#Hot water heater temperature problem

[aturnoftheearth]

muscles are soooo sore i want to take a bath but our hot water is never hot enough so if i want to take a bath i have to act like a victorian woman fetching her bucket (electric kettle) of hot water :(

[paulmescalsbiceps]

heeey can ask for a roommate James in which the air conditioning ends up going out and it's unbearable hot and the reader ends up going to sleep in James' room (which in the end doesn't solve her problem because James is a human heater that gets stuck with him) - 🍓

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐞 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 ☆.｡.:* roommate!jamespotter x reader wc: 1k

The heat is unbearable. The late July warmth is flooding your small apartment, only managing to be endurable with the work of a shitty floor fan, stolen from James room, now placed in front of your couch. Your luck ran out this morning when the air-con decided to terminate itself on the hottest day of the year. Of course.

You nurse a cold bottle of water head laid back against the pile of pillows resting on the couch. You hear the familiar click of a lock but don’t bother to look up, the movement alone could make you sweat in this weather. “Hey” James said, voice cheery as he took in your exhausted figure laid sprawled out on the couch. 

“Air-con’s still broken, won’t be fixed till Monday” You groaned, still not moving. The thought of even just a weekend stuck without it is too much to bare. “Well I brought you dumplings if that makes it any better?” James confesses placing the plastic bag of takeaway containers on the bench before pulling off his gym bag and throwing it towards the door. 

At that you pull your sweaty body off the sticky leather and make your way to the kitchen. You take in James' figure standing tall before you. Beads of sweat fall from his curls, either from the heat or the gym. Both probably. Heat was kind to James, unlike others. Summer made his skin turn tan and glowy adding to his already god-like presence. Sweat never made him smell bad, instead it made his enticing scent even more notable making it hard to be around him. Just like now.

James serves himself a hefty portion from each container, still leaving enough for you. You take your serve and move to sit on the couch next to him. God, just sitting next to him has your skin rising in temperature even more than before. Your cheeks feel flushed as you try to distract yourself with the meal in front of you. 

You can feel his hazel eyes examining you closely. “You okay lovey?”. Ugh, that stupid nickname that always has you melting at the knees. “Yeah, sorry James. It’s just the heat is making my brain all fuzzy” You sputter out. “I guess I’ll just have to go to bed early.” You joke with a nervous laugh. 

“Wanna take the fan tonight?” He offers, spooning the last mouthful from his plate into his mouth. “No no it’s fine” brushing off his words as you take his plate along with yours and flee to the kitchen to busy yourself with washing up.

-

The evening winds bring the heat down from unbearable to unfavourable. Even in your thinnest pyjamas with the sheets brushed off and away from yourself, it still feels like you're sleeping in an oven. You should have just taken that fan. You make a mental note to go out and buy one tomorrow, there's no way you can survive another night like this. 

James walks past your door, a maroon towel wrapped securely around his trained waist. “You going to bed?” he asks, holding another, smaller,  towel in his hand to scrunch at his damp curls. “Trying too, might end up in a puddle by the morning” You croak. Warm eyes take in your frame, tracing your hips before making their way back to your flushed face. “If you get hot you're always welcome to come to my room, there's plenty of space in my bed.” James says almost nervously, like he was anxious for your reaction to such a bold offer.

The thought of James beautifully bronzing skin against your back is enticing. But the thought of not being able to control your thoughts with him asleep beside you is less ideal. “Thank James” You reply, offering him a polite smile. “Goodnight”. 

"Goodnight, love” He speaks with a wink, usual demeanour back, before turning away and leaving you with flushed cheeks and weak knees.

-

Lifting your head you peer at the alarm clock resting on your side table. 3 am. Your brain is bone-tired and exhausted. You’ve been internally battling yourself on forfeiting to James' offer and just slipping under his sheets. Instead, you wander to the kitchen to grab a cool glass of water to occupy your thoughts.

Setting your cup down by the dishwasher you decide to just bite the bullet. Feet softly padding on the floor, you are met with the front of James door. Knocking softly on the hardwood, you twist the knob open and peek inside. There lay James fast asleep, hair spread across his pillow and chest very much bare.

He’s clad in nothing but his boxers, arms clinging to the pillow in front of him. You step towards his bed, taking the pillow carefully from between his arms and slip in the space left behind. His sheets are significantly cooler than yours, thanks to the fan facing directly where you now lay. Resting your head on the pillow, your body finally feels as if it can sleep.

Seconds later, muscular arms wrap around your torso pulling you flush to a warm chest. James' warm chest. His hand reaches down to hold onto your lower stomach, digging into the fat, not letting go. His body was like a human furnace, one you can’t pull away from either due to his iron grip on your waist. 

But maybe it’s a sacrifice worth taking. His heat pulls you to sleep as you breathe in his delicious scent, eyes falling shut and breath falling soft as you sink deeper and deeper…

[genderqueerdykes]

disabled trans person needs help fleeing unsafe housing with no heat in winter

hello, my name is johnny or equinox. i am a disabled trans person and i have another update on my situation, i am currently in a worse situation than i was before. i am staying in our gas is not turned on which means we can't cook, have no heater or hot water. the gas person was supposed to come today, but we never heard them knock. they can't come back for another week. our toilet and shower do not work. it is november and has been dipping below freezing temperatures at night and we only own one space heater. i have arthritis and this makes my pain flare up horrifically.

there are other problems as well, but the most pressing issues are the lack of heat and options to cook with and inability to bathe or use the bathroom. i need to save up money so i can find a safer situation, as i am severely disabled and cannot go without being able to cook meals for myself. i struggle with fatigue and chronic pain and can't put that much effort into meals.

I need to save up to find an alternative place to stay at. i am deeply scared and tired of living in unsafe situations. i have been in precarious housing since 2020 and am starting to have severe mental health symptoms from the trauma of repeated homelessness and abuse at the hands of manipulative roommates.

if you're interested in helping me, you can do so here:

pay pal: glittergraphicnightmare @ gmail .com

ko-fi: Equinoxian

cash app: $glitterGraphix

venmo: Equinoxian

Chime: $Equinoxian

thank you for reading and considering helping me, have a great day

[hillbillyoracle]

Preparing for a Winter Storm

I thought I'd share what I'm doing to prepare for the winter storm that's supposed to blow through on Sunday evening into Monday morning in case it's helpful to anyone. I know a few people got a lot out of my post on tornados and the first winter storm I went through on my own really rattled me so I hope it helps someone.

This wound up being longer than I thought it would be so TL;DR is stay warm, stock up on foods that don't require cooking, know when and how to bail.

The Challenges

Snow and ice cause different but related problems. The ice totals are what look more nasty for my particular area so that's what I'll be focusing on.

With ice there's some key issues I've experienced in the past:

Power Outages - this impacts all aspects of the home, lighting, cooking, hot air, hot water, communication, etc.

Cell Phone Outages - this can make getting help in an emergency very difficult, can make it difficult to search for information you need as well

Pipes Freeze and Burst - pretty self explanatory and also hell

Damage to Cars - tree limbs falling on it, ice can build up and cause issues if there are gaps that allow it to get into internal components, can cause damage to gas lines, driving in hazardous conditions can lead to a wreck, etc.

Trees Falling - Can fall on house, power lines, car, people, etc.

Power Outage Prep

Food

Stock up on foods that don't require any cooking at all. Try to get 3 days worth. I'm getting things like crackers, chips, Bobo's PB&Js, dried fruit, fruit pouches, and peanut butter. You might consider trail mix, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, clementines, etc.

Get paper plates and plastic utensils if you'll be using a back up cooking method. Cleaning becomes infinitely more onerous in a winter storm so it's best to limit it. I'll be using my rice cooker plugged into my Jackery as a backup cooking method. Back up to the backup is an alcohol stove - which you might be able to find for pretty cheap at a camping store. Propane camp stoves are another good option you can find in most Walmarts.

Have a plan for your fridge and freezer. People not infrequently wind up with food poisoning after a power outage because they try to eat food in their fridges and freezers that they shouldn't. USDA recommends you discard all food in the fridge if the power is off for more then 4 hours - this is with not opening the door. For you freezer, the recommendation is 48 hours (for a full freezer). If the temperatures allow for it, you can place your frozen goods outside.

Heat

Layer, layer, layer. Find all the warm clothes in your wardrobe and be prepared to layer up. Socks and hats are particularly important. You do not want to sweat though! If you start sweating take something off.

Blankets galore. Make sure you've got plenty of blankets. If you've got a decent sleeping bag, even better. You can use sheets to help trap a little more air around you like a tent.

Know the signs of cold exposure and know when to call for help. Cold exposure involves more than I can get into here but it's one of those things that can kill very quickly and in a way where people are often too far gone before they notice. Basically if you are cold and having trouble staying awake - call for help.

Know where your local shelters will be. Emergency departments often put this information out on Facebook and Twitter. You can also call the non-emergency line and ask in most places. Keep in mind many won't accept pets.

Grab a spare heater if you can and know how to use it safely. I live in an area where woodstoves are common but my place doesn't have one (yet) so I have a propane heater (you can grab small ones for apartments even). If you have a spare heater, be sure to grab fuel if you're able (tends to go fast). I also have an air quality detector which is extremely important. A lot of ice storm deaths are from people dying of monoxide (and similar) poisoning.

Hot water bottles are a godsend. If you live in an area with propane for hot water, then you'll likely still have it if the power goes out. When I was younger we got through 8 days of no power in the middle of winter in part because of hot water bottles specifically. They're so handy.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Even if you're not using a heater honestly.

