Seldom am I ever shocked, but this week has been full of surprises:
Condo:
Back in April, we bought a Condo in Starkville for our youngest to live in till he graduates. With Morgan being a Co-op student, it made since, and with a roommate, it will pretty much pay for itself.
The Condo needed some work, including a massive cleaning, paint, updates in the bathroom, and issues with three appliances. Dish washer needed a new back roller, no problem, Internet. Bathroom needed new light cover, no problem, Internet. The microwave needed a new handle and that was taken care of by the seller. We did not run it because of the broken handle, but turns out the magnetometer was shot and the dryer needed a new heating element. $60 later both were repaired, courtesy of the warranty paid by the seller.
The biggest thing that bothered us them most, was that the dryer was not hooked up to the vent and there was 2-3 inches of lint compacted in the was closet. That stuff had run outta room and was working its was up the wall! We got all that cleaned up, hooked up, and thought we were in Condo heaven. Wrong.....
A month passed, and Morgan called complaining that the new heating element did not help the drying time. Rather than spend another $60 on repair, he found another unit on Craig's list for $125. Hooked it up, same thing. Hummm. I told him to get a pair of panty hose and hook them up to the vent hose, to see if the vent pipe might be stopped up. Morgan said there was no way he was going to buy a pair of panty hose, after all, he had an image to protect. He used some cheese cloth, which worked just as well. (I thought I had him with the hose! Dang it!) Turns out both dryers worked perfectly, which means its that dern vent pipe. Off to Starkville I go!
The vent pipe had an elbow under the floor, so neither the vacuum or water hose were of any use. I thought about running water through it, but being on the second floor, that could lead to a disaster for the downstairs neighbors. Off to Lowe's we go for an electric blower.
We insert the blower into the vent pipe and stuff a towel around it to force the air down the pipe. This pipe is over forty feet long, to the other end of the building. Morgan stationed himself outside to see which outlet was his. I turn the blower on, and in less than a minute I get a call from Morgan. "Holy shit" Dad! Three gallons of water came pouring out the end of the pipe. No lint, as it was all in the closet. Glad I didn't turn the hose on how. A little research and we discover than most likely it was condensation from the time the building was build 20 yrs ago. No wonder the previous owner didn't have the vent pipe hooked up! Well, I'll be.....
Lawnmower:
I've had the same mover for at least 7 years. Lots of things have either come off, broken, or just quit working. But it did run, and the self propelled still worked. Wrong! No sooner do I get started mowing, and the dang cable to the self propelled handle broke. Its been over 30 years since I have pushed a lawnmower, and this one just about did me in! Time for a new one. The old one will me on the street for the "drive by picker upper guy" that comes early each garbage day. Boy, will he be happy!
Go to Lowe's, and the first thing, I start lifting up the mowers to see where the oil plug is located. Loved that last one to death, but you had to pull the #$$%^ blade every time you changed the oil. Musta been a cruel joke from some Yankee engineer to come up with that. The Lowe's Guy walks up, scratching his head at what I'm doing and says "Can I help you"? You can spot the Lowe's Guys real quick. They all have on the same red vest, and all look too eager to help. I tell him I was wanting to find the oil drain plug. He says "Well, you aren't going to find it looking under there". I'm thinking he has just pulled one on yours truly. I say "say what?" Lowe's Guy "they did away with the oil plug. You now just turn the mower upside down to drain it". Well, I'll be.....
I decide on the Troy-Built model with the big wheels on the back, and the variable speed hand grip, seeing that it was only $20 more. A man has got to have things big! I notice this plug protruding from the mower deck. I ask, "ok, what the heck is that". Lowe's Guy: "That's a water hose connection so you can clean the deck by connecting your hose and cranking the engine." I just had to ask, "will it clean my deck out back too"? Lowe's Guy chuckled, and said, "never been asked that, but anything is possible, I guess". Good answer. This too, has me saying, well, I'll be.....
House:
Well since I had mastered the "vent pipe cleaning process" on the condo, I figured what the heck, I'll do this at home. Our dryer at home was also taking longer to dry. I put a bucket at the outside connection of the pipe to catch what ever came flying out. I went inside, crammed the blower into the vent hose and turned it on. I went outside to check, only to discover that very little air was coming out. Here we go again.... Years ago, we installed a pipe extension on the outside to divert the airflow away from two air conditioner units. I picked up the pipe, pointed it down, then shook it violently. Before I knew it, the bucket was full of lint! Well, I'll be......
So. To all you happy home owners with drying time issues, I highly suggest that you "blow you pipes". You never know what might be coming out!
Retired in 2012. I'm trying to out run old age and boredom. So far, I'm winning the race!
Friday, August 16, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
How to Travel on a the Cheap
There are many ways to travel and have a good time and not spend too much money, or save some money. These are some tried and true ways, not all experienced by yours truly.
Hotel Rooms:
Several Hotel chains have their own Visa/MasterCard credit cards that reward you with program points. For each dollar you spend you are rewarded hotel points. Stays in their hotel rooms often credit you with double and triple points. When traveling on business, try to stay at one of these hotels as often as possible. Before you know it, you have enough points for a weekend getaway at no cost to you. Some of the hotel chains even have specials where the points needed are "value discounted" or you can use points and cash to stretch your stay another day. Other credit cards build up mileage credits for airline tickets.
Car Rentals:
Before committing to a rental with one of the major car rental companies, make a comparison on Hotwire.com. Their reservations are with the same car companies, but at significant savings.
I'm not sure about other locations, but in Orlando, the toll fees can be charged to your credit card on file with the rental company, saving you the hassle of saving quarters for the unmanned exit stations. Check with the rental agency when you get your car to confirm this option. The charges will be added to your credit card at the end of your trip.
