Cat Tales with Laura and Inspirations with Laura

Household Projects To Get Done Before Winter

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date October 7, 2024
No Comments on Household Projects To Get Done Before Winter

Roof And Foundation Repair

It would be best to repair your roof before winter, as you do not want ice dams that will eventually leak into your home and cause costly repairs. Foundations settle and crack, allowing rodents and insects to enter your house quickly. Hire a professional to repair any cracks in your foundation. Your foundation may have to have braces put in so it will not continue to shift and cause larger cracks down the road. You may want to call a foundation repair company.

Caulking And Weather Striping

It is a good idea to check the caulk around your windows, as you will lose a lot of heat if it is dried up and falls out. I had new caulk put around all of my windows this spring. Ensure your weather striping is good, flexible, and tight around all your doors. Attaching a door sweep to the bottom of your doors is also a good idea, as that will keep out the draft.

Have Your Furnace Checked

At least have your furnace checked every two years to ensure that there are no cracks in the heat exchanger and that all the motors are quiet and functioning normally. Also, make sure the ignitor is in good shape, or your furnace may not start on a night with a blizzard. If you use propane tanks, ensure you have booked enough for the entire winter. It takes at least two months to get a new furnace, so plan early.

Make Sure Your Back Up Generators Are In Good Working Order

Start Your generators at least twice yearly and ensure the oil level is up. I always run them out of fuel when I store them. That way, you will not have stale fuel in them; they should take right off when needed.

Snowblowers

Start your snowblowers and make sure they purr like kittens. Most of the time, if you put a new spark plug in, it should take right off if it did not earlier. I add seafoam to the gas, keeping them operating with no troubles. If your snowblower was on its last peg last year, trade it off soon so you will be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

Appliances of All Types

Make sure all of your appliances are working smoothly. You do not want to have to move a new refrigerator into your house in the middle of the winter. The last time I purchased a new refrigerator, it took nine months. If your washing machine sounds like a trashing machine, replace it now.

Vehicles

Get your cars and trucks winterized and start shopping for new tires. Tire traction makes all the difference on ice. I like tires with good thread patterns to help you through the deepest snow. Make sure your car battery is at its peak performance, or some wintery night, your car may not start, and you will get very cold in a hurry. Have all of the necessary winter supplies in your vehicle, and you will be happy if you get stranded in the winter. Plan ahead this winter and stay safe and warm.

Tags household repairs, Maintenance, tips

Boredom

Waiting For Appointments

Waiting for appointments can get boring. After you have been using your phone to access social media platforms and cannot stand to look at the screen anymore, you may become bored and anxious. I hate waiting for trains. One time, I had to wait for a train for two hours because the other roads were closed for road construction, and there was no way to get around the train. One time, my family had a doctor’s appointment, and it took from 7 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon before we could finally see our Doctor. I am sure I read every magazine I could find in their waiting area. The Doctor had an emergency, but no one told us about it until we finally got in to see the Doctor. I waited one hour for three people to show up for an appointment, but no one showed. I was bored, angry, and frustrated over the matter. Airplane delays can be very annoying when all the vending machines are out of food in the wee hours of the morning, and the airport waiting area is dark.

Living In A Facility Without Any Activities That Interest You

You may have to attend their activities, but you are bored and silly, so you close your eyes and sit there, waiting for time to pass. They should ask people who live in facilities what their interests are so they would not have to be bored. We all have different things we love to do and enjoy, but that does not matter once you get into a facility anymore. You have to dance to the beat of their drum. In a person’s golden years, you should have choices and be able to do what you desire.

People Need Things To Stimulate Their Brain

You will become bored if you do not have people to visit and communicate with. Talking with people helps calm and relax the soul; without that, you are like a ship anchored in the Ocean. I have seen people placed in front of a TV all day while sleeping. It would be kinder to let them sleep in their bed. I would go mad if I had no one to talk to. Life-long learning classes are perfect for seniors as they stimulate their minds and make many friends there. If you love to travel, you will not be bored.

