together under blankets trying to keep warm. We were amazed that they did not get stepped on, as the crowd was incredibly large, and people were trying to get as close to the front as possible. People were being kind and considerate. Some people laughed when they saw the people sleeping in piles.

We heard people say "precious cargo coming through", and then the crowd parted to allow an elderly woman in a wheelchair to make her way to the front. People were keeping each other warm and helping each other. We were like the huddled masses. No crimes were reported and there were no arrests. Our new President speaks about positive ways to come together and move forward. The people at the Inauguration responded positively to President Obama's powerful message of peace and love.

There were a lot of children at the Inauguration. Some came with their parents. Others came with groups from their schools. The children we talked to were very knowledgeable about politics and history. The people in the crowd were careful not to step on the small children and helped them get to a place where they would have a good view of one of the jumbo-trons . We saw several children climb high into a tree on the National Mall. Those children stayed up in that tree for hours. They had a bird's eye view.

We met people from all walks of life. We met doctors, nurses, teachers, accountants, students, journalists, business owners, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and more. People were hugging strangers, crying tears of joy, and sharing their stories. There were people from all over the United States at the Inauguration. People from all races, religions, and socioeconomic situations came together to celebrate this awe-inspiring historic event.

Many people were wearing purple and waving the American flags they were given that morning by the greeters. People said they were wearing purple because red and blue make purple. As our country faces an enormous national debt and an economic crisis, both Republicans and Democrats attending the Inauguration said they felt a strong need to support President Barack Obama and the United States of America.

Joy and Love in Washington D.C.

2009-01-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

As people are arriving to attend the Inauguration of our 44th President Barack Obama, they are feeling joy and love in Washington D.C. People are happy. They are hugging strangers, telling their stories, and exchanging email addresses and phone numbers. This is going to be an amazing event.

SBAR Communication

2009-01-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

According to the Joint Commission, the organization which accredits health care facilities, lack of effective communication is the leading cause of errors that injure patients. SBAR communication is a framework for communication that was developed by the military and is now being used by doctors and nurses to improve communication.

SBAR communication is pronounced S-Bar. The acronym stands for situation, background, assessment, and recommendation. Here is an example of how SBAR communication is used.

Situation - A registered nurse needs to call a physician to report a change or a problem. The nurse identifies the patient and reports what is currently happening.

Background - The nurse reports information such as diagnosis, vital signs, mental orientation, pain level, and physical assessment findings.

Assessment - This is the step where the nurse uses critical thinking skills. The nurse reports changes, more extensive data, and offers an analysis of the problem.

Recommendation - The nurse tells the physician what might be done to resolve the problem. The nurse might ask to increase pain medication or move the patient to another unit.

SBAR communication provides a framework that allows nurses to relay important information to physicians. The nurse clearly states what is happening and what might help the situation. The physician clearly understands what the nurse wants to do to help the patient.

The physician does not have to guess what the nurse wants ordered to help the patient. The nurse is not dumping the problem on the physician. The physician is given a clear picture of the event, before deciding what should be ordered to help the patient.

Quote From Mother Theresa

2009-01-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

Words of Wisdom from Mother Theresa:

"People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.
If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway."

Keeping Long Hair Healthy

2008-12-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

Long healthy hair is the by-product of proper nutrition, loving care, and good hair genes. What if you were not blessed with good hair genes? Well, proper nutrition and loving care can still help you grow your hair as long as possible and keep it healthy.

Nutrition is very important for maintaining a healthy body and healthy hair. Starvation diets make hair dull and prone to breakage. People who do not consume enough calories and nutrients in an effort to lose extra pounds can experience a dramatic hair loss. Diets that are balanced and include protein, fat, carbohydrates, and lots of fruits and vegetables are best for people who want long healthy hair.

Weight loss goals can still be reached on a balanced diet. Plan to lose no more than 1 - 2 pounds a week if you want to maintain your health and your hair. Weight loss is a lot more likely to be permanent when people lose weight gradually by eating healthy foods in moderation.

Loving care is the other ingredient that helps keep long hair healthy. Rough treatment causes split ends that make hair break off and become shorter. Wash your hair gently and use a conditioner that gets the tangles out. Use a wide tooth comb to gently comb through wet hair. Brushing wet hair can cause damage. Trim off the damaged ends to stop the breakage, so your hair can become longer and healthier looking.

