Golf Ball Marker Line

I picked up a couple of devices for $5 to draw lines on golf balls in an attempt to make more putts.  The device is spring-loaded to hold the golf ball firmly, while a Sharpie is used to draw a line on both sides.  This would make a nice stocking stuffer for the golfer in your family.  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP6HSLPV

Hose Pot

We've replaced our standard hoses and their hose reels in both the front and back yards with the XHose Pro hoses I blogged about this last January.  We didn't want to just leave them on the ground, and we bought a couple of the Hose Pots you see below to hide and protect the hoses.  This combination makes watering our new landscaping much easier, which we (i.e., Gourmet Chef Elaine) will be doing a lot.  

I'm not sure why, but I don't have any issues connecting these hoses to the spigots.  Every other hose I've ever had took 3-5 attempts to get the threads lined up, but this usually only takes the first try.  I so love that.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Suncast-Plastic-75-ft-Hose-Pot-Hose-Reel/1000739748

New Landscaping

After losing every boxwood at the front of the house, we decided to start totally fresh.  After consulting with Mike Gorman of Gorman Landscape, we decided he and his crew would plant ‘Trautman’ Juniper (the tall one on the left) and three 'Bowing Ball’ Arborvitae to the right of that.  In front, we have three 3 White Drift Roses and one ‘Sun King’ Aralia.  The other side (to the right of the front door) has a similar configuration.  These beds were mulched, as was everything else in both yards.  These guys do a great job.

https://www.gormanlandscape.com

Using AI To Get Cleaning Instructions

If you're unsure how to clean something, like the exterior door below, asking an AI Chatbot can get useful suggestions.  Most importantly, it advised against using pressure washers, abrasive pads, ammonia, and bleach.  For the door, it suggested mixing a few drops of mild dish soap (like Dawn) in a bucket of warm water and using a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge, starting from the top and working your way down.  For the glass, since it's textured, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a dedicated glass-cleaning brush to gently reach into the "valleys."

AI Chatbots can get things wrong, so make sure to double-check their suggestions before tackling a job like this.

https://gemini.google.com/app

Sour Cream

This organic Sour Cream is the bomb!  It's thick, tasty, and will be the only brand we buy going forward.  It lacks watery fillers and has a higher "cling" factor, which is why it works so well as a dollop on tacos or a base for dips.  It's less aggressively acidic than other brands and leans into the sweetness of the cream rather than a sharp vinegar-like bite.  Yum!

https://www.traderjoes.com

Within 300 Feet

The fireworks sign you see below is on the entrance door to our local Meijer store.  First, you wouldn't think they need to tell people not to shoot off fireworks in their parking lot.  But some people are just that stupid.  But the real problem I see with the sign is that it seems to say that if you're far enough away, it's okay to light them up.  Not so.  

While Ohio state law changed in 2022 to allow the discharge of consumer fireworks on specific holidays, it also gave individual municipalities the right to "opt out" and maintain their own bans. Kettering is one of several local cities that chose to keep its ban in place.  

Front Yard Farm

This house on Polen Drive in Kettering, Ohio, is a stunning example of what not to do.  Filling your front yard with a life-sized horse, a pink pig, a black gorilla, geese, chickens, and a rooster is as tacky as it gets.  I suppose you wouldn't have to give your address when you have guests.  Just direct them to the "front yard farm on Polen."

Big shout-out to Kim B for spotting this chuckle and a sigh...

Account Updater Program

A few days ago, I received a new credit card in the mail to replace the one expiring in the next month.  Since I pay a half-dozen or more bills using that credit card, I know I need to update the expiration date on their websites, and I keep a list of bills I pay with that card.  I went to the first one, and the new expiration date was already there.  The same was true for most of the rest of the websites.  What the heck was going on?

This is due to a new service called the Account Updater Program.  Offered by the credit card networks, they send the updated info (new expiration date and CVV) to the card network’s database.  Major merchants and service providers that use recurring billing are subscribed to these updates.  If a change is found, the network securely provides the new information to the merchant. The merchant then automatically updates your profile on their end.

Why do they do this?  A couple of reasons.  First, it prevents "payment declined" notifications and service interruptions.  Second, merchants want to ensure they get paid without you having to log in manually, which is also when some people decide to cancel their subscription.

The only account I had to manually update was a yearly renewal for an Apple storage service.  I guess yearly does not fit the definition of "recurring."

Using AI For Wine Recommendations

I asked the Google Gemini chatbot to "Recommend 5 highly-rated red wines under $20," and the results are shown below.  I've had the Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel several times, and it's always delicious.  Same for the Colombia Crest Cab.  Both of those should be easy to find at most wine shops.  The other three I haven't tried, but I do like Argentinian Malbec and Italian Chianti Classico.  If you're invited to a party, any of these will make a great gift.

https://gemini.google.com

1. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington)

   This is consistently one of the best values in American Cabernet. It typically features bold flavors of black cherry and plum with a touch of vanilla and cocoa from oak aging. It is smooth, reliable, and pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

2. Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)

   While some Malbecs can be one-dimensional, Catena is a pioneer in high-altitude viticulture. This wine offers deep violet colors with intense aromas of black fruits and a hint of spice. It has a velvety texture that makes it very approachable.

3. Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel (California)

   For those who enjoy a robust, "jammy" red, this is a standout. Sourced from vines that are decades old, it delivers concentrated flavors of raspberry and peppercorn. It’s a hearty wine that stands up well to spicy BBQ or rich pasta dishes.

4. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge (Rhône Valley, France)

   A classic Syrah-based blend, this wine is famous for its consistency. It offers a savory profile with notes of blackberry, Garrigue (dried Mediterranean herbs), and a hint of black pepper. It is elegant, earthy, and a great introduction to French reds.

5. Castello di Monsanto Monrosso Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)

   If you prefer something with higher acidity and bright cherry notes, this Sangiovese-heavy blend is excellent. It features the classic "dusty" tannins of Tuscany and a bright, food-friendly profile that shines alongside tomato-based dishes or hard cheeses.

A Tip for Value: When looking for high-quality bottles under $20, regions like the Rhône Valley (France), Mendoza (Argentina), and Rioja (Spain) often provide the highest quality-to-price ratio compared to premium regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux.

Chicken Marsala

Until recently, I had never tried Chicken Marsala, even though Gourmet Chef Elaine raves about it when she gets it at our local Figlio restaurant.  As you can see in the recipe at the link below, it's a simple cook.  The key ingredients that kick up the flavor are the cremini mushrooms, shallot, and dry marsala wine.  Buying an entire bottle of the wine is a waste, so next time we'll try substituting it with dry vermouth, which is shelf-stable for months.  

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/the-best-chicken-marsala-7195830

Peach Cobbler

On a recent trip to Texas, we made our usual stop at Buc-ee's in Bastrop.  I picked up one of the warm Peach Cobblers you see below.  Sitting in our rental car, I opened it to have a few bites, but it was so good I devoured the whole thing.  Now that our local Buc-ee's in Huber Heights is open (I-70 and SR-235), I may have to buy a few of these to have an awesome dessert when we entertain.  Or maybe I'll just pig out again.

https://buc-ees.com

Just Walk Out

While roaming around the Dallas Love Field airport, I noticed the "Just Walk Out" store you see below.  Turns out to be an Amazon invention that enables a seamless shopping experience.  You enter the store using your Amazon account and pick up your purchases.  AI and sensors to monitor items picked up or put back, and keep track of what you have.  When you leave, your Amazon payment method is charged.  No cashiers means no checkout lines.  Read more about it at the link below.

https://www.justwalkout.com

Using Grams

Our small kitchen scale measures weights in ounces and grams, but I never had a reason to use grams.  at least, not until I started making little balls of ground chuck for smashburgers.  We typically buy 1.5 pounds, enough for eight, three-ounce balls, but by the time I get to making the eighth ball, it usually comes out a little too small or a little too big.  That small difference is due to rounding, so it dawned on me one day that a rounding error with grams is way smaller.  So I now make 85-gram ground chuck balls, like you see below, and life is a little easier.

An ounces-to-grams conversion is available at the link below.

https://www.metric-conversions.org/weight/ounces-to-grams.htm

Using AI To Sound Like A Pirate

AI chatbots can create output in multiple languages and in different voices.   I decided to try that out by asking Google Gemini to "Write a half-page speech for the best man, Pat, to give to his younger brother Brian and new wife Deborah at their wedding reception in the voice of a pirate."  I also uploaded three photos, asking, "Use the pictures to create an image appropriate to the speech."  Here's what it came up with...

---

Gather ‘round, ye scurvy dogs, landlubbers, and fine-dressed folk! Silence yer tongues or I’ll have ye walk the plank into the chocolate fountain!

I stand before ye today not just as the Best Man, but as the elder Captain of the crew. I’ve known the groom, Brian, since he was naught but a wee cabin boy—constantly tripping over his own boots and stealing my gold doubloons (or, as the Mutiny of ‘98 remembers it, my favorite action figures).

Brian, ye’ve always been a brave sailor, but ye were drifting aimlessly in the fog without a compass. Ye spent many a night searching for treasure in all the wrong ports. But then, across the horizon, appeared a vision of beauty—the formidable Deborah.

Deborah, me lady, ye didn’t just board his ship; ye took the helm! Ye brought order to his chaotic deck, ye polished his rusty heart, and ye taught him that "sharing the loot" actually means letting ye pick the restaurant. Ye are the finest gem in the Seven Seas, and how this scallywag convinced ye to drop anchor with him is a mystery greater than the Kraken itself!