Power

Charge batteries and battery banks. Pretty self explanatory. If you're able to grab even a cheap back up battery, I would. So many people in past ice storms sat on their phones, drained it of battery, then didn't have it to call for help when they needed it. Even a small boost could be good in an emergency.

Know where your electrical box is. Sometimes power outages can cause issues with breakers. Know where it is in case you need to turn things off or back on.

Have a radio. I mention this all the time. With no power your radio is your lifeline to public emergency broadcasts, weather forecasts, and locating resources. Get a radio. A cheap one is better than nothing.

Lighting

Charge flashlights. One thing a lot of people don't realize about power outages in winter is just how much we've come to rely on artificial light. Have backups to your back ups if possible. They're a safety tool.

Consider a solar light. My solar lantern has saved my ass so many times not it's not even funny. They tend to be very energy efficient - so easy to recharge off of a battery bank - but the you have the option of charging them slowly in the sun you get during the day.

Turn a small light into a lantern. I've used this trick so many times I almost forgot to include this. If you need to take a small light and make it more of an area light, fill a bottle (ideally plastic and 1L+) with water and place the light right on the bottle. This works great for headlamps especially. It'll cast the light like a lamp instead of focusing it on one area, making it easier to do chores and play games in the dark.

Chores to do before the storm:

Laundry

Shower

Dishes

Take out trash

Cell Phone/Internet Outage Prep

Write down important numbers somewhere that isn't your phone or laptop. If you run out of power on either, you still might be able to borrow someone else's phone and call.

If you're unfamiliar with your area, print or buy a map. In the event you need to leave, you need to know your way around enough to get where you're going.

If you have a ham radio license and gear, make sure it's charged and has local repeaters programmed in. Check to see if any will be running any weather nets you can monitor. If you don't have a license, you are technically allowed to transmit if you're experiencing a true emergency so if you have access to that gear also make sure it's charged and you have an idea of how you'd do that.

When the power goes out, use the phone as a phone only. Something I see every ice storm ever since smart phones took over, is people having nothing to do so they sit on their phones and drain it of battery. Or everyone overloads the cell towers and they go down. I am begging you, please, if the power goes out, do not use your phone for anything other than calling for help or checking in with neighbors and loved ones (once or twice a day).

Create an entertainment box. Grab an box. Put in things you can do with absolutely zero power. I recommend playing cards, puzzles, board games, books you might want to read, art supplies, TTRPG (there are solo ones). This way when you start to get the itch to check your phone, you know where to look instead. I know it seems simple but having it prepped ahead of time saves you a lot of brainpower (believe me).

Water + Pipes Freezing Prep

Leave facets dripping and cabinet doors open. Vital you do both. They help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

Find out where your water shut off is. I just found out mine is underneath my house in the crawl space - hurrah for me. Most apartments have much more easily accessible shut offs. Even if you're not certain you can shut it off yourself, know where it is so you can save time and direct someone who can. In the event a pipe bursts, shut the water off immediately and do not turn on water in the house until a professional can service it.

Find a number of a well reviewed plumber (or two) ahead of time. Sometimes cell service and internet goes out. Consider having these written down somewhere other than your phone or computer ahead of time.

Find out how you can flush your toilet with no power. Most people can add water to the back of the tank and still flush. So if you still have water you're good. Some places require a pump that runs on electricity. So find out beforehand. During power outages my family adopts the "if it's yellow, let it mellow, if it's brown, send it down" toilet rule to conserve water.

Consider grabbing a backup toilet option. I keep a five gallon bucket and extra trash bags for just such an occasion (and some cedar chips to help with smell but it's not strictly speaking necessary). Separating liquids from solids also helps with smell. I do this because if a pipe bursts, there's a good shot you won't be able to use your toilet any more. This is also important if your toilet runs on an electric pump and the power goes out.

Damage to Cars

Keep your car filled up to at least a half a tank. This protects the fuel lines and gives you enough gas to get out if you need to.

If you'll be traveling during the storm, make sure you have a winter car kit in the vehicle and know how to flag for help if you get stranded. It's beyond what I can cover here but there are a ton of great articles out there.

Check your levels and make sure nothing is running too low.

Have the number of your mechanic written down somewhere that's not your phone or laptop. Pretty self explanatory.

Trees Falling

I'm gonna be honest, I don't have a lot for this one given my disabilities. I have a plan with my neighbors who are in a better position to use it. You could consider grabbing some extra tarps in the event that you need to cover a window that gets damaged or similar. Basically, just have an idea of where your most vulnerable trees are and keep an ear out for them as the storm progresses.

Hope these spark some ideas for how to prep and stay safe out there!

[steddieasitgoes]

Do I have more important projects with actual deadlines I should be working on? Yes. Did I write a silly failed shower sex ficlet instead? Also yes. Enjoy!

Also, they don’t actually do anything but there is some suggestive language/jokes so minors be gone!

When it came to showering, Eddie and Steve had very different ideas about the ideal water temperature.

Eddie’s used to fast, lukewarm showers that border more on the cold side. Years and years of conserving the hot water for Wayne and his aching bones have taught him how to be quick and adjust to the cold water hitting his body. If he’s honest with himself, he prefers the cold water now. It energizes him in a way a cup of bitter coffee never has.

Steve, on the other hand, is used to warm showers with water so hot it’s a degree away from scalding temperatures. The type of showers that leave the mirror fogged up and his body flushed red when he steps out fifteen or twenty minutes later.

Naturally, the first time Steve and Eddie decided to shower together was an utter disaster.

It was meant to be intimate and sexy. Steve had mentioned that he’d never fucked anyone in his shower before and Eddie, always eager to take a first away from Steve, had sprung up from the plush mattress and dragged him into the en suite.

They stripped the clothes off each other in a quiet sort of fervor. Eager, but also wanting to savor the moment. It wasn’t often they got to see each other like this. Standing bare in the warm lighting of Steve’s bedroom. Usually, they spent their time, naked on their backs in beds. This was different.

Marveling at Steve’s adonis-level body for too long always made Eddie a bit twitch, so after a moment or two he tugged him into the shower to officially get things started. At least, that was the plan but the minute the warm water landed on Eddie’s skin he let out an ear-piercing yelp and leaped so high, he nearly hit his head on the ceiling above.

“Jesus H. Christ,” he swore.

“What the hell, Eds?” Steve shouts back, slicking his wet hair back as the warm water hits his back.

“What do you mean ‘what the hell’ you’re the one who's trying to burn my dick off!”

Steve snorted, stepping further into the stream of hot water. “Don’t be dramatic. S’just a little warm.”

“Just a little warm,” Eddie mocked as he stepped further away from the shower head, backing himself into a corner. “Stevie, you’re turning redder and redder by the second. It’s too hot!”

“No such thing as too hot.”

“My dick begs to differ!”

Without waiting for Steve to retort, Eddie reached a hand into the scalding water and turned the faucet 45 degrees in the opposite direction. In a matter of seconds, the water started cooling off. Eddie had never been more grateful for Steve’s fancy ass house and working water heater system than that moment.

This time it was Steve who yelped as the cold water assaulted his body. Thankfully, he didn’t leap like Eddie had and instead sidestepped out from under the faucet leaving enough room for Eddie to dive right under the cool stream.

“Now this is an appropriate water temperature.”

“Are you kidding me?” Steve scoffed. “My dick is shriveling up in this! Look!”

Eddie’s gaze immediately dropped and yeah, okay, that was going to be a problem.

“Damn, you really are a grower.”

“Oh my god,” Steve groaned before yanking Eddie away from the shower head.

Just as Steve was about to turn the faucet in the other direction, Eddie’s hand was on his, holding it steady.

“Eddie! I’m going to freeze if I don’t make it warmer.”

“And I’m going to melt! It’s not that bad, you’ll get used to it.”

“I don’t want to get used to it. You get used to my temperature.”

They stayed like that, hands clutched around the faucet, bickering back and forth for several more moments before coming to an impasse. In the end, neither one won The Great Water Temperature Debate and instead, they sprinted back into Steve’s room to satisfy themselves the old-fashioned way: sprawled out on Steve’s mattress, taking turns tearing each other apart.

It wasn’t until years later when they stayed at a hotel with dual shower heads, that they finally got to cross “shower sex” off their not-safe for Dustin’s eyes bucket list.

[bumblebeehug]

Lovely Seasons - Winter

Summary: Lucy has the worst morning known to human kind, until Natsu comes to her rescue. Notes: If you're wondering where Happy is during all of this, no you don't. Part 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 of the Lovely Seasons series Ao3

***

Lucy slowly sat up, blinking and rubbing out the crust that had appeared in her eyes during the night. A tired yawn managed to escape her lips before she could check the clock. 7:30 in the morning. She groaned to herself. She fell asleep late last night, not being able to drop the book she was reading, and barely getting 6 hours of sleep made her feel cranky. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the sun wouldn’t rise in another two hours and the temperature outside made her house feel colder than usual. It was an abnormally cold winter, rarely rising above -10 degrees Celsius, and due to her not paying enough rent last month, the landlady had cut down on her heating. Usually that would be fine, since Magnolia’s weather was quite warm most of the time, but without the blessings of a merciful winter and without her human heater constantly hanging around, the apartment got ruthlessly cold.

In an attempt to properly wake up she placed her bare feet on the floor. Leaving the warm comfort of her bed was unappealing to say the least, and feeling the coldness against the soles of her feet made her cringe. Without bothering to put on slippers or socks, she hurried to the bathroom. A warm, long shower was the only salvation this morning could have. As she entered the bathroom she once again regretted the lack of socks, since the tiled floor was multiple times colder than the wooden floor in her bedroom. With goosebumps all over her body she sped up her movements, turning the knob in her shower to the highest heat.

