Author: Dennis Hickey

I love to learn and I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned. I hope you do too because learning will nourish your personal growth. I hope you enjoy this website and visit often so you too keep learning too.

5 golden rules for using public Wi-Fi Networks

 

Mobile technologies have made it possible to check email, bank or shop online, and stay connected from just about anywhere. When you’re traveling, public Wi-Fi has become convenient enough to support you wherever you are.

But these “free” networks can come with a hidden cost.

Free public Wi-Fi has become fertile ground for cybercriminals looking to take advantage of unsecured devices.

Unquestionably, public networks are dangerous.  Thus, how to avoid them is the first step toward protecting yourself and your family from today’s Wi-Fi threats.

Follow these five golden rules for using public Wi-Fi networks safely:

1. DON’T log onto a network that isn’t secure.

Cybercriminals can use sniffing tools to access and view all your online activity while you are browsing on unsecured public networks.

The software monitors network traffic in search of usernames and passwords you may be typing, or other personally identifiable information to steal. This information can then be used to hijack your personal accounts, or to transmit viruses to your mobile device or laptop.

You may think a public Wi-Fi network that requires a password will protect your connection. However, there can be little distinction between password protected free Wi-Fi and a free Wi-Fi network that doesn’t require a password. After all, no one using the network is protected if everyone on the network is given the same password.

2. DON’T use public Wi-Fi to access webpages containing sensitive information.

Never access your online banking or credit card company websites from a public wireless network. The same goes for any websites that contain information about your health records or your Social Security number. It could only take seconds for malicious software to access and view what you are doing online. These websites contain everything hackers need to steal critical pieces of information that could be used for identity theft. This kind of attack can cause long-term damage that can take months or years to fully recover from.

3. DO be aware of malicious hotspots by carefully checking the network name before logging on.

Hackers use malicious hotspots to intentionally confuse you by creating a SSID that looks very similar to the legitimate network you think you’re logging onto. Pay close attention to the spelling of the network name provided by the business offering free access.

4. DO consider using an alternate browser reserved specifically for use on public Wi-Fi networks.

Using a browser that’s reserved for use on public Wi-Fi networks is a great way to limit your exposure to attacks. We often keep sensitive information stored in our everyday browsers.  Specifically, like our saved payment accounts, emails, and shipping addresses for autofill forms that make online shopping fast and convenient. By using a different browser that has no stored information, you may be able to ward off any potential attacks.

5. DO use a virtual private network service, which provides the ultimate level of security and protection from cyberattacks on public Wi-Fi networks.

A virtual private network (VPN) is one of the smartest ways to protect your online privacy.

Basically, a VPN creates an encrypted data tunnel that allows you to connect to public Wi-Fi networks as securely as if you were using your own private network at home. Using a VPN helps to prevent cybercriminals from intercepting the data you are sending and receiving from your computer or mobile device.

Written for Symantec

Related information:  Lost Wi-Fi Capability Lately? Solved! – TUTORING YOU

Clothing Upcycling: A Beginner’s Guide to Transforming Old Clothes

The best clothing upcycling project does not begin with scissors. It begins with one question: why are you not wearing this garment now? The fit may be off, one damaged spot may catch your eye, or the style may no longer feel like you. Start with the smallest change that solves that problem, because a wearable result is more useful than a dramatic makeover that becomes another unfinished experiment.

The goal is not simply to make the garment different; it is to make it wearable again.

No-Sew and Low-Risk Upcycling Projects

Use these projects to test a new shape or surface treatment before committing to major construction. No-sew does not mean no planning: adhesives, heat, dye, and raw edges still need fabric-specific checks.

1) Test a New Length Before You Cut

Best for T-shirts, button-downs, dresses, and long skirts when the main problem is proportion.

  1. Put the garment on and fold the hem to the shortest length you are considering.
  2. Pin or use removable fabric tape, then sit, reach, and walk.
  3. Mark the final line only after checking the front, back, and side view.
  4. For a permanent change, add the allowance required by the finish you will use.

Knits may curl at a raw edge; woven fabric usually frays. A temporary test lets you choose the length before deciding between a sewn hem, binding, or a product-rated no-sew finish.

2) Turn Jeans into Cutoff Shorts

  1. Try the jeans on and mark the desired finished length on both legs.
  2. Add extra length for a cuff, hem, or controlled fray.
  3. Lay the jeans flat, align the seams, and cut one leg first; use it as the guide for the other.
  4. Wash once if you want a frayed edge, then trim long threads without cutting into the weave.

