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Post by staytuned on Oct 2, 2023 13:25:25 GMT
Good morning everyone! Starting out another beautiful fall week, temps in 70s and then drop end of week 60s highs, 40s low (too brrrrr too early for me) and rain. Might as well go out and enjoy the warmth and sunshine while it lasts. Just a heads up next Monday, the 9th, is Columbus Day and no mail delivery. Hope everyone has a very passable day!
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Post by staytuned on Oct 2, 2023 13:27:02 GMT
And for those still experiencing wilting summer temps:
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Post by labbypaws on Oct 2, 2023 14:36:00 GMT
Taking a loan out through work. Hoping it processes by Friday🤣.
Nice weather. Rain here Saturday.
Starting to list on the yard sale sites. Will add to eBay this weekend.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Oct 2, 2023 22:52:29 GMT
Good luck on your loan, labby! I tried to get one but they said they "couldn't verify my income". I sent them statements and then they tell me they're only set up to verify income from one bank account. WTH? My SS check goes into a separate account from my direct deposit. How stupid is that? They told me I could reapply and I told them no thank you, and I would not be applying with them in the future. Cloudy outside and spitting now and then - I guess Mother Nature can't decide if she wants to rain or not. Contractor is coming tomorrow to install the ceiling fan. Maintenance is coming tomorrow to install the closet shelves. I've already warned the cats I had to move stuff out of part of the living room so the contractor can get to the ceiling. Between that and all the stuff in the closet being in my office temporarily, my apartment is a disaster. But that's OK, the disaster is temporary and it will be worth it to have the ceiling fan and a real pantry I wonder if the ceiling fan will help with the heat in the winter?
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Post by labbypaws on Oct 2, 2023 22:55:20 GMT
I am getting a loan through Fidelity. Not much just enough to hold me over until February. It is a 2 year loan for $6000. I put my own money into the college 403 so I have access to it for loans. I don’t like taking them but it isn’t like the old days where I can list my stuff and guarantee it will sell by months end.
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Post by Desire on Oct 2, 2023 23:37:15 GMT
I wonder if the ceiling fan will help with the heat in the winter? You need to reverse the fan for winter if you want to use it. We can't do it here in winter when temps are in the teens and 20's as any direction is just too breezy, but spring and fall it works. But in your warmer temps it may help all year to reverse each season. Most fans have a button up on the base. From google: Should ceiling fans go in reverse summer or winter? Adjusting your ceiling fan to the season will help make your home more comfortable. Once you make sure your ceiling fan direction in the winter is clockwise and your ceiling fan direction in the summer is counterclockwise, you'll be able to save money cooling and heating your home.
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Post by staytuned on Oct 3, 2023 2:10:00 GMT
Looks like I will be working part time in security at a warehouse 2 days a week in near future. Pays well, trying 2 days a week. Friend desperate to hire and prefers older folks like me with a work ethic as the young ones work a few weeks and quit. She called tonight, told me what the job involves (nothing complicated), vacation this month no problem. I start paid training next Monday but probably won't officially start until end of month. First time I ever had a job come to me, especially when I wasn't looking. No interview, end of call got "Welcome aboard."
