Join Early Retirement Today
Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-15-2016, 04:39 PM   #2481
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
NW-Bound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 35,712
Costco parking lot is often like a zoo, particularly in the holiday season.

I now park at the far end of the lot. It gives me a bit more exercise walking to/from the store. I have no need nor desire for that fancy schmancy Fitbit.
__________________
"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man" -- Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)

"Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities Can Make You Commit Atrocities" - Voltaire (1694-1778)
NW-Bound is offline  
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 12-15-2016, 05:50 PM   #2482
Full time employment: Posting here.
Taxman59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 645
Today worked with DS3 on his physical therapy (recovering from knee surgery), prepped the house for my recovery next week and packed a bag for DW to bring to the hospital with clothes to come home in after my knee replacement surgery. Am about to finish my last water of the day then nothing until after surgery.
Taxman59 is offline  
Old 12-15-2016, 05:51 PM   #2483
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
travelover's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,328
We are in the process of packing to move from a 2700 square foot house to a 2 bedroom apartment. As a result we are giving away furniture that we will no longer need, on Freecycle. Today we gave away a dining room table, china closet and buffet (Salvation Army, etc will not even take these). The couple that showed up were ringers for George Castanza's parents on the old Seinfield sitcom. I finally gave up and helped them load up the stuff to hurry them on their way.
travelover is offline  
Old 12-15-2016, 06:21 PM   #2484
Moderator Emeritus
Ronstar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 16,543
Walked from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and back. Maybe about 3 miles.
Ronstar is offline  
Old 12-15-2016, 06:25 PM   #2485
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
NW-Bound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 35,712
I thought the causeway in Key West was not that wide.
__________________
"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man" -- Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)

"Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities Can Make You Commit Atrocities" - Voltaire (1694-1778)
NW-Bound is offline  
Old 12-15-2016, 06:28 PM   #2486
Moderator Emeritus
Ronstar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 16,543
Quote:
Originally Posted by NW-Bound View Post
I thought the causeway in Key West was not that wide.


Good point. I should have walked it there instead across the Key West mainland. But the mainland is more exciting.
Ronstar is offline  
Old 12-15-2016, 09:51 PM   #2487
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
38Chevy454's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 4,354
Got home and the postman had delivered the new dryer heating element. So proceeded to change out the element and get dryer back to good working condition, DW is happy!

Dryer crapped out on Mon, DW says not getting hot. I quickly took it apart and determined the element had broken as I suspected. Took old one out, found P/N and searched quick online, found new one for $21 delivered cost on ebay. Ordered up, got notice of shipped out Tues morning, and it arrived today (Thurs). Price from online appliance parts places was around $41-44 plus shipping.

This morning my gate opener was not working right. Batteries must be low on voltage, and they are kept charged by solar panel. So tonight I rigged up a spare older 12v car battery so it can operate. Ordered up a couple new batteries for cheap $33 delivered, on ebay again. Will install those when they arrive and after I give them a full charge. The batteries are the smaller sealed lead acid type, about the size of typical motorcycle batteries. They fit inside the gate controller box.
__________________
The problem isn't artificial intelligence, it's natural stupidity.

You can't spend yourself to prosperity.

Semi-Retired 7/1/16: working part-time (60%) for now [4/24/17 changed to 80%]
Retired Aug 2, 2017; age 53
38Chevy454 is offline  
Old 12-16-2016, 04:42 PM   #2488
Moderator
rodi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: San Diego
Posts: 14,171
Woke up to rain... much needed rain - but that put a crimp in my normal routine to walk the dog on the beach. (I go in the drizzle or off/on showers... but this was a steady soaking rain.)

Came home from taking the kids to the bus and did a little review of my last 3 chapters then took the final exam for the intro to accounting class I've been taking online through the community college. Nice thing about the online course - I saw the grade immediately... I did well enough to lock in my "a" for the class. Not sure why I care about grades at this point in my life....

Then DH and I put new windshield wipers on my car... DH couldn't figure out how the clippy things worked... So I had to step in and help him. LOL.

Went to lunch at the local Italian joint....

Kids are now home from school and officially on Christmas break. They're grumpy with me because I'm insisting they still do the normal routine of piano practice, chores, etc... So I've got nice background music while I type this.
__________________
Retired June 2014. No longer an enginerd - now I'm just a nerd.
micro pensions 6%, rental income 20%
rodi is offline  
Old 12-17-2016, 06:50 AM   #2489
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: S. California
Posts: 776
Woke up to rain here as well, but it was tapering off so went ahead and met my GF for an invigorating seven mile hike. We started off in light rain, which was actually fun in that it was still fairly mild, temperature wise. Along the way we encountered a lot of puddles and mud, plus a gorgeous flock of white pelicans.

After returning home and showering, I had lunch then took a quick recovery nap (chagrined to admit that I now need naps following hard workouts ). Spent a big chunk of the afternoon researching films for an upcoming film festival we're attending. Watched a Great Learning Courses about the history of Opera with DH, opened our weekly bottle of wine and enjoyed a glass before starting dinner, which was veggie burgers along with sauteed sweet potatoes, red onions and bell peppers. Bundled up (the California version anyway) and walked up the street to see holiday lights. An electronic jigsaw puzzle kept me happily occupied upon our return up until lights out time.
ElizabethT is offline  
Old 12-17-2016, 07:48 AM   #2490
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
John Galt III's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,782
Took garbage can full of leaves to recycling, only to see a big sign saying it was closed until 1/2/2017! Eased my pain by stopping at beer store. Bought another case of the English ale I love, still on sale. Also scored a case of Ballast Point Sculpin IPA at half off! It's past its expiration date, hence the sale price, but it's really good, tastes even better since I got it at a great price.
John Galt III is offline  
Old 12-17-2016, 09:26 AM   #2491
Full time employment: Posting here.
jjquantz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Western Maryland
Posts: 926
Slept in until almost 10 this morning after not getting home until late after last night's concert playing Charpentier's Midnight Mass with a wonderful vocal ensemble. I've really enjoyed this week - rehearsals Monday and Wednesday, performance last night and another tomorrow. This is the sort of musical apprenticeship I wish I had gotten in my 20's, working alongside some top-notch musicians playing music that I love. Makes me feel young
jjquantz is offline  
Santa Train
Old 12-17-2016, 09:52 AM   #2492
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Souschef's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Santa Paula
Posts: 4,070
Santa Train

