Donstar

I appreciate txab keeping this thread on track and I apologize if I triggered some discontent. There are constantly changing and often geographical influences on how we spend our time when compared to previous years or earlier months of this year. Like you, I've read, researched and thought more in the past two months than I have in years. The initial feelings of guilt driven projects have all but disappeared! I've repeated how my immediate environment is safe so I like to study why individuals get fired up in a direction opposite to mine. I have found it to be quite cathartic. You can remember as well as I how we had to agree or disagree with a person's viewpoint based on what s/he said or by the positional power the person held. There was the information available but access was cumbersome and often not worth the effort. The challenge now is discerning the good information! (aka Critical Thinking)

When they put the door handles on the outside of extended cabs I guessed the configuration would be phased out. I like the look of an extended/super cab configuration but the recent versions were simply smaller crew cabs, imo!

Thanks for your advice and I understand your point of view. I am doing very well and not scared. I live in a community where most are exercising safe behaviors and most feel free to safely get around. I can go to any store, office or medical clinic and not encounter someone disrespecting my freedom. You may see mask wearing and distancing as an infringement on freedom but I see it as giving me freedom. I am off to Costco now and my chances of seeing someone not wearing a mask are about the same as seeing someone topless! I sincerely hope you never suffer personal illness or have a person close to you suffer from Covid. I've been fortunate and will continue to do what I can to maximize my chances of staying safe. It really isn't a big effort or a control issue. This being said, I understand your point of view and wish to leave it at that. Are you finding any unique Covid19 spare time activities?.

Yes, I believe Covid is here to stay for awhile. I have confidence that the prevention and treatment practices learned over the past year will greatly reduce future disruption created by this virus. The most difficult part of reducing spread in our respective countries is educating everyone on the virus and the need for compliance to basic safety protocols. This past year was a reminder that we all need to co-operate and work together to reduce the global spread of any viruses/diseases. There are many who need more time to adjust to new behaviors. Those who think we resume or carry on old behaviors because of a vaccine now in distribution are not fully appreciating the seriousness of this pandemic. If, for example, a family is planning a Christmas meal with others who do not live in their house, chances are high that they haven't got the message. Some use their spare time finding ways to challenge restrictions while I spend my time finding ways to manage within these safe practices. ?

Get a few estimates and explain this is out of pocket and not an insurance claim. If they can't give you a good cash price, ask the estimator if s/he can recommend anyone who may need the work. Twice I've received recommendations from big auto collision repair facilities to try a smaller shop with better prices. Many years ago it was very easy to tell when new paint was applied to an older vehicle's fender. Color matching has benefited from advancements and your scratch will become a distant memory. The painted part may appear cleaner and fresher for a bit but will quickly assume the look of the rest of your truck!.

Yes, we will often use Christmas as justification for a larger purchase. These are shared choices. One year I gave my girlfriend an engagement ring. I was able to keep some finances private at that time but I made certain that it wouldn't be a gift she'd return! I love watching old shows where substantial gifts such as a car are given from one spouse to another and it's a total surprise! The most treasured gifts are the ones I can purchase under the radar. When its a gift that will impact us financially as a couple then it takes on a different significance. I'm sure there are many variations of how long term couples deal with what's under the tree and hopefully more of you will share. We've approached it differently over the years but the greatest lesson I've learned is to take care of it early. If you decide to skip gift buying for a spouse or other usual gift recipient, make sure it's mutual. We have a tradition with in-laws not to exchange gifts but we always try to out-do each other with "non" gifts. (Poinsettias, baking, clothing accessories, tree ornaments etc.)

I've purchased Christmas gifts for the same lady for almost 50 years and I can never relax until I get this particular shopping completed! I learned early on not to join the men on Christmas eve shopping at Walmart and today I can proudly say this year's presents are now wrapped and ready. I even did an online gift purchase without her knowledge. An old G-mail account, a Visa gift card and a neighbor's mailing address were all that were required! Sometimes the thought and effort that goes into a gift earns more points than the actual present! There were Christmases when I could blame a lack of time for gifts that didn't reflect a lot of thought but no chance of this excuse working for me in 2020! If you haven't got your essential shopping done, git 'er done!

I I see this as well. Our driveway was much more impressive when we were far less financially secure. I know one impacted the other! I have also known individuals who lived a very frugal existence and left huge bank accounts for undeserving family members to squander. This past year has given most of us a lot of time to reflect on our finances and plan accordingly for the future. (I appreciate this is an understatement for the financial devastation experienced by too many.) I personally look at the future much more cautiously. This is also compounded by the increasingly higher mileage on my body. ? If, and when, I feel comfortable that my immediate family will not be negatively impacted or at risk, I'll likely treat myself to a new truck!

