Today I had to have "Grandpa" our adopted elderly hamster euthanized. She was quite old, but she had a good three weeks here in our home.
She was as active as a three year old hamster could be and liked her carrots, but in the last week she began to fail.
We have an obligation to our animals to put their needs ahead of our emotions. It is hard to put an animal down, but it is the human and humane thing to do.
I like to think that Grandpa is in heaven with a full coat of fur, no itchy patches and all of the energy she needs to dig, run and play.
God bless,
Pam
Friday, March 11, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
My Favorite Mennonite Magazine
Yesterday when dear husband brought in the mail I was instantly cheered when I saw that I had received the Spring edition of "Keepers At Home" magazine. I can't describe how fulfilling this magazine is to read.
Keepers At Home is produced by two Mennonite families with articles by family members and friends. It is up beat, spiritual and empowering. It is also visually lovely.
When I receive "Keepers..." I like to wait for a quiet time when I can curl up in a warm, comfy spot (like a cat) and immerse myself in it.
Keepers At Home is a quarterly magazine which costs $14 a year or $26 for two years, in the U.S. In Canada and other countries the cost is $21 for one year and $40 for two years (U.S. funds). Their address is 2673 Township Road 421, Sugarcreek, OH 44681.
God bless,
Pam
Keepers At Home is produced by two Mennonite families with articles by family members and friends. It is up beat, spiritual and empowering. It is also visually lovely.
When I receive "Keepers..." I like to wait for a quiet time when I can curl up in a warm, comfy spot (like a cat) and immerse myself in it.
Keepers At Home is a quarterly magazine which costs $14 a year or $26 for two years, in the U.S. In Canada and other countries the cost is $21 for one year and $40 for two years (U.S. funds). Their address is 2673 Township Road 421, Sugarcreek, OH 44681.
God bless,
Pam
Monday, March 7, 2011
Frugal Medicine: Iatrogenic Disease
This is going to be a controversial post and it reflects my experiences/beliefs about medical treatment. Specifically, medical treatment in the United States.
We have a strange revolving door syndrome going when it comes to our medical treatment. Doctors are paying exorbitant malpractice insurance fees - which go up if a doctor is sued - causing doctors to be over cautious about patient treatment - which causes doctors to over treat, prescribe and test patients - which leads to iatrogenic disease/illness - which leads to malpractice suites - which leads to higher malpractice insurance costs.
Iatrogenic disease is any disease or medical condition caused by medical treatment. Heart disease and cancer are the top two causes of death in the United States; the third is iatrogenic disease. A quarter of a million people in the U.S. die each year due to iatrogenic disease. Approximately 12,000 of these deaths are caused by surgical interventions.
How does this affect frugal homemakers? We are paying for unnecessary treatments and tests. Paying, not only with our money, but with our health. It is imperative that we question our doctors on the necessity of each treatment/test, then go home to research it ourselves, before WE make the decision to proceed.
I know a few people that never go to the doctor or receive treatment. I am not suggesting this. I am suggesting that we need to take control over and lead our healthcare. Trust me, this doesn't always make you the most popular patient, but it may save your life.
Let me give you a personal story. I decided several years ago not to receive invasive tests if I am asymptomatic. I do get blood work (barely invasive), mammograms, EKGs, PAP smears and needed x-rays. My doctor has been after me to get a colonoscopy and I have declined. I have no symptoms, there have been recent problems with patients receiving serious, chronic diseases because of improper cleaning of equipment (this is nationwide, research it), and there is a risk for silent bowel perforation. Now the risk of perforation is only 1%, but I don't want to be one of that 1%.
When I discussed this with my doctor he asked me if I was depressed! Apparently, refusing a doctor recommended test must be related to a patient's emotional condition, not a patient's research and thoughtful consideration. This is not a decision caused by fear and it may be a decision that I someday regret, but it is MY decision.
Each year medical costs and medical insurance costs rise. We are not only paying for testing and treatment, but our insurance companies are charging us for the possibility of future testing and treatment. Another revolving door.
