Fezo- Richard never answered my first email either...then 2 days ago he forwarded an email to me that he received from someone else. Just a run of the mill type email, nothing special, and with no comments.
I sent him another email as soon as I got that one and asked if he was OK and why he hasn't been posting, etc. Since then, nothing. Very strange.
my first new car was a 1985 Colt. Base engine (68 HP, woo hoo!), but sport package. Basically the turbo suspension, wheels and seats. Still the best handling car I ever owned. stuck like glue, which is good when you need to maintain momentum.
but, it basically had race tires on it. Yoko A008s, which at that time were really showroom stock race tires for the street. outer 3rd of the tread was just dimples like on a golf ball.
well, needless to say, in the winter it was like being on 4 toboggans. I remember once on the PIP with a couple inches of snow barely pulling one of the hills, then spinning out on the top and ending up off on the shoulder.
that car really needed snows but I risked life and limb for the couple years I owned it driving on the slicks.
I’ve been plenty busy trying to blow well over $200K of the company’s money, proving via extensive testing, that a product we have isn’t as good anymore as we (mostly me) thought it was.
Do you work for the Steelers? :sick: We need a win this weekend.
, the Kindle Fire is actually a tablet. You can download music, browse the internet, email, etc. and read books.
The Kindle Fire seems like the best solution so far for me. One draw back is that the e-Reader is backlit like a computer, as opposed to a regular Kindle that looks like ink on paper. I am going to compare the two soon. If it isn't almost as good as a regular Kindle for reading, I may be better off getting a separate Kindle for reading, and an android tablet for music.
Also, no USB port connection, but you can use a micro-connection (I think it is called). Not a huge problem, but a little more work involved.
Monroe....nice to have you back, we didn't have anyone who could answer our car waxing questions.
Fezo........that's another one we have been missing.....time to report in Fez.
Richard......he has strayed before but this disappearance has been unusually long, without an explanation.
I have had a regular kindle for about 4 years or so, then got the first edition kindle fire about a year ago. Since I got the fire I have not used the regular kindle at all.
I do a lot of reading in bed, so the fire works really well for me because you don't need to leave a light on or have a reading light.
The fire has different modes you can use. My favorite is white type on a black page because it is not bright at all and emits very little light. You can also make the screen very dim or very bright.
Since the kindle fire is an android tablet you can download music directly to it without needing a flash drive.
Yeah, I was wondering about that. Had to see if he was replying to my post.
I have been a bit scarce. That's because I am getting kind of down with this long recovery bit. It's getting in my head. The doc actually said this is pretty normal. Been fighting so much that it pretty fully occupies your mind and when that part lets up a little you let your guard down.
At any rate I'm here and still slowly recovering.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I'm also in a situation where if the weather is REALLY bad I can take my old Wrangler- which has all-season/winter tires on it. I enjoyed reading about your impressions of the 335d. They used 335d M Sports for the Teen School mys on attended at the Performance Center. The only car he thought felt faster was a Z4 with the turbo- which they let him take out for a couple of "laps".
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
IIHS performed the new impact test on another group of cars and proved luxury does not equal safety
I looked up the Mercedes E350 4 Door Sedan and it received Good in all tested criteria including the frontal offset test + it received a Top Pick. So, my Mercedes is a winner in this evaluation. I checked it out at their website.
You can also make the screen very dim or very bright. Since the kindle fire is an android tablet you can download music directly to it without needing a flash drive.
Kindle Fire is back in 1st place on my list again. That dim light feature sounds very good. How do you down load music without a Flashdrive?
The small overlap test is a new one this year and very challenging as it concentrates impact on a small area. The E class has yet to be tested for that specific test. Could do well, but impossible to predict. The E did great in all the other tests, though. C class is the only Benz tested so far for small overlap and it received a rating of poor. Looking at how some models did well and others not in the same manufactruer, the C test will mean nothing for the E. Athough the Camry also tested as poor, I do appreciate Toyota's attitude that they'll learn from it and make improvements. I have no doubt all the makes will step up in the end and we'll all be the beneficiaries.
