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Long and Winding
16 years ago
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tuesday Update
This is the last day of my 4 day weekend. It is overcast and looks like it could rain. I hope to go over to Squaw Creek Park for a walk today.
Yesterday I took a 2 hour walk and ended the day with 15775 steps. I walked to the cemetery and to the Thomas park trail. I took the trail to the very end where it ends on a residential street. I took that street back to 8th Street and back over to Donnelly Park where I got back on the trail and took it back to the cemetery and then I headed home.
Last night we watched Top Gear. After that was over we watched an old comedy show and the young John Stewart was on it. It can totally see how he got the show he has now. He was very funny.
Yesterday I took a 2 hour walk and ended the day with 15775 steps. I walked to the cemetery and to the Thomas park trail. I took the trail to the very end where it ends on a residential street. I took that street back to 8th Street and back over to Donnelly Park where I got back on the trail and took it back to the cemetery and then I headed home.
Last night we watched Top Gear. After that was over we watched an old comedy show and the young John Stewart was on it. It can totally see how he got the show he has now. He was very funny.
Potpourri: Hazard to Cats
Simmering potpourri is becoming more popular as a household fragrance. Even though it's a common object, few pet owners know the potential hazards of the product. If the oil is used in your home, there is always the chance that your cat could be accidentally exposed.
My new Grand-Pets
This is Parker. Thomas and Diedre will be welcoming him into their home soon.
This is Luke. Diedre and Thomas are also adopting him. Aren't they both so cute!
Green Tip of the Day (And some fun too!)
This has been a very challenging year for the planet’s food supply. In particular, grains have been in short supply as we now grow grains for both food for our bodies and fuel for our cars (ethanol). This has led to unprecedented demand and record high grain prices. As a result, global hunger has grown to epidemic proportions. What can we do about this? One idea is to eat less meat! Guess the number of Tofurky Roasts sold in order to calculate the total pounds of grain saved from eating Tofurky Roasts instead of turkey in the year 2008. If your guess is correct, you will win a new eGO Electric Cycle.
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Monday, October 13, 2008
Green Tip of the Day
Wear a sweater
Wear a sweater
Wear layers- a T-shirt, outer shirt, sweater, and a hat- (a large percentage of your body heat escapes through your head). Bundling up works as effectively as insulation in your home’s walls- and it’s free. It’s surprising how many times this simple solution isn’t followed. You can set your thermostat to 65 (or lower!) if you follow this easy, energy-saving plan. If you turn the heat down just two degrees, you’ll save about 4% on your energy bill, and reduce your carbon emissions by 6%.
Invite your friends over
What better excuse to throw a dinner party than the need to huddle together for warmth? The more people in an apartment, the higher the collective body heat. Perhaps you could try initiating a weekly “No Heat Potluck” with all your closest, eco-conscious pals? (Hey, this sounds like "Soup Sunday")
Monday Update
We had a good Soup Sunday yesterday. My Niece Amy and three of her children; Nick, Breckin and Ella showed up. Ella was having a good time feeding Thumper until he got a hold on her finger and drew blood. I had warned her that he gets your finger sometimes. But, being 4, she had to find out for herself. Thomas knows exactly what I mean. Sarah & Jacob stayed to watch Dexter with us. They had never watched Dexter before. The kids stayed in the kitchen watching cartoon network of course.
Yeah, no work for me today or tomorrow. Of course, I can't sit still for too long, so I'm sure I will find things to do around here. I will probably take a walk or two today. I might also take care of some of the leaves on the patio and in the front entry.
Thomas and Diedre are headed on a school bus to Cedar Falls today for a professional development day. Thomas is now featured on the high school science department page. Diedre & Thomas are both mentioned in the high school student handbook. We are so proud of both of them.
Yeah, no work for me today or tomorrow. Of course, I can't sit still for too long, so I'm sure I will find things to do around here. I will probably take a walk or two today. I might also take care of some of the leaves on the patio and in the front entry.
Thomas and Diedre are headed on a school bus to Cedar Falls today for a professional development day. Thomas is now featured on the high school science department page. Diedre & Thomas are both mentioned in the high school student handbook. We are so proud of both of them.
ASPCA - Toxic Plants LIST (For Thomas & Diedre)
"Cats like to chew green things. Be sure to provide something safe for your cat to chew on."
If you suspect that your cat has ingested any plants poisonous to cats or other toxic substances, you must act immediately.Call your veterinarian or local emergency animal clinic. It's best to take a sample of the plant or other poison along with you to the veterinarian so they will know what your cat has ingested and they can treat him or her accordingly.
Giving Your Cat His Own Plant to Chew
Giving your cat her own "plant" to chew is another solution and is actually beneficial for your cat's digestion and help her get rid of unwanted matter, such as hairballs.