See, I warned you this would be controversial. I am open to debate. I just want people to see how our current medical systems are affecting us. I am not trying to sway your medical decisions, I just want YOU to make those decisions.
As an Amish minister said in Family Life magazine, "Why are God's people spending so much time and money to avoid seeing him?".
God bless,
Pam
We have a strange revolving door syndrome going when it comes to our medical treatment. Doctors are paying exorbitant malpractice insurance fees - which go up if a doctor is sued - causing doctors to be over cautious about patient treatment - which causes doctors to over treat, prescribe and test patients - which leads to iatrogenic disease/illness - which leads to malpractice suites - which leads to higher malpractice insurance costs.
Iatrogenic disease is any disease or medical condition caused by medical treatment. Heart disease and cancer are the top two causes of death in the United States; the third is iatrogenic disease. A quarter of a million people in the U.S. die each year due to iatrogenic disease. Approximately 12,000 of these deaths are caused by surgical interventions.
 |
| Fuzzy, But You Get The Picture |
I know a few people that never go to the doctor or receive treatment. I am not suggesting this. I am suggesting that we need to take control over and lead our healthcare. Trust me, this doesn't always make you the most popular patient, but it may save your life.
Let me give you a personal story. I decided several years ago not to receive invasive tests if I am asymptomatic. I do get blood work (barely invasive), mammograms, EKGs, PAP smears and needed x-rays. My doctor has been after me to get a colonoscopy and I have declined. I have no symptoms, there have been recent problems with patients receiving serious, chronic diseases because of improper cleaning of equipment (this is nationwide, research it), and there is a risk for silent bowel perforation. Now the risk of perforation is only 1%, but I don't want to be one of that 1%.
When I discussed this with my doctor he asked me if I was depressed! Apparently, refusing a doctor recommended test must be related to a patient's emotional condition, not a patient's research and thoughtful consideration. This is not a decision caused by fear and it may be a decision that I someday regret, but it is MY decision.
Each year medical costs and medical insurance costs rise. We are not only paying for testing and treatment, but our insurance companies are charging us for the possibility of future testing and treatment. Another revolving door.
See, I warned you this would be controversial. I am open to debate. I just want people to see how our current medical systems are affecting us. I am not trying to sway your medical decisions, I just want YOU to make those decisions.
As an Amish minister said in Family Life magazine, "Why are God's people spending so much time and money to avoid seeing him?".
God bless,
Pam
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Frugal Garden: Transplanting Tomato Plants
Yesterday I decided to add a couple of grape tomato plants to the door yard garden. Commercially grown tomato plants are a good option if you are growing a limited number of tomatoes or it is too late in the season to start the plants from seed.
Be sure that you choose disease and insect free plants with no fruit. If a tomato plant is already putting energy into forming fruit it will not do well forming roots when it is transplanted. Buy good quality; larger is not better.
Add an organic soil amendment to the area where the tomatoes will grow. Now look at the plants. Remove all stems and leaves on the stem except for three or four sturdy stems at the top of the plants. Plant the tomato plants deeply with only those top stems above the soil surface.
The reason for this is that every bit of stem that is underground will sprout roots to help your developing tomato plant. You will get a nicely developed, extensive root system on the plant.
Soon your plants will recover their height and reward you with a plentiful harvest.
God bless,
Pam
Be sure that you choose disease and insect free plants with no fruit. If a tomato plant is already putting energy into forming fruit it will not do well forming roots when it is transplanted. Buy good quality; larger is not better.
Add an organic soil amendment to the area where the tomatoes will grow. Now look at the plants. Remove all stems and leaves on the stem except for three or four sturdy stems at the top of the plants. Plant the tomato plants deeply with only those top stems above the soil surface.
