Donstar

We are fine with our traditional cable provider and every once in a while will give them a call when we believe the price is too high for the service. This usually occurs after I receive a call from their main competitor with an "unbeatable" offer. They are also our internet and cell phone provider. It is a bonus that our provider has easily accessible customer support for all of our TV, cell phone and Internet needs. I appreciate that choices vary geographically. This is good time to remind ourselves to look at our monthly subscription payments and see where you have unnecessary expenses. It is not hard to lose track of those insidious automatic payments. We recently spent significant time reviewing our "tech" costs and trimmed down considerably with little or no loss in service. Simply phoning your subscription services and saying you want to cut will typically result in a better deal.

Yesterday morning we picked up a few items at Costco and the cost at the checkout far exceeded our expectations. In the afternoon, we went home and started mapping out a road trip we hope(d) to take in the spring. In the evening we drafted a budget of what a four day road trip (one way) would cost. We based it on a most economical model like packing meals and using loyalty points for hotels. We had to consider the predicted rise/soar in fuel costs resulting from current events which would be a huge dent in our budget. No matter how we play with the numbers, the trade-offs to make such a trip are far greater than they have every been. Later, we watched the evening news and listened to a protestor wanting things to go back to, "pre-pandemic normal". I think this is like looking at old pictures when I had hair on the top of my head. I can wish all I want but the return would be miraculous!

A main attraction to YouTube for me is the amateur production of many of the channels. There are everyday/relatable people behind the cameras. Many full-time RV'ers like to report on their travels and experiences. Following them kept me company during covid restrictions and saved me a lot of money! For example "I ride tiny house adventures" with Bill & Deb tells of the build and travels of a couple in my demographic with a limited budget. Their struggles and accomplishments are real and in real-time. They are also not immune to the financial and health issues associated with this stage in life but don't let these overwhelm them. Then, I can turn off my real world and watch monster trucks frolicking in mud pits with many ladies detracting from the truck builds...

I like to surf YouTube when I have the big "panel" to myself. Comedies like Mrs. Browns Boy's and skits from SNL provide some entertainment lately but I typically like to watch reviews or experiences with RV's, trucks, and motorcycles. We pre-record a lot of shows for commercial free, after evening news entertainment. (Law and Order. Bull, Chicago PD, Med & Fire, Hudson and Rex....etc.)

I doubt you'll find anyone on this forum who doesn't care about freedom and democracy and I don't believe you're sorry for caring! I sincerely hope everyone is taking time to be informed and are as passionate about the situation in Ukraine as you!

I heard someone on the radio yesterday making a plea for everyone to take time to become informed about this event and gave some tips on sorting through information. He wasn't trying to downplay the significance or severity but was stressing the value of being informed. The news yesterday rattled us deeply. Reading, watching, listening and going for a walk with my wife helped settle and organize our thoughts. I hope everyone is prioritizing their time (spare or otherwise) to gather information and to talk about these current events with their families. This venue is not the place to discuss the situation but becoming informed is an excellent use of time.

Yesterday two neighbors were on the sidewalk outside my house arguing covid stuff. They were on opposite sides of the popular arguments and both using their own Math and Science to support their opinions. One would shoot down one person's Science with a contrary example. I laughed because this is sort of like a strategy I use when arguing with my wife. If she says, "you never" or "you always", I retort with a contrary example. It actually sounds quite silly when you hear others defending themselves in this manner.

I thought of you when I wrote it and I would've been upset if you didn't respond! I really enjoyed your common experience viewed through a kaleidoscope imagery. My wife and I had very similar childhoods and have lived together for almost 50 years. These past two years have often found us talking about our shared experiences in subterranean levels. I have surprised myself on many occasions how our interpretation of events differ. We're usually good on describing the situation but what was learned can be quite different!

People who have experienced Covid first hand are all around. I once feared to receive a positive test but time and experience has taken away much of this anxiety. We were recently invited to a family member's home at the same time they were telling us that a household family member just tested positive. We declined our invitation which was met with a response about restrictions being lifted. We all know what common sense is and I find it fascinating how we have such a diversity in what is common!

Sunday we were planting in the garden and Monday it was covered in snow!

Nice setup. It is often difficult to arrange a room suitable for visiting and remaining comfortable for big screen viewing. You've accomplished this. Remember when TV's were furniture pieces?

We also made sure we had a 30 day trial for this bed. The store gave us "credit" for our previous mistake but told us it failed because of our mismatched box spring. This is all BS, I know, but I went as far with the dispute as I was willing. I don't doubt that the "credit" was equal to how much I overpaid for the replacement. We also bought new box springs (2 for a king) and now the bed is too high for the dog. We aren't too delighted with the height either but will try it for awhile. I am curious how a customer knows if the bed that is delivered has not already been subjected to a 30 day trial in someone else's home? TV's are a far more enjoyable shopping experience, imo! Karnut, 65" plus. - We have a 55" as our second and the difference is significant. The prices and quality are always improving. If I was buying today, it would be a 75"!

When time is limited and household income is generous, purchase decisions can be made quickly. When time is abundant and income is limited, major purchases usually come after exhaustive research or are abandoned. Last December we bought a new mattress after a lot of shopping and research. The deal was great! Yesterday, two months after making this decision, we replaced this mistake! My wife typically makes big decisions with greater speed and confidence than I do but will usually wait for me to catch up. I overheard her reporting this bed fiasco to her sister. She quipped, "Who knew you'd get a better bed if you pay three times as much?" I suspect she intended for me to hear!

