Greetings. Nothing too new or exciting as far as finances go. I had to spend some money to fix the ball joints on my van. Now my son's Focus is in because of squeaky brakes. We are getting things taken car of while we can. He is on the way to TENN to a Christian Schools Regional tournement for soccer. it is a very big deal for him as he is a senior. it is alot of fun. So it was a good time for the car to go to the shop since they are riding in a huge coach type bus. The trip is about 10-12 hours.
I think the kids will have a blast....not so sure about the parents riding along. So I am spending money (cash)on the cars right now.

I had the mower fixed and now after one day of heavy use--- it will not start.
I called the shop and the very dumb guy asked me "Well is there gas in it?" I almost went into a rant but remained calm. Of course I checked that FIRST!!! I wanted to say " Oh...I thought it ran on magic fairy dust and good thoughts" I was really very upset. I am planning on looking for a new TORO dealer to deal with in the near future.
I simply can not take the bad customer service I have had repeatedly over the past few weeks. We did so much raking and mowing...it was very hard work. I got my daughter mowing. She did a great job and was wonderful at working the mower. She really had fun doing that job. I put alot of things away in the garage for winter. Things look good and ship shape.


I have purchased a few more gifts. I need to call the catalog orders in this week. I am finding that most things I have seen before....or are a bore or poorly made. I am just not that impressed that easily I guess. I end up buying games and craft items. Things to do. I did purchase some ornamment kits to do over Thanksgiving. They were on sale and looked fun and not too complicated for the kids to make at Grandma's.

I am supposedly taking a two day counseling course at church this weekend. I have been very excited to take these classes and LEARN!! Not enough people signed up so there is a chance it will be cancelled. I will know more on Tuesday. I will save $50 if it is cancelled but I really have been looking forward to getting certified in this training. I also wanted to be with adults. I am always with my kids---so I need to be around some adults now and then. I will Christmas shop instead since my kids are with their dad either way....classes or no classes.

I may have to replace my island stove. I was bummed to know that they do not make down draft stoves to fit my "hole" in my island. They are much smaller nowadays. I am not sure what to do. I may look on eBay and see if I can find the stove I need. I have cooked on it for 16 years.
It works great I do not have the knobs anymore and I have to use pliers because the stems are broken same for the exhaust fan....it is broken and I can not turn it on ----or if I get it on....I have a very hard time making it shut off. It is looking very bad from constant use. So I will see. So far I have made due and have done OK......everything my ex has is new..new...new in his house......it seems a little unfair at times. I try to be Christian and all about the whole sorted mess but I do get bummed out at times. I have everything old and worn. Even his "live in" is newer. I am the old model--- but I feel I do have much value still. At times it is hard not to feel some hard feelings over just this simple thing of old vs. new.