My vacation so far
A Magee
unwind, clean up, and look into buying a new dwelling place. So far, I've
only started on number three.
On Monday, there was a power cut before I woke up and my computer and
ADSL connection acted up all day.
Yesterday I washed all of my clothes and towels, only to find that my dryer
has decided not to work. Some of my clothes have dried hanging over the
rail, but my towels and bathrobe are all still wet and clammy and soon to
be, I expect, mildewed. I've cranked the heat up in the bathroom, because I
would really really like to have a shower soon. I have to go out and hide
from the trick or treaters this evening. I guess I could go out smelling
like an explosion in a skunk factory and buy new towels and clothes. (Hmm,
that's not a bad idea... New towels... mmmm...)
Today I find that my phone is dead. Which is weird, because my
ADSL connection is working fine and they both use the same line. I suspect
feline-powered unplugginess which I will have to crawl under the desk and
see if anything looks odd. Other than the grues than normally inhabit the
place, I mean.
I also haven't done a damn thing about cleaning this place up and making it
presentable for real estate agents and such.
I bought a lottery ticket on Saturday, but I'm scared to check it now. The
way my luck's been going, I will have to pay *them* money.
Anne, needs another vacation already
--
"Eschew obfuscation."
afba website at http://www.kyson.crosswinds.net/afba/
Photo website at http://www.kyson.crosswinds.net/
HT
>I am currently in the middle of a week off during which I am supposed to
>unwind, clean up, and look into buying a new dwelling place. So far, I've
>only started on number three.
Number 3 is the one I would choose to do first. In the future it will
lead to number 1. Number 2 just sounds boring.
>Yesterday I washed all of my clothes and towels, only to find that my dryer
>has decided not to work. Some of my clothes have dried hanging over the
>rail, but my towels and bathrobe are all still wet and clammy and soon to
>be, I expect, mildewed. I've cranked the heat up in the bathroom, because I
>would really really like to have a shower soon. I have to go out and hide
>from the trick or treaters this evening. I guess I could go out smelling
>like an explosion in a skunk factory and buy new towels and clothes. (Hmm,
>that's not a bad idea... New towels... mmmm...)
I had 4 trick-or-treaters during one sentence in a post up there
somewhere ^.
Sorry about the dryer. Not a problem for ... say... the parents T, but
not ideal for those living in Canadia in late fall.
>Today I find that my phone is dead. Which is weird, because my
>ADSL connection is working fine and they both use the same line. I suspect
>feline-powered unplugginess which I will have to crawl under the desk and
>see if anything looks odd. Other than the grues than normally inhabit the
>place, I mean.
I like grues. Always identified with both the lurking and the
slavering fangs.
If it's not the cats, it might be a bad connection. My bedroom phone
only works with the phone cord pulled in one direction. Much like my
walkman headphones used to do.
>I also haven't done a damn thing about cleaning this place up and making it
>presentable for real estate agents and such.
You should have had an afba meet. We can help.... oh yeah. We can make
a huge mess.
>Anne, needs another vacation already
Tracy, plotting a long weekend at the beach, you're welcome to join us
A Magee
> abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) wrote:
>
>>I am currently in the middle of a week off during which I am supposed
>>to unwind, clean up, and look into buying a new dwelling place. So far,
>>I've only started on number three.
>
> Number 3 is the one I would choose to do first. In the future it will
> lead to number 1. Number 2 just sounds boring.
Ar. But number 2 has to be done.
Ooh, this is beginning to sound like tonight's episode of LEXX.
[ snip ]
> I
>>have to go out and hide from the trick or treaters this evening. I
>>guess I could go out smelling like an explosion in a skunk factory and
>>buy new towels and clothes. (Hmm, that's not a bad idea... New
>>towels... mmmm...)
>
> I had 4 trick-or-treaters during one sentence in a post up there
> somewhere ^.
Goodness. Four per sentence. I'm glad I hid.
> Sorry about the dryer. Not a problem for ... say... the parents T, but
> not ideal for those living in Canadia in late fall.
It's a bit awkward. I had to turn the heat on and I was trying to avoid
that for a few more days. Besides, everything will dry all stiff. Yuck.
>>Today I find that my phone is dead. Which is weird, because my
>>ADSL connection is working fine and they both use the same line. I
>>suspect feline-powered unplugginess which I will have to crawl under
>>the desk and see if anything looks odd. Other than the grues than
>>normally inhabit the place, I mean.
>
> I like grues. Always identified with both the lurking and the
> slavering fangs.
Well, I stuck my nose under there and didn't actually see any grues. Nor
did I see any unplugginess. I will try again tomorrow in daylight.
> If it's not the cats, it might be a bad connection. My bedroom phone
> only works with the phone cord pulled in one direction. Much like my
> walkman headphones used to do.
It worked fine yesterday. Could be worse though. Could be my ADSL line.
>>I also haven't done a damn thing about cleaning this place up and
>>making it presentable for real estate agents and such.
>
> You should have had an afba meet. We can help.... oh yeah. We can make
> a huge mess.
There's already a huge mess.
>>Anne, needs another vacation already
>
> Tracy, plotting a long weekend at the beach, you're welcome to join us
I'm not feeling very beachy. Actually, I'm feeling rather achy. Maybe a
beach wouldn't be so bad. Or some of Granny's rheumatiz medicine.
Anne
Richard
A Magee added
>I bought a lottery ticket on Saturday, but I'm scared to check it now. The
>way my luck's been going, I will have to pay *them* money.
Blimey!!
>
>Anne, needs another vacation already
Ok - take next week off.
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
Once, during prohibition, I was forced to live for days on
nothing but food and water. [WC Fields]
HT
>Quoth HT:
>
>> Number 3 is the one I would choose to do first. In the future it will
>> lead to number 1. Number 2 just sounds boring.
>
>Ar. But number 2 has to be done.
It can be put off for a surprising amount of time. Number 1 however
cannot.
>Ooh, this is beginning to sound like tonight's episode of LEXX.
Which episode? They've stopped putting new ones on now here. I missed
one mid-September too.
>> I had 4 trick-or-treaters during one sentence in a post up there
>> somewhere ^.
>
>Goodness. Four per sentence. I'm glad I hid.
It was a long sentence, but not one of my longest.
>It's a bit awkward. I had to turn the heat on and I was trying to avoid
>that for a few more days. Besides, everything will dry all stiff. Yuck.
Some people dry clothes on lines on purpose, but in Spain I always
found they dried all stiff and icky and smelling like smoke. Maybe
it's the humidity?
Not fresh and soft and smelling like flowers.
>Well, I stuck my nose under there and didn't actually see any grues. Nor
>did I see any unplugginess. I will try again tomorrow in daylight.
Well? You must be out of daylight by now. Did you find the problem?
>It worked fine yesterday. Could be worse though. Could be my ADSL line.
I would go into severe shock, at least this weekend. Otherwise I'd
snag somebody else's internet access. I'm getting used to having news
and internet whenever I want them.
>> You should have had an afba meet. We can help.... oh yeah. We can make
>> a huge mess.
>
>There's already a huge mess.
There's always room for more. You probably have fewer Guinnesses than
you'd have if we visited.
>I'm not feeling very beachy. Actually, I'm feeling rather achy. Maybe a
>beach wouldn't be so bad. Or some of Granny's rheumatiz medicine.
It's supposed to be warmer there by the beach. The water is nice and
warm. But it's not dry heat which is best I think for aches. OTOH
there is apparently a hot tub. Mmmm...
I've been West and North, this is my first chance to go East and
South! Must be warmer further south, right?
Tracy, will wave vaguely Karenwards from the beach
A Magee
> abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) wrote:
>
>>Quoth HT:
>>
>>> Number 3 is the one I would choose to do first. In the future it will
>>> lead to number 1. Number 2 just sounds boring.
>>
>>Ar. But number 2 has to be done.
>
> It can be put off for a surprising amount of time. Number 1 however
> cannot.
I think that depends. On what, I don't know. Possibly Depends.
>>Ooh, this is beginning to sound like tonight's episode of LEXX.
>
> Which episode? They've stopped putting new ones on now here. I missed
> one mid-September too.
Xev, Kai, Stanley, Prince, Bunny, and the President are on the LEXX but
they don't have the key because a moth breeder got it when Lyekka died. One
of the butt carrots is also on board and it moves from one to another of
them, causing much farting and emergency bowel movements and anal probing.
>>> I had 4 trick-or-treaters during one sentence in a post up there
>>> somewhere ^.
>>
>>Goodness. Four per sentence. I'm glad I hid.
>
> It was a long sentence, but not one of my longest.
If it had been a Ken-sentence, there would have been 10 per.
>>It's a bit awkward. I had to turn the heat on and I was trying to avoid
>>that for a few more days. Besides, everything will dry all stiff. Yuck.
>
> Some people dry clothes on lines on purpose, but in Spain I always
> found they dried all stiff and icky and smelling like smoke. Maybe
> it's the humidity?
I think you need a bit of humidity and a fair amount of air movement. And a
lot of no-smoke.
> Not fresh and soft and smelling like flowers.
For that, you need flowers.
>>Well, I stuck my nose under there and didn't actually see any grues. Nor
>>did I see any unplugginess. I will try again tomorrow in daylight.
>
> Well? You must be out of daylight by now. Did you find the problem?
I finally straightened it out about ten minutes ago, after several non-
productive trips under the desk. (Well, not totally non-productive. I found
a box of staples that I lost many moons ago. I just hope I still have the
stapler that they fit.)
Turns out the problem was the little call display gidget that hangs out
between the phone and the wall. Since the cord is approximately 50 feet
longer than it has to be, the gidget was able to fall down and hide under
the TV stand, where it apparently passed away. (I'm not sure if it is
actually dead or merely needs new batteries, but it is certainly not
currently operating.) Once I removed that and plugged the cord directly
into the phone, the dial tone returned and all seems to be well.
It seems that having ADSL somehow connects all the phone lines together so
that if one is not working, none of the others will work. The dearly-
departed gidget behaved like a rather large gap in the phone cord in the
living room, thus turning the living room phone into a not very attractive
ornament. This virtual gap also caused the jack in the bedroom to cease
functioning.
(Note to self: Either discontinue call display or buy a phone with a built-
in call display window.)
>>It worked fine yesterday. Could be worse though. Could be my ADSL line.
>
> I would go into severe shock, at least this weekend. Otherwise I'd
> snag somebody else's internet access. I'm getting used to having news
> and internet whenever I want them.
My internet connection was up and down all day Monday because of an early-
morning powercut and it made me feel quite claustrophobic.
>>> You should have had an afba meet. We can help.... oh yeah. We can make
>>> a huge mess.
>>
>>There's already a huge mess.
>
> There's always room for more. You probably have fewer Guinnesses than
> you'd have if we visited.
I have two. I strongly suspect that if afba visited, that two would change
quickly to zero. Unless, of course, Alan was here, in which case his
personal Guinness tanker would be parked in the driveway.
I don't know if a single tanker would be enough though, so Alan might not
share.
>>I'm not feeling very beachy. Actually, I'm feeling rather achy. Maybe a
>>beach wouldn't be so bad. Or some of Granny's rheumatiz medicine.
>
> It's supposed to be warmer there by the beach. The water is nice and
> warm. But it's not dry heat which is best I think for aches. OTOH
> there is apparently a hot tub. Mmmm...
I want a whirlpool tub! Not a hot tub or a jacuzzi, just a nice big deep
whirlpool tub. Then I could have a nice bath with a book every night before
bed.
> I've been West and North, this is my first chance to go East and
> South! Must be warmer further south, right?
Where are you going? (Which beach?)
> Tracy, will wave vaguely Karenwards from the beach
Has anyone heard from Karen lately?
Geep
<abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>Quoth HT:
>>
>> It's supposed to be warmer there by the beach. The water is nice and
>> warm. But it's not dry heat which is best I think for aches. OTOH
>> there is apparently a hot tub. Mmmm...
>
>I want a whirlpool tub! Not a hot tub or a jacuzzi, just a nice big deep
>whirlpool tub. Then I could have a nice bath with a book every night before
>bed.
>
to bed can only be classed as m*r*i*g.
--
Geep
A Magee
That *was* true, and still is when I'm on vacation, but I'm on day shift
now. I have to get up by 8am (or earlier) so bedtime is officially 11pm.
So nyah.
Anne, who sometimes actually gets to bed at the "official" time.
Geep
<abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>Quoth Geep:
>
>>>I want a whirlpool tub! Not a hot tub or a jacuzzi, just a nice big
>>>deep whirlpool tub. Then I could have a nice bath with a book every
>>>night before bed.
>>>
>> Slight problem. You don't go to bed at night. The time you usually
>> get to bed can only be classed as m*r*i*g.
>
>That *was* true, and still is when I'm on vacation, but I'm on day shift
>now. I have to get up by 8am (or earlier) so bedtime is officially 11pm.
8?! I didn't think you realised there are two 8s in a day ...
>
>So nyah.
*snigger*
>
>Anne, who sometimes actually gets to bed at the "official" time.
Told yer so. Tee hee.
--
Geep
A Magee
> In message <Xns914D74...@130.133.1.4>, A Magee
> <abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>>Quoth Geep:
>>
>>>>I want a whirlpool tub! Not a hot tub or a jacuzzi, just a nice big
>>>>deep whirlpool tub. Then I could have a nice bath with a book every
>>>>night before bed.
>>>>
>>> Slight problem. You don't go to bed at night. The time you usually
>>> get to bed can only be classed as m*r*i*g.
>>
>>That *was* true, and still is when I'm on vacation, but I'm on day shift
>>now. I have to get up by 8am (or earlier) so bedtime is officially 11pm.
>
> 8?! I didn't think you realised there are two 8s in a day ...
Until recently, it was merely something I sometimes heard other people
mention but never really believed.
>>So nyah.
>
> *snigger*
>>
>>Anne, who sometimes actually gets to bed at the "official" time.
>
> Told yer so. Tee hee.
Watch that giggling, buster!
Anne, suffering from the early symptoms of house-buying
HT
>Quoth HT:
>
>> It can be put off for a surprising amount of time. Number 1 however
>> cannot.
>
>I think that depends. On what, I don't know. Possibly Depends.
Possibly. I wonder if there's any food one can eat to avoid
dependence.
>Xev, Kai, Stanley, Prince, Bunny, and the President are on the LEXX but
>they don't have the key because a moth breeder got it when Lyekka died. One
>of the butt carrots is also on board and it moves from one to another of
>them, causing much farting and emergency bowel movements and anal probing.
I think I only saw the one before that. Or the one before that. Then
they stopped. I saw the DVDs the other day but was far too cheap to
buy them.
>>>> I had 4 trick-or-treaters during one sentence in a post up there
>>>> somewhere ^.
>>>
>>>Goodness. Four per sentence. I'm glad I hid.
>>
>> It was a long sentence, but not one of my longest.
>
>If it had been a Ken-sentence, there would have been 10 per.
Sometimes I edit my sentences so that some other people have a chance
of understanding at least part of what I meant. That takes time.
>> Not fresh and soft and smelling like flowers.
>
>For that, you need flowers.
I realised today that I know the names of very few flowers.
>>I finally straightened it out about ten minutes ago, after several non-
>productive trips under the desk. (Well, not totally non-productive. I found
>a box of staples that I lost many moons ago. I just hope I still have the
>stapler that they fit.)
One of the tiny "Tot" staplers?
>Turns out the problem was the little call display gidget that hangs out
>between the phone and the wall.
Are those at all useful? I'd like one but I've heard telemarketers
block them, so they're useless.
Well, before you say what you're thinking, for some reason my parents'
number also always shows as "blocked"
>It seems that having ADSL somehow connects all the phone lines together so
>that if one is not working, none of the others will work. The dearly-
>departed gidget behaved like a rather large gap in the phone cord in the
>living room, thus turning the living room phone into a not very attractive
>ornament. This virtual gap also caused the jack in the bedroom to cease
>functioning.
Get one of those old-fashioned-looking phones?
>(Note to self: Either discontinue call display or buy a phone with a built-
>in call display window.)
Then the whole phone can break!
>My internet connection was up and down all day Monday because of an early-
>morning powercut and it made me feel quite claustrophobic.
That's a good word for it. I also get that when the cable goes out,
even if I didn't really want to watch anything on tv. Weird.
And yet I always want to be snowed in during a blizzard. But only with
the appropriate guy. It could get cold.
>> There's always room for more. You probably have fewer Guinnesses than
>> you'd have if we visited.
>
>I have two. I strongly suspect that if afba visited, that two would change
>quickly to zero. Unless, of course, Alan was here, in which case his
>personal Guinness tanker would be parked in the driveway.
Alan would bring a stash. We would just bring food.
>I want a whirlpool tub! Not a hot tub or a jacuzzi, just a nice big deep
>whirlpool tub. Then I could have a nice bath with a book every night before
>bed.
I should do that and will some day if I can ever sort out how to keep
mildew from growing in the jets. Ick!
>> I've been West and North, this is my first chance to go East and
>> South! Must be warmer further south, right?
>
>Where are you going? (Which beach?)
Myrtle. You may have heard of it? It's in SC, not NC. NC beaches are
apparently 6-8 hours away?
>> Tracy, will wave vaguely Karenwards from the beach
>
>Has anyone heard from Karen lately?
Not I, said the sparrow
Tracy, who completely forgot the word "sparrow" in the scattergories
game earlier today, D'Oh!
A Magee
> abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) wrote:
>
>>Quoth HT:
>>
>>> It can be put off for a surprising amount of time. Number 1 however
>>> cannot.
>>
>>I think that depends. On what, I don't know. Possibly Depends.
>
> Possibly. I wonder if there's any food one can eat to avoid
> dependence.
I thought that Unca' Cecil had addressed that issue, but I can't find it.
>>Xev, Kai, Stanley, Prince, Bunny, and the President are on the LEXX but
>>they don't have the key because a moth breeder got it when Lyekka died.
>>One of the butt carrots is also on board and it moves from one to
>>another of them, causing much farting and emergency bowel movements and
>>anal probing.
>
> I think I only saw the one before that. Or the one before that. Then
> they stopped. I saw the DVDs the other day but was far too cheap to
> buy them.
The one before it was the Oberon one with Kai turning into a tree.
The DVDs are from season one, I believe. It was a TV movie series
originally.
>>>>> I had 4 trick-or-treaters during one sentence in a post up there
>>>>> somewhere ^.
>>>>
>>>>Goodness. Four per sentence. I'm glad I hid.
>>>
>>> It was a long sentence, but not one of my longest.
>>
>>If it had been a Ken-sentence, there would have been 10 per.
>
> Sometimes I edit my sentences so that some other people have a chance
> of understanding at least part of what I meant. That takes time.
I expect it does.
>>> Not fresh and soft and smelling like flowers.
>>
>>For that, you need flowers.
>
> I realised today that I know the names of very few flowers.
You could ask them.
>>>I finally straightened it out about ten minutes ago, after several
>>>non-
>>productive trips under the desk. (Well, not totally non-productive. I
>>found a box of staples that I lost many moons ago. I just hope I still
>>have the stapler that they fit.)
>
> One of the tiny "Tot" staplers?
No, just standard staples. I used to have two staplers that used them but
I'm not sure where they are now. It's the uncertainty principle. If you
know where your staples are, you can't know where your stapler is.
>>Turns out the problem was the little call display gidget that hangs out
>>between the phone and the wall.
>
> Are those at all useful? I'd like one but I've heard telemarketers
> block them, so they're useless.
I got it so that I would know if my parents or anyone called when I wasn't
home. I don't find it particularly useful. I should probably drop the
service and get voice mail instead.
> Well, before you say what you're thinking, for some reason my parents'
> number also always shows as "blocked"
How do you know if you don't have a gidget?
>>It seems that having ADSL somehow connects all the phone lines together
>>so that if one is not working, none of the others will work. The
>>dearly- departed gidget behaved like a rather large gap in the phone
>>cord in the living room, thus turning the living room phone into a not
>>very attractive ornament. This virtual gap also caused the jack in the
>>bedroom to cease functioning.
