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[me dia-credit name="Bigstockphoto.com" align="alignleft" width="100"][/media-credit]By Lorraine Shoemaker
Holly has been celebrated as a Christmas plant for centuries, but it actually began it’s fame as an important tradition of pagan celebration. Originally holly was presented as a sacred offering to the God Saturn by the Romans. They celebrated a winter Solstice feast known as Saturnalia where holly was exchanged as a symbol of goodwill. Ancient Druids believed holly to be the Sun’s most favored plant and wore it in ceremonial headgear when going into the forest.. Holly became widely used inside European homes to ward off witchcraft and evil spirits.
As Christianity established a foothold in the Roman Empire, Saturnalia gave way to Christmas and the practice of reverence to holly was forbidden. Regardless, holly began to be incorporated in Christian decorations, art, and celebrations. Holly was hung on doors to ward off unforeseeable misfortune and persecution (hence the birth of the Christmas wreath). Today holly, whose pagan origin has been long disregarded, has become the symbol of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus when on the cross; The prickly leaves pierced His forehead and the red berries represent drops of blood. In German legend the holly berries were originally yellow but were stained red from Christ’s blood during the crucifixion and that holly grew in His footsteps.
The reverence of holly was not limited to Christians, many cultures around the world – as far spread as China, Africa and Japan- incorporated holly to adorn their homes with wreaths, their bodies and hair with berries and their alters with garlands . Some Native Americans used holly medicinally to cleanse internally before sacred rituals and to alleviate pain in childbirth.
It’s easy to understand why the world loves the noble holly plant. As an evergreen it’s shiny green serrated leaves and it’s lush red berries make a welcome splash of color in an otherwise drab winter landscape.
media-credit name=”Lorraine” align=”alignleft” width=”100″][/media-credit] Lorraine
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By Lorraine Shoemaker
Holly has long been associated with Christmas, its deep green and vivid red are the traditional colors of Christmas. Make an old-fashioned holly wreath to adorn your door this holiday season!
What You Need:
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Wire cutters
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Wire wreath form
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Florist wire, 24 gauge
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Holly branches
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Holly berries
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Gather or purchase a large shopping bag full of holly in 6-inch-long trimmings.
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Use a wire wreath frame or make your own frame from a wire coat hanger (Simply unbend it and shape into a circle).
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Attach number-24 floral wire to the wire wreath frame.
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Select several stems of the 6-inch holly pieces and place them together in a bunch (Thicker bundles make fuller wreaths).
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Place a stem with berries on top of the bundle of holly. Place the bundle on top of the frame where the floral wire is connected.
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Hold the bundle in place and wrap the floral wire around the bundle and frame. Wrap the floral wire around the bundle a second time and then pull it tight. Make sure to leave the wire attached to the frame – you’re not finished!
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Gather another bundle of holly and place it so that the leaves overlap the first bunch and cover the stems. Make sure that the stems on both bunches face the same direction.
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Continue overlapping the bunches of foliage and wiring them to the frame until you complete the circle.
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Lift the first bundle and tuck the last one under it. Twist the wire tightly around the last bundle. Knot the wire onto the frame, leaving 1 inch of wire for hanger.
Add our own personal touches, such as clusters of small pine cones, bows, small ornaments, or stand a figurine (deer, angel, santa) in the bottom center of the wreath and attach with wire or hot glue. Have a fun and happy holly-day!
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April Reese Sorrow and Elizabeth L. Andress, Ph.D.
National Center for Home Food Preservation
The spring and summer months allow a wealth of fresh canning possibilities. Tomatoes, corn and green beans from gardens can keep you canning or freezing until you wear out. But by winter, you may be ready to try some different types of preserves.
Elizabeth Andress is the Director of the Center for Home Food Preservation, which is hosted by the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. She said recipes available from the Center using juice concentrates and canned vegetables enable canners to preserve in winter.
“There are recipes perfect for people yearning to can in the winter,” Andress said. “You don’t always have to can with fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of those preserves also make nice holiday gifts.”
Orange Jelly from Frozen Juice
This recipe calls for frozen concentrated juice and powdered pectin and creates a delightful, flavorful orange jelly for toast or biscuits on dreary winter mornings or late afternoons.
You’ll need:
- 12 ounces concentrated orange juice, thawed
- 2½ cups water
- 4½ cups sugar
- 1 box powdered regular pectin
This recipe yields five or six half-pint jars.
Begin by sterilizing your canning jars. To sterilize jars, boil empty, washed and rinsed jars for 10 minutes in water. The easiest way to do this is to stand empty jars upright on a rack in a boiling water canner filled with clean water. Keep jars hot until they are filled.
Measure sugar and set aside. Mix juice and water in a saucepan and stir in powdered pectin. Bring to a full boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, stir in all sugar. Stir and bring to a full boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil hard for one minute, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat; skim off foam quickly. Pour hot jelly immediately into hot, sterile jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened clean paper towel; adjust two-piece metal canning lids. Process in a boiling water canner for 5 minutes (10 minutes if 1,000-6,000 ft altitude; 15 minutes if over 6,000 ft). Allow jelly to cool, undisturbed, for 12 to 24 hours and check seals. You can remove screw bands after the food has cooled if the lids are sealed.
Easy Hot Sauce
If jelly is not your canned food of choice, try an easy hot sauce recipe to spice things up. Easy Hot Sauce is great for stirring into vegetables or cheese dips and spicing up soups and chili.
You’ll need:
- 8 cups (64 ounces) canned, diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1½ cups seeded, chopped Serrano peppers
- 4 cups distilled white vinegar (5 percent)
- 2 teaspoons canning salt
- 2 tablespoons whole mixed pickling spices
This recipe yields four half-pint jars. Wear gloves when handling, cutting and seeding hot peppers or wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face or eyes.
Start by washing half-pint canning jars; keep hot until they are filled. Prepare lids according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Next place mixed pickling spices in a spice bag and tie ends firmly. Mix all ingredients in a Dutch oven or large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 20 minutes or until tomatoes are soft.
Press mixture through a food mill. Return the liquid to the pot, heat to boiling and boil for 15 minutes.
Fill hot sauce into clean, hot half-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened clean paper towel; apply two-piece metal canning lids.
Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (15 minutes if 1,000-6,000 ft altitude; 20 minutes if over 6,000 ft). Allow hot sauce to cool, undisturbed, for 12 to 24 hours and check seals. You can remove screw bands after the food has cooled if the lids are sealed.
Canning can be a fun and delicious activity to add flavor and spice to the winter months. For more winter recipes, specific process times for your altitude or tips on year-round preservation visit the Center for Home Food Preservation Web site at: http://www.homefoodpreservation.com.
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Every family has its own traditional way of celebrating holidays. And nearly always it involves a special holiday meal, a chance for everyone to gather around one table. For our family it used to be “going to Grandma’s” but now it’s at my daughter’s home. Besides the planning and shopping that goes into this feast, she will be up by 5:00 in the morning preparing her share of the dinner “from scratch. ” But that’s the way she wants it! There will be twenty five of us, family and friends. Those who live close by will bring their special dishes, but there are others who must travel to be here on that day.
Regardless of the weather, we will take a break before cutting into the pies. We’ll help the little ones into sweaters and coats and take a brisk walk. Then back into the warm house for coffee and dessert! The holiday programs on TV are not high on our family’s agenda; we are too busy catching up with each other’s lives.
I count myself among the very lucky seniors who have a close family –close emotionally as well as physically. Sadly, it is not true for many of us, so what are the alternatives? I know what I would do if I could no longer travel. I would have a “non-traditional holiday” meal at my house. I’d invite a lonely friend, perhaps a newly widowed acquaintance, or that young couple and their kids who recently moved nearby, for a non-traditional Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter meal. Non-traditional because instead of my doing all the cooking I’d let the market do most of the work. I might not cook and stuff a turkey and all the fixing if it was Thanksgiving, or a standing rib roast at Christmas, or a traditional Easter ham. I know I would be exhausted if I tried to do what my daughter does — and then the day wouldn’t be much fun for me or my guests.
But my dinner would be traditional with a pretty tablecloth and a fruit bowl or floral arrangement appropriate for the season. We’d have plenty to eat, of course, but the main thing would be getting together, enjoying the talk, the warmth, the ease of friendship.
And maybe that would start a tradition of its own!
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By Lorraine Shoemaker
One essential aspect of a successful camping experience is delicious, simple meals. There are many interesting options so I deciced to include one for each meal.
This breakfast recipe has been a favorite at home as well as camping. Before leaving home, precook 1 pound of sausage and chop 1 med onion. Put in plastic baggies for easy storage. At cook time spray an aluminum foil cooking bag with Pam, sprinkle with salt and pepper (and spices of choice) and add a pat or two of butter to bag. Add the prepared sausage and onions to bag, add 1 bag shredded hashbrowns, 6-8 eggs lightly beaten, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Close bag and mix by squeezing bag gently. Lay bag flat on medium hot grill. Cook to desired doneness about 10-15 minutes.
For lunch consider this simple pizza. Using flour tortillas, add tomato sauce, and toppings of your choice (leftovers work great) and sprinkle cheese on top. Cook in small frying pan with oil. These can be customized to each persons taste.
Dinner, after a long hard day of fun, should be hearty and easy to prepare. Make this cowboy casserole recipe even quicker by precooking (at home) 1/2 pound of bacon and crumble, brown hamburger and drain and chop onion. Place bacon, burger and onion in a plastic bag for later use. At cook time, cook onions until translucent, add precooked ingredients, stir in 2 cans of baked beans, and 1/3 cup BBQ sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and place 1 can of buiscuits in a single layer over mixture. Cover and cook about 10 minutes or until done.
The fun part of most camping recipes is that they can be easily altered to fit individual preferences, so be creative and have fun. And after dinner it’s out to the campfire for those all-time favorites-Smores!
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By Lorraine Shoemaker
You can enjoy having your favorite produce year around even if you live in a short growing zone. One way is to learn to dry food yourself. You can buy an expensive electric food dehydrator, make a solar dehydrator or simply dehydrate your food in the sun au natural.
Solar food drying is an ideal way to dehydrate and preserve foods. A solar dehydrator can be simple or complex, small or large. A solar “hotbox” is an enclosed wooden box that protects your food during drying. It is a box with drawers and a clear covering (glass or plastic),with screened openings on the bottom and sides for circulation. Solar rays enter through the clear glass top of the dehydrator box, then the box traps the heat and dries the food. The dehydrator may have an absorber plate inside, which indirectly heats your food by creating a convection current of air that enters the vent at the bottom of the dryer. The cool, fresh air enters the vent, heats up and circulates through the dryer, then exits through a vent at the top. As your food dries, moisture is carried away with the hot air. The inside heat must remain at no less than least 86 degrees to avoid mold and spoilage.You can have fresh food all year if you can get as little as two days of sunshine in a row, depending on the food.
A solar food dehydrator is a great way to enjoy nutritious, tasty, high quality foods all year long. Favorites foods for drying: Apples, apricots, bananas, peaches, pears, plums and strawberries, carrots, corn, green beans, onions, peas (sweet, in pod), peppers, potatoes, summer tomatoes, zucchini and mushrooms, and of course all your favorite herbs.
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Whether or not you can dedicate a spare bedroom to this, you still may need to put together a room for company this holiday season. Likely your guest room doubles as a sewing room or serves another purpose. That is all fine. Just clear out the room some or at least a nice space around the bed to give them room for their things and a comfortable spot to end the day.
THE BED If you are able, choose a very comfortable bed for your guests. A memory foam topper can make a world of difference but often tally up to around $150. A comfortable mattress cover can also make a nice difference. If you haven’t an extra bed, you might think about getting a quality air mattress. They can be placed over a box spring, over an uncomfortable sofa bed mattress or on the floor.
BEDDING: Think beyond clean bedding; think about adding sheets with a high thread count and other comfort items often supplied by fine B&B’s: a featherbed mattress topper, a choice of pillows, a cozy down comforter, extra blankets, and freshly ironed pillowcases. Leave a few chocolates on the pillow for an extra touch and an extra set of bath linens for each guest.
SPACE , LIGHT AND THINGS: It is good to have a luggage rack or small table to set their suitcase on. A chair is another handy item if there is room. Some people do not sit on a bed. If possible, get rid of everything in the room that you would not find in a nice hotel. Leave the alarm clock, a mirror and a small night light. A table and a lamp near the bed are useful as many people like to read before going to sleep. Leave open a closet showing some empty closet space with 6 or 8 hangers for your guests who may need to hang up clothing. A hook on the wall is also handy for robes and purses. If you are offering empty drawer space, leave the drawer(s) open and hang the fresh towels over the open drawer. Layer a nice piece of tissue or gift wrap to line the drawer(s). Choose window coverings that offer privacy and light control.
