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Friday Night Open Thread: Lifestyle Edition

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Jun 30, 2017 at 08:18:31 PM EST
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Dinner at the end of a long, hot week: Grilled flat iron steak and chicken, guacamole, lettuce, fresh cilantro, bits of red onion, wrapped in tortillas, accompanied by a large gin and tonic. [More...]

Last night's pretty sunset:

What I’m excited about: My Peloton bike that’s being delivered July 5th. I’ve been eyeing it for months and on June 1, they finally opened a store in Denver at the Cherry Creek Mall where you can try it out. I went back twice, taking two classes, and couldn’t resist. That 21 inch monitor was irresistible. I was also relieved to learn you can take the classes anonymously, don't have to connect to a social media account if you don't want, and their camera can't see you (unless you turn it on).

The store manager and entire crew are just great. So are the instructional videos on their website. Usually I hate watching speaking (as opposed to music) videos, but many of these are under 1 minute and really helpful.

Where I'm putting it: In front of the big screen TV, next to the couch in the living room. From there I can see the mountains and downtown, screen mirror the classes to my big TV (using Apple TV or Miracast), or instead of watching one of their classes, turn the bike monitor off and watch any of my hundreds of music videos on my computers on the big TV (or watch live TV) instead. (That part is a little complicated, since the bike doesn't connect to the web, only to the Peloton IOS app.) It's also got a small footprint (it measures 2' by 4').

What's on your menu tonight? In your garden? On your list of must-do's for the weekend or the holiday?

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    i bought a grill today (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jun 30, 2017 at 08:38:03 PM EST
    so probably lots of grilled things.  i also bought a plastic kayak

    i now live less than a mile from two different lakes.  but i will probably more often use the more isolated ones.  the township i live in has 7 lakes.  three have houses on pretty much every foot of waterfont (the ones near by) but the other four are house free.

    bring on the summer

    I refuse to tell (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by ragebot on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 04:52:16 PM EST
    how many yaks I have.  But will admit to belonging to this facebook group Kayak With Me.  You may want to join to find friends to paddle with.

    Parent
    i had never used one u til about a month ago (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 05:42:21 PM EST
    i have done lots of canoeing.  Spring River here is famous for than.  ive lived within walking distance of it since i moved back here.  i figured it was the same.

    its really not.  its like the difference between driving a car and a motorcycle.

    Parent

    Canoe (none / 0) (#80)
    by Lora on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 10:14:35 PM EST
    has been my preferred method of water transportation since I was a child.

    Due to back/muscle/nerve problems, I don't think I could get into a kayak, much less get comfortable in one.  I don't think I could canoe much now, if at all.  But at least I can get in and out of one (sort of).

    But now my favorite mode of water transportation is jet ski!!! Studied up and got my boat license, drove one once, such a blast.  Even though a kid 1/3 my age drove circles around me.

    The rental guy was very friendly and informative and acted as though ladies my age came in all the time to rent them.  (Hey, maybe they do, I don't know.)

    Maybe I can go again this year, elder care responsibilities permitting.

    Parent

    i have a jet ski too (none / 0) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 07:32:29 AM EST
    its an old one but i love it.  unfortunately they are not allowed on the lakes in my township.  because of a death caused by a stupid person a few years ago.  im actually thinking of selling it.

    the other great thig about the kayak is ease of transport.  the jet ski needs a trailer.  i dont have a canoe but that probably would too.

    i can just stick the Kayak on top of my suv or even carry it down to the lake.

    Parent

    We have (none / 0) (#94)
    by Zorba on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 01:25:40 PM EST
    an ancient canoe, went canoeing on our honeymoon, those many long years ago.  The canoe is still good to go, although we're slowing down some.  Or a lot.
    We have a kayak, too, but, like you, I can't get into it any more.

    Parent
    Puff Puff Paddle (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 07:35:24 AM EST
    sounds like my style.

    Parent
    How fun!!! (none / 0) (#12)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 12:51:30 PM EST


    Parent
    im also (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 04:45:11 PM EST
    less than a mile from Spring River which runs right throught the middle of my little town.  i used one of those that belonged to a friend.  they really are fun.  and cheap enough that i think i will get another for the occaisional house guest or rowing buddy

    Parent
    Gorgeous summer day (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Lora on Fri Jun 30, 2017 at 11:09:50 PM EST
    with a few storms blasting through.  Warm and windy.

    Turkey burgers mixed with a little poultry seasoning, tamari, and rice crumbs.

    With a 3-mushroom, pepper, onion & garlic sauce with veggie broth, parsley, sherry, Spike seasoning, and a dash of citrus onion marinade & sea salt, over rice pasta.

    Got a little gardening done & got my mother out on the porch after the last storm.

    I met with a blogger mil spouse I met at DK (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 01:00:18 PM EST
    She is more familiar with DC. They've been stationed here several times. On the 4th we will drive to Petworth and park behind their townhome. We will take the train in and attend the Smithsonian Folk Festival, then to the Lincoln Memorial for fireworks.

