Tizeye

1 minute ago, jsharr said:

Buy your tires from Discount Tire and purchase the certificates.  Free tire replacement if they cannot patch it.  And if your tires do not last the stated mileage, they will prorate the amount and discount your new tires.  Plus free balance and rotation and free flat repair even if you did not buy your tires from Discount.  I have not bought tires anywhere else for decades.   

I initially rejected it until he gave me the details on the nail. Did reject the cabin air filter and ac duct deodorant spray (checked Amazon and  changed the filter Nov 2023 and even used AC/Delco). These were OEM tires. Questioned him as heard on AWD that all 4 tires have to be replaced due to the uneven wear (20,000 miles on other tires). He indicated "No" so, since I typically don't engage AWD and default to FWD, like required for FWD, the new tire will be on the non-drive rear. Will run it and in 10,000 miles (next rotation) the OEM tire should probably be replace and will buy a set of 4 at that time. A little trick...While they are filling this one with nitrogen, Costco has free nitrogen. The OEM tires came with regular air so went to Costco, dropped pressure to 20 then filled to 35 spec. Repeated 3 times over month so now have nitrogen for free.

Needed perking up. Took car in for oil change, tire rotation. Need a new tire as nail discovered in sidewall. Kept wondering why it lost air, never flat - more like 28 when others were 33-35. Didn't see a nail in the tread so assumed was a leaking valve. Interior sidewall is difficult to inspect.

With my parents project I used my flatbed scanner that I still have, but several issues. While would load 3 at a time, it was so slow. While photos could be scanned at 300 to 600 dpi, small negative and slide scans required bumping it up to 2400 dpi minimum. The other issue, scanned in jpg (default) or tif requiring even longer scan times - but more adjustments available in LightroomPhotoshop than jpg. With the box/camera setup, much faster despite one at a time and shoot in RAW.  Was blown away when started bringing out detail in the shadows or under exposure that wasn’t even apparent when projected on a screen - but somehow recorded in the RAW photo. It doesn’t matter which method I use, flatbed or light box, they all need final finishing in Lightroom.

While heard of the light box method, already had most of the components, camera, lens, video led light, white poster (foam) board for internal lining, so tested the concept with a cardboard Amazon box heading for recycling. Was blown away with the differences noted above so built box with a couple modifications. Wood is rigid, but added footpads so wouldn’t rock on table. Also, while heat was never an issue with an LED light source where would be with incandescent, did notice a temp rise, so designed the fan cooling with a low decible computer fan that accepted a USB power source. Did design a foam tunnel with upper and lower air pull by the fan but a flat surface raised off the back wall that is the back surface directly in from the slide opening so the fan doesn’t show through the slide.

1 hour ago, Airehead said:

Interesting project. What will you do with the new pictures?

Like I did a few years ago with my parents slide collection…give the digitized files to my brother and sisters. In this case, give the files to my kids. In both cases, had many photos of their early life events.

This file skipped because of total size of the three. Full computer tethering and control camera from computer to avoid camera shake from touching the camera. 

Last week in another thread, noted got material to build a lightbox. Done? Now getting setup for project medical recuperation/ limited activity to convert hundreds of slides of slides to digital. The one illustrating the setup is Disney Hall of Presidents from 1974. Interesting, that fan has a thermostat on it so cuts off after hot air expelled.

3 hours ago, Parr8hed said:

But is the bike ok?  

 

It'll rub right out.

Pics or it didn't happen. 

Get with the program. They are sitting there each afternoon watching the shows on their big screen TV, AND they surfing the web ordering from Amazon on their smartphone. Only exercise is running to the door each day when the Amazon truck arrives.

32 minutes ago, ChrisL said:

Wait, pools are not common in the great white north!?!?!?

I’d guess close to half of the single family homes in SoCal have a pool and they are pretty much standard in communities like mine.  We actually have two pools.

I always found it odd the pools in VA closed.  As we could swim 11 of 12 months of the year (all but a few weeks really) our pools never close. 

I cheated. My pool is across the street, along with boat ramp and tennis courts. I let the HOA take care of it, and I simply walk across the street. My HOA fee is only about $60/mo, where don't know how much a pool guy would cost.  or the chemicals if I did it myself. I just contracted for lawn maintenance for $180/mo as I finally "retired" my lawn mower. As noted earlier,discontinuing the HOA + lawn maintenance + home insurance actually makes a condo fee affordable, and it would even include a pool at a minimum. Including cable/internet would even make it more enticing.

9 minutes ago, shootingstar said:

No one in my family...and extended family has a pool or even a hot tub in their property.

1 of them already her hubby has knee problems (he's my age) and goes down stairs backwards.  My youngest sibling is 55.

 

We had a pool in AZ and learned our lesson. Still remember the wall of a dust storm coming across the valley and running out to put the pool cover on. If unable to, it was then a mud pool. 

