Acreage

Flagpole Installation & Assembly - How to

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:44:14 -0500

FLAGPOLE INSTALLATION & ASSEMBLY

We’re just old-fashioned enough that the sight of “old glory” on a bright summer day still makes us feel proud. If you don’t have an in-ground flag pole on your property and want to add one, consider using a flag pole kit, like the one featured here.

WARNING: Extreme caution should be exercised when installing flagpoles near overhead power lines, or in the vicinity of buried cables.

1.Dig a hole to the depth of the ground sleeve plus 3 inches. The minimum diameter should be 10 inches at the top of the hole and 8 inches at the bottom. A post hole digger is ideal for this task.

2.Place 3 inches of stone in the base of the hole for drainage.

3.Next add 3 inches of sand on top of the stone.

4.Work the ground sleeve into the sand until the top of the sleeve is 1 inch above the grade level. (Figure A).

5.Place the bottom swedged section of the pole into the ground sleeve.

6.Pour concrete mix into hole and around sleeve to within 1.5 inches on top of ground sleeve.

7.Brace pole and use a level before concrete sets in order to achieve a straight pole.

8.Place the aluminum truck with pulley on the top section of pole (unswedged pole section).

9.Tighten set screws firmly.

10.Thread halyard rope through the pulley and knot the ends together to form a loop.

11.Tie the snap hooks as illustrated in Figure B.

12.Position snap hooks the appropriate distance apart according to the size of the flag you are flying.

13.Next, thread the ball ornament by the stem, not the ball portion.

14.Tighten the set screw against the stem to hold the ball in place.

15.Slide remaining sections together making sure that the truck is positioned over the cleat as shown (Figure C).

What Size Flag to Use

The length of the flag should be between one-quarter and one-third the height of the flagpole. Example: using the 1/4 rule, a 20 ft. flagpole would use a 3x5 ft. flag. The two major factors for knowing which flag you should use for your in-ground flagpole is the material of the flag and exposure to wind.

Height of Pole Flag Size

(feet) (feet)

20 3x5 or 4x6

25 4x6 or 5x8

30 5x8 to 6x10

35 5x8 to 8x12

40 6x10 or 8x12

50 8x12 to 12x18

60 10x15 to 12x18

70 12x18 or 15x25

80 12x18 to 20x30

90 15x25 or 20x30

100 15x25 to 20x38

Information provided by FlagandBanner.com

Dakota De Caza

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:37:49 -0500

When Cindy and Dean Farley looked across the beautiful valley north of Yankton, SD, they couldn't help but dream about how an equestrian center might fit into the 80-acre plot of natural grassland, cedar trees and the culture of the surrounding area.

"We recognized that there was a gap in properties suitable for families who enjoy horses as a hobby," Cindy said. "It also became clear that the community had a need for quality, affordable housing and upscale housing as well.

When we saw this 80 acres, we just thought it would be perfect for this. When we walked through it for the first time, along what is now a riding trail, we knew other people would love it too."

Their expertise in the housing industry and their foresight led the Farley's to develop Dakota De Caza Equestrian Estates, a rural development featuring residential areas and a private resident-owned luxurious clubhouse with a 30,000-square-foot state-of-the-art horse stable.

"We did some testing before we developed the estates," Cindy said. "We discovered there is an abundance of quality water, phone service, high speed Internet and all the other necessities and amenities homeowners would need."

Not Just A Barn

The "barn" features 40 stalls, a lighted indoor and an outdoor riding arena with viewing suites and a unique observation bridge along with round pens. A lounge with a rock fireplace, restrooms and a kitchen area is adjacent to the barn. From the lounge, horse owners have a view into the 72x174-foot riding arena. The outdoor arena and round pen are just south of the barn. A resident barn manager will oversee the stables and horse owners have access to a storage and tack area. There is also a playground and picnic area and 20-acre pasture area.

"When people purchase a lot here, they have 24-hour access to the barn," Cindy said. "When you think of a barn, you probably aren't visualizing what we've done with this one."

