Living Rural

If you have knowledge of the meaning of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant- Staphylococcus aureus), then you will appreciate this very simple sheet of facts from the CDC.   MRSA  The most important thing is washing your hands as often as you can. Follow the guidelines on the fact sheet and you and your family should be fine. The reason this has been on my mind  … a family member in the health care field has had several outbreaks. Health care workers need to be especially careful due to contact with patients, bed linens, door knobs, phones, fixtures, etc. Thank goodness, if treated by a physician in the early stages with a series of antibiotics, then recovery is possible. Can it reoccur? Unfortunately, YES ! Be diligent with hygiene, avoid contact, and seek medical attention at first sign of symptoms. (Another good reason for livingrural … not exposed to lots of people and their germs contact, LOL, JK!). I hope you are enjoying 451Press and that you read all (OK, the ones of interest to you) our blogs. The list and links appear at the bottom of each blog page and at 451PRESS . We have professional writers and bloggers who are dedicated to informing you of the very best information possible from art to yoga!  Also, support the writer’s strike! Those writers deserve their fair share of the profits being made because of their writing skills. Can you see my soapbox?  Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

MRSA, CDC, health care, Staphylococcus, medical treatment, 451PRESS blogs, writers’ strike

This is a first for Myrtle Beach, SC and the entire resort town and surrounding beach towns are going above and beyond to make this memorable event go smoothly. The MB Convention Center were the debates will be held is making last minute preparations for tonight’s debate. Our local ABC affiliate will be covering it on their news shows.

Yes, it is a huge sand sculpture of the faces of the candidates debating tonight! Only in the SOUTH!

FOX News will have the debates beginning at 9:00 pm. You Decide 08! » Home

Please watch. We will be watching, too! Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ here!”

politics, Republicans, debate, Myrtle Beach, SC, tourism, sand sculpture, MB Chamber of Commerce, government, Elections, You Decide 2008, WPDE TV News

Well, from the title I am sure you guessed it … tooth number 18 lost a crown and had to be pulled last Wednesday. It hurt. It still hurts.

I am one of the lucky people with TMJ problems. I have had surgery twice, braces to correct bite, crowns to keep correct bite and hours of physical therapy to help with the pain associated with TMJ problems. I have been pain free for a while, until a gall bladder operation and trouble with the intibation, stretched the joint  and bamm,  TMJ problems again.

The first problems occurred in the late 80’s, my oral surgeon does not want to go in again, the joint is to fragile. I guess ibuprofen will be my friend from now on! At least it helps with the pain and when I have an extra $1000 burning holes in my purse I will have a new splint made to wear to ease the stress on the joint. This is not what I wanted for Christmas!However, I am so grateful to have it out!On this Christmas Eve, may you be warm, safe, full of good food, and remembering the true meaning of Christmas … the birth of a baby in a manger 2000 years ago.Merry Christmas!

tooth, dentist, TMJ, pain, bite splints, Christmas, baby Jesus, gift of Christmas

Only five days left and then it is over until next year. After this experience this year, I understand the snickers when I joyfully exclaimed, “I am posting to two blogs for the month of November!” If I combine the time spent thinking about blogging with the actual posting, heck, I still would not have come close.But, there is always next year … “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!” 

NaBloPoMo, blog, November

To my readers, NaBloPoMo, 451Press and to the promise I made myself … to post everyday, 7 days a week for the entire month of November … I had to break that promise/commitment this weekend. Life will sometimes “kick you in the butt” to get your attention and let you know who is in charge! First, read the original post about NaBloPoMohttp://www.livingruralonline.com/nablopomo/ ; then read about my college, AIUonline http://www.aiuonline.edu/. You will be caught up to the present and my apology.

The third session of AIU ended at 11:59:59 PM CT, Saturday, November 10, 2007. My classes this session were Algebra and Computer Systems Management . The computer course was very helpful and not a problem. The Algebra class was quite another story! Anyway, to make a long story a short one … I did not have my assignments completed and began a marathon last weekend playing catch-up which we all know is usually impossible to do. I was giving it my best effort when my daughter called from her doctor’s office on Friday with the news that she was being admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics and hydration; also, to be seen by an infectious disease doctor. Wham! All concentration and knowledge of my world around me vanished. The mother “thing” took over. Worry. Panic. Crying.