Wind, sun, and hair accessories can severely damage your hair. You can protect your hair from the drying effects of the wind and sun by tucking your hair up under a hat. Hair conditioners will also help protect your hair form the damaging effects of the wind and sun. Hair accessories that have hair on them when you remove them from your hair are ripping your hair. When you remove a hair accessory from your hair and find hair on it, do not put it back in your hair.

The chemicals you put on your hair in an effort to make it more beautiful can damage your hair. Before you color, perm, or straighten your hair do some research about the chemicals in the product that will be used on your hair. Consult a licensed hair expert. Tell the hair expert that you want to prevent damage and grow your hair long. You may be able to find products that will cause less damage to your hair while still delivering your desired results.

Heat styling with blow dryers and curling irons can cause a lot of damage. If you must heat style your hair, use a low setting and do not over dry your hair. Hair conditioners that are designed to be used while heat styling may help prevent damage.

The secret to growing long hair and keeping it healthy is part nature and part nurture. Even if you were not born with thick hair that grows super fast, you can get your hair to grow as long as possible and keep it healthy by eating a balanced diet, using a good conditioner, and avoiding things that damage your hair.

Removing Paint From Old Hinges

2008-12-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

Our old cabinets and hinges were covered in layers of paint. We wanted to remove the layers of paint from the hinges without damaging them or using toxic chemicals. We used an old pan to boil the hinges in hot water and baking soda. After cooling the hinges, most of the paint peeled right off.

There was a little bit of paint left on some of the hinges, so we boiled the hinges in water and baking soda again. The rest of the paint peeled off. We used a little olive oil to make the hinges shiny.

The old pan was disgusting, toxic, and full of old paint. We threw the pan away.

After sanding and painting the cabinets, we were able to reuse our old hinges. They are well made and look antique. We were able to make our kitchen look great without spending a lot of money.

John F. Kennedy Quote

2008-12-03T18:05:00.001-08:00

Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. - John F. Kennedy

Robert Kennedy Quote

2008-11-30T08:19:00.000-08:00

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
- Robert Kennedy

Gifts for the Holidays

2008-11-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here are some holiday gift ideas:

Bamboo, Hemp, or Organic Cotton Clothing and Accessories

Ellipoo Paper Products available at http://mrelliepooh.com

Locally Grown Fresh Fruit or Nuts

Plants or Trees

A Donation to the recipient's favorite charity

Recycled Items

Bicycles or Baskets for bicycles, so people can use bikes for errands

Perishable items that the recipient can eat or drink.

JDRF - Walk to Cure Diabetes

2008-11-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Teams from all over Southern California got together to participate in the Walk to Cure Diabetes. Teams wore t-shirts with names, logos, and pictures of who they were walking for, while walking a path lined with supporters and signs on the campus of UCI.

Christmas Trees That Can Be Planted

2008-11-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

Consider purchasing a Christmas tree that is alive and growing in a pot. You can use the same tree for several years. You will save time, money, and fuel.

Last year we gave our living tree to the gardeners to plant in our park. The tree was bursting out of the pot.

Pumpkins

2008-10-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

There are lots of pumpkins in Massachusetts. Farmers have stands by the road that are on the honor system. The climate is ideal for pumpkins. We saw these pumpkins this week in Concord, Boston, and Cape Cod.

Pumpkin Cookies

2008-10-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins are a bright orange color, because they are loaded with beta-carotene. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and have no cholesterol. Pumpkins contain lutein and ziazanthin, which keep your eyes healthy. Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Small pumpkins are better for eating, while the large ones are better for Jack-o-Lanterns.

Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2/3 cup soft butter or oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups canned or cooked fresh pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup raisins
1 cup oats
1/2 cup walnuts or almonds, if desired

Use spoon to blend flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix butter with sugars.
Add eggs and stir well.
Add pumpkin and vanilla.
Add flour mixture and stir well.
Add raisin, oats, and nuts.
Use teaspoon to place on greased cookie sheet.
Bake 12 minutes at 375 degrees.

Fleas & Typhus

2008-10-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

Flea-borne typhus is cased by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis. Fleas that are infected with this bacteria can spread typhus.

People can get typhus when feces from infected fleas is inhaled, or if the flea feces gets into an eye or an open wound.

Symptoms of typhus occur a week or two after exposure. Symptoms of typhus include:
Rash
Headache
High Fever
Chills
Body Aches and Pains

Typhus can be treated by medical professionals with antibiotic therapy. A primary care provider can determine the correct antibiotic and the correct dose to prescribe for each individual needing treatment.

