So NOT Impressed with the Dryer Balls

           For several years I have thrown a dry towel or two into the dryer along with my wet load as the water may absorb on the towel and cut down on our energy bill – which it seems to have done.  I do use dryer sheets on occasion – especially with my undergarments.  We have somehow stocked on dryer sheets and have a good supply.

 

          It has been less than a month since Richard grabbed a package marked “dryer balls” that we might try.  According to the tag they were supposed to cut down on energy and replace dryer sheets as the static would be taken out and the need for purchasing any further fabric sheets would be nil.  The tag must have gotten thrown away or fell between the washer and dryer for I cannot find it to use as reference.

           My daughter-in-law uses dryer balls and seems to find them essential.  There are many reasons one may use the dryer balls and not just a dry towel. The tag was marked “wool” which didn’t excite me as I am highly allergic to wool (even a small percentage blend) but have been able to handle the balls that were purchased.  This makes me wonder if the ones we purchased really are wool.  My hands have not itched from said product – but I have not held them for long – which is not saying a lot.  My skin always breaks out if I but rub up against a wool fabric.

           So there may be a flaw to the balls.  I have been on various websites which praise the balls and give the reasons why the balls are so fantastic.  For example, these reasons issued by Parachute Home.  

          I’m guessing the ones I have used are not the NewZealand wool, but rather a poor imitation of inferior product marked at a bargain in price but not actually a bargain because it doesn’t do the following for me personally.  Maybe it’s my machine?  Maybe the area I live?  Or maybe the balls themselves? 

          Thus far it has NOT reduced drying time.  Thus far I have had to run the dryer longer. So I wouldn’t think I’ve saved any energy.  Especially MINE.  Again the ones that I have been using  probably aren’t New Zealand or even wool.  Safe for my skin?  Sure, if it isn’t wool.  Reduce static electricity  - um NO.  I have not even done 20 loads – let alone 1,000.  I don’t foresee  the future of these balls being used 100 times as dryer balls.  Perhaps they could serve another purpose?  Removes pet hair.  Bonnie does not have blue hair.  Something blue and fuzzy attached itself to these balls.

 

          I have removed the balls and returned my towel.  We still have dryer sheets.  When we have gone through them all I may try the dryer balls again.  But I don’t know.  I think I would have to try a different brand than the ones I have in the above photo.

Comatose Weather and Downright Lazy Weekend

           I remember the weather when we first went into lockdown last year.  It was nice.  Jenna and I would walk around the neighborhood (or just our yard – pre the neighbors' arrogant chickens and Bonnies) and take pictures.  This year has been overcast, windy and cold – except when it’s not.  It’s like mother nature has a endless case of PMS and is wreaking havoc with the skies.  Sending awful turbulence and bleakness – at least in my neck of the woods.  Strange, but as I write this, the sun is shining like it has been there all this time.  Never enveloped with clouds or darkness.

          I have blamed the weather for my being tired - though I have probably OD’d on sugar since Easter.  It did not help matters when yesterday after feeling bloated, Roland insisted I take some Alka-Seltzer -which would be fine but the only Alka-Seltzer we have is for cold medicine and as if I wasn’t already feeling comatized, the medicine only added to my tiredness and weakness and desire to do absolutely nothing but sleep.

          Roland and I have been taking lots of naps – sometimes intentionally, often not.  Poor Jenna.  Reminds me of something I had posted to facebook last year (though I have not come across the memory as of yet)

           Me:   “Help! I am stuck in the house with a business freak and a drama queen!”

           R:       “Help!  I am stuck in the house with two drama queens!”

           J:       “Help!  I am stuck in the house with two old fogies who think sleeping is the greatest thing ever!”

           Jenna doesn’t understand sleep.  It’s not in her vocabulary.  She’ll be up at 2:00 am texting whoever else happens to be awake.  She’s awake before Roland’s alarm goes off.  I doubt she gets more than 4 hours of sleep per night (she has ALWAYS been an early riser) and she is still one of the happiest people that I know.  Wouldn’t it be great to get by on only four hours of sleep and have that much pep?

           I hope she may continue and not let her parents sleeping habits bring her down.