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Food Prices, Sustainable Living, Coupons, Raised Bed Garden

I am as concerned as anyone about the rising cost of fuel and food. Here are some tips to  keep your food budget under control:

   > Cook at home - it is cheaper than eating in a restaurant.

   > When shopping for food, plan a weekly menu and shop from a list.

   > Coupons - they are everywhere ( newspapers, online and in stores) but compare before buying.

   > Don’t shop on an empty stomach

   > Every store has a price per unit sticker on  shelves - sizes can be deceiving.

   > Buy generic brands - they cost less and the quality is usually comparable to national brands.  

   > Whenever possible, use a microwave. It costs less to cook and during the summer months, it keeps the kitchen cooler.

   > Rather than eating everything, eat until you are full. Save the rest for leftovers.

   > If you do eat out, bring leftovers home.

   > Speaking of leftovers, have a buffet once a week using all the leftovers.

   > Compare prices. Every store has lost leaders. Watch the fliers and go for the best bargains.

   > Consider growing your own vegetables. Go to our website for instructions on how to build a raised garden bed.

Yes, prices seem to be spiraling out of control. But, there are things we can do to get the most out of every dollar spent. Watch Farmers’ Almanac Television and go to www.farmersalmanac.com for additional sustainable living ideas. And,  share your ideas with me at pgeiger@farmersalmanac.com.

by pgeiger
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One of the features of the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac was a contest to determine the couple who’s nuptials took place during the worst weather Mother Nature could toss their way. Our entries numbered 500 and we narrowed it down to the 10 most (exciting) unusual wedding weather stories. American has now spoken. Voting ended at midnight last night and we are verifying the results. Later this month we will announce the winning couples.

Thanks to everyone involved with this contest. From every bride and groom who submitted stories to the thousands who voted, it as been great fun. Royal Caribbean Cruise and LL Bean have provided prizes. We are grateful for their involvement. From the Today Show announcement to the local media that covered the home time “heroes”, the message spread from Coast to Coast. Now, stay tuned for the big announcement at the end of March.

by pgeiger
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My Managing Editor, Sandi Duncan, lives n New Jersey. But, because of technology, we can work as editors, communicate with readers, connect with our friends at Farmers’ Almanac Television and do it with incredible speed and efficiency. We can do all this as long as the “systems” work.

In the 2006 Farmers;’ Almanac we dealt with the frustrations of scheduling service - phone, appliance repair, contractors, etc. The article took us through the trials and tribulations of getting a company to schedule and show up for an appointment ……and the consequences when they do not.

Fast forward to 2008 and Sandi’s DSL line is down which means no internet. The company that services this promised to be there Monday between 8am - 5pm, then 8am to 7pm, then Tuesday between 8am and 5pm and now we are into Wednesday - same story. The wait is bad enough but the hours of being put on hold and the frustration of not being able to move up the “chain” is unfortunate and regrettable. Sandi is not the first person to run into it because we heard from some people who told us they had to remain at home from 8am - 5pm and did so for 5 days (taking off from work).

In ‘08, this is absurd. Please read the article. Note our Service First Agreement. If you are kept waiting 30 minutes or more, we indicate that you are owed something for your troubles. I am not sure what happens when they are 2 - 3 or more days late. When you edit an almanac, the internet is your best friend. This isn’t a lawn tractor that might get used in three months. Shame on this service provider. You may hear more on this and the name of the vendor another day.

Here is the link

by pgeiger
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The 2008 Farmers’ Almanac is calling for a Two-Faced Winter! In fact, we believe that this winter, Mother Nature may in fact reveal her split-personality! But what does this mean?

Well in the East and Great Lakes– be ready for lots of snow, and cold weather (including frosts into Florida) but for the West — not too bad, a bit mild especially after last year’s winter.

White Christmas in the East? Looks like a good possibility. How about skiing? New England, Mid-Atlantic States, and the Rockies look like they’ll have a good season.

If you like snow, stay to the East and if you don’t, go west!

The 2008 Farmers’ Almanac contains 16 months of weather forecasts. Pick up a copy today at your local stores or order a copy here.

Forecasting the weather is always a challenge. In fact, I believe it’s on of the ways that Nature reminds us that we can’t control everything. However, the Farmers’ Almanac has been predicting the weather for nearly 200 years. We take great pride in offering readers an outlook for the year ahead.

So if you live in the East you may want to stock up on snow shovels and wool sweaters, while in the West, you may be in for a less severe winter. Stay tuned…

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by pgeiger
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As we have indicate on our home page, we are officially releasing the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac on Monday, August 27th. Part of the process is getting books into stores throughout the US and Canada. Keep in mind that there are a number of different titles in stores and some of the names can be confusing if not misleading. So, if you want to know where to find us, go to our home page www.farmersalmanac.com. At the top of the page is an item in the ‘nac. Click and you can search for the closest store. If you still cannot find our publication, send me an e-mail. Or, you can shop online on our site and have it mailed within 24 hours. Our cover is green/ orange and carries my name….. shopper buy wise.