Airline Ticket Prices:
Before booking direct with an airline, check out Kayak.com. This site will give you all the available flights on all the airlines, and a listing of Southwest Airlines' flights and a link to their site for pricing. This site is a definite time saver.
Free Gifts
American Express has a reward program that has an annual fee of around $50. If you spend a considerable amount of money on your AMEX card and are not accumulating mileage credits, you may want to consider their reward program. I've used it at my old job to get gifts for the employees, like gift cards at restaurants and quite a few stores. Even got a Ducane grill for Company cookouts.
Gas Discounts:
Kroger has a shopper reward program that gives you $.10 off per gallon of gas for every $100 you spend in the store. The credits are good within a two month period. Kroger also gives you double points on every gift card you buy, and during some promotions it is times four. If you are going to do some major shopping, check out their selection of gift cards to retail stores and restaurants.
Walmart customers using a Walmart gift card will receive a 10 cent per gallon discount; customers who use a Walmart MoneyCard® or Walmart Credit Card will save 15 cents per gallon on their fuel purchase at Murphy USA stations.
Amusement Park Tickets:
Some parks do have discounts off their regular admission price. Simply buy you ticket online, print at home, and off to the park you go. Online ticketing saves the amusement park on their labor costs. Almost every amusement park has online discounts with the exception of Disney.
Disney: Discounts on Disney ticket pricing come when you buy multiple day passes, the more days you buy, the cheaper the daily cost will be. Disney has it all figured out, there is a fee to visit multiple parks in one day, there is a fee for tickets to not expire, etc....
Sea World, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, & Bush Gardens (Orlando-Tampa):
These parks are all owned by the same company. Budweiser sold the parks to another company several years ago, so they no longer have the free beer tasting that us old folks got to experience years ago. Be sure to check for specials on line. I have been able to get free tickets to Sea World by purchases tickets at Bush Gardens. These free tickets are only good if used during specific weeks of the year.
Free food:
There are lots of examples of how you can enjoy saving money of food:
Split a meal: When you and a companion want the same food item, simply order the larger size and split the cost. An example are Izzos, Moes, and Chipolte burrito shops.
Expense account: when on a business trip and your spouse travels with you, simply share an entree and ask for two plates. Usually the meals at high end restaurants are large enough for two anyway.
Dining Clubs: Quite a few restaurant chains have developed their owned reward programs. Landry 's restaurant chain's plan includes all the restaurants within their group and can be found at http://www.landrysselect.com/. The cost is $25, but you get a $25 credit that you can use on your next visit. They give you a $25 dining credit on your birthday, and each dollar spent accumulates up to 250 for a $25 dining credit. Points do expire after a year. Click on the link to see all the restaurants that are included in the plan. Vacation dining dollars add up quickly. One of their best benefits is first priority seating, especially in vacation spots like Orlando, New Orleans, etc...
Coupons: Check online at your favorite restaurant chains. They may have a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert. More and more of these restaurants are moving to their own dining clubs, and when you enroll, they most often provide a coupon which the membership.
ROO CUPS:
Kangaroo gas stations have a summer program where you purchase their insulated cup for $7 and refills are $.25 from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you purchase a straw, there are certain Fridays where you get free refills if your straw is a certain color for that particular day.
Other gas station chains have coffee clubs.
Condiments:
This sounds kinda cheap, but hey, its free! When planning a vacation trip, and you are staying in a condo rental, be sure to accumulate all the ketchup, mustard, mayo, sugar, and sweet -n-low packets you can get your hands on. Put them in a Ziploc bag and take them with you. No need to buy these items at the store when you arrive, and nothing to throw out when you leave. This also goes for the plastic cutlery and napkin packets as well.
Shampoo & Conditioner:
When you travel on business trips, collect all of the samples of shampoo and conditioner that is provided free by the hotel. These are great to use when you are one extended vacation trips at the beach.
Ziploc Margaritas:
If you have a margarita machine like I do, take it with you on your vacation, especially to the beach. The night before, make up a few batches, pour them into Ziploc quart freezer bags, and put them in the freezer. These are nice ice substitutes for ice in your cooler the next day, and they turn into slush just about the time you are ready to enjoy one, or two, or three.....
Timeshares:
Yeah, I know, timeshares, what a rip! BUT. Timeshares can be a big money saver if you work it right, and have no problem saying NO. Timeshares want you to come and experience what they have to offer. They have promotions where you can get three nights and four days for $200 or less. They will usually even extend it for a week for a few dollars more. If you have a friend that has a timeshare they can usually set up the referral for you. Your friend gets something for the referral and you get a discounted trip to a plush resort. Sometime during your stay, you will have to give up 2-3 hours to hear the "spill".
Most timeshares are now on the point system vs the old "specific week" every year. The point system gives you much more flexibility in planning your trips, but you have to do the planning 9-12 months ahead to lock in your reservation.
I have discovered that there are bargains to be had on the "after market", but you have to know how each timeshare company's point system works in order to maximize the benefits of each timeshare. Attending the timeshare sales presentations gives you a pretty good picture, but the true knowledge comes from understanding how many points are needed for your particular circumstances. The sales people will not disclose this until you have made a commitment to buy. Remember to get promises on paper, and if they tell you about specific benefits, ask to see them on paper. The spousal unit and I have ownership in two timeshare companies and have added more value to them with purchases on the secondary market. I am willing to share this knowledge, for a price.....
I hope you find these tips to be useful. If you have some to add, please add them in the comment section!
Hotel Rooms:
Several Hotel chains have their own Visa/MasterCard credit cards that reward you with program points. For each dollar you spend you are rewarded hotel points. Stays in their hotel rooms often credit you with double and triple points. When traveling on business, try to stay at one of these hotels as often as possible. Before you know it, you have enough points for a weekend getaway at no cost to you. Some of the hotel chains even have specials where the points needed are "value discounted" or you can use points and cash to stretch your stay another day. Other credit cards build up mileage credits for airline tickets.
