COLD DARK ROOM

[MaNaAk]

My orchestra has a concert tomorrow and we are playing:

Finlandia by Sibelius

Peer Gynt Suite by Grieg

Scottish Fantasy by Bruch

Good luck with the cataract surgery Cathie!

Natrah

 

[Lyn W]

Waiting to hear from the plumber about whether it can be repaired or I can have a new one. The heaters aren't really enough but they'll do in the meantime. Looking forward to my concert tomorrow in a warm hall.

Natrah

It's worth checking the prices for a new one to compare with the cost of repairs. I was told combi boilers only have an expected life span of 10 years, so take the age into consideration too. Unless of course you have something like British gas Home Care insurance for it, in which case it shouldn't cost anything to repair.
I hope you're ok for hot water. I could manage without heating system as long as I have hot water.

 

[Lyn W]

My orchestra has a concert tomorrow and we are playing:

Finlandia by Sibelius

Peer Gynt Suite by Grieg

Scottish Fantasy by Bruch

Good luck with the cataract surgery Cathie!

Natrah

I love the Peer Gynt suite. It takes me back to my music lessons when I was in my first year in grammar school.

 

[MaNaAk]

It's worth checking the prices for a new one to compare with the cost of repairs. I was told combi boilers only have an expected life span of 10 years, so take the age into consideration too. Unless of course you have something like British gas Home Care insurance for it, in which case it shouldn't cost anything to repair.
I hope you're ok for hot water. I could manage without heating system as long as I have hot water.

Dear Lyn,

It looks like I need a new boiler but that landlord is paying so that's okay. I don't have hot water either but I have my little system now.

Natrah

 

[Lyn W]

My mm Cb

Dear Lyn,

It looks like I need a new boiler but that landlord is paying so that's okay. I don't have hot water either but I have my little system now.

Natrah

Hope he doesn't take too long to sort it out.

 

[Cathie G]

Good luck Cathie!

Natrah

Thank you. I'm looking forward to it. Afterwards I should have better eyesight. It's funny how a person compensates when their eyes are getting dimmer. You blame the fact you can't see on the lights or something. I can't wait to fess up on living in denial.

 

[Cathie G]

I have been wearing contact lenses most of my adult life,but now have a cataract in my left eye (which until now has been my better one for close-up vision).I also have one in my right eye which isn't as bad. I shall be very interested to know about your op, as I would really like to have my left eye fixed, at least. I am a bit scared, and of course it's very expensive. I don't know anyone who has had the op recently, so shall be grateful for anything you can tell me.
Angie

I will but remind me. There's so much going on here I'm afraid I'll forget to tell you. I was thinking I'd have to wait because the cataracts weren't mature enough. And all kinds of other thoughts lazor etc...and my doctor suggested surgery instead of new pretty glasses. How do you refuse?

 

[Cathie G]

My grandma had cataract surgery recently and she feels like the biggest difference after surgery was improved vision when driving, especially in the dark.

Yes my doctor told me afterwards I'll only need over the counter reading glasses. But something I've never been able to do so I don't is drive in the dark. So it won't improve that part of me I'll might be able to thread a needle though.

 

[Cathie G]

Waiting to hear from the plumber about whether it can be repaired or I can have a new one. The heaters aren't really enough but they'll do in the meantime. Looking forward to my concert tomorrow in a warm hall.

Natrah

It would be lovely to have new if they have to pay for it. Hopefully that's the case. Sorry I was thinking the heaters you were talking about were just replacements for the boiler and here they're just backup. I have those too backups. They sure don't replace a working system but I'm glad to have them in a pinch. Our electric can go out easily. That means we don't have lights or heat.eeek I have a big buddy Mr heater and all kinds of battery operated lights. A gas cook stove etc etc etc I get tired of all the work involved with my back up system so here's my prayer for you. I hope and pray your heating is fixed quickly and economically.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I love the Peer Gynt suite. It takes me back to my music lessons when I was in my first year in grammar school.

Sorry I am so uninformed, but I have hear the phrase grammar school a few times, what is it?

 

[Ray--Opo]

Sorry I am so uninformed, but I have hear the phrase grammar school a few times, what is it?