    Living on take out though right now.

    My long time colleague (5.00 / 3) (#24)
    by Repack Rider on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 07:35:10 PM EST
    ...Joe Breeze, who wrote the foreword for my book, contributed a bicycle to the Smithsonian collection, where it is accompanied by my 1972 club jersey.

    This bike is known as "Breezer #1" because it was the first real "mountain bike."  In my book I call it the most important bicycle of the 20th Century.

    "Breezer #10" recently sold for $30,000, one of the most collectible bikes on the planet.

    I own "Breezer #2."  It is on display at the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.

    Parent

    We will check it out Repack (none / 0) (#28)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 08:02:07 PM EST
    A lot of bikes and riders here. My husband noted a few days ago that it is difficult for him to tell street bikes and mountain bikes apart now.

    Parent
    Military Tracy - Are you in DC now? (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by Cashmere on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 08:11:54 PM EST
    Military Tracy - Are you in DC?  Also, are you or your family in the Army?  My sister-in-law and brother just relocated back to DC.  She is a military medical doctor and has been running hospitals.  They just relocated to DC from Clarksville, TN.  Anyway, BIG NEWS, as she is being promoted to Brigadier General later this month.  I'm attending her promotion ceremony.  Can't wait!

    Parent
    We are in DC (none / 0) (#34)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 07:44:11 AM EST
    Still no household goods yet. The great military yearly migration is underway. Our things are stuck in the machinations.

    My husband is the family soldier. He got a position you had to apply for and be interviewed for. We were trying to get Josh to a safe state before military retirement. But it's a 3 way win. My spouse got a dream job to finish service in, Josh is safe, and DC is bursting with people of all mindsets and things to do.

    Congratulations to your sister-in-law. I hope you all have a grand celebration. Don't know what branch or command she is with. I have heard Army medical focal point is shifting away from Walter Reed to Belvoir.

    Parent

    That does sound like a win/win/win for you (none / 0) (#37)
    by Cashmere on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 09:29:37 AM EST
    and your family.  I loved DC (just not the summer humidity... native Oregonian here).  I don't know any details pertaining to my S-in-law's command.  Will let you know when I find out.  It will be a quick weekend trip for me, but I hope to plan more visits as I think they will be there for a while.  Take care and Happy 4th!

    Parent
    Hope you have a great 4th too (none / 0) (#56)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 08:48:26 PM EST


    Parent
    Welcome to the mid-Atlantic...which (none / 0) (#49)
    by Anne on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 03:24:25 PM EST
    with the heat and humidity is feeling very swampy of late.

    Most especially glad you are locating somewhere Josh will get the kinds of things he needs.

    Just FYI, Maryland is the only state that has guaranteed funding for Planned Parenthood in the event the feds strip it out.

    Hope your things do arrive as promised - I know a couple with the FBI who relocated from east coast to west, whose things took every bit of two months to arrive.  Lots of fun in a rented house with a 4 yr old, and both expected to be working even though they were sleeping on air mattresses and making do with just what they had packed in their suitcases.

    Parent

    It's very hard to leave the house everyday (none / 0) (#58)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 09:09:41 PM EST
    And go back to the hotel. We had a great bottle of wine last night. 92pts and $12, prices are not higher here than Alabama but selection is much better. We had aged gouda with it, on the back deck with the fireflies. A perfect night would have been to go snuggle in bed, but we had to drive back to the hotel instead.

    It only takes a bit of AC to cut the humidity though. So it still feels like a treat to me. We had to run a dehumidifier 24/7 indoors in Alabama. I'm not missing it a bit.

    We ordered a new bed for Josh. He's downsizing to a twin so he can use a room on the first floor. That will be here in a couple of days. We do have a full size air mattress with us...bleh!! We gave our old living room furniture to our daughter and new sofas should be here next week too. I guess we can sleep on the couch, and I self moved my mother-in-laws china and silver. We can eat on that?

    Parent

    when my house was set on fire (none / 0) (#68)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 05:07:25 PM EST
    by the movers two years ago, I went to a hotel for one night and then stayed there with the smell and burned out floor for week, having only my bed, one dining room chair and a TV. The movers put everything else back on the truck because of the extent of renovations that would be required. I had and no pots, pans silverware or rugs for a week. I walked to the coffee shop for breakfast and had dinner delivered (with plastic silverware.) Then the movers moved me back to my   old house where my lease wasn't up for three weeks. They dropped off the stuff above plus  a couch and my desk and chair desk two or three pots and pans and some silverware. Three weeks later they moved  me back to the new place where about 1/3 of my stuff was delivered (since the restoration work still hadn't even started) and I  lived like that for 4 more months until the restoration work was done (during which I had to stay at a hotel for a week.)

    My point: I'd get out of the hotel and call a furniture rental place to bring you a bed and TV and bring in takeout until your furniture comes. But that's just me.

