• Jul. 7, 2008 - Camping Pictures...finally
As you may remember, we camped a little over a week ago. We went to our lovely Sequoia National Forest, which we SO enjoy visiting.
After setting camp, we explored, enjoyed and relaxed. We were blessed to be with our dear friends, R and E and their three kids. R is quite adventurous, and among other things, knows how to rock climb. He brought his equipment and all the children got to climb up and repel down!
 I have many more pics, Grandma, if you want them. All the children made it up to Daddy, even Troubles! They had a great time.
We also fished in the pond, with a few little fish being caught. We hiked, enjoyed smores and learned that crushing fern and rubbing it on nettle burns makes the stinging stop.
I found a wonderful exoskeleton of a dragonfly nymph that had "made the change" while clinging to a blade of thick grass. I collected it, but it was accidentally crushed before I got a picture. We also got to see a newly emerged dragonfly resting on his discarded exoskeleton. Here is a photo essay on the process. We observed chipmunks, squirrels, birds of various kinds, water skimmers, trout, and lots of insects. We collected pond water and creek water for observation under the microscope.
At home, we found tiny plants and microscopic little worms in the pond water and had a discussion on why you always boil water from natural sources before drinking it! We haven't looked at the creek water yet, so we won't find anything living, I think.
Here is a picture of all of us in front of the Sequoia in our campsite. The 'cave' in the tree that is behind me was big enough for most of the children to fit inside, all at once. Sequoias often have these hollows.
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• Apr. 30, 2008 - Everything's Healthy!
Here's an amazing "fact" on the side of a Coca Cola box that I saw:
"It's true. All beverages hydrate, including soft drinks. So if you are looking for hydration, but want the delicious and refreshing taste you get from Coca-Cola, don't compromise - go for it! You'll be hydrating your body with each and every sip.
We offer over 80 ways to hydrate, energize, nourish relax or enjoy every drop of life."
THE TRUTH IS HERE! |
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• Apr. 23, 2008 - It's Summertime!
• Feb. 7, 2008 - Ain't That The Truth!
• Oct. 10, 2007 - Ant Killer
We have had ants on and off for a few months. I have finally for something easy to mix up that seems to do the job.
Ant Killer
Combine on something the ants can climb easily onto/into; I used a canning jar lid:
1/2 tsp EACH aspartamine (Equal, Nutrasweet, etc it's a potent poison, to humans and insects!), Borax, and honey.
Add a drop or two of water if needed to thin out the mixture. Mix well.
Set into the path of the ants. They will gather, many thousands together, and take it back to their colony for food. It should wipe them all out in a day or two!
I had ants in my cup cupboard three or four weeks ago. I used this and I haven't seen one in the kitchen anywhere since!
They were in my bathroom this morning. They came from under the counter top by the wall and tracked down into the sink. I guess they were thirsty?! Out came my mix! I put it out at about 6:30 AM, and by 9 AM, it was surrounded by thousands of ants drinking their way to death. I took this shot at about 10:30 (photo deleted), when most had already gone back home and poisoned the queen. Many of the ants you see here are stuck in the honey and drowning. I have only about 20 ants roaming the counter, and they will be gone by this afternoon.
Happy killing!
Momma
(6-2008 Update) They did disappear. I haven't had them back yet this year either. Insert Happy Dance Smilie!
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• Oct. 3, 2007 - WFMW: Backward Edition
It's Wednesday, so that's "Works For Me Wednesday" time! This week's edition is a Backward theme. We are to ask a question for Bloggityville to answer.
My question: How often do you change sheets?
Are you a "once a month"er or a "once a week"er? An "every three days" or a "when I can't stand the stink any more"er?
We are every other week-ers. I find I have too much laundry with just clothes to make it every week. I have seven beds to do, for goodness sake!
I have taught my Lambies to make their beds themselves. The eldest children can remove the mattresses and get the pads and sheets on just fine. The younger children are able to strip the beds without ripping pads with little supervision. So my responsibility is only the actual washing. But even with a front loading machine that takes two days washing to get the all the sheets and pads through.
Any tips for me? Any stories to share?
Momma |
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• Sep. 26, 2007 - All purpose cleaner recipe
I have been experimenting with homemade cleaners lately. I like how purchased products clean, but don't want the toxicity. I have been using a lot of vinegar and baking soda...it really sparkles up the sinks! I recently found a recipe for an easy all purpose cleaner that actually cuts grease and works on the stove top. It readily cleans the front of my stainless steel dishwasher and stove, leaving no annoying streak marks. It also works well on mirrors. It's really working for me this week!
All Purpose Cleaner
2 cups rubbing alcohol
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tsp. dishwashing detergent (like Dawn)
1/2 tsp mint extract (or other oil, etc. for scent), optional
Combine in a gallon container. Fill with water. Use in a spray bottle.
Go over to Rocks In My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday!
Momma |
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• Aug. 21, 2007 - Dryer Disaster and Redemption
After a great day visiting with friends yesterday, I threw a load or two of laundry and made dinner. At about 7:30, I made a terrible discovery in my dryer...
Inside a pocket had been lurking two crayons, a red and a blue. Now they were smeared all over the inside of my dryer and all the clothes. This was a load of mixed colorfuls, kacki and light colored pants, white shirts, washrags, dresses, bathtowels...
I brought the children out to the dryer and showed them the mess, reminding them that crayons are not to be carried in pockets. I knew exactly who had done it, for the only pants in the load belonged to just one child. She was very upset at herself!
I got on the computer and found a method for removing the stains:
A wet rag, baking soda and light elbow grease removed the crayon from the dryer, including the plastic seal. Other methods mentioned using toothpaste, the white paste kind and a Mr. Clean Eraser. Baking soda worked fine for us. The guilty party did this part.
I removed the ruined clothes from the garbage can where I had flung them in frustration and re-washed them in this mixture:
Hot Water
regular amount of detergent (the website said to double, but I didn't)
1/2 cup borax
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup spray and wash or shout or something similar
generous squirt of Dawn
I have a front loader and though it was very sudsy, it rinsed fine, and the stains were GONE!
I do not have to replace all the washrags, towels, pants and shirts that I had given up for stained!!!
Blessings,
Momma |
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• Aug. 14, 2007 - This deserves some attention
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