Self Reliant Living

Rural Living for less than $2,000 a month

Home and Family

Should you remodel the house or tear it down?

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Sometimes it pays to raze a house and build a new one.Is your house 80 or 100 years old and seriously damaged, but in a location you love? You might be better off knocking it down instead of trying to remodel or buying a house somewhere else. Tearing down a house is a good idea when:* The house has rotted beams and antiquated wiring or plumbing.* The foundation is faulty.* … [Read more...] about Should you remodel the house or tear it down?

Snow Shovel smart!

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The American Physical Therapy Association says there are things you can do to make shoveling snow a little less stressful for your body. They recommend:* Shovel in the afternoon if you can. More slipped discs occur in the morning when fluid pressure in spinal disks is higher because your body has been at rest all night.* Warm up your muscles before starting a strenuous task. Do … [Read more...] about Snow Shovel smart!

Need a reason to head outside in the winter? Get a trail cam!

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You know you shouldn't hibernate all winter, but the motivation to get out in the cold can be hard to locate.Here's an idea: Get a trail cam.These are battery-operated cameras that stay outside and take a picture or short video when something moves in front of them. You can access footage from your mobile device or you can just pick them up and look at the photos they … [Read more...] about Need a reason to head outside in the winter? Get a trail cam!

Ranch dogs show their courage and energy

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This month, one dog will win the $5,000 prize in one of the dog world's more obscure contests (certainly not the glamorous Westminster) -- the Farm Dog of the Year competition.In this fierce annual contest, held by the American Federation of Farm Bureaus and sponsored by pet food giant Purina, it's not a pretty face that counts -- it's talent, instinct, and heroism.Ranch work … [Read more...] about Ranch dogs show their courage and energy