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Inspect your home thoroughly and regularly to identify and correct prob- lems before they become emergencies. It will save you time, money and frustration in the long run. A nuisance problem like a dripping faucet is easy to spot, but many poten- tially serious problems can develop unnoticed until they result in major hazards, damage, expense or worry. Home repairs will be easier and more satisfying if you anticipate and plan for repair activities and materials required. It will also be easier to budget for the expensive remedies if they can be foreseen. Ifyou need serâ€" vice people, it will be cheaper for you and easier for them if you can specificâ€" ally describe the problem, its location and then plan ahead for their arrival. Ministry of Agriculture & Food home economists recommend a good household inspection should be done rvent emergencies at home systematically. at least once a year, covering the whole house. Plan specific time for inspection, dividing the areas of inspection into sections for different days. Some areas of the house are best done during certain seasons. The inspection could be a part ofthe regular seasonal cleaning or a reminder added to the calendar. After inspection. begin an organizâ€" ed program of repairs if needed. Obâ€" viously hazardous and serious pro- blems should not be left unattended. Regular maintenance and less critical repairs can be spread out over time. With this information you can make a plan of repairs and allocate your time and money more effectively. Rememâ€" ber some service peOple have busy seasons. and may not always be available when desired. so schedule early. To do a seasonal checkup you will Rhubarb is ripe for spring recipes The sweet tang of fresh Ontario field rhubarb is a welcome addition to any springtime meal. Enjoy it while it’s here, from early May to late June, suggest Ontario Ministry of Agricul~ ture and Food marketing specialists. Field rhubarb is easy to recognize by its thick, bright red stalks and dark green leaves. Choose firm stalks with a bright glossy appearance. For superb flavour and freshness use the rhubarb the same day you buy it. To store rhubarb. cut off the leaves and white stem ends, and wash in cold water. Place rhubarb in moistureâ€"proofcon- tainers or wrap and refrigerate. Plan to use within two or three days. Don't peel the skin because it provides the bright colour and helps the rhubarb re- tain its shape. Rhubarb freezes well, too. Prepare 14 the stalks as you would for refrigera- tor storage and cut them into one-inch pieces. Pack into freezer container or bags, label and freeze. Add sugar onâ€" ly if desired. Rhubarb adds a special tang to many desserts. Try it in pies, cobblers, puddings and upside-down cakes. It's also delicious when made into relishes, Jams, conserves and jellies. Rhubarb sauce is delicious to eat and easy to make. In a saucepan, just stew four cups washed rhubarb pieces with 1/2 cup water and about 3/4 cup honey or sugar. Cook until tender. In the oven, combine the same ingre- dients and bake in a covered dish for about 40 minutes in a moderate oven (180C or 350F). Leftover rhubarb sauce may be frozen for later use. need: a checklist, to insurea thorou 1 inspection; a flashlight, to see in d-c places; and, common tools and Sli . plies. For example, you can carry it you, in a pocket or apron, a can multipurpose machine lubricating l graphite tube, all-purpose white glv screwdrivers, pliers, and packet jack knife. Many small, annoyi problems or squeaks can be correct quickly and easily when they ; discovered during the inspection. Spring and fall are good times to most inspections. Some repairs m be needed after winter and high summer heat. Other repairs may necessary to prepare for winter a prevent further damage from C“ weather. 1 Spring is a good time to examinr â€" exterior surfaces for signs of wins damage. (Note: Freezing and thawi can be hard on mortar and roofin Some repair materials are not effecti in freezing temperatures.) â€" gutters and downspouts; â€" caulking; â€" concrete and mortar; â€" storm windows and repair scree. before installing, if necessary; â€" furnace and cooling system. Fall is a good time to examine: â€" weatherproofing, weatherstrippii and caulking; â€" screens and repair storm Windov- before installing, if necessary; â€" heating system (if not done earlier and replace filters; â€" roof drains and gutters for clog ging, after all leaves fall; â€" water lines for potential freezing. (Note: Shut off and drain waterline in outdoor or unheated areas.) â€" all exterior areas.