Part II

Raising chickens makes a lot of sense now that the world is in recessionary times. People also have legitimate fears about the source of their food and what has gone into that food to produce it. Chickens do have a group mentality so having at least two or three chickens is much better than having just one. Four chickens will provide you and your family, and probably a few friends with plenty of eggs and would only require a relatively small space in your backyard. You will need to allow at least two square feet per chicken and they will also need a secure run allowing at least three square feet per chicken.

Raising chickens is becoming a very popular pastime around the world for the householder. There are increasing numbers of people who are raising chickens for their eggs in a bid to become more self sufficient. Some people may think that raising chickens is difficult but nothing could be further from the truth! A little research and planning is required, but once you have them set up in your back yard you will find them very easy to care for. There are many benefits to raising chickens. They make great pets, they provide natural pest control, they can give you roughly an egg each and every day, and they provide endless hours of enjoyment as you watch them cluck and peck around their yard.

Mangroes

Mango benefits are astonishingly diverse, and the sheer number of different ways that mangoes can improve your health and vitality are quite impressive. When it comes to selecting a powerhouse fruit that will boost your health there are many choices, but eating mangoes will stand out even when compared to the most nutritious of fruits. So, let's take a look at why mangoes are such a smart choice for your diet. Surprisingly high in key vitamins and minerals such as B1,2,5,and 6. Also it aids in digestion. It also can boost your immune system. So should Mangoes be incorporated into you diet? In short, the answer is yes! 

We celebrated Brad's birthday this weekend. Traditionally, the 40th birthday is when you've made it "over the hill" and it is often celebrated by using black decorations. Of course we didn't follow that tradition. We celebrated with a cookout. Brad isn't much on cake, so I mixed some strawberries, cool whip and cream cheese and froze it. It was quite tasty. Landen and Brad went to a Reds game Friday night. The Reds won which always makes it more fun. Did some antiquing while we were up there. Had a great time in Cincinnati.

Food And Drinks That Help Soothe Stomach Pains

Stomach aches are never a welcome occurrence. They often come on suddenly, due to a number of factors, such as GMO, and contaminated foods, daily stressors, and busy lifestyles which don't allow adequate time for healthy food preparation. Whatever the cause, the worst stomach aches can put you out of commission quickly, leaving you doubled over in agony. Luckily, there are foods and drinks provided by mother nature that can help soothe even the worst stomach aches, quickly, and get you back on track. Make some fresh ginger tea, cut and squeeze some fresh lemon and put it in water. Eat some yogurt. How about a bowl of applesauce. Apple cider in a glass of water is good and soothes stomach upsets. Just 2 teaspoons.

Whenever I get on my mat, at home or while I am waiting for a class to start, I like to do pelvic tilts. I haven't even realized that my back was hurting until I begin to work out with these subtle spinal movements. It usually just takes a few minutes of these to alleviate minor back pain and stiffness.
Lie on your back with the knees bent and the soles of the feet on the floor. This is your neutral position, with the natural curve of the lumbar spine causing the low back to be slightly elevated from the floor. On an exhale, gently rock your hips towards your face. Your butt will not actually leave the floor, but you will feel your low back press into the floor. You are essentially taking the curve out of the low back. Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times. 

Meditation Reduces Stress, Anger and Morbidity

Perhaps the biggest impediment regarding the acceptance of alternative medicine in the US is the fact that Americans have been conditioned to believe that only traditional methods of healthcare are effective and acceptable. But the truth is, there are a number of non-customary treatment modalities for certain health conditions that either proved worthy centuries ago or are beginning to gain renewed recognition in medical circles in response to an outpouring of interest from an increasing number of people who see traditional medicine as the problem rather than the solution. For example; I practice yoga and Pilates 3 times a week. I notice that both these classes help to make me stronger and I am breathing correctly which helps the body and calms the mind.. Inhale counting to 4. Exhale counting to 4.Of course diet, plays a big part in feeling good.

It's Saturday and of course it is raining. What else is new? Well, in between the showers I have been spray painting my basket that the kids gave me for Mother's Day. I love the yellow. With the orange Zinnias' it is just going to pop. I decided to look in the hives. That is how I got my hand stung 3 times. I will never learn. I just got so excited I forgot to put my heavy gloves on. Hive one has about half the frames full of honey. I will give it another few weeks. Hive 2 not so much. David in the meantime, decided to put up our new light I bought for the hall. I love it! Here comes the rain again. Stay dry!

What Jolie should really be recommending: Nutrition!

Angelina Jolie claims she wants to help women know they have options, but the only options she supports is the usual cut, poison, burn options of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Nowhere does she recommend nutritional wellness and prevention of cancer. And in that, she is doing a great disservice to women everywhere.
Personally, I don't care what medically ignorant celebrities do with their own bodies except for the fact that so many women look up to them. Celebrities carry great power, and when they engage in acts of medically self mutilation, they set an example that many other women will foolishly follow.
The real message women need to be hearing now is that you can prevent degenerative disease through commonsense, scientifically backed dietary choices and lifestyle choices. It is always your choice to prevent cancer, you see. Cancer is never a matter of luck. It is a mater of cause and effect.

