Simple Things We Take For Granted

At 3:00 this morning I was lying in bed wishing I could go back to sleep when --- for some unknown reason --- I began thinking of all the products I take for granted, but which have made my life so much better. Most of us don't even think twice about the wonder of these things when we use them. Most of them are very simple and inexpensive. What are some products you think are simple and very useful in your life?

---Petroleum Jelly. Discovered in 1859, this balm has a multitude of practical uses, from cosmetics, skin moisturizing, and scores of other applications.

---Baking Soda. First produced in 1791, baking soda has many medical uses. In addition it is an effective fire retardant, odor absorber, cleansing agent, and has many personal hygiene applications.

---Aspirin. First prepared in 1853, aspirin has dozens of medical uses, including thr treatment of headaches, pain, and prevention of heart attacks and strokes.

---Crock Pot. Easy, slow, moist, thorough cooking of meats, vegetables, soups, etc. And can be left unattended all day long. If I didn't have Cindy, all that stands between me and starvation is this simple gadget.

---Dental Floss. Dentists say this simple thread saves more teeth than a toothbrush. Floss only those teeth you wish to keep.

---GPS Units. Say goodbye to maps. Program it and go.

---Cell Phones. Say goodbye to searching for a phone booth. You can even say goodbye to house phones and land lines. A Godsend in emergencies. Question: Can a woman drive a car without a cellphone stuck in her ear?

---Ice Makers. Say adios to the days of filling ice trays over and over.

---WORD Program on Computer. Do your work without the problems of correcting mistakes associated with typewriters or longhand.

---Blood Pressure Monitor. Stay at home and in 40 seconds you have an accurate reading. No doctor's office, no stethoscopes, no manual sphygmomanometers, no fire stations.

What are some of your simple, favorite things?