The Times They Are A Changing

You’ve decided to raise a few chickens, but where do you start. It will be great to have fresh eggs. The children will learn a great deal about responsibility and how life works. It will make you just a bit more independent in providing your own food. It’s all good. Before you bring home that first (or several) chicks, you’ll need some supplies and a brooder (warm place for baby chicks).

Start with your local feed store. If chicks are moving out of the store at record pace, as they are in some locations, see if you can reserve or prepay for the chicks you want.

* Chick brooder: You can make your own from a cardboard box with a light bulb (for heat) entering at one corner. Get a temperature gage - it should read 90 to 100 degrees for the first week and then 5 degrees less each week there after. Pine shavings work well for the bottom of the box. This site gives more info on how to put together a chick brooder. You can also purchase chick brooders at the feed store or try this site.
* Food and Water: A starter feed must be fed to your baby chicks for the first 6 weeks. They will have this starter feed at the feed store, where you purchase your chicks. Use an egg carton for the food dish, simply tear off the top. You should also get chick feeders and waterers. When you see the chick eating from the chick feeder, you can remove the egg carton. Make sure your chick has fresh water and food at all times. If litter or dirt has gotten into the food, or it’s gotten wet, remove it immediately and replace it with fresh.

At the feed store, if you are wanting egg producers ask for sexed pullet chicks that come from Rhode Island Reds or Leghorns. The chicks most likely came from a commercial hatchery. If they did, make sure they have had a Marek’s disease vaccination. Also, make sure the hatchery, itself, is a Pullorum-Typhoid Clean hatchery. There is no sense in wasting your money or your affections for the chick, as without these assurances, your chick may not live.

When you get your chick(s) home, gently remove them from the box and place them in their brooder. Being rough with the chick can be damaging. They are babies, remember. Handle with care.

CHICK TALK

Learn your chick’s needs from their “chick talk.” When your chicks are content, they will chirp in a low tone. If they are unhappy and uncomfortable, they will let out a shrill, high-pitched chirp. Check that they are warm enough, they have water and fresh food and that their litter has been changed so it is clean and dry. Sanitary conditions are one of the most important aspects for your chicks if they are expected to live.

PLAY TIME

Spend time with your chick(s). A bit of play time each day will go a long way in your chick getting used to humans. Just like a puppy or kitten, they need human contact in order to get used to being around people.

After the first 60 days take your chicks outdoors to let them peck at the ground and move around a bit. Always stay with your chicks during this period and make sure they are in a safe location. Larger birds of prey and cats can easily get into your back yard and make a fine meal of your chick.

Check out this site for extensive information on raising your chicks.

Perhaps you’ve heard of Bach Flower Essences. There are plenty of places on the web that can give you the history and general information on these remedies. Bach were the first known remedies that used individual and mixtures of flowers to produce a sort of elixir or infusion that contained their vibrational energy. It seems there are more things in nature than we ever knew that could help us on our way through this life.

Since flower essences have first been discovered, by Edward Bach in the 1930s, others have found that the same procedure to extract flower energies could also be done with gemstones and other plants. It seems that these essences work on healing the emotional and mental areas of a person. Of course, we know that many illnesses can be tracked back to emotional and mental problems. Homeopathic remedies also work with the vibration of an essence.

Using flower essences does not require that you do anything special other than to take the essence. However, if you are serious about making improvements and changes in your life, you may want to meditate or think introspectively about the condition you are working on. This is a good site for more information.

Let’s talk about some of the flower (and other) essences and what they are used for:

Eucalyptus: Learning to take life in and letting it go. Opens and expands the chest. Help for the lungs and reparatory system.

Acacia: Helps to learn how to give and receive gracefully. Helps to move a person into the vibrational frequency of forgiveness. Helps to relieve allergies.

Lavender: Full moon vibrational energy. This is good for any female cyclical problems.

Rosemary: Remembering. Helps with memory and clarity.

Oregano: Learn to let go of attachments that no longer serve you. It creates a space for new things and experiences to take place.

Blue Lace Agate (stone): Works on the throat chakra, helping with self expression. It strengthens a positive attitude.

What if everything we needed to live and be well was right here on earth in easy access? What if we didn’t have to remortgage our homes to pay for medical bills? What if we could be self-sufficient with our only outside needs coming from others just like us that we could learn from or trade (barter) for? Let’s all start working on ways to make this kind of life a reality.

