So how much does everyone have for car insurance deductibles - have a 2017 and a new 2024 car - should I keep it at $500 as it is now or move it to $1000?

Coming from NYS ... not sure if should go west to Rochester area or up into adirondacks- seems like i need some kind of game plan that doesn't involve just hitting the highways and see what happens

so is your Dh just going to hit the road and drive wherever .....

want to take a road trip on the day of the eclipse april 8 - anywhere in NY State - any ideas where my kids and I could drive up I see the maps where the eclipse could be seen BUT exactly where should I go - specifics appreciated - I just don't want to get in the car and start driving

Love watching geese migrate each year BUT this year the migration V seems to be so much larger - I counted at least 75 in one V last week - the same or more for the past 3-4 weeks Any ideas way so many more and in such a large number than in years past?

It's good that you are figuring out options esp. since there is no "emergency" and just your husband going away for 15 days. Keep a binder with all the information that you gather (contact name, numbers, etc); if a true emergency comes up, like they do unexpectedly and at the worse times, you will have a jump start with your binder already in place. Better to get organized when you are calm and not in the frenzy of an emergency situation.

Or another option that we used in NYC SUNY schools is a letter of high school equivalency from superintendent - perhaps you could get something similar

There are other scholarships to explore besides need or merit-based. I found that both of my sons private colleges had "endowed" scholarships that needed to be individually applied for; for instance, one scholarship was for student living in a certain rural area ($1,000 a year!) and another was for siblings both enrolled in any university the same year (not just at same university) ($750 a year), etc. I talked in-person with the admissions director who directed me to the college's website for these "odd" available scholarships. It was time-consuming to go through each scholarship's requirements, but it was worth it monetarily-wise. Also, some summer employment companies offer scholarships - my kids worked as a cashier at a large grocery store chain - $500 scholarship for one year.

Have a Subaru Forester 2010 and love it - currently 130,000 miles and no trouble. Have on backorder a new 2024 Crosstrek and will trade in Forester -

Personally, I would talk to boss/supervisor first to apprise of situation prior to talking to co-worker. Explain to supervisor that you are planning to talk to co-worker about your concerns but wanted to give heads-up of situation before you do. That way, in case it escalates your boss has your back.

Hotel ideas, anyone?

And you are being a good daughter by keeping an eye on things! Way to go!

Since I am near that "old" age you mentioned, I know that I would seriously be offended if my kids (or anyone, for that matter) suggested my house was filthy or even unclean. I do know that cleaning or keeping house as much as I did when my kids were younger is no longer a priority for me. I mean, can you imagine relatives showing up with buckets and mops and started cleaning your house. Won't you be rather insulted? I know that I would. However, if there is a medical reason for the decline AND only if what you have described is unhealthy and NOTT just bordering on unsanitary OR even up to your current standards THEN I would appreciate it if my kids or friends would have a discussion with me about the issue. Being older is not an excuse for others just to take charge - there has to be a more compelling reason.

I know this sound odd but it's great... I add 16 oz of pumpkin puree whenever I make chili along with a bunch of kale, can of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, hamburger, chopped onion or two, ground turkey, ground hamburger, and whatever spices like chili peppers, etc

My two bins in the main section of fridge as well as doors are currently duct-taped together since replacing them are so darn expensive. I feel your pain!