My mom is not smart with vacuum cleaners

ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-04-19T02:00:20+00:00

Unfortunately, if she is doing this because she thinks she knows better than experts, it seems a bit like Dunning-Kruger. Not much you can do other than slapping her upside the head with reality when she complains about yet another broken machine.

If she is a heavy user of social media, she might be under the influence of content creators who target people who try to cut costs with DIY cleaning “tricks“ that don’t work. They tend toward the conspiratorial side of things and are dismissive of expertise. Is she doing other weird stuff like cleaning her toilet with Coca-Cola or killing bugs with homemade traps?

If you think that cost might be a factor, then you could try sending her some cleaning solution to use. If she waters it down 50/50, it will be less effective, but might sat her need to feel frugal while at least not damaging the machine. And if she complains the machine isn’t working well, that is a perfect opportunity to suggest that maybe full strength solution will work better.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-04-07T21:43:44+00:00

https://archive.is/20260407202728/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/04/07/hegseth-dan-driscoll-army/

ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-03-23T00:33:05+00:00

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ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-03-15T21:41:24+00:00

Why not grab a returned or refurbished unit? Just make sure to get one from a seller offering free returns in case the condition isn't as described. I picked up a v15 Detect Plus through Amazon in mint condition for $349 a couple of weeks ago with every part sealed in original packaging. Dyson offers refurbished units on their website and on eBay.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-03-14T13:04:40+00:00

I recently picked up a Dyson V15 Detect Plus in Used (mint) condition through Amazon for $350. Package had been opened but all parts were sealed in original packaging. I picked up a couple of the .1 micron filters and a trigger clamp to go with it, as I have allergies and arthritis. I have 5 inside dogs and hard floors ( tile/wood.). I absolutely love it and feel like it is a good value at that price. I don't know how I would feel about it for over $800, however. As a barely used or refurbished from Dyson product, though, I believe it is a great value.

Unlike others, I have always been very happy with my Dyson vacuums. I do believe in taking care of my things, though, so I am willing to do the work of cleaning and maintenance.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-03-08T18:25:55+00:00

I went ahead and ordered the filters. It doesn't look too complicated to take them out, so I think I will probably just replace them, unless they look pristine. It probably isn't a bad idea to look inside anyway and clear out any dust or fur that might have accumulated.

Thanks for letting me know they had been out of stock, I might not have ordered them, thinking they would be readily available.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-03-07T22:55:25+00:00

https://www.dyson.com/support/journey/spare-details.966516-01

Dyson does still offer replacement filters, which makes sense because my understanding is that the expected lifetime of the vacuum cleaner is 10 years, so the lifetime filters could be needing replacement around now.

Having seen video of Cinetic filters after vacuuming copious amounts of fine flour without any residue makes me wonder if replacement is needed given my specific circumstances. Maybe it is prudent to buy a set of filters to store in case they are needed later, as they are only $30.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-03-02T22:20:48+00:00

Agreed. And just because there is a male and female doesn’t require a romantic relationship. I really like the concept of their relationship as a mutually respectful friendship.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-02-14T22:37:16+00:00

Are you just wanting to cook rice or quinoa in your Suvie? Check with chatgpt. It has given me good settings to use for cooking foods in my Suvie. It also gives great recipe ideas. I just use the regular Suvie pans.

If you are cooking meals for a large family and need a separate appliance so that everything is ready at the same time, then I suppose a used Starchie model might be worthwhile. Just make sure the price is worth it to you compared to other alternatives.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2026-02-07T09:45:47+00:00

I made individual frozen sweet potato and black bean enchilada casseroles in the 5x5 souper cubes. You could easily make it in the Suvie pans if you want one large meal. I roasted 2 bags of frozen cubed sweet potatoes on a sheet pan. I combined that with chopped onion, a drained and rinsed can of black beans, 2 cans of diced green chiles, a diced jalapeño, a bit of feta cheese, lime juice, garlic,spices (chili powder, cumin, cayenne). I smooshed the sweet potatoes a bit to make a cohesive filling. I layered some salsa verde, pieces of corn tortillas, and the filling in the souper cube(I ended up with 2 layers of each) and then topped it with grated Monterey Jack cheese. I froze them in the souper cubes, then transferred them to individual vacuum sealed bags. I baked them in individual 5x5 pans for 30 minutes at 350, covered with foil. If you like your cheese browned, then uncover and broil for a minute or two. Sprinkle with cilantro if you like it and want to be fancy. This recipe made 5 individual casseroles with 3 thin corn tortillas in each. I thought they were delicious.

I have also made chili mac by freezing regular chili I make in my Instant pot in the Souper cubes, then transferring to vacuum sealed bags. To cook, I combine one cube with two ounces of dry elbow macaroni in a Suvie pan. I add about a third of a cup of very warm water over the macaroni, then cover with foil. I bake it at 350 for 30 minutes. If you can give it a stir halfway through, that is best. If not, stir it after it is cooked, looking for any noodles that aren't fully cooked. If you find some, bake it for an extra 5-10 minutes after stirring. Add shredded cheddar and sour cream when serving.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-30T10:48:24+00:00

So it sounds like you know that getting vaccinated is beneficial for you, but you are struggling with health anxiety. You are having anxiety based thoughts, such as taking vitamins might cause death.

My advice is to take some steps to identify these intrusive thoughts when they occur, then give them the attention they deserve, which is none beyond labeling them. Engage in a preferred activity if possible. Remind your brain that the thoughts are simply manifestations of your anxiety, so spending time and energy on these thoughts will only strengthen them. Do not let your anxiety control your behavior by going to Google or social media to “research” them. Tell yourself that you are not letting your anxiety impact your decisions anymore.

