The Garage Fire Separation wall

The international building code specifications for a fire separation wall (NOT a "Firewall" as such) are pretty much like typical interior walls, with 1/2 or better gypsum board on both sides of framing.  The door must be special, but all that's actually required is a 20 minute fire rating, which is available in many ordinary panel designs (just not the cheapest hollow door).

I was thinking about the Queen's Room closet an earlier contractor made.  I was wondering if he followed any special requirements.  But come to think of it, I think he tried to make an el-cheapo wall, and I insisted on a real framed wall for fire code reasons, then he showed me how good it was before sealing up.

I don't think he mudded the joints, which is not required by international building code according to that article, but could be required by local codes.

Ants

30 Natural Ant Killing Remedies.

[Subset of top single ingredients remedies that sound good to me]

Baking Soda [they recommend most a bait with it]
Vinegar
Lemon Juice
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Cayenne Pepper
Dish Soap
Fresh Garlic
Peppermint Oil
Rubbing Alcohol
Clove Oil
Salt
Cornmeal [makes em explode]
Red Chili Powder
Creme of Wheat [uncooked...makes em explode]
Chalk [blockage]
Vasoline [blockage]
Cinnamon [deterrent]
Bay Leaves [deterrent]
[Aspartame...ant neurotoxin...maybe this doesn't so good to spread around]

They fail to mention an old classic, no messy ingredients at all, entirely biodegradeable:

Boiling Hot Water straight from the stove



And I suppose this is possible, sometimes:

Dig em up and dump em somewhere else.

Covered vs Uncovered Litter Boxes

I have watched my cat apparently struggling with a covered litter box, I remember my previous cat having no trouble with uncovered, I believe uncovered is better.  A friend disagrees, and she feels the uncovered box is unsightly and smelly.  We have agreed that the box can be covered during my monthly party.

It's easy to find vets, cat behaviorists, and long time cat fanciers who argue for the uncovered box.  Here is one of most complete arguments I've seen from a cat biologist and cat vet:

https://www.pet-happy.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-hooded-cat-litter-boxes/

Meanwhile, there are now "scientific" studies showing that some cats (claimed as "most cats") have little or no preference.  Or at least one such study that many covered box sellers cite.  Given the wide variety of possible factors and the limited size of their research, I do not find it fully satisfying or convincing.