Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

houdini1

driver100 said:

houdini1 said:

Good story about the dog, but it is not true. Joel Prichard started the game and his wife Joan was a competitive rower or some such. While watching her husband play one day she commented that the game reminded her of the boat that came in last in a race. That boat was called "The Pickle Boat". The name stuck. The dog came along a few years later and he was actually named after the game.

Being named after the dog is a much better story and I wish it was true !

How come you know so much about pickleball? Are you playing.....did you become addicted?
I heard both stories though I don't think either one has been proven, people seem to like the dog one more. Why else would they call it pickleball.

I have got at least 6 people started playing, and they love it. One guy who is a good tennis player made fun of me for playing.....now, he says he likes it more than tennis.

I'm just a noted expert in most fields, plus google is my friend. Played just a little bit in the street on our cul-de sac about a month ago and enjoyed it, even without a net. Have a great trip.

houdini1

driver100 said:

Michaell said:

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads on this thread.

My kids are assembling my new Weber grille as we speak.

The kids are assembling it? That is the real gift. Those things have about 10000 parts!
And, they got you a Weber! Either they really like you or they are hoping for some really good dinners.

The one and only time I assembled a grill, when I went to test the striker I found out real quick that I was sitting on the sparky end of the darn thing. A truly shocking experience. Yes, I know that I lie a lot, but that is a true story.

Michaell

There were 25 steps to assembly; I was told a couple of steps were skipped and a couple others were kind of dumb (removing contents from the box was a step)

However, everything works as expected.

My wife was the one who chose the Weber; she liked the flat top of the grille rather than the round ones.

Now watching the US Open in the sanctity of my man cave.

Hope everyone is enjoying their day.

oldfarmer50

My Father's Day activities included making breakfast for my younger son because it's his birthday today. I also did his greenhouse work (the boys are trying their hand on farming this summer). My wife said I could have any food I wanted today so I ordered Chineese (that made her happy she didn't have to cook). I finished up by washing my older son's car. He couldn't understand why I enjoyed doing it. Now I'm sitting in my easy chair watching TV.

What a great day!

explorerx4

My Fathers Day was yesterday. I did get some cards and a Yeti cooler today, but that wasn't really it.

28firefighter

My first Father's Day consisted of Sam waking up at 1am (after going down at 5:30pm) because of jet lag and then screaming most of the remainder of the night. For reference he normally goes down between 6p-7p and sleeps for 11-12 hours.  I wouldn't change it for the world. 

A small excerpt of some thoughts I shared today with family and friends on my first Father's Day:

My Dad said growing up that he always felt that everyday with us was like Father's Day. I did not totally understand that until Sam was born. Every smile, tear, diaper, bottle, and snuggle each day will mean more to me than any one day can convey.

Michaell

explorerx4 said:

My Fathers Day was yesterday. I did get some cards and a Yeti cooler today, but that wasn't really it.

An excellent picture! Congrats to the newlyweds. 

roadburner

I had a great Fathers Day; after church we went to eat at Ruth's Chris. When we got home my wife and son gave me a WeatherTech car wash bucket:

stickguy

nice bucket. With my wife's family, we do a christmas gift lottery every year (everyone gets 1 name to buy for). A few years back, I got my brother in law (the one with a Jag XF and a Cobra kit car), and got him one of those buckets, along with an assortment of smaller items that packed into it. he seemed quite happy with it! I should get one for myself someday.

roadburner

Getting back to my job, there's been a changing of the guard. The New Car Manager left a few months ago to return home to Florida while last week the GM returned to Atlanta because his wife and kids were homesick.
So, the new GM is very laid back and the New Car Manager is a salesperson I've known for years, so no concern on that front, although I did like their predecessors a great deal.
That said, I'm hearing that BMW is going place even more emphasis on my real job, which may prove interesting.

@graphicguy: my dealer only has one sales meeting per week, and it's more to provide information to the sales staff-and, in the case of my first GM-an opportunity to make wisecracks. For example, one day I wore a black shirt with black pants; at the meeting he told me that Johnny Cash called and wanted his outfit back.

