Search found 195 matches

by Limoncello402
Tue May 09, 2023 5:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sealing a New Cedar Fence--or Not?
Replies: 9
Views: 2492

Re: Sealing a New Cedar Fence--or Not?

Many thanks for these responses. I am convinced by them, as well as my observation of others' fences, that just leaving the fence to age naturally is the way to go. Very helpful!
by Limoncello402
Mon May 08, 2023 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sealing a New Cedar Fence--or Not?
Replies: 9
Views: 2492

Sealing a New Cedar Fence--or Not?

Single home owner here who paid nearly $14,000. for a new cedar fence last November. This is Minnesota, land of brutal weather btw. The question is whether to just let it weather naturally (I don't mind the graying so color is not an issue) or stain/seal it. I will not/cannot stain/seal it myself, and the quotes coming in to have it power washed and then one coat of oil based stain/sealer are averaging $3000. I'm considering doing nothing, not because of the cost (although I'd rather avoid it) but because my experience is that once you start the stain/seal cycle you are tied to it, in a very bad way, every couple years--again, brutal weather cycles here. No way do I want to keep that up with all the cost involved. I'd rather spring for a ne...
by Limoncello402
Sun Mar 12, 2023 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calm small dog breed for family
Replies: 142
Views: 13856

Re: Calm small dog breed for family

Your best bet is to go with an adult dog, a mutt, through a reputable rescue agency. They will be able to accurately assess that dog's personality. Buying a puppy is a gamble.
by Limoncello402
Fri Dec 16, 2022 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable Pour Over?
Replies: 44
Views: 3685

Re: Portable Pour Over?

I travel with a mini kettle (they even make foldable ones now) and a Clever Coffee Maker.
by Limoncello402
Wed Nov 09, 2022 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086108

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Ticket to Paradise, Clooney and Roberts, in theaters now. Really terrible. Some nice scenes of Bali but that's it. No plot to speak of. Parents doing a drinking game with their kid in one particularly awful scene.
by Limoncello402
Fri Nov 04, 2022 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should we move?
Replies: 37
Views: 4031

Re: Should we move?

1. There is no perfect house, community, or living situation. There are always compromises and tradeoffs. You take yourself wherever you go.
2. Talk to your wife.
3. Approach the situation with as little emotion as possible. Make a reasonable list of pros/cons.
4.There is no harm in looking. Decide what you want and where, get a realtor, and start the process. Once you start looking seriously at new properties, your priorities will be fine-tuned. Good luck!
by Limoncello402
Sat Oct 01, 2022 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Replies: 481
Views: 44412

Re: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

I'm new to Medicare as of this year, and I did a ton of research--too much in fact. I looked at Advantage plans carefully side by side with Original Medicare. Given what I learned I would never chose an Advantage plan. There were far too may loopholes and restrictions. I'd far rather pay higher prices for the best care/best options possible. Health can change on a dime.
by Limoncello402
Wed Aug 17, 2022 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Retired couple] Thinking about moving to Madison, WI or Minneapolis, MN
Replies: 93
Views: 11051

Re: [Retired couple] Thinking about moving to Madison, WI or Minneapolis, MN

I lived in Madison for 8 years and have now been in the Twin Cities (St. Paul) for over 30 years. Obviously Madison has changed since I was there, but I remember that it was heaven for a graduate student but I thought not great for a working adult due to the major influence of the university and all those students dominating everything. The Twin Cities offer a ton of amenities. I'm a huge biker and kayaker. The trails are superb here and all increasingly interconnected. The lakes speak for themselves--they are everywhere. In addition, "up north" to cabin country and the Boundary Waters is incredible; a canoe trip there will change your life. You can also easily access the Wisconsin cabin country around Hayward. Moreover, the Citie...
by Limoncello402
Wed Aug 17, 2022 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Albuquerque balloon fest; late to the party. Suggestions?
Replies: 7
Views: 1012

Re: Albuquerque balloon fest; late to the party. Suggestions?

