About: Dori Fritzinger

Name: Dori Fritzinger
Website: http://www.soaringeaglefarm.com
Details: I live and work with my multi-generational family in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. We have a farm of cows and calves, wool sheep, dairy goats, rabbits, ducks, geese, chickens, honey bees, a horse and a donkey. We have a goat's milk soap and bath products line available on our farm web site. I enjoy reading, quilting and doing embroidery.

Posts by Dori Fritzinger:

Protect Animals from Summer Heat

Friday, July 25th, 2008

GoatWithout a doubt, the summer heat can be hard on humans. But remember, livestock and animals can become sick in the summer heat just like we can.
It can be a time consuming chore to care for your livestock and animals in the heat. For those who have livestock in different locations, a great part of the day can be spent making sure they are ok. Here are a few quick reminders for anyone who keeps animals outside (this goes for dogs, too!):

WATER!

There is not anything more vital than a fresh water source for livestock and animals in the summer’s heat. Fresh, cool running streams are ideal for cattle, horses and many other livestock. Water containers should be kept clean and full of cool fresh water for animals without access to streams or creeks. Dumping and washing them out can be a hard chore but it can easily make the difference between life and death for your animals. Animals that depend on water bottles such as rabbits and chickens need to have their water filled anRabbitd refreshed at least twice daily.

SHELTER and SHADE!

Animals and livestock need a place to get out of the sun’s intensity. This can be provided by sheds, barns or even a large grove of leafy trees. Rabbits need a shade hutch or cover to escape the sun.

AIR MOVEMENT!
The movement of the hot summer air can be blessing to your animals. Those kept up in barns or closed in houses need fans to move the air about. Failure to provide this can easily result in suffocation and heat exhaustion.

Take care of your animals in the hot summerʼs heat. Take care of your and your family.

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Invite honeybees to your yard

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008

Most people don’t realize that the honeybees zooming about in our gardens areBee some of the most important creatures on the planet. In their search for a meal of nectar and pollen, they play a critical role in helping plants set fruit and reproduce. It’s hard to believe, but an incredible 91% of the estimated 240,000 flowering plant species worldwide, require the help of these pollinators to survive. If there are no insects to pollinate the flowers, there will be no fruit or vegetables and no seed production for the next generation. Despite the important service these pollinators provide, they have been largely ignored and are now threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use and disease. Wild honeybee populations have dropped 25 percent since 1990. A continuing decline in pollinator activity puts most ornamental plants - as well as much of our food supply - into jeopardy. Here are four easy ways you can help - right in your own backyard:
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Have a Fun and Healthy Memorial Day BBQ

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

CookoutMemorial Day - a time to stop and remember the ones who have given their lives for our freedom. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. For most parts of the country Memorial Day also symbolizes the beginning of the summer season. This weekend is known for a great migration of outdoors activities, family gatherings, camping, picnics, and of course, barbeques.

Entertaining and eating outdoors poses some unique risks and hazards. Good preparation and planning is vital to ensure your outing if both fun and healthy.

The number of food borne illnesses increases during the summer. Here’s why:
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Spring Soup Recipes for Busy Gardeners

Wednesday, April 30th, 2008

Spring is perfect soup weather. It’s easy, it’s quick, and many times you can leave it to simmer while you work outside. Around my house it is a staple as springtime is very busy on the farm! New baby animals being born, gardens to ready up, tend and plant and lots of other outside chores. Try these recipes on the stove top or in the slow cookeGardener’s Bootsr.

Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 carrot, peeled and chopped into a small dice
1 medium yellow skinned onion, chopped
2 small ribs celery chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 cups tomato sauce or 1 (14-ounce) can plus 1 (8-ounce) can
3 cups chicken stock, available in a box on the soup aisle
1 pound ground beef, pork and veal mix (meatloaf mix)
1/2 cup grated cheese, Parmigiano or Romano, plus more to pass at table
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Composting: A green solution to household waste

Thursday, February 21st, 2008

Waste management experts report that “food waste represents almost 15 percent oCompost Tumblerf the total waste sent to public landfills each year- this is the single largest type of disposed material.”

Composting may not be the most glamorous of home improvement projects, but name another scenario where you can improve your compostgarden, and do something for our planet by having less trash to go in our landfills every week. Starting your own compost is simple and has an enormous return. Compost is essentially layers of natural material that eventually break down to produce an extremely nutrient-rich soil (gardeners often call it “black gold”). This natural fertilizer is great for your garden as it replenishes nutrients missing from damaged soil. As any gardener will tell you: the success of your garden depends largely on the quality of your dirt.
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Banish the Winter Blahs

Thursday, January 10th, 2008

Winter DepressionWhat does wintertime mean to you? Is it visions of snowflakes and icicles, school closed by snow storms, or hours and hours filled with sledding and outdoor play?

Those visions seem to me more like the winters of childhood. Now as an adult it can mean harder work caring for livestock, dangerous surfaces that I risk falling on, long dark days and evenings being stuck indoors.

For some, these long winter days can set off a true state of depression, one that is triggered by the change in the amount of natural light we get in winter and in some people, the curtailment of being able to get outdoors and exercise. This depression is known in the medical field as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As many as half a million people in the United States may have winter depression, and it is more common in women than in men. But you don’t have to dread the dawning of winter. There are many things you can do that can help to improve your symptoms. Please remember - these are only suggestions. Please consult your family physician or a specialist on any depression or other medical treatments.
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Deck Out Your Cookies!

Thursday, December 6th, 2007

Making CookiesIn our busy lives today we try to fit so many things into each day; tending family, keeping a home, working. It is no wonder Time has become another factor to consider in our lives. So where do we start to have fun with the holidays, use our time well and not be expensive?

I always seem to start in my kitchen.  Simple baked items can be very decorative and lots of fun!  I have always depended on a basic Sugar Cookie Dough - it can be easily made at home or affordably purchased ready-made at the market.  Turn a group of youngsters (or just the young at heart) loose with sprinkles and frosting and you are bound to get some fun results.
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Decorate For the Birds

Thursday, December 6th, 2007

cardinalWhen you decorate for the holidays this year, why not adorn your backyard with some edible treats your feathered friends (the wild birds) will love? You’ve seen those expensive edible wreaths covered with seed in catalogs and wished you could have some for your yard. Why not make one if you have chilly winter weather? They’re simpler than you think. The Seed Pine Cone Wreath works in any weather - up to 85 degrees. And there’s always a Bagel Wreath!
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Holiday Food: Planning for a Crowd

Thursday, November 15th, 2007

Holiday Food for a Crowd Don’t be caught with way too much, or (heaven forbid) not enough pumpkin pie this year. Plan for your holiday gathering by buying and preparing the right amount of food for the number attending.

Please note: These quantities are for 24-25 people. Multiply or divide as needed.

Beverages

  • Coffee Servings: 25 Serving Size: 3/4 cup Amount Needed: 1/2 to 3/4 pound, ground
  • Milk Servings: 24 Serving Size: 1 cup Amount Needed: 1 1/2 gallons
  • Soft Drinks Servings: 24 Serving Size: 1 cup Amount Needed: three 2-liter bottles
  • Tea, hot Servings: 25 Serving Size: 3/4 cup Amount needed: 5 quarts (20-25 tea bags)
  • Tea, iced Servings: 25 Serving Size: 1 cup Amount Needed: 1 1/2 gallons (24-30 tea bags)
  • Orange Juice Servings: 32 Serving Size: 1/2 cup Amount Needed: 1 gallon
  • Lemonade Servings: 32 Serving Size: 1 cup Amount Needed: 2 gallons
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