Starting Lettuce in an Indoor Hydroponics Garden in the Height of Winter

I follow several homesteaders and gardeners who use small indoor hydroponic gardens to grow fresh food in very small spaces, during inclement weather, and in rental homes where they are unable to have a garden. I have tried container gardening (both here on the homestead and on my previous apartment balcony) but I hadn't tried indoor hydroponics - until now. This is the review of my experiment up until now.

What Are Indoor Hydroponic Garden Systems

I have seen examples of extremely large hydroponic growing systems. One system was in a large building in an urban setting. The operation was large and provided a significant amount of fresh vegetables. I am not currently able to remember the name of that group. But their story was pretty amazing. I have seen other hydroponic growing systems that include large tanks of fish, with plants growing just above the surface of the water. The plants and fish work together to create a preferred growing environment.  The idea of the Indoor Hydroponic Garden system is similar, but on a small personal scale. 

Some folks are able to use containers that include small fish and grow a plant just above the surface of the water. I needed easier than that. So I chose the mass-produced growing systems.

Initially, I chose a very small, 6 pod, AeroGarden brand. Then on the advice of two friends, I chose a 12 pod Mufga brand system. I have set up the 12 pod MUFGA and gave the 6 pod AeroGarden as a gift. 

Indoor Hydroponic  Gardens provide the light (LED lights in the colors that plants need) and water to the plants automatically. The "pods" are holes in the top of the water container that hold baskets of some sort of growing material (not soil). You simply place the seeds in the top of the growing material, place the growing material into the basket, place the basket into the hole in the container, and push a button. The growing light is currently just above the pods but it is on a telescoping arm that will move up as the plants grow taller.

I set my system up on December 30, 2024, Now, a mere 7 days later, I have lettuces that have germinated and are looking great.  The system only takes up a portion of one of the shelves that is where I normally start my seeds in the spring. Speaking of which, many folks use the indoor hydroponic gardens to start their seeds for outdoor gardens; saving the time and money that it takes to purchase seeds from a nursery. The quick and easy germination of my lettuce has convinced me that starting summer outdoor garden plants will be the way to go. 

Even though, there is a severe snow and ice storm moving into the area, in the first week of January 2025, I have lettuce plants started with the hope of making my own salads soon.

Shopping:

I ordered my indoor hydroponics garden system from Amazon. My friends advised me that AeroGarden is more expensive and that the many other brands, nowadays, do just as well at a much lower price tag. I can't advise which brand is best. I can say that the set up of my MUFGA was easy and the items seem well-made for what it is. The MUFGA isn't currently available but there are many similar units. 

It does sound as though the units available in this market are frequently changing. It might be a good idea to watch or read recent reviews of the brands currently available. 

A Peek at my Personal Video:

I took this video for friends and family that shows the different components of this hydroponic garden and may be interesting to you. In this video, I do a sort of show-and-tell. If you are truly interested in growing food indoors, I encourage you to watch the videos of experienced folks who have been growing their own food in these systems for some time for the how-to information.

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American Fiction Movie Review - Don't Miss This One!

What American Fiction is About (The Plot)

American Fiction, a 2023 comedy/drama, is a sharp, thought-provoking satire that follows the life of Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, a disillusioned novelist who becomes fed up with how African American culture is often commodified and reduced to harmful stereotypes in mainstream media. 

Monk, an intellectual and somewhat reclusive writer, struggles to write more of the serious work he is known for. 

In an act of frustration and rebellion, he writes an outrageous parody of stereotypical Black literature under a pseudonym. 

To his surprise, the parody becomes a sensational hit, leading to a whirlwind of fame and ethical dilemmas. The film expertly blends humor and social commentary, exploring themes of identity, race, art, and authenticity.

The Cast - Excellent Acting!

Jeffrey Wright leads the film as Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, delivering a nuanced performance that perfectly captures the protagonist's internal conflict and biting wit. 

Tracee Ellis Ross plays Monk's supportive yet opinionated sister, who grounds him in family matters and counterbalances his cynicism. 

Sterling K. Brown portrays Monk's charismatic yet troubled friend, whose life choices add emotional depth to the story. 

Issa Rae appears as a savvy literary agent who recognizes the commercial potential of Monk's parody but also becomes a symbol of the larger machine he despises. 

Together, this talented ensemble breathes life into a narrative that balances satire with genuine human emotion.

