Cutting The Cord–Living Cable-Free

We disconnected our cable.  It was not a quick or easy decision, and I admit I was dragging my feet a little at the idea.  But after a ton of research on my husband’s part, and some pretty persuasive tutorials that he gave me, we did it; we cut the cord.  We replaced it with a desk top antenna (AKA rabbit ears) for local HD channels and bought a tiny box called Roku for streaming video channels. The Roku box and remote give us access to over 750 channels and hundreds of thousands of movies/programs, so there is always something on. I felt so hi-tech!

If you’re an old-schooler like me, you’re used to turning on the TV and looking around to see what’s on.   With the Roku box, you select the channels (and therefore the shows) that interest you.  Or if you’re looking for something particular, you can search all available channels for that movie, program, or even a certain actor, virtually having constant on-demand programming.  Holding that remote is like having the whole broadcast world in your hands.  It is really an adjustment to be so in control; and if you know me, you know I like that.

Other benefits of streaming:

• Some channels are free, some have a small monthly charge (like Netflix or Hulu Plus) or per episode charge (like Amazon)
• There are free movie channels—probably not the stuff right out of the theatre, but it’s free
• International news channels as well as local and national
• Numerous sports channels—many specializing in a particular sport
• You can connect newer TVs to the computer or tablet and stream channels like YouTube
• Roku is a one-time purchase of less than $100, not a monthly bill that is constantly rising

It hasn’t taken me long to adjust to cutting the cord.  We watched mostly sports and movies, so it really wasn’t that big of a deal.  It doesn’t hurt that we will save over a thousand dollars a year by eliminating our cable bill.  If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, I encourage you to evaluate your viewing habits.    If you watch a lot of local channels, the big three networks, you might not even notice the difference.  It’s a bold new viewing world out there, and it’s all at your fingertips.

Go Fish!

 

For the first time in over sixty years the largest lakes in Minnesota will not be fishable for the opening day of the fishing season.  Yes, it’s true.  Even with our run of sunny and warm days the last couple weeks, the “candles” in the ice have not come through and broken open the ice.  So this week, as many anglers are contemplating annual pilgrimages “Up North”, they are also pondering what they will do up there.

When you stop and think about the economic impact of this opening fishing weekend on our state, it’s hard to find someone who will not be affected by a lack of open water.  The number of fishing licenses sold is down by over a hundred thousand compared to annual averages.  In economic terms:

• Local businesses didn’t sell a license and the “extras” that would have gone with it
• Sales of bait will go down dramatically
• Restaurant and liquor sales will be down
• Cabin rental/lodging will be down
• “Fishing Widows” may cancel or change their annual traditions (craft sales, shopping, girls getaways)
• All of those businesses will have a reduction in income, leading to a reduction in money available to spend in the state at other establishments…from barbers to restaurants to you name it.

So if you’re debating what you should do this weekend, here are a few things to remember:

• It’s not just about the fish
• Think about the traditions and the joy of spending time with your fishing party/family
• If you were going to your lake home, there are probably still chores to be done
• If you were going to a cabin/lodge, there’s still plenty to do there
• There are a lot of smaller lakes and rivers that will be ready for fishing—mix it up and look for a new hot spot!

Most of all think of it this way, spring has finally sprung.  We’ve had a record-breaking long and snowy winter that has finally given up.  Get outside.  Get away.  And if you have the chance, go fish.

Just Be…Quietly!

Fritz, our Miniature Schnauzer

I’ve noticed lately that I am spending more and more time in silence. Not complete silence (there may be the sound of tapping on a keyboard, a snoring Schnauzer, or footsteps) but free of added noise. I never used to be able to stand that; I felt like I needed the constant stimulation of sound, either TV or music, at all times. Maybe it’s my advancing age, but I’m getting in touch with my inner…me!

First thing in the morning I walk Fritz, our dog. In the past it rather irritated me and I found myself frustrated at his dilly dallying. Why does he need to sniff and then water every tree, shrub, or stick on the ground? I still don’t have an answer, other than, “Because he can”. But what has changed is my attitude about our ritual. What once was a source of exasperation has now become a time of inspiration. Some of my best ideas have come to me during these little journeys, not to mention termination of unfortunate bouts with writer’s block. I’m pretty certain that if I had been tuned into something streaming in my ear, my mind would not have had the chance to take in my surroundings and be free to wander. Yes, I’m right brained, it wanders…a lot! For this I am truly thankful.

