Helping Pets Cope with Fireworks

Fido, you have to say indoors today.

July 4th tops the list for American celebrations. Fun, BBQ and fireworks, what a great time? It’s a terrifying ordeal for most pets. What’s the best solution for calming anxiety and fears? Have an outgoing generally calm dog? Try integrating them into the festivities. A more practical approach: Keep pets indoors and practice these calming techniques.

One in five pets will disappear this 4th of July. A family pet is lost every 2 seconds with over 10 million pets lost annually. Animal shelters see a 40 - 60% increase in lost pets during the July 4th holiday. Only one in 10 pets are found. Follow the below top tips to keep your family together.

What is it about Dogs, Cats, Humans and Independence Day?

Noise of course. July 4th can be dramatic day for our beloved pets. July 5th is the busiest day for animal shelters. With fireworks now legal in Georgia, this number continues to rise. Why is it? Consider the amplified hearing of both dogs and cats. Check out the comparison chart below to what a dog, cat and human hears from a firecracker. 

Depending upon the construction and if it detonates on the ground vs. sky, fireworks often exceed 150 decibels. This approaches the threshold for what is considered to be harmful to humans.

Typical Firecracker	120 dB
Dog’s Hearing	400 dB	******
Cat’s Hearing	300 dB	****
Human Hearing	100 dB	***

Best Tips for Dogs & Cats

If your dog or cat must remain or go outdoors, make sure they’re wearing an up-to-date collar and/or microchip. Does your pet have extreme reactions? Ask your veterinarian about potential sedatives to take the edge off and soothe your counterpart.

Canines have a front seat to any Fireworks show. With hearing 4 times that of humans and better than felines, a popping firework is more like an exploding bomb to your dog. Felines aren’t far behind dogs. They hear 3 to 4 times more than their human counterparts.

Dogs

1. Before the festivities begin, take your dog for 1 - 2 long walks or runs. This will release energy and chemicals in the brain creating relaxation and calming.
2. It’s okay to be concerned, but don’t show fear or excessive concern. Canines pick up on our behavior. If you’re nervous, they’ll start to become nervous.
3. Distraction is a great method. His favorite toy will redirect his attention while naturally calming
4. Give him distance. If he is coping badly and hiding, the last thing he needs as you standing over him exacerbating the issue.
5. ThunderShirts, a snug anti-anxiety vest, relaxes most dogs with what some call a hugging sensation. The next best thing, is a real hug.
6. Move your pet to the quietest room in the house
7. Close all blinds and curtains to reduce the flashes associated with fireworks
8. NEVER yell or let your own nerves get the best of you

Cats

1. Keep cats indoors
2. Most cats will simply find a nice warm place to sleep and tune the noises out
3. Keep a TV or radio playing at a decent volume to mitigate the loud noises popping in from outside
4. If your cat doesn’t have his own bed, make a donut shape with a blanket. They we’ll curl up and dose off now feeling comfortable in their little cocoon of protection
5. If you have a kitten or cat still young at heart, take out their favorite toy and some catnip. This will both distract, calm and change the negative association with the loud noises
6. NEVER yell or let your own nerves get the best of you

What to do if your pet is missing?

The ASPCA has created a wonderful free app for helping find a lost pet. More than just a lost pet tool. It stores medical records and provides life saving tips during emergencies.

• Access critical advice on handling your pet before, during and after and a traumatic event, i.e., loud noises
• Store and manage your pet’s health records
• Get a personalized pet recovery kit, including step-by-steps instructions on everything you should do and how to to search for a lost animal.
• Create a “Lost Pet” flyer that can be shared with 1000,s instantly via social media
• Get relevant news about pets and animal welfare

Pets that roam outdoors use scents and markers to find their way back home. The spontaneous and rapid secession of loud noises can cause pets to bolt into areas not known to them. Anything, to get away from the noise.

Add the intense heat and humidity of July, they begin searching for water.  Before long, they’re lost and in unfamiliar territory.

Where to look?