Keep the first cut conservative. The shorts will look shorter once the edge rolls or frays.

3) Cover a Small Hole or Stain

A fusible patch, repair tape, iron-on appliqué, or removable patch can stabilize a low-stress area or turn a stain into a design detail.

  1. Trim loose threads and place the garment flat without stretching it.
  2. Choose a patch that extends into sound fabric around the damage.
  3. Test heat and adhesive on a hidden area, then follow the product directions exactly.
  4. After cooling, flex the area gently. Add stitching later if the edge lifts or the location carries stress.

4) Refresh Faded Color

Dye works best when the fiber, original color, stains, thread, and trims are all considered. Read the dye instructions before choosing the product; many synthetic blends need a different process from cotton or linen.

  1. Prewash the garment without fabric softener.
  2. Test a hidden area and confirm that stains will not remain darker or lighter.
  3. Protect the work area, wear gloves, and use ventilation as directed.
  4. Rinse and wash the finished garment according to the dye instructions, separately at first.

5) Make a Removable Detail from Scraps

Turn a scarf or stable scrap into a headband, bag tie, removable bow, belt, or cuff. Start with a tie-on or pin-on version so you can test scale and placement before sewing it permanently. This is also a useful way to preview colors and prints on a plain garment.

If the idea works but needs a stronger, washable finish, move into the beginner sewing projects next.

Beginner Sewing Projects for Fit and Function

These projects use short, controllable seams. Choose thread and needles that suit the fabric rather than forcing one setup onto every garment.

1) Reinforce Damage with Visible Mending

  1. Identify the full weak area, not only the visible hole.
  2. Place a patch behind or over it so the patch reaches sound fabric.
  3. Baste the patch flat, then use rows of running stitches or another simple reinforcing stitch.
  4. Check the repair from the inside and remove any loose threads that could catch.

Visible mending works best when the repair is allowed to look intentional. For more repair methods, including hems and zippers, use our clothing repair basics.

2) Add a Patch Pocket or Appliqué

A pocket can cover wear while adding function; an appliqué can cover a stain without adding bulk.

  1. Make a paper template and test the size and placement on the worn garment.
  2. Cut the fabric with enough allowance to turn the edges under.
  3. Press the edges, baste or pin the piece, and check that it sits level while worn.
  4. Stitch around the appliqué or around three sides of a pocket, reinforcing the upper corners.

3) Shorten a Hem or Reshape a Neckline

Small changes to length and neckline can make a garment wearable without rebuilding it.

  1. Mark and baste the proposed line, then try the garment on.
  2. For a neckline, cut a shallow version first and keep the shape symmetrical.
  3. Choose a finish that suits the fabric: double-fold hem for stable wovens, binding or a stretch finish for knits, or an overcast edge where appropriate.
  4. Press without stretching and topstitch only after the edge lies flat.

4) Add or Replace an Elastic Waistband

  1. Check that the garment has enough fabric for a casing and comfortable ease.
  2. Fold and press the casing, leaving an opening for the elastic.
  3. Use a safety pin or bodkin to thread the elastic without twisting it.
  4. Overlap and secure the ends, distribute the fullness, then close the opening.

Wear-test the waistband before closing the casing. Elastic that feels comfortable while standing can still bind when sitting.

5) Add a Side Panel or Adjustable Tie

This can rescue a top, skirt, or simple dress that is slightly too tight, but the added fabric must behave like the original.

  1. Open the side seam only as far as needed.
  2. Pin in a test strip and measure the added ease on both sides.
  3. Cut matching panels with seam allowance, then baste them in symmetrically.
  4. Try the garment on, check movement and drape, and finish the seams only after the fit works.

Once you can baste, fit, and finish a short seam cleanly, the larger transformations below become much safer.

There’s more upcycling at the website below.

Source:  frugallifeproject.com

Garden Plants to Deadhead in August

 

As summer peaks and your garden is in full swing, it may feel like the perfect time to set your gardening tools aside and take a well-deserved break. However, many plants can still benefit from regular maintenance.

Deadheading—the simple act of removing spent blooms—is one task that shouldn’t fall by the wayside this month.

According to a professional gardener and florist, here are the top plants you should deadhead now to keep your garden thriving through fall.

