AsktheBuilder.com News - September 4, 2022

Issue #1198 (I think...)

Dear ,

Minutes before typing these words I was walking back down my driveway. I had just deposited into my mailbox a hand-written letter to the wife of my best friend here in New Hampshire.

I was thanking her for making me a tasty no-meat sandwich. I deposited it into my innards yesterday while on an adventure with her husband. You should read all about where we went and watch the video I created about my fun day crossing the deep blue sea. You'll see a link to both below.

I'm sharing this with you because I feel handwritten thank-you notes are rapidly transitioning from history to legend to myth. I'm talking about ones using cursive writing with real ink that flows down to the nib of a fountain pen.

Think about it. When was the last time you took a few minutes to handwrite a short thank-you note to a friend, relative, or co-worker? I'm not talking about an email. I'm not talking about typing it on your computer and printing out the letter.

Yep, I thought so. It was a long time ago.

Consider changing that behavior. Get yourself an affordable LAMY fountain pen and start writing. I've got two of these pens with an assortment of colorful ink. They are superb fountain pens that don't leak.

While you're at it, get some amazing Clairefontaine silky Triomphe paper and envelopes. This paper won't allow the fountain pen ink to run and feather out looking like an amateur wrote the thank-you note.

Venmo not PayPal

My daughter suggested to me that I start using Venmo to transfer money to friends. I used it a month ago to accept money from a woman who purchased plumbing plans from me. 

My daughter uses Venmo to reimburse me for her portion of her cellphone bill. She takes advantage of my Google Fi phone plan and shoots me money in seconds with the secure and safe Venmo app. Using Google Fi, I've cut my phone bill by 50% AND I have better service!!! Go here to switch to Google Fi.

In my opinion, Venmo is so much better than PayPal and there are no onerous fees. If you decide to try it out - it's SUPER EASY, you can get some free sweet moola. I get a small finder's fee too for referring you should you sign up.

GO HERE to VENMO and see for yourself.

Sewage Ejection Pumps

Do you want a septic tank inside your home? I didn't think so!

You better watch this new video of mine RIGHT NOW.

Star Island DXpedition

I went out to the Isle of Shoals two days ago. I beg you to read this story. Why?

Once you read my story and WATCH MY VIDEO, I pretty much guarantee you'll go out to Star Island next summer. Perhaps we can meet there!

Color Slide Scanners - Which One Tim?

In last week's issue I shared that I was beginning a huge project. I'm scanning hundreds of old color slides and thousands of Carter family photos and negatives.

You may have been one who reached out wondering how I was doing it, what scanner I was using, how I organized all the slides and photos in digital file folders, how long it takes, where I'm storing the digital images, and which scanner to get. I answer all these questions and more in a column I created for you.

I want to curate these irreplaceable images for myself and all my family members. I also want to PROTECT them from fire, floods, mice, and time degradation. You SHOULD BE DOING THE SAME THING!

GO HERE to see my scanner and the one I'd BUY TODAY if I wanted to get another one.

Summer's End

Tomorrow is Labor Day in the USA. It's the unofficial end to summer. The actual end of summer happens in a few weeks when the autumnal equinox occurs.

In my opinion, September is by far the best time of year in New Hampshire. This magical month treats you to the best weather. The days are still warm, the lake water is enchanting, and most of the  summer residents have gone back south.

The best week to visit New Hampshire is next week just after Labor Day. All of the tourist attractions are still open, but are ghost towns for the most part. They stay open until the leaf peepers go home.

Leaf-peeping season doesn't start for another three weeks. Get here NOW if you're coming.

Tim Carter

Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Star Island DXpedition - www.W3ATB.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

P.S. Over the past few weeks I've pointed out some of the reasons why you might want to take the unicorn and rainbow propaganda you're hearing about electric vehicles with a block of salt.

I've been waiting for a certain story to appear about the electric grid and EVs. I knew it would just be a matter of time before those screeching at you to BUY an EV would then say, "Oh, BTW, you can't charge your car today. Sorry for your bad luck. Too bad you have to stay home all weekend." Yep, the story appeared days ago.

I was also waiting for another story about those who think using a thermostat connected to the Internet is a good idea. 

Tens of thousands of Colorado residents were sweating inside their homes over the past few weeks when they were LOCKED OUT of turning down their AC thermostats. 

"Ouch - sorry for your bad luck you trusting citizen. Sit down and shut up," is what the power company is saying to you via your LOCKED thermostat.

Did you know that if you have a smart meter your power provider can shut off or restrict the electricity you're trying to suck from the grid.

WAKE UP! Stop being PLAYED! 

Start using your God-given tiny gray cells. Your Overlords are doing the drip, drip, drip on you trying to control everything you do.