Most Common Shelters for Metro Atlanta

Barrow County Animal Control 610 Barrow Park Dr NW Winder, GA 30680 (770) 307-3012 Carroll County Animal Shelter 251 Automation Drive  Carrollton, GA 30117 (770) 214-3590 Cherokee County Animal Shelter 1015 Univeter Rd Canton, GA 30115 (770) 345-7270 Clayton County Humane Society 7810 N McDonough St Jonesboro, GA 30236 (770) 471-9436 Cobb County Animal Control 1060 Al Bishop Dr Marietta, GA 30008 (770) 499-4136 Humane Society of Cobb County 148 Fairground Street S.E. Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 428-5678 Coweta County Animal Control 91 Selt Rd Newnan, GA 30263 (770) 254-3735 Dekalb County Animal Services 845 Camp Rd Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 294-2996 Douglas County Animal Control 1755 County Services Rd Douglasville, GA 30134 (770) 942-5961 Douglas County Humane Society 8177 Cedar Mountain Rd Douglasville, GA 30134 (678) 838-9123 Fayette County Animal Control 1262 Hwy 74 S Peachtree City, GA 30269 (770) 631-7210

Forsyth County Animal Shelter 4065 County Way Cumming, GA 30028 (678) 965-7185 Fulton County Animal Control 860 Marietta Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30318 (404) 613-0358 Gwinnett County Animal Shelter 884 Winder Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30045 (770) 339-3200 Gwinnett Humane Society 3370 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville 30044 (770) 798-7711  Humane Society of Northeast Georgia 845 W Ridge Rd Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 532-6617 Henry County Animal Care & Control 527 Hampton Rd McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 288-7387 Newton County Animal Control 210 Lower River Rd Covington, GA 30016 (770) 786-9514 Paulding County Animal Control 779 Industrial Blvd N Dallas, GA 30132 (770) 445-1511 Rockdale County Animal Control 1506 Rockbridge Rd NW Conyers, GA 30012 (770) 278-8403 Spalding County Animal Control 208 Justice Blvd Griffin, GA 30224 (770) 467-4772 Walton County Animal Control 1411 S Madison Ave Monroe, GA 30655 (770) 267-1322

What's an Orange Pickle?

Posted on Behalf of

instructables by jessyratfink

Finished Product - Jar of Pickled Carrots

I've been pickling my own jalapenos for a long time now. I do them in the traditional style with carrots and onions, but the carrots always get eaten within the first few days. To remedy this, I decided to start pickling carrots in big batches too!

Pickled carrots are a lovely condiment and side dish for so many foods - we eat them all the time! Plus, they work well with loads of flavors, so you could even do a jar of sweet carrot pickles and a jar of savory ones.

Step 1: Ingredients + Tools

Ingredients

• 6-12 carrots - it'll all depend on the size! Mine were teeny so I used 12.
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 1/4 cups vinegar (white and apple cider work well!)
• 1-2 tablespoons salt
• 1 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of sugar
• whatever spices and herbs you like! I used probably a teaspoon of extra herbs/spices all together.
• additional veggies - you can sneak in some garlic, onion or peppers here, too.

The great part about this recipe is you can flavor the carrots however you like! Make sure to add a little more sugar for sweet combinations like cinnamon or fennel. Cumin is great with carrots, too. Today I'm just using some peppercorns, a bayleaf and some oregano to keep them tasting like my pickled jalapeños.

These pickled carrots stay nice and crisp - if you'd like them to be softer, you should put the carrots and the pickling liquid in a small saucepan and cook them for a few minutes and then pack them into the jar.

Tools:

• 32 oz/1 liter canning jar
• glass measuring cup

Step 2: Clean your canning jar

Wash the jar, lid and all extras in VERY hot water. You want this as clean as possible since you'll be storing food long term in it.

Once it's washed, set it aside on a clean towel or rack to dry.

Step 3: Peel and slice the carrots + other veg

Peel and slice your carrots on the diagonal - 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner is better if you want the carrots to be soft!

Slice up anything else you're putting in, too. I'm also adding four serrano peppers because Tyler kept saying "Make it spicy! Make it spicier!!"

Step 4: Pack your carrots into the jar

I normally do this as I cut them up, just to make sure I've got the perfect amount. 

Try to fill the jar to right below the bottom of the rim.

Step 5: Heat up your pickling mix

Combine the vinegar, water, salt, sugar and herbs and spices (and garlic if you want it!) into a large microwave safe measuring cup.

Heat in the microwave for 3-4 minutes or until the mix is about 190-200 F.

Step 6: Pickling + storage

Pour the hot pickling liquid over the carrots.

Let the jar sit open on the counter until it cools down enough to comfortably handle (or reaches room temp) and then close it and pop it in the fridge. The carrots will soften slightly during this time, so let it hang out for a while!

The pickles can be eaten as soon as the liquid cools, but I find they taste best after a couple days in the pickling liquid!

These pickles will stay good for around a month if stored in the fridge, though ours rarely last that long. :D

Enjoy! I'd love to hear about what flavor combinations you guys use.

Top 2 Secrets on Lawn Care

Top 2 Secrets on Lawn Care

"September was made for growing grass. Start a new lawn or improve upon an existing one and achieve the results you've always wanted."