Today, I want to talk about the vibration of gemstones and what they can do for our lives. We know that everything has a vibrational energy (atoms) in it’s makeup. It is not any different for stones. Certainly, if you went outside and picked up a stone, it most likely would have a low vibration. This particular rock would not do much unless you could make it into a decorative pet rock. However, there are some gemstones that have a much higher vibration that can offer assistance to our lives.

How Does It Work

Everything is made of the same stuff, it’s just the rate of vibration that makes it appear differently to us. Some things have a negative vibration such as junk food. It’s not good for us and when we ingest it, it causes harm to our bodies. Other things have a good or higher vibration and will benefit you. Everything around you influences you in some way, your living environment, your working environment, food, friends, clothing, atmosphere, the water you drink - everything. When you keep a stone with a certain (higher) vibration close to you, it will affect your vibration. Let’s look at a few stones and see how they work. Just remember, you must give them time to work. They are not instantaneous as taking a drug.

Amethyst: It carries the purple color ray and is, therefore, a stone that works on the 6th chakra (or third eye). It opens the bearer to his/her psychic abilities. However, it has such a high vibration that it can be used for removing blockage in any part of the body. It enhances clarity and insight. It wards off nightmares and is a good stone to give a child with these problems, to sleep with or put in their pillow case.

Citrine: The abundance stone. It helps you manifest your desires. It’s the stone to put in a business cash register or into your wallet. It melds it’s vibration with yours, helping you to reach your goals and generate personal power. This stone can help you to solve problems and restore your memory. A good stone to carry when taking tests or going for a job interview.

Rose Quartz: This is an inexpensive stone and widely found. It is a “heart” stone. The vibration of the soft pink quartz offers health to the heart area. It’s vibration tends to make the one who carries it more loving and heart-centered. It works to heal matters of the heart, such as caused by a broken relationship or family matters. Most importantly, it teaches you to love yourself, which is a problem with a large part of society.

There are many good books on the market that can tell you about the energy properties of other gemstones as well as how to clean and care for them. A good beginner book is Gemstone Journeys by Shelley Kaehr, Ph.D. The books shown below are also good informational sources.

The vibrational value of different numbers has probably been with us since the beginning of time. But, history tells us that Pythagoras discovered vibrational ratios of musical notes. He was a brilliant man, living in the 400s who’s (Pythagoras) theorem is still used in geometry classes today. He believed that mathematics was at the core of reality. He also is the father of numerology with the theory that all numbers possess different vibrations.

We are all made up of a combination of numbers that are derived from our birthday and original name. It doesn’t stop there as you can be influenced by your house number, license plate number, work address - really anyplace or number in which you spend a great deal of time around. Your most driving number in numerology is your Life Path Number which is the sum total of your birth date. But, remember it is not the sum total of who you are and how you deal with life. It is only the beginning.

To come up with your Life Path Number you will start with three columns until you come up with a single digit for each column. For example if your birthday was April 16, 1980:

4 16 1980 = 4 7 9

Then you would add the three digits together, which in this case totals 20. Adding the 2 and 0, the life path for this person would be 2.

The only time you don’t add 2 numbers together is if you have an 11, 22 or 33, which are called master numbers. So, if the birth date was April 11, 1980, you would add 4+11+9 as your final numbers, not breaking down the 11 to a 2. You would come up with 24 and then add the 2 and 4 for a Life Path number of 6.

What Your Life Path Number Means

This is a simplistic meaning for each number. If you have an interest in learning more about the vibration of numbers and what the other numbers in your life mean you should purchase a good book and do some research.

One: is the number of independence, the ego and a natural leader. A person born under the number one, is probably goal-oriented and ambitious.

Two: is a very gentle number. A person born under this number most likely does not like strife, is tactful and diplomatic. This is the peacemaker.

Three: is the number of communication. It is a very playful vibration. The person born under the three is probably enthusiastic and optimistic.

Four: is the number of practicality. A four person is honest, dependable and orderly.

Five: is the traveler. A five person loves to explore and they make great sales people. They are smart and quick witted.

Six: is the domestic number. This person is family oriented with nurturing and commitment there main mantra.

Seven: is the spiritual number. A seven person is mental and contemplative. It is the number of the hermit and most times this person is on a life journey of discovery, discovery of themselves.

Eight: is the result-oriented number. Eight is the number of money. An eight is usually a business person or head of a company with both their aim at making more money. However, they can also be very generous people.

Nine: is the number of the humanitarian. In a way this person takes on the consciousness of the world. They are the meticulous recycler, green energy, saving the world and mankind kind of person.

Eleven: is the first of the master numbers. If your birthday adds up to eleven you are most likely more intuitive than most others. You can feel the vibrational mood when you walk in a room. It’s important for this person to be focused upon a goal outside of themselves.

