In the Home Articles from Slightly Creaky

The articles listed here are original commentary written by Slightly Creaky co-founder and editor, Roberta Rosengarten. Articled used with permission from other sources are not included here.

2010

• May, 2010: Spring Cleaning
• April, 2010: Yellow Jacket Woes
• February, 2010: Rat-Pack Syndrome

2008-9  

• December, 2009: Misplaced Items
• November, 2009: National Wildlife Habitat
• October, 2009: Living With A Retired Husband
• September, 2009: Love My Pet, But Hate The Mess
• August, 2009: Swim Spas
• July, 2009: Road Paving
• June, 2009: Fred
• May, 2009: Attractive Nuisances
  
• April, 2009: Container Gardening
• March, 2009: Comparing TV Service Companies
  
• February, 2009: Avoiding Reassessment
  
• January, 2009: Plan Your Summer Cruise Now
  
• December, 2008: Saving Food
  
• November, 2008: Kitchen Floors
  
• October, 2008: Winterization
  
• September, 2008: Solar Tubes
  
• August, 2008: Online Aptitude Tests
  
• July, 2008: Geocaching
  
• June, 2008: Deck Projects
  
• May, 2008: Self-Stirring Mug
  

Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning

It’s that time of the year again to give your home a thorough cleaning. Start by focusing your efforts on the largest chores and on the places that make the most difference to you such as furnishings, appliances and carpeting. Once you've taken care of these major chores you'll have your home looking great.

Attack your house one area at a time and have everyone in the household pitch in, assigning jobs according to age level.  You may be surprised as to how much help your children can actually be.

Be sure to give your doormats a good cleaning by first shaking them and then putting them through the wash.  They are your front line against tracked-in dirt so keep them clean enough so that they are as efficient as possible.

Clean carpets and upholstery. Fabrics that have absorbed a winter's worth of dirt, body oil, and germs will need a deep cleaning to get them ready for another year of wear and you will also want them to look good when houseguests visit. When you're shampooing carpets or cleaning upholstery with a rented carpet cleaner, practice first in a hidden area to make sure you know how to properly operate the machine and that the treatment won't discolor fabrics or cause dyes to run. 

Save time by moving furniture just slightly, not out of the room or against the wall.  Then place the legs of each piece back on top of small wax paper squares after shampooing. The wax paper will protect your carpet and keep the furniture legs from getting wet as the carpet dries. Open the windows to speed the drying process, which can take a day or more. If you're overwhelmed by the enormity of this task call in a professional carpet and upholstery cleaner to do the work for you. 

To protect the floors in your kitchen from wear and tear, wax or apply a sealer making sure to follow label directions. It is easiest to use a combination wash-and-wax floor cleaner. No-wax floors don't need to be polished, but an occasional treatment will keep them looking fresher and will add a protective buffer that could help them last longer. Use a floor cleaner that cleans, shines, or both.  Only use products that specify that they are meant for use on no-wax surfaces.  Make sure to follow label directions for proper use of each product. If you have wood floors, move furniture and rugs aside.  Then apply a wood cleaner and either liquid or paste polish to clean and add a new wax coating.

Your walls may not look as if they need a cleaning but there are sure to be areas that could use some scrubbing.  Use a sponge and mild soap, washing the surface in sections. Be careful not to scrub too hard or you may accidentally remove paint.

It is not really necessary to remove all furniture off carpeting prior to vacuuming. Simply move those big items a little to the left or to the right. Vacuum the area previously occupied by the furniture and then move the items back into place.

Ceiling fans and vents should be cleaned first with a cloth and then vacuumed with a soft brush attachment. If your home has skylights or tall ceilings, consider investing in a stepladder and extended-reach dust and dirt removal tools, all of which should be available at your local department and hardware store.

It is very important to clean the refrigerator's condenser coil, usually found behind the bottom grille, with a vacuum cleaner.  Built-up dust can shut down the unit by causing it to overheat.  Upon doing this you may find some interesting items such as twist ties, coins, paper clips, etc.  You might even find a toy mouse that your cat has been pining for.

Additional Resources:

Spring Cleaning Made Easy
Spring Cleaning Tips
Spring Cleaning Made Simple

Yellow Jacket Woes

Yellow Jacket Woes

Although usually known as ground dwellers, it is possible for yellow jackets to build their nests inside a home and then eat their way through ceilings and walls. As a result of their love for drywall they can then enter a home and wreak havoc unless they are stopped.

I have had the misfortune of having encounters of this sort twice in the past, the first being in my previous home where yellow jackets had built a nest in one of the walls of the finished basement.  Picture my dismay upon walking into this room and seeing dozens of these creatures, some barely alive and most very much alive.  I was especially horrified since I am highly allergic to stinging insects. 

The second time I came across a situation like this was this past summer.  While walking down my upstairs hallway I came across a couple of yellow jackets lounging on the linen closet door.  At first I figured that they had simply managed to slip in the house and disposed of them without a problem.  I was then shocked upon entering my office a moment later to discover dozens of them swarming around the room.  At this point I was terrified and had no idea how so many had gotten into the house.  To make matters worse I was by myself and two of my cats were in the room chasing after these intruders.  Luckily I have an electrified fly swatter so I had some line of defense.  My only thought was to try to get the cats out of the room before either of them or I got stung.  I couldn’t just simply close the door so I tried to kill as many of them as I could and hoped to eventually find out where they were coming from. 

After dispatching most of them, I discovered a pile of powder on a bookcase.  Looking up I noticed a small hole in the ceiling above the bookcase with little feet wiggling around, very obviously another yellow jacket trying to get through the hole.  By then both cats were out of harms way and I was finally able to close the door and seal the bottom with a towel.

Upon describing the situation to an exterminator early the next morning, it was determined that the little buggers had likely built a relatively large nest in the attic housing hundreds of unwanted occupants. Fortunately I was able to get a professional to remove it almost immediately.  He donned a beekeeper’s suit, killed what was up there and hauled away the entire nest in a special container.  At the rate that they were nibbling away at the plasterboard part of the ceiling could have very possibly collaped and I might have wound up with the whole nest in my office.  Definitely not at all a pleasant thought.

Removing the nest is the best option to assure a complete and quick kill as leaving a large nest could leave large amounts of dead larvae rotting. Amateurs who attempt to handle one of these themselves take great chances and rarely get optimal results. Don't even think about handling one of these yourself. You literally could be taking your life in your hands as this species has the most dangerous sting. Also, yellow jackets can sting more than once and when they do sting, a pheromone is released that calls other yellow jackets to the area to attack the target. 

If you hear noises in the walls or ceiling or suddenly notice a new stain, you may possibly have a yellow jacket problem and should address this issue before things get out of hand. You should get estimates from reputable, licensed, professional pest control operators who have the experience, equipment and most effective insecticides to get the best job done.

Rat-pack Syndrome

Rat-Pack Syndrome

For most people, collecting is a perfectly healthy behavior. It's an outlet for expressing passion for just about anything, such as stamps, wine, art, shoes, sports cards and comic books. Everything is fair game. However, in some cases, collecting may get out of hand. People have been known to hoard items compulsively, not out of necessity, appreciation, or financial investment. They just find themselves unable to part with anything.  Abnormal collecting can disrupt normal life, causing problems for the collector and the people they live with.

A compulsive pack rat is not of any specific age or gender.  A person with this problem may hoard items due to certain events which may have happened in his or her life. A  behavior often seen is hoarding of items which no longer have any value. This could be in the form of sentimental objects which are no longer of any use or of items which someone wants to keep out of fear of forgetting particular memories.

At worst, compulsive hoarding can cause fires, unclean conditions such as rodent infestations, injuries caused by tripping on clutter, and other health and safety hazards, The hoarder may mistakenly believe that the items are very valuable, or may realize that they are useless. A pack rat may have a refrigerator filled with food items that expired months ago without ever eating them, but would vehemently resist any attempts from relatives to dispose of the unusable food items.

This is a disease which must be treated. However, you should not become confrontational and should first work on a specific strategy prior to talking with a person who you feel has this problem. You should talk with his or her family members and make a decision on how you want to handle this behavior as a group.  It will not help you if you decide to confront the person by yourself as you will more than likely need help from others in making this person address his or her problem.

Have you ever put aside broken items with the expectation that you'll get them fixed one day? Chances are that these items are still where you left them and they're still broken. Immediately schedule a date on your calendar and repair them when the date rolls around or toss the items right now while you are thinking of it.

