Protecting Your Home from the Weather

The weather can wreck havoc on your home no matter where you live. Here are some of the common weather occurrences and what you can do to protect your home from extreme weather, both in the short term and the long term. Hail Yesterday was a crazy weather day for us. There was rain, snow and finally hail. Of the three, I was most worried about hail. It can really cause damage to your home requiring major repairs even damaging your belongings. One way to reduce your risk of damage from hail is to install impact-resistant roofing. There is a … Continue reading

Using Fall Leaves as Winter Mulch

Here is a great idea for using some of those fall leaves that are falling all over your yard. By creating winter mulch out of them, you’ll protect your tender plants and bulbs, save money and feel better about having to do all of that fall leaf clean up! Winter mulch can do a lot to protect and preserve your perennials from the harsh winter that is coming up soon. Many people believe that the winter mulch acts as a blanket, protecting the bulbs and plants from the cold. While it is true that it may offer some little protection … Continue reading

This Winter Will Be a Cold One!

If you have been putting off getting new more efficient windows, caulking your window and door frames or even moving to a warmer climate, this may be the year to do it. According to the Farmers’ Almanac , which goes on sale this week, most of the United States of America will see colder than average temperatures with more snowfall than usual. This news is especially harsh considering that the cost of home heating fuel has risen so much. We kept our thermostat pretty low last year and got by, but the cost of our oil has increased for this … Continue reading

Winter Weather Terms (3)

Do you know what to expect when you hear all of those winter weather terms? Understanding what it all means can keep you and your family safe from harm when severe weather hits your area. We are up to part three of the winter weather terms. This is the final five weather terms that you should know. Sleet Sleet is frozen or partially frozen rain that comes down to the Earth in the form of small ice pellets. The ice pellets hit the ground so fast that they actually bounce instead of stick. However, sleet can accumulate on the ground, … Continue reading

Winter Weather Terms (2)

Today is Sunday, and we are awaiting our first snow storm of the season. The kids are excited and hoping to get enough snow for a snowman. Looking at the weather map, it is clear that this storm covers almost three-quarters of the country, although by the time it get to us, there might not be much snow. Do you know your winter weather terms? All of those warnings and watches that are released by the National Weather Service have different meanings and different levels of severity that are good to understand. This is part 2 of the winter weather … Continue reading

Winter Weather Terms (1)

Do you know the difference between a Winter Storm Watch and a Winter Storm Warning? And what exactly is a Nor’ Easter and how will it affect you? This time of year, it is important to understand all of the standard severe weather terms so you can be prepared and protect your family. Winter Storm Outlook This is the condition that is issued when weather forecasters believe that storm conditions are very probable although they might not yet be able to tell the severity. The report is usually issued 48 to 60 hours before an actual storm. Winter Storm Watch … Continue reading

Start The Engine! Auto Travel and The Winter Car Trip.

Driving in winter conditions requires skill and concentration. Taking a long trip on unknown winter roads requires some preplanning. If you have already taken all the steps before the engine starts, now it’s time to talk about the actual journey. If your aren’t used to driving on snow or ice be sure to review the Five Tips For Driving on Icy, Slippery or Snow Covered Roads . This time of year can bring surprises when you least expect them and some of the roads we travel may be affected by winter conditions. It’s always a good idea to keep the … Continue reading

Six Tips Before Starting The Engine On a Winter Car Trip.

A safe trip traveled by car during the winter starts with good planning, and considering the possible emergencies we might face as we travel. Before you gas-up and start down the road take some time to be sure the car is ready for the elements and the family is ready to face time, distance and the worst case scenario along the way. A Safe Auto Trip Starts Before the Engine Does! Before you start a trip in the winter be sure to take these steps into consideration: Tip #1 Mapping and Contact Person. Know where you are going and which … Continue reading

Winter Driving—Are You Ready?

Ready or not, it’s winter (Mother Nature made that clear in no uncertain terms a few days ago). Much of the nation got walloped by a wintry mess, including right here in my neck of the woods, where parts of our state got up to 20 inches of snow. Luckily, I avoided having to drive in the treacherous conditions (I rolled into my garage just as the snow started to fall). However, others were not as fortunate. According to news reports, the wintry conditions were to blame for at least seven traffic deaths as it moved from Texas to Connecticut. … Continue reading

Nature Study

Nature study is an essential component to a Charlotte Mason education. However, any method one chooses will be enhanced by the student keeping a Nature Study Journal. Children innately have a curiosity about nature which should be encouraged to promote a long love for the outdoors. Charlotte Mason believed that children should spend at least fifteen minutes outside daily regardless of weather. I tend to agree as rainy or snowy days offer beauty and wonder in its own way. Nature Study simply consists of the nature walk and the documentation of the wonders that were explored that day. Children delight … Continue reading