Re: [BlindHandyMan] tractors
Hi Robert, Thinking about that problem I have one possibility, assuming that there is nothing but field to mow. One day, quite a few years ago I was at the local football field when they were mowing. They had a small tractor towing two gang mowers cutting about a 15 foot path. They first went down the sideline then turned right and across to the other sideline. Now another right turn and down the sideline followed by a fourth right completing the perimeter. Then a smaller and smaller rectangle was cut. I only have some knowledge about Trekker the talking gps unit. I think it would be possible to create pois, points of interest around the field. When you would be lined up at the first corner you could have this unit direct you to the first poi which would be at the far end of the field. When you got there you could turn and have it direct you to the second point. In this free mode the unit will guide you like a compass. Following this type of pattern you should be able to cut the field and at the end have it direct you to the starting point. Lenny - Original Message - From: Robert Riddle [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 4:52 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] tractors Doubt it, we're talking a couple of acres. I'll look into it though. - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 10:35 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] tractors Robert: I don't know how much ground you're talking about, but I suspect you're going to have problems in terms of missing patches of grass. I'm totally blind, and I have driven a lot of small vehicles, asphalt rollers, front-end loaders, tracked bulldozers and small tractors. I did this mostly in equipment yards I owned, and only once did I put a backhoe through a plate glass window, and hey, that could have happened to anybody who wasn't watching where they were going. The problem for me was the noise. I had a little bobcat with a Koehler engine on it, and I could actually use that pretty well since it was quiet. I also used to towe air compressers and other wheeled equipment with a small tractor, and I was OK at it except when trying to back equipment into tightish spaces. Would it be possible to use one of the new robotic mowers on your place? I don't know how powerful they are or how long they can run, but if all you want is mowing, this might be something to look into. Good luck. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Robert Riddle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, July 24, 2008 7:26 pm Subject: [BlindHandyMan] tractors Do any of you drive tractors? This place is just too much to mowe with a standard lawn mower. So we're looking at tractors and I'm wondering if there's any feasible way a blind person can use it. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Send any questions regarding list management to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemasterPAGE_user_op=view_pagePAGE_id=33MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Links __ NOD32 3300 (20080725) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
Re: [BlindHandyMan] tractors
Hey that's an interesting idea. I was thinking something similar but a little more low tech. Getting a large quantity of clothesline around the perimeter, and just doing a grid pattern based on that. Eitehr that or getting some guidance by walky talky. - Original Message - From: Lenny McHugh To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 7:51 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] tractors Hi Robert, Thinking about that problem I have one possibility, assuming that there is nothing but field to mow. One day, quite a few years ago I was at the local football field when they were mowing. They had a small tractor towing two gang mowers cutting about a 15 foot path. They first went down the sideline then turned right and across to the other sideline. Now another right turn and down the sideline followed by a fourth right completing the perimeter. Then a smaller and smaller rectangle was cut. I only have some knowledge about Trekker the talking gps unit. I think it would be possible to create pois, points of interest around the field. When you would be lined up at the first corner you could have this unit direct you to the first poi which would be at the far end of the field. When you got there you could turn and have it direct you to the second point. In this free mode the unit will guide you like a compass. Following this type of pattern you should be able to cut the field and at the end have it direct you to the starting point. Lenny - Original Message - From: Robert Riddle [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 4:52 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] tractors Doubt it, we're talking a couple of acres. I'll look into it though. - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 10:35 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] tractors Robert: I don't know how much ground you're talking about, but I suspect you're going to have problems in terms of missing patches of grass. I'm totally blind, and I have driven a lot of small vehicles, asphalt rollers, front-end loaders, tracked bulldozers and small tractors. I did this mostly in equipment yards I owned, and only once did I put a backhoe through a plate glass window, and hey, that could have happened to anybody who wasn't watching where they were going. The problem for me was the noise. I had a little bobcat with a Koehler engine on it, and I could actually use that pretty well since it was quiet. I also used to towe air compressers and other wheeled equipment with a small tractor, and I was OK at it except when trying to back equipment into tightish spaces. Would it be possible to use one of the new robotic mowers on your place? I don't know how powerful they are or how long they can run, but if all you want is mowing, this might be something to look into. Good luck. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Robert Riddle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, July 24, 2008 7:26 pm Subject: [BlindHandyMan] tractors Do any of you drive tractors? This place is just too much to mowe with a standard lawn mower. So we're looking at tractors and I'm wondering if there's any feasible way a blind person can use it. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Send any questions regarding list management to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemasterPAGE_user_op=view_pagePAGE_id=33MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Links __ NOD32 3300 (20080725) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