We were there two years ago. My advice: be there by 4 a.m., and dress warmly! Hat, gloves, coat. It was super chilly! We drove up from Santa Fe.
by Limoncello402
Thu Jul 21, 2022 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying used iphones - where
Replies: 23
Views: 2368

Re: Buying used iphones - where

I've used Swappa twice with excellent results.
by Limoncello402
Thu Jul 07, 2022 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Multiple SPAM Texts Per Day
Replies: 8
Views: 927

Multiple SPAM Texts Per Day

I am getting multiple spam texts per day from many different numbers. They all have virtually the same message with a different name attached: "Hi, this is Veronica. I have been attempting to reach you about selling your home. Etc."
As soon as I get one I block the phone number. But they keep coming from all different numbers. Is there anything more I can do? It is beyond annoying.
by Limoncello402
Sun Jun 12, 2022 3:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Train or plane: Toronto to Montreal
Replies: 4
Views: 549

Re: Train or plane: Toronto to Montreal

I'd vote for the train or bus. The Orleans bus has more convenient times and is cheaper.
by Limoncello402
Thu May 26, 2022 4:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finding reasonably priced groceries
Replies: 190
Views: 17800

Re: Finding reasonably priced groceries

I shop Aldi for meat, fish, veggies, and eggs. In addition, heavy cream, butter, olive oil, condiments like hot sauce and spices. I eat very low carb, not quite keto but close. I stock up on the huge family pack of chicken breasts at Aldi and they last quite awhile for me (I am single). This week they were $2.49/lb. I think that's pretty good for a major metro area (Twin Cities MN). We have a couple beautiful new Aldis close to me.
by Limoncello402
Tue Apr 26, 2022 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good brand of crock pot?
Replies: 24
Views: 2734

Re: Good brand of crock pot?

You might consider a multi use pot like the Instant Pot. I have one that is a crock pot, among other things. I use it all the time.
by Limoncello402
Sat Apr 23, 2022 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First Trip to Rome / Mediterranean. Need Help.
Replies: 96
Views: 7490

Re: First Trip to Rome / Mediterranean. Need Help.

I love the Due Torri in Rome.
by Limoncello402
Fri Apr 22, 2022 4:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sealing a cedar deck
Replies: 23
Views: 2132

Re: Sealing a cedar deck

I have a small upstairs cedar deck here in MN. Snow sits on it and repeatedly melts over 6 months out of the year. The hot sun beats down on it the rest of the year. I've tried various stains. Nothing lasts more than one season. Each year on a dry day in early summer I sand the entire thing with a hand sander and restain. That gives me a nice deck for summer. Rinse and repeat. It is actually not too bad of a job because, again, it is pretty small.
by Limoncello402
Sun Mar 13, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?
Replies: 203
Views: 31261

Re: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?

Just did it. I paid for expedited. Took exactly one month from submitting the application to receiving it.
by Limoncello402
Wed Feb 09, 2022 3:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Re-siding my home] with James Hardie Board
Replies: 21
Views: 3363

Re: [Re-siding my home] with James Hardie Board

I had Hardie board put on my 100 year old home two years ago. It is a fantastic product and the company was wonderful. Because it was so expensive, I poured over the contract and asked many questions prior to installation. The contract specified that there might be rot and/or other issues under the original siding that would not be known until demolition. That concerned me but I budgeted accordingly and hoped for the best. As luck would have it, a big area of rot was found that needed to be replaced. So my final cost was about $8,000 over the original estimate. But it couldn't be helped and had to be done. All in all, I am 100% glad I did this project. The house looks fantastic. I think for any such project you need to up your budget for po...
by Limoncello402
Thu Jan 20, 2022 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which do you think is better and why Medicare Advantage or Medigap?
Replies: 206
Views: 21106

Re: Which do you think is better and why Medicare Advantage or Medigap?

I did extensive "homework" in reading about Medigap vs. Advantage programs. Lots of study until I understood the situation fully. For me, it was Medigap hands down. My state does not have "G" (outlier state!) but I bought into the equivalent. This plan is of course more expensive but brings priceless peace of mind.
by Limoncello402
Sat Jan 15, 2022 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Positive, uplifting Youtube channels?
Replies: 53
Views: 4667

Re: Positive, uplifting Youtube channels?

I like to watch 50s-70s music videos. As someone mentioned above, Bobby Hatfield singing Unchained Melody--about as great as you can get. Good old rock and roll from the early days is happy stuff.
Also, I like some animal/farm/ranch videos. Friesian Horses is very nice.
Anything with scenery, such as great train travels throughout the world.
by Limoncello402
Sat Jan 15, 2022 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How Best to Secure Persian Rugs?
Replies: 7
Views: 1030

Re: How Best to Secure Persian Rugs?

