Search found 299 matches

by carolc
Sat Feb 03, 2024 6:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Antartica, tips, ideas, suggestions, experiences
Replies: 23
Views: 2617

Re: Antartica, tips, ideas, suggestions, experiences

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... i=89978449

An article to ponder for those thinking of going to Antarctica.

It’s a beautiful and amazing place to behold. No place like it.
by carolc
Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Upcoming travel to Argentina: cash or card? If cash, USD or ARS?
Replies: 20
Views: 3655

Re: Upcoming travel to Argentina: cash or card? If cash, USD or ARS?

I was in BA, El Chalten, and El Calafate in November (our trip ended shortly after the election). Thankfully our traveling companions had gotten pesos before we left. I hadn’t because I assumed that ATMs would work (as they have everywhere else). We did however bring US dollars. Our guides actually preferred them (tipping) because inflation is so out of control there.

Of note…we could us a credit card for meals BUT gratuities cannot be added. So you’ll need cash for that.

carolc
by carolc
Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tuscany region in late March
Replies: 8
Views: 1284

Re: Tuscany region in late March

Siena, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza. Southern Tuscany is my favorite.

Radda in chianti - go to the pottery place there (Ceramiche, or something like that). Order hand painted bowls, plates, whatever and have them shipped home. I bought 6 pasta bowls and think of Tuscany every time I use them.

carolc
by carolc
Sat Dec 23, 2023 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska "Adventure/Expedition" Cruises
Replies: 7
Views: 1345

Re: Alaska "Adventure/Expedition" Cruises

I’ve been ion 4 lindblad/Nat Geo expeditions. Loved them all. Just back from Antarctica on the Resolution. The naturalists are terrific! Highly recommended.

carolc
by carolc
Tue Dec 19, 2023 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Radon testing and mitigation
Replies: 25
Views: 2744

Re: Radon testing and mitigation

Seal all of the basement cracks and the joints between walls and floor. This lowered it considerably for us.

carolc
by carolc
Wed Nov 08, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with reply to home inspections- sellers perspective
Replies: 103
Views: 9392

Re: Help with reply to home inspections- sellers perspective

I had a slightly high (4.5 I think it was) radon test done. We sealed the cracks in the basement and sealed where the walls met the floor. Tested again. The level went down to about 1 or so. Problem solved. (This wasn’t a real estate transaction.)

carolc
by carolc
Fri Oct 13, 2023 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snowbirds to Florida-where do you go?
Replies: 4
Views: 918

Re: Snowbirds to Florida-where do you go?

We rent a house in Sarasota. It’s about 7K per month (3 month minimum). A condo may be less expensive.
The crowds in February are crazy…we head north (via St Augustine Beach) at the end of that month.

I love the warmth, the sun, and the cultural events that Sarasota offers. But that’s about it.

carolc
by carolc
Fri Sep 08, 2023 6:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Inheritance & How It Impacted Your Money Life
Replies: 216
Views: 25836

Re: Inheritance & How It Impacted Your Money Life

I inherited money in my mid 60’s. It has changed my lifestyle. I travel well and live in a more expensive condo than I otherwise would have been able to afford. I don’t have to worry about paying for home care when I get old.

carolc
by carolc
Sun Sep 03, 2023 6:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Binocular Recommendation
Replies: 48
Views: 4861

Re: Need Binocular Recommendation

I like the Nikon Travelites. Been using them for many years. Compact, lightweight.

carolc
by carolc
Fri Sep 01, 2023 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Weeks in Switzerland and Italy - Need Recommendations
Replies: 40
Views: 2555

Re: Two Weeks in Switzerland and Italy - Need Recommendations

Your wife is right about Wengen! Lots of nice hikes in that jungfrau region. I’ve been several times.

carolc
by carolc
Mon Aug 28, 2023 6:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exotic Cruise recommendations
Replies: 52
Views: 4310

Re: Exotic Cruise recommendations

I’m going on a Nat Geo expedition (“cruise”) in November to Antartica. I’ve traveled with them several times. Highly recommended.

carolc
by carolc
Sun Aug 27, 2023 10:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?
Replies: 361
Views: 50109

Re: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?

We are spending it down. We take a big trip each year (and will for as long as we are able to). We rent down south for 3-4 months each winter. We eat out a fair bit as we are foodies. Basically we are enjoying life and being active (we’re late 60’s) for as long as we can. (And we have no heirs.)

carolc
by carolc
Sun Jul 16, 2023 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ireland Tour Recommendations?
Replies: 20
Views: 2049

Re: Ireland Tour Recommendations?

