Living Rural

This morning I checked my email accounts, as I do every morning, and this video was in one from a dear friend, who BTW has no children. This concept is totally new to me - I truly wish it has been available when my girls were small and constantly in or near our pool. It takes a deep breath and some constraint with a lot of will power to watch it through. I want you to know it is so very worth watching it with your family and passing it on to others.

If you are still raising small children, or have grandchildren in and around your pool… then please take the small amount of time it takes to watch. The video gives links to the home site, etc., if you’re interested in having the program come to your area. The program is infant rescue swimming (IRS.)

Swimming Then go to near the end page and watch the three videos there.

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Garfield has the right idea.

Our weekends should be relaxing - giving our mind and our body time to recover from the busy-ness of our lives. Saturday should be filled with whatever de-stresses you: mind, body, and soul. Sunday should be spent in YOUR CHURCH; whatever that means to you - in the Church of your choice, walking in nature, being creative, meditating, exercising, etc. A time to reconnect, rejuvinate your inner self, and dream of things to come.

Weekends should be about family and friends; sharing together; playing together; and loving one another without any expectations or conditions - the true meaning of kindness.

Just think about how we treat strangers during the week… with respect. Do we treat the people who mean the most to us the same way? Usually not. In the presence of those we care about we feel safe which allows us to let go and “be ourselves.” When stress builds up, we take it out on those we love. Let’s make a conscientious effort to treat the people we love with respect everyday this week.

Deal?

Check out The Quote Garden

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. ~Seneca

A kind word is like a Spring day. ~Russian Proverb

Let’s set the example.

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

… sounds strange, I know.

Now that winter is in full swing in most parts of the country, all types of heat sources are being used to keep our homes warm. Most of these heat sources cause the air in our to be extremely DRY. This causes problems for some of us. The problem can be solved! How you ask… by using a humidifier. You have many to choose from, information on types and reviews of each can be found HERE.

HUMIDIFIER: You may choose warm or cool mist, both work - it is your preference

• it will help soothe scratchy throats

• prevents static electricity

• keeps wood floors and wood furniture from cracking, but furniture polish will still be required

When looking for your humidifier, check for these features:

• refill container - needs to be easy to remove for cleaning, short enough to fit under the faucet with an opening large enough for a hand and scrubber to get inside

• indicator light - a light to signal when it is time to refill the tank and automatice shut off when the tank is empty

• antimicrobial system - filter or a UV light designed to kill mildew and bacteria

• adjustable moisture control - if room is to humid, condensation and peeling paint will occur

Best humidifier overall                                 Best warm mist humidifier                                   Quietest humidifier

There is a cool mist humidifier, but a picture was not available. Also, a whole home system is available.

I hope this helps in your search for the right unit for your needs.

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Exactly what is S.A.D.?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Seasonal affective disorder
Light therapy lamp for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or, less frequently, in the summer, repeatedly, year after year. The US National Library of Medicine notes that “some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up.” The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety.

There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapies with bright lights, anti-depression medication, ionized-air administration,cognitive-behavioral therapy, and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin.

Wikipedia is not a source that I use often, but when a simple explanation is desired it is a good quick read. I, also, do not like to copy and paste, but for this post I did. I know some readers will not click on a link to read further and I wanted each of you to get a good definition S.A.D.  You may wonder, what is the big deal … it is many people suffer with these symptoms and do not know about S.A.D. It can disrupt your life. The remedy, in most cases, is getting outside in the sun for at least 15 to 30 minutes a day … simple!

If you have been inside for an extended period of time and have begun to feel down, depressed, etc. … get up … head outside … walk and enjoy the fresh air and SUNSHINE!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

It is here! Blog Action Post Day 2008! The topic this year is POVERTY. Wow, this is a tough one … especially with the problems in our economy over the last several weeks. It has hit most, if not, ALL Americans where it hurts the most - being able to take care of their families by providing shelter, food, clothing and the necessities for living, the basics. Jobs have been lost, homes foreclosed and families displaced, pension depleted, and people are scared!

