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Post by shades on Jun 19, 2018 8:22:50 GMT
The heat has arrived. A/c came on after 3:30 p.m. yesterday, and by 10:30 a.m. this morning. It's nice in the house, but HOT outside. Tomorrow is supposed to be the worst day, with temps around or above 100F, high humidity, and lots of haze. What we call the 3 Hs, hazy, hot and humid. Then it starts to cool down a bit, into the high 80s. Staying in the mid to high 80s for at least the next 10 days, so we'll be paying the electric company to stay cool! Do you mean that someone else controls the air-con on/off times?
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 19, 2018 16:39:13 GMT
I am glad the weather isn't as hot as you expected it to be Piggles love and you have somewhere where you can get out of it. I hope you don't get visited by Mr Tornado. I love a thunderstorm after a hot spell.
When my parents were alive I used too the same Bean sweetie, I always gave a card and a present. I always make sure that Paul sends cards to his family even though they are tighter than a camel's arse in a sandstorm lol!
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 19, 2018 21:18:03 GMT
I totally agree. Hubby hasn't bought me flowers for the "occassions" in a really long time. First, they don't live very long for the cost, and secondly, as you said, if you need to be told to buy me flowers, don't bother. I'd much rather have a live plant, not that I have any more space in the house for them, but I'll find a place. That's why I love when he buys me cupcakes for no better reason than he was near the cupcake place, and thought of me. I'd also rather stay home and cook what I want, when I want, or at least get takeout, rather than going to restaurants. My family had a basic rule that we didn't give adults purchased gifts. That didn't mean hubby and I couldn't, but we didn't give them to the parents, who also didn't give them to us. We buy gifts for the children, and try not to go overboard We have grandparent freedom to indulge our granddaughter as we chose I find the TV ads around the holidays the worst. They push spending as a way to prove your love. That's just wrong
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 20, 2018 7:55:45 GMT
Also, the prices of everything goes up when it is mothers or father day which I always thought was disgraceful. I like it too when Paul comes back with a little treat for me just because he wanted to and not because he has been forced into it by media and other pressures.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 20, 2018 20:22:11 GMT
What's worse is stores raise the prices in advance, probably 20-30%, so they can cut the price back 10%, make buyers think they're getting a bargain, and make more money than ever. I think that's disgraceful. That's why I like the jewelry exchange. We pick what we want, how we want it, and it's made right there for us. www.jewelryexchange.com/ Also Sudbury is a nice little town, so I wouldn't mind a trip there. I just don't need any jewelry. I know some people put their savings(not all of it) into jewelry like this, which will appraise for more. If they sell some of the jewelry, they always make a profit. When my mother had her diamond earings made, they apraised for twice what she paid. We have officially been in this house for 2 years, today. I feel so settled in to this neighborhood. I know it's the right place for me, and will be for hubby, if he ever retires It took me years to settle in to the last place, and while it finally became familiar, it was never where I wanted to be. Even with the niggly little issues of living in such a place, I'm really happy to be hear
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Post by Bean on Jun 21, 2018 7:55:38 GMT
Happy anniversary! It's great you feel so settled there, and can look forward to spending the rest of your lives there - that's exactly what you want when you're coming up to retirement age.
Glad your mother's purchases worked out well. I think you need a bit of nous to make sure it works out though.
I heard of one woman who spend her life savings on jewellery from a shopping channel thinking she was setting up her daughters's futures, but when she died, it turned out to be mostly tat and not worth 1/4 of what she'd believed. That was sad.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 21, 2018 8:12:35 GMT
When jewelry is appraised for insurance purposes, they always had a lot of value to it. When I used to have mine done I was always delighted but told myself that these figures allowed for insurance companies knocking you down when it comes to a settlement. Happy anniversary hunni.
