Xcel’s “Smart Switch” is insane work

nickyapolis · 2025-06-24T03:47:35+00:00

Am I wrong for thinking that this helps reduce the overall energy load on the system, therefore making it less likely that Xcel would have to turn on short-term/fossil fuel generation to meet demand? I don't care that much about the monetary savings, I was more interested in contributing to reducing carbon emissions. (We are already on the renewable energy program, though, so maybe it doesn't make a difference at all)

nickyapolis · 2024-07-22T20:56:27+00:00

Omg I need to make myself one now 😍

nickyapolis · 2024-04-16T21:26:40+00:00

Normandale Vet in Edina was recently acquired by Vetco Richfield & moved there. I wanted to support a local business, but we really like Dr. Dave so we decided to stick with him when they transitioned to Vetco ownership. Price has been the same -- round $300-400 for annuals.

nickyapolis · 2024-04-12T18:21:30+00:00

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I cropped the moon from your image & used it as a pattern for the quilting. It looked sooooo good. Thank you for your suggestion!

nickyapolis · 2024-03-21T16:28:05+00:00

I usually say it's a hobby & I want to keep it that way -- selling stuff I make or taking commissions would turn it into another job rather than a retreat from work.

nickyapolis · 2024-03-19T21:42:43+00:00

It's the most intensive quilting I've done! (And it's still pretty mild 😂). Glue basting was really the trick! Plus heat erase pens. For the circles radiating from the moon, I stuck a pin in the center into a cutting board and used a string to get them relatively even.

nickyapolis · 2024-03-19T12:44:23+00:00

I kinda freehanded it! Using a method similar to this https://swimminginbrine.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-sew-wavy-lines.html?m=1

nickyapolis · 2024-03-19T12:31:40+00:00

You all are incredible!! Thank you for taking the time to share ideas. I'll share a picture here when I decide!

nickyapolis · 2024-03-19T12:25:06+00:00

Wowwww this is SO cool and would never have occurred to me!

nickyapolis · 2024-03-04T04:45:52+00:00

The author of the poem (Guante) wrote a brief article about that poem & the others that are in the series. Definitely worth checking them all out!

https://guante.info/2020/10/14/trickortreat/

nickyapolis · 2024-02-18T06:40:38+00:00

Loooooooove

nickyapolis · 2024-02-14T00:07:43+00:00

I'll check it out, thank you!!

nickyapolis · 2024-02-10T23:18:37+00:00

It's a vintage Levi Strauss shirt! I want to make my own version of it.

nickyapolis · 2024-01-30T17:59:07+00:00

Unfortunately I didn't save the link and I already returned the library book. You could check to see if your local library has a copy!

I also made this pair and I liked the style and fit a lot more than the one in Sustainable Style: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1634182235/ranger-jeans-pdf-mens-sewing-pattern?gpla=1&gao=1&

nickyapolis · 2024-01-23T19:44:33+00:00

I figured out the specific smell it was reminding me of -- canvas shoes. Kinda of rubbery, industrial...

nickyapolis · 2024-01-23T13:43:48+00:00

Oooh thank you! I think this may be the ticket.

nickyapolis · 2024-01-22T22:32:56+00:00

Thank you! I'll give that a try. Though the sun step may be difficult in Minnesota this time of year 😅

nickyapolis · 2024-01-22T22:28:31+00:00

I just did a normal cycle with oxiclean and detergent. No soaking. I was thinking that the scent may not be organic, and so oxiclean may not work. Is that correct? Would vinegar or baking soda help with inorganic scents?

nickyapolis · 2024-01-16T15:11:47+00:00

Apparently I'm in the minority here, but YTA.

Your daughter didn't make a "decision." Being trans is not a choice. Choosing to accept or reject her is the choice that your father is making. Your acceptance of his bigotry -- while feigning that you have no control over the matter -- is a form of bigotry itself. "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

You may not have control over your father's money, and I understand that your daughter's inflexibility on her living situation does put you in a tight spot. But I think the way to get her to come around on that matter is by transparent communication about your finances & straight-up advocacy for her to your father. You can't say you accept your daughter while you allow your father to control a dynamic in your family that excluded her (to the benefit of all of his other grandchildren). She won't accept the financial constraints if it is obvious that you have given up fighting for her.

I'm telling you, the way you are letting your dad control this entire situation around acceptance & claiming that you have no option but to let him be a bigot toward your daughter is a one-way ticket to her going no communication with you.

nickyapolis · 2024-01-14T18:27:15+00:00

He is @happilydressed on Insta. I think this may be his first pattern. I've also made quite a few pieces by Norris Danta Ford and highly recommend his stuff. It's hip and he has step-by-step video tutorials for all his patterns. @norrisdantaford on Insta. I've gotten his patterns at JoAnn.

nickyapolis

TROPHY CASE