Zinnias

Zinnias are the poster child for “cut-and-come-again” flowers. Regular deadheading transforms zinnia plants from spindly, single-stemmed plants to strong, branching flower displays.

Since zinnias are known for flowering late in the season, August is the month when they’ll benefit most from regular deadheading, says Grace Krueger, founder and head florist at Lulabelle’s Flower Farm.

She recommends cutting zinnias just above the first set of leaf nodes when deadheading to encourage flower production and a bushy shape.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons love cooler weather, so by August, you may find that your snapdragon plants have slowed their blooming as they withstand the summer heat. Nevertheless, deadheading your snapdragons in August can help encourage continued blooming in the fall once temperatures cool again.

When deadheading snapdragons, ensure you make a deep cut and remove most of the flower stalk. Choose a spot just above a lower set of leaves. This will encourage the future flower stalks to be tall and strong—perfect for fall flower arrangements.

Roses

Roses also benefit from deadheading in August, especially the reblooming varieties. Some, like The Knock Out® series, are self-cleaning, meaning they don’t require manual deadheading to rebloom. However, others will need a little help this month if you want prolific blooms through the end of the summer.

“Roses like to be cut directly above the first five leaf set at an outward angle, but you can also trim them a bit lower to a desired height if you wish,” Krueger says.

Dahlias

Credit: Alex Manders / Getty Images

Dahlias really start to shine in August with their bold, prolific blooms. Regular deadheading doesn’t just clean up the appearance of your plant—it’s essential to get the most blooms possible out of your dahlia.

These classic “cut-and-come-again” flowers thrive when their blooms are harvested regularly (including the spent ones), making them a staple in many cut flower gardens.

Dahlia blooms can be deadheaded as soon as you notice signs of wilting or dropping petals. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears and remove the entire flower head, cutting back to the nearest node or set of leaves.

Coneflowers

Deadheading coneflowers isn’t necessary, but some gardeners like to do it in August. Doing so helps prolong blooming and prevents the plant from going to seed.

However, many varieties of birds (especially goldfinch) enjoy the echinacea seeds as a winter snack. Basically, it’s a good idea to leave at least a few of the flower heads on the plant at the end of the season.

If you decide to deadhead your coneflowers, the spent bloom can be removed directly below the head of the flower, also called the ‘receptacle.’

Daisies

Many varieties of daisies benefit from deadheading, and August is the perfect time to do it. Deadheading daisies helps maintain a tidy appearance, stimulates new growth, and encourages prolific blooms. It also prevents the plant from prematurely going to seed, which can help control the spread of your daisy patch.

As soon as the daisy flowers begin to wilt or fade, it’s time to deadhead them. The correct way to deadhead daisies depends on the type of plant (branching versus non-branching).

For branching varieties, the stem should be cut back to the nearest bud or branch. For single-stemmed varieties, a deep cut should be made, removing the stem just above the set of first leaves at the bottom of the plant.

Petunias

Petunias are known for blooming all summer long, but they won’t do so without some regular love and attention. Deadheading is at the top of the list.

Regular deadheading encourages continued blooming, rather than going into dormancy. Exactly how often you’ll need to deadhead your petunias will vary depending on the variety and the climate in your area. However, on average, you should expect to be deadheading a few flowers here and there one to two times a week.

Luckily, deadheading petunias is as simple as pinching off the spent bloom just below the flower head.

Marigolds

Credit: Orthosie / Getty Images

August is when marigolds really shine. This month, regular deadheading is key to extending their blooming period and encouraging stronger, bushier plants.

According to Krueger, marigolds can be deadheaded by removing spent flowers just below the flower head, like petunias.

Source:  thespruce.com©

Cover photo:  Credit: bgwalker / Getty Images

Related:  Why You Should Deadhead in Your Garden – TUTORING YOU

The No. 1 Food to Avoid to Reduce Cancer Risk

Food can play a role in preventing cancer, but it can also be a factor in raising cancer risk.

It all depends on what you eat.

A healthy diet can reduce inflammation, provide antioxidants to protect cells and help people avoid obesity — all factors in helping keep cancer at bay.

So, there are certain foods dietitians eat to prevent cancer, including berries, tomatoes, spinach and more.

When it comes to foods dietitians avoid for fear of raising the risk of cancer, one option looms large on the list.

