|
Greetings!
It's been a great summer and I am pleased to report that thanks to you, our work load has been steady. Indeed, work increased last month to a level that required additional help. Of course, there is no guarantee this pickup in our workload will be permanent. We certainly hope it is but until further notice, our "Temporary Recession Discounts", will continue. As we begin our ascent into Fall weather, right now would be a great time to begin your preparations. (See article below). For your plumbing and electrical preparations, call Casey's Plumbing or Metro's Best Electric. We have some great offers below that will prepare your home for winter weather and possibly avert expensive winter emergencies. Thank you for your continued patronage, Bill Casey / GM  |
|
The cold weather will be here before you know it. If not already done, now is the time to make sure your house and its' heating system are ready for winter. Here is a brief checklist to guide you through some basic tasks before it is too late:
PLUMBING - Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas). More details on this in October's News Letter.
- Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.
- Check the condition of the water heater.
- Check plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leaks.
- Confirm proper operation of your sump pump, if present.
- Check your drainage that receives water from the downspouts. If clogged, Rooter n Drains can clean them with high pressure water.
GROUNDS - Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage.
- Repair any driveway cracks and/or heaved or settled walkways.
- Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to house.
- Check (ideally during a rainstorm) for rainwater drainage away from foundation.
- Clean and put away summer furnishings.
EXTERIOR SURFACES - Check weather tightness of all exterior surfaces and components.
- Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas. If too late for a full paint job, prime and touch-up bare wood surfaces.
- Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.
- Check and seal any foundation cracks.
- Improve weatherstripping at exterior doors and windows as needed.
- Reset storms and screens where required.
- Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and wood components close to the ground.
ROOF (Use binoculars or hire a professional.) - Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
- Check soffit for signs of moisture build-up or damage.
- Check condition of chimney.
- Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed.
- Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.
ATTIC - Check ventilation openings for nests, or other blockage.
- Check position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.
- Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.
- INTERIOR ROOMS
- Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.
- Have fireplace or wood stove and flue checked and professionally cleaned.
- Reset any automatic timers for change in daylight hours.
- Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.
- Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters using built-in test button. For help with this, contact Metro's Best Electric.
HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS - Clean all elements of the cooling system(s).
- Remove (or winterize) room air conditioners.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of your heating system(s).
- Test and start humidifier, if present.
- Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems (now and regularly).
- Check for any heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.
- Have your heating system serviced annually by a qualified heating service person before each heating season to keep it functioning efficiently and properly.
For your heating and cooling needs,
Call Jacobs Heating at 503-234-7331
|
Our successes are
centered on the notion that great service requires strong and growing
relationships with our clients, employees and suppliers.
We continue to
achieve this by delivering a quality of service not typically found in our industry. By empowering our employees with the customer service skills
needed, consistent training and state of the art equipment required to keep us
on track and focused on our number one mission...
To create and maintain a happy, "cheer leader", customer base.
BACK TO TOP
|
FIRST LABOR DAY 1882 - NEW YORK
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of
the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of
American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions
workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
Founder of Labor Day
More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance,
there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary
of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American
Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from
rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."
But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone
unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter
McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention
that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International
Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while
serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is
that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a
committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
The First Labor Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday,
September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the
Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday
just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the
holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar
organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a
"workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor
organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers
of the country.
Labor Day Legislation
Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to
Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances
passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state
legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature,
but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During
the year four more states - Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New
York - created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end
of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By
1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June
28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of
each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
A Nationwide Holiday
The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day
should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday - a street
parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade
and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the
recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the
pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women
were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic
significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American
Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was
adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects
of the labor movement.
The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a
change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass
displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more
a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading
union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials
are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest
standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has
brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and
political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute
on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and
leadership - the American worker.
Courtesy of the US Department of Labor
|
Is Your Home's
Electrical System
Prepared For Winter?
|
 Or Halloween lighting? Is your home's
electrical service
ready for the holidays?
If we maintained our homes as well as we maintain our cars, we would not only save money, but may even save some lives. Consider the information below provided by the US Fire Administration and FEMA...
Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each
year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by
electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are
caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances,
incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension
cords.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers to
know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of
life and property resulting from electrical fires.
The Problem
During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800
fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses.
Home electrical
wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances.
The Facts
December is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Fire
deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor
activities and increase in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Most
electrical wiring fires start in the bedroom.
