Whoops! I'm Out of Time

I thought I was doing fine on time, but forgot that I have to put a deposit into the bank today, and that cuts my time down by 1/2 hour. So, you get this quick note to say I'm fine, I had a nice weekend, and I'll be back tomorrow with a more normal posting because it's a swimming day. I had a great run on the treadmill this morning, though, so even though I'm running late, it's going to be a good day. Enjoy your Monday, I'll be back tomorrow.  Slava Ukraini. 

Running Late - But Not as Suave as the White Rabbit

I'm running a little late today. I had to awaken DH for a doctor appointment, I had my 45-50 minutes on the treadmill and my shower, and I have already downed my first cup of tea. But, it's the 16th of December, and I don't have Sharon's stuff sent to her yet, I still need to address a couple of holiday cards and get them out, and basically ... I'm feeling behind, even though I'm swimming with my head above the water. 

I'm grateful that I'm not part of LJ Idol any more. At this time of the year, carving out the time to get into a quiet space and write for the competition is simply impossible - I live on slightly more than 6 hours of sleep as it is, extra hours in the day just don't appear in my life. 

The new phones at the shop, however, are up and running and wonderful. I need to do some programming into the main line - a welcome message, an activation of the ability for people to leave messages for us that we can return, etc. But that's far less important that having and actual, functional phone. The final step came on Saturday morning when I called the tech team about the transfer that had "happened" but hadn't happened. It turned out a small typo in one thing had stalled things out, and when that typo was corrected, everything worked as smoothly as silk. WHEW! One thing done. 

So, I'm grabbing a very quite bite to eat, then I'm off to the bank for the store, and then I have to work with DH for the day - never an easy task, but at least he usually stays out of my way. No pictures today - I'm running about a 1/2 hour late so I'm out of here. I'll catch up with people tomorrow. Slava Ukraini. 

I'm Running - Late and Out of Time

I'm running a bit late today because I had a lovely run this morning, and I'm still trying to build the treadmill into my schedule. I'm also troubled about the current LJ Idol challenge, due tonight. I've been trying various things without any success. This topic may have me defeated. It's just DH and I at the shop for the next two weeks (unless they don't need Chickie for Jury Duty that day, and that's a day-to-day thing). So far they don't need her today, but that's not really any help. It's her usual day off anyway. *sigh*

Omakase can be used in many ways, but the most 
familiar to people is with sushi when you rely on 
the chef to make a series for you from start to finish. 

So, this may be the end of my run through LJ Idol unless I have a miracle, or one of the other few things I can try pans out at something that doesn't deserve to be put on the virtual trash pile immediately. It's a PITA when time is short, but I suspect that's going to be my life for the next couple of weeks. 

This newest prompt may have caused me to fall short 
of the finish line. There are still a couple of things I can 
try, but I really don't have time to write while at work, 
and I leave for work in 30 minutes. *sigh*

One thing is certain, however. I'm totally out of time for today's blog post. So it's very short and semi-sweet, and that's how it will have to be. We did have a lovely Sunday, however, watching football. We even treated ourselves to Chipotle for dinner, so I didn't need to cook or reheat anything. That's a rare treat, but a welcome one. Have an excellent Monday and I'll be back tomorrow. I should have a bit more time since tomorrow is a swimming day - LOL. Slava Ukraini. 

I'm Running Really Late - But Shruti Was Well Worth the Delay

Today is a "day off" although I'm going to be starting the day out at the shop before opening to finish a task I'm in the middle of which needs to be completed before the day starts. So, it's an "Off to the Races" kind of day already, and it isn't even 4:00 am. 

It's a busy morning, and it's just past 4:00 am. I guess 
today will be a "run here, run there" kind of a day. 

It started out great, however, with a text from Shruti, my talented, artistic friend from India. She got my card, and the markers! I'm shocked, considering how many of my overseas cards arrived in tatters. But, hers' seemed to have arrived relatively intact. Oh happy day! LOL

This is one of Shruti's latest watercolors. 
She just sits and produces them, and they're 
wonderful, with her personal style all over 
them. She hand makes her holiday cards 
also, and this year's (as all years), was 
wonderful and is in my permanent collection. 

I know I've mentioned her before. She's such a talent and I'm so honored to have her as a long-time friend. We were roomies for several days at a metal clay conference years ago, as well as a Bead & Button Show, also several years ago. I think we had initially run into each other through metal clay. She's a multi-media artist, as am I. There's not an artistic form that doesn't interest her, and we both dip our toes into many different formats and media. Lately she's been traveling her area doing watercolors on site and they're absolutely lovely and distinctly hers. She loves to travel, and maybe one of these days we can meet up once again. I'd love that! 

