Team Focker Watch, Part 12. Have we jumped the shark yet?

[cmp1111]

Had a ton of quote, pushed something weird, and lost them all.

Hi, Jo, Mo, Angela & Kat.

Kristel, sorry about Doug. Hope you get answers soon.

Janet, we're looking mostly now at Ford Taurus X's and the Ford Flex. I feel done with a van, and yet we need something with room for skis and grandparents (not at the same time... ) These have good ratings, a decent third row (though it's not the van) and plenty of cargo room without the third row, for skiing or boat stuff. They only made the Taurus X's in 08 and 09, so they're harder to come by. Flex was new for 09 to replace it, so finding those used is harder, but we can't really afford new, I don't think. Here's the X:

and here's a Flex (I think they're ugly as sin, but they are SO roomy and tricked out in the interior...)

The one we're looking at today is a light green X, and Wed. we'll go look at the lower mileage X in that red in the photo, with lower miles but much more expensive.

There's a Flex nearby, too, that doesn't look bad, but we both prefer the outer styling of the X if we can find one with low miles and a good enough price.

So, we need to get going. I don't think we'd buy this tonight, even if we like it, as we'd want to see the other first. However, Woody is taking inordinately long to do his homework, as I would have really liked to go before the sun was gone, but now that's already not happening. Oh, well.

 

[askelton]

I got an email from Jet Blue that they had released the fares for Sept and they had $89 one way fares, which is the cheapest I have seen in a loooong time.

Wow! Awesome trip. Hopefully we can get together too.

Did you get anything?

We never went. The gown she wanted to exchange is in my BIL's car.

We are really trying to get things paid off and lowered, etc. Keep your fingers crossed

Good luck! I called DirecTv to cancel the movie channels to save some money whilst M is gone. The nice customer service lady gave me a $30.00 a month discount for 6 months and I didn't have to cancel anything.

I need to get invitations for our anniversary party.

Sounds like lots of fun!

Doug had a major breakdown last week due to his hand problems. He is very frustrated.

Poor Doug. How maddening to not know the cause of his problem.

Nothing much to report here, we have snow forecast for the next 3 days so looks as though golf is off

Surely you have an indoor driving range.

and here's a Flex (I think they're ugly as sin, but they are SO roomy and tricked out in the interior...)

Um, you're right. But if it has what you need.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Babay carriages...really

Yes, it was totally wierd!

Well I am at work and just discovered they have internet

The 2010 Moms launch today if you're interested in seeing who got chosen!

Uh.. yeah... not really.

It was rough getting Jimmy up for school today. He didn't want to get up, and neither did we. We all just wanted to stay in our nice warm cozy beds.

I'm dreading tomorrow. I've been getting Mads and Evan up at 7:30 all weekend. Let's hope that worked.

Morning. I'm home sick; Leo gifted me his cold/flu/plague/whatever this is. Can't breathe. I read through... but I'm in a medicated haze, so don't hate me if I missed stuff!

You've got less than 4 days to get better!

This'll blow your mind: I awoke to 31* this morning! A 6ish degree difference between FL and Philly... in January?!?!

Yeah, I'm not happy about that at ALL!

Not much up this morning. We got up and got the kids out the door, then I was freezing, so I cuddled up with a blanket on the couch and fell asleep again. Oops. It's the danger of not having anything pressing to do until 12:00 (and the danger of a blanket and the couch, no matter what time it is.) D's heading out to work out now, but since I AM going at noon... Not me!

I think with your temps, I would go into permanent hybernation!

I just booked a week away at Christmas, not sure if I used to DIS when we used to go away with my sister before, but it's a place called center parcs. It has a huge indoor swimming place with slides etc then lots of sports such as tennis, badminton, climbing walls, archery etc etc and a spa where D and I had an ummm interesting mud thing last time, I'm sure I told you about it. He's already requested it again It was pretty expensive but we won't be having a summer trip so We're going to the Elveden Forest one --- www.centerparcs.co.uk

Sounds great, Jo.

Everyone, including us, stay warm. I hate this weather! Although next week it's supposed to be back in the 70's where it's supposed to be.

