“This is the place” Brigham Young          I have seen in mail order catalogs like Walter Drake these coffee machine sliding trays that sell for about 20.00. The sliding tray is designed to slide the coffee machine from under the cabinet to the front of the counter to allow…

Coffee Can Straw Dispenser Don’t throw away those tin coffee cans especially if they have nice designs on them; use as planters or as a straw dispenser/holder. Use them to hold and organize cooking utensils. There are many uses for these aluminum cans besides recycling them.  

This old wood shelf was found in the house that my parents purchased in 2001.  It was rotted on the sides of the shelf.  The wood was oak color, faded and dusty.  The nails were hanging out of it, so I went to work on it immediately. I sanded and stained…

Old Microwave plate used as trivet lazy suzan This microwave plate and its rolling plate holder have been recycled as a lazy suzan trivet plate. I placed it on the counter top next to the stove and I place my hot pots on it to protect the counter top.  Since…

My recent purchase of a small microwave included two large Styrofoams.  Instead, of throwing it out; I used them to hold some lawn stakes that I painted. It’s great for painting items up right, instead of flat on a horizontal surface.  I used it to add and mix paints sort…

Vintage Wood Turn of Century Rocker found at Divine Providence On my last trip to Divine Providence, I found an amazing vintage tiger wood rocker, very old rocker dates to the turn of the century based on its design.   I fell in love with it when I saw it at…

I learned the hard way how to reuse broken Christmas lawn stakes when a destructive squirrel ate through the light cords around these decorations. I had these lighted snowflake lawn stakes which had a  nice hologram style.  The lights were attached by a thin light cord that allowed the electricity…

Taking photos in and around Ocala trying out my photo shop skills .

No, it’s not the band, it’s just my red hot chili peppers that survived this winter.  This weather has been unseasonably warm for the winter.   I have kumquats already growing and becoming a food feast for the neighborhood birds in Pine Run.

Pumice stone is used to soften rough skin around the feet and elbows; no one would think of pumice stone as a rust cleaner. I learned of the use of pumice stone as a ceramic cleaner online. It worked to remove calcium and lime stains around toilet and bath tub. …

Every year we make New Years resolutions which include losing weight and getting fit.  We join a gym for about a month then quit.  Here are some resolutions that I think  everyone can keep.  Donate and recycle unwanted items.    Pledge to save money by vacationing in the US.  …

Homemade Household cleaners from natural items around the house Vinyl floors can be cleaned with 1/2 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. Wood floors should be damp mopped with a mild liquid soap. Use mineral oil and a damp cloth as a furniture polish. To remove…

This winter has been the warmest on record, usuaully vegetables that don’t grow during the fall season are still growing in my garden. Including hot peppers, kumquats,  and green peas. Find these still growing, although a lot smaller in size than normal.

Make a heating pad out of a cotton sock When my mom had physical therapy for her chronic osteoarthritis condition, the physical therapist that had her do simple exercises gave us a great tip of making a home made heating pad. Instead of purchasing heating patches that are disposable, take…

For years, the screen porch was used as a catch all and greenhouse for plants. I am starting to design a morroccan style room for the porch area to make it an extension of a small kitchen. The first step is to make the room ant and insect proof so…

“One man’s trash is another person’s treasure”, if you have items that are no longer being used consider donating to charity or recycling items.  Here are some places that accept donations and recyclables; even swap or trade them. Electronics, cell phones and old PC computers should have personal information erased…

This economy has created high unemployment rates around the US and hit Ocala just as hard, with an average unemployment rate of 10%. A year ago it was 12%, so it’s improving but not at the rate that it should be.  Ocala has many small town qualities but offers urban…

These are more photos taken during Canadian Niagara Falls trip I took with my sister.   It was fun and if ever in the New york State area, should visit the falls.

In the summer, its easy to save energy by air drying washed clothing, using the propane grill and turning off the water heater a few days during the months. The summer weather brings warmer water during this climate. Using this method, my water bill is reduced by 80.00 a month.…

I made a collage from seed plant company catalogs sent to homes from companies that sell flowers and seeds such as Burpee. Instead of throwing them out, cut out flower photos the size of the surface area of box being covered. I took a shoe box and glued all sides…

Mountainside of Arecibo PR Side of road at El Yunque rain forest at Rio Grande, PR Town square of San Juan Puerto Rico Entrance of San Cristobal Fortress in San Juan PR Old Church in town square the side of el Morro in San Juan aero view of el Morro…

From my garden Part III Eggplants My vegetables are growing at slower pace and not as large as before so I may have to add more seeds to my tomato plants. Some of my plants have been getting insects since I stopped using the sprinkler system and started to hand…

Home made cleaning agents with common pantry items Vinyl floors can be cleaned with a 1/2 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. Wood floors should be damp mopped with a mild liquid soap. Use mineral oil and a damp cloth as a furniture polish. To remove…