Tip of the Day: Avoid Eating Processed Meats

This refers to beef, pork or other red meats that have been salted, cured, fermented, smoked or have nitrates added. Products include deli meat, bacon, ham, hot dogs, pepperoni, beef jerky and sausage.

“If I were to pick one food (to avoid), it would be processed meat,” Maya Vadiveloo, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Rhode Island, previously told TODAY.com.

Why It Matters

The World Health Organization has classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans.

“Even small amounts of processed meat eaten regularly increase the risk of colorectal cancer,” the American Institute for Cancer Research notes.

“When meat is smoked, cured, salted or has added nitrites, compounds form that can cause cancer.”

Evidence suggests processed meat is associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.  The iron and fat found in red meat may increase cancer risk due to the salt and nitrates in processed meats.

Many deli meats are also high in saturated fats, which are linked to things like higher risk of cancer, higher risk of heart disease, higher cholesterol and higher blood pressure.

How to Get Started

Chicken or turkey versions of processed meats may be somewhat healthier.  However, it’s still best to minimize all forms of these products.

If you’re craving a deli meal, buy a rotisserie chicken or freshly roasted turkey.  Then slice it and use that in a sandwich.  Also, it’s a healthier protein than deli or packaged meat.

Basically, there are other option to explore to get healthy proteins. Try chickpeas, eggs and canned tuna as nutritious substitutes for processed meat.

Source:  today.com©

International Cat Day August 8th

International Cat Day is a full 24 hours of recognition and veneration of one of humanity’s oldest and most beloved pets. The first festivities were put together in 2002 by The International Fund for Animal Welfare.  The IFAW, among other animal rights groups, started the celebration for the most popular pet on the planet.

Moreover, roll out the red carpet and the catnip for your furry feline friend. International Cat Day is that one day a year when black cats bring good luck and cat eye sunglasses match your entire wardrobe.

Taking Time to Discover Yourself

Why is self-discovery so important?

Self-discovery is important because it helps us live more meaningful lives. You learn how to take better care of yourself when you understand yourself. Plus, you might find a more fulfilling career if you’re connected to your true self. And if you’re on a career path you’re truly passionate about, you’re more likely to succeed.

You may feel intimidated by the prospect of embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Where do you even begin? The steps to self-discovery can vary and are need not be done in any particular order. That means you can start with whatever action feels right for you. Remember that having the courage to begin this journey is already admirable, so keep that momentum going.

Here are 11 tips you can follow to take time to discover yourself:

  1. Work to be your best self each day, no matter what you’re doing.
  2. Take risks and try new things.
  3. Home in on your passions and what makes you excited.
  4. Understand your strengths and consider how to apply them in every circumstance.
  5. Start journaling your thoughts so you can reflect on them later.
  6. Make sure you surround yourself with people who support you.
  7. Learn from your mistakes and move on.
  8. Think back to your childhood and connect with your inner child again.
  9. Be curious and ask questions.
  10. Build habits that support your personal growth and goals.
  11. Practice positive self-talk and reward yourself for your wins.

Source:  betterup.com

Graphic:  dreamstime.com

DIY Butterfly Puddler

Turn a $5 project into a butterfly magnet — and a garden moment you’ll actually stop to watch.

Butterfly puddlers are a great way to provide these beauties with an invaluable source of water and nutrients during the heat of summer and are also a great help for them all year round.

Puddlers can also be a great way to attract butterflies into your yard and to your flowers, encouraging pollination. And who doesn’t want a yard full of butterflies?

This DIY puddling station is fun and easy to make.  Below you will find a list of all you need and directions to make it.

 

Source:  gegarage.com

Related:  7 ways you can ensure a summer of beautiful pollinators – TUTORING YOU

How To Cope with Decision Fatigue

 

 

Paper or plastic? Tea or coffee? Debit or credit? Boxers or briefs?

Decisions, decisions. We make hundreds — maybe even thousands — of decisions every day. But they aren’t all that straightforward.

Sometimes, the volume, complexity or potential impact of the decisions you have to make in a day can leave you so physically, mentally and emotionally drained that “fries or a salad?” feels like a riddle.

We’re doing a deep dive into decision fatigue: What it is, what it isn’t, how to spot it and how to prevent it.

What is decision fatigue?

According to registered psychotherapist Natacha Duke, RP, decision fatigue is a phenomenon where the more decisions a person makes over the course of a day, the more physically, mentally and emotionally depleted they become. A person experiencing decision fatigue struggles with executive functioning. This can have a wide range of consequences, including impaired judgment.