You can help prevent the spread of typhus by controlling fleas. Pets should be on a flea control program. Opossums, rats, raccoons, and any other wild mammal that can carry fleas should not be handled or encouraged to nest in your home. Cover trash cans and do not leave pet food outside.

Mother Teresa Quote

2008-09-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

"Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater developments and greater riches and so on, so that children have very little time for their parents. Parents have very little time for each other, and in the home begins the disruption of peace of the world." - Mother Teresa

Elephant Dung Paper Products

2008-09-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

In Sri Lanka, elephants who interfere with agriculture are killed. The creators of Pachyderm paper want to make these elephants an economic asset instead of a liability. Elephants are vegetarians, therefore elephant poo is made of cellulose that can be cleaned, processed, and converted into linen-like paper and products. Purchasing these beautiful products will help elephants become an economic resource. For more information about these clean and unique products check out www.mrelliepooh.com.

Smiling

2008-09-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

Smiling for 90 seconds stimulates your brain and makes you feel happier.

Losing Weight With Yoga

2008-09-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

Practicing a variety of asanas (yoga postures) will strengthen your body and build muscle. When you have more muscle tissue, your metabolism increases. Men have an easier time losing weight than woman, because men usually have more muscle tissue.

Yoga relaxes the body. Stress can increase cortisol hormone levels. Chronically high levels of cortisol makes losing weight more difficult. Yoga helps stress eaters control both stress and eating habits.

Yoga makes people feel more connected to their bodies. When we feel more connected to our bodies, we nourish ourselves with healthy foods and avoid foods that harm us.

Yoga for Weight Loss

2008-09-11T12:04:00.001-07:00

Performing certain asanas (yoga postures) benefit a weight loss program. Shoulder stand, plow, and fish pose increase metabolism by stimulating the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Practicing sun salutations, warrior poses, headstands, and handstands will burn a lot of calories, improve balance, and increase muscle mass.

If you are new to yoga, these asanas should be learned from an experienced teacher. Do not turn your head while you are in a shoulder stand or plow position. You can hurt your neck.

Experienced yoga teachers know how to teach students to work up to these poses with the use of props. Many teachers use blankets for shoulder stand to help protect the neck. The wall may be used to assist students with balance while practicing shoulder stand, headstand, or handstand. Wait for your teacher to help you. Be safe and protect your body.

Hummingbirds

2008-09-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hummingbirds are fun to watch.

Non-toxic ways to Eliminate Snails from the Garden

2008-09-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

Snails and slugs are annoying pests that devour your plants. There are several non-toxic ways to get rid of these critters.

Iron phosphate can be purchased at the hardware store in the pest control section. The label should say safe for pets and wildlife. Snails and slugs are attracted to the iron phosphate, which stops them from feeding on your plants. Ingesting the iron phosphate kills the snails and slugs in a few days. Iron phosphate also fertilizes your garden.

Snails are attracted to flat beer. You can place a few bowls of flat beer in the garden. Snails and slugs will drown in the bowls.

Some people do not want to kill the snails. If this is the case, you can water thoroughly in the evening. Then, hand pick the snails and relocate them.

Hummingbird Perching on a Branch

2008-09-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hummingbirds like to perch in high places.

Llamas

2008-08-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Llamas are very good at protecting livestock from coyotes. They are not real fond of canines. Adult llamas are large. They will chase coyotes away from sheep and other animals that are in their pasture. Dogs that are flock guards need to be fed everyday. Llamas are easier to maintain, because they graze in the pasture along with the herd.

Hummingbird Gardens

2008-08-24T08:37:00.001-07:00

Hummingbirds like to perch while they feed.

Hummingbird Feeders

2008-08-16T17:00:00.001-07:00

Mint Sage is my favorite type of hummingbird feeder. You don't need to refill it. Mint Sage looks and smells wonderful.

Squirrels

2008-08-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Do not feed squirrels. They are perfectly capable of finding their own food. Like other wild animals, they become aggressive when you run out of food. Squirrels also may carry diseases, such as plague.

Watch the squirrels. Take pictures if you like. If you see them looking at your picnic basket, be careful. They are very good at stealing food. Once squirrels learn that you are easy to steal food from, they will rob you blind.

Environmentally Friendly Grass Seed

2008-08-14T17:08:00.001-07:00

Wildflower Farms sells a grass seed called Eco Lawn. This grass seed is fast to germinate, but slow growing. Instead of mowing once a week, you can mow once a month or skip mowing all together.

