Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

@graphicguy; I just read another Kia service horror story. The dealer locked the owner’s key fob in the car. Rather than call the owner the alleged “technicians” pried on the door to get access to the latch. Of course that idiotic move scratched and dented the door jamb- but the service advisor proudly noted that, “Ya can’t see anything when the door is closed!”

But not to worry; the hapless owner also was given a complimentary bottle of touch-up paint!

Why didn’t they just call the owner to bring down the spare key?

That's exactly what the owner wanted to know! He is absolutely livid.

henryn

There aren't many Chick-Fil-A locations here in Houston. When I used to work downtown, there was one in the food court where I sometimes did lunch. It never seemed busier than any of the other food stands.

But if you want to see busy, check out In-And-Out Burgers. They just opened 3 locations in Houston, and every time I've driven by one the line goes clear around the block. I haven't eaten there yet, so I have no idea what makes them special.

henryn

I have ordered a new head unit for the 2013 F150 XL. I decided a back up camera and Bluetooth were minimal necessary requirements. I did not spring for Android Auto, as I have yet to use that in my newer cars that were so equipped. I ordered the head unit from Crutchfield, and the backup camera from Amazon. While I was at it, I got a new pair of speakers for a few dollars more. The speakers came in yesterday, so I installed them this afternoon, fairly straightforward. And it looks like the head unit should be fairly easy as well. The only difficult part may be running the cables for the backup camera.

It was a nice day to be working outside, so when I got through with the truck I fired up the ZTR mower and did the usual 6 lots. When I pulled the tarp off of the mower, I found a litter of kittens living under there. They were camped out on top of the motor, and when I ran them off from there they took up residence on the mower deck. It took quite a while to be sure they were all clear before I could fire up the mower. I knew there were kittens in the vicinity as I have been spotting them eating the cat food that I leave out.

andres3

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

roadburner said:

I mentioned on CCBA that the GM at the Cadillac dealer that has the M2 Competition I looked at emailed me an told me that the M2 was traded for a new Escalade. I suspected the guy was a wearer rather than a driver when I saw he bought the car last January and traded it a couple of weeks ago. I’d understand if he had flipped the M2 for a V-Series, but trading for an Escalade confirmed he’s a Five Star Wearer.

You may be right but there may be other reasons. Say a lifestyle change. Maybe he bought the car in January and in March his wife tells him he is about to be a daddy. You never know.

Pretty sure the M2 has child safety latches in the rear; so unless they are having triplets, not a good reason to dump an M2 Competition.

My guess is that you never tried to install a child seat in a M2 or any coupe for that matter. It's somewhat hard to do as well as getting that kid in and out of that back seat. A whole lot easier in a sedan or something like an Escalade. Not to mention all the other stuff you have to carry if you have a kid, like the stroller and the bag containing extra diapers, wipes formula or snacks when they get older. An M2 won't cut it to well.

Ahhhh, yes.... I forgot, I waited to get my Coupe until the kid was a mobile toddler. This way all you have to do is latch the belt, no pushing in or pulling out of the car; they do it themselves.

roadburner

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

roadburner said:

I mentioned on CCBA that the GM at the Cadillac dealer that has the M2 Competition I looked at emailed me an told me that the M2 was traded for a new Escalade. I suspected the guy was a wearer rather than a driver when I saw he bought the car last January and traded it a couple of weeks ago. I’d understand if he had flipped the M2 for a V-Series, but trading for an Escalade confirmed he’s a Five Star Wearer.

You may be right but there may be other reasons. Say a lifestyle change. Maybe he bought the car in January and in March his wife tells him he is about to be a daddy. You never know.

Pretty sure the M2 has child safety latches in the rear; so unless they are having triplets, not a good reason to dump an M2 Competition.

My guess is that you never tried to install a child seat in a M2 or any coupe for that matter. It's somewhat hard to do as well as getting that kid in and out of that back seat. A whole lot easier in a sedan or something like an Escalade. Not to mention all the other stuff you have to carry if you have a kid, like the stroller and the bag containing extra diapers, wipes formula or snacks when they get older. An M2 won't cut it to well.

Ahhhh, yes.... I forgot, I waited to get my Coupe until the kid was a mobile toddler. This way all you have to do is latch the belt, no pushing in or pulling out of the car; they do it themselves.

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

andres3 said:

snakeweasel said:

roadburner said:

I mentioned on CCBA that the GM at the Cadillac dealer that has the M2 Competition I looked at emailed me an told me that the M2 was traded for a new Escalade. I suspected the guy was a wearer rather than a driver when I saw he bought the car last January and traded it a couple of weeks ago. I’d understand if he had flipped the M2 for a V-Series, but trading for an Escalade confirmed he’s a Five Star Wearer.

You may be right but there may be other reasons. Say a lifestyle change. Maybe he bought the car in January and in March his wife tells him he is about to be a daddy. You never know.

Pretty sure the M2 has child safety latches in the rear; so unless they are having triplets, not a good reason to dump an M2 Competition.

My guess is that you never tried to install a child seat in a M2 or any coupe for that matter. It's somewhat hard to do as well as getting that kid in and out of that back seat. A whole lot easier in a sedan or something like an Escalade. Not to mention all the other stuff you have to carry if you have a kid, like the stroller and the bag containing extra diapers, wipes formula or snacks when they get older. An M2 won't cut it to well.

Ahhhh, yes.... I forgot, I waited to get my Coupe until the kid was a mobile toddler. This way all you have to do is latch the belt, no pushing in or pulling out of the car; they do it themselves.

I took delivery of the Club Sport a couple of weeks before my son's first birthday. A good friend had smuggled in a gray market BMW "Carli" car seat from Germany(a story in and of itself).
RB Jr. ended up spending a large percentage of his early years riding in two doors(Turbo Coupe, Club Sport, Wrangler). In fact, we always used the Club Sport for vacations until he reached his early teens and we started letting him bring a buddy along.

sda

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial day. And, yes, our flag was made in the USA.

graphicguy

sda said:

The weather was gorgeous today around 73 degrees. Perfect for giving the TL a wax job before the heat of summer.

OH MAN!….Is that ever nice. Great job!

jmonroe1

@roadburner said:
I took delivery of the Club Sport a couple of weeks before my son's first birthday. A good friend had smuggled in a gray market BMW "Carli" car seat from Germany(a story in and of itself).
RB Jr. ended up spending a large percentage of his early years riding in two doors(Turbo Coupe, Club Sport, Wrangler). In fact, we always used the Club Sport for vacations until he reached his early teens and we started letting him bring a buddy along.

Male or female?

jmonroe

graphicguy

Thanks for the comments about vacation, everyone.

