HOME OWNERSHIP SURVIVAL

JULY 18, 2012 - HOME OWNERSHIP SURVIVAL

47 Skills to Survive Home Ownership-from This Old House Magazine

1.      Fix a Leaky Faucet

This particular type of water torture is likely due to a failed washer inside a handle. The faucet is just the messenger. 

To replace the washer, turn off the water supply valve under the sink. Stuff a rag in the drain so you don't lose parts, then take the handle apart. Pop the screw cover on top, remove the screw, and pull off the handle. Use a wrench to disassemble the stem, and line the parts up on the counter in the order they came off, so you know how it goes back together. Examine rubber parts or plastic cartridges for cracks, and take the offending piece to the hardware store for an exact replacement. Reassemble the parts you've laid out, in reverse. Then revel in the ensuing peace and quiet.

2.      Move a Fridge by Yourself

Clarence Yuzik, aka The Fridge Doctor, has two words for you: Magic Sliders. Put these little plastic disks under the fridge's front feet (you can lever them off the floor with a long pry bar), then pull. Most refrigerators have wheels in the back, so the whole unit should glide forward effortlessly.

3.      Dig a Hole

A stomp on a pointed shovel, that's easy—and so's electrocuting yourself when you slice into a buried power line. Which is why, says This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook, any prospective hole-maker should first call 811 to notify the local utilities in your area. They'll send someone out to your place, mark any lines you have, and save you from getting buried yourself.

4.      Locate A Stud

Say you want to hang a shelf. Knuckling the wallboard can pinpoint a stud. But to better the odds when your electronic stud finder's gone missing, use deductive reasoning. Most studs are placed at 16-inch intervals, so once you know where one is, you can usually find the rest. 

Start at a corner, where there's always a stud. Or take the cover plate off an electrical outlet and find out on which side it's mounted to the stud. From there, measure 16, 32, 48 inches, and you should hit a stud at each go. Eliminate all guesswork by using a thin bit to drill a test hole at the top of the base molding, which you can easily repair with a dab of caulk.

5.      Deal with a Seized Lock

Hit the 7-Eleven before you call that $100-a-visit locksmith. Some WD-40 sprayed into the keyhole will lube the mechanism quickly. If that doesn't do it, you may have a broken spring or tumbler—and need that pro after all. If so, keep the new lock from locking up by giving it a yearly spritz of long-lasting Teflon spray.

6.      Check for Termites

Despite your worst nightmares, you won't hear a distinct munching sound. And these guys don't hide in plain sight, so you need to scout out places where wood framing is exposed, like crawl spaces. Inspect them for raised, branchlike tubes that, when broken open, reveal cream-colored or yellowish insects. Also, check where siding meets the foundation for salt-size droppings or tiny clumps of dirt next to pinholes. If you spot even one, you need a licensed and bonded exterminator to squash those tunneling bugs.

7.      Unclog a Sink

"Chemicals rarely clear a stoppage—they only make a small hole," says TOH plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey. "A full stoppage requires mechanical clearing." Remove the stopper and block off overflow holes. With water in the bowl—the water puts more pressure on the clog—plunge with a flat-faced plunger. If that's not enough, get under the sink and take off the trap to see if that's where the clog is lodged. If the blockage is deeper, rent yourself a hand snake. Slowly push the coil down the drain, carefully twisting, pulling, and pushing when you hit the blockage. If the snake fails, then the still waters truly run deep. Call a drain-clearing service to get things flowing.

8.      Hire a Handyman

Skip the classifieds—no one any good needs to advertise. Try the local hardware store instead. The guys behind the counter know who's buying supplies for paid jobs. Or find out who does the maintenance at the school or town hall. Maybe he moonlights. Just be sure to check references, and find out whether your town or state requires a license. Also ask if he carries liability insurance—otherwise, be sure your homeowner's insurance will cover him.

9.      Ensure a Lightbulb's Long Life

You know that popping sound that signals another lightbulb has burned out before its time? The cause: The little brass tab inside the lamp socket that makes contact with the bulb base is dirty or bent, interrupting the connection and causing the filament to imperceptibly flash on and off, shortening its life. With the fixture unplugged or the circuit breaker switched off, clean the tab with a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol; then nudge it up with a screwdriver so that it stays in contact with the bulb base.

10.  Get a Plumber to Show Up on a h=Holiday

Everyone has a price: a fat check, a bottle of Scotch, a plate of homemade oatmeal-raisin cookies. And when the powder-room toilet won't flush just hours before the relatives are to descend, you'd better know what your plumber's is. These guys appreciate loyalty, so if you frequent the same pro (and he knows it), he'll be more inclined to return your frantic call. But you should also know a 24-hour plumber who's equipped for off-hours emergencies. Larry Dawson, head plumber with Metropolitan Plumbing in Minneapolis and a 30-year veteran, is one such pro. "The truth is, there is no plumbing emergency," he says. "If I can talk homeowners through shutting off the water main, they can wait till the next day." Rapid response will cost you—at least 20 percent more than a standard weekday service call. "But for people whose lives are disrupted, I guess it's worth it," Dawson says. 


11.  Remove a Stripped Screw

Hey, even master carpenter Norm Abram has been there. He recommends a hand screwdriver appropriate for the screw and a double dose of elbow grease to fix this unfortunate bit of handiwork. Gently hammer the screwdriver into the head. Then use as much downward force as you can while you slowly back out the screw.

