6 . Down comforters (羽绒被) are frightening pieces to wash. They’re huge, expensive and filled with delicate material.     1    .

Start with a spot treatment. If you’re washing your comforter because it’s dirty, spot-treat it first. Most food and dirt spots should respond to regular washing agent. But for old or tough spots, soak the area and leave it overnight. Whichever remover (去污剂) you choose, please remember: “    2    ”. Usually, this will involve spraying them, twisting and rubbing to push the spot treatment into the fabric.

Wash it at least twice.     3    . Then load your comforter into the washing machine, and run it through a delicate cycle with cold or warm water. Wash it a second time on a quick cycle to clean from the down inside. If your comforter seems a little tight in your washing machine, and you’re not positive it had enough room to move around and expose every gap to the second wash cycle, an additional wash could help.

Dry it well. Thoroughly drying your comforter helps ensure the down inside stays fluffy (蓬松的). You don’t want to cook the down with high heat and damage it, though.     4     and remove it from the dryer throughout the cycle (every 20 minutes or so) to redistribute and fluff the down fill.

    5    . A good cleaning every few years will help your comforter last a long time, but you’ll still want to refresh a deflated comforter between washes. Use the dryer for about an hour every three to four weeks to kill dust mites and dry out any moisture. Low heat is ideal. To address dust mites, use high heat for 20 minutes and then lower the heat for the rest of the cycle.

7 . Quite often my mother would _________ me to set the family table with the “good china.” Because this _________ with such frequency, I never _________ these occasions. I assumed it was just my mother’s desire.

One evening as I was setting the table, Marge, a neighbor woman, _________ unexpectedly. She _________ on the door, and mother, busy at the stove, invited her to come in. Marge entered the kitchen and, _________ at the beautifully set table, remarked, “Oh, I see you’re expecting _________. I’ll come back another time.”

“No, it’s all right,” replied my mother. “We’re not expecting company.”

“Well then,” said Marge with a(n) _________ look on her face, “why would you have the good china out?”

“Because,” my mom answered, “I’ve prepared my family’s favorite meal. If you _________ your best table for special guests when you prepare a meal, why not for your own __________?”

“Well yes, but your beautiful china will get chips,” responded Marge.

“Oh well,” said Mom __________, “a few chips in the china is a small __________ to pay for the way we always feel as we gather as a family at the dinner table. Besides, all these chips have a story to tell, now don’t they?”

Mom walked to the cupboard and __________ a plate. Holding it up she said, “See this chip? This plate was broken the day we brought our newborn son home. Trying to be __________, my six-year-old daughter dropped that plate as she carried it to the sink. I’ll never forget that day.”

We all laughed. At that moment, I knew for sure that the china held for mother a number of love __________ about our family.

8 . NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon

Join us on Sunday, April 28, 2024, for the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon! Starting in North Brooklyn, the route offers stunning waterfront views and passes under the historic Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges. Experience the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, from Fulton Street & Flatbush Avenue to the grandeur of Grand Army Plaza, and finish in Prospect Park.

Registration:

Fees for NYCRUNS members are $135 if registered by December 13th. Non-members pay $150. Register early to secure your spot in this unforgettable race! NYCRUNS members can enjoy a $10 discount on the registration fee. Additionally, up to 50% of the race fee can be covered using Race Credit.

Amenities:

NYCRUNS is known for putting on running events of the highest quality. After the race, celebrate your achievement with the official race shirt and an incredible medal with pride! When you finish, enjoy fresh Brooklyn bagels, NYS apples and more!

Awards:

Top finishers in various age groups will be recognized. Prize money will only be awarded to athletes who complete the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon in a gun time faster than the qualifying time. Athletes may be subject to drug testing to ensure a fair and equal field.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Non-profits interested in group volunteering, please contact us.

Transportation:

Public transportation recommended.

Closest stations: L train to Bedford Avenue, G train to Metropolitan Avenue.

Register today and be a part of this unforgettable Brooklyn experience!