Birds. Diminishing View. Shopping. Pet Food. Cargo Trailer.

 

It's "Winged Wednesday" again, where does time fly?

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Rio Grande Gorge bill may benefit migratory birds

"People seeking incredible outdoor experiences need not look any further than Northern New Mexico. In-state and out-of-state travelers come here to explore gorges, mountains, plains, rivers and view a variety of iconic wildlife.

Ute Mountain -- which boasts an elevation of over 10,000 feet – and the Rio Grande Gorge -- known as one of the world’s great avian migratory routes -- are considered two “landmarks” in Northern New Mexico. They help define Northern New Mexico as a wildlife haven, particularly for birds. Bird watchers come from all over the country and beyond to enjoy everything from hummingbirds to herons as the area is a major migration route for many species.
These unrivaled natural treasures, and the communities they sustain, are why members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation, led by U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, re-introduced legislation to protect these iconic lands and waters.

The legislation would protect over 21,000 acres of Wilderness within a 236,980 acre National Conservation Area. It would ensure protection of some of the most ecologically significant lands in the state of New Mexico and help secure traditional ways of life in Northern New Mexico for local residents as well as hunters, ranchers, and outfitters.

The Act would protect the upper reaches of the Rio Grande Gorge, where eagles, falcons and hawks nest on the walls of the gorge and numerous species -- including majestic sandhill cranes -- migrate through the area.
Wilderness protection assures the ecological future of these incredible birds, as well as important game species like pronghorn, bighorn sheep and elk.
The legislation would also safeguard world-class recreation opportunities, such as hiking, hunting and fishing. Grazing and vehicle and utility access would continue in already-existing areas, and water rights would not be affected."
More at: http://wilderness.org/content/rio-grande-gorge-legislation-re-introduced
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Snowy Plover



"This tiny plover is the color of pale sand – the perfect camouflage for its preferred habit of open beaches, alkali and salt flats, and river sandbars.
Although the Snowy Plover has a large population and wide range, its numbers appear to be decreasing. Major threats include habitat degradation/loss and increased recreational use of beaches, where human activity can destroy the birds’ nests and eggs. Free-roaming cats also pose a threat.

Sea level rise due to climate change will cause additional loss of habitat for the Snowy Plover and other beach-nesting birds. Increased storm surges may also threaten nests.
As a result of continuing declines and ongoing threats, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently issued a proposal to more than double the bird's designated Critical Habitat. See the full story here."
From: http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/botw/index.html

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Can you name this bird?
From U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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Birds have to fly though this, too:

"The Four Corners Power Plant is one of the largest polluters of nitrogen oxides in the nation. For years, its excessive emissions have made it harder to breathe clean air and see the majestic views of the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, and 14 other beloved national parks and wilderness areas in the region.

The time for Four Corners to clean up its act is now.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finally addressing the massive pollution from Four Corners--but they're in danger of stopping short of the finish line. Write to Environmental Scientist Anita Lee and let her know that you want to see EPA finish the job by requiring lower pollution limits at the Four Corners Power Plant. Learn more."

"This video documents visual and personal experiences of haze pollution in some of the Southwest's most beloved national parks as told through the perspective of those living and working in the Four Corners region."

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a good plan for Four Corners to clean up its act--but they're not going far enough. After years of impacts to the people, ecosystems, and national parks of the Southwest, the EPA should require this mega-polluter to comply with the law, ensuring clear views and healthy air for us all and strengthening local economies that benefit from millions of national park visitors.

Take Action: Tell the EPA to hold Four Corners fully accountable for its pollution. If you want to protect the views at Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, and eight other national parks, please ask the EPA to require lower emission limits that reflect what the proposed pollution controls are easily capable of achieving."
More at: https://secure.npca.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=523&autologin=true&AddInterest=1084
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Can you name this bird?   Trivia Answer:      
The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron in North America.
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Yesterday:

Our shopping day in the next town was moved from Wednesday to Tuesday this week.

Jay and I went straight to the Assistance League Thrift Shop, as the last week of the month is when they have their "50% off tag days".  This month it was the blue tags.  It's their way of rotating their stock, and it works, as there were plenty of people buying up all the blue tagged stock.  Everything in there is nice, clean smelling, and has been tested.  Jay has been waiting for this, as there was an abs exerciser that he has been keeping his eye on.  It was still there, so he bought it. 

When the power went out the other night, my coffee maker had a hissy fit the next morning.  I had to re-set the time on it, to make it work, but it just wouldn't let the coffee through, except at an occasional drip.  It did this once before, even though it is cleaned with vinegar monthly. So while I was at the Assistance League sale, I bought another coffee maker for $1.75, and a signed Trifari vintage gold and seed pearl braided necklace. 

I am not into costume jewelry, as we used to have a real jewelry store in Dallas, but I am used to wearing a thick gold chain, and I had worn the links out on mine.   All the real jewelry I had amassed, I gave to my daughter and granddaughters, except for my gold necklace, pearls, wedding and engagement ring.  At my age, I just don't want to fool with worry about it.  So this will be handy for some everyday occasions when I don't wear my pearls.

