* Linda Stewart, Mailbox member wants to tell everyone to be sure and copy their precious family recipes as she has lost her book that had all those recipes!

* Everyone can make meatloaf, spaghetti, etc. but it would be nice if YOU wrote down your recipes so your family can hold on to them and pass them down through the years! It would make a thoughtful and loving gesture to your kids and grandkids!

* Phyllis King said her dishwasher was leaving the glasses looking filmy/cloudy. She put all her glassware in the dishwasher and ran it on the "rinse cycle" with 1 cup of white vinegar! They came out beautiful and sparkling. She had to do this twice for some of the glasses.

* Phyllis King wants to tell all the good cooks and crafty people about this wonderful website! It is full of great ideas. www.cleanhomejournal.com

* To ensure the shells on your hard-cooked eggs are smooth, add a little salt to the water before hard-boiling. This helps prevent the shell from cracking or splitting. It can also help the eggs peel more easily.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES FOR A BASIC EMERGENCY KIT - Be sure to have an emergency kit in your house. It should include: Water and food for 3 days, a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, a First Aid kit, basic tools for shelter and repair. Also include any unique family needs such as prescription medications, baby needs and documents.

FIX LEAKY TOILETS - A leaky toilet can waste 50 gallons or more per day. To test to see if your toilet is leaking, put drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes. If color has made its way to the bowl, you have a leak. Try replacing the flush valve in the tank to correct the problem.

Be sure to have an emergency kit in your house. It should include: Water and food for 3 days, a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, a First Aid kit, basic tools for shelter and repair. Also include any unique family needs such as prescription medications, baby needs and documents.

A leaky toilet can waste 50 gallons or more per day. To test to see if your toilet is leaking, put drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes. If color has made its way to the bowl, you have a leak. Try replacing the flush valve in the tank to correct the problem.

We have MORE knives! If you would like something for yourself or as a gift, please come to the Extension Office.

• Granny Paring $3.00
• Peeling Paring $3.00
• Heavy Duty Paring $3.25
• Serrated Steak $3.75
• Tomato Slicer $3.50
• Vegetable Peeler $4.25
• Deluxe Vegetable Peeler $5.25
• Carving Fork (huge) $4.75
• Serverspoon $3.50
• Handi-Stir $3.50
• Carver/Boner Knife $5.50

Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) dissolve in fat before they go into the blood stream. Excess fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver; therefore, they may not be needed in the diet every day.

Vitamin A is used by the body to help the eyes adjust to light changes. Moisture of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs depend on Vitamin A. It also plays an important role in bone growth, tooth development, and other functions within the body.

To get enough Vitamin A, eat a variety of foods. It is found in dairy products, fish, and liver. Another way for you to get Vitamin A is to consume plant foods rich in beta carotene. Beta carotene can be converted to Vitamin A by the body and is found in carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, dark green leafy vegetables, cantaloupe, and apricots.

Vitamin D is needed by the body in order for it to use the calcium and phosphorus in the foods we eat. It increases the amount of calcium absorbed in the small intestine and helps with bone formation. Fortified milk is the primary source for Vitamin D in our diets. It is also found in oily fish like sardines, herring, and salmon, and in cod liver oil. Egg yolks also contain Vitamin D.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects vitamins A and C, red blood cells, and essential fatty acids from destruction. Antioxidants are known to lower the risk for heart disease, cancer, and several other diseases. We consume Vitamin E as vegetable oil or products which include vegetable oils and margarines. Green and leafy vegetables, wheat germ, whole grain products, nuts, egg yolk, and liver are also sources of Vitamin E.

Vitamin K is naturally produced by the bacteria in the intestines. It is essential for normal blood clotting and helps promote bone health. In addition to being made by the body, Vitamin K is found in dark green leafy vegetables and liver. Deficiencies are rare for the fat-soluble vitamins especially when individuals consume a variety of foods.

Fiber is nature's "broomstick" and is needed to help keep food moving through our bodies. Fiber is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Fiber helps reduce constipation and aids in the prevention of certain types of cancer. Fiber can also help lower blood glucose in those who have diabetes. Women should consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber every day and for men 25 to 35 grams of fiber every day. Increase the fiber in your diet gradually and make sure to consume adequate fluids.

- Shirley Camp, Extension Educator

SALMON PATTIES - Submitted by Debbie Tedford

1 can salmon

1/2 or less can cream corn

1 egg

8 club crackers, crushed

Using your hands crush up the bones and skin in the salmon. Pour in cream corn. Add egg. Add the crushed up crackers. Using your hands form the mixture into patties and fry in a little oil. Yummy!

TOFFEE BARS - Thanks to Theora Ireland

Grease pan. Using 1 package of graham crackers, lay them side by side in the bottom of the pan. Make syrup recipe:

2 sticks real butter

1/2 cup sugar

Boil syrup ingredients for 2 minutes.

Pour over crackers and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Bake at 250˚ for 8 minutes.