Helpful household tips

Reminder: If you forgot to change the batteries in your smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors when Daylight Savings Time ended Nov. 1, don't forget to do so. Also make it a point to go through your medicine cabinet and toss any outdated medications.

Mechanics helpers: If sending a repair manual along to the dealership, mark the pages with a paper clip so the 'other half' doesn't spend half the day looking for the picture of the 'thingamajig!' Or, make a copy of the pages and have them marked by the 'mechanic on duty' in your farm shop. That way you know exactly what is needed, without argument.

Put a calendar in the shop or garage and make notations on it when you change oil, rotate tires, etc., on the respective vehicles, and this includes combines, tractors, trucks, etc. Last year's calendar stores easily folded inside a cupboard for easy reference.

Rust removers: If you have a bathtub or sink with rust stains, you can use these to clean the stains away. Mix together two tablespoons cream of tarter and enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Spread it over the stained area and then spray with a little bit of household ammonia. Let set for 3 hours and then rinse off. Or make a paste of Borax and lemon juice, apply to stain. Let set several hours and rinse off.

Cookware hint: If you have to purchase new cookware, try and buy the kind that can go from the oven to the freezer and back to the oven again without thawing . (In other words, stay away from plastic handles. Some of the newer cookware has 'same kind' handles as the pot/kettle is made from.)

Recycle: I cut the top off of empty milk jugs and keep them under the kitchen sink. They work great to put in the used coffee grounds and lettuce clippings--which then can go straight to the compost bin--or in my case, I dig a small hole in a flower bed, dump in the leavenings and cover it with soil. The 'stuff' slowly decomposes and feeds my plants.

If you have hints or ideas to share, send them to PennyWise, Box 518, Kadoka, SD 57543; or e-mail them to pennywise@gwtc.net. If you send me your name and address, I'll send you a FREE copy of the PennyWise Newsletter. Please mention the High Plains Journal when you write.