Thursday, March 31, 2011

Remembering...

A little house with three bedrooms, one bathroom and one car on the street.
A mower that you had to push to make the grass look neat.
In the kitchen on the wall we only had one phone,
And no need for recording things, someone was always home.

We only had a living room where we would congregate,
Unless it was at mealtime in the kitchen where we ate.
We had no need for family rooms or extra rooms to dine.
When meeting as a family those two rooms would work out fine.
 
We only had one TV set and channels maybe two,
But always there was one of them with something worth the view.
For snacks we had potato chips that tasted like a chip.
And if you wanted flavor there was Lipton's onion dip.

Store-bought snacks were rare because my mother liked to cook
And nothing can compare to snacks in Betty Crocker's book.
Weekends were for family trips or staying home to play.
We all did things together -- even go to church to pray.

When we did our weekend trips depending on the weather,
No one stayed at home because we liked to be together.
Sometimes we would separate to do things on our own,
But we knew where the others were without our own cell phone.
Then there were the movies with your favorite movie star,
And nothing can compare to watching movies in your car.

Then there were the picnics at the peak of summer season,
Pack a lunch and find some trees and never need a reason.
Get a baseball game together with all the friends you know,
Have real action playing ball -- and no game video.

Remember when the doctor used to be the family friend,
And didn't need insurance or a lawyer to defend?
The way that he took care of you or what he had to do,
Because he took an oath and strived to do the best for you.

Remember going to the store and shopping casually,
And when you went to pay for it you used your own money?
Nothing that you had to swipe or punch in some amount,
And remember when the cashier person  had to really count?

The milkman used to go from door to door,
And it was just a few cents more than going to the store.

There was a time when mailed letters came right to your door,
Without a lot of junk mail ads sent out by every store.
The mailman knew each house by name and knew where it was sent;
There were not loads of mail addressed to "present occupant."

There was a time when just one glance was all that it would take,
And you would know the kind of car, the model and the make.
They didn't look like turtles trying to squeeze out every mile;
They were streamlined, white walls, fins and really had some style.

One time the music that you played whenever you would jive,
Was from a vinyl, big-holed record called a forty-five..
The record player had a post to keep them all in line
And then the records would drop down and play one at a time.

Oh sure, we had our problems then, just like we do today
And always we were striving, trying for a better way.

Oh, the simple life we lived still seems like so much fun,
How can you explain a game, just kick the can and run?
And why would boys put baseball cards between bicycle spokes
And for a nickel, red machines had little bottled Cokes?

This life seemed so much easier and slower in some ways.
I love the new technology but I sure do miss those days.
So time moves on and so do we and nothing stays the same,
but I sure love to reminisce and walk down memory lane.

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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

In Case You Were Wondering...

Here is some Science trivia for inquiring thinkers!

How many pointers were there on the first clocks with hands--made in the fourteenth century?
A: Only one, the hour hand.

What temperature does the tungsten filament in an electric light reach when the light is turned on?
A: 2,577 Degrees C, or 4,664 degrees F.

Why did German scientist Wilhelm Roentgen name the invisible rays he discovered X-rays?
A: Because he had no idea what the mysterious rays were.

Who, long before Columbus, claimed the world was round, reasoning that if it were flat all the stars would be visible from all points on its surface?
A: Aristotle, who offered as added proof the fact that the earth casts a spherical shadow on the moon during an eclipse.

When did American sales of cassette recordings surpass those of long-playing records?
A: In 1983.

What product was originally called the Soundabout when it was introduced in the U.S. in 1970?
A: The Sony Walkman.

What do the letters represent in the acronym DNA -- the protein substance inside each cell that transmits genetic information from parent to child?
A: Deoxyribonucleic acid.

How long does a nanosecond last?
A: one billionth of a second.

How may different chemical reactions occur in the normal human brain every second?
A: At least 100,000.

In mathematics, what is the meaning of the term googol?
A: It represents the number 1 followed by 100 zeroes.

What word defines sounds too low for human hearing?
A: Infrasonic.

How did the element strontium--also known by the symbol SR and the atomic number 38--get its name?
A: From Strontian, the Scottish mining village in which it was discovered.