@driver100: you must have been talking with my wife, she says the same thing. It IS nice to be able to walk away if I don't like how things are going- but right now I'm pretty happy.

Finally, about a year ago a friend of mine and I started a rumor-just for giggles-that I was going to run for Commonwealth Attorney(the election is next year and the incumbent is retiring). Now the rumor is taking on a life of its own; I'm getting calls from people offering support. It's not a bad job but I really am kind of done with campaigning. We'll see what happens...

jmonroe

explorerx4 said:

My Fathers Day was yesterday. I did get some cards and a Yeti cooler today, but that wasn't really it.

That is a great picture. Congrats to everyone. Especially the guy that hit the pedal to make the reception a joyful remembrance for all.

I know you don't feel older yet but wait until the grandkids want you to chase them around the house.

jmonroe

fintail

Just a few months off.

I also plan to visit the Chocolate museum in Hamburg. I have been to the Lindt-branded one in Cologne, not a bad stop (I am a Lindt fan).

driver100 said:

Suydam was here last week......If we timed this better we could have all met here.
I am told the chocolate factory is worth seeing in Hamburg.

bwia

explorerx4 said:

My Fathers Day was yesterday. I did get some cards and a Yeti cooler today, but that wasn't really it.

bwia

@explorerx4 I just wanted to join others to say congratulations to the proud dad. Very nice pic by the way. 

graphicguy

@explorerx4 .....congrats!

RB....They won't let me, but I'd vote for you. One of my friends, retired admin judge in Hamilton County, said campaigning was the worst part of holding public office. So, I get your reluctance.

Still, no you get to play with BMWs all day. There's a certain satisfaction in that.

driver100

It is 2 PM here so it is 8 am eastern time back home.
Explorer, great picture, added some class around here.
We went on Hop On...Off Bus and it was really good. Narrow streets and we were just missing cars on each side. Sometimes the driver could barely turn the corner and get et in his lane. He was laughing out loud as he speeded through narrowly missing cars. I have no idea how they can do that every day.
The guide on the bus spoke great English....I asked him how he spoke English so well.....He said he was born in New Jersey, went to university in Germany in 87 and has stayed since then.

Roadrunner, I can understand how campaigning and kissing babies could be the worst part of the job.

explorerx4

Thanks everyone. No grandkids yet, but babysitting the granddog for 2 weeks while they are in Hawaii.
Already had a 2 bagger walk this morning.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

It is 2 PM here so it is 8 am eastern time back home.
Explorer, great picture, added some class around here.
We went on Hop On...Off Bus and it was really good. Narrow streets and we were just missing cars on each side. Sometimes the driver could barely turn the corner and get et in his lane. He was laughing out loud as he speeded through narrowly missing cars. I have no idea how they can do that every day.
The guide on the bus spoke great English....I asked him how he spoke English so well.....He said he was born in New Jersey, went to university in Germany in 87 and has stayed since then.

Roadrunner, I can understand how campaigning and kissing babies could be the worst part of the job.

"Speeded"? Somebody has been sampling that fine German beer.

As to the bus driver, you'd be suprised how confident you get wheeling a bus around tight spaces after a few years.

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

"Speeded"? Somebody has been sampling that fine German beer.

Driver will blame it on the tablet he's using, or the German wifi altering his impeccable grammar.

stickguy

same thing with driving in Ireland. Some of the bus rides along the really old narrow roads were amazing. did not look like the buses would even fit, but they never hit anything.

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

Thanks everyone. No grandkids yet, but babysitting the granddog for 2 weeks while they are in Hawaii.
Already had a 2 bagger walk this morning.

There's something to say about a man who picks up after his grandkids! But let's face it, picking up turds with a pooper-scooper is a lot better and less smelly than changing a dirty diaper. Just be thankful it isn't a dirty diaper!

abacomike

ab348 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

"Speeded"? Somebody has been sampling that fine German beer.

Driver will blame it on the tablet he's using, or the German wifi altering his impeccable grammar.

