An Expensive Morning

 I was awake, dressed and out the door at 7:40 this morning, to pick up the Oldest Son at his apartment. We had talked yesterday, and made some decisions about his current vehicle issues. While the car that was stolen is still in the repair shop, he made the decision to go ahead and get a newer vehicle. This morning I was picking him to run down to a particular dealership that had used vehicles of the make/model he wanted, within his price range. We were in and out of there in about 2 1/2 hours - way better than the 3-4 I had to do each time on my vehicles. Of course, getting there moments after they opened, on a weekday, was a wise decision. And today started their President's Day sale for the weekend as well. He is now an owner of a 2021 Toyota Rav4 XLE that is metallic grey in color (like my first Rav was) and has a few more bells & whistles than my Rav4 has, but okay. With some haggling, we go the price down about $6,000 from the first offer. Still, all said and done, it was a hefty price (thanks inflation). Of course, I was along to drive him there, and assist if needed for anything. And I had the checkbook (Son had not ordered checks recently for his account). Of course, Mom & Dad are helping a little with the financials, but most of the cost he has covered. He has done well saving up.

By the way, RM, I'll let him do the bragging about the new vehicle... but I had to post about it somewhere. My boy is getting all growed up. He is even taking over his own insurance costs as of now. If we could get him to do that with his cell phone, he would be cut of any financial ties.... sigh. Someday soon. I know right now he is much more relaxed. He has been stressing about the whole situation for a couple months, and this helps ease his mind (mine too). When his other car is out of the repair shop, and the insurance has completed their portion of the costs, the Wife and I are talking about 'buying' it from the Son. Maybe it will encourage the Youngest to get his permit finally, and it can be his when he finishes high school. Not quite sure what plans are at this exact moment.

So, once papers were signed, car washed and detailed, Son took me to lunch. We went to a place called Little Miss BBQ. Wife and I had been there once about a year ago, and we really liked the food. Son had never been, so I suggested it. A little pricey, but REALLY GOOD - and hey, he was buying. He loves the place now as well. Plus we got to sit and visit for a bit more.

I came home, and emailed our insurance person, passing along Son's contact info for them to get in touch with each other about getting his new policy set up. Now I am just kind of relaxing, a little. This truly is one stress off my mind, knowing that the Son has reliable (and better theft-proof) vehicle, and his stress is much less due to the situation as well. I know RM can relate to the stress parents have about the stress their children have.

I am truly feeling much better. I think this time I have taken/taking to help get things 'sorted out' has been working well. Still have much I need to "do" ... but it is getting there.

PeacE

What's Going On ....

 I'm off work the next couple days. The Wife is having eye surgery today, and of course needs a driver. Then tomorrow she will need me to drive to her post-op follow-up appointment. I told the Company yesterday that I would check back in Friday morning, but from what I see of material left to complete, the project may have ended by then. Which worksout well, as I feel I need a couple days off to rest the mental faculties. This project has been a bit harder than most.

The Wife's surgery is scheduled for this afternoon. We found out last week, that even though I am her driver, no one is allowed to wait in the waiting room. Which means I need to find myself somewhere for an hour and a half. Works out that since I am halfway to downtown, I will head over to the Property Holdings building of the Phx PD. The local precinct had said they would have sent my keys, etc down there. Hopefully it won't be an issue getting them back. That should take up some of the time. Then I will probably see if I can find a burger shop and sit/read with a drink until I pick the Wife up.

I have been anxious to get my specialty plate onto the new vehicle. I went down to the DMV satellite office not far from me this morning. Turns out I cannot change it over until I get the new car registration in the mail. Otherwise, they say I am not in the system for the new car. At least they said the two years I paid with the new plate, should transfer over easily, and I would be refunded the year I paid at the dealership. Here's to that coming true. I also stopped and ran the car through the car wash. I enjoy having that unlimited monthly deal. I take it through there at least 3-4 times a week, just because that wash is on my way to most places I travel.