With the mileage you are accumulating, some winter tires will be a good purchase. My '07 AWD Fusion had LLR tires. Power on was never a problem, but stopping could kick in the ABS.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Do you work for the Steelers? We need a win this weekend.
No, but the game this weekend is in the bag. After all they are playing the Bungals. They’re the only team that tries harder to give away games in the 4 th quarter than the Steelers. Put the mortgage on it or go high enough to get a new Jeep.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
With the mileage you are accumulating, some winter tires will be a good purchase.
Winter tires don't cost as much as you may think.
Using the Driver dollar cost averaging principle, remember, the mileage you put on the winter tires means you will get that much more mileage from your summer tires.
Winter tires don't last as long, but, you will get more miles from the summer tires, because you are using winter tires for a portion of the year....saving your summer tires to some degree.
Hope everyone has a happy holiday in the next couple of weeks. We're done with ours, but I still keep the lit menorah in the front window for the whole season as it's a bit more festive for all. Stay well, be happy and safe. Next year will hopefully be another good year for all of us.
Cheers!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
A Wrangler is a fantastic vehicle to have as a spare/winter beater. I've said before, I'd love to own one. My problem is that 2012s (sport unlimited) are $30K + & used (2012, 2011, 2010) aren't that much cheaper. So for me, buying a Wrangler would mean using it as my DD & sacrifice owning a BMW:)
Glad you liked my take on the 335d. Being a published ROUNDEL contributor, that means a lot:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
You can buy and download music, books, videos, instantly from Amazon. Thousands of these items are FREE. To make it really quick just have them save a credit card # and you buy with one click. Seamless. Downloads take about a minute or less.
Battery charge lasts for days, not hours. Charge takes a couple of hours.
The new model kindle fire is much more advanced than mine. Comes is two screen sizes. I would recommend the smaller 7 inch size. It costs less and is easy to hold with one hand.
You can buy them online from Amazon or at most stores that sell electronics.
I love you guys. First, I want to thank Dan (Houdini), Keith (imidazol), Steve (fezo), and Craig (Isellhondas) for sending me personal messages. I can't express how much I appreciate being missed here. I'm not worthy of it, but the guys on this forum are really special. After all that has gone on since November 25th (last posting), I finally had a chance to sit down last evening and read the 527 posts that I missed. I always read each post. It took me about three hours.
nyccarguy: I love that picture of your precious daughter. It brought tears to my eyes when I thought about the events in Connecticut. Loving children as we do, my wife and I were so saddened about the horrific loss of life in Newtown.
Jipster: Congratulations on the lease. Having owned a Honda, I know that you will enjoy the experience. Your mileage ratings are fantastic.
Steve: I can understand your being depressed after having gone through so much during the last year. Your being alive is a comfort and joy for all of us here. Losing Mack and Tom on this forum was painful. I want you to stay with us for a very long time.
Driver: I noticed that you came close to the edge a couple of times in your discussions. I would like to have been here to "guide" you a bit. You had been so good for months and were staying out of harm's way. Most of us know how your are, and I know that you're a good person with only the best of intentions. Read your posts over once before you hit the button. In your defense, I do remember one time that you admitted to me that you were wrong. No one can fault you for your enthusiasm. You do keep this place going.
Mike: You are an excellent care giver and I know how hard that can be. I had no help from my sibling either. Please know that you are doing all of the right things. I'm glad that you take short breaks from time to time. You need those and should never feel badly for taking them. My prayers are with you. So glad to hear that you have your beautiful car back at home. Hope all goes well with it.
Credit cards/ credit scores: There were many good posts filled with advice. We have had that topic before, but it never hurts to discuss its importance.
Gun control/regulations: That was an interesting topic and had not been discussed before that I ever remember. I have mixed feelings. I believe that citizens should have the means to protect themselves under the Constitution. I fault no person for owning a gun, as long as they take the proper training and use the weapon in a responsible manner. As for assault weapons in the hands of citizens, I am concerned about advanced weaponry being owned and used by citizens who are not involved in law enforcement or some related field. I don't own a gun and know very little about them. Therefore, my opinions have to be weighed by those of you who know more than I.
I'll explain my month long absence in another post---the good and the bad of it. As my dear friend Mack used to say, "TO BE CONTINUED".