    Parent

    here's my post on (none / 0) (#69)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 05:09:21 PM EST
    the move and the fire.

    Parent
    Me, too, (none / 0) (#73)
    by Zorba on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 05:36:42 PM EST
    But I think that the Army is paying for Militarytracy and her family to stay in a hotel, at least for a certain amount of time, but I'm not sure that they would pay for furniture rental.

    Parent
    As of the 27th the Army is not (none / 0) (#75)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 08:52:05 PM EST
    Footing the hotel bill. Something called TLE covered our hotel to that point. We do get something called a displacement allowance. Coleman US won't move any liquids so you have replace anything liquid, from peroxide for cuts and scrapes to dish soap and fabric softener. Displacement allowance isn't supposed to pay for your hotel. Coleman is going to have to pay for our hotel after June 31. That was the contract date for delivery. Nothing we could find out today. You have to call them everyday so they work your "case".

    Parent
    I don't understand why (none / 0) (#76)
    by Zorba on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 09:48:01 PM EST
    Coleman hasn't gotten your stuff there well before now.
    I mean, it's not like they're moving your furniture from Kazakhstan.

    Parent
    This is the time of year that most military (none / 0) (#81)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 10:14:56 PM EST
    PCS. It's a yuuuge migration. Coleman is stretched, and when a contractor experiences extra stress the military usually throws money at them. So Coleman will likely be reimbursed for paying for our hotel on the back end. Incentive to solve negated.

    Parent
    Heh, my husband completely agrees Jeralyn (none / 0) (#77)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 09:50:34 PM EST
    I think when Josh's bed arrives on the 6th we will blow up the mattress and stay at the house. I don't have pans, but I do have china, and crystal, and silverware. Maybe buy a couple of pans. I don't have linens but we'll figure it out.

    I think my husband would sleep on the floor though there. For someone who travels so much he must have a home base that is his. He's very out of sorts right now.

    Parent

    Salvation Army (none / 0) (#85)
    by jmacWA on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 06:06:38 AM EST
    When this happened on our last move, we went to the Salvation Army and picked up a couple of plates, and some silverware.  It's a fairly cheap alternative to buying new, and better than doing without.

    Hope the move ends well

    JMAC

    Parent

    Yes, Salvation Army (none / 0) (#92)
    by Zorba on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 11:52:56 AM EST
    and resell it shops.
    That's how Daughter Zorba stocked her apartment in graduate school.  (We helped financially, but she bought a lot of the stuff herself.)
    She still has the big spaghetti pot she bought back then at the Salvation Army, and still uses it.  It's a nice pot, and it didn' gist that much.

    Parent
    My husband discovered the Coleman (none / 0) (#95)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 01:30:29 PM EST
    Quality control website. Of course they won't say so on the telephone but they are responsible for $500 a night in hotel rooms and $72 a day for dining costs for each of us. If you end up renting furniture they must pay for that. If you end up buying pots and pans, dishes, and linens, they must pay for those too but they reserve the right to take possession of durable goods they must pay for after your goods are delivered.

    This is the incentive that will speed up the process. We emailed the 2 individuals working the logistics of our move and let them know that we are aware of this contractual accountability. After we sent the email we talked about the handful of families we know who would have just ordered a house full of furniture while they wait. Then there are those who sacrifice no matter what. I just hope to be a squeaky enough wheel to get someone to take the wait time a little more seriously.

    Parent

    Ah, ha! (none / 0) (#96)
    by Zorba on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 03:21:02 PM EST
    That's the only thing that may prod them to speed things up.
    Of course, if the Army keeps throwing money at them to make up for Coleman's losses, then Coleman has no incentive to speed up the process.

    Parent
    Good points to make with them (none / 0) (#98)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 06, 2017 at 08:53:36 AM EST
    I'm are between you and Matt you can get them to reimburse you for whatever you need to rent or buy to make the house livable short term. Do it!!!

    Parent
    The Hope Diamond (none / 0) (#14)
    by fishcamp on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 02:06:23 PM EST
    is in the Smithsonian.  Try and see it and tell me about it.

    Parent
    Been there, (none / 0) (#20)
    by Zorba on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 06:47:52 PM EST
    seen it.  Several times.
    It's a really impressive, beautiful, huge, and very rare, blue diamond in a lovely setting.
    But the various museums at the Smithsonian have a whole lot of wonderful things to see.  Paintings, sculptures, fossils, historical artifacts, and on and on and on.
    Get your @ss up here, and we can show you.

    Parent
    We got to visit the African American museum (none / 0) (#22)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 07:16:56 PM EST
    Early in its birth, long before its ribbon cutting. It's very different now from what I've read. When we were there many artworks were loaned by Bill and Camille Cosby. It was at the beginning of the allegations. It felt odd. But the Cosby's have an extensive impressive art collection highlighting black artists.

    Parent
    LOVING (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 04:40:14 PM EST
    the movie about Loving v Virginia is on HBO tonight.   Ruth Negga is Mildred Loving.  i would watch her do just about anything.  shw is chewing up the scenery on a weekly basis as Tulip in PREACHER.

