Living Rural

… 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!”

for December 28, 2008, the first Sunday of Christmas…

• Endangered Species Act signed, 1973

• sunrise- 7:07 AM

• sunset- 4:57 PM

The New Moon began on Saturday, December 27, at 7:22 AM. I’m sure you are wondering, who cares? If you do not know the reason, then you are not the spouse or significant other of a HUNTER!

Every evening when HOM (husband of mine) returns from his ‘outing’, he gives a blow-by-blow account of everything he saw, missed, etc. and then the question, “When is sunrise and sunset tomorrow?” Now you would think he would/could use the Farmer’s Almanac that I bought for him in 2008, but he would rather his DG (Domestic Goddess) look it up on the weather site on the Web … usually request made when the DG is in the middle of writing or studying. Most of the time I stop and look it up for him - for 2009, I will not do it! He has a copy of Farmer’s Almanac for 2009 and my New Year’s resolution is: HOM WILL LEARN to USE IT!

A quote: “When all is said and done, more is said than done.” Unknown

Don’t forget December is the month to find gardening tools on sale.

Also, review gardening tips, plantings, plants, and items on sale in December here

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

Technorati Tags: December, gardening, hunting, weather, quote

Holiday parties are in full swing and it is always nice to find a useful girt to take the hostess. Here are a few suggestions for a great “grab and go” gift:

• Drawer liners, $28 - matching box tied with satin ribbon, “look as nice as they smell” - www.sopaandpaperfactory.com

• Olive Set, $39 - last minute hors’d'oeuvre, untie the ribbon on Bella Cucina’s Piccolo Olive Bowl - jar of six Italian varieties and elegant serving spoon - www.bellacucina.com

• Breakfast in-a-Bag, $55 - L.L. Bean’s Deluxe Tote filled with pancake mix, syrup, jam, and coffee -
  www.llbean.com

• Herb Kit, $15.50 - potting mix and seeds, ready for planting in the Potting Shed Creations biodegradable Rice Hull Gardens Pot (lavender, lemon pbasil, oregano) - www.wishingfish.com

• Tea-light Holder, $24 - www.conranusa.com

• Preserves Set, $39 - handmade Branches Preserves by Katz & Co., wrapped individually inside a wrapped box, 10 flavors - www.katzandco.com

• Soaps, $19 - scents like Flower of Narcissus, housed in a pretty, reusable container - www.morcosmetics.com

After greeting the hostess, sharing the very special gift, have fun, but remember do not drink and then drive!

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

Are you like me - finding it extremely hard to believe today is December 15? Only nine days until Christmas! For all my advice for getting organized for the holiday season … I haven’t. It is old time procrastination, plain and simple. Of course, having less money to spend has a little to do with it, too! I, like the entire economy, have tightened my spending habits - whether I want to or not, LOL!

I refuse to let it dampen my Christmas spirit! The presents are not important. The time with family and friends celebrating the wondrous birth of Jesus is the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

Here is my Christmas Angel to watch over you and your family during this beautiful holiday season. I hope you spend this Christmas with your loved ones sharing the love of our Heavenly Father.

Visit here for the Christmas Story.

Blessing from above to you and yours!

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

and inside.  YUK!  If only it did look and feel  like my favorite photo at the right … but today is gloomy,  gray,  and chilly with that feeling it may rain any moment.  So far it has not rained, oops - just started. I hope tomorrow will be better!

Did anyone follow my suggestions on planning your holiday gathering, etc.? I hope so! It does help to have a list, for sure. Other “helpful hints” for this holiday season:

• Limit $ amount for gifts
• If large family, draw names
• Make a donation to the recipient’s favorite charity
• Adopt a family in need and make THEIR Christmas special
• If someone you know is alone for Christmas, include them in yours

Until then check out the links below:

Piper Classics

Creative Christmas Decorating

Country Christmas

Take a breath, tell someone you care, hug-a-lot, and enjoy the season … and pass it on to those in your circle.

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

With the cost of gas and the state of the economy - vacations are not a priority this year; however, vacations can be Enjoyable AND Affordable! Living in the country adds to the decision simply because we are a minimum of  twenty miles from everything. Here are some ways we have saved money yet still considered ourselves having a vacation.

STAY CLOSE: Research your state or region for attractions and accommodations that are CHEAP!

PICK THE RIGHT DAY: NO holidays or weekends. Hotels and flights are cheaper during the week.

