I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.
~ John Burroughs
continued from previous post......
So we now know that being a gardener is therapeutic. It gets you out in the fresh air, clears your head, gives you some physical exercise, helps you to socialize, provides beauty to you and your neighborhood and gives the birds and wildlife food and shelter. But what about people who can't get out and garden or who have no place to garden? Well, they should visit a garden of course! The garden shares it benefits not only with those who plant and tend her, but with everyone who comes in contact with her.
I am constantly amazed at the amount of people who see me out and about and stop me to tell me how much they enjoy my garden. At first I thought that odd, but then it dawned on me that I am gardening not only for myself, but for everyone else as well. My garden touches everyone who looks at it. It is my hope that my garden will bring joy to everyone who sees it. Personally I can't think of anywhere I would rather go than a garden.
So the moral of this story is that if you are feeling poorly or stressed out, get outside and into a garden. Talk a walk in the woods and let nature work it's magic on you. Consider taking up gardening. If you live off the hill, do you really need all that grass? Dig it up and start a wonderful, therapeutic garden for yourself. With so many plant options, there is a style of garden for every person and every climate. So give it a try and see if it doesn't put your senses in order!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Therapeutic Gardening
I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.
~ John Burroughs
This is one of the truest statements I have ever read. And considering where we live, this does not come as a surprise. There is something extremely therapeutic about being here in the forest. I also think it is why so many people come up from below to visit. To be soothed and healed and have their senses put in order. Living off the hill will definitely mess up your senses. At least it did mine!
After doing a little research, I found out that gardening can actually be classified as therapeutic. Of course, those of us who garden, already know this. It is probably what draws people out into the garden. A need to get back to basics, to nature, to put their hands into the dirt and to grow something.
Gardens have been around since Adam and Eve. God chose to put the first man and woman in a garden, so perhaps that should be our first clue as to how wonderful gardens are for us. I think gardens and outdoor spaces are essential to the well being of us humans. Gardening is therapeutic not only for the person doing it, but for everyone who comes in contact with the garden. A garden touches everyone.
My garden at home is in it's very early stages. When we bought our house, there was nothing there but a few pine trees. My new plants are small and sparse. The trees still look like bushes and at times I wonder if I will live to see them get big and provide the shade and privacy I desire in my garden. But I keep working at it any way. I keep expanding it, planning it and caring for it. While it is starting to take shape, I only see what is left to be done and not how much I have accomplished so far. I forget how it used to look before I started. However, I am constantly reminded by others how wonderful it is. This really makes me stop and think how much a garden is appreciated, even though it doesn't yet look the way I want it to.
When I am working in the garden, it is rare that a passerby does not stop to chat and talk about the garden. I have been given compliments on it, asked questions about how I get things to grow, how to amend the soil and what my future plans for the garden are. My garden opens up lines of conversation that probably would go unspoken other wise. Working in the garden gets you outside and into your neighborhood. As other pass by either walking or in their cars, they feel comfortable stopping to say hi and chat about the garden. It allows me to get to know neighbors that otherwise I might not ever meet! My garden is not only good for my soul, it is good for other people's souls as well. It helps me to socialize as well and get back to the days when everyone sat out on their front porches and watched the world go by.
continued in the next post
~ John Burroughs
This is one of the truest statements I have ever read. And considering where we live, this does not come as a surprise. There is something extremely therapeutic about being here in the forest. I also think it is why so many people come up from below to visit. To be soothed and healed and have their senses put in order. Living off the hill will definitely mess up your senses. At least it did mine!
After doing a little research, I found out that gardening can actually be classified as therapeutic. Of course, those of us who garden, already know this. It is probably what draws people out into the garden. A need to get back to basics, to nature, to put their hands into the dirt and to grow something.
Gardens have been around since Adam and Eve. God chose to put the first man and woman in a garden, so perhaps that should be our first clue as to how wonderful gardens are for us. I think gardens and outdoor spaces are essential to the well being of us humans. Gardening is therapeutic not only for the person doing it, but for everyone who comes in contact with the garden. A garden touches everyone.
My garden at home is in it's very early stages. When we bought our house, there was nothing there but a few pine trees. My new plants are small and sparse. The trees still look like bushes and at times I wonder if I will live to see them get big and provide the shade and privacy I desire in my garden. But I keep working at it any way. I keep expanding it, planning it and caring for it. While it is starting to take shape, I only see what is left to be done and not how much I have accomplished so far. I forget how it used to look before I started. However, I am constantly reminded by others how wonderful it is. This really makes me stop and think how much a garden is appreciated, even though it doesn't yet look the way I want it to.