    We saw that film (none / 0) (#18)
    by Peter G on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 06:22:41 PM EST
    in our local "art house" theater a few months ago. Excellent. The portrayal of the Lovings' lawyers is very accurate, btw. And the lawyer really did say in front of the Supreme Court what the movie quotes him as saying!

    Parent
    i read reviews (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 06:26:02 PM EST
    that criticized the movie for focusing to much on the case and not enough on the Lovings.  which seemed like a stupid thing to me.

    Parent
    Because Loving v. Virginia is such a renowned ... (none / 0) (#25)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 07:39:55 PM EST
    ... legal case with implications which reverberate to this day, I would think that conveying the true expanse of the story would present no small amount of difficulty for a screenwriter.

    Focus too much on the Lovings themselves, and you risk reducing a landmark legal ruling to little more than an abstract detail in a conventional melodrama.

    Conversely, if you go too far in the other direction by highlighting either the case's legal complexities or the attorneys making the arguments, then you risk reducing the Lovings' roles to that of caricatures in their own family storyline.

    The Lovings' ordeal at the hands of Virginia authorities for the crime of falling in love with one another, and the suffering and ostracizing they endured as a result of their neighbors' bigotry and prejudice, is a story that deserves to be told to as wide an audience as possible.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I am what thing it (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 07:51:18 PM EST
    Right now.  It really is excellent.  I did a curiosity search and they even really look like the couple.

    That case is the roots of the same sex marriage victory.  It's pretty stunning how similar the arguments by the cracker sheriff is.

    Not lost on the film makers I'm sure.

    Parent

    WATCHING IT (none / 0) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 07:52:15 PM EST
    Wretched spell check

    Parent
    Lovings and Love (none / 0) (#38)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 11:13:12 AM EST
    Osagie K. Obasogie writes in the Atlantic (June 12, 2017) that Lovings is beyond love--it is a decision that implores us to reject the eugenic and supremacist remnants of a distant past and to pursue a more diverse, equitable and inclusive society.

    This understanding gives roots to Obergefell as well as to equity of health care.  Mr. Obasogie's thesis is that rather than celebrating love (or just love, implied), the Court's opinion states that laws against interracial marriage were unconstitutional because they are "measures designed to maintain White Supremacy."  

    I agree that HBO's film needed to strike a balance between the relationship of the couple and the legal proceedings--from my viewing, the balance could have been weighted more on legal arguments, and the surrounding climate.  That portion of the film received short shrift. But, then, that would be either a longer movie or a different one.

    Parent

    Got a lobster roll (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by Suisser1 on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 10:43:00 PM EST
    by the water in Norwalk CT with friends. Special treat, both the roll and the picnic dinner. Close to home but felt like a vacation. Garden is slowly coming into it's own. Put in new raised beds (the old ones collapsed 2 years ago) not sure the soil is terribly balanced but I'm hopeful. Working with a bunch of local gals to devise a pollinator pathway or at a minimum make out town a haven for pollinators. My bee bed is thriving. Going on year 5 and I couldn't be happier. Also my Duluth Trading gardening overalls arrived today. I'm happy with them. My 19 year old says I look like a toddler. I can live with that for the multitude of pockets and reinforced knees.

    Great fun (none / 0) (#35)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 07:46:58 AM EST
    Hoping to get a couple of tomato plants in at our rental before times up. The landlord has a compost pile there. It's going to be a soil experiment.

    Parent
    Every year I say (none / 0) (#43)
    by Suisser1 on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 01:27:32 PM EST
    I'm going to up my compost game and every year I end up with the same corner of the garden milk crate slipshod operation. Must be good enough though cause eventually I end up with something wormy and resembling soil. Hope you can get some plants in the ground before too late!

    Parent
    Sunlight Makes Things Grow (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by vicndabx on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 11:51:35 AM EST
    Casting the dissent of marginalized groups as a First Amendment violation is the kind of pseudo-intellectual argument that seems reasonable to people who don't have enough skin in the game to bother paying attention. "Discourse" is good! Sunlight is the best disinfectant! The more airtime we give to irrational bigots on high-profile platforms -- the more assiduously we hear both sides, stay "fair and balanced" -- the sooner they'll be rejected by the public at large!

    Free speech applies to our government not to discourse between private citizens.

    NYT Op-Ed

    I spent yesterday mango shopping. (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by vml68 on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 10:53:48 PM EST
    Made a visit to Pine Island, FL and visited a tropical fruit nursery, as well as a couple of backyard fruit farms.  I got to sample a few different varieties of mangoes and bought a few each of 12 different varieties. These are varieties you don't find in stores and I wanted to sample the fruits before I decide which trees to buy to plant in my yard.
    Also bought lychees, jackfruit, sapodillas and tender coconuts.

    We had lunch at a little fish market right on the water where they sell and/or cook the days catch for you. Had some very fresh and very tasty grouper sandwiches.