An extra key to the house may be helpful to guests. For a final touch, a basket with some fruit, candies, cookies, and of course the latest edition of Mountain Valley Living Magazine for their enjoyment!
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By Lorraine Shoemaker
You’ve just spent the better part of Thanksgiving day in the kitchen while family and friends enjoy themselves in the other room. You can’t help feeling just a wee bit left out, and you still have to fret over setting the table properly. How was it that Great Aunt Edna used to set the table? Oh yes!
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Use your Thanksgiving (or nicest) tablecloth.
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Get out the linen napkins (please no paper! What would Aunt Edna think?).
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Set out the appropriate number of service plates.
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Now set the dinner plates on top of the service plates, the dessert plates on dinner plates.
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On the left of the plate will go the forks; next to the plate goes the dinner fork, then the salad fork.
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On the right side of the plate will go the spoons; soup spoon next to the plate, teaspoon next to the soup spoon.
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Place the butter knife on the top rim of the diner plate.
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Above the plate, place the cake fork facing right and above that the dessert spoon facing left.
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Place your nicely folded napkin on the top plate.
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On the right side of the plate above the spoons go the glasses; the wine glass closest to the plate, the water glass above and slightly to the left of the wine glass.
Knowing the proper way to set your table saves time and energy. It doesn’t take fancy china or silverware to make a pleasing dinner presentation; be as casual or formal as you desire. If you don’t have enough of one pattern or style of dishes, be creative and have fun mixing and matching what you have. It’s the small touches such as real cloth napkins and service plates that make your table setting look great and your family and guests feel special. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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By Lorraine Shoemaker
Fall…What a perfect time to start going “green” in your garden. There are so many fun and interesting ways to go “green in your garden it’s tough to touch on them all, so here are a few of my favorite tips:
- All natural composting can be done on as large or small scale as you need. For small scale composting you may use a garbage can, a pile in your gardening area or there are several Internet sites that offer fun personal size composters.
- For the less squeamish of us earthworms can be incorporated into the compost. This is known as “vermicomposting.
- Use non-toxic aids for your soil such as shredded newspapers or fall leaf debris.
- Planting compatible, indigenous plants together will save water and they provide pest deterrence and nutrients to each other.
- Plant a border of daisies, zinnias or marigolds to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Only 10% of garden pests are harmful, learn to identify harmful pests.
- Beneficial insects for the garden that may be purchased online include lady bugs, praying mantis, snails and many others.
- Prepare a homemade pesticide for your garden. For an all purpose pesticide, use ½ cup of Isopropyl alcohol and 1 qt liquid soap, mix directly in spray container, spray then let sit for 20 minutes (do not use in direct sunlight to avoid leaf damage). Next, spray plant with clear water to reduce foliage damage. Spray every 3 days for 2 weeks. Solution works on aphids, mealy bugs, scale insects, thripes and whiteflies.
- Water your garden with rain barrel water, or even used bath and dish water.
One would think that all gardening is “green” but as you can see that is not the case. Happy green gardening!
Facts courtesy of countryfarm-lifestyles.com
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By Eco- Friendly Products
Bamboo is a wonderful material for sustainable living as well as an excellent choice for Eco-friendly flooring. With the durability of a hardwood and stability that is 50 percent greater than red oak, bamboo crushes the competition. It also grows up to a meter per day, making it a superior choice among renewable resources. Just a little research will help you find the perfect bamboo flooring option for your next project. Consider your budget and your needs for flooring and installation as well as these three questions:
Do you need a floor that will tolerate high traffic, in a room with many windows?
What Are Prices Like for Bamboo Flooring?
There is a wide price range available in this product. The differences in cost between lower-end bamboo flooring and upper-end bamboo flooring are most likely attributed to the different coatings that each company provides.
When choosing bamboo flooring, one of the largest differences in pricing is relative to these coatings. There are UV coatings to Super Aluminum Oxide finishes that all vary in price due to the brands. The upper-end flooring will have much longer warranties, and some may even have a lifetime warranty.
Installing Your New Eco-friendly Flooring Selection
Installation of bamboo flooring is very much like the installation process of hardwood. There are basically three options to choose from: floating, nail and gluing. You’ll want to do your research on the type of bamboo flooring you need to choose before your purchase, if you are planning to install it yourself.
Bamboo comes in a tongue and groove style boards, generally in lengths of 36 and 72 inches. It can either be nailed down or laid by floating it over a subfloor. It’s possible to use adhesives as well, although this option might be better left to professional installers. If you do choose to proceed with this method, be sure to use only 100% urethane for best results.
Caring For Your Bamboo Floor
Caring for bamboo flooring is much like caring for hardwood. Eliminating dust and dirt will help keep your floor from getting minor scratches. Wearing high heels on your new bamboo flooring is not recommended, as the large amount of pressure on such a small area can cause denting in your new floor’s surface.
Take precautions by choosing the correct rugs for hardwood or bamboo flooring to help reduce wear and fading. Although your floor may have a UV coating, it is always nice to add the security blanket of UV shades to your windows also.
Unlike other hardwoods, bamboo floors don’t require refinishing or waxing. Simply keep them dust-free and use a damp mop from time to time, and your new bamboo floor will look good as new for years to come.
When choosing a sustainable flooring option, bamboo flooring is an option that you should consider, especially if you are also looking into hardwood as a flooring option. The price of bamboo flooring is in the same range as hardwood flooring, as are the installation processes available and the care for each of the floorings. Bamboo is a great choice considering it’s cost-effective and definitely an eco-friendly flooring.
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By Melissa Wynn
When faced with a painting project the choice is always the same, latex or oil based. Both options offer a great end product, so why choose one over the other? Here are a few pros and cons from Ace Hardware to help us all decide.
Latex paint is popular because it can be thinned with water and is fairly odorless. Tool cleanup is a breeze when using water based latex. Simply soak and rinse rollers and brushes in water and air dry. Latex also adheres well, even on damp surfaces. The pros prefer latex for walls and ceilings. On the down side latex paint takes up to seven days to harden for daily use and up to thirty days to fully cure. Latex paints are inferior to oil based if a very glossy finish is your goal.
