The Grizwald Vacation

In spirit of dad stories, I'm writing about our last family vacation growing up.  My tone in this story is sarcastic, in my true emotion at18. Because I aged about five good years during this vacation. Yet I wouldn't take it back for anything you could give me for it. :)

The picture here is my dad, Tommy LaMaster, at the Grand Canyon. 

It's much nicer from the top of the canyon.  TRUST ME.  

Dad had this Grizwald Vacation idea, where we would tour the west for two weeks- the Hoover Dam, Vegas, Grand Canyon, Hollywood.  So, we fly in for $69 bucks a person to Vegas. We drive over to start at the Hoover Dam for a day then next on the list is to the Canyon.  Dad not being much of a planner thinks you can just walk up and rent a mule for the day...sadly to find you have to book them months in advance. Insisting to make this trip memorable, dad talks us into hiking to the bottom. On our feet. "Its only like 5 miles to the bottom" he says. Mom immediately despises the idea and says she's staying back with Cheri LaMaster (5) and Gina LaMaster (9).  Of course, the little sisters were upset they couldn't go with us... so we promised we would video it for them to show what they didn't miss.

We see the warning signs and tired people walking up, but don't really pay any attention because you know they don't really apply to us. I mean it's only "like five miles" to the bottom and I'm a cross country runner, plus we're young. Here is a picture of us before we started the hike. We are pretending to be hot and dying. Ha ha - we are funny. 

So off we were - it's me, Gary (19), Cindi (14), dad (40 something) - packed with the "necessities" for a quick easy hike and one night camp out at the bottom at the ever famous Phantom Ranch.  We have sleeping bags, tents, clothes, toiletries, cans of food, water, all packed in our back packs.  For the first three or so miles we video and pretend it was totally lame and boring and that we wished we hadn't hiked because it was so hot and long.... just so my little sisters would feel they were glad they did not come. Walking along moving out of the way of the mules, every time a new tour came through.  You had to push your self up to the side of the slim trail's canyon wall and let them pass - it was the mule rule. Stupid mules. 

Then we get to the five mile point...to find its only the half way point!  "Oh its not that much further" dad says... 

SIX. GRUELING. TREACHEROUS. HOURS. IN THE JUNE DESSERT HEAT later... We are so hot and tired. We are like literally dying....
Then it gets even better --- WE RUN OUT OF WATER. Of course, its all dad's fault.  I was so mad, but since I was dying of heat exhaustion I couldn't even yell at him.  I'm going to die of heat exhaustion. 

Now we get to the flat part of the Canyon, where the Colorado River runs through the Canyon. There is a huge sign warning not to attempt to swim, drink the water or camp.  There are literally guided raging rapid float trip boaters hanging on for dear life in their canoes flying past us. Dad's going to make up for it somehow.

Somehow, in our packed necessities is this long rope, probably part of a tent. Dad starts to tie this rope around his waist.  One at a time we tie the other end around us and we each wade into the river.  These floaters are looking at us like we are totally nuts, partly because we were at that point, we were in survival mode.  The water was ice cold, and it's 105 degrees that day, so immediately our muscles cramp up.  Every single muscle.  Dad!!!  There are two more miles left - AND NO CAMPING ALOUD HERE the sign says.  We fill our bottles with the dirty water and drink and drink..... and carry on to Phantom Ranch.

Next we are at the bridge to cross the Colorado river to get to our camp. I'm dragging my legs at this point, so mad, so tired, so dying. I'm dying. Can't even find anything to pick on my sister for, I'm that so dying. This long metal bridge should have been scary and looked really cool and exciting, but it wasn't, because I was that dying. "But, the Phantom Ranch is going to be so worth it, there is food there, there are cabins we can rent and air conditioning" dad says.  OK so at this point he would make up for it and rent a cabin.  We'll live.  Keep hiking. 

