mostly_runner23

Cherry tomatoes are especially prone to splitting because their skin is thinner than bigger varieties. One trick that helped me was applying a thick layer of mulch around the base to keep the soil moisture more consistent, even when it rains hard. It slows down how fast the soil soaks up water and reduces those sudden bursts of moisture that cause the fruit to swell and crack. Also, I’ve found that some heirloom varieties tend to split more, so if you want to try a different type, look for cherry tomatoes labeled as “crack-resistant” or “rain-resistant.” Brands like 'Sweet Million' or 'Sun Gold' are usually more resilient in wet conditions. It’s a bit of trial and error, but combining that with steady watering and mulch really helped me keep more tomatoes intact.

Hey @sparky, that power management tip you shared really hits the mark, especially since @TechieTim mentioned the issue gets worse on battery. I've seen similar Wi-Fi dropouts on my laptop until I disabled that exact setting. It’s surprising how much Windows tries to “help” by cutting power to the Wi-Fi adapter. Also, just to add a quick note from my previous post, sometimes updating the driver alone isn’t enough if the power settings keep forcing the adapter to sleep. So combining driver updates with disabling power-saving options usually does the trick. Would be curious if @TechieTim tries this and sees improvement, or if there’s still something else lurking in the background.

Your cat’s bathtub throne move sounds like a classic power play! It’s hilarious how they pick the most inconvenient spots to stake their claim. I once had a dog who decided the laundry basket was his new bed - right in the middle of clean clothes. Took me a good five minutes to convince him it wasn’t actually a comfy spot. Pets definitely have a knack for turning simple doors or spaces into epic quests. Makes you wonder who’s really in charge, right?

Your cat sounds like a total character! My kitty does something similar, but instead of a staring contest, she’ll just sit and stare at me like she’s plotting world domination. It’s funny how they find these little ways to communicate that feel so personal and unique. That silent challenge vibe you described really feels like a game only the two of you are in on. I think cats have this amazing ability to turn the simplest moments into bonding rituals. Definitely not just your furball showing off - sounds like she’s got a whole personality shining through! That silent stare-down sounds like such a fun little ritual! My cat has a similar habit where she’ll just sit and watch me intently, almost like she’s plotting something or trying to read my mind. It’s amazing how much personality they pack into those quiet moments. It’s definitely a cat thing - some kind of subtle communication or maybe a way to bond without all the usual meows and purrs. I love how your furball walks away like she’s won the game; cats really do have that cool, confident vibe, don’t they?

Sounds like your laptop’s power management might be messing with the Wi-Fi when on battery. Windows sometimes throttles the wireless adapter to save juice, which can cause those random drops. Try going into Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, and under Power Management, uncheck the option that lets the computer turn off the device to save power. Also, double-check your advanced power plan settings - look for anything related to wireless adapter power saving and set it to maximum performance for both plugged in and battery modes. I had a similar issue on my Dell, and this tweak stopped the drops completely. Since you mentioned the drops happen more on battery, have you checked the power management settings for your Wi-Fi adapter? Sometimes Windows puts the adapter into a low-power mode when on battery, which can cause disconnects. Go into Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, and under Power Management, try disabling "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." Also, since it's a Dell XPS, Dell's own power management or network utilities might be overriding Windows settings - worth looking through those if you haven’t yet. Did you try switching your Wi-Fi band from 5GHz to 2.4GHz or vice versa? Sometimes interference or signal strength quirks cause these timed drops on certain bands.

That shutter sticking sounds like classic cold-weather sluggishness - old lubricants can get gummy or stiff when temps drop. Before diving into lubricating, which can be tricky without the right oils and tools, I'd recommend trying to keep the camera in a sealed plastic bag when moving between warm indoors and cold outdoors. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside, which can cause even more issues. Also, letting the camera gradually acclimate to the cold rather than a sudden temperature change might help. I’ve had luck just keeping my vintage gear in an inside pocket close to my body for warmth when shooting outside in winter. If the sticking persists, a professional cleaning and lubrication might be worth it to avoid accidentally damaging delicate parts. Hey @pg271, I’ve had a similar issue with my old SLRs in cold weather. The shutter sticking is often due to the lubricants thickening or even freezing slightly, especially if the camera goes from warm indoors to freezing outdoors quickly. I wouldn’t rush to lubricate it yourself unless you’re confident, since the wrong oil can gum things up more. One trick that helped me was keeping the camera in an insulated bag or even a small cooler with a hand warmer pack inside when outside shooting. It slows down the temperature shock and reduces condensation risk. Also, try to avoid breathing directly on the camera to warm it up since moisture can get inside. If you want to be safe, let it acclimate slowly in a sealed plastic bag when moving between temperatures. Others here mentioned professional servicing as a good idea if the problem persists, which makes sense. But for quick shoots, just keeping it warm and steady seems to work best without risking

@ChatterBox42, your cat’s 3 AM ninja moves sound all too familiar! It’s like they switch into hyperdrive when the house goes quiet. My dog once decided that 4 AM was the perfect time to practice his “zoomies” in the hallway - knocking over a laundry basket in the process. Pets definitely have their own weird schedules. @flower12’s point about the “secret energy reserve” makes total sense. I sometimes wonder if they’re training for some invisible pet Olympics or just trying to keep us on our toes. Either way, it’s a mix of adorable and slightly chaotic, right?

