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Apple iPhone 6 16GB (Unlocked).........$400

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Apple iPhone 5s - 64GB Unlocked........$390



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Apple iPhone 4s - 32GB -(Unlocked)....$200

Apple iPhone 4s - 64GB (Unlocked)....$250



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New Apple iPhone 5s 16GB (Unlocked)...................$500

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Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 7.0 8GB, White......... $200

Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam ----...........---- $380

Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III ---------.....---- $350

Samsung I9070 Galaxy S Advance --........-... $310

Samsung Galaxy Note ------................... $300

Samsung Galaxy Nexus ------------..........- .$300

Samsung Galaxy Prevail -------------......... $300

Samsung I9001 Galaxy S Plus ------ ...........$300

Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II ----------......... $210

Samsung Galaxy S 4G ----------............... $220

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 ---.................- $280

Samsung Galaxy Tab Wi-Fi -- ..................$279

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Samsung I9003 Galaxy SL --..................- $240

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Do you know how to get rid of a computer virus?

I have AVG Internet Security on my machine. It showed that I have a virus and that it had been healed. But everyday the virus check ran, it would show the virus had been detected and healed.



I contacted AVG and they tell me this virus encodes itself somehow and regenerates within your machine. They gave me a case number and said they'd get back to me in 2 days as to how to get rid of it. They have not got back to me and now say they have a high volume so they will not be able to get back to me for 2 more days.



Does anyone know much about this? Win32/Zmist

Do you know how to get rid of a computer virus?

forum for ideas about aging

I would welcome a forum focusing on ideas about aging. For example, today I figured out for the first time that, my strength being diminished due to age, that I can cut through a corn cob by hitting the knife with a hammer a few times. I would love to know adjustments others are discovering. Or is it better just to have these, as they are now, as part of the subjects we've already established. My thinking is, I wouldn't think to post about these aging things in those.

forum for ideas about aging

Frustrated with a friend

Earlier today, I posted in Health and Health Care for suggestions re: a gift for a friend.



I'm really feeling troubled about this same friend.



A year or so ago, she lost her elderly father. Like many people, he had an accident at home that led to his being in a coma and he never regained consciousness. She took it really hard, and so did the rest of the family. It's hard for me to relate to her on this issue, b/c my dad was abusive and we were not close. But she really seems torn up about it, and she has some other problems in her life that are really tough.



We've been friends all our lives. That said, I'm starting to feel like she's clinging to her misery and grief, and I'm starting to feel just a wee bit frustrated. She emails me at least once a week with a miserable story about how her family and she are fighting, she and her husband are fighting, her mother is flipping out over this that or the other. She rarely asks me how I am doing. I have my own problems right now (nothing huge, thankfully).



Last week, she emailed me and told me she went to a medium and her father "spoke" to her. Now, I don't want to diss anyone's beliefs, etc., but I think this is nonsense and not real. Of course the medium had very nice things to say, like her dad was at peace, etc. I was pretty noncommittal about the whole thing. I think I just said I thought it sounded scary. Which it does.



Then her mother got mad at her for the things her father "said." Now this week it's something about her siblings not helping her when her mom needs someone around all the time (not sure if it's loneliness or what).



She is supposedly seeing a counselor. I have made suggestions. I sent her links to bereavement support groups.



I don't know what else I can do. I feel like I'm not being a good enough friend. At the same time, I want to back away.



What do you think?

Frustrated with a friend

Sick of Medicare calls and mail

DH and I are eligible for Medicare soon. I can't believe the number of telemarketing calls and mail we are getting. We are on a do-not-call list, but it doesn't seem to stop them. It's pretty darned irritating.

Sick of Medicare calls and mail

Funny thing.........

I took a break from my sorting out stuff to get rid of to have lunch. I was watching "The Rockford Files" while I was eating. I have been trying to decide what to ask my kids if they want, or just send it to Goodwill. The last thing I want is to have the kids bring this stuff back home when they're cleaning their own stuff out in the future. But what was funny was the beginning of the Rockford show was about him cleaning out stuff from his trailer, and his dad came over and was trying to take all the stuff back to his house..........saying how good everything still was, or it could be fixed, etc., and Rockford said "The last thing I want to do is some day clean out your garage and find all this stuff again!" Hahaha...........It helped me decide what to do.

Funny thing.........

Self-Care Kit?

Hello, everyone--My best friend will be celebrating a milestone birthday (50) in a little over a month.

I would like to make some kind of a self-care kit for her. She is very stressed out and going through a bad time in her life.



Needless to say :) I can't spend a lot on the kit. So, I'm looking for suggestions to include in the kit.



Thank you!!

Self-Care Kit?

A solution to the Obamacare controversy?

This is interesting. Swiss voters just rejected going to a single-payer system. I didn't know that Switzerland has a health insurance system very similar to Obamacare.



I still believe that Medicare for all (aka single-payer) is the best solution for this country, since we've already got most of the infrastructure in place to do it. But reading this story got me thinking: Although the Swiss still have a private system, there's a key difference—there's no employer-provided healthcare coverage. Everybody is in the private market, which must greatly expand the risk pool. So, if people in this country are looking for a compromise between Obamacare in its present form and single payer, getting rid of employer-provided insurance (by eliminating the tax break employers get) would be one way to go. That would actually be something I could get behind, provided the private insurers were carefully regulated.



The prevalence of employer-provided health insurance in the US is an unhappy historical accident. During WWII, wages were frozen and so companies started offering health insurance as an inducement. Over the years, this had the effect of divorcing many people from healthcare costs and contributed to rising prices. Of course, a reform of this kind would be a steep political climb. The hysteria and misinformation that accompanied Obamacare would be mild to what would accompany even the suggestion of such a radical change.



On the other hand, I expect employers would love to be free of the healthcare burden. It's too bad the state of political dysfunction in this country is such that even having a sane dialog about a solution like this one is impossible.

A solution to the Obamacare controversy?

Clothes from China?

Some of us around here (Santa Fe) no longer feed our animals or selves anything that has ingredients from China, due to nuclear contamination there. I as already not buying clothes made in China for reason of the workers, but I was given a sweater made there--would the same thing apply about nuclear?

Clothes from China?

Christmas tree lights......give away or recycle?

I have a box full of various strands of christmas tree lights. Dilemma......do I give them to Goodwill in hopes that someone will use them and when they don't work anymore, recycle them?

Or do I just recycle them now? As I mentioned in another thread, I'm not in a big recycling area. (Well, there's lots of places to recycle, but I would say most people don't recycle).

Christmas tree lights......give away or recycle?

Starting over...and enjoying it this time

I am finding my new career path to be quite enjoyable. I have about 1 year of college ahead of me and I am picking up experience working for free with a few different businesses in town. I love the exploring, the getting to know about things I honestly never knew existed, the lingo, the pace, such a different industry for me from the healthcare I have known over the past 22 years. I feel 18 again. :) It's exciting!!!



Has anyone else here started over, career wise, and found you surely enjoyed the process? Thanks.

Starting over...and enjoying it this time

When simple pleasures change

I used to be ritualistic about my coffee in the morning. It was an ordered way of greeting my day. Warm mug of coffee, with the sugar and creamer swirling around, small sips, taking in every smell and letting it press between my tongue and the top of my mouth. The warmth in my belly as it hit.



Over the past year or so, I have noticed I do not enjoy coffee as much as I used to. Breakfast either. It's weird to explain but I just feel like my simple pleasures are changing.



Now I enjoy getting up, letting out the dogs, taking the morning for even 2 minutes. If it's during the week, I get my son up for school and off in 35 minutes. Then I come home, check my email and postings like this and just slip into the day. I haven't touched my coffee maker in 3 days. Breakfast used to be somewhat of a ritual too, thinking I had to nourish myself first thing with food. Now I nourish with peace and energy ever morning. I may not have a bite to eat until 9.



I am finding, as I gracefully grow into who I am, I am shedding, like the layers of decluttering, the layers of my old self. I did things that way because I always did them that way. It's not that I didn't have some joy but at some point, it change and I forgot to change with it. Allowing myself to do so is making for quite an interesting life and I am looking forward to what's around the next corner.



I used to be afraid of change. Don't know why- I think because I always felt something bad was coming or it was going to hurt. Now I embrace it. It's been nice. :)

When simple pleasures change

Pockets of things to go

After letting the dust of the yard sale settle and enjoying life a bit, I am back at it and I am shocked I have found another bag of stuff to go. Another layer, another round of the why and why not's. Interesting how it does come in the layers so many minimalist/declutterers talk about. Just living in the moment and enjoying it all.