I don't think it snowed last night, so I won't be in 
quite as much of a rush to get to the swimming 
pool. But I'm still running REALLY late! 

But, since I'm running REALLY late today - quick texts with Shruti followed by my meditation, and having actually slept until my alarm went off at 3:00 am, have caused me to be in a bit of a rush. I'm going to find photos to plug in, and head off to the pool. I'm grateful that we're still in an unusually non-snow winter so far. I won't have to shovel the driveway before putting out the trash barrel and heading to the YMCA. Have an excellent Wednesday and I'll be back tomorrow. Slava Ukraini and חיים למען ישראל.

I'm Running Late - Got to Get Moving Now

Yesterday was about as busy as I thought it would be, but it was good. I had my orthodontic appointment. Of course, it was the day after Halloween, and Doc showed me a photo of the entire office staff dressed up as Barbie, and himself with a blonde wig and blue pullover as Ken. It was hilarious! My ex-sister-in-law was dressed as "Baseball Barbie" in the lower left, and every tech was dressed differently, but all were in pink. 

This is my Orthodontist, and yeah - he's really that young. 

I got new wires put in, a thicker gauge, so my teeth are hurting a bit today. Now the adjustments are down to fine tuning - millimeters. His goal is to have my front teeth even, not just straight from side to side, but even on their bottom edges. So, there's some minimal adjustments that have to happen. I'm hoping I'll be out of the braces by my birthday. That would be a lovely gift to myself. 

We want some smaller items, similar to this pair. We're 
really low on jewelry items for the holidays. 

I've got an order of turquoise and silver earrings and pendants coming in, just in time for the holidays. Actually, it's a bit late, but not too late. We'll scurry to get those checked in when they arrive so that we can get them onto the sales floor ASAP. Like all stores, however, we've noticed an uptick in theft. We're set up so that very little of any real value is on the sales floor - we operate on a sample system - one of everything on display, the stock behind the counter. That means we're pulling for customers, but it also keeps our theft minimal. It's been a good system for us, but wouldn't work in many retail situations. We did this because we simply don't have the room to have all of our stock out. Samples work quite well for beads. 

I feel like I'll be quite comfortable wearing 
the snorkel today after watching a lot 
of videos and wearing it around the house 
for a while to get used to the feel. 

I got some tips from Meg on using my snorkel yesterday, and watched several videos yesterday afternoon. I made some adjustments, and feel fairly confident that I'll be able to start using it today. I did discover that the snorkel absolutely doesn't work with the rubber bands for my braces, so the bands will have to go for that hour of swimming. Not the end of the world, but something to be aware of and get taken care of ASAP after I get out of the water. 

I'm running late, have to get going. 

The snow from earlier in the week is just about gone now. We're not super warm, but are getting above freezing in the afternoons still, so things are defrosting. Hopefully it will be much warmer this weekend and the remainder of our trees will shed their leaves so that we can start "The Big Rake". We have a LOT of trees, and rake up a HUGE amount of leaves every autumn. We've been filling in a spot of erosion for more than 20 years, and it's stable and quite happy with all of the leaves we've put down there every year. 

So that's about it. Not much going on. I baked some pears and plums yesterday (so yummy!), but didn't get to peeling and baking my butternut squash. I'll do that tomorrow. I also decided to make Goulash next week, after a quick batch of Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. I'm all for the flavor profile, and easy is also a real plus. I hope you have an excellent Thursday and I'll be back tomorrow. Have a good Day of the Dead, Slava Ukraini and חיים למען ישראל.

Welcome To November - Final Call-out For Cards in 2022

Welcome to November - a new month, a new opportunity for growth and change, and a slide into Winter from Autumn. We had one of the warmest Halloween day and night in our history, and it was nice for a change. No snow on the ground, and temperatures in the 50's and 60's. 

Trick or treating is really for the kids. I don't blame 
the college for "reminding" their students that 
(1) they are really too old for door-to-door begging, 
and (2) it's not really a Christian holiday. Still, I 
rather miss the kids. DH now has candy to pull 
him through the winter, though - LOL. 

