Tag: daylight savings time

A Snowy Start to March

A Snowy Start to March

It has been a while since my last post and yes, I’m still here! There has been an overwhelming amount of activity to take care of lately: skiing lessons, more doctor appointments for the baby, keeping up with the homeschooling, preparing my children to participate 

Time and Taxes

I have been enjoying the sunshine streaming in my windows each morning as I wake and sadly, this weekend that may go away. It’s daylight saving time this weekend. Time to turn those clocks forward one hour tomorrow night and start Sunday morning one hour 

Three Reminders

There is so much change and busy-ness afoot lately that I wanted to remind my U.S. readers of the following upcoming calendar items.

"Clock from the 'Haouse under the star' museum." Photo by Kaja Kozłowska. From the Flickr Creative Commons.

Daylight Savings Time
This weekend is the change to Daylight Savings Time. Set your clock back one hour beginning Sunday, November 6 at 2 a.m. (Yay! More sleep for everyone!) Those with small children will probably have an adjustment period for several weeks. My sympathies. Generally, it is recommended that you change your smoke alarm batteries and furnace filters at this time as well.

"Election Day 2009 (Boston)." Photo by Chris Hartman. From the Flickr Creative Commons.

Election Day
This coming Tuesday, November 8 is Election Day. Note that in some places (like Virginia) there has been some recent redistricting so make sure you double-check where your polling place is, when the polls are open and which candidates and issues you are voting for. Based on my own informal testing, your best bet is to Google your applicable state board of elections website for the most accurate information. If you live in Virginia, for example, you can find out where to vote here and what is on your local ballot, here.

Flu Shots
Finally, November marks the start of flu season. If you have not had a flu shot yet, it is a good weekend to get one. It can take up to two weeks after you have the shot to develop immunity so better to start as soon as possible. This year’s flu shot is identical to last year’s flu strains. I got my shot in September and aside from a little muscle soreness at the injection site did not experience any side effects. Two of my children received the live nasal drops version of the vaccine and also had no ill effects. Locally, the cost for a flu shot is running about $25 and many people can request reimbursement from their health insurer. This year, nearly every chain pharmacy and many chain stores are offering flu shot clinics or walk-in shots. We just got this nifty coupon in the mail from Target for a $5 Target gift card with flu shot so you might check your mailbox. On behalf of all those who can’t get flu shots, (like my son who is too young) I thank you for helping keep all of us healthy and safe.

Have a great weekend!

November Preview

It is the beginning of a new month and a new time system as well. With the start of Daylight Savings Time this weekend, we now run an hour “behind” where we were last week. I have always been a fan of the “fall back”