Car Rentals:
Before committing to a rental with one of the major car rental companies, make a comparison on Hotwire.com. Their reservations are with the same car companies, but at significant savings.
I'm not sure about other locations, but in Orlando, the toll fees can be charged to your credit card on file with the rental company, saving you the hassle of saving quarters for the unmanned exit stations. Check with the rental agency when you get your car to confirm this option. The charges will be added to your credit card at the end of your trip.
Airline Ticket Prices:
Before booking direct with an airline, check out Kayak.com. This site will give you all the available flights on all the airlines, and a listing of Southwest Airlines' flights and a link to their site for pricing. This site is a definite time saver.
Free Gifts
American Express has a reward program that has an annual fee of around $50. If you spend a considerable amount of money on your AMEX card and are not accumulating mileage credits, you may want to consider their reward program. I've used it at my old job to get gifts for the employees, like gift cards at restaurants and quite a few stores. Even got a Ducane grill for Company cookouts.
Gas Discounts:
Kroger has a shopper reward program that gives you $.10 off per gallon of gas for every $100 you spend in the store. The credits are good within a two month period. Kroger also gives you double points on every gift card you buy, and during some promotions it is times four. If you are going to do some major shopping, check out their selection of gift cards to retail stores and restaurants.
Walmart customers using a Walmart gift card will receive a 10 cent per gallon discount; customers who use a Walmart MoneyCard® or Walmart Credit Card will save 15 cents per gallon on their fuel purchase at Murphy USA stations.
Amusement Park Tickets:
Some parks do have discounts off their regular admission price. Simply buy you ticket online, print at home, and off to the park you go. Online ticketing saves the amusement park on their labor costs. Almost every amusement park has online discounts with the exception of Disney.
Disney: Discounts on Disney ticket pricing come when you buy multiple day passes, the more days you buy, the cheaper the daily cost will be. Disney has it all figured out, there is a fee to visit multiple parks in one day, there is a fee for tickets to not expire, etc....
Sea World, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, & Bush Gardens (Orlando-Tampa):
These parks are all owned by the same company. Budweiser sold the parks to another company several years ago, so they no longer have the free beer tasting that us old folks got to experience years ago. Be sure to check for specials on line. I have been able to get free tickets to Sea World by purchases tickets at Bush Gardens. These free tickets are only good if used during specific weeks of the year.
Free food:
There are lots of examples of how you can enjoy saving money of food:
Split a meal: When you and a companion want the same food item, simply order the larger size and split the cost. An example are Izzos, Moes, and Chipolte burrito shops.
Expense account: when on a business trip and your spouse travels with you, simply share an entree and ask for two plates. Usually the meals at high end restaurants are large enough for two anyway.
Dining Clubs: Quite a few restaurant chains have developed their owned reward programs. Landry 's restaurant chain's plan includes all the restaurants within their group and can be found at http://www.landrysselect.com/. The cost is $25, but you get a $25 credit that you can use on your next visit. They give you a $25 dining credit on your birthday, and each dollar spent accumulates up to 250 for a $25 dining credit. Points do expire after a year. Click on the link to see all the restaurants that are included in the plan. Vacation dining dollars add up quickly. One of their best benefits is first priority seating, especially in vacation spots like Orlando, New Orleans, etc...
Coupons: Check online at your favorite restaurant chains. They may have a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert. More and more of these restaurants are moving to their own dining clubs, and when you enroll, they most often provide a coupon which the membership.
ROO CUPS:
Kangaroo gas stations have a summer program where you purchase their insulated cup for $7 and refills are $.25 from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you purchase a straw, there are certain Fridays where you get free refills if your straw is a certain color for that particular day.
Other gas station chains have coffee clubs.
Condiments:
This sounds kinda cheap, but hey, its free! When planning a vacation trip, and you are staying in a condo rental, be sure to accumulate all the ketchup, mustard, mayo, sugar, and sweet -n-low packets you can get your hands on. Put them in a Ziploc bag and take them with you. No need to buy these items at the store when you arrive, and nothing to throw out when you leave. This also goes for the plastic cutlery and napkin packets as well.
Shampoo & Conditioner:
When you travel on business trips, collect all of the samples of shampoo and conditioner that is provided free by the hotel. These are great to use when you are one extended vacation trips at the beach.
Ziploc Margaritas:
If you have a margarita machine like I do, take it with you on your vacation, especially to the beach. The night before, make up a few batches, pour them into Ziploc quart freezer bags, and put them in the freezer. These are nice ice substitutes for ice in your cooler the next day, and they turn into slush just about the time you are ready to enjoy one, or two, or three.....
Timeshares:
Yeah, I know, timeshares, what a rip! BUT. Timeshares can be a big money saver if you work it right, and have no problem saying NO. Timeshares want you to come and experience what they have to offer. They have promotions where you can get three nights and four days for $200 or less. They will usually even extend it for a week for a few dollars more. If you have a friend that has a timeshare they can usually set up the referral for you. Your friend gets something for the referral and you get a discounted trip to a plush resort. Sometime during your stay, you will have to give up 2-3 hours to hear the "spill".
Most timeshares are now on the point system vs the old "specific week" every year. The point system gives you much more flexibility in planning your trips, but you have to do the planning 9-12 months ahead to lock in your reservation.
I have discovered that there are bargains to be had on the "after market", but you have to know how each timeshare company's point system works in order to maximize the benefits of each timeshare. Attending the timeshare sales presentations gives you a pretty good picture, but the true knowledge comes from understanding how many points are needed for your particular circumstances. The sales people will not disclose this until you have made a commitment to buy. Remember to get promises on paper, and if they tell you about specific benefits, ask to see them on paper. The spousal unit and I have ownership in two timeshare companies and have added more value to them with purchases on the secondary market. I am willing to share this knowledge, for a price.....