Many pet supply stores and even grocery stores now sell cat grass. Catnip, sage, thyme and parsley are also safe for your cat to chew in moderate amounts. Wheat (not "wheat grass") and oat-grass sprouts are also safe and tasty for your cat.
Ordinary lawn grass should be avoided, as it has razor-sharp spines that can cut your cat's mouth and even harm her digestive tract.
Your cat may vomit a greenish liquid with some plant fragments after eating a safe plant, such as cat grass. Don't worry. This is normal, as long it isn't excessive or constant.
Growing a "Plant" for Your Cat to Chew
You can even grow plants specifically for your cat’s enjoyment. If you choose to grow your own cat grass, catnip, sage, thyme, parsley or other safe "plants," be sure to use sterilized potting soil and untreated seeds. You should not use soil from your outdoor garden.
If you grow catnip, it's probably best to grow this in a room inaccessible to your cat. You can give your cat a generous handful of fresh or dried leaves every week or two. Catnip has a powerful (yet, safe) chemical that most cats love. Organic catnip is the healthiest for your feline friend.
About two-thirds of all cats are mad about catnip. It's a genetic preference. After a deep whiff, your cat will dance, leap, prance, tumble and purr in ecstasy. Don't worry. It's not addictive! Catnip is completely safe. But if you give catnip to your cat too often, it may lose its appeal over time.
Information from http://www.aspca.org & http://www.myhealthycat.com
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Cindy McCain's face scares me too.
This is the best secret I have seen in a long time from Post Secret.
Sunday Update
Yesterday was a busy day of washing dishes, laundry and shopping. I also took over an hour long walk. While walking I saw two different houses where it looked like they were either getting evicted or they were getting ready for a very large trash pickup, including a lot of their furniture.
Saturday must be a big day to visit graves, I saw three different cars pull in and park while I was walking through. One man got out of his car and took an Iowa Hawks flag from the flag holder by one grave and replaced it with a Halloween flag. This was all he did and then he left. I had noticed that same grave a few days earlier because there was a nice vase of fresh flowers next to it. The flowers were still there.
While heading down 3rd Ave. towards home I saw a group of college aged boys in a yard playing a drinking game. They had two metal poles about 3 feet high stuck in the ground. They would balance an empty beer bottle on each pole, a person from each team would throw a frisbee and see if they could knock the beer bottle off of the pole. When they said the score it was 8 to 11. They were having a blast.
When I got home Wanda was there visiting with Doug. She had stopped by to get our left over spinach for her pasta salad. (We had the spinach on our chicken pizza on Fri.) After she left I had supper, Doug wasn't hungry yet. And then we went to the store. Shortly after we got home from shopping, Thomas arrived back from the wedding. He visited for a little while and then had to leave to go back home. I wish they could have stayed for today's Soup Sunday. I didn't get to see much of Diedre this weekend, plus my niece Amy and her family will be coming for Soup Sunday.
Well I guess I had better go mow the yard, I never got to it yesterday. Plus, I have the usual Sunday cleaning to do. By the way my walking steps for Saturday were 10322.
"Walking is the very best exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far." - Thomas Jefferson
Saturday must be a big day to visit graves, I saw three different cars pull in and park while I was walking through. One man got out of his car and took an Iowa Hawks flag from the flag holder by one grave and replaced it with a Halloween flag. This was all he did and then he left. I had noticed that same grave a few days earlier because there was a nice vase of fresh flowers next to it. The flowers were still there.
While heading down 3rd Ave. towards home I saw a group of college aged boys in a yard playing a drinking game. They had two metal poles about 3 feet high stuck in the ground. They would balance an empty beer bottle on each pole, a person from each team would throw a frisbee and see if they could knock the beer bottle off of the pole. When they said the score it was 8 to 11. They were having a blast.
When I got home Wanda was there visiting with Doug. She had stopped by to get our left over spinach for her pasta salad. (We had the spinach on our chicken pizza on Fri.) After she left I had supper, Doug wasn't hungry yet. And then we went to the store. Shortly after we got home from shopping, Thomas arrived back from the wedding. He visited for a little while and then had to leave to go back home. I wish they could have stayed for today's Soup Sunday. I didn't get to see much of Diedre this weekend, plus my niece Amy and her family will be coming for Soup Sunday.
Well I guess I had better go mow the yard, I never got to it yesterday. Plus, I have the usual Sunday cleaning to do. By the way my walking steps for Saturday were 10322.
"Walking is the very best exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far." - Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, October 11, 2008
What Sarah Palin Believes
Sarah Palin believes that she and everyone else is tormented by demons and witches.
She believes that dinosaurs and men co-existed on Earth just 4,000 years ago and that the Earth itself is only a few thousand years older than that.