Eco Lawn is a fescue that only grows nine inches tall then falls over and looks quite nice. This new type of grass is drought tolerant, grows in sun or shade, and does not require fertilizer or pesticides.

Saving Money on Groceries

2008-08-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Making better choices can save you a substantial amount of money on groceries. Here are a few tips for providing your family with healthy food without going broke.

Do not shop when you are hungry. You will be less tempted by high price, high calorie, and low nutrition foods if you are not starving.

Plan a menu, make a list, and be organized. Americans throw away a lot of unused groceries when produce goes bad and dates expire. Stick to your list and only buy items that are on the menu. Look in the back for the produce that will not expire as soon.

Buying in bulk will often save you money, but not always. If you are not a math wizard who can quickly calculate which quantity is the better deal, bring a calculator. Sometimes the smaller quantity is a better deal, especially if they are having a sale.

Buy locally grown produce that is in season and not cut up for you. When they cut the lettuce or the fruit into small pieces you are charged for the service and the produce does not keep as long. Produce that is locally grown is fresher and you do not have to pay the shipping cost.

Coupons can save you money. Coupons are often given away in the store, if you do not receive them in the mail or a newspaper. You will need to organize your coupons and make sure that you are not buying things you don't really need, just because you have a coupon.

Buying store brands can often save you money. The same companies that make the name brands package many of the store brands. The expense of advertising makes the name brands cost more.

Oxen

2008-08-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Bill has been a favorite at the Orange County Fair for many years. He is an ox. Oxen are cattle of any breed that are trained to work. An ox can be male or female.

Dragonflies

2008-07-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

Dragonflies are beneficial insects that eat mosquitoes and flies. Adult dragonflies do not sting humans. California native plants attract dragonflies. There are not many mosquitoes in dry Southern California. However, pools that are not maintained can attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus. There have been several cases of West Nile Virus reported in California. We were happy to see this pretty dragonfly in in our garden.

Hummingbirds

2008-07-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

We used to have grass in our front yard. We spent a lot of time and money on lawn maintenance. Gasoline powered mowers, edgers, and blowers are noisy and pollute the environment.

We decided to change to low maintenance landscaping that is environmentally friendly. We killed the grass and covered it with mulch. Then, we planted drought tolerant California native plants that do not require fertilizer or pesticides. We chose plants with lots of flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Now, we spend much less time working in our yard. We spend more time relaxing, smelling the flowers, and watching the hummingbirds.

Zip Lining

2008-07-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Zip lining through the trees is a fun sport for the entire family. You do not have to be a great athlete or super brave to zip line through the trees. You are secured by two harnesses on a cable. My relatives that are zip liners say that all you have to do is lean back and fly.

Non-toxic Termite Control

2008-07-21T18:07:00.001-07:00

Termites can severely damage or destroy your home. A non-toxic way to kill termites is by spraying them with Orange Oil. Exterminators, who specialize in non-toxic pest control, will come to your home and spray the termites for you. You and your pets do not have to leave your home while they are spraying.

Covering a home with a tent for 3 days and spraying poison inside is scary. The Orange Oil treatment is less work for the homeowner and much less scary. I hope it works.

Nectarine Tree

2008-07-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

The birds are not eating our nectarines this year, but a lot of nectarines are falling on the ground before they are ripe. Today, I figured out who is keeping the birds away and knocking the nectarines on the ground. I guess it's time to harvest.

Environmentally Friendly Taxi on Huntington Beach Pier

2008-07-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

These taxis on Huntington Beach Pier are environmentally friendly. They don't pollute and the taxi drivers stay in excellent shape. The taxi drivers get to enjoy the view from the pier at Huntington Beach while transporting their passengers.

Vinegar

2008-07-14T08:22:00.001-07:00

Here are 5 ways to use vinegar.

Drains - Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of distilled white vinegar. When the fizzing stops, flush with hot water. Your drain will be clean and deodorized. This also helps to speed up a slow drain.

Rust - Loosen rusted metal on tools, toys, spigots, and bolts by soaking with full strength distilled white vinegar. My friend was having trouble taking apart the A-frame that she uses for her dog agility classes. I poured a little white vinegar on the rusted screws. The screws loosened right up.

Laundry - Add a cup of white vinegar to each load of laundry to decrease the build up of soap residue in the mechanical parts of your machine. The vinegar will also deodorize your laundry and help prevent lint from sticking to your clothes.

