Return of the Clothesline?

Clotheslines have become increasingly rare. Is it time for that to change? Air drying is a fairly simple and practical way to save energy. A clothes dryer is likely the second biggest energy user in your home (the refrigerator is #1). Drying clothes on a line is not always possible in a place where anything can happen with the weather, but on a beautiful spring day it can make clothes hung outdoors smell wonderful.

In some neighborhoods, hanging clothes out to dry is not an option. In an effort to make neighborhoods more attractive some Homeowners Associations have banned clotheslines. Traditionally homeowners appreciate and choose to live with agreed upon neighborhood standards to keep values up and neighborhoods looking good. However the desire to go green is causing a backlash against those who say no to clotheslines. Project Laundry List provides netizens with a plan of action and there is even an online petition for those who want to exert their right to hang them out dry! Neighborhood Associations are typically governed by people in the neighborhood, perhaps now is the time for them to reconsider whether their residents should have the right to dry outdoors.

Bathroom Art

Its tempting to use the new tile job in the bathroom to make one's foray into art, however the results are going to be there for a long time. Even an accomplished artist like Christoph Niemann has to approach the project cautiously. In his blog at the NY Times Mr. Niemann talks about his process, but more importantly, shows some possible outcomes and the ultimate decision. He's happy with it and the comments are mostly positive. Its great to personalize a home but it is a project to live with and enjoy rather than one to do if your plan is to put the house on the market! But you don't have to be an artist or a professional tiler to do your own bathroom art project.

Good Mouse Hunting

As Dick Cheney might say "get them there so you don't have to get them here," or as Tom the Cartoon Cat Mr. Jinks is known to intone "I HATE MEECES TO PIECES!!!!!"

Over the years I've learned that if I go on the attack early and often I can keep mice out of my house. I have a little old fashioned garage (built for the Model T) that I use as a storage shed. Late in the summer its not unusual to see signs of the little creatures. Some dirt dug up, little mouse turds on an old rag and its time to set the traps. I prefer the victor traps with the plastic "cheese pad" and a dollop of peanut butter. Some mice are crafty and can eat the peanut butter with out setting off the trap, so I'll switch traps until I get them. Of all the traps I've tried, these have proven the most reliable. Once caught I throw the whole thing away. Disposable gloves are a good idea as mice can carry disease.

I don't like to do poison because the mice can die in a hidden spot ... hidden from sight but not from smell. A good guide for dealing with mice is available from Lancaster County Cooperative Extension they also have lots of other valuable info for dealing with pests.