The Nature In Us

Causes Of Acid Reflux

2008-07-23T11:49:00.000-04:00

What are the common causes of acid reflux disease? Doctors aren't always sure. Triggered by an increase of acid in your esophagus, acid reflux disease may develop for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the common causes of acid reflux disease.

Consider Stomach Comfort. How does Stomach Comfort compare to other options?

Voluntary Simplicity

2008-07-23T00:47:00.000-04:00

The movement for voluntary simplicity (or simple living) is still somewhat under the radar, but it is growing in strength. The basic philosophy is to "downshift" from a high-pressure, high-cost lifestyle to one that is more spiritual, humble, and less materialistic.

For example, a person who is practicing voluntary simplicity may give up a large, expensive "McMansion" to move into a smaller home that needs less energy to heat in the winter and cool down in the summer. Instead of driving a luxury car to work at a distant office requiring a long commute, a worker might take a cut in pay to work closer to home or telecommute. Then, instead of needing to spend large amounts of money on gas and car payments, public transportation or bicycling could be used for travel.

Critics of voluntary simplicity suggest that it requires too much "sacrifice" and as such, is unappealing and counter to the "American Dream." Others hint that simple living could hurt the American economy, which is dependent on consumer spending to run effectively.

Yet, for those who practice voluntary simplicity, the rewards can be more free time, better family relations, and an enhanced spirituality.

Enjoy the entire article which includes a segment on Simple Ways You Can Enjoy Simple Living.

Copyright and Reprint Information
All photos remain the property of Donna L. Watkins and may not be republished without written permission. You may forward or use this copyrighted article on a website if you include the following credit and an active link back to this site:
© 2000-2008 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission. Visit the author's website, TheNatureInUs.com for more articles and free email subscription.
Link URL: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

Dangers For Off-Leash Dogs

2008-07-22T11:26:00.000-04:00

So many of us know the joy of seeing our dogs run free and enjoy the wide open spaces--even in the city. But, how often have you seen dogs running off-leash in a public park and wondered whether they have any impact on the local wildlife? Is this just harmless fun? Maybe not.

Unfortunately, birds, squirrels and other wildlife are not happy to have a visit from your dog. From their viewpoint, dogs constitute a threat.

Generally speaking, your dog should be on leash unless in a designated off-leash area. Some cities set aside certain parks or natural areas for dogs to run free. Check with city offices to see if this is the case for your area.

Keep in mind that because there are so many dogs running free there are many dangers to consider.

Coca-Cola Offsets Water Use

2008-07-22T11:25:00.000-04:00

Coca-Cola announced it is funding a $20 million project to try and offset the 76 billion gallons of water it uses each year to make Coke, Sprite, Fanta and its other drinks.

According to the Coca-Cola's press release, they will work to conserve seven major rivers worldwide and will also revamp its bottling practices to reduce pollution and water use. The campaign was announced at the World Wildlife Foundation's annual meeting in Beijing.

Lowering Cholesterol With Fish Oil And Red Yeast Rice

2008-07-21T13:03:00.000-04:00

A great deal of scientific evidence shows that cholesterol-reducing medications known as statins can help prevent coronary artery disease. Although the safety of these medications has been well documented, as many as 40 percent of patients who receive a prescription for statins take the drug for less than one year.

In the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a group of researchers from Pennsylvania examine whether an alternative approach to treating high blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins.

Researchers followed 74 patients with high blood cholesterol who met standard criteria for using statin therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either the alternative treatment group or the statin group and followed for three months.

Results? The researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight. Read the entire article.

Omega 3 Fish Oils
Red Yeast Rice

Ailanthus Webworm Moth

2008-07-21T11:57:00.000-04:00

The Ailanthus Webworm Moth (Callosamia cynthia) is often mistaken for a beetle because of its unusually bright coloring and habit of being on flowers in the daytime.

© 2006 Donna L. Watkins - Ailanthus Webworm Moth
These moths keep their wings rolled up tightly against their bodies, unlike other moths we are used to seeing with wings outspread.

Its native habitat is South and Central America where they build communal webs in native trees. Another exotic species imported into the United States from China for the silk industry in the mid 1800's.

This moth is of little consequence ecologically but the host plant brought along for food is a major invasive noxious weed tree along roadways and everywhere else its seeds and suckers can find disturbed soil in Virginia.