Random thoughts…..anyone starting a fight or threatening on a flight is immediately hauled off the plane and fined $1000 for each passenger on the plane who was inconvenienced by their actions. They are also prosecuted with a felony and given a mandatory jail sentence of at least 180 days. They are also banned from flying on any plane, any airline. Do not pass go and go directly to jail.

This is getting ridiculous. I used to fly over 100K miles/year for at least 2 to 3 decades. I never…I mean NEVER saw anything like I’ve seen the last 2-3 years. Saw obnoxious drunks, saw allegedly “privileged” individuals who thought they deserved the 1st class section and tried to raise a ruckus. But, never have I seen anyone accost crew or another passenger.

The lady in the video is obviously one, or maybe all, of the types of people I described above.

EV incentives……I’m ambivalent about these since, at least up until recently, I did not consider myself a potential EV customer. Now, I think my next vehicle will be an EV. If these incentives go through, maybe sooner than later. Oil for vehicle fuel is a dead end. Long term demand predictions are dismal, at best. The total market for oil is predicted to drop for the foreseeable future and never recover.

So, the move to EVs will hasten with the incentives. Good? Bad? I don’t know. It’s happening, though. Matter of fact, the EV F -150 seems to be a pretty exciting vehicle, and that’s the #1 volume vehicle in North America. And, we have to admit, a self driving Bolt is more than just a curiosity. You can buy one right now at your local Chevy store.

Vacations….again, the GF is the head of that dept. Although I had heard of FL’s Governor Desantis, I really didn’t know anything about him until the last 72 hours, and mostly the GF poking me and saying “look at this”.

So, he’s the guy who had his own health advisor for putting out the real COVID numbers in the State of FL that he wanted to hide? I guess more recently, he tried to ban anyone asking about COVID vaccines on a cruise ship? Not sure what he’s trying to accomplish, but all of that seems just a tad outlandish behavior. But, I guess he backed off the cruise industry’s desire to sail with COVID vaccinated passengers. Maybe he’s “seen the light”.

I’m all for the GF’s vacation plans, whatever they will be. Although I’m retired, she’s still working, and if nothing else, she deserves the break. I think the lates is something to do with St Martyn? She has my passport and my credit card (come to think of it, that might be dangerous). Whatever she decides, I’ll be happy to go along with, gladly.

snakeweasel

henryn said:

snakeweasel said:

I am 100% against for various reasons. First I believe the market must determine this as when the government tries to influence the market it usually ends up in disaster. Secondly it is subsidies the wealthy as most middle class cannot come close to using the full credit. It's basically saying "let's reduce the price for the rich and the heck with everyone else".

The EV market will never be viable without sub $20k car that can do 300 miles and the batteries last over 100k miles. Currently the whole thing is a wealth transfer scam to take money from the middle class and use it to help the wealthy.

OK rant over.

I have a couple of problems with your comments, above.

First, the biggest tax incentive that I'm aware of for EV was $7,500. Off hand, I don't know anyone whom I would call "middle class" who does not pay $7,500 in federal income taxes. If you increase that incentive to $12,500 then I can imagine some middle class might not be able to use all of the incentive.

Second, "sub $20k car that can do 300 miles". How many new cars are available today for under $20,000? There used to be a few, such as the Honda Fit, or the base model Kia Soul. But very few. I think maybe you should have said "sub $30k", that would be more realistic.

Heck, the average new car price is WAY above that mark.

According to the valuation analysts at Kelley Blue Book reported the estimated average transaction price for a light vehicle in the United States was $37,876 in 2020. New-vehicle prices increased $975 (up 2.6%) from February 2019, while falling $126 (down 0.3%) from last month. Are you kidding me? Back in 2020, the average new car price was almost $38,000?

It gets worse. In 2021, Edmunds.com reported that the average new car price is probably closer to $40,000 and $39,950.

The medium household income in the US is about $65K, a married couple with 2 kids under 17 with $100K income that does not itemize will not come close to the $7500 in tax liability. At the medium income level the tax liability is under $500 for a married couple with 2 kids.

As for the average new car price, remember that is average. 5 people buy cars one buys a $125K Benz and 4 buy $15K Kia's the average price paid is $37,800. There are plenty of new cars out there under $20K and its the only things a lot of people can afford. If we mandate all EV vehicles and the price of EV's don't get down to that level then lower income people will be stuck with an ever decreasing number of used cars with increasing maintenance costs.

snakeweasel

fintail said:

First, it's HIPAA.

Second, a vaccine passport in nearly all cases will in fact not violate the regulation. HIPAA applies only to healthcare providers, health plan providers, and related entities, and depending on the data they use, their vendors and associates. Anything outside the healthcare realm, such as stores, restaurants, theme parks, airlines, taxis, entertainment venues, etc are not part of HIPAA and cannot possibly be in violation as it doesn't apply to them. These entities can ask for vaccine status or negative test results, and can offer or rescind service based on it. HIPAA also doesn't apply if a party is self-disclosing their own info.

Additionally, any foreign entity can require a "passport" at their discretion, and no contrarian governor will be able to do anything about it. Fortunately, most raising a stink about this aren't exactly worldly to begin with, and likely won't be traveling anyway.

snakeweasel said:

@graphicguy said:

So, mentioned a few weeks ago the GF was making plans for us to go to Jamaica given we’re all vaccined up and ready to hit the road…..until, last night.

Turn her loose on a project and she’ll research the daylights right out of it. She was in charge of getting flights, hotel, etc. I was in charge of paying

Apparently, she found out that Jamaica is at “HIGH ALERT” for COVID. So, all the cancellations go out and everything was refundable (even the airfare).

I’m watching my Reds get their @ss kicked yesterday, yet again, while sipping on an ice cold Rolling Rock as she’s sitting next to me, fingers feverishly flying on her laptop. I was kinda thinking road trip, and told her to see what she could find. What does she find? A cruise. I like to cruise, but that whole FL thing about cruise ships not being allowed to ask if passengers are vaccinated does not sit well with me. The last thing I want on a vacation is to fear harm or illness.

All you folks living in FL, what is the governor thinking by not allowing any travel related company if they’ve received the COVID vaccine? That seems horribly irresponsible.

Well there are a lot of issues regarding the so called "vaccination passport". Florida is not the only state banning it or will ban it. It does violate one privacy and possible HIPPA laws. Are you vaccinated? If so why worry? Do they check if people are vaccinated against the flu or mumps or measels or anything else?

First we are not talking about international travel we are talking about movement within our own country of which we have freedom of movement. Requiring people to show proof of vaccinations violates that freedom of movement. Also why don't we have it for other communicable diseases?

snakeweasel

fintail said:

Money would probably be better spent on subsidizing charging infrastructure. The burgeoning affordable housing crisis probably isn't going to help in that regard.

