If you've priced moving services lately, you know that (like everything else) you often get a lot less than you expect - for a lot more money. It's one of the things that keep us from moving. (Well, that and hating to move.) For us, there's just no easy answer.
Being on the 2nd floor, we'd have to haul everything down to a rental van - or any other pack-it-yourself option. Neither of us is in that kind of shape anymore. And, with both of the boys gone, we don't have a free labor source anymore, either. Strike One
Although it would be physically preferable, being on a fixed income with exhorbitant rent, we can't afford a full-service moving company. It's pretty much impossible to get ahead of the bills long enough to put that kind of cash aside. Strike Two
Of course, hitting the lottery for a few million would solve all of our moving problems. Unfortunately, we don't play the lottery. Strike Three
We've had some great news from our oldest, which is nice since he's had a lot of bad news lately. After studying culinary arts in high school down here, there weren't any programs during his final year up north. So, I wasn't too sure what would happen to his career plans.
This week we found out that he's in the process of going to work for one of the casinos in his area - as a prep cook! There's still paperwork to complete, but it sounds like a solid job offer.
Not only that, but he'll have benefits in 6 months (very important for a young man with a bad leg) and - if he's interested - can move up to line cook in just 9 months. Pretty Great!!
Cross your fingers for him - that nothing goes wrong between now and his first day? Thanks!
Has anyone out there tried a wine of the month club? There are a bunch of them out there, but they are definitely not all created the same - despite similar prices.
I'm not exactly a wine connoisseur, (that's my son's talent) which means I've not been brave enough to join one of the clubs. I don't want to get locked in to paying every month for something I may not have the palate to appreciate.
Although, after reading about the 2000 PlumpJack Cabernet Cuvee -Napa Valley Oakville and the Robert Stemmler 2003 Pinot Noir, I am seriously tempted to give it a try. Especially, since this club doesn't charge fees or tie you into a lengthy contract.
There was a message floating around the Internet for months, containing a list of oddball customer service and tech support calls. I particularly loved the one from the woman whose computer wouldn't boot and she couldn't find the outlet to confirm that it was actually plugged in - as the power was out. Hysterically funny!
For the price of a computer - anyone can get on the 'Net. I am reminded of a story, told to me by an acquaintance, about the storyteller's mother and email. Mom didn't quite understand typing messages and often resorted to all CAPS, for some reason. After several LOUD emails, the daughter tried explaining that it was just like using a typewriter. That seemed to help.
I can only imagine Mom's interactions with the help desk.
Despite all of the commercials to the contrary, there really isn't that large a difference in insurance premiums. I did an experiment recently, just to see how our rate compares in the marketplace. Wow - is all I can say.
After requesting an auto insurance online quote, I waited. It really didn't take long for the numbers to come in. But none of them were even close to what we pay.
Honestly, I knew that we were getting a good rate - especially with the renter's insurance bundled in the price. Surprisingly, no other company could come even close.
If you're not sure you're getting a good deal, take a few minutes and check out the competition.
As I have complained before, I can't stand having breakouts at my age. Granted, it's not like I take great care of my skin - but still . . .
Needless to say, I am always on the lookout for a simple (read: I'll-remember-to-use-it), effective (read: doesn't-cause-more-problems) way to keep the acne at bay. Oh - it also has to be supremely affordable.
I'm not certain that I believe in a 'cure', but it is nice to have some options. There are a couple of products that I find interesting - not the ones that have pills and scrubs and gels - but the 1-step, once-a-day options.
Given the price of a 90-day supply, I may just have to try one. After I do just a little more research.
Looking for an extreme fat burner? It's not easy, is it? How does one know which is effective and, more importantly, what is safe?
Ideally, there would be an objective, accurate review site. Notice the terms objective and accurate, because there are a number of sites that present reviews. Look for the ones that include health risks and potential side effects in their information.
If you find something that you'd like to try - read several more reviews and visit the manufacturer's website. By law, they are required to provide details on potential problems.
Being thinner is not worth risking your health - or your life.