Pockets of things to go

Outside storage for spare house key?

Having moved into a new house, I am concerned about having a spare key stored outside somewhere inconspicuous.



What has worked for you over the years? l have always had neighbours with whom I exchanged keys but did get locked the one holiday when all were away. Only time I locked myself out, of course.

Outside storage for spare house key?

NY Times article - Woman in car

http://ift.tt/1roXdAk



I wasn't sure whether to post this thread here or in Public Policy. I read this article today and can't get it out of my mind, so just had to share. My initial reaction was that the article spoke to the need to raise the minimum wage. But on so many levels, the article is about poor choices, the exhaustion that can leave one liable to make poor choices and the extremes that the working poor go through to survive. On the one hand, the article makes me appreciative of my job, albeit soul sucking but with good benefits, yet, at the same time feeling disturbed at the disparity of lives and lifestyles that result from our current system (and perhaps all systems). Thoughts?

NY Times article - Woman in car

How much work stress do you tolerate?

I was just over reading on the Dave Ramsey forum and someone was asking if his wife should quit her job, as she "experienced a lot of stress more than once a week/"

This made me wonder about my job and stress, and whether other people tolerate a lot of stress at work/look for other work/quit/become disabled from stress--these are all alternatives I can think of right now.



Do some people actually only get stressed once a week at work? That sounds really nice to me.



I am on vacation from my main job, still working my second job, and vacation ends in a couple of days. I know my stress levels correlate with this main job, as this is pretty clear, but I am wondering how others here deal with this problem?



My primary reason for working is access to health care, followed by money.



Yet my main job has created a stressful situation for me, most of the time--with concurrent rise in blood pressure, insomnia, depression and anxiety. I have worked hard, with some success, to work through my reactions and improve them, but I am still struggling with panic reactions, etc., to the job.



On the other hand, being broke would produce all of those, too. . .

How much work stress do you tolerate?

Fall is approaching, daylilies

Fall is approaching, and I am trying to put the garden to bed. It is bumming me out, big time.



Does anyone else get very sad and depressed at this chore? I spent all spring happily anticipating, and it was such a terrible summer for the garden--I started tomatoes indoors, and put them out at the right time, and got not one ripe tomato. I heard on the radio a guy saying that at his vineyard up here, 2/3 of the crop failed--he went through all the grapes that failed, and I remember hearing "pinot grigio and gewertztraminer" and kind of tuned out the rest.



I am looking up green tomato relish recipes but honestly, do I want to bother? I feel so cheated, so blah.



Our blue hubbard squash did great.



Oh well. I did get some daylily seeds from a some beautiful daylilies in Northport, from a bank--my husband kept saying, "those are the bank's daylilies, you know" and I said, "like they are going to harvest the seeds" and I am starting them indoors in the window. That would be satisfying.



Is anyone else suffering right now? And seed catalogues are not going to work for me, not this year.

Fall is approaching, daylilies

"Words and Pictures"

We've been watching movies from Redbox recently. Nothing much looked good that we hadn't already seen, except for "Word and Pictures". It looked like it had to be a winner........Had Juliette Binoche and Clive Owen. Clive is an English teacher and loves words. Juliette is an artist and loves images.

I have to say I really didn't like this at all. I couldn't seem to really like either of the characters, and their personalities were too inconsistent. I was pretty disappointed with it.

Anyone else see this film?

"Words and Pictures"

Finland

I recently came back from a holiday in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. We chose it for our holiday because we had some special British Airways miles which needed using up and we could fly direct from where we live.



I was so wonderfully surprised by what a fantastic place it is - clean, green and beautiful, with relaxed, gentle, polite people everywhere we went. There was water everywhere and people swimming in it! I particularly noticed a public children's play park with buckets, spades, diggers and other toys provided - no one had stolen or broken them, and there was no litter or dog poo.



All the furniture and furnishings (in our apartment and in cafes and on the marvellous public transport) was so beautifully comfortable and well-designed, and all the people dressed in a way which I so admired - simple and elegant and, again, somehow comfortable. The architecture was stunning.



I think Helsinki would be a great place to lead a really full but very simple, environmentally conscious life. Unfortunately my husband has a spinal injury and would struggle with the icy winters (I would LOVE them - I used to live in Austria!) so I can't apply for a teaching job there - at least for now.

Finland

bathroom floor insulation question

Our floors are old wood, the wide-board kind and are soft pine--apparently the most readily available when the house was built. Underneath that in our bathroom is a big crawl space, with a rectangular bit where a person can crawl in and out.



Can we insulate most of it--or is there any point if we have to leave the bit for the entering/leaving person? If we can insulate it--what is eco-friendly and where do we get that? Our house is cold all winter and I think most of it's coming from there. Add that to the fact that we have less than 5 minutes of non-cold water for each shower, and it's really daunting to go take a shower. Or is there some method of heating that solves all this--like what are those flat panels some people have in their walls? Or heat that heats only things not the air? Ideas?

bathroom floor insulation question

what are y'all COOKING?!! it's fall, after all.....

My area of interest - and sometimes it seems I'm the only one interested in it. :)



But I know y'all are cooking different (and maybe interesting?) menus with the cooler weather coming on. Share.



Our cooloff was 2 weeks ago, and I told DH that I required SOUP. It's been so long.....all summer. And so I turned some leftover grilled pork pieces and some corn and zucchini and cumin and whatall into a Southwestern Pork Stew. He liked it.



It's warmed back up, but I'm still in the mood for fall cooking. So this week has been Mexican Chicken Cassserole, with relishes; and homemade eggrolls w/rice; and breakfast pizza using leftover bacon and sausage.....I seem to be in a mood to use the oven - thinking about fall I guess.



Share some menus people. :)

what are y'all COOKING?!! it's fall, after all.....

Stress Relief

I haven't posted in a long time but still lurking frequently. Lots of changes in my life - dad passed in January, empty nest, new boss at work, grandkids nearby who need me - long story short - today I had a big anxiety attack. Tingling fingers, chest pain etc. It passed but I know my blood pressure was sky high. I have been working long days and bringing it home. I'm a first grade teacher and am even working on Sundays to try to keep up with expectations. After today, I said - no mas!! I'm going to put me first for awhile - I haven't been exercising or paying any attention to my diet or health so -here goes - Starting tomorrow - I'm exercising, working regular hours and eating right! Posting this here to declare my intentions - thanks for listening!!

Stress Relief

working on book 'love your enemies'

I am very much enjoying this book, so much depth in the work around anger. I am a peer facilitator for our local meditation group and so i brought this book to our group on Friday and talked based on the first part and then did a compassion exercise to support the talk and discussion. I got some good feedback from it as well. I really like doing the facilitation even though sometimes I don't feel very confident.



Anger and enemies are very interesting deep topics, I think Buddhism gets misunderstood as not being okay with anger, but it more subtle than that. I noticed I wasn't getting angry as much as I had a sour grapes when good things happened to other people even though I intellectually wanted to be happy for them. It didn't feel like the person I really wanted to be.



In any case I recommend the book or if anyone wants to chat on the topic that would be great.

working on book 'love your enemies'

Disposing of latex paint

In my big clean-out, we're getting rid of about 8 old cans of latex paint. I think it's acceptable to mix kitty litter into it and then put it in your trash, once it's fairly solid.

Any other suggestions? I know there is a substance I can buy to make it harden, but I'm thinking it might have undesirable stuff in it too........so maybe the kitty litter is the best?

I think I'm also supposed to leave the lids off.

Dang........a big clean-out is a whole lot more work when you actually try to do things right.......like recycling just about everything, donating the right stuff to the right places, etc., etc.

Thanks.

Disposing of latex paint

MSN Money article on 125k year in Plano TX

Did anyone else read this?



http://ift.tt/1vkgZ01



I found the comments to be the best part--they are running 100% against the article, calling BS on both the budget figures and the attitude of the subjects in the article.



Why would MSN money publish this really poorly written and reasoned article? I am kind of baffled.

MSN Money article on 125k year in Plano TX

Pulling Your Own Parts

Do you kids use the self-service auto salvage yard in your community? Do you even have one in your area? They are usually corporate-owned, and located in urban areas. If you live in a rural or suburban setting, do you do business with a yard that allows you to pull your own parts, for a reduced price? Have you ever gotten an especially good buy on something at a ss yard?

Pulling Your Own Parts

Pulling Your Own Parts

Do you kids use the self-service auto salvage yard in your community? Do you even have one in your area? They are usually corporate-owned, and located in urban areas. If you live in a rural or suburban setting, do you do business with a yard that allows you to pull your own parts, for a reduced price?

