Earthquakes, Part 3

Hello....We are having some crazy weather over our country - thank you Global Warming.....Oklahoma has had its share of the craziness over the past couple of years, but the most intriguing has nothing to do with weather, but earthquakes.  We have been experiencing a large number of quakes, especially in the past year.  Normally we aren't known for our numerous quakes, but something is definitely going on now.

I thought it might be a good time to run a series of three posts dealing with earthquakes - the first one deals with what to do before a quake hits, the second - what to do during a quake, and the third, today, - what to do after the quake.

So, here we go....Part III:

After The Quake:

1.  Check for injuries and provide first aid if necessary.

2.  Do a safety check: check for gas, water, downed power lines and shortages. Turn off appropriate utilities, if you shut off the main gas valve do not turn it back on yourself. Wait for the gas company to check for leaks and make repairs.

3.  Turn on the radio and listen for instructions on safety or recovery actions.

4.  Use the telephone for emergencies only.

5.  When safe, follow your family emergency plan.

6.  Be cautious when opening cabinets.

7.  Stay away from damaged areas.

8.  Be prepared for aftershocks.

Earthquakes, Part 2

Hello....We are having some crazy weather over our country - thank you Global Warming.....Oklahoma has had its share of the craziness over the past couple of years, but the most intriguing has nothing to do with weather, but earthquakes.  We have been experiencing a large number of quakes, especially in the past year.  Normally we aren't known for our numerous quakes, but something is definitely going on now.

I thought it might be a good time to run a series of three posts dealing with earthquakes - the first one, last week, deals with what to do before a quake hits, the second, today - what to do during a quake, and the third - what to do after the quake.

So, here we go...


During The Quake:

1.  “Drop, Cover and Hold” - DROP to the floor; take COVER under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, seek cover against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

2.  Stay away from glass or bookshelves, mirrors or other items that could fall.

3.  If outside: stand in an open area away from underpasses and overpasses, buildings, trees, telephone, and electrical lines.

4.  If on the road: drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stop in a safe area; stay in your vehicle. 

Earthquakes, Part 1

Hello....We are having some crazy weather over our country - thank you Global Warming.....Oklahoma has had its share of the craziness over the past couple of years, but the most intriguing has nothing to do with weather, but earthquakes.  We have been experiencing a large number of quakes, especially in the past year.  Normally we aren't known for our numerous quakes, but something is definitely going on now.

I thought it might be a good time to run a series of three posts dealing with earthquakes - the first one, today, deals with what to do before a quake hits, the second - what to do during a quake, and the third - what to do after the quake.

So, here it is, part one:

Be Safe in an Earthquake, Part 1

Before The Quake:

1.  Assemble an emergency preparedness kit for home and your vehicle.

2.  Have a family emergency plan and identify a safe place to take cover, such as under a sturdy table or desk.

3.  Teach your family how to “Drop, Cover and Hold” during an earthquake.

4.  Check for hazards inside or outside your home or office. Heavy objects and falling hazards such as bookcases, hanging picture frames and other items can be dangerous if they are unstable and not anchored securely to a wall or the floor.

5.  Know emergency telephone numbers.

6.  Contact your insurance agent to review existing policies and to inquire about earthquake insurance

7.  Sign up for Earthquake Notifications on the USGS site as well as learn about other products and services they offer.

How To Keep Your Pet Safe During The Holidays

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!  Now we have New Year's in our sights.  While your holidays are in full swing, it might be a good idea to take a look at this article on how to keep your pets safe during this hectic time.

Lights, decorations, good food... every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and ways to prevent them.  This article is courtesy of my dog's vet -  name and address at the bottom of the page.

Holiday Hazard -  How to keep your pet safe

Dangerous Foods
The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.

Regular Foods
Despite tradition, bones should never be given to pets. Even beef, ham, and other "regular" foods that are not considered toxic can cause illness in pets. If your pet is a moocher, keep a saucer of his regular treats on the table to offer when he asks. He probably won't know the difference!

New Treats and Toys
Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only one of these at a time (ideally, separated by a few days). If your pet becomes ill after eating a holiday treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue it. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other potential hazards.

Plants
Hazardous plants include mistletoe, some evergreens (including some types of pine), and holly bushes and berries. Try to keep these plants away from pets, or at least supervise pets when dangerous plants are nearby.

Decorations
Tinsel, tree ornaments, ribbons, string, and garlands are some items that can be dangerous if eaten by pets. Keep these items away from pets — especially when pets are unattended. Don't forget to cover any electrical cords or keep them out of reach.

