8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC Part 16

[winotracy]

Congratulations! 6 more and I will have 100! (actually once this posts it will be 5 more)
I know I'm pathetic, but as we get closer I hope to post more. I do read about 20% of what gets posted!

I know what you mean Jeanne! I've been keeping up today

 

[allshookup]

That is frustrating....hope everything works out!

Diane, you can whine to us anytime.
I don't have any words of wisdom for you, except we to have fired a contractor and have been stuck with work we weren't to happy with.

Try this website. Tell the contractor he owes you $$ for the undone work.

Thanks for the good wishes guys! I really appreciate the support!

Tom I also thank you for the advice, but we were really really stupid & did what everyone tells you to absolutely NOT do. We hired a friend of a friend without a signed contract. He did a great job on our friend's house & he was supposedly a fantastic bargain. So because he was a friend of a friend & he was telling us his tales of woe, we agreed to give him final payment. Again what NOT to do!

Anyway, he did offer to finish the job, but we were getting very concerned about him not being insured since he kept complaining about his money troubles & hinting at more money & we were sick of how long it was taking & how shoddy the work was becoming so we fired him. We really didn't want him on our property anymore & we just didn't want to go through the hastle of taking him to court. We just wanted to be rid of him, learn from that mistake & start over.

In the end we ending up paying about 20K for a new roof, windows & a half done farmer's porch. I'd add the siding to that, but it all has to be replaced at this point. But that 20K was all we had left from our loan. Anyway, we have since paid off that loan & now we need another one. We got an estimate this time from a licensed & insured contractor & he quoted us 20K just to replace the siding & finish the porch! Plus another 10 for the decks, and God knows how much for the bathrooms, trim work, etc.

Oh well, I sat down & talked to DH this afternoon & he says he is just going to bang up some boards to satisfy the inspector & hopefully we'll get that loan & finally be rid of this never ending money pit!

Even with all these money woes...I refuse to cancel this cruise! I do have priorities, but maybe they aren't all in the right place!

You can whine, but I'd rather wine Sorry, couldn't resist. I would be ticked too.

I'll drink to that!

 

[Reenieny18]

It is just inconceivable to me for the kids to be in school in the 2nd week of June. That seems so late.

Hello Everyone... its been so long since I have been on. My sister, Karen has been keeping me updated however. As some of you know, our DAD was just dx with Pancreatic Ca and I have been very busy with him lately.

I just wanted to tell M&M'smom that our kids here in Central NY go to school until Jne 23-25th or so.. Always been that way.. They start however the Thursday after Labor day.

So what have I missed..lol Is there still the Friday night chat?? I have been so busy since my daughters graduation..and my son is so busy with school work now.

Is anyone getting airfare yet for 8/08 with any luck??
Hopefully, it wont be that long before I can get on here again. Just wanted to say hello and thanks for the updates..

Reenie

 

[allshookup]

Hello Everyone... its been so long since I have been on. My sister, Karen has been keeping me updated however. As some of you know, our DAD was just dx with Pancreatic Ca and I have been very busy with him lately.

I just wanted to tell M&M'smom that our kids here in Central NY go to school until Jne 23-25th or so.. Always been that way.. They start however the Thursday after Labor day.

So what have I missed..lol Is there still the Friday night chat?? I have been so busy since my daughters graduation..and my son is so busy with school work now.

Is anyone getting airfare yet for 8/08 with any luck??
Hopefully, it wont be that long before I can get on here again. Just wanted to say hello and thanks for the updates..

Reenie

Doreen we did hear about your Dad & I just wanted to extend my thoughts & prayers to you!

There is still a Friday night chat, hopefully you can join us soon!

As for airfare...some are getting some great deals & some (like me) are holding out for Jet Blue & Southwest.

Keep in touch!

 

[PBader]

Hello Everyone... its been so long since I have been on. My sister, Karen has been keeping me updated however. As some of you know, our DAD was just dx with Pancreatic Ca and I have been very busy with him lately.

I just wanted to tell M&M'smom that our kids here in Central NY go to school until Jne 23-25th or so.. Always been that way.. They start however the Thursday after Labor day.

So what have I missed..lol Is there still the Friday night chat?? I have been so busy since my daughters graduation..and my son is so busy with school work now.

Is anyone getting airfare yet for 8/08 with any luck??
Hopefully, it wont be that long before I can get on here again. Just wanted to say hello and thanks for the updates..

Reenie

Doreen I am very sorry about your Dad. I will be keping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

I've booked my airfare to LA. Holding back a bit on the comimg home.

 

[msaseifert]

I sent an email to the committee head but don't expect much to change. Prior to this year school year, school has started in mid-August. This year due to "tourism" the legislature decided to permanently move the start to no earlier than the 4th Monday in August. So there are the majority of people who would be very unhappy if they moved it back later than the required earliest day.
The sneek peek did mention a choice of having the full Thanksgiving week like we already have or only have Wed-Friday. I voted for the short week but I bet I am the only one. It is just inconceivable to me for the kids to be in school in the 2nd week of June. That seems so late.

Our kids here in Va do not get out until the second week of June, i know it sounds late however we don't start until after labor day. I LOVE it this way since I am teacher but those last few weeks we are all having major summer daydreams! Our flight coming back from TOAL is at 6:15 out of MCO not arriving in VA until 8:15. By the time we claim our luggage and get home it will be after 9pm. DH will take 8th grader to school to get his schedule and I will take my 4th grader to school with me (she is easy, we already know all the teachers so she is good). This trip is going to require some MAJOR careful summer planning. I would not worry too much about missing the first week of school. Most of what they get are just the class outlines anyways.

 

[captaincrash]

You're welcome! And that image is hysterical!

[ed]​

Same in my family! I didn't have a party until I met DH & his mother had a cake & presents for me after dinner every time it was my birthday! She was so good to me, but she passed a few years ago.

About that giant CARP.... I aim ta please ... and am simply grinnin' ear ta' ear at the notion that you got a chuckle out of it.

And on the B-day thing. Yeah... ever since I've started hangin' around with the girl who's now my best friend and spouse - I've been postivly SPOILED on birthdays and such - until in recent years with both of us apart more then together with work and business related travel - and then after the kids came along it's gotten a bit slower in some ways. Not that anything is BAD.. just that in the last few years I sort of noticed the birthdays, Christmas gifts and FATHERs' Day observances were sort of lite. Last birthday I didn't get a cake and sort of grumbled a couple days after and then DID get a cake. It didn't feel the same getting a cake after the fact - cuz it wasn't th cake or a gift - it was more about BEING REMEMBERED. Oh well... the situation seems to have turned a corner though in some ways now that the routine with the kids has stabilized more. Having one was a shock inthe first year an and half - then just as it started getting into a routine we had a 2nd child. Thats' where it got a little busier. Yes we were experienced parents by then but having two was more work in some ways.

Anyways - I am NOT griping - more reflecting then anything else. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and deliberately waiting for my 40D DSLR... as I really am mostly a difficult person to buy gifts for. As my spouse is... cuz most things we generally don't want - otherwise we would have gotten it. I'm talking the small everyday things... like my now broken MP3 player. I spent $35 for a bargain 1GB player with the O-R-G-A-N-I-C LED screen .. and that's less then the non-refurbished model at $89. AND THAT is my sort of preferred bargain. ... like ... would I have been happy with a $300 apple Ipod... I guess.... but I would be happier if I could have had it for $100 or LESS. And besides... what would I DO with 30GB and capacity for 450 CDs of music or books on CD?

OK... enuf.... I've got a gig tonite and I'm runnin' by Fry's to exchange my abruptly broken MP3 player. If I can I'll get another - and if not I just want my 35 clams back. I gotta go swimmin' in traffic now with all the other fish now... have a nice evenin' folks!

 

[PBader]

Adam LOVED that carp picture! He got a real kick out of it.
On the B-day and other stuff................it's been the same way here since Adam came along. It was just more fun doing for him than us. Don't know what it is about them that makes them the center of our lives. We've even taken to celebrating all the birthdays by the month. It just sometimes seems that it is difficult to try and get everyone together 2 or more times in a month.