Pulling Your Own Parts

why does this matter? holiday greetings

So it is earlier every year, I haven't even had my favorite holiday yet (Halloween) and already there are comments and posts about how we 'can't' say Merry Christmas anymore. These are dear friends and family on facebook, I get a lot out of keeping in touch this way so I am not bothered enough to cut this communication out. However I already have 2 people who posted that the US is a CHRISTIAN country and it is horrible that we cannot say Merry Christmas.



Here is what I don't understand, they are reasonably close to me and therefore know I am Buddhist. They also know many people who are not Christian. I grew up without everyone I knew being Christian and I am 47. I have never lived in a 100% Christian community, and they have not either. So do they just blank out the people who are up front not Christian? When I was Christian as a child I loved saying Happy Holidays because it included my friends.



Also I don't get this 'not allowed' deal. I don't take any offense if someone wishes me Merry Christmas, but I am going to say Happy Holidays. I also don't refer to the time off school in December as Christmas Break, but rather winter break. However people are 'allowed' to speak, unless it is a work rule and then you have your perrsonal life you can speak as you wish. Could it be that they are just uncomfortable with not being in a homongenous group? I dont' understand but I would like to.



Now I just don't feel good about posting anything on facebook on this topic. I pretty much use it to see pictures of relative's kids and keep in touch with my Buddhist groups that communicate there. It seems inflammatory to post even something very positive about the reason I feel good about saying happy holidays. However if anyone has a beautiful and respectful link or wording to say something on this topic I would love to hear it.

why does this matter? holiday greetings

Massuchetts Raises Electric Rates by 37%

Our Pubic Utility Regulatory Board raised the rates on household users by 37% on Thursday of this week. I am not certain of the new rates for business. This calculates out to about $33 per month, per household. I find this stunning. I believe the new rate takes affect October 1.



My monthly electric bill in summer is $15 - 20 dollars. I use electricity for the refrigerator, lights, cooking and that's all. From time to time, I use the dryer if the sun cannot dry the clothes. My washer needs to be replaced so I've been using a local laundromat for several months while I save up for a new washer.



This is stunning rate increase. Yet, it was voted on just before the heating season. My winter bill rises somewhat due to the use of a space heater in a crawl space on wicked cold nights. This helps prevent a frozen pipe in the bathroom. Some people heat with electric. I imagine National Grid will have a lot more problems with people being unable to pay their bills very soon.

Massuchetts Raises Electric Rates by 37%

Water is way too cheap!

It wound up this summer that we never turned on our sprinkler system. The only supplemental watering I did was the drip for the garden, and a few times I watered the new fruit trees and shrubs (we are attempting Haskaps and another round of raspberries).



I was curious to see what the difference was with last year, which was a moderate summer in terms of moisture; the late-summer flood notwithstanding. It turns out we used in the ballpark of about 10X more water with the sprinkler system on than off. The difference with the bill? Less than half. How is 10X more water less than double the cost??? I know there's automatic fees and taxes just for the water service, which is fine, but I'm thinking "this is a pittance!" OTOH, this is a great argument against privatization: just for the internet, it's about 3X the (regular) water bill and while fairly reliable, not 100%. I have never turned on the water and not had it work. The water comes out fresh for drinking or whatever, every time. The ONE time we got close to having a boil water order (and some people did in parts nearby) was during a major natural disaster.



But back to the cheapness of water. Well, no wonder every yard is green, green grass! Instead of, say, native wildflowers like my yard. No wonder the neighbors start watering in like March or early April, between snow storms. Instead of starting mid-June at earliest. No wonder the city waters the soccer fields so much, mushrooms grow everywhere on it. This is in a semi-arid climate, where the yearly precip is ~15 inches per year and highly variable. Of course people waste water when it's cheap. If it worked such that a fairly normal use for a family per month was a reasonable cost, but then it got more expensive per unit beyond that, we'd see a lot more conservation. Farmers, growing things we eat, might get more of a chance to grow stuff to eat (and feed their own families, and have a more stable income) instead of every house on every street having an emerald lawn that never gets touched except to spray chemicals to kill weeds and bugs and spew pollutants into the air to mow it down. So they can water it. So the weeds grow. So they get sprayed. So the grass can grow. So it can be mowed.



Sigh.

Water is way too cheap!

anyone know this glass artist? FLoat On?

His name is Scott Hartley, from Benton Kansas.



http://ift.tt/YgFkXJ



I ran across him when reading his wife's blog. They've got two profoundly handicapped daughters, cute little buggers. The wife is "out there" because she swears at least as much as I do, and is funny about her little girls who she adores.

anyone know this glass artist? FLoat On?

Clay Onion Roaster?

Geez.......in my big clean-out I'm finding so many things I bought but never used. Anyone ever use a Clay onion Roaster? I have one from Sonoma Williams that I've never used, but of course........it's made in China.

Just wondering if it's worth keeping. Probably not.........since I've been roasting onions for many years without it.

Clay Onion Roaster?

Fall To-Do List around the home

I was standing at the kitchen sink this morning, drinking my first cup of coffee and watching the spiders that had built a very messy web between the window glass and screen and thought, "well darn, it's fall, guess I need to wash windows". What would you add to this fall to-do list.



Exterior:

wash windows

put away screens (late fall/more winterish)

check caulk around windows

put foam core covers over crawl space vents

scrub porches (really need stained but that can wait till spring)

move houseplants back inside

pick up fallen sticks and add to fireplace stack (have some fall evening outdoor fires)

turn compost

mow once more and service lawnmower

turn and cover the raised beds (add compost)

clean and put away garden tools



Studio:

sweep and dust

replace burnt out bulbs

check roof (may be time to replace shingles)

figure out window covers for barn roof screened windows (now that it's not a hot shop...it's not hot)

purge and organize my work space

clean, organize, photograph tools/materials to sell



Interior:

clean windows

wash filters

put away portable ac (upstairs)

check attic storage area screens (empty and clean, see if needs additional insulation or repairs)

wipe down walls

wipe down crown molding and baseboards

paint hall bath/replace hardware and baseboards/molding (bonus - new door)

get hall/living room carpets cleaned (move once more the idea of replacing carpets w/wood to next year)

clean upstairs carpets (move once more the idea of replacing carpets w/wood to next year)

replace hallway light with fixture with more light

repaint hallway

clean out under stairs storage (winter items)

clean out hallway closet

wash all light fixtures and check electrical

get a electrical audit by electric company

check with landline/internet phone service to reduce fees

move fridge and stove and clean

purge/clean out and paint interior of lower kitchen cabinets (too dark)





What kind of things are on your fall to-do list?

Fall To-Do List around the home

Getting rid of landline phone - revisited

Wasn't sure where to post this.



We still have a landline that iwe keep, essentially, JUST for enhanced 9-1-1. But it's up to about $40/mo, when it started out a year ago in the 20's range. (Have I said before how much I hate AT&T?)

Plus, the reception on it is horrible, and we can't even use it to talk on. But they would need to replace the underground cable from the road, and we are far off the road and it would dig up alot of stuff (at their expense.....haha).



So........I'm close to just getting another cell phone for the house only. We will be able to keep our landline number.



I've called the local sheriff's office and they said that they could, by GPS, find either us or a neighbor (if we dialed 9-1-1 but couldn't talk).



At&T offers this for $20/mo, but something like Basic Talk offers it for $10.00. Are these lesser known companies reliable?



Maybe I should still get the landline cable replaced, in case we ever wanted to go back to it??



I want a phone that's just for the house, even though we all have cell phones. Plus, I want to keep our old number for the house.



What do you think?

Getting rid of landline phone - revisited

Smart tv--how exactly will this work?

We now have stronger, faster internet. It's "U-Verse" internet if that means anything. But yes, it does successfully stream Hulu tv shows without loooooooooong buffer periods unlike our old, slower internet connection.



So here's my question: If I spring for a smart TV, will this U-Verse internet via Wi-Fi be adequate to stream films on the new, smart tv?



I am still trying to avoid cable tv and having a monthly cable bill.

Smart tv--how exactly will this work?

Brand new 1 bedroom 59m2 furnished flat with garage in central Belgrade for rent/pics

1 Bedroom 59 sq.m. apartment to let in Baba Visnjina street (scroll down for pics)



Direct from owner - not an agency listing



Key features



Beautifully presented one bedroom flat with one bathroom and one balcony

Situated in a enviable location in a quiet street in the heart of the city

Fully-furnished rooms with modern open-plan kitchen

Includes a 20 sq. m. parking place in elevator-served garage





Full description



LONG LET. A bright one bedroom, third floor apartment boasting wooden flooring throughout and superb location in the center of Vracar, offering a stylish, urban living space.



