Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT Bob Heine's Auto Emporium

[Bob Heine]

Dammit, I wasn't paying attention and posted #10,000 myself. I gave myself a wedgie.

 

[gman007]

@gman007, thanks for the very kind words but to your second point, it's another yin and yang thing. The more organized I get, the more disorganization happens. When one more detailing product arrives in the garage, it doesn't have a place in that cabinet and goes in a different place. The organizers fill up and suddenly there are jars and buckets filled with miscellaneous items. I believe the chaos and confusion in my mind is constantly pounding my organization into submission. Some of my clear plastic hardware drawers have labels, thanks to my daughter 40 years ago but the vast majority have to be pulled out to see what's in them. At this moment I remember I have things in those drawers but how much longer that will be true is an issue.

Bob
If it is any solace, you are definitely not the only one afflicted with this problem and I am sure many others will attest to having the same issue.

I, like you organize things and at the time of organizing the clearly marked boxes, jars etc etc are definitely stored at sensible and logical locations that make sense.

Then some time later, I guess my sensibility and logic must change as I will have no clue where I have stored the darn neatly organized and clearly marked parts, etc ! But I do know that I have the said item and frankly that is even more frustrating!

They say squirrels are partly responsible for the re-forestation, as they hide the acorns all over the place but then can not remember the locations of many of them later. I wish at least the same applied to us and we could unwittingly grow car parts, tools, nuts and bolts etc

 

[Bob Heine]

Bob
If it is any solace, you are definitely not the only one afflicted with this problem and I am sure many others will attest to having the same issue.

I, like you organize things and at the time of organizing the clearly marked boxes, jars etc etc are definitely stored at sensible and logical locations that make sense.

Then some time later, I guess my sensibility and logic must change as I will have no clue where I have stored the darn neatly organized and clearly marked parts, etc ! But I do know that I have the said item and frankly that is even more frustrating!

They say squirrels are partly responsible for the re-forestation, as they hide the acorns all over the place but then can not remember the locations of many of them later. I wish at least the same applied to us and we could unwittingly grow car parts, tools, nuts and bolts etc

@gman007, I have too much stuff, too little space and nowhere near enough brainpower or restraint to keep it under control.

I would be happy if the things I've hidden grew into anything useful.

 

[scooterbum46]

@gman007, I have too much stuff, too little space and nowhere near enough brainpower or restraint to keep it under control.

I would be happy if the things I've hidden grew into anything useful.

Bob - more space doesn't help - the MonkeyWranch shops includes spaces of 420 and 1800 sq Ft. I plan an hour a day looking for things I've "put away". The usefulness of the stuff - any idea on what to do with the pro-lay wheel (pinch roller) from a 2400 bpi IBM tape drive? The side 2x4 side panels from NEC disk drives were useful after about 5 years however.

 

[madison069]

@gman007, I have too much stuff, too little space and nowhere near enough brainpower or restraint to keep it under control.

I would be happy if the things I've hidden grew into anything useful.

I know the feeling. No idea on why I kept a lot of the stuff I did. Well, I do. “I might need that one day!” Is the root of most of the stuff I kept.

 

[gman007]

I know the feeling. No idea on why I kept a lot of the stuff I did. Well, I do. “I might need that one day!” Is the root of most of the stuff I kept.

@madison069

And if you ever get rid of some of that stuff, I promise you inevitably not long after, you will need it and kick yourself in the head why did I get rid of it.

However if you keep it, most likely, you will never need it!

So you are damned, if you do and damed if you don’t !

It is simple matter of Murphy’s law!

 

[madison069]

@madison069

And if you ever get rid of some of that stuff, I promise you inevitably not long after, you will need it and kick yourself in the head why did I get rid of it.

However if you keep it, most likely, you will never need it!

So you are damned, if you do and damed if you don’t !

It is simple matter of Murphy’s law!

You are right! But majority of the material type of stuff that I do get rid of is stuff I can easily get at the big box stores that’s 4 miles from the house.

Some of the stuff was just junk really that had no value except a sentimental value or a maybe project that most likely won’t happen.

Also, stuff like an over head projector. Why do I hold on to that when I got an actual computer projector that I can do the same task with and do more with the computer projector.

But one rule I’ve been following is I can’t get rid of a tool unless it’s worn out or broke. I’ll give duplicates to the girls when they move out and in their own places. But for now I’ll stash their tools on a shelf.

 

[drivesitfar]

We’re both lucky to have brides that are not afraid of manual labor so I hope Lianne heals up quickly and in the meantime I’m sure you’ll pick up any chores or duties that are on her to list.

I’m always fighting this STUFF vs. stage issue and maybe by 2025 I’ll get down to one storage unit (10x20) or if I really start skimming down maybe none which would be ok too.

Nice finds at HF and even though I haven’t got the big to go in there yet I have bought a couple things that work and didn’t cost me a grand.

Stay cool!!

 

[LeonardY]

Bob,
Hope Liane is feeling better.
And hope you are doing well too.

I solved the problem of putting stuff away and not being able to find it later.