General Boredom

Some people love to sit and relax, and others find work in its self-relaxing. If I am bored, I will watch TV, read a book, work, or go to town and buy a little something to eat at a restaurant. I love to sit with my cats and watch them play with their cat toys. I love to blog about my cats and inspirationswithlaura. I am never bored if I am writing, with my friends, or with my feline friends. If you are bored, find something to lift your spirits. This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Tags boredom, lack of interest, tips

Cats And Fights

I Have Witnessed Cats Fighting With Various Kinds Of Animals Over The Years

Years ago, I had a female cat in a fit with a giant rat. The rat bit her on the face, and she healed up rather quickly. The worst fight was a female cat in a battle with a skunk as the skunk bit her face significantly. Luckily, I put salve on it, and it healed without too much of a scare. She had her rabies shots up to date since skunks are known to carry rabies. One of my house cats was in a fight with a bat. We installed new shingles on our house, and the bat got in that way. My cat was 15, but she wore out the bat, and I was able to get it outdoors. My poor cat was huffing and puffing toward the foot of my bed. One of my outdoor cats got in a fight with our dog. Our dog kept chasing him around the house, and then suddenly, he turned around midway and lunged at her nose with his claws fully extended. She never attacked any of our cats again.

Tom Cat Fights

Years ago, I had three Tom cat brothers who patrolled the farm. If a stray Tom dared show his face on our farm, the three brothers would gang up on him, and he would never return. One time, my housecat snuck out, and the three brothers went after him; luckily, he managed to wiggle himself deep into the bales of straw stored in that building, and he was delighted when I took him back into the house unscathed. Tom cat fights can be brutal as they bite the tips off their ears or leave terrible wounds or scares on each other.

Never Try To Separate Cats In A Fight

If you see outdoor cats fighting, don’t think you can separate them. You may be scratched or bitten and need to see your doctor for rabies shots. If you throw a bucket of water between them, one will run away, perhaps. Sometimes, if you have cat food, you can call them. They may forget about the fight and want to eat. If cats are in a battle for their territory, they will fight until one is the victor. Cats do not back down easily.

Female Cat Fights

One time, my purebred Siamese cat went outdoors and beat up one of my outdoor female cats. My Siamese was a nasty fighter, and I felt so sorry for my outdoor female cat. Siamese cats think they rule over all other cats. Female cats do not fight nearly as much as the males do. They fight mainly to ward off Toms and protect their kittens.

Treating Your Injured Cat

If the wound is not too bad and the rabies shots are up to date, you can put an ointment on it for cats, and it should heal up fine. If it is a deep wound, take your cat to your Vet ASAP. If it smells or looks terrible, seek the help of your Vet. I hope your cats do not get into any nasty catfights.

Tags Cat Emergency, Cat Fights, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?

Mind Set

If You Think You Are Beaten, You Most Certainly Will Be

Your mind is mighty, and with the wrong mindset, you will not be able to achieve your goals in life. If you believe someone who tells you you will never succeed in life, you will not. You must believe in yourself and strive to do your best every day. If you are in a race and are short with all tall racers, do not think you cannot win as some may be overweight, have flat feet, and not be as determined as you are to win the race or to be sure of themselves for their good. Keep pushing forward in life even if the odds are against you, and never have an attitude that I am beaten before you even try, as it is all in a person’s state of mind. Push yourself to the limit and be committed to what you want to get done, and you can take it to the finish line. If you are waiting for a job interview and you see 100 people in front of you, do not leave and think you will never get that job, as you may be the exact person they are looking for to fill that position. A positive mindset makes all the difference in the world. You must be like the little engine that said I think I can, I think I can. Never tell yourself I won’t be able to complete the tasks at hand. Think of everything you want to accomplish as if you were a gladiator fighting a giant Lion with a mighty sword, and you took down the Lion.

God Wants You To Have A Positive Mindset

Be a cheerleader for people and praise them for their accomplishments in life. Never be jealous; you do not know what they have endured to get there. If you had followed their path, you would want to be praised for your accomplishment. Always put the shoe on the other foot before you open your mouth. Nothing is generally handed to people on a silver platter. They have worked hard and earnestly. Never be afraid to get your hands dirty when working various jobs such as farming, renting property, pottery, mechanics, etc. God wants us to be good shepherds and help people in multiple ways so that they will be happy and healthy and they, too, will serve the Lord. Attending church puts you in a positive mindset as you gain a stronger connection to God by attending church with like-minded people who live by God’s teachings. A group of people praying for you has more effect than just one person. Attend Bible study groups, read daily devotions, read inspirational items, help missions, volunteer, and help in your community and abroad. God has a positive mindset, as he always sees the glass half full and not half empty when it comes to us. God gives us a second chance in life as we all have sinned, and he forgives us for our sins if we repent from them.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, You Can Achieve Your Goals With The Right Attitude

Household Appliances Upkeep

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date September 23, 2024
No Comments on Household Appliances Upkeep

Small Appliances

I regularly empty my toaster’s crumbs and check the elements to ensure they are intact. Also, check all your appliances’ cords to avoid fraying. I take my blender apart and ensure the blades are clean and move freely. Check your mixers to make sure the whips are not bent and that they are operating correctly. If you have older toaster ovens, ensure they are heating to the proper temperature. They may be heating too high; if they are, it is time for a new one.