I prefer buying off the lot and believe I can get a better price than ordering a new build. I also put a big price on the 6+ weeks of anxiety waiting for an order to arrive! (Waiting for my Amazon prime orders frustrates me!) I actually like trying new things. Features I think I want or don't want are often changed. For example, my current truck came with rear sensors and camera. I thought this was a terrible waste as I've owned a 1/2 ton for over 40 years. I can park it easily myself. After being forced into this feature, my next truck will have 360 viewing! I also wanted a sliding rear window based on my previous trucks. Now I don't care if my next truck has one because my fond memories were based on trucks with heaters only. Now you can't buy a truck without AC! I would look for a truck that is on or near your dealer's lot.

I suspect one explains the other. You invest your money wisely and own a vehicle with positive equity. Like Karnut, the bug that struck me every couple of years has all but disappeared. I often wonder how much better my current assets would be if I kept the '00 Silverado I see around town on a regular basis!

I was very excited this week as Mrs. Donstar said that a new truck could be a higher priority than when the topic was first brought up many months ago! We have had a lot of time to focus on matters that we have control over and know that a new truck always brings me great joy! My wife is a very selfless individual and finds pleasure in making others happy, including me! I am always prepared for such a moment and keep a couple of potential buys in the cross-hairs. One is a truck I can currently "afford" and the other is a truck I'd purchase if I won the lottery. The caveat is the difference between my trade and the new truck will need to be financed. In other words, the enjoyment of a new truck has to be weighed against the flexibility of our monthly income over the next few years! When life was busy, I wouldn't give a second thought to signing on the dotted line! Now, the thought of giving up a truck that meets all of my needs for a newer version c/w monthly payments is a poor deal, imo. I think my wife knows me pretty well and her strategy to get me to quit whining about a new truck is proving effective!

Yes, if I lived where you live, I'd be with three of my grandchildren everyday! ? We are definitely into some harsh weather but I've only missed my 10k step daily goal once in the past wo weeks and that was because of 2 1/2 hrs lost in the dentist's chair!

Covid19 has brought significant changes to the activity level and routines of a large number of people. In my case, I was retired when the pandemic hit so I'd already tackled the work loss change. Part of my post retirement routine included swimming 2-3X per week. The local facility was closed for a significant amount of time which resulted in a change. I also liked to browse and shop in stores and malls. (It was not uncommon in pre-pandemic times to see individuals getting their heart-rate up by mall walking.) The pandemic forced me to reduce my "outings" to minimize contact. Mental health has also taken a wallop on my routines. In one month it will be a year since I've had an in person visit with a son/daughter/grandchild. The motivation and calories spent visiting via my laptop isn't a huge fat burner in comparison. I am not obese but do have physical challenges. These are simply a few personal examples to assist in your understanding. It is no effort for me to empathize/understand how this pandemic has impacted the health of many individuals. I use my personal experiences to appreciate there is a lot I don't see,, and compared to many, I appreciate that I'm very lucky.

I'm having good success with a pedometer. It is surprising how with minimal effort the numbers and mobility improve.

I just had a three year old root canal re-done. It was no more fun than the first time! Somebody wrote in another thread that he'd rather have a root canal performed on every tooth than to replace a transmission in his gm truck. All I could think of is either he or my dentist is doing something wrong! I'd trade in my truck if it was a choice over a transmission replacement or my past dental experience! I must say that once this pandemic is history, I hope our awareness of virus transmission remains. The precautions at my dentist and doctor's offices have been very comforting. I worry about catching something at the best of times but feel safer now when visiting these places!

Beautiful truck! I remember looking at these new and wishing they offered a crew in a 1/2 ton! The look and brawn of this model, inside and out, is outstanding!

A few months ago we upgraded our TV to a 65" with easy to use smart options. It completely fills the wall above the fireplace and between two windows. It fills the space so completely over a black tiled fireplace that it appears the wall was built around the television! There was a brief period of time when people chose their screen size based on the size and configuration of the room. Now, we simply choose the biggest that will physically fit! The beauty of a large, good quality, screen is your ability to immerse yourself in what you're watching. I've found myself in the habit of watching YouTube for half an hour before bed. Instead of drifting off under the spell of a good book, I find myself doing such things as travelling the Interstates of the US in an unaffordable motorhome or shopping for the perfect truck. I particularly like the video's of "everyday people". It is enlightening to watch how others prioritize their life's efforts. I could own a beautiful Class A diesel pusher and be a full time RV'er but then I would have to give up my cozy home. Living vicariously through my TV friends can save a lot of money! Travelling via TV is about as fulfilling as visiting via Skype. They both don't come close to the real thing, but try to imagine what adhering to pandemic restrictions would be like without them?