12.  Avoid Stripping a Screw

That's what the clutch, that sliding ring of numbers on a drill/driver, is for. It stops the bit from turning when the motor feels a certain amount of torque, or twisting resistance—less at lower numbers, more at higher numbers. As a rule, set it low for small screws and high for large ones. But use a low setting when putting up drywall, so you don't sink the screw's head too far and break the paper. When dealing with hardwoods, a higher setting may help get the screws in, but first drilling a pilot hole is even better.

13.  Remove the Base of a Broken Lightbulb

That's what the clutch, that sliding ring of numbers on a drill/driver, is for. It stops the bit from turning when the motor feels a certain amount of torque, or twisting resistance—less at lower numbers, more at higher numbers. As a rule, set it low for small screws and high for large ones. But use a low setting when putting up drywall, so you don't sink the screw's head too far and break the paper. When dealing with hardwoods, a higher setting may help get the screws in, but first drilling a pilot hole is even better.

14.  Drill a Hole Through Tile without Cracking It

Go get a drywall screw and a hammer. Place the tip of the screw exactly where you want to drill, then tap it ever so gently with the hammer to pierce the glaze and create a little divot. Now load a masonry bit into your drill driver and use the divot to hold it in place as you start drilling. No fissures, no scratches, no fuss.

15.  Hardwire a Light Fixture

Anything powered by electricity requires that the current make a full circuit to and from the main box. So all the wiring in a house has two lines: one that brings in the electricity (the hot wire) and one that carries it back (the neutral wire). Connect hot wires to each other and neutrals to each other. And just make sure you don't become the conduit in between. The hot is usually black and the neutral white. But if yours look different, use a circuit tester. With the electricity on, touch one node of the tester to the wire and the other to something metal—that is NOT touching you. If the light goes on, that's your hot wire. 

Turn off the electricity and connect the black ("hot") wire to the black wire or the brass screw on your fixture and the white (neutral) to white wire or silver screw. If your fixture has two like-colored wires, the grooved one always goes to the neutral connection. Be sure to connect the copper grounding wire from the cable to the green grounding screw in the junction box, then to the grounding wire coming from the fixture, if there is one.

16.  Pick an Interior Lock

Your 2-year-old is in the bedroom bawling, you're out in the hall, and there's a locked door between you. On the door's knob or on the plate around it, there should be a small hole that's made just for this situation. Take a slim piece of metal, such as a small flathead screwdriver, and slip it in the hole. Compress the spring inside or slip the screwdriver head into the slot on the spring and turn. Door unlocked, toddler safe, shoulder not broken.

17.  Unstick a Door

Doors stick for a lot of reasons: a loose hinge, too much paint, a settling house, or humidity in the air," says general contractor Tom Silva. If the door suddenly jams in dry weather, your problem is the hinge, likely a loose screw. A door that's been painted too much or is sticking because the house is settling can be sanded or planed at the trouble spot, then repainted. 

If the door is swelled by humidity—often a front door or bathroom door—it's usually because part of it wasn't painted and moisture is getting into the wood; check the top and bottom edges. Shave down the door as little as possible to make it just fit. "Normally you want a crack the width of a nickel around a door, but in this case make it a dime," says Tom. Then paint over any exposed wood on all six sides to seal it. When the humidity lessens, the door will shrink to a perfect fit, opening without a hitch.


18.  Bypass the Electric Garage Door-opener When the Power is Out

That red cord dangling from the ceiling-mounted operator—haven't you always wanted to pull it? Now's the time. Doing so disengages the chain drive, so you can manually slide the door up its track.

19.  Clean Stained Grout

“All grout can be cleaned," says Debby Parker, a contractor who bills herself as The Tile Lady. Her secret weapon: a steam cleaner, which brings most any stain to the surface so it can simply be wiped away. Brushing on a penetrating sealer will keep the grout stain-free.

20.  Know Which Breaker to Turn Off

When you finally get around to putting in that dimmer switch, you won't want to be stumped by a poorly labeled breaker box. Ditch the pencil and paper chart—you're not changing your wiring anytime soon. Instead, write directly on the metal next to each switch with a fine indelible marker. Have a friend plug lamps into all the sockets in a room and tell you via cell phone which ones go dark when you flip a switch. Then, be specific ("sofa and window walls only" or "kitchen minus fridge") when you jot it down.

21.  Dry out a Flooded Basement

After a disastrous storm, water below ground level must be removed slowly to equalize pressure on both sides of the basement walls, says David Miller, an administrator with the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division. Pumping it out too quickly or too early can cause structural damage or a cave-in. "The water in your basement is pushing back, preventing your basement walls from collapsing," says Miller. 

Test groundwater levels by digging down a few inches just outside your basement. If the water pools, wait a day or two to hook up a submersible pump. Don't go in without turning off the electricity first (if you can't, call your utility and don't go in at all). Don gloves, eyewear, and a mask to protect yourself from cleaning agents or wastewater that may have seeped into the basement soup. On the first day, remove just one foot of water (send it as far from the house as possible, preferably to a storm drain) and wait overnight. If the water level is back up, it's too early to pump. Once the water stops rising, pump out two or three feet each day until the basement returns to dry land.

22.  Make Friends with the New Neighbors

It's just a matter of time before your kids trample their tulips, the dog makes a mess of their lawn, or you want to put up a fence or cut overhanging limbs from their tree. So when they've barely unloaded the moving van, arrive with a warm coffee cake or an invitation to join the school carpool. Tell them funny stories about the crazy widow who used to live in their house. As time goes on, offer to take in their mail when they're away or clear their driveway during a storm. Be sure to invite them to your annual holiday cocktail party. Being neighborly will help keep the peace—and your property as you want it.