>
> Get one of those old-fashioned-looking phones?
Ugh. I'd rather have something futuristic. As long as it was solid and well
made.
>>(Note to self: Either discontinue call display or buy a phone with a
>>built- in call display window.)
>
> Then the whole phone can break!
Troo! I'll run right out tomorrow and get one.
>>My internet connection was up and down all day Monday because of an
>>early- morning powercut and it made me feel quite claustrophobic.
>
> That's a good word for it. I also get that when the cable goes out,
> even if I didn't really want to watch anything on tv. Weird.
Me too. And I get it when the truck's in for servicing. If it's not in the
driveway, I always feel that I should be going somewhere.
I guess I just need to know that those options are available, even if I
don't want to use them right now. Just like I need to know that I *can* get
out my front door even though I don't want to go out.
> And yet I always want to be snowed in during a blizzard. But only with
> the appropriate guy. It could get cold.
Hm. That does have a certain appeal. As long as there is lots of food and
water and it's not *that* cold. Or there's a nice fire with lots of wood.
>>> There's always room for more. You probably have fewer Guinnesses than
>>> you'd have if we visited.
>>
>>I have two. I strongly suspect that if afba visited, that two would
>>change quickly to zero. Unless, of course, Alan was here, in which case
>>his personal Guinness tanker would be parked in the driveway.
>
> Alan would bring a stash. We would just bring food.
I ate too too much tonight. I didn't eat all day then pigged out like
crazy. I shouldn't do that.
>>I want a whirlpool tub! Not a hot tub or a jacuzzi, just a nice big
>>deep whirlpool tub. Then I could have a nice bath with a book every
>>night before bed.
>
> I should do that and will some day if I can ever sort out how to keep
> mildew from growing in the jets. Ick!
If it's water jets, wouldn't it get washed out when they were in use?
>>> I've been West and North, this is my first chance to go East and
>>> South! Must be warmer further south, right?
>>
>>Where are you going? (Which beach?)
>
> Myrtle. You may have heard of it? It's in SC, not NC. NC beaches are
> apparently 6-8 hours away?
I have heard of it, though I don't know why. Hope you have a good time.
>>> Tracy, will wave vaguely Karenwards from the beach
>>
>>Has anyone heard from Karen lately?
>
> Not I, said the sparrow
You can't hear from someone with a bow and arrow, can you?
> Tracy, who completely forgot the word "sparrow" in the scattergories
> game earlier today, D'Oh!
Tch. Did you win anyway?
Geep
<abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>Quoth Geep:
>>
>> Told yer so. Tee hee.
>
>Watch that giggling, buster!
>
>Anne, suffering from the early symptoms of house-buying
Huh? huh? Huh?
You can't leave us in suspense! A story to be told?
--
Geep
A Magee
> In message <Xns914DC30...@130.133.1.4>, A Magee
> <abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>>Anne, suffering from the early symptoms of house-buying
>
> Huh? huh? Huh?
>
> You can't leave us in suspense! A story to be told?
Well, the short version is, I'm trying to buy a house.
Here's the long playing version:
The tin box loan has been paid off and I want something solider. I figured
the best I could get on my income would be a used mini home, but interest
rates have dropped so low that there is the distinct possibility that I
will be able to buy an actual house.
I thought the real estate agent was being over-enthusiastic, but I went to
the online mortgage-calculator and she might be right.
I was out today looking at several and I really like one of them. Now I
have to call a mortgage person and see if they're daft enough to loan me
money.
I'm a little bit worried now because the house is no longer showing up on
the homesacrosscanada web site, but maybe it's because it has recently
switched real estate companies and changed its price. I certainly hope so.
Anyway, the one I liked is a 3-bedroom semi-detached house on a small steep
lot. The master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet and an ensuite [WOCAB]
bathroom with a shower stall in it. The main bathroom has a decent-sized
tub with a slanty end for reclining purposes. The main level has the living
room, kitchen, powder room (for keeping powder in, one supposes), and a
kind of open area with a patio door which leads to an actual patio. (The
living room also has a patio door which leads to a small balcony. The
basement has a laundry room, another unfinished room, and a garage.
Appliances are all included: stove, fridge, built-in disheater, second
fridge in basement, deep freeze, washer, dryer, central vacuum cleaner, air
exchanger thingy. The two smaller bedrooms look like they're wired for
network connection, and there's a cable outlet in every room.
Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
Anne
Lorrill Buyens
alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
My mother had one installed in the master bath when it was remodeled.
(Well, not an actual whirlpool *tub*, jus' an ordinary-type one with
whirlpool jets.) You may now proceed to cast jealous looks in our
direction...
--
Lorrill Buyens
"A load of steaming horse shit could indeed keep a human afloat, for
a tall enough and broad enough load of steaming horse shit."
- Timothy McDaniel, defining waste-product dynamics in AFU
Support the Jayne Hitchcock HELP Fund
http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/6172/helpjane.htm
A Magee
> On 2 Nov 2001 03:55:05 GMT, abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) ordered a
> alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>>I want a whirlpool tub! Not a hot tub or a jacuzzi, just a nice big
>>deep whirlpool tub. Then I could have a nice bath with a book every
>>night before bed.
>
> My mother had one installed in the master bath when it was remodeled.
> (Well, not an actual whirlpool *tub*, jus' an ordinary-type one with
> whirlpool jets.) You may now proceed to cast jealous looks in our
> direction...
Consider them cast...
Anne, casting like billyo
Geep
<abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>Quoth Geep:
>>
>> You can't leave us in suspense! A story to be told?
>
>Well, the short version is, I'm trying to buy a house.
Woo-Hoo!
>
>Here's the long playing version:
>
[...]
>
>Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
>
Sounds perfect. Welcome to the world of house buying worries. Not sure
how the system operates over there <----, but here, there are different
systems in England in Scotland. In Scotland, AIUI, the contract is
binding almost immediately, whereas down here either side can pull out
almost to the last minute, which does tend to fray the nerves of both
sides. Good luck - do let us know how you're getting on.
--
Geep
AmyK
>> Tracy, will wave vaguely Karenwards from the beach
>
>Has anyone heard from Karen lately?
or Anna?
Richard
A Magee added
>Appliances are all included: stove, fridge, built-in disheater, second
>fridge in basement, deep freeze, washer, dryer, central vacuum cleaner, air
>exchanger thingy. The two smaller bedrooms look like they're wired for
>network connection, and there's a cable outlet in every room.
>
>Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
Sounds *perfect*.
So what's wrong with it?
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
What men usually ask of God when they pray
is that two and two not make four.
HT
>Quoth HT:
>
>> I think I only saw the one before that. Or the one before that. Then
>> they stopped. I saw the DVDs the other day but was far too cheap to
>> buy them.
>
>The one before it was the Oberon one with Kai turning into a tree.
Didn't see that either. What the heck? I thought I'd only missed maybe
2 or 3 weeks and that's because when I taped it, it wasn't on. Once I
found out they'd moved it and didn't just cancel it for late-September
concerts & etc., I looked and they had switched to re-runs on Monday.
>The DVDs are from season one, I believe. It was a TV movie series
>originally.
Ah. I was just surprised to see it.
>> I realised today that I know the names of very few flowers.
>
>You could ask them.
I tried asking them but most of them were mere seeds underground right
now and hadn't heard me.
>No, just standard staples. I used to have two staplers that used them but
>I'm not sure where they are now. It's the uncertainty principle. If you
>know where your staples are, you can't know where your stapler is.
I can usually find my stapeler (I don't hae that much stuff) but to
make up for it I can never ever find the nail clippers.
>I got it so that I would know if my parents or anyone called when I wasn't
>home. I don't find it particularly useful. I should probably drop the
>service and get voice mail instead.
Or an answering machine and take the $10/month you'd pay the phone
company for that as cash. Phone company always charges a lot and the
advantage of their service is it works when you're on-line but you
don't need that. Any answering machine would do.
>> Well, before you say what you're thinking, for some reason my parents'
>> number also always shows as "blocked"
>
>How do you know if you don't have a gidget?
Other people do and have mentioned it. Even they know that.
>> Get one of those old-fashioned-looking phones?
>
>Ugh. I'd rather have something futuristic. As long as it was solid and well
>made.
Are there futurisitc phones? I need to get a new battery for my phone,
maybe I'll look.
>> Then the whole phone can break!
>
>Troo! I'll run right out tomorrow and get one.
Can you get me a battery while you're at the phone store?
>Me too. And I get it when the truck's in for servicing. If it's not in the
>driveway, I always feel that I should be going somewhere.
How do you get home without the trucklet?
>I guess I just need to know that those options are available, even if I
>don't want to use them right now. Just like I need to know that I *can* get
>out my front door even though I don't want to go out.
I usually can. Is it the snow of which you speak or the cats guarding
the doorway?
>> And yet I always want to be snowed in during a blizzard. But only with
>> the appropriate guy. It could get cold.
>
>Hm. That does have a certain appeal. As long as there is lots of food and
>water and it's not *that* cold. Or there's a nice fire with lots of wood.
The guy is there to provide warmth. I have found they are useful for
that. They might get to play with the fire but only after I'm bored of
it. We can cook food from tins in the fire like Geep cooks beans.
>I ate too too much tonight. I didn't eat all day then pigged out like
>crazy. I shouldn't do that.
Me neither. I didn't though, really, just a couple of mixed drinks
with almost no alcohol in them, and a few snackses. I had to
particularly eat a lot of cheese in a forlorn effort to up my
cholesterol.
Mmm... more eggses and biscuits and gravy!
>> I should do that and will some day if I can ever sort out how to keep
>> mildew from growing in the jets. Ick!
>
>If it's water jets, wouldn't it get washed out when they were in use?
Yes, which is a great idea if you're not actually in the bath when
it's in use.
>>>Has anyone heard from Karen lately?
>>
>> Not I, said the sparrow
>
>You can't hear from someone with a bow and arrow, can you?
I have always wanted to shoot one.
>> Tracy, who completely forgot the word "sparrow" in the scattergories
>> game earlier today, D'Oh!
>
>Tch. Did you win anyway?
Nah, I froze. Don't like time limits.
Best run, late again!
Tracy
A Magee
> In message <Xns914EB3C...@130.133.1.4>, A Magee
> <abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>>Quoth Geep:
>>>
>>> You can't leave us in suspense! A story to be told?
>>
>>Well, the short version is, I'm trying to buy a house.
>
> Woo-Hoo!
Doncha just love low interest rates?
>>Here's the long playing version:
>>
> [...]
>>
>>Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
>>
> Sounds perfect. Welcome to the world of house buying worries. Not sure
> how the system operates over there <----, but here, there are different
> systems in England in Scotland. In Scotland, AIUI, the contract is
> binding almost immediately, whereas down here either side can pull out
> almost to the last minute, which does tend to fray the nerves of both
> sides. Good luck - do let us know how you're getting on.
Until the mortgage company or bank tells me I qualify for a mortgage, this
is really just fantasizing. But I'm so excited at the thought of having a
"real" house that I can't stop babbling.
I've no idea how the system here compares with your system. I don't hear a
lot of horror stories like the ones I've read from the UK, but that doesn't
mean anything. This particular house shouldn't be a problem though. It's
been for sale for a long time. The photograph used by the real estate
companies was taken when there was still snow on the ground! It was still
occupied then, but it's been vacant for quite some time now, so they should
be glad to get rid of it.
A Magee
> Some people said things, and then:-
> A Magee added
>
>>Appliances are all included: stove, fridge, built-in disheater, second
>>fridge in basement, deep freeze, washer, dryer, central vacuum cleaner,
>>air exchanger thingy. The two smaller bedrooms look like they're wired
>>for network connection, and there's a cable outlet in every room.
>>
>>Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
>
> Sounds *perfect*.
>
> So what's wrong with it?
Carpet. It's carpeted *everywhere* except the kitchen and bathrooms. Nice
carpet, very soft on the feet, but still carpet. And most of it is light-
coloured. Be a real bugger to keep clean, and vacuuming would take ages.
Stairs. I don't mind the idea of stairs, in fact, I welcome them because I
need the exercise, but I don't like these stairs. The steps are too small
(noticeably shorter than my feet) and they're carpeted. I felt quite
uncomfortable coming down them. Going up wasn't so bad, except for the curl
at the top where there's no rail.
Siding. It's wood, stained a kind of tan. I like it, but it probably needs
more maintenance than vinyl would. There's also a gratuitous patch of brick
on the front which looks odd.
Internet: It's (apparently) outside of the Vibe (ADSL service) area. This
means I'd either have to go back to a modem (ick) or get a cable modem (if
*that's* possible in that area).
Balcony: There's a small balcony off the living room. This sticks out over
the driveway, apparently unsupported, and looks kinda silly to my mind.
Patio doors: Two sets of them, one in the living room (leading to the
above-mentioned balcony) and one in the dining area. I'd prefer to skip the
balcony and patio doors in the living room and put in a nice big bay
window.
Living room: It seems a bit small and narrow. I'd like it about two feet
wider.
Driveway: It's shared with the house next door. The entrance is the width
of a single drivway then it spreads out. Problem is, it's very short, so
you can't park more than one car in it without blocking the shared bit. In
fact, you have to park a single car with its nose right up against the
garage door. Also, it slopes uphill. Might be difficult to get into when
there's slnow and ice on the ground.
Garage: Like the living room (which is directly above it), it's narrow.
Wide enough for a car, obviously, but it looks like you'd have to close the
car door before you could get past it.
Back yard: Very steep, with only a small flattish area directly behind the
house. Might possibly be a snow or water trap.
That enough?
Alan Brand
>In message <Xns914EB3C...@130.133.1.4>, A Magee
><abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>>Quoth Geep:
>>>
>>> You can't leave us in suspense! A story to be told?
>>
>>Well, the short version is, I'm trying to buy a house.
>
>Woo-Hoo!
>>
>>Here's the long playing version:
>>
>[...]
>>
>>Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
You go, girl!
>Sounds perfect. Welcome to the world of house buying worries. Not sure
>how the system operates over there <----, but here, there are different
>systems in England in Scotland. In Scotland, AIUI, the contract is
>binding almost immediately, whereas down here either side can pull out
>almost to the last minute, which does tend to fray the nerves of both
>sides. Good luck - do let us know how you're getting on.
The Canajun model is like your description of the Scottish version. I
can't imagine making plans to move without the contract in hand.
--
AlanB
Geep
<alan....@sympatico.ca> writes
>
>>Sounds perfect. Welcome to the world of house buying worries. Not sure
>>how the system operates over there <----, but here, there are different
>>systems in England in Scotland. In Scotland, AIUI, the contract is
>>binding almost immediately, whereas down here either side can pull out
>>almost to the last minute, which does tend to fray the nerves of both
>>sides. Good luck - do let us know how you're getting on.
>
>The Canajun model is like your description of the Scottish version. I
>can't imagine making plans to move without the contract in hand.
>
please, and a price is agreed. Person B then arranges finance, a
valuation/survey etc., solicitor to do all the legal stuff like
searches, prepare contract, agree what will be left/taken. Eventually,
A and B 'exchange contracts' at which point B is committed to purchase,
on the 'completion date', usually 30 days after exchange of contracts. B
can still pull out between exchange and completion, but forfeits ten per
cent (I think) of the purchase price, if he does.
The awkward period is the time until contracts are exchanged, as B is
investing quite a bit of cash in the purchase, with no (legal)
commitment on either side.
--
Geep
Geep
<abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>Quoth Richard:
>>
>> So what's wrong with it?
>
>Carpet. It's carpeted *everywhere* except the kitchen and bathrooms. Nice
>carpet, very soft on the feet, but still carpet. And most of it is light-
>coloured. Be a real bugger to keep clean, and vacuuming would take ages.
Nice and warm underfoot, though, and saves you having to buy carpets,
assuming that you can live with the colours, patterns etc.
>
>Stairs. I don't mind the idea of stairs, in fact, I welcome them because I
>need the exercise, but I don't like these stairs. The steps are too small
>(noticeably shorter than my feet) and they're carpeted. I felt quite
>uncomfortable coming down them. Going up wasn't so bad, except for the curl
>at the top where there's no rail.
Possible problem? A lot of people don't like narrow or steep stairs.
>
>Siding. It's wood, stained a kind of tan. I like it, but it probably needs
>more maintenance than vinyl would. There's also a gratuitous patch of brick
>on the front which looks odd.
A siding is where a train is parked. The sleepers are wooden (usually).
Dunno what a siding is, in this context.
>
>Internet: It's (apparently) outside of the Vibe (ADSL service) area. This
>means I'd either have to go back to a modem (ick) or get a cable modem (if
>*that's* possible in that area).
Find out now, not later. Not everyone's priority, but it should be
yours, and would be mine.
>
>Balcony: There's a small balcony off the living room. This sticks out over
>the driveway, apparently unsupported, and looks kinda silly to my mind.
>
>Patio doors: Two sets of them, one in the living room (leading to the
>above-mentioned balcony) and one in the dining area. I'd prefer to skip the
>balcony and patio doors in the living room and put in a nice big bay
>window.
D'you have planning permission and building control regulations, which
would dictate what you can and can't do, quite apart from the cost
factor?
>
>Living room: It seems a bit small and narrow. I'd like it about two feet
>wider.
Potential problem. Will your furniture fit, and, more to the point,
will any furniture you'd like to buy fit?
>
>Driveway: It's shared with the house next door. The entrance is the width
>of a single drivway then it spreads out. Problem is, it's very short, so
>you can't park more than one car in it without blocking the shared bit. In
>fact, you have to park a single car with its nose right up against the
>garage door. Also, it slopes uphill. Might be difficult to get into when
>there's slnow and ice on the ground.
Potential problem, perhaps, if the neighbour has two vehicles, and has
perhaps got into the habit of blocking the drive, whilst 'your' house
has been unoccupied.
>
>Garage: Like the living room (which is directly above it), it's narrow.
>Wide enough for a car, obviously, but it looks like you'd have to close the
>car door before you could get past it.
Probably wide by UK standards ...
>
>Back yard: Very steep, with only a small flattish area directly behind the
>house. Might possibly be a snow or water trap.
>
Might look attractive terraced - often easier to maintain, too.
--
Geep
Geep
<abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>Quoth Geep:
>>
>> Woo-Hoo!
>
>Doncha just love low interest rates?
Yeah!
>
>>>Here's the long playing version:
>>>
>> [...]
>
>Until the mortgage company or bank tells me I qualify for a mortgage, this
>is really just fantasizing. But I'm so excited at the thought of having a
>"real" house that I can't stop babbling.
<g> Perfectly reasonable, in the circs.
>
>I've no idea how the system here compares with your system. I don't hear a
>lot of horror stories like the ones I've read from the UK, but that doesn't
>mean anything. This particular house shouldn't be a problem though. It's
>been for sale for a long time. The photograph used by the real estate
>companies was taken when there was still snow on the ground! It was still
>occupied then, but it's been vacant for quite some time now, so they should
>be glad to get rid of it.
>
The only advice I can give is to look at as many houses as possible, so
that you get a real feel for what is available, and for how much.
Remember - location, location, location.
--
Geep
A Magee
> In message <Xns914F7CB...@130.133.1.4>, A Magee
> <abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>>Quoth Richard:
>>>
>>> So what's wrong with it?
>>
>>Carpet. It's carpeted *everywhere* except the kitchen and bathrooms.
>>Nice carpet, very soft on the feet, but still carpet. And most of it is
>>light- coloured. Be a real bugger to keep clean, and vacuuming would
>>take ages.
>
> Nice and warm underfoot, though, and saves you having to buy carpets,
> assuming that you can live with the colours, patterns etc.
Nothing wrong with the colours except that they'll show the dirt. No
patterns.
>>Stairs. I don't mind the idea of stairs, in fact, I welcome them
>>because I need the exercise, but I don't like these stairs. The steps
>>are too small (noticeably shorter than my feet) and they're carpeted. I
>>felt quite uncomfortable coming down them. Going up wasn't so bad,
>>except for the curl at the top where there's no rail.
