Activated charcoal has a many uses.  Some are for medical purposes.  Hospitals rarely pump one's stomach if they suspect poisoning because they treat the patient with activated charcoal.  Other uses include treating stomach upset and other problems associated with the bowels. I bought activated charcoal in capsule form when I was going through a seven... »

This weekend is Memorial Day.  The weather is beautiful.   Public schools are finishing up the year.  The oil spill is spreading out in the Gulf of Mexico despite attempts to contain it.  My mom is here on vacation.  Why am I listing these seemingly random facts?  Because they were all reasons why my family needed... »

On my right sidebar, I have Psalm 128:2 typed out for all to read.  I really like this verse as it pertains to homesteading.  "You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessing and prosperity will be yours." Gardening is labor-intensive.  It takes time, sweat, and love to grow your own food.  There... »

Upon my return from New York, one of the first things that I noticed is we had developed a fly problem.  I have read that in hot weather flies can multiply in 2-3 weeks.  The weather has certainly warmed up in Texas. Flies are not only a huge nuisance to animals and people alike; they can spread disease.  Flies are attracted... »

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Last week, I spent four days in New York City with my step-mom, two step-sisters, and my sister-in-law to sight-see and spend time with one another.  A girls' weekend without children, husbands, or work.  It was fun and I really enjoyed my visit. On Friday, I am going to post pictures of my trip for... »

Wild onions are not only pretty flowers in the pasture, but they are also tasty treats from the wild.  We have them growing here and there all over the countryside. Some people fear eating anything from the wild.  They carefully avoid wild plants and fruits in order to be... »

Poison ivy grows well in Texas.  It grows well in almost every part of the United States except for the desert.  It invites you to touch it with it beautiful green leaves that turn a beautiful red color in autumn.  It climbs up tree trunks and thrives.  The stem of well-established... »

Walking is such great exercise.  It is also kind to your body.  Walking is easy on your joints, and it helps you lose weight.  After the birth of my third child, I lost all of my pregnancy weight and more walking one hour a day on the treadmill. Walking on a treadmill has its advantages.  You can pace yourself with ease. ... »

We are having a bumper crop of dewberries this year.  It seems to skip every other year.  Last year was a horrible year to pick.  We barely got enough to freeze a few quarts.  On the other hand, this year is amazing.  There are berries everywhere you look.  We could not possibly... »

I am very proud of Jake and Kyla.  They both love photography and take many of the photographs that appear on this site.  Each one of them had photographs that qualified for the District 9 4-H contest. Kyla entered three.  She won two first place certificates.  One was for Architectural Element class called Mission Arches and the other was Isaac for... »

If you have purple lips and purple thumbs as well as scratches on your hands and ankles, then what have you been doing all morning?  Can you guess?  That's right, picking berries. The dewberries are ripe!  They taste good fresh.  They freeze well.  Dewberry jam is absolutely delicious.  It brings the taste... »

Where has the year gone?  I cannot believe that it is already May.  I also cannot believe that my oldest son, Clayton, turned 14 years old this past weekend.  Time passes so quickly. Sunday is Mother's Day.  You have less than a week to plan something to do for your mother.  So as a mom, let me tell you what mothers... »