Fire and Carbon Monoxide
Monitor pets near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters. Also, don't forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Space heaters, furnaces, and idling cars (in a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.

Christmas Trees
Monitor your pets when they are around your holiday tree. Pets may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink water from the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if there are preservatives in it). Keep electrical cords and decorative lights out of reach, too.

In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has eaten something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call us right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!

The Doctors and Staff of Eastmoor Animal Clinic

Eastmoor Animal Clinic
400 SE 4th St
Moore, OK  73160

Here's How To Winterize A Vacant Home

I'm borrowing a nice article from wikiHOW on how to winterize a vacant home.  Just in case you ever need to know.....It's the best article on the subject that I have found.

How to Winterize a Vacant Home

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
                 
Whether you're closing up a summer vacation home or leaving your very own home during winter for an extended period, it's important to close up for the season. So what should you do to ensure that when your family returns months (or even a year) later, you won’t find a nightmare waiting? The following suggestions will help you to plan and execute a winterization down to the last nut and bolt.

 Steps

1. Look carefully around the exterior and interior of your home and decide what needs to be done. Write it all down to create a checklist. This essential “plan of action” will come in handy when it’s time to open up the place again, because without it, you probably won’t be able to remember all the things that have to be “un-done.” To help you develop your own checklist, the following suggestions, though not applicable in every case, identify potential problem areas that warrant consideration.
   

 Prepare the outdoor areas

1. Water, outdoor items, plants, and external fittings all need some attention when winterizing. Here are some things to consider.
   
2.   Turn off the water at the main supply point. If you don't know how to do this, find out where the main (inside) shut off valve is. Turn off the supply line to the washing machine hose. These hoses are a bit flimsy and can burst while you're away.  If nobody is using the home during the entire period of winter, make sure that the water supply is turned off completely at the mains.
   
3. Drain all water that can be drained. Drain spas, swimming pools and ponds of water.
   
4.  Protect the garden and outdoor plants. Cover any plants that are frost intolerant and would benefit from covering.
   
   
   • Trim shrubbery so doors and windows are not blocked from view (better security). Arrange to have the lawn mowed and shrubbery trimmed.
     
   • If possible, cut tree limbs and branches that overhang the house—they offer rodents easy access to the home’s roof and eaves from which they have easier access to a home.
     
   
   
5. Bring in outdoor furniture, hammocks, seats, delicate garden ornamentation, hose pipes etc. - anything that you consider will not winter well under snow or prolonged cold should be stored indoors.
   
   
   • Keep ladders inside or otherwise secured.
     
   
   
6.  Block up any holes in the eaves or walls. Block anywhere that may provide an entry point to little furry creatures seeking warmth and home for winter; otherwise, you may have a surprise next spring that includes babies.
   
   
   • Check that all holes and cracks in exterior walls and foundations and around pipes that penetrate the exterior walls are sealed; otherwise they are entry points for rodents and insects.
     
   • Rodents and birds can also gain entry via stovepipes and chimneys so these must be secured as well. Shut your fireplace dampers and cap the chimneys. A #10 can (large coffee can) may be used to cap an open stovepipe (the kind that on top takes the shape of a T or an H), but a chimney should be capped with a permanent, stainless steel cap with wire mesh venting. Close flues and dampers.
     
   
   
7. Lock away all pleasure craft such as boats, ATVs, bicycles, canoes. kayaks, cars etc. in the garage or shed and ensure that the lock is strong.  Block window views into this storage space.
   
8. Take all the trash out of your home before you leave, especially any food waste.  Cover compost bins thoroughly.  Move dead plant material away from the sides of the house to prevent moisture build-up (mildew problems) and possible fire fodder for the late spring in case you can't get back any earlier.
   
   
   • Leave nothing outdoors that can be blown about by a strong wind or washed away by a lake or river overflowing its banks.
     
   
   

 Fix the heating and plumbing

1.  Turn off the main water-supply valve or stop the pump. If the furnace should fail on a very cold day, water in a pipe could freeze and burst the pipe. Open all faucets and drain all waterlines—empty or mainly empty pipes cannot burst from freezing water.
   
   
   • Pipes can be drained at their low-point drain valves or, if there is insufficient slope to the lines, by opening a pipe junction. If unsure if all water has drained from pipes, use an air compressor to blow out all water pipes.
     
   
   
2.  Turn down the heat, but don't turn it off. Keep it at about 58ºF/14ºC or so, in order to avoid problems with freezing plaster (which will crack in unsightly ways) and pipes.
   
