It is not a matter of IF, But WHEN a disaster will Hit Your area!

No matter where you live, the possibilities of some kind of disaster could hit. Flooding, Fire, earthquake, Tsunami, volcano, major power outages, etc.   Every home should read up and have a plan.  Every member should be prepared.  A kit to survive should be in every home to last at least 4 -7 days or longer. AND since most of us almost live in our cars, every car should have a basic kit in them too. Most likely you will be near that car or in it when disaster strikes.  Don't forget the pets in your kits too!

I just finished our local CERT/ Disaster training here locally.

We had a crash course from the perspective of being in our neighborhood or somewhere in our area when something happens.  Here in coos county of the 240 bridges, NONE are expected to be safe if a earthquake hits.

We are at high risk.  We are also a very poor county.  We have limited professional help available in this case.  So if we are all of a sudden little Islands to ourselves we need to learn some basics.  We learned to assess our own neighborhood as to what is available to use.  We cannot expect help for 1 week to as much as 2 wks!
In emergency situations do not cry out, "HELP ME"  get your body in gear to "What can I do to help myself and neighbors"!!!!  of course this is IF you are OK, and only yell out help if you really are stuck or in need of immediate rescue.  We must help each other.

I will not even attempt to cover all the things I learned over the week.  But here is a basic list of things to start.  In my neighbor hood I found we have a large water center to provide water by gallons.  If this can be run without electricity is something I have to find out

 

I also found out that our two schools are perfect for masses of possible peoples without homes in our area, or medical care for awhile if they are ok after disaster.  Which I am thinking they should fare well being on flat ground and one level mostly.  Plus we have a fire hall next door with two fire engines. I wonder if any fireman live in our area?   hmmm will find this out also.

Last we have a tiny little market/gas station called TNT Market.  If they would be willing to lock down during a disaster we could make sure what food and supplies they have were rationed out as needed, instead of some panic rush made by some.

First Kit, HOME:

Water in Water safe containers to last every person in your house hold for one week at least.

including the pets.

Matches in water proof box

fire extinquishers

flashlights

first aid kit

first aid knowledge

sturdy shoes

blankets

clothes

dried food, canned food, include baby food if needed

some small pot for cooking and can opening device

out door grill to cook on in case you cannot do it inside with coal or whatever for fire

cash

medications, aspirin ,

basic tools   (pipe wrench, crescent wrench ,crow bar,) Water turn off tool if needed

plastic tarps, rain gear to keep clothes dry

hats, gloves, 

face masks to keep out dust or toxic fumes

Duck tape  ( the wonder of the world, can do a million things)

toilet paper

whistle  (in case you are stuck, you can keep one around your neck to call out)

pure clorax bleach with out additive.  Can be used to clean water.

disaster radio from NoAA  here is a pic of the one I just got. Has light, can be hand cranked to work, as well as battery run, and has a plug to plug in a cell phone.

These are just want I remember, check on line for full lists.

In the car I plan on putting these:

I already have,
jumper cables,
flares,
blankets
extra hats, gloves
oil,
water
some tools,
first air kit,
rain gear
matches in water proof can or something

will add these:
duck tape
blanket
crank radio
food  ( rations, dry food, dog food,etc.)
fire extinguisher
matches
whistle
small folding shovel & crowbar
toilet paper, hygiene supplies

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It sounds like a lot, but actually does not take up that much space if planned ahead.  Do your research and put this on your list to do FIRST this month.

Remember the water supplies, rivers, lakes prob. will look like this:

be prepared!

Also remember to recheck all your supplies every six month. Water has to be changed, dates on canned food etc.  I hope my post just gets you interested in learning what to do where you live and you will find out what you need in Your kits!

Our Food .. A movie that SHOCKED ME!

I grew up on farms and ranches.  All our food, meat, vegetables were raised from the ground, and property.
Our chickens roamed the fields and then were locked up at night to keep predators from eating them.
Our beef, lamb and pigs also roamed the fields.  The sheep and beef ate GRASS, with some oats in winter. The pigs ate what they rooted in the fields and table scraps.

We grew our own hay, corn, all manner of vegetables and fruit.  And we did so without the pesticides used today.  So I had this ignorance about where my food comes from today and how it is grown or raised. I rented this movie:
This movie, this documentary SHOCKED me!  I knew a lot of things were changing but this?

EVERY PERSON IN AMERICA should watch this, seek out the truth, and change how we eat!!
Watch to the very end and make some changes or we are slaves to big company greed, and money!

Companies will make what we want to eat.  You can choose what products you buy for the most part. But if you are poor, the documentary brings up some important things: like you can buy a fast food burger for 1 buck, but carrots cost twice that.  A whole segment on being poor and the choices we are forced to make when we are unable to afford organic.  But maybe we should eat less and eat organic anyways!