Washing Machines And Clothes Dryers

Please do not overload your washing machine, as this will make it wear out much faster and may damage the agitator and the gasket. Clean your washing machine with a cleaner to remove all the gunk and grime that collects inside and outside the drum. If you start getting oil on your clothes, the seal and gasket have failed, and you might as well buy a new washing machine. You must remove the lint after each use with clothes dryers if you want them to operate efficiently. Never overload your clothes dryer as it will run too long and may overheat. Ensure the outside vent is clean, as many clothes dryer fires start because the lint catches on fire, and no air can circulate with a plugged vent. Clothes dryers tend to last a long time with maybe only a new belt around the drum or a new ignitor in gas dryers.

Refrigerators And Freezers

Do not overload your refrigerator or freezer, as air needs to circulate freely to keep everything cool. Do not place significant things next to the door, as they may fall, and you will come home to an open appliance door and lots of spoiled food. If your appliance needs R134a, you might as well buy a new one, as your bill will be at least $400.00 for the appliance coolant. Keep the air vents clear in the freezer section of your refrigerator so air can circulate freely and your refrigerator will last much longer. You may need a new seal on your appliance if the old one becomes dry and brittle.

Dehumidifiers

Clean out all the vents on your dehumidifiers, as they will run more efficiently and last much longer. Ensure you buy a dehumidifier large enough for your house; if you do not, it will run and run and probably overheat. If it runs out of coolant or needs a new fan motor, buy a new one, which will be cheaper in the long run.

Air Purifiers

When your air purifier’s filters need to be cleaned, do it immediately. This will make your air purifier work correctly and efficiently. I had to oil the cylinder in mine, and then it was quiet as a church mouse. Remember to replace the charcoal filters when necessary.

Portable ACs

Always clean the vents of your portable ACs and make sure the drain is clear. When storing them, ensure all the water is out so mold will not grow in them the next time you need them. Always plug them directly into your socket, and do not use an extension cord or a surge strip.

Tags appliances big and small, Cleaning, Repairs

Get Out Of The Fast Lane

Stay Off The Interstate

When traveling, you will see more relaxing scenery than cars and billboards passing you by. I like seeing wildlife and wildflowers, visiting small towns, and eating in restaurants. In some small towns, you will still see remnants of their old small service stations with the gas pumps still standing. Small towns still add to the charm of America and the slower pace of life that we used to live. Now people like to see how fast they can reach their destination, which is fine if you have a business meeting. If you are out for a drive or a vacation and have time to stay off the interstate, then do so. More deadly accidents happen on the interstate roads as most of the cars are exceeding the speed limit. Small towns have many treasures and unique stores you would not see otherwise.

Fast Food Restaurants Seem To Have More Greasy Foods

I avoid fast food chains while traveling unless they offer healthy menu items. Some have organic meats that are not fried, or they serve salads. I cannot stand greasy French Fries or grease running out of a hamburger. Foods high in grease will catch up with your overall health over the years.

Eat At A Restaurant That Has A Good Selection Of Healthy Foods

I enjoy a meal in a sit-down restaurant with a good waiter or waitress. A meal in a restaurant does not cost any more than it would at a fast-food chain. If you hardly see any customers in the restaurant’s parking lot, do not eat there, as there is most likely an issue with the food they serve. Ask the locals in town where they go for lunch.

A Fast-Paced Life Will Catch Up With You

We all must realize that tomorrow is another day, as God Did not create the Universe in one day. Make a realistic list of what you want to accomplish today, and when it is finished, stop and relax and give yourself a pat on the back for what you achieved today. Do not try to keep up with others; you know your limits, so do not exceed them.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors

Going for daily walks outdoors will raise your spirits and help with back and other health problems. Exercise is the lubricant for your body’s joints and overall health. Without exercise, the body deteriorates very quickly. Exercise at your pace, and do not try to win the decathlon. If you overdo it with exercise, you will feel worse than before. Remember everything in moderation.