When I am working in the garden, it is rare that a passerby does not stop to chat and talk about the garden. I have been given compliments on it, asked questions about how I get things to grow, how to amend the soil and what my future plans for the garden are. My garden opens up lines of conversation that probably would go unspoken other wise. Working in the garden gets you outside and into your neighborhood. As other pass by either walking or in their cars, they feel comfortable stopping to say hi and chat about the garden. It allows me to get to know neighbors that otherwise I might not ever meet! My garden is not only good for my soul, it is good for other people's souls as well. It helps me to socialize as well and get back to the days when everyone sat out on their front porches and watched the world go by.
continued in the next post
Wet Winter Ahead?
The weather station has recorded a whopping 2.52 inches of rain so far for the month of October. Wow, that is great. Is this a sign of things to come for the winter? I keep hearing a drier than normal winter is in our future, but who knows for sure? I sure wasn't expecting this much rain in the past week.
I do hope that we will get at least a normal amount of moisture this winter. With October typically being a bad fire month, I am also hoping that all this rain will at the very least eleviate some of the fire danger that we normally have to deal with at this time of the year.
Another good thing is that if you have done any fall planting this you, you didn't have to do any watering recently. Plants always prefer rain water over tap water, so this is a really nice start to anything you may have planted. I personally transplanted a bunch of cedar trees. I am hoping they take root and grow. They were in an area that was way over crowded with cedar saplings, so I hope to give some of them a chance to grow big and tall by moving them. They seem to have enjoyed the rain as they are all still alive!
Soon the leaves will be turning in full force and the Thanksgiving holiday will soon be upon us. As fall turns to winter, I hope we are blessed with more precipitation, expecially in the form of snow, so that we can continue to be fire free and the trees and wildlife will continue to prosper.
I do hope that we will get at least a normal amount of moisture this winter. With October typically being a bad fire month, I am also hoping that all this rain will at the very least eleviate some of the fire danger that we normally have to deal with at this time of the year.
Another good thing is that if you have done any fall planting this you, you didn't have to do any watering recently. Plants always prefer rain water over tap water, so this is a really nice start to anything you may have planted. I personally transplanted a bunch of cedar trees. I am hoping they take root and grow. They were in an area that was way over crowded with cedar saplings, so I hope to give some of them a chance to grow big and tall by moving them. They seem to have enjoyed the rain as they are all still alive!
Soon the leaves will be turning in full force and the Thanksgiving holiday will soon be upon us. As fall turns to winter, I hope we are blessed with more precipitation, expecially in the form of snow, so that we can continue to be fire free and the trees and wildlife will continue to prosper.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Great News!
The lost Bassett Hound found her humans yesterday evening. They were reunited and everyone was happy to be back together. Her name is Penny and she wondered away from her home on Tuesday morning. We are so happy to have helped out in this situtation. It also serves as a reminder to be sure our pets have name tags. Had Penny been wearing a current name tag, she would have been reunited with her owners in a matter of minutes, rather than days. I am sure it would have been a lot less stressful for her as well.
ARF has temporary name tags that they will give you for free or you can pick them up at the pet stores in Hemet. Thank you to all who helped me in my search for Penny's humans.
ARF has temporary name tags that they will give you for free or you can pick them up at the pet stores in Hemet. Thank you to all who helped me in my search for Penny's humans.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Help! I lost my human!
On Tuesday morning as I sat at my desk watching the rain, I spotted not one, but two loose dogs running up and down Marion Ridge in front of the water district office. So of course Becky and I had to go out and see if we could help them. One had a tag on his collar, but wouldn't come near us. The other one, however, was extremely grateful to see a human and be taken in out of the rain. She is a Bassett Hound and is extremely sweet natured. She had a collar on, but unfortunately, no tags. She was soaked to the bone and very dirty. She was just walking up and down the road as if she knew she left her house somewhere, but didn't know where. My daughter came and got her and took her to our house. She gave her a warm bath, some lunch and a nice soft rug in front of the fire. Once she was cleaned up, she was just beautiful. Maria from ARF has scanned her, but she has no microchip.
