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My objective is to know when a bear comes across the driveway (paved 1/8 mile long) to clean his claws on one of the mossy oaks and get his picture recorded. Deer are frequent visitors "just passing thru" with a few getting overly friendly since we have no hunting on any of the three adjoining properties.
The one I want to catch is a Bobcat that has scared the crap out of me in the past with his hissy growl. It just sounds like there are teeth in that sound. We had a cougar cross about 4 years ago (I got within 30 feet of it as I was on my quad). He paid no attention to me and went on about his business. Whew.
We have 1 way in/out for visitors of which there are few with a turn around at the top which gets all angles of a vehicle. Even wondered how a package came to be on our front porch one morning. Dogs didn't bark. Didn't hear a vehicle. Upon reviewing the memory stick saw where a Fed Ex driver came up, rang the doorbell, announced his delivery (cameras have sound in/out) and left without anyone in the house hearing or paying attention. Good security, eh?
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Me too.
MAybe I'll post mine though they are older than that....
Alright, you do that and I’ll post mine; they’re even older. :surprise:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Comcast is fine. Packages aren't great, but at least we don't lose reception all the time.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/10510462@N06/6641704605/
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Well, at least he didn't just throw it over your fence.
I understand, you are more concerned about wild predators than the urban type. They don't put on baseball caps or masks to hide who they are. You just want to know what is going on.
Not nice having bobcats or cougars around. Of course down here an alligator could be waiting outside our door. I always try to watch when I take the dog for her evening walk, Gigi would make a nice appetizer for an alligator. No one actually has seen any in our area, but anything is possible.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What is that picture he is holding up, is it your son all dressed up?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My mom bought my son that hat and cut out JT's photo from a magazine, in which he's wearing an almost identical hat, then took the photo. My son gets mistaken for JT all the time. When we were in Mexico a few weeks ago, it happened a lot and several groups of girls wanted their photo taken with him. It's funny to hear groups whisper and point at him from a distance, asking, "is it him?" Yeah... because Justin Timberlake would be flying commercial coach and staying in a mid-range family-oriented resort.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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My IT expert said this would be the unit to buy if you were recording at least twice a week. For recording twice a month, the Toshiba at $99 probably makes more sense.
That is a beautiful unit though...it is kind of tempting and amazing what $250 can buy. The first video recorders were over $1000 30 years ago!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It's a Trane XL15i. Yes, little i at the end like a BMW.
I wonder if it has feel of the climate. ps, It works very well,
even with temps in the low teens. Same with A/C in summer.
My next door neighbor has a heat pump. The house was built in the mid 70s and I’m pretty sure he said he’s on his 4 th one now. I know for a fact that he is on his second since I moved in (August 1998). I don’t know for sure what brand he has now but I’m pretty sure he said it’s a Trane. I remember him saying that he has not had the same brand twice. He’d give up his first born to have a gas furnace like the rest of us have in our neighborhood.
He worked for the local power company when he had the house built and he fell for the line about “if you don’t have a gas line run to the house, you will get a hellava electric rate having an ALL electric home”. Well, now he would like to have a gas line put in but it would be waaay too expensive so he keeps dumping heat pumps into his house.
I remember the heat pump we had for the second floor when we lived in SC had a problem. Twice, under warranty, the unit froze up when the temperature dropped and the reversing valve had to be replaced, which I found out is not all that uncommon for heat pumps. At least the Carrier brand we had proved that to be correct.
I’m sure heat pumps are better today but I still want gas for heat.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I know I can get paranoid about things but I don’t like the idea of having a picture of my child on a site that is available to a lot of people you could inadvertently start sharing info everywhere.
Even this place probably has a few kooks that are lurkers.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
My brother, who retired to Delray Beach Florida a few years ago, lives in one of those gated, 55 years and up places and his community provides cable service too as part of their community fees. In the Spring of 2011 their community switched from Comcast to AT&T cable. We don’t have that cable service here in the Burgh area but from what I saw when I visited, it’s every bit as good as the FIOS we have.