I take a picture of it with my phone and put it in a folder named, "Lost and Found"

Problem is... I don't know where I put my phone.

 

[Bob Heine]

I apologize for abandoning my thread these past 13 days. It seems the simplest tasks are backfiring on me big time.

The light under the kitchen microwave burned out so I opened the cover and removed the bulb. More exactly, I removed the glass part of the bulb. The metal part of the bulb stayed in the socket. Forgetting the first rule of electrical repairs, I didn't unplug the microwave. I did get an insulated pair of bent needlenose pliers and grabbed the edge of the bulb base. Sparks ensued and the GFCI tripped. Finished removing the bulb base, screwed in a new LED bulb and put everything back together. Reset the GFCI and pressed the lightbulb icon on the microwave. The infotainment center tells me the light is on bright but it's not on. Pressed the icon again and it says its on low but the light is still on. Everything else on the microwave is working fine.

I Google the problem and I find some interesting information. The lightbulb icon switches a transistor, which trips another transistor, which sends a signal to a relay. The short circuit apparently destroyed the transistor and that transistor is on the control panel circuit board. A new board is $222 but I found a used one for $88. I coulda, shoulda, woulda bought just the transistor but that would mean an ugly mess in the kitchen while I attempted the repair and who knows how long that would drag out. The $88 solution hurts but it would be a quick fix.

If the used board is bad, the original will go back in and I'll do the smart thing:
https://www.google.com/search?clien...ate=ive&vld=cid:729b5fca,vid:fspzwfb5jTk,st:0

A few weeks before the microwave fiasco I lost audio in my primary PC. Not a big deal because I'm fond of the "Sound of Silence." The only annoying part is watching narrated videos without sound is the opposite of reading an instruction manual without pictures. No biggie, I just have to fire up the second, third or fourth PC on the office KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch. Audio is working fine on those. Thirteen days ago, while using the primary PC, the dual screens pixelated and the system shut down. It fired up again but I was in panic mode because I have no idea when I did the last full backup of my primary PC.

After doing the full backup, The system worked fine for a week and then it didn't. Turned it on one morning and nothing but the lights on the front panel came on. I have an identical refurbished Dell system I bought a while ago. Took the primary PC to the garage and connected it up to power, a monitor, wireless keyboard/ mouse and a pair of speakers. Turned it on and it came to life, including audio. I know it's not the power cord because I ran another power cord to it from another outlet in the office. I've decided it's the KVM switch and ordered a newer and fancier one for about what I paid for the old one. I swapped all the components from one Dell system to the other, just in case it's an on-board function issue.

While I was at it I moved a really old (2007) Acer PC that has a brand new motherboard, memory, power supply and NVMe SSD drives (and three older 1TB SATA drives) into the office as a temporary fix (I'm typing this on that PC). This is my SAK (Swiss Arm Knife) system because it has a Zip drive and a Diskette drive in its 3.5" front panel bays.

Monday I went to the drug store to pick up some prescriptions. I took the Corvette and enjoyed the drive across the sun. When I came home I carefully backed into the garage and heard a clunk. I quickly put the car in drive and pulled out, with a louder clunk. I stopped and got out to see what the problem was. A PT Cruiser plastic engine cover had fallen over and the right rear tire flipped it up onto the back of the tire. When I pulled forward, the tire pushed the cover up into the wheel well. It cracked the paint on the rear bumper cover.

It's bad but also good in a way. Someone bumped the front of the car years ago and chipped the gold paint. I bought a quart of that color, thinking I'd fix it myself. It's such a small spot I procrastinated but now I have two small areas that need to be fixed so maybe I'll get off my ***.

To finish off the tale of woe, Jasmine's stomach has been distended for a while along with a coat that's thinning. Took her to the vet today and she has Cushing's disease. There's an 85-90% chance it's a Pituitary gland tumor with a small chance it's an Adrenal gland tumor (and no chance it's from prolonged use of steroids, which we know she's not taking). We won't put her through the trauma of brain surgery or radiation or kidney surgery so we've opted for drug therapy. Even then the drugs to control Cushing's disease can trigger Addison's disease. We start with one Vetoryl (trilostane) pill each day, have her blood tested regularly and increase/decrease the dose for the rest of her life to avoid serious side effects. Taking our pills will remind us to be sure she gets hers. We're hoping for two or three years loving Jasmine to death.

 

[LeonardY]

I apologize for abandoning my thread these past 13 days. It seems the simplest tasks are backfiring on me big time.

The light under the kitchen microwave burned out so I opened the cover and removed the bulb. More exactly, I removed the glass part of the bulb. The metal part of the bulb stayed in the socket. Forgetting the first rule of electrical repairs, I didn't unplug the microwave. I did get an insulated pair of bent needlenose pliers and grabbed the edge of the bulb base. Sparks ensued and the GFCI tripped. Finished removing the bulb base, screwed in a new LED bulb and put everything back together. Reset the GFCI and pressed the lightbulb icon on the microwave. The infotainment center tells me the light is on bright but it's not on. Pressed the icon again and it says its on low but the light is still on. Everything else on the microwave is working fine.

