What's everybody doing today?

Homesteading & Country Living Forum

Help Support Homesteading & Country Living Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Arrived in Denver. We reserved a large studio at the Hotel, and were put in a small studio, tv doesn't work, and there was not a handicapped bathroom/shower available. One person on duty in the entire Marriot Residence Inn. She gave us a phone number to call for tv support. We were on hold for 45 minutes then gave up. Husband called her at the front desk and said that's it. She is cleaning a studio for us as we speak. She said it won't be perfect. (what does that mean?) because the cleaning staff has gone. She says she is busy and has to walk 5 people to another hotel. I don't get that either. So, I've repacked everything, need to go get a large cart for husband's medical equipment and our suitcases, and she will let us know. Hopefully soon. We have to leave for the hospital by 6am.
Hi Weedy! We are in your city!
Hi Amish! Are you at National Jewish Hospital on 18th or the place on Colfax and Colorado? My guess is Colfax and Colorado.

I was searching for hardware cloth this morning with smaller openings to use to sift soil. I have lots of small garlic and small grape hyacinths that I want to remove from the soil and the contraption I made to sift out pebbles from my soil has larger holes than I need. I found what I need. I didn't realize that they made hardware cloth with such small openings. My plan was to get screen and staple it over the original hardware cloth. There are three raised beds that have been ignored for too long. Grape hyacinth is packed in one bed, about 3 x 15, and two other beds about the same size have the same thing with garlic. They have just been reseeding and growing year after year, and now whatever grows there is too packed to grow to a good size. Why not just dig them out? Too many and too small!

I found glyphosate for the poke weed and another bag of peat moss to add to the beds after I remove the garlic and grape hyacinths.

I drove close to downtown today and saw several boarded up windows, still, the result of the protests. I wonder if there is a glass shortage? And have places who have already lost windows down there decided the better thing to do is to keep them boarded up until things quiet down, if they do? I think I would keep the boards up.
 
Last edited:
Today, I was doing plumbing at 5AM (installed water supply and valve to the old outside frost free valve) had a slight leak, drip………. Drip………. Drip at the elbow going outside(old copper), but I had installed a shutoff valve just before the elbow, so I just shut it off and went to work by 7am. Took a break at 11 to let the countertop installation crew in… back to work. Wife called me at 1:30 to review their work before they left.

Finished work by six, wife was too pooped to cook, so we had to fall back on one of our home made canned meals, venison barley soup…. Have decided that the next time we can will need to switch from quarts to pints, quarts are just too much for 2 people. We add a little liquid and some frozen veggies when we heat them so a quart is just over a quart and a half.

I ordered a garbage disposal from HD at 6:30 this morning, but never got word that the order was filled. I will pick-up a couple of fittings and a new valve in the morning so I can fix the leak, hopefully my online order will be ready at the same time.

Received an online order I placed last week that included a bail of TP this afternoon. After I put it away I placed another online order mostly stable food stuffs and TP. I figure after I place 2 more orders and I will be back to Pre-COVID19 Levels. TP is limited 1 to an order, anything over $75 and the shipping is free, so I made a list of things we need, break it down so I can place an order between $75 and $80 containing 1 bail of TP. As soon a one order ships I place another, will be all done by next Monday.

Watered the garden this evening, harvested some squash, have more shallots to harvest, beets and some of the carrots are getting close. The seeds I planted last week are up, new crops of lettuce, spinach, turnips, onions, and peas.

It is just getting dark, and to be honest I just want to go to sleep early, I’ll try to do more tomorrow.
 
I bet you just wanna go to sleep, Urban. That's a full day.
We just got back to the hotel after a 12 hr day there. You're right, Weedy, we're at the Colfax National Jewish. They're doing some more buildings to it, so it was kind of weird getting to it, and then concierge parking. But that was good, because I had to get a wheelchair for husband and then the valet parked it, so that was easy. Came back to our room, and it hadn't been cleaned. Called down to the desk and no one there. So I went down and the guy said that they don't clean the rooms because of Covid. So guests have to come to the front desk and get clean towels, garbage bags, sheets, shampoo, soap, coffee, whatever. And then throw their trash and dirty towels, sheets outside their door, make their own bed. Either that or they're pulling my leg, and I'm really ticked.
 