You are right Bean sweetie, jewellery is not a good investment because you rarely get the full value, only a fraction in most cases.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 21, 2018 20:45:32 GMT
That's so sad, Bean My mother tended to over appraise the value of her belongings, at least in her mind, so I always took everything with a grain of salt. If she had been using it as a savings account, I could have understood, but mostly it was for bragging rights I may have enough jewelry my daughter can either use or sell, that they could have a nice dinner out, but that's about it. I've never been a jewelry person, so just don't have a whole lot. Anything appraised for insurance purposes is supposed to be appraised at a replacement value, which, with something like precious metals and gem stones, could get more valuable every year. Most insurance companies only take appraisals from appraisers they consider to be reputable. Also, our homeowners insurance companies now have a line item for replacing lost items, and no appraisals are necessary, as everything comes out of that pot of money. Unless an item is worth more than the pot of insurance money, it's best not to get items appraised, as they could raise the cost of the insurance for nothing. I've never had anything appraised, although my mother always insisted I should, because I knew none of it was going to come to more than the amount alotted to replacing the contents of my house. Wild storms gave way to some sunny, warm weather. First day of Summer has been pretty decent Some rain this weekend. I'm hoping it will be a total washout, but probably not. We really need the rain. If nothing else, it's going to be a bit cooler.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 22, 2018 15:20:39 GMT
I used to have some lovely jewelry but it had to be sold for more important things like vet bills. I tell myself it isn't important but if I suddenly had money, I know I would buy a few good pieces. I used to have a Gucci watch and that is something I would like again only this time I would want to go for Patek Phillipe or Cartier.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 24, 2018 17:09:53 GMT
I really couldn't care less about the jewelry. If it suits a purpose for me, that's great. I don't hang around with people who would know designers, and I wouldn't pay for the designer name, when I can get the same thing for a whole lot less, at the jewelry exchange, and I can get exactly what I want, not what some designer thinks makes them look good. I have the little blue Tiffany's bag, because my mother gave me the earings she bought there. It's buried in the bottom of a drawer. I'm just not into designer things for the sake of them being designer. My mother used to buy my father Christian Dior ties, so he's introduce himself as someone with the initials CD, as they were on his tie I definitely take after him, lol My mother was all about the designer name and the price, as if that made her someone she wasn't without buying designer things. I hope you get to have something nice again, Jo. Just to satisfy your desire to have something Hubby is installing gutter covers on the gutters at the bottom edges of the roof. When we had the gutters installed, the installer said he didn't think we needed them. He said the wind blows through our yards so fast, like a wind tunnel, no debris sticks around for very long. Unfortunately, that's not the case, so hubby is covering the gutters, now. At least we know, after 2 years, that we need gutter covers. The installer based his advice on all the other houses, which have much deeper back yards than ours. I'm being vigilant, in case he falls off the ladder. My contribution to the project.
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Post by Bean on Jun 24, 2018 21:15:23 GMT
Oh yes, and it's good to call out a reminding 'Don't fall off!' every now and then too!
I've never had anything very pricey jewellery-wise. I don't think I have expensive tastes (in anything really), which is as well! I have a few bits that I really like or are special to me, but I don't mind if they're never important to anyone else but me - I find it hard to get too sentimental about objects. I can imagine it's disappointing to have something you really love and then have to sell it though.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 25, 2018 7:59:12 GMT
I love jewelry but even if I were rich, I don't think I would have pieces especially made for me. I would rather shop around and buy what was already available. CD times must have cost a fortune Piggles love and I must admit, I wish my mother had bought something for me from Tiffany's. I love jewellery, I always have. Even as a child my mother used to have to pick me up so I could see into jewellers' windows, I love all the colour and sparkle. Thanks for your kind wishes Piggles sweetie, but I don't think I will have anything expensive in this lifetime.
I am afraid I do have expensive tastes Bean lovey, I wish I didn't because I can't afford anything anymore. Having said that, I treasure things more that have a sentimental value, it is not as if I am materialistic at all costs. I have my priorities and intrinsic value isn't one of them. Something that has fond memories for me will always come first.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 25, 2018 19:21:54 GMT
As long as you realize that, Jo, it's okay. I don't think my mother ever even realized pointing out how much she paid for everything didn't impress people the way it might have, once. She grew up in a small, rural town, and I think she thought everyone else had all these fancy, expensive things, and she didn't. So she spend her adult life acquiring as many as possible, without being one of the wealthy. She did have decent taste, at least. She has one necklace and earings of sterling silver circles, hand pounded, that I thought was just gorgeous. She said I could have it, but my sister cleared out my mothers belongings after she died, and I wasn't going to make a big deal of it. I could buy my own, but I don't live that type of life, so I have no need to.
