Nicole and Michael’s latest episode blends practical updates with plenty of conversation-starters: from Nicole’s colorful hibiscus-hedge growing tips and travel prep for Las Vegas, to Henry’s upcoming surgery and the recovery supplies they’re gathering. They also share updates on the Santa Fe, an Eley hose reel, and a growing collection of Lego décor, before unpacking Apple’s new upgrade-leasing program and New York City’s discounted, city-supported grocery stores. The episode closes with a more serious look at controversial school-safety technologies, community-run support through ChatTJB.org, and the expanding debate around Flock license-plate cameras and privacy. Listen to the full episode here.
Show Notes for Season 5, Episode 12
- Las Vegas Trip & SuperZoo2026
- Ecohub Carryon Travel Backpack
- Nicole starts a hibiscus hedge trend
- If you want hibiscus
- Hearty hibiscus
- Full sun
- 12 to 15 plants varying colors
- Water daily then every other day
- Start growing in May/June
- Fertilize before blooms appear (FoxFarm Big Bloom) Miracle Gro (Scott’s) is a no no
- Blooms last about one to two days
- Pick up and dead head flowers daily
- Trim back to 5 inches tall after second frost
- Henry is having surgery
- Hyundai Santa Fe is going to be fixed
- Eley hose reel update
- Lego Milky Way Galaxy set
- Considering a light (EZVALO Picture light)
- Insoon Lavender Cottage
- Apple upgrade lease program
- iPhone $17.99/month
- Watch $11.99/month
- Macbook $24.99/month
- iPad $11.99/month
- 12 and 24 month options for iPhone and Watch
- 24 and 36 options for MacBook and iPad
- At end of the term – upgrade device to the latest generation, purchase it with a one-time payment, or return it and exit the program
- New York City’s City Run Grocery Stores
- Five grocery stores across the city (one in each borough) located in food deserts will have basics priced 30% less each month
- Two stores have already been named and more stores will be announced
- Can save a family up to $90 a month
- Basics include – produce, meat, dairy and fruit
- City will cover the rent and taxes for the stores and the city will use the experienced grocery store owners to help with the grocery part
- Open to everyone regardless of income
- Pepper spraying drones to combat school shooters
- ChatTJB.org (Founder explains)
- Community run help line
- Flock cameras (Flock PR)
- Antiflock PR
- Deflock website (maps.deflock.org)
- haveibeenflocked