- The Fever lost tonight after an entertaining season that I have loved! They did great coming from the bottom of the list to number 6.
- Now I’m cheering for the Minnesota Lynx.
- Culligan installed our new softener today and I am unhappy. My previous softener was automatic – I didn’t have to tell it anything. The route guy who took over a couple months ago filled the softener to overflowing which I honestly think broke it. It never worked after that. After the new one was installed the guy wanted to instruct me how to use the screen, how to make it regenerate, set it for x amount of minutes and I finally had enough. He told me to use my phone to take a video of him setting it. Nobody told me I had to run the thing! I don’t need one more chore and I ended up in tears. For $114 per month to rent this softener, I have to run it? Oh, this rant is not over.
- Jessica, my cleaning lady, came today and we cleaned the two story garage. I can hardly walk tonight – but it’s a really nice clean garage! No more cobwebs, dirt, dust – so how long will it stay like this?l
- Do you have Netflix? I just binge watched Dark Winds, about a Navajo family living on the reservation in the ‘50s. It was very good.
Mary, in Colorado we don’t need a water softener, so glad. I experienced it in Minnesota, hard water is awful. I agree things are getting harder and it’s not our fault. They are making it harder with all the digital crap and aps. They even want us to go online and fill out papers before a Doctor appointment.! I refuse. I so appreciate all you women who are my age. (70s) who understand so thanks Mary for your blog. I just ordered a new kit from Missouri Star, it’s Christmas embroidery on black velveteen. I’m so excited. My cousin who is in Wisconsin is doing it with me. Something to look forward to, which helps me so much in these troubling times. I enjoy handwork.
I guess I’m lucky. We rent a water softener and a thing that takes out excess iron. We only pay $38.00 a month.
Marie – where do you live? Who do you rent your softener from?
I’m north of Cedar Rapids Ia. I rent from a small family owned company. We’ve been renting for around twenty years. The price has went up only twice. We put our own salt in. We only see them if there is a problem. Probably about four times in the past twenty years. If you are having problems setting your softener up look on u tube. Look on u tube for getting your streaming service onto Rick’s T V. I use it a lot when I need help with technology. I use it a lot when I’m stumped by my Bernina. I think I have the same on as you.
Oh! Mary. It’s always one more thing. Sounds like the soft water guy brought you the top of the line model. And at that price…wow. Per month to boot.
A lady in my dance group is 93 years old. She drives only her second car! She is afraid of the new ones and hopes she’ll never need one. Too much to learn.
As kids, we racked the leaves into house rooms and played house going from room to room. It was fun. That and jacks. Hours playing jacks.
Jo – I have said this to Rick more than once – all the new shit the kids are used to doing but old people don’t understand is why old people don’t mind dying!
Hi Mary, here in SE Michigan our weather has come down to the 70’s and it seems to feel like fall is on the way.
A friend had a large pvc pipe put into the basement from the outside near their softener. It acts like a salt chute and eliminates hauling salt bags. Pretty slick.
I really think Culligan is in some kind of monetary trouble. That company was so good for a long time and now they just want to grab your money and go, never to be seen again. We had them at two different houses in another area of Oregon back when we were middle-aged with kids. They could be counted on and trusted with any water issue you had. Now, though, they install inferior products with a high price tag. They go away and that’s the last you see of them. I finally did get someone out here and found out he was a salesman and didn’t really know anything about them other than selling them. We don’t have the salt kind but we have the regenerating kind. It started pouring water out by the gallon onto our unpaved driveway, and, of course, flooding it and making it very soft along the foundation. Salesman said that was normal and not to worry. HA!! But wait! Our basement might flood and our driveway turn to mud. And, that’s okay??? I don’t think so. Now I am ranting! Hope you can find someone else, Mary.
Sue – called our reliable plumber this morning and he is going to call me back – he will help and if I have to start dragging bags of salt again, I will. But what happens during that surgery recovery time? I don’t like asking for help with something that should be my problem. Right now this problem with Culligan is giving me high anxiety!
Hi Mary.
When you mentioned the number of obese people you saw at Mayo, were you referring to the patients or the staff? I’m surprised at the number of obese people that are employed at medical practices!
