#and the ac is never in the correct temperature

[jorrated]

i cant believe my semester starts tomorrow and ill need to go back to pretend to being neurotypical.

[sanjisblackasswife]

Portgas D. Ace NSFW Alphabet

@444katsuki threatened me at 8am to do this. 🧍🏾‍♀️🤧

Black Fem Reader in Mind

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

If he doesn’t fall asleep right after he usually gets up and grabs a towel to wipe you off, he didn’t know much about aftercare and he told you about this, but he was more than willing to learn because he always had the instinct to make you feel good and safe. He enjoys pillow talking as well right after, holding you on top of his chest, starting off with a silly comment saying “Fuck you feel too good down there.”

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

He loves his arms and he loves your ass. When he carries you & you can always feel his bicep or hand right under the cup of your butt

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

Feral messy man. He loves cumming on your body though. It’s a form of possession he feels pouring his seed all over you as you pant away and eye half shut. You have to catch him sometimes though because if he cream pie’s you he starts to playing inside you cunt with his Dick.

Dirty ass.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He really wants to fuck you in a forest. He doesn’t know why, but sometimes when you both are exploring he just wants you push you against a tree and have at you. Maybe you will grant him that pleasure one day

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

He has had no less than 3 women. Two was just blowjobs and the one was a heat of the moment thing. He regrets losing his virginity to anybody that wasn’t you, because you really showed him the ropes on how to make you feel good. He does have his hiccups when he is too excited so he may miss your clit or rub too hard but a lil correction never hurt him.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Lotus. He is infactuated by you, your scent, your moans, your body he needs to be as close as you as possible. He will keep your sweaty thighs around his hot waist and slowly pump into you and giving you soft praises in your ear, “You’re so good to me, I love you, baby.”

Once it gets a bit more intense he lays back holding your hands to watch you ride him

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

It can be either or, he’s a silly guy and he enjoys watching you smile as much as he does seeing your fucked out face. Sometimes he’ll intentionally make a joke while going down on you because he gets so turned on when you laugh, but it gets cut off by a moan. It just so sexy to Ace.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

Sooooo. He is kinda like Luffy, but slightly better. His DF burns off any excess hair on his body so he doesn’t have much going on, but sometimes you can just barely feel a little bit of hair when he presses deeper inside you.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

He’s a romantic whether he admits it or not, he’s just not great at executing it. He tried to light candles around the bed or give you a massage but he’s clumsy so there were a few times there have been many accidental fires in your room because of this

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Does it a lot before and after dating you, especially if you are not sexually available. He gets riled up so easily he blames you a lot for it. You’ve caught him in your room with your dirty panties in his face way too many times.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Temperature Play: I mean obviously. When he fingers you he will make his fingers hot JUST enough to make you whimper. Sometimes if he is feeling it, he will rub ice on and inside your pussy, he sucks his bottom lip seeing you squirm at the cold touch and wait until you beg for him fingers for him to rub your clit with his burning digits.

Sensory Deprivation: He actually wants you BOTH to be blind while having sex. The feeling is such an overwhelming pleasure he can’t get himself to beg for more while you cry for him to stop while he is inside you blindly.

Exhibition: Like i said he doesn’t actually want to get caught but the THOUGHT and RISK makes him feral. He can most definitely fill you in an alley or even in someone else’s room that he doesn’t like. He doesn’t give af.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

He doesn’t necessarily care as long as there is reassurance y’all can’t get caught. Going back to the idea of fucking you in the forest.

He really likes fucking you in areas where enemies are close by. It’s something about the rush of possibly getting caught and attacked that makes him get feral. Granted he would also be mortified if someone actually saw like a random civilian so he is a dumbass on that part.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

YOU. You just swaying your hips ALONE Makes him flustered! He gets more horny when he drinks so if you wanna tease him sit on his lap. (Will Describe more on the Letter U)

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Ace is a very jealous guy so he Does not ever want to share you. He has no reason to. You are his and he most definitely is yours, just the thought of you being intimate with someone else’s, man or woman he doesn’t care it pisses him off.

He is open to slapping you, but not in the face. He wouldn’t dream of ever bruising up your gorgeous face.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

This man LIVES for blowjobs. The mouth stretching to swallow his cock is a sight to see. He loves leaning back on the bed, one hand holding him up, other on your head holding your hair watching you bob your head up and down. It’s kinda hot seeing how his head is cocked to the side, blushing and lowly moaning your name. when you wake up him with one he is the happiest mf in the sea nothing can piss him off. Bonus points if you start off and kiss his tip he will get hard almost instantly

When he goes down on you he’s a damn menace, he always becomes pussy drunk so be prepared to be overstimulated. His favorite way to eat you is him on his knees and you against the wall. It’s so hot to see his dark eyes just barely showing through his messy hair looking up and you kneeding your ass. One time you moved his hair out of his face to get a good look at him and while he was sucking your clit he winked and pushed your pelvis in more making you cry out.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Surprisingly, he loves making love more than rough sex. Now that doesn’t mean if you act bratty he won’t put that ass in place, but he

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

The only quickies y’all have are oral sex or quick bend over this barrel sex. It’s not often but Ace don’t mind em.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

There was a couple times you’ve done it in the hallway of a Mobydick during a party and you both were horny drunk messes that couldn’t wait to get to your room so Ace took you from the back on a wall. Thatch caught you both, but y’all couldn’t see him from how dark it was. He didn’t talk to you both for a week and you both didn’t understand why.

Ace doesn’t think about trying new things. If you tell him about it he’s open minded, as long as it isn’t something he can’t do back to you.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

He has fallen asleep inside you. Many times. So after waking him up he is recharged to finish what he started. Sex with Ace usually last about….15-20 minutes and that’s because his ass can knock out at anytime.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

No. He always talks about getting one but never gets around to do it and you seem to always forget so if y’all want to use one you can, but it wouldn’t make much difference between how you both have sex.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Okay so you both like to tease each other. You can tease him by sitting on his lap while he drinks and with nobody watching you will grab his hand and guide it making him feel that you in fact are wearing no panties. You witty smile starts to fade when he raises the temperature on his finger tip as they do teasingly draw circles inside you, he smirks while sipping his drink knowing the more you buck your hips in his hand the further away his hand moves. Eventually you or him have a competition on who can break first and you both always end up losing, but it’s worth it.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

SUCH PRETTY PRETTY MOANS. Probably the top three prettiest male moaner in the entire OP verse and he ain’t 3. He gets so embarrassed knowing his noises turn you on, but he doesn’t stop because the way you clench down on him when he spills his soft whimpers makes him more riled up.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He can draw really well. Ace calls them doodles but he is super good at realism. He mostly draws you and gives you the drawing very casually at the end of the day. It doesn’t mean anything to him. That was until he found your drawer full of his mini drawings through out the years. Damn near fell in love with you all over again.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

About 5-6 and a half all around. It looks way fucking bigger through because he is girthy and hard. It curves slightly and it’s very pretty and even has a few tiny beauty marks on it. He can be a cocky ass hole when he sees you struggle to take him inside you.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Once he got with you his libido just sky rocketed more than it was before I’m sorry. He can’t get enough of your whimpers and your body. He will contact his self the best of his ability if you are not a very sexual person, but if you’re down I take it you guys may have sex about 3-4 times a week quickies not included.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

If he doesn’t pull you into his chest afterwards he wants you to hold him. He loves falling sleep right after sex in your chest, but if you’re just too hot best believe after a nice good cleaning he is knocked like a light

[it-happened-one-fic]

Hello, I've done this before, and I'm not exactly sure how it works, but here!

Twisted wonderland ,green tea, and angel food cake!

Thank you<3

Hi, thanks for the request! And no worries, you did everything exactly correct. I hope you enjoy your Green Tea and Angel Food Cake fic!

Cozy - Azul

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ fluff/ romantic/ Green Tea and Angel Food Cake Prompt

Word Count: 1834

I watched as the snow continued to fall just through the diamond-paned window as I sat curled up in the ancient blanket I’d dug out of the closet. My calm demeanor was totally at odds with Azul’s frustration. He'd been pacing around ever since he’d finished getting the fire in the stove started via magic.

“How long do you suppose it’ll be before they can get the roads cleaned up?” Azul at last stopped his pacing to peer out the window. A frown on his face as he gazed out at the pristine winter wonderland.

“Well, they can’t start that until the snow stops falling, so who knows.” I shrugged inelegantly before twisting to look up at the young man.

I could understand his irritation. What had been supposed to be a PE game had resulted in us being snowed in at a little cottage in the woods around the campus. In fact, it was the same cottage that was just outside the mine where me, Deuce, and Ace had encountered our first blot monster.

To make matters worse, our phones had lost signal, implying something had gone haywire at the school proper yet again.

At least Grim had snuck off and gone back to Ramshackle earlier in the day. The ghosts would take care of him, so I didn’t have to worry.

Azul, on the other hand, was doubtless concerned about a myriad of things, including his beloved Mostro Lounge.

“I’m sure everyone is out and looking for us. At the very least, Floyd and Jade will be looking for you.” I reassured him gently, reaching out and patting his arm and, in doing so, earning myself a sideways glance.

“Yes. And I’m sure your friends will be searching for you as soon as they notice you’re missing.” His lips twitched into a brief smile before he looked back out the window. Frowning once more as he gazed at the blanket of pure white that now covered the campus. 

I nodded, agreeing with him, as I smiled to myself slightly before I reached down and patted the cushion next to me and held up the edge of the blanket in a silent offer.

“Come on, sit down. Pacing around won’t accomplish anything anyway,” My voice took on a teasing lilt that had him frowning at me even as he followed my suggestion and plopped down next to me.

We wiggled around briefly, getting the blanket stretched over the two of us even though it meant pressing in close together. I didn’t complain, though, as I cuddled up to his side. Noting  his slight inhale as I shifted over closer to him and adjusted the ancient fabric. 

It took him a little bit, but he finally relaxed. Shifting his arm so it was wrapped around me rather than pressed firmly to his side.

“I suppose it could be worse; at least we found a reasonably decent shelter. Though old, this cottage is no worse than Ramshackle and even has a fireplace.” He looked towards the fire that crackled away as merrily as you pleased.

I let out a soft laugh, nodding in agreement as I recalled the moments when the snow had first started to fall, “Yeah, I thought you were going to stare up at the sky forever when the snow first started. It was like you’d never seen it before.”

“I haven’t.” His tone was so matter-of-fact that I had to pause for a moment. I stared at him in surprise before it finally hit me. 

He’d lived most of his life under the sea. Of course, he’d never seen snow before.

“I guess that was sort of a magical experience for you then. I honestly can’t remember the first time I saw snow…. I’m sorry for rushing you.”

He frowned at my words, shaking his head slightly, “No, at the very least we needed to get you indoors. Though I may be capable of handling more extreme temperatures, the same can’t be said for you.”

I smiled at his kindness, which, when I’d first met him, would have seemed dubious at best. But since then, I’d gotten to know Azul and the tweels better, and their benevolence had become more genuine. Though it still wasn’t exactly odd for them to ask to be repaid for any kind acts they did.

We fell into a silence that wasn’t uncomfortable, even as I realized that this might be the first time I’d ever been totally alone with just Azul. Every other time we’d been together, the tweels or someone else had been present.

Azul shifted slightly before glancing my way with only the slightest twist of his head, and watching as I pulled the blanket just a bit closer to me than it had been, “Are you still cold?”

I blinked at him, caught slightly off-guard, and before I could even consider responding, he was continuing, “Wait here, I’ll go get another blanket.”

He started to stand, slipping out from under the blanket as I speedily reached out and snatched his wrist, “No, I’m fine! Really, Azul, I was just getting more comfortable.”

He looked down at me, his pale blue eyes wide, before he slowly recovered, “Oh, I see. I suppose that’s fine then.”

He awkwardly sat back down next to me, his fingers beginning to toy with the edge of the frayed blanket, “I suppose we need to plan for being here for the long haul.”

I shook my head, halfway amused by his words, “If you’re thinking about spending the night, I don’t think that’ll be necessary. At the very least, the staff will have to step up since you're stuck here with me and you’re a housewarden.

He frowned at my words, “You don’t think they’d search if it were just you?”

I snorted, “They would eventually. I just think they’ll be a bit faster about it since you’re here.”

He let out a hum, his fingers beginning to tap some sort of beat on his leg, “Even if it were just you, someone would come quickly. There are your friends, and then I wouldn’t let you stay out here and freeze to death on your own.”

I looked at him with widening eyes, staring at him in slight surprise. Because though it wasn’t an odd thought that he’d offer to help, it was odd that he’d admit it in quite such a fashion.”

He looked down, his eyes going as wide as mine as he realized what he’d just said, “Of course, I’d ask for payment for my services.”

It was a sloppy save, with the way it had been delivered with a far too flustered expression, but I didn’t call him out on it.

“Of course,” I looked away, lacing my fingers together under the blanket and looking away from Azul as I noted exactly how close we actually were.

I didn’t mind being cuddled up to Azul by any means, but… Well, I supposed I hadn’t realized that we were quite so cuddled up until we were looking at each other, face to face.

He shifted, tugging up one sleeve to reveal a watch that he frowned at, “Either way, Floyd and Jade should have been here by now. They knew which path we took when we left the spelldrive field.”

“Yeah, I remember them telling you to have fun,” I grinned at the memory of how their teasing calls had sent Azul into a slight tizzy. Fussing at them even as we walked away from the laughing twins.

