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What if you don't see your spouse for six months after you said good-bye this morning? Many families in our communities are facing this challenge with the military deployment. Research on over-the-road truck drivers and from the military share ways some couples make it work.

If you have time, plan ahead for major decisions that will need to be made while you or your
partner is away. Discuss things like where to go for a problem with the car, how to shut off the hot water heater if it leaks, who to call when the furnace quits and other issues that you will need outside help with.

Keep a folder at home of things to discuss. This year's vacation plans or the children's grade cards are examples of important details you will want to share.

Plan your calls or computer contact, if possible. With advance planning, outside activities can be done without waiting for the call.

When talking by phone, use the time to build up each other and gain understanding about what your roles really are. Acknowledge each other's commitment to making this work for everyone.

The spouse left at home will need to become increasingly independent to manage the
household, children and outside work obligations.

Write frequently and, even if it's a short note, include everyone in the family. Having a
schedule gives your loved one something to look forward to.

Keep a journal at home, even if it's just a calendar on the kitchen counter to which everyone contributes. This way when you do talk on the phone, you can catch your partner up on the daily schedule.

Make plans for the homecoming. Does the returning partner want to be greeted by a small gathering or whole family? Do you want a large party immediately, or would you prefer a day or two to regroup and then gather with family and friends. Include children, too, so they feel a part of this special time.

As the returning partner, it is important to support and acknowledge the way your spouse has kept things going. You may gradually make changes, but don't criticize or complain about how things were done. Don't expect to have the role you had before you left. Children have been disciplined, asked permission to do things and their routines have gone on without you. Respect the decisions that have been made during your absence and talk about issues with which you are not comfortable.
Source: Life Works Today, OSU Extension, Melinda Hill, Wayne County

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Picnic Season

It's picnic season! What should we do to make sure we don't make ourselves sick?

First, when you're out and about during the summer, make the grocery store your last stop. If you leave perishable items in your car while it is hot, you increase the chances of bacteria multiplying. If you know you are going to be out for a long time, take a cooler with ice in it or bring an insulated bag for your perishables. Do not keep cold foods at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour, if it's hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Throw out the food if this is the case.

Second, always rinse fresh produce and wash your work areas and cooking utensils before preparing your picnic. Fruits and vegetables can pick up bacteria from dirty countertops. Taking care of this is as simple as soap and water.

As for preparing picnic food, items such as meat and deviled eggs are best left for the day of the picnic. Your best bet is to thaw any frozen food by putting it in the refrigerator. And remember, do not put cooked meat back on the same plate it was on when it was raw. The raw juices can contaminate cooked food.

Salads and fruit tends to get mushy or turn brown, if you cut it up the night before. If it's an absolute must, squeeze lemon juice over your cut up fruit. It helps the fruit retain its natural coloring and slows down the browning process. Remember to keep the fruit refrigerated after cutting.

Foods like macaroni and potato salad are best when made the same day, as well. To save some time, consider cooking the noodles or potatoes the night before. Keep them refrigerated and, in the morning, mix the rest of the ingredients. You can prepare some foods early and not have to worry about them at all. Cheese and vegetable trays are a great example. You can cut up chunks of cheese, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, peppers and whatever else you desire the night before the picnic - - just remember to keep them in the fridge to keep them fresh as well.

Remember, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

Source: Chowline, OSU Extension

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De-clutter Your Summer

Clean up and make more time for fun

1.    Junk Toss. Recycle or throw out junk mail immediately. Store "to be read" in a designated box.
2.    Make room. Make space for necessities by holding a garage sale for old toys and unused electronics, such as VCR's, computers, toasters, etc.
3.    Store it. Use sealable containers for storing desk materials (pens, staples, paper clips); sewing items (buttons, thread); cosmetics (lipstick, nail polish, hair clips).
4.    Out of sight. Hang cork bulletin boards inside your pantry closet to pin stray notes, bill, and receipts - out of everyone's view.
5.    Hidden decor. Stash magazines and newspapers in beautiful lidded baskets.

Source: Clean Matters, Soap and Detergent Assoc.

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Avoiding Bad Loans

We all have times in our lives when an emergency may find us short of funds. This can be a stressful time and could push us beyond our rational selves. The following considerations should be taken before entering into any financial contracts.

Shop around for a loan among a variety of reputable lenders, including banks and credit
unions.

Never give into sales pressure, a tactic that lenders use to get you to accept a bad deal.

Discuss all deals with a knowledgeable family member, friend or co-worker, or call a local
consumer group of community organization before you sign.

Read all contracts thoroughly before signing them. Don't sign contracts you do not
understand!

Ask for a complete overview of the loan terms, including fees, charges, terms and conditions. Ask to be shown each section of the loan, as it is explained to you.

You have the legal right to know the amount of your monthly payment, the interest rate, how much time you have to pay back the loan and the total you'll pay (including interest and fees) over the term of the loan.

Source: Consumer Action, 2004 with Bank of America