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Oct 3, 2023 16:49:03 GMT
Congrats Stay! I hope it works out and you like it! Those "the job found me" jobs are sometimes the best ones. The firm I've been working with for 15 years now was a "they found me" situation. Contractors (plural, 3 guys) and apartment maintenance guy are all here. Looks like the maintenance guy was able to get the 16" deep shelves for the bottom 2 shelves in the closet. Yay! Contractors are making a mess, but that's to be expected since they had to remove some of the ceiling to get the wiring in. I figured the office would just take the cheap route, put the fan on the ceiling, and then swag the cord across the ceiling to the wall and plug. Nope. They're having the contractor actually run the electrical cord in the ceiling crawlspace, between the walls, and then he'll install a new wall switch for the fan. I'm impressed. I must admit, though, the complex does a good job with maintenance and I've never seen them take shortcuts when they've fixed things in my unit. One of the many reasons I renewed my lease again. I did notice one thing though. A piece of wood chipped off from the beams in the ceiling and it looks to me like it has the beginning of termite damage. I'll have to see if the contractor still has the piece I gave him so I can take it to the office. Either way, I'll give the office a heads up. Hopefully they're doing routine termite inspections and treatments and I'm just imagining things. Otherwise they'd have to tent the building and that's a major PITA. I'll need to mop the floor and vaccum the chairs and dust before I put the furniture back this evening. I moved it all to the dining area and they covered the futon with plastic but dust still got everywhere. No biggie. I figure since the cats will already be upset from the workers and the noise, I might as well try rearranging the furniture when I put it back tonight. That way the cats are only getting upset one day I can't decide if cats get upset when you rearrange furniture, of if they like it because it's a whole new playground arrangement. Hard to tell with cats.
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Post by jesmelric on Oct 3, 2023 17:45:37 GMT
Hello, hope everyone is doing well. We had some actual RAIN this morning! Light but steady on and off for a few hours now. They are saying rain today through Thursday and COOLER temps! So they say. Hard to trust it after this brutal summer, but wouldn't that be nice??? They said upper 50s Sunday morning!! OMG!!
Well we are scheduled to get our Covid boosters on Saturday. It said Pfizer which works for me, we haven't had any Moderna to this point so might as well stick to what we've been getting, if we can. We had the flu shots Saturday before last. It would be nice not to get sick this season.
Saturday we got all the Halloween put out. I bought a big blow up ghost last year and it's been breezy and one of the tabs that anchored him to the ground tore and he keeps tumping backwards. DH said there's not really anything we can do because it's fabric. What a pain, they aren't cheap. I got some eyeballs this year and because they aren't as tall it seems less likely to happen. But I like the really tall ones. Sigh.
Stay that's great, hope it works out wonderfully
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Oct 3, 2023 18:28:43 GMT
Looks like none of the HEBs near me have the adult Pfizer yet. They do have the senior flu and Moderna though. So far all my COVID shots have been Pfizer, but I guess it won't matter since a Moderna booster is better than no booster at all, eh? Second contractor is here and replacing the two cut out portions of the ceiling and will do touch up painting. Then the first guy comes back and actually does the final installation of the fan. That's a lot of work. The first guy said the apartment complex wants to eventually put ceiling fans in all of the living rooms. I'm also the first one to get the LR ceiling fan so my apartment is the test unit for them figuring out how to do it OK by me. The pantry looks really nice. Haven't seen the cats at all. When the painting guy is done and takes up the drop cloths, I'll check under the bed and see if I can see the cats.
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val2525
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Posts: 30,791
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Post by val2525 on Oct 3, 2023 18:37:50 GMT
Did you know Lysol spray comes in assorted scents now? I didn't LOL. I bought the mango-hibiscus scent ("New Day"). Scent is faint fruity and not overpowering at all. I've been spraying the living room between crews of maintenance guys since none of them are wearing masks and COVID cases in seniors are rising. Yeah, I know. I'm probably paranoid. But paranoid doesn't get you hospitalized
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Post by staytuned on Oct 3, 2023 21:01:57 GMT
Thanks for the well wishes, everyone! I went to VoA today and got a couple black jeans to wear for job (can wear jeans or pants as long as they're black or dark. Shirt is provided). My low grumbling exhaust leak decided to let loose as soon as I started up after VoA. Worst noise was at dead stop but thankfully didn't have to wait for green lights long, traffic pretty light and no school buses and made it home as quietly as possible. Getting up early tomorrow and hope to hit at least most lights green and little traffic because it's a drive to repair shop, but definitely worth the drive. They don't take appointments so it's first come, first serve and I'd like to be first in, or at least one of the first. I am also thankful it happened while we're still having 80 degree temps and plenty of sunshine as we're getting cold, rainy spell this weekend. Would also be embarrassing if it happened at future employer's lot.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Oct 3, 2023 22:05:54 GMT
The cats were all clustered together under the bed. Looks like in times of need, Trixie is OK with sharing her space . Twila was the first to wander out for a pet a few minutes ago. The other are still under the bed. We'll be watching TV in bed tonight since I can't put the furniture back until after they finish installing the fan tomorrow.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Oct 4, 2023 7:01:50 GMT
Stay - that's great about your job! I wish I could find a job like that - a few days a week or part-time four days a week or something, in something that requires walking and surveilling. The DH is still trying to talk me into continuing to sell online and has now committed to producing one listing per day (he works full time) of home stuff for me to list, just to encourage me. I've sold almost everything of my own that I can (or want to) sell - it's just his stuff. He doesn't want me to get a 'retirement job' but sales are going into the dumper and this whole online sales gig is coming to an end - I'm ready for the next phase.
