Blog - Page 15 of 19

Halloween in August, Thanksgiving in September, Christmas in October!!!!

December 12, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by George Deahl

As a Christian we all know that the Christ child was not born in December. More than likely late summer, or early fall. The Catholic church were trying to pull people away from the paganism of the Winter Solstice, so the church changed things up a bit to bring the flock back into the church and away from the debauchery of what the people were into, at least this is what we have read and have been told. According to Bible.org, we should go ahead and celebrate Christmas as we do, however more focus on Christ as the Savior of the world.

In a article from Forbes a few years ago, the National Retail Federation found that 41% of Americans already began their holiday shopping before Halloween. So when is the right time? What started the term Black Friday? The term actually started in the 1950’s in Philly when the Army/Navy football game would play. Too many people in town, not enough police caused havoc and bedlam, and the cops had to work and they wanted to go to the game. The term made its now famous after Thanksgiving in 1961 and as recent of 1985 the term wasn’t even used nationwide. But it seems this would be the official first day of the actual Christmas buying season. I mean check the newspaper on Thanksgiving. Its the only paper we buy during the year, just to look at all the ads and to swear were not going out early in the morning and fight the craziness of it all.

So lets go back to Bible.org and look at what they say about the tree and presents.

The evergreen tree is a symbol of the eternal life which Christ, the Son of God, offers to man via another tree, the cross (Rev. 2:7; 22:2, 14).
The presents under the tree can remind us of God’s gift and our need to give of ourselves to others as those who have received God’s gift of life through Christ.

Maybe we should really try to follow this lead. It could make us feel better about the ‘Jesus’ part of the season and why as Christians that we celebrate! And what about company and office parties? The ones i attended in the past were not really about Christmas as all. Bible.org says this about the worldly celebration:

Scripture does, however, set down principles which should affect the way we celebrate it. These principles warn and protect us from the distortions we find in the world.

Today in many companies and offices, Christmas is celebrated with wild, drunken parties where there is no regard for the reason for the season–the birth of the Savior of the World. It becomes just a time of merriment and a time to tie one on.
Today people often spend lavishly on gifts and go deeply in debt. They buy things they can’t afford, which nobody needs, and sometimes can’t even identify. The response is “Hey, thanks. What is it?”
Children get caught up with the gifts and the toys and lose sight of the Savior–or never hear about the Lord as God’s gift of His Son that we might have life.
Through the Christmas message, Parents often fail to teach the spirit of giving as an outworking of one’s relationship with God through faith in Christ, God’s gift to the world.
Finally, some may observe the season as they would observe lent, as a religious holy day that must be observed to gain points with God, or to become more spiritual.

But it doesn’t have to be like this. Even the gift aspect can be done in such a way that it is instructive, meaningful, in keeping with one’s budget, and in keeping with biblical teaching concerning Christian stewardship.

Yea I know, lots to take in and think about, even pray about. The saying, ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’, can happen if we practice it. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas season.

A Thanksgiving With No Sweat Involved

October 31, 2016/0 Comments/in blog/by George Deahl

The web page, Real Simple, gives some great tips for making this Thanksgiving a bit easier. Thanksgiving usually has family, friends, and lots of food, and people wanting to help but basically just getting in your way. I don’t mean to sound rude but its true. Well here a few tips to ease the stress and pain.

Print a Blank November Calendar

As you plan your meal, fill in each week with what you need and when to shop, and any deliveries that need to come to the house.

Make Your Grocery List on November 1st

Don’t wait until the week before Thanksgiving to figure out what you’re making—and don’t feel pressure to experiment with fancy recipes. Find a few you trust and put every ingredient on a shopping list. Divide the list into perishables and non-perishables, so you know what you can buy immediately (like spices) and what you’ll need to buy later (like milk).

Set the Table the Night Before

It’s a simple task, but it’s one thing you can cross off of your to-do list on the day of.

