Marthas Blog

Winter Safety Tips

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:26:00 GMT

What a great article! Please take a few minutes to read these Winter safety tips. It's printed in an easy-read format. Who knows, with the kind of Winter we've had in Kansas and more to come, (the worst snowstorms can occur in March.) Some of these tips might be of use to you...

SEMO/State Emergency Management Office...New York State

Dog Lovers

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:32:00 GMT

This time of year it's good to be reminded of what can harm or even kill our dogs.

Apples/Apricots
This is a new one for me... I didn't know that apples, apricots, cherries, peaches and plums could harm my "Oscar" and "Scarlett" (they are Pugs and thank you for asking!) These five fruits contain a type of cyanide complex that can poison your dog if he/she ingests even the stems, seeds and leaves. This can cause dilated pupils, breathing problems, hyperventilation, shock, and apprehensiveness.
Chocolate
Chocolate is harmful for 3 reasons: the chemicals theobromine and caffeine, and its high fat content. theobromine and caffeine are nervous system stimulants. Stimulants are harmful to your dog if he eats too much. Noticeable effects of overdose include hyperactivity, restlessness, muscle twitches, increased urination and excessive panting. Seizures may occur in the most severe cases of overdose. These chemicals increase as the chocolate gets darker.
Coffee Grounds and Beans
You may have a dog that will eat anything, especially if they're enjoying a prohibited treat from a trash can. Coffee grounds and beans have caffeine and dogs that eat them can suffer from caffeine overdose.
Macadamia Nuts
Also known as the Australia Nut and the Queensland Nut, Macadamias are one of the mystery harmful foods when it comes to your dog. Although researchers still have not determined what causes the problem, as few as six nuts, running as high as 40 nuts, can cause severe overdose. The symptoms of your dog may have from macadamias include abdominal pain, vomiting, pale gums, stiffness, lameness, difficulty walking, tremors, weakness, and depression. The symptoms usually dissipate in 12 to 24 hours.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a popular spice at Christmas time, especially for egg nog and baking. High levels of nutmeg can kill your dog. Symptoms include seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems and death.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, which is harmful for dogs. If you feed him onions of garlic regularly, his red blood cells may weaken and literally fall apart. The thiosulphate can reach harmful, even deadly levels, if he eats too much of either food.

Winter Care for Garden Birds

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:08:00 GMT

Garden birds are extremely vulnerable over winter especially if the ground is frozen, so it's a good idea to help them survive the colder months by installing some bird feeders.

Use high energy food
You dont have to put bird feeders "everywhere"... a handful carefully placed will soon become a magnet to a varied range of birds.
Once winter is over continue to put food out, birds need the calories for nest building and raising their young.
To attract a good range of birds you only need to find a SAFE place for a few different feeding stations.
Different birds like different food and the greater selection you put out the more birds you will attract.

Reference: www.WildBird.com, for birds in your area.

Mixed seed will attract house Sparrows, and Chaffinches.
Peanuts will attract Nuthatches, Siskins, Great tits, Blue tits
Nyjer seeds attract Goldfinches
Meal worm attracts Robins or Wrens
Water is very important to make available for drinking as well as washing. The traditional bird bath will work but add a few drops of a special liquid that prevents water from freezing. Don't worry this Avian version of anti-freeze is completely safe!
Enjoy your birding...birds bring us joy...we can bring them a kinder life.

Favorite Links: (for birds in your area-features birding by state)

Fall is here!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:29:00 GMT

Fall is here! Many of us have already turned our furnaces on...I know I have...with that said Kansas Gas and Electric sent brochures (along with my gas statement this month) about the dangers of carbon monoxide. Although I thought I knew the dangers...I read it! Living in an older home I'm going to get a carbon monoxide detector.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can make you sick or cause death. Carbon monoxide occurs when fuel does not burn completely. Sources include improperly vented cooking or water heating appliances, auto exhaust, blocked chimney flues and malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances.

The presence of carbon monoxide in your home or business might appear as black soot around vents, flues, furnace filters, burners or appliance access openings; as condensation on windows or interior walls; as a yellow flame instead of a blue flame on appliance burners; as the absence of a draft in your fireplace; or as dying house plants or unexpected illnesses in pets. Humidifiers or vaporizers can also cause condensation on windows.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms include headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, fatigue, increased perspiration, nausea, weakness and vomiting.

As carbon monoxide levels increase, symptoms may become more severe and include shortness of breath, extreme muscular weakness, intermittent convulsions, mental confusion and unconsciousness. in addition, severe poisoning can cause these symptoms: change in skin color; lips and mucous membranes change in color to cherry red; and heart and lung failure.

