In the garden, and RAIN!!! (2)

POSTED BY: SIGNYM
UPDATED: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 03:18
VIEWED: 345147
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SIGNYM

Sunday, December 25, 2022 3:00 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
Yeah. I've sure never experience -49 windchill in my life. Or at least if I did, I was just a kid and didn't pay any mind to it. Been checking in on everyone in the circle and it seems everything is fine.

Going to my friends and it looks like his wife's relatives are braving what's left of the cold after all, so that's going to be nice.

Catch up later.

Enjoy your night everyone.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

That sounds wonderful SIX!

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

BRENDA

Sunday, December 25, 2022 3:36 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
I scrolled up to see what I'd missed. I missed a lot!!!

SIX, apparently you survived a once-in-a-generation storm. That intensely cold air surge nearly crossed the entire USA, there are now power outages in Tennessee and other eastern states. Let's hope that doesn't happen again for at least 20 years! Glad to hear the weather will be moderating by midweek

The dripping water tip was for sis in western New York. They get moisture from Lake Erie turned into snow, which is why western New York state gets dumped on so heavily.
She sent me a picture, some drifts are 5' high. Fortunately one of the neighbors has a front end loader, one has a small snowplow, and EVERYONE has a snowblower!

You OTOH have what is called an "interior" or "continental" climate. Far from any large, temperature-moderating body of water you get hotter in the summer and much colder in the winter! OMG I feel for you!! But it could be worse: At least you aren't in N Dakota!!

*****

BRENDA it sounds like you got the same cold air surge. "Ice bombs" from bridge cables,??? Whooda thunk??

Glad to see that the lightbulb got replaced, especially with an LED. They really are sturdier and longer- lasting than regular. I wouldn't worry about the bulb being dropped. Unlike regular or fluorescent bulbs, it doesn't need to be a vacuum or inert gas inside. All of the functional stuff is really in the base of the bulb, and the light is emitted from a small solid rectangle. In the picture below, the light is emitted from those yellow-orange "pads".

.

The only concern about LEDs is that they need to dissipate heat so they work best and last longest in cooler weather and don't work in entirely enclosed light fixtures.

FWIW since my chemo the neuropathy in my hands is so bad I can't tell if Im really holding on to something and my grip strength is down, so I bought (or people bought for me) a number of hand aids designed for arthritis, and one of them is a flexible silicone mit that gets me better sticktion on whatever I'm holding. Maybe that might help you? Just a thought. (I also keep a small pair of pliers in the kitchen for opening small caps and a special jar opener for bigger stuff. The right tools really help.)

Weather-wise we have nothing to complain about. But I keep thinking one day we will pay for that good weather with that destructive earthquake they keep warning about.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

Yeah, BC did. And ice bomb thing is happening more in the winter. Very dangerous which is why those 2 bridges were closed.

Thanks for the explaination about the LED bulb. It just made me nervous because the other one shattered after my dropping it.

I've got something in the kitchen for opening jars when I have a hard time. But I might look into that as it is a good idea.

We in BC have been told a big earthquake is heading for us since I was a child.

BRENDA

Sunday, December 25, 2022 3:39 AM (P)

Laundry done and walk in. Walking is okay around the front of my apartment building due to all the rain we had last night but the sidewalks around the gas station are ice. Even with my cane I walked on the snow to get by it. Stayed in the local mall because I didn't want to tempt fate with other side walks.

Got some extra veg for tomorrow but there were no brussel sprouts to be found. So it is broccoli for my supper.

SIGNYM

Sunday, December 25, 2022 6:28 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Laundry done and walk in. Walking is okay around the front of my apartment building due to all the rain we had last night but the sidewalks around the gas station are ice. Even with my cane I walked on the snow to get by it. Stayed in the local mall because I didn't want to tempt fate with other side walks.

Got some extra veg for tomorrow but there were no brussel sprouts to be found. So it is broccoli for my supper.

Glad you got your walk in, despite the ice. And I'm really glad that you didn't slip. I hope you have a nice Xmas, BRENDA!

Edited to add: I didn't realize that BC is in an earthquake zone! Well, I learn something new every day.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

SIGNYM

Sunday, December 25, 2022 6:34 AM (P)

I've been chipping away at housecleaning over the past week. Not that everything was done thoroughly, but the house has been dusted and the floors vacuumed and, kitchen floor damp-mopped and the toilets scrubbed and bathrooms wiped down, so at least the house doesn't grate on my nerves when I look at it

I couldn't do a tree last year bc of chemo, and this year between lack of stamina and hubby's back surgery I couldn't this year either. But it just didn't seem right without SOMETHING. So I dragged in a tall-ish houseplant (about 5' tall) from another room and strung some of those fairy lights on it, and it looks wonderful to me! Plus, I have an Xmas centerpiece for the kitchen table. I'm so glad I was able to do something!

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

BRENDA

Sunday, December 25, 2022 9:30 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Laundry done and walk in. Walking is okay around the front of my apartment building due to all the rain we had last night but the sidewalks around the gas station are ice. Even with my cane I walked on the snow to get by it. Stayed in the local mall because I didn't want to tempt fate with other side walks.

Got some extra veg for tomorrow but there were no brussel sprouts to be found. So it is broccoli for my supper.
Glad you got your walk in, despite the ice. And I'm really glad that you didn't slip. I hope you have a nice Xmas, BRENDA!

Edited to add: I didn't realize that BC is in an earthquake zone! Well, I learn something new every day.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

Have a good Christmas with your family, SIG.

BC is. Your San Andreas fault line runs up to the border with Oregon before it heads out into the water and then runs up the west coast of Vancouver Island all the way up to Haida Gwaii to Alaska. I've been through about 4 or 5 small quakes in my lifetime.

My mum and dad lived in Vancouver before I was born in a basement suite and she told me that it would shake every so often. Seismologists say Vancouver and the surrounding areas get little quakes all the time. First one I remember feeling was out in the Fraser Valley when I was in elementary school, so I was around 7 or 8 at the time. It woke me up and everyone was talking about it the next morning at school.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Sunday, December 25, 2022 10:10 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
Yeah. I've sure never experience -49 windchill in my life. Or at least if I did, I was just a kid and didn't pay any mind to it. Been checking in on everyone in the circle and it seems everything is fine.

Going to my friends and it looks like his wife's relatives are braving what's left of the cold after all, so that's going to be nice.

Catch up later.

Enjoy your night everyone.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.
That sounds wonderful SIX!

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

We had a great time. I've already graduated from hugs to "you're part of the family now" and "love ya" from my bud's wife and her mom and step sis. Everybody loved the gifts. You should have seen his daughter's reaction to my card when she read that I owe her one painted bedroom.

