June's Round Up!

Well as we draw a close to June, this months round up is here.

This month we covered many things. From Emergency radios, life vests, changing batteries, using and seasoning cast iron. We also talked about making a family tree, easy bake oven recipes for kids, and helping pets get through storms. The value this month was Forgiveness, something we all can work on! This month we had flag day and national catfish day.

June we now say good bye to this month, half a year gone. We will welcome the new month of July!

First aid idea is Triangular Bandages

Triangular Bandages can be used for many things. Every First Aid kit should have at least one per person in the family. Of course you can always have more.

A triangular bandage is a large triangle of cloth, usually a loose-weave cotton cloth, used in first aid. It is also called a ‘cravat’ (French for necktie) because it is sometimes folded to the shape of a long narrow band, for certain uses. This type of bandage has many applications:
1. Folded as a thick rectangle of cloth, the cravat can be placed over a large wound. In this case, it functions like a trauma pad, absorbing blood and helping to stop bleeding.
2. One folded cravat can be used as a trauma pad, and a second cravat can be used to wrap the wound and trauma pad. In this usage, it functions like first-aid tape, to hold the trauma pad in place.
3. If a victim has an injured arm, a triangular bandage can be used as a sling, to support the arm in a bent position over the chest. A second cravat (folded as a long band) can be used around the torso as a swathe, to immobilize the arm against the chest. This technique is called a sling and swathe. Dedicated sling and swathe kits are available for purchase. But the advantage of the triangular bandage is that a few compact bandages serve multiple purposes. This allows a smaller first aid kit to do more.
4. If a victim has a broken leg, the leg can be immobilized with a blanket between the legs and a couple of cravats to tie the legs together, firmly but not so tight as to restrict circulation.
5. If a victim has a sprained ankle or wrist, a cravat can be used like an Ace bandage to wrap and support the appendage. Always remember, when wrapping, bandaging, or taping any wound, to avoid restricting circulation.
6. In the case of a head wound, a triangular bandage can be wrapped over the forehead and around the top of the head to cover the wound. Do not use bandages over the eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use bandages of any kind around the neck, because you might restrict circulation to the head.

You can make your own triangular bandage. Buy white (actually off-white) unbleached muslin cloth. Cut a square about 3 feet by 3 feet. Then cut the square diagonally, along the bias (at a 45 degree angle to the direction of the weave). In this way, when the triangle is folded as a cravat, the band of cloth will stretch along its length. This is useful so that the cravat will wrap a wound firmly, but not too tightly.


Of course you should take a first aid course, or even a refresher course. Know what you can do. Do not "think" you know what to do. Training is the key here, you could do more harm than good! Call for help, seek medical help as needed. As always be safe!

Children's Corner Easy bake recipes

Well this month I thought I would share some easy bake recipes I found. My sister was asking me If I had any for her and so I thought maybe some other people may be wanting some ideas to use the easy bake ovens. Then since it is summer time and the children are out of school.

Easy Bake Oven Recipes -Barbie's Pretty Pink Cake

• 5tablespoons Flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Salt
• 5 teaspoon Red Sugar Crystals
• 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla
• 4 teaspoon Vegetable Oil
• 8 teaspoon Milk

Directions:

Preheat Easy Bake Oven 15 minutes

Stir together cake flour, baking powder, salt, red sugar, vanilla, oil and milk until the batter is smooth and pink. Pour 3 Tbsp. of batter into greased and floured cake pan.

Bake 15 mins.

Repeat for second layer.

Makes 2 layers. 

Frostings

White Frosting

2 cups Powdered Sugar -- sifted
3 tablespoons Non-fat Dry Milk -- powder
6 tablespoons Shortening

In a medium bowl, combine icing sugar and milk powder. Stir with a wire whisk to blend. With a pastry blender, cut in shortening. Spoon about 1/3 cup mixture into each of 8 small containers or ziploc bags. Seal bags tightly. Label with date and contents.

Store in a cool dry place. Use within 12 weeks.

Makes 8 packages of Children's White Frosting Mix.

Directions

1 pkg. Children's White Frosting mix (above
3/4 teaspoon water

In a small bowl, combine mix and water. Stir well with a spoon until smooth and creamy. Makes about 1/4 cup frosting. A drop or two of vanilla may be added if desired.

Party Frosting

4 tsp Vegetable Shortening
2/3 cup Powdered Sugar
1/8 tsp Vanilla
2 tsp Milk
Colored sugar crystals for decoration

In a small bowl, mix together shortening, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread frosting on top of cake and continue with sides.