Some of the Accolades the Movie Received

• Academy Award Winner – Best Adapted Screenplay 2024
• Audience Award – Winner at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
• Independent Spirit Awards – Jeffrey Wright won Best Lead Performance, and Cord Jefferson won Best Screenplay
• Independent Spirit Awards – Nominated for Best Screenplay
• Golden Globe Awards – Jeffrey Wright nominated for Best Actor
• Writers Guild Awards – Best Adapted Screenplay and Paul Selvin Award
• BAFTA Awards – Jeffrey Wright won Best Lead Actor and nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay

Why I Loved This Movie

I was immediately drawn to American Fiction because of its premise—a writer struggling to navigate the fine line between artistic integrity and commercial success. 

As someone who writes, I found Monk's journey deeply relatable. The character of Monk, in particular, pulled me in with his internal struggle, trying to make sense of why society gravitates toward racial tropes in art. 

The film approaches Monk's conflict in a way that feels incredibly authentic. Despite being a Caucasian female, I found myself immersed in his world, empathizing with his confusion and frustration.

What struck me most was how the film handled complex race and identity issues with humor and gravity. The irony of Monk embracing stereotypes to mock them—only to watch his parody gain massive popularity—was hilarious and tragic. 

It highlighted the uncomfortable reality that, despite our shared humanity, stereotypes often creep back into the narrative, shaping perceptions in ways we can't always control. This duality of Monk trying to resist and exploit these tropes made the film compelling and thought-provoking.

While I wasn't entirely keen on how the movie attempted to end, I didn't mind it overall. The ending felt slightly abrupt, as though it didn't fully resolve Monk's arc, but perhaps that was intentional—a reflection of the ongoing nature of these societal issues. 

Best of all, there were parts of the movie where I laughed out loud!

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Book Review of ‘Middle of the Night’ by Riley Sager

While browsing through the shelf of ‘new’ mystery books at my local library recently, I came across one by an author who was new to me. It turned out to be a very good selection to read, as I have since discovered that Riley Sager is a bestselling author of nine previous books. His books have been highly rated by Amazon, with one being a Best of the Month Pick (Survive the Night - 2021), and with all of them consistently being listed in the Amazon Editors' favorites in the category of Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense books. 

Riley Sager’s ‘Middle of the Night’ is his latest jaw-dropping thriller 

Synopsis of Middle of the Night

Middle of the Night: A Novel

The summer when Ethan Marsh was 10-years-old, he and his best friend and next-door neighbor, Billy, camped out in a tent in the backyard of his quiet New Jersey home located on a quiet, safe cul-de-sac.  The next morning,  Ethan woke up alone. Sometime during the night, someone had sliced the tent open with a knife.  Billy disappeared and was never seen again.

It is now thirty years later and Ethan has returned to his childhood home. After several years of marriage, he is once again alone and his parents have just retired to Florida. Ethan takes over the house he grew up in to be onsite to sell it for his folks. Ethan is reluctant to be there, as it brings back the memories of the night Billy disappeared and adds to the bad dreams he has been experiencing of that time.

Then Ethan begins to notice strange things happening. Someone seems to be roaming the cul-de-sac at odd hours, and signs of Billy’s presence keep appearing in Ethan’s backyard. Is this a cruel prank or has Billy (long thought to be dead) returned?

All this prompts Ethan to investigate what really happened that summer night so long ago. His journey reunites him with former friends and neighbors and leads him into the surrounding woods where Billy claimed ghosts roamed and where a mysterious institute on a crumbling estate plays a role.

Summary

As Ethan gets closer to the truth of what happened that long ago summer night, he realizes that no place is completely safe – and that the past can haunt the present. 

A suspenseful psychological thriller with compelling characters and unexpected plot twists. 

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*Book review of Middle of the Night written by Wednesday Elf

 

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Finding Normal - Movie Review

"Finding Normal" was released in 2013, but I only recently watched it on New Year's Day this year.  Ironically, I thought it had the perfect message for the beginning of a new year.

The title might make one think of finding what is normal.  However, there is a double meaning in that title.  The town in the movie is named Normal.  A big city doctor, Lisa Leland (Candace Cameron Bure), discovers Normal when she is pulled over for speeding through the place and ends up having to spend several days there.  She is truly taken by surprise by the slow-paced, caring for each other, lifestyle she finds in Normal.

