Here I am again with my post which carries my laments on the shaky future of our water (if overlooked).    This challenge still very highly deemed (it's very essential and needs to be put to life again ... continually, if possible).  And believe me, it greatly helps!

The feedback had been awesome as shown by the great posts (contributions, suggesstions, information, etc.).  And the goal reached ... that is a WOW!  I can't believe we pulled this out hugely.  Our mother Earth must have really been rejoicing.   We all came to fully understand the big impact water had been doing (starting from our humble homes).  It really is a great sight - everyone putting up their say on this challenge.

On this note, we are happy to have this challenge revived (and survive) to carry us all through the next level again.  And since it looks like this must have been "accidentally" overlooked,  I am nominating Bda to take over the post.  We share the same ideas and ideals on other related issues (conservation, preservation, propagation, etc. etc. ..., in short we are both "warriors").  Except for the fact that Bda have more insight and knowledge on most of the ongoings (professionally) as she had been a dedicated worker on her chosen (related) field.  A compassionate person (in her Church and some other humanitarian projects - AA, for one).  She's presently in-charge of the "Journey Together" support group - doing it superbly and has many other wholesome plans/projects on other aspects in relation to Tools.  All good!  So, I thought she is, so far, the immediate person in my mind who could run this challenge as smoothly.  She has so much in her plate but being a real hardworker, she's but happy to take this post.

I am behind her (in support) and would like to encourage everyone of us to still sail with us on this second journey.  We both agreee that it won't be a bad idea to carry through this section, instead of putting up another one.  It's good to see the "archive" (to regularly scan) as we go through our daily input or post.  Please make some comments on our next posts in relation to this.

Bda would soon start her campaign on this challenge through different outlets and I'll try to do my share to reinforce her.  It would really be good if we (all of us) could tell our other Tools friends about this very important challenge.   We all know that WATER is life.  Without it nothing would survive on this planet.  We love it, we live it, we have to look after it ... with thought and with care.

I know Puja has an overflowing cup also but I hope she would include this in her announcements of her other babies (groups, challenges, etc.).  Thanks in advance, Sweetie.  You're a real MTG (I'll let you you know later ... if your brain wouldn't cope!   I mean ... you're that overly busy, it needs to recuperate a bit.). 

Oh, and don't forget to drink your water regularly, as well.  Good for the body, the mind and the spirit.

Enjoy living ... let's enliven this challenge and move again to the next journey on WATER.

Have a great day, Folks!

Cheers,

Autumn Mist

Well, it's just about 2 days left in this challenge.  It's been very satisfactory, inasfar as I see the result.  Everyone contributed to the "nth" degree and it's really a great feeling to be part of this enterprising group.  I am in mixed feelings but still is with a hope that this challenge will regroup and thrive and gather as much members as it could.

As my way of gratitude to all of us who punctually participated, I'd like to say it through some thought-inducing images (of waters, at its abundance).

The above additional 3 photos were all taken on my third trip to Fraser Island, Australia.  This is the biggest sand island in the world.  Should it interest you to find out more about this place, you could refer to my blog which I posted in the Blogs Section few months ago.  To add, it is one of those magical places, a paradise in its sense ... a modern Shangrila!   " ... have you ever dreamed of a place, far away from it all? ... There's a lost horizon, waiting to be found, there's a lost horizon ... where guns are never heard ...", etc.   An old Bacharach piece from the movie of the same title:  Lost Horizon.   And this island, is indeed, like a Lost Horizon.

The first frame is where you cruise heading towards Fraser Island (where the dense green forest is).  As you enter the place, the feeling is almost as intense and deep as its depth.  Yet this blue waters offer a different kind of stillness inside, like being in one with it.  Blissful, indeed.

The second frame is an aerial view of a baby lake (a little sister of my photo/icon).  There are a hundred of these tiny and medium-sized lake ... all nestled in the middle of these thick woodlands.  Few grown-ups (freshwater lakes which are already serving holidaying waders and sunbakers) are attracting a lot of overseas visitors as these waters have got a lot of essential properties in it.  The sand alone is perfect for skin exfoliation, also great for cleaning jewelleries (these are just some helpful tips).  I'll try to add an image of one of its pride (Lake McKenzie) so you'll have an idea what trying to describe.

Third frame.  This one is so breathtaking.  With the naked eye, this extraordinary scene was more splendid to watch.  From out of the blue, this school of fish (they are huge, and in hundreds!) just shoot up and were all jumping (stretching and exercising, perhaps?) with great energy and joy (?) ... sort of like a ritual.  It was so awesome, everyone in our group were taken aback by this wonderful, wonderful experience of being able to watch these lovely creatures enjoy life ... in the WATERS!

Lastly, I'll try to post (as promised in the earlier part of this note) one of Fraser Island's famous lakes, the Lake McKenzie.

