3/2/2020
Every once in a while, I come across something in the paper, that I think needs talking about. Today, the story is Best Buy.
The store is offering a lease to own program. The theory is that cash strapped customers, are allowed to enter into this program, and "buy" big ticket items, they couldn't afford. Let me get this straight, someone who can't afford, let's say, a mega-size television, can now have one. Our theory has always been, if you really can't afford something, like a Bentley perhaps, you just keep adding items to your wish list.
The employees of Best Buy, disagree with this program. The program, which preys on the most financially vulnerable shoppers. Many of these shoppers, end up paying twice the list price for things like: televisions, appliances, etc.
Customers are required to pay a one-time fee of $79.00, and agree to let the lease program take their monthly fee from your bank account. Oh, this is such a bad deal. But, people further down on the "food" chain, if you will, want the new and fancy items, like we all do.
The leasing company, reported that they had received $2 billion from $1.6 million leases. One employee puts it this way: they are targeting people who are already down on their luck. One employee, who wished to not be named (ya think) said that he personally bought a $700 mattress. Since his last payment was one day late, he was, in the end charged $1,400.
In my first life, my husband, who I called Klutz, had to buy furniture for our apartment. I don't know what we paid, but I know this: we paid money to own the cheapest, crappiest furniture. And, said furniture didn't hold up very long. But, this is what happens to people, like me, at the time, buy things that without a payment plan, was unaffordable (sp). The furniture didn't last long, and neither did my marriage. Perfectly timed I think.
Things were much different when I met and married Jeff. He doesn't let the emotional me, get into trouble. Want and need I know are two different things. Trouble is I like and/or want many things. But, I'm putting on the brakes, before spending, as much as I can.
Happy Monday everybody. Oh, today's "holiday" is: read Dr. Seuss, National Old Stuff day, and my favorite is National Banana Cream pie day.
P
Monday, March 2, 2020
Friday, February 28, 2020
New Stove
2/27/2020
Here I am, wrapping up my week. For the moment, I've decided to not blog on the weekends, unless, I've found something really special to blog about.
Yesterday, our new microwave/oven arrived. Costco put it in the kitchen for us, and then left. The box was situated in such a way, that Daisy couldn't/wouldn't even come in the kitchen. Eventually, she mastered her fears, and she literally ran through the small space into the basement.
Jeff was able to remove the little microwave, that we were using temporarily. This weekend, it will be returned to the basement, hopefully never to be used again.
Scott and Wendy came over, and Scott was able to help Jeff get the new unit on the ground, and then started on the install. This new unit is beautiful. The inside of both the microwave and oven are deep blue - very pretty. The installation took more than a few minutes. Jeff and I were so glad that Scott was there to help him/us.
After everything was finished with the new appliance, we went to our favorite restaurant. They serve Mexican and Salvadoran food. Off and on for many years, Scott, Computer Ken and Jeff and I went there faithfully on Thursday. Since the men wanted to talk about all things computer, I normally brought along a book. That might sound rude, but there was definitely nothing I could add to their conversation.
Last night, Wendy was there, so I had somebody to talk to. This was very nice. Keeping with my current "diet" program, I didn't eat of the chips, which I love. I ate half of the steak quesadillas I ordered. I'm going to have a great leftover lunch today. Truthfully I was saving myself for dessert - tres leches cake. I think I spelt that right. So, by keeping my calorie count low, I felt I deserved dessert. And, pretty much like a piggy, I shared my dessert with nobody. I did ask Jeff if he wanted a bite, he said no because his body really can't deal with too much sugar. Unfortunately, for me, my body not only can digest sugar, but my day is never complete without some kind of dessert. That's how I roll!
Training this afternoon, and then our schedule is free for the weekend. And, in a matter of days, March will arrive. Seems to me, that this year is moving really fast.
Off to get myself dressed (I know TMI), and start my day.
Have a wonderful weekend.
