Rain, Rain.... Do we really want you to go away?!
Posted by Gail Medina
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Houston Summer has been inundated with rain recently!
Good for our outdoor plants, for our grass, for our home's foundation and for the pleasant temperatures.
Not so good for traveling or commuting to/from work.
Ideas for days when the rain has you stuck at home? I have 5 great ones that will help you feel good about your rained in day. It will require you to be outside, but - hey, a little rain will not hurt you.
1. Take pictures of the flooding waters! Using your cell phone or a good ole' fashion camera, take pictures of your front yard, down your street, bayous and any other areas in your vicinity that shows signs of flooding or over-banking waters. Print the pictures out from your computer and put them in a folder to save as evidence for your Harris County Appraisal District Hearing.... those are creeping up. You will need enough copies to give to the hearing officers. Flooding is a means to lower your appraisal. Remember, your appraisals do not effect the market value of your home. Those are two different figures that appraisers themselves adjust vastly different from the other.
2. Till your soil during light rain. Getting a light shower in your area? Get your tilling tools and till your soil. This is the best time to use mother nature's water to moisten and mix up the soil around your plants, shrubs, and flowers. This is also a great opportunity to shovel through the soil deep, if you are needing to plant a big shrub. If you are able, go ahead and plant your shrub. If not, then once the rain has passed, you've got a freshly dug hole to plant in! No painful digging through dried and crusted soil!
3. Set buckets outside and collect the rain water! This is recycling at its' best... and it's free! The collected rain water can be stored in closed buckets and used later to water your grass, plants, garden, or used to bathe your pets. Add some soap and clean the outside of your windows. Add some chlorine and use to get your siding and driveway clean from mold. When the Houston heat and sun breaks through again, you will definitely find ways to use the stored water. Note: Standing water does attract mosquitoes. Make sure you close your bucket of water and check frequently to ensure that mosquitoes have not moved in.
4. Work outside on the projects you've been putting off! The temperature has gotten lots cooler. The entire area of Houston has benefited from the cooler temperatures. There are even areas that have not gotten as much rain, but have enjoyed the cool summer. If you are not experiencing a down-pour, go outside and work on the projects that needs started/completed. You'll regret not using this time later when the sun and heat hits you at 100 degrees +!
5. Enjoy your home! There's something about the rain hitting your roof, the calming you feel, and the smell of water on your yard. The freshness rain brings and the soothing mood it creates. You've no doubt worked hard to keep your home in order.... enjoy it. In the stillness, take time to appreciate your home. Rest and relax in that reading corner you never really have had time to use. Sit on the patio bench that hasn't gotten used much lately. Find an area of your home to sit, read, look outside and relax in. You may be surprised to find a new view and a new-found appreciation of the uniqueness and special qualities of your home. After all, home is where the heart is!
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the HRIS.
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