"Ours is the responsibility to show our gratitude by the actions of our lives."
--Thomas S. Monson
To read more of President Monson's comments on gratitude and actions click here:
Gratitude, Action and Gifts
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Winterize Your Car
Here are some helpful tips to get your car ready for winter. Yes, there are a few things you should do each year to help your car perform well during winter driving conditions.
1. Check your tire pressure.
Tire pressure is especially important during winter, because traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It’s critical to properly inflate tires, which guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road. Read your owner’s manual to find out the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. In the winter’s lower temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire will drop. Since air is a gas, it contracts when it cools. Keep this in mind if you are checking tire pressure. Generally, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in ambient temperature, your tire’s inflation pressure will change by about 1 psi. Has anyone’s low tire warning come on recently with the cold temperatures? This may be why.
2. Check to see if your engine requires lower-viscosity oil in the winter.
This isn’t nearly as hard as it sounds. Viscosity simply refers to how thick or thin a fluid is. Engine oils are sold with different viscosity levels. When winter arrives, the outside temperature drops. The colder the oil is, the thicker it will be. A thicker oil doesn’t circulate as well in an engine during start-up as a thinner oil would. If the oil is too thick, the engine doesn’t get the proper lubrication. To solve this problem, some engines require a change to a thinner oil. This may be more necessary to older vehicles, since many new cars already come with oil that’s thin enough to withstand the winter. Keep in mind an oil can also be too thin. Read your owner’s manual. It will list the manufacture’s oil recommendations for different climates.
3. Inspect the belts & hoses.
Belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn’t mean they don’t die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose so have them inspected before winter starts.
4. Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid.
Visibility is practically key in winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt build-up on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car’s blades are older, replace them. Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. Your might consider adding wiper fluid that has been mixed with a de-icer.
5. Check heater and windshield defroster.
Winter will put your vehicle's windshield defrosters to the test. It's a good idea to check that they are in working order. While you're at it, check the air-conditioner, too. An easy way to speed up the defrost process is to turn on the A/C. (You can leave the temperature dial on warm so you don't have to suffer.) And now is also a good time to make sure your heating system works.
6. Check the battery.
Batteries give little notice before they die, and they absolutely love to expire at the worst possible moment. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion. If the posts are corroded, you can clean them with baking soda, water and a small brush.
7. Check antifreeze mixture.
The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. I the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot and cold weather performance can suffer.
If you were to put pure water in your vehicle’s radiator, it would freeze at 32 degrees F. But if you combine after with the equal amount of antifreeze, the new mixture won’t freeze until -34 degrees F. Most antifreeze you’ll find in stores already come pre-mixed, which makes this process much easier. You can check the composition of a radiator’s mixture by using an antifreeze tester, which is available at auto part stores and is inexpensive and easy to use. If the mixture is off, adjust it by adding more antifreeze.
Find more info at: http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/winterize-your-vehicle.html
1. Check your tire pressure.
Tire pressure is especially important during winter, because traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It’s critical to properly inflate tires, which guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road. Read your owner’s manual to find out the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. In the winter’s lower temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire will drop. Since air is a gas, it contracts when it cools. Keep this in mind if you are checking tire pressure. Generally, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in ambient temperature, your tire’s inflation pressure will change by about 1 psi. Has anyone’s low tire warning come on recently with the cold temperatures? This may be why.
2. Check to see if your engine requires lower-viscosity oil in the winter.
This isn’t nearly as hard as it sounds. Viscosity simply refers to how thick or thin a fluid is. Engine oils are sold with different viscosity levels. When winter arrives, the outside temperature drops. The colder the oil is, the thicker it will be. A thicker oil doesn’t circulate as well in an engine during start-up as a thinner oil would. If the oil is too thick, the engine doesn’t get the proper lubrication. To solve this problem, some engines require a change to a thinner oil. This may be more necessary to older vehicles, since many new cars already come with oil that’s thin enough to withstand the winter. Keep in mind an oil can also be too thin. Read your owner’s manual. It will list the manufacture’s oil recommendations for different climates.
3. Inspect the belts & hoses.
Belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn’t mean they don’t die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose so have them inspected before winter starts.
4. Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid.
Visibility is practically key in winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt build-up on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car’s blades are older, replace them. Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. Your might consider adding wiper fluid that has been mixed with a de-icer.
5. Check heater and windshield defroster.
Winter will put your vehicle's windshield defrosters to the test. It's a good idea to check that they are in working order. While you're at it, check the air-conditioner, too. An easy way to speed up the defrost process is to turn on the A/C. (You can leave the temperature dial on warm so you don't have to suffer.) And now is also a good time to make sure your heating system works.
6. Check the battery.
Batteries give little notice before they die, and they absolutely love to expire at the worst possible moment. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion. If the posts are corroded, you can clean them with baking soda, water and a small brush.
7. Check antifreeze mixture.
The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. I the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot and cold weather performance can suffer.
If you were to put pure water in your vehicle’s radiator, it would freeze at 32 degrees F. But if you combine after with the equal amount of antifreeze, the new mixture won’t freeze until -34 degrees F. Most antifreeze you’ll find in stores already come pre-mixed, which makes this process much easier. You can check the composition of a radiator’s mixture by using an antifreeze tester, which is available at auto part stores and is inexpensive and easy to use. If the mixture is off, adjust it by adding more antifreeze.
