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Boat Manufacturer Identification Code Lookup – MIC

Mic Old Boat

Use this free tool to look up the Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) to find the name of a recreational boat, canoe, kayak, or jet ski’s manufacturer. The first 3 characters of a boat’s Hull Identification Number (HIN) represent the manufacturer’s code. MIC codes are issued by the United States Coast Guard.  There are over 16,000 … Continue Reading

USPS Tracking Status Scan Code Events List

Usps Tracking

This page provides a list of the standard USPS Product Tracking & Reporting (PTR) scan status events as packages are processed through their system. If you are trying to get an idea of where a package is after checking its status on the USPS website, you can get more information by visiting our USPS Tracking – … Continue Reading

USPS Tracking – Where Is My Package?

Usps Tracking

How Does The USPS Tracking System Work? USPS packages are tracked by number.  Tracking numbers are automatically assigned when a shipping label is created.  The barcode on the shipping label is scanned to track the package as it moves through the USPS system and up to the final delivery (or attempted delivery). Automated Processing Equipment … Continue Reading

How To Remove Stubborn Sticky Label Residue From Plastic

Removing Adhesive Glue From Plastic

This solution came about as we were trying to get label residue off of empty spice bottles for this project.  We first removed as much of the paper or plastic labels has possible, then soaked the bottles in hot soapy water for a few hours, and most of the remaining label adhesive glue residue came … Continue Reading

35+ Uses For Twist Ties

Twist Tie Uses

First things first…if you are going to reuse twist ties to help contain items or organize things in your home, the very first thing you should organize is your collection of twist ties.  It doesn’t make sense to have a jumbled mass of twist ties shifting around the bottom of your junk drawer if the … Continue Reading

Unique And Practical Ways To Re-Purpose Spice Bottles

Decorating Empty Spice Jar Containers

We don’t like clutter (who does), and in the past would normally throw out empty spice containers.  But while we were planning for a recent camping trip we were trying to come up with storage solutions for several scenarios.   If you are not camping in a big RV, space is always at a premium.   More … Continue Reading

How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats – What Works And What Doesn’t

Fungus Gnat

Just before the first frost of the season, we bring all our potted plants indoors.  This marks the beginning of our seasonal battle with indoor fungus gnats.  They’ve been busy colonizing all our pots all summer, and within two weeks of coming inside they are pretty much everywhere. The adult fungus gnats don’t really fly … Continue Reading

Received an AlertBus or PhotoNotice School Bus Citation?

Alterbus School Bus Citation

If you received a civil penalty citation in the mail for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus, and the letter advises that you can pay the penalty online at alertbus.com or photonotice.com, that means your municipality has enacted a school-bus Stop Arm Safety Program.   The school bus Stop Arm Program is meant to deter drivers … Continue Reading

Navigating The VA Disability Claims And Appeals Process (2021 DIY)

Veterans Administration Disability Claim

This post is a bit of first hand experience and lessons-learned about applying for and appealing a VA Disability claim during the process of helping a family member (whom we’ll call “Joe” for these purposes) through the VA Disability claims application process.  Like everything “government” the application process is a hot mess, muddled with confusing … Continue Reading

How To Make And Use Oven “Sun-Dried” Tomatoes

Sun Dried Oven Tomatoes Sliced Baking

So many of us are trying to think of ways to use all those excess tomatoes once they all begin ripening, that it just makes sense to dry them.  That way, there’s a bit of home grown tomato flavor to last throughout the winter.  It’s crazy to think that a package of sun dried tomatoes … Continue Reading