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Showing posts from May, 2025

Critter-Resistant Planter Box

“Never a horse that couldn’t be rode, Never a rider that couldn’t be throwed.” –Cowboy Proverb I had an old, neglected planter box in my yard.  It was full of weeds, and the last couple of times I have tried to plant something in it, the voles took out the roots of my plants, and the deer and raccoons took out the tops.   When we had tree cutters take down a dead cedar tree, they cut the trunk into 16 inch logs.  I had an idea about using them to revitalize the planter and discourage the critters from eating everything.  There was no guarantee that this idea would work, or will work for every critter– But, worth a try! Here’s the planter, somewhat before renovation: The borders of the old box were nearly rotted into mulch; The old box was 4 x 8 feet.  It had good soil inside it, although full of weeds and roots.    1) Strain the soil. I laid down a blue tarp and put a piece of metal hardware cloth on top of it.  I shoveled dirt from the plant...

How to Disable Text Message Alerts in the Car - Android Phone - U Connect Phone

 For a couple of years, when I drive in my Chrysler Town and Country, I get a message from my phone that interrupts music, radio and audiobooks.  It even comes out of the speakers when the radio is turned off;   "U Connect Text Message available.  Press U - Connect Phone Button to read the text message." I have stopped the car and checked my phone.  No text message.  When I press the U-Connect Phone button, it reads a text message that is just a string of phone numbers with '+' between them.  Very annoying. The fix: Problem is in the Cell Phone. In my Android Phone, go to Settings Notifications App Notifications  "Choose which apps are allowed to send you notifications." I turned off 'Android Auto'  (and a bunch of other apps that were annoying me with notifications). Betcha that fixes it.