We all can save more of our drinking water, by doing little things that we take for granted, like flushing the toilet, washing the car, taking showers, watering grass, brushing your teeth and so on. This a list of things I did in the past 2 years and the things that are in progress or being planned at our home here in Raleigh NC.

1. We take shorter showers, about 7 minutes long or less.
2. All the water we use to rinse dishes in the sink is collected and use to water plants.
3. Old or dirty ice cubes that has fallen or gotten stall, we use to water plants.
4. We bought a new water saving toilet plus we got a rebate $100.00 for buying this water conserving toilet. The City Of Raleigh NC Watersense toilet rebate program.
The program runs from July, 01-2011 To June, 01-2012 or until funds are exhausted.
5. Rain barrels for watering garden and plants, you can find food grade barrels online for about $15.00 to $20.00 and buy the supplies to make your rain barrels at hardware, home improvement, farm and gardening stores all here in Raleigh NC and surrounding areas. This something you the homeowner can do or you can purchase at one of the stores above or online.
6. Water your garden and yard of grass early in the morning and late evenings water it deep, for you can get by with 1 inch of rain a week.
7. Invest in a soak er hose to save even more.
8. Use less dry fertilizer and more compost and also mulch where possible.
Using some or all these ideas not only conserve water but can even save you some money

(NAPSI)—For barbecue lovers, the season can’t start too early. As daylight hours get longer, the action heats up and the season can last well into the frosty days of fall. But the standard fare of such traditionally warm-weather gatherings—grilled meat and veggies—deserves to be followed with a delicious chilled dessert.

One tasty way to kick off the outdoor season is with Strawberry Lemonade Pie, a light summer dessert with a nontraditional twist. Like many crowd-pleasing desserts, this recipe uses Karo Syrup to add just the right amount of sweetness.

Strawberry Lemonade Pie
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Yield: 8 servings

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust

¾ cup sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 eggs

½ cup Karo Light Corn Syrup

? cup lemon juice

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons Karo Light Corn Syrup

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel

3 cups thinly sliced strawberries

Sweetened whipped cream and thinly sliced lemon, optional

Fit pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom and trim the edge OR a 9-inch pie pan and flute the edge. Line the crust with a double sheet of foil. Bake in preheated 350ºF oven for 10 minutes. Remove foil and cool slightly.

Combine sugar and flour in a medium bowl. Add eggs, ½ cup corn syrup, ? cup lemon juice and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Pour into partially baked shell. Bake about 30 minutes until filling is golden brown. Cool. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Combine remaining 2 tablespoons corn syrup, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and lemon peel. Cover and set aside. Just before serving, arrange sliced berries on top of baked filling and drizzle with lemon mixture. Top each serving with whipped cream and a lemon slice, if desired.

For more dessert recipes, visit www.KaroSyrup.com.

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Make a splash – how you can attract new birds to your yard this summer


(ARA) – When summer really heats up, there is nothing more refreshing than drinking a tall glass of ice water, taking a quick dip in the pool, or running through the backyard sprinkler with the kids. But what many people do not realize is clean, fresh water is as important to birds and other wildlife as it is for humans. Not only that, but birds actually enjoy splashing around and frolicking in the water just like we do.

With this in mind, create an inviting habitat for feathered friends right in your backyard or on your patio or balcony. It is easier than it seems, and there is no need for a big backyard to do it. Just providing the basic elements birds enjoy will establish your setting as a wildlife habitat. Water is one of the important resources birds need, along with food, shelter and a place to nest or raise young. For a quick and easy bird-friendly habitat, simply put out a bird feeder, hang a bird house, provide some nesting materials, and set up a watering place to drink and splash.

“Water is one of the most frequently overlooked resources we can add to our backyard to attract more birds and other wildlife,” says John Robinson, chief ornithologist at Scotts. “Every year, I am astonished by the new species that appear in backyards when owners are willing to share this simple yet critical resource with their feathered friends.”

Providing a source of water need not be a big endeavor. Water can be provided using a mister, slow drip, saucer, bird bath or pond. Below are some simple ways to incorporate water into your backyard.

Bird baths and saucers:
Water in a saucer or bird bath will quickly and easily give area birds the water they need, even when placed on a balcony or patio. Stones with depressions that collect water will also help attract small birds and butterflies. Keep in mind you may need to change the water and clean the bird bath every few days to keep it fresh. In hot weather, it may even be necessary to refill the container every day.

Drippers:
A great way to attract birds and other creatures to the backyard is to add a water drip feature to the bird bath. Because of birds’ heightened senses of hearing and sight, drippers are inviting. Create a drip feature by hanging a bucket or plastic milk jug with a tiny hole over the bird bath so water drips down into the bath slowly throughout the day. Or, hook up a garden hose to a specially designed drip tube you can purchase at local hardware stores or garden centers.