Fall's the best time for growing, sustaining and perfecting your lawn. September was made for growing grass. Cooling temperatures, moisture and conditions conspire to make soil ideal for seeding. With a little work, fertilizer and seed, your lawn will be healthy.

• Finish mowing for the season
• Easily take care of leaves
• Establish right soil
• Fertilizing & Reseeding

Mow the Lawn Once More

You should continue mowing your lawn throughout September. The last time it's cut, leave it slightly taller than usual to better absorb nutrients and moisture in preparation for winter.

"Mother nature intended for leaves to kiss the ground. Lay there. Return nutrients to future generations."

Leaves, Leaves and More Leaves

As long as your lawn is not completely blanketed in leaves the last time you mow, go over the leaves with your lawn mower vs. raking, It may take a couple of passes, but the finely chopped leaves will help retain moisture and return nutrients to the soil.

The Secret to a Healthy Lawn

Lime application is often forgotten in creating a healthy lawn. We know our lawns need fertilizer, weed-n-feed and water. How about healthy soil? Soil is the foundation for which every plant is "built" upon. It is both the catalyst for growth and stabilizer for acidic creating suitable soil.

What is Lime?

Lime is basically calcium and magnesium. Yes, it is the very same chemicals removed from hard water. The components of lime facilitate the uptake of nutrients and the growth of healthy microbes, and are almost like little pathways or the arteries to each grass seedling providing the very nutrients needed for proper and healthy growth. It also has a double purpose of removing dangerous toxins like aluminum and manganese, Commonly, it is found in a powder or as pellets in most stores like Ace Ace Hardware. Both lime powder and pellets work equally fine and only vary depending on your method of application. 

What Lime Isn't?

Lime is not a fertilizer, pesticide or insecticide. It isn't mulch, compost or anything similar in nature and is in no relation to the fruit. 

Fertilizing

Fertilize after Labor Day and the first week of November. Look for a slow-release fertilizer, low nitrogen and high phosphates. Spread ferterlizer evenly - using 1/2 for shaded areas. Any home garden store should be able to help choose a formula.  

When Do I Apply Lime?

Regardless of the situation, check the pH of your soil. Georgia clay soil is already slightly acidic. With the proper maintenance can become the ideal soil for a beautiful lawn. Oddly enough, the reason is our own doings. In most cases, the very things we add in the spring and summer for that beautiful green lawn are actually changing the composition of your soil structure.

The only time to apply lime is in the fall and early winter when temperatures are colder. Some say it's okay in the spring, but several independent university studies have shown this damages the soil. Therefore, the conciseness is that application in warm and hot periods will damage lawns.. The key thing is to apply when it is cool, but not so cold that the ground is frozen and make sure there is no impending rain within the next 24 hour forecast. This is very important in preventing any runoff.

Fig. pH Ranges for soil

Once or Yearly

Never apply lime more than once a year. This will cause irrefutable damage. Even if the pH level is not completely on target after application, your lawn should be okay for the next season and you should be able to close the gap in the next seasons. If your lawn is already healthy, you only need to apply lime every three years. However, check the pH level first to make sure it is needed.  Unused lime can be stored indefinitely. There is no need to discard unused lime.

Have You Kept Up With Your Composting

Winter composting and other useful reader suggestions

Trash Talk is always impressed by the efforts people make to reduce, reuse and recycle. After last week's article about creating a three-bin system for garbage separation in the bathroom, Ben Collings and Jeanette Dunke sent an email describing their own bin system for composting all through the winter in their garage in Fergus, Ont. where…

Deflated Reviews

False Reviews

With the internet and social media ever so present in our lives today, online reviews have become fundamental to consumers. The problem? What you read is not always true. Like most items found on the internet, there’s usually very little factual truth backing up claims.

“I saw it on the internet so it must be true…”

Popular Avenues

Most consumers have taken to sites like yelp.com, angieslist.com, kudzu.com and a myriad of others before doing business. In the last year, social media players Facebook and Google+ have joined the review bandwagon.

• Yelp
• Angie’s List
• Kudzu
• Facebook
• Google+
• BBB

Reading Reviews Makes Sense

Testimonials and reviews have always been a good picture of a company’s quality and service. With the internet age and anonymity, it’s easy to post anything anywhere. The truth isn’t required. Most sites do little to authenticate the review and who’s posting it.

“Joe’s garage could be writing their own positive reviews or even negative reviews about another garage across the street.”

It could be a competitor or even the company itself writing the review. What better way to damage the reputation of a rival business. Worst of all businesses have known this for a while now. The review warfare started. However, all is not lost.