Naturally.

Happy New Year, yeah I know I'm late, but I like to think I'm fashionably late

Right.

Sorry to hear about your flare up. Can't wait to hear about your Italy trip. Are you doing that solo?

So did I menetion that Jim's job is offering a medical insurance opt-out? Basically if you have other medical insurance you can drop the insurance with the school district and they will PAY YOU 1/3 of what their cost was. We dropped his insurnace, becasue the insurance through my job is better. We are going to get an extra $250/month That will go very nicely to paying off a few things AND to the Goal 2013 fund

That's great, Janet.

Also, we are dropping comcast cable and internet and picking up TV, Internet, Cell phones, and landline through verizon. Going to save us $200/month.

We did that last year. We got Verizon Fios and we really like it. Haven't had the internet "go down", EVER! Knock on wood, ahem.

Good for you, Suze Orman would be proud!

Sounds like everyone did well over the holiday. I hope those of you who were sick are better.

Doug had a major breakdown last week due to his hand problems. He is very frustrated. The MRI on the 29th was inconclusive too which does not help. He has to go for a PET scan on Wednesday. They are hoping that it will show a clearer picture of where the tumor is now. The MRI is highlighting everything so they can't tell what is tumor or what is radiation damage. I guess the PET will only highlight the tumor. We'll see.
I hope he gets an answer soon. Sending lots of good thoughts!

Good luck! I called DirecTv to cancel the movie channels to save some money whilst M is gone. The nice customer service lady gave me a $30.00 a month discount for 6 months and I didn't have to cancel anything.

Well that was great!

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Howdy, peeps!

Let's see... what's been going on around here.... NOT MUCH.

We headed to DLR today to get our last little bit of Magic in before school starts tomorrow. We arrive 10 mins after rope drop and the flippin' place was EMPTY! It was great! We only stayed for 2 hours, but in that time we rode : Buzz, Indiana Jones, BTMRR, Casey Jr., Mr. Toad, IASW, and Space Mtn.

Came home and did some grocery shopping and ANOTHER Target run. I swear I must go there at least 4x a week. Sheesh!

The kids are all set for school tomorrow. As for me, I'll be crazy busy trying to get everything done by Thursday. I'm hoping to start a PTR before I go, only because all the drama is probably worth sharing.

Have a good one!

 

[princessjv]

Hi ho from freezing mn! The temps are still below 0. It sounds like all of the US is under a crazy cold front.

Tink and I are watching little people big world and dh is with ds at cub scouts.

I've been feverishly trying to talk dh into a spring break trip. Any chances you all might be going then?

 

[cmp1111]

Um, you're right. But if it has what you need.

I know, right? But here's the interior:

which is gorgeous and roomy...

I think with your temps, I would go into permanent hybernation!

Woody's pj shirt is from Old Navy and says "Hibernating until Summer"

We headed to DLR today to get our last little bit of Magic in before school starts tomorrow. We arrive 10 mins after rope drop and the flippin' place was EMPTY! It was great! We only stayed for 2 hours, but in that time we rode : Buzz, Indiana Jones, BTMRR, Casey Jr., Mr. Toad, IASW, and Space Mtn.

Awesome!

*****************************************************
Well, the car was nice, but not quite ideal. For starters, I thought the "SEL" model was always leather on Fords, but it's not. I didn't know they even made those in cloth, frankly (they don't the Flex) and so I saw it had "leather trim" and assumed the seats were leather. I don't mean to be spoiled, but the leather is SO nice with kids and the dog - easy peasy clean up.

Also, I knew some models had the "special option" second row bench seat, but we'd rather actually lose the 7th seat and have buckets in the second row - and this had the bench.

It was really well taken care of, and the price is great for that car, but it isn't exactly what we want. I know with used cars it's a little hard to get it perfect, but... If we find we really can't do the numbers on a leather one, I'd take it absolutely, but I hope we'll be able to find something we can afford in leather.

So, that was that, and then we went to dinner and got home and the kids actually went to bed at a normal time.

 

[princessjv]

I went back and caught up a bit. Btw reading backwards(newest first) is way weird!