Just rain and wind here - the sun did come out later today, though! This weekend we're going to "the dry side" east of the mountains to Wenatchee - the DH has a bike ride planned and I have a 10-mile run. My running friend wanted to do a 10-miler with me but not go to Wenatchee to do it - we'll be getting together on the weekends to start upping our mileage before we depart for Hawaii. Next weekend we do a nice half-marathon in a cute town east of us. We'll do our race, hang out at the finish and maybe get some lunch. He likes junking and I said I'd go with him if he wanted to do some (the town is noted for its collectors markets and he loves vinyl).
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Oct 4, 2023 14:47:39 GMT
Chap, you've worked long enough now doing what everyone else wanted, or what was expected, or what you could find. Isn't it time to do something YOU want? If you want to be a WM greeter, go do it. If you want to work parttime at Costco, go for it. DH will just have to learn to deal with it. He held out for his "perfect" job, he should now respect your right to do whatever work you want to do. Retail jobs, at the right store, can be really fun IMO. You have to do your company research though. Many retailers are uber crappy to work for. Supposedly the last day of the 90 temps today. Fingers crossed. I'm waiting for the contractor to get here and do the final install of the ceiling fan. I've warned the cats. We ended up watching TV on the sofa last night (it was still in its original place). If I rearrange, I'll have to figure out how Twila will be able to stretch out on the back of the futon if there is no wall for her to lean against
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Post by staytuned on Oct 4, 2023 20:01:51 GMT
I hope you do find something, Chap. There's a lot less stress getting a steady paycheck vs. listing online and hoping to be able to pay bills by end of month. Especially with so many different sites and how horrible ebay's search is.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Oct 4, 2023 20:50:43 GMT
Agree - I need to find something I want to do which is steady. I do know about the evils of working retail - the constant schedule changes, customer relations problems, etc. I also have the cards stacked against me by being 70 - seniors are coming in demand for work, but for some reason people think you magically fall apart at 70 but are fine at 65 (?). But, I'll see what happens. Maybe I just need some time to roost on this instead of making any quick jumps - it's why I'm putting off any big change until the new year.
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Post by denise15601 on Oct 4, 2023 21:38:17 GMT
Good luck Chap. You have so many talents and I hope that you can find something that will make the best use of your expertise.
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Post by denise15601 on Oct 4, 2023 21:47:43 GMT
Well, I still am offering free pinecones and pine branches on Marketplace. And a lot of people have come to pick whatever they want. I even have a guy who cuts down branches and uses them for a full-sized Nativity scene and he sends me pictures of it every year. How special that is and it gives me chills.
But I just got a message asking if I can ship pinecones and branches to Michigan. She will pay, but no. I suggested that she just go into a park somewhere and pick up the pinecones for free.
