12-11-17 - You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try. -Beverly Sills
Cold Weather Reminders
Tires & Wheels: Remember cold weather can cause tire pressure to change by as much as 1 psi for every 10°F shift in temperature. A severe change in tire pressure can affect the handling of your car. In heavy snow, snow can build up on wheels and throw tires off balance.
Wipers & washer fluid: Check wiper blades and keep the windshield washer reservoir full - it helps clear the snow & slush when you’re in traffic.
Lights:Ensure headlights, taillights & turn signals are working. There are many vehicles on the road with a light or two that is not working. And remind all that ‘fog lights’ are for FOGGY conditions, not daily use.
Antifreeze and other fluids: Check fluid levels often but only after the vehicle has a chance to cool down, check hoses & belts too.
Winter tune-up: Especially if it has been a while since you last serviced your car or truck.
Survival extras: Ice scraper, sand, shovel, flashlight, blankets, sleeping bags, old jackets, gloves; winter caps, first aid kit, matches & candle, water and non-perishable snacks, etc.
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What do you call an elf who sings?
A wrapper! / Tips for Preventing Cold Weather Injuries
Use a buddy system - Get a partner and work on monitoring each other for signs of cold stress. Don’t be stubborn because most of the time, it’s just difficult to determine danger signs when you only have yourself to rely on.
Adjust your work schedule to the cold or changing weather - Don’t punish yourself too much. Schedule work during the warmest part of the day (if possible). Break a job into steps and take frequent, short breaks in warm dry shelters.
Layer clothing - Remember that it’s better to go for several thin layers of clothing instead of wearing just a couple of thick layers. For clothes next to the skin, choose those with synthetic fabrics to avoid absorption of sweat. An ideal choice is polypropylene. For your outer layer, choose fabrics made of waterproof and wind-resistant material.
Wear complete PPE - Wear warm gloves, hats and hoods. In extreme conditions, don a warm woolen hood that covers your neck, head and ears. If you get hot while working, just open your jacket. Don’t remove your hat and gloves. The key is in wearing clothing that can be adjusted to changing conditions.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting footwear as this restricts blood flow. Your shoes or boots should allow you to wear either one thick or two thin pairs of socks.
Eat & drink hot or warm foods and liquids- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages (or reduce the amount you consume) while working in cold weather. Keep in mind that you are also at risk of dehydration under cold weather so make it a habit to drink plenty of water.
Eat foods rich in calories. Remember, though, that if you’re sick or on medication, you are more at risk to get cold stress. This is especially true if you have hypertension, diabetes or a cardiovascular disease.
Wear proper eye protection - Ice or snow + excessive ultraviolet rays = Eye Injury. Yes, this is one proven equation so if you expect to be exposed to glare or, worse, blowing ice crystals wear the right kind of eye protection.
Some ATM Safety Tips
•Stay Alert. Be aware of your surroundings when you use an ATM, especially at night. Park in a well lit area and have someone accompany you
•Be Prepared. Have everything ready (deposit slips, card) when arriving at the ATM. When you have completed the transaction, pocket your cash and card immediately.
•Keep Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) Secret. Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it written somewhere in your wallet. Never tell anyone your PIN Report Suspicious People.
•If you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket your card and leave IMMEDIATELY. Go to a safe place and call police
•Drive-Up ATM. When using a drive-up ATM, remember to always keep doors locked, all other (except driver’s side) windows up and the car running.
Suggestions if you Plan to Travel for the Holidays
•Ask a neighbor to watch your house or apartment, ask them to park in your driveway or space from time to time
•Use automatic timers for your lights
•Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries
•Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you are away
If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much. -Donald H. Rumsfeld,
A Christmas Story
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking.
Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there." He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw a man whose pants were baggy and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.
"Hi there, baby; Hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks and tried to ignore him. Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi, hi there." Everyone in the place looked at us.The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.
Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo."
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; but Erik was running through his repertoire for the admiring bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot.
The old man sat poised between me and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed.
As I drew closer to the man, I tried to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position.
Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's. Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship.
Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged
hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby'sbottom and stroked his back.
The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby."
Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift." I muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me." I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.
I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?" when He shared His for all eternity. The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."