Expect to see Sandi and me and an article about the new edition in newspapers on Monday morning. We will also be doing radio and TV interviews throughout the day for weeks to come. We will list appearances on our website starting Monday as well. If we are on a call in show in your town, don’t be shy call in and ask the “tough questions”.

Yesterday I mentioned the famed Abe Lincoln story using the 1857 Farmers’ Almanac to acquit a client of murder by utilizing the Farmers’ Almanac to dispute the claim of seeing the altercation by bright moon light. My blog pointed out that the astronomic conditions that existed on August 29, 1857 were the same last night. So, as a good trooper, I made note of the Moon position, lightness and agree with Abe, that the murder could not have been seen with the little light available at 11pm last night or on that fateful evening over a century ago. . I was surprised by the light in the early evening but as the moon moved, so did the ability to see any distance at all. Chalk one up for Abe.

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by pgeiger
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Thanks to John Jensenius of the National Weather Service, here are tips concerning Thunder and Lightning awareness.

SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS - THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING…

Summertime is a good time for outdoor recreational activities. It is also the time of the year when thunderstorms are most likely. Thunderstorms can be beautiful, but they also can be deadly. Central Florida is the T & L center of the US with more storms than any other region of the country.

While many people think they are aware of the dangers of thunderstorms and lightning, the vast majority are not.

There are three basic ingredients needed for the formation of a thunderstorm. They include low-level moisture, an unstable atmosphere, and a trigger (a source of lift).

Low-level Moisture: This moisture is needed for cloud formation, growth, and the development of precipitation within the cloud.

Unstable Atmosphere: An unstable atmosphere allows warm, moist air near the ground to rise rapidly to higher levels in the atmosphere where temperatures are below freezing. An unstable atmosphere also allows air at higher levels in the atmosphere to sink to the ground level rapidly, bringing stronger winds from the higher levels to the ground.

A Trigger: Something to set the atmosphere in motion.

All three ingredients contribute to the formation of a thunderstorm.

In fact, as the magnitudes of these ingredients increase, so do the chances that a thunderstorms could become severe.

In the summertime, listen to the latest forecast and learn to recognize the signs that often precede thunderstorm development. Warm muggy air is a sign that ample low-level moisture is available for thunderstorm development. Towering cumulus clouds indicate an atmosphere that is, or is becoming, unstable. And, the trigger could be continued heating from the sun; an approaching front or sea breeze front; or a cooling of the upper atmosphere.

All thunderstorms go through various stages of growth and development. As a thunderstorm cloud continues to grow, snow and ice begin to form in the higher levels of the cloud where temperatures are below freezing, and electrical charges start to build up within the cloud. Negative electrical charges near the middle and base of the cloud cause a positive charge to build up on the ground under and near the thunderstorm. Finally, when the difference between these charges becomes to great, a giant atmospheric spark we call lightning occurs.

Lightning is an underrated killer, usually claiming its victims one at a time. Lightning also leaves many victims with serious life-long injuries. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the side of the thunderstorm cloud. In fact, many lightning victims are struck either before the rain arrives or after the rain has ended. Most victims also report that at least a portion of the sky was blue when they were struck.

Although Maine and New Hampshire have less lightning than most states east of the Rocky Mountains, Maine ranks 8th highest in the country in terms of lightning casualties (per capita) and New Hampshire ranks 16th highest.

This summer, the National Weather Service will conduct a nationwide awareness campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from lightning. Although more information on lightning and lightning safety will be provided during Lightning Safety Awareness Week, which will be during the week of June 25-29, here are some basic tips to help keep you and your family safe this summer.

WHILE INSIDE A HOME OR BUILDING

1. Avoid any contact with corded phones.

2. Avoid any contact with electrical or electronic equipment or cords that are plugged into the electrical system.

3. Avoid any contact with the plumbing system. Do not wash your hands, do not wash the dishes, do not take a shower, and do not do laundry.

4. Do not stand next to a concrete wall or lie on a concrete floor.

5. Stay away from windows, outside doorways, and porches.

TIPS WHILE OUTDOORS

1. Plan outside activities so that you minimize the risk of being caught outside in a thunderstorm.

2. If you hear thunder, move inside a safe shelter immediately. Generally, if you can hear the thunder, you’re within striking distance of the storm.

3. If the sky looks threatening, move inside immediately. Don’t wait for the first stroke of lightning. It could occur anywhere under or near the storm.

4. Stay inside a safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder is heard. Many lightning victims are struck after the worst part of the storm has passed.

5. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm and can’t reach a safe shelter, you can only minimize the your risk of being struck by lightning. If lightning strikes near you, it will most likely strike the tallest object in your immediate vicinity. First, don’t be the tallest object in the immediate vicinity, and don’t be near the tallest object. Second, get as low as possible to the ground, but minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie on the ground.

Remember, when it comes to thunderstorm safety, your own actions determine your personal risk of being killed or seriously injured.