She believes in speaking in tongues, religiously, otherwise, everyone should speak English.
She believes in faith healing, so health care/insurance is not a valid issue for her.
She believes in the rapture and the sooner-the-better.
She believes Jesus will return in a worldwide conflagration in her lifetime.
She believes that she is an instrument of "God's Will."
She believes you should give her the nuclear launch codes.
Sarah can't even pronounce "nuclear" properly.
She believes that dinosaurs and men co-existed on Earth just 4,000 years ago and that the Earth itself is only a few thousand years older than that.
She believes in speaking in tongues, religiously, otherwise, everyone should speak English.
She believes in faith healing, so health care/insurance is not a valid issue for her.
She believes in the rapture and the sooner-the-better.
She believes Jesus will return in a worldwide conflagration in her lifetime.
She believes that she is an instrument of "God's Will."
She believes you should give her the nuclear launch codes.
Sarah can't even pronounce "nuclear" properly.
Saturday Update
Yesterday was a great day. I got out of work at 2 and stopped at the store on the way home. I went on my walk when I got home, the usual route through the cemetery and the park. My final steps for yesterday were 14081.
Thomas and Diedre drove down from Eldora. I didn't get to see Diedre though. We had homemade chicken pizza for supper. It was very tasty. Doug also made a focaccia bread, we were too full by the time it was done, so we will have to eat it today. We watched the first two new episodes of Dexter with Thomas. Then Doug and Thomas watched Ironman while I slept through most of it. I finally went to bed before it was over.
Today I plan to do some yard work. I might just mow the yard and see if it will mulch most of the leaves that have fallen. I also need to stop over to my Dad's to talk with Ilse about visiting Diedre and Thomas later this month. That's all I have for today.
Thomas and Diedre drove down from Eldora. I didn't get to see Diedre though. We had homemade chicken pizza for supper. It was very tasty. Doug also made a focaccia bread, we were too full by the time it was done, so we will have to eat it today. We watched the first two new episodes of Dexter with Thomas. Then Doug and Thomas watched Ironman while I slept through most of it. I finally went to bed before it was over.
Today I plan to do some yard work. I might just mow the yard and see if it will mulch most of the leaves that have fallen. I also need to stop over to my Dad's to talk with Ilse about visiting Diedre and Thomas later this month. That's all I have for today.
Sarah Palin in Her Own Words
"As for that VP talk all the time, I'll tell you, I still can't answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day?" --Sarah Palin, in an interview with CNBC's "Kudlow & Co."
Green Tip of the DayAlison Gannett invites everyone to to take personal action toward global cooling. She developed the C.R.O.P. acronym to talk about the key steps individuals can take, in this order:
- (C) Calculate your carbon footprint
- (R) Reduce the carbon impact in your home, transportation and consumption of goods
- (O) Offset your carbon emissions
- (P) Produce your own energy
What if McCain & Palin succeed?
If John McCain and Sarah Palin are elected, what actions would they take to stop abortion, and what would those actions mean for real women?
The Republican candidates avoid answering these questions. Luckily, their records speak for themselves.
Senator John McCain’s Record on Abortion
Of the 130 congressional votes related to reproductive freedom that Sen. McCain has cast since 1983, 125 have been anti-choice.
Sen. McCain has said he believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned. Even George W. Bush has never gone that far.
Sen. McCain has said he would ban abortion outright. He supports a constitutional amendment to ban abortion and said he would have signed into law the controversial 2006 South Dakota ban.
Sen. McCain has supported every roadblock to abortion:
* Supported 2003 ban on safe abortion procedures
* Opposed emergency contraception for women who have been raped
* Co-sponsored bill prohibiting grandparents and caring adults from accompanying young people across state lines for abortion care
Sen. McCain has consistently supported cutting funding for abortion rights:
* Voted for barring funds for health care services to organizations that perform provide abortion care
*
Voted against funding for low-income women to receive abortion care
* Opposed the use of federal money for abortion care and groups that help women obtain abortions
* Opposed funding for family planning
* Opposed funding to prevent teen pregnancy
* Voted against requiring insurance coverage for birth control
On Supreme Court nominations, Sen. McCain would choose anti-choice nominations:
* Confirmed Pres. Bush's Supreme Court picks, Samuel Alito and John Roberts, both opposed to legal abortion and likely to vote to overturn Roe v. Wade
* Has vowed that he will "'try to find clones of Alito and Roberts' to fill future court vacancies.”
Sen. McCain is allied with the far-right anti-choice extremists in his party. He calls himself a "loyal and unswerving friend of the right to life movement.” His campaing website praises the "tremendous work" the anti-choice movement has done and even goes so far as to say that the "government must find new ways to empower and strengthen these armies of compassion."