“They also told us not to get too cozy,” At Azul’s dry words, we both looked down at the blanket wrapped around us.

I shook my head, smiling as I thought of their reactions if they could see us now, “I guess we didn't obey that one.”

“You’re cozy?” Azul sounded utterly incredulous, like he couldn’t believe what I was saying even as I was leaning up against him.

I laughed aloud at his shock even before nodding, “Yes, I’m cozy.” 

I paused, pondering his words just a little bit more before I twisted, suddenly concerned as I looked at him, “Are you?”

His eyes went wide once more, making the pale blue shade of his irises appear even brighter than it usually did as he stared down at me, “I…”

He faltered briefly before recovering with a uniquely determined look on his face as he tightened his grip on my shoulder, where his hand had just been resting loosely a few seconds ago, “Of course I am. I wouldn’t be sitting here if I weren’t.”

He looked away, making it far too easy for me to see the pink that slowly began to show on the edge of his ear, eliciting a grin from me. I couldn’t help it as I leaned just a little bit closer, “Really?”

He let out an exasperated sound at my teasing tone, “Yes, re-.”

He was cut off by the door bursting open, causing us to both jump, with me practically landing in his lap as he wrapped his arms around me. 

We both stared wide-eyed at the doorway, which was now shadowed by two far too familiar silhouettes.

“Well, he certainly does look cozy. Doesn’t he Jade?”

“Indeed. I’d say so.”

I felt myself droop against Azul as the adrenaline rapidly left my system, and he similarly relaxed, “Oh, it’s just you two.”

“Just us two? Would you rather we left and gave you two some more quality time?” Jade grinned down at us as both he and Floyd stepped into the room. Both of them looked far too pleased with themselves as they stared at us with obvious amusement.

Me and Azul both looked at each other, half confused until we were facing each other and realizing exactly what position we were now in. Me sitting on his lap with his arms still wrapped loosely around me from where we’d both been startled.

I don’t know which of us moved first. But either way, Azul jerked back as I scrambled backwards, sending the blanket akimbo as we both scurried away from each other.

“No!” Azul was the one who spoke, his rejection far too vehement as it only caused the twins' grins to spread in a way that promised more teasing.

“Shame we didn’t get a picture, hmm?” Jade tilted his head towards Floyd, who snickered.

“Yeah, they looked like they were having a good time before we came in.” He looked back towards where me and Azul looked towards each other in exasperation before Azul looked away a little bit too quickly, and his ears darkened further.

I smiled, despite myself, before getting up from the couch to follow the tweels out as Azul stood behind me.

At the very least, I could say I’d learned that the tweels were right. I could get quite cozy with Azul as long as we had time together. And I didn’t even think that snow would be necessary next time.

[thefandomenchantress]

Ace Theories/Headcanons

So I’m currently hyper fixating on Ace Markey and I wanted to share some of my headcanons. I have evidence to support some of them, but others I just think are fun to think about.

Something I immediately took notice of while scrolling through Ace’s Sprites (y’know, something any normal, well-adjusted person would do for hours on a Sunday evening) is that his boots have very large heels. Like, I’m talking AT LEAST an inch tall, if not more. Here’s a picture for proof:

Now, keep in mind that Nico and Ace are both 5’5 according to their character profiles. So you’d think that in the actual episodes, Ace would appear taller than Nico, since Ace has on his boots. But both appear almost exactly the same height in the actual episodes (though it’s hard to tell since Ace’s hair is so poofy now). Because of this, I have decided to believe Ace is actually 5’3-5’4ish, but like hell he’d ever admit that, so he doesn’t correct people when they say he’s 5’5.

Another thing I took notice of while scrolling through Despair Time’s tumblr is the jackets-off reference for Ace. There’s a little blurb next to him that states:

“ALWAYS wearing gloves”. Not ‘usually’, not ‘almost always’, just always. Which is a strange thing to specify, since other characters like Charles, Arturo, Eden, etc., all of whom wear gloves, are never specified to ALWAYS wear their gloves. In fact, Charles is also in the jackets-off reference and is seen without his gloves. TL;DR, them mentioning Ace always wears gloves is unusual.

So of course I spent way too long overthinking why he always wears gloves, and came to a conclusion. Let me explain.

Something that stuck out to me even before seeing the jackets-off reference is this sprite:

As you can see, Ace is biting his fingers anxiously. This is what led me to the conclusion that he has a bad habit of biting his fingers or knuckles when stressed, and his gloves serve the purpose of both protecting his hands when he indulges in this habit, and also hiding the damage to his hands this habit has caused from other people. Since he’s anxious a whole lot of the time, and his teeth are so sharp (or at least two of them are), I’d bet that habit could even cause his hands to bleed.

This would also help explain why Ace’s neck is all bandaged even after he refused to go to the infirmary in episode 6 of chapter 2, when he instead went back into his room. He just used the bandages he had in his room that he usually used for his hands. It would also fit the whole ‘Your body is falling apart’ part of his secret.

He’s definitely the type to like cheesy romance novels, even though he’d never admit it. I have no evidence for this one, I just feel like it suits him.

I have two theories explaining why Ace hates cats (He states that he doesn’t like them in Chapter 1):

Since he often says he hates things as a substitute for saying he’s afraid of them, (Example: Saying he doesn’t like Xander instead of saying he’s afraid of him, which he does a few times throughout Chapter 1), I definitely think he’s terrified of cats. He says he hates them, but really he’s just scared they’re going to tear him to shreds with their very sharp claws.

Or maybe people called him a scaredy-cat so much that he developed an irrational hatred towards the animal.

He gets really blushy when he’s happy. My evidence is that one sprite where he’s being sarcastically happy:

(I pray we see this sprite at least once in the future episodes, but things aren’t looking so good for Ace right now, so maybe not)

Because of his not-so-great eating habits, his body isn’t great at regulating its temperature. This leads to him getting really cold at night, so he sleeps with a ton of blankets.

Ever since Ace’s “THAT’S HORSESHIT!” line before his rebuttal showdown, I’ve headcanoned that he really likes horse puns and whenever he makes one pretends it was unintentional. But under no circumstances will he ever let Whit find out about this.

Aaaand that’s all. Just wanted to share those, since I’ve been thinking about them for a while. If you’re reading this, thanks for reading until the end. :)

[snezfics-n-shit]

Sicktember Day 18: "Wear Your Coat, You'll Catch a Cold"

Fandom: Ace Attorney Characters: Gregory Edgeworth, Winston Payne Notes: At the local bar, catching up with Winston Payne, Gregory Edgeworth reflects on not heeding the phrase he found himself saying more often than his younger self may have liked. Set in the January of 1999, so there’s nothing really spoiler-y going on because, well, the 90s in the Ace Attorney timeline is pretty much 90% births. Guide for names: Marie = Miles’s mother, Constance/Connie = Winston’s wife, Perrianne = Raymond’s mother. 

     As the new millennium drew another year closer, it was generally agreed upon in modern science that merely being cold is not enough to catch a cold. Gregory Edgeworth knew that, and he also knew how embarrassed he would be when his mother still held onto the misconception of purely cold-borne viral illness. Becoming a father seven years ago, however, changed Gregory's view on the matter a lot.

For starters, the warning of a common cold resulting from neglecting to wear proper outerwear now frequently passed his lips. Not a moment went by where he was completely unaware of how he once couldn't stand those very words, though. Perhaps, subconsciously, he found it to be more convenient than to scare his son with the harsh realities of hypothermia and frostbite; colds were easy to understand, hardly serious, and just unpleasant enough to be something one would rather avoid. 

Secondly, there was the small caveat that while cold temperatures were not the cause of the common cold, they did have enough impact on the immune system to make colds more likely. Combining the cold weather and Gregory's son attending a public school filled with all sorts of microbes that the human body would rather do without made for a good reason for Gregory to at least try following through with the words he now preached.

These things considered, Gregory was well aware of the mistake he had made in making his trip to the local bar without a proper coat. He could defend himself all he liked, insisting Payne’s invitation came so quickly that he hardly allowed himself time to check the evening’s weather, but it just didn’t matter once he sat at the bar, doing his damndest to keep his snuffles quiet.

“Winston!” Gregory waved his friend over, forgetting the napkin in his hand that was used as a last resort tissue. “I thought you’d be here first.” 

“Well, you know the missus. Connie wouldn’t let me leave without a coat.” Despite the words used to explain his late arrival, Winston made it clear in his tone that his wife’s advice was always much appreciated. “Speaking of which, shouldn’t you be wearing one? I always hear you telling your assistant to bundle up.”

“I guess it just slipped my mind.” Gregory answered honestly, fighting for dear life not to cough as he spoke. “Funnily enough, I told Miles and Raymond to bundle up if they were going to play outside just before I left. Kids come first and all that, though Raymond’s hardly a kid anymore.” 

“I understand.” Winston nodded. He and his wife didn’t have children of their own just yet, though they were actively trying, and therefore regularly had discussions often reaching a similar agreement. “Hey, Ray’s graduating high school in the spring, isn’t he? I think you told me his mom invited you to the party, too.”

“That’s right. Perrianne, er, that is,” Gregory’s face flushed as he started to correct the impromptu first name basis,  “Mrs. Shields is really going out of her way for this. I’d hate to make any assumptions here, but I think she deserves something nice to keep her mind off her late husband.” 

“Damn,” Winston couldn’t help but comment, “it really makes you think about what could happen, you know? Worst case scenario happening and leaving a grieving family behind?” 

“I try not to.” Gregory absentmindedly wiped his nose with the napkin crumpled up in his hand. “What with both my parents passing and Miles’s mother making it clear she never wanted to see me again.” He sank into a slouch. “That worked out for her, I suppose. I never heard anything from Marie after she dropped Miles off, and then four years later, I got a call from her father inviting me to the funeral. I’m pretty sure her entire family lives off the grid, so if anything were to happen to me…”

“Okay, that’s enough!” Winston exclaimed, eager to change the subject in order to save Gregory from the pit of worry that was pulling him in. “We’re just breaking into our thirties, we’re smart, we’re healthy–”

“E’SSHHOOUH!” Gregory’s sneeze was followed by him frantically grabbing another handful of napkins to clean himself up. 

“You give people’s hearts a good workout whenever you sneeze like that, Gregory. You do know that right?” 

“I’ve been told that from time to time, yes.” Gregory snuffled before giving a raspy laugh. “But you’re right. It’s too early to be worrying about such matters. My health has been pretty good.” 

“I don’t know, Gregory.” Winston raised a brow. “Sounds like you might be catching a cold.”

“What? No, I don’t think so. You know how long my hay fever goes on for.” Gregory’s excuse was rather flimsy.

“Gregory, it’s January.” Winston tsked. “Maybe I should have Constance call you up once in a while to make sure you wear your coat.”

Gregory wanted to laugh at the teasing suggestion, but his lungs obligated him to cough harshly into one of the already abused napkins he held. 

“E-Excuse me.” He said sheepishly before coughing again.

“That’s it. I’m ordering you a hot toddy.” Winston stated, clearly unwilling to take ‘no’ for an answer. “Heck, I’ll get one for myself, too. You’re probably contagious anyway.”

“Hey!” 

With no real energy to object, Gregory let Winston place the orders. Going to a bar was a rare enough occasion for him that he was actually surprised this establishment took the order without issue. Whenever he and Winston did go out, simply asking for beers from the tap just to serve as evidence against any accusations of loitering was fine enough. 

Once the hot beverages were placed in front of them, they both savored that first whiff of the drinks’ soothing scent. Even Gregory, whose congestion was gradually proving to be stubborn in allowing the registering of scents, found it to be quite pleasant.

“Well, cheers.” Winston initiated, but was disappointed when the clinking of glasses was followed by only him taking a drink. “What are you hesitating for?”

“Ah, you see,” Gregory scratched the back of his neck, “I have what Marie used to call a ‘cat’s tongue.’” He chuckled softly. “I’m not particularly eager to burn my tongue when eating or drinking.”

“How are you going to fully benefit from the hot toddy’s warmth then?” 

“I’m sure it–,” Gregory paused to clear his throat, “I’m sure it won’t lose its healing benefits if it cools off just a little bit.” 

Winston sighed in exasperation. 

“First you won’t stay warm by wearing a coat, now you don’t want to warm up by drinking a hot toddy while it still lives up to its name.” He teased. 

Gregory shook his head and proceeded to take a sip, burning his tongue in the process, just as he predicted. 

“Next time, I think I’ll just wear my coat.”

[emerald-notes]

A Reaper’s Mistake

'The Avonlea Story Club'

Story no. #01 Genre: Adventure Time Duration: 15 Jan, 2023- 15 Feb, 2023

Warning: Death (obviously), grief, mild horror, slight swearing, small space, some messed up explanation of heaven and hell, deceiving, betrayal, angst, crying, kissing etc. Word Count: 7.7k Words (It turned out longer than I planned)

Summary: Harley comes to know that the death of her twin brother was a mistake by the grim reaper that took his life. So, she makes a deal of travelling to the underworld to correct it in order to bring her dead brother back home. On her journey, she learns little things about life... and death.

Harley returned to her room after a long and exhausting day. She felt cold, both on the inside and the outside. But she didn’t mind. After all, death was supposed to be cold. Now, Harley wasn’t the one who died really. It was her twin brother Ashton. But it didn’t make any difference to her. The thing about losing a twin is that you lose yourself along with them. At least, that was how Harley felt at the moment.