Making Sense of It All

You can still use reviews but you have to take a lot of it with a grain a salt. There are reputable sites and institutions where in all likelihood the review is true.

BBB
The BBB, Better Business Bureau, is and has always been a great place to check a company. They focus more on complaints and there are processes in place making sure it is based on fact.

Google+
Google+ has authentication in place. However, it is reactive. Once a review has been posted, they will take several measures over an extended period to detect the validity. Any information found to be false or unverifiable is removed.

As for other sites, you must master the art of reading reviews. Read the review and ask yourself:

1. Does it sound like something a consumer would write?
2. Are there a lot of technical terms a consumer usually wouldn't know?
3. Does it seem too perfect?
4. Is every single review 5 out of 5 stars?

What company hasn’t had one unsatisfied customer?

What Should You Do?

You should always ask a company for referrals. This way you know you are talking to an actual customer and getting a true reflection of the company. You should still read reviews. Just pay close attention to the source and what’s being said. Always check the BBB.

Staycation vs. Vacation

What’s a Staycation?

The economy is growing right along with workload. This is good news, right? Of course, this is great news, but it means taking a vacation is practically impossible. Daydreaming you're at the beach in some background desktop photo on your computer for a few moments is downright sad and only reinforces the idea you have no vacation.

Childhood Inspirations

Transporting myself into the private beach photo is probably out of the question. This leaves me with nothing but thinking back to the many hours I spent as a child on my grandmother’s porch at her beachfront house listening to the soothing sound of waves break.

Vacationing Daily

Reminiscing about these times brought me to an obvious conclusion. You don’t have to leave home to create and experience your very own oasis. Just like waves crashing, I love the sounds of a  heavy rainstorm or the many sounds resonating from the woods on a summer night.  To add, wouldn't it be great to have a entertaining area with Tiki torches and outdoor furniture for friends to come over and sit back and enjoy a nice cold drink with a sizzling steak right off the grill.

Creating Your Destination

First, you need to create a private and enjoyable retreat at home to do just these things. That’s simple -- build an outdoor living center with a screen porch. Enclosing part of the deck and then installing a pergola or ultra lattice over a portion will give me both a more private intimate area and an open area for entertaining.

It doesn't cost anything to have someone come out, design your new outdoor living area and get an estimate.  That’s a good place to start. They will have sample materials and 100s of different options to choose from ranging from choice of materials to sunroom styles, e.g., traditional, Florida, 3 Season, screened patios to screened porches, under decking and much more. Go to allphasenow.com and request a free quote and plan your oasis.

Enjoy Your New Oasis 365 Days a Year

You can feel safe with the excellent workmanship and what vacation comes with a lifetime warranty. Depending upon your selection, your new private outdoor living area has a lifetime warranty.  For the same amount of money typically spent on the average vacation, you can create all of this, have it year-round to enjoy and increase the value and investment in your home with added living space. Sure, I will make it back to the beach one of these days, but this will turn out pretty well too.

Hot House? AC & Home Check List

Most have experienced that dreadful day when their air conditioner says “enough – no more.”

Who should read this article?

Having problems now or feel it’s just around the corner? Is your HVAC older than 8 years? Been taking it all for granted? Thermostat won’t go below 80º? Feel like your power bill is way too high? Have no clue about your attic insulation. You need to read this article.

AC problems escalate quickly as do repair costs. Being proactive will save hundreds to thousands. I’ll explain the basics here, but always remember heating and cooling is a complex endeavor that requires training and licensed professionals.

Warning: Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Turning the power off still leaves you at risk of electrocution. HVACS use large storage capacitors for starting and running. Disconnecting power has no effect on the fully charged capacitors. These electronic components are like super batteries only they discharge their full voltage at once.

Getting True Help

A host of predatory companies will charge top money when your AC stops. That’s not us. Sure, we’re a contractor, but we find being upfront and treating you like family is the only way to do business. You may even find the solution to your problem here, so let’s talk air conditioners.

1.       Red flags hinting problems aren’t far off

2.       Checklist for fixing common problems

3.       Power company’s worst enemy: insulation

4.       Replace, Repair and Maintain

Luckily, at AllPhaseNow.com we have 24/7 emergency repair service, maintenance plans and free consultations. Being a full service company, we look at all aspects. In a lot of cases, your existing HVAC is fine and other factors like insufficient attic insulation or duct work are the culprit. It could be as simple as repairing a refrigerant leak.

Signs Your Air Conditioner May Be on Borrowed Time

Most common telltale signs you may be headed for trouble.

