Idea for Family Fun! This entry is about a recent trip to the Apple Orchard in Ellijay, GA. The apples there are very sweet and delicious. Taking a trip to the R&A Orchard in North Georgia will prove to be a wonderful experience for parents and kids alike!  During the month of August, the orchard will have in full bloom:

• Detroit Red,
• Ozark Golden,
• Gala, and
• Jona Gold apples "ripe for the pickin'". 

The orchard also has a old country store on the property where you can buy loads of apple things. From apple cider to apple candy, to apple pies! This day trip will cost less than a tank of gas and a few dollars for the bags to put the apples you pick in them. 

Check out their website at: R&A ORCHARDS, ELLIJAY, GA


Image Courtesy of R&A Orchards

Hallelujah, we've finally paid off the truck, now I want to buy something that's more fuel efficient. Believe it or not, I am thinking of getting a scooter. Mainly for myself, because I couldn't possibly cart the kids around on one of these. One maybe, but not both. After some research I decided that an electric scooter like the one below would do just fine for me when I need to run a few quick errands while the children are in school.


I won't need to worry about gas with this little bad boy. It will get me where I am going. That is the point of an automobile, isn't it?  Getting from point A to point B, safely.  Who cares if it doesn't go very fast. I'll just make sure to avoid all of the busy streets. Now, the hardest part is convincing hubby to agree with me.

• Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating system.

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.

• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.

• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.

• Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).

• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.

• Take short showers instead of baths.

• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products.
ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Courtesy: Energy Saving Tips Document