In my own world, the holidays always make me feel like I have so much extra to do that I end up speeding through my normal day, perhaps missing some of the things that are most important in life, like special hugs or catching up with each other through normal everyday chats.  This year, I never seemed to find time to drive around and look at the Christmas lights, which is one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season.  By racing around and "doing", I didn't make time to do some of the things I enjoy the most.

The theme of the movie is based on how it is so easy to get wrapped up in making a living that we forget to make a life.  In my case, by trying to make Christmas be our "normal" traditional Christmas, I missed a lot of the real daily beauty of Christmastime.      

As we embark upon the new year, may we all stop and consider what is really most important in life and make sure we embrace it. Some of us, just may need to find a new "normal".

 

Finding Normal

 Finding NormalCheck PriceDr. Lisa Leland has everything by world standards.  She is leaving Los Angeles to join her doctor-boyfriend in a boutique practice 3000 miles away in The Hamptons as concierge doctors (doctors who get paid well to be on call to a limited number of wealthy patients).  She is driving her BMW to New York because "it has to get there somehow".  She quickly finds out that driving 90 mph through Normal (population 321) is going to get a reaction from the local sheriff.  When Officer Lester O'Toole discovers she has 23 parking tickets and a warrant out for her arrest, he has to take her before the town judge.

Appearing in court gives us all a quick view of what Normal is like and how "behind the times" they are.  When Lisa can't come up with $2000 to pay her tickets & fines, the judge orders 24 hrs, 8 hours a day, of community service in lieu of the money. 

Dr. Leland has a very condescending attitude toward the locals.  That seems to be based on her "higher" education as well as the inconvenience of having to spend days in this rural town, which has put her in a bad mood.  The town people are obviously accustomed to visitors and their assumptions.  Most of them seem to take her condescension in stride and try hard to be kind to her.  However, after she calls Lucas, "Jethro", and talks to him like he is an imbecile, he wishes her a nice day and moves on.  When they see each other later at the judge's home for dinner, they start bickering with one another.  As the movie progresses, his "$5 charm and $10 smile" starts to grow on her.  Actually, the entire town of Normal starts to appeal to Lisa, but her life is set in a different direction.

This movie reminds us that not every path in life is set in stone.

 

 

Where to Watch "Finding Normal"

I watched Finding Normal on the Pure Flix subscription streaming channel. Pure Flix offers movies and shows that are suitable for the whole family and are often Christian based movies.  They are owned by Great American Media.

 

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Decorative Window Film Review

I purchased a DIY decorative window film for my sliding glass door. This is my review and experience with it.

Years ago, I had installed a tinted window film to reduce the affect of the sun's rays. It served it's purpose and did a pretty decent job. Although on very bright sunny days, I still had to close the curtain to make the space more comfortable.

Spring forward to me getting a new computer desk and deciding to have it face the window instead of the wall. I wanted to see something more decorative, other than a tinted view of my neighbor's shed. I wanted something that was colorful.

I decided on the one with the grapevine design. (This is the view from below my desk.)

I love that I now have colors to look at. I can glance to the other glass panel to see what the weather and the birds are doing. So far, when the sun is bright, it gets scattered a bit and works as long as I don't look directly at the brightest spots.

I am happy with my purchase.

Installation Supplies:

The brand that I purchased is by Gila, and they recommend buying a separate installation kit. It comes with a liquid solution that gets applied to both sides of the film, and the glass that you are applying the film to. It also includes a spreader, cutter for spreading out the bubbles, and to do a final cut of the film around the edges.

I didn't go with an installation kit and instead did some searches on YouTube. I found out I could use distilled water with a couple of drops of dish detergent mixed in. (I didn't have distilled water on hand, and instead used some of my purchased drinking water.) As for the spreader, I used a 12 inch plastic ruler that has smooth edges and is see through. Here is a link for one if you need a ruler. https://amzn.to/3BGdr4d

I also used a utility knife and scissors.

Trim first:

I purchased the 3' by 6.5' size for the window film. The sliding door was two to three inches smaller than the film. Gila recommends cutting off excess film, leaving only around an inch of extra film before applying it to the window, glass. It is quite awkward to apply the film, so I do recommend trimming the film as well. I laid it down on my lightly carpeted floor to do the trimming.