Empty the Dishwasher and all Trash Cans the Night Before

Plus, line your bins with extra garbage bags so you don’t have to hunt down a fresh bag when the garbage starts to overflow.

Prepare as Much as You Can in Advance

Gravy bases can be frozen and vegetables can be cooked and refrigerated for up to two days. For dishes that can’t be made ahead of time, consider the prep work that you can do in advance—like peeling potatoes so they’re ready for quick mashing.

Establish a Make-Your-Own, Breakfast Policy

If you have a house full of overnight guests, let them take care of the morning meal themselves. Stash ready-to-go foods (like muffins, granola bars, and cereal) in open spaces and let everyone know where milk, spoons, bowls, and napkins are in the kitchen. Establish the “every man for himself” rule first thing in the morning so that you can focus on cooking the feast (or making coffee).

Make Edible Napkin Rings for the Kid’s Table

That way, they won’t complain about being hungry before dinner. The secret? Use pre-made crescent or pizza dough baked into 4-inch rings.

Use Square and Rectangular Pans

This way, you’ll be able to fit more dishes in the oven—whether you’re cooking or just keeping things warm.

When In Doubt, Ask Guests to Bring Ice

You can never have enough. And when the refrigerator is full, ice buckets are a great way to keep drinks cold.

Save Easy Jobs for Early Birds

Chances are, at least one of your guests will arrive 30 minutes early. Rather than stressing about having everything ready, reserve a few simple tasks that people can help with, such as filling the breadbasket or pouring water.

Stock Up on Stain Busters

Yes, someone will spill red wine on a white shirt. For that, plus other guaranteed messes, stock cotton cloths, dish soap, white vinegar (for coffee stains), and pretreat sticks (like Tide to Go).

Use Dried Herbs

Just realized that you have store-bought dried basil in your pantry, but you’re lacking the “fresh sprigs of basil” your recipe requests? Don’t fret—and don’t run to the store. Instead, just use this substitution: 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for one tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Print Out the Turkey Time Chart

Just realized that you have store-bought dried basil in your pantry, but you’re lacking the “fresh sprigs of basil” your recipe requests? Don’t fret—and don’t run to the store. Instead, just use this substitution: 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for one tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Take Temperature Like a Pro

Our test kitchen warns: Don’t place your thermometer too close to the bone—it won’t read correctly. Instead, slide it into the thigh horizontally until it taps the bone and look for the magic number: 165° F.

Chill Wine Quickly

If guests arrive way too early (or you just need a glass after a long afternoon in the kitchen) try this trick for cooling your bottle fast: wrap it in a damp dishtowel or paper towel and stick it in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes.

We would like to take this time to wish you all a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

Not a Thing Wrong With Mac and Chesse! (comfort food for the fall).

October 20, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by George Deahl

Summer is slowly fading away, and of course with that the season changes, tilting the earth a bit further away from the sun, and bringing all the things that people like about fall. Football, cooler weather, and the changing of nature. That’s a few things, but what about food? Comfort food I’m talking about. This recipe is amazing and will be a great addition to any meal or football game side. Its Gouda Bacon Mac and Cheese, and this will comfort every bone in your body. Here is the recipe. Enjoy!

Gouda Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

yield: SERVES 10-12

prep time: 25 MINUTES

cook time: 25 MINUTES

Nothing says comfort food like homemade Macaroni and Cheese! The gouda adds a creamy tang while the baconadds a nice salty, smoked flavor! Try this at your next family dinner!