    It was a typical hellishly hot and humid FL day but we had a great time, nonetheless.

    The only thing fruiting in my garden right now are bananas, sugar apples and all kinds of sour citrus (Meyer and Yuzu lemons, Rangpur and Kaffir limes, Calamondin oranges) but they won't be ready for a couple of months. The rest of my citrus trees (oranges, tangerines, etc.,) are too young to fruit and my guavas and fig should be fruiting but have decided not to cooperate.

    I love everything about (none / 0) (#83)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 11:43:17 PM EST
    mangos except peeling them. Usually I use a vegetable peeler not to waste any, but you can also put the end down on the counter and pare with a knife. It just wastes some if you are not an expert parer.

    We had a thread a few years ago about mangos in Florida. It must have really impressed me because I even remembered who wrote it and found it that way -- it was in July 2013.  

    Parent

    Don't peel them (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by Lora on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 08:26:25 AM EST
    To eat a mango, make thick long slices with the peel on.  Get close but not too close to the fibrous core.

    Put a slice, skin side down, on a plate.  Score the flesh with a knife in a criss-cross fashion to form little cubes.  Then, either with a knife or your teeth, remove and eat the little cubes.

    With a ripe mango, this works like a charm.

    Parent

    Why Ignore the Fruit on the Core? (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by RickyJim on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 08:37:33 AM EST
    It isn't inferior to the rest.  I end up munching on the core while hovering over the kitchen sink.  I haven't found any way to remove the fruit from it in a more elegant manner.


    Parent
    it continues (none / 0) (#84)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 11:45:31 PM EST
    here and gets even more specific and interesting.

    Parent
    Since mid-June, I have been trying to (none / 0) (#2)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 30, 2017 at 08:52:54 PM EST
    have a new refrigerator installed in my kitchen. Old one is shot--refrigerator compartment is always below freezing. The new refrigerator sits in my garage.  Installation guys tell me there is no way to insert the bottom freezer door due to configuration of my kitchen. Home Depot says, sorry. No returns.  So I disputed the credit card transaction. "Customer Care" forwarded my lengthy email to the regional manager. Should get a yes or no w/in 24 hrs.

    what a nightmare (none / 0) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jun 30, 2017 at 09:21:30 PM EST
    i got (for the new house) one of those massive french door things thinking i would build the kitchen around it.

    what for some reason i did not consider was getting it into the house.

    first we took down the door.   nope.  we ended up removing the damn door frame.  

    THEN i built the kitcen around it

    Parent

    I' miss thinking, instead (none / 0) (#4)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 30, 2017 at 09:43:21 PM EST
    of a little free library, I will have s large French door refrigerator.

    Parent
    ice in the door (none / 0) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 11:36:59 AM EST
    crushed or cubed

    amazing

    Parent

    also (none / 0) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 11:38:05 AM EST
    cold filtered water

    amazing

    Parent

    Did you offer to pay for the delivery and return (none / 0) (#10)
    by Peter G on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 12:01:46 PM EST
    and perhaps a restocking charge? It was you, after all, who chose to buy something that would not fit in your kitchen. An understandable mistake, yes, but still not Home Depot's error. Honestly surprised at their "no return" policy, though; can't they readily re-sell the item to someone who can use it?

    Parent
    Not yet. The paperwork gives ahD that option. (none / 0) (#11)
    by oculus on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 12:48:38 PM EST
    Looks to me like purchaser pays HD but refrigerator is picked up by delivery company (which is apparently not owned by HD) from GE distribution center and delvered to purchaser.

    Parent
    why not sell it on Craig's list and (none / 0) (#23)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 07:18:38 PM EST
    specify no shipping, must be picked up. Same for Ebay. It's brand new, in perfect condition, and you could just put in the ad it won't fit in your house and HD wouldn't let you return it. Google the make and model and make your sales price a hundred or so under the cheapest price. Someone will take it and then you can get a new one that fits. Sounds like you are in for a loss of some kind, but no reason to make it a total loss!

    Parent
    I'm leery of Craig's list. (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by oculus on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 10:09:38 PM EST
    But, then again, the unwanted appliance is in my garage, not inside the house. Will probably do this if HD's CustomerCare doesn't come though.

    Parent
    Sorry for the suffering and inconvenience (none / 0) (#36)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 08:04:45 AM EST
    I have successfully used Craigslist a few times. It is how we found our new rental house. Don't give your address out though in the ad. That information comes after price has been agreed upon and all concerns addressed. Then agree on pick up when it's safe for you.

    There is also that app called Offer Up that keeps putting all these antiques in my face. But same rules. Offer Up wants you to keep all communications in the Offer Up system for safety purposes. I have purchased the antique table and reproduction chairs from two different sellers on Offer Up. No glitches, no creeps, nothing unsettling.

    Parent

    Frustration, yes. "Suffering," no. (none / 0) (#40)
    by oculus on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 12:16:57 PM EST
    It's only money, afterall.

