Prepping for Possible Plummet-"Be Prepared!"

Hello, Everyone! Hope you are all getting ready, for whatever is in store, for your weekend!

What Goes Up must Come Down

Here in Texas, we've been having elevator temperatures! Mornings start with the 40s and before long, to the 70s. Some may think it's delightful, but one must be prepared for any weather that may pop up!

"Don't like the weather? ... Wait 5 minutes" .

Very true for SouthEast Texas, who's weather is often changeable, due to the Gulf of Mexico.

Learn from the Past

Last February, we had an unexpected freeze. Usually, we would have a dip into the 30's, and soon, it was back up, and frost would disappear. We were totally unprepared for the hard freeze for 4 days.

Many people had water pipes burst, and after that, flooding into homes.

Water and electric outages were all over the Houston area, including Stafford, Texas, my home.

I had made some preparation, but not enough, so this year, I'm learning from those mistakes.

Consider the 3 P's - Pets, Plants and Pipes

Pets

GinGin's happily lets me don her outside togs!

Going in and out, is what Ginger does many times per day. Chasing squirrels is a favorite past- time. With her last "Haircut?", she now completely shaved and has no natural fur coat to keep her warm.

Feeding to birds is essential, as well. Even the squirrels, need to stock up on food.

Plants are all inside

... except those in the ground!

Last year, before the freeze, I had a 7 year old lemon tree, that I had started from seed, and then planted in the corner of my new home's backyard.

My beautiful tree was about to bloom the next summer, but the freeze brought different results.

About 15 feet to the right of the lemon tree, I'd also planted a grapefruit seed, which was a sapling of about a foot tall, when the freeze came.

Both trees, sadly appeared dead.

By spring, my HOA wanted the lemon tree cut down. Jim, my neighbor, came by and the tree was just a stomp, and sad reminder of it's past glory.

Pipes

The subdivisions that shut off water for 3 days, saved all the homeowners, thousands of dollars, in pipe repair. This year, the plan is to have my own water shut off.

Burst pipes caused water to be out for over a week, so this just might be the way to go.

The fix from last year included these additional shut off valves. Turning these to the right...

"Righty, tighty" reminds me which way is off!

Towels and pipe coverings and duct tapes, take care of any other outside spigots.

Personal

Keep gas tank full, check tire inflation and have ice scraper under the seat.

Have grocery staples, including bottled water.

Don't forget the toilet paper! Whenever there's a crisis this seems to be the hot commodity!

Have layers of clothing in car. I have a sweater, and an extra hoodie, usually for unexpected rain, ... Gloves or mittens, too.

Stay well rested, so your body is fit for change.

Expect the unexpected

"Better to be safe, than sorry".

With a plan, I don't have worry about what might happen.

WA Goals need a flexible plan , as well.

When setting goals, we need to consider these points...

• Define the goal clearly and write it down.
• Write down WHY you want this.
• Determine what would be needed to achieve the goal.
• Break to goal down to manageable steps.
• Look at possible hurdles that might arise.
• Set a time to work on and a time to complete.
• Be prepared to alter your direction, if necessary.
• Don't give up, even if you think an idea has hit a dead end.
• Take action daily to keep momentum.
• Expect some change of plummet, or set back. Learn from the experience.

Don't Bury Until Something is Actually Dead!

Back to my lemon tree and grapefruit seed...

After cutting down the lemon tree and removing the dead wood, I was pleasantly surprised when spring rolled on in. Instead of a tree, I now have a bush!

When I went to cut my lawn for the first time, again, I was amazed!

The grapefruit seedling, had also made it through! Today it is again about a foot tall.

Since I'd like them to make it through another turn in temperature, they, too, are now covered and protected for anything that may come our way.

By taken necessary actions ahead of time, I'm not blindsighted, in an emergency.

Life is a series of cycles, and so are our businesses.

Watch what works and repeat!

Cut off the deadwood, and look for new growth, as we continue.

"Waiting on the World to Change"-John Mayer

What are you doing while waiting?

Let's make some Progress each day!

That's it for tonight, my WA Friends!

Wishing you all a safe and productive weekend.

Heading up for the needed rest, as Tomorrow is a new day!

Night all!

Best.

Barb