What reply did newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst receive when he sent a telegram to a leading astronomer asking "Is there life on Mars? Please cable on thousand words"?
A: "Nobody Knows" repeated 500 times.

How many pounds of lunar rock and soil were collected and brought back to Earth from America's six-expeditions to the moon?
A: 841.6.

What was the original purpose of ENIAC, the world's first "modern" computer?

A: To compute ballistic trajectories for artillery shells. ENIAC--an acronym for Electronic numerical integrator and Calculator --was introduced in 1946.

What gives the mineral turquoise its distinctive color?
A: Traces of copper.

What percentage of the average human brain is water?
A: 80 percent.

What does eccentricity mean to an astronomer?
A: The degree to which an orbit deviates from a circle. The eccentricity of Earth's orbit is 0.07.

What is alloyed with steel to make it stainless?
A: Chromium.

Which planet weighs over twice as much as all the other known planets combined?
A: Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system.

How fast--in miles per hour---do the fastest messages transmitted by the human nervous system travel?
A: 180 to 200 miles per hour.

How many frames --or pictures -- per second are transmitted over American television?
A: 30.
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Living With An Attitude of Gratitude

Creating an attitude of gratitude is one of the easiest steps we can take to improve our lives. The happiness we create for ourselves by showing our appreciation has far-reaching effects, both for ourselves and those we come in contact with – it can be highly contagious. There are so many different ways that we can express an attitude of gratitude. Here are just a few:

• Say “thank you”. You can say it in person, over the phone, in a note, or in an e-mail. This can have significant results in lifting someone else’s spirits. For example, a quick note to your childs teacher thanking her for her hard work and patience might give her the boost of energy that she needs when she needs it most.
• Try not to complain. A wise person once said “what you focus on expands”. Constant complaining about what is wrong in your life will keep you focused on what is wrong. The opposite is true as well…focusing on what is right in your life will keep you focused on the right things.
• Being grateful for the little things in our lives every day is just as important than being grateful for the big things. What about that front row parking spot you found when you were running late? Or the beautiful weather? How about the store clerk that went out of her way to help you? This may take a little practice, but there are many little things throughout the day that we can be grateful for if we take time to notice them.

Living a life of gratitude is one of the easiest ways to live a happier life. It takes very little effort to show someone you appreciate them but means so much to them. There are so many ways to make gratitude a part of our life and to spread the attitude to others. Keep living you life full of gratitude and spread your light to the rest of the world!

Quotes:

“Grow flowers of gratitude in the soil of prayer.”  ~ Verbena Woods

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”  ~ W.T. Purkiser

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”   ~ William Arthur Ward

“Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.”   ~ Kahlil Gibran

“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.”   ~ Lionel Hampton

“Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.”   ~ Eileen Caddy
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Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Germiest Public Places

Although escaping germs in public places is impossible, we can be aware of some of the most prominent places they infest.  Keeping this in mind, we can better defend ourselves against these germiest locations:

~ Condiment/salt and pepper dispensers in restaurants - Squirt hand sanitizer on the outside of the condiment bottle or use a disinfectant wipe before you grab it. Holding the bottle with a napkin won't help; napkins are porous, so microorganisms can pass right through.

~  Restaurant Menus - A recent study in the Journal of Medical Virology reported that cold and flu viruses can survive for 18 hours on hard surfaces.  When a menu is placed on your dish, there is good reason to ask for a new dish!
~  Lemon Wedges - According to a 2007 study in the Journal of Environmental Health, nearly 70% of the lemon wedges perched on the rims of restaurant glasses contain disease-causing microbes. When the researchers ordered drinks at 21 different restaurants, they found 25 different microorganisms lingering on the 76 lemons that they secured, including E. coli and other fecal bacteria.
~ Restroom door handles - Palm a spare paper towel after you wash up and use it to grasp the handle. Yes, other patrons may think you're a germ-phobe--but you'll never see them again, and you're the one who won't get sick.
~  Grocery carts - The handles of almost two-thirds of the shopping carts tested in a 2007 study at the University of Arizona were contaminated with fecal bacteria. In fact, the bacterial counts of the carts exceeded those of the average public restroom. Swab the handle with a disinfectant wipe before grabbing hold (stores are starting to provide them, so look around for a dispenser). And while you're wheeling around the supermarket, skip the free food samples, which are nothing more than communal hand-to-germ-to-mouth zones.
~ Airplane bathrooms - When tested for microbes in the bathrooms of commercial jets, surfaces from faucets to doorknobs were contaminated with E. coli. It's not surprising, then, that you're 100 times more likely to catch a cold when you're airborne, according to a recent study in the Journal of Environmental Health Research.
~ Soap dispensers - the dispenser are touched by dirty hands, so there's a continuous culture feeding millions of bacteria. Be sure to scrub hands thoroughly with plenty of hot water for 15 to 20 seconds--and if you happen to have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, use that, too.