Although DH insisted on having the porch light on and a bowl of candy nearby, we didn't get any visitors - young or older. In years past we sometimes would get some of the college kids reliving their more carefree days of their youth, but I actually think the college sent out a memo to all students a few years ago reminding them that Halloween is a pagan holiday and NOT to be practiced or celebrated in any way by "good Christian folk". No, I have no proof of this, but quite suddenly, after having had a few college students every year for more than a decade, they stopped coming by. Since we're the first house they would come to, it's unlikely they would skip us, so, I think they were "told off" in terms that would befit a Christian college. Bleh! Halloween isn't Christian or pagan, it's merely an honoring of the seasons and the ancestors. I guess the College doesn't honor their ancestors. 

It's always good to honor the ancestors, but the 
veil is thinnest at Samhain. So, take some time today 
to think about your ancestors and thank them for 
being there for you. You have a support system through 
them that is amazingly warm and powerful. 

Nonetheless, we had no ghosts or ghouls - young or old. Which really didn't bother me at all. It was nice to catch up on a few things on the computer, but I was just as happy to shut everything down at 9:00 pm and go to sleep. Today is a swimming day and that's a great way to start out November. 

Tomorrow I get my braces applied. That's 
exciting and making me a little nervous 
too. But it's a good nervous. I'll finally 
be on my way to a healthier mouth, 
and I'm really excited about that, 
although the actual procedure might be 
a bit of a PITA. I'm sure it will be less 
painful than my tattoo, so all is good - LOL. 

Tomorrow I get my braces applied. I'm anxious and excited and I can hardly wait, to be honest. I expect I'll have some days of discomfort, but I want this so much. It's going to be the first step on a long road, but it's going to be a good one. I did write myself a quick note to check my funds and make sure the moneys have been transferred over. I'm supposed to pay in full tomorrow, and it would be a really good thing if my HSA card didn't bounce - LOL. Considering I'll be paying my ex-niece-in-law, that would be especially embarrassing. 

There's never any bad time to start a good habit. 
Here's a list of 12 things you might want to remember. 
They'll affect you as well as those with whom you 
interact. Work on them and you'll have a lovely 
life shared with other human beings. 

So, I'm going to start this month out with a lot of very positive things, and that's a wonderful way to celebrate the new season. My holiday cards are coming along very well, and I'm almost ready for the final two stages. Therefore, this is my FINAL Call-out for Cards for the year 2022. If you want a card and haven't contacted me yet, please make sure you do. I'll be assembling the final list on Friday and seeing who I'll be sending cards to this year. Then it'll be time to purchase my postage and get things rolling on the envelopes. 

This is my FINAL CALL OUT FOR CARDS. If you've 
been on the fence about "should I or shouldn't I", make 
up your mind now. I'll be finalizing my list this week and 
starting to print our my envelopes. The clock is 
running, so send me a message if you haven't already. 

So, that's my thoughts for the day, this first day of November. It's warm-ish, the pool is calling, my audio book player is recharging next to me and will be ready to go, and I'm actually somewhat on time. Yeah me! - LOL. Have an excellent Tuesday, let me know if you want a holiday card (if you haven't already), and Slava Ukraini. I'll be back tomorrow. 

Project Runway in Survival Mode - Unconventional Materials

This week's Project Runway featured the famous Unconventional Materials challenge. The designers were driven into the woods where several tents had been set up and a variety of items were scattered around - yoga mats, fishing lines, poles and reels, and odds and ends that might be thrown out or forgotten after a camping trip. Up the hill was the workshop - it was a slant-roofed, open walled structure that had electrical power for the sewing machines. The designers would be sleeping in the tents overnight and the models would come to them from a nearby hotel for their fittings.

Mimi was freezing in this netted design by
Afa Ah Loo. He was on the bottom because
it certainly wasn't survival gear. 

The designs ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous. I had high hopes for Sebastian who was taping a variety of colored leaves onto a duct-tape framework. He wanted the entire dress to be unconventional materials and was hoping to avoid the sewing machine entirely.

Kovid Kapoor was a mess, although Nina liked
his pants. I have a feeling that's all that might
have saved him this week. In four weeks he's
been all over the place. I don't think he'll survive long.

Marni Senofonte, the stylist from last week's Head to Toe Prints challenge, was a featured player once again. She made the rounds with Christian, trying to advise and steer the designers in directions that would make a clear and cohesive look, despite the challenges of the materials.

Sonia Kasperian - her design reminded me of those
foil wrapped hot dogs you can buy at sporting
events. Total fail to me. 

Tessa was making a loom which she planned to use to create some fabric. Other designers were encouraged to pull away from the many "fabric" choices and allow themselves more design flexibility. After an evening at the campfire with toasted marshmallows, the designers split off into their tents - two people per tent. 

