I was cleaning out the bathroom cupboard the other day and was shocked to see all of the drugs/medicines that had expired.

Today I saw this item by Laura Hambleton, for The Washington Post, on how to dispose them. Hope this is a tip you can use:

Here's what "the Food and Drug Administration says you should do - and not do. First, drugs should not be flushed down the toilet. 'They may get in the water supply or get into a stream and affect marine life,' University of Maryland pharmacist Frank Palumbo said.

"If disposal directions are not printed on the label, the FDA suggests that drugs be taken out of their containers, placed in a bag and mixed with dirt, coffee grounds or kitty litter to make them unusable. The Justice Department and its Drug Enforcement Administration periodically hold programs in the area where consumers can turn in unused and outdated prescription drugs."

Aug. 1 is Monday. Can you believe it? Less than a month until school starts (for most of us). But I've done a lot of learning this summer, and I don't mind passing the best lessons along.

1. Gazebo Room Greek Salad Dressing & Marinade is a godsend, a culinary tip picked up at a family graduation party early in the season. I'm using it in lettuce salads, pasta salads, potatoes, roasted veggies and chicken. Delicious!

2. If you're traveling to the Bethany Beach area of Delaware and looking for an extra-special cake, try Sweet Disposition (another graduation party tip). In Fenwick Island -- it has a Selbyville address -- this bakery is worth the 15-minute drive. I got two cakes for my daughter's birthday celebration with family: Lemon with raspberry filling and Tiramisu! My mouth is watering as I think about it.

3. OK, I've already told you about the power of the dryer sheet. (See previous blog.)

4. I'm a Philippa Gregory fan, and recommend "The Constant Princess.'' If you're into the England of the Lancasters, Yorks and Henry VIII, you'll love it. I also give two thumbs up to her "White Queen'' and "The Other Boleyn Girl.'' ("The Red Queen'' gets a so-so review from me.) Great beach reads!

5. I'm rethinking my anti-Kindle position. (And I better make a quick decision; my birthday is coming up) Too many people had them at the beach, and I found myself longing for one.

6. Have you seen ''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2''? Get thyself to a theater. (Oops, I sound like I'm still in 16th-century England.) It is soooooo good!

7. Make sure you get the freestone peaches, not the clings. Made that mistake over the weekend. Cobbler turned out great, but I wasted too much of the fruit.

8. Went school-supply shopping last night. Ouch!! Take advantage of the early deals, and do not forget the coupons!

9. Somewhere in the end of June I finally accepted the fact that my 12-year-old cannot multitask. So we're taking it one chore at a time.

10. Finally, taking an occasional evening to spend time with friends (adults) is OK and good for the soul! Enjoy the rest of the summer!