Yes folks, it seems only yesterday that hurricane Ike was abusing us like a 2000 pound steer whuppin’ up on a rodeo cowboy. You can run, but you can’t hide. It’s still the tail end of May and already there’s a “disturbance” out in the Atlantic. Does this mean a hurricane?

Probably not this early, but it may become a tropical storm. And they can still kick some serious gluteus maximus. What does this tell us? Just that it’s time to get ready. Here are a few things to do this early in the hurricane season:

Get the plywood and hurricane clips for your windows now. Don’t be one of those folks standing in line at Home Depot at Landfall - 1 and counting down. Spend that time actually battening down the hatches. If you don’t want to cut and install it yourself at the last minute, call around now and lock in a commitment with a handyman. To find a reliable one, use Angie’s List where thousands of consumers share their ratings on the local contractors and service companies they hire.

Beef up the cupboard with canned goods and drinking water. My approach? Every time I go to the local Kroger’s grocery store, I pick up a few tins for my survivalist stash. Every now and then a case of bottled water. Have enough of each for a minimum of two weeks.

Stock up on ammo now. I’m not joking. I’m big on second amendment rights because looters are too. It doesn’t help to plead Obama platitudes to them while they’re shaking down your family. Ammo has been scarce lately, but I did score a thousand rounds of 9mm yesterday.

Need an emergency generator? Strictly speaking, no. But if you can afford one, this is the way to go.

Keep your vehicle gas tank topped off. Don’t wait; make it a practice to fill up when you get to 3/4 full. Not only will this help your fuel economy, it will keep you from sitting in line if your area gets emergency evacuation orders.

Buy a camp stove and plenty of fuel. During a power outage, a warm meal is a luxury.

Batteries, flashlights, and candles. This one needs no explanation.

You should already have the basic makings of an emergency first aid kit. If not, make it happen.

These are just a few of the things to take care of now. Forewarned is forearmed. ‘Nuff said.

Everyone seems to want granite kitchen countertops; they’re mighty trendy just now. But the rub is that unemployment has folks running scared and they just don’t want to drop the cash.

But plastic laminate (usually known by the brand name Formica) has really improved over the years and some of the patterns really resemble natural stone. Why not update those old countertops, or even a bathroom vanity with a Formica resurfacing?

This project can easily be done over a weekend for about $200 worth of materials in most cases. You can find a remodeling contractor through Angie’s List or do it yourself and save even more by doing away with the labor cost.

Tools? Not a terribly long list. You’ll need a router with a carbide bit. For cutting the plastic sheet, you can get away with a Skil saw.

My first experience with installing plastic laminate was when I built a receptionist’s desk at a chiropractor’s office. It was fairly labor intensive because it incorporated desk space, an elevated counter for patients to sign in, and a long attached credenza for files, printer, etc.

This is really a project where you have to proceed carefully; contact cement is serious stuff; no do-overs. The good thing is that you can do a professional looking job with no experience, so long as you’re handy.

Just buy high-quality material. I’d go for Formica or Wilsonart.

So, whatcha wainting for?

I’ve really been enjoying the past couple of months, temperature-wise. At night time it has been ranging from 38 degrees F (3.3 C) to 55 F (12.7 C). What’s that mean? Comfortable sleeping and not spending money running the central air conditioner or heater.

Appliance Part Number

I do love saving money. But to be honest, I know the sweltering days of summer are grinding up from the tropics to bite me in the butt.

That means running the AC 24/7 at some point. Here in South Texas, that turns into one big electricity bill. Have you ever wondered how air conditioners work? It’s not as mysterious as it may seem. And it’s important to know.

Why? Even though we champion all things DIY here, there are some things with home cooling systems that you must hold an HVAC license for, like purchasing or recovering refrigerant (freon or puron). Don’t put yourself in the position of a homeowner that gets talked into extra services just because the serviceman talks you into it. Educate thyself.

You need to have a serviceman hook his HVAC gauges to your system annually to be sure it’s energy efficient; spring is the best time for this, before the heat sets in.

Be sure to use a reliable one. Angie’s List - Where thousands of consumers share their ratings on the local contractors and service companies they hire. Learn more.

You might not use an AC; if you live in an arid area, you need an evaporative cooler, or a swamp cooler as it’s affectionately known. They add humidity into the air rather than remove it.

Or perhaps a portable air conditioner works for you. I used one a few years ago when I had an office that was on the end of a very long duct trunk line. No matter how the ductwork balancing was done, I got nothing! Portable unit to the rescue!

No matter which way you go, stay cool, stool!