DIY Tall Dog Stairs for about $40

A few years ago I searched for dog stairs. We had bought a thicker mattress and our dog couldn’t jump that high. I saw the “as seen on TV” models but they were too short. So were the taller stairs available at the pet store. The only option I found was custom wood stairs that ran between $100 and $300 plus shipping!

I finally decided to design my own. The stairs are 26 inches tall and are made from a $40, PVC 5-Shelf unit.

 

 Here is a link to a printable PDF with directions: Dog Stairs Tutorial.pdf

5 Shelf Bookcase at Target

The Best Reusable Shopping Bag I've Found

I have been using these bags for two years. I was so impressed with the design that I wrote to Home Depot customer service to compliment them on the design!

Every time I shop someone stops me to ask about my bags. It finally occurred to me that I should post a review.

Here's what I like about the bags:

* They clip onto the edge of the cart. The only store cart I've found that they don't fit well is Target because the carts are so thick.

* The plastic clips lock together to shut the bag so your stuff doesn't fall out.

* They hold about 5 bags worth of groceries. (That means fewer trips when unloading the car!)

*The bottom of the bag is flat so it won't roll over when you are driving home.

* The construction is very sturdy. My bags have been used and abused for 2 years. I overload them all the time. They are made of thick fabric, have elastic around the opening, sturdy handles, plastic clips/rods reinforce the top edges.


Now I just hope some of the people I've talked to remember to go buy a bag and stop using plastic sacks!

They are usually stocked next to the self check-out at Home Depot for around $2.00 and are available online here:

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/storage-organization-storage-totes-baskets-utility-totes/the-home-depot-reusable-shopping-bag-195301.html

TIPS FOR USING REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS:

*Stick a reminder note to your dash board to help you develop the habit of taking your bags in to the store. Mine said "Take Bags"

*Always carry ONE extra bag. That way you can put your full sacks on the conveyer belt at the checkout. Load your purchases in your extra bag as the checker scans them. It is faster for the cashier and for you.

* Carry a small bag that you can "wad up" in your purse.

Turner Falls, OK: A Paradise Lost

I have visited Turner Falls, OK a couple times in the past and always enjoyed the clean, cool water and amazing scenery. I first visited 16 years ago and was enchanted. I went about 4 years ago and enjoyed my visit then, too.

That's why I was so shocked at what I saw when we visited the park yesterday. The water was just nasty.

We got there 8AM on Sun to get a good spot in the shade. We went to the Falls first and were dismayed at how dirty everything was. There was litter all over the beach. There was trash floating in the water. There was a trail in the sand where it looked like some kind of overflow had run from the men's bathroom down to swim area. A brown algae is growing in the water and it there was foam floating on top that never dissipated. It reminded me of dirty wash water. We didn't feel comfortable swimming in that so we decided to search upstream.

We went to the very back of the primitive camping area and got in the creek there. The litter was still a problem (dirty diaper -eww!) but at least it was on the banks and not in the water. The water was clearer - but the brown algae coated the plants. It was a small area (maybe the size of 2 swimming pools) and lots of people were already there. When I walked further upstream to escape the crowd I encountered the foam on top of the water again. Decided to get out.

We stopped by the Blue Hole pool on our way out of the park but didn't think it was worth the effort of getting in since it was downstream from the Falls.

We spent a total of two hours in the park then returned to the hotel to "decontaminate". Two tickets = $26.28. I hope they put the money to good use. I recommend you save your money and view the falls for FREE from the Turner Falls Overlook (580-369-2330) photo above.

The place feels like it has been "used up." I'm not a radical tree hugger - but I really fear this natural wonder is in danger of not recovering from what man has done to it.

• Visited June 2011