I am not sure that is an option on the fire. I did not pay extra but I don't get any ads. I think that option is just on the "electronic ink" models, but I could be wrong.
I finally had a chance to sit down last evening and read the 527 posts that I missed.
I'll explain my month long absence in another post---the good and the bad of it.
I know you’re not a DIYer, but c’mon, how many lights could you have possibly put up for the showing? I’ll bet it was the cords that got ya, huh? :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The morning after my last post (Nov. 25th), the phone rang. One of my two best friends since elementary school had died suddenly. He had always enjoyed excellent health---athlete in high school and college, then coach and athletic director, and later a school principal. He remained trim and fit, still exercised and played golf regularly. He went outside to hang the Christmas wreath on the front door. After a while, his wife didn't hear anything. When she went to check on him, he was dead on the porch with the wreath still in his hand. I was devastated. There were three of us known as "the Three Musketeers" from first grade through 12th grade. We played together, rode our bikes together, shared our clothes and cars in high school, dated together, etc. We never lost contact with one another. My other best friend and I sat with the family at the funeral. It was a difficult time. My wife and I stayed with his wife for a couple of days. She had never pumped gas, written a check, or cooked a meal in their 46 years of marriage. My friend wanted to do it all for her. She raised the two children and had a career, but domestically didn't have a clue about the simple tasks that you and I take for granted. We've been helping her adjust to being alone. My wife took her to the grocery store for some training; I showed her how to pump gas, write checks, balance bank statements, use a debit card, etc. We're proud of her. In a month's time, she has learned quickly. She took her first trip alone the other day to see one of her children who lives three hours away. She did fine. As my wife pointed out, it's best if couples share and learn things together. We never know when we may have to do things by ourselves.
After the death of my friend, we had a week to get ready for the Christmas Tour of Homes. It took us two full days, with the help of our gardener, to decorate the exterior of the house and garden areas. The next three days were spent on the interior: three Christmas trees--- in living room, dining room, and family room, greenery in the fireplaces and on the mantels, table centerpieces, etc. I designed and wrote an eight page booklet for each guest detailing the art work and antiques in each room. That took me hours. My wife assigned friends as docents for each room to answer questions and keep the traffic moving. We had 427 guests who purchased tickets for the event. I only had 400 booklets printed so we ran out near the end of the tour. We enjoyed the event and were told by many that our home was the prettiest on the tour. Though not true, it was nice to hear it. That was December 8th.
On December 10th, it was time to put our plans in place for my sister's 50th Wedding Anniversary on the night of the 15th. It was a sit down dinner for 75 people. We duplicated my sister's wedding cake, flower arrangements from the reception, etc. We had members of the original wedding party flying in from Arizona, Colorado, California, and Michigan---along with a few 90 year old cousins from Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and New York. These people had to be transported from the Raleigh-Durham Airport to their hotel rooms in Pinehurst. My wife and I worked like dogs all week, with no help from my sister's two children. They had to work but would show up for the weekend's events. The dinner was lovely and things worked out well. On Sunday morning, we had a parting brunch for the out of town guests. I noticed that I wasn't feeling well at all. Yep. The flu bug got me. It is now Friday and I feel much better, though weak as water. My wife is out Christmas shopping---when did we ever have a moment to do it? I ordered my wife's Christmas gifts on line with a promised delivery date of the 24th. How's that for cutting it close? What a month it has been. I can't wait until dull January.
Poor Dan (Houdini). The day that I forwarded him an email, I was determined to answer emails and get back on Edmunds. After about thirty minutes, I knew that I still felt like crap. I had to get back in bed. I guess he did think that I was crazy. Thanks to all of you for caring whether I live or die. It seems strange in a way---such wonderful people here and yet we've never met. I was always disappointed that I didn't get to meet Dan when we were in his very city on our trip out west. That bad storm messed us up. Still, there's always tomorrow.
I hope that all of you have a Very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Regardless of your faith, I wish you a Happy Holiday Season. Each one of you deserves only the best.
