I’M JUST CURIOUS: Simple home remedies

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by Debbie Walker

I’ve been told before to “question what you read. Don’t just accept it as fact.” This column today would be one to question.

The information contained here was sent to me as an e-mail quite a while ago. I don’t remember who sent it to me nor do I have any idea where it originated. I got a kick out of it, and I thought maybe you might too. I’ve added a few comments of my own.

Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop. (Unless you suffer from high blood pressure, then See #3.)

Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat and not putting it back by using the sink. (Is this not a problem in most every home? Ladies I would use a strong cleaner in your sinks daily after this info passes to all male readers!)

For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to set the timer. (As far as I’m concerned this beats the days of the leaches, that person who used to bleed people with leaches years ago. I’m sure it was easy to get leaches in the summer. Just stand in the lake or river. When you come out just remove them all from your body, do this as many times as needed – be careful of their own blood pressure. But I am curious what they did for leaches in the winter.)

If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you’ll be afraid to cough. (Just to be on the safe side if you choose to use this remedy I’d suggest some adult diapers. But, just today, I read to put Vicks on the sole of your feet, not on your chest to get rid of a bad cough).

A mousetrap, placed on top of your alarm clock. This tip will prevent you from rolling over and going to sleep after you hit the snooze button. (You’ll have to get up and go ice your fingers. Not a great way to start your day. Might be a great way to get a teenager to get out of bed in the mornings. Child abuse, maybe?)

You only need two tools in life: WD-40 and Duct tape. If it doesn’t move and should, use WD-40. If it shouldn’t move and does, use the duct tape. (Last summer my leg brace had a real squeak to it. Steve, our contractor, told me if I didn’t have WD-40 I could always use Pam cooking spray! He said it might dry out quicker but it would smell better!)

If you can’t fix it with a hammer, you’ve got an electrical problem (or maybe plumbing problem. Speaking of plumbing, did you know if you put the handle of a plunger in the ground and the plunger part is up you now have a drink holder? Oh and to decorate the handle, use cammy duct tape!).

Remember: everyone seems normal until you get to know him or her.

Okay those are a few simple (useless) solutions. But I have a couple of questions. Who and how did someone figure out to use Preparation H for puffy eyes in the morning? Who and how did someone discover you could clean your toilet with denture tablets or alka-seltzers? Those are only a couple of my questions. And people wonder why “I’m just curious!” There may be some things I’m just better off not knowing.

I’m just curious if you know there is more where all this stuff has come from!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: The Good Wife’s Guide

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by Debbie Walker

This was copied from Good Housekeeping magazine May 13, 1955.

  • Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
  • Prepare yourself. Take 15 to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. (a ribbon, oh, please!)
  • Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it. (duty! Not because you care.)
  • Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc and then run a dust cloth over the tables.
  • Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction. (Oh, please!)
  • Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. (Yeah, right, little angels.)
  • Be happy to see him.
  • Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
  • Listen to him. You my have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first – remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours. (Cough, Cough, with eyes rolled.)
  • Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.
  • Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
  • Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.
  • Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. (all night, that’s some job!) Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
  • Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or a warm drink ready for him.
  • Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
  • Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him. (Time to leave!)
  • A good wife always knows her place.

I’m just curious what your thoughts are on this subject. I can tell you I would not have been a good wife! Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com. Thanks again for reading!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Just have fun!

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by Debbie Walker

Just for fun seemed like a nice change for a New Year, I hope you agree. This is going to be multiple choice commercial jingle trivia test: (underline or circle)

“Double your ________, double your fun!”
Leisure – pleasure – treasure

“Juicy Fruit is gonna move ya! It’s got a taste that _______ right through ya!”
Gets – moves – hits

“Kiss a little longer, stay close a little longer,________ a little longer, longer with Big Red!”
hold hands – make out – hold tight

“If I were an ________, everyone would be in love with me!”
Oscar Mayer hot dog – Oscar Meyer Wiener – Oscar Meyer Sausage

“The best part of _______is Folgers in you cup.”
Waking up – getting up – perking up

“I’d like to buy the world a Coke and keep it ________.”
Nice & clean – company – in harmony

“Be a _______, drink Dr Pepper.”
little better – winner – Pepper

“Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a ______”
Help it is – joy it is – relief it is

