Search found 732 matches
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 6:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 794
Re: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?
Started with whitewashed. Painters sanded, primed and applied paint.
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 12:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 794
Re: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?
Recently had whitewashed oak cabinets painted by a pro. One coat primer and two top coats, all tinted to top coat color. Changed hardware annd replaced hinges and it all looks like new cabinets. I was concerned with wear on some doors but the painters did a great job filling, sanding and painting.
Had quotes for replacement oak doors and drawers painted to custom color but chose to paint because cabinet company did not want to install full overlay doors.
Had quotes for replacement oak doors and drawers painted to custom color but chose to paint because cabinet company did not want to install full overlay doors.
- Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Soccer for kids - supplemental practice drills, suggestions, etc
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1363
Re: Soccer for kids - supplemental practice drills, suggestions, etc
The instructional videos on YouTube demonstrate fundamentals for 8 year old soccer players. At this age it is learning to dribble, weave the ball through cones, stop and back the ball up, etc. Your son can watch the video with you and then the 2 of you (or more if available) run through the drills for 15-20 minutes. Search 8 year old soccer drills.
Look for How to avoid getting pushed off the ball. You can demonstrate the basic body and arm positioning to keep the opponent from reaching the ball. Have your son try to play through your body and then reverse roles. He should be comfortable being a bit physical once he understands how to use positioning to keep the ball out of reach.
Look for How to avoid getting pushed off the ball. You can demonstrate the basic body and arm positioning to keep the opponent from reaching the ball. Have your son try to play through your body and then reverse roles. He should be comfortable being a bit physical once he understands how to use positioning to keep the ball out of reach.
- Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Specs For Stainless Cable Deck Railing
- Replies: 6
- Views: 758
Re: Specs For Stainless Cable Deck Railing
I used materials from ViewRail to install a cable staircase rail system and made the handrails from local lumberyard items. See www.viewrail.com for a gallery of projects, materials, installation instructions and tools supplied with your purchase. You could look on eBay for a used crimper tool but be aware that the tool “jaw” wears from use.
- Mon Jan 01, 2024 9:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Conduit Replacement from outside Main Box?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 657
Re: Conduit Replacement from outside Main Box?
Look for IPEX conduit repair. This is a conduit split in half that snap back into a continuous run over wiring for a repair.
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:31 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What happened to VINIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares today??
- Replies: 23
- Views: 2604
Re: What happened to VINIX Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Shares today??
Finot03 might gain perspective from a review of year-end distribution details on the fund’s webpage. Particular attention should be paid to the ex-dividend and payment dates.
- Sun Dec 17, 2023 8:58 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise
- Replies: 41
- Views: 6422
Re: London Paris Amsterdam Trip - Need Advise
You should prep your travel party for the common tourist scams. We had the Gold Ring scam attempted by a lovely young lady and knew ahead of time this was a common scam. Same with the “homeless” folks asking for handouts. See details in the link: https://www.hotels.com/go/france/common-scams-paris
The other preparation is to walk 4 or more miles a day, especially in the shoes you plan to wear during the trip.
Enjoy your journey!
The other preparation is to walk 4 or more miles a day, especially in the shoes you plan to wear during the trip.
Enjoy your journey!
- Thu Dec 07, 2023 10:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: DIY Cleaning Evaporator Coils ?
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5721
Re: DIY Cleaning Evaporator Coils ?
Reference the picture posted in your Dec. 7 3:53 PM post, have you removed the black cap on the left side of the photo and looked into the pvc condensate line? If you have a small flexible brush you could run it into the condensate line toward the drain pan and see if any debris is holding back fluid in the drain pan. I attach a shop vac to the pvc after removing the black cap and see how much fluid comes out.
- Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: (Purchase) Two tires or four?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 6484
Re: (Purchase) Two tires or four?
A learning opportunity: when tires have 3/32 to 4/32 tread depth difference on the set of four, they were likely not rotated on schedule which would give more miles to the set. Discount Tire usually rotates at no charge and often takes appointments so you don’t have to wait long.
- Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: (Purchase) Two tires or four?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 6484
Re: Two tires or four?
What tread depth on the spare tire? If you really want to pinch pennies use the current spare and a new tire on one axle. Buy a used tire to replace the spare.
If it were me I would replace all four tires as the car is driven by family members that are not easy to replace.