So, raise yer grog, ye salty lot!

To the Captain and his new First Mate! May yer winds be fair, may yer hull be strong against the storms of life, and may yer hold always be overflowing with rum, riches, and joy.

To Brian and Deborah! May ye sail together ‘til the stars fall into the briny deep! Huzzah!

---

https://gemini.google.com

Stuffed Bell Peppers

There's a pop of color in these stuffed peppers that Gourmet Chef Elaine cooked up.  We're not fond of green bell peppers, but the yellow and red varieties are delicious.  Add our favorite flavorful tomatoes, Roma, pepper jack cheese, onion, and garlic to the milder flavors of ground beef, zucchini, and rice, and it's an all-in-one meal that pleases.  Takes about an hour and a half total, and all those nitty directions can be found at the link below.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/stuffed-bell-peppers-3325315

Luggage Scooter

When I first spotted the luggage and 3-wheel scooter combo in the Austin airport, I thought it was kinda genius.  The kid hauls his own luggage, easily keeps up with his parents, and amuses himself at the same time.  But after his Dad had to chase him down because he was too far ahead, I wasn't as keen on the idea.  This is the first one of these I've seen, but after seeing all the options available on Amazon, they must be quite popular.  You can check them out at the Amazon search link below.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=luggage+scooter

Siri On Apple Watch

I talk to our various Alexa devices all the time.  I talk to Google smart speaker and Pixel 7 smartphone daily.  But I never talk to Siri, even though "she's" available on my iPad and my Mac Mini.  So when Gourmet Chef Elaine was frustrated with her Apple Watch, I would never have guessed that Siri could come to the rescue.  

A recent update to her Apple Watch changed the location of the Workout app, which she uses to track the progress of our frequent 3-mile walks.  Multiple taps and lots of scrolling were now needed, made very difficult by the precision needed for the small watch face.  I was hoping to find a way to rearrange the Workout icon and put the Outdoor Walk at the top of the list, but I couldn't figure out how to do that.  But while searching for a solution, I found the easy way.

"Hey Siri, start an Outdoor Walk."

Done.

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-use-siri-on-the-apple-watch

SuperTool

I used the Gemini AI chatbot to repair the photo you see below, but I wanted to create an animated GIF that starts with the original photo and slowly shows the image being repaired.  I found that the Supertool website can do just that, along with a whole bunch of other neat PDF and image utilities.  You just upload the two photos, adjust a few settings, and download the animated GIF.

I can't tell if you can see the animation or not.  It appears some email systems will render it properly, while others just show a static picture.  But you should be able to see the animation by going to this blog's website, https://dailyposts.paulishing.com.

https://supertool.org/make-video-gifs-from-two-images

Using AI To Repair An Image

The first picture below is my completion certificate from the 1985 Columbus Marathon, the one and only marathon I've ever completed (out of three marathon attempts).  Somewhere along the line, it got ripped, and I had to scotch tape it back together.  I uploaded the image to the Google Gemini AI chatbot and asked it to "repair the image," and it produced the second image, looking brand new.  I've done this with a few other documents, and it works great.

https://gemini.google.com

Honey Butter Creamy Skillet Corn

This gem of a recipe from Gourmet Chef Elaine's kitchen will stun you.  It takes only four ingredients and fifteen minutes to produce this side dish that will knock your taste buds silly.  Butter and honey are melted over medium-high heat, then frozen corn is added.  Cook and stir for 5-8 minutes, then cream cheese, salt, and pepper are added.  Stir another 3-5 minutes, and you have a taste bud masterpiece! 

All the delicious details are at the link below.

https://togetherasfamily.com/honey-butter-creamy-skillet-corn/

Organizing The Spices

We've been looking to improve the organization of our spices.  Most of the time, we're pulling jars and cans out until we can finally spot the one we want.  Gourmet Chef Elaine bought a 5-piece Seville Classics Acacia Storage Bin Set during a recent trip to Costco, and we're using the three 6" (wide) by 11.25" (deep) by 3" (tall) you see in the top picture below.  The one on the left has the tallest jars, the one in the middle has the half-size jars (with their labels facing up!), and the one on the right has the medium-sized jars.  In the final picture, the tallest box is on the left, and the medium box sits on top of the half-sized box.  We'll see how we like it, but early indications are that we'll love it.

https://www.costco.com/p/-/seville-classics-acacia-storage-bin-set-5-piece/4000415316

Easter Jumping Popper Toys

It's not too late to order a set of the twenty-four Easter Jumping Popper Toys you see below in time to put a few in every Easter basket.  The eggs, bunnies, and bears are as cute as can be, and you just press the head down to the bottom, then wait 3-10 seconds (or a bit more), and it will jump up to 12" - 20" high.  There are eight designs, and you get three of each one, all for $14.  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN917PN3