Modernly furnished property located in a brand new development in Baba Visnjina street in central Belgrade boasts a superb upmarket location surrounded by a wealth of shops, trendy bars and restaurants.



Set close to Belgrade's Kalenic vibrant open-air market and between two of Belgrade's most distinguished residential streets - Krunska and Njegoseva.



This stunning property in an elevator-served four-floor building has a lovely interior decor with contemporary furnishing throughout, a comfortable open plan kitchen with brand-new in-built energy efficient appliances. The bedroom is a great size with built in floor-to-ceiling wardrobes.



The spacious living room - with a state-of-the-art 47'' Full HD LED TV - also opens out to a private balcony.



An elegant combination of style and comfort, the 59 sq. m. modern flat has higher than standard ceilings, providing a more luxurious feeling. The flat also benefits from having its own fully programmable heating system, as well as two energy efficient Fujitsu inverter air conditioning units.



Bathroom fitted with high-quality Huppe shower enclosure and a brand-new combined washer/dryer machine.



Includes a large-sized 20 sq. m. parking place in the building, in an elevator-served garage.



Located in building served by Serbia's leading SBB cable/internet/telephone provider



View apartment photographs at: http://bit.ly/babavisnjina



Street location on Google maps: http://ift.tt/1mUAwmt



Email contact: babavisnjinastreet@gmail.com

belgrade

Hot Water

So you know how everyone has their own things that just bug them to spend money on. Well, DH is far from frugal in many ways, but for some reason he hates spending money on hot water. We always argue about how high/low to keep the hot water. We have a traditional hot water heater, unfortunately, and I'm not about to invest in an on-demand one, but that would solve the problem.



So, he likes the water just above lukewarm. I keep telling him that it's not sanitary to do the dishes in lukewarm water (I actually don't know if that's true). But plus, I like hot showers, not warm ones. I just feel that every now and then you need hot water.



So I was playing around with the idea of turning the hot water down at night and up during the day, but I don't know if that saves any significant money. Does anyone have any thoughts on that? Does anyone do that?



ETA: I posted too early before doing research, and I learned that

a) DHs setting is actually the recommended one: it's hot enough for most things, it saves money, and prevents scalding, and it also prolongs the life of the heater--less corrosion

b) Most dishwashers have boosters to raise the heat during the wash cycle

c) After thinking about it, lowering and raising the heat every day probably expends more energy than it saves



So.. never mind! DH wins this round. :doh:

Hot Water

pet peeve!!!

So I work in a city school district. I have accepted that it is different than the other places I have lived (mountain town, suburban, small town) and tried to watch for my own prejudices and assumptions. Dress is different, some ways of interacting, etc. But here it is, proper English. I work with English learners or people who use their neighborhood type dialect, but in many situations I find I have an expectation of proper English. The biggest thing that bugs me is "I seen". I had a great meeting with my new supervisor but it is hard that I was told I am pretty much un-promotable in a department with rampant poor English, and to have a supervisor saying "I seen", I hear it is totally acceptable in the urban area. I have lived so many places and it just isn't professionally acceptable where I have been.



Anyone every address this at work before? It is so touchy, there are many qualified people who use this and other phrases. I can't imagine any way to do a professional development on professional standards of communication in speech without being offensive. Or look for an opportunity to sell myself for advanced positions based on my correct English.

pet peeve!!!

cross your fingers on this

I had my meeting with my supervisor. She has been copied in on all the financial crap going on but had a couple days off so we needed to catch up. Basically I have lost one family that would not come back even if we fixed all the financial scholarship for them because of delays and rudeness by my department. Another family cut their child care from everyday before and after school to 3 afternoons a week and are juggling the rest of it. My goals set by me and my department to keep my site viable include primarily increasing registrations and attendance.



I admitted I felt like we were at a brick wall, there was something immovable here and the more I pushed the less effective I could become. Just a baggy voice (I am currently reading a book that should help with that). So she asked why I wasn't managing the scholarships. Well what an amazing idea! My site does scholarships more than anyone, I am not sure other sites really advertise them at all. I did tell her if this was a possibility that I wanted a partner preferably in administration of at least one level up from me so there would be no question of preferential treatment in scholarship applications. It is a long shot in a department that has so far stuck to strict hierarchy, but I would love this task!

cross your fingers on this

Life Hack for a Mean Boss

I have a mean boss. What I hate most are the little "scolding" emails and comments whenever there is something that isn't done perfectly. Don't think I don't keep track of every one, because it is possible it could get to the point of abuse, but so far it's not quite at the level that it would be worth it for me to go that route.



SOOO...I've come up with a life hack for the little scoldings this person dishes out. When I get to 3 (starting just from Sept. 1st of this year), I get a treat for myself. Not sure what the treat will be, but it will be something I really like doing.



Do ya'll have any life hacks for mean bosses? Just FYI, I am a professional of 20+ years experience, two advanced degrees, career awards from international organizations, significant accomplishments, and many accolades from colleagues and clients, so it's not like I'm a screw-up on the job. NOT that even "screw-ups" deserve to be scolded and belittled!

Life Hack for a Mean Boss

I'm on a roll!

It's funny.....If you remember one of my previous posts about taking a bunch of my kids' clothes to a donation site, and then having a panic attack about a couple items and going back a couple times to find them, to no avail....... Well, I realized that after a few days, I was doing much better. So I took that as a sign that my usual panic after I drop things off will subside in a couple days, and that shouldn't stop me from cleaning out.........and challenging myself emotionally. I'm not going back to continually ask about those items, plus I have since taken more to that place, and then a ton of stuff to Goodwill. It feels soooo good! I can't believe how much junk I've stored over my lifetime. I think I'm scaring DH. He's worse about keeping things than I am.



It's pretty exciting to think that I might have a much simpler house before long......and not be suffocating in all this stuff packed away, thinking my life would be sad without it.

There's still MUCH work to do, but thankfully I'm really into it now.



Hahaha..........I hope my next post isn't "I got rid of way too much stuff, and I'm so sad!" haha I don't think I will (but you never know). But now I know I can get over it within a reasonable amount of time. I'm excited! :cool:

I'm on a roll!

stupid mothers quote

I really love pinterest, i get so many ideas and I actually do many of them. Plus the quotes and foods. But today a quote popped up and it really made me think, over think in some opinions I am sure. The quote was "A mother is someone who seeing there are 5 people and 4 pieces of pie declares she never cared much for pie". That is a pretty crappy quote you know. It didn't even qualify if the 4 other people were her children or children in general. Just that once you give birth you will just give up things to others around you without discernment or thought of your own wants or needs. It is also not very nice to non-mothers and fathers who can be equally selfless.



I just had my girls' birthdays and my parents came and took the entire big group out to dinner. I noticed my mom spends a tremendous amount of time talking about what other people will eat. Before everyone arrived at the restaurant she went over the menu and talked to me about what everyone might eat. She usually brings out entire meals when she visits (a 10 hour drive) of food I don't cook, then bakes cookies and goes grocery shopping. I will admit it often gets irritating, I don't fill up the fridge because there are only 2 of us and things spoil, and the driving out meals that my kids are 'deprived' of annoys. Also long talks about who will eat what seem odd, I explained it to myself as her extroversion needing to think out loud. So thinking about this makes me want to work on my irritation more and see it as more likely she has been held responsible for all the food for so many people for so long that it is ingrained. However talking about the family reunion menu 6 months ahead of time is still going to be a challenge.

stupid mothers quote

Photo Clutter - Digital and Paper

One of my goals this year was to back up all the digital photos and I got that done.

Groupon has a deal for scanning 1000 photos onto disks. So I've bought my first Groupon deal ever. So tomorrow I'll dig the dustbunny covered boxes out from under our bed and start organizing those while waiting for the box to arrive for me to send my photos. They'll return the photos and the disks. I think that's worth $30.

Photo Clutter - Digital and Paper

A Cat Funny

This pretty much sums up most of my phone conversations with my dear, dear sister

A Cat Funny

Quiet Influence

I am so excited about this book! Just got it at the library tonight. It is perfect to address what I need to work on in my work environment, which is influencing the right people but not by changing my personality. At least what I have down so far in general has not made things worse.



If you are an introvert and want to see how you are or can be influencing people it looks like a great book.

Quiet Influence

Vacation time!!

