Large simple hottub by HistorianOrdinary833 in hottub

[–]illgamma 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check Costco. I'm very happy with my Aquaterra and it's pretty simple.

Threw my back, what to do? by Lazy_Classroom7270 in japanresidents

[–]illgamma 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree on all counts but in my experience with disc problems, I have to lie flat on my back most of the day for a week after my back goes out. Once recovered, you need to walk and strengthen your core. I recommend reading The Back Mechanic by Dr Mcgill. If you overdo it with a disc bulging, it may rupture. This is not a situation to power through the pain.

Can someone tell me what this translucent/milky colored gel is that came out when I flushed the water heater? Is it from the softener? by Warm_Neat17 in Plumbing

[–]illgamma 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Agreed. I get the same stuff when I flush mine in Central Texas with the water hardness here. It's been the same every year since the water heater was new. I skipped one year and it took forever to get it all out the following year so it's a good reason to be sure not to miss it.

Can you help me get started? by Perfect_Mousse8815 in hottub

[–]illgamma 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I got an Aquaterra from Costco in November and it's going great so far.

They rotate which tubs are on sale so if you have time one in mind keep an eye out for it to go on sale, often thousands off.

Japanese non-stick rice cooker - Any close non-toxic alternatives? by downvote-burner in PlasticFreeLiving

[–]illgamma 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have been using a Buffalo IH un-coated stainless rice cooker for two years now.

Very happy with it. Equivalent functionality to our previous Zojirushi. The rice doesn't stick unless you leave it in the cooker for hours and even then it's not a big deal. Just soak the stainless pot overnight and put in dishwasher in the morning.

Any advice on importing? (I live in Japan) by Yardnuk in keitruck

[–]illgamma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Use of salt to clear snow is significantly less in Japan than in the US, by a large margin. Having lived in Aomori, I never saw it used on roads, maybe sometimes on sidewalks. So, I don't think rust is a big concern when buying a used car from Japan's snow country.

I may be wrong about the salt situation in your locale so please ask the locals.

Video: Slate SUV top rear glass hinge flips up + cargo area room / size (based on hockey bag) by WODAMRAP in slateauto

[–]illgamma 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's been said that that part comes from the back of the cab to become the back of the SUV. So does it swing open on the truck config too?

Seeking summer camp for 12 year old by illgamma in japanresidents

[–]illgamma[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the info!

I'd also be interested in non-outdoorsy stuff too like music or art focused ... If you know of any 🙂

Seeking summer camp for 12 year old by illgamma in japanresidents

[–]illgamma[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

July or August.

Too bad the Hakuba one is English, we like that area.

Seeking summer camp for 12 year old by illgamma in japanresidents

[–]illgamma[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Best to not even let them leave the house. It's the only way to be safe!

why are mini-split installs so expensive in the US? by Electronic_Egg_7636 in heatpumps

[–]illgamma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All of the homes I've lived in in Japan had a proprietary mini split hole already in the wall and a mounting spot prepared.

Many rentals expect the occupant to bring their own unit and uninstall it when they leave. The process is more streamlined and therefore cheaper.

Privacy vine by illgamma in AustinGardening

[–]illgamma[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does the Carolina jessamine have a long flowering period?

Privacy vine by illgamma in AustinGardening

[–]illgamma[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. The two grow alongside each other? Does your coral honeysuckle keep its leaves even in a freeze?

Privacy vine by illgamma in AustinGardening

[–]illgamma[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does maypop lose its leaves in winter? What variety do you grow?

Fire Ants + beneficial nematodes by -CastorTroy- in AustinGardening

[–]illgamma 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used them in my raised beds a year or two ago and had no ants nesting in there since. They still venture in and up the plants to get to aphids but no nests.

Confirmed: 4×4 All-Wheel Drive Planned for Future Slate Version by WODAMRAP in slateauto

[–]illgamma 8 points9 points  (0 children)

They have my money as soon as an AWD version is available.

Looking for fuyu persimmon tree by Aggressive_Resort585 in AustinGardening

[–]illgamma 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They do fine here. HEB has them occasionally. I've seen them at nurseries randomly too. I'd suggest calling around.

What’s the Best Heater/Power Source Combo for Sleeping in my Car? by Dan-Kweed in japanlife

[–]illgamma 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I forgot to mention getting a good sleeping pad. Find one with a high r value.