Jo- that place sounds fun. Are you all going to have withdrawl from not coming here this summer?

Kristel- I'm sorry about doug. I hope answers come soon.

Ce- nice looking wheels. Good luck finding what you want.

Angela & Janet- great job on the cutting back. A little adds up to a lot, sooner than you'd think.

Mo- good score on the air fair!

 

[princessjv]

Oh poop where'd my post go? My first eticket blooper.

 

[englishrose47]

Evening All !!! We got more of that white stuff today !!! I am sick of winter already!!!

 

[jcc0621]

Doug had a major breakdown

They were very polite and introduced themselves to Rockie and thanked her for having them.

Which should have been her first clue

UMm, it was all good until one of the German boys was kissing on the middle daughter. Rockie had a cow. She took the boy, mind you, all 6'4" of him, outside and had a 'chat'. I just tried to keep everybody dancing. That didn't work too well. DRAMA. I hate it.

Nothing much to report here, we have snow forecast for the next 3 days so looks as though golf is off

What, no golf snow balls this week

Good luck! I called DirecTv to cancel the movie channels to save some money whilst M is gone. The nice customer service lady gave me a $30.00 a month discount for 6 months and I didn't have to cancel anything.

That's great Angela!

Um, you're right. But if it has what you need.

You sadi what I was thinking!

We did that last year. We got Verizon Fios and we really like it. Haven't had the internet "go down", EVER! Knock on wood, ahem.

Fios isn't available here yet, but there will be no change over fee when it does get here. We will have Direct TV for now.

I'm hoping to start a PTR before I go,

But ar eyou ever going to finish the August one

Hi ho from freezing mn! The temps are still below 0. It sounds like all of the US is under a crazy cold front.

It's like thishuge freeze is hanging over the US!

dh is with ds at cub scouts.

What rank is DS?

which is gorgeous and roomy...

Well, the car was nice, but not quite ideal.

Well keep looking, I'm sure you will find something you like!

Angela & Janet- great job on the cutting back. A little adds up to a lot, sooner than you'd think.

+++++++++++++++++++

Good morning all! Crazy busy at work, but I wanted to po in and say hi Not much going on. I have to stop at the Scout shop on the way home from work. The boys started working on their Pinewood Derby Car and need some accessories (weights, decals, etc). The workshop is this Friday, and then they have to turn them in for weighing next week. The actual race is on January 30th. Which I can't go to becasue that is the day the guy is coming to install our dish

Gotta run. Chat with you all later!

 

[cmp1111]

Holy quiet, Batman!

How's everyone this morning?

Not much happening here. I've called and made an appointment for the booster H1N1 for the kids, which I forgot for too long, and called to make an inquiry about joining a credit union for a good car loan rate. D went to work out and then to work - my task for today is to clean the van up good to see if we can squeeze a few more dollars out of a trade in.

So, that's really all I know... I'm excited - the place we were going to look at the really low mileage, but expensive, version has another one, actually, that's even MORE loaded with a few thousand more miles (but less than the one last night) for just a scrunch less. I would hope that one of those two will be doable, assuming they're not totally beat up or anything.

Anyone have a white car (in snow country) that has an opinion? I know I don't want black, due to salt and crap, but I don't know how I feel about white. Our current cars (and my former one) are all silver, and we're bored with that. The other is the dark red... These are the important things, after all...

 

[DisneyJo]

Where on earth is everyone?!?!?!?!?

and here's a Flex (I think they're ugly as sin, but they are SO roomy and tricked out in the interior...)

Errr yep it is It's huge too, you wouldn't fit in a parking spot here with one of those

Surely you have an indoor driving range.

Well D works at one, well it's covered so half in half out so better but so boring Oh and good deal on the movie thing

We headed to DLR today to get our last little bit of Magic in before school starts tomorrow. We arrive 10 mins after rope drop and the flippin' place was EMPTY! It was great! We only stayed for 2 hours, but in that time we rode : Buzz, Indiana Jones, BTMRR, Casey Jr., Mr. Toad, IASW, and Space Mtn.

Wow fantastic and we need to know PTR details

Hi ho from freezing mn! The temps are still below 0. It sounds like all of the US is under a crazy cold front.