INGREDIENTS:

16oz elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
4 Tbsp butter
2 1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup flour
1 1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp worcestershire
1lb smoked gouda cheese, shredded
1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
5 slices bread (about 2cups crumbs)
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
DIRECTIONS:

Prepare macaroni according to package directions. Set aside.
In large pot, melt butter over medium high heat. Add skim milk and bring to near boiling. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle in flour. Whisk vigorously over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Mixture should be thick and boiling. Slowly add cream, while whisking. Add in salt, pepper, mustard and worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low and continue to stir for about 5 minutes.
In food processor, shred Gouda and Cheddar cheese. Add to pot, stir until thoroughly combined.
Add cooked macaroni to cheese mixture. Pour into a 13×9 dish.
In same food processor bowl (no need to wash it after shredding the cheese), process 5 slices of bread to a fine crumb. Add melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni. Top with crumbled bacon.
Bake uncovered in a 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.ENJOY!

Energy Saver and Effcient Programmable Thermostats

October 4, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by George Deahl

Do you remember when you were a kid and you went on vacation for a week with your family and when you came home the house was really hot, because your Dad turned the air off totally while you were gone. Those days are long gone of course because technology is all around us. We have had programmable thermostats for the home for many years now, but our techs still go to a house on a service call and see older, out of date stats that should be replaced.

Your thermostat is the brain of your heating and cooling system, your HVAC. The thermostat has an effect on the energy you use and the efficiency of your system, and if used properly will save your household money, using less electricity and gas with your HVAC.

Adam’s Air recommends a programmable stat in your home so you can control the temperature in the best way possible to save money on your monthly bill, and for the system to run the way it should and in an efficient way.

Examples of in home programmable thermostat:

We use the Honeywell Thermostats with most of the installations we do. Both of these work very well and can meet the expectations of what you need in heating and cooling your home.Programmable stats can be programmed to use less energy while no one is at home, and be able to start your heat or air before you get home so your house is comfortable when you arrive. There are also thermostats that you can purchase that you can control at home or by your smartphone, via an app you download.

Examples of smart phone thermostats:

These thermostats can be synced to your smartphone and you can control your HVAC from your phone practically anywhere in the world! The latest generation of these types of thermostats can learn your temperature habits and will build a schedule around yours and program your HVAC to work harder or less when needed. These marvels of the new age also changes programs with each season! And independent survey shows installing and using these sort of programmable thermostats can save families 10-12% of their heating bill and 15% of their cooling bill.

Interested? Give Adam’s Air a call for a quote on one of these fabulous thermostats today. Call us, 806-316-1103

Dirty and Moldy AC Coils

August 19, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by George Deahl

Clean coil Dirty Coil

We do live in a dry climate but inside your air conditioning system it’s totally different. Here is what happens. Cold gas is pumped through an air conditioner coil. A coil is made up of copper tubing with aluminum fins. The cold gas travels through the copper coil transmitting its low temperature to the aluminum fins, which are now chilled.

Return air from the house is filtered and blown through the air conditioner coil fins, which are chilled. The filtered return air is chilled by passing over, under, and around the chilled aluminum fins and copper tubing. The chilled fins condense the moisture out of the return air, much the same as a chilled glass of water. The moisture drips off the fins down to a collector or drip pan, where it is drained away as condensate wastewater.

If you don’t keep a good maintenance record on your HVAC it can and will get dirty, with dust, pet dander and more than likely mold. When your coil gets blocked up and covered with the above mentioned items, the system has to work harder and in time the coil will sometimes start collecting ice and stop doing its job, and usually it’s too late to repair, now you have to replace.Clean coil

We have to get to the source of the problem, and it is usually a few things,. Dirty equipment, a source where mold can live which is moisture, usually from the drain pan under your system, The excess moisture collected off the coil ends up in the drain pain. This will grow and develop mold, but calling Adam’s Air out to your home at least twice a year for a maintenance check can prevent this.

There are also products that will cut down on dirt and mold collecting and those are electronic air cleaners and a Bi-Polor system made by the local company, Air Oasis. These two products alone, along with HVAC maintenance twice a year from Adam’s Air will keep your HVAC system running easier, smoother and keep your energy bills lower in the long run. Call us today to let us take a look at your air conditioning and heater system today. It’s never too early to make sure your heater is ready to go.