Pressure Cooker Recipes?
Most people never mention pressure-cooking meat. I used to live in northern MN and we would can an entire deer. The meat itself provides most of the seasoning but additional spices can be found online. What an easy, tasty lunch, or other meal, when one has...
Removing a Nail That Has Lost Its Head
Im a retired carpenter with 50 years in the business. I discovered that headless nails and other metal parts often needed to be removed, snipped or otherwise handled. Tool belts can hold only a limited variety of tools so we naturally didnt carry specialty...
Uneven Tile Floor?
From a carpenter retired after 50 years: 12 square tiles originated, probably, in Cuba or Spain. They never were flat and square, like we crazy Americans demand. You may be a victim of an incompetent tile person - but some beautiful house floors look that way...
Fixing a Blow Up Pool?
Ive found that Gorilla brand tape will stick very well to almost anything, compared to duct tape. I even used it to weld a neighbors broken-off right rear-view mirror to his cars door frame. I expect the pool would be in direct sunshine most of the daylight...
Eat Your Potatoes, Peelings and All
After a recent colonoscopy I decided Id better get interested in fiber. I found out that raw potatoes are one of the best foods for that, and for other reasons too. I slice small reds into quarter-inch slabs and soak in cold water. They stay perfectly white...
Eat Your Potatoes, Peelings and All
Nobody should actually believe most of what they are told. Im 73 years old and very healthy. Ive been told many times I look 15 years younger. During all that time I found that the foods I naturally liked were good for me. I discovered I dont care for salt...
Uses for Last Years School Papers?
If the papers are regulation 8.5x11 inch size and of quality similar to the paper you use in your printer, you can recycle them by feeding them into your printer individually to be printed on the blank side. I think lots of pristine paper is wasted printing...
Protecting Outdoor Decks?
Back in 1948 I learned the protective benefits of linseed oil. It is photo-reactive so it will eventually turn whatever woodwork it is applied to exposed to the sun an attractive dark color. That takes years of treatments, however, so dont worry about your...
Yellow Jackets Invading Dog's Food?
My family used to make maple syrup in northern Minnesota. The finished syrup would be stored in settling vats during summer. We would can the syrup in the fall. The settlings served no good purpose but I had the idea to bait yellowjackets with it. I poured...
Extra Service Charges on My Verizon Bill?
I agree that the only way to get these scammy charges removed is to contact Customer Service at your phone provider. Mine is ATT and I think they are especially bad. Ive had two different -- but similar -- experiences with them. Now awaiting my new bill wondering...
Get a Cold Drink Right After You Flush the Toilet
Good thinking, Patricia. While you are filling your drinking glass, also fill some empty commercial water bottles. Stuff them in your refrigerator and youll have a cold drink available without having to wait for the toilet to be used. You also wont fritter...
Composting At An Apartment?
I agree with both posters. My daughter has a worm farm under her sink and loves it but your landlord may not. I also rent and want some composted material. Online sources mentioned that the minimum amount to process by oneself efficiently is about three cubic...
Easy Chicken and Noodles
Could Deloris in Delphi, IN, help out an old bachelor in OH? Maybe by reducing the recipe by a couple steps, like adding the raw pasta to the original bake so the whole thing gets finished in just one oven session? Would that process need more liquid to start...
Use Magnets To Keep Recipes Out Of The Way
I too have a tiny kitchen with hardwood cabinets. I never considered using magnets -- I just use a piece of scotch tape. When Im done I fold the tape down over the reverse side and put the recipe away. Very simple.
Milk Jugs for Fishing Floats
Dear Elaine from Iowa: Visit a resort in Minnesota and try that sometime. Game wardens there dislike that and then try to impress you with really heavy fines. Makes Iowans vacations really expensive. Rich Iowa farmers can afford that, of course.
Use Rice To Clean Vases
Leave it to wonderful Canadians to offer common-sense solutions to lifes little problems. I was raised in northern Minnesota -- so I claim almost-Canadian smarts. Keep up the good work.
Using the Last of the Peanut Butter?
