M.L. Lewis
Bio
Welcome to my little slice of pie. This blog will primarily focus on prepping and homesteading skills with a sprinkle of fiction every now and then.
Stories (157/0)
The Disease That Ticks You Off
Spring has finally arrived. Nature is blooming. The skies are brightening up. Animals are waking up from hibernation, and this includes bugs such as ticks. Ticks carry bacteria called Borrelia Burgdorferi and Borrelia Mayonii, both are known to cause Lyme Disease. Each year in the US, approximately 476,000 people are diagnosed with this disease. It is spread by the bites of one particular breed of tick called the Black-Legged Tick. Black-Legged Ticks are primarily found in the Eastern parts of the country, particularly in the mixed forests of the Northeast region. Here is what you need to know to protect yourself and your family from Lyme Disease.
By M.L. Lewis38 minutes ago in Longevity
Be A Friend Of Smokey The Bear
May is Wildfire Awareness Month. A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in the wildlands, often near rural communities. Though they can occur anywhere in the US, they more often happen in the Central and western regions of the country. Any type of ecosystem can experience one at any time. On average, 5-10 million acres of woodlands are destroyed each year, costing the taxpayers anywhere between $394-$893 billion. Wildfire season begins in March, but it will often peak in May once the April showers have dried out. If you are nervous about wildfires affecting your family, here are some tips to prepare you and your loved ones for one.
By M.L. Lewisa day ago in Earth
Adding Flavors To Your Garden
Herb gardening is a healthy long-term hobby with a tasty ending. They are a staple in many cultures’ cuisines. It dates back to ancient Egypt, which used herbs for health reasons. Herbs have played a major part throughout history in dishes, politics, and so on. In the Middle Ages, herbs were used to decorate homes and to make them smell nicer. Today, 24 million households in the US grow herbs. An herb is any plant that is used for flavoring, medicine, or perfumes. The reason herbs are so great for beginners is they can grow year-round. Herb gardening can be done by anybody of any age. If you were ever interested in herb gardening, here are some tips to get you started.
By M.L. Lewis2 months ago in Earth
Be Prepared
Today is National Boy Scouts Day. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded in 1910 to shape the lives of young men through outdoor adventure, community service, and character development. The BSA is the largest and most renowned organization in the country. They have 1.2 million youth participants and one million adult volunteers in the US. Worldwide; they have 57 million members in 200 countries. The organization is broken down into several ranks that require a series of skills to move up within. With each skill you master, you’ll be given a special patch known as a merit badge. Here are some badges you can earn that will be very beneficial in a doomsday situation.
By M.L. Lewis3 months ago in Families
Making Sweet Treats
February is designated by the Home Baking Association as Bake For Family Fun Month. Home baking is a booming 78.3 billion dollar industry. 31% of Americans bake once a week, while 24% bake once a month. Home baking is a creative way to gain control over what your family eats. It can also be a way to introduce your family to new flavor combinations without spending big money on pre-made goods. Baking is a proven bonding activity creating many fond memories for your children. Getting into baking may seem like a lot to take in, but it’s simpler than you realize. Baking is a basic science, and here’s how to get started.
By M.L. Lewis3 months ago in Feast
Defense Under A Full Moon
Today is National Werewolf Day. A werewolf is a person who changes for a period into a wolf-like creature, typically during the full moon. The earliest written story involving werewolves was in the Epic of Gilgamesh in 2,100 BC. The myth itself originated in Ancient Greece when King Lycaon tried to trick Zeus into eating human flesh, but unfortunately, it backfired on him. Today, werewolves are used in popular media to show a character with great strength and courage. The most common way to become a werewolf is to get bitten by one on a full moon. Here are some tips to follow if you find yourself being stalked by one.
By M.L. Lewis3 months ago in Geeks
Treating Burns
Disclaimer: Please consult with your medical provider before following any advice Dr. Google gives to you. Dr. Google is not a trained medical professional, even though it thinks it is. The photos used in this article may be disturbing to those who can’t handle grotesque images.
By M.L. Lewis3 months ago in Longevity
Preparing With Heart Disease
18.2 million people have some type of heart disease, costing the healthcare industry 203 billion dollars each year. It can happen at any age, race, or gender, oftentimes without warning. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. It takes a life every 33 seconds. That’s 1 in 5 people. Heart disease is when the blood vessels and heart become so sick it struggles to complete everyday tasks to keep you functional. There are several conditions that can cause heart disease, with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) being the most common. When disasters strike, you will still have heart disease. Today, on Wear Red Day, let’s look into getting disaster-ready with heart disease.
By M.L. Lewis4 months ago in Longevity
Fasting February
National Fasting February is a month-long event to celebrate the benefits of intermittent fasting on your metabolism. Intermittent fasting is when you cycle between fasting and non-fasting periods of time. These prolonged lapses in eating encourage your body to burn more fat after it has used up all the calories from your last meal. It is known to improve blood pressure, brain health, and a resting heart rate, as well as increase the growth of new nerve cells, reduce inflammation, and lower blood sugar levels just to name a few perks from it. Here are some beginner tips on how to fast properly so that you can enjoy the many benefits it offers.
By M.L. Lewis4 months ago in Feast
Brrr! It's Cold Out There!
Today is Hell is Freezing Over Day. On this day, the Northern Hemisphere will experience some of the chilliest weather it will see all year. Extreme cold occurs when temperatures are rapidly going to fall below freezing within a 24-hour period and will remain like that for the next couple of days. Here is some advice you’ll need to know to survive it.
By M.L. Lewis4 months ago in Earth
How To Store Meat
Meat has always played a pivotal role in our society. It has always been an important source of nutrition around the world. Over the last 50 years, meat production has tripled, creating 5.4 million jobs worldwide. Humans have hunted, farmed, and scavenged animals for meat since the dawn of mankind. It was because of our love for meat that the Neolithic Revolution began with the creation of settlements near animal trails for easy access. Here is some advice on how to store various types of meat.
By M.L. Lewis4 months ago in Feast
Smoking Meats
Today marks the start of meat week, and we’ll be looking at one of the most popular preservation methods for it, smoking. The art of smoked meats dates back to the cave dweller times when they accidentally discovered the method when they hung slabs of raw meat next to smokey fires all night. Today, it is hugely popular in the US with clubs, associations, and contests. Professional meat smokers often refer to themselves as Pit Masters. According to them, “All BBQ is smoked, but not a smoked meat is BBQ.” If interested in becoming a Pit Master yourself, here are a few pointers you’ll need to know to buy your first smoker.
By M.L. Lewis4 months ago in Feast