Oh, and P-C, writing "hand stamp" on the envelope tells the postal folks not to run the envelope through the auto-cancelling machinery. It only takes standard sizes (which is why it costs an extra arm to mail the lovely square notes I have), and anything lumpy, like the cards that have applied dried flowers or tiny seashells, or sealing wax