California Fire Season

Southern California has four seasons: earthquake, floods and landslides, riots and fires. My second son was born in November of 1980. When he was four days old I found myself without electricity, howling winds, fire in the local hills and two babies under 18 months. We had just moved to a new neighborhood and did not know any of our neighbors. As I huddled with my two babies in a house with no heat a neighbor invited me to sit in her kitchen where she had a gas stove so we were able to cook a simple meal. Today I was cleaning up the yard and the same neighbor was out raking up the leaves and branches that had fallen in the recent wind storm. We talked about how fortunate we were to be unaffected by the fires (other than the smoke filled air). I looked towards the Angeles Crest Mountains to the North of my community and said a little thank you that we had been spared a major catastrophe.

Super Bug!

S. aureus bacteria are amongst the populations of bacteria normally found existing on ones skin surface. However, over time, various populations of these bacteria have become resistant to a number of antibiotics, which makes them very difficult to fight when attempting to treat infections where MRSA bacteria are the responsible pathogens. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. What can you to protect yourself. WASH your hands with soap and water when you can and with water free anti-bacterial anticeptics when water is unavailable. If you have a skin infection that appears to be getting worse seek medical treatment.

MRSA

Home or Illusive Dream

Home or Illusive Dream!

We have been out house hunting with our son and his wife. What an ordeal! We have lived in the same house for over 26 years and have done 4 remodels to date. (We have one more planned for the master bedroom in the Spring of 2008.) So, we have not looked at housing for quite a few years. We live in Los Angeles County where home prices are totally inflated. We have looked at homes for a half a million dollars that are total fixer uppers. We saw tile that we removed 2 remodels ago still in bathrooms and kitchens. We have seen leaking water heaters, water damage, old electrical outlets, vintage kitches appliances etc. It was quite depressing. My son and wife are savers but we do not want them going into finiancial debt to buy the "Illusive Dream." I believe the market has outpriced the average buyer. A combined income over $100,000 dollars a year will not even get you into a 900 square foot house in Southern California. I watch HGTV and know all the tricks.

Fear you are losing your marbles?
Some days I really believe I am losing my marbles (memory)! I keep on telling myself that it is because I have jammed so much into my brain there is no more room. But the article on Tricks to help your memory intrigued me. I read a lot and exercise almost daily so I am on the right path to keeping my memory intact. Playing mah-jongg sounds interesting. Mah-jongg is a chinese memory game. When I have a spare minute in my life I may actually try it. It took me 5 years just to find the rocket ship in Tetris.

Study Rates Heart Health of Popular Diet Plans

Not all diet plans are equally healthy. Diets that emphasize fruits and vegetables scored better than those that emphasis heavy proteins. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School ranked the various diets: Ornish Plan, Zone Diet, Atkins, Weight Watchers, South Beach Diet, New Glucose Revolution and 2005 MyPyramid Plan. The Ornish Plan (I have no idea what this diet is!) earned the most points. I was disappointed that the 2005 Pyramid ranked sixth. Today is football watching Saturday and I just finished making some good old fashion chicken vegetable soup. So far my husband and daughter have eated a bowl and declared it delicious. I will leave the kettle on the stove simmering all day and I suspect the next group of young adults that wanders through the house will take a cup. So my contribution to health in a kettle of vegetable soup simmering on the stove.