We don't know what her name is, but she comes when you talk to her. She seems to have house manners and to be housebroken. Not sure of her age, but she is extremely docile and gentle. She is not the least bit bothered by my two pugs or my other little dog. She is not aggressive with food and walks nicely on a leash. She is content to sit with her head on your lap for as long as you'll let her.
Someone has to be missing this sweet girl. If she is your dog, or you know whose dog she is or if you would like to adopt her if no one claims her, please call Vicki at 951-659-0160 or call me here at the water district, 951-659-2675. You can also call Maria at ARF. Her number is 951-663-6466. We would love to get this girl back with her family. She is extremely docile and sweet natured and deserves to be back with her family. Please help us find her humans.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Town Crier meeting
The local meeting of the Idyllwild Town Crier was held this morning at the Water District Office. We had a wonderful turn out. Breakfast, consisting of breakfast enchiladas and apple cobbler, tea and coffee was served. It was a great meeting and Grace and JP were issued Certificates of Appreciation from us here at the Pine Cove Water District. We think they do a great job!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Lost Dogs
It seems there are two lost dogs wondering around in the vicinity of the Pine Cove Water District office. One is a multi colored Basset Hound. Very friendly. Has a collar but no tags. The other dog is medium sized gold color dog. It has a collar and a tag but will not come to anyone so we can read it. If you know who these dogs belong to, please let them know. They are both soaking wet and just wondering back and forth up and down Marion Ridge and Rockmier. You can call us here at the district. 951-659-2675 and we can tell you when and where they were last spotted. Thank you.
Driving safely in the elements
Just a note to remind people to please slow down if they are out driving in this rain today. There is no where you have to go and no appointment so urgent that you have to risk life and limb by flying up and down the hill at unsafe rates of speed. If you are bleeding from an artery or about to give birth, then call 911 to get help or go to the clinic. There is absolutely no scenario I can think of that would necessitate someone driving up and down the hill at the speeds which I have, on many occasions, witnessed people driving at. Where are you going in such a hurry anyway? I for one, will not risk my life or the life of my child, who is usually in the car with me, just to get down the hill 5 minutes faster. When we have rain or snow, it is even more imperative that you slow down, take your time and drive carefully so you get to where you are going in one piece!
Wow, it is raining!
I am sitting here at my desk in the water district office. It is very dark outside and it is pouring down rain. And just for fun, Mother Nature is throwing in a little bit of hail as well. Such a lovely day. In my book anyway. I just love the rain. Rain gives a whole different feel to the day. On a dark, rainy morning, it suddenly seems acceptable to stay in your jammies and just curl up on the couch with a hot cup of tea, your favorite soft bathrobe and the remote control. My pugs are fully aware of this and have spent the morning curled up on the couch with their favorite blanket, sound asleep, even though they just got done sleeping all night. No matter, a dark, dreary morning will to that to man and beast.
Unfortunately, it has decided to rain on a Tuesday which is a work day, so we here at the water district have stoically risen from our nice warm beds, gulped down our tea or coffee and reluctantly got ready for work. We then valiantly braved the elements to get to the office, leaving behind the comfort of our couches, the warmth of our soft bathrobes and hot beverages. We sit here in our office chairs and try to stay focused on our tasks at hand. We diligently plug away at our work while outside, Mother Nature continues her show. The good news is that our desks sit right under windows, which I am extremely grateful for. Being able to see outside all day long is such a wonderful thing. I simply cannot imagine sitting in a cubical not being able to see outside all day long. So even though I am not all snugly at home, I am able to watch this glorious display while I work.
Many days I get to witness the antics of the squirrels, birds, bees and butterflies that frequent the small garden that my window looks out on. It is so refreshing to turn my tired eyes from the computer to watch a couple of squirrels chasing each other around the garden and up and down the pine tree. There is nothing more relaxing than being in or looking out onto a garden. So on this wet, wild weathered morning, I have the privilege of at least being able to see all that glorious rain coming down.
Unfortunately, it has decided to rain on a Tuesday which is a work day, so we here at the water district have stoically risen from our nice warm beds, gulped down our tea or coffee and reluctantly got ready for work. We then valiantly braved the elements to get to the office, leaving behind the comfort of our couches, the warmth of our soft bathrobes and hot beverages. We sit here in our office chairs and try to stay focused on our tasks at hand. We diligently plug away at our work while outside, Mother Nature continues her show. The good news is that our desks sit right under windows, which I am extremely grateful for. Being able to see outside all day long is such a wonderful thing. I simply cannot imagine sitting in a cubical not being able to see outside all day long. So even though I am not all snugly at home, I am able to watch this glorious display while I work.