MAKE THE DRIVE: To larger airports where flights might be flexible with times, carriers, and price. Don’t forget to figure in gas, time , and parking for your car.

PACK LIGHTLY: Check with airline for restrictions, rules, and regulations.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Bus and rail systems are designed to get you where you want to go and cost much less.

LOAD UP AT LUNCH: Eat your largest meal at lunch. This time of day, also, lets you sample local fare at a reasonable price.

PACK A SNACK: Request a refrigerator in hotel room, shop at local grocery store, and save $$$.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: Take advantage of free museums, historical sites, go for a hike, swim, park, or beach for a “thrifty” way to spend the day.

GO HOME EMPTY HANDED!: DO NOT GO HOME WITH OVER PRICED SOUVENIRS - PICTURES AND MEMORIES ARE FREE!

PHONE WISELY: Use a calling card, limit cell phone use while roaming..

“SMART TRAVEL MAKES for SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL.”

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

NEVER ENOUGH MAXINE

OK, yes I know this is taking the easy way to do a post, but today is Sunday, I have two extremely hard classes this session, I am tired and Maxine says things so much better than I, so indulge me, please?

“One of my co-workers has an annoying habit: she works! Makes me look bad.”

“The only thing worse than a Monday is a decaffeinated Monday.”

“There should be a support group for women who will not put their dishes in the dishwasher DIRTY”

“A household hint: Stop dusting and you can use your coffee table as a message board.”

“Homemade gifts are the perfect way to say, “I’ve got lots more time than money!”

“I’ve finally found an honest mechanic. He honestly doesn’t know how to fix ANYTHING.”

“Finally, I think conservatives and liberals should move toward the middle of the road. Makes it easier to run ‘em over.”

Maxine<

As I said, Maxine says it much better than I … except for …”Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Do you feel like that, too? This week was very long and somewhat depressing after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Children will be returning to school (moms, too!), time to think about the end of 2007, get that tax information in order, cleaning (?), and whatever else needs to be done!

Leftovers … some ways to use them … Rachel Ray 

Taxes … help … IRS

Cleaning … help … Cleaning 

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

Today was THE day to return unwanted items, shop for bargains, get out of the house, away from the relatives and the turkey!

So did you?

For Him: a tie, a pair of socks, a movie ticket, a six-pack, a shot glass, a picture frame(with your photo in it!), a ticket to a local hockey game, a lottery ticket, boxers, briefs, a good book(on the sale table), a pen, a DVD(previously viewed), 2 gallons of gas, a gift certificate to a fast food place, 2 movie tickets to the “cheap” theater, a $10 gift card to Lowes or any “guy” store, (check out http://www.thinkgeek.com)

For Her: a movie ticket to a “chick flic”, a paperback romance novel(yes, Fabio, on the front), gift certificates(several for $10 wrapped nicely), a long stem red rose, a photo of you in a nice frame, a foot rub “I owe you”, scented lotion, a scented candle, a journal, a cosmetic bag, stationery, an ornament, bubble bath, bath salts, a $10 gift card for Barnes and Noble or Books-A-Millon

For Kids: the Ten dollar bill!

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY CHRISTMAS … thirteen days!

Christmas, presents, gifts, Lowes, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, movies, DVDs

This week is flying by. I guess vacations always do, but this week is special … I’m spending it with 3 of my daughters at the beach. It’s been several years since we’ve been able to do this, mainly because we’re scattered over several states … but here we are!

My second born lives here in our family beach house, my third born is married (left Hubby at home and brought new 8 week old puppy) and my youngest flew in from Maine. We’ve had wonderful meals together; the girls have baked in the sun; we’ve shopped; we’ve waited in traffic; we went on an African Safari in 3D at the IMAX; we’ve stayed up to late; but, mostly we’ve enjoyed one another. And my honey, their dad, was able to come and visit over night with our Sheltie named Shelby. Needless to say, it was hectic. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this much happiness all in one place. I’ve missed it. It will end on Friday. I have the memories to take with me and 2 more days with the “young one”, now 21, then she’ll fly back to Maine. I’ll start my last week of my session at AIU. The other two sisters will return to work and their honeys and pets. I’ll go home and hug my hubby and enjoy the quiet … while remembering a really nice week of togetherness with my nest almost full!

vacations, daughters, beach, IMAX, shopping, pets, college

My last post mentioned, “… our small town grocery store, the IGA … .” The next closest grocery store is the Piggly Wiggly (you know, as in: “Driving Miss Daisy ‘to the sto’”) almost 20 miles away.