23.  Deal with a Downed Power Line

Don't. Always assume any downed line is energized. Just 100 volts can deliver a lethal jolt, and residential power lines carry 7,200; a ringing phone line, 70 to 120. So stay far away from any downed line, and call your electrical provider to turn it off.

24.  Hang Heavy Objects on Drywall

Those thin cone-shaped plastic anchors aren't for wallboard; they're meant to sink into plaster. A toggle bolt provides the best holding power in drywall. The metal bar folds or pivots to go through a hole in the wall, then flips open flat against the back of the board to brace whatever's screwed to the front of the wall.

25.  Use a Fire Extinguisher

Work fast—the typical extinguisher has as little as 8 seconds of life, so know how yours works in advance. And make sure to stow it near an exit so you can back out as you fight the flames. Then remember the acronym "PASS": 1) Pull the pin. 2) Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames. 3) Squeeze the trigger. 4) Sweep the spray from side to side. And don't assume the fire is out just because the flames are gone. Call 911 and wait for the fire department to give you the high sign.

26.  Dispose of Leftover Pain

Unless it has dried to a solid, you need to take special precautions; tossed in the trash, paint solvents can eventually contaminate groundwater. You can speed up the drying process by putting cat litter in the can. Or go to earth911.org for links to programs in your area that recycle paint by giving it to schools or charities. The site also lists the 2,000 household hazardous waste centers in the country that accept all sorts of hard-to-dispose-of stuff, from batteries to cleansers.

27.  Cut Down a Big Tree

In 2004, 45,300 people were hospitalized from chainsaw, ax, and hatchet injuries, and that number doesn't include the thousands hurt by falling trees. If the tree's big enough for you to climb, call a certified arborist to remove it.

28.  Solder a Copper Pipe

Learn to sweat a pipe properly and you can save some bucks by doing simple plumbing repairs yourself. Just make sure your joint starts with clean pipes (no water or grit inside). 

1) Deburr inside the pipe ends with a reamer, then polish the outside with an emery cloth. 
2) Coat both parts with flux and fit them together—wherever the flux is, the solder will flow. 
3) Hold a propane torch flame on one side of the joint. When the flux bubbles, touch the solder to the other side of the joint and move the flame away. The solder will be sucked all around the fitting. "The heat draws the solder toward the hottest point," says Richard Trethewey. 
4) Immediately wipe the joint with a damp rag. New joint, no sweat.

29.  Deal With a Strong Smell of Gas

A closed-up kitchen with gas flowing from an open unlit burner can create a combustible atmosphere in as little as 10 seconds. So if you smell gas—we mean really smell gas—do not turn on the lights or use a telephone, cell phone, flashlight, or computer, all of which could create a spark, blowing the place sky high. Instead, haul everybody out of there and call the gas utility or the fire department immediately.

30.  Stem a Flood-and Save Your Wiring

As a safety measure, you should know where your main water and electrical shutoffs are. The water shutoff will be near where the water enters the house. Look for a metal wheel or a flat handle like a paddle. Or check outside for a mini manhole cover—the shutoff may be there. The main electrical switch will be in or near the main box. On an old fuse system, it may be a big lever or a handle that pulls out a whole block. On a modern breaker box it will be an isolated switch near the top of the box. Flip it to keep the circuits (and you, too) from getting fried.

31.  Spot Asbestos

Can't always tell by looking, but there are likely places you'll find the carcinogenic mineral fiber, widely used in homes built before 1970. If your pipe and water-heater insulation resembles troweled-on plaster, don't even touch it—the tiny particles get airborne quite quickly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos may also be in the metal used for these pipes and furnaces, as well as in other kinds of insulation, artificial ashes in gas fireplaces, ceiling tiles, cement siding shingles, textured paint, patching compounds, and vinyl floor tiles made before 1986.

Undisturbed, the material shouldn't pose a risk. But to be safe, you should have a licensed and bonded asbestos abatement contractor encapsulate or remove it.

32.  Keep Grout, Cement, or Plaster from Roughing Up Your Hands

Clean your hands with lemon juice or vinegar. The acid neutralizes the caustic alkalinity in these materials and keeps skin from drying out.

33.  Paint a Double-Hung Window

Toss the blue tape. Your number-one tool is a 1½- to 2-inch sash brush. Its angled bristles come to a point, giving you a fine line. Raise the bottom sash and lower the top sash so they've almost switched places. 
1) Paint the exposed parts of the top sash (now on the bottom), including the muntins. 
2) Carry a thin line of paint onto the glass to seal the glazing. Next, nearly close the window and 
3) paint the rest of the top sash, as well as 
4) the entire bottom sash, without getting paint between the sash and the stops (the pieces of wood in front that hold them in place). 
5) Then paint the casing, sill, and apron. Before the paint dries, move the sash up and down. "If you can't see a clear crack between the sash and the stop because of wet paint," says Tom Silva, "then you just glued the window shut."

34.  Secure a Loose Screw

You'll need to fill in the hole before you can get the screw back in tight. The best filler is more wood, held in place with yellow carpenter's glue. Matchsticks, toothpicks, golf tees, packed in tightly, will do the trick. But better yet is a piece of ⅜-inch dowel. First, use a ⅜-inch drill bit to enlarge the hole. Cut off a small length of dowel with a utility knife or small saw. Dab it with glue and tap it into the hole. When the glue is dry, use a chisel or the saw to slice off the excess. Then drill a new hole and reattach the hardware. And put those golf tees to their intended use.