In our electronic-heavy culture today, many people do not take that time to unplug and just quietly contemplate. In fact, if you saw someone sitting with no electronics on/in front of them, you may wonder if something was wrong with them! But would you imagine they were just taking the time to think? I have even gotten used to running without headphones most days. That time of solitude is for me to think; about something, about nothing, just to listen to the sound of my footsteps. It is the perfect mental balance to my physical action, the yin to the yang if you will.

Rollo May, an American existential psychologist, said, “In order to be open to creativity, one must have the capacity for constructive use of solitude. One must overcome the fear of being alone.” This is the person who has to talk all the time or keeps the TV/music on because they can’t stand quiet. Here are some ways to unplug and free your mind:
• Have a dedicated time every day for at least a few minutes of quiet.
• Vary your quiet time activities—sit, walk/run, even cooking or a hand craft that requires no deep concentration will work.
• Get the whole house involved. This is a great way to teach children independent thinking and problem solving. Make it clear that they don’t have to sleep during this time, just do something quietly with no TV, music, or computer involvement.
• If you still don’t really know what to do, sit in your most comfortable chair or lie in your bed. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of your breath for one minute. Your mind will wander!

It doesn’t matter if you have no desire to be “creative”. Giving your brain a chance to enjoy downtime leads to better thinking and decision-making. It will also improve your interactions with others. If you don’t believe me, just ask Fritz. Our walks are much less stressful now.

Relax…Unwind…Slowcation!

Big turtles and iguanas sunning themselves in Puerto Rico

Normally in the morning I read the paper and get right to work.  But last week, since we were out of town, I took the opportunity to do some relaxing and morning television viewing.  I came across a segment on Good Morning America on vacation trends.  Apparently the fad of “Staycations” has passed.  The hot new vacation is the “Slowcation”.  New?  Huh, I never knew we were so cutting edge in my house.  In fact, my husband is pretty sure he invented this!

Since we are in the hospitality business, we do a lot of traveling for work.  Many times we are attending meetings and conventions where our time is scheduled for us.  If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know what a control freak I am, so this letting-someone-else-plan-my-day obviously drives me a little nuts!  When it comes time for our vacations and brief getaways, slowcation is exactly what we do.

The picture of the turtles and iguanas is from a trip we took with some friends to Puerto Rico.  We made sure we had very few things scheduled.  With just a little research, we found the best meal of our whole trip at a tiny restaurant called El Rincon del Sabor.  We hiked the El Yunque rainforest and explored Old San Juan.  It was relaxing and rejuvenating and just what we needed; all at our own pace.

Ben with his walleye on Mille Lacs Lake, MN. Fishing opener 2012.

Another favorite slowcation we take regularly is to go fishing.  There is no better way to get kids “unplugged” than to take them away from cell towers and put them in a boat; especially when the title of Biggest Catch is up for grabs!  We have a rule when we are camping, all the technology stays behind.  There are no phones or electronic games/tablets.  We make our own fun and (believe it or not) have live conversations!  It’s amazing how that happens when the screens get left behind.

Fritz looking over Lake Superior towards Spirit Mountain and West Duluth, MN.

Looking for some ideas to plan your own slowcation?

• Find a destination 300-500 miles from home.  Locate two or three places on the way there to spend a night or two.
• Plan minimally!  Book lodging and very little else; gather info on activities and restaurants, and put them in a folder so you can decide as you go.
• UNPLUG!  Yes, that’s right, everyone.  Go old school for a few days and reconnect.  I promise, you can do it, and even teens will begin to speak…eventually!
• Have plenty of activities for drive time.  Remember the old games we played on those family trips before there were cell phones?  Now you’re talking!  Don’t forget travel board games, too.
• Have rewards for good behavior.  Maybe let them pick the next activity or restaurant.
• Go multi-generational.  There are too many benefits to list, and frankly, kids tend to be a little better around grandparents…usually!
• Of course, don’t forget your pet.  I know Fritz, our Miniature Schnauzer, loves to go boating, fishing, and in general, slowcationing.

 

Sowing Seeds for Earth Day

This is what we woke up to today, April 19th. Welcome to the snowiest April in history…Springtime in Duluth!

It’s hard to believe that next week is Earth Day already.  We are still getting dumped-on regularly with a foot or more of snow, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.  But, cock-eyed optimist that I am, I know eventually spring and summer will come.  So, we figured we better get some seeds started for the garden.  Hopefully it will go to the right of this snow-covered treehouse, hidden by the thickened branches.

Soil… seeds… pods… check!