Posting was suddenly moved down the list of priorities by at least 10 other “priorities” and that gets us to … an apology. I am sorry I missed Saturday and Sunday, had I posted it would have said, “Still no answers for Betsy” and I still have no answers. They are “growing cultures” to find out what type of bacteria has invaded her body, un til they have the results, she will remain in the hospital on an intravenous antibiotic (which they are not sure is the “right one”, comforting!)

What else is happening in my rural space … weather is gorgeous, other children are fine, hubby is happy, and TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! So, Happy Birthday to me!

I must listen for the phone, plug away at overdue assignments in algebra, and begin two new classes at AIU … I am not whining … I am “sharing”. Anyway. remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

birthday, NaBloPoMo, AIUonline, health, hospital, bacteria, daughters

The post today is an article from our area paper, Morning News. It was written by Jamie Rogers. Thank you for a well written warning for all drivers during this hunting season.

Motorists need to keep both eyes out for deer

FLORENCE — S.C. motorists constantly are reminded to practice defensive driving techniques to avoid collisions with other drivers, but during the fall and winter months, motorists also need to be on the look out for deer.
According to the South Carolina News Service, the number of deaths, injuries and accidents because of deer increased last year in the Palmetto State.
Most deer-related accidents are reported during the fall and winter, which are the primary times for deer migration and mating.
Florence resident Amber Hines said several dents on her Honda Civic are the result of a close encounter with a deer one night last winter.
Hines said she was traveling on Enterprise Drive in Florence just before hitting the deer.
“I saw it on the side of the road, so I said to myself, ‘let me slow down until it passes,’’’ Hines said. “It’s one of those pee-in-your-pants moments because you’re not sure what it’s going to do.”
The deer walked into the roadway and crashed into the driver’s side of her car before darting off into the woods.
“I looked at it, and it looked at me, and he just bumped my car; I’m not sure what part of him hit me,” Hines said. “But it was big; it was huge.”
There were more than 3,000 deer-related car crashes reported last year, with about a thousand of them resulting in injury, according to data released by the S.C. Department of Public Safety.
There also were a reported 17 deaths because of deer and other animal collisions last year.
In Florence County last year, there was 1 death and 21 injuries out of the 61 reported deer-related crashes.
Hines said she considers herself blessed because she was not injured or killed by the deer.
“Yeah, it definitely could have been a lot worse,” she said. “He could have jumped in my car and rocked my world.”
News service officials say there are certain precautions drivers can take to avoid hitting deer or, in Hines’ case, deer hitting them.
Motorists should drive with caution in areas known to have a large deer population, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Drivers also should use their high-beam lights to see the eyes of deer that might be standing on or near roadways. If one is spotted, drivers should sound their horn to scare the animal away.
If hitting a deer is unavoidable, drivers should brake firmly and stay in their lane—swerving can make matters worse.
Motorists should call 911 to report the accident, and then call their auto insurance company immediately. Hines said she did not report the crash because she was afraid the accident would cause her insurance premium to increase.
South Carolina News Service Executive Director Allison Dean Love said that is not necessary true.
“There are a lot of factors that companies look at. Such as the number of miles, you drive to and from work. But the most important factor is the type of car and your driving record,” Love said.

By Jamie Rogers

Last night’s choices on the networks did not appear to be affected by the writer’s strike. It is probably because most shows have several “in the can” to use in just this situation. The talk shows are probably feeling “the pain” the most; next, anything that is live and then, the soaps (are their writer’s included in this strike?). If all the viewers begin writing TPIC to say how much they miss the shows and the writers, possibly the network will settle this quickly.

The writers are entitled to be compensated for the contribution they make to the shows because the strike makes it absolutely clear that without the writers, there is no show. Come on people, wise up, and “spread the bread”!