Twenty-two: is the master builder. This person finds a way to construct his most ambitious dreams into reality. Inspirational and intuitive with a get-it-done nature.

Thirty-three: is the master teacher. His focus is towards the upliftment of humankind.

Sowing your seeds according to the moon’s phases, apparently, is not all poppycock. With increased interest in organic gardening, every year more people are going a step further and are planting and harvesting according to the phases of the moon. Increased sales in the Farmer’s Almanac prove this point.

According to a National Geographic article, the moon has a gravitational effect on the earth’s moisture. Of course, we already know that to be true as science has confirmed the oceans tides conform to the moon’s movements. We describe the moons phases in quarters. Phase one and two are considered waxing (moon increasing), where the latter two phases are considered waning (moon decreasing).

Waxing Moon: As the moon becomes more visible, the water table rises. At this time plants take up more moisture and nutrients. This makes it a great time to put seeds or new plants into the soil.

Waning Moon: When the moon’s visibility turns away from us, the water table recedes. This is a better time for weeding and pruning. The tree’s moisture (sap) runs more slowly during this period.

A Northwest University researcher, Dr. Frank Brown, studied and kept records over a ten year period in regards to planting according to the moon’s phases. He found that, in fact, plants did absorb more moisture during a waxing moon, especially during a full moon. The uniqueness of this study is that all the plants were grown within a laboratory, not in an open garden area. Yet, his plants were affected, nevertheless, by the moon’s phases.

Have you ever tried to cook in someone else’s kitchen? Okay, now consider that they weren’t people who cooked more than to stick something in the microwave to heat it up. That’s right, no measuring utensils. You’ve purchased all the ingredients for something really yummy to show your appreciation of their hospitality and you feel lucky to have found a bowl that’s large enough to act as a mixing bowl. Here are some measurements that will help you to cook without the measuring utensils.

DRY INGREDIENTS

* 1 tablespoon - 1 chestnut size
* 2 tablespoons - 1 ping-pong ball
* ¼ cup - 1 large egg
* 1/3 cup - 1 billiard ball
* ½ cup - 1 tennis ball
* ¾ cup - 1 baseball

* 1 tablespoon liquid - 1 ice cube

* 1 teaspoon grated zest - 1 quarter

* 1½ cups chopped tomatoes - 3 medium tomatoes

* 1 teaspoon minced garlic - 2 medium garlic cloves

Even though you may have planned and saved for retirement, when that magic 65th birthday comes around, you may find you don’t have the funds anymore. With the Wall Street drop and current economic downturn, things are costing more and a big chunk of your 401K or other retirement plans may be short a big chunk of money. Even those who had planned to retire early are having to rethink their choices. Than means that retirement may mean part time or seasonal employment, at least for a few years. So, who’s going to hire an older worker, when they can have perky 20 something Cindy?

* Walmart - Everyone knows that Walmart hires older workers. You especially see them as “greeters” inside the front door of the store. It seems to be pretty easy work if you don’t get bored easily. The plus side is that you will be able to supply your family with health insurance, no small thing.

* Handy Person - If over the years you’ve acquired some helpful home skills, this may be the choice for you, especially if you live in a small to medium sized town. Go into business for your self and advertise that no job is too small. Decide on an hourly rate and mileage for those far out locations. With those two items set, you should have no problem estimating cost for your clients.

* Non Profit Agencies - The paycheck may not be as large as you once brought home, but you might just find the right niche where you can bring home some extra cash and feel as though you are making an important contribution.

* Healthcare - The need for healthcare workers is not likely to go away anytime soon. If you are already in the healthcare sector, find a part time position. Perhaps some additional classes plus you past experience is just what is needed to get into a position with less stress and time required as your previous position.

* Childcare - For heavens sake, didn’t you raise your own family. What was previously called “babysitting” is a perfect opportunity to offer a service in your neighborhood while socking away a few extra dollars. Who wouldn’t have an experienced older person caring for their children, once in a while, than a scatterbrained teenager?

* Retail Sales - Holiday help is always needed at retail locations. It gives several nice paychecks that could be just enough to take care of Christmas and not deplete your monthly pension.

* Consulting - You have a lot of knowledge from years of working in a particular field. Become a consultant. It’s your own business, so you can take or turn down jobs as they work for you. Most importantly get you advertising out to those can use your service.

* Tutoring - If you are a retired teacher or individual from an education background, offer your services for tutoring children. If math is your forte, you could have more clients than you can take on.