I Google the problem and I find some interesting information. The lightbulb icon switches a transistor, which trips another transistor, which sends a signal to a relay. The short circuit apparently destroyed the transistor and that transistor is on the control panel circuit board. A new board is $222 but I found a used one for $88. I coulda, shoulda, woulda bought just the transistor but that would mean an ugly mess in the kitchen while I attempted the repair and who knows how long that would drag out. The $88 solution hurts but it would be a quick fix.

If the used board is bad, the original will go back in and I'll do the smart thing:
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=microwave+light+won't+turn+on#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:729b5fca,vid:fspzwfb5jTk,st:0

A few weeks before the microwave fiasco I lost audio in my primary PC. Not a big deal because I'm fond of the "Sound of Silence." The only annoying part is watching narrated videos without sound is the opposite of reading an instruction manual without pictures. No biggie, I just have to fire up the second, third or fourth PC on the office KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch. Audio is working fine on those. Thirteen days ago, while using the primary PC, the dual screens pixelated and the system shut down. It fired up again but I was in panic mode because I have no idea when I did the last full backup of my primary PC.

After doing the full backup, The system worked fine for a week and then it didn't. Turned it on one morning and nothing but the lights on the front panel came on. I have an identical refurbished Dell system I bought a while ago. Took the primary PC to the garage and connected it up to power, a monitor, wireless keyboard/ mouse and a pair of speakers. Turned it on and it came to life, including audio. I know it's not the power cord because I ran another power cord to it from another outlet in the office. I've decided it's the KVM switch and ordered a newer and fancier one for about what I paid for the old one. I swapped all the components from one Dell system to the other, just in case it's an on-board function issue.

While I was at it I moved a really old (2007) Acer PC that has a brand new motherboard, memory, power supply and NVMe SSD drives (and three older 1TB SATA drives) into the office as a temporary fix (I'm typing this on that PC). This is my SAK (Swiss Arm Knife) system because it has a Zip drive and a Diskette drive in its 3.5" front panel bays.

Monday I went to the drug store to pick up some prescriptions. I took the Corvette and enjoyed the drive across the sun. When I came home I carefully backed into the garage and heard a clunk. I quickly put the car in drive and pulled out, with a louder clunk. I stopped and got out to see what the problem was. A PT Cruiser plastic engine cover had fallen over and the right rear tire flipped it up onto the back of the tire. When I pulled forward, the tire pushed the cover up into the wheel well. It cracked the paint on the rear bumper cover.

It's bad but also good in a way. Someone bumped the front of the car years ago and chipped the gold paint. I bought a quart of that color, thinking I'd fix it myself. It's such a small spot I procrastinated but now I have two small areas that need to be fixed so maybe I'll get off my ***.

To finish off the tale of woe, Jasmine's stomach has been distended for a while along with a coat that's thinning. Took her to the vet today and she has Cushing's disease. There's an 85-90% chance it's a Pituitary gland tumor with a small chance it's an Adrenal gland tumor (and no chance it's from prolonged use of steroids, which we know she's not taking). We won't put her through the trauma of brain surgery or radiation or kidney surgery so we've opted for drug therapy. Even then the drugs to control Cushing's disease can trigger Addison's disease. We start with one Vetoryl (trilostane) pill each day, have her blood tested regularly and increase/decrease the dose for the rest of her life to avoid serious side effects. Taking our pills will remind us to be sure she gets hers. We're hoping for two or three years loving Jasmine to death.

Bob,
You are forgiven for thread abandonment.
That's just a whole lot going on. Things just pile up sometimes. I've got a Mattahorn in front me right now.
Be well. My friend.

 

[Bob Heine]

Bob - more space doesn't help - the MonkeyWranch shops includes spaces of 420 and 1800 sq Ft. I plan an hour a day looking for things I've "put away". The usefulness of the stuff - any idea on what to do with the pro-lay wheel (pinch roller) from a 2400 bpi IBM tape drive? The side 2x4 side panels from NEC disk drives were useful after about 5 years however.

Gerry, I do have an IBM parts tray full of PC cabinet screws of all types. I kept the plastic pieces that aligned the old 5.25" hard drives for two decades and finally threw them away. Two years later a friend contacted me to see If I had any -- he was doing some antique computer repairs.

I know the feeling. No idea on why I kept a lot of the stuff I did. Well, I do. “I might need that one day!” Is the root of most of the stuff I kept.

Cody, I have way too many unique items that were needed once and never again. Now I'm acquiring five specialty items because it's cheaper than buying just the two I need. Guess how likely I am to throw them away.

@madison069

And if you ever get rid of some of that stuff, I promise you inevitably not long after, you will need it and kick yourself in the head why did I get rid of it.

However if you keep it, most likely, you will never need it!

So you are damned, if you do and damed if you don’t !

It is simple matter of Murphy’s law!

@gman007, I have quite a few new items just so I won't need them. I know I have a new oil pressure sender for the PT Cruiser. First time the oil pressure light came on, I determined it was the sending unit and I replaced it. Three months later the light came on again. Before the new sender arrived, the light went off and hasn't come back on in two years. I know exactly where it is and I touch it every once in a while to make sure the car knows it's ready.