Carbon monoxide detectors can alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide. If you install a detector, follow the manufacturers directions regarding installation. If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide in your home or business, leave immediately and use a phone located away from the potential hazard to call 911.

Helpful Prevention Tips

Check and maintain proper ventilation of flue and chimney.
Clean or replace air filters regularly.
Don't block air intake areas near appliances.
Don't use a gas range or space heater to heat your home.
Don't start your car, lawn mower, snow blower or any combustion engine in a closed garage.
Don't operate your gas grill inside your home, an enclosed porch or closed garage.
If you see a yellow flame instead of a blue one, it's a warning sign that your natural gas appliance is not operating properly or is not vented properly.

Protect yourself and your family. Check flammable containers, appliances and carbon monoxide detectors now!

Did You Know...

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:23:00 GMT

You can dispose of still-functioning appliances and fixtures by donating them to a favorite charity rather than sending them to a landfill. Or visit www.Freecycle.org to find out how you can donate them to individuals who can use them.

Appliances and fixtures that no longer work also can be recycled. Call your municipal solid waste agency, contact the Steel Recycling Institute at www.recycle-steel.org, or visit www.earth911.org for local options.

Going Green

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:16:00 GMT

What Does "Going Green" Mean?

You hear this “going green” so much! It dawned on me that it’s not going away… in fact it’s magnifying. Let me share some information with you from when I started researching.
Link~www.GreenHomeGuide.com
They even offer a newsletter!

Save on Home Insurance

Not all homeowner’s insurance policies are created equal. While most policies cover property, liability and loss of use, they don’t all cost the same. InsWeb, an online insurance resource, suggests several ways homeowners can save on their insurance premiums.

Shop around. By comparing coverage and rates from several carriers, you’ll know if you’re getting the best deal.
Look for multi-policy discounts. Does your auto insurance company also provide home insurance? Many insurance providers will offer their customers discounts for buying more than one product.
Only buy the coverage you need. If you don’t live in a flood-prone area, for example, you may not need costly flood insurance.
Review your insurance policy limits once a year. Update your home inventory and notify your agent of any major purchases or additions to your home. Also keep in mind that many insured possessions depreciate over time. As you update your inventory, the value of your possessions could mean more or less coverage.
Consider raising your deductible. Increasing your deductible by a few hundred dollars can reduce your monthly premium.
Look for homeowner discounts. If your home has safety features such as dead-bolt locks, fire extinguishers, an alarm system, and smoke detectors, you may be able to get a lower premium. Some insurers also offer discounts to homeowners over age 55 and to smoke-free households.

With the money you save, just think what you can do to increase the value of your home.

Low-Cost Landscaping Tips

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:15:00 GMT

Creating Curb Appeal

The area I live in has a monthly newsletter. I put in a little "blurb" about sharing bulbs and plants with each other (when you thin them out). Amazing! The things we exchange and receive. Hope you find the Free Landscaping Ideas Blog beneficial.

Happy Gardening,

The Free Landscaping Ideas Blog

Make a plan that includes a schedule of tasks and rough sketches of your design to help you determine what items you need. For assistance, consult with an expert at a local gardening store or home improvement retailer.
Plan the project in phases and purchase products as money is available. The phased-in plan also helps you avoid the interest and fees associated with home-improvement loans or credit card purchases.
Don't sacrifice quality. Ask the staff at local specialty shops for recommendations about the best products available. If you are inexperienced with landscaping, consider spending a little extra for professional assistance.
Carefully inspect plants for diseases and insect problems, especially if you didn't purchase them from a nursery. Diseases and pests can spread to other plants. Also ask the gardening retailer if they offer warranties on their plants.
If you plan ahead, you can take advantage of off-season prices. For example, buy lumber in the winter when it is cheaper and store it until you are ready to use it. Shop for trees, shrubs, perrennials, mulch and soil late in the season when prices go down.
Purchase products online or from catalogs, or join a gardening club, which may offer discount prices as well as helpful advise.

WORK WITH A CRS AGENT
Buying a home is one of the biggest and most emotional decisions you will ever make. So it's important to work with someone who can provide sound advice and steady, guiding hand when you need it.

That's why a CRS agent is the best person for the job.

A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is among the top 4 percent of all agents in the country. CRS agents have achieved a high volume of transactions and advanced training in areas such as business planning, real estate investing, marketing and technology. They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide by its Code of Ethics.

Why work with anyone else when you can work with a CRS?