Just now I was surfing the net and came across this site. It is a venue in which you can advertise your handmade crafts. I don't know how it works, but I know some of you out there are very talented and just need a place to sell your wares. Check it out, and don't forget to let us know how it works out for you!
www.madeitmyself.com
Friday, May 8, 2009
New Information
Hello, and thank you once again for visiting my site! I have noticed that the ads on my main page do not seem to have changed. However, should you click on a particular story, the ads change to something more in line with what has been written.
Each day, I try to add something new and interesting. Note the new addition at the bottom of my page, called Favorite Links. Also, please comment and contribute whenever you can. I love exchanging ideas!
Thanks again, and have a beautiful day!
Make Your Own Bird Suet Cakes
I found this recipe on the internet and it not only sounded good, but easy to make.
Sharon Smith's Sure-Fire Suet Mix Jan28, 1997
This is SOOOOOO easy to make, and my birds love it...from woodpeckers to chickadees to thrashers to sparrows.
1 part peanut butter (I use crunchy)As I say, it's very easy to make and quite a popular item. (Last year I was given some store-bought suet cakes, and my birds refused to eat them! I finally broke them apart and combined with the above recipe!)
1 part shortening
1 part flour
3 parts cornmeal
1 part cracked corn
I also add black oil sunflower seeds and/or mixed seed
Interested in Wolves?
The International Wolf Center in Ely Minnesota is a terrific resource for all things "wolf". I have pasted a story here that I thought might be of interest. At the bottom of this web page there is a link to their site, which I'm sure you will enjoy visiting over and over again! Especially fascinating are the web cams!
Wolf Populations Double in the Northern Rockies, Alaska, and the Midwest Reports the International Wolf Center
May 7, 2009
Just when wolves have been removed from the federal endangered species list, the entire wolf population in the western Great Lakes states, and the northern Rockies has suddenly doubled. Similarly in Alaska, where coincidentally wolf control has just wound down, wolf numbers have also doubled. Rarely recognized, but as certain as spring, this doubling of wolf numbers has occurred in ground burrows, rock caves, abandoned beaver lodges, and various other secluded spots where each pack's breeding female gives birth to a new generation of offspring. This news may be reassuring to individuals and organizations worried about the survival of wolf populations.
Wolves typically live in packs averaging six adults. Spring litters in these packs average six pups, thereby doubling the population. For example, the Great Lakes states' overwinter population was about 4,000 animals, but after about May 1 those states can claim 8,000 wolves. Likewise, Montana estimated about 500 resident wolves during this past winter. Today the actual number is near 1,000. Traditionally, state and federal population estimates have been calculated when wolf numbers are at their annual low point, normally in winter. Although all wildlife populations experience these annual fluctuations, the more meaningful number is the rate at which a population is increasing or decreasing.
What happens to all these recently born wolf pups? Studies from Alaska to the Great Lakes states tell us that some pups die from disease, predation, accidents, and even starvation. In spite of high pup mortality and the fact that many states' population estimates do not account for dispersing juvenile animals, the yearly trend for wolves across North America has been to increase, and that annual increase has usually been at the rate of 4 percent to 30 percent. As you read this, in hundreds of hidden seclusions, a new generation of wolves is being born, and many of them are destined to live long enough to add to this growing population.
Wolves have needed sound science and public policy to recover to this point where their own reproductive rate can offset natural and human-caused losses. That recovery has been a landmark conservation achievement. The wolf's future, however, will rely on sound management and the preservation of vast areas of wildlands and the prey that thrive there.
###
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER- The International Wolf Center, founded in 1985, is known worldwide as the nation's premier source for wolf education. The mission of the Center is to advance the survival of wolf populations by teaching about the wolf's life, its relationship to wildlands and the human role in its future. The Center educates through its Web site, www.wolf.org, its ambassador wolves, museum exhibits, on-site adventure and outreach programs and International Wolf magazine. Its flagship educational facility in Ely, MN, 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731. (Phone: 218-365-4695) is the future home for the new pups. The Center's administrative and outreach offices are at 3410 Winnetka Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55427.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Make Your Own Garden Bird
 |
| |||||||
Looking for Craft Ideas
Do you have a favorite craft that you would like to share with us? We are looking for How To instructions and ideas. Please feel free to provide a link to your site.
New Tips to Help You Save Money!
A few more tips to help you save money! Hope the information is useful!
1. Do you have a cell phone? If so, you might want to consider getting rid of your land line. Why pay two phone bills?
2. Do you accumulate a lot of those plastic grocery bags? There are two remedies for this situation. First, help save the environment by using a fabric tote bag. Leave them in your car so they are there when you do your shopping. Second, use the plastic bags that you have already accumulated by lining your smaller garbage cans (such as in the bathroom or office). You can also use them to pick up after your dog, instead of buying special bags that are now sold specifically for that purpose!
3. Ride your bike! Now that the warmer weather is here, it's an ideal time to get your bicycles out! It will help you save on gas, wear and tear on your car, and also help you get into shape for shorts weather! It's just around the corner!
4. Drive your car as long as possible - especially if it is paid off! However, if you find you are putting more money into maintaining your old car than you would spend on a car payment, it may be time to begin car shopping!