The Cause
-
Electrical Wiring - Most electrical fires result from
problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old
wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and appliance
cords, also cause many home electrical fires. In urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires. Many
avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords,
such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords
under rugs or in high traffic areas.
- Home Appliances - The
home appliances most often involved in electrical fires are electric
stoves and ovens, dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios
and stereo systems.
Safety Precautions- Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
- Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
- Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
- Keep
electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special
care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Whey
buying electrical appliances look for products evaluated by a
nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories
(UL).
- Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
- Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
- If
an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot
outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Never
overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then
professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and
lights that flicker. Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical
outlets.
- Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of
wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any
tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your
chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape
plan frequently with your family.
If you are unsure about your electrical safety, get it checked out today! If your system is old, upgrading to today's standards will give you many years of safe use and even provide room for growth. And with our "Temporary Discounts", right now is even a better time to have your system upgraded.CALL TODAY FOR AN EVALUATION 503-643-8833 |
Has this ever
happened to you?
The above image was the result of clogged stairwell drainage.  CJ cleaning out a driveway drain. Winter rains can cause untold damage if your drainage system is not prepared to deal with it. It certainly begins with clean gutters and downspouts. But what about the drainage that receives the rain? Are they open and draining freely? And don't forget that stairwell or driveway drain. Are these draining well also? You can check these yourself simply by running a garden hose into them with water on full. You want to use a lot of water to insure that they will work even on a stormy day. If the water backs up right away, it may just be some debris that fell in during the summer. You can attempt to clean out the debris with a wet vac. It's better to suck the gunk out if it close to the top in order to avoid sending it down even further. If you need some professional help, call Rooter n Drains. We'll be glad to bail you out. (pun intended). We have all the equipment, rooter machines, high pressure water jetters etc. And don't forget, one of the "Temporary Discounts" includes a $100 off a whole house drain cleaning package. If you've never had your home's drain system cleaned as a matter of maintenance and your home is older than 20 years, a whole house drain cleaning would be a great investment. For Help Call...503-643-4433 |
Are You Drinking
Your Water Through These Pipes?
|
Galvanized pipes are usually found in homes over 40 years in age. Commonly, these pipes will rust from the inside out. The pipes can corrode at any time however this rust accumulates over decades. Sometimes if the water is not in use and then turned on you can see that the water is brownish in color or that fixtures have become rust stained.
Eventually, the water pressure decreases and the volume is restricted from the rust build up. This occurs as a result of the pipe rusting on its interior and becoming smaller and smaller over time. Eventually the pipe becomes blocked or worse yet bursts. Ultimately these pipes must be replaced as a precaution to disaster or may be replaced after a disaster.
Doesn't it make more sense to have your system upgraded on YOUR schedule, before they rupture and cause damage?
FAQ's
- Will my house be torn up and left with holes in the wall?
- Answer: No. We take special care to cover furniture and protect all your property during the work. And with our re-pipes, we include the sheet rock repair as an option.
- Will we have to move out or be without water during the process?
- Answer: Absolutely not. We are very sensitive to your comfort while we perform our work. You may be surprised at how " un-intrusive" our re-pipes are! At no time are you without water over night.
- Won't this kind of extensive work cost a fortune?
- Answer: Although cost really is subjective to each individual, the cost to upgrade your home's plumbing system is an investment that will have benefits for many years to come. More water pressure, less faucet and fixture maintenance and in the worst case, avert the possibility of catastrophic failure. Also, for those who need it, we do offer financing. And don't forget about our "Temporary Recession Discounts" (see above). You can save up to $1000.00 on a whole house re-pipe package. And it's not too late to get the work done. Indeed, we do this kind of work year round and can schedule your job anytime that's convenient for you.
Call to schedule an FREE estimate today!
|
Temporary Recession Discounts
|
|
If
you haven't taken advantage of these huge savings yet, now would be an
excellent time to do so! Many others are now enjoying their new water
systems and electrical upgrades. And they have expressed absolute joy
at all the money they have saved.
These savings will continue until the management determines that the economy is has returned to a healthy status.
So how about you? Have you been putting off that remodel or repair?
Now may be the best opportunity you will ever have to have it done with discounts like these.
And if you don't have a large project on the immediate horizon, we have an offer for you too!
Mention this newsletter and you will receive $50 off any work done over $500, for all 3 companies.
