The Building Brows

Addendum/Correction: Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2009-10-12T22:30:00.005-04:00

Extreme Makeover Home Edition taping prep-work in the hospital:

The hospital did not move in fake patients, what someone on the floor had said to me. They actually cleared out that side in a "musical patients" afternoon and left the emptied rooms with curtains drawn and doors closed for the taping. This was so us patients and our families were as undisturbed as possible--except for the musical patients bit. The hospital did a fabulous job cleaning and preparing for the crew under short notice. And at the end of the last visit the next day, co-host Paige signed Jaeli's signature-filled CHaD bag.

Irony: Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2009-09-29T12:36:00.002-04:00

As I sit in Jaeli’s hospital room at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD) in Lebanon, New Hampshire, admittance for what turned out to be a urinary tract infection, listening to housekeeping paint scraped walls and clean the carpet in my pod, a strange mixture of emotions swirls inside. Not from the cleaning—I wish they’d come clean my home—but from their reason for the extensive and sudden spring cleaning: Extreme Makeover Home Edition is coming to tape a family in my pod tomorrow.

Of course Jaeli will be moved to another section of the CHaD pedi floor away from the taping so fake patients can move in to fill the other rooms in our pod for show, and perhaps so Jaeli’s cries won’t disturb the taping, but I sit here astonished.

We’ve now spent four to five difficult, cramped years in our 800 square feet, now 900 since Jaeli’s been born and Jim added a room in literally four days to accommodate her special needs. During those times, we’ve flirted with applying for the home makeover show, but after reading the contract, could not in good conscience sign it. (A former The Building Brows post details why.) Then our friend asked permission to nominate us, and I struggled to answer yes because of that contract, but I finally did because she had it so much in her heart to help my family. Yet it slid away into silence, for which, at the time, I was glad even though my family needs our house completed and we still can’t do it.

I made that decision with peace in my heart. It was right. But what are the odds that this show would come to the CHaD, and then, when we were here with Jaeli admitted? This aside from the odds of birthing beautiful Jaeli with a rare chromosome disorder to add to our family already living in a unique situation.

I’m really happy for the family here who is being tended by the show. It is a great, wonderful thing. On the flip side, this is very hard for me, knowing that contract stands in the way from receiving like help when my husband is doing all he can to care for our six other children while I care for Jaeli, and run a business that just three years ago didn’t exist, so we can get through the winter in our tiny home. This couldn’t be more in my face.

Why? What purpose does God have for this?

This is surely a test of some kind, but I’m not sure what subject I’m trying to pass and how I’ll make it through. Either way, today, tomorrow, and days after, I’m sure, will prove to be difficult emotionally for me as I face Jaeli being discharged at the end of the week to return home to our now 900 square feet in the woods for our family of nine.

One thing I know today lives strong and well: Irony.

Tech Tags: CHaD Children's Hospital at Dartmouth Extreme Makeover Home Edition boiler plate contract rights application applicant family home house construction

Major Life Changes

2009-06-17T21:07:00.008-04:00

It's been a long while since I've posted, but with good reason. We've been building something else these past several months with great difficulty. The Building Brows is now a family of nine.

Our little girl was born two weeks ago by C-section. I'm recovering well, but we haven't yet welcomed baby JR into our home because she's in the hospital with serious complications and is looking at heart surgery, probably sooner than later. If you pray, please pray for our little girl. If you'd like to learn more, please check out my Brandy Brow twitter page (updated far more often than our Building Brows twitter page.

In the meantime, while Jim and I have been at the hospital with JR, Jim's worker has been working on the house. I came home last week to find the outside papered. Shocked me! Jim's ordered vinyl siding and we're ever grateful for the excellent deal a local company gave us on the order. We're not sure where all the money will come from, but Jim's guy needed a paycheck so that was the way to give it to him.

I don't know what the days or weeks ahead will bring, but I am confident God is in control.

I hope you'll take some time today to stop and count your blessings. The next time your kids run up and down the hall, about to drive you over the edge, thank God they have stamina and breath to run and that you can hug and hold them. So many moms and dads right now in neonatal intensive care nurseries everywhere don't have that luxury. Some can't even hold their babies because their health is too fragile. We all have great things to be thankful for; let's hope we can see and be thankful for them while we can.

Tech Tags: baby, babies, heart, heart surgery, surgery, hospital, newborn, house, blessings, God, Twitter

Refrigerator RECALL: Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa, Crosley

2009-03-12T11:20:00.006-04:00

On March 10, 2009, in release #09-145, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a refrigerator recall by Maytag due to fire hazard, for Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag, and Crosley brand side-by-side and top-freezer refrigerators. Those with freezers on the bottom are not included in the recall.

When the refrigerator's compressor turns on, an electrical component in the relay, which starts the compressor, can overheat and threaten safety. Forty-one reports of smoke and kitchen damage from this electrical failure have been reported so far.