P
Here I am, wrapping up my week. For the moment, I've decided to not blog on the weekends, unless, I've found something really special to blog about.
Yesterday, our new microwave/oven arrived. Costco put it in the kitchen for us, and then left. The box was situated in such a way, that Daisy couldn't/wouldn't even come in the kitchen. Eventually, she mastered her fears, and she literally ran through the small space into the basement.
Jeff was able to remove the little microwave, that we were using temporarily. This weekend, it will be returned to the basement, hopefully never to be used again.
Scott and Wendy came over, and Scott was able to help Jeff get the new unit on the ground, and then started on the install. This new unit is beautiful. The inside of both the microwave and oven are deep blue - very pretty. The installation took more than a few minutes. Jeff and I were so glad that Scott was there to help him/us.
After everything was finished with the new appliance, we went to our favorite restaurant. They serve Mexican and Salvadoran food. Off and on for many years, Scott, Computer Ken and Jeff and I went there faithfully on Thursday. Since the men wanted to talk about all things computer, I normally brought along a book. That might sound rude, but there was definitely nothing I could add to their conversation.
Last night, Wendy was there, so I had somebody to talk to. This was very nice. Keeping with my current "diet" program, I didn't eat of the chips, which I love. I ate half of the steak quesadillas I ordered. I'm going to have a great leftover lunch today. Truthfully I was saving myself for dessert - tres leches cake. I think I spelt that right. So, by keeping my calorie count low, I felt I deserved dessert. And, pretty much like a piggy, I shared my dessert with nobody. I did ask Jeff if he wanted a bite, he said no because his body really can't deal with too much sugar. Unfortunately, for me, my body not only can digest sugar, but my day is never complete without some kind of dessert. That's how I roll!
Training this afternoon, and then our schedule is free for the weekend. And, in a matter of days, March will arrive. Seems to me, that this year is moving really fast.
Off to get myself dressed (I know TMI), and start my day.
Have a wonderful weekend.
P
Thursday, February 27, 2020
This and That
2/27/2019
Scott is coming today, to help Jeff remove and install the old and new appliances. Also, leaving us today, is an old tube television and Jeff's office chair. So, a trip to the dump will happen today. If not, then Scott will have all of these things rattling around in the truck.
Jeff has ordered a new office chair, so my thinking is, throw the old chair away, let Jeff use another chair, until his new one arrives. If you're going to the dump, might as well make the most of your trip.
When we lived in California, we had Jeff's old Willy Jeep (correct name?) and in those days we were mostly hauling bamboo. In our case, when we bought the house, we didn't notice the bamboo growing in the yard. Trouble with bamboo is, that the plant doesn't just go underground. Nope. The first step in removing bamboo is to remove all the root mass and rhizome. Rhizomes? : modified stems running underground horizontally.
Let's just say that the removal of bamboo is not an easy task, and is frustrating to remove. With all those little stems underground, it does you no good to simply cut the plant down. Because, what remains are those pesky stems that you can't see. I can't tell you how many weekends, Jeff spent digging up all the stems. There was a bit of satisfaction when he got hold of a stem and began to dig and pull it out of the ground. Hence, the multiple trips to the dump. After much work, and cheer leading on the side (me), all the bamboo was gone. These days, all you have to say to Jeff is bamboo and he shutters. There are apparently, some bamboo plants that don't spread out their roots. However, it would make a very good privacy plant in the backyard! Perhaps, best if planted in a pot.
Appointment with the hypnotist this afternoon. It's only 20 minutes long, kind of like a meet and greet. We'll see how that goes.
Cold and windy out today. Not a very nice day to be outside.
Thought for the day: Don't enter your next meeting as a beige station wagon. Be a roaring red convertible with the top down.
P
Scott is coming today, to help Jeff remove and install the old and new appliances. Also, leaving us today, is an old tube television and Jeff's office chair. So, a trip to the dump will happen today. If not, then Scott will have all of these things rattling around in the truck.