The Farley's examined equestrian facilities and developments in the Western United States before they finalized their barn design in an attempt to determine what features of an equestrian site were most desired and helpful for horse owners. They also sought the input of horse owners and stable managers. While they've designed a facility that has facets of other equestrian barns they visited, they believe they have created something unique and exciting.

"We found that people want dirt stalls for their horses to stand on," Dean said. "We have rounded stall corners and a wash rack with heat. There's a farrier's rack with a rubber floor and we've made the design as open as we could because horse owners like to see each other."

Happy Trails

A white-fenced riding trail surrounds the exterior of the property with planned easements that allow homeowners to share the trail and access it from all locations. There are also miles of walking and riding trails that wind through rounded, grassy hills and across scenic vistas.

"Eisenbraun's Engineering, a local engineering business, helped plot 18 lots that vary in size from two to six acres," Dean said. "Each one was laid out to conform to the existing contour of the land and accent its natural beauty. We knew that new zoning regulations make it increasingly difficult for horse owners to find a few acres in the country. Many of today's busy homeowners prefer to share the costs and responsibilities of equestrian care."

Homes that Fit Perfectly

The private community the Farley's have created offers residents individually planned homes tastefully crafted to include amenities such as walls of windows, fine cabinetry and marbled baths in a relaxing and scenic setting. They believe the beauty of the surrounding area will also entice horse lovers to consider making their home at Dakota De Caza.

"This community has great health services, golf courses, art galleries, museums and lots of dining and entertainment opportunities," Cindy said. "Lewis & Clark Lake is just minutes away too, so this area offers lots of opportunities for recreation and fun."

"Before we pounded a nail or dug a fence post, we worked with Yankton County zoning officials and showed the public our plans." Cindy said. "We used all of those details to plan the estates. We needed and wanted community support."

A soon-to-retire John Deere executive from Ohio will be the first to own a new home in the estates. Construction of his home recently began. A new "spec" home will also be built in 2008. While the Farley's expect that most buyers will have horses and use the barn, that isn't a requirement for purchasing a lot.

"We have one lot sold to a family who won't be using the barn, so that leaves two more stalls open for someone who needs more than the two that come with the purchase of their lot," Dean said.

While they are excited about seeing their dream develop and grow, the Farley's believe the housing concept they developed will also benefit the surrounding community and region. Dean said his ideas for the estates grew out of a desire to elicit an "Oh!" response from residents and visitors.

"When we were in California, we heard people talk about where they stable their horses and where they lived," Dean said. "When you mention some of the places out there, you really get people's attention. That's what we were looking for here. We want people to be proud to live here and want to talk about how wonderful their stable is."

More information about Dakota De Caza is available at www.dakoadecaza.com

Throughout Europe and the United States, Horseshoes are often seen nailed to barns and houses and as charms on jewelry. The origin of the legendary lucky horseshoe is believed to be tied to the proscribed magical powers of iron.

Iron is considered lucky because it is born from the marriage of rock and fire, two of the basic elements in ancient times. Blacksmiths, makers and users of iron, were alchemical masters of the elements and their byproducts. Accordingly, their creations were believed to be endowed with supernatural powers. These powers are often cited in a story that says the 10th Century Archbishop of Canterbury foiled Satan when he was disguised as a horse because of the positive power of the horseshoe.

The basic shape of the horseshoe, which is a cup, a crescent, or an arch depending on your point of view, is traditionally said to be lucky. The crescent is a moon symbol that is associated with luck-giving properties in ancient Mediterranean cultures because of moon-goddesses. Also, the typical number of seven nail holes in a real horseshoe is considered lucky in European culture.

There is a strong belief that found (not purchased) horseshoes should always be kept and nailed to the door of your house or barn with the open end up. However, many believe that the horseshoe itself is lucky and the opening must point down to pour its luck onto you.

Information courtesy of Luck Factory,

www.luckfactory.com

Stars & Stripes

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:32:53 -0500

For the Stars and Stripes, it all started 231 years ago…but Clark Rogers says the history of the American flag goes back much further than that. In fact, more than a thousand years.