If it were me I would replace all four tires as the car is driven by family members that are not easy to replace.
- Sun Nov 05, 2023 5:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Suggestion for Kids packed lunch?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 4309
Re: Suggestion for Kids packed lunch?
Zesty Quinoa Salad is a mixture of black beans, cherry tomatoes, quinoa, onion, cilantro, olive oil, cumin and you can add options like feta cheese. Here’s one recipe https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/22915 ... noa-salad/.
Make as a dinner at home for kids to try. Some like it, some don’t.
Also enjoy Pearl Couscous salad recipes that can handle 4 days in the fridge in case you have leftovers.
Make as a dinner at home for kids to try. Some like it, some don’t.
Also enjoy Pearl Couscous salad recipes that can handle 4 days in the fridge in case you have leftovers.
- Tue Oct 31, 2023 12:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: underfloor heating for bathroom and shower--are you happy with it?
- Replies: 43
- Views: 5576
Re: underfloor heating for bathroom and shower--are you happy with it?
Schluter DITRA Heat in master bath area in front of sink and entry to bathroom. Not used in shower. Manufacturer instructions require 1’ distance from toilet to keep wax ring from melting. The room is a daylight basement bath so floors tend to be cold in winter. DITRA Heat made floor temperature much more comfortable and the room above was more comfortable due to warm air from below. In winter the floor temperature was about 53 F before installation of DITRA Heat. We set thermostat to 68 F and ran from October through May. Thermostats shows energy consumption based on local cost you input and we spent about $2.00 per month to run. Be aware that requirements for Schluter Warranty include using a Megohm meter to check the circuit before floor...
- Sun Oct 22, 2023 2:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: My newly-wed spouse has a lot of student loan debt. I'm not yet ready to pay it all off - how can I manage it?
- Replies: 59
- Views: 7830
Re: My newly-wed spouse has a lot of student loan debt. I'm not yet ready to pay it all off - how can I manage it?
My hope for every newly married couple is that they enjoy many years of happiness. Unfortunately half of them do not achieve that goal so it is wise to consider that the best way to handle your new spouse’s debt is to let her work hard to pay it off. Here’s a real world scenario to consider. Boglehead stoptothink posted this in 2015 regarding a post about handling divorce: “My ex-wife came into our marriage with significant debt (undergrad loans and car loan) and did not earn a penny in the 5yrs of our marriage - but left with zero debt, was probably the only person in her dental school who graduated with no loans, and low/mid 5-figures in cash. Has got to be great to be a newly licensed dentist without the burden of any debt (education or ...
- Fri Oct 20, 2023 11:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Multifocal lenses after cataract surgery
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4634
Re: Multifocal lenses after cataract surgery
Multi focal toric lenses instilled in May and June 2023. Night driving halos were an issue for about 6 weeks and now are still there but hardly noticeable . I was told that my eyes would continue to adjust for up to a year. I wore glasses for nearsightedness for more than 50 years pre-surgery. Now I need glasses for reading. I would suggest that your wife keep her fashionable eyewear because she may need glasses for some activities and over the years her eyesight will continue to change. A neighbor has single focus distance lens in one eye and reading lens in the other eye. She experienced a detached retina years after the cataract surgery and now has only distance vision. You might inquire about the lens that is adjusted after surgery usin...
- Thu Oct 12, 2023 8:49 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How to buy new home before selling current one?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 4373
Re: How to buy new home before selling current one?
Contact two or more mortgage lenders to prequalify. Your investment income, pension and social security are income and you may also want to consider an asset depletion loan if you have sufficient investment assets. The loan officer can think through these options with you. The documents you review during this phase will indicate whether a prepayment penalty is required if the mortgage is paid off early. Then when you are ready to make an offer, check with the lenders for rates and fees as these change with the market. After you have an accepted offer, lock in the rate with your preferred lender.
After your current home is sold you can decide whether you want to pay off the mortgage.
After your current home is sold you can decide whether you want to pay off the mortgage.
- Fri Sep 29, 2023 1:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: DIY attic insulation removal
- Replies: 21
- Views: 3139
Re: DIY attic insulation removal
Not an answer but thought inspiration - Do you have quotes from professionals to do the work? What benefit do you expect from removal?