Another mistake, she soon learned. After having stripped down she felt the water with her hand, and the dropping temperature of the high streaming water only meant one thing - the hot water had run out, rapidly changing to cooler and cooler degrees.

“No, no, no!” In an attempt to savour the last bit of barely comfortable water, she immediately jumped in the shower, focusing on just wetting her hair so she could pour shampoo into it and rinse it out before she turned to an actual ice block. No matter if this day seemed to have everything against her, she was determined to get clean - even if that meant cutting down her shower time from 45 minutes to 5. Every muscle got stiff as she hurried to lather her hair, and breathing became a chore for her frozen body. Even concentrating to the fullest, she felt the lungs move in spasms.

Lucy had never been good with the cold. Not even after living on the streets for a year after running away from home, had she gotten used to the fierce sensation of getting robbed off her body heat. On the other hand, warm weather had never been a challenge. Anywhere with a hot climate was the ideal vacation spot for her, since she’d much rather sweat like a pig than not being able to feel her hands and feet from being so cold. Maybe her body’s natural agreement with warmth was one of the reasons she and Natsu got along so well. Though, given that he wasn’t here to heat up the apartment at the moment, he wasn’t on her best side currently.

As soon as she felt the lathered shampoo leave her hair completely, she turned off the tap and practically pounced her fluffy towels. From the last few weeks she had learned that any body part left wet would be freezing cold if she didn’t wipe herself dry the second she came out of the shower. She was in fact so fast at drying herself off and getting clothed today that she probably beat a personal record - and luckily for her, she could still use her hair dryer, so no cold, wet, dripping down her back today.

Though, just as things were starting to look up, she encountered yet another problem as she stepped out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. The dishwasher hadn’t gotten turned on last night, so she had to hand wash her cup before using it, which usually was a manageable job, but that became tedious now that she had no warm water. To add to that, she was fully out of oatmeal which meant that she’d have to go out to buy more when the stores opened in a few hours. Even if she didn’t have to plough through snow, the strong winds and the frosty air was more than enough to go through even her thickest, warmest jacket, and if she were to actually arrive at the market, there was no telling if they’d be open today. A lot of fresh fruit didn’t handle the cold well, and anything tightly sealed into glass bottles would likely expand and explode if they didn’t stay inside.

Since Lucy had nowhere close to enough energy to deal with that now, she decided to grab her kettle, make it across the kitchen towards the stove, and OUCH!

“Shit, crap, fucking ass- fuckhorse!!” Lucy howled as she jumped around on one leg, trying to get her big toe on her second leg to stop pulsing. “There’s no fucking way this is happening to me today!” She stumbled across the room once again, this time aiming for the kitchen table so she could sit down and inspect the injury. The kettle was forgotten the second she put it down, and she immediately threw off her slipper and her sock that she had properly remembered to put on after the shower..

Just her luck. She was bleeding under her toenail, which meant weeks of taking care of this insignificant but maddening injury. Wendy was about as locked inside as Lucy was, so no magical cure for this one. At this point she was holding back tears. Nothing could have prepared her for how unlucky she was today. Yesterday had been a good day, same as most of her previous days, where she enjoyed the stillness of being alone with her own thoughts in her apartment. No jobs or missions to rush to, no worrying about destruction and lack of payment, no Natsu to burn her couch and no Happy to scratch her walls. She ate good meals, played music and danced, and now this - no heat, no warm water, no clean dishes, out of her favourite breakfast and now an injured toe. It felt like the spirits were against her. The mixture of exasperation and exhaustion made her throat thicken, and the pressure from holding back tears made her head hurt. It was still early in the morning, and she already wanted to go back to bed and sleep until the next day - or better, she could sleep until spring and skip the depressing gray life that came with the winter months.

As Lucy’s nose started getting stuffy, an angel sailed down from heaven and sang the most beautiful melody known to the human race. Well, no, her doorbell rang, but it was practically the same thing, because she sensed from the reckless stomping up the hallway that her hot headed best friend had decided to come to visit.

“Lucy? Ya home?” Normally his cheery voice would feel like a punch to the gut after having a bad day, since any sign that people could live happily while bad things happened only to her, would feel like mockery. Today however, she was just glad to no longer be alone with this dull atmosphere dragging her down.

She hurried to the door, not without limping a bit, to unlock it for him. As the door swung open, Lucy couldn’t stop her lip from quivering, threatening to burst out into tears just from seeing his face. She was so, so, happy he was here.

Natsu himself however felt his grin fade the moment their eyes met.

“Hey, what’s the matter? Did anything happen? What’s goin’ on?” Lucy barely noticed him dropping off two grocery bags by the entry, before he gently grabbed her arms. The tender look in his eyes was the final blow for her - she felt so angry and sad at the world, yet she had never felt so seen and cared for as she did when Natsu came. The dam was broken and the waterfalls were set loose, and she was hiccuping and hulking like a child failing to communicate its emotions.

“My… my…” she began, “My toe huuurts” She couldn’t stop herself from crying out, unable to form any other words to explain her out of place behaviour.

“What?”

“My- my- my thoe-” With sobs cracking through her voice it was hard to talk any clearer, but luckily for her she didn’t have to explain any further.

“Oh my god- Lucy, you’re bleeding! Hey- come here.” With a swift motion he scooped her up from her feet, immediately heading for the bathroom. “How did things end up like this?” He wasn’t expecting an answer - not yet anyways. Inside of the bathroom he sat her down on the toilet lid, immediately tending to the swollen toe.

At the same time Lucy was trying to collect herself. It was embarrassing enough that she had broken down like this in front of him, but now he probably thought she was weeping over a stubbed toe. It really wasn’t fair, she thought, because she wasn’t crying because of her frustration. She was incredibly happy right now, to have Natsu there to help her cope with her unfortunate day. If he had caught her just a moment earlier she wouldn’t have broken down like that - she’d be upset and short tempered, sure, but nothing like this.

Thanks to her manual breathing, she calmed down significantly. Not enough to actually stop the consistent flow of tears, but now she wasn’t gasping for air in panic anymore.

“Thanks for helping me,” Lucy sniffled. “And sorry for scaring you.”

Natsu, who just finished putting a bandaid around the now purple nail, looked up at her with a gentle smile.

“No worries. Stuff happens, right?” Though his words told her that he was fine not knowing what was going on, his face was clearly searching for the explanation to her behaviour.

“Well,” a sob slipped out, “I guess it does.” She wanted to tell him about her morning, she really did, but right now she just wanted to get comfortable and warm in her bed. Truth is, she really wanted Natsu to lay beside her - not only for the heat, but for the comfort of human contact as well.

“Wanna check out what I got for you?” It took a brief moment before Lucy understood he meant the grocery bags that almost were forgotten in her hallway.

“Does anything have to go in the fridge or the freezer?”

“No… Why?” He stood up from his squat, cleaning up the small mess he had made rummaging through her cupboards.

“Then… Can we rest for a minute?” Lucy took a square of toilet paper to wipe her tears. “I don’t have any energy to… do stuff right now.”

“Yeah, sure, no problem. Can you walk fine?” Lucy nodded, the toe wasn’t that injured - she had gone through way worse, though those times her body was pumped with adrenaline. Natsu helped her up anyway, held her close to him as they headed to the bedroom. Lucy might not be hurt physically, but she rarely broke down to this extent emotionally, so of course he was still worried.

“Isn’t it kinda cold in here?” He always thought Lucy’s apartment felt colder whenever he hadn’t been there in a while, but wasn’t this way colder than usual?

Lucy didn’t answer. She only had one goal ahead of her, and that was to get into those sheets and get some well deserved rest. Besides, she could tell him all about her day later, they weren’t in a rush. So as soon as she could she crawled up on her soft bedding, and without a moment of hesitation, she dived in under the comforter. She had her back turned towards Natsu, but before shutting her eyes, she turned slightly and lifted the duvet, giving a clear invitation for Natsu to join her. The mattress sunk behind her as he laid down, shuffling closer and embracing his position as the bigger spoon.

“The landlady cut off the heating a few days ago. That’s why it’s cold here,” Lucy explained, her voice cracking meekly. Natsu pulled her closer, making sure his body heat warmed up the bed for her. He properly felt bad for her - clearly the cold and the stubbed toe weren’t the only reasons why she cried, so she probably had a really bad day overall. Whether or not she had been having nightmares or bad memories from her past, or if built up sorrow and anger just let loose, he didn’t know, but he knew that Lucy would tell him when she was ready to. His hand reached over her upper body in search of hers, and as he found it he gave it a supportive squeeze.

“That’s not all though,” she continued after a deep breath, “I also barely got any sleep last night. Totally my own fault, cause I went to sleep really late, but the cold made me unable to sleep in.” She spoke softly and rubbed her thumb across the palm of Natsu’s hand. “And then I went to take a shower, except the warm water had run out.”

“So you took a cold shower? You? Lucy Heartfilia, master of turning up the heat until not even I can stand it?” Chuckles filled his lungs, because he really found it ironic. Understandably annoying and upsetting for Lucy of course, but ironic nevertheless.

“Yes, and you bet I’ll never do that again. It felt worse than getting in the middle of a fight between Gray and Lyon. Look, my fingernails are still purple!” She shoved her free hand up in his face, attempting to display the cold, stale fingertips, but accidentally smashing them against his cheek in the process. After a quick apology, she continued. “As if that wasn’t bad enough though, my dishwasher didn’t start last night, so all my dishes are dirty, which wouldn’t be a huge problem if I didn’t start washing them in that cold water, only to learn that I’m out of oats!”