This insect has now spread through most of the United States where the caterpillar stage uses the introduced tree known as Tree of Heaven or Paradise Tree (Ailanthus altissima) for food. This 'Tree of Heaven' has turned out to be anything but heavenly since it is displacing many of our own native trees and is especially difficult to eradicate because of its root structure.

The larval (caterpillar) stage of this moth feeds on the leaves, flowers, seeds and even bark of this tree. It will also feed on other deciduous trees and shrubs. The caterpillars make loose webs on their food plants and live inside them.

The colorful adult Ailanthus webworm moth pictured here on a Butterfly Bush (buddleia) is a pollinator. They visit flowers of many different species during the daytime. They mate at dawn and lay eggs at dusk producing one generation per year. It is unlikely that it overwinters in our area, but rather migrates here each year.

Copyright and Reprint Information
All photos remain the property of Donna L. Watkins and may not be republished without written permission. You may forward or use this copyrighted article on a website if you include the following credit and an active link back to this site:
© 2000-2008 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission. Visit the author's website, TheNatureInUs.com for more articles and free email subscription.
Link URL: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

We're In Birds and Blooms Magazine

2008-07-20T13:34:00.006-04:00

We certified our habitat as a Monarch Waystation a few years back and have so enjoyed being a part of it and encouraging others to do the same.

© 2006 Donna L. Watkins - First Day Monarch With Chrysalis Beside
Chip Taylor, the director of the program, emailed me a couple months ago that Birds and Bloom wanted to promote the Monarch program and he was recommending me for them to interview and use some of my photos.

He gave me the person's name and email to get in touch if I was interested. Of course I was interested. Monarchs really need help!

I dug out a bunch of photos and answered all her questions. She said I'd receive a copy of the magazine but didn't tell me when it would be run.

Two days ago I got an email from a friend in GA who told me she got her August/September issue in the mail and was totally shocked to see our photos there. Actually I was totally shocked also since I never knew for sure if they were going to use anything or not. The girl was leaving for vacation a couple of days after the interview and I never heard from her again.

The article in Birds and Bloom has a photo of Randal and me but none of my Monarch photos, however it's also published on their website with two of my photos.

© 2006 Randal and Donna Watkins - Certified Monarch Waystation
So, as my Auntie says, now I'm famous. And my reply to her was, "only for today." Fame certainly doesn't last long, so there's no use in clinging to it. I'm just grateful that the Monarch Waystation Program will reach such a huge audience. Birds and Blooms magazine has 1.6 million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.

Have any of you seen it? Do you think it promotes the program well? I'm sure looking forward to my copy in the mail. If we go to town before it arrives, I'll check it out at a newsstand. We don't subscribe to magazines for environmental reasons (boreal forest and birds), but it's nice to think about the good they do in getting the word around on ways to make a difference for Creation.

Free Green House Plans

2008-07-20T06:23:00.000-04:00

Think you can’t afford an architect to design your green dream home? Now you can get Free Green Home Plans from FreeGreen.com. The eco-minded architects at FreeGreen are giving out free designs for green homes. Just hand them over to your builder and you're good to go.

Hawks and Owls Eat Dogs and Cats

2008-07-20T04:53:00.000-04:00

Large hawks prey on small mammals. The Red-tailed Hawk feeds on rodents and rabbits but also catches larger animals, including pheasants, hares, and jackrabbits. Likewise, Ferruginous and Harris's Hawks chase rabbits, rodents, and ground squirrels. Swainson's Hawks eat mice and large insects.

Of the prey items I've mentioned, jackrabbits are the heaviest. They weigh no more than 10 pounds, less than your pet. Since a small dog could look about the same size as a hawk's usual prey, however, it's possible that a hungry raptor might at least attempt to capture the dog, injuring it in the process.

Be more cautious, though, about leaving your dog outdoors at night. Great Horned Owls are powerful hunters that eat a wide variety of prey, including raccoons, porcupines, and house cats - all of which can weigh as much as your pet.

Recently in Great Britain, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl made headlines when it repeatedly attacked at least five dogs. The owner of one of the dogs, a miniature wire-haired dachshund, said, "It is very frightening for Heidi to have this giant bird trying to eat her all the time. I have no doubt that it wants to make her into its next meal. I guess Heidi looks like a rabbit or a tasty snack." A falconer captured the bird, which was believed to have escaped from an aviary.