The CPSC says,

The affected refrigerators were manufactured in black, bisque, white and stainless steel. They have model and serial numbers printed on a label located on the top middle or left upper side of the refrigerator liner and have the following model and serial number combinations:

Type: Serial Numbers ENDING with (AND Model Numbers BEGINNING with)

Side by Side Refrigerators:
AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR, AT, AV, AX,
CA, CC, CE, CG, CJ, CL,
ZB, ZD, ZF, ZH, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU, ZW, ZY, ZZ
(ARS, CS, JC, JS, MS, MZ, PS)

Top Freezer Refrigerators:
AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR, AT, AV, AX,
ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU, ZW, ZY, ZZ
(AT, CT, MT, PT)

This recall applies to about 1.6 million units sold in the United States from January 2001 through January 2004.

The CPSC is urging consumers to check their refrigerators and contact Maytag at (866) 533-9817 for in-home repair.

Tech Tags: recall, refrigerator, refrigerator recall, Maytag, Amana, Magic Chef, Performa, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Crosley, fire hazard, CPSC, Consumer Product Safety Commission, safety

Pouring the Workshop Foundation

2009-03-10T11:34:00.005-04:00

Pictures of Jim's roofing workshop foundation are here. In this slide show below, friends and family gathered to help spread and smooth the cement as it poured.

I learned that the mixing truck's chute had to be put together and then cleaned and dismantled afterward. Jim learned that if he doesn't take all the cement in the mixer, the company takes back what Jim already paid for and makes concrete blocks from it that they then sell--without Jim getting money back on the returned mixture. Jim decided to dump the rest of it in front of the workshop door to begin a ramp. I would have done the same.

So, a word of wisdom for all you do-it-yourselfers planning to order concrete: Prepare a second place to put any extra cement you ordered, maybe a second or subsequent project, because what comes in the truck is yours. Once you fill the space for which you ordered it, the company will haul it away and make money off it at your expense unless you tell them to put it somewhere else.

Tech Tags: cement pouring, foundation, DIY, photos, slide show

Watch out for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Application boiler plate contract

2009-02-01T16:57:00.000-05:00

I don't understand it. I've looked at the application for Extreme Makeover Home Edition (my friend insists on nominating us, bless her heart) and I can't understand how thousands of people a week can mail in the application when it requires you to basically sell your life and power of your public integrity away.

Now I understand that what a selected family receives in return is astronomical, but what about the millions who submit their application and still lose the same rights? And it's not rights that's the primary concern. Loss of rights is just the method. It's the loss of power over your public integrity at a long shot deal that upsets me.

And nobody's talking about this? I understand companies need to get something in return, but this is the worst boiler plate contract I've ever seen.

Here are the reasonable and standard expectations of contest-like endeavors:

Submitted material including documents, photos, and video won't be returned and becomes their property (see who "their" refers to below) which they may use at any time forever whether or not you're selected. Many companies hosting contests have this stipulation, as do magazines for letter or other submissions.
You agree to submit to medical and other tests and background checks.
You waive all rights to privacy in whatever publicity you receive no matter how long it endures.
You agree to forever remain strictly silent about the all information about the program, selection process, and participation in the program. As of now, I haven't applied so I can write this post, but had I, I'd not be able to write this! (Yet they can use any and every thing you submit as well as what you agree they can find thereafter about you--forever! See below.)
You consent to their use of your name, voice, actions, and likeness.

And then there are the completely unjust and infuriating rights you waive; but first, a definition of "their," meaning who is getting all these rights you waive:

Their = "Releasees": the network, producer, Endemol USA, Inc., and any of their respective licensees, assignees, parents, subsidiaries, or affiliated entities and each of their respective employees, contractors, agents, officers, and directors.

Wow. That's suddenly become a huge number of people and companies you're giving your rights and information to forever--not to just the show.

Here's what you give all these lovely people you've never met and can't control what they do with your information and your character, which you'll soon see, they can defame--legally.

