Fix 'er up!
Above is a picture of our new rain barrel, don't you want one too? Get 'em here! I think you will be able to see the whole installation with narration by Scott on channel 27 (WKOW) next Tuesday night at 10:00, or here after that.
This morning, in a strange trading of specialties, Scott fixed a leaky faucet and I replaced an outlet and switch that had a short in it. Usually I do plumbing and Scott does electricity, but that is how it worked. I picked up some new glass for a picture that had broken and I cleaned the house with my amazing baking soda, vinegar and tea tree oil concoction--I am always amazed at the removal of soap scum and dirt with everyday volcano-making supplies! I also installed some more CF light bulbs, Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy is running a great rebate program right now.
This weekend the Madison Race for the Cure will once again come right down our street. All our trees have pink ribbons and everyone on our block will be out to cheer. Several years ago Evie and some friends had a spontaneous lemonade stand, gave out free pink lemonade and accepted donations--they made about $40, Evie and her friends wrote a letter to the Susan G. Komen foundation and gave all the money and received a nice thank you note in return. Evie really, really, really wanted to do it again this year so this morning we went to our local grocery store and asked for a donation of lemonade or cups--we got lemonade! I was proud of Evie for pushing the matter and proud of both of us for asking. Saturday will be busy!
5 comments:
Awesome rain barrel! We need to get a 'pretty' one for the front part of our yard. I feel like I'm wayyy behind getting one but hasn't rained too much yet! ;) Very cool you have the newscast for that - so many people talk about them, but just don't know where to get them & how easy they are to install!
Thanks for the tip on the rebate. We use all CFL's, but had no idea about the WI Focus on Energy site. We have been looking into a solar hot water heater setup too, and it looks like there is info on that there as well! :)
Good luck with the Race fundraising Evie! We volunteer for the Race too.
I LOVE the rain barrel...and well where ever we end up...we hope to do this...but it might be hard with a car...if that is the route we take...giggle :)
Evie is an incredibly thoughtful and giving person...I would definitely buy lemonade from her.
Have fun!
What's your cleaning concoction? What parts vinegar, tea tree oil, baking soda? Thanks!
Well the ol' concoction can work several ways. The bottom line is that you want the baking soda and vinegar to react, after it does it's magic the baking soda works like a mild abrasive to finish the job. The tea tree oil mitigates the vinegar smell and ads some antimicrobial benefits--and it smells wicked yummy!
I usually fill the sink and bathtub part way with water, dump in about 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 vinegar (for toilets too). Let it sit for 15-30 minutes then scrub--teas tree oil not required. I also have a spray bottle with 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar. For quick jobs I just dust a surface with baking soda, squirt, let it fizz and wipe.
We have been using CFL's now for over a year. They made a huge difference in the hydro bill. We have also had a rain barrel for 15 years and the city folk around us thought we were nutz. Well I AM nutz but the wife isn't. I guess we showed them. Keep up the good work for the sake of the children.
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