Off on our annual fall vacation so checking out for a bit. Headed to British Columbia - a place that is new to us. Lots of trains and ferries - excited!!

Vacation time!!

Low maintenance house - what is it to you?

As dh and I are house shopping, I have said that one of the most important things to me is that the house be low maintenance. We had more or less chosen a house, then dh got cold feet. Anyhow, DH says a house is as low-maintenance as you make it. There is some truth there, but I've been trying to make up a list of things that help make a house easy to care for in itself. This is partly as a checklist when we're looking at houses, and partly because, heck, I just think he's wrong.



Here's what I've got so far:



Plenty of storage space:

Big closets in the bedroom. (Enough so everyone can keep their crap in their own room.)

Coat closets.

Shoe storage near the doors.

A place to keep the vacuum when you need it. (Central vacuum would be nice!)

Cupboards in the bathrooms for towels.





Appropriate storage:

Big storage for things like kayaks and bikes and weed whackers.

Closed storage for things we don't want to look at.

Ideally, glass fronted book cases for books, flush with the ceiling (no dust.)



No HUGE storage spaces (like attics) where you can just stick things and forget about them. (We have that problem now! Another suitcase? Throw it in the attic!) Closet=good. Junk drawer=good. Junk room or shed or attic or basement? NOOOOOO!



Hard surface floors (easy to mop) with machine washable, non-slip runners in high traffic areas. Easy to sweep and/or vacuum.



Well-placed ceiling and wall lights with easy to clean fixtures (recessed lights or glass/metal shades.)

Ceiling fan only if the ceiling is vaulted.



Metal roof would be nice.



Dog friendly: a dog door that leads to a fenced area with no muddy spots or places where skunks and raccoons can hide out.



Air-lock type spaces around entrances - porches, mudrooms, where people can take off their shoes and coats and leave the dirt outside. And paths leading to the door that are paved, brick, or otherwise clean.



Smooth design in kitchen:

No hardware (knobs, visible hinges.)

Easily cleaned counters and cooktop. Kitchen counters with integral backsplash.

Cupboards for big things, small things, heavy things. Special cupboard for trash & recycling.

Kitchen shelves that are designed to hold what you need (LOTS of kitchen cupboards.)

Cupboards that go to ceiling, with no dust trap on top of them.

An eat-in kitchen (not a separate dining room) to keep all the food in one place.

Even better if there is room for a screen (dd likes to surf music while she eats.)

No food all over the house - just in the kitchen or outside.



I plan on getting an entertainment armoire, with doors (they are so cheap on Craigslist) and using it to contain our laptops, phones, printer, cables, chargers, as well as our small flat screen television.



Simple windows without a lot of nooks and corners to collect dust. Identical blinds (roller blinds with chains are my favorites) on all the windows so we don't have to fuss with curtains. (Curtains are dust collectors and curtain rods, hooks, rings, etc. are a pain to deal with. And expensive.)



Rooms that are big enough for their purpose: A living room should be able to hold a sofa and two big chairs (or the equivalent) a coffee table, side tables, lamps, piano, books - without feeling cramped.

Bedrooms should be big enough for whatever sized bed you are going to use; you should be able to walk all the way around the bed to make it; also space for dresser, nightstand, a chair or coat stand for dressing, a full length mirror.



All rooms painted the same color (cuts visual clutter.)

High quality scrubbable paint.

Identical fixtures - same doorknobs, light fixtures, light switch plates, faucets, etc. throughout. Makes it easier to repair/replace things when they are all the same



Extra nice if everyone can have their own bathroom, though that is rather luxurious. (Living with a teen and a professional performer, I get little bathroom time. And they are both bathroom readers too.)

Trackless shower door (if any.)

Lots of hooks in bathrooms. And bedrooms. Hooks are great.



Laundry/cleaning room, with cupboards for cleaning supplies, ideally with space to dry things or access to space (such as garage/covered area/deck with clothesline in it.)



I like gardening, but don't want a fussy garden:

Perennial fruit trees.

Perennial flower, herb, and vegetable beds.

Greywater irrigation system (from laundry and showers/tubs.)



We are not bringing a lot of furniture with us, and very few decorative items. All our furniture is already very durable or it would be destroyed :)



A place for everything.



Sounds like a huge place, but I really just want an eat-in kitchen and living room, bedrooms and baths. We really only need one shower/tub. A lot of houses have all sorts of strange alcoves and nooks, bizarre open floor plans that seems to waste a ton of space. And full baths for every bedroom - seems extreme, and more to clean.

Low maintenance house - what is it to you?

Down comes another house

I can hear the bulldozers scraping yet another house in our hood - this time the one right behind us. Granted, the little mid-century house had seen better days and at 1200sf just isn't big enough for most Americans anymore. However, by searching city permits, I learned that it is being replaced with a 4000sf, 5 br, 4 bath "house". At present sf prices, it will be listed for just under a million when completed and set another precedent for replacing small houses with huge houses in this area. So sad to watch them destroying and trashing all the elements of the house too - the small trees and shrubbery, the flagstone siding, the oak floors, etc as if it was so much rubbish. Sigh...nothing ever stays the same I guess.

Down comes another house

Are these canisters just junk?

I'm really cleaning out everywhere in my house. Today, it's the basement. YUK!

I'm embarrased at how many things I bought, but never used.

I'm wanting to take about 7-8 Golden Harvest glass canisters to Goodwill. I've hesitated using them, since there's no "made in the U.S.A." on them, and they wouldn't be for food stuffs. (in my opinion).



But.......in trying to make sure they're not worth much, I've seen alot of "information" about them on places like eBay and Itsy, and they're saying they're "vinage". Haha...........I bought them at the Dollar General store for a few bucks each. I've searched all over to find out what company made them and where. Again, there's statements like "Anchor Hocking's Vintage glass canisters"........but I can't substantiate that anywhere. So.......I think I'll just send them to Goodwill.

Don't you think if I couldn't find who or where they were made, with no real identifying marks on the bottoms, I can't necessarily trust them with food? I doubt the best stuff is at Dollar General, right?

Are these canisters just junk?

The yardsale outcome

Well I did it!!! I sold about 2/3 of what I had out there and in 4 hours of sweating in 100% humidity, I made $120. The rest is going to donation.



The crazy thing is I am putting the house back together and I have cleaned out another bag of stuff. OH MY!!! I am on a roll



The great part is hubby is onboard, which is huge. He is very encouraging and not judging me. I love it!!!

The yardsale outcome

Picking The Low-Hanging Fruit...

This is a rant, and it has to do with cycling. It has to do with certain inadequate weenies who live here in town, okay? But, they drive 425+ miles, one way, to participate in a large, one-day-only cycling event. The main event is a Century Ride, and it's fully supported and also timed, right down to the stragglers. The vast majority of participants are Texas residents, but as I said there are some WEENIES here who drive a 1000-mile round trip to Texas, where it's Flat as a pancake, to give themselves bragging rights by riding a Century, timed no less! But, it's a Cakewalk! I've double-checked to see if these same Weak WEENIES have ridden the LOCAL supported century ride(s), lately? Heck NO! How about a METRIC, like we had this weekend? HECK NO! And I can tell you zackly WHY they are chickening out of our local rides---in a nutshell---IT'S TOO HILLY and stuff! See, North Tx is about like Northwest Iowa--gently, very gently rolling. There is enough rise in altitude to make it look on paper like there is some climbing, but really there is none to speak of. And roads go on seemingly forever, straight as a string, mile after mile. But, in this region--the back roads, where organized bike rides are routed, you have one hill after another, and starting and stopping and turning and curves and loose gravel and rough pavement and more hills and more stop signs and highway crossings. And more hills, and more curves and starting and stopping. Yet, The Weenies make much ado about their accomplishment,like they are Olympians-- when really---the 15-16 hour drive to Tx and back would be more fatiguing than that notoriously Unchallenging Century Ride! I have almost as much contempt for those weak, inadequate, braggart weenies as I do the Harley People on their loud, totally obsolete geezercycles and also Those Neo-Hippie-Type People who pay $145 for a joe bonnnnmaerossa guitar-bashing concert. Try not to get upset with Me, okay? It's only a discussion board, okay? Go order a Pizza & CALM DOWN. Thank Me.

Picking The Low-Hanging Fruit...

Sunday afternoon draaaag

I think this is about work, I have this Sunday afternoon funk. I don't want to check my email but I am usually regretting that on Monday morning. I did check my calendar and it will be a long day. I lead running club in the morning which is one of my highlights, and then later in the evening I have a training to be a backup soccer coach for an awesome soccer program coming into our school. I think i get a jeans day for sure!