You agree to the use of information derived from your application and in the selection process including editorial comments made by or about you. This one isn't so bad, but there is no stipulation anywhere that they will only present accurate info on you--actually, it's on the contrary and specifically allows for possible defamation.
Your audio, video, and other recordings along with your pictures, materials, and documents may be edited, altered, or modified, whether or not you are recognizable, by any one of those Releasees mentioned above, and it can be for anything outside of the show as well. See next point.
Not only do they own the materials and such you submit, but they own the right to edit, alter, or modify any of them for any use forever--whether connected to the show or elsewhere--in any media now known or subsequently created.
And here's the kicker--you grant all these right upon application signing and submission, whether or not you are selected for the show. That's right. Just by applying, you waive your rights to all of your information and what's said about you derived from whatever information--and it can be a lot--that they gather.
You sign away all legal recourse against all those listed as Releasees, but also against all other companies or people connected with or engaged in connection with the program. This includes any of the volunteer contractors or builders and their employees, successors, assignees, and a few other people/entitites so named as "Released Parties" such as advertisers and TV networks who air the show. This means that if any contractor's or builder's employee swipes something from your house or damages something significant, you cannot press charges or take any legal action to seek restribution or restoration. You're stuck with what they've done whether actions, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, or expenses. Now, perhaps the Producer makes these Released Parties sign their own agreement with them whereby they will press changes if the Released Parties break the law or engage in any kind of identity theft while in a person's house, but the applicant does not know it and the Producer does nothing to ensure an applicant's confidence in this--at least so far that I've seen. I'll be checking into this.
You agree not to make claims for defamation of character that any use of your info--edited, altered, or used as a deriviative--may cause you. Any one of those Releasees may make up something about you that isn't true (think tabloids) and pester you with it for the rest of your life, and you'd have no recourse. Now that probably wouldn't happen because they have better things to do, but the point is, if it happened, you'd be stuck defenseless.
You agree to waive all rights as found in the California Civil Code, Section 1542, and any state rights you may have. This means you waive all rights which you don't know or suspect exist in your favor at the time you sign the agreement, and which if you'd known, you might not have otherwise signed. Nice, eh?
You grant them right to investigate, collect, and access information about you, and in doing so, you waive all rights of confidentiality to every piece of information they find on you and every member of your family including your kids. This means that anything they find on you through whatever investigation they do, which is not limited, they can use "in any other manner" any time they want forever. And if you recall from another point above, they can also alter or change that information, too.

Now maybe I'm just an overprotective, alarm-sounding singleton in the minions, but I take character integrity and information protection seriously, especially as identity theft, phishing, and other crimes grow more numerous.

Above all, character integrity is of highest importance, far above money or material things. It's one thing to have someone defame and skew your character--I've dealt with this just from having this blog--but to purposely give up all rights to contest when someone defames your character, that is an entirely different matter. I cannot knowingly relinquish such power, not when I represent Christ and it'd be his name at stake, too. Unless God tells me to; that'd be the only way.

So here's my quandry now: After reading this application again and being faced with the severity of what an applicant's family--not just selected family--gives up to merely apply for a long shot benefit, how can I keep my word (which was a hesitant and difficult yes) to my dear friend who is determined to nominate our family for the show?

I guess I need to pray and see what God says. After all, it's not just my life and character this application will affect, but lives of my husband, my kids, and God's name--for the rest of our time on earth. That's no easy decision.

Bottom line:

If you don't follow God, really think hard and long before signing and mailing the application because much is at stake.
If you do follow God, pray long and hard to find out His will; for if He asks you to sign it, to sign is to put all in God's hands and His cover will be there, but to not sign when He says so, or vice versa--signing when He doesn't want it--, is to lose His covering where you stand.

Tech Tags: Extreme Makeover Home Edition boiler plate contract rights application applicant family home house construction

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T16:07:00.004-05:00

A very merry Christmas from The Building Brows.

We hope your day is filled
with laughter, joy, and fullness from God.
For those missing loved ones or enduring difficult times,
our prayers are with you.

~ Jim and Brandy Brow

Tech Tags: Christmas tidings

Pics, computers, and backup

2008-12-09T11:47:00.006-05:00

Since I last posted, I've managed to get a new laptop (which means all my old email is still on the tag-sale-special computer, so if you've emailed me with no response, give me another go).

I've converted most things over, but my digital camera is bursting with pictures still not downloaded, mainly because I can't decide where to put them. I work with my laptop most (what a godsend!), but my automatic backup that I really need for pics is on my other computer--the one I'm never on anymore. And I don't want to clutter my new computer with a gazillion pictures. Or do I?

It drives me nuts that I can't access the backup hard drive on my home network since my wireless is merely a router, not a hub. And I won't be buying a hub anytime soon. I think the thing I really need to do is get a backup plan for my laptop, like plugging it in regularly to the external hard drive on the other computer to back it up, then I can just put the pics on my laptop for easiest use.

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. In the mean time, the workshop/garage is built, Jim got in the wiring for the ground floor (which I did not take pictures of since I was sick and sleeping on the couch), but he still has a lot of work ahead of him.

Tech Tags: pictures, computer, laptop, backup

Links for 2008-11-15 [del.icio.us]

2008-11-16T00:00:00-08:00

Violent video games tied to teen aggression - Yahoo! News

Infant Death Prompts Crib Recall: Delta Enterprise

2008-10-27T15:03:00.005-04:00

Drop side cribs by Delta Enterprise are being recalled (recall issued October 21, 2008) after the death of an infant when the drop side of the crib detached. This is two recalls for the same company affecting 600,000 cribs for the first and 985,000 for the second. Both recalls call for repair of affected cribs.

CPSC Recall 1, Release #09-016:

This recall is for 600,000 Delta drop side cribs made in China in which spring peg failure can cause entrapment and/or suffocation.

The CPSC says, "The crib's drop side can detach when the spring peg is not engaged, which can cause an entrapment and suffocation risk to infants and toddlers. If the spring pegs in the base of each leg of the crib are pushed back into the lower track, the pegs can become nonfunctional. This can cause the drop side to detach from the crib and create a gap that can entrap an infant or toddler."