I remember my Mom adding brown sugar to the pb jar to help get the very last bits out. I was too young to know then exactly how that worked but it obviously did, since she always did it. There cant be very many possibilities other than using some type of scraper...
Shop at ALDI's for Grocery Savings
We have three Aldi stores in Canton, OH. Credit/Debit cards are welcome. They regularly have lower prices than WalMart -- for milk especially. Its pretty obvious they buy when they see a bargain. Smart Balance (healthy) margarine was carried but they sold out...
Loose Hinges and Screws
It never hurts to add a few drops of glue to whatever wooden fillers you use to close the screw hole. Let the glue set up before drilling a new pilot hole. If that doesnt work, relocate the bad hinge. Theres plenty of room on the jamb to do that. Its not really...
Shaving Sensitive Skin?
This may seem strange coming from a guy. An old one, at that! Ive been prescribed thigh-length compression hose to contain or prevent additional damage caused by a blood clot. Im to wear it on my left leg during the day and do without at night, when Im not...
Cooking Bacon for BLTs?
I finally wised up and started frying bacon by cutting four or five strips in quarters, then dumping them into a well-seasoned cast-iron pan. Simply toss them a few times during cooking - time varies with temps, of course. Remove to drain on a paper-towel covered...
Keeping Cool at Night
I live in Ohio, and I wonder if we have cooler temps at night here than you do in Canada? Lowest summer night temps so far this year have almost always been below 70 degrees. This means its sometimes lots cooler outside than in. So I let a cheap 20 inch Walgreens...
Removing Film from Mason Jars?
Soak or scrub with acetone. Outside. If that doesnt remove it nothing will.
Cleaning Bare Wood?
I agree that it has to be sanded. Easier if you can detach it from the wall or wherever. After, apply a protective coat of some kind. There are many.
Organizing Recipes In Cookbooks
I do basically the same, except I keep mine in a three ring loose leaf binder. I use the first two letters of the main ingredient; such as Be for beef, to determine where they get filed alphabetically. Maybe three letters might be better, but its way easy to...
Recipes Using Chicken Drumsticks?
I like to cook six or seven in cream of mushroom soup with lots of onions. About an hour in, add potato and carrot chunks and cook a half-hour longer. The meat makes splendid sandwiches too.
Cooking Brown Rice at High Altitude?
Its possible the boiling temps at the altitude where you live never get high enough to cook the rice. Which means you need a pressure cooker, which will compensate for the altitude. Higher up you go the lower the temp at which water boils. I think rice doesnt...
Buying Wooden Privacy Fence Panels?
Did you ever consider that some things are so very basic that they absolutely cannot be more simple? Like fences that can never magically appear for free? If you dont have the tools or experience to do it yourself, youll have to pay someone that does! Maybe...
Keeping Gel Pills From Getting Sticky In Hot Weather
Keep the pill box/dispenser in the refrigerator. You are already opening and closing its door many times a day. Come cool autumn weather you can keep capsules on a counter, or wherever, again.
Organizing Debit Card Receipts?
I hate all those tiny paper slips, so I input each days transactions into my computers word-processing program -- and trash the slips. Its absolutely no hardship doing so since Im on my computer twice a day anyway. I save that record, and almost all my others...
Removing Labels from Jars
Try soaking the jar labels in mineral spirits. That works to soften most paper adhesives. If you get seriously mad use acetone -- but be very careful with it.
Covering Windows With Plastic to Reduce Heating Bills?
Buy carpet tack strips to seal the plastic to the outer window frames if they are wood. They are easy to remove in the spring and can be used repeatedly.
Cast Iron Chili
Ive heard that tomatoes and cast iron pans dont mix because of the acid in tomatoes. It supposedly dissolves the protective oil coating that protects the pans metal. Maybe if your pans coating is thick enough a single tomato recipe wouldnt bother it? Anybody...
Repairing Broken Window Sash Cords?
Prepare for a major job, if your counterbalance sash weights are inside the window frame. Generally both sides of window casing must be removed. That may expose the counterweights, and maybe not. There were various ways windows were built back then, as there...