No work today meant I was able, or rather, had the opportunity, to sleep in a bit later. That didn't really happen though. Still had to get the Youngest up and make sure he made it out the door for the bus. Them PT called me. Asks me if I am free Thursday afternoon around 4:30. I said I would know for sure later today, but depends on the follow-up appointment time and location for the Wife. I guess he wants to get my brother and I to meet up with him at an Olive Garden. That has my mind whirling a bit. Usually when he wants to get us together it is to share some 'big news' that he feels he needs to do on a personal level. I have no idea what he will bring up this time. He is in his mid-80's, and has some memory issues. Possibly slight dementia, just due to age. Maybe he is saying he will hang up his car keys finally (though he will probably drive there and home still). I don't know, but I am leery about the whole thing. Maybe he will just bring it up that he is concerned about my brother's and mine drinking - though, for both of us, that is not a problem of late. Neither of us get out much anymore. Who knows? With RM out of town for like three days, I'm sure he just wants to have a reason to get out of the house, and eat out.

Hmmmm, some good news.... So I haven't had issues with the backyard trots the past couple of days. Maybe the body is getting used to the medication. If it starts up again, I'll speak to the doc and get a slower release type. Doc may change it up al ltogether, as my sugar count is still above 200 regularly (even with the two days that were under). One day at a time ....

PeacE

What Weekend?

  Oh, how the weekend flew by. Yesterday we did get done all the things I wanted to get done. Breakfast, bank, prescription pick-up, then the afternoon of dealerships. Yes, plural. Online I had seen the Rav4 I wanted and this dealership is the only one that showed it available. So we went down there, and of course, it was gone. In fact, all of their Rav4 vehicles were out - except for pre-owned, which I wasn't really wanting. On a whim, we came back up to the one closer to us (where I had been before) and tossed the thought around of maybe upgrading to a Highlander, but I just couldn't see spending that much (over the amount I got from the insurance). Ended up getting a pre-owned Rav4 - a 2021 XLE AWD. Pretty much everything I had before, including a roof rack, lift kit (why would they put one on it) and some all-season tires. I'm guessing whoever had it before did some driving in the desert here in AZ. One onwer had owned it for 10 months, but managed 21K miles. And it is white. Not a color I like on vehicles per se, but it was this or wait until May when the next deliveries were made to dealerships. So I have a 'new' car.

I started the new meds yesterday as well. I've been feeling a little off - kind of loopy, and tired. I am sure it the body adjusting not only to the higher dosage BP med, but adding in the diabetes and cholesterol meds have probably helped in feeling this way. Hopefully it will clear up in the next couple days. I also feel more achey, particularly in my chest bones. I am sure they were bruised slightly from the accident, and the new meds kind of make me feel it more than I had been. Weird, right? This mornign I started the glucose metering, and of course, that means a log of my sugar count and BP each day. Pills in the morning, at night, with food, blah blah blah. I'm starting to feel like my grandparents. The Wife even jokingly asked if I needed her to get me a pill box, that designates the day, morn-noon-night catagories so I can fill it up for the week to be sure I am taking the meds at the right time. Needless to say, she laughed at the look I gave her.

I did go down to the VFW last night. I hadn't been there since before the accident. They had some memorial event for a motoircycle club rider, and it was packed. I read a bit, had a couple beers, then left to meet up with a friend. Had a couple more beers, then headed home. Today I pretty much lazed about in front of the computer. Played some Warcraft, watched some videos, did social media, caught up on emails. I feel like a nap now, but being near 6pm I shouldn't, otherwise I won't sleep well tonight, making getting up for work a bear. Even though I usually am a bear when I wake early.

Got things planned out to get done this week, but don't know what days I will get them done. For sure I am taking the rental back tomorrow. Cut the rental fees down, though, I'm sure whatever fees I save will go towards the windshield due to the crack, and also the deposit. Hopefully not more than that. Still need to try to get to the police station for my keys and license (if they still have them there). Also need to get the registration and my specialty plate down to DMV to get that changed over, and a refund, as I paid two years back in march on my plate, and now a year on the new vehicle.The insurance company said they were going to just put the settlement into my account, but in yesterday's mail, I received a check from them. So that means a trip to the bank some day this week. Plus regular work. I hate adulting sometimes.

The Wife is wanting me to go look at some stuff stored out in the 'garage'. Bulk trash pick up is this week, and we always try to get out more of the stuff at those times that were hoarded here, that we know Goodwill/Savers won't take. Someone will be happy, as there is quite a few metal bedrails that we are going toput out. I told the Wife it was not worth the energy/effort for us to find a place to scrap the metal, take it there, etc. Throw in some of those outdoor blinds you use on patios. They are jsut old and falling apart. I think she said there are a couple boxes of old stereo equipemnt and speakers that she is putting out as well. Why the heck did her parents keep this kind of junk? Oh well, at least it is being gotten rid of now.

