What’s in your Tap Water?

I always knew that there were contaminants in the tap water, I just did not realize how many and the potential effects! This is scary! Check to see what is in your tap water: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=TX2460009

City of Cedar Park

EWG’s drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 – March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility Details

• Cedar Park, Texas

• Serves: 65,627

• Data available: 2013-2020*

• Source: Surface water

* 2013 testing is for chemicals in EPA’s Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR-3) only. 2020/2021 testing is for chemicals in EPA’s Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR-4) only.

Contaminants Detected

11 EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

20 Total Contaminants

• Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.

• Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.

• The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.

11 Contaminants Detected EXCEEDING EWG Guideline, the Amount they exceed the EWG’s Health Guideline and the Potential Effect:

1. Bromochloroacetic acid 281x

2. Bromodichloromethane 236x Potential Effect: Cancer

3. Bromoform 5.3x Potential Effect: Cancer

4. Chloroform 44x Potential Effect: Cancer

5. Dibromoacetic acid 75x

6. Dibromochloromethane 106X Potential Effect: Cancer

7. Dichloroacetic acid 47x Potential Effect: Cancer

8. Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 180x Potential Effect: Cancer

9. Haloacetic acids (HAA9) 625x Potential Effect: Cancer

10. Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 302x Potential Effect: Cancer

11. Trichloroacetic acid 49x Potential Effect: Cancer

Bessie Wrote This In 1904…

I love this poem!

The Motivational Poem

WHAT CONSTITUTES SUCCESS

He has achieved success who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent men
and the love of little children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who has left the world better than he found it,
whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty
or failed to express it;
who has always looked for the best in others
and given them the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction.

—Bessie Stanley 1905 (more)                                              .

View original post

Central Texas Gardening Tips for July

Gardening Tips for July in Central Texas:

Fertilize:

Fertilizer Spray

Give annuals a complete fertilizer.  Water well before and after application.  Deadhead and fertilize roses.  Fertilize young fruit trees (except pears) with a 3-1-2 ratio product at 1-2 cups per inch of trunk diameter.

Water:

Water all planted areas deeply but infrequently during dry periods.  Outdoor container plants need daily watering.  Consider landscaping with drought resistant native plants in the future. SOIL: Mulch all bare soil. Turn compost pile and add new ingredients.  Clean up spring vegetable gardens and replenish with compost.

Lawn Care:

Mow every 5-7 days and leave the clippings on the lawn.  Watch for take-all patch. Set mower higher in shady areas to promote denser turf. (When we mow, we want to leave the clippings on the lawn.  They return a significant amount of nutrients to the growing grass. You can even leave the clippings if you have a disease problem like take-all patch or another leaf spot disease.  They don’t add to the problem in any significant way.  In fact, in our warm weather, they’ll decompose quite rapidly, and naturally provide nutrients to keep your lawn healthy.  They also cover the surface and help reduce weed competition.  In a diseased lawn one of the things that happens is we start to see more weeds as the lawn gets thinner.  Remember, mow high, follow proper watering procedures, avoid broadleaf weed killers, fertilize sparingly, and leave your clippings!  You’ll be well on the way to a disease-free lawn.)

Diseases/Pests to Look for:

• Spider mites
• Leaf rollers
• Lacebugs and aphids
  

  Webworms in Tree

• Chinch bugs
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Chiggers and grubs in lawns;
• Scale insects on euonymus, hollies, peaches and plums;
• Webworms in pecans and persimmons;
• Powdery mildew on crape myrtles and roses;
• Aphids on crape myrtle, roses and Mexican milkweed;
• Scale on peaches and plums.
• Remove any diseased leaves from beds; do not add to compost.

Prune:

Remove vigorous growth from center of peach and plum trees to prevent shading of fruiting shoots. Tip new blackberry canes at 4’ to force side branches.  Prune dead and damaged wood from trees and shrubs as needed.

Things to Plant in July:

Flower Plants:

• Ageratum
• Ajuga
• Alpine Aster
  

  Boltonia

• Balsam
• Blue Daze
• Boltonia
• Cockscomb
• Silver Dollar Plant (Lunaria Annua)
• Periwinkle
• Portulaca
• Purslane
• Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia Hirta)
• Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
• Sedum
• Stokes’ Aster
• Wax Begonia
• Wishbone Flower (Torenia)

 Flower Seeds:

•  Ageratum
• Balsam
• Castor Bean
• Cleome
• Cockscomb
  

  Cosmos

• Cosmos
• Four-o’clock
• Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
• Impatiens
• Marigold
• Moonflower
• Morning Glory
• Periwinkle
• Portulaca
• Tithonia
• Torenia
• Vinca
• Zinnia

Bulbs:

• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)
  

  Lirope

• Lirope
• Lycoris
• Monkey Grass

Vegetables:

Early-Mid Month: Pumpkin, Sweet Potato

Mid-Late Month: Corn, Eggplant, Peppers

Other Things To Do:

Plant fall gardens and prepare beds by removing perennial weeds before tilling; add compost and fertilizer.  Gather herbs and flowers to dry.  Preserve the bounty by freezing, canning or drying vegetables and fruits.  Drink lots of water and try to stay cool.