Beware of being held hostage by your possessions. When your stuff begins taking over your life and you spend all your time climbing over things, looking for missing items, and fretting over where you'll put your next treasure, you are wasting precious time that you can never buy back. As a rule, if you don't use it or enjoy it, it's nothing more than clutter. If you don't know what it is, it's clutter. If it's too nice to use, it's clutter. Toss it or give it to someone who will use it and appreciate it.

Resources:
 Extreme Pack rats Need Help
How to Know If You Are A Hoarder Or Just A Messy Housekeeper
Pack-Rat Syndrome
The Brothers Grim

Misplaced Items

Misplaced Items

You are just about to run out the door in a hurry when you go to grab your keys only to find that your keys are not where they should be, nor are they in your purse or coat pocket. You don't usually realize you have misplaced something until you need it, so it is normal for you to feel alarmed and stressed out. The next time you have lost something try these hints before starting to panic.

Above all it is important to remain calm.  If you start feeling anxious you will have trouble thinking clearly and will have an even more difficult time recalling where the item might be. Sit down and take a few deep, controlled breaths. Breathe in through your nose and exhale deeply through your lips. The deep breathing will not only lower your stress level but also give you something to focus on, often allowing your subconscious to recall where you placed the item.

Next, retrace your steps. This may seem unimportant but it really does work. While you might be certain there is no way you could have put your cell phone in the freezer when you were taking out something for dinner, check anyway. When you have many different things going on you can do some unusual things. 

If you’re not alone be sure to ask for help. Tell whomever is around that you are missing something. You’d be surprised how one of them might be able to spot that missing item.  I did just that after recently misplacing a credit card after placing an online order.  I knew it had to be somewhere upstairs in my house and spent a couple of hours searching for it in vain.  A short while after asking for my spouse’s help he found it in his wallet where I had accidentally placed it because I wasn’t paying attention when I put it away.

Look again. If you generally keep the missing item in one specific place but you didn't find it there, double check. It could just be that you overlooked it. Also, look in the nearby vicinity to see if it could have fallen onto the floor, into a drawer or perhaps even a sofa cushion. 

Check the mirror. How many times have you misplaced your glasses only to find them on top of your head? If that doesn't work look around the house again, saying the name of the item out loud. This will help you focus and find an item you might be looking right at but not seeing in your heightened state of alarm.

If you still cannot find the item you are missing, try and come up with an accceptable substitute. Does your spouse have a spare set of keys? Do you have a spare pair of glasses that you can make do with for now? Once you let go and go on about your day you might be pleasantly surprised when your item miraculously reappears.  Believe it or not I have found more lost items when I haven’t been actively searching for them.

Misplacing items is generally an attention issue.  You may toss your keys down when you walk through the door while preoccupied with something else. A few hours later, you can't remember where you put them.  Pay attention when you're putting things down, try to put your belongings in the same place every day, and there will be less of a chance of you forgetting where you have placed something. 

How To Find Lost Objects

Top 10 List Of Most Misplaced Items

National Wildlife Habitat

National Wildlife Habitat

I am registered, and so are my birds, deer, woodchucks, chipmunks, and squirrels. The front quarter acre of my property is a carefully tended shrub and ground cover garden, hosta, pachysandra, mugho pine, boxwoods, azalea, and more than a dozen others, carefully tended, weeded, and eaten.

Over the twenty years that we have lived in this house, hundreds of hours have been devoted annually to the care of my front yard. The four variety of hosta, originally cultivated by my mother at her house in Danbury almost 30 years ago, are separated and repositioned every three to four years. The endless field of pachysandra, which threatens to take over the entire property every year, is lovingly torn out in chunks as it encroaches into the pines and smoke trees.  The azalea, fenced in during the winter, has doubled in size every year since 2004.

Giving in to the strength, ferocity, and endless appetite of the neighboring woodland creatures, this year I gave the place to them. Oh, it’s still lovingly cultivated, but in recognition that the animals have as much right to the land as we do, I have registered it with the National Wildlife Federation as an animal habitat. We have a sign to prove it.

The National Wildlife Federation was founded in 1936, “to protect wildlife for our children's future.” They produce monthly magazines (including Ranger Rick for children), provide information and programs for the protection of habitats and animals, and disseminate information through various news media.

They are not PETA. Unlike some of the members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the NWF does not advocate activism, and it does understand the need for wildlife control. More than anything, the NWF is an educational organization.

With over 100,000 registered members, their Certified Wildlife Habitat program encourages people, especially those with children, to create a landscape that is friendly to both humans and animals. 

The Hudson Valley is an ideal location for this. Many of us own acreage with woods, shrubs, and other locations that are the natural homes for animals and birds. With a little work, these areas can become attractive and safe homes for native creatures and plants. 

To qualify as a Certified Wildlife Habitat (see their online application, $15 to register), you need to preserve and enhance what nature has already provided: food, water, and protective areas for the animals. The food can be plants, producing the berries, leaves, roots, and nuts that the local animals utilize. Water is in abundance in the Hudson Valley, although a birdbath or a water garden can be provided if there are no ponds or streams nearby (watch out for standing water that might attract mosquitoes though).

While the pachysandra and shrubs in my yard provide homes for the small mammals, and the trees attract birds and squirrels, I added a stone wall and winter birdfeeders (bat houses may be my next step). I protect my vegetable garden and tender deer-attracting plants such as the azalea and rhododendron with fences during the winter and natural repellents (a bar of scented soap, shredded over the leaves once a month, has kept my flowers from being eaten).

My reward? Turkeys and deer freely walk through our back yard at sunrise.  Chipmunks and birds chirp to me throughput the day. Skunks… no, let’s not go there.

The National Wildlife Federation encourages community projects as well as individual homeowners. Schools, organizations, church groups, and community programs can all participate.

Living With A Retired Husband

Living With A Retired Husband

It doesn’t matter whether you are retiring together or one before the other, retirement life is a significant transition for a couple.  Both people need to help around the house.  Traditionally, men have taken care of the outside and women the inside.  That may still work, but with cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc., the inside may take more work than the outside. 

One important thing to remember is that if your husband offers to help or if you insist he do so, do not, under any circumstance, criticize the way in which he does the chore.  If you have a certain way that you must do  something and you know your spouse’s results won’t meet your standards, do it yourself in order to avoid conflict.  He’s definitely not going to want to help you if you continuously criticize his work.

There are some husbands who retire and think that they can now micromanage everything that their wife does especially if they were used to managing their staff at work.  Generally wives manage just fine and don’t need their spouses to manage them now.  Many women find themselves frustrated, annoyed and even furious when their husbands attempt to do this as it generally tends to make them feel inept. She may no longer feel like she has the freedom to do her tasks however and whenever she chooses.  It’s quite different to make a friendly suggestion that something can be done more efficiently than to just criticize someone’s work. 

Many men retire without having a clue as to how to run a home and some tend to find fault with just about everything.  Many just sit around all day long becoming totally dependent on their wives. They may leave things piling up around the house that can become a source of irritation.   On the other hand, now that they’re home, they might suggest better ways to do the laundry, the shopping, and just about everything else.

The retired man may be a very welcome help around the house. If he's handy in the kitchen, perhaps he'll cook dinner occasionally. He might even keep the house clean and help you with the laundry so you can more fully enjoy your time together.  There really are many couples that have relationships like this.  I can attest to this from personal experience.

Both of you need separate spaces that’s yours alone.  Some spouses complain as to how they don’t like the way their significant others decorate their office, be it sports memorabilia or something else.  If it’s going to be his space then he should be able to decorate it any way he likes and the same goes for her.  If guests come over the door can always be closed.

You both need activities together, as well as apart.  Some people need a challenge and should be encouraged to pursue things that they enjoy.  There are some things that you might see no purpose in but that your spouse enjoys very much.  As long as it isn’t anything harmful these activities shouldn’t be stifled as that would only create resentment.

It is important for you to communicate the changes that you’re going through without complaining.  Loving couples enjoy spending time together but are both independent people with their own interests who like having time to engage in their own projects.  Basically, you are learning to co-exist together in a new environment.  Retirement is a huge adjustment and it takes care and thought from both people to make it work.  Listen with love and adjust to meet both your needs. This may be somewhat difficult but will ultimately create a much more rewarding relationship.