Many days I get to witness the antics of the squirrels, birds, bees and butterflies that frequent the small garden that my window looks out on. It is so refreshing to turn my tired eyes from the computer to watch a couple of squirrels chasing each other around the garden and up and down the pine tree. There is nothing more relaxing than being in or looking out onto a garden. So on this wet, wild weathered morning, I have the privilege of at least being able to see all that glorious rain coming down.
Monday, October 18, 2010
New Office Hours!
We are happy to announce that our office hours have changed! Instead of being open from 9 to 12 and from 1 to 4, we will now be open through lunch! So our new hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. We hope these new hours make things much more convenient for you.
Monday Musings
Mondays are sometimes given a bad rap as the day no one wants to see come. I don't mind them though. There is a certain rhythm to live, especially when one is working at a job or going to school, and sometimes the weekend can leave me feeling a little at lose ends as I have no set schedule to abide by.
Come Monday, things seem to settle back into place and my schedule is set for me. No guess work as to what I am going to be doing and when. I can plan my work and work my plan.
Starting on Monday, October 4, we are now open during lunch. Previously, the office was closed from 12 until 1 for lunch. But now, I will be working a set schedule in which I will be here during the lunch hour. We hope this works out well for those of you, who have in the past, called or stopped by only to find us "out to lunch." No more. I will be here usually from 9 until 1 or from 12 until 4. So come on by, the door is open!
Come Monday, things seem to settle back into place and my schedule is set for me. No guess work as to what I am going to be doing and when. I can plan my work and work my plan.
Starting on Monday, October 4, we are now open during lunch. Previously, the office was closed from 12 until 1 for lunch. But now, I will be working a set schedule in which I will be here during the lunch hour. We hope this works out well for those of you, who have in the past, called or stopped by only to find us "out to lunch." No more. I will be here usually from 9 until 1 or from 12 until 4. So come on by, the door is open!
Friday, October 15, 2010
It's Frugal Friday!
Ok, here we are in the middle of October and the weather has been beautiful so far. This is wonderful news for gardeners and their gardens. Working in this beautiful weather makes even garden chores seem pleasant. This is also a great time to plant trees, bare root roses or shrubs and bulbs. Fall planting gives plants a chance to establish roots and eliminates the need to water during the winter months. Come spring, your plants have had a head start and reward you by springing to life.
Since we are trying to be frugal while gardening, now is the time to clean, oil, sharpen and put away those garden tools. By taking care of them, they will last much longer than if you don't. Who wants to keep spending money on the same things over and over again just because you let them sit outside all winter long?
If you do have some tools that have seen their better days, why not recycle them into the garden? Even household items that have outlived their usefulness indoors, can find their way into the garden to continue being useful. Old tool handles can become stakes for vines. Metal headboards can also be used as supports for climbing plants. Clam shell contains, like the kind muffins come in, can be re-purposed into mini greenhouses for winter seed sowing.
Old pantyhose and T-shirts can be used to tie up plants and old shower curtains can find a new use as tarps out in the yard. They are great to lay out on the ground when you are raking leaves and need to move them to the compost pile. Simply pile them up on top of the shower curtain and then pull it over to the compost pile. If you use your imagination, I am sure you can come up with lots of uses.
Now is also a perfect time to add a layer of mulch to your garden if you haven't already done so. And guess what? We are giving it away, free of charge! What could be more frugal than getting something great for your garden for free? Adding mulch to your garden will help it retain moisture over the winter months as well as protect plant roots from harsh winds and freeze and thaw cycles. The mulch will also slowly decompose over time, enriching your soil with wonderful compost. Compost rich soil retains water better as well, thereby reducing your need to water as often come summer.
So get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather and get some autumn gardening done before it is too late!
Since we are trying to be frugal while gardening, now is the time to clean, oil, sharpen and put away those garden tools. By taking care of them, they will last much longer than if you don't. Who wants to keep spending money on the same things over and over again just because you let them sit outside all winter long?
If you do have some tools that have seen their better days, why not recycle them into the garden? Even household items that have outlived their usefulness indoors, can find their way into the garden to continue being useful. Old tool handles can become stakes for vines. Metal headboards can also be used as supports for climbing plants. Clam shell contains, like the kind muffins come in, can be re-purposed into mini greenhouses for winter seed sowing.
