Out and About – Week of August 2nd

The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will conduct a “Doggy Wash” this Saturday, August 7, from 9 AM until 3 PM. The wash will take place at the TSC store located on the east side of US-131, just north of West Michigan Avenue. The only cost is a donation to ARF. Bring the family out and enjoy the fun of having someone else give Fido a bath. The Animal Rescue Fund is dedicated to the proper care of those unwanted and abused pets here in St. Joe County. All ARF members are animal lovers and they love what they do.

I have done my share of painting in my lifetime. I’m not referring to “Art” painting, but rather to house painting. I thank my Dad for teaching me how to paint properly and how to clean up after. Painting can be a lot of fun, it’s always the prep-work and clean up after that gets old really fast. My Dad taught me that by paying a little extra for a good paint brush, the end result will be much more satisfying. Here are several more hints that will make that painting chore a bit easier:

When choosing a color, have the store mix a modest batch for you. Once you get home, paint a good-sized section of the actual wall to see how the finished color will look. This could save you some money, because paint, like everything else, has gone up in price.
To make mixing paint easier, use a paint stirrer with holes in it. Usually a paint store will give you a stirrer FREE. They might also mix it and shake it for you. It never hurts to ask.
Punch drainage holes in the groove at the top of the paint can. The excess paint left after you pour, will drip back into the can instead of settling in the groove. It will save having a mess.
If you use an oil-based paint, use vegetable oil to remove the paint from your hands. It doesn’t dry the skin as paint thinner does. To avoid this, use thin latex gloves that are tight-fitting.
Next week I’ll help you decide on when to use a paint roller and a brush.

As part of the American Legion’s Honor Guard, I’ve had the opportunity to attend quite a few funerals. I’ve noticed that like everything else these days, “Change” is evident. People don’t dress up for much anymore. Many businessmen don’t wear a suit and tie and you rarely see a businesswoman wearing a dress. Even the Vice-President of the United States is often seen wearing a pant-suit instead of a dress. The only thing we can do is accept the change, whatever it might be.

Rules for formal attire are less rigid these days, but if the invitation says “Black Tie”, the basics remain the classiest way to go. For men this means a black tuxedo, a white shirt, with black bow tie and cummerbund, or a fancy vest with a matching colored or black bow tie. For women, either a long gown or a short cocktail dress works fine. I have two tuxedos and a rack full of ties if anyone is interested.

“If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” – Bob Hope

“Within this vale of toil and sin, your head grows bald, but not your chin – use BURMA SHAVE”

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman