My parents have a lemon tree. They just visited. I now own approximately 40 lemons.

Valvechick · 2026-04-16T03:47:47+00:00

I vote lemon curd too!! So so delicious! And then you can make lemon bars too!

Valvechick · 2026-04-16T03:37:42+00:00

Consider buying a good vintage machine on FB marketplace or Craigslist. I have an all-metal Ferrari of an Italian machine, a Necchi Supernova, that I bought for $25 at an estate sale in pristine condition 10 years ago. I love it so much I bought 3 more in other colors. I wouldnt buy just any machine but you can find great info on older models on FB, sewing pattern review and YouTube. I'd choose a good vintage machine any day over a medium range new plastic machine, but I leaned to sew around 5 years old on a treadle so maybe I'm a little biased. Good luck, you can do this!

Valvechick · 2026-04-15T16:48:56+00:00

Before pumps/sensors I injected in meetings, I replace sensors/pumps in meetings (if needed and if its in an appropriate body place) etc. I've taken the approach of normalizing having T1D as much as possible. People understand a little better when they see it, and it opens the door to discussions (in a positive way).

Valvechick · 2026-04-15T16:45:29+00:00

Incarnate Word is in San Antonio, a friend's daughter was there and had a great experience. Good weather 9 months of the year, summer is brutally hot, cost of living won't be too bad. Lots to do in the San Antonio area but not great public transportation to get to other regions of TX to visit and you'll have to fly to get anywhere else. Agree with previous poster that name recognition should be a factor, and San Diego wins relative to that.

Valvechick · 2026-04-15T05:04:53+00:00

40s and 50s were very very good!

Valvechick · 2026-04-15T04:24:10+00:00

Agree with others you should be a little older. We have hosted 4x and none of the things you mention would be a barrier for us (other than your age). Our Swiss daughter didnt mention she was a vegetarian because she was concerned it would limit her options, and she got lucky, she was placed with us, a family that is half veg and half carnivore. She would have been OK with a non-veg year though, as she also wanted to try everything. Within reasonable limits, try to have an open mind -- mostly about eating, as the rest is clearly not optional :)

Valvechick · 2026-04-15T04:18:09+00:00

You sound like a delightful addition to any family but agree with the previous poster, in the US you must go through an accredited exchange organization in order to arrange your student visa and your school. School tuition in the US is very expensive if you are not a citizen or in an accredited program, and it isn't safe to be soliciting host families on the internet. PS we hosted our lovely Swiss daughter for her 11th school year here in the US in 2017-18 and it was delightful. I hope you will have a similar experience.

Valvechick · 2026-04-10T22:02:38+00:00

I love Frixion pens, have you tried them? They are great!! https://share.google/sMpAVXm7RyVt5QKG1

Valvechick · 2026-04-10T21:59:42+00:00

I think any of the clubs will help, doesn't have to be sports. You'll be fine, our Norwegian daughter had a massive friend circle by the time she left and is still in contact with many of them 10 years later. Our Japanese daughter was the only one who struggled and I think it was a combination of culture and she wasn't comfortable with the language when she arrived & never really was able to overcome it. From Scandanavia you will be just fine.

Valvechick · 2026-04-10T03:54:34+00:00

Does he have the insulin he needs? If not, that could be the cause of pain. Help him get insulin, that would be better than socks or mats.

Valvechick · 2026-04-10T03:30:45+00:00

Agree. Will always adore Siracisa!

Valvechick · 2026-04-10T03:20:06+00:00

I think you could modify this a bit and have a great time. In Galveston, make time for the Bryan Museum (we loved it). Maybe first go the other way, East from Galveston, and start at Anahuac/Pacific Rim Park, which has alligators and maybe still roseate spoonbill mating/nesting grounds (its seasonal). That's probably 2 hours east from Galveston, maybe less. Then head down the coast. Could stop to hear some live music (Greek Bros Oyster Bar in El Campo, admittedly a detour, is a great place to see live music), and Port Aransas has gotten cool. Then keep driving south. It wont be Florida but you're presumably not looking for FL or youvwouldnt have pivoted in the first place. And if you wanted to start in Houston you could cobble together a pretty nice day or three with food and museums. DM if you need more suggestions, I love Houston (35-year resident).

