(NEW) SMART SPENDING CHAT THREAD

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Welcome to the new and improved Smart Spending Chat Thread!

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

An online friend of mine is expecting (twins, in fact), so I just had some fun on Amazon.com with her Baby Gift Registry. In the end, I opted for a car seat and some baby CDs and a few rattle-type things. She doesn't know the genders of the babies ... they wanted to be surprised! What fun! Her due date is December 13, but I suspect that they could arrive any time now. (She has other children, these aren't her first!) She's planning on breastfeeding and cloth diapering and has lots of baby experience, which is a good thing.

My laundry is in the dryer ~ except for one item which is drying in the guest room. I also filled some bird feeders out front, too.

I last heard from my wonderful DH Sunday night (my time) which is Monday morning (his time) ... his plan for the day was paperwork, packing, and waiting. SQUEEEEE!

[Sharon]

I see we now have a new home, a shorter home. ;D

This weekend I helped Mom move my Grandpa's stuff from his 1 bedroom apt to a studio in the assisted living part of the complex. When Grandpa moved into the retirement home everyone was under the impression that we did all the moving and that he just told us what he wanted. Side note, he was still driving when we moved him into the retirement home. When we started going through his apartment it was very apparent that he had been going back to the house and moving additional items. The amount of tools that we found was amazing. Several tool boxes full. We also found a drill press. Everyone needs a drill press in the retirement home, don't they. We knew he had a drill because Mom caught him trying to drill a hole in the window frame. He wanted to put some hooks in there to loop up the cords off the floor.

We also filled an entire pickup truck full of stuff to take to the . Empty peanut butter jars, empty spreadable cheese jars, empty mayo jars. They were all washed out and in cupboards here and there. There were also several empty kleenix boxes that he had cut the top off and then put various stuff in them. In one of the closets there were 2 huge sacks full of empty plastic sacks. Grandpa always was one to save things in case you need it. It really makes me want to come home and clean out my house.

[TheOtherMe]

Amazing what your grandpa kept in his assisted living apartment.

Great to hear that Molly's DH is doing paperwork to come home!!!

Watching Hoarders out of the corner of my eye as it's the episode about the cat hoarder where the cats were brought to the local Humane Society. It was much worse than the original story in our paper. Only 18 cats could be saved and all will have health issues for the rest of their lives. I'm glad I adopted Lucy instead. There was a follow up article in yesterday's paper and after being in foster care, some of the cats have been adopted.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

My wonderful DH called tonight. He is out of Afghanistan and in Qatar. Will be there a few days. Hopes to be back in US by Friday, subject to change. (Don't say anything on Facebook if you're on my friends list).... but .... SQUEEEE! Had to tell SOMEONE! (I can announce on Facebook once he lands in the US)

;D ;D ;D

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Dec 3, 2012 22:09:13 GMT -5 Sharon said:

I see we now have a new home, a shorter home. ;D

This weekend I helped Mom move my Grandpa's stuff from his 1 bedroom apt to a studio in the assisted living part of the complex. When Grandpa moved into the retirement home everyone was under the impression that we did all the moving and that he just told us what he wanted. Side note, he was still driving when we moved him into the retirement home. When we started going through his apartment it was very apparent that he had been going back to the house and moving additional items. The amount of tools that we found was amazing. Several tool boxes full. We also found a drill press. Everyone needs a drill press in the retirement home, don't they. We knew he had a drill because Mom caught him trying to drill a hole in the window frame. He wanted to put some hooks in there to loop up the cords off the floor.

We also filled an entire pickup truck full of stuff to take to the . Empty peanut butter jars, empty spreadable cheese jars, empty mayo jars. They were all washed out and in cupboards here and there. There were also several empty kleenix boxes that he had cut the top off and then put various stuff in them. In one of the closets there were 2 huge sacks full of empty plastic sacks. Grandpa always was one to save things in case you need it. It really makes me want to come home and clean out my house.

I had dinner tonight with a girlfriend whose mother in law was just moved into assisted living and she's a wee bit of a packrat, too. She's been saving empty coffee cans and baggies for years! I wonder if it's just an age thing?

So .... we shouldn't drill holes in our windows?

[marvholly]

My fav CVS did get me an 8 pack of the 2L Cranberry Sierra Mist BUT it was NOT diet. Shift supervisor said he would trade in when Pepsi is next delivered & give me the sale price as will mgr.

Molly
I meant to start the new thread in Jan. Oh well. Have had a productive morning here. Knives sharpened. Sinks flushed. Linens changed.

GREAT news that your DH is on his way. He 'might' even make it home b/4 the 10th.

Sharon
My Dad has been just the opposite. Once he moved into the senior building (June 2005) NOTHING was added either from his condo or bought new. In fact, he never even touched a dish/pot after his move since he gets 3 meals/day. He did use the micro a few times for popcorn but not in years.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

I thought about starting it in January (the new thread), but then decided to do it before I forgot! ;D

We're foggy here today.