She lay on the bed, thinking. There was no way she could go to sleep without any trouble. How could she, when she knew her other half laid all alone in a mortuary? Harley wanted to cry. But her eyes were as dry as dust. She turned on some music on her phone and wished that her heart stopped clenching for a while.

By the time, the room temperature started to drop. At a point, Harley started to feel very uncomfortable to ignore it. When she checked the AC remote, she was shocked to find that the temperature went down to 19°C. Before she could fix it, another degree dropped before her eyes.

“What the hell!” she thought to herself. “It’s not even that cold outside.”

Harley could detect sudden movements behind her. She turned on her bed carefully and saw a hooded figure in a corner of her room. An involuntary gasp escaped her mouth. She sat on the bed promptly and whisper-called the intruder, “Ashton! Is that you?”

The figure came forward. Through the lamp light, Harley saw its long and oval shaped face. The jaws looked like they were sucked in. A crooked nose hung in the middle. The gray eyes were very large. Whoever this man was, he was not Ashton, Harley knew it for sure.

“Who are you?” Harley asked flatly.

“I am not a ghost nor a mere human. And I am definitely not your brother Ashton.”  The man replied fast and paused for a while before adding, “I am a grim reaper.”

Harley sighed. The man who claimed to be a grim reaper was taken aback. It was definitely not the reaction he had been expecting. The man cleared his throat to speak but was interrupted by Harley.

“So that’s it?”  she asked quietly, “This is how I die?  Because of  a heartbreak?”

“Umm…” The man considered her unusual behavior for a moment. She had believed him. But she wasn’t a bit scared. She was rather accepting her death more easily than most of the people he had encountered.

“Actually, you’re not dead.” The grim reaper said. Harley nodded her head slowly. But didn’t say anything further. He took a deep breath before saying the following.

“We’re short on time. So, listen carefully. Ashton wasn’t the one to die. It was supposed to be someone else. However, due to some misunderstanding on my part, this grave mistake occurred and it has to be fixed to avoid further complications. We need to retreat his soul from the underworld. Now, I could have done the job myself but it is mandatory for a grim reaper to accompany a human, be it living or dead, to cross the river by boat down there. Yes! Living humans had gone to the underworld before. You may ask why. But I’m not in a situation to explain anything unnecessary. I hope you don’t have any questions.”

Harley could take in huge amounts of information at once. Still, this was too much to comprehend even to her. She could never imagine in her wildest dream that her dead brother could be brought back to life.

She said as politely as she could given the situation, “But I do have a question. To be honest, a lot of them.”

The grim reaper was satisfied with her reaction this time. He held up his hand and said, “Even if you do, you’ll be answered on the way. Now, pack your bag with necessary stuff because we’re gonna have a wild night in the underworld.”

“I haven’t even agreed to go with you, have I?” Harley said, irritation clear in her tone.

The grim reaper put on a smile and asked, “Do you want your brother back or not?”

“But…” Harley tried to argue but was immediately interrupted.

“Yes or no?”

Harley groaned in annoyance. But she considered the matter. She had nothing to lose but gain from this expedition. So, there was nothing much to think about, not even the dangers it may involve. She replied quietly, “Yes!”

“Follow me, then!”  The reaper leapt out of the window.

Harley took as little time as she could to pack her bag like she had been told. She got out through the door noiselessly, not that her parents could still be awake. The reaper was waiting in the backyard. As Harley went closer, she could feel how her surroundings were changing abruptly into a very cold one.

“Good!” he said after examining Harley. “Let’s get moving!” 

For a while, all Harley could make out was his light gray eyes before he turned and started to run. She followed him as fast as her little feet allowed her to. They kept going like that for some time without saying anything to each other. Harley’s mind was spiraling with thousands of questions. But she decided to ask the very basics.

“You didn’t say how much time we really have.” She yelled at the tall figure ahead of her.

“Let’s say before they arrange Ashton’s funeral ‘cause no soul can be retreated once their earthly goodbye is done.” The reaper replied.

“That,” Harley said, “would be tomorrow.”

The reaper slowed his pace and turned to face her, “I hope you understand now why you should hurry a little more.”

Harley felt out of breath. But she wasn’t willing to take any insults for her height. She continued to run and asked again, “Where are we going anyway?”

“To the underworld, of course!” the reaper laughed.

“I meant, where on earth?” Harley said through gritted teeth.

“Oh!” The reaper said, no sarcasm in his deep voice, “Mrs. Laferty’s backyard.”

“No way! That’s the underworld?”

“There’s a doorway to the underworld. Yes!”

Harley stopped abruptly. It took a few moments before the grim reaper realized that Harley wasn’t following him anymore. He turned and ran back towards her, giving her a look which asked why she had done that.

“At least,” Harley breathed out the words, “give me a good reason to trust you.”

“Should I summon up dead people to make you believe me?” the reaper asked impatiently.

“Nope!” Harley replied flatly, “I believe that you’re a grim reaper. But I don’t exactly trust you about bringing back my brother. Who knows, what you’re tricking me into.”

“Seriously? You think a grim reaper has anything to gain from a mere human?”

“That wasn’t very convincing.” Harley turned back to walk.

“Wait!” the reaper held her by her wrist and said, “Alright! I’m going to tell you the real reason why I’m so desperate to make it right. But you have to promise me that no matter what, you’re not gonna back away from this. No matter what!”

Harley sensed the seriousness in his voice and nodded her head in affirmation. The reaper sighed, “I’m gonna lose my job even if I mess up for once. I saw what happened to the others when they did it. I don’t want the same fate. If I can correct the mistake before the higher officials are aware of it, I may have a chance of keeping my job as a grim reaper.”

He paused and looked at Harley, “Since I need you as much as you need me to bring back your brother, will you help me do this?”

“Alright! I think,” Harley took her warm hand away from his cold one and said, ��I can do this without bothering you with more questions.”

Once they reached Mrs. Laferty’s backyard, the reaper produced a scythe out of nowhere and marked a large X on the ground. After a few minutes of complete silence, the ground beneath their feet started to shake. Then the X mark glowed scarlet before that part went down, creating a stair to the underworld.

“I think you forgot to ask the most crucial question on the way.” The reaper said to Harley. She looked at him with genuine curiosity. He smiled brightly and added, “My name is Joaquinn with double N.”

Joaquinn walked ahead of Harley down the stairs. Once they reached the floor made of wood, fire on the huge torches that hung by the wall lit up. Harley looked back the way she had come only to find that the stairs had disappeared completely. Fear had slowly started to build inside her. She almost reached to grab Joaquinn by his hand but stopped herself immediately.

Ahead of them was the huge river that Joaquinn had mentioned earlier. There was a small boat and the boatman was staring at them with a piercing look. Joaquinn turned to Harley and whispered, “You stay here.”  Then, he walked toward the boatman.

Harley wondered what it was that Joaquinn had been explaining so earnestly to the weird looking boatman. She couldn’t make out the words. But she could definitely tell by the tone of it that it was something she didn’t want to find out. After a while, Joaquinn took out an envelope from his pocket and showed the piece of paper it contained to the man. The man glanced at Harley for a split second before giving a stiff nod to the reaper.

Joaquinn turned back and came towards Harley with a pleasant smile on his face. “It’s all done,” he said and took Harley’s hand to guide her to the boat. Harley wasn’t feeling very good about the idea now. She wanted to ask Joaquinn if he was sure that their plan was going to work. But she couldn’t do that since she had promised him earlier not to bother with more questions.

“C’mon, now!” Joaquinn called, “Hop in!” Swallowing the lump that had grown on her throat, Harley climbed on the boat.

The boat ride was a quiet and long one. Harley had fixed her stare on the boatman, who had been rowing away without looking at them for once. Minutes later, they reached the end. Instead of wood on this side, the floor was made of concrete. They got down and Joaquinn nodded a thanks to the boatman. Harley doubted if he had even noticed that. The boatman headed back.

Harley couldn’t help but ask, “How are we going to go back?” 

“You don’t have to worry about that part.” Joaquinn said casually. “It’s easier to get out than getting in.”

“Now what?” Harley asked once again since Joaquinn kept standing there for quite some time.

“Shh!” Joaquinn whispered, “I think they sensed our arrival.”

“Who?” Harley was alarmed by Joaquinn’s change in voice.

“The guards.” As soon as Joaquinn whispered out the words, barking of dogs from all directions started to deafen Harley’s ears. “This way!” Joaquinn yelled as he took Harley’s hand and ran towards a corridor.

Harley glanced back for a split second while running along with Joaquinn. She could swear that she had never seen such a sight in her lifetime. At least twenty or more animals were coming at them. But they looked nothing like ordinary dogs. Their heads were huge with eyes looking like they could fall out any moment. Their tongues were dark purple and saliva secreted from them looked like blood.

Harley didn’t look long enough to find more hideous structures on their bodies. She tightened her grip on Joaquinn’s hand and ran faster. The corridor was getting narrower as they ran forward. At some point, it was hard even for one person to move let alone two. The dogs, being huge in size than a human or a reaper couldn’t reach them before the animals got stuck. It meant only one thing. Both the reaper and Harley were stuck as well.

There was this extremely narrow corridor which could crush your bones if you tried to pass through it on one side and the dangerous looking dogs a little further on the other. Joaquinn swore by the realization while Harley started to feel suffocated.

The barking of those animals sounded worst inside the corridor. Harley clapped her hands on her ears tightly. Joaquinn looked down at her with concern. “Are you okay?” he asked.

“Please make it stop!” she yelled.

Joaquinn noticed that Harley was in between him and the underworld dogs. So, he moved Harley a bit further to make space for him to pass by her. He then placed himself between Harley and the dogs, his back facing the latter. He pulled Harley closer and said, “You need to calm down.”

Harley buried her face on Joaquinn’s chest, her hands still covering her ears. She felt dizzy. All the chaos around her, the small space, her seasonal asthma and the fact that she hadn’t anything to eat the whole day were good reasons for her to faint. And that she did in a matter of a minute.

Harley woke up in the dark in complete silence. She sat up promptly and pondered over the possibilities of her being in the underworld. “Had I been dreaming?” she thought to herself.

“Hey! Welcome back!” Joaquinn’s cheerful voice proved her wrong and she sighed in relief. That meant, the hope of getting her brother back was still possible. The next moment, she thought about the terrible event she had encountered before she passed out.

“Where are we?” she asked, panic raising with each word.

“Ah! Don’t worry about those nasty animals. They’re gone. We are now safely locked up inside a cell.” Joaquinn said those words as if being locked up in the underworld prison was no big deal.

Harley asked, “What happened exactly when I was out?”

“Well! After you fainted, the guards came to inquire about the sudden outbursts of the hellhounds. Since they found us with no real explanation of trespassing in the underworld, they decided to put us in a cell before informing their master. That’s all.”

Harley secretly appreciated the quality of Joaquinn explaining critical situations easily. By the time, her eyes adjusted to the dark and she could make out his figure sitting in front of her. She sighed and asked, “So, how do we break out of here?”

“I’m still thinking about that.” Joaquinn said casually and pointed to Harley’s backpack, “You better eat something while I plan our escape.”

Harley thought she ought to eat something in order to have some strength for the future troubles she was about to meet. She prepared herself mentally to face more obstacles too. After the greetings from the hellhounds, she thought she could handle just about anything.

Offering Joaquinn the packet of butter cookies that she had brought, which he gladly refused, Harley started to relax as she chewed on her favorite snack. She felt a little more comfortable to ask Joaquinn some more questions which were not necessarily important at the moment but were bothering her mind a lot.

“Why do you think my brother is in the underworld?” She asked quietly, “I mean, isn’t it hell?”

“It is, indeed!” Joaquinn replied, “Why do you ask?”

“Because I can’t think of anything my brother did that was evil enough to land him in hell. Wait a minute! Or is it because of the other person who was supposed to be dead instead?”

“Nope!” Joaquinn shook his head and continued, “even if it was a mistake that your brother died in the place of umm… someone else, he still would end up where he deserved to be. Don’t give me that look before I explain the whole matter. It’s not because he's evil that he ended up in hell. It’s rather because of the lack of a heaven.”

“Lack of what?” Harley couldn’t mask the surprise in her voice.

“Yeah, that’s right!” Joaquinn chuckled, “There is no heaven to begin with. Humans made that place up for the comfort of mind. Every human ends up in hell after they die, which is this underworld.”

“Now that you’ve said that,” Harley said thoughtfully, “I don’t think that there is anyone saint enough to enjoy eternal peace or something. So, I guess, it’s quite logical.”

“Not a saint exactly but there are people who are really good compared to others. And they definitely don’t deserve to be put in the same place. It’s not the flaws in humans but rather the flaws in the whole concept of heaven itself. Do you think eternal peace is even possible? I mean, what is peace without a little chaos, huh?”

“You’re smarter than you look.” Harley thought. Of course, she didn’t say the words out loud.

Joaquinn continued, unaware of Harley’s admiration, “Now, here is how the hell works. To put it in easier language, people who did worse get the worst place whereas the best people get the best, all here in the same underworld. Easy as pie.”

“Isn’t it crazy to think that once we get out of here, me and my brother, we’re going to be the only people who know exactly about the afterlife?” Harley said dreamily.

“Hell, no!” Joaquinn replied with a laugh, “I’m not taking any risks. I’m gonna make Ashton forget about this all. A grim reaper’s kiss can make you forget certain parts of your life, you know.”

“Ew!” The thought of Joaquinn kissing her twin makes her want to puke. Then, she remembered that she was also someone who knows his secrets as well and gulped down the lump on her throat.

