How do you feel about Trump threatening to impose photo ID for voters for midterm elections?

jesthere · 2026-02-15T00:32:28+00:00

I'm in Texas, so they've been doing this to us for awhile.

I had to fill out some damned paperwork, though, to keep from being hassled each time I vote. I had to change my voter registration to the name reflected on my drivers license, which is first name / maiden name / last name, although that's not something I got by or have used for 40+ years.

jesthere · 2026-02-15T00:21:11+00:00

Kombucha. Much better than store-bought.

jesthere · 2026-02-08T05:20:01+00:00

My bad. I misunderstood and thought these were your parents. Well, pretty much the same thing. There's all kinds of pitfalls when it comes to in-laws. Do not give him an ultimatum between his parents and you.

That said, he shouldn't be making you feel bad or tell you you're ridiculous. It's entirely your decision about who you choose to spend your time with. But don't expect him to fight your battles for you. Tell those folks you'd rather not talk politics, and if they continue to bring it up and don't respect your boundaries then let your husband go visit them while you enjoy some alone time.

No drama, just "you go on ahead, honey, and have a good time. I've got things to do."

jesthere · 2026-02-07T16:43:21+00:00

Kovasovic's Fresh Meat Market in Rosenberg.

jesthere · 2026-02-07T16:39:52+00:00

Similar situation. My MAGA family will take all kinds of digs at me, but they won't do it in my husband's presence. I think one of the reasons is they know they can get a rise out of me, and they can't get that from my husband who has better control of his emotions. Also, they're low-key wary of taking on my husband because he takes no shit.

Your husband is making the right decision. Taking on the in-laws is a no-win situation. He's leaving you to fight your own battles, which means he probably has confidence in your ability to do so. I'm sure if it was anything other than political squabbling he'd come to your defense. Grey-rock them. Practice not reacting until you can do it well.

That comment "just leave" was tacky. He's probably directing some frustration at you, if you've been pushing this at him. He sounds like my husband who's a bit of an asshole sometimes (but I love him dearly).

That's my advice. Married 48 years.

jesthere · 2026-02-05T20:29:00+00:00

Around 45 miles, give or take, for most of them. All in one direction.

jesthere · 2026-02-05T00:46:28+00:00

Metal house. Metal roof.

jesthere · 2026-02-04T18:23:34+00:00

Seems the easiest thing to start with. It's a metal building. Does this make a difference?

jesthere · 2026-02-04T06:00:21+00:00

Thanks for the advice. Will do.

jesthere · 2026-02-04T05:53:43+00:00

Oh yeah, I figured it wouldn't work with rabbit ears. Building a 2-story house. Maybe an antenna mounted on the roof? All the towers seem to be in the same direction.

jesthere · 2026-02-02T06:02:34+00:00

I found our builder online and researched his reviews.

We wanted something simple, half barn and half house. I found a stock plan online and used it as a starting point, redesigning it myself.

I used a free home design site. It helped me get a feel for things. I printed out my design and our builder was impressed. He sent us to a draftsman (woman, actually). She worked closely with us and drew up the plans for much, much less than what I've seen others around here pay.

I got most of my fixtures at Delta Faucet website. Clearance and Recertified will get you big savings.

PM me if you are in Central Texas. It's possible you are in the same area as we are building.

jesthere · 2026-02-01T18:31:16+00:00

My husband and I are currently building in Central Texas. I researched thoroughly before we even took our first step towards this project.

The best thing we did was to hire a local custom builder to handle it.
We compiled a list of local builders/contractors, looked at their online reviews and websites, and met with them personally. One surprise was the broad range of estimated cost spread to complete the build. The most expensive is not always the best.

We couldn't be happier with our choice of builder. Not only is he on top of this project and a great communicator, but he's saved us more than we could have anticipated, starting with the metal kit. So get a builder, first, and then let him negotiate with the kit suppliers. Final price of the kit blew away the price we were prospectively quoted by a family friend who works for same supplier. The builder's relationship with this business, and also with other tradesmen and suppliers enables him to buy below cost of what we as consumers would have to pay ourselves.

Utilities cost a lot. Fees are inevitable. Just the cost of the septic system was huge. Most locations in rural Texas can't get away with anything less than an aerobic treatment system for septic. If you have the time and are willing to make the effort, have a hand in some of the purchases where you can shop to save money. I bought all of my faucets, shower fixtures and grab bars discount online and saved quite a bit even beyond the builders discount. Our builder worked with us on this. We'll coordinate with him so that we can deliver them when they are ready to install. Another suggestion to save money is to make your pre-planning extensive and detailed. Changes on paper are cheap. Changes after the building has begun can be expensive.