"The history of the flag starts with the Viking flags," says Rogers, who is Director of Educational Programs for the Pittsburgh, Penn. based National Flag Foundation. "And that's in 1003 A.D., because the Vikings were the first ones to touch shore here, and have sight of the American continent." Then came the Colonies, and 60 or 70 more flags, before what's known as the "Betsy Ross" flag became the standard.

"When the colonists became dissatisfied with England," explains Rogers, "that was a really mixed bag. Many of the colonists wanted absolutely nothing to do with England; some of them didn't want to break away from England, and some of them, as with George Washington, wanted to retain an association, an interest and a basis with England." An example of the first group was Vermont's Green Mountain Boys; their flag was green, with a canton of blue and white stars—nothing remotely resembling a Union Jack.

The first "official" flag of the United States, dubbed the "Grand Union," represented President Washington's philosophy; it had the familiar red and white stripes, but the British flag was in the canton. The stars came with the resolution passed by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, which stated "that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen white stars in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

The resolution didn't say how the stars would be arranged, nor did it say how they'd be shaped. Rogers says before then, stars on flags were all six and eight points, because they were easier to make. He says, "The story goes that Betsy Ross showed that folding the cloth and taking one snip of the scissors could make a five-pointed star, and it was very, very easy to do. So, that's how we got our five-pointed star."

The Flag Evolves

Many of the tales related to Betsy Ross are subject to conjecture. She was born into a Quaker household in 1752, apprenticed to a Philadelphia upholsterer, and expelled from the Society of Friends when she eloped with another apprentice. They started their own upholstery business; her husband, John, died in combat, and legend has it Ross met later that year with Gen. Washington and other Revolutionary leaders to discuss the new flag. She did make flags for the US government, but her involvement in the "Stars and Stripes" has never been proven.

As the new states kept coming, so did the stars. In 1794, Congress passed another Flag Act that added two more stars and stripes to represent the newest states, Vermont and Kentucky. When the Union reached 20 states, a Congressional committee recommended the number of stripes revert to 13; the Flag Act of 1818, signed by President Monroe, called for one additional star for each new state admitted to the Union. It wasn't until 1912, when Arizona and New Mexico became the 47th and 48th states, that President Taft issued an executive order directing that the stars be arranged in six horizontal rows of eight stars each. With the admission of Alaska, in 1960, President Eisenhower created seven staggered rows of seven stars, and the addition of Hawaii produced the current alignment.

"Ike" also established the standard proportions of the flag to be 1.9 to 1. These are recommendations, not law. You can mend a damaged flag, says Rogers, "as long as you don't take away the proportions of the flag in any measurable way…Sometimes you'll notice that your flag might have a little half-inch rip or something in it; that half-inch rip, within an hour, could turn into the whole seam of the stripe ripping apart. So you could take it and just fold it over, put a hem in it; that's quite all right."

Flag Day

June 14th didn't become Flag Day overnight; in fact, it wasn't until nearly two centuries later, in 1949, when President Truman signed the Flag Act of Congress. One of the national holiday's proponents, William T. Kerr of Pittsburgh, was present for the ceremony; he'd been pursuing his dream for 67 years, and had personally lobbied every president since William McKinley. The government had gotten involved before then; in 1877, Congress decreed the flag would fly over public buildings every June 14th. But Rogers believes the unique reverence Americans have for Old Glory developed outside of official pronouncements from Washington, and relates a call he got a few years ago from a visitor to America. "Her father was a diplomat from South Africa," he recalls. "She said she did not have a country, because they had traveled ever since she was born." The young woman was a professional photographer, and a trip she took across the country left her "with one fundamental premise that she had never heard before, and it surprised her. And that is that Americans feel that the flag belongs to them, and not to the government."

Flag Etiquette

Flag etiquette is spelled out by the Flag Code, which was adopted by Congress in 1942. Although it serves as a guide to proper use and display of the flag, there are no penalties for violating it; two attempts by the Federal Government to specify punishment for flag desecration were struck down by the US Supreme Court. "It's all based on 'respect'," says Rogers. "That's the key word." The Code is in Title 36 of the US Code under, "Patriotic Societies and Observations"; Rogers says, "It talks about things like how high do you fly the flag, and what flags can fly at what height, and where the American flag is positioned in a group of flags."