I would invest in a better quality rug pad. I've had mine for at least 15 years and they haven't disintegrated a bit. My house has oriental rugs in every room, some large and some small, each with a pad. I don't recall where I got them, but try a rug store.
by Limoncello402
Sun Jan 09, 2022 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Positive, uplifting Youtube channels?
Replies: 53
Views: 4667

Re: Positive, uplifting Youtube channels?

Clogging, buck dancing, and flat footing videos. Guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs2j8f7H2WY
by Limoncello402
Sun Jan 09, 2022 4:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gauging Risk to Personal Safety While Traveling [Chicago]
Replies: 105
Views: 12363

Re: Gauging Risk to Personal Safety While Traveling [Chicago]

I used to fly into Chicago semi frequently, into Midway, and take the L downtown from Midway to my hotel. I haven't done this in some years and wonder what those who know the city think about safety these days. This would be during the day and likely a weekday. Single woman in her 50s.
by Limoncello402
Sat Jan 08, 2022 5:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Appealing IRMAA Determination
Replies: 30
Views: 4709

Re: Appealing IRMAA Determination

I retired in January 2021 and turned 65 in October 2021. I filed an IRMAA appeal based on retirement in September 2021 and sent in two pieces of proof: a letter from my ex-HR department confirming my retirement date and my two last paystubs, showing a big drop in pay. I received a letter from the local SS office one month after filing confirming that my appeal was approved. The letter stated I had to show them my Federal Income tax statement for 2021 once I had it in hand. So I didn't pay any IRMAA for 2021. Then in late November I had to do this all again for 2022 (since they look back at 2020). I still haven't heard back from them but assume the appeal will go through since the first one did. Meanwhile, I had to pay the IRMAA increase for...
by Limoncello402
Tue Jan 04, 2022 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic
Replies: 572
Views: 76520

Re: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic

The stock at SuperTarget is way down this week, and has been spotty for months. I used to be able to get "everything" there. Found out they no longer stock matches or Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder (a staple in my house). Almost no Fancy Feast cat food on the shelves.
by Limoncello402
Mon Jan 03, 2022 3:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So Now I'm Dead: Putting Together a House Emergency Book
Replies: 22
Views: 6075

Re: So Now I'm Dead: Putting Together a House Emergency Book

Follow up question. I have now made a notebook and computer file with my house book. Where do I store the hard copy? I assume a fireproof box of some type is in order. Thoughts on this? And yes, I do want a hard copy and I'm not ready yet to give it to my executor.
by Limoncello402
Thu Dec 30, 2021 4:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So Now I'm Dead: Putting Together a House Emergency Book
Replies: 22
Views: 6075

Re: So Now I'm Dead: Putting Together a House Emergency Book

Thanks Rudy. I missed that previous thread on this topic. It is very helpful!
by Limoncello402
Wed Dec 29, 2021 5:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So Now I'm Dead: Putting Together a House Emergency Book
Replies: 22
Views: 6075

So Now I'm Dead: Putting Together a House Emergency Book

You can actually buy a book called "So Now I'm Dead"; hence, my title. But my plan right now is to create my own. I'm single and gathering all my financial, house, medical, insurance, etc. information into a "House Emergency Book" type binder. For those who have done this, what ideas for content, organization, media, etc can you share?
by Limoncello402
Mon Dec 20, 2021 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Current Travel to Europe Questions
Replies: 18
Views: 1699

Current Travel to Europe Questions

I'm hoping to travel to Austria, Germany, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic for two weeks this coming March or April. Airfare is so low, for one thing. My question concerns Covid restrictions in these countries. I realize the situation is always changing and I need to stay up to date. Are there websites that summarize restrictions or warnings in each country? Also, besides a refundable ticket, what other precautions do I need to take in such travel? Also, when they say fully vaccinated for airlines, etc (I am) does this include the booster? Thanks!
If anyone has been to those countries recently, it would help to hear from you.
by Limoncello402
Sun Dec 19, 2021 3:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: healthy food--one day's menu?
Replies: 101
Views: 9524

Re: healthy food--one day's menu?

Following Bright Line Eating. Three meals with 4 oz protein (fish, meat, eggs) per meal, and 10 oz cooked veggies and/or salad and/or fruit. 2 TBs fat/day and small amount of grain at breakfast (1 oz oatmeal).
Super healthy (30 oz produce per day!) and very filling. I recommend the book Bright Line Eating and there are videos as well.
by Limoncello402
Thu Dec 16, 2021 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has Anyone Found Christmas Tree Lights that Last More than a Couple Seasons?
Replies: 53
Views: 5795

Re: Has Anyone Found Christmas Tree Lights that Last More than a Couple Seasons?