Why does decision fatigue happen?

Anyone can experience decision fatigue, but it’s most likely to occur when:

You make a lot of decisions every day

 Judges, surgeons and quarterbacks are extreme examples, but many of us have jobs or play roles that require numerous quick decisions every day.

Your decisions impact other people.

 The “other people” in question could be your partner, your children, your employees … the list goes on. Depending on your job, it may even be people you don’t know!

You’re in the midst of a difficult life situation

Picking out flowers isn’t usually difficult, but if you’re planning a memorial service for a loved one, it can seem impossible.

There is much uncertainty

 Duke notes that many people struggled with decision fatigue during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We didn’t have much information about the virus and couldn’t know for sure what consequences our choices would have.

You have perfectionist tendencies

“When our standard is perfection for everything, and we’re really thinking through everything to the nth degree, that’s exhausting and depleting for our brain,” Duke notes.

Chances are, you fall into at least one of those categories (if not more) on a regular basis. So how can you tell when day-to-day frustrations have spilled over into decision fatigue?

Signs and symptoms of decision fatigue

We’ve compiled eight common symptoms of decision fatigue for your reference.

Remember: Decision fatigue is an acute (short-lived) experience. If you’re experiencing these symptoms every day, then something else more chronic may be going on.

  • Procrastination or decision avoidance. 
  • Impulsivity.
  • Exhaustion.
  • Brain fog.
  • Irritability. 
  • Overwhelmed.
  • Regret or dissatisfaction. 
  • Physical discomfort. 

What decision fatigue isn’t: Chronic

Decision fatigue isn’t a problem that you should be facing day in and day out. “It’s usually an acute thing because most of the time when you’re suffering from true decision fatigue, you’ll have a recovery that’s reasonably quick,” notes Duke. “You’ll probably feel better after a day or so and be able to get back to your regular level of functioning.”

If you feel like you’re experiencing the symptoms of decision fatigue on the daily, it’s probably a good idea to let a healthcare provider or therapist know.

“I think what happens sometimes is that someone might be suffering from indecisiveness as a result of anxiety, depression or PTSD, something else that’s going on in terms of their mental health,” Duke explains.

“Indecisiveness can also be a symptom of burnout. If it’s something that’s happening chronically, it would be important to look into what’s really going on. Is it decision fatigue or is it a bigger issue?”

How to prevent decision fatigue

Everyone experiences decision fatigue from time to time. And that’s OK. While we can’t always control the situations that cause our decision fatigue, we can build protective measures into our daily lives to make that fatigue less likely and more manageable.

Remove choice from some elements of your life.

 Steve Jobs, Barack Obama and several other famous decision-makers have talked publicly about how they wear essentially the same thing every day. Their rationale: Not having to think about what you wear is one fewer decision to make. Whether it’s what you wear, which podcast you listen to on the way to work or what brand of oatmeal you’re buying at the store, as Duke puts it: “Some things can be automated. Give yourself the ability to not have to have perfection be the standard for everything in your life.”

Delegate (if possible).

 Some decisions are always going to be yours to make. But sometimes — and we’re talking to you, perfectionists — it’s OK to let other people handle things. They may (gasp) make a mistake every once in a while, but so will you! Go ahead: Let the assistant coach decide the starting lineup. Let your spouse-to-be choose the caterer for the big day. It’s going to be OK.

Prioritize sleep. 

What do people say when faced with tough choices? “I’ll sleep on it.” There’s a reason for that. Research shows that we take more time to deliberate — and make better decisions — early in the day. It also shows that not only do sleep-deprived people have poor impulse control and emotional regulation skills, but their morality also takes a hit. If you find yourself in a particularly decision-heavy phase of your life, making the extra effort to get a good night’s sleep may help protect against decision fatigue.

Exercise.

 You’ve probably heard that exercise is good for your brain, especially as you get older. But did you know that it can also help you make better decisions? A study found that coupling 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise with a three-minute walking break every half hour can improve executive function. If that sounds like a lot to you, don’t worry: Any exercise is better than no exercise, and walking for any length of time can do wonders for your overall mental health.

Manage stress.

 Making stress-management activities part of your daily routine can help you feel less overwhelmed and more confident in the face of difficult decisions.

Make time for self-care.