Oil based paints dry quickly to a hard, glossy finish but during the drying process emit strong odors. Mineral spirits or other chemical thinners are necessary to thin oil based paints and for tool cleanup. A dry surface is must when choosing this option as oil and water just don’t mix. Any damp areas are doomed to peel. The pros like oil based paints for wood surfaces, such as window sills and baseboards. This option covers the wood grain vs raising it into view and dries to a hard smooth shiny finish.
Which paint is better for your newest project? No matter which you choose, you are sure to find the supplies and advise at your local Ace Hardware Store. You can even do it yourself using the many helpful tips online at acehardware.com. Happy painting.
Facts courtesy of acehardware.com
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EPA is updating ENERGY STAR requirements for dishwashers and furnaces. Effective January 20, 2012, both standard-sized and compact residential dishwashers meeting the new ENERGY STAR requirements will be between 10 and 30% more energy efficient than conventional models, and about 8% more efficient than dishwashers that met the previous ENERGY STAR requirement. Distributors, contractors and consumers will also be able to identify and purchase ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces that are appropriate to their particular climate zone beginning February 1, 2012. The furnaces that meet the new requirements for the southern half of the U.S. will be labeled with a specific U.S. South ENERGY STAR mark. The qualified furnaces in the South, where homes require less heat, will be up to 12% more energy efficient than baseline units. Qualified furnaces in the northern half of the U.S. including Canada will bear the standard ENERGY STAR logo and will be up to 16% more energy efficient than baseline models.
Courtesy of energystar.gov
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By Lorraine Shoemaker
There are many wonderful houseplants, but there is one that’s sure to make almost anyone passionate about houseplants. The regal ‘Purple Passion Plant’ is both striking in appearance and quite easy to grow – making it a favorite of plant lovers. With leaves and stems that are a deep green and covered with tiny soft purple hairs, this plant seems to be made of rich purple velvet!
The flowers of the Passion Plant are both interesting and quite unexpected. They are small bright orange flowers in little clusters. When the flowers bloom, they produce a faint unpleasant odor that has been compared to stinking feet, rotting meat or dog doo- yuk! Pinch these flowers off as soon as the buds appear, as new plants are not propagated by seed.
To propagate a new plant, select a vine and pinch it off ¼ inch below the second or third node from the end. The cutting may either be planted directly into the soil or put in a glass in the window sill, until roots are about an inch long. The latter is the way I have found to be best. Before planting the rooted cutting, dip the roots (careful not to dip the stem) in rooting hormone and it will quickly produce a strong, healthy, lush plant. Propagating new plants occasionally is necessary because as the plant ages, the older leaves lose their vigor and the color fades. When the old plant fades, simply replace it with fresh new vigorous starts.
Caring for these beautiful plants is also very easy, they require only an all purpose potting soil. As the Purple Passion Plant likes a slightly acidic soil, you can also mix peat moss into the soil. A typical houseplant fertilizer is sufficient (although a fellow gardener friend swears by African Violet fertilizer). For the best show of color, this plant requires a lot of bright indirect light. Keep the soil slightly damp. Avoid over watering, as this will rot the roots and may kill the plant. It’s better to let it become slightly dry between waterings than to over water. The Purple Passion Plant is excellent in shaded hanging baskets, as well as for houseplants. In warmer climates they can be grown outside for a stunning accent to any garden.
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Beautiful Log Furniture, Made in USA, Made in Chester, CA, handcrafted by Mike and Cathy Simmons
Beautiful Log Furniture, Made in USA, Made in Chester, CA, handcrafted by Mike and Cathy Simmons
Mike and Cathy Simmons owners, husband and wife team work together. They start out in the woods, Mike sawing post and rails, they load on the trucks, Cathy hand peels them, and from there they have to season and dry so they can be made into Log Furniture, to your order, or choose from our standard items.
You will find dining sets, bars, beds, children’s beds, kids furniture, kids teepees, carved bears and much more in a store where everything is made in the USA!
Luxurious wood cabinets
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Courtesy of studentgroups.ucla.edu
One ton of paper made completely from recycled scrap saves 7000 gallons of water, 4100 kilowatt-hours of energy, three cubic yards of landfill space, and 17 trees.
Recycling 1 ton of glass saves the equivalent in energy of 10 gallons of oil.
Americans represent only 5% of the world’s population, but generate 30% of the world’s garbage.
Every individual in the United States produces an average of 4.3 lbs. of garbage every day!
Producing a soda can from recycled aluminum uses 96% less energy than manufacturing a can from ore and produces 95% less air pollution and 97% less water pollution.
Over a ton of resources are saved for every ton of glass recycled:
-1,330 lbs. of sand
-433 lbs. of soda ash
-433 lbs. of limestone
-151 lbs. of feldspar
Every ton of paper recycled saves enough energy to heat and air condition the average American home for at least six months.
Americans use four million plastic bottles every hour, yet only one out of four is recycled.
1 ton of aluminum saves the equivalent in energy of 2,350 gallons of gasoline. This is equivalent to the amount of electricity used by the typical home over a period of 10 years!
The average American uses 650 lbs. of paper a year.
More than half of plastic containers still go straight into landfills or incinerators.
Glass never wears out — it can be recycled forever! Bad news: Americans throw away enough glass bottles and jars every two weeks to fill the 1,350-foot towers of the World Trade Center. Good news: Americans recycled enough glass last year to fill New Jersey’s Giants Stadium more than 3 ½ times.
The energy saved from recycling aluminum in 1993 alone was enough to light a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years.
“Tin” cans (like those used for tuna and soup) are actually 99% steel. Americans throw away enough steel every year to build all the new cars made in America.
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Recycling 101
by Bobby Snyder,
Bullseye Recycling – Susanville
Photo: Aurelio Castaneva, courtesy Bullseye Recycling
* The first thing you need to do, is get individual containers to separate your material (trash cans,buckets)
* You should start small, so glass in one container, plastic in one container and cans in another.
* Once full, bag up and bring in to Bullseye Recycling.
* When you get into the routine then you can add more containers and start separating your paper and cardboard to save on dump fees and keep items that can be recycled out of the landfills.