Hi All, What truly is the purpose of blinds/ Since I've never had any sight, I don't actually know, but here are my questions! We have the sort of blinds that are pulled up and down by strings, can be opened or closed, by a stick on the blinds, and they're vinyl, I guess, or plastic! They are on all of our windows here, and they are truly a pain in the A*** to clean! I can't get them clean anymore, and I don't know how to take them down, to wash them in the tub! Would aluminum blinds be better because they're definitely easier to clean? We have them at work, and they don't seem to accumulate the major dust coding that these blinds do? Why couldn't we just put curtains on all windows, or would this allow people to still see in? I'm just frustrated with these darned things, and they feel gross, no matter how I try to clean them.! We've lived in the house for 6 years now, and so, we installed them, when we moved in! Claudia
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
Blinds serve to control light as well as to restrict viewing. Essentially they serve the same purpose as drapes except somewhat different versatility and somewhat different appearance. By altering the angle of the veins of the blinds you can direct light more up or down and of course raising them allows fully unencumbered viewing and access to washing windows and of course full admission of light. There are clips to allow you to remove the blinds, either figure it out or get someone to help you figure it out. We don't have any just now but my mother way back when used to take hers down and soak them in the bath tub with an ammonia cleaner. You are right, greasy oils and dust tend to stick to them, do not forget those are in the air and stick to your walls and draperies, the quality of the fabric just hides it from feel. Aluminum veins will accumulate it too. - Original Message - From: Claudia To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 10:11 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds? Hi All, What truly is the purpose of blinds/ Since I've never had any sight, I don't actually know, but here are my questions! We have the sort of blinds that are pulled up and down by strings, can be opened or closed, by a stick on the blinds, and they're vinyl, I guess, or plastic! They are on all of our windows here, and they are truly a pain in the A*** to clean! I can't get them clean anymore, and I don't know how to take them down, to wash them in the tub! Would aluminum blinds be better because they're definitely easier to clean? We have them at work, and they don't seem to accumulate the major dust coding that these blinds do? Why couldn't we just put curtains on all windows, or would this allow people to still see in? I'm just frustrated with these darned things, and they feel gross, no matter how I try to clean them.! We've lived in the house for 6 years now, and so, we installed them, when we moved in! Claudia -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.5.6/1574 - Release Date: 7/25/2008 4:27 PM [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
There are different types of fasteners that hold the blind in place. We have two different types and I suppose that there are more. The one has a clip that was fastened to the window frame and the blind hooks into the clips. to remove this one you tilt the top back towards the room and it pops out. The other has a fastener that has a small decorative door holding the blind. For this type you flip the door up and the blind slides out. These types of blinds are called mini blinds the slats are about 1 wide. The older stile metal blinds use ropes to control both tilt as well as raising and lowering. If you feel along the front of the top part you should be able to feel where it is held in place. Try tipping the top out first. Also the wooden control stick screws off. I would remove it first. - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 10:39 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds? Blinds serve to control light as well as to restrict viewing. Essentially they serve the same purpose as drapes except somewhat different versatility and somewhat different appearance. By altering the angle of the veins of the blinds you can direct light more up or down and of course raising them allows fully unencumbered viewing and access to washing windows and of course full admission of light. There are clips to allow you to remove the blinds, either figure it out or get someone to help you figure it out. We don't have any just now but my mother way back when used to take hers down and soak them in the bath tub with an ammonia cleaner. You are right, greasy oils and dust tend to stick to them, do not forget those are in the air and stick to your walls and draperies, the quality of the fabric just hides it from feel. Aluminum veins will accumulate it too. - Original Message - From: Claudia To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 10:11 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds? Hi All, What truly is the purpose of blinds/ Since I've never had any sight, I don't actually know, but here are my questions! We have the sort of blinds that are pulled up and down by strings, can be opened or closed, by a stick on the blinds, and they're vinyl, I guess, or plastic! They are on all of our windows here, and they are truly a pain in the A*** to clean! I can't get them clean anymore, and I don't know how to take them down, to wash them in the tub! Would aluminum blinds be better because they're definitely easier to clean? We have them at work, and they don't seem to accumulate the major dust coding that these blinds do? Why couldn't we just put curtains on all windows, or would this allow people to still see in? I'm just frustrated with these darned things, and they feel gross, no matter how I try to clean them.! We've lived in the house for 6 years now, and so, we installed them, when we moved in! Claudia -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.5.6/1574 - Release Date: 7/25/2008 4:27 PM [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Send any questions regarding list management to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemasterPAGE_user_op=view_pagePAGE_id=33MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Links __ NOD32 3300 (20080725) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