Sprinkle with colored crystal sugars.

Frosts 2 cakes

Pink Sparkles Frosting

4 tsp. shortening
2/3 c. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. milk
Pink sugar crystals for decoration
drop of red food coloring

Stir together shortening, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in food coloring. Spread 2 tsp. of frosting on top of 1st layer. Add 2nd layer and continue frosting.

Sprinkle with colored crystal sugars.

BUTTERSCOTCH CANDY (6)

Ingredients:

1/4 c Butterscotch morsels
2 teaspoons Margarine

Directions:

Put margarine and morsels into the melting pan and place the pan on
the Warm/Melt area top of the oven. Heat for 15 minutes.  (You can also do this in the microwave stirring every 30 seconds)

Stir gently every 5 minutes. Using a spoon, fill the candy molds with melted butterscotch. Place the molds in the refrigerator for 30 mins. or until firm. Remove from molds.

 Makes approx. 6 candies--depending on the mold size.

DEEP  DISH PIZZA

When Barbie has Ken over this is what she fixes him for dinner. It's definitely his favorite. Your kids will enjoy making this fu pizza too. It's a favorite recipe for kids at our house.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoons Baking powder
1 dash Salt
1 teaspoons Margarine
2 1/4 teaspoons Milk
1 tablespoons Pizza sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Stir together flour, baking powder, salt and margarine until dough looks like medium-sized crumbs. Slowly add milk while stirring. Shape dough into a ball and place into a greased pan. Use your fingers to pat the dough evenly over the bottom of the pan, then up the sides. Pour the sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the cheese. Bake 20 mins. Remove. Makes 1 pizza.

Here is a link for some other recipes http://www.budget101.com/frugal/easy-bake-oven-mixes-187/

Forgiveness day

Spiritual idea: Now we all can be more Spiritual in our own ways. Everyone has the right to choose how they believe. I do not want to preach to anyone! So my Spiritual Ideas will be ways to be better people that can even fall in to the category of being a good human being and being a productive person in not only your own life, but the lives of other around you.

We all know what values are, we all have grown up learning the difference between right and wrong. We get our values from our parents, school, friends, neighbors, church, media, books, and well in all reality we get our values from all over. What we each individually choose to embrace and add to our personal lives and what means to each of us, is what defines us as individuals, and the people we choose to become.

Today is June 26th and It is Forgiveness day. This is a value that many people need to learn to use in their own lives, myself included.  Forgiveness Day is a time to forgive and to be forgiven. The world will be a better place for this day.  Forgiveness is a willingness to pardon someone.

What is forgiveness?

Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.
Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?
Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships
• Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
• Less anxiety, stress and hostility
• Lower blood pressure
• Fewer symptoms of depression 

 How do I reach a state of forgiveness?
Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. To begin, you might:

• Consider the value of forgiveness and its importance in your life at a given time
• Reflect on the facts of the situation, how you've reacted, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being
• When you're ready, actively choose to forgive the person who's offended you
• Move away from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending person and situation have had in your life

 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131

                             

National Catfish Day

Today is June 25th and it is national catfish day. Today is a great day to enjoy some fried or baked catfish!

On June 25, 1987, President Ronald Reagan began a presidential proclamation with the words "More and more Americans are discovering a uniquely American food delicacy — farm-raised catfish."

So with that in mind here are a few Catfish recipes! Enjoy

 Buttermilk Slaw                                                
1 large cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, shredded 
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
Sea salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste

There is one southern tradition I believe in and that is draining cabbage of its water before making slaw. Nothing worse than 'soupy' slaw after setting around a few hours. A head of cabbage has a lot of moisture and by tossing it with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt in a colander, letting it drain for an hour will remove the excess water allowing the slaw to remain nice and crisp throughout the meal, even for the next. Just be sure to rinse well under running water, drain and allow to dry on a towel before proceeding with the recipe.

Mix the carrots and cabbage in a large bowl. Stir the remaining ingredients together and mix into the cabbage coating well. Refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours before serving.