Old pantyhose and T-shirts can be used to tie up plants and old shower curtains can find a new use as tarps out in the yard. They are great to lay out on the ground when you are raking leaves and need to move them to the compost pile. Simply pile them up on top of the shower curtain and then pull it over to the compost pile. If you use your imagination, I am sure you can come up with lots of uses.
Now is also a perfect time to add a layer of mulch to your garden if you haven't already done so. And guess what? We are giving it away, free of charge! What could be more frugal than getting something great for your garden for free? Adding mulch to your garden will help it retain moisture over the winter months as well as protect plant roots from harsh winds and freeze and thaw cycles. The mulch will also slowly decompose over time, enriching your soil with wonderful compost. Compost rich soil retains water better as well, thereby reducing your need to water as often come summer.
So get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather and get some autumn gardening done before it is too late!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Sustainable Thursday
It has been a while since I posted anything for Sustainable Thursday, so I thought I better get back into the saddle. I found this article and thought it was very interesting.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-559580/The-real-Good-Life-An-entire-village-turns-supermarkets-grows-food.html
This article makes me wonder what would happen if more places did this? Can you imagine how wonderful it must be to live in this village and go to the village hall each Saturday to shop for homegrown veggies, honey and meat? They are going to be adding dairy and beef to their offerings as well. This would be a dream come true for me. We are so dependent on supermarkets and stores to feed us. While supermarkets can't be eliminated altogether, we could substantially reduce our dependence on them if we tried. Living in a remote area, we should always be mindful of how just how dependent we are on supermarkets and how we would pretty much be left to fend for ourselves should a disaster occur.
If delivery trucks couldn't get up here, how long do you think it would be until all the markets and restaurants up here would run out of food? I would hate to think it would happen up here, but in cases of emergency, people with the most money would be able to buy up what supplies are available, leaving nothing for those who don't have as much at their disposal. Then once they are all gone, what would happen?
If we lived sustainably, chances are we would have some chickens to provide eggs, a couple of small goats for milk, which could then be used to make a variety of other things such as yogurt, cheese and omelets. You might have food growing in your garden or have canned the fruits of your labors and that could provide for your needs. Knowing a few basic skills, such as bread baking, and having a pantry well stocked with staples, such as flour and sugar, would mean that you could be self sufficient for a period of time. Being 100% dependent on a supermarket for our food needs will leave us in trouble should that chain of deliveries be interrupted for any length of time.
Buying local, organic vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, honey and meat would not only support local farmers, but the food would be so much healthier and tastier. I applaud this town's efforts and wish them much success.
Climbing down off my soapbox now.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-559580/The-real-Good-Life-An-entire-village-turns-supermarkets-grows-food.html
This article makes me wonder what would happen if more places did this? Can you imagine how wonderful it must be to live in this village and go to the village hall each Saturday to shop for homegrown veggies, honey and meat? They are going to be adding dairy and beef to their offerings as well. This would be a dream come true for me. We are so dependent on supermarkets and stores to feed us. While supermarkets can't be eliminated altogether, we could substantially reduce our dependence on them if we tried. Living in a remote area, we should always be mindful of how just how dependent we are on supermarkets and how we would pretty much be left to fend for ourselves should a disaster occur.
If delivery trucks couldn't get up here, how long do you think it would be until all the markets and restaurants up here would run out of food? I would hate to think it would happen up here, but in cases of emergency, people with the most money would be able to buy up what supplies are available, leaving nothing for those who don't have as much at their disposal. Then once they are all gone, what would happen?
If we lived sustainably, chances are we would have some chickens to provide eggs, a couple of small goats for milk, which could then be used to make a variety of other things such as yogurt, cheese and omelets. You might have food growing in your garden or have canned the fruits of your labors and that could provide for your needs. Knowing a few basic skills, such as bread baking, and having a pantry well stocked with staples, such as flour and sugar, would mean that you could be self sufficient for a period of time. Being 100% dependent on a supermarket for our food needs will leave us in trouble should that chain of deliveries be interrupted for any length of time.
Buying local, organic vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, honey and meat would not only support local farmers, but the food would be so much healthier and tastier. I applaud this town's efforts and wish them much success.
Climbing down off my soapbox now.
Leaks again....