I’m alarmed at seeing so many young people that are already way overweight, and wonder what their life will be like if they don’t make some changes in their eating habits
Also, thank you for recommending books by Sally Hepworth. I’m half way through The Good Sister and enjoying it! What is your favorite so far?
Jean – I just finished The Younger Sister and have ordered two more from Amazon that my library doesn’t have. I think The Younger Wife was my favorite so far. Just always a bit of mystery in each story and I would love to find another “unknown to me” author.
Jean, I too got started on reading these books since Mary suggested this new to me author. I truly enjoyed the Younger Wife the best as well. Kept me wanting to turn another page. I am not into gory mysteries at all but like the ones who add intrigue onto a good story line.
Mary and Kathy, are you familiar with the Cat in the Stacks series by Miranda James? It is a mystery book with a main character, Charlie, a university reference librarian at a Southern university and his 36 lb Maine Coon cat, Diesel. Named for his loud purring! I find the characters comfortable and charming and love to go to one after a couple more intense books. I think there are 10 or 12 in the series. You don’t have to start at # 1, but it makes more sense. They also can stand alone.
Diane,
I love that series and just finished the latest.
Diane, I will have to look up that author when I return these books I have now. Thanks for the recommendation.
Jean – actually I didn’t see too many employees, just two in the room. The patients are the obese ones I referred to.
Mary, It sounds like Culligan is ripping you off. We own our Culligan softener and have a DI system for drinking water. About every two years I call them to come and sanitize the drinking water system, check the softener and to bring quite a few bags of salt to the basement. We can set the softener time of day (daylight savings) but I don’t bother. We only pay for their service call, parts needed and salt. If I were you, I would call the company and ask what other options are available instead of rent. Why do things have to get so complicated? Good luck.
Mary – I cannot believe your have to pay a monthly bill for your water softener. We purchased a new one many years ago, and all we have to do is keep the salt in it. My husband takes care of that. It regenerates on its own, and we do not have the worry about not having water when it does regenerate. Our old one was not like that. We have had not trouble with it in all these years. We used a local business to install it.
Our garden is about done, so will be clearing most of it off today. We are still getting a few tomatoes. My husband will dig the carrots today.
I have another charity quilt finished so will have to take a picture and send to you.
Thanks again for your blog. Keeping you in my prayers regarding your upcoming surgery.
Jeanine – neither of us can carry the salt down to the basement any more so instead of asking someone to help us do that, we go with Culligan who also delivers bottles of water each month. Our water is extremely hard!
Mary – We have rural water here. When we were first married 56 years ago, we had very hard red water and couldn’t use it for laundry or drinking. That is when we got our first softener. It did the job, but we had to reprogram it if the electricity went out. My husband did that. I guess I am surprised you don’t have rural water up there. We’ve had ours for many years, but we still like our soft water.
The water softener bags from Culligan are strong, I used to clean at a home and the owner would roll them down the steps laying them lengthwise and a gentle roll helped him get the bags to the basement.
I appreciated the ha-ha moment … kids playing online! When people talk about people who talk about “the good old days” as if they didn’t know how simplistic their upbringing and lives were (as if it were a bad thing), I think, “you’ve got that right, buddy. Being tossed out of the house at 8 am and being warned to be back by dinner time was the best childhood ever.”
We made our own good times running, jumping, racing around on our bikes, climbing trees, making up games, playing with dolls in a friend’s garage until dad or mom came home with the car, learning to handsew doll clothes, read books on picnic blankets under the trees, walked to the library, played on school playgrounds for hours…not a button to press or a screen to watch, no FOMO socially, it was wonderful. But I guess it left us unprepared for the technological stress of water purifiers, refrigerators that talk and convection ovens! Modern times, even computerized sewing machines can be stressful! Guess we’re getting old. When did that happen?
I want to thank everyone again for their expressions of sympathy for my mom’s passing. You can well imagine that at age 94, have grown up in those “simpler” times of the Great Depression, World War II, limited women’s rights and all of what changed from 1930 until now, that technology frustrated her no end, and she really could not cope with all of that reality. On the upside of modern changes, medical technology and advances kept her alive for 42 years after her first bout of cancer. Can you imagine that? And also imagine the strength of character people of her generation developed living in “simpler times”.
