We use has with been and the ing form of another verb to talk about an action that has begun in the past and is still continuing. She knitted in the past and continues to knit now and into the future - she has been knittting. Follow the link for more.
keeps herself and her family in
To keep someone in something is to provide them with it
Example: The chicken keep us in eggs.
Notice how the possessive apostrophe is used on the plurals ladies' and men's. Follow the link to find out more.
start an activity
Example: I've decided to take up swimming.
For more meanings of the
phrasal verb take up, follow the link.
definitely not; in no way at all
Example: We might be in front , but we haven't won by any means.