35.  Repair a Doorbell

A doorbell has three parts—the switch, the bell, and a transformer between them. If you don't hear anything when you press the button, check the switch's wire connections (no worries the voltage is too low to hurt you). Try touching the two wires together; if the bell rings, then you need to replace the switch. If the chime doesn't ring or makes a funny noise, check the bell. Clean it, inspect the wiring, and make sure the hammer isn't bent away from the bell or jammed by dirt. If you still don't hear that welcoming ring-a-ling, then it's likely the transformer is the problem. To fix that, you'll need an electrician.

36.  Open a Door with No Knob

The key is engaging the spindle—the four-sided bar connected to the knob that retracts the bolt or latch. If the knob is off but the spindle is still sticking out, use pliers to grip and turn it. But if the spindle has fallen irretrievably on the far side of the door, find a suitable substitute—say, a large flathead screwdriver or even a fat pen. Fit it tightly into the spindle hole and turn.

37.  Work Safely on an Extension Ladder

Unless your last name is Wallenda, don't try any acrobatics high up—184,000 people were injured last year working on ladders. 

Make sure the ladder's rung locks (those hooks that grab onto the rungs) are anchored in place and the pulley rope is tied to a rung. Use levelers on the feet if you're on uneven ground and a stabilizer at the top if you can't lean on anything sturdy. To set it at the right angle, stand with your toes at the ladder's feet and extend your arms straight out in front of you; your fingertips should brush the ladder's rails.

Face the ladder as you ascend or descend, and never climb higher than the fourth rung from the top. Once there, keep your hips centered between the side rails as you work. This is one situation in which you don't want to overreach.

38.  Stop an Overflowing Toilet

A toilet works by gravity: The water in the tank—just enough to fill the bowl—drops down and pushes waste through the drain. The float drops, opening a valve that lets in water to refill the bowl and the tank simultaneously. The valve closes when the float rises far enough to shut off the water. 

If the water from the tank can't leave the bowl fast enough, then the refill will spill over. To stop the refill action, take off the top of the tank, grab the float, and pull it up to close the valve. That should give you time to reach down and shut off the water, or at least wait for some of the water in the bowl to drain.

39.  Pick Up a Big Paint Spill on Carpet

Cut two pieces of cardboard from a box. Use the edges of the cardboard to corral the pool of paint. Then use the pieces to form a scoop, and lift the liquid back into the bucket. When most of the liquid has been cleared, get two more buckets—one with fresh water and one empty. Saturate the remaining spill with the clean water, then scrape and scoop it up with a fat spoon and put it in the empty bucket. Work fast and continuously, replenishing the clean water as necessary. Rent a carpet cleaner to follow up; just be sure to keep the paint spot wet until it gets there.

40.  Pull Out a Nail Without Marring Trim

Use a block of wood as a fulcrum under the claw of your hammer. The additional height will give you more leverage and the hammer head will push against the block without damaging the trim.

41.  Catalog Your House for Insurance

What should make the master list? Whatever's not nailed down, from furniture and rugs to furs, dishes, and jewelry. If you kept the receipt when you bought these items, great; jot down the value. If not, note where and when you got it.

Then photograph, or better yet, video every room, from every angle. Burn the information onto a couple of disks and send one copy for safekeeping to Aunt Becky on the other side of the country. A tip: Go to knowyourstuff.org for free software that lets you create a virtual replica of your home online and then tally the value of what's in it.

42.  Shovel Snow Without Having a Heart Attack

Heart attack fatalities spike after a heavy snowstorm. Avoid early morning snow clearing; your blood clots more easily after you've been sleeping. And don't drink coffee or smoke before shoveling, because caffeine and nicotine speed your heart rate and constrict blood vessels. When you do go out to tackle the white stuff, try pushing it like a plow instead of lifting. Wet snow is a lot heavier—about 20 pounds per cubic foot
and won't push well. If that's the case, then make sure to keep your back straight and your knees bent as you drive the shovel into the snow (1). Lift with your legs (2), then walk to the place you want to dump it (3). Spraying silicone on your shovel before you use it makes the snow slide off more easily. If you get winded, take a breather, have some cocoa, and come out later to finish the job.

43.  Keep in Contact During a Blackout

Remember that outdated push-button phone you tossed in the attic—the boxy one with only 12 keys, a tangled spring cord, and no electrical plug? That will work, unlike your cordless, which runs on electricity, or your cell phone, which relies on a tower that runs on electricity. If you sold yours at that garage sale years ago, head to RadioShack for a cheap princess phone. Then find a place to plug it in, so it'll ring on when the power's off.

44.  Fix a Hemmer Mark on Trim

If the ding's on a finished surface, poke the area repeatedly with a needle, then flick several drops of water on it. Cover it with a damp rag and iron it on the cotton setting. The water absorbed into the wood will evaporate and expand the crushed wood cells. Concentrate the iron's heat on just the shape of the ding by placing an upside down bottle cap over it. Repeat until the wood regains its shape.

45.  Reuse Paint Thinner

Clean brushes used to apply oil-based finishes in a wide-mouthed jar filled with paint thinner, then cover the jar and let the paint residue settle to the bottom. After a few days, carefully pour off the clarified solvent into another jar. Cap the jar and save it for the next cleaning. Let the residue in the first jar dry and harden (keep it away from flames), then discard.