PeacE

Taxes Due Day

 This week is starting out weird. Today is the 'new' date that everyone is to have their taxes completed and at least in the mail. The Wife finished ours up last night, and I will be dropping them at the Post Office this afternoon after work. With the Wife off from work most of last year, and my lower income level, it seems that we are getting some money back from both Fed and State. So, at least there is some good news.

I also have a doctors appointment today, to follow up on my HBP med, to see if it needs adjusting. Also to review my lab work, which was not the greatest. Welp, change that. I just got the call that I need to reschedule to Friday, because the Dr is out sick today. Sigh. And I just rescheduled a time for new labs (I am sure the doc will have me do them again) to next Monday, instead of tomorrow. Now I will have to figure out a way to get to those appointments, because the rental car needs to be turned in by Thursday. Looks like Lyft time.....

Speaking of rental car, I already mentioned about car shopping. I am anxious for the car to get in and me to drive home in it. I thought I had things planned well with the rental, and my appoinments, but as one can see, there are always factors one cannot plan into the equation.

I should get back to work. Only 6 1/2 hours to go ....sigh.

PeacE

So, I Went Shopping ...

 Yeah. Me. Shopping. Not the kind where I meander all over the place and look at everything (like some people I know). I went shopping, like a Man. I walked into that Toyota delalership knowing what I wanted, what I willing to pay, and they better have it. They didn't. But, as it turns out, they are due a shipment of vehicles 4/25-4/30 that actually has exactly what I want on the trailer. It's a 2022 Rav4 LE AWD, *AND* it is the same color as my old one. I didn't put a reservation on it ($3000) because that monies would not be applied to the pricing. In other words, throwing $3K out there just to secure it. Naw, I'll ltake my chances. So we talked a bit more, and I found out the price I would pay since I am not financing. All in all, a good afternoon. Just waitng the call when it comes in.

I'm still in pain. The cuts on my leg are healing well, for scratches/cuts. The swelling in my shoulder has gone down. Bruising is starting to slowly fade away. But my chest still hurts. Just below the neck area. Feels like the bone(s) are bruised. I wonder when the air bag deployed, either the force of it, or it and maybe an arm) was thrust so hard, that it feels this way. It has been slowly getting better, and I noticed rolling over in bed, etc, was not as painful this morning. But the pain is still enough it distracts me, even when sitting idle. Hopefully I will be mostly back to my normal here this week.

It is Easter Sunday. We haven't given out baskets of candy on this day for years. With most of the kids grown and out of the house, why bother? Though, I do admit RM still does stockings for us kids at Christmas. Either way, we haven't gotten together (my kids/families) for Easter since they started getting older and moving out. The Middle Son had texted the other day, his work was being closed today, and he wanted to know if we had plans. Yesterday I tenatively said if he and his older brother wanted to, we could go to Dennys for lunch today, thinking it would be one of the less crowded places. He is to get back to me this morning. I would not be surprised if I do not hear from him, or they turn it down.

I think I am going to relax most of the day. The Wife will be working on final tax figures this afternoon. She always waits until the last minute, and refuses to pay  (her words - waste) $50 for Turbo Tax, when she thinks she has to figure out the figures anyways to enter it into the program. <shrug> What do I know? The Wife has tkaen this on many years ago, though I don't remember why.

Doctor's appointment tomorrow. Based on the somewhat record I have kept of my BP readings, I thin khe may increase my HBP meds a bit in the dosage. Maybe another 5-10 milligrams. I know he will send me out for lab work again. Some of the numbers from the last one were just weird. My blood sugar and A1C were sky high, to the point it was ridiculous. Though I don't know why - I had to fast 8 hours before I went. Needless to say I expect to do them again. In fact, I need to stop now and set up an appointment time for Tuesday, so I don't have to wait forever as a walk-in. There, done!

The Wife and I went out to dinner last night. I was craving some steak, so we went to Texas Roadhouse. We expected a wait (told 35-45) and an hour later we finally got our seat. We did get our appetizer and drinks fast, but waited nearly 35 minutes for the food, which arrived somewhat just above room temperature. It was possibly our worst experience at this restaurant. I was a bit disappointed, but the food was still good, and both of us were taking home at least half, if not more, of the meal home. I just couldn't eat it all. Another good thing, as I am working on weight loss.