Hold your horses! You stated that driver has impeccable grammar? You must be kidding. If it weren't for auto-correct, we'd need a linguist to read his posts!

abacomike

Just got back from the doctor's office. Had another ultrasound. After that, the doctor looked at a carbuncle that has formed on the upper left side of the back of my neck. Very painful - almost went to the ER yesterday but decided to wait until I saw the doctor this morning. This malady occurs about twice every year in the very same place - he feels it is a cyst which should be removed by a surgeon.

Right now, I am on cephalexin (a generic form of Keflex) to kill the infection. This time, it is very, very painful. The antibiotics kill the infection (usually) and then it is difficult to find the area of the cyst again once the swelling disappears. That's all I need - another surgical procedure.

I'm telling you guys, my body is slowly but surely giving up on me. It's always something - pathetic!

driver100

ab348 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

"Speeded"? Somebody has been sampling that fine German beer.

Driver will blame it on the tablet he's using, or the German wifi altering his impeccable grammar.

Wrong.....it's the Canadian spelling.

Actually, I probably wrote sped but you are right ab, the tablet changed it on its own

roadburner

graphicguy said:

@explorerx4 .....congrats!

RB....They won't let me, but I'd vote for you. One of my friends, retired admin judge in Hamilton County, said campaigning was the worst part of holding public office. So, I get your reluctance.

Still, no you get to play with BMWs all day. There's a certain satisfaction in that.

I don't mind the person to person campaigning so much, it's the cost. Probably around $50,000 for one election. Double that if there's a primary and a general election...

driver100

stickguy said:

same thing with driving in Ireland. Some of the bus rides along the really old narrow roads were amazing. did not look like the buses would even fit, but they never hit anything.

I swear, we were on the upper deck in the front, he turned one corner and I was sure we would hit the car stopped at the corner. It defies science that he missed that car.

Maybe old farmer is right, I did have a few Becks Beers today.

driver100

abacomike said:

ab348 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

"Speeded"? Somebody has been sampling that fine German beer.

Driver will blame it on the tablet he's using, or the German wifi altering his impeccable grammar.

Hold your horses! You stated that driver has impeccable grammar? You must be kidding. If it weren't for auto-correct, we'd need a linguist to read his posts!

The spelling probably doesn't translate to well because of the 6 hour time difference.

driver100

Mike, sorry to hear about the latest diagnosis. Just when things seemed to be calming down. You always bounce back so we know you will get this one out of the way soon.

jmonroe

roadburner said:

graphicguy said:

@explorerx4 .....congrats!

RB....They won't let me, but I'd vote for you. One of my friends, retired admin judge in Hamilton County, said campaigning was the worst part of holding public office. So, I get your reluctance.

Still, no you get to play with BMWs all day. There's a certain satisfaction in that.

I don't mind the person to person campaigning so much, it's the cost. Probably around $50,000 for one election. Double that if there's a primary and a general election...

It sounds like you better get busy and start selling some cars. Maybe a lotta cars.

It shouldn't take a genius to figure that out.

jmonroe

jmonroe

abacomike said:

explorerx4 said:

Thanks everyone. No grandkids yet, but babysitting the granddog for 2 weeks while they are in Hawaii.
Already had a 2 bagger walk this morning.

There's something to say about a man who picks up after his grandkids! But let's face it, picking up turds with a pooper-scooper is a lot better and less smelly than changing a dirty diaper. Just be thankful it isn't a dirty diaper!

C'mon now you probably changed a full diaper or two in your day. I know I did a couple times but nothing like when I was sorta retired for a while and was watching grandson #1 a few times a week after his mother was coaxed back to work part time and his already part time working grandmother allowed them to change her schedule right after agreeing to watch him when his mother went back to work.

I remember hearing something like this from the grandmother, "You're getting good in your old age. You weren't too good with your sons so this is pay back. It won't hurt you, honest".