I got carried away at Petco when I bought 20 cans and 7 bags of kitten, cat, and dog food that was on sale half-price.  All very good brands with no grains, cornmeal or by-products.  My dogs aren't picky, but we'll see which ones the kittens and Prime will eat.  The kittens are not picky about their canned food, but Prime is.  Bobcat has to have her Wellness (no grains) cans, but doesn't like turkey!  Even though it was on sale, Petco said I could return them with my receipt.  None of my cats will eat Wellness dry food, or that choice would be easy.  What we do to please our furkids!

Bobcat also has some new cat treats containing Glucosamine and Chrondoitin for her bad arthritic shoulder.  I had wanted to get her off Royal Canin 28 dry cat food which has Glucosamine & Chrondoitin in it, as it also contain grains, and she shouldn't have them.  She only eats about 1/4 cup a day, but at 15 years old, I want her to eat the best. So I bought her some better food, which happened to be cheaper, and now I will have control over how much Glucosamine & Chrondoitin she gets.  She will feel better without any grains.  Unfortunately, she isn't crazy about the new food, and picks out the Royal Canin!

I cleaned the 'new' coffee maker and the old one with vinegar.  By spraying the underside of the 'new' coffee maker, I made sure there were no hitchhikers lurking inside.  I don't have any bugs in this house, and I don't want any.  The old white one had got over it's hissy fit, and is easier to use than the 'new' black one, so I might change back.
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Today:

After yesterday's rain, I looked for any leaks in the cargo trailer, and there were none.

Ray got up on the roof of the cargo trailer and he installed a Maxx-Air over the front roof vent.  Now we can keep the trailer aired out.  I had picked up two new Maxx-Airs, with the nuts and bolts, at a yard sale for $3 a piece, they didn't know what they had!   I gave one to my brother Nigel, to put on his truck camper before they left for Alaska last year.  Then Ray went around the second roof vent with Dicor.

Jay and I were climbing the ladder and handing him stuff as he needed it, but we were also measuring and cutting sticks, boards and rails to make two big shelves at the top of the shelf-drawer cabinet next to the front door. 

So that it would be ready to paint tomorrow, Ray primed as much as he could today.

Fever! What Does It Do? Family Talk.

No, not that kind of 'fever'.

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"According to the AAP, a fever can help your body fight off infection. Many illness-causing microbes do best at the body's normal temperature.

A fever raises the temperature beyond which certain microbes need to reproduce. A fever also kicks your child's immune system into high gear, spurring the rapid production of bug-clobbering white blood cells.

A small but growing body of research shows that letting a fever run its course may reduce the length and severity of such illnesses as colds and flu.

As for the concern among parents that fevers can have harmful effects, these instances are very rare. The brain has an internal regulatory mechanism that prevents fevers caused by infections from getting higher than 105 or 106 degrees.

Body temperature must get above 108 degrees to cause damage. Temperatures this high are caused only by exceptional circumstances, such as central nervous system disorders or heatstroke.

More at: http://www.parents.com/baby/health/fever/fever-benefits/

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Fever – Perhaps the Most Overtreated Symptom of All

"A great number of people have completely misunderstood fever, and believe that fever can be dangerous in and of itself – especially when the fever occurs in a child.

It's important to realize that fever is your body's backup defense mechanism when your primary ones – mainly your immune system -- fail. Your first line of defense is your macrophages, which gobble up any invading microbes.

As long as your immune system is strong, you may not even realize you've been exposed to a troublesome bug.

If you are still under the impression that having a fever or 100 or 101 degrees Fahrenheit is an indication of a dangerous situation, relax! It's not!

Many infectious agents do not survive in elevated temperatures so your body increases the temperature in an effort to eradicate the infection. It is a healthy response.

Unfortunately, most parents end up giving their child potentially toxic doses of fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen when, in reality, their child's temperature is ideal for accomplishing healing. Worse yet, there are parents who administer aspirin at the first sign of fever, which actually poses a far greater health risk than any fever could, as aspirin may cause Reye's Disease, which can be lethal.

Mixing aspirin and ibuprofen can also be deadly under certain circumstances.

The Many Benefits of Letting Fever Run its Course

In order to put your worries to rest, it's important to understand the functions a fever serves, and why a rise in temperature is beneficial. Naturopathic physician Colleen Huber has done a marvelous job of explaining this in a previous article on my site, which I've summarized here.

First, the two functions of fever are:

1. To stimulate your immune system.
2. To create an inhospitable environment for invading organisms. That is, to turn up the heat high enough that the invading microbes cannot live.

It would be far more helpful to think of a fever as a healing response rather than a symptom of disease. And, raising your body's temperature to between 102 to 103 degrees F is actually the ideal range of a fever because this is the temperature range in which microbes will be killed.

In addition to directly killing the microbes through heat, fever has a number of other benefits, including:

• Creating more antibodies -- cells trained to specifically attack the exact type of invader that your body is presently suffering from -- produced more specific to that bug than any pharmaceutical.
• Producing more white blood cells to fight off the invading microbes.
• Producing more interferon (which blocks spread of viruses to healthy cells).
• Walling off of iron, which bacteria feed on.

The Best Way to Treat a Fever

Contrary to popular belief, the best course of action is usually little or no action when it comes to fever.