Poverty falls across the board and shows no mercy to race, gender, religion, politics, or economics. Persons with a lot of money have “lost it all” and placed in the Welfare system of the Federal Government. Some are able to get jobs and pull themselves up and out of “the system.” The people in poverty that pull at my heart the most are those that have been in this “hell” for three generations and longer … whole families - father, mother, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. It some areas the entire family is sharing a bathroom and sleeping in 1 or 2 bedrooms or on the floor, if they are blessed to have a house to live in. Others are in shelters with their belongings in trash bags, carried from shelter to shelter - no privacy at all. Yet, they manage to get through the day, only to face the same situation when they awake the next day.

Then we find poverty in the lowest form and the hardest to help or understand, those living on the streets of ALL towns and cities across our country. Some (a few) choose this life, I think, because it is all they have ever known. Others removed from mental health institutions and prisons and left without any means of taking care of themselves - if they even know how! This section will grow as our economy continues to stagnate. Whose responsibility is it to change the conditions of people in our society that fall into this awful category of poverty?

EVERYONE … that is the only way to help to eliminate poverty - the buddy system - every adult becomes the friend of an adult in poverty. The BUDDY helps in this way … when shopping for groceries purchase TWO of what they buy, bagged separately, and taken to their buddy. Food is the first need to fill. If a person is not hungry, the chances increase that strength and health improve allowing the search for work each day until a job is found. Each BUDDY will check on their friend each week, offering transportation to health care appointments, job interviews, and church.

Very strong Christian men and women founded our country. Prayer was a daily part of their lives. Church is where you could find them on the Sabbath. What we have forgotten is this is what made us strong as a nation and what kept us strong. Now we have removed prayer from schools, we try to separate church and state, and we ridicule the beliefs held dear by Christians. This MUST change; freedom of religion needs to return. No one is forced to pray, believe, attend, or practice something that is not what he or she wants to do. However, my personal opinion, is one that feels in some cases poverty can be helped by having the strength of prayer and a home church to help person(s) and families.

Will we end poverty in a short amount of time? NO! Can we make a difference? YES!

Let’s start today.

The proposed coal-fired power plant(shown here) reared its ugly head again today. The documents (a case by case Maximum Achievable Control Technology, MACT) submitted by Santee Cooper to DHEC for approval has been given a Draft Notice of MACT Approval (NOMA) written by the Bureau of Air Quality outlining the proposed  project and applicable regulations. The draft is not approved and is STILL open for comment from the PUBLIC, Santee Cooper, and the US EPA.

As I have discussed,

Energy Challenge while livingrural …,

before, it is being promoted as a positive addition to the Kingsburg area due to the new jobs it should bring, the additional electricity demands it will meet and an overall boost to a sluggish economy in this area after the closing of Delta Mills and just recently announced closing of Wellman Industries. This is all true;  however, may be exaggerated in the favor of Santee Cooper.

What has not been talked about in groups of people actually living in the area is the reason for the NOMA (Notice of MACT Approval). It is necessary because the US Court of Appeals eliminatd the Federal Clean Air Mercury Rule for power plants! So until the EPA issues a new power plant regulation, EACH NEW POWER PLANT will have to propose emission limits to control hazardous air pollutants, including mercury. Which is a ‘biggy’ for this area, being located on the Great Pee Dee River - fished by many and enjoyed as a recreational get-a-way. Does it not seem strange that the power plant will write its own emission controls? It bothers me, but apparently only a few others as shown by the poor turn out for the public meetings held in the surrounding towns over the last year and a half. Although, publication of dates and times were publicised, it was not enough to get the word out into the community. But as they say - past is past.