“So,” Harley asked, “Do you know where my brother is?” 

“Well, if it isn’t my dear friend.” Joaquinn had turned his head towards the cell door and called the person who had just arrived, much to Harley’s surprise.

“I think I know you, don’t I?” the person brought the torch he was carrying closer to the cell and recognized Joaquinn.

“How can you not?” Joaquinn whined, “I am the grim reaper who brought you here. It had been only a month and you already forgot all about me? I thought you said that you were glad I wasn’t as scary as you thought.”

“Of course, Joaquinn!” he smiled, “I am glad that it was you rather than some other mean reaper. What are you doing here?”

“I’m in trouble, my friend.” Joaquinn stood up and walked to him, “I see you’re in uniform. That means, they’ve already posted you as one of the guards, haven't they?”

“Sure, they did.” the boy said with a doubt.

Joaquinn yelped in joy, “Speaking of perfect timing, huh! C’mon, now, what are you waiting for? Get me out of here.”

“Wait a minute!” The boy took a step back, “What are you talking about? If the master knows about this, he’ll lock me up instead.”

“Oh no, silly! He wouldn’t. Because I’m going to take you out of here with me.” Joaquinn said reassuringly.

“Out of here?”

“Yep!”

“Is that even possible?” The boy asked dreamily. “But I thought you can’t go out into the world if your funeral is already done.”

“Who said that your funeral’s done?” Joaquinn continued, “Remember? You don’t have a family, Alex!”

“My name’s Alec.”  the boy corrected.

“Of course, it is. Now, listen to me carefully. I have a spare soul to put in the underworld. Instead, I can free one from here. Okay! I see, you don’t believe me. Wait a second.” Joaquinn took out the envelope from his pocket and showed the paper to the boy.

“Who is…” Alec tried to ask but Joaquinn instantly said, “We gotta hurry if you want to get out. Now, tell me if you agree on the deal we just made.”

“I don’t know.” The boy simply shrugged his shoulders.

“C’mon, Alan.” Joaquinn tried to persuade him further, “All you need to do is get me out of here and you’re granted a second chance of living your life.”

“But what’s the point if I’m gonna die someday.” The boy argued, “I don’t even have a family to go back to.”

“I know,” Joaquinn thought for a moment before saying, “But what about… her?”

“Her?” the boy’s eyes widened, “You know about her?”

“Yes!” Joaquinn nodded, “I do.”

The boy thought for a moment quietly. Then, his face beamed with hope. “Alright, Joaquinn! I believe you. I’m going to bring the key.” Saying this, the boy had already gone away with his torch and darkness fell into the cell once again.

Joaquinn let out a heavy sigh, “Ah! It’s so bothersome to deal with humans.”

Harley had been listening to their conversation quietly but attentively. She came forward and cleared her throat before asking, “Is it true that his funeral’s not done and that you’re going to help him out?”

“I don’t know, to be honest.” Joaquinn replied, “I don’t stay long enough for people’s funerals. Once I bring them to the underworld, my work is done.”

“So, you just lied to him?” Harley doubted the reaper’s words.

“Do I have any choice?” Joaquinn turned to her and said, “We don’t have an eternity to get your brother out of here. And answering to your hanging question, I don’t even know where he is right now.”

Harley remained quiet. She knew there was nothing she could say to argue with him. After all, she would choose to help her own brother over some stranger named Alec. But her heart panged with sudden guilt.

“Who is her?” She asked quietly.

“What? Who?” Joaquinn asked unknowingly.

“The one you told Alec about.”

“Oh! I don’t know that either. Just made a lucky guess.” Joaquinn shrugged his shoulders.

Harley’s hand clenched into a fist at his apathy, “He could be gay, you know.”

“Once again, lucky guess.”

The boy came back with the key and a huge grin on his face. He unlocked the door without a word and they got out immediately.

“Thank you so much, my friend.” Joaquinn pulled him into a hug and said, “You need to wait here while I finish my job. Then, I’ll be back to get you.”

“You’re really coming back for me, aren’t you?” The boy asked, still a faint smile lingering on his face.

Harley spoke before Joaquin could say anything. “Alec, you’re an amazing person. The world out there doesn’t deserve you. I hope you always remember that.”

“Who are you?” the boy asked in confusion.

“She’s another reaper. Anyway, we gotta go, now. Don’t worry! We’ll come back for you. Bye.” Joaquinn said quickly and pulled Harley by her hand to drag her out of that place through the dark corridor.

It was hard for Harley to keep up with Joaquinn when they ran together. Because, Joaquinn with his huge legs ran as if he was jumping on the moon's surface. Harley, on the other hand, had to take more steps faster to remain by his side. Since it hadn’t been the best day for her, she didn’t feel energetic enough to run anyway. So, after a while, she tripped and fell, hard, on the ground.

Joaquinn kneeled down beside her and asked anxiously, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fucking not!” Harley muttered angrily under her breath.

“Hey!” Joaquinn yelled, “Don’t take out the anger with me. We should hurry if you want to save Ashton. Now, is it my fault that you’re too weak to handle anything?”

“Technically, everything that has been happening is your fault.” Harley snapped back.

“Okay! Fine!” Joaquinn threw his hands up in defeat, “Let’s not run anymore. But at least get up so that we can walk out of the dark.”

Harley did as she was asked to and they both walked quietly for a while. She felt uneasy this way. She felt like she didn’t really have the right to remain angry at this stranger, who had been helping her, even if it was something he needed to do as well.

So, she tried to cool down and asked, “Would you mind me asking about that paper you showed Alec and the boatman? What does it contain?”

“Well, umm… it was sent to me with the name of umm… the person I was supposed to take the soul of.” Joaquinn said rather awkwardly.

“Who is this person?” Harley asked instantly, feeling a little bad for not wanting to know about them earlier.

“I don’t think you should know that.” Joaquinn sounded reluctant to tell her, “You would probably make a huge deal out of it.”

“Why?” Harley asked more curiously, “Are they someone I know?”

Joaquinn scoffed, “Judging by how you reacted earlier for only deceiving a stranger, I don’t think it matters.”

Harley rolled her eyes in annoyance, “Fine! Don’t tell me.”

They walked a few more minutes when they could finally see the light ahead of them. “Can you see it?” Joaquinn asked, pointing at its way and Harley nodded, “Let’s get out of here, then.” Joaquinn started to sprint toward it, leaving Harley no choice but to run after him.

They came out into an opening. It was a large field full of what appeared to be people at first glance. But they were rather different entities; souls of dead humans, guards, demons, monsters etc.

Harley's eyes grew larger at the sight, "Are we caught again?"

"Not yet!" Joaquinn replied shortly and grabbed her hand. A sudden shiver went through Harley’s whole body at his cold touch.

"He's a little too touchy." Harley thought to herself even though it was something she didn't think worthy to be thought of at this time.

"Let's walk out of here casually." Joaquinn dragged her forward. He kept talking while looking straight ahead, "It's the center of the underworld. Did you see the doors around?"

Harley nodded her head. The place was circle shaped and the walls had lots of doors to it. They had gotten out of one of those doors as well.

"Each of them leads to a different place. Now the question is, which one are we supposed to be using?" Joaquinn said.

Harley asked him instead, "Where do you usually bring the souls?"

"To the receptionist." Joaquinn nodded at a woman in front of them, "They are taken to the master and he decides where to put them in."

"I bet the receptionist knows where they are kept." Harley said.

Joaquinn nodded again, "She might."

"We should take a chance." Harley said boldly. Joaquinn looked confused. So, she replied, "Let's ask for help."

Asking for help turned out to be a bad idea.

Harley was reluctant to speak with the receptionist. But the receptionist made both of them answer her questions at once. Bombarding them with questions and receiving different answers almost every time from the two of them, made her suspicious. So, she decided to play it cool with them, but dialed for the master’s number secretly.

“You may wait for a few minutes. I need to make a call to ask the ones who keep the records to let you know where Mr. Ashton Campbell is kept currently.” The woman said with a professional smile on her face.

Joaquinn and Harley glanced at each other and swallowed together. Before Joaquinn could mouth the word ‘run’, someone yelled from behind.

“Holy Molly! Look who I ran into. Joaquinn, my bro.”

“Matilda!” The woman called her, while Joaquinn looked at her in disbelief. “Do you know this man well?”

“Bet I do, Kim.” Matilda walked towards them. “He’s one of the guards.” The receptionist named Kim left out a sigh. She was a good friend of Matilda and trusted her. So, she gave them the location to Ashton’s room, which was a map since the underworld was as big as the earth itself. And they all left the place quietly.

It wasn’t until they entered a door which led them to another corridor (“Jeez, the hell is full of corridors!” Harley thought) they started to talk.

“Thank you for saving my ass just now.” Joaquinn looked at Matilda and let out a huge smile. Harley thought he looked better with a smile.

“It’s nothing.” Matilda replied, “You better explain what’s going on. Who is this living human that you brought here? Don’t tell me you fell for those tricks like me as well.”

Joaquinn laughed at this and said, “She’s a friend. She’s helping me to break out the wrong person I sent here today.”

“No way!” Matilda’s eyes widened, “You kidding me?”

“Absolutely not!” Joaquinn gave a quick explanation of what the real deal was. Matilda nodded her head. “Won’t you introduce me to her?” Matilda elbowed Joaquinn.

“Yeah, sure.” Joaquinn said, “This is Harley as I told you. And Harley, she is one of the reapers, I mean, was a reaper.”

“Why isn’t she anymore, may I ask?” Harley asked, confused at her being suddenly involved with them.

“That’s because,” Matilda replied, herself, “I did the worst thing a grim reaper could do. I fell in love with a human. It is called ‘love at first sight’ I believe. And I refused to take the soul of that person. Now, there you go. That’s the dumbest shit I did. But you know what? I’m not ashamed. Not even a little bit.” Matilda started to laugh at her own speech even though Harley couldn’t see what was so funny about it.

She could only imagine how tragic it must be; given the job of killing a loved one. Even if you knew it was their time to die, you could never bring yourself to do that. Or at least, Harley could never do that.

“The master gave me the job of a guard instead, you know. Just so he could make me regret my poor choice. Because I got to see the love of my life going through the worst punishments of hell regularly. But like I said, I don’t regret nothing.”

“That’s my girl!” Joaquinn pulled her into a hug. Harley wished that she could be hugged like that sometimes too.

“Freeze!” Some guards came behind them with different weapons.

“Shit! We gotta run!” Matilda screamed the order and in the blink of an eye, they started running as if their life depended on it. Actually, it pretty much did.

“Why are we running?” Harley asked, “I thought we got the permission.”

“The permission of only a receptionist. Not the master.” Matilda said sarcastically.

Matilda ran ahead of them, reading the map in between so that they didn’t have to lose time on finding their desired person. But at a point, they ran into a dead end.

“What happened?” Joaquinn asked, “Why are we stopping here?”

“Shit! I should have turned left.” Matilda lifted her head from the map.

Suddenly an arrow was shooted towards her and she was pinned to the wall by her arm, “Fuck! It hurts.” she screamed in pain, making Harley flinch.

“This is it!” Joaquinn sat down with a thud, “Guess I have to serve the master along with you, Matilda.” he muttered.

The guards came running towards them, seizing them by their arms and tying their hands behind them. Neither Harley nor Joaquinn made any complaints at all. But Matilda struggled hard against them only to increase her pain and to give up in the end.

“I’m sorry, friends. I couldn’t come to much help, after all.” Matilda said with a sigh.

“Let’s just leave our fates to the master.” Joaquinn replied.

“Oh, I’m sure he’s going to have a blast.” Matilda scoffed.

They were dragged along with the guards and were forced to follow them. Nobody said anything to the other. Harley understood that begging the guards to let them go would be fruitless. They looked like they were loyal to their master.

The guards took them in front of a cell. Harley observed that this one looked more exclusive than the one they were kept in earlier. It was rather big and cleaner too. The guards checked them thoroughly. They took away Harley’s backpack too. Joaquinn started to get really mad when they took out the contents of his pants pockets.

Joaquinn snapped at the guards and almost started an argument. Meanwhile, Harley noticed that the envelope that made her curious earlier layed on the ground. She took it and opened it to see what’s written there.

Name of the Human: Harley Campbell

Date of birth: 19 January, 2003

Date of death: 15 February, 2023

Time of death: 02: 34 a.m.

Assigned Grim Reaper: Joaquinn

Harley didn’t know what to feel at that time. She could never imagine that it was her instead of her brother who should have died. But the more she thought of it, the more it made sense.

They both had sneaked out of their house to get to one of their friend’s parties. She didn’t want to go. But Ashton insisted upon her coming along with him. That was when the accident took place. That was how the mistake was made. They shared the same surname. They both were born on the same day. They both were present in the car during the accident.

Harley closed her eyes for a few seconds and opened them again. She took a deep breath and exhaled sharply. Then, with a poker face on, she kept the paper inside the envelope and handed it to Joaquinn.

Joaquinn’s eyes grew larger and he looked at Harley suspiciously, trying to read her face. But Harley didn’t budge. She went inside the cell willingly and sat down at a corner.

They sat there in complete silence after the guards left. Joaquinn sat down beside Harley and Matilda fell asleep at another corner across from her. Then, Harley decided to speak.

"So, it was supposed to be me." It was not a question, rather a statement to let Joaquinn know that she had found out.

"You saw it, didn't you?" Joaquinn asked and Harley nodded slowly. Joaquinn muttered something to himself and buried his head in between his knees.