In the case of the latter, on American soil, no flag flies above the American flag, with three exceptions. One is the UN flag; when it flies, all national flags are at the same level below it. A second, according to Rogers, is at sea: "There is a long standing custom that when there is a Christian service at a ship at sea, the Christian flag can fly above the American flag, and of course that has to do with claiming a treaty when there is a church service going on." And the third

is the Olympics; if an athlete from another nation wins the gold, his or her flag is raised the highest.

Rogers says they often get asked about flying the flag upside-down as a sign of distress; he's afraid some of the callers are misinterpreting the intent. "People will say, 'I'm distressed with the war in Iraq, so I'm going to fly my flag upside-down'…It really has to do with more immediate emergencies." The Code says, "The Flag should never be displayed with the Union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

On the other hand, it's not true that an American flag that touches the ground needs to be retired. Although the Code says the flag should not be allowed to touch the ground—nor "dipped to any person or thing"—it only needs to be destroyed when it is "no longer a fitting emblem for display." You can fly it in inclement weather if it's an all-weather flag; you can display it at night if it's "properly illuminated," which the Foundation defines as its symbols being visible from a reasonable distance. Rogers offers a tip from a South Dakota caller who calls herself a Flag Lady: "She said, 'I found that every time I get a new flag, I spray both sides with the stuff you put on upholstery. It protects against fading in the sun, and it helps it not to get dirty, to extend its life maybe twice.' And it also helps it not to be so likely to be blown apart in the wind—wind is really tough on flags."

The Code has a lot of "don'ts"—don't use the flag for advertising; don't embroider it onto cushions or handkerchiefs; don't print it on napkins, boxes or other items designed to be used and discarded. Don't affix advertising signs to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown, and don't drape a flag over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle. But there are also "do's": "During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present except those in uniform should face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Those present in uniform should render the military salute." That includes, the Foundation believes, "members of patriotic, uniform-wearing organizations," like veterans' organizations and the Boy and Girl Scouts.

Green Mountain Boys Flag

General John Stark of New Hampshire commanded a militia brigade known as the "Green Mountain Boys." Tradition relates that its green flag was flown at the Battle of Bennington on August 16, 1777. As in many American flags, the stars here were arranged in an arbitrary fashion. Nevertheless they signified the unity of the Thirteen Colonies in their struggle for independence

The Grand

Union Flag

The first flag of the colonists to have any resemblance to the present Stars and Stripes flag was the Grand Union Flag, sometimes referred to as the Congress Colors, the First Navy Ensign, and the Cambridge Flag. Its design consisted of 13 stripes, alternately red and white, representing the Thirteen Colonies, with a blue field in the upper left-hand corner bearing the red cross of St. George of England with the white cross of St. Andrew of Scotland.

The Betsy

Ross Flag

During the Revolutionary War, several patriots made flags for our new nation. Among them were Cornelia Bridges, Elizabeth (Betsy) Ross, and Rebecca Young, all of whom were from Pennsylvania, and John Shaw of Annapolis, Maryland. Although Betsy Ross, the best known of these persons, made flags for 50 years, there is no proof that she made the first Stars and Stripes, It is known that she made flags for the Pennsylvania State Navy in 1777. The flag popularly known as the "Betsy Ross flag," which arranged the stars in a circle, did not appear until the early 1790's.

Information obtained from

Founding Fathers.info

www.foundingfathers.info/American-flag/Betsy-Ross.html

Landscaping

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:27:07 -0500

Creating a successful landscape for a large property requires a special set of skills and techniques. Of initial importance is thorough planning and design; decisions must be made regarding intended uses (recreation and play, entertainment, contemplation/relaxation, observation, etc.) and a plan must be created to accomplish the installation of these use areas. Advance planning and design will help to organize and prioritize the phases of the landscape installation process and insure that the work proceeds without serious and costly mistakes.

