Who hasn’t thought, “There goes another one of those massive pest-trucks, clogging up my highway”? I’m guilty. I won’t think it again, thanks to this video.
[Allow time for the video to load, then right-click and choose “unmute” to get sound.]https://www.facebook.com/WellRoundedLifebyattn/videos/1950984405206511/
I think Saint/Mother Teresa was one of the wisest women ever to live. In today’s Thursday Thought, she looks into our homes.
Keep the flu out of your home. Not worried? You should be. The CDC says that all states except Hawaii are suffering widespread flu, and the season will continue for at least a couple more months.
This morning, Morning Express on HLN (Headline News) had an expert who offered specific measures we can take BEFORE the flu invades our homes and families. They’re worth repeating here. (Parentheses are my additions.)
My main chore today is to flu-proof my home. Please do the same, dear readers.
Be well.
If you’ve been a reader of this blog for awhile, you know that I believe in the power of the human family when we join together to make this world a better place for all of us. So I’m calling on your help now.
My state (CA) is burning up. We have so many individual wildfires that they’re combining to make larger, more deadly, destructive ones. And hot weather with blustery winds. And a drought, with little or no rain.
People are losing everything they have. They’re learning that they must find someplace else to live until they can rebuild their homes–and that insurance may cover only 10% of the cost. Pets and livestock are lost or consumed by flames. Human lives are lost, both residents and fire-fighters.
What I ask of you is to send the human spirit of compassion and unity into the universe, asking for en end to the fires, adequate quenching and rejuvenating rain, and safety for all involved. If you believe in prayer, do that. Otherwise, send out good vibes, happy thoughts, and poisitive feelings. Expect results.
This isn’t magic, just family ties.
This is the last day to make our New Year’s resolutions. May as well forget the traditional weight-loss one, since we fail before February anyway. We could resolve to quit smoking or swearing, be more organized or thrifty…. Then, again, we could step out from our own little world into the larger one. We can make this the year to help protect and nurture a child. Yes, we can send money to support a child on another continent, but why not make it more personal? One way is to volunteer at a local hospital as a person who cuddles at-risk infants, giving them the warm contact that will save their lives. Another is to become a Foster Grandparent, Big Brother/Sister, or Child Advocate. Also, we must do something when we see that timid first-grader being bullied by other kids. Closer to home, we can spend more time with our own children or grandchildren, playing games, taking walks, and providing times for talk to happen. Focusing on children is a resolution that makes a brighter year for everybody.
Happy New Year. May 2015 be a year of peace in the world and in your lives!
DON’T THROW AWAY THAT DOOR, FIXTURES, APPLIANCES, OR OTHER ITEMS FROM WHEN YOU REMODELED. Donate them to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. That’s a nonprofit home-improvement store that accepts new or gently used building materials, appliances, furniture, and home accessories and sells them to the public at fantastic prices.
Money from sales goes to help build homes for families, who earn those homes by putting in mandatory “sweat equity” in building the structures.
Recently we remodeled our kitchen, including new lighting. I took in the old lights, expecting them to be rejected because, although in good shape, they’re old fashioned round globe/brass and wood frames. They were happily accepted by the Habitat worker. You can bet I’ll be back with other items and, when I have more time, to shop around.
Most states have a ReStore. Find one in your area by going to www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx?place=us and searching your state. Then use the place to donate and shop. (By the way, some ReStores will pick up your items at your house. Call to find out.)
Time for Summer house and garden clean-up projects. Do something different. Instead of spending a bundle on weed-killers and preventatives or cleaning products, make your own. Search the Web for “non-toxic weed (or insect) control” and “homemade cleaners.” Or send me an email at [email protected] and I’ll email you back a whole bunch of alternatives and recipes to do those jobs more cheaply and with far more earth-friendly substances.
[For more easy, money-saving, Eco-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/ view/7000, choose a format, and download to your computer or e-book device. Or download a free copy from your favorite e-tailer.]