I hope you find these tips to be useful. If you have some to add, please add them in the comment section!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
And God Says, "I Gotcha Covered"
Growing up, I lived in a household where come Sunday, rain or shine, your butt better be on a pew, somewhere in the middle to the back row of a Baptist Church. If you did miss church, Sunday dinner best be ready by the time the parents got home. If farmers were in need of a rain, they were in church saying, "Ok Preacher, I'm here, I need help from your business partner." The next week, that same farmer would be back, telling that same preacher, "Ok, he can turn it off now".
I didn't experience much in the way of family prayer time in my upbringing and some days I would wonder, "God, are you really up there?" I had conditioned myself to believe that when things happened, it was just fate, that God had already built your road map and it was your decision to pick what fork in the road to take. I have always been humored by what I call your "toters and quoters". They always have that Bible of theirs at the ready to throw a little scripture at you, and will think nothing about hitting there knees to ask God for that new car or that 55 inch tv, etc..... Then they start up with that "The wages of sin is death"! routine. But you know, every now and then, a good stiff drink is all you need to relax. A few good cuss words said at the right time bring all things back into prospective.
Things did not come easy back then. If you needed something you worked hard for it. You were so busy working hard for the necessities of life, that you didn't have time to "want something". As I look back, I realize that God has had "my back covered" the whole time. In my pre-teen years, my brother and I cut would grass with a push mower for spending money. As we began to pick up more and more business, we were in desperate need of a riding mower, but the cost put them well beyond our reach. God said, "I gotcha covered". I was involved in a freak accident and ended up with a broken leg. I was like, "God, Dude, this ain't what I had in mind". The next thing I know, the insurance company paid out a small settlement that covered the medical bills and some extra for pain and suffering. Guess what, it was just enough to cover the cost of a riding lawnmower. I learned that God indeed, works in mysterious ways.
I've been blessed with a wonderful wife and a fantastic marriage to my best friend, After having our first child, it seemed that we were just meant to have just one. The wife has discovered volleyball at our church. I get a call to come get her, as something popped in her knee. That night, I find out my grandmother had just passed away, and Matthew wakes up in the night with 102 fever. I think, ok God, what's next? After five years of trying, with no luck, during her recovery from knee surgery, LaNelle becomes pregnant with Morgan. Yep, God has struck again!
More recently, I had reached a point in my occupation, where I had just about reached the breaking point. I have always taken pride in being a good soldier. Give me a job, and I'll get it done. In all my working years, I never asked for a raise, I always believed that in doing your work, do a good job, and eventually, you would be rewarded. Remember the saying, "be careful what you wish for".
My reward, was several promotions up the management ladder. I've always taken great pride in getting things done, but now I had to depend on others to do the work, under my leadership. And in my mindset, nobody could do it better than me. Stress levels went up, blood pressure went up, and my intake of Diet Dew was up to eight or more each and every day. God said hum. He eventually blessed me with kidney stones on three occasions. I still could not take a hint. I went to the Doctor, and he said here are some pills: some for your blood pressure, some for your cholesterol, and some for your anxiety. Still something else had to give.
I was 55 years old. I have only had three jobs in my adult life. The first lasted four years, great training for what laid ahead. The second lasted ten, and now I was in my 19th year of my third. I looked into the mirror, and concluded that it was time to find job number four. Wouldn't you know it, God said "I gotcha covered". Next thing I know, my services at my employer are no longer needed. As I drove out of that parking lot, it was as if that heavy burden fell off my back. My oldest son called my youngest, and said, "something has happened to Dad". The youngest said "Oh my God, what happened?" Oldest said, "not too sure, but he is smiling!" They could not remember the last time I had smiled, and the sad thing was, neither could I...... Guess what, that day was February 17, 2012. I have been smiling ever since.
God ain't through with me yet. I picked up the church newsletter, which I never do, and the next thing I know, I have made a call to volunteer to help at Stewpot Food Pantry. I love that place. I had worked the sound board for over twenty years, and told the choir director that it was time for the younger crowd to take over. Electronic media had made its way into the sound room, and my time there was becoming more work and less and less fun. Phone rings one day, its Sandra, the choir director. She now has me driving the church bus and picking up kids from school on Wednesdays for their choir practice. I brought candy the weeks leading up to Halloween. After Christmas break, one of my bus riders came up to me and said "Mr. Bill, we liked it better when you brought your candy bucket". I said, "well you know, Valentine's Day is coming up". She said, "Oh, its one of those major holiday kinda things". I almost fell out of the drivers seat. Out of the mouths of babes"!
You never know what God has up his sleeve. I needed something else to occupy my time. My parents asked me to join them for lunch at a little country store in Pocahontas. Why Pocahontas? I meet them there for lunch, nice place, good food. I look around and notice this cooler box that was made of wood, built around an ice chest. I ask if I can take a few pictures and they say yes. Those pictures became a father-son spring break project this year. I have since built over 40 for friends. You can't tell me that God didn't have his hand on that one!
I have no clue what the next few years will bring, but I know that God is sitting up there on his throne looking down at me saying "I gotcha covered"! I'll just bet that he has you "covered" too!
I didn't experience much in the way of family prayer time in my upbringing and some days I would wonder, "God, are you really up there?" I had conditioned myself to believe that when things happened, it was just fate, that God had already built your road map and it was your decision to pick what fork in the road to take. I have always been humored by what I call your "toters and quoters". They always have that Bible of theirs at the ready to throw a little scripture at you, and will think nothing about hitting there knees to ask God for that new car or that 55 inch tv, etc..... Then they start up with that "The wages of sin is death"! routine. But you know, every now and then, a good stiff drink is all you need to relax. A few good cuss words said at the right time bring all things back into prospective.