God Takes His Time With Us

He is patient with us and does not rush us. He knows what we can do in our lifetime and hopes we will be the best stewards of our time on earth. God has shown us direction in life if we follow it. We should leave the World a better place for having been here.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, leisurely, relaxing, take time to stop and smell the roses, Travel

Annoying Cat Behaviors

You Sit In your Chair Talking On The Phone And Your Cat Gets Your Attention With Annoying Behavior

My cats may start knocking things over while I am talking on the phone, and that always gets my attention. Sometimes, I ignore them until I have to tell them to stop. If I am eating, they try to grab something off of my plate when they think I am totally engrossed in conversation. I generally place them on the ground, and they seem to understand that their behavior is unacceptable under any circumstance. Sometimes, Cali will rub her chin back and forth on the door so you can hear the door constantly banging against the wall. I tell her to stop it, and most of the time, she does. Sometimes, my cats start licking my hands or arms at night. I ask them to stop and move them over so they are not beside me. On several occasions, they wave in and out of the pictures placed on a bookcase, and I tell them to get down right now, and they seem to understand. Amazingly, my cats have only broken one of my items throughout the years, as they are very agile. If they have overeaten, they generally seem to get sick while I am talking on the phone, and I have to end the call early and start my cleaning session. God bless our cats, for we could not live without them by our side with their gentle purrs and mannerisms.

Cattitude

Cali seems to have more attitude than my other cats since she is part Siamese. Siamese tend to rule the roost and get their way, but when they do not, their cattitude shines through. I had a purebred Siamese years ago, and she would make life almost unbearable for my outdoor cats since she liked to go outdoors often. She let them know ASAP that she was the top cat on the farm and over any stray cat that may come also. My cats would run from her, and she would chase them and scare them to death if they did not. I loved her even though she had a cattitude to the MAX.

Let Me Show You My Catch Of The Day

If your indoor-outdoor cat happens to catch a mouse while he is out, he will make sure he brings his catch of the day back into your home. You probably will not notice until the rodent is running across your floor at night or if he places it in your bed or you happen to step on it on the floor on your bare feet at night. Some cats will eat the mouse except for the tail, so you know they were on mouse patrol and doing a great job of it. One of my outdoor cats used to lay garter snakes on our front porch that she had killed. Some cats will spend hours catching and eating annoying flies. Some cats love watching a bird in a cage and becoming friends with it; others see it as a gourmet dinner. God bless our cats on their catch of the day.

Tags Cats with Cattitude, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?

Life Review

Was Your Time Well Spent?

If someone wrote about you after you left this world, what would they say about you? We should ask ourselves this question every day. If we think of negative things we do today, we should strive to improve. Be helpful, kind, compassionate, and have empathy toward others. If you cannot be kind to someone, avoid them; if they cannot be kind to you, avoid them. Life is too short to have people in your life who bring you down and never lift you up. Have you been one of God’s good stewards who would help people have a stronger connection to God? I hope you are a person that helps people connect to God with a strong bond forever in their lifetime. If you have an, I don’t care attitude, others will see it, and you did not spend your time wisely and earnestly. How you do your job and conduct yourself around others speaks volumes about you. Your actions are being watched and monitored by many and by God. It would be best to learn something new daily so you do not stagnate and lose ground in your daily living. Education matters greatly as without it, you will not rise high on the totem pole as far as your job and rate of pay. Education opens many more doors for you, and finding what you want behind that door makes all the difference in the world to you and others you will impact.

Did You Help Others?

I hope you helped others when they counted on you for help. If you walk by someone who has dropped their cane, they may fall and break their leg or worse. Always put yourself in the other person’s place, and then you can not go wrong. If someone asks you for directions, tell them how to find their way to their destination. Sometimes, you can lead someone back to God who has lost their direction, which is beautiful. A shepherd who does not herd his sheep at night and leaves them for the wolves to eat is a terrible man and no form of a shepherd whatsoever. If an older adult needs your seat on a bus or train, get up and let them sit down and rest. If you remain sitting, you are a nasty person unless you have medical issues of your own. If someone poorly treated your Mother, I hope you would help defend her and protect her as she did for you as a child and as an adult. Stand up for what you believe is right and just, and never back down. Do not be afraid to tell anyone if they have treated you or a loved one poorly, as we all need a reality check now and then. Volunteer groups are needed everywhere, and if you are in good health, volunteer. Help at a food bank, sing, or play an instrument for people in a care facility, as they will love it. Visit with people as it may be the highlight of their day. Go out into the world and try to help make the world a better place.