Carol – eloquently written! We had no friends close by so we really had to entertain ourselves. We sifted sand from one container to the next – what was fun about that? We used baling twine to tie around trees to make rooms to play house. We played house everywhere! I do remember reading a book under a big tree and we played in a row of lilacs. It’s hard to believe now. We had a swing set and horses as well as pigs and chickens. Really? It sounds too simple and mundane but I don’t remember it like that.
We have a Culligan softener, and I would call the guy back and tell him you are not happy, or tell him to come back to your house, then tell him you are not happy with it. I thought ours is automatic, and all we have to do is put the salt in. Not acceptable. It should be understandable, and not an additional job like you are describing. We purchased ours outright,no monthly payments.
I’m glad you can switch gears and watch another team. Caitlyn had a great year and she will be a force to watch next season. I would be frustrated also if I was paying that fee every month and I still needed to set the softener. Good luck with that battle. Its cooler here in the mornings and fall is in the air. Our new yard is slowly coming up which is great to see. Still trying to set up my sewing space so I can tackle a few projects for Christmas gifts.
Kim – actually I don’t think I can switch gears – I sort of watched MN and Phoenix last night but not very interested. Guess I am actually just a Fever fan.
Sometimes I dog sit or dog/grandkid sit for my son and daughter-in-law. I struggle with their appliances. The 1st time I used the stove, the units kept shutting off. I was told later I have to use certain pans the units can detect.
Last year, my washer wasn’t spinning the clothes completely. I went to the appliance store where I got all my appliances and have had a repairman visit my house a couple of times. They wrote the book on customer service! As I walked through the store to get to the back counter, I was sick looking at all the complicated washers AND their prices. I told the owner my washer problem and about my son’s washer. I asked him to please try to fix mine. He laughed and said if I had to buy a new washer, he’d set me up with one I could use easily. Thankfully the repairman fixed my washer and it cost $60.
Sheryl – the softener has a computer screen! NO! I can barely run my phone and IPad. It’s so stressful to have problems with anything because it has to be done online. Even McDonalds and Subway – you only get a break in the price if you order online. They can’t listen to me talk and take my order? I can’t even figure out how to put my Netflix account on Rick’s tv!
I feel your pain, Mary! I hope you can get the water softener situation to a better solution.
We wanted a Casey’s pizza one night, so my husband called the store, and they did take his order over the phone. However, when he went to pick it up, they told him he needed the app. So, we got the app on his phone; OMG, two old people trying to order one 12” pizza was hilarious.😳 We would order; then he would run down to Casey’s, and they would tell Herb what we did wrong. They were so kind and patient. It took us four times to get it correct.😂 Then we found the “reorder” feature—easy peasy! 🤣🍕
Take Care/Thanks, Mary 🥰
Jeanie – we gave up – now Rick drives into Casey’s, orders it in person and waits for it
😂 Thaty great! I don’t know about your Casey’s, but ours even gives Herb a drink while he waits. They are very kind and patient. 😊🍕
It seems every business needs an app. I shop at the little HyVee in our town and to get the digital coupons, I need to download the app. I shop the ad but haven’t downloaded the app yet. I have the Kum and Go app because I get a birthday treat and occasionally a free item. I used to use my rewards card to get my free treat but need an app now. I download the Southwest app when I’m flying but delete it when I’m home.
I wonder how many apps a phone can handle without taking too much memory.
Sheryl – there’s no reward great enough for me to put the app on my phone and as far as the coupons, I am buying for two people only. A woman at the HyVee checkout yesterday was asking why she didn’t get her 50 cents off an item. Another cashier had to come and take her to another checkout lane just to give her the 50 cents – I’ll bet it took another 15 minutes!
I’m sorry the Fever lost last night, but I’m not unhappy—thrilled that they ultimately had a great season and made the playoffs! They will be a powerhouse next season! In the 70’s, Indianapolis made a plan to become a sports capital—and did it. They’re now working hard on a plan to make Indy the WOMEN’S sports capital and I’m sure they’ll get it done! So proud of Caitlin and the Fever! She has something to do in the off-season—her boyfriend was hired as assistant basketball coach for Butler University 🤓
Sue – did you hear what Caitlin is planning to do in the off-season? Play golf! I’m okay with them out of the playoffs, too, but I’m no longer interested in watching other teams closely. Yes, I did hear he got that job.