OP here. Mine had absolutely no abuse whatsoever, and worked as mentioned for only one season. So stating that lights work forever if no abuse, as some have in this thread, is simply not true. I have now ordered better quality LED lights and will go from there.
by Limoncello402
Thu Dec 16, 2021 5:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?
Replies: 168
Views: 16137

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

I use Ting. It is about $18.00/month.
by Limoncello402
Mon Dec 13, 2021 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?
Replies: 98
Views: 8580

Re: New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?

OP here. I don't think anyone's mentioned Edgar A. Poe but his superb command of language and well designed dark plots are excellent reads.
by Limoncello402
Sun Dec 12, 2021 5:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Products that last forever
Replies: 288
Views: 29979

Re: Products that last forever

Original Farberware pots and pans. Have had mine 40 years and will never need to buy another set.
Real-deal Irish and Scandinavian handmade wool sweaters. I still have some from my early travels, also about 40 years ago. They still look and wear perfectly.
Good quality Hinckel flatware. Also no need, ever, to repurchase a set. These last forever.
Restaurant-ware classic white dish set. Heavy duty, dishwasher safe, always classic look.
Amish made furniture: dining room set, bedroom set. You get what you pay for: invest in timeless quality. Classic design. This is not Ikea!
by Limoncello402
Sat Dec 11, 2021 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has Anyone Found Christmas Tree Lights that Last More than a Couple Seasons?
Replies: 53
Views: 5795

Has Anyone Found Christmas Tree Lights that Last More than a Couple Seasons?

So sick of replacing cheap lights. I'm finding I get only about 2 seasons out of them. I had the tree all decorated and then a good length of the lights went dark. Changed bulbs and fuses and fiddled with it for more than an hour but no go. And these are lights labeled "if one goes out the others stay lit."
But I don't see much that's better quality online. Has anyone found some?
by Limoncello402
Thu Dec 09, 2021 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?
Replies: 98
Views: 8580

Re: New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?

What do people think of Anne Tyler? There are a couple of hers in the Little Free Library on my street right now.
by Limoncello402
Wed Dec 08, 2021 3:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My Eyeglasses Stretch Out So Much: What To Do?
Replies: 19
Views: 2825

Re: My Eyeglasses Stretch Out So Much: What To Do?

Thanks everyone. I never heard of temple springs or knew about getting nose pads, so I have some solutions. And to the person who asked: yes, I do tend to take off my glasses with one hand, so I'll try to correct this habit. Truth is, as mentioned in my OP, I have typically bought cheap frames and will consider upgrading. I find eyeglasses so expensive that it is often offputting and I make cheaper frame choices.
by Limoncello402
Tue Dec 07, 2021 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My Eyeglasses Stretch Out So Much: What To Do?
Replies: 19
Views: 2825

My Eyeglasses Stretch Out So Much: What To Do?

I'm careful with them, don't carry them by their handles, etc, but they quickly stretch out and start slipping down my nose. They are only for reading so they come off and go on multiple times per day. The only solution I know is to haul myself to optical store every so often to have them heat and reshape them, but this doesn't last long and it is a pain to get there. Is it a matter of getting better frames? Mine are plastic, not metal, and not terribly expensive. Or is there another solution?
by Limoncello402
Mon Dec 06, 2021 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?
Replies: 98
Views: 8580

Re: New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?

THANK YOU! I have a long list of authors now. Raymond Chandler and Louise Penny for starts. Very grateful for all the suggestions.
I borrow books via Libby from my library, mostly, or from the many Little Free Libraries we have in the area.
by Limoncello402
Mon Dec 06, 2021 3:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?
Replies: 98
Views: 8580

New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?

My favorite bedtime reading are mysteries. This is a fairly new delight in my life. I almost cried when I finished all the P.D.James' mysteries and realized she was gone and there would be no more. Love Jane Harper and Tana French and have read all of theirs. So I'm looking for other authors in this realistic/kind of dark genre style. Any suggestions?
by Limoncello402
Mon Dec 06, 2021 3:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Single Serving Pod Brewers (coffee, tea, etc.)?
Replies: 26
Views: 2796

Re: Single Serving Pod Brewers (coffee, tea, etc.)?

