Month August 2026

Six ways to be more prepared - finances, food storage, education, diet, exercise, cleanliness

National Preparedness Month 2026

Since 2004, September has been designated National Preparedness Month. Established because of the events of 9/11, it is a national campaign to encourage Americans to be ready for disasters. It is typically a month to focus on emergency plans and…

Dollar signs

The Rising Cost of Living

An article appeared in the 14 July 2026 edition of USA Today titled “Americans call for action as grocery prices surge” by Marcia Greenwood. It was about the results of a survey of 1,100 registered voters conducted in May by…

American Beautyberry or French Mulberry bush with ripening berries

Insect Repellants

If you are uncomfortable with using insect repellents laden with man-made chemicals, there are natural options available to purchase and to make. Herbal repellents are usually kinder to your skin but make sure your skin isn’t sensitive to them before…

Old Tang affected by air and humidity and new Tang

Plastic, Humidity, and Air

Humidity (moisture) and air eventually move through most plastics. These Tang containers are made of HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic, the same plastic that buckets are made of. The one on the left has been stored unopened but was stored…

Smartphone with an "X" over it

Smartphone-Free Skills

The July 14, 2026 edition of USA Today included an article by Rachel Hale titled “My month with a ‘dumb phone’ showed me there’s a lot to learn.” Ms. Hale is a youth mental health reporter who has spent the…

A homemade "Gatorade" kit in a quart canning jar

Homemade Sports Drinks

My homemade “Gatorade” has gotten us through many hot days working in the yard. Drinking it makes a big difference in how long we are able to work. We know we need it when we can’t taste the salt. It’s…

Before and after photos of Hurricane Harvey

Flood Prevention

After Hurricane Harvey, a friend in a neighboring county government office emailed me to see if I had any information that could help her. A resident had called looking for information on how to protect his home from flood waters.…