Jeff has ordered a new office chair, so my thinking is, throw the old chair away, let Jeff use another chair, until his new one arrives. If you're going to the dump, might as well make the most of your trip.
When we lived in California, we had Jeff's old Willy Jeep (correct name?) and in those days we were mostly hauling bamboo. In our case, when we bought the house, we didn't notice the bamboo growing in the yard. Trouble with bamboo is, that the plant doesn't just go underground. Nope. The first step in removing bamboo is to remove all the root mass and rhizome. Rhizomes? : modified stems running underground horizontally.
Let's just say that the removal of bamboo is not an easy task, and is frustrating to remove. With all those little stems underground, it does you no good to simply cut the plant down. Because, what remains are those pesky stems that you can't see. I can't tell you how many weekends, Jeff spent digging up all the stems. There was a bit of satisfaction when he got hold of a stem and began to dig and pull it out of the ground. Hence, the multiple trips to the dump. After much work, and cheer leading on the side (me), all the bamboo was gone. These days, all you have to say to Jeff is bamboo and he shutters. There are apparently, some bamboo plants that don't spread out their roots. However, it would make a very good privacy plant in the backyard! Perhaps, best if planted in a pot.
Appointment with the hypnotist this afternoon. It's only 20 minutes long, kind of like a meet and greet. We'll see how that goes.
Cold and windy out today. Not a very nice day to be outside.
Thought for the day: Don't enter your next meeting as a beige station wagon. Be a roaring red convertible with the top down.
P
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
My New Oven/Microwave .... And Other Things
2/26/2020
Okay, the blog yesterday was pretty much useless. It's hard to get your "mo jo" on, after you have deleted an entire blog. And, the other problem, unique to me, is I don't really know what I was writing about. My short term memory issues, keeps nipping at me.
Today, our new oven and microwave and confection cooking will be here this afternoon. I'm very excited. I don't actually know how old our present unit is, but lately it had been showing it's age. The oven handle would unscrew, at the most important times, such as trying to open the oven door (gently) and closing the door with the same gentle care. This, of course, was very annoying, to say the least.
Probably doesn't matter so much now, since I've been banned from the kitchen, unless I want to boil water. At least, I'm in charge of something. Oh, and I can put away the dishes. All though last night, I dropped an entire bowl of pudding on the floor. I couldn't let the girls to help me pick up the gooey mess, since I wasn't sure where the pieces of glass were. And, I wonder what the hell is wrong with me?
I have taken many tests on the internet, and my score is at the very bottom. Last test I took, I only had 20% of the questions right, even though it was the same test, and I took it three times. I literally could only get one category correct - the answer was spoon and candle. All the other questions, I was off on "la la" land. This worries me because I no longer remember the tv shows, that we watched just last night. And, I now pretty much consistently forget what I ate, at the last meal. Jeff has been a saint through all of this. I ask the same question over and over again. He gives me the answer, and a few minutes later, I've forgotten the answer, so I ask again and again. It's truly maddening for both of us. And, I so want to do better, but at the moment, this is my better and also my reality.
Jeff and I watched the debate last night. You know, that I don't share my views of a candidate. What I did see, was that all of the people on stage, had their gloves off, and we're going after each other. Something, I hadn't seen before.
Oops, didn't finish before noon. Have a great rest of the day.
P
Okay, the blog yesterday was pretty much useless. It's hard to get your "mo jo" on, after you have deleted an entire blog. And, the other problem, unique to me, is I don't really know what I was writing about. My short term memory issues, keeps nipping at me.
Today, our new oven and microwave and confection cooking will be here this afternoon. I'm very excited. I don't actually know how old our present unit is, but lately it had been showing it's age. The oven handle would unscrew, at the most important times, such as trying to open the oven door (gently) and closing the door with the same gentle care. This, of course, was very annoying, to say the least.