Welp, the day is wasting away, and I haven't done much as of yet, so I should get going.

PeacE

Well, That Was Quick ...

 Yesterday I received a call from the appraiser who had been out to look at the vehicle. As I had been thinking, they are considering the vehicle being "totaled". Then he proceeded to give me a figure he arrived at based on the appraisal he completed, comparables, and the going price. Needless to say, even minus my deductible amount, the figure was higher than I was expecting. In fact, I am able to honestly say that it is more than I paid (at the dealership) when I bought it a year ago. He explained some paperwork I need to complete and FedEx back to him with the title and key(s) for the vehicle, then emailed all the stuff. I'll be doing that tomorrow morning - getting the title and POA notarized, then stop at FedEx to send it. After they get it, they will release the funds.

So that means the rental I just picked up the other day will need to returned mid next week. I have a doctor's appointment Monday later in the day, and I am sure he will order me to get labs done again. So hopefully I can pre-schedule an appointment for the labwork prior to seeing the doctor. Then figure out when I will take the car back and get a ride home.

So, that part of this whole ordeal is pretty much over. I'll let the insurance companies fight over who is responsible and blah blah blah. I met up with my attorney last night and let him know the status of what I was last told fromt he insurance company. When I mentioned that the other party had informed those involved he had added an attorney into the proceedings, my Atty just laughed. 'It's because he knows he is at fault and is running scared' he told me. 'If he was not at fault, he would just wait for the insurance to pay him off. Since he brought an attorney into this, he has to know he is at fault and is preparing to try to fight it'. I believe that, after all, I know I had a green arrow when I started into the intersection. Add in some other factors (flipped my car onto the side shows he was traveling at a higher rate of speed) and that I have not been cited as of today for anything.

Sigh. It is some pressure off me at last. I have been feeling anxiety and stress everytime I had to think about the accident - the details of what happened, etc. With having a settlement figure now, I told the Wife last night that we might run up to the dealership and take a look at what they have available. I think I am going to get another Rav4 LE AWD like this one was. It has been a good vehicle this last year, for trips, for Goodwill trips, and just taking family/friends around. Great gas mileage, many features I like (bluetooth, etc.) and maybe with a 2022 model I can get the push-to-start feature.

Either way, need to get back to work (on a break) so need to end this for today.

PeacE

The Last Big Buy (Hopefully)

 I spent about three hours yesterday making what I hope to be, the last, most-expensive item purchase: a new vehicle. We had gone out last weekend, and purchased the Wife's new vehicle. This weekend was "may turn", though it was not set in stone. I have been looking at websites of vehicles, pricing vehicles, reading reports on vehicles, and even asking people about their own vehicles - things they liked/disliked about whatever they drove. I had thought I was narrowed down to a Honda Accord... but then settled into the idea of the Accord, or a Toyota Rav4.

Last weekend I had requested some info on the Rav4 from a dealership near our home, and they had called whilst we were across town, purchasing the Wife's vehicle (at another Toyota Dealership) and I tentatively had set up an appointment for yesterday. Mainly, I believed, to answer any outstanding questions about the vehicle. However, it turned out to be a 'What color do you have' as I by week's end I had pretty much made up my mind for the Rav. We walked in, asked for the salesman I was to meet (who couldn't be found/reached by phone) and after a few minutes, was assigned to someone else. I made his day SO EASY!!! This is what I want, the color, no financing. Within 10 minutes I was in a nice, dark grey Rav4, driving up the road, and liked it. I got suckered right there. I knew there was a good chance that I would get suckered at some point of the deal, and they got me there. I was looking for a basic Rav4 LE (non-hybrid) FWD... and ended up test driving an AWD (with multi-road type driving selections) which basically raised my price up a bit more. When would I use that? Wait - this is Arizona.... desert. Rainy season. Mud. Snow up North in the winter. Eco and Sport drive modes as well. All the other goodies I really wanted as well (bluetooth for phone/music... the rest of the stuff is meh). 