Best simple coffee brewer is the Clever Coffee dripper. Sold on amazon. It is a pour over but you can adjust the strength. I travel with the small sized one and a small travel water heater, and I use the larger one at home.
If I am using a Keurig, I use Dunkin Donuts Dark Roast.
by Limoncello402
Fri Oct 08, 2021 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snowbird medicare health insurance
Replies: 33
Views: 4875

Re: Snowbird medicare health insurance

I just started Medicare and did extensive "homework" on the Supplement vs. Advantage plans. Hands down, I decided the Supplement was a much better deal, although monthly cost is higher. We are an outlier state without Plan G (MN) but I opted for our state's equivalent. Again, not cheap but I feel I have the best coverage as I age, anywhere I go. Moreover I've avoided the absolute annoyance of changes in Advantage plans each year.
by Limoncello402
Sun Sep 12, 2021 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Determining Ethnicity/Nationality of a Surname (Genealogical Search)
Replies: 25
Views: 2360

Re: Determining Ethnicity/Nationality of a Surname (Genealogical Search)

Why not post the surname here to get some ideas on its ethnicity?
As another person stated, if it were me I'd do an ancestry search pre-U.S. immigration just on the surname to see where the majority of those holding it lived. But also realize borders have changed, and surnames in the U.S. have sometimes changed. I have difficulty researching my family tree in the U.S. because about half of them modified the name to Anglicize it.
by Limoncello402
Mon Sep 06, 2021 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?
Replies: 313
Views: 43249

Re: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?

Getting cozy in bed, preferably early, with a good mystery.
Dark roast coffee in the pre-dawn, watching the sun rise.
Sitting in the sun.
Riding my bike.
Going to Pilates class.
Gardening.
Being retired--tops everything because I can do all of the above in one day.
by Limoncello402
Wed Aug 18, 2021 6:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Keurig coffee pods for the money?
Replies: 24
Views: 4336

Re: Best Keurig coffee pods for the money?

I like the Dunkin Donuts dark roast or Caribou blend for the Keurig. I try to get them on sale but I don't care if they are not. I drink 2 cups/day and the cost is reasonable for the utter enjoyment received.
by Limoncello402
Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paint or Stain Deck
Replies: 31
Views: 3776

Re: Paint or Stain Deck

I have a north facing deck in MN. Sun scorches it in summer and snow/ice sit on it for 6-7 months of the year. Stain maintenance has to be done every single year, to my great regret.
by Limoncello402
Wed Mar 31, 2021 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to make strong coffee equivalent to Starbucks for cheaper?
Replies: 149
Views: 20564

Re: How to make strong coffee equivalent to Starbucks for cheaper?

Pike Place in a Clever Coffee Dripper. Like a Melita, but allows you to brew to desired strength. Inexpensive buy on amazon.
by Limoncello402
Sun Feb 28, 2021 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Traditionalists on here? (in terms of their home interior)
Replies: 32
Views: 4040

Re: Any Traditionalists on here? (in terms of their home interior)

Not ornate, but I live in a 1920s Craftsman with gorgeous never-painted woodwork, oak floors, built ins, etc. I've spruced up and revarnished the woodwork, and my furnishings are updated but look true to the period. It was a period of simple, sturdy furniture with a lot of natural wood. I have period-look carpets and light fixtures, including stained glass. I put stained glass in a dining room window as well. I absolutely love the ambiance. It is so warm and welcoming, especially on a day like today with snow outside and a beautiful fire in the fireplace casting lovely shadows.
by Limoncello402
Tue Oct 13, 2020 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bathroom Remodel without Permit?
Replies: 61
Views: 9778

Re: Bathroom Remodel without Permit?

Kind of depends on your municipality and how strict they are. In mine, unless it is visible from the street, no one much cares about pulling permits. I've remodeled a kitchen and bathroom without one. Ask around to get the inside scoop.
by Limoncello402
Sat Oct 10, 2020 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Single People and Retirement Question
Replies: 148
Views: 27908

Re: Single People and Retirement Question

OP here and am glad this thread resurfaced. I don't find it irrelevant as a poster above called it. Issues of being single and retirement, as I posted in my OP, are very much here today as they were in 2018. While some travel plans are on hold for many would-be travelers, some of us are being more creative, as I am, with car trips/state parks/hiking/camping etc trips, while continuing to plan for more exotic adventures when things open up. And while this thread did turn heavily toward travel, that's not the only matter I originally posted about. There are many other activities to consider as retirement opens up new vistas for on-going education, volunteer work, etc. My update is that I am now three months away from retirement, retiring a bi...