Congrats mms

Belle,
I'm sure my computer geek of a future husband (and I say that in a loving, proud way) will post the pictures. The big day is 9/30. Sometimes, though, I wish we chose to elope. I'm too lazy and don't feel like planning any more:( I hadn't thought of USVI. I'll definitely put that on the list.

Rant: 6 - 10 inches of snow is on the way

Rave: Perhaps a day off of work!

mms- congrats on the new family member. and about the freezer...check your homeowners policy. it may cover the lost food (not the dead freezer). however, do a balancing test-what's your deductible and unless the loss is huge, do you want to make a claim? So nice that we pay, pay, pay for insurance, then have to questions whether to make a claim. I guess that's a rant!

SoCal is warm and sunny, great!!
BUT we are very dry and the fire danger is high.

We are enjoying the weather and keeping our fingers crossed .

Portlanders: You are really getting it, first too much rain and now the East Winds blowing trees over.

I grew up there and know all about the East Winds :-B

vicky...i can relate. i'm 4'10 too. (my 30th bday is next month!) but it is just so hard to even keep off 1 or 2 pounds!

Rave: Sunny, warm and dry with highs in the mid-upper 70s.
Rave: Heading to Zitacuaro and the Monarch butterfly sanctuaries next week.
Rave: Pemex finally takes CC's (and USAA rebates 3% on gas).
Rave: Second semperfid on XOM's success, but they need to raise the dividend.
Rant: Argentina is initiating long discredited government price controls in an effort to curb inflation. Seems the Argentine Gov and many dimwitted Libs (thanks Kal) feel long lines for few or nonexistent goods, services and fuel (a la the former USSR) are a better alternative to corporate profits. Of course, the US (and W) will be blamed for the failure of same.
Rant: MC Part D drug benefits - another entitlement out of control.
Rant: Mini crime wave v gringas here.
Perp is thought to have spent lots of time in the US.
Rant: Congressional Katrina hearings: these "investigators" need a real job.

Congrats on the new arrivals and mostly good health news.

Feliz fin de semana.

M

Rant: People who congratulate and admire corporations for ripping off Americans. We all can not afford vacation homes in Mexico and brag about our exploits. Even when its not true.

Rant: people who have posted under several names over the past few years.

ethel: Have you chosen your photographer yet? Sometimes they upload the pics for your friends and family (anyone you choose to share the password with) for a couple months or so.

September is hurricane season, so I'd stick with the plans for Vegas.

Rave: The General Contractor is starting work on the balance of the exterior of the house and he does fabulous work and actually shows up when he says he will. Can you believe that Jorr? BTW, he is using the Sherwin Williams paint you recommended. Thank you again.

Rant: My money saved for vacation will be given to the contractor.

Rave: MMS, a new baby in the family..congratulations.

Rant: Everyone that has worries due to loved ones health problems. My prayers go to all of you.

Rave: My awesome 19 year old grandson who is such a big support to his girlfriend and her family as her father is dying of cancer. Young people can be amazing.

Rant: MMS, and anyone else. Having been in the insurance business for decades let me warn you about turning in small claims even if you are covered. Have a couple of claims and you will find that your insurance will not be renewed. And be aware most insurance companies now document if you EVEN call them to see if you have coverage. Take the largest deductible you can afford and save your claim for a big disaster. This is one reason I sold my insurance agency, just couldn't justify the insurance companies beancounters decisions to my clients.

Rave: We are having beautiful summer weather here in the Sacramento Valley. It is such a delight after all the NY's damaging storms and our gloomy and drab January.

Wishing everyone a fun weekend, happy travel plans and good health!

JJ-I'm here, all RAVES this week! Our little bundle Samantha arrived on Monday am and she's sitting here for her first Fodor's log in right now! We're over the moon, she's just perfect. Plus, she waited until after the Superbowl so Daddy owes her big time being the Steelers fan that he is.

JJ, thanks for the thoughts, glad everyone is recuperating in your family and best wishes for your mom's situation as difficult as it is.

Have a good weekend all...

P.S. Bonnie, Go DUKE! (Sorry, I couldn't resist! I have to enjoy it b/4 your Tarheels get really good).

Rave for the snow-lovers...Rant for the snow-haters (I personally love the look of snow but hate the cold weather that comes with it and not a big fan of shoveling either!!) Hope all of you in the path of the storm get the pretty snow w/o the mess!

STW and her upgrades. It's the little stuff in life that makes us smile, isn't it?