    Anecdote re Craigslist.  Listing for two Steinway "B" pianos in Chatsworth CA. To actually view and play these pianos, I practically had to submit to an FBI check. Eventually the person handling the matter informed me the seller was Davis Gaines, who I saw in Phantom in L.A.  The agent sd., now you see why I must so carefully screen potential buyers coming to his home.

    Meanwhile, my daughter sd. I should not go to check out any Craigslist pianos alone.  

    Parent

    It's always good to take a friend (none / 0) (#46)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 02:44:35 PM EST


    Parent
    very true (none / 0) (#82)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 11:28:29 PM EST
    remember the pregnant Colorado woman who answered an ad to sell baby clothes and the woman who placed it cut her baby out of her uterus? (She went to trial, lost and was sentenced to 100 years.)

    Parent
    A student at my campus was murdered (none / 0) (#93)
    by Towanda on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 01:24:48 PM EST
    for his car on Craigslist.  Had a friend with him for the first visit, when the potential buyers seemed okay. So he was alone for the second time, when he was killed (and the car stolen, which meant that the killers could be found -- and finally were).

    Parent
    Perhaps I'll just donate the unwanted appliance (5.00 / 2) (#97)
    by oculus on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 08:22:51 PM EST
    to a worthy non-profit.  

    Parent
    Down here in the way too hot (none / 0) (#6)
    by fishcamp on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 08:15:35 AM EST
    Florida keys I installed a new microwave/oven combo yesterday.  It almost fit and I brought out my very old power tools, cut some edges, and it slid in.  My helper was a lady electrician who made me read the instructions on the spot.  To my surprise there is a Sabbath mode, which I had never heard of.  She said Jewish people are not supposed to touch electricity during Sabbath.  After thinking about that I realized Jews have been around way longer than electricity.  When and why did this event begin?

    It's not electricity, per se (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by Peter G on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 11:57:45 AM EST
    Orthodox Jews do not use machinery from sundown to sundown (Fri/Sat) during the Sabbath. (This is a distinct minority of all Jews, particularly in the U.S.) There have been rabbis working day and night for millenia to interpret the details of interpretation and implementation of that law (and others like it), which in turn is an interpretation of a Biblical (Talmudic) command. It applies to the use of electricity because the underlying ancient principle was so interpreted when electricity became available to households.

    Parent
    Yes, absolutely correct, Peter (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by Zorba on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 07:11:10 PM EST
    It is also not uncommon for Orthodox Jews to employ a Shabbos (Shabbat) goy, to perform tasks not allowed to them in the Sabbath.
    Or in some cases, non-Jewish neighbors will perform such functions.
    I did not even know of this until we befriended a very strict Orthodox Jew many years ago.

    Parent
    We live two doors away (5.00 / 2) (#31)
    by Towanda on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 08:34:27 PM EST
    from an ultraconservative synagogue (it used to be  a governor's mansion -- a particularly bigoted guy, so I enjoy hoping he is turning in his grave), and we have provided a series of students to so serve.  

    Turning on and off lights once a week, and a bit of yardwork, is darned cheap rent in exchange for living on the entire third floor, which was servants' quarters and ballroom -- mahogany paneled and with more features that make it among most upscale housing that any student at my campus could imagine.  

    Parent

    i had a israeli boyfriend (none / 0) (#29)
    by linea on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 08:05:44 PM EST
    on the sabbath, you cant turn on a light switch so the lights are on timers. the coffeemaker is programmed to have coffee ready in the morning, the microwave or oven is pre-set to prepare food, and the elevators in hotels run on automatic - stopping at every floor.

    Parent
    Elder Daughter and family are arriving ... (none / 0) (#15)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jul 01, 2017 at 02:08:20 PM EST
    ... this morning for the weekend. Should be fun. The weather is cloudy, but it's not raining -- at least, not yet. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny, though, so we'll be heading up to Volcanoes National Park for the day.

    TL appliance day... (none / 0) (#41)
    by ruffian on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 01:14:11 PM EST
    My range top/oven won't work. Lights come on but nothing heats up! It is less than a year old so still under warranty, so that is good. Bad thing is the repair guy can't come until Thursday - why do things always break on holiday weekends?

    Bright spot is that it is not my most important appliance, like the air conditioner. I have enough cooking gadgets to use. Just can't cook pasta and scrambled eggs, 2 of my staples (not together!)

    Will be curious to hear how you like the Peloton, Jeralyn - it has tempted me too. I can't manage to drag myself to the gym, but I'm afraid I would not stick to anything in my house either and it would just sit there making feel guilty.

    Good show to watch while you Peloton - GLOW on Netflix. It is really funny and thoughtful at the same time. Good performances by all of the women, especially Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin, and Mark Aaron finally found his perfect role. Just good all around summer escape TV...at lest until 7.16 when Winter Is Here!