5. Don't buy a car brand new! Always buy a pre-owned vehicle. Even though dealerships are offering no interest loans, if you buy a new vehicle, it will depreciate significantly the moment you drive it off the lot. Avoid the temptation to buy new!
6. Save money by avoiding coffee houses! Many people make this their first stop of the day on their way to work. Instead, bring coffee from home. Or better still, wait until you get to work. Many companies provide free coffee for their employees. Your $4 per day can quickly add up to $1,000 a year based on a 50 week working year. More if you buy more than one cup per day!
7. If you drink bottled water, refill the bottles a few times using tap water. If you have a filter on your tap, that's even better. Be sure you wash the bottles before reusing.
8. Do yo love to read? How about buying used books? Or trading with friends? Perhaps you can start an "exchange" at your place of work, or church, or other group. Be sure to write your name in the inside cover so you will know right away if you have already read a book! You can always use your local library as well.
9. Cancel your health club membership and work out at home. You don't need a gym to walk, run or do push-ups, sit-ups, etc. If you can also walk to stores instead of drive, you will not only get exercise, but also save money by not buying more than you need! Who wants to lug home more than you have to?
10. If you must go out for dinner, consider cutting back on drinking. I have recently replaced my usual two glasses of wine with a glass of iced tea. It costs less than half the price of a glass of wine, and the refills are free! Or, simply drink water instead. Waiters are happy to supply a slice of lemon if you are looking for extra flavor.
Do you have ideas on how to save money? We are always intrerested in hearing your ideas!
1. Do you have a cell phone? If so, you might want to consider getting rid of your land line. Why pay two phone bills?
2. Do you accumulate a lot of those plastic grocery bags? There are two remedies for this situation. First, help save the environment by using a fabric tote bag. Leave them in your car so they are there when you do your shopping. Second, use the plastic bags that you have already accumulated by lining your smaller garbage cans (such as in the bathroom or office). You can also use them to pick up after your dog, instead of buying special bags that are now sold specifically for that purpose!
3. Ride your bike! Now that the warmer weather is here, it's an ideal time to get your bicycles out! It will help you save on gas, wear and tear on your car, and also help you get into shape for shorts weather! It's just around the corner!
4. Drive your car as long as possible - especially if it is paid off! However, if you find you are putting more money into maintaining your old car than you would spend on a car payment, it may be time to begin car shopping!
5. Don't buy a car brand new! Always buy a pre-owned vehicle. Even though dealerships are offering no interest loans, if you buy a new vehicle, it will depreciate significantly the moment you drive it off the lot. Avoid the temptation to buy new!
6. Save money by avoiding coffee houses! Many people make this their first stop of the day on their way to work. Instead, bring coffee from home. Or better still, wait until you get to work. Many companies provide free coffee for their employees. Your $4 per day can quickly add up to $1,000 a year based on a 50 week working year. More if you buy more than one cup per day!
7. If you drink bottled water, refill the bottles a few times using tap water. If you have a filter on your tap, that's even better. Be sure you wash the bottles before reusing.
8. Do yo love to read? How about buying used books? Or trading with friends? Perhaps you can start an "exchange" at your place of work, or church, or other group. Be sure to write your name in the inside cover so you will know right away if you have already read a book! You can always use your local library as well.
9. Cancel your health club membership and work out at home. You don't need a gym to walk, run or do push-ups, sit-ups, etc. If you can also walk to stores instead of drive, you will not only get exercise, but also save money by not buying more than you need! Who wants to lug home more than you have to?
10. If you must go out for dinner, consider cutting back on drinking. I have recently replaced my usual two glasses of wine with a glass of iced tea. It costs less than half the price of a glass of wine, and the refills are free! Or, simply drink water instead. Waiters are happy to supply a slice of lemon if you are looking for extra flavor.
Do you have ideas on how to save money? We are always intrerested in hearing your ideas!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Is the Economy Really Improving?
I was talking with a good friend of mine from out of town, who told me a heart wrenching story. She was in a place of business late one afternoon, when a man came in and asked to speak with a manager. The man was pretty average looking, middle thirties maybe. He wore a decent looking pair of slacks and a button down shirt that stuck to him in places, telling of a long day that was nearly behind him.
He was obviously tired and a bit agitated, wringing his hands unable to be still. When the manager came out to see the man, an all too familiar story emerged. The man had lost his job. He had a family to feed, and was looking for work - ANY work. He had been all over town looking for a way to earn an honest dollar simply to bring food home to his family that night.
The manager knew that his own business had dropped considerably and in fact, he was doing all he could to keep his doors open. All the manager had in his own pocket was $5. He gave it to the man who asked if he could at least sweep the floors so he could earn the money. You see, he was too proud to just take a hand out. The manager said it wasn't necessary, but the man insisted. He swept the floor making sure it was a job well done. Before leaving, he tucked in his shirt, walked over to the manager and shook his had, thanking him for the opportunity to earn the money.
There are many people out there right now who need an opportunity. They aren't looking for a hand out, but a hand UP. If you can help someone, even if you just need your garage cleaned or your grass mowed, I'm sure there is someone out there who would be very grateful for that opportunity.
