Wet and humid here in AR. Posting early and from my phone because the hotel free wifi still uses some sort of authorization, and it doesn’t work on any of the android browsers on my tablet.
More driving today. I should be in Chicago by dinner time.
After watching a few movies, we’ve started listening to the Narnia books produced be Focus on the Family. So far it has excellent production. Child is enthralled. I am too.
More updates as I cross borders…
N
Out at the property where we are about to build, meeting neighbors and such. Our house will be just in front of an apartment building. Even though we’re 8 meters down, our roofline will partially obstruct the view from one ground floor apartment. We have no obligation, but out of neighborliness we’ll see if we can sink the house another few inches into the ground. More digging, but it would actually make the access road easier.
Brad: being a good neighbor is always important. Sounds like you are doing the right thing. Where you are, I assume you are building on a fairly good slope.
Happy travelling, Nick!
All – I need to come up with a list for a rather generic bug-out-bag / get-home-from-work-pack. The idea is to construct such a bag and then raffle it off as part of an awareness-raising exercise in work about being prepared for the unexpected.
I’d appreciate your suggestions for the contents. Here’s what sprang to mind so far:
Personal Items – Passport / ID, or at least decent colour copies thereof. Small supply of any prescription medication on which one depends. Spare pare of prescription eyeglasses or spare contact lenses. For ladies, sanitary towels or equivalent.
Basic needs: water, food items, water-filter straw, Swiss Army knife, change of underwear, hat, scarf, sunscreen & sunglasses, windcheater, cash, prepaid public transport card, local map, small first aid kit, including disposable gloves, hand sanitizers, sticking plasters.
Suggestions welcome!
It already happened to California. Now coming to Texas..
https://www.takimag.com/article/say-goodbye-to-texas/
well I like mexican food.
Great idea.
Instead of carrying water, it’s heavy, I’d recommend just water filter. I carry an empty camel-back with the expectation I can fill it as needed. As I live in an urban area, I carry a KNIPEX Control Cabinet Key (Lowes) that allows me to turn on water faucets found on commercial buildings and gas stations as well as access protected electrical outlets.
Other suggestions would be chap-stick, it doubles as a fire starter fuel and fire steel for making fire. Include a SHARPIE marking pen for making or leaving notes and a small supply of toilet paper.
I also carry an inexpensive FRS two way radio with NOAA Weather band.
I’m sure you will get many more good suggestions.
Update: don’t forget FLASHLIGHTS !! (more than 1)
It already happened to California. Now coming to Texas.
As much as CA transplants get the blame for Texas turning purple, the natives and near natives who support the Governor and current Legislators both financially and at the ballot box need to take a hard look at the results of the last legislative session and decide who needs to be primaried in two years.
And San Antonio. Really? Ron Nirenberg?
Nirenberg ran a dirty campaign against Brockhouse, possibly involving material illegally obtained.
Over The Hedge: augmenting the brain with AI chips
https://www.gocomics.com/overthehedge/2019/06/24
Heh.
Oh boy I had some good stuff to say about the get home bag but after typing it during lunch at all vanished when I went to post so now I’m dictating without any punctuation I will post some more thoughts when I get a chance
N
Spare ammo 🙂
“The Expert’s Guide to Writing Book Recommendation Lists”
https://www.tor.com/2019/06/24/the-experts-guide-to-writing-book-recommendation-lists/
James is up to his usual level of snarky-ism. And he may be pointing at me (again).
After watching a few movies, we’ve started listening to the Narnia books produced be Focus on the Family. So far it has excellent production. Child is enthralled. I am too.
Cool. Good to see that you took a spy XXX hostage XXXXXX unpaid laborer with you. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of helping out relatives on summer vacations.
We have no obligation, but out of neighborliness we’ll see if we can sink the house another few inches into the ground. More digging, but it would actually make the access road easier.
The lot that I am considering buying is a little low. If we buy the lot then I am going to put the house and garage three feet (one meter) above the current ground level.
Spare ammo
And spare gun.
Freefall: guidance computer lockup
http://freefall.purrsia.com/ff3300/fc03295.htm
I am not sure that the spaceship guidance computer should be talking casually with the crew. And that includes the captain even if he is a squid.
Forgot to mention that we started off the morning with a little over two inches of rain. You know, it would be nice if we could save this rain for the drought years.