TWO ARID EXTRA EXTRA DRY DESERTS LATER we finally arrive at the Phantom Ranch. We immediately run up to the little restaurant because it is way past dinner time. At this point we are starving and thirsty.  Really we are more like extremely dehydrated and delusional. We probably should've gotten checked out and put on IV bags to replenish our fluids. All these happy mule riding people are finishing up their full course meals - steak, salad, potatoes, soup, rolls. They are clearing out ready to go relax in their comfy cabins and explore the ranch.  Yea! Now, move mule people, make room for us - we are hung-arrry. Hangry hungry.

The menu has all this grear stuff, it's like $50 a person, but it's so worth it. Because it's our last supper and it's all that matters. I'm going to eat a steak at this point and I don't even eat meat. Medium well. Some A1 sauce. Hell's yeah, give Chelle a steak!  The waitress comes over to take our order. We start reciting our requests so relieved we are alive.  She stares at us mid-order, with a little bit of concern and a tad of enjoyment in her hidden smile, and interrupts us with, "I'm soooo sorry. We just ran out of steak... and potatoes... and rolls...and soup. We do have bagels and apples."  Bagels and apples!?  Are you being serious at all right now? That is our last supper.  And, you don't even have cream cheese!? 

The mood at this point goes from extreme exhaustion to complete anger.  My sunburned, chapped lips are pressing so hard, my lips are numbing, my teeth are gritting and I'm flaring my nostril.  I'm staring at my dad, he's avoiding my glare. I'm questioning his decision making skills. How could you think this was going to be remotely enjoyable, or safe. What were you thinking?!  How did they ever even release me home from the hospital with you?

Now what is left? It's way dark, we are dying, it's hot.  Let's go find the camp ranger because someone is going to get us out of here. We are NOT walking back to the top. Cindi and I walk up to the ranger's cabin, with it's big swamp cooler running, and knock on the door.  They open it and we both are crying and I ask in desperation "how much for a helicopter to get us out of here?"  The ranger silently laughs and says we don't do that.  Only in dire emergencies, if someone CAN'T get back to the top.  "But we CAN'T get to the top, pullleeassee?!"  

We walk away devastated.  We will make it so we CAN'T get out of here somehow. I'll break your leg! No you break my leg. We CAN'T get out of here alive. 

This picture - It's the "We have to walk back to the top tomorrow and what the *&^% was my dad thinking" face picture. The "I'm so mad at you for talking me into this %&^*+^& hike, that I don't even want to ask anyone to include me in this picture" picture.  "We are GOING to die tomorrow".

...TO BE CONTINUED.

Coverage Explained - The Overlooked Comprehensive Coverage

When it comes to auto insurance it seems as though most folks think there are only two options - full coverage or liability only. There is actually a third, in between, option known as comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive is quite the jewel of the coverage bundles, providing coverage for many frequently occuring perils for your vehicle! This coverage is often removed without any thought when a client decides their vehicle is no longer worthy of needing collision coverage. They simply move straight past this overlooked middle option, when choosing to go to liability only.  Another good point, this coverage typically costs considerably less than Collision coverage and can help keep a vehicle qualified in preferred tier.

Comprehensive – Also referred to as "Other than Collision" or "Comp", provides coverage for just about anything to your vehicle, except an accident/collision while driving or mechanical failure.  An auto policy can provide comprehensive coverage, atop the liability, for any named vehicle. It is not necessary to carry collision or "full coverage" to carry comprehensive coverage.  Comprehensive covers:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Fire
• Glass damage (such as a broken windshield)
• Damage sustained from hitting an animal or bird
• Damage from falling objects or missiles
• Damage sustained due to severe weather or natural disaster -- such as wind storm, hail, hurricane, tornado, etc.

Collision – this provides coverage to repair or replace your vehicle damaged in a car accident that was your fault. It specifically deals with accidents that occur while the insured person is driving and/or applies to the insured person's vehicle. Damage done to others' property is covered by auto liability insurance. Damage or loss caused by other factors, like theft, vandalism, or weather are covered by auto comprehensive insurance.  An auto policy cannot provide collision coverage without also having comprehensive coverage for the named vehicle.