Hello Mary! I just binged Dark Winds also ….. FANTASTIC!!!! Love Zahn, McClarnon he’s such a great actor and everyone in this series did a great acting job. There will be a series 3 in 2025! Yea! There’s a couple Hillerman movies that I saw years ago that were really good as well — Skinwalkers and Coyote Waits. Wes Studi did a phenomenal job in them as did Adam Beach. (there is a horror movie Skinwalkers that is NOT the same one). There’s a third I haven’t seen – A Thief of Time.
I can relate to the water system. I’m finding as I get older I also don’t need more chores or things I need to take care of. People just don’t get it. Frustrating. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Xx
Lynette – I’m making note of the series you mentioned. So glad there will be a season 3! Now if I could just find someone to put Netflix on Rick’s tv – I’m paying for two devices and I only watch on my IPad.
Lynette, I have read lots of those books. I loved all of gem. I didn’t know there was movies from the books. Tony Hillerman’s daughter is writing now.
Wow! $114 a month? That is outrageously expensive! My cousin has culligan it is way cheaper and she does nothing. We own our own and after 40 years we have finally found the softeners sweet spot and the water does not leave my glasses white in the dishwasher! ‘Water softener’ is not a favorite fraze here either. Their control panel is totally Greek until this last one! Bleh
Well, today I get my second cataract surgery! I’m seeing really well with the first one and so with one good eye and one bad my vision is pretty wonky!
Glad you got your garage cleaned!
Joy – oh, you’re going to love being able to see well! With my upcoming surgery and Rick’s issues walking, hauling bags of salt to the basement is a thing of the past. I have enough back problems now and don’t need any more. Not sure what we’re going to do after I call them to come and get this whole system which is not what I wanted.
Try watching Suits on Netflix – it holds my interest which a lot of shows do not. I liked Dark Winds too!
If you have it in your area, try using Ecowater water softeners. I have a guy who comes from Carroll, puts new filters on my water purifier and checks my water softener twice a year for $54 a month. He would put would bring salt and put it in for me too, but I do it myself (or have my son do it for me) because it’s cheaper at Fleet Farm.
Donna – I loved Suits!!! And …. I have no son to help. I’d love to buy it at Fleet Farm but who would carry it in the house and the. Down to the basement?
That clothes line brought back memories from my childhood, my sister and I hung blankets around it and made it into a nice fort. We loved to play outside and in Vegas the weather is nice so much.
I’m sorry about your softener, I would have to hang a reminder note somewhere if I had to maintain something. There has to be a better way.
I’m having a better week this week. I dropped a whole container of chia seeds on the counter and floor last week at 5:15am. I was making a protein shake at the time. What a mess to clean up. The next day I broke my favorite water bottle. I seem to have one thing after another these days.
Have a good day Mary and readers.
Sincerely, Kathy from Ohio
Dark Winds – unfortunately not available here on Netflix. The show is based on books by Tony Hillerman that are really good reads. After Tony died, his daughter Anne Hillerman took over the series and I may love her books even more. I bought a new Culligan water softener for the house in MN a few years ago and they come in once every 3 or 4 months, check how it is working and add salt. They just charge for the salt they put in. Perhaps that would be a better way to do it.
GO LYNX!
ah three months until Christmas. How is everyone doing on their projects ???
Brenda, it’s so hard to face that with our warm temperatures but thanks so much for the kick in the right direction for me. I love the holidays and the goodness it brings out in people. My friend has two bags filled with hats and mittens she has knitted to distribute and she is the ultimate shopper for stocking stuffers for fillers. Our church does stockings for a local transition veterans home and a woman’s shelter so I try to put extras in my grocery cart for them. I’ve not been out shopping in awhile as trying to use up freezer foods and supporting local farm markets. I’m thinking microwave bowl cozies for gifts for friends.