Produce looks good Jim. The peppers we've been harvesting are very comparible to those you got. SO I'm happy with them.
I ordered 2 boxes of TP from Amazon, 2 different brands to see what we like best, or may not like at all. Also ordered more sensors for our fridge/freezers. This will let me have one sensor in each unit and be able to track what they are doing. Plus the have min/max alarm set points so we get notice when something goes out of range. I also ordered 2 sets for my parents to put in theirs as well.
 
Produce looks good Jim. The peppers we've been harvesting are very comparible to those you got. SO I'm happy with them.
I ordered 2 boxes of TP from Amazon, 2 different brands to see what we like best, or may not like at all. Also ordered more sensors for our fridge/freezers. This will let me have one sensor in each unit and be able to track what they are doing. Plus the have min/max alarm set points so we get notice when something goes out of range. I also ordered 2 sets for my parents to put in theirs as well.
What sensors you referring be to, where did you order them...gotta link?

Jim
 
I got one set a couple months ago to try out and see how they work. Good enough I bought enough to set up everything to keep an eye on.

Amazon.com: (Upgraded Version) Brifit Refrigerator Thermometer, Wireless Digital Freezer Thermometer with 2 Sensors, Indoor Outdoor Thermometer with Audible Alarm Temperature Gauge for Freezer Kitchen Home: Home Improvement

Resonably priced to I thought

Ok , thanks .
Yeah that's not bad price.

I have something similar for humidity in my gun storage .

Thanks.

Jim
 
I bet you just wanna go to sleep, Urban. That's a full day.
We just got back to the hotel after a 12 hr day there. You're right, Weedy, we're at the Colfax National Jewish. They're doing some more buildings to it, so it was kind of weird getting to it, and then concierge parking. But that was good, because I had to get a wheelchair for husband and then the valet parked it, so that was easy. Came back to our room, and it hadn't been cleaned. Called down to the desk and no one there. So I went down and the guy said that they don't clean the rooms because of Covid. So guests have to come to the front desk and get clean towels, garbage bags, sheets, shampoo, soap, coffee, whatever. And then throw their trash and dirty towels, sheets outside their door, make their own bed. Either that or they're pulling my leg, and I'm really ticked.
I saw the big crane at National Jewish. It seems they have been working on getting it ready for construction for quite a while. When I first moved to Denver, I lived a couple blocks from there. Daughter took swimming lessons at National Jewish.
No maid service? Even with COVID that seems crazy.
 
Just walked through the lobby with the cuban food I picked up. A man was asking where the business center was. The sole guy at the desk said it was not open anymore due to,,,,,,,COVID!
Breakfast is grab and go, prepackaged because of COVID.
Laundry and garbage still outside our door.
 
It is probably due to the lock downs. The hospitality industry must be in full melt down. They won't have the money to pay for labour, and the labour force pool is making more money on unemployment. Catch 22.

I may be moving across Canada. It may involve three 5000 km trips. There will be limited rooms to rent, and still no bathrooms along the way. I have a cool little pop up tee pee style tent that I can throw down for instant privacy. We have been using it for a change room at the lakes, but it will work just as well as a privy room for a camping port a potty. I will be sleeping in the back of the truck with the dogs to avoid getting quarantined along the way. That would just be icing on the cake.

I am too old for this crap, but that is what has been dished out.
 
Last edited:
Working on a tire pressure problem.
Moved the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) from my pickup and utility trailer to a F350 dually.
Next morning one tire was flat.
Air up the flat tire and screwing on the pressure sensor (PS) I screwed on really tight.
Next morning the tire was flat again.
Found the box the TPMS came in. Extra rubber gaskets. Replaced the gasket on the PS and aired up the tire.
Next morning the tire was flat again. Hmmmm. Could be I picked up a nail in the tire?
Air up the tire and left the PS off.
Next three mornings the tire was fully inflated. Hmmm.
This morning I will swap the PS with another to see if the problem follows the PS or stays with the tire.
 