Find more info at: http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/winterize-your-vehicle.html
Monday, November 25, 2013
Got turkey questions?
Thanksgiving meal preparations are almost always overwhelming. Check out these links for some added help to make your day memorable and full of gratitude. Isn't that what it is really about?
Butterball Hints
Top Turkey Tips from the Food Network
A little help from Martha Stewart
Butterball Hints
Top Turkey Tips from the Food Network
A little help from Martha Stewart
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Avoiding Depletion Depression
Just a little reminder as we approach the beginning of the holidays.
"In preventing illness whenever possible, watch for the stress indicators in yourself and in others you may be able to help. As with your automobile, be alert to rising temperatures, excessive speed, or a tank low on fuel. When you face “depletion depression,” make the requisite adjustments. Fatigue is the common enemy of us all—so slow down, rest up, replenish, and refill. Physicians promise us that if we do not take time to be well, we most assuredly will take time later on to be ill."
To read more check out Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's October 2013 Conference Address Like a Broken Vessel
"In preventing illness whenever possible, watch for the stress indicators in yourself and in others you may be able to help. As with your automobile, be alert to rising temperatures, excessive speed, or a tank low on fuel. When you face “depletion depression,” make the requisite adjustments. Fatigue is the common enemy of us all—so slow down, rest up, replenish, and refill. Physicians promise us that if we do not take time to be well, we most assuredly will take time later on to be ill."
To read more check out Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's October 2013 Conference Address Like a Broken Vessel
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Gratitude
“Gratitude is one of the most important human virtues and one of the most common human deficiencies. Gratitude does not develop without effort.”
-- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
-- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Friday, November 22, 2013
But Wait....There is More for Your Winter Car Survival Kits
Here are a few more ideas above and beyond your survival kit. Each can help if you get stuck in an unpleasant winter situation.
• Hand warmers: Blankets aren’t always helpful in keeping hands and feet warm. Hand warmers are small and easy to keep hidden away.
• Spare charged cell phone: Old cell phones which no longer have service can still call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Keep it wrapped in a blanket in order to help it survive an accident.
• Flares: Help rescuers see you. In a snow storm it might be what saves your life in a world of white.
• Wind-up radio: Can help keep you informed of weather conditions regardless of having electricity in your car. They also have solar power options and can give you traffic updates and radio options. My dad received one from me as a gift last year. It also is very handy if the power goes out. Just an idea as gift season rolls around.
• Jumper cables: Very helpful on cold mornings when your car won’t start. This often occurs when your battery has become overly cold throughout the night. If you don’t have another vehicle to help you jump your car, there are also portable battery powered options.
• Sand/Kitty litter: Adds weight to your car which improves traction but they can also be spread on the ground in order to help your car gain traction if you’re stuck.
• Shovel: Helps you dig out in a pinch. Use a military shovel. They collapse down and are easy to store. You can buy small portable shovels if you can’t snag a family member’s.
• Small tool kit: Multi-tools or small tool kits can help you fix minor problems you may have with your car. Make sure it contains something to help you change a tire and loosen or tighten bolts.
• Roll of toilet paper: Think about it folks. You’ll be glad you did! Even better put a small bag of kitty litter in a extra large can with a snap-on lid. It will offer a big more privacy.
• Hand warmers: Blankets aren’t always helpful in keeping hands and feet warm. Hand warmers are small and easy to keep hidden away.
• Spare charged cell phone: Old cell phones which no longer have service can still call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Keep it wrapped in a blanket in order to help it survive an accident.
• Flares: Help rescuers see you. In a snow storm it might be what saves your life in a world of white.
• Wind-up radio: Can help keep you informed of weather conditions regardless of having electricity in your car. They also have solar power options and can give you traffic updates and radio options. My dad received one from me as a gift last year. It also is very handy if the power goes out. Just an idea as gift season rolls around.
• Jumper cables: Very helpful on cold mornings when your car won’t start. This often occurs when your battery has become overly cold throughout the night. If you don’t have another vehicle to help you jump your car, there are also portable battery powered options.
• Sand/Kitty litter: Adds weight to your car which improves traction but they can also be spread on the ground in order to help your car gain traction if you’re stuck.
• Shovel: Helps you dig out in a pinch. Use a military shovel. They collapse down and are easy to store. You can buy small portable shovels if you can’t snag a family member’s.
• Small tool kit: Multi-tools or small tool kits can help you fix minor problems you may have with your car. Make sure it contains something to help you change a tire and loosen or tighten bolts.
• Roll of toilet paper: Think about it folks. You’ll be glad you did! Even better put a small bag of kitty litter in a extra large can with a snap-on lid. It will offer a big more privacy.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Winter Car Survival Kits
Everyone should carry a Winter Survival Kit in their car. In an emergency, it could save your life and the lives of your passengers. Here is what you need:
• a shovel
• windshield scraper and small broom
• flashlight with extra batteries
• battery powered radio
• water
• snack food including energy bars
• raisins and mini candy bars
• matches and small candles
• extra hats, socks and mittens
• first aid kit with pocket knife
• necessary medications
• blankets or sleeping bag
• tow chain or rope
• emergency flares and reflectors
• fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
• cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
Kit tips:
• Reverse batteries in flashlight to avoid accidental switching and burnout.
• Store items in the passenger compartment in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut.
• Choose small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold.
Check out this link for kit ideas. http://ready.wi.gov/winter/HowToMakeAKit.asp