>
> Possible problem? A lot of people don't like narrow or steep stairs.
Most new houses seem to have narrow or steep stairs. People seem to have
forgotten how to build stairs properly. They try to make them take up as
little room as possible.
>>Siding. It's wood, stained a kind of tan. I like it, but it probably
>>needs more maintenance than vinyl would. There's also a gratuitous
>>patch of brick on the front which looks odd.
>
> A siding is where a train is parked. The sleepers are wooden
> (usually). Dunno what a siding is, in this context.
Not *a* siding, just siding. The stuff stuck to the outside of the house to
stop the insulation from getting away.
>>Internet: It's (apparently) outside of the Vibe (ADSL service) area.
>>This means I'd either have to go back to a modem (ick) or get a cable
>>modem (if *that's* possible in that area).
>
> Find out now, not later. Not everyone's priority, but it should be
> yours, and would be mine.
I'll call around before I make any final decisions. I don't want to go back
to a modem.
>>Balcony: There's a small balcony off the living room. This sticks out
>>over the driveway, apparently unsupported, and looks kinda silly to my
>>mind.
>>
>>Patio doors: Two sets of them, one in the living room (leading to the
>>above-mentioned balcony) and one in the dining area. I'd prefer to skip
>>the balcony and patio doors in the living room and put in a nice big
>>bay window.
>
> D'you have planning permission and building control regulations, which
> would dictate what you can and can't do, quite apart from the cost
> factor?
That I don't know. It's half of a duplex so I suppose there might be
problems making it look different from the other half. Also, there are a
whole bunch of identical buildings around the court, so there might be some
kind of control regulations. Something else I'll have to look into.
>>Living room: It seems a bit small and narrow. I'd like it about two
>>feet wider.
>
> Potential problem. Will your furniture fit, and, more to the point,
> will any furniture you'd like to buy fit?
I'm not taking any of my living room furniture when I move, wherever I move
to. It's garbage. And the room's not really small, it's just not as large
as I'd like it to be. I just have dreams of those huge skating rink living
rooms everyone on TV seems to have.
>>Driveway: It's shared with the house next door. The entrance is the
>>width of a single drivway then it spreads out. Problem is, it's very
>>short, so you can't park more than one car in it without blocking the
>>shared bit. In fact, you have to park a single car with its nose right
>>up against the garage door. Also, it slopes uphill. Might be difficult
>>to get into when there's slnow and ice on the ground.
>
> Potential problem, perhaps, if the neighbour has two vehicles, and has
> perhaps got into the habit of blocking the drive, whilst 'your' house
> has been unoccupied.
I could invite Tracy over to give them a Death Glare.
>>Garage: Like the living room (which is directly above it), it's narrow.
>>Wide enough for a car, obviously, but it looks like you'd have to close
>>the car door before you could get past it.
>
> Probably wide by UK standards ...
This could be. Can you get your car in without scraping the paint?
>>Back yard: Very steep, with only a small flattish area directly behind
>>the house. Might possibly be a snow or water trap.
>>
> Might look attractive terraced - often easier to maintain, too.
That's true. Or just turn it into a big rock garden.
A Magee
> In message <Xns914F742...@130.133.1.4>, A Magee
> <abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>>Quoth Geep:
>>>
>>> Woo-Hoo!
>>
>>Doncha just love low interest rates?
>
> Yeah!
>>
>>>>Here's the long playing version:
>>>>
>>> [...]
>>
>>Until the mortgage company or bank tells me I qualify for a mortgage,
>>this is really just fantasizing. But I'm so excited at the thought of
>>having a "real" house that I can't stop babbling.
>
> <g> Perfectly reasonable, in the circs.
I'm probably jinxing myself. I expect the mortgage company will now turn me
down or the house will be withdrawn from the market.
Ah well, there's always the condo with the sauna.
>>I've no idea how the system here compares with your system. I don't
>>hear a lot of horror stories like the ones I've read from the UK, but
>>that doesn't mean anything. This particular house shouldn't be a
>>problem though. It's been for sale for a long time. The photograph used
>>by the real estate companies was taken when there was still snow on the
>>ground! It was still occupied then, but it's been vacant for quite some
>>time now, so they should be glad to get rid of it.
>>
> The only advice I can give is to look at as many houses as possible, so
> that you get a real feel for what is available, and for how much.
> Remember - location, location, location.
Yeah, yeah, yeah...
There is a very neat and nifty web site called
http://www.homesacrosscanada.com/ which has most, if not all, of the listed
properties online. You just put in an area and a price range (and other
stuff if you want), and it presents you with a nice list of houses, with
photographs (usually bad ones) and everything. Except the address, darn it.
I've spent a lot of time on there since the idea of a new home entered my
head.
Originally, of course, I was looking for mini homes. Now I've moved up a
bit in the prince range!
I looked at four actual houses yesterday. One was a mini home that I'd had
my eye on for some time, but it was rather disappointing. Much smaller
inside than I'd expected. Another was a fairly old bungalow. Someone had
started to renovate it -- all the windows were new, for one thing -- but
the kitchen was ancient. Weirdest stove I've ever seen. Looked like the
1930s idea of 24th century, if you know what I mean. It had a beautiful lot
with lots of mature trees (some of them might have been fruit trees), but
it looked like an awful lot of work (also, it deserves better treatment
than I'd give it). The third was an estate sale, contents included, but it
was awful. Tiny with ancient heating and kitchen fittings, (and *green*
bathtub and sink!), old but not antique furniture. It almost screamed "an
old person died here".
The fourth was the one I liked. All the room I need (and more!) and not
much yard to wreck.
Richard
A Magee added
>>>Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
>>
>> Sounds *perfect*.
>>
>> So what's wrong with it?
>
>Carpet. It's carpeted *everywhere* except the kitchen and bathrooms. Nice
>carpet, very soft on the feet, but still carpet. And most of it is light-
>coloured. Be a real bugger to keep clean, and vacuuming would take ages.
Put some dance music on the radio and bop around the place?
Alternatively, do what I do: ie pick up all the big bits every couple
of months and only hoover it when you have visitors coming... or, you
_could_ have a peek under the carpet to see what the floor boards are
like and maybe reduce the square footage of carpet you have although,
thinking of your winters, I'd be inclined to keep carpets for their
insulating and warmthness qualities.
>
>Stairs. I don't mind the idea of stairs, in fact, I welcome them because I
>need the exercise, but I don't like these stairs. The steps are too small
>(noticeably shorter than my feet) and they're carpeted. I felt quite
>uncomfortable coming down them. Going up wasn't so bad, except for the curl
>at the top where there's no rail.
Mine are small and steep too. I'm thinking of having them replaced with
a mini elevator.
>
>Siding. It's wood, stained a kind of tan. I like it, but it probably needs
>more maintenance than vinyl would. There's also a gratuitous patch of brick
>on the front which looks odd.
Much more than vinyl would. Even the best of treatments really ought to
be done annually or at the least every two years. This twenty year
finish stuff I've seen doesn't look like it's at all effective after a
couple or three.
>
>Internet: It's (apparently) outside of the Vibe (ADSL service) area. This
>means I'd either have to go back to a modem (ick) or get a cable modem (if
>*that's* possible in that area).
Awww. I don't actually spend a great deal of time on the web; and news,
even with a 'slow' 28.8, arrives within just a few seconds so I've never
felt any need for anuthing faster.
>
>Balcony: There's a small balcony off the living room. This sticks out over
>the driveway, apparently unsupported, and looks kinda silly to my mind.
This list is getting longer and longer. I'm beginning to wonder what on
earth, other than the price, makes it so good. But you've been so long
looking at tin boxes I think you've forgotten what proper houses can
look like.
>
>Patio doors: Two sets of them, one in the living room (leading to the
>above-mentioned balcony) and one in the dining area. I'd prefer to skip the
>balcony and patio doors in the living room and put in a nice big bay
>window.
Bay window instead of balcony sounds like a nice idea - I'd save
changing the living room one 'til later...
>
>Living room: It seems a bit small and narrow. I'd like it about two feet
>wider.
Paint it in stripes to make it look wider?
>
>Driveway: It's shared with the house next door. The entrance is the width
>of a single drivway then it spreads out. Problem is, it's very short, so
>you can't park more than one car in it without blocking the shared bit. In
>fact, you have to park a single car with its nose right up against the
>garage door. Also, it slopes uphill. Might be difficult to get into when
>there's slnow and ice on the ground.
Oh. Maybe that's what those bricks were for...?
>
>Garage: Like the living room (which is directly above it), it's narrow.
>Wide enough for a car, obviously, but it looks like you'd have to close the
>car door before you could get past it.
Especially with a trucklet I should think but, if you've got a garage,
why be so worried about parking on the driveway?
>
>Back yard: Very steep, with only a small flattish area directly behind the
>house. Might possibly be a snow or water trap.
Um. Major landscaping job to terrace it and lead water away from the
house... still, it'll get you outside for lots of fresh air and
excercise.
>
>That enough?
Enough??? ENOUGH??? I expected only one or two things, and those to be
reasonably remedial. So just how bad were the *other* places you saw in
comparison to this one?
How much is your desire for a proper house driving this particular one
so hard? How many hundred more houses haven't you seen yet? How long
is it going to take you to tell me to shut the feck up?
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
GOLF..................Game where most of us stand too close
to the ball, after we have hit it.
A Magee
> Some people said things, and then:-
> A Magee added
>
>>>>Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
>>>
>>> Sounds *perfect*.
>>>
>>> So what's wrong with it?
>>
>>Carpet. It's carpeted *everywhere* except the kitchen and bathrooms.
>>Nice carpet, very soft on the feet, but still carpet. And most of it is
>>light- coloured. Be a real bugger to keep clean, and vacuuming would
>>take ages.
>
> Put some dance music on the radio and bop around the place?
Oh god.
> Alternatively, do what I do: ie pick up all the big bits every couple
> of months and only hoover it when you have visitors coming... or, you
> _could_ have a peek under the carpet to see what the floor boards are
> like and maybe reduce the square footage of carpet you have although,
> thinking of your winters, I'd be inclined to keep carpets for their
> insulating and warmthness qualities.
Nah, it's fitted, wall-to-wall. Also it's brand[tm] new. Be a shame to
wreck it. And, as you say, warm. I could live with it. I'd just prefer
hardwood.
>>Stairs. I don't mind the idea of stairs, in fact, I welcome them
>>because I need the exercise, but I don't like these stairs. The steps
>>are too small (noticeably shorter than my feet) and they're carpeted. I
>>felt quite uncomfortable coming down them. Going up wasn't so bad,
>>except for the curl at the top where there's no rail.
>
> Mine are small and steep too. I'm thinking of having them replaced
> with a mini elevator.
How about a fireman's pole?
>>Siding. It's wood, stained a kind of tan. I like it, but it probably
>>needs more maintenance than vinyl would. There's also a gratuitous
>>patch of brick on the front which looks odd.
>
> Much more than vinyl would. Even the best of treatments really ought
> to be done annually or at the least every two years. This twenty year
> finish stuff I've seen doesn't look like it's at all effective after a
> couple or three.
Yeah, that part does worry me a bit. Especially since I can't do the work
myself.
>>Internet: It's (apparently) outside of the Vibe (ADSL service) area.
>>This means I'd either have to go back to a modem (ick) or get a cable
>>modem (if *that's* possible in that area).
>
> Awww. I don't actually spend a great deal of time on the web; and
> news, even with a 'slow' 28.8, arrives within just a few seconds so
> I've never felt any need for anuthing faster.
But I've had something faster for years now. It's the going back that's
hard.
>>Balcony: There's a small balcony off the living room. This sticks out
>>over the driveway, apparently unsupported, and looks kinda silly to my
>>mind.
>
> This list is getting longer and longer. I'm beginning to wonder what
> on earth, other than the price, makes it so good. But you've been so
> long looking at tin boxes I think you've forgotten what proper houses
> can look like.
These are mostly minor points, dear. Only one or two of them would have any
serious effect on my decision. I can live with a gratuitous balcony.
>>Patio doors: Two sets of them, one in the living room (leading to the
>>above-mentioned balcony) and one in the dining area. I'd prefer to skip
>>the balcony and patio doors in the living room and put in a nice big
>>bay window.
>
> Bay window instead of balcony sounds like a nice idea - I'd save
> changing the living room one 'til later...
That *is* the living room one. But it's not a big deal, although changing
it might be. It's in the front and changing it would make it noticeably
different from the "other side".
But, as I said, I can live with a gratuitous balcony. Might even come to
love it, who knows?
>>Living room: It seems a bit small and narrow. I'd like it about two
>>feet wider.
>
> Paint it in stripes to make it look wider?
Thank you for not suggesting mirrors. They do that on those ghastly home
decorating shows. It wouldn't fool anyone of any intelligence for more than
a minute. (The unintelligent would probably walk into the mirrored wall.)
>>Driveway: It's shared with the house next door. The entrance is the
>>width of a single drivway then it spreads out. Problem is, it's very
>>short, so you can't park more than one car in it without blocking the
>>shared bit. In fact, you have to park a single car with its nose right
>>up against the garage door. Also, it slopes uphill. Might be difficult
>>to get into when there's slnow and ice on the ground.
>
> Oh. Maybe that's what those bricks were for...?
Unlikely. They're on the living room level.
>>Garage: Like the living room (which is directly above it), it's narrow.
>>Wide enough for a car, obviously, but it looks like you'd have to close
>>the car door before you could get past it.
>
> Especially with a trucklet I should think but, if you've got a garage,
> why be so worried about parking on the driveway?
I'm not worried as such. It just means that any company would have to be
careful about parking so as not to block off the neighbour. And if the
neighbour (or his guests) aren't careful, they might block me off.
Actually, a more serious problem has occurred to me. Because of the Y-
shaped driveways and the curve of the road, the front lawns are narrow and
roughly triangular. Where on earth do these people put the snow when they
clear their driveways?
>>Back yard: Very steep, with only a small flattish area directly behind
>>the house. Might possibly be a snow or water trap.
>
> Um. Major landscaping job to terrace it and lead water away from the
> house... still, it'll get you outside for lots of fresh air and
> excercise.
Ha ha.
It's not terraced, but it might be sloped correctly. It's just something
I'll have to think about if I make an offer.
>>That enough?
>
> Enough??? ENOUGH??? I expected only one or two things, and those to
> be reasonably remedial. So just how bad were the *other* places you
> saw in comparison to this one?
One was pretty awful, the others were OK but in need of more TLC than I
really want to give. This place is actually very nice.
> How much is your desire for a proper house driving this particular one
> so hard? How many hundred more houses haven't you seen yet?
There's a condo listed that sounds interesting. I'm going to call the real
estate agent today and see if I can see it. There are a couple of others
that might possibly be good, which I will also try to see.
I don't know how long these low interest rates are going to last though.
And I'm impatient. When I decide I want something, I want it now.
> How long
> is it going to take you to tell me to shut the feck up?
How long have you been posting here? Have I told you to shut the feck up
yet?
I'm very patient about some things.
Alan Brand
I thought I'd pass on this little gem for all you cat-lovers (as it
were) ...
[ from the Guardian Unlimited (on-line) ]
***FUR YOUR EYES ONLY***
The CIA used cats as listening devices during the cold war, according
to the Mirror. "They slit the cat open, put batteries in him and
wired him up," explains a former CIA officer, Victor Marchetti. "The
tail was used as an antenna. They made a monstrosity." The "acoustic
kitties" were then released in the grounds of the Kremlin. The
experiment was a failure, however: the cats ran away or fell over.
The RSPCA described the practice as an "utterly unreasonable use of
an animal".
--
AlanB
Sarah Eggleston
A Magee wrote:
>
> Anyway, the one I liked is a 3-bedroom semi-detached house on a small steep
> lot. The master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet and an ensuite [WOCAB]
> bathroom with a shower stall in it. The main bathroom has a decent-sized
> tub with a slanty end for reclining purposes. The main level has the living
> room, kitchen, powder room (for keeping powder in, one supposes), and a
> kind of open area with a patio door which leads to an actual patio. (The
> living room also has a patio door which leads to a small balcony. The
> basement has a laundry room, another unfinished room, and a garage.
>
Ok, so now I have to tell you all my latest news:
As of Friday, I am now the proud owner of the *hugest* debt I ever
imagined, and the bank also kindly allow me to live in their house.
It's a 3-bed semi :-) And (unusually for around here) it's not on
an estate. It's ferpeckly located - 500 yards from the motorway
(just far enough you don't get the noise) and 400 yards from a really
nice pub[1]. Oh, and about 4 miles from w*rk. It has a garage *and*
a driveway, and since most of the neighbours do too, guests can also
park on the road (in Hampshire, while we do mostly have free parking
in residential areas, being able to find a space is a real luxury).
It's a '60's house, so has rather more space that the rabbit hutches
they build around me at the moment, and the last owners have UPVC
double glazed nearly everything, so hopefully it'll be low maintenance.
Wow! (And thank goodness, as we are, of course, Ł 20,000 or so over
budget).
And we have a spare bedroom for visitors! Joy! Especially since we
can't afford to go *anywhere*, so we plan to entertain a lot! We only
have one bathroom, but there's room to add a loo downstairs if we feel
inspired.
The previous owners invited changing rooms (apparently) to help
them sell it, so we're currently de-pinking it. Fortunately they
took the pink furniture, but we still have pink carpet, pink
curtains, pink flowery wallpaper[2], and some ultra-tasteful
Brighton-rock style vertical shades-of-pink striped wallpaper.
Actually, it was all in fairly nice shades of pink, we're just
not hugely pink people.[3][5]
In case you were wondering, estate agents are, of course, slimy,
but the real spawn of satan are the mortgage advisors[4]. My
solicitor was lovely, and came in on budget too (!!!)
I would not have believed how much blood, tears, and sweat could go
into a simple 2-house chain - 1 first-time buyer, 1 empty bungalow
(owner died). I have lost more sleep over this deal than the rest
of my life put together.
The bank, on the other hand, get a "you want to lend me HOW much?"
award. Must be the low interest rates, but they cleared me for more
than I asked for - and a mind-blowing sum it is too. Plus, interest
rates have dropped 4 times since I asked for the mortgage, wow!
> Appliances are all included: stove, fridge, built-in disheater, second
> fridge in basement, deep freeze, washer, dryer, central vacuum cleaner, air
> exchanger thingy. The two smaller bedrooms look like they're wired for
> network connection, and there's a cable outlet in every room.
>
They threw in the fridge and curtains, and sold me the freezer and cooker
(my mother is green with envy - it's a double electric oven with gas hob)
as well as the patio furniture, most of the curtains and all the light
fittings (also not very me, but better than having to buy it all at once).
There's a cable outlet in most rooms - and I think all the bedrooms.
Although the wiring seems to have been done in the 70s and all the sockets
are brown melamine. Hey, it works!
The master bedroom has also been "changing room" affected, but it's the
only room with a wardrobe so we'll have to live with it until we can
afford more furniture. (Purple radiator? Why would you want a purple
radiator? And as for the pelmet....)
> Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
>
We had a disappointment in the summer, over a 100-year-old cottage, but
they are like buses, there will be another dream home along sooner or
later.
I was over the moon when we got this one, but after a weekend discovering
how little of it they cleaned[6], and with my thumbs nearly raw from steel
wool, not to mention wallpaper stripping for hours, I'm a little less
euphoric.
Still, it *will* be our dream home as soon as we save up enough time and
money to make it that way, and of course, fill it with our friends! :-)
-Sarah, soon should properly open for visitors from across the pond to
stay at
[1] Yep, we'll surely have to hold a Southern meet there!
[2] All would-be decorators, *please* stick to paint, it's so much easier
to change).
[3] In case the previous owners are reading this. Plus it's true.
[4] Never, ever, believe a mortgage advisor who tells you the mortgage is
going "just fine" when you haven't heard from the bank, and that
they "did a drive-by survey". (Actually, they "lost" the paperwork
for 6 weeks.)