Governor Sarah Palin's Record on Abortion
Gov. Palin has said that she would support criminalizing abortion even in cases where a woman was a victim of rape or incest. Yet in an interview with Katie Couric that aired on September 30, 2008, Gov. Palin said that she does not think "anyone should end up in jail for having an abortion."
But this statement is irreconcilable with positions Gov. Palin expressed during a 2006 Alaskan gubernatorial debate, where she expressed support for criminalizing abortion, even in cases of rape and incest:
Their positions are clear: under a McCain/Palin administration, abortion would be banned.
The consequences are inevitable: good doctors would stop providing safe and regulated care, abortion procedures would be driven back underground, and women would be forced into dangerous, criminal situations.
The Republican candidates avoid answering these questions. Luckily, their records speak for themselves.
Senator John McCain’s Record on Abortion
Of the 130 congressional votes related to reproductive freedom that Sen. McCain has cast since 1983, 125 have been anti-choice.
Sen. McCain has said he believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned. Even George W. Bush has never gone that far.
Sen. McCain has said he would ban abortion outright. He supports a constitutional amendment to ban abortion and said he would have signed into law the controversial 2006 South Dakota ban.
Sen. McCain has supported every roadblock to abortion:
* Supported 2003 ban on safe abortion procedures
* Opposed emergency contraception for women who have been raped
* Co-sponsored bill prohibiting grandparents and caring adults from accompanying young people across state lines for abortion care
Sen. McCain has consistently supported cutting funding for abortion rights:
* Voted for barring funds for health care services to organizations that perform provide abortion care
*
Voted against funding for low-income women to receive abortion care
* Opposed the use of federal money for abortion care and groups that help women obtain abortions
* Opposed funding for family planning
* Opposed funding to prevent teen pregnancy
* Voted against requiring insurance coverage for birth control
On Supreme Court nominations, Sen. McCain would choose anti-choice nominations:
* Confirmed Pres. Bush's Supreme Court picks, Samuel Alito and John Roberts, both opposed to legal abortion and likely to vote to overturn Roe v. Wade
* Has vowed that he will "'try to find clones of Alito and Roberts' to fill future court vacancies.”
Sen. McCain is allied with the far-right anti-choice extremists in his party. He calls himself a "loyal and unswerving friend of the right to life movement.” His campaing website praises the "tremendous work" the anti-choice movement has done and even goes so far as to say that the "government must find new ways to empower and strengthen these armies of compassion."
Governor Sarah Palin's Record on Abortion
Gov. Palin has said that she would support criminalizing abortion even in cases where a woman was a victim of rape or incest. Yet in an interview with Katie Couric that aired on September 30, 2008, Gov. Palin said that she does not think "anyone should end up in jail for having an abortion."
But this statement is irreconcilable with positions Gov. Palin expressed during a 2006 Alaskan gubernatorial debate, where she expressed support for criminalizing abortion, even in cases of rape and incest:
Their positions are clear: under a McCain/Palin administration, abortion would be banned.
The consequences are inevitable: good doctors would stop providing safe and regulated care, abortion procedures would be driven back underground, and women would be forced into dangerous, criminal situations.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Green Tip of the Day
Personal Footprint Calculator
From lowering our thermostats to driving a hybrid to going vegetarian, each of us can be kinder to Mother Earth. Here are three simple choices: hang dry your clothes instead of using a dryer, turn off lights when you leave a room, use public transportation (or bike or walk) as much as possible.
Personal Footprint Calculator
From lowering our thermostats to driving a hybrid to going vegetarian, each of us can be kinder to Mother Earth. Here are three simple choices: hang dry your clothes instead of using a dryer, turn off lights when you leave a room, use public transportation (or bike or walk) as much as possible.
Friday Update
Yeah, it is a double good day! I get off work at 2 and Diedre and Thomas are coming home for a visit. Doug is planning something special for supper. Yum, yum.
I am getting frustrated, trying to pay bills online and Mediacom won't take me to the sign in sites or if I am able to attempt a sign in, the page is not found. Yet I was able to sign in to my blog with no problem. What's that all about. Wonderful Mediacom service I guess.
Yesterday at work one of the toilets in the ladies room went crazy. It was flushing every 2 seconds and water was splashing all over. Our managers called the building maintenance three times and they never came. One of the managers finally found a way to shut off the water to the toilet. Maintenace finally came when they called a 4th time and told them water was all over the floor and they had shut off the water.
When I got home I took my usual walk. I went past the football field and through Thomas park. On the way there I passed a bunch of people gathering to watch the Homecoming Parade. From the park I went through the cemetery. I saw a boy on a bike and three men mowing the cemetery grass. Just as I was leaving the cemetery and getting back on 3rd Ave. the parade started coming by. It wasn't more that two blocks long and I walked completely past it before I even reached 10th Street. The pictures of the Eldora parade put the Marion parade to shame. What happened to school pride? The best float in the whole parade was a Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot one. I ended the day with 11471 steps.
