Well, I did it. I bought a new car. It is a Scion, which is a Toyota, but it isn't, or something. I didn't understand the whole thing, but I love it! I'm not sure I love the tires, which are going to force me to take out and yet another loan when I need new ones. We had some snow, a mini-blizzard, right after I bought it, and I almost didn't make it up the street. Part of it was that I forgot to take off the emergency brake (OK, I know, dumb move), but the other thing, I believe, is that it has a bigger engine and fat tires. I have to get used to a new car in the snow, I suppose. Buying a car is awful. I don't think anyone truly gets a good deal. My co-worker tells of buying a used car and it didn't come with a jack or a manual. They told the dealer, who assured them that he would get them one, but she said they knew he was lying, but bought it anyway. They have since bought a new car, but she said they felt stupid that they fell for the sales pitch. I am satisfied with the deal I got...I think. It is a 2008, but it was sold as a new car with only 290 miles on it. I liked it because it was standard and it had a sun/moon roof. I never did know the difference between a moonroof and a sunroof.
Bean was in a play this weekend, and will be in one next weekend. And Monkeyboy jumped into the deep end at the pool in his swimming lesson. That's a biggie for him. He is desperately trying to pass the next level at swimming so he can stop taking lessons! Whatever works! I never learned to swim well. I never learned at all until I was an adult. Our community didn't have a swimming pool, so I never had access to one while growing up. I don't much like to swim and I don't like to go into the ocean or lake because I am afraid on what I might be standing.
I am tired of winter. I want spring to be here. I think there may be a tulip or two that the deer missed last year. February is ending and March does always get a few warm days as teasers, but then we also usually get a big snow just to remind us that winter is hanging on and does not want to leave.
Have a happy Sunday!
Iowa
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Ahhh, what to do, what to do
My car is eight years old. I love it. It looks sporty, even if it isn't. It is a five speed transmission, which allows me to pretend it is sporty. I bought it in July so, it will be nine years old in July. I have had some problems with it...there was that rear end collision that cost my insurance $6000. Then there was the replacement of the clutch, and that problem with the camshaft. But all in all, it has been a fun car. BUT, it is almost nine years old. And they are offering all kinds of deals right now, and I think there is even something in the stimulus package that gives a tax credit for new cars purchased. Ahhh, what to do, what to do. Poppy said to buy a Solara Convertible. Nice, but I don't need that large a car. Or that expensive. I was looking at the Honda Civic...the sporty looking one. It's always a timing thing...when to keep a car, when to get rid of a car, when does it cost too much and do you trade it in before it falls apart on the street.
On a lighter note, it's been warm here in the Burg. A taste of spring, if you will. Today, snow flurries. I'm sure winter is not over, but I do love the taste of spring. Spring has so many things to look forward to for me...we got tickets for A Chorus Line, our annual trip to NYC, and Bean has two productions coming up in the next few weeks. This week coming has Alladin and next week has Susical. I can't wait! And...not to forget, tickets to Springsteen in May. Bird was a big help with those, could not have done it without him. So, think about spring, and tell me what to do about my car! Happy weekend.
On a lighter note, it's been warm here in the Burg. A taste of spring, if you will. Today, snow flurries. I'm sure winter is not over, but I do love the taste of spring. Spring has so many things to look forward to for me...we got tickets for A Chorus Line, our annual trip to NYC, and Bean has two productions coming up in the next few weeks. This week coming has Alladin and next week has Susical. I can't wait! And...not to forget, tickets to Springsteen in May. Bird was a big help with those, could not have done it without him. So, think about spring, and tell me what to do about my car! Happy weekend.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Back to Normal?
The dust has settled, the parade is over, some players are on their way to the Pro Bowl. An exciting week for the Steelers and Pittsburgh.
Mippy and I went for a walk this morning with Oscar. It is warm here, a nice change. We began to talk about their former dog, Ernie. Ernie was a golden also. Mippy and Bird got Ernie soon after Bird got out of the military and came back home. They lived in a condo and were only supposed to have a certain size dog, but they ignored that because they both wanted a big dog. And a big dog they got.