Apply tape and separate top corners from backing:

The window film comes with an attached adhesive layer to keep the film from sticking to itself. This layer will need to be removed before applying the film to the glass. Gila recommends applying tape to the two upper corners on both outer sides of these corners. This is a big help to separate the film from its' backing. See diagram.

The upper ends of the tape are to be kept separated. The holder will then pull the two pieces of tape apart and watch for the film to separate from the backing. Separate a small section, then repeat on the other corner.

Spray on solution:

Spray on solution; either from kit or homemade mix of distilled water and a couple drops of dish detergent. I sprayed the top side of the film, the part that was facing up once I removed the backing. I kept spraying it in sections as I continued pulling the backing from the film.

While that was sitting, I sprayed the glass window that it was to get applied to. Then as best I could, I sprayed that back of the film that had been laying on the carpet, and then carried it to the sprayed window. You need to keep the film away from sticking to itself.

Apply the prepared film to the window:

I placed the smooth side of the film to the prepared window. It is quite slippery, which it is meant to be, so that you can slide it into position. I sprayed on more solution as needed. Since my desk was already in place, I had to work around and under it to get things in place. Oh well.

Once I got the film straightened out on the glass, I used the plastic ruler to squeegee the film to the glass, working from center areas out toward the edges. The goal is to work the bubbles out from under the film. Don't worry if the film starts to come down when you first doing this. I just pulled the film out and sprayed more solution on wherever it was needed.

Final trim:

After I got the bubbles all worked out, I did a final trim with the utility knife and scissors. The utility knife didn't always cut through the film, so I pulled it away from the glass, and used the scissors. I then applied more solution when needed and squeegeed again with the ruler.

Voila! I got it done. It took me longer than I thought, but would have went better had I decided to decorate my window before building my desk!

Anyway, I got it done and I am pleased with how it turned out.

Smaller windows should be a lot easier and also when nothing is as close as five inches in front of it; i.e. my desk. {grin}

Amazon did not show the grapevine scene that I purchased. If you want the grapevine scene, you can check with Menards. You can also peruse other designs on Amazon by visiting the link below.

If you're looking for an inspiring way to add more color to your life, and you're okay with DIY, I recommend a decorative window film.

Gila Glass Scenes Spiral Mosaic Decorative Window Film on Amazon.

Hope you enjoyed this project and that you learned some helpful tips.

Cheryl Paton

As an Amazon affiliate, Cheryl Paton earns income from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to the purchasers.

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The Best, Most Practical, Best Organized, Lightweight Crossbody Bag

As we kick off the new year, I have been thinking a lot about ways to get better organized. I love having organization, but I'm not good at maintaining it. One of the few things I have been able to keep fairly well organized is my purse, and it's thanks to the Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag. I love this wonderful lightweight, adjustable crossbody bag so much that I have purchased and repurchased it over the years in a few different colors. Here's my product review of this purse that has finally allowed me to maintain an organized handbag.

Two of my Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bags

The Problem: Too Much to Carry

Like many women, I like to be prepared when I'm out and about. As a result, I carry a lot in my purse or handbag: Wallet, keys, sunglasses, phone, brush, tissues, cough drops, lip balm, hand cream, sunscreen, lipstick, a face mask, UPF 50 gloves to protect my hands against UV rays, a water bottle, and sometimes my Kindle.

I also have a bad back and leather purses tend to be too heavy for me, especially when they're filled with all of the above! In addition, I have sloping shoulders and a regular shoulder bag slides off. So, I need a sturdy yet lightweight crossbody bag that can accommodate all the "stuff" I carry with me without being too heavy. I also need a bag with lots of pockets and compartments, including secure zipper compartments, to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

The Solution: The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag

The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag is a stylish yet highly functional handbag. With a focus on organization, practicality, and a chic aesthetic, this bag is a perfect companion for both daily activities and travel. Following are highlights of its key features and benefits.

Design and Materials

The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag boasts a sleek, minimalist design that transitions effortlessly between casual outings, work settings, and travel. The bag is crafted from premium materials available in several fabric options. These fabrics are easy to clean and maintain. 

A Great Size — Not Too Small, Not Too Large

Before I found this bag, I was constantly struggling to find a purse or handbag that was large enough to accommodate my necessities without being too large, heavy, and unwieldy. This lightweight bag measures 11” wide, 9” high, and 5” deep and weight just 12 ounces (a major selling point for me!), making it spacious enough for all my essential everyday items without feeling bulky.