Remembering her streak of unluckiness made her heart drop slightly again, but surprisingly she had already gotten in a better mood. As she shared her burdens with Natsu, she felt a weight lifted from her chest. She even got in a good enough mood that she could initiate chuckling at her mishaps.

“Hold on a minute,” Natsu intervened, “didn’t I tell you only last week not to delay grocery shopping?” They had already been through a similar scene where Lucy had procrastinated going outside for so long that she started using normal hand soap on her body instead of her usual body wash.

“I knooow,” Lucy grumbled, “but it’s so cold out! You know I don’t have proper clothing for this weather! And I have plenty of food for lunches and dinners, just not for breakfast…” She tried to defend her actions, but she knew Natsu was right. Laziness would always come back to bite her in the back if she didn’t deal with things properly.

“Good thing I know you too well.” Natsu had a smug grin plastered on his face, the type of grin she’d usually want to wipe off with a kick. Overconfident Natsu wasn’t pleasant to hang out with, mostly because he got them into trouble when he acted like that. Today however, he looked like a saint. “I went shopping yesterday and thought you could use some food to stock up on.”

“No, you didn’t.” She turned so she laid on her back, head facing Natsu. She tried to look for any sign that he was pranking her, without any luck. “You bought oats?” He nodded proudly, teeth flashing through his cheeky smile. “Thank you.” She dug her face into his chest, hugging him as tightly as she could.

“But I bet the lack of oats didn’t make your toe explode, so how did you get hurt?” Even though Natsu suspected that he had an understanding of what had happened, he wanted to hear it from her.

“I stubbed it really hard against the leg of the kitchen table when I went to boil some water,” she explained with a muffled voice. There was really nothing more to it, which kind of felt embarrassing now that she had said it out loud. She knew she was blushing, but since Natsu couldn’t see it she didn’t mind.

“I guess I came at the perfect time,” Natsu joked, now taking the liberty to rub Lucy’s arms up and down.

“You really did. Thanks.” She lifted her head to meet his gaze, giving him a thankful smile before going back to hugging him. See, what they were doing right now was weird. As in, actually odd behaviour considering their relationship. Except, despite acting weird, Lucy found great comfort in the warm touches of Natsu’s hands, which still roamed her chilled body. She would never allow this to happen if the circumstances were different, because friendship simply couldn’t cross those lines. It would only end in disappointments when she learned that he didn’t feel the same way. Today though, she just wanted to indulge in their overly close relationship. Just their torsos touching didn’t even feel like enough, so she gathered some courage and moved closer. Playing it off as an attempt to warm her feet, she tangled their legs together. Natsu didn’t have the heart to tell her that her cold feet felt incredibly uncomfortable against his calves, so he decided to persevere. After all, he knew his discomfort was far from what Lucy was experiencing, injured toe and all.

The air under the blanket was finally starting to heat up, making Lucy even more grateful for Natsu’s presence. He must’ve acquired some 6th sense that told him whenever she felt lonely - a Lucy-radar if you want, because he always managed to come to her exactly when she needed him. But no matter if it was thanks to supernatural senses or if it was just pure dumb luck, she was currently content enough in their situation that she had the courage to do things that she normally wouldn’t do. Her fingers took the liberty to trail his muscular arms, slowly following the dips and bumps that made out his figure. Natsu, who couldn’t say he was used to this bolder personality Lucy sometimes showed, got goosebumps from her touch. Nice goosebumps though, the type that leaves a warm feeling in his heart. And with Lucy touching him freely, he took the chance to caress her in return, his hands moving from her upper arms to her back and ribcage, then continuing down the curve where her waist dipped the deepest. Lucy’s breathing got slow and relaxed with every stroke he made, so instead of stopping at the small of her waist, he slowly continued the quiet exploration of her body, moving down to her hips and then her thigh. He suddenly felt a huge craving to grip the soft flesh that hid under her long pyjama pants, so he grabbed her leg and pulled it over his own, also making them move closer in the process.

Lucy, who had moved on from her previous place as well, was giving Natsu’s shoulder a light massage, stroking the stiff musculature. She hid further into the shirt that clothed his chest before she collected some courage to speak.

“Did you know?” She began.

“What?”

“In the Best Friends Rulebook, the first listed rule is that best friends must have clear boundaries when it comes to physical contact.”

“What a dumb rule. Who came up with that?”

“Everyone agrees on it. You wouldn’t want to be cuddling with Gray like this, would you?” A disgusted sound made its way out from Natsu’s lips. No, he definitely wouldn’t want that.

“You know it’s different with you,” he began, trying to defend their actions. He didn’t get further in his explanation though, as Lucy’s fingertips grazed the side of his neck.

“I know. But we can’t do stuff like this if we go by the Best Friends Rulebook. Though… there is a way to make it work.” Natsu waited silently in anticipation of hearing her solution. “We could change the rulebook.”

“Are we still talking about books?” Natsu asked. He knew what metaphors were and how they worked, but dragging them out like this made him lose the thread.

“No,” Lucy answered bluntly. “I’m talking about you and me.” She was incredibly happy he couldn’t see her face right now, because even though she felt like they were on the same page with their feelings for once in their lives, being this open with her emotions made her embarrassed, and frankly, a bit nervous. Any sign of rejection would cut deep, now that she was this vulnerable. But she continued. “Best friends might not be able to act like this, do these things, but… when they’re not only best friends, but also…”

Her heart was beating so fast now, to the point that she wondered if Natsu could even hear what she was saying over the loud heartbeat. She had to continue though, this was the moment of truth. Her hand, that hadn’t stopped moving across his shoulders, arms and upper back, gripped his T-shirt in an attempt to calm herself - or to at least make sure she wouldn’t float away from all the air she was holding in her lungs.

“Also lovers… they can do this.” There. She said it. Knowing she couldn’t change the outcome no matter what at this point, she looked up at Natsu again, determination flowing in her eyes. And Natsu… he looked normal. He didn’t look surprised, sad, confused or angry - just like his normal, easy going self. She would have felt offended when his ribs started shaking in a lighthearted chuckle, except she really couldn’t get upset with him when he looked so thoroughly happy. He took her face in his hands and gave her forehead a soft kiss.

“Then let’s change to that other rulebook,” he said, continuing to kiss her left and then her right cheek, before giving in to what could only be described as cute aggression, showering her face in quick, sloppy pecks. Lucy, who was surprised by this sudden affection, couldn’t stop her bubbling laughter from spilling out of her mouth. She was so relieved that he understood the implication. She had told him that she wanted them to be lovers, and he had accepted. In fits of giggles she tried to bend away from him so she could properly look at him. She failed, at first, due to his constant moving, but after a second try she could pry herself away from his smooching-rifle. Natsu looked so joyful as he looked at her, that she fleetingly wondered how they ever could have gone as only friends for as long as they had. She grabbed his face in the same way he had grabbed hers, and felt an overwhelming amount of love pulse through her veins.

“Natsu Dragneel, I love you. I love you so, so much,” she confessed. She had dreamt about this moment for way too long, and even if it went nothing like she had expected, she felt like the happiest girl on earth. Give it to Natsu to solve the challenge of making Lucy’s days better, no matter what she goes through, because he has always known exactly how to cheer her up, even when he didn’t know it himself.

“I love you more, Lucy.” She could no longer wait, so she smashed their lips together, allowing them to mould into what could only be described as a perfect kiss. Natsu moved his hand away from Lucy’s cheek and into her tangled blonde hair, deepening their connection. This certainly wasn’t what Natsu had expected waking up today, and he had definitely not expected it after seeing her cry like she did, but nevertheless he was happy with the outcome.

Happiness has always been known as a short emotion, sneaking up in pulses, giving people licks of serotonin during the long winters of their emotions. Happiness has that in common with a lot of other emotions - anger comes in upset explosions, sadness waters the grieving fields of memories, only for the rain to cease after short periods of time. Jealousy comes as a storm, ripping up carefully planted and cared for greenery, only to leave the vaguer emotions like confusion to deal with the aftermath. Love, however, enters lives slowly, growing stronger for every kind and selfless act between the pair, staying unnoticed until the deepest feelings of frustration destructs the surroundings. Only then do they truly notice what amazing powers come with love - it heals, evolves and comforts.

In spring love blooms, in summer it sweats, in autumn it plays, and in winter it warms. Lucy and Natsu experience love all of the time - they have felt love for friends, family and even enemies at times, but most importantly, they have felt love for each other. The seasons have tested their resilience, gotten them through many trials and errors, but even the feeling of love comes to a consensus once in a while. Today it came in the act of showing up, tomorrow it might come in the act of keeping a distance. But they continue to love nevertheless.

[haveyouseenthishorrormovie]

*breaks fingers* Let's go, mod Sus' rant on 247°F (2011)

Talking from the viewpoint of a finnish person, while the movie itself is American, and no I haven't actually watched this one but I did read the plot summary and watch a little bit for proper arguments.

TLDR: Characters are freaking idiots and physics don't work in this world, apparently.

For the reference, 247° fahrenheit is about ~120° celcius. So yes we're talking about hot sauna. I personally can stand 100°C for a while at best but anyways.