It was many years ago, but I enjoyed driving through the burren area.
Also, enjoyed the pub music in Galway and a boat trip to the Aran Islands (Innismor I think it was) where we rented bikes.

carolc
by carolc
Fri Jun 23, 2023 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy a cordless Dyson vacuum ... and which one? (Update! OMG!)
Replies: 83
Views: 12748

Re: Should I buy a cordless Dyson vacuum ... and which one?

I’ve had a v15 for about 7 months now. It is superior to my cordless Shark. I love how I can see where all the dust, etc. is but I wonder how my hardwood floors get so dirty so fast!

(I hardly ever use my Miele because of the cord.)

carolc
by carolc
Sat Jun 10, 2023 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Condo HOA Requirements
Replies: 13
Views: 1926

Re: Condo HOA Requirements

I live in a NH condo and our Board does have periodic audits done. (I’m afraid I don’t know the laws though.)

carolc
by carolc
Wed Jun 07, 2023 5:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Will I be disappointed with counterdepth refrigerator?
Replies: 52
Views: 9291

Re: Will I be disappointed with counterdepth refrigerator?

Counter depth looks much better. But I also have a fridge in the garage.

carolc
by carolc
Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to pay neighbor kid for cat care?
Replies: 55
Views: 4242

Re: What to pay neighbor kid for cat care?

$15./ hour (assume it’ll take no longer than that each trip). And a tip if the kid goes above and beyond.

carolc
by carolc
Tue Mar 21, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to snorkel, when? Snorkeling resources?
Replies: 56
Views: 4470

Re: Where to snorkel, when? Snorkeling resources?

I like St John.
We stay at Gallows Point which has very good snorkeling. And there are plenty of other spots on the island.

carolc
by carolc
Fri Mar 17, 2023 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bathroom remodel options
Replies: 43
Views: 5524

Re: bathroom remodel options

Agree that you go with the shower only because you have a tub to use if you want to. I love the walk-in shower with glass door. When you get old, you’ll appreciate a walk in.

We updated our bathroom last winter. It’s a cold room and the heated floor is wonderful. We leave it on about 75 degrees all the time (when it’s cold).

carolc
by carolc
Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Charleston, SC!
Replies: 18
Views: 1830

Re: Visiting Charleston, SC!

Was there for a couple of days a week ago. Had a nice dinner at Revival. (And some good artwork to view.) We had dinner at High Cotton the next night (couldn’t get into Magnolia’s) which was just so so and expensive. The bouillabaisse was very good though.

We had a great take out lunch at Queen Street Market. We ate it on our hotel rooftop. Harborview Hotel which I’d go back to. Friendly and competent staff. Harbor view from the nice big room.

Mostly we just walked along the waterfront and through the streets admiring the old houses. About 7 miles total that day. It’s a lovely town.

carolc
by carolc
Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Red Tide in Florida - Cancel Trip or Wait?
Replies: 8
Views: 2140

Re: Red Tide in Florida - Cancel Trip or Wait?

Mote.org has up to date red tide info. They sample every day. I recently came back from SRQ. When the red tide was designated as intense, I stayed away from the beach but when it was a low or moderate designation, I was OK to go. Our rental was a bit inland. No problem. If your plan is to spend a lot of time at the beach, I’d cancel.

carolc
by carolc
Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Replies: 125
Views: 13070

Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners

I have a Miele. It’s fine but I find myself reaching for the cordless Shark or Dyson. Cordless is the way to go, IMO.

carolc
by carolc
Sat Feb 11, 2023 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting house back from buyers for 3 weeks after sale - thoughts?
Replies: 32
Views: 2584

Re: Renting house back from buyers for 3 weeks after sale - thoughts?