Love My Pet, But Hate The Mess

Love My Pet, But Hate The Mess

There are many reasons to consider bringing an animal into your home but there are also plenty of reasons to make you hesitate. Having personally had several pets, including fish, turtles, mice, hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, cats and a dog, I can personally attest to the fact that animals can be wonderful companions. They are nonjudgmental and love you for who you are. 

They offer far more than solace and entertainment.  Caring for animals can teach you many things including gentleness, responsibility, empathy, nurturing and basically an interest and compassion for all living creatures.  Simple acts like watching fish or petting a cat have physiological effects, such as decreasing both blood pressure and levels of stress hormones.  Being around animals can help you cope with disabilities and emotional problems.  Some pets, especially dogs, can provide a source of security and make you feel safe.

Pets are usually able to improve the mood you are in. If you are stressed, angry, upset, depressed, or are in any other negative mood, pets know how to make you smile and forget about your problems for a while. It’s difficult to stay in a bad mood when your animal pal wants to provide you with unconditional love.

However, living with animals also has its drawbacks. Most animals create some kind of mess, whether by soiling carpets, scratching and biting furniture, vomiting or creating large messes during shedding season. Even the most housebroken animal can have an accident now and then, and there is always the chance of them getting sick.

They also create some financial drain, starting from when you first buy the animal and its basic equipment. There are also the costs of food, veterinary care, and boarding or pet-sitting services when you travel.  Some pets require a special diet and others are just plain fussy as to what they will eat. Some animals cause allergic reactions, but there are now ways of minimizing that.

If you are a pet owner there are several maintenance responsibilities that come along with owning the pet. It is your responsibility to clean up after your pet in your yard, or in a public area as well as in your own home. In most areas laws state that you must pick up after your pet and you can be penalized for not doing so.

Any kind of pet requires attention to thrive. Most need daily food, water and exercise. Some animals need training and some need to have their shelters or litter boxes cleaned regularly. Animals also carry health risks. Dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and many other cuddly creatures can all bite or scratch when feeling threatened (which tends to happen when small children start chasing and grabbing them). Both reptiles and birds can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella that can be transmitted to humans. Animals however can be trained to behave properly and good hygiene can ward off diseases, but these are drawbacks to definitely be aware of.

Pets need to be chosen, purchased and handled with care. The millions of animals that are abandoned and euthanized every year in shelters are testament to the fact that bad pet purchases can cause great suffering for the animals, the families, or both. That means you have to decide if the pet is truly right for your particular family.

Contact animal care organizations such as your local ASPCA if you are interested in pet adoption. These agencies help to control stray and unwanted animal populations and find good homes for some of them. You could be doing a great favor to some deserving animal as well as yourself. Some organizations may also provide important physical check-ups and vaccinations.

Swim Spas

Swim Spas

Swim spas appeal to consumers who want to exercise, train for an athletic event, improve health and well-being or rehabilitate an injury.  The latest swim spas provide a realistic swimming experience, are available in various depths and lengths and are heated.  It’s up to to you to decide upon what options best fit your needs.

While these may appear to be oversized hot tubs, they’re actually lap swimming simulators that offer the benefits of swimming without requiring the space of a lap pool.  These units deliver a steady stream of water that allow people to walk or swim against a current that is fully adjustable, thereby making the workout as easy or strenuous as desired.  Calm water along the side walls give you a place to rest without having to shut off the motor.

Recognizing that some consumers may want more from their units than swimming, manufacturers have many options available, such as deeper units for walking and aerobics.  This allows users to vary their exercise routine while enjoying the reduced joint stress that water exercise offers. You can also get these with hydrotherapy jets, much like the features of a traditional hot tub.

These can be installed either indoors or outdoors and some manufacturers produce special units for indoor use that will fit through doorways.  They can be installed either above ground, or partially or fully inground.   Operating costs vary depending upon the size and how often the equipment (heater, pump, current, etc.) runs.  In addition you will need a testing kit and chemicals that will be used to maintain good water quality.One way to cut back on operating costs is to insulate the unit during construction in order to hold in as much heat as possible, thereby cutting back on heater usage as a result.

Like hot tubs, swim spas should be kept covered while not in use.  Covers trap heat, prevent chemical loss and keep water from evaporating quickly.  Covers also prevent debris from falling into the water thus reducing cleaning time.  Even if yours doesn’t come with a cover, purchasing one will pay for itself in the long run and is definitely a worthwhile expense.

Properly maintaining a pool, irregardless of its location, can be a lot of work. There are tasks that you must perform weekly, monthly, bi-yearly and yearly, so there is definitely a time commitment.  If maintenance duties are neglected for even as little as a week, your pool could suffer.  Even a day could make a difference. The balance of chemicals is a very delicate one and must be monitored closely to maintain a safe swimming environment.   Sanitizing agents, whether it be a bromine or chlorine pool, have to be maintained at acceptable levels to control bacteria and at the same time remain within acceptable levels for human usage. 

It is possible for leaks to develop, which have the potential of causing considerable damage especially if indoors.  It is important to have proper ventilation and dehumidification so that you won’t develop a mold problem. In addition, the room for an indoor swim spa should ideally be isolated from the rest of the house.

Indoor pools require less maintenance than outdoor pools.  It is easier to balance the pool’s chemistry because you don’t have the outside elements to contend with such as leaves, animals and bugs.  You can swim all year round irregardless of what the weather conditions are outside and they provide a great place to relax  and get some exercise.

Internet Resources

Swim Spa Review
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Swimming Pool
Basic Pool Care
Bromine Vs Chlorine
How to Maintain a Bromine Pool

Road Paving

Hiring An Asphalt Paving Contractor

When you’re ready to find a good local contractor, price should not be your only consideration. It may be tempting to choose the lowest bid, but before you sign a contract become an informed consumer and avoid being victimized by unscrupulous or unlicensed operators. Most licensed contractors are competent, honest and hardworking, and they shouldn’t mind answering any questions that you may have.

Before hiring any contractor you should plan on getting a minimum of three estimates to get the best comparison of workmanship and price.  Talk with acquaintances for recommendations and also search the yellow pages and internet to find a list of local companies.  It may take several weeks before a job can be started so take this into consideration when you start lining up potential companies.  With any contractor you hire, make sure that they are insured and bonded to protect you from any liability as well as to protect you from poor workmanship.

Occasionally bands of con artists attempt to scam unsuspecting homeowners and business people.  These people are often referred to as gypsies and their favorite targets are senior citizens.  They might claim to have paving material left over from another job and offer to do work for a low price. 
They will tell you that the work will have to be done immediately and will insist on cash only with no written contract. 

Reputable contractors will provide you with a written estimate that will be valid for a specific length of time.  You must insist upon a written contract specifying in detail the work to be done, the agreed upon price and how long the price is good for.  Also, most reputable companies will take checks and credit cards.  If the quoted price seems very low chances are that the quality of the work will also be quite low.  Con artists generally travel in trucks that are unmarked or they list an out of town address and phone number.  A little research will reveal that they have no permanent address and the phone number is often only an answering machine, if that much.

I live on a private road and have been the designated person to hire people for its maintenance.  The road is starting to show signs of aging and I am in the process of attempting to find a suitable company to do repairs.  Many contractors have already been here, some seemingly very knowledgeable people and some outright obnoxious and argumentative.  There was one who was very opinionated and refused to listen to anything.  He berated the sealing material that my husband had used on our driveway saying that it was cheap junk.  This happened to be a very expensive and highly rated compound that has worked quite well for us over the years. 

What really surprised me was when he stated that all sealers should always be diluted in half before using, which is something I have never heard of before.  It makes me wonder what type of materials he uses and whether he dilutes these prior to use so that it costs him less in materials to do a job thereby increasing his profit at the expense of the customer.

A professionally designed and properly constructed asphalt road should last for many years and most reputable contractors will guarantee their work.  The most important thing is to know who you are doing business with.  Consumers are safer dealing with a contractor who has roots in the community.

How to Hire an Asphalt Driveway Paving Contractor

Paving Contractors

Fred

Fred

We first noticed it in 1997, a quick blur that disappeared under the back deck before we could determine what it was. Speculation abounded: a leaf, a bird, or a large insect. Ten seconds later the discovery was made. The blur was a chipmunk.

For most people in the Hudson Valley this would be no big deal. Although we like animals of all sorts, no hunters in our family, this creature stole our hearts and became a member of our family. The tiny furball returned to our deck day after day that spring and was soon named Fred.