~ Doctor offices - A doctor's office is not the place to be if you're trying to avoid germs. These tips can help limit your exposure.
1. Take your own books and magazines (and kid's toys, if you have your children or grandchildren with you).
2. Also pack your own tissues and hand sanitizers, which should be at least 60% alcohol content.
3. In the waiting room, leave at least two chairs between you and the other patients to reduce your chances of picking up their bugs. Germ droplets from coughing and sneezing can travel about 3 feet before falling to the floor.

From Prevention Magazine - From List Maker’s Get-Healthy Guide

There continue to be numerous items of which to be cautious.  If you think about it, more will come to mind:    Used crayons given for a child to use in a restaurant, high chairs, booster seats, etc.

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Sun Sense: What You Must Know

By avoiding sun damage, you’re not only preserving your skin’s health but also its appearance. Practicing good sun sense will result in fewer wrinkles, discolorations, and will help your skin resist developing the most insidious type of sun damage: skin cancer.
•There is no such thing as a safe tan, whether it is from the sun or a tanning booth.
•UVB radiation is the sun's burning ray and has an immediate, harmful impact on skin. Damage from UVB rays takes place within the very first minute (yes, 60 seconds) of walking outside.
•UVA rays are the sun's silent killers. You don't feel them but they are the primary cause of skin cancer, wrinkles, and a weakened immune system. (UVA rays penetrate through clear glass windows that do not have a UV coating.)
•Even on a cloudy or hazy day, the sun's rays are present and impacting the skin.
•Sitting in the shade or wearing a hat only protects against a portion of the sun's rays. Surrounding surfaces such as water, cement, and grass reflect rays from the ground to your skin giving you double the exposure.
•Altitude is a sun enhancer: for every 1,000-foot increase in altitude, the sun's potency increases by 4%. Don’t forget the sunscreen when you’re skiing!
•A product's SPF (sunscreen protection factor) number tells you how long you can stay in the sun before getting burned.  The formula is 10 (minutes) x 15(SPF) = 150 (minutes), or 2 1/2 hours. If you're swimming or perspiring, you must wear a water-resistant sunscreen which provides 40 to 80 minutes of protection.
•It is best to apply sunscreen LIBERALLY at least 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. This gives the sunscreen time to absorb and to spread over and into the uppermost layers of skin. Avoid expensive sunscreens as one may not be as apt to apply them liberally.
•Did you know that sunburn continues to develop for 12 to 24 hours after the initial burn? Treat a sunburn like any burn. Do not cover it with thick salves (thick moisturizers are the worst). These will trap the heat and cause more damage. Get the skin in contact with cool (not cold or icy) water or pure aloe vera immediately (do not put ice directly on the skin—that's too much cold and can cause a different kind of burn). Then keep applying the cool water or pure aloe vera on and off for several hours.

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Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Selecting the Right Retirement Location

Left:  Location map for North River Estates -
a 55+ land owned, manufactured
home
community in Ellenton, FL

What should you take into consideration when selecting the right retirement local? Where do you begin? What is most important?