There are the vertical veneation blinds and the roll up window shades. The latter are spring loaded and can be put up at various stages, but do not allow for varying the amount of light overall.. As to why cover the windows? One to block sunlight from coming into the house or prevent outsiders from seeing into the home. There is also some thermal blanket effect in keeping cold air out or in during air conditioning season. Ron - Original Message - From: Claudia To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 9:11 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds? Hi All, What truly is the purpose of blinds/ Since I've never had any sight, I don't actually know, but here are my questions! We have the sort of blinds that are pulled up and down by strings, can be opened or closed, by a stick on the blinds, and they're vinyl, I guess, or plastic! They are on all of our windows here, and they are truly a pain in the A*** to clean! I can't get them clean anymore, and I don't know how to take them down, to wash them in the tub! Would aluminum blinds be better because they're definitely easier to clean? We have them at work, and they don't seem to accumulate the major dust coding that these blinds do? Why couldn't we just put curtains on all windows, or would this allow people to still see in? I'm just frustrated with these darned things, and they feel gross, no matter how I try to clean them.! We've lived in the house for 6 years now, and so, we installed them, when we moved in! Claudia [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
RE: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
Most of these blinds can be removed simply by pulling out 2 plastic tabs on the little boxes at the top ends of the blinds and slightly lifting and pulling towards you. For sighted people, or people who are sensitive to light, blinds allow the lighting in the room to be adjusted. For example, if the blinds are turned all the way down, they block more light than if they are turned all the way up. When they are down and then you begin turning the rod they begin letting in more light towards the floor area and then as they become flat and start pointing upward, they direct the light up towards the ceiling. The easiest way I've found to wash them is to remove them and hang them over something outside and take your water hose to them. They also make blind cleaners that can be bought at wal-mart. Jimmy...KD5QHH... New home page, http://www.podsim.us MSN, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo, [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Claudia Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 9:11 AM To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds? Hi All, What truly is the purpose of blinds/ Since I've never had any sight, I don't actually know, but here are my questions! We have the sort of blinds that are pulled up and down by strings, can be opened or closed, by a stick on the blinds, and they're vinyl, I guess, or plastic! They are on all of our windows here, and they are truly a pain in the A*** to clean! I can't get them clean anymore, and I don't know how to take them down, to wash them in the tub! Would aluminum blinds be better because they're definitely easier to clean? We have them at work, and they don't seem to accumulate the major dust coding that these blinds do? Why couldn't we just put curtains on all windows, or would this allow people to still see in? I'm just frustrated with these darned things, and they feel gross, no matter how I try to clean them.! We've lived in the house for 6 years now, and so, we installed them, when we moved in! Claudia [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
Hello, I've found the verticle blinds easiest to clean. You can usually snap them out if your carefful. A curtain would block out some, but I don't think it'd block everything. Thanks, ~~TheCreator~~ Visit TDS for quality software and website production http://tysdomain.com visit the piratecafe for programming related resources: http://piratecafe.net msn: [EMAIL PROTECTED] skype: st8amnd127 - Original Message - From: Claudia To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 8:11 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds? Hi All, What truly is the purpose of blinds/ Since I've never had any sight, I don't actually know, but here are my questions! We have the sort of blinds that are pulled up and down by strings, can be opened or closed, by a stick on the blinds, and they're vinyl, I guess, or plastic! They are on all of our windows here, and they are truly a pain in the A*** to clean! I can't get them clean anymore, and I don't know how to take them down, to wash them in the tub! Would aluminum blinds be better because they're definitely easier to clean? We have them at work, and they don't seem to accumulate the major dust coding that these blinds do? Why couldn't we just put curtains on all windows, or would this allow people to still see in? I'm just frustrated with these darned things, and they feel gross, no matter how I try to clean them.! We've lived in the house for 6 years now, and so, we installed them, when we moved in! Claudia __ NOD32 3300 (20080725) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] tractors
Just to reitterate about the accuracy and repeatability of gps, it's minimum of 30 feet. If the field is such that missing a corner by that much doesn't matter, then the system might work. I'd do my best to try before buy. tom fowle
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
