Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/440288
Ireallylikeanorga- nized home. When things get all chaotic and messy, I find that my mind kinda' gets that way, too. But when everything has a place — and ev- erything is in its place — I feel a sense of peace. I can think straight, relax and enjoy. I really like an orga- nized garage, too. At least I've enjoyed the pictures I've seen of garages that function in all the ways that garages are supposed to. Let's just say I haven't experienced this first hand. Faithful readers know that my husband is a woodworker — a mas- ter craftsman. He remod- els our homes, designs and builds heirloom furniture that will be his legacy for generations to come. This amazing talent does come with unintended conse- quences. Let's just say the man does not possess a single iota of organizational tal- ent. I'll leave it there, al- though I could offer sev- eral examples to illustrate my point. For 27 years we had a two-car garage, also known as the hubs' work- shop — and for the record, there was no space in this garage for a vehicle of any size. Soon, we will move to a home with a beauti- ful, pristine, three-car ga- rage — complete with built-in cabinetry and ex- tensive pegboard. I worry that instead of a regular- sized chaotic, messy work- shop we're going to end up with an extra-large cha- otic, messy workshop. And still no room for a vehicle of any size. My sweet husband has promised me this will not happen — that we will have room for two vehicles and it will be neatly orga- nized and tidy, while still fully functioning so he can make me stuff. I believe. Sure I do. And to that end, I'd like to suggest a couple of neat tips and tricks that will help keep him orga- nized. Carabiner hooks. I know how hard it is to keep tools organized, and by or- ganized I mean "able to be found." A carabiner is an oblong metal ring with one spring-hinged side that is used especially in mountain climbing to con- nect stuff. They're easy to open with one hand and come in all sizes from itty-bitty keychain size to big ones. A carabiner is the perfect way to or- ganize box-end wrenches and other items that have a hole in the handle. We will have dozens of these, which should tell you just how many tools he has because you need many when you cannot find any of them. Magnetic bowls. Ran- dom nails, brads, screws, bolts, staples and other small, pointy, metal ob- jects can be quickly cor- ralled in a magnetic bowl. Just remember, Honey, this is not a handy place to set your mo- bile phone or any other thing electronic that does not play well with mag- nets. He will have a num- ber of magnetic bowls to match the many differ- ent sizes of screws, bolts, nuts, nails and brads that a master craftsman (and auto mechanic) require to be really good at what they do. Magnetic trays. I think we will need a dozen or so magnetic trays to keep long ob- jects like wrenches, pli- ers and screwdrivers or- ganized and also handy when needed. Really, this is such a brilliant idea. I've seen how my husband works. He uses dozens of tools at the same time and he isn't about to run back to a cabinet or bin be- tween every use. While we wait out these last few months, we are having a great time plan- ning. In fact, the hubs is really getting into the ideas I'm coming up with for how two vehicles will be able to get along with a wood-working shop. While he promises me his shop will be confined to a single space, I'm not taking any chances. I've been promoted to Shop Assistant, and you can be sure I'll come fully prepared with carabin- ers, magnetic bowls and trays in multiple colors and sizes. And something else. I've got my eye on a killer sawdust-collection system. Would you like to send a tip to Mary? You can email her at mary@ everydaycheapskate. com, or write to Every- day Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630. EVERYDAYCHEAPSKATE Dreamingofan organized garage Mary Hunt YREKA U.S. Forest Ser- vice rangers, firefighters and volunteers will partic- ipate in the 126th annual Rose Parade in Pasadena on Thursday. This year the Forest Ser- vice celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Wilder- ness Act while highlighting the historic role of pack- ers in supporting wild- land firefighters and other backcountry operations, as well as acknowledging the outstanding contributions made by National Forest volunteers. The last time the Forest Service partici- pated in the Rose Parade was a decade ago when the agency celebrated its cen- tennial. Six employees from the Klamath National Forest will be partici- pating in support roles for the Forest Service Parade entry. The all mule eques- trian entry will include an entourage of For- est Service Rangers and Smokey Bear riding atop an authentic 