"You could have just told me. You didn’t need to hide it." Harley said quietly.

Joaquinn looked up and turned to face her, "I did it because I had to. I needed your help to make things right. But as far as I know humanity, no one would want to die willingly."

Harley let out a painful laughter, "Then, you only know a fraction of it."

Joaquinn didn't reply. Harley settled down easily and made her space to lie down on the ground. She whispered softly but loud enough for Joaquinn to hear, "If we get to Ashton anyhow, please do me a favor and keep it a secret from him as well."

“You really thought you could work right under my nose without me finding out, huh?” The master scoffed at the three captives. They had been brought before him. He was now the god of their fates. And everybody knew, except Harley, that the master liked to play with them.

“Let me first get done with my old acquaintance.” The master moved towards Matilda and spoke, “Dear Matilda, we met again. I thought we wouldn’t until you finish your 300 years sentence.”

“Here we are!” Matilda shrugged her shoulders.

A frown appeared on the master’s forehead. He looked displeased when he said, “There’s nothing interesting about you. Nothing that excites me at all. I’ll go for the usual punishment. Add 300 years more to your 167 years that’s left.”

Matilda blinked her eyes quickly for a while. Harley wondered if she had been expecting some worst kind of punishment. The master ordered the guards to take Matilda away. But she said, “Please, master, let me talk to the girl. For once.”

When the master nodded she came straight to her and said with a smile, “Don’t worry about me. I’m going to be just fine. But since you’re the only living person I can say this to, I will. Remember that it’s coming from an ex grim reaper’s mouth.”

Matilda took a deep breath before saying, “Life’s too short to waste over stupid mistakes. Please, don’t leave any regrets. So that when it’s your time to die, you can die a happy human.”

Harley could say nothing in return. She glanced at Joaquinn. But he had been keeping his eyes down to the floor. Matilda pulled Harley into a warm embrace. Harley could swear that she had never been hugged like this her entire life. Then, Matilda was taken away.

The master walked around the room, thinking. Harley thought he was probably thinking of how to punish them.

“Alright!” the master announced, “I think I know what to do with you two.” He smirked at Harley, “You’re here to save your brother, right?”

Harley nodded her head rather innocently. She looked a little too desperate. Joaquinn bit his lower lip in frustration. For some reason, he was really mad at himself.

“I will grant you that wish then.” The master said and Joaquinn’s head shot up.

He asked in disbelief, “You’re gonna let us go?”

The master shook his head as he laughed, “Not that easily! But hear me out. I thought for a moment how I had never granted anything to anybody before. So, it might be a good thing to experiment on. But again, there is a condition.”

The master walked to Joaquinn and said to him only, “I will let this slip for only once. If you can make it right this time, you’re free to go. But if you mess up again, just once again, you’re going to have the same fate as your friend, Matilda.”

The master walked back to his seat and asked, “So, tell me, Joaquinn, do you accept it?”

Joaquinn glanced at Harley. But this time, her head was bent downward. Joaquinn swallowed hard and replied, “Yes!”

The master said nothing in return. But Harley noticed a satisfied face when she looked at him for the last time.

The moment Harley had been waiting for had never been closer. Two guards accompanied them to the cell where Ashton had been kept. They opened the cell door and giving a stiff nod went away. Harley stepped inside first followed by Joaquinn.

Ashton was sitting by his bed. He first thought that some guards had visited him. But when he saw his twin sister’s face, which was so much similar to his own, he couldn’t help but cry out.

“Harley!” He stood up and hugged her right away. “Oh, Harley! I’ve been so alone and I missed you so much.” Then, he looked at her face and his smile drowned, “Are you dead too?”

“No, I’m not!” Harley tried to show a smile, “I’m here to bring you back home.”

Ashton looked puzzled at her comment, “But I thought I died.” He looked at Joaquinn and said, “And you were the grim reaper who brought me here.”

Harley nodded and said, “Yes, I know. But there had been some mistakes. He shouldn’t have taken your soul. It should have been someone else. Anyway, we’ve sorted it out. Now, let’s get you out of here before the master comes up with some cruel ideas.”

Ashton nodded even though he wasn’t very sure about the whole matter. They got out of the cell and walked through the corridor. Joaquinn walked ahead of them, map in his hand. Harley thought that he had been exceptionally quiet. Probably giving them some privacy so that they could talk for the last time.

So, they talked. Harley told Ashton everything she couldn’t have. She told him how much she loved him but was never able to express it. She told him how he was the only person Harley cared about. She told him how much she hated her parents for discriminating between them and loving Ashton a little less than they did Harley.

By the time they had reached the river, both the siblings had become too emotional. Harley knew that it was their last meeting. But she couldn’t really say goodbye to her brother in fear that he might refuse to cooperate.

“Let’s get on the boat.” Ashton exclaimed, “I can’t wait to start anew.”

“Wait!” Joaquinn stepped forward, “Ashton! Don’t you want to know who this other person is? The one who’s to die instead of you?”

Harley glared at Joaquinn, shaking her head to remind him of the favor she had asked earlier. Ashton was too confused to understand it. He simply asked, “Who?”

Joaquinn swallowed before saying, “It’s Harley.”

Harley closed her eyes in disbelief. She thought she could trust this reaper only for once. But no!

It took a few minutes before Ashton realized what the reaper had informed. He gasped, “Oh my God! Harley!”

“No, Ashton!” Harley said, cupping her brother’s face in her hands, “It’s okay! Don’t feel too sad. I already know about it and I’ve accepted it too. Please, brother, it’s fine.”

But Ashton had been shaking his head in denial, “There’s no way I’m going back without you. No way! I can’t do this. I can’t take your life.”

“But it’s your life that I’ve been living right now.” Harley argued, “It was meant to be me from the start. Please, Ashton, don’t act like this.”

Ashton hugged Harley once again and Harley sunk into his embrace. Tears started to stream down her face. Ashton, on the other hand, was crying too. Seeing them in such misery, Joaquinn realized he had to step in.

He spoke, his voice shaking from the emotion that had been building inside him unknowingly, “I’m sorry to say this but I don’t think I can do this either. I can’t take your soul, Harley. I just can’t.”

Harley let go of Ashton. She looked furious. She yelled at Joaquinn, “It’s all your fault. You have to fix it now. You have to take my brother back to the world. I’m not taking any ‘sorry’ from you.”

Ashton tried to calm her down. He had never seen Harley in such a vulnerable state before. He pulled Harley back and they sat down on the concrete floor together. Ashton patted her softly on the back. When Harley finally stopped crying, he spoke.

“It’s okay! I’ve already faced death and I’ve accepted it too. Just think about mother and father. They had already gone through my death. How do you expect them to behave if they found out it was you and not me?”

“I don’t give a fuck about them.” Harley snapped.

Ashton chuckled and said each word as if he meant them, “Don’t be so stubborn, Harley. I know you love them, no matter what you say. Okay! If you don’t want to think of them, think of yourself. You have so many regrets. I know you do. But I don’t really have much. I have enjoyed my life the way I wanted to. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t the favorite child. But you had been fulfilling their dreams all this time that you never stopped to think what you wanted for yourself. I know, being a favorite child has its disadvantages. Now, what I want is that you go back and live the life you wanted. Not the one you were meant to. We’ll meet again. Then, I hope you would tell me what a happy and free life you had led.”

Harley suddenly remembered Matilda’s words, “Please, don’t leave any regrets.”

Harley looked at her brother and tears filled her eyes. She buried her head into his neck and sobbed quietly, while Ashton softly stroked her hair.

The boat ride back without Ashton was quiet at first. Harley could feel that her body was screaming for a nap. She was exhausted by everything that had happened in the past few hours. Harley felt as if she had lived through days.

The thought of leaving behind her twin made her eyes watery once again. She didn’t mind them anymore. Never in her life had she cried so hard. She felt that from now on, it would be a little easier for her to cry whenever she needed to. So, she sobbed in her hands freely.

Joaquinn sat closer and unconsciously wrapped his hands around her shoulders. Harley let herself lean onto his chest and cried silently. Then, she suddenly remembered the deal Joaquinn had made earlier with the master. She remembered how his face glowed with glory as if he had been expecting Joaquinn to fail.

“Joaquinn!” She called and looked up to his face, “But the master is going to hold you captive. You’re going to lose the job. You need…”

Joaquinn hushed her up and pulled her into a hug. He whispered to her softly, “It’s okay, Harley. I’ve learned to take responsibility for my actions. Everything was my fault, after all.”

Harley sniffed but remained silent. Joaquinn ran his hands through her hair and said, “I think, I ought to apologize to you. I’m sorry I dragged you into this mess. I’m sorry I lied to you. I’m sorry I couldn’t save your brother. I’m sorry, Harley, for everything.”

Harley nodded and said quietly, “Can we please stay like this until we reach the other side?” Joaquinn hummed and pulled her a little closer, letting her relax into his arms.

When they finally reached the spot, Joaquinn gently pulled her away. He held her by the shoulders to support while she got off the boat. The stairs had appeared once again. They climbed the stairs side by side and came into the opening of Mrs. Laferty’s backyard. The dawn was about to break. There was not a soul in sight.

Harley turned to Joaquinn to say her final goodbye. But he shook his head as if he knew what she was about to say. He said, “It’s not a goodbye. I hope we’ll meet again.”

He cupped her face into his cold hands and said, “It’s time for you to go back to being normal again. Don’t worry! I’ll let you remember the part where your brother and… someone you knew advised you to live your life with no regrets.”

Harley nodded her head in agreement. Joaquinn leaned forward to kiss her warm lips gently. Closing her eyes, Harley felt the moment with all her might till it lasted.

Author’s Note: This is the first ever story of the first month for my story club. Since I’m not a pro at this, please consider stupid mistakes. And also, I appreciate your honest feedbacks. The door to constructive criticism is always open to the readers.

Please check out my partner’s work of the month as well and support her > @littlemissblogger​

[digitalsanshta]

Hassle-Free AC Installation in Greater Noida with Appliances Xprt

As temperatures rise, a reliable air conditioning system becomes a must-have for comfort in Greater Noida. But a top-performing AC unit is only as good as its installation. That's where Appliances Xprt comes in. With years of experience and a reputation for excellence, Appliances Xprt is your go-to solution for seamless and professional AC installation. (ac installation in greater noida)

Why Choose Appliances Xprt for Your AC Installation?

1. Expert Technicians

At Appliances Xprt, the installation process is handled by certified and skilled technicians. They are well-versed in various AC models and brands, ensuring that your unit is installed correctly and efficiently. Their expertise minimizes the risk of installation issues and maximizes your AC's performance.

2. Customized Solutions

No two homes or offices are the same. Appliances Xprt offers personalized installation services tailored to your specific needs. Whether it's a residential space or a commercial establishment, their team evaluates the best placement for optimal cooling and energy efficiency.

3. Quick and Efficient Service

Time is valuable, and Appliances Xprt respects that. They provide prompt service, ensuring your AC is up and running in no time. Their efficient installation process means minimal disruption to your daily routine, allowing you to enjoy a cool environment without delay.

4. Quality Assurance

With Appliances Xprt, quality is never compromised. They use only high-quality materials and follow industry standards to ensure a durable and reliable installation. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every job they undertake.

5. Affordable Pricing

Top-notch service doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Appliances Xprt offers competitive pricing for their AC installation services, providing exceptional value without breaking the bank. They believe in transparency, with no hidden costs or surprise fees.

6. Post-Installation Support

The service doesn’t end once the installation is complete. Appliances Xprt provides comprehensive post-installation support to address any questions or issues you might have. Their customer service team is always ready to assist, ensuring your satisfaction long after the job is done.

The Benefits of Professional AC Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioning unit. Here’s why professional installation from Appliances Xprt makes a difference:

Enhanced Efficiency: Correct installation ensures your AC operates at peak efficiency, which can lead to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental footprint.

Extended Lifespan: A well-installed AC unit is less likely to experience problems, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs.

Optimal Performance: Professional installation ensures your AC system performs at its best, providing consistent cooling and comfort throughout your space.

Get Started with Appliances Xprt

If you’re in Greater Noida and need reliable AC installation, look no further than Appliances Xprt. Their expert team is dedicated to delivering top-quality service and ensuring your comfort all year round. Contact them today to schedule an appointment or to get a free quote. Experience the difference of professional AC installation and stay cool with Appliances Xprt! (ac installation in greater noida)

[unzipcraft]

Sunflower Success: How to Care for Sunflowers?