Probably doesn't matter so much now, since I've been banned from the kitchen, unless I want to boil water. At least, I'm in charge of something. Oh, and I can put away the dishes. All though last night, I dropped an entire bowl of pudding on the floor. I couldn't let the girls to help me pick up the gooey mess, since I wasn't sure where the pieces of glass were. And, I wonder what the hell is wrong with me?
I have taken many tests on the internet, and my score is at the very bottom. Last test I took, I only had 20% of the questions right, even though it was the same test, and I took it three times. I literally could only get one category correct - the answer was spoon and candle. All the other questions, I was off on "la la" land. This worries me because I no longer remember the tv shows, that we watched just last night. And, I now pretty much consistently forget what I ate, at the last meal. Jeff has been a saint through all of this. I ask the same question over and over again. He gives me the answer, and a few minutes later, I've forgotten the answer, so I ask again and again. It's truly maddening for both of us. And, I so want to do better, but at the moment, this is my better and also my reality.
Jeff and I watched the debate last night. You know, that I don't share my views of a candidate. What I did see, was that all of the people on stage, had their gloves off, and we're going after each other. Something, I hadn't seen before.
Oops, didn't finish before noon. Have a great rest of the day.
P
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Deleted My Blog
2/25/2020
Well, my friends, I've done it again. Written a long blog, and just before saving it, hit a wrong button, and lost everything I wrote. This is very frustrating. For now, I'll give my brain a rest. Perhaps, I'll try and blog later today.
Apologies everyone. My brain is not working 100% of the time now. And, this memory loss stuff, is probably only going to get worse.
Later.
P
Well, my friends, I've done it again. Written a long blog, and just before saving it, hit a wrong button, and lost everything I wrote. This is very frustrating. For now, I'll give my brain a rest. Perhaps, I'll try and blog later today.
Apologies everyone. My brain is not working 100% of the time now. And, this memory loss stuff, is probably only going to get worse.
Later.
P
Monday, February 24, 2020
New Appliance
2/24/2020
Now we all know, that I tried to burn the kitchen down last week. The "bad" news is that the entire wall unit will have to be replaced. I know there must be an easier way to buy a new appliance, but this was so effective!
Jeff and I went shopping for a replacement. And, boy did we feel like somebody who had just landed from Mars. I kid you not. Now, there are convection ovens, which neither of us understand. But, in looking over ovens, it seemed like all built-in units, had convection ovens, which is nothing that Jeff and I know about. We are behind the times. Just wait until we have to buy a new washer and dryer. That will be a nightmare, because I believe we don't have enough room for them in the laundry room. We will want a plain, fewer functions, type of washer and dryer. Because we aren't what I would call technology people. Meaning, if it's not broke, why fix it? I have thought about buying ye old machines and store them in the basement. Actually, I think that's a pretty good idea.
We finally landed on a model, and have ordered it. I don't know when it will arrive, but hopefully soon. For microwave usage, Jeff brought up from the bowels of the basement, and retrieved a small microwave that was used by the drivers of our now defunct company. It does the job, while we wait for the new one, but it's really small. I guess all I care about, will it melt butter. This morning, it did just that!
Once the new oven arrives, I'll be able to give a review. Hopefully, a positive one.
Have to close. Time for my "shrink" appointment.
P
Now we all know, that I tried to burn the kitchen down last week. The "bad" news is that the entire wall unit will have to be replaced. I know there must be an easier way to buy a new appliance, but this was so effective!
Jeff and I went shopping for a replacement. And, boy did we feel like somebody who had just landed from Mars. I kid you not. Now, there are convection ovens, which neither of us understand. But, in looking over ovens, it seemed like all built-in units, had convection ovens, which is nothing that Jeff and I know about. We are behind the times. Just wait until we have to buy a new washer and dryer. That will be a nightmare, because I believe we don't have enough room for them in the laundry room. We will want a plain, fewer functions, type of washer and dryer. Because we aren't what I would call technology people. Meaning, if it's not broke, why fix it? I have thought about buying ye old machines and store them in the basement. Actually, I think that's a pretty good idea.