Slight correction, Jo. My mother didn't buy me something from Tiffany's. She bought herself something from Tiffany's. Diamond stud earings. When she moved to California, she decided they weren't big enough to impress anyone out there, so gave them to me, and bought some twice the size. That's the only reason I have diamond stud earings or a Tiffany's bag. Not a place I would shop on my own. I'm surprised she parted with the bag, as she would have considered it bragging rights to have that bag.
I really like to design the jewelry I wear, nothing major, just be able to pick the type, size and cut of stone, type of metal, setting, etc. Then at least, if I'm wearing it, it means something to me, and isn't one of 100K sold that Christmas to husbands trying to buy their wives something, but having no imagination. I have a couple of really interesting rings. The opal, which was a gift to my mother's cousin, and also my grandmother's engagement ring. I'm not even sure the stone is a diamond. Back at the turn of the 20th century, it would have been glass, if it's not a diamond. Still, the cut of the stone if really interesting, many small facets that really throw the light, and the setting is very nice, very feminine. As I said in an earlier post, I'd like to get the diamond replaced in my original engagement ring. It's nothing fancy, and the stone is more of a chip than a stone, but it's my original engagement ring, and I'd like to be able to wear it.
I'm too fat to wear my engagement or wedding band on my ring finger, but it might fit my pinky. I also swell so much in the summer, I don't wear any rings, so they only get worn half the year.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 26, 2018 7:57:08 GMT
Sorry Piggles sweetie, thanks for putting me right on that. I think it is awful that your sister cleared everything out before you had a chance to choose anything and I am pleased that this didn't worry you. In principle though, I think it is pretty low. Something similar happened to Paul's father when a relative died. Your ring sounds really pretty hunni.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 26, 2018 20:27:48 GMT
Jo, I live on the east coast of the US, nearer to Montreal and Nova Scotia than to Washington DC, as far as the traveling goes. My mother died in Seattle, Washington, the last state on the west coast of the US, before going into Canada. I can't travel, so couldn't have gotten out there, even if I wanted to. The things she said I could have weren't things I felt I had to have, just would have liked to have. My sister may have kept the jewelry, but I know she hired one of those clearing out companies to just take everything away. It's too bad, as my mother had a ladies rocker that was a beautiful antique, and was probably worth some money. My sister never cared about such things, so the clearing out people got a gold mine in that. She had a super expensive chair that did everything from lie flat to help her get out, which my sister bought her after her fall. I think my sister kept that, as she should. Otherwise, my mother was going to send me her Pirex 2 cup measuring cups, as silly as that sounds, because Pirex stopped making the type she and I have, which were perfect, and are now worth some money. I really don't need her Pirex 2 cup measuring cups, and have no good place to put them, but would have taken them if she'd sent them. When I say worth some money, I mean maybe $50 compared to the $10 we paid for them, so no big loss there. If one child takes care of the parent(s), and the other doesn't contribute anything to that care, as I didn't, I think the caregiver child has the right to dispose of the belongings any way she chooses. This wasn't my mother's estate. She divided up all that before they moved to California and 2000. This was just what she had left, some of which I might have used, but don't really need. You remember hubby's sister, the one who was caring from his mom, not only spending all of his mom's money, but then telling us she hadn't left a will, and even if she had, there wasn't any money left to make good on it. We don't live anywhere near that part of the family, but his other sister and daughter do, and they weren't allowed to attend Mom's funeral. Yes, family can get freaking low down, but that wasn't the case with my sister. I left it all to her, never said I was promised those things, as they didn't really matter that much, and am happy that she managed to get it all sorted with the least amount of work for her. I have a feeling our garden is going to take off over the heatwave days, especially if hubby keeps watering it. These are the great growing days of summer, even if they totally wilt me We have zucchini coming in already. I've seen a lot of TV chefs thin-slicing them the long way, just putting some olive oil, salt and pepper on them, and grilling them on the grill, so I can't wait to try that. We also have a lot of bell peppers coming in, and the big tomato plant in the back yard has cherry tomatoes starting to ripen fairly quickly. I have some great summer salads planned We also planted a purple bean, which I've never tried, so am really looking forward to all of those flowers turning into beans
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Post by Bean on Jun 27, 2018 7:46:47 GMT
I have a recipe for a lovely but simple courgette salad - I'll see if I can dig it out. You just peel it into ribbons, pour over boiling water to wilt it a little and then add a basic dressing and a couple of other bits and pieces. It's a great bbq side dish.