 

[Joel110]

Today I'm celebrating 2 anniversaries...our 13th wedding anniversary & the 6th anniversary of my 29th birthday!

Happy Belated B-day! Sounds like the Indians gave you a nice B-day present...can't beat knocking the Yanks out of the playoffs. I had tickets for game 5 tomorrow night that are no good now None the less, I'll one in your honor at homecoming this weekend.

 

[sk8ingmom]

Sooooo, when we planned our quick jaunt to WDW in Nov., we were going to drive. Then I got to thinking - 12-13 hours there, no problem. 12-13 hours back - ICK! I was looking at flights and for some reason the flights from DC to MCO are running $200+, but the return flights were $59-$79ish. Then I had a minor epiphany - Amtrak! So we are choo-chooing down and flying back.

Were board the train a few miles from our house at 7:50pm on Friday and arrive in Orlando at 12:55pm Sat.-or about the time we would get there if we left Friday night and stopped halfway to sleep for a few hours.

We aren't telling the boys about this quick trip. We're just going to jump on the train and see where we end up!

Happy Belated B-day! Sounds like the Indians gave you a nice B-day present...can't beat knocking the Yanks out of the playoffs. I had tickets for game 5 tomorrow night that are no good now None the less, I'll one in your honor at homecoming this weekend.

Yes, please stumble out of the Junction for me.

Sorry Joel, but I'm sorta glad you didn't get to use your game 5 ticket. We got back from dinner in time to see the last 2.5 innings. YAY!

 

[Sarangel]

Sooooo, when we planned our quick jaunt to WDW in Nov., we were going to drive. Then I got to thinking - 12-13 hours there, no problem. 12-13 hours back - ICK! I was looking at flights and for some reason the flights from DC to MCO are running $200+, but the return flights were $59-$79ish. Then I had a minor epiphany - Amtrak! So we are choo-chooing down and flying back.

Were board the train a few miles from our house at 7:50pm on Friday and arrive in Orlando at 12:55pm Sat.-or about the time we would get there if we left Friday night and stopped halfway to sleep for a few hours.

We aren't telling the boys about this quick trip. We're just going to jump on the train and see where we end up!

Hurray for you! What a great thing to do for (to?) the kids. Have a great trip.

 

[sk8ingmom]

Hurray for you! What a great thing to do for (to?) the kids. Have a great trip.

Umm, yes, it's for the kids.
I really don't want to go to WDW, it's really all about them.


OK there are lots of dog people around here. Am I crazy or have I just really lucked out in the past? In my experience, dog boarding runs $12-14 a day.

I popped into the kennel up the road from me this afternoon. $28.95 a day! DH is running the half marathon in Baltimore this weekend & we need to go up there Friday night. So I booked a night at the kennel for Malley since I don't have much time left, but I started looking for a more reasonably priced (imo) place for our trip next month.

Turns out $28.95 is the CHEAPEST place I've found.

Is this place insane, or do I just have a warped view of what a kennel should cost?

 

[m&m's mom]

OK there are lots of dog people around here. Am I crazy or have I just really lucked out in the past? In my experience, dog boarding runs $12-14 a day.

I popped into the kennel up the road from me this afternoon. $28.95 a day! DH is running the half marathon in Baltimore this weekend & we need to go up there Friday night. So I booked a night at the kennel for Malley since I don't have much time left, but I started looking for a more reasonably priced (imo) place for our trip next month.

Turns out $28.95 is the CHEAPEST place I've found.

Is this place insane, or do I just have a warped view of what a kennel should cost?

That is about what I pay. I am still trying to decide on the TOAL what to do w/ Jasmine. I can't see leaving her in a kennel that long. Probably look for a housesitter type person that can let her out and throw her a ball a couple times a day. I am hoping to get cheaper than the $50.00 per day my parents pay. Their geriatric dogs need multiple medications 4 times a day. The vets asst just takes her breaks and runs over to give them their medication.

