Planning Summer Picnics and Barbecues

Tips for Tuesday

It’s that time of year again—graduations, Father’s Day, baseball games.  The weather is getting warmer, and that means picnics and barbecues.  Did you ever find yourself at one of these events, only to discover that you forgot the knife to cut the watermelon, or the buns for the hot dogs?  Here is a checklist of items you should pack so you won’t leave anything behind.

FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVING

·         Paper or plastic plates/bowls

·         Napkins

·         Paper cups, glassware

·         Eating utensils (forks, spoons, knives, corn cob holders etc.)

·         Serving utensils (spoons, dishes, etc.)

·         Can/bottle opener

·         Corkscrew

·         Cutting board and small knife

·         Large knife

·         Grill

·         Grilling utensils

·         Charcoal and lighter fluid or propane for grill

·         Lighter or matches

·         Baking soda in case of grilling mishap

FOOD AND DRINK

·         Bottled water

·         Beverages—non-alcoholic (soda, juice, etc.)

·         Beverages—alcoholic (beer, wine, etc.)

·         Main dish and associated items (i.e., buns for burgers)

·         Side salads

·         Snacks

·         Condiments (mustard, ketchup, salt, pepper, butter, mayo, relish, sugar or sweetener, dressings)

·         Marshmallows and skewers for roasting

·         Dessert—watermelon or other fruit, brownies or cookies

·         Candles for cake if necessary

ENTERTAINMENT

·         Portable radio or CD/MP3 player

·         Extra batteries

·         Sports equipment (volleyball and net, baseball and mitts, soccer ball and cones, etc.)

·         Outdoor games (yard darts, Frisbee, croquet set, jump rope, water gun, etc.)

·         Deck of cards

·         Digital Camera

GENERAL ITEMS

·         A blanket or tablecloth—plastic if grass is damp

·         Portable chairs or cushions

·         Cooler and ice for beverages

·         Cooler and ice for food

·         Insect repellent

·         Citronella candles

·         After-bite medication

·         Sun screen

·         First aid supplies

·         Flashlight

·         Cellular phone

·         Apron

·         Sweater or jacket

·         Change of clothes if you’ll be around water

CLEAN-UP

·         Plastic wrap or baggies for leftovers

·         Aluminum foil for hot foods or cooking

·         Large trash bag for garbage

·         Paper towels

·         Baby wipes or wet wipes

·         Hand sanitizer

Stay safe by washing hands before and after food preparation, keeping cold foods cold, refrigerating leftovers immediately, cooking meat thoroughly, and dousing all coals or fires before leaving the area.

Storing Off-season Clothes

Tips for Tuesday

It seems like we had our Spring/Summer in March and now it's back to Fall, despite the fact the calendar says "April".  If we pulled out our summer clothes last month, hopefully we didn't store our winter clothes yet, because we still need them.  But when it does finally warm up for good, we'll have to store our sweaters and coats.  Here are some tips for storing your off-season clothes:

·         Clean and repair everything before storing.  This includes zippers, buttons and stains.

·         If it won't fit your children next year, then don't keep it.  Hand it down or donate it.

·         Get rid of stray mittens/gloves.

·         To keep whites from fading, wrap them in white tissue paper, then in a dark color to keep out the light.

·         Store in plastic tubs rather than cardboard boxes to deter rodents and bugs.

·         Furs should be cleaned and stored professionally.

·         Leather shoes/boots should be cleaned and moisturized.  Dry thoroughly before storing. 

·         Stuff leather boots and shoes with newspaper or tissue so they don't get crushed.

·         Clean salt and dirt from snow boots before storing.

·         Clean and moisturize your leather handbags, then stuff them with paper to retain their shape.

·         Cedar lined closets or boxes work well against moths.  If you don't have a cedar closet, then use lavender sachets or moth balls to deter moths.

·         Sweaters should be stored folded rather than on hangers to retain their shape. 

·         Remove clothes from dry-cleaning bags if your storage space is damp (basement, attic).  Moisture may build up inside the bag and cause mold or mildew.

·         Fold wool blankets and store them in a cedar-lined chest.

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Four

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Four of our February Series

22. Keep your cell phone charging. If the power goes out, it will still be at full strength. If you are in your car, keep it charging while you drive so it doesn’t drain.
23. Check transportation schedules before you go. If you take a train or bus, check to see if they are on time and running a full schedule. You may be stuck at work if they cancel trains. Do you have a place to stay if that happens? Don’t get caught walking or driving to the station, only to find out al trains have been canceled.
24. Call your destination before you go. If you are scheduled to work or fly, check to see that your place of work is open or flights are still operating. If you must shop or get gas, call first before venturing out.
25. Check on any elderly neighbors, friends or relatives. Do they need help shoveling out? Did they lose power? Do they have enough food?
26. Don’t go out unless absolutely necessary. Not only will this keep you safe, but less drivers means less chance for accidents, and a better opportunity to plow and salt streets. Listen to the news before you go.
27. Use the time as quality time with your family. Make it a movie or game night. Share stories in front of the fire, or bake some cookies.

We can't always predict when a catasrophe will happen, but if we are prepared, the journey home will be much easier.

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Three

Part Three--Preparing for a Winter Storm

15. Do you have medications that will be expiring in the next few days? Fill them now, in case you can’t get out during or after the storm.

16. Have plenty of cash on hand. ATM machines may not be working or you may need to pay/tip service personnel.

17. Keep your pets safe in this weather. Protect their feet by using a de-icer that is safe for their paws. If you walk them, watch for salt on the streets, and wipe their feet when they come inside. Check for salt between their toes.

18. Do not let pets stay outside too long in severe weather. Although they have fur coats, they are still susceptible to exposure. Dry them off when they come inside.

19. If you anticipate a winter storm on a day you have a doctor’s appointment or other such engagement, cancel them ahead of time, rather than on that day, so the office can schedule their staff accordingly.

20. Stock up on firewood. If your heat goes out, this may be your only source of warmth.

21. What alternate power sources do you have if the electricity goes out? Purchase a generator to at least keep minimum power on. Have new batteries for your flashlights. If you use candles, never leave them unattended in a room.