Rather than working against it; trying to lower your temperature, you should work with it and allow it to run its course. The only time you need to worry or seek medical attention is if it rises very high, very fast. This could be a sign of an infection too serious for your body to handle.

To support your fever, naturopathic physicians recommend either fasting or eating foods such as broths and water because fever slows down peristalsis. Once your fever has broken, you can start eating solid foods again.

Fever is also best supported with plenty of good-old-fashioned rest.

When is Medical Attention Warranted for a Fever?

• Infants less than 1-month-old -- Seek care right away for fever greater than 100.4 degrees F in this age group. While waiting for care, breastfeed as often as the baby desires as your breast milk will also create antibodies against pathogens in your baby's mouth.
• Infants from 1-month to 3-months-old, with a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F, if they appear ill. Again, breastfeed on demand while waiting for care.
• Children between 3 months and 36 months, with a temperature above 102.2 degrees F, if they appear ill.
• All age groups -- temperature over 104.5 degrees F.

More at: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/26/scary-symptoms-that-are-really-no-big-deal.aspx

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Remember that fevers themselves are helping the body get rid of the illness, so fevers are not dangerous for most children and infants over the age of 3 months.

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"Just what is a fever and what does it do?

Fever is not an illness. It is an elevation in body temperature, usually in response to a viral or bacterial infection. When an illness is detected, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus increases the body's metabolism while decreasing its ability to disperse heat.

The makers of such drugs as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) certainly want you believe that fever is something to be suppressed. However, because fever helps the body combat viruses and bacteria by retarding their growth and by stimulating an immunological response, reaching for a drug to bring down a child's fever may delay recovery. A growing body of research shows that letting a fever run its course may reduce the length and severity of such illnesses as colds, flu and other viral syndromes. In studies of children with routine infection, those who were treated with antipyretics (fever reducers) stayed sick longer. "

From: http://www.attachmentparentingdoctor.com/fever.html

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Today:

 

Because we got all out of synch, with the holiday, I had to go shopping in the next town today.  There were several things that I didn't get last Wednesday, due to the crowds.  

I found most of the things on my list, and when I got home my son, Kevin, unexpectedly came to visit.

Then, another surprise.   Pamala and Nigel, (my sister-in-law and brother in England) Skyped me, so Kevin and I talked to them for a long time.  They had missed seeing Kevin when they were here in the US this summer.

 

So this was a real family day.

Singin' In The Rain. Thoughts of Somerville.

Or rather "Drivin' in The Rain! 
Well, we haven't had any rain here for ages, though there was one blowing downpour while I was in Somerville.  When I got home, I couldn't believe that most of my yard was covered with pine needles again.
But there are a lot of storms in other parts of the country
Let's all be safe when the roads are wet.



"Don't use cruise control. If you hydroplane, there's the chance your car could actually accelerate. Cruise control also allows drivers to be less vigilant and to take their foot away from the pedals — not a great idea when reaction time is so important.

Exercise self-control, not speed control:  Time will tell whether or not vehicle speed control units may actually contribute to loss of control on rainy roadways, but this much is certain:  Speed control use slows the driver's ability to note and respond to changes in road surfaces.  Save it for dry pavement.


If you see a large puddle up ahead, drive around it or choose a different route. It could be that it's covering a huge gaping maw into the front door of hell. Well, maybe not, but water splashing up into your car's engine compartment could damage its internal electrical systems.

Also, a pothole may be hiding under the water, just waiting in ambush to damage a wheel or knock your suspension out of alignment. If you can't gauge the depth, or if it's covering up the side curb, try to avoid it.

After you cross a puddle, tap on your brake pedal lightly to dry off some of the water on your rotors.
Exercise extreme caution after a long dry spell. During a dry period, engine oil and grease build up on the road over time. When mixed with water from a new rainfall, the road becomes extremely slick. Continued rainfall will eventually wash away the oil, but the first few hours can be the most dangerous.

Don't play Moses:  You can't part the Red Sea with your RV.  As the good folks in Arizona will tell you, NEVER cross a flooded wash.  It takes but a few inches of water to push a vehicle off the roadway and into harm's way. 
More at: http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/articles/45401/article.html

and: http://rvtravel.com/RVusing/No_pain_in_the_rain_Driving_suggestions_to_keep_you_safe.shtml

and: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/videoresource/t5driverain.pdf
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Today:

Neither Ray or Jay could come here today, but I stayed busy catching up on different things.  A man came and bought the old patio door, and I listed some more "junque", …… I mean "treasures",  on http://www.bookoo.com/ and Craigslist.

My daughter, Wendy called and we had a long conversation about their place in Somerville.  My brother Nigel, and SIL, in England, had visited their cabin while they were over here.  While Nigel, Pamala and I were talking on Skype last night, they mentioned the remoteness of the place.   We each mentioned that it wasn't our "cuppa tea".  But then we three, all RVers, like wheels on our cabins.  Also that there is no access to the lake for their boat in that subdivision.  Richard has to tow it a few miles to the State Park boat ramp.

But without a word from me, Wendy is rethinking their plan to retire there.  16 miles to the nearest store or town, and 36 miles to the closest little hospital which serves 8 counties.  I hope it isn't a case of 'buyer's remorse'.  They have been putting a lot of time, work and money in it.