With so many chipmunks in the neighborhood, perhaps dozens on our two acres, this one stood out. It returned almost daily to sit on one particular stone surrounding the euonymus garden, looking into our kitchen window. Occasionally it came up on the deck to rub noses through the glass door with one of our cats. Although the cats chased the occasional field mouse that wandered into our basement, they were intrigued with the chipmunk. 

Our new neighbor disappeared in July and August, but it was back in September.  We discovered three entries to its lair, two among the dense euonymus growth and another on our lawn. Around ten years before we had removed a diseased tree, and the rotten passages that were oak roots were now Fred’s home. We speculated there were several more entries under the deck.

Fred was quickly forgotten as its holes were covered by winter’s snow. In mid-March, though, our friend returned, sitting on the stone, scurrying around for food, and occasionally visiting the cats. Then nothing. We watched for Fred daily, but no chipmunk. According to the National Geographic’s chipmunk web site, they only live for two to three years.

After three weeks, a tiny chipmunk appeared crawling among the euonymus.  It was far too small to be Fred. Then we saw a second, and a third.  Fred, or perhaps Winifred or Frederica, then popped out of a hole and sat on her rock, proudly and protectively looking over her brood. They remained with us for around a month, and then Fred was by herself again.

Over the years, Fred has produced seven litters. On two occasions she had a fall brood as well as one in the spring. Each March we are greeted by the shrill chirping and the tender scurrying on our deck as Fred welcomes a new spring.  Every October she runs back-and forth carrying all sorts of seeds, leaves, and unknown chipmunk needs into her nest.

Realistically, after 11 years, we know it’s not the same chipmunk.  But to us, and the cats, this succession of chipmunk neighbors, all of whom sit on the same stone and come to the glass door to rub against it, is a sign of nature’s freedom and wonder. Whoever it is, this furry neighbor will always be our Fred.

Reference: Central Pets (http://www.centralpets.com/animals/mammals/rodents/rod4267.html)

Attractive Nuisances

Attractive Nuisances

An attractive nuisance is something on a piece of property that attracts children but also endangers their safety. For example, unfenced swimming pools, open pits, farm equipment and abandoned refrigerators have all qualified as attractive nuisances.  There are risks involved and you want to make sure that you can protect yourself from liability claims. 

If your property has a swimming pool, fence in the area around the pool. In many states this is the law. Even if not mandatory in your location, putting up a fence is simply good common sense. A fence tells neighborhood kids the pool is off limits unless they have your permission. If you have a trampoline, swing set or any other sporting equipment that could create an attractive nuisance, it might be in your best interest to consider fencing in your yard.

Remove the doors from refrigerators and washing machines or otherwise dismantle appliances before placing them on the curb for pick up. A young child is sure to see a refrigerator as an ideal hiding spot. By removing the door, you're not only protecting children, you're protecting yourself.

Don't leave power tools unattended. If you're working outside with your table saw, turn off the electricity or unplug the extension cord. Before you go inside for lunch, take a bathroom break or step away to chat with the guy next door, make sure your power tools are inoperable. Leave heavier equipment such as tractors or lawnmowers completely shut off. If keys are needed for the machinery to run, take them out of the ignition and keep them with you. Finally, always place tools, lawnmowers and other hazardous objects in a tool shed or the garage when you're finished using them. Heavier equipment should also be put away or kept covered in a fenced-in area.

What child wouldn't want to play in a pile of bricks or discarded lumber? Construction debris contains a number of potentially lethal hazards so you want it to look as unattractive as possible to the youngsters in your area. If you can, keep debris in a dumpster or fenced-in area and cover it with a tarp. Place "Do Not Touch" or "No Trespassing" signs around the pile so older children can read them. Let parents of young children know what's there and advise them to caution their children to stay away.

Teenage children are likely to find a liquor cabinet very attractive. The last thing you need is for an adolescent to drive or have some other accident after drinking at your house. Keep alcohol locked or hidden away at all times.  The same goes for prescription medications as they can be misused with serious consequences.

Regardless of whether or not they run, cars should always be off limits to neighborhood children. Roll up the windows, remove the keys and lock the doors. If your car is a convertible, keep the top up.
Keep wells, sinkholes, trenches, construction ditches and anything else a child can fall into covered. If you have a well or abandoned mine on your property be sure to block off the entrance, preferably with a cement cap.

You may have additional objects that can be potentially dangerous.  Any thing on your property, no matter the size, can be an attractive nuisance. In order to better protect the kids in the neighborhood, and yourself, consider whether or not what's in your yard can be harmful. Think back to when you were a kid and determine whether or not  you would have played with it.  Consider how you would have used it, and then take all necessary steps to prevent a possible tragedy. An owner who fails to take reasonable precautions to prevent injury is usually liable for a child's injuries. It should be noted that attractive nuisances are usually things that are manmade or bought and maintained by the owner of the property. If there's a natural hazard in your yard, like a cactus, a lake or a pointy stick, this won't count as an attractive nuisance.

Local laws often regulate objects that are dangerous to inquisitive children. The strictest regulations apply backyard swimming pools. The best way to avoid tragic accidents is to use good common sense. If something on your property fascinates neighborhood children, they can be expected to trespass and investigate it if given the chance. Lock it up, fence it in or remove it. If an object is an accident waiting to happen, like a ladder propped against a roof or a machine left running, never leave it unattended.

Children do not have the reasoning ability of adults. When an opportunity to have fun pops up, it's a rare child who thinks about the chance of being injured. A property owner with an attractive nuisance on his property cannot escape liability because of a trespassing child. When an attractive nuisance is involved, adults have to make a special effort to protect children from their blind sense of adventure or face the consequences.

Container Gardening

Container Gardening

February is the month I start some of my spring and summer flowers.  We have a grow light set-up as well as a sunroom with lots of sunny southern exposure.  Here in the Hudson Valley, plants do not go outside until May. Although many people think I’m silly for starting so early, I do so to chase away the image of winter and to reawaken the coming of spring.

Whether you begin now or wait until later, growing flowers and vegetables not only gives the illusion that winter is ending, it brings you in touch with life’s annual cycle.  Generally, to supplement the 14 varieties of perennials that bring life to my yard, I start at least a dozen types of annuals.  Each year I try a few new varieties.

In addition to planting directly into the soil, thanks in part to my brother-in-law, I have some lovely containers, 14 to 20 gallon pots, which are placed in strategic locations around the yard.  Three are in areas where the tree and shrub roots are too close to the surface for things to grow.  Two others are directly on top of huge rocks that even the backhoe used when we first build the house could not dislodge.

Whatever your reason, lack of space, decoration, or hard to grow in soil, container gardening is easy, enjoyable, and can produce a floral display as well as vegetables.  Tomatoes, peppers, and even potatoes can do well in containers. 

One alternative for people with limited space or poor soil is raised beds.  We once used some cinder blocks (although treated wood does well as long as the chemicals in it are not toxic) to build a 3-foot high area, filled it with compost for several years, then topped it off with good soil.  It made a perfect bed for asparagus, which needs deep rooting space.  Depending on the size of this raised area, bush or pole beans, sugar-snap peas, and similar crops also do well.   Consider adding a front row of chard, a wonderful leafy vegetable that continues to grow until after the frost.  You simply remove the leaves you need and they keep growing all summer long.

If you have some spare tires, you may consider growing tire potatoes.  Place one tire on the ground, fill with good soil, and plant some potato eyes.  As the plants grow upward, add another tire and more soil, enough so that the tops of the plants are around 6 to 8 inches above the surface.  Continue adding tires and dirt as the plants grow.  In the fall, once the vegetation dies off, remove the top tire and take out the potatoes.  We did this for a few years in the 1980s and got dozens of tubers, removing the last tire and getting fresh potatoes in February.

Whether you use tires, homemade containers (such as 5-gallon buckets) or store-bought planters, be sure there are water holes at the bottom.  A soaking rain can cause seed or root rot, so you want drainage.  On the other hand, containers tend to dry out faster than surface areas, so keep an eye on these plants and water as needed.

Hanging baskets are perfect for a variety of plants.  We put geraniums in four hangers in 2006 and were rewarded with flowers from June through October.  Again, proper watering is required.  In October, we pulled the plants (12 of them) and brought them inside.  Geraniums winter well in 50 to 70 degree partly sunny areas.  Cut the plants back to around 4 inches above the soil line and the plants will continue growing all winter.  We have replanted and re-wintered these same geraniums for the last two years, splitting them into separate plants as they grow.  This winter, from the original 12, we now have 26.  They are constantly in bloom.

