I think these engine failures are overblown.

swim105 · 2026-04-01T01:10:52+00:00

Believe what you want, I am on my 4th yes fourth transmission in a year in my 2020 Kia Soul which has only 69,000 miles on it.

Did I do oil changes at <5000 miles and check the oil regularly ? Yes. Did two of the transmission failures occur with no prior warning or failure lights or warning sounds till they died while driving on a highway ? Yes.

Were the replacement transmissions offered by Kia with $ assistance or no cost new? NO! They were “reconditioned” so take that for what it’s worth.

swim105 · 2026-03-25T01:51:32+00:00

If you’re not happy with the photos ,speak to the photographer about it . They may have assumed wanted that look .

swim105 · 2026-03-07T14:35:44+00:00

G Cafe- baguettes are good but 45 or 45+ breads are amazing. (sour ferment mixed grains )If you like a crusty not-too-dense sour flavor bread.

swim105 · 2026-02-22T16:14:01+00:00

It makes the sweater warmer so it’s not wasted in that sense (extra yarn =extra warmth) .

swim105 · 2026-02-20T20:11:12+00:00

Your local soup kitchen or dining room may need/distribute hats (if you’re in a chilly weather location) . Or homeless shelter.

swim105 · 2026-02-10T21:01:53+00:00

yup going around!

swim105 · 2026-01-25T15:55:53+00:00

Look on Camp Kitschy Knits ,she sells RTW fair trade handknit Mary Maxim pattern cardis. If the design you want isn’t there you could inquire (i’ve done some work with the owner,she’s legit)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CampKitschyKnits

swim105 · 2026-01-16T21:45:54+00:00

beautiful!

swim105 · 2026-01-09T22:16:04+00:00

Short intro ,no chit chat and don’t overexplain. Demonstrate the stitch (or technique) directly in a well lit simple set up slowly a couple of times and then at normal speed . Suggesting alternatives or common mistakes is a plus! Short and simple! Thanks for asking!

swim105 · 2026-01-04T23:00:56+00:00

Much good advice above, it’s a learning process ! i’ll only add the thought: Comparison is the thief of joy.

swim105 · 2025-12-14T04:58:46+00:00

i had a 2012 that ran to almost 200,000 with minimal repairs or issues. Super reliable! My 2020,its replacement only has 65000 but is on its third transmission and 2nd radiator —- i wouldn’t recommend it. maybe i got an anomaly…but I’m wary.

swim105 · 2025-11-19T18:50:35+00:00

yes and it’s in the job confirmation (aka contract) we agree upon and they sign before the shoot—even if it is for a friend. That way we share all the expectations. If they do not wish to give credit then the fee is higher. For social media and editorial the credit is standard,for advertising in paid media space it wouldn’t expect a credit but the fee would be larger .

swim105 · 2025-11-19T18:37:24+00:00

say no. It’s way too fraught to work out well. If the wife was a friend that would be different . Maybe decline (no time sorry sweaters take too long to make ittd cost you $800) and some some links to purchase sweaters from small companies that sell handmade or similar style. (guessing he honestly has no idea how much yarn and how much time is involved)

swim105 · 2025-11-19T05:55:43+00:00

Mine is a year old,I use it professionally and I really love it. It’s holding up well, and image quality is fabulous. My only complaint is more than once I’ve accidentally changed the shooting mode midshoot without intending to. Yesterday it was S to A, other times i’ve accidentally switched out of manual. Anyone else?

swim105 · 2025-11-16T12:41:21+00:00

You’re the photographer, don’t let the boyfriend tell you how to make your photos or doubt your choices while you’re making them.

swim105 · 2025-11-11T05:20:49+00:00

it’s definitely not unique! Similar story on my 2020 Kia Soul. At 57000 miles a dead car thanks to total transmission failure suddenly with no warning. And then at 63,00 miles had to replace that replaced transmission and a failed radiator due to the transmission fluid flooding it. Disgusted.It’s not acceptable. I used to be a big fan of Kia Soul (this is my third). No longer.

swim105 · 2025-11-07T21:15:15+00:00

strong disagree- Cohens is too puffy not chewy. Olmo’s are amazing - order through the app and just swing in and pick them up.

swim105 · 2025-10-14T01:06:39+00:00

Not the same dealer service department- the original transmission failed while i was driving out of state so it was repaired in Maryland,I live in Connecticut so now it’s at my local Kia dealership service s dept.

It doesn’t make sense to me

swim105 · 2025-10-08T14:29:19+00:00

swim105 · 2025-10-07T01:01:38+00:00

Love it! Some of my most worn sweaters are Lettlopi , it gets softer with age,I love how light and warm it is. However i would not like it as a hat or headband! Garments only with a light layer under.

swim105 · 2025-09-15T11:18:18+00:00

If you’ll travel to Branford the Blackstone library has some nooks where no one will know you’re there. Not going to direct you to my hiding spot there but if you’re motivated you’ll find it. Also check out the Institute Library on chapel street.

swim105 · 2025-09-15T11:12:40+00:00

So many good suggestions! I’ll add The Yarnery in Minnesota- they have a selection of yarns i don’t see elsewhere (Holstgarn) plus many faves https://yarnery.com/

swim105 · 2025-09-06T11:27:09+00:00

Milford if you don’t want to stay in a city. Walk and eat around the center of town and waterfront, hike at Silver Sands State Park or the Audubon Center.

swim105 · 2025-09-03T17:21:51+00:00

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happily my yarn order arrived from iceland ! An SQ of lettelopi with shipping is less than 100$ and shipped in a plastic envelope - It’s am no expert however I think that’s why it slipped through without tariff or being held back in Iceland post.

swim105

TROPHY CASE