* You can start with three cans: one for your CRV material, one for your paper goods (paper and cardboard) and one for your non-CRV container (tin, food containers, ect…).
* Look carefully on your labels to see if the say CA CRV. If it is not on the label then it is not a CRV container. Aluminum cans have the CA CRV markings on the top of the container. All food products are non-CRV and all dairy products are non-CRV.
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Jeanne Sterken ~ Designer Tum-a-lum Lumber (530) 257-7757 ~ Susanville, Ca
My name is Jeanne Sterken, and I have designed and built four of my own homes, and remodeled many more. I started designing floor plans at the age of seven, when I discovered drawing as my passion. I continued on to learn drafting in high school, kitchen and bath design in college, and computer aided design through college and 20-20 programming.
Susanville’s Tum-a-lumber told us what is needed to come to the designers table with them. With the information collected, their 20-20 design program and a qualified designer to get you on your way to a new kitchen or bath.
With a few simple measurements, you can be on your way to a new kitchen and bids for all your cabinet needs. Feel free to bring in a simple drawing of your floor plan with:
1. Measurements of the overall length of each wall (from sheetrock to sheetrock)
2. Placement of all existing appliances, (with width and height and depth of each appliance)
3. Locations of doors and the width including trim
4. Location of windows, and obstructions (such as outlets, plumbing, vents, etc); best if measured from the nearest corner or wall and the height from floor noted.
5. Height of your ceiling (better if measured in area of cabinets and in more than one place).
6. Note any soffits with respect to depth and height in any areas that affect cabinetry.
From these simple measurements I can replace existing cabinets, or completely remodel within your needs and desires. Our 20-20 program allows us to visualize your dreams and make any changes necessary to achieve your goals.
Our display in the Tum-a-lum showroom can offer ideas on types of woods, color palettes, and the quality of Kraftmaid semi-custom cabinetry. Please feel free to bring in magazine clippings and ideas that please you.
Whether you plan to install and remodel yourself or want it to happen, we can supply the information you need to feel confident and successful. We can offer contractors names, and give you pricing to begin the process.
Have fun with it! Improve your property values and make your home, your dream home.
Jeanne Sterken – Designer, 21 years combined experience
email: jeannes@tumalum.net
Tum-a-lum Lumber Company
702-000 Johnstonvill Road, Susanville CA
(530) 257-7757 Fax (530) 257-4553
(click on photo to go to Tum-a-lum Lumber website)
 
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Sierra Scapes is an outstanding choice for your landscaping services. Jamie Welch, owner of the company, has an outstanding reputation in the field. He and his staff offer professional service and are great guys. Get to know Sierra Scapes for retaining walls, pavers, walkways, tractor and dump truck services, lawn and plant maintenance, synthetic golf greens and all the design features that come with lighting and other features via Sierra Scapes artistic design capabilities.
Estimates are free. visit SierraScapesPro.com or call Jamie at 530-25603331. You will be glad you did!
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By Barbara Allen
When I first bought my Clear Creek, CA home in 1989, the back yard was very close to natural, with 18 large conifers, some spruce and a cedar tree. Mostly, there were manzanitas and indigenous plants from the surrounding forest; Coral Bells, and Indian Rhubarb along the creek. The deciding factor, the one that cinched the deal for me, was the pond and the creek that ran across the back yard. A bridge crossed the creek from a wood deck to more wooden paths all the way back along the 3/4 acre parcel. I immediately fell in love. It was wild, free and beautiful. Oh, and the house came with it.
I met Ken in 1990. He also has a deep appreciation of nature. He had plants in his house that he treated like pets. He brought his cat to visit me and she loved the yard immediately. Ken followed. The yard started really taking on a life of its’ own when we joined forces to create the sanctuary we both wanted.
Ken planted cherry trees, I planted daffodils. He put in a plot for gardening and I planted tomatoes and edible peas. He put in a compost pile and I bought him a wheelbarrow for his birthday. Ken has spent years collecting flat rocks to create paths all over the front and back yards, so that we can go out and wander through the life we’ve created here. These pathways not only fit in with the whole idea of a wild yard, but represent a major piece of work.
We found Wild Lilies in the forest that we brought home. Foxgloves and Thimble Berries miraculously began to appear in our yard. We didn’t plant them, but we nurtured them where we found them. Lungwort also took root on its own and of course, the ubiquitous Wild Peas. We could hardly keep up with all the new plants, which were attracted to the enriched soil and plentiful water. Even water plants appeared! Algae, Hemlock and Indian Rhubarb spread, offering refuge to the brown trout that find their way back home, having been spawned here during spring of years past.
We have planted a lot of our own selections to augment our haven, but the roses, lilies and bulbs seem to coexist just fine with their wild buddies. The only noticeable difference, seems to be that the wild natural flowers usually lose their blooms earlier. They are here so briefly that we make a ritual of going out to sit, watch and admire them while we can. The Tiger Lilies in the front yard are clumped so densely, that you would expect a profusion of blooms, but each stalk produces no more than three flowers and those are viable for no more than a week each. The Pestamon looks like a weed after its week of bloom. The Black- Eyed Susans and Shasta Daisies, of all the uninvited but welcome guests, bloom the entire summer. They and the Wild Peas, are the mainstays of both the back and front yard.
I remember when I first moved here that some people complained that nothing grows here….Things always grow, if you pay attention!
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 Eileen | Mountain Valley Living Magazine
sierraParkHomesAD_0511Eileen | Mountain Valley Living Magazine05.11 Ad Almanor Energy Plus
Don’t Wait To Go Energy Star® and Solar! - Sierra Park Homes – Quincy, CA
The warmth of autumn sunshine fills the car as the magnificent splendor of fall erupts across rivers and streams. Storybook scenes of crimson and gold drape off mountain tops, while splashes of autumn color decorate the views in every direction. We are heading toward East Quincy to see the latest Energy Star® and solar home built at Sierra Park.
We venture off on a country road to land at Sierra Park. I am not surprised that they are closing another escrow on yet another home. The lure of friendly faces in Quincy and the wonder of the great outdoors in no doubt a draw for this small development. We were greeted by developer Les Ellis and his friendly black dog Bruno who showed us around the Sierra Park neighborhood. Twelve homes have been built so far with plans to build 21 more. Only one home sits empty but is in escrow with the occupants arriving in time for the holidays. We are pleased to have the chance to look inside.