   
   • Unless you're using your summer vacation home for winter sports, you may want to consider not heating it at all if freezing problems are not an issue.
     
   
   
3.  Drain. If you live in an area where freezing pipes can be a problem, drain toilets, water heater (turn off gas or electric supply first) and if on a well and pump system, the expansion tank. You'll also need to completely eliminate or dilute the water in drain traps by pouring an "RV" type antifreeze solution in them as directed by the instructions.
   
   
   • RV antifreeze is commonly used to protect pipes from freezing in RVs and mobile homes; this antifreeze is a type that is safe for use in and around drinking water systems when used as directed. Never pour "regular" automotive antifreeze in the locations listed here.
     
   • Close the sink and tub drains.
     
   • If a house is to be vacant for a long time, you may prevent water in a toilet’s trap from evaporating (and thereby permitting sewer gases to enter the home) by raising the toilet’s lid and seat and covering the bowl with saran wrap.
     
   • Read How to turn off the water supply to a toilet for more information.
     
   
   
4. Deal with septic systems. Drain the water storage tank and consult a neighbor or local plumber to learn if the septic system should also be drained. Turn off the water heater before you drain it. Drain water from a pump by using its drain plug. For dishwashers, refrigerators (with a water dispenser or an ice maker) and clothes washers, follow the manufacturer’s directions. Remove and empty any "whole house" or "in line" type filter canister.  Remove any water filter inside refrigerator.  If you find the task daunting, get a local plumber to do it for you.
   
5. Read How to winterize your evaporative cooler for instructions regarding your evaporative cooler.
   

 Prepare the kitchen

1.  Clean out the fridge and don't leave anything in there which is likely to go bad during the time you are away.  If you have things in the freezer, empty it; don't leave anything in it in case the electricity is off for an extended period of time; you won't necessarily be aware and the food will have thawed and refrozen, which is very dangerous.  If you must leave frozen food, here is one method for determining if your freezer has warmed during the winter:  freeze a container of water solid, then place a coin on the surface of the ice; if the coin has sunk into the ice when you return, then the freezer warmed, letting the ice melt and then refreeze.
   
2. Remove all food. All foods should be removed so they don’t lure rodents and insects. Dry foods that remain should be locked in tin- or aluminum-lined cupboards or cabinets, and seeds and grains should be stored in metal containers with screw-on lids.
   
3. Clean the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly. Prop open their doors, the better to forestall mold and mildew (which like to grow in the dark) and their odors, which may transfer to the refrigerator’s plastic parts.
   
   
   • You may have to turn off the icemaker and loosen refrigerator bulbs.
     
   • To further thwart odors, place an open bag of charcoal on the inside of the open refrigerator.
     
   
   
4. Guard against insects and rodents. Wash kitchen trash containers and put away soap, sponges, candles and other possible sources of food for vermin. Spray a long-lasting insecticide along baseboards and under the sink. Place insect traps under the sink and on kitchen counters and use chemical rodent deterrents under the sink and in the garage, too.
   
5. Remove items that could freeze. In areas subject to freezing, remove all bottled liquids, such as mineral water, soda, beer and paint, because their containers may burst when their contents freeze. Empty water from jars, vases and even decorative indoor mini-fountains.
   

 General

1.  Clean everything. If linens, bedding, towels and the like remain, they should be washed or cleaned and then stored in boxes, preferably rodent-proof ones. Strip beds to allow the mattresses to air out. Open empty drawers and closets; use mothballs in the others. Remove all trash.
   
   
   • Vacuum carpets and floors to ensure that no crumbs or other sources of food remain for vermin.
     
   • In humid regions, use desiccants (water-absorbing material) in closets; most hardware stores sell them.
     
   
   
2. Cover furniture with sheets or cloths. If you are closing up a vacation home, cover the furniture to protect it from dust and light discoloration.
   
3.  Remove all fire hazards. Dispose of or move potentially flammable items such as oily rags and stacked papers, before you leave.
   
4. Unplug all electronic and electrical appliances such as the TV, VCR, toasters, dryer, washer,  etc. Any charging devices should also be unplugged. This is a good idea if there is an electrical storm so that no surges get to your computers, etc., and blow them out.
   
5. Ask a neighbor to be on the lookout for packages which may come to you by UPS, Fedex or any another service. Give the neighbor your phone number and ask them to call you if you get anything. Alternatively, they can keep packages for you in their home until you return.
   
   
   • Arrange for indoor plants to be watered if necessary.
     