I am rooting for the Steelers to go down in flames. Still made at them for rolling over for the cowgirls, but pulling out a win against the Giants. If the steelers had just done it correctly, the Giants would still be making the playoffs and cowboys home where they belong.
You sure did alot in those weeks you were absent from the group. I have no idea how you could have done all that.
I actually don't like to have too many obligations at this time of year. We used to try to do everything, visit anyone if we were invited etc. Now, we just prioritize and do what we can, usually not doing something two nights or days in a row.
But, your schedule was extremely busy, I can see why posting wasn't at the top of your priority list. Things should calm down for you in a few days, and at least we survived the end of the world.
Richard, Glad you are ok, and Happy Holidays. You certainly have been busy. I originally thought you just emerged from your Survival Shelter after realizing the world did not end today.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Great to hear you are OK, but so sorry for the loss of your "musketeer" close friend. Your home sounds picture perfect with the trees and the lights. I wish you and your wife a very Merry Christmas and a better year for the New Year.
I have to admit that your post was most informative and articulate, as would be expected from you, Richard!
Glad to hear from you. Looking forward to seeing the "while I was away" post....
Good to see you are doing OK fezo. Good to see you posting again. I wish you Good Health and Prosperity during the Holiday Season and for the New Year!
I've been reading, with true diligence, the posts about iPods and iPhones and the ability of some car audio systems to reproduce music via Bluetooth. So I began downloading my favorite music and favorite artists to my iPhone from iTunes and tried it out in my Mercedes Harman Kardon system. I am truly amazed at the reproductive quality of the Bluetooth Auxilary function. I just go to audio, select Bluetooth music and it connects immediately to my audio system with the iPhone. It plays all 60 titles flawlessly.
I could connect the phone directly to the car as there is a wire with appropriate jack in the console, but because I have a protective Otterbox case on the phone, the connection does not lock correctly - without the case it works fine. So instead of taking the case off every time I want to listen to my favorites, I just connect via Bluetooth, which works just as well.
Thanks to all for the great info shared here - it made a big difference to me.
Richard, I sympathize with you regarding your friend's passing. I just lost a long-time friend from the BMW Club- it was also sudden and unexpected. It is always rough. On a lighter note, I'm glad you are back on line.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I am truly amazed at the reproductive quality of the Bluetooth Auxilary function
It is unbelievable what the sound system is capable of, in todays cars.
I now have about 3 or 4 hours of music I have chosen on the hard drive in the car. I can play individual albums or have the songs played at random, so there is less chance of getting tired of them.
Then I recorded 12 hours of music on a Flash Drive stick (all with the help of my IT guy). Downloaded to computer, edited out songs I didn't want or that were played multiple times. I did this from Nostalgia on icebergradio which is like Pandora in the US.
Then I plug it in to the USB port in the console. I edited it down to about 5 hours of play time. When the song comes up a picture of the album cover appears on the multi media screen along with the title and singer.
If I had known about this I wouldn't have bothered with Sirius.
We usually drive about 10 or 11 hours a day to get to Florida, so the recorded music will be perfect.
I didn't even know about the hard drive until it was mentioned here. Maybe I should read the manual one day.
Did you see that the ex soldier being held in Mexico you posted about a while back is about to be released?
Yes, I did, explorer. What an awful mess. They held him without bail, chained to his bed, for 3 months. No hearings, no trial, just arrested him even though the guy declared at the border that he had it and was going hunting. They just should have confiscated it if it was illegal since he made no effort to conceal it.
It was all political on Mexico's part. Illegally arrested the poor kid just to prove something to the US Government.
That young man served in Iraq - was treated for stress fatigue for many, many months. Can you imagine what this young man is going through?
Because of that, I will never, ever go to Mexico again. You have the murders, the drugs, and now a government that cares little for human rights.
When my brother used to go to Mexico on business for his firm, which was quite frequent in the 90's, the firm used to hire 2 body guards to go with him every time he crossed into Mexico. That's how bad things were, and still are - the firm was afraid of my brother being kidnapped for ransom as 3 of their employees were back then.
I was scheduled for a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean in February, but cancelled because they added a stop in Mexico at the last minute. That's how anti-Mexico I have become.
