Down-Home Country Lore

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"In landscaping our home, I use pretty much what nature provides, but I don't always agree with the way she's arranged it," says Patricia Blundell of Lakebay, Washington. "Plants look their best in spring or summer—a time when they shouldn't be moved—but sometimes it's hard to locate them in the winter when they're dormant. Now, when I find a plant that I'd like to relocate, I simply tag it with a gaudy bow of brightly colored yarn. Not only does this practice allow me to find them when the time is right, but the colorful markers also warn my husband to keep his mower away from our future shrubs!"

Bev Spears was smoking two packs of cigarettes a day when her husband gave her an old book of home remedies. One thing mentioned in the manual was that smokers take their deepest breaths while inhaling smoke . . . and that, in general, smokers have different breathing rhythms from nonsmokers. The author of the book asserted that the desire for a cigarette is nothing more than a bodily craving for oxygen, and that taking several deep breaths would diminish the desire for a cigarette.

Although Bev—who resides in Ellicott City, Maryland—had no intention of giving up her habit, she did possess a mild curiosity about the "cure" . . . so she decided to give the system a try. During the first day of her "heavy breathing", Bev smoked only six cigarettes . . . much to her own surprise. Now, whenever she, finds herself reaching for a smoke, she takes three or four deep breaths . . . and more often than not puts the cigarette back. Bev says that although she still hasn't quit smoking entirely, she has cut down.

Through the years we've all probably discovered a few practical, down-home, time-tested solutions to the frustrating little problems of everyday life. Why not share your best "horse sense" with the rest of MOTHER's readers? Send your suggestions to Down-Home Country Lore, P.O. Box 70, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791. A one-year subscription—or a one-year extension of an existing subscriptionwill then be sent to each contributor whose tip is printed in this column—MOTHER.

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