Funny Pictures:: More Bad Parenting 2/20/11

It is always a good idea to teach a kid the value of money but this is going a tad bit too far! A Bonita Springs woman is accused of skipping out on a restaurant bill, leaving her 12-year-old daughter behind and then calling the Sheriff’s Office to say her daughter was kidnapped.

Melissa Ashley Graham, 38, of the 28000 block of Vermillion Lane, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor/causing a minor to become needy and with obstruction of a criminal investigation/filing a false report about a missing person.

According to Lee County Sheriff’s Office reports:

Deputies were called to Bonefish Grill, 26381 U.S. 41 South in Bonita Springs, about a woman who didn’t pay her bill and left her daughter behind.

Matthew McNeff, the restaurant manager, told deputies the girl told him her mother was outside.

They walked outside and found Graham in her car. Graham said she left a credit card on the table to pay the bill. He told Graham the card wasn’t on the table and he needed another form of payment.

The mother said she was with someone named Pagellis and that person would get the money. The girl said they were not with a person named Pagellis, which is the name of a restaurant. The mother then left the parking lot.

Deputies spoke with the girl, who said Graham had ordered dinner and a bottle of wine and drank two or three glasses. Her mother then “began to act weird, spit out her bread on the table and shoved her food across the table” and told the girl to “get a box.” The mother left and the girl waited for her return.

Graham called her daughter on a cellular telephone, asked where she was and then disconnected the call. Deputies attempted to call Graham back, but she did not answer.

About an hour later, Graham called 911 and said her daughter was abducted from the restaurant by two Hispanic or dark-colored men, about 20 to 30 years old, driving a light colored or cream sedan.

At first Graham declined to speak with detectives, but changed her mind and gave a statement. The Florida Department of Children and Family Services took custody of the girl.

Graham claims she is an attorney, but a search of the Florida Bar Association website did not find a person by that name.  Just another wack-job if you ask me.

Household Energy Efficiency 2/20/11

Is it winter again already? I don''t know about you but I''m certainly noticing the colder weather! Due to rising energy costs this winter is sure to cost us more than ever in home heating expenses. While these tips aren''t groundbreaking I''m sure they will be helpful for those that have never been responsible for heating bills before. 

Plastic Window Wrap 
If you rent an apartment, or otherwise can''t afford to undertake larger projects, then window wrap might be just the project for you. Basically, windows are sealed under a plastic film to reduce the flow of cold air from a window into a room. This cold air could flow directly through cracks or simply from the window pane itself via convection. 

Heavy Curtains 
If your windows are too large to wrap, or if you aren''t willing to look out of your windows through a thin plastic film, then perhaps you could put up some heavy curtains. These will reduce the flow of cool or cold air from a window fixture into the rest of the room. You can open the curtains during the day to enjoy the view and close them at night while you sleep. 

Dress for the Season 
No, I am not talking about when you go outside. In the summer season it is common to lounge around your home wearing shorts and a t-shirt. While this may be a comfortable habit you should work towards wearing pants and long sleeved shirts. Track pants and a sweater are certainly suitable if you aren''t expecting company. Keeping your home a little cooler can save a lot in heating costs. Of course, it goes without saying, but get out the heavier bedding as well. 

Humidity Management 
Have you ever noticed that you feel hotter on a humid summer day? Sure you have. Well, this is true year round. If you don''t let your house get too dry in the winter you may be more comfortable at lower temperatures. Use a cool water humidifier for maximum safety and energy efficiency. 

Screen Doors 
On many homes you''ll see defective screen doors. Windows may be cracked, corners may be gone or perhaps the whole door is missing. Perhaps it is just heavy summer use, but these doors often seem to be abused, especially in areas populated by students. Fix up the screen door, make sure it closes properly, and fix any holes, cracks or leaks. 

Seal Cracked Caulking 
We don''t often inspect the outside of our homes. However, while we may easily spot cracked and peeling paint, window caulking is something we may overlook. Cracks in caulking can allow hot air to escape and cold air to enter your home. Before it is too late in the season take a look at your windows and see if you are due for some minor repairs. 

Adding Insulation 
This is a big ticket item. If your home does not have adequate insulation then you should consider adding insulating to your attic or exterior walls. See if your utility provider offers free home assessments. They can measure how much heat is being lost and identify how much you can save on heating costs. 

Conclusion 
While some of these projects are more complex and more expensive than others they are all worthwhile. However, if you don''t own your home or don''t plan to live there for a long period of time, then it may not make sense to invest in all of these solutions. If you do own your own home you''ll find that rising energy costs make it quite easy to get your money back over time.

The frugal guy wites for the Frugal Living blog. Drop by and read other frugality advice.