Cooking - Vinegar will remove both onion odor and fruit stains from your hands. Pour some vinegar over your hands. Then, you can wash your hands with soap and water.

Cats - Vinegar will remove the odor of cat urine. Cats do not like the way vinegar smells. They will avoid urinating in areas that are sprayed with vinegar. A newspaper or rag soaked with vinegar will help keep cats out of your flowerbeds.

Texas Tarragon

2008-07-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Texas tarragon is a drought tolerant herb with beautiful yellow flowers that grows well in Southern California. The fresh leaves are used in salads and as a seasoning for chicken, fish, beef, or pork. This herb has a sweet, licorice taste. The leaves lose their flavor when dried. Texas Tarragon is easy to grow and a beautiful addition to the garden

Tomatoes

2008-07-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Homegrown tomatoes are the best. When you grow your own tomatoes you know where they came from. You do not have to worry about how they were handled before being purchased.

Tomatoes are low in calories, sweet, and delicious. Tomatoes are healthy to eat, because they contain lycopene, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and fiber.

Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that can fight cancer cells. Cooking fresh tomatoes helps to increase lycopene absorption. Cooking your tomatoes with a little olive oil will increase lycopene absorption even more.

Vitamin C helps maintain a healthy immune system.

Vitamin A is important for both vision and bone growth.

Vitamin K is essential for the functioning of several proteins involved in blood clotting, and keeps you from bleeding too much.

Fiber helps maintain healthy digestion and elimination.

Butternut Squash on the BBQ

2008-07-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

One way to cook your butternut squash is on the BBQ. Peel your squash, remove the seeds, and chop it into cubes. Wrap your squash in aluminum foil with butter or olive oil and seasonings of your choice. Use 2 or 3 layers of aluminum foil or heavy duty foil. If your wrap seems flimsy, just add another layer of foil. Cook it on the BBQ for about 45 minutes to an hour. The longer you cook it, the softer it will be.

Butternut Squash

2008-07-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Butternut squash is easy to grow from seeds. The plants get large and can take over the garden. We usually get more than 25 squash per plant. Butternut squash is delicious, but takes longer to cook than zucchini. There are many ways to cook butternut squash. You will find lots of butternut squash recipes on the internet.

California Native Roses

2008-06-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Californian native roses spread out to form a thicket. In a few years, these roses will form a thick hedge that has thorns. Make sure you have plenty of room when you plant California native roses or you will need to keep trimming them back.

California Native Rose Hip Tea

2008-06-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

My husband makes red tea that is loaded with vitamin C from the rose hips of our California native roses. He chops up the rose hips and removes the seeds. Then he boils them in water for 10 minutes. We pour the red tea over ice. The rose hip tea has a mild refreshing taste.

California Native Plants

2008-06-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

The nature center at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley is a great place to view California native plants. People are conserving water, fuel, and time by replacing all or part of their lawns with drought tolerant native plants. We visited this nature center and others to get ideas for our front yards. We are happy with the native plants. They have beautiful flowers, smell great, and are easy to maintain.

Tennis Ball Massage

2008-06-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Try a tennis ball massage. Place one foot at a time on a tennis ball. Hold on to something or someone if you need help balancing. Roll the tennis ball back and forth under your entire foot. Work your toes, the ball of your foot, your arch, and your heel. Your feet will feel great.

Deep Breath to Decrease Stress

2008-06-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

When people feel anxious, they take shallow sips of air. Take a deep breath to relax your body. Inhale deeply by allowing your belly to expand and your diaphragm to drop down. As you exhale, press your abdominal muscles back towards your spine. Take slow deep breaths to give your body the oxygen it needs. Deep breathing will give you energy and decrease your stress level.

Smiling and Stress

2008-06-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

Smiling requires less energy than frowning. When you smile for 90 seconds your brain thinks you are happy, so you become happier. Smiling makes you feel less stressed out. Melt some of your stress away by smiling.

Relax Your Jaw

2008-06-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

Many people hold tension in their jaws. Clenching your teeth can lead to headaches. You can use this yoga exercise to relieve the tension. Gently, place the tip of your tongue lightly on the roof of your mouth. Your jaw will drop down and relax. Do this when you feel tension in your jaw or when you are clenching your teeth. This exercise provides immediate relief.