But the real stress is that I have been supporting scholarships for families who need our child care services. The rules changed somewhere from last year to this year and I have been doing my best to ask how I can support my families while I also try to get them lower fees. It is part of being the only site like mine out of the 50 sites we have, I can't just stay in my role and run my site because it needs extra support in many ways. And it is just feeling like I am capable of more than my current role and so I want to run the best site ever this year! I need to learn a few things and prove it, this scholarship situation is directly affecting it all. When I get a family taken care of it is such a wonderful feeling.



I am sure it will all be great, we have a new science program starting, a chess club and a digital music making class. And I will teach my first adult craft class on Wednesday night which will be fun. I also meet with my new supervisor on Tuesday and can get a feel for where I am at.



All of that to day, does anyone get the Sunday funk even when they genuinely like their job.

Sunday afternoon draaaag

this darn cat

Okay my baby cat is adorable. Really totally adorable. She is 1 1/2 years old but is tiny and so we call her baby cat. The only issue I have is peeing on the guest bed!! I just washed the bedding and finished it this morning, made the bed because I had family coming to town and wanted to show the cute room that I recently fixed up. She peed on it right away. I usually keep the door shut 24-7, how embarrassing that this happened just before guests. She never pees when the mattress just has the cover on it, just when the quilt my grandmother made is on it. And yes there are 2 cat boxes that are checked daily.



Is there anything I can spray on the mattress that will keep baby cat from peeing on it?

this darn cat

To electric kettle owners....

are they that much better than using a stovetop one? And, most important to my mom, how quickly do you get icky buildup inside, and how easy/difficult is it to clean?



We have to periodically descale our whistling kettle with vinegar because it just gets cruddy inside. We briefly had a decent electric one but it would leak all over the base and got scaley inside.



Everyone seems to rave about them but I never hear the bad stuff. They would just need a small one for less than 6 cups.

To electric kettle owners....

Getting out of a funk

Ok, this year along I have:

1. Lost 2 family members

2. Resigned my job and ended a 22 year career

3. Hubby started his new job.

4. One new puppy.

5. Death of one kitten :(

6. Diagnosed with high BP due to said resigned job

7. Ended 2 friendships because I could not deal with the whining/crazy/me me me anymore.

8. Life outlook adjustment causing all I know to come crashing down after all events and now just coming out the other side.



And this is just the small list of things that have made me have a crazy year. I finally have been able to deal with all of this but boy oh boy, I am in some funk now. I am just cranky and want to be alone, if not around my little family. I have no desire to go out of my way for people right now and small talk is driving me up the wall, like nails on a chalkboard.



Talked with my doc, as we were reviewing my medication, and she thinks I am on the verge of a beautiful breakthrough and to keep working through all that is going on still. She said I am just at that point of being at the end of a funk. But dang..cranky pants right now!!! GRRRRRR



Please tell me how y'all get over a funk, especially after having dealt with a lot of major changes in such a short time. I have been walking, trying to eat better, even do a little meditating. We had the yard sale and I was able to sell about 2/3 of what I put out and that made me feel better. I just feel in the funk and it's sorta hazy but I see a little sun. And no not depressed, just off a little.

Getting out of a funk

Any ideas?

Sometimes I think we should have a sub-forum for "pets"...

Anyway, I have a new dog, that I brought home exactly 3 weeks ago. Since the day I brought her home, she has chewed on her front legs, intently, as though she is after bugs. She was vetted before I got her, and nothing was noted about this issue.



For several reasons, I won't be able to get her in to our vet until Sat (9/27). Meanwhile, I've bathed her, cleaned our carpet, washed all of the dogs' bedding and my bedding.



Other dog is also scratching, but I can't find any fleas or flea dirt on either of them. Vets office had said to try Capstar, which I gave to both of them late in the afternoon yesterday, and if it worked we'd know we were dealing with fleas. Um, NO, they both scratched all night long, and right now new girl is going at her legs again!



Any other ideas? I'm in California, and it has been exceedingly dry; I haven't seen a mosquito in many months, doesn't seem to be fleas (they usually leave evidence)-- ??

Any ideas?

I have information clutter

I confess I have a horrible affliction - I am addicted to collecting information. Notes scribbled on tablets, backs of envelopes for websites of interest, books and articles to read, plants to learn about, recipes to look up and on and on. If I pick up a magazine at the doctor's office, I will scribble down recipes, more websites, etc. I realized after trying to clear up a pile or two that I have enough information to look up to last a long time and yet the urge for more is always there. So...I am trying very hard from here on out to remind myself when the urge hits that I have ENOUGH information. Am I the only one here who has this impulse to uncover ever more information?

I have information clutter

Do you heal quickly?

I've been really pleased with how quickly my body has been healing since my bike accident. It seems like staying in shape, eating well, and taking care of yourself speeds up the healing process. How about you? How long does it take your body to heal a cut, laceration, etc? Do you connect that to your lifestyle?



I was talking with a man in the sauna the other day. He said it takes him three weeks for a cut to close. My gashes had new skin a week later...I was blown away.

Do you heal quickly?

What professional can help?

My friend just found out her husband has a terminal illness and he runs their business. She was a teacher, but now runs her own business and pays about 1000.00 a month for health insurance with a 6000.00 deductible. She is only 55 so could go back to teaching. They have a lot of land in a rural area which is traditionally passed down from generation to generation and supports the business and I don't think her husband has been filing a W-2 so I don't think he can get disability. She is already 30,000.00 into bills and this is just the beginning. Another friend is advising her to get an attorney, but what kind? One that is an expert in taxes? real estate? or an accountant?

Also, there is a Garrett Financial Advisor (fee only) in her area. Should she be using him too? She doesn't have much background in finances so I am wondering what type of professional we should suggest she get advice from. Any suggestions would be welcome.

What professional can help?

Legality of Self Sustaining Commune, and Land Ownership

Hello! I am new to this forum, as I just created my account. Something of this nature may have been discussed before, so I apologize if so and I have not come across it. I seem to be having trouble finding information on the internet about this issue. Anyway, here it is.



I am coming into some land, a house, a farm, and a barn via inheritance. It has always been my dream to create a self sustaining living situation, and now it has the potential to become a reality. My question, however, deals with the legality of creating a community and the ownership of the land. As I said, I am acquiring the land. I want to start a community, and was thinking about a not-for-profit organization. From the little bit of information I have gathered, it seems as though the organization itself has to own the land? I was wondering if this is true and how it works. I was wondering if it is possible for one person to own land, and create a non profit organization community, run by a board of selected individuals, that will inhabit the land.



If this is not possible, I was wondering if there is any other (legal or not legal) ways to go about this. I not only new to this forum, but new to thinking about the management and legality of anything like this. All I know is, one way or another, I am going to make my dream a reality and would really appreciate the help and input from anyone!



Sorry if I sound ignorant on any matters, as I am here to learn! Thanks!

Legality of Self Sustaining Commune, and Land Ownership

Stolen tax return

Earlier this year we were talking about how we file our taxes. I used the Free Fillable forms on the IRS website as I've done for the past few years. They are annoying, but free, and I feel strongly that I shouldn't have to pay to file my taxes. Well this year, I got an email message after I submitted, saying that a return had already been filed for that tax period for that SSN. There was information and links included, none of which was particularly helpful. I checked out the links, e-mailed, live chatted, and finally called. I was told I would have to file a paper return and that the IRS was seeing a huge number of fraudulent filings. So I filed a paper return (this was in Feb). I waited patiently for months, and then finally called in April to check on the status of my return. I was told that someone was doing something with my account, and to call again in three weeks if I hadn't heard anything. I called again in July (I was trying to be patient, and calling the IRS is very time-consuming and frustrating) and I was told that a refund check had been mailed to me in May. I was given info on the steps to take to have the matter researched.

I received a letter today with a copy of the check that had been cashed. It was really creepy! The check had been mailed to an address in GA (I live in MA). My name was signed on the back of the check (not my writing and not even spelled correctly). Below the signature was printed "pay to the order of Tevine S Evans" who is nobody I've ever heard of (and I'm not interested in protecting his/her privacy, so that's the real name). I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on how this would have happened? I don't think my computer was hacked because I do enough transactions online that I would expect to see lots of other issues. If someone actually filed under my SSN for the correct amount due to me, wouldn't that mean they had somehow seen my actual return - either an inside job at the IRS or access to the Free Fillable Forms?