I guess we could start by inspecting the sauna itself first. It's supposedly electric sauna (which, it doesn't even look like a proper one but more spa/steam sauna than an actual good one) but also with this large rock pillar stove in the middle of RELATIVELY LARGE ROOM. With no leveled up seats, just one seats on same level + you could sit on the backrests for more space and height I guess. Compare that to actual proper finnish sauna:

This is a bit of a mix of modern and traditional sauna but only by the looks. Pay attention to seats on different levels, you want to have seats near the ceilings because that's where it's the hottest. Hot air raises up so it's cooler at the floor level, if not even very cold after getting used to the temperature at standing level.

Now the stove in the movie is supposedly the kind you throw water onto to release the steam and more heat. And here comes the fun part. In the beginning, they set the temperature to 187° F AKA ~86° C???? AND THEN THEY SAY IT'S "CRAZY HOT"???? IN THIS VERY LARGE ROOM WHERE HEAT SPREADS OUT A TON? BITCH THAT PLACE IS COLD and they act like they're already toasting in there???? Weak ass americans. AND THEY DIDN'T EVEN TOSS WATER ONTO STOVE BEFORE THAT, they have just this one huge heat source in the middle of LARGE ROOM that's like WARM at best??? You're supposedly to throw water on that thing, or otherwise it'd be same as you'd just stand next to a hot cooking stove. You don't even start sweating properly without the steam which helps with the heat releasing from your body. You're just cooking yourself with that thing.

Okay, so just? Turn off the electric heater (which becomes a major plot point of the movie, so that's not an option here for some reason?), and don't toss water onto stove. LAY DOWN ON THE FREAKING FLOOR??? WHERE IT'S COOLEST OR EVEN COLD BECAUSE IT'S ASSUMINGLY MARBLE/ROCK/WHATEVER FLOOR. Sure if the average temperature in the room is 247°F aka ~120°C it is hot, but it's still cooler at floor level far away from the stove.

And speaking of the heater. At first I thought it was like, they set the heater to get hotter and hotter on purpose but why would you do that if you can't handle shit??? I guess the thermosthat malfunctions or some shit or because the heat keeps rising??? That's not how electronics work as far as I'm aware but suspend my disbelief I guess. I can't tell too much what the characters decide to do without spoilers but let's say they're all massive idiots with their choices. This is all on them. (BTW if this was a traditional wood-heated sauna, just stop putting more logs in the fire, lol).

Okay, let's assume it's all because uh physics broke or something. It's getting hot in there. You got a small window there, and even in trailer we see characters manage to break it. But apparently??? THE HEAT DOESN'T ESCAPE ENOUGH FROM IT???? WHAT. You can this huge room with one heat source, it's cold outside, and the heat still doesn't escape enough to make it more managable in there or at least near the window to cool them off??? Physics, hello???

Like legit the entire point of the movie is it's getting too hot in there but there's so many things that help you to stay cool in there until something gets fixed. The characters aren't even drunk which would've made this so much more belieable because alcohol is probably the main reason (aside sudden health problems like cardiac arrest) people would die in saunas because they pass out in there. But no, this is just idiot characters being idiots.

Also take your freaking clothes off, cowards. You can't even call yourself a sauna movie if there's no bare butts and peenors and natural hanging booba in non-sexual bathing setting through entire movie smh.

[plutoniumpossum]

Being a Plumber on a Election Year Gothic

(USA edition)

You tell a old man how soon he should have hot water, now that you've set the temperature on his new water heater. He replies by telling you unprompted that the supreme court is all catholic and is ruining everything. You wonder if the words "between 30 to 45 minutes" is secretly an activation code for something.

You had a late call for a water leak, its 10:30pm but you got it fixed. You hand the woman her invoice and tell her the total of the Bill. Its now 11:20pm and you've been told every possible way how the Earth is screwed due to global warming, pollution, politics (American), and how there's no hope for the future. The invoice is still unsigned and unpaid. You hope the skunk that's been wondering up the street towards the two of you doesn't get any closer.

You've been working on a broken sewer line under the house, when you crawl out from under it to give an update you're asked what you think about so-and-so running and how disgusting is that? You think that you've been crawling through sewage and you now have insulation in your hair.

The dorm kitchen sink is clogged and there's enough Drain-o in the line to start a meth lab. "Have you ever been sexually harassed while at work? That's way we have to vote Democratic, they care about women's rights." By the end of the job they've repeated the question so many times you begin to wonder if you're about to be.

You knock on the door and introduce yourself. Your customer was watching the news before they answered the door. They now want to talk about it and their political opinions before they remember the plumbing problem they called you for in the first place. You wish you had clocked out and taken lunch before this job.

You're doing a normal plumbing job at a normal house. The neighbor a few houses down has a display covering the front yard full of flags for both political parties, their candidates, and a few other opposing factions thrown in. You wonder what kind of toilet they have.

Your customer is making small talk with you as you walk through the door. They ask you what your political party alignment is. You wish you had fell through that rotten board on the porch and broken your leg.

[generalfishcare]

Importance of Water Temperature for Betta Fish

Betta fish, or Siamese fighting fish, come from the warm, stagnant waters of Southeast Asia. These biological needs have been affected by the tropical environment in which they are used to live, which is why the temperature of their water is so relevant to the proper care of these little animals. Water temperature has a direct impact on a Betta fish's metabolism, immune system and overall health.

Metabolism and Daily Activity levels Betta fish metabolism is strongly temperature dependent. And, of course, warm water maintains bright colors and activity in Betta fish. If the water is too cold, their metabolism rate reduces, which may cause fatigue, decrease immune system response, leading to vulnerability towards virus or bacteria. On the other hand, waters that are too warm can lead to accelerated metabolism, stress, aging, and shorter life spans.

Immune System Function The immunity of Betta fish works optimally only at a certain temperature. Extreme temperatures outside of these ranges can compromise their immune systems, leaving them exposed to infections and diseases. Consistent ideal water temperatures bolster immune responses and longevity.

By knowing these basic factors – temperature for example – helps partner reduce the mistakes to care for Betta fish and make, their pet live long and healthy. If the water temperature does not follow these recommendations, owners can have a huge impact on the health process of their respective Betta fish.

What is the Best Water Temperature for Betta Fish

Keeping water temperature at the ideal level for Betta fish is not only about survival of your pet fish, but in fact helps in their overall health and energy levels. The ideal temperature for Betta fish should range from 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius) This range imitates their natural tropical habitat and optimally promotes their physiological processes.

Why This Range? Temperatures in this range make Betta fish amongst the most active and colorfully displayed. Their digestive system functions effectively, and they have strong immune system, which lessens diseases. If the water temperature is too cool, they will crawl sluggishly and have gastrointestinal problems, as their bodies do not process food correctly. Too warm, however, and metabolism is pushed too high and fish can undergo stress, resulting in fin rot, infections and other health issues.

Special Considerations Regular changes in temperature could be a source of stress for Betta fish, so it is also important to keep a stable temperature within this range. Rushed temperature changes, largely due to fluctuations in room temperature or the insularity of tank devices, can also compromise their immune systems — and, in turn, make them more prone to disease.

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature level will create a habitat where not only will Betta fish exhibit normal behaviour, but their life expectancy will also be extended. As long as aquarists have simple items such as heaters that feature a thermostat and frequent monitoring, this process is simple for any fish lover.

Frequent Issues Related to Wrong Water Temperature

Water temperature is one of the most critical factors that have an impact on the Betta fish health, and anything not right can result in one or many of the following multiple problems. Extremes -- both hot and cold -- can be problematic, posing different challenges and signs.

Low Temperatures Cold water becomes a problem when the water temperature goes beneath the optimal range, causing Betta fish to be too sluggish and not co perceptive. Their metabolism slows dramatically, meaning digestion is sluggish and constipation or bloating can follow. Long-term exposure to cold water can lead to weakened immune systems, leaving Bettas vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections. Cold stress can also worsen underlying medical conditions or reduce lifespan.

Hot Water Dilemma On the other hand, when the temperature of the water exceeds the upper limits of the ideal temperature, it can cause hyperactivity followed by acute severe stress. Extreme heat can also lead to a higher loss of oxygen levels in the water that are vital to Betta life. Water that is too hot can spur the metabolism, causing exertion, lowered immunity rate, and susceptibility to some diseases such as fin rot or infection. In addition, long-term exposure to extreme temperatures can cause premature aging, resulting in a shorter life span for Betta fish.

Signs to Watch For Owners need to watch for signs of stress or discomfort in their Betta fish, such as abnormal swimming patterns, refusal to eat, lighter colors, and the presence of general signs of distress such as clamped fins. Monitoring and correcting the temperature of the aquarium regularly should avoid these problems and provide a healthy setting for a Betta fish.

Current temperature should always be in a range favorable to your Betta.

Tools Needed to Enable a Betta fish to Live a Healthy Life in the Right Temperature Water Here are some helpful tips to ensure you keep your products in the optimal temperature range:

Invest in a Good Quality Aquarium Heater A controllable aquarium heater is essential to keep the water temperature constant. When selecting a heater, choose one with a capacity that is appropriate to the size of your tank, and one that allows you to set the temperature precisely. Choose a heater that has an automatic shut-off to avoid overheating.

Monitor with a Thermometer Regular monitoring with an appropriate, high-quality aquarium thermometer is important. To be able to accurately read the water temperature of the entire tank, position the thermometer on the other side of the tank from the heater. If you check the temperature every day, you can make adjustments before any crisis-event temperature delta can cause any problems for your fish.

Avoid Room Temperature Decay 1 | Maintain Room Temperature Do not locate the tank near windows, doors, or air vents in your house, where it may be exposed to drafts or direct sunlight, which can cause temperature changes to happen quickly.

