I'm praying for everyone who has lost someone recently, for those dealing with elderly relatives, etc.

LoveItaly, I'm glad your grandson is OK! Scarlett, have a great time with your son.

Rave: 10yo son just started his first season playing Little League. So far, so good, and he's having fun.

Rave: Mr. Pickle and I are going to Phoenix in a couple of weeks *by ourselves*! It's just a quick trip for his work, but still... whoo hoooo!!

Lee Ann

Well, another Rant: Daughter just called, had my grandson at the Dr. again as his temp (which got lower this week but never normal) shot up to over 103 again. More blood test still shows his white blood count is higher than it should be but not so high as it would be if he had mono. So Dr "thinks" it is from a virus. I don't like information that is not correct but hate the fact that it doesn't seem as though there is a straight answer. But guess it is some terrible virus as my SIL came home from work and is now in bed really ill too.

Thanks to everyone for all the kind thoughts, I truly appreciate them.

And jorr, I can't even imagine property taxes going up 34.6% Think I would, well I don't no what, slit my throat of move? That is terrible. Which reminds me, must write the check for my property tax bill.

BTW, not to be personal, but what are property taxes around the US. And do any other states have the law that CA has had since 1978 (when Prop 13 passed) that property tax can not increase more than 2% a year except for additional taxes for voter approved bonds?

LoveItaly, I'm sorry to read about your grandson and I hope he is okay. Pretty upsetting I would imagine, especially if you're not in the same town.

You asked about property taxes across the US--in San Antonio we're paying approximatley 33% in property taxes. Each year it goes up--we've been in our current house @7-8 years and our mortgage payment has gone up every one of those years but not by 34.6% thank goodness!

LoveItaly, I'm sorry to hear that your grandson has taken a bad turn, I really hope it goes the right way soon.

Property taxes on my home are appx. 2.8% of the appraised value of the home. I don't think there's any law in TX regulating how high taxes can go each year, but I can't be sure. I know 2.8% is higher than some states, but we have no state income tax in Texas. AnnMarie, when you say your property taxes are 33%, do you mean that taxes are 33% of your total monthly payment? I don't mean to be nosey, I just want to make sure we are all on the same page.

mcheryl, about CAPH's idea for notes: One time DH found a piece of scrap paper with my FFRR notes. It said something like, "LoveItaly sick friend," and "stw taking test." He was reading it and he kept saying, "None of this makes any sense." I told him it does to someone on the board and he just shook his head. Non-Fodorites just don't get it.

CAPH, thanks for your message. I tried to reply, twice, but the emails were returned (your address came up as a "permenant fatal error"). Why this happened, I don't know...

Sorry about that, STW. I've been having a real battle lately keeping my box from filling. Our printer is broken and I'm saving a bunch of e-mails 'cause they have recipes I want to print! We keep saying we're going to buy a new printer but just haven't gotten to it.

Actually, part of our laziness stems from the fact that we have a printer that works on our old computer. So we can print stuff. But because of the new softwear on that computer, I don't know how to cut, paste and print on it. So my e-mail just keeps accumulating!

Anyway, I'm sorry your e-mail bounced back. But thanks for trying! I'm going to go clear some e-mail in just a second!

Whew! Caph, I was worried it was MY computer. I have been having A LOT of problems lately with my desk top. No sooner do I start it up, the screen goes black and I have to re-boot. There is something going on, I think in Outlook, but I haven't figured it out yet. I'm actually waiting for my oldest to come home and take a closer look.

Have a peaceful weekend Caph

Hi dear PM, I don't have stickem notes, I have a small book where I jot down "friends" info..so know exactly what you mean. I am honored that you had a note about my friend, I know exactly what that is in regards to. I still miss her so much btw.

And you know, I sure hope, that you and your family have certainly been in my heart and thoughts this week.

Here in CA when you buy a piece of property the property tax is 1% of the sales price you paid plus whatever bonds have been added to the property tax.. And than it can only be increased by 2% each year. But if the voters pass future bonds than that that amount will be added onto your property tax bill also. CA has Sales Tax also, believe our county is 7.35.

And my dear grandson, hope the Dr's have diagnosed his medical problem correctly. Am sure they have..I just hate to have anyone I care for have a problem. And hate it when I read what a lot of you dear people on Fodor's are going through whether it is your health problem or a health problem of a loved one.

Peace and good wishes to all of you.

STW, isn't it wonderful to have kids who are more computer savvy than we are?! I hope your son is able to figure out your problem. But I'm sorry that you thought it was your computer causing your e-mails to bounce back.

Again, have a great trip!

Hi, LoveItaly. I'm so sorry that your grandson is still sick. But, as distressing as it is that your SIL is also sick, I think it's a good sign in that, if he has a virus, that's probably what your grandson has too. Not that I don't think that you'd already figured that out! I just wanted to add my 2 cents as well! I hope that both of them are feeling much better very soon.

PM, LOL about the sticky notes.
Thinking of you and your family.

Heading out the door soon. The weather is great!

