Happy New Year 2026
- , by Trudy Chuoke Trudy Chuoke
When you are reading this, it’s not quite the New Year; it’s probably New Year’s Eve. Maybe you're out celebrating the New Year with family or friends. Maybe you're making plans for next year's travel or renovations, maybe both. Whatever it is, doesn’t it all seem possible at this time of the year? That’s what I love about a new year: you put the past aside and look forward to the future. And I look forward to the time I get to share with you each week. The Chronicle has graciously asked me to continue this article for another year. So, let's get started.
I want to talk to you about emergencies, not the 911 kind, but the kind that can happen at your home that can ruin your whole day, and how to be prepared for them. We are going to talk about what to keep on hand, whether you need it right now or not. You know how you keep your bathroom cabinet stocked with band aids, cold and allergy medicine, antacids, eye drops, and the super-sized vitamin C? I want to show you how just having a few things put aside at home can help you be prepared. I like to call it my Survival Kit.
We really haven’t had much cold weather here in South Texas yet; our real cold weather comes in January and February. So be prepared. I like Freeze Miser. I already have mine on. I will install a Y connection, with a Freeze Miser on one side and the garden hose on the other. That way, I can still water on my watering days without having to remove all my freeze protection. And Freeze Miser is warranted for 2 years. And on the Y connection, get a brass one. They last so much longer and will not break down in the cold or heat. If you have any questions on how to use it, call me at the store. But Freeze Miser is not the only way to take care of your pipes. There is pipe insulation, insulating faucet protection that comes in a hard plastic cover, or even the sock types. Whatever you decide, buy it now, because when you need it, everyone else will too, and the stores will run out.
There is nothing worse than a slow-running drain or a stopped-up toilet. So, keep some gentle drain cleaners on hand when your plumbing is not feeling its best. For slow-running drains, Green Gobbler is safe and effective. It’s easy on your pipes and works quickly. If your toilet threatens to overflow when you flush, it’s probably a paper problem. You can use Green Gobbler. But it will need to sit for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. Now, you can get a product called Liquid Fire that works in 30 minutes, but it’s harsh, so be careful. Don’t mix drain cleaners. If you have used one cleaner, wait a day before you use another. Keep a plunger on hand – remember, a drain cleaner only works if you get it down the drain, not just sitting in the bowl.
Do you use a monthly pest control service? But do you still see pests before he comes back? Use Clobber – it’s the best, non-staining, no odor, safe around pets and children that you can get. And it’s made right here in Texas. Spray it around the edge of the floor molding in your rooms, behind the refrigerator, under the stove, windowsills, and doorways. It creates a barrier, and if a bug steps over, they don’t go far.
There is nothing worse than when you hear scurrying overhead in your attic. Whether it’s mice, raccoons, or squirrels, they are not welcome. And they do so much damage. Morgan’s makes superior repellents that work. I know they work because I use them in my 11,000-square-foot store. If they work for me in this huge store, they will work for you. Call me, and I will tell you how to make them work the best for you.
Odors are the worst. Smoke, food, or pet- there are 2 product lines that will neutralize almost any odor. Air Sponge or Bio Zapp - they can handle anything.
So, keep these products on the shelf in the garage. And just in case of an emergency, you are prepared!
Happy New Year, my readers.