The reason for this is that every bit of stem that is underground will sprout roots to help your developing tomato plant. You will get a nicely developed, extensive root system on the plant.
 |
| Not Planted Deeply Enough |
 |
| Just Right! |
God bless,
Pam
Friday, March 4, 2011
The Frugal Garden: Micro Irrigation Troubleshooting
Earlier this week dear husband informed me that a connector had failed on the front micro irrigation system. I fixed the connection, BUT I missed a critical step. I should have removed the end clip from the poly tube and flushed the system to remove any dirt that entered the system.
So, we turn on the system the next day, it runs for two minutes, then every sprinkler head died. I mean every single one. I knew I had messed up and today I had to pay penance.
But I do get to share with you how to make this type of repair. Plan on getting very wet! I mean very, very wet. Wear old clothes and put all electronics in a safe, dry place.
First of all flush the entire system to get any dirt and hard water deposits out of there. Next you need to take apart the connection that attaches the riser to the main poly tubing. It should unscrew.
Most people don't realize that inside these connectors is a small filter. This is the first place debris will accumulate. Remove the filter with a unbent paper clip and use the paper clip to make sure the hole in the center of the filter is not clogged.
Turn on the water to purge the end of the connector still attached to the poly tubing. Stand back, it's going to shoot aways. Reassemble the connector and it's time for the next step.
Turn on the water. Is the sprinkler working now? If not, the spray head itself may be clogged. Unscrew the spray head from the riser. Use your paper clip to be sure that the spray head is not clogged.
After being sure that the spray head is not clogged, reassemble it and screw it back onto the riser. It should be working at this point. If not, you may need to replace the spray head. If that doesn't work you will need to try a new riser and spray head, but this is a rare occurrence.
Now your system is up and running. Since you're so dirty and wet you might as well pull some weeds and dream of future plantings.
God bless,
Pam
So, we turn on the system the next day, it runs for two minutes, then every sprinkler head died. I mean every single one. I knew I had messed up and today I had to pay penance.
But I do get to share with you how to make this type of repair. Plan on getting very wet! I mean very, very wet. Wear old clothes and put all electronics in a safe, dry place.
First of all flush the entire system to get any dirt and hard water deposits out of there. Next you need to take apart the connection that attaches the riser to the main poly tubing. It should unscrew.
 |
| Two Piece Connector From Riser |
Most people don't realize that inside these connectors is a small filter. This is the first place debris will accumulate. Remove the filter with a unbent paper clip and use the paper clip to make sure the hole in the center of the filter is not clogged.
 |
| Filter In Connector |
 |
| Filter Removed |
Turn on the water to purge the end of the connector still attached to the poly tubing. Stand back, it's going to shoot aways. Reassemble the connector and it's time for the next step.
Turn on the water. Is the sprinkler working now? If not, the spray head itself may be clogged. Unscrew the spray head from the riser. Use your paper clip to be sure that the spray head is not clogged.
 |
| Spray Head Removed From Riser |
 |
| Spray Head Disassembled |
 |
| Success! |
God bless,
Pam
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Summer Salad Recipe
This is a cucumber salad that my family traditionally served during the summer; hence it's name. I like to serve it with hot, spicy foods to provide a cooling element.
Summer Salad
2 cucumbers or 1 English cucumber
1 small onion
1 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. white sugar
3 Tbsp. white vinegar
pepper to taste
Thinly slice the cucumbers and onion. Separate the onion into rings.
Add the salt, sugar, vinegar and pepper. I use red pepper flakes when serving Asian food and black pepper for American food. Mix thoroughly, cover, then allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. It is best if made a day before serving. Stir it several times while it is marinating.
This is one of dear daughters favorite foods. It is inexpensive and easy to make. Frugal with time and money!
God bless,
Pam
 |
| Finely Slice Cucumbers |
2 cucumbers or 1 English cucumber
1 small onion
1 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. white sugar
3 Tbsp. white vinegar
pepper to taste
Thinly slice the cucumbers and onion. Separate the onion into rings.
 |
| Then The Onion |
 |
| Ready To Marinate |
God bless,
Pam
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Micro Irrigation Installation
Now that you have your equipment and plan in place, it is time to install your micro irrigation system. An hour before you plan on starting lay the roll of 3/4 inch poly tubing out in the sun. It will be much easier to work with if it has softened.