MSRP cut-off should be maybe 50K IMNSHO. Flying past that ends up subsidizing the toys of the affluent, but in a system that still embraces trickle-down lunacy, I suppose it's par for the course.

bwia said:

The EV tax credit is in the news again. This time, Congress wants to increase the maximum credit from $7,500 to $12,500. The maximum credit will apply to vehicles with an MSRP of up to $80,000 and made with union labor. What is not clear is whether the credit will apply to the first 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer or expanded to 600,000 as some have suggested.

If the objective is to move to zero emissions vehicles by 2035, then the emphasis should be on enabling legislation to get there in the minimum time possible at the least possible cost to the consumer. We have become accustomed to the government subsidizing EV sales and anything that interferes with that formula will drive many EV startups out of business. Further, if the US wishes to dominate the EV market as it purports to do, it should expand the EV tax credit or instead give incentives directly to the manufacturers so they can reduce their selling prices to make EVs more price competitive. Or perhaps some combination of manufacturer and consumer incentives may be optimal. By the way, some states plan to continue there own tax credits but I was shocked to see so many states not offering the credit at all.

How about making it needs based? Someone making $500k a year doesn't get any but someone making $50K a year gets the rebate?

snakeweasel

bwia said:

snakeweasel said:

@bwia said:

Forget Jamaica and Antigua. The Seychelles, the closest thing to Paradise is open for business. You have three main English islands to choose from, or better yet all three. Some of the best boutique hotels are located there including the Four Seasons and Kempinski. Enjoy!

Well we just got back from Mackinac Island, the Grand Hotel there is one of the best in the world. And how can you beat pulling up in a horse drawn carriage (well any hotel there has that). The island is really a different experience.

Please refresh my memory; what is so special about Mackinac island? Frankly, I can't see someone spending no more than a day on that island.


Well just like everyplace else it's not for everyone. It does have an air of a throwback to a simpler time. It's quaint and relaxed for the most part. Plus most of the island it a state park and it does have some nice scenery.

imidazol97

roadburner said:

oldfarmer50 said:

roadburner said:

@graphicguy; I just read another Kia service horror story. The dealer locked the owner’s key fob in the car. Rather than call the owner the alleged “technicians” pried on the door to get access to the latch. Of course that idiotic move scratched and dented the door jamb- but the service advisor proudly noted that, “Ya can’t see anything when the door is closed!”

But not to worry; the hapless owner also was given a complimentary bottle of touch-up paint!

Why didn’t they just call the owner to bring down the spare key?

That's exactly what the owner wanted to know! He is absolutely livid.

I assume one of the doors can be opened with a physical key. Doesn't the service department have the ability to access the codes for cutting a new key? Might
require the owner's permission via telephone or some other way.
Just open the door with the newly made key, retrieve the original fob, and voila, problem over.

jmonroe1

@graphicguy said:
Thanks for the comments about vacation, everyone.

Random thoughts…..anyone starting a fight or threatening on a flight is immediately hauled off the plane and fined $1000 for each passenger on the plane who was inconvenienced by their actions. They are also prosecuted with a felony and given a mandatory jail sentence of at least 180 days. They are also banned from flying on any plane, any airline. Do not pass go and go directly to jail.

This is getting ridiculous. I used to fly over 100K miles/year for at least 2 to 3 decades. I never…I mean NEVER saw anything like I’ve seen the last 2-3 years. Saw obnoxious drunks, saw allegedly “privileged” individuals who thought they deserved the 1st class section and tried to raise a ruckus. But, never have I seen anyone accost crew or another passenger.

The lady in the video is obviously one, or maybe all, of the types of people I described above.

EV incentives……I’m ambivalent about these since, at least up until recently, I did not consider myself a potential EV customer. Now, I think my next vehicle will be an EV. If these incentives go through, maybe sooner than later. Oil for vehicle fuel is a dead end. Long term demand predictions are dismal, at best. The total market for oil is predicted to drop for the foreseeable future and never recover.

So, the move to EVs will hasten with the incentives. Good? Bad? I don’t know. It’s happening, though. Matter of fact, the EV F -150 seems to be a pretty exciting vehicle, and that’s the #1 volume vehicle in North America. And, we have to admit, a self driving Bolt is more than just a curiosity. You can buy one right now at your local Chevy store.

Vacations….again, the GF is the head of that dept. Although I had heard of FL’s Governor Desantis, I really didn’t know anything about him until the last 72 hours, and mostly the GF poking me and saying “look at this”.

So, he’s the guy who had his own health advisor for putting out the real COVID numbers in the State of FL that he wanted to hide? I guess more recently, he tried to ban anyone asking about COVID vaccines on a cruise ship? Not sure what he’s trying to accomplish, but all of that seems just a tad outlandish behavior. But, I guess he backed off the cruise industry’s desire to sail with COVID vaccinated passengers. Maybe he’s “seen the light”.

I’m all for the GF’s vacation plans, whatever they will be. Although I’m retired, she’s still working, and if nothing else, she deserves the break. I think the lates is something to do with St Martyn? She has my passport and my credit card (come to think of it, that might be dangerous). Whatever she decides, I’ll be happy to go along with, gladly.

I agree that something more than a slap on the wrist has to be done about these unruly airline passengers.

Now about your vacation. When all of it gets sorted out, that would be a good time to consider inviting a poster buddy.

jmonroe

explorerx4

@sda,
Your picture reminded me that I got a new flag for Christmas but hadn't put it up yet. Thanks.

jmonroe1

@imidazol97 said:
I assume one of the doors can be opened with a physical key. Doesn't the service department have the ability to access the codes for cutting a new key? Might
require the owner's permission via telephone or some other way.
Just open the door with the newly made key, retrieve the original fob, and voila, problem over.

When you hire morons you get moronic solutions.

jmonroe

cdnpinhead

Or worse yet, elect them.

fintail

I am addressing the endless "HIPPA" claims. The demographic getting news from and having their thoughts shaped by the contrarian prone to conspiracy theory random internet guys on Youtube thinks they can pull the HIPAA card if a business tries to restrict them, and that's simply not possible, as HIPAA does not apply to these cases. There could be liability if say a business collected PHI/PII and then had a breach, but there's literally nothing legally stopping a business from restricting or allowing based on vaccine status.

I recall no context restricting the discussion to domestic travel.

snakeweasel said:

fintail said:

First, it's HIPAA.

Second, a vaccine passport in nearly all cases will in fact not violate the regulation. HIPAA applies only to healthcare providers, health plan providers, and related entities, and depending on the data they use, their vendors and associates. Anything outside the healthcare realm, such as stores, restaurants, theme parks, airlines, taxis, entertainment venues, etc are not part of HIPAA and cannot possibly be in violation as it doesn't apply to them. These entities can ask for vaccine status or negative test results, and can offer or rescind service based on it. HIPAA also doesn't apply if a party is self-disclosing their own info.