This disc shows graphic shots, just be forewarned.  Living off the land you learn that animals are killed for food.  However, we learned to treat our animals with respect and their needs were met.

Again, I was disgusted with what I saw in this movie.  I know that all things need to be researched and take nothing for ab. truth until you do.  But add this movie to what I already KNOW, and I believe it has a ton of truth in it.

This movie was dated 2008, just where do you think we will be in another 10 yrs?

Link to trailer here

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Yahoo! I have never before been so excited over a kitchen appliance..

I just bought this Jack LaLanne's Juicer and LOVE it!  We had to wait a long time to get the money, but I feel it is the best on the market.  I checked out lots of other brands around. Took the time to lift the lids off and take them apart. Other brands (cheaper) had too many flimsy parts, or two many plastic parts that over time would warp.

 My mother has one.  I actually do NOT LIKE vegetables.  Thus, now approaching 60 yrs old, I find my bad eating ways are affecting my health.

While visiting my mother, (who loves those veg. by the way) she juiced things for me, over three days.
I immediately started to feel better.  My worst problem over my entire life is bowel movements on a reg. basis, and consistency.  We know as we get older that having a daily bowel movement is imperative to good health and energy! The first thing that I noticed was my intense CRAVINGS for sugar dropped to almost nil!  Then by day three I was having bowel movements and NOT those tiny little sheep droppings, but good full movements.  sigh...... I know this is not a great subject but if you want to be healthy and you don't like vegetables, this was the answer to my problems!

#1  I also hate to cook, now one glass twice or once a day.  In seconds you are done with your vegetable and or fruit requirements for the day!

#2  It Taste GREAT!  Being a Carb.  lover, I found that adding an apple sweetens the carrots and other veg. I put in there.  Not a yucky taste yet!  Well, once we put in too much grapefruit in a drink and it was a bit Tart!  but not bad.  And I am picky!  My cravings are leaving!  Who Knew!

#3  Overall the cost was worth it.  I found it for $99.99 at Fred Myers, reduced from apx 119.00 and I picked it up myself so no shipping costs.

http://www.powerjuicer.com/order-classic.html

I am only giving you my opinions on this product.  I am not a vendor of this product nor am I giving guarantees  to the attributes of it. Just report as a consumer of how I like it.  I will give you updates as time goes on on how it lasts, and any special tips I learn!

FIRST RECEIPT:
I wanted to use the pulp too, for that is good for you.  I just do not want to drink a salad!!
So, I used bisquit mix, just the basic mix, and added two cups mix, one egg, some milk and a bunch of the pulp from carrots, one celery stick, and orange to this mix.  Baked by drops on cookie sheet for 12 minutes and WaLa!  Excellent taste, flaky and soft.!  What a great deal!

Movie Review "Freedom Writers"

A Great look at what we do not want
to see in America!  These kids were basically written off by the many, and one woman believes they could be more.  Who would believe that these kids did not know what the Holocaust was?  A movie that should be seen by the WHOLE family and discussed at length with your own kids.  One person can make a difference but only when Indifference is overcome.  We used to be a nation of "just do it" but now we either have extreme apathy or don't care anymore about anyone but ourselves.

A movie to own and watch every now and then to keep up our awareness!

Movie Review "Into the storm" Winston Churchill

Throughout history, a few men (and women) rise up to meet the extraordinary needs of the time.
Winston Churchill was one of those men.  Destiny was in his future to lead a nation and the world through
dire times.  This movie did a excellent job of portraying this man and his wife.

I laughed, I cried.  It gave me courage to be who I am, and Know that we all must rise up to meet the challenges of every day life.  I found this movie inspiring, for all the family, and a highly recommended one to rent.

Repairing a Vintage Toy Racer Car & Thanksgiving Pie!

Happy THANKSGIVING!!  

I just finished a peach pie, where I cut out little leaves and berries out of extra pie crust to adorn the top.  Brushed with milk for a glaze.  It got a little dark on one side, but looks pretty good.

And, my Friends husband had this vintage old car where the driver had no head.  She asked if I could make something to fix it.  I love doing this kind of thing, and using sculpty clay, I made a new head, and matched the colors of the guys torso.  Baked the clay and painted it.  Wa-LA!  All better now!  ;-)

So the pie, the fixed car, and a card for our Hosts is ready to take for thanksgiving in a few hours.  What do you think?  Maybe, I could get some jobs sculpting things for broken toys??

"The House of Elliott" a movie review

Rented this first of a series DVD from Netflix.  I LOVED this first disc.  The info says:

"the sheltered Eliott sisters, Beatrice and Evangeline, suddenly find themselves  alone and penniless when their dodgy father dies.  In response, Bea and Evie launch an ambitious dressmaking business in the heart of 1920's London"
...  ;-)   super fun  and has inspired me, to continue in my quest to live my dream of making a living on my art!   The House of Elliott

Don't Throw that Away!! Dye it!