I am getting frustrated, trying to pay bills online and Mediacom won't take me to the sign in sites or if I am able to attempt a sign in, the page is not found. Yet I was able to sign in to my blog with no problem. What's that all about. Wonderful Mediacom service I guess.
Yesterday at work one of the toilets in the ladies room went crazy. It was flushing every 2 seconds and water was splashing all over. Our managers called the building maintenance three times and they never came. One of the managers finally found a way to shut off the water to the toilet. Maintenace finally came when they called a 4th time and told them water was all over the floor and they had shut off the water.
When I got home I took my usual walk. I went past the football field and through Thomas park. On the way there I passed a bunch of people gathering to watch the Homecoming Parade. From the park I went through the cemetery. I saw a boy on a bike and three men mowing the cemetery grass. Just as I was leaving the cemetery and getting back on 3rd Ave. the parade started coming by. It wasn't more that two blocks long and I walked completely past it before I even reached 10th Street. The pictures of the Eldora parade put the Marion parade to shame. What happened to school pride? The best float in the whole parade was a Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot one. I ended the day with 11471 steps.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Thursday Update
This has been a very long week. It is slow at work and the time just drags. It will be nice to have the upcoming 4 day weekend. I have Monday off for Columbus Day and Tuesday I took a vacation day.
Yesterday on my walk I saw 2 hot air balloons; Linn Area Credit Union and Guarantee Bank. I also saw 4 other people taking walks in the cemetery. The cemetery is a very popular walking place. I put in 10175 steps yesterday.
Today is Ana's 7th birthday. Happy Birthday Ana!
Yesterday on my walk I saw 2 hot air balloons; Linn Area Credit Union and Guarantee Bank. I also saw 4 other people taking walks in the cemetery. The cemetery is a very popular walking place. I put in 10175 steps yesterday.
Today is Ana's 7th birthday. Happy Birthday Ana!
Green Tip of the Day
How to Make a Quilt From Your Old Clothes
By Sara Novak
Columbia, SC, USA
How to Make a Quilt From Your Old Clothes
By Sara Novak
Columbia, SC, USA
While Goodwill is always a good way to cut the clutter and get rid of all your old cloths, here's another cool way to put your old cloths to use. Make a quilt, what an awesome way to sew all your old memories into one fabulous memento. Thanks to eHow Network I learned to make my own quilt.
- Pick out at least 30 to 40 of your favorite old shirts and skirts and cut into squares for the quilt. Cut into uniform squares. Try 56-seven inch squares in an 8 squares down by 7 squares across layout.
- It's easier to sew a chain of squares first (7 squares across), then once you have the chains of squares sewn, sew the chains together to create the top of your quilt.
- Decide the size of the quilt and cut your pre-washed backing material to fit the dimensions of the sewn squares plus 4 inches on each side. Also, lay out your quilt batting and cut it to fit the quilt squares.
- Pin all three layers together, folding in the 4 inch edges once to make an even edge and again to meet the top of the quilt. Pin between each square through all three layers.
- Sew along the backing edge. Once you have sewn around the edges, stitch the individual squares to help secure the batting and prevent bunching.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Who Won the Tuesday Debate?
LA Times Poll:
Tie 1%
Tie 1%
Total Votes: 4815
NBC Poll:
Fox News Poll:
John McCain 44%
NBC Poll:
13.1% John McCain 20,264 votes
83.5% Barack Obama 129,198 votes
1.6% Tie 2,548 votes
1.8% Not sure 2,733 votes
CNN Poll (scrolldown, on right):
AOL Poll:
Guardian Poll:
7.6% John McCain
92.4% Barack Obama
Townhall Poll:
Obama (73 %)
McCain (25 %)
Tie (3 %)
CNN Poll (scrolldown, on right):
| Sen. John McCain | 17% | 39709 |
| Sen. Barack Obama | 78% | 178066 |
| No clear winner | 5% | 11414 |
| Total Votes: 229189 | ||
AOL Poll:
| Barack Obama | 52% | 144,867 |
| John McCain | 40% | 110,890 |
| It was a draw | 8% | 20,361 |
Guardian Poll:
7.6% John McCain
92.4% Barack Obama
Obama (73 %)
McCain (25 %)
Tie (3 %)
Fox News Poll:
John McCain 44%
Barack Obama 56%
Total Voters: 83582
Wednesday Update
It has been pretty slow at work this week. I was able to pick up a couple of good sales yesterday though. They finally have the escalators removed from the Armstrong building. I'm still not sure what they are going to put in their place. Another restaurant is also almost ready to open, Deb's, they sell ice cream and sandwich's.