Instead, I'm flying to St. Thomas for a 7-day vacation which includes 3 days aboard a yacht. I avoid Mexico at all cost!
primary benefit of the cord is that it charges the phone while it plays. Not a big deal putting around town, but a nice thing on a short trip.
Yes, I know that. But I've played music on the Bluetooth connection for 2 hours straight already and it the battery in the phone went down to 90% - or 10% usage for 2 hours. I can plug my car charger into the cigarette lighter to charge while I listen to Bluetooth, if I wanted or I can remove the case and join the audio system and charge at the same time, too. For some reason, my car charge cord works with the Otterbox on the phone (fits fine), but the iPod connector in the console keeps falling out of the phone because of the Otterbox.
I'm going to get a pouch case for my iPhone since my Otterbox keeps stretching out of shape anyway. Otterbox replaced my first one, but the same thing is happening to the replacement box. Otterbox is aware of this problem for the 4S, but won't replace the box a second time.
I know you’re not a DIYer, but c’mon, how many lights could you have possibly put up for the showing? I’ll bet it was the cords that got ya, huh?
Another long-lost voice heard from once again! Good to have you back, *jmonroe - I missed your "reflective" and "meaningful" posts. Glad you are back. Merry Christmas from Dad and me to you and your family!
I am so deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of your best friends. I'm sure you guys shared enough good times to fill an entire library. The fact that you are helping his wife so much just shows what a truly amazing person you are!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Comments
Fezo- Richard never answered my first email either...then 2 days ago he forwarded an email to me that he received from someone else. Just a run of the mill type email, nothing special, and with no comments.
I sent him another email as soon as I got that one and asked if he was OK and why he hasn't been posting, etc. Since then, nothing. Very strange.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
but, it basically had race tires on it. Yoko A008s, which at that time were really showroom stock race tires for the street. outer 3rd of the tread was just dimples like on a golf ball.
well, needless to say, in the winter it was like being on 4 toboggans. I remember once on the PIP with a couple inches of snow barely pulling one of the hills, then spinning out on the top and ending up off on the shoulder.
that car really needed snows but I risked life and limb for the couple years I owned it driving on the slicks.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Welcome back. Glad you're doing well.
I’ve been plenty busy trying to blow well over $200K of the company’s money, proving via extensive testing, that a product we have isn’t as good anymore as we (mostly me) thought it was.
Do you work for the Steelers? :sick: We need a win this weekend.
The Kindle Fire seems like the best solution so far for me. One draw back is that the e-Reader is backlit like a computer, as opposed to a regular Kindle that looks like ink on paper. I am going to compare the two soon. If it isn't almost as good as a regular Kindle for reading, I may be better off getting a separate Kindle for reading, and an android tablet for music.
Also, no USB port connection, but you can use a micro-connection (I think it is called). Not a huge problem, but a little more work involved.
Monroe....nice to have you back, we didn't have anyone who could answer our car waxing questions.
Fezo........that's another one we have been missing.....time to report in Fez.
Richard......he has strayed before but this disappearance has been unusually long, without an explanation.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I do a lot of reading in bed, so the fire works really well for me because you don't need to leave a light on or have a reading light.
The fire has different modes you can use. My favorite is white type on a black page because it is not bright at all and emits very little light. You can also make the screen very dim or very bright.
Since the kindle fire is an android tablet you can download music directly to it without needing a flash drive.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I have been a bit scarce. That's because I am getting kind of down with this long recovery bit. It's getting in my head. The doc actually said this is pretty normal. Been fighting so much that it pretty fully occupies your mind and when that part lets up a little you let your guard down.
At any rate I'm here and still slowly recovering.
It may be that the additive package makes all the difference.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I enjoyed reading about your impressions of the 335d. They used 335d M Sports for the Teen School mys on attended at the Performance Center. The only car he thought felt faster was a Z4 with the turbo- which they let him take out for a couple of "laps".
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I looked up the Mercedes E350 4 Door Sedan and it received Good in all tested criteria including the frontal offset test + it received a Top Pick. So, my Mercedes is a winner in this evaluation. I checked it out at their website.
The Camry did not so well, however.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Since the kindle fire is an android tablet you can download music directly to it without needing a flash drive.