Additionally, any foreign entity can require a "passport" at their discretion, and no contrarian governor will be able to do anything about it. Fortunately, most raising a stink about this aren't exactly worldly to begin with, and likely won't be traveling anyway.

snakeweasel said:

@graphicguy said:

So, mentioned a few weeks ago the GF was making plans for us to go to Jamaica given we’re all vaccined up and ready to hit the road…..until, last night.

Turn her loose on a project and she’ll research the daylights right out of it. She was in charge of getting flights, hotel, etc. I was in charge of paying

Apparently, she found out that Jamaica is at “HIGH ALERT” for COVID. So, all the cancellations go out and everything was refundable (even the airfare).

I’m watching my Reds get their @ss kicked yesterday, yet again, while sipping on an ice cold Rolling Rock as she’s sitting next to me, fingers feverishly flying on her laptop. I was kinda thinking road trip, and told her to see what she could find. What does she find? A cruise. I like to cruise, but that whole FL thing about cruise ships not being allowed to ask if passengers are vaccinated does not sit well with me. The last thing I want on a vacation is to fear harm or illness.

All you folks living in FL, what is the governor thinking by not allowing any travel related company if they’ve received the COVID vaccine? That seems horribly irresponsible.

Well there are a lot of issues regarding the so called "vaccination passport". Florida is not the only state banning it or will ban it. It does violate one privacy and possible HIPPA laws. Are you vaccinated? If so why worry? Do they check if people are vaccinated against the flu or mumps or measels or anything else?

First we are not talking about international travel we are talking about movement within our own country of which we have freedom of movement. Requiring people to show proof of vaccinations violates that freedom of movement. Also why don't we have it for other communicable diseases?

fintail

That would probably do more to get EVs into the real mainstream market than what we have now, for sure. Always seemed funny there could be multiple publicly funded incentives on what were effectively six figure ego machines, but not funny in a ha-ha way.

snakeweasel said:

fintail said:

Money would probably be better spent on subsidizing charging infrastructure. The burgeoning affordable housing crisis probably isn't going to help in that regard.

MSRP cut-off should be maybe 50K IMNSHO. Flying past that ends up subsidizing the toys of the affluent, but in a system that still embraces trickle-down lunacy, I suppose it's par for the course.

bwia said:

The EV tax credit is in the news again. This time, Congress wants to increase the maximum credit from $7,500 to $12,500. The maximum credit will apply to vehicles with an MSRP of up to $80,000 and made with union labor. What is not clear is whether the credit will apply to the first 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer or expanded to 600,000 as some have suggested.

If the objective is to move to zero emissions vehicles by 2035, then the emphasis should be on enabling legislation to get there in the minimum time possible at the least possible cost to the consumer. We have become accustomed to the government subsidizing EV sales and anything that interferes with that formula will drive many EV startups out of business. Further, if the US wishes to dominate the EV market as it purports to do, it should expand the EV tax credit or instead give incentives directly to the manufacturers so they can reduce their selling prices to make EVs more price competitive. Or perhaps some combination of manufacturer and consumer incentives may be optimal. By the way, some states plan to continue there own tax credits but I was shocked to see so many states not offering the credit at all.

How about making it needs based? Someone making $500k a year doesn't get any but someone making $50K a year gets the rebate?

fintail

I often think I'd like to see the books for entities claiming wages are the key factor behind price increases. I don't want to automatically call bull on such claims, but well, here I am.

If federal minimum wage had paced the cherry-picked CPI stats over the past 40-50 years, it would be around 50% higher than it is now - and that often fails to account for the inflation in housing, healthcare, education costs, transport, some utilities etc over that period - but I guess TVs and computers are cheaper so it all evens out . I think what we might be seeing is finally enough momentum and pressure to adjust lower wage tiers to a realistic standard, and it is happening all at once rather than over the few decades it should have, so some are using it as an excuse to seek a new profit center.

oldfarmer50 said:

imidazol97 said:

jmonroe1 said:

I like the chickens in the background, nice touch!

I’d like em better if they were at Chick-fil-A.

jmonroe

At ChickFilA those chickens are worth a fortune, each! The prices have slowly gone up at CFA like many other places. And the rewards program has suffered 100% inflation over about 15 months. The accumulated points used to buy a Cobb Salad with the basic chopped nuggets as the meat for 900 points; now 1800. (One can get the Cobb with no meat, grilled or deep fried nuggets, or the filets from either breaded CFA sandwich or grilled sandwich.)
The good thing about CFA is that the quality of the store product has stayed the same. E.g., the size of the Cobb salad in terms of greens and meat has stayed the same. No skimping to try to fool the consumer.
My favorite place for transparency.

You’re going to see a lot more of that. Welcome to inflation. Businesses are having to pay a premium to get people to come back to work. In my area the min. wage is $12.50. The fast food places are offering $15. Trucking companies are offering thousands in sign on bonuses. Somebody’s got to pay those higher costs....guess who that is.

abacomike

I just got back from visiting my Dad’s remains (ashes) in a small vault at The South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. Every vault and every grave had an American Flag displayed. The Veterans of Foreign Wars had a brass band playing Souza’s Military Marches, the National Anthem and Taps. It was a truly exhilarating experience and, of course, the cemetery was jammed with vehicular traffic.

Dad served as a cryptographer (tech sergeant 4th class) in the Signal Corps in charge of two groups of GI’s in tents 3 miles behind their lines during the Battle of The Bulge. During the advancement of the Germans, he and his men were over-run and ended up 2 miles within the enemy lines under assault by two German machine gun nests and incoming mortars. My Dad singlehandedly flanked the Germans with grenades and a Thompson sub-machine gun and took out the mortar nest and the 2-machine gun nests saving the lives of most of the two platoons of cryptographers under his command as well as protecting the coding and decoding machines and secret messages.

He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Silver Star by his commanding General as well as a French Battle Star by the French. On his vault plaque, it gives his name, title, branch of service and his Bronze and Silver Star along with his Purple Heart. He lost 4 of his men due to the incoming mortars - which motivated him to stop the onslaught and/or sacrifice his life for his men and the top secret messages and coding equipment.

I am very proud of him - but it took a lot of coaxing on my behalf to get him to relate what happened and how he got the medals - he hated talking about it because of the blood and guts of his comrades who died and talking about it brought back horrible memories of that gruesome day.

snakeweasel

@explorerx4 said:
@sda,
Your picture reminded me that I got a new flag for Christmas but hadn't put it up yet. Thanks.

I participated in a memorial day ceremony this morning and now at the local AL post enjoying a BBQ and having good conversations with some good people.

