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MASTERING THE HOUSE useful tips for homeowners
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Tim Paino Owner/Inspector Heartland HouseMaster
The Clogged Drain
One of those frustrating things in life is the clogged drain.
There are several reasons that a drain may clog and accordingly, there are several ways to remedy the problem. The first and best remedy is to prevent the problem before it happens. Keeping items from going down the drain that may lead to a clog is always number one. Only flush things down a stool that will bio-degrade in manageable quantities. Too much of even a good thing can be more than our drainpipes can accept. Keep hair from going down the bathroom sink. If an occupant tends to use the sink to catch the hair that falls from their head, maybe a screen would help prevent it from going down the drain. Many times, the hair will become caught on the stopper mechanics in the drain, the hair then catches other products, and before long the sink is draining slowly.
The first thing many of us grab is that plunger and start working the sink. There are two basic types of plungers, the sink or cup type that looks like a bowl turned upside down and the toilet plunger which has a flange added to sink plunger. You make sure the plunger has a tight seal to the sink, keeping the seal in place, make several quick strokes attempting to push the clog further down the drain. If the clog is cleared, you will want to follow this with some hot water to make sure all the leftover debris is washed away. The problem is the hair may be snarled around the stopper mechanics it then resists moving.
The next step for the DIYer would be to remove the U-pipe, also referred to as the P-trap. Make sure you have something to catch the water and clog that will come pouring down once the trap has been loosened.
You can always turn to the commercial drain clearing chemicals, but you can risk harming the fixtures or pipes with their harshness. A less abrasive approach would be baking soda and vinegar. This makes a great volcano for your grade school project or a good natural drain cleaner. After using the baking soda to help control the odors in your refrigerator, take a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Immediately follow the baking soda with a cup of vinegar down the drain. Watch for a fizzing in the drain and five minutes after the fizzing stops, flush the drain with two quarts of hot water. Repeat this process until the clog clears.
For that stubborn clog, try pouring a cup of baking soda and a half cup of salt down the drain and let the mixture stay in the drain overnight before flushing it with two cups of boiling water. Both are natural methods that will not harm your pipes nor the environment. It is even a good idea to use this process as regular maintenance for those drains that are problematic.
Next is keeping that garbage disposal working for you.
A Note From Bee
Often times the parade committee has a hard time deciding who will Parade Marshal for the Brownsburg Fourth of July parade.
The Parade Marshal should be someone who has contributed to the community. My husband was chosen as Parade Marshal in 2016. He had been on the parade committee for 30 years and chaired the parade committee for about 24 years. He was very active in the American Legion and on several town boards.
Normally Nick Xenopoulos would have called him and asked him to be Parade Marshal. He left it up to our family. We had a family dinner and announced it to him. Of course, he was ecstatic to have received such an honor.
We have a small family and a friend arranged for a special farm wagon pulled by a tractor to take all the family. He and I were driven by Dr. Sexton in his Bentley convertible. It was very special to see many of our friends along the parade route many of whom we had not seen in years. It was, and still is, so heart warming to see families pulling wagons with young children and whole families walking to the parade.
With so many things changing let’s hope this never changes. Nick Xenopoulos with much hard work has managed to continue this tradition. Danny Nelson is going to be this year’s Parade Marshal.
Bee Jones
Your Mental Health
By Chase Cotton The Willow Center 317-852-3690
3 Easy Nature Moments that Benefit Your Mental Health
Although many students welcome the summer season as a time of rest and recuperation, for most of us (adults) it is just another season of the daily “8 to 5 grind.” Perhaps you have felt it too, that sneaking thought of “I really don’t feel like it today,” or, “I wish the weekend would get here sooner!” These thoughts can actually be a sign of stress and burnout. The sunny heat on top of these feelings can seem almost oppressive!
Despite the heat, there has never been a better time than now to get outside into nature in order to help reduce your stress and improve your mental health. Over the past several decades, multiple researchers have been studying the link between spending time in nature and our mental-emotional wellbeing. According to the American Psychological Association, some of the benefits include “improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.”
However, as any adult may attest to, it takes time and intention for us to really commit to something that could be good for us. We are busy, busy, busy! Aside from work, there are chores to do, kids to take care of, and expectations to meet. How are we supposed to make time for something as “trivial” as improving our moods?
