Cheap Garden Boxes -or- Our Garden so far.

We decided to build garden boxes for our garden.
Originally we were going with containers.
We still have a couple of containers going.
The boxes are made from fence boards that we got from Lowes for pretty cheap.
They are aren't perfect for fencing so they don't normally sell.
Finding free materials would've been better.
But, we decided to buy these boards and the discount helped.
Just ask the manager for a discount.
This is a common thing, so it shouldn't be an issue.
The amount of discount varies.. you can haggle.
The boxes should last a couple of years and should weather nicely.
It doesn't have to be perfect,neither does the wood, or the box.
It's just a rectangle that you throw dirt in.

Tiny Solar Powered Memorial Day Salute.

I was goofing around in the backyard thinking about the upcoming 3 day Memorial Day Weekend.
I was originally going to make a video on Dollar Tree Solar items that I have collected.
But, when I started arranging them for the video, I realized they kind of reminded me of a USO show.
USO has been morale building for the troops for a very long time.
The USO shows were always slightly cheesy and usually pretty good.
So, I started recording and watching the solar powered USO show on my back porch steps.
I took a couple of minutes to think about our Armed Forces and all the
service members who served and won't be coming home.
I thought about the families of the fallen.
I appreciate their sacrifices and I'm grateful.
I thought of my service, my brother's service, and my Dad's service.
As a family, we have been lucky.

I was originally going to delete the video.
But I'm not.
This a Tiny solar powered Memorial Day Salute.

How I fixed my $1.48 Thrift Store Analog Multimeter

I picked up this meter for a $1.48 at a Thrift Store.
The meter didn't work. I bought it anyway.
Most meters have batteries in them.
I thought since this meter was in good condition, that it just might be the battery.
So I replaced the battery and adjusted the meter to read properly.
If you see a a multimeter in a thrift store, it might be worth picking up.
I have an extra multimeter for $1.48.
Here's what I did.

*UPDATE* Netflix firmware update for the NextBook Premium 8SE.

UPDATE!
The NetFlix fix is available as firmware update from NextBook USA.
This should cover the NextBook Premium 8SE models sold by HSN and everywhere else..
Here's the Link, for those who are interested-
http://www.nextbookusa.com/productdetail.php?product_id=10

Here's a NextBook Premium 8SE NetFlix fix.
When I bought this tablet, I wasn't expecting the best, after all it was dirt cheap
as far as Android 4.0 Tablets go.
When I tried to use NetFlix, it was a no go.
So, I fiddled around and still couldn't get it to work.
I actually forgot about it until I found that there was a fix available
from the Home Shopping Network. Good Job HSN!
I'm not sure if this fix will work on any other tablet, aside from the
HSN version.
So you're on your own for that.
I nstalled and ran the fix and it works! YAY!
It takes about 30 mins or so to download and install the patch.
Your results may vary.
If you are not Android inclined or computer savy, you may need to enlist the services of someone who is.
So here's what I did, and I hope it helps..

Updated!
-Links no longer available at HSN.
Please use Nextbookusa's website for links / information. 
The video has been updated. Thanks!

Netflix update for NextBook Premium 8SE.

Netflix doesn't work on NextBook Premium 8SE? Here's the Fix.

Here's a NextBook Premium 8SE  NetFlix fix /update.
When I bought this tablet, I wasn't expecting the best,
after all it was dirt cheap as far as Android 4.0 Tablets go.
When I tried to use NetFlix, it was a no go.
So, I fiddled around and still couldn't get it to work.
I actually forgot about it until I found that there was a fix available
from the Home Shopping Network. Good Job HSN!
I'm not sure if this fix will work on any other tablet, aside from the
HSN version.
So you're on your own for that.
I nstalled and ran the fix and it works! YAY!
It takes about 30 mins or so to download and install the patch.
Your results may vary.
If you are not Android inclined or computer savy, you may need to enlist the services
of someone who is.

So here's what I did, and I hope it helps..


Updated!
-Links no longer available at HSN.
Please use Nextbookusa's website for links / information. 
The video has been updated. Thanks!

Personal Weather Center. or ACURITE Wireless Weather Center Model #0...

Check out my personal Weather Station or Weather Center if you prefer..
It's an Acu-Rite Weather Center model #00436.
It's wireless, runs off 7 AA batteries and has a 330 foot range.
It has a nice remote display and has an outdoor all in one sensor.
It has 3 sensors combined in one unit.
Really easy to install and so far it appears to be pretty accurate.
I have more than one wireless thermometer/humidity sensor.
Now, I can use this weather center to do a little more.
It gives me more information.
It's a nice little unit so far..
One day I'd like to use it on a mototrhome.
Amazon.com has this unit for relatively cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YVTTQ4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=c...

The only thing I wish the weather center had was wind direction.
So, I was digging around and found one from Kohls.
It's more expensive, but I thought it was interesting.
I'm finding there's an incredible amount of variety and prices in weather instruments.
Here's the one from Kohls.
(If you're interested.)

Coffee Can Herb Garden Containers.

I hate to waste a perfectly good container.

I decided to turn these into an Herb Container garden. 

These 16 oz. plastic coffee cans are pretty good. 

I collected some over the winter and I like using them so far.

Add a little paint and they become less of an eyesore. 

Everything is better with spray paint. 

I like the idea of reusing items.

Plus, I wanted them to blend in with the other pots and containers I plan on using.

UPDATE- They are currently being used to grow some spring lettuce. 

The Herb garden containers are going to have to be something different.

Lettuce likes them, and they were Cheap....