Hi P_M,

On the same page? Me??? Honey, you have me confused with someone who knows what's going on! LOL ;-) Sorry for the typo, too much poison last night? Property taxes on our home are 3% of the appraised value. Thinking of you!

AnnMarie, I'm glad to know that property taxes in SA are not 33%, WHEW!! It sounds like your taxes are about the same as mine.

Today is a beautiful day in Central TX, so DH and I are going to take a day trip to the Hill Country. I've noticed lately that DH is wanting to get out of the house more to take his mind off what's happening. Of course we will be looking in on FIL also.

Thanks again to all for the good wishes. I am thinking of all of you as well.

P_M, sounds like a great plan to get out of the house--a change of scenery always does the spirit good! I noticed the blue bonnets springing up and the leaves are beginning to fall from the live oaks en masse--about two weeks earlier than last year. Enjoy your time!

In Dallas, my residential property taxes were 2.57% of appraised value annually (last were paid Dec '04).
Here they are (1 Feb) 0.21% of appraised value annually.
However, there is a huge difference in appraised val v. market val ratios: nearly 80% in D v. less than 25% here, and an even greater difference in tax paid.
M

mikemo: Lucky you, but don't you 'miss us'?

Just teas'in...

OSB,
Seriously, the only thing I miss is the huge amount of inexpensive great wine from around the world available in DFW: finding super wine under $10. became my avocation.
The sub $10. stuff from Chile and Argentina here is very good, but the selection is variable to say the least.
Otherwise, as I have no G'Children, I miss absolutely nothing.
M

RAVE: What gorgeous weather in Central North Carolina! 77 degrees ...

RANT: Winter is probably over, and we never really had one!

P_M, I've been thinking of you and your family so much, with this situation with your BIL. What a tragic thing, the kind that does unbelievable damage to family dynamics. Hugs to you.

Ethel, I have always had visual problems (an aura) before my Migraines; sometimes no headache at all, but other more miserable symptoms that I won't go into. I'm betting that's your problem ... so do try to think positive. I am so proud of you with the weight game. You're doing fabulously!!! I did a back-slide since last summer ... about ten of the 45 pounds I'd lost, so now I'm struggling a bit, and trying to get back on my healthy program most days. I WILL do it ... *lighter* just feels so much better.

RAVE: ACC Tournament basketball this weekend!

RANT: Half the games have been LOUSY ... very un-ACCish!

RAVE: Carolina beat Virginia (but they gave us a good run) so we play Boston College this afternoon in the third round. Little bit nervous about that ... the very thought of those *girlie-men* from Boston embarrassing UNC! Doesn't bear thinking about ... (So you liked your Deacs, huh, cmcfong? I shall be pulling for them against you-know-who in about an hour!) Go Tar Heels!!!

RANT: My Carolina Hurricanes have lost their last two, though they're still leading the NHL. I think they're still in shock after Orpik/Pittsburgh Penquins broke the neck of one of our stars, Erik Cole, with a vicious hit a week ago! That kind of thing has to GO in hockey ... Orpik should never play again!

RAVE: Scarlett's baby boy is coming home! I can feel your joy, Scarlett!

CAPH, I'm glad that you got the green-light from the doctor regarding your trip. As you make your decision please know that I am sending many good thoughts your way .... We've never been to Ireland but should go, as the *green* runs in my family bloodlines!

Statia, you have a marvelous trip with your mother and sister! What a wonderful adventure for the three of you ...

LoveItaly, so hoping you are getting better news of your grandson today. It is SO HARD when our loved ones are sick ... so much easier to be sick ourselves, really!

klr6773, have a wonderful life with the new puppy ... give him a scratch for me! And his name is ??????? (Can we have a contest? ) So sorry to hear about your Grandma ... my Mom is in a nursing home, with exactly the same problem, has been there for seven years ... and it's a special kind of hell for a family, when they're having to make that decision. I truly understand how you feel.

Sending hugs to GoTravel, ed and Divingaggie. The sadness will ease, but right now it doesn't feel like it, I know. And ed, on a light note, I know how those *Granny feelings* overwhelm you when grandchildren perform ... such sweet joy! I get it, too, when my granddaughter ice skates or swims! Nothing quite compares ...

RAVE: The Sopranos are back this weekend! YAY!!!!!!!!!!

RANT: The Shield is ending within a couple of weeks! (I know I shouldn't hate Cavanaugh but somehow I do! )

RANT: Am I the only one who thinks the American Idol contestants aren't nearly as good as previous years? I dunno ... maybe it's just me!

Seetheworld, the move is pretty certain as of now, and I have decided it is for the best. It will be more difficult to visit, but WE WILL, and it will be best for them as a family. That's the important thing ... Granny WILL adjust .... Thank you so much for asking!

Jorr, I feel your pain on the taxes! It's always something ..... And I thought mine were going up too quickly!

To all my fellow Fodorites, have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks all for the potty-training encouragement -- we needed it!

Bonnie, BOO HOO, our boys are done.