Michaell

abacomike said:

I just got back from visiting my Dad’s remains (ashes) in a small vault at The South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. Every vault and every grave had an American Flag displayed. The Veterans of Foreign Wars had a brass band playing Souza’s Military Marches, the National Anthem and Taps. It was a truly exhilarating experience and, of course, the cemetery was jammed with vehicular traffic.

Dad served as a cryptographer (tech sergeant 4th class) in the Signal Corps in charge of two groups of GI’s in tents 3 miles behind their lines during the Battle of The Bulge. During the advancement of the Germans, he and his men were over-run and ended up 2 miles within the enemy lines under assault by two German machine gun nests and incoming mortars. My Dad singlehandedly flanked the Germans with grenades and a Thompson sub-machine gun and took out the mortar nest and the 2-machine gun nests saving the lives of most of the two platoons of cryptographers under his command as well as protecting the coding and decoding machines and secret messages.

He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Silver Star by his commanding General as well as a French Battle Star by the French. On his vault plaque, it gives his name, title, branch of service and his Bronze and Silver Star along with his Purple Heart. He lost 4 of his men due to the incoming mortars - which motivated him to stop the onslaught and/or sacrifice his life for his men and the top secret messages and coding equipment.

I am very proud of him - but it took a lot of coaxing on my behalf to get him to relate what happened and how he got the medals - he hated talking about it because of the blood and guts of his comrades who died and talking about it brought back horrible memories of that gruesome day.

My moms half-brother also fought in Europe in WW2 - I know he enlisted at 17, as he needed my grandmother’s blessing to join. I think he may have been part of the Battle of the Bulge, but I never talked to him about his experiences there. He’s been gone for 20+ years now, and I wish I’d gotten to know him better than I did.

At one point he owned a 60’s Datsun 1600, and later he got into buying and flipping 70’s and 80’s Volvos.

henryn

My father served in WW2, North Africa and Italy, wounded twice. My mother also served, she was in the WACs, worked at an Army Air Force base.

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

There aren't many Chick-Fil-A locations here in Houston. When I used to work downtown, there was one in the food court where I sometimes did lunch. It never seemed busier than any of the other food stands.

But if you want to see busy, check out In-And-Out Burgers. They just opened 3 locations in Houston, and every time I've driven by one the line goes clear around the block. I haven't eaten there yet, so I have no idea what makes them special.

Like today, I’m frequently within a few hundred yards of the local CFA but can’t eat there because in someone’s infinite wisdom they put it on the other side of the TSA checkpoint at the airport. As much as I like the product I won’t buy a plane ticket to get at it.

oldfarmer50

henryn said:

I have ordered a new head unit for the 2013 F150 XL. I decided a back up camera and Bluetooth were minimal necessary requirements. I did not spring for Android Auto, as I have yet to use that in my newer cars that were so equipped. I ordered the head unit from Crutchfield, and the backup camera from Amazon. While I was at it, I got a new pair of speakers for a few dollars more. The speakers came in yesterday, so I installed them this afternoon, fairly straightforward. And it looks like the head unit should be fairly easy as well. The only difficult part may be running the cables for the backup camera.

It was a nice day to be working outside, so when I got through with the truck I fired up the ZTR mower and did the usual 6 lots. When I pulled the tarp off of the mower, I found a litter of kittens living under there. They were camped out on top of the motor, and when I ran them off from there they took up residence on the mower deck. It took quite a while to be sure they were all clear before I could fire up the mower. I knew there were kittens in the vicinity as I have been spotting them eating the cat food that I leave out.

When you feed wildlife you end up getting lots more wildlife.

I’m as bad as anyone. I fill the bird feeder for my wife and I’ve been training the Bluejays to come and get peanuts when they see me. I have one who will sit outside the patio door and flutter his wings to get my attention. He won’t eat out of my hand yet but sits patiently until I toss a few nuts out.

I’ve also got these characters coming around for a free hand out.

oldfarmer50

sda said:

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial day. And, yes, our flag was made in the USA.

I bought coffee for all our ex military guys at work. It was the least I could do.

henryn

I know a guy who spent 30 years in the Navy. On Veteran's Day, he goes around to various restaurants and eats for free. He usually winds up with a bellyache, but that doesn't keep him from bragging to everyone he knows about all of the free meals.

When you think about it, it is a very small percentage of the population who chose to serve. And they do deserve our thanks and appreciation.

Sandman6472

Both the Popeye's chicken sandwich and the new KFC Classic are quite good and blow the one at CFA out of the water, they are both so much better than CFA. And both are really neck and neck right now in the taste department, and personally I think they taste almost the same! We have chicken sandwiches a lot at lunch so I've become to really notice how they all taste. There's also a place in the West Palm each area called Bud's and their chicken sandwich is a bit bland but it ain't bad and definitely much better than CFA's.
CFA has good nuggets and tenders and just love their mac & cheese but besides that, nothing to write home about to be honest. Personally, I hate their political stand and how they treat certain folks who are still American citizens. For a long time I wouldn't spend a dime there because of their discrimination against some but was hoping they'd get it that we're all Americans here and equal in our love for chicken. And someone's political leanings or how they view themselves sexually has nothing to do with selling chicken to the American public. It's past troublesome to be honest and just typing this has been an eye opener to be honest. Not sure I'll be going back at this point as I view any kind of discrimination as vile and anti-American truth be told.
So yes, go to KFC or Popeye's for the best chicken sandwich in the market place today, and give Bud's a try if in the West Palm Beach Florida area. To give our money to a company that discriminates is just so wrong...so wrong, and as someone who has been discriminated against, I know first hand how truly ugly it really is. And how unnecessary it is. We, as Americans, are better than this...so much better!
Now, back to what has brought us all here...the automobile!

Sandman6472

Started my new part time gig as a shuttle driver at the local Toyota store and was solo today. Besides having a few issues with their confusing computer system in signing on and signing off, all went well. I shadowed another drive on my first day, Saturday, and today I was solo. All went well, the folks I drove were quite nice and I even got a tip! Totally unexpected but very nice. I finally got to go into Mike's development and it is very nicely kept. I see why he enjoys living there. Our first condo, a townhouse, was right next door so I always used to look in while passing by but I never got to go into his development till today. Have a feeling I'll be going back most days I go to work at my shuttle job. Keeping my Enterprise gig also as I do like it & our group of drivers. I just had a couple afternoons free and they were able to fit me in to their schedule. Those were hours I'd either be sleeping, surfing the web or shopping, so why not make a few extra bucks. And have always wanted to be a shuttle driver but my walking with a cane always kept the dealerships from hiring me. They saw it as a liability and didn't even notice me. Could I prove this, no but for some reason, I never got the job they were hiring for. And I tried to do this kind of work for years now with always the same result. Hertz saw the whole me, the whole me as an asset. Ditto with Enterprise and I was, and am, a good employee. I show up when scheduled, I do the job I was hired for and am a happy employee who gives 100% at all times. Not once having to use a cane for my mobility ever become an issue and it never will. It's just part of me...and that's that!
Now, I love what I do and hope to keep doing it for many many years to come!

