Q: Offer condolences through a card can make you feel even more at a loss for words than if you were standing in front of the person. But if you take the time to write a brief, thoughtful note, you’ll be helping a friend or close acquaintance in a time of need. Here are some basic things to keep in mind as you offer condolences through a card:  Don’t use the word “death” or “dead” - say something more tasteful, like “loss” or “passed away”. If you knew the person who passed away, you can write a brief memory or anecdote about that person—as long as it’s tasteful. Tell the person who suffered the loss that you’re thinking of him and that you are there to help. If you know that someone close to you has suffered the loss of a loved one, then you should communicate your condolences over the phone if that person lives far away. You should call that person to say you’re sorry and sound sincere and talk slowly. Give the person all of your attention over the phone and make sure you’re in a quiet place when you have some time to talk. Avoid offering condolences through text. If you have a very casual relationship with that person, and he texts you and mentions the loss, then you can say you’re very sorry through this method. But if you know the person suffered a loss and you’re close, take the time to make a phone call instead of initiating contact through texting, which could offend the person with its casual nature. Though it may feel strange to give your condolences on Facebook, people now often tell all of their Facebook friends that they’ve suffered the loss of a loved one. This puts you in an awkward position—if the person knows you’re on Facebook a lot and you and the person post on each other’s comments often, then you’re almost being rude by not responding. Here’s how to offer condolences on Facebook:  If you don’t have a close relationship with the person but do post on his wall or comments from time to time, then simply join the masses of other people who have posted something like, “I’m sorry for your loss.” If you’re a bit closer with the person but not close enough for a phone call, you can send the person a private message saying that you saw that the person lost a loved one and that you’re very sorry for the loss. Obviously, if someone has posted a status about losing someone and has even written some kind words about the person, do not “like” this status. Even if you just like the sentiment about the person who passed away, this may give the person the wrong message and can be deeply offensive.
A: Offer condolences through a card. Offer condolences over the phone. Offer condolences on Facebook.

Q: A weight tape is marked in pounds instead of inches. It's made of soft, strong cloth. A weight tape estimates a horse's weight by measuring it's heart girth. The weight tape is best used for occasions where you don't need an exact weight.  You can buy a weight tape from catalogs, but many feed dealers give them away for free. Tapes are an easy way to provide advertising for the dealer. Weight tapes are sometimes printed on both sides. One side will list pounds, the other side will list the number of "hands". This side isn't necessary for the purpose of weighing a horse. A weight tape provides a less accurate weight estimate than an ordinary tape measure. It may be as much as 100-200 pounds away from the horse's actual weight. If you need a more precise measurement, e.g. for a strong dewormer, consider using a tape measure instead. Make sure the horse's head is relaxed, and that you have your weight tape with you.  If the horse's head isn't relaxed, talk to him gently and wait until he relaxes. It's important that his head relax to get a more accurate weight. You should also be relaxed. Take several deep breaths, and center yourself before starting to measure the horse. Try to do this on a calm day, without much wind. Wind will make your task more difficult. Hold the tape end marked zero. Drape the weigh tape over the horse's back just behind his withers, or the small hump at the base of the neck.  If the tape gets twisted, your reading won't be accurate. Be careful to smooth it down with your hands if it twists. If your horse is young or easily spooked, having this tape draped across his back may provoke a nervous reaction. Stay calm, and stop moving the tape until the horse calms. You want the tape to be snug but not tight. Hold the tape beside the end of the tape in your hand (marked "zero").  It's usually easier to hold the "zero" end of the tape still next to the horse's body while you pull the measuring tape up over it. A helper can make this task a lot easier, especially if your horse is easily spooked. This is your horse's weight. For best results, repeat this process several times. Because your horse's body expands and contracts as he breathes, your measurement will be slightly different each time.   Make sure your thumbs or fingers aren't beneath the tape when you read the measurement. Weigh your horses regularly, to ensure best nutrition and health.
A: Ask your feed dealer for a weight tape. Stand your horse on level ground. Stand on the horse's left side. Reach under your horse's belly with your free hand and pull it gently towards you. Read the number on the tape where it meets the "zero" end.

Q: To make the ball, tear off a small piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around all 3 knots. You want the foil ball to be about the size of a marble.Wrap the aluminum foil tightly around the knots so the ball doesn’t fall off.
A:
Make an aluminum foil ball around the knots at the end of the thread.