Source: Q&A at Birder's World Magazine's Website

Have a bird question? Ask it at Birder's World.

Gratitude Attitude

2008-07-19T08:37:00.000-04:00

by Donna L. Watkins

It's so easy to grumble about our daily circumstances. It can become a habit, especially when you attract others who love to grumble. That turns into being "pegged" as a negative person. It doesn't do your health any good either.

© 2008 Donna L. Watkins - Early Morning Passion Flower
Everybody has bad circumstances going on in their lives in one way or another, and some more than most, but that doesn't mean we have to focus on and rehearse mentally and verbally all that's wrong.

Do you consider yourself a positive or negative person?

There is always a list of things to be grateful for. I read somewhere that Oprah always wrote down 5 things to be grateful for before going to bed each night. That's certainly a good way to get better sleep, but I think more importantly, you need to list 5 things to be grateful for when you get up in the morning because that's when we choose our mindset for the day.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul writes, "In everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

John MacArthur gives us some insight into this Scripture:

"Paul simply says very directly, "In everything give thanks." No exceptions, no excuses, nothing is outside those parameters, in everything give thanks. That little phrase enpante in the Greek means in connection with everything that occurs ... in connection with everything in life give thanks no matter what it might be, with obvious exceptions of personal sin. He is saying no matter what happens to you in life, be thankful. No matter lot, no matter what circumstance, no matter what struggle, vicissitude, trial, testing, be thankful, give thanks. No matter what the situation we are to find reason to thank God. This is not some nebulous thanks fired off into space, it is a thanks given directly to God."

God doesn't ask us to BE thankful, but does require that we GIVE thanks. In trusting Him to make all things good (Romans 8) and surrendering to His providential will brings forth the words of thanks regardless of our broken heart. In return, God fills us with peace and comfort and enough grace to endure through the situation.

Gratitude changes our attitude. It only takes a moment to turn your attitude around.

At a Women of Faith conference, they were short of space for 150 attendees and had to bring in chairs which weren't as wide or comfortable. Everybody had a seat, but it was cramped, so there was an unhappy buzz covering the auditorium. The director asked Joni Eareckson Tada to help calm the crowd.

A childhood accident left Joni a quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair. She came onto the stage and said to the audience: "I understand some of you don't like the chair you're sitting in. Well, neither do I! But I've got a 1,000 handicapped friends who'd gladly trade places with you." Immediately the complaining stopped and the hall was quiet.

A spark of gratitude changed the attitude of the entire crowd. After all, Isn't Happiness A Choice?

Copyright and Reprint Information
All photos remain the property of Donna L. Watkins and may not be republished without written permission. You may forward or use this copyrighted article on a website if you include the following credit and an active link back to this site:
© 2000-2008 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission. Visit the author's website, TheNatureInUs.com for more articles and free email subscription.
Link URL: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

Paul Newman vs. Robert Redford

2008-07-19T06:50:00.000-04:00

Robert Redford and the Law of 1900

Robert Redford is now about as sexy as an orange that's been forgotten at the back of the refrigerator. It seems a shame. Robert Redford says he was born in 1937, and yet he looks far more used up than Paul Newman, born in 1925. It's not necessarily Newman that's the outlier; Joanne Woodward, born in 1930, looks pretty good, too.

So what will you look like when you're, uh, well, 83 years old, just like Paul Newman? I'm hoping to not look like a little plot of grass, six feet long, with a hunk of granite at one end. I've been struggling with "health foods" and so on for more than four decades, and it's finally all coming together in a few rules, but most important is the Rule Of 1900.

Read the entire article.

Weight Loss Food Diaries Work

2008-07-18T11:55:00.000-04:00

The study, published in the August edition of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, included 1,685 overweight or obese U.S. adults aged 25 and older.

For six months, they kept food diaries and were encouraged to eat a healthy diet and be physically active. They also met weekly in groups to share their food diaries and brush up on skills like how to judge portion size.

After six months, participants had shed almost 13 pounds, on average. The most powerful predictor of their weight loss was how many days per week they kept their food diary, says Victor Stevens, PhD, senior investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Ore.