Linda, Blinds do two basic things, keep people from seeing in, and keep sun out. What kind you have is your choice. Curtains do much the same thing, except they can be better at keeping heat out if that's an issue for you. Depending on the curtain, they can surely keep people from seeing in. One difference between your work place and home might be there could be better air filtering at work and thus less dust to accumulate on the blinds there. I've seen aluminum slatted blinds with lots dust on them but as you say they might be easier to clean than the plastic. I don't know of any easy way to take that type of blind down, as they're usually put up with screws. You might try a little white vinegar in water for cleaning the plastic ones, but yes they're known as a pain to clean. Of course curtains can get grungy too but if you choose the correct hanging systems, can be taken down and washed. It's still a job. Tom Fowle
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
Hey why don't you look at using shades instead. They are very easy to take down, really require little cleaning, but along the top edge for the most part, and they will serve your purpose nicely. On Jul 26, 2008, at 10:11 AM, Claudia wrote: Hi All, What truly is the purpose of blinds/ Since I've never had any sight, I don't actually know, but here are my questions! We have the sort of blinds that are pulled up and down by strings, can be opened or closed, by a stick on the blinds, and they're vinyl, I guess, or plastic! They are on all of our windows here, and they are truly a pain in the A*** to clean! I can't get them clean anymore, and I don't know how to take them down, to wash them in the tub! Would aluminum blinds be better because they're definitely easier to clean? We have them at work, and they don't seem to accumulate the major dust coding that these blinds do? Why couldn't we just put curtains on all windows, or would this allow people to still see in? I'm just frustrated with these darned things, and they feel gross, no matter how I try to clean them.! We've lived in the house for 6 years now, and so, we installed them, when we moved in! Claudia Scott Howell [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
Man you aren't kidding. My wife and I take all the curtains and such down usually twice a year and man those puppies are really nasty. I mean just dusty and the like. Partly cause one set of curtains has these holes all over it, you can't see through them, but that's the best way I can describe it. What was interesting is the shades we had up there really were not very dusty at all. Now we put in the cellular blinds and hopefully they will be equally as easy to keep clean. Of course with three dogs, you can bet they contribute their own dust and the like. grin On Jul 26, 2008, at 12:47 PM, Tom Fowle wrote: Linda, Blinds do two basic things, keep people from seeing in, and keep sun out. What kind you have is your choice. Curtains do much the same thing, except they can be better at keeping heat out if that's an issue for you. Depending on the curtain, they can surely keep people from seeing in. One difference between your work place and home might be there could be better air filtering at work and thus less dust to accumulate on the blinds there. I've seen aluminum slatted blinds with lots dust on them but as you say they might be easier to clean than the plastic. I don't know of any easy way to take that type of blind down, as they're usually put up with screws. You might try a little white vinegar in water for cleaning the plastic ones, but yes they're known as a pain to clean. Of course curtains can get grungy too but if you choose the correct hanging systems, can be taken down and washed. It's still a job. Tom Fowle Scott Howell [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
A good feather duster will keep your window covers much cleaner. If you get them clean and then regularly get the dust and other air born debris off with a good feather duster they will stay clean and nice for much longer. I like a good ostrich feather one. Though I warn you that your dogs will too. :) I need to order a new one because mine was caught by the dog. My own fault for letting the toddler run off with it and then forgetting he had not returned it before I let the dog in next. sigh! Anyway it has really reminded me how much work they save to be without one. Jennifer - Original Message - From: Scott Howell To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 4:13 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds? Man you aren't kidding. My wife and I take all the curtains and such down usually twice a year and man those puppies are really nasty. I mean just dusty and the like. Partly cause one set of curtains has these holes all over it, you can't see through them, but that's the best way I can describe it. What was interesting is the shades we had up there really were not very dusty at all. Now we put in the cellular blinds and hopefully they will be equally as easy to keep clean. Of course with three dogs, you can bet they contribute their own dust and the like. grin On Jul 26, 2008, at 12:47 PM, Tom Fowle wrote: Linda, Blinds do two basic things, keep people from seeing in, and keep sun out. What kind you have is your choice. Curtains do much the same thing, except they can be better at keeping heat out if that's an issue for you. Depending on the curtain, they can surely keep people from seeing in. One difference between your work place and home might be there could be better air filtering at work and thus less dust to accumulate on the blinds there. I've seen aluminum slatted blinds with lots dust on them but as you say they might be easier to clean than the plastic. I don't know of any easy way to take that type of blind down, as they're usually put up with screws. You might try a little white vinegar in water for cleaning the plastic ones, but yes they're known as a pain to clean. Of course curtains can get grungy too but if you choose the correct hanging systems, can be taken down and washed. It's still a job. Tom Fowle Scott Howell [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