I have this large robe that was getting very dingy looking.  It was white, but over the years, its sleeves and collar tuned off white.  So, when I ran across a old box of green Ritz Dye, I knew what to do!  The instructions are easy, I used the one for washing machine.  You add only salt to the hot water.  Look how nice it looks now, and I dont have to buy a new one!  I even added a pajama set I had that was faded, and it all matches and looks awesome!!

Have fun with kids clothes and it is like new to them.  Very economical and fun.

NOTICE:  these dyes are not really permanent.  They can bleed when washed again.  Use cold water and like colors unless you want new colored underwear!  ;-)  My mother said the first time she used the dyes, she dyed some of her clothes red.  Made the mistake of putting some of dads underwear in the wash and he had pink underwear for the next yr.  ;-)  If you knew my dad, you would know he was NOT a pink underwear kind of guy at all!!

Adopt a Window in Your own town!

Here are some photos of my local artist Etsy Team.  We are decorating  local store windows for free.  We started around July I think.  Each season we change the theme, and this helps our community look better (no blank windows) helps this business look more inviting, and helps us get free advertising for our art.  See how you can do this too with your art at http://www.squidoo.com/callingallartists

Kathleen by her cornicopia & some of our Art Group. Jan of Jantastic Creations, Kathleen&Nadine (see link below), Patti, of Pchickki's, and Brenda of Salzanos .
foam board pumpkin I made to put my jewelry on, and the nice black shirt was done by another art team member and her Etsy shop is Bear Creek Creations

These photos done by Nadine of Nadine and Kathleens on Etsy

colds, flu, what to do? what to do?

I have been keeping most colds and flu away if I do the following things.  Everyone is different and i am no doctor, but like I said, it has been working for me WHEN I follow my own advice:

Stay away from refined SUGAR  #1  sugar just decreases the bodies ability to fight these germs.
and refined white flour products, products with too many long names in them.

Increase your intake of fresh greens!  A good bowl movement once or twice daily gets rid of toxins!

Eat Fresh Fruit!

Also, I drink green teas.  And if I feel something might be coming on I take echinacea tea.  I really see a difference when I take this.  Sometimes I add some chamomile to it, or other light tea.  But always I drink some green tea every day.

Please read this link (click here) about Echinacea and side effects.

Tuesday Afternoon News & Tips

First off, I want to alert you all to a new site just up.  Tim Adams has put up a awesome site :

Handmade-Review   Before you buy or sell hand made things this year, read the reviews!  Or if you are already selling and buying on different venues leave your reviews for others to see.  Together we will have a one stop area to find out from Consumers, what is working and what is not!  This is a much needed site.

Visit it today, and once a month at least. Link on name highlighted above.

Also, I wanted to tell the tale of Our US Postmaster Lost Box.

A couple months ago, my husband sent me a large box from las Vegas.  He had been given three brand new pair of Clark Shoes, bought me some Teavana teas (they are expensive but so good) some candy and odds and ends.  But the box never came.  He made the big mistake of not getting a delivery confirmation or tracking or insurance.  We figure the value of the box was at least $300.00.

After weeks of filing papers with the post office, and my husband talking to the post office down there, and the post office up here, I receive this little note in the mail, with the address to, and the address from that they had taken off the box they found.  The box was empty.  IN THEIR WAREHOUSE somewhere.  The note said:

I dont know if you can read the letter but in essence it says "sorry bout that but it happens"!

And kinda insinuates that it was not packaged good.  Let me tell you, when john (husband) wraps something to ship, the apes can not get into it!  So we are out of luck.  I suspect someone AT THE Post office took this box of things. KNOWING it was not insured.   As it was FOUND in their facilities!

Lesson!  DO NOT SHIP ANYTHING without at least a destination confirmation.  Even with one, even with insurance, you may not get compensated at all.

Foundation Leak Tip

I found that each winter as the rains came heavy, my basement on one wall would leak a bit.  But a little thought, helped me to stop this without digging or spending any money!

Before the rains come heavy, I make sure the ground from the wall out, about 15 feet out, stays moist.  I water it and keep it moist.  This way, the when the rains fall hard, they do not run up against the wall and leak down inside, the water sinks into the already moistened ground.  It is the water running off of hard pack dry soil that was affecting the wall, I have not had it leak for YEARS now by doing this.

OH, and keep everything away from basement walls in wet weather.  (I live on the coast)  anything against the walls, will promote mildew, mold and again promote leaks.  At least 2 inches away, and I keep a small fan or oil based heater on low down there too through out the wet season.

Hope this helps someone else out there!   ;-)

photo shows my wall behind my dogs that used to leak, but No More!