I have a Mac, but assume this would work on a MS system as well. I keep two documents called MISC open at the bottom of my computer. One is a word processing document and the other is a draw program document. (I use the free Libre Office suite.) Whenever I have a long email I first compose it in Word and then copy and paste. It's also handy when I post the same reply in many places on Facebook. The drawing program is handy when I want to copy and paste an image from the web. Amd either is also handy for copying and pasting text from the web, as well. I also can relate to spending considerable time composing an email only to lose it. Not fun!

If you want a hidden door, you can do a type of frame and panel wainscot on the wall with the layout lines set to match the size, or a multiple of the size, of your intended cabinet door(s). I'll use Soss hinges, which are hidden inside the edges of the door and frame. Then invisible touch hinges to operate. Press the door, it pops open. Push to close and it latches. Hinges and latches are all unseen. The outlines of the doors can be hidden by the lines and overlaps of the trim within the design of the wainscot. The design can be basic or fancy. You can get the same effect with the options mentioned; the wall decals, etc, but on a fully flat wall you'll see the outline of the doors. Best, Mongo

A lot depends on for what events/contingencies you're preparing. Some of the list is humorous. "Big dogs"? Kind of goes with goats & chickens? Liquor for bribes! And seeds? Probably should include an alternate mate to repopulate the world! LOL Ease up folks, some of it clearly was for entertainment purposes. But there are basic items I can't excuse people for not having in stock. If you don't have a supply of batteries in your refrigerator drawer, purchased when free or cheap, you deserve to suffer during a power outage. Again I endorse the crank flashlights/radios (until analog radio is turned off of course). I would suggest going with propane for lantern and stove fuel rather than the white gas ("Coleman" type) fuels. That stuff is explosive. If you doubt it, take a tablespoon and throw it on a campfire sometime. But be back a ways when you do it. A 20# propane tank can have splitters on it to run multiple lanterns and a stove, even a heater, much more safely than the white gas. Heavy garbage bags make excellent makeshift raingear. And don't forget about firestarters. If you're talking emergency situations, I'd suggest waterproof matches. Make your own by dipping the wooden matches in paraffin wax. Firestarters are many different kinds. Save some dryer lint. Works great. Keep it in a coffee can. Dip some cotton string in paraffin wax. Some books of matches waterproofed (with? yes, paraffin) works too and even the end pieces from candles you use in the house at holidays. A hatchet is a good idea to keep handy too. Essentially, camping fans will do fine in a lot of emergencies. Other cooking sources are your propane grill, kettle grill if you have charcoal and starters. A good alternative to thermal underwear is sweatpants and shirts. Even southerners often have these. Depending on the clothes sizes you can put a pair under and over a pair of jeans. Or the flannel lounging pants under and sweats over them. A few cans of waterproofing spray like Scotchguard will help keep them and you dry. Another little camping tip. Oh, and instead of a dedicated toilet, a portable toilet is made easily from a 5 gal pail, seat if you want to get fancy or even a folding camp stool or a lawn chair! A camp shovel and squat will work too. And if truly an emergency, modesty goes out the window. Fasten the toilet seat to the 5 gal pail and you won't have to argue about who left the seat up! :) Wire clothes hangers can be versitile tools. Use them to make your own lantern hangers, repairs, tie things together, and you can even hang clothes! (To dry and more.) Can also be used as a weapon to beat off people trying to steal your rats, chickens, goats and big dogs! ;) Personally, I think I would use duct tape instead of stockpiling screen patching but the idea of all of these suggestions is to get you thinking. I really think that doing some research on camping tips and tricks would be of great benefit to a lot of people. I live a rather modest life, austere to the view of many. But when the power was out for a week here the last time, I survived quite well. Comfortably under the circumstances and even had some luxuries that many others didn't. I had tv, radio, light, food, water, telephone... Not a huge disaster compared to some, but being prepared not just with supplies, but also in a state of mind. My last suggestion. On these ideas, why not put together a 3 ring binder or something with lists of what to do in certain situations? For instance, power outage, turn off as many breakers as you can, the crank flashlights are located in the hall closet, 1st aid tips, important phone numbers, insurance info, etc. Even ideas for food, crackers & PB (sans-salmonella, eat first from the frig, etc.) and how about including notes like check on the handicapped neighbor, your elderly relatives, etc. Could be helpful. Even though I disagree with some of the ideas, I do like these lists minnie_tx. Keep 'em coming. I like going through them and see how they compare to my checklists and I get ideas from most all of them. I appreciate your efforts.

Patti - you might be able to use the Scanner and Camera wizard. I cannot get that to work with mine, but I don't hook my camera up like most people do. When your camera is hooked up - select the Scanner and camera wizard (mine is under accessories) and see if you camera is listed. Follow the wizard to d/l your pics. I have added a link for the HP Photosmart Essentials download. It is free - and I believe it is the new format of the HP Zone. Hopefully it will be very similar to what you are used to working with. Service Pack 3 Windows XP update may have installed itself on your computer. I am wondering if that is why you are getting the .Net error - they might not be compatible anymore? It is a good thing to keep up with the Microsoft updates, but I know lots of people have had "issues" with Service Pack 3. It takes a while to get the bugs ironed out. Here is a link that might be useful: HP Photo software download