Tags Did you help others?, Inspirations with Laura, Was your time well Spent?

Driving In The Country

Relaxing Things You See While Driving On Country Roads

I love driving on country roads, where you can see a wild fox in the field or a Blue Heron fly out of the ditch. I have also seen a golden eagle and several Bald Eagles flying or walking around on farmland. I always see what livestock may be grazing in the farmer’s fields. The different varieties of cattle, sheep, and horses are fun to look at, as they have a variety of color patterns. I love seeing them eating, grazing, and enjoying a sunny day in the country. I love to see Amish gardens as they are weeded to perfection, and the vegetables are large and perfect in shape and form. If I see a sign that says Amish baked goods, I must stop and buy some as they are mouth-watering. Watching children play outdoors in the country is fun as they have the times of their lives playing outdoors. Harvest season in the country is always fun to watch as the farmers reap the rewards of their hard work. Watching the combines take up the grain and then the wagons that pull up to the combine and take the grain to be dried or stored away until sold at a Co-op or ethanol plant is a joy. I count the trucks that drive away when the grain on my farm is harvested.

Take Your Time While You Ride A Bike, ATV, Or Drive Your Tractor Down Country Roads

If you drive your ATV next to a creek, you may see a Blue Heron or duck fly out of the creek. I also noticed a large muskrat running along the edge of the creek. One time, I observed a vast catfish swimming along at a leisurely pace in the creek. I have seen foxes along the side of the road. I once saw three coyotes on my bike, and I turned around and went home since three coyotes can kill a human. I love to ride on a tractor when the wind blows through my hair, and you can smell the fresh-cut alfalfa or hay. Driving and checking on your fields is perfect in an ATV as they get through fields quickly, and most have a 4-wheel drive if needed. It is a good workout for your older tractors to be driven up and down the roads as they get lubricated from use, and seals and gaskets won’t get dried out as quickly. Never store your vehicles as they must be driven, or they will not function correctly sooner than you think.

Country Treasures

You may stumble upon a unique find in the country. If you need a tractor or other farm parts, you may see one in a farmer’s field that they would gladly sell to you if the price works out for both of you. Some people have purchased old gas pumps, gas signs or containers, farm equipment, and more. I hope you will enjoy driving on country roads and taking in the scenery and more as much as I do.

Tags relaxing, sight seeing

Life Is A Never Ending Journey

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date September 6, 2024
No Comments on Life Is A Never Ending Journey

The Journey Life Brings Will Be Full of Surprizes

Life is a continuous journey, even on the day that you die. Being born into the world is a journey we must all take to enter and participate in. Some of us will have an uncomplicated birth without problems for our Mother or us. If your Mother has a prolonged birth, you might have some medical issues down the road. As a baby, you wake up to a new environment with many people checking you over and people oohing and ahhing over you. Your parents nurture and protect you and take care of your every need. At age five, you start school and are introduced to a new environment with many new people, including teachers, other students, cafeteria workers, and many more. As a teenager, you test your boundaries, and it is somewhat of a chore for your parents sometimes. As an adult, you must act your age and have a set of goals for your life. Most people attend college, graduate, and start their career in what they majored in. You now live in your apartment or house and must pay the bills and be accountable for your actions.

Married Life or Living On Your Own

Married life requires a lot of give and take to make it work and live in harmony. Ensure you are both on the same page before walking down the aisle. You already have an issue if you want kids and your fiance wants none. Marriage will have a few hiccups now and then when financial surprises pop up or your mother-in-law interferes with your marriage. In marriage, you should share things equally, such as housework, cooking, cleaning, and much more, since both of you will be working. If you live alone, there will be no one to help you with things sometimes, and you will have to figure them out on your own, which can be challenging at times. I hope your children will protect you and take care of you in your old age, and they should if they genuinely care, respect, and love you.

Your Final Journey Home

All of us will take that final journey home to be with our Lord and Savior. Did you lead a life you think represented God on earth, as in what you did and how you treated others? I hope you can say yes because that should be a top priority in your life. Always treat others as you would want to be treated. If you lose your cool with someone, apologize and explain why you acted as you did. Most of us don’t think much about death and dying until we get older, and then it seems to enter our minds more. If you walked your walk and talked your talk with sincerity and with your heart and soul in it, I say you lead a good life, and you will be with our Lord and Savior in heaven when you die as the last and final step leading to eternity.