The design process first considers the entire property and its relationship to the larger environment. What are the sun directions and angles throughout each season? Where will large trees be appreciated for their cooling effect in summer? Will windbreaks be necessary to moderate chilling winter winds? (See the April ’08 issue of Acreage). These and other questions can be resolved by common sense and the property owners’ experience and knowledge of the site.

The preferred scenario in most cases is to consider a small area closest to the home as the landscaped “oasis” and leave the rest of the 2 or 40 acres to the stock or wildlife. Within this oasis, varying zones of landscape “intensities” are created; that is, closest to the home the level of landscaping will be highest, as will required inputs of labor, water and other maintenance. Further from the home, the intensity of landscape diminishes gradually to finally resolve to the natural. The transitions from high intensity landscape to natural are not necessarily sharply defined, but important to consider in the design process.

Each site and each owner will have unique possibilities and requirements for these different levels of landscape, but planning in this way will allow for the most efficient use of important resource inputs of labor, water, fertilizer, etc. Input use will be more intense closer to the home and will diminish further away. If areas outside the oasis require vegetation, low maintenance grasses which require little or no irrigation or mowing can be seeded.

Water usage in the large landscape should be planned well in advance of any planting. The water source should be evaluated for quality and quantity. If large lawn areas are planned, consult with local experts to determine how much irrigation will be required for regional and site-specific conditions. Water-saving techniques, like drip irrigation in planting beds, can be employed to save this important resource and to enhance the growth of plantings. If a well is the water source, its capacity and the pump’s ability to keep up with demand throughout the growing season should be verified.

The design of a large landscape should carefully consider the scale of both hardscape (built) elements and softscape (planted) elements. A large yard with a very small walkway or patio will certainly not be pleasing to the eye and likely not practical for the inhabitants. Main walkways should be a minimum of three feet wide, and often four or more feet is appropriate – gentle curves in the walk will help to soften the geometry of the building. Patios and other built structures should be in scale with the home and landscape as well.

Similarly, planting beds for shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses should be in scale and are often best designed with gentle curves. Instead of one plant here and another there, consider planting in masses; five, seven or more of the same species make a bold, dramatic statement and will be in scale with the large landscape. Repeat mass plantings of various species throughout the landscape, interspersed with use of single, specimen plants and/or garden art, benches or other hardscape elements. Plants should be placed in a free form arrangement, seldom in a straight line.

Driveways can be quite long in the large property. Instead of concrete or asphalt, crushed rock can be used for driveways, and if the rock is of the proper type and of varying size, it will pack well and provide a durable surface for travel. Consider a geotextile underlayment and also consult with local experts for specific advice.

Both the installation and the maintenance of a large landscape can be costly. Perhaps the best strategies for controlling cost can be found in the tenets of natural or sustainable landscaping. Sustainable landscaping can be defined as creating an attractive environment which remains in harmony with local environmental conditions and requires minimal resource inputs (water, fertilizer, labor, etc.).

A sustainable landscape is inherently low maintenance because plant material is chosen for its adaptability to the site; native plants, or plants which have proven themselves locally, do not need extensive sit modifications to thrive. Plant material is also chosen for a natural, free-flowing form which requires only minor pruning. Severely pruned and manicured forms have no place in the natural landscape.

A sustainable landscape often limits the size of lawn areas; turfgrass requires a large investment in irrigation, fertilizer, chemicals, fuel and mowing time. We Americans certainly love our lawns, but maintenance cost and labor time can be reduced by substituting native plants, ornamental grasses, hardy perennials, bulbs, wildflowers and other well adapted plant material.

The large landscape offers unique benefits; large play areas, ability to create any desired theme, or themes, and the freedom to make bold, dramatic statements with both hardscape and plantings. If the initial design and planning are thorough, and cost saving strategies are employed, the large landscape will provide years of satisfaction for its owners.

PTO Driven Post Hole Diggers - Product Review

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:18:14 -0500

You’ve been digging in the dirt since you were old enough to hold a shovel or a spoon in your fist. Let’s face it, digging holes was fun. The dirt was warm and the sun was hot. Your only goal then was to turn the dirt and find some worms and maybe find some cool rocks. And if you got dirty, so much the better. You’re all grown up now, but we know that you live in the country precisely because you still like to get your hands dirty and spend time in the sun. You still find that you need to dig holes, but now you need holes big enough for fence posts and tree balls. And you can’t dig them with a teaspoon anymore. Now, you need a grown-up tool.