19th cen- tury wagon, anchored by three mule pack strings, a mounted color guard and a fire crew that will walk alongside. Ellen Andrews, Dan Hendrickson and Emily Tornroos from the Salmon Scott Ranger District and Allen Schroeder from the Happy Camp Oak Knoll Ranger District will be working as part of the team supporting the mules and the packers. Kerry Greene and Togan Capozza from the Klamath Supervisor's Office will be on hand to greet the public and an- swer questions at the For- est Service booths pre and post parade. The Forest Service pa- rade entry is unique in that these mules are work- ing pack animals, having come off the front lines of supporting wildfires across Northern California and the Klamath National For- est for several months this last summer and fall. The mules are used for long treks into wilderness areas to resupply firefight- ers and wilderness rangers. "The Klamath National Forest is proud to be sup- porting the Forest Service Rose Parade Entry this year." said Forest Supervi- sor Patty Grantham. The entry represents the nearly 35,000 Forest Ser- vice Employees and tens of thousands of volunteers who make up the work- force nationwide. "This year I am particu- larly proud of our employ- ees, volunteers and part- ners contributions during one of the most harrow- ing fire seasons experi- enced on the Klamath Na- tional Forest and in Sis- kiyou County in history," Grantham said. KLAMATH ForestpersonneltoparticipateinRoseParade With a major wind storm now hitting Northern and Central California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is reminding cus- tomers that power outages may occur this week due to high winds and snowfall in certain areas. Winds are expected to be 40 to 50 miles per hour with gusts up to 70 miles per hour in the higher ter- rain. These conditions could cause vegetation and other debris to bring down power lines, damage equip- ment and interrupt electric service throughout the re- gion. In order to ensure that service is restored to im- pacted customers safely and as quickly as possi- ble, PG&E is activating its emergency centers, im- plementing its emergency preparedness plans and utilizing advanced tech- nology. "As the winds pick up throughout our service area, PG&E has mobilized resources in the impacted areas, and they are pre- pared when winds subside to restore service safely and as quickly as possi- ble," said Gregg Lemler, vice president of electric transmission operations for PG&E. "We also encourage our customers to have a per- sonal or family prepared- ness plan in place to ensure that they are as prepared as possible for every type of weather event." PG&E urges customers to stay safe during storms and remember the follow- ing safety tips: Always treat low hang- ing and downed power lines as if they are ener- gized and extremely dan- gerous. Keep yourself and others away from them. Be aware that trees, pools of water and other objects may be energized and dan- gerous if they make contact with power lines. If you see damaged power lines or electrical equipment, call 911 immediately and then notify PG&E at 1-800-743- 5002. Secure outdoor fur- niture, lightweight yard structures and decora- tive lawn items that can be blown by high winds to prevent them from damag- ing power lines and your home. During a power out- age, use battery-operated flashlights, and not can- dles, due to the risk of fire. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, holiday trees and small children. Do not leave candles un- attended. Customers with gener- ators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed gen- erators pose a significant danger to crews working on power lines. If you experience an out- age, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appli- ances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal. Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigera- tor/freezer during an out- age to prevent foods from spoiling. Blue Ice from your picnic cooler also works well in the freezer. For more safety tips, visit www.pge.com/safety. WINTER STORMS Ut il it y off er s ti ps d ur in g wi nd s to rm a nd o ut ag es COURTESYPHOTO Klamath National Forest Employee Allen Schroeder receives an award at the Wilderness 50th Event that took place in Red Bluff in October for excellence in packing. LicensedCNA Wanted RedBluff ExcellentpayandBenefits Join our friendly team. Apply in person at Brentwood 1795 Walnut St. in Red Bluff or call Dan at 530-527-2046 40ChestnutAvenue Red Bluff 530-330-1096 BRING BALANCE TO YOUR BODY Bring balance to your LIFE TabataBootCamp Starting Jan. 5th Call now to reserve your space. LIFESTYLES » redbluffdailynews.com Wednesday, December 31, 2014 MORE ATFACEBOOK.COM/RBDAILYNEWS AND TWITTER.COM/REDBLUFFNEWS A5