We’re both lucky to have brides that are not afraid of manual labor so I hope Lianne heals up quickly and in the meantime I’m sure you’ll pick up any chores or duties that are on her to list.

I’m always fighting this STUFF vs. stage issue and maybe by 2025 I’ll get down to one storage unit (10x20) or if I really start skimming down maybe none which would be ok too.

Nice finds at HF and even though I haven’t got the big to go in there yet I have bought a couple things that work and didn’t cost me a grand.

Stay cool!!

Drives, Liane is doing much better and the wounds are uncovered.

I have managed to avoid the storage unit rental path. The 3-car garage, two attics and a workshop have to be enough for me.

I haven't been to HF for several years. I get e-mails from them but Amazon has taken their place. I don't have to leave the house, look for the item and then find the shelf label under the empty space where the item should be. One time I asked if there might be one in the back and the guy apparently quit his job because he never came back.

Bob,
Hope Liane is feeling better.
And hope are doing well too.

I solved the problem of putting stuff away and not being able to find it later.

I take a picture of it with my phone and put it in a folder named, "Lost and Found"

Problem is... I don't know where I put my phone.

Uncle Lenny, we're doing well and looking forward to better days.

I was so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I don't know what to say because my mother passed away on Mother's Day 2008 when she was 95. I was sad to see her go but joyful for the life she lived.

I keep my phone connected to a low current USB port on the computer so I know it's always charged. I forget to take it with me when I leave the office but I always know where it is if it isn't in my pocket. I know they are tremendously powerful and useful but everywhere I go I see people glued to their device. I thought heroin junkies were bad but at least they look up from their needle and kit once in awhile.
When we sit in waiting rooms at medical facilities, I always try to start a conversation (obviously y'all know I have a couple of stories). It's amazing to watch people disingage from their screens and engage in even silly conversations. Just like the GJ, no politics, religion or conspiracy theories. Knowing nothing about sports, that's also off the list.

 

[rharman]

@Bob Heine - So sorry to hear about Jasmine.

I get it about the surgery or radiation. 20+ years ago, we had two beagles. In their later years, at separate times, the male developed a brain stem tumor and the female had bladder cancer.

We went the radiation route on the male and chemo for the female. It did help them although it wiped out the male's hearing - which was pretty far gone anyway. Eventually, the female's bladder cancer went to her bones and that was it. In hindsight, we would not do those extensive treatments again. At the time, however, it made sense to us.

The male and I share a birthday - that was a kicker when we saw him the first time. Sadly, the female had to be euthanized on my (& Max's) birthday. So, it's a bittersweet day every year.

Like you said... Hope for the best and love her to pieces. That's what we're doing with our 15 y/o Golden Retriever. Every day is a blessing.

 

[gman007]

Bob
I am sorry to hear about your long and unfortunate laundry list of woes and specifically about Jasmine.

While at the very worst other things can potentially be replaced and which will hurt your wallet, love (in this case of Jasmine) is very hard to replace and what hurts one’s heart is a lot more emotionally costly and painful!


Fingers crossed, Jasmine will have a few more years of love to share with you!

 

[gman007]

@gman007, I have quite a few new items just so I won't need them. I know I have a new oil pressure sender for the PT Cruiser. First time the oil pressure light came on, I determined it was the sending unit and I replaced it. Three months later the light came on again. Before the new sender arrived, the light went off and hasn't come back on in two years. I know exactly where it is and I touch it every once in a while to make sure the car knows it's ready.

Bob
After several power losses this year due to storms (more than last 22 years combined) I am in process of having a full house generator installed (at a cost of around $15k).

I am not doing this just for myself but for the good of entire neighborhood ! Because from now on, the neighborhood is guaranteed not to lose power ever again! And I am making sure to let my neighbors know how much they owe me for this community service!

 

[scooterbum46]

Bob
Great to read that Liane is moving along in her healing process. Hated to hear about Jasmine, we no longer have pets - Sandy loved critters of all kinds, so through those 42 years we always had dogs, cats, birds, Iguanas even a racoon and a chipmunk (although I drew the line at spiders, snakes and rats). Nancy and I disagree now on pets in the house, she'd like a cat.. Nope, BTDTGTTS, I'm a grump.

And also, I see you've forgotten the Technician's Eighth Commandment:
"8) Service thou not equipment alone, for electrical cooking is a slothful process and thou might sizzle in thine own fat for hour upon a hot circuit before thy Maker sees fit to end thy misery."

 

[Bob Heine]

Bob,
You are forgiven for thread abandonment.
That's just a whole lot going on. Things just pile up sometimes. I've got a Mattahorn in front me right now.
Be well. My friend.

Leonard, I'm taking it easy today. Spending some time on the Family Tree. It's a work in progress that I started more than 25 years ago. It takes my mind off the mountain range.

@Bob Heine - So sorry to hear about Jasmine.

I get it about the surgery or radiation. 20+ years ago, we had two beagles. In their later years, at separate times, the male developed a brain stem tumor and the female had bladder cancer.