Courtesy of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity, published by the Travis County Master Gardener Association, copyright 2000-2002.

Source: Central Texas Gardener  http://www.klru.org/ctg/tips/july.php

Courtesy of Kathy Kares www.AHealthyHome.net         CONTACT ME

Heart Disease is a SILENT KILLER!

Heart Disease is a SILENT KILLER!

Most people don’t find out you have a heart problem until it’s too late.  Please support the fight against Heart Disease and make a donation to my American Heart Association Heart Walk!

Thank you for your support!

Click HERE to Donate.

Kathy

Courtesy of Kathy Kares       www.AHealthyHome.net        CONTACT ME

Summer Weather Tips – Be Smart and Stay Cool!

Summer Weather Tips 

Since the air conditioner is often the largest energy user in your home, limiting its use will reduce your bills the most. But it’s just one of the areas where you can save during the summer!

Air Conditioner
Set the thermostat at 78°F or higher. Each degree below 78° means more energy use and a higher air conditioning bill. Use portable fans to help you feel more comfortable.
Setting
For more energy savings, set the fan switch on your air conditioning system to “automatic”, instead of leaving it set to “on”. This also applies to room air conditioners.
Filter
Be sure you check your air conditioning filter at least once a month, and clean or replace it if you find that it’s dirty. This can also give you some relief if you’re experiencing allergy symptoms.

Thermometer
Check the accuracy of your thermostat by placing a thermometer next to it. You may be over-cooling your home. For example, the thermostat may indicate 78° when the room is really 72°F, increasing your cooling cost by 30% or more.

Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, keep the damper tightly closed when not in use. You might also consider a glass fireplace screen, which can help minimize the loss of conditioned air.

Weather Stripping
Make sure the weather stripping around your doors and windows is in good condition. And keep doors and windows closed when the air conditioning is on.

Blinds 
Close blinds, draperies, or shutters on sunny days to help keep the heat out. This is especially important on any windows or glass doors receiving direct sunlight.

Courtesy of Kathy Kares  www.AHealthyHome.net        CONTACT ME

Pet Safety During Cicada Season

Pets may think cicadas are a great snack, but eating too many can be dangerous

Posted by      Cassandra Day (Editor), May 11, 2013 at 09:31 pm

By Beth Lawton

Dogs, cats, squirrels, raccoons and birds will have a 4 – 6 week feast this summer as the Brood II 17-year cicadas emerge from the ground throughout Connecticut.

But the Humane Society warns that, like junk food, too much can cause tummy aches and other issues for pets. The Humane Society warned in 2004 that cicadas’ exoskeletons are not digestible, so eating too many could cause constipation or vomiting. (2004 was when the 17-year Brood X cicadas emerged in our region.) Animals could also choke on cicadas’ legs and wings.

The Humane Society also noted that cicadas are like little flying toys to dogs and cats — they’re small (but not too small), they fly slowly and usually stay pretty low to the ground. In addition, the exoskeletons of cicadas contain chitin, and some pets may have an allergic reaction. Chitin may affect some humans, too, according to Science Daily.

If your dog or cat vomits more than twice or seems particularly uncomfortable after gorging on cicadas, take him or her to the vet. For humans, cicadas can be safe to eat in relatively limited quantities.

Source: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/groups/going-green/p/pet-safety-during-cicada-season