 Caring about your own mental health and well-being isn’t selfish. You can’t do what it takes to help others if you aren’t caring for yourself. Having a self-care routine in place can prevent decision fatigue — and make handling it easier if it does happen.

Build downtime into your day.

 Life can get so busy, we sometimes forget to give our brains a chance to go offline for a while. “It’s a bit of a cliche, but I think it is true,” Duke reflects, “That you need to have some downtime where you don’t have to make decisions, think about things or analyze anything.” Scheduling downtime — whether that means watching reality TV on your phone over your lunch break, meditating for 20 minutes every day or taking the long route when you walk your dog after dinner — can help keep your brain charged and ready to make tough choices.

When to get help

We asked Duke what someone who’s up at 3 a.m. Googling “decision fatigue” should be doing to get to a better place. Her answer was telling: “They should be sleeping.”

Hard as it can be to experience decision fatigue, tomorrow is another day and — if you’re truly dealing with decision fatigue — that makes a big difference. If you don’t feel better after giving your body and mind an opportunity to “restore to factory settings,” then it’s probably time to talk to a healthcare professional.

“I always say that if you find yourself wondering if you should consult a therapist, then you probably should,” Duke says.

“It might be a one-off session where you get some tips to cope with decision fatigue when you feel it creeping up, or it might open up a window, to help you consider what else might be happening. Have you been ignoring other signs and symptoms that you’ve been experiencing, or maybe not realized that something else might be going on?

“It’s always better, in my opinion, to err on the side of caution and check it out.”

Source:  health.clevelandclinic.org©

Photo credit:  shutterstock©

 

August in the Yard & Garden

August, the last month of summer, has already arrived. Yard and garden activities focus on continued summer maintenance of many plants.  However, its time to start looking ahead to planning fall projects, including lawn work, and expanding garden areas.

Continuing routine maintenance on vegetables is important to keep plants productive for the balance of the growing season. Irrigation tops the list if conditions are dry while vegetables are in the development and ripening process. Harvest crops like cucumbers, zucchini, and tomatoes on a regular basis to encourage plants to produce more. Promptly remove any overripe or rotten vegetables from gardens to avoid problems with picnic beetles. If weeds have taken over any areas, address them now to prevent more seeds from forming and causing problems in future seasons.

Early August is an ideal time to rejuvenate annual flowers in hanging baskets and containers. Remove spent blooms and pinch back plants, including any leggy growth. Fertilize with a balanced soluble fertilizer when watering. The result will be increased flower production from late summer into early fall.

August is a quiet month for tree and shrub care. If you are planning to fertilize, wait until October or next spring. Likewise, now is not a suitable time for any significant pruning. Pruning and fertilizing in late summer may stimulate new growth that may not harden off properly for winter.

Early fall is an excellent time for seeding lawns and putting in a variety of landscape plantings. August is a prime time to prepare planting sites. Large populations of weeds, especially perennial weeds, need to be mechanically removed, making sure to get roots and any vegetative structures or “runners” weeds may have, including underground rhizomes or aboveground stolons.

Another option is to use a nonselective herbicide (weed killer) to control undesirable green plants it is sprayed onto without leaving a residue in the soil. At this time of year, herbicides are only effective when target plants are green and actively growing, not dormant or under drought stress. Apply herbicides at least 2 or 3 weeks ahead of preparing the soil to give them time to work. Always read, understand, and follow all product label directions when considering and using herbicides. Use extreme caution around desirable plantings so they are not damaged.

August can also be an optimum time for improving soils in existing or newly planned gardens or landscape beds. Soil testing is highly recommend for both scenarios. Soil test results provide essential information including soil pH values and levels of major nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. Proper amendments and adjustments can then be made based on this information.

 

IN GENERAL

 Order spring-flowering bulbs for fall planting.
 Keep the garden well watered during dry weather.
 Clean up fallen leaves that can harbor disease and insect pests over
the winter.
 Turn compost pile and keep it moist.
 Plan landscaping projects now for fall planting.

HOME (Indoor plants and activities)

 Take cuttings from plants such as impatiens, coleus, geraniums and
wax begonias to overwinter indoors.
 Cut flowers from the garden to bring a little color indoors or to dry for
use later.

