In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Dirt should be slightly sloped away from the house so that water will travel away from the perimeter rather than pool up against the outer walls. Don’t allow wet leaves or other debris to pile up against the exterior walls of your home.  Pooling water can seep into the home and cause mold to grow inside the house. If your driveway is showing signs of mold, consider removing trees or shrubbery that are blocking sunlight on your driveway. Mold thrives in damp and shady areas. Sump pumps should discharge water at least twenty feet from your home. Your gutters should expel water at least six feet away from the exterior walls. If your gutters are releasing water too close to the home, install gutter extenders. Make sure none of your outside hose spots are dripping. Examine the perimeter of the building for any potential water dripping or seepage. If there are any leaks – for example in your piping or roof – repair them. Insulate your roof, exterior walls, windows and pipes to cut down on moisture that forms condensation. If your mold problem is indoors, increase the ventilation to prevent warm and stagnant air where mold can thrive. Make sure large appliances are vented, such as your washer and dryer. Make sure kitchens and bathrooms are well ventilated. Run air conditioners and dehumidifiers as needed. Seal the concrete with water-proofing chemicals. Seal any cracks in the concrete walkway around your home with concrete, caulking or tar. If you plan to paint concrete walls, use a waterproof sealant first, then apply stain-blocking primer and paint. For outdoors, try a high quality acrylic sealer made for exterior use. If your weather tends to be warm and humid, look for a low-solids solvent-based sealer. Choose dry, sunny weather and allow the sealer to dry for at least two to three days.
Summary: Check the land for sloping and debris. Examine how water is discharged outside. Check for water seepage. Stop interior leaks and condensation. Reduce the humidity indoors. Waterproof the concrete.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: This may be difficult if you have just started dating each other, but if you have been seeing each other for a while, then you may already be comfortable with them. Keeping in touch with his family gives you another source of information, but more importantly, it gives you access to a support system of people who understand how you feel.  They might be hurting just like you or could be struggling with similar feelings. You all may benefit from relying on each other a little and supporting each other during this difficult time. You may encounter some difficulty in getting information about your sailor from the Navy, if you are not married. Therefore, sticking close to his family can be a good source of information that you may not have easy access to yet. The group of people who are most likely to really understand what you are going though are other Navy girlfriends. Find an online community or a local community; if it is available where you live. As you make contacts and make friends, utilize these new friends for support. They may have some advice, or are having the same worries and fears you are. You'll find that these friends will be your greatest asset.  If you don't know where to start, try social media such as the US Navy's Loved Ones Facebook page. There are also nonprofit groups such as Give an Hour.  Connect to other girlfriends or significant others through your sailor's shipmates. As much as your sailor will be on your mind, you want to make sure you continue to live your life as well. Try not to sit around waiting for a call or email. Keeping busy by finding a hobby, sport, or work task will help you to do something active to ease your stress and anxiety instead.  Learn something new, like a language or a musical instrument. Pick up a new sport or fitness activity, like running or rock climbing. Spend some time with friends, playing games, going to the movies, or just hanging out. It may feel like there is a whole lot of "hurry up and wait" happening with your sailor and his schedule. Try and be patient with the Navy as well as your sailor because he is probably feeling  frustrated by the same things you are. Exercising patience will help with your relationship as well as increase your happiness. Be particularly patient with the following:  Leave. Taking leave is a process that takes time and takes getting approval. So if you are some of the lucky few that can plan a vacation or a trip, it may take a little longer than you'd like to get everything planned and everyone on board. Mail may take longer to get to your sailor than you would like. Especially if he is on a ship, as you can imagine getting mail to him takes longer than regular mail. If they are overseas it could take up to a few months. Keep this in mind with care packages or mail. Remember that there are going to be times when you are frustrated and sad. Avoid the impulse to hide that from your sailor. It is important for your relationship that you are both open and honest with each other. It can be scary to discuss things like doubts and fears, but maybe they are feeling it too, and you'll feel better for talking about it. There are good ways to communicate how you feel and not so great ways, use these suggestions to help you.  Try to avoid blaming him. Instead of saying, “I'm mad because you never write me back!” try saying, “I'm really frustrated with our situation and schedules. I just wish I could talk to you or hear from you more.” Use “I” statements when you are talking about how you feel. “I feel like we are drifting apart, or we are not as connected as before.” Acknowledge the difficulty of the situation. “I know this sucks for the both of us, and there's probably nothing we can do about it. I just think it is important you know how I'm feeling.” It can be hard when you are working on a relationship long distance. Issues of jealousy, trust, and commitment may pop up on both sides. Avoid this potential negative long distance relationship downfall by discussing your feelings with your sailor, and talking about your commitment to each other and the relationship regularly. You might feel really lonely sometimes while your significant other is away. This is a normal reaction to your situation, but it is important to find ways to ease your loneliness.  Make sure that you spend time with friends and family. Do not isolate yourself from people. Try to plan some regular outings with people every week to keep yourself connected. If you are invited to an event where a lot of couples will be present, then you might consider bringing a friend along as a “date” to help you feel less lonely. For example, you could ask another Navy girlfriend to be your plus on at a wedding.
Summary: Keep in touch with his family. Find a community to connect to. Keep busy. Be patient. Communicate how you are feeling. Stay committed and faithful. Find ways to cope with loneliness.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Place the flour and baking soda in a bowl. Whisk until they are fully combined. Place the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a bowl and beat until the ingredients are incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. Pour the flour mixture into the bowl of wet ingredients. Use a long-handled spoon to stir the batter until you can no longer see the specks of white flour. Use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to place even amounts of cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Space them an inch or two apart to allow the cookies room to spread. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to press the cookies flat. This will give the cookies a sweet, crunchy finish. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 15 minutes, or until the tops turn slightly golden. Remove them from the oven and place them on a cooling rack or a plate. Let them cool for a minute or two before eating. Sugar cookies are fun to decorate with glaze or icing. Add sprinkles or edible glitter to make them look festive.
Summary:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix the dry ingredients. Cream the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Drop the cookies onto a baking sheet. Flatten the cookies. Sprinkle the cookies with sugar. Bake the cookies. Let the cookies cool. Decorate the cookies.