It is best to start simple by identifying ways to integrate nature time into your daily routine. Here are 3 ways you can get outside this week to help improve your mental health:
1) The After-Dinner Walk – Before you get started on dishes, grab the dog and the kids and head out for a brief stroll around the block. According to a study in the UK of 20,000 adults, even as little as a 30-minute jaunt outdoors four days per week can lead to “significantly greater health and well-being.”
2) The Weekend Picnic – Although incorporating something physical like walking is ideal, even sedentary time outside is helpful for regulating the brain. Consider packing some PB&J sandwiches for lunch on Saturday and finding a nice shady spot at your local park to spend a few minutes just sitting and enjoying the green space. In a study published in 2019, “contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress.”
3) The Mediation Moment – This one is perhaps the easiest for us to participate in. This week, consider taking your morning coffee or tea outside and give yourself 5-10 minutes of breathing time as the day starts. Yes, you may have to set your alarm a bit earlier, but these few minutes of focused breathing while outside in nature can make all the difference in how you feel that day.
Spending time outside for the benefit of our mental health does not require expensive beach getaways or or remote, lengthy camping trips. By implementing these three simple nature moments into your weekly routines, you can help manage your daily stress and help prevent feelings of depression and anxiety.
References: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
ASK MR. TRAFFIC
By Chet Skwarcan, PE, President/ Founder of Traffic Engineering, Inc. Chet@TrafficEngineering.com
Crash Course in Traffic Engineering
Updated and Revised
In its simplest form, traffic engineering involves three objectives. The first is identifying solutions to relieve existing traffic problems. The second is to anticipate future traffic and determine what improvements should be in place when the future arrives. The third is, well, I think we all know what the third one is...
The first approach is reactive — the second one is proactive. Both are important. Both are necessary. Although preventing problems seems more prudent than fixing problems, not all traffic problems can be anticipated and some anticipated problems never materialize.
In general, traffic tends to increase 1-2 percent per year no matter what. We’re not sure where this extra traffic comes from. Maybe something going on in the next town that we don’t know about or maybe there are just more cars on the road. In any case, history shows again and again: traffic increases. Eventually, this increase in traffic is “noticed” and improvements considered. The improvements generally involve optimizing and/or interconnecting traffic signals, adding turn lanes, roundabouts, improved connectivity, pavement markings or signage.
There is a second type of traffic growth. This type is more easily identified as it is associated with a particular development — typically residential or commercial. The goal in this case is to maximize access for the development and minimize the impact to existing traffic in the area. Improvements in this case generally involve optimizing and/ or interconnecting traffic signals, adding turn lanes, roundabouts, improved connectivity, pavement markings or signage.
The point is this, as much as thriving communities result in additional traffic, traffic solutions exist for existing problems as well as future problems. And if a future problem doesn’t become a problem? Well, in that case, don’t fix it.
A Squirrel About Town
By Archy
Archy was describing the latest meeting of the Squirrel Salon, where the erudite of his species gathered to philosophize.
“It was all about perception,” he explained. “How we see what we see and how we see what we can’t see.” That seemed reasonable enough, I thought. “Cattle crossings, for instance,” he continued. I was familiar with the subject, having seen many of the in-ground barriers with slated floor beams that were supposed to keep cows from walking across them.
“They lack depth perception,” the squirrel went on. “To the cattle, it seems like a bottomless pit so they won’t try to cross it. It leaves the roadway open for farm vehicles without having to open and close gates.”
“And how did that relate to humans?” I asked, assuming it would since most of the Squirrel Salon was spent in discussing human behavior. Archy raised a eyebrow. “Why poor perception is what keeps many humans from seeing what’s right in front of them,” he said. “Look around. Humans are always assuming a perception when there isn’t one. They like to think that an unseen force is holding them back from what’s on the other side of the fence. The majority of their perceptions lack depth. It’s how you use your vision,” Archy explained. “You have to recognize what’s right in front of you. Really look at it from all sides.”
“The optimist sees the donut,” I said, “the pessimist sees the hole.”
“Exactly,” said the squirrel. “Let’s go see if Red’s has any day-old donuts!
