Archive for the ‘Quality of Life’ Category:
Thanks and Farewell!
After nearly 3 years of writing 2-3 blog articles each week, the time has come to write my final entry. I’ll be saying goodbye to Finney County on January 22 and tranferring to a similar Extension agent position in Ellis County. I begin my work in Hays, KS on January 23, 2012.
In 2009, I called this blog “Living Well” because that’s what I hoped would be the outcome of the information I shared. Here’s what I said in my very first post–
Together we’ll explore a variety of topics that will range from “what’s new” to “tried and true” and much more in between. We’ll look at seasonal items that are most meaningful at certain times of the year, we’ll dig into topics of current interest and we’ll review the basics that grandma may have known but which today’s generation may have missed. I’ll also keep you updated on local Extension educational classes and workshops that may help you connect with other learners.
It is my sincere hope that over the years I delivered on that original promise. I hope that the information from K-State Research and Extension has helped to improve your life in some small way. My goal has always been to link information with life experience to help people improve their lives, their families and their communities.
I thank you for the support you’ve given “Living Well” over the years. Good luck and many blessings to all of you. Thanks and farewell!
Subscribe to the comments for this postKissing Tradition Makes Mistletoe Less Hazardous
It’s a parasite. It’s poisonous. And except where it’s native, mistletoe also is a popular product every holiday season. So, this year’s mistletoe scarcity (due to ongoing drought in Texas) has been disappointing.
After all, mistletoe promotes wintertime fun — and perhaps a bit of romance.
In parts of Europe, stealing kisses “under the mistletoe” has been a tradition for 500 years. The harvested plant is now part of North Americans’ Christmas décor, too. It may be the ribboned sprig atop an entry door or the “kissing ball” under a chandelier.
“That’s probably one reason Americans have so few mistletoe problems,” said Jennifer Smith, K-State Research and Extension horticulturist. “Where it grows in the wild, mistletoe can literally suck the life out of a tree. It may pose a problem for livestock. You need to keep it under control.
“But, where mistletoe is holiday décor, its toxic leaves, berries and stems typically end up well beyond easy reach – particularly for our shortest family and friends.”
U.S. trend studies have found children and pets are at greatest risk for accidental poisoning, Smith said. Their body mass is small. Plus, a toddler or pup may chew on almost anything that attracts its attention.
“For safety’s sake, you need to sweep up and dispose of mistletoe pieces that happen to fall to the floor,” she said.
Fortunately, the same studies suggest U.S. mistletoe isn’t as hazardous as previously thought.
U.S. Poison Control Centers get more than 100 mistletoe-related calls each year (1-800-222-1222). North America’s varieties contain chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal distress, a slowed heartbeat and more serious reactions.
As likely as not, though, the great majority of U.S. reported cases will develop no symptoms. Extreme reactions will be rare. And, the death count will likely be zero.
“The two Americans known to have died from mistletoe poisoning since 1960 had used it to brew tea,” Smith said.
Source: K-State Reseach and Extension
(NOTE: For more on mistletoe, see the related story: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/news/story/mistletoe_stranger121411.aspx.)
“Knowledge for Life” provided by the Finney County Extension Office and K-State Research and Extension.
Farewell Reception for Linda Beech
The Finney County Extension Office is hosting a farewell reception for Linda Beech, our Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, and you’re invited.
Linda’s farewell reception is set for Monday, December 19 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Finney County Extension Office, 501 S. 9th Street in Garden City. It’s open to anyone who would like to attend.
Linda has been the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for the Finney County Extension Office in Garden City, KS for nearly 16 years. She is going to be deeply missed as she has worked closely with the community all those years.
She has accepted a similar Extension FCS Agent position in Ellis County and will begin her work in Hays, KS on January 23.
“Knowledge for Life” provided by the Finney County Extension Office and K-State Research and Extension.
Sharing the Holiday Spirit
I’ve read about it in books and magazines and seen it dramatized on TV, but before this week I’d never experienced it myself. The “it” I’m talking about is a random act of kindness bestowed upon my husband and me by someone we don’t even know. It was a touching way to share the spirit at the beginning of the Christmas season.
It Happened to Us….
It happened last week in a local restaurant where my husband and I were enjoying a meal at the end of a long, busy day. The waiter had brought our bill and as we were finishing our meal, another server stopped and picked the bill up. But when she didn’t return it, we asked her about our check. It was then that she told us that another customer had already paid for our supper.
We were amazed and confused– we hadn’t seen anyone we knew in the restaurant that night. We wondered if it was someone who somehow knew us– maybe from my work or our community activities? But no, the server told us the customer admitted she didn’t know us, but just wanted to share the holiday spirit by paying for our meal. What a wonderful and uplifting gift!
What a great way to get into the holiday spirit and spread it to others! My husband and I have marveled at how wonderful it felt to receive an anonymous gift of kindness when we were least expecting it. And, we’ve been inspired, too, to look for ways we can spread the joy and touch the lives of others with the holiday spirit this month.
Share the Holiday Spirit
How about you? You may be able to lift someone’s spirits with your own small act of kindness. It doesn’t even have to cost any money to surprise and delight someone with your thoughtfulness. If you need inspiration, the internet is full of ideas, stories and surprises that can jog your imagination and creativity.
A great place to get started is the list of kindness ideas at the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation website. Check it out at www.randomactsofkindness.org.
As we embark upon the Christmas season, I encourage you to look for ways to share kindness and love with others– those you know and those you don’t know. It will make our world a better place to live during this holiday season.
“Knowledge for Life” provided by the Finney County Extension Office and K-State Research and Extension.
Vote in Extension Elections November 8
The Finney County Extension Council annual elections will be held on Tuesday, November 8 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Finney County Extension Office, 501 S. 9th Street on the fairgrounds in Garden City. All legal residents of Finney County, age 18 and older, are eligible voters.
Three representatives shall be elected for each of the Extension Program Development Committees. Information about each candidate will be available at the election.
Candidates are:
Agriculture: Michael Burch, Doug Mai, Jake Price
Family & Consumer Sciences: Alice Banning, Carol Deaver, Brenda Drees
4-H & Youth Development: Amanda Hands, Karen Murrell, Tara York
Economic Development: Barbara Jensen, Jill Wessels, Dean Zemp