December 28, 2008 - Stinging nettles make good tea, which is often call a "spring tonic". Be sure to wear gloves when gathering them. Pick a big pile of nettles, wash them off a little if you think there might be any dust (don't worry about bugs - they add protein), and put them in a big pot of boiling hot water. Bring the water back to a boil, and then let the water simmer until the nettle leaves are cooked down and soft. Take the pot off the stove, let the nettle leaves settle to the bottom of the pot, then ladle out some of the nettle tea into a cup. A little drop or two of honey or a few lemon verbena leaves will help you to get used to the taste if at first you don't like it. The old herbals will tell you that stinging nettle tea stimulates circulation and cleanses the system. I've used cooked nettles in a compress on my hands when arthritis bothers me. Sometimes I use the tea for a hair rinse. MR

December 25, 2008 - Is it safer (for fire) to sleep with your bedroom door open or closed? Based on research found on the internet you should always sleep with your bedroom door closed. The closed door will delay the fire and smoke from entering your room and give you time to escape. It is also a good idea to keep a flashlight near your bed so you can find your way around. Adam C

December 12, 2008 - If you have trouble falling asleep, put a drop of lavender oil on the corner of your pillow and this will help you to fall asleep. For minor headaches you can make your own basil oil which helps reduce headache pain, Gail

December 1, 2008 - Here is an interesting recipe for Poor Man's Lobster. Lightly brush the bottom of an oblong glass ovenware pan with softened butter or olive oil. Place codfish fillets in the pan and brush the top of each fillet with melted butter. Salt and pepper lightly to taste. Bake uncovered until tender at 325 degrees F. When the meat separates easily with a fork, it is done. Small cups of clarified butter should be offered with each individual setting for dipping fish, like lobster. DT