Key Features

The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag stands out for its organizational prowess, designed to make life easier for women who are always on the go. Of all the organizer bags I have owned over the years, this one is far and away my favorite.

I use the side pocket for a water bottle

Exterior Features

• Quick-Access Phone Pocket: An exterior slip pocket lets you grab your phone in seconds without rummaging through the bag. I prefer to use the larger zippered front pocket for my phone so it's easy for me to access but harder for a pickpocket to lift without my knowledge.
• Scratch-Resistant Sunglasses Pocket: Protects your glasses or other delicate items, ensuring they remain scratch-free. I prefer to keep my sunglasses in a case inside the main compartment and use the side pocket to hold my water bottle.
• Sturdy, Wide, Adjustable Strap: The long 52" removable strap allows for customization, so I can wear it as a crossbody bag or shorten the strap to a shoulder bag length, if desired. It's wide enough not to dig into my shoulder and is made of durable material that would be difficult for a would-be thief to slice. The robust swivel hardware that attaches the strap at both ends has held up well over several years and makes it easy to straighten a twisted strap.



Exterior front pockets

Interior Features

• Multiple Compartments: The bag's interior features a variety of zippered and open pockets to keep your belongings neatly organized. The main compartment zips closed at the top of the bag, and there's an interior zippered pocket that provides a second hurdle for would-be pickpockets. The zippers are high quality and zip and unzip smoothly and easily.
• Removable RFID-Blocking Wristlet: This compact wristlet includes card slots and safeguards against identity theft. It's also detachable and perfect for when you want to travel light.
• Lipstick Loop & Key Leash: These are small but thoughtful additions that keep frequently used items like keys and lip products within reach.

Interior compartments, pockets, loops, and RFID-blocking wristlet

Travel-Friendly Additions

• Luggage Handle Sleeve: A smart feature that allows the bag to slide securely over an extendable suitcase handle to keep my hands free while traveling and make it harder to snatch my purse. The zipper also turns it into a functional back compartment with a snap closure when not in use as a luggage handle sleeve.
• Luggage Sleeve Zipper Lock: Adds extra security by locking the zipper closed when using the sleeve as a compartment.

Zippered luggage handle sleeve on back

Functionality and Versatility

The layout of the Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag is ideal for carrying everything from daily essentials to travel documents. Whether I'm commuting to work, running errands, or catching a flight, the bag's lightweight construction ensures comfort and accessibility even when packed. The material options, particularly the water-resistant TruNylon, make it suitable for all weather conditions, giving me peace of mind in case of rain.

The RFID-blocking wristlet provides added protection for credit cards and identification and is an excellent security feature. This feature is especially valuable when I'm traveling in busy or unfamiliar locations.

This popular bag has been in the Baggallini lineup for many years, having stood the test of time. It also comes in a wide range of colors and a few patterns, as well as a few different materials.

Detachable RFID-blocking wristlet

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent organizational features with multiple compartments.
• Lightweight and comfortable to carry for long periods.
• Water-resistant, easy-to-clean materials.
• Stylish and versatile design suitable for various occasions.
• Long, adjustable strap lets it be carried as a crossbody bag or shoulder bag.
• Travel-friendly features like the luggage sleeve and detachable RFID-blocking wristlet.

Cons:

• Some users may find the size too small for larger items like tablets or bulky accessories.

The Final Verdict

Baggallini Modern Everywhere Bagg - Water-resistant Lightweight Hobo Crossbody Bag for Women - Easy-Access Phone Pocket

The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag is an excellent choice for women who want a combination of functionality and fashion. Its smart features, quality materials, and timeless design make it a must-have for busy professionals, moms, and travelers alike.

Whether you're navigating your daily routine or embarking on an adventure, this bag ensures you stay organized and look great doing it.

For anyone looking for a practical yet stylish everyday bag, the Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag is hard to beat.

The Best, Most Practical, Best Organized, Lightweight Crossbody Bag by Margaret Schindel

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Big Fudge Record Friend Cleaning Kit - Reviewed

 We were so excited when our daughter Jamie gave Fran this Seasonlife turntable for our vinyl records. We have quite a collection of vinyl records from the 1970s and 1980s and couldn't wait to dig them out of storage.

We knew before we could play them on the new turntable these old records would need to be cleaned. So, I began searching for an affordable cleaning kit and found the Big Fudge Record Friend.

