patty, you can always check mudcat on facebook...max usually posts something there, I think, if there are problems going on. Also, I have never heard of oiling a shredder. Have had mine for years and never done so and it works fine. As to the catalogues, if you go to their websites, there is usually an "opt-out" choice, but may take some looking to find. I usually tell them when I order to NOT send any catalogues and NOT put me on their list. Most of the time that seems to work. If, I didn't do that, I will call them and tell them to stop which they will do, but not until after telling me it could take a couple of mailings for it to take effect. Good luck!
Penny, love your descriptions of the local traditions, flora and fauna!
Rog mowed and weed-whacked our backyard, today. Huge, tall weeds and grass. Morgan came over and helped me sort our recyclables into separate bins by the back gate, then came in and helped shred more papers.
It is in the 90s now, so we are inside, blinds drawn, swamp cooler on. I think I will try to talk Rog into helping me move some books and get the library truck out of the house into storage.Otherwise I will shred more papers, lie down and read, maybe even snooze a bit.:-)