   
   
6.  Pay all your bills before you go, or make arrangements to pay remotely by internet, through relatives or some other convenient and reliable means. If it's a vacation home, make sure that the municipality has the correct billing address for you to send rates bills etc. to during the time that you are away; you don't want a nasty summons because you forgot to inform them of your winter absence.
   
7.  Make sure that your insurance coverage is adequate for being absent during winter. Due to the increased potential for something to go wrong (for example, burst water pipes, leaking gas heating systems, etc.), insurance companies can be  tough on requirements. Ask about special requirements for vacation homes and for homes vacant due to traveling or snowbirding elsewhere.
   

 Utilities

1. Consider turning off the electric power. Some experts suggest turning off electric power completely but this depends solely on local conditions. For example, in a region subject to freezing you may elect to leave the heating system on but at a lower temperature to avoid frost damage to the home’s interior and its contents. If you use an electronic alarm system, then continuous electric power is required (apart from back-up batteries).
   
2. Unplug. If you leave the electric power on, unplug electric appliances, including microwave ovens and TVs, to avoid the risk of fire in the event of a faulty switch or a rodent gnawing the wires.
   
3. Set your thermostat to a level adequate to keep the inside temperature above freezing and to keep things dry. If the home is located in a warm, damp climate, you should have a humidistat installed and set to maintain a reasonably dry interior.
   
4. Don't forget the gas. If there are gas appliances in the home that have been approved by the American Gas Association, they would have automatic shutdowns that will close the gas valves if their pilot lights go out. Such appliances may be left on if properly vented, but if in doubt, check the owner’s manuals. For long absences, some experts recommend shutting off gas hot-water heaters completely.
   

 Security measures

1. Lock it up. High quality locks for your doors and windows are a must! Check that all your windows and doors are shut and locked. This includes checking the small attic, bathroom, and basement windows. Close skylights and ventilation shafts.
   
   
   • If in a damp, humid climate, periodically lubricate pin tumbler locks with white lithium grease; using anything else will cause the mechanisms to gum up over time.
     
   • Secure the doors. Strike plates and door hinges should be secured with wood screws at least three inches long.
     
   • Close window shutters. Aside from enhancing security, shutters will, along with drapes, blinds and curtains, keep carpeting and fabrics from fading.
     
   • Unplug garage door openers.
     
   
   
2.  Make it look like someone is home. Buy a couple of light timers and set them up to turn on automatically in the evenings. If it's a summer vacation home, this may be less viable. Instead, have neighbors keep an eye on your home occasionally.
   
3. Do not leave valuables in a vacation home that may attract thieves.  At the very least, move them out of the line of sight from windows.
   
   
   • Take all small valuables with you.
     
   
   
4. Stop your mail. Do this online at USPS, Canada Post etc., using their hold mail sites; or, go into your local post office and ask them for a form. A small fee may apply.
   
   
   • Stop any other routine deliveries as well.
     
   
   
5. Check back-up systems. If an electronic alarm system is used, make certain that back-up batteries (if any) are in good condition and able to provide coverage in the event of power interruption; you may want to consider other standby power options as well. If the alarm system is monitored, don’t forget to inform the security company of your date of departure and tell them where you can be reached in an emergency. Give the same information to the local police and fire departments.
   
6. Have someone make regular check-ins. If there is a neighbor who’ll remain in the area while you’re gone, try to work out an arrangement by which someone will come over every now and then to look the place over.
   
   
   • If you can trust your neighbors completely, you may wish to leave them with a key for emergency entry if something should go wrong. Also leave them with your cellphone number, home phone number, e-mail address or any other alternative ways to reach you while you are living elsewhere or traveling.
     
   
   

 Opening the home on your return

1.   Use the checklist provided here to open up the home. For starters, open all windows and turn on the furnace fan to air out the home. Readjust the thermostat and humidistat. Close all drain valves and plugs; open the main water valve or turn on the pump. Flush waterlines.
   
2.  Uncap stovepipes and open flues and dampers. Check the interior and exterior of your home carefully for signs of rodent and/or insect infestation, mildew and fungi.
   
3.  Turn on gas and electric power.
   
4.  Go down the checklist to put your home back to the way it was before you left it. And don’t forget to announce your return to everyone you had informed of your departure.
   

 Video

Learn how to winterize your pond, stream or water garden.

 Tips

• Keep in mind that any water leaks which develop while you are away could run up your water bill significantly, and could also cause massive damage. This is especially true of a popped washing machine supply hose. Once these things burst, there is nothing to hold back the large stream of water which will start to flow. Turning off the water at the main is the best way to guard against such leaks.
  