Misters:
Another water feature gardeners often employ is a mister. A mister hooks to a garden hose and sprays a gentle mist over a garden or bird bath. Humans enjoy being cooled off by misters at amusement parks, and plants enjoy the refreshing spray of moisture, too. Birds enjoy frequenting misters to cool down and pollinators, like butterflies and bees, enjoy areas being misted because of the tiny water droplets the mist leaves on flowers. Misters can generally be found at local hardware store and garden centers.

Ponds:
Whether large and elaborate or small and quaint, a backyard pond is guaranteed to attract birds and other wildlife. Most ponds found in urban or rural backyards are on the small side, most no larger than 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Ponds with a fountain are best because the sight and sound of splashing water will attract visitors, and moving water is less likely to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes or other insects. The addition of logs, rocks and other in-water structures provide a drinking and basking habitat for songbirds, as well as other wildlife such as turtles and butterflies. Aquatic snails or tadpoles are fun and natural ways to limit the growth of algae in the pond, and add an interesting element for kids to watch and enjoy.

This summer, when planning the water fun for the kids, don’t forget the birds. Water is very effective in drawing birds and wildlife to your backyard and is also a relaxing, scenic addition that can provide interest and enjoyment for the whole family. With the addition of a simple water source, you never know who may stop by your backyard habitat for a quick swim or a refreshing drink.

Wooden Birdhouses and bird feeders made here in Raleigh NC

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Guidance for gardeners: avoiding injury and discomfort

(ARA) – Warm weather is here and it’s time to get the garden going. Gardening is good for you on many levels – from the mental health boost you get from doing something relaxing to the physical benefits of exercise, time outdoors and adding fresh vegetables to your diet. Bending over to weed, gripping gardening tools and the general physical effort of gardening, however, can make existing aches and pains worse, or even cause new ones.

This summer, take steps to ensure your gardening experience is as comfortable and beneficial as possible. Here are some ideas for avoiding injury and irritating existing conditions while gardening:

Warm up

You wouldn’t go jogging or work out without doing some light stretching and warm-up exercises, and you shouldn’t jump into gardening without warming up first. Before stepping into your garden, do some stretches to limber up, especially your arms, legs and back. When you’ve completed your gardening chores for the day, finish up with more stretching.

Banish bending

Many Americans suffer from chronic back pain, and while it’s important to keep moving despite discomfort, it makes sense to minimize activities that could create or worsen pain. Bending over to work in the garden can be hard on your back. If back pain is a concern, consider planting your garden in raised beds this year, or working with container gardens. Elevated beds require you to bend less when doing typical gardening chores. And container gardens can be placed on tables or deck railings to make it easy to reach plants.

Protect hands and wrists

Weeding, hoeing, raking, shoveling – the repetitive motions of gardening can lead to hand and wrist pain, and worsen existing conditions such as arthritis. Taking steps to minimize irritation and discomfort while you work can help ensure your gardening tasks don’t create aches or worsen pain. Consider wearing an Arthritis Glove, like the Imak-made glove commended by the Arthritis Foundation, to provide mild compression and warmth while you work. Because the gloves are made of cotton Lycra with an open fingertip design, they won’t make your hands hot or hinder movement. Designed by an orthopedic surgeon, the Arthritis Gloves are also fully washable, so you don’t have to worry about getting a little dirt on them as you go about your gardening tasks. An added bonus – wearing any kind of glove can help you avoid another common gardening injury: blisters.

Guard skin

Sunburn and insect bites are also a risk for gardeners, who spend a lot of time outdoors. While most insect bites are just an irritation, sunburn can cause serious, long-term skin damage. To ward off mosquitoes and other biting bugs, apply an insect repellent. Prevent sunburn by always wearing sunscreen – the kind that blocks both UVA and UVB rays – whenever you’re outdoors. Use a wide-brimmed, lightweight hat to shade your eyes and keep the sun off your head. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water, especially on hot days when you’ll be out for several hours.

Move wisely

Lifting can be another source of back pain, and gardening often involves lifting, whether it’s heavy bags of soil or seed, or a full basket of the fruits of your labor. Remember to lift from a squatting position, with your back straight, so that your legs do the work, not your back. When kneeling down, use gardening knee pads or even just a rolled up towel to cushion your joints from the hard, damp ground. Remember to minimize twisting motions that can inure your back and joints.

With a few precautions, you can ensure this summer’s gardening activities remain safe, enjoyable and pain free.

