A couple new tricks up my sleeve

[IrishAyes]

5. As to the baking soda, that's why they said to let it sit undisturbed overnight,

to form a good lump that would only gradually release particles into the tank water.

I wasn't planning to get the de-icer on my skin - that's why I won't use it around my dogs either. But if you think I need to buy the rock salt type, I could save the single bag for use outside the gate when there's a heavy coat of ice on the ground and I'm expecting rare company.

The idea of some passive system appealed to me because I'm down to one microwave oven now, and I don't like to heat something my feet have been on in the same oven where I cook food. Even though I do wear heavy socks and big fuzzy house slippers/boots. Since my handyman friend put in the new electric breaker box and rewired my living room ceiling fan properly, plus installed my big dual fuel floor heater that will take care of a warehouse! I'm technically able to keep the house warmer. But I still dress heavily and use as little fuel as possible. That means desk height might be 65, but it can still be much colder at floor level where my feet are. I've got a pair of Ugg-style fur lined boots that keep me warm enough; I just like to save them for when I have to walk out in the snow.

It was easier when the chows were alive, because they liked to each claim a foot and stretch out over it. That was always warm!