The IGA, though small in size, carries a very good selection of items: local grown produce, a wonderful meat selection with the added touch from long ago - your very own personal butcher who remembers what you like because he knows YOU. My hubby loves to cook inside and grill (charcoal, of course!) outside. He is known for his BBQ Chicken. YUM! The secret is in the sauce.*

The “city” grocery stores grilling chickens are usually the size of turkeys; however, the IGA always carries small tender hens just right for the grill (charcoal, of course!) Hubby loves to be asked to grill chickens (from the IGA ) using his secret sauce; which will remain secret, I tried y’all, but he wouldn’t tell me even one ingredient!

An indoor specialty of his is “Crock Pot BBQ.” This features a little known cut of pork that the IGA has on sale quite often. According to the store’s printed label it is a: “BOSTON BUTT WHOLE.” Hubby even asked, “Isn’t this printed backwards?” Not at the IGA. Oh well, I guess a few things about rural living ARE a little backwards, sometimes! Anyway, the Boston Butt Whole makes great pulled pork BBQ. I did convince Hubby to share this recipe:

CROCK POT BBQ PORK

1 large Boston Butt (”whole” or otherwise)

Season to taste. Make your favorite light vinegar base BBQ sauce. Place pork in crock pot with the sauce.

Cook on low overnight. (about 6-8 hours til tender)

Remove meat and chill.

Pull lean meat apart into large bite size pieces, removing fat as you go.

Add your favorite sweet mustard based BBQ sauce to pulled meat.

Toss to mix well.

Reheat and serve.

YUMMY! remember, “the secret is in the sauce”*

After your belly is full … “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!” Country Gal will be waiting at the door.

* taken from Fried Green Tomatoes (also a recipe, for another time)

groceries, IGA, Piggly Wiggly, movies, Driving Miss Daisy, Fried Green Tomatoes, cuts of meat, pork, BBQ sauce, grilling, recipes

Almost any city of size has a Lowe’s and/or The Home Depot. In SC alone we have 43 Lowe’s stores and 24 of The Home Depot stores. Why the nearest town of Florence has 2 Lowe’s stores and 1 of The Home Depot stores! My husband (one of the good ol’ boys) thinks these are fine for “city folk”, but shopping for the rural lifestyle as he says, “… has it’s own requirements.”

One of hubby’s favorite stores (besides the Bass Pro Super Store in Myrtle Beach) is the new Tractor Supply Company store in our area. TSC has everything needed for country living but groceries and beer! We shop for those items at our local small town IGA store. (Independent Grocers Association) TSC stores are “spreading like Kudzu” throughout rural regions in SC, 13 at last count. Oh, for those not familiar with the “Kudzu Vine”, we’ll explain that on another post.

TSC has a handout publication, OUT HERE, with great articles about living rural. The Summer 2007 issue features live concerts, shade gardens, earthworms, tonic in a teacup, therapy pets, Don Neagle, all-terrain vehicles, recipes, organizing your kitchen, preventing falls, wood carving, choosing a horse, care of tack, and crafts … whew, that’s a lazy afternoon of reading. Check them out at: www.myTSCstore.com/OutHere

Remember … TSC has something for everyone … hubby finally got me in the new store and I left with more than he did!

Lowe’s, Home Depot, Tractor Supply Company, Bass Pro Shop, IGA, agricultural supply products, Kudzu vine, SC, Myrtle Beach, Florence

If you’re looking for something to do this month, scroll through the list …

there’s something for everyone - URBAN and/or RURAL. Enjoy!

SC June Festivals, Events

Jun 1-2: Allendale Paleoamerican Expedition - near Martin - volunteer to help excavate

Jun 1-2: Relay for Life - Rock Hill - benefits the American Cancer Society

Jun 1-3: Indie Grits Film Fest - Columbia

Jun 1-4: Sun Fun Festival - Myrtle Beach

Jun 1-10: Piccolo Spoleto - Charleston - local arts festival

Jun 1-10: Spoleto Festival USA - Charleston - international arts festival

Jun 2: Clover Scottish Games and Scotch Irish Festival

Jun 2: Coastal Cajun Festival - Hilton Head Island - music, food, family fun - benefit

Jun 2: H.O.P.E. Run / Walk for ALS Research - Isle of Palms

Jun 2-3: American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure - Columbia - cycling

Jun 2-3: Under the Crown - North Augusta - historical interpreters and reenactors, free!