It was 42 degrees when everyone gathered in the early morning for a full day in the workshop. After a short time, the models were brought in for their fitting. Christian, solo this time, was again pushing the designers to really use unconventional items within their designs, not just re-purpose unconventional fabrics. That seems to be the main stumbling block for the designers. 

Hester Sunshine pulled off a really nice design this
time, although again not really working for warmth. 

The designers had the full day (until sunset) to work on their designs, and a second night was spent in the tents. The Runway show was scheduled for the next morning. Some of the designs I was seeing in their workshop peeks and critiques were really interesting. 

Rakan Shams Aldeen used a sleeping bag and
cotton to make this crazy outfit that actually
worked, although I wasn't that fond of it.  

The designers awakened in the early, early morning and got back to work. The models arrived shortly before dawn and after a quick fitting, they were brought to the hair salon tent and the makeup tent - yes, everything is happening in the Great Outdoors, including the Runway! Everyone was hoping there wouldn't be any rain, but of course, the Gods/Goddesses of Fashion were laughing and the skies opened up. Would the designs in process survive the elements? Running to the main tent for the half-hour final dress, they ran under umbrellas since it had started to rain. 

Renee Hill managed to steampunk a survival
outfit from a tarp and an umbrella. She added
every possible device needed for survival. 

So here were your winners and losers - Winner was Renee Hill, Loser was Afa Ah Loo. Although I understand the judge's decision, I would have sent Kapoor home instead. Oh well, it's a long season and only one person will prevail. Have a great Friday and I'll be back tomorrow. 

Haircut, Cards and Donations

It's always a bit weird to get a haircut. I had 6"-8" cut off the bottom of my hair yesterday, and it brushes my shoulders now in a much fuller-looking bob. Nothing fancy, but it will get me through the holiday. Of course, DH who had been so unsure about my getting my hair cut in the first place, looked, said it wasn't any different, sniffed, and went to gather his dinner together. OK ... totally unimpressed. All I care about is that it looks a bit better, although the top of my head will take months to fill back out. I'm estimating trims every 2-3 months, and that's good, because it was EXPENSIVE! I'm going to make my "oblivious" hubby pay for the cuts, though. 

JUUT Salon is an Aveda salon. I used to go to one in a southern
suburb many years ago. It's pricey! But it's also really close to
my home. I could walk here in nice weather if I wanted to. Since
I didn't go super short, I won't have the 4-6 week maintenance
needed, so I can handle every 2-3 months. 

ALL of my holiday cards have now been mailed and I've put my tools, stamps, dyes, etc, back into their places in the art room. I'm really happy with this year's card. Although the actual images are heat-embossed stamps (house-mouse, remember?), each front and inside was individually hand painted. The back piece and the mouse across the envelope seal are copies of four different mouse paintings that I did, cut and sized, and then permanently mounted with adhesive. It was really fun making the cards this year and I want to use these precious mice on another card because I have several more images in my collection. 

Although I own this House Mouse stamp, it's NOT one
that was used in your cards this year. It's adorable, though! 

I'm already starting to think about next year's card. I think I will include an ornament, so I'll try to get started on that rather early (for a change). I have so much going on next year that early will most certainly be better! So ... now I can start concentrating on this year's Holiday season - Hanukkah which is happening now, Solstice which is coming up on the 21st, and Christmas on the 25th. I have presents to buy, calendars to order, and family events to attend over the next month. I suspect all of you are also busy with so many things. 

At this time of the year, we're all bombarded by charitable donation
requests. Choose your charities carefully and make sure they
represent your personal values. Also, donations don't have to
be monetary. There are many ways to help others. 

As we move into this season of celebration, please remember kindness. It's a stressful time of the year for everyone, and can be very difficult for for many people. Smile, donate to charity, help a friend or neighbor, be a positive note in the seasonal chorus. I'm going to take some time to figure out the next things I need and get going on those, as well as line up my charities for my end-of-year donations. I'm sure I'll donate to Trevor Project, and the Human Rights Campaign, but I'm not sure about the other two this year. Public Broadcasting (TV and Radio) are monthly, so I don't have to think about them. Hmmm ... how can I best help? Do you have a favorite charity? Share with me - which one and why? 

Have a wonderful Thursday. I'm going to hunt up some photos and then get to the pool. It's another day in the Frozen Northlands. 

White Rabbit Time - I'm Late, I'm Late!