Strawberry is snoozing in her chair.
She's been outside several times.
She's been walked too.
Got laundry ready to go to laundry mat tomorrow.
Have had lunch.
Working on my bedroom closet today.
Got most of the hanging clothes in inexpensive garment bags.
Been moving furniture, playing chase with dog hair dust bunnies all morning.
So far it's a draw on who's winning me or the dust bunnies.
Shelf in my closet is cleaned off and packed.
Going to rest for a bit then start n kitchen.
Haven't packed towels yet so I can wrap dishes.
Monday, I have Doctor's appointments at the KCVA.
Just think, I'll have new glasses and hearing aids.
 
@ClemKadiddlehopper Good luck on the trip

@MoBookworm1957 good luck with Dr.s appt.

So far took this stinking old skin problem dog to the vet.she has had this for just about all her life oce 11 ye.s now.

Our vet now has curb service, the girl brought out the steriods and anti biotic shampoo took cash gave back change and we were on out way in 10 min.s
We had called this morning to ask if they had shampoo and if we could get steroids and she had it ready for us ,nice surprise. I know dog will be happy,we have tried everything to keep her off steroids past several years but this time she needs them.
I found organic potatoes online yesterday at grocey store both reds and whites. So now I can save the for planting.Delivered to our front porch in less than 2 hours after we put in order. That woman is fast. 10 miles from store.
 
It is probably due to the lock downs. The hospitality industry must be in full melt down. They won't have the money to pay for labour, and the labour force pool is making more money on unemployment. Catch 22.

I may be moving across Canada. It may involve three 5000 km trips. There will be limited rooms to rent, and still no bathrooms along the way. I have a cool little pop up tee pee style tent that I can throw down for instant privacy. We have been using it for a change room at the lakes, but it will work just as well as a privy room for a camping port a potty. I will be sleeping in the back of the truck with the dogs to avoid getting quarantined along the way. That would just be icing on the cake.

I am too old for this crap, but that is what has been dished out.
You have been on my mind and I have been wondering how you are doing. Thank you for the update.
 
Working on some parts for a upcoming project, then had to do a training module that comes up every 2 years. DOT transportation for hazardous and radioactive material. That's probably the hardest training test we deal with. Over half the questions are pulled at random from the DOT manual. Stupid thing is probably 800 pages. Took 2 hours for 20 questions.
I think I sprained my brain!!!!! Picked 5 gallon of mater almost 3/4 of it from one plant. It's a type called Lemon drop, biggest one was well over a lb. A nice big head of Red Acre cabbage. a handful of kidney and great northern beans to see how they are doing. Making nicely, but not ready to harvest yet. Found several watermelons and butternut squash. Blueberries are pretty much done. But our okra is starting to put on a pod here and there. a week or 2 and we'll be picking it every other day till frost, or we get tired of it.
Amish, glad to hear you and Weedy are getting a chance to meet up.
 
Got up this morning at regular time, realized we are almost out of DC – like being out of coffee and water for you non-DC types (I am hooked big time and will not suffer being out, it’s my big vice and I’m keeping it!). We will have to make a list of food Items for Friday morning shopping:

Checked e-mail at 5AM, HD is out of stock on disposal, Lo’s has 6, they are 1 mile apart. Got to HD at 6AM as they opened, I picked up my online order (short the disposal), the fittings for the leak, and new frost free spigot. Went to Lo’s got the disposal and headed back to the house, didn’t have time to unload before starting work at 7….

Got a text at 8AM from HD, part of your order has been canceled…. Duh I knew that 3 hours ago… 10 minutes later get another Text – the order you picked up 2 hours ago is ready…. I must be demanding, I would expect them to send out the information before it is old news…

Got off at 5PM and I found 3 deliveries at the door, more TP and some archery equipment ;).

I have an open Question? Has anyone tried Costco’s instacart grocery shopping? I don’t shop a lot with them, but when I do I hate the store hours (they open late by my standards), the lines (in and out), the hassle, and the time I lose going there and back (usually it turns into a 2+ hour event). But, if I can place my order online in the morning and have them deliver it during the day without me having to take off, that might be worthwhile.