Sandman6472

Both my mom & dad plus father-in-law served in WW II and at least my folks never would talk about it. My one uncle worked on the Manhattan Project which eventually became the bomb's that ended the war in Japan. He was a truly gifted scientist and a real smart guy. I thank them and everyone else who has served in the military for their service. It's because of all of them that we have the rights we do today. So I salute all those who are serving or who have served in the military. A big big thank yo guys!!!

Sandman6472

I'm a perfect candidate for an EV as my next vehicle. I don't drive far anymore, maybe 40 miles/week if that and I need a small vehicle. Something like the Nissan Leaf or the upcoming new Chevy Bolt would fit the bill nicely. I'd even love a Tesla if they price one where I can afford it. My budget tops out at about $30K plus whatever my trade will bring so am hoping those federal rebates actually happen and if they do, I'll be first in line at the Chevy store across the street with my down payment.
Driving a Prius at work today, it did the trick. Wasn't fast or exciting by any means, but it got me to where I had to go with no fuss. Sure it's a hybrid, but the mileage was outstanding and after awhile, totally forgot it was a hybrid. The split rear window is still annoying and a big reason a Prius will never be in my garage. But the new Leaf, Bolt or Tesla will all be on my short list once this chip shortage is over and they get their pricing down to a more affordable level. And truthfully, I can't wait!!!

fintail

My maternal grandfather was in the Navy, mostly in the Aleutians I think. I think he arrived after the battles, he did something with building radio infrastructure. I was never able to get him to talk much about the war, but he took a lot of pics of ruined equipment which I guess was OK, as they passed censor. My mom's brother was also in the Navy, but not in wartime. Relating to cars, my grandpa usually had a full sized domestic car as a personal vehicle, but eventually had Toyotas and VWs as company cars. - I've heard some vets loathed imports, but he was open minded, and also an enthusiast of Asian culture and food.

My paternal grandfather was in the Army Air Corps around 1930 - at the outbreak of WWII, he had 5 kids, and was denied enlistment - he apparently was ready to go. He was also into radio tech, and during the war he had some kind of civilian role where he monitored radio broadcasts, as he had a large setup on his property. My aunt, now near 90 (her late husband served in Korea, I think), remembers the government setting up additional towers during the war, and my grandfather working with it. My dad was in the Air Force in the mid-late 50s. My uncle, his brother, was in the Marines in Vietnam, I think 3 tours, pretty tough guy. That had a huge impact on him, he came back kind of shellshocked and disenchanted with the system, definitely not a hawk today, but one of the coolest most reasonable people one could meet, kind of going against the age-demographic stereotype.

Michaell said:

abacomike said:

I just got back from visiting my Dad’s remains (ashes) in a small vault at The South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. Every vault and every grave had an American Flag displayed. The Veterans of Foreign Wars had a brass band playing Souza’s Military Marches, the National Anthem and Taps. It was a truly exhilarating experience and, of course, the cemetery was jammed with vehicular traffic.

Dad served as a cryptographer (tech sergeant 4th class) in the Signal Corps in charge of two groups of GI’s in tents 3 miles behind their lines during the Battle of The Bulge. During the advancement of the Germans, he and his men were over-run and ended up 2 miles within the enemy lines under assault by two German machine gun nests and incoming mortars. My Dad singlehandedly flanked the Germans with grenades and a Thompson sub-machine gun and took out the mortar nest and the 2-machine gun nests saving the lives of most of the two platoons of cryptographers under his command as well as protecting the coding and decoding machines and secret messages.

He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Silver Star by his commanding General as well as a French Battle Star by the French. On his vault plaque, it gives his name, title, branch of service and his Bronze and Silver Star along with his Purple Heart. He lost 4 of his men due to the incoming mortars - which motivated him to stop the onslaught and/or sacrifice his life for his men and the top secret messages and coding equipment.

I am very proud of him - but it took a lot of coaxing on my behalf to get him to relate what happened and how he got the medals - he hated talking about it because of the blood and guts of his comrades who died and talking about it brought back horrible memories of that gruesome day.

My moms half-brother also fought in Europe in WW2 - I know he enlisted at 17, as he needed my grandmother’s blessing to join. I think he may have been part of the Battle of the Bulge, but I never talked to him about his experiences there. He’s been gone for 20+ years now, and I wish I’d gotten to know him better than I did.

At one point he owned a 60’s Datsun 1600, and later he got into buying and flipping 70’s and 80’s Volvos.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

Both the Popeye's chicken sandwich and the new KFC Classic are quite good and blow the one at CFA out of the water, they are both so much better than CFA. And both are really neck and neck right now in the taste department, and personally I think they taste almost the same! We have chicken sandwiches a lot at lunch so I've become to really notice how they all taste. There's also a place in the West Palm each area called Bud's and their chicken sandwich is a bit bland but it ain't bad and definitely much better than CFA's.
CFA has good nuggets and tenders and just love their mac & cheese but besides that, nothing to write home about to be honest. Personally, I hate their political stand and how they treat certain folks who are still American citizens. For a long time I wouldn't spend a dime there because of their discrimination against some but was hoping they'd get it that we're all Americans here and equal in our love for chicken. And someone's political leanings or how they view themselves sexually has nothing to do with selling chicken to the American public. It's past troublesome to be honest and just typing this has been an eye opener to be honest. Not sure I'll be going back at this point as I view any kind of discrimination as vile and anti-American truth be told.
So yes, go to KFC or Popeye's for the best chicken sandwich in the market place today, and give Bud's a try if in the West Palm Beach Florida area. To give our money to a company that discriminates is just so wrong...so wrong, and as someone who has been discriminated against, I know first hand how truly ugly it really is. And how unnecessary it is. We, as Americans, are better than this...so much better!
Now, back to what has brought us all here...the automobile!

Politics doesn’t belong here.

driver100

Speaking about roofs I think I have an answer for you all about the cause of the shingles problem.
I haven't spoken to the construction guy yet but 3 neighbors have said these roofs are guaranteed for 20 years but they only last about 15 years (we are at 14 yrs)......no one has collected on the warranty. The shingles on the South side go first, the sun beats down on that side for a good part of the day and at it's strongest....and those shingles go first.
If you remember MrsD100 looked into solar shingles just to cover the sides that have gone....it's a 2400 sq ft house and the roof has lots of hills and valleys so say 3000 sq ft. The damaged part is probably 500 sq ft, the cost of just the solar shingles....not installed would be $18000CDN...(about $14k USD). I was happy and relieved it cost that much because we could have the whole roof redone for a little bit more than that. And solar shingles sound like something that probably won't work right and will cost even more....rather have tried and true workmanship.

snakeweasel

Michaell said:

abacomike said:

I just got back from visiting my Dad’s remains (ashes) in a small vault at The South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. Every vault and every grave had an American Flag displayed. The Veterans of Foreign Wars had a brass band playing Souza’s Military Marches, the National Anthem and Taps. It was a truly exhilarating experience and, of course, the cemetery was jammed with vehicular traffic.