• If anything is certain about a log home—or about any home, for that matter—it’s the fact that you can’t just walk out the door and leave the place empty for months without having first taken some precautions. So be prepared to spend a few hours getting it ready before you and the family leave; your efforts will maintain the home’s value and ensure its continued enjoyment.
  
• A log home company in Maine notes that in the event of an unexpected, heavy snowstorm in the state’s remote areas, hikers, hunters and snowmobilers can often be stranded for days. The company thinks it might be a good idea for a vacation home owner to leave some food and a supply of dry wood to help those people survive until help arrives. Of course, this means leaving the home unlocked unless there is another shelter nearby.
  

 Warnings

• Check your insurance policy carefully! There are often clauses to shock, such as a requirement to have someone checking your home regularly if you are more than 72 hours away from your home. This unfriendly little clause could void your insurance coverage if you haven't arranged for someone to check.  Also, check the age of your heating system; if it is over a certain age, you may not be covered by insurance. Give yourself plenty of time to have it replaced, if necessary.
  

 Related wikiHows

• How to Winterize a Boat
  
• How to Paint Galvanized Gutters and Downspouts
  
• How to Prepare Your Spa for Winter
  
• How to Survive a Winter Storm
  
• How to Keep Warm After Showering in Winter
  
• How to Hang a Door
  
• How to Unstick a Door
  
• How to Winterize Your Motorcycle
  

 Sources and Citations

• Original source of article, http://www.loghomesnetwork.com. Shared with permission.
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Winterize a Vacant Home.  All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How To Make A Perfect Pie Crust

Hello, hope you are staying cool on this hot, hot Wednesday.  In Oklahoma we are in the midst of a terrible heat wave and drought, I am trying to think cool thoughts but it doesn't seem to be working.
Recently I made a couple of pies - a lucious chocolate pie and a buttermilk pie (picture on the left), and I wished that I could make a perfect pie crust.  I started researching and came up with what appears to be pretty good directions for a nice, flaky pie crust.  Thought I would share it with you today, but I'm not planning on heating up my oven again any time soon to try it out!

How To Make The Perfect Pie Crust:

With a home-made pie, the crust can make it or break it.  Yes, the filling is important, but a bad or tough crust can turn a great pie bad in the blink of an eye.  Most of us know the 4 absolutely essential ingredients of pie crust - flour, some kind of fat, a liquid and salt.  The flakiness of the crust often depends upon the type and condition of the fat, and the salt serves to brown the crust nicely and also enhances the flavor a bit.

(Note:  I also use a tablespoon of sugar and a half-tablespoon of vinegar in my crusts).

Whatever fat you use (lard, butter, shortening or butter substitute), it must be chilled before you start.  You do not want the fat to disappear into the flour, so make sure it is nice and cold.  After you mix the dry ingredients together, then add the fat.  I cut mine into small pieces and pinch the fat into the mix with my hands, but you can also use a pastry cutter.  Mix or cut it until the mixture has pea-sized lumps.

The water needs to be chilled or, even better, ice water, and then add it, just a little at a time, into the dry mix. Stir it with a fork until it can form a packed ball.  Remember, the more you handle it, the less tender and flaky your crust will be, because the fat will become blended into the mix and you want to leave as many little fat balls as you can.

If you are making a one-crust pie, roll the mixture into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, and it can be longer if you need it to be.  This is where I always fall short - I never seem to have enough time to let the dough chill for 30 minutes!  But here's why you should always do it - It goes back to that fat again - chilling the dough keeps the fat from absorbing into the flour when you roll it out, and, of course, makes your crust light and flaky.

Remove the dough from the fridge and flatten it as much as possible with your hands.  Dust it a little with flour before placing it on a clean dry surface (wax paper is good) that is also dusted with flour.  Start rolling at the center and roll outwards. For less mess, you can put a sheet of wax paper on the top of the dough, too.  It helps to have a heavy rolling pin like the kind your grandmother used.  My aunt uses a huge, antique wine bottle as her pin.  I prefer a black, non-stick pin that you cool off in the freezer before using.

Roll the dough to about 1/4 to 1/8 inches thick and at least 4 inches bigger than your pie pan.  Fold your dough in half, then in quarters.  Carefully pick it up and put it in your pan where the center of the dough is in the center of your pan, then unfold it.  Don't be afraid to patch any cracks or holes with extra dough.

Press the crust firmly into the pan.  (I use an old glass Pyrex pie pan, and I love it).  If you don't press, you risk unsightly bubbles in the finished product.  Trim the extra dough, but leave at least a half inch for fluting the edges.

There you have it - directions for the perfect pie crust!