Whole House Re-Pipes - FREE ESTIMATES*
Replacement of all the hot and cold water pipe
Premium Plus - $1000 OFF
- All new piping
- New 1/4 turn stops & connections
- New toilets
- New bath & Kitchen faucets
- Complete dry wall repair
- Molly Maid home clean up
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- 25 year piping warranty
- 5 year faucet no drip warranty
Premium - $750 OFF
- All new piping
- New 1/4 turn stops & connections
- New toilets
- New bath & Kitchen faucets
- Lifetime workmanship warranty25 year piping warranty
Standard - $300 OFF
- All new piping
- New 1/4 turn stops & connections
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- 25 year piping warranty
Call 503-620-9111 
*FREE CASEY'S PLUMBING ESTIMATES ON LARGER JOBS ONLY
__________________________________________________________
Service / Panel Replacement
FREE ESTIMATES*
Premium Plus - $750 OFF
- New panel and service
- New grounding system
- Whole house surge protection
- Telephone wire surge protection
- Cable TV surge protection
- New smoke detectors
- CO2 detectors
- 10 years of FREE maintenance
- Decor switch and receptacles
- GFCI receptacles as needed
- Whole house eco-light bulbs
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
Premium - $500 OFF
- New panel and service
- New grounding system
- Whole house surge protection
- Telephone wire surge protection
- Cable TV surge protection
- 5 years of FREE maintenance
- Decor switch and receptacles
- GFCI receptacles as needed
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
Standard - $400 OFF
- New panel and service
- New grounding system
- Whole house surge protection
- 5 years of FREE maintenance
- GFCI receptacles as needed
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
Call 503-643-8833 
*FREE METRO'S BEST ELECTRIC ESTIMATES ON LARGER JOBS ONLY
__________________________________________________________
Drain Maintenance
Whole House Drain Cleaning - $100 OFF
(especially recommended for homes older than 30 years)
- Mechanically clean all drains
- Mechanically clean building sewer
- Mechanically clean all rain drains
- Hydro-jet / restore kitchen and laundry drains
- Hydro-jet / restore building sewer
- 1 year no clog warranty
- I year supply of drain maintainer
FREE ESTIMATES*
Call 503-643-4433 
|
Click Below
to View Earlier News Letters
|
$269 in Free Service Each and Every Year!
Once each year, a member of my expert plumbing and electrical team will give your home a thorough inspection, and if any minor adjustments are needed, they'll be done for FREE. The complete list includes up to 100 different items... a $269 value alone!
Here's a peek at your membership benefits...
- All of your toilets are checked and tested for leaks and smooth operation.
- All of your faucets are tested and must pass a rigid "Performance Test".
- All of your exposed water lines are checked for any damage.
- All of the piping under your bathroom and kitchen sinks are checked for any sign of potential water damage.
- All of your drains are checked for leaks and clogs.
- Your washing machine hoses and valves are thoroughly checked and inspected for wear.
- Your water heater is checked for safety, leaks and signs of corrosion. Water heaters are often a major cause of water damage. Keeping this piece of equipment in top shape guarantees Peace Of Mind!
- Your entire electrical system is tested for safety and reliability.
- You go to The Front Of The Line on Service Calls!
- As a member of "The Diamond Club Plus", you'll go to the front of the line and to the top of our appointment book if you ever need plumbing or electrical service. You'll never wait more than 2 hours for our team of experts to arrive at your home.
- You get a 20% discount on any plumbing or electrical work!
- From water heater and faucet installations to simple toilet stoppages and electrical switch replacement, you'll receive a 20% discount right off the top! And you get a full, 3-year guarantee on any and all repairs and replacements. No other plumber or electrician in the book will give you great specials, guarantees, and service like that!
- Your accumulated monthly dues of $14.95 are credited toward any future service or product you purchase. For example: If you've been a member for a year, you have accumulated more than $179.40.
If you want a new water faucet, a new water heater, plumbing or electrical service, you can credit 100% of the membership dues you've paid toward the purchase or service cost. In other words, your membership as well as the preceding three benefits cost you nothing.
You can't lose!
CASEY'S PLUMBING ____________503-620-9111
ROOTER N DRAINS ____________ 503-643-4433
METRO'S BEST ELECTRIC _______503-643-8833
*Discount excludes large bid work such as whole house re-piping, water services, panel replacements and whole house re-wires etc.
* Drain clogs excluded from 3 year warranty.
CCB 147298
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Casey's Plumbing
"Very pleased with your company. I'll be
recommending you to others".
Jo
Hodges, Milwaukie
"Thom was always courteous of our home and
went the extra mile for us".
Cameron
& Rhonda Azari
"Excellent - Explained everything well.
Even made friends with my dog".