·         Continual Service Calls
·         Continually Adding Refrigerant
·         Unit running 24/7
·         Freezing up
·         Not being able to reduce the temperature by at least 6º
·         Unable to get home below 80º
·         Airflow is not that cold
·         Volume of airflow is barely noticeable
·         Extremely high electric bills
·         Temperature variations from room to room or between floors
·         Scraping or banging noises from outside condenser
·         Increasingly loud or revving sounds emanating from condenser
·         Banging or screeching noises from the blower unit inside the house
·         Unusual odors emitting into living space

As a rule, these usually indicate problems with your air conditioner. However, we have an entire checklist you should check first.  As other problems could be the main or a contributing factor.

AC Checklist

Some of these can be DIY. Others require a professional. We’re more than happy to schedule a free consultation, rule out all problems and if you need it, check each and every point for you. With the expertise to rule out all problems, HVAC and beyond, feel confident and the utmost trust we’ll only do what’s best for you.

Clean air filter

Air filters have guides on how often they should be replaced. Typically, 1 – 3 months. However, factors like large families and pets hasten this process. Dirty clogged filters permanently degrade performance and can cause units to freeze short term.

Properly attached cover or face plate

Did you correctly reattach the cover when last changing the filter? Sensors prevent most units from running when it fails to detect the cover. Typically, this presents itself right away. However, an “almost” attached cover can trick the sensors, loosen and detach days later.

Good attic insulation

Can’t get the thermostat below 80º? Attic temperatures reach 170º.  Attic insulation is critical to the comfort of your home. Hot air always rises, right? Not always. Hot air seeks cooler air and expands. Poor insulation does little stopping super heated 170º air permeating into your living spaces.  Sometimes referred to as “80 Degree Syndrome.” The thermostat can’t get any lower. It’s a losing battle.

Before even looking at replacing your air conditioner, it’s very important to get your attic’s insulation to a sufficient level.

Attic Sufficiently Vented

Working attic ventilation is vital. Compare it to cracking a window in your vehicle on a hot summer day. Ridge vents, rafter vents (soffit and gable) and attic fans are most common. Covered over attic vents trap hot humid air. Absorbing ever more heat and humidity degrades and ultimately damages insulation and roofing shingles. It’s important air flow unhindered with nothing blocking the flow.

Proper Duct Work

Badly positioned and overextended ducts result in low airflow. Common duct problems range from too many registers (“vents”) off one duct to resistance from too many turns, banks, bends and other issues. An unbalanced system such as this results in weak airflow. Weak airflow is almost as bad as no air conditioning at all.

Insulated Attic Ducts

Air ducts are made from metal. If the metal isn’t insulated, the cold air is warming back up in the 170 degree attic before it gets to you. It’s important every duct and connection point be covered in insulation.

Vent and Register Placement

Vents return air back to the HVAC for cooling. It’s critical that the air flow continue to circulate to reduce the temperature of the air. Without a return vent, large areas of uncirculated air continue to build. This is a common problem where additions have been made to the home.

Working Fuse

Have you had a really bad lightning storm just before you noticed problems? It could be that the fuse on the outside condenser has taken a hit. This is an easy fix.

Clear Area Around Condenser

The outside condenser must be kept clear of grass, weeds and other debris. This critical component cools the air. Debris and weeds blocking airflow to the condenser impair this process and shorten the product lifespan. Having a professional remove the condenser’s housing and properly cleaning out debris has been known to make significant performance impacts.

Condenser Placement

The condenser should always be level, at least 1” from the exterior wall, several feet from a dryer vent and 4” of spacing between multiple units. All of these factors will limit not only the performance but also the lifespan.

Insulation

Most homes have insufficient attic insulation. Power companies love this. You are paying them hundreds you could be putting in your pocket. The problem:

•          Natural settling and depredation
•          Gravity
•          Pressure from stored items and foot traffic
•          Insufficient job from the start

These and other factors make popular insulations used around the Atlanta area on average only 25% effective vs. when first installed. In these situations, additional insulation needs to be added. This is a cost effective way to save hundreds and extend the life of your existing HVAC if not too late. We have solutions for both adding to and replacing your attic insulation with a far superior product.

Another secret power companies don’t want you to know about is something new called radiant barrier. We use Copperflect which has a long lifespan and insulates against heat coming into the attic. This innovative product can drop you average summer attic from 170º to 90º. Imagine the load that takes off your air conditioner and the end results.

Repair, Replace or Maintain

You can keep up with all this if want or you can let us do all the worrying and upkeep. Try our free consultation to see where you’re heating and cooling is at. Like our friendly and licensed staff? We’ll set up a scheduled maintenance and service plan. Check out the various options.