Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by different flu viruses. The major symptoms are fever, headache, fatigue and body aches. New Year’s eve saw 67 people in the Portland, OR area alone, hospitalized suffering from a flu strain similar to...
Baking Cookies in the Sun Oven® in January
is a cookie recipe floating around Facebook that has no wheat or added sugar. I had three really ripe bananas that desperately needed to be used so I thought I’d give the recipe a try. The sun was shining, mostly, with an air temperature of 35º F, so we set up our...
Securing Valuable Documents in the Cloud
Have you heard of “cloud computing?” This is a phrase that describes the concept of lots of computers connected through a real-time network. It gives you the ability to run a program or application on many computers at the same time. It often provides storage space...
Honoring Nelson Mandela
The life of Nelson Mandela is one of the most inspirational stories of recent times. His example offers valuable lessons on the importance of personal resistance to evil, and the redemptive power of forgiveness. In 2004 Nelson Mandela took the time to visit a...
I Can Sleep Through Anything
There is a story of the farmer who needed to take on a new person to help keep his farm operating. He placed a notice at the local store and soon had several young men apply for the position. The farmer interviewed them one by one, ending the session by asking each of...
Burning a Wood Fire Safely
Keeping warm in cold weather without electricity may mean burning wood. This can be done in a fireplace directly or by using a wood burning stove. These are designed to safely burn wood fuel and provide heat for your shelter. They are connected to chimneys responsible...
Handling Roadside Emergencies
When you are planning a trip in your auto, take time to check your vehicle. In addition to cleaning out the trash, check the windshield washer fluid, oil, water/anti-freeze level in the radiator, and tire inflation. Remember to double check your emergency car kit,...
Winterize Your Car Emergency Kit
Holidays are the time of year when much long distance traveling is done. Going home to visit families, often leaving after work in the dark, and frequently encountering bad weather, can put travelers in jeopardy. Add to that the fact that tires can get punctures, gas...
Calling 9-1-1
Everyone should know what to in an Emergency. Whenever there is an emergency, use the following tips to help decide if you should call 9-1-1 (or local emergency number) for an ambulance. 911 should be called IMMEDIATELY for any emergency which is threatening to life,...
Tips on Reducing the Spread of Germs or Diseases
Whenever you perform first aid on anyone, there is always a chance of spreading germs or diseases between yourself and the victim. These steps should be followed no matter what kind of first aid is being done -- from very minor scrapes to major emergencies -- to...