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Air Conditioner Check-up

I received a notice earlier this month reminding me to call and schedule the yearly air conditioner check-up. With March being so cool I didn’t think much about it. I called today and put the time on my calendar.

When it is cool outside it is easy to forget to schedule these maintenance chores. When the first hot day occurs everyone starts calling to be put on the schedule. Then it will be harder to find an open time that is convenient for you. Make the call this week and schedule it.

It is best to clean the A/C before you need it. In many parts of the country the weather may not be that hot but allergy season is coming up. Better to be prepared.

If you clean your A/C yourself then here are some web sites on how to do it; A/C cleaning and DIY tips. Good luck. I prefer to leave it to the professionals.

Janice

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Signs of Spring

March can have wild swings in weather here in the Midwest. Easter Sunday was a mix IMGP0896of brief snow showers and sunshine off and on throughout the day. It was beginning to feel like Spring would never come.

It is still cloudy and cool today but a bright spot of yellow is appearing above ground to IMGP0902indicate that warm weather will soon be here. The first crocus blooms are such a welcome sight. It also makes me realize how far behind I am with planning for my yard and garden. It’s a good week to order fertilizer and mole deterrent. This past fall and winter the moles have invaded my yard. If anyone knows of a good way to get rid of them please let me know. They aerate the yard way beyond what it needs.

It has been hectic this week with my son home from college on spring break. It is hard to believe his semester is more than half way through. He leaves for Dallas tomorrow to visit his brother and I can get back to finishing the taxes.

Have you finished your taxes? There are only 21 days left to file them. It sounds like a lot but the days have a way of going by fast. This last weekend in March is not a holiday and would be a good time to finish working on them.

Well, I’m going back to visit with my son. Once they go away to college you learn to appreciate whatever time you get to visit. They grow up fast and are busy doing their own thing.

Janice

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Happy Easter

I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter.

I just got back from the grocery store and it was very busy. We’re all so use to the grocery stores being open seven days a week that when they are going to be closed for a holiday people panic. They are shopping as if the stores will be closed for a week!

Winter refuses to let go of it’s grip here in the Midwest. If you have plans for outdoor activities (Easter egg hunts, etc.) you may want to check the weather in your area. It’s always a good idea to have an alternate plan no matter what time of year. Mother Nature has a way of not cooperating.

What kind of alternate plans do you make? Please let me know in the comment section. Then all the readers can share in the ideas.

Janice

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Spring Has Sprung

It is the first day of Spring. It is called the Vernal (Spring) Equinox. If you want more technical information then check out Wikipedia.

For me, knowing the calendar says Spring gives me hope that the warm weather and gardening are just around the corner. Today’s weather is fitting of Spring here in the Midwest. The sun is shining and the temps should get to the high 50’s. The daffodils are sending shoots up through the ground and the tree and shrub buds are swelling, ready to burst open.

Of course as the first day of Spring is on the calendar we are reminded that tax season is nearing an end. I plan on having all the taxes (my whole family) finished by this weekend. Then I can forget about tax forms and focus on enjoying the nice weather. Have you finished your taxes? If not, it is time to Spring Clean them and mail them off.

Tomorrow is Good Friday and this Sunday is Easter. This year it is March 23rd. This is one of the earliest days Easter has occurred. Here is a web-site with some interesting information on this early Easter.

Quote for today:

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.”

~Henry Van Dyke

Janice

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Spring Rains can lead to flooding

March is suppose to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb. It is the middle of March and I am ready for the lamb.

It has been raining all day here in St. Louis, and many other areas in the Midwest. In my area there are flood warnings for local creeks and streams. With the heavy snows earlier in the month and now lots of rain the water doesn’t have anywhere to go.

If you are in an area that is susceptible to flooding do you know what to do? Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? If not, then check out these two web sites; FEMA and Red Cross. They have a lot of information on how to prepare for a flood and what to do when it actually happens.

These sites talk about flash floods also. Did you know that it only takes a foot of water on a road to float many vehicles. It only takes two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pickups. Sometimes it is hard to judge the depth of water on a roadway. It is best not to even try to go through it.

With all the rain and snow melt we are getting in March I hope we don’t have too many April showers. The ground will be plenty wet for the May flowers.

Quote for the day:

“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~Mark Twain

Janice

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