Caregivers should stop using this crib immediately and contact Delta immediately for a free, easy-to-repair kit.

Affected models:
All Delta drop side cribs manufactured prior to 2006 that use "Crib Trigger Lock with Spring Peg" drop side hardware design.

Recall model numbers (found on mattress support board):
4340, 4343, 4520, 4600, 4620, 4624, 4625, 4629, 4660, 4665, 4720, 4750, 4751, 4850, 4855, 4857, 4880, 4920, 4925-2, 4925-2B, 4925-6, 4980, and 8605.

The CPSC says, "The cribs, which were made in China, were sold at major retailers nationwide from January 2000 through January 2007 for between $33 and $200. Cribs currently sold at retail are not involved."

CPSC Recall 2, Release #09-017:

This recall is for Delta drop side cribs missing safety pegs, and it involoves 985,000 cribs made in Taiwan and Indonesia.

The CPSC says, "Failure to use or install safety pegs can cause an entrapment and suffocation risk to infants and toddlers. When the safety pegs in the base of each leg of the crib are missing from the lower track, the crib locks can disengage and detach if lowered below the peg hole, creating a hazardous gap. This gap can lead to the entrapment and suffocation of an infant or toddler."

Caregivers should stop using these cribs immediately if cribs are missing safety pegs. Consumers having cribs that have all safety pegs can keep using the cribs, but all consumers should contact Delta for free repair kits that include safety pegs with bold colors and warning labels.

Affected models:
All Delta cribs manufactured in Taiwan or Indonesia with the "Crib Trigger Lock with Safety Peg" drop side hardware design.

Recall model numbers (found on mattress support board label):
4320, 4340, 4500, 4520, 4530, 4532, 4540, 4542, 4550, 4551, 4580, 4600, 4620, 4624 (production dates 01/06 thru 11/07), 4640, 4660, 4720, 4735, 4742, 4750 (production dates 01/95 thru 12/00), 4760, 4770, 4780, 4790, 4820, 4840, 4850, 4860, 4880, 4890, 4892, 4900, 4910, 4920, 4925-2, 4925-6, 4930, 4940, 4943, 4944, 4947, 4948, 4949, 4950, 4958, 4963, 4968, 4969, 4980.

Date codes range from 1995 through December 2005, and model 4624 in 2007.

The CPSC says, "The cribs, which were made in Taiwan and Indonesia, were sold at major retailers, including Walmart, Kmart and Target.com from January 1995 through September 2007 for about $100. These cribs have also been found to be sold secondhand. Cribs currently sold at retail are not involved."

Contact Information for Both Recalls:

Delta's Recall Hotline: (800) 816-5304
Delta recall website: www.cribrecallcenter.com
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Tech Tags: crib recall infant death Delta Delta Enterprise repair kit

LeapFrog recalls Didj game rechargeable batteries & recharging system

2008-10-24T13:19:00.006-04:00

LeapFrog's rechargeable batteries with the recharging station for Didj Custom Gaming System apparently has a burn hazard to consumers. The batteries can overheat if the game system is placed into the recharger upside down; so far there are 12 overheating reports with one minor hand burn.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission who has issued a recall of the approximately 35,500 units made in China,

"The Recharging Station for Didj was sold as item number 30676, which is printed on the box and on the bottom of the recharging base. Consumers should . . . contact LeapFrog for a full refund. Consumers can continue using the AC adapter connected directly to the Didj handheld game."

Recall Contact Information:

LeapFrog: (800) 701-5327, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Monday through Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday. Email--didjsupport@leapfrog.com

CPSC LeapFrog Didj Game Recharger System Recall Page

recall, LeapFrog, Didj, game, rechargeable batteries, recharging system, made in China

Building Resumes On...

2008-10-21T19:41:00.004-04:00

I have new pictures to post as soon as I get them off my camera. Of what? A new workshop/office under construction!

"Wait a minute... what happened to your house? Did you finish it and not let your readers know?"

No, I wouldn't do that to you. But yes, we are building a workshop/office on the property. Let me back up.

At the beginning of the last work season, Jim partnered with my dad and turned my dad's roofing business into a new business with Jim, so Jim went from being Dad's worker to being his co-owner.

This has been a huge change we've been riding out quietly the past eighteen months to see how things go so we know what to expect for wintertimes when there is no work and we have to live off what we made the rest of the year, where formerly we lived on unemployment out of necessity. It's a nice change, but full of uncertainty. And trusting God. And so far, it's working.

At the end of this year, my dad retires and Jim assumes full responsibility for the business that previously ran from my dad's home. This year, the phone transfered to our home and Jim's been working in a 2 x 4 foot section in our bedroom. He needs a workshop/office to keep things more organized and to house the equipment, like the metal brake, that will be moving here soon.

And so, we're building a workshop/office down our driveway near the old llama pen that now houses slate and other roofing material. And thankfully, it's paid for with business money, not loans.