“Hackers, farmers, and doctors unite! Support for Right to Repair laws slowly grows”
https://www.osnews.com/story/130182/hackers-farmers-and-doctors-unite-support-for-right-to-repair-laws-slowly-grows/
Not being able to work on stuff that you bought just seems wrong.
Other suggestions would be chap-stick, it doubles as a fire starter fuel and fire steel for making fire. Include a SHARPIE marking pen for making or leaving notes and a small supply of toilet paper.
I vote for a large supply of toilet paper. Leaves and grass really suck.
This aspect of the DMCA was easily foreseen and predicted. Opposition to it should be loudly and vocally expressed, frequently.
Awesome idea!! Here’s my 2 cents…
– nothing that heat or cold can impact; food, meds, liquids, etc.
– small medical kit / IFAK: bandaids, EMT shears, 3″ bandages, 2″ gauze pads, tweezers, FLASHLIGHT, nitrile gloves, medical tape, etc.
– fire kit: matches in waterproof container, lighter, magnesium rod & steel striker
– tools: paracord, fixed-blade knife, multi-tool, 7’x9′ tarp, Spork, emergency blankets (2+), rain poncho, wipes (10pk x 2), notepad w/pen
– water kit: water filter, water bladders (at least 2, soft or hard, one to collect “dirty” water and one to hold filtered water), water purification tablets
I’ve set up a few bags and am constantly tweaking them. I am always replacing the medical tape and wipes as the Alabama heat dries them out so quickly. Get-home bag is getting smaller every year!
OK, the dishwasher in the house died again last night. I’ve been getting it to work by jiggling the latch but could not keep it going this morning. So, Bosch has the top four dishwashers recommended by Consumer Reports.
Bosch 300 Series Front Control Tall Tub Dishwasher in Black with Stainless Steel Tub and 3rd Rack, 44dBA – SHEM63W56N – The Home Depot – $719.00
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-300-Series-Front-Control-Tall-Tub-Dishwasher-in-Black-with-Stainless-Steel-Tub-and-3rd-Rack-44dBA-SHEM63W56N/304644763
Bosch Ascenta Series Front Control Tall Tub Dishwasher in Black with Hybrid Stainless Steel Tub, 50 dBA, $449.00
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-Ascenta-Series-Front-Control-Tall-Tub-Dishwasher-in-Black-with-Hybrid-Stainless-Steel-Tub-50-dBA-SHE3AR76UC/304632220
I vote for the quiet dishwasher.
Any opinions ?
WRT dishwashers, our first Bosch lasted 17 years. We are 7 years in on our second Bosch. Ours is an 800 Series. Well worth the price.
That cheap Bosch is not a Bosch, it is made by who knows who is making KitchenAid/GE/Whirlpool/all the other once big names who are now building to a price point and any quality is an accident.
I am not sure that the spaceship guidance computer should be talking casually with the crew. And that includes the captain even if he is a squid.
Sam is a space SQID! 🙂
Over the course of several weeks I read all 3500+ strips, the entire 18 year run. A great comic, consistently amusing and occasionally intense. Recommended.
That cheap Bosch is not a Bosch, it is made by who knows who is making KitchenAid/GE/Whirlpool/all the other once big names who are now building to a price point and any quality is an accident.
Thanks, I did not know that !
I bought a new Whirlpool microwave last year and had it installed into the designated alcove using a “pro” install team. The latch only works one out of ten attempts now which is horribly frustrating. I called Whirlpool one day before the one year warranty expired and they said they would get back to me. They have not gotten back to me and I called again two weeks ago. Again, they will get back to me. It has been over a month since the first report, I know when I am being brushed off. So, no more Whirlpool.
That cheap Bosch is not a Bosch, it is made by who knows who is making KitchenAid/GE/Whirlpool/all the other once big names who are now building to a price point and any quality is an accident.
If you can’t find the model elsewhere, it is Home Gimpot extorting the manufacturer into giving up the nameplate to slap on a piece of cr*p in return for carrying the high end stuff. Pretty standard practice at the big box home improvement stores. Just ask Hunter Fan.
We had three dishwashers in FL. The third one, which lasted the longest, was a high end Bosch of some kind. The water delivered by Tampa Bay Water to the various municipalities was awful, and the most sesitive appliances, dishwashers and the water softeners, lasted only a little more than five years typically.
I bought a new Whirlpool microwave last year and had it installed into the designated alcove using a “pro” install team. The latch only works one out of ten attempts now which is horribly frustrating. I called Whirlpool one day before the one year warranty expired and they said they would get back to me. They have not gotten back to me and I called again two weeks ago. Again, they will get back to me. It has been over a month since the first report, I know when I am being brushed off. So, no more Whirlpool.
