Helping at home:

~ Fix up the deck or patio. It's a great time to power wash and add some fall planters!

~ Thoroughly clean out the grill after your Labor Day cook out.

~ Install energy-efficient light bulbs throughout your house.

~ Upgrade and update your yard. Perfect time for planting shrubs, roses and bulbs!

~ Clean out the garage. Have a tag sale or keep it simple and donate your items.

Helping others:

Mary Ellen and I have family and friends in Houston. Thankfully, they are all okay. Our hearts go out to the tens of thousands of people and animals whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Harvey. If you want to do something to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, click the photo for information with links to legitimate relief organizations.