Ha, an Ostrichfeather duster ay? I'll have to check into that. The curtains are a bit more difficult to keep up, but we try to remember to run the vacuum over them which does help a little, but you do end up washing them. Thanks for the idea of an Ostrichfeather duster. On Jul 26, 2008, at 7:16 PM, Jennifer Jackson wrote: A good feather duster will keep your window covers much cleaner. If you get them clean and then regularly get the dust and other air born debris off with a good feather duster they will stay clean and nice for much longer. I like a good ostrich feather one. Though I warn you that your dogs will too. :) I need to order a new one because mine was caught by the dog. My own fault for letting the toddler run off with it and then forgetting he had not returned it before I let the dog in next. sigh! Anyway it has really reminded me how much work they save to be without one. Jennifer - Original Message - From: Scott Howell To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 4:13 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds? Man you aren't kidding. My wife and I take all the curtains and such down usually twice a year and man those puppies are really nasty. I mean just dusty and the like. Partly cause one set of curtains has these holes all over it, you can't see through them, but that's the best way I can describe it. What was interesting is the shades we had up there really were not very dusty at all. Now we put in the cellular blinds and hopefully they will be equally as easy to keep clean. Of course with three dogs, you can bet they contribute their own dust and the like. grin On Jul 26, 2008, at 12:47 PM, Tom Fowle wrote: Linda, Blinds do two basic things, keep people from seeing in, and keep sun out. What kind you have is your choice. Curtains do much the same thing, except they can be better at keeping heat out if that's an issue for you. Depending on the curtain, they can surely keep people from seeing in. One difference between your work place and home might be there could be better air filtering at work and thus less dust to accumulate on the blinds there. I've seen aluminum slatted blinds with lots dust on them but as you say they might be easier to clean than the plastic. I don't know of any easy way to take that type of blind down, as they're usually put up with screws. You might try a little white vinegar in water for cleaning the plastic ones, but yes they're known as a pain to clean. Of course curtains can get grungy too but if you choose the correct hanging systems, can be taken down and washed. It's still a job. Tom Fowle Scott Howell [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Scott Howell [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
Aloha Claudia, A few thoughts. I find that the vertical blinds, the ones that run from the top of the window to the bottom, are much easier to clean. When I first had mine installed, I rubbed them down with a bounce dryer sheet and since then, dusting them with something like a wash cloth, removes the dust. About every six months, I use a dryer sheet again. For the kind of blinds that you have, they have a dusting tool that looks like a big fat comb with fuzzy stuff around each tooth of the comb. I have used that tool on some blinds that I had before, and found that if I sprayed the comb with something like in-dust first, the dust clung to the comb really well. About curtains and/or shades. The plastic, vinyl or fabric shades attach at the top of the window and can be rolled all the way up or left partially covering the window. There are also some really nice fabric shades with nice designs. The plastic ones have designs also, but people tell me that they don't look as nice as fabric. You can also get bamboo rolling shades. I think the bamboo is harder to clean, but that's my personal opinion. When picking a shade, you might want to think about the kind and color of walls, carpets and furniture that you have in the room to make them fit with the space. Drapes and Curtains: Curtains and drapes come in every color and fabric that you can imagine, probably. Some people want to have light come in during the day, but don't want a totally uncovered window. The solution for this is to hang some kind of sheer curtain that lets light in, but there is something hanging in front of your window. Many people then add drapes to the window that can be opened during the day. Personally, cleaning curtains and drapes is not high on my spare-time activity list, so to me it seems silly to have two sets of curtains to take down and clean. If you live somewhere that people are apt to be walking by and glancing in, then you probably need to have a window covering. The rooms in the back of my house are not covered because a person would have to walk all the way around the house to peek in, and the windows are high enough off the ground that peeking in would be difficult. If I was home and someone walked back there, I would hear them because we have a sort of gravel path around the house. They would be very surprised because if I went out the back door and they were in the back of the house, there's no way out except for crawling through about a quarter acher of solid jungle. I would be there to meet them with my trusty crowbar and 911 on the cordless phone. Oh, and I have no outside lights in the backyard, so being the person who is totally blind, I would definitely have the advantage. Good luck. Betsy At 04:11 AM 7/26/2008, you wrote: Hi All, What truly is the purpose of blinds/ Since I've never had any sight, I don't actually know, but here are my questions! We have the sort of blinds that are pulled up and down by strings, can be opened or closed, by a stick on the blinds, and they're vinyl, I guess, or plastic! They are on all of our windows here, and they are truly a pain in the A*** to clean! I can't get them clean anymore, and I don't know how to take them down, to wash them in the tub! Would aluminum blinds be better because they're definitely easier to clean? We have them at work, and they don't seem to accumulate the major dust coding that these blinds do? Why couldn't we just put curtains on all windows, or would this allow people to still see in? I'm just frustrated with these darned things, and they feel gross, no matter how I try to clean them.! We've lived in the house for 6 years now, and so, we installed them, when we moved in! Claudia [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds?