These questions can be answered many different ways, depending on an individual's priorities. Here are some considerations:
~ Cost of Living - more retirees prefer a lower cost of living - meaning spending less on food, entertainment, housing and entertainment.
~ Lower Tax Locals - seven states do not levy an income tax - Florida being one of them.
~ Proximity to family - near grandchildren and family members who can help with grocery shopping, transportation, lawn care, etc. These are items that normally would have to be paid for if one can't do them themselves.
~ Job Opportunities - for those who still prefer or need to work in their retirement years, chose a location that has many part time jobs or consulting work.
~ Public Transportation - if you do not have someone to help with transportation, living near public transportation routes is a bonus.
~ Recreation and Culture - did you know college towns offer fabulous, quality entertainment with affordable prices?
~ Housing Needs - downsizing is popular in retirement years. A smaller home is less to heat, cool, keep up, etc.
~ Weather - choose a location that has the weather you most prefer.
~ Amenities - if you plan to travel a lot, you may opt to be near an airport. Other interests or needs may be to pick a location near places of worship, shopping, libraries and senior centers.
~ Health Care Facilities - adequate health care and elder care facilities are important to most. Make sure there are doctors who can treat any condition you may have.

All Newby Management communities provide activities and amenities to fit an active or relaxed life style, in locations with many options for shopping, places of worship, entertainment, restaurants, doctors and medical facilities. Florida provides an acceptable climate without income taxes.

Newby Realty provides sales of new and pre-owned manufactured homes in communities throughout Florida.  There are 55+ land lease, 55+ land owned and 55+ resident owned (Co-Op) manufactured home communities as well as all age (family) land lease manufactured home communities.

Become a Fan of Newby Realty on FacebookNewby Realty - Manufactured Home Sales
Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Decorating Ideas to Spruce Up Your Home

Tired of your decor? Ready to make some changes? Are you at a loss for ideas?

Let us start at the very beginning!  The options are endless!

~ Select a room where you spend most of your time; living room or den, perhaps. A few new accents may be all it needs, while removing some clutter and uninspiring items.

~ Try rearranging your furniture. If this is something you do not often do, you may see how refreshing and satisfying it really can be! It can give the room a whole new look, without costing money!

~ Change picture frames with frames or picture mats that blend in the colors on the coffee table.

~ Think outside the box- perhaps use a trunk as a coffee table in the middle of a nice conversational area. Place a floral arrangement in a colorful vase, photo album or candles on it to bring warmth and interest to the area.


~ Use throw pillows in these colors for the sofa or chairs.

~ If you have a favorite upholstered item that is looking its age, try recovering it, or laying a throw blanket on it, in a bold color to offset the rest of the furniture.

~ If you are feeling the pangs of crafting or even a bigger task, do some stenciling or put a wooden molding around a window to frame it, and change drapes to blinds.

~ Find a focal point.  Add a throw carpet (even over your wall to wall carpet) under the coffee table - or add an interesting wall arrangement.

One doesn't have to spend much on these changes - just look in thrift stores or consignment shops for good prices. Others who are doing just what you are doing may have donated their 'tired of ' items - just in time for your turn with them!!

Quote:
"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it." - Danny Kaye

Helpful Hint: Plants to decorate with that are hard to kill!
1. The Bamboo Plant! You place the bamboo stalks in a container, add rocks around them to immobilize them and keep the rocks covered with water. Buying the stalks and the containers to put them in is very inexpensive.
2. Air Fern! They don't even need water - just AIR! Put an air fern in a container, add moss around it and it will grow! No soil necessary, either!!

A Bit of Humor:

• The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
• Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know 'why' I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
• When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think of Algebra.
~ Submitted by Mary Jo, Emmitsburg, Md.

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Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.

Monday, March 21, 2011

The March Equinox

The March equinox :  March 20, 2011, marking the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere.

Twice a year, around March 20 or 21 and September 22 or 23, the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night are nearly equal in all parts of the world. These two days are known as the March (vernal or spring in the northern hemisphere) equinox and the September equinox.

What does equinox mean?
The word “equinox” derives from the Latin words meaning “equal night” and refers to the time when the sun crosses the equator. At such times, day and night are everywhere of nearly equal length everywhere in the world.

It is important to note that while the March equinox marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, it is the start of autumn in many parts of the southern hemisphere.

