Just a Reminder to Refresh Your Earthquake Preparedness

I noticed that the San Francisco Bay area had an earthquake on the same day the state was having an Earthquake Awareness Day.  This only is a good reminder to review my earthquake preparedness.  Here is my to do check list:

1. Double Check - Camping equipment including a tent. I keep my in our "Carriage House" [10x20 storage building).  This way I could easily get to it in an emergency.
2. Review food storage for easy to eat meals.  I am on the search of a good software or app that would help me inventory my items.
3. Refill Water - I need to check mine and refill some of my containers.  I have a 5 gal in particular that is due to be changed.
4. Earthquake Insurance - Fortunately I pay that annually.  I do live in earthquake country.
5. Review my Emergency Plan Excel Spreadsheet. I created one in June.  Now to get it completed.  Why do things like this get shelfed?  I must bring it forward again.
6. Review the vehicles emergency supplies.  It is time to winterize the vehicles anyway. 
7. So....get this printed and put on the white board.  Yes, we have a white board where we have the weekly schedule and a "to do list".

A great resource for the simple 4-step preparation for the short-term and long-term emergency that Mormons use. I found this web site simple and practical. Disclaimer I am not Mormon but they are experts on this subject. http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/

FEMA – Suggests Preparation for 72 hours and 2 weeks. http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm

Now to act on this!  Judy

Water Is Getting Scarce - Where Does Your Garden Water Come From?

I have lived on three corners of the United States [Seattle, Miami, Boston].  I have spent time in Southern California.  Each region has a different typography, different climate, different demographics and different industrial needs.  Yet, water is an issue in all of the regions. 

Seattle gets what might be thought an abundance of water.  During the winter I would be happy to share it around the country.  I live in the region. Check out the rain levels during the winter in Seattle.  If only we could sell some to the dry regions - ah a new business idea. I need to quit grumbling about the rain.  [See links below]

Miami has a shallow water table.  "The Biscayne Aquifer is very susceptible to pollution for several reasons
-- great permeability, unconfined, near surface, in urban area - many landfills, leaking gasoline tanks, airports, industry."  It was moving to Miami in the 1980s that really educated me on the needs of water and its quality.  [See links below].

Boston has many years of industrial impact to the water sources.  I can say when I lived on the North Shore of Boston the water did taste great.  [See links below]

Southern California region is struggling with water issues.  When I visit there it is in the winter [when Seattle gets rain smile].  There are concerns that water shortages will increase.  The state works to keep its citizens aware. 

What sparked me to write on this subject was an article on the legal issues between Colorado and Kansas on water rights to a shared river.  Colorado has to empty a reserve to make up for their over usage. The issues of water rights are discussed for Arizona, California and Nevada involving Lake Mead the world's largest water reserve.  [See links below]. 

Texas has been in a serious drought as you are aware.  This has impacted many industries and gardens.  [See link below]

As you look ahead for your garden it would be good to ask yourself, Where does my water come from?  It would be good to research water conservation for your garden.

Rain is falling today in Seattle!  I will try not to grumble [smile]! - Judy

Seattle -  Rain amounts http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?waseat
               Helping citizens maintaining quality water. http://www.seattle.gov/util/Services/Water/index.asp
Miami - Aquifer concerns http://www2.fiu.edu/~whitmand/Courses/Fl_geo_notes.html
             Helping citizens maintaining quality water.
Boston - Shallow water table http://nh.water.usgs.gov/Publications/WRIR01-4042.pdf
              Helping citizens maintaining quality water. http://www.cityofboston.gov/environment/WaterQuality/
Southern California -  Drought Concerns http://www.water.ca.gov/drought/
               Water Shortage Looms http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703739204576228823641659148.html
               Helping citizens maintaining quality water  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/no-health-hazard-from-tap-water-with-unpleasant-taste-and-odor-2011-09-30
Colorado - Water Shortage Looms http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703739204576228823641659148.html
Texas Drought http://www.usatoday.com/weather/drought/story/2011-09-12/texas-drought-Dust-Bowl-ranchers/50373618/1

Solar Flare Season in Full Bloom - Are you ready?