I worked until 9PM on the cabinets, now the 6’ of floor to ceiling cabinet enclosures are done. We can now start installing drawers, shelving and doors… sounds like more work. I sat a level on the new countertops, level in every direction (happy me). I was pleased that the installers didn’t have to use a shim anyplace except where the 2 halves of their countertop were joined (I didn’t know about the joint or I would have had a support in place for it. I checked their work more closely tonight, they used 2 – 2X4s to support the sink at the ends, but failed to support it along its length, at almost 3 feet long I don’t think that was wise (Not Happy Me). I ordered a set of epoxy under counter mounts, I plan to install 4 across the front and 4 across the back, that should make me feel better….



I read that the states are expecting to see a large increase in hunters this year, perfect…. A lot of undisciplined trigger happy yahoos with no idea of what they are doing stumbling around in the woods. I expect to see a lot of gun accidents due to poor training. Larry The Cable Guy Quote, “Guns don’t kill people, husbands who come home early kill people” ;) To be honest, the extra pressure worries me, we eat between 2 and 3 deer a year and it has been an important part of our lifestyle for decades, since my wife first got congestive heart failure (the doctor told us no red meat, but venison was ok (after I showed them the Nutritional data)) in 2000. I generally harvest 2 per year, but I have harvested as many as 6, I do my own butchering as my wife won’t let me pay someone else to do something she knows I can do (plus she doesn’t trust them to give us all our meat!).

Well it's 9:17 and I need to call it a night, got some papers to write in the morning before 8AM and my mind is just not clear enough to do it now.

Stay safe and well,

Urban
 
Got up this morning at regular time, realized we are almost out of DC – like being out of coffee and water for you non-DC types (I am hooked big time and will not suffer being out, it’s my big vice and I’m keeping it!). We will have to make a list of food Items for Friday morning shopping:

Checked e-mail at 5AM, HD is out of stock on disposal, Lo’s has 6, they are 1 mile apart. Got to HD at 6AM as they opened, I picked up my online order (short the disposal), the fittings for the leak, and new frost free spigot. Went to Lo’s got the disposal and headed back to the house, didn’t have time to unload before starting work at 7….

Got a text at 8AM from HD, part of your order has been canceled…. Duh I knew that 3 hours ago… 10 minutes later get another Text – the order you picked up 2 hours ago is ready…. I must be demanding, I would expect them to send out the information before it is old news…

Got off at 5PM and I found 3 deliveries at the door, more TP and some archery equipment ;).

I have an open Question? Has anyone tried Costco’s instacart grocery shopping? I don’t shop a lot with them, but when I do I hate the store hours (they open late by my standards), the lines (in and out), the hassle, and the time I lose going there and back (usually it turns into a 2+ hour event). But, if I can place my order online in the morning and have them deliver it during the day without me having to take off, that might be worthwhile.

I worked until 9PM on the cabinets, now the 6’ of floor to ceiling cabinet enclosures are done. We can now start installing drawers, shelving and doors… sounds like more work. I sat a level on the new countertops, level in every direction (happy me). I was pleased that the installers didn’t have to use a shim anyplace except where the 2 halves of their countertop were joined (I didn’t know about the joint or I would have had a support in place for it. I checked their work more closely tonight, they used 2 – 2X4s to support the sink at the ends, but failed to support it along its length, at almost 3 feet long I don’t think that was wise (Not Happy Me). I ordered a set of epoxy under counter mounts, I plan to install 4 across the front and 4 across the back, that should make me feel better….



I read that the states are expecting to see a large increase in hunters this year, perfect…. A lot of undisciplined trigger happy yahoos with no idea of what they are doing stumbling around in the woods. I expect to see a lot of gun accidents due to poor training. Larry The Cable Guy Quote, “Guns don’t kill people, husbands who come home early kill people” ;) To be honest, the extra pressure worries me, we eat between 2 and 3 deer a year and it has been an important part of our lifestyle for decades, since my wife first got congestive heart failure (the doctor told us no red meat, but venison was ok (after I showed them the Nutritional data)) in 2000. I generally harvest 2 per year, but I have harvested as many as 6, I do my own butchering as my wife won’t let me pay someone else to do something she knows I can do (plus she doesn’t trust them to give us all our meat!).