We went the radiation route on the male and chemo for the female. It did help them although it wiped out the male's hearing - which was pretty far gone anyway. Eventually, the female's bladder cancer went to her bones and that was it. In hindsight, we would not do those extensive treatments again. At the time, however, it made sense to us.

The male and I share a birthday - that was a kicker when we saw him the first time. Sadly, the female had to be euthanized on my (& Max's) birthday. So, it's a bittersweet day every year.

Like you said... Hope for the best and love her to pieces. That's what we're doing with our 15 y/o Golden Retriever. Every day is a blessing.

Roger, I talked it over with Liane and we agreed to focus on Jasmine, not us. We want to extend her life as long as possible but know the decision has to be based on her and how she's doing. We'll do our part as long as she can go out hunting in the yard, give us the look and isn't miserable.

When we took Miss Ellie (the Pug) to the Vet because she was having a hard time breathing, they gave us new medication to open her airway. She was the most cunning dog we've ever owned when it came to pills. Wrap them in cheese, ham, bacon, or any kind of treat and she'd swallow the treat and push the pill out the side of her mouth. Forcing the pill down her throat kinda worked but 90% of the time she'd cough it up when we weren't looking. We had suggested putting her down at that last Vet visit but they thought she would be fine. I found her around midnight a few days later, lying on the floor in front of the refrigerator and close to her bowl. Having her die alone really made it worse.

Bob
I am sorry to hear about your long and unfortunate laundry list of woes and specifically about Jasmine.

While at the very worst other things can potentially be replaced and which will hurt your wallet, love (in this case of Jasmine) is very hard to replace and what hurts one’s heart is a lot more emotionally costly and painful!


Fingers crossed, Jasmine will have a few more years of love to share with you!

@gman007, I agree 100%. According to the Internet, dogs can survive for two or three years with treatment for Cushing's disease. I don't know if she's in the early stage or has been living with it since her last Vet visit in January. Definitely going to let her tell us what needs to be done. We're well stocked with her favorite treats and I just cooked and picked 20 pounds of chicken leg quarters for her meals.

Bob
After several power losses this year due to storms (more than last 22 years combined) I am in process of having a full house generator installed (at a cost of around $15k).

I am not doing this just for myself but for the good of entire neighborhood ! Because from now on, the neighborhood is guaranteed not to lose power ever again! And I am making sure to let my neighbors know how much they owe me for this community service!

FEMA bought us a 5,500 watt generator in 2005 after Hurricane Wilma. I installed an outlet on the side of the garage so I could back-feed selected circuits in the house. Our longest power outage since then has been in the single digit hours.

Bob
Great to read that Liane is moving along in her healing process. Hated to hear about Jasmine, we no longer have pets - Sandy loved critters of all kinds, so through those 42 years we always had dogs, cats, birds, Iguanas even a racoon and a chipmunk (although I drew the line at spiders, snakes and rats). Nancy and I disagree now on pets in the house, she'd like a cat.. Nope, BTDTGTTS, I'm a grump.

And also, I see you've forgotten the Technician's Eighth Commandment:
"8) Service thou not equipment alone, for electrical cooking is a slothful process and thou might sizzle in thine own fat for hour upon a hot circuit before thy Maker sees fit to end thy misery."

Gerry, I was obviously running in limp mode. On the other hand, I've never unplugged or turned off a circuit breaker to change the light bulb in a lamp or ceiling fixture. I probably need to put a reminder label on the pliers drawer. Something like "Disconnect Power if Bulb is Broken."

 

[Finallygotit]

Bob, we had a horse that was very much like Miss Ellie. We would give her some meds in some sweet mix as needed. One time I stuck around after giving her the meds/sweet mix concoction just to brush her a bit and all of a sudden she started bobbing her head and wah-lah, out came the pill(s). I have no idea how an animal with such a large mouth could be able to distinguish between the meds and her mix. From then on we crushed the meds and put it in her food. Problem solved.

 

[jon72vega]

Bob,
Good that Liane is doing better.
Sorry to hear about Jasmine.
Sounds like your garage luck is about like mine lately.
It's always something here anymore.

 

[Blackbyrd]

Had a husky that hated her anti seizure meds. There was nothing I could hide it in that she wouldn't spit it out. Including those little pill pocket treats! In the end I had no choice but to shove them in her mouth and force her to take them. Not fun with a 70lbs sled dog. Though after a while she got with the program.

Sorry Jasmine is having a rough go, it tugs at the heart strings when folks have health issues with pets.

 

[Finallygotit]

Bob, I just remembered a work around for getting yucky pills down the throats of canines. We purchased empty capsules from a local compounding pharmacy and put the pills in those and added them to some wet dog food. The capsules disappeared.

That's if you need to go down that road.

 

[driftpin]

Bob congratulations on your 10K+ posts. Your ongoing stories are informative and entertaining. Best wishes for Liane's full recovery.

About the local E.R.'s, I've been to them and their hospitals in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. I've transported patients to them working fire-rescue, I've done inspections at them for lifesafety, and I've taken EMT and paramedic students to them for training.