My second alarm is set to go off at 4:00 am. That's what keeps me on track for my blog and to be at the gym on time. It's my "45 minutes before you have to be in your car", notice. It didn't go off this morning and it's now 4:08 am and I'm running late - almost 10 minutes late.

Sometimes time gets in the way! Today is one
of those mornings. 

I vaguely recall that last week was a snafu of some sort, that I had decided "screw it, I'll just grab a bit more sleep instead", but that hadn't happened anyway because I'm fairly hard-wired to very early mornings. I vaguely recall that I had switched off the alarm for Friday mornings at 4:00 am. But that recollection coupled with this morning's lack of sound are not a comfortable combination. *sigh*

I forgot that I had turned off my Friday 4:00 am alarm. 

Yesterday was filled with the security alarm guy replacing old sensors, putting up new hard-wired smoke detectors, and setting up different zones. He's still not finished and I'll be scheduling one additional day for a few interior sensors, but our perimeter is totally secure once again and I'm pleased about that.

The new upgrade is almost complete with just a couple of
small interior things to fine-tune. The exterior is finished, though
and the perimeter is secure once again. 

We also have the American Craft Council show to attend on Sunday, before we return home to pull down the last of the artwork before the wallpaper guy gets here on Tuesday morning. Suddenly an open schedule is appearing so crowded!

We'll be attending the ACC show this weekend. We look forward
to it every year. 

Here's hoping you have an excellent day. Tomorrow's post should be a little less frantic. Happy Friday everyone!

Yikes! Running Late!

Those of you who love Jordan Castillo Price's books as much as I do will be pleased to know that the third (and final) book in her 'Mnevermind' series is now available through the usual sources (Amazon, B&N and others). I quickly hopped over to B&N and got my digital copy.

This is romance with a twist, but it is M/M romance, so
be aware. This is NOT erotica, however, but a wonderful
exploration into characters who have flaws and serious
personality issues. She handles them beautifully, as I
would expect her to. Wonderful author. 

And "The Voice" is back on and better than ever! Last night's blind auditions had me glued to the screen while contestant tried to get one or more chairs to turn. Tonight is the second night of blind auditions and so far Adam Levine doesn't have a single person working with him. If you're interested in listening to auditions you might have missed, you can catch performances here. So far I like Sara Potenza, Sawyer Fredericks (only 15 and what a voice) and Cody Wickline. This season Christine Aguilera returns along with Pharrell Williams, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. I don't like "American Idol," but I love "The Voice".

The Voice Season 8 judges: Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Christina
Aguilera and Pharrell Williams. 

Now I've got to make this quick so I can get to the gym on time, so have a great Tuesday, enjoy yourself, and do one kind thing for a stranger today. We need some kindness in our world.

The White Rabbit

I feel like the White Rabbit of Alice in Wonderland fame today because "I'm late, I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!" I usually start working on my blog fifteen minutes earlier than now, so I'm tight on time.  But...I have so many things to say! It's TOTALLY not fair - LOL.

I think I love The White Rabbit the best of all of the marvelous characters
in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. 

We met with the Realtor last night and signed the Purchase Agreements for my father-by-marriage's house. The buyer will be doing her inspection today and if all goes well and there are no roadblocks cast down in front of us, we can continue on with her financing, etc, and sign the final papers on May 16th. If the inspection doesn't work out and she decides to pull out, I'm already getting more showing requests that I am temporarily placing on the back burner until we can determine our path. This buyer seems very anxious to get into the house and I'm perfectly delighted to sell it to her, so I'm really hoping the inspection goes well and that things will proceed smoothly from here.

If the inspection goes well, we might be able to put a SOLD sign on
the house as early as next week. I'm hoping, I'm hoping....

Of course, my DH with his fear of commitment, had a terrible time deciding to sign the forms, but I managed to convince him that waiting for X, Y and Z would be a poor idea and that we want the house sold. He finally took pen in hand and signed his name in several places as the Estate Representative. When the house is finally sold the estate will finally be settled and all assets will be distributed. I can hardly wait!

As I race toward my 60th birthday, I understand more and more how
growing old can affect the body and mind and general outlook of life. 

My B2MeM story was released overnight and I'm delighted because I can now post it to my archives. I'm quite pleased with it. The original parameters were to write a story about a character who has reached old age, so I wrote about Bilbo Baggins and his final journey across Middle Earth from Rivendell to the Grey Havens and beyond. It gave me an opportunity to examine my thoughts about elven aging and compare it to the aches and pains felt by the elderly hobbit (and also myself, something that made me feel a kinship for Bilbo). It was a lot of fun to write.