 

[allshookup]

Umm, yes, it's for the kids.
I really don't want to go to WDW, it's really all about them.


OK there are lots of dog people around here. Am I crazy or have I just really lucked out in the past? In my experience, dog boarding runs $12-14 a day.

I popped into the kennel up the road from me this afternoon. $28.95 a day! DH is running the half marathon in Baltimore this weekend & we need to go up there Friday night. So I booked a night at the kennel for Malley since I don't have much time left, but I started looking for a more reasonably priced (imo) place for our trip next month.

Turns out $28.95 is the CHEAPEST place I've found.

Is this place insane, or do I just have a warped view of what a kennel should cost?

The average is about $40 around here and I'm NOT exaggerating! My vet does boarding for a relatively inexpensive price of about $25, but they won't "play" with the dog unless you pay $40! They claim they let them out to do their business about 3 times a day, but I sometimes wonder if that's even the case.

 

[micmse2003]

I am back from my trip to see my DS and his new house in Portage,Michigan. We took Amtrack for the first time ever!!! We left on time from Chicago and only had a 15 minute delay on the way to Michigan. Coming back is another story. Did not realize but freight trains have the right of way. We were delayed over an hour and a half for just a trip that should only have been 3 hours. It was nice to relax but that was a long delay for such a short trip by Amtrack.

Stace......Glad you are doing better.

JR........You still owe us a visit!!

Diane.......I am sorry for all your rehab problems on your house. Our house is 35 years old and we want to retire in 4 more years. I hope the house holds up that long. I know I want a new house so I will just have new house problems.

Debi....... I enjoyed the pictures of the "scooters."

Tom31b......Thanks for all the speculation of what DCL might be doing in the future. I would rather go to Japan if I had my choice. Definitely would not do a cruise to Alaska. The wrong direction for me.

Paula........I love the bling...bling. You are going to make a dazzling princess.

Crash......You still give me a lot of laughs.

Roger.....I am jealous you are all done booking. Our flight from Orlando to Chicago went up $100 a person. The window of booking was not quite open for us to do return. I am going to wait a bit and not panic.

Kristina.....congrats on the 80 you lost!!!

Arlene just hurry up and get to your 1000th post.

Welcome to the newbies and all the old friends who have dropped by to say hello.

I just did a fast skim so if I forgot about something , I am sorry.

 

[tom31b]

Umm, yes, it's for the kids.
I really don't want to go to WDW, it's really all about them.


OK there are lots of dog people around here. Am I crazy or have I just really lucked out in the past? In my experience, dog boarding runs $12-14 a day.

I popped into the kennel up the road from me this afternoon. $28.95 a day! DH is running the half marathon in Baltimore this weekend & we need to go up there Friday night. So I booked a night at the kennel for Malley since I don't have much time left, but I started looking for a more reasonably priced (imo) place for our trip next month.

Turns out $28.95 is the CHEAPEST place I've found.

Is this place insane, or do I just have a warped view of what a kennel should cost?

It's insane. People around there take their dogs to daycare when they won't be home for a couple of hours in the daytime....

 

[Esteri]

Well I'm totally sober right now, but I LOVE popcorn! PM me!

In a case of impecible timing - we just got back from scouts where the final orders had to be turned in.

A funny thing happened over the weekend. Angelina asked if she could get her hair highlighted (again), I said sure, but you are working, you can pay for it now. Once she found out how much it was going to cost, she changed her mind and said she could use those $$$$ for other things. It's funny when kids have to use their own $$ for things us parents use to pay for, they find out they don't need it, or want it, quite as much!!!

We used to give DS10 money to buy pizza at lunch once a week. We got tired of that - so we raised his allowence, but told him he had to buy his own pizza. All pizza buying stopped! He had the biggest allowence in the class for a few years. This year he decided to buy pizza again - one slice, every other week. Funny how when it comes out of their own pocket, they all of a sudden don't need it quite so badly.

Mind if I whine again for a bit??? Oh good thanks!

Yikes!! Good luck!

Sooooo, when we planned our quick jaunt to WDW in Nov., we were going to drive. ... Then I had a minor epiphany - Amtrak! So we are choo-chooing down and flying back.