Red Light Bulb for Night Feeding
Dont let anybody get too sleepy! I did that once and fell asleep standing up -- fell and broke my neck. Had to wear a halo brace for 14 weeks. Not a really good experience.
Storing Fish and Seafood in Milk Cartons
My family operated a small summer resort in northern MN. We used the same method to freeze guests fish for them to take home. We didnt staple the tops though - no need to. Ice makes a perfect seal. We had to be registered with the state in order to be allowed...
Venting a Wood Burning Stove?
Please forget about your proposed layout. Youll burn down your house. Pay attention to previous feedback.
Canceling NetZero Service?
I canceled payment to NetZero years ago. They did nothing about it and I think its still available to me for free. Quit paying.
Wiring a Two Pole Breaker For a Generator?
I totally agree with foxrun41! Do not wire your generator that way. Besides somebody possible getting electrocuted youd most likely be sued for everything you have.
Store Aluminum Cans on Yarn
I probably empty more cans than you do, since Im a beer drinker. I rinse my empties with water and then crush them -- first by twisting the sides and then stomping them. I can generally load quite a few pounds of crushed cans into one 13 gallon garbage bag...
Solar Panels On Our House
Linseed oil is indeed a magical product that weve gotten away from using. It totally protects finished wood surfaces from the sun, especially, and the other elements. Great for making non-skid surfaces on almost any material. And its made from an agricultural...
Separating Bacon Strips Without Tearing
I buy Amish bacon from a local butcher shop. I freeze it after wrapping it, accordion folder style, in wax paper, then into a ziploc freezer bag. When time to use it arrives I zap the wax-paper bundle just long enough to allow the wax paper to be unwrapped...
Use Screws Instead of Nails
I was a career, now retired, carpenter and construction supervisor.. I know that to simply advise using screws sounds all well and good. But for professionals, there is much more to the subject than that. For instance using hidden clips and screws on a deck...
Using Roofing Shingles to Side a Shed?
This is coming from a professional carpenter of 50 years. Very good thinking of a way to use up surplus roofing shingles, very original. Try to nail or screw the exposed siding into as much flatness as you can before nailing on the shingles. I see it seems...
What Can I Use to Treat Itchy Skin Associated with Ringworm Infection?
My Dad was a professional arc-welder and owned his own business until about 1950. He mentioned to me many times that the rays generated by the arc-welding process would kill ringworms when the skin area containing the ringworms was exposed to it. Makes sense...
Name Ideas for Residential and Commercial Cleaning Business?
Id keep the broom and get rid of the stick.
Scenery: Sunrise (Ft. Louden Lake, Tennessee)
Did you ever know a family by the name of Keeble in Maryville? Or is there also a Marysville in TN? My step-daughters Daddy was from there. She was born in 1970, in CA.
Refinishing the Outside of a Cinder Block House?
I assume you dont simply want to apply another coat of paint -- which would be the cheapest solution. New stucco on top of old paint is iffy unless a wire lath foundation is attached first. Check out price of sandblasting the old paint -- then stucco can be...
Cajun Style Jucy Lucy Burgers
Hi Deeli, your entry brought me back to 1961 Mpls. We lived at 26th & Cedar Ave S then. So very near where my wife and I ate original Juicy Lucys at Matts Bar, 38th and Cedar Ave S. Back then Matts only filling was fried onions. I think that was because they...
Computer Keyboard Dust Cover
Since Im a guy I like things simple, like a kitchen towel on top of the keyboard when its not is use.
Exercise Ball As Desk Chair
Thats a good idea for young people, not for me. I have a 65 cm ball and used it that way. Even after weeks spent trying to get used to it, an online session would cause my hips to ache. Sometimes I could barely walk until I could get the kinks out. Over age...
Save Glass Jars for Homemade Iced Tea
Drinking tea isnt the only thing glass jars are good for. Ive been using my special glass jar for years for beer. Glass jars are way good for other reasons too. Can be micro-waved, heated in the oven, store dry ingredients -- and much more. Our elders knew...