Those who kept food records six days a week -- jotting down everything they ate and drank on those days -- lost about twice as much weight as those who kept food records one day a week or less, Stevens tells WebMD. Read the entire article.

The Four Pillars of Weight Loss

Video: Squirrel Eating Apple

2008-07-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

We throw our fruit and veggie scraps out for the wildlife and we often catch great entertainment for the small effort. No reason to throw food into the landfill when it can provide life for an animal.

We also notice that we don't have problems with raccoons getting into our trash can. I guess we have an unspoken agreeement. View video of squirrel eating apple.

Teach Your Dog To Swim Safely

2008-07-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

There are certain things we assume dogs know by instinct. Sniffing, for instance, sometimes in embarrassing places. Barking, too, and begging for food scraps are also downloaded onto dogs’ internal computers at the factory.

Then there’s swimming. It seems so integral to being a dog that we’ve even named a stroke after them, the dog-paddle — so you’d assume that’s another thing that every dog is born knowing how to do.

It turns out that you’d be wrong. Not every dog knows instinctively how to swim, and some can’t swim at all, Wendy Diamond, the founder and editorial director of Animal Fair magazine, told TODAY. Dogs’ aquatic abilities are so misunderstood, in fact, that she put together a list of water safety tips for dog owners.

Read the entire article.

Best Green Cities in USA

2008-07-17T11:10:00.000-04:00

Country Home magazine, in conjunction with Sperling's BestPlaces, reveals that Burlington, Vermont is the 2007 Best Green Place to live in America.

Burlington is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain between the Adirondack and Green Mountains in northwest Vermont and has a population of 40,000. With programs like Burlington Eco Info Project, the community of Burlington, including the residents, businesses and government, values a green lifestyle and makes it a priority.

"We are seeing a real interest, by both our readers and the marketplace, in exploring a green lifestyle," said Editor-in-Chief Carol Sheehan. "We wanted to find out who in America is actually taking action, where they are, and what they are doing."

1. Burlington, VT
2. Ithaca, NY
3. Corvallis, OR
4. Springfield, MA
5. Wenatchee, WA
6. Charlottesville, VA
7. Boulder, CO
8. Madison, WI
9. Binghamton, NY
10. Champaign-Urbana, IL
11. Ann Arbor, MI
12. San Diego, CA
13. La Crosse, WI
14. Pittsfield, MA
15. Eau Claire, WI
16. Durham, NC
17. Norwich-New London, CT
18. Eugene, OR
19. San Francisco, CA
20. Chico, CA
21. Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
22. Barnstable Town, MA
23. Utica-Rome, NY
24. Missoula, MT
25. Asheville, NC

The Best Green Places study, which is based on data discovered by Sperling's BestPlaces, examines 24 data metrics in 5 major categories -- including air and watershed quality, mass transit usage, power usage, farmers markets, organic producers, and number of green-certified buildings -- to determine which metro areas are the best places to live a green life. Sperling's BestPlaces ranked the 379 major metropolitan areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Over 80 percent of all U.S. residents live in these 379 metro areas.

Data was collected from sources which include the Census Bureau, the U.S. Green Building Council, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the GreenPeople.org online directory.

Among its unique green attributes, Burlington has developed a compost facility that collects food scraps from restaurants, supermarkets, institutions and food manufacturers, and the yard clippings and leaves from local residents and landscapers. Once finished composting, local farmers, gardeners and landscapers purchase this nutrient rich soil to use.

Read the entire article.

Geo-Thermal HVAC Right For You?

2008-07-16T15:13:00.000-04:00

Another form of renewable energy you might want to consider for your home is a geo-thermal heat pump. There's been quite a bit of interest in geothermal heating and cooling lately.

People have questions about what those options are and whether they should consider them as an eco-friendly heating/cooling option. If this describes you, then read on - these systems ARE incredibly promising technologies to heat and cool your home, but they're also more complicated than your typical AC or furnace unit.

Is Geo-Thermal Right For Your Home?
Geo-thermal Directory Of Providers

Cholesterol Test At Home

2008-07-16T00:36:00.001-04:00

High cholesterol can have serious and even lethal effects on the body and too many people ignore testing. Personally I don't go to the doctor to get many tests since they want to run you through a long list of them once you begin. So, I make use of the at-home tests available. For many tests, an at-home setting is more valid since you're in your normal comfort zone.