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by pgeiger
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John Jensenius is a good friend working at the National Weather Service in Gray Maine. The NWS not only helps forecast weather, they have a wealth of information about severe weather and survival tips when caught in a storm. Much of the East Coast suffered through tremendous rains and floods. Here is information that should be helpful if you encounter a flood.

To alert the public to the threat of flooding, the National Weather Service issues flood and flash flood watches and warnings. A flood watch indicates flooding/flash flooding is possible, and is usually issued in anticipation of heavy rainfall. A flood/flash flood warning indicates that flooding is imminent or is already occurring. If you hear that a flood/flash flood warning has been issued for your area, move immediately to higher ground if floodwaters threaten.

Here are some flood/flash flood facts and safety tips.

• Never drive a car into a flooded roadway. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related.

• Keep away from streams during heavy rainfall events. Swiftly moving water is extremely powerful and can easily overpower a person.

• Keep children inside and away from flooded streets, culverts, and streams.

• Report any flooding to the appropriate authorities.

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Obey all roadblocks and barriers, even if the flooding has receded. Floodwaters may have undercut the road surface or left dangerous debris in the roadway.

• If you live in a flood prone area, have a plan in case the water starts rising quickly.

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by pgeiger
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The top story on the CNN website reads as follows:

A bone-chilling Arctic cold wave with temperatures as low as 42 below zero shut down schools for thousands of youngsters Monday, halted some Amtrak service and put car batteries on the disabled list from the northern Plains across the Great Lakes.

My company has a walking challenge with a local elementary school in Lewiston. The kids are inside all week, which helps the adults catch up. Coast to coast it is long awaited bone chilling weather. The 2007 Farmers’ Almanac has an article on Frostbite and Hypothermia, which I am reproducing below. The cold can be a killer. Dress in layers and be careful going outside.

What are Frostbite and Hypothermia?

Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.

Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person’s trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket. Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

Information courtesy of FEMA.

What are the symptoms of frostbite?

Frostbite happens when the skin and the tissues underneath it actually freeze. Winds and cold temperatures are the culprits, as well as not dressing properly for the cold outdoors. Frostbite affects children more than adults, as children lose more heat through their skin. The first symptom of frostbite, called frostnip, is the least severe form, and usually leaves the skin feeling numb and looking white. Cheeks, noses, and ears are most frequently frostnipped. When the skin thaws or warms, the affected area will become red and painful. With even more severe frostbite, the skin may appear white and feel very numb, meaning that the tissue has started to freeze. Very severe frostbite may cause blisters and damage to structures, such as tendons, muscles, and bone.

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by pgeiger
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The Mid West is getting hit with its first major snowstorm today. I expect this will be one of many to be seen Coast to Coast this winter. As such let me share what to do should you get trapped in your car during a blizzard. It is my hope this never happens, but:

• Stay in the car. Do not leave the car for assistance unless help is within a 100 yards.

• Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna.

• Occasionally run the engine to keep warm. Turn on the engine for 10 minutes each hour and run the heater.

• Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe free of snow and when the engine is running crack a downwind window for ventilation.

• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. This includes clapping your hands, move arm and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long.

• For warmth, huddle with others.

•Use newspapers, maps and floor mats for added insulation.

• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather strains the heart. Shoveling snow or pushing a car might bring on a heart attack.

Before heading out for the day, check the following:

• Gas up - have plenty of gas in your vehicle for any unexpected delay.

• Wind Chill - this is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined.

• Winter storm Watches and Warnings. A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may be in your area.

• A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way.

• A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.

If any of these forecasts are predicted and you have to drive, consider staying home. If not, bring extra blankets, shovel and other tools to help, should you get stuck in a blizzard.

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by pgeiger
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Over the long weekend the East and West Coasts got their share of rainy weather. The country seems to be in-between Fall and Winter weather patterns. Here are a few tips about driving safely when liquid falls (I’ll discuss driving in a blizzard another time). Did you watch the Macy’s Day Parade? We advised people to bring their umbrellas - Ugh what a mess.

• Windshield Wipers - Replace worn wipers blades when they start to streak.

• Tires - Keep tires inflated to manufacturers recommended levels. You will find this information on the inside of the door or in the driver’s manual.

• Slow Down! - We are always in a rush. But, slowing to the conditions is one of the safest things you can do.

• Avoid flood prone roads - Never drive into standing water on a flooded road. Standing water can be sucked into your engine. Also, cars can be swept away on less than an inch of moving floodwater. Seek an alternate route.

• Turn your lights on - A good rule is to always turn lights on when it starts to rain. In some states it is the law.

• Know what to do when hydroplaning - Hydroplaning occurs when your tires glide across a surface of water on the road. If your car starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, but don’t stomp on the brakes. Instead, if you have manual transmission, push the clutch and let your car slow down on it’s own. With automatic transmission, hold the steering wheel steady and lightly apply the brakes.

When the weather is bad - rain or snow - just take your time. Eventually, you will get there. … and in one piece.

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by pgeiger
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