My Excellent Choices

UPDATE:

I have been using this gadget in the KITCHEN! It has a “dual mode” switch that allows it to check surface temperatures of food pulled from the freezer or the microwave. It also will check “room temperature” as well.

Check it out!

July 20, 2020

Dad bought one of these non-contact thermometers, and I was surprised how easy it was to use! I was curious about their accuracy, so I “googled” reviews from medical institutions on the web.

The “Gold Standard” according to some web sites is till the old fashioned inserted thermometer, but there was a consensus among the site I visited that if used correctly, these new non-contact thermometers are accurate.

You see these in use at the entrance to doctors offices everywhere, thanks to COVID virus; so I was able to confirm Dad’s idea that if his doctor was using it to screen for fever, it would be good for him to use as well.

Most instructions advise taking a reading of the forehead and to be aware of any clothing, cream, or prescription that might interfere with an accurate reading.

UPDATE:

Still using ROKU streaming sticks at home and while traveling, and we have added a couple of streaming apps for ROKU that may be hard to obtain through some other devices. MeritMedia (By Dr. Phil) is available on ROKU. Also known as Merit+, it hosts shows by Dr. Phil, a US history TV series, a series by Mike Rowe, and more. If you have ROKU, check this new streaming source out. If you don’t have ROKU and it is not available on your streaming hardware – you may still be able to get these videos on your laptop or desktop computer, tablet or cell phone.

June 3, 2020

For years, television content has been delivered in expensive bundles via cable or satellite. Then, Netflix, Sling, Hulu, YouTube and others offered alternatives that streamed shows on demand over your internet connection to your PC.

ROKU devices are attached thru the HDMI video and audio available on most connectors. (Some ROKU models still support older TVs with last generation TV signal connections.)

I actually prefer the ROKU add-on device to the “built-in” streamig capabilities of large flat screen systems, even when the excellent ROKU software is included inside your TV!

Streaming TV is made possible by special purpose computers dedicated to doing one thing very well. But, how often does the demand on these devices change? How often should we consider a faster processor, more memory, and a move from 1080P to 4k Video and beyond?

I won’t replace my large screen TV every two year, but ROKU devices are relatively inexpensive and updated frequently with newer and more capable models. It is not unreasonable to update the ROKU on the main screen every couple of years and gift the older device or move it to a second screen.

Eventually, the oldest devices won’t be capable of running the most robust streaming services, as some Netflix users found out last December. An ROKU upgrade can bring new life to an older TV at a bargain price.

ROKU is also “screen-casting” friendly. The convenience of projecting the video and audio from a personal device is supported by most ROKU devices and I have used ROKU to present from Windows PCs as well as Android and Apple mobile devices. In fact, I can set up an instant slide show on my smart phone and project wirelessly to a large TV screen by attaching my little ROKU to the TV’s HDMI connector!

One other thought about the advantage of having the power to stream large screen television in a pocket-sized device… Our ROKU traveled with us on our last “away from home” family vacation. One quick connection to the television where we stayed and a couple of clicks to set up connection to WIFI, and our complete streaming library was available for evening entertainment!

Since we are US residents, there are some countries and markets where our streaming subscriptions are not allowed, but trips to the beach, the mountains or another US location with a reliable WIFI connection has never been a problem.

My first EGO purchase was their 16-inch chainsaw. This variable speed blower was my 3rd EGO battery-powered tool, and I want to share my satisfaction with the EGO platform of light and easy to use home improvement tools!

Those competing yard, garden and construction tool manufacturers have their own proprietary battery systems and attachments. Therefore, your first purchase of any of these interchangeable battery systems should always get a close evaluation. I tried two other BATTERY-POWERED systems before I settled on EGO, and I don’t regret it.

The removable and rechargeable battery packs for the EGO line are available in different capacities. The smaller batteries do not last as long as the heavier ones, but the lightest batteries are perfect for the chain saw, the Blower and any other tools that you hand-carry.

I get about 30 minutes of use from a battery that recharges on the EGO fast charger in about the same time. Two batteries and a brief break every thirty minutes to swap out with the charger, and you can work more or less continuously with these powerful helpers.

If you shop on Amazon, you will find that batteries, chargers and tools are sold individually and in bundles. Do the math and mix and match for the best price. I found that I personally saved money when a battery was included. One tool bundled with a standard charger turned out to be similar in price to the tool alone.

It pays to plan for the combination of tools, batteries and chargers that you may need in the short term. Shop for the best configuration. Remember, the chain saw battery is interchangeable with the blower, and the weed trimmer, etc. Is EGO pushing out special bundles and SKU’s with each season? I can’t say, but it pays to browse the EGO store on Amazon to seek out the current bargain.

UPDATE! Almost four years later, we are still using these containers to prepare and freeze foods for week-at-a-time meals. The COVID years resulted in permanent lifestyle changes for many people. We became accustomed to meals we prepared and now we rarely eat out at restaurants. We still have one or two favorites, but the convenience of having meals out of the freezer and ready in minutes is wonderful.

The freeze and thaw resilience of these containers is pretty good. We have lost two or three over the past four years due to heavy re-use, but most are still in service and we would definitely buy them again.

July 28, 2020

COVID has had a lifestyle impact for everyone. For us, almost every meal is prepared at home with fresh ingredients and a few packaged food items.

It’s less expensive than eating out, provided that you minimize the wasting of food. To save time and to minimize loss, we are preparing thing like salads, sliced fruits and similar items a couple of meals at a time.

In addition to cutting down the food preparation time, we still get some of the immediate gratification one gets from “grab and go” meals. The time pressures of daily life are still here so we have created a little bit of that “take out” convenience for ourselves.

The secret is being prepared with the food store-and-travel tools you need. We bought set of these 16 ounce containers and a set of their larger brothers in 32 ounce size. They go into the dish washer after use and into the freezer for longer term food storage.

I use Benefect, a patented botantical disinfectant. The label shows it kills over 99.99% of Bacteria, Fungus, TB and HIV. I use it at home and work on pretty much all surfaces to kill viruses, bacteria and mold …. including scary bacteria and viruses like MRSA, COVID, staph, HIV and TB. I even use it in my laundry. I so appreciate a non-toxic “spray and go disinfectant” …that is also environmentally friendly! You can spray it, sponge it, mop with it and can even use it on food prep areas like kitchen surfaces and counter tops. Thyme Oil @ 0.23% provides the “magic”and the non-harsh scent. Click here to learn more.

Since Benefect is considered a hospital quality disinfectant and can be out of stock at Amazon, I also purchase Bioesque or RMR Botanical Cleaner & Treatment Spray. I consider all three of these “spray and go” botanical disinfectants excellent choices!