46.  Get Free Advice from the Guy at the Hardware Store

Like a wise neighborhood pharmacist who dispenses free advice, your local hardware store clerk is a pro on demand—and in demand. So don't wait until you're renovating to get on his radar. Make his place of business a regular pit stop for essentials on the way home from work or in the afternoon; avoid Saturday mornings. Make friends in his down time, and you're guaranteed special attention when you need it. "A lot of people start a project and get in over their heads," says John Olson, owner of Home Hardware, a 53-year-old business in Waldwick, New Jersey. "We're happy to help out. And if they're a regular, we'll open up a tab and guide them from demolition to finishing."

47.  Safely Lash Lumber to Your Car

If you must haul your stack of 2x4s home rather than wait a day for delivery (which can also put you out $50 or so), lay the boards from front to back on the car roof to minimize wind resistance. Cushion the load with cardboard so you don't scratch your car's paint, and stack the wood neatly. Secure it at two or more points with ratcheting straps, wrapping the straps through your open front and rear car doors before closing the doors over them. Bypass bungee cords, which won't allow you to close the doors. Have an employee at the lumberyard check your work, and fasten a flag to it before you drive off—carefully.

TIPS FOR A TRAVELING MUSICIAN

JULY 17, 2012 - TIPS FOR A TRAVELING MUSICIAN 

Here then, are a few rules of the road for the inexperienced traveling musician:

You do have to pay speeding tickets you acquire in states and provinces other than your own. The days when states couldn't share each other’s information are long gone, along with 49 cents/gallon gas and cigarette jingles. I would also strongly discourage trying the line: “I’m sorry officer. I’m from . . . (Texas, Nevada, Germany, etc). I think our speed limit is higher there.”  Not only will the officer think you’re insulting his/her intelligence, he may also hate Texas, Nevada or Germany, and possibly every other place you've ever driven a motor vehicle. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay speeding tickets you pick up in foreign countries too. Those pesky cameras are common in some countries, and trying to reason with one of them is pretty fruitless too.




If a sign by an exit advertises gas, food, and lodging, but you don’t actually see any gas, food, or lodging from the highway, it isn't actually there. It’s a cruel trick to make you drive into their struggling downtown and gaze at their nicely decorated but completely closed gas stations. There’s some logic to this rule too: if you had a business that was less than half a mile from a four-lane highway, wouldn't you make sure it was visible? I know this isn't very mystical of me, but in this case, if you can’t see it, it doesn't exist. Drive on to the next exit.




If you’re at a Waffle House (and if you’re driving through Texas, this is inevitable) and you receive bad service, simply walk over to the jukebox and play $5.00 worth of Waffle House songs. This is worse than giving a bad tip, so only resort to this if they’re incompetent and rude. Do this right before you leave, but stick around long enough to hear “Special Lady at the Waffle House.” That song makes me cry.




If you book a hotel room online, the rooms will never look as good as the pictures, so gauge accordingly. It’s roughly the equivalent to the scale used to determine’s someone’s attractiveness based on their Facebook profile picture.




In general, unless you’re some kind of miracle worker with the “malted waffle” iron, the complimentary breakfast at most road hotels is a reminder that you get what you pay for.




Do not eat Chinese food at a truck stop.




Do not order Mexican food from any server who can’t pronounce “quesadilla.”




When driving through Dallas-Fort Worth, spontaneously cut across three lanes of traffic for no reason, without signaling. Otherwise they’ll know you’re from out of town.




Do not drive in San Antonio, except between the hours of 1:00 and 4:00 a.m.


The voice on your GPS isn't a real person who has ever driven where you’re going. He or she could be wrong.


Airport security is a breeze: All you have to do is remember to have nothing in your pockets if you’re going through the full body scanner, but keep paper in your pockets if you’re just going through the regular metal detector; remove your laptop from its case and keep it by itself in its own tray (usually); remove your shoes and place them in a separate tray (though other items are now allowed in that tray), except in Canada, where shoe removal isn’t required, unless it’s a U.S. bound flight; you no longer need to show your boarding pass, until you get to the gate, and you won’t need ID at the gate if it’s a domestic flight, unless you’re in Canada, where you need ID at the gate and you should show your boarding pass at security; remove your jacket and remove your belt, but keep watches and glasses on, although you’re permitted to remove them. No liquids or gels are permitted, unless they’re less than 3.4 ounces per container, and all containers fit into a 1 quart clear plastic bag (that has never been used to freeze salmon); that bag must be removed from you carry-on bag. Christmas snow globes are prohibited (this is because a hijacker might attempt to hypnotize the pilot with it). Once you’re past security you can bring as many gallons of liquid in the plane as you can carry. Got all that? Also, don’t make jokes about terrorism, bombs, or Cat Stevens, or you could be thrown into airport jail and be forced to drink everyone else’s confiscated liquid.




Don’t ever try to reevaluate your life while wandering bleary-eyed through a gas station convenience store at 3:00 a.m.-AND DON'T EAT THE BISCUITS AND GRAVY!

MONDAY MORNING BLUES

JULY 16, 2012 - MONDAY MORNING BLUES

         

It is fast approaching Monday morning again, the time most of us have been dreading since about eight o'clock Sunday evening. If the thought of someone just brimming with joy speaks to you before your first cup of coffee makes your blood boil, you probably have a case of the Mondays. Not even the person who fully loves what they do in their 8-5 can say they have never had the urge to slap someone silly for being too happy on the dreaded day 1 of the week.