As for your latest ailment, if it pops up again mark the area with a Sharpie. Better yet, have a tattoo installed around it.

jmonroe

28firefighter

I've had to re-train my parents in how to change diapers. The last diaper they changed resulted in a blow out shortly after...they forgot to pull the wings out.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

I had a great Fathers Day; after church we went to eat at Ruth's Chris. When we got home my wife and son gave me a WeatherTech car wash bucket:

Looks like you could deep fry a turkey in there.

28firefighter

Quick check-in here. Just returned from a trip with the wife and Sam to Italy for a family wedding. My cousin moved to Italy a few years back and met a guy from Florence. Fast forward to last year, they got engaged. Prior to us knowing we were pregnant, the wife and I had planned out 3 week long trip around Italy, France, and Germany. Once we found out Sam was coming we paired it down considerably to 7.5 days sticking to just a couple places in Italy.

We spent 4.5 days in Tuscany with day trips to the Chianti Wineries and into Florence. The wedding was held in a refurbished castle originally built around 1200. We then spent two days in Rome (which was not nearly enough time), before flying back home via London.

Trip was absolutely incredible and getting to take Sam was particularly special. It was exhausting and I need a vacation from my vacation, but still was lots of fun. Everywhere we went in Italy, the people went out of their way to accommodate us traveling with Sam - expedited boarding, security, immigration, lines for museums, waits for tables disappeared. I lost count of how many times people came up and played with him - men, women, and children. In the middle of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Guard officers were yelling at tourists not to talk or take pictures. They caught sight of Sam and dropped everything they were doing to talk to him, point to the various pieces of art around him and make him laugh. I was floored and so grateful. It was so diametrically different from our experiences here at home.

We flew Virgin Atlantic from Seattle to London and then British Airways to Bologna, then drove to Tuscany from Bologna. On the way back we flew from Rome to London on BA again and then Virgin Atlantic from London to Seattle. Amazingly on the way out, Sam slept the entire flight (8.5 hours) and then slept half of the flight on the way home, by our own doing, to help him adjust to Seattle time.

More to come later - I'm a walking Zombie. Sam is still on Italy time and has been waking up between 1-3am for the day.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Quick check-in here. Just returned from a trip with the wife and Sam to Italy for a family wedding. My cousin moved to Italy a few years back and met a guy from Florence. Fast forward to last year, they got engaged. Prior to us knowing we were pregnant, the wife and I had planned out 3 week long trip around Italy, France, and Germany. Once we found out Sam was coming we paired it down considerably to 7.5 days sticking to just a couple places in Italy.

We spent 4.5 days in Tuscany with day trips to the Chianti Wineries and into Florence. The wedding was held in a refurbished castle originally built around 1200. We then spent two days in Rome (which was not nearly enough time), before flying back home via London.

Trip was absolutely incredible and getting to take Sam was particularly special. It was exhausting and I need a vacation from my vacation, but still was lots of fun. Everywhere we went in Italy, the people went out of their way to accommodate us traveling with Sam - expedited boarding, security, immigration, lines for museums, waits for tables disappeared. I lost count of how many times people came up and played with him - men, women, and children. In the middle of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Guard officers were yelling at tourists not to talk or take pictures. They caught sight of Sam and dropped everything they were doing to talk to him, point to the various pieces of art around him and make him laugh. I was floored and so grateful. It was so diametrically different from our experiences here at home.

We flew Virgin Atlantic from Seattle to London and then British Airways to Bologna, then drove to Tuscany from Bologna. On the way back we flew from Rome to London on BA again and then Virgin Atlantic from London to Seattle. Amazingly on the way out, Sam slept the entire flight (8.5 hours) and then slept half of the flight on the way home, by our own doing, to help him adjust to Seattle time.

More to come later - I'm a walking Zombie. Sam is still on Italy time and has been waking up between 1-3am for the day.

Nice write up, but you left out the most important part --- what did you rent?

28firefighter

@Michaell - Nothing, as a matter of fact! There was no need. During our time in Tuscany, my Aunt arranged for private van transportation to take us anywhere we needed to go. All of the family that flew in for the wedding stayed on an estate that my Aunt rented out with private bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone. Turns out not renting a car was a wise decision as the estate was high up in the hills of Tuscany on a single lane, two-way snake path road. Took about 30 minutes to go up or down safely. From there we took the train to Rome and used taxis around Rome because we were only there for such a short period of time.