[5] Volunteers for a painting party apply here
[6] In fairness, they moved out in about 3 hours
A Magee
> Twin!
>
> Ok, so now I have to tell you all my latest news:
>
> As of Friday, I am now the proud owner of the *hugest* debt I ever
> imagined, and the bank also kindly allow me to live in their house.
Woo hoo!
> It's a 3-bed semi :-) And (unusually for around here) it's not on
> an estate. It's ferpeckly located - 500 yards from the motorway
> (just far enough you don't get the noise) and 400 yards from a really
> nice pub[1]. Oh, and about 4 miles from w*rk. It has a garage *and*
> a driveway, and since most of the neighbours do too, guests can also
> park on the road (in Hampshire, while we do mostly have free parking
> in residential areas, being able to find a space is a real luxury).
Sounds good!
> It's a '60's house, so has rather more space that the rabbit hutches
> they build around me at the moment, and the last owners have UPVC
> double glazed nearly everything, so hopefully it'll be low maintenance.
> Wow! (And thank goodness, as we are, of course, £ 20,000 or so over
> budget).
Of course.
> And we have a spare bedroom for visitors! Joy! Especially since we
> can't afford to go *anywhere*, so we plan to entertain a lot! We only
> have one bathroom, but there's room to add a loo downstairs if we feel
> inspired.
The one I'm looking at has three bathrooms. If I get it, I'll send you one
of the spares.
> The previous owners invited changing rooms (apparently) to help
> them sell it, so we're currently de-pinking it. Fortunately they
> took the pink furniture, but we still have pink carpet, pink
> curtains, pink flowery wallpaper[2], and some ultra-tasteful
> Brighton-rock style vertical shades-of-pink striped wallpaper.
> Actually, it was all in fairly nice shades of pink, we're just
> not hugely pink people.[3][5]
Eeyuck. Pink is evil.
[snip]
> The bank, on the other hand, get a "you want to lend me HOW much?"
> award. Must be the low interest rates, but they cleared me for more
> than I asked for - and a mind-blowing sum it is too. Plus, interest
> rates have dropped 4 times since I asked for the mortgage, wow!
Don't you just love greebevfgf?
> They threw in the fridge and curtains, and sold me the freezer and
> cooker (my mother is green with envy - it's a double electric oven with
> gas hob) as well as the patio furniture, most of the curtains and all
> the light fittings (also not very me, but better than having to buy it
> all at once). There's a cable outlet in most rooms - and I think all
> the bedrooms. Although the wiring seems to have been done in the 70s
> and all the sockets are brown melamine. Hey, it works!
Nothing wrong with brown melamine. As long as the electrickery comes out
the holes when you want it and stays in when you don't, what more do you
need?
> The master bedroom has also been "changing room" affected, but it's the
> only room with a wardrobe so we'll have to live with it until we can
> afford more furniture. (Purple radiator? Why would you want a purple
> radiator? And as for the pelmet....)
Come on, tell us about the pelmet.
> We had a disappointment in the summer, over a 100-year-old cottage, but
> they are like buses, there will be another dream home along sooner or
> later.
I'm already thinking about a condo (with a whirlpool tub and sauna(!)) and
a cute little bungalow. Fickle, ain't I?
> I was over the moon when we got this one, but after a weekend
> discovering how little of it they cleaned[6], and with my thumbs nearly
> raw from steel wool, not to mention wallpaper stripping for hours, I'm
> a little less euphoric.
Just think how much that pink wallpaper would annoy you if you left it up,
and you'll find new strength.
> Still, it *will* be our dream home as soon as we save up enough time
> and money to make it that way, and of course, fill it with our friends!
> :-)
Charge them admission.
Anne
--
"Eschew obfuscation."
afba website at http://www.crosswinds.net/~afba/
Richard
>[snip everything]
Ouch!!
>
>I thought I'd pass on this little gem for all you cat-lovers (as it
>were) ...
>
>[ from the Guardian Unlimited (on-line) ]
>
> ***FUR YOUR EYES ONLY***
Yeah right. Urban myth #1654735438
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
Worlds Shortest Book:
Windsurfing in the Straits of Hormuz.
Richard
A Magee added
>Quoth Richard:
>>>>
>>>> So what's wrong with it?
>>>
>>>Carpet. It's carpeted *everywhere* except the kitchen and bathrooms.
>>>Nice carpet, very soft on the feet, but still carpet. And most of it is
>>>light- coloured. Be a real bugger to keep clean, and vacuuming would
>>>take ages.
>>
>> Put some dance music on the radio and bop around the place?
>
>Oh god.
Yes?
>
>> Alternatively, do what I do: ie pick up all the big bits every couple
>> of months and only hoover it when you have visitors coming... or, you
>> _could_ have a peek under the carpet to see what the floor boards are
>> like and maybe reduce the square footage of carpet you have although,
>> thinking of your winters, I'd be inclined to keep carpets for their
>> insulating and warmthness qualities.
>
>Nah, it's fitted, wall-to-wall. Also it's brand[tm] new. Be a shame to
>wreck it. And, as you say, warm. I could live with it. I'd just prefer
>hardwood.
I don't think they do hardwood carpets.
>
>>>Stairs. I don't mind the idea of stairs, in fact, I welcome them
>>>because I need the exercise, but I don't like these stairs. The steps
>>>are too small (noticeably shorter than my feet) and they're carpeted. I
>>>felt quite uncomfortable coming down them. Going up wasn't so bad,
>>>except for the curl at the top where there's no rail.
>>
>> Mine are small and steep too. I'm thinking of having them replaced
>> with a mini elevator.
>
>How about a fireman's pole?
<sigh> Yes dear.
>
>>>Siding. It's wood, stained a kind of tan. I like it, but it probably
>>>needs more maintenance than vinyl would. There's also a gratuitous
>>>patch of brick on the front which looks odd.
>>
>> Much more than vinyl would. Even the best of treatments really ought
>> to be done annually or at the least every two years. This twenty year
>> finish stuff I've seen doesn't look like it's at all effective after a
>> couple or three.
>
>Yeah, that part does worry me a bit. Especially since I can't do the work
>myself.
Do what the original owners did - wait 'til it needs doing then put the
house on the market...
>
>>>Internet: It's (apparently) outside of the Vibe (ADSL service) area.
>>>This means I'd either have to go back to a modem (ick) or get a cable
>>>modem (if *that's* possible in that area).
>>
>> Awww. I don't actually spend a great deal of time on the web; and
>> news, even with a 'slow' 28.8, arrives within just a few seconds so
>> I've never felt any need for anuthing faster.
>
>But I've had something faster for years now. It's the going back that's
>hard.
Erm, yes.
>
>>>Balcony: There's a small balcony off the living room. This sticks out
>>>over the driveway, apparently unsupported, and looks kinda silly to my
>>>mind.
>>
>> This list is getting longer and longer. I'm beginning to wonder what
>> on earth, other than the price, makes it so good. But you've been so
>> long looking at tin boxes I think you've forgotten what proper houses
>> can look like.
>
>These are mostly minor points, dear. Only one or two of them would have any
>serious effect on my decision. I can live with a gratuitous balcony.
But can *it* live with *you*? Are you noisy?
>
>>>Patio doors: Two sets of them, one in the living room (leading to the
>>>above-mentioned balcony) and one in the dining area. I'd prefer to skip
>>>the balcony and patio doors in the living room and put in a nice big
>>>bay window.
>>
>> Bay window instead of balcony sounds like a nice idea - I'd save
>> changing the living room one 'til later...
>
>That *is* the living room one. But it's not a big deal, although changing
>it might be. It's in the front and changing it would make it noticeably
>different from the "other side".
Oh bum, well, you know what I mean.
>
>But, as I said, I can live with a gratuitous balcony. Might even come to
>love it, who knows?
So you've given up on men then?
>
>>>Living room: It seems a bit small and narrow. I'd like it about two
>>>feet wider.
>>
>> Paint it in stripes to make it look wider?
>
>Thank you for not suggesting mirrors. They do that on those ghastly home
>decorating shows. It wouldn't fool anyone of any intelligence for more than
>a minute. (The unintelligent would probably walk into the mirrored wall.)
LOL
>
>>>Driveway: It's shared with the house next door. The entrance is the
>>>width of a single drivway then it spreads out. Problem is, it's very
>>>short, so you can't park more than one car in it without blocking the
>>>shared bit. In fact, you have to park a single car with its nose right
>>>up against the garage door. Also, it slopes uphill. Might be difficult
>>>to get into when there's slnow and ice on the ground.
>>
>> Oh. Maybe that's what those bricks were for...?
>
>Unlikely. They're on the living room level.
I'm sorry, I'm finding it difficult to picture the layout.
>
>>>Garage: Like the living room (which is directly above it), it's narrow.
>>>Wide enough for a car, obviously, but it looks like you'd have to close
>>>the car door before you could get past it.
>>
>> Especially with a trucklet I should think but, if you've got a garage,
>> why be so worried about parking on the driveway?
>
>I'm not worried as such. It just means that any company would have to be
>careful about parking so as not to block off the neighbour. And if the
>neighbour (or his guests) aren't careful, they might block me off.
But then you'd be able to go on Springer to have a big fight with them!
>
>Actually, a more serious problem has occurred to me. Because of the Y-
>shaped driveways and the curve of the road, the front lawns are narrow and
>roughly triangular. Where on earth do these people put the snow when they
>clear their driveways?
One bit on top of another?
>
>>>Back yard: Very steep, with only a small flattish area directly behind
>>>the house. Might possibly be a snow or water trap.
>>
>> Um. Major landscaping job to terrace it and lead water away from the
>> house... still, it'll get you outside for lots of fresh air and
>> excercise.
>
>Ha ha.
I do try to amuse. Sometimes.
>
>It's not terraced, but it might be sloped correctly. It's just something
>I'll have to think about if I make an offer.
Yep.
>
>>>That enough?
>>
>> Enough??? ENOUGH??? I expected only one or two things, and those to
>> be reasonably remedial. So just how bad were the *other* places you
>> saw in comparison to this one?
>
>One was pretty awful, the others were OK but in need of more TLC than I
>really want to give. This place is actually very nice.
How handy is it for shops and things?
>
>> How much is your desire for a proper house driving this particular one
>> so hard? How many hundred more houses haven't you seen yet?
>
>There's a condo listed that sounds interesting. I'm going to call the real
>estate agent today and see if I can see it. There are a couple of others
>that might possibly be good, which I will also try to see.
Good.
>
>I don't know how long these low interest rates are going to last though.
>And I'm impatient. When I decide I want something, I want it now.
Typical female. Always want instant gratification.
>
>> How long
>> is it going to take you to tell me to shut the feck up?
>
>How long have you been posting here? Have I told you to shut the feck up
>yet?
No, but you *did* do the next best thing - which was to tell me you
loved me and wanted to have my babies.
>
>I'm very patient about some things.
Yeah, right.
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.
Alan Brand
wrote:
>Some people said things, and then:-
>Alan Brand added
>
>>[snip everything]
>
>Ouch!!
>
>>
>>I thought I'd pass on this little gem for all you cat-lovers (as it
>>were) ...
>>
>>[ from the Guardian Unlimited (on-line) ]
>>
>> ***FUR YOUR EYES ONLY***
>
>Yeah right. Urban myth #1654735438
I didn't believe it, I just liked the way it was written.
--
AlanB
A Magee
> Some people said things, and then:-
> A Magee added
>
>>Quoth Richard:
>>> Put some dance music on the radio and bop around the place?
>>
>>Oh god.
>
> Yes?
I thought you were an athiest.
>>Nah, it's fitted, wall-to-wall. Also it's brand[tm] new. Be a shame to
>>wreck it. And, as you say, warm. I could live with it. I'd just prefer
>>hardwood.
>
> I don't think they do hardwood carpets.
If they don't, they should.
>>> Mine are small and steep too. I'm thinking of having them replaced
>>> with a mini elevator.
>>
>>How about a fireman's pole?
>
> <sigh> Yes dear.
You want to be able to back up again, do you?
>>Yeah, that part does worry me a bit. Especially since I can't do the
>>work myself.
>
> Do what the original owners did - wait 'til it needs doing then put the
> house on the market...
Har har har...
>>These are mostly minor points, dear. Only one or two of them would have
>>any serious effect on my decision. I can live with a gratuitous
>>balcony.
>
> But can *it* live with *you*? Are you noisy?
It would hardly know I was there.
>>That *is* the living room one. But it's not a big deal, although
>>changing it might be. It's in the front and changing it would make it
>>noticeably different from the "other side".
>
> Oh bum, well, you know what I mean.
Not a problem anyway. I couldn't afford to change anything till after the
mortgage was paid. In 2026.
>>But, as I said, I can live with a gratuitous balcony. Might even come
>>to love it, who knows?
>
> So you've given up on men then?
Long ago, dear.
>>> Oh. Maybe that's what those bricks were for...?
>>
>>Unlikely. They're on the living room level.
>
> I'm sorry, I'm finding it difficult to picture the layout.
I'll send you a photograph when I get home. If I remember.
>>I'm not worried as such. It just means that any company would have to
>>be careful about parking so as not to block off the neighbour. And if
>>the neighbour (or his guests) aren't careful, they might block me off.
>
> But then you'd be able to go on Springer to have a big fight with them!
You can go on as me.
>>Actually, a more serious problem has occurred to me. Because of the Y-
>>shaped driveways and the curve of the road, the front lawns are narrow
>>and roughly triangular. Where on earth do these people put the snow
>>when they clear their driveways?
>
> One bit on top of another?
You are so innocent. You don't have the slightest idea how much snow we get
here.
>>> Enough??? ENOUGH??? I expected only one or two things, and those to
>>> be reasonably remedial. So just how bad were the *other* places you
>>> saw in comparison to this one?
>>
>>One was pretty awful, the others were OK but in need of more TLC than I
>>really want to give. This place is actually very nice.
>
> How handy is it for shops and things?
Nothing is handy for shops and things in this part of the world. But it's
not any un-handier than where I am right now.
>>> How much is your desire for a proper house driving this particular
>>> one so hard? How many hundred more houses haven't you seen yet?
>>
>>There's a condo listed that sounds interesting. I'm going to call the
>>real estate agent today and see if I can see it. There are a couple of
>>others that might possibly be good, which I will also try to see.
>
> Good.
I really like the duplex, but I'm not a complete idiot.
>>I don't know how long these low interest rates are going to last
>>though. And I'm impatient. When I decide I want something, I want it
>>now.
>
> Typical female. Always want instant gratification.
Er, no, that's men.
>>> How long
>>> is it going to take you to tell me to shut the feck up?
>>
>>How long have you been posting here? Have I told you to shut the feck
>>up yet?
>
> No, but you *did* do the next best thing - which was to tell me you
> loved me and wanted to have my babies.
I never did no such thing. No way. Not at all. What a horrible thought.
I'll have nightmares for weeks.
>>I'm very patient about some things.
>
> Yeah, right.
I am, dear. *Very* patient. And you know what that means.
Anne
--
"Eschew obfuscation."
afba website at http://www.crosswinds.net/~afba/
Geep
<abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>Quoth Geep:
>>>
>>>Until the mortgage company or bank tells me I qualify for a mortgage,
>>>this is really just fantasizing. But I'm so excited at the thought of
>>>having a "real" house that I can't stop babbling.
>>
>> <g> Perfectly reasonable, in the circs.
>
>I'm probably jinxing myself. I expect the mortgage company will now turn me
>down or the house will be withdrawn from the market.
Noooo! You'll get there. Eventually.
>
>Ah well, there's always the condo with the sauna.
Sounds interesting. Are saunas common over there? Fairly rare here -
well, in the houses I've looked at, over the years.
>
>There is a very neat and nifty web site called
>http://www.homesacrosscanada.com/ which has most, if not all, of the listed
>properties online. You just put in an area and a price range (and other
>stuff if you want), and it presents you with a nice list of houses, with
>photographs (usually bad ones) and everything. Except the address, darn it.
>I've spent a lot of time on there since the idea of a new home entered my
>head.
I spent *ages* looking at houses on the web, last year. Partly
rewarding, and partly very frustrating.
>
>Originally, of course, I was looking for mini homes. Now I've moved up a
>bit in the prince range!
In for a penny ...
>
>I looked at four actual houses yesterday. One was a mini home that I'd had
>my eye on for some time, but it was rather disappointing. Much smaller
>inside than I'd expected.
You'd probably feel frustrated by the lack of space quite quickly.
> Another was a fairly old bungalow. Someone had
>started to renovate it -- all the windows were new, for one thing -- but
>the kitchen was ancient. Weirdest stove I've ever seen. Looked like the
>1930s idea of 24th century, if you know what I mean. It had a beautiful lot
>with lots of mature trees (some of them might have been fruit trees), but
>it looked like an awful lot of work (also, it deserves better treatment
>than I'd give it).
Sounds interesting, though. I suppose it depends on whether, having
moved in, you could afford a 'little man' for odd jobs or, like most of
us, make the best of it yourself.
> The third was an estate sale, contents included, but it
>was awful. Tiny with ancient heating and kitchen fittings, (and *green*
>bathtub and sink!), old but not antique furniture. It almost screamed "an
>old person died here".
Argh! Sounds expensive, just to get it liveable.
>
>The fourth was the one I liked. All the room I need (and more!) and not
>much yard to wreck.
>
Any progress today?
--
Geep
A Magee
> In message <Xns914FD7B...@130.133.1.4>, A Magee
> <abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>>I'm probably jinxing myself. I expect the mortgage company will now
>>turn me down or the house will be withdrawn from the market.
>
> Noooo! You'll get there. Eventually.
>>
>>Ah well, there's always the condo with the sauna.
>
> Sounds interesting. Are saunas common over there? Fairly rare here -
> well, in the houses I've looked at, over the years.
I've only ever seen them on TV. I don't really want a sauna; I can't stand
the heat, although I suppose it might be nice on those achey oomerheumatiz
days. There is also a whirlpool tub, which I *do* want.
> I spent *ages* looking at houses on the web, last year. Partly
> rewarding, and partly very frustrating.
I wish they'd give more information and more pictures. Larger pictures too.
And floor plans. Plus a map with an indication of where it can be found.
Plus stuff like how much was spent on electrickery in the past few years
>>Originally, of course, I was looking for mini homes. Now I've moved up
>>a bit in the prince range!
>
> In for a penny ...
Might as well be hung for a sheep...
>>I looked at four actual houses yesterday. One was a mini home that I'd
>>had my eye on for some time, but it was rather disappointing. Much
>>smaller inside than I'd expected.
>
> You'd probably feel frustrated by the lack of space quite quickly.
Yeah. I expected it to seem much larger than the tin box because it's
supposed to be two feet wider and 15 feet longer, but it felt surprisingly
cramped. And the two small bedrooms really were small. You couldn't fit a
double bed in either of them.
>> Another was a fairly old bungalow. Someone had
>>started to renovate it -- all the windows were new, for one thing --
>>but the kitchen was ancient. Weirdest stove I've ever seen. Looked like
>>the 1930s idea of 24th century, if you know what I mean. It had a
>>beautiful lot with lots of mature trees (some of them might have been
>>fruit trees), but it looked like an awful lot of work (also, it
>>deserves better treatment than I'd give it).
>
> Sounds interesting, though. I suppose it depends on whether, having
> moved in, you could afford a 'little man' for odd jobs or, like most of
> us, make the best of it yourself.
That'd be cruel. I really have no interest in gardening of any kind.
>> The third was an estate sale, contents included, but it
>>was awful. Tiny with ancient heating and kitchen fittings, (and *green*
>>bathtub and sink!), old but not antique furniture. It almost screamed
>>"an old person died here".
>
> Argh! Sounds expensive, just to get it liveable.
Indeed. And did I mention the *green* bathtub and sink. <shudder> Almost a
lime green actually. I'd have nightmares about it if Richard hadn't given
me something else to have nightmares about.