I just called Whirlpool again and they are going to send a new microwave out. Huh. And it is a new model because the old model sucks.
@lynn …
“Squeaky wheel” and all that.
Don’t give up on things like that. As you have learned. You might get a free replacement if you keep on bothering them until the issue is resolved. As you have found out.
Free is good.
It was only by sheer force of will that I was able to finish reading Neal Stephenson’s Fall. My capsule review: Strong start, weak middle, disappointing conclusion. If you’re contemplating buying the book, wait for the paperback, or better yet get the Kindle version and save a small grove of trees. Reading the one- and two-star Amazon reviews prior to any purchase is a must.
If you’re looking for a fun read about simulated/disembodied souls, you really can’t beat Dennis Taylor’s Bobiverse trilogy.
If you’re looking for a fun read about simulated/disembodied souls, you really can’t beat Dennis Taylor’s Bobiverse trilogy.
+1 Great series. Wish more would come out of his brain.
It was only by sheer force of will that I was able to finish reading Neal Stephenson’s Fall. My capsule review: Strong start, weak middle, disappointing conclusion.
I’ll muddle through and finish.
I stopped with “Seveneves” for a while after the revelation that the Wise Latina (TM) was going to plot the rebuilding of the human race.
I eventually finished the book.
I had to constantly put down “Atlas Shrugged” as I read it over the four years we lived in Vantucky — too many politicians spouting lines from the book almost verbatim.
I’ll muddle through and finish.
Good man! Think of it as a character-building exercise; when you are done, you’re going to be positively bursting at the seams with character! 😉
Seriously, it’s not an altogether bad book; it’s just not that good a book. And that’s not just my opinion; at least half of the Amazon reviewers agree with me.
Seriously, it’s not an altogether bad book; it’s just not that good a book. And that’s not just my opinion; at least half of the Amazon reviewers agree with me.
I thought Stephenson had turned things around after I read “The Rise and Fall of DODO”.
No advice on dishwashers, but a story about “quiet.”
We bought a Kitchenaid dishwasher in 1978. It was slightly noisy when standing near it, but that was OK because my wife would start it as we were leaving the area for another part of the house: our family room, which is on the level below. Couldn’t hear the DW at all, which was no surprise.
That Kitchenaid was made by Hobart, back when men were men, and appliances were… you get it. It lasted many, many years. We eventually replaced it with another brand, which claimed to be quiet. Yeah, they all do. We were pleasantly surprised when we installed it and turned it on. It was indeed much quieter than the old one – standing right next to it. But when we went to our family room, we could distinctly hear whenever its water valve was open. That noise was mildly annoying, but totally absent when listening in the kitchen.
Anyone who has ever practiced noise suppression will probably smile at that story. And, yes, we do have a pressure regulator on our inside water, highly tecommended because it makes all of our other valves nearly silent. Just not that one.
I recently got a Bosch dishwasher. Very quiet and cleans well. Try to look at some in the store before you buy. The rack layouts are a little different compared to other brands. Not a deal breaker, but you do have to figure out a new optimal load pattern. Oh, and there are detailed instructions on that.
I will chime in on the Bosch dishwashers. We bought ours about ten years ago to replace a failing unit from Sears, Kenmore. The Bosch is almost inaudible and you have to listen carefully to know it is operating. Even in the downstairs (basement actually, finished) you cannot hear the unit operating.
I would buy a Bosch, the high end units, in a heartbeat.
Denis said:
All – I need to come up with a list for a rather generic bug-out-bag / get-home-from-work-pack. The idea is to construct such a bag and then raffle it off as part of an awareness-raising exercise in work about being prepared for the unexpected.
@ Denis:
Since it’s apparently a teaching opportunity, try to include examples of mostly
generic items that anybody should have and use. Somebody suggested
prescription eyeglasses, for example, so the generic item would be some basic
safety glasses, a good item in any case. In addition to a water filter or straw,
any sort of bottle of water could indicate the need for container(s).
Display the contents, and provide printed lists for everybody to take home.
A raffle is a great idea to hype some interest, and it could pay for the sample
kit.
Added: Somebody listed toilet paper.
Might need a good supply to wipe off the fan!
Living alone, I only use my dishwasher when I have family over for a BBQ.