Well it's 9:17 and I need to call it a night, got some papers to write in the morning before 8AM and my mind is just not clear enough to do it now.

Stay safe and well,

Urban

We've had online delivery for months now and it ain't cheap.but we like it and figure its worth it to us. She shopped, called several times if they didn't have exactly what we ordered, checked out, loaded up her car and drove over 10 milees to our house, open front gate, walked across yard to porch with loads of bags while we stayed inside,not one ice cream ,butter ,etc, melted in this heat. Order over $400 so we tipped her $40. Plus we pay SHIPT 14.99 a month.
IMO yes it is worth every penny she works hard for the money, [oh no ,song].

I don't know who is responsible for the virus but I do know its out there I talk to locals who has family who has got it in past couple months. Don'tknow when it will be more potent than it is now, so we see no need to take a chance. We do go to local store for cigareets but he has it bagged and ready and we take precautions.
 
Last edited:
It's ok, Meer, don't quit smoking now. I'm still chewing my nicorette gum.
We haven't tried Costco instacart, Urban, but used Sams Club instacart for months in Albuquerque. Sometimes, though, they would say ok they had it, but 4 days later when the order was ready to pickup, they were out. Mostly with lunchmeat, sliced cheese, and other meats. And I would have to wait in the line outside and around the building to go in and get it. Although the Sams Club in Wichita, Kansas had a special pkg spot and a number to call and they would bring it out to you.
Spent the day in the hospital with hubby, and boy it was another long day. Wearing a mask for 11 hrs straight is not an easy thing. But got to enjoy dinner and visiting with Weedy this evening, and that was fun.
 
We've had online delivery for months now and it ain't cheap.but we like it and figure its worth it to us. She shopped, called several times if they didn't have exactly what we ordered, checked out, loaded up her car and drove over 10 milees to our house, open front gate, walked across yard to porch with loads of bags while we stayed inside,not one ice cream ,butter ,etc, melted in this heat. Order over $400 so we tipped her $40. Plus we pay SHIPT 14.99 a month.
IMO yes it is worth every penny she works hard for the money, [oh no ,song].

I don't know who is responsible for the virus but I do know its out there I talk to locals who has family who has got it in past couple months. Don'tknow when it will be more potent than it is now, so we see no need to take a chance. We do go to local store for cigareets but he has it bagged and ready and we take precautions.

I made a HUGE MISTAKE ON THIS, SHIPT only charges $14.99 a month not $499.
Hubby saw it and said ' WOW'.
 
Had a wonderful dinner and evening with Amish and her hubby.

@UrbanHunter, my neighbors and I did a group order from Costco in late March. It was expensive, but it was when the pandemic was still new and we were trying to figure out how to get food and not die! One of the challenges about the Instacart orders is that they will say they don't have things in stock, but when you walk in, they have it. We also noticed that everything was a dollar or two higher via Instacart. Glad we did it, because there was so much unknown at the time, but we will likely only do it again if there is a serious situation again.
 
Meerkat, nobody wants to think poorly of you for cigarettes. We are not to judge. It's not like you're depriving your children or pets of food so you can smoke.
I didn't smoke for long, off and on for 10 years, and didn't start until I was 20 or so. Every time I was around my parents, could be for hours, I would not have the desire to smoke.
When I was finally able to quit, I quit completely, no further urge, desire, or "got to have." I hope and pray that for you. It was a miracle because I had tried to quit many times.
What have they done to tobacco to make it so addictive? In and of itself is bad enough.
Amish, you are having a rough time and prayers for you and your man that you are protected and kept safe through the whole thing.
Clemkadiddlehopper, prayers for you too, protection and strength.
Bacpacker, I'd love to see photos of your big tomatoes and other veggies.
It rained here this morning for quite a while, Glorious. Would love that every day. Miss that kind of weather. No thunder.
I can't write a book here. Sorry for the long post.
Kids went for a walk and found abandoned kittens. They will take them to the no kill shelter tomorrow a.m. The one looks like a happy "grumpy cat." So cute, the other one is black and pretty. They were very hungry. This is why we spay and neuter our pets and yard animals. So they don't end up road kill, bait for dog fights, dinner for coyotes. If you can't afford to spay and neuter and aren't going to keep them restrained, then don't have a pet.
 