“Two all beef patties, special sauce, ________, cheese, ________onions on a sesame seed bun.”
Lettuce, pickles – lettuce, tomato – pickles, lettuce

“Have it your way, have it your way at ________.”
Taco Bell – Burger King – Wendy’s

“Ace is the place with the ________.”
Helpful hardware man – handy hardware man – helping hardware man

“See the U.S.A. in your _______.”
Buick – Ford – Chevrolet

“Put a tiger in your tank.”
Frosted flakes – ESSO – Little Debbie Snack Cakes

“Silly rabbit, ________ are for kids.”
Oreo’s – Cheerios – Trix

“I don’t want to grow up, I’m a ____ ___ _____ kid.”
Sears – Walmart – Toy’s R Us

“American Express: Don’t leave _______ without it.”
Home – New York – Work

The answers will be as follows. See how you do:

“Double your”- pleasure

“Juicy Fruit”- gets

“Kiss a little”- hold tight

“Big Red”- hold tight

“Oscar Mayer” – Wiener

“Folger’s” – waking up

“Coke”- company

“Dr Pepper”- pepper

“Alka seltzer”- relief it is

Two all beef – lettuce – pickles

“Your way” – Burger King

ACE – helpful

U.S.A. – Chevrolet

Tiger – ESSO

Rabbit – Trix

“grow up”__ Toy’s R Us

“American Express’ – home

As usual I AM JUST CURIOUS how you did with our little test. Contact me with questions or comments at dwdaffy@yahoo.com. Thank you for reading!!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: January thoughts

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by Debbie Walker

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, at the new year said, “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors and let each new year find you a better man.” That was his thought.

My thought of the new year is a fresh start. It reminds me of the term “clean slate.” The saying comes from the slate boards used in schools years ago. Each day the “slate” started out clean. These days it usually means a fresh start; another chance to wipe out old offenses.

I would like to remind us all that each and every day is a new start, a new slate. So if you feel you fell short on your resolutions, just remember, the next new day is coming.

For some of us the new year begins on January 1 with the resolutions and in Maine it falls in cold, winter weather. There are others of us whose new year doesn’t start until the winter is gone and the sun shines warm and summer is beginning to bloom with greens and colors.

I found the following poem in the Farmer’s Almanac’s 200 Anniversary Collection. It is from 1871:

Farewell and Welcome

Go, winter, go!
The frozen locks and tresses white
And looks that kindle not delight
and breaths that chill the young heart’s glow
And frowns that make the tear drop start
No bliss, no pleasure can impart
Go, winter. Go!

Come, summer, come!
With genial skies and budding flowers
and balmy gales and fragrant showers
and smiles that clothe the earth in flowers
Come with thy bright and fairy band
and scatter gladness o’er the land!
Come, summer, come!

Freezing Help

Okay, well, winter is happening no matter what our personal thoughts. I found these tips in a magazine for helping you with icy walkways:

Baking Soda: Sprinkle over icy walks and stairs. It will speed up the melting.

Vinegar: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water for a de-icer to melt surfaces including your windshield.

DIY Ice Melt: 2 qts warm water, 6 drops dish liquid, 2 oz. rubbing alcohol. Spray over walkways for easier shoveling.

90 Percent Rubbing alcohol: I used this on my windshield in Maine. Put it in spray bottle and I sprayed my windshield, walked around the car, sprayed the windows. The windshield was clear. You can leave the spray bottle in your vehicle. It won’t freeze.

Tarp: cover the area, car or walkway. You can shovel off or shake off depending on the snow or ice that you get.

Extra traction: Use clean kitty litter, wood ash from stove or fireplace, or even bird seed (the birds will love you!).

Frost-free mirrors: Cover side mirrors with plastic bags. To attach just use clothes pins.

I am finishing this with these words:

Just for today, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fill with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine. (by Dear Abby)

I’m just curious what unique thoughts you have for 2020. Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com with questions or comments. Thank you for reading!!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: From the Book of Answers & Others

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by Debbie Walker

Yes, I found another book and read some things I wanted to share. The name of the book is The Book of Answers by Barbara Berliner and another. I got a kick out of the title so of course I had to have it.

