Tommy's Bulging Wallet

 Today was a good day, not rough, just extremely tiring. We went to Cullman. The car drove beautifully. Skies were clear. I wore a light sweater since it was 44F when we left about 9 am. He refused to get a light jacket. I worry for him, but we have a throw in the car. 

We were going to pick up a lunch and then go to lunch and learn at the Ag Center. When we got our lunch, we picked up two for friends in their nineties. This is the guy who kept trying to touch me, to 'boop my nose" when I refused to let him hurt my injured shoulder. He was a pain once again. Next time, he will have to go to Tommy's window. 

We left their lunch and extricated ourselves and headed to the Lunch and Learn to hear about bulbs. I learned a lot even though I have been planting bulbs for years. I am always successful. 

We sat in the car and ate. We only ate one lunch. Tommy had the soup while I ate the salad. The soup was like chili with vegetables. I had the salad. We called to see what was on the menu. I brought chopped chicken to add to mine. It was a great salad after the chicken was added. 

I learned lots about bulbs and participated in the question-and-answer session. 

We were given bulbs just dug--lots of kinds of narcissus, spider lily, and some bulbs she did not know the kind. So, with our newfound knowledge, we have many free bulbs, about $30 dollars worth if we bought them from Lowe's.

Afterwards, we went to have the other fob made for Tommy's car. It was ordered but never came in, so that is for another trip. We then went to get my lens changed. I did not have my debit card, so Tommy used his cc. I insisted on repaying him. So, I went to bank and got over $200. He was thrilled to have 'real money' in his wallet. 

While waiting on my glasses, we went to DQ and got a horrible milk shake. I keep forgetting I hate their milkshakes. Plus, two milkshakes cost $10. 

As were on the way home, cleaner called me to say she wanted to come get the Rogue. When we got home, I called her. She and her friend came. I had just set down in my chair and pushed it all the way back. I thought I was awake when she came, but I could not talk and make sense or type out a bill of sale. I mailed it to her daughter and received a reply with her electronic signature. 

This bill of sale is an acknowledgement of the lack of title right now and an acknowledgement of money paid and received. She said she will not drive it. She just wants to get it before mower tries to buy it out from under her. Mower and cleaner are friends. 

She paid Tommy $500 cash. He was so happy to have money. He was showing me how stuffed his wallet was now. He is enjoying having money. Later, he said, "I suppose I should put most of this money into the credit union." So, he has had his ecstasy of having cash on his person, and he has come to his senses. He has $707 in tens and twenties plus one five and two ones. 

So, we have bulbs, maybe three dozen. 

We had to pay $10 each for the lunch and learn. I ate one triangle of baklava and Tommy had one bit of naan bread. I suppose free bulbs make up for lack of lunch I could eat and that he did not want. Okay, he had the rest of my lunch (Mediterranean salad and roasted potatoes) for dinner with another bowl of soup. 

The outdoor temperature was 61F when we came home today. Amazingly, it was only 56F in the house. We grabbed throws. 

I went to bed for two hours and got up still groggy. 

Now that I am up and have watched Nova, I will have Tommy's salad with more chopped chicken on it. 

There are still two more meals for other days. No, there are three salads and one soup left or something. I don't get the food math, but that is what he said. I may have to cook one day soon. sigh

The  Ag has a broom-making class next week. I want to go, but it starts at 6 pm. Besides, we have to pack and rest to go out of town. Maybe they will have it another time. 

I think I will sleep well tonight! 

Has anyone ever taken a broom-making class?

Do you plant bulbs? What kind?

Finishing Things

 I did call about the sexual harasser. The person to whom I talked was equally horrified and agreed I was harassed, too, that other people hearing this would not like it especially if they had children with them. And, she agreed that being her manager and him being white and her being black was a problem, too. Oh, I found out he was CS manager. Good going, guy.

When we left Saturday to travel out of town, I noticed squeaking from Tommy's side of the car occasionally. He said his Crocs were squeaking on the brake pedal. Finally, I told him something else was squeaking. If forgot to tell the dealer Monday. So, I called today. 