PM priceline deal---with all the $ you're saving, you can spring for a plane ticket for your pal, OWJ :D

MMS, or should I say Auntie M??? Congrats. When we were kids our freezer died and I remember my mom having me take groceries over to all the neighbors and eating stew. (I hate stew!!)

Rave for JJ5--I agree hospice workers are *amazing* people. They made my grandfather's last days as easy as possible and then were so loving with us when he passed. I'm glad you have that support in such a difficult time--and your family sounds pretty incredible too!

Rant: My autistic student is acting out aggressively 1-2x/wk. when he encounters a difficult social situations and I don't feel like I'm doing enough to help him. He's one of my favorites and I'm worried the school will push for a more restrictive placement.

Rave: His mom is amazing and so supportive of my program despite its flaws. She could easily point fingers but she doesn't.

Rant: Getting straight answers from govermental agencies regarding property tax issue.

Rave: Our camilla bush is blooming and the flowers are just so pretty. Spring's a comin!!

Rant: Work is stressing me out

Rave: I have some great coworkers

Rave: Pizza night--I don't have to cook tonight! Think we'll eat on paper plates so I don't have to clean up either. Call me lazy!!

TGIF to everybody!!

Swalter--
We must have been posting at the same time.

Major congratulations! (I'd write this in bold and pink if I only knew how!)

Thanks OWJ...Ah, a blooming camilla...I'm jealous as it's snowing here!

OWJ-
Try this:

<color name here>
<b for bold here>
Type text you want to be a color here
</b for bold here> closes the bold
</color name here> closes the color

R5

jorr,
Get over it: I live here in SMdA when I'm not travelling (and have full time since 4/05); it's the only house I now own.
Have had only one name/nickname since the beginning.
Kal is/was correct, imho.
Is it envy?
BTW, did you ever discover how much the local corn/etoh fuel production facility boondoggle/fiasco cost US and state taxpayers?
We should all be aware that you can be sued for libel for making false statements ("even if it's not true" - what's not true???) on the internet.
Cuidado, mis amigos.
M

SCARLETT: If I may ask: why head CT for your daughter?? If it helps you through in any way, know that I went through this recently; CT followed by MRI which led to correct diagnosis.
(If you'd rather not say on board--IF you want, re-post your email address and I'll write directly. Can't find it since last Spring's exchanges re: Pup's photo and Parisperfect talk.)
RAVE: our weather in SF Bay Area has been so poignantly beautiful--clear skies, breezes, low 70s. Sooooo gorgeous and perfect, makes for tears of gratitude to the universe, Mother Nature, something/one Divine, pure luck, whatever you believe. Like standing at edge of Grand Canyon and seeing it for first--and subsequesnt--times. Oh yes--that's another RAVE memory!

More later--meanwhile, Happy Freaky Friday to all.

Rachel and LoveItaly--Years ago we had a power outage for about 5 days and the insurance company reimbursed us for all lost food, without the deductable. BUT, the way insurance is now I wouldn't even consider calling them. It is USAA, so they are awesome, but still...it is not catastrophic so we will just eat the loss (yes, pun intended:) ).

BTW, I was out with girlfriends today and found some great baby gifts. All that baby stuff is just too cute!

Rave: Kudos to Detroit for putting on a 'super' Super Bowl party. Many thought they couldn't do it, but the event turned out XL-ENT!

Rave: The Olympics: Let the games begin!

Rave: Local speedskater Izy will be competing in two short-track events. Parents and sister almost didn't get to go to Torino because they had exhausted all resources to get him to this stage. Community came through with fundraisers, so family will be in the stands at the opening ceremonies tonight. Also, got to see him on TV yesterday as Katie Couric was interviewing two of his teammates.

Rant: Agree with jorr about those destructive squirrels! Love watching the beautiful bluejays, cardinals and other birds feeding, but the squirrels love dumping and chewing on the feeders.

Positive thoughts to all Fodors who are experiencing difficult times.

Oops, positive thoughts to all 'Fodorites' - gotta do better job editing!

Rave: USAA, XOM, among the few remaining great US Companies.

Rant: All branches of greedy Government throughout the world.

Calinurse, also my first thoughts re: CT v MR, but...depends, and the really best clinical neuroradiologists have totally transformed the practice of medicine for the way better.

Where is/are the comments from the far left re: costs of great medical care?
Want to go back to the '60's?
I think not!
M