I’M JUST CURIOUS: The right place

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by Debbie Walker

I read an amazing theory on Facebook, a computer social program, I have no idea who is the author, but I am impressed with the words of wisdom. If you already saw this, I hope you will enjoy the premise of the theory again.

A man was giving his daughter the gift of an old “seen better days” car. His instruction was for her to take it to a car dealer to see what they would offer to purchase the car. She came back and told her dad they offered $1,000.

Next, he told her to take it to a pawn shop to see what their offer is. Well, that price was only $100.

Lastly, he told her to take the car to a car club meeting to see if there was any interest. Some people in the club offered $100,000 for it since it was an iconic car and sought after by many.

I am quoting the story now: “The father said to his daughter, ‘The right place values you the right way. If you are not valued, do not be angry, it means you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you. Never stay in a place where no one sees your value.’”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were all raised to be aware of our personal value? Are you aware of your value in your daily life? Do you know your value to your childhood family, friends, and teachers? Do you know your value to the family you are raising? Do your spouse and family know their value to you?

I’ll bet you never thought much about it even after reading the story, but take a few minutes to think about this, what would your value be? What value do you give others?

None of this has anything to do with dollars and cents. Since I am retired the career/job aspect doesn’t fit my life’s value. I am looking back at my employment years and I believe I placed too much value in that part of my life. It had a great deal to do with what I saw as my value of myself.

Raising my daughter, I am not sure either of us truly understood “value”. I think she looked at me as “something to survive”. We argued quite a bit. I think we both looked at each other more with the word “tolerance”!

Unfortunately, in my married life my husband suffered from depression most all his life. I doubt either of us valued the other. After too many years I did realize I was in the wrong place.

These days I am very aware of my wonderful friendships and family and how much we value each other. If you doubt your value, are there grandkids around? The first time this little chubby toddler came running towards me with arms flying wildly hollering “Nana” hug! Value, oh yeah!

I’m just curious if any of this has you changing your perception of value. It did me.

Contact me with any comments or questions at DebbieWalker@townline.org.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Starting with downsizing

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by Debbie Walker

Are you planning a downsizing or just want to clean up a little like maybe spring cleaning? Did you put away all your Christmas decorations? Come now, haven’t you found one or two things you forgot? In the Woman’s World magazine dated March March 28, 2022, there is an article Surprising Down Sizing Tricks. I am sharing some of it in this column.

So, let’s start with that. Before you put away anything. Are there any items you might be able to redecorate for another holiday? If there are it ought to be fun. There is the old trick of “three piles”, you use one for maybes (that’s the tricky one). Yes, there is one for you to keep the special things (this one can be tricky, too, but I’ll get back to this later) and there is one to definitely throw away or donate.

Come to think of it they are all tricky. This has to all be up to you, something you really want to do. Then remember that just because someone special gave this or that to you, does not mean you really have to keep it. If they ever have reason to know, they may have forgotten all about it.

In the magazines it is also mentioned about possibly taking pictures of things that you think you might want to make later. Just don’t clutter up your picture space but if you do you can clean that up later! Or, the idea I liked was things you really loved such as children’s art work, and other things and make a coffee table book of all these wonderful things.

Oh, and they suggested in this magazine that we could all take old jewelry and baubles to decorate some of our “art work” projects. However, unless you want to wind up with the kind of messes I presently have you might want to pass on this one. Maybe a better idea is to make a box of art project items for a nursing home perhaps. This is one of those “Do as I say, not as I do” kind of thing.

On to a different subject, that comes from First magazine also dated March 28, 2022. These come under the page on Smart Home Solutions, page 78.

This first one that caught my eye was a Do-it-yourself lazy-susan. You will need a handful of marbles and two pie plates. Place one pie plate on the counter, add the marbles in plate. Then place the second pie plate on top of the marbles. Top plate will now ride around on top of the marbles but better yet you place the spices you use very often on the top plate. Things won’t come sliding off and it will keep things handy for when you need it.