I was told that noise was rust on the rotors, that every time we let it sit and not drive it, the rust forms and then squeaks. I insisted this was not from rotors, that I could hear it in the car. I have heard brakes grinding before.  He assured me I was hearing rusty rotors. Finally, I called mower who knows a lot about cars. He thought the excuse was ludicrous. So, we wait. 

I cancelled a doctor's appointment and got a sooner one. It took the woman forever to understand I am supposed to see this doctor sooner, at least 63 days between appointments. Finally, I got a proper appointment. 

Since I have a driver's license and can legally drive once more, I decided to take a spin around the neighborhood, I left with only my debit card...lol. Then, I decided to go get oil changed and a car wash. I could not see to drive with dust reflecting on windshield. The car now looks wonderful. I needed gas. Tommy had struggled mightily to get into the car, so I got out to pump. Not possible. A message came up to go inside. 

I needed to go inside, too far for me to walk, so female employee offered to go in, use my card for me, and bring it back out. By the time this all was accomplished, I was too tired to go to oil change. 

Besides, Tommy's blood sugar was so low, he needed to eat. As I was driving after getting out for gas, I noticed him doing something busily. We had just gone to Publix and only gotten bread. He was wolfing down a slice of bread since he left his snack in his car when he got into mine.  It was not ideal, but he was not passing out. 

When we got home, cleaner wanted to come with her daughter to look the Rogue. Since we might not be home, she wants to come Friday, drive the car, and pay for it even if we do not have title yet. She wants to make sure to get it. Now, she will be here Friday around 4 pm. The Rogue is a hot commodity right now. Actually, people are lined up for the Impala, too. 

When we came home, I made coleslaw. For dinner, I had coleslaw, chopped slaw with kale, tomato and turkey--all cold. Tommy had a sandwich with turkey and bbq sauce and the new slaw I made. We had a blueberry muffin with real blueberries. 

The only thing I tried to do that did not pan out was talking to SS office. She was going to call me after I left a message!

We have a long day tomorrow. I have mixed feelings about our plans. 

Do rotors rust overnight and squeak when the car is driven the next day? 

Can you hear squeaks from rotors in the passenger cabin of a car and down in floor where brake pedal is located?

Fruitful Monday

 No, I did not call to report sexual harasser. Something happened. I think cleaner arrived. Tuesday, I promise. 

Today we got up early, about 10 am and were out the door in an hour. We first went to get my driver's license. Then, we both ordered title to sell the cars, mine and his. He suggested we eat at CFA, and I am weak. I only had cereal and milk. CFA is so delicious. 

Since we were practically across the street from where we bought the car, we dropped by to show them the lost trim and disaster of scratches on the car. I told them we did not want it buffed out because the scratch was too deep. The obnoxious came out and interrupted my talking with the man who would coordinate with repair people. 

I told him to go away because I did not want to see him or talk to him. He kept on and I raised my voice, yelling at him to go away. He persevered in trying to be Mr. Personality. I screamed at him to go away and get out of my face because I did not like him and what he had to say. 

When he first came up, he told me it was only aftermarket trim and my car was actually okay. I saw red and his smirking face. When I turned toward Tommy, about four salesmen with their mouths open. Tommy did not care.  Another four and the guy in charge of getting the repair done were very quiet outside my side of the car. 

I was sort of embarrassed then realized he was the instigator. I was too hot to have any regret. The guy I yelled at finally lost his smile and said, "You are serious, aren't you?" Stupid man!

We were near Jared's, so Tommy stopped and bought me a necklace for my birthday that was over a month ago.

Cleaner called, so we went home. She was here for two hours--brought out Halloween decorations, made my bed, cleaned up clutter behind and to the side of my chair, helped me clean up my room a bit, and put color on my hair. I use Guarnier 40 but had her put 415 over that. It gives sort of a reddish hue, so it does not look solid black. 

Tommy changed out my blue bird for a black bird. These are all the same bird, just spray-painted a different color. I have a red bird with a cardinal crest, painted red for Christmas. The Halloween stemless wine glass has an orange, battery-operated tealight in it. Halloween decorating will be slow this year. But, it is happening. 