·  Full Coverage – this term typically refers to an auto policy having both comprehensive and collision coverages, atop the liability and PIP/medical coverages.

Michelle Ferrigno, Insurance Agent
Cell: 502.643.4124
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For Fun: Pick Your Personality Style

Pick A Door To Determine Your Personality Style

The choices you make in life say a lot about your personality. The World Class Seminars blog released a test that asks you to choose a door most appealing to you. This might reveal a few things about yourself.

#1 – You are a fun individual that likes to keep things light and airy. You are all about nurturing others and appreciating the simple luxuries in life; such as your fine dishware, favorite candle or eating artisan bread from the local bakery. You most likely have a love for traveling and other cultures. You truly want the best for everyone and love creating a welcoming atmosphere. It is important to remember that if you ever feel that you need help or support, it is OK to just ask someone.

#2- You are clean and simple and don't like any frills. You might strive to have a clean and perfect existence; but is it totally worth it? Don't you feel that there is something missing? You are all about your personal achievements and you take pride in your work or career. Although you might be on track with your career path or have a few diplomas/ certificates on your wall, you need to spend more time on developing yourself as a person. Remember… the real you. Life is all about creating balance, surrounding yourself with color and creating memorable adventures. If you are finding that you have been taking the safe road lately, try veering off the beaten path. You might surprise yourself!

#3 – It is obvious you are a quirky individual and very interesting to the people that you let into your life. You are good at many things… a "Jack or Jill of all trades". You are an artistic individual that expresses yourself in many ways. You can make something out of anything and are not a stranger to your local thrift shop. You can basically make vintage "new" again. It is easy to get stuck inside the house or inside your urban bubble; but remember that you have to get out and connect with nature. It is time to come down out of the clouds and get grounded!

#4 – You are an old soul that can be slightly dramatic. You are a very artistic person that loves to express yourself through writing, music, art or some kind of expression. You are a dichotomy; for you can be very open and friendly, yet closed and deeply private. You often have your guard up, keeping your thoughts and troubles to yourself. Although you might think that nobody will truly understand you, if you allow yourself to open up and share your feelings, you will feel so much better. Deep down you are not aright with any imperfections and you feel the need to come across as "the rock" in any group situation. Know that people are willing to share their feelings with you and want you to share your feelings with them.

#5 – It is very important for you to fit in and feel as though you are a major contributor in every situation. You always have things going on, for being productive is what makes you feel at ease. Your busy-ness can sometimes cause the need for you to become more aware of what is really going on around you. What does your body want you to be doing? It is alright to relax on a Monday and simply just BE. Feel free to take some time to figure out what you really love to do. Possibly try some new hobbies or activities that are out of your normal routine. Explore being you, even if that means relaxing. Life is not just about how many muffins you can make in a single batch or how many fit-it jobs you can do in one day.

#6 – You are a confident person with an eye for detail. You can come across as someone who is all together and exciting; yet you are just YOU on the inside. You care about your appearance and how the world sees you, yet the inside your home or car is probably a total mess! Your personality can be self destructive, for you could turn against yourself when the going gets tough. The life of a person who is a living a total contradiction… has got to be a difficult one. Remember to breathe and just relax. Life is not just about pleasing others. Truth is, the world isn't always watching… Take time to reflect on who you truly want to be? What is it that you truly want to do?

#7 – You are a simple minimalist that always has important things to do. You care for others and find your time anything but your own. You surround yourself with meaningful things, for you are very sentimental. Family and friends are very important to you and you would do anything for them. Not putting yourself first has made your life a safe and complacent one. What is it that can enrich your life today? What will make your life more colorful and enjoyable? Even though life gives you labels such as a mother, father, wife, husband, teacher, manager, etc; remember that your life is still YOUR life. Take a moment to decide what you want your future to look like. It is perfectly acceptable to want wonderful things to happen to you. Carpe Diem.