Enjoy the Glory of Glads in Your Garden
By Colletta Kosiba Hendricks County Master Gardener
Gladiolus are not only showy, but come in a variety of colors, from bold to pastel.
Gladiolus (Glads) with tall flower spikes and large, numerous flowers are a classic cut flower from days of “old’ The flowers come in a huge range of colors, including apricot, blue, burgundy, pink, gold, red, orange, and white, as well as multicolored variety.
Glads bloom in midsummer. For longer bloom period choose early, mid, or late season types. You can also stagger the planting times. Heights from 2 to 6 feet.
Bi-color glads come in striking combinations, like purple and yellow.
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil and sheltered from strong winds if you can. Put gladiolus in the back of the border where the tall flowers will grace that space, peeking over the shorter plants in front.
Plant gladiolus corms in spring when soil has warmed. I dig a hole 6 inches deep and set the corm in the hole with the pointed end facing up. (Farther north corms are planted 10 inches deep (also this will hold the Glads more upright). Cover corm pressing soil firmly. Space corms about 4 to 6 inches apart. I mulch with 3 inches of mulch, I do not dig them in the fall; I just throw some extra mulch on them and most survive the winter.
It is recommended to dug corms in fall - Remove excess soil, cut the stalks to within an inch of the corms, and let them cure for 1 to 2 weeks in a warm, airy location. Next.-- remove and discard the oldest bottom corms and store the large, new corms in plastic mesh bags in a well-ventilated, 35- to 45-degree F room. Do Not let them freeze! Replant in spring.
I have planted winter hardy gladiolus, they are shorter, 12-18 inches and have fewer flowers, they did well and corms multiped. Need no special care but mulch.
Hardy Winter Glads
To enter a flower show the stalk must be 1/3 open- 1/3 showing color and 1/3 closed. Glads bloom from the bottom up. Pick a stalk with 1/3 open and it will open up all the way to the top. Remove the dead Hardy Winter Glads flowers and recut stalk putting in fresh water for a long cut flowers. Try some gladiolus this year for an easy cut flower – of course you can just enjoy them in the garden too. Time to take stalk of your life.
Got Questions? Call The Home-Landscaping-Garden Help Line and Master Gardeners will answer your questions every Tuesday. May 18 to Sept 28. Hours 9:00-Noon and 1-4:00pm call 317-745-9260 (Hendricks County Extension)
It’s hot. The kids are restless. That summer schedule you thought you’d be keeping may not be working. Fear not! Challenge your kids to complete this summer reading checklist.
Where: ____on a beach towel (beach not necessary) ____in a bathtub (with or without water) ____under a tree ____with feet in a pool, creek, river, lake, or ocean ____under the covers ____running errands
How: ____with your pajamas on ____with a flashlight ____with mismatched socks ____with a snack ____with a popsicle
When: ____at least one minute during each of your waking hours ____visiting a relative ____you’re bored ____you’re happy ____you’re frustrated ____you’re tired
Bonus! Read a book from the following locations: ____public library ____Little Free Library
Double Bonus: ____Organize a book swap with a friend or group ____Start a book club
Renee Bowman is a former classroom teacher, reading specialist, school librarian and forever learner. She’s mom of two, wife, and one-half of the blog Raising Real Readers. You can connect with her @raisingreal on Twitter and @RaisingRealReaders on Instagram and Facebook. She is proud to call Danville home.
A Bark From the Past: Henry
[Editor’s Note: The Republican’s first four-footed correspondent was Henry. A mixed breed rescue dog, Henry would make observations about being a dog in a small town. The articles, which ran in 2006 - 2010, have been languishing in the computer’s memory and we thought a new audience might enjoy some canine commentary.]
Woof! We had such a good time this weekend! There was so much to see and do in Danville!
Hey, did you get up to the concert on the square last Saturday night? When we went for a walk early Saturday, we watched them blocking off the streets and putting up the stage. It was really neat! The summer concerts are great, between the food and the music and the food and the people and the food. We have a lot of fun there! And I get lots of scratches!