Jun 2-16: Conductors Institute of South Carolina - Columbia

Jun 4: South Carolina EXPO for Teacher Recruitment - Columbia - job fair for teachers

Jun 7-9: ParrotStock - Myrtle Beach - charity concert event

Jun 7-9: Party in the Pines - Whitmire

Jun 8-9: Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival - Mount Pleasant

Jun 9: Columbia Midlands Soap Box Derby

Jun 9: Scottish Games & Highland Festival - Greenville

Jun 9-10: Edisto Riverfest - Walterboro

Jun 10-16: Southeastern Piano Festival - Columbia - University of South Carolina School of Music

Jun 13-16: Mighty Moo Festival - Cowpens

Jun 14: Flag Day - Thursday

Jun 15-20: Chautauqua Festival - Greenville - the past brought to life

Jun 16: Out of this World Breakfast - Columbia - SC State Museum

Jun 16-24: Hampton County Watermelon Festival - Hampton

Jun 17: Father’s Day - Sunday

Jun 19: Friends of McLeod Plantation Annual Meeting - James Island - public welcomed

Jun 19: Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble - Summerville’s Town Square - free concert

Jun 21: Summer Solstice - Thursday

Jun 22-24: South Carolina Festival of Flowers - Greenwood

Jun 23: Round the Fourth - Conway

Jun 27-30: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Billfish Tournament - Governor’s Cup Series

Jun 28: Carolina Day - remembering America’s first military victory on June 28, 1776

Jun 28-30: Carolina Low Country Tomato Festival - Edisto Island - food, street dance, more

Jun 28 - Jul 2: Island Heritage Festival - James Island - honoring the Gullah People

Jun 29: Jazz for Peace Benefit Concert - Columbia

South Carolina Area Events for June

3/16/07 - 9/16/07
Edmund Yaghjian: A Retrospective

View more than 100 paintings and sketches by one of the most important artists of the 20th century, Edmund Yaghjian. A native of Armenia, Yaghjian immigrated to the United States in 1907. He later moved to South Carolina where he taught art at the University of South Carolina for more than 21 years. His work provides glimpses of familiar scenes of such places as New York City and the South Carolina State Fair. State Museum Lipscomb Gallery.
Related Link: www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

5/1/07 - 9/30/07
Aliens: Worlds of Possibilities

This 6,500-square foot exhibit explores planetary conditions in the forms of robotic aliens, alien landscapes, a “genuine” fake alien, and 20 interactive stations. Explore the characteristics of the solar system, learn how scientists study planetary life and discover the possibilities of life beyond Earth. $3 in addition to regular museum admission for ages 3 and up.
Related Link: www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

5/19/07 - 6/1/07
Seeds of Change: South Carolina and the Great War 1917-1918

Guests will learn of the establishment of military installations in the state and the building up of ones already here, such as Camp (now Fort) Jackson in Columbia, CampWadsworth in Spartanburg and Charleston’s Navy yard. Also featured: the establishment of war bonds and the publicity around the campaigns; the changing roles of blacks and women in the war effort; and the war’s contribution to the great flu epidemic of 1918. 803-898-4921
Related Link: www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

5/26/07 - 9/30/07
Bubbleoosa

Tiny bubbles! Gigantic bubbles! Dome-shaped bubbles! Square bubbles! Bubbles in bubbles! Kids in bubbles! Join us this summer as we explore the science of bubbles at EdVenture’s super-popular outdoor exhibit, Bubbleloosa! Free with paid museum admission
Related Link: www.edventure.org

5/29/07 - 6/1/07
Dynamic Dinos

Mad Science of Columbia Summer Program. This camp lets young paleontologists go on a dinosaur “dig” and learn about the habits and characteristics of dinosaurs. 9 a.m. - noon.
To register, call 803-739-2122.

Related Link: www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

5/31/07 - 6/4/07
Sun Fun Festival

This event includes four days of live entertainment, air shows, professional sand sculpture contest, parade, pageants, sporting events, kids fair, celebrity meet-and-greet and more.
Related Link: www.sunfunfestival.com.