Rituals and Traditions
Modern astronomy aside, people have recognized the vernal equinox for thousands of years. There is no shortage of rituals and traditions surrounding the coming of spring. Many early peoples celebrated for the basic reason that their food supplies would soon be restored. The date is significant in Christianity because Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

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Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Welcome To Florida!

Welcome to the state with LOTS of sunshine, beautiful sunsets and enchanting scenery!!


Following are guides to key steps new Floridians need to complete. These are offered by the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles (posted on their website).

Just moved to Florida and need to get a driver license? Here's what to do:
     If you have an out-of-state license, and it has not expired beyond 30 days, you may be able to convert your license without taking a written or road test. You will need to have a vision screening. Call your local driver license office and schedule an appointment.

Register Your Out of State Car:
     You have just 10 days to register your out of state car in Florida.

You Have 30 Days:
     Florida law requires that you get a Florida drivers license within 30 days of becoming a resident of Florida. You are a resident if you do one of the following:
- Enroll your children in a Florida public school
- Accept employment
- Register to Vote
- File for a homestead exemption
- Reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months

Quote:
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." ~ Seneca

 Helpful Hints about packing:
• Packed boxes should weigh less than 50 pounds.
• Pack heavier items on the bottom.
• Stuff socks, scarves, pillow cases and other small fabric items in holes and crevices in boxes - just make sure you keep pairs of socks together!
• Make sure all boxes can close properly and be sealed so the tops are flat. If you over-pack a box, you risk damage to the contents.

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years. On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.


Patrick was born around 385 in Scotland, probably Kilpatrick. His parents were Calpurnius and Conchessa, who were Romans living in Britian in charge of the colonies.

As a boy of fourteen or so, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him.  During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He wrote:
"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same." "I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."

Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britian, where he reunited with his family.

He had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more."

He began his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years.

Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland March 25, 433, at Slane. One legend says that he met a chieftain of one of the tribes, who tried to kill Patrick. Patrick converted Dichu (the chieftain) after he was unable to move his arm until he became friendly to Patrick.

Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing Patrick's message.

Patrick by now had many disciples, among them Beningnus, Auxilius, Iserninus, and Fiaac, (all later canonized as well).

Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.  He died at Saul, where he had built the first church.

The Shamrock
During the fifth century, St. Patrick adopted the shamrock as a religious symbol, noting that the three leaves represented the Holy Trinity of Christianity. As St. Patrick worked to spread Christian doctrine across Ireland, the shamrock became a symbol of his work. He was so loved that St. Patrick's Day was named for him, although the religious connotations of the shamrock in the holiday celebration have mostly been forgotten.


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Newby Realty provides sales of new and used manufactured (mobile) homes throughout Florida in Bradenton, Clearwater, Debary, Edgewater, Ellenton, Englewood, Fort Pierce, Hudson, Lakeland, N. Fort Myers, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, Orange City, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Port Richey, Sarasota, Winter Springs, Zephyrhills.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Closing Your Home for the Spring or Summer

If you head north during the spring and summer months, you'll want to prepare your manufactured home for your absence. Complete the check list below:.

Tighten tie-downs until taut.

Unplug all electrical items, except lights on timers. If you unplug the refrigerator, prop the door open.

Turn the water off under your home. Do NOT leave water faucets on and do NOT plug your drains.

Put a clean filter in your air conditioner and set the temperature to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Set out small containers of charcoal or cat litter in every room to absorb moisture and odors.

Turn off and drain the water heater.

Check your plumbing system for leaks. Look for wet areas or water stains in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry area.

Inspect your roof. Recoat seams or entire roof, if necessary.

Weatherstrip and caulk windows and doors.

Clean leaves and debris out of your gutter system.

Now rest assured your home is in good condition to leave for the summer.  When you return in the Fall, there will be less work to do upon your arrival!

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Monday, March 14, 2011

Food Facts

It takes twelve ears of corn to make a tablespoon of corn oil.

Ears of corn always have an even number of rows of kernels.

Pretzels were originally invented for Christian Lent.

Cranberries are sorted for ripeness by bouncing them; a fully ripened cranberry can be dribbled like a basketball.