#8 – Your fun and playful personality keeps you young and youthful. Although you are easy going, you tend to have lower self-confidence and anxiety about specific things in your life. You are usually unorganized; yet don't even know where to start to help yourself to fix the messy problem. You are a proud individual but you need to learn to love yourself more. You need to take the time to find yourself through self expression. How are you currently expressing yourself to the world? Remember that there are people around you that can help you, but you need to let them know you are willing to receive help. Life is easier when you let people in.

#9 – You are a quirky person that is always making things work. You are an amazing problem solver that prides yourself on your thrifty living. You like to live an uncomplicated life and usually get by with the basics. Why would you need anything else? You are very easy to please and love doing things for others. Whether it be fixing your neighbors toilet, building a bird house for your mother out of reclaimed wood or helping your friend find a great living room set at the thrift shop; you are always there to lend a hand. Remember that life is special. It is OK to treat yourself to amazing things. You are special too!

#10 – You are one who truly appreciates stability and wholeness. You are a reliable person that takes pride in their love of quality and detail. Some might say "cookie cutter", but you say dependable! You always know what you are getting because you have checked the consumer reports. You love safety and security in all parts of your life. You prefer not to have anything frivolous or extra, if you can't see the use for it. Chances are you have some sort of creative side that you have curbed in some way. You might love scrap-booking, music or art; yet would never try to make it your career. You feel your problems are your own and nobody needs to be burdened with them. Just keep in mind that exposing your true self to the world (or your neighbors) is not a crime. We are all human.

Michelle Ferrigno, Insurance Agent
LOGAN LAVELLE HUNT
michellef@LLHins.com | 502.643.4124 | www.llhins.com/quote
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Quiz via http://blog.worldclassseminars.net/personality-test-which-door-would-you-walk-through/

Photo source: World Class Seminars

THE GUARDIAN (a Memorial Poem)

THE GUARDIAN

As I sit here thinking of you, I think of all you've missed. 

 How one moment you were here, then suddenly added to God's list. 

How times have changed, how people have grown,
how life didn't stop, just kept moving on. 

Thirteen years of birthday parties, weddings, funerals and the Derbys. 

The birth of four more girls, but now as your grand babies. 

All the memories you couldn't attend 

The lives you couldn't touch because of your end. 

The days that were sad when you were not there.

They seem to get easier for us to bare. 

I think of the times I wish to take back or relive again 

 When I took them for granted thinking your company would have no end. 

Every May sneaks up on me, I don't keep track of the date. 

Hoping I just forget the dreaded day of your destined fate. 

 But each year it still comes and goes so quickly 

That before I know it, it's here again, still making me feel sickly. 

 Taking me back to the day when I saw your burned hand 

Hoping and pleading the nightmare would end. 

Praying and believing God would take your pain 

I stared out the window, hoping strength you'd gain. 

Not realizing He would answer our prayers 

He took your hands and lead you upstairs. 

Away from the hurt, the worry the sadness 

Now to look upon us, with a new found gladness. 

 The part that still hurts is knowing my girls 

 Got jipped of their chance to know the man with the curls. 

But on that day when my babies almost drowned 

I screamed for help and no one was around. 

Except for their angel who lifted me from my feet 

To into the water, pulling them from their baby seats. 

Breaths of life and tears of such fear 

The water coming out and me holding them near. 

On the ride home from the hospital I remembered the date. 

Oh, it was YOU that helped save their fate! 

That was your purpose to hold tight their hands, 

So they were not taken too soon to His land. 

Though you are not with us in body or sound, 

Your spirit still lives with us, always around. 

Still seeing the births, the parties, the holidays. 

Alive in our stories, recipes and things you'd say. 

 In the questions they ask about their Grandpa Tommy 

Even though they see it hurts their mommy. 