Some Great Ideas For The Lowly Cucumber, Part II

Here are ideas 7-13 for your garden bounty of cucumbers.  Thanks to Barb, who facebooked these hints to me, and anankkml for the photo!

More Ideas for Cucumbers:

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?

Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often by European trappers, traders and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes?

Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe. Its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Need to fix a squeaky hinge?

Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for a massage, facial or visit to the spa?

Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finished a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints?

Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your taps, sinks or stainless steel?

Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean; not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake?

Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing. Also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!

Some Great Ideas For The Lowly Cucumber

Hello, hope you are having a great week!  Lots of us planted big gardens in the spring with high hopes, but for some of us the extreme heat has won out.  If you are lucky enough to have a bountiful crop of cucumbers, I have some ideas for you, thanks to my friend Barb, who facebooked them to me...  So, without further delay, here are some terrific ways to use your cukes....(More next week)

The humble cucumber is actually a little gem. And not just for its nutritional benefits...

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day

Just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber

Cucumbers are a good source of B vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower?

Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror: it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds?

Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool?

Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes. The phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache?

Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body  has lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, and avoiding both a hangover and headache!

(Photo by anankkml)

 

Helpful Hints For Dealing With Snow

Wow - Much of the country, including Oklahoma, suffered through the gigantic blizzard of the first week of February, 2011.  What's to come for the rest of the month and March????  As I posted last week, I'm hopeful that Oklahoma is done with snow for this season, but nothing is guaranteed.

Well, if you have any more snow issues, here are some helpful hints to get your car through the stress....


1.  Keep your headlights clear with car wax! Just wipe ordinary car wax on your headlights. It contains special water repellents that will prevent that messy mixture from accumulating on your lights - lasts 6 weeks.

2.  Squeak-proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol! Wipe the wipers with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol or ammonia. This one trick can make badly streaking & squeaking wipers change to near perfect silence and clarity.  ( I HATE squeaky wipers!)

3.  Ice-proof your windows with vinegar! Frost on its way? Just fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water & spritz it on all your windows at night. In the morning, they'll be clear of icy mess. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water---preventing water from freezing!

4.  Prevent car doors from freezing shut with cooking spray! Spritz cooking oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a paper towel. The cooking spray prevents water from melting into the rubber.

5.  Fog-proof your windshield with shaving cream! Spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield & wipe if off with paper towels. Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers.

6.  De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer! Just put some hand sanitizer gel on the key & the lock & the problems solved!

So, there you are.  These hints use items usually found around the house, and are easy to do if you have just a little time.  Happy snowy trails!

Are We Done With The Snow????

Hello, hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday!  It's looking like we may be finally crawling out of the long, hard winter and racing headlong into Spring.  Sunday, after minus 30 degrees temps only a few days ago, the weather was a little better, 68 degrees.  So I went shopping, played 18 holes of disc golf, picked up some topsoil at the local nursery and even managed to get half of my onions in the ground!

Yes, it's time to start getting our gardens ready and planting early season plants like onions and, in a couple of weeks, potatoes and other goodies.  I'm hoping that we don't see any more snow in Oklahoma, but that's never a sure thing until late March or April.

After a particularly hard winter here, Spring will be especially welcome this year.  It's a good time to start thinking about the jellies and jams you want to can, and the recipes that will showcase your fresh vegetables.  And don't forget to visit your farmers' markets that will be opening up around April!

Let's Get Ready To Garden!

Are we sick of winter yet?  In Oklahoma, onions and other cooler weather plants go into the ground in February and potatoes follow closely behind, so it's time to turn our thoughts to the garden.

Here are a few quick and easy tips to make your gardening experience a little easier this year....

1.  Put a bar of soap into a little mesh bag and tie it around the outdoor faucet.  After gardening, use it to wash the dirt off your hands.

2.  Take a clothespin along when you are cutting or trimming roses and grasp the thorny stem with the pin, not your fingers.

3.  Save a pair of old pantyhose, cut them up and use them to tie your tomatoes and other plants that need to be staked.  They make great ties, and they don't injure the plants.

4.  Want a natural weed-killer that won't hurt your plants?  Here's the recipe:  1 oz. of inexpensive gin, 1 oz. of vinegar and 8 oz. of water.  Give the weeds a nice dose of this and they'll wilt and die.

Now if someone can just come up with a remedy to keep squirrels away from my mom's apricot trees, things would be perfect.

A Few Secrets From The Kitchen

Hello - hope you are having a great Wednesday!  We're heading downhill to the weekend, thankfully.