Within a couple minutes of talking once the price was revealed, we signaled our salesman over, and said "Let's do it." The remaining hour plus of our visit was waiting and completing the final 'financing/signing of docs' - or better called, waiting to do that. A short 5-minute basic tutorial on how to set up my phone via bluetooth (which didn't work out so hot, as it didn't want to cooperate) The Wife and I went to a late lunch at Fast Eddie's. I wanted to go "show off" the new vehicle, but realized I didn't have anyone I really wanted to do that with. My close friends knew there was a good chance I was going to get a car this weekend. The family that needed to know, already knew the same. Anyone else didn't matter. I sat in the parking lot after lunch, trying to figure out the phone issue and looking through the manual. No luck. Drove home, sat outside the house and tried a couple other ideas. No luck. Had to run an errand (yup, truly it was not an excuse just to drive it again) and finally figured out the phone issue, and got it fixed. It hit at least 91 degrees yesterday, and I learned, that even in Park, the car gets very chilled with the A/C - and it wasn't even on max!

So we both have new vehicles (both are 2021s), and the idea is to hopefully not buy another vehicle  (in regards to ourselves) for 10-15 years. Which means, it could be my last big purchase. Fifteen years will put me in my mid-60s, and if I am still alive, and driving, I think the decision would be made towards a used vehicle. Why buy another new one at that Point? The "Never had a new car until now" phase of our lives is now over.... in a few days when the newness wears off.

It is Sunday, and early. Woke just before 4am, and not able to sleep. Not sure what is on the agenda today. I think I may go up to the pub for a short bit this afternoon, and maybe show a couple acquaintances the new ride. Or maybe just drive around a bit. Monday I will get the insurance set up, and then it's just waiting on the new plates.

Thursday I found out that we were a bit behind schedule on our work project. They had expected the first phase to be completed that day, but by my estimation, the first phase won't complete actually until Monday. So about 2-1/2 days behind. My guess is that this means this project will last up to 4 weeks, versus the 3 they stated, and through in the late start .... At least it is work. I need to brag a bit. The Project Lead had mentioned how each of us needed to be reviewing XX amount of documentation per hour, and that anyone who was below that, she had spoken with privately to let them know they needed to step-up. I was like, huh? I mean, I am reviewing 4 times the regular amount per hour - how could anyone else be that low/slow? Only able to read pictures? I admit, I am a speed reader... and this particular project, the information we are reviewing is "short" documentation - documents with only 1 page, and little to review, versus 150 page documents, spreadsheets, etc. So yeah ... I'm doing at least 4 times (at my 'just doing the job' pace - I could easily move it up) of the documents than most of my co-workers. AND Quality Control has not said anything to me of "missed" information or any other mistakes. Damn, I'm good.

And that, is how we come to today's music video. When one is pretty full of themself, like I feel with the above, this one nails it on the head, right RM? Remember this one?

Geez... just spent an hour and half floating through YouTube while getting this one...

PeacE

One Down, and One to Go

 The Wife is happy. Me, I'm kinda feeling 'meh'. Saturday we ended up getting the Wife a vehicle she liked. A 2021 Toyota Highlander. Despite it taking nearly four hours to conclude the deal and drive away, it was a decent experience. This is the first NEW car we have ever owned - all the previously owned/bought vehicles were used. This morning I sent off the VIN info to my Insurance guy ... Already feeling negative about how much the insurance premium is going to go up since we are adding comp/collision for the Highlander. And that will give me an idea how much more it will jump again once I finally get my newer vehicle as well. Sigh. Que sera sera....

Other than the vehicle, nothing really exciting happened. We did swing by RM & PT's place Saturday with the new vehicle to "show it off" and also see PT's new ride. Still have strong feelings about he shouldn't be driving, but there isn't anything I can do about it. Hopefully it won't take an accident for PT to realize this. I even try to put myself in his shoes - as if it were I that was older and my family came to me about the situation. It's hard to say I would not do the same thing.....just can't figure it out until I get there. Meanwhile, he is there, and blah blah blah.

Looks like a regular work week for me. Of course AZ doesn't change our clocks like the rest of the country does. Well, a small portion of AZ does... up on the Reservation in NE AZ. I think they follow NM on the time change. So no having to "get up earlier" or anything. Kind of wish the job hours would go to an hour earlier start time. I like getting the work day started early, and finish up early.

Youngest is on Spring Break this week. Still have a couple weeks before the Wife and I go to Tucson. Just not much of anything else happening.

PeacE

Staying Awake For All the Wrong Reasons

 It is a little past 3am and I am awake still. I'm not sure if it is because I slept in later than usual today, or what. I'm about ready to head back to bed for attempt number two.