You stay alive through our little kids 

And when we see you in their curly lids. 

Your spirit and memory may fade with times 

But the lives you have touched and leaving your dimes 

We'll never forget that feeling you left 

Remaining so strong until your last breath. 

So though I am sad to have missed you grow old, 

What would have happened if you didn't go? 

Your grand babies are here and doing very well 

Its thanks to you Dad that we still have our Lina and Belle! 

So just keep watching over and holding us tight. 

 And keep coming to us in our dreams at night. 

 Keep taking Lina to the beach to collect shells 

And give long warm hugs to our Meia and Belle. 

Then invite Kaylee to your mechanical glass home 

with the lights on the fence and the bear rug in your throne. 

Oh and then make plans for another bundle of joy 

You finally get to experience having a boy! 

As we see sun rays and rainbows and catch falling dimes. 

It makes us remember all of the times 

Of when you were here and now where you are 

We always know you are never very far. 

 Though you're not with us and they'll never meet 

In our dreams and our hearts you will always be. 

"DADDY, PLEASE GUIDE US THROUGH LIFE. 

WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW." 

Dedicated to Tommy LaMaster 9/6/55 - 5/28/02

Written by Michelle Ferrigno 5/28/15

Michelle's Loaded Beef Stew

I am not a good cook... but when I whip up a meal that my entire family goes for seconds, I know it's a good recipe!  Took me ten minutes or less to prepare and makes my house smell delicious while it's cooking!  After having tried several beef stew recipes and never finding one that hit the spot, I began mixing ingredients from a few different recipes. So, I guess it deserves it's own name... 

Michelle's Loaded Beef Stew

• Prep
  10 m
• Cook
  1 hr 40 m
• Ready In
  Under 2 h

Ingredients

• 2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cubes beef bouillon OR 4 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
•  Salt to taste

• 6-8 small red potatoes, cubed with skins
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons corn starch OR 4 tablespoons Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 12 oz. bag mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans)

Directions

1. In a large pot, cook beef in oil over medium heat until brown. Dissolve beef bouillon/bullion base in water and pour into pot. Stir in rosemary, parsley, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 40 minutes.
2. Stir in the potatoes and onion into the pot. Dissolve cornstarch/ seasoned flour in 1/2 cup cold water and stir into stew. Cover and simmer 40 minutes more.
3. Finally add bag of mixed vegetables and simmer for 30 additional minutes. Serve and Enjoy!!

Michelle Ferrigno, Insurance Agent
LOGAN LAVELLE HUNT 
Cell: 502.643.4124  |  Office: 502.499.6880 
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April Showers Bring... May Flowers, Monsoons, Flooding, Hail and Storm Damage

Spring rains bring beautiful flowers, greenery and growth of nature.  However, storms can also bring excess water, wind and hail resulting in ugly consequences.  Below is advice on what to if you suffer from the adverse affects of Mother Nature.

BEFORE SUBMITTING AN INSURANCE CLAIM, GET A PROFESSIONAL OPINION.  Before contacting your insurance carrier, get a professional to assess the situation. Or even better, get two. Having a professional, unbiased opinion will help you to be informed of issues you may have encountered and they can typically work as an advocate with your adjuster if you do decide filing a claim is necessary.  Also keep in mind, once you submit a claim, it's on your claims history, which follows you like your credit history.  This is regardless if the adjuster finds damage and pays $10,000 or denies and pays $0 for no damage. A claim is a claim is a claim.  Unfortunately, zero dollar payout claims also count as claims frequency, which will result in loss of claims free discounts, make it difficult to fit in a preferred market, causing unnecessary increases to your rates and problems for your insurance future.