My wonderful DH sent me an email this morning (evening for him) that reads "Pizza. Pepsi. Off to the Movies." (With a big happy face) ... sounds like all is well. ;D

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 3, 2012 23:39:47 GMT -5 ❤ mollymouser ❤ said:

My wonderful DH called tonight. He is out of Afghanistan and in Qatar. Will be there a few days. Hopes to be back in US by Friday, subject to change. (Don't say anything on Facebook if you're on my friends list).... but .... SQUEEEE! Had to tell SOMEONE! (I can announce on Facebook once he lands in the US)

;D ;D ;D

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I am so happy for you and your DH, Molly.

My refi closing is scheduled for next week.

Going to meet with the client this afternoon where the son and grandson have been gambling away her social security. I received a check on Saturday for $6. That won't pay much. Son told supervisor that he has all the bills and they are all past due. How could you do that to your mother.

I'm cold this morning and my throat hurts. It's 52 degrees. It isn't cold outside. I hope I'm not getting sick.

[mrsdutt]

Dec 3, 2012 23:39:47 GMT -5 ❤ mollymouser ❤ said:

My wonderful DH called tonight. He is out of Afghanistan and in Qatar. Will be there a few days. Hopes to be back in US by Friday, subject to change. (Don't say anything on Facebook if you're on my friends list).... but .... SQUEEEE! Had to tell SOMEONE! (I can announce on Facebook once he lands in the US)

;D ;D ;D

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Holy yeah, Batgirl!!!!! I won't say anything. That's before the 10th, too. You got a purdy nice Christmas gift this year, I'd say. I'm so excited for you. I know how tough it's been on you this time. Yeah yeah yeah!!!!

[TheOtherMe]

Agency and I went to meet with new client. Past due bills like you wouldn't believe. Bank is who turned the son in as he was cashing checks at local bars. The house had a huge fully stocked bar in the room where he had us enter. All kinds of room in this house and in much better shape than they appeared from the outside. However, there was a very old, dilapidated trailer and a run down shack that had a door and curtains and the last name by the door on it also. Social Security thinks this poor old lady has been living in the shack.

DHS is involved and she is now receiving home health care and meals prepared for her. Son said he and grandson don't live there, that mom lives alone. Son insisted she needs $100 per week for food. I told the supervisor I don't spend $100 per month on food and I live alone. This elderly lady is not eating that much food every week. She also needs $40-$50 per week for paper products according to the son. That isn't happening either. No property taxes are being paid on the property.

I picked up the DirecTV bill, which is overdue by several months. I looked at it and said 4 televisions and all the movie channels. She only needs 1 television and no movie channels because she can't afford it. Son took the bill and said he will pay that bill and doesn't want reimbursed. So he doesn't live there? Why is he so concerned about all of her movie channels on so many televisions if he doesn't live there. He said he lived in town.

This should get interesting. Going to meet with Agency next week to call all these places to get the bills sent to me and the money coming to me.

This just makes me sick. How can a son treat his mother like this?

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Theo, it sounds like an Elder Abuse (financial) crime that should be reported to law enforcement!!!!

Counting down .... no new contact from my wonderful DH .... so no idea when to expect him.... hoping this weekend!

[marvholly]

Theotherme
I felt cold all day Tue too. Must have been in anticipation of our MUCH colder weather today

Molly
I would have reminded you the end of the month about the new chat.

[motherto2]

Gosh, if I were a little more insecure than I already am, I would have thought you all packed up and moved away while I was gone! It's only been two days, and I come back to say hey and get the hummus recipe, and you all moved. Just kidding. But I am going to go looking for the old thread to get the recipe. I think I have everything after going to the store today, but need the measurements.

Theo, that is so sad that a son and grandson would do that to the little old lady. No respect anymore. I hope he gets what he deserves. Be careful. I am so thankful to know that there are wonderful people like you tha help elderly people. Bonus is that you do a lot of work on their behalf for free. A special place in heaven is waiting for you.

Molly - wooohooo! And ahead of schedule too! Since you were guestimating on the 10th, I figured it probably wouldn't start until then. Good luck and make sure you have all his faves (like I need to tell you that )

I'm getting ready to take the pup out for a walk and then color my hair and head to town (That's what us country folk call the nearest civilization ;D). My main purpose is to have a crown fixed that has come loose. The appt is at 12:20, so decided not to go to work since it's in the opposite direction. I'm going to get my flu shot and some groceries at Aldi. Can you believe I live about 1 mile from our county courthouse, and the closest thing we have to fast food in the10+ miles in either direction is a Subway? I'm basically across the street from the only high school and middle school, so I've always felt sorry for visiting teams because they had to go all the way to town on their way back home to get food.

Will check in later.

[marvholly]

Mother
Check your Aldi for clearance items. I just started a post here on "Clearance Finds" that I suspect many of us will be interested in watching.

Molly
That thread might be a candidate to sticky. We'll need to watch how popular it becomes.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

I don't expect to get anything done for the next few days as I wait for word about when to expect him.
SQUEEEE!
He did send another email ... he was off to see another movie (grin)

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 4, 2012 22:34:42 GMT -5 ❤ mollymouser ❤ said:

Theo, it sounds like an Elder Abuse (financial) crime that should be reported to law enforcement!!!!

