Printer Ink Study

For the next several weeks I will be participating in an HP Ink Challenge.  HP has invited a number of  us to evaluate HP Brand Ink with "Generic" Refill Ink.  They loaded us up with printers and supplies so that evaluations can be based on brand of ink used, not printer or paper.  

Week one involved getting printers set up and filling empty cartridges.  The set up was easier than I expected...getting the cartridges filled, not so much.  I chose a nearby drugstore that advertises ink refills to get the cartridges refilled.  Unfortunately, the  store closest has stopped providing the service  but said I could get them done at the store one mile away. I went there and the clerk looked up the cartridge and told me she could not fill either one but that she thought I could buy HP brand on the rack.

Still needing to get my cartridges filled  I then went to an office supply store. The cashier told me they do a 24 hour turn around. I asked why she could not do it right then and she said she was too busy (she was standing at the register when I came and when I left).  There appeared to be about six customers in the store and I observed three employees besides the cashier. Note to store managers: Perception is everything.

So I went to the next closest office supply store, about 5 miles from home.  There the cashier was quick to offer to refill while I waited.  This cashier appeared very knowledgeable about the process and went through it efficiently.  While she was working she offered that the cartridges can usually only be refilled two or three times.  She also said that if I had any problems with the printer not recognizing the cartridge to keep my receipt as I could return it and get credit on a new cartridge.  After each cartridge was filled the cashier cleaned, labeled it and did a test strip.  She packed them with a rubber band in a special  refill box.  It took about 15 minutes to complete the transaction.  My whole process took almost 2 hours.

The printer recognized that the cartridge was a refill. The initial color tests looked like the other images from the HP ink computer.  I printed the same picture when setting up both printers and it appeared the HP color was more vivid green.

The first print project was to print a number of the same pictures, duplicating them on both printers.  Images were coming out consistent until about halfway through the project when the refill cartridge quit printing magenta. I ran through the cleaning numerous times without success.  After contacting the HP project managers I will be getting a "new" refill cartridge.  Score week 1= HP1 - Refill 0. 

A Person's Worth...

What value does a person have?  And how do you place a value on him?  Is value based on job, money, influence, ability, intelligence, age?  Is a person only worth something if she meets a certain government criteria?

As your own kids grow your world changes. You don't always hear about the latest trends in child care, diapers, vaccinations or even schools.  But I didn't realize how much things had changed until recently.

In 2008 Sarah Palin was turned into a household name. She also brought with her a young son with Down's Syndrome.  When I first saw him, like many, I just thought how happy he looks.  I really didn't think much about it. I watched as the Palins were met across the country by families with special needs kids.  Had they come to the valley we might have joined them.  An advocate, a voice for the handicapped, in the White House would surely be good. 

Still, I didn't think much about it.  Oh, I did hear negative comments from some, but there are crude and rude people everywhere so no real surprise.  Until I realized how few children with Down's there are today.  Comments by reporters caused me to do my own research.  I was astonished to read that over 90% of fetuses with Down's Syndrome are aborted in the UK.  WOW!  UK Telegraph (I share the website so you don't think I'm exaggerating.)  Shockingly, the US statistics are almost as high. It all became clear.  I hadn't seen a young child with Down's in some time.  In fact, the youngest ones I know, are now in their early 20's.

Apparently, we've deemed these children expendable, with no value.  Parent's who discover their child might be less than perfect are given the option simply have a procedure and try again. I was surprised to learn this.  Maybe you aren't.  It got me to thinking about abortions. Yes, I know they are legal in all states and I'm not here to argue this issue.  I just want to give you pause to think about society today.  If you are like me wondering whether there is a difference between an abortion and infanticide you may appreciate this article: No Jail Time For Mother Who Commits Infanticide.  On the flip side, should parents be forced to watch their child with Tay Sachs disease die a slow progressive death?  I'm not in their shoes so I can't answer...still for some, four years loving and knowing a child  is worth it though they lose him.

It makes you think, doesn't it? 

At what point is a special needs child not worth life?  Because she has Down's does that mean she can't be loved and loving?  Can another with special needs still have a positive impact on those around?  Are we attempting to engineer perfect children who will grow into perfect adults?  If so, I hate to be the one to tell you, but I've seen a whole bunch of "perfect children" who grow into rapscallions (or worse) and end up a sponge on their parents and society.

None of us can see the future.  Even if we could, should we choose to abort a child who has a "non-genetic" injury?  And to what benefit?  I look at Matthew.  He was tested for all kinds of "illnesses".  No genetic problems.  Yet, to many, he's not a perfect child.  Today there isn't a genetic test for autism or cerebral palsy. In addition, babies can have pre-birth or birth injuries.  Babies can be born premature.  Things happen. Sometimes they are terrible.  I know.  We've been there.  But does that mean that this child with an injury cannot be a valuable part of society?  What if the injury happens later?  What if it's years later?


