Monday, May 27, 2019

Repairs, Projects & Frugal Accomplishments



Hello, friends.  Last week started out with a glitch in our A/C.  We noticed it running and running, but never getting cool.  Turns out, there were tiny ants in the contactor of the heat pump.  In fixing that, J burned out a fuse.  He searched his parts bins, and had it up and running the next morning.  I occasionally get tired of all the "useful stuff" we seem to accumulate, but am thankful when some of it does indeed turn out to be useful, and thankful for the one who knows how to use it.  The amaryllis and 12 apostle lilies have been blooming.


The honey bees have been working the winterberry bush.  You can hear their buzz from a distance.  While at the dentist for a cleaning, I didn't want the fluoride toothpaste, and was given 4 dental floss instead.  That's a win.  I finally finished sewing the last of the summer bed cover.  There wasn't very much left to do.  I just had to make time to do it.  On one of my recent work days, J went to visit his Mom.  He came back with an air fryer she sent.  I need to do research on what I can do with it.  I understand I can make fries with it, but not sure what else I can use it for in the vegetable realm.


A friend and I went to hear local music one night.  It was free, with donations accepted.  We had a great time, and I laughed until I cried, which is always a good thing IMHO.  My friend gave me a number of things, including several raspberry bushes, seeds and cat food.  I shared several tomato plants, soaps and an autumn clematis with her.  The next night I met my niece and sister for dinner at a restaurant I'd never been to, and it was delicious.  It's nice when that happens.  I gave my sister a dozen eggs.  She bought my dinner.


I cleaned out several flower beds, pulling weeds and cutting wild blackberries, cat brier, small saplings and honeysuckle.  I made a quiche, which used our eggs and parsley.  Two loads of laundry were done, and dried on the line.  I worked on readying my friend's vintage/antique items for sale on ebay.  All the cleaning, photos, research, measuring, and shipping info was figured, so on Sunday, all I need to do is list them.  We had J's son, his lady friend and daughter here on Saturday.  His son helped J with putting up a structure for our solar hot water, something that's been on our to do list for a number of years.  It is being built over two of our water cisterns, to shade them from the light.  Afterwards, the guys cooked most of dinner on the grill.


On Sunday, I helped the guys a little while with the solar hot water installation, but, for the most part, I worked on ebay listings.  After I had listed my friend's item's,  I decided I was on a roll, and listed a pile of books I've been wanting to sell.  A few were mine, but most were my friends.  Quite a few are more than 100 years old.  I have no idea if they'll sell.  They weren't in pristine condition, but I thought it was worth a try.  With it being in the 90's outdoors, it seemed a good use of my time.  I'm quite sure it's a personal record, listing 26 items in one day.  I used a free listing offer for them.  All three solar panels are on the roof.  J has to make brackets to angle them a bit, then hook up the plumbing for them.  I'm so excited to be close to having solar hot water!  Wishing you a most enjoyable Memorial Day!


6 comments:

daisy g said...

You've certainly been keeping busy!

How wonderful to barter for items.
Yes, we have a lot of things in the garage, but I am grateful that my hubby knows how to fix just about anything, so they are worth keeping.

Enjoy your day.

Beckyathome said...

I love it that you have solar panels. We have had many times that we have discussed getting them at our old house, but never did:( It is hard to get enough sun here in my rainy climate, plus at the times we looked into it, it wasn't economically feasible for us. I think that technology is getting better and better all the time, so congratulations!

Michèle Hastings said...

Sounds like you had a great week. Glad the AC was repaired without having to call for service. When you can do things yourself it saves a ton of money.
I have heard mixed reviews about the air fryer. I don't have room in my kitchen for anymore small appliances. Keep us posted on what sort of veggies you can make in it... I wonder if it would work for a healthier version of fried okra?

Laurie said...

Thanks, Daisy. It's good to share things.

We don't yet have solar panels that will provide electricity. Maybe one of these days. As you said, Becky, the technology keeps getting better, and the price should too.

I really don't need another small appliance either, Michele, but I thought I'd at least try it. In addition to potatoes, someone suggested asparagus and green beans in it.

Jeannie said...

No air conditioner. Did I read that correctly? NO AIR CONDITIONER!!!! I WOULD MELT!

You have such a handy husband, not needing to wait forever the repairman or spending a fortune.

Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry

Laurie said...

We were only without a/c overnight, Jeannie. So thankful it wasn't this week, during the 90's. He is definitely handy.