The Wife and I had a nice late lunch. RM & PT picked up the Youngest and took him for games, etc. this afternoon - some time with him to celebrate his birthday last week. I thought we might get out and look at some cars, but after eating, the Reading Room call came in, so we had to head home. Then we just didn't feel like going back out.

The Wife and I did plan that we are going to spend a weekend in Tucson though for our anniversary, and take Doodad out for the day with us...once I find us something to do. I told the Wife that the main requirement is that we have a new vehicle prior to going. At this point I don't care if it is her's or mine, but one needs to be gotten. I know if it is not hers, the length of time it will take for her to get one will be extended worse than the fictional extended car warranty that they save I have and need to renew.

Okay, I'm out to try attempt two.

PeacE

Me? Late For Dinner? Never!

 ... and that didn't happen last night, either. I'm sure many of us have heard the 'Call me anything, except late to dinner' quip/line before, usually from someone that may be a 'little' heavy in the weight. Or, from some people like me, that are quite a bit beyond 'little' in that area. I know I have used that phrase a lot. Or the "See-Food Diet" that I am on. Or how great my attention is, as I don't miss anything, especially meals. I'm a Social Drinker - I see you drinking, so shall I! Oh, I am sure there are many others that come to mind for you, but those were just the easy ones off the top of my head.

No, this isn't a post about my weight, or the weight of anyone else. Not about the 'weight of the world' on one's shoulders. I just got to rambling on about the subject.

The start was supposed to be about what a nice time we had at the Youngest Son's birthday dinner last night. We were able to make arrangements so that at least his two older brothers could be there. Youngest had requested Chili's and it was nice that there was one closer to their apartment. Good thing, too, as the Oldest had a work schedule change and was working nights for a few days. It may not have lasted as long as some of our dinner out, but it was a good time. I miss having the family all together at times.

It's just after 4am here this morning. Again I am up early. Slept decently, and only blame waking up on my bladder. It wasn't an "urgent" call, and so I laid there for twenty minutes before I figured I wasn't going to be able to fall back asleep if I got up for the bathroom. So here I am. 

Still waiting to hear from the Company for the next project.

The Wife and I are having our 30th Wedding Anniversary later this month. Last year we had a serious discussion about going to Hawaii for a week, if not on the date, somewhere near it. I had even begun looking into the travel plans (hotels, car, planes) but things just never got off the ground enough. Travel restrictions kept coming in that made things more difficult. Issues with the state of AZ and the DMV regarding "special" licenses for plane travel versus regular living. Not knowing how the world was going to end. All that made planning said trip exceedingly less of an issue. A year later, who would have known that the Wife would be out of work, and we would be down to one vehicle? That schools would not be attended, and only at-home learning was in session. The Wife and I still have not gotten the "special" driver's license type in AZ you need to be able to fly. The only obvious difference between it and the current one? You have to spend more money to get the special one, and not much else as far as I can tell. It is like they want to re-certify your license, as they require birth cert and all that all over again. Wasn't the proof I have one good enough to show I provided all that before? Either way, not sure what I can come up with in less than three weeks for our anniversary. I'll have to put some thought into it.

Still looking virtually at cars right now. The Wife wants to find something that something that is easy to get in/out of, without having to squat to get in, or climb steps to get in. The minivan is about the right height she is looking for, and she asked on social media for suggestions. Many of those we looked up pics on, and I knocked a few out of the equation. We have a handful we need to get out and physically look and test drive. I want to do it this weekend, but don't know what is on schedule or not. Will see how that goes. I know the car RM has is one on our list, so maybe I can make arrangement to go there this weekend and visit (though really to take her out for a bit and see how the Wife like it or not). I know RM would love the idea, as long as she doesn't have other plans. I'm sire I will hear later today one way or the other.... right?

Well, I am really starting to ramble on, so I guess I will shut this down for today.

PeacE

The Near-End-Of-Week Goings-On

 This week has been a bit of ups and downs. See the last post for how the week started... that felt like being on a roller coaster, and just started out of the station, and heard/felt that "Chink" as the cars hooked into the chain that pulls them up that first big hill.