The other day we ran into a young woman who used to spend time at a friend's after school.  When she was in school she always had the teen pop star magazines which she loved to share with Matthew.  Like many kids, she wasn't so keen on school work.  Today she is very grown up and was out with friends for dinner.  Her life is good.  She is beautiful and friendly.  A lot of people could take lessons from her.  I can't imagine that someone might think she was less than worthy of life because she has Down's Syndrome.

This weekend we took part in a 9/11 anniversary ceremony.  The keynote speaker was not the former vice president (though he spoke), nor was it a very popular sheriff (who also spoke).  No, it was an American hero who rejoined the military following 9/11 because he wanted to be a bomb demolition expert.  He loved his job but when one of the bomb's exploded as he was working to save his fellow soldiers he paid a big price.  Lost his vision, lost his arm.  Months and months of rehabilitation.  An amazing man, he remained positive and fearless.  I saw pictures of him talking to other wounded warriors.  He showed them courage and gave them home.  He may no longer be perfect...but his life still has a huge value.

Matthew's Impression of France...

The above pictures were taken by Matthew.  There is no doubt that he sees life differently from many of us. He doesn't talk but he is known by many.  The other day we were walking up the road in Strawberry with Bob's family.  A couple women drove past in their Ranger and then shouted out, "Matthew!"  It was a friend of Matthew's grandma.  And of course, she was excited to look at his worn TV Guide.  When we go to church I always hear someone calling out, "Hey, Matt! Let me see what you have!"  The old ladies love to hug him and they know he loves it.  At the grocery store one of the checker's knows his name and invites Matthew to pack up the groceries.  Through Matthew we are given a connection to others who we might otherwise never meet.  We can only imagine the impact he has on others.  Oh, he's not perfect but his life has huge value.

So I don't really have any answers.  I'm not here to say it's easy, if your child has special needs...but it's also not easy if your child has emotional problems, gets in with the wrong crowd, or just lives to challenge you daily.  Still, if you find yourself or someone you know in a difficult position know that many of us do believe all life has worth.  And give me a call...

Together!

Forty years is a long time together.  Especially when one is an independent Vermonter and the other a dreaming adventurer.  Maybe those uniquely diverse characteristics served as glue to bind.  Or maybe it was that they did everything “Juntos,” as John would say, “Together.”  And together they met the challenges: in good times and bad times; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health…

For many years they chose to live the American Dream…have your own business and be your own boss.  Jane never planned on becoming a commercial fisherman but when it became John’s dream she climbed on-board.  (A brave feat considering deep water terrified her.)  Together they learned the ins and outs of trolling for salmon in Southeast Alaska.  Life aboard a fishing boat brings back many memories: from teaching girls how to gut fish and raising a child on the boat to taking advantage of a foggy day to explore the beach and see bears in the distance… 

It’s no surprise, since they met as volunteers, that they would continue serving together in their communities over the years.  Together they explored most of the back roads and discovered many secrets of the state.  After moving to Arizona they became involved in school and scouting activities and then found great reward working with the Search and Rescue groups.  They remember each search and those who worked alongside.  Mention a big wig with the sheriff's office in Coconino, Gila or Maricopa County and chances are they met him.   

No grass ever grew under their feet so when they sold the boat choosing to live in Arizona full time they also decided to build their own cabin in the woods.  Friends and family were inspired with this adventure often gathering on weekends to provide additional muscle with this project.  The cabin stands today with its handmade stone fireplace and large deck that can seat the family as a testament of their talents and effort.  Everything done, every challenge met with a Together We Can attitude. 

The children of these two learned that life is an adventure so one would expect to hear they are off pursuing their own adventures across the country.  Grandchildren are examples of the continued family growth.  Our own family has been fortunate to remain close and it’s been a blessing.  Both kids have benefited from being around another generation of family and spending time together.  Matthew especially, loves spending time with Grandma and Grandpa. That he carries everywhere an 11x14 picture of Grandpa is a story for another day.

There have been plenty of challenges to be sure but each one was met standing side by side. Together they would get through it…and they did. 

Today, both are retired but still not content to sit still.  They spend winters searching for the elusive gold nuggets.  Rather John works tirelessly sifting through creek beds, cracks and crevices in the desert while Jane pursues her photojournalist dream.  And you should know one of her first published articles was about her prospector husband.  They amaze us as they continue this journey together. Juntos. 

Happy Anniversary! We love you!

95 Percent Or Your Kitchen Remodel Project Really is Never Finished!

That's an A right? So I can be happy?  I don't know about that.

Our home remodel project is about 95% complete. Oh, the kitchen and tile, etc. were done long ago. I'm the one who decided that this was the perfect time to repaint all the rooms.  So it's me, I'm the slow poke.