I know I just posted about leaks, however, this cannot be stressed too much. It is not the water district's responsibilty to find your leaks. If we do discover a leak, we try our best to get in touch with you to let you know. However, many leaks go undetected until we read the meters for billing. While doing the billing, if Becky sees an unusual jump in your water usage, she will try to contact you to let you know. However, it is ultimately your responsibility and as always, the best defense is a good offense. Turning your water off when you leave your mountain home will prevent a lot of problems. Things can go wrong at any time and if you are not on the hill for long periods of time, this can result in a lot of water loss.
So always remember and don't ever forget. When you leave your mountain home, TURN YOUR WATER OFF at your customer valve. This way you can rest assured that you won't return to a problem or get that dreaded phone call from Becky! Once the water runs through your meter, it is your responsibility. If you do not know where your customer shut off valve is, please call us at 951-659-2675 during our regular business hours, which are 9 to 4, Monday thru Friday, and we will be happy to help you locate it.
So always remember and don't ever forget. When you leave your mountain home, TURN YOUR WATER OFF at your customer valve. This way you can rest assured that you won't return to a problem or get that dreaded phone call from Becky! Once the water runs through your meter, it is your responsibility. If you do not know where your customer shut off valve is, please call us at 951-659-2675 during our regular business hours, which are 9 to 4, Monday thru Friday, and we will be happy to help you locate it.
Applications for water service
We would like to thank all of you who have been so co-operative in signing and returning their applications for water service. We have been working on this project for quite a while and finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. We greatly appreicate everyone's efforts in getting these signed and returned to us.
Having a current application on each customer will help us keep your records updated and will provide us with your current contact information, enabling us to get in touch with your should the need arise. So thank you again for all your co-operation. We appreciate it very much!
Having a current application on each customer will help us keep your records updated and will provide us with your current contact information, enabling us to get in touch with your should the need arise. So thank you again for all your co-operation. We appreciate it very much!
Water Bills Sent
Water bills were sent out on Monday, Oct. 4th. If you don't receive your bill, please feel free to call us at 951-659-2675 or stop in the office at 24917 Marion Ridge Rd.and we can tell you how much you owe. There are occassional reports of bills that go missing after we mail them. We have no way to know which ones don't arrive and we have no way to track them.
If your bill doesn't arrive, please don't wait 5 or 6 weeks to check on this. Some people mistakenly think that not receiving a bill relieves them of the responsibility to pay it. This is not true. The bill is due on Oct. 25 and is subject to a late fee if not paid on time. So please keep these dates in mind and if your bill doesn't arrive, please call or stop in so we can let you know the amount of your bill. Thank you!
If your bill doesn't arrive, please don't wait 5 or 6 weeks to check on this. Some people mistakenly think that not receiving a bill relieves them of the responsibility to pay it. This is not true. The bill is due on Oct. 25 and is subject to a late fee if not paid on time. So please keep these dates in mind and if your bill doesn't arrive, please call or stop in so we can let you know the amount of your bill. Thank you!
Board Meeting Reminder
Just a quick reminder to let you know that the next board meeting will be held on Wed. October 13, 2010 at 10:00 am. We hope you can attend.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Brrrrrr.......
Ok, who turned off the heat? Yesterday and today are serving as a reminder that winter is coming. Wasn't it just a couple weeks ago we were sweating it out with temperatures in the high 80's? At that point, I couldn't imagine it would ever be cold again. Oh the difference a couple weeks can make!
Now for a little discussion that is off topic. If you have animals that you keep outside, please be sure you are providing for their needs. Now is the perfect time to go out and make sure they have adequate shelter that will keep them warm and dry in the up coming cold and wet months. Provide them with extra bedding and be diligent about keeping their accomodations clean. Some animals, such as chickens and goats, can become ill if their housing isn't kept clean and dry. Ammonia build up inside their housing, can be very harmful. If possible, position their shelter where it will get some sun during the cold winter months. Be sure to keep the snow shoveled away as well, so they can get in and out of their shelter.
Be sure to check on your animals a couple times a day in severe weather. Many animals enjoy warm water when the temperatures begin to plummet and might benefit from some extra nutrition as well. Keeping vigil on their health and their housing is the best way to ward off a sick animal. Winter is hard on them and as a responsible animal owner, you will want to do what is best for your animals.
