Side topic

We all get distracted in our daily lives - if it's not something as simple as the weather, it's worrying about a certain North Korean guy and what he might do in a fit of stupidity.  All in all, life itself is pretty distracting.

But this is not the time to forget to take care of ourselves.  

A few years ago I was in Arizona and scheduled for cataract surgery - I was one of the lucky few who have "fast acting cataracts" - they seemed to come out of nowhere and over a span of just a few months, viola!  They were operable.

Strangely enough I now count those cataracts as one of my more fortunate afflictions because if I hadn't had cataracts, I wouldn't have known I had glaucoma!

A little information about glaucoma:

Visual loss from glaucoma results from characteristic deterioration of the optic nerve leading to progressing loss of the field of vision.  Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of adult blindness and it is also the leading cause of preventable blindness.

Most people who go blind from glaucoma are blind in at least one eye at the time of original detection, which points to the need for better early diagnosis.  Because it usually does not manifest any symptoms until extensive peripheral visual loss becomes apparent  in the final states of the disease it is often likened to the "sneak thief of sight".  Unlike most eye diseases, most varieties of glaucoma are chronic - virtually lifelong disorders that can be controlled but not cured.  Like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or arthritis, glaucoma requires some modification in lifestyle, such as compliance with medical regimens, regular physician visits and acknowledgment of the disease to achieve successful treatment.

Since my glaucoma was only found coincidentally while dealing with other issues I cannot stress enough to have your eye pressure checked yearly!  High inter-ocular eye pressure is the condition which damages that optic nerve and, believe me, you CANNOT tell when your eye pressures are up.  And furthermore, apparently most of those who lose their vision (that's right: go blind!) do so from a failure to adhere to their treatment schedule.

I've been dealing with glaucoma for about 4 years how and I still keep a log of every time I use my eye drops - I'm fortunate in that mine is controlled with just two different drops on a complimentary schedule.  The only way to be sure I've really done what I'm supposed to is to keep track on that form.  When you do something every day (twice a day in my case) you soon become unable to remember if you actually did it or not.

So I slavishly make my little check marks every time I "do" eye drops and also faithfully show up at my eye specialist's appointments no matter what.

I totally admit that I have never been as frightened in my entire life as I was when I got the initial diagnosis and was told that without pretty radical surgery that I was sure to go blind.   I drove back across the country sure that I was doomed and was incredibly fortunate to find a specialist nearby who was knowledgeable and who soon found the combination of drops to lower my eye pressure - no resorting to fast surgery for that doc!  

So along with making sure you get your eye pressure checked, be sure to get at least one additional treatment option if you get a glaucoma diagnosis.  Sometimes, yes, it requires some rather drastic measures to ensure keeping your sight - other times?  Not so much.

So off my soap box for the time being but, as I always say,

Do NOT be "that guy"!

Loose ends

I can't be the only one to notice that the days are getting shorter and the year is winding down towards fall and then winter.

Now is a good time to take stock and see what needs clearing out, stocking up or fixing in a lot of different areas of our lives.

In the garden it's that time when the plants are looking kind of scraggly and perhaps we haven't been as diligent in our weeding as we were during the season.  As each of my tomato plants gives up the ghost I try to get it pulled up and composted before we have a hard frost:  nothing is slimier than a frozen and then thawed big old tomato plant!

Then there is the question:  what in the world do I do with all the hot peppers that are just now starting to flood the plants?  It's not as bad as zucchinis but, still, my family, friends and neighbors are starting to slither away when they see me coming - I suspect they have all the "heat" they need. Fortunately I have a food dryer and also hot peppers are easy to pickle - so they may think they are off the hook but there is always Christmas.

So as I clear up what I can and things progress in the garden I remember to take time to enjoy the furious flowering of the nasturtiums.  They seem to take off like crazy at the end of the summer!  I love the deep colors and the spicy smell of the flowers and the plants.  Some day I will work up my courage to actually eat the blossoms in a salad.

Inside the house this is good time to look at food stocks and make sure nothing is close to expiring.  I try to go through my canned goods every fall and if there is anything that is close to it's expiration date I take it to a local food pantry - I know it will get used up way before it's "overdue".  Replace anything you have to pass along and buff up your overall stocks - making sure you lay in supplies of things you will actually eat.

Don't forget your water storage - as I always say, it doesn't have to be fancy, just available. If you add 1/2 tsp of regular bleach to 10 gallons of water or even 2 drops per quart this will keep the water safe to drink for a long time.  Hint:  use plain bleach - not the scented versions!

Also check your basic OTC medications - bad enough that the insurance companies won't let us stock up on  prescription medications, there's no need to get caught short on fever reducers or any of the other common medications that we can lay in a supply of.  Cold season is just on the horizon - just sayin!

Along those same lines it's a good time to take stock of your first aid supplies - a simple kit can go a long way in an emergency.

Speaking of emergencies, before the bad weather arrives (as we know it will) it's good to get in the habit of keeping at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle.  If you have to get out of Dodge, it's much easier if fuel isn't on the "gee, I meant to do that" list.  And as we have all seen in Florida in the past couple of weeks, sometimes if you don't already have gas, there isn't any to get.  That could leave you up that famous creek with no means of propulsion for sure.

Just a little preparation at this point can ease your mind and put you in a  position to be a bit more...well, prepared.  No matter what comes down the weather pike in the coming season being ready for it really does beat the alternative!

As I have said before:

Don't be "that guy"!

Shameless plagiarism

And here comes Irma!

As usual there is a ton of stuff rolling around on Facebook about how to get ready for the impact of hurricane Irma.  This particular list actually addresses some items that even I haven't thought of.

Some thing are just common sense but some? totally out of the box.  How many of us think to "start clean" for instance?  - clean clothes and clean bedding and clean surfaces before the proverbial poop storm.  To me that makes great sense and I wish I had thought of it.

Even if you just pick up a couple of new ideas it's worth it!

So I stole it.

Take a few minutes and breeze through even if a storm isn't looming on your particular horizon.

It's good stuff.


Be prepared!
1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still used for dialing 911. Charge external battery back ups.
2. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill with water and store in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.
3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill washing machine and leave lid up to store water.
4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep near sinks for washing hands.
5. Fill every Tupperware with water and store in freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a back up water supply.
6. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in fridge. The rest you can store on the counter and use first before any water bottles are opened. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.
7. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.
8. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for first day without power.
9. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.
10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot. You're going to want clean sheets.
11. Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don't have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.
12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.
13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.
14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor free environment. Store water filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
15. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents. Copies of your insurance policies and insurance company phone numbers to file claims
16. Make sure you have cash on hand.
17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.
18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.
20. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.
21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.
22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you'll have to live in the mess you started with.
23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you'll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.
24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don't flush them. It's not the time to risk clogging your toilet!
26. Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you'll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.
27. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate! You don't need to store all water in the house. Remember to pack for pets as well.
28. Check on all family members, set up emergency back up plans, and check on elderly neighbors.
29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!
30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.
32. Place clean towels in trash bags in your dryer to keep dry.
If you can, take a video of your house and contents....walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don't forget anything)...I highly recommend!!!
I also heard you should freeze a cup of water, place a coin on top after it is frozen...keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thawed out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. This is super helpful is you have to leave and come back, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup--you will know!!
Finally, anything that you want to try and preserve, but you can't take with you---place it in a plastic bin and put in your dishwasher, lock the door---this should make it water tight in case of any water intrusion into your home. But of course, take all the important/irreplaceable items you can!!