These are the hazardous air pollutants that will be emitted from this plant: Mercury, Hydrocholric acid, Hydrogen Floride, non-Mercury HAP metals and organic HAPs. Property is available, would you like to make an appointment to view it?  The real worry is the following wording, “If approved, the conditions of this NOMA will be incorporated into Santee Cooper Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit … this permit is still in draft form and has not been approved. The BAQ WILL make a final NOMA decision and PSD decision at the same time.” (Public Notice #08-085-N-H, September 23, 2008)

DHEC is holding a public hearing on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of Hannah-Pamplico High School at 2055 S. Pamplico Highway, Pamplico, SC. DHEC representatives will explain the NOMA at this hearing. Oral and written commnets will be accepted. If you have strong feelings either for or against, this will be your last opportunity to voice them. Written comments will be accepted through the close of business on November 6, 2008. To learn more about the project, the webpage is:  http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/SanteeCooper.aspx

I will try to post the outcome of the hearing in October. It feels good to get that out to the public!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

A WEEK OF HELPFUL TIPS

When choosing today’s topic, I realized being “isolated” in a rural area that the availability of activities to help stay both mentally and physically healthy are limited. Thus the following list does give options - for at home and when traveling. Sometimes we forget that the distance DOES keep us from being reminded of the Symphony, the Museum, the Library, the Fitness Centers, and all the BILLBOARD advertising because we DO NOT RIDE by it everyday. I hope you find something new from the list to do that will be stimulating to your mental and physical health.

MONDAY: Get enough Vitamin E to help support healthy brain function. A bowl of Total Raisin Bran each morning will meet the daily value.

TUESDAY: Include physical activity in your schedule everyday, actually make an appointment for activity with yourself.

WEDNESDAY: Use thinking games everyday - crossword puzzles, word jumbles, Sudoku, and online word games. Exercising your brain feels good and keeps you from mental decline.

THURSDAY: Volunteer in your community - or for a cause that you are passionate about … this helps preserve memory and keep your brain active.

FRIDAY: Look at your health habits and find what you need to improve … Is it - blood pressure, cholestrol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, or inactivity ?  All help in decline of mental function.

SATURDAY: Stock up on fresh vegetables for the next week - linked to maintaining healthy brain function.

SUNDAY: Spend time with peoploe you love, care about, and that feel that way about you. This helps to keep the brain healthy, too.

Source: Hermann, M. (August, 2008). Golden life, “Seven Ways To Sharpen Your Brain Power.” 

NOW, get up MOVE, VOLUNTEER, HAVE FUN with WORD GAMES, VISIT PEOPLE you care about and that care about YOU!

Also, go here and find out how walking helps.  www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=92325 - 44k - 

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Kingsburg is a small community in SC where Santee  Cooper is planning to build a huge coal burning plant. There is opposition to this coal burning plant due to the quality of air that it will produce. Santee Cooper is naturally presenting a “pretty” picture to the community and surrounding areas siting the number of new jobs that it will bring, how it will help met the energy needs of many customers and the money it will save their customers. Of course, not much is said about the amount of money it will make for Santee Cooper. Check out their annual reports HERE and form your opinion.

We have an energy challenge in South Carolina. It’s time to come together and change our future.
When it comes to finding solutions, we must meet climate change goals while keeping costs down and electricity available. America needs a plan. Immediately. Because we all know that our energy needs keep on growing - every day. Now is the time to have a candid conversation with your elected officials. Together, we can find answers and take action. Start the conversation today at Our Energy.
Our Energy, Our Future, A Dialogue with South Carolina

Source: Ad from, Living in S. C., August, 2008

It took many years to grow the trees above. It will take only days to chop them down to clear the land for the new coal burning plant proposed by Santee Cooper. Watch your local news for dates and times of the meetings being held to show convince us how wonderful the new plant will be for our energy needs and our economy, put them on your calendar and ATTEND. Listen to what Santee Cooper has to say, then research coal burning plants used for energy and form your opinion and then talk to your elected officials. We are being pushed to this source as the only source - it is not the only answer.

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Oops, I made an error - I know I can not believe it either!

Correction: I  mixed-up the names of the two power suppliers, SEC and Santee Cooper. I apologize if this may have caused any inconvenience to SEC or Santee Cooper. The company responsible for building the new plant near Kingsburg is Santee Cooper.

