Teamwork K9s

08/20/2025

Use so e of your garden rn basil and make delicious pesto. www.JamesPolakof.com

08/19/2025

Key Aspects of Afterlife Experiences:

Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs):
Individuals may report feeling detached from their physical body, observing medical procedures or events happening around them.

Tunnel Vision:
A common experience is traveling through a tunnel, often towards a bright light.

Encountering Loved Ones:
Many report meeting deceased family members, friends, and even pets, sometimes individuals they didn't recognize until seeing old family portraits, according to a YouTube video on the topic.

Life Review:
Some individuals describe a review of their life, sometimes with intense emotional impact.

Sense of Peace and Well-being:
A recurring theme is the experience of profound peace, unconditional love, and a sense of entering a heavenly realm.

Different Interpretations:
While some interpret these experiences as evidence of an afterlife, others attribute them to physiological or psychological phenomena during the dying process.

Scientific Perspectives:
Near-Death Experiences (NDEs):
NDEs are recognized as a genuine phenomenon by some in the scientific and medical community. www.JamesPolakof.com

08/17/2025

08/17/2025

Free Event! 🐝Calling all future scientists! Get the chance to tap into your scientific senses. On Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, from 9-11 a.m., join the Sandhills Community College Ball Visitor Center in the Williamson Pollinator Gardens to help with The Great Southeast Pollinator Census.
🧐Learn more about the importance of bees, pollinators, and how to help make a difference in the future success of pollinators.
What will your task be for the day?
* Each of you will have the opportunity to select a plant and observe the pollinator activity for 15 minutes and then submit your findings. 🐝
Interested future scientists for the day can register by going to https://www.sandhills.edu/horticultural-gardens/upcoming-events.html

08/16/2025

To nourish your mind, body, and soul, focus on a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual practices. This includes incorporating healthy eating habits, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, mindfulness practices, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and purpose.

Mind:

Learn Something New: Engage your mind by reading, taking a class, or pursuing a new hobby.

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities like meditation or deep breathing to calm your mind and increase self-awareness.

Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process emotions and gain clarity.

Limit Screen Time: Taking a digital detox can help reduce stress and improve focus.

Get Enough Sleep: Prioritizing sleep allows your mind to rest and recharge.

Body:

Eat Nutritious Foods: Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Exercise Regularly: Find physical activities you enjoy, such as yoga, walking, or dancing.

Spend Time in Nature: Being outdoors and getting fresh air can be invigorating for both body and mind.

Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body's signals and rest when needed.

Soul:

Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledging the good things in your life can shift your focus to positivity.

Spend Time with Loved Ones: Nurturing meaningful relationships provides connection and support.

Engage in Creative Activities: Expressing yourself through art, music, or other creative outlets can be fulfilling.

Find Joy in Simple Things: Appreciate the beauty and wonder in everyday moments.

Help Others: Acts of kindness and generosity can nourish your soul.

Declutter: Release things that no longer serve you, both physically and mentally, creating space for new experiences.

08/14/2025

Eating more salads can be beneficial for your gut health in several ways:

Fiber-rich

Salads, especially those with plenty of leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, are a great source of dietary fiber. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation, and acting as a prebiotic that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria.

Rich in diverse nutrients

A well-constructed salad can include a wide range of ingredients like colorful vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, each providing its unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for overall health, according to EatingWell. This diversity also supports a varied and healthy gut microbiome.

Potential source of probiotics and prebiotics

Certain salad ingredients naturally contain probiotics and prebiotics. For example, fermented foods like kimchi or yogurt add probiotics, while ingredients like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and artichokes provide prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

Hydration

The high water content of fresh vegetables in salads helps maintain overall hydration, which is essential for healthy digestion.
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08/08/2025

To become a Master Gardener, you typically need to complete a training program offered by your local Cooperative Extension Service (often through a state university) and volunteer a set number of hours. These programs provide in-depth horticultural knowledge and practical experience in various gardening practices. After completing the training and volunteer requirements, you'll be certified as a Master Gardener and can contribute to your community by sharing your expertise.

Steps to Becoming a Master Gardener:

1. Find Your Local Program:

Contact your county's Extension office (part of the Cooperative Extension System) to learn about the Master Gardener program in your area.

2. Complete the Application:

Submit an application to the program. Some programs may have specific requirements or deadlines, and may give preference to residents of the county.

3. Enroll in Training:

Once accepted, you'll participate in a training program that covers a range of topics, including:

Botany and plant physiology

Soil science

Pest management

Landscape design

Sustainable gardening practices

And more.

08/05/2025

To become a certified Master Gardener, individuals typically complete intensive horticultural training through a university's extension program, followed by a period of volunteer service. This usually involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Find a Program:

Locate your local NC State Extension Master Gardener program (for North Carolina residents) or a similar program in your area.

Many universities, like Clemson University or Penn State University, offer Master Gardener programs.

Check the program's website for application deadlines and requirements.

2. Application and Acceptance:

Apply to the program, often through an application form and interview.

Preference is usually given to residents of the county or region where the program is offered.

Be prepared to pay a program fee to cover training materials.

3. Training and Education:

Complete the required training courses, which can vary in length and content.

Typical topics include:

Botany and plant physiology

Soil science

Pest management

Landscape design

Sustainable gardening practices

Training may include classroom instruction, hands-on workshops, and potentially exams.

For North Carolina, the initial training involves 40+ hours of instruction from Extension staff and local experts.

07/27/2025

Dance when you can. . Identify your values and priorities: Determine what truly matters to you, such as family, career, health, or personal growth.

2. Set meaningful goals: Establish specific, achievable goals that align with your values and break them down into actionable steps.

3. Practice self-care: Prioritize your physical and mental health through sufficient sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

4. Build meaningful relationships: Cultivate positive connections with supportive people who encourage your growth and well-being.

5. Pursue your passions: Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether it's a hobby, creative pursuit, or cause you care about.

6. Embrace change and uncertainty: Life is unpredictable, so be prepared to adapt and learn from challenges.

7. Live in the present moment: Focus on the here and now, appreciating the small things and being mindful of your experiences.

8. Take care of your mental and physical health: Engage in activities that promote both your mental and physical well-being, such as exercise and spending time in nature.

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