Your comment triggered some memories. I remember debating this with my best friend when motorcycle helmets became law and countless times when my teenage children were asserting their independence. Placing yourself in unnecessary danger impacts others. We often change our behaviors for others even if we don't care about ourselves. Two related images are permanently planted in my head. One is the day my 17 year old best friend rode up wearing a black DOT approved full (3/4) helmet while riding his knucklehead chopper. The other comparable memory is 50 years more recent but just as powerful. This was the day my other '88 year old friend got into my car wearing a mask. In both of these scenarios, I felt my friends took these precautions because they knew how I was impacted by their behavior. Doing, "As you see fit, not as others see fit" sounds good but doesn't always apply especially when referring to personal safety. Sometimes we exercise safe behavior so that we don't prematurely hurt/leave others who love or need us.

Yes, congratulations to you and the future owner of your "old" truck! I suspect your ability to make this upgrade takes more than having a lot of candles on your birthday cake! My cakes are becoming a fire hazard but...... ?

I'm sorry for your loss. We lost a very close friend in the spring. It was a challenge having to come up with unfamiliar ways to properly honor this man. His three daughters were never heard blaming politicians or the coronavirus for the challenges but took all of things they could do to make a most fitting tribute. I personally had a "scare" fairly recently that led to some related discussions about how I wish to see my life remembered. No one on any ballot will impact my wishes. One spare time activity I'm certain many have had is discussing such things. It is something we all can give to our loved ones so that there isn't guilt or blame.

The tragedies and heartache of this pandemic are immense. Some express their concerns in more of a political scenario than a health tragedy but the impact continues to be huge on everyone. This thread is intended as a lighter conversation as to what we do more of or different with additional free time resulting from the pandemic. Another member brought up depression and hopefully we can do a little bit to attract our attention away from this very disabling condition. Depression is not always visible and we need to be active in helping ourselves and others through these times. My wife and I recently came to the realization that we have not had a house guest/family in our home since last February. Our family is spread out to other countries, so when they come, they stay for awhile. Traditionally we either had house guests or were preparing for a visit! We don't blame others for this reality and do what we can to compensate in an effort to avoid/reduce depression. Yesterday, I insured my motorcycle that I had stopped riding for the winter. Typically we have four months of the year that make for poor riding weather. However, every month has some potential riding days and we've had a couple this week. I say this as an example of an intentional effort my wife and I do to make lemonade. ?

There are some funny commercials catering to those of us gaining weight faster due to Covid19 and Grump's Food & Drink thread.? Recently I decided to resume using a pedometer. I used one for years but stopped because I had become consistent in achieving a daily count of 10K+. Guess what? I found that time had eroded this to only about half of my better self. I've now had three days in a row of 10k+ steps and I feel the difference! If you've never tried a pedometer, I highly recommend you give one a try. The inexpensive belt clip ones are my preferred instrument! Don't be obsessed with the accuracy but simply try to improve your previous day's total according to the same pedometer. I keep my daily total on a calendar. Once my routine is established, I'll go to recording my average over a week. You will be surprised how insidious your quest for a higher average will become.

Yes, Happy Thanksgiving! I am particularly thankful to my American family c/w grandchildren who have a great day planned with household members only. We have received pictures of their preparations which have been going on for days! They're all very excited and we are so proud of them! I know the news is giving crowded airports a lot of attention but I want to give a special shoutout and express my appreciation to all of those celebrating at home with household members only. Your efforts do make a difference!

Over the past couple of days, we and our neighbors have decorated our houses for Christmas. We typically wait for the first weekend in December but the mood hit early! We also have the time to put a little extra into our efforts. I do fear my next door neighbor took too much inspiration from Chevy Chase! My wife is working on the inside as if we were expecting large gatherings. The fact is nobody else has been inside our house since the beginning of last February and this will likely last beyond next February. However, thanks to technology, her efforts will be seen by those who would normally visit. I am fortunate to be surrounded by people who are not conflicted in their response to the coronavirus. The camaraderie of friends, family and neighbors over the past months often feels grater than pre-pandemic times. We work harder at being social and we value what we work to achieve!

When I've needed the ability to lock my truck running on a frequent basis, I carried an extra key(fob). For occasional use, the remote feature works fine. This practice was useful for me when doing meal deliveries in very cold or hot weather but not for keeping pets/children locked in a running vehicle. I've done such in the distant past as life altering tragedies only happen to other people! I was scared out of this behavior many years ago. I still usually travel with my dog and have found that all non-food places will let her in with me once I say, "It's too hot to leave her in the car". On grocery day she doesn't get to come for the ride!