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Comments
The Mustangs look a little phony...more like the old style pedal cars. It is barely looks like a Mustang. The Shelby just has some extra stripes but costs $30 more...now that's paying extra for the badge.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Good idea. From now on when you see HCC it means Handling, control and cornering. I guess we could now use FOR (feel of the road) since we all know what it means now.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
How is the house training going? Our dog is 6 years ago and used to be so energetic. Gigi is a Bijon and they are pretty active, and she used to be. Now she likes to sleep almost all day. She gets out of bed at about 9:30, wanders into the family room, and goes to sleep again. I read it is normal for dogs to sleep 14 hours a day. Guess the world was exciting before and she had lots to do, now she finds sleeping is enjoyable. It's her second most favorite thing after eating.
She does wake up if she thinks food is around.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am glad you are writing while on the road. It is interesting following you around on your trip.
I do think a pain in the left shoulder should be looked at. That can be serious....I could tell you a long story about a guy who ignored those kind of pains and it wasn't very good.
I like your review of Secretariat. The reviews weren't great but the people who saw it really liked it. We usually only go to about 6 movies a year so I want to make sure they won't be a waste of time. If about 6 people say a movie is good, it usually is. Could it be that horse racing hasn't changed too much over the years. Most records are broken because they can make the equipment better these days, baseball bats, cleats, tennis raquets, using drugs, more working out, but not too much seems to change when it comes to riding a horse.
On 60 minutes this week they had another great race horse who was retiring this year The horse 's name is Zenyatta and the trainer was asked what he fed her, and one thing she gets is a full bottle of Guiness beer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hey, as long as I'm recommending books (kills me that I have Grisham's new one waiting for me at the library when I get home - I'd like it down here) one from maybe last year that caught me like crazy is one called Water for Elephants. Gets special points for being a great read in a genre I don't normally pay attention to.
Since I have a sedan, would be much easier to go to the dog park for socialization too. Already have the name picked out..."Winston". My oldest wants a Winston also. A little off topic here, but was talking with her last night about my experience in August at the local MB store & the way I was treated. Walked in with my "uniform"...polo shirt with cargo shorts & boat shoes. Walked into the showroom & looked at some cars for like 8 minutes with no one approaching me. Now this was at about 10:30 a m on a Thursday, and maybe it was the way I was dressed or that I don't look my 56 years. Finally got a sales person to let me test drive a C Class unit. Absolutely fun car to drive & it's a real looker in the titanium color. So we proceed to go on the prescribed route & it was a hoot to drive.
We get back to the dealership & go back inside. He shook my hand and just walked away. No sitting down with me or even giving me a business card. I had to ask him for one when he was 1/2 way across the showroom floor...he just didn't seem interested to go any further with me. Not sure if it was because of my age or what I was wearing, but that was it. He had no idea that I could be interested in the car, though I was very vocal about how great the car was on the test drive. He also had no idea that I could have written him a check that day for the $35k price right then & there. Is this normal for the high end dealers...do they just size up people by their dress or looks & decide that this will be a no sale& give it the minimal time?
I was really put off by this & since I was the only person in the show room & they seemed to have a somewhat large inventory of cars on their lot. Was I wrong here or what could I have done to at least got a sit down afterwards? Just confused me.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
In reality I could have used one many years ago. When my wife worked in the Loop she would take the train home. I would go from work directly to the train station to pick her up but would have to wait 20-25 minutes. Would have been nice to prop up a lap top on one of those for that time and do some work or play some games.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Why? Will you come back broken?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Someone lent us a copy of Water for Elephants and my wife and I really enjoyed it. If you ever see the Ringling Brothers museum in Sarasota, you will appreciate the book even more. It is a great story and it was written bya Canadian incidentally.
By the way, the Ringling home and museum are amazing, and if you go that way check out the Edison winter home. Pretty incredible that Ford, Edison and Firestone were such real pals...they were the original networkers! And that is car related...if it wasn't for them we wouldn't have any sales stories.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That's ADM, just dealer markup!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Those Canadians really know how to write! Some of them can even spell.
Those Canadians really know how to write! Some of them can even spell.
Yeh, and I gotta feeling incidentally is not in the right place......sounds like the author wrote the book by accident.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
fezo....thanks for the recommendation. I've been looking for another book to read since I finished "Eat, Pray, Love". I need something that will wash away all that femininity from that book. I tried "S!@# My Father Said". It worked partially (and was funny), but not long enough to exorcize ALL of the estrogen I had absorbed.
I'll have to look it up.
sandman....Some dealerships just make a mistake in sizing up a prospective buyer. I'm thinking if you were saying all the right things, like....."really like this car", or "I'brought my checkbook with me", or "Anyone here want to sell a car today" ( :P ), you'd think they'd be lining up to help you.