This is one of the final steps required for us to resume construction on our home, for once the business is secure, we can begin again to build. And that's very good news. We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel (pardon the cliche).

Sometimes it takes an enormous amount of time and patience to accomplish things, and this is surely the case here. We've done what is right for us, and even though we've endured trying times and public scrutiny, I have no regrets. When we're all the way through, we will have gained more than just a new home. And the sense of accomplishment and gratitude to God will be huge.

Tech Tags: construction, office, build, roofing,

Hair Hazard

2008-10-08T10:10:00.003-04:00

Well, I finally did it today; power-head vacuumed my hair--while attached to my head.

For those of you who don't know me or haven't seen me in a long time, my hair extends beyond my fingertips. I'm usually careful about vacuuming, toilets, cook stoves, barbecue grills, closing doors, and the like, but this morning I realized my hair has reached new lengths.

It is the longest it has ever been, which means that the next time I put my hair in a pony tail and try to brush it before putting in the elastic, I won't be able to get the brush out of my hair if the end has any knots. That happened to me once before and I had to call my son to the rescue--or drop my pony tail.

But this vacuum thing caught me completely off guard. It took me a few seconds before I realized what was causing my scalp pain and that I need to stand up quickly away from the power head.

Fortunately, I still have all my hair minus a few strands unlike some other unfortunate long-haired people who in time past have lost their scalps to machinery. My lesson is sure today. Never again vacuum until I've put all my hair above my waist. Or cook, or grill, or go to the bathroom . . .

Tech Tags: hair long hair machinery vacuum housework hazard

ModMum Baby Sling Giveaway

2008-10-06T21:44:00.003-04:00

The Lemonade Stand is giving away a ModMum baby sling. Just hop over, read her post, stop by ModMum to choose the style and size you like, and leave a comment on her blog. It's that simple.

The giveaway ends October 13 at midnight, so don't delay.

Tech Tags: giveaway baby sling

Security Amidst Economic Turmoil

2008-09-25T13:11:00.003-04:00

After hearing of the mortgage lending failures and housing market collapse nationwide, and listening to President Bush's address last night on the seven hundred billion dollar emergency plan he's urging congress to pass to rescue the American economy, I can't stop thinking about our living situation these past three-four years.

I've said it before, but do so now with more poignancy: Eight of us with a great dane and cat may be living in an 820-square foot mobile home that is often cramped and disallows many extras, but we own our home, own our property, own our cars and trucks, own our tractor, own our house under construction, and do not have loans of any kind, particularly for our in-construction house. We have not lived beyond our means!

Our family has received enormous flack at times for living as we have in an effort to keep from owing a lender to fund our house construction, and been chastised for not doing more to get money for building supplies, and I've countered the arguments with a simple fact of faith that before seemed ludicous: It's what God showed us to do. Now, with the United States on the verge of economic collapse, our ludicrous "stupid" choice to live this way no longer looks dumb, for we have some measure of security others don't right now.

God knew what was coming when we didn't, and He knew that even if we had completed the home, our real estate taxes would too burdensome for us during this difficult economic season. Jim and I aren't waking up in fear every morning our house might not be ours next month or our cars might be repoed. We aren't sweating bullets over loans and credit card debts we can't repay because we don't have any. As it is, rising costs of food and the ups and downs of fuel for both vehicles and home heating are enough difficulty for us. But we're stable.

I sincerely hope the naysayers over our lifestyle aren't suffering under this economic strain because I don't wish ill on anyone when it can be avoided, but no longer can anyone call us irresponsible or foolish for not living beyond our means. We're all healthy, warm, loved, and cared for. I can't think of any earthly things more valuable than those.

Thank You, God, for directing us in Your divine insight, and that we had faith and humility enough to listen even when at times we didn't want to.

When we obey God, in the end we won't be ashamed.

Tech Tags: economy, Bush, budget, loan, debt, security

Dog Poop In-House Mess Advice

2008-08-27T15:56:00.006-04:00

Never EVER let your dog get locked in your bedroom, but if it should happen, here's what to do beforehand to save your sanity:

Make sure you...

...position your bed so it takes up most of the room.
...fully cover it with a bedspread.
...have at least one blanket under the bedspread.
...use both a top and flat sheet.
...use mattress cover.
...use a mattress foam pad.
...have Simple Solution.
...wash all the bedding
...spray Simple Solution on the mattress pad.
...have a hair drier in case you need it to dry your mattress pad before bed.

Because the smell WILL go through every layer imaginable. Then...

...take your dog out right after finding him.
...praise Jesus that the dog didn't step in & track it all over.

Much more simpler and cheaper than buying another carpet and carpet pad. And believe me, since bedding is machine washable, if the dog DID track it all over, it's much easier to deal with.

The last mess was in the TV room and it got three sets of shoes, on the TV room carpet, the dog bed, the couch that thankfully had a slip cover, the kitchen floor, the hallway carpet, the front door carpet, under my computer desk which is the dog's favorite place to lie, and all over the bottom of the dog's foot. That was a miserable evening of four-hour cleanup. Fortunately, today's mess was a lot quicker and easier an ordeal.

