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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Our Family Get-Togethers Are Very Casual
The holiday season is officially in full swing! Andrea and I went to the supermarket recently, and we couldn’t believe all the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other seasonal decorations on the shelves: wreaths, seasonal welcome signs, pumpkins, trees, and elves. They were even playing holiday music!
and oranges in a food processor, along with sugar and walnuts. Delicious! She passed her recipe along to me and this special dish still graces our holiday table most years.
Is it worth making two cranberry recipes as well as having a third option at the ready when there are so few of us to eat them? It’s always too difficult to decide! On Christmas Day, we also have a delicious meal, of course, but the menu varies—sometimes we have turkey, sometimes ham or beef. But I think one unique tradition we have is to eat lasagna on Christmas Eve. I know what you’re thinking: “Jim, lasagna is not a seasonal dish!” My father was Italian, so eating some form of pasta was normal for us. Although serving seven fishes on Christmas Eve is really the Italian tradition, it is definitely NOT in our house because seafood is not for me! How did we land on the tradition of eating lasagna on Christmas Eve? I can’t remember the reason behind it. I just know I always look forward to the meal, which is unique and special to my family. Do you and your family serve up anything special or unique for the holidays? Are there any games or traditions that have created lasting memories for your family? I would love to hear from you!
As shoppers filled their carts with festive decor and their children pointed at items they wanted, I wondered what they planned to do with all the decorations they purchased. What traditions do they have? Do they do anything out of the ordinary? For our family, the holidays are very relaxed. We simply enjoy getting the family together and spending quality time with one another. For both Thanksgiving and Christmas, Andrea’s parents and my son, Nick, and daughter- in-law, Carly, will share a special meal. The typical holiday dishes are usually on the menu. For Thanksgiving, we will have turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and stuffing. As I think about the food on the dinner table, the cranberry
sauce stands out only because there is always a debate about which cranberries to serve. We always have the traditional whole-berry, cooked kind made on the stove top, but we also like having a can of jellied cranberries on hand for sandwiches the following day.
If you need emergency repairs during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, please allow us to serve you! We’re available to handle emergencies 24/7, even during the holidays, so don’t hesitate to call us. And, while it’s not required, recipe sharing is always appreciated. You never know what might become yet another family tradition!
Many years ago, I visited a customer’s home to look at their HVAC system, and an older woman answered the door. Her home smelled so good because she was cooking something delicious! When she apologized for the delay because she was busy in the kitchen, she told me she was making cranberry relish. Her recipe was so different from others I had tried. It entailed pulsing fresh cranberries, apples,
Happy holidays, everyone!
Jim Serra
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You Keep
THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHY DOGS AND HUMANS CAN'T RESIST LEAF PILES
Irresistible Seasonal Scents Our sense of smell doesn’t even come
Whether it’s your boisterous toddler or rowdy pup, a perfect pile of autumn leaves might be too good to resist! You probably remember the days when you also jumped into a crunchy orange leaf pile without a second thought. But why do humans and dogs love jumping into huge piles of leaves? The main (and most obvious) answer is because it’s fun! For kids, dogs, and even some adults, jumping and rolling around in the fall leaves is a satisfying form of play that releases energy. While this may be the simple reason for humans, there are a few more reasons your canine companion can’t resist a tower of leaves. Instinct to Dig Digging is a dog’s favorite pastime that dates back to their wolf ancestors. Just as natural as sniffing and barking, digging is an ingrained behavior for dogs, and they want to follow their instincts the moment they see a leaf pile. Whether they’re digging in to rest in the cool leaves or demolishing the pile entirely, your dog is just doing what dogs have always done.
close to dogs’ incredible scent skills. While we have 5 million scent receptors, dogs have anywhere between 125–300 million! This means they can smell countless other scents we can’t, and autumn may bring some exciting aromas your dog hasn’t experienced in a while. The result? They’ll dive right into a leaf pile and get sniffing! Marking Territory We already know dogs use their scents to mark territory, and rolling in a beloved pile of leaves is a way to infuse their scent. After diving head first into some leaves, they leave their scent behind so other animals can smell them and know that the leaf pile has already been claimed! Whatever the case, jumping into a pile of leaves is completely normal — and fun! — for both humans and dogs. Just be sure to check yourself and Fido for ticks afterward!
THE POWER OF LIFELONG LEARNING How We Aim to Provide the Best Service Possible
One of the best ways to hone your skills is by continuing your education. Additionally, learning in a group setting allows you to connect with like-minded people who can provide a fresh perspective and even assist you along your journey. Within the HVAC industry, new techniques, technologies, and trends are always appearing on the market. To deliver the best service possible and ensure your HVAC systems work efficiently, reliably,
At the time of writing, we are heading to conferences in Austin and then Denver, where we will learn more about trends in the industry, equipment innovations and improvements, and how to tackle trickier issues you sometimes experience with your systems. We also attend sessions that allow us to focus on business methods and strategies so our Aire Serv team can continue to provide great service — or improve in areas where we need to do a little better.
content is available in this format — you can find a podcast for practically every topic! Another great way to enhance your learning is by reading. Many books can provide jumping points for whatever subject you choose to pursue. (Jim’s an avid consumer of both podcasts and books in all formats!) Whatever you enjoy doing in your free time, or if there’s a subject you are eager to learn more about, we encourage you to use all the resources at your disposal. We are grateful for all the ways you, our customers, push our whole team to keep learning and growing!
and safely, and to provide you with relevant and up-to-date information, we must continue to learn! That’s why we regularly attend conferences and other trainings.
