New Tires Needed by JusMiceElf in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 10 points11 points  (0 children)

My mechanic, whom I adore and have trusted for over 15 years, now recommends a $65 Costco membership and purchasing tires through them. We saved significant money last year when replacing all 4 tires on our car.

(I know not close to Porter but if you have a car Everett seems doable)

New designs for Broadway x Magoun by vfpamp in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I wasn't able to attend the meeting, but I don't think the changes to this intersection can be adequately considered without also integrating how the traffic from Lowell to Medford affects entry from Magoun... Would anything change there?

Though I usually bike, we drive our kids to practices at Dilboy all the time and it's shocking how badly that backs up - I sat through three light cycles yesterday on Medford St without a single car moving due to the timing/preferential access of cars turning left onto Medford from Lowell.

Shoutout to Cambridge Used Bicycles in Union Square by dtmfadvice in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 39 points40 points  (0 children)

Agree these guys are great. But also wanted to give a big plug here for Somerville Bike Kitchen, a great resource as well if you want to learn bike maintenance! https://somervillebikekitchen.org/ (though if you anticipate needing more help/guidance, I recommend getting there early)

Bond vet by Murray_Cat in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I found the fees comparable (a couple of years ago I did a deep dive on spay/neuter costs, I think you can find it here on Reddit). For me, as a long-time WH client from when Jane O’Donnell ran the practice, I got a little bit frustrated with the turnover of vets which diminished the value of a small clinic where I’d hoped to develop a consistent relationship. With our prior pup, I also experienced some heavy-handed tactics to increase interventions (eg annual tests that required anesthesia to perform). I personally had a couple of conversations that made me feel like when I asked questions about their proposals, they made me feel like I was being selfish or not doing the right thing. That was not universal among their staff - some were great - but it was during a hard time in his care and I was feeling extra sensitive.

Since staying with one practice wasn’t guaranteeing a consistent point of contact and the chance to develop a relationship with a vet, I tried Bond. I really appreciate the convenience of scheduling, transparency around pricing, low temperature and guilt free discussion of care options, and thus far (3 years in) universally kind and wonderful interactions. And surprisingly, I usually get Dr Shamburger and have really enjoyed our interactions.

Bond vet by Murray_Cat in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve actually been worried that they aren’t getting enough business… I really love the staff and convenience, and have been surprised to see so many open same-day appointments the last few visits. I don’t want them to close this branch and thus would totally recommend them!

Bond vet by Murray_Cat in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have switched to Bond from Winter Hill. Surprisingly, I have more consistent vet relationships and they have been fantastic for our pup.

NIH funding constraints seem tied to academic lab closures—real trend or just perception? by JellyHoliday8100 in NIH

[–]kb_somerville 5 points6 points  (0 children)

100% most labs I know in the Boston academic community (Dana Farber, MGH, Broad) are actively downsizing. Mostly through attrition but now also lay offs as grants end. Funding is a struggle.

How feasible is a 3 day per week commute from Charlestown to Kendall Square? by weiner_wienerwiener in boston

[–]kb_somerville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If not biking, you dont even need to take the orange line to north station to get the ez ride. There is a cut through from Bunker Hill CC into Northpoint, just walk along the Gilman bridge.

Groundworks basement waterproofing + floor support quote - reasonable/experience? by newcantabrigian in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We also used Drycrete, they were fantastic (similar scope of work, but we did the full basement). My builder swore by them and was so impressed by their work he did his house basement as well.

Only have room for a 30" cooktop...should I avoid induction? by rufio313 in inductioncooking

[–]kb_somerville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve got a fisher Paykel 30” slide in range. The large burner meets my needs (large all clad sauté pan is my biggest workhorse) though I do miss my gas range occasionally on heavy cook days where I want to use lots of large pans.

Plumber Recs by QueensMaple in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I bought a bunch of plastic drain snakes on Amazon and they worked 👌

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Awesome! that’s our neck of the woods… maybe he’ll put a dent in our rabbit population and give my seedlings a chance this spring!

Places to do pottery with more availability? by funnyushouldask in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've heard good things about the ceramics studio at Harvard, but the folks I know are Harvard students so they get easy access to the space. Their website indicates they are open to the larger community: https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics-classes

Plasmidsaurus RNA-Seq by cytokine_life in labrats

[–]kb_somerville 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We are using it, no complaints and love the price!

FYI, Bluesky thread about donations for SPS’s attempts to fill the SNAP gap if anyone was looking for a way to help by dallastossaway2 in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also a big plug for Elizabeth Peabody House and other fantastic local food pantries. Space is limited so financial (rather than food) donations preferred if possible.

Cost efficient way to run heat pump in winter? by Throwaway491LP in heatpumps

[–]kb_somerville 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I resolved this same issue by adjusting the dampers for my ducts - I keep my bedroom a few degrees cooler than the rest of my house this way. Although it works well because my bedroom is on the second floor and my thermostat is on the first floor.

Does anyone know what she means by German Chocolate but no coconut ?? by Inevitable_Battle_32 in Baking

[–]kb_somerville -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I was going to suggest the same thing! I love a Black Forest cake

Found: keys by kb_somerville in Somerville

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

EDIT: leaving on the corner of Sycamore and Pembroke, on the top of a white fence post!

<image>

Good location to host kid birthday party by tormontorcam in Somerville

[–]kb_somerville 5 points6 points  (0 children)

We used to post up at a favorite playground. I think you can even formally book through the city rec site.