I have forms to send in confirming that I did not cash the check and requesting that my refund be reissued, so I am proceeding with that. I've adjusted my withholding to minimize my return for next year, and I think I'll adjust further so that I'll owe the IRS a small amount and have no return forthcoming. I'm glad I'm not someone who had my return spent before I got it; it is earmarked for savings when it finally arrives!

Stolen tax return

So what is the answer for health care?

I am a little disturbed today as one of my goals is to start a business online and hopefully make more money than I am now. If I can pull this off, I will no longer be eligible for Medicaid and will have to purchase insurance on the exchanges. Not a big problem there until I opened up the Arizona Republic today and found that premiums are slated to be rising over 10% on the exchanges in Arizona next open enrollment reason, and I understand that deductible for silver plans can be 6K plus annually for individual plans. OK, we all know I can go to Mexico and get around this - no use playing that broken record yet again - how about people who don't want to go to Mexico (or some other country) or who live too far away or who face a life or death situation and are tied down to US health care by reason of not being able to travel? Not all of these people have 6K plus to burn through. So, really, despite some improvements I'm not seeing the problem solved. I don't know - can this ever be solved or do we just accept being vulnerable to US health care more and more every year, with more and more people knuckling under to medical tourism, being forced to for economic reasons?



I don't see any alternatives domestically, I really don't, though I do believe that some people have come out ahead due to the ACA. Definitely not all though, and I am starting this thread to see if anyone believes there can be any answers other than continual erosion (AKA the status quo). Rob

So what is the answer for health care?

Is being independent of the system a goal for you in simple living?

Or is it more living more simply within the system? I am asking this as I am going to be 48 in November and I am thinking more and more how I'd like my life to be, either here or in another country and this is a theme that keeps coming up - more independent of the system (off grid, growing my own food, that kind of thing) or living more simply within the framework of this or some other country. What works for you, and has this been an issue in living simpler for you? Rob

Is being independent of the system a goal for you in simple living?

Intruder makes it into the Whitehouse..............

Geez........come on guys............can't you protect our president better than this?

He jumped the fence was tackled inside the Whitehouse.

Intruder makes it into the Whitehouse..............

2 Golden birthdays this week

So tomorrow middle daughter turns 21 on the 21st and on Wednesday oldest daughter turns 24 on the 24th. That kinda snuck up on me,



Both are doing pretty well, living on their own, struggling with the normal stuff but not any giant traumas in the last 2 years. After a long time my oldest seems to be more relaxed in her skin. She and her boyfriend decided to cook their own food and eat healthier and she dropped 2 clothing sizes, she was not overweight but she is very tiny and this is a healthy weight as well. Some of you know the previous traumas and she is doing well, still at the same movie theatre job however so I am hoping one of the jobs she has applied for will become a reality.



Middle daughter is living with boyfriend, It took a long time to get him to stop 'accidentally' staying at my house and she chose to go with him. But they are both employed and taking care of themselves. She has actually been at Target for over 2 years now. She decided to go vegan for her stomach issues so I am putting together a cookbook of all the comfort foods she grew up with that are vegan.



I think I am most proud of them showing they were raised with good food, being taught to cook, and moving away from fast food and soda at an age when some kids are just eating junk and affecting their health very badly (and son also gave up soda on his own, doesn't eat desserts generally, can cook amazing). They do still get together an complain how they had to eat homemade foods, that is our family joke that they were so neglected to eat from scratch food.



I have a load of baking to do, oldest requested pumpkin chocolate chip muffins instead of cupcakes and that recipe make 6 dozen. Going to try vegan frosting for vegan chocolate cupcakes as well.

2 Golden birthdays this week

The Fire Retardant being used in California fires

I realize they probably have to use this stuff, but I wonder what effects it has on the ground/water/air? Sounds like they've used more than ever this year.

The Fire Retardant being used in California fires

Can I do this with an old sweatshirt?

I have an old sweatshirt that was always one of my favorites......but it has some holes.

But..........the decoration on the front is so beautiful. It's a dark blue sweatshirt, with a winter scene with goldfinches in some weeds. It's really a lovely scene. I would like to put just the image into a frame. How would I do that? Would I cut it out and then mount it with pins like I would a cross-stitch project, and then frame it once it was attached to something like a foam board?

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Can I do this with an old sweatshirt?

Good Cup of Green or Black Tea

Typically, I have purchased store brand, Lipton or Bigelow brands of tea at the grocery store. I find the tea blah and lacking in freshness overall. Also, the amount of tea in one bag has noticeably diminished. One bag gets one cup where not too long ago, I could squeeze out two cups from one tea bag.



Can anyone recommend a more tasteful and fresher brand that isn't too pricey? The Celestial Seasonings brand I find has poor flavor and have moved away from this brand. I just want full flavor. My favorites are Jasmine Green, Darjeeling and Lady Grey.

Good Cup of Green or Black Tea

converting a historic home to solar/off-grid living

My husband and I are talking about some big picture plans - where we want to head from here, and if that means staying where we are or moving on. I'm really interested in living off-grid, or at least having the option of doing so. We currently live in a home built in the 1830s that has plenty of issues, but also a lot of good points and meaning to us. What I don't know is how realistic it might be to consider converting to solar/etc and what might be involved/what we'd need to consider... Does anyone have any experience with this, or have any ideas of where I could find some resources? Thanks!

converting a historic home to solar/off-grid living

Global Climate Action - THIS WEEKEND - what are you doing?

Many of you may already be tuned in to the flurry of communication happening around a crucial and momentous event this week: the People's Climate March in NYC on September 21. Whether you're in NYC or at home this coming weekend, I personally encourage you to participate in the biggest day of climate action to date in world history.



I will be in an electric-vehicle convoy going up to the Peace Arch cross-border rally on Saturday; a kick-off, of sorts, to an historic treaty to be signed on Tuesday by a Washington/British Columbia/Alaska 'Sacred Trust' alliance of Coast Salish tribes (there are ~48 tribes in this area!), and joined by communities all around the region, focusing primarily on fossil fuel transport/export issues and protecting our inland sea. My cross-continent train trip this summer exposed me to the myriad ways in which this fossil fuel extraction & export is hurting our infrastructure for all other purposes, as well as the communities from which it's being extracted and those it's passing through -- not to mention the climate effects of every aspect of the operation and end use.



Are you joining in this very important weekend, in whatever way and on whatever issue calls to you? (Staying home and writing/calling in to your political representatives would be a really great way to participate! You can find a list of such crucially important from-home actions on 350.org's site.) It's up to all of US to choose our specific role - there is no choice but to transition from fossil fuels, it's just a question of WHEN. There are myriad ways to co-create a vibrant future:



* help our officials recognize the massive cost to our communities of weather catastrophes, climate refugees, and the geopolitical crises that stem from drought, flooding, and food system disruption

* create and expand businesses that promote healthy communities and protect the environment for future generations

* create and only accept jobs that pay living wages and allow families to live with dignity

* ensure there is a fair transition for those workers whose jobs are replaced by a new energy economy



Are you going to the People's Climate March, or another solidarity event? Report back here what you see/hear/do - and what inspires you!



-Rose

What if the goal of the economy was sustainable human well-being, in a healthy environment? Imagine that!

Global Climate Action - THIS WEEKEND - what are you doing?

The Roosevelts

Have any of you been watching this PBS series? A couple of years ago I had a winter project to watch all of the Ken Burns history series and The Roosevelts is at the top as being interesting and well done. Teddy, who is often portrayed as one of the greater presidents and a hero of early environmentalist is shown as somewhat of an egotistic war monger and racist in addition to his better side. Franklin's struggle with polio and his crippling illness is also something that is not often discussed and quite amazing. The vintage photos of the people and cities are the usual Ken Burns high quality and a fascinating glimpse of yesteryear.



They are currently on the beginning of the new deal, which was essential the beginning of all social welfare programs and huge government expansions. (Probably the nightmare nemesis of modern Libertarians). The issues around social reform and war seem quite similar to today. I have read that the Great Depression was possibly a cycle that would have recovered on it's own and the full recovery can basically be attributed to WWII. A theory I guess we will never know the answer to.

The Roosevelts

When life messes you up in a good way

I do believe in things happening for a reason. Over a year ago I read Jen Hatmakers "7" in all of a span of 4 hours. It totally and completely messed me up on all good levels. While I could not be as extreme, I could do better and so I set out. Well, I let life get in the way and I stopped going down my 7 teachings path but lo and behold what do I find in a bag of giveway stuff from a friend. THE BOOK!!!! (Insert oohing and aaahhing) I literally sat down on the floor and re read it. Such inspiration and such truths.