>>The fourth was the one I liked. All the room I need (and more!) and not
>>much yard to wreck.
>>
> Any progress today?
I have an appointment with the mortgage guy on Wednesday and the estate
agent is making appointments to look at the saunaed condo and another
little bungalow that sounds quite nice. I've also started putting out
feelers regarding the tin box. One of my cow-orkers expressed an interest
on using it as a summer cottage, but he can't afford it right now because
his car has been picking his pocket. But he knows other people who might be
interested, so there's hope there.
This is kind of fun.
Richard
Alan Brand added
>>>[ from the Guardian Unlimited (on-line) ]
>>>
>>> ***FUR YOUR EYES ONLY***
>>
>>Yeah right. Urban myth #1654735438
>
>I didn't believe it, I just liked the way it was written.
Right.
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
Why are hurricanes normally named after women? When they come they're wild
and wet, but when they go they take your house and car with them.
Lorrill Buyens
alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) wrote:
>>Quoth HT:
>>> I realised today that I know the names of very few flowers.
>>
>>You could ask them.
>
>I tried asking them but most of them were mere seeds underground right
>now and hadn't heard me.
That's `cause the beds are too soft an' the flowers are all asleep,
silly. Don't you `member _Through the Looking-Glass_?
>>No, just standard staples. I used to have two staplers that used them but
>>I'm not sure where they are now. It's the uncertainty principle. If you
>>know where your staples are, you can't know where your stapler is.
>
>I can usually find my stapeler (I don't hae that much stuff) but to
>make up for it I can never ever find the nail clippers.
That's why I keep mine in my pocket. (Nail clippers, not stapler. If
I kept a stapler in my pocket, I wouldn't *have* a pocket for very
long...)
>>>>Has anyone heard from Karen lately?
>>>
>>> Not I, said the sparrow
>>
>>You can't hear from someone with a bow and arrow, can you?
>
>I have always wanted to shoot one.
You vicious little thing...
>>> Tracy, who completely forgot the word "sparrow" in the scattergories
>>> game earlier today, D'Oh!
>>
>>Tch. Did you win anyway?
>
>Nah, I froze. Don't like time limits.
Time limits [1] are great when you've got a category like "Famous
philosophers" or "Foods you can eat raw," but suck when you get
ones like "African politicians" or "French art films."
1. In Chaos [2], an IRC imitation of Outburst.
2. Suitably renamed to avoid lawsuits. Similarly, the Jeopardy!
imitation is called Risky Business.
--
Lorrill Buyens
"A load of steaming horse shit could indeed keep a human afloat, for
a tall enough and broad enough load of steaming horse shit."
- Timothy McDaniel, defining waste-product dynamics in AFU
Support the Jayne Hitchcock HELP Fund
http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/6172/helpjane.htm
Lorrill Buyens
alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>In message <Xns914F7CB...@130.133.1.4>, A Magee
><abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>>Quoth Richard:
>>>
>>> So what's wrong with it?
>>Siding. It's wood, stained a kind of tan. I like it, but it probably needs
>>more maintenance than vinyl would. There's also a gratuitous patch of brick
>>on the front which looks odd.
>
>A siding is where a train is parked. The sleepers are wooden (usually).
>Dunno what a siding is, in this context.
A vinyl or aluminum covering that fits on the sides o' the house an'
(theoretically) saves your having to paint. Usually comes in strips.
Lorrill Buyens
alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>Quoth Richard:
>
>> Some people said things, and then:-
>> A Magee added
>>
>>>Appliances are all included: stove, fridge, built-in disheater, second
>>>fridge in basement, deep freeze, washer, dryer, central vacuum cleaner,
>>>air exchanger thingy. The two smaller bedrooms look like they're wired
>>>for network connection, and there's a cable outlet in every room.
>>>
>>>Now that I've seen it, I'll be really disappointed if I don't get it.
>>
>> Sounds *perfect*.
>>
>> So what's wrong with it?
>
>Carpet. It's carpeted *everywhere* except the kitchen and bathrooms. Nice
>carpet, very soft on the feet, but still carpet. And most of it is light-
>coloured. Be a real bugger to keep clean, and vacuuming would take ages.
Every room here except the kitchen and the master bath is carpeted,
an' we don't have to worry `bout vacuuming. (The maid service does
it, once every other week.)
>Stairs. I don't mind the idea of stairs, in fact, I welcome them because I
>need the exercise, but I don't like these stairs. The steps are too small
>(noticeably shorter than my feet) and they're carpeted. I felt quite
>uncomfortable coming down them. Going up wasn't so bad, except for the curl
>at the top where there's no rail.
We had stairs like that in our previous house. This narrow little
carpeted flight led from jus' outside the living room to jus' outside
the family room in the basement, an' the front door was on the
landing. (My aunt's house is like that too, except that hers has
bigger rooms. Mus' be a Midwestern design quirk.)
>Internet: It's (apparently) outside of the Vibe (ADSL service) area. This
>means I'd either have to go back to a modem (ick) or get a cable modem (if
>*that's* possible in that area).
We just got a cable modem ourselves. Apparently, my stepfather
was more fed up with the sucky DSL service than I thought.
A Magee
> On 4 Nov 2001 16:15:20 GMT, abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) ordered a
> alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>
>>Quoth Richard:
>>
>>> Sounds *perfect*.
>>>
>>> So what's wrong with it?
>>
>>Carpet. It's carpeted *everywhere* except the kitchen and bathrooms.
>>Nice carpet, very soft on the feet, but still carpet. And most of it is
>>light- coloured. Be a real bugger to keep clean, and vacuuming would
>>take ages.
>
> Every room here except the kitchen and the master bath is carpeted,
> an' we don't have to worry `bout vacuuming. (The maid service does
> it, once every other week.)
I must look into maid service. I'd love to have someone else clean up after
me.
>>Stairs. I don't mind the idea of stairs, in fact, I welcome them
>>because I need the exercise, but I don't like these stairs. The steps
>>are too small (noticeably shorter than my feet) and they're carpeted. I
>>felt quite uncomfortable coming down them. Going up wasn't so bad,
>>except for the curl at the top where there's no rail.
>
> We had stairs like that in our previous house. This narrow little
> carpeted flight led from jus' outside the living room to jus' outside
> the family room in the basement, an' the front door was on the
> landing. (My aunt's house is like that too, except that hers has
> bigger rooms. Mus' be a Midwestern design quirk.)
I think it's just modern builders. Or architects or something. They don't
design staircases for people any more, they design them to take up as
little space as possible.
>>Internet: It's (apparently) outside of the Vibe (ADSL service) area.
>>This means I'd either have to go back to a modem (ick) or get a cable
>>modem (if *that's* possible in that area).
>
> We just got a cable modem ourselves. Apparently, my stepfather
> was more fed up with the sucky DSL service than I thought.
Is the cable modem better? Is it proper 2-way service, or does it use the
phone one way and cable the other?
A Magee
> abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) wrote:
>
>>Quoth HT:
>>
>>> I think I only saw the one before that. Or the one before that. Then
>>> they stopped. I saw the DVDs the other day but was far too cheap to
>>> buy them.
>>
>>The one before it was the Oberon one with Kai turning into a tree.
>
> Didn't see that either. What the heck? I thought I'd only missed maybe
> 2 or 3 weeks and that's because when I taped it, it wasn't on. Once I
> found out they'd moved it and didn't just cancel it for late-September
> concerts & etc., I looked and they had switched to re-runs on Monday.
We must be close to the end of the season then. Maybe one or two more
episodes.
>>The DVDs are from season one, I believe. It was a TV movie series
>>originally.
>
> Ah. I was just surprised to see it.
I was too, the first time I saw it. There are three or four of them, I
think. I'll buy them someday when I win the lottery.
>>> I realised today that I know the names of very few flowers.
>>
>>You could ask them.
>
> I tried asking them but most of them were mere seeds underground right
> now and hadn't heard me.
They'll have dirt in their ears. You'll have talk a little louder.
>>No, just standard staples. I used to have two staplers that used them
>>but I'm not sure where they are now. It's the uncertainty principle. If
>>you know where your staples are, you can't know where your stapler is.
>
> I can usually find my stapeler (I don't hae that much stuff) but to
> make up for it I can never ever find the nail clippers.
I can either find no nail clippers or three nail clippers.
>>I got it so that I would know if my parents or anyone called when I
>>wasn't home. I don't find it particularly useful. I should probably
>>drop the service and get voice mail instead.
>
> Or an answering machine and take the $10/month you'd pay the phone
> company for that as cash. Phone company always charges a lot and the
> advantage of their service is it works when you're on-line but you
> don't need that.
Not with Vibe.
> Any answering machine would do.
But that would leave me with the serious problem of Forgetting to Change
the Tape. Still, I want to get a new phone, so maybe I'll look for an
answering machine too.
>>> Well, before you say what you're thinking, for some reason my
>>> parents' number also always shows as "blocked"
>>
>>How do you know if you don't have a gidget?
>
> Other people do and have mentioned it. Even they know that.
Do your parents call all your friends too?
>>> Get one of those old-fashioned-looking phones?
>>
>>Ugh. I'd rather have something futuristic. As long as it was solid and
>>well made.
>
> Are there futurisitc phones? I need to get a new battery for my phone,
> maybe I'll look.
I've no idea. Do you think a chrome phone would be cool?
>>> Then the whole phone can break!
>>
>>Troo! I'll run right out tomorrow and get one.
>
> Can you get me a battery while you're at the phone store?
I didn't go. Too tired from house-shopping.
>>Me too. And I get it when the truck's in for servicing. If it's not in
>>the driveway, I always feel that I should be going somewhere.
>
> How do you get home without the trucklet?
Bus. Taxi. Lift from co-worker.
>>I guess I just need to know that those options are available, even if I
>>don't want to use them right now. Just like I need to know that I *can*
>>get out my front door even though I don't want to go out.
>
> I usually can. Is it the snow of which you speak or the cats guarding
> the doorway?
Snoo. Or that time when the trailer was being levelled and the door stuck
just before the guys left on a coffee break and I couldn't get either door
open. It didn't matter really because they were only gone fifteen minutes,
but I didn't like it.
>>> And yet I always want to be snowed in during a blizzard. But only
>>> with the appropriate guy. It could get cold.
>>
>>Hm. That does have a certain appeal. As long as there is lots of food
>>and water and it's not *that* cold. Or there's a nice fire with lots of
>>wood.
>
> The guy is there to provide warmth. I have found they are useful for
> that. They might get to play with the fire but only after I'm bored of
> it. We can cook food from tins in the fire like Geep cooks beans.
Open the cans first.
>>I ate too too much tonight. I didn't eat all day then pigged out like
>>crazy. I shouldn't do that.
>
> Me neither. I didn't though, really, just a couple of mixed drinks
> with almost no alcohol in them, and a few snackses. I had to
> particularly eat a lot of cheese in a forlorn effort to up my
> cholesterol.
Why do you want to do that? I thought cholesteral was The Enemy.
> Mmm... more eggses and biscuits and gravy!
Eggses yes, biscuits maybe, but not with gravy shirley.
>>> I should do that and will some day if I can ever sort out how to keep
>>> mildew from growing in the jets. Ick!
>>
>>If it's water jets, wouldn't it get washed out when they were in use?
>
> Yes, which is a great idea if you're not actually in the bath when
> it's in use.
Yes. You'd have to do it before you have your bath.
Ooh, I'm looking at two other places on Wednesday and they both have
whirlpool tubs! One of them even has a sauna.
>>>>Has anyone heard from Karen lately?
>>>
>>> Not I, said the sparrow
>>
>>You can't hear from someone with a bow and arrow, can you?
>
> I have always wanted to shoot one.
You've never shot a bow and arrow? Gosh, even I've done that, starting with
little toy ones with rubber suckers to a real(ish) bow that my brother had
when he was in his teens. Never used one of those big fancy things though.
They seem like cheating.
Of course, when I say I've shot a bow and arrow, I don't mean that I
actually got the arrow to go very far. Usually it just sort of dribbled off
the bow.
>>> Tracy, who completely forgot the word "sparrow" in the scattergories
>>> game earlier today, D'Oh!
>>
>>Tch. Did you win anyway?
>
> Nah, I froze. Don't like time limits.
I've never played scattergories so I know naught of these time limits.
> Best run, late again!
Late for what?
Geep
<buy...@interlacken.com> writes
>On Sun, 4 Nov 2001 22:25:05 +0000, Geep <ge...@binnsroad.net> ordered a
>alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>>
>>Dunno what a siding is, in this context.
>
>A vinyl or aluminum covering that fits on the sides o' the house an'
>(theoretically) saves your having to paint. Usually comes in strips.
>
majority here are 'traditional' brick, with a slate or tile roof. There
are a few timber framed houses, although they're becoming more common.
Apparently, a lot of new houses are being built with a timber frame and
brick skin.
--
Geep
Sarah Eggleston
A Magee wrote:
>
> Quoth Sarah Eggleston:
>
[snippety]
> > And we have a spare bedroom for visitors! Joy! Especially since we
> > can't afford to go *anywhere*, so we plan to entertain a lot! We only
> > have one bathroom, but there's room to add a loo downstairs if we feel
> > inspired.
>
> The one I'm looking at has three bathrooms. If I get it, I'll send you one
> of the spares.
>
Thankyou!
> [snip]
>
> > The bank, on the other hand, get a "you want to lend me HOW much?"
> > award. Must be the low interest rates, but they cleared me for more
> > than I asked for - and a mind-blowing sum it is too. Plus, interest
> > rates have dropped 4 times since I asked for the mortgage, wow!
>
> Don't you just love greebevfgf?
>
<g> These were mostly down to our deflating economy, and the even-faster
deflating American one. But thanks, guys, anyway.
> > and all the sockets are brown melamine. Hey, it works!
>
> Nothing wrong with brown melamine. As long as the electrickery comes out
> the holes when you want it and stays in when you don't, what more do you
> need?
>
Absholutely.
> > The master bedroom has also been "changing room" affected, but it's the
> > only room with a wardrobe so we'll have to live with it until we can
> > afford more furniture. (Purple radiator? Why would you want a purple
> > radiator? And as for the pelmet....)
>
> Come on, tell us about the pelmet.
>
Ummmmmmmm.... light purple flowers on a dark purple background...?
I can't do it verbal justice.
> > We had a disappointment in the summer, over a 100-year-old cottage, but
> > they are like buses, there will be another dream home along sooner or
> > later.
>
> I'm already thinking about a condo (with a whirlpool tub and sauna(!)) and
> a cute little bungalow. Fickle, ain't I?
>
This house had a jacuzzi in the garden: the owners would have sold it
to us, but we were so stretched we had to decline, so they took it with
them. We won't have a dishwasher or stereo, and they are probably higher
up the priority list. Besides, I'm happy with a scorching hot bath.
> > I was over the moon when we got this one, but after a weekend
> > discovering how little of it they cleaned[6], and with my thumbs nearly
> > raw from steel wool, not to mention wallpaper stripping for hours, I'm
> > a little less euphoric.
>
> Just think how much that pink wallpaper would annoy you if you left it up,
> and you'll find new strength.
>
Well at the moment we have greenish-grey plaster. It looks better already!
The only snag is, we're about to have the infamous zntabyvn argu^H^H^H^H
discussion.
> > Still, it *will* be our dream home as soon as we save up enough time
> > and money to make it that way, and of course, fill it with our friends!
> > :-)
>
> Charge them admission.
>
Naaah... bring a bottle, maybe.
-Sazz, halfway through packing girl
Richard
A Magee added
>Quoth Richard:
>
>>>> Put some dance music on the radio and bop around the place?
>>>
>>>Oh god.
>>
>> Yes?
>
>I thought you were an athiest.
I am *everything*.
>
>>>Nah, it's fitted, wall-to-wall. Also it's brand[tm] new. Be a shame to
>>>wreck it. And, as you say, warm. I could live with it. I'd just prefer
>>>hardwood.
>>
>> I don't think they do hardwood carpets.
>
>If they don't, they should.
With flowers on.
>
>>>> Mine are small and steep too. I'm thinking of having them replaced
>>>> with a mini elevator.
>>>
>>>How about a fireman's pole?
>>
>> <sigh> Yes dear.
>
>You want to be able to back up again, do you?
Yes dear.
>>>That *is* the living room one. But it's not a big deal, although
>>>changing it might be. It's in the front and changing it would make it
>>>noticeably different from the "other side".
>>
>> Oh bum, well, you know what I mean.
>
>Not a problem anyway. I couldn't afford to change anything till after the
>mortgage was paid. In 2026.
Not even the wallpaper?
>
>>>But, as I said, I can live with a gratuitous balcony. Might even come
>>>to love it, who knows?
>>
>> So you've given up on men then?
>
>Long ago, dear.
Awww.
>
>>>> Oh. Maybe that's what those bricks were for...?
>>>
>>>Unlikely. They're on the living room level.
>>
>> I'm sorry, I'm finding it difficult to picture the layout.
>
>I'll send you a photograph when I get home. If I remember.
[] A mime photograph was not here.
>
>>>I'm not worried as such. It just means that any company would have to
>>>be careful about parking so as not to block off the neighbour. And if
>>>the neighbour (or his guests) aren't careful, they might block me off.
>>
>> But then you'd be able to go on Springer to have a big fight with them!
>
>You can go on as me.
No thanks.
>
>>>Actually, a more serious problem has occurred to me. Because of the Y-
>>>shaped driveways and the curve of the road, the front lawns are narrow
>>>and roughly triangular. Where on earth do these people put the snow
>>>when they clear their driveways?
>>
>> One bit on top of another?
>
>You are so innocent. You don't have the slightest idea how much snow we get
>here.
Twentyfive feet?
>
>>>> Enough??? ENOUGH??? I expected only one or two things, and those to
>>>> be reasonably remedial. So just how bad were the *other* places you
>>>> saw in comparison to this one?
>>>
>>>One was pretty awful, the others were OK but in need of more TLC than I
>>>really want to give. This place is actually very nice.
>>
>> How handy is it for shops and things?
>
>Nothing is handy for shops and things in this part of the world. But it's
>not any un-handier than where I am right now.
Oh. Right.
>
>>>> How much is your desire for a proper house driving this particular
>>>> one so hard? How many hundred more houses haven't you seen yet?
>>>
>>>There's a condo listed that sounds interesting. I'm going to call the
>>>real estate agent today and see if I can see it. There are a couple of
>>>others that might possibly be good, which I will also try to see.
>>
>> Good.
>
>I really like the duplex, but I'm not a complete idiot.
Yes dear.
>
>>>I don't know how long these low interest rates are going to last
>>>though. And I'm impatient. When I decide I want something, I want it
>>>now.
>>
>> Typical female. Always want instant gratification.
>
>Er, no, that's men.
Wrong.
>
>>>> How long
>>>> is it going to take you to tell me to shut the feck up?
>>>
>>>How long have you been posting here? Have I told you to shut the feck
>>>up yet?
>>
>> No, but you *did* do the next best thing - which was to tell me you
>> loved me and wanted to have my babies.
>
>I never did no such thing. No way. Not at all. What a horrible thought.
>I'll have nightmares for weeks.
Oh good!
>
>>>I'm very patient about some things.
>>
>> Yeah, right.
>
>I am, dear. *Very* patient. And you know what that means.
Revenge, huh?
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
Tell a man that there are 400 billion stars and he'll believe you.
Tell him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it.
Geep
<eggl...@hursley.ibm.com> writes
>
>A Magee wrote:
>>
>> Anyway, the one I liked is a 3-bedroom semi-detached house on a small steep
>> lot.
>Twin!
>
>Ok, so now I have to tell you all my latest news:
>
[...]
Wahay! Welcome to the world of permanent debt ...
The unpacking and general sorting out is always 'fun', depending on your
definition of fun, of course. The decoration sounds interesting, too. I
spent large parts of last Sunday laying insulation in the loft, and
will, hopefully, finish it this weekend. Another over rated pastime.
--
Geep
Lorrill Buyens
alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>Originally, of course, I was looking for mini homes. Now I've moved up a
>bit in the prince range!