- Thu Sep 28, 2023 7:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: One Week In Calgary and Banff
- Replies: 31
- Views: 2852
Re: One Week In Calgary and Banff
Make a mental note that Canadian law requires hamburger to be cooked well done in restaurants. Worst burger I’ve ever had was in Banff but now I understand that the government is to blame, not the cook.
- Mon Sep 04, 2023 1:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fire Hydrant - installation
- Replies: 38
- Views: 3079
Re: Fire Hydrant - installation
Has your insurance carrier promised a reduced premium for having a nearby hydrant? That would be financial incentive for your neighbors to contribute to the expense. My insurance carrier wanted to know the distance to the hydrant on the original application.
- Tue Aug 22, 2023 3:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New England Vacation
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1731
Re: New England Vacation
Reserve a timed entry pass for Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park. This gives access to a beautiful overlook. This is one of the most popular National Parks so hiking trails are busy and parking lots full by 9:00 AM. If you are planning to hike, get to the trailhead by 7:30 AM to get a parking spot. Look up The Quiet Side for information on the less visited part of the Park. Schoodic Peninsula is another part of the park and the least visited but has a nice ring road with short walking trails to the water and overlooks. Bar Harbor was very crowded with tourists but maybe you know that already.
- Wed Jul 26, 2023 3:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Considering limited partnership in syndication
- Replies: 12
- Views: 579
Re: Considering limited partnership in syndication
Your friends may have a noble intention but are you aware that VA Home Loans are available with a zero down payment? You can’t get much lower cost of entry than $0.
- Tue Jul 25, 2023 6:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Outdoors-y trip Utah/Vegas/Grand Canyon
- Replies: 9
- Views: 682
Re: Outdoors-y trip Utah/Vegas/Grand Canyon
Close to Las Vegas is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area - a timed entry scenic drive with pullouts if you choose to hike a specific trail. This gives exposure to great scenery without a lot of hiking. Drive is about 20 miles from LV Strip.
Valley of Fire State Park is about 50 miles outside LV and offers colorful rock formations and Indian petroglyphs with relatively easy hiking. The petroglyphs are viewed from a staircase that is about the equivalent of a 3-story climb.
You can spend hours driving to the better known National Parks but these 2 are much closer to LV and much less crowded.
Valley of Fire State Park is about 50 miles outside LV and offers colorful rock formations and Indian petroglyphs with relatively easy hiking. The petroglyphs are viewed from a staircase that is about the equivalent of a 3-story climb.
You can spend hours driving to the better known National Parks but these 2 are much closer to LV and much less crowded.
- Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Any free sites good for a simple will? Adv directives etc ?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 2787
Re: Any free sites good for a simple will? Adv directives etc ?
Used LegalZoom to create a draft revocable trust for mother to have a conversation with local estate attorney. She has mutual funds, real estate, home and personal effects. Estate attorney said the LegalZoom document is all you need based on her assets and end of life desires. He helped retitle the accounts and real estate and suggested she contact him if holdings change, “otherwise you are good to go”. State is IL.
- Tue Jun 27, 2023 9:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?
- Replies: 58
- Views: 5483
Re: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?
1 of every 8 drivers in USA is uninsured. This varies by locale but you get the idea. Do you feel lucky?
- Mon Jun 19, 2023 5:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Advice re flying Boston/Logan to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2475
Re: Advice re flying Boston/Logan to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
You might find Www.seatguru.com helpful to review seat characteristics for the airline + aircraft that fly the routes say, Singapore to HCM. Some of the aircraft in that region are produced for smaller human dimensions than one finds in the US market.
As for routing through Singapore, take 2 or 3 days to enjoy the beauty and learn the history of the city/ country. Be aware that Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 and will mean much higher room rates and tourist volumes.
Enjoy!
As for routing through Singapore, take 2 or 3 days to enjoy the beauty and learn the history of the city/ country. Be aware that Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 and will mean much higher room rates and tourist volumes.
Enjoy!
- Fri Jun 09, 2023 6:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Stuck bolt on oil pan?
- Replies: 137
- Views: 9046
Re: Stuck bolt on oil pan?
Your photo shows that the bolt is deformed in the tightening direction. In your posts you mentioned having an ill fitting socket. This bolt is probably made for a metric socket so make sure you have the proper size.