All of the vans, however, were diesel Mercedes Sprinter vans with 5-6 spd transmissons.

suydam

I'm jealous! I love Italy. Impressive traveling with a tot. I never tried that overseas. Did you fly BA' s premium class? This trip out to London, Hamburg and Prague we flew Norwegian Air which also has a premium cabin for not much more than Economy. What a difference! So much more legroom, a seat you can recline, actual complementary food and wine, real blankets, and expedited boarding too. The real value was the ability to use the nice lounge when our flight was delayed 2 hours in Stockholm. I hear BA has a similar flight pricing but I haven't tried it out yet because Norwegian was even cheaper.

28firefighter

Great questions. So on Virgin Atlantic from SEA-LHR and LHR-SEA, we flew basic economy, but because we requested a bassinet, were seated in bulkhead rows for both directions. Plenty of legroom. To get Premium Economy would have cost $1000/pp in addition to what we paid for economy. Both directions were brand new 787-9 aircraft. FWIW, our tickets round-trip to London were $714/pp for my wife and I and $200 for Sam (mostly taxes).

The BA flights from LHR-BLQ (Bologna) and FCO (Rome) - LHR was domestic BA economy on very old, ratty Airbus A319s. On those planes, there is a "Business" class which is really just economy with the middle seat blocked off. I'm not sure what these cost because I used AMEX rewards points to pay for it - I think I spent 35,000 points total for all 3 of us.

With my Platinum Card from American Express we had complimentary access to The Club at SEA in the S terminal while waiting for our flight out and then at Heathrow on the way home, we had access to the No. 1 Lounge in Terminal 3. Because of Sam, they gave us a private "VIP" room. The VIP room had carpeted floors, two sofas, and a TV so we could quietly feed him and then let him play. They also served us as opposed to us having to go up to the bar - it was hugely helpful to prep for a 10 hour flight and give him some room to shake his silly's out.

Michaell

28firefighter said:

Great questions. So on Virgin Atlantic from SEA-LHR and LHR-SEA, we flew basic economy, but because we requested a bassinet, were seated in bulkhead rows for both directions. Plenty of legroom. To get Premium Economy would have cost $1000/pp in addition to what we paid for economy. Both directions were brand new 787-9 aircraft. FWIW, our tickets round-trip to London were $714/pp for my wife and I and $200 for Sam (mostly taxes).

The BA flights from LHR-BLQ (Bologna) and FCO (Rome) - LHR was domestic BA economy on very old, ratty Airbus A319s. On those planes, there is a "Business" class which is really just economy with the middle seat blocked off. I'm not sure what these cost because I used AMEX rewards points to pay for it - I think I spent 35,000 points total for all 3 of us.

With my Platinum Card from American Express we had complimentary access to The Club at SEA in the S terminal while waiting for our flight out and then at Heathrow on the way home, we had access to the No. 1 Lounge in Terminal 3. Because of Sam, they gave us a private "VIP" room. The VIP room had carpeted floors, two sofas, and a TV so we could quietly feed him and then let him play. They also served us as opposed to us having to go up to the bar - it was hugely helpful to prep for a 10 hour flight and give him some room to shake his silly's out.

Sounds like all went well for you.

I remember my ex and I taking Alex on a trip when he was just a few months old. LAX to PHL, via DFW. This was in the late 80's, so no special treatment. I remember him being fussy on the flight out.

suydam

I'm guessing Norwegian is trying to undercut BA by offering their premium fare for much less. It's an actual cabin area with wide spaced seats in rows of two. Many fewer people than in the economy cabin and a very courteous and attentive staff. We had a good experience with them. I'd fly with them again.
We flew the premium fare for the two long flights -- Boston-London and Stockholm-LAX - and Economy for all the other shorter flights. We used the low cost European carriers like EuroWing and EasyJet and they were fine for a short trip.

abacomike

Noweigian Airlines now flies non-stop from Ft. Lauderdale to Scandinavia and Western Europe.  They have 3-4 flights a day now.  Fares are hundreds less than US carriers.

tbirdmarco

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9S4ehO2p6tw

graphicguy

28FF...I'm taking my son to Italy this fall to visit some property my parents had left for my sisters and I. They've seen it. I haven't. I do know I question its worth given how little the quarterly checks are for (it's a woking olive tree farm....must have one tree on it).

