When someone walks into our home for the first time within moments we usually hear, “Oh, the wood smells so good in here.” That is because all the walls in our house are wood. Unique to the walls in the bathrooms and the clothes closets only in our house is cedar.

If you haven’t already unpacked your sweaters and other woolen winter articles of clothing, it’s that time. If you store wool jackets, skirts and sweaters in your closet, you might consider lining the walls of your clothes closets with a thin layer of cedar paneling. Cedar paneling is available in home improvement centers and well worth the effort of installing.

To protect folded sweaters stored in your closets, cut cedar shelves from cedar lumber, ¾” finished thickness. Since cedar isn’t super strong when used horizontally, you’ll need to brace the boards every three feet. If the items being stored on the shelves are heavier than sweaters, bracing should be every two feet.

Cedar coat hangers are also available in home improvement stores and should be used to hang up all wool garments. Cedar sachets can be conveniently tucked inside a chest when putting away woolen items or to add a fresh scent to your clothing and linen drawers any time of year.

©Deborah Tukua and Lowell Tukua, country author and general contractor
www.hollycreekbooks.com

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by Farmers Almanac Staff
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With the flu and virus season upon many already this year, here’s a home remedy that we used for years to treat upset or aching stomachs. Fortunately, it has been several years since any of us have had a need for the tea. But, we’re ready if and when.

Add 2 cups of water to a small pot and 1 bag of apple herb tea.
To the simmering pot, add a generous pinch of any combination of the following herbs and spices for the ailments present and simmer:
Cloves, whole: a digestive aid, good for upset stomach and abdominal pain.
Mint leaves, fresh or dried: good for digestion
Fennel: good for stomachaches
Ginger: reduces fever and relieves vomiting
Marjoram: good for fever, flu and vomiting
Nutmeg: aids in relieving pain, indigestion and diarrhea.
Savory: stomachaches

Allow the tea concoction to simmer for five to ten minutes, but not boiling. Strain the simmered tea mixture and sweeten with honey or desired sweetener to taste.

Deborah Tukua, author of Pearls of Country Wisdom, which is filled with hundreds of tips, recipes and home remedies.

Important Note: As with all home remedies use at your own discretion. This author and Farmers’ Almanac will not assume any liability or responsibility for the use of this recipe. This recipe is not intended for use in place of medication or professional medical advice.

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by Farmers Almanac Staff
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When Grandma said it was fixin’ to rain because her bones were aching more than usual, she was on to something sound and scientific. Her bones were sensing changes in the weather conditions.

Surveys conducted among arthritis sufferers showed that up to 93% of those surveyed believe that weather affects their pain level and 68% believe that weather severely affects their pain level.

Studies indicate that certain weather conditions cause swelling and inflammation of arthritic joints, stretching the inflamed joint lining, thus heightening arthritic pain. When any two of the following weather conditions are present, pain can be more severe. An example would be a combination of chilly, damp weather when low pressure is falling. Weather conditions that increase joint discomfort and arthritic pain include:Changes in atmospheric pressure, especially falling pressure.

• Changes in temperature, especially lowering temperature
• High or increasing relative or absolute humidity.
• Relatively low atmospheric pressure
• Low temperatures
• Precipitation

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by Farmers Almanac Staff
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