That sounds like such fun. When we were in DC I wanted to do that - but we never managed to make it happen. Careful what the boys learn on the train though. My in-laws took DS10 back to CO via Amtrak. (He was about 6 or 7 at the time.) He befriended a mother and adult son on the train who taught him poker!

OK there are lots of dog people around here. Am I crazy or have I just really lucked out in the past? In my experience, dog boarding runs $12-14 a day.

I popped into the kennel up the road from me this afternoon. $28.95 a day!

Turns out $28.95 is the CHEAPEST place I've found.

Is this place insane, or do I just have a warped view of what a kennel should cost?

$29/day sounds right to me for a dog Malley's size. I'd cultivate a relationship with a trusted neighbor, or find a house/pet sitter. Though for us, even the pet sitter is $26/day - though she charges by the hour, not the head - so it's way cheaper for us, what with 10 heads (3 dogs, 1 cat, and 6 fish) and all.



DS6 announced to us this weekend that Mickey Mouse isn't real. There's a person inside him. (How do you know?) Because he has hands. (Of course he has hands, how else could he send you a postcard?) I don't think we convinced him. Sigh. Hope we can continue to keep Santa alive for him. Managed to keep up the mystery for DS10 even last year.

Oh, does anyone remember how I was planning on keeping this cruise a surprise for the boys? Well, DS6 also announced this weekend that when he takes his birthday on the cruise next year, he's going to have a treasure hunt to celebrate. (What cruise?) You know, the cruise we're taking. (Pointing to the computer.)

Hrumph. Anyone seen a 6 year old (who can't read) lurking around here? And who's been reading him the boards anyway?

Oh Roger... (sweetly batting eyes) Um, that treasure hunt idea? Two thumbs up on that.

There's little that gets that boy amped up like a treasure hunt. He and several boys found a discarded piece from the woodshop (next door to the kindergarten yard). Some high schooler had burned "Circle of Trust" onto a board, but had spelled it wrong. Well, this discard - became the big clue in a treasure hunt. For 2 weeks, those three kindergarten boys used that to run around the kindergarten yard hunting up more clues. They decided that the key and the treasure chest were in two places. They did find the key. But, determined that the treasure chest was buried inside a flower container. I expect the teachers put a stop of digging it up.

I kind of wish I could find that high schooler and tell them what happened from that discarded project.

 

[PBader]

Sooooo, when we planned our quick jaunt to WDW in Nov., we were going to drive. Then I got to thinking - 12-13 hours there, no problem. 12-13 hours back - ICK! I was looking at flights and for some reason the flights from DC to MCO are running $200+, but the return flights were $59-$79ish. Then I had a minor epiphany - Amtrak! So we are choo-chooing down and flying back.

Were board the train a few miles from our house at 7:50pm on Friday and arrive in Orlando at 12:55pm Sat.-or about the time we would get there if we left Friday night and stopped halfway to sleep for a few hours.

We aren't telling the boys about this quick trip. We're just going to jump on the train and see where we end up!



Yes, please stumble out of the Junction for me.

Sorry Joel, but I'm sorta glad you didn't get to use your game 5 ticket. We got back from dinner in time to see the last 2.5 innings. YAY!

M, sounds like a plan I always thought it might be kinda fun to ride a train sometime

 

[Esteri]

And now, returning to our regularly scheduled programming... (since I didn't get any reaction from the Momsense video I used yesterday )


Did you hear about the good economy Cap'n Hawk gets out of his warship?

He gets 35 miles to the galleon! Aaarrrgghhhhhh!

 

[goofyforlife]

OK there are lots of dog people around here. Am I crazy or have I just really lucked out in the past? In my experience, dog boarding runs $12-14 a day.

I popped into the kennel up the road from me this afternoon. $28.95 a day!

Hey M i'd watch Malley for you if you want. (psst and i don't charge $30 a night either)

Abby would love to have a playmate for a day or 2.

Sadly $25-30 is pretty standard for some of the kennels around. (even the not so great ones)