one other idea I have heard is you can spray furniture polish on a dust rag than just wipe the blades of the blinds and it is supposed to prevent the dust /dirt from sticking to the blades I did this for a while in another house I lived in. best of luck Allen - Original Message - From: Betsy Whitney To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 7:58 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Purpose of Blinds? Aloha Claudia, A few thoughts. I find that the vertical blinds, the ones that run from the top of the window to the bottom, are much easier to clean. When I first had mine installed, I rubbed them down with a bounce dryer sheet and since then, dusting them with something like a wash cloth, removes the dust. About every six months, I use a dryer sheet again. For the kind of blinds that you have, they have a dusting tool that looks like a big fat comb with fuzzy stuff around each tooth of the comb. I have used that tool on some blinds that I had before, and found that if I sprayed the comb with something like in-dust first, the dust clung to the comb really well. About curtains and/or shades. The plastic, vinyl or fabric shades attach at the top of the window and can be rolled all the way up or left partially covering the window. There are also some really nice fabric shades with nice designs. The plastic ones have designs also, but people tell me that they don't look as nice as fabric. You can also get bamboo rolling shades. I think the bamboo is harder to clean, but that's my personal opinion. When picking a shade, you might want to think about the kind and color of walls, carpets and furniture that you have in the room to make them fit with the space. Drapes and Curtains: Curtains and drapes come in every color and fabric that you can imagine, probably. Some people want to have light come in during the day, but don't want a totally uncovered window. The solution for this is to hang some kind of sheer curtain that lets light in, but there is something hanging in front of your window. Many people then add drapes to the window that can be opened during the day. Personally, cleaning curtains and drapes is not high on my spare-time activity list, so to me it seems silly to have two sets of curtains to take down and clean. If you live somewhere that people are apt to be walking by and glancing in, then you probably need to have a window covering. The rooms in the back of my house are not covered because a person would have to walk all the way around the house to peek in, and the windows are high enough off the ground that peeking in would be difficult. If I was home and someone walked back there, I would hear them because we have a sort of gravel path around the house. They would be very surprised because if I went out the back door and they were in the back of the house, there's no way out except for crawling through about a quarter acher of solid jungle. I would be there to meet them with my trusty crowbar and 911 on the cordless phone. Oh, and I have no outside lights in the backyard, so being the person who is totally blind, I would definitely have the advantage. Good luck. Betsy At 04:11 AM 7/26/2008, you wrote: Hi All, What truly is the purpose of blinds/ Since I've never had any sight, I don't actually know, but here are my questions! We have the sort of blinds that are pulled up and down by strings, can be opened or closed, by a stick on the blinds, and they're vinyl, I guess, or plastic! They are on all of our windows here, and they are truly a pain in the A*** to clean! I can't get them clean anymore, and I don't know how to take them down, to wash them in the tub! Would aluminum blinds be better because they're definitely easier to clean? We have them at work, and they don't seem to accumulate the major dust coding that these blinds do? Why couldn't we just put curtains on all windows, or would this allow people to still see in? I'm just frustrated with these darned things, and they feel gross, no matter how I try to clean them.! We've lived in the house for 6 years now, and so, we installed them, when we moved in! Claudia [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