Courtesy of Kathy Kares www.AHealthyHome.net         CONTACT ME

May Gardening Tips for Central Texas

May Gardening Tips

• Remove the spent foliage only from spring flowering bulbs that have browned and died back. Then a good application of bone meal or 5-10-5 fertilizer is in order.
• Plant the following veggies now: Lima Beans, Snap Beans, Beets, Black-eyed Peas, Chard, Okra, Pepper Plants, New Zealand Spinach, Summer Squash, Sweet Potato. Select the best varieties for our area!
• Watch for spider mites and caterpillars in the garden. Check trees and evergreens for bagworms.
• Blast the aphids away with a heavy water spray! Keep the slugs clear with a jar lid of beer! (bury it to ground level and the slugs and snails will just jump in – too easy!) Spider mites can be controlled with an insecticide soap. Hand pick caterpillars and bagworms or spray with BT.
• Release beneficial insects. Ladybugs, green lacewings, earthworms and praying mantis are some of the gardeners’ best friends. We have ladybugs and mantis in stock!
• Spring is the time to fertilize. Use a balanced fertilizer on roses every four to six weeks. Don’t forget those potted plants and hanging baskets. Also any producing vegetables in the garden could use a boost of compost.
• Continue to plant annuals. A wide selection is available this month.
• Remove the spent blossoms of flowering plants to keep them flowering.
• Check your lawn for chinch bug infestation. Infected lawns turn yellow, then brown, then they die. For early detection, press one end of an open-ended coffee can 2 inches into the soil. Fill can with water. Keep full of water for 5 minutes. Chinch bugs will float to the surface.
• Continue to treat roses for blackspot if needed.

Source: http://www.gonursery.com/pages/40

Courtesy of Kathy Kares www.AHealthyHome.net         CONTACT ME

Give Mom a Gardening Gift for Mother’s Day!

Give Mom a Gardening gift For Mother’s Day!

Give Mom a gift that will last a lot longer than a flower arrangement!

Here are just a few ideas:

• Plant up a beautiful pot that would look wonderful on the deck or patio (we can help you make your selections or we have some that are already potted up).
• How about a tool that she has always wanted? Pruner, Gloves, Knee Pads or other high quality hand tools can last for generations with the proper care.
• A hand blown hummingbird feeder and a hummingbird bush make a great combination.

• A gift basket of Central Texas jams and salsas
• a gift certificate
• a pile of compost will show mom how much she means to you.

Courtesy of Kathy Kares www.AHealthyHome.net         CONTACT ME

Responsible Energy Consumption

Did you know…?

* Though accounting for only 5% of the world’s population, the United States consumes 26 percent of the world’s energy. To put that in perspective it’s roughly as much electricity as the entire country of Italy consumes in a year
* The average household in the U.S. wastes about $1,000 each year in electricity from phantom energy, accidentally leaving on electronics, accidentally leaving on lights and the mis-use of thermostats.
* Globally 1% of CO2 emissions is just from standby power. In the U.S. alone, that’s equal to the combined annual production of dozens of power plants
*In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off
* Only 5% of the power drawn by cell phone chargers is actually used to charge phones. The other 95% is wasted when you leave it plugged into the wall but not into your phone.
* You can save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours. Savings is as much as 1% for each degree—if the setback period is eight hours long
*The Energy Information Administration projects a 15% increase in space heating costs compared to last year, due to both higher energy costs and the expectation of a colder winter.
 * Per the ACEEE American Council for Energy Efficiency (11/11/08) Consumers can save about 2% on heating bills for every degree thermostats are turned down.

Sources: http://www.sustain.ucla.edu/handbook/article.asp?parentid=3465

http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/standby-power-electricity-consumption.html

http://aceee.org/consumer/heating

http://greenanswers.com/q/75161/products-shopping/electronics/do-cell-phone-chargers-use-energy-when-not

Courtesy of Kathy Kares www.AHealthyHome.net         CONTACT ME

Storm Safety Tips

Storm Safety Tips

Storms can come in quickly, bringing severe weather and danger for those who aren’t prepared, so we created this easy checklist for you to turn to when the skies turn dark.

Before A Storm
 -Unplug electrical appliances and equipment.
 -Prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable food, medicines, baby supplies, pet food, flashlights, battery-operated radios and extra batteries.
 -Evacuate immediately, if told to do so by the authorities. If you can”t leave, seek shelter or call local authorities for assistance.
- If someone in your home is dependent on electric life-sustaining medical equipment, make arrangements to relocate quickly.

During A Storm  
 -Stay indoors.
 -Avoid windows, skylights, glass doors, and elevators.
 -Stay tuned to the local radio stations, using battery-operated radios, to know when it’s safe to re-emerge from shelter.
 -Use flashlights or battery-operated lamps. Do not use candles or open flames indoors.
 -Don’t attempt to reset circuit breakers.

After A Storm
- Be patient. Local utility crews will be activated to restore power immediately after the storm.
 -Stay away from downed or sparking power lines. And be sure to report them immediately.
 -Check appliances for water damage and ensure all cords are dry before plugging them into wall sockets.
 -Do not stand in water when operating switches or plugging and unplugging appliances.
 -Use your telephone only for emergency calls.

Courtesy of Kathy Kares  www.AHealthyHome.net        CONTACT ME