^^^^^^
Valiant or charming?
Lorrill Buyens
Magee) ordered a alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got
this instead:
>Quoth Sarah Eggleston:
>> Still, it *will* be our dream home as soon as we save up enough time
>> and money to make it that way, and of course, fill it with our friends!
>> :-)
>
>Charge them admission.
There's a plot like that in one o' those mystery serieses I like. This
brother an' sister from the 1920's were left their estranged uncle's
fortune, on the condition that they live in his house for ten years -
an' *then* they'd get the money. Till then, all they have is a small
living allowance, so in the second book, they manage to
get a reclusive author to visit `em, then charge people to come
hobnob with the guy.
Stuart Rogers
news:3be69881...@news1.on.sympatico.ca...
They obviously haven't heard of the IRA "Bomb dogs" described
on The Day Today a few years ago.
Stuart.
A Magee
> On 5 Nov 2001 01:12:01 GMT, abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) ordered a
> alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>
>>Originally, of course, I was looking for mini homes. Now I've moved up a
>>bit in the prince range!
> ^^^^^^
> Valiant or charming?
Anybody except that bloody English lot. Or that thing that used to be known
as a symbol.
A Magee
> Some people said things, and then:-
> A Magee added
>
>>Quoth Richard:
>>
>>>>> Put some dance music on the radio and bop around the place?
>>>>
>>>>Oh god.
>>>
>>> Yes?
>>
>>I thought you were an athiest.
>
> I am *everything*.
A pantheist then.
>>>>Nah, it's fitted, wall-to-wall. Also it's brand[tm] new. Be a shame
>>>>to wreck it. And, as you say, warm. I could live with it. I'd just
>>>>prefer hardwood.
>>>
>>> I don't think they do hardwood carpets.
>>
>>If they don't, they should.
>
> With flowers on.
Nah. My family would trip over them.
>>>>> Mine are small and steep too. I'm thinking of having them replaced
>>>>> with a mini elevator.
>>>>
>>>>How about a fireman's pole?
>>>
>>> <sigh> Yes dear.
>>
>>You want to be able to back up again, do you?
>
> Yes dear.
Learn to levitate.
>>>>That *is* the living room one. But it's not a big deal, although
>>>>changing it might be. It's in the front and changing it would make it
>>>>noticeably different from the "other side".
>>>
>>> Oh bum, well, you know what I mean.
>>
>>Not a problem anyway. I couldn't afford to change anything till after
>>the mortgage was paid. In 2026.
>
> Not even the wallpaper?
It doesn't have wallpaper. Maybe one of the three I'm looking at tomorrow
will have wallpaper.
>>>>But, as I said, I can live with a gratuitous balcony. Might even come
>>>>to love it, who knows?
>>>
>>> So you've given up on men then?
>>
>>Long ago, dear.
>
> Awww.
That's a *good* thing.
>>>>> Oh. Maybe that's what those bricks were for...?
>>>>
>>>>Unlikely. They're on the living room level.
>>>
>>> I'm sorry, I'm finding it difficult to picture the layout.
>>
>>I'll send you a photograph when I get home. If I remember.
>
> [] A mime photograph was not here.
Well, I did say "if I remember". I didn't.
>>>>I'm not worried as such. It just means that any company would have to
>>>>be careful about parking so as not to block off the neighbour. And if
>>>>the neighbour (or his guests) aren't careful, they might block me
>>>>off.
>>>
>>> But then you'd be able to go on Springer to have a big fight with
>>> them!
>>
>>You can go on as me.
>
> No thanks.
I'd even loan you some of my clothes.
>>>>Actually, a more serious problem has occurred to me. Because of the
>>>>Y- shaped driveways and the curve of the road, the front lawns are
>>>>narrow and roughly triangular. Where on earth do these people put the
>>>>snow when they clear their driveways?
>>>
>>> One bit on top of another?
>>
>>You are so innocent. You don't have the slightest idea how much snow we
>>get here.
>
> Twentyfive feet?
At least.
>>>>> Enough??? ENOUGH??? I expected only one or two things, and those
>>>>> to be reasonably remedial. So just how bad were the *other* places
>>>>> you saw in comparison to this one?
>>>>
>>>>One was pretty awful, the others were OK but in need of more TLC than
>>>>I really want to give. This place is actually very nice.
>>>
>>> How handy is it for shops and things?
>>
>>Nothing is handy for shops and things in this part of the world. But
>>it's not any un-handier than where I am right now.
>
> Oh. Right.
You must come over and visit sometime, see how things are over here. Do you
think you could survive the trip?
You'd have to bring Sally, of course.
>>>>> How much is your desire for a proper house driving this particular
>>>>> one so hard? How many hundred more houses haven't you seen yet?
>>>>
>>>>There's a condo listed that sounds interesting. I'm going to call the
>>>>real estate agent today and see if I can see it. There are a couple
>>>>of others that might possibly be good, which I will also try to see.
>>>
>>> Good.
>>
>>I really like the duplex, but I'm not a complete idiot.
>
> Yes dear.
Grrr.
>>>>I don't know how long these low interest rates are going to last
>>>>though. And I'm impatient. When I decide I want something, I want it
>>>>now.
>>>
>>> Typical female. Always want instant gratification.
>>
>>Er, no, that's men.
>
> Wrong.
Pah!
>>>>> How long
>>>>> is it going to take you to tell me to shut the feck up?
>>>>
>>>>How long have you been posting here? Have I told you to shut the feck
>>>>up yet?
>>>
>>> No, but you *did* do the next best thing - which was to tell me you
>>> loved me and wanted to have my babies.
>>
>>I never did no such thing. No way. Not at all. What a horrible thought.
>>I'll have nightmares for weeks.
>
> Oh good!
Perhaps I said I loathed you and wanted you to get rabies... Nah, then
Sally would get it.
>>>>I'm very patient about some things.
>>>
>>> Yeah, right.
>>
>>I am, dear. *Very* patient. And you know what that means.
>
> Revenge, huh?
Big time.
Anne
--
"Eschew obfuscation."
afba website at http://www.kyson.crosswinds.net/afba/
HT
>Quoth HT:
>
>> Didn't see that either. What the heck? I thought I'd only missed maybe
>> 2 or 3 weeks and that's because when I taped it, it wasn't on. Once I
>> found out they'd moved it and didn't just cancel it for late-September
>> concerts & etc., I looked and they had switched to re-runs on Monday.
>
>We must be close to the end of the season then. Maybe one or two more
>episodes.
If I can't find repeats you'll have to tell me if it was good.
>>>The DVDs are from season one, I believe. It was a TV movie series
>>>originally.
>>
>> Ah. I was just surprised to see it.
>
>I was too, the first time I saw it. There are three or four of them, I
>think. I'll buy them someday when I win the lottery.
Do you have them all on tape? I'm not that organised about any show.
>I can either find no nail clippers or three nail clippers.
One with a nick in it so it doesn't cut right, two with all the rough
worn off the file thingy and one with the little keychain bit left on
so you feel the need to twirl it round and round until it goes away?
>> Any answering machine would do.
>
>But that would leave me with the serious problem of Forgetting to Change
>the Tape. Still, I want to get a new phone, so maybe I'll look for an
>answering machine too.
Might as well. They're digital these days you know.
>>>> Well, before you say what you're thinking, for some reason my
>>>> parents' number also always shows as "blocked"
>>>
>>>How do you know if you don't have a gidget?
>>
>> Other people do and have mentioned it. Even they know that.
>
>Do your parents call all your friends too?
Often. Coincidentally, this always occurs when I'm at home.
>I've no idea. Do you think a chrome phone would be cool?
Hmm... For some reason I associate the word "chrome" with "smudge"
(no not that one) and "polish"
Sorry but you asked.
>> Can you get me a battery while you're at the phone store?
>
>I didn't go. Too tired from house-shopping.
Me neither. Too tired from 13 mile hikes and 4 nights in a row of
dinners out.
>> How do you get home without the trucklet?
>
>Bus. Taxi. Lift from co-worker.
Eek! Never. Hire car.
>Snoo. Or that time when the trailer was being levelled and the door stuck
>just before the guys left on a coffee break and I couldn't get either door
>open. It didn't matter really because they were only gone fifteen minutes,
>but I didn't like it.
I have large windowses.
>> it. We can cook food from tins in the fire like Geep cooks beans.
>
>Open the cans first.
Yes ma'am.
>Why do you want to do that? I thought cholesteral was The Enemy.
Don't have enough to be a true American. Must eat more butter, more
meat, more eggses, well more cheese- more Tasty Food of all
cholesterol-laden varieties
>Eggses yes, biscuits maybe, but not with gravy shirley.
US unsweet[1] biscuits are almost always ickily dry and unbearable
unless steeped in gravy and/or mashed potatoes.
>Ooh, I'm looking at two other places on Wednesday and they both have
>whirlpool tubs! One of them even has a sauna.
I'll sleep in the sauna if ever Air Canadia have a proper fare to
Fredericton.
>You've never shot a bow and arrow? Gosh, even I've done that, starting with
>little toy ones with rubber suckers to a real(ish) bow that my brother had
>when he was in his teens. Never used one of those big fancy things though.
>They seem like cheating.
I want one with string, wood, featers and etc. And a target to shoot
at. But no crossbow. Is that too much to ask?
>Of course, when I say I've shot a bow and arrow, I don't mean that I
>actually got the arrow to go very far. Usually it just sort of dribbled off
>the bow.
It *must* say "thwack"!
>> Nah, I froze. Don't like time limits.
>
>I've never played scattergories so I know naught of these time limits.
There's an alarm thingy.
>> Best run, late again!
>
>Late for what?
Probably a hike. Just possibly a dinner party. Even a small chance it
was when I needed to mow the lawn and then go hang out with some scary
peopleses and play cards[2]
[1] An addictive word with surprisingly few synonyms, but one that
sounds disconcertingly and heartbreakingly like "sweet"
[2] hand and foot
HT
>As of Friday, I am now the proud owner of the *hugest* debt I ever
>imagined, and the bank also kindly allow me to live in their house.
Ooh, congrats! I will have to visit one of these days and experience
the guest suite, the Cooker Supreme, and the wallpaper-free walls.
I love all the good news hereabouts these days. Can't wait till Maggie
gets her next lot of grades to brag about.
Tracy, most impressed and happy for you (but too far away to help
paint) girl
A Magee
> abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) wrote:
>
>>Quoth HT:
>>
>>> Didn't see that either. What the heck? I thought I'd only missed
>>> maybe 2 or 3 weeks and that's because when I taped it, it wasn't on.
>>> Once I found out they'd moved it and didn't just cancel it for
>>> late-September concerts & etc., I looked and they had switched to
>>> re-runs on Monday.
>>
>>We must be close to the end of the season then. Maybe one or two more
>>episodes.
>
> If I can't find repeats you'll have to tell me if it was good.
I have no idea if it's good. It's too weird for such a word. It's just
LEXX.
>>>>The DVDs are from season one, I believe. It was a TV movie series
>>>>originally.
>>>
>>> Ah. I was just surprised to see it.
>>
>>I was too, the first time I saw it. There are three or four of them, I
>>think. I'll buy them someday when I win the lottery.
>
> Do you have them all on tape? I'm not that organised about any show.
No, I don't. I used to be that organized, but not any more. The only show
I've taped in its entirety lately is B5.
>>I can either find no nail clippers or three nail clippers.
>
> One with a nick in it so it doesn't cut right, two with all the rough
> worn off the file thingy and one with the little keychain bit left on
> so you feel the need to twirl it round and round until it goes away?
One that's too big for my hand to squeeze properly, one with no file, one
with a file that's too new and rough.
>>> Any answering machine would do.
>>
>>But that would leave me with the serious problem of Forgetting to
>>Change the Tape. Still, I want to get a new phone, so maybe I'll look
>>for an answering machine too.
>
> Might as well. They're digital these days you know.
Are they? Ah, then I can Forget to Delete Messages From the Smart Card or
Whatever It Is.
>>>>> Well, before you say what you're thinking, for some reason my
>>>>> parents' number also always shows as "blocked"
>>>>
>>>>How do you know if you don't have a gidget?
>>>
>>> Other people do and have mentioned it. Even they know that.
>>
>>Do your parents call all your friends too?
>
> Often. Coincidentally, this always occurs when I'm at home.
I'm very glad my parents never call anyone I know.
>>I've no idea. Do you think a chrome phone would be cool?
>
> Hmm... For some reason I associate the word "chrome" with "smudge"
> (no not that one) and "polish"
Troo. Oh, and road tar.
> Sorry but you asked.
Nope, makes sense. Fingerprints and all.
>>> Can you get me a battery while you're at the phone store?
>>
>>I didn't go. Too tired from house-shopping.
>
> Me neither. Too tired from 13 mile hikes and 4 nights in a row of
> dinners out.
Good grief. This Social Life of yours is getting out of hand.
>>> How do you get home without the trucklet?
>>
>>Bus. Taxi. Lift from co-worker.
>
> Eek! Never. Hire car.
Rich bitch.
>>Snoo. Or that time when the trailer was being levelled and the door
>>stuck just before the guys left on a coffee break and I couldn't get
>>either door open. It didn't matter really because they were only gone
>>fifteen minutes, but I didn't like it.
>
> I have large windowses.
Mine are too far off the ground for me. Short of a fire or something.
>>> it. We can cook food from tins in the fire like Geep cooks beans.
>>
>>Open the cans first.
>
> Yes ma'am.
Good. Wouldn't want to see the headline "Her Traciness Killed In Tragic
Exploding Bean Can Accident".
>>Why do you want to do that? I thought cholesteral was The Enemy.
>
> Don't have enough to be a true American. Must eat more butter, more
> meat, more eggses, well more cheese- more Tasty Food of all
> cholesterol-laden varieties
Cholesterol makes food taste good.
>>Eggses yes, biscuits maybe, but not with gravy shirley.
>
> US unsweet[1] biscuits are almost always ickily dry and unbearable
> unless steeped in gravy and/or mashed potatoes.
Whataboutbutter?
>>Ooh, I'm looking at two other places on Wednesday and they both have
>>whirlpool tubs! One of them even has a sauna.
>
> I'll sleep in the sauna if ever Air Canadia have a proper fare to
> Fredericton.
Now I'm going to look at three places tomorrow and they *all* have
whirlpool tubs. I still lean towards the duplex (which does *not* have a
whirlpool tub, but has many other things) but who knows how I fill feel
tomorrow.
>>You've never shot a bow and arrow? Gosh, even I've done that, starting
>>with little toy ones with rubber suckers to a real(ish) bow that my
>>brother had when he was in his teens. Never used one of those big fancy
>>things though. They seem like cheating.
>
> I want one with string, wood, featers and etc. And a target to shoot
> at. But no crossbow. Is that too much to ask?
I've always wanted to try a crossbow. I kind of envy Buffy and all those
neat ones she has.
Did you see the musical Buffy? It was terrific.
>>Of course, when I say I've shot a bow and arrow, I don't mean that I
>>actually got the arrow to go very far. Usually it just sort of dribbled
>>off the bow.
>
> It *must* say "thwack"!
Takes a bit of practice to make it say "thwack". Takes a bit of practice to
make the string stop trying to scrape all the skin off your arm.
>>> Nah, I froze. Don't like time limits.
>>
>>I've never played scattergories so I know naught of these time limits.
>
> There's an alarm thingy.
I hate alarm thingies.
>>> Best run, late again!
>>
>>Late for what?
>
> Probably a hike. Just possibly a dinner party. Even a small chance it
> was when I needed to mow the lawn and then go hang out with some scary
> peopleses and play cards[2]
Good grief. Can a person die from too much Social Life?
> [1] An addictive word with surprisingly few synonyms, but one that
> sounds disconcertingly and heartbreakingly like "sweet"
> [2] hand and foot
I don't think I could hold cards with my feet.
Maggie
>Sarah Eggleston <eggl...@hursley.ibm.com> wrote:
>
>>As of Friday, I am now the proud owner of the *hugest* debt I ever
>>imagined, and the bank also kindly allow me to live in their house.
>
>Ooh, congrats! I will have to visit one of these days and experience
>the guest suite, the Cooker Supreme, and the wallpaper-free walls.
And congrats from me, also!
>
>I love all the good news hereabouts these days. Can't wait till Maggie
>gets her next lot of grades to brag about.
Hmmm.. mebbe. Mebbe not.
University staff to withhold exam results
http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,1000185a11,FF.html
>
>Tracy, most impressed and happy for you (but too far away to help
>paint) girl
Not if you pop over in January.
--
Maggie
Richard
A Magee added
>>>>>Oh god.
>>>>
>>>> Yes?
>>>
>>>I thought you were an athiest.
>>
>> I am *everything*.
>
>A pantheist then.
More. I've got lots of pans. Crockery too.
>
>>>>>Nah, it's fitted, wall-to-wall. Also it's brand[tm] new. Be a shame
>>>>>to wreck it. And, as you say, warm. I could live with it. I'd just
>>>>>prefer hardwood.
>>>>
>>>> I don't think they do hardwood carpets.
>>>
>>>If they don't, they should.
>>
>> With flowers on.
>
>Nah. My family would trip over them.
And that's bad because...?
>
>>>>>> Mine are small and steep too. I'm thinking of having them replaced
>>>>>> with a mini elevator.
>>>>>
>>>>>How about a fireman's pole?
>>>>
>>>> <sigh> Yes dear.
>>>
>>>You want to be able to back up again, do you?
>>
>> Yes dear.
>
>Learn to levitate.
Yes dear.
>>>
>>>Not a problem anyway. I couldn't afford to change anything till after
>>>the mortgage was paid. In 2026.
>>
>> Not even the wallpaper?
>
>It doesn't have wallpaper. Maybe one of the three I'm looking at tomorrow
>will have wallpaper.
Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this> but
it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary *and* are
artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up again?
>
>>>>>But, as I said, I can live with a gratuitous balcony. Might even come
>>>>>to love it, who knows?
>>>>
>>>> So you've given up on men then?
>>>
>>>Long ago, dear.
>>
>> Awww.
>
>That's a *good* thing.
Hm...
>>>
>>>I'll send you a photograph when I get home. If I remember.
>>
>> [] A mime photograph was not here.
>
>Well, I did say "if I remember". I didn't.
Oh well, it's not as if you spoiled my whole day.
>
>>>>>I'm not worried as such. It just means that any company would have to
>>>>>be careful about parking so as not to block off the neighbour. And if
>>>>>the neighbour (or his guests) aren't careful, they might block me
>>>>>off.
>>>>
>>>> But then you'd be able to go on Springer to have a big fight with
>>>> them!
>>>
>>>You can go on as me.
>>
>> No thanks.
>
>I'd even loan you some of my clothes.
And a wig? And LOTS of make-up to cover my beard? High heels?
>>>
>>>You are so innocent. You don't have the slightest idea how much snow we
>>>get here.
>>
>> Twentyfive feet?
>
>At least.
So you'd need a ladder?
>>>
>>>Nothing is handy for shops and things in this part of the world. But
>>>it's not any un-handier than where I am right now.
>>
>> Oh. Right.
>
>You must come over and visit sometime, see how things are over here. Do you
>think you could survive the trip?
I'd love to, honest miss, but it takes me a whole year of hard saving to
get one of the cheapest sunny holidays I can find. Two or three years
saving to be COLD is *not* high on my list of Things I Most Want To Do.
>
>You'd have to bring Sally, of course.
No fear! You'd cat-nap her.
>>>
>>>I really like the duplex, but I'm not a complete idiot.
>>
>> Yes dear.
>
>Grrr.
Yes dear?
>
>>>>>I don't know how long these low interest rates are going to last
>>>>>though. And I'm impatient. When I decide I want something, I want it
>>>>>now.
>>>>
>>>> Typical female. Always want instant gratification.
>>>
>>>Er, no, that's men.
>>
>> Wrong.
>
>Pah!
*Still* wrong.