Things did not come easy back then. If you needed something you worked hard for it. You were so busy working hard for the necessities of life, that you didn't have time to "want something". As I look back, I realize that God has had "my back covered" the whole time. In my pre-teen years, my brother and I cut would grass with a push mower for spending money. As we began to pick up more and more business, we were in desperate need of a riding mower, but the cost put them well beyond our reach. God said, "I gotcha covered". I was involved in a freak accident and ended up with a broken leg. I was like, "God, Dude, this ain't what I had in mind". The next thing I know, the insurance company paid out a small settlement that covered the medical bills and some extra for pain and suffering. Guess what, it was just enough to cover the cost of a riding lawnmower. I learned that God indeed, works in mysterious ways.
I've been blessed with a wonderful wife and a fantastic marriage to my best friend, After having our first child, it seemed that we were just meant to have just one. The wife has discovered volleyball at our church. I get a call to come get her, as something popped in her knee. That night, I find out my grandmother had just passed away, and Matthew wakes up in the night with 102 fever. I think, ok God, what's next? After five years of trying, with no luck, during her recovery from knee surgery, LaNelle becomes pregnant with Morgan. Yep, God has struck again!
More recently, I had reached a point in my occupation, where I had just about reached the breaking point. I have always taken pride in being a good soldier. Give me a job, and I'll get it done. In all my working years, I never asked for a raise, I always believed that in doing your work, do a good job, and eventually, you would be rewarded. Remember the saying, "be careful what you wish for".
My reward, was several promotions up the management ladder. I've always taken great pride in getting things done, but now I had to depend on others to do the work, under my leadership. And in my mindset, nobody could do it better than me. Stress levels went up, blood pressure went up, and my intake of Diet Dew was up to eight or more each and every day. God said hum. He eventually blessed me with kidney stones on three occasions. I still could not take a hint. I went to the Doctor, and he said here are some pills: some for your blood pressure, some for your cholesterol, and some for your anxiety. Still something else had to give.
I was 55 years old. I have only had three jobs in my adult life. The first lasted four years, great training for what laid ahead. The second lasted ten, and now I was in my 19th year of my third. I looked into the mirror, and concluded that it was time to find job number four. Wouldn't you know it, God said "I gotcha covered". Next thing I know, my services at my employer are no longer needed. As I drove out of that parking lot, it was as if that heavy burden fell off my back. My oldest son called my youngest, and said, "something has happened to Dad". The youngest said "Oh my God, what happened?" Oldest said, "not too sure, but he is smiling!" They could not remember the last time I had smiled, and the sad thing was, neither could I...... Guess what, that day was February 17, 2012. I have been smiling ever since.
God ain't through with me yet. I picked up the church newsletter, which I never do, and the next thing I know, I have made a call to volunteer to help at Stewpot Food Pantry. I love that place. I had worked the sound board for over twenty years, and told the choir director that it was time for the younger crowd to take over. Electronic media had made its way into the sound room, and my time there was becoming more work and less and less fun. Phone rings one day, its Sandra, the choir director. She now has me driving the church bus and picking up kids from school on Wednesdays for their choir practice. I brought candy the weeks leading up to Halloween. After Christmas break, one of my bus riders came up to me and said "Mr. Bill, we liked it better when you brought your candy bucket". I said, "well you know, Valentine's Day is coming up". She said, "Oh, its one of those major holiday kinda things". I almost fell out of the drivers seat. Out of the mouths of babes"!
You never know what God has up his sleeve. I needed something else to occupy my time. My parents asked me to join them for lunch at a little country store in Pocahontas. Why Pocahontas? I meet them there for lunch, nice place, good food. I look around and notice this cooler box that was made of wood, built around an ice chest. I ask if I can take a few pictures and they say yes. Those pictures became a father-son spring break project this year. I have since built over 40 for friends. You can't tell me that God didn't have his hand on that one!
I have no clue what the next few years will bring, but I know that God is sitting up there on his throne looking down at me saying "I gotcha covered"! I'll just bet that he has you "covered" too!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
A Book Reading, a First Time for Everythang
An ole high school buddy of mine, Steve Yarbrough, who now lives in the Boston area, has come back to Mississippi to do several readings from his new book. You can travel the world, but you always end up coming back to your roots. He must still have a little buckshot and gumbo mud between his toes!
Tonight's reading was held at Lemuria Book Store's annex where they do their Lemuria.com business. Of course, they were selling books, but to my surprise, they had a refrigerator full of beer! I got their a little late and did not know this until somebody came in after me. I'll be better prepared next time by golly!
Ole Steve still talks as slow as ever, but I did see hints that his southern drawl was beginning to fade, just a bit. He indicated, that when folks ask him where he is from, he usually says that he lives in the Boston area, but that he is from Mississippi. I could tell from listening him, that he truly has fallen in love with Boston, and in twenty years or so, he just might begin saying that he is now from Boston, but raised in Mississippi!
Turns out that a book reading, you only get to hear a few pages from the author. For some reason, I was expecting this to be the live version of "Books on Tape". While it was short, I fully enjoyed myself. He gave a little background on the book without giving the story away. Sounds like a dang salesman, anything to sell a few more books.
He told a story from yesterday about doing an extended interview at the local TV station, and all he could think about during the interview was the two guitars that were in his car in 110 degree heat. He could just see in his mind, the glue, slowly oozing out of the guitars, leaving nothing but a pile of wood and strings. I had to chuckle on that one. Years ago, I got a nice leather briefcase as a gift for ten years of service at work. I cherished that briefcase. One day I go out to my car to retrieve it, and the seams had come apart in the heat, probably 110 degrees. I paid to have it put back together, but it was never the same. Still have it.
