5/27/06 "Il pochi il fiero i blabbermouths" We *will* sail again Part 8

[whnim64]

because I'm the only one here right now...

 

[whnim64]

T.O.P.

 

[whnim64]

Have a great day, everyone!

 

[ohiominnie]

We just got a quote yesterday for the siding with the styrofoam backing. The salesman went s-l-o-w-l-y through his sales pitch, showed us the numbers . I sat down at my pc to run some number through my spreadsheet and asked DH to come take a look. To my surprise, the salesman came over to watch! He got po'd when we told him we weren't going to sign any contract right then, asked if we didn't understand that we'd get xx% off if we signed, packed up his stuff and left without saying a word after we told him that we were NOT going to decide the same day. We asked him to leave a card and a printed estimate, but he didn't leave either one. I feel like calling the company and complaining about him.

A U-TOP with OM and a rude salesman!

OH MY GOODNESS! This is EXACTLY the salesman we had who tried to sell us the styrofoam backed material (although ours was elderly--he graduated from the University of Iowa in 1947! And he was disabled (claw hand) which meant he couldn't write fast, show us samples fast, anything fast)

We also had the "if you sign RIGHT NOW we'll give you x% off. PLUS, it JUST SO HAPPENED that they were siding several condos in the color we wanted so if we signed RIGHT NOW we could get in on the bulk order and save even MORE!! We also said "no way....we won't make this sort of decision on the spot." He left us only with a pamphlet on their gutter guard system--actually of one they USED to use....they've since changed it. He called several more times and each time the price got lower. Finally I said that I wanted something IN WRITING and I wanted two weeks to think about it.

In the mean time we found a MUCH better contractor who gave us the lowest price from the get go (no playing games) and we're much happier. Besides, the siding/gutters/gutter guards will be 1/2 the price of the lowest price Mr. U of Iowa could offer. Granted, it's not styrofoam backed, but we have 1 inch energy board over the entire outside of our house, so it's not like we aren't aleady insulated.

Salesmen!! I just wish HH lived in my area. We'd be using him ALL the time!

 

[tchrmom]

Fran - you are a wonderful Mommy and look good too....honest.....

Thanks!

Fran

 

[dobelover]

Salesmen!! I just wish HH lived in my area. We'd be using him ALL the time!

Me too!



Sue

 

[BWVPam]

For a 14 SEER system, with 5 ton capacity, that isn't outrageous. It is a chunk of change....... You could go with a lower SEER rating on the condenser but the higher rating will save you money in the long run. Ask them if they have comparison charts for the different efficiency ratings of the units with payback schedules. That sometimes can be helpful.

Is this doing anything other than installing the fan coil units at your existing furnace? Same furnace and blower?

The biggest problem we see with systems using a split system (forced air heating and evap cooling) is the duct sizing. For forced air, you want convection with a low volume air exchange rate and a balanced return air transport. With evap you want high volume of air rate and of course NO return air.
Most AC systems use the same principals as forced air heating and can effectively use the same ductwork. Is the ductwork in the house capable of handling that system? Are there hot or cold spots in the present set up? Can adding or changing return air registers be helpful? questions to ask the contractor. Have they addressed these or even checked?

Thanks Kevin -- our furnace is only 5 years old so it is compatible. Supposedly it is one of the higher efficiency units and can handle the 5 ton unit. This proposal includes replacing the registers. I am going to print off your questions and give them to Charley so he can ask. We have gotten 2 quotes so far, and we have 2 more companies coming in. The lowest is $5,000, but is using a unit made by Gordon (we have not heard of that before) the most expensive (5,700) is a Carrier unit and includes replacing all the registers. It will be interesting to see how the other two estimates come in.

 

[tchrmom]

Taxman!
Cos I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman

I can't complain this year, since Mr. Taxman paid for my cruise and my new dishwasher.

Now If I could just figure out how to file again, and pay for a new 'fridge and new carpet in the bedrooms..........

Fran

 

[BWVPam]

I can't complain this year, since Mr. Taxman paid for my cruise and my new dishwasher.

Now If I could just figure out how to file again, and pay for a new 'fridge and new carpet in the bedrooms..........

Fran

I didn't use any of our tax refund for the cruise, but it will probably be used to buy DS an old used car this summer when he turns 16.