We did this for a couple of months. Unfortunately for the buyer, we had a microburst come through and the top of a large pine came down and put a hole in the roof. We felt badly about it. They had to use their homeowners to pay for it.

carolc
by carolc
Thu Feb 02, 2023 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: St. Augustine, Florida
Replies: 14
Views: 1765

Re: St. Augustine, Florida

We stay right on Crescent Beach for a few days each year in late Nov and again in early March. The beach is wide and beautiful and not crowded. We stay at Summerhouse condos. Motorcycle weekend (Daytona) in early March is noisy (they ride up and down the coast) but otherwise it’s quite peaceful.

carolc
by carolc
Thu Jan 26, 2023 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Proactively replace valves under sinks, toilets
Replies: 43
Views: 5006

Re: Proactively replace valves under sinks, toilets

I had an emergency leak situation at the kitchen sink last spring. The valves were very corroded. As a result, I had a plumber come in and proactively replace all the 17 year old valves in the house. Because I’m away for 3-4 months a year, this provides peace of mind.

carolc
by carolc
Sat Dec 10, 2022 3:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: who really keeps track of their withdrawal rate?
Replies: 74
Views: 8531

Re: Retirees: who really keeps track of their withdrawal rate?

Nope.
I believe I have plenty saved so really don’t need to.

carolc
by carolc
Sat Nov 26, 2022 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit
Replies: 408
Views: 58684

Re: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit

Thanks.
Just did it for my partner and me.
I am planning on transferring Vanguard IRAs to Fidelity anyway so this made sense.

carolc
by carolc
Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Group Travel - Alternatives to Road Scholar?
Replies: 17
Views: 3664

Re: Group Travel - Alternatives to Road Scholar?

We are in our late 60’s and active. We like Nat Geo Expeditions. (Yes, there are some people who really aren’t fit enough to do these trips but most can.) We’ve done 4 so far and will travel to Patagonia and Antartica next year.

carolc
by carolc
Sat Oct 08, 2022 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone still carry cash?
Replies: 75
Views: 4258

Re: Does anyone still carry cash?

I like to tip in cash. I think the waitstaff appreciate it.
Some very small eateries really appreciate the cash as the credit card companies are scalping them with fees. I try to oblige.

carolc
by carolc
Wed Aug 31, 2022 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cruise Line Preferences and Comparisons
Replies: 41
Views: 5198

Re: Cruise Line Preferences and Comparisons

I did a Nat Geo expedition to the Arctic in May. About 80 passengers onboard. We all were tested 4 times during the trip. We had to wear masks inside. They were careful about our contact (very limited) with others. No one got COVID.

My sister was on a Viking River cruise a few days ago. No mask requirement. She said lots of people were sneezing and coughing. Not surprisingly, she and her husband now have covid. Who knows if they’ll get home in a few days as planned.

I would only travel on Nat Geo ships for the foreseeable future.

carolc
by carolc
Tue Aug 23, 2022 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Antartica cruise
Replies: 18
Views: 3009

Re: Antartica cruise

I’d consider Patagonia. We are doing a Nat Geo expedition to Antarctica in Nov 2023. We have included a 10 day land trip to Patagonia just before the expedition. We tried to go to Patagonia in March of 2020 but never made it because of COVID (got stuck at sea instead).

carolc
by carolc
Sun Jul 24, 2022 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare coverage of covid PCR testing for travel
Replies: 14
Views: 1725

Re: Medicare coverage of covid PCR testing for travel

I got a test at CVS right before leaving the country back in May. [OT comment removed by admin LadyGeek.] Results came back in about 48 hours.

I have not received a bill, so I assume it was covered by Medicare or my secondary insurance.

carolc
by carolc
Sat Jul 16, 2022 5:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird feeder attracting rats!
Replies: 40
Views: 3083

Re: Bird feeder attracting rats!

Try Cole’s. We’ve been using it for years. No squirrels or chipmunks hanging around the feeder anymore.

Hot MeatsTM
Back to Blended Seed, Hot & Spicy, Straight and Blended Seed Products


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Nutritious sunflower meats infused with fiery hot habanero chilies, Hot Meats™ are a great no waste, no mess feed. Chock full of vitamins A and D as well as carotene, chili peppers
by carolc
Thu Jul 14, 2022 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird feeder attracting rats!
Replies: 40
Views: 3083

Re: Bird feeder attracting rats!

We buy shelled sunflower seeds that are treated with jalapeño. It is called Cole’s Hot Meats. The birds don’t taste the heat but the rodents do and they don’t like it. Expensive but well worth it.

carolc
by carolc
Fri Jul 08, 2022 6:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help…Mosquito Madness! Summer is Here.
Replies: 62
Views: 6542

Re: Help…Mosquito Madness! Summer is Here.