Homemade Tarter Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons minced white onions
1/2 cup chopped bread & butter pickles, sweet or dill relish, whatever you fancy
Lemon juice to taste
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

Blend together and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Buttermilk Battered Fish Fillets

for each pound of fish fillets

good for catfish, brim, perch - any lake fish or fillets of choice

1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown mustard
1/2 cup plain cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepperWhisk the buttermilk, vinegar and mustard in a wide bowl and add the fish fillets coating well. Let set for 30 minutes. Mix remaining ingredients in a shallow bowl and set aside.
Coat a broiling pan with olive oil. Heat broiler oven to 475 F.
Remove fillets one at a time and dredge in the cornmeal mixture. Place on the pan separating the fillets about an inch apart. Turn up the broiler to 500 degrees and place pan about 4 inches under the broiler. Cook about 4 minutes per side. Test fillets with a fork checking the thickest part of the fish. Serve with lemon wedges and tarter sauce.

Recipes from http://dricksramblingcafe.blogspot.com/2010/08/southern-oven-fried-catfish-with-tarter.html

 
Serves four
Ingredients
4 Mississippi pond-raised or wild catfish, skinned and deheaded (about 1 1/2 pounds each)
2 eggs
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Dash of hot sauce
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup yellow cornmeal 
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 quarts peanut oil
8 scallions
3/4 cup Miracle Whip
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup pickle relish
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Procedure
Dickey Sauce: In a medium bowl, fold together the Miracle Whip, mayonnaise, relish, onion, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Catfish: Combine the eggs, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and milk together in a large bowl and beat it until frothy. In a shallow dish large enough to contain the fish, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper.
With a small knife, score both sides of the catfish four times across, deeply, about 11/2 inches apart. Dip the catfish into the egg wash, then dredge it completely with the cornmeal mixture, evenly coating the fish; set it aside.
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to 325 degrees. Add the fish—one at a time for whole fish (if using fillets, two at a time)—and cook 7–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Serve with scallions and Dickey sauce.

Recipe from http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/fishing/2010/06/catfish-recipe-national-catfish-day

Nutritional Idea, Eat Breakfast

We all are trying to eat better and become more healthy. I do have a degree in Nutrition and this is something every one can do to help them feel better and have more energy.

Your mom had it right, back in the day! Eat Breakfast. Yes it is that simple. We all know we need to eat breakfast. We all want our kids to eat their breakfast, the same goes for the adults in the house.

If you eat a high fiber cereal, or eat higher fiber bread. You will feel full longer and you will have more energy to get through the morning until lunch.

We all get busy and go about our days, next thing we know it is three in the afternoon, and we are starving and just realize that we did not eat anything all day. This is really a typical day in my life. This is even something I have to work on! What is bad is I know better, with education to back it up.

Toast with peanut butter or hazelnut spread, bagels, even a bowl of oatmeal will give you the energy you need to get through the morning. Boil up some hard cooked eggs in the evening and you can have a hard cooked egg and toast. By the time the toast is toasted in the toaster, you can have an egg or two peeled and add a glass of juice or glass of milk and you have an easy breakfast and no real cooking for the morning!

 

 Make a goal and eat something for breakfast every day.

For you and your children, every excuse or barrier to eating a nutritious breakfast has a solution. Don't let these excuses stand in your way of starting your day with a good breakfast:

"I'm not hungry in the morning." Start your day with a cup of 100% fruit juice or a piece of whole-wheat toast. Later when you are hungry, eat a mid-morning snack — a hard-boiled egg, low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt, low-fat string cheese or a whole-wheat bagel.

"I don’t have enough time in the morning." Stock your kitchen with easy-to-prepare foods such as breakfast cereal, instant oatmeal, small bagels, whole-grain toaster waffles, yogurt and fresh fruit.

"I'll gain weight." There is no evidence to support the belief that eating breakfast will make you gain weight. In fact, skipping meals has been shown to lead to overeating at snack time or the next meal.

"I don't like breakfast foods." Breakfast can be any food you like. A slice of pizza, bowl of soup, a lean-meat sandwich or leftovers all make a fine breakfast.

Think of breakfast as your body's morning refueling stop to get your day going the right way.

Some information from http://www.eatright.org/kids/tip.aspx?id=6442459351&terms=breakfast

72 hour kit change your batteries

 For the month of June, half the year gone and another half to go. This months Idea for your 72 hour kit is to change and rotate the batteries you have in your 72 hour kit, packs and supplies. Change the batteries in your flashlights, radios, and anything else.

It is easy to forget to change and rotate out the batteries. You should also check your radios, and flashlights see if they still work.