Topic? There's a topic?
Actually this is the most enjoyable discussion I get to visit. Even when there's a little friction or misunderstanding, people are civil and it smooths out.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I was driving by what was a Saturn dealer yesterday. They had a new sign out in front and they were now selling Kias. It just made me wonder, I think they are going to be way better off in the long run. After all, Saturn sales were rapidly declining, and Kia has a lot of potential. They had lots of Sorentos out in front, and they look pretty nice.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Its basically a clone of the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is a nice vehicle too. These smaller SUVs seem to be gaining in popularity.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Richard--
No offense taken. Actually I'm more a a semi-regular poster anyway. I would say an "irregular" poster, but that just conjures up the wrong image.
Speaking of "offense". My wife had a student in her Comp 1 course years ago. He also happened to be a starter on the football team. He kept writing about the "offense of" this and that "lineman". Now my wife's not much of a team sports enthusiast and she knows little of the vocabulary of football so when she finally conferred with him it turned out that he was referring to his own position, offensive lineman. By now he's probably a head coach making a 7 figure salary...or perhaps he's selling used cars. I like the lot name "Offensive Motors".
Gogiboy
Fez--
That reminds me of a joke I was sent the other day about this fellow who went to a family practice doctor. Three different clinic workers ask him for his insurance, personal data and his aliment, which he reports as shingles. When he finally sees the doctor he is asked to show exactly where the shingles are. He replies "they're in my truck, I'm here to re-roof your building".
There certainly seems to be an element of truth in that joke.
Gogiboy
I may as well tell you that this new dog experience has been anything but what we had hoped it would be. We thought that we had purchased a Mercedes but got a Kia. What burns me up is that we did an application, had to have references, had an interview, etc. to get this puppy. We thought that we were getting a Lab/Golden Retriever mix which is what we wanted. When we picked up Coco, I noticed that at 8 weeks he appeared to have longer ears than I would have expected. His golden coat was pretty so I didn't give it further thought. Now at 8 months, we realize that he is a different dog---a Beagle/hound mix. We don't mind that, but he isn't what we ordered.
The other part of the story has been the training. He is extremely hyper and has major control issues. We enrolled him in classes, but that didn't produce many positive results. He bites, jumps on people, jumps on counter tops, howls at will, etc. We finally got him potty trained after many accidents and much frustration. He is so strong willed. I had to call an electrician Monday night. We spent the day working at our church food bank. When we returned home, Coco had dug up the main irrigation line in the back yard and had chewed all of the insulation wire down to the 8 colored wires. It was only because of the low voltage that he didn't get electrocuted. He will eat any and every thing---paper towels, rubber gloves, pine cones, etc. We no longer leave any items out in the kitchen, breakfast area, or family room. We have blocked off the rest of the house---living room, dining rooms, Florida room, bedrooms, etc. In fact, I'm having a new door installed at the hall entrance to keep him away from the rest of the house. Coco requires 24/7 attention. He's going back to school this month in an effort to correct some of these control issues. Our vet may have to put him on a dog tranquilizer to calm him down.
We do love him, but it hasn't been an easy experience. Hopefully, he'll get better with age. BTW, he does love to ride in cars. He is actually calm when he rides with us. It's not fair to compare dogs, but our Sterling was so perfect---potty trained in a day, learned all commands in a week, loyal, etc. For 12 years, he was an absolute treasure each day of his life.
Richard
Our Toy Poodle was smart and never gave us a lick of trouble from day one.
He lived 12 years and although he's been gone 10 years, we still miss him.
Richard, you are a better person than I am. That dog would have been GONE!
I do wish you well.
Or the classic...
Patient: "Doctor, my hand hurts when I move it like this."
Doctor: "Then don't move it like that."
Considering that Saturn has been shut down, I definitely think that they'll be better off in the long run. [rollinging eyes smiley] (since emoticons don't display I'm making up my own)
Oh oh! I knew there was going to be trouble when the story started off that way.
Just one persons opinion but I am not too sure about more schooling. It is time to bring in Caesar Millan the Dog Whisperer. If he can't fix the dog then nothing will work. There is a person advertising in our local newspaper who says he can do the same things as Caesar.
I'm with isell...you have more patience than I would ever have. Some people have a dog and they have spent over $5000 on their dog, it has diabetes. I know people get attached, but think there are limits. You may want to bail out now before becoming too attached...it might be unkind but that's just one thought. I will say, a lady at work had a terrible time with their new dog, but it suddenly changed and he is much better.