When we started this project I had grand ideas about keeping a diary to share with you. As you might imagine my grand plans fizzled quickly when "I" actually had to do some manual labor. So here is the project in a much more condensed version...

As I wrote back at the beginning, we (meaning Bob) decided to install new kitchen lights while everything was open. It was a good idea and because my husband is talented, we (meaning Bob again--) were able to put in recessed lights and rewire for lights over the island. Truly, my job during this whole first part was to help think about the light placement and to hold the tape measure. I learned a lot. For example, I learned that the air conditioning duct has to run some place...and that some place generally is right where you want to put your light. I also learned that there are umpteen types of recessed lights and sure enough you won't buy the right one the first try. This part alone was an experience and offered many opportunities to visit our local Lowe's and Home Depot.

No wonder Rebecca was looking for a summer job!

Matthew found his niche, taking
all those fairies off the wall!

"What I did on my summer vacation..."

Of course we have a mitre saw!

We did not use a general contractor (and yes, it might appear we used some slave labor...) It might have been easier but over all scheduling everything went very smoothly. As long as we had our part done the guys could do theirs. The place where we ordered our cabinets recommended a non-profit agency who would come take out the cabinets, clean them up and resell them. I loved the idea of recycling PLUS, we didn't have to do the removal! You may see them now at the Stardust store in Phoenix.

Originally I wanted to be Super Woman and take up all the tile myself. After all, I had seen this gizmo on television and was sure I could do it in no time. Fortunately, I was convinced to let the tile remover guys come in and what a smart move that turned out to be. Apparently, the tile was pretty well stuck and the super buff muscle man used a giant sledge hammer to pound most of it up. (My little As Seen on TV gadget wouldn't have lasted long.) Instead of taking it up, Matthew and I sat in the living room for two days as the crew worked. I knew it would be noisy but had not realized how much dust and grit they would create. Oh the mess! At one point I got up out of the chair and looked back to see a ghost print left from the dust in the air.  Fortunately, that was the worst of it. The cabinet guys delivered their stuff and everything fit perfectly. The counter top guy brought the slab of granite and cut it in the yard. He was amazing and took painstaking hours to find the perfect design before cutting the granite. The tile layer was another perfectionist working ten hour days so he could get the job finished on time.

Aren't they lovely?

Just when we thought everything was going to go swimmingly we realized the stairs had become a problem. The new stone was not the same height as the old tile and everything had to be readjusted. After a whole bunch of ideas we found that Lowe's carries ready made stair tread so we (and yeah, you got it, Bob) spent the weekend ripping out the old stairs and installing the new before the tile guy arrived.


After the cabinets and tile were done it was finally my chance to work. We cleaned, and cleaned, and are still cleaning the dust from the tile. It didn't matter that we covered things, the dust and grit permeated everything. Once we got the dishes and food back in their homes that's when I started looking around at the walls. It's been a while since everything was painted and you know how it is, once you paint one wall you have to do the one next to it, etc., etc. We became good friends with the Sherwin Williams clerks. I also learned, if you're not sure you'll like one color don't go wasting your time and energy painting the vaulted ceiling wall first. Oh well, Bob reminded me the walls probably needed that extra coat of new paint. I almost forgot, because had the tile done it made sense to take up the base board molding. After looking at all gunk and old paint we decided it would be much easier to replace it. Again, having a husband who understood mitre cuts was certainly a savings (although he decided he got much better making the measurements and cuts by the end of the project).

Just some of my paint...

What's left to be done? Since I piled all the junk in the laundry room and it's still waiting for me to sort through, hopefully tossing most. Then we'll finish painting it. We also don't yet have all the pictures back on the walls. And...forgot to order enough hardware for the bathroom cabinet. We'll get that ordered soon. We also did not finish the back splash in the kitchen. There were too many textures and colors to think about so we're still thinking. Most likely we'll just have the tile guy back and just tell him to make it pretty.

Stain does not easily come off the fingers.

Oh, I know you are wondering how the budget went. Well, we didn't start out with a "budget" per se. I think we did well by shopping at several stores. Both the cabinet and tile stores were smaller companies and not located in the fanciest part of town.  But they both were licensed and bonded, etc., etc. There were plenty of unexpected costs; the wire for the lights, that hardware, the faucet, even the new toilet paper hanger in the bathroom. Oh, caulk, lots and lots of caulk. I didn't know my Discover bill could go so high! Bob is still eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to make up for it.

So here you go--photos of the before and after. And trust me, it didn't take us long to fill all the flat spaces with clutter...

Bathroom under constructions...note the four different colors
of paint I tried for the walls...

After: Bathroom (rid of that sunny yellow!)

Before: Pantry area

After: You know it's the same house...
see all the pictures on the fridge!

Before Kitchen...

After...Yeah, I know...new cabinets are almost the
same color as the old... How'd that happen?

Family Room

More Family Room