Since these tomatoes, peppers, and flowers need to have an indoor start, we opted for plantable pods that can go right into the ground…hopefully…if it ever stops snowing!  If you look carefully, you’ll see a small zipper bag amongst the peppers; those are Mexican Midget tomatoes.  We got some seeds from a friend of a friend last year and planted them in our garden.  Unfortunately the flood-of-the-century in June washed away most of our garden.  Or so we thought.  Suddenly we had these crazy little tomatoes sprouting all around the garden–even a couple of plants showed up in our potted plants by the house!  Ah, nature.

We assumed these were pretty hardy seeds, worth trying again, so we saved some. We squished a couple of the
small tomatoes, soaked the seeds to remove the “slimy stuff” (yes, this was a very technical operation!), dried
them, and then stored them in a tiny zipper bag. Now it’s time to sow again. Ta-da, circle of life.

Time to get a little dirty!  The soil goes in the pots…

Future peppers…right there…in my hand!

All the seeds, resting nicely in their new pods.

After a little drink of water, the tops will be closed and they’ll nap in front of the window.  In a couple of months they’ll be transplanted to the garden with the rest of the direct-sow vegetables.  Sleep tight, my delicious little friends!

If you want to learn more about gardening, surf around or check out your local library.  Many cities offer classes and instruction on how to grow your own food.  Don’t have room?  Look into renting a plot in a community garden or perhaps some container gardening.  You can grow peas, cucumbers, or tomatoes for example, in containers on your stoop if you have the right amount of light.  Some libraries even go as far as letting you “check out” seeds, returning new ones after harvest.  Now that sounds like a good idea every day, not just for Earth Day!  Now if it would just stop snowing…

When Winter Won’t Let Go, a pictorial

Believe it or not, this is the scene on Lake Superior before the storm!
This is Thursday, 11 April 2013 in the Canal Park area of Duluth, MN.

 

I think everyone in town agrees that this looks more like the Gales of November, not spring!

 

The largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior.
Note the icicles hanging off the bench!

 

Curlers over the pier.

 

Waves and whitecaps as far as the eye can see.

 

The shoreline looking toward the hospital area and east side of town.

What else would you do after a spring storm?

 

Lost my steps! After (during?) the storm.

Two days ago this was grass.

 

Someday our spring will come…I hope!

 

Greening Your Spring Cleaning

I heard a rumor that spring has sprung.  We’re in a winter weather advisory until tomorrow evening, but we did have a week of great weather and a lot of melting.  So, in honor of Earth Day on the 22^nd this month, I thought I’d pass along some natural spring cleaning tips.  Feel free to chime-in and give some feedback if you’ve tried these or if you have some new ones!

• For a natural disinfectant, mix up two cups of water, three tablespoons of liquid soap, and 20-30 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle.  Shake well before each use.
• To clean your windows and mirrors, nothing beats vinegar!  We have a ton of windows and this is excellent.  Add a splash of vinegar to a gallon of water.  You can apply with a rag out of the bucket, or put some in a spray bottle.  Use a squeegee to wipe off and finish with a micro fleece rag.
• Deodorize your carpets.  Remove all throw rugs and shake out/wash as able.  Vacuum carpets, sprinkle with baking soda or cornstarch, and let sit for about a half hour.  Vacuum the powder.
• For hard wood floors, mix 1/8 cup of white vinegar and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle.  Mist over floors and wipe up with a cotton mop or micro fleece rag.
• To clean small appliances or your stainless steel, use a paste of baking soda and water.  Rub it in a little and let it sit for a bit.  Remove with a damp cloth and buff dry.
• To clean your wood furniture, think salad dressing… yep, one part white vinegar and three parts light olive oil!  Dust the furniture, shake the spray bottle with the mixture, and spray into a micro fleece cloth.  Rub the cloth over the wood, buffing it clean.
• Spring clean your washing machine.  For a top loader, turn it on the largest, hottest setting.  Once full, add three to four cups of white vinegar and let it agitate for a minute.  Add a half cup of baking soda and agitate again to mix in.  Open the lid and let it sit for 30-60 minutes.  While you’re waiting, use a rag and the vinegar/soda solution to clean the surface and seals.  After an hour, close lid and finish the cycle.  For a front load, run a wash in hot water with a cup of vinegar.  When complete, wipe down seals and exterior with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution.
• Now that your washer is clean, wash up your winter clothes and get ready for summer.  Divide them into three groups
  •  Keep—store for next winter
  • Donate—bring to a local drop-off
  • Upcycle—store until you’re ready to use, great for items not fit to donate

There you have it, a more natural way to spring clean.  Now if we could just convince Mother Nature that it’s April…oh well, looks like I’ve got a snowy weekend to do some cleaning!