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Post by labbypaws on Oct 4, 2023 23:33:26 GMT
After two years of thinking we had no more trees our neighbor pointed out that 3 trees are ours. Going to cost $2500 to take them down. One is definitely dead. Just easier to have the guy do all three. They are in a grouping. We are not getting the stumps removed. They are in a remote part of the yard. Will leave them high enough that we know they are there.
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Post by denise15601 on Oct 4, 2023 23:39:26 GMT
Ugh Labby. I am glad that my 5 pines are still healthy. They are well over 150 years old. Ex's grandfather or great-grandfather planted them.
When I got my huge maple cut down, it was the best thing that I ever did. I couldn't keep up with raking the leaves in the fall and picking up all of the fallen branches.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Oct 5, 2023 2:17:27 GMT
I ran into my next door neighbors as they were coming home tonight so I told them about the living room ceiling fan. Their lease is up a month after mine is. They came in and looked at the fan (it really does look nice LOL), then they oohhed and ahhhhed over some of the storage I added using cube units and a few other pieces. They want to do the same thing so I told them I'd find the links and email them tomorrow. Then I ended up going next door to see their place and we ended up chatting for awhile. It was nice. They used to have a restaurant years ago and they both like to cook so we swapped cooking tips. I told Belinda about Saratoga Olive Oil Co and their wonderful balsamic vinegars and oils and she pulled up the website on her phone. I think she'll be placing a really big order What's even funnier is it ends up their old unit last year (1 bedroom like mine) is the unit that won first place in the Christmas decorating contest. I told them I took third the last 2 years was and was gunning for second place this year, and that their first place position was safe. Then they showed me pics of their patio last year. I think I can top them this year We also discussed finding a way to decorate our breezeway, since we're the only two units on the first floor. I have found kindred spirits in Christmas light decorating
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Post by staytuned on Oct 5, 2023 13:15:03 GMT
Got exhaust fixed yesterday morning and this morning had to go over MIL's early to wait for new washer delivery. Thankfully, they came just after 8am. Easy disconnect, removal old one, install new one and I am christening it with a load as I type. Nothing fancy, just top load, agitator and large capacity. I didn;t realize how large 4.5 cu.ft. is until I opened the lid. It's huge. Just finished huge load and very happy with performance. Hope it lasts a long time.
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Post by Tabby on Oct 5, 2023 18:13:05 GMT
... I also have the cards stacked against me by being 70 ... for some reason people think you magically fall apart at 70 but are fine at 65 (?). Chap - Isn't it against the law for employers to ask applicants for their age? Plus the fact that women have been known to actually lie about their age...*ahem* Seriously, you have a lot to offer an employer, and I hope you'll find a way to get your foot in the door!
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Post by labbypaws on Oct 5, 2023 21:03:59 GMT
I thought I hit a minor jackpot this morning. Was in the attic trying to fill 2 bags with "stuff" for the trash. We had those old window lighted sculptures by Mr Christmas. Woohoo! I could try Facebook first. ($25-55 or so each - plus shipping - and we had 5 of them). So I have it all in my mind that I might be able to sell them to Mr Griswald trying to top his neighbor's display.
I plug them in and only one worked. One was iffy and the other 3 would not light up. Not sure of the problem but tomorrow is trash day. Put them into the trash.
I gave away smaller ones that were my parents a few years ago. They smoked like fiends and the stuff reeked.
Back to reality. I did throw away a box of promotion books, study guides and notes from throughout the years.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Oct 5, 2023 21:07:24 GMT
Cats are so funny. And strange. My crew gets brushed most mornings while I'm waiting for the coffee to brew. There is a specific order I have to follow or Trixie gets her nose out of joint. She's first, then Twila, then Simon. When I brush Trixie, she purrs up a storm and head buts me. When I brush Twila, she purrs up a storm and tries to give me a bath. When I brush Simon, he purrs a little....and tries to bite me. Cats. *SMH* Local weather guys forecast 85 today but the front has moved thru, it's already 4:00 pm and it's 76. I don't think we're hitting 86 today But at least we received a nice amount of rain today.