Last edited:
Had a wonderful dinner and evening with Amish and her hubby.

@UrbanHunter, my neighbors and I did a group order from Costco in late March. It was expensive, but it was when the pandemic was still new and we were trying to figure out how to get food and not die! One of the challenges about the Instacart orders is that they will say they don't have things in stock, but when you walk in, they have it. We also noticed that everything was a dollar or two higher via Instacart. Glad we did it, because there was so much unknown at the time, but we will likely only do it again if there is a serious situation again.

Weedy glad yall met up, bet it was fun.
 
Meerkat, nobody wants to think poorly of you for cigarettes. We are not to judge. It's not like you're depriving your children or pets of food so you can smoke.
I didn't smoke for long, off and on for 10 years, and didn't start until I was 20 or so. Every time I was around my parents, could be for hours, I would not have the desire to smoke.
When I was finally able to quit, I quit completely, no further urge, desire, or "got to have." I hope and pray that for you. It was a miracle because I had tried to quit many times.
What have they done to tobacco to make it so addictive? In and of itself is bad enough.
Amish, you are having a rough time and prayers for you and your man that you are protected and kept safe through the whole thing.
Clemkadiddlehopper, prayers for you too, protection and strength.
Bacpacker, I'd love to see photos of your big tomatoes.
It rained here this morning for quite a while, Glorious. Would love that every day. Miss that kind of weather. No thunder.
I can't write a book here. Sorry for the long post.
Kids went for a walk and found abandoned kittens. They will take them to the no kill shelter tomorrow a.m. The one looks like a happy "grumpy cat." So cute, the other one is black and pretty. They were very hungry. This is why we spay and neuter our pets and yard animals. So they don't end up road kill, bait for dog fights, dinner for coyotes. If you can't afford to spay and neuter and aren't going to keep them restrained, then don't have a pet.

All the years I smoked not sure it would make a difference now. Now I'm starting to get shotness of breath since I slowed down on working and they messed up my eye site. We rolled em for many years them quit selling the brand we liked so now Korean cigs are cheap.
Thanks Patch.:huggs: .

@Amish Heart I sure hope your hubby gets better and glad your on the gum instead of smoke. So nice you and Wedy got to visit too.
 
I was searching for hardware cloth this morning with smaller openings to use to sift soil. I have lots of small garlic and small grape hyacinths that I want to remove from the soil and the contraption I made to sift out pebbles from my soil has larger holes than I need. I found what I need. I didn't realize that they made hardware cloth with such small openings.

@Weedygarden Something I use often... Sieves or Gold Sieves. They are made to fit the top of a std 5 gallon bucket. The screens coming in multiple sizes. You can get metal screen or preformed plastic screens. The plastic ones are cheap.

Even though I haven't been gold prospecting in years I still use my sieves several times a year. I sort seed, clean chaff from seed... Heck I've even sorted freshly shelled peas with them, get the bad ones out. The bad peas are usually smaller and will drop through the proper size sieve.

They are really good for cleaning roots, put the roots and dirt in a sieve, sit it on a bucket then use a water hose to wash them. Perfect for out side, stuff you don't want to bring in the house. You can stack several sieves of different sizes on one bucket for sorting material into different sizes. The list of things they can be used for is endless...

http://www.keeneeng.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=SV
Keen Engineering is a reputable company... been around since the 50's. I've done business with them several times.

Largest supplier Gold Pans, Prospecting Equipment and Metal Detectors These folks are in colorado... a prospecting store, never done business with them.


Edited to add... Long drive early tomorrow. I'm taking dad to his hearing aid doctor... 3hrs one way... I dread this...
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Back
Top