They are here too

Jo- that place sounds fun. Are you all going to have withdrawl from not coming here this summer?

Not at all And do tell about your job

Evening All !!! We got more of that white stuff today !!! I am sick of winter already!!!

It's white here too Rosie!


No golf today as we're covered in snow, D is at work and the girls at school so I caught up with all the laundry and ironing, exciting huh I then did some general after Christmas clearing, well not Christmas stuff just regular stuff that hasn't been done as everyones been at home. I then nipped to the store and grabbed a box of crackers, 12 of them reduced to £1.25 which is about $1.85 12 will last us for the next 3 years

 

[cmp1111]

Good morning all! Crazy busy at work, but I wanted to po in and say hi

Where on earth is everyone?!?!?!?!?

I think it's a little funny that the 3 of us posted at virtually the exact same time.

Good morning, girls!

 

[DisneyJo]

Too funny we were all posting at the same time

What, no golf snow balls this week

Nope sorry I'm boring this week Photos of the derby car please and who drives? Jimmy?

So, that's really all I know... I'm excited - the place we were going to look at the really low mileage, but expensive, version has another one, actually, that's even MORE loaded with a few thousand more miles (but less than the one last night) for just a scrunch less. I would hope that one of those two will be doable, assuming they're not totally beat up or anything.

Fingers crossed

 

[jcc0621]

Holy quiet, Batman!

How's everyone this morning?

Not much happening here. I've called and made an appointment for the booster H1N1 for the kids,

Jimmy still hasn't gotten his. I should call the pediatrician and inquire if they got it yet!

to clean the van up good to see if we can squeeze a few more dollars out of a trade in.

Anyone have a white car (in snow country) that has an opinion?

My van is white and always looks filthy due to the salt, etc.

No golf today as we're covered in snow, D is at work and the girls at school so I caught up with all the laundry and ironing, exciting huh I then did some general after Christmas clearing, well not Christmas stuff just regular stuff that hasn't been done as everyones been at home. I then nipped to the store and grabbed a box of crackers, 12 of them reduced to £1.25 which is about $1.85 12 will last us for the next 3 years

Sounds like you got some things accomplished

I think it's a little funny that the 3 of us posted at virtually the exact same time.

Good morning, girls!

Morning!

Too funny we were all posting at the same time

Great minds think alike

Photos of the derby car please and who drives? Jimmy?

They are model cars that are raced on a track. They just have to build it out of a clock of wood, paint and decorate it, etc.

The kids race their cars against each other and win prizes. It's for fun and they have a good time!

 

[askelton]

CE, that car will hold us all! Red, always go with red.

Jo, Janet, Jen

I'm waiting for my grandmother to get ready so we can go to lunch with my parents. Today is their last day as they leave tomorrow morning. I will be so glad to be home by myself for the first time in 2 weeks. Today is also Mitch's last day at work until next month. He leaves this weekend for Georgia for 3 weeks. Several of his employees have sent him emails about his leaving which he has forwarded to me. So sweet of them and I hope they will still be there when he gets back.

 

[englishrose47]

I'm here for a few !!

CE good luc kwith the car loan !!

Jo sorry no golf !!

Angela Nice discount !!!

Well have to run will chat tonite after work !!!!

 

[PrincessV]

Everyone, including us, stay warm. I hate this weather!

You and me both. So help me, I swear I saw a snowflake go by this morning!

And then (V you here?) 2 nights in Tampa, near Busch Gardens. I'm there the night of 9th and 10th. Spending the 10th at BG and probably some of the 11th too.

I likely wo't have any vacation time left after summer, but I can for sure plan on Sept. 11!

I insist on meeting up with you V while I'm in Tampa.

Me too!

Also, we are dropping comcast cable and internet and picking up TV, Internet, Cell phones, and landline through verizon. Going to save us $200/month.

Wow! I've priced things out a few times, and no matter what I still come out ahead doing it piece-meal here.

Doug had a major breakdown last week due to his hand problems. He is very frustrated.

I'm so sorry. Hope you start feeling better, too!