Elementary school, generally kindergarten thru 6 grade

 

[zolasmum]

Elementary school, generally kindergarten thru 6 grade

In the UK, grammar school refers to secondary schools for ages 10 onward . You have to pass an exam to get in to them. Some are called high schools - for example, my brother went to Northampton Boys Grammar school, and I went to Northampton High School for Girls -you had to wear a school uniform, and were expected to take entry exams for university. The children who failed or didn't take exams at 10 or 11 (called the 11plus) went to Comprehensivvery old schools, which were less academic. Things have changed a lot in recent years, and I think vary in different parts of the country.
I believe they were called grammar schools originally because they taught mainly Latin Grammar, and some are very old.
As Ray said, the phrase means something quite different in the USA !
Angie

 

[zolasmum]

In the UK, grammar school refers to secondary schools for ages 10 onward . You have to pass an exam to get in to them. Some are called high schools - for example, my brother went to Northampton Boys Grammar school, and I went to Northampton High School for Girls -you had to wear a school uniform, and were expected to take entry exams for university. The children who failed or didn't take exams at 10 or 11 (called the 11plus) went to Comprehensivvery old schools, which were less academic. Things have changed a lot in recent years, and I think vary in different parts of the country.
I believe they were called grammar schools originally because they taught mainly Latin Grammar, and some are very old.
As Ray said, the phrase means something quite different in the USA !
Angie

sorry - I got the word Comprehensive messed up!

 

[jeff kushner]

Hey guys, can I vent?

Okay, I couldn't hear the response so I'll accept that as tacit approval.

Kerry is in Fla for a couple of weeks. She went down a week early to take care of the old lady. That isn't the issue. Over this weekend she and her Dad went to stay with her cousin and her husband in Mount Dora. He is doing some travel consulting business.......and he sells her on an 11 day Princess cruise/land trip with them to Alaska next year but at a great price, at least initially. $4,400 total for both of us for the trip plus airfare to Vancouver and from Fairbanks, where the trip ends back here. So first I get a link, then a call, then she asks me if he can call me....what am I supposed to do at that point, say "no he can't call"??? I know they are all in the same room!
So I call him...got to right? And listen to 20 minute spiel on how we can get the VIP package for another 600 and that will cover 300 worth of gratuities ANYWAY....blah, blah, blah....I hate salesmen, did I ever mention that here? Hate them.....II used to toy with them at work. I used to pull out a blue surgeons glove from my desk drawer while asking them if they were ready to deal or not. Yeah, it was bad but back then we used to get away with that stuff.

Anyway, I told him that Kerry and I would discuss it and let him know....well, we just NEED to put a fully refundable deposit to keep that great pricing......I gave him 200 just to shut him up at that point....I'm not even sure that I care whether I ever get it back! We have a year to decide. LOL

So I go look on the web.....I've cruised before both on Royal Caribbean and Costa cruise lines. When I took those trips in the 80's and 90's, EVERYTHING except alcohol was included. Apparently now, EVERYTHING is an extra charge....the different dining rooms on the ship, soft drinks, deserts, extra meals. Wow....Cruise lines used to brag about the 9 full meals each day and some of the worlds best food....guess those times are gone.

Kerry is in so much trouble.....LOL

alright, I feel better now, thanks guys....

FWIW- around here, grammar school is K-5. 6-7-8-9 all go together at middle school......makes me wonder what those 6th grade girls are learning from 9th graders! Doesn't seem like a good idea.

 

[Cathie G]

Hey guys, can I vent?

Okay, I couldn't hear the response so I'll accept that as tacit approval.

Kerry is in Fla for a couple of weeks. She went down a week early to take care of the old lady. That isn't the issue. Over this weekend she and her Dad went to stay with her cousin and her husband in Mount Dora. He is doing some travel consulting business.......and he sells her on an 11 day Princess cruise/land trip with them to Alaska next year but at a great price, at least initially. $4,400 total for both of us for the trip plus airfare to Vancouver and from Fairbanks, where the trip ends back here. So first I get a link, then a call, then she asks me if he can call me....what am I supposed to do at that point, say "no he can't call"??? I know they are all in the same room!
So I call him...got to right? And listen to 20 minute spiel on how we can get the VIP package for another 600 and that will cover 300 worth of gratuities ANYWAY....blah, blah, blah....I hate salesmen, did I ever mention that here? Hate them.....II used to toy with them at work. I used to pull out a blue surgeons glove from my desk drawer while asking them if they were ready to deal or not. Yeah, it was bad but back then we used to get away with that stuff.

Anyway, I told him that Kerry and I would discuss it and let him know....well, we just NEED to put a fully refundable deposit to keep that great pricing......I gave him 200 just to shut him up at that point....I'm not even sure that I care whether I ever get it back! We have a year to decide. LOL

So I go look on the web.....I've cruised before both on Royal Caribbean and Costa cruise lines. When I took those trips in the 80's and 90's, EVERYTHING except alcohol was included. Apparently now, EVERYTHING is an extra charge....the different dining rooms on the ship, soft drinks, deserts, extra meals. Wow....Cruise lines used to brag about the 9 full meals each day and some of the worlds best food....guess those times are gone.

Kerry is in so much trouble.....LOL

alright, I feel better now, thanks guys....

FWIW- around here, grammar school is K-5. 6-7-8-9 all go together at middle school......makes me wonder what those 6th grade girls are learning from 9th graders! Doesn't seem like a good idea.