Dad served as a cryptographer (tech sergeant 4th class) in the Signal Corps in charge of two groups of GI’s in tents 3 miles behind their lines during the Battle of The Bulge. During the advancement of the Germans, he and his men were over-run and ended up 2 miles within the enemy lines under assault by two German machine gun nests and incoming mortars. My Dad singlehandedly flanked the Germans with grenades and a Thompson sub-machine gun and took out the mortar nest and the 2-machine gun nests saving the lives of most of the two platoons of cryptographers under his command as well as protecting the coding and decoding machines and secret messages.

He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Silver Star by his commanding General as well as a French Battle Star by the French. On his vault plaque, it gives his name, title, branch of service and his Bronze and Silver Star along with his Purple Heart. He lost 4 of his men due to the incoming mortars - which motivated him to stop the onslaught and/or sacrifice his life for his men and the top secret messages and coding equipment.

I am very proud of him - but it took a lot of coaxing on my behalf to get him to relate what happened and how he got the medals - he hated talking about it because of the blood and guts of his comrades who died and talking about it brought back horrible memories of that gruesome day.

My moms half-brother also fought in Europe in WW2 - I know he enlisted at 17, as he needed my grandmother’s blessing to join. I think he may have been part of the Battle of the Bulge, but I never talked to him about his experiences there. He’s been gone for 20+ years now, and I wish I’d gotten to know him better than I did.

At one point he owned a 60’s Datsun 1600, and later he got into buying and flipping 70’s and 80’s Volvos.

My dad served in the Counter Intelligence Corps of the Army during the war. He remained stateside but never really told me anything about his time in the Army other than his training. I actually learned more about his time in the Army after he died as my aunt started to tell us about some of the things she overheard my dad speaking of things he did to his parents.

snakeweasel

oldfarmer50 said:

henryn said:

I have ordered a new head unit for the 2013 F150 XL. I decided a back up camera and Bluetooth were minimal necessary requirements. I did not spring for Android Auto, as I have yet to use that in my newer cars that were so equipped. I ordered the head unit from Crutchfield, and the backup camera from Amazon. While I was at it, I got a new pair of speakers for a few dollars more. The speakers came in yesterday, so I installed them this afternoon, fairly straightforward. And it looks like the head unit should be fairly easy as well. The only difficult part may be running the cables for the backup camera.

It was a nice day to be working outside, so when I got through with the truck I fired up the ZTR mower and did the usual 6 lots. When I pulled the tarp off of the mower, I found a litter of kittens living under there. They were camped out on top of the motor, and when I ran them off from there they took up residence on the mower deck. It took quite a while to be sure they were all clear before I could fire up the mower. I knew there were kittens in the vicinity as I have been spotting them eating the cat food that I leave out.

When you feed wildlife you end up getting lots more wildlife.

I’m as bad as anyone. I fill the bird feeder for my wife and I’ve been training the Bluejays to come and get peanuts when they see me. I have one who will sit outside the patio door and flutter his wings to get my attention. He won’t eat out of my hand yet but sits patiently until I toss a few nuts out.

I’ve also got these characters coming around for a free hand out.

When we first moved into our house we and our neighbors for a while tossed bread to the ducks who frequented the lake behind us. One day I watched a bunch of ducks walk through all the backyards going up to each patio door looking inside for a moment then move over to the next house looking for a handout.

snakeweasel

henryn said:

I know a guy who spent 30 years in the Navy. On Veteran's Day, he goes around to various restaurants and eats for free. He usually winds up with a bellyache, but that doesn't keep him from bragging to everyone he knows about all of the free meals.

When you think about it, it is a very small percentage of the population who chose to serve. And they do deserve our thanks and appreciation.

I know a guy at work that goes to as many places he can and get it to go so he has food for a week. I usually just get a free breakfast and maybe get something with my wife for dinner (she has to pay as she is not a vet). Last year due to Covid some places didn't do it and gave out coupons for later, at one place I asked if I could get some for the guys at my American Legion post. They gave me a whole stack which I took back to the post and passed them out. And yes I only kept one.

abacomike

snakeweasel said:

oldfarmer50 said:

henryn said:

I have ordered a new head unit for the 2013 F150 XL. I decided a back up camera and Bluetooth were minimal necessary requirements. I did not spring for Android Auto, as I have yet to use that in my newer cars that were so equipped. I ordered the head unit from Crutchfield, and the backup camera from Amazon. While I was at it, I got a new pair of speakers for a few dollars more. The speakers came in yesterday, so I installed them this afternoon, fairly straightforward. And it looks like the head unit should be fairly easy as well. The only difficult part may be running the cables for the backup camera.

It was a nice day to be working outside, so when I got through with the truck I fired up the ZTR mower and did the usual 6 lots. When I pulled the tarp off of the mower, I found a litter of kittens living under there. They were camped out on top of the motor, and when I ran them off from there they took up residence on the mower deck. It took quite a while to be sure they were all clear before I could fire up the mower. I knew there were kittens in the vicinity as I have been spotting them eating the cat food that I leave out.

When you feed wildlife you end up getting lots more wildlife.

I’m as bad as anyone. I fill the bird feeder for my wife and I’ve been training the Bluejays to come and get peanuts when they see me. I have one who will sit outside the patio door and flutter his wings to get my attention. He won’t eat out of my hand yet but sits patiently until I toss a few nuts out.

I’ve also got these characters coming around for a free hand out.

When we first moved into our house we and our neighbors for a while tossed bread to the ducks who frequented the lake behind us. One day I watched a bunch of ducks walk through all the backyards going up to each patio door looking inside for a moment then move over to the next house looking for a handout.

Sounds similar to what happens at major intersections near Interstate highways - people walking up and down the ramp entrance traffic light looking for a handout. So unfortunate that people have to beg for money - but I guess it’s been around since cities existed thousands of years ago.

In some big cities, I heard that panhandlers squirt water on car windshields that are stopped in traffic and wipe them dry with paper towels and beg for a tip for their efforts. I guess driving in cities can be nerve racking for many reasons

abacomike

Rainy Season has begun here in south Florida. Heavy downpours and squalls every morning (called showers on the breeze) and thunderstorms in the afternoon. We need the rain, but the problem is surface flooding which occurred this morning.

The trees are budding and many are beginning to flower.