Tuesday the Wife and I drove to Scottsdale and signed paperwork to close on the sell of our old home. On the way, we discussed what we thought might be the "final" figure we would end up with. Once we actually saw the settlement statement, we had guessed nearly spot on. That was a relief. Signing happened with no issues. Yesterday we received notice that it recorded, and fund disbursement would happen today. It is nice to have that over with, and no longer a worry. I do expect some additional funds to be coming back to me from the mortgage company (escrow account) and possibly the insurance company.

Since the beginning of the HS school year, the youngest has mostly been doing 'virtual learning' from home. There was short period of about a month or so, that they actually returned to school on a hybrid learning program. But when Covid numbers busted high again, it was back to all learning at home. This has caused us issues with his grades - as in him not wanting to do homework, thus, results were a couple weeks ago of two classes with a grade of "F". As parents, we have tried different things to get him to get the grade up, encouraging him to do the make-ups as allowed, etc. We have withheld his tablet from him as we could, though he has notes from classes on it supposedly, and needs it back at times. I have been frustrated about the whole thing, and have informed him if he fails, he repeats it, as I am not paying for Summer School. As of yesterday, he still has one class with an "F", and we had to physically wrestle the tablet away from him. I don't know what to do anymore. He has basically 2 weeks to get his grade up before getting a final grade. I wish the school would get back to mandatory attendance "at school" instead of this at home crap. It would help solve the issues... as he was doing fine when he went even part of the week.

The Company I work for has offices across the US, and I often am working online with people in several different states. The projects we work on, also have some weird time availabilities for us to work, based on the location of the Client (I think). Either way, this current project allows me to start work as early as 6am. I have always preferred to start work earlier, allowing me to finish earlier in the day (and also need to go to bed earlier too). So a 6:30-2:30 day is pretty nice! This week, with a late start on Monday, I actually have been working til 3pm, getting that extra half hour in each day, to help make closer to 40 for the week. I truly love doing this job.

I have yet to verify with the Wife, but I think we will go out this Saturday and test-drive some vehicles. We are both looking to get newer ones (her a newer one, me, just one to have).

That's all I got today...

PeacE

Vacation Week!

The Wife and I are both on vacation this week. As par for the course, it is supposed to be rainy and dreary all day today. But the rest of this week should be fine weather-wise. No special plans. My Doodad is coming up from Tucson with her parents and are going to be in town thru Wednesday. So I am sure we will get some time with them.

After vacation week, I return to work for three days, then I am done there and hopefully starting at the new place right away. It is "contract" work, so am hoping they will have a spot available for me to start... If not, I am continuing to pursue other avenues whilst waiting.

In other news, I guess we are getting a mini-van. Had been waiting on the MIL inheiratence to begin looking on replacing the Wife's vehicle. I guess the RM decided to get rid of her van. Looks like we are getting it to use until the Wife decides to get something else.

I just noticed I don't have the spell checker option on here anymore... guess you'll just have to take my bad spellings as they are...

PeacE

Life Is Crazy

Much has happened since I last logged in here and spewed words. The Wife was in an accident (her fault) and totaled the mini-van. I had to give up driving the "back-up" car (Middle Son's to be) and was catching rides with Reverend Mother. Finally got my insurance check on my car. Was able to find another vehicle pretty fast - a 2007 Dodge Charger. Same year as the Magnum was, so the interior is exactly the same, just not the larger cargo area in the back. It is black with some spots of paint weathering. Got it for a low, low price, too. Been running awesome!

Then about a couple weeks ago, the Oldest Son get tagged by a hit and run driver. Thankfully the damage is only cosmetic and his car doesn't need replaced. But the police have not been able to locate the other driver. Unfortunately, we don't carry the extras on the insurance policy, so no repairs being done.

This past Friday I turned 48 this year. Never thought I would live so long. Spent a nice evening out with some friends and had a few too many beers.

The Redskins have their first regular season game today, and I will be heading up to the pub to watch it.Here's to hoping they have a good season.

Welp, that's about all I got.

PeacE

Chaos Rules!

The last couple of weeks have been a bit chaotic. Adjusting to being at work again. The back is holding up well, though we are in the slower period of the year for the business. I have not had to lift many heavy objects, which is even better, as it gives me more time. One of the guys in my dept. took vacation last week, so I had to put in a few extra hours .... like 10, so that 50 hour week was a bit long. Overtime is over time, and though our pay periods aren't matched to a Sun-Sat week, it will average out that I get a couple hours overtime for two pay periods. Beats the 36 hour weeks I was having. By winter, I should be back up to about 42 hours/week. Yes, we get that busy.

