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!
Friday, October 15, 2010
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.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Water Bills
Just a reminder that your water bills should be arriving in your mail box early next week. They will be due on October 25. If you have not received your bill by the
10th of the billing month, please call the office at 951-659-2675 and Becky or Vicki will be more than happy to look up your account and let you know how much your bill amount is.
Please remember that once we mail the bills, we have no idea what becomes of them and we cannot track them. Just because your bill doesn't arrive, does not mean you are relieved of your responsibility to pay it. We use post card type bills and once in awhile they get waylaid at the post office or stuck in a magazine or some other fate befalls them prior to them arriving in your mail box.
So remember, should your water bill go missing, please call us or stop by the office and we will be happy to assist you. We now accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover if you wish to pay by credit card. We are able to take credit card payments over the phone as well, so feel free to just give us a call and we will be happy to take care of that transaction for you.
As always, we like to remind everyone to please turn your water off at your customer shut off valve anytime you leave your mountain home. Once water has gone through your meter, it is your responsibility to pay for it. Turning your water off is the best way to assure you don't come home to a disaster.
10th of the billing month, please call the office at 951-659-2675 and Becky or Vicki will be more than happy to look up your account and let you know how much your bill amount is.
Please remember that once we mail the bills, we have no idea what becomes of them and we cannot track them. Just because your bill doesn't arrive, does not mean you are relieved of your responsibility to pay it. We use post card type bills and once in awhile they get waylaid at the post office or stuck in a magazine or some other fate befalls them prior to them arriving in your mail box.
So remember, should your water bill go missing, please call us or stop by the office and we will be happy to assist you. We now accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover if you wish to pay by credit card. We are able to take credit card payments over the phone as well, so feel free to just give us a call and we will be happy to take care of that transaction for you.
As always, we like to remind everyone to please turn your water off at your customer shut off valve anytime you leave your mountain home. Once water has gone through your meter, it is your responsibility to pay for it. Turning your water off is the best way to assure you don't come home to a disaster.
Meter Reading Today
Just a quick reminder that the boys are out and about reading meters today. Hope they don't get too wet!
Rain, rain don't go away!
This morning I heard a strange sound on my roof. What was that noise I wondered? Well I'll be, it is raining! What a refreshing way to start the day! I hope you are all enjoying this change of weather.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Board Meeting
The next board meeting will be held on October 13, 2010 at 10:00 am. Everyone is invited to attend.
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