I am not sure if DirectTV is satelite TV, but if it is there are condo rules which won't allow you to put a dish on your roof. There are lots of rules, such as where you park, your garage door is supposed to be kept closed, your mullions have to be straight or they call the Mullion Police (mullions are those cross bars in the windows in case you don't know, I didn't until I moved here). Overall, I think the rules are good, but in some cases they defy reason.
I agree that “overall” those rules are good but some are wacky. When we lived in SC every community had their own set of “covenants”. There was a gated golfing community that I considered because the lots were pretty nice and weren’t that pricey, all things considered, but in the end we decided against that place. There had to be a 15 page book (I’m not kidding) covering all the “do’s and don’ts” for that place. To be honest, they were pretty much common sense types of things but they were in writing just so they could enforce them if need be. There was at least one that I know wasn’t enforced because I saw this myself as we drove through a few times on a pass from our builder to check out the place. Get this, they didn’t allow cars to be washed in the driveway. They wanted you to wash it in the garage. :confuse: They also banned motor cycles because of the noise. This one they did enforce. There was a parking lot at the entrance where you had to park them before passing through the gate to get in. You parked your car there so that you could get to your house after dropping off your bike when you returned from wherever you went.
If these places didn’t have these rules you would have to put up with the people that say, “it’s my house so I should be able to do whatever I want to do with it”. You would then have people who would store a refrigerator on their front porch. I don’t look at myself as an uppity type of person but IMO, if you want to do this with your house, then don’t live there. Buy a place on a country road and do whatever you want but don’t think that you have the right to make an eyesore out of a nice community just because you pay your taxes, like your next door neighbor does, to live there.
Rant over.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I am not that old but thanks for explaining who Justin Timberlake is. It's like I was asked for I.D. for a seniors discount, which is only 55 in Florida, made my day.
There is definitely a resemblance, if i was him I would just ask them if they wanted my signature and then sign it JT.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The downside of my son looking like JT is that Mr. Timberlake is in his 30's (though he has a baby face). When I'm with my son and he's mistaken for the star, I am a bit disturbed that those people think that I am old enough to be his mother.
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I agree. I've told my sister in law to remove (and never post again) pictures of my nephew and niece (3 and 1) in the bathtub.
I know what it is to be cursed with looking younger than you are. No, I am not talking about me; I’m talking about Mrs. jmonroe. I remember one time in particular, this one restaurant said on their menu that if a senior citizen discount applied to you, mention this to your server before the bill is brought to you. Being one that knows how to follow directions, I did exactly like they said. The waitress said, “oh, she doesn’t look old enough but if you say so, OK”. Of course Mrs. j says, “I love this place, we’re coming back”.
Good way to drum up business, huh?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The booklet we looked at before buying had to be about 80 pages. Some of the rules are silly, but overall, I would rather have rules than have a guy park his RV vehicle in the driveway next door, for example. Many don't allow pets, some do,...one community we visited allowed dogs if you lived around the perimeter.
Generally, I think rules are good if you are in a gated or close community. I can understand people not wanting rules and they should live where there are none. You have to make sure the rules fit in with your lifestyle though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There's one in town that doesn't allow garbage cans above ground level. Since the entire town is serviced by one driver automatic trucks these folks have to have a private vendor come in to remove their garbage.
They also can't hang laundry to dry.
I have no idea what other little gems they have. Not the least bit interested in ever living in such a little fiefdom.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
That's unfortunate, I guess now you can't stay in the place when we are not here. :shades:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
One development near me only allows the garage door to be open when you are pulling a car in or out. Can't have all those nasty garage insides being displayed for all the world to see...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Yes, there are definitely negatives. But, there are lots of positives. The things I like the most is that they do all the maintenance and the grounds are beautiful....I wouldn't have or take care of the plants they have around here, maintence fee covers all external expenses, there is a common heated pool and a club house where you can meet people and not have to look after your own pool.
It wouldn't be my first choice for a permanent home, though not too bad, but for a vacation home I like this better. Fixed cost on exterior items, it's like an extended warranty.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
They have that rule here. I don't think they are really strict, but the homes are fairly close together, grouped in 4s, but they look detached. They all have beautiful white garage doors and it really looks better if garage doors are kept closed when not in use.