Kindle Fire is back in 1st place on my list again. That dim light feature sounds very good. How do you down load music without a Flashdrive?
What is the battery power like?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ya, I gotta keep track of my boyz.
He hasn't been posting as much as usual then. He must have lost his sense of humor when he got some of that other guys cells.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ah, there you are. Good to hear from you, again in the last few hours.
Try your best, you are truly an inspiration for me and I am sure many others.... try to check in more often.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My '07 AWD Fusion had LLR tires. Power on was never a problem, but stopping could kick in the ABS.
No, but the game this weekend is in the bag. After all they are playing the Bungals. They’re the only team that tries harder to give away games in the 4 th quarter than the Steelers. Put the mortgage on it or go high enough to get a new Jeep.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Winter tires don't cost as much as you may think.
Using the Driver dollar cost averaging principle, remember, the mileage you put on the winter tires means you will get that much more mileage from your summer tires.
Winter tires don't last as long, but, you will get more miles from the summer tires, because you are using winter tires for a portion of the year....saving your summer tires to some degree.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Cheers!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Plus, for some reason, the Bengals always seem to like playing at Heinz Field.
The general vibe here is that we'll win the Division.
Many of my stretch pants, shirts, jackets are Steeler oriented. If the
game goes Cincinnati's way I'll have to find other clothing for Christmas.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Glad you liked my take on the 335d. Being a published ROUNDEL contributor, that means a lot:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Battery charge lasts for days, not hours. Charge takes a couple of hours.
The new model kindle fire is much more advanced than mine. Comes is two screen sizes. I would recommend the smaller 7 inch size. It costs less and is easy to hold with one hand.
You can buy them online from Amazon or at most stores that sell electronics.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
nyccarguy: I love that picture of your precious daughter. It brought tears to my eyes when I thought about the events in Connecticut. Loving children as we do, my wife and I were so saddened about the horrific loss of life in Newtown.
Jipster: Congratulations on the lease. Having owned a Honda, I know that you will enjoy the experience. Your mileage ratings are fantastic.
Steve: I can understand your being depressed after having gone through so much during the last year. Your being alive is a comfort and joy for all of us here. Losing Mack and Tom on this forum was painful. I want you to stay with us for a very long time.
Driver: I noticed that you came close to the edge a couple of times in your discussions. I would like to have been here to "guide" you a bit. You had been so good for months and were staying out of harm's way. Most of us know how your are, and I know that you're a good person with only the best of intentions. Read your posts over once before you hit the button. In your defense, I do remember one time that you admitted to me that you were wrong. No one can fault you for your enthusiasm. You do keep this place going.
Mike: You are an excellent care giver and I know how hard that can be. I had no help from my sibling either. Please know that you are doing all of the right things. I'm glad that you take short breaks from time to time. You need those and should never feel badly for taking them. My prayers are with you. So glad to hear that you have your beautiful car back at home. Hope all goes well with it.
Credit cards/ credit scores: There were many good posts filled with advice. We have had that topic before, but it never hurts to discuss its importance.
Gun control/regulations: That was an interesting topic and had not been discussed before that I ever remember. I have mixed feelings. I believe that citizens should have the means to protect themselves under the Constitution. I fault no person for owning a gun, as long as they take the proper training and use the weapon in a responsible manner. As for assault weapons in the hands of citizens, I am concerned about advanced weaponry being owned and used by citizens who are not involved in law enforcement or some related field. I don't own a gun and know very little about them. Therefore, my opinions have to be weighed by those of you who know more than I.
I'll explain my month long absence in another post---the good and the bad of it. As my dear friend Mack used to say, "TO BE CONTINUED".
Glad to hear nothing's amiss and will look forward to hearing what all has been going on with you.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I will definitely check it out. I am going to wait until we get to Florida and January might be a good time to buy.
Did you pay extra so you wouldn't get the ads?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Very nice to have you back again.
Yes, it was all your fault I got into so much trouble.
Be well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Glad to hear from you. Looking forward to seeing the "while I was away" post....
I'll explain my month long absence in another post---the good and the bad of it.