They even got me a real thoughtful gift too. A new 5 gallon bucket that I'm going to use with the new bucket tool organizer I bought on sale the other day, and inside that was a wrapped gift that turned out to be some sort of electronic thermal vest. His wife picked it out for me after he told her how cold I keep the house.

Assuming it doesn't break on me, that thing is going to be put to such good use. I tried it out for a while while I was there and I think it's going to be great if I need warmth on my back if I jack it up again, and it's going to go great under my winter coat when I'm snow blowing too. It's got three heat settings to last either 4, 6 or 8 hours off a charge, and the battery pack comes out easy to plug into a USB power source.

I had to take it off pretty quick in there though because it was already hot for me with just my hoodie on and I could feel the sweat starting to bead on my forehead.

Had my 3rd vegan meal there, since she and her step-sis are veagans and it wasn't bad. It wasn't my grandma's lasagna, but it actually was some of the best lasagana I've had otherwise for sure.

After dinner we got his basement 70" TV installed on the bracket in the living room, and went downstairs to figure out where the perfect place for the pool table will be. It looks like we'll be able to install his 55" TV from the living room on the wall where the 70" was and it won't interfere with the play. I'm going to go back there sometime soon and install the electric he'll need to put the over-the-table light in, and I'm going to figure out a way that we can raise it up and out of the way when it's not in use and it's time to watch some movies.

Gotta get that done before he gets a pro in there to re-felt the table and get it perfectly level.

Eventually we'll install some shelves to put his soundbar and surround speakers back in the room too.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Sunday, December 25, 2022 7:26 PM (P)

We've gone from Very Dangerously Cold down to Bitterly Cold, and by noon tomorrow we hit Very Cold. We'll fluctuate between the two until Wednesday where it's just Cold, and then we get 6 or 7 straight days of Chilly.

We've earned that Chilly, and I intend to make great use of it.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Sunday, December 25, 2022 11:42 PM (P)

Rainy Christmas day around me and I am not going anywhere today. Need to get some heat on my right shoulder in a hot shower. It's sore today.

BRENDA

Monday, December 26, 2022 1:38 AM (P)

A musical Sunday. Starting with Jim Byrnes.

SIGNYM

Monday, December 26, 2022 5:15 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
A musical Sunday. Starting with Jim Byrnes.

I hope your shoulder is feeling better. Music on a rainy day, curled up under a blanket or working on a hobby or reading a book sounds enjoyable. I hope your day is nice.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Monday, December 26, 2022 6:10 AM (P)

By next hour, wind chill in the negatives no more.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Monday, December 26, 2022 9:19 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
A musical Sunday. Starting with Jim Byrnes.
I hope your shoulder is feeling better. Music on a rainy day, curled up under a blanket or working on a hobby or reading a book sounds enjoyable. I hope your day is nice.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

Shoulder is better and my day was very enjoyable.

I hope you and your family enjoyed your day as well.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Monday, December 26, 2022 9:44 AM (P)

Christmas was kind of anti-climactic around here. At least it's warmer.

Got to make a to-do list for the next few weeks. I need to start cracking on my own house in between helping my friends on their projects and visiting my grandma and aunt now that the weather is going back to sane.

I think with my new heated vest I won't have a problem working on inside projects anymore even when I kick that heat back down to 53 degrees.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Monday, December 26, 2022 11:29 PM (P)

Out for my walk in a bit. It rained all night and the sun is out right now. Think I will take my umbrella just incase it decides to rain again.

SIGNYM

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 1:12 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
Christmas was kind of anti-climactic around here. At least it's warmer.

Got to make a to-do list for the next few weeks. I need to start cracking on my own house in between helping my friends on their projects and visiting my grandma and aunt now that the weather is going back to sane.

I think with my new heated vest I won't have a problem working on inside projects anymore even when I kick that heat back down to 53 degrees.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

You seriously should start thinking about becoming a paid handyman. They're in high demand, I can't find one available for love or money.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

BRENDA

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 2:45 AM (P)

Back from my walk and thanks to all the rain the snow is all gone except for small and large clumps in various spots. No need for boots, cane or my umbrella today. And my area has warmed up to 11C which is 52F.

So a very pleasant walk I had.

SIGNYM

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 3:13 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Back from my walk and thanks to all the rain the snow is all gone except for small and large clumps in various spots. No need for boots, cane or my umbrella today. And my area has warmed up to 11C which is 52F.

So a very pleasant walk I had.

Sounds lovely! Almost like spring, but without the pollen.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 3:50 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
Christmas was kind of anti-climactic around here. At least it's warmer.

Got to make a to-do list for the next few weeks. I need to start cracking on my own house in between helping my friends on their projects and visiting my grandma and aunt now that the weather is going back to sane.

I think with my new heated vest I won't have a problem working on inside projects anymore even when I kick that heat back down to 53 degrees.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.
You seriously should start thinking about becoming a paid handyman. They're in high demand, I can't find one available for love or money.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

Yeah. Maybe when I get my own house in order I'll think about it more. It's always on my mind, and I've been growing my tool collection quite a bit through bartering. With the internet it probably shouldn't be too hard, and given the fact that my bills are so low I could probably lowball any of the competition pretty hard without giving the work away for free.

My buddy is really wasting all of that vacation time he was forced to take by the end of the year. We only went out to his rental one day to work last week before the cold weather set in and now he's talking about spending the rest of it with his son before he goes back to college. I mean, I get it man... but he's already taking a huge loss on that property with the housing market in a freefall. I know he doesn't want to hear it, but I think he's going to be stuck renting it out again.

That's fine. I'll know what's up this week tomorrow. I told him I have other things to do and I need a solid plan for him this week, even if that means I won't be helping out.

Just got back from the store and killed it on the rebates and post-Christmas clearance stuff. I got about another $150 worth of stuff that is only going to cost me $25 after rebates and the clearance prices.

I even managed to get a returned quart of pink and a quart of purple paint for only $2 each. I've been meaning to do some repairs on a piece of furniture I've had for years and paint it pink and purple for my niece, and now I've finally got the paint for it. Those are her favorite colors. This is the premium grade of paint too, and exterior satin to boot, so if I were to have bought this paint at full price and picked those colors, it would have been over $30 per quart before tax!

They also had a 3pack of LED head lamps with rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries that you can charge with a USB port for only $8.98 instead of the $19.99 they wanted for them before Christmas, and a few 10packs of 8" pegs for a pegboard for $.98 instead of $4.99 as well. All of those were things I wasn't planning on getting when I headed out to the store today, but I've been wanting one of those head lamps for painting and cutting in dark corners for almost 2 years now and the price was right. I haven't put any pegboard up in my garage yet, but I've got plenty of pegs for it now when I do in the spring.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

SIGNYM

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 4:47 AM (P)

Whew! Your batteries sure recharge quick, SIX!