South of you, in Miami-Dade Co., the closest urgent care facility is run by the local public health trust, and I have been there multiple times for myself or for family members. I would not hesitate to go there. I went to one awhile ago, for a rash which was irksome and the same urgent care facility diagnosed it as shingles, and since it was on my face, the MD told me to go immediately to Bascomb-Palmer Eve Institute at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, which is ranked as the #1 eye specialist facility in the country. I was well taken-care-of, and it took about 5 weeks to resolve, but no issues with my vision.

One of the reasons I like being in So. FL is that the quality of healthcare is good, some of course are better than others. When you're living in a rural area you may be traveling hundreds of miles to get decent specialist healthcare. As I'm in my last couple decades, I expect that the need for competent healthcare will only grow. I'm stayin' put.

 

[gman007]

Bob, I just remembered a work around for getting yucky pills down the throats of canines. We purchased empty capsules from a local compounding pharmacy and put the pills in those and added them to some wet dog food. The capsules disappeared.

That's if you need to go down that road.

While this approach might not work for all dogs, it seems to work for many.

Of course in this case a dog’s exceptional sense of smell probably does not help the situation as most likely they can still smell the medication even when hidden in capsules or food etc.

 

[rharman]

< snip >

Roger, I talked it over with Liane and we agreed to focus on Jasmine, not us. We want to extend her life as long as possible but know the decision has to be based on her and how she's doing. We'll do our part as long as she can go out hunting in the yard, give us the look and isn't miserable.

When we took Miss Ellie (the Pug) to the Vet because she was having a hard time breathing, they gave us new medication to open her airway. She was the most cunning dog we've ever owned when it came to pills. Wrap them in cheese, ham, bacon, or any kind of treat and she'd swallow the treat and push the pill out the side of her mouth. Forcing the pill down her throat kinda worked but 90% of the time she'd cough it up when we weren't looking. We had suggested putting her down at that last Vet visit but they thought she would be fine. I found her around midnight a few days later, lying on the floor in front of the refrigerator and close to her bowl. Having her die alone really made it worse.

< /snip >

I get it. We had a lot of discussion with the Veterinary Oncologist at the specialty clinic in our area about the outcome, quality of life, etc. I will say that everyone on their staff was very focused on the dogs well being as well as our concerns and stress. The techs were so attentive and loving. The male had to be intubated and anesthetized for each treatment - that was tough on us but he tolerated it very well.

I've always said that they'll tell you when it's time - you can see the spark in their eye disappear. I also say that being with them and holding them as they gently pass is the last, best gift you can give them. We've been fortunate with almost all our animals to have had that opportunity. But, sometimes nature beats you to it.

Give Jasmine a hug from me....

 

[hardtop5000]

There are bacon-flavoured capsules for getting meds into dogs. You have to be careful to not touch the capsule with fingers that have contacted the pill.

 

[Bob Heine]

Bob, we had a horse that was very much like Miss Ellie. We would give her some meds in some sweet mix as needed. One time I stuck around after giving her the meds/sweet mix concoction just to brush her a bit and all of a sudden she started bobbing her head and wah-lah, out came the pill(s). I have no idea how an animal with such a large mouth could be able to distinguish between the meds and her mix. From then on we crushed the meds and put it in her food. Problem solved.

Dan, as a last resort we did that but then Miss Ellie (we named her Eleanor Roosevelt Heine) wouldn't touch the food. Liane was always able to get the pills down by sneaking them in the side of her mouth and then down her throat. She fought back but never won the final try. A Pug is by nature brachycephalic so shoving a finger down her throat was horrible to witness.

Bob,
Good that Liane is doing better.
Sorry to hear about Jasmine.
Sounds like your garage luck is about like mine lately.
It's always something here anymore.

Jon, I'm laying low and not attempting any major repairs or projects for a while.

Had a husky that hated her anti seizure meds. There was nothing I could hide it in that she wouldn't spit it out. Including those little pill pocket treats! In the end I had no choice but to shove them in her mouth and force her to take them. Not fun with a 70lbs sled dog. Though after a while she got with the program.

Sorry Jasmine is having a rough go, it tugs at the heart strings when folks have health issues with pets.

@Blackbyrd, Jasmine is so obsessed with food (Cushing's Disease symptom) she takes most meds with no problem. Wrap the pill with anything remotely edible and she huffs it down instantly. Turns out hiding a pill in broccoli doesn't work but I think even a cooked baby carrot would.

Bob, I just remembered a work around for getting yucky pills down the throats of canines. We purchased empty capsules from a local compounding pharmacy and put the pills in those and added them to some wet dog food. The capsules disappeared.

That's if you need to go down that road.

Dan, I'll keep that in our bag of tricks just in case. A note on the inside of the kitchen cabinet door where we keep her pills might jog my memory.

Bob congratulations on your 10K+ posts. Your ongoing stories are informative and entertaining. Best wishes for Liane's full recovery.

About the local E.R.'s, I've been to them and their hospitals in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. I've transported patients to them working fire-rescue, I've done inspections at them for lifesafety, and I've taken EMT and paramedic students to them for training.