We have pretty good luck keeping them away on our patio with Thermocell.

carolc
by carolc
Fri Jun 17, 2022 7:55 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Hats Off to LadyGeek
Replies: 62
Views: 8412

Re: Hats Off to LADYGEEK

Agree!!
by carolc
Fri May 20, 2022 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: cruiseline
Replies: 11
Views: 1224

Re: quark expedition, SilverSea or Lindblad(National Geographic)

I’ve done 2 Lindblad trips (Iceland, Patagonia, and Svalbard starting next week). They are wonderful and the naturalists are the best. We have to wear masks on the Svalbard one (indoors) but oh well. It’s the way of the world right now.🤷‍♀️

carolc
by carolc
Wed May 18, 2022 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!
Replies: 377
Views: 89918

Re: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!

I’ve been playing for about 6 years now. It’s fun and social. We have 8 dedicated courts here. They are almost always busy. I did fall a couple of years ago (nothing serious) so I too don’t go 100% all the time anymore.

carolc
by carolc
Tue May 17, 2022 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: State pension credit purchase question
Replies: 14
Views: 1229

Re: State pension credit purchase question

My partner did that. She bought 4 years for about $80,000 which rolled over from a 457 plan. We retired 4 years earlier than planned. It was a wonderful decision!

carolc
by carolc
Sun Apr 24, 2022 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sleeping on a train
Replies: 53
Views: 6240

Re: Sleeping on a train

We took the overnight auto train from FL to VA in March. It runs on freight tracks. We got very little sleep due to the lurching and noise and we had a room (bigger than a roomette). A sound sleeper might do okay on a train.

carolc
by carolc
Wed Apr 20, 2022 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for trip to Ireland
Replies: 38
Views: 3000

Re: Suggestions for trip to Ireland

I enjoy the NatGeo/lindblad expeditions and have been on several. It’s generally an older crowd. They have a trip to Ireland and Scotland.

carolc
by carolc
Sat Apr 16, 2022 6:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Testing Assumptions: Are Expenses Truly Lower in Retirement?
Replies: 70
Views: 7004

Re: Testing Assumptions: Are Expenses Truly Lower in Retirement?

Our expenses went up significantly once we retired. We spend three+ months renting in FL now and travel more (COVID curtailed that but hope to start again). We socialize more with friends which often means dining out. We buy only good wine now (no more boxes!). We can’t take it with us so we’re trying to really enjoy life while we are physically able.

carolc
by carolc
Tue Feb 08, 2022 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida home to snowbird: Buy now, or wait?
Replies: 51
Views: 7799

Re: Florida home to snowbird: Buy now, or wait?

I’m renting in Sarasota for the winter. Had hoped to buy but it’s crazy hard. (My sister bid 51K over asking (700K) on a house here and didn’t get it.) I’m about done looking for this season but who knows, it may be just as bad next year. (Wish we’d bought 2 years ago.)

carolc
by carolc
Mon Jan 10, 2022 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: snow birding advice, please
Replies: 35
Views: 3562

Re: snow birding advice, please

We rent in Sarasota for 3 winter months each year. Finding decent places to rent can be trying. We used VRBO this season and it worked out well. We were able to drive by the house last year to check out the neighborhood. And did this again this year for next year’s rental. Eventually we hope to buy but the market is simply too crazy right now.

carolc
by carolc
Sat Nov 13, 2021 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting lower Radon levels?
Replies: 7
Views: 980

Re: Getting lower Radon levels?

If they didn’t seal the seams between the floor and walls, you could do that. We did that and that alone got us from about 5 to about 1 picocurie. Also seal any significant floor cracks.

carolc
by carolc
Sun Nov 07, 2021 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Turkey - Jennie-O v. Butterball
Replies: 18
Views: 4792

Re: Best Turkey - Jennie-O v. Butterball

Support a local farm by buying a fresh bird.

carolc
by carolc
Thu Oct 28, 2021 6:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How quickly did you receive your 2020 tax refund?
Replies: 437
Views: 50274

Re: Is anyone still waiting on the IRS tax refund like me?

I filed an amended return on 4/15/2021 for 2020. Still waiting for the refund.

carolc
by carolc
Wed Sep 15, 2021 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Grill and garbage can cleaning services.] Are they worth it?
Replies: 85
Views: 7911

Re: Strange Homeowner's Splurges? Are they worth it?

We have window cleaners each fall. If I do it, it looks awful when the sun hits them. A thankless job for sure.

carolc
by carolc
Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where is your "Walden Pond"?
Replies: 51
Views: 6468

Re: Where is your "Walden Pond"?

My patio overlooking a tidal creek.
The beach in the off season.
The woods (hiking) when I head north.

carolc