The only thing I would hate about a visit to Alaska is the temperature. On the other hand it depends on what part you're visiting and what time of year. Yes you have planning time. And you can see Russia from your deck.

 

[Cathie G]

The only thing I would hate about a visit to Alaska is the temperature. On the other hand it depends on what part you're visiting and what time of year. Yes you have planning time. And you can see Russia from your deck.

I would get told off and sent packin though because. I would have to bring Mr Fre, Razberri, and Sapphire along. Mr Fre is a yapper. Razberri would chew a hole in the boat. I'm pretty sure Sapphire would find some kinda way to be a Russian. I would absolutely love to visit Alaska but it's just not feasible for me.

 

[COmtnLady]

Jeff K ~

A gentle soul falls into a 6' hole if I need to dispose of him as easily as a mean soul so he's best not to FAFO! LOL

Yeah, but its inconvenient having to dig a hole after dark. And then there will be a greener spot in the yard. Though, if he was standing upright you might be able to make it look like it was a decorative flower ring or something similar. Ya gotta avoid hydrangeas, though. They change color depending on the soil's alkalinity and such, and would give the secret away too easily.

How's it going with the squirrel take-over of the owl house?




Cathy G ~

I get to have cataract surgery April 8th. The doc said I won't have to wear glasses after. Only over the counter reading glasses. I'm so excited it's making me nervous. I'm glad but my surgery involves a 1/8" Incision. Not lazor. I told him the doctor to just knock me out. I want it done

I did that a few years back and is the best thing! I didn't realize how much I was no longer able to see. Like, the day of the first lense-change I came home to suddenly see fingerprints all around and on most of my light switches. It had to be the cats that did it after I left that morning, because I thought they were ok when I left.

You don't need to be completely out. It took longer for the sedative/dilation meds to take effect than the whole surgery lasted. I did my eyes one at a time (in case it wasn't all it was cracked up to be I'd at least have the other one that worked sort of). BUT!!! It was amazing! I was kicking myself for not doing sooner.
The only drawback is you will absolutely need sunglasses after. The replacement lenses don't dim the sunlight at all and it is a bit like getting stabbed without the sunglasses. The biological lenses somehow dimmed the sunshine or changed it, the man-made ones are like too-bright headlights coming at you at night.

But!!!! I can see as good as I could in my 20s. Since the dual focus lenses were WAY out of my reach price-wise, I opted for the far away lenses, figuring I could always use "readers" for close stuff - but 'can read without glasses (except when I'm tired and need a touch of magnification). I can read ingredient labels in grocery stores again without glasses. Its really cool. Its easy-peasy and you'll be amazed at how much better everything is. And it doesn't hurt at all.



.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

The only thing I would hate about a visit to Alaska is the temperature. On the other hand it depends on what part you're visiting and what time of year. Yes you have planning time. And you can see Russia from your deck.

I can see Russia from the small lake our summer cottage is located in. A small part of the lake goes across the border.

 

[jeff kushner]

The trip to Alaska is planned for July '26 so the timing is great but I can't imagine ever really wanting to put myself through an 11 day series of sales pitches that would inevitably come from him. I love the guy but he's so into money that he came out of retirement just to make more and go places for free as a "consultant". I'd rather just pay for my trips. It's really a great trip itinerary though. Kerry says "we don't have to hang with them". I love her but she is deluded. Are we supposed to see them in the dining room and sit with strangers? No, that isn't reality is it?

My youngest daughter can't leave home either Ms Cathie. I invited her to stay over a couple weeks ago and she replied "dude, I have a zoo here, I can't leave".

, if he was standing upright you might be able to make it look like it was a decorative flower ring or something similar

Hmmm, might be a lot easier then digging a deep hole in the muck at the bottom of the hill....you know, using a post-hole digger, then slide it in!



Hey Finland, you ever cross that lake, just to do it, to sneak into Russia? I'm sure there's a lot of things that I don't know, so crossing might be a normal thing but if it isn't, I'd be fighting the temptation even though I'm not sure why I would feel so compelled! Would my scooter make it across? fwiw- my grandparents on my dads side came from across that lake but that isn't what drives it, it's doing something other folks don't.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Hey Finland, you ever cross that lake, just to do it, to sneak into Russia? I'm sure there's a lot of things that I don't know, so crossing might be a normal thing but if it isn't, I'd be fighting the temptation even though I'm not sure why I would feel so compelled! Would my scooter make it across? fwiw- my grandparents on my dads side came from across that lake but that isn't what drives it, it's doing something other folks don't.

Nowadays crossing the border isn't normal anymore and any border crimes are taken a lot more seriously, if you get what I mean. Won't go into detail here due to the forum rules. If I remember correctly, one kid crossed the border illegally and has been stuck over there for weeks.