sI live in Texas. I have two girls in sports...fastpitch. And ugggghhhh it is hot! I also have a baby under two years who does not handle the heat well. So, admittedly, the two of us don't make it to every single game.
But I am mom first, I love my girls, I love softball. So, I do make it out for a game or two every tournament. During this time, I am looking for a way to keep cool.
Last night, there was another lady with a baby and she had a portable fan that blew pretty hard for a portable! So, I set off today to find fans online that we all could enjoy.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
More Pretty Hummingbird Feeders
OK. So, I talked about how great hummingbird feeders are last week. And, in my travels I found some beautiful hummingbird feeders that I just had to share. For those of you who want something a little extra fancy or special....these are just for you! Find the unique hummingbird feeder just right for you.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Let's Get a Hummingbird Feeder!
I haven't done the research, I admit, on what season is the best for hummingbirds. But I can tell you that my mom lives out in the country and she has two big, beautiful picture windows that each have a hummingbird feeder in front (on the outside of course). The hummingbirds visit constantly. It is very relaxing and fun to watch.
The feeders get interest from every visitor to my mom's home as the hummingbirds that frequent the feeders have distinct personalities. The bully. The hummingbird that tries to steal a drink and leave before the bully comes over. And one little hummingbird that fights with the bully to get her drink.
It will relax you and be very enjoyable. Imagine the fun you will have with your hummingbird feeder.
The feeders get interest from every visitor to my mom's home as the hummingbirds that frequent the feeders have distinct personalities. The bully. The hummingbird that tries to steal a drink and leave before the bully comes over. And one little hummingbird that fights with the bully to get her drink.
It will relax you and be very enjoyable. Imagine the fun you will have with your hummingbird feeder.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
What to Do When Stung by a Wasp
Wasps are a definite nuisance. Most people do not like to see them at all. Wasps stings just add to the general hatred of wasps.
Most people are not allergic to a wasp sting and will only suffer the initial pain and general discomfort, itchiness, slight swelling at the sting site, and a bit of pain. It should not cause many problems.
However, there are those who are allergic to a wasp sting. For those who are severely allergic to wasp stings, they may suffer from anaphylactic shock. If you find that you feel sick or the location of the wasp sting is swelling beyond what a normal bee sting would....contact your doctor immediately. If you feel sick and keep getting sicker, go to the doctor's office or emergency room. Do not wait for an appointment. Go immediately.
Some of the things that you should do when stung by a wasp are:
Most people are not allergic to a wasp sting and will only suffer the initial pain and general discomfort, itchiness, slight swelling at the sting site, and a bit of pain. It should not cause many problems.
However, there are those who are allergic to a wasp sting. For those who are severely allergic to wasp stings, they may suffer from anaphylactic shock. If you find that you feel sick or the location of the wasp sting is swelling beyond what a normal bee sting would....contact your doctor immediately. If you feel sick and keep getting sicker, go to the doctor's office or emergency room. Do not wait for an appointment. Go immediately.
Some of the things that you should do when stung by a wasp are:
- Keep the area that was stung lower than the rest of the body.
- Apply ice or a bag of frozen vegetables to the affected area.
- Avoid scratching or squeezing the affected area.
- Keep the area clean with soap and water.
- If the area is very itchy, apply a paste of baking soda and water overnight.
Monday, April 19, 2010
How to Get Rid of Wasps
Ok. So you may have found some wasps on your property. Something that no one wants to find. But, unfortunately, if you live in Texas....or a bit out in the country somewhere...you will probably have a little or a lot of wasps. So, now you may be wondering how to get rid of wasps from your property.
There are always those people who feel that the wasps should be left alone and extermination is not an option. But a wasps sting is not only painful, but it can cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock. This would require immediate treatment by medical professionals. It would not be a good position to be in.
Also, there are some types of wasps that when they sting you, the pheromones attract other wasps and you can come under attack.
There are some things you can do to reduce the population of wasps on your property.
Watch for the location that the wasps return to at night and leave from in the morning. This will let you know where the major nests are. If it is way up in a tree, you will need to use a projectile spray that will travel up to 20 feet. You will want to handle this at night or in the morning while all the wasps are in the nest. Whenever you approach, or attempt to treat, a wasp's nest, make sure you wear layered clothing. A wasp's sting can penetrate most light clothing. Be ready to retreat quickly.
If your wasps nest is in a confined area, you may want to call a professional exterminator. The wasps may want to attack. It is best not to take chances. Plus, wasp sprays are generally poison.
Once you have the wasps nest cleared of live wasps, you can knock it down. However, it may take a few treatments before there are no wasps left. Do not knock it down until you are absolutely certain the wasps nest is clear.
If the wasps nest, or a hornet's nest, is in the ground. You can just fill the hole with paraffin wax and cover it with earth.
If ever, you are afraid or have any hesitation at all, it is best for you to contact an exterminator.
Check out this waspinator! It has received numerous great reviews and seems to be a safe way for you to greatly reduce your wasp numbers. Worth a try! Click the link below the picture to read the great reviews from actual customers.