You have way more patience than I would have. Maybe I shouldn't have asked, I really thought things were going well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That's a great idea....moving emoticons would be good.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
He once brought me an air ratchet that I had sold him about a month earlier.
Him - " Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't"
Me - " That's no problem...just use it when it's working"
Him- " Oh, yeah...I'll just do that"
Me - Let me have it, I'll get it fixed"
Richard
I have posted before about our dog Daisy. She was certainly a handful at first and remains a stubborn little critter...we would not give her up for anything even though we are not sure she is a half poodle and half yorkie. Yorkiepoo. We think she may be half poodle and half goat !!
Hang in there and keep working with her and things will be fine.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
lol.... I've been in his shoes at times. My doctor did that sort of thing to me once in awhile and I would sort of nod my head and try to process it. He has a pretty straight delivery and I was just getting used to him... and I was way too gullible. Then my brain would kick in and I would realize he was pulling my leg. We'd both get a good laugh.
Now we've got a great relationship and I pitch it right back at him.
Of course, I haven't had quite the experience Richard had with his doc!! That story still makes me laugh out loud.
And my wife complains about having to spend $200 a month on my cholestrol lowering drugs.
Actually, by using the "driver low cost averaging plan" I would agree, if it keeps your pet going and you are happy, then the cost is meaningless.
I have a BIL who raises some animals and a farmer would have a different view. If the animal needs extraordinary medical care, he would put it down. To him a dog is about the same as a cow, pig, or chicken.
I don't agree with him, but I suppose there is a balance. We have to keep in mind to some degree, it is an animal, and we might not be able to maintain that animal to the same standards as we would a human. It is difficult putting down a pet. Our previous dog was a good little thing, also named Coco, and I held her while the vet injected her to put her down. I felt so bad, because she was trusting me as I held her, and I was really holding her so he could put her down. We are entrusted to guard them and protect them. (She had cancer in the mouth and would have choked to death at some point).
Now we have this little Bijon and she is 6 years old, and is a great dog. We called her Gigi because we wanted a name that was short, and that was very rare so we wouldn't run into a Gigi. Then my wife found out one of her good friends has a daughter called Gigi.
I hope you grow to like Coco and hopefully Coco will become a wonderful family member.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My family's first dog (a golden retriever who failed the seeing eye academy) passed away 5.5 years ago, a week before I left for freshman year of college. To some extent I'm still not over it because of how sudden it was. He was a truly intelligent animal, that could read people and communicate with us better than some humans I know. About a year and a half after, my parents adopted another dog who failed the seeing eye academy (a black lab/golden mix), and I have not bonded with this animal in any way shape or form. He is not hyper or anything, but just has the worst attitude of any animal I've ever met. He will be affectionate only when he is trying to get something that he wants, and otherwise will just lay around all day. The best way to describe him is as having no desire to please or interact with humans...at all. I would have probably gotten rid of him, but my Dad has bonded with him in some bizarre way (probably his way of coping with empty nesting now that we are all out of the house).
Your experience with Coco reminds me of my fiancee's parents experiences when they got a second dog last year. He, at the time, was a 4 month old English Springer Spaniel that was the last of his litter at the breeder. Her parents, who also have a 12 year old English Springer Spaniel, adopted him and brought him home. It became clear that both dogs were becoming a bit territorial, which resulted in the puppy snapping at the older dog and tackling him on more than one occasion. They had a special trainer put the dog through puppy bootcamp, which included making sure that the puppy knew exactly where he sat in the "foodchain" in the house. Now he is one of the most responsive dogs I've been around, and for the first time in 5 years, I've bonded with a dog. Go figure, he lives two hours away. Probably for the best that my apartment doesn't allow dogs because I would've dognapped him already.
My wife just won't give up on Coco. She may be right. We'll see.
Richard
Richard
I thought you lived in Canada with free health care to all.
Is that what we, in the US have to look forward to?
My Cholesterol medicine costs $35/every three months through Blue Cross.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Had a good time at Disney Hollywood and Epcot until.......
Aaaaaaaarrrrggghhh> Hey, Richard, can I have an advance on the inheritance? Some idiot hit the right rear quarter panel on the rental and did NOT leave any note or anything. No, I don't buy all the funny insurances when I rent a car and if they said the dent totaled the car (which it most certainly didn't - were it my own car I'd probably just live with it) I'd still be ahead when you consider this is the first time anyone hit a rental I've had.
In the morning I'll call my insurance and Amex who both said ahead of time they have me covered. I guess now I'll find out how that really works. I didn't flag down a security guy in a Goofy costume. We'll see what I have to do tomorrow.