I read Op/Ed articles quite a bit. With the exception of one slightly cuckoo columnist, I find that even when I disagree with the writer, I still enjoy their perspective. One of my favorite reads is Ted Rall's column. He pulls no punches.
This latest column, exploring the Palin Parenting Program, is spot-on.
Not only is it highly improbable that Bristol and her boyfriend made the choice to marry and raise the baby, it's highly probable that 'Mom' brooks no disagreement once she's determined a course of action. An unusual segment of the teen population notwithstanding, getting pregnant at 17 and without benefit of marriage is not a teen's personal choice - whether male or female. It's an accident, rarely remedied by interfering overbearing parents. The whole situation is just going to destroy those three young lives.
There is absolutely no benefit in compounding one mistake with another and another.
Have you tried Google Chrome yet? I do love new stuff - but, as I'm pretty loyal to Firefox, I wasn't too sure I'd like a new browser.
Obviously, there are pros and cons - especially if you're working outside your comfort level. New stuff can be intimidating, and this browser is definitely different from the others that I've used.
For a new release, it doesn't seem to be as 'buggy' as some - can you say Infernal Exploiter? I downloaded it and immediately started working. The first job was importing all of my Firefox settings: Favorites and Bookmarks, Search Engines, Saved Passwords, and Browsing History. No muss! No fuss!
Not all of the passwords imported properly, which was a bit of a problem. I have so many passwords for so many sites that, short of writing everything down, I'm dependent on that function.
Chrome offers a clean, uncluttered window. Nothing visible that you don't need; although . . . I miss my toolbars! Presumably, as Chrome progresses, Google and Alexa, et al, will offer compatible toolbars.
There is a Bookmark Toolbar - something I never used because it just piled stuff I rarely need at the top of my window. Not with Chrome! This toolbar lets me keep only the bookmarks I use the most, right up top where I can get to them easily. Pretty cool!
Speaking of cool . . . There are so many great features. (I'm still playing!)
At start-up: Open your favorite home page, or the pages that were open last, or - and I love this idea - create a list of pages that open each time. When I'm editing, there are several sites that I automatically need. How great to have them open up for me, every time!
Saved Passwords: Chrome creates a table that shows the sites for which you have a password, as well as your Username. Need to see a password? Not a problem. Select a site from the list and click "Show Password". Rather than expand the table, the password appears right below the button.
Favorite Sites: Each time you open a new tab, you'll see thumbnails of the sites that you visit most often. Want to access one of those sites? Simply click and drag it to the top of the window! Voila, new tab!
Instant Bookmarks: No need to go through 12 steps to bookmark a site. Just click on the Star icon, to the left of the address bar, add a title, choose a folder, and you're done.
Desktop Shortcuts: Have an application or website that you use often, but don't want to hunt through your bookmarks every time? Click on the Page Control Menu in the upper right corner and select "Create application shortcuts..." You can add a shortcut to your desktop, start menu, quick launch bar - or all three (3).
Crash Protection: Each tab that you open runs separately from the others, so if one application or site crashes it won't take everything else down with it! Love that feature.
There is, for me, one problem: When I close the last open tab, the entire Chrome browser closes. I'm accustomed to my browser leaving open a blank tab. Maybe I need to look a little closer at the settings; might be missing something.
Obviously, I'm still getting to know Chrome and, as I tend to be a bit change-resistant, it may take me a while to completely give up other browsers. We'll see. So far, I'm pretty impressed.
I haven't had very kind thoughts about the governor of Alaska - pretty much since I first heard about her. And my opinion just keeps getting more and more negative.
For whom, exactly, does McCain think Sarah Palin has appeal? Seriously!? Oh, that's right - those who believe that humans are more important and take priority over every other species on the planet.
Despite strong scientific, ethical and public opposition to aerial hunting, Governor Palin has…
* Proposed paying a $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf.
* Approved a $400,000 state-funded propaganda campaign to promote aerial hunting.
* Introduced legislation to make it even easier to use aircraft to hunt wolves and bears.
From: Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund
I urge you to watch this shocking video. Chances are pretty good that - if McCain is elected - this woman will be President before the 4 years are out. Can our animal friends afford that?