Small window containers, especially herbs, do well.  These are commercially available and some can be reused for several years.  Read the directions on the packages carefully as some require more sunlight than others.  Aloe, quite useful for soothing minor burns, grows well with indirect light and is a perfect kitchen shelf plant.  If you have pets or children, be sure to choose things that are not poisonous.  Keep them out of reach or you may be cleaning and repotting frequently.

Enjoy summer throughout the year with plants in your house.  There is a huge variety to choose from, from small to ceiling size.  Houseplants not only help refresh the air, they absorb odors.  We have several low-light varieties on the top of every bookcase.  The higher the better, as our cats love to nibble on the leaves.  Two of our plants, which have been repotted at least four times over the years, are family heirlooms, given to us by my mother more than 40 years ago..

Comparing TV Service Companies

Comparing TV Service Companies

Those who live in rural areas where digital cable television isn't an option have no other choice than subscribing to satellite television, unless they're willing to settle for basic local programming with a rooftop antenna.  After experiencing the many choices provided by digital cable and satellite television (especially HDTV and a far superior picture quality), few people want to settle for a rooftop antenna. The technology of satellite and digital cable television provides a great number of options, and there is programming for just about everything imaginable. 

If you're lucky enough to have the choice between satellite and digital cable television programming, there are many levels of service as well as differences to consider. Look into all the options before choosing one or the other. Otherwise, you could find yourself locked into a contract you won't be able to break without substantial penalty.

In order to make a wise decision regarding the value of digital cable television in comparison to satellite television, it's important to evaluate channel packages and prices. Each offers a number of channels to meet every preference, lifestyle, and budget. Begin by obtaining channel package information from your local cable television provider, as well as satellite television providers. Mark the channels you're interested in, and compare the overall value of programming packages. They're probably very close in price, but there are other considerations before making a final decision.

If you rely on an Internet service provider for a DSL broadband or dial-up connection, find out if your local cable company or satellite providers offer package deals. Many local cable television companies offer bundling options on television programming and broadband Internet service, and satellite companies offer similar options.

Find out the total price of the digital cable television programming package you're interested in, along with the cost of broadband Internet service. You might be surprised to find out the cost of the total package isn't much more than you're already paying for one single service. Likewise, inquire as to the cost of a similar satellite television package as well as satellite Internet service. Once you have the total cost of bundled packages, you'll be able to compare costs and savings. The difference in price could become very clear, but there are still issues to consider.

With satellite television, extra receivers result in extra monthly fees. On the other hand, digital cable programming allows additional hookups without additional cost. If you want to connect television programming to more than one room, digital cable could be the better value, but only if channel packages are similar.

With digital cable television, you don't own the equipment, so there's nothing to buy. On the other hand, satellite companies are always running special offers for free satellite dishes, receivers, and installation for a number of rooms. You own the equipment, but without their service, it's virtually worthless.

With satellite television, in order to get local programming, you have to install a rooftop antenna or subscribe to a local programming package. The fee is nominal, but it does add to the total price of the service. After taxes and extra fees, it isn't exactly cheap.

Digital cable television includes local channels, and there's no extra fee. It's great that local channels are included, but it's still necessary to compare the complete package in order to decide if digital cable television is best for you. For a similar price, digital cable television might not offer the same variety or quantity of channels.

Digital video recorders (DVR) are available with both satellite and cable television services. They go by different names, but they're basically the same. DVR units contain a hard drive that stores television programming. Viewers can pause, fast forward, and rewind their favorite shows, or save them for future viewing.

The cost of DVR equipment and programming varies between digital cable and satellite companies. If this is something you're interested in, take the cost into consideration while determining whether satellite television or digital cable television will meet your preferences as well as your budget.

Above all, don’t be pressured into switching from one type of service to another.  A salesperson recently attempted to pressure me into switching from my current cable company to another type of service.  When I voiced my concerns, especially the $150 penalty that I would incur from my current company, I was assured that her company would reimburse me.  Many other promises were made which I discovered to be outright lies when I checked with the main headquarters of her company the following day.  That’s why you have to be extremely cautious and make sure that everything is in writing.  Also, it can’t hurt to talk to people subscribing to various services for their opinion.

Avoiding Reassessment

Avoiding Reassessment

Reassessments and Property Owner’s Rights

More than half of homeowners pay too much in taxes because their property has been wrongly assessed. Here are some tips on how to research, correct mistakes and navigate the appeals process.

When home values increase so do property assessments. A higher assessment means you'll pay more in property taxes. Homeowners in hot real estate markets often find they are facing huge increases in property taxes. Some owners have seen their tax bills go up so much that the levies offset smaller mortgage payments they received by refinancing at lower interest rates.

There is, however, a remedy for escalating property taxes.  Appeal the assessment. Property tax increases are largely due to rising home values, not the increase of taxes by local governments. Different formulas are used to figure property taxes, but all depend on a home's assessed value. Some jurisdictions use a home's actual market value, while others use a percentage of a property's worth. Whatever value is used, it's multiplied by the local tax rate to compute the property's final bill. As home values increase, so do their assessed values. Homeowners end up paying more even though the tax rate stays the same.

A large percentage of properties in the United States are overassessed. Despite their growing tax bills, many homeowners fail to protest their assessments. That means many may be paying more property taxes than necessary. Many taxpayers fail to fight because they don't understand the process (it is complicated) or because they can't imagine doing the research and providing evidence to prove the assessment is wrong. Instead they just pay up while complaining about how much they owe.  That’s really too bad since the appeal work isn’t as difficult as homeowners fear.  In fact, it’s something that most can do for themselves.  It’s always worth a try because the worst that can happen is that you lose the appeal in which case you are no worse off than you were before. If you really don't have the time, hire a property tax consultant or attorney to do the work. Many of these consultants charge on a contingency basis, meaning they'll take a percentage of the tax savings if they succeed in lowering your assessment.

If you decide to do the research yourself you first need to establish your timeline. When do assessments go out? When is the deadline for appealing? Call your local assessor's office for this information. Deadlines, along with the appeals process, can vary from locality to locality. So does the amount of time permitted for an appeal. Sometimes a homeowner might have only 30 days to appeal. In other jurisdictions, you could have up to 120 days. If your request for an appeal arrives at the assessor's office even a day after the protest deadline, you're out of luck and will have to wait until the following year (or sometimes the next assessment, which could be longer) before you can appeal. I suggest that you send your request for an appeal by certified mail so you'll have proof that it was received before the deadline.

Assessments can be appealed on two grounds: a mistake in the assessment of your house or an assessment at a higher rate than comparable homes in your area. Mistakes happen more often than you might think. Many assessors don't even come on your property to inspect it. They simply compare a written description of your home with that of similar properties in your neighborhood. It’s also possible that a home’s square footage might have been incorrectly calculated on the original construction documents.  The assessor might also view your house differently than you do, for instance counting a screened in porch as year-round living space when you only use it in the summer. Obvious mistakes aren't difficult to spot. Is the inhabitable square footage figure correct? Does the assessment say your home has four bedrooms when it only has three? You might also consider checking the assessment's accuracy by hiring your own appraiser to do a reevaluation of your home.

Make sure that any property changes, particularly those that would negatively affect the value of your home, are part of the assessment. For example, perhaps a major highway has been constructed near your home thereby making your house much less desirable (and less valuable). Don't forget any modifications you've made. If you've torn down a garage to increase garden space, your home's value likely would be less.

Another way to challenge an assessment is to see how your home sizes up to comparable houses in your neighborhood. Comparable means homes of the same size, age and general location. You can find information on comparable homes and their worth at your local assessor's office. You should compile as much data as possible on several  comparable homes in your neighborhood.

Once you have your comparative data, go over the figures and decide whether you have a case. If you believe that your assessment is too high, contact your assessor's office and try to arrange a one-on-one informal meeting. Sometimes simply pointing out the facts can be enough for the assessor to lower an assessment. If the assessor won't meet with you (and some counties won't permit informal meetings) or you meet but fail to reach an agreement, the next step is to protest the assessment. Ask the assessor what the deadlines are to file a protest and what the procedure is. Follow the guidelines to the letter to ensure against your appeal being thrown out on a technicality. Before your hearing, gather all your evidence and put it in order. Your presentation doesn't have to be perfect but being organized will help you put on the strongest possible case. Consider sitting in on somebody else's hearing before your appeals date. Here you'll see how the board operates and you can also get a sense of what arguments do and don't work.