Last night we tried to watch some of the debates, but we kept flipping away. It is just too hard to watch the whole thing. I think Obama won though. A lot of people were having their picture taken with Obama after it was over. Yet McCain seemed to disappear. We suspect to change his diaper, 90 minutes is a long time to go without a change.
I did not get a walk in yesterday because of the rain. My step count was 10067.
Last night we tried to watch some of the debates, but we kept flipping away. It is just too hard to watch the whole thing. I think Obama won though. A lot of people were having their picture taken with Obama after it was over. Yet McCain seemed to disappear. We suspect to change his diaper, 90 minutes is a long time to go without a change.
I did not get a walk in yesterday because of the rain. My step count was 10067.
Green Tip of the Day
The single most polluting industry in the United States is electricity production. Chances are, your home is using up more energy than it needs to keep your residence running. To find out just where that extra energy is going, conduct a home energy audit. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Energy Audit page for a detailed do-it-yourself.
The single most polluting industry in the United States is electricity production. Chances are, your home is using up more energy than it needs to keep your residence running. To find out just where that extra energy is going, conduct a home energy audit. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Energy Audit page for a detailed do-it-yourself.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Green Tip of the Day
We throw away about 20 million mattresses each year in the United States - so donating or recycling means smaller landfills (recyclers can separate the fiber, foam, steel, and wood for remanufacturing into - for example - new mattresses). In some areas, trashing your mattress is illegal since they take up so much landfill space; some municipalities require you to recycle.
Check with the store where you're buying your new mattress to see if it offers donation or recycling services for your old one.
Earth 911 - type in mattress and your zip for a nearby recycling drop-spot.
Craigslist and Freecycle - list your mattress for free; chances are someone will want it.
Instructables - DIY instructions on cleaning your mattress before you donate it.
We throw away about 20 million mattresses each year in the United States - so donating or recycling means smaller landfills (recyclers can separate the fiber, foam, steel, and wood for remanufacturing into - for example - new mattresses). In some areas, trashing your mattress is illegal since they take up so much landfill space; some municipalities require you to recycle.
Check with the store where you're buying your new mattress to see if it offers donation or recycling services for your old one.
Earth 911 - type in mattress and your zip for a nearby recycling drop-spot.
Craigslist and Freecycle - list your mattress for free; chances are someone will want it.
Instructables - DIY instructions on cleaning your mattress before you donate it.
Vote for Applington-Parkersburg High School
A-P School can win $25,000. You are able to vote each dayhttp://www.henkelhelps.com
through Oct. 19. All you have to do is go to the website
and put in your valid e-mail and click vote.
More Fun in Eldora
Trains and boys what fun.
Someone tell Amber that you cannot steer a train.
Don't gnaw on the tree Ana!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Monday Update
My long weekend was not long enough. Yesterday I found out Thomas and Diedre will be coming to town on Friday. Now if we can get Chloe to come home we will have the whole family here for supper.
Soup Sunday was very good and we had a new member show up. Jamie and Suzanna came for a little while. Justin was also able to make it this week. We were missing Wanda and Mark however. They were still in States Center visiting Amber. Jamie and Suzanna had to leave early because of her long drive back to Madison. However, Jamie did stop by later after everyone else was gone.
I did not have a chance to go on a walk yesterday so my step count was lower than I would have liked. Sundays step count was 8492.
Soup Sunday was very good and we had a new member show up. Jamie and Suzanna came for a little while. Justin was also able to make it this week. We were missing Wanda and Mark however. They were still in States Center visiting Amber. Jamie and Suzanna had to leave early because of her long drive back to Madison. However, Jamie did stop by later after everyone else was gone.
I did not have a chance to go on a walk yesterday so my step count was lower than I would have liked. Sundays step count was 8492.
Fun in Eldora
Watch out Mark, I think Thomas wants some of your soda!
Ice cream makes Nick and Ana very happy.
One happy family.
Watch the goat smell Thomas' finger.
What a nice couple.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Sunday Update
Yesterday was so much fun. I think everyone who came to Eldora had a great time. I so wish I could live there too. I would probably turn into a crazy cat lady and feed all the town stray cats.
The happy house warmers were Wanda and Mark, Amber, myself and Doug, Hunter, Sara, Ana and Nick. I will post pictures from yesterday once they have been transferred to the computer.
The trip home was longer than usual, we had to back track to pick up Doug's murse that was left behind and then we were detoured off of Hwy 20 once in the Cedar Falls city limits. I found out that 5 people were hurt in a crash that occurred around 4:30 and the highway was closed between the Hwy 63 and Ansborough Ave. interchanges.
I was glad that I was still able to work walking into the busy day. I took an hour long walk in the morning and then the whole group to a little walk at Pine Lake State Park. My step count for Saturday was 13520.