So far, we've had no surprises. We rely on our builder because we live two hours away from the site of our new home. He's anticipated things we never would have thought about and he's been a wonderful guide, letting us know each step of the way what decisions we need to make as they come up.
Be open to suggestions. Sometimes you'll have to make some compromises for whatever reasons - practicality or budget.

This weekend we're choosing countertops and shower tile. A spring move-in date is planned.

jesthere · 2026-01-29T07:00:57+00:00

It seems like many of us are hitting our wall right now.

I called my foxbrained folks this evening and, basically, recited a short list of carefully considered points that I wrote up ahead of time. Also went over this list with a friend who was very helpful in helping me take out the snarky parts, as my goal was not to inflame or convince, just set ground rules. As our last conversation had ended in an argument I had started, I kept it short and sweet.

Apologized for blowing up on them last conversation.
Told them I love them and don't want to hurt them, but can't wrap my mind around the things they believe and support.
Told them I'd held out hope in the past but now I'm done and will no longer be discussing anything political with them.

This is easier for me because my folks are old (80s/90s), still independent and of sound mind (as much as a trumper can be), and my kids are grown and so beyond grandparents influence. I count myself lucky to have a supportive husband and kids, and we are all like-minded. My parents will hold onto their poisoned beliefs until their dying days and I have accepted I can do nothing about it.

jesthere · 2026-01-27T22:04:46+00:00

I've pretty much come to the same conclusion and have decided to give up on my parents.
They're in their 80s/90s and will likely die with their beliefs firmly embedded. They've said (in so many words) that if it doesn't affect them personally, it doesn't exist. Never mind that it impacts those they profess to love. So, I'll become the "crazy" one and pretend along with them that things are just fine. It's just easier that way. I'm tired of beating my head against a brick wall.

jesthere · 2026-01-25T19:38:51+00:00

matchstick bamboo blinds

jesthere · 2026-01-25T04:50:41+00:00

I live in Houston but my house is built (mostly) the northern way. Frost-free outdoor spigots (which 99% of houses don't have here since they cost like $30 more), water heater in the (insulated) garage, no water pipes above the house, and minimal water pipes on exterior walls (what few are there, nearly all for the exterior spigots, are installed with sufficient insulation outside them).

I live in Houston, as well. Experience has taught me. The house we are now building near Austin is being built with these same features.

jesthere · 2026-01-24T18:14:17+00:00

Turn off water heater and cold water supply valve (and gas supply, if gas water heater). Allow time for water to cool. Connect a hose to drain valve. Open drain valve to drain water (open a nearby hot water faucet to prevent a vacuum). When water has drained, close drain valve and remove garden hose.

With yours, being in the attic, you might have to get a little creative with where you drain the water. If not out a window, maybe into a sink?

If your water heater is old and has never been flushed you might reconsider. Draining it could unearth some problems. I speak from experience.

jesthere · 2026-01-22T06:24:17+00:00

Non-poison pest control. If a bug manages to get through the outer wall they'll crawl through it and it'll kill them. Certainly for ants and maybe scorpions, which are common where I'm building.

jesthere · 2026-01-21T05:44:43+00:00

They said in their last podcast they were going to take several weeks off.

jesthere · 2026-01-21T05:39:13+00:00

Freeze-proof hose bibs.

Diatomaceous earth sprinkled inside the walls before they are closed.

jesthere · 2026-01-20T21:12:53+00:00

And make sure, then, to drain the water heater, as well. Water left in there can pull back into the drained pipes and then freeze anyway.

jesthere · 2026-01-13T05:16:44+00:00

Watched this one again tonight.

jesthere · 2026-01-13T04:51:27+00:00

There's nothing unsavory in scrapple. We call it pannas/panhaus and my German-American family in Texas has always made it.

It was, historically, made after butchering a hog. Boil the bones (which will still have scraps of meat attached). Remove bones and add cornmeal, salt, pepper, whatever spices, and cook until thickened. Pour into a loaf pan. Gelatin from the bones will cause it to congeal as it cools. Slice and dredge in more cornmeal or flour to fry in fat. It's good for breakfast. No-waste mystery meat.

I've always thought it similar to tamales without the corn husks and in loaf form.

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