Mind of a Muse-ment

Conserve and Save IV

chivonmpj — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:24:59 +0000

Spending $500 to seal leaky or poorly insulated ducts that run through crawl spaces, attics, or other unconditioned areas can save you about $400 per year, according to the Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor, an online calculator available at www.rehabadvisor.pathnet.org. Remediation is dirty work that requires the right materials. Leave it to a qualified heating and cooling pro.

Conserve and Save III

chivonmpj — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:21:05 +0000

If your attic has less than 11 inches of fiberglass or rock wool or 8 inches of cellulose, you would probably benefit by adding more. Also check for missing insulation, over the attic hatch, for example. Compressed insulation loses its effectiveness, so don’t store things on top of it. You may also need to add insulation in the basement or crawl space. Go to www.energysavers.gov and search for “ZIP code insulation program” to find specific recommendations for your area.

Conserve and Save II

chivonmpj — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:19:31 +0000

Use a combination of caulk, foam board, expandable sealant, and weather stripping to fill gaps. Attics in particular are often full of holes from recessed lights, electrical wiring, chimney chases, and more. Look for dirty insulation, which is a sign of air leaks. In the basement, check for gaps around ductwork and plumbing pipes. And don’t forget about window and door frames, as well as electrical outlets and switches. Cracked caulking and staining around those openings are indications of air leaks. One trick of the trade: Turn on all of the exhaust fans in the home and then use an incense stick or smoke pen to spot leaks.

The Sound of Memories

chivonmpj — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:35:22 +0000

I imagine the memories… the sound of the kettle whistling,the spoons in the tea cups would clink clank, and you calling gramma, “Jooyyce!” from the next room and she answering back, ” Yeeesss! Tommy!…Yesss!”. I watch as you peel an orange in such a way that the skin twirls toward the floor and returns to its natural shape. Half was always mine. The fan, swirling the scent of mint tea, thyme from the stew, sawdust from your shirt, and orange peels,cooled the kitchen. You and gramma would stand in the kitchen laughing, singing, telling stories, sometimes just talking and I would listen…just listen. The clink clank of my spoon and teacup echoes as I drink the last cooled sip and ask for more. I swallow my tears with a smile . I miss you dearly grampa. Love Always Happy 1st Great Grand Father’s Day

The Oil Treatment

chivonmpj — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:45:33 +0000

Evening treatment before bed

* Oily Skin: Try a blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Sunflower Seed Oil.

* Balanced Skin: Try a blend of 20% Castor Oil to 80% Sunflower Seed Oil.

* Dry Skin: Try a blend of 10% Castor Oil to 90% Sunflower Seed Oil.

* Steamy (not scalding!) water and rag

Breastfeeding And Beyond

chivonmpj — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:50:42 +0000

For both mother and child to receive the variety of proven health benefits, the World Health “Organization (WHO) recommends mothers breastfeed their children up to 2 years of age and beyond. Due to social stigmas, breastfeeding older children (past one year of age) is often considered taboo and therefore done behind closed doors.

It is important to understanding the health and emotional benefits for both mom and child when breastfeeding is continued beyond the first year. This is the first step in breaking down the barriers that prevent mom from continuing to breastfeed. If you and your infant are enjoying the breastfeeding experience, then by all means continue!”

My thoughts: I am enjoying the experience, I prefer my little to self wean, formula is not for me, I am on a budget and mommy’s milk is a whole cheaper.

Smell The Onion and Garlic Victory

chivonmpj — Sat, 30 May 2009 10:35:03 +0000

When it comes to flavor, there two ingredients that are must haves, onions and garlic. I put them in marinades, soups, dips, omelets, butters, etc. Yesterday I found a 5 pound bag of garlic cloves for just under 4 dollars and a 10 pound sack of onions just under 5 dollars.

The garlic cloves can easily be stored in the freezer but what about the onions? If I leave those hanging around they would surely smell up the kitchen and living room, then again, I might get through half of the bag to find that some went bad before I could cook them.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Well since I now own a deep freezer (early Mother’s Day gift) I now have a solution. As soon as I got home I dropped the garlic and sack of onions in the freezer. I had a little extra time before dinner so I took out the frozen onions. They sat for ten minutes. I peeled and chopped ten pounds of onions in ten minutes. I divided it into individual bags and threw them back into the freezer. I have finally conquered onions and victory has never smelled so sweet. The best part? I didn’t cry once.

Enhance The Dish

chivonmpj — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:41:07 +0000

When it comes to flavor and nutrition, pureed cauliflower, zucchini, and squash makes for a great addition to your mac and cheese sauce.

A Prayer For The Tyson Family

chivonmpj — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:14:00 +0000

Tell all those that you love that you love them ,we are here on borrowed time.

The thought of losing a child is unfathomable. Praying for the strength and comfort for the Tyson family.

Finding Forgiveness IV

chivonmpj — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:01:00 +0000

These situations are difficult. If the hurt involves a family member, it may not always be possible to avoid him or her entirely. You may be invited to the same family holiday gatherings, for instance. If you’ve reached a state of forgiveness, you may be able to enjoy these gatherings without bringing up the old hurts. If you haven’t reached forgiveness, these gatherings may be tense and stressful for everyone, particularly if other family members have chosen sides in the conflict.

So how do you handle this? First, remember that you do have a choice whether to attend or not attend family get-togethers. Respect yourself and do what seems best. If you choose to go, don’t be surprised by a certain amount of awkwardness and perhaps even more intense feelings. It’s important to keep an eye on those feelings. You don’t want them to lead you to be unjust or unkind in return for what was done to you.

Also, avoid drinking too much alcohol as a way to try to numb your feelings or feel better — it’ll likely backfire. And keep an open heart and mind. People do change, and perhaps the offender will want to apologize or make amends. You also may find that the gathering helps you to move forward with forgiveness.

Hmmm… I imagine an iceberg( the problem, pain, all the hurt)

as I heal and forgive it melts away a little more. I takes time, sometimes it takes ALOT of time.