One blanket, two blankets, three blankets! Each of the last three nights another one was needed. Do I add another blanket or turn the furnace on? Decisions, decisions, decisions! It does seem a little ridiculous to be wearing a jacket in the house and it is Oct. 1. So, the heat is on.
The “no pre-registration” started today. I was nervous about how many meals to order for next Thursday, as it is the annual fall “Bring a friend for apple pie day.” I made a few calls to people who have come in the past and a couple of diners did some calling also. That brought the count up somewhat, and I asked the cook to plan for 50.
The problem for pie days, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners is, the cook needs a number at least a week ahead, as she has to order the groceries. Monday, I plan to stop putting out the sign-up sheets and start the guessing game. I have worked on adjusting my attitude about the change. It was encouraging to hear that somebody has already said they’d be coming more.
It is sad, for a community this size, that some days we only have to set a table for six.
My notes on Spain have managed to disappear. Therefore, a test of the mind. Spain’s best-known sport is bull fighting. Every large town and city has at least one arena. Soccer is the most popular sport.
Sidewalk cafés are busy. Businesses close for an hour and a half lunch breaks. They make up for it by staying open until 7 or was it 8 p.m.? A true siesta – an early afternoon, post-lunch nap – lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Many report a good way to wake up after a siesta is with a glass of water and a piece of chocolate. The latter, I could handle.
Evening meals follow a long walk and usually are between 10 and 11 p.m. I remember my daughter telling me that after her trip to Spain.
Now for some facts. Spain is slightly more than twice the size of Oregon. More than 52 million tourists visit Spain each year, making it one of the top three most-visited countries in the world, and Spain’s largest industry. Flamenco acoustic guitar, classical Latin and tango are the preferred types of music.
Are you ready for an emergency situation?
Basic emergency supply kit: When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival: Fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
Additional items to consider adding to an emergency supply kit:
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and shoes
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color-safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities
‘Till next time!
Rosalea Hoeft
Satellite Site Coordinator
Tidbits
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