Overall, it was a very good Monday, except for the guy in my face. Don't bother defending him or feeling sorry for him. I won't publish your comment. 

Because of cleaner coming, I did not get a chance to make calls I needed to make...tomorrow. 

There is a drive for books happening. I had bought a book but gave it to cleaner for her niece. 

My photo for driver's license is horrid! How did I get so old and saggy? 

Sexual Harassment/Carvana

 While I was at a big box store, I heard an assistant manager address a CS person as "Babe." I asked her to make sure. She said he did and often did.  I will call the company and complain. She said she tried to ignore it. I hope he loses his job! All women suffer when one man is allowed to sexually harass one woman. And, this was a black woman. He is a white man, her superior! 

I wonder how many people have witnessed her humiliation and harassment. How many young girls have seen and heard his actions and will accept it as normal. I have a BS in Social and Behavioral Science, so I can talk the talk in defense of people, minorities especially. 

Yes, I do defend men. 

Tomorrow, I will make the call to corporate. 

Mower came by today to look at the Rogue to buy. I had promised it to cleaner. They are friends. So, more car buyers than $500 cars.

Mower said he was waiting for me to get tag and title so he could buy Impala. I started thinking that a car does not need a tag to sell. So, told him I am not going to buy tag, just get a title. He did not try to persuade me. 

Carvana is so easy to use, so I am shopping for cars there. Has anyone ever bought a car from Carvana? 

Car Broke

 We had not been to Cullman to get the mail for about six weeks. The sound the car made frightened me. Now, the car is fixed, we know it was a wheel bearing. All fixed and car sold. 

The car was a dream. I love the beep so we know someone is close when he is going to make a turn. We are still learning the dashboard. We both have a thermostat for each side of the car. Neat!

We had traveled about 10 miles or less when the loose piece ripped loose and hit the car, flying off into the road after scratching the door. Now, all four pieces must be replaced. 

In Cullman, we went to a dealer, grandson of a friend who wanted us to go see him. Well, we did and he did not have anything for us right now. Then, we called a used car salesman who has sold us two cars, well SUVs. He said the dealer would have to replace all the little door window pieces. It was their problem. He will look for another car for me. He is very nice. And, thanked us for calling him. He is so polite that he was horrified with the way they yelled at me and insulted and ridiculed me all the time. 

We picked up six weeks of mail. I had a small, plain burger while Tommy ate his sandwich from home. Then, I ate my sandwich from home. We went to place to get another fob which will be $150. I need one, too. We have keys to each other's cars. I shopped in Publix and another store where I got deals--bogo Miracle Whip, bogo peanut butter . Dromedary Pimiento was cheaper in Cullman store than at The Pig. I suppose I am out of the canned Hormel roast beef and gravy, so I bought one until I can order from Amazon more cheaply. 

I have $50 on a card for vegetables only at markets, so I wanted to spend that before two weeks when it will end. I bought four tomatoes, pint of shelled peas, mess of fresh green beans, last zucchini a guy had, and tried to buy eggs. Now, I have $35 to spend. 

The woman washes them, refrigerates them, moves them to a cooler and brings them to the market. No way. I prefer them not washed, not refrigerated. She will be selling spoiled eggs. But, now I know I can buy good ones at a Thrift Store in Cullman. 

I felt so calm and relaxed and at home in the town where I lived for more than half my life. However, I was so happy to be going home to this house. 

The place where we are getting another fob came right out to the car as he always has. He knows me as a decades-long customer. 

I took a nap when we arrived home. Dinner was chicken, slaw, potatoes, carrots. There was a whole onion but have not had any of the onion yet. Yes. Tommy said there is still onion. 

Usually, a trip out, especially as far as Cullman causes my feet to swell so the normally loose sandal straps actually cut into my feet. I have been using the pumping legs at night. Last night I was choking again and did not feel I could lie back and not start choking and throwing up, so I skipped the pumping. Amazingly, after skipping the diuretic yesterday, skipping pumping, and sitting in the car for about 6 hours, my feet and legs were barely swollen. So, this is working even without doing it right, not my intentions. If any doctor had listened and taken me seriously, I would probably less swollen now! Oh, and now my weight is back down to lowest this summer. 

