Good morning chicks,
Susie - glad you had a fun birthday. Boy you sure are ambitious on the garage! Wish I had your energy. We are overdue for a clean out and I am reminded that this is the time to do it when the weather is warm and workable. I'm glad to hear that Genny is doing well. You have been a good friend to her and everyone needs at least one of them in their lives. I hope you have fun at the graduation party. And congrats on your impressive weight loss - it is very motivating and proves if you only put your mind to it... AND STICK WITH IT - my personal problem -
Ceejay - when we moved out of Chicago (14 years ago) we decided to retain the credit union we had banked at for 20 years. We thought it might be a problem not having a branch anywhere close to us (ie. Memphis to Chicago and then up here) but actually - it's never been a problem. We were always able to electronically or snail mail take care of any business or odd check deposits. We get cash from the ATM here that doesn't charge a fee and we have a small bank account local to cash a check if we need one. Our stores limit cash and ATM to $40 so that doesn't really allow for much. I'd go with the more convenient bank even if it is a bit of a hassle to initially set it up. Only because I personally would avoid the busier city if I could. To your question - I try to volunteer one day in the office and of course Thursday nights for bingo but they always seem to suck me in more frequently than I'd like.
Laura - I can't believe they'd push that bone growth stimulator BEFORE they checked if the insurance would pay for it. I have to believe it's not cheap! Kinda LOL on BF pushing back on the house chores. My DH was like that with the older house in AH too. I think it was because he always hated that house. He worked like a dog outside in sweaty Memphis and he putters quite a bit out here but that's because he LIKES it. Although there are many unfinished projects here inside the house like door trim, painting, getting the basement floor done. I don't push because I can't help him with alot of it. I do agree though, if there are some things you can hand off to a reliable person and you can afford it, do it. Free time when you are working is a precious commodity. Don't forget to order your maid and cook while you are at it Sounds like you are doing very well with the rower program. It's great you found something you are enthused about.
Annie - I'm so glad you had a happy Michael moment. I'm sure he is watching over you and found a way to let you know that. Yay on the heavy duty yard work. You and Shad can be the gardeners at the commune. DH has fun toys and tools to make your job more delightful!!! Retirement is fun and enjoyable - I hope everyone can get there because it's GREAT to leave the working hassles behind. Not so great for the smaller paycheck (pension/social security) but I think it's worth it for the trade off.
Shad - thanks for the tip on getting the fuzzy parts off the Kiwi. Didn't realize so many varieties. I told DH you ate the skin and we were both I might try it on the NZ one as that looks more palatable. I am confused about your post - are you saying you will decide in MAY if you are to come in AUGUST??? August - though more crowded with people (which is relative to me me considering I don't live in cities any more) would allow for a much greater range of things to do and see. August is the blazing heat of summer for us - where we feel like we are living on the sun itself when the temps get to 80 degrees (F) But it's perfect for going out on the boat or taking an ATV ride though the cool woods. Mossies can be pesky but there is spray for that. May isn't too bad either but August is better. We have been known to get our last winter blast of the season first week in May - twice since we have been here we got 12 inches plus of wet snow the first week in May just so Mother Nature can show us who is boss! Anyway please clarify for me...
Dee - DH just configured a bunch of android tablets for the senior center and he was grumbling about them. I think if we got a tablet, it would be an iPAD.