Now you may very well know what the answers to some of these are and the worst to happen will be you’ll know how naive I am.

SO…

How accurate are groundhogs at predicting weather? Sixty years of recording of groundhogs have only been 28 percent accurate. Possibly you or your grandfather did a better job of predicting!

Did you know James Bond (1908-1964) was an agent himself during World War II ?

Do you remember the lucky charm, the rabbit’s foot? (Wasn’t too lucky for him.)

The rabbit is born with eyes open, suggesting wisdom. It spends most of it’s life underground, suggesting a connection to a mysterious underground, and it is prolific (did you ever raise rabbits?) suggesting wealth and prosperity.

Yes, there really was a Mother Goose, a New England widow who married Isaac Goose, adopting a family of 10 and later she had six children. In 1719 she wrote Mother Goose’s Melodies for children.

Okay, now since we are days away from Christmas and the New Year, I have a few questions and answers about traditions for the holidays. (When I was a kid my mom got really frustrated with me and said, “Do you always have to ask so many questions?”) The answer ‘til this very day is “Yes, Mom.”

Traditions create a bond in families, a connection to other family members, the people participating in the present and members who long since passed. You very likely have not actually met some of the creators of your own family traditions.

All this year as we explored the ‘crazy holidays,’ we would have to include these as different families ‘traditions,’ in fact you may have adopted some of those holidays for your friends and families.

And we start the Christmas traditions:

December 24 was observed as Adam and Eve Day. We are talking about 1561 and the forerunner of the forbidden fruit tree was replaced by the modern Christmas tree.

The “12 Days of Christmas” would net you 364 gifts.

The best one to me was: Did you know Santa has a brother? His name is Bells Nichols and he visits homes on New Year’s Eve after the children are asleep and will fill empty plates set out for him with cookies and cakes.

Have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas!

I’M JUST CURIOUS – Christmas 2019: Birth of a new tradition

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by Debbie Walker

I am not sure where this came from, I found it on my computer. I very much agree with what it says so I’ll ask for forgiveness if someone else wrote it. I really don’t remember. I hope it opens at least some minds. It’s also right in line with what my mom wanted in her later years.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods – merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes, there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone – yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants – all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains – this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre..

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about U. S., encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list – post it to discussion groups – throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city – send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?

Have a wonderful Christmas. Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com with your questions or comments.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Wandering Nanas using winter hacks

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by Debbie Walker

Do you remember my column on November 14 was about “Winter Hacks?” When I wrote that I might have been a little cocky because I am in Florida and avoiding your nasty, snowy cold winters. I should have known better than to be so brashy. It’s not good, it will come back to haunt me every time! We will get back to ‘weather’ in a little bit.

So… The Wandering Nanas (my friend, Nana Dee and myself, Nana Daffy) had been planning another trip to Ohio and Pennsylvania. We went up in June and were making a return trip to celebrate Dee’s Aunt Jean’s 95th birthday.

It is a beautiful trip going up to Walnut Creek, Ohio. You go through a section of the Smokey Mountains, what a view! Driving isn’t too bad in most cases, however, there are some aggravating road nit-wits. And then there are also some of Mother Nature’s critters who make driving tricky. We came so close to hitting a deer. We were aware that some of the deer, five to be exact, had gone to Deer Heaven that day on the side of the roads. We did not want to add to the list. A couple of nights later we met a deputy who wanted to forewarn us that the deer are in rutting season and are subject to some crazy, careless decisions.

Aunt Jean had a very nice birthday. She celebrated with her son, his wife, the Wandering Nanas and some of the residents of her assisted living center. She is looking forward to more birthdays! We plan to be at each one.

The next day we made our way to Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, without getting lost. The day after we got there it snowed! The next morning we had to do the snowy, icy, clean off the truck dance. I brought my snow brush and scraper, thank goodness. Now if you remember the ‘ Weather Hacks’ comments from the column on November 14, I spoke of the alcohol spray for the windshield and windows.’ I used it there and left it for Dee’s niece, Jackie, who had never heard of such. She liked the idea.

