Today was the day for questions; Co-workers wanting answers. It must of been my lucky day.

I'm never sure how to answer people when they ask HOW OLD DO YOU THINK I AM?

Should I be truthful? Women hate the truth.

Today this co-worker made a statement, " Bev? Is she about my age, short and dark hair?" and I stated, "No, she's ready to retire" and this woman said, "It obvious you don't know how old I am, How old do you think I am, you'll never guess"

So I thought, well, she is older then me, has a child who is 16 or so and said, "Well, I know you have a daughter who is what, 14?" (trying to remain her friend) and she said, "No 17 1/2 almost 18" so then I said, "Well, let's see, if you're asking me to guess, then if you had your daughter at 40, you're 57?"

Was she PISSED OFF AT ME for guess correctly.

So, when asked the question to guess, do you guess or do you lie thru you're teeth? "Gee, I'd say you look about 45?" Yeah, right, I can never tell a lie. I'll be in the dog house for the rest of my life!

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I didn't go away this weekend and decided to clean my room a little (a dear friend here reminded me MICE love messes and I have been having heart palpitations since this message was left for me). Cleaning isn't my favorite thing to do, esp if no one is going to see my room - why clean right?  Besides I have all winter to clean when it's cold out. I should of been out enjoying the day not inside cleaning.

I get lazy and don't put away stuff. Examples of this are bank statements, bandaid packages, hair scrungies, clean cloths, stuff I buy, etc. I sort of leave them off to the side or on a free dresser. It makes for difficulty dusting and vacuuming when I do this so today was the day I was putting stuff away.

It was overcast and I thought it might rain but it turned out to be pretty sunny and not humid. I had the windows wide open. It made it easier to shake the dust rag and mop out the window. I even got a chance to be a nosy neighbor since I could see the neighbors in their yards.

The Italian neighbor, who purchased the house from his parents and now the parents live in the illegal basement apartment were out in the yard. I could see the old man, who was sitting and not helping his son. This is very unusual. The old man is slow but he does things around the yard to pass time. The house/yard is immaculate.

Anyway, I also noticed there was a walker near by. I just thought hummm, this is strange. Then the next time I was at the window I saw him helping his wife. She was using the walker and didn't look so good. I then got the scoop from the INVESTIGATOR (my mother) who told me she saw them the other day and she ran out and got the details.

Then I look in the other neighbors yard, the Indian Family. They are very strange, They've had their house for a few years and never do any yard work, shoveling, etc. They never have lights on after dark and they lock the place up like Fort Knox. They are MONEY SEE MONKEY DO neighbors. We hang our cloths. We have (2) cloths lines and so we are hanging all day long. They have not cloths line but they have a deck. These people place clean cloths over the dirty rails. They get blown off sometimes too. Very strange as to why not just put up a cloths line if you want to hang cloths?

Last year they put up a 8 foot fence, which was strange since all sides already had existing fencing but maybe they wanted privacy as my back yard was the only chain link fence, the rest were solid stockade type. No cloths line (*grin*).

Anyway that was the home improvements last year and this year they started landscaping their back yard. The grandparents have been here (both sides of grandparents, looks like (2) grandmothers and (1) grandfather) and so they all came out to work, women in their saris (everyday type ones, not formal) and the men in their churidar pajamas or kurta or salwar. The women always have their hair covered with, I think it's called a chunni and the grandfather also has his head covered but I have no idea what that is called.

They worked all of June and July and at some point put in a garden. I must say their landscaping is UGLY but it's their yard and I can only see it from the second floor so I don't care. Today, the grandfather was out picking veggies or pulling weeds and I almost fell over. He was out without his head hat on and the guy has RED hair. The INVESTIGATOR said that he dyed his hair. I have never seen an Indian with RED hair. Must be a custome thing? I don't know. Still no clths line.

The Taiwanese neighbors did put up a cloths line but they are too cheap to buy cloths pins. They hang their cloths and they fall or blow off the line. These are the same neighbors I saw during the winter shoveling with a sand shovel a little kid uses during the winter. (One mother, one shovel, while the husband and men watch her). When I looke dot my left, no cloths hanging today but the son was outside smoking.

Fianlly, while cleaning my room I had on talk radio and the music was pretty loud next door. It sounded like SPANISH type music (makes sense since the second floor residence are Brizillia) but I didn't bother looking because from the sound it was more toward the side, front of the house rather then the back of the house where I had the window opened. I just ignored this music bacause it was off/on, loud soft and only bothered me for about 30 minutes. They shut it off then. Besides it was noon time and during the day. Noise happens then.

At about 4pm the music is blasting and this time is was toward the back of the house. First I ignored it for 5 minutes hoping it would stop. It was so loud that I couldn't hear the radio.Then I shut off my radio and ignore it. Then I got mad because the step father was napping and his bedroom is on this side of the house. I've asked nicely before if they could not blast thier music at night when they drive in from clubbing or early in the morning when they leave for the social security office to pick up their goverment checks (sorry that slipped out), I mean leave for work.