This sprays up to 20'!!
There are always those people who feel that the wasps should be left alone and extermination is not an option. But a wasps sting is not only painful, but it can cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock. This would require immediate treatment by medical professionals. It would not be a good position to be in.
Also, there are some types of wasps that when they sting you, the pheromones attract other wasps and you can come under attack.
There are some things you can do to reduce the population of wasps on your property.
Watch for the location that the wasps return to at night and leave from in the morning. This will let you know where the major nests are. If it is way up in a tree, you will need to use a projectile spray that will travel up to 20 feet. You will want to handle this at night or in the morning while all the wasps are in the nest. Whenever you approach, or attempt to treat, a wasp's nest, make sure you wear layered clothing. A wasp's sting can penetrate most light clothing. Be ready to retreat quickly.
If your wasps nest is in a confined area, you may want to call a professional exterminator. The wasps may want to attack. It is best not to take chances. Plus, wasp sprays are generally poison.
Once you have the wasps nest cleared of live wasps, you can knock it down. However, it may take a few treatments before there are no wasps left. Do not knock it down until you are absolutely certain the wasps nest is clear.
If the wasps nest, or a hornet's nest, is in the ground. You can just fill the hole with paraffin wax and cover it with earth.
If ever, you are afraid or have any hesitation at all, it is best for you to contact an exterminator.
Check out this waspinator! It has received numerous great reviews and seems to be a safe way for you to greatly reduce your wasp numbers. Worth a try! Click the link below the picture to read the great reviews from actual customers.
This sprays up to 20'!!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Where Do Wasps Live?
As Summer approaches, you may be wondering, "where do wasps live?". Once you have established where they are making themselves at home on your property, you can make a plan to get rid of them.
Wasps make their nests out of small pieces of bark or cardboard that the mix with their saliva to form a great product for forming their nest, cellulose. So, most often they will live a spot that has trees nearby.
Last summer, my daughter got stung in the face while swimming in her grandma's pool. A wasp was determined to get a hold of her. He followed her around and kept trying to get on her face. I splashed at her and it would go away and come back. Finally, it landed and just as it landed, I grabbed it with my hand, placed my hand under water, then threw it. I don't know where it ended up. My daughter had a wasp sting. She was scared (still is), but luckily was fine.
Some people are very allergic to a wasp sting. So, it is a good idea to get rid of them when you see a wasp's nest beginning to form. Where to look? Where do wasps live?
Wasps make their nests out of small pieces of bark or cardboard that the mix with their saliva to form a great product for forming their nest, cellulose. So, most often they will live a spot that has trees nearby.
Last summer, my daughter got stung in the face while swimming in her grandma's pool. A wasp was determined to get a hold of her. He followed her around and kept trying to get on her face. I splashed at her and it would go away and come back. Finally, it landed and just as it landed, I grabbed it with my hand, placed my hand under water, then threw it. I don't know where it ended up. My daughter had a wasp sting. She was scared (still is), but luckily was fine.
Some people are very allergic to a wasp sting. So, it is a good idea to get rid of them when you see a wasp's nest beginning to form. Where to look? Where do wasps live?
- under awnings and eaves. Always look under eaves of roofs.
- Underground in small burroughs. Watch out for these when gardening.
- In small openings or holes in trees or walls.
- In hedges or bushes.
- Our wasps, from that day, lived in a ceiling fan that my mother had out on the patio. Once we had this figured out, we sprayed for them and had to repeat a day later. It made a big difference in the amount of wasps in the area.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Time to Get the Pool Ready!
If you pool has been covered over the winter, it is time to get it uncovered. The coldest days are over and it is time to have some outdoor fun!
You wouldn't want to be caught with the only covered pool in town now, would you? My kids are already swimming and I am so happy. They should do well in swimming lessons this year. I want to raise strong swimmers.
And for you grandparents, nothing draws grandkids over like the uncovered pool. Hint, hint!
You wouldn't want to be caught with the only covered pool in town now, would you? My kids are already swimming and I am so happy. They should do well in swimming lessons this year. I want to raise strong swimmers.
And for you grandparents, nothing draws grandkids over like the uncovered pool. Hint, hint!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Those of Us in Texas, Time for Bluebonnet Pictures!
I live in Texas. For the last couple of years there were not any bluebonnets to speak of. Yes, there were bluebonnets here and there, but ever since my girls were 1 & 2 years old, I have not gotten a great bluebonnet picture.
When my dad was alive, he wanted the bluebonnet pictures every year. Their property produced a ton of the bluebonnets when my first daughter was one...and I blew it. I didn't show up. Then, the great picture. Then....we waited. My dad passed away and we have still been waiting. This year it is GREAT! We went over there and got some great bluebonnet pictures. My son (1 year) was not interested...but we got the shots.
What is the point of this rambling post? Get out there and take your bluebonnet pictures! Who knows when we will have this great of a year for them again. Take advantage. Enjoy some time outside. The flowers are so nice.