What's Inside the Big Fudge Record Friend Kit?

• Vinyl cleaning solution that's gentle on records.
• Microfiber cloths to avoid leaving fibers behind.
• Cleaning basin and rollers to make it easy to wash to records.
• Drying rack to keep records upright and air-dry safely.
• Label protectors to prevent water or cleaners from touching the labels.

This all-in-one kit has everything you need, especially for cleaning multiple records in one sitting, It's designed for both 33 and 45 PRM records, which means you can clean everything from singles to full albums without any extra accessories. The instructions are easy to follow. The assembly is quick and easy and the results are amazing.

I had no idea how often you should clean your vinyl records. So, I looked it up and found a good rule of thumb is every 90 days. I always use one of the microfiber cloths to wipe the record before every use.

If you have a vinyl collection that you want to keep in great shape this kit does a nice job. 

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Big Fudge Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit - 4-in-1 Record Cleaner Solution - Includes Ultra-Soft Velvet Record Brush, Cleaning Liquid, Stylus Brush and Storage Pouch - Premium Vinyl Record Cleaner

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Reviewing My New Top Fin 10 Gallon All-in-One Aquarium Starter Kit

My Top Fin All-In-One Aquarium Starter Kit was quick and easy for me to set up. I am enjoying the beauty and relaxation fish bring to my home again. If you would like to have fish, in a tank larger than a fish bowl but small enough to be easy for one person to set up and care for, this aquarium may be a great choice for you. This is a perfect size tank for offices, small homes, classrooms, and children's first fish tanks.

Top Fin 10 gallon All-in-One Aquarium Starter Kit

The Top Fin brand is easy to find in some big, chain pet stores. Because of that quantity, I assume, I stumbled upon a sale that brought this $80+ tank down to $53. So I snagged it, even though I had been looking for a couple of other brands.

I was concerned that I was purchasing a low-quality item just because of the tempting price tag and that I'd regret the purchase. But after I put it together and started it with a few fish I decided that this is a great starter tank.

Included Items:

• 10 gal glass aquarium, column shape
• Small footprint: 12.5" L x 12.5" W x 19.5" H
• Hood with feeding door
• bright white LED light in the hood
• thermometer
• 50w heater
• water test vial
• Top Fin PF10 Power Filter with cartridge replacement and a PF-S Silentstream Filter Cartridge 
• 4" Nylon Net

This aquarium was small enough and light enough for me to place where I wanted it.  I filled with with substrate, rocks, and plants (purchased separately). With the small size of the tank, I was able to fill it with water fairly quickly. And I was able to reach in and move the rocks and plants as I wanted. In the past, larger tanks made it difficult to reach the bottom and larger tanks take a longer time to fill or empty.

I was relieved that everything worked well. And very pleased that the water filter was extremely quiet! When I had aquariums many years ago, the water pumps were noticeably loud. This one is not. 

My Personal Thoughts and Fish Tank Needs

After visiting my son and grandchildren, I knew that I wanted to resume keeping tropical fish. I hadn't had an aquarium for a couple of decades. Unlike my family, who were doing really well with keeping gorgeous salt water tanks, I knew I'd start with fresh water. I wanted larger than a gold fish bowl. But I live in a small home and knew I didn't want a large aquarium on a stand.   I fell in love with my son's 15 gallon Cube shaped aquarium and started my search for a 10 to 15 gallon desktop tank.

My desire is to have a community tank; a variety of nano fish and creatures that can live in the same tank. I do not want just one betta or goldfish in a bowl. My preference is to have a somewhat naturalized underwater scene. Yes, I know that Neon Tetras (the first fish I purchased with this adventure) aren't the most natural looking. But they are a schooling fish and remind me of schools of minnows in fresh water lakes. 

Nano Fish - fish that grow less than 2" long and are suitable for aquariums as small as 10 gallons.

This Top Fin 10 gallon column, desk-top tank has been a great purchase. It was easy on the budget and better quality than I had expected. I highly recommend it for beginning fish-keepers, current tropical fish enthusiasts who might need extra space for baby fish, or a gift for someone. This is a great size of tank for children to have their first pets.

If you are not able to find the Top Fin brand in your area, there are many other small cube and nano aquariums available on Amazon. 

In my local area, I found the Top Fin brand at Petsmart.