Like wise with trying to find single level homes. Today, as a matter of economy, they build two (or three) story for smaller lots. They can build more homes on the same acreage and sell it as less...if any...yardwork. But does nothing for people with bad hips. That applies to single family and townhomes. Multi-level apartment/condo is a different issue as each unit is typically on a single floor with elevator access. Also, bedrooms are smaller and noted when looking at a new build in studded stage that the master bath walk-in closets can take up to 20% of the entire floorplan! 

Something I have considered, lived in home for over 30 years, and with the two of us don't need a 4br 2000sq ft home. Problem is, it is relatively close in, convenient, and more importantly, established medical specialist would have to change if move away - so essentially stuck local. One thing not addressed in the article and most people don't realize is that it is excellent financial planning to move. In the US (not Canada or elsewhere) there is a $250,000 ($500,000 joint) capital gains tax exclusion if lived in the house 2 of the last 5 years. Better yet, it is not cumulative carrying over like the law it replaced, but resets with the new house after meeting the 2 year rule...good luck and congratulations on making $250,000 in two years though, but any gain would be exempt. (Doesn't apply on estate issues as beneficiaries receive it...but the home is marked to market on date of death which is their cost basis). Also, unlike the prior law, you are not required reinvest all the proceeds in the next home, but can downsize to a smaller, less expensive home, and pocket the difference. For example if the original home was $200,000 and sold for $700,000 with the $500,000 capital gain exclusion, you could buy a home for $450,000 and do whatever you wanted with the $250,000 and owe no taxes.

The problem, of course, is property taxes. Over 30 years, tax valuation has lagged where the tax appraised value is low. Buying a new home, you suddenly have a market valuation for the property appraiser's office to determine taxes. Florida does have a "Save Our Homes" Constitutional amendment, limiting increases to 3%/yr and the accumulated excess is transferrable if buying another home in FL within 2 years. It is insurance that is killing FL as they have the politicians in their back pocket and rates skyrocket. I looked at houses near my son in CT and insurance/tax are flipped. His property taxes on a  similar value home equals my insurance cost, where his insurance costs equals my property taxes...which admittedly, are low. Just for fun, look at what my house would bring and what I could buy in FL. I could actually buy (no retaining funds) a 2 or 3 BR oceanfront condo, and the condo fee - which includes insurance (would only need equivalent of inexpensive renters insurance for personal property) - and the total of the condo fee would roughly equal what paying for HOA, lawn maintenance, and home insurance. But then there is the medical as would be 60 or more miles away.

Finally, as a Realtor, another trick. If I sold my home the commission to myself would be taxable, but if I didn't accept a commission including it in the price calculation, it becomes tax free capital gain as I still remain inside the $500,000 exclusion. Brokers will generally let you do it as they won't receive a cut, but know you will bring in more business to cover. With me, I would take that out of the equation and park my license with a 100% broker where I keep 100% and pay a flat fee of around $350. 

17 hours ago, Ralphie said:

I think the market would really benefit from more liquidity.  Eliminating the fixed realtor fee is one step but many more are needed.  The death by fees is a big deterrent to me - title search, etc.

While will address the boomer not selling issue separately, concerning Realtor fees...don't hold your breath. Math is math, and the only thing that changes is the accounting. This is the result of a lawsuit by clueless whiners that made the situation worse, particularly for buyers.  The old situation of be careful what you ask for. Previously, the seller paid both Realtors from the proceeds. Now, the general (shortsighted) consensus is that the Seller will pay their Realtor and the Buyer will pay their Realtor. That buyers payment may have actually been the down payment required for the mortgage loan. Negotiate fee with your Realtor? Good luck with that. Noone works for free and if outside the 2-3% range (single Realtor), decline the listing (or buyer) and find another client. "Save" money by going FISBO? Aside from the micro-statistical fact that Realtor represented homes sell for more than FISBO, as a buyer, are you going to let the seller keep the 3% that they are saving, or will you want a piece of that action and incorporate that savings into your reduced offer? Now back to the Realtor payment issue with both sides represented. Two issues. 1) the commission is actually the sellers marketing budget - with added value that it is risk free as only paid if it sells, with the Realtor assuming the marketing cost risk if it doesn't sell. Expect marketing cuts with "negotiated" lower commission. And 2) That "outrageous" 3% the Realtor receives, is technically around 1% net. The 3% technically goes to the Broker who then pays the Realtor according to their employment contract, with the Broker retaining 40% (newbie) to 5% (big producer Realtor with power to negotiate it), with the average around 15% (ignoring the flat fee 0%, 100% to Realtor). The closer it is to the 5 or 0%, the less the broker provides compared to a 60/40 or 70/30 split, including renting office space, copy machine, administrative assistant (the 5%er has to hire), etc. Then, Realtors are independent contractor 1099 employees required by law to work under a Broker (Office staff/administrative assistants, etc are W2 employees which the broker does cover the benefits) and now have to further reduce that commission payment with healthcare, professional "error and omissions" insurance, fund their retirement - SEP or 401K plus unavoidable individuals and employers portion of Medicare, professional association and MLS, legal fees. And let's not forget Uncle Sam who demands his cut - income taxes, Medicare - both sides mentioned earlier -, Workmans Comp/Unemployment insurance, Professional license - both State as well as local occupational. After all that, net to the Realtor is about 1% and you are trying to "negotiate" them down to a fractional percent.