Tomorrow--woman in distress.

Fall Temperatures

 Today was a lovely day, blue skies, bright sun, not too hot, and a breeze. In short, idyllic. We did little. I still have not recovered from the physical or mental stress of Wednesday car buying! Tomorrow is a necessary but hard day. 

I do think I should dig out a sweater or two. I also need to move a thin jacket to my chair in living room. It appears we will have cooler weather in the 70s during the afternoons. 

Tommy said the back seat in the Honda is much larger. That will be good because we keep two travel pillows, a couple of throws, a canvas cooler, lots of stuff we won't carry back and forth. Plus, more room makes it easier to get the heavier and larger rollator into the car. 

I may never figure out all the gadgets on the dash. When I go into the grocery store, he sits and stays busy figuring out where everything is on the car. We are rejoicing over the button that opens and closes the back of the Honda. People ask us to open it and we cannot. They tell us it is a button. The guy today even closed it with the button on the door. YAY!

I do wonder how long it will take us to find everything and learn the car. We are not happy we don't have a cd player. It is also not in the car book! 

The grass is still growing, so more mowing will be needed, probably twice more. We have not seen one tree that is turning. 

Are the trees turning red and gold where you live or in your yard?

Rudeness and Insults at Dealer

 I had not been inside the car since Tommy signed the papers. We drove the Rogue home while the salesman drove/delivered the Honda. Today, about 4 pm, Tommy drove it to stores to get ads. Two miles into our drive, I noticed a glued part was falling off. There is a little ledge type, porch roof sticking out over the window. Well, It was broken and glued back with thick, nasty, orange glue. 

When I called back, less than 24 hours after it was purchased, the guy with whom I talked, said they would fix it. Our salesman was off today.

Yesterday, I was badgered and ridicule, yes, ridiculed, beyond belief.  They were both nasty to me, especially, the second guy. I said I hated a moonroof, and they said, "just shut it." They responded to each of my reasons with ridicule. I mean, I can dislike something, no business of theirs since the moonroof was not going away. 

Tommy has plenty to say about that later, but not to them. That does not matter as long as he got the car. Once inside and the sun was blazing on us and my skin was hurting from the sun, their solution was to have us walk over 100 feet inside the building to the last desk in the building. Today, Tommy was hurting and complained mightily about it. 

Since when is ridicule of customers part of the sales pitch? Also, they lied. The second guy told me all Honda CVRs came with moonroof. No, they don't. I called another dealer who said they could bring one in, but we would have to buy it. Well, shoot, I can find one now that I know the person lied and all do not have a moonroof. This piece of trim may be a stopper, though. 

When is all settled, I will complain to higher up. 

If I had known this would get worse when I first encountered this abuse, I would have left. Anyone who feels sorry for the poor salesmen is really off, in my opinion. By the way, I did not say one unkind word as he ridiculed me and harassed me about my own person dislikes about the automobile. I just turned my head away so I would not have to see two aggressive men yelling at me. Yet, he bitterly said the price I suggested was aggressive. I asked him if he meant I was aggressive. He said 'yes.'  I shrugged my shoulders and said, "oh well." 

Two more people want the Impala. But, it is still $6,000 dollars. Three others want the Rogue. 

Thursday, we had places to go, things we must do, but I told Tommy before we went to bed last night, that I could not go. Today, he was complaining how walking so far across the dealers' building to get to last office made him hurt. 

Going to pick up three grocery ads was all we did. I did get my hair washed. We baked four bscb and eight thigh, potatoes, carrots. That was dinner, and we will have that ready for when we get home tomorrow. Yes, delayed the salmon croquettes.

We are sooo exciting! Right? 

Oh, meant to say or maybe I did--decluttering uncovered my $50 gift card I misplaces. 

Tonight, I hope to see the Aurora Borealis. I hear it is visible far south. Have you ever seen the Aurora Borealis? From where?

Have you had salesman insult you or yell at you like these guys did? What did you do? 

Do you trade in cars, pass them on, or sell them to private person?

Not editing this either.