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This & That

August 17th, 2011 at 03:13 pm

We all know not to replace anything as often as companies recommend, and only use half the soap recommended for the dishwasher and washing machine, etc., etc. Right?

Maybe I should have aimed higher in my home maintenance goals. (15 years? Power of positive thinking???) I assumed all along the first 10 years would be pretty easy (brand new home). We will hit 10 years in December, but I see a few things that we will probably be replacing soon. (I have mentioned garbage disposal and dishwasher).

Anyway, I noticed that the batteries were low on the thermostat, about a month back. Dh, frugal guy that he is, said "ah - give it another month." So I did. I wrote it on the calendar. & we talked about how important it would be to changed before they died. (Why risk screwing something up - didn't want it to go dead while the A/C was running). But, I then, of course, forgot. Doh. Anyway, it had stopped flashing "lo battery" after I saw that the first time. But this morning it started flashing again. I changed the batteries and have to remember to change them on our other thermostat too (the one I don't walk buy 10 times a day).

Anyway, I took off the cover to replace the batteries, and the thing said "replace batteries every year." I practically laughed at loud. I'll go with, "Replace batteries every 10 years." Thanks!

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I got my $530 from Chase, and so I sent $250 to the school. It's an extra good deal since the income is not taxable, but the donation is tax deductible.

In addition, I put the donation on my credit card, so earned $5 (2%) more in rewards. These rewards just get deposited into my ROTH. (More tax-free in and out).

Note: Also put $250 to mortgage. $30 for bills.

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I can't believe we got a last minute camp site (got the last spot - maybe someone had canceled?), BUT I have since heard it is just about tarantula season. A little early, but who knows with this weather. I was already well aware that there were tarantulas and intended to stay away from rocks, etc. BUT, now I learn that they come out in droves during mating season. I am terrified of spiders, myself. LOVELY!

Oh well - I am going. I may change my mind once I get there!!

Camping probably isn't as frugal as I thought. The camp site is $30, and we are sharing with my dad. But they tack on a $8 reservation fee, and I couldn't find a way around it (but show up and risk there being no spots, anyway - not worth that risk). That fee is more than 25% - I gasped when it popped up. Geez!

& then we have to pay $10 for a second car, since we are meeting there. Certainly is cheaper than the gas to arrange to arrive in one car. But paying $48 a night is more like a hotel room than a camp site. Double geez.

& to top it all off, we are meeting for lunch beforehand at a Thai restaurant.

Oh well - less money for Disney.

I looked and all the beach sites in the state are pretty much booked to eternity. I'll chalk it up to "camping is more expensive than it seems" and will be better able to plan ahead for next year. I can plan some vacation days to better up the odds of getting a beach spot too (most the same sites were open during the week).


9 Responses to “This & That”

  1. rob62521 Says:
    1313591744

    Wow, those were great batteries!

  2. littlegopher Says:
    1313591912

    We camp as a family, and your costs and fees are similar to ours here in MN. We too have to reserve to ensure a site is available for us. I think longer trips (or larger families such as ours) is where you'd see a savings, as the fees get spread out over several days. Still, your trip sounds fun! (Well, except for those tarantulas...)

  3. MonkeyMama Says:
    1313594818

    There are a lot of cheaper camp sites around, too. One reason I figured this one had an opening.

    @rob - it is possible that the thermostat is plugged into the electrical system (making the batteries merely a backup). Actually, pretty likely since they lasted 10 years!

  4. Miz Pat Says:
    1313598328

    Where are you camping? I live in tarantula country (desert) and have only seen them twice, but I know they are out there.

    They are actually pretty fragile and will die if you flip them on their backs.

  5. MonkeyMama Says:
    1313599450

    Miz Pat - Mt. Diablo - it's in the middle of the Bay Area. It's got spectacular views and really interesting rock formations.

    I've never seen a tarantula in my life, but, um, my friend found one in her bathroom. (O.M.G.). I have since learned they are native. Thankfully, they don't come out much.

    It's hot/dry in Sacramento. Mt. Diablo is much cooler (closer to coast), but I imagine it's inland enough to stay pretty dry. They must like the sun and dryness.

  6. North Georgia Gal Says:
    1313600553

    I think if I was to see a tarantula I would run the other way! And there would be no possible way I would be camping where they might be!

  7. MonkeyMama Says:
    1313600660

    Miz Pat - Mt. Diablo - it's in the middle of the Bay Area. It's got spectacular views and really interesting rock formations.

    I've never seen a tarantula in my life, but, um, my friend found one in her bathroom. (O.M.G.). I have since learned they are native. Thankfully, they don't come out much.

    It's hot/dry in Sacramento. Mt. Diablo is much cooler (closer to coast), but I imagine it's inland enough to stay pretty dry. They must like the sun and dryness.

    Heck, this cold/wet weather (very unusual this year) could have devastated them.

  8. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1313626664

    The last time I went on a all by myself vacation (oh? 2005??) I remember checking prices of campsites versus hotels, etc. It ended up being almost comprable to just stay at a bed and breakfast (which is what I did.) Smile
    Have fun camping!

  9. baselle Says:
    1313640247

    I've heard that fried tarantulas are a delicacy in Thailand and Cambodia. Maybe you can make a trade. Big Grin Dodging what is thrown at me....

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