This time it was more like Caribbean/ Island music. I stuck my head out the window and looked right to see a car with all the windows open, drivers door open, sunroof open, trunk open and music blasting. It wasn't a car that belonged to the house but the Haitian neighbor's car was their and I saw him either bringing beer in or taking it out. Then this other guy walked near this car and he dancing.

I finally has enough and yelled over, nicely and asked if they could lower the music. He was very nice, appologetic and shut it off completely. I yelled to the INVESTIGATOR that I did that (she didn't hear all this because she was on the other side of the house) and she said MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. I thought it was funny since it was her husband who was sleeping.

I'm going to say it - these NEIGHBORS SUCK! They don't own the house, they are living in the basement illegally and have too many people living their by fire code and they have a barking, little dog. They actually don't bother me except for the "driveway noise" on this side of the house. When they talk in their native touch, French I beleive, in the driveway, they always sound like they are yelling at each other, which I don't think they are, but it's loud to me.

Summer is almost coming to an end. My mother actually just went and took a blanket out because she told me she has been cold at night. It has been a bit chilly in the air these last few days. Day light is getting shorter and the nights are chillier. I hate when this starts to happen because these are sure signs summer is coming to an end.

But with that said, the windows won't be open and the noise will be reduced plus the fact that these warm blooded neighbors hate the cold and don't go out as much or will have their windows closed.

This is another reason why I go away every weekend - I have no neighbors this close up north. I even leave the doors unlocked and the windows open. Most I worry about are animals breaking in!

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OK - I uploaded just two LOON photo's on here. I still need to work on the correct size but for now SQUINT! 

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Still raining here in the lakes region of NH. I am still driving the rental car, which might I add is a brand new car however it sucks on gas! It's a Sornota, 4 door sudan, and wondering if it's 6 cyl? Anyway, gas prices are down in this region. I just paid $3.79 a gal but in Boston it's still $3.99 so I'll fill my car to the tip top before heading home on Sunday.
Tonight I plan on driving to a lecture on loons sponcored by a local historical society. It should take about 40 min to get there but if it's downpouring and thundering I might go to a closer event on Native Americans. I'd hatr to risk my life and others with nasty weather and driving in a car not so familar to me.
I've been trying to entertain the folks with all this rain. yetserday I took the step father for a hair cut. As usual, it takes 30 minutes to get anywhere. He was happy though. Today, I went shopping. Again at least 30 minutes to get to the store. It's downpouring currently and I fear we might loose power.
Just thought I would stop in and say hello.
I have so much to catch up on here. Never any time to read other's blog. Just barely squeeze these quick updates.
See yeah folks!

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Started my last week of vacation and it doens't look promising as far as weather goes. It was gloomy all day Sunday and rained later that night. Yesterday, it rained from 2pm on. I did go to the beach area and sat by the lake in shorts in hope of better weather. I had no such luck.

Today, it's predicted to be in the low 80's till afternoon when we'll get thunderstorms, high winds and downpours. Much of the same the rest of the week.

I did have 2 good weeks prior to this one so I can't complain about my vacation too much. Yesterday, after a late lunch I fell asleep while reading a book. It was a GOOD nap and I wish I could nap every afternnoon but BIG BUSINESSES frown on employees take naps during the 9-5 work day.

I think the europeans have the right idea. A "siesta" from 1- 3 everyday works nicely for the human body. I would end up working late but I would be well rested for my second half of the day and that alone would be a benefit to the working force.

Opps, got to run, new car part id DEFECTIVE and now I have to go in a rental and come back tomorrow.

Bye

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Here I am, giving up one day of my vacation. I'm in the dealership getting my car fixed. I failed my state emmisions test. Yup, it failed. I knew it would fail and took the hit the last day of June to buy me time to get it fixed.

I got the codes and went to the dealer who told me what the codes were. Turns out, the TPS are the codes. I replaced this in 2005 and it went AGAIN! What is up with this? It's an expensive part. The dealership charges $1290 - OUCH!

Well, knowing this, I did additional research to find out this part is known to fail, and if you ask me, which no one is, but hey, this is my BLOG and I'm going to give you my 2 cents on it, this part should be recalled! Found all this out from a forum on line.

I called the maufacturer and asked a few questions. I also opened a case, just to keep all possiblities to the maker to pay for this know defect. I hung up the phone, mad about the whole thing, only to recieve a call informing me that my state covers the part for 7 years, 70,000 miles. This is a saving of $1290!

So I get the diagnostics from the dealership telling me I need the TPS (gee, what a surprise there!), which I really didn't want to go thru a diagnostic check because I know the codes already but I still have to pay $81 for this! I also need an oxygen sensor too - $400 for this.