For cholesterol testing, we use the Cholestrak® Home Cholesterol Test Kit to measure our cholesterol levels easy, quick and inexpensive ($12.50).

Fear Of Failure

2008-07-16T00:05:00.002-04:00

by Donna L. Watkins

Having to consider a warmer climate for health reasons, we recently visited Gainesville, Florida. When you're making decisions based on health and not true desires, the view gets a bit muddled. Especially after you already thought you'd found a place, like we did in Greenville, SC.

In reality, I didn't want to move to Florida so I was willing to go part way (to South Carolina). Vitiligo prevents me from being in the sun. Florida is called the Sunshine State, so it didn't seem to fit in my mind.

God has so much mercy with us. When we found the lot in Greenville we were certain "it was God" because it felt so good and fit us so well with it being a conservation community.

Then we had problems with the architect and builder in trying to get plans for a small home. They've been used to building huge for so long, I don't think they grasped our belief of "less is more."

Most of the time when I'm having my morning time with God I find such encouragement and delight in His Word and I praise Him for who He is, not just what I want. God is near when we praise Him. At other times He points out that I've been a naughty child and there is correction, repentance and His forgiveness. A simple process for Him, but so humbling for me.

James 4:13 says, "Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit."

Although our need to move is not a business one, this Scripture hit me dead between the eyes for my assumption that Greenville was it. We thought it was a good fit, but God sees further. We get so excited at events and circumstances (or so disappointed) that we let go of His hand sometimes and head down the highway alone - definitely trouble in the making.

We must give Him time to talk to us. It's easy to let fear come in and as my devotion book said one day last week, fear causes a loss of perspective. Fatigue (which is the daily challenge I have with the RA) strips us of our courage.

Fear causes us to forget the power of God because our perspective is messed up. Add exhaustion to it and you will feel hopeless and without options. Remember Elijah after his great victory against the 450 false prophets? He was exhausted and that stripped him of courage, which made him fearful until he became isolated, depressed and suicidal.

We can't let things go that far. At times like this we need to surround ourselves with those who support us and will help us to see the options more clearly. Isolation will make us our own worst enemy. Do not allow it!

Reach for God knowing that He is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. Reach for strong Christian friends who can offer wisdom and encouragement. Stay in touch! That's been a key factor in staying focused on Truth and not feelings.

God knows that life can get you down now and then. He didn't lecture Elijah for his lack of faith. He gave him time to rest and fed him by sending ravens. God led Elijah into some alone time with Him.

Do you hear God calling you to sit and rest to allow Him to feed you His Word? When all seems lost and the world is falling apart, God will give you perspective and hope. He'll also send somebody to help if you're open to it (and sometimes even if you're not).

Too often I have the "I can do it myself" attitude. It's not a weakness to work together with others. God made us to be part of a team. Jesus came and one of the first things He did was to choose a "team" of disciples. Surround yourself with people you love and make sure they're positive people.

When you're down and out, you can easily attract others to have a pity party and that's not the way out of the wilderness. Truth will lead us down the right path and will help us to make right decisions. Sometimes the actual decision isn't as critical as we make it. Many times we are afraid of failing, like one choice on a decision may not go 100% right so then it might be considered a mistake. We learn from mistakes.

Mistakes are just a traffic sign to guide us to an alternate path, but it doesn't mean they weren't part of the path. God uses ALL for our good if we love Him, so don't freeze up and avoid decisions thinking there is one right answer. Very often there is more than one good choice! Remember God's sovereign will. He will only allow into your life what is good and necessary, so get up and set your feet on the path. He will direct. There's no time to think of failure.

Copyright and Reprint Information
All photos remain the property of Donna L. Watkins and may not be republished without written permission. You may forward or use this copyrighted article on a website if you include the following credit and an active link back to this site:
© 2000-2008 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission. Visit the author's website, TheNatureInUs.com for more articles and free email subscription.
Link URL: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

Disinfectant Wipes Spread Superbugs

2008-07-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

First came word that popular antibacterial hand soaps are not only unnecessary (old fashioned soap and water is the best way to keep germs from spreading) but the chemicals in them can harm your health and environment. Now a new study says instead of killing potentially dangerous infections, disinfectant wipes may actually spread drug-resistant and sometimes deadly bacteria.