The final one for the night is “pesky spots on your glassware” remover. It is to: Add two to four tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to dish washer’s rinse compartment and run as usual. I haven’t tried it (no room for a dishwasher in my camper!)

Okay, that’s my last piece of educational material for this issue.

I am just curious if you will try any of these. Let me know at DebbieWalker@townline.org. In the meantime have a great week and thanks for reading.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Old time remedies continued

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by Debbie Walker

This week I want to thank Tom for sending me another remedy for getting rid of warts. It went something like this: “Take two pennies (one for each hand) and go to a place out of doors such as a field. Take a penny and rub it on the warts of the opposite hand and then throw it over that shoulder (left hand rubbed, throw over that shoulder.” Tom says after a couple of weeks, the warts turned black and fell off, never to return. Me, I just like the results without the fancy reason.

I have a friend whose mother taught him something a little different. If you get cut and it doesn’t want to quit bleeding, you pour black pepper in it. I did see that work. Don’t forget if you have question you might want to talk to your nurse, or maybe your pharmacist.

Banish Headaches:

Strong coffee may lesson the severity of a sick headache (sometimes called a migraine).

Soaking the hands in very in very hot water will ease pain in the head.

The distinctive fragrance of fresh green apples is very useful for relieving the pain of a migraine headache.

Coughs, Congestion and Sore Throats:

Chew honeycomb every day to relieve breathing tract problems. It will make you immune to allergy producing germs; honeycomb is most effective when it when it comes from bees in local hives.

Ease a sore throat and stop sinus drainage with one teaspoon vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle once an hour until cured.

Toast thinly sliced bread and then spread butter on both sides. Cover with scalded milk and spoon feed it to those suffering with a fever or the aches of flu.

I have a few things completely off topic that I would like to share with you while you are still in your winter months:

Outsmart Common Winter Stains:

Erase hot chocolate spills with salt: Simply blot the stain with water, cover with salt, then buff with a damp sponge dipped in laundry detergent.

Lift candle wax with this hot and cold trick: To easily get rid of wax stains, first rub the spots with an ice cube (this hardens the wax) scrape off with a butter knife. Then place folded paper towels on the area and press with a warm (not hot) dry iron to remelt and absorb any excess wax and voila!

Eliminate lotion marks with dishwashing liquid: greasy lotion is great for dry skin, but it leaves stains on your clothes! To remove them stir 1 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent ( it breaks down and lifts grease) into three teaspoons of water and pour onto stain, Pat liquid into the stain with a clean toothbrush then let sit for two minutes before rinsing with cool water,

I’m just curious what you will be doing with your time this week. Take time to relax whenever you can. It’s important. Contact me at DebbieWalker@yahoo.com.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Different answers

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by Debbie Walker

Today, I am going to pass on some ‘different answers’ of questions you may not even know to ask yet. Use of coconut oil is all new to me. It had never been in my house, say nothing about my kitchen. But… I found a few situations that it is useful. I am including a few things I read about Coconut oil and a few other things:

Coconut oil uses: Ladies – Run out of shaving gel ? Use coconut oil.

Use it to lift crayon marks the little ones are bound to leave.

Use it to remove a price tag. It works.

Use it to soak some cotton balls and throw them on a few sparks for a quicker way to get a campfire growing.

Use it to calm a sunburn. Take a shower, apply coconut oil, it will soothe the burn. It will also moisturize the dehydrated skin.

Use to soothe insect bites. Rub the oil over the bites. It will reduce swelling and ease discomfort.

Mineral oil uses: I don’t ever remember seeing this in my parents or my home, and I never had any. I am not even sure what its original purpose was.

Use it to recondition leather footwear. A few drops of mineral oil on a soft cloth and rub in.

Use it to remove a bandage. A few drops, a minute and bandages peel off.

Use it to preserve your wooden cutting board.

Whitening toothpaste (not gel): This will clean the nasty grout while you sleep! In the morning wipe the area with a damp towel.

Distilled white vinegar: Use it to clean your bathroom. Half a cup of white vinegar in your toilet bowl overnight will do the trick.