Ross
Wine, King City
"Thom was great! Professional and good about
explaining the process".
David
Bleyle, Beaverton
"Great workmanship; competent and
skilled".
Ken
Moss, Gresham
"We found all of your people to be
professional, friendly and considerate".
Michael
Lowe, Beaverton
"The best! I am continuing to recommend
you guys".
Carol
Smith, Beaverton
"I saw my neighbor using you guys and knew
they only use good companies".
Patricia
Treece, West linn
"As usual, work was performed promptly and
explained in detail".
Dan
Ziglinski, Tigard
______________________________
Metro's Best Electric
"Great attention to detail, careful and care taking of our property and house. Highly recommend this company." Debbie - NE Portland"I am VERY pleased with the results and with the work that Dan did. Not only do I have plenty of power to all my appliances and outlets, I have reliable smoke detectors and security lights and a working doorbell and lights in closets where I was constantly replacing battery-operated lights. Dan was punctual every morning, picked up/cleaned up every afternoon, was clear about what work he would be doing each day, worked around my need for electricity while in the house, had great ideas to help me make the house more safe and secure, installed electrical conduits to support planned renovations of the upstairs attic and the kitchen, and was willing to explain everything I wanted to understand. I got to know him well enough that I actually miss having him around!"Lisa - SE Portland"They were punctual, courteous and completely professional (even put on booties upon entering my house)."Jodi - NE Portland______________________________
Rooter n Drains
"High level of competence, service and
professionalism; we were totally impressed with the crew and excellent results
of their work".
Howard
Schneider, Portland
"Appreciated recommendation for preventative maintenance on the laundry drain."
Don Bardel - Portland
"Your service representative was very efficient, professional and friendly. It was a pleasure having him in our home."
John Rendon - NW Portland
"We appreciated the courtesy, promptness and efficiency of your employees."
Salomon Marmor - Clackamas
"Pleased to have the problem taken care of within 3 hours of my call."
Jean Shvland - NE Alameda
"Was so impressed with the professional and experienced service provided."
Marilyn Paesch - Gresham
"Absolutely wonderful service each and every time!"
Robert Reed - Beaverton
"Had work done on same day that I called; excellent work! Thank you."
Paul Schiverdt - Tigard
Really appreciated the quick response, the service on Sunday and thorough job. Fantastic & thanks!"
Thomas Park - SW Portland
"Absolutely the best service I've experienced. Tech was polite and knew his job; great problem solver."
Kathy Raygosa - SE Portland
______________________________ Thanks to all for the above comments! BACK TO TOP |
Useful Links
|
Easy Back To School Lunches
|
Crunchy
Vegetable Wrap
SUBMITTED BY:
Cooking Light magazine
"Try these great wraps as a new addition to your lunch bag!"
SERVINGS 4
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup tub-style fat-free cream cheese
- 4 (10 inch) fat-free flour tortillas
- 4 curly leaf lettuce leaves
- 1 cup alfalfa sprouts
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped tomato
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
DIRECTIONS
Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese over each tortilla; top each with a lettuce leaf. Divide sprouts and remaining ingredients evenly among tortillas; roll up. Cut each rolled wrap in half diagonally.
_____________________________
Chicken Salad Wrap
SUBMITTED BY: DAWN1 PHOTO BY: Claire H.
"Great picnic or lunch sandwich, with a salsa twist. For a spicier version, add some finely chopped jalapeno chile peppers! It's a wrap! "
PREP TIME 10 Min
READY IN 10 Min
SERVINGS 6
INGREDIENTS
- 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons fresh salsa
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 (10 inch) flour tortillas
- 12 lettuce leaves
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl combine the chicken, onion, mayonnaise, salsa, salt and pepper. Mix together.
Line each tortilla with two lettuce leaves, then divide chicken salad mixture evenly among each tortilla and roll up, or 'wrap'.
_____________________________
BLT WRAP
SUBMITTED BY: Karen PHOTO BY: Allrecipes
"I love wraps, but am allergic to mayonnaise, so I designed this wrap to be glued together with melted cheese instead. A good variation is to substitute taco meat and grilled onions for the bacon."
PREP TIME 15 Min
COOK TIME 10 Min
READY IN 25 Min
SERVINGS 4
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound thick sliced bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 4 (12 inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, diced
DIRECTIONS
- Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, and set aside.