We finally landed on a model, and have ordered it. I don't know when it will arrive, but hopefully soon. For microwave usage, Jeff brought up from the bowels of the basement, and retrieved a small microwave that was used by the drivers of our now defunct company. It does the job, while we wait for the new one, but it's really small. I guess all I care about, will it melt butter. This morning, it did just that!
Once the new oven arrives, I'll be able to give a review. Hopefully, a positive one.
Have to close. Time for my "shrink" appointment.
P
Friday, February 21, 2020
Breaking News: Old Woman Tries To Set Kitchen On Fire!
2/21/2020
The old woman? Me. I put some potatoes in the microwave last night for dinner. I used the "baked potato" setting. When the microwave beeped the first time, I checked and they weren't done. Solution: start the bake cycle again. Sounds simply enough doesn't it?
Yes, in theory there didn't seem anything wrong, with cooking the potatoes one more time. Problem was - I fell asleep and the potatoes literally caught on fire!! I kid you not.
I first smelled smoke, and I hurried to the kitchen and the microwave had an actual fire inside. What to do? Yell for Jeff, then open a window. When Jeff came into the kitchen, the flame in the microwave was quite high. Jeff put out the fire (and truly can't remember how he did it), removed the charcoal-like potatoes (and believe me they were done), and cleaned up inside the microwave. Me? Rooted to the ground, which by the way, is not helpful at all. I had thought that the kitchen needed to be remodeled, but setting it on fire, seems overkill.
Long after the fire was out, windows were opened, as well as the front door (with a gate set in the doorway), but, obviously, the smoke smell permeated throughout the house.
I put out bowls of baking soda, which I found on line to help with the smell of smoke. Okay, I did that, but I don't think it actually worked.
Well, in a word, the microwave is toast. Since the microwave and oven are considered one unit, I guess we'll have to buy a new microwave/stove for the kitchen. When I was checking to see what was available, I came across convection ovens. I guess they can be the new solution, eliminating the need for a microwave. Hmm. I'll have to research about the convection ovens. When you don't stay up-to-date with new things, and then your appliance, tv, etc., breaks, you are forced to go into the cold world and find a solution!
Last year, we bought a new television, a large television, because I guess the saying "bigger is better", runs true to televisions. Scott met us at Costco, and walked us through the wide array of options. What size will be the best fit for the wall, which manufacturer, and manly stuff like that. Me? Happy with everything I saw. Stores want more people like me!
Since the purchase of a new oven combo, will take a few days - first you select, then you measure, and then you measure again, and then you order. I suppose a solution to not having a microwave, would be to buy a toaster oven in the meantime. Job today? Go on-line, and start looking for the oven that will be the just the right one for us. Wish me luck.
Jeff is very busy at work, and is taking a class sometime today (he told me the time, but it didn't stick in my memory). Perhaps, we might go out this weekend and have a look at ovens. I remember when we bought our first microwave, that sat on the counter, it was huge. Initially, to the amazement of the boys, if you put a marshmallow inside, and turned the microwave on, the marshmallow grew in size (like the Michelin Man). When you opened the door, obviously, the marshmallow deflated.
And, because the burnt potatoes was not my first kitchen disaster, Jeff has all but told me that I'm banned from the kitchen, as far as cooking and baking goes. I made banana bread last week, sat out on the porch, and didn't keep track of the time. When I realized I had something in the oven, the top of the bread was charred black. Jeff didn't have to tell me, I already knew, that my days of cooking and baking were pretty much over. The lack of my short term memory, means my brain has to work overtime, for me to fully understand what I'm supposed to do. My long term memory is still intact. I can tell you all about my high school years, but what I ate for lunch yesterday - not so much.