Anyway, I looked at Business Class for both of us.....close to $8K. I love my son and all, but $8,000 for two flights with iffy meals and a bigger seat? No thanks. I do have enough points on Delta for two economy plus seats, however. How did those accomadations look? I'm not for long flights in a cramped seat with someone putting the seatback in front of me in my lap.

pensfan83

Sounds like a great trip and it sounds like it went very smooth, even with a little one. We've been pining for a trip to Europe for years and next year we'll finally make it a reality. My sister and BIL go every two years to visit his family in Munich and they are planning a trip for next spring. This time they extended the invitation to my parents, my family, and my younger brother. Many details to be worked out but we'll be there for 2 weeks so needless to say we are all very excited, especially my brother and my family since we're the only ones who have not been to Europe.

nyccarguy

@explorerx4 - Mazel-Tov on your daughter's wedding!  What a Father's Day present!  Best wishes to you and your family.

@28firefighter - I'm glad you and your wife were able to experience Italy with Sam.  Sounds like a wonderful trip. When my oldest son, Andre was 8 months old we brought him to a wedding (in New Jersey, not Italy).  We had a great time & he fell asleep in his stroller with the music blaring & everything.  It is amazing how fast the time goes by.  That adorable 8 month old in a tuxedo graduated elementary school today.

stickguy

we flew to Ireland in normal economy (and not a huge plane either) and it was fine for me. Though helps that I am skinny as a rail now! My wife did not complain either, and she is "wider in the beam" than I am.

we took our son from Philly to San Fran when he was 5 months old. Took United I think. A wide body (2 5 2 seating). Got the usual panicky looks from other passengers before we loaded. Not sure if it was the gate person that arranged the seating, or the crew, but we ended up with the entire 5 seat bulkhead row. try that these days! Thankfully, he was a perfect angel. I think we had most of the crew hanging out during the flight fussing over him. And at the end, they presented us with a bottle of wine, wrapped in a towel pinned up with a little pair of wings.

cdnpinhead

Flying coach these days is a moderately glorified bobsled ride. If I'm lucky, I have two inches from my knees to the seat in front of me. If I'm not, I don't, and these days (pushing 70) my right knee hurts quite a bit if I can't move my leg regularly.

Flying was pleasant at one time, when my company thought enough of us to fly us business class when we went over the big water. Well, that was then and this is now. At least I'm being paid for the ordeal; couldn't imagine doing it on my own time for free.

explorerx4

@nyccarguy,
It would have been a better Father's Day if the Yankees had won.
Can't always have everything.

suydam

I have a lot of trouble flying long distances these days due to my legs swelling and other issues. I really recommend folks look into Norwegian Air if for whatever reason Economy is unbearable. We had very comfortable accommodations -- I think our 2 tickets were less than $3k for both ends of the trip. I know the Boston-London trip was $1100, so $550 each. Seemed very worthwhile to me. For those of you who can tolerate the sardine cans on a long flight, I salute you. I just can't do it any more.
@graphicguy, one option you might look at is to take something like Norwegian to London, then a low cost carrier from London to Italy. Economy Plus is not going to get you a whole lot more room on a long flight.

fintail

I can deal with coach on foreign carriers for international flights. When RT nonstop from SEA to FRA is under $650 on Lufthansa, I can be a little crammed, and still happy. Still get booze and a little food, so it all evens out.

28firefighter

@graphicguy Personally I don't think Premium Economy on the international carriers is worth it for the reasons @fintail outlined. Business on Delta would be worth it with points but not cash. 

You should call your AMEX concierge because they just revamped the business class ticket program recently and apparently there are some deals to be had.  See what they have to offer.