It depends a lot on what you are used to and whether it matters to you. We had the garage door open all day because we were working around here and I doubt any one would complain. Just me, but I think, generally houses look better with the garage doors closed....especially the ones with garages full of old toys and stuff no one will ever use again.
I wonder when I see a $30000 car in the driveway and a garage full with $300 worth of junk, and I don't find it looks that attractive...but that's just me.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
driver - don't worry. I can handle your rules for a week.... and no one is in diapers....
not yet, anyway.... :surprise:
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Fun site for a little distraction.... DAmn you autocorrect!
Thanks a lot Fezo! :mad: Had never had somebody post something in Facebook about potty training. Today somebody did, but why tell a story when a picture is worth a thousand words?
I wish I was kidding.
From someone who doesn't have a garage that drives me crazy too. My brother's house has a beautiful 2 car garage that you couldn't get a model car in yet alone a real one. I just shake my head. The house also has a full basement and attic, so really no excuse. Garages are for cars, tools and a beer fridge.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
not yet, anyway....
Exactly, that's why there are rules. This rule was made more for the residents than the kids who are visiting. :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Oh sure, play by the rules when it suits you. How do I know you won't jump in the pool with a Depends on?
****Actually, that just gave me a great idea. Talk about being able to drive for hours without stopping............... :shades:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Amen to that, brother.
Our slightly oversized 2 car garage holds both the CX-7 and the ION, plus a toolbench and an extra fridge where I store my beer (when I have any around). Lots of other stuff in there, as well, but the basics are covered.
Some people on our street park their cars in the driveway as the garage is too full to use properly.
Only a few more years here... I think it might be our last neighborhood experience.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I always said you were a man with principles!
Warped ones, but still principles.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Our basement(heated) garage holds the X3 and 2002 as well as an ancient Benelli Mini Enduro motorcycle. That garage also contains my workbench, tools, oils, and other automotive care supplies. I have an old Carver 2 channel receiver and some ADC bookshelf speakers I plan to hook up someday if I can find the room...
The outside 2 car garage holds the ti, the MS3, the Speed Triple and the two ZTR mowers, as well as the rest of my implements of destruction- chain saw, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, etc.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Sometimes the rules do get out of hand. We have a friend who moved into a fairly new apartment and she is tired of some of the rules. The main one she doesn't like is her son drives a truck with advertising on it for his lawn care company. He can't park in the visitors lot because of the signs on his truck. She also wanted to put flower boxes on her balcony but that is not allowed.
It's like most things, rules are good, up to a point, then they become counter productive.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You knew the HOA rules (or should have) before you moved in. Trying to "loophole" around the rules, after moving in, isn't being considerate of your neighbors. (One month suspension) :mad:
I've lived in my HOA neighborhood roughly 7 months now... love it. It eliminates a lot of the ding dongs who have no consideration for other people. Yeah, we'll get some in here that try to ignore or "loophole" around the rules. But, that ends pretty quickly when the ole Jipster fines them a hundred bucks. :surprise:
When we first moved in (and I mean, right at first), the camping trailer was parked in the driveway for a few days til unpacking was done, and a decent off-season storage facility could be located. The HOA president came by to point out our violation. We fixed it forthwith.