We encourage everyone on our team to continue learning and improving. Last month, a group of our technicians traveled to one of our key vendor’s facilities where they received classroom and hands-on training. Want to learn something new? Listening to various podcasts is a great first step. So much
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ur Winter HVAC Startup Guide p Your Home Toasty This Season
Before you know it, the temperature outside will be freezing. You’ll be snuggling underneath fleece blankets, and it will be time to turn up the heat. But is your HVAC system ready for it? Turning your heat on before the temperature drops too low is essential. Using your heat as needed during a milder time of year can help identify if there are any unusual noises or smells that need to be addressed before the really cold weather sets in, minimizing the potential for frozen water pipes and ensuring you’ll be warm all winter long without missing a beat! What should you check before switching your heat on? First and foremost, you want to clear the area around the furnace, removing any chemicals or paint cans that may be nearby. If your system runs on oil or propane, be sure you have enough fuel. When was the last time you replaced the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
Test them to be sure they’re working. Check your outside vents to ensure the exhausts and intakes are not blocked or impeded in any way This is also a great time to change your filters and make sure they aren’t clogged with dust and pet hair. Are there other ways to ensure your home stays warm? Besides regular maintenance and tuneups on your HVAC system, you might also consider how well your home is insulated. There are a few things you can check to determine if your home needs more insulation — the first being your energy bills. If your expenses skyrocket during the colder months, your heat (and money) might be going out the window. And speaking of windows, check for drafts near your windows and doors. If you feel cool air seeping through, it’s time to upgrade. Pay attention to inconsistent temperatures in the rooms throughout your home. If one room is colder than another, that could be a sign. Touch the walls, floors, and ceilings. If insulation isn’t the problem, these surfaces should be warm to the touch — drywall or paneling that feels damp or cold is also a warning sign.
Before we enter a winter wonderland, get your HVAC system ready. Give us a call today to schedule your annual maintenance!
Just like Grandma made! TASTY APPLE PIE
Can You Find the Van? We have hidden a tiny van somewhere in this newsletter! Can you find it? If so, send your name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and where in the newsletter you spotted the van to Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, 392 Masten Rd., Pleasant Valley, NY 12569, or email us at office@aireservmidhudson.com . One entry will be drawn at random from all correct entries received. The winner will be contacted by phone or email and announced in the next newsletter. Prize will be mailed to the winner. Limit one entry per household. Last issue’s winner is Mary P. of Pleasant Valley. Congratulations, Mary!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 9-inch unbaked pie crusts • 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples • 1 tsp cinnamon DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Place 1 pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 2 tbsp butter, cut into pea-sized pieces
3. In a large bowl, combine apples, cinnamon, sugar, and flour. 4. Spoon mixture into the pastry-lined pie plate and dot with butter. 5. Cut remaining crust into 1/2-inch-wide strips, then arrange strips in a lattice design over top of pie. 6. Trim, seal, and flute edges. 7. Bake for 35 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
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392 Masten Rd. | Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
My Family Eats Lasagna on Christmas Eve! INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 Explore the Instinctual Call of Crisp Autumn Leaf Piles We’re Always Continuing Our Education
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Is Your Home Ready for Winter? Tasty Apple Pie
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Pack These 4 Items for the Best In-Flight Experience
ELEVATE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Unconventional Items to Pack on Your Next Flight
When preparing for your flight, it’s essential to pack the basics, such as clothing, medications, toiletries, and your travel documents. However, there are some surprising and often overlooked items that can greatly enhance your flying experience. These unexpected additions in your carry-on can make your air travel experience more comfortable, enjoyable, and stress-free. Electrolytes Flying is dehydrating! Because airplane cabins are kept at a lower humidity level, your body dehydrates quicker than normal. To help keep your body hydrated without a dozen trips to the bathroom over the course of your flight, pack some electrolyte packets to mix into your water. Speaking of water, pack an empty water bottle with you, and
after passing through security, you can fill it up at a water fountain!
deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs, reducing discomfort and circulation complications. Portable Charger While you may have remembered to pack your plug-in phone charger, bringing along a portable charger and power bank is a lifesaver! Sometimes, finding an available charging station in a crowded airport can be tricky. But having a backup power source on the plane makes it possible to keep your devices charged throughout your journey! When packing for your next flight, don’t forget to include these trip-saving items in your carry-on for a more pleasant travel experience — you’ll be glad you did!
Noise-Canceling Headphones Flights can be noisy. You can never predict crying babies, loud talkers, or hyper kids traveling alongside you. Noise-canceling headphones can provide a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the airplane. They block out ambient noise and allow you to relax, listen to music, or enjoy in-flight entertainment without any distractions. Compression Socks Wearing compression socks on an airplane is crucial for maintaining healthy circulation during long flights. Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to blood pooling in your legs, causing swelling, poor circulation, and even
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