One Third Of Honey Bee Colonies in US Died Last Winter

Since 2006 total bee colony losses have hovered around 30 percent. Now that the death toll has jumped once again beyond the 30 percent, many are worried that this year after year compounded increase will very soon make it impossible for grow enough food. Were getting closer and closer to the point where we don't have enough bees in this country to meet pollination demands. Remember one in every three bites is directly or indirectly pollinated by bees.

What is causing bees to die? Poison chemicals used in conventional agriculture

Dividing Perennials


Are the perennials in your landscape in decline? Are they blooming less than they used to even though you fertilize and water them regularly? Is the foliage stunted and do the plants lack vigor? It may be that your plants have become too crowded and are in need of dividing. Most perennials need to be divided every 3 to 5 years, some even more often. Keeping plants growing vigorously by dividing them is one way to prevent problems with insects and disease. Vigorously growing plants are often able to tolerate or resist attack by pests. Digging and dividing perennials regularly would be a cultural practice. Fall and spring are the times for dividing most perennials. You will likely have extra plants so share or exchange some with neighbors or friends.. 

Bowling Green Junior High Concert

We were entertained Thursday night by our grandson playing the French Horn. He is quite good I should say. I think by May  teachers are too tired to teach after all this testing going on. Homework is pretty much nil and every ones just generally happy and looking forward to summer.

Spring Cleanse

As the ice continues to melt, the flowers start to bloom, and winter fully eclipses into spring, perhaps it is time to get your life into alignment with the changing seasons by doing a little spring cleaning of your own, both physically and emotionally. Start your mornings off right with living foods. Living foods such as organic fruits, vegetables and freshly squeezed juices help to detoxify the body and improve the pathways through which energy and life are imparted.
Detoxify your thoughts. Write out all the thoughts in your head. That could be dangerous. I work on this while running on the treadmill.  When you run into a specific problem or roadblock in life, and go back and edit it later in the day or week. By revising your own thought processes in this way, you can gradually cut out the things in your life that are holding you back or tearing you down. Clean out your pantry. Spend more time outdoors. Spending more time outside is beneficial for both body and mind.  

Yoga As Community

Friendship and bonding can come in many forms, happen in many places, and be life changing in powerful ways. Your passions for certain activities can serve as connections to like minded people and make for wonderful experiences and long lasting memories.
Practicing yoga with a good, supportive and positive group can be the most gratifying experience of your week. Really! A good yoga class with a joyful teacher who is compassionate, supportive can be the one place you can go to have a safe non judgmental experience for yourself while still feeling that you are contributing to the well being of others around you. But nothing else does it quite like yoga. This really has to be experienced to be fully understood. And it should be experienced many times over and with various types of practice. Nothing else on this wonderful planet earth is so all inclusive as a good yoga practice, as it touches every part of your life including your waking hours, your sleep and rest, mentally, and physically. We are blessed in the Southern Kentucky area and have access to so many quality yoga studios. Do I have you convinced? 

America's First Chicken

The Dominique chicken is recognized as America's first chicken breed and there is hardly a rural family in the eastern US that doesn't recall these birds on their grandparents farm. The exact origin of the breed is unknown, but they most likely were created from European chicken breeds and later some Asian varieties. The Dominique was plentifully bred as early as the 1820s, when they were a popular dual-purpose fowl. Interest in poultry breeding dramatically increased during the great Hen Fever period of the mid-1800s when chicken breeding was all the rage in Europe and then America. If  you are looking for a great homestead bird, the Dominique could be considered a Cadillac among chickens. They are excellent foragers and easy keepers. Although they are considered a dual purpose breed, these birds are first and foremost egg layers. They also earn their keep by foraging and raising a couple of clutches of chicks annually.  I love them!

Happy Mother's Day To All Moms!

When I think about my mom I would have described her as complex. Mom raised my brother and I with an iron fist. She was always honest with me and very willing to point out where I had gone wrong. Mom and Dad both taught me hard work is the best path to success. I had a wonderful childhood and appreciate all my fond memories of my family. Most all are gone now, but not forgotten.
If I had a dream come true, it would be to have the beauty of the flowers and plants cover the sides of the paths of my life, and bees shining out of every corner of the world.

Today I decided to repaint the chicken house. I didn't like the color and this color will match the barn. I want to paint something on it. Maybe some chickens and roosters or a fake window with panes and setting hens. How about some pretty sunflowers. Very tall sunflowers. I will let you know when I decide.

With summer finally here and temperatures climbing, it is important to remember that chickens and roosters may need some special attention during warm weather. With body temperatures running higher than humans, hens tend to feel the warm weather temperature increases before we do. A mature chicken starts to panting when temperatures reach 85F. Water is essential to the health and survival of hens, particularly in the warm weather. Remember that, as a general rule, hens drink twice as much water as the feed they consume. Chicken coops and hen houses need to have good ventilation and lots of predator proof windows that can be opened for air circulation. Always ensure your coop is kept clean. The birds combs and waddles are very susceptible to sunburn so they need a place of shade during the warm weather.  Happy Tuesday!