>>>>>
>>>>>How long have you been posting here? Have I told you to shut the feck
>>>>>up yet?
>>>>
>>>> No, but you *did* do the next best thing - which was to tell me you
>>>> loved me and wanted to have my babies.
>>>
>>>I never did no such thing. No way. Not at all. What a horrible thought.
>>>I'll have nightmares for weeks.
>>
>> Oh good!
>
>Perhaps I said I loathed you and wanted you to get rabies... Nah, then
>Sally would get it.
Saved by my cat!
>
>>>>>I'm very patient about some things.
>>>>
>>>> Yeah, right.
>>>
>>>I am, dear. *Very* patient. And you know what that means.
>>
>> Revenge, huh?
>
>Big time.
*one* of us will have to do some *serious* saving up...
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
Haiku Error Message: A file that big? It might be very useful.
But now it is gone.
Alan Brand
wrote:
>HT spake thusly
>>Sarah Eggleston <eggl...@hursley.ibm.com> wrote:
>>
>>>As of Friday, I am now the proud owner of the *hugest* debt I ever
>>>imagined, and the bank also kindly allow me to live in their house.
>>
>>Ooh, congrats! I will have to visit one of these days and experience
>>the guest suite, the Cooker Supreme, and the wallpaper-free walls.
>
>And congrats from me, also!
>
>>
>>I love all the good news hereabouts these days. Can't wait till Maggie
>>gets her next lot of grades to brag about.
>
>Hmmm.. mebbe. Mebbe not.
>
>University staff to withhold exam results
>http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,1000185a11,FF.html
Feckin' Leftie Eejits.
[BTW, it is a totally unfounded rumour that my politics are a little
to the right of Atilla the Hun's]
--
AlanB
Alan Brand
wrote:
>Some people said things, and then:-
>A Magee added
>>>>Not a problem anyway. I couldn't afford to change anything till after
>>>>the mortgage was paid. In 2026.
[snip wallpaper]
>
>Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this> but
>it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary *and* are
>artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up again?
Another sensible thing about the joys of house buying in Canadia is
that the vast majority of mortgages are at a fixed rate for the
period of the mortgage. F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5
years amortized over 25 years, which would give no surprises until
negotiating a new one at the five year mark.
Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
--
AlanB
A Magee
> Some people said things, and then:-
> A Magee added
>
>>>>>>Nah, it's fitted, wall-to-wall. Also it's brand[tm] new. Be a shame
>>>>>>to wreck it. And, as you say, warm. I could live with it. I'd just
>>>>>>prefer hardwood.
>>>>>
>>>>> I don't think they do hardwood carpets.
>>>>
>>>>If they don't, they should.
>>>
>>> With flowers on.
>>
>>Nah. My family would trip over them.
>
> And that's bad because...?
They might fall on something and damage it.
>>>>Not a problem anyway. I couldn't afford to change anything till after
>>>>the mortgage was paid. In 2026.
>>>
>>> Not even the wallpaper?
>>
>>It doesn't have wallpaper. Maybe one of the three I'm looking at
>>tomorrow will have wallpaper.
>
> Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this>
> but it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary
> *and* are artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up
> again?
You get choose to lock the interest rate for the term of the mortgage. In
my case, that would be 10 years (at 6.45%). (That might go down a little. I
hear the prime rate is being dropped again.)
>>>>>>But, as I said, I can live with a gratuitous balcony. Might even
>>>>>>come to love it, who knows?
>>>>>
>>>>> So you've given up on men then?
>>>>
>>>>Long ago, dear.
>>>
>>> Awww.
>>
>>That's a *good* thing.
>
> Hm...
A *very* good thing.
>>>>I'll send you a photograph when I get home. If I remember.
>>>
>>> [] A mime photograph was not here.
>>
>>Well, I did say "if I remember". I didn't.
>
> Oh well, it's not as if you spoiled my whole day.
No? And here I was imagining you sitting at your computer clicking "Check
Mail" repeatedly and wailing, "She emaileth not! Oh, woe is me!"
>>>>> But then you'd be able to go on Springer to have a big fight with
>>>>> them!
>>>>
>>>>You can go on as me.
>>>
>>> No thanks.
>>
>>I'd even loan you some of my clothes.
>
> And a wig?
Just use an old string mop.
> And LOTS of make-up to cover my beard?
Why cover it?
> High heels?
Certainly not. I wouldn't want people to think that I was the high heels
type.
>>>>You are so innocent. You don't have the slightest idea how much snow
>>>>we get here.
>>>
>>> Twentyfive feet?
>>
>>At least.
>
> So you'd need a ladder?
Or Ken's immensely long arms.
>>>>Nothing is handy for shops and things in this part of the world. But
>>>>it's not any un-handier than where I am right now.
>>>
>>> Oh. Right.
>>
>>You must come over and visit sometime, see how things are over here. Do
>>you think you could survive the trip?
>
> I'd love to, honest miss, but it takes me a whole year of hard saving
> to get one of the cheapest sunny holidays I can find. Two or three
> years saving to be COLD is *not* high on my list of Things I Most Want
> To Do.
Come in the summer when it's HOT!
>>You'd have to bring Sally, of course.
>
> No fear! You'd cat-nap her.
Curses! My evil intentions have been detected...
>>>>I really like the duplex, but I'm not a complete idiot.
>>>
>>> Yes dear.
>>
>>Grrr.
>
> Yes dear?
Just adding a little something to your score.
>>>>>>I don't know how long these low interest rates are going to last
>>>>>>though. And I'm impatient. When I decide I want something, I want
>>>>>>it now.
>>>>>
>>>>> Typical female. Always want instant gratification.
>>>>
>>>>Er, no, that's men.
>>>
>>> Wrong.
>>
>>Pah!
>
> *Still* wrong.
No, dear. The only reason men *don't* demand instant gratification on
everything is that they are incapable of making a decision. Mummy or missus
has to do it for them.
>>>>>>How long have you been posting here? Have I told you to shut the
>>>>>>feck up yet?
>>>>>
>>>>> No, but you *did* do the next best thing - which was to tell me you
>>>>> loved me and wanted to have my babies.
>>>>
>>>>I never did no such thing. No way. Not at all. What a horrible
>>>>thought. I'll have nightmares for weeks.
>>>
>>> Oh good!
>>
>>Perhaps I said I loathed you and wanted you to get rabies... Nah, then
>>Sally would get it.
>
> Saved by my cat!
You owe Sally more than you'll ever know.
>>>>>>I'm very patient about some things.
>>>>>
>>>>> Yeah, right.
>>>>
>>>>I am, dear. *Very* patient. And you know what that means.
>>>
>>> Revenge, huh?
>>
>>Big time.
>
> *one* of us will have to do some *serious* saving up...
Oh. Well, be very afraid if you hear that I've won the lottery.
Anne
--
"Eschew obfuscation."
afba website at http://www.crosswinds.net/~afba/
Sarah Eggleston
Alan Brand wrote:
>
> On Wed, 7 Nov 2001 11:01:13 +0000, Richard <Ric...@pridge.uk.uk>
> wrote:
>
> >Some people said things, and then:-
> >A Magee added
>
> >>>>Not a problem anyway. I couldn't afford to change anything till after
> >>>>the mortgage was paid. In 2026.
>
> [snip wallpaper]
> >
> >Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this> but
> >it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary *and* are
> >artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up again?
>
You get a payrise, of course! :-p
While interest rates are very low, and therefore likely to end up
higher at some point in the future, they normally don't increase in
line with inflation, which salaries mostly do. For this reason, some
people advise stretching yourselves a bit for the first couple of
years, then later on it should get easier, and it saves you the hassle
of upgrading to somethign bigger.
As long as you have two incomes, you should on average be able to cope.
Of course, this all goes to pot if one of you gets pregnant (ask Geep)
or loses a job (ask Crid). So you might prefer not to take the gamble,
or to insure yourself to ridiculous levels.
At least if we bought at the top of the market and prices crash all
round us, then interest rates should *stay* low for a little while.
All this only applies to England, (that I know of), in Canadia and Europe
(WOCAB), they have much more sensible long-term lending levels, as Alan
says. But then, it's only over here that we have this huge addiction
to buying houses. In Europe, the tax position makes it silly to buy a
house more than once or twice a lifetime. So most people only buy as
they retire.
> Another sensible thing about the joys of house buying in Canadia is
> that the vast majority of mortgages are at a fixed rate for the
> period of the mortgage.
*sigh*
> F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5 years amortized over 25
> years, which would give no surprises until negotiating a new one
> at the five year mark. Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
Don't get tax relief here either. Not any more. I wish! Hum, wonder why
they didn't abolish stamp duty at the same time they abolished MIRAS?
-Sazz, surfing the interest rate wave
A Magee
>
>
> Alan Brand wrote:
>>
>> On Wed, 7 Nov 2001 11:01:13 +0000, Richard <Ric...@pridge.uk.uk>
>> wrote:
>>
>> >Some people said things, and then:-
>> >A Magee added
>>
>> >>>>Not a problem anyway. I couldn't afford to change anything till
>> >>>>after the mortgage was paid. In 2026.
>>
>> [snip wallpaper]
>> >
>> >Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this>
>> >but it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary
>> >*and* are artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back
>> >up again?
>>
> You get a payrise, of course! :-p
Smart girl! A most excellent idea.
> While interest rates are very low, and therefore likely to end up
> higher at some point in the future, they normally don't increase in
> line with inflation, which salaries mostly do. For this reason, some
> people advise stretching yourselves a bit for the first couple of
> years, then later on it should get easier, and it saves you the hassle
> of upgrading to somethign bigger.
>
> As long as you have two incomes, you should on average be able to cope.
> Of course, this all goes to pot if one of you gets pregnant (ask Geep)
> or loses a job (ask Crid). So you might prefer not to take the gamble,
> or to insure yourself to ridiculous levels.
Well, I only have one income, and this possible house will be mine, all
mine. There is a chance, however, that I will have a housemate/tenant for a
while, which will make it easier to buy furniture.
If worst comes to worst, I could take in lodgers.
This is all assuming that I get the mortgage. I should know tomorrow.
> At least if we bought at the top of the market and prices crash all
> round us, then interest rates should *stay* low for a little while.
>
> All this only applies to England, (that I know of), in Canadia and
> Europe (WOCAB), they have much more sensible long-term lending levels,
> as Alan says. But then, it's only over here that we have this huge
> addiction to buying houses. In Europe, the tax position makes it silly
> to buy a house more than once or twice a lifetime. So most people only
> buy as they retire.
Isn't that a bit late in life to take on a 25-year-mortgage? Barring a
stroke of luck, I'll be almost 75 when this mortgage (if I get it) is paid
off.
Anne, on tenterhooks till tomorrow
--
"Eschew obfuscation."
afba website at http://www.crosswinds.net/~afba/
Alan Brand
>>>>>>>I'm very patient about some things.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Yeah, right.
>>>>>
>>>>>I am, dear. *Very* patient. And you know what that means.
>>>>
>>>> Revenge, huh?
>>>
>>>Big time.
>>
>> *one* of us will have to do some *serious* saving up...
>
>Oh. Well, be very afraid if you hear that I've won the lottery.
When I win the lottery, I'll pay for each of you to travel to the half
way spot to have this out.
--
AlanB
A Magee
But I can't swim!
Alan Brand
Magee) wrote:
>Quoth Alan Brand:
>
>> Anen & Richard squabbled:
>>
>>>>>>>>>I'm very patient about some things.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Yeah, right.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I am, dear. *Very* patient. And you know what that means.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Revenge, huh?
>>>>>
>>>>>Big time.
>>>>
>>>> *one* of us will have to do some *serious* saving up...
>>>
>>>Oh. Well, be very afraid if you hear that I've won the lottery.
>>
>> When I win the lottery, I'll pay for each of you to travel to the half
>> way spot to have this out.
>
>But I can't swim!
Can you row?
--
AlanB
Stuart Rogers
news:3be896e9...@news.earthlink.net...
> Sarah Eggleston <eggl...@hursley.ibm.com> wrote:
>
>
> I love all the good news hereabouts these days.
Let me balance that out a bit . . . . This year's pay rise is only
slightly less insulting than last year's, and as usual it's four
months late . . . . It looks like I shall be having to find somewhere
else to live soon . . . . I desperately need to get a place of my own.
On my salary I can't afford to buy anything better than the
scummiest of flats in the scummiest parts of town, and rents are
just as outrageous . . . . and winter's heading this way.
Stuart, not a happy bunny.
A Magee
> "HT" <not...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:3be896e9...@news.earthlink.net...
>>
>> I love all the good news hereabouts these days.
>
> Let me balance that out a bit . . . . This year's pay rise is only
> slightly less insulting than last year's, and as usual it's four
> months late . . . . It looks like I shall be having to find somewhere
> else to live soon . . . . I desperately need to get a place of my own.
> On my salary I can't afford to buy anything better than the
> scummiest of flats in the scummiest parts of town, and rents are
> just as outrageous . . . . and winter's heading this way.
>
> Stuart, not a happy bunny.
If I get the house I want, I will have one spare room left, if you think
you can stand the commute.
A Magee
Probably not.
Anne, doesn't do physical activity girl
Richard
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I am, dear. *Very* patient. And you know what that means.
>>>>>
>>>>> Revenge, huh?
>>>>
>>>>Big time.
>>>
>>> *one* of us will have to do some *serious* saving up...
>>
>>Oh. Well, be very afraid if you hear that I've won the lottery.
>
>When I win the lottery, I'll pay for each of you to travel to the half
>way spot to have this out.
In that case - I'll stay here.
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
...and that is how we know the Earth is banana-shaped.
Richard
>[snip wallpaper]
>>
>>Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this> but
>>it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary *and* are
>>artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up again?
>
>Another sensible thing about the joys of house buying in Canadia is
>that the vast majority of mortgages are at a fixed rate for the
>period of the mortgage. F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5
>years amortized over 25 years, which would give no surprises until
>negotiating a new one at the five year mark.
>Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
Note to self: Buy a house in Canadia.
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
No problem is so formidable that you can't just walk away from it.
Lorrill Buyens
alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>Quoth Lorrill Buyens:
>
>> On 4 Nov 2001 16:15:20 GMT, abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) ordered a
>> alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>>>Internet: It's (apparently) outside of the Vibe (ADSL service) area.
>>>This means I'd either have to go back to a modem (ick) or get a cable
>>>modem (if *that's* possible in that area).
>>
>> We just got a cable modem ourselves. Apparently, my stepfather
>> was more fed up with the sucky DSL service than I thought.
>
>Is the cable modem better? Is it proper 2-way service, or does it use the
>phone one way and cable the other?
Two-way, I think. An' yeah, it's much faster. (Much more reliable, too
- the DSL company's connection kept going down on us from time to
time, and it took `em a week to get us hooked up in the first place.)
Lorrill Buyens
ordered a alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this
instead:
>Some people said things, and then:-
>A Magee added
>
>>Quoth Richard:
>>
>>>>> Put some dance music on the radio and bop around the place?
>>>>
>>>>Oh god.
>>>
>>> Yes?
>>
>>I thought you were an athiest.
>
>I am *everything*.
Are you the cream in my coffee? The salt in my stew? The sail on my
loveboat?
Lorrill Buyens
alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this instead:
>Quoth HT:
>
>> abm...@nbnet.nb.ca (A Magee) wrote:
>>
>>>Quoth HT:
>>>>>Has anyone heard from Karen lately?
>>>>
>>>> Not I, said the sparrow
>>>
>>>You can't hear from someone with a bow and arrow, can you?
>>
>> I have always wanted to shoot one.
>
>You've never shot a bow and arrow? Gosh, even I've done that, starting with
>little toy ones with rubber suckers to a real(ish) bow that my brother had
>when he was in his teens. Never used one of those big fancy things though.
>They seem like cheating.
>
>Of course, when I say I've shot a bow and arrow, I don't mean that I
>actually got the arrow to go very far. Usually it just sort of dribbled off
>the bow.
When we did archery in gym class, I could get mine to go in the target
about eight-tenths of the time. Getting a bullseye was the harder part.
Maggie
>>>gets her next lot of grades to brag about.
>>
>>Hmmm.. mebbe. Mebbe not.
>>
>>University staff to withhold exam results
>>http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,1000185a11,FF.html
>
>Feckin' Leftie Eejits.
They want decent pay - fair enough. The action doesn't really affect me
greatly (though I'm always impatient when it comes to getting back
grades).
What annoys me is that I think levels of pay for university staff should
be linked to performance, part of which should be assessed by the
students. Some of our lecturers were crap, and while there is usually a
'lecturer appraisal' form we fill out at the end of each course, in one
particular instance we had several lecturers and were only able to rate
the *course* rather than lecturers individually. This means the good
ones are propping up the crap ones.
I'm now spending time learning stuff that should have been presented
properly in class. If I had wanted to teach myself, I would have saved
a lot of time and money and bought a book.
>
>[BTW, it is a totally unfounded rumour that my politics are a little
>to the right of Atilla the Hun's]
>
Right.
--
Maggie, back to graph traversing now
Ken Butler
wrote:
>What annoys me is that I think levels of pay for university staff should
>be linked to performance,
Yep.
Trouble is, "performance" too often means "spends time churning out
research papers" rather than preparing properly for classes.
>part of which should be assessed by the
>students. Some of our lecturers were crap, and while there is usually a
>'lecturer appraisal' form we fill out at the end of each course,
I've seen this from the other side, and it's very interesting what a
wide range of evaluations you get (this happened to everyone, not just
me). Some kind of long-term average would probably be meaningful, but
the danger is that lecturers could get good evaluations by making the
course easier than it should be (and those who teach it "properly" get
the short end of the stick).
Having said all that -- yes, I agree with you. Many of these
frustrations are unnecessary.
>in one
>particular instance we had several lecturers and were only able to rate
>the *course* rather than lecturers individually. This means the good
>ones are propping up the crap ones.
Did you not have a space for "additional comments" where you could at
least say something about each one?
Angonaminnit, I need something from your .sig. Be back in a moment.
<time passes>
Gottit.
>Maggie, back to graph traversing now
Depth-first or breadth-first?
--
Ken Butler
At home in Canterbury, England
Maggie
>On Thu, 8 Nov 2001 12:33:00 +1200, Maggie <green...@paradise.net.nz>
>wrote:
>
>>What annoys me is that I think levels of pay for university staff should
>>be linked to performance,
>
>Yep.
>
>Trouble is, "performance" too often means "spends time churning out
>research papers" rather than preparing properly for classes.
Yup - which is why there should be compulsory 'Lecturing Techniques 101'
attendance for those who are crap.
>
>>part of which should be assessed by the
>>students. Some of our lecturers were crap, and while there is usually a
>>'lecturer appraisal' form we fill out at the end of each course,
>
>I've seen this from the other side, and it's very interesting what a
>wide range of evaluations you get (this happened to everyone, not just
>me). Some kind of long-term average would probably be meaningful, but
>the danger is that lecturers could get good evaluations by making the
>course easier than it should be (and those who teach it "properly" get
>the short end of the stick).
Sure. Having many years ago been a data entry operator inputting data
from these appraisal forms, I know that there are 'long-term averages'
reported, though not necessarily taken much notice of.
And to be fair, not all of us students would rate a lecturer good if
s/he made it easy on us.
>
>>in one
>>particular instance we had several lecturers and were only able to rate
>>the *course* rather than lecturers individually. This means the good
>>ones are propping up the crap ones.
>
>Did you not have a space for "additional comments" where you could at
>least say something about each one?
Strangely enough, not any more.
>
>Angonaminnit, I need something from your .sig. Be back in a moment.
>
><time passes>
>
>Gottit.
>
>>Maggie, back to graph traversing now
>
>Depth-first or breadth-first?
>
The depth-first one (was already half coded for us) is now working - I
just have to get my print method coded.
Breadth-first is next.
Them graphs are tricky buggers.
It's so annoying when you start getting interested in course material
after the lectures have finished.