In summary, how very lucky we are to be showered with one of the most tangible blessings on this planet.  And it definitely shouldn't be taken for granted.  It doesn't ask anything in return.   It is but our moral obligation to treat it with thought, care and respect.  We live it, we love it, we should look after it.  And we are talking of ...   WATER.

Enjoy the balance of the challenge, drink your water regularly (getting thirsty, having my next now), use it wisely ... have a great day, Folks!

Cheers,

Autumn Mist 

This has been great, I have knocked $10/month off my water bill. All we have been doing is watch our toilet use.  I'm sure we are watching other things more but just be saving a few flushes over night we save alot.

Now on to other things.  Laundry is and was always washed on a full load.  We hang all of our shirts to save on the dyer time.  Our Dishwasher is use when it's full.  I can't believe how my wife can pack it like she does... amazing and you should see her pack a suitcase.  Pots, pans and plastic containers are washed the sink, usually with less then a half full basin.  Our shower head is a low flow one.  We never let the water run when brushing.

I have learned to watch and really look at our laundry too,  I wear different close for morning, work and evening.  So, I tend to wear them more then once during the week. Shirts and pants mostly...we won't talk about "Old Smelly Underwear" here.  Also I am making it a point to make sure my kids are placing dirty clothes in the laundry...sometimes they don't like what they are going to wear and leave it on the floor and then just scoop it all up and take it to the laundry.  So, we said we will make them start doing their own and it's been better.

And with Yard season around the corner, we will be putting in our best effort to use less water for watering and try and catch more rain water.

Good luck all and its been a Splash....so far.

Regards

to cut back on water usage....Bda I think your idea to put something inside the water tank for flushing is grrreat. Infact what I have done now is add some sea shells...I have huge one I bought for decorative purposes...won't break under water pressure....and that should really help...cheers for that!

Soon that should be more helpful in cutting back some water!

cheers

PJ :)

I agree with you both (with a hug!).

To add, the best and really effective "concoction  (per my own experience) is a solution of sodium bicarbonate and vinegar.  Very kind to the environment.  Looks clean, smells clean, hygienically clean (... even squeaky clean!).

I like all your ideas, guys!  Really practical and sensible.

Oh, I believe the toilet "thing" started with Puja (AHA!  she's the culprit).   Well ... I don't know about Coach ... (just a joke ... at times, we've got to giggle and laugh at our deemed tasks - in a lesser serious fashion.  Otherwise, all contributions are marvelous, all good.

Ain't it great to be in this lovely atmosphere?   Working for the best and the most we could for our beautiful planet, yet is still finding ways to make this challenge real pleasing.  Loving it!!!

Marching on, up we go!

Have a great day, Folks!

Cheers,

Autumn Mist

Yuck....!  Double yuck!  Let's consider the fallout...or reverse tool on the toilet strategy.......more germs (aka that black ring that forms along the water line) leads to more frequent cleaning of the toilet (major assumption, but go with me.....) and therefore greater volume of heavey duty cleaning chemicals for the wastewater treatment plants to deal with, sludge to dispose of..blah blah blah..... unless you are using something "natural" that can deal with the excess grunge.....So - you have to think "total load" on the environment.......for every action there is a reacation...lots to consider!

Alternative for your consideration (your toilet - your decision) - fill up a 1/2 gallon milk container or two (or what ever shape will fit) with sand or stones or something heavy and put a few in your toilet tanks to displace some of the water....so you use less to flush, stay more hygenic overall......and then I won't have to travel with a can of lysol when I visit everyone.

So there is the balance between environmental and health and safety...depending on which hat I'm wearing!

I am excited to see how quickly the challenge progressed and how much everyone is saving! And how much you are thinking about all of this.

Hey, Ms. PJ.  Your recent post was hilariously chaotic!!!  Lovitt!

Meanwhile, keep up with our latest "trend", at the same time, keep drinking water.  Both good.  (I'll be more worried if you come up with a far "eccentric ideas" ... keep it coming, anyway and we'll adapt).

Marching to bed now, have a great day, Folks!

Cheers,

Autumn Mist

P.S.  The Water Info/Facts is great.  Which means, today I saved "200 litres of water" at least (in reference to your table ... grin grin grin). 

Water Facts

The Average Amount of Water Used in General Household Activities

I'm peeved!  Of all the days, our basin tap in the shower room was leaking.  The plumber came the time when we were not home.  Then he wanted to come the following day when I've got already got a scheduled appointment.  Two days wasted ... and definitely a big water wastage!!!  Which means I was still owing on the 3rd day.  Anyway, I believe I'm entitled to a 3 gallon savings on this 3rd day.  I skipped some washing (dog wash ... myself, included!) to at least get even to what I've lost.  In fairness, that is.  (and I'm saying this to you in whisper ... my dog and hubby didn't complain at all!).  I must have still smelled sweet.  Hah!  good idea.  Hmmmm ... I might occasionally skip it when I know I'm not going out.  Yes!  more gallons saved.

More "sweet smelly" news next time.  Have a great day, Folks!

Cheers,

Autumn Mist