WRT dishwashers, our LG works well, is reasonably quiet, and I can repair it quite easily, which is good because we’ve worn out the pump twice. I don’t blame them for the power surge taking out the main board. Look at the actual model before buying. Thump the SS tub. Wiggle the door and the racks. Do this starting at the cheap end of the display and move toward the expensive end. You will be easily able to see where some of the extra money is going. Then look at the “insulation” from cheap to expensive. You will see the difference. Good insulation is thick, dense, has complete coverage, is supplemented with mass loaded vinyl, and has rubber patches adhered to the outside of the tub to deaden sound. The cheap insulation is less than a baby blanket…
WRT GHB, what I wrote earlier was- consider the most likely use cases, and local hazards, and start there. FOREX… if it is a duffle or gym bag, meant to sit under someone’s desk that will be different from a bag in the car. A bus or train commuter needs a good pair of shoes and socks, light weight rain/wind jacket and pants in dark colors, paired with a dark hoodie, a good particle mask ( N95), safety glasses that look like sun glasses, 2@ 1 liter bottles of water, and some energy bars. Ball cap in neutral color if in the US. The scenario is a transit strike or shutdown caused by unrest, or a 911 type attack on the city. A printed map of routes walking home would be good too. Most commuters won’t know any other way home than the train or bus that they ride daily. Flashlight, cash, and blister first aid would be helpful anytime. A couple of heavy duty black plastic contractor grade trash bags take no room and have a myriad of uses. Women in particular want the clothing to be oversized and nondescript. You DO NOT want to look like a woman walking thru the city when party time gets started.
Books have been written on the subject of bags for the vehicle….
What I’ve used most from mine, other than the fire extinguishers and the first aid kit, the jumper cables, and a little 12v tire inflator; are a roll up blanket, the wind cheaters and pants, a towel and extra t shirt, and the water and energy bars. The water and bars are actually hard to keep in the car because I will use them so often. I haven’t had to actually USE the Get Home aspect, but having the other stuff has come in handy many times. And that right there is the essence of prepping. By being prepared for bad stuff, you are also better prepared for ordinary stuff.
nick
As for toilet paper, I’ve got a roll in the truck. What I use every day (to clean my HANDS in the car) is baby wipes.
https://www.heb.com/product-detail/h-e-b-baby-unscented-wipes/1548143
The moistened, slightly textured cloths work very well on a variety of messes, and dirty hands. If I were making the commuter bag as above, I’d add a packet of these wipes vs. a roll of TP. They are tougher, damp, and would do a better job on feet, hands, or a gritty face.
In my truck, I’ve also got the ‘pop up’ container of clorox kitchen and bath wipes, with bleach. They are my hand wipes if I’m working on the truck, or if I get involved in anything involving blood or body fluids, especially if they aren’t mine. Just don’t use them on your car’s soft plastics, as they melted mine…
n
We started this morning’s drive with the second disc in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Loved it. Kept the child in thrall too. She was paying attention and reacting (why won’t she use the cordial???) No screen was in sight.
Unfortunately, she gets car sick. Filled a bag immediately after the disc concluded. Blames sitting there listening for the sick…(although she was fine yesterday) I blame the 2 pints of mango yogurt smoothie, and not enough time for the dramamine to kick in. But mainly the smoothie. Upshot is she didn’t want to listen to the next book in the car, which is the perfect place for audio books. If I can’t convince her to try again on the trip home, I’ll be listening to the rest on my own. Really well done, although some weird choices were made regarding Aslan’s vocal direction. Definitely recommended so far. Focus on the Family, on ebay.
“focus on the family radio theatre narnia” will get you listings
Now for bed…
n
We put in a Bosch after Harvey. Get the quiet one with the 3rd rack. That rack makes cleaning and putting away the silverware and like a snap. Well worth it.
Many thanks, all, for the great get home bag suggestions. Special commendation to Nick for typing while travelling – beyond the call of duty!
I’m looking forward to this little project. Will let you know what the end result is, when the time comes.
Happy days!
I agree with @ech 110%. At first, I was unsure if I would like it, but it didn’t take long to more than like it, now I couldn’t live without it. It not only makes putting the silverware away a lot easier but no more nested silverware that doesn’t get thoroughly clean.
Take the time to read Bosch’s loading instructions; they have a purpose, maximum loading, and cleaning.
It’s amazing how much easier life is when we take the time to RTFM.
BTW, in the off chance something breaks, the digital readout shows error codes (some in the manual, others get off the internet). Genuine parts are available online and there are also good instructions.