Check out this baby humming bird rescue video…

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Check out the newest article at For Families Eyes Only. It proposes using a farmers market to teach kids. Actually, since the entire family will be involved, it has the potential of teaching and reinforcing those family values that moms and dads are instilling in their families.

Here’s a brief excerpt from Farmers Market – Teaching Family Values:

The farmers market in your community is a really awesome tool for teaching family values. And not just for the kids, either… the entire family will benefit.

Have everyone assume the role of a farmers market buyer, age permitting. Endless possibilities here…

Another interesting possibility is to take on the role of farmers market sellers, or vendors. This will take some planning, but can develop into some serious family time.

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We highly recommend checking out this information BEFORE launching into selling your homegrown fruit (or anything) at a local farmers market. Remember, it’s all free information…

1. Understanding Farmers Market Rules

Go to the Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Inc. at  http://www.flaginc.org/topics/pubs/arts/, for the 8-page printable, and downloadable document, Understanding Farmers Market Rules.

2. Agricultural Marketing Service – Farmers Market Search

You can search the United States Department of Agriculture’s database for a farmers market location and data – just go to http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/. Here’s how they describe their Farmers Market Search capabilities:

“AMS works to maintain a current listing of farmers markets throughout the United States. Market information is provided to AMS from various sources including state market representatives, market managers, and consumers. The farmers market database is updated on a regular basis.”

3. A Guide for Farmers, Sanitarians and the Consumer

Visit http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/publications/food/business&marketing/ for the  Minnesota Department of Agriculture site’s 4-page printable, downloadable document, Operational Guidelines for Vendors At the Farmers’ Market.

TIP:  To find farmers market guidelines for your local area, enter “farmers market vendor guidelines portland oregon” in a search engine… just substitute your city and state. You can also do a statewide search by omitting the city.

The image to the left is what the Minnesota site looks like. Of course, the websites for other states will be unique to them.

4. Farmers Market Publications from Departments of Agriculture

Check out the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website page at
http://www.mass.gov/agr/markets/farmersmarkets/Options_consider_selling.htm for information and more resources.

TIP: Do a Google search for “State Department of Agruculture”, substituting your state.

The Massachusetts site referenced above is pictured to the right. Again, the websites for other states will be unique to them.

Sometimes, the easiest place to start researching for farmers market references and resources is with your local Chamber of Commerce or City Hall. If you’re community is forward thinking and has a farmers market, just ask some vendors to direct you to the local organizer or director. It could save you a lot of time and effort… just be sure to ask about the paperwork involved, and applicable laws and taxes. Don’t be surprised when these folks take the time to talk with you and explain how it all works.

Farmers markets attract neighborly folks… so, act neighborly and you’ll fit right in.

This is the first in a series of DIY home improvement blogs for the average do-it-yourself guys and gals out there.

Here’s an excerpt from one of the articles… Installing Electricity In Basements

The first step to improving your unfinished basement is to install lighting. The tips that follow are by no means “gospel”, they’re just an overall outline of how to install lighting in your basement. Besides, electrical building codes vary from town to town.

If you’re not qualified to do electrical work, hire an electrician. I’m serious! You could be killed, or seriously injured if you don’t know what you’re doing.

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This is a fun blog for guys (strict family-friendly content, though). You’ll find lots of interesting topics, like motorcycles, DIY home improvement, sports news, and workshop news. As you can see above, there’s even a slideshow of home remodeling videos.

Here’s an excerpt from one of the articles… A Mechanic’s Workshop For Guys

I know lots of you guys dream of workshops for cars, and bikes, and… well, anything with an engine in it.

It doesn’t matter if it runs or not, right? Maybe it’s for vintage 20’s, 30’s, 40’s cars… or, classic 50’s and 60’s. And, muscle cars… well, they’re in a class of their own!

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This blog has lots of interesting information for women. It’s written in a breezy, journal style. Although it’s pretty new, the action plan for this blog is active… so good news and articles are in the works.

First, a bit of background… we had lots of bandwidth problems because of a Twiceler robot “raid”. Basically, we had to remove everything and start completely over! Here’s an excerpt of the article describing some of the content we added… New Content Added

Long story short… check out the first re-load about soap-making. It has videos showing people making soap as a hobby and as a cottage business.

There’s more coming!

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This website focuses on alternative energy that is currently available, as well as exciting new energy developments.

Here’s an excerpt from one of the articles… Biofuels As Alternative Sources Of Energy.

The bio-fuels umbrella includes ethanol and derivatives of plants such as sugar cane, as well as vegetable and corn oils. However, not all ethanol products are designed to be used as a kind of gasoline.

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This family blog focuses on global environmental concerns, like global warming. It also includes the environmental efforts of business, government, and individuals. Plans are in the works for some wildlife articles as well.

Here’s an excerpt from one of the environmental articles… Biomimicry – Imitating Nature’s Design

This was a new one on me… but, it really makes a lot of sense. I found a definition of biomimicry that even I can understand (courtesy of  http://asktheplanetcd.org/what_is_biomimicry.html)… “the process of learning from and then emulating Nature’s genius to create more sustainable designs. It’s studying a leaf to invent a better solar cell or studying an electric eel to make a better battery. ‘Biomimicry introduces an era based not on what we can extract from the natural world, but what we can learn from it.’ Janine Benyus, author Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature.” The following guest article has some good examples…

(Not all of the articles are as “scientific” as this… Most of them are basic observations by me and by my guest authors.)

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This blog has lots of articles and videos full of gardening tips for gardeners of all levels.

Here’s an excerpt from one of the articles…  Add A Garden Shed To Your Landscape Design

This guest article offers some good tips for custom landscaping, which may include a garden shed. Even though the author is promoting a product, the advice is still valid. See for yourself…

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This blog features birdwatching tips and vacation ideas for bird watchers.

Here’s an excerpt from one of the articles… 9 Bird-Watching Tips.

Wherever you go – your own backyard or another locale – make sure to follow these basic tips for bird-watching:

1. Try to observe the birds so they don’t know you are there
2. Move slowly
3. Make as little noise as possible
4. Keep your distance
5. etc…

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