I am getting ready to don my bib overalls and conductor's hat to work the local tourist train. Next month we are starting restoration work on a diesel switch engine that was donated to our railroad society.
__________________
Retired Jan 2009 Have not looked back.
AA 60/35/5 considering SS and pensions a SP annuity
WR 2% with 2SS & 2 Pensions
Souschef is offline  
Old 12-17-2016, 10:08 AM   #2493
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Just_Steve's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Dutchess County
Posts: 1,599
Debating if I should go out and shovel the 6 inches of snow that just finished falling or let nature take its course. Weather is calling for rain tomorrow with temps near 50 deg.
Just_Steve is offline  
Old 12-17-2016, 12:22 PM   #2494
Administrator
Gumby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 22,973
Got up early and shoveled snow. Went to get my driver's license renewed. Now I'm in the middle of smoking a turkey breast and two chicken breasts.
__________________
Living an analog life in the Digital Age.
Gumby is online now  
Old 12-17-2016, 03:14 PM   #2495
Recycles dryer sheets
outdoorgirl02's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 268
Got over the initial shock that we got 9" of snow instead of the predicted 2-4". Then made a bet (bribe) with DD that if she got her loose tooth out today, I would buy her this toy she wants. Of course, 5 minutes later, she has the tooth out. We have been trying to get this tooth out for 4 months because it is behind an adult tooth that is fully in. So, we bundled up, went to lunch, then to Target to get the toy.
outdoorgirl02 is offline  
Old 12-18-2016, 01:07 PM   #2496
Moderator
MBAustin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,925
Got up at 0-dark-30 (well, 6:45, but anything before 7 is too early now) as today was our big Christmas Festival of Carols at church. About 90 singers (2nd grade to 80+), 30 piece orchestra, and teens doing liturgical dance. More than 800 folks attended between the two services even though it was 26 degrees this morning (I know that's not cold for some of you but it never got this cold at all last winter). This is the 17th year we've done it and I still get chills singing every year. Most of the carols were written or arranged by John Rutter - here's a YouTube of one of his newest pieces that we did today. It is very touching as he wrote it to benefit the Red Balloon Learner Centre that works with severely bullied children.



Now I'm catching up online, paying bills, etc., and may wrap some gifts this afternoon if DS goes out. I'm staying in and cooking chicken noodle soup for dinner this evening - just the thing for a frigid day.
__________________
"One of the funny things about the stock market is that every time one person buys, another sells, and both think they are astute." William Feather
----------------------------------
ER'd Oct. 2010 at 53. Life is good.
MBAustin is offline  
Old 12-19-2016, 03:47 PM   #2497
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
NW-Bound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 35,712
I have not done a lot today, other than surfin' the Web, and went out to the backyard to see how the winter veggie garden is doing. My wife is in the hospital, watching out for my mother-in-law who got pneumonia.

I am going to log off to go for a walk. Need to get the juices going.
__________________
"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man" -- Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)

"Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities Can Make You Commit Atrocities" - Voltaire (1694-1778)
NW-Bound is offline  
Old 12-19-2016, 04:38 PM   #2498
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
MRG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,078
Received the check from our house closing. Teller said the proceeds would be available at midnight. I think restoring the cash buffer is done!

Proceeded to take one dog who is getting fussy about eating to the new vet. Not sure if the little dog(shitzu mix) is playing food games or has a problem. We thought she was having dental issues but it's impossible to fully examine her mouth. Vet did some blood work, unfortunately it has to be sent out. Then she needs dental cleaning.... It was a reality check when I spent a few hundred on an office visit and some blood work.
MRG is offline  
Old 12-19-2016, 05:16 PM   #2499
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Helen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Portland
Posts: 2,038
We took our second 900 pound of mostly food and some clothing to a migrant community food pantry and shelter. They are about 1.25 hour south of the city and have great need for everything.

We made one run last week right before an ice storm hit and took a lot of fresh produce that would have frozen in our garage. Today we took the heavy stuff: flour, sugar and cooking oil along with a lot of canned food.

It is much more efficient to write a check to the big food bank, but we wanted to donate to a migrant community this year.

It's nice to have our garage and freezer space back.
Helen is offline  
Old 12-19-2016, 08:41 PM   #2500
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Colorado Mountains
Posts: 3,165
I took the plow truck in to a welder to get the mounting frame straightened out and rewelded. Hopefully I will get it back in time to get it in to have the front end alignment checked out. I think I bent a tie rod. It is supposed to snow on Friday. I hope I have it back by then.
Hermit is offline  
Closed Thread


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Do you use "It's Deductible" online version? spncity FIRE and Money 10 04-07-2014 08:39 PM
Did I say Class of 2016? Make it 2013... sort of ziggy29 Life after FIRE 49 04-08-2013 09:11 PM
How Did You Get There and When Did You Start cscott711 FIRE and Money 51 01-05-2012 09:53 AM
Did you retire or Did you quit GTM Life after FIRE 19 03-09-2006 01:06 PM

» Quick Links

 
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:35 AM.
 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.