I love my McDonald's Fish Fillet sandwiches. I buy them year-round. This
year they are running a two for $3.50 special every day until Lent is
over and I'm totally taking advantage of it. I had two for lunch on
Wednesday, have had them every Friday, and also had them for a dinner
a week or so ago. Yeah! I love my Fillet-o-Fish. 

I have to close this now or I'll run too late, so my apologies for such a short post. Happy Friday, happy fish day! (Give me that Fillet o' Fish, Give me that fish!)

The Tax Man Commeth

Although personal income taxes aren't due for another month, corporate taxes are due on March 15th (pushed to the 17th because the 15th is a Saturday). I have to go on an insane amount of errands taking me all over the city from south to north before I open the shop today. What a mess. and I blame it all on taxes.

I wake up long before the sun rises, but I like my early, quiet time. 

Usually when I wake at my insane time of 3:15 am (yes - I do know that's ridiculously early) I have my mental schedule pretty nailed for the morning. It usually runs something like breakfast or coffee followed by opening the store with maybe a small in-between trip to the post office when they open, then back to the shop. Easy, peasy.

I usually walk to the drive-up tubes because I can't get turned into the
proper direction on the road outside the bank if I drive through. The traffic
is too heavy at this time of the day. But if I part in their little lot and walk up,
I can get to a stoplight easily to continue on my quest/errands. 

Sometimes I push one more thing into the schedule like a trip to the bank (30 minutes south of the shop) or the Chiropractor (30 minutes east) or my accountant (15 minutes north). Today is wonky and icky and crazy!

I love my local Caribou Coffee. I have several in easy reach, but
go to one slightly out of my way because I like the people who work
there so much. 

Today I will leave at my usual 6:00 am - 6:15 am and relax at my local coffee shop with my coffee and oatmeal until 7:15 or so. Then I will head south to the bank. From here, it will be 45 minutes to get there. Drop off the deposit - can't pay my tax bill if I don't deposit - then head back to the shop. I should be there around 8:00 am or so.

Traffic issues will totally mess with me! 

I'll turn on the equipment, drop off my laptop and get it turned on, and get things generally ready for the day. But I'll leave again - this time for the accountant's office. They don't open until 8:30 am and it will take me 20 minutes or so to get there.

Today is just intense - money going in just to go right back out *sigh*. 

I'll drop off their check and all of the signed forms I need to leave with them so they can file the taxes, then swing by the post office to mail notification to the Secretary of State with another check, and finally get back to the shop by 9:30 am - almost in time to open.

SHEESH!

If I run into any traffic issues or other things - I'm totally SCREWED! Good Friday to everyone...

Running Late - at 5:30 am ?!?

How can I be running late at 5:30 am? The smart part of the world - i.e., normal people, aren't even awake yet, haven't had their first cup of coffee or tea and haven't let out the dog or fed the cat. And then there's me, fighting a computer that didn't want to cooperate today and trying to get my blog post up before beginning a very rushed three hours before I have to be in the shop.

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date!

This morning I need my breakfast, I need to go to the bank (opens at 7:30 am) and the post office (opens at 8:30 am). I should go to one other bank also, but I'll push that one off until Monday. The real kicker in this is the bank.

My bank isn't doing so good...but I'm not in the mood
to change banks quite yet.

The bank we use for the shop used to be down the street - almost in walking distance, certainly no more than five minutes away by car. It was a lovely building, remodeled several times, and the main building for them (they had three other branches). They give me a great deal that basically costs me nothing in bank charges so I stick with them. But they decided that they were paying too much for that building and location, closed it a couple of weeks ago, and split their operations into their three branch locations. The closest of these is more than 20 minutes away from me now, quite a ways south of the shop close to the airport (for those of you familiar with my city). I try to keep my trips there to one a week or less, but had one of my rare school customers in yesterday thus, a check to deposit.

Charter schools usually have areas of specialization such as language
immersion or scientific focus. They are very popular here.

Like many small businesses I don't allow checks. But from the schools, especially the charter schools, there often is no other way for them to pay. I've worked with this teacher and school for many years and have never had a problem so they are still allowed to give us a check. I get maybe four a year from them, but got one yesterday. I'm not a believer in leaving things sit, and I need the money in our account, so I have to drive the extra distance today and deposit this. *sigh* It's really thrown a monkey wrench into my usual quiet morning schedule. Oh well...nothing I can do about it.