100k miles on a used car in the 60's and 70's was met with awe and token resale/salvage prices. This mindset is hard to shake. Today people will say 100k is just broken-in! I've actually got it worse because I was driving for a few years when we switched to the metric system. My truck's odometer is reaching 100k and my trust is dropping even though it's running problem free. The sad thing is my 100k is only 62k miles! I want my truck to be my DD until the half ton equivalent EV's hit the lots. The mileage on a used EV will come with a whole new set of interpretations!

I sort of live by this logic and is a version of my mantra during Covid. Instead of getting depressed or searching for flaws in government response to the threat, I chose to make a lot of lemonade. If or when, my Dr. advises to, "Have your affairs in order", I won't have much to do or many regrets. However, saying I don't fear death will only be true when I've done everything in my control to maintain a reasonable quality of life. I have a neighbour who has a horrible time navigating through Covid restrictions and depends heavily on others for motivation. I can't remember a time when I haven't been eager to get out of bed in the morning! (Obvious exceptions ;-)) I remember my father telling me to "look busy" when working with him on a jobsite or even at home. I quickly discovered that finding my own activities was preferable to him finding them. To this day, I can't lay or sit idly.

This pandemic has exemplified or exposed considerably diverse thinking amongst the general population! These differences serve as fodder for media. Yesterday, significant restrictions were lifted in our Province and the news showed interviews of citizens for and those against relaxing the rules. Both sides have valid opinions. It is these differences in our thinking that creates the need for "mandates" and I suspect these restrictions are being relaxed for the same reason. Covid didn't go away. I found a significant increase in my free-time when we first started responding to the threat of Covid. For example, I didn't or couldn't make unnecessary trips to stores or public venues. The extra time and money saved is noticeable and I don't anticipate going back to my old routines!

^^^ The squeaky wheel gets the grease comes to mind.^^^ I am happy to see restrictions eased but I'm more skeptical of the loosening than I was of their introduction. I am confident, or at least hopeful, that lessons learned will not be in vain. We are continuing with our plans to travel. I laughed when we started to strategize how we'll deal with destinations that don't have restrictions! We had a man come to wash the exterior of our house yesterday. He had no mask or didn't speak of Covid protocols upon his arrival. My wife and I met him outside where we could minimize contact to introduce ourselves and explain our needs. At one point, I inadvertently moved closer to him and he stepped backwards! This was a great example how we can carry on and still be respectful to each other.

choke...flooded...

Covid is credited for soaring real estate prices. This makes us house rich but with less options to purchase. We decided to spruce up our current home and yesterday we called for a quote on interior and exterior painting. We were advised by the receptionist that the estimator cannot wear a mask but will maintain distance at all times and be respectful of our space. "Are you OK with this?", she asked. I said we're fine and we will be wearing masks inside and maintaining our distance. The estimator arrived promptly and the visit lasted about an hour with much of the time spent socializing. It was an enjoyable visit and everyone felt safe, comfortable and respected. I don't know if this employee had a medical or a personal reason for not wearing a mask or if they ever felt a needle but it didn't matter. I doubt a germ could have hiked the distance between us! My wife, the painter and I stumbled upon a secret solution to the mandate conflicts... "respectful communication!" We've all had time to form a position on how we respond to Covid. The news entertains us with "newsworthy" responses but I believe the real world is more like what we experienced yesterday!

This mileage was similar to mine with a smaller trailer and engine. I discovered that the reason for the poorer mpg's on flat ground was my tendency to drive faster. If I dropped my speed, I could easily maintain the double digit mpg's. It seems like the sail behind you creates more of a strain than the weight at higher speeds.

My 2015 with a V6 is worry free and can tow a 7k trailer in hilly/mountainous terrain. It has ample power and good mpg's as a daily driver but it can get pretty thirsty when towing heavy!

I'm sorry about your father. I'm also sensitive to hereditary considerations. You and I are within spitting distance to 70 and can appreciate there is no reason to stop protecting our futures. My dad lived 13 years with prostate cancer but those years were not all rainbows and lollipops. (He died at 76) I think 90 is a more reasonable age to relax on the test! I may have to pay for the test after 70 but I plan to maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible! This elephant in our living room has only served to enhance my support for the advice and dedication of health care professional leaders. It is beyond me why some with no medical training would fight them so vigorously. There are many maladies vying to rob us of our health. A vaccine is one of many tools to help defend us so that we're able to fight the more formidable battles our body will face! Seriously men, get checked regularly. Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men but early detection increases your time and well being!

My last post simply stated an example of how Covid impacted my quest for a blood test yesterday. You need to be extra diligent in maintaining good health as you may experiences delays in access to testing and imaging. This is a fact where I live and no need for a debate over masks or horns.

Yesterday I had to drive to the next city to get a 3rd PSA test in as many months. All of our labs were full for the day. Staff shortages due to Covid was the reason for my inability to get a walk-in appointment near my home. As you know it's a simple blood test but when you need them a month apart there is anxiety as to the "why". My inconvenience was small compared to the experience of many others but it gives credence to keeping covid protocols and restrictions in place. Yesterday's results were in my favour and I'm glad I didn't wait another day. I'm also lucky that I took advantage of my spare time over the past two years to make sure all of my fluids were checked on a regular basis. Some things you need to attend to before they are noticeable!

We were going to the "big city" this weekend to celebrate my upcoming birthday on Monday. Unfortunately, we would be staying across the street of a planned "covid mandates" protest site which would not make for a relaxing holiday! This is another way covid has generated free time (collaterally) and kept more money in our pockets! Today, we'll go enjoy our own town and indulge ourselves with some of the money we saved! We are not upset by having to pivot our activities or change our way of doing things. I am so happy that Covid mandates don't stress me out and thankful life experiences haven't made me feel otherwise!