I'm hoping to start a PTR before I go, only because all the drama is probably worth sharing.

Hi ho from freezing mn! The temps are still below 0.

You guys take the prize, hands down, for insane winter temps. I still shake my head in bewilderment remembering you and J explaining hooking cars up to heaters overnight! Stay warm!

I've been feverishly trying to talk dh into a spring break trip. Any chances you all might be going then?

LOL, there's always a "chance"!

Anyone have a white car (in snow country) that has an opinion?

I used to in Buffalo. It looked gross most of the year, lol! It also tended to blend in with the snow drifts. My roomate's red car could be easily spotted 3 blocks away under 4' of snow. Just sayin.'

Today is also Mitch's last day at work until next month. He leaves this weekend for Georgia for 3 weeks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morning! Still sick, but dragged into work for half a day because I'm nearly out of sick/vacation hours and can't afford to take unpaid time off. Gotta go get some writing done. Hope it's a good day around here!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Good Morning All!

I'm so mad! I sat down with my coffee, caught up on my Fockers and had all my quotes all ready.... I was on my last post and hit the stupid <back> on accident!

Let's see what I remember:

CE - that car is , but if you love it, then go for it, sister. But do red not white.

Jo - You bought 12 boxes of crackers? Where do you store them?

Janet - the racers sound fun! Sorry you can't go. And no, I probably won't finish my August TR. That is the first time I didn't take any notes, and my tweets just aren't enough for me to remember. I'll take notes this time, though.

Hi Angela

V - Ugh! I hope you feel better soon!

********************************************
Well I am buried under 50 loads of laundry. Between that and trying to get packed and get things done, I'm crazy swamped!!

With the frigid temp in FL, I need to find some gloves and thermal/long underwear for at night. I have no idea where to find that stuff in LA? Perhaps a sporting goods store?

Anyway, Happy Tuesday! I'll pop in again later!

 

[cmp1111]

My van is white and always looks filthy due to the salt, etc.

OK. Of course, so does my silver, so would black or dark blue... I don't know that there's any way to battle it here.

I will be so glad to be home by myself for the first time in 2 weeks.

That's how I felt Saturday.

[quot]Today is also Mitch's last day at work until next month. He leaves this weekend for Georgia for 3 weeks. [/QUOTE]

CE good luc kwith the car loan !!

Thanks, Rosie!

Wow! I've priced things out a few times, and no matter what I still come out ahead doing it piece-meal here.

Me, too.

I used to in Buffalo. It looked gross most of the year, lol! It also tended to blend in with the snow drifts. My roomate's red car could be easily spotted 3 blocks away under 4' of snow. Just sayin.'

Thanks. I'm sure that nothing can survive a winter looking good, but the visibility thing is something I'd not thought of. Sadly, the white one is more appealing to me, overall. It's the totally tricked out one, but with 17,000 mi. rather than 9,000, it's priced lower. It has a DVD, GPS, etc., etc.

Morning! Still sick, but dragged into work for half a day because I'm nearly out of sick/vacation hours and can't afford to take unpaid time off. Gotta go get some writing done. Hope it's a good day around here!

Oh, honey. I'm sorry. I hope you feel better soon.

*****************************************************
Got the van cleared and vacuumed, just need to run it through a car wash. I'm just going to do it by the gym when I take the kids for tennis.

Filled out an app and got pre-approval from the credit union on the loan, but still need some details to be sure it would be the lowest rate we're seeing on the site. But, we're not locked in.

 

[cmp1111]

I'm so mad! I sat down with my coffee, caught up on my Fockers and had all my quotes all ready.... I was on my last post and hit the stupid <back> on accident!

Yesterday I did the same thing - hit enter or something and POOF! it all went bye.

CE - that car is , but if you love it, then go for it, sister. But do red not white.

The one we drove last night and the ones we are looking at are the other one, though - this one, nearly exactly if we get the red:

I think it's better.

With the frigid temp in FL, I need to find some gloves and thermal/long underwear for at night. I have no idea where to find that stuff in LA? Perhaps a sporting goods store?

I have been skiing not that far from you - I'm sure someone will have it. (Big Bear, btw.) Good luck!