So life is messing me up again and I am loving it. Today is my last day to purge before the big yard sale tomorrow and as you see, it's 4 in the morning and other than typing this to y'all, I am up purging stuff out of my front closet. Hubby walked by to let the puppy out and didn't even question me. I feel so free and light already and full of calm and all zen like. Get out the yoga mat people!!! WOOT WOOT!!! I have a feeling of just happy in my heart and feet and peace in my soul. :)

When life messes you up in a good way

OMG not your 70's simplicity patterns

I 'liked' burda style on facebook (a pattern company) and they have the best patterns. Here is one that I need a hot date or a fancy job in order to sew.





http://ift.tt/1miDWiE



and this one is rated novice level but still looks great



http://ift.tt/1synWFU



for those who have not looked at a pattern since this



http://ift.tt/1synWWe



hope the links work

OMG not your 70's simplicity patterns

What happened to the myth of inflation?

I recall a section in the original YMOYL about the myth of inflation. It included a table of basic living expenses from, I think, 1970 compared with 1990. Surprisingly, many prices had not changed much.



When I finally read the revised edition last year, I did not see this section. Did I miss it? Or was it left out? If so, why? Did time prove the myth not a myth after all -- i.e., did the debunking of the myth not hold up?



Anyone seen anything similar to the original table but for more recent decades?

What happened to the myth of inflation?

silent retreats

HI All,



One thing I have been working during my absence from the forums is trying to go on silent retreat. It is a challenge to say the least! I did a group course with the nun I work with for women moving into facilitation of dharma groups which was wonderful and had 2 weekend retreats with that. Since they she and I agreed I needed to do some more and longer retreat time to take the next step and I just keep facing blocks. I have looked at 5 over the last year and none worked out, but I think I am close to going on one in January!!!!



One of the issues is time off work, I missed the deadline for one in fall because my supervisor didn't approve my time off request in time. She did approve the next one quickly however. Other than that we have 3 - 4 months that are black out times for taking time off due to the school schedules, I run summer camps so I don't have the teacher break.



The other is of course money. The one I found is donation based but in California. I think I can still make it work, honestly at this point I feel so intensely that I need to do a longer retreat that I would take a small amount out of retirement money!! The other option is to use any earnings from my side work in sewing (haven't earned any yet) to put all towards retreats. There are one day retreats locally now and then that are totally affordable as well, just want to do longer



As I get closer to putting a deposit down and looking for a plane ticket I may ask for some support on this, I get to wavering when I look at time an money that I could spend being practical. But then again I have over 25 years meditation practice and I am more than ready for this.

silent retreats

thought dd was smarter than this

DH was running errands this morning and pulled up behind a familiar car at a stoplight. It was dd but she did not see him. He was going to tap the horn to say hi but observed that she was smoking a cigarette and just held back. This has come as an absolute shock to both of us. I guess we never really know what our grown children are up to but this is just so out of character that it is hard to grasp. This is a young woman who normally displays a lot of common sense and fortitude. Makes me start wondering about who she really is. How would you process this? I wish he had not seen her at all.

thought dd was smarter than this

Is brick and mortar retail doomed?

I was just reading a blog post predicting the demise of Barnes and Noble. As an inveterate bookstore browser, I've often had this thought myself lately. Since Borders went belly up, B&N bookstores are pretty much the only ones left in my area, and it looks like their shutting down is only a matter of time. The brick and mortar stores just can't compete with Amazon on price.



The phenomenon of brick and mortar stores being replaced by online stores doesn't seem to just be confined to books. It's interesting to speculate what the retail landscape will look like in 10 or 20 years. What kinds of brick and mortar stores, if any, will still be around? Will online retailers start their own showrooms?

Is brick and mortar retail doomed?

Pay for house in cash, or put 50% down?

We are looking into purchasing an investment home for rental income. We have already paid off our home, have 215k in the bank and are looking to get the investment home for 105k. Eventually, we may get 1 or 2 other homes to rent out, but right now, we are just looking at this one.



What would you do?



Pay all cash for it, or put 55k down and finance the rest?



If financing, we will probably be hit with about $1,500 more in closing costs apparently, and it will be at a 4% interest rate which equals out to be $16,000+ in interest that we would pay over the life of the 15 year loan.



Several real estate folks have said to only put half down, but we hate debt, and can't stand that a few hundred dollars a month would be going to the bank just for the privilege of borrowing their money. Any people weighing in would be greatly appreciated!

Pay for house in cash, or put 50% down?

Parenting woes: Helping teenagers with English homework

Hi all,



I've got a bit of a question about, let's just say, "homework assistance". Basically, I was helping my daughter and her friend out with some English homework yesterday. They were brainstorming ideas for an essay they have to write on Pride and Prejudice and they mentioned that some of their friends have been using essay writing services (they showed me this one: http://ift.tt/1roDWzj ) and not actually writing their own essays.



I didn't want to overstep my mark with my daughters friend (you know how touchy some parents can be about another parent giving advice to their kids) and I'm sure a lot has changed since my school days, but what do people think of this kind of service? Have other people handled something like this recently? I couldn't tell how the girls felt about it, they just said it so matter of factly. I'm going to be having a conversation with my kid but wanted to see if other parents had better insight or experience with something like this. Also, should I tell the other parent?



Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Parenting woes: Helping teenagers with English homework

Metallic photographic prints

Has anyone had these made, or made them themselves?



I've been seeing these prints on metal (aluminum?) at arts and crafts fairs, and they are just beautiful. The color saturation and clarity is astonishing.



I'm wondering what results would be like if you are using photos from a fairly high quality point-and-shoot camera.

The prints are offered by a lot of online vendors.



I don't want to do this as hobby or business or anything - I just have some good photos of dd, our dogs, and some travel photos that might make nice prints.

Metallic photographic prints

Amazon Prime - worth it?

Can you help me figure out if it would be worth it to sign up for Amazon Prime?



What are the best values? Why do you use it?

Amazon Prime - worth it?

Cost of Starting Business in Belgrade

Hello all :)



I am from Turkey. I want to create a company (DD0) at Belgrade. But i couldn't find good info. I have some questions and it would be appreciated if anyone can help.



1- According SRBA documentation, total registration fee is 10,000 RSD around. Right calculation?

2- How we register it? via lawyers or accountants? How much they get commission for this?

3- Some websites say "No need to come Serbia, we can create your company for 50 Euros commission", But how they will open a bank account for me? Are they trustable?



Thank you for helps

belgrade

Serbian/English language exchange

Hello, I just recently moved to Belgrade from Prague, but am from the US originally and am interested in improving my Serbian(I already speak it on a basic level) and would be willing to exchange it for English in conversation. You can reach me at: james_Beckley@Hotmail.com Thanks! James

belgrade

Native speaking, TEFL-certified and experienced teacher offers lessons

Hello! I just moved to Belgrade from Prague and am offering English lessons. I am originally from the US, and have lived in Europe for many years. I have three and a half years experience of teaching English in Poland and Slovenia, and would like to offer my services here. Price per hour is negotiable- I am TEFL certified and have experience teaching all levels and ages. You can reach me by email at: james_Beckley@Hotmail.com

Thanks,



James

belgrade

Buying used car in Belgrade

hello everybody



I am an university teacher and i,m planin to live for about 1 week each month in Belgrade for at leas 2 years. i will not have any sort of visa or work permit because i will stay there for 5 working days each month, total 60 days for the whole year.



Does anybody know if i can buy a car and keep it with serbian documentation? what are the required docs, procedures and respective fees?



Thank you in advance!!

belgrade

Sending troops to Africa.........

How do you feel about this? Obama is sending 3,000 troops to African and several million dollars to deal with Ebola.

I'm glad we have trillions of dollars to send everywhere. I suppose it's nice to always want to help everyone, but why not fix our own house first?

Sending troops to Africa.........

Best and worst kitchen gadgets

I was just wondering what your worst and best kitchen gadgets are. I have made some dreadful purchase in the past. For me it is:



Best



1. very sharp expensive set of 5 kitchen knives with a really good sharpener.



2. Kenwood chef, I regularly use the dough hook, grain mill, k beater etc



3. Waldner grain roller for making flaked oats and rye.



4. Slow masticating juicer, I use for jams, jellies, juice, mincing etc.



worst



1 cheap juice extractor, needed unblocking after just 1 fruit



2 pizza oven, standard oven works better



3 pineapple peeler, better with a knife.



4, rice cooker, so easy to cook rice on the hob and takes up so much space

Best and worst kitchen gadgets