Jeff talked to me last night, about driving. I hated to hear what he had to say, but knew in my heart, that I had to agree to not drive. Jeff knows, and I do too, that I am easily confused, and could not find my way home. So, for the immediate future, and perhaps longer than that, my car will sit in the driveway and look pretty. Since the car is in the driveway, 24/7, perhaps we should get a car cover for it. Just a thought.
Closing for now, because there is nothing much to report.
P
The old woman? Me. I put some potatoes in the microwave last night for dinner. I used the "baked potato" setting. When the microwave beeped the first time, I checked and they weren't done. Solution: start the bake cycle again. Sounds simply enough doesn't it?
Yes, in theory there didn't seem anything wrong, with cooking the potatoes one more time. Problem was - I fell asleep and the potatoes literally caught on fire!! I kid you not.
I first smelled smoke, and I hurried to the kitchen and the microwave had an actual fire inside. What to do? Yell for Jeff, then open a window. When Jeff came into the kitchen, the flame in the microwave was quite high. Jeff put out the fire (and truly can't remember how he did it), removed the charcoal-like potatoes (and believe me they were done), and cleaned up inside the microwave. Me? Rooted to the ground, which by the way, is not helpful at all. I had thought that the kitchen needed to be remodeled, but setting it on fire, seems overkill.
Long after the fire was out, windows were opened, as well as the front door (with a gate set in the doorway), but, obviously, the smoke smell permeated throughout the house.
I put out bowls of baking soda, which I found on line to help with the smell of smoke. Okay, I did that, but I don't think it actually worked.
Well, in a word, the microwave is toast. Since the microwave and oven are considered one unit, I guess we'll have to buy a new microwave/stove for the kitchen. When I was checking to see what was available, I came across convection ovens. I guess they can be the new solution, eliminating the need for a microwave. Hmm. I'll have to research about the convection ovens. When you don't stay up-to-date with new things, and then your appliance, tv, etc., breaks, you are forced to go into the cold world and find a solution!
Last year, we bought a new television, a large television, because I guess the saying "bigger is better", runs true to televisions. Scott met us at Costco, and walked us through the wide array of options. What size will be the best fit for the wall, which manufacturer, and manly stuff like that. Me? Happy with everything I saw. Stores want more people like me!
Since the purchase of a new oven combo, will take a few days - first you select, then you measure, and then you measure again, and then you order. I suppose a solution to not having a microwave, would be to buy a toaster oven in the meantime. Job today? Go on-line, and start looking for the oven that will be the just the right one for us. Wish me luck.
Jeff is very busy at work, and is taking a class sometime today (he told me the time, but it didn't stick in my memory). Perhaps, we might go out this weekend and have a look at ovens. I remember when we bought our first microwave, that sat on the counter, it was huge. Initially, to the amazement of the boys, if you put a marshmallow inside, and turned the microwave on, the marshmallow grew in size (like the Michelin Man). When you opened the door, obviously, the marshmallow deflated.
And, because the burnt potatoes was not my first kitchen disaster, Jeff has all but told me that I'm banned from the kitchen, as far as cooking and baking goes. I made banana bread last week, sat out on the porch, and didn't keep track of the time. When I realized I had something in the oven, the top of the bread was charred black. Jeff didn't have to tell me, I already knew, that my days of cooking and baking were pretty much over. The lack of my short term memory, means my brain has to work overtime, for me to fully understand what I'm supposed to do. My long term memory is still intact. I can tell you all about my high school years, but what I ate for lunch yesterday - not so much.
Jeff talked to me last night, about driving. I hated to hear what he had to say, but knew in my heart, that I had to agree to not drive. Jeff knows, and I do too, that I am easily confused, and could not find my way home. So, for the immediate future, and perhaps longer than that, my car will sit in the driveway and look pretty. Since the car is in the driveway, 24/7, perhaps we should get a car cover for it. Just a thought.
Closing for now, because there is nothing much to report.
P
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