Here is a link for the do and do not about batteries. from Energizer

http://www.energizer.com/learning-center/battery-care/Pages/dos-and-donts.aspx

Here is another link for Durracell

http://www.duracell.com/en-US/faqs.jspx?faqCategoryId=storage-disposal

Thrifty Idea Homemade Facial Cleaner

Well today I thought I would just share something I got in an email. I have not tried it, but I have heard many good things about it. So here ya go!

Homemade Facial Cleaner

Here is a recipe for a face cleaner that will really leave your face feeling nice and smooth.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. milk (good for dry skin)
• 1 dash of sugar (good to get rid of dead skin cells for a smooth face)
• 1/2 tsp. honey (will give your skin a glow)

Directions:

Mix it all together wet your face put it on your face and rinse in 3 min. after you apply.

So what is for Dinner?

We all have to make dinner, we all have to eat. Well this is a weeks worth of dinners that we have had this month.

Sunday: Steaks, Shrimp, roasted vegetables ( red potatoes, russet potatoes, sweet potato, onion, carrots, celery, zucchini) Corn on the cob.

Monday: Tomato and basil pasta with meat balls, green salad, garlic bread, peaches

Tuesday: BBQ Chicken thighs, pasta salad, fresh vegetables, corn bread

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, homemade french fries, green salad, pears

Thursday: Catfish, Rice, green beans, strawberries.

Friday: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Potato salad, jello, Baked beans, Chips, fresh vegetables

Saturday: Pork butt, roasted potatoes, carrots, and celery. Left over jello, left over potato salad, left over beans.

So what is on your dinner menu for this week? 

Preparedness Question for June

So this months preparedness question is: How many people do you plan for in the event of an emergency? Do you plan for just your family in your home? How about extended family in the area? Do you have close friends that will show up at your home? How about neighbors? Do you have a reading group, church members, or a club that you belong to and those people may decide to "show up" at your home for help.

No one person or family can expect to "help" everyone that comes knocking at your door. You should have a plan to help those that you can. You should also have a plan on how to tell people you can not help. Of course there is is a time to help people. Then there is also a time to help your immediate family. 

Only you as a family can decide what is best for you! Prepare for yourselves and then plan on helping other people. Make a plan and follow through! Good luck to you all!

Life lesson, Carrots, Eggs or Coffee

 This is a story that I saw on Facebook that a friend shared and I thought I would add it here for all to read.

Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee. Which are you? She asked her grand-daughter.

A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first pot she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

Her grandmother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked the granddaughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, she asked the granddaughter to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma then asked,

"What does it mean, grandmother?"

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water, but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter.

"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which are you?

Are you the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do you wilt and become soft and lose your strength?

Are you the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did you have a fluid spirit, but after a death, breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have you become hardened and stiff? Does your shell look the same, but on the inside are you bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are at their darkest and trials are their greatest so you elevate to another level?

So which are you?

~Author Unknown

Flag Day

Today is June 14. Today is Flag day. Fly your flags and show your colors.

History on flag day:
The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.
On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.
Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag.
Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered.
In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.
Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

 http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html

Pets and Thunderstorms

If you have a pet, mainly dogs that are afraid of the thunderstorms? Well the dog we have is, did not know it until she woke me up at 5am and was having a doggie panic attack. She is a rescue from the shelter and was already 2 years old when we got her. We had no idea she was afraid of the thunder and lightening.

This is what I did. Turned on classical music, had her get in bed with me. Petted her, and talked soothing to her, told her she was alright etc. She hid her head under the blankets. When a load thunder boomer came she turned inside out and this large dog, thought she was a cat and landed on my chest trying to get closer to me to save her. When the storm passed I wondered if there was anything else I should of done to help her ease through the thunderstorm.

This is what I found.There are links to the original posts following these ideas.

Know How to Calm Your Pet

First, find a comfortable place — a ridiculously plush dog bed, a rug, a crate or space under a bed, even in the bathtub — that the pet thinks of as a safe haven. Offer a few reassuring words. You might want to remind your pet that a cherished toy is still here, just waiting to be played with.
But don’t overly cuddle or appear yourself to be anxious — your scaredy dog will pick up on that and will remain fearful. In fact, a couple of veterinarians told me you should not say anything while the storm passes, or even look the dog in the eyes, to avoid giving “cues” that something is wrong.
Other methods that may help:

• Music can soothe phobic pets. Play the music as needed, not continuously; otherwise your pet can become desensitized.
• Melatonin, an over-the-counter hormone, has been shown to calm some pups. They remain alert, not sleepy, but thunder just doesn’t bother them any more. Melatonin varies by manufacturer, so you’ll want to talk to your vet about what brand and dosage to give. Other holistic remedies are available.

http://www.petsadviser.com/behaviors/how-to-calm-your-pet-during-a-thunderstorm/

Fear Busters

Left untreated, storm phobias can have disastrous consequences. An owner may decide to relinquish the pet or have him euthanized, while a scared dog could turn up lost at an animal shelter after bolting during a storm. Moreover, chronic stress can impair a pet’s immune system and overall health; in the worst-case scenario, the animal may even suffer a fatal heart attack.
Through a combination of the following steps, the condition is treatable, though a complete reversal isn’t always possible, says board-certified veterinary behaviorist Lisa Radosta. “Most owners don’t go for the ‘Holy Grail,’ which takes diligent work with the dog—maybe up to a year or more in advanced cases,” she says. “... But they can get the dog to the point where their quality of life is greatly improved and they are not frantic with panic.”
• Build a storm bunker: Find a dark, quiet, and easily accessible place such as a basement, closet, or bathroom, and teach your pet to relax in this “safe area” during normal weather. Fill it with pillows, favorite playthings, and toys stuffed with treats. You can also place a kennel in the room with the door open. As a storm approaches, coax the pet to enter the refuge, then use a fan, television, or radio to drown out noise.
• Desensitize: Before storm season hits, play a CD of storm sounds once a day, at a volume low enough that your pet responds but isn’t anxious. Increase the volume each day, coupling it with commands and rewards, playtime, or treats. When storms are expected, start the fun before your pet shows signs of anxiety.
• Seek help from the pharmacy: For severe phobias, vet-prescribed medications coupled with behavior modification can help. Medications such as Clomicalm and Reconcile are administered throughout the storm season, while fast-acting Valium and Xanax are for individual events. Over time, medications may be needed less frequently or not at all.
• Create a natural calm: Synthetic products that mimic cat and dog pheromones can alleviate anxiety. (If you have pet birds, consult your veterinarian before using an aerosol.) A homeopathic vet may also prescribe other calming products. Sound therapy is another option: In 2008, psychoacoustics and animal behavior experts produced Through a Dog’s Ear: Music to Calm Your Canine Companion. This CD of piano arrangements stemmed from a study that found certain sounds to have a calming effect on dogs.
• Snuggle up: Made of soft cloth, the Storm Defender cape has a metallic lining to shield pooches from static charge buildup. It drapes over the dog’s back, with straps that tie around the neck and chest for a semi-snug fit. Although a study published in 2009 found the product worked only marginally better than a placebo cape, Radosta sometimes tells her clients to give it a try. Another product, the Anxiety Wrap, is made of a fitted, lightweight fabric and designed to provide calming pressure. A study on its effectiveness is currently being conducted. Finally, Mutt Muffs may help reduce anxiety by muffling storm sounds.

http://www.humanesociety.org/news/magazines/2010/05-06/finding_calm_in_the_storm.html

Budget 101 with Quarters

This months Budget 101 idea is how to save for emergencies. We all try to save and put money away. Well this is one way you can add up your emergency money for your kits in no time. Quarters! Yes you read that right. Buy a roll of quarters each time you go to the bank. A roll of quarters is $10.00. Add the rolls of quarters to your 72 hour kits, first aid kit etc.

Quarters are easy to get, and you generally will not spend them unless you have to, unlike some one dollar bills hanging around. Keep the rolls for emergencies only. One nice thing about cash, coins, they all spend the same. After a few trips to the bank you will have a small stash of emergency cash. You will not notice the ten dollars each trip to the bank, like on pay day. Make a habit and slowly you will have some hidden cash put away. Do it slowly. Most people go to the bank for quarters to go to the laundry mat, or for playing games or vending machines. So you going in and asking for a roll of quarters will not look weird at all!

Remember 4 quarters make a dollar!

Camping and Cast Iron

This months camping idea is to check your cast iron for rusting and needing yearly seasoning.