Now math is math and it matters little how you crunch it. Go back 30 years when I bought my home, represented by my mother who was a Broker/Realtor. She wasn't going to charge me, but if she took the money and reimbursed it back to me, it would be a taxable event for her office. While we paid 100% of asking price, our offer was reduced by 3% with the stipulation in the offer that she was waiving receiving a commission. Expect similar scenarios with the pending changes. If the buyer is now paying their Realtor, will that payment calculated into their offer, reducing the amount they will pay for the house  - it won't take buyer's agents long to figure that one out and present it to their prospective client, mathematically shifting the cost to the seller. It won't do anything for the down payment issue though as those funds would have to come from elsewhere but at least the loan amount would be reduced with the lower offer. Leaving buyers and sellers out of the loop, another more likely senario is what is common practice today with new home builders - bring your buyer and we will pay a $X (typically $5000) bonus at closing - and depending on the Realtor's contract, they keep 100% as it is typically exempt from the Broker's commission cut. A new marketing tactic for seller's realtors is rather than a price reduction, keep the house price the same and roll the reduction into a bonus to the buyer's Realtor paid at closing. An aggressive email campaign and other tactics lets all Realtors (9000 in my area) know about it. It won't take Realtors long to figure that out...even a subject for seminars! I had a Realtor in my office do something similar...and it was a genius move as money talks! She had a very nice home in a gated community that unfortunately had the postal zip code of a city known for low life and brunt of jokes. Absolutely no showings. Price reduction is the typical approach, but she thought outside the box, as even a $25,000 reduction wouldn't make a dent. Rather than reducing price, she took the $25,000 and rolled it into the commission, with her retaining the original 3% but the buyer's agent re-calculated and now 8%. Aggressive email campaign and showings went through the roof and multiple offers within a week.

You do realize that if you go on an eating binge, gain the weight back, the suits would then fit. Problem solved.

3 minutes ago, UglyBob said:

When I play it? Horrible. 

NO, NO, NO! We all know when you buy at bike that consistently held the yellow jersey at TdF, your capabilities expand exponentially! A guitar is no different!

Great woodwork detail and finish.

Internal frame is done. Tomorrow will finish with cutting sides, foam, and small detail work. Cheated with Brad nailer for frame, but sides will be screwed into it, so will be solid.

18 minutes ago, petitepedal said:

I think you need to plan some activities,  volunteer work or classes into your retirement...or just do nothing. 

 

Be careful with the "volunteer" if it is anything close to what you previously did. They see you as free labor and want to load advanced responsibilities on you. With my wife, when she volunteered, her idea was to work with clients, but management wanted her to write the internal policies for accreditation. She said goodbye!

Here is my little project. Tested the concept with the cardboard box version, bet uneven wobbly. Video LED as light source in box and copy slides, converting to digital with camera. While led is relitatively cool, did note some trapped heat buildup so adding the battery operated computer fan to top of back with usb battery pack for power. The board is to make a frame to attach the 1/8” hardboard (table saw cut). While would paint interior white- and will for the frame - will use foam posterboard. Natural brown would color the light where white doesn’t. Foam also keeps the box itself from heating up.

Following the hospitalization prior to Easter - and a pending procedure May 2nd - I did retire my lawn mower.

While I used him back in 2018 part time when away, as much as I enjoyed the exercise, decided it was time. Ironically, he wasn't accepting new residential customers then realized who I was. Only residential he was now doing was if they lived next to an existing customer where didn't have to load the truck to go to the next address. I was the odd person out as he had both sides plus another. Adding me, it was now 4 houses in a row and parks his truck in one place. Noted he use to see me out mowing my yard - a large corner lot - and couldn't believe I had a walk behind rather than a riding mower.

The only type of work when retired is to be self-employed with an LLC. Both Realtor and photographer qualify as well as related spin-offs. If it is a hobby you can't do this, but as a business there are significant tax advantages with deductions for equipment depreciation, travel/transportation, home office, cost for items sold and shipping, etc. 

As a Realtor, don't actively work and parked my license with a "referral only" Broker where I receive a cut on referral (typically 25 to 30% of the other Realtor's commission who handled the transaction with the client I referred to them) and I don't have the ongoing costs - monthly franchise/office fee, MLS, local Realtor Association, etc. The only reason I would go back to a regular Broker and assume those costs would be to sell my own home. The irony is that I would list it at 0% commission on the seller side because if I elected a commission, it would be taxable as income, but if I mathematically included it in the price of the house, it becomes capital gain and I am currently close to maxing out the $500k capital gain exclusion, making it tax free. 

Go to work, drinking and repeatedly hit the snooze button. Yeah, that'll work. What could possibly go wrong. 

Squirrel!

6 hours ago, Longjohn said:

There are some nudist campgrounds in the Tampa area.

6 hours ago, Rattlecan said:

Sorry, but if I come there to visit you, I'm wearing clothes. And I hope you do too.

And I was hoping to show you a different side of Florida!