6/1/07 - 6/16/07
In My Backyard and Digistar Virtual Journey

What can you see from your backyard? Join TV host and keynote speaker Fred Penner as he takes a wild ride with the unique “laser” graphics on the Digistar projection system. Enjoy the soothing music and visual parade of shapes that move across the 30 ft. planetarium dome and take a fast-paced trip through an amusement park, including a ride on the virtual roller coaster. You will be truly amazed by the wild ride you will experience. 9 p.m.
803-641-3654

Related Link: rpsec.usca.edu/planetarium

6/2/07 - 6/3/07
Colonial Times “Under the Crown”

Friday night dinner (ticket required) with people in 18th century attire serving and telling of life in first person followed by an 18th century dance. Historic Saint Paul’s Church on the site of Fort Cornwallis (Augusta, Ga.). Saturday, 4 p.m. battle representing the siege of Fort Cornwallis on the original site of the fort. Living history demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday at the Living History Park, Spring Grove and Lake Ave. in North Augusta. Free admission. Refreshments available for purchase. Rain or shine. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 803-279-7560
Related Link: www.colonialtimes.us

6/7/07 - 6/9/07
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival

Enjoy one of the largest displays of West Africa’s multi-generational ancient art form, recently designated the official State Hand Craft. Visitors will be treated to more than 100 Sweetgrass basket makers demonstrating their basket making skills, along with an assortment of authentic Gullah Geechee cultural musical groups, praise dancing, Gullah cuisine, story-telling and more.
Related Link: www.sweetgrassfestival.com

6/8/07 - 6/10/07
Trail Rides at Broxton Bridge Plantation

Broxton Bridge Plantation, 7 miles south of Ehrhardt on Highway 601. Rides begin at 9 a.m. RV spots, rooms and supper available. 800-437-4868.
Related Link: www.broxtonbridge.com

6/13/07
Reedy River Concert Series

Mystic Vibrations (6th), The Work (13th), Gigi Dover and The Big Love (20th), The Robbie Ducey Band (27th). Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper and sit back and enjoy a variety of musical concerts featuring jazz, country, patriotic, rock & roll, blues and reggae. This free, outdoor family event provides the perfect way to spend a warm summer night. Peace Center Amphitheater. 7-9 p.m.
Related Link: www.greatergreenville.com

6/20/07
Reedy River Concert Series

Mystic Vibrations (6th), The Work (13th), Gigi Dover and The Big Love (20th), The Robbie Ducey Band (27th). Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper and sit back and enjoy a variety of musical concerts featuring jazz, country, patriotic, rock & roll, blues and reggae. This free, outdoor family event provides the perfect way to spend a warm summer night. Peace Center Amphitheater. 7-9 p.m.
Related Link: www.greatergreenville.com

6/23/07
Round the 4th

Enjoy music, food and fun on the river. Event includes concerts, train rides, bass tournament, boat tours, arts and crafts, fireworks, kids’ pavilion and more.
Related Link: www.roundthefourth.com

6/27/07
Reedy River Concert Series

Mystic Vibrations (6th), The Work (13th), Gigi Dover and The Big Love (20th), The Robbie Ducey Band (27th). Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper and sit back and enjoy a variety of musical concerts featuring jazz, country, patriotic, rock & roll, blues and reggae. This free, outdoor family event provides the perfect way to spend a warm summer night. Peace Center Amphitheater. 7-9 p.m.

I apologize for causing you to miss the events on June 1, 2, and 3. I’ll try to post next month’s events during the last week of June.

festivals, SC, travel, entertainment, music, art, bands, museums, culture, Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Peace Center, Koger Center, shopping

Shopping is really quite easy in the boonies … from the comfort of your favorite recliner … surfing the Internet!

Why in less than 2 hours I purchased a magazine subscription, MacStyles’ skins for my iBook, Office Mac (to be used for my AIU classes), and ordered new NetFlix movies. Not bad, without even “breaking a sweat” … yes, I know that sounds gross, but it’s definitely a southern thing!

Then I balanced my checkbook; paid a few bills; caught up my email reading and writing … whew, I wish. Instead I window shopped through Old Navy, Chico’s, and L. L. Bean. I only looked! Of course, I planned my next shopping trip … same time, next week. And not a cent spent on gasoline.

shopping, Living the Country Life, Office Mac, AIU, MacStyles, NetFlix, Old Navy, Chico’s, L.L. Bean, Internet