The happy house warmers were Wanda and Mark, Amber, myself and Doug, Hunter, Sara, Ana and Nick. I will post pictures from yesterday once they have been transferred to the computer.
The trip home was longer than usual, we had to back track to pick up Doug's murse that was left behind and then we were detoured off of Hwy 20 once in the Cedar Falls city limits. I found out that 5 people were hurt in a crash that occurred around 4:30 and the highway was closed between the Hwy 63 and Ansborough Ave. interchanges.
I was glad that I was still able to work walking into the busy day. I took an hour long walk in the morning and then the whole group to a little walk at Pine Lake State Park. My step count for Saturday was 13520.
Green Tip of the Day
If you are one of the millions of do-it-yourself oil changers, here are some important steps to take to ensure the process is as clean as possible:
If you are one of the millions of do-it-yourself oil changers, here are some important steps to take to ensure the process is as clean as possible:
- After draining the oil, but before removing the drip pan from under the car, close and secure the drain plug and check for leaks.
- If you are changing the oil filter, drain it for a minimum of 12 hours into a clean plastic container with a tight-fitting lid (do not use a container that once held chemicals, food, or beverages). Then, carefully pour the oil from the drip pan into the container.
- Reuse your drip pan; do not rinse residual oil down the drain or into your yard.
- If you do accidentally spill any oil, use an absorbent material like sawdust or cat litter to clean up the spill and dispose of it properly.
- Used motor oil (from cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, or lawn equipment) can be recycled to make new motor oil—2.5 quarts of new lubricating oil can be made from one gallon of used motor oil—or processed into fuel oils or other materials. After you have changed your oil, take it to a local service station or recycling center that collects used motor oil for recycling (see related resources for a recycling directory). Some facilities will collect used filters as well; if not, ask your waste collection service if the filter can be disposed of with your household trash.
You may be able to further reduce your oil consumption (regardless of whether or not you do your own oil changes) by changing your oil less often. A 2008 study conducted by the California Integrated Waste Management Board shows that many vehicles can go more than the standard 3,000 miles between oil changes, depending on driving conditions and motor oil type. Before you skip your next oil change, however, be sure to follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations listed in the owner’s manual.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Green Tip of the Day
Planted Plastic Bag Dryer
Planted Plastic Bag Dryer
Here in the U.S. we use about 100 billion plastic bags every year, which is a fifth of what’s consumed worldwide. Plastic bags have become a huge source of pollution on our planet, plaguing both our waterways and landscapes, which is why we all need to reduce the number we use.
Also important is reusing the ones we use all the time -- the baggies we pack snacks in and sealed freezer bags. These are easy to wash and reuse, but drying them can be tricky since they’re designed to keep liquids inside. The solution is this simple homemade bag dryer made from old wire hangers and a few potted succulents. In fact, the plants end up getting watered by the water dripping from the bags so that it doesn’t go to waste!
The first thing you want to do is pick out some good plants. Succulents are perfect because they need very little water and generally won’t get too tall or drop leaves everywhere. I also recommend using small, individual pots so that you can arrange your dryer however and wherever you like.
For the wire prongs, just use a few old wire hangers from the dry cleaner. Cut them so you have the long, straight section caped on one end with a curved section.
Twist the end of the curved section around the straight part so that you have a rounded end on one side that won’t poke holes in the bags. You can also paint the wires so that they match the color of your pots.
Now just stick the wire prongs into your pots, being careful not to stab your lovely plants, and you’re finished! You can now wash some bags, hang them upside-down to dry, and reuse them over and over. And when you’re not using the dryer, you can pull out the wires and stash them in a drawer, leaving just the plants as beautiful decoration for your kitchen!
VIDEO: See how to make your own plastic bag dryer
Arrange bag dryer on counter or anywhere you have space.
Saturday Update
We are going to Eldora for the day. I can't wait to see Diedre and Thomas. It has been about a month since we last visited them. Today will be fun, because most of the Soup Sunday group will be coming to Eldora as well.
Yesterday was sort of busy. I washed laundry and dishes. Doug and I put the 3rd seat back in the van. It hasn't been in the van much over the last 4 years, because we were always hauling things back and forth to Waverly and just recently hauling things to Thomas and Diedre's new home. I also vacuumed out the van. Before supper I went on a walk. My step count for the day was 17592. I did not post my step count for Thursday, it was 14087.
Yesterday was sort of busy. I washed laundry and dishes. Doug and I put the 3rd seat back in the van. It hasn't been in the van much over the last 4 years, because we were always hauling things back and forth to Waverly and just recently hauling things to Thomas and Diedre's new home. I also vacuumed out the van. Before supper I went on a walk. My step count for the day was 17592. I did not post my step count for Thursday, it was 14087.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Debate Action Center
Vote in the big post-debate polls.