    We just got a new washer and dryer. (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 02:22:08 PM EST
    And when we relocated them from where the old set was in the laundry room, they provided the perfect launching pad for Younger Daughter's cat to access an empty top shelf in the room via the water heater. That shelf has since become his new favorite hangout, probably because he can survey the back yard through the window.

    Parent
    *Mark Maron (none / 0) (#42)
    by ruffian on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 01:15:11 PM EST


    Parent
    im such a sucker for GOT (none / 0) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 02:27:34 PM EST
    cant stop watching the marathon

    Parent
    Me too, in the evening (none / 0) (#47)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 02:45:49 PM EST


    Parent
    I have the HBO Go app now, not a cable station (none / 0) (#51)
    by ruffian on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 08:00:37 PM EST
    I can turn on and have on all the time, like I did on previous marathons, so that slows me down a little. But last night I decided around 9pm to just watch a couple  of episodes from last season to refresh my memory....ended up staying up till 1 am!  I forget how good it really is until I see it again. So excited! what is going to happen? Aaaargh!!!!

    Parent
    Maybe it's the ADHD (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 09:06:01 PM EST
    But every time watch them I see something I missed in the previous however many times I have watched the marathon.  Which is, what, 5 or 6 now?

    I am recording the whole series this time.  No better background

    Parent

    My memory is fading (none / 0) (#67)
    by ragebot on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 05:02:40 PM EST
    Seems like there were two actors that played Tommen and the last actor who played Tommen also played one of the Lanister nephews who was killed by the Carr Starks; but I can't remember the nephew's name.

    Parent
    I saw that too (none / 0) (#78)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 10:04:08 PM EST
    I think you are correct

    Parent
    I noticed new details (none / 0) (#79)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 10:05:30 PM EST
    Rewatching it

    Parent
    Speaking of appliances (none / 0) (#60)
    by fishcamp on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 07:31:04 AM EST
    as soon as I got my new oven/microwave hooked up the compressor on my 5 yr old Kitchen Aid refrigerator pooped  out.  Now everything is in coolers with ice.  I do have a monster ice machine for the boat trips, and many coolers.  Fortunately I was able to get an appliance repair guy over at eight this morning.  He's working on it now.  What could be next?

    Parent
    one thing i have learned (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 08:07:37 AM EST
    is there are two questions that are just not a good idea to say outloud

    "how could it get any worse?"

    and

    "what could be next?"

    Parent

    what could be next? (none / 0) (#72)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 05:36:07 PM EST
    a plumbing disaster.... also happens mostly on holidays it seems. Happened to me twice (different houses, years apart), both times on the 4th of July weekend when I was by myself. I would have saved thousands of dollars in subsequent repairs had I only known where the valve was to shut off the water to the houses. The second time, by the time I reached the contractor/builder, the ceiling below were ruined. Lesson: Always know how to shut off the water to your house or apartment. (Both were covered by insurance, but still. The second one was the scariest -- I was taking a shower when one of the faucet handles flew off and hit me in the chest, and the water of course kept flowing out of the spigot, with no way to shut it off.)

    Parent
    in addition to knowing where it is (none / 0) (#90)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 09:03:53 AM EST
    i suggest making sure you have a tool to do it with.  most ive seen are just a tab kind of thing that you can probably never do with your fingers or maybe even a small pliers.  depending on how stiff it it.  large plers or a crescent wrench works.  there are tools made specifically for this but thats probably over kill for a one use tool.  IMO.

    on water disasters, one of my neighbors right after i moved in here had a pipe break when they were away. memorial day, i think i think the damage was limited because it was in the basement and they live on the side of the same hill i do but the water bill was almost two thousand.  they begged an got it cut in half.  i saw the water running down the road but was not smart enough to call the water department.

    next time i will.

    Parent

    The other thing to know (none / 0) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 04, 2017 at 09:15:07 AM EST
    Which sounds obvious but is not necessarily is what is "off" and what is "on".

    Generally off is a 90 degree angle from on.  But asking someone like you water department is not a bad idea.  The thing is you dont want to be researching these things in the moment.  Especially on a holiday weekend.

    Parent

    thanks, I'll check it out (none / 0) (#70)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 05:15:32 PM EST
    I'm so excited about the bike. I spent the weekend watching Peloton instruction videos and connecting my computers and mobile devices to the big screen TV so I can either take the classes or watch my hundreds of saved You Tube music videos on the TV. I also keep watching their commercials... I love the way all the rooms are designed. Here's one. My houses never look that good!

    Parent
    Meeting up with most of the family (none / 0) (#48)
    by Anne on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 03:18:20 PM EST
    to watch our small-town 4th of July parade this early evening - the littles love it: lots of big farm equipment, marching bands, the 4H with their animals, the horses - it's a real Mayberry kind of thing.  We bring food and just enjoy.  

    Although it is beastly hot and humid...the breeze will help and so will the shade.  Been go-go-going all weekend, so looking forward to sitting and relaxing!

