WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
We are all conscious of the high cost of living these days. With the upcoming holidays, we’ll be spending more for electricity, especially if we decorate our homes with outside lights. Thanksgiving is tomorrow, yet I’ve seen Christmas lights adorning many houses for at least two weeks. Tis the season to be merry and bright, so here are some ideas you might consider to keep those utility bills under control:
Have your thermostat programmed at 68 when you are home, and dialed back by 8 to 10 degrees when you leave home or go to sleep.
Run the clothes washer on cold with full loads.
When not in use, turn off lights and the television. Fully shut down computers and gaming systems instead of placing them in “sleep” or “standby” mode.
Normal vacation time is behind us, but many of us will be traveling for the holidays. If family travels plans are in your future, make sure to safeguard your home while you’re away. Install light timers in a couple of your rooms so that burglars aren’t aware that you are away. Arrange for someone to shovel your driveway and walk, in case the snow fairy makes a visit. In other words, try not to let anyone know that your home is unprotected.
COVID alerts aren’t the big topic of conversation much anymore, but the bug is still out there. We should have all learned something during the pandemic. We should continue to wash our hands on a regular basis, cover our mouths when we cough or sneeze, and we should still maintain a proper distance when in crowds. Many medical facilities still require you to wear a mask, so it’s always good to have a couple of masks available should the need arise. I still run into people who would rather bump elbows rather than shake hands.
From what I hear, booster shots for COVID are going to be as common as getting the annual Flu vaccine. Most insurance covers these annual “pokes”, in my mind, it’s just good sense to stay current. If you don’t see your family physician annually, you might want to fit this into your schedule.
Deer season opened a week ago, so if you’re a hunter, I wish you the best of luck. Enjoy the hunt and stay safe. With deer season upon us, you are more likely to see deer crossing the highways, so proceed with caution. In most cases, the deer don’t cross where they see the “Deer Crossing” signs, so you’ll have to be more watchful.
Last week they finally started to dismantle the old hospital in Three Rivers. It’s taken a long time for this to finally happen. It served its purpose for many years. I’m sure many of us have some fond memories of being nursed back to health there. More than just a few started their lives there.
Thursday is Thanksgiving, so I’d like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Whether you believe it or not, we all have much to be thankful for at this time. I am thankful for family and friends, plus so much more. I have a roof over my head and I’ve never gone to bed hungry. Things are tough for all of us, but there are many who have things tougher than we do.
If you know of someone living alone, invite them to your Thanksgiving table. If you have food left over, share it with someone less fortunate. This is the season for giving.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