I was planning on doing yardwork today bc rain and appts over the next few days, but after cleaning and decorating (minimally, but still...) and cooking most of the day yesterday, I guess today is my day off. At least I won't have to cook bc we'll be eating leftovers. Plus I have one last tomato from the garden for today's salad.

Well, better get to doing SOMETHING today bc tomorrow and the day after will be chewed up with Dr appts.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 4:51 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Whew! Your batteries sure recharge quick, SIX!

Oh... I didn't do crap yesterday.

Quote:
I was planning on doing yardwork today bc rain and appts over the next few days, but after cleaning and decorating (minimally, but still...) and cooking most of the day yesterday, I guess today is my day off. At least I won't have to cook bc we'll be eating leftovers. Plus I have one last tomato from the garden for today's salad.

Well, better get to doing SOMETHING today bc tomorrow and the day after will be chewed up with Dr appts.

Well good luck and good luck!

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 9:33 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Back from my walk and thanks to all the rain the snow is all gone except for small and large clumps in various spots. No need for boots, cane or my umbrella today. And my area has warmed up to 11C which is 52F.

So a very pleasant walk I had.
Sounds lovely! Almost like spring, but without the pollen.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

It did almost feel like Spring when I was out today. More rain is heading my way.

Weather people warning that parts of the Fraser river could flood and King tides too in the forecast. It was a King tide that shoved a barge up onto a beach in Vancouver. It took over a year to get rid of it. King tides have also tore up the sea wall and the walk way around Stanley Park.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 7:19 PM (P)

We're not there yet. It's 10 degrees right now with a high of 27 today, but the low overnight is only 24 degrees. After that it's 8 days in a row in the 40's and 50's.

My heat is at 54 right now. It will be at 50 for those 8 days. At this point I think I can get my energy usage to 40% of my most efficient neighbors, and possibly even 50% less.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 11:15 PM (P)

Out for my walk in the rain. Comp temp reading 8C which is 46F.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 1:36 AM (P)

Well... It's more or less just going to get warmer from here until it hits a high of 43 degrees tomorrow afternoon. We're finally past it.

Temp is down to 53 degrees in the house now, and my shiny new heat vest is doing the heavy lifting. I'm going to get that power bill so low they're going to send somebody around to do a wellness check on me.

Just got back from another round of deal shopping. I haven't figured out the end math of it all, but I'd figure this one is going to cost me around $22 for another $120 worth of stuff.

Finally got me a deadblow hammer today. I've always wanted one of those. It's normally $39.99, and made in Germany, but I caught it on clearance for $11.99. It was two bucks cheaper than their obviously B/S store brand piece of crap was.

Got me a boatload of handsoap that will cost next to nothing after rebates and I bought 30 more pegs for the future pegboard just so I know I don't need any more when that time comes and I'm not stuck paying 10 times the price because I came up short.

Bunch of other stuff too. What a time to buy things, in between Christmas and New Years.

I'm going to have to tally up everything I got in the last 3 trips and figure out exactly how much I saved with sale/clearance and rebates.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

SIGNYM

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 2:01 AM (P)

It seems Buffalo was harder hit than some of the 'burbs. 22" of snow in 24 hours. Altho sis' workplace is closed bc of a 10' drift across their front door!

Temps to rise, with rain. Record snowfall + warmer weather + rain = floods.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

SIGNYM

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 2:16 AM (P)

Dbl

BRENDA

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 2:50 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:

It seems Buffalo was harder hit than some of the 'burbs. 22" of snow in 24 hours. Altho sis' workplace is closed bc of a 10' drift across their front door!

Temps to rise, with rain. Record snowfall + warmer weather + rain = floods.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

It is going to be nasty back there for sure once that starts melting.

BRENDA

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 2:52 AM (P)

Back from my walk in the rain and more rain.

Somebody I know is hoping to get a ferry over to Vancouver Island this week. I hope she can as there have been a lot of ferry crossings cancelled to the storms that have been through.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 10:48 AM (P)

Ahhh... It was 4 trips that were made this month with the sales, rebates and clearance... Not 3.

Looks like I spent $112 for $342 worth of goods. Really less than that because when I use the rebates they don't charge tax for whatever I buy with them, so probably more like $104 for $342 worth of goods.

I usually do better than that actually, but this time I kind of splurged on some things that weren't entirely free or next to it and added to my collection.

I got that $40 dead blow hammer, and a $15 over the 5 gallon bucket organizer as well as a $16 "parachute" bag organizer that can be dropped into a bucket over other things, a $40 14 piece SAE and Metric ratcheting wrench set with a pouch that holds all of them individually... and that was almost half the total cost of everything after savings, since I only saved about 50% on those 4 items alone. All in all I got over 45 items for $112.

My best deal outside of that is probably the 54 peg hooks for $5 instead of $29, but there were a lot of free things in there like some small metal clamps, an extra tape measure, a 10 pack of break away blade knives, a torpedo level and that paint for real cheap. I was wrong about the paint though... Those were only $12 each and I got them for $2. Also got another 8oz container today for 50 cents instead of $5 too.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 7:42 PM (P)

In less than an hour it will finally be above freezing!

And the sun is out.

High of 43 today and 51 tomorrow. Nothing but 40's and 50s for the next 7 days, but then dropping down to the high 30's into the following weekend.

Looks to be only maybe 5 or so days in mid to late January where the highs will be below 30 degrees, and everything else appears to be pretty moderate for winter around here. Here's hoping we don't get another bomb cyclone to come around and ruin it for everyone again.

Looks like I'm probably going to be helping my buddy with his rental tomorrow. I'll also be going to my other friend's house and getting the electric done for his new over-the-pool-table light tonight if he isn't too busy at work.

In the mean time, I'd better get my vest on. Dropped the heat to 53 degrees in the house last night and I'm going to keep it there for the time being. But I can't be lounging around under covers all day. I've got to warehouse all my new acquisitions and get things ready for tonight and tomorrow.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 11:12 PM (P)

Dry day for my walk and the sun was out. Sitting at 5C which is 40F.

BRENDA

Thursday, December 29, 2022 3:13 AM (P)

Back from my walk on a not cold winter's day.

SIGNYM

Thursday, December 29, 2022 4:40 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
In less than an hour it will finally be above freezing!

And the sun is out.

High of 43 today and 51 tomorrow. Nothing but 40's and 50s for the next 7 days, but then dropping down to the high 30's into the following weekend.

Looks to be only maybe 5 or so days in mid to late January where the highs will be below 30 degrees, and everything else appears to be pretty moderate for winter around here. Here's hoping we don't get another bomb cyclone to come around and ruin it for everyone again.

Looks like I'm probably going to be helping my buddy with his rental tomorrow. I'll also be going to my other friend's house and getting the electric done for his new over-the-pool-table light tonight if he isn't too busy at work.