Sunflowers are extremely pretty flowers planted in the gardens or in the pots. These are filled with goodies and are too good to be true in terms of daily life uses. How to Care for Sunflowers are majorly cultivated for its generic health benefits and taste. The seeds of the sunflower are edible and are rich in nutrients, by compressing the seeds you get the sweet sunflower oil, from the flower you can make yellow dye and from the stem you can make rope and cords.  Sunflower are not only cultivated for its beauty but also for its daily life pros. The oil of sunflower is considered as good as olive oil and almond oil and is also served as a condiment. Now that you know the sunflower can be grown in both in pots and in directly into the ground let us see how to take care of sunflowers? How to Grow Sunflowers: Guide  Growing sunflowers is not a tedious work, one needs to pay attention to a few things and these flowers will grow without causing any discomfort. The best time to grow sunflower is between April and May as this is a sun loving plant and grows the best in summers.  They will grow best at places which gets direct 6-8 hours of sunlight. Their roots are invasive and spread throughout the ground therefore they prefer loose, well- drained somewhat like an alkaline soil with pH of 6-7. They will only bloom in nutrient rich soil that is, it has some organic or compost mixed into it. Plant the seeds of the flower when the daunting spring frost has passed and the temperature of the soil in up to 60 degree. Plant the seeds an inch deep into the soil and 6 inches apart from one another in order to give them space to grow.  To enhance the blooming stagger the planting, sowing a fresh batch in every 2-3 weeks. Once the plant is all set water it infrequently so that you allow it to grow deep and strong roots. From the day you have planted your seed it takes up to 80-120 days for it to bloom freely and turn into a beautiful bright flower. Now that the cultivation process is clear of sunflower let us see how to take care for sunflowers? How to Care for Sunflowers It is highly important to take proper care of sunflower in vase they highly sensitive to get infected or damage even if it is indoors and outdoors. Make sure you follow these tricks completely if you want healthy blooming sunflowers in a vase and enjoy the view of these pretty and goodies filled sunflowers. Plant the seeds of the sunflower in the ground at the prime location which is prepared earlier by you. Cover the plant with healthy soil and water it enough in their baby stage. Keep to do so make sure the plant receives sufficient sunlight as they are sun followers at heart and cannot grow without it specifically in the initial stage. In case of vase, Keep away from wilting it is important to keep flowers away from stagnant water as it will affect the growing of the flower and damage the flowers. This is How to Care for Sunflowers and provide them with good life and also enjoy yourselves. The answer to the question how to care for sunflowers has been answered with proper love correct amount of sun and water supply you will ace it. It is utmost important to look after the flowers either in vase or in the ground. Cover this whenever to see your plants or sunflower wilting or getting damaged. Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower Seeds Benefits for Female Query Answered Q1. How to Care for Sunflowers last longer in a vase? A1. To make sunflower last longer in a vase it is important to keep changing the water of the vase in every 2 days and you should keep cutting the stem of the flower to avoid damage. Q2. How long do sunflowers last in a vase or water? A2. Sunflowers in a vase or water last up to 2 weeks for good. Q3. How to keep potted sunflower alive? A3. In order to keep potted sunflower alive it is important to water them daily and never let the soil dry out also make sure you provide them with sufficient sunlight. Q4. How to Care for Sunflowers in a vase? A4. As you see the back of the bloom turn brown and the leaves wilting there is a sign for you to revive them to do so quickly put sunflower in fresh cold water and in 2 days you will see better results. Q5. How much water to give to sunflowers in vase? A5. Sunflowers in vase live up to six to twelve days. Given they are been taken proper care of and provided with essential elements. Q6. How to Care for Sunflowers from drooping? A6. In order to keep sunflower from dropping make sure you plant them in a well drained soil to prevent them from getting water logged which can weaken the roots of the sunflower and keep away from drooping. Q7. How to Care for Sunflowers and last when cut? A7. Sunflower when cut last up to 3-4 days only given they are not put into fresh water in order to survive. Q8. How to How to Care for Sunflowers alive outside? A8. Make sure sunflower get enough sunlight throughout the day, water supply should also be sufficient also the soil should be moist but well drained. Q9. How to Care for Sunflowers dying in a vase? A9. The reason why sunflowers are dying in a vase is they do not get enough sunlight, the water is not changed regularly, the stems of the sunflower are not being cut frequently. Therefore sunflowers die in a vase. Read the full article

[starplusbattery]

A Definitive Guide to Increase Inverter Battery’s Life

One of the most common questions we get from folks looking to set up an inverter system is how long the battery lasts anyway.

The answer is simple: it depends on how it is treated. 

Here, we'll provide you with practical tips for maintaining your inverter's battery. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the maximum lifespan of your battery and ensure it functions correctly when the mains power fails. Understanding the importance of correct usage and charging is critical to maximising the efficiency of your inverter system.

What is an Inverted Home Battery?

Typically, a home UPS inverter system stores electrical energy in rechargeable DC cells. These cells provide several hours of essential power during power outages. When the battery is not in use, the cells are charged through a transformer from the main supply.

When the AC supply fails, the battery and inverter combination delivers AC power in microseconds. This ensures a virtually seamless transition from grid power to stored battery power. It incorporates a surge protection system that prevents voltage spikes caused by a sudden excess or lack of electrical supply. These spikes are due to sparks in the contacts and switches or surges in the network and the battery. Inverter batteries have an efficiency rating of around 85-90%.

The losses come from the internal resistances, which give higher charging voltages than discharge voltages. Efficiency is the ratio of the watt hours leaving the battery (discharging) divided by the watt-hours entering the battery (charging).

What factors influence the battery life of an inverter? What is the battery life of the inverter?

To answer those questions, you have to take into account that battery life can vary depending on a lot of things, such as battery quality, charging, battery maintenance, and much more.

How Long Does an Inverter Battery Last?

The life of an inverter battery depends on many factors. It’s size, construction, the amount of power it draws, its working temperature, and its age are some of them. The best answer to this question is that it will last as long as our warranty lasts.

In a perfect world, a 100AH ​​battery would last 20 hours with a constant charge of 5 amps. We all know that the world is not ideal, so the calculations can only be indicative. However, we say "a little" easier” since it depends on how good you are at arithmetic. Some calculations determine how long a fully charged deep-cycle battery will last until it needs a full recharge. A quick basis for the calculation is the following:

E = C*V Avg

Where E is the stored energy in watt-hours, C is the capacity in ampere-hours, and V Avg is the average voltage during discharge.

However, this is an oversimplification since the available energy depends on the rate of current consumption. The higher the current, the less power you can draw from the battery. Imagine running 100 meters in 12 seconds and trying to maintain it for 1 kilometre. The higher the power drawn, the lower the energy available.

Buying cheaper can be more expensive in the long run. In an attempt to cut costs, some homeowners pair branded inverters with locally made or refurbished batteries.

Best Practice Tips for Inverter Battery Maintenance

Properly and regularly charge an inverter battery according to the battery's printed recommendations. Our customer service team is always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Avoid charging the battery below or above its capacity.

Keep batteries well-ventilated and out of sunlight.

Avoid high-speed charging.

Never use a damaged battery.

Remember that persistent undercharging accelerates sulfation and reduces the life of an inverter battery.

Apply a “top-up” load only when necessary.

Keep each cell charged above 2.10 volts while in storage.

Always store a battery only in fully charged condition.

Avoid charging when the battery is under load.

Decrease the charge threshold by 3mV per cell per degree C when temperatures are above 25°C.

Remember: it is normal for an inverter battery to be heated (but not much) at the end of a charge.

Make sure the charger switches to "float" charging when fully charged.

Use good practices when interrupting a load. It is acceptable to do so if correct procedures are followed.

How Can I Extend the Life of An Inverter Battery?

An inverter's battery must be charged correctly to ensure optimal performance. Undercharging shortens the usefulness of batteries, and overcharging decreases the internal structure of the battery. You must know the correct voltage of your battery. You should remember to charge it per the manufacturer's recommendations. Most deep-cycle batteries require a number of discharge and recharge cycles to perform at their peak. After approximately ten cycles, they can be considered "broken." Deep-cycle batteries begin to deteriorate after about a thousand charge cycles. When the load cycle pattern permits, apply an occasional full charge.

Tips to Save Battery during Blackouts

Aside from the factors already mentioned, another way to get the most out of your inverter with a battery is to ensure that it is used correctly and only when needed. Reducing the charge on a battery while performing the same functions as a leading supply should be standard practice. The lower the battery charge, the longer it will last until power is restored.

Below are tips that should help you save electricity while waiting for the change.

As far as possible, the first step is to disconnect unnecessary electrical elements.

Try to replace all high-performance lighting fixtures with low-consumption bulbs.

Check the battery terminals for corrosion. A certain amount of oxidation is average, but heavy corrosion or white sulfate buildup creates high resistance. It will shorten battery life, reduce the power delivered to essential equipment and give less runtime.

Use the correct wiring capacity for each electrical product. Ineffective wiring increases the load on the battery by increasing the electrical resistance of the circuit. This will reduce its life.

There is a term called "phantom power," which describes the power used by electronic devices while they are plugged in. Turn off and unplug these items at least while you wait for power to be restored.

If you have a water heater, reduce the temperature or turn it off until the power comes back on.

Turn off unnecessary lights, fans, or other appliances if you don't need them.

Latest Tips

When used correctly, inverter tubular batteries are reliable and safe. But you can still plug them in and remember about them. Use our maintenance tips to keep your battery working correctly and prolong its life.

It must be taken into account that old appliances consume more energy than new, more energy-efficient ones. Therefore, make sure their replacement is the priority over other items that consume less power.

[judas-escargo]

Evil Kitchen Log #00003

Results - Partial Success

Before tackling the average drying time, I decided to see if there was a better way to get the cinnamon on the apples than just sprinkling them on. The sprinkling hurt my wrist if I did it for too long, so there had to have been a better option. I stayed with the same Cosmic Crisp apples and Medium size slice (1/8in or .32cm), as well as deciding to stick to a drying time of around 7.5 hours.

I had generally no idea where to begin with this experiment. Obviously I would try the sprinkled over cinnamon and no cinnamon, but other than that I was mostly stumped.

I ended up settling on sprinkling and rubbing it in, finding a sieve and sprinkling it on that way, and basting the apples. I had no idea if these were going to work, but I thought it was worth a try.

I made sure to set Craig to the correct temperature this time, and let my apples go. For the 7.5 hours it took for Craig to dry them, I sat nearby and thought about basting some of the apples and the decisions in my life that led me to the point where I would be doing that.

Sprinkled Cinnamon Over - Same as it always was. Decent amount of coverage and not overwhelming texture. Seems to be better the higher up I held my wrist, but had the side effect of blowing away a little bit with the air from the AC unit. 5/10

No Cinnamon - Surprisingly good. Hard to go wrong with dried apples, but I've done it. Did only taste of apples and didn't have the familiar brown dusting to it. Very easy to keep consistent because I didn't have to do anything to them. Good to know how it ended up but will not be moving forward with them. 4/10

Sprinkled Cinnamon Over and Rubbed in - This was a textural nightmare. The apples started getting brown before I had finished all the rubbing. Also, rubbing apples? Bad! Decent amount of coverage and not overwhelming texture (when eating), but only because they are basically the Sprinkled Cinnamon Over option! 3/10

Sieve'd - The holes on the sieve were too big, which basically made it look like I had accidentally spilled the entire container of cinnamon on an apple slice and wiped off what I could. Unfortunately, that is almost exactly what happened. The texture was bad. The texture was very bad. I couldn't taste the apple at all. Has the potential to be better, if I find a sieve with smaller holes. 1/10

Basted - Why did I do this. This wasn't a worse experience than the lemon demon from Log #00001, but oh god, the feeling of basting an apple, one 1/8 inch (.32cm) slice at a time really makes you question some things. What was I doing here? What led me to this point? Why am I basting an apple? The simple reason lies in the fact that when I searched "how to put stuff on things" in my favorite searchbar, all I got was Minecraft tutorials and lyrics from a They Might Be Giants song from 2013, so I had to lean on my imagination. Distribution was incredibly varied and the apples didn't dry all the way through. Probably because I basted them. Potentially could be better if I let them dry for longer. 1/10

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, I guess. I'll be sticking with the Sprinkled Over option for the foreseeable future.

Supplemental: What is Stuff Is Way even about? It's just a bunch of nonsense. Is it supposed to be? Whatever the case, the song is in my head now. Also, I'm never basting a fuckin apple again. Eugh.

[myhapserv]

Where To Put The Air Conditioning?

Tips

In this blog post, we are going to explain where you should place the air conditioning and we will give you some useful tips to help you. It is very important to know where your air conditioning will go for several reasons: The first is the place, since incorrect installation can affect the performance of our air conditioning equipment. The second reason is the location, the most appropriate one will be sought for the room to be conditioned.

AC SERVICE IN COIMBATORE

At what height should the 1×1 split air be installed?

The recommended height for a correct installation of the split-type indoor unit is 1.80 from the ground . In addition, in most models, the indoor unit absorbs from the top and if we do not leave space in front of the ceiling, it may have operating problems. Regarding the outdoor unit, it can be placed both on the ground, with a support and some "silenblocks" to avoid vibrations produced by the operation of the machine, or hung on the wall, but it will always be installed outdoors. It is not recommended to install it in closed areas or in areas that do not have ventilation since the compressor works by taking in and expelling air and needs good ventilation.

LG AC SERVICE IN COIMBATORE

Tips of the best location

Let's talk about the outdoor unit first , it will be placed in a ventilated place with a drain nearby and if possible, as close as possible to the indoor unit. In addition, it must be located in a place with very easy access, so that correct maintenance can be carried out and any fault that the air conditioning may have can be carried out. Likewise, we are going to list several aspects to take into account in the outdoor unit:

Outdoor units always have to be installed with four dampers to dampen the noise of the outdoor unit.

Also, it is recommended that we never install the outdoor unit on the ground, it should always be installed on a ground support .

Another aspect to take into account is that whenever possible, a drain will have to be made for both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

Regarding the indoor unit , we will have several tips depending on the characteristics of the room to be conditioned.

It is convenient to place the split as high as possible , to favor the passage of air.

The indoor unit will always be placed at the top of the walls of our house, in order to prevent the air flow from hitting us directly.

The air conditioning must be installed centered in the passenger compartment . This will allow us to function correctly and be more efficient.