Our cubicles are like dungeons, dark and deserted until we breathe life into them by flipping on lights, turning on our mini clock radios (that we strain our precious ears to hear) and of course the humming of our computers. Some of us have tried to go to bed earlier in hopes of not having that gut-wrenching feeling of nausea and anxiety but the fact of the matter is that we love our weekends and Monday's are the last thing we look forward to. Here are some fun tips to help overcome the Monday Morning Blues.

*Listen to a song that you love. Something upbeat that reminds you that you are lucky to be awake, and sing it out loud in the car. Who cares if the person next to you thinks you are insane.

*Sleep in a extra 10 minutes in the morning. It is okay to rush a little, "your" song will calm you down once you are in he car.

*Pack your lunch the night before. If you have things in order before you go to bed you can just "grab and go".

*Make sure you have enjoyed your weekend fully. Whether it was going out all weekend (partying or hanging with your kids), or lounging in your PJ's all day Sunday it's okay. You have enjoyed your time and you'll be ready to hit the grind.

*Plan your Friday activity! Plan to go out to dinner and a movie with your sweetie, go to Happy Hour with your friends. You must have something to look forward to.

*Read posts like this and do your job!! Once the day is over- run, don't stop and don't ever ever think about your job until the next morning when you get there!

Come on Friday!

WHEN SLEEP WON'T COME

JULY 13, 2012 - WHEN SLEEP WON'T COME 

After the late night at the Texaco Country Showdown (8:00pm is my bedtime), I was exhausted, but could not wind down and fall asleep.  I did a little research this morning to see if there were better ways to drift off, and found a lot of information!  This is just a bit of it:

Herbal sleeping pills and natural sleep aids

Many people with insomnia choose herbal remedies for treatment, although their effectiveness is unclear. Some remedies, such as lemon balm or chamomile tea are generally harmless. However, others can have more serious side effects and can interfere with prescribed medications, which can be dangerous. St. John’s Wort, for example, can limit the effectiveness of many prescribed medications such as blood thinners, birth control pills, and some anticancer medications. Check with your healthcare professional if you are trying a herbal remedy.

Herbal sleep aids

There are several herbs thought to help sleep, including chamomile, valerian root, kava kava, lemon balm, passionflower, lavender, and St. John’s Wort. Many people drink chamomile tea for its gentle sedative properties, although it may cause allergic reactions in those with plant or pollen allergies. While there is some data showing valerian to be useful for insomnia, at high doses it can cause vivid dreams, blurred vision, changes in heart rhythm, and excitability. 

Melatonin as a sleep aid

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that increases at night. It is triggered by dark and levels remain elevated throughout the night until suppressed by the light of morning. However, most studies have found melatonin to be no more beneficial than a sugar pill (placebo). Some positive results have been shown in helping jet lag and night shift workers, but simple exposure to light at the right time might be just as effective.

Tryptophan and L-tryptophan as sleep aids

Tryptophan is a basic amino acid used in the formation of the chemical messenger serotonin, a substance in the brain that helps tell your body to sleep. L-tryptophan is a common byproduct of tryptophan, which the body can change into serotonin. Some studies have shown that L-tryptophan can help people fall asleep faster. Results, however, have been inconsistent.

Alternatives to sleeping pills, sleep aids & medications

Research has shown that changing your sleep environment and bedtime behaviors is one of the most effective ways to combat insomnia. Even if you decide to use sleeping pills or medications in the short-term, experts recommend making changes in your lifestyle and bedtime behavior as a long-term remedy to sleep problems. Behavioral and environmental changes can have more of a positive impact on sleep than sleeping pills, sleep aids, or other medications, without the risk of side effects or dependence.

Relaxation techniques as an alternative to sleeping pills

Relaxation techniques that can relieve stress and help you sleep include simple meditation practices, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, tai chi, and the use of deep breathing. With a little practice, these skills can help you unwind at bedtime and improve your sleep better than a sleeping pill or sleep aid. Try:

• A relaxing bedtime routine. Focus on quiet, soothing activities, such as reading, gentle yoga, or listening to soft music before bed. Keep the lights low to naturally boost melatonin.
• Abdominal breathing. Most of us don’t breathe as deeply as we should. When we breathe deeply and fully, involving not only the chest, but also the belly, lower back, and ribcage, it can actually help the part of our nervous system that controls relaxation. Close your eyes and try taking deep, slow breaths, making each breath even deeper than the last. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Make each exhale a little longer than each inhale.
• Progressive muscle relaxation is easier than it sounds. Lie down or make yourself comfortable. Starting with your feet, tense the muscles as tightly as you can. Hold for a count of 10, then relax. Continue to do this for every muscle group in your body, working your way up from your feet to the top of your head.

Exercise as an alternative to sleeping pills

Studies have shown that exercise during the day can improve sleep at night. When we exercise we experience a significant rise in body temperature, followed a few hours later by a significant drop. This drop in body temperature makes it easier for us to fall asleep and stay asleep. The best time to exercise is late afternoon or early evening, rather than just before bed.

Aerobic exercises are the best to combat insomnia as they increase the amount of oxygen that reaches the blood. Try exercise such as jogging, walking briskly, using a stationary bike or treadmill, dancing, or jumping rope. Check with your doctor first to make sure you are healthy enough for physical activity and remember to stretch before and after your workouts.

How much exercise will improve sleep?

One study by Stanford University of Medicine researchers concluded that people who performed regular, moderately-intense aerobic exercise for 30 to 40 minutes four times a week, slept almost an hour longer than those who did no exercise at all. As well as enjoying better quality sleep, the exercisers were also able to cut the time it took to fall asleep by half.