If the board doesn't rule in your favor you can always go to court, but in most cases it will cost you more than the amount of tax money you might save. You may not need to take such drastic action as many states have a state appeals board where you can take your case if you are rejected on the local level. The appeals hearing can become quite emotional  and it is extremely important to stay composed and act in a professional manner throughout the process.

Plan Your Summer Cruise Now

Plan Your Summer Cruise Now

Your vacation many seem far away, but it may never be too early to plan for a cruse.  Whether this is your first or sixteenth, foresight is vital or your experience will be wasted.

We considered a cruise-tour to Alaska for over a year prior to booking, six months before the trip.  We sailed from Vancouver to Seward, and then took an additional ten days on land.  This time included two days in Anchorage, three in Fairbanks, two in the Denali Park area, and one, please forgive me, in Wasilla.  We rented a car in Anchorage and drove to Eagle River, following the ceremonial first day of the great sled-dog race. From there we went to Wasilla to visit the Iditarod headquarters, spending several hours with the Reddington family.  Joe Reddington, who died a few months previously, had been the founder of the race.

Since we planned for the trip, including a detailed reading James Mitchner’s Alaska, and Princess Cruise Line’s Alaskan Companion, we knew what to expect.  We had proper dress so were not cold when we visited the glaciers.  But we had not expected three 90-degree days in Fairbanks.  Although we did not expect to see the top of Denali due to the near-constant cloud cover, we were presented with several hours of clear weather and magnificent views.  It remains, to this day, our most enjoyable trip.

A friend of ours took the same trip, in reverse.  While we were on the ship, she was touring Alaska.  She boarded the Dawn a few hours after we disembarked.  Several weeks later we compared our experiences.  She had signed up a month in advance, getting an inside cabin, not realizing that July in Alaska could bring as much as a 60-degree change in temperatures, and lots of wet, misty fog.  She had no idea of the state’s magnificent heritage, or the significance of the small villages and fishing boats we passed.  It was almost as if we took totally different trips.

No matter where you go on your cruise, you need to know what to expect.  Take several months to consider destinations.  This includes embarkation points, flights, stops en-route, as well as selecting the type of ship most suited to your intentions.

Larger ships, actually super-large, may carry more than 3,000 passengers and a thousand crew members.  They are actually small cities with up to ten restaurants, six or more showrooms and entertainment centers, a casino, library, Internet café, game rooms, swimming pools, movie theaters, and so much more.  The best way to start is by actually going to the web site for the cruise lines (a selected few examples follow), looking over the deck plans, itineraries, and side trips.  If you are going Transatlantic, spending extra for a balcony is an added expense, yet having a room veranda is a must if you will be shore-hopping such as in Alaska, New England, the Mediterranean, and South America.

Norwegian Cruise Lines                Princess                           
Royal Caribbean                            Celebrity                          
Holland America                            Carnival                           

Most of these ships’ websites also have web cams so you can actually view the ships in progress as well as get actual views of some of the interior areas.  There are also good online reviews for each liner, although, as we have seen, personal experiences can be vastly different.  During our last two cruises we were very disappointed with the service, food, and general attitude of the crew.  Next time we go out, we plan on taking a smaller, more intimate ship.

Windjammer Cruises                      Uniworld River Cruises       
Viking River Cruises                       Small Ship Cruises               
Cruise Ship Lists                          

If you do not know where to start, or whether cruising is for you, take some time to look at the cruising links on the Slightly Creaky Travel page.  There you will find links to these and many other cruise ships, destination guides, and warnings.  Recently everyone knows to stay away from the eastern African coast, but there are other danger spots.  You should also be aware of weather conditions, inoculation requirements, passport and visa rules, and health risks.

World Travel Watch                     Travel Warnings      
Homeland Security:  Travel         Universal Currency Converter
CruiseMates Passport Rules        State Dept: International Travel

Before you sign up for the cruise, visit the U. S. Center for Disease Control: Traveler’s Health web site.  Here you will find destination listings and the health warnings and precautions for each.  They also list the recommended vaccinations.  Some of them need to be given over a period of time, starting as much as a year before you travel.  The site also lists other health precautions, such as how to avoid the stomach viruses that seem to crop up on ships every year, such as the Norovirus.

We enjoyed Alaska so much, our next trip will probably be along the Norwegian coast, possibly as far north as Svalbard, an isolated island in the Arctic Ocean.  Several cruise liners visit there once or twice each summer.   As many of the ships that take this route are smaller than average, and you need to be mobile enough to take shore journeys in rubber rafts (Zodiacs), health is of importance.  Thus we wait while my wife’s hip replacement mends, and plan.

Saving Food

(December, 2008)

Fodder for comic strips and sitcoms, finding a moldy or otherwise spoiled food product is not at all funny. Not only can such things look and small bad, they can be accidentally eaten causing serious illness and even death. Food fungus can spread from one product to others.

Although the Federal government mandates “use by” dates on most food items, we all tend to ignore them on occasion. We sniff the milk and cottage cheese, leave yogurt in the refrigerator long after it’s out of date (after all, it contains bacteria already), and discover frozen items many months after they were stored.

Just how long can we safely store food items? As always: “it depends.” There are many conditions that influence the safety of our food including how and where it is stored, the temperature and humidity, the product itself, and whether it is fresh, frozen, or canned.

While researching this article, we were shocked to see the following generalization from a well know American University: “Under cool, dry, dark conditions most food will keep well for 18 months to 2 years. Wheat and sugar will keep well for 25 years. Foods which have been canned correctly and stored correctly will be safe for much longer periods of time.” Contradicting this, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code states, “Storage life depends on a number of factors, including conditions of storage and the nature of food.   As a general rule, the best shelf life will be obtained when canned foods are kept in a cool, dry place.  For best results, it is recommended that your supplies of canned food are refreshed periodically.“

There are so many conditions that can alter the quality and safety of food that it appears best to adhere to minimum standards rather than attempting to extend the shelf life of a product. 

We found the simplest and clearest guidelines at the Clemson University web site:
“The best way to ensure that cold foods are kept safely is to purchase two refrigerator/freezer thermometers. Keep one in the refrigerator and one in the freezer. This way you can make sure that you maintain foods at safe temperatures: 40 °F or lower in the refrigerator, and 0 °F or lower in the freezer. Foods in the refrigerator will begin to freeze at 32 °F, so ideal refrigerator temperatures are between 32 and 40 °F. Refrigerator/freezer thermometers will also help in case of a power outage, because temperature is what determines whether a food is still safe to keep. Once you have your refrigerator and freezer at proper temperatures, then all you will need is information on how long different foods will keep. Of course, if a food looks or smells spoiled, the old adage "If in doubt, throw it out!" still applies.” See their site for information about refrigerated, frozen, and canned food storage.

The Lakehaven (Washington) Utility District has the following advice for non-refrigerated food:  .  The following products have an infinity shelf life “in proper containers and conditions:” wheat, vegetable oils, dried corn, baking powder, soybeans, instant coffee, tea and cocoa, salt, non-carbonated soft drinks, white rice, bouillon products, and dry pasta.  All other products have a limited life. (See the web site for more information.)

Frequently stores will give significant discounts when you purchase food in quantity.  In some locations, shopping during the winter may be difficult so you will be tempted to make additional purchases in advance.  About.com recommends that you avoid this as many products have a shorter storage safety time period than you might expect. This includes:
·  Nuts - Eight months
·  Oils/salad dressings - Three months
·  Peanut butter (unopened) - Six months
·  Sauces, condiments, relishes (unopened) - One year
·  Shortening - Eight months

It is also vital that you become familiar with the symptoms of food borne illnesses. Some people have ignored symptoms, or considered them to be of minor importance, and medical help arrives too late. The best site for such information can be found at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s web site. There are quick links at the top of the page to such topics as food borne illnesses, food storage, and food preparation.

When in doubt, throw out.

Buying Food in Bulk - How Long Will It Last?
Shelf Life of Food
Safety of Stored Food
Food Borne Illnesses

Kitchen Floors

(November, 2008)

Choosing the right flooring for your kitchen is very important. While you want something that will go well with your kitchen cabinets and other decor, you also want a floor that is durable enough for your lifestyle and the wear and tear associated with the activities of a kitchen. When shopping for kitchen flooring it is important to find a balance between durability and price. The right kitchen flooring can not only make your life easier, but also sets the mood for the entire room.