As we enter through the garage into the mud room, Les points out the on-demand Rinnai hot water heater which takes up little wall space and is considered one of the most efficient. The spacious two-car garage is tightly insulated with sheetrock and a well insulated, sealed automatic garage door.
We step inside the light and airy home. Spacious rooms and large windows greet us with fabulous views of Grizzly Ridge, Argentine Rock and meadows including a grazing horse. Solid Hi-Macs® countertops and upgraded fixtures adorn the kitchen where, of course, Energy Star® appliances and an on-demand hot water make for big savings.
Les points out some of the details we can’t see like the extra steps taken to insulate the home. For example, all insulation under the floor joists is installed to uniformly fit the cavity end to end and side to side. Extra blocking and insulation is also placed under and around heater vents. The low energy furnace has an efficiency rating of 95%. All interior and exterior doors are solid core (except closets) and even the carpeting includes a heavy duty high standard underlay. Windows are vinyl and double glazed (E type), including the garage and sound insulation has been added to the interior walls for quieter living.
This is also a solar home and the American-made panels on the roof are collecting the autumn sunshine for the family’s free electricity. It works on any bright, sunny day, year ’round. If a family uses less electricity than they make, PG&E will buy back the excess.
Taking a deeper look into this, one wonders how long it will be until all homes are built this way and why it isn’t already the norm. If you are creating a home to last a lifetime, I cannot imagine a better feature to have built in than energy efficiency and, better yet, a way to make your own power. Just the installation of new windows in my home several years back made an astounding difference in comfort and fuel consumption. I can only imagine the difference in a home like this.
Sierra Park Homes are built to the highest energy ratings. Energy Star® homes must meet federal inspections in addition to the local building department’s. Colors, cabinets, tile, countertops and flooring are typically chosen by the buyer or with assistance from Sierra Park. With two current building permits due to expire December 31st, Ellis explained that by purchasing now, the buyer will save thousands by acting before the 2011 building codes come into effect. Prices for one of these outstanding homes begin at $260,000.
Sierra Park Homes can be reached at 530-283-9301. View the homes and find more information by visiting www.sierraparkatquincy.com.
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By Melissa Wynn
Going green is all about ‘re-use’ and ‘recycle’. And where is green more appropriate than in the garden. Composting is a great way to recycle your organic waste and return the nutrients to the earth. There are several composting devices on the market to choose from or you can simply make your own compost bin or compost pile. The concept is simple, hurry mother nature along in the decomposition process to create your own rich soil for your garden and houseplants. Once you have a chosen device, bin or pile, you are ready to begin. Choose a sheltered and lightly shaded area for your composting to protect against excessive moisture. Next, build your first layer of coarse brown vegetable matter, such as straw or dried leaves and pine needles. Green organics, such as grass clippings and kitchen scraps, will make up your second layer. Layer number three should be a thin layer of regular soil and a touch of regular garden fertilizer. The soil brings crucial microorganisms to the mix and the fertilizer gives your compost a good kick of essential nitrogen. Last but not least, comes a fourth thin layer of manure, bone meal, blood meal or plain ol’ dry dogfood. A covering of straw or burlap will help insulate the pile, but still allow good air flow. Layers should be piled loosely for good airflow. Dry ingredients should be moistened with a garden hose and your compost heap should maintain the consistency of a well wrung sponge. Turning your compost pile regularly with a shovel will help speed the process along. If your compost pile begins to smell, you need to turn it more often to keep it breathing. If it seems to be too compact, add more coarse material to keep it loose. Little by little, your pile of waste materials will break down and become the dark rich soil so beneficial to the garden. Your garden will be healthier and you will feel good about the organics you reused and recycled instead of sending it all to your local land fill.
basic facts courtesy of howtocompost.org and
compost-info-guide.com
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By Melissa Wynn
One of the many benefits of living in the higher elevations, is that our wildflower season lasts all summer long. Nature’s mountain garden is sometimes slow to start but as soon as the snow starts melting, the wildflowers begin to add splashes of color to the evergreen forest.
One of the earliest bloomers is the spectacular, bright red Snow Plant. This amazing plant has no chlorophyll and therefore has no greenery. The entire almost cone shaped plant is brilliant red and appears somewhat unreal. There is no confusing this lover of the high altitude forests with any other plant. Growing up through the last of the snow in the shade of the conifers, is common practice for the Snow Plant and the contrast is quite startling. I saw my first snow plant on a visit to the Gold Lake Lodge in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area around Graeagle. It instantly became my favorite local wildflower. The Snow Plant is rare and protected, so NEVER pick a snow plant. Bring your camera to capture the beauty, but leave the Snow Plant as you found it.
Indian Paintbrush in many varieties are common across the US and our neighborhood is no exception. Ranging in colors from pale orange to brightest red these familiar favorites are sure to be seen almost anywhere you wander in searching wildflowers. Indian Paintbrush is the state flower of Wyoming. An old legend says that a young Indian brave once painted the sunset with paintbrushes he was gifted by the Great Spirit. The brushes came in all the same colors as our paintbrush wildflower. When the brave completed his masterpiece in the sky, he left his brushes scattered across a field. The first Indian Paintbrush plants of natures garden then sprang to life, there among the magic.
Natures mountain garden was landscaped by volcanoes so rocky places abound. You wouldn’t think there would be many wildflowers in the rocks but the Mountain Penstemon would beg to differ. These woody stemmed, bright pink beauties thrive in gravel and even up high on rocky cliffs. Blooming June through August Mountain Penstemon dot the mountain sides with brilliant color all summer long.
Leopard Lily is one of California’s most conspicuous lilies. Bright orange with “leopard ” spots are sure to get noticed in the evergreen forest. Not only are these droopy headed blossoms loud in color they are also stand tall. A hearty stem allows these lovely lilies to reach heights over seven feet. Leopard Lilies like the water and grow in colonies along stream banks. These spectacular spotted wildflowers grow from bulbs that are edible. Native Americans dug the bulbs and steamed them. The bulbs are also eaten by various mountain mammals.
Bog Laurel is a small flowering shrub that , like the name indicates makes its home in marshy forest bogs. Pretty pink or purple flowers open their petals in late spring bringing some bling to the bog. Bog Laurel is slow to grow but long to live. After twenty years of growing the little bouquet of shrubbery may only be one foot tall. The bogs are home to several special plant species so looking for the Bog Laurel is sure to lead to many sensational wildflower finds.