Animals don't have a choice in who adopts them or how they are kept. Please be a responsible animal owner and make sure your animals are provided for adequately. Before taking on the care of an animal, be sure you have the time, the energy and the resources to do it properly. Remember, they are depending on us to keep them warm, dry, and healthy.
Now for a little discussion that is off topic. If you have animals that you keep outside, please be sure you are providing for their needs. Now is the perfect time to go out and make sure they have adequate shelter that will keep them warm and dry in the up coming cold and wet months. Provide them with extra bedding and be diligent about keeping their accomodations clean. Some animals, such as chickens and goats, can become ill if their housing isn't kept clean and dry. Ammonia build up inside their housing, can be very harmful. If possible, position their shelter where it will get some sun during the cold winter months. Be sure to keep the snow shoveled away as well, so they can get in and out of their shelter.
Be sure to check on your animals a couple times a day in severe weather. Many animals enjoy warm water when the temperatures begin to plummet and might benefit from some extra nutrition as well. Keeping vigil on their health and their housing is the best way to ward off a sick animal. Winter is hard on them and as a responsible animal owner, you will want to do what is best for your animals.
Animals don't have a choice in who adopts them or how they are kept. Please be a responsible animal owner and make sure your animals are provided for adequately. Before taking on the care of an animal, be sure you have the time, the energy and the resources to do it properly. Remember, they are depending on us to keep them warm, dry, and healthy.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Weather Station
In case you don't know, we have a weather station available on the front page of our website, www.pcwd.org. It is located up at the Rocky Point site, so it is accurate, current Pine Cove weather. We also have a web cam up there so you can also click onto that link and get a real time picture of what the weather is doing. If you haven't already checked it out, I would suggest doing so.
More Rain!
According to the weather station, we have received 1.14 inches of rain so far in October! This is great. 4 days into the month and we have over an inch of rain on the ground. Saturday's storm was fairly heavy and at my house we even got some hail. More rain is a possibility this week.
Now might be a good time to get out the old umbrellas and rain coats and make sure they are in good condition as we slowly move into the autumn and winter months. And remember to drive carefully if you find yourself on the road during one of these downpours. I had to drive to Hemet on Friday afternoon and there were times when my windshield wipers could not keep up with the pouring rain. Also remember to slow down as rain can make the roads very slick. Better to get where you are going a little late, than to not get there at all.
We hope you are enjoying these pleasant cool days and the refreshing rain showers. Hopefully, we will be blessed with many more rain storms over the next several months. Stay dry and stay safe!
Now might be a good time to get out the old umbrellas and rain coats and make sure they are in good condition as we slowly move into the autumn and winter months. And remember to drive carefully if you find yourself on the road during one of these downpours. I had to drive to Hemet on Friday afternoon and there were times when my windshield wipers could not keep up with the pouring rain. Also remember to slow down as rain can make the roads very slick. Better to get where you are going a little late, than to not get there at all.
We hope you are enjoying these pleasant cool days and the refreshing rain showers. Hopefully, we will be blessed with many more rain storms over the next several months. Stay dry and stay safe!
Friday, October 1, 2010
LEAKS!
Please be aware that you can develop a leak at any time of the year and not just during the winter months. Water heaters, washing machines, dish washers, refrigerators, irrigation systems and toilets can all be sources of leaks. Anything in your home that uses water should be considered a possible source for a leak to develop.
This can happen to any one at any time. Washing machine hoses are notorious for suddenly breaking and causing leaks or flooding. It isn't just frozen pipes that burst that can cause water leaking and flooding in a home. One must be diligent at all times.
If you do develop a leak, turn your water off at your customer valve until you can get it repaired. Once water runs through your meter, you are responsible for paying for it. If a leak goes unchecked for a long period of time, this could amount to hundred's or thousand's of dollars worth of water. No one wants a bill like that!
We cannot say this enough, if you are leaving your home, turn your water off at your customer valve.
This can happen to any one at any time. Washing machine hoses are notorious for suddenly breaking and causing leaks or flooding. It isn't just frozen pipes that burst that can cause water leaking and flooding in a home. One must be diligent at all times.
If you do develop a leak, turn your water off at your customer valve until you can get it repaired. Once water runs through your meter, you are responsible for paying for it. If a leak goes unchecked for a long period of time, this could amount to hundred's or thousand's of dollars worth of water. No one wants a bill like that!
We cannot say this enough, if you are leaving your home, turn your water off at your customer valve.
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