The forecast is for 40 deg. tonight!  Gee, I might have to wear jeans tomorrow.  Right now, it is a lot cooler, and less humid, so it is a "windows and doors open", and "cats on the porch" day.

Trained Dogs! Shopping

"OK Go’s “White Knuckles” music video is not only entertaining, it’s for a good cause!


Most of the dogs used in the White Knuckles video are rescues now in loving homes ... and OK Go has set aside a special page where you can donate to the ASPCA, with funds earmarked to support rural, volunteer-run animal shelters in the United States."
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Today:

It is Wednesday, so Jay and I went into Conroe.  I had to exchange some spray paint at Walmart, and we did the rounds of some of the thrift shops.

Jay bought a shirt and an ornamental ceramic fish.  I bought a summer dress, some red shoes, and a black purse with lots of compartments.

I just spent a long time on Skype talking to Pamala and Nigel,  my brother and SIL in England.  They said that they really can't believe that they did that 'trip of a lifetime' to Alaska.  Their RV won't get to England until mid-November.

Now they are waiting for their daughter to have her second baby, another boy.  Heidi, her husband Martin, and their son Ben, visited me last year, from England.

It is still very warm here, normal is 79 deg., but it was 96, and a record setting day.

Unusual Uses for Vodka. P & N Fly Back to England!

"From cleaning jewelry to fighting stubborn stains, vodka has many handy uses -- other than pepping up your Bloody Mary! We've rounded up some unusual ways to put your bottom-shelf vodka to good use all around your house.

Vodka: not just for martinis anymore.
Whether on the rocks, straight up or mixed in with your favorite cocktail, vodka has a reputation for being the life of the party. But make no mistake, this versatile spirit is more than just a one-trick pony. Thanks to its basic mixture of pure alcohol and water, vodka can be used as a strong household cleaner, pesticide and so much more. Bonus: it's a non-toxic alternative to many traditional products and chemicals.

Use Vodka for Stain Removal
Vodka can banish three of the most stubborn fabric stains known to man: ink, grass and lipstick. For ink and grass stains, dip a clean cloth in vodka and rub spot. Rinse thoroughly. Lipstick on your collar? Blot stain with vodka, then launder in your regular wash.


Use Vodka to Clean Mold and Mildew
Instead of using toxic chemicals, fill a spray bottle with vodka to kill mold and mildew and knock out soap scum. On caulk and grout, spritz moldy areas and let sit for 30 minutes. Scrub area with an old toothbrush, tile/grout brush or nylon scouring-pad. Rinse thoroughly. For bathroom tiles, spray vodka and let sit for 5-10 minutes; then wash clean.

 
Use Vodka to Preserve Fresh Flowers

Plants all produce ethylene, a ripening gas that promotes maturation. Vodka stunts ethylene production, thereby helping flowers stay wilt-free longer. To keep store-bought flowers fresh, snip an inch off of each stem, add two teaspoons of vodka and one teaspoon sugar. Stir well and repeat this process every few days.



Use Vodka to Clean Chrome, Glass and Jewelry
Vodka is effective at making dull bathroom fixtures, chandeliers, eyeglasses, windowpanes and even precious gemstones (only stones that are a crystal, such as diamonds) sparkle like new.
- For chandeliers: Moisten a clean microfiber cloth with vodka and rub over dusty surfaces. Alternatively, you can spritz the chandelier with a solution of one cup water and one teaspoon of vodka in a spray bottle. Lay a drop cloth on the floor to catch drips.

- For chrome: Soak a soft, clean cloth with vodka and shine.

- For eyeglasses: Dip a clean, lint-free cloth in vodka and rub each lens (back and front) until clear.

- For jewelry: Measure out one-fourth cup vodka in a shallow drinking glass or bowl. Drop in jewelry and let soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse and dry. Tip: Do NOT clean pearls, opals and other porous stones via this method.

- For windowpanes: Mix one cup water and one teaspoon vodka in a spray bottle. Spritz on windows and wipe clean with paper towels or a clean microfiber cloth.

Use Vodka as an All-Natural Pesticide
Also known as plant lice, aphids are tiny soft-bodied insects that suck the nutrient-rich sap from the stems of plants. To keep aphids off of plants add four cups water, four teaspoons of dishwashing liquid and four teaspoons vodka in a large spray bottle. Shake well and spritz areas where you spot infestations.
Use Vodka to Eliminate Odors
Vodka eradicates foul stenches -- and doesn't leave a scent when it dries. For an odorless air freshener, mix one part vodka with three parts water in a small spray bottle. Spritz area and let dry."
More at: http://www.diylife.com/2010/10/06/household-vodka-uses/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk1%7C176357
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Today is a sad day for me.
 
My beloved brother Nigel, and Pamala, his wonderful bride of 40 years, are flying back to England today.   They, and my daughter, took the truck and camper to Galveston docks yesterday afternoon to be shipped to England.















Then the three of them walked on Seawall Blvd. to see the sea.  It was a shame that they didn't have time to see the Strand, Moody Gardens, Bishop's Palace,  or any of the other sights in Galveston.
They rented a Jeep and spent their last night in the US at my daughter's house, but like most RVers, were lost without their home!