My special advice, fresh from dog poop central. Here's hoping you have a clean, tidy, and dog-poop-in-the-house-free week.

Check out more Works for Me Wednesday posts at Rocks In My Dryer.

Tech Tags: dog dog poop mess cleanup tips humor animals

Surviving Thunderstorms Tips

2008-07-23T08:42:00.009-04:00

We've been battered with serious thunderstorms this past month and three days ago lightening struck outside the trailer. I was at my friend's house when it happened. They lost power from downed lines somewhere. We didn't lose power, but we discovered the next morning that the lightning strike fried our satellite dish TV service and phone line.

Apparently, we've done a few things right in preparing for storms because only those things sustained damage. (See surviving thunderstorms tips below.)

To repair the TV, we decided to upgrade our system to new equipment for a $19.95 service fee. We get a standard DVR box, a new dish since ours is an old version, and whatever it takes to get the system working again. Plus, since we've been out of service since the weekend, Directv is crediting us $5 per month for the next three months and giving us two months of free Showtime.

Contrast this to the standard $79.95 service call to repair the broken equipment or $5.99 to activate their service plan with a $19.95 service call under that service, and we've definitely chosen the best option. If you end up with screwed up equipment, always ask the company about upgrade options and customer credit incentives. Chances are you can find a better deal than paying for service calls flat out.

For our phone line, I tested the box at the pole and we had dial tone, but none at the jack in the house, so whatever the lightening hit and fried, it was between the two--75 feet of between. Jim decided to buy new wire, so yesterday evening Jim and IJ ran new wire from the box to the house and installed a new house jack. Presto! Dial tone. And our Internet seems to be working a little faster since Jim bought better quality wire.

I'm very glad I plugged our phone line from the jack to a surge protector before running it to the computers, phone, and fax. If I had not, the lightning probably would have fried all of them, costing us big bucks to replace.

Here are a few storm tips to help you in case of lost electricity or a lightning strike:

Always plug your phone line from the jack to a surge protector before running it to your equipment.
Plug in all your electronic equipment into surge protectors.
Fill your bathtub with water when you hear lightning and thunder coming, and place a bucket nearby. If you lose power and cannot flush your toilet due to your well pump that can't work until electricity is back on, you can still flush your toilet with a bucket full of water from the tub as well as perform quick washes. (Since lightning is attracted to water, a full tub in front of a window may not be your best option. Instead opt for a few filled buckets kept away from windows.)
Close windows by sinks and other indoor water sources. And don't wash dishes or shower during storms. Jim's mom had lightning come through her kitchen window into her sink as she was washing dishes. Not a fun experience.
Get out a flashlight.
Know where your matches or lighters and candles or oil lamps are and have them easily accessible.
Between storms, purchase and install stick up battery operated lights on your walls.
Get a storm radio that operates with batteries and test it before you need it.
Keep a few gallons of bottled water stocked for drinking needs while electricity is out. Use and replace periodically.

Hopefully, if you're in serious storms this season, you'll be safe and able to endure them well with a little planning.

Check out more Works for Me Wednesday posts at Rocks In My Dryer.

Tech Tags: lightning strike storms tips weather prevention

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2008-07-23T00:00:00-07:00

Uncomfortable-Answers-to-Questions-on-the-Economy: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance

Recall: Honda Engines in SpeeCo & Huskee Log Splitters

2008-07-18T10:16:00.009-04:00

Another Honda recall was issued yesterday, July 17, 2008, by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), this time for log splitters with Honda engines because of fire hazard.

The CPSC says "The engine's fuel tank can crack and leak, posing a risk of fire or explosion.... The log splitters with the recalled engines were sold at outdoor power equipment dealers and Tractor Supply stores nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $1,150 and $1,500."

With people preparing for winter and wood burning families undertaking log splitting, now is the time to check your log splitter's make and model to make sure you don't have one of these recalled splitters.

The recall affects Split Masters by SpeeCo and Huskee log splitters (models listed below) with Honda engine model type GCV160LA N1A and engine serial numbers between 5547012 and 6880908. You can find the serial number near the oil dip stick below the upper shroud. They are colored either silver/black or red/black.

Huskee Log Splitter
LS401227TS (22 Ton)
LS401228NO (27 Ton)

SpeeCo Split Masters
LS401228SP (22 Ton)
LS401227NO (22 Ton)
LS401225NO (25 Ton)

If you find you own one of these recalled log splitter engines, stop using it immediately and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer or Honda Engine dealer to secure your free repair.

More information:

Honda:
(800) 426-7701
Monday-Friday
8:30 AM to 5 PM

CPSC:
Original Honda lawn mower recall notice

Tech Tags: Honda engine log splitter recall CPSC

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2008-07-17T00:00:00-07:00

Save on Gas

2008-07-16T10:13:00.004-04:00

I've taken a tip from the airlines in an effort to save gas: Drive slower.

