Previous month:
May 2010
Next month:
September 2010

August 2010

Water

Like me, you may have heard and even suspected that bottled water is not always up to "snuff".  Well, now researchers from C-crest Laboratories in Montreal have discovered that some bottled water contains more bacteria than the water that comes out of our taps.  Really!  Apparently, no more than 500 colony forming units of bacteria per millilitre should be present in drinking water.  Some brands had as much as 100 times more than the permitted limit; while others had as much as 70,000 cfu per millilitre.  Granted, it did state in the article that this kind of bacteria doesn't usually cause any disease in healthy people.  But, it could make infants and the elderly sick, as well as pregnant women.  Now, combine this with the fact that it's difficult to know how long bottled water has been sitting around and it would seem that tap water is better.  At least, we know that tap water has been rigorously tested.  Yes, I know it has chlorine; but if you let it sit around for 24 hours before you drink it, apparently the chlorine is gone.  That's not too difficult if you keep 2 jugs on the go.  Also, just think of all the plastic water bottles, that we can keep out of the landfill sites.  Reusable stainless steel bottles are very convenient.

For several years, I drank distilled water or dead water as it has been called.  I then began adding minerals to it, to replenish what had been taken out.  At present, if I need a drink, I use tap water that has gone through the filter under our sink and also through a Britta filter.  I use this water to make my herbal concoction of tea that I drink.  In my concoction, I use white oak bark, burdock root, dandelion root, horsetail, red clover, calendula, eyebright, oatstraw and stinging nettle.  It makes for an interesting tea and protects many of the organs in my body, in addition to being a good detoxifier.   As well, water that has been boiled apparently kills all bacteria.


Speed Limits

Speed limits.  What are they for?  Well, actually, I do know; however, have you noticed very few people drive the speed limit anymore.  Most people are in such a hurry to get some where.  I'll admit I don't drive the speed limit most of the time.  I have a heavy foot and I push the limit by 5 or 10 km.  But sometimes, it's even more.  That's because I'm just going with the flow of traffic.  And even then at 15 or 20 km. over speed, people are passing.  A while back, a friend of mine was stopped for speeding on the highway.  She wasn't weaving in or out or anything, just driving with the flow.  When stopped, she asked about all the other drivers that were driving along with her and the officer's comment was.   "Well, we can't catch them all."  How frustrating!  I sympathize with her because, let's face it; if you drive slow, or the actual speed limit, people are passing you like crazy.  Fair enough; but, if they can't pass, they are right on your tail.  They blink lights at you or honk their horns.  Yes, it has happened to me when I try to obey the speed limit.  Very frustrating! 


Summer

It has been brought to my attention that I have not written anything on my blog in a long time.  I'm going to blame summer.  We have been on the motorcylce a lot.  Chloe loves it.  We traveled from Sidney through the San Juan islands on the ferry to Anacortes, Washington.  We camped for 3 days and visited the Shipwreck days (basically a huge yard sale in the middle of the main street for blocks).  We have been up island 3 or 4 times.  The last trip took us to Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan, about a 5 1/2 hour drive.  On the way home, the motorcycle just died.  We finally have it fixed and we're ready to go again.  And now, Michelle and her family are here from Ontario for 3 weeks.  It is busy; but, a lot of fun. 

We have lived in Sidney for approx. 5 years and have never visited Sidney Spit, which is an island with a mile long sandy beach.  Wynn, Jeff, Michelle and I took all the grandkids and Chloe by ferry.  We had a marvelous day, lots of sun and food.  The kids, Chloe and grandpa all enjoyed digging in the sand.  Chloe loves to dig and bury her nose in the sand.  It is quite funny.  I just sat and soaked up a little sun while everyone played.

Today we all went to Sabbhai Thai restaurant for dinner and then visited the Thursday night farmer's market.  Everyone is eating a popcorn and watching a movie, while I decided to write something.  Well, that's all for now, I thing I'll watch the movie, too.