PTO driven post hole diggers (augers) are an indispensable tool on any acreage, and our research department has found information on three top-of-the-line diggers. On the next pages, you’ll find information on Land Pride, Danuser and Worksaver. And each of these manufacturers has websites where you can find additional information about choosing the type and size of digger that’s appropriate for your need. We’re also encouraging you to take the time to understand how to safely operate this and all other PTO driven tools.

Just remember, when you’re sitting up on your tractor, digging hole after hole for projects to make your homestead the perfect oasis, you’ll still have fun. And you’ll still turn over the dirt and find worms. But trust us, when you find rocks now, you’ll be much less thrilled.

Land Pride PD25

• 2 7/8” yoke tubing with 3/16”+and wall thickness - 3 1/2” reinforced boom tubing

with 7/32” wall tubing for strength and long life

• Constant thickness on auger flighting vs. tapered

• Hardened steel points on auger for long life

• Easily replaceable points when worn or damaged

• Cast steel auger fishtail tips

• Gearbox HP rating 25 Series: 25-55; 35 Series 30-75 HP

• 5 Year gearbox warranty demonstrates confidence in the gearbox integrity

• 2” Output shaft fits most other auger manufacturers for users who don’t need a new auger

• Cat. 3 driveline with shear-pin and radial pin

• Optional alignment handle, down pressure kit and post hole digger stand

Since inception in 1986, Land Pride, A Division of Great Plains Mfg., Inc., has been a leader in grounds maintenance equipment throughout North America. Land Pride is now a leading manufacturer of tractor mounted and skid steer mounted implements including Rotary Tillers, Grooming Mowers, Overseeders, Rotary Cutters, Rear Blades and Landscape Rakes in the United States.

Danuser J20/80 PTO Digger

• Fits Category I or II, 3-point hitch, 20 to 80 HP tractors

• 3-1/2” O.D. boom tubing

• 3” O.D. yoke tubing with Category I pins

• 2” round output spindle

• Shear-pin protection

• Completely guarded PTO driveline

• Input and output safety guards

• Points available in Standard, special & aggressive duty

• Plain, serrated & Hole Digger Head cutting edges

• 5 Year gearbox warranty

Danuser is a third generation family-owned business that continues to produce quality American made products. The employees of Danuser Machine Company are proud of their history, their facilities and their products.

“Good enough won’t do - it must be right!”

K.B. Danuser, Founder

WorkSaver Model 500

• Digger handles 6”, 9”, or 12” standard or heavy-duty

augers with 2” inside diameter opening

• Three-position boom allows the operator to maximize the

auger digging depth

• The model 500 mounts on tractors with category 1 or 2

rear three-point hitches

• Operator lever to adjust the digging angle from the

driver seat

• Gearbox is protected by the shear-pin PTO drive

• Gearbox has a limited 5-year warranty and features

tapered roller bearings and spring loaded seals.

With a history dating back to the 1950’s, Worksaver continues on a path of growth and innovation aided by: the latest in computer designed products and components, Worksaver’s # 1 goal is to provide customers with products that they are proud to own and that help them achieve their goals.

Gazing Balls

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:00:54 -0500

Gazing Balls are said to have their roots in Venice, Italywhere skilled glass blowers began to craft them sometime in the 13th Century.

One legend says that the beautiful gazing balls will bringhappiness, good luck and prosperity to those who own one.

Another popular belief is that the balls are known toward off evil spirits, misfortunes, illness and witches.

Summer Time Picnics

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:00:47 -0500

To us, picnics evoke fond memories of warmweather, outdoor activities and sharing good food with family and friends. To make sure that everyone has pleasantmemories of summer outings keep food wholesome with these simple picnic foodtips.

Plan Ahead

Plan your menu to includeperishable and non perishable foods. Taking only the amount of perishable food you need will eliminate the need to re-package and store left-overs. Fill in the menu with plenty of foods that don’t need refrigeration or cooking,like dried fruits, trail mix, unpeeled fruits like apples, crackers and chipsand cookies and cupcakes.