Use white vinegar in your bathroom sink. Put the stopper in and fill it with hot water and a half cup of vinegar, let it sit overnight. Drain and wipe clean.

Sponge and vinegar: Use them to clean your microwave. I have done this, works like a charm. Soak your sponge in equal parts of water and white vinegar. Microwave for 30 seconds. Don’t open your nuker ‘til the next morning and then just wipe clean.

Baking soda and water: Erase oven grime with baking soda, In a bowl mix 1/2 cup baking soda and enough water to make paste. Apply to interior walls, let sit overnight. In the A.M. just wipe clean.

Borax laundry soap: Use to deodorize your carpet (plus a surprise.). Mix a half cup and a half cup baking soda, sprinkle on rugs and upholstery, let sit all night. Vac in the morning. Okay, that is good, but, if you have pets who might have fleas that Borax is a miracle worker! Sprinkle Borax on your carpets, anywhere you might find fleas. Leave overnight. Vac in morning. In two days do this again and your fleas should be gone. (The second sprinkle kills fleas that were in eggs). It was amazing when I needed it.

These are the points I found for packing:

Lay down or roll pants and tops. Place heavy items at base of suitcase. Shoes, books, heavy things. End with what you will wear first. Don’t under pack is part of the description I found but I am over packed! And I put my night gown on top because I will get in just in time for bed.

I’m just curious what other tidbits you could share in “different answers”. I’ll be waiting! Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org with any questions or comments. Thank you for reading and have a great week!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Hiding your treasures

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by Debbie Walker

Some people have money/jewelry they prefer to keep in a “hidy hole” (oops, that’s day care speak) instead of a safety deposit box. Sometimes when you need your hidden treasure, if it’s in your home it is available to you 24/7.

In hiding your treasures there are some of what I see as common and well known. My favorite, new to me, is to cut open (slit) a tennis ball and put treasure inside. Who is going to steal tennis balls? Following are some of the suggestions you might use for your hidden treasure:

Toilet tanks – You would stuff your things in a jar. Place inside the tank. Make sure nothing is taped inside the lid.

Freezers – Credit cards and cash frozen in blocks of ice and plastic zipper, freezer bags.

Pantries – Try cereal boxes, flower bags and coffee cans. (The coffee can reference reminded me of my friend whose dad used to distrust the bank or anyone else. He would bury the coffee cans in his garden. We often wondered how he knew where they all were.)

Bookshelves – You can buy hollowed-out Bibles and dictionaries online. Or you can just slip the money or credit card into any book and just be careful where you choose the book. (I think I would pick one of my cookbooks that I never use, at least they would now have a purpose.)

Underfloor boards – Construction is done a little differently these days. I have found hidden places in the back of drawers that come out. Also, you can pick an area behind a moveable piece of furniture and lift the carpet in that one spot and slip the money into.

Your closet – a thief would have a lot of work to do to get to my stash. They would get tired looking.

Drawers – This is one of the places I wouldn’t bother because they like looking in the woman’s drawer. Might be the first place some would look. There are some dressers that have the top that opens to show a hiding place. It might work, it’s called “out of sight, out of mind”.

Air vent: the robber probably didn’t watch any NCIS shows recently. They always look there for valuables

In a clock: I like this one and, of course, my wall clock would be my choice.

Jar or container: in a smaller inside jar surrounded by nuts and put in kitchen cabinet.

Bird house: You can use an unoccupied bird house to keep your spare keys. You should screen off the entrance to birds.

Diaper: You are at the beach and have no place for your keys, use a clean one!

Curtain: Some hems on curtains are open and would be an excellent place to hide small things.

Socks: Socks in your draw can be a great hiding place. A folded pair of socks will work because no one is likely to checking every pair.

Vases – An opaque vase conceals money quite well. Throw some fake flowers in and no one will ever notice.

There are probably many more than I have here, but I have run out of time.