Do you have a similar story? Can you tell us how someone has been helped? Please share your ideas and stories. We would love to hear them!
He was obviously tired and a bit agitated, wringing his hands unable to be still. When the manager came out to see the man, an all too familiar story emerged. The man had lost his job. He had a family to feed, and was looking for work - ANY work. He had been all over town looking for a way to earn an honest dollar simply to bring food home to his family that night.
The manager knew that his own business had dropped considerably and in fact, he was doing all he could to keep his doors open. All the manager had in his own pocket was $5. He gave it to the man who asked if he could at least sweep the floors so he could earn the money. You see, he was too proud to just take a hand out. The manager said it wasn't necessary, but the man insisted. He swept the floor making sure it was a job well done. Before leaving, he tucked in his shirt, walked over to the manager and shook his had, thanking him for the opportunity to earn the money.
There are many people out there right now who need an opportunity. They aren't looking for a hand out, but a hand UP. If you can help someone, even if you just need your garage cleaned or your grass mowed, I'm sure there is someone out there who would be very grateful for that opportunity.
Do you have a similar story? Can you tell us how someone has been helped? Please share your ideas and stories. We would love to hear them!
Monday, May 4, 2009
We Really Need To Do Something!
Good Morning!
I watched a program last night about needy families in America, and it was very disturbing! This is AMERICA! We shouldn't have people going hungry in this country! What about the children? They are supposed to be our future. If we don't take care of them, how are they going to be prepared as adults to take care of themselves, or us as we get older?
I realize that times are difficult right now, but there must be something each of us can do to help. So, I've listed some ideas below, and would love feedback from our readers. Can you think of ways to help our hungry citizens? Can you think of ways that we can positively impact a child's life? I believe that we should start at home - within our own families - but don't stop there! There are any number of things we can do to improve life in our country. Here are just a few:
Plant an extra tomato plant or other kind of vegetable, and bring the extra produce to a food pantry, shelter, or just give it to a neighbor that you know is experiencing financial difficulty.
Buy an extra can or two of food when you go grocery shopping. I know there is someone in your area who really could use it!
Host a charity get together with friends where each person brings a food item to donate. You can rotate holding the gathering at a different person's house each month. One month you can bring food donations, the next maybe toiletries, kid's toys or clothing? Warm clothing? Blankets? School supplies? The list is endless!
Volunteer one day a month at a local shelter.
Bake cookies for a shelter.
Prepare a gift basket of food for an elderly neighbor on a fixed income. Often our seniors cannot afford to buy both food and medicine. It must be so very difficult to have to make that choice. Anything extra that you can give them will make it that much easier for them to squeeze through the month.
Clip coupons for pet food and take them to your local animal shelter. You can always donate your old towels, too. There are many more pets that have had to be given up because their owners have lost their jobs and can no longer afford to keep them. It's heartbreaking to think of a pet going into a shelter. They don't understand why they are no longer wanted. Perhaps a better idea would be to buy pet food for someone in financial trouble who has a pet. Better to keep them out of the shelter if at all possible!
Get your church or place of business involved in a food drive for people or animals!
Please add your ideas. I, personally, would love to hear them!
I watched a program last night about needy families in America, and it was very disturbing! This is AMERICA! We shouldn't have people going hungry in this country! What about the children? They are supposed to be our future. If we don't take care of them, how are they going to be prepared as adults to take care of themselves, or us as we get older?
I realize that times are difficult right now, but there must be something each of us can do to help. So, I've listed some ideas below, and would love feedback from our readers. Can you think of ways to help our hungry citizens? Can you think of ways that we can positively impact a child's life? I believe that we should start at home - within our own families - but don't stop there! There are any number of things we can do to improve life in our country. Here are just a few:
Plant an extra tomato plant or other kind of vegetable, and bring the extra produce to a food pantry, shelter, or just give it to a neighbor that you know is experiencing financial difficulty.
Buy an extra can or two of food when you go grocery shopping. I know there is someone in your area who really could use it!
Host a charity get together with friends where each person brings a food item to donate. You can rotate holding the gathering at a different person's house each month. One month you can bring food donations, the next maybe toiletries, kid's toys or clothing? Warm clothing? Blankets? School supplies? The list is endless!
Volunteer one day a month at a local shelter.
Bake cookies for a shelter.
Prepare a gift basket of food for an elderly neighbor on a fixed income. Often our seniors cannot afford to buy both food and medicine. It must be so very difficult to have to make that choice. Anything extra that you can give them will make it that much easier for them to squeeze through the month.
Clip coupons for pet food and take them to your local animal shelter. You can always donate your old towels, too. There are many more pets that have had to be given up because their owners have lost their jobs and can no longer afford to keep them. It's heartbreaking to think of a pet going into a shelter. They don't understand why they are no longer wanted. Perhaps a better idea would be to buy pet food for someone in financial trouble who has a pet. Better to keep them out of the shelter if at all possible!
Get your church or place of business involved in a food drive for people or animals!
Please add your ideas. I, personally, would love to hear them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
