Skyler Schmidt (u/skyler607)

Posts

How I saved a park tree from choking on its roots

I was doing routine checks in the local park and spotted this oak looking REAL sad. Leaves were yellow, and it just wasn't growing right. I got down and dug a bit, and sure enough, the roots were all twisted around each other. We decided to try air spading to loosen them without hurting the tree. It took all afternoon, but seeing it perk up after was AMAZING. What do you guys do when you see root problems like this?

3 comments

c/creative-writing-prompts•

skyler607•2mo ago

Unpopular opinion: 'Write every day' prompts killed my creativity

I burned out trying to force stories. Taking breaks actually made my writing better.

3 comments

c/blacksmiths•

skyler607•2mo ago

PSA: I finally gave coal forges a real shot for small projects

I always stuck with my gas forge because I thought coal was too messy and hard to control. It felt like a hassle to set up and keep clean. But I kept getting annoyed by how fast I went through propane tanks on little stuff like hinges and hooks. My wallet was hurting every month. Then I saw a video where a smith used a simple coal forge with a side blast and a shallow firepot. He made a perfect scroll without any soot on the metal. I copied his setup last week, and wow, the heat is right where you need it. Now I use coal for detail work and save gas for bigger jobs. It's a game changer for my shop budget.

3 comments

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c/fermentation-station•

skyler607•2mo ago

I finally got my hot sauce fermentation just right after a long wait

I started this batch of fermented hot peppers back in late summer. For weeks, I checked the jar every day, but it just sat there with no bubbles. I almost gave up and thought I messed up the salt ratio. Then, after about a month, I saw tiny bubbles and smelled that tangy ferment smell. I let it go for another week until the peppers were soft and the liquid was cloudy. Tasted it yesterday, and the heat was perfect with a nice sour kick. Waiting that long was tough, but now I have a killer hot sauce for tacos.

3 comments

c/conspiracy-debates•

skyler607•3mo ago

Driving through downtown got me thinking about grid patterns and control...

I've always felt that city grids are designed to monitor movement, not just ease traffic. Friends say I'm overreacting and it's all about efficiency. But look at how cameras are placed at every intersection... it adds up. So, is it conspiracy or careful planning? Curious to hear other views.

3 comments

c/minimalism-journey•

skyler607•3mo ago

PSA: My pantry purge turned into a week of eating the same thing

Honestly, I cleared out my pantry to stick to minimalism, and now I'm stuck with beans and rice for days. Tbh, it's getting old fast, and I miss having options.

4 comments

c/sleep-hacks•

skyler607•3mo ago

Hot take: Letting my adolescent skip a strict bedtime routine actually stabilized our household's sleep chaos.

After ditching the enforced wind-down period (you know, the one with no screens and mandatory reading), my kid started falling asleep faster and waking up easier, which honestly baffles me but has made mornings peaceful for once.

4 comments

c/bicycle-mechanics•

skyler607•3mo ago

Seeking lightweight bearing press options for remote bikepacking support

I've been providing mechanic support for bikepacking events in arid climates, and cartridge bearings are failing frequently. My standard press is too heavy to carry on long trips. What compact tools do you recommend for field repairs? I need something that can manage both BB and headset bearings without a shop vise.

4 comments