They drove up here to see me this morning.  I had bought some seafood salad for Nigel, and Pamala's favorite, pumpernickel bread, so we had a little early lunch before they had to drive to the airport.

Ray made a special dash from Conroe to say good bye to them.   Ray just thought they were super folks, and I thought that was so great of him to want to see them one more time.

 

Nigel is so intrigued by Ray's drawl!

We took pictures, and I was holding back the tears, as I shall probably never see them again.

Yes, life has to go on, but it is a sad day for me today.

How Long To Get My First Workamping Job? Air Ratchet & Cleaning.

Steve Anderson of Workcamper News answers the frequently asked question - How Long Does It Take To Get My First Workamper Job?

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"Since the whole point of workamping is to be able to work outdoors in a beautiful setting, location is critical.  Recreation Resource Management offers over 175 locations for camp hosts in 11 states.  All of our sites are located in some of the most beautiful state parks and National Forests in the country -- and not right beside the Interstate!  Click here to learn more about great workamping locations.

More at: http://www.work-camping.com/
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Here is another way to get a free campsite: http://blog.rv.net/2010/10/rvers-guide-to-volunteering-and-slashing-on-the-road-expenses/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RvnetBlog+%28RV.net+Blog+Daily+Updates+Feed%29

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Now other things to consider:

"RVers tell me about their bad workamping experiences. I correspond with thousands of RVers and I’ve heard some real horror stories about bad workamping jobs. The reports of bad work camping jobs often share similarities.

Consider these warning signs:
1. The campground advertises for workampers in national workamping magazines, issue after issue after issue.
2. The campground does not check proof of citizenship, identification, or other work eligibility as regulations require.
3. The campground does not require workampers to fill out a W4 form for withholdings.
4. The campground requires a written contract.
5. The campground requires a written job application.
6. The campground insists on a formal job description.
7. The campground owner or manager is desperate for workampers.
8. The person doing the hiring cannot or will not answer the prospective workamper’s questions.
9. Prior to arriving on the job, the workamper did not receive the paperwork (job descriptions, employee handbook, copies of agreements, park brochures, and contracts) he was promised.
10. The workamper drove many miles across the country for the sole purpose of camp job.
These are not absolutes, of course. But after hearing about the negative workamping experiences of many RVers, these are the things that stand out.
If you stop and think about it, some of these are just common sense. "

More at: http://www.work-for-rvers-and-campers.com/bad-workamping-jobs.html
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Today:

Ray and I washed the last of the little pieces of skirting that my son-in-law is going to need for the mobile home.  So it was time to tidy everything up.  It had been sorted it out into white and almond, they just wanted the white skirting, so that is what we washed.  We moved that into the RVport to keep it clean and dry. (Gee, it hasn't rained for ages!)

After raking the place where the almond skirting was going to be stored, we stacked it up, took pictures to put on Craigslist, and I have already had two inquiries.   So maybe we can get the rest of it out of here, too.

The saw horses could be put up, but first we raked the pine needles out of that area.

Then I turned my attention to the air ratchet that wouldn't work for Nigel.  I had oiled it as soon as Pamala and had Nigel left, as I wouldn't put it away without doing that.
I was going to try Sam's comment/suggestion (Sam&Donna Weibel) with the compressor.  But I found out that the little slide switch for Forward and Reverse was in the OFF position.  Ray connected it to the compressor (that is one thing my fingers can't do), and it worked perfectly!  Nigel is going to be so miffed!  I might not tell him.

While we had the compressor up and running, we checked the tires on the the little black wagon, two utility trailers, the hand truck, and old Pugsy (the vintage MH).  Pugsy's tires were used as fenders on the Ark, but they still don't lose air!  Yes, I get the question: "Did Noah give them to you personally", often.   Also, I oiled the air nailer, stapler, and palm nailer, just in case.

Ray washed the Alaska mud off the Drop'N Lock Gooseneck hitch that Nigel has for sale, so it looks a lot better.

So I think we got a lot done today.

1st. GMO Day Tomorrow: 10-10-10.

October 2010 will be the first ever Non-GMO Month, with a special Non-GMO Day on October 10th (10.10.10).

Read the press release.

Consumers, click here to find out more.

Retailers, click here to register to be part of Non-GMO Month.

Vendors, click here to enroll in the Product Verification Program.

Press, click here for contact information and resources.

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Genetically modified foods……..
Are they safe?

"The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) doesn’t think so. The Academy reported that “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food,” including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. The AAEM asked physicians to advise patients to avoid GM foods.

Before the FDA decided to allow GMOs into food without labeling, FDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional problems. They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored.

Since then, findings include:

• Thousands of sheep, buffalo, and goats in India died after grazing on Bt cotton plants
• Mice eating GM corn for the long term had fewer, and smaller, babies.
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• More than half the babies of mother rats fed GM soy died within three weeks, and were smaller.
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• Testicle cells of mice and rats on a GM soy change significantly.
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• By the third generation, most GM soy-fed hamsters lost the ability to have babies.
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• Rodents fed GM corn and soy showed immune system responses and signs of toxicity.
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• Cooked GM soy contains as much as 7-times the amount of a known soy allergen.
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• Soy allergies skyrocketed by 50% in the UK, soon after GM soy was introduced.
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• The stomach lining of rats fed GM potatoes showed excessive cell growth, a condition that may lead to cancer.
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• Studies showed organ lesions, altered liver and pancreas cells, changed enzyme levels, etc.