It's been reported and is already under investigation. I just hope that the woman gets to remain in her home.

[TheOtherMe]

Dec 5, 2012 8:00:28 GMT -5 motherto2 said:

Theo, that is so sad that a son and grandson would do that to the little old lady. No respect anymore. I hope he gets what he deserves. Be careful. I am so thankful to know that there are wonderful people like you tha help elderly people. Bonus is that you do a lot of work on their behalf for free. A special place in heaven is waiting for you.

Thank you.

I agree that it's a terrible thing this son and grandson have done to this woman. I will not be going there alone. The agency made it clear that all phone calls were to be made to them and my last name was not given to the son. The agency left their card. The woman can't hear, but I won't call the son from home in case he has caller ID. I will only call from the agency--the same way I do with my schizophrenic lady. I know her low income phone doesn't have caller ID, but she also got some kind of cell phone. I told her I didn't want that phone number because she could probably tell who was caller her. I do call her from home on the Sunday before we are to meet on Monday in hopes of her showing up.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

His last email was from the air terminal, waiting (several hours, he said) for the first of many military flights heading homeward. He hopes to be in the U.S. (east coast) Thursday night (spending the night), before flying home sometime Friday ... depending on weather, delays, flight availability, etc. WOOOT! WOOOOT!

[Happy prose]

So happy for you Molly! What a nice holiday you'll have.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

As of 2:30am my time, he was in Italy for a fuel stop.

As of 8:30am my time, he was in Germany.

Woot! Woot! Woot!

[TheOtherMe]

Hope he gets to you tomorrow, Molly!!!!

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

He has landed in Baltimore and is in a hotel.
He flies out of there at 6am, heading for California.
He'll be home tomorrow afternoon.
Woot! Woot!

[TheOtherMe]

That's wonderful news. I don't want to see you on the internet when he first gets home. You deserve some time together. That's an order!

[BeenThere...DoneThat...]

Dec 6, 2012 21:06:43 GMT -5 ❤ mollymouser ❤ said:

He has landed in Baltimore and is in a hotel.
He flies out of there at 6am, heading for California.
He'll be home tomorrow afternoon.
Woot! Woot!

[marvholly]

Dec 6, 2012 23:55:25 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

That's wonderful news. I don't want to see you on the internet when he first gets home. You deserve some time together. That's an order!

Definatly!!! Don't want to see ANYTHING but a 'he is here' post before at least Monday. We are all pretty nice, kind & good here BUT you might want to contact the other admins for P & M.

[marvholly]

Dingbatit!!!
Yesterday I somehow removed all my desktop icons. Took me 1 3/4 HOURS to fix it.

Today I, again, somehow, switched my monitor to portrait. Having made notes when I did it last time that ‘fix’ only took me a few seconds. This only happens when I use keyboard shortcuts & hit the wrong keys BUT I don’t know which ones I hit so I could just hit again to go back.

[Sharon]

Molly I'm glad to hear that your husband is home. Enjoy your time with him.

DD will be coming home today for winter break between terms at school. It will be nice to have her at home again for a while. Tomorrow we are going to go and get our tree and get it put up.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Heh heh heh ..... You ladies don't understand. For the first three days that my wonderful DH is home, he pretty much just sleeps. In the bedroom. On the couch. Out on the Catio with the cats. Back on the couch. After 8 deployments to Iraq and 1 deployment to Afghanistan, he's pretty much got a set pattern. By day #4 (which will be Monday or so), he will actually emerge from his coccoon like a butterfly, ready to venture out into the sunshine, lol. So, yes, you probably WILL see me online later today and tomorrow and Sunday ... because playing online is QUIET (which I can do while he is sleeping on the couch), unlike watching TV, listening to music, doing around-the-house-stuff, LOL!

The fridge is stocked with all sorts of things and I've got some tempting fresh fruits and veggies for him, too: bananas, grapes, apples, tangerines, peppers, avocadoes, broccoli, squash. And Diet Cokes with fresh lemons off our tree. (He's currently on a healthy eating kick and said no sweets ... but I'm still planning to hit the local lab rescue bake sale on Sunday and buy stuff, at least for other people!)

The sheets are in the wash, and I should get them in the dryer (at least) before he gets home.

My chore girl, Amanda, is coming at 5:15pm tonight to scoop litterboxes (so he doesn't have to!)

The gardeners are out there right now, mowing and edging and raking leaves. My plan is to fill bird feeders before he gets home.

One of our friends (who works out by the airport) is actually picking up my wonderful DH from the airport, so that's nice ... I can just stay home and get things ready.

I ordered this nifty "gelpro" soft/squooshy rug for the kitchen and it came yesterday and I really like it. We've got cold, hard tile in there, and this rug is nice to stand on. I ordered a second one last night from Amazon ... that's how much I liked it. Rug #2 will be here on Monday. Between the 2, that should nicely cover the area of floor by the countertop where we do kitchen stuff, and the kitchen sink area. Yay!