Not much going on this week - resting. Not sure if it is recovering from surgery or just an awfully L. O. N. G. week, but I am thrilled the week-end is here . I never knew resting could be so exhausting! I have found a photo I really like and it reminds me of “my little piece of heaven” here on our wonderful earth. I am going to use it for until I tire of it! It is peaceful, it reminds us - we are not in control … but a much higher power, our Heavenly Father, and all the glory goes to Him!

A lot going on in the news - politics, are YOU ready for November 4th?
Election Day “>

Oops, time sure flies when you’re having FUN!

Remember,“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

It is official - I have completed the first leg of my journey … by completing my Associate Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health-care Management. Whew, I did it. The next step began on Monday, July 21, when I began my Batchelors Degree.

As I traveled, the journey seemed long, now looking back it was a fleeting span of time. A time of hard work, new friends, late nights, “Hubby” taking over cooking, cleaning, and everything in between! Thank you, honey!! Anyway, this is a milestone for me, one I am proud of and wanted to share with you … *patting myself on my back*

Most everybody has one … and in most, at some time there is turmoil.

This is my year for turmoil. Did I ask for it? No. Do I want it? No. Yet, I have turmoil. The kind that feels like a tornado with hurricane force winds just rolled right over the top of you. Was there damage? Yes. Is it repairable? No. Am I sad? Yes. Is my heart broken? Definitely! 

 Check out what parenting experts at Successful Parenting: God’s Way have to say.  

I am an only child and both of my parents are deceased. Somehow this makes the pain hurt more - I guess because there is no one left to share it. Especially, since the turmoil is with my children. At the ripe age of fifty-eight, I have come to realize that children do not always like, much less, love their parents AND the feeling goes both ways. Am I proud of making that statement? No, but does it make it less true, no.

I am the mother of four grown and very different women which is probably the reason for the turmoil! They are never all pleased and satisfied at the same time. And strangely it is always my fault. Or at least I thought so until now. I have finally accepted that it is not my fault, nor theirs, either. It is human nature in today’s world to be kind to people you do not know and treat those you call “family” like CRAP! 

Today I am taking a well deserved, long overdue VACATION -  from family. Physically, I am not going anywhere, but I am not going to be available for a while. No phone calls. No visits. I will,  after a time be available again, but not today, tomorrow, or the day after that … I will be selfish. I will do ONLY the things I want to do. I am re-grouping, taking stock of my priorities and finding out what makes me feel good about ME,  without first thinking will this work for “the children”.  

Frankly, my dear, I do not give a d***! Harsh words, you bet! Do I feel better just saying them out loud (in print)? You bet! 

Have a happy week. I am!                                                                                                      

My goodness, it can not be … but it is … another Monday! Maxine says it best, “The only thing worse than a Monday is a decaffeinated Monday!” Old Maxine always says what I feel and it is getting scary! My college, AIU, started back today. I am taking Medical Terminology and Accounting. Both classes are very detailed and lots of material to cover in five (5) weeks - wish me luck. The weather has turned cold again … a freeze warning tonight … March 20 was the FIRST DAY of SPRING, right? Daylight savings time screws up everything, doesn’t it! My days and nights are a little mixed up since the change which makes the time to study interesting.   Even with the chill in the air, my “little piece of heaven” is a nice place to be! I’m headed out …Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ here!” 

Has it affected you, a family member, friend, co-worker, or an acquaintance through one of the aforementioned?                                            Chances are that it has, or will. My father-in-law suffered from MS for over 30 years, passing in 1982. He was a brilliant man that could not voice or make his brilliancy known, as his ability to communicate was slowly taken away. Oh, but those eyes!  How they could talk!  For those of us privileged to be close to him, we knew what he meant - each sparkle, each blink, every tear.  I feel privileged to have known him and loved him …. here, it comes …. BUT, I would not wish his life with MS on anyone. 

Official PR Announcement:        

The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) www.msrc.co.uk and cre8Buzz http://cre8buzz.com/ announce the launch of a unique and inclusive Multiple Sclerosis Community on the Internet, providing not only up to date MS News and Stories, but a place where those affected by Multiple Sclerosis can communicate with others affected by the disease, and the wider public, by means of Online Blogs, Discussion Forums and Net-based social interaction.