You can attach the system directly to the faucet or you can attach it to your hose when the system is needed. If you want to use a timer attach it to the faucet, then attach the backflow preventer and the pressure regulator.
The pressure regulator has a compression fitting on the end. Use that fitting to connect the 3/4" poly tubing. Lay the poly tubing in the garden in proximity to the planting areas. There is an array of T and cross shaped connecters that can be used. These also use the pressure fittings.
When I installed my first system the poly tubing came in black and the vinyl tubing was green. Now you can buy these in many colors to match your garden environment. The same is true of the risers.
Now decide where you need to attach the 1/4 inch vinyl tubing to the poly tubing. Use the hole punch to push a hole into the vinyl tubing. Attach the risers, bubblers or drip heads to the poly tubing by pressing their connector into the hole you made.
If you punch a hole by mistake just use a goof plug to repair it. You can also reconfigure your layout in the future by plugging unneeded holes with the goof plugs (love the name).
If you are using a riser you can attach many types of spray heads: full circle, 1/2 circle, 1/4 circle. There seems to be more types available each time I go to the store.
When done crimp the end of the poly tubing. There is a simple plastic piece for doing this.
Turn the water on low to test the system. Even with the pressure regulator it is possible to blow parts of the system off by turning the water on full blast.
You will need to run the system for 45 minutes every other day. In Florida's intense heat when there is no rain, I need to run my systems every day.
Once or twice a years flush the system by removing the crimper on the end of the 3/4" poly tubing and letting water to run through. This will remove any hard water build ups or dirt that has gotten into the system.
I have found that my micro irrigation systems have saved me money on my water bill during the growing season, plus it has reduced my problems with fungus by reducing the amount of water hitting the leaves.
Good luck with setting up your own micro irrigation system. You'll find that your garden maintenance is much easier and enjoyable.
God bless,
Pam
You can attach the system directly to the faucet or you can attach it to your hose when the system is needed. If you want to use a timer attach it to the faucet, then attach the backflow preventer and the pressure regulator.
Irrigation In The Garden
The pressure regulator has a compression fitting on the end. Use that fitting to connect the 3/4" poly tubing. Lay the poly tubing in the garden in proximity to the planting areas. There is an array of T and cross shaped connecters that can be used. These also use the pressure fittings.
When I installed my first system the poly tubing came in black and the vinyl tubing was green. Now you can buy these in many colors to match your garden environment. The same is true of the risers.
Riser With Sprinkler Head
Now decide where you need to attach the 1/4 inch vinyl tubing to the poly tubing. Use the hole punch to push a hole into the vinyl tubing. Attach the risers, bubblers or drip heads to the poly tubing by pressing their connector into the hole you made.
If you punch a hole by mistake just use a goof plug to repair it. You can also reconfigure your layout in the future by plugging unneeded holes with the goof plugs (love the name).
If you are using a riser you can attach many types of spray heads: full circle, 1/2 circle, 1/4 circle. There seems to be more types available each time I go to the store.
An Array Of Sprinkler Heads
When done crimp the end of the poly tubing. There is a simple plastic piece for doing this.
Turn the water on low to test the system. Even with the pressure regulator it is possible to blow parts of the system off by turning the water on full blast.
You will need to run the system for 45 minutes every other day. In Florida's intense heat when there is no rain, I need to run my systems every day.
Once or twice a years flush the system by removing the crimper on the end of the 3/4" poly tubing and letting water to run through. This will remove any hard water build ups or dirt that has gotten into the system.
I have found that my micro irrigation systems have saved me money on my water bill during the growing season, plus it has reduced my problems with fungus by reducing the amount of water hitting the leaves.
Good luck with setting up your own micro irrigation system. You'll find that your garden maintenance is much easier and enjoyable.
God bless,
Pam
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