CONFIRM AND CONSIDER YOUR  DEDUCTIBLE VS THE TOTAL LOSS.  Now days, most homeowners insurance policies in Kentucky and Indiana have a separate (and typically higher) deductible for wind/hail losses than for standard losses. From what I've noticed with most carriers,  the wind/hail deductible ranges from $1,000 to 5% of home's value. Unfortunately, over the last couple years,  some insurance carriers slipped the deductible change in at the policy renewals, unnoticed by the policyholder... until a wind/hail claim occurs.  When considering filing a claim, include deductibles in the scenario. Also, keep the aspect in mind that insurance is intended to help one recover from a substantial financial hardship,  putting you back where you were before the loss. Insurance is not designed to maintain a property, put an insured 'ahead' or to pay out small/minor losses.  Zero pay out and small losses accrue the same upfront costs for adjusting the claim and therefore result in a claim ding on your insurance history. 

BELIEVE YOU HAVE STORM DAMAGE TO YOUR ROOF, SIDING, GUTTERS, WINDOWS? 

1. BEWARE OF STORM CHASERS.     In March and April 2012 the storm chasers and start-up companies poured into the heavy hit areas of KY and IN, and they are again out today.  Regardless of what carrier you utilize, take precautions, check the BBB for their rating and SOS for their establishment date. Storm chasers might eat your deductible (which is insurance fraud), however they also offer "tail-light" warranties, which are basically valid until the storm clean up is over and they drive away in search of the next storm town. 
2. LOOK FOR A REPUTABLE, LOCAL ROOFING AND EXTERIORS COMPANY.   Going local not only supports and strengthens the local economy, it provides you a barrier of protection knowing the business' established date and their reputation with clients, the BBB and trade associations.  I personally endorse a few locally owned and operated, trustworthy roofing and exterior companies. Each of these companies stand behind their work with warranties, and specialize in residential and commercial roofing and exterior work, such as windows, gutters and siding. 
   

DO YOU HAVE WATER DAMAGE FROM FLOODING OR WATER SEWER BACKUP?

1. THE HOMEOWNERS (HO-3) INSURANCE POLICY EXCLUDES LOSSES RESULTING FROM FLOOD.  There is no way around it - flood insurance policies are a completely different type of insurance policy than a homeowners (HO-3) insurance policy. Flood insurance is federally regulated and though it can be purchased from many standard carriers, the costs and coverages are exactly the same.  Unfortunately, most people do not carry flood insurance because it is expensive, limited in coverage and is not required to be carried by their mortgage company unless the property resides in a flood zone. A flood certificate is required to obtain a flood quote, which is available for a charge from MSD or your sewer provider.  There  a handful of carriers such as AIG, PURE and CHUBB that provide limited flood coverage in their high value homeowners policies. For more information about those carriers check with your insurance professional. 
2. WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A FLOOD?   According to FEMA the definition of flooding is:   A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of 2 or more acres of normally dry land area or of 2 or more properties (at least 1 of which is the policyholder's property) from:
• Overflow of inland or tidal waters; or
• Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or
• Mudflow;or
• Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.
3. WHAT IS WATER BACK-UP AND SUMP DISCHARGE OR OVERFLOW COVERAGE?   


• Water Back-up and Sump Discharge coverage is excluded on the standard Homeowners (HO-3) insurance policy in KY in IN. However, this coverage is available to be added on to the HO-3 policy by endorsement, for an additional cost. As an insurance agent professional, my recommendation is to always carry this coverage endorsement add-on, regardless if you have a basement, crawl space or slab, and even if you carry the local Sewer Districts coverage offered on your water or sewage bill.
• Water Back-up and Sump Discharge or Overflow coverage is available by endorsement to the homeowners policy.  This endorsement add-on will provide $5,000 (as a starting limit, which can be increased to higher limits) of coverage for back up through a sewer or drain or overflow or discharge of a sump, sump pump or related equipment, even if the equipment suffers a mechanical breakdown. For example, the sump pump motor burns out and the basement floods; there is $5,000 of coverage for that damage. The coverage is for water or waterborne material, so coverage is provided for damage caused by items floating in the water. This coverage does not, however, increase the limits of liability for coverages A, B, C, or D in the homeowners’ policy. This takes the problem of defining back-up or overflow out of the equation of certain losses, since the endorsement provides the coverage that is excluded in the main policy itself.  
4. LOOKING FOR A REPUTABLE, LOCAL WATER RESTORATION COMPANY RECOMMENDATION?     I personally recommend a few companies that are locally owned and operated, maintain an A rating with the BBB and have been around for many years. LLH has done business with these companies.
• Black Diamond Louisville (502) 585-1919 Jeffersonville (812) 944-0453
• Emergency Restoration (502) 968-0926
• Purofirst (502) 244-1510
• Precision Dry (502) 212-2096
• Servpro (502) 897-3608
• Kings-Quality (812)944-4347