- Place 1 tortilla on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle tortilla with 1/4 cup cheese. Cook in microwave 1 to 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Immediately top with 1/4 of the bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Fold sides of tortilla over, then roll up. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut each wrap in half before serving.
|
Ranch Burger
SUBMITTED BY: DAMIANSMOMMY PHOTO BY: Holly
"The beef burgers stay juicy and delicious on the grill or stove top! Serve on buns with your favorite condiments."
PREP TIME 15 Min
COOK TIME 10 Min
READY IN 25 Min
SERVINGS 8
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup crushed saltine crackers
- 1 onion, chopped
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the grill for high heat.
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, ranch dressing mix, egg, crushed crackers, and onion. Form into hamburger patties.
- Lightly oil the grill grate. Place patties on the grill, and cook 5 minutes per side, or until well done.
_________________
Tangy Potato Salad
SUBMITTED BY: Monika Grotegeer
"This recipe came from Germany, where it was passed down through our family. My grandmother made it for me when I was a child...my mother modified it...and I added my own touches. It still has authentic German flavor, and it's in demand for every cookout or potluck we attend!"
PREP TIME 25 MinREADY IN 25 MinSERVINGS 12 INGREDIENTS- 12 medium red potatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
- 2 dill pickles, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tomatoes, cubed
- 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
DIRECTIONSCook potatoes in boiling salted water until tender. Drain; cool slightly. Peel and slice potatoes; combine with onion, eggs, pickles and parsley in a large salad bowl. Set aside. Heat chicken broth until warm; remove from the heat. Add mayonnaise, salt, pepper and garlic powder; mix until smooth. Pour over potato mixture and mix lightly. Cover and chill. Just before serving, gently stir in tomatoes and bacon.
________________
Easy Peach CobblerSUBMITTED BY: PNLewis PHOTO BY: SunFlower "This is a great peach cobbler--so easy a child can make it! It is great right out of the oven served with vanilla ice cream."
PREP TIME 10 Min
COOK TIME 30 Min
READY IN 40 Min
SERVINGS 6
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (15 ounce) can peaches
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a one-quart baking dish or 9 inch square pan, cream together sugar and butter. Mix in flour and milk until smooth. Pour peaches and their juice over the top.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.
_______________  Western SaladSUBMITTED BY: Leslie Spargo PHOTO BY: Caroline C "A quick and easy summertime salad that is sure to become a family favorite. A combination of raw vegetables, canned beans, and pre-packaged nacho-flavor chips makes this dish a delight for any cook to make." PREP TIME 15 MinREADY IN 15 MinSERVINGS 12 INGREDIENTS- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 2 bunches green onions, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1 (16 ounce) package baby carrots, chopped
- 1 head broccoli, chopped
- 1 bunch radishes, sliced
- 2 (15 ounce) cans ranch-style beans, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) bottle Ranch-style salad dressing
- 1 (13.5 ounce) package nacho-flavor tortilla chips
DIRECTIONSPlace the shredded lettuce in a large, flat dish. Layer with cucumbers, green onions, green bell pepper, cauliflower, baby carrots, broccoli, and radishes. Pour drained beans over the vegetables. Cover with Ranch-style dressing, and top with nacho-flavor tortilla chips. Cover, and chill until serving. ______________  Sunday's Best
Fruit SaladSUBMITTED BY: Pattie Price PHOTO BY: Dianne "This is a wonderful and easy fruit salad that is also pretty for special occasions or holidays." PREP TIME 20 MinREADY IN 45 MinSERVINGS 8 INGREDIENTS - 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, juice reserved
- 2 apples, peeled and cored
- 1 (21 ounce) can peach pie filling
- 2 bananas, peeled and diced
- 3 kiwis
- 1 pint strawberries
DIRECTIONS- In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples in reserved pineapple juice. Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the peach pie filling and pineapple chunks.
- Remove apples from pineapple juice and add to pie filling and pineapple mixture. Add chopped bananas to reserved pineapple juice and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Peel and slice kiwi and 1/2 of strawberries. Chop the other 1/2 of strawberries and set aside.
- Remove bananas from pineapple juice and add to pie filling mixture. Add chopped strawberries; toss together.
- Arrange kiwi slices
- around the edge of the serving bowl and alternate with strawberry slices. Chill and serve.
|
12 WAYS TO SAVE
ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
|
1. Keep blinds and curtains closed. If you don't have mini blinds on your windows - get them. They serve as a great insulator.
2. Install energy saving windows. Those old single pane windows really let a lot of heat and air conditioning escape.
3. Change the filters in air conditioners and furnaces. Not only does it keep systems running at optimum efficiency, it keeps the air in your home cleaner too.