We can even hear a lot of the music from our back yard! It sounded great! A couple of the dogs who live near us sang along on some of the songs. My brother Howard howls along with music sometimes. He has a nice tenor voice. And my brother Fred bays. Then, our sister Mabel joins in. She sings bass. Sometimes, others start howling, too, just for fun. I do not howl. I croon.
Some humans don’t believe that animals enjoy music, but we do. My brother Skeeter, who crossed the rainbow bridge a long time ago, liked to bark in time to some of the old rock-’n’-roll that my human plays in the car when we go for rides. I myself prefer quieter, slower tunes to relax me. Give me music you can nap to every time.
We went up to the farmers’ market on Saturday morning, but there weren’t a lot of fresh vegetables there this week. I guess the odd weather we’ve had this spring has messed up everybody’s gardens. There were some delicious looking pies and breads that the ladies in the little white hats were selling. And there was some soap that was made out of sheep’s milk that smelled good enough to eat. But I ate some soap once and it made me sick, so I don’t do that any more.
We went to the new art gallery on the square. It was really neat! Everything there was made by artists in and around Hendricks County. There were paintings and photographs and jewelry that was really cool. I saw some wall pieces made of shiny metal. I like shiny stuff, so I liked that a lot. And there were some vases that looked like pottery, but they were made out of gourds! They were pretty, too. So, yes, some animals do like art. My humans have a painting that was done by a baby elephant!
I heard someone say that you can take art classes at the new gallery. I may sign up for one. It would probably have to be a painting class. I could hold the brush in my teeth. Or maybe I could develop my own style by dipping my tail in paint and wagging it against the paper. Oh, and they had refreshments! One of the artists gave me a piece of a cookie when my humans weren’t looking. Thank you, whoever you are!
The Cooking Club
“Housewives of Hendricks County! Do you not have some excellent recipes of which you are especially proud and which you would like to give to your sisters who may also have some recipes which they would like to give to you. There are many ways to make bread, cake, pies, puddings, dressings and salads of which you have not known and which some of you do know. The exchange this information is the plan of the Republican. This paper proposes to be the medium through which you can communicate with each other. There are thousands of women read this paper and each would be glad to have a collection of recipes which they know are good. Each also has several recipes and by presenting them to each other through this paper, all will be gainers.”
The Republican April 4, 1895
“Several receipes have been received this week and more are coming,” the paper reported on April 4, 1895. “Brownsburg, Plainfield, Amo, and Danville are represented in the four receipes printed this week.”
The recipes are typical of those found from the time the first cookbook written by an American for Americans was published. In 1796, Amelia Simmons’ American Cookery was “adapted to this country and all grades of life.”
The recipes do not include lists of ingredients as modern instructions do. Nor are there any mentions of temperatures for baking. A certain amount of culinary knowledge was assumed. These receipes did not include the name of the contributors
BREAKFAST ROLLS - Scald one-half pint of milk and put in it a piece of lard or butter; sift together one pint flour, one teaspoonful baking powder, one table spoonful baking powder, one table spoonful of sugar and a little salt; add the milk, working it carefully so as to make a smooth dough; roll out and cut with a biscuit cutter, spread a little butter on each roll and lap together. Bake in a quick oven.
BAKED EGGS – Break into a buttered dish the number of eggs to be cooked, being careful to see that each is whole and so placed as not to mix or disturb the yolks of the others; put upon each a small piece of butter and sprinkle with pepper and salt. Adding a teaspoonful of cream for every two eggs is a great improvement. Bake in an oven until the whites are firm. Nice served with buttered toast.
OYSTER LOAF – Cut a long loaf of bread into slices about two inches thick, trim off the crust and make each piece square; dig the crumbs out of each piece leaving sides and bottom like a box – than is, make a square box out of each slice of bread. Brush each over with melted butter and put in a quick oven to brown. Fill with creamed oysters and serve.
This style of cookbook writing would start to change the following year with the publication of The Boston Cooking School Cook Book by Fannie Merritt Farmer, who included precise directions and standard measurements, earning her the title, “the mother of level measurements.”
Thought for the Day: “Abstract art is the product of the untalented, sold by the unscrupulous, to the totally bewildered.”—Al Capp, who drew “Li’l Abner”
Theodore Parker
A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day. — ‘Ah, so you shall be sure to be misunderstood.’ — Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.