We bought the oldest Son a car this weekend. It was off of Stuman and his wife. We went to a DMV office this morning to get the title changed to his name, but couldn't. Seems even though the registration is good until December, they said it needed a new emissions done prior to changing title. Which means we will probably have to pay registration fees on top of everything else now as well. Either way, we ran it through emissions where it passed. Now to get back to get the title changed, but due to other things going on, may not do it until Wednesday. then setting up the insurance....

The middle Son is at band camp this week. Tomorrow is his school registration (hence why it may be Wed to do the title thing). Two weeks until school starts for the two younger Sons. The oldest Son is to be getting ready for community college, but I have not seen him do anything yet.

Guess I should get out of here. It is almost time to head to work.

PeacE

Boosting the Economy

Economic recovery ... is it happening? From what I have been hearing from our local news talk radio station, not really. I get the impression that many are in limbo. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop. The last recession is claimed to have started about 2008, and supposedly we have "recovered" but not to the level we were at before it hit. Consumer spending is still down, and there is good reason for that: no one is getting raises, yet the price of everything is pretty much only going up.

That's how I understand it anyways. If I got it wrong, please correct me. Better yet, don't. I kind of like my version.

Either way, I did my best to help give the local economy here a boost. Saturday I went out and bought a used (new to me) car. Or is it a van? I have had the 2000 Ford Windstar van for many years. Many problems with it. Too much money spent on repairs. I think I have told that story before. The Wife and I went out Saturday, and ended up purchasing a 2007 Dodge Magnum. Talked the dealer down $2,700 (before license/tax/etc) and feel that we did a pretty good job for the price we paid. I got it insured this morning (though, I guess I could have done that Saturday, but didn't think about doing it all online). I'm a little excited, as this is the newest vehicle I have ever owned ... and it is "mine". I say mine, as I will be the primary driver of it. The Wife has already said she would not feel comfortable driving it, which is fine with me.

The Daughter and SIL were up the whole week last week. He had some kind of training the company sent him up to do. She was along to spend time with friends/family. Why not? She still hasn't bothered to do her testing so she can work in the field that we paid for her schooling for. Yeah, still not happy about that. They left last night. I asked when they would be up next thinking July 4th, but no. I said it was fine, we weren't doing anything anyways.

I have a couple days coming up the week after the 4th that I have off. Thinking of taking the boys to the water park here. I still have a couple more days of vacation to use before the end of August or I lose them.

Guess it is about time I head into work.

PeacE

For Sale

When I am not at work, the personal vehicle I use is a minivan. A 2000 Ford Windstar, that we had purchased back in around the mid 2000's ... if I remember right. I'm thinking it was around 2005, as it was just before the last child of mine was born. We were in a rush to get it, as the previous POS crap van we had only sat three in the back, so with the one on the way... plus, the van had crapped out on us when we went to San Diego. Either way, it was the best deal I could find at the time, and I think it was $6,000. Back around 2011-2012, I got rid of the Saturn I was driving (it was on it's last leg) and we purchased a newer van, for the Wife to drive, and I would take over the Windstar. For a Ford, I guess it has done pretty good. Fifteen years, and it still runs. Only now, the check engine light is on, needs many, many things done to it. Time to retire it rather than spend more money getting it fixed. Over the years we have had it, I think we have spent over 6K in repairs already.

So the past couple weeks I have been going through dealerships online, seeing what is available. I don't want brand new, but something a bit more current ... say within 7 years. Though there is product out there, it is too expensive. The Wife and I don't want to add on an additional monthly payment to some car finance company, plus even higher insurance due to the full coverage. Haven't been seeing many vehicles on the side of the road with for sale signs in the windows.

I spent about an hour on Craigslist last night. Saw some really good deals. Saw many that I would not even think of contacting. I was a bit shocked at the number of words misspelled in car descriptions, or worse, intermixed with Spanish words, or spelling. I know we have [too] many Hispanics out here, but still. I think this Friday after work I will be running through the ads there again, and see if I can find a couple to check out on Saturday. Trust me, I'll take the precautions suggested (and a few I have made up) to be sure I don't get screwed, or attacked. Sometimes Craigslist people are dangerous .... or so I have heard stories. Heard more stories about the deals/experiences being good.

So, maybe I will be driving a new car this weekend .... maybe I won't. 

PeacE