In the mean time, I'd better get my vest on. Dropped the heat to 53 degrees in the house last night and I'm going to keep it there for the time being. But I can't be lounging around under covers all day. I've got to warehouse all my new acquisitions and get things ready for tonight and tomorrow.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

I think overall it's more cost-effective to heat yourself than to heat a entire house.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

SIGNYM

Thursday, December 29, 2022 4:45 AM (P)

Dr appts done (for the week). Another slug of appts next week. I'll be happy when this slows down bc usually they find something wrong! Plus, I'm always sleepless the night before, so I usually have to take a nap after appts, it really cuts into my day.

But for now until next appt, I'm free.

We had almost 3/4" of rain yesterday with about 2" more for the next 10 days.

Since it's going to be drizzly for quite a number of days, I hope to get some indoor work done, especially de-cluttering.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Thursday, December 29, 2022 7:02 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
In less than an hour it will finally be above freezing!

And the sun is out.

High of 43 today and 51 tomorrow. Nothing but 40's and 50s for the next 7 days, but then dropping down to the high 30's into the following weekend.

Looks to be only maybe 5 or so days in mid to late January where the highs will be below 30 degrees, and everything else appears to be pretty moderate for winter around here. Here's hoping we don't get another bomb cyclone to come around and ruin it for everyone again.

Looks like I'm probably going to be helping my buddy with his rental tomorrow. I'll also be going to my other friend's house and getting the electric done for his new over-the-pool-table light tonight if he isn't too busy at work.

In the mean time, I'd better get my vest on. Dropped the heat to 53 degrees in the house last night and I'm going to keep it there for the time being. But I can't be lounging around under covers all day. I've got to warehouse all my new acquisitions and get things ready for tonight and tomorrow.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.
I think overall it's more cost-effective to heat yourself than to heat a entire house.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

Turns out I didn't even have to. I actually had the thermostat down to 52 all night and day, and not 53. I did turn it up to 55 at around 6PM just because I was doing stuff, but it's hardly going off at all at this temp, and when I'm moving I'm actually quite warm now in these clothes. I think I've officially adjusted to the cold now.

No electric done since my friend ended up busy tonight, but getting up early to help out my other bud tomorrow for sure now. Hopefully I can burn the rest of the bad gas off tomorrow on that trip and finally get some good gas in that tank.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Thursday, December 29, 2022 7:04 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Dr appts done (for the week). Another slug of appts next week. I'll be happy when this slows down bc usually they find something wrong! Plus, I'm always sleepless the night before, so I usually have to take a nap after appts, it really cuts into my day.

But for now until next appt, I'm free.

We had almost 3/4" of rain yesterday with about 2" more for the next 10 days.

Since it's going to be drizzly for quite a number of days, I hope to get some indoor work done, especially de-cluttering.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

Very happy for you that you're getting so much rain. Although I'm hoping that's not a bad omen of flood conditions for me in the spring.

Good luck with the decluttering.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Thursday, December 29, 2022 9:27 AM (P)

Off to mah jong in the morning then a couple of errands afterwards.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Thursday, December 29, 2022 9:47 AM (P)

Man... I've got it down at 52 and even when my hair was wet I'm not even cold anymore.

It's such a difference when we're well into the positive temps outside than when we're plunged into antarctic temps.

Good luck at Mah Jong tomorrow, Brenda.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Friday, December 30, 2022 4:32 AM (P)

Welp, there was no luck at mah jong today SIX. Though I managed to go out once. Something I couldn't do last week. I was so close 3 times to really good hands but just couldn't get the tiles I needed.

BRENDA

Friday, December 30, 2022 4:33 AM (P)

All my errands done for today including getting some lamb chops for New Years. It was dry this morning then as I was leaving my senior's centre it was raining. And another storm rolls in.

BRENDA

Friday, December 30, 2022 11:14 PM (P)

Out for my walk in a bit. Just a couple of small things to do.

SIGNYM

Saturday, December 31, 2022 12:26 AM (P)

Snow totals for Bflo so far this year was 101". Normal snowfall for an ENTIRE SEASON is 95", and they still have three months to go!

The last storm dumped 3'-6', location depending. But the temperature is warming and the sun is shining for a change.

Meanwhile, in California -land, we're expecting to get dumped on by two atmospheric rivers, one after the other. In the flatlands predicted totals are about 4" over 10 days, more in the San Gabriel foothills. The SF bay area and Sierras expected to get rain/snow. Not complaining! This is welcome news!

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Saturday, December 31, 2022 12:34 AM (P)

No snow on the ground, but since the sun hasn't come out since it's gotten warm everything is wet even without any rain.

My furnace hasn't kicked on in almost 36 hours.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Saturday, December 31, 2022 2:44 AM (P)

Back from my walk and the sun is out and shining. Nice and dry for now. There is threat of more rain. Have to see if it appears.

BRENDA

Saturday, December 31, 2022 2:44 AM (P)

Temp is also up to 9C which is 48F.

SIGNYM

Saturday, December 31, 2022 3:01 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Temp is also up to 9C which is 48F.

Were at 58 so almost the same.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

BRENDA

Saturday, December 31, 2022 9:17 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Temp is also up to 9C which is 48F.
Were at 58 so almost the same.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

We're actually a couple of degrees above our normal temperature where I am.

BRENDA

Saturday, December 31, 2022 9:19 AM (P)

Suppose to be dry for the Polar Bear swim on Sunday. I hope so. That is not something you could get me to do but Sunday will be the 103rd year for it.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Saturday, December 31, 2022 10:13 AM (P)

I wouldn't have done it before, but...

I'm getting so used to cold temps as the normal that it might not be so bad.

.... I don't think I'm going to fill my tub up with cold water and jump in it tomorrow though.

We're at 39 straight hours without my furnace kicking on and it's 36 degrees outside.

I'm all in now. I'm aiming for using 50% less energy this month than my efficient neighbors.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Saturday, December 31, 2022 11:28 AM (P)

It's kind of amazing, really. It's been 40 1/2 hours without the furnace kicking on now and it's 33 degrees outside. But the key is that it's not windy at all right now. The temp has only fallen 3 degrees from 57 to 54 since the sun went down. Last night remained in the high 40's after being in the mid 50's yesterday, and even with some cloud cover the sunlight alone was enough to raise the temps during the day even though it was about 10 colder outside than it was in my house.

The crazy things you discover when you've got the thermostat set between 43 and 50 degrees.

It gets below freezing Wednesday night, but it's going to be 61 degrees on Tuesday. I'm going to easily make back all of the extra cycles used during that cold snap between now and then.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

SIGNYM

Saturday, December 31, 2022 6:06 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
It's kind of amazing, really. It's been 40 1/2 hours without the furnace kicking on now and it's 33 degrees outside. But the key is that it's not windy at all right now. The temp has only fallen 3 degrees from 57 to 54 since the sun went down. Last night remained in the high 40's after being in the mid 50's yesterday, and even with some cloud cover the sunlight alone was enough to raise the temps during the day even though it was about 10 colder outside than it was in my house.

The crazy things you discover when you've got the thermostat set between 43 and 50 degrees.

It gets below freezing Wednesday night, but it's going to be 61 degrees on Tuesday. I'm going to easily make back all of the extra cycles used during that cold snap between now and then.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

That's too cold for me! We keep our thermostat at 67, but we only have 2 zones (of 3) on during the day, and only one on at night. Still, it'll be interesting to see how high our gas bill goes. We used to be charged $8-10 per month is the summer (for water heating: laundry, showers, dishwashing) but our bill crept up to $13-14. I was worried we had a small leak somewhere so I checked and old bill... nope, same number of therms, just more expensive!

During winter, despite most of our windows being double-paned, our bill would go to $150 on the coldest months. Given that the price has gone up, but we're more consistent and conservative than we used to be, I wonder how high the bills will go this year.

Sis near Bflo hardly pays anything. When the house was built, dad went around filling in the empty spaces with insulation, so its extremely well-insulated. And of course all windows in the houses built there are double-paned. And when they had to replace the furnace, sis bought one with an extremely efficient heat exchanger: it extracts SO much heat from the combustion gases that the vent is at the side of the house, since the gas is too cold to make it all the way up a normal chimney! I'll ask her what her bill was the month tht included the latest blizzard. I would be curious to find out.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Saturday, December 31, 2022 7:39 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
It's kind of amazing, really. It's been 40 1/2 hours without the furnace kicking on now and it's 33 degrees outside. But the key is that it's not windy at all right now. The temp has only fallen 3 degrees from 57 to 54 since the sun went down. Last night remained in the high 40's after being in the mid 50's yesterday, and even with some cloud cover the sunlight alone was enough to raise the temps during the day even though it was about 10 colder outside than it was in my house.

The crazy things you discover when you've got the thermostat set between 43 and 50 degrees.

It gets below freezing Wednesday night, but it's going to be 61 degrees on Tuesday. I'm going to easily make back all of the extra cycles used during that cold snap between now and then.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.
That's too cold for me!

I think if I did a survey, that's too cold for pretty much anybody.

My Grandma and Aunt kept their coats on even when I splurged the last time we were here and turned it up to 64 for a few hours. They keep theirs at 70. Their gas bill last month was $280. I'm not going to be surprised if I hear it's $550 this month.

My buddy won't take his coat off when he comes here and has asked me twice now if I'd turn the heat higher if he gave me some money to help pay my bill.

Quote:
We keep our thermostat at 67, but we only have 2 zones (of 3) on during the day, and only one on at night. Still, it'll be interesting to see how high our gas bill goes. We used to be charged $8-10 per month is the summer (for water heating: laundry, showers, dishwashing) but our bill crept up to $13-14. I was worried we had a small leak somewhere so I checked and old bill... nope, same number of therms, just more expensive!

Sure. Probably quite a bit more expensive right now in the winter too. Up until this point I've been extremely lucky with how little more it was costing per therm prior to the same time last year, but we did just get bumped up to $0.62 per therm (plus another $0.7 delivery charge or whatever) for the month of December, which means all those cycles that went off during Week Frigid were the most expensive I've ever paid for since buying the house by quite a bit.

Quote:
During winter, despite most of our windows being double-paned, our bill would go to $150 on the coldest months. Given that the price has gone up, but we're more consistent and conservative than we used to be, I wonder how high the bills will go this year.

WOW! You can tell that your gas is more expensive and you keep it higher than I do. Last year's January bill (that I'll be comparing the next bill to) was $235. Only $158 of that was my gas. Up until the next two bills (unless I did REALLY GOOD here), last January's bill of $158 was my highest bill ever.

My goal is to pay less than last year even with the jump in price. I don't know if I can succeed, but I'll find out in about another 20 days.

Quote:
Sis near Bflo hardly pays anything. When the house was built, dad went around filling in the empty spaces with insulation, so its extremely well-insulated. And of course all windows in the houses built there are double-paned. And when they had to replace the furnace, sis bought one with an extremely efficient heat exchanger: it extracts SO much heat from the combustion gases that the vent is at the side of the house, since the gas is too cold to make it all the way up a normal chimney! I'll ask her what her bill was the month tht included the latest blizzard. I would be curious to find out.

I've got all double paned windows, but the insulation and caulk jobs were shite. The only two rooms I've actually finished the remodeling and windows are the t

BRENDA

Saturday, December 31, 2022 11:23 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
I wouldn't have done it before, but...

I'm getting so used to cold temps as the normal that it might not be so bad.

.... I don't think I'm going to fill my tub up with cold water and jump in it tomorrow though.

We're at 39 straight hours without my furnace kicking on and it's 36 degrees outside.

I'm all in now. I'm aiming for using 50% less energy this month than my efficient neighbors.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

You are a better man than me SIX. There is no way you could get me to take a walk into the cold North Pacific ocean on the first of January. Brrrrr.

BRENDA

Saturday, December 31, 2022 11:25 PM (P)

Out for my walk in a bit and it's dry for now. Sitting at 7C which is which is 44F.

BRENDA

Sunday, January 1, 2023 3:36 AM (P)

Back from my walk and still nice and dry out. Temp has gone up a degree.

SIGNYM

Sunday, January 1, 2023 4:49 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Back from my walk and still nice and dry out. Temp has gone up a degree.

Sounds pleasant!

I take the dog for a walk most days. Some days it's hotter than I appreciate, altho you might enjoy the sun and heat. Today, it was drizzly and around 60F. Heavier rain expected later.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Sunday, January 1, 2023 7:42 AM (P)

Got my friend's over the pool table light installed today. 100% done with no need to wrap it up another day.

It looks fantastic!

Had to come up with a few creative solutions given what we had to work with under the ceiling tiles and figuring out a way where I could get the junction box to stick out 1/2" lower than the ceiling tile for the finished piece to screw up flush to the tile, while also being able to pull the tile back where it belongs without the box being in the way, but we did it. (Ancient Chinese Secret!)

Only cost him $40 worth of material, and it's beyond code.

Even more good news is that once it was installed and we got the pool table exactly where it needs to be for the pro he's having come out to level and felt it, we discovered that as long as he doesn't get chairs down there that are too tall, we don't even need to come up with a solution to lift the light (that's on chains) when not in use and we'll be able to see his big screen TV on movie nights without that constant bother.

Once he gets the table fixed, we're going to install some shelving and get his kick ass sound system back up in there and we can do movie nights and play pool.

Looks like the only sacrifice he had to make was having a 50" TV down there instead of the 70" one. I had to talk him out of putting that back down because even though I know sober Jack would never put a cue stick through it while playing, sober Jack's drinking buddies probably can't say the same thing, and although there is plenty of room to shoot with the big screen, all it takes is one dumb move and that stick going back a few extra inches, likely either after a terrible shot or during a celebratory gesture, to put that nice TV in a landfill.

Got some cool tools in trade, including a nice stud finder. I've always wanted to buy one but I've never found one on a good sale and really didn't need it because I've got mad skills. His wife also gave me a brand new hair dryer that somebody gifted her but she didn't need and was just about to take to Goodwill. It was fortuitous that I had commented on how fast my bud can take a shower compared to the drawn out process it is with my long hair and how I have to wait another hour for it to dry, otherwise that wouldn't be part of today's acquisitions. I do have an old hair dryer, but it's been hung in the crawlspace for years in case the pipes ever froze and nah... I don't want that thing going anywhere near my hair.

And besides, this one is super compact compared to that old one so it won't take up any room under the vanity.

And now, though I don't remember exactly which day I woke up after my last drinking binge that started on New Years Eve of 2016-2017, I'm 72 hours away from 6 years of sobriety, give or take 48 or so hours.

Happy New Year, Brenda and Sigs!

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Sunday, January 1, 2023 9:43 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Back from my walk and still nice and dry out. Temp has gone up a degree.
Sounds pleasant!

I take the dog for a walk most days. Some days it's hotter than I appreciate, altho you might enjoy the sun and heat. Today, it was drizzly and around 60F. Heavier rain expected later.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

It was quite pleasant out.

Sun and heat sounds nice after the snow of Christmas. But my corner of Canada shall have to wait until February to see what Spring will be like.

BRENDA

Sunday, January 1, 2023 9:44 AM (P)

6 years of Sobriety that is wonderful SIX. I am so happy for you that you got out of that terrible trap.

BRENDA

Sunday, January 1, 2023 9:45 AM (P)

Happy New Year SIG and SIX.

SIGNYM

Sunday, January 1, 2023 9:46 AM (P)

Oh, Happy New Year, SIX and BRENDA! May the new year be better than the old!

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Sunday, January 1, 2023 7:18 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
6 years of Sobriety that is wonderful SIX. I am so happy for you that you got out of that terrible trap.

Thank you.

It's the only reason I'm still alive today!

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Sunday, January 1, 2023 11:46 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
6 years of Sobriety that is wonderful SIX. I am so happy for you that you got out of that terrible trap.

Thank you.

It's the only reason I'm still alive today!

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

Keep up the good work.

BRENDA

Sunday, January 1, 2023 11:46 PM (P)

Just a lazy Sunday around me.

There were some fireworks last night but I was too lazy to stick my nose out a window to see if I could see any of them.

BRENDA

Monday, January 2, 2023 11:22 PM (P)

Out for my walk in a bit. Lots of sun out today and dry.

SIGNYM

Monday, January 2, 2023 11:29 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Out for my walk in a bit. Lots of sun out today and dry.

Happy day!

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

SIGNYM

Monday, January 2, 2023 11:31 PM (P)

We got 1 3/4" of rain on New Years Eve.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

BRENDA

Tuesday, January 3, 2023 3:14 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Out for my walk in a bit. Lots of sun out today and dry.
Happy day!

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

It is a lovely day. I was almost sorry that I put my scarf on but you just never know.

Right now my area is sitting at 42F which is pretty good for the beginning of January.

BRENDA

Tuesday, January 3, 2023 3:15 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
We got 1 3/4" of rain on New Years Eve.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

That's great SIG. :)

BRENDA

Tuesday, January 3, 2023 3:16 AM (P)

Back from my walk and it is a lovely day out. But facing some rain tomorrow. Oh, well. January what can you do.

BRENDA

Tuesday, January 3, 2023 11:15 PM (P)

Out for my walk in a bit. Guess I should take my umbrella. Meds to refill and groceries to get.

BRENDA

Wednesday, January 4, 2023 3:02 AM (P)

Got rained on but all done for today.

BRENDA

Wednesday, January 4, 2023 11:04 PM (P)

Sunny day for my walk and other things to do.

SIGNYM

Thursday, January 5, 2023 12:37 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Sunny day for my walk and other things to do.

Rainy here.

CA due for back to back to back atmospheric rivers. And this, in a la Nina year!! SoCal, while not in the cross hairs,is getting sideswiped. Raining now and for most of the next 10 days, predicted.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

BRENDA

Thursday, January 5, 2023 2:38 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Sunny day for my walk and other things to do.
Rainy here.

CA due for back to back to back atmospheric rivers. And this, in a la Nina year!! SoCal, while not in the cross hairs,is getting sideswiped. Raining now and for most of the next 10 days, predicted.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

I heard that on some news from the US, I was watching. Not good. BC went through a couple in December and no major damage unlike last year. But still some flooding.

Stay dry.

BRENDA

Thursday, January 5, 2023 2:39 AM (P)

Back from my errands and clouds rolling in now. Suppose to rain tonight, tomorrow and Friday. Most like into next week as well.

Got everything done for today.

SIGNYM

Thursday, January 5, 2023 11:46 PM (P)

Almost 2" last storm accumulation.

Monday and Tuesday next major rainfall. Nothing after that in the 10-day.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Friday, January 6, 2023 1:42 AM (P)

I've had a few problems over the last few weeks with the car. If I didn't start it every day, I went back to having a monstrous time starting it again. Last Thursday it took me 6 hours to get it running again, and when I finally did I had to jump out of my seat and open the overhead door and when I looked back it looked like my garage was on fire there was so much smoke this time.

Called the mechanic yesterday and he swears it's the battery. Even though the battery was old, I told him I didn't agree because the multimeter is always showing over 12v. But I didn't have the equipment to test it under a load like he did. Instead of having him charge it for 4 hours for me, I did that myself at home before bringing it in and having him test it.

When I told him about the puddle behind the muffler that had turned into an ice river in my garage, he said that's supposed to happen because of how the car breaks down the emissions and isn't indicative of water in the gas tank. He's not wrong. The catalyst does make H2O as one of the byproducts. He said that's also why there's weep holes in the muffler so it doesn't build up there and expand and ruin the muffler, which is something else I didn't know. So maybe that's not an issue and the only reason I noticed it was because of how damned cold it got that week?

He also checked under the hood, and aside from the backed on mouse shit that's around the spark plugs that I'd want to clean off before ever changing them again, he didn't see anything that should be interfering with the car's performance.

So... Good news, the alternator is working great. Bad news, the battery goes down to 7-9 volts under load, when it's supposed to be 9.6-10.5 volts.

Rather than wait and see if this happens again (which it totally would because I haven't done anything to fix it otherwise), I went ahead and got a new battery. I haven't actually bought a new battery for the car in over 10 years now, so probably the only reason it got me going where I wanted to go for so long is because of how infrequently I drive.