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Free pick-up of old unwanted appliances for proper recycling in Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Holly Springs Call 919-803-4425 or 919-324-8905

(NAPSI)—Whether you’re an avid environmentalist, a Western movie fan looking for a little tranquility, or just someone who’s seeking a fun vacation for your family, you can experience the undisturbed beauty of the American West at hundreds of places around the country. Over 28 million acres of National Conservation Lands are permanently conserved by the federal government for the public to enjoy.

Here are a few facts and figures:

• These lands, especially those around the Empire Ranch in Arizona, have been a calling card for Hollywood Westerns.

• With a plain of saguaro cacti beneath it, nearby Ragged Top Mountain in Ironwood Forest offers a striking reminder of the Old West.

• Historic Fort Stanton in New Mexico is one of the few intact frontier forts, with many of its original buildings and surrounding lands looking just as they did when the fort hosted such legendary personalities as Billy the Kid, Colonel Kit Carson and the Buffalo Soldiers.

• The Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains in southern California has an old brush corral and views from the highway that harken back to the southern California of a century ago.

• Rock caves and formations in Red Rock Canyon of Nevada dominate the landscape once crossed by cowboys and Native Americans.

Since they were established a decade ago, the National Conservation Lands have not gotten the level of funding, protection, recognition or support that they need from the federal government. They face other challenges such as recreational target shooting, reckless off-road vehicle use, vandalism, encroaching development and trash dumping.

The Conservation Lands Foun- dation is the only organization dedicated solely to conserving, restoring and expanding the National Conservation Lands through education, advocacy and partnerships.

To that end, the Foundation:

• Provides grants, training and networking opportunities to build a constituency of grassroots advocates;

• Works with Congress and the Bureau of Land Management to help shape the future of the National Conservation Lands; and

• Promotes greater public awareness of and appreciation for the National Conservation Lands and the irreplaceable human and natural history they contain.

You can discover more about the Foundation and the sites and monuments it protects, how to visit them and how to help protect them at www.conservationlands.org or (970) 247-0807.

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Wooden Bird Houses Made In Raleigh NC

Jan 26, 2011 – RALEIGH, N.C. (January 26, 2011) Advocates for Health in Action (AHA) presents Dig In, the second annual community gardens summit, on Saturday, March 5, from 8:30 am-1:00 pm at Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh. Dig In is designed for anyone who wants to build and maintain a community garden or gain expertise for success in his or her home garden. Registration is now open for this free event for the public (online at http://www.AdvocatesForHealthInAction.org , but space is limited
Dig In will feature presentations from urban farming and gardening experts, hands-on workshops and educational booths—all designed to help the community dig in and grow fresh, healthy food.

“The energy created by Dig In last year is still present,” commented Laura Aiken, executive director of AHA and Community Health Specialist at WakeMed Health & Hospitals. “We have seen at least 10 new community gardens created in Wake County, and our municipalities are adjusting policies to make it easier for community gardens to get started. AHA partners are excited to provide the tools and resources needed to make these gardens a reality, and we are thrilled to build upon last year’s inaugural event and engage even more people in gardening across our area.”

“Community gardens are increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” Aiken continued. “Schools, churches, neighborhoods, community groups and other nonprofits can capitalize on the excitement around sustainable food systems, connect people with where their food comes from and promote environmentally friendly living.”

Read More:PRLor(Press Release)

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(NAPSI)-A new online educational resource, www.BloodSugar Basics.com, has just launched to help people living with diabetes, their families and loved ones learn about the importance of understanding and managing low and high blood sugar. The website, developed by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) and supported by Merck, breaks down information on blood sugar into easy-to-understand interactive features, downloadable resources and helpful tips on how to control blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes and their family members can get started by taking the interactive Blood Sugar Knowledge Quiz to test their blood sugar IQ. Do you know the answer to the question below? Visit the website to take the quiz and find out!

The website offers information about the causes, symptoms and risks of low and high blood sugar, as well as easy-to-download and-print resources like the Low and High Blood Sugar Checklists to help people understand, recognize and get through episodes of low or high blood sugar.

“While most people with type 2 diabetes recognize the importance of avoiding high blood sugar, they may not know the risks of extremely low blood sugar,” says Farhad Zangeneh, M.D., FACP, FACE, medical director and endocrinology consultant at the Endocrine, Diabetes and Osteoporosis Clinic (EDOC) and member, AACE Board of Directors.

Low blood sugar can make people feel dizzy, sweaty, hungry or tired and, if it’s not treated, may even cause loss of consciousness, while high blood sugar can cause frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue or blurred vision. People with diabetes should discuss ways to best manage blood sugar with their doctor. To help begin this discussion, they can keep track of blood sugar levels with the AACE Diabetes Passport, and bring the Fast Five Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Blood Sugar to their next appointment.