If your cast iron does have rust, do not worry! It really is easy to fix, scour the rust off, rinse and dry, add a little vegetable oil and re-season

While maintaining the seasoning should keep your Cast Iron and Carbon Steel in good condition, at some point you may need to re-season your cookware. If food sticks to the surface, or you notice a dull, gray color, repeat the seasoning process:
* Wash the cookware with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. (It is okay to use soap this time because you are preparing to re-season the cookware).
* Rinse and dry completely.
* Apply a very thin, even coating of MELTED solid vegetable shortening (or cooking oil of your choice) to the cookware inside and out. Too much oil will result in a sticky finish.
* Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any drips.
* Set oven temperature to 350 – 400 degrees F.
* Place cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven to prevent pooling.
* Bake the cookware for at least one hour. After the hour, turn the oven off and let the cookware cool in the oven.
* Store the cookware uncovered, in a dry place when cooled.
* Repeat as necessary. 

Each year I re-season my cast iron. I have had my cast iron for over 20 years. I even have a skillet and a dutch oven that was given to me that were my grandmothers. I use my cast iron daily and will not cook on anything else. I even season it on the BBQ turned up on high.

Get your cast iron in good working condition for the summer, if that is the only time you use it. Good luck and happy camping.

Safety idea life vests

This months Safety idea is wearing a life vest, life jackets while on or near the the water. Everyone should have swimming lessons and know how to swim. It does not matter how good a swimmer you are, if out on a boat you need to wear a life vest, it will save your life.

There are many stories each year of people who have drowned because they were NOT wearing a life vest! Many of these deaths could of been prevented by wearing a life vest! Do the smart thing and wear yours and make sure everyone in your boat puts one on!



Here is a link for the USCG and life vests
 http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/life_jacket_wear_wearing_your_life_jacket.aspx

Canning Idea for June

With canning season coming up quick, if not started already for some folks. Here is this months idea. Go through your jars now. Wash and check for cracks and chips, discard bad jars and buy new ones to replace the "bad" jars.

 

You do not want to use chipped jars, as they will not seal properly. Do not use old heirloom jars, as they will not seal properly either. If a jar is cracked it can shatter while in the canning process and make a big mess and you not only lose a jar, but product as well.

Good luck and happy canning!

National Gardening Exercise Day

 Today is June 6th and that means it is National Gardening exercise day So this months Garden idea is Get out in the garden and exercise.

Everyone knows gardening is therapeutic.  It's good for the mind, body, and soul. Gardening Exercise Day gives us an opportunity to go out and burn off calories and have fun doing it. National Gardening Exercise Day is intended to recognize the important physical health benefits of gardening.
In reality, gardening is exercise. Experts say the various activities and tasks of gardening ultimately uses all of the major muscle groups. In addition, strenuous gardening activities such as raking, hoeing, and digging is both aerobic and muscle strengthening.
Take time today to celebrate one of America's favorite hobbies. Go out and exercise with, and among, your plants.

Family Time idea for June

This months family time is brought to you by the family tree. Well this is a good time to spend some time with the family and write down and look up your family tree. See how far you can go back. Try for at least four generations. find pictures of family members and scan or add them to the paperwork. Make a scrapbook page of each family. As we go through life it is important to know where are roots are planted and see how our "trees" are growing.Write down family stories, tell family stories. Save those memories.

Non food Item for June

Non food Item. this months Idea is a Emergency weather radio. 

Do you have a functional emergency radio to receive emergency information? This is a good month to buy a NOAA emergency weather alert radio.If you live where there is "bad" weather you really should have one. The Radio will alert you to Tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, severe storms, etc.This is a must for all households!

Also there are apps for your smart phones to alert you to severe weather for your area also. May want to check into some apps for your smart phones.

Quote for the Month of June

So we have kicked off June and now down to the fun tips for the month.

There are so many good quotes out there it is hard to choose a fitting quote for the month. But here it goes just the same.

"Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy"  

Max Mayfield National director of National Hurricane Center 2000-2007

Monthly Kick off for June

Today is June 1st. This month I would like to cover some ideas and tips on the basic subjects I generally cover. This month is also the start of Hurricane season. Summer starts this month, We also have the summer solstice. School gets out for the summer, Graduations happen, and hopefully we get some warmer weather. We also have fathers day and so many more to list here. I found a link to let you know of all the fun things June is "known" for the month. I have chosen a few and have added them in for my monthly posts.

here is the link http://www.brownielocks.com/june.html

This month we will get closer to being prepared!

Goal for the month: Figure out what you will do for sanitation and hygiene in the event of an Emergency with NO running water.

Make up a sanitation kit. Here is a link for some ideas

http://www.prepperhelper.com/post/2012/08/15/Sanitation-Kit.aspx 

So lets kick off this month! June here we come!