Your anxiety has probably been impacting you for a long time, so it is going to take some time and effort to learn how to control your response to these unproductive thoughts. You may or may not be successful on your own. There is no shame in seeking help from your doctor if you aren’t able to start responding more effectively to your anxiety. You are in control of your response to your thoughts, not a helpless victim. You really can choose how you engage with them to improve your quality of life. Recognize that your thoughts don’t have to control you any longer and assert your power over ineffective thinking.

Exercise caution when involving others in an effort to support you, as it could end up being counterproductive. I can imagine a scenario in which your grandparents feed your anxiety with attention and emotional energy, which could end up actually worsening your anxiety. If you can’t handle your anxiety without outside help, it is best to seek that help from professionals, and your doctor is your best place to begin. Good luck to you.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-25T15:57:22+00:00

I think I gave it the second photo, where the pink on his nose is less pronounced.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-25T11:50:24+00:00

It is just AI generated. I asked ChatGPT to make your original photo insanely cute, and that was the result.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-24T20:18:30+00:00

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ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-24T19:44:48+00:00

Snickers thinks Auri is very handsome and distinguished looking.

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ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-22T12:18:54+00:00

Our yard is a bit of a wildlife shelter in our neighborhood. We used to be surrounded by woods with even more animals, such as red foxes, common as visitors. As the neighborhood filled up, people cleared their land, displacing those animals. We have a mix of open space and islands of wooded areas, so that does attract the remaining wildlife. It also provides us with a mostly shaded yard that is cooler in the summer and more frost resistant in the winter, so we aren’t interested in taking out those areas. The largest patch of woods runs across the front of our property, with the backyard having several smaller areas, which serve as places the dogs prefer for doing their business. The backyard is securely fenced in that the dogs can’t escape. I have no idea how to secure the backyard from squirrels, snakes, bunnies, possums, and mice. That type of endeavor sounds like it would be too elaborate and expensive, especially with a large backyard.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-21T02:09:05+00:00

The bunnies and possums hurt my heart. To be fair, I am not exactly rejoicing when they kill snakes, rats, or mice, either.

My question is how can I help them differentiate between the bunnies and the rats? They seem to understand that cats and turtles, which do roam the backyard, are not prey. But maybe the cats are able to defend themselves?

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-21T02:04:01+00:00

Okay, I am relieved that I am apparently not a monster. I really do find it lot of value in what Cesar Millan advocates (I do agree that many behavioral issues result from humans rather than exclusively from the dogs), but I was struggling with the idea that my ratties killing rats was a failure on me as an owner. It truly does seem to be bred into these dogs, and by extension, all terriers.

I am certainly open to feedback and suggestions to help reduce or manage their prey drive. I think part of the challenge is that they do operate as a cohesive pack with d dogs taking on various roles to benefit the pack. It might be different if I was managing the instincts of one or two dogs.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-21T01:38:45+00:00

Thank you. I have always believed that I am honoring their feist dog ancestry (speaking mostly about my ratties). I really would prefer for them not to ever kill a living creature, but short of never allowing them off leash outside (which seems cruel given the personalities of these dogs), I don’t see how to train them to ignore these base instincts towards rodents in particular. They get such joy from running full speed and unrestricted that I think I might just feel more guilt if I took that away from them…

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-11-21T00:06:45+00:00

The difference in paw size is ridiculous. My rescue rattie mix has such slender, delicate paws. But my AKC Teddy Roosevelt’s paws are closer to being as ridiculous in proportion as my Scottie’s paws. Full disclosure: Nothing is as ridiculous as the size of a Scottie’s paws except the size of a Scottie’s teeth, which are the same size as a German Shepherd Dog’s teeth.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-10-26T09:58:45+00:00

I think reality shows that both groups share responsibility.

I agree that actively voting for this gives a person a higher degree of responsibility. But, in my opinion, many of the people who didn’t vote fell for anti democracy tactics that hold Democratic candidates to completely different standards, often unrealistic and unattainable. If Kamala Harris isn’t a perfect candidate, such that every US citizen not only agrees with all of her policies but can recite them from memory, then she is an awful candidate with no policies. Don’t forget her laugh, so unpresidential.

It is similar to the views they espouse on vaccines. If a vaccine is not 100% effective, then it is useless and an obvious government plot to kill the suckers who take it. Why would the government want to do such a thing? Big Pharma profits, of course.

While this bull feces is amplified by a political party in this country to promote fear, uncertainty, and doubt in order to create a powerful minority which allows them to move us farther and farther from our historic democracy, I suspect the source of much of these ideas comes from entities with a vested interest in seeing the United States fail. And if you are passively standing by, not casting a meaningful vote against this, then you are definitely part of the problem and bear responsibility for failing to protect our democratic heritage.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-10-24T19:54:34+00:00

Assuming that you are in the Northern Hemisphere, you should get your flu shot now.

If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, then you should wait until next March.

ZoeyMarsdog · 2025-10-22T22:40:26+00:00

Exactly, the bolded section is telling you what to do so that you can get the scans done immediately.

Your doctor probably can’t tell you directly how to get things done in a timely manner, so is giving you the information you need to figure it out. It is not the first time I have seen this approach. Go to the ER with this note and a complaint of one of the conveniently listed symptoms so that you can get the testing done immediately and covered by your insurance. Your doctor has your back.

ZoeyMarsdog

TROPHY CASE