In kitchens you can install air conditioning, but it is not highly recommended.

In the corridors it is not recommended to install air conditioning equipment, since it is not an efficient solution because we will be able to lower the temperature of the rooms.

SAMSUNG AC SERVICE IN COIMBATORE

We hope that after reading this article, through our advice, we have helped you to know where to place the air conditioner. Therefore, when you have decided on its placement and it is installed in the correct place, we offer you a series of tips for better performance of your air conditioning:

Close the doors and windows while the air conditioning is running.

Ventilate the rooms for approximately 10 minutes.

Avoid air leaks by putting stops on doors or windows.

For a greater sensation of freshness, light colors on the ceilings will help you.

How to choose the power of the air conditioner?

If you don't know which machine to choose in your living room or bedroom, we will give you some basic recommendations so that you can calculate yourself what type of air conditioning you need. We will answer the question of how to choose the power of the air conditioning? In addition, we will give you some tips to improve the air conditioning in your home.

Orientation

A very important factor when calculating the power you need in your air conditioning is the orientation of the home. Depending on how the sun hits your home, we will need more or less power in the air conditioning. If we have good thermal insulation, such as climalit windows or awnings, we will be able to lower the temperature of the house a few degrees and thus we will not need so much power in the air conditioning.

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Quick calculation to choose our air conditioner

The first thing we take into account to calculate the power we need in an air conditioner are the square meters of the house. They are used for a quick calculation of frigories. For homes, it is calculated at 100 frigories per square meter. An example, if we have a unit that is 6 meters long and 4 meters wide, if we multiply it, it makes a total of 24 m2. If we multiply by 100, it gives us a total of 2400 frigories. This calculation is fast and quite effective. To perform a more complete calculation we would need to know:

The surface.

Door or window size.

The orientation of the house.

If there is any electronic equipment or equipment with a motor inside the room, these equipment dissipate a lot of heat to the unit to be conditioned.

The climate of the region.

The relative humidity of the unit.

Insulation of walls and ceilings.

The number of people who are normally in the room.

Conclusion

It is very important that the power we choose is correct to enjoy a pleasant sensation of comfort. The secret of good air conditioning is to choose the air conditioning that best suits our needs. Not because it is more powerful it is better, because the more powerful the air conditioning is, the more it will consume.

[gokleenkochi]

BEST MAINTENANCE ROUTINE FOR YOUR CAR IN THIS SUMMER

Summer has arrived, along with the need for proper car maintenance. Rising temperatures and harsh sunlight can harm your vehicle, so it’s crucial to stick to a maintenance schedule to ensure its durability and performance. Regular cleaning of the interior and exterior of the car is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance. In this article, we will discuss the best summer maintenance routine for your car, with a special emphasis on the benefits of Car Wash Services in Kochi. Continue reading to find out why car washing should be at the top of your summer maintenance list.

Here’s what you should do to get ready for summer, along with what you should do in the summertime to stay in shape all summer.

TIRE MAINTENANCE: In the summer, tyres can undergo a lot of pressure. If any of the tires are slightly deflated, they are at risk of overheating and blasting out. This is an even greater risk in summertime when the road has been exposed to heat up to high temperatures. Never drive with slightly deflated tires in the summer. Undergo a pressure check on each tyre once a month. Normal driving causes tyres to lose a pound of pressure every month. Allow the tyres to cool before testing the pressure for a more correct pressure level. Keep the recommended tyre pressure as specified in the manufacturer’s guide.

CHECK YOUR FLUIDS: Many of the fluids in your car like coolants are used to cool various systems and keep them from excessive heat. They will not cool effectively if any of these fluids are too low. Check those fluids regularly during the summer as part of your regular car maintenance to confirm that no fluids are low. Check for any leakage in the motor oil, steering fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Always refill them with the fluid types recommended by the manufacturer guide.

CURB ENGINE HEAT: The heat generated by the engine in the summer can be caused by the high temperatures outside. This leads to the likelihood of an overheating engine. To avoid this, flush out the coolant during the summer season. You can follow the manufacturer’s guide to do this properly, but we recommend having a professional perform this maintenance as part of extensive service of the car’s cooling system. Check the coolant level between system flushes to make sure to handle the heat.

PROFESSIONAL CAR WASH SERVICE: Professional car wash services are essential for keeping your car in good health during the summer. Taking your car to a car wash on a regular basis can help remove dirt, grime, and other debris that can accumulate on the surface and undercarriage of your vehicle. Professional car wash services in Kochi also provide additional services such as waxing and detailing, which can help protect and maintain the paint of a car. These keep the car in top condition in summer and beyond with expertise of a professional car wash service in Kochi.

C MAINTENANCE: Car AC repairs and maintenance are essential during summer, as the heat can be intense and uncomfortable. Check the refrigerant level, clean the condenser, replace the cabin air filter, check the belts and hoses, keep the car in shade, and take the car to a mechanic for regular check-ups and servicing. Regular maintenance can prevent many AC problems.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE: Extreme temperatures can have an impact on car battery performance. To maintain them, keep the battery clean, check the fluid levels, charge level, test the battery’s performance, avoid draining the battery, park in the shade, get regular maintenance, and take the car to a mechanic at least once a year for a battery effective maintenance check-up.

In a nutshell, proper car maintenance is crucial for your vehicle’s longevity and performance, especially during the hot summertime. Following a car maintenance schedule and keeping good records of what you’ve done can help extend the life of the car and prevent breakdowns, costly repairs, etc. Regular car washing is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance; fortunately, residents of Kochi have access to Gokleen’s car wash services, which include Doorstep Car Cleaning Services in Kochi.

The safety and reliability of car should be taken very seriously all year, not just during the summertime. So, take good care of the car and drive worry-free.

[allstateacducts]

Air Conditioners Service To Enhance Efficiency

Ac system service is extremely vital to make sure a longer life for the system. Via correct upkeep as well as regular solution, you might constantly count on the system during the summertimes when they are needed the most. Lots of users of air conditioning never ever trouble about their maintenance and therefore have to replace their system really early. Though they are very difficult and also could maintain the majority of the abuse for a longer time period, its life can be extended with far better maintenance. Besides, via proper air conditioning system solution, you might additionally make sure far better performance of the system.

Thermostat

Thermostat is the heart of it. Thermostats can discover the temperatures and assist in offering the called for cooling to your home. It is the main part in an air conditioning unit which will instantly switch on as well as off the system when the needed temperature level settings are reached. Even a tiny issue in the thermostat could cause significant problems in it. While ac unit maintenance, the professionals will inspect the thermostat and assess its problem.

If you have actually authorized annual upkeep for it's repair solution agreement, the technicians will regularly perform examination of your thermostats to check its efficiency. One of the most usual issues of the thermostats is the bad efficiency of battery that causes reduction in the efficiency of the system. This as a matter of fact will certainly enhance your power costs.

Have a look at right here :- Air Duct Replacement Coral Gables FL

Battery Leakage.

Air Conditioner Servicing will enable you to prompt discover the leak in the battery. Leakage of battery will directly influence the system. This might also lead to full substitute of the system in its entirety. Regular and regular repair solution will ensure the early detection of such leak and save your system from unfavorable results.

A lot of them call for yearly replacement of batteries to make certain reliable operating of the system. Ac system service provider will certainly have the ability to assist you in this. They will certainly send out the technicians that with their years of experience and also expertise will certainly advise you on the right time for replacement of batteries. When batteries are not changed on the right time, it might bring about even more usage of energy and your system performance is substantially influenced. A/c fixing solutions will make sure that all the huge parts of the system are in good condition and consequently make sure far better effectiveness of the system.

Filter to be Cleaned up.

The air conditioning filters need to be cleansed often. It can be conveniently done in the house by you or you could always get it done by the provider. If the filter collects great deal of dirt, there is more pressure on the system and also therefore it minimizes their effectiveness. The running performance of the system is directly related to your power bills. To reduce your power expenses, always make certain to have normal solution.

Air conditioning unit solution repair has to be done just by licensed service technicians. It includes a lot of technicalities that only educated professional will certainly be aware of. So it's constantly better to get air conditioning unit service done by them.

[barterlascl]

1960 corvette front license plate bracket

1960 corvette front license plate bracket driver#

1960 corvette front license plate bracket manual#

1960 corvette front license plate bracket registration#

1960 corvette front license plate bracket license#

I have recent video's of the car as well as additional pictures if requested. Look at my feedback it's 100% I've sold everything to exotic and classic corvette's and ferrari's to vintage land rover's and porsches. I have numerous videos, walk around, start up and idle, etc. NO RESERVE selling to highest bidder, remember this is a documented numbers matching C1 Fuelie car! The car is a solid #2 car and is listed well below market price.Please feel free to reach out with any questions, call 41, or if you would like more specific pics, or to set up a time to view.

1960 corvette front license plate bracket registration#

Original Wonderbar Radio, clock and complete console (in-tact and has never been removed)Ĭorrect spare, jack and GM part # trunk mat Original CA Black Plate car, with registration shown in pic going back to the 60'sĪs mentioned above everything on this car is correct, all numbers match, all components are correct and ready for judging if desired.

1960 corvette front license plate bracket driver#

Original driver side fender rivets & plate for air cleaner (only fuelie specific)Īll front and rear chrome is original to car (rechromed) including teeth Holes are threaded at block off plate- 4 sheet metal holes (small fuelie specific) RPO 121 temperature controlled radiator fan No vent on driver side radiator (indicates small fuelie)Ĭorrect and original mesh vent on passenger side radiator *only tagged one year / used for 1960 (correct)ġ115107 AC Delco for Fuel Injection correctĬopper 3141674 60E April 1960 (original re-cored and correct for small fuelie) Rebuilt 1110915 (correct original tag from 1957) T10 1B 4 speed close ratiospecific for 1960 corvette (1960 extremely rare and correct"Small Fuelie" unit) Here are some detailed notes on the drivetrain, components, options and notes as follows:Įngine Pad- F0524CR = Flint MI, 275hp FI MTĪll new valves, all new springs, all new studs new seats, new guides, correct comp cam, rebuilt heads to stock specifications.

1960 corvette front license plate bracket license#

It still wears an SF Firefighters decal on the windshield and a vintage Ellis Brooks license frame on the back. This is an extremely rare, documented fuelie corvette, most interesting never leaving the San Francisco Bay Area in it's lifetime. The entire mechanics under the hood were recently restored and rebuilt over the last year, including the fuel injection unit rebuilt and tuned by FI guru Jerry Bramlett. Since this car was so pure, many of the original components were restored rather than replaced, still showing original patina in the interior and a few other areas. Only one repaint on a solid original body. Still has its original owners manual, owner protection book, sales brochure, copy of window sticker, old San Francisco Registration dating back to the 60's and so on. Documented original San Francisco car originally sold at Ellis Brooks Chevrolet, driven in the 60's and was parked in the 70's for over 35 years in a San Francisco garage until I took ownership in 2010. Most all factory correct type components have been restored and are still in tact with the car and are date specific. Optioned with auxiliary hardtop and soft top, T-10 4 speed transmission, fuel injection, wonderbar radio, courtesy light, deluxe heater, fan drive, sunshade and 6.70x15" wide whitewall tires. Rare and desirable color combination in Original Honduras Maroon with white coves.

1960 corvette front license plate bracket manual#

The car also has its original four-speed manual transmission which all fuel injected cars were fitted with that year due to the horsepower increase, along with it's original 4.11 "AP" posi-traction designated rear axle, with original stamping still present. This 1960 Corvette Roadster features an extremely rare numbers matching 283/275 horsepower V8 fuel injected engine, correct restored Rochester FI unit one of only 100 produced that year, making it one of the scarcest 1960 corvettes produced. 1960 Chevrolet Corvette "Fuelie" (1 of 100) NO RESERVE! Additional Info:

[bitchesgetriches]

20 tips to stay cool without air conditioning that anyone can try

1. Close your curtains and blinds—especially in sunny rooms.

Windows let in visible light. But unless your windows are fairly new and high-tech, they also let in lots of radiant heat. Curtains and blinds will help keep that extra heat out.

Thick curtains are a great investment because they work in all seasons. They block the sun in the summer, stop cold drafts in the winter, and act as additional soundproofing if you live in a noisy area. They’re also among the easiest beginner sewing projects. But if you can’t afford them, no worries! Hang an unused blanket or towel instead—it may not be pretty, but it’s better than nothing.

I hate living in a cave, so I open my blinds throughout the day as the sun moves. Just closing the curtains on any sunny, south-facing windows for the hottest parts of the day will make a big impact.

2. Install window film.

The next level of window protection is window film. Renters, don’t worry—you can install this yourself without getting help or permission from your housing shortage profiteer of a landlord!

To install window film, all you need to do is cut it to size, spritz the window with water, and let static cling hold it effortlessly in place. It comes in a lot of fun patterns, and can also double as privacy film if you choose a pattered or frosted design.

3. Shut the door to any rooms you aren’t using.

Whether it’s summer or winter, closing the doors to unused rooms will help regulate temperatures. It’s much easier to heat/cool one room than five.

My partner shocks me every day by going upstairs an hour before bedtime and turning on the window AC unit in our bedroom preemptively. If the door it shut, it will be pleasantly chilly by the time we’re ready to turn in. I just… what is it even like to have proper executive function like that?! So glad I’m the beneficiary of his amazing neurotypicality…

4. Open your windows at night.

In many areas, the overnight temperature drops by 10° or 20°. So once the sun has gone down, let all the accumulated heat out of your house by cracking your windows open overnight.