In the middle of Steve's reading, the grandmaw sitting next to me had her stupid cell phone go off. Not once, but twice! I almost took it away from her, grrr. It is just something about a woman and their cell phones. You know that sooner or later that sucker is going to go off, but women consistently plant them at the bottom of their purses. This woman was no exception. I think she was also hard of hearing, because she had the ringer on that old timey flip phone turned up to full volume. Then her whispers of "I'll call you later" could be heard by everyone within ten feet!
Even with this interruption, Steve did not miss a beat. Eventually, he finished his reading, and then he took several questions from the audience. For me, the questions and the answers were eye openers, and extremely helpful, as I dive more and more into this world of blogging.
The reading for me concluded with a light conversation with Steve Yarbrough, the author, and friend, and of course, an autographed copy of his book!
Thanks Steve!
Tonight's reading was held at Lemuria Book Store's annex where they do their Lemuria.com business. Of course, they were selling books, but to my surprise, they had a refrigerator full of beer! I got their a little late and did not know this until somebody came in after me. I'll be better prepared next time by golly!
Ole Steve still talks as slow as ever, but I did see hints that his southern drawl was beginning to fade, just a bit. He indicated, that when folks ask him where he is from, he usually says that he lives in the Boston area, but that he is from Mississippi. I could tell from listening him, that he truly has fallen in love with Boston, and in twenty years or so, he just might begin saying that he is now from Boston, but raised in Mississippi!
Turns out that a book reading, you only get to hear a few pages from the author. For some reason, I was expecting this to be the live version of "Books on Tape". While it was short, I fully enjoyed myself. He gave a little background on the book without giving the story away. Sounds like a dang salesman, anything to sell a few more books.
He told a story from yesterday about doing an extended interview at the local TV station, and all he could think about during the interview was the two guitars that were in his car in 110 degree heat. He could just see in his mind, the glue, slowly oozing out of the guitars, leaving nothing but a pile of wood and strings. I had to chuckle on that one. Years ago, I got a nice leather briefcase as a gift for ten years of service at work. I cherished that briefcase. One day I go out to my car to retrieve it, and the seams had come apart in the heat, probably 110 degrees. I paid to have it put back together, but it was never the same. Still have it.
In the middle of Steve's reading, the grandmaw sitting next to me had her stupid cell phone go off. Not once, but twice! I almost took it away from her, grrr. It is just something about a woman and their cell phones. You know that sooner or later that sucker is going to go off, but women consistently plant them at the bottom of their purses. This woman was no exception. I think she was also hard of hearing, because she had the ringer on that old timey flip phone turned up to full volume. Then her whispers of "I'll call you later" could be heard by everyone within ten feet!
Even with this interruption, Steve did not miss a beat. Eventually, he finished his reading, and then he took several questions from the audience. For me, the questions and the answers were eye openers, and extremely helpful, as I dive more and more into this world of blogging.
The reading for me concluded with a light conversation with Steve Yarbrough, the author, and friend, and of course, an autographed copy of his book!
Thanks Steve!
Game Day in Oxford, Can't Wait!
Football season is fast approaching, and I can't wait. Being a Bulldog married to a Rebel, I get twice the game day experiences compared to most college fans. Having season tickets to both MSU & Ole Miss makes for some challenges as far a logistics which games are sure bets, which side will compromise to the other, and which tickets to sell or give away. I must admit, I do enjoy game day at that town up north called Oxford.
Oxford Parking:
It has always been a challenge to find the closest parking spot for a game in Oxford. Arrive early, and you could always find a spot in the Ford Center Parking lot. Last year they began selling reserved parking there for around $1,000 for the season, with very few takers. The excess amount over $20 per game was considered a "donation". This year you have to have a parking pass to be able to park on campus. Here is the parking map that is color coded, and notice the circle bands indicating the distance to the stadium. Gotta feeling the game color for the first few games will be red, coming from the rage seen in the faces of all those Rebel fans trying to figure this all out.
Several businesses are seeing an opportunity to make some money by leasing out their parking lots for the same big money. Some of the money will be donated back to the schools:
This from HottyToddy.com:
With the dramatic changes in game day parking at Ole Miss, HottyToddy.com will offer reserved season pass parking to 150 takers at its parking lot that joins the UM campus. Proceeds will support academic enrichment.“Take one step forward from our parking lot and you are on the campus. Walk about 2,000 feet and you are at The Inn At Ole Miss and just beyond is The Grove”, said HT.Com publisher Dr. Ed Meek.The offices of HottyToddy.com are located at 307 West Jackson, at the corner of West Jackson and Gertrude Ford Road. All profits from HottyToddy.Com will be contributed to Ole Miss for scholarships and other academic support. Reserved parking for the season of seven home games will be $1,000,” he said.“In addition to the HottyToddy.Com parking lot, we are assisting Burns United Methodist Church, just a block from our location, in the leasing of some 40 parking spaces at the same rate at their location just off Molly Barr Road. All revenue for this lot will go to support church ministries,’ Dr. Meek said.
The Grove:
Regardless of what school you attended, one of the best game day experiences can be found in "The Grove". It is a sea of red and blue from the colors of the tents to the fashions of Ralph Lauren. The frat boys trying to stay cool wearing their blue blazers and khaki pants and sweating out the alcohol from the night before. The Coeds will be in their Sunday best, accented with the finest cowboy boots, Uggs and even diamond studded flip flops. After a close loss to the Tide, one ole gal even threw her Prada's onto the field in disgust. Bet her Daddy ain't got over that yet!