To find out more please visit the cre8Buzz Multiple Sclerosis Community at: http://www.cre8buzz.com/multiple_sclerosis

 About the cre8Buzz MS community:

The place for families and friends affected by Multiple Sclerosis to Connect, Share, and Promote.

Connect:

Connect with others with MS. Talk, befriend, engage.

Share:

Share your stories, pictures, ideas experiences, give a little of yourself to others

Promote: 

Promote the wonderful community of MSers, family, friends, and supporters who are all fighting this disease

By partnering,

cre8Buzz/MSRC will create THE single “HUB” for family, friends and those affected by MS to come together and drive public awareness of the disease. By leveraging the power of social networking MSRC and cre8Buzz are excited about the ability to give a voice to those with MS and empower them to interact with others with the disease in a safe and supportive environment, breaking down the barriers of isolation which can occur for those suffering from a chronic disease.

 About cre8Buzz:

cre8Buzz is a social network, designed to connect and promote the voice, talents, and ideas of people and communities to the world. cre8Buzz wants to change the world by bringing people together over common interests, and ideas to provide information, interaction, and entertainment.

About MSRC - Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre:

Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) is a proactive and innovative charity, passionately committed to supporting anyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis through access to unbiased information and advice. Our approach is to encourage  make choices that are appropriate to their daily lives, empowering them to   potential.

MSRC Services

Personal MS Support

24 Hour Telephone Counselling within the UK on 0800 783 0518 (Option 1)

Specialist MS Advisor

New Pathways Magazine

MS Discussion Boards

 Live MS Chat Room

 MS Information Leaflets  

MSRC Insurance Services

Please Contact Us:

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7 Peartree Business Centre,

Peartree Road,  Stanway, Colchester, Essex. CO3 0JN

Telephone 01206 505444 Non UK - +441206505444    Fax 01206 505449

Website: www.msrc.co.uk  Email: info@msrc.co.uk    

Special thanks to Antman for buzz’n this info and being a huge part of our world at cre8Buzz.                              Remember, “Ya’ll come back, ya’ hear!”

as I sat thinking, my friend Mona sent this email … talk about timing, pretty good!

Enjoy, please read to the end.

Q: I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this
true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it… don’t
waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up
your heart will not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can
extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer?
Take a nap.

———————————————————————-

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay
and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more
than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system.
Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass
(green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your
recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

———————————————————————-

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine,
that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even
more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms
up!

———————————————————————-

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to
one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

———————————————————————-

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular
exercise program?

A: Can’t think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain…Good!

———————————————————————-

Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU’RE NOT LISTENING!!!…. Foods are fried these days in vegetable
oil. In fact, they’re permeated in it. How could getting more
vegetables be bad for you?

———————————————————————-

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the
middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger: you
should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

———————————————————————-

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It’s the
best feel-good food around!

———————————————————————-

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

———————————————————————-

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! ‘Round’ is a shape!

——————————————————————————–

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you might have had
about food and diets.

And remember:
“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather
to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one ha nd - chocolate in the other
- body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO!
What a Ride”

AND……

For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s the final word on
nutrition and health. It’s a relief to know the truth after all those
conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks
than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than
Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart
attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks
than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION

Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is what kills you.

Kudos to my friend! Enjoy your afternoon … BUT WATCH WHAT YOU EAT!

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that
nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.
– Oprah Winfrey

We must be the change we want to see in the world.
– Mahatma Gandhi

The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life. - Einstein

Triumph often is nearest when defeat seems inescapable. -
B. C. Forbes

A few of the quotes that I have read over the past few days that have stayed with me. I kept a ‘Book of Quotes’ in my youth, what fun it would be if I could find the book now! If I ever find it, we will read it together …

Until then, check out Wisdom Quotes. Quotes for every one.

This has nothing to do with quotes, but it made me laugh!

“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”