Meanwhile, other than that it was a good day. I bought a couple of things I regretted not getting last time (Indiana Jones hat and a Mickey Mouse watch), we did the Muppets Show and a couple other things and then over to Epcot where we did a couple of rides that one girl loved and the other was scared out of her mind but forgave us that, One was the GM Test Track. Neat ride but I got to tell you they have to do a better demo of cars when they have you captive afterward, There was a current LaCrosse and a Camaro and such (the door on the Camaro kind of clanked - right after I mentioned to my wife that they probably had a guy full time to make sure it wouldn't) and a Cruze as well as a few other things but no Volt. I would have expected that would be among the first places they'd put such a thing. It wouldn't have to actually work. None of the cars had batteries in them.
gg - if you are just coming off a women's novel Water for Elephants is not what you want. It's got a lot of romance in it. If you want testosterone in buckets try a W.E.B. Griffin novel. He writes good stuff even though he's to the right of Atilla the Hun and it shows in his writing. Hey, if you can do it what the hey.
I'll be interested in hearing what Amex and your insurance company both have to offer. Keep us posted. Try to stay well and out of trouble.
Richard
Regards:
Oldengineer
While that was good news, the PSA test for the prostate was not good news. My urologist wants me in his office Monday morning. They are going to do a Pca3d test. I think that is where they massage the prostate gland to draw fluid in order to analyze the cells. I'm not sure about it, but I'll know more Monday morning. I usually take antibiotics for a couple of weeks and the number comes down. The reading this time must have been too high. They wouldn't tell me the reading over the telephone. Getting old isn't fun. I'll keep you posted.
Richard
Richard
I guess some drugs are deemed not critical. The government will pay for statin drugs in 2 more years when I am 65.....something to look forward to I guess.
The government would probably save money if it put everyone on these cholestrol lowering drugs. Save a few heart attacks and circulatory operations.
$35 every 3 months is good, but how much is the Blue Shield coverage?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Here is some easy to read info about Niacin. It is also known as B3 and can reduce cholestrol levels, but should only be used under a doctors care.
Niacin
I hope the results are good on your tests on Monday. It is too bad that we have to wait for tests and results....causes much angst. Getting old isn't fun, but it is better than the alternative.
I always say, every year over 50 is a bonus these days.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
A few years ago I had the same problem. At least there were 6 people in our Caravan rental when the idiot backed into the rear light while parking his big old rusted pick up truck. He was in the truck and said he would pay for it all.
I first phoned the rental company and they said since I didn't take out their insurance I was on my own. I called VISA and they said they would look after it if I filled out the forms.
Fortunately, the idiot did go to the Chrysler dealer and paid the $600 to fix the tailight. Not what you want to go through while on vacation.
Hope there aren't any more problems on your trip.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And it sounds like you didn't intro him to a 'crate' (a cage) If done from a young age they don't view it as jail, but as a secure comfort place to be. You might/probably can, still be able to do this now, altho will be a bit tougher. Above all else, Coco needs to know you and Mrs R are BOSS. He is, and must realize, that he comes last ALWAYS. Until then, he sounds like he will be a trial and maybe get worse, even aggressive towards the least assertive of you both.
But don't under-estimate how important (and effective) the exercise is.
But dogs that are well exercised won't be inclined to get into as much trouble as Coco when you and Mrs R are gone.
Also, let at least one neighbour know where the crate is in case there is a fire. Some fire depts even have a place for this info if given to them ahead of time if the community is small enough (yours)
I wish for you the best re the prostate thing, Richard. I am glad to know you and the doc are on top of it though.
Meds cost more here in Cda (generic or otherwise) than in the USA. And the pharmacy chgs their usual rate for EACH prescription. So I ask the doc to give me as many pills as he can (as long a time period) so that I pay the pharmacy fee the least times I have to.
Apparently anyone on social services here gets all their meds, doc appts, special blood tests (that cost the rest of us) all for free. That is the back up plan for me when I have finished hemorraging the last of my savings. Between BP meds, spinal decompression therapy and acupuncture therapy, HST (our harmonized sales tax which is anything but harmonious to any Canadian I know) the dept pay downs we are doing on our electricity bills (which we as customers did NOT incur) and all the other numerous taxes and taxes on taxes, that plan will likely happen sooner than later.
I believe our prisoners get all those benefits as well...and more. Free internet, A/C, education, they got flat screen colour TV's before anyone else etc etc etc. So that might be plan B.
Sorry to hear it.
I'm beginning to see Canadian health care in a better light. It appears that not all is free. While we pay for our meds, our insurance pays for most of the cost. As state retirees, my wife and I receive Blue Cross Insurance for free as a supplement to our Medicare. It is a very nice part of our retirement package. Though North Carolina has this plan for its retirees, not every state does. We have been really blessed. That's at least a $500 per month per person benefit.
Richard