Ninety-nine percent of pumpkins sold in the United States are for the sole purpose of decoration.

Pumpkin rule of thumb: the darker the shell, the longer the pumpkin lasts.

Rice is the chief food for half the people of the world.

Spinach consumption in the U.S. rose 33% after the Popeye comic strip became a hit in 1931.

Strawberries have more vitamin c than oranges.

Bananas are not fruit! They are a type of herb.

The average child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the he/she graduates from high school.

Avocados have more protein than any other fruit.

The U.S. eastern seaboard consumes almost 50% of all ice cream sandwiches.

To find out if a watermelon is ripe, knock it, and if it sounds hollow then it is ripe.

Worcestershire Sauce is basically an Anchovy ketchup.

The average American/Canadian will eat about 11.9 pounds of cereal per year!

If you shake a can of mixed nuts, the larger ones will rise to the top.

Honey is the only food that will not spoil.

Contrary to popular belief, London Broil is not a cut of beef but rather a method of cooking.

Cast iron skillets used to be the leading source of iron in the American diet!

Apples are more efficient than caffeine in keeping people awake in the morning.

Almonds are a member of the peach family.

Acorns were used as a coffee substitute during the American Civil War.

A coffee tree yields about one pound of coffee in a year.

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Friday, March 11, 2011

Johnny Appleseed Day

There is plenty of documentation to support claims for Johnny Appleseed Day on March 11th and on September 26th.  It is believed he died on March 11, 1845 from what was referred to as the "winter plague".   However, his date was not formally recorded and the date of death is disputed.


Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman (September 26, 1774 – February 18, 1845) in Leominster, Massachusetts, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Being a deeply religious person, he was also a missionary for the New Church.  He was known to preach during his travels.

He became an American legend while still alive, largely because of his kind and generous ways, his great leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance of apples. 

The Image
The popular image of Johnny Appleseed had him spreading apple seeds randomly, everywhere he went. In fact, he planted nurseries rather than orchards, built fences around them to kill them from livestock, left the nurseries in the care of a neighbor who sold trees on shares, and returned every year or two to tend the nursery. Many of these nurseries were located in the Mohican area of north-central Ohio. This area included the towns of Mansfield, Lucas, Perrysville, and Loudonville.

Appleseed's managers were asked to sell trees on credit, if at all possible, but he would accept corn meal, cash or used clothing in barter. The notes did not specify an exact maturity date—that date might not be convenient—and if it did not get paid on time, or even get paid at all, Johnny Appleseed did not press for payment. Appleseed was hardly alone in this pattern of doing business, but he was unusual in remaining a wanderer his entire life.
He obtained the apple seeds for free; cider mills wanted more apple trees planted since it would eventually bring them more business. Johnny Appleseed dressed in the worst of the used clothing he received, giving away the better clothing in barter. He wore no shoes, even in the snowy winter. There was always someone in need he could help out, for he did not have a house to maintain. When he heard a horse was to be put down, he had to buy the horse, buy a few grassy acres nearby, and turn the horse out to recover. If it did, he would give the horse to someone needy, exacting a promise to treat the horse humanely.

Johnny Appleseed Best Remembered
Johnny Appleseed is best remembered in American popular culture by his traveling song or Swedenborgian hymn ("The Lord is good to me...") which is today sung before meals in some American households.

So on this special day remember to celebrate it by serving your family a fantastic apple dish in honor of this legendary man and his apple trees.

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Water Conservation - Outdoor Water Saving Ideas

  • Don't overwater your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every five to seven days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Buy a rain gauge and use it to determine how much rain your yard has received. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week. 
  • Plant it smart. Xeriscape landscaping is a great way to design, install and maintain both your plants and irrigation system.
  • Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces losses from evaporation. 
  • Don't allow sprinklers to water your street, driveway or sidewalk. Position them so water lands on the lawn and shrubs... not the paved areas. 
  • Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water efficient irrigation methods.
  • Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly. Florida law now requires that "anyone who purchases and installs an automatic lawn sprinkler system MUST install a rain sensor device or switch which will override the irrigation cycle of the system when adequate rainfall has occurred.".
  • Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. Fertilizer applications increase the need for water. Apply fertilizers which contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
  • Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water. 
  • Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
  • Do not hose down your driveway or sidewalk. Use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from these areas. 
  • Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose which can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in place. Washers prevent leaks. 
  • Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn sprinklers off. 
  • Avoid purchasing recreational water toys which require a constant stream of water. 
  • Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle. 
  • Avoid the installation of ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless the water is recycled. 
  • If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Ash Wednesday and Lent


The beginning of what we call "Ash Wednesday," is difficult to date with certainty, though it probably began around 600 A.D.

Ashes are applied to the forehead of Christians in the sign of the cross (throughout the Middle Ages ashes were sprinkled on the head) as a symbol of humility and repentance. The ashes are a reminder that we are "dust and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19). Thus, they are a reminder of our mortality cursed as it is by sin. Moreover, the ashes remind us of our limits, of what we are, and how greatly we need God's mercy in Christ.

Lent is a 40 day Christian festival beginning Ash Wednesday and concluding on Easter (Sundays are not counted).

The word "Lent" comes from the old Anglo-Saxon word lengten, which means "springtime," named so for the time of the year in which it occurs.

What we now call Lent was originally a period of fasting and study for catechumens who were to be baptized on the Saturday before Easter. The 40 day fast was said by Athanasius in 339 AD to be celebrated the world over. The 40 day fast of Jesus in the wilderness was responsible for the number 40 being chosen.

The purpose of this extended fast was to practice self-denial and humility. This was to prepare oneself for receiving God's grace and forgiveness in baptism, given on Easter Saturday or Easter Sunday.

The liturgical color for Lent is purple, the color of repentance and sorrow for sin.

Lent prepares us for the observance of Jesus Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection for us. It is a season of repentance and sorrow for sin. Lent is a time of self-examination in light of the Ten Commandments; it is a time of giving up of sinful behavior, a time of personal housecleaning. It is a time of commitment to the new life of Christ begun in baptism. It is a time of disciplined study of Scripture and a time of growing in faith. In recent years Lent has become a time to remember our baptisms. It is a time to reflect on the impact of baptism on our lives, and to ask ourselves how we are doing. Most of all, it is a time of renewal and new beginnings, as we through faith apply the complete forgiveness won by Christ's death to our lives. Lent heightens our awareness that we desperately need Jesus Christ.

As someone has said: "Lent is the Church's springtime. Out of the darkness of sin's winter emerges a people the Church--reborn through baptism into their Lord's death and resurrection from the grave."

Lent is an opportunity not an obligation. It is not commanded by our Lord, nor is it even mentioned in the Bible. Those Christians who observe it do so because they find it a helpful opportunity for repentance and renewal, for the strengthening of their faith. Christians are free to observe or not observe Lent.

Pastor Richard Bucher

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Water Conservation - Indoor Water Saving Ideas

  • Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning. 
  • Verify that your home is leak free. Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak. 
  • Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. This adds to the cost of water and sewer utilities, and can strain your septic system. 
  • Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors. 
  • Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed. (Flush as soon as test is done since food coloring may stain tank.) 
  • If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it. 
  • Install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bag or bottle to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts. When purchasing new or replacement toilets, consider low-volume units which use less than half the water of older models. In many areas, low-volume units are now required by law. 
  • Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs.  
  • Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water and use this to water plants. The same technique can be used when washing dishes or vegetables in the sink. 
  • In the shower, turn water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn back on to rinse off. Repeat when washing your hair. 
  • Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded. Set the water level for the size of load. 
  • When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet. 
  • Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don't let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow. 
  • Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. 
  • Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste instead of using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals also can add 50 percent to the volume of solids in a septic tank. This can lead to malfunctions and maintenance problems. 
  • Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce water heating costs for your household. 
  • Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up. 
  • Never install a water-to-air heat pump or air-conditioning system. Newer air-to-air models are just as efficient and do not waste water. 
  • Don't let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin. 
  • Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum amount of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness. Turn softeners off while on vacation. 
  • If you have a well at home, check your pump periodically. Listen to hear if the pump kicks on and off while water is not being used. If it does, you have a leak.
  • Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet. 
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

101 WAYS TO PRAISE A CHILD

Praise - one word or phrase goes a very long way... said on a regular basis, praises send a wonderful message to not only a child, but anyone we care to encourage! (It takes 30 positive encouragements to repair one negative remark!)