Use a tank cover A tank cover decrease heat loss to the surrounding, therefore help keep the water temperature stable. And it keeps dust and other impurities out of the tank.

Preventative Maintenance Keep your heating equipment operating properly with preventative maintenance. Examine your heaters and thermostats regularly looking for any signs of damage or wear and replace when required to ensure they are working correctly.

With the above tips, you can provide a stable and low-stress environment to your Betta fish and improve their health and lifespan significantly.

Troubleshooting

No matter how well you prepare there are still issues that can come up regarding water temperature. Understanding how to respond quickly and appropriately can be critical to your Betta fishs health and comfort. Some troubleshooting tips and answers to frequent questions:

Adjusting Water Temperature

Water too cold: Check heater output and operation. You gradually increase the temperature setting a degree, possibly two, until it remains stable in the ideal range. Be careful to avoid a thermal shock.

If the water is too hot: Make sure the heater isn't stuck in the "on" position. You can also switch off the heater for a short time, open the tank cover to vent some heat, or simply place the tank in a cooler to slowly lower the temperature. Again, make adjustments slowly to prevent stressing the fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do during winter if my heater breaks? Have a spare heater on hand during the colder months so that any emergencies don’t turn into catastrophes.

How often should I test the water temp? It’s best to check daily. Monitoring ensures that you nip in the bud any deviance that may occur.

Does my tank do better in fluctuating room temperatures? Yes, the temperature of the room can greatly influence your tank’s water temperature. Try to keep a steady room temperature or insulate the tank from extreme variations with insulators or by how you place the tank.

When To Reach Out If the problems continue with the water temperature stability or if your Betta around any persistent signs of stress despite your modifications, it's worth reaching out to a fish vet or a more expert aquarist.

Conclusion

The essential factor for Betta fish health and well-being is the correct water temperature. We’ve gone over why water temperature matters so much in this article, discussing how it impacts Betta fish metabolism, immune health and overall well-being. We’ve confirmed that Betta fish function best with water temps hovering somewhere between 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius) and talked about what can happen if that range is surpassed.

[alexha2210]

All living things have non-negotiables. Healthy food, good surf, and morning coffee are mine. For houseplants, access to water, light, and warm temperatures usually fit the bill. If their needs are not met, they can lose their vitality quickly.  That’s why placing your houseplants in the right locations matters. They’ll stay healthier and give you more radiant blooms and foliage in their preferred space.  To help you decide where not to put your houseplants this year, keep reading below. Keep your houseplants away from these 17 indoor locations.  Dura Cotta Hanging Basket Ideal for trailing plants, the Dura Cotta Hanging Basket features a built-in reservoir that holds excess water, ensuring your plant’s roots stay consistently hydrated. Assembly is effortless with included clips and a macrame cord, allowing you to easily suspend the planter from a wall bracket or ceiling. Buy at Epic Gardening Dark Spaces Plants need light to survive, so keeping them in dark areas will quickly cause them to die. All plants need at least some light. By depriving them of it, you’re almost guaranteed to see them quickly die. Dark spaces are at the top of the list for places where not to put your houseplants.  Some species can adapt to low light conditions, such as ZZ plants. However, they still need filtered light throughout the day. As long as there’s a window or enough indoor artificial light, they will be fine.  Avoid placing any species in a dark basement, closet, or empty room. If the space is dark for most of the day and night, it’s not a good location.  Near Cold Drafts Entryways, windows, and doors bring sudden cold drafts that can stress and damage sensitive plant species permanently. Even in the depths of winter, we can get colorful bloomers and tropical-looking climbers to thrive indoors. As long as the temperature remains constant and there’s enough light, you’ll have very few problems.  However, areas of your home with cold drafts can stress your indoor plants. Most species are native to warm climates. Sudden temperature drops will challenge even the hardiest species.  Avoid spaces such as entryways, large windows, or areas near open doors. These are spaces that can get cold suddenly. They are not good areas for your houseplants to grow.  Close to Air-Conditioners  Humidity-loving plants suffer near air conditioning, so keep them away or use a humidifier instead. Air conditioning can be essential in the summer. In places such as Phoenix and Orlando, it would be unbearable to live without them. As helpful as they are for keeping our living spaces cool, they can send temperatures and humidity levels plummeting.  Indoor varieties thrive with consistent temperatures and humidity levels. If their growing conditions change too suddenly, some species can show signs of stress.  Move humidity-loving species away from air-conditioning units. Species such as aloe vera that are native to dry regions can handle the dry and cool air that air conditioners create. If you need your air on and live in a small space, use a humidifier to keep the humidity levels high.  Near a Heater Sudden heat changes harm plants, so maintain stable temperatures between 65°F and 75°F away from heaters. Like cold drafts, too much hot air can change the temperature too suddenly. Most species prefer warm yet stable temperatures between 65 and 75°F (18-24°C). If the temperature goes above that, it can shock and dehydrate them.  Keep your containers away from heaters, radiators, space heaters, and warm air vents. Areas in the middle of the room or in elevated locations like tables and bookshelves are ideal.  Outdoors in the Cold Monstera, Peace Lily, and Pothos struggle in the cold, so only move them outside above 50°F. Many of us love moving our houseplants outdoors in the summer. However, wait until the nighttime lows are above 50°F (10°C). Most of our favorite indoor growers are from tropical and subtropical regions.  Plants such as Monstera, Peace Lily, and Pothos will succumb to the cold very quickly. If you move them outside too early, they’ll show signs of stress from the cold.  Wait until the low temperatures are pleasantly above 50°F (10°C) before moving your containers outdoors. Even if the daytime highs are pleasant, a sudden drop in temperature can be dangerous for your delicate houseplants.  Outdoors Without Acclimating Acclimate indoor bloomers by slowly increasing sun exposure after initially placing them in shaded areas. Indoor plants have a cozy life. Constant temperatures, dependable moisture and humidity, and a stable amount of light. Life outdoors isn’t as comfortable. Light changes from full sun to cloudy filtered light and harsh wind and changing temperatures are challenging to plants.  To give your favorite indoor bloomers a fighting shot, acclimate them to their new environment. When the temperatures are warm enough in spring or early summer, move them to a shady location inside. When the temperatures drop, bring them back inside.  Repeat this over several days and gradually expose them to more sunlight. After about two weeks, they’ll be ready for their new home outdoors.  Directly in the Sun Shade-loving plants need gradual light adjustment, and even sun-loving plants require time before full outdoor exposure. After acclimating your plants to the outdoors, be mindful of where you place their containers or plant them. Many popular indoor species, such as pothos, need filtered light. Some species, such as aloe, snake plant, and papyrus, love full sun to partial shade.  Moving shade-loving plants into the sun can be catastrophic. Move these species under the shade and give them more time to adjust to the outdoors.  Even sun-loving species need to acclimate to the outdoors. Once they’re ready, you can place them under the sun. Keep watching them and checking for sun damage as they grow.  Near Infested or Diseased Plants Pests like mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids spread quickly, so isolate affected plants to stop infestations early. One of the worst places to put your houseplants is near infested or diseased plants. Sometimes, we don’t realize our plant has an issue. By putting new arrivals or old favorites near infested plants, we’re giving these critters a new host to feed on.  Pests and pathogens such as mealybugs, aphids, scales, and powdery mildew can sometimes find their way to our indoor growers. They can hitch a ride on almost anything from pruners to produce. For species such as whiteflies, indoor conditions are perfect and before you know it, you’ll have swarms to deal with.  If you have an infested or diseased houseplant, quarantine it in another location. You’ll have a better shot at isolating the pathogens or pests and preventing them from spreading. This way, you’ll treat one plant instead of the entire group.  On Top of the Fridge Refrigerators release dry heat, lowering humidity levels around them and making them unsuitable places for plant placement. Refrigerators are great spaces to put art, decorations, or kitchen appliances. They’re not good places to put our plants.  Refrigerators work by moving warm air inside it through a refrigerant and releasing warm, dry air outside of it. This warm, dry air keeps the humidity levels around it low.  Besides being a low-humidity space, the tops of refrigerators have very low light. Most species will tolerate a low-humidity and low-light space.  In Bright Areas Most plants need indirect light, but succulents, citrus, and rubber trees thrive in bright, south-facing windows. While houseplants love bright, indirect light, too much could be harmful. If you have a south-facing window that gets plenty of direct sunlight, it may not be good for many species.  In these well-lit corners, grow species that need a lot of light. These include succulents, ponytail palms, citrus, and rubber trees. Shade-loving varieties should go in shadier locations.  In Lonely Corners Corners often lack enough light for most species, so avoid placing light-loving plants in them. Corners can be aesthetically pleasing when you decorate them with a touch of greenery. However, most plants won’t appreciate the low light and constricted conditions.  Plants that prefer bright, indirect light will not thrive in corners. These spaces are usually away from windows and are some of the darkest spaces in our homes.  If you’re insistent on having plants fill the lonely corner spaces, try shade-loving varieties instead. Ferns, spider plants, ZZ plants, and snake plants are good alternatives for corner spaces.  Crowded Near Other Plants Overcrowded plants block light and spread pests easily, so always space them at least one foot apart. Overcrowding leads to all kinds of problems. Sure, plants look cool and jungle-like when they’re bunched up together. However, pests and diseases can easily travel between them. They’ll also block each others’ access to light.  Space your houseplants at least one or two feet from each other. For larger species, move them even further to stop their broad foliage from blocking the light.  Near Electronics Plants near electronics risk water damage and fallen leaves, causing fire hazards, so keep them separate. Houseplants may be safe from electronics, but the same can’t be said in reverse. Indoor plants need lots of water and if you’re like me, spills are inevitable. When this happens, your electronics may be in danger.  Keep your plants away from valuable electronics that water will damage. Even falling leaves could pose a fire risk if they land near exposed wires. Having plants near your workspace is important. Several studies link them with improved mental health and work performance. Consider growing them on shelves away from your desk or expensive gadgets. You’ll still get their benefits without risking harmful water spills.  Close to Fire Fireplaces create dry heat that stresses plants, often causing leaf curling, dropping, or wilting over time. There’s nothing better than having a fireplace roasting inside during cold nights. As cozy as it is, it’s not the best place to put your houseplants.  Fire creates heat and lowers the humidity levels around it. The sudden bursts of dry heat will stress out most varieties. Over time, they’ll start showing signs of temperature stress, such as leaf curling, dropping leaves, and wilting.  Near Pets Calla lily, dumb cane, and iris contain toxic compounds, so keep them away from pet-friendly areas. Our beloved indoor varieties can sometimes be poisonous. All too often, our pets end up in the vet’s office after nibbling on leaves and branches.  Poisonous species include calla lily, dumb canes, and iris. They contain many toxic compounds that will wreak havoc in our furry friends’ digestive systems.  When you bring a new houseplant home, check its toxicity level online. If they’re toxic, place them away from areas where pets like to hang out.  On the Floor Floor plants can be tripping hazards and disrupt roots, so place them on shelves, tables, or baskets. While houseplants can survive on the floor, they’ll do much better off the ground. Cold drafts of air stay low to the ground. If a door opens in winter, all that cold air will move along the floor and stress out your low-lying plants.  Another risk of having containers on the ground is tripping over them. Spilling over disrupts their roots and can stress them out. When this happens, they can show signs of stress, such as losing their leaves, stunted growth, or wilting.  Keep your houseplants on tables, cabinets, or raised containers. Hanging baskets are also wonderful places for species such as ivies, ferns, and succulents.  In Crowded Spaces Plants in high-traffic areas get kicked over and stressed, so keep them elevated and secured properly. Crowded areas with a lot of foot traffic can be dangerous spaces to put your containers in. Plants will be stressed if they’re kicked over. We’ve all seen the results of a pot that falls on the ground.  Besides the mess, these conditions will harm your plants over time. Hallways, kitchens, and living rooms are especially prone to foot traffic and accidents.  Keep your plants on elevated surfaces. Keep them spaced far apart and secure them closer to the wall. Source link