When my dad was alive, he wanted the bluebonnet pictures every year. Their property produced a ton of the bluebonnets when my first daughter was one...and I blew it. I didn't show up. Then, the great picture. Then....we waited. My dad passed away and we have still been waiting. This year it is GREAT! We went over there and got some great bluebonnet pictures. My son (1 year) was not interested...but we got the shots.
What is the point of this rambling post? Get out there and take your bluebonnet pictures! Who knows when we will have this great of a year for them again. Take advantage. Enjoy some time outside. The flowers are so nice.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
What to do When You See a Snake
Although I want to say up front that I can't guarantee that you won't get bit by a snake, I sure have looked up what to do if I come across one! I am scared of snakes! Let me share what I have found.
The majority of snakes are harmless to humans. But why take your chances? If you are unsure, it is best to treat all snakes as though they will harm you.
The best advice that I could find...and I found it from many sources....is to back away slowly or to be still. Most snakes will not attack unless they feel threatened. If you back away slowly and quietly or be very still, you have the best chance of being fine.
If you need a snake removed, call a local snake expert. If you can't find one, call animal control and they should be able to find someone to help you. Do not attack or pick it up.
I can not guarantee you will not be bitten, but I am just sayin....
The majority of snakes are harmless to humans. But why take your chances? If you are unsure, it is best to treat all snakes as though they will harm you.
The best advice that I could find...and I found it from many sources....is to back away slowly or to be still. Most snakes will not attack unless they feel threatened. If you back away slowly and quietly or be very still, you have the best chance of being fine.
If you need a snake removed, call a local snake expert. If you can't find one, call animal control and they should be able to find someone to help you. Do not attack or pick it up.
I can not guarantee you will not be bitten, but I am just sayin....
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Snakes are Ready to Come Out of Hibernation!
As the weather warms up it is much nicer to be outside. But not just for us...for the snakes, too. Snakes are getting ready, or may have started, to come out of hibernation. Are you ready? Have you done what it takes to keep them out of your yard?
Some of the preventative tips to keep snakes out are the same as keeping skunks out. These include:
Dr. T's DT364 Snake-A-Way Snake Repelling Granules 4 Pound
Some of the preventative tips to keep snakes out are the same as keeping skunks out. These include:
- Keep the grass mowed and control your weeds. Make the snakes uncomfortable! Don't let them move about undetected.
- Get rid of all of your wood piles and rock piles. Why supply hiding places? Also, the snakes will look for nooks and places to hide in the shade. (Yes, they like to sun themselves, too).
- If you are really having a problem, remove bird feeders and anything like them that may attract small animals and rodents. Snakes eat these.
- If money is no object, there are snake fences.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Would You Know What To Do With a Skunk Sprayed Dog?
If you live in the country, you need to know what to do with a skunk sprayed dog. It is very important that you are aware of the first steps to take when your dog or cat get sprayed. Skunk spray effects on pets can be harmful, even deadly at times. Although most of the time, it is just a smelly nuisance, the effects can be dangerous.
The very first thing you should do when your dog or cat get sprayed is to check your pet from head to toe for scratches or bites. If you find one of these, call your vet immediately.
Also, check to see where your dog has been sprayed. When he has been sprayed in the mouth or eyes, this is what can be dangerous. Be sure to call your vet and let him know. Follow his instructions and watch your pet carefully.
For more information about what to do if your dog is sprayed by a skunk and how to REALLY get rid of the smell of skunk Click Here!
The very first thing you should do when your dog or cat get sprayed is to check your pet from head to toe for scratches or bites. If you find one of these, call your vet immediately.
Also, check to see where your dog has been sprayed. When he has been sprayed in the mouth or eyes, this is what can be dangerous. Be sure to call your vet and let him know. Follow his instructions and watch your pet carefully.
For more information about what to do if your dog is sprayed by a skunk and how to REALLY get rid of the smell of skunk Click Here!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Want to Get Rid of Skunks?
Yes, I understand that some of you don't mind having skunks on your property. They do eat mice and other small critters that some farmers may not want to deal with. But if you want to get rid of skunks, there are some preventative steps you can take to make sure they stay away.
Take a look around your your yard or property. Do you see anything that would be a perfect hiding or living spot for a skunk? Get rid of any place or situations that would be welcoming for a skunk. For specific instructions, visit Keep Skunks Away. There is a lot of skunk information at Skunk Smell Removal.
Take a look around your your yard or property. Do you see anything that would be a perfect hiding or living spot for a skunk? Get rid of any place or situations that would be welcoming for a skunk. For specific instructions, visit Keep Skunks Away. There is a lot of skunk information at Skunk Smell Removal.
Welcome to Country Living Ideas
Welcome to country living ideas! Living in the country presents it own set of challenges, benefits and surprises. Facing a skunk or another challenge? There are some things you can do. Wondering how to decorate that wonderful country home of yours? You will find tips here!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)