Michael Petruccelli asks; Here is another way to achieve normalcy..Family fun...How to can peaches?

Michael Petruccelli says;  I was going to do this piecemeal in a few blogs but decided it might be best to give the recipe & instructions all at once....INGREDIENTS - 6 one quart canning jars with rings and self seal lids, 11 pounds of ripe peaches, 1 package of ascorbic or citric acid, 2 quarts unsweetened apple or white grape juice. HOW TO - Step One- Sterilize canning jars and ring by simmering them in hot water for at least 10 minutes, until ready to use. Have the lids nearby. Step Two -I n another saucepan, dip fruit into boiling water for 30-60 seconds, until the skins loosen. Dip quickly into cold water and slip off skins. Cut peaches in half, remove the pits and slice. Mix the ascorbic or citric acid with water according the package directions & coat the peach slices to prevent darkening. Step Three - Pack peaches slices in jars, almost to the top. Step Four - Bring the apple or white grape juice to a boil and ladle it over the peaches, leaving 1/2 inch of head-space. Step Five - Adjust lids and process in a boiling - water canner, with jars covered by 2 inches of boiling water, for 20-25 minutes. Remove jars from canner and allow to cool for 12 hours. Step Six - Unscrew metal rings to make sure the lids are sealed. (Each lid should be indented in the center.) Store in a cool, dry, dark place for no longer than one year. Note- Write the date canned on a piece of masking tape or file folder label & adhere to jar or lid.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Can I become a home-buyer even if I have I've had bad credit, and don't have much for a down-payment?

Michael Petruccelli says; You may be a good candidate for one of the Federal mortgage programs Start by contacting one of the HUD-funded housing counseling agencies that can help you sort through your options. Also, contact your local government to see if there are any local home-buying programs that might work for you. Look in the blue pages of your phone directory for your local office of housing and community development or, if you can't find it, contact your mayor's office or your county executive's office.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are "HUD homes," and are they a good deal?

Michael Petruccelli says;  HUD homes can be a very good deal. When someone with a HUD insured mortgage can't meet the payments, the lender forecloses on the home; HUD pays the lender what is owed; and HUD takes ownership of the home. Then we sell it at market value as quickly as possible. Read all about buying a HUD home. Check our listings of HUD homes and homes being sold by other federal agencies.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How long will it take after a hurricane to get back to normal?

Michael Petruccelli says; after the storm, it's time to assess the damage. keep your battery operated radio close for news reports about damage and road closures, power outages and emergency  instructions. With three to seven days of uncertainty, depending on the storm, you'll need to rely upon what you've stored for food, water & medications and entertainment. If the county is hit with a Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane, it could be weeks or months before life gets back to normal.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Can you share a few safety tips for after the storm & during the recovery phase.

Michael Petruccelli says; Generator safety 101...Home generators provide limited power during a prolonged power outage. Use them to keep a refrigerator cold, run a fan, recharge your cell phone(s) or operate a microwave oven. Generators can make storm recovery more comfortable, but they can also harm or kill if not used correctly. Some generator dangers are Carbon Monoxide (CO) Hazard. a colorless, odorless gas, produced from burning fuel, that is deadly even in small amounts. Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows or vents.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you keep the children calm after the storm?

Michael Petruccelli says; Keep in mind - family is always the most important thing, always! Try to keep the routine & schedule you had before the storm. It helps give everyone a sense of normalcy. Always think before you speak about the damage or heart ship you are experiencing when with in a ears reach of the children. You don't want them to be any more traumatized by this event that what has already transpired. Play, laugh and have fun with what you have. Play tag to burn off some of that pent up anxiety & energy. Help others in the neighborhood, to help create a sense of community. This way they see that what has happened has happened to everybody, not just them. Always reassure them you are there for them.