From the amount of deformation to the bolt face I agree with other posters’ recommendations to take the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change. They can replace the damaged bolt and inspect the threads in the oil pan to determine if it is road worthy. Better to replace a defective oil pan than risk a fatal leak.
From the amount of deformation to the bolt face I agree with other posters’ recommendations to take the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change. They can replace the damaged bolt and inspect the threads in the oil pan to determine if it is road worthy. Better to replace a defective oil pan than risk a fatal leak.
- Thu May 25, 2023 12:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mid-career Sabbatical
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2481
Re: Mid-career Sabbatical
“That's right,' she told the girls. 'You are bored. And I'm going to let you in on a little secret about life. You think it's boring now? Well, it only gets more boring. The sooner you learn it's on you to make life interesting, the better off you'll be.”
― Maria Semple, Where'd You Go, Bernadette
― Maria Semple, Where'd You Go, Bernadette
- Tue May 02, 2023 8:44 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: I'm new. I need reassurance I can do this.
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2041
Re: I'm new. I need reassurance I can do this.
I had an advisor for two years and learned a lot from reading Bogleheads and the advisor. I had some concerns but took the plunge to DIY. It has worked out well to have the wisdom of Bogleheads so easily available, especially on RBDs to “Stay the Course”. You can do the account management yourself.
- Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any Trumpet Players?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 2202
Re: Any Trumpet Players?
+1 for renting. You may want to consider buying a practice mute (silent but to the player) to allow your child to blow unrelentingly and not broadcast any sound. They will need to practice scales and exercises regularly to develop and maintain the muscles in the face and neck that are foundational to proper form. No one else wants to hear that part of the regimen. Good luck!
- Thu Apr 20, 2023 7:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Exercise planning for first year of retirement
- Replies: 71
- Views: 9220
Re: Exercise planning for first year of retirement
Active range of motion exercises help improve joint function. Range of motion is how far you can move your joints in different directions. These exercises help you move each joint through its full range of motion. Movement can help keep your joints flexible, reduce pain, and improve balance and strength. YouTube has many free videos including stretching and yoga that can be part of your exercise regimen.
- Mon Mar 20, 2023 8:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: I could use some help determining if I should start Roth conversions
- Replies: 33
- Views: 3979
Re: I could use some help determining if I should start Roth conversions
Try scenarios using free Extended Optimal Retirement Planner tool on I-orp.com website. As a base case try no conversions, then try to top of expected marginal tax bracket and another to next tax bracket. The takeaways I found were lower lifetime taxes and later years savings on IRMAA Medicare premiums. It is easy to run several scenarios while the tool is open so you can change one parameter at a time to see how this changes outcomes.
- Sun Feb 26, 2023 2:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wood damaged near downspout (updated with a new question)
- Replies: 33
- Views: 2980
Re: Wood damaged near downspout (updated with a new question)
How is the downspout attached to the gutter in your photo? One method is to use a down tube that extends down from the gutter into the downspout. The downspout is then attached to the down tube with sheet metal screws or pop rivets. Without a secure connection between gutter and downspout the two pieces may move independently and not properly channel the water.
You can review YouTube videos on downspout installation to get the idea.
You can review YouTube videos on downspout installation to get the idea.
- Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Previous Employer Blocking 401(k) Rollover
- Replies: 81
- Views: 8969
Re: Previous Employer Blocking 401(k) Rollover
A phone call to the US Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration can steer you through the process to understand the rules for 401k transfers fairly quickly. The toll free number is 1-866-444-3272. The EBSA expert may decide to contact the 401k Plan Administrator directly if necessary to assist with the resolution.
You will need a copy of your Summary Plan Description. These are sometimes available online or you should have a copy from when current plan was established and you joined. Otherwise contact the plan administrator and request a copy.
You will need a copy of your Summary Plan Description. These are sometimes available online or you should have a copy from when current plan was established and you joined. Otherwise contact the plan administrator and request a copy.
- Thu Feb 16, 2023 3:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: ACA Subsidies vs Roth Conversions
- Replies: 81
- Views: 10221
Re: ACA Subsidies vs Roth Conversions
You might consider a Short Term health plan like they offer at several companies including Golden Rule Insurance, a subsidiary of United Healthcare. These became available around 2019 and the arrangement is that the plan is 364 days of coverage. When I was 64 yo last year I paid about $450/month for 70/30 coinsurance with $7500 deductible. Never had a claim.