Plunging Clogged Toilet Backs Up Into Tub and Sink?
This happened to me once. The house had city sewer service and tree roots had plugged the main line to the sewer pipe under the street. Roto Rooter was needed to clear the roots. When it backs up into the tub or shower that means the wastewater cant get to...
Average Price of Fresh Local Honey?
Sams Club in Canton, OH, sells 5 lbs for $11.00. Regular stores in the area generally have only smaller containers and charge more per unit weight.
Watch for Military Discounts?
Of course the DD214 form will work, as long as the guy has a picture ID. I think Lowes wont be very picky anyway. Why would they? You worry too much.
Clouds (Panama City Beach, FL)
Exactly which tree on the right side? Seems there is only one tree accented in this picture and its on the left.
Getting Personal Information from an Email Address?
Maybe she reads ThriftyFun and you just let her know you live in Vista. How easy is that for her to find you. Vistas not that big, yknow. Good thinking.
Buying Man Sized Facial Tissues?
I know exactly where you are coming from. Which is why I always buy Viva brand large rolls, not the ones that separate into six-inch (half-sheet) pieces. Any other paper towels always leave me with snot on my fingers. And, thats way bad! Im a carpenter, not...
Junk Car Removal Near Seattle Washington?
Get online and contact NPR. Theyll take anything and will also handle all the paperwork free.
Collect Water From Condensation Pipe
My goodness but that sounds wasteful! The electricity you used to condense that much water probably would cost out at something like $30 per quart. Its really nice you can afford that. I cant so I use natural methods to keep cool.
Buying Prescription Reading Glasses or Drugstore Glasses?
My expensive prescription reading glasses were driving me nuts. Then one day while shopping at Sams Club in Canton, OH, I noticed a display of reading glasses. The strongest was rated 3.0, and perfect for me! A package of four cost $20. Id tried Walgreens and...
Vacationing With Children Near Missouri?
Dont vacate too far, you may not find your way back. Life has a way of doing that to one.
Repairing a Subfloor Before Installing New Flooring?
You may not need a new sub floor. A handyman/carpenter can tell by pulling up the carpet and checking out the screws or nails originally used when it was installed. In situations where nails were used, squeaks and bounciness often happen with age. If this is...
Help with Homework Assignment Creating Business Names?
I wonder why you are asking any American. None of us understand Australians.
Is New Washer Drain Hose Compatible with Older Plumbing?
Jeeze! Tell the vendor youre buying that expensive machine from to hook it up for you. Or tell them no sale. And, ask for warrantee. You arent helpless, you know.
Recycling Water Heaters
First of all, lets get the term straight. They are not hot water heaters. Only water heaters. A water heater consists of a sturdy steel inner tank, connected to a water supply. Whether gas or electricity is used for fuel, intake water is heated. A thermostat...
Fruited Fish
Such a wonderful recipe for frozen fish! Could only have come from a Minnesota woman. I was raised in Grand Rapids, MN. And, I love fish. But Im an old bachelor and not remotely interested in complicated recipes. Thank you so much. Chuck
Toilet Scratched By a Plumber's Snake?
Get down and dirty with Barkeepers cleanser and elbow grease. If that doesnt do it nothing will.
"Farm-Sale" Sloppy Joes
My family always used 1 can of Chicken Gumbo soup per pound of ground beef for Sloppy Joes. The rice and veggie bits gave a wonderful taste.
75th Birthday Party Ideas?
Brunilda: Im just a month and a bit more than 75. Tell your Mom Im a secret admirer of hers.
Store Tissues In Baby Wipe Container
Those Baby Wipe containers are wonderful. Keep another in your car with real wipes in it. Add a jigger or two (or more) of vinegar over the wipes. Not too much. Then store the container upside-down to keep the wipes moist. Guaranteed EZ clean-up when needed...
Turn Hot Water Heater Off When Leaving
I dont believe you. To begin with, it takes a long time to heat water. Shutting down the heater after last hot water use during the evening doesnt replace the hot water you used then. You may as well shut it down at noon. Otherwise, one should set the thermostat...