It's been awhile since we had some around-the-house hints, so here are a few - I hope you will be able to use some of them.....

1.  Cottage cheese will stay fresh longer if you turn it upside-down in the fridge.

2.  Crisp up limp celery by dunking it in ice water for a few minutes.

3.  A pinch of salt with the coffee in the coffee-maker basket will make it taste less acidic.

4.  Freeze cookie dough by shaping into cookie-sized pieces and placing on a cookie sheet as though you were going to bake them.  Instead, put the sheet into the freezer until dough is solid, then transfer them to a freezer zip-lock type bag and store in the freezer until ready to bake.

5.  Give your cake frosting that glossy, smooth look of a professional baker by applying frosting as you usually do, then running hot water over a metal spatula and run it over the cake.

6.  Soften hardened brown sugar in a microwave, or use a cheese grater on it.

7.  Your baking soda and baking powder can get stale and no longer be active.  To test, put a teaspoon of baking powder in a half cup of water - it should fizz immediately if not stale.  To test baking soda, add 1/4 t. soda to 2 t. vinegar.  It should fizz immediately if active.

Happy cooking!

Part II of A Burglar's Secrets

Here's the final part of some practical advice to keep your home safe and secure.  Last week we had Part 1, here is Part II....

More Things A Burglar Won't Tell You....

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.


12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system . If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.
14. Sometimes I carry a clipboard. Sometimes I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

16. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

17. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again.. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

18. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

19. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

20. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

21. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

22. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.


Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job

A Burglar's Secrets

It's never too late to learn more about keeping your house safe from intruders.  I recently came across this information, and thought I would share it with you.  I will have more next week....

Things A Burglar Won't Tell You....

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere
 or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check
 dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.



Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Do You Know How To Iron A Shirt?

Hello - Hope you are getting your holiday shopping taken care of early - Christmas will be here before we know it!

A little more about using the iron....Last week's post was about ironing a pair of pants.  But do you know how to properly iron a shirt or blouse?  I didn't, until I came across this information.  So, here we go....

How To Iron A Shirt:

Just simply iron in this order:
1.  The trimmings
2.  The underside of the collar.
3.  The upper side of the collar.
4.  The back of the sleeves and cuffs.
5.  The front of the sleeves and cuffs.
6.  The back of the garment.
7.  The front inner facings.
8.  And last, the front of the garment.

Hang the blouse up quickly on a hanger, never over a chair.

So, there it is....For all of us who grew up in a permanent press world and never learned to iron, (and who knew that cotton and natural fibers would make such a comeback??), we won't have to feel lost with an iron in our hand anymore....

Do You Know How To Iron Slacks?

Hello, and happy December! 

A lot of us own an iron, but do we really know how to use it?  Yes, there is a right way and a wrong way to iron items, but unless we are June Cleaver, we may not know it.  Here are a few helpful hints about ironing a pair of slacks that you may or may not know....

How to iron slacks:

Iron the pockets first, then the waistband, then the seat.  Next iron the front down to the crotchline.  Then lay both legs out, overlapping, with the inseams aligned and the legs smooth, straight and matching.  Pull the top leg back and iron the inseam side of the bottom leg, moving from the seam out and straightening as you go along.  This should create a perfect, sharp crease down the front and back of the leg.  Flip the pants over and do the same with the second leg.  Now bring the inseams together and iron the upper side-seam side of each leg.  Hang them up immediately, and never over the back of a chair unless you want some new creases.

Now you know how to iron pants!

Thanksgiving Is On Its Way....

Thanksgiving is one of America's favorite holidays, and why not?  Most of us get two days away from work, there are no mountains of gifts and related debt to deal with, the weather is usually not too bad, we get to reflect and give thanks for what we have, and we watch a couple of nice football games.  And, we reconnect with our family.  What could be better?

If you are the one hosting the annual Thanksgiving fest, this may be a time of high anxiety.  There are so many things that could go wrong (even if they almost never happen), you spend an extreme amount of time worrying and sweating the small stuff.

Being told not to worry doesn't work, of course, so I won't do that.  I'll offer a solution... What you really need is a plan.  A written plan.  Having a plan in writing allows you to sit down and really think about what is needed and when it should be done.  There's something calming about putting it in writing and being able to check off tasks as they are accomplished.  Here are some pointers to keep you on track and ensure that your plan is a good one:

Your plan should include a list of your grocery items, including recipe ingredients and things such as aluminum foil, plastic wrap, paper plates for sending leftovers home with the guests and centerpieces, platters, tableclothes or decorating items.  Don't forget the ice.  If you are having turkey, plan on 1 pound per guest, and then add some if you want leftovers.

