Little Things can Help a Lot!

 Good morning all.  I hope this finds everyone well.  First, thank you for all the prayers for my gr. nephew.  He is doing well, and finally home.  Still not out of the woods completely, but if he follows the directions of doctors all should be good.  Again, thank you.

It is a beautiful morning here.  Very damp with a lot of dew.  Sun is shining and it will be warming up today - so all is good.  This week looks to be in the 70's most of the week.  Everything is green and pretty.

Easter turned out dry here - it was cloudy a lot, but it stayed dry.  Saturday was a total wash-out.

Today is Earth Day!

It should be something we think about every day.  There are just so many little things that we can do daily, that helps in so many ways.  This is our home - we need to take care of it as well as we can.

• DON'T use chemicals outside!  Please DON'T.  They are damaging to birds and animals and they kill our bees.  We NEED those bees - they are needed for so many things to pollinate
• Plant flowers for the bees
• Keep a plant or two in the house - Plants help the air stay clean - very important
• Be kind to nature.  Yes, some things are invasive - but it is all important for a reason.  Each thing on this earth is put here to take care of something else
• Cut out chemicals in the HOUSE as well.  You don't need to be breathing in all that stuff.  Stop the chemical cleaners - try to make your own from natural things.  Be careful what you buy, clothes, furniture, rugs, etc. - many contain very dangerous chemicals.  I am sure you have all smelled that smell on new items - that isn't good - it is chemicals
• Stop using plastic as much as possible.  Use glass for storage.  Take your own grocery bags to stores
• Walk around and pick up any trash that you see in your neighborhood (or wherever you may be) - if we all do a little it will help so much
• REDUCE, RECYCLE, REUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The best 3 R's ever
• Conserve water.  Turn it off, fix those leaks.  Save rainwater if possible, for plants
• Choose sustainable options of things.  Natural things that when used, can be regenerated by the earth.  

Did you know these little -pain in the bum- whirlies are edible?  Yep, they are.  The bean inside is very edible.  They contain protein, fiber, and healthy fats.  Can be eaten raw or cooked.  Younger ones have a very mild flavor.  Animals love them - my squirrels sit and feast on them!  Use them on cereal or on top of salads.  Just a thought in case you are ever out or lost and need something to eat as well!

• Many plants, leaves, 'weeds' and flowers are edible or usable in many ways.  Jellies can be made from lots of flowers and what may be considered weeds (dandelions, violets, clover).  Tinctures and salves can be made.  Teas.  Many leaves and flowers can even be eaten in salads or cooked
• Walk more if possible - at least take less trips in your vehicles.
• PLANT - weather it is trees, flowers, or veggies.  Grow things - it all helps the air and the soil and our bodies
• Forage - this kind of goes with above - things that are edible.  You can often find berries, grapes, nuts, mushrooms, etc. growing out in nature and they can add to your pantry.  KNOW what you are getting - do the research.  You don't want things that can harm you
• Turn things OFF - lights, heat, water, etc.  If you aren't using it - turn it off
• Don't WASTE - try to use 100% of what you bring in your house in some way
• Eat as natural as you can.  Less junk and processed food - means less health issues and it means less packaging and less spending of $.  If we all stopped that stuff - it really could make a difference.  If it doesn't sale - less will be made

There are so many little things that we can do on a daily basis to not only help the earth, but to help our bodies and to help our pocketbooks!  Just try to be a little more conscientious of things.

Get outside and just chill a little.  Enjoy all the beauty and the nature and sounds.  I know many of us get outside to work - but we also need to relax outside too.  ENJOY what we have.

Take care of things and they will help take care of you.

Have a beautiful day!