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Seriously, Stop refrigerating these foods...

Interesting article.  I've refrigerated nearly all of these.

Article By: Christopher Snow 

If you're like a lot of folks on the internet, you're probably tired of people, governments, and disembodied voices telling you what to do. And to be fair, a lot of the things you shouldn't put in your icebox are pretty self-evident.

You shouldn't refrigerate pants (but should freeze them). You shouldn't refrigerate a live mongoose. You probably shouldn't refrigerate other refrigerators, because that's wasteful.

But you know what? Since this list is potentially infinite, I guess we'll save time and restrict ourselves to the foods many people think they should be refrigerating, but really don't need to. Yes, that will be better.

Definitely Don't Refrigerate...

There are some foods that are actively made worse by refrigeration. These are the items you should absolutely keep away from cold.

---

[Credit: Flickr user "Buzz Hoffman"]

Potatoes

Refrigeration causes the starch in potatoes to turn to sugar, and while this might sound like a good thing, it gives them the wrong flavor. The skins will also darken prematurely while cooking, making them look less appetizing.

Onions

Here's a weird one. You don't have to refrigerate onions, but you do need to keep them physically separated from the potatoes. Spuds emit moisture and gases that will make your onions rot. Your best bet is to keep onions in the mesh bag they came in—they like air circulation.

Garlic

Again, air circulation is key. Garlic bulbs will keep for two months without refrigeration, and if you keep them out of the damp air of the fridge you'll avoid making all your other nearby produce smell like garlic. Some even say that refrigeration will make garlic sprout prematurely.

Avocado

Is there anything more delicious and healthy than a ripe avocado? Avocado won't ripen in cold conditions, so unless you need them to keep for awhile, you should let yours live outside the refrigerator until they're ready to eat. There's a popular legend suggesting the presence of the pit prevents browning, so if you only use half of an avocado, be sure to reserve the side with the pit.

Tomatoes

Cold breaks down the cell walls in tomato flesh and causes them to become mushy and mealy. For better results, store them at room temperature and keep them out of direct sunlight, which can ripen them early and unevenly.

Bananas

"I'm Chiquita banana and I've come to say, bananas have to ripen in a certain way." So went the original Chiquita commercial from the 1940s. Now, we're not saying you should go and buy Chiquita brand bananas, but their refrigeration advice is solid.

Allow bananas to ripen at room temperature, and use your refrigerator when you want to slow the ripening process. Just be aware that refrigeration also happens to turn banana peels brown (though the interior is still unspoiled). Frozen bananas also make a great ice cream replacement for dieters.

Melon

[Credit: Flickr user "el_finco"]

Fresh melon—uncut, we should specify—is best stored on the kitchen counter where it can properly ripen and sweeten. Only after you cut up your cantaloupe (or whatever) into bite-sized bits should the flesh be refrigerated (but never frozen).

Stone Fruits

Peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, cherries, and so on should be ripened at room temperature, stem-end down. Only after the fruits start softening slightly to the touch and begin to smell sweet should they be moved to the refrigerator. Shelf life is three to five days after that.