When oil prices skyrocketed in 1973, the US government cut maximum speed to 55 in an effort to conserve energy, part of the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act. It was signed on January 2, 1974, and stayed for a good fifteen years before the imposition was lifted, allowing for speed limits to jump back up to 60-80 depending upon state preference.

From the bit of reading I've done, though, vehicle engines are still made to perform at optimum proficiency at 55 miles per hour, so if you drive the current highway speed limit, or on town roads at slower speeds, you burn more fuel than if you were to drive 55.

Now don't go speeding on town roads to save gas, but when it comes to highway travel, try running at 60 miles per hour instead of 65, or drive 55 if you can stand it. Here's an interesting article titled "The Unmentioned Energy Fix: A 55 mph speed limit."

Since I've begun to drive slower, I've noticed two things:

Others are beginning to do the same; even when I drive 55, cars have stayed behind me instead of pass. I think it's catching on. People are getting it: you burn (rubber), you lose (money).
Our gas consumption has reduced. I track our miles per gallons and when I began to drive 55-60, our miles per gallon increased.

It really works! It must; the airlines are using this method to save money. Added bonus? Zero speeding tickets.

Check out more Works for Me Wednesday posts at Rocks In My Dryer.

Tech Tags: energy consumption 55 mph speed limit save gas automotive economy national US United States

Kerosene Prepay Dilemma

2008-07-16T08:00:00.008-04:00

What's worse than $5.079 per gallon for kerosene 2008-2009 prepay price?

Calling back to order prepay for the season and being told they sold it all so you can't buy prepay.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like a bad joke, but it's no joke. Only bad. It's the second time in a month I've felt sick to my stomach at news--the first time over the initial prepay fuel price I so wanted to refuse to pay but couldn't out of no alternative.

The company said they sold in three days what they normally sell in five weeks for kerosene. Good for them? Not really. They say they're making the same profit they did last year when prices were $2+ per gallon less. You know where the money is really going.

I even asked about their requirements for enclosing a tank to buy oil at $4.67, which is sounding pretty good right now, but they require the tank be in a heated enclosure, not just an insulated box. Now I'm not sure what we'll do.

The good news right now is that it looks like the weatherization we did last year reduced the amount of kerosene we used so we need less. (And that reminds me, I never posted the weatherization pictures. That, I'll have to do.)

So for now, we're on the waiting list. If the fuel company buys more kerosene, they may let us buy prepay. If not, it's right back to where we always were: trusting God.

Tech Tags: fuel kerosene heating energy winter prepay economy inflation price gouging

Links for 2008-07-15 [del.icio.us]

2008-07-16T00:00:00-07:00

Cut-It-Out: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance

Recall: Honda HRX walk-behind mower

2008-07-15T11:37:00.003-04:00

Heads up, you lawn mowing maniacs. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall July 10, 2008 on HRX walk-behind lawn mowers by American Honda Motor Corporation due to laceration hazard.

According to the CPSC, "The lawn mower's rear shield can break off allowing debris to be thrown toward the operator, which poses a laceration hazard to consumers."

There are 20,500 units out there, so check your mower. If you have an HRX walk-behind lawn mower by Honda with the serial numbers MAGA-1500001 through 1520532 (found on upper read of mower deck), stop using it immediately and contact your local Honda Lawn and Garden dealer for a free repair.

More information:

Honda:
(800) 426-7701
Monday-Friday
8:30 AM to 5 PM

CPSC:
Original Honda lawn mower recall notice

Happy and safe mowing...

Honda, Mower, recall, grass, CPSC

The Blessing of Having a Best Friend

2008-07-13T00:56:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Blog Your Blessings Sunday.

One of my biggest blessings is my network of support from friends and family, but by far, my most treasured is my best friend.

Perhaps some people have numerous best friends, but I've had only a handful in my lifetime. After I gave my life to Jesus fifteen years ago, I found myself sort of friendless; oh, I had lots of friendly people in my life, but no one close. Changing your entire way of life tends to do that. Jesus was my everything, but I still yearned for a flesh and blood friend I could be me with, so I asked God for one.

It took fourteen years, but I finally met that friend because her son and my son had become friends at school and they wanted to have a sleepover. Let me tell you, this woman was entirely worth the wait. She's everything I ever hoped for and more. God knew just who I needed and sent her at the right time.

If you have a close friend you can confide in who loves you through thick and thin, thank God and treasure the gift. You're fortunate. Not everyone has one. Take a moment today to call your friend and tell him/her just how much you appreciate your friendship.

If you don't have a close friend and long for one, don't give up. Ask God, keep asking God, and wait expectantly with gratitude for the one that's coming. Mine finally did. I believe yours will too. Let me ask God for you, too:

God, to all who read my blog and long for a close friend, please grant their desires and give them the close friends they long for who will love them through thick and thin and continue with them, for you know we need support to keep us strong and going in the right direction. Thank You, God. Amen.