Our group is strategically located across the street from the Grove, by the bridge, next to the "Popo" tent. From this position, you get to see the parade of Coeds coming too and fro, with their bad-locked coolers in tow with one hand, and their chicken strip basket in the other. Occasionally you have the "rookie" that tries to walk in with a twelve pack of bud in hand, only to be stopped by the Popo, and be ordered to pour all that beer onto the ground by one of the many tall majestic oak trees that make up the grove. It has been rumored that some of the trees begin to sway back and forth from all that beer on the roots and from the band playing Dixie!
The Food:
You can't celebrate game day without the food. First thing you see is table prep. The tables are covered in red and blue linen table cloths. It is amazing to sit back and watch those tables go from being bare, to blooming into tailgate splendor. The table setting has to be positioned for a smooth transition, from appetizer, to entrees, to desserts. Plates and flatware are strategically placed so that no one would have to eat with their fingers. The standard for drinking is the fan favorite "red solo cup". It doesn't hurt that it is also a school color.
Every type of dip is on display, Rotel being the big fan favorite. The fan favorite entree is of course the "chicken finger". I have never been able to figure out peoples affection for deviled eggs and pasta salads in 90+ degree heat. Must be all those adult beverages that keep them from getting sick. Chafing dishes are the main heat source for keeping certain foods hot, from meatballs, to all kinds of barbecue, and even hot tamales! All other types of heat sources were banned several years ago. I was there when a roadie grill with a spare fuel cylinder underneath caught fire. I have never seen so many party goers scatter in a matter of seconds!
One year we were approached by some kids that made the trip from Brigham Young. They were curious as to where they might find something to eat, since they couldn't seem to find any place on campus. Boy did they come to the right tent! They even commented that they had watched the "Blind Side" three times before deciding to make the trip!
Festivities:
You can't celebrate game day in the Grove without experiencing some of the happenings. The Grove was wired with electricity, so as long as you can hit a satellite, ESPN is live every 50 feet. And one cannot experience the Grove without using the HottyToddyPotty. That sucker is a portable bathroom trailer with air conditioning!
The band and cheer squads put on a small pep rally by the pavilion, then the band lines up for their march to the stadium. Fans follow them in one continuous flow from all directions until they reach their Mecca, Vault Hemingway Stadium.
A few tradition they have during one of the first games is to have the incoming freshmen enter the stadium from one end and make their way to their seats at the other end. You quickly get an understanding why the dorms are occupied by mostly freshmen!
The spousal unit gets a special treat this year. Her niece, was a Rebelette during her time in Oxford. She is returning this year as the head coach of this Year's Rebelettes, her dream job. So, keep your eyes on section F, as the spousal unit will be dancing along with those girls all game long, and especially at halftime. So, when they announce the coach's name, "Carley Russell Cryer". give her a special "Rebel Yell"!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Yesterday
There is a Beatles song called "Yesterday, with lyrics that start:
"Yesterday,
All my troubles seemed so far away,
Now it looks as though they're here to stay,
Oh, I believe in yesterday. "
I spent this weekend building an ice chest cooler box for a friend of mine, Jim Taylor, whom I have not laid eyes on in forty years. We were in different classes at Indianola Academy, but my senior year, we shared a special season of high school football, playing as a team, we went undefeated, and then beat our arch rival, Jackson Prep,by a score of 33-0 in the AAA championship game.
Jim and I met up in Louisville, MS, at the convenience store on the hill next to the only four way flashing light on the entire length of Highway 25. We greeted each other this a firm handshake, and a good ole southern boy bear hug. Me being a whole lot bigger, got the better end of that hug!
On the ride up there, It was almost like those yesterday years were like the song, so far away. Being retired, a lot of my troubles have gone away, so I don't dwell too much on "yesterday". As soon as I laid my eyes on him, all those years just melted away.
Conversation began quickly, talking about old friends, MSU, and both of our retirements. We both agreed to try real hard to go see Steve Yarbrough at his reading this Friday at Lemuria Bookstore in Jackson, MS. Steve, as a member of that team, had a special talent, of "throwing up" before every high school game he played in.
I tend to do my fair share of the talking, and Jim gave it his best to keep up. It was funny comparing stories of "time sharing" and building things. We promised to get together this upcoming MSU football season a time or two. Who knows, he might even be brave enough to introduce me to his wife Vera.
We were even interrupted by a complete stranger who was curious about the cooler box. He wasn't a stranger for long!
Thank you Jim for a wonderful flashback to cherished memories. Maybe I'll tell a story or two on our old teammates. And for the record, I did have to drive farther than Jim, but boy, was it worth it!
Live is good :-)
"Yesterday,
All my troubles seemed so far away,
Now it looks as though they're here to stay,
Oh, I believe in yesterday. "
I spent this weekend building an ice chest cooler box for a friend of mine, Jim Taylor, whom I have not laid eyes on in forty years. We were in different classes at Indianola Academy, but my senior year, we shared a special season of high school football, playing as a team, we went undefeated, and then beat our arch rival, Jackson Prep,by a score of 33-0 in the AAA championship game.
Jim and I met up in Louisville, MS, at the convenience store on the hill next to the only four way flashing light on the entire length of Highway 25. We greeted each other this a firm handshake, and a good ole southern boy bear hug. Me being a whole lot bigger, got the better end of that hug!
On the ride up there, It was almost like those yesterday years were like the song, so far away. Being retired, a lot of my troubles have gone away, so I don't dwell too much on "yesterday". As soon as I laid my eyes on him, all those years just melted away.
Conversation began quickly, talking about old friends, MSU, and both of our retirements. We both agreed to try real hard to go see Steve Yarbrough at his reading this Friday at Lemuria Bookstore in Jackson, MS. Steve, as a member of that team, had a special talent, of "throwing up" before every high school game he played in.