We’ve all heard that we need a college degree to have a good career that will make you a good living. But, not all of us had parents to pay or had our own money for a college education. Yes, there are student loans. It makes me cringe, however, to think of starting out your life with huge education bills to pay off. Are there careers that will make a good living, yet only require a training period?

1. Air Traffic Controller - Believe it or not, this career requires no college education. However, you do need to pass a test. This course and test are given by the FAA, Federal Aviation Administration. The median pay for Air Traffic Controllers is $54.29/hour.

2. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators - This position does require extensive training (thank goodness) and employers generally prefer than their employees have had some college classes. You may not be able to jump into the $33.00/hr. position, but working your way up to the position by starting at a lower level might be a good goal.

3. Elevator Installer/Repairer - Escalators, chair lifts and moving walkways are all installed and maintained by Elevator Installers. An apprenticeship program in this line would be the place to start and work towards the $32.00/hr. job.

Lower Paying, but Fastest Growing Careers

1. Home and Personal Health Aids - This is one of the fastest growing jobs around. In fact, you can’t go wrong with any health care profession. After all, there will always be elderly or disabled individuals needing this kind of service.

2. Pharmacy Technician - It is expected within the next several years that this profession will rise by 32%. There is training and certification for this type of work.

3. Dental Assistant - is expected to have a 29% growth within the next few years.

COOL CAREERS

You might think that trying to sell your house, at this point in time, is not a good idea. Of course, some people have no choice. However, if you will be buying another home in the same area, you are just trading apples for apples. It’s not about the number amount behind the “$.” The house you will purchase most likely has been reduced as much as your current home has. The biggest problem is all the other houses out there for sale. There’s a log of competition. Here are some helpful hints that might help you get the job done sooner.

1. Keeping the House Ready - Begin with the kitchen, specifically the sink. Keep it free of dishes and sparkling clean. Then move onto the stove top, counters and refrigerator door. You hear over and over that kitchens and bathrooms sell a house. So, you know where your second area of cleaning needs to take place.

2. Improvements - If you decide on only one home improvement, let be painting. A fresh coat of paint makes the whole area appear clean and new. Plus it is inexpensive and something you can tackle yourself.

3. Curb Appeal - It doesn’t take a lot of cash to keep up with the lawn mowing and bush trimming. Go in search of some inexpensive color (flowers). If you budget is limited, fill a large pot (clay pots are inexpensive) and set it by the front door. If your yard is messy and unappealing, a buyer’s mind may be made up before he/she enters the front door.

4. Open House - Holding an open house may seem like a way to get buyers to take a look at your home. However, statistics show that only 2% of homes are sold from an open house. It actually gives your realtor more business than it helps you sell your home. As the prospective buyers come through your front door, it may be that they ask about certain needs they have and the realtor is right there to guide them to another home and a sale for them. Also, security is a real concern. Would you ordinarily let strangers roam around your home, literally unattended. You could come up missing some important items or give someone a chance to find ways to get into your home and rob you later on.

5. Pricing - Do some investigating of your own and find out what other comparable houses are selling for in your area. Know that you are not overpricing your home. It’s the one sure way to get little or no buying traffic to your house. Check out this site to find out what your house is worth.

I’m back on my kick of looking for free items on the net. Actually, I’m feeling inspired by the reformatting of my other site, It’s a Long and Winding Road, where I will be posting information on making extra money, saving money, recycling and reusing - anything that will help out with the down turned economy.

Today I got to thinking about free education. A search for free classes turned up some interesting prospects. Perhaps you need to brush up on accounting skills or you just want to learn a new skill or do something for fun that won’t cost you a college tuition fee.

* How To Bake is a free e-mail class that teaches the basics of baking terms, how to read a recipe, measuring terms and so much more. By the end of the class you will have baked cornbread, cookies, cheesecake, coffee cake and chocolate cake.

* Beginning Web Design is a free e-mail class. Just sign up and they send you the course through the mail. Of course, there’s always an instructor to e-mail for questions or problems. This is a 6-week course. It does not teach HTML, but there are tutorials available.

* How to Create Your Own Internet Radio Station is also a free e-mail class. It will discuss procedures, costs, legalities and attracting listeners plus more. It’s a short 4-day class.

* How to Start a Jewelry Business - classes are sent to you through e-mail after you sign up. It’s a 14-week course that covers the business, marketing, resources and tips from successful jewelry business owners.

* Landscape Planting and Planning is a great one if you are starting over in your yard or starting from scratch. If you have a yard maintenance business, this could expand your knowledge to add new services to your business.