I know you’re not a DIYer, but c’mon, how many lights could you have possibly put up for the showing? I’ll bet it was the cords that got ya, huh? :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The morning after my last post (Nov. 25th), the phone rang. One of my two best friends since elementary school had died suddenly. He had always enjoyed excellent health---athlete in high school and college, then coach and athletic director, and later a school principal. He remained trim and fit, still exercised and played golf regularly. He went outside to hang the Christmas wreath on the front door. After a while, his wife didn't hear anything. When she went to check on him, he was dead on the porch with the wreath still in his hand. I was devastated. There were three of us known as "the Three Musketeers" from first grade through 12th grade. We played together, rode our bikes together, shared our clothes and cars in high school, dated together, etc. We never lost contact with one another. My other best friend and I sat with the family at the funeral. It was a difficult time. My wife and I stayed with his wife for a couple of days. She had never pumped gas, written a check, or cooked a meal in their 46 years of marriage. My friend wanted to do it all for her. She raised the two children and had a career, but domestically didn't have a clue about the simple tasks that you and I take for granted. We've been helping her adjust to being alone. My wife took her to the grocery store for some training; I showed her how to pump gas, write checks, balance bank statements, use a debit card, etc. We're proud of her. In a month's time, she has learned quickly. She took her first trip alone the other day to see one of her children who lives three hours away. She did fine. As my wife pointed out, it's best if couples share and learn things together. We never know when we may have to do things by ourselves.
After the death of my friend, we had a week to get ready for the Christmas Tour of Homes. It took us two full days, with the help of our gardener, to decorate the exterior of the house and garden areas. The next three days were spent on the interior: three Christmas trees--- in living room, dining room, and family room, greenery in the fireplaces and on the mantels, table centerpieces, etc. I designed and wrote an eight page booklet for each guest detailing the art work and antiques in each room. That took me hours. My wife assigned friends as docents for each room to answer questions and keep the traffic moving. We had 427 guests who purchased tickets for the event. I only had 400 booklets printed so we ran out near the end of the tour. We enjoyed the event and were told by many that our home was the prettiest on the tour. Though not true, it was nice to hear it. That was December 8th.
On December 10th, it was time to put our plans in place for my sister's 50th Wedding Anniversary on the night of the 15th. It was a sit down dinner for 75 people. We duplicated my sister's wedding cake, flower arrangements from the reception, etc. We had members of the original wedding party flying in from Arizona, Colorado, California, and Michigan---along with a few 90 year old cousins from Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and New York. These people had to be transported from the Raleigh-Durham Airport to their hotel rooms in Pinehurst. My wife and I worked like dogs all week, with no help from my sister's two children. They had to work but would show up for the weekend's events. The dinner was lovely and things worked out well. On Sunday morning, we had a parting brunch for the out of town guests. I noticed that I wasn't feeling well at all. Yep. The flu bug got me. It is now Friday and I feel much better, though weak as water. My wife is out Christmas shopping---when did we ever have a moment to do it? I ordered my wife's Christmas gifts on line with a promised delivery date of the 24th. How's that for cutting it close? What a month it has been. I can't wait until dull January.
Poor Dan (Houdini). The day that I forwarded him an email, I was determined to answer emails and get back on Edmunds. After about thirty minutes, I knew that I still felt like crap. I had to get back in bed. I guess he did think that I was crazy. Thanks to all of you for caring whether I live or die. It seems strange in a way---such wonderful people here and yet we've never met. I was always disappointed that I didn't get to meet Dan when we were in his very city on our trip out west. That bad storm messed us up. Still, there's always tomorrow.
I hope that all of you have a Very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Regardless of your faith, I wish you a Happy Holiday Season. Each one of you deserves only the best.
Richard
Fighting words!!!
:P
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Only losses this year have been to Atlanta (12-2), Houston (12-2) and New England (10-4).
You sure did alot in those weeks you were absent from the group. I have no idea how you could have done all that.
I actually don't like to have too many obligations at this time of year. We used to try to do everything, visit anyone if we were invited etc. Now, we just prioritize and do what we can, usually not doing something two nights or days in a row.