Of course I shopped around and got the best deal possible on a brand name battery.

So there it's going to sit until LATE tomorrow night. I figure I want to give it enough time where I know it would have a starting issue if it's going to have one, but not long enough that I can't start it and it would require me to beat the shit out of a brand new battery.

Finger's crossed.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Friday, January 6, 2023 3:01 AM (P)

Back from mah jong and just a horrible morning. Couldn't do anything. Managed to go out but that hand only netted me 90 points. Didn't even break 1,000 today.

There's a bit of wind and it is trying to rain again. Have to see if it arrives.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Friday, January 6, 2023 10:36 PM (P)

You don't know how bad I want to go out and start the car now... But the tests must be done.

Still got to wait at least 12 hours before I fire it up with the new battery.

Going to clean the house today, get started on a couple of projects I've been wanting to do and get my tools and stuff organized again.

First thing is first though... Got to set the thermostat a bit higher so it's not so cold. As long as I'm getting stuff accomplished I don't mind doing it.

Sorry to hear about Mah Jong, Brenda. You'll get 'em next time.

Rain around here really doesn't even matter right now. It's been cold and wet and we haven't seen the sun in 3 weeks, so even when it gets warm enough to evaporate anything there's really no evap even taking place. So weird to have my sump pump going off every hour or so in the first week of January. Strange winter so far.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Friday, January 6, 2023 11:15 PM (P)

Sorry to hear about the car troubles again SIX.

House cleaning is a good thing. I'm trying to do that in bits and pieces around me.

It happens at mah jong. 4 people to a table and it can get hard getting the tiles you need.

BRENDA

Friday, January 6, 2023 11:16 PM (P)

Out for my walk. Need my umbrella the weather people are calling for more rain. Oh, how I wish in some way Summer would hurry up.

BRENDA

Saturday, January 7, 2023 4:14 AM (P)

Back from my walk and I had to get a little more groceries today. Nothing heavy.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Saturday, January 7, 2023 11:57 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Sorry to hear about the car troubles again SIX.

I think I might actually be okay... FINALLY!

Nearly 1.5 days after the last start and it didn't give me any trouble at all. Not even a hint that it would misfire or struggle. Fingers crossed.

Quote:
House cleaning is a good thing. I'm trying to do that in bits and pieces around me.

Good for you. I didn't get much done myself. Did a little bit of work on one of the two projects, and a little tidying up, but no deep cleaning before I took a nap.

Quote:
It happens at mah jong. 4 people to a table and it can get hard getting the tiles you need.

Yeah. The closest I know to that is Spades, which I used to play a ton back in the days of Yahoo! Games. Nothing worse than finding a really good partner (totally randomly) and winning a bunch of games, but then getting really bad cards a few games in a row and one of you quit out and then you never get to play with them again. I should try to see what online spades is available to play these days. I bet it's way easier to reconnect with good partners with the platforms out there today.

It turns out that I'm actually good at pool. Like, potentially really good. I'm in need of some practice, but now that we've got a pool table to play on regularly and my friend is hyped about it, I think I'm going to get quite a bit of it.

I think I've played about 40 games now since a 15 to 20 year hiatus on pool, and I'm playing with a couple of guys that never quit playing and play on leagues every week, and if I didn't win half of my games against them tonight it was damn near close to it.

I'm making difficult cuts. I'm leaving myself positioned for the next shot or leaving good safetys if there isn't any shot more often than not, and when I'm missing my bank shots I'm seriously close to making them. After only 40 or so games I'm like 10 times better than I was back in my early 20's when we played 3 to 5 nights a week.

It probably helps that they're letting me use their $500 cue sticks compared to the crappy house cues that I used to play with too.

Who knows? Maybe one day I can make some money doing this?

It ain't gambling when you know you're going to win, right?

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Saturday, January 7, 2023 11:19 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
Quote:
Originally posted by Brenda:
Sorry to hear about the car troubles again SIX.

I think I might actually be okay... FINALLY!

Nearly 1.5 days after the last start and it didn't give me any trouble at all. Not even a hint that it would misfire or struggle. Fingers crossed.

Quote:
House cleaning is a good thing. I'm trying to do that in bits and pieces around me.

Good for you. I didn't get much done myself. Did a little bit of work on one of the two projects, and a little tidying up, but no deep cleaning before I took a nap.

Quote:
It happens at mah jong. 4 people to a table and it can get hard getting the tiles you need.

Yeah. The closest I know to that is Spades, which I used to play a ton back in the days of Yahoo! Games. Nothing worse than finding a really good partner (totally randomly) and winning a bunch of games, but then getting really bad cards a few games in a row and one of you quit out and then you never get to play with them again. I should try to see what online spades is available to play these days. I bet it's way easier to reconnect with good partners with the platforms out there today.

It turns out that I'm actually good at pool. Like, potentially really good. I'm in need of some practice, but now that we've got a pool table to play on regularly and my friend is hyped about it, I think I'm going to get quite a bit of it.

I think I've played about 40 games now since a 15 to 20 year hiatus on pool, and I'm playing with a couple of guys that never quit playing and play on leagues every week, and if I didn't win half of my games against them tonight it was damn near close to it.

I'm making difficult cuts. I'm leaving myself positioned for the next shot or leaving good safetys if there isn't any shot more often than not, and when I'm missing my bank shots I'm seriously close to making them. After only 40 or so games I'm like 10 times better than I was back in my early 20's when we played 3 to 5 nights a week.

It probably helps that they're letting me use their $500 cue sticks compared to the crappy house cues that I used to play with too.

Who knows? Maybe one day I can make some money doing this?

It ain't gambling when you know you're going to win, right?

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

I hope so SIX.

Yeah, I'm starting with my kitchen table. It's just finding places for the things that are there.

I have to do some vacuuming as I am bringing in dust with me.

Mah jong you are playing by yourself but if everyone is picks up pairs of the same tiles then they all might decide to collect those. Then you are in a pickle which is what happened to me on Thursday.

Cool. Think I have attempted to play pool a couple of times when I was in my 20s. Old boyfriend liked to play so he was teaching me the game but we weren't together long enough for me to get anywhere with it.

That is true and that is also why they call it gambling.

BRENDA

Saturday, January 7, 2023 11:19 PM (P)

First laundry day of the new year then a walk in the rain most like.

SIGNYM

Sunday, January 8, 2023 1:47 AM (P)

I used to enjoy playing pool. I can't say that I ever got good at it, but I have made a few "make it or lose it" difficult shots in tight games. That's sweet!