4. Place window air conditioners on the shadiest side of the house. It won't have to work as hard and will use less power.
5. Make sure air conditioners and furnaces are the right size. Too small, it has to work too hard. Too large and they lose their efficiency, therefore using even more electricity.
6. Have regular checkups performed on systems. This keeps things running smoothly and could catch a problem before it's too late. Like the middle of that unexpected snow storm, or hottest ever day of the summer.
7. Keep weeds and shrubs trimmed. Keep them away from outside heating/cooling units for best airflow.
8. Plant shade trees. This is especially important on the side of the house that gets the most sun.
9. Use timers to turn lights on and off. For when you're not around, it's better than leaving a light on constantly, and also works to fool burglars.
10. Use compact fluorescent bulbs. Although they cost a little more than regular bulbs, they last up to 10 times longer and use a lot less electricity to burn.
11. Unplug appliances and electronics. Some of these items tend to keep using a little electric even when turned off.
12. Adjust the temperature before leaving the house or going to bed. Or better yet, install a programmable thermostat. It will eventually more than pay for itself.
|
- 300 million gallons of water are needed to produce a single day's supply of U.S. newsprint.
- A dairy cow must drink four gallons of water to produce one gallon of milk.
- It takes 3.3 acre feet of water to grow enough food for an average family for a year.
- If every household in America had a faucet that dripped once each second, 928 million gallons of water a day would leak away.
- The average American uses 140-170 gallons of water per day.
- Every day in the United States, we drink about 110 million gallons of water.
- Toilet paper was first invented in China in 1391AD, The Bureau of Imperial Supplies began producing 720,000 sheets of toilet paper a year, each sheet measuring two feet by three feet. For use by the Emperors. In 1857 in the USA a New Yorker, Joseph C. Gayetty, produced the first packaged bathroom tissue named "The Therapeutic Paper" as it contained an abundance of aloe, a curative addition. The company sold it in packs of 500 sheets for fifty cents, and Joseph Gayetty had his name printed on each sheet! In 1890 The Scott Paper Company is the first company to manufacture tissue on a roll, specifically for the use of toilet paper.
- Albert Einstein was named honorary member of the Plumbers Union after saying publicly he'd become a plumber if he had to do it all over again.
- Archeologists recovered a portion of a water plumbing system from the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt evidencing indoor plumbing dating back to 2500 B.C.E.
|
Our Plumbers
And Electricians
Have Been Doing
This A Very
Long time!
|
|
|
It's
getting to be a real problem in our world today. Innocent homeowners
call contractors looking to have work performed on their home. A
service person shows up, and the homeowner doesn't think twice about
letting that person into their home. They presume that person is
honest and coming to help them with their problem. All too often these seemingly innocent calls turn tragic.
Not
long ago, I read about a Florida woman who was killed by a registered
sex offender who was performing work in her home. In another instance,
a service technician in the Minneapolis area was convicted on several
counts for stealing from customers' homes. In yet another story, an
unsuspecting housewife in Missouri hired a contractor only to have him
call back two weeks later and make lewd remarks over the telephone.
What if this guy had done more than just make telephone calls? You
don't think about this possibly happening until it's too late.
You and your family deserve to feel comfortable and safe in your own home; to live life without fear.
Women home alone with small children, the elderly, or the disabled
shouldn't have to be wary of their security when calling a contractor.
As a person who's been in this industry for years, it sickens me that
this has become an issue... but it has.
Knowing this, we have
made a commitment to you and all of our loyal customers. You will
never have to worry about a person from our company that enters your
home or be concerned about their true intentions. As a service to you,
every single one of our employees is background checked and drug
tested. No criminal or drug addict will ever wear one of our
uniforms. We have one of the most difficult hiring processes around,
and only people of high moral character are given the opportunity to be
employed by us. We then take these hard working people and provide
them with the best technical and communication training offered in the
country. So, you'll know that when one of our people shows up, they're
upstanding citizens who are eager and able to help you with any and all
of your home's needs.
Many contractors in the home services
business do not bother to practice such stringent policies... But
that's what distinguishes us from the rest. When
you call Casey's Plumbing, Rooter n Drains or Metro's Best Electric,
you know you're dealing with professionals who care about your personal
safety, the safety of your family, and the well-being and security of
your home. We feel that's the least we can do for you.
Sincerely, 
William Casey / GM
Casey's Plumbing Inc.
Rooter n Drains
|
|
|