It's good to see an attitude like yours over inheritance, 3piggles - too many people feel they are owed things from relatives, or fall out over who gets what. To know you aren't entitled to anything someone else has worked for, and know it's not worth arguing with anyone who has other priorities (whether practical or selfish) is the way it should be. Of course it's upsetting when someone takes advantage of someone old and vulnerable, but I really hate the idea that people think of someone that is someone else's as their own.
I've met people who are relying on inheritances from their parents to buy a house, and they're talking about this when their parents are only in their 60s and fit and well?! I hope they spend it all before they pop off!
Mind you, my sister and I have a long running joke over who will get our mum's colander - it's a battered old thing but is an iconic kitchen object from growing up. If mum asks either of us a favour (not that it happens much, it's usually the other way round!) we'll say 'Sure, as long as you promise me the colander!'.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 27, 2018 8:25:46 GMT
Families Piggles sweetie, who would have them? The rocker sounds gorgeous, I have always wanted a rocking chair although I realise this one was a lot more than that. I am glad the zucchini is doing well.
I agree Bean hunni, inheritance causes a lot of trouble in families with everyone grabbing at what they think of as theirs. It is nice to hear of someone who isn't avaricious. I can believe that people are saying that Bean love, it is disgraceful and I agree with you, I hope they enjoy their money before they go. Love the colander thing Bean hunni, jokes like that are so refreshing.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jun 27, 2018 20:57:18 GMT
Material things used to be important to me. When we financially bottomed out the last time, I just let it all go. I can't miss what I don't have. Rather than material things, I'd like comfort and stability. I can do that in a yurt on the Mongolian steps, as long as it has a comfy place to take a hot bath Material things are things we hold onto as if they make us who we are, when they don't. I would love to get rid of a whole lot of the material possessions I have, really streamline my life, and not have to worry about them. Most of what I have was really important to my mother, who is no longer with us, and not really all that important to me. I'd rather have what I want, but could never justify as long as I already had one that worked. We still have an awful lot of stuff, so much that we can't find what we want. It's in a box somewhere, but hubby can't find it. I think, for many generations, material goods were all most people had to pass on to their children. The wealthy held it over everyone's head. Do as I want, or I'll disinherit you. My mother pulled that more than once, and I told her to go ahead. She wasn't that wealthy, anyway. For others, material items were a legacy, like mom's colander, that would always remind you of her, and in happy ways. Material goods were also dowries for both men and women, to help them start their lives as adults, or to make their adult lives better. Getting dad's fabulous wood plane or chisels, or getting mom's cake pan that always made such great cakes. Children can carry on family traditions with those material items, so they were important for a long time. Now, family dynamics have changed greatly. We had no family traditions to pass down, and while hubby's family did, they were simple ones that didn't require passing down a specific item. Few people have the fancy silver or china tea or coffee sets, and such things that siblings fought over for the monetary value of them. I supposed there are still siblings who will demand something simply because they know it's important to another sibling. I think that's called a sociopath, lol So except for possibly leaving our daughter the vehicles we have when we die, and the house, if we haven't sold it, we really don't have much to pass on. Oh, daughter really wants my pots and pans, lol She can have them
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Post by Bean on Jun 28, 2018 7:40:33 GMT
I really like family traditions and think some objects do take on significance, regardless of value. But I just like it better when it's personal, and what people choose to do - not just what people used to do or what should be done. And not to do with money!
And it's also good to be able to appreciate that because someone was important to one person, it doesn't mean it will be important to another. And that them not liking it doesn't mean that person wasn't important to them, they just don't love the object and that's okay!
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jun 28, 2018 8:26:17 GMT
I love material things Piggles hunni, I would be lying if I said I didn't and when you are on the bones of your arse so to speak, they seem more important than ever. I have learned to appreciate sentimental value over the years and I have a couple of things I really love which go back to my childhood.
My mother had a few things that I didn't like Bean sweetie but most of them were gone long before she died. I remember as a child all the furniture being very dark especially in the bedroom and I think it made it so gloomy. They had very dark oak wardrobes and bedside tables and I longed for them to put some color in there and get lighter furniture.
Hugs JO xx
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