[mariacallous]

Moldova’s Transnistria has faced mass heating, hot water, and electricity outages since the halt of Russian gas flow to the breakaway region on January 1. The cutoff came after Kyiv refused to renew its gas transit agreement with Moscow, allowing it to expire at the start of 2025. However, in late December, Russia’s state energy giant Gazprom announced plans to stop deliveries to all of Moldova, citing a dispute over Chisinau’s gas debt. 

Since Russian gas stopped flowing through Ukraine on New Year’s Day, Transnistria residents have taken to TikTok, posting videos of their new electric heaters and saying goodbye to their gas stoves. More than 1,500 residential high-rises in the region have been left without heating and hot water, and more than 70,000 homes are without gas. School holidays have been extended until January 19, as 131 schools and 147 kindergartens remain without heating. 

The breakaway region is also experiencing power outages, and the authorities announced rolling blackouts starting on January 3. According to Transnistria’s leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, residents are currently consuming a third more electricity than the local power grid normally produces. While the planned blackouts were supposed to last for one hour in the evenings, certain neighborhoods have been left without power for three or four hours at a time. 

Moldova-based journalist Vladimir Solovyov reported that residents left without heating have turned to electrical appliances, driving up electricity consumption. “Hospitals are operating, they’re supplied with both gas and electricity, and the schools are on holiday right now; all industry has ground to a halt — with the exception of enterprises producing food,” Solovyov said. According to the journalist, the extended blackouts have also left high-rise residents unable to adequately heat their homes amid freezing winter temperatures. 

Russia’s Gazprom previously supplied Transnistria with gas via Ukraine, but the region’s energy company, Tiraspoltransgaz, didn’t pay for the deliveries. In late December, however, Gazprom warned its Moldovan subsidiary, Moldovagaz, that it would halt all gas supplies from January 1, citing Chisinau’s alleged refusal to pay some $709 million in debt. 

Moldova maintains that according to an international audit, it only owes Gazprom $8.6 million. And though Transnistria is now facing an energy crisis, the rest of the country is not experiencing gas shortages, having taken steps to diversify supplies following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. 

On January 5, Moldova’s secretary of state for energy, Constantin Borosan, told reporters that Transnistria’s energy company ignored a proposal in December that would have allowed it to buy gas from Romania in the event that Russia cut off supplies. Earlier, Moldovagaz CEO Vadim Ceban said that Tiraspoltransgaz also rejected his company’s offer to facilitate “the purchase of natural gas on any European gas platform” to supply the left bank of Dniester River. “They justified their refusal by saying that they’re still waiting for Gazprom to restore natural gas supplies and recommend continuing negotiations with Gazprom,” Ceban explained. 

In a statement on January 6, the Russian Embassy in Moldova blamed Chisinau for the energy crisis in Transnistria, accusing Moldovan officials of “deliberately ignoring numerous problems in their relations with Gazprom.” The statement also blamed Ukraine and the “collective West” for creating an “artificial” crisis in the breakaway region. 

According to Sergey Obolonik, Transnistria’s first deputy prime minister, the region’s gas reserves could last for 20 days in the south and 10 days in the north, “if used sparingly.” But Krasnoselsky has warned that a “technical malfunction” or “fire” at the region’s main power station could leave Transnistria “without any electricity at all.” Locals have begun buying up electrical appliances and firewood, and Krasnoselsky himself has urged residents to use wood stoves for heating. The Transnistrian leader has also scheduled a security council meeting for January 8. 

[fixmyhomedenver]

Emergency Furnace Repair in Westminster: Quick Fixes to Beat the Chill

As the winter chill sets in and the temperatures drop, the last thing you want is for your furnace to malfunction. In Westminster, where winter can be particularly unforgiving, having a reliable heating system is essential to stay comfortable and safe indoors. However, furnace breakdowns can happen unexpectedly, leaving you in need of immediate assistance. That's where emergency furnace repair services come to the rescue. In this blog post, we'll explore some quick fixes for emergency furnace repair in Westminster, ensuring you stay warm and cozy even in the coldest of days.

Furnace Repair Westminster:

When your furnace starts acting up, it can be a stressful situation, especially during the peak of winter. Common issues include strange noises, lack of heat, or a malfunctioning thermostat. In Westminster, furnace repair services are readily available to address these issues promptly. Whether it's a faulty ignition system, a clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning thermostat, professional technicians can diagnose and fix the problem efficiently.

Heater Repair Westminster:

Similar to furnaces, heaters can encounter various issues, leading to a loss of heat and comfort in your home. From worn-out parts to electrical issues, heater repair services in Westminster are equipped to handle all kinds of problems. With their expertise and experience, they can quickly identify the root cause of the issue and provide effective solutions to restore your heater's functionality.

Furnace Replacement Westminster:

In some cases, furnace repair may not be sufficient, especially if the unit is old or extensively damaged. Furnace replacement becomes necessary to ensure optimal heating efficiency and safety in your home. Westminster residents can rely on professional HVAC technicians to guide them through the furnace replacement process, helping them choose the right unit for their needs and budget.

Furnace Installation Westminster:

For new homeowners or those looking to upgrade their heating system, furnace installation services are indispensable. Proper installation is crucial for the efficient operation of your furnace and ensuring its longevity. Expert technicians in Westminster can handle the entire installation process, from sizing the unit to integrating it seamlessly into your home's HVAC system.

Emergency Water Heater Repair Denver:

In addition to furnaces, water heaters play a vital role in maintaining comfort during the winter months. A malfunctioning water heater can disrupt your daily routine and leave you without hot water when you need it most. Emergency water heater repair services in Denver are available around the clock to address leaks, heating issues, or any other problems affecting your water heater's performance.

Air Conditioner Westminster:

While the focus is often on heating during the winter, it's essential not to neglect your air conditioning system. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are necessary to ensure your AC unit operates efficiently when the warmer months arrive. Whether it's repairing a malfunctioning compressor or replacing worn-out components, air conditioner services in Westminster can keep your home cool and comfortable all year round.

When it comes to emergency furnace repair in Westminster and surrounding areas, prompt action is key to restoring comfort in your home. Whether you're facing a furnace breakdown, water heater issues, or AC problems, professional HVAC technicians are just a phone call away. With their expertise and dedication, they can quickly diagnose the problem and provide effective solutions to get your heating and cooling systems back up and running. For top-notch HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services, trust Fix-it 24/7 Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric to deliver exceptional results every time.

[soswaterheatercypresstx]

SOS Water Heater Cypress TX

Are your hot water rusty or stained, or the hot water runs out? I've seen observable sediment! Do the unit's leaks exist? Noises are coming from the heater! Have inconsistent water temperature! Are there corrosion indicators? Is the heating element having issues? These problems are frequent, and our team can solve them with high-quality and affordable prices in Cypress, TX. if you face any previous hot water heater issues, do not hesitate to contact SOS Water Heater Cypress, TX, if you experience any of these issues. We are conveniently located throughout Cypress, TX, and provide the most trustworthy water heater repair, installation, maintenance, and replacement services. In addition, we guarantee you a long-lasting unit after our repair.