As Sandy mentioned after his first trip into our condo community for his new job, the place is well kept and manicured beautifully which adds a needed dimension to living in our community. My HOA monthly fee is now $520 - so I guess I am getting my money’s worth.🤓

jmonroe1

@oldfarmer50 said:
I bought coffee for all our ex military guys at work. It was the least I could do.

What about the guys in here?

jmonroe

jmonroe1

@oldfarmer50 said:
Politics doesn’t belong here.

Yeah, there’s nothing worse than a democrat/republican chicken sandwich.

jmonroe

snakeweasel

jmonroe1 said:

@oldfarmer50 said:

I bought coffee for all our ex military guys at work. It was the least I could do.

What about the guys in here?

jmonroe

Good point where's my coffee whiskey.

jmonroe1

@driver100 said:
Speaking about roofs I think I have an answer for you all about the cause of the shingles problem.
I haven't spoken to the construction guy yet but 3 neighbors have said these roofs are guaranteed for 20 years but they only last about 15 years (we are at 14 yrs)......no one has collected on the warranty. The shingles on the South side go first, the sun beats down on that side for a good part of the day and at it's strongest....and those shingles go first.
If you remember MrsD100 looked into solar shingles just to cover the sides that have gone....it's a 2400 sq ft house and the roof has lots of hills and valleys so say 3000 sq ft. The damaged part is probably 500 sq ft, the cost of just the solar shingles....not installed would be $18000CDN...(about $14k USD). I was happy and relieved it cost that much because we could have the whole roof redone for a little bit more than that. And solar shingles sound like something that probably won't work right and will cost even more....rather have tried and true workmanship.

Some of us knew that when you started this conversation.

jmonroe

snakeweasel

abacomike said:

Rainy Season has begun here in south Florida. Heavy downpours and squalls every morning (called showers on the breeze) and thunderstorms in the afternoon. We need the rain, but the problem is surface flooding which occurred this morning.

The trees are budding and many are beginning to flower.

As Sandy mentioned after his first trip into our condo community for his new job, the place is well kept and manicured beautifully which adds a needed dimension to living in our community. My HOA monthly fee is now $520 - so I guess I am getting my money’s worth.🤓

The problem with heavy rainfall is that it comes down so fast that the ground cannot absorb it and it runs off and creates flooding in some areas. Best is a nice study drizzle that's slow enough to allow the ground to absorb it.

graphicguy

henryn said:

My father served in WW2, North Africa and Italy, wounded twice. My mother also served, she was in the WACs, worked at an Army Air Force base.

I'm a little late on this, but am proud of my late Father.

My Grandparents were Italian immigrants (on both sides). My Father was born here, but went back to Italy when he was 2 years old to stay with extended family as my Grandparents could not afford to keep him (or my Uncles) here. At the time, the U.S. needed laborers to build infrastructure. My Grandfather worked for B&O Railroad doing track maintenance. My Grandmother cleaned houses and did laundry (by hand...not even a wringer washer) for other people. Neither could speak English very well and were taken advantage of (oh...the stories) almost immediately by the time they hit Ellis Island. Still, they came to escape what was then the budding facists in Italy.

My Father was 16 before they could bring him back. Again, he couldn't speak English, so he was put in 5th grade when he returned. As he always said, "it didn't matter what grade they put me in, I had no idea what anyone was talking about". He learned English in school (not at home, as my Grandparents could never seem to grasp any English other than basic phrases just to get by), and given he was born in the U.S. was drafted when he turned 18. Because he was so far behind in school in his early years, he hadn't even graduated H.S. yet. He was in the initial landings of the invasion of Normandy, lost an eye and some of his hearing. NO discharge, but he was in a French Hospital for 6 mos with his injuries before he was assigned as a mess cook, while still in France.

Honorably discharged with a Brozne star and 2 Purple Hearts. Went on to start a food service business with what he called his muster out money. He turned that into a multi-million dollar enterprise (before he sold out to what was then a smaller entity, called Tyson, who wanted a national foothold).

An Immigrant story of a person who made good despite huge odds against him and zero help from his adopted country, which he loved dearly, nonetheless.

Proud of him and my heritage, as well as my country!

driver100

jmonroe1 said:

@driver100 said:

Speaking about roofs I think I have an answer for you all about the cause of the shingles problem.

I haven't spoken to the construction guy yet but 3 neighbors have said these roofs are guaranteed for 20 years but they only last about 15 years (we are at 14 yrs)......no one has collected on the warranty. The shingles on the South side go first, the sun beats down on that side for a good part of the day and at it's strongest....and those shingles go first.

If you remember MrsD100 looked into solar shingles just to cover the sides that have gone....it's a 2400 sq ft house and the roof has lots of hills and valleys so say 3000 sq ft. The damaged part is probably 500 sq ft, the cost of just the solar shingles....not installed would be $18000CDN...(about $14k USD). I was happy and relieved it cost that much because we could have the whole roof redone for a little bit more than that. And solar shingles sound like something that probably won't work right and will cost even more....rather have tried and true workmanship.

Some of us knew that when you started this conversation.

jmonroe

No, you said it was caused from the hot air inside.

driver100

snakeweasel said:

abacomike said:

Rainy Season has begun here in south Florida. Heavy downpours and squalls every morning (called showers on the breeze) and thunderstorms in the afternoon. We need the rain, but the problem is surface flooding which occurred this morning.

The trees are budding and many are beginning to flower.

As Sandy mentioned after his first trip into our condo community for his new job, the place is well kept and manicured beautifully which adds a needed dimension to living in our community. My HOA monthly fee is now $520 - so I guess I am getting my money’s worth.🤓

The problem with heavy rainfall is that it comes down so fast that the ground cannot absorb it and it runs off and creates flooding in some areas. Best is a nice study drizzle that's slow enough to allow the ground to absorb it.

I want to hear Andre's argument about how that is wrong!

henryn

snakeweasel said:

abacomike said:

Rainy Season has begun here in south Florida. Heavy downpours and squalls every morning (called showers on the breeze) and thunderstorms in the afternoon. We need the rain, but the problem is surface flooding which occurred this morning.

The trees are budding and many are beginning to flower.

As Sandy mentioned after his first trip into our condo community for his new job, the place is well kept and manicured beautifully which adds a needed dimension to living in our community. My HOA monthly fee is now $520 - so I guess I am getting my money’s worth.🤓

The problem with heavy rainfall is that it comes down so fast that the ground cannot absorb it and it runs off and creates flooding in some areas. Best is a nice study drizzle that's slow enough to allow the ground to absorb it.

Unless the ground is already saturated from previous rainfall, which is our situation right now here in east Texas. We had a solid week of rain, then a 4 day reprieve, and now we're looking at another week of rain with the ground already saturated. My area doesn't flood (knock on wood), but I am getting tired of the incessant rain.