But, your schedule was extremely busy, I can see why posting wasn't at the top of your priority list. Things should calm down for you in a few days, and at least we survived the end of the world.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Glad you are ok, and Happy Holidays.
You certainly have been busy.
I originally thought you just emerged from your Survival Shelter after realizing the world did not end today.
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Great to hear you are OK, but so sorry for the loss of your "musketeer" close friend. Your home sounds picture perfect with the trees and the lights. I wish you and your wife a very Merry Christmas and a better year for the New Year.
I have to admit that your post was most informative and articulate, as would be expected from you, Richard!
Enjoy the season and welcome back.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Glad to hear from you. Looking forward to seeing the "while I was away" post....
Good to see you are doing OK fezo. Good to see you posting again. I wish you Good Health and Prosperity during the Holiday Season and for the New Year!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I could connect the phone directly to the car as there is a wire with appropriate jack in the console, but because I have a protective Otterbox case on the phone, the connection does not lock correctly - without the case it works fine. So instead of taking the case off every time I want to listen to my favorites, I just connect via Bluetooth, which works just as well.
Thanks to all for the great info shared here - it made a big difference to me.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Our RDX has this, and it is funny to see it connect my daughter's phone when she walks up to the car before I otherwise know she is there.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Did you see that the ex soldier being held in Mexico you posted about a while back is about to be released?
It is unbelievable what the sound system is capable of, in todays cars.
I now have about 3 or 4 hours of music I have chosen on the hard drive in the car. I can play individual albums or have the songs played at random, so there is less chance of getting tired of them.
Then I recorded 12 hours of music on a Flash Drive stick (all with the help of my IT guy). Downloaded to computer, edited out songs I didn't want or that were played multiple times. I did this from Nostalgia on icebergradio which is like Pandora in the US.
Then I plug it in to the USB port in the console. I edited it down to about 5 hours of play time. When the song comes up a picture of the album cover appears on the multi media screen along with the title and singer.
If I had known about this I wouldn't have bothered with Sirius.
We usually drive about 10 or 11 hours a day to get to Florida, so the recorded music will be perfect.
I didn't even know about the hard drive until it was mentioned here. Maybe I should read the manual one day.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yes, I did, explorer. What an awful mess. They held him without bail, chained to his bed, for 3 months. No hearings, no trial, just arrested him even though the guy declared at the border that he had it and was going hunting. They just should have confiscated it if it was illegal since he made no effort to conceal it.
It was all political on Mexico's part. Illegally arrested the poor kid just to prove something to the US Government.
That young man served in Iraq - was treated for stress fatigue for many, many months. Can you imagine what this young man is going through?
Because of that, I will never, ever go to Mexico again. You have the murders, the drugs, and now a government that cares little for human rights.
When my brother used to go to Mexico on business for his firm, which was quite frequent in the 90's, the firm used to hire 2 body guards to go with him every time he crossed into Mexico. That's how bad things were, and still are - the firm was afraid of my brother being kidnapped for ransom as 3 of their employees were back then.
I was scheduled for a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean in February, but cancelled because they added a stop in Mexico at the last minute. That's how anti-Mexico I have become.
Instead, I'm flying to St. Thomas for a 7-day vacation which includes 3 days aboard a yacht. I avoid Mexico at all cost!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Yes, I know that. But I've played music on the Bluetooth connection for 2 hours straight already and it the battery in the phone went down to 90% - or 10% usage for 2 hours. I can plug my car charger into the cigarette lighter to charge while I listen to Bluetooth, if I wanted or I can remove the case and join the audio system and charge at the same time, too. For some reason, my car charge cord works with the Otterbox on the phone (fits fine), but the iPod connector in the console keeps falling out of the phone because of the Otterbox.
I'm going to get a pouch case for my iPhone since my Otterbox keeps stretching out of shape anyway. Otterbox replaced my first one, but the same thing is happening to the replacement box. Otterbox is aware of this problem for the 4S, but won't replace the box a second time.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Another long-lost voice heard from once again! Good to have you back, *jmonroe - I missed your "reflective" and "meaningful" posts. Glad you are back. Merry Christmas from Dad and me to you and your family!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD