Her Backyard - Book Review

Her Backyard by Doreen Lewis is an adventure, romance novel that depicts a career woman in the middle of self-discovery. It is about making choices that may not be so easy to make and complex relationships between co-workers, siblings and friends. I am certain that many readers within the age group between 30 and 40 will find a connection with Audrey, the main character.

Audrey and her sister Ava have a touching, close – sometimes tense, other times humorous – relationship. Their mother died when they were young and now they were facing losing their beloved father. Audrey returns home for the funeral and meets up with an old flame that helps her come to terms with what is missing in her life. Office politics were wearing thin and career hungry co-workers were beginning to both irritate and consume her.

She begins to question her choices in life and is faced with desirable options that play tug-of-war with her mind. Finally, exhausted and emotionally wrought she is given the opportunity to choose the path of content happiness. Audrey learns to make a decision based upon her needs, rather than trying to live up to the impossible lifestyle society encourages.

Her Backyard definitely has a story line that I think many women can relate with. Career women have to make many sacrifices and there are times when one wonders if this lifestyle is truly full filling all their needs. I think Doreen Lewis has written a fine book portraying this conundrum.

ISBN#: 0976091941
Author: Doreen Lewis
Publisher: Helm Publishing

~ Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment – Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)

Sampler of Rare Fruits for Fun or Profit

Here is a sampler of unusual fruits showing up on temperate climate farms and in nurseries. Their rarity in your location, of course, depends on your growing region.

Sea Buckthorn (Hipprophae rhamnoides)

A very productive northern fruiting plant, sea buckthorn, also called sea buckthorn berry or simply sea berry, is actually widely grown and yet very few in America are aware of it. It’s an attractive small tree or shrub native to the Russian Far East. It grows up to ten feet, with narrow silver leaves, spaced seven feet apart unless creating a hedge with plantings three to five feet apart. It is very hardy to minus 50 degrees F., and is easy to grow and resistant to disease. Prolific round yellow-orange fruits from the female plants are very high in vitamin C. In Europe they are made into sauces, jellies and used as a base for liqueurs. The juice is tart and is sweetened or blended with other fruits. Branches are also used in florist displays and the cosmetic and medicinal industry uses oil of the kernel and pulp.

Quince, Tree and Bush (Cydonia oblonga)

On Dog Mountain Farm in Carnation, Washington, owners David & Cindy Krepky have added quince to their sustainably operated community supported agriculture farm, which offers a large variety of better known vegetables, fruits, herbs and cut flowers as well. Nurseries offer several varieties of quince tree, some of which describe the fruit of the quince as a wonderful pineapple-like flavor. Value added products made from quince include jelly and jam, and they are sometimes mixed with apple cider. Almost every rural family had a fruiting quince tree in the early 20th century. The trees grow up to15 feet, some closer to eight to 10 feet, are self fertile with large white blossoms in late spring, and big bright yellow fruit ripening in fall. The late blossoms allow them to avoid spring frost damage. The quince bush is a winter hardy, disease resistant shrub also covered in fall with pineapple and/or citrus flavored fruits used to make jellies, jams or syrups.

Huckleberries (Vaccinium species)

Closely related to blueberries, huckleberries are rarely found in nurseries and yet huckleberry jams, pies and preserves are considered highly prized products. Sometimes more often called wild blueberries in the eastern U.S., they have much the same growing requirements as blueberries. Their berries are small and have a distinct wild flavor. Varieties native to the Pacific Northwest coast, sub-alpine and mountain regions are available, with some being evergreen, and some deciduous. There is at least one variety that grows well in USDA zones 4 through 10.

Kiwis (Actinidia species)

Although becoming well known, the kiwi is still considered a very special fruit, especially with the added novelty of being grown locally and organically. Native to Asia with the fuzzy kiwi introduced from New Zealand and hardy varieties from Russia and Japan, the vines are fast growing, with a variety of sizes of bright green-fleshed sweet fruits. The fuzzy, larger kiwis are hardy in the Pacific Northwest, but colder climates can grow the Arctic Beauty and the Arguta Hardy Kiwis. A male vine is needed for the females to set fruit, with one able to pollinate up to eight females. The fruits ripen in fall, and are usually picked after the first frost, still hard, when they can be stored in refrigeration for months, and then set out to soften. Growers report no significant pest or disease problems, with mature vines producing 25 pounds or more of fruit.

Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)

Lingonberries are a native European evergreen ground cover. Each plant grows from 12 to 18 inches and when planted in groups, they eventually form a dense mat, which can choke out weeds. They are a delicious cranberry-like fruit ripening in late fall, about the size and shape of a small blueberry. Some varieties are very productive and easy to grow. They’re used for sauces, preserves, pickles, syrup, jelly and wine. They are self-fertile although better production is reported from growing more than one variety. Extremely hardy, growers say they withstand even arctic temperatures. In warm climates, they can produce in semi-shade, and in fact may do better in these circumstances, making them a good second crop under larger crops such as orchards or forest crops trees, although they do need acid soil and cannot take overwatering.

Medlar (Mespilus germanica)

Botanically somewhere between a pear and a hawthorn, the medlar is native to the eastern part of the Mediterranean and the eastern part of Turkey, the western part of Iran and around the Caucasus. Grown in Europe for thousands of years and productive in USDA zones 5–9, the tree is self-fertile, growing up to 10 feet. The fruits are one-inch in diameter, look a little like a crabapple, and are harvested after the first frost. Similar to pears in that they are a fruit that is not picked ripe, the medlar fruit is still quite hard upon harvest. During a process called ‘bletting,’ the fruit is stored in a cool, lighted place to become rich, soft and spicy, described by some growers as having a flavor of cinnamon applesauce and with a wine-like undertone. When fruits are developed enough for eating they are enjoyed raw, made into jelly, folded into whipped cream, and some connoisseurs use them in Old English recipes. Because of their natural storage and need for ‘bletting,’ farmers can offer their customers a late fall or winter crop when other crops are finished.

Mulberries (Morus)

The mulberry is a self-fertile fruit tree that produces abundantly with varieties that are reliable in USDA zones 4–9. The fruits resemble long raspberries or blackberries, and are used most often as fresh fruits, in baked goods, wine and preserves. The trees need full sun, and can be maintained at 15 feet. One warning is that fruit-eating birds are particularly fond of the mulberry, and their brightly colored juice stains very easily, so don’t plant a row of these over your customers’ parking area! The trees produce a summer crop, July through September, and the fruit is described as chewy, sweet and highly flavored with a pleasing, unique aftertaste.

Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa)

A cherry relative, the Nanking cherry is considered a ‘tart cherry bush.’ It is a beautiful flowering shrub that produces edible tart-cherry-like fruit. Products from the fruit are commonly fresh fruit, pie fillings and jellies. The fruits ripen in summer and are around ½ inch in diameter. The plant is also sold as a wildlife and windbreak plant. This deciduous shrub grows in USDA zones 2—8 and matures at six to 12 feet. It is native to Asia, tolerant to drought, and requires a soil that is well drained.

Elderberries (Sambucus species)

Elderberries are shrubs that prefer full sun, and are considered to be the easiest of all fruits to grow and care, and also possibly the most consistently productive. Extremely prolific, both the blossoms and berries have been used for centuries in cultures throughout the world for both medicinal and edible products including baked goods, cordials, jellies, tea and wine. The teas are also used in baths as an herbal treatment and the berries have also been used in dyes. Most recently, the elderberry has been explored and come to the forefront as a possible treatment for winter ailments, and the fruit is reported to be higher in vitamin C than oranges. As a nursery plant, the elderberry can be sold as a multi-purpose plant with many uses for both humans and as a wildlife sanctuary plant, as birds enjoy the berries, also.

Pomegranate (Punica)

The Pomegranate can be grown as an arching shrub or small tree. Although mostly adapted to desert climates, needing good drainage and hot summers to produce a crop of fruit, some growers sell them as potted porch plants to bring indoors to finish ripening. They thrive in USDA zones 4—10 but in cooler climates are brought inside to obtain the large ripened red fruits, which are juiced or eaten fresh in a very special manner. The seeds within each fruit are covered with sacks that are juicy, red and sweet, which are eaten and then the seeds are discarded. The trees are self- and insect-pollinated and are harvested usually starting early October. The cool fall nights help develop the bright color. The trees are thorny, and mature trees are reported to yield more than 15 tons of fruit per acre.

Paw Paws (Asimina triloba)

Paw paw varieties can grow as small tree to 10′ tall, with some native varieties reaching 40 feet or more. Their leaves are long and tropical looking. Native in much of the eastern United States, they are not well known in other parts of the country, although they grow and produce well in most of the nation, USDA zones 5–9, including the Pacific Northwest. The fruits are three to six inches long, oblong, and the pulp is described as tasting like vanilla custard. They are harvest when fruit color turns from green to yellow, and the soft fruit is most often eaten with a spoon, with the large seeds discarded. They grow naturally as an understory tree but can also grow in full sun, making them a possible secondary tree crop among other tree crops. In areas of much hot dry sun, the younger trees do better with partial shade. Fruits are harvested usually in late September and October.

Mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis)

The Mayhaw, from the hawthorn family, is native to the United States and grows in USDA zones 6—9. Certain varieties of the mayhaw produce heavy crops of small red fruits, about ½” in diameter, that make delicious jelly, pies and juice. Growing only about 15 feet tall, they can tolerate wetter soils that other fruit trees, making them a possible sideline crop for marginal growing areas, although areas of late spring frosts can cut production because the tree blooms very early in spring.

Barbara Adams
Author: Micro Eco-Farming: Prospering from Backyard to Small Acreage in Partnership with the Earth (New World Publishing)
http://www.MicroEcoFarming.com

Florida Central Gulf Vacations

Come to Florida’s Central Gulf Coast if you are looking for a sun-filled vacation that involves plenty of water and numerous activities. This area of Florida is located along the Gulf of Mexico, providing easy access to any individual who wants to fill their time with water sports and adventure. If you prefer the land, there are numerous attractions to meet your needs in addition to the gorgeous beaches that border the coastline. For everything you are looking for in a Florida vacation, visit the cities of the Florida Gulf Coast and you will not be disappointed.

Clearwater is an amazing vacation destination if you are looking for outdoor activities that will test your strength and abilities. Fishing is popular with visitors since the Gulf is home to more than 300 varieties of fish, such as snapper, king-fish, mackerel, tarpon, red fish, and sailfish. If you prefer to head out to sea rather than fish off the pier, you are likely to find a charter that can accommodate your needs since the Clearwater Marina is home to the largest fishing fleet on the Gulf Coast. For a personal adventure, find a captain who can take you to a private island where you can snorkel or collect shells. No matter what water activity you plan to partake in, Clearwater is sure to be an accommodating host.

If you prefer to spend your vacation all over the city, head to St. Petersburg for pristine beaches, water activities, and land sports that will leave you breathless. St. Petersburg and the barrier island of St. Pete Beach are known for their long, sparkling white sand beaches that glow under the sun. Spend your day relaxing to the sound of the waves, or get out in the water and go snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, or jet skiing. If you are looking for exercise on land, seek out one of the numerous tennis courses or hit the championship links at the Mangrove Bay golf course.

Madeira Beach is the perfect destination if you are looking for a low key beach experience combined with a gorgeous sunset. The area is quaint, it is located near an old fishing village, yet you can still find all the beach activities you could desire. There are deep sea fishing boats, dolphin-watching cruises, and entertainment boats that leave from this area, so be sure not to miss out on all the fun. If you are walking along the beach, however, be careful since there is a large quantity of sea shells.

Tampa Florida is a great destination if you need an action-packed, rather than the sit by the water, vacation. The biggest draw in this city is Busch Gardens, an entertainment park that combines the intrigue of a zoo with the thrill of roller coasters. For a more informative attraction, head to the Florida Aquarium. Here you can catch sight of sharks, stingrays, and schools of fish that are native to the state or participate in the Dive with the Sharks program. After the museums have closed, head to historic Ybor City to experience the center of Tampa’s lively nightlife. This area has been rehabilitated and turned into a National Historic Landmark District, contributing to the recovery of Tampa’s tourism.

With the multitude and diversity of cities along Florida’s Central Gulf Coast, it can be difficult to determine where you want to stay. However, since each location is supremely unique from the others, deciding what you want to do during your vacation will make your decision an easy one. After you determine what you want out of your trip, look into lodging that accommodates your desires. A Central Gulf vacation rental can put the water in your backyard or situate you in the middle of the city you decide to visit. Whatever you are looking for, there is a Florida Central Gulf Coast vacation rental that will meet all of your needs. Visit GreatRentals.com to find the Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Clearwater vacation rental that puts all the action you are looking for within reach.

An Emerging Market in eBay Consignments: The eBay Trading Post (Part II In A Series)

In 2002, the eBay consignments business was born, referred to by eBay as the Trading Assistant Program.

It’s possible that eBay didn’t foresee just how much they would benefit form their eBay consignments program. Designed to unite experienced eBay sellers with people who want heir merchandise sold on eBay without having to do it themselves, the Trading Assistant program has enjoyed enormous success.

As big as eBay had become — larger than all other online auction venues combined — they were still missing out on a large segment of the population; the technophobes. These people would sell goods on eBay if they had access to a computer and a digital camera, and had the time and inclination to learn how to run an auction. But they either don’t have the technology or they lack the desire to become auctioneers, or both. Since they’re not on line, they’re not likely to learn about Trading Assistants who advertise primarily through eBay. And even if they saw the ads, they probably wouldn’t trust them.

You see, people active in the online community are already comfortable with the environment, which has an element of anonymity. But a non-computer person is more likely to want to deal with a real, brick-and-mortar retail business. They may not trust someone who runs auctions out of their home.

How to reach these people? Introducing the concept of the “Trading Post”…

A Trading post is to eBay consignments what the typical consignment shop is to the average community. It’s a drop off location that allows consumers to drop their stuff off and have it sold for them as a service. It’s a retail location that markets itself to consumers as a local, experienced ebay consignments seller — a Trading Assistant with a brick-and-mortar store.

While any ebay trading assistant can establish an ebay consignments service out of a retail location, only a Trading Post can put the eBay brand on their physical storefront.
(A trading assistant can only advertise inside their store). With this privilege comes a higher standard, ie, eBay has “raised the bar” on their requirements.

A Trading Post must meet the following additional requirements:

-Offers a staffed drop-off location or storefront with regular drop-in hours, so that clients can visit the location without calling ahead.

-Has a feedback score of 500 or higher

-Has at least 98% positive feedback

-Has sales of at least $25,000 on eBay each month

Online, clients can search for Trading Posts specifically, and Trading Posts may receive priority placement in search results. (Yes, even some online clients prefer the retail setting). Also, Trading Posts are displayed with a special icon next to their User ID. If you’re a Trading Assistant who also meets the requirements, you automatically qualify as a Trading Post and do not need to take additional steps.

Walt Duflock, Director of the eBay Trading Assistant Program and a real life trading assistant, has announced eBay’s intention of having “secret shoppers” and “customer satisfaction surveys” to see if there are certain Trading Post locations eBay would like to support more than others.

Regardless of your status on ebay, there are tools that everyone can use to build their success as TAs, available on the ebay site. I’ve found many of them quite valuable. For example, among their efficiency tools, they recommend using contact management software. eBay regards this as a great tool for getting “a better understanding of how many prospects it takes to actually create one new client and how long it takes for a client to go from initial contact to hiring you as a TA.”

And as far as support, some of the Trading Posts have become so large that they no longer rely on eBay for help. Some have developed their own proprietary systems for tracking customers and inventory, and managing their auctions. The largest and most successful ebay consignment business will even get you started with your own franchise which includes the use of their proprietary systems. All you need to come up with is $55 K plus operating expenses.

But, never fear. You can start your ebay consignment business on a shoestring, and this is how the majority begin. Since 1998, eBay and similar auction sites have been growing by leaps and bounds. eBay consignments are still in their infancy, but I predict a very bright future!

© Copyright 2004 Carolyn Schweitzer DDS. Dr. Schweitzer was a family dentist for 20 years and is now owner and editor of several websites. You can learn more about where to find specific links to the Trading Assistant and Trading Post programs by visiting her website at http://www.netbrainer.com/site/500041/page/449460.

Foam Pillows are Changing the way the World Sleeps

For countless people worldwide, getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis is an elusive, if not almost impossible, goal. The causes for this malady are numerous, and could consist of overwork, stress, pain, a sleep disorder, and the list goes on. While some people may require a physician’s assistance in developing a normal sleep pattern, many Americans have found great benefit by merely changing one or more of their bedding products.

Of all the different pillows available, memory foam pillows are becoming increasingly popular. The reason for this is simple; these pillows have time and time again been proven to work miracles. Memory foam pillows are attributed for helping in the reduction of snoring, which increases sleep quality not only for the individual suffering from the condition, but for others who have to sleep in the vicinity. In addition, memory foam pillows have also been proven effective because they carefully align the body correctly in order for the sleeper to gain a quality sleep and dream pattern.

Perhaps one of the most effective memory foam pillows is the contour pillow. This pillow is designed specifically to comfortably mold to an individual’s head and neck shape, regardless of whether they prefer to sleep on their side, stomach, or back. The subtle alignment that this pillow provides allows for the opening of airway passages, therefore increasing the flow of oxygen throughout the body during sleep. This feature significantly reduces snoring and can assist those who suffer from sleep disorders in which oxygen has been found to be reduced through the relaxation of throat muscles during sleep. Another fabulous feature of this type of pillow is that it relieves pressure on the spine through the careful alignment of the head and neck. In fact, numerous people who have constant neck and back pain wake up finding that these pillows greatly reduce and even eliminate their pain.

There are a variety of manufacturers and names for memory foam pillows. Some of the more popular are Swedish foam pillows, Tempura pillows, Tempur pillows, Tempurpedic pillows, and Therapedic pillows. Some of these are made from a specific type of foam developed by Nasa. All incorporate the use of materials that are proven to comfortably and accurately align with your head and neck, as well as retaining the memory of your individual shape.

Swedish foam pillows are often categorized as being the first, and according to many people, the best of this innovative design. The majority of companies who make memory foam pillows have a variety of designs that have proven beneficial to remedying a variety of ailments; such as a cervical pillow, maternity pillow, reading pillow, and even a full-body pillow.

If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or if you tend to use your arms to support your head to fall asleep, use more than one pillow, use rolled towels for head and neck support, or fold your pillow, you should consider trying one of these memory foam pillows. Countless Americans and people the world over have experienced a miraculous change in their sleep patterns after just one night of use. Changing a pillow is a small price to pay for quality sleep every night, versus struggling to fall asleep and tossing and turning the night away!

About The Author

Dr. Joseph J. Berke, M.D., Ph.D.

Discover how sleeping on The Better Sleep Pillow can change your life.

Visit: http://www.bettersleeppillow.com

Dr. Joseph J. Berke is an author and inventor dedicated to helping people get a better night rest. articles@bettersleeppillow.com

What you need to know about ordering credit reports

If you are interested in your credit, you’ll eventually come
upon the idea of ordering your credit report. That’s a great
idea, but there’s some information you should know first. The
first thing you need to learn is that there are 3 major credit
reporting agencies (We’ll call them CRAs from here out) and they
are: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian, in no particular order
of importance. Each one of these companies is largely
responsible for your credit and whether your credit applications
are approved or not, depending on the type of credit you desire.
You want to have an excellent record with all three of the major
CRAs.

Your credit report is made up of all the information that has
been collected on you over the years concering how you open and
maintain credit accounts. A credit report will have basic
information such as your name and address, your social security
nuber, and any jobs you’ve reported to companies you applied for
credit with. They also have a detailed record of your payment
history, as reported by any companies hat you’ve dealt with over
the years. Your account history, your age, employement, and the
like are entered into an algorhythm, which determines a “credit
score”. This score is extremely important to you as a consumer,
because companies use this score to determine if you’re credit
worthy, and at what rate you’ll pay interest. More companies
than ever rely on credit scores, and don’t even have human loan
managers look at credit applications by individuals with low
credit scores.

Credit scoring has been widespread since the late 1970s.
Invented in 1956 by Bill Fair and Earl Isaac, credit scoring was
conceived as an impartial formula that could generally guess the
outcome of lending money to an individual. For better or for
worse, the credit world has embraced the concept of scoring with
both arms, and there is no end in sight. Your credit is scored
basically on these principles:

1) Your payment history 2) How long you have had a credit
history 3) Amount you owe 4) How recently you’ve applied for
credit 5) The types of credit you have

These are the most important scoring factors, but there are many
more. Credit scores take into account all data found in your
credit reports, and for that reason it’s abundantly important
that you check your credit score with all three of the CRAs and
make sure the report is entirely accurate. Any inaccuracies can
hurt your credit score, so you will need to follow the dispute
process with each of the individual companies, and follow it to
the letter. Each credit reporting agency will have its own
credit report and credit score. You need to examine and
understand the legend on each report to understand the
differences, if any, between the three. Different companies use
different CRAs to pull credit reports, so any agency that has a
low score for you can end with you being denied credit.