How much or how little you plan on using your kitchen should have an impact on your choice of flooring. For example, a hardwood floor can look great, but in a kitchen with the potential for a lot of moisture or spills there are other products that would be a better choice. They would probably hold up better under these circumstances.

Marble flooring is known for its natural beauty and durability. It comes in many styles and always adds a unique look to a room because no two slabs of marble are identical. Although the preferred choice for some, marble is not the optimal choice for kitchen floors as it is porous and prone to staining. It also can become quite slippery when wet.

Stone tile flooring has a natural look and is strong and durable. It comes in several textures and colors and no two pieces are the same. This type of flooring can look traditional and rustic or contemporary and elegant. Although this option can be expensive, stone tiles have the potential to last a lifetime.  They are generally easy to maintain, usually requiring only a mop for cleaning. For extra durability the stone should be periodically sealed. Since kitchens can become busy and messy places you should choose stone tiles that are resistant to moisture damage and staining.  Slate is a stone option but may not be the best choice for a high traffic area because of the rough and uneven surfaces that can be commonly found in natural stone.

Granite tile is one of the better, though quite expensive, options for kitchen flooring because it is denser and more durable than other stones. However, granite is still susceptible to stains so it should be sealed and periodically resealed as part of its regular maintenance.

Ceramic tile is a very popular type of kitchen flooring as it is one of the oldest and longest-lasting flooring materials known. It is especially well-suited for areas with high traffic and exposure to water and dirt, such as entryways, bathrooms and kitchens. There are basic decisions to make when choosing ceramic tile for your floor: size, shape, color, and finish.  Depending on your budget, you can get ceramic tile in any shape you can possibly imagine. Color choices are endless, from black and white to everything in between. 

Most people opting for tile select a glazed finish as it is more water resistant and easier to clean than other finishes. It does, however, tend to be more slippery when wet. You can get tiles that are glazed with a non-slip material, which should take care of that problem. They are very strong, durable and require little maintenance which makes it an attractive alternative to many other flooring materials.

Laminate is relatively long-lasting, made of several layers and can be installed over existing floors. It is durable but not waterproof so any spills should be wiped up immediately and not allowed to get into joints. Laminate flooring will not lose color over time, while flooring such as hardwood tends to fade. It is offered in many different styles and patterns, and can imitate other types of flooring such as wood, rock, gravel, and concrete.

Vinyl flooring is always a good choice for kitchen floors. Because of its durability and moisture resistance, it is primarily used in busy areas of the home such as kitchens and bathrooms. Another reason for its popularity is that it can, much like laminate, be made to imitate other flooring materials such as stone, marble and wood. Vinyl is made of plastic to which other compounds are added. It can consist of either multiple layers of material or just one layer. Vinyl floors are very easy to maintain and sweeping or using a dust mop is often all that is needed

When you are getting ready to pick the flooring for your kitchen, it is important to think about more than how it coordinates with your kitchen cabinets and countertops. By thinking about how your kitchen will be used and choosing your materials based on that, you can ensure that your flooring will not only look beautiful, but also hold up to your busy lifestyle.

Kitchens.com. A complete resource for kitchen floor material and related information.

Flooring Options. A commercial site with a vast amount of information.

Floor Ideas. (UK) "Impartial, expert advice on all types of flooring including hardwood, laminate, carpet, vinyl, tiling and stone. We explain which floor type will work best for you in which location and how to care for it."

Winterization

Winterization

(October, 2008)

With energy prices up, this is the time to make sure your house, whether it is a castle, a home, a trailer, or an apartment, is ready for winter.  There are two steps to this process: emergency preparedness and energy savings.

Cold weather brings several emergencies we may not face during the rest of the year.  These include storms, electrical outages, and an increase in fires due to heating problems.  Although furnace-related fires are rare, simply adding heat to your house increases the risk of fire.  The following quick checks may prevent a disaster:

1. Be sure to have working flashlights easily accessible throughout the house.  Check the batteries on the first of every month.
2. Check and clean around your furnace and all heating ducts.  A buildup of pet hair, lint, or storage boxes too close to a heat source is dangerous.  Something can easily be nudged where it does not belong.
3. If gas is used, be sure to have a professional check for leaks and that all parts of the system are sealed properly.
4. If you use a freestanding heat source, make sure it is safely fixed so that pets and children cannot knock them over or have access to them. Follow all safety precautions that come with the unit.
5. Clean all vents: bathroom, kitchen, and laundry.
6. If you use a fireplace, no matter what fuel is used, be sure the chimney is clean and unobstructed.  Wasps and similar insects love making nests that clog up chimneys.
7. Be sure everyone in the house knows several emergency paths away from the house, especially if the building has more than one floor. Check windows and infrequently used doors to make sure they can be opened and are not blocked.  Have several working fire extinguishers.
8. Preprogram phones for one button emergency calling.  Make sure your address is clearly marked and visible from the street.
9. Mark all entranceways with a list of occupants, humans and pets, which may need to be saved.
10.   Remove dried leaves and brush from around the house, especially in areas prone to brushfires.

More information about winter safety can be found at:
   Helpful Tips to Safely Winterize Your Home
   Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts
   Household Safety Checklists
   Household Safety Checklist
   Household Safety (PDF)
   Staying Alive
   A Guide to Home Safety

When we bought our first house in 1969, we paid 14 cents a gallon for home heating fuel.  Although petroleum prices are currently below their highest level, costs in part of the country are now over $4.50 a gallon.  Saving 10% on fuel can result in more than $200 in your pocket this winter.  It is, therefore, worth spending a little money to plug the holes where you lose heat. Some easy steps include:

1. Check windows and doors for old and dry caulk. Remove and replace
2. Replace or add door seals wherever air leakages may occur.
3. Check plumbing and vent areas for air leakage.
4. Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use.

You can find lots more on the Internet at:
     Keep Old Man Winter Out of Your Home
     Seasonal Tips
     Getting Energy Ready for Winter
     Common Ways to Insulate and Winterize Home Components

Other winter tasks are frequently overlooked:

1. Turn off outside faucets to prevent pipe from freezing and breaking.  Remove hoses and drain.
2. Be sure your gutters are not blocked.
3. Put in storm windows.

Be prepared for the worst:

1. Check storm supplies: have extra water and non-refrigerated food on hand.  Find the manual can opener you may not have used in years.
2. Check your snow shovels and snow blowers.
3. Have a battery-operated radio that gets in local channels as well as NOAA weather alerts.
4. Have an emergency evacuation pack ready with clothing, food, telephone numbers, and a first aid kit.
5. Have extra blankets and warm clothing.

     Are You Ready For a Winter Storm?
     Storm Safety Tips

Solar Tubes

(September, 2008)

There are many ways to improve your house, to save money, and to protect the environment.  Although they all call for an initial investment, they pay off by reducing your annual energy costs, increasing the value of your house, and reducing your impact on the environment.

One of the easiest, least invasive, is to add light to the dark corners of your home through natural light.  In the past this usually meant adding windows or skylights, and thus was only available for the upper floors or through heavy construction and ductwork. The introduction of solar tubes in the 1970s reduced the amount of duct space and labor needed, and now that they have become more widely available with improved features, this is a worthwhile and relatively inexpensive option.

Solar tubes collect sunlight on your roof through a dome rather than a flat window. This permits a 360° collection area and even provides light on cloudy days.  The tubes have highly reflective surfaces thus increasing the luminosity.  They can be as narrow as 10” in diameter and can light up a 200 square foot room.  Thus they are perfect for windowless bathrooms and interior hallways. The interior fixture can be a circular disk, like recess lighting, or rectangular similar to a florescent enclosure.

Although the cost of the products range from $300 to $1,000, it is important that the installation be done professionally to prevent roof leakage and to protect the interior walls.  Options include an inserted light to provide illumination during the night, baffles to reduce the glare during especially sunny days, and ventilation kits (a bit more expensive).

To find out more, you may wish to start with these Internet locations (some are commercial):

   Inhabitat
   Sun Dome
   Wikipedia: Light Tubes
   Tubular Skylights and Solar Tubes
   SolaTube 
   Low Impact Living
   Solar Tube Universe  

The Next Step: Fiber Optic Natural Lighting Systems

Fiber optics was introduced in 1956, although practical uses have only been obvious for the least 20 years. We have seen it used to carry telephone messages, television, computer connections, and as porcupine-like novelty lights.  Made of tiny strands of glass, fiber optics’ unique qualities make it ideal for transmitting natural sunlight into interior spaces of homes, stores, and other structures.
   History of Fiber Optics
   Fiber Optic 

It is now possible to collect outside sunlight and filter it through fiber optical networks to provide lighting for the inside of buildings.  Although, at this time, the process is still in the early stages, it has been used in commercial buildings and by hobbyists, and it is rather expensive, by 2012 the widespread use of this product and the demand for low cost lighting may bring the expense to within reach of homeowners.