 

[BWVPam]

Well -- I better get around and get myself ready. I have to be in the office from 9 - 12 today. Have so much to do around the house, but my housekeeper is coming in. I just have so much clutter to go through. When Charley's mom moved out of her house, we seemed to accumulate a lot more stuff. Today, they are going to move the piano from her house to ours, because she has already sold the house. Well - will check in with you guys later.

 

[ohiominnie]

I can't complain this year, since Mr. Taxman paid for my cruise and my new dishwasher.

Now If I could just figure out how to file again, and pay for a new 'fridge and new carpet in the bedrooms..........

Fran

Well....actually YOU paid for the cruise and dishwasher....you just had Uncle Sam hold your money for you over the course of the year.

I know, many ppl say you should adjust your deductions so you aren't giving the gov't your money over the year, but I DO like that big refund. Although, now that I have ING, maybe we SHOULD adjust it and I could put the extra in there and make 4.0% interest! Hmmmmm....

 

[chip&dale&fun]

because I'm the only one here right now...

Good Morning Sandi -- on the line with Disney Dining right now....

 

[BWVPam]

Well....actually YOU paid for the cruise and dishwasher....you just had Uncle Sam hold your money for you over the course of the year.

I know, many ppl say you should adjust your deductions so you aren't giving the gov't your money over the year, but I DO like that big refund. Although, now that I have ING, maybe we SHOULD adjust it and I could put the extra in there and make 4.0% interest! Hmmmmm....

That is where I put my refund as soon as I got it. Amazing the amount of interest it is earning compared to my local bank,

 

[ohiominnie]

Didn't realize that I set myself up for a top using Virgil's thing. OM, my older DD works with a Mexican couple at the dairy farm. That's another job where it's hard to find someone willing to do the work for the little pay that they get.

Ah, yes, diary farming, hard work. No way I'd wanna get up that early to milk cows!

Diary farming always reminds me of the guy with stool hanging from his butt!!! funny family story. I'll share, if you're interested.....

 

[ohiominnie]

That is where I put my refund as soon as I got it. Amazing the amount of interest it is earning compared to my local bank,

And, thanks to YOU, the kids and myself are loving watching our money grow grow grow. Sad the spring sale is ending.

 

[tchrmom]

Well....actually YOU paid for the cruise and dishwasher....you just had Uncle Sam hold your money for you over the course of the year.

I know.........

But I'm not disciplined enough to take that amount and put it away........so, I have Uncle Sam keep it safe for me.

(OK.........true confessions time here............Actually, I have Uncle Sam tax me at the single rate and add an additional amount each pay period. I call it the "Fran Saving's plan". No flames from you smart money types........It's paid for 6 cruises in 4 years.) Hey, I teach 1st grade, not economics!

Fran

 

[mickeymo]

So, Maria

What time did you make it out the door this a.m.???? Do tell! Who pays up????!!!!

yipee, a top with Maria and,hopefully, her dh's much emptier wallet...

 

[mickeymo]

It's Friday - Stacey's Kareoke contribution (why she had to hint, : She could play along, too... )

Sunrise, Sunset

(Tevye)
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?

(Golde)
I don't remember growing older
When did they?

(Tevye)
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he get to be so tall?

(Golde)
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?

(Men)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze

(Women)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

(Tevye)
What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?

(Tevye)
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day

(Perchik)
They look so natural together

(Hodel)
Just like two newlyweds should be

(Perchik & Hodel)
Is there a canopy in store for me?

(All)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

 

[mickeymo]

o.k. I've got a two'fer....First,

Sisters - From "White Christmas"
sung by Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen

(and Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.. )

Sisters, sisters
There were never such devoted sisters
Never had to have a chaperone, no sir
I'm here to keep my eye on her

Caring, sharing
Every little thing that we are wearing
When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome
She wore the dress and I stayed home

All kinds of weather we stick together
The same in the rain or sun
Two different faces but in tight places
We think and we act as one, ha-ha-ha-ha

Those who've seen us
Know that not a thing can come between us
Many men have tried to split us up but no one can
Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister
And lord help the sister who comes between me and my man

All kinds of weather we stick together
The same in the rain or sun
Two different faces but in tight places
We think and we act as one, ah-ha

Those who've seen us
Know that not a thing could come between us
Many men have tried to split us up but no one can
Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister
And lord help the sister who comes between me and my man

 

[ohiominnie]

o.k. I've got a two'fer....First,

Sisters - From "White Christmas"
sung by Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen

(and Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.. )

Great song. I was never a fan of musicals. Mike helped me come around.

Of course, I like this song better when Bing and Danny do it!