South of you, in Miami-Dade Co., the closest urgent care facility is run by the local public health trust, and I have been there multiple times for myself or for family members. I would not hesitate to go there. I went to one awhile ago, for a rash which was irksome and the same urgent care facility diagnosed it as shingles, and since it was on my face, the MD told me to go immediately to Bascomb-Palmer Eve Institute at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, which is ranked as the #1 eye specialist facility in the country. I was well taken-care-of, and it took about 5 weeks to resolve, but no issues with my vision.

One of the reasons I like being in So. FL is that the quality of healthcare is good, some of course are better than others. When you're living in a rural area you may be traveling hundreds of miles to get decent specialist healthcare. As I'm in my last couple decades, I expect that the need for competent healthcare will only grow. I'm stayin' put.

Phiilip, thanks for the kind words.

I used the MD Now urgent care facility when my entire body broke out in hives. They gave me a cortisone shot and told me to see my dermatologist. My most common need for care in my twilight years is in the middle of the night. Hoping there's a real doctor on duty isn't a good plan -- knowing a competent one will be at Boca Raton's Baptist Health hospital ER -- and located in walking distance is a better one. We're Platinum Frequent Flyers at all the downtown Boca Hospital facilities so checkin takes minutes. By the time we fill out the admission sheet they are calling us in to see a nurse.

I've been to Bascomb-Palmer Eye Institute. Back in the '80s there was a new treatment for my double vision. The nerve controlling one right eye muscle (right lateral rectus muscle) was severed in the accident and I had surgery to relocate the muscle so it pulled the eye straight. Had it done a second time but it involved a lot of scar tissue from the first surgery. I wasn't interested in a third try but a doctor at BPEI was injecting botulin toxin in the opposing rectus muscle, causing it to 'relax'. It was 100% successful straightening my eye but also 100% successful in 'relaxing' my eyelid. I could see straight but had to hold the lid open with my finger. A two-armed person might have been happy with the result but I was somewhat disappointed.

Bob, I just remembered a work around for getting yucky pills down the throats of canines. We purchased empty capsules from a local compounding pharmacy and put the pills in those and added them to some wet dog food. The capsules disappeared.

While this approach might not work for all dogs, it seems to work for many.

Of course in this case a dog’s exceptional sense of smell probably does not help the situation as most likely they can still smell the medication even when hidden in capsules or food etc.

@gman007, at least getting Jasmine to take the pills is easy. That reduces our stress, which I know she recognizes. She knows we're going out without her as soon as I put shoes on.

I get it. We had a lot of discussion with the Veterinary Oncologist at the specialty clinic in our area about the outcome, quality of life, etc. I will say that everyone on their staff was very focused on the dogs well being as well as our concerns and stress. The techs were so attentive and loving. The male had to be intubated and anesthetized for each treatment - that was tough on us but he tolerated it very well.

I've always said that they'll tell you when it's time - you can see the spark in their eye disappear. I also say that being with them and holding them as they gently pass is the last, best gift you can give them. We've been fortunate with almost all our animals to have had that opportunity. But, sometimes nature beats you to it.

Give Jasmine a hug from me....

Roger, our dogs have always tolerated whatever treatment we put them through without any complaints. As I said, our stress upsets her so the less stressed we are, the better Jasmine does.

I don't know what she's thinking but she is much more loving and cuddly now than she has ever been. We have a routine and she knows exactly what's happening and when so she's vigilant and her ears move to let you know she's good with the program.

We have been having a pack hug every night for a long time but I'll tell her she has a far away huggy friend.

There are bacon-flavoured capsules for getting meds into dogs. You have to be careful to not touch the capsule with fingers that have contacted the pill.

Justin, I'm going to look into those. Some of my meds leave a nasty after-taste. Bacon would be a much better after-taste.

 

[Squankum]

My specialty is dying cats, instead of dogs, so I'll mention one trick I invented with a grand old fellow of around 17 years. Pills into pill pockets -- then cut the skin off a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store (of the right seasoning/right store) about the size of a postage stamp and wrap that up like a small football. It worked, or eventually worked. Sometimes the tongue action would just perfectly unroll the skin from the pill pocket and he lost interest in eating the pill pocket

I bought (and ate) a lot of rotisserie chicken that year. (And, alas, didn't get to each much skin myself, which is something I like to eat.)

 

[hardtop5000]

Bob, we all know you’re going to be munching these like candy.

 

[Bob Heine]

My specialty is dying cats, instead of dogs, so I'll mention one trick I invented with a grand old fellow of around 17 years. Pills into pill pockets -- then cut the skin off a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store (of the right seasoning/right store) about the size of a postage stamp and wrap that up like a small football. It worked, or eventually worked. Sometimes the tongue action would just perfectly unroll the skin from the pill pocket and he lost interest in eating the pill pocket

I bought (and ate) a lot of rotisserie chicken that year. (And, alas, didn't get to each much skin myself, which is something I like to eat.)