I’m just curious where your favorite hiding place is. Contact me with questions or comments at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Be careful and stay warm.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Home, sweet home

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by Debbie Walker

Here’s wishing everyone felt that way, the warm memories of home. I love my little home but right now I am having a little bit of a hard time keeping anything in place. I know I am like Dolly Parton: trying to put 25 pounds of flour in 10-pound bag. It sure is not working here!

I just read a little blob about “Follow Five Rules of Order”. I can’t remember what magazine I tore the article from, and I hope they would forgive me for using it without giving credit to the writer. What follows is what she had to say:

1. Establish a Routine: When we enter our homes we should put our handbag in a designated place, along with coats, dog leash, and other items. Don’t overload the area. (It would defeat the purpose.)

2. Reset: Every time you use something, put it back in its home. Think of this as “resetting,” so it’s ready the next time you want it. (I hope you are better with that than I am, but I am going to try to improve.)

3. See tasks through: Unfinished chores are a major factor in a disorganized home (Oops, that’s me.) Laundry isn’t done until the clothes are folded and put away. The same would be true with any projects. Don’t start a job unless you have time to finish it. (I flunked again)

4. Cycle items in and out: If you bring something new into your home – from a new winter coat to a newspaper – something else can likely be thrown out or given away. (I am good at bringing it in, but I am not at all good about disposing of something else. I need to at least make an intent.)

5. Work one room at a time: Don’t organize by going back and forth between areas of your home. It will sap your energy and often result in half-finished projects. (That must be what happens here but most likely it is because my little great-granddaughter is nearby.)

How did you do with these? Of course, I believe I would have failed, let me know, please. We can compare notes. But we really aren’t done yet. The same magazine page had the following:

Keep it Clean

EVERY DAY:

Make the bed. Put away clothes and toys. Empty the trash.

ONCE A WEEK:

Do the laundry and put it away. Organize shelves. Go through bins, making sure the items are properly sorted. Straighten up the clothes closet and chest- of-drawers.

ONCE A MONTH

Remove clothing and shoes that no longer fit. Edit down playthings, asking your child to donate one toy for every new item he received that month. (He won’t even remember what he got.) Move toys that your child is outgrowing into a bin – if she doesn’t play with them by the following month, donate them.

Now we have all the tips we need for organizing when we get done with Spring Cleaning, and that time of year is coming up. Never mind the weather. You can always get a head start. By the time spring arrives you will have the time to spend outside.

I’m just curious what tips you would be willing to share. Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org with questions and comments. Thanks for reading and have a great week.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Misconceptions

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by Debbie Walker

I am still learning as the years go by that some sayings aren’t at all what the speaker believes they are conveying. My first example is all the use of the term WOP. All the years I have heard people refer to Italian descent in that manner I was really surprised when I learned what the true meaning may be.

As hurtful as three little letters have been over the years, it just proves people accept things as true and are just misinformed.

One explanation has been when Italians came by ship to this country, some came with papers, some without. Tags may have been worn, the letters WOP on them. Without papers, very simply and not at all insulting. It just made unloading passengers easier. People with papers would have left first and then the others. Insulating? I really don’t think so.

And then… I have read even that may be a misconception. In further reading these three little letters, WOP, are also associated with at least 23 other uses. Look them up online and you be the judge.

Another saying people generally don’t know the original meaning of is, “It’s cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey”. It’s origin comes from putting iron cannon balls on a dimpled brass plate on the deck of a war ship. The brass contracts sufficiently to cause the iron balls to fall off. The brass tray called a “monkey” was used on warships in the 16th to 18th centuries. So much for misconceptions. It had nothing to do with any monkey’s body parts.

This next on is just a word I heard years ago and everyone seems to believe it to be a body part. I was reminded of it twice in one week after not having heard it for years. I was watching a show on HGTV (home improvement channel). Ben was making some seats for a swing using a whiskey barrel. He spoke of having to keep the “bunghole” in mind while separating barrel pieces. Did you know it is a hole in a barrel filled with a bung (cork)? I understand it is essential for the liquor barrels. I also heard it used on a game show last night and the guy got it wrong!