One benefit of the Short Term health insurance plan is that it is not an ACA subsidized plan. This allowed me to make another Roth conversion with certainty that the additional income would not change my health insurance premium.
One benefit of the Short Term health insurance plan is that it is not an ACA subsidized plan. This allowed me to make another Roth conversion with certainty that the additional income would not change my health insurance premium.
- Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Joining the 401K Committee
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2486
Re: Joining the 401K Committee
How do you explain the target date fund ER of 1.2% vs the Vanguard fee of about 0.1%? It seems that the employee is paying the 401K fee through the higher ER.
As a former 401k plan administrator I felt the company should pay the administrative expenses just as they did with former pension plan.
As a former 401k plan administrator I felt the company should pay the administrative expenses just as they did with former pension plan.
- Sat Dec 31, 2022 10:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Ronzoni Pastina To Be Discontinued
- Replies: 32
- Views: 5535
Re: Ronzoni Pastina To Be Discontinued
Have you tried farro, a grain widely available in groceries?
- Sun Dec 25, 2022 8:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRA RMD TAX Confusion
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1713
Re: IRA RMD TAX Confusion
Look at most recent federal tax return Form 8606 to understand basis of IRA account. Amount in excess of basis will be ordinary income when withdrawn. If there is basis then distributions are pro-rata.
- Fri Nov 25, 2022 8:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Replace roof prior to selling house?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 2849
Re: Replace roof prior to selling house?
You should get quotes for a pre-sale Home Inspection to identify critical issues that will be flagged by a Buyer’s home inspection. This may reveal other roofing issues in addition to the 8 missing shingles and safety related flaws to the existing electrical, plumbing and structural systems. I paid a few hundred and had some items to address. The inspector spent about 1/3 of the time on the roof and concluded it was sound.
- Mon Nov 14, 2022 7:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Propane tank: When to replace nearly empty tank?
- Replies: 43
- Views: 3542
Re: Propane tank: When to replace nearly empty tank?
Get better understanding of propane still in tank by comparing actual tank weight on a scale to tank tare weight stamped on tank collar. My last tank weighted 16 Lbs empty and was 16.2 when traded in.
- Mon Nov 07, 2022 4:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Contractor estimates time and scope, but finishes job much faster?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 5927
Re: Contractor estimates time and scope, but finishes job much faster?
Some of the work may involve hours of labor that take place elsewhere. For example, removal labor includes unloading limbs and debris at the dump site. Are they sharpening saws, maintaining tools at the shop before traveling to work on the trees?
- Mon Nov 07, 2022 4:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Contractor estimates time and scope, but finishes job much faster?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 5927
Re: Contractor estimates time and scope, but finishes job much faster?
Some of the work may involve hours of labor that take place elsewhere. For example, removal labor includes unloading limbs and debris at the dump site. Are they sharpening saws, maintaining tools at the shop before traveling to work on the trees?
- Tue Nov 01, 2022 7:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Is it worth pursuing a JD/MBA at 38?
- Replies: 76
- Views: 8032
Re: Is it worth pursuing a JD/MBA at 38?
This scenario reminds me of a speech I heard - If you can’t get out of it, Get Into It! Maybe you need to change some people management tactics or gain new skills. While I find managing people is the biggest challenge it is also where your rewards are greatest psychologically, emotionally and financially when you get it right.
- Thu Oct 20, 2022 6:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: BHer bicycle
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2342
Re: BHer bicycle
Ask your local bike shop about their used bike inventory for a commuter ride. You can find a nice used bike and trade out down handlebars for upright version so your head is up watching traffic. I would pay $500 for a used bike modified to your needs. A rechargeable flashing headlight and tail light would also be helpful.
- Thu Oct 20, 2022 6:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Looking for low cost apartment cleaning service?
- Replies: 111
- Views: 5971
Re: Looking for low cost apartment cleaning service?
Price seems fair for a deep clean. You might create or review their task list to ensure they clean what you want cleaned.
The best time saver we have for keeping clean was a vacuuming robot, Roomba, running on a schedule while we are out of the house. Sweeping keeps the dust from being kicked around onto window sills, counters, etc. This also gave the cleaning service time to devote to the rotating list of items we left for them.
The best time saver we have for keeping clean was a vacuuming robot, Roomba, running on a schedule while we are out of the house. Sweeping keeps the dust from being kicked around onto window sills, counters, etc. This also gave the cleaning service time to devote to the rotating list of items we left for them.
- Wed Oct 12, 2022 6:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heated Jackets
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2571
Re: Heated Jackets
Amazon search for microwaveable heating pads results in neck wraps and textile covered heating pads. Our office matriarch used the corn heating bags between her chair and sweater or vest for years and felt they solved the office chill for hours at a time.
- Sat Oct 01, 2022 2:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Spot repairing finished wood flooring - feasible to match?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1846
Re: Spot repairing finished wood flooring - feasible to match?
Did a spot repair recently in bathroom where toilet tank leaked onto the floor. Sanding through the finish and then fine sanding was easy. It is challenging to match stain and polyurethane exactly but I came close enough. The repair area is not noticed due to location but would be a bit “off” if it was in the middle of a room. I called the floor manufacturer for stain detail but the engineered floor was out of production and no records from 15 years ago.
In another instance we had spare pieces from original installation 10 years earlier and the result was perfect match in high visibility location.
In another instance we had spare pieces from original installation 10 years earlier and the result was perfect match in high visibility location.
- Sun Sep 25, 2022 6:31 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Roof Shingle Recommendation?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2573
Re: Roof Shingle Recommendation?
Class 4 shingles refer to impact resistance. Standard test is to drop a 2” diameter steel ball from 20’ height, repeat multiple times and then examine shingle integrity. Class 2 and 3 shingles exist as well. Class 4 is primarily for hail zone.
- Mon Sep 12, 2022 3:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Natchez Trace
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2129
Re: Natchez Trace
Get out of the car and read the historical and informational postings at the pull-outs. A fascinating series of stories teach about native Americans interacting peacefully with the newcomers, farmers walking back to Kentucky from New Orleans after floating their crop to market, negotiation of the treaty that ultimately lead to the departure of the natives and their return on the Trail of Tears.
The roadway was purpose built as a scenic route which is rare. It is a great drive.
The roadway was purpose built as a scenic route which is rare. It is a great drive.
- Mon Aug 22, 2022 8:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Antartica cruise
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2998
Re: Antartica cruise
Ushuaia area has hiking and guided tour to penguin colony. The old jail is an eclectic collection of art, taxidermy, local history and gifts. You could spend 3 days in Ushuaia and have done much of the local attractions including dining on Argentinian cuisine.
The most important things include Dramamine for Drake’s Passage; layers of warmth and great binoculars so you can stand outside at the rail for hours at a time as you cruise and spot humpback and minke whales, Orcas, albatross and other seabirds. Once you reach Antarctica the camera is essential to capture some memories.
The most important things include Dramamine for Drake’s Passage; layers of warmth and great binoculars so you can stand outside at the rail for hours at a time as you cruise and spot humpback and minke whales, Orcas, albatross and other seabirds. Once you reach Antarctica the camera is essential to capture some memories.
- Sun Jun 26, 2022 5:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: About to close on house - did not notice several dead trees need that will need removal. Any thing i can do?
- Replies: 120
- Views: 11650
Re: About to close on house - did not notice several dead trees need that will need removal. Any thing i can do?
In 75 minutes yesterday I felled a 20’ tree growing too close to the house. FISKAR 18’ pruner with saw, a hand held pruner and small tree saw. If you have the strength to wield a pole mounted pruner and agility, dexterity and persistence to saw through the limbs to deconstruct the tree then give it a go. But don’t risk it if strength, tenacity and physical coordination aren’t in your wheelhouse. Bonne chance!
- Sun Jun 19, 2022 5:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Irrigation system leak
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1055
Re: Irrigation system leak
You can do it yourself.
Measure the diameter of the pipe below the cap. Try unscrewing the cap to see if it screws onto the pipe below. Leave it in place until you have a replacement. Then Google, Toro riser cap __” diameter, or similar string based on manufacturer of your system.
Measure the diameter of the pipe below the cap. Try unscrewing the cap to see if it screws onto the pipe below. Leave it in place until you have a replacement. Then Google, Toro riser cap __” diameter, or similar string based on manufacturer of your system.