    Fireworks at the high school later - we don't usually go - by that point, I'm ready for bed and I'm not a huge fan of loud noises, so there's that.

    Happy Fourth everyone!

    I drove a flatbed truck (5.00 / 3) (#55)
    by Repack Rider on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 08:28:14 PM EST
    ...in the recent Mill Valley (CA) Memorial Day parade, had a bluegrass band (The MillBillies) performing on the back.

    Pulled up to the reviewing stand where the announcer described the entry.  I knew the announcer, so after he was done, I said, "Hi Larry."

    He looked to see who might know him, recognized me, and then added to the announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen, driving the Mill Valley Historical Society truck is none other than Mill Valley native and mountain bike legend, (Repack Rider)."

    So I got to do the "parade wave" in my home town while the band played behind me.

    Parent

    Any LA people know what traffic will be like (none / 0) (#50)
    by McBain on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 04:02:40 PM EST
    on the 4th?  I'm thinking of driving to the Hollywood area from the Bay Area, taking the 5 and the 101.  Probably getting into LA around 4pm.

    It won't be a work day but I imagine lots of people who went away for the 4 day weekend will be coming back on Tuesday.  

    Yesiree (none / 0) (#52)
    by MKS on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 08:06:30 PM EST
    The 5 South might be a problem.

    I assume you  mean the 101 once you get into the San Fernando Valley on the 5.

    Who knows...may be okay.

    The 101 from Santa Barbara south into the Valley will probably be a mess, but you should miss that by coming straight down the Central Valley on the 5.

    Parent

    Even 26 years after leaving SoCal I love (none / 0) (#54)
    by ruffian on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 08:18:45 PM EST
    a good traffic/route discussion, brings back old times! My plan leaving or returning on holiday weekends was always to do it at night. Buzzing down I-5 through the Grapevine and into LA at 1 am with little traffic and the music blasting. Of course I was in my 20s and could show up for work none the worse for wear.

    Parent
    Can't you leave earlier? (none / 0) (#61)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 07:57:32 AM EST
    If you're taking I-5, it should take you about 6-7 hours. If you leave the Bay Area at 7:00 a.m., you should get to L.A. by 2:00 p.m. I'd suggest leaving early because you really want to avoid arriving just as everyone else in SoCal is heading back home.

    When you approach L.A,, tune into KNX-AM (1080 on the dial) because they have regular traffic reports every 15 minutes. If I-5 is jamming up, there's a quick roundabout way to Hollywood via La Cañada and Glendale.

    Exit I-5 at I-210 South (the exit sign will say Pasadena), then take 210 until you get to State Route 2, the Glendale Freeway. Exit there, and take the 2 freeway south until it ends at Glendale Blvd. Continue south on Glendale Blvd. for about 1.5 miles until you reach Hollywood Blvd., where you'll turn right. That will take you straight into Hollywood.

    Have a safe trip.

    Parent

    Thanks, I'll try to leave earlier (none / 0) (#63)
    by McBain on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 10:06:17 AM EST
    One problem I had last time I took this trip was roadwork on I-5 that narrowed things down to one lane for a few miles.

    Parent
    My suggestion is to expect it to suck, (none / 0) (#65)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 02:55:51 PM EST
    so then, during the times it doesn't, you feel like you are ahead of the game. But yeah, LA on the 4th is bound to be difficult.

    Parent
    Please report back!!! (none / 0) (#99)
    by ruffian on Thu Jul 06, 2017 at 08:54:43 AM EST
    Really am curious to know how long that trip takes these days.

    Parent
    I ended up not going (none / 0) (#100)
    by McBain on Thu Jul 06, 2017 at 11:34:20 AM EST
    Potential traffic problems were not the only issue.  I'm going to fly down in two weeks when it works better for everyone's schedule.

    When I drive from just north of San Jose to Hollywood, it takes about 6 hours if I stop once for gas and once for food. I've done it in 5 hours.  

    Parent

    Jeralyn (none / 0) (#53)
    by MKS on Sun Jul 02, 2017 at 08:08:54 PM EST
    The Peloton set up seem really interesting.  People seem to really get into spin classes....The home version gives a lot flexibility.

    I love spin classes (none / 0) (#71)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 05:24:43 PM EST
    but haven't been to one in a long time. Next to the old "step" classes and jazzercise, spin class is  the only exercise I found entertaining. I think I will use it because at the gym, when the spin room was empty, I would go in with my iPod and a special play list I made and then bike by myself and sing along to my music really loud because the room was so well sound-proofed.

    Parent
    Twin Peaks episode 8.... wow (none / 0) (#64)
    by McBain on Mon Jul 03, 2017 at 02:15:18 PM EST
    This season has been somewhat of a mixed bag but episode 8 is a must see for Lynch fans.  Many questions about it's meaning but it's absolutely visually stunning.  Some Eraserhead, some Mulholland Drive and even some Dune.  

    Friday Night Open Thread: Lifestyle Edition | 100 comments (100 topical)

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