[near-canton-ma]

Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater heats water as needed without needing a storage tank. It passes cold water through a heat exchanger, rapidly warming it to the desired temperature before delivering it to the faucet, shower, or appliance.

Tankless water heaters primarily provide hot water for various domestic purposes, such as bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Unlike traditional water heaters with storage tanks, tankless models offer several advantages, including energy efficiency, space-saving design, and an endless hot water supply since they don't run out as long as they have a sufficient flow rate and appropriate sizing. They are especially popular in homes with limited space and for users looking to reduce energy consumption and utility costs.

In commercial settings, they can meet the demands of various applications such as hotels, restaurants, and industrial processes, ensuring uninterrupted supply, lessening operating costs, and optimizing space.

HVAC Professionals

Green Energy Mechanical’s HVAC technicians perform essential tasks related to heating, cooling, and indoor air quality systems. Their responsibilities include:

Install heating and cooling systems, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ventilation units. They ensure proper system placement and connection.

Conduct inspections, clean components, replace filters, and identify potential issues to prevent breakdowns.

Diagnose the problem and carry out repairs. This includes fixing leaks, replacing faulty parts, and restoring proper functionality.

Recommend and implement system upgrades or replacements to improve energy efficiency and meet evolving HVAC standards.

Inspect, repair, or replace ductwork to ensure efficient air distribution.

Educate customers on proper system usage, maintenance, and energy-saving practices.

Provide emergency repairs for unexpected system failures.

The company is dedicated to delivering high-quality heating and cooling solutions, ensuring comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality for residential and commercial clients. Choose them if you're searching for HVAC near me in Canton, MA.

Air Conditioner Repair and Maintenance

Air conditioners can break down for various reasons, necessitating services like those provided by Green Energy Mechanical in Canton, MA. Common causes include:

Neglecting regular maintenance, such as cleaning coils and changing filters, can reduce efficiency and breakdowns.

Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and potentially freeze, leading to breakdowns.

Leaking refrigerant can reduce cooling capacity and damage the compressor, resulting in system failure.

Problems with wiring, circuit breakers, or capacitors can disrupt the electrical components, causing the AC to malfunction or not turn on.

Insufficient airflow or refrigerant issues can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, affecting cooling performance.

The compressor is a critical component, and its issues can lead to costly repairs or AC replacement.

As air conditioners age, their components can wear out or become less efficient, increasing the risk of breakdowns.

If you're searching for AC repair near me in Canton, MA, choose Green Energy Mechanical.

[thessalian]

Thess vs Recharging

I have not had sufficient time to recharge and recover from the weeks of overtime. I was hoping to have a nice quiet steady week before the run-up to MCM Comic Con, but that apparently was not to be. Then again, it's kind of in a good cause, because my stepfather is finally sorting out some of the heating nonsense in the flat.

See, my parentals paying the electricity bill on this flat...

(Side note: my stepfather originally said that it wouldn't make any sense to transfer the bills until I was living here permanently, especially since it was only going to be for a short time. It has been two and a half years. So while I do try to mitigate my electricity usage somewhat so I'm not abusing this good fortune, I figure having to live in a flat where only half of everything works deserves some compensation. Also my mother must be pissed; the second flat is supposed to be an investment property and she can't put it up for rent until both flats are renovated, so my stepfather's procrastination is kind of negatively affecting the family income. But again, that's kind of her problem.)

Anyway. I only explain that my parentals pay the electricity bill on this flat because the fact that he changed the energy tariff that this flat was originally using was nothing to do with me. This is important to note because, for the last two years or so since he changed the tariff, certain things in the house haven't been working. Basically there are two circuits in the house. One's day-to-day usage stuff - computer, TV, microwave, stuff like that. The other's core usage, generally less expensive, and mostly has to do with the boiler and the storage heaters. It's the boiler-and-storage-heater circuit that hasn't been working for two years. Now, my stepfather has been chasing the energy company to figure out whether it's their fault that this happened (spoiler - after two fucking years, he found out that yes, this particular tariff moved all the energy output onto one circuit and shut off the one that the boiler etc are on, and no, I don't know why, because my stepfather has only now just started explaining this shit to me), but he hasn't done a whole lot to fix the problem. He only really grasped the implications of the problem during last winter's cold snap, when I was bundled up in multiple layers of clothing with one electric space heater going only when I just couldn't take it anymore, just because of how obscene the energy prices were getting. And to be honest, I think he's only doing something about it now because my friend from France is coming to stay with me while we both go to MCM Comic Con next weekend. Because, like, his stepdaughter can suffer with freezing rooms and having to switch on the day boost for two hours to get a decent bath but gods forbid a total stranger to him be inconvenienced.

Long story short: my stepfather's been in and out of the flat on and off at random throughout the week, because he's installing energy-efficient electric heaters into the rooms that really need them (specifically the sitting room and the study; I have enough duvet to cope when I'm in the bedroom) and hooking them up to the one operational circuit. On Sunday, he will be hooking the boiler to the operational circuit. So I will have proper hot water all the time instead of having to switch on the day boost for two hours. And then I get to spend 4-5 days figuring out exactly how to get the temperature to my liking because for two years I have been switching on the day boost for 1.5-2 hours, then just turning on the hot water and leaving it until the tub's about full, because the hot water goes cold fast and that makes the bathwater not be scalding.

My problem is how he does it. My stepfather is of a certain generation and a certain mindset and "popping by with very little notice" is a thing he's fine with. And since he's fine with it, apparently so should everyone else be. So last weekend was him calling up at 11:30 on Saturday morning going, "I'm just going to pop by this afternoon to bring in these heaters; is that okay?" The "Is that okay?" is really more of an afterthought for him, honestly; the tone is "Of course it is; why wouldn't it be?" when I'm just going, "I am trying to recharge and recover and now I have you in my personal space using power tools with no notice?!?" I want time to prepare my headspace for someone being in my personal space, damnit! (And never mind that he had to shut off the power to the sockets so I couldn't sit watching TV or playing video games for most of that time.) He was late on Sunday - he said 2pm; turned up at half-three. Then came in on Tuesday while I was working - "I shouldn't disturb you", he says, just before taking a fucking power drill to the shared wall between the living room and the study where I was working, causing said wall to vibrate. At least I talked him out of coming in today, but that's because I'm going to get my Covid booster in a couple of hours and I'm honestly preparing to feel like crap for the rest of the day.

I cannot recharge with people in my personal space. And if he's changing the circuit, I'm probably going to be denied power again tomorrow. So the schedule for the next week or so is as follows:

Today - Covid booster; maybe pick up a few essentials; make up at least some relaxation time

Tomorrow - Stepfather working on the flat; D&D Sunday

Monday - Stepfather probably coming back to work on the flat because He Be Like That

Tuesday-Wednesday - Work, with added 'bonus' of Teams meeting with Scruffman because apparently we're moving offices next month and I should probably make an appearance at the office to clear my desk

Thursday - Marion's arrival, Being Hostess begins

Friday-Sunday - MCM Comic Con

Monday - Seeing Marion off; the start of nearby neighbour getting their flat renovated (which will apparently get loud on at least one day, so fuck my life completely)

Tuesday - One day to relax, hindered by neighbour's renovations

Wednesday onward - Back to work

Now, I do have to book the rest of my time off by the end of October but I've been having to hold off on that because Scruffman still hasn't approved my leave dates over Christmas. He's approved my traditional birthday week off in February, but not the Christmas leave. Sorry, but it makes sense if I go off on Christmas because there won't be that much typing while the doctors are also probably on leave and it's mostly phone cover that will be the issue. Anyway, I don't know how much leave I have until he approves or denies all of my leave requests, including the one he "just didn't want to touch" when I put in for it in fucking August.

Right. I have an hour or so to chill out before I have to go find the place where I am getting my Covid booster, so I'd best do that, or at least try to. I just want one week where I don't have to do anything.

[emilybeemartin]

So most national parks bring in rangers on a seasonal basis--- we're hired in late spring and fired in the fall. These rangers need places to live while we're working these 4-5 month stints, so parks typically provide some kind of housing. At best, these are bleak modular builds or dormitories that you share with other rangers. You bring a strand of Christmas lights and a house plant and just make the best of it.

At their worst, they are mid-century nightmares that are actively trying to kill you. They should have been condemned in the '90s, but there's no money to replace them because most maintenance funds are only earmarked for infrastructure used by the public. Every unit I've ever lived in comes with a warning about lead and arsenic in the pipes, and there's always a cursory checkbox like, "I have been told my water is poisoned" that you sort of wearily tick off. Some have basements that you're not allowed to go in because there's no secondary escape. In Glacier my neighbor found a straight-up dead raven on her hot water heater. This past summer another colleague found a hand-drawn pentagram in his basement with a single, unopened can of Coors Lite in the middle. Food burns because your oven temperature is no longer calibrated. Linoleum sheds when you vacuum it. Most of them list or slope in strange ways, and there are always closets that you just know not to open (see my previous hashtag about the hole in the sub-floor). They always have pest problems. This summer I was dozing on my couch and a mouse ran *over my forehead.* Sometimes you hear cracker shots from law enforcement as they try to haze the bears away.

But you put up with it all, because ultimately you love your job and it's all kind of part of it, you know? Crappy housing has been part of park ranger life since its inception. You're part of a legacy. Hundreds of other rangers have spilled grease on that carpet inexplicably installed in your kitchen. Their spirits linger in those liminal spaces behind the refrigerator, quietly whispering, "don't turn on the oven vent--it has pine martens."