Unlike safety evaluations for drugs, there are no human clinical trials of GM foods. The only published human feeding experiment revealed that the genetic material inserted into GM soy transfers into bacteria living inside our intestines and continues to function. This means that long after we stop eating GM foods, we may still have their GM proteins produced continuously inside us. This could mean:

• If the antibiotic gene inserted into most GM crops were to transfer, it could create super diseases, resistant to antibiotics.
• If the gene that creates Bt-toxin in GM corn were to transfer, it might turn our intestinal bacteria into living pesticide factories.

Although no studies have evaluated if antibiotic or Bt-toxin genes transfer, that is one of the key problems. The safety assessments are too superficial to even identify most of the potential dangers from GMOs. See our Health Risks brochure and State of the Science report for more details and citations."

Recent health studies provide growing evidence of harm from GMOs:

GM Corn Damages Liver and Kidneys
Meat Raised on GM Feed is Different
Roundup Could Cause Birth Defects
Genetically Modified Soy Linked to Sterility

More at: http://www.responsibletechnology.org/

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I recommend downloading the Non-GMO Shopping Guide, issued by the Institute for Responsible Technology. They also offer some helpful basic advice for how to avoid GMO’s when eating in restaurants.

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It seems so quiet after Pamala and Nigel pulled out in their truck and truck camper, about 4.30 pm yesterday afternoon.

Today:

Ray and finished cleaning the last of the skirting for my daughter and son-in-law's lake house at Somerville, TX.    We are all done with that, except the delivery.  I am looking forward to seeing their new place, when I haul it all over there.

 

Now we can concentrate on other things, as Jim, the mechanic/welder, brought back the stealth/cargo trailer, all fixed, today.

Myths about the AKC… Possum! Truck Camper.

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What AKC Registration Is

"There’s really only one thing you can be assured of with an AKC-registered dog – both his parents are also registered.
That’s it.

AKC registration says nothing about the relative quality of your dog or his health. All it takes to get an AKC ‘blue slip’ registration is to send an application and the required fee. If your pet’s parents are registered, your pet will be entered into the database as well. He’ll receive a registration number, which will appear on the blue slip you receive back from the AKC.
Your dog is now AKC-registered.
If you’re interested in seeing your dog’s ‘pedigree,’ for an additional fee the AKC will generate a list of the names of your pet’s parents, grandparents, great grandparents and so on.
A pedigree is really no more than a list of names of sires and dams.

But at Least I Know My Dog is Purebred, Right?

Not necessarily.

It’s far more common than people realize that unscrupulous breeders register litters with falsified parentage.

For example, a ‘backyard breeder’ owns AKC-registered male and female Golden Retrievers. The female goes into heat and the yellow Labrador Retriever next door jumps the fence to procreate with her.

A litter is born from this union and the breeder registers the puppies with the two Goldens as parents.

You’re looking for a Golden Retriever puppy. You see the breeder’s ad and visit the litter of puppies. Unless you’re very knowledgeable about dog breeds -- which is unlikely if you’re looking to acquire a puppy from a ‘backyard breeder’ -- chances are extremely high you won’t be able to tell these pups are half Golden and half Lab.

So off you go with your mixed breed, AKC-registered pet. As he gets older, you notice his coat isn’t very full and his frame is much heavier than the frames of the dogs you were told were his parents.

None of these curiosities really matter to you because you’ve fallen completely in love with your pet and have no intention of either breeding or showing him.

The point is -- AKC registration in and of itself should never be the basis for a decision about acquiring a pet."
More at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/10/05/importance-of-pet-dog-akc-registration.aspx
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The problems arise when you think you have a registered purebred dog, and want to "make some money" selling some purebred puppies.  But you don't have a purebred at all, as a dog is the total sum of it's ancesters, whatever breeds.  Often, people don't realize what it costs to raise a litter of pups properly, especially when some "don't look quite right", and you can't sell them.  So you wind up keeping them, giving them away, or taking them to the pound.

Even true breeders aren't in it for the money, because of the expense of buying 'breeding quality' dogs which are the closest to the conformation standard of that breed:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/complete_breed_list.cfm      Each breed is supposed to look like it's breed,  so that you don't have Poodles with long bodies like Dachshunds!  Or Poodles with broad heads like Bulldogs!

Pet quality purebred dogs will only produce pet quality pups, which do not demand a price worth all the work and expense.
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Today:  













We had caught a young possum in our trap.  The Animal Control Officer said that they would put it to sleep. 

Well, the little possum didn't know that it done anything wrong by eating Ray's vegetables out of his garden.   We didn't have a sign up that said "Not For Possums"!

So we took it down to the trees by the lake and set it free there.  I was very surprised when I saw this picture, as I didn't know that I had been fast enough to snap it. (As always, click to enlarge)



Then Ray and I carried on washing the skirting for my daughter's Lake House at Somerville,TX
  
If I had known that Ray and I were going to have to clean ALL of it, I would never have started on it!   I thought that just some of it had got dirty.