The open meadows of nature’s garden are home to sometimes vast expanses of the sunny Mule Ears. Large varnished looking leaves shaped like mule ears give the plant its funny name. In May and June Mule Ears burst bright yellow, sunflower like blossoms stretching above the leaves on long stems. Growing one to three feet high Mule Ears are easy to spot. These blazing drops of meadow sunshine are one more wildflower reason to wander nature’s garden.
.wildflower.org
gardenguides.com
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Almanor Energy Plus
530-596-3128 Lic # 507200
Think Local!!!….Shop Local!!!
American made Solar Panels with 25 year warranties for the same price as imports! So…Call before you go solar. Call the local pros with service after the sale!
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By Virginia Rangel
With the snow beginning to melt away, most of us had forgotten about the rich possibilities the earth beneath offered. As more of your lawn and flower bed become exposed and the landscape changes from white to its vibrant green state, we are compelled to shake off winter by starting our spring garden.
Though starting a garden in April is past the window to plant herbs, because of the length of the plants maturation, there are many other possibilities for those still looking to have a diverse garden this spring. Considering a stop at Gray’s Flower Garden in Quincy may be a good place to start your “green-thumb” venture. Upon a very informative visit to Gray’s owner Sherri Curnow, was able to give some tips about getting a garden started for apring.
The most important thing about getting started, is soil preparation. The most common mistake is being over anxious. If you stick seeds in the ground and hope they will grow, you will lose time and money. Be patient. Quincy soil is mainly compacted and acidic and when you reach East Quincy it can become very rocky. If you encounter similar conditions with your soil, the next move would be to add a soil base of top soil at about six to eight inches. If top soil isn’t necessary, than getting some cheap soil testers can be a good way to identify what your soil might be lacking as far as nutrients go.
Root plants should go into the ground sometime around late April when the ground warms above fifty degrees Fahrenheit. If you put root plants in the ground too early, it is much harder for the seedlings to germinate. There are many tools to keep from freezing your seedlings. Why not put a blanket on our flower bed? Specially designed thermal row coverings allow moisture and light to reach your seedlings while keeping them from getting too cold. Walls of water keep the warmth from the day throughout the night as an early season plant protector.
Potatoes and onions should be planted sometime after Mother’s Day in May, along with Sweet Peas, which thrive in the Sierra’s. One thing to remember about potatoes is to make sure they aren’t planted in soggy ground.
Summer blooms like lilies and gladiolas need to be planted now. Vegetables are generally sensitive plants. Tomatotes and squaash freeze easily, but are fast growing. While Quincy and Greenville, at the lower elevations, can plant veggies sooner, places like Portola and Lake Almanor will have to be patient a little longer. Squash can be started indoors to prepare for May planting. Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower can be planted at the end of this month.
Being able to efficiently live off the earth is becoming more of a necessity to ensure the health and sustainability of our future. Utilizing our resources by nurturing the land in turn allows us to nurture ourselves and every generation that follows.
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Photos By: Terry Weltmer and Tracey Brostek
Life can sometimes feel so rushed and demanding. Often people search out moments of peace and serenity to compensate for the frustration of work and responsibilities. Once at home you dream of arriving at a sanctuary, and I know for myself that involves a beautiful garden to lose my thoughts in. How, though, does a person go about growing this perfect garden? Where should I start? So to answer this question I sought out my old landlord Terry, who also runs the landscaping company Mountainside Irrigation and Landscaping.
We discussed sustainable practices and the demands of living in an alpine environment where water can sometimes be scarce and sunlight abundant. His first suggestion was to wait on pruning and raking up pine needles and other plant debris until the end of May or later due to spring snow, frosts and drought. Once the time is right, after the end of May or later in most of our mountain region, it is appropriate to start planting. He pointed out the importance of selecting plants for your garden that are native to the area. So in hearing my choices for planning my personal garden, I know I would love some wild mountain lupine. The benefit of this one is that the plants are drought tolerant and more resilient in this climate.
Now the other problem I have encountered with my yard is soil. I find in some places it is dry and rocky and not very nutrient-rich. I tried expensive plant stimulants and fertilizers last year to induce growth, much to my dismay. Had I spoken with Terry a year sooner I could have saved myself some money after he informed me of the benefits of compost (organic plant matter). It turns out the best way to improve soils fertility and tilth is with natural compost.
Since I am the sort of person who never likes to waste, due to my Grandmother who never so much as wasted a rubber band, I inquired more about sustainability. Sustainability is a word you might hear often, but some may not be sure what it refers to. Basically, sustainability refers to reusing available materials instead of buying new ones. Finding ways to save water and money by designing or getting help to design your garden to require less. One example in my own garden is that I have re-purposed all of the boulders and stones from my yard and used them to line gardens, paths, and my driveway.
Irrigation installation was also recommended to reduce water use. See what hidden treasures you have in your yard already that can make the landscape uniquely yours. It can be a lot of work and even some heart break, when something doesn’t survive. So, I plan on making some adjustments this year and hope it works out alright. I know I will probably be calling up Terry again for some help in my own garden.
Finally I would like to quote my friend Terry and his crew “Bringing a garden to life requires time, effort, energy, and money, but once you are able to relax and take pleasure in your well-thought-out garden you will realize that the rewards are priceless.” Hopefully I will end up with my personal sanctuary once all of the initial work is over. Good luck with your green thumbs and I hope your plants grow well!
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By Melissa Wynn
photos by Melissa Wynn
Cobalt blue glass has been used in home decor since the time of the pharaohs and continues to stand the test of time. Cobalt is an element. Cobalt salts have long been mixed with glass during production to give it the rich signature deep blue color. Long time Westwood resident Gail Brown, has an amazing collection that took her late husband Craig Brown thirty years to build.
Craig’s work in aircraft mechanics took him all over the country and he loved to bring home a new piece from each destination whenever possible. There is a map that hangs on a bedroom wall with a pin in each place that he visited. He and his sons would poke a pin in the map each time he left so the boys always knew where he would be. It was by chance that the map also shows where most of his cobalt glass was acquired.