Be sure to thoroughly chill anyprepared foods such as macaroni or potato salad before transporting.

Pack more plates, cups and utensilsthan you think you’ll need to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination.

If running water won’t beavailable, fill a jug with water to use for washing hands and take soap andpaper towels. In a pinch, wet wipes orhand sanitizers will do almost as well.

Pack Your Coolers

Pack food in one cooler and drinksin another. Pack your food items in acooler that won’t be opened and closed as often as the designated drink coolerwill be.

Remember that coolers can be usedto keep cooked food hot for a short amount of time. Wrap containers of cooked foods in foil and place in a separatecooler.

Once There

Keep the coolers out of sun andcover the cooler with the food with a blanket or heavy towel.

Make sure everyone washes theirhands before handling any of the food to avoid introducing bacteria

Keep cooked food and uncooked foodsapart to avoid cross contamination. Besure to cook meats thoroughly before serving.

Hiking

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:00:47 -0500

Hiking is great exercise and has benefits beyondgetting fresh air and a stunning view. Along with burning up calories, hiking will give you increased levels ofVitamin D, help you combat depression, increase your energy level and improveyour circulation. But before you go,read our tips for selecting the hiking boot that is right for you.

Tips for Choosing a Hiking Boot that Fits

Wear or take hiking socks with you to the shoe store.
It’s likely that you’ll need to try on boots sized ½size larger than your shoes.
Try on several pairs of boots before you make a buyingdecision.
Try on both boots. Many people have slightly different sized feet.
Take your time. If possible spend at least ½ hour wearing the boots.
Make sure you can move all your toes in the toecap.
Take care that your foot doesn’t slide forward when youwalk in the boot.

Remember that the boot may be stiffer than other shoesthat you own.

No matter what the season, or where you live, you need to be alerted to severe weather

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0500

No matter what the season,or where you live, you need to be alerted to severe weather. Having a NOAA weather radio in your home,boat or barn can save lives and property.

NOAA Weather Radio AllHazards provides immediate broadcasts of severe weather warnings and civilemergency messages and giving those in harm’s way critical lead time to respondand remain safe.

Broadcasts of tornadowarnings, flood warnings, AMBER Alerts for child abductions,
chemical spill messages and many other notifications, in addition to routineweather observations and forecasts, make NOAA Weather Radio an essential itemfor every home, business and public area.

NOAA Weather Radio AllHazards, a component of the nation's Emergency Alert System, is comprised of anationwide network of more than 970 transmitters directly linked with one ofthe 123 local offices of NOAA’s National Weather Service, which issues weatherwarnings and relays civil emergency messages on behalf of law enforcementagencies. NOAA Weather Radio is provided as a public service by the NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department ofCommerce.

Unitsthat receive the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards signal are available at manyelectronic retail stores, marine supply stores, mail order catalogs and theInternet. Prices vary by model and available options, but typically rangebetween $20 and $80.

Agricultural Assistance Act of 2007

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:24:00 -0500

Agricultural Assistance Act of 2007

On May 25, 2007, President Bush signed into law the "U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007" (2007 Act).

The 2007 Act provides approximately $3 billion in agricultural disaster aid for America's farmers and ranchers. The aid will cover crop losses, livestock and feed losses, emergency conservation practices and dairy losses. The Act also extends the Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program (EFCRP) and the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program.

This page serves as a clearinghouse for information about the farm programs addressed in the 2007 Act.

You are eligible for this new disaster aid if:

Yourcounty was declared a disaster area by the President or Secretary ofAgriculture for disasters occurring between January 1, 2005 andDecember 31, 2007 (livestock).

You experienced a loss of 35 percent or greater. (crops)

You had crop insurance or coverage under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). (crops)

USDA ACCEPTS APPLICATIONS FOR CROP, FEED AND LIVESTOCK LOSSES SUFFERED FEB. 28 UP TO DEC. 31, 2007 New Law Effects Other FSA Programs