I DON'T THINK SO!!
As much as I don't trust Obama and crew, I truly cannot abide the thought that this morally reprehensible person could ever reach a position of national power!
For anyone in doubt - the bible was written by man to control man's behavior - just ask King James. Mankind has evolved since those days - or at least some of mankind has.
Please! Stop buying into the nonsense that organized religion and questionable politics keeps foisting upon us! Think and live beyond yourself!
Help save the planet! For all the creatures who are trying to survive here!
I am always looking for special products to complement our one-of-a-kind designs. Cuddle up under a Cozy Afghan, with a tasty tub of popcorn - or a yummy basket of goodies. What about a personalized gift for your graduate, paired with a Twin-size Afghan in his/her new school colors?
We've got great gift ideas for Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, your favorite Aunt and Uncle, Godparents, Brother or Sister - everyone in the family. Even Fido and Fluffy! But, I'm still on the prowl for truly unique baby gifts.
Just imagine - a complete layette set, in your favorite colors, with a matching future-heirloom crib afghan. It just doesn't get any better than that!
When I first read this headline - Angry Argentine commuters torch train in rush hour - it struck me as rather counterproductive. I mean think about it - you're angry that your commute is delayed so you destroy the train that's supposed to get you to work? Then, I read the story.
We're pretty spoiled, here in Phoenix. Our public transportation is reasonably reliable and fairly inexpensive. I can't imagine living in a city or country where you don't know if you're going to get where you need to be.
Although, I'm not certain that destroying the train is a practical solution. You know?
I've decided that it's time to start my Christmas wish-list!
Although there are a number of items that are always on my list - shoes, handbags, watches, yarn - Sony Vaio has captured my attention this year; particularly the NR series. There are so many models, with the speed and storage that I need, without the sell-your-first-born-to-buy-this price tag. Heck, they even come in different colors - Silver, Granite Silver, Wenge Brown, and Silk White!
I'll probably have to settle for a working battery for the laptop I have - but it never hurts to wish!
Well, despite the buslines' best intentions, I made it home again! My 18-hour trip actually took over 24, with a lovely 5 hour layover in Albuquerque. My feet and legs were so swollen, I wasn't sure I'd ever bend my toes or see my shins again.
I did get 2 seats to myself, once I finally got on a west-bound coach, for the long trip from Albuquerque. As we started getting close to Phoenix (about 50 miles out), there was an accident (or something) along a 2-lane section of south-bound I-17 which - literally - brought traffic to a stop.
Oddly, I also lost my cell service at the same time. So, I couldn't message or call home to tell Mark what was going on. Then, as quickly as everything stopped, traffic suddenly cleared and we were on our way.
It's always nice to get home - sometimes it's just a lot more than nice!
Anyway . . . The wedding was so beautiful. Not as beautiful as the bride, of course. My two daughters have phenomenal taste and each picked a gown that suited her perfectly.
And the venue . . . !
Room after room of beautiful Victorian architecture and furnishings - The Tapestry House is just incredible.
With the little lights in the trees and stylish gardens, the view is perfect from every direction. And the house! Oh, my stars!
It took me about 30 seconds to decide that I had found exactly where I want to retire. Just beyond description!
And the claw-foot tub, sitting in a bay alcove off the bridal suite just cries for a good book and a lazy afternoon.
Then, there was the food! The crepes alone were worth several hundred words of praise! Not to mention, homemade drop biscuits, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and ham, turkey and cranberries, breads, cheese, fresh fruit, . . . Yum, yum, yum!
It was wonderful to see my kids again. Every time I go back, it reminds me how much I love Colorado.
It seems that our Internet connection has crashed and burned. It was out the entire time that I was away and, as today was a holiday, will not be up before tomorrow.
So, you'll notice (if you are one of our subscribers) that suddenly there are a bunch of new posts here, dated the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
No, you've not lost your mind. I just had to wait to publish until I had reliable service back.
Anyway . . . The wedding was so beautiful. Not as beautiful as the bride, of course. My two daughters have phenomenal taste and each picked a gown that suited her perfectly.