Just before we left, I missed a three-inch step. That’s right, I fell directly to the floor and I must admit to thinking I heard something crack. When I was able to stand on it I figured it was just a sprain. It wasn’t easy to walk but I could drive easily, and I drove us the two days back to Florida. The next morning I went to the doctor and was sent for X-rays. Oh yes, I had done it, and it was, indeed, broken, and would require surgery. Yuck!

Nana Dee in the meantime got hit with a sinus and ear infection but we made it back to Sunny Florida! It has been a bit chilly but nothing like Ohio or Pennsylvania. I dug out my Christmas sweaters this morning. I will start wearing them the day after Thanksgiving. I sincerely wish for you all had a wonderful day with family and friends.

I’m just curious what your favorite part of the meal is. Every family seems to have some special thing they do or cook, share your favorites with us please. Some of us might enjoy trying it for Christmas.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Crazy December holidays

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by Debbie Walker

This is the 12th month I have done the Crazy Holidays columns. I hope you got some fun out of them as I did. I haven’t decided yet what I will follow up with to use for the last week of the month. Do you have any ideas? Let me know what you might like for one week out of every month. I’ll be waiting.

Okay, here we are for the month of December 2019. Most people wouldn’t believe there are holidays other than Christmas for this month. If all the Christmas marketing hype has you somewhat frazzled, pick your own holiday to observe in your own way. Here are a few suggestions:

December 3: National Roof Over Your Head Day: Spend a few minutes of thoughtful appreciation for having a roof over your head. You might think of donating to something benefiting the homeless in your area.

December 5: Bathtub Party Day: Invite a friend (or spouse) to your bathtub party. Open a drink, light some candles and have some snacks within reach.

December 6: Mitten Tree Day: Set up a Christmas tree and have people bring in mittens to donate. This is popular in both schools and work.

December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Please do remember.

December 12: National Ding-A-Ling Day: You should beware of the people you encounter today. Even normally conservative people have been known to go a little a little crazy on this date. It’s a day to cut loose.

December 14: National Bouillabaisse Day: I must admit that I have never had bouillabaisse, nor do I intend to. I love our fish or seafood chowders; my sister’s is especially good. The French and folks around the Mediterranean have their version, I’ll keep ours!! I imagine a lot of families have different recipes.

December 16: National Chocolate Covered Everything Day: Ok this must be one of my favorite foods. On this day you should also share with others.

December 20: Go Caroling Day: You must be able to put together a small group of fun loving people who would be happy to put smiles on others faces. You don’t need to be an expert.

December 21: Look on the Bright Side Day: This day is the shortest day of the year but you only need to remember to look for the good in different aspects of the day.

December 23: Festivus – It’s for the Rest of Us: If you don’t celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanza, and you don’t have a clue what Ramadan and Boxing Day are; Festivus might be just the holiday for you.

December 24: National Egg Nog Day: You may start your egg nog drinking on Christmas Eve but my family starts just before Thanksgiving and on through the holidays. Egg Nog is famous in our house also for nutrition if someone has been ill.

December 30: National Bicarbonate of Soda Day: The other name for this is baking soda. It can be used for baking, indigestion and heartburn, removes odors from kitty litter, as a fire extinguishers, cleaning product, and many more uses.

December 31: Make Up Your Mind Day: You can ‘make up your mind’ to rather you want to make any resolutions. Then make up your mind what those may be.

That ends the Crazy Holidays columns for the year. The replacement is going to be Different Uses for Regular Products for the year 2020. Hope you enjoyed the Crazy Holidays, if you missed any of them please check out the archives for, I’M JUST CURIOUS. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Hide and NO seek

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by Debbie Walker

Nana Dee, of the Wandering Nanas, uses a lot of fabric for making garments, quilts and the list goes on. We have laughed about how sometimes you must get creative with your collections, sometimes that includes hiding some of the collection for fear of criticism.

We came across an old column from Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting magazine, May/June 2004 issue, by Cindy L. Weyers, titled 50 Ways to Hide Your Fabric. We aren’t all hiding fabric, so I have left a few ideas out, the ones included here are multi-purpose. You might consider some of these good for hiding Christmas presents as well.

One place for hiding craft materials is in the closet behind and in your shoes on the floor. Men never look at women’s shoes unless they are admiring the legs that go with them.

Hide things behind clothes on closet shelves.