I am sorry if I made anyone flinch or insulted my open abuse of these words or terms. Remember this is my idea and not to reflect on in any way, please. If you know of other misconceptions, would you share with me?

We made a discovery, my daughter and I. We were talking about some old times and differences from then ‘til now. Talk of the phones was one of the chuckles we had. My granddaughter was there, also. I said something about the change we experienced with phones. My granddaughter does not remember when we had the house phones and were charged for the long distance minutes. We had some laughs over that one. I wonder what else there is?

I am just curious the little odd things you notice these days. Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great week.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Because I said so

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by Debbie Walker

Since I grew up right over the hill from Winnecook Lake/Unity Pond it seemed like I was attracted to it in all seasons. I grew up with a bit of a cocky, self-assured attitude when it came to that lake. It seemed like I was born knowing how to swim. I was always in a debate with mom and dad about the lake and it would usually end with “Because I Said So”.

I also grew up over hearing stories of dad’s escapades at the lake. I heard these stories late at night when dad and his sister were talking and they thought I was asleep. I heard about how they used to dive off the railroad trestle and how he and his brothers used to swim before the ice was out of the lake. No. Permission for this activity was not granted. However it was discovered they were sneaking these swims in when their father found their underwear hanging from the trees, drying. Seems my grandmother couldn’t figure out where all their underwear was disappearing to, but my grandfather found it all and found out their little secret.

Beware of talking about your past escapades when a child is anywhere in earshot of your conversation, asleep or awake, because you just never know for sure. I am reasonably sure those were not stories they intended me to hear.

There were several times when I got grounded by following in dad’s footsteps (seemed reasonable to me). I got caught going to the railroad trestle to swim with my cousin Kenneth, got busted on that one. I also talked a couple of the girls into going down to the lake with me before the ice was out, to go swimming, Busted once again. My mother was good, I’m telling ya.!

Well, once I was grown (?) it was always known that I was going to be the first one in the family to get in that lake each year. It was always a big joke, even into my married life. What I didn’t realize was by now I had nephews and a niece who had listened to my late night stories.

My love for the water had not changed over the years so I had added to my skill and education by taking all the Red Cross and the YMCA courses; I was a registered instructor with both. Although we had done swimming lessons with my niece and nephews as they came along, and had some water safety talks, we had missed the “black ice” talk.

It seems this one day one of my nephews decided he was going out onto the ice, “black ice”, this is “late in the year ice” and is not safe. (Called black because it really looks somewhat black by this time.) Again long story short, my nephew fell in and had it not been for his little brother and sister quickly getting help, our story might have turned out different.

The heart breaker to me was his first comment on being retrieved from the water was, “I beat Aunt Deb into the water this year.” I was devastated. I realized we had used the old, “Because I said so” with the kids instead of teaching them how the lake and the ice works. So please before another child wants to be the first or thinks, ice is ice, please have a serious talk with them and explain what the fall/winter/spring dangers are, not just the summer ones. If you don’t truly understand find an instructor who does and in a language the kids will listen to. Spring, summer, fall or winter, your children do not belong anywhere near the water (ice) unless you are close by. Please don’t use the old, “Because I said so”. It doesn’t work, education does. Take it from someone who knows.

There are so many more things I am just curious about. I try to replay this column every year. Consider it my “Public Service Announcement.” Reach me at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Thanks again for reading and all your comments, they are appreciated.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Winter woes

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by Debbie Walker

Winter. What a wonderful season, as long as I am in Florida. When I got up this morning it was 27 degrees. I don’t like it, but I can tolerate it for just a few days.

Sitting in my Florida home, furnace is giving me the heat I need. I decided to share some of my vast knowledge (ha! ha!) of winter that I have collected just to share with you. Also, to remind me to be thankful for every wonderful Florida winter day. Spring will be here soon.

I came across a few words of folklore. Here’s a few facts about the “Birds and the Bees”:

“So how high the hornets, ’twill tell how high the snow will rest.”

Onions:

Mild winter coming in /Onion’s skin thick and tough. Coming winter cold and rough. Okay, I know you are past this stage for the year.

