This little bit of technology on top of the bird feeder is called a squirrel baffler. The name intrigued me when I saw it at the store as well as tickling my strange sense of humor. In my mind I pictured the squirrels of the neighborhood standing around with their little squirrel fingers on their squirrel chins wondering what that thing is, that kept me smiling all the way to the cash register. (I know what you are thinking; here is another advertising sucker!)
Anyway I brought it home and MK installed it and I spent the afternoon on the porch swing waiting to see the baffled squirrels. So far not a critter has appeared even mildly perplexed. They all still come to the bounty of the Kraeger bird feeder as if the thing wasn't there. That baffles me! Actually I have to say that the colored ones that I have previously purchased do work and they work well. We are not an all you can eat buffet for these useless creatures and I resent them driving the birds away to consume pounds and pounds of feed that isn't set out for them. They can go on WIC or Welfare for all I care. The reason this one intrigued me was the fact that it is clear. Something perverse in my nature wanted to see the squirrels fooled by its presence and have them sliding off in frustration. I really need to get a job or a hobby that is more productive, right.
Friday, August 18, 2017
Friday, August 11, 2017
Love/Hate
I have heard it said that love and hate are two sides of the same coin and that may be true especially when it comes to machines. The love flows unconditionally when they work but when there is an issue the well just seems to dry up.
Irons are particularly concerning for me. I think there is a definite "I kill them" aura that surrounds me and they can sense it when I bring them into the house. The issue is two fold. I need copious amounts of steam and it would be nice to have one that is self-cleaning. I do a lot of fusing of interfacing, adhesives, and fleece which yucks up the sole plate but I also do a lot of heirloom work which requires a pristine sole plate. Did I mention that I am somewhat lazy to boot?
With all that being said here is the reason for this post. My dear, sweet sister-in-law, ReNee' ordered a wedding hanky (read white, delicate, and nerve wracking!) Piece of cake I thought as I cut the fabric (imported Imperial Batiste), starched it, hooped it and set the machine to do the embroidery. An hour later when it was all done and trimmed I took it to the board to give it a good press before hemming and adding the lace. I ONLY TOUCHED THE IRON TO IT! Didn't even have to move it and there was a big yellow-ish brown mark on the surface of the previously pristine white embroidery. I had cleaned the iron in my usual way, wadded up waxed paper rubbed over the hot surface usually takes off the leftover glue from interfacing and fleece but this time the build up was too great.
(This is where irons go to die.) It no longer makes steam but heats up and all the other things it should do. So, I did what any sane, rational, and thinking person would do in that situation. I threw the hanky across the room and started work on something else. This morning I took the offending appliance out, read it the riot act, scrubbed the sole plate with a mixture of baking soda and water and prayed that it would be ready for today's work. I am pleased to say that it sparkles and shines like it was brand new, we are on speaking terms again, and I am ready to hoop a new piece of fabric and start again.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
It's complicated
Facebook wants to know what's on my mind and I just got a text from my daughter asking how my day is going. I truly don't think either wants to know the true answer to either question. Let's just say it's complicated.
Today was supposed to be a day spent clearing up some unfinished business and perhaps finished off by reading my book on the porch swing. Yeah, right! I started out by being awakened abruptly by the pain of an injured shoulder then nearly having to spend the day shut up in the downstairs bathroom. I guess I can thank God for a loose blade on my saw for saving me from that one. (Yes Matthew it has bee tightened up and is in fine working order)
After extricating myself from the bathroom with my handy screwdriver that just happened to be in my pocket I decided to do up the dishes and tidy the kitchen. What could possibly happen while doing those mundane chores? How about trying to grind up a spoon in the disposal? Please family there is a reason why I don't want dishes piled in the sink!!!!!! I think that noise took a few years off my life but I girded my loins and sat down to make all of the dreaded phone calls that were on the list for the day. NO ONE WAS THERE! I HAD TO LEAVE MESSAGES AT EVERY NUMBER I DIALED! Don't people know how I despise talking on the phone. Now I have to wait for the return calls.
If that wasn't enough for one day while hanging the roman shades I made that turned into balloon blinds, (don't aske me how) I managed to strip out half a dozen screws and two drivers. I fell off the stool that I was standing on and touched the side of my hand to the iron while I was ironing the sheets before I hung them up.
I am now sitting on the porch soaked in sweat (no sweet neighbor lady I did not enjoy my dip in the pool this is sweat!) and wondering if there is anything else dangerous that I can do today. Thank God the ribs are in the crock pot, no grilling for me, and the salad is already made. I cannot imagine what I would do if I picked up a knife today.
Today was supposed to be a day spent clearing up some unfinished business and perhaps finished off by reading my book on the porch swing. Yeah, right! I started out by being awakened abruptly by the pain of an injured shoulder then nearly having to spend the day shut up in the downstairs bathroom. I guess I can thank God for a loose blade on my saw for saving me from that one. (Yes Matthew it has bee tightened up and is in fine working order)
After extricating myself from the bathroom with my handy screwdriver that just happened to be in my pocket I decided to do up the dishes and tidy the kitchen. What could possibly happen while doing those mundane chores? How about trying to grind up a spoon in the disposal? Please family there is a reason why I don't want dishes piled in the sink!!!!!! I think that noise took a few years off my life but I girded my loins and sat down to make all of the dreaded phone calls that were on the list for the day. NO ONE WAS THERE! I HAD TO LEAVE MESSAGES AT EVERY NUMBER I DIALED! Don't people know how I despise talking on the phone. Now I have to wait for the return calls.
If that wasn't enough for one day while hanging the roman shades I made that turned into balloon blinds, (don't aske me how) I managed to strip out half a dozen screws and two drivers. I fell off the stool that I was standing on and touched the side of my hand to the iron while I was ironing the sheets before I hung them up.
I am now sitting on the porch soaked in sweat (no sweet neighbor lady I did not enjoy my dip in the pool this is sweat!) and wondering if there is anything else dangerous that I can do today. Thank God the ribs are in the crock pot, no grilling for me, and the salad is already made. I cannot imagine what I would do if I picked up a knife today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)