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cjdav

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Posts posted by cjdav

  1. Merry Christmas everyone.  We had a robust conversation about home automation in the BF Discussions which touched on some of the uses of some of the Amazon Echo devices.  I have been smitten with the Amazon show.  More important, my MOTHER has been smitten by the show.  My mother is nearly 80 years old and has managed to avoid technology for nearly a century.  I have installed computers which boot to social media.  I disguised a tablet as an electronic picture frame which jumped into social media at a touch of the screen.  To date, I have had no success at all.

     

    A few months back, I invited my mother to dinner.  She sat at the kitchen table as I prepared the meal and became curiouser and curiouser as I went about my business setting timers, asking for quantity conversions, and adding things to my grocery list.  Then I asked Alexa to play a radio station and she had to ask what this thing was.  

     

    Since then, Alexa has added calling and 'drop in' features and, after using these myself, I have decided to put a show in my mother's kitchen.  I was very fortunate to get one from QVC for $155 the week of BF (which included a smart outlet and a couple free subscriptions).  Now I am compiling a list of 'skills' my mother might find useful.  I'll laminate the list and tuck it under the show.  Here is what I have so far.  Please feel free to add suggestions as a reply to this message or via PM...

     

    Communication...

    • Alexa call [name of echo device]
    • Alexa answer
    • Alexa ignore
    • Alexa hangup

    Timers

    • Alexa set a timer for ten minutes
    • Alexa set a turkey timer for 90 minutes
    • Alexa show timers 
    • Alexa how much time is left on my turkey timer
    • Alexa cancel my turkey timer
    • Alexa stop

    Alarms

    • Alexa set an alarm for 5:45pm
    • Alexa cancel alarm
    • Alexa set an alarm for 6:00am weekdays
    • Alexa cancel weekdays alarm at 6:00am
    • Alexa set an alarm for 10:00am weekends
    • Alexa cancel weekends alarm at 10:00am
    • Alexa set an alarm for everyday at 9:00am
    • Alexa cancel alarm for everyday at 8:00am
    • Alexa show alarms
    • Alexa stop

    Kitchen Help

    • Alexa how many teaspoons in a table spoon
    • Alexa show me a recipe for hard boiled eggs

    Music

    • Alexa play my Christmas list
    • Alexa play my 50s list
    • Alexa shuffle
    • Alexa turn off shuffle
    • Alexa play [call letters of radio station]
    • Alexa louder
    • Alexa softer
    • Alexa stop

    Useful

    • Alexa what is the weather for today
    • Alexa what is the seven day forecast
    • Alexa what time is it
    • Alexa what day of the week does Christmas fall on
    • Alexa how many days until Jan. 20, 2021
    • Alexa what is the phone number for Home Depot

    Fun

    • Alexa what happened on this day
    • Alexa whose birthday is it
    • Alexa what is in the news
    • Alexa tell me about [anything]
    • Alexa show photos

    Merry Christmas!

    I have to admit I completely ignored this device as I thought it would be something I would never use.  After reading this, though, I think I will do some research and read the home automation thread,  Thanks!

    • Like 1
  2. I received by SS box today, and, I couldn't be happier!  It was absolutely filled with wonderful gifts (all of which I already opened).  I am a compulsive list maker and there were no less than three different calendars, boards and note pads that I can use for this, plus pumpkin latte mix, hot chocolate, socks, a soft throw, and, more!  Thank you very much to my SS, and, I wish you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

    • Like 3
  3. I think re-gifting is fine, and, that you can really appreciate a gift without actually using it.  When I buy gift cards I purposely do not write any names on the back of the card, in case the recipient wants to re-gift.  My sister and I have a running gag where we have been giving each other the same birthday card for a few years now.  We write our greetings on post it notes placed inside so the card can be used again.  

    • Like 2
  4. I'm looking for a 50 - 55" for my son.  My top issues are that I must be able to purchase online, and, then, price ($350 max - ok if after kohls cash if i go that route).   He works and goes to school (and has a small apartment), so, I'm not necessarily concerned with 4k or gaming capabilities.  I'll check the products chart and review the ads, but, I would also very much appreciate any input, suggestions, etc. from all of you. Thank you!

  5. Standing in line for hours only for it to be a free for all with line jumpers when the doors open.  Not handing out numbers for big ticket door buster items.  Not limiting the number of big ticket items per person when there is a limited amount and the teenager who pushed past you is taking them all.  Ok, now I am starting to sound old.  Oh, and, get off my lawn.

    • Like 7
  6. Since it is coming from Best Buy I would hold off on anything in that category since you'll probably be either price adjusting or returning the set. You are definitely with within most return windows if you should decide to keep it. Be sure to check your own status because Elite members has a more gracious return window. I do like the Roku feature of any TV but I believe that you can get a better 55 inch TV come Black Friday that may even have HDR and better refresh rate

     

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using GottaDEAL mobile app

     

    Thank you!!

  7. SPINACH AND LEMON ORZO SOUP

     

    2 Tbs. olive oil

    2 cloves garlic, minced

    1 large onion, chopped

    1 tsp. red pepper flakes

    2 cups packed fresh spinach leaves

    1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

    8 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

    1 lemon, zested and juiced

    Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

     

    DIRECTIONS:

    Heat the oil in a large heavy pot or stock pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the lemon zest, and red pepper flakes and cook another 3 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent. Turn the heat to medium and add the spinach and orzo. Cook for 1 minute and then add the broth and lemon juice.

    Bring to a light simmer and cook for 15-18 minutes until the orzo is tender.

    Serve immediately garnished with freshly grated Parmesan.

     

    Don't omit the red pepper flakes - they really make this soup great.

     
    • Like 3
  8. This is my favorite creamed corn recipe:

     

    2 pkgs (20 oz) frozen corn kernels (i usually do one white and one yellow)

    8 oz whipping cream

    8 oz milk

    1 tsp salt

    6 tsp sugar

    pinch white pepper (or cayenne)

    2 tbsp melted butter

    2 tbsp flour

     

    Combine all but last 2 ingredients in a pot and bring to boil.  Simmer 5 minutes.  Blend butter with flour, add to the corn, mix well and remove from heat.  

     

    It's REALLY good and very simple.

    • Like 2
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