Put false bottoms in clothes hampers. No one digs deeply in there except you.

Store things in a crate marked as women’s clothes and don’t forget where you put them!

Place flat things, like clothing gifts, between mattress and box spring.

Layer some things under the cushions of sofa. Explain it’s needed because some remote control-punching, chip munching, sweating couch potato is squishing the cushions. He will ignore them.

Place in closed box under the sink marked “Cleaning Supplies.” No one will even look!

Fill another box and mark with ‘Feminine Supplies.” That should keep him out of that area.

Fill your cedar chest.

Store in bottom of china cabinet.

When the kids move out, fill their dresser drawers with your goodies.

Tuck between blankets in linen closet.

Hide under beds. Fear of dust bunnies will keep him away.

Store in a vacuum bag under the bed.

Store on top of china cabinet, another place only you would look.

Store in luggage. You usually do the packing anyway, no one would look.

If you know of more places you might drop me a line to let me add them to the list. I wish he would look over his garage and leave the house to me! I don’t touch the garage.

In my copy of HGTV there is always a column titled, How Bad Is It? Straight answers to scratch-your-head questions:

How bad is it to toss a can of spray paint in the trash? If it is empty, it’s not bad. If there’s any paint in it, it’s pretty bad.

How bad is it to keep opening your oven to check on the turkey? Not so bad. The fatal mistake is to try to cook it faster by upping the temperature, that’s pretty bad.

Before I forget it! Did you know there is an easier way to peel a banana than the way I grew up doing it? From the top or from the bottom? I was having trouble getting one opened the other day. My daughter looked over and said, “Do it like the monkeys do, it’s easier. She showed me you open it from the bottom. SOOooo….. much easier! Give it a try.

As usual, I am just curious, where you hide things. I hope you will let me know.

Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com with any questions or comments or call the office and leave me a message. Thank you for reading. Have a happy, healthy week.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Winter car hacks

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by Debbie Walker

You know I hate to do this to you, but I think it best I pass this information to you before you need it. Yes, winter is fast approaching for you. In Florida, about the only thing coming are more days the temperature is just about perfect. Our worst day here would be like one of your nice fall days.

Over the past year I have been picking up ideas to make your traveling mornings a bit easier to cope with. I wish I had known all these the past few Maine winters I was part of. I pulled most of this information from my computer when I typed in winter car hacks, just in case you want to look.

Winter car hacks:

Raise your wipers at night and cover them with socks. Prevents them from freezing to windshield.

Frozen lock (house or car). Use a straw, blow on the lock to melt ice. Or use hand sanitizer. Or use a lighter to heat the key and slide into lock.

A new one to me is using shaving cream to fog proof windows (even bathroom mirror). Spray a layer on the inside of window, wipe clean. Don’t leave open containers of liquid in your vehicle overnight. They will evaporate and turn into fog or frost.

You could also use a stocking filled with cat litter to prevent frost. Just leave in car all night.

Use cooking spray on rubber edges of your car doors, keeps them from freezing. This also will work on your shovel to prevent build up.

I don’t want to insult anyone but please do not use HOT water to melt the ice on your windshield. Think ‘shattered.’

Of course, you know the value of an ice scraper, you can also use a credit card to scrape a windshield. Here’s a new one: use a plastic spatula.

Put gallon sized freezer bag over your outside mirrors, use rubber band to secure.

Clean your headlights with toothpaste for extra brightness.

Keep a 20 lb. bag of kitty litter in the trunk. This can be used for added weight to the rear of vehicle and use it to help you get unstuck. You could use car mats or even cardboard as well.

Last year I used alcohol in a spray bottle. I would spray the windshield and then I would move around doing the other windows. By the time I got back to the windshield I was ready to go! I also saw in an article that three parts vinegar and one-part water work as a de-icer.

I have room here for a myth I thought you might be interested in:

Myths About Cold Weather

Is a cup of coffee or a sip of brandy a good way to warm up?

NO. Caffeine and alcohol hinder the body’s ability to produce heat. They can also cause your core temperature to drop.

Drink warm, sugared water to give your body fuel to make its own energy.

I am just curious what winter tips you might like to share. I’ll be waiting for any questions or comments at dwdaffy@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading and have a great week.