I make quilted Christmas ornaments every year for about 25 relatives and friends. I have seventeen fully completed and the rest partially done. I hope to be done by the end of September. Then I will start on next years because I hate to feel rushed in the months before Christmas. I have been using the paper piecing papers from the Fat Quarter Shop which make 4” squares. They have numerous patterns.
Best wishes, Mary, on your water softener problem and also your upcoming surgery.
Let’s don’t Go There! LOL
I’m still pondering Last Christmas …
Hi Mary, Yes new appliances are challenging when they require us to use a screen or app to run them. I just want to push a button. I hope you can resolve your water conditioner issue, frustrating when you feel a company you have used and trusted for years takes advantage of a situation their service man may have caused.
I also binge watched Dark Woods on Netflix. I thought it was excellent. I am sad when I think of how we as a country have treated our native people in the past and present.
We have had some much needed rain in the last several days here in the Hocking Hills of SE Ohio but luckily not too much too quickly. Cooler days also.
The Fever did have a great season. I really thought they could pull it off tonight, but turnovers and shots that just wouldn’t go in the darn basket/hoop was frustrating for me to watch. Plus, I have to admit that the Connecticut sons SUNS, had quite the defense. It was hard to penetrate and get close to that basket on so many occasions. Tonight’s game was pretty close and they really came alive in the fourth quarter.
Jessica sounds like a dream. I know her skills are appreciated. I haven’t ever had someone clean my house. I’d have to clean it out before I hired someone.
It’s been a rainy, clammy and dreary several days here with more to come with hurricane Helene on its way. Florida is going to get hammered again. I hope everyone can stay safe. Weather channel talked about how so many crops would be damaged. That’s not good.
I’m thinking you went on your own this time to Mayo. I laughed at your comments about people watching. I’m grateful that my thoughts are just thoughts and I hope they never come out of my mouth. Sometimes you just wonder why people wear outfits that just are not flattering. Wow and whoa are some of my thoughts.
Thanks for the pattern you posted for us. I appreciate that.
The leaves here are falling rapidly and I’m thinking a leaf blower would be nice. My husband just says the wind will blow them away. Hah! We have so many trees and it’s a long time before they’re all down. A lot of sweeping and raking. It’s amazing the things you used to do for so many years you don’t want to do anymore.
Time for bed so I’m out of here.
Pat in Md
Hi Mary, what is a softener? Is it for water? I am trying to reduce stuff in the carport, just one or two things a day get sorted.Also a little spring clean each day, bathroom will be finished tomorrow, can’t cope with major cleaning now.Ghen l can work in my churn dash blocks ,60 out of 100 blocks done so far. Afternoons are for hand quilting and a nap!l hope you took it easy today Mary! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – our water has so many minerals in it that it’s nearly impossible to use – the showers and toilets get dark red rust stains and my gray hair would soon have a rust tint to it. No suds and hard on skin. Is your water perfect in NZ? You don’t need a softener?
i can sympathize with your rant over water softener. when ours broke years ago (last house), i said no more. like you i don’t need more chores or something else to keep track of. do it for me or i’ll do without. i know people disagree with me, but…i’ve never been able to drink the water in florida. i drink bottled water from a certain company. i conserve and re-use in tons of ways but this one is for me. it’s my splurge.
i played with the four patches today. think i have 63 finished ones. saw a totally green potato chip block (also others in only one color) so decided i should try it as i had moved a small tray and it had green in it. i’ll finish this block but think i’m over the potato chip stuff for now. don’t really know what i want to do. lots of things i should do – like backs, bindings. but not interested. seem to have loss some momentum by being in the hospital.
saw the occupational nurse today. she did compliment me. said my voice gave her an impression of a vibrant person but i answered the door totally out of breath. i’d been in the kitchen feeding cat and fixing water. within about 5 minutes i was fine. tomorrow is p.t. guy. i just want my stamina back. each time i have an episode like this i lose more use of my lungs. don’t like it but it is reality.
bed for me. mary, you have to be sore and tired after doing all that cleaning. hugs, patti in florida
Had coffee with a quilting friend today and told her about the cartoon, “who are we?” etc, complete with arms in the air and in a loud voice. We had a good laugh, so right, love it.