Most cast iron pans come with a layer of seasoning already applied that protects the surface while adding flavor to the food. After cooking, you can best preserve the seasoning layer by putting coarse salt in the pan and using a wooden spatula to scrape food residue off. (If some remains, use a small amount of water to soften it and then remove it.) After cleaning the surface, wipe it with a piece of paper towel. 

You're ready to go for next time!

www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/organization/cleaning-101-how-to-clean-a-cast-iron-pan-T74?refid=GX593750397595.~&position=&network=g&pcrid=593750397595&device=c&targetid=dsa-19959388920&channel=GoogleIntent&gclid=Cj0KCQjwteOaBhDuARIsADBqRehCHaKgtITqNbiZ6iQiHire-JDw1s7UGzrkpchcHHjO8Mh6UPIxrYYaAksnEALw_wcB

Here are some things to do to get your house ready for the grit and wet of winter.

1: Be sure you have good matts inside each door to the outside.

2. Good idea to have slippers for guests too, to keep down on the grit.

3. Put down carpet runners in hallways especially near the door.

4. Because of the dry heat and closed doors, dust tends to build up in winter. Be sure you have a clean furnace filter, and dust often. ​

White vinegar is also good for cleaning the interior of your dishwasher. Simply put some vinegar in a cup at the bottom of the dishwasher and let it run through the cycle. The vinegar will circulate and remove food residues.

​https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-with-vinegar

Humidifiers can get gunky fast. An easy way to clean one is to fill the holding tank with one part white vinegar and one part water. Let it sit an hour and then rinse and wipe!

Here's a way to get rust out of iron pans. Use alum (found in the baking or spice section of your food store). Make a paste of alum (3 tablespoons) and a little vinegar. You will want to use a bit of the paste at a time because it will turn red quickly and need to be replaced with fresh paste.

Source: Clean and Green​ Anne Berthold

Starting today (9/6) the new booster that targets omicron as well as older-style COVID is available in Minnesota. This is recommended particularly for older and immune-compromised adults but also for others (though there is some debate about its importance for the wider public). With cooler weather on the way and the holidays a few months away, the new booster will hopefully be able to keep a new surge in check and also help people get through the winter more safely.

Here is a good write up about the new vaccine: www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/09/05/1120834024/omicron-boosters-do-i-need-one-and-if-so-when

Here is a listing of public sites where the shot is available, though it is also being given at CVS and Walgreens pharmacies: https://www.mallofamerica.com/directory/community-vaccination-program-site 

Here's a simple tip if you're cleaning your own home on a regular basis. Have a routine. For instance dust everything then vacuum everything. In bathrooms, do the sink then tub then toilet and then mop. In the kitchen, wipe the counters, do the stove top, fronts of cabinets, and then mop. Getting into a standard routine will keep you focused and moving and cut your time significantly!

Here are some recipes for homemade nontoxic metal polishes:

brass and copper polish: use lemon juice or tomato juice
chrome: use a cloth dipped in cider vinegar
silver: immerse the silver object in a bowl with aluminum foil and salt. Let sit a few minutes and then wipe the tarnish off.

Source: Debra Lynn Dadd Nontoxic, Natural, and Earthwise

Here is a resource for a serious problem that affects an unfortunate number of seniors, nursing home abuse. The estimate is that 5% of those in elder care suffer abuse. This organization's website gives good background on the situation and solutions for the problem if you have a loved one who might be undergoing this. https://nursinghomesabuse.org/