Fire Poppy

2008-06-13T07:41:00.001-07:00

Poppies are drought tolerant flowers that grow well from seeds. There are a variety of colors to choose from. These are called fire poppies. The poppy is the state flower of California.

California Wild Rose

2008-06-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Rosa californica is a California Native Plant. These rose bushes make a nice hedge. We saw them growing on the Mariposa Trail in Yosemite and in Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley. This picture of Rosa Californica, blooming with pink roses, was taken in the Redwood Grove at Mile Square Park.

View from the Top of Mariposa Grove in Yosemite

2008-05-27T10:44:00.001-07:00

Here is the view from Wawona Point at the top of Mariposa Grove. The grassy area in the middle of the photo is the meadow in front of Wawona Lodge and the 9 hole golf course.

Quote From Mother Teresa

2008-04-30T11:43:00.001-07:00

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." -
Mother Teresa

Hot Peppers

2008-04-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Habanero peppers are delicious and nutritious. These extremely hot peppers contain Vitamin C and capsaicinoids. The capsaicinoid that makes peppers hot is capsaicin, an anticoagulant, which may help prevent blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies show that capsaicin may facilitate weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing the metabolic rate of the body. Capsaicin triggers the release of endorphins, so eating hot peppers can make you feel good. Some people claim that eating hot peppers is addictive.

Don't Look a Gift Horse in The Mouth

2008-04-25T00:26:00.001-07:00

Did you ever hear the expression "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth"?

You can tell the age of a horse by looking at the teeth. The gift giver could be insulted if you look at the horse's mouth to see the age and value of the horse.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth means don't complain when you are receiving something for free.

Mojave Desert in Spring

2008-04-21T17:40:00.001-07:00

Spring rains turn the California desert green.

The American Dream

2008-04-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

The American Dream in 2008.

The American Dream in 1908.

Saving Water With Drought Tolerant Plants

2008-03-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

Southern California residents are replacing their thirsty grass with drought tolerant plants. California Native and California friendly plants create a colorful landscape, while providing a habitat for butterflies and hummingbirds.

Creative Way to Store Clay Pots

2008-03-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Near Millerton Lake in the foothills above Fresno.

Tree with Yellow Flowers in Spring

2008-03-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Southern California

Wild Flowers in Southern California Foothills

2008-03-24T10:44:00.001-07:00

The hills are full of wild flowers.

Llamas & Coyotes

2008-03-21T11:15:00.001-07:00

Llamas are good at keeping coyotes away from livestock. An angry llama will spit, sound an alarm, and charge a canine intruder. Llamas can kick hard enough to kill a coyote.

Llamas were domesticated over 5,000 years ago in Peru. Llamas have been used for wool, meat, and as pack animals.

Now, llamas are guarding livestock. In the United States, ranchers report that llamas are successfully keeping coyotes away from their livestock.

The llama is a cuddly looking animal and is kept as a pet by some people.

Lima Streets are Clean

2008-03-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

The streets in Lima are clean. There are people who sweep the streets - just like at Disneyland. People and animals are everywhere, but we saw no trash or animal droppings. Peru is a great place to visit.

Palomino Peruvian Paso in Peru

2008-03-16T08:20:00.001-07:00

The Peruvian Paso is a beautiful breed of horses from Peru. This breed has a unique gate. Peruvian Pasos do not trot. The legs of this horse move in parallels, giving the rider an extremely comfortable ride. Trotting is great for pulling a cart, but not very comfortable for riding long distances. The Peruvian Paso makes a good parade horse.

Plagiarism

2008-03-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

Stealing pictures and articles is plagiarism. You must ask for permission, before using the work of another artist, and give them credit.

If you steal an author's work, you could face serious criminal and civil charges.
You will also ruin your reputation and lose the respect of other artists.

Aromatherapy

2008-02-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

The hills and parks in Southern California are full of wildflowers. Hiking in these areas is a way to treat yourself to some free aromatherapy.

Dogs Wearing Clothes & Safety

2008-02-23T08:46:00.000-08:00

Dogs wearing clothes should be supervised at all times. Your dog could choke if the clothes are eaten or if your dog gets tangled. Read the labels. Some clothes are flammable.

Nixon's House

2008-02-19T08:37:00.001-08:00

When Nixon was a child he lived in a 900 square foot house with his family in Yorba Linda, California. The Nixon library contains a hand written paper that Nixon wrote when he was a child. He described the home he lived in as large and white. In the 1920s, houses were much smaller. The average new house being built today is around 2,000 square feet.