“Skipping meals, drinking too much alcohol and changing exercise routines can all contribute to low blood sugar; patients may also need to adjust their medications and should talk with their doctor about any episodes of low blood sugar,” added Dr. Zangeneh.

If you or a loved one have type 2 diabetes, visit http://www.BloodSugarBasics.com to get started and learn how to control blood sugar levels to help manage diabetes successfully.

True or False?

In addition to insulin, some oral diabetes medications can cause low blood sugar, but there are diabetes treatment options that are associated with less low blood sugar.

http://www.BloodSugarBasics.com

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Free Appliance and Electronics pick-up for recycling, Stoves, Dryers, Heaters, Freezers, Refrigerators, Computers, Washers, Radios, TVs, Tools, Metal Furniture and other appliances that you are trashing or need recycling. We pick-up for free, no cost to you,and we dis-asemble and properly recycle all parts.
We also have a repair specialist to check for salvaging or repair, if repaired we give to persons free,or charge for repair cost and parts if needed only. We do not repair these appliances ourselves and not in the repair business, but we will try to salvage and donate appliances if repairs is not costly and is worth the effort and not just a delay to end up in landfills. Area we try to pick-up in: Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Clayton NC and surrounding area’s Call 919-324-8905 OR 919-803-4425
If no answer please leave voice mail and someone will contact you and set-up a time at your convenience.

(NAPSI)-Homeowners looking to introduce color, texture and unique design elements to a house’s exterior may consider building an accent or garden wall. Fortunately, if the thought of a block-and-mortar wall seems a little daunting, there’s an easier solution.

Using dry-stacked concrete blocks and a surface-bonding cement, it can be easier than many homeowners realize to build a low-maintenance, affordable accent wall.

The one-coat application of Quikrete Quikwall Surface Bonding Cement provides structural strength and a textured “stucco” finish. The Surface Bonding Cement is also excellent for rehabilitating and waterproofing unpainted concrete walls.

Adding color to the wall can be simple with a liquid pigment additive available in 20 standard color choices, Quikrete Stucco & Mortar Color, that can be added to the mixing water during the mixing process.

To build the wall:

• Begin with the construction of a footing slab. Once the footing has cured, dry-lay the first block row on top of the footing and chalk mark the block positions using a level and mason’s line for accuracy.

• Remove the blocks and apply a 1-inch-thick bed of prepared surface-bonding cement on the footing to bond the first course to the footing and correct any irregularities. The mix should be stiff enough to support the weight of the first row of blocks.

• Place the first row, embedding the block to the mortar bed, to a final thickness of about ? inch. Remove any excess material.

• Check the alignment and level after positioning every three to four blocks.

• Start the second course with a half-block to create a “running bond” pattern. Continue dry-stacking the remaining blocks to the desired height; nonstructural dry-stack construction can go as high as six to eight feet for privacy.

• Add a cap block to the top course of block. For additional strength, fill the cavities with something such as Quikrete Concrete Mix.

• After dampening with a fine spray, apply an ?-inch-thick coating of surface bonding cement to the sides, top and exposed ends of the concrete block wall with a finishing trowel. Trowel to desired texture or finish.

• Moist-cure the wall after eight hours by dampening with a fine spray. Repeat spraying several times daily for three days.

For detailed application instructions or additional project ideas, visit www.quikrete.com.

Got a craft business idea you think could earn you extra income? Read how other craft artists have profited from James Dillehay’s craft business guides…..

“We couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact James Dillehay’s advice would make on our business. We thought after perfecting our product everything would just fall into place, but it didn’t until we started working with his suggestions. To our delight we are seeing results on a faster and larger scale than we expected in such a short period of time.” ~ Ken Kobrick & Angela Greene, www.Passchal.com, featured on the Today Show

“Since reading your books, I have implemented many of the ideas. I am now happy to report that I have had some surprising success here in Santa Fe. My hang cards, booth design, and even my products themselves have been changed by your books. I have only been there 5 partial days and have sold about 4 times what I sold in the equivalent time last year. I changed the color of the walls, the height of the tables, the displays, the hang cards, the pricing and more. So, IT WORKS!” ~ Julie Anderson, CostumeSalon.com

“After reading his books, my business took on a new life. I changed my product slightly and the response was remarkable! My first order was triple what I had planned for, and other orders are pouring in! I continue to look to James for inspiration and I love his approach. Because of the techniques I learned from him, my business is thriving.” ~ Cathy Marble, Chamisa Hill Designs