Tech Tags: blessing friend best friend God thankful

Building Supply Prices Continue to Increase

2008-07-05T13:18:00.004-04:00

With this economic crunch and things only predicted to get worse, I look at my surroundings and heave a sigh of relief that we aren't yet in the house. I cannot imagine the fuel costs (or tax rates we're not yet ready for).

Worse, costs of construction materials has skyrocketed, and is predicted to continue. Now is definitely not the time to buy building supplies.

Within two month's time, the cost of shingles alone is expected to rise significantly, stressing businesses in construction trades, those trying to build, and homeowners needing home repairs. It hasn't been overnight, though. Prices began to sharply increase after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in the USA about two years ago, August, 29, 2005, driving up demand.

I look back at these past two years knowing the frustrations we've endured living small, and must acknowledge that God knew all of this would happen and kept us here for a reason. We are not living beyond our means and are not threatened by bankruptcy, and that piece of mind is huge.

We retain hope that building supplies will drop in price. (And Lord help us, gasoline/oil/kerosene/propane too.) Then, perhaps, we will be ready to build. In the mean time, I trust God has been, and continues to, position us properly for whatever comes.

Tech Tags: economy building house construction inflation price increase supplies

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2008-07-03T00:00:00-07:00

10 common car-buying mistakes- Yahoo! Autos Article Page

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2008-07-01T00:00:00-07:00

Oil/Kerosene Prepay Price OUCH

2008-06-30T07:45:00.006-04:00

Opinion Polls & Market Research

We just received our prepay price for the winter. It's the first time I've felt sick over charges. Well, I take that back. The first time was when we received a phone bill from Frontier Communications several years ago for $1,900,221.51: $221.51 for overdue charges and $100,000 per monthly commitment times 19 months of contractual period we had not fulfilled.

All I can say is, thank God we had never signed that contract and were only liable for the $221.51, so the nearly 2 million dollar bill was an error. But this prepay price is not.

$5.079 per gallon!!!

This is for kerosene since our tank is outside. Crap. And the fully prepaid price. The budget program runs $5.129. And I thought $4.67 for regular oil my dad quoted us was bad. Now I'm just wishing we could get an indoor tank. Maybe it's cheaper if we box in our tank with an insulated shed! If we can build it for $184 or less, then yeah. It's cheaper. That's how much we'd save.

My first instinct is to say, "Heck no--I refuse to pay!" I can't in good conscience pay this wretched price and let these price gougers get away with this. On the other hand, I'm looking at our situation saying, "Crap! What else can we do?"

My friend is looking at buying a pellet stove, and even the person I just spoke with at the fuel company about prepay bought one, but in our tiny mobile home, I can't see how we could even think of doing this. There is simply no space.

We considered using an outdoor stove to heat our house when done--it sits outdoors and hooks up to the internal system and runs off wood, stocked once a day. No need to worry about losing power and therefore heat. Maybe we need to look into that for this year since we'll already have to pay at least half the startup price for that just for fuel that will burn up and be gone.

Have you gotten your prepay price this year? How does it compare with ours? I'm curious what they're running across the country, and what kind of alternative fuel sources you're looking at, if you are. Please take two minutes and comment!

Tech Tags: fuel heating winter prepay heat sources alternative dilemma economy inflation

Watch: Pay the Writer

2008-06-27T14:37:00.003-04:00

Every publisher, editor, webmaster, writer, and wannabe writer out there, please take three minutes and listen to Harlan Ellison's rant on paying writers. (Contains profanity, but worth the listen.)

Tech Tags: writer writing pay money earn pay the writer business arts

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2008-06-27T00:00:00-07:00

Busyparentsonline.com

Nontoxic ant repellent for home interiors

2008-06-18T07:08:00.003-04:00

Last year when I posted about our ant problem, a friend of mine posted her suggestion for ridding our living area of ants. Baby powder.

Baby powder? No way. I was so skeptical, I never tried it. But this year rolled around and the boys had so many ants crawling on the ceiling and walls around their beds, the big black yucky ant kind, that I needed a nontoxic repellent to eradicate ants since it was in their sleeping area. I remembered her suggestion and decided it was worth a shot. The worst it would do is make the house smell like a clean baby's butt.

So I went around and puffed baby powder along the wall, floor, and ceiling cracks where we had ants and beyond, and watched and waited.

Within 24 hours, we saw a 99% reduction in ants! The day before I applied the powder, the kids counted the killing tally and within an hour were in the 30s. The next day I saw one ant on the wall.

I wondered if it was a fluke or just a dramatic answer to prayer, so I asked God to show me. The next day I happened to look at the doorway threshold and saw an ant writhing in the powder like he's eaten ant poison. Amazing!

Thanks, Kelly, wherever you happen to be, today. Your suggestion reversed the ant invasion on our family!

Check out more Works for Me Wednesday posts at Rocks In My Dryer.

Tech Tags: ant ant killer house natural ant killer nontoxic bugs infestation remedy solution