--
Maggie
Alan Brand
wrote:
>Some people said things, and then:-
>Alan Brand added
>
>>[snip wallpaper]
>>>
>>>Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this> but
>>>it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary *and* are
>>>artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up again?
>>
>>Another sensible thing about the joys of house buying in Canadia is
>>that the vast majority of mortgages are at a fixed rate for the
>>period of the mortgage. F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5
>>years amortized over 25 years, which would give no surprises until
>>negotiating a new one at the five year mark.
>>Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
>
>Note to self: Buy a house in Canadia.
With our currently discounted dollar, this becomes even more of a
deal.
--
AlanB
A Magee
> Some people said things, and then:-
> Alan Brand added
>
>>[snip wallpaper]
>>>
>>>Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this> but
>>>it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary *and* are
>>>artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up again?
>>
>>Another sensible thing about the joys of house buying in Canadia is
>>that the vast majority of mortgages are at a fixed rate for the
>>period of the mortgage. F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5
>>years amortized over 25 years, which would give no surprises until
>>negotiating a new one at the five year mark.
>>Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
>
> Note to self: Buy a house in Canadia.
Er, houses actually cost a bit more than tuppence, Richard. And the
interest rate is a bit more than 1%.
Anne
--
"Eschew obfuscation."
afba website at http://www.kyson.crosswinds.net/afba/
A Magee
> On Tue, 6 Nov 2001 10:24:13 +0000, Richard <Ric...@pridge.uk.uk>
> ordered a alt.fan.british-accent pizza with extra cheese, but got this
> instead:
>
>>Some people said things, and then:-
>>A Magee added
>>
>>>Quoth Richard:
>>>
>>>>>> Put some dance music on the radio and bop around the place?
>>>>>
>>>>>Oh god.
>>>>
>>>> Yes?
>>>
>>>I thought you were an athiest.
>>
>>I am *everything*.
>
> Are you the cream in my coffee? The salt in my stew? The sail on my
> loveboat?
^^^^
I read that as "snail" and expected the sentence to end with "garden gate".
Geep
<abm...@nbnet.nb.ca> writes
>Quoth Geep:
>>
>> Sounds interesting. Are saunas common over there? Fairly rare here -
>> well, in the houses I've looked at, over the years.
>
>I've only ever seen them on TV. I don't really want a sauna; I can't stand
>the heat, although I suppose it might be nice on those achey oomerheumatiz
>days. There is also a whirlpool tub, which I *do* want.
Mmm! Sounds good. I rarely use the bath (a shower is quicker), but, on
those odd occasions when I do have a bath, it really is relaxing.
>
>> I spent *ages* looking at houses on the web, last year. Partly
>> rewarding, and partly very frustrating.
>
>I wish they'd give more information and more pictures. Larger pictures too.
>And floor plans. Plus a map with an indication of where it can be found.
>Plus stuff like how much was spent on electrickery in the past few years
Some agent somewhere will start being innovative, one day, and actually
produce a useful house selling web site. Possibly.
>>
>> You'd probably feel frustrated by the lack of space quite quickly.
>
>Yeah. I expected it to seem much larger than the tin box because it's
>supposed to be two feet wider and 15 feet longer, but it felt surprisingly
>cramped. And the two small bedrooms really were small. You couldn't fit a
>double bed in either of them.
However much space you have, you'll fill it in an amazingly short time.
Well, I always do.
>>>
>>
>> Sounds interesting, though. I suppose it depends on whether, having
>> moved in, you could afford a 'little man' for odd jobs or, like most of
>> us, make the best of it yourself.
>
>That'd be cruel. I really have no interest in gardening of any kind.
So maybe a small patio or terrace, that you can sit on. Perhaps a few
pots that don't need much more than occasional watering.
>
>I have an appointment with the mortgage guy on Wednesday and the estate
>agent is making appointments to look at the saunaed condo and another
>little bungalow that sounds quite nice. I've also started putting out
>feelers regarding the tin box. One of my cow-orkers expressed an interest
>on using it as a summer cottage, but he can't afford it right now because
>his car has been picking his pocket. But he knows other people who might be
>interested, so there's hope there.
Woo-Hoo! If I keep reading, perhaps I'll find out how you got on.
>
>This is kind of fun.
>
Yeah!
--
Geep
Geep
<eggl...@hursley.ibm.com> writes
>
>As long as you have two incomes, you should on average be able to cope.
>Of course, this all goes to pot if one of you gets pregnant (ask Geep)
>or loses a job (ask Crid). So you might prefer not to take the gamble,
>or to insure yourself to ridiculous levels.
Things also go to pot if one of you gets pregnant and the other is
employed by a failing company that can't afford to pay salaries at the
end of the month :(
--
Geep
Richard
>> On Wed, 7 Nov 2001 11:01:13 +0000, Richard <Ric...@pridge.uk.uk>
>> >
>> >Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this> but
>> >it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary *and* are
>> >artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up again?
>>
>You get a payrise, of course! :-p
Oh yes, I remember those, in fact, when I think of it I got one last
year. 68p.
>
>While interest rates are very low, and therefore likely to end up
>higher at some point in the future, they normally don't increase in
>line with inflation, which salaries mostly do. For this reason, some
>people advise stretching yourselves a bit for the first couple of
>years, then later on it should get easier, and it saves you the hassle
>of upgrading to somethign bigger.
Yes. Agreed. But in this case the drop is artificial and so things
will climb back to normal very quickly, relatively speaking, so if you
buy at the limit of your resources now - in just a few months you might
find your purse strings stretched too far.
>
>At least if we bought at the top of the market and prices crash all
>round us, then interest rates should *stay* low for a little while.
Yes, but after that...?
>
>All this only applies to England, (that I know of), in Canadia and Europe
>(WOCAB), they have much more sensible long-term lending levels, as Alan
>says. But then, it's only over here that we have this huge addiction
>to buying houses. In Europe, the tax position makes it silly to buy a
>house more than once or twice a lifetime. So most people only buy as
>they retire.
It's the sensible approach to canadian mortgaging that I wasn't aware of
whe I raised the point. A much better option than you tend to get over
here.
>
>> F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5 years amortized over 25
>> years, which would give no surprises until negotiating a new one
>> at the five year mark. Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
>
>Don't get tax relief here either. Not any more. I wish! Hum, wonder why
>they didn't abolish stamp duty at the same time they abolished MIRAS?
Abolish a TAX??? Silly girl!
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
Never trust a computer you can't throw out the window.
Richard
A Magee added
>Quoth Richard:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I don't think they do hardwood carpets.
>>>>>
>>>>>If they don't, they should.
>>>>
>>>> With flowers on.
>>>
>>>Nah. My family would trip over them.
>>
>> And that's bad because...?
>
>They might fall on something and damage it.
Oh yes, I never thought of that. Silly me.
>>
>> Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this>
>> but it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary
>> *and* are artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up
>> again?
>
>You get choose to lock the interest rate for the term of the mortgage. In
>my case, that would be 10 years (at 6.45%). (That might go down a little. I
>hear the prime rate is being dropped again.)
*Much* more sensible, and therefore safer, than the way things tend to
work over here. Seems to me you can't lose.
>
>>>>>>>But, as I said, I can live with a gratuitous balcony. Might even
>>>>>>>come to love it, who knows?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> So you've given up on men then?
>>>>>
>>>>>Long ago, dear.
>>>>
>>>> Awww.
>>>
>>>That's a *good* thing.
>>
>> Hm...
>
>A *very* good thing.
For us men. I can sleep soundly now that I know I'm safe.
>
>>>>>I'll send you a photograph when I get home. If I remember.
>>>>
>>>> [] A mime photograph was not here.
>>>
>>>Well, I did say "if I remember". I didn't.
>>
>> Oh well, it's not as if you spoiled my whole day.
>
>No? And here I was imagining you sitting at your computer clicking "Check
>Mail" repeatedly and wailing, "She emaileth not! Oh, woe is me!"
I must confess I've done that before, but not this time.
>
>>>>>> But then you'd be able to go on Springer to have a big fight with
>>>>>> them!
>>>>>
>>>>>You can go on as me.
>>>>
>>>> No thanks.
>>>
>>>I'd even loan you some of my clothes.
>>
>> And a wig?
>
>Just use an old string mop.
Ugh!
>
>> And LOTS of make-up to cover my beard?
>
>Why cover it?
I thought I was *supposed* to be you?
>
>> High heels?
>
>Certainly not. I wouldn't want people to think that I was the high heels
>type.
But you don't mind everybody thinking you have a beard?
>
>>>>>You are so innocent. You don't have the slightest idea how much snow
>>>>>we get here.
>>>>
>>>> Twentyfive feet?
>>>
>>>At least.
>>
>> So you'd need a ladder?
>
>Or Ken's immensely long arms.
Even Ken's arms aren't that long.
>>>
>>>You must come over and visit sometime, see how things are over here. Do
>>>you think you could survive the trip?
>>
>> I'd love to, honest miss, but it takes me a whole year of hard saving
>> to get one of the cheapest sunny holidays I can find. Two or three
>> years saving to be COLD is *not* high on my list of Things I Most Want
>> To Do.
>
>Come in the summer when it's HOT!
Ha! It's hot here then too. Besides - I'd bet that you have your air
conditioning full on so I'd *still* be COLD.
>
>>>You'd have to bring Sally, of course.
>>
>> No fear! You'd cat-nap her.
>
>Curses! My evil intentions have been detected...
You can't fool me. My gulliblelessness is legendary.
>
>>>>>I really like the duplex, but I'm not a complete idiot.
>>>>
>>>> Yes dear.
>>>
>>>Grrr.
>>
>> Yes dear?
>
>Just adding a little something to your score.
Just chalk it up as infinity and save yourself the effort.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Typical female. Always want instant gratification.
>>>>>
>>>>>Er, no, that's men.
>>>>
>>>> Wrong.
>>>
>>>Pah!
>>
>> *Still* wrong.
>
>No, dear. The only reason men *don't* demand instant gratification on
>everything is that they are incapable of making a decision. Mummy or missus
>has to do it for them.
Hahahahahahahaha.
>>>
>>>Perhaps I said I loathed you and wanted you to get rabies... Nah, then
>>>Sally would get it.
>>
>> Saved by my cat!
>
>You owe Sally more than you'll ever know.
Oh? What other fates has she saved me from?
>
>>>>>>>I'm very patient about some things.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Yeah, right.
>>>>>
>>>>>I am, dear. *Very* patient. And you know what that means.
>>>>
>>>> Revenge, huh?
>>>
>>>Big time.
>>
>> *one* of us will have to do some *serious* saving up...
>
>Oh. Well, be very afraid if you hear that I've won the lottery.
No dear, I'll be very pleased for you.
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
Q: How many men does it take to make popcorn?
A: Four, one to hold the pot, and three to act macho and shake the stove.
Alan Brand
>Quoth Richard:
>
>> Some people said things, and then:-
>> Alan Brand added
>>
>>>[snip wallpaper]
>>>>
>>>>Um. <A bad news thought follows - so maybe you'd like to skip this> but
>>>>it has crossed my mind that these interest rates are temporary *and* are
>>>>artificially low. How would you cope when they climb back up again?
>>>
>>>Another sensible thing about the joys of house buying in Canadia is
>>>that the vast majority of mortgages are at a fixed rate for the
>>>period of the mortgage. F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5
>>>years amortized over 25 years, which would give no surprises until
>>>negotiating a new one at the five year mark.
>>>Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
>>
>> Note to self: Buy a house in Canadia.
>
>Er, houses actually cost a bit more than tuppence, Richard. And the
>interest rate is a bit more than 1%.
I was expecting him to have a large down payment.
--
AlanB
Alan Brand
Oh Bugger. That sounds serious.
--
AlanB
Geep
<alan....@sympatico.ca> writes
no telling when it will complete. Could be tomorrow, could be this time
next year, which would be too late. In the meantime, things ain't too
rosy.
--
Geep
Stuart Rogers
news:Xns9152A671...@192.168.1.254...
> Quoth Stuart Rogers:
>
> >> I love all the good news hereabouts these days.
> >
> > Let me balance that out a bit . . . . This year's pay rise is only
> > slightly less insulting than last year's, and as usual it's four
> > months late . . . . It looks like I shall be having to find somewhere
> > else to live soon . . . . I desperately need to get a place of my own.
> > On my salary I can't afford to buy anything better than the
> > scummiest of flats in the scummiest parts of town, and rents are
> > just as outrageous . . . . and winter's heading this way.
> >
> > Stuart, not a happy bunny.
>
> If I get the house I want, I will have one spare room left, if you think
> you can stand the commute.
Coo, ta! The commute shouldn't be too bad if I sleep on the plane.
Stuart.
Steve Criddle
~ "HT" <not...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
~ news:3be896e9...@news.earthlink.net...
~ > Sarah Eggleston <eggl...@hursley.ibm.com> wrote:
~ >
~ >
~ > I love all the good news hereabouts these days.
~
[snip bad news]
I discovered today that the redundancy cover on my mortgage, which I
was told kicks in 12 weeks after redundancy, *actually* kicks in 12
weeks after I start CLAIMING BENEFIT. Since I was paid 3 months in
lieu, I can't start claiming benefit until those 3 months are up.
Upshot - my redundancy insurance doesn't start paying out for 6
months, not 3.
I hate insurance companies. They always find a way to worm out of
things.
Anybody else got some bad news?
Crid ...who used to work for an insurance clearing house.
--
Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati
Richard
Alan Brand added
>>>Another sensible thing about the joys of house buying in Canadia is
>>>that the vast majority of mortgages are at a fixed rate for the
>>>period of the mortgage. F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5
>>>years amortized over 25 years, which would give no surprises until
>>>negotiating a new one at the five year mark.
>>>Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
>>
>>Note to self: Buy a house in Canadia.
>
>With our currently discounted dollar, this becomes even more of a
>deal.
So what can I get for a tenner?
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
A harp is a nude piano.
Richard
A Magee added
>>>>I thought you were an athiest.
>>>
>>>I am *everything*.
>>
>> Are you the cream in my coffee? The salt in my stew? The sail on my
>> loveboat?
> ^^^^
>
>I read that as "snail" and expected the sentence to end with "garden gate".
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
Southern DOS: Y'all reckon? (Yep/Nope)
Richard
>>>>>> Put some dance music on the radio and bop around the place?
>>>>>
>>>>>Oh god.
>>>>
>>>> Yes?
>>>
>>>I thought you were an athiest.
>>
>>I am *everything*.
>
>Are you the cream in my coffee? The salt in my stew? The sail on my
>loveboat?
All that and more. Like all mortals, you just don't know it yet.
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
"Bother," said Pooh as he was arrested for running around bear naked.
Richard
>>>Another sensible thing about the joys of house buying in Canadia is
>>>that the vast majority of mortgages are at a fixed rate for the
>>>period of the mortgage. F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5
>>>years amortized over 25 years, which would give no surprises until
>>>negotiating a new one at the five year mark.
>>>Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
>>
>> Note to self: Buy a house in Canadia.
>
>Er, houses actually cost a bit more than tuppence, Richard. And the
>interest rate is a bit more than 1%.
Tuppence? I can go to at least a tenner and interest doesn't bother me
because I've saved up and can pay it all in cash. So there!
--
Richard, whose Squeaky Chair can be seen at www.squeaky.demon.co.uk
A study of economics usually reveals that the best time to buy anything is
last year. [Marty Allen]
Stuart Rogers
news:StbqO6CeaSUsMf=6W2gja...@4ax.com...
> I believe it was Stuart Rogers who once wrote:
>
> ~ "HT" <not...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> ~ news:3be896e9...@news.earthlink.net...
> ~ > Sarah Eggleston <eggl...@hursley.ibm.com> wrote:
> ~ >
> ~ >
> ~ > I love all the good news hereabouts these days.
> ~
> [snip bad news]
>
> I discovered today that the redundancy cover on my mortgage, which I
> was told kicks in 12 weeks after redundancy, *actually* kicks in 12
> weeks after I start CLAIMING BENEFIT. Since I was paid 3 months in
> lieu, I can't start claiming benefit until those 3 months are up.
>
> Upshot - my redundancy insurance doesn't start paying out for 6
> months, not 3.
>
> I hate insurance companies. They always find a way to worm out of
> things.
What a complete bunch of bastards! How the hell are you expected
to pay your mortgage for three months on bugger all income??? Sheesh!
I suppose if you repeatedly submit claims for unemployment benefit
for the next three months you could argue that your entitlement
to the redundancy cover starts in three months time. The fact that
the claim is repeatedly turned down is neither here nor there. Or
do they insist on three months *receipt* of benefit?
Stuart.
Alan Brand
wrote:
>Some people said things, and then:-
>Alan Brand added
>
>>>>Another sensible thing about the joys of house buying in Canadia is
>>>>that the vast majority of mortgages are at a fixed rate for the
>>>>period of the mortgage. F'rinstance, a loan of tuppence at 1% for 5
>>>>years amortized over 25 years, which would give no surprises until
>>>>negotiating a new one at the five year mark.
>>>>Damn shame we get no income tax relief.
>>>
>>>Note to self: Buy a house in Canadia.
>>
>>With our currently discounted dollar, this becomes even more of a
>>deal.
>
>So what can I get for a tenner?
Four OTPs.
--
AlanB
A Magee
> Indeed. We seem to have plenty of business 'in progress', but there is
> no telling when it will complete. Could be tomorrow, could be this time
> next year, which would be too late. In the meantime, things ain't too
> rosy.
Oh dear. Are all UKian afbans of the male persuasion having lousy luck
right now?
Have some sympathy. Wish I could do more.
Geep
<Ric...@pridge.uk.uk> writes
>Some people said things, and then:-
>Alan Brand added
>>
>>deal.
>
>So what can I get for a tenner?
>
--
Geep
Steve Criddle
~ What a complete bunch of bastards! How the hell are you expected
~ to pay your mortgage for three months on bugger all income??? Sheesh!
That's what I said. I cut my spending down to the bare minimum as
soon as I was told that potential redundancy was on the cards. It
doesn't help that I have a £1500 credit card bill from my Canadian
holiday. (Before I went, we were told "we are not looking at
redundancies at this point". Two weeks later, they had decided to cut
the IT headcount by 20-25%).
So far the reduced spending hasn't made much of a difference to the
way I'm living. I've got my weekly shop down from £40-£45 to a much
more reasonable £25-£30, which over several weeks will add up to a
fair saving. This was accomplished mainly by changing from Sainsburys
to Tesco, and by buying a lot more "value" goods. Many of them are
actually quite good.
Racheal has introduced me to the delights of Iceland (who seem to do a
lot of "2 for 1" offers) and Lidl (French chain who opened a store in
town a couple of years ago).
No work also means I'm spending very little on petrol (although I have
MOT and road tax at the end of this month - erk).
According to my revised sums my money will last for 5.5 months. I'm
not sure what I will do if I'm still unemployed in the sixth month,
but certainly my mortgage payment will be a priority. After that is
paid, the house will be safe for another twelve months.
~ I suppose if you repeatedly submit claims for unemployment benefit
~ for the next three months you could argue that your entitlement
~ to the redundancy cover starts in three months time. The fact that
~ the claim is repeatedly turned down is neither here nor there. Or
~ do they insist on three months *receipt* of benefit?
You only need to apply the "which is more likely?" test to this one to
find the answer.
Obviously they've already thought of that one. (Or several claimants
did previously).
Crid
Geep
<st...@criddle.demon.co.uk> writes
>~
>[snip bad news]
>
>I discovered today that the redundancy cover on my mortgage, which I
>was told kicks in 12 weeks after redundancy, *actually* kicks in 12
>weeks after I start CLAIMING BENEFIT. Since I was paid 3 months in
>lieu, I can't start claiming benefit until those 3 months are up.
>
>Upshot - my redundancy insurance doesn't start paying out for 6
>months, not 3.
Argh! Will you manage? Not a lot of choice, really, I suppose.
>
>I hate insurance companies. They always find a way to worm out of
>things.
Indeed. Insurance companies must be up there at the top of the hit
list, with estate agencies and double glazing installers.
--
Geep