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous. No AC needed.  Sunny, mild, and no rain for Pamala and Nigel's visit here.

Then Nigel took the camper off the truck:













He wanted to take the gooseneck hitch off the truck, before he shipped them both to England.  We have listed the hitch on Craigslist.



But it got dark so quickly while Pamala and I were helping him get it lined up to put it back on the truck, that it isn't on quite right.  It will have to be re-loaded. 

It is on there, but tomorrow is another day.

Maliha's Update. American RVs In England.

This is in reference to my post: http://pennys-tuppence.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-could-they.html

Here is an update by Maliha, on her condition:

"September 21 – Yesterday was a very long day for me.  I had my dental surgery - everyone keeps telling me that it will make me better, but right now I am pretty uncomfortable. 

I am getting lots of care and medication for the pain, but anyone who has had a big dental surgery will understand how I am feeling today.  I will start by saying thank you to Dr. Martin Schiebel and the staff at the Mayfield Veterinary Hospital for completing my surgery. 

Dr Schiebel not only repaired my face over a 4 hour surgery, but also donated his time to SCARS, to make my surgery more affordable for the society.   I am so thankful for their help. 

I am doing okay today, I couldn’t keep any of my teeth they were all too badly damaged.  It was discovered that part of the cause of the infection in my nose and part of the problem with my breathing was a tooth lodged in my nasal cavity.  The tooth has now been removed, but it is yet another very disturbing part of my story. 

The holes between my mouth and nasal cavity have been repaired as well.  It was a difficult surgery and we are hopeful that it will be 100% successful, but we won’t know for a couple of weeks until everything has a chance to heal.  I will keep you posted on my recovery - that’s all for now, I need to have a nap. "

 

If you missed what happened to Maliha:

 

"How could they beat such a sweet dog?  

Kendra Slugoski has the story of Maliha, a badly abused dog getting a second chance at life.
2-1/2 minute Video:
http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/Maliha+Story/3422677/story.html
"Now, take a good look at my picture. At first it might not look that bad, but look again!  Look closer. The story is that someone covered my head with a bag and then beat me. I am in terrible condition.

My whole nasal cavity is caved in and it has caused a severe infection. Pretty awful, huh! My nose is literally flat. My teeth point every which way. I cannot breathe out of my nose and I cannot eat properly."

More and her story at: http://www.scarscare.org/Animal.aspx?AnimalID=732

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Today:

 

I was awake a lot of last night with a little nagging, tickling cough.  It was because of my sinuses.  I don't know what brought that on, but I was tired this morning.  It was the first time for ages that Bobcat had slept on my bed, and maybe that had something to do with it.  As she is 15 years old, I didn't have the heart to tell her to go back to her own bed.

Bobcat hardly ever comes into the living room anymore, but she had strolled in there yesterday evening, and sat beside Nigel, she really seems to like him.  I wonder if cats can smell DNA, and she knows he is my brother?

 

Today was the day to go back to PPL RV Parts Store in Houston.  We went in their truck with the cabover camper to pick up Pamala and Nigel's order.   We loaded the new horizontal propane tanks, steps, and a part that he needs for his fifth wheel hitch, for when the truck gets to England.  Then he will use this truck to tow their Fifth Wheel trailer, and sell their other older Dodge 3500 truck and older, larger cabover camper. 

 

In Britain, American RVs are preferred by many, as they are more roomy for fulltiming.  There is even an American RV magazine: http://www.arvm.uk.com/ and forum: http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/

 

We ate at BJ's in Sugarland, southwest of Houston.   The food was good, and we had a great time.  It was a long ride back up to my little home on Lake Conroe, so I was worn out for the day.

What About Bleach.

"Bleach is a chemical compound derived from natural sources used to whiten fabrics. Bleach works by the process of oxidation, or the alteration of a compound by the introduction of oxygen molecules.

A stain is essentially a chemical compound, and the addition of bleach breaks down the molecules into smaller elements so that it separates from the fabric. Detergent and the agitation of the washing machine speed up the cleaning process.

The disinfecting properties of bleach work in the same manner—germs are broken down and rendered harmless by the introduction of oxygen. In industry, different forms of bleach are used to whiten materials such as paper and wood, though most bleach is used to launder textiles.

History

Humans have been whitening fabrics for centuries; ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans bleached materials. As early as 300 B.C. , soda ash, prepared from burned seaweed, was used to clean and whiten cloth.

During the Middle Ages, the Dutch perfected the bleaching of fabrics in a process called crofting, whereby fabrics were spread out in large fields for maximum sunlight exposure. Textile mills as far away as Scotland shipped their material to the Netherlands for this bleaching. The practice quickly spread throughout Europe, and bleaching fields were documented in Great Britain as early as 1322.

In 1728 a bleaching company using Dutch methods went into business in Galloway, Scotland. In this process, the fabrics were soaked in a lye solution for several days, then "bucked," or washed clean.

The fabrics were then spread out on the grass for weeks at a time. This process was repeated five or six times until the desired whiteness was achieved. Next, the fabric was treated with sour milk or buttermilk, and again bucked and crofted. This method was lengthy and tedious, and it monopolized large tracts of land that could have been used for farming."

