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Quote of the Day

-- Quote of the Day --  ... a little bit of fun today :) © BrummetMedia.ca    "It's only Tuesday ... and I'm already 95% done with this week."  ~  an Internet meme ~~   Visit the Brummet's @: http://BrummetMedia.ca ~~

Saving money and reduce energy consumption

Today's increasing energy costs, shrinking budgets and stagnant wages are a growing concern. For those of us living in the more extreme climates that require extra heating in the winter months or relief from the blazing summer heat, there are tricks we can do to increase our comfort while lowering the bills.  Walk around your home and take a mental note of all the electrical outlets and light switches, computer and TV outlets and any vents or pipes along each exterior wall. You’ll likely find some on the outside of your house too, so be sure to walk around out there and along the deck, taking notes of where they are, and how many of each. Purchase caulking or foam and fill around any piping, cords and vents you noticed that breach the exterior walls.  Look for cracks and gaps or holes anywhere on the exterior and be sure to fill them too. Get a few packages of insulation kits and plugs designed for outlets and light switches. It is easy to do, just take the cover off with a fl...

recommended resources

 Recommended Resources Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders Rescue - 100% volunteer run, founded in 1973, dedicated to the rescue and care of companion animals. Info :  GVACRescue.com Greater Victoria Dog Obedience Training Clu b relies on members and volunteers providing dog obedience and training sessions for over 60 years. Info : GVDOTC.com Green Here : Community reforestation and greening initiatives throughout Toronto are the focus for this non-profit. Info : GreenHere.ca ~~   Visit the Brummet's @:  http://BrummetMedia.ca   ~~

Everyone has a story to tell

Today we are joined by Elise Brooke , who tells us: " My parents moved to NZ from England and South Africa. I now live in the beautiful east coast Gisborne.  I have written and published two autobiographies in my book series "The New Zealand Dream,” by Sheila - my pen name. I wrote these books to inspire and give hope to others. I use my pen name Sheila for my autobiography series ".  Elise has been in the world of writing for more than 2 decades and continues to hone a true passion for writing: " Writing is a very powerful healing tool, sharing your story can give help others and help yourself on your healing journey.  I am a writing mentor who can help people write their own story and with any writing project they are creating.  I have mentored students working for Wellington polytechnic ." Her blog offers an opportunity for other authors to submit guest posts and query for author interviews. She can be found on most of the common social media sites and her m...

Why write your story?

Why write your story? (*Part 2) * Today's article was written by one of our writing friends, Elise Brooke. She is the author of two books and runs a blog that is growing in popularity every day. Some of you may recall our announcement re:  an interview she did with us on her My New Zealand Dream blog. Elise has over 24 years of experience in the world of writing and holds a Creative Writing Diploma. Visit her at:    https://www.mynzdreamblog.com   Today she explains what compelled her to write so honestly about her past.  -- Some of you may have read my books or know a little about what I have been through in life. I am sure you all have seen my posts on Facebook about The New Zealand Dream series. ... Please follow this link if you have not seen me already there:  https://www.facebook.com/mynewzealanddream/ Maybe people wonder why? " Why did she write her life story for everyone to read and judge? " Others may think, “ I want to write my story too, but I...

Of Squash

Oh SQUASH It  One of our favourite harvests is winter squash with its many varieties of colours, flavours, shapes and sizes.  It is hard to get tired of using them for making some really good food recipes.  When choosing any winter squash from a farmer's stand, test the skin with your thumbnail. It should feel hard, solid and nearly impenetrable. The vine end should be dry and shrivelled; the small bit of vine will often fall off as the squash ripens more in storage. The base end, likewise, should feel very dry. Choosing squash that have been fully ripened and properly cured ensures your squash will keep well into the winter.  When you are in the possession of an unripe winter squash, you can still use it in the kitchen and turn it into another delicious, super easy dish.  Simply cut in half (or quarters) and scoop out the seeds (don’t bother saving unripe seeds for snacks, there’s no meat in them). Then cut it into 1.5 " thick slices.  In a small bowl, mix...

Recommended Resources

 Recommended Resources Grand Valley Trails Association : a non-profit working to build and maintain hiking trails and promote low-impact hiking within this Ontario-based park. Info : GVTA.on.ca Grand Trees Climate Solutions : identifies and works with some of the best tree planting organizations, focusing in the greater Toronto area. Info : GrandTrees.org Grasslands Conservations Council of British Columbia a network of groups, volunteers and organizations building networks that strengthen grassland ecosystems. Info: BCGrasslands.org ~~   Visit the Brummet's @:  http://BrummetMedia.ca   ~~