The timeline for buying everything you need, including groceries, should end at least three days before Thanksgiving.  In other words, you should not have to visit the store after the Monday before Thanksgiving.  And be aware that the weekend before Thanksgiving and every day after that until the big day means huge crowds at the stores, and crowds add stress.  Ideally you will visit the store at least a week before Thanksgiving with a complete list and take care of that chore early.

On Monday:
If you are planning on cooking a frozen turkey, Tom should come out of the freezer and go into the fridge on the Monday before Thanksgiving.
Give your house a thorough cleaning.
If you are using an ice chest for the ice, pull it out of the attic and clean it up. 

On Tuesday:
Iron your tablecloth and napkins.
Prepare things like cranberry sauce, relish, etc. and store in the fridge.
Prepare your veggies to go into the dressing or other dishes.  You can chop your onions, peel your carrots, etc. and store them in zip lock bags in the fridge.

On Wednesday:
Set your table.  Put out the candles, centerpieces, decorations, everything - as if guests will be arriving any minute.  Ask your family to eat in front of the television for one night.  They'll love it!
Make the desserts.
Before you go to bed, set out the pots, pans and bowls and dry ingredients that you will be using.  Arrange the measuring cups and spoons neatly on the counter.  The recipes should be in a prominent position.  Everything should be ready for you to jump right in as soon as you enter the kitchen on Thanksgiving morning.

If you have a written plan and stick to it, checking off every task as you go, you will find that your Thanksgiving is much less stressful and a lot more organized.  I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving this year!!

A Few More Home Remedies

Over the past few weeks I have posted some alternative home remedies to try when you don't have the right item in your house for what you need.   Here are a few more....

16.  Wet Dog Odor - Nothing smells worse than a wet dog, and a wet dog in the house is really yuckky.  The next time the smelly wet dog comes in the house, quickly wipe him down with dryer sheets.  He will smell soooo good.

17.  Urinary Tract Infection - Alka-Seltzer comes to the rescue here.  This is the plain old Alka-Seltzer, NOT Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine, which contains aspirin and other things you don't need.  Simply dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink as soon as your symptoms begin.  The Alka-Seltzer starts working immediately to knock out the infection. 

18.  Rust Stain - Coca Cola gets the job done here.  Soak an abrasive sponge with Coke and scrub the stain.  The acid in the Coke dissolves the rust stain.

19.  Stuffy nose - Ever had a "Curiously Strong" Altoids peppermint?  Try a couple with a stuffy nose and your nose will be clear before you know it.

Hopefully some of these solutions will come in handy when you need them!

Try These Home Remedies

Over the past couple of weeks I have posted ten alternative remedies to use when you don't have the "right" solution at home.  Here are five more....

11.  Dog Fleas - Dawn Dishwasher Detergent comes to the rescue here.  Just add a few drops to Fido's bath and wash him thoroughly.  Rinse well and say goodbye to the fleas.

12.  Headache - Drink two glasses of Gatorade or similar sports drink - I'll bet your pain goes away in an instant.

13.  Toenail Fungus - Soak your toes in Listerine every night until the fungus is completely gone.  It's that simple!

14.  Wasps - If you have a wasp, yellow jacket, bee or hornet in your house, reach for the 409 cleaning solution.  Spray it right on the bug and he'll meet his demise very quickly.

15.  Sore Throat - Mix up this solution and take a tablespoon about six times a day:  1/4 c. honey and 1/4 c. vinegar.  The honey soothes and the vinegar kills the bacteria.  They are a potent team!

I'll be back with more home remedies in a week or so.

More Home Remedies For What Ails You

Hello, and I'm back with some more alternatives to the usual solutions....Please see my post last week for the first five remedies.

6.  Kitty ear mites - Reach for the corn oil in your kitchen cupboard.  Put a few drops in the cat's ear, massage it in and then clean with a cotton ball.  Do this daily for about 3 days.  The oil smothers the ear mites.  It also soothes the skin inside the ear and promotes healing.

7.  Boil - Tomato paste makes a great compress.  Cover the boil with the paste.  The tomato acid brings the boil to a head.

8.  Glasses - Protect your glasses with clear nail polish.  If you put a drop of clear polish on the earpiece screw threads, then tighten them up, the screws will stay put and not loosen.

9.  Burn - White mint toothpaste is a terrific salve to apply on a minor burn.

10. Bruise - A cotton ball soaked in white vinegar and applied to the bruise for about an hour speeds healing and reduces the color in the bruise.

I'll be back before long with some more remedies....