Can You Buy the Powdered Cheese as Sold in Boxed Mac and Cheese?
Im an old bachelor too. If you cant find the powdered cheese just save the packets from EZ Mac. Dump the macaroni into a package for later use. I realize most of us want to not waste pennies that way; bachelors? Not so much.
The Old Country Telephone
Back in early 50s our ring was four short; official number was 7F22. My Mom may have listened in on calls not directed at her. Fun.
Wildlife: Goldfinch
Arent they beautiful? When they fly they are neon streaks. Magical! I have an oil-seed sunflower pan and a bathtub that attracts them sometimes, not as often as Id like. Theyre not very competitive at the feeder or the bath, but thats ok.
Scenery: Lake at Granite Trailhead (Cottonwood...
Hi Stacey, After you captured the lake did you take it home with you as prisoner? Id try to capture it too -- its very nice. Couldnt resist making a dumb comment. Thanks.
Buy Gas in the Morning
I doubt it. The gasoline you are pumping into your tank comes from deep underground tanks where temps stay constant. So, makes no difference how many gallons you buy, you still pay same price per gallon, which volume remains the same.
Pasta Fagioli
Im to the point where all I need to do is read the name of the recipe to know that it will be from Deeli. I know they all taste wonderful but I havent the talent or the enthusiasm for cooking complicated things like that. Old bachelors are lazy, ya know.
Remedies for an Ingrown Toenail?
I was bothered with an ingrown big-toe ingrown nail. Two VA doctors failed to correct the problem. The third one did. Good luck.
Wildlife: Backyard Birds (Cardinal and Woodpecker)
Isnt it wonderful how the birds know their pecking order? Do your male cardinals allow the females to eat seeds beside them at a feeder? Mine never do. I assume the males are not worried much about the girls holding out on them.
Re-Key Lock Rather Than Replacing Knob
Good thinking, Fossil. Most stores have one or more real hardware stores and/or other places that can do this job. They can also re-orient your locks key-slot. You key should be inserted into the lock with the smooth side up. Possibly that only applies to older...
Determining the Energy Usage for an Electric Room Heater?
Most rooms in a house in the U.S. are wired with a 15-amp fuse or breaker. This limits the wattage you can use on that circuit to about 1800 watts. (Wattage = Amps times volts; 15 x 120) My electric heater is rated at 1500 watts and is designed for use in these...
Leather Washer for Emergency Water Heater Fix
You have to be kidding. I suggest you divert your attentions to something other than plumbing. Really! Quit smoking too.
Changing Which Way a Door Opens?
I retired from a construction career ten years ago. Ive reversed door-swings often. If the original door fits well there is no need to buy a new one. Maybe some people have more money than sense? If the door is a simple plain blank panel one can turn it upside...
Store Manuals and Receipts
Dear Pixiedust (love the name, I know you have a computer from your comments. Each day I purchase something and pay with my debit or a credit card I enter the receipt information into my computer, such as a Word program titled XYZ Bank. I always save that info...
Garlic Cauliflower
Dear Deeli, Id love it if youd contribute simple recipes a hermit could cook. Or a busy Mom with two jobs. Or a single Dad raising kids. What do you think?
Driving Nails Into Plaster Walls Without Cracking
I love your frequent hints. But, Im not sure you are a girl. Are you? Your fans wish to know.
Keeping Mud Out of Gravel RV Pad?
Youve heard the term Make lemonade from lemons? Capture the worms and sell them as bait.
Swiss Chard with Cannellini Beans and Tomatoes
Hi Deelie, I am amazed that people eat swiss chard with anything! Keep up the good work. Youll eventually get Americans to eat more healthily.
Cut Post-It Notes in Half
No average American need buy Post-It notes - ever. If your home has mail delivery, youll always have plenty of paper to make all the notes youll ever need. And, its not that so many of us havent time for that - but we have ample time for watching TV! Its my...
Clean When You Can't Sleep
Im retired and love to read, but one cant just read all day. I exercise a lot - and clean a little bit - each day. Works for me.