TV, networks, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, UPN, strike, writers, pay,

LivingRural is exactly what it says, living in a rural area. In this rural area of mine, there is no cable TV which means the TV channel choices are the networks, CBS, ABC, PBS, FOX, and UPN and that is IT. Yes, the public was told that a strike was coming among the writers, but I did not understand it began last night at 12:01 AM. I heard through the blog grapevine that it happened. Read about it HERE. (Thanks, Dave :))

TV is a huge part of living in the country. It keeps us company. It fills an empty nest with noise. It makes you laugh. It makes you cry. The characters become family. The shows become stories about you and yours. You begin to wish Dr. House was your doctor. Brothers and Sisters are your brothers and sisters. Grey’s Anatomy let’s us look behind the scenes at a hospital. And the reality shows show how silly and funny “scripted” reality is (don’t get your panties in an uproar, I am entitled to MY opinion!)

What will we do? What will the networks do? What will the talk show hosts do? “They” will show reruns and we will watch them. Simple.

Heaven forbid that we talk to one another, or read … remember doing those things? Well, hopefully the strike will not last long, but while it is going on at least think about using the time normally spent in front of the TV to be with your family and/or friends, do go and visit your Public Library … write a letter with pen, pencil and paper … go to the post office and (s)mail it! We will survive! Don’t forget, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Oh, I am a little disappointed at the response to my question, “Hunting … pro or con?” Reread here and I will extend our discussion to next Monday, OK?

TV, writer’s strike, HOUSE, BROTHERS and SISTERS, GREY”S ANATOMY, reruns, country living, CBS, ABC, PBS, FOX, UPN, network television, Public Library, post office, mail, hunting

A note about the weekend posts here at living-rural. They will be informal and about MY life living in a rural area. Be prepared and not surprised, OK? It is a gorgeous day! Last night the temperature was a little cooler, a nice change from the unusually warm and humid weather we have had all fall and the forecast said it would be the same for today. The sun is out and it is a tad bit cooler, a great day to be outside. So after church, all our members stand outside and get caught up with each other and the happenings in their lives. It is a nice twenty to thirty minutes, laughing and caring about each other! Our town is rural and our church is small, but the love shines through … it is a shame we are losing that closeness in our surrounding larger towns. It seems wethey want to go to church and be out at noon to race to the Country Club or a restaurant to eat quickly so they can get to the golf course or tennis court or “whatever” for the afternoon. For me, I like the fellowship in front of our church rather than the “hustle and bustle” of keeping up with the “Jones.” My, my I am ranting today. I just was so happy and when I write I go where my heart leads, so it was on my heart and went right to the page. You will get used to that, if you come here often which I hope you do. I will write and hopefully you will comment!So until tomorrow … go outside and enjoy your “space” and remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

church, weather, nature, small towns, Country Club, restaurants, weekends

It’s here! The official start of National Blog Post Month! First posted here.

I am so excited. This is going to be such a challenge and uplifting experience for everyone committed to writing a post every day during the month of November. Some folks are using a THEME ; I am “winging it”! This blog has always been eclectic. I follow my heart when I write, good or bad.

This week has been full of challenges and sadness. Our community lost several young people to tragedy this past weekend. A horrible fire … Iraq … traffic accidents. All sad and leaving our hearts heavy and wondering “why”? When young people die it is somehow harder to understand and accept without questioning the reason. There are no answers. Faith will see us through the pain and sorrow by His Grace.

Tomorrow is another day … one to praise Him!

Happy writing! And remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

NaBloPoMo, Fall, Autumn, Faith, Grace, death, Iraq, accidents, November, writing

I will not post today. Our area is in shock over the death of seven(7) students, from the University of South Carolina and Clemson University, in Ocean Isle Beach, NC after a fire destroyed the beach house where they were enjoying a last weekend at the beach. The AP story my be found here

My heart is aching. My physician’s son was one of the students that did not survive. Today will be a day of mourning.

My blogging neighbor at HOUSEHOLD TIPS talked about fire safety here.