If possible, open them from the top rather than the bottom. Hot air rises, so that’s the stuff you want to GTFO overnight.

5. Create airflow with box fans.

Box fans are incredible. They don’t cost much to buy or run, but they make a huge impact on quality of life in a hot climate.

Believe it or not, installation makes a huge difference. If you put your box fan in the wrong spot, it’ll only make your heat issues worse! The placement and direction of airflow has a huge impact on its efficacy! (More on this in the next section.)

If you place a box fan in a sunny, south-facing window that looks out over a boiling-hot parking lot, you want it to push that hot air outside, not suck it all back in. But if you have a window that’s on the cooler north side of the house, maybe shaded by a big tree, flip it around so it’s pulling the cooler air inside.

If you have just one, point it away from the biggest source of heat and try to sit near it. If you have two or more, point them all in the same direction to create airflow throughout the whole house.

6. Point your fan blades in the correct direction.

Notice how fan blades are tilted at an angle? Depending on which direction they’re turning, they will either push air in, or pull it out.

The same goes for ceiling fans. If you’ve never changed the direction of your ceiling fan blades, you’re using them wrong!

Ceiling fans in the summer should run counter-clockwise, to push hot ceiling air down to cool.

Ceiling fans in the winter should run clockwise, to pull cold air up and distribute heat evenly.

For box fans, you physically flip the whole unit around. For ceiling fans, hop up on a chair and look for a little switch on the side. You’re welcome.

7. Install AC window units.

Okay, okay, when I said “without air conditioning,” I should’ve stipulated that I really meant “without central air.”

Depending on your area, the age/design of your building, the floor you live on, and your personal tolerance for heat, fans and such may not be enough! If you need the sweet relief of air conditioning, window units are a life-saver. (Literally.)

We have a small 5,000 BTU unit for our bedroom, and a larger 10,000 BTU unit to cool our entire first floor. It doesn’t make the whole house frigid, but it lowers the temperature from “a warm summer day in Hell” to “a warm summer day on Earth, in a good timeline.”

Obviously they use more energy, which equates to money and carbon emissions. So the best thing you can do is to get an energy-efficient model, make sure it’s the correct size for your home, turn the unit on only as needed, and use it in combination with all the other methods suggested here.

8. Run a dehumidifier.

Humidity sucks. It reduces the efficacy of all of our bodies’ built-in cooling systems, plus many of the other techniques suggested here. A dehumidifier will help remove moisture from the air, making the heat feel a lot more bearable.

9. Avoid cooking with heat indoors.

The winter is a wonderful time to simmer soups, bake bread, and make your kitchen a source of continual warmth and satiety. Not so, the accursed summer! Cast your high-effort pie-baking aside until the howling of wolves summons autumn.

THIS IS SUMMER. SUMMER IS FOR SANDWICHES. And caprese, and smoothies, and Choco Tacos. END OF LIST.

Grow the list of meals you can make that cook quickly, with little or no additional heat. If you must apply heat, do it outside on a little Smokey Joe. Or wait until the heat of the day is long past.

10. Line-dry your clothing—or only use dryers at night.

After stoves, clothes dryers are the hottest appliance. So put your clothing in the dryer only after the sun has gone down. If you’re rocking a low-maintenance wardrobe with no need to iron, you can set it to go right before bed and safely forget about it until morning.

(Or, y’know, five days after, when you go to put another load in, if you’re trying to be more like your hero: me!)

If you have the space (and your climate is something closer to the Sahara than the Amazon), consider line-drying your clothes. Piggy has strung a retired climbing rope in her backyard for just this purpose… the smug, crunchy bitch.

11. Unplug unused appliances.

This tip is just perennially good in all situations: unplug shit you ain’t using! Lots of appliances pull phantom power, even when supposedly turned off. This adds heat to your house, dollars to your power bill, and unnecessary carbon to the atmosphere.

The average American household spends $100+ each year to power devices that are turned off. I can think of many things I would rather spend that money on, such as…

17 blocks of pretty good Parmesan cheese,

10 blocks of really, really good Parmesan cheese with those crunchy flavor crystals, or

25 store brand cannisters of shake Parmesean cheese because, listen, we’ve had it up to here with your out-of-touch neoliberal cheese snobbery!

So if you’re not using it, unplug it fully. Make it a habit to flip your power strips off as part of your bedtime ritual. (Or follow the next step, for all of the benefits with none of the work!)

12. Use programmable power strips.

I must confess that this article started as an attempt to answer a cheap-person question that has plagued my marriage for years. “Is it cheaper to run your window AC on a low setting all day? Or to blast it at full strength to cool the room back down after it’s gotten boiling hot?”

The tl;dr is that it is better to run it only as needed. Your AC doesn’t have to “work harder” to cool the room; it is programmed to run efficiently, regardless of the room’s temperature.

If you’re someone who really struggles with high heat, and cannot wait for your home or apartment to be brought to a comfortable temperature, here’s what you do. Get a programmable power strip. You can set it to turn your AC on an hour before you get home from school or work. In general, these things are great, and they pay for themselves within a very short time.

13. Use LED lightbulbs.

LED light bulbs cost a bit more than incandescent (old-fashioned) bulbs. But they consume 1/8th the energy, die less frequently, and run much colder. Incandescent bulbs reach a surface temperature of 250°, whereas LED bulbs are closer to 100°.

The rise of LED bulbs may have killed the Easy Bake Oven industrial complex—but it has also spared our homes from much unnecessary heat.

14. Sleep on breathable sheets.

The best sheets for summer tend to be linen, bamboo, eucalyptus, Tencel, and cotton/poly blends. They are breathable, moisture-wicking, or both.

The worst sheets for summer are flannel, fleece, and pure cotton. These are fantastic insulators best left to the winter months.

15. Try a cooling pillow.

Bedding technology has come a long way in recent years. You can get whole mattresses engineered to please hot sleepers.

But since mattresses are a big investment, start with a cooling pillow. They’re filled with materials designed to let heat escape from your head and face.

16. Dress down.

I’m not saying you should get naked… but listen. If you come around my house in the summertime, you are absolutely going to have to wait at the door while I put some pants on.

The easiest, most environmentally friendly way to control your body temperature is to dress appropriately for the season. So make sure you’re in shorts and a tank top before you reach for the thermostat.

It’s too hot for modesty. Save the planet. Slut it up.

17. Eat and drink cool stuff.

Staying hydrated is the best way to aid your body’s amazing natural cooling system: getting schwetty. Ingesting cold foods and liquids can help lower your body temperature by 2.4° for about half an hour.

Look, Bitches Get Riches has always been a pro-ice cream, pro-iced coffee, pro-gazpacho blog. But we’re done hiding our allegiances in the shadows. If you don’t know, now you know.

18. Take a cool mid-day shower—not cold!

Taking a cold shower will actually work against you. The sudden shock of cold will make you feel cooler, but it will also kickstart your body’s temperature regulation systems, ultimately warming you up.

But a cool shower is great—especially if you don’t dry off immediately. Let the water evaporate slowly off your skin for maximum true cooling.

19. Hold a cold ice pack to your neck.

Here’s a fun tip: if you’re ever helping someone experiencing heat stroke, the three most effective areas for rapid cooling are the neck, the underarms, and the groin. These areas have major arterial blood flow, with blood vessels very close to the skin. So cooling the blood there has the quickest positive impact.

Plus, anyone who’s ever had long hair will tell you it’s a disgusting swamp back there when it’s hot out. The back of the neck is nature’s furnace. So if you can’t shower, place a cold washcloth or ice pack against your neck for some instant, easy relief.

20. Escape!

Sometimes retreat is the best option. If a really bad heat wave is coming, and you live on the 4th floor of a city apartment surrounded by shimmering pavement, you could be in very real danger.

The hottest part of the day is between 12 and 4 p.m. On really bad days, plan to use that time to go somewhere to escape. You can run errands in air-conditioned stores, do your work at a local coffee shop or library, catch a movie, go swimming, or do anything to get you out of the house.

While you’re away, leave your windows cracked to let the worst of the heat escape. And remember to check on any elderly or disabled neighbors, as they are especially vulnerable during heat waves.

- 25 Tricks to Stay Cool WITHOUT Air Conditioning

[starplusbattery]

A Definitive Guide to Increase Inverter Battery’s Life

One of the most common questions we get from folks looking to set up an inverter system is how long the battery lasts anyway.

The answer is simple: it depends on how it is treated. 

Here, we'll provide you with practical tips for maintaining your inverter's battery. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the maximum lifespan of your battery and ensure it functions correctly when the mains power fails. Understanding the importance of correct usage and charging is critical to maximising the efficiency of your inverter system.

What is an Inverted Home Battery?

Typically, a home UPS inverter system stores electrical energy in rechargeable DC cells. These cells provide several hours of essential power during power outages. When the battery is not in use, the cells are charged through a transformer from the main supply.

When the AC supply fails, the battery and inverter combination delivers AC power in microseconds. This ensures a virtually seamless transition from grid power to stored battery power. It incorporates a surge protection system that prevents voltage spikes caused by a sudden excess or lack of electrical supply. These spikes are due to sparks in the contacts and switches or surges in the network and the battery. Inverter batteries have an efficiency rating of around 85-90%.

The losses come from the internal resistances, which give higher charging voltages than discharge voltages. Efficiency is the ratio of the watt hours leaving the battery (discharging) divided by the watt-hours entering the battery (charging).

What factors influence the battery life of an inverter? 

To answer those questions, you have to take into account that battery life can vary depending on a lot of things, such as battery quality, charging, battery maintenance, and much more.

How Long Does an Inverter Battery Last?

The life of an inverter battery depends on many factors. It’s size, construction, the amount of power it draws, its working temperature, and its age are some of them. The best answer to this question is that it will last as long as our warranty lasts.

In a perfect world, a 100AH battery would last 20 hours with a constant charge of 5 amps. We all know that the world is not ideal, so the calculations can only be indicative. However, we say "a little" easier” since it depends on how good you are at arithmetic. Some calculations determine how long a fully charged deep-cycle battery will last until it needs a full recharge. A quick basis for the calculation is the following:

E = C*V Avg 

Where E is the stored energy in watt-hours, C is the capacity in ampere-hours, and V Avg is the average voltage during discharge. 

However, this is an oversimplification since the available energy depends on the rate of current consumption. The higher the current, the less power you can draw from the battery. Imagine running 100 meters in 12 seconds and trying to maintain it for 1 kilometre. The higher the power drawn, the lower the energy available.

Buying cheaper can be more expensive in the long run. In an attempt to cut costs, some homeowners pair branded inverters with locally made or refurbished batteries.

Best Practice Tips for Inverter Battery Maintenance

Properly and regularly charge an inverter battery according to the battery's printed recommendations. Our customer service team is always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Avoid charging the battery below or above its capacity.

Keep batteries well-ventilated and out of sunlight.

Avoid high-speed charging.

Never use a damaged battery.

Remember that persistent undercharging accelerates sulfation and reduces the life of an inverter battery.

Apply a “top-up” load only when necessary.

Keep each cell charged above 2.10 volts while in storage.

Always store a battery only in fully charged condition.

Avoid charging when the battery is under load.

Decrease the charge threshold by 3mV per cell per degree C when temperatures are above 25°C.

Remember: it is normal for an inverter battery to be heated (but not much) at the end of a charge.

Make sure the charger switches to "float" charging when fully charged.

Use good practices when interrupting a load. It is acceptable to do so if correct procedures are followed.

How Can I Extend the Life of An Inverter Battery? 

An inverter's battery must be charged correctly to ensure optimal performance. Undercharging shortens the usefulness of batteries, and overcharging decreases the internal structure of the battery. You must know the correct voltage of your battery. You should remember to charge it per the manufacturer's recommendations. Most deep-cycle batteries require a number of discharge and recharge cycles to perform at their peak. After approximately ten cycles, they can be considered "broken." Deep-cycle batteries begin to deteriorate after about a thousand charge cycles. When the load cycle pattern permits, apply an occasional full charge.

Tips to Save Battery during Blackouts 

Aside from the factors already mentioned, another way to get the most out of your inverter with a battery is to ensure that it is used correctly and only when needed. Reducing the charge on a battery while performing the same functions as a leading supply should be standard practice. The lower the battery charge, the longer it will last until power is restored. 

Below are tips that should help you save electricity while waiting for the change.

As far as possible, the first step is to disconnect unnecessary electrical elements.

Try to replace all high-performance lighting fixtures with low-consumption bulbs.

Check the battery terminals for corrosion. A certain amount of oxidation is average, but heavy corrosion or white sulfate buildup creates high resistance. It will shorten battery life, reduce the power delivered to essential equipment and give less runtime.

Use the correct wiring capacity for each electrical product. Ineffective wiring increases the load on the battery by increasing the electrical resistance of the circuit. This will reduce its life.

There is a term called "phantom power," which describes the power used by electronic devices while they are plugged in. Turn off and unplug these items at least while you wait for power to be restored.

If you have a water heater, reduce the temperature or turn it off until the power comes back on.

Turn off unnecessary lights, fans, or other appliances if you don't need them.

Latest Tips

When used correctly, inverter tubular batteries are reliable and safe. But you can still plug them in and remember about them. Use our maintenance tips to keep your battery working correctly and prolong its life.

It must be taken into account that old appliances consume more energy than new, more energy-efficient ones. Therefore, make sure their replacement is the priority over other items that consume less power.