101 Praises:
Wow • Way To Go • Super • You’re Special • Outstanding • Excellent • Great • Good • Neat • Well Done • Remarkable • I Knew You Could Do It • I’m Proud Of You • Fantastic • Super Star • Nice Work • Looking Good • You’re On Top Of It • Beautiful • Now You’re Flying • You’re Catching On • Now You’ve Got It • You’re Incredible • Bravo • You’re Fantastic • Hooray For You • You’re On Target • You’re On Your Way • How Nice • How Smart • Good Job • That’s Incredible • Hot Dog • Dynamite • You’re Beautiful • You’re Unique • Nothing Can Stop You Now • Good For You • I Like You • You’re A Winner • Remarkable Job • Beautiful Work • Spectacular • You’re Darling • You’re Spectacular • You’re Precious • Exceptional Performance • Great Discovery • You’ve Discovered The Secret • You Figured It Out • Creative Job • Super Job • Fantastic Job • You Are A Real Trooper • You Are Responsible • You Are Exciting • Terrific Job • You Learned It Right • Bingo • Magnificent • Terrific • Hip, Hip Hooray • You’re Important • Marvelous • You’re Sensational • Phenomenal • Super Work • What An Imagination • What A Good Listener • You Are Fun • You Are Growing Up • You Tried Hard • You Care • Beautiful Sharing • Outstanding Performance • You’re A Good Friend • I Trust You • You’re Important • You Mean A Lot To Me • You Make Me Happy • You’ve Got A Friend • Awesome • You Belong • You Make Me Laugh • You Brighten My Day • You Mean The World To Me • I Respect You • That’s Correct • You’re A Joy • You’re A Treasure • You’re Wonderful • You’re Perfect • A+ Job • You’re A-OK My Buddy • You Made My Day • That’s The Best • A Big Hug • A Big Kiss • Say I Love You • P.S. Remember, A Smile Is Worth 1,000 Words!





Children Learn What They Live - Dorothy Law Neite

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child learns to feel shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
He a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

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Monday, March 7, 2011

More Amazing Facts!

  • By feeding hens certain dyes they can be made to lay eggs with multi-colored yolks.
  • A chicken will lay bigger and stronger eggs if you change the lighting in such a way as to make them think a day is 28 hours long!
  • The normal static electricty shock that zaps your finger when you touch a doorknob is usually between 10,000 and 30,000 volts!
  • The warmest temperature ever recorded on Antarctica was 3 degrees F.
  • The word 'News' is actually an acronym standing for the 4 cardinal compass points - North, East, West, and South!
  • The height of a bowling pin is equal to its circumference.
  • There is more real lemon juice in Lemon Pledge furniture polish than in Country Time Lemonade.
  • When glass breaks, the cracks move faster than 3,000 miles per hour.
  • You can tape a small mirror onto a cone speaker, play music and shine a laser on to the mirror and the reflection will look like a laser light show on your wall.
  • Bananas contain a natural chemical which can make a person happy. This same chemical is also found in Prozac.
  • You share your birthday with at least 9 million other people in the world.
  • When young and impoverished, Pablo Picasso kept warm by burning his own paintings.
  • The IRS processes more than 2 billion pieces of paper each year.
  • During your lifetime, you'll eat about 60,000 pounds of food, that's the weight of about 6 elephants!
  • The largest diamond ever found was an astounding 3,106 carats!
  • The launching mechanism of a carrier ship that helps planes to take off could throw a pickup truck over a mile.
  • A pound of potato chips costs 200 times more than a pound of potatoes.
  • A hard boiled egg will spin. An uncooked or soft boiled egg will not.
  • An apple, potato, and onion all taste the same if you eat them with your nose plugged.
  • An egg will float if placed in water in which sugar has been added.
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