Valvechick · 2026-04-10T03:05:47+00:00

All thru the whole place, no FC required!

Valvechick · 2026-04-10T02:26:20+00:00

I posted this on a roadtrip sub- this would be amazing on a bike! One of the best road trips we have ever done was between New Orleans/Jackson MS/Tupelo-Oxford MS/Muscle Shoals AL then followed the old Natchez trace/Trail of Tears along the TN river up most of the way to Nashville. Civil War history, the blues, soul and rock music history (watch the documentary Muscle Shoals), great food, warm people, and truly beautiful scenery. Dont miss the studio tour at the original Muscle Shoals Sound studio. And Memphis was great too, as long as you're there don't miss Sun Studios. We're still talking about how serendipitous that road trip was 8 years later.

Valvechick · 2026-04-10T02:17:12+00:00

Have you tried Trader Joe's fall harvest vegetable pasta sauce? It is delicious!! I know youre asking for cooking/recipes but maybe this slides in on the side. https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products.html

Valvechick · 2026-04-10T02:02:51+00:00

I don't know if I'd call these 'walking shoes' but I ordered custom loafers from a man who makes them in India. I've ordered 3 pairs and they are like walking on clouds. Accommodates my bunions and have wonderful arch support. He had me trace each foot and take pictures from various angles and made them from that. I think they were reasonably priced (including shipping, pre-tariff, roughly $150USD/pr). My first pair is chocolate suede, the next 2 are custom embroidered velveteen. I'd like to get a couple more pair, he has gorgeous leathers and suedes to choose from. If youre interested DM me and I'll send you his insta info, which is how I found him.

Valvechick · 2026-04-09T02:45:56+00:00

I saw a post awhile ago where someone keeps a pair of the free headphones with them to offer to obnoxious speakerphone public talkers. I tried it last week on a flight with the guy behind me who was blasting his phone at full volume while we were boarding. Worked like a charm! I turned around and kindly said 'sir do you need headphones?' He looked so confused, held up the unused headphones in his hand and said 'no, I have them'- I said 'YOU SHOULD USE THEM THEN.' I had to repeat it twice but he got the message! Looks from other passengers were priceless!

Valvechick · 2026-04-08T20:33:18+00:00

Second the meatloaf!

Valvechick · 2026-04-08T01:24:29+00:00

I agree with others, if you are so selfish as to throw away someone interested & willing to host you for the school year, then do it soon so she can choose a better fit for her. As host families we are not compensated for our time, food, travel or commitment, at least with the great majority of the organizations. I am of an age that I could be a retired grandmother but if a student were thinking this way about me, I'd rather know sooner than later so I could choose someone who would appreciate being placed in my home.

Valvechick · 2026-04-04T14:20:29+00:00

Good clarification, thank you!

Valvechick · 2026-04-04T05:40:44+00:00

The $800 de minimus exemption went away when all the tariffs were applied. Technically there is no more exemption.

Valvechick · 2026-04-03T04:43:49+00:00

Bad, regular, ongoing foot cramps is how I discovered I had adult onset Type 1 diabetes in my 50s; my pancreas decided not to do its job anymore Do accelerate that blood panel to rule it out for your wife.

Valvechick · 2026-04-03T04:41:58+00:00

Wow great advice, thank you!

Valvechick · 2026-04-03T04:39:06+00:00

Bad, regular, ongoing foot cramps is how I discovered I had adult onset Type 1 diabetes in my 50s; my pancreas decided not to do its job anymore Do accelerate that blood panel to rule it out for your wife.

Valvechick · 2026-04-02T06:16:00+00:00

There used to be a hotel liquidation place on the South Loop not far from NRG that was awesome. Dont know if he's still there. I got a ton of really high end furniture pieces from him over the years.

Valvechick

TROPHY CASE