I am sure this is "old" news to you. Still I thought it would be important to share some thoughts. I am sure I have missed some things but it is a start to get you thinking.

Having a good plan if the Solar Flares Disrupt the Grid is critical!

First on the Sustainability of the garden -

1. Do you have a rain barrel?

2. Is it filled? I am filling mine today!

3. Could your plants, trees, shrubs and flowers make it a couple of days without water? I am only thinking of the lights out for a couple of days. Not the weeks and months that they say can happen.

4. It might be good to keep close watch on watering of the garden for the summer. Like keeping your gas gage above 1/2 full. Keep the garden well water this year. They expect more flares because this is Solar Flare Season!



Second on your home and vehicles -

1. Do you have enough water for several days? It is good to have a couple of 5 gal camping containers freshly filled. You can find them at Cabalas and Wal-Mart. Buy them now because they will go out of stock when everyone else thinks about it!

2. Water bottles are helpful. As much as I hate to flood the landfills with water bottles, they are the easiest to carry in the car. They last a long time. You need at least 14 gas per person to last 2 weeks. It would be good to have 4 cases of water per person on hand. Rotate them through the vehicles to keep them fresh.

3. Do you have enough food to last several days to 2 weeks to 3 months....?

4. Do you have the 72 hours kit in your vehicles?

5. Do you keep your gas gage over the ½ empty mark?

6. Do you have a way of cooking?

7. Do you have enough over the counter medications to carry you?

8. Do you have a good supply of your prescription medications?

Communications -

1. Do you have a communication plan for the family and extended family? This one I know I have to work on this week!

2. Do you know how to text? Texting is considered the best method for contact if there is a disaster. All the more reason for me to evaluate the smart phone idea.

3. Do you have a radio for emergencies?

Cash –
1. Do you have enough cash on hand for a short-term emergency? We all know the ATMs will be emptied.

2. Do you have enough cash on hand in small denominations for a long-term emergency?

News articles on the Solar Flare Season – This is a serious issue!

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2011/06/09/09climatewire-this-weeks-solar-flare-illuminates-the-grids-63979.html

PC World and your techie things
http://www.pcworld.com/article/229876/solar_flares_could_cripple_earths_tech_infrastructure_in_2013.html

PC Magazine Are You Ready?
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386623,00.asp

National Geographic is concerned
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/06/110608-solar-flare-sun-science-space/

Good Resources – Disclaimer I am not Mormon but they are experts on this subject.

1. A great resource for the simple 4-step preparation for the short-term and long-term emergency that Mormons use. I found this web site simple and practical. Disclaimer I am not Mormon but they are experts on this subject.  http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/
2. FEMA – Suggests Preparation for 72 hours and 2 weeks.  http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm

Are you Preparing?  How?

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=93779141

Sustainability at its Best - Portuguese Water Dogs

Portuguese Water Dogs are Hot! The Obama Presidential family selected a breed that has under 1,000 dogs registered in the United States in 1995 according to the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America's website: http://www.pwdca.org/breed/history.html.

The website also points out that the dogs history can probably be traced to 1297. Poodles, Kerry Blue Terriers, and Irish Water Spaniels can probably be traced to the "water dog". Sustaining a breed like this took great care by owners through the centuries.

Sustainability beckons to us from many windows of time. Peaking into this window of time shows that Sustainability involves keeping a line of dogs in tack for centuries. Just like plants that need preserved, dogs add quality to our lives and need preserved.

Here are some great pictures of the dogs. http://www.pwdca.org/slideshow/

Enjoy!

Judy

Rain Washing the Air

This morning is lightly raining. I was so glad because the tree pollen has been extremely high. The rain washes the air. The garden is enjoying the light rain as well. Peas are breaking through the ground. The radish plants will enjoy today as well. Lettuce and spinach also need the droplets of water and rays of sunshine. My ideal Spring is sunshine each day with a time of light rain each day as well.

Maybe today I will get my wish!

Judy