Cobalt blue glass pieces can be found in nearly every room of Gail’s home, with the main body of her collection being in her lovely kitchen. The large window above the kitchen sink shimmers with deep sea blue light, as the hanging glass filters sunlight into the room. Several animal figures including a rooster, butterfly, kitten and turtle call the windowsill home and just glow with life in the morning sun. A rolling pin, 2 pitchers, a hand bell and several canisters along with more cobalt glass line the three shelves on the opposite wall. Two full place settings accented by two tall candlesticks, salt and pepper shakers, butter dish and a lovely vase on the kitchen table keep the cobalt flowing through the kitchen like an indigo dream.
As I wandered through Gail’s home, there was a new cobalt treasure every where I turned. The variety of shapes and sizes is unbelievable. Gail even has a hand size antique butter churn with the cow stamp on the bottom. I think my favorites are the two life size heads that Gail and Craig called the ‘talking heads’. That is unless one came home to find the two gorgeous bald beauties back to back, in which case they were the NOT talking heads. Too funny. Gail’s favorite piece is a tiny Hershey Kiss, complete with the swirl on top, but she is also partial to the several cobalt glass slippers that Cinderella would have been proud to sport to the ball.
Whether its candy dishes shaped like dancing dolls or hanging grapes or a giant ball you can find it in spectacular cobalt blue glass at the Brown home. Thank you Gail for sharing your stunning collection!
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Eileen | Mountain Valley Living Magazine
Justice Home – Solar Installation Near Susanville – Photo by Theresa Phillips
A LOCAL SOLAR PROJECT
LASSEN MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT
Rebates offered by LMUD: the residential per watt rebate for 2011 is $3.46 with a maximum of $10,000. 530-257-4174.
PSREC residential members may be eligible for rebates of up to $6,000 maximum for residential; $12,000 for commercial/irrigation installations. All rebates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call (530) 832-4261 ext. 6037 or (800) 555-2207 ext. 6037. Visit www.ccenergy.com
The Tahoe Donner Public Utility District is offering rebates of $3.65 per Watt installed. The rebates cap out at 3,000 watts for residential and 5,000 watts for commercial. Call Kathy Neus at (530) 582-3922. Visit them at www.tdpud.org.
By Theresa Phillips, LMUD Energy Services Manager
Photos by Theresa Phillips
The sun seems to be shining a little brighter at the home of Mike Justice and Kathy Healy-Justice. That’s because the Justices’ are enjoying the benefits of their solar electric system, LMUD’s first official grid-tied photovoltaic electric generating system installed just over two years ago.
Renewable energy and conservation has been a long time passion for Mike & Kathy. Adding a photovoltaic system to their passive solar home (known as an envelope home) has been a long time coming. The Justice home, built in 1985, was inspired by a house designed by Tom Smith in South Lake Tahoe.
The Smith home had been featured on the cover of Better Home’s and Garden during the early 80’s. After reading about the home’s passive solar design, Kathy and Mike decided to drive to Tahoe to find the home and to see if they could get a closer look. As luck would have it, the Solar Energy Society was hosting an open house. The Justices’ took a tour and instantly knew this was the design for them.
Kathy, who already held a bachelors degree, received her “Construction Trades Certificate.” from Lassen Community College’s “Building Trades” program. This enabled her to design the house the Justices’ have called home for over 20 years.
The Justice home is about as energy efficient as they come. The home’s design takes full advantage of passive solar, the main source of heat. As the sun streams in the south facing windows, it heats the air that is circulated throughout the home. On cloudy days when there is less sun, wood heat is used as a supplement. The Justices’ generally use about a cord of wood per winter.
During the summer months, the large south windows are shaded, restricting the amount of sunlight that enters the building. With the aid of the cool night air the house stays comfortable all summer long without central air or an evaporative cooler.
The home also has a solar water heating system, triple-pane windows, energy efficient appliances and lighting. An energy efficient home like this makes the best candidate for a photovoltaic system.
For years the Justices’ wanted to add a photovoltaic system to their home. According to Mike, “We wanted to take advantage of the wonderful sunshine we have here in Lassen County so we could generate our own electricity. Lassen County has over 300 sunny days each year.”
To learn more about LMUD’s photovoltaic rebate program or to find out if a P.V. system is right for you, call LMUD’s Energy Services Manager, Theresa Phillips, at 530-257-4174. You can also log on to www.gosolarcalifornia.org to learn more about how solar electric systems work and to find a qualified installer in our area.
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 No more sticky zippers, photo courtesy bigstockphoto  Remove Creases.... Got a Sticky Zipper?
Try rubbing a lead pencil over the zipper teeth.
Got a permanent crease you need removed?
Use white vinegar and a hot iron to steam it right out.
Got a kink in a necklace?
Dab some petroleum jelly on the knot and use 2 straight pins to wiggle it free.
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By Melissa Wynn
March brings the first day of spring to the calendar but not always the weather to match it in the higher elevations of the Sierras. I find March to be my month of spring cleaning projects; throw the old out with the winter and make room for the newness of spring. Checking just one or two projects a week off the list is a great way to kill some time in the last weeks of the season of cabin fever and get ‘ye ole’ homestead ship-shape in the process. What’s on your list… perhaps a few of these?
- Clean out the refrigerator and defrost the freezer. This makes room for the spring fishing catch.
- Clean the oven; it’s time to fire up the BBQ.
- Organize the cookware so that the baking dishes are in the back and the crock pot is in the front; this makes it easier to spend time outdoors.
- Go through your clothes, put away the snowsuit and freshen up the swimsuit. We always need a few sweaters for the cool evenings but bring out the tank tops anyway.
- Put away the flannel sheets and break out the cotton sheets; we will soon sleep with open windows.
- Organize the garage with the snow blower in the back and the soil and planter pots in the front – it’s almost time to plant a few things inside. Put all the camping and fishing gear together and accessible.
- Evaluate the woodshed. I believe the sooner wood cutting chores are done the sooner we can camp all weekend.
- Shovel the ashes from the fireplace or wood stove and have the chimney swept.
- Rake up the lawn as soon as the snow melts away and make room for the sprouts that promise summer is coming.
- Daylight Savings Time begins March 13th this year. On the 12th, at bedtime, set your clocks ahead one hour and check the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
The seasons are a-changin’ my friends. Let’s get ready to play outside!
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dia-credit name="Bigstockphoto.com" align="alignleft" width="100"][/media-credit]By Lorraine Shoemaker