I tend to do my fair share of the talking, and Jim gave it his best to keep up. It was funny comparing stories of "time sharing" and building things. We promised to get together this upcoming MSU football season a time or two. Who knows, he might even be brave enough to introduce me to his wife Vera.
We were even interrupted by a complete stranger who was curious about the cooler box. He wasn't a stranger for long!
Thank you Jim for a wonderful flashback to cherished memories. Maybe I'll tell a story or two on our old teammates. And for the record, I did have to drive farther than Jim, but boy, was it worth it!
Live is good :-)
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Couch From Hell
This spring, we purchased a condo in Starkville for Morgan to live in till he graduates from MSU. This made perfect economic sense, and should eventually be a good return on our investment.
Morgan spent the first year in the dorm, and this past year in a fully furnished four bedroom apartment right next to campus. Moving into the condo was going to require some additional furnishings. I figured the first thing he would need was a bed and mattress.
The local furniture super store located in Pearl, was having their tent sale, and this was the last day. I figured, what the heck, I'll go look, maybe I'll find a deal. I walk into the tent, and I find a variety of items, furnishings for bedroom , the living room, and dining. Remember, I went in looking for a bed frame and mattress.
I find a wooden bed, dresser and night stand that have been marked way down. Hummm. I then discover that the mattress on the bed is a discontinued brand and this was the last mattress of this line, and the price on it was marked way down. Again I get to thinking, Hummm. Took a few pictures, did some texting with the spousal unit, and decided to get it all, since the price was too good to walk away. Remember, I went in looking for a bed frame and mattress.
While the sales clerk (who just happened to be from my home town) was working on the paperwork, I walked over to this leather couch:
Morgan spent the first year in the dorm, and this past year in a fully furnished four bedroom apartment right next to campus. Moving into the condo was going to require some additional furnishings. I figured the first thing he would need was a bed and mattress.
The local furniture super store located in Pearl, was having their tent sale, and this was the last day. I figured, what the heck, I'll go look, maybe I'll find a deal. I walk into the tent, and I find a variety of items, furnishings for bedroom , the living room, and dining. Remember, I went in looking for a bed frame and mattress.
I find a wooden bed, dresser and night stand that have been marked way down. Hummm. I then discover that the mattress on the bed is a discontinued brand and this was the last mattress of this line, and the price on it was marked way down. Again I get to thinking, Hummm. Took a few pictures, did some texting with the spousal unit, and decided to get it all, since the price was too good to walk away. Remember, I went in looking for a bed frame and mattress.
While the sales clerk (who just happened to be from my home town) was working on the paperwork, I walked over to this leather couch:
The original price was $999, now marked down to $400. What a deal! Bought it too! (Remember, I went in looking for a bed frame and mattress.) The sales clerk mentioned that these items were final sale and could not be returned. No Biggie. She did suggest that I purchase the extended warranty since they would be used in college housing. Good Idea, sold!
I picked up the items the next day, and to my surprise, they had boxed and wrapped every item for the ride home. Since we had not yet taken possession of the condo yet, I stored the furniture in our garage, still in the boxes and wrapping.
Move in day arrived and off to Starkville we went. We had the Spousal units car loaded down in addition to the truck being filled to capacity. It would have looked like the Clampett's coming to town except for not having a rocking chair and Granny on top!
We get everything upstairs into the unit, then we take the wrapping off the couch. I plop my big ole butt onto one end, nice! Then the fun begins.
The spousal unit sits at the other end and notices a half inch cut in the leather on the arm rest in one of the creases by the decorative tacking. Well shoot! Brand new, final sale, and comes with a hole. A quick call to the sales clerk gets me connected to the customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl. I'm reminded that the tent sale items, are final sale, as is. But wait! I bought the warranty!
I sent a picture of the damage to the "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl" to confirm the damage. The "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl" agrees to check with the manufacturer to see if they can make the replacement part in the matching leather. (This is the first of May.) A day or two later I get a call, yes it can and will be done! Thank you warranty!
June 14th, I get an email from the "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl" indicating that the replacement part has arrived and he wants to schedule June 25th for the repair. Ok, no biggie. Patience is there, but getting thin.
On June 25th, the repair guy arrives to do the repair, and I get this email from the "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl":
Mr. Weems, my technician is in Starkville now but just noticed the new arm Lane sent is not stitched properly. It’s missing the top stitch like the arm on your sofa. I do apologize but we will have to reorder the arm on a rush from Lane. I will update you as soon as I can get the new part.
Lovely. And, the technician did not restore the couch arm back to its original appearance. But Thank you warranty! July 19th, I get this email from the "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl" :
Mr. Weems, sorry for the delay in this matter. I’m checking on other options for you. I will update you asap.
Later that day:
Mr. Weems, could you please have someone take a picture of the factory ID tag that will be stapled to the bottom of this unit. It will have this number.. 020433689 on the tag and email back to me.
On July 31st I get a phone call from the "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl" :
"Mr. Weems, I have a problem with the replacement part. The original couch arm has double stitching on the seam and was made in another country. Our machine in our shop can only do a single stitch. I can offer you a full refund, and a discount on a new couch that the manufacturer is willing to offer."
Lets see. I only paid $400 for the couch. A full refund and a manufacturer discount will not make me whole, since I will end up owing THEM money. My response to the "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl" : "Here's my idea. Why don't you replace both arm ends of the couch. That way they both match!" The response from the "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl" : "That's a good idea". I'll get back with you on that.
I followed the telephone conversation up with the following email to the "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl"
I would like to get a copy of the description of the repair/replacement coverage I paid for, in case I have issues with the other furniture items that were purchased on the same day.
Respectfully yours,
Bill Weems
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Today is August 3rd, three months from the initial contact with the "customer service representative of the local furniture super store located in Pearl". The saga of the torn couch continues And, thank you warranty!
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