LANDSCAPE (Lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers)

 Don’t fertilize and prune woody plants between mid-August and leaf
fall. It stimulates late growth that will not have time to harden off properly before winter.
 Keep faded flowers pinched off bedding plants to promote further flowering and improve plant
appearance.
 Cut strawflowers intended for dried flower arrangements when the blooms are only half open. Tie small
bundles of the flowers together and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated place to dry.
 Cut sunflowers and dry the heads for roasting or winter bird food.

GARDEN (Vegetables, fruits and herbs)

 Temperatures above 90oF often lead to poor fruit set in vegetable crops; upper 90os will stop fruit set in
most crops.
 Harvest onions and potatoes after the tops yellow and fall, then cure them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated
area.
 Pick beans, tomatoes, peppers and squash often to encourage further production.
 Harvest sweet corn and watermelon when ripe.
 Remove old plants which have stopped producing to reduce insects and disease.
 To prevent volunteer plants the following spring, remove flowers or harvest seed before it falls from herbs
that self-sow such as dill, chamomile and fennel.
 To reduce the number of pests on your fruit tree for the coming year, pick up and destroy all fallen fruit.
 Prune out and destroy the raspberry and blackberry canes that bore fruits this year.

Source:  hort.extension.wisc.edu

Photo credit:  britishgardencentres.com

Related:  11 Things to Do in August to Get Your Garden Ready for Fall – TUTORING YOU

Practice Restaurant Dialogue for Ordering Food

 

Ordering food in a restaurant is one of the most basic tasks for English learners—after all, eating is essential and so is talking about eating.  However, it can also be one of the most daunting. This simple lesson is aimed at beginners who are practicing ordering for the very first time. Use this lesson, dialogue, and sample menu to learn how to order food in a restaurant using basic vocabulary.

  • Students can learn to order food in a restaurant using simple dialogues and basic vocabulary.
  • Role-playing with dialogues and menus helps students practice both speaking and listening comprehension.
  • Students can modify dialogues with different menu items to create their own realistic practice scenarios.

Preparing for the Dialogues

Simple dialogues will help students to order food and speak in a socially acceptable way in a restaurant.  In addition, challenging listening-comprehension exercises will help boost their passive-understanding skills. Before having students perform the dialogue below, ask them to name different types of food they might find in a restaurant. Write the vocabulary on the board and make sure students also take notes. After they do so:

  • Give students the dialogue and menu and ask them to read through it carefully. Point out the use of “would like” for asking for and making requests. You may also want to make sure they notice the use of “here you are” instead of “please” when handing someone something.
  • Pair students and ask them to role-play ordering food in a restaurant using the menu below (or a more interesting menu you may have on hand). Both students should switch roles a number of times.
  • If you have access to a computer, improve passive understanding by doing a listening- comprehension exercise.

Finally, ask students what are some ways (dialogues, thematic texts, and narrative stories) they can use to help them improve their listening-comprehension skills in English.

Dialogue: Ordering Food in a Restaurant

Have students pair up to practice the following dialogue, then have them switch roles.

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?
Kim: Yes, I’d like to have some lunch.
Waiter: Would you like a starter?
Kim: Yes, I’d like a bowl of chicken soup, please.
Waiter: And what would you like for your main course?
Kim: I’d like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?
Kim: Yes, I’d like a glass of Coke, please.
Waiter: Would Pepsi be OK? We don’t have Coke.
Kim: That would be fine.
Waiter: (After Kim has her lunch.) Can I bring you anything else?
Kim: No thank you. Just the bill.
Waiter: Certainly.
Kim: I don’t have my glasses. How much is the lunch?
Waiter: That’s $6.75.
Kim: Here you are. Thank you very much.
Waiter: You’re welcome. Have a good day.
Kim: Thank you. Same to you.

Sample Menu

Use this menu to practice ordering food in a restaurant. Have students swap out different food and drink items to modify the above dialogue or let them create their own dialogues.

Joe’s Restaurant

Joe’s Restaurant
Starters
Chicken Soup $2.50
Salad $3.25
Sandwiches – Main Course
Ham and cheese $3.50
Tuna $3.00
Vegetarian $4.00
Grilled Cheese $2.50
Slice of Pizza $2.50
Cheeseburger $4.50
Hamburger $5.00
Spaghetti $5.50
Drinks
Coffee $1.25
Tea $1.25
Soft Drinks – Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, Ice Tea $1.75
Note:  If the table didn’t fit so go to my website to find it. Thanks.

Source:  thoughtco.com/esl-lesson-plan-for-conversation