Ocean Isle Beach, NC, USC, Clemson, tragedy, fire, mourning, fire safety, Columbia, SC, Florence, SC

I really can not believe that after promoting BLOG ACTION DAY for the ENVIRONMENT on October 15, 2007 - that I did not get my post posted! It was written; not saved. The black cloud is returning.

Please know my intentions could not have been better. Although I do not have the written post, I do have the URL for the web sites I researched.

They are worth reading.ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

PHONE4LIFE

THE BUSY FAMILY

Each site is filled with good information to help our environment through recycling, going green, teaching by doing, starting early with our children, and how to continue as we move from one stage of our life to another. Good reading for a good cause - ANY and EVERY day of the week!

I read this in Blogger Buzz and I thought you might want to participate. Check it out, then let me know if you are going to sign up!

Blogging for the Environment
Bloggers Unite- Blog Action Day October 15, and the theme this year is the environment. If you have a blog and want to join in, all you have to do is use that day to post something related to the environment, in whatever way, shape, or form you prefer. You can pick an environmental issue that has meaning for you and let us know why it’s important. Organize a beach or neighborhood cleanup and tell us about it. If you’re into fiction writing, give us a story with an environmental theme. Have a podcast, video-blog, or photo-blog? Join the fun! The idea here is to have a mass effect on public awareness by sharing as many ideas in as many ways as possible.

If you’re game for participating, go register your blog with the 7,000+ other blogs (with 5 million readers!) that are already signed up. Also, see the Blog Action Day blog for more on how bloggers can change the world.

Thanks Graham for the heads up.

environment, blogger, October 15

A writing event for the month of November. Check out the details written by Eden Marriott Kennedy here

Welcome to National Blog Posting Month!

Welcome to the new home of NaBloPoMo! I think it’s much more impressive than the old place.

“What the heck is going on here?” you ask. Well, it’s pretty simple. You get yourself a blog, if you don’t have one already — and don’t mind me if I’m stupefied at the idea that there’s someone left in the English speaking world without their own blog. Then you look at the calendar, and when the whole world goes, “Oh, I can’t believe they’re already playing Christmas music in the warden’s office!” you’ll know it’s November and that is the month in which you post something to your blog every day, in accordance with the National Blog Posting Month challenge!

Last year everybody just went for it, posting thirty days in a row and maybe hoping to win a prize in the random drawing. This year, for those of you who suspect you might run out of gas, maybe you’d like to try blogging on a theme. Follow a news story for the month; get deeper into an issue that you want to educate yourself about; keep us abreast of how your yoga practice / daily muffin-eating regime / matchstick Eiffel Tower is progressing.

Or simply use NaBloPoMo as a writing exercise, as an easier-to-accomplish alternative to the marathon that inspired it: National Novel Writing Month.

You can sign yourself up by clicking on the Members tab. Doing so will mean that all the other crazy people who are doing this will be able to find you and your blog.

The Forums tab will take you to a place where you can commiserate with other people who are loving NaBlo, hating NaBlo, tearing their hair out over NaBlo, or cheating by backdating their posts.

The Groups tab will help you find other like-minded individuals. I’m looking at you, knitting bloggers.

By the way, “every day” means Saturday and Sunday, too. Hence the above reference to “cheating.” Not that you would.

You can do your posting here, you can do it on your blog, or you can cross-post in both places, it’s completely up to you.

But post we must … begin those drafts now … November will be here before you know it!

writing, blogs, NaBloPoMo, November

Read about the opening: HERE

and see it: HERE

Our new Library opened last week. It is a beautiful building, a tribute to former mayor and personal friend, Dozier M. Munn who was instrumental in the possibility of this wonderful addition to our small rural town. It is a smaller version of the main Library in Florence. The Library has always been a vital part of Pamplico, though the other was a small building, the young people came in the afternoons to make use of a quiet space to study and to have access to the Internet. “The Library Lady”, Mrs. Poppie Munn, has been the gatekeeper at the Library for many years; she says she is retiring and certainly is entitled to do this - a favorite who will be missed, but wished well on a wonderful retirement. It will be nice to display the many postcards she will send from her travels!

Florence County Library, Pamplico Library, retirement, travel