Winter Woes

I know pool noodles have many uses and I find humor in using them in the winter. Have you discovered you could use them to insulate pipes in an area where there are water pipes with no heat? Just cut on one side of the noodle and slip it over the pipe.

Slippery walkway: Before the coming storm fill a 32 oz. spray bottle with a half teaspoon of dish soap, one tablespoon rubbing alcohol and one quart of water. Spritz on walkway and stairs for ice free surface.

In case you lose power (of course we know that won’t happen) you need a large mirror. Sit it on a table at an angle and point a flashlight. This increases the light.

Ice proof: spritz car mirrors with vinegar at night. It won’t freeze overnight. OR cover them with baggies and secure with rubber bands. Remove bags in the morning.

Bubble Wrap: Use bubble wrap to cover front and back windshields, taping each corner. The snow will settle on top of the wrap instead of freezing to the glass. You can just slide the plastic sheet off.

Now we are going to take care of some wardrobe woes:

If you don’t keep Static Guard on hand a safety pin will work to cut down the static. Attach it to the inside of the skirt, shirt, or pants. I have always hated that clinging and it can be embarrassing as well.

Do you have any clothing that have developed those little balls, like a knit top or sweater? It makes them look older, more worn. I was told once to take a razor and shave the clothing. First and only time I did, I slit the top. It was one I liked, too. However, there is a little handheld gadget. I just got a new one at Walmart. It is called a Lint Remover and cost about $10.

Some people resist the urge to buy suede. They are concerned about cleaning it, but there is one easy fix. A pencil eraser and that’s your weapon. Erase the mess. Then use a toothbrush to brush the suede to bring back the texture.

Another woe is because the dry air causes discomfort. I was impressed when I read if you didn’t have a humidifier a handy helper would be a crock pot. Put water in, leave cover off, turn it on. It’s a help.

I’m just curious what hints you have to share. Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org with questions or comments. Stay warm!! Thanks for reading, Have a great week!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Winter memory

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by Debbie Walker

As a child I grew up in Burnham just over a hill from Unity Lake (or Winnecook Lake). There was a camp road just past our driveway. It wasn’t one that got plowed in the winter months, but we would use it to walk down to the lake year-round.

Dad and Uncle Royce enjoyed ice fishing in that area. This memory tonight is one that had Kenneth and David, my cousins and myself going ice fishing with Dad and their father, we were thrilled to go. I believe it may have been the first and only time we went with them.

What a day we had! Uncle Royce had a nice warm fish house. It had a wood burning stove and a hole in the floor for a nice, protected fishing hole. And, oh my, the lunches and the hot cocoa!!

We were more than happy to be with them for the day. We did a little fishing, that was kind of boring if you weren’t catching much. We had sleds (no snowmobiles back then) and our ice skates, and we were prepared with extra mittens that Mom and her mother made all winter.

We were treated to a hot dog lunch cooked by Uncle Royce. They had us strip off a couple of layers of snow clothing to dry out while we ate.

We stayed busy all day and we left there very tired. I had had trouble with tonsils and adenoids, throat, and ear infections all that year.

As we were walking home the wind picked up. Each time the wind blew hard I would lose my breath. Poor Dad, I swear I must have been almost as tall as Dad. Poor Dad, I swear I must have been almost as tall as Dad (maybe it is a slight exaggeration) and yet he managed to carry me nearly the entire trek.

Needless to say, Dad did not take me fishing again. However, he did get me in the doctor’s office that week. It was still in the days of removing tonsils and adenoids and my turn came up quickly.

Uncle Royce had his fish hut for a lot of years. When you saw the hut on the lake you knew winter had arrived. My Dad and Uncle are both gone now but at least we have our memories.

There are more memories such as when Dad was given a pair of skis and he made a sled for him and me. Yes, that was a great sled for us. So down over the hill we went and smacked into a tree. Fortunately, Dad had rolled us off the sled before we hit!

I’m just curious if you discovered once you have a memory, more follow. For questions, contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Thanks for reading and have a great week.