Today's Feature

Master Gardener Program.

Jasper County University of Missouri Extension will be sponsoring a Missouri Master Gardener program beginning in January. The program is designed to train volunteers in various aspects of horticulture. The Master Gardeners participate in a wide variety of community service projects and assist University of Missouri Extension in providing unbiased educational information to the public.

A person who wishes to become a Master Gardener is required to attend 30 hours of training, and agree to return 30 hours of volunteer service during the following year. The fee is $125, but thanks to the support of the Ozark Gateway Master Gardener organization, the cost will be $95.

Topics to be covered in the basic sessions include plant physiology; winter tree identification and tree care; soils and plant nutrition; woody ornamentals; insects; annuals and perennials; plant diagnostics; vegetable production; home lawn and turf; and home fruit production.

To apply for the program or to obtain further information, contact Ed Browning or Janet LaFon, Courthouse Basement, Carthage, MO 64836, 417-358-2158.

Mornin'
Most people are good at routine. They rest better, they work better and they play better when they are comfortable with their surroundin’s. The two week period of Christmas and the New Year pitches all that out the window. A few days in the new year, though, and it’s back to the grind and thoughts of the first days of spring comin’.

Now some folks have worked New Year’s resolutions into their routine. They are the ones who ever’ year start shoppin’ for Christmas in January, go on their annual diet to trim back down after the holidays, plan out what they’re goin’ ta do ever month of the year, things like that.

I figure that any time ya have the same resolution for two years in a row and carry it out, it’s now part of the routine, and doesn’t really count as a resolution.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Sponsored
by
Robinson Family Health Center

Dear Tom and Ray:

I am an old lady, 83, and I have a 2003 Ford Focus Coupe with all the bells and whistles and only 3,000 miles on it. It has sat in my Ohio garage since 2004 with only an occasional one-mile trip around the block. My granddaughter graduates from college this summer and I want to give her this car, but the local garage says it isn’t safe, that it needs everything, even tires. Please, "Say It Ain’t So." Just what do I need to replace. I have had the oil and gas changed, and the brakes sanded. What else do I need to do? Thank you for your help. - Irene.

TOM: Nothing. The car should be perfect just the way it is, Irene.

RAY: I agree. Safety experts - and tire salesmen, I might add - now say that tires should be replaced after six years, regardless of tread wear. They say that rubber dries out and degrades, making the tires less safe, even if the tires aren’t used much.

TOM: So you might want to consider giving her an additional gift of a set of tires next year for her birthday. Or let some other family member do that. But otherwise, just give her the keys and tell her to drive safely.

RAY: She’s a lucky girl to have you as a grandmother, Irene. All I got from my grandmother were some Italian phrases that I’m not allowed to use in public.

Journey Along the Wellness Path
By Leesa I. Robinson, NHP

What we put on our body is just as important as what we put in it. Have you ever stopped to read the label of your lotion, shampoo, or other skin care product only to be overwhelmed with words that appear to require special training to understand? We would like to think that if it is on the market it is safe. But as we step into a proactive role in our health we can learn otherwise.

For example, many personal care products contain propylene glycol which is used as a surfactant and solvent and is actually the active component of antifreeze! There is no difference between the propylene glycol used in industry and that used in personal care products. The "Material Safety Data Sheets" warns again skin contact, as propylene glycol has systemic consequences such as brain, liver and kidney disruptors.

This cold season when our skin is exposed to many harsh environments from our indoor heaters to harsh cold outdoor air, consider using a homemade salve or checking into companies that provide safe, toxin-free alternatives.

STANDARD LAVENDAR OIL SALVE

1 Cup Pure Extra Virgin olive oil

2 tsp. beeswax

12 drops essential lavender oil

Gently warm the olive oil and add the beeswax. Stir until melted. Take off heat and stir until it begins to thicken. Add 12 drops of lavender oil. Stir and pour into small glass containers.

Yours in good health…Naturally,

Leesa I. Robinson, NHP