Mai Flower Decoration For Lunar New Year (Tet)
You are indeed an artist, your creations are beautiful!
Banana Split Salad
No bananas included in list of ingredients. Do they magically appear when other ingredients are combined? Heehee.
Winterizing an Older Unoccupied Mobile Home?
I feel for you young people who never were required to learn how things are done. Just drain the water and drain pipes, including sink and toilet and shower traps, and cut off the utilities. Cant drain those traps? Fill them with car windshield-spray solution...
Scrap Printer Paper Instead of Note Paper
Ive been doing this for about three years now. Price of commercial sticky notes is outrageous. Many advertisements arriving in mailed envelopes have blank reverse sides too. If one really gets serious about recycling, some of the envelopes can be turned into...
Store Vitamins Upside Down
Being a guy I probably have no business posting here. However, why dont you simply toss the empty containers into the trash can, then order or buy replacements when its time?
Scenery: Twisted Tree
That nice spiral caused by a vine that used to grow on the tree. There are quite a few of those where I live. The vines grow so fast you can almost see it. Ive a couple examples of vine segments I cut from one tree. Maybe Ill send pix of them to ThriftyFun...
Gravy Without Pan Drippings
Seems good Deeli. Personally, I like to just open a can from Walmart. Tastes just as good to me. Thanks
Removing Rust from an Old Metal Kitchen Table?
Try muriatic acid, outside where theres good ventilation. Scrub with a steel brush, with the elbow grease you mentioned. When finished hose it with water. Good luck.
Filling the Gaps Between Pine Floor Boards?
Sawdust and glue combo is fine for minor cracks but by itself wont hold up under traffic in that situation. Take a hint from builders of ocean-going wooden ships. They would use oakum or some other fiber-based material to provide a base for the finished seam...
Ledge When Replacing Cabinet Hinges
Congratulations from a veteran professional carpenter. There are many hints to learn that can contribute to a better job. Sounds like your carpenter is one who can think.
Scenery: Snow (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Beautiful pictures. The description of how much contained a typo, should be measured in cm instead of mm. (b)Editors Note:(/b) Thanks for letting us know, we fixed it in the original post.
Label Tops of Electric Plugs
Lindal, have you experienced a situation where the electricians have installed a receptacle upside-down? I have. No biggie, eh? And its not a safety problem either.
Inexpensive Chair Mat Ideas?
If you like this idea you may need technical help. Remove your chairs wheels. Replace them with larger, industrial, caster-type wheels. But the wheels should, I think, be thin, high-profile types with rounded edges. Adapting attachment devices to fit your chair...
Reusing Tins
Those tins not as good as ziploc bags at keeping insects away -- unless they are stored in a freezer. On the other hand, insect larvae have been proven to be fine cheap sources of really good quality protein. Especially if you never knew you ate them.
Saving On Service Rates
Why not save a bunch of cash -- cancel your TV and begin reading quality stuff. My daughter posited that if the percentage of TV viewers (couch potatoes) and the percentage of newspaper readers could ever be reversed, good old US of A would be way more intelligent...
Scenery: Antique Horse Drawn Hearse (1800's)
A scene like this convinced me to move to Ohio. Twas a funeral cortege for a marine killed in Iraq. Hearse was a horse-drawn antique. Surrounding area in Hudson, OH, was so wonderfully green, along with the trees. I was raised in northern MN so was used to...
Rodent Control Suggestions?
Quit feeding your dogs so much and theyll soon begin to hunt rats. Dogs are meat-eaters and rats are fine meat.
Repairing a Pocket Door That is Off the Track?
Im a carpenter with 50 years experience. Ive always hated pocket doors. Seems if they are not installed by true professionals, they go to seed quickly. You need a good carpenter to fix it. Maybe you can find a retired professional, like me for that. Some gentleman...
Z'sip Crunch
I think it would be easier for me to get married to a gal that likes to do that sort of stuff -- than for me to do that recipe. But marriage scares me almost as much as that recipe. Thanks anyway.