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper -- let people know Palin proves why McCain doesn't have the judgment to be president.
Vote in the big post-debate polls.
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper -- let people know Palin proves why McCain doesn't have the judgment to be president.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Thursday Update
Yeah! This is my Friday this week.
Tonight is the vice presidential debate. It should be good for a few laughs. This will show how qualified Palin really is to be vice president. The only thing is this will interrupt some of my favorite Thursday night shows.
Yesterday I took 10434 steps.
Tonight is the vice presidential debate. It should be good for a few laughs. This will show how qualified Palin really is to be vice president. The only thing is this will interrupt some of my favorite Thursday night shows.
Yesterday I took 10434 steps.
Green Tip of the Day
Fill Your Toilet Cistern with Rocks to Reduce the Amount of Water you Flush Away.
Of all the water in all the oceans, lakes and streams, only 3% of the water on this planet is fresh. Of that 3% only 1/3 is suitable for human consumption. So why do we keep flushing that water down the drain?
Americans are literally flushing away 40% of the water used in our homes- that’s more than 48 billion gallons of water being flushed down our toilets every day. You and every other person is contributing an average of 9,000 gallons each year.
Each flush wastes 3-5 gallons of water. Add that number to the amount of times you use the restroom each day, then add all those unnecessary times when you used your toilet as a waste basket- flushing down a tissue or cigarette butt because you didn’t feel like throwing it away. Now multiply that by every member in your family and you’ve got a lot of good water going down the drain. In fact, the US government believes that we flush approximately 40% of our all household water down the drain. You can easily minimize that waste by putting rocks in your cistern.
It may seem like an odd water saving idea, but if you lift up the lid on the back of your toilet you will notice that it is filled with water. There is also a line that indicates the toilet is filled with the appropriate amount of water (3-5 gallons depending on the toilet). Each time you flush, all of the water empties out into the bowl to clean it, then flush back through the exit pipe. The point of the rocks (you can also use a sand filled sealed water bottle) is to displace some of that water so that the toilet thinks it is holding the requisite 3-5 gallons. Don’t worry, as long as you leave at least 2 gallons of water it should still function properly (and if it doesn’t, just take out a few rocks).
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Wednesday Update
Just 2 days until my 3 day weekend. I love 3 day weekends.
Not much to report. Yesterday was a pretty good day at work. They have calls coming in to our regular phone line, although it is only from certain toll free numbers, so not all call are getting through yet. We also still do not have the tech support phones on. I forgot to mention that on Monday the fire alarm went off and we started to leave for a fire drill, we were half way down the stairs when the alarm stopped. So the supervisor said we had to go back upstairs to work. We went to the second floor to get on the elevator. It started up to 4th just fine. However, it stopped between the 3rd and 4th floors. We could not get it to move and the phone was not ringing out. We pushed the alarm and with no response. Finally someone hit the power off button and then powered it back on and the elevator started to move. Of course one of my co-worked had to say they were claustrophobic; big drama.
I did not take a walk after work yesterday, I still ended the day with 10711 steps.
Not much to report. Yesterday was a pretty good day at work. They have calls coming in to our regular phone line, although it is only from certain toll free numbers, so not all call are getting through yet. We also still do not have the tech support phones on. I forgot to mention that on Monday the fire alarm went off and we started to leave for a fire drill, we were half way down the stairs when the alarm stopped. So the supervisor said we had to go back upstairs to work. We went to the second floor to get on the elevator. It started up to 4th just fine. However, it stopped between the 3rd and 4th floors. We could not get it to move and the phone was not ringing out. We pushed the alarm and with no response. Finally someone hit the power off button and then powered it back on and the elevator started to move. Of course one of my co-worked had to say they were claustrophobic; big drama.
I did not take a walk after work yesterday, I still ended the day with 10711 steps.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Diedre sent me this Sarah Palin joke and I just had to post it.
While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75-year-old Texas rancher whose hand was caught in a gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to Sarah Palin and her bid to be a heartbeat away from being President. The old rancher said, "Well, ya know, Palin is a post turtle..."
Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a 'post turtle' was.
The old rancher said, "When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a post turtle."
The old rancher saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face, so he continued to explain: "You know she didn't get up there by herself, she doesn't belong up there, she doesn't know what to do while she's up there, and you just gotta wonder what kind of dumb ass put her up there to begin with!"
Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a 'post turtle' was.
The old rancher said, "When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a post turtle."
The old rancher saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face, so he continued to explain: "You know she didn't get up there by herself, she doesn't belong up there, she doesn't know what to do while she's up there, and you just gotta wonder what kind of dumb ass put her up there to begin with!"
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