Bread

Try to eat your bread before it gets to the point where you need to chill it to stave off mold, because if you end up refrigerating, the loaf will get tough and less tasty. For this reason, a lot of people freeze bread. Freezing preserves the texture, but then you have to deal with defrosting it. And who's got the the time to microwave a slice of bread when they're rushing to catch a train in the morning?

Pastries

[Credit: Flickr user "QuintanaRoo"]

It's the same story with cookies and pastry. You can store them covered outside the fridge, and it's true they won't last quite as long, but refrigeration causes baked goods to go stale faster. Keep your cannolis on the countertop where they belong.

Hot Sauce

Not all hot sauces are created equal, but if it's a vinegar-based hot sauce like Tabasco, you can almost always safely store it in the pantry for months on end. Cold weakens the flavor and changes the viscosity of the sauce, affecting the pour.

Spices

Once again the humid environment of a refrigerator is detrimental to the flavor of spices, and since most can be safely stored for years without refrigeration, there's no benefit to cold storage at all.

Honey

Ugh. My family refrigerates honey and I'll never understand why. Honey is one of the world's earliest preservatives. It has a practically indefinite shelf life, and we've heard tales of archaeologists uncovering ancient Egyptian tombs with edible honey inside.

Don't refrigerate honey. It'll crystallize, and you'll have to squeeze that stupid teddy bear even harder to get it out.

Peanut Butter

All-natural peanut butter does have to be refrigerated, because the peanut oil can rise, separate from the mash, and go rancid. Commercially processed peanut butter, on the other hand (like JIF and Skippy), can be stored for months without issue—even if the jar's been opened already. But really, who can't eat a jar of peanut butter in a month? It's delicious, and good for you, too.

Oils

Nut oils (like hazelnut oil, mmm...) must be refrigerated, but for other types of oil you're in the clear. Oils will become cloudy and harden when refrigerated, and while this doesn't do lasting damage, you'll need to wait for the oil to warm before it tastes right or flows properly again.

Maybe Don't Refrigerate...

These are hotly contested. We've heard some pretty convincing stories of people storing these items at home without refrigeration, but you might want to keep them cool just in case.

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Apples

Everybody stores apples in the fruit drawer, but that's not entirely necessary. More importantly, it could reduce the amount of antioxidants in the fruit's skin. Apples will keep for about a week outside the fridge, and depending on the variety they might last a bit longer inside—but whether the tradeoffs are worth it is up to you.

Coffee

Go ahead and refrigerate your leftover iced coffee from lunch, but coffee beans and grounds should really be stored more carefully. Condensation created by the fridge or freezer can affect the flavor of the beans, and sensitive palates can detect the difference. For best results, store beans or grounds in an airtight container outside the refrigerator instead.

Eggs

Certain organic eggs may be left out for a few days, as long as the shell is intact, but we're not sure why you'd want to bother. You'll get much better longevity out of a properly refrigerated egg, and there's nothing smellier than a rotten one.

[Credit: Wikimedia Commons, "James Sloss"]

Butter

Personally, I keep butter in a French butter dish, which holds butter upside down and inside an air pocket underwater. The water creates an airtight seal, while the butter remains easily spreadable at room temperature. The USDA doesn't really advise this, but it's working out fine so far.

Condiments

Again, despite the "Refrigerate After Opening" labels, you really don't have to refrigerate processed condiments like ketchup and mustard. They'll do fine right there on the kitchen table, just like the ones left beside the menus at the local diner.

Salad Dressings

Some people refrigerate salad dressings, some don't. Since most dressings are oil-based, and we've already established oil's longevity outside the fridge, they should be fine. Salad dressings that aren't oil-based are usually made of processed goop, and those are dense with preservatives anyway. Use your best judgment, of course.

Soy Sauce

The "Refrigerate After Opening" warning on that bottle of Kikkoman is only there because they're required to write it by law. The truth is, all the salt in the sauce is going to keep the stuff safe for months without refrigeration.