Problem: Article: Using a small handsaw, cut about a half inch to an inch (1.3cm-2.5cm) off the bottom to aid water absorption. Note: It is recommended that you don't cut the base at an angle, in a V-shape or drill a hole in the base. None of these methods help water absorption and they may make it more difficult to hold the tree safely in the stand. DO NOT cut the tree with a reciprocating saw or any blade that moves so fast that it will create friction. If the cut gets hot enough, the sap in the tree will seal the end and make water absorption impossible. A chainsaw or manual saw will work. That is how long a fresh tree can go without water before absorption is jeopardized. A Christmas tree should never be mounted dry. It is much better to place it in a container of water that is replenished on a regular basis. You can buy special tree cradles or stands which screw into the base of the tree and provide watering space. Or, you can go for the rougher but tried-and-true method of using a bucket filled with small rocks (put the tree in, fill the bucket with rocks around the trunk). The tree should be provided with 1 quart (950ml) of water for every inch (2.5cm) in trunk diameter. Note: ensure that whatever you use, the tree is stable. Don't whittle down the bark of the tree just so that it can fit in the stand - that outer layer is the part that absorbs the most water. It is a good idea for at least two people to put up the tree, one holding it stable while the other fixes the base. Always stand back to check that the tree is straight before you get busy decorating. Obviously, it is easiest to fix at this stage. Before decorating let the tree sit for a while to "settle" into its shape. Some suggest just an hour or so, others overnight.
Summary: Prepare the base of your tree. Mount your tree within eight hours of cutting the base. Make sure the tree is straight.

Problem: Article: Be sure of your own relationship before beginning one with his child. If either one of you still feels more casual than committed toward the other, forego any involvement with the kid. Avoid disrupting the child's life prematurely or unnecessarily. If you and the father both feel ready for you to meet his child, give yourself some extra time before actually doing it. Allow yourself more time to get cold feet. If you do have second thoughts, ask yourself whether it's just jitters or a sign that you're really not quite ready for this. Take a baby-step approach to entering their life. For your first introduction, plan no more than an opportunity to say hi to the child and then introduce yourself as a friend of their dad's. Choose a low-key setting to meet. Keep it casual as opposed to a formal setting where you would be clearly identified as the father's "date." Pick a time and place that are both clearly part of the father and child's time together, rather than a date between yourselves with the child in tow. Plan to make a brief appearance and then exit by yourself, leaving them alone together, so that your presence comes across as incidental. Avoid leaving the child with the impression that you're "taking Daddy away." Increase the time you spend together very gradually. Pop up here and there to say hi and establish that you're a presence in Dad's life, but limit your exposure in the beginning so that the majority of the kid's time with Dad is spent one-on-one with him. As you spend more time with them, remain conscious of what impressions the child might take away from your encounters. Prioritize the father-child relationship. Be careful not to come across as competition for Dad's attention. Once you and the father have made the child aware of your relationship, assume your role as the father's new partner. Make it clear to the child that you're not here to be the new "Mom" or another "Dad." Equate yourself with the role of aunt, uncle, or a similarly respected adult figure with an invested interest in their well-being, like a teacher. Allow the child time to accept your new role in their life. Understand that even once they do accept it, their acceptance may not develop into an emotional bond. Accept this as a reality. Avoid trying to force a bond between you. In the meantime, be present and consistent in their lives, offering yourself as an added resource for them should they ever choose to make use of it. No matter how well-adjusted or behaved the child is, expect them to act out at times as all children do. Be prepared for a delicate balancing act. When confronting the child, expect to hear that you are not their mom or dad. Accept the truth of that statement. At the same time, assert yourself as an adult figure to whom they must show some respect. Demand support from the father. Remind him that while your role is to support him as a parent, his role is to be the parent. Don't allow yourself to be backed into the position of being the disciplinarian by default. Remember that they will most likely continue to feel more loyalty toward their mother than toward you. Regardless of your personal feelings toward her, be careful what you utter within earshot of their child. Don't lose the child's respect by disrespecting their mother in front of them. Accept the fact that your new role in the child's life will test them continually. Expect them to take a while to accept your presence. Also expect their progress to be upset by each milestone that you and their father achieve; for instance, while they may have grown to accept your role as Dad's new partner, they may be knocked back a couple steps once you and Dad announce that you'll be moving in together or getting married.
Summary: Talk it over with the father first. Wait a little longer. Keep it simple. Take it slowly. Imagine the child's perspective. Establish your role. Keep taking it slowly. Maintain your role when challenged. Respect the mother in their child's presence. Be patient.

Problem: Article: Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting and rapid breathing, lethargy, bright pink ears, confusion, weakness and inability to stand, shaking, tremors, and possibly even seizures. A cat with heatstroke will also feel hot to the touch on the pads of her feet. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from heatstroke, place your cat on a cool surface right away, such as a tiled floor. Then turn on a fan and place it so that it is blowing on her to remove some of the heat. If your cat appears to be suffering from heatstroke, place cool damp washcloths over her paws and offer her some water to drink right away. If she is too weak to drink the water, try to moisten her gums with water using a damp cloth. Avoid ice water or very cold water as the temperature difference between the extreme heat and extreme cold can send the cat into a form of shock. Your cat may need to be taken to see your veterinarian to treat her heatstroke. A veterinarian can provide intravenous fluids to reduce your cat's core temperature and maintain the blood supply to her organs. As your cat's temperature rises, her blood will become thicker and circulation to vital organs can be impaired. Call your cat's veterinarian right away if you suspect that your cat is suffering from heatstroke.
Summary:
Watch for signs of heatstroke. Cool your cat down with cool damp washcloths and provide water. Call your cat's veterinarian for advice.