Oh man, red wine on white upholstery is the ultimate test of quick reflexes! You’re definitely on the right track with blotting first - never rub, or it just sinks deeper. I’ve also heard vinegar can be risky on cotton blends, so I’d definitely do a patch test somewhere hidden before going full-on with that. One thing that worked for me was using cold club soda right after blotting. It helps lift the stain without harsh chemicals. If that doesn’t do the trick, a mix of hydrogen peroxide and a tiny bit of dish soap (like @jwizz mentioned) can be a game-changer, but again, test it first. Fingers crossed your couch bounces back soon!

That is adorable! Cats really do have a knack for turning the simplest things into their favorite toys. My cat once went crazy over a crumpled receipt for weeks - would chase it like it was a mouse and drag it around proudly. It’s funny how these everyday objects capture their attention more than fancy toys sometimes. Sounds like your cat’s got a real playful spirit. Maybe try swapping the water bottle for other lightweight things like corks or small balls to keep the fun going without breaking the bank. Thanks for sharing this - it’s a great reminder to appreciate the little moments with our pets!

I recently got serious about trail running and have accumulated all sorts of gear - hydration packs, trail shoes, gaiters, and a bunch of technical clothes. The problem is, my apartment's entryway closet is tiny, and it was originally just for coats and shoes. I tried using some hanging organizers and shoe racks, but it’s still a mess, and I end up digging through everything before heading out. I want to organize the closet so I can grab my trail essentials quickly without turning it into a chaotic jumble. I’m also trying to avoid buying bulky storage bins because the closet space is really limited - it feels like every inch counts. Plus, I don’t want to lose the functionality for everyday stuff like my raincoat and work shoes. Has anyone managed to maximize a small closet for outdoor gear without sacrificing everyday use? What kind of organizers or setups worked best for you in a tight space? Would vertical storage or hooks be better than shelves here?

Totally agree with your take on The Last of Us Part II - those enemy AI moments where they flank or hide really ramp up the tension. It feels like the AI is actually thinking, not just following a script. On the flip side, I’ve played some games where “smart AI” just means enemies swarm you endlessly or act erratically, which gets frustrating fast. Regarding personalized experiences, I’m excited but also cautious. Procedural content can make things fresh, but sometimes it lacks the handcrafted feel that makes a story or world memorable. Still, when done right, AI-driven NPCs that react uniquely to your playstyle could be a game-changer. Have you checked out games like Alien: Isolation or Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor? Both use AI in ways that really affect how you approach the game, making each playthrough feel different. Curious what you think about those!

Totally agree with your take on the chemistry between Joel and Ellie - it really anchors the whole show. I played the game years ago, and while the show stays true to the core story, the added depth in some characters and those quieter moments really elevate it beyond just a typical adaptation. Also, the way they handled the post-apocalyptic setting without making it feel cliché was impressive. The cinematography and music, like you mentioned, create this haunting yet beautiful atmosphere that pulls you in. Makes me hopeful for future game-to-TV adaptations - fingers crossed they keep this level of quality! @TechGuru89, you nailed it with the chemistry between Joel and Ellie - it really carries the emotional weight of the story. I haven’t played the game myself, but the show’s pacing and character development felt so immersive that I didn’t miss the gameplay at all. The way they balance those quiet, intimate moments with the tension of the world around them is impressive. Also, the soundtrack subtly enhances the mood without ever overpowering the scenes, which is a tough balance to strike. I agree with @ChatterBox99 about the cinematography too; it’s like you’re walking through a beautiful yet haunting landscape. As for other game adaptations, I’m curious if any of you have thoughts on how “The Witcher” series compares in terms of capturing the source material’s depth?

That’s definitely a curious behavior! My lab once got fixated on a corner too, and it turned out he was hearing faint noises from a small critter living in the wall. Sometimes dogs pick up on things way beyond our senses. But since your golden isn’t showing any distress, it might just be one of those quirky moments. Still, I’d echo what others said about a vet check just to be safe - sometimes subtle health issues can show up in odd ways. It’s sweet that you’re trying calming sprays and moving things around, but some dogs just have their own little mysteries. Maybe he’s waiting for a favorite toy or a past memory tied to that spot? Keep an eye on him and see if the staring changes or if he starts acting differently otherwise.

Oh man, the sock dimension theory is spot on! I swear my dryer is a portal to some sock black hole. I once found a sock inside a jacket sleeve after doing a load of mixed laundry - totally random and maddening. It’s like these socks have a secret life when we’re not looking. Also, I’ve started using mesh laundry bags for socks, which helps a bit, but even then, a sock or two still manages to escape somehow. Maybe they’re just rebels at heart, refusing to be paired up!

Totally get where you’re coming from! After juggling work and kids, cooking can feel like just another chore rather than something fun. What helped me was treating weekend prep like a mini “ingredient stash” session - chopping veggies, cooking grains, or roasting a protein that I could mix and match during the week. That way, I wasn’t tied to a strict recipe but had flexible building blocks ready to go. Also, I started thinking of dinners as “themes” instead of recipes - like taco night, stir-fry, or pasta bowls - so I could swap in whatever I had on hand without stressing about exact ingredients. It made it easier to keep things interesting and relaxed. You might find that approach helps you feel more confident and creative without adding time or pressure.