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Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Rug for Your Home Office

When it comes to designing a home office, one element that often gets overlooked but plays a huge role in functionality and aesthetics is the area rug. 

Having spent countless hours experimenting with layouts and designs, I've discovered a few strategies to help you select a practical and visually appealing rug. Let's dive into my personal tips for making the right choice.

Positioning Your Home Office Rug: Setting the Stage for Productivity

The placement of your rug can make or break the flow of your workspace. Here are a few considerations to help you position your rug effectively:

• Anchor Your Desk and Chair: I recommend placing the rug directly under your desk and chair to define your workspace. Make sure the rug is large enough so that when you pull your chair back, it stays on the rug. This creates a comfortable zone that enhances both form and function.

• Balance the Room: If you have additional furniture like bookshelves or a filing cabinet, consider how the rug interacts with these pieces. Centering the rug in the room or aligning it with your furniture can create a cohesive and balanced look.

• Keep It Clear: Avoid placing the rug where it might obstruct doorways or high-traffic areas. A well-placed rug should enhance the room's flow, not hinder it.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Dimensions

Picking the right size rug is essential for maintaining harmony in your home office. Here's how I approach this:

• For Small Setups: If your office space is compact, opt for a smaller rug that fits neatly under your desk and chair. A 5x7 or 6x9 rug is typically ideal for tighter spaces.

• For larger spaces, I Recommend a rug large enough to accommodate multiple furniture pieces in a bigger office. Rugs measuring 8x10 or 9x12 can anchor the entire room, making it feel more unified.

• Think Beyond the Desk: Sometimes, a larger rug that extends beyond your desk can create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. This works exceptionally well in open-concept spaces.

Color and Pattern: Setting the Mood

Your rug's color pattern significantly impacts the vibe of your home office. Here are a few ideas based on my experience:

• Neutral Tones for Focus: Rugs in neutral shades like beige, gray, or soft blues create a calm and professional environment. They're versatile and pair well with most décor styles.

• Bold Hues for Creativity: Try a vibrant red or emerald green rug to energize your space. These colors can inspire creativity and make your office feel more dynamic.

• Patterns for Personality: Don't be afraid to choose a patterned rug to add character. Whether geometric, floral, or abstract, a well-chosen pattern can bring texture and depth to your workspace. Just keep the rest of the room's déroom's mind to avoid clashes.

My Wool-Patterned Office Area Rug is 30 Years Old! It was purchased in 1994. Here's a Photo. Yep, I Prefer Patterns.

For You: 

Here is a collection of wool area rugs, 

which you can view here.

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Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson

Author Michael Crichton, famous for such works as Jurassic Park, ER and Twister, had a work he was passionate about before his untimely death in 2008. His wife, knowing how important this work was to him, kept the notes and partial manuscript until she found the right author to complete it. She found that author in James Patterson.

The end result was a book published in 2024 and is called “Eruption”. 

Synopsis of Eruption

Eruption: Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller

Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii, last erupted in November of 2022. 

In Eruption, the new book begun by Michael Crichton and finished by James Patterson, Mauna Loa is close to erupting again. The story is set just slightly in the future - the spring of 2025.

The early part of the larger story about this volcanic eruption of Mauna Loa became classified information just days after it happened in 2016 at the Hilo Botanical Gardens. It remained highly classified until recently when Mauna Loa once again became active. 

As Chapter One begins, the action is on the beach in Hilo, Hawaii. The date is stated (April 24, 2025) and the time to eruption: 116 hours, 12 minutes, 13 seconds, is listed.

As the story proceeds throughout the chapters, we are kept informed of the time left until eruption.

Eruption’s main character is John MacGregor, a geologist who heads the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. We follow him and his team as they count down the hours and prepare for the eventual eruption of Mauna Loa. They know this will be a history-making event.

Meanwhile, a dangerous situation becomes known to MacGregor that could mean the end of life as we know it.  The U.S. Military has made a terrible mistake ~ a secret held for decades ~ that  is far more terrifying than any volcano.

Summary

Michael Crichton, master of the techno-blockbuster and James Patterson, popular storyteller and master of the modern thriller, have combined forces in this epic thriller. Eruption is so fast-paced you won’t be able to put it down until the last exciting sentence. 

For more book reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com.

This Book Review of Eruption was written by Wednesday Elf for ReviewThisReviews.com  

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