Goldens need a LOT of exercise. And if they don't get it...well, look out.
Ernie was a great big, friendly dog, that wouldn't hurt a flea (we'll get to fleas a little later). He did, however, have some quirks.
Often when walking about the neighborhood, in the middle of the street, Ernie would either take a dump (pardon the expression), or just sit down in the middle of the street and wouldn't move. You could gently tug on his leash, you could pull with all of your might, he would not budge until he rested.
In the condo, where Mippy and Bird lived on the first floor, telephone books were left in the lobby for all residents. Ernie liked to shred paper. A lot. Once a night, Mippy would go out into the lobby, bring in a phone book and Ernie would spend a half hour or so shredding the phone book. Mippy said it was worth it, kept him busy.
Ernie had lots of pep. Mippy, have just birthed Bean, did not. When Ernie wanted to play, he barked. It didn't matter what time of the day or night it was, he wanted to play and he wouldn't stop barking until you played with him. I remember dog sitting and getting up at three in the morning and taking him to the shopping center parking lot and throwing balls for him, just to exhaust him.
Then there were the fleas. Buzz was watching the dog, and turns out Ernie had fleas. Scratched the whole night. Thump, thump, thump as his leg hit the floor.
Ernie would sleep by the side of Bean's crib at night, and look with suspicion at anyone who dared to come into her room. He was a great dog, chasing Tazzie, their cat over and under the dining room table, hitting his head trying to go under the table, sliding across the table trying to reach the elusive cat.
Ernie got a tumor on his mouth and had to be put down. I think Bean was about three when it happened. She understood, and when her parents came home from having him put down, she took his leash and sat on the hearth with it, tears running down her face as she sat holding his leash in the spot in which he slept.
Bean and Mippy are reading Marley and Me. Mippy said she should have written a book about Ernie.
Mippy and I went for a walk this morning with Oscar. It is warm here, a nice change. We began to talk about their former dog, Ernie. Ernie was a golden also. Mippy and Bird got Ernie soon after Bird got out of the military and came back home. They lived in a condo and were only supposed to have a certain size dog, but they ignored that because they both wanted a big dog. And a big dog they got.
Goldens need a LOT of exercise. And if they don't get it...well, look out.
Ernie was a great big, friendly dog, that wouldn't hurt a flea (we'll get to fleas a little later). He did, however, have some quirks.
Often when walking about the neighborhood, in the middle of the street, Ernie would either take a dump (pardon the expression), or just sit down in the middle of the street and wouldn't move. You could gently tug on his leash, you could pull with all of your might, he would not budge until he rested.
In the condo, where Mippy and Bird lived on the first floor, telephone books were left in the lobby for all residents. Ernie liked to shred paper. A lot. Once a night, Mippy would go out into the lobby, bring in a phone book and Ernie would spend a half hour or so shredding the phone book. Mippy said it was worth it, kept him busy.
Ernie had lots of pep. Mippy, have just birthed Bean, did not. When Ernie wanted to play, he barked. It didn't matter what time of the day or night it was, he wanted to play and he wouldn't stop barking until you played with him. I remember dog sitting and getting up at three in the morning and taking him to the shopping center parking lot and throwing balls for him, just to exhaust him.
Then there were the fleas. Buzz was watching the dog, and turns out Ernie had fleas. Scratched the whole night. Thump, thump, thump as his leg hit the floor.
Ernie would sleep by the side of Bean's crib at night, and look with suspicion at anyone who dared to come into her room. He was a great dog, chasing Tazzie, their cat over and under the dining room table, hitting his head trying to go under the table, sliding across the table trying to reach the elusive cat.
Ernie got a tumor on his mouth and had to be put down. I think Bean was about three when it happened. She understood, and when her parents came home from having him put down, she took his leash and sat on the hearth with it, tears running down her face as she sat holding his leash in the spot in which he slept.
Bean and Mippy are reading Marley and Me. Mippy said she should have written a book about Ernie.
Monday, February 2, 2009
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