Read more: How bleach is made - material, manufacture, making, history, used, components, steps, product, industry, machine, History, Types of Bleach, Raw Materials http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Bleach.html#ixzz11YAWQP1q
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Be aware that if you are using bleach to sanitize, that all bleaches are not created equal.  Some do not say 'disinfecting' on the bottle.
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Today:

Muffie and Maddie, the two little doggie boarders, were picked up last night.  Everyone seemed to have had a good time at the casino.  I didn't ask how much they lost/won!


On and off for the last few mornings Ray and I have been washing some mobile home skirting which I have had for a while.  It is going to go to Somerville, TX to my son-in-law and daughter's weekend place.
Still more to do, but we got all the 10' long mounting parts washed and stacked up.  It takes three horizontal parts to install it, then the vertical skirting slides into the slots.

While we were doing that, Pamala and Nigel were occupied with their own little jobs, and catching up on emails, phone calls etc.

After lunch they drove their Dodge 3500 into Conroe to have the truck windshield replaced.  It had caught a few dings on the trip to Alaska, so now it would not pass British MOT (safety) inspection.   It is cheaper to get it replaced here.  I lead the way in my van, so that we could do some grocery shopping while we waited for the truck.

This evening, Pamala, Nigel, the cats, the dogs and I were just lazin' around after the disruption of having two spoiled bratkin dogs here in the house for two days.

Citrus Fruits and Apples.

"Every DIYer knows that fruits like oranges, lemons and limes aren't just good to eat; they're superb household helpers too. We've handpicked a bunch of our favorite uses for citrus fruits around the house. A few of them might surprise you.

Getty Images

Last holiday season, my family received a huge bag of oranges as a gift from a friend in Florida. While nothing beats a Florida orange, there were just too many in the bundle -- certainly more than we could eat before they'd go bad. So I got thinking -- as I usually do when I have spare things around the house -- what else could I use these oranges for? Come to think of it, I had some lemons in the fridge too.
The citric acid in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits have special properties that make them a powerful household cleaner, disinfectant, and lots more. Their peels come in handy too.

Citrus Fruits for Cleaning
-- Cut a lemon in half, dip it in some salt and it will bring copper bottom pots back to their shiny glory. Dip the other half in some baking soda and you have a perfect, scrubber that cleans, freshens and won't scratch surfaces, try it on sinks, stoves and counters!
Citrus Fruits for Odor and Stain Removal
-- Rub cut lemons on your hands or your cutting board will get rid of garlic, onion and fish odors. It will also clean away stains left from slicing berries!
-- Lemon juice will brighten whites that can't be bleached! Just pour a quarter of a cup of lemon juice into the washer. If you have light stains that won't come out of those whites, pour lemon juice on them and spread the clothes in the sun to dry. The lemon juice will react with the sunlight and the stains will disappear!

AP

-- Zest the rind of a citrus fruit and sprinkle it in your vacuum bag. The zest will keep the bag smelling fresh and will spread the scent around the house as you work.

Citrus Fruits for Pest Control
-- Use a blender to grind up 2 lemons and a liter of water, strain out any solids. Fill a spray bottle and spray under doors, and sinks and anywhere else you've seen ants, they hate the citrus and will head in the other direction!
-- Zest an orange and put it in a bowl on the table at your next picnic. It will keep flies away from the food. Orange peels in the garbage will keep flies out of there too!

Citrus Fruits as Kindling
-- Orange peels make great kindling for your fireplace. Just spread them on a cookie sheet and let them dry in the air. Then toss them in your fire. They actually smell good, they burn longer and they produce less creosote than paper!

Citrus Fruit as Sugar Preservative
-- You can also put a slice of orange peel in your bag of brown sugar. The moisture in the peel will keep the sugar from hardening."

From: http://www.diylife.com/2010/09/21/citrus-fruits-uses/

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Easy way to core an apple:

Aimee Herring

"There's an easy way to core an apple, demonstrates chef Joseph DiPerri of The Culinary Institute of America. After cutting the apple in half lengthwise through the stem, you can simply remove the seeds with the help of a melon baller. Just one quick scoop, and they're gone.

You can also use a serrated grapefruit spoon, giving it a quick twist around the seeds. Worried about oxidization? Just run a cut lemon over the apple flesh -- it will keep your apple from turning brown. "

Read more about The Culinary Institute of America.

Read more: http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/09/07/how-to-core-an-apple/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk2%7C172053#ixzz10JdMqQSo

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Today:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigel installed his new water heater, and as with any job, one seems to drag out so many tools.  His old water heater will go back to England for his son's RV.  It still works, but they wanted a new one.

 

Pamala spent most of the day catching up on emails.  We have set her up with her own 'office' as she calls it, and have her plugged into my router, as none of us could make the WiFi work.  They still have to arrange for the shipping of their RV.

 

I finished grooming Muffie:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her 'Dad' wanted her clipped very short like this.   She is really a long coated dog like a Llasa.

It seems that it did her good to be groomed at that other place last time.    She behaved like a different dog, and she didn't give me any trouble at all today.