For more information see:

   Fiber Optics Bring the Sun Indoors
   Let There Be Light 
   Fiber Optic Solar Lighting Roundup
   Future Tech
   Fiber Optic Technology  
   Fiber Optics to Bring Sunlight into Buildings

Online Aptitude Tests

Online Aptitude tests

(August, 2008)

Aptitude tests are generally used for measuring one’s ability in a particular area or field. They can be quite challenging and reveal much about ourselves.  They also offer a good mental challenge. Slightly Creaky is pleased to introduce a new area in our Education & Self Improvement Section dedicated to free online aptitude and self-improvement tests. A selected group is provided at the bottom of this article.

Aptitude tests have become a common tool during an employment application process. There are three basic things that an employer really has to determine during the selection process. Firstly, does this person have the right skills and experience? Secondly, does he have the required enthusiasm and motivation? Finally, is he going to fit in, in terms of his personality, attitude and general work style?

Personality has a significant role to play in providing answers to the second and third of these questions. In most working situations it’s the personality of your co-workers and managers that affect the day-to-day success of the organization. If the team doesn't work well together or a manager can’t motivate their staff, then productivity and quality of service will suffer.

The way that most organizations operate has also changed in the last thirty years. There are usually fewer levels of management than there once were and management styles tend to be less autocratic. There is a tendency for individuals to have more autonomy even at fairly low levels within companies. The effects of these changes means that your personality is seen by a potential employer as more important now than it was in the past.

If you’re looking for a job or a promotion then you’ve probably spent hours preparing your resume and getting ready to face some tough interview questions. More and more companies are using tests when selecting new employees. Taking online aptitude tests in advance can possibly supply the extra edge you need to succeed in being picked for a new job.

Competition for good jobs is fierce. You need to know what employers are looking for and how your personality measures up to it. Learn how to improve your score in order to raise your chance of getting the job that you want.

Find out how to increase your speed and accuracy in numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning tests. Learn the techniques you need to answer tricky spatial and mechanical reasoning questions. These online tests usually include examples of all types of aptitude test questions plus the hints and tips you need to succeed at these demanding tests.

Mechanical aptitude tests are used to select job applicants in areas that can range from trade apprentices to emergency services personnel.  Find out what to expect in these tests and how to answer questions involving: levers, pulleys, gears, simple circuits and basic arithmetic.

Verbal reasoning tests are designed to measure your ability to understand concepts by using words and your ability to find similarities between different concepts. Most employers who use aptitude tests in selecting a new employee will include a verbal reasoning test, as there are very few careers that don't require the ability to understand, analyze and interpret written information.

Numerical reasoning tests are an increasingly popular way of assessing candidates during the job selection process. You don’t need to have studied higher mathematics in order to succeed. These are primarily tests of reasoning ability and the math needed is generally straightforward.

A career aptitude test is a test designed to identify the careers or occupations that best suit you. Your aptitude may include your skills, abilities, interests, values and personality. Some career change tests assess your skills and abilities only, while others assess your personality type. While it is important to consider your abilities and personality traits when choosing a career, your interests and values are more likely to predict the careers that you will enjoy the most and experience the greatest level of job satisfaction.

Many people choose their career based on the subjects they excelled at in school, their parent’s recommendations, the employment opportunities or the potential income they will generate. Unfortunately many of us don’t take into account our true interests. When we finally realize how much we dislike our job it is often very difficult to make a career change. By then we may have a mortgage to repay, children to support and a lifestyle to which we have become accustomed. A career change may lead to a drop in salary or reduced hours to pursue part time or full time study. It may also lead to a period of stress and uncertainty with a lack of job security. Relying on the results of an online career aptitude test may help you make the right career choice.

Some Online Aptitude and Just-For-Fun Test Sites:
(Find many more at Education & Self Improvement)

Project Career
“Whether you are a student seeking to learn about career options or an adult exploring career change opportunities, ProjectCareer has the tools you need to succeed! Your 100% free assessment will match you with careers that most accurately complement your interests. The content rich Resource Center also contains valuable information regarding resume building, interviewing, networking and much, much more!”

IQ Personality Test
A variety of free online personality tests.

Puzz.com
A variety of free online puzzles, tests and games.

Human Metrics
“After completing the questionnaire, you will obtain: Your type formula according to Carl Jung and Isabel Myers-Briggs typology along with the strengths of the preferences; The description of your personality type;
The list of occupations and educational institutions where you can get relevant degree or training, most suitable for your personality type.”

Personality Online
“Your one stop resource for self discovery and personal development. Here you will find everything from a variety of personality tests to a comprehensive database of personal development related resources.”

(July, 2008)

So, you like the big outdoors, eh?  Like to take that hike or short walk?  When in a new town while traveling, do you walk around to get to know the place?  You might just enjoy geocaching.

Geocaching blends hiking, technology and treasure-seeking fun into a high adventure.  All you need is a GPS device (like Garmin's inexpensive and very capable eTrex line), a computer to get you on to http://www.geocaching.com/ , some legs and eyeballs.  Some geocaches (rated 1 for terrain difficulty) are even wheelchair accessible.

So what is a geocache?  It is a container that someone has hidden and published the coordinates fot it on geocaching.com.  Why did they hide it?  So that you can find it!  There are caches hidden everywhere across this country and around the world.  Some are ammo boxes hidden under a log in the woods.  Some are decon containers hidden in the branches of a small pine tree in a shopping mall parking lot.  Some are Tupperware containers hidden under a pile of rocks just off a trail.  Some are even magnetic key-holders hidden inside the end of a guardrail.  All contain at a minimum a log book for you to log your find, most with pencils for you to write with.  Many contain little tchotckes, useless trinkets that are fun to collect. 

One big rule is to only take something if you are going to leave something behind!  The trinkets, which can be anything from a baseball card to an eraser to a small stuffed animal to a cheap bracelet, are mostly there for children who come along on geocaching expeditions.  A friend and colleague of mine takes his five-year-old daughter geocaching with him, and she enjoys it immensely.

Are you interested?  Well, fire up your GPS, go on to Geocaching.com and find a hide in your area.  Put the coordinates into the GPS and off you go!  There is a description of the cache, perhaps some history or other information about the place you will be visiting to hunt for the cache and usually a hint to help you if you get stuck.  Park your car and go for a nice, leisurely walk.  Your GPS will tell you when you are getting close.  Once you are within about 30 feet (about the limit of the accuracy of the average GPS unit), you must use your eyes and your brain to find it.  The cache description says it is a plastic peanut butter jar.  Where would YOU hide one of these?  Maybe that pile of rocks over there?  No, as you move towards it, your GPS is telling you that you are moving away from the cache area.  How about in the crook of that tree over there that splits into two trunks about four feet up?  Closer, but there's nothing there.  There's a stump over there, is that it?  The name of the cache is "Stump Me Once", so maybe that's it.  You touch the stump and it feels like it's not attached to the ground!  You flip it over, and underneath is a hollow space...and there's the jar hidden inside, within easy reach!

So what do you do now?  Open the container and take out the log book.  Read the messages that other finders of this cache have written.  Look at the dates.  Who was the first to find it?  You take the pencil stub out of the jar and flip to the first blank page.  You write your geocaching name (mine is "gadjitfreek"), the date and a short message.  "Beautiful day to be out here!  Very clever name.  I took the plastic elephant and left a 'No Smoking' pin."

Now, place the log book and pencil back inside the container, close it tight and stuff it back into the bottom of the stump.  Reposition the stump and be on your way!  When you get home, log on to your Geocaching.com account and log your find online! 

I have about 250 finds over the last three years (I don't go out all that often, but when I do I like to get a whole lot in one day), and my friend who takes his daughter out is nearing 1000 finds over the last four years.  My cousin, who is in his mid-60's, takes hikes almost daily, and he has amassed a large number of geocache finds in the three years he has been doing it.  On my birthday, my cousin and I have made a tradition of spending it geocaching.

If you like to hike, walk and travel, geocaching will add a whole new dimension to the experience.  It costs nothing after the cost of the GPS device, and gets you out into the open air and the sounds of nature.  Give it a try!