The research, recently presented at the American Society of Microbiology's General Meeting in Boston, zeroed in on bacteria that included the dreaded "superbugs" -- methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. MRSA infections range from so-called "flesh eating" disfiguring skin infections to life-threatening and difficult to treat infections of the bloodstream, lungs and surgical wounds. The majority of cases are associated with hospitals, nursing homes or other health care facilities –- exactly the places where wipes are frequently used to try to prevent infections.

While the new study covered bacteria in hospitals, the information is also pertinent to the use of wipes in the home. You can't assume that by wiping down a cutting board, sink and counter top with a so-called disinfectant wipe that you have killed all potentially dangerous bacteria especially that associated with raw eggs and meat.

The best line of defense against infection? Wash your hands and surfaces with hot water and soap. Natural soaps and detergents with no added antibacterial agents zap the numbers of potentially troublesome bacteria adequately and quickly.

Read the entire article.

Attracting Butterflies

2008-07-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

Butterflies, with their gorgeous colors and lilting flight, are such a joy to watch. They add so much beauty to our summers, like seeing flowers flying.

It’s easy to invite more butterflies to make a seasonal stop in your yard. Find out which plants they just can’t resist — and learn a few fun facts about butterflies that you may not know. Read the entire article.

Tofu And Dementia

2008-07-15T02:14:00.000-04:00

The study focused on 719 elderly Indonesians living in urban and rural regions of Java. The researchers found high tofu consumption - at least once a day - was associated with worse memory, particularly among the over-68s.

Soy products are a major alternative protein source to meat for many people in the developing world. But soy consumption is also on the increase in the west, where it is often promoted as a "superfood".

Soy products are rich in micronutrients called phytoestrogens, which mimic the impact of the female sex hormone estrogen.

There is some evidence that they may protect the brains of younger and middle-aged people from damage - but their effect on the aging brain is less clear.

Read the entire article.

Pileated Woodpecker Nest

2008-07-14T11:19:00.002-04:00

One of our delights of woodland living is that we see so many varieties of woodpeckers. The pileated are the largest and their hairdo is representative of the Woody Woodpecker we all know from cartoons.

© 2008 Ken Bushell
This year our neighbor hosted a nest in a tree that blew down two weeks after the woodpecker family departed. It was very interesting to see the inside of the nest and to imagine that huge cavity being dug out with only the chisel of the male woodpecker's beak. What a craftsman!

View photos of the nestlings and parents. Click on the double arrows to the right to continue the "story."

View a video of a pileated woodpecker near our front door.

Green Weddings or Reunions

2008-07-14T07:01:00.001-04:00

Get information on location, event planners, invitations, food and beverage choices, rings, dresses, gifts and favors, and even where to recylce the mess. Read the entire article.

How about some green birthday party ideas also?

Dried or Fresh Fruit?

2008-07-13T12:08:00.000-04:00

Do dried fruits contain more nutritional value than fresh fruits?

When you dry fruits, you lose more than just water. You also lose nutrients. For example, when it comes to berries, much of their uniqueness is derived from their phytonutrients. Flavonoids like peonidin, petunidin, malvidin, and many others found in berries are susceptible to damage from heat, light, oxygen, and time-since-harvest. While some drying processes are harsher than others, no drying process can leave the phytonutrient content of these berries significantly unchanged.

Since fruits lose water (and therefore volume) during the drying process, their nutrient, calorie, and sugar content becomes concentrated once they are dried. When you eat a handful of dried fruit, you are consuming more calories than you would if you ate that same amount of fresh fruit.

Read the entire article.

The Outhouse

2008-07-13T08:51:00.001-04:00

While we were in Florida we visited an old homestead farm. As I took a photo of the outhouse, I realized that many outhouses had those symbols on them. The sliver of a moon and the star. I thought surely there was some meaning to it.

Google helped to find this trivia fact:

Cut-outs of a moon and a star were used in colonial times on outhouse doors to designate the gender of the intended user. Originally, the moon cut-out was for women and the star was for the men. But men's outhouses were usually such a mess that men preferred using the women's outhouses. So, eventually the use of stars were phased out.

Ever wonder about the history of these buildings? How they were built. What happened when they got full? What did they use before toilet paper came into the world? What about flies and was there some way to control the smell? Visit this site to learn more.