Source: National Institutes of Health

Sleep is an essential part of our routine, and losing it can be devastating for your health overall.  Try to always get the amount of sleep your body needs! J

25 Garden Pest Remedies

July 12, 2012 - 25 Garden Pest Remedies

25 Garden Pest Remedies

 • Test homemade sprays on a small portion of the plant before applying it to the entire surface. Monitor the plant’s response for a couple of days to check for burning.


•Add a few drops of liquid soap to homemade foliar sprays. It helps to emulsify, or blend together, the other ingredients. It also acts as a surfactant, or wetting agent, which will ensure uniform coverage on leaf surfaces or insect bodies (causing desiccation and death). Always use soap (never detergent) so as not to burn plants; good choices are Dr. Bronner’s, Fels Naptha, or any pure castile soap, all of which can be found in health-food stores.


•Apply sprays early in the morning and never when the temperature is above 85°F to prevent sunburned leaves.


•Wear rubber gloves when using any sprays containing peppers, alcohol, citrus concentrates, mint oils, or anything else that could irritate your skin. And when spraying outdoors in breezy conditions, wear eye and nose protection.


•Examine your plants thoroughly before apply- ing sprays to make sure that you aren’t spraying any spiders or beetles that might be your allies in the fight against pests.

Deterrents for deer 
Most gardeners agree that a strong, tall fence (preferably electric), tilted outward at a 45-degree angle, or two fences about 5 feet apart are the longest-lasting solutions to a deer problem. But if a fence isn’t in your budget or doesn’t fit in with your garden design, here are some alternatives:

• Dangle strips of Mylar or compact discs from tree branches to alarm deer.
• Poke a hole with a needle and fishing line through tiny, scented bars of soap (wrappers on), and hang several on each shrub or tree in your garden. A Smithsonian Institution research team found Lifebuoy soap to be the best.


• Make your own deer repellent. Rotten eggs and beef bouillon are ingredients in many commercial deer repellents. Break 1 dozen eggs into a bucket, add 4 cubes of beef bouillon, and fill the bucket with water. Cover it with a lid, and let the mixture sit until it stinks. Add 2 tablespoons of liquid soap per gallon of liquid, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Then hold your nose and spray the plants. Do not spray it directly on plants that you will consume; instead, spray it around them to create an invisible barrier.

Simple ways to keep rabbits at bay 
The heartbreak caused by a mowed-down sunflower, hosta, tulip, or whatever happened to be on the resident rabbit’s menu that day is something no gardener should have to bear. Here are a few tricks I use to divert those rascally rabbits:

• Shake baby powder or flour on young seedlings and garlic powder on mature plants to make them unpalatable.


• Surround prized bushes or herbaceous plants with a thick planting of garlic and wormwood to offend rabbits’ discriminating sense of smell.


• Encircle plants with small branches of spiny holly leaves or the large, dried, prickly seed vessels of the sweet gum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua). The evergreen holly branches can be collected and used anytime. Gather the sweet gum pods in the fall, and store them in a dry area. In early spring, place them firmly in the soil surrounding the plants.

Moles be gone 
To discourage moles, sink a line of glass bottles into the soil with about 1 inch of neck exposed. The whistling sound of wind blowing across the bottle tops disrupts moles’ sensitive hearing and hinders their ability to find prey. Poking several noisy toy windmills into the soil will also disturb moles, as the vibrations will drive them away.

Moles dislike garlic, so try dropping some crushed cloves into the run. You can also repel them with a castor-oil concoction. Mix 8 tablespoons of castor oil and 1 tablespoon of liquid soap in 1 gallon of water. Dig down into one of the critter’s runs, and pour the mixture inside.

Barriers and baits for slugs and snails
Slugs and snails are responsible for wiping out many a gardener’sdreams. I create barriers around prized plants to protect them from annihilation. Copper strips produce a shock to snails and slugs trying to cross them. Wrap inexpensive, thin copper, found in craft stores, around pots, plants, and trees to create a protective barrier. Pine needles, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, or diatomaceous earth (fossilized, silica-shell remains of prehistoric diatoms that desiccate insect bodies) provide a scratchy barrier and should be reapplied after a rain. Always purchase natural diatomaceous earth because swimming-pool grade contains crystalline silica, a respiratory hazard.

• I also use several bait techniques to catch slugs and snails; then I scrape the creatures into soapy water in the morning. Here are some ways to lure them:


• Set out fresh grapefruit and melon rinds each evening in a moist, shady area plagued by slugs and snails.


• Lay empty flowerpots or milk cartons on their sides in a shady area.


• Water a small portion of your yard in the evening, and put down a small, wooden board that is elevated slightly on a rock. The slugs and snails will congregate on the board’s underside.

Japanese beetle busters 
Like slugs and snails, Japanese beetles have plagued gardeners for years. One way to stop them in their tracks is to suck them up with a small, handheld vacuum. Another way is to throw a handful of larkspur or delphinium leaves into a blender, add the blend to 1 gallon of water, and spray the mixture onto plants being attacked by Japanese beetles. The deadly alkaloids (deliosine and delsoline) in the leaves will zap the beetles.

Some gardeners have had success deterring Japanese beetles by planting a ring of garlic and chives around the affected plants, while others bounce those bugs into a bucket of warm, soapy water with a long-handled spatula or spoon. It is a natural defense for a bug to drop to the ground, so the Japanese beetles will fall straight into their sudsy demise. Try to catch them in the early morning when they’re still a little sluggish.

