Daily Archives: October 11, 2014

I suggest alternative paths to the bamboo, I don’t force it

Today I begin final layout on the November magazine. Maybe take breaks to paint and prune in the garden. The turk’s cap are growing like crazy due to the rain, so are the bamboo. They’ve made a nice wall out front. I dig a trench in the direction I want them to grow next, and keep it fed and watered. Then when they sprout, it’s the path of least resistance. I don’t like to force things, I like to suggest alternatives, then let them find their own way.

A friend gifts me with binoculars

A Facebook friend saw my posts about wanting a pair of binoculars and sent me the perfect pair, they arrived today! Thank you, mysterious benefactor!  I’d ordered a pair from Best Buy and they were too heavy, and their 12x amplification was too hard to hold a steady view.  These 8 x 21 let me see right into the treetops here, so watching the hawks will be a breeze.

I buy my first ever Steam Mop — A Bissell PowerFresh (but never again)

I just watched –> this video on my new Bissell PowerFresh Hard Floor Steam Mop.   I’ve been using it and like how it cleans, and without chemicals!  I had carpet until 1997.  I had no idea how toxic an older carpet could be until my home was rid of it.  With cats and my own foot traffic in and out of the house and yard and garden all day long,  I sweep or vacuum every few days.  I like the act of cleaning my vinyl tile floors and this will make it more fun.   It only takes me about 15 minutes per room.  I’ve even taken it onto the back porch and done the floor out there!  That will take several times to get “clean.” Since the floor was never sealed, there’s a lot of ground in dirt.  I’ve been using the steam mop every few days.  Good purchase, I wish I’d thought about it years ago.   I paid about $70 for it at Best Buy.

UPDATE: I used it about 2-3 times a month for six months, then let it sit for 2 months. It no longer dispenses the steam and the little screw-on water reservoir cap is coming apart as it would do from being over tightened.  I never over tightened it. Other reviewers said this as well, although this was the highest reviewed steam mop at Amazon.  It was out of warranty and no replacement part available.