@Squankum, I am told chicken skin is bad because of its fat layer so Jasmine and I rarely eat it. When I cook two ten pound bags of cheap chicken leg quarters (59¢ a pound) for Jasmine I leave the skin on until the meat is well done. After the quarters cool I pick the meat and discard bones and skin in the garbage disposal. It takes a while to process 20 pounds of chicken and at times during the process a piece of skin ends up on a paper towel in the microwave. A minute of radiation and the fat is absorbed by the paper towel and I have a bacon-like treat. I am tempted to process all the chicken skin that way but 20 pieces is excessive, even for me.

Bob, we all know you’re going to be munching these like candy.

Justin, are those crispy?

 

[Squankum]

@Squankum, I am told chicken skin is bad because of its fat layer so Jasmine and I rarely eat it. When I cook two ten pound bags of cheap chicken leg quarters (59¢ a pound) for Jasmine I leave the skin on until the meat is well done. After the quarters cool I pick the meat and discard bones and skin in the garbage disposal. It takes a while to process 20 pounds of chicken and at times during the process a piece of skin ends up on a paper towel in the microwave. A minute of radiation and the fat is absorbed by the paper towel and I have a bacon-like treat. I am tempted to process all the chicken skin that way but 20 pieces is excessive, even for me.

Justin, are those crispy?

I am of the opinion that chicken skin is good because of its fat content! So very, very good.

 

[zanyad]

I am of the opinion that chicken skin is good because of its fat content! So very, very good.

Jasmine and Bob:

 

[Bob Heine]

I am of the opinion that chicken skin is good because of its fat content! So very, very good.

@Squankum, one of my earliest childhood memories was sitting at the Thanksgiving table and begging for the first slice of breast meat and a leg or wing.

Jasmine and Bob:

@zanyad, it's not our best look but very accurate.

 

[Bob Heine]

Walking the manse, Liane discovered a couple of dry sections in the lawn. I didn't feel like digging up and replacing sprinkler heads (I was harvesting dragon fruit and already overheated) so I hooked up the Melnor oscillating sprinkler to a garden hose. When I turned on the water, several nozzles were clogged. A while back Kay (@kaymccampbell) helped me acquire a set of jet cleaners. Took the sprinkler into the garage, cleaned out all the nozzles and headed out to water the first dry section. Opened the patio sliding door and quit. I didn't hear the rain in the garage so I assume my dumb sprinkler texted Mother nature and requested assistance. It wasn't a gusher and it didn't last long but I left the sprinkler on the table (100% humidity fogs up camera lenses that are only 80°).

 

[Bob Heine]

My new ladder arrived Saturday and I immediately unpacked it. Looks like it's going to work well keeping me off the ground or traveling to the ground from my perch. First test was a bit of climbing, which was fine. Second test was finding a storage location that would reduce the possibility of the ladder falling on a vehicle. I've been storing the short stepladder on the stainless tool chest handle, a very handy place at the rear man door of the garage.

Turns out the new and taller ladder can store in that spot as well.

I don't want to give up the short stepladder but I also don't want it falling on one of the cars. I had already fabricated a buffer hanging bracket on the other side of the stainless tool chest. I also stored the Breathe-Cool hoses blower on that side of the chest.

Not being able to throw out three stainless tool chest handles, I kept them in the top compartment with the SAE sockets. Two bolts, two stainless spacers and a flat bar came down. I also re-located a couple of hooks for the extension cord that remains plugged in on the wall between the compressor and chest.

Once I re-located the hoses and blower, and installed the upper handle, I had a perfect spot for the short stepladder.

I did find another home for the 4x4 cribbing as well.

 

[Bob Heine]

As I suspected, the KVM switch was the problem with my office computer lack of sound and crashing. The 12" wall cabinet holding up the end of the desk hides the wire mess going to the Netgear 8 port switch and KVM switch. I also store the photo/slide holders for the ION scanner on the shelf below the KVM switch.

After moving the spare 8-port switch to the garage, put a couple of screws in the top of the cabinet and the 8-port switch is out of the way but still easy to un-mount. With the top shelf out of the way, wiring the new 4x2 (4 computers x 2 monitors) KVM switch was much easier. Finishing up, I found a couple of perfect size shallow boxes to store the photo and slide scanner holders for both the ION and Kodak Scanza devices on the suddenly empty top shelf.

The third shelf being empty, I moved it down to the next set shelf pin holes. The shelf landed very close to the height of the black binder on the bottom shelf but didn't interfere with removing the binder. Customized a couple more cardboard boxes for that shelf to store the Brother P-touch ribbons. The binders on the bottom shelf hold the CD/DVD software for my current setups (and old versions of Turbotax and Quicken).

 

[Denwood]

Sorry about Jasmine Bob. The little furries sure get into our hearts don't they? I guess it's good in general that they don't outlive us, however it seems their time is always too short.

Also good to hear you're still with us after attempting bulb repairs with the power on

 

[Denwood]

Sorry Bob..cross posted by accident…

 

[Grizz1963]

I will fight anyone to have all the roasted chicken skin and the parson/popes nose

All the bad stuff is real good.

 

[PugetDude]

Since you're in a fighting mood, head on over to the wheels vs. rims thread.

 

[xtremek]

Sorry to hear about Jasmine.