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I have been a gardener for all my adult life, but have not always had a place to plant, “well I did” but just didn’t see it, until I bought a small lot in Raleigh NC. I got this house and lot with a small area in the back, that had a flower bed about four feet wide by fifteen feet long and I used this area after I amended the soil the first year, to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and a little mixed salad greens. I did this for about seven years with pretty good results, we managed to can a few things and ate fresh vegetables during the growing season.
In the Spring of 2007 things for us changed when my wife was diagnosed with a rare liver disease that had no cure, just treatment until she could get a transplant. In 2008 late December she got that transplant and recovery has been great. This got me thinking of ways to save and possibly earn some extra money to help pay for those high cost anti-rejection drugs. I tilled up more ground and made the 4×15 feet area to 12×30 feet, and opened another bed at the low end of our lot sized 10×20 feet, then I got some old washing machines and took them apart, got the drums out and painted them for planters,built some wooden planters, about eight sized 36 inches wide by 46 inches long and 13 inches high, great for growing cucumbers and squash.
I built a compost bin and moved the old compost pile to the bin and started making compost for fertilizer. A few years back I had planted some fruits trees, but didn’t take care of them like I should have. I trimmed, feed,and sprayed the trees.

Next thing we did was tilled and amended the soil and filled planters with amended soil and added compost. I went to Hudson Hardware Store in Garner NC and bought seeds, plants and supplies, we spent about $23.00. We waited about a week before we planted the seed, but the plants was planted right away in the planters. We started harvesting squash, cucumbers, Swiss chard, egg plants, onions, tomatoes, mixed greens, peppers, just before and right after the 4Th of July and we managed to sell a lot of our crop after we used our share.
Once you get your soil amended and weeded the first time , then the labor is at a minimum. I since have started small gardens for other people in the area. This has become to us, a business from a need to save money, I make planters for sell, I till garden spaces for price per square foot, I market our fruits and vegetables and sell at home and any place we can set-up and do business.
My fruit trees are doing great, this 2010 season, we canned 23 quarts of peaches, 11 quarts of tomatoes and made and sold apples and pies. The plums were bigger and sweeter this year and I planted four more fruits and three hazelnut trees. As small as my lot is I know anyone could make use in their yard, and use Mother Nature and a little back-bone to save and profit from a small garden in your Town or City anywhere in the world. It’s nice to save and make or earn a profit, but once you start you will garden just for the love of it.

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FREE APPLIANCE PICK-UP & RECYCLE
We recycle old appliances, Stoves, TVs, washing-machines, Computers, Dryers, refrigerators, electronics, old junk lawn mowers,metal furniture, and most household appliances, we pick-up for free. Please call if you have these items to be recyled: 919-803-4425 or 919-324-8905 Area: Garner, Raleigh, Cary NC. If no answer leave your details in voice mail. We will contact you and set-up a time at your convenience.

Tips for Inexpensive Outdoor Entertaining (329) (NewsUSA) – Celebrate the warmer days by hosting an outdoor summertime party or barbecue. It’s easy to add pizzazz to an outdoor party and stay on budget, with accessories and color. Here are some inexpensive ways to add character to your outdoor get-togethers: 1. Make it colorful. For a fast way to give your party a sense of style, color-coordinate your bowls, plates and cups in attention-grabbing colors. Dollar General stores (www.dollargeneral.com) sell plastic tableware in bright colors and patterns. These items are http://www.city5nc.com/community/modules/business/index.php enough to buy in multiples, so if you plan on hosting several parties, you can use one color per occasion, then invite guests to your “pink party” or “orange party.” 2. Pep up your decor with peppers. Add a memorable touch by serving condiments or finger foods in hollowed-out green, red and yellow peppers. Simply cut the stems, and fill the peppers with ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce or any other condiment. Depending on the peppers’ colors, you may be able to coordinate them with the rest of your tableware. 3. Create a field of dreams. Silk flowers can create a beautiful centerpiece or be used in smaller arrangements around the table. Add a whimsical touch by purchasing a variety of silk flowers and planting them upright in the ground. Use them to mark paths through the yard or to the food tables and seating areas. Silk flowers are inexpensive at stores like Dollar General and are economical enough to buy in large quantities. They’re also more durable than real flowers and can be used again and again. 4. Find unique ways to deter bugs. Certain herbs and flowers repel insects. For instance, sprigs of parsley or tansy may help keep ants at bay, while lavender or mint could drive flies away. Set up decorative bowls of herbs in various spots near the guests’ seating. A larger bowl can be the striking centerpiece of a table. Keep your food safe from unwanted company with mesh food covers.

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