Now I think if they replace the TPS the Oxygen Sensor will work correctly! The dealership is telling me that the part is gone and that if I put the TPS in they have to run a diagnostic and then if the Oxygen sensor is still showing bad then I have to pay for another diagnstic. I say that BULL$**T but I don't want to gamble another $81.

So the dealer is telling me the I have to pay for the TPS but I inform him that it is covered under the 7 year/70,000 rule for the state of MA. He says NO and then checks and now knows it IS COVERED.

Just think, if I was an uninformed person, I would of been paying over $1500 in car repairs. How these dealerships take advantage of folks!

Lessons Learned: DO YOUR HOMEWORK! I'm actually going to back on line and look up if the Oxygen Sensor is also covered. I might be in luck of some good news all around. I still might finalized the case and ask them to pay for the Oxygen Sensor too - since the defective part MIGHT of caused this to go. What do I have to loose but a phone call to the maker! The case is already files.

Good luck to me  

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Something about the woods lets me sleep in. It's nice to sleep late. The weather has been fantastic. It's been sunny pretty much my whole vacation. I'm greatful I've had good weeks thus far.
I finally got myself into the lake. I has not fully immerged myself completely into the water but finally I did it. I was the only one our little swimming hole and I just swam and kicked away. It felt wondeful seeing that I had just sweated like a pig cause I was shoveling dirt to repair my road prior to jumping into the lake.
I did get a slight burn but try to stay out of the sun's way. I don't like sun block and YES I know how bad the sun is for you. I am trying very hard to stay out of the sun. I saw the loons but they didn't come over to my hole. They did pop up infront of my neighbor who was kyacking so I guess she'll send me some photo's.
I'm really tired right now. Probably from lying in the sun all day.

Well, going to pick up some movies and off to watch them. Later folks! Enjoy the summer night.

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Yesterday I stopped at the town hall to find out some tax info. I took the neighbor and my mother - all three of us together a danagerous combination. You would swear we were interstate truck drivers when we talk. We actually do this for the fun of it mostly. I guess the inner city gals all come out.
So I'm the driver and I stop. The two of them come with me in the town hall and cause havic. I asked for my town taxes and I am told "The files are locked and we can't get at them". Of course my immedate responce is "WHAT?  WHat do you mean the files are locked?" I guess the head of the small dept was not in and so the files stay locked. It just blows my mind.
So now I look for the tax book, which someone else was using. In the meantime, I ask to speak to someone else in charge of the Old Home Day affairs. I made a call about something coming up, as it states on the literature, to call this person. I called and they never returned my message.  If they aren't going to call, then why be the peron who is in charge of this? So when the person finally comes out, of course I said I called and left a message. She tells me she was getting around to calling back. The evenats are happening in less then 4 days, just when was she going to get around to it?
Anyway I got the info I needed and then went back in front where my neighbor and mother got this town worker going about the taxes and the services, etc. This woman, who is older then my mother, who has been there forever, looking prime and proper all these years, was swearing with them about the town too! I was shocked and then they got the selectman involved in their conversation. It was wild.
I was also looking for the road agent, since he promised he would deliver some dirt to me. I wanted to know WHEN since my vacation is slowly dwindling away. He assure me tomorrow morning between 7-7:30am.
I went to bed last night at 1am and was up at 6:30. Guess who didn't show up this morning? After the whole road moved their vehicles off the road so this guy could come up it! It's now 10 am and I left at 9:20 or so and he still wasn't there. I'm cooling off but before I head back home I guess I'm going by the yard to find him and ask if I got the days mixed up - which I know I didn't!!!!
Life in a small town.

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NH folks are funny. They are so laid back and relaxed and they just take one day at a time. We can all learn from them.
Here, they allow their dogs to roam in the public library. I think it's funny and not so funny. Last year when I got here this HUGE dog started growling at me when I entered the building. She then started barking. Turns out she was just saying HELLO to me but she is quit big and loud.
I LOVE dogs and don't get me wrong here but I really don't think the dog should be here unless it's a eequired working dog for a seeing impaired person. The reason behind my comment is if people are allergic, they can not enter this building since dog dander is everywhere. The PERSON has more of a right to be here then the DOG. This year I have not seen the dog ... yet.

Another thing about the locals is they are very Republician. Me, being a BOSTONIAN - the liberal part of the country and very DOMACRATIC. They voice thier opinions whether you want to hear it or not.

ANother thing about this place is it's not quiet. This is the noicest library I have ever been in. People are talking theny are are outside. Very unlike at home where if they see you on a cell phone they say GET OUT NOW. Here they yell from one end of the place to the other!

LOON UPDATE:
Yesterday, not the best swimming hole day, I sat at the beach waiting for them to come to my part of the lake and the family DID. I wish I took my camera but maybe this week, when it's quiet I will. If only I could figure out how to post photo's here I would. I always get the message "too big" or something like that. I have writen to the admin about how to post photo's but no one ever answered my email...so when I get photo's I guess I'm going to post them on my other BLOG site and ref you all there, if you are interested in the photo's.

See yaeh

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