Another rule: the trash service here rents giant, ugly red rolling trashbins to customers for $10 a month (no idea why anyone would pay that as you're allowed to buy and use any kind of your choosing). HOA rules state that those bins are to be kept out of sight apart from on trash day. About 1/3 of the neighborhood ignores that rule 100% of the time. Also, our neighbor has an old Ford Taurus parked on the street that hasn't moved for about 2 months. We've brought up the trash can issue more than once, but the HOA says they don't think there's much they can do about that. So they feel they can adequately address one issue and not others. I personally feel that the ugly trash bin storage (plus the ugly car display) makes the neighborhood look more downmarket than having stored a camper for 90 hours rather than 48 hours. We've had a couple of issues like this that make us think up ways to find unintended loopholes in the agreement - we'd never do it, but it's fun to think of telling them, "well, there's nothing prohibiting that in the HOA rules..." If everyone would just follow the rule of "take pride in your property," nothing else would be necessary.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10510462@N06/6648517071/
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People always claim to want to be left alone, but boy their neighbor it's a different story: you should see his kids, how dirty they are, somebody should call social services, or this awful pink (yellow, green, pick color you don't like) windows - what an eyesore that is, we should go and bulldoze his house, or at least take his deed. It amazes me to no end how quick we all are to tell our neighbors about the length of their lawns or color of their window shades, at the same time wanting a full discretion on our choice how often we clean our driveway or what kind of mailbox we put in front.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Basketball goals are allowed in phase one of our development, but not phase two. This certainly could be challenged in court, if someone wanted to go that far.
I guess there's always going to be one or two in any neighborhood to mess things up for everybody else. The best one can do is hope that you're not the one living next to them.
The houses and the neighborhood look beautiful. Everything does look so neat and clean....I think the rules are working for you. Those red trash bins really stand out though, I think they should get brown or gray ones.
If I was making the rules I would insist that they stay inside (the garage).
Let's see a picture of the old Taurus.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sounds like that's going too far, until you get some kook wanting to put up a flag pole the size which is kept at the state capital. :sick:
Look at a neighborhood association as joining a team. Are you going to be wearing a "Cars.Com" jersey, when everyone else is wearing a "Edmunds.com" jersey? Obey and trust your HOA officials, they know what is best for you.
People get excited about some violation until they find out the cost to fight it is coming out of their pocket!
Somewhere down near Philly this winter was a big stink about some townhouse community that decided only white lights, and some "rebels" went with colored ones so they got fined. Quite silly, especially since I think all white Xmas lights should be banned!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There have been a few stories of HOAs telling combat vets that their flags were too big. The usual replay is "stuff it!" As it should be.
But, we also have covenants to keep you from doing wacky things to your property. When we put in a pool, I had to run the plans and the fence we picked out to make sure the board approved. But, I can paint, put on a new front door, stuff like that without asking.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Bottom line: I ruled that the developer no longer owned the property and had to pay the assessment- but the vote to raise the assessment was void. The association "nailed" he developer, but took a 50 percent cut in revenue for the privilege...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I agree. Our village council makes the rules here. You receive a "ticket" if you violate them, which must be paid within 30 days. Some examples are:
1. Only green 30 gallon trash cans can be used.
2. You need 6 trash cans---two for garbage on Monday, two for yard waste on Wednesday, and two for recycled trash on Thursdays. All must be labeled correctly.
3. No trash cans can be put at the curb prior to 7 AM and they must be put away no later than 3 PM. (Don't know how working people deal with that one.)
4. You may only install split rail fencing to blend in with the natural setting---no chain link, no barbed wire, etc. Only the rear of your home can be fenced.
5. No parking on the streets. We received two tickets when our new roof was put on last month. The roofer didn't want us to pick up roofing nails in our tires until he had cleaned the driveway thoroughly. We managed to get those two tickets changed to "warning" tickets.
6. All real estate "For Sale" signs must be one half the size of a regular sign. They are not to be posted less than ten feet from the curb That's a new rule that appears to be unpopular.
7. If your dog barks more than ten minutes, you receive a ticket. No dog is allowed to be out in the yard after 10 PM or before 7 AM. (When we had a dog, we violated that rule constantly, but never got caught.)
8. If you install a swimming pool, you may not entertain by the pool after 10 PM or before 9 AM.
There are many other rules, but you get the idea. Since we chose to live here, we try to honor them. One of our four police cars frequently patrols our street at night. We are known as the couple who "never goes to bed". They don't have a rule about that yet.
Richard
Richard
You also have great taste in fabrics. The fabric that is on the chair to the left of your son in the picture is the identical fabric that we have on a Martha Washington chair in our formal living room. My wife found that fabric at an interior design shop several years ago, and had to have it to recover that chair. The colors look good with everything.
Richard