Red-pepper powder repels pesky critters 
I have been using red-pepper powder for years on everything from cucumber beetles and spittlebugs to leafhoppers and cabbage loopers. Now there is scientific backing for this treatment: Entomologist Geoff Zehnder of Auburn University in Alabama credits McCormick red-pepper powder for protecting cabbages better than any standard chemical insecticide.

Mix 2 tablespoons of red-pepper powder and 6 drops of liquid soap in 1 gallon of water. Let the mixture sit overnight, and stir thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well, and spray weekly on the tops and bottoms of the leaves. This will protect plants, especially members of the cabbage family (including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and brussels sprouts), from destructive insects.

Tricks for removing aphids, mites, and other small insects 
Scientists at Texas A&M University estimate that up to 90 percent of problems with aphids, mites, and spittlebug nymphs can be cured by dislodging them with a strong blast of water. You can also use adhesive tape to remove aphids and other small insects from plant leaves. Simply wrap a long piece of tape around your fingers (sticky side out), and blot off the bugs.

For aphids in particular, set a yellow dish filled with soapy water near the plant. Aphids are drawn to the color yellow. For spider mites that persist despite a daily spray of plain water, use a buttermilk spray developed by scientists at Purdue University. Combine 1/4 cup of buttermilk and 2 cups of wheat flour in 2-1/2 gallons of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake the ingredients thoroughly, and spray it on your plants.

An herbal brew to combat troublesome creepy crawlers 
Basil and especially potently scented herbs- such as lavender, rosemary, tansy, southernwood, rue, mint, wormwood, or sage-help fight harmful leafhoppers, aphids, cabbage loopers, mites, cucumber beetles, and many other creepy crawlers. Simply gather a handful of fresh basil leaves and stems and any other herb trimmings you have on hand, crush them slightly, and stuff them into a mesh produce sack, if you have one. Put the sack (or the loose herbs) into a bucket or a large glass jar that is at least 1/2 gallon in size, and fill with water. Cover the container, and set it in the sun to brew for a few days. Remove the sack, or strain the solids from the mixture. Store the liquid in a covered container in a cool, dark area until it's needed as an insecticide. When you're ready to do battle, pour the herbal brew into a spray bottle, add 1/8 teaspoon of liquid soap, and shake well before spraying.

Chamomile tea is a cure-all for fungal diseases 
It’s a little-known fact that chamomile tea has antibacterial and fungicidal properties that will aid plants suffering from fungus and mildew. I often make a simple brew for my sickly plants. Place 16 chamomile tea bags (or 2 cups of dried chamomile flowers) in 2 quarts of water, and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, and allow the tea bags to steep for several hours. Strain, if using dried flowers. Use the tea to irrigate tender seedlings (from the bottom) to prevent damping off, or use as a foliar spray to battle diseases on plants. Because I never let anything go to waste, I also add leftover tea and used tea bags to my watering can.

A tonic for black spot and powdery mildew on roses 
Roses, while beautiful, are often plagued with black spot or powdery mildew. I mix these ingredients into a tonic, which I spray on my roses: 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap or Murphy's oil soap in 2 quarts of water. The tonic protects the roses for months.

Garlic helps thwart noxious diseases 
For plants with a fungal, viral, or bacterial disease, cook up a batch of what I call "garlic soup."  Purée two cloves of garlic in a blender for a minute. Slowly add 1 quart of water, and continue blending for about six minutes. Strain the mixture, and add 1/8 teaspoon of liquid soap. Pour the liquid into a storage container and cover tightly. When you're ready to take action, mix 1 part garlic soup with 10 parts water into a spray bottle and apply the mixture to the top and undersides of your sick plant's leaves, taking caution not to spray beneficial insects and larvae. Scientists have discovered that garlic leaves are potent in their own right, so you can also purée two handfuls of leaves instead of using cloves.

Aspirin is the remedy for fungal headaches 
Black spot, powdery mildew, and rust are a terrible trio of fungi, which can attack and destroy your plants. Scientists have found that two uncoated aspirin tablets (325 milligrams each) dissolved in 1 quart of water and used as a foliar spray can thwart these diseases.

Vinegar wreaks havoc on weeds 
Attack weeds with a directed stream of vinegar (5 percent acidity) mixed with a few drops of liquid soap. You may substitute equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol (70 percent solution) for the vinegar. This works well for areas in stone or brick patios where you don’t want grass or weeds. Drench the weed leaves in the heat of the day. When applying, be careful not to spray any treasured plants; cover them with newspaper for protection.

For large areas, spray the vegetation, lay down pieces of cardboard, top them with shredded bark (a layer at least 3 inches deep), and let the bed “rest” for a season. The next spring, the cardboard will be like mulch, and the bed will be weed-free and easy to work.

Corn gluten prevents weeds.

Corn gluten stops weeds before they start 
Professor Nick Christians and other researchers at Iowa State University found an amazing use for corn gluten meal, the tough, sticky, elastic by-product of milled cornmeal. The protein-rich corn gluten meal contains an herbicide that inhibits root formation during germination, and this effect lasts for months.

Timing is everything when it comes to using corn gluten. If the weed seeds have already germinated and sprouted, this technique won’t work. To protect a newly planted (but unseeded) bed from a weedy invasion, work corn gluten meal into the top 2 to 3 inches of your soil, and water thoroughly. Lawns and existing flower beds can be top-dressed with corn gluten meal. Do not fertilize the treated area for a month after application because corn gluten meal is high in nitrogen.