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

SIGNYM

Sunday, January 8, 2023 1:49 AM (P)

Yesterday was crystal clear, a bright sunny day with snow on the mountains.
Today high clouds in advance of a weather change (more rain, I hope) but still veiled sunshine and warm with snow on the mountains.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

BRENDA

Sunday, January 8, 2023 3:58 AM (P)

Back and done for the day. It is a soggy Saturday for sure.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Sunday, January 8, 2023 5:43 AM (P)

I can't even tell from soggy anymore. The concrete has been wet since the snowfall before Christmas whether it's raining or not. I forgot what the sun looks like again.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

SIGNYM

Sunday, January 8, 2023 6:35 AM (P)

Well FWIW it's bdowntowneen soggy here, too. LA clocked 7" of rain since about Nov 1.
We've had ants in our bathroom trying to escape being drowned!

If we get that 4" of rain that's predicted for the next 10 days we'll be very close to our season total.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Sunday, January 8, 2023 8:16 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Well FWIW it's bdowntowneen soggy here, too. LA clocked 7" of rain since about Nov 1.
We've had ants in our bathroom trying to escape being drowned!

If we get that 4" of rain that's predicted for the next 10 days we'll be very close to our season total.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

Oh no... The last time you had water like this I had a miserable spring.

I hope I don't regret not installing that 2nd sump well when I had a chance.

For the ants, get yourself some Terro Liquid Ant Bait before they find something they like in your house and decide they don't want to move out when it dries up. It's about $6 or $7 for a 6 pack right now (EXPENSIVE COMPARED TO LAST YEAR), but they will absolutely do the job for you. There is no other product I would ever use for this. It's that good.

Just keep the pets away from it.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

BRENDA

Monday, January 9, 2023 12:06 AM (P)

Rain today but it is my lazy Sunday. So no worries.

SIGNYM

Monday, January 9, 2023 1:25 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Well FWIW it's bdowntowneen soggy here, too. LA clocked 7" of rain since about Nov 1.
We've had ants in our bathroom trying to escape being drowned!

If we get that 4" of rain that's predicted for the next 10 days we'll be very close to our season total.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

Oh no... The last time you had water like this I had a miserable spring.
I hope I don't regret not installing that 2nd sump well when I had a chance.

Fingers crossed, SIX!

Quote:
For the ants, get yourself some Terro Liquid Ant Bait before they find something they like in your house and decide they don't want to move out when it dries up. It's about $6 or $7 for a 6 pack right now (EXPENSIVE COMPARED TO LAST YEAR), but they will absolutely do the job for you. There is no other product I would ever use for this. It's that good.

Just keep the pets away from it.
I'll keep that in mind. So far they're just exploring.

BTW sorry for all the typos. I don't have a spell check and I don't always have the time to proof. Plus, my phone insists on filling in some things for me.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Monday, January 9, 2023 1:41 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:
Originally posted by 6IXSTRINGJACK:
Quote:
Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Well FWIW it's bdowntowneen soggy here, too. LA clocked 7" of rain since about Nov 1.
We've had ants in our bathroom trying to escape being drowned!

If we get that 4" of rain that's predicted for the next 10 days we'll be very close to our season total.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

Oh no... The last time you had water like this I had a miserable spring.
I hope I don't regret not installing that 2nd sump well when I had a chance.
Fingers crossed, SIX!

Farmer's Almanac tells me stuff that I want to hear. Too bad it's not always right though.

Quote:
Quote:
For the ants, get yourself some Terro Liquid Ant Bait before they find something they like in your house and decide they don't want to move out when it dries up. It's about $6 or $7 for a 6 pack right now (EXPENSIVE COMPARED TO LAST YEAR), but they will absolutely do the job for you. There is no other product I would ever use for this. It's that good.

Just keep the pets away from it.
I'll keep that in mind. So far they're just exploring.

You're nicer than I am. If I see a single ant in my house after what I've been through the poison comes out immediately. You never know what they're up to behind your walls.

Quote:
BTW sorry for all the typos. I don't have a spell check and I don't always have the time to proof. Plus, my phone insists on filling in some things for me.

Yeah, I know. You told me about that when I asked if you were okay when I first started noticing it.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Monday, January 9, 2023 1:43 AM (P)

A bit of cleanup done so far today. More will be done now as I finished the wood putty repairs and caulking of a piece of furntiture that will be primed and painted after the caulk dries.

But I will be cutting out the two "platform" hardboard pieces to protect the basket weave tops of the entryway table first and rounding them to shape so I can prime everything at once and not waste paint.

It's not sunny out today, but at least it's BRIGHT. I think that played a big part in today's motivation.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

SIGNYM

Monday, January 9, 2023 6:46 AM (P)

Been busy helping daughter declutter. That means doing it with her,at her place, and making occasional suggestions as to how she can speed it up or do it better, or both. I decided to start with her collection of quarters, got her books to put them in, and we're going to bank the rest.

But yesterday I took out the pocket reciprocating saw that I bought for sis that she lent back to me, and (mostly) took out an ugly shrub. But I had to quit on that to pick up a tank of propane for my trusty flame thrower bc after all this rain the weeds are springing up. I'm going to try flaming weeds tomorrow in the rain so that it's really safe.

On to making dinner.

-----------
Pity would be no more,
If we did not MAKE someone poor - William Blake

6IXSTRINGJACK

Monday, January 9, 2023 7:27 AM (P)

Everything is primed. I doubt I'll do anything else tonight.

Had to turn it up to 54 degrees just so the heat would come down and dry off the top so I could hit it with a 2nd coat because it hardly goes off at all. It was set at 52 degrees all day.

Most productive day I've had working on my own stuff for a while. If it weren't so cold in the house I'd feel great about it.

I think I'm going to do this Gas protest until my next bill and then lay off a bit on it. I'm hoping that I have it so much lower than last years bill that I can keep it at 60 or close to it for the rest of the winter and still pay them less than I paid them last year.

It was fine while I was cutting things and sanding stuff down, but after painting I had to wash the brush and damn the hands get cold when they're wet.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

6IXSTRINGJACK

Monday, January 9, 2023 11:16 PM (P)

Low temps in the house not bothering me today. I think it is fine in the morning but for some reason after the sun goes down it starts bothering me. Maybe it's a psychological phenomena? It's only 51 degrees right now and I've felt just fine while I'm painting stuff.

I've got the first coat of finish paint on both sides of my boards for the entryway table on (I did do one last night before I went to sleep), and I've got the first coat of the first color on the piece of furniture I repaired. That will be 4 coats because of the 2 colors, and the 2nd color will be the tricky one that I have to cut in. Shouldn't be too much of a problem with my growing skills, but this one isn't wide open like walls and a ceiling are.

Gonna have to clean up by around 2:30PM so I can run some errands. I may or may not be going to my friend's house tonight to install the soundbar and TV and shoot some pool. If not, that will wait until Friday or the weekend.

--------------------------------------------------

Growing up in a Republic was nice... Shame we couldn't keep it.

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