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Post by staytuned on Oct 5, 2023 22:42:49 GMT
Shame on Simon, trying to bite the hand that feeds him.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Oct 6, 2023 7:06:06 GMT
... I also have the cards stacked against me by being 70 ... for some reason people think you magically fall apart at 70 but are fine at 65 (?). Chap - Isn't it against the law for employers to ask applicants for their age? Plus the fact that women have been known to actually lie about their age...*ahem* Seriously, you have a lot to offer an employer, and I hope you'll find a way to get your foot in the door! Federal law doesn't forbid a prospective employer from asking your age, alas - they just forbid discrimination, which is a laugh. I recall the DH looking for a job when he was 64 and feeling like the people who interviewed him were checking off the "interviewed the old person" box to be 'legal'. He DID get hired on after 14 interviews by a community college who couldn't care less about his age, they just wanted his abilities. He's still working there at 71 and thinks he might retire at 72, and they really don't want him to leave as he can fix anything and unsnarl the worst database problems (he's a mathematician and database administrator who is also intensely literate so his documentation is great).
I was shocked when we had lunch with my DH's old boss and other friends, when he thought I was in my 50s. I've been really thinking I look my age lately. Maybe I can lie and say I'm 60 lol!
Anyway, 2024 for that - I've 'seeded my mind' and will let the subconscious chew on the problem.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Oct 6, 2023 7:13:30 GMT
Cats are so funny. And strange. My crew gets brushed most mornings while I'm waiting for the coffee to brew. There is a specific order I have to follow or Trixie gets her nose out of joint. She's first, then Twila, then Simon. When I brush Trixie, she purrs up a storm and head buts me. When I brush Twila, she purrs up a storm and tries to give me a bath. When I brush Simon, he purrs a little....and tries to bite me. Cats. *SMH* Local weather guys forecast 85 today but the front has moved thru, it's already 4:00 pm and it's 76. I don't think we're hitting 86 today But at least we received a nice amount of rain today. Jame furry butt used to LOVE being combed. All the DH had to do was yell "COMBIES" and she'd come trotting over, tail up. They then had what he called "man-cat bonding" where he would comb her and she would go into this weird orgasmic state, licking herself, licking him, licking the comb and purring loudly. This was good as she was what we called "The Fur Disaster" with fur on her fur and had to be combed at least once a day (sometimes twice if she came in with slugs and sap in her fur) or she'd instantly mat. She had a fine, soft undercoat and a long gray overcoat. The undercoat would mat. Jamie was the worlds most patient cat, though - she never nipped, never clawed, even when we had to clean her up from when she got into some awful glop outside and had to be bathed. When she got to her limit she would just start crying and looking at us with bit pitiful eyes. She would get all kinds of treats afterwards.
Cassie hated any combing - she did not like to feel the comb on her back and would hiss and throw paws, and do not touch her stomach under any circumstances. I could brush her with my fingers but anything else - nope. She was a short hair, though, so not such a big deal.
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Post by jesmelric on Oct 6, 2023 15:27:23 GMT
Well we had three days of RAIN and now it's cooler!! WOOHOO!! After 80+ days of heat advisory this summer it is a much welcome change They even are saying lows in the 50s Sunday and Monday. Of course now that I put out all the Halloween yard decor I will have to mow, but it is what it is. I'll go around the best I can and fully mow after Halloween.
My dad was a furniture salesman (for MANY) years. He didn't fully retire until he was 82. I think he was on SS and was working part time by then. But after her retired he seemed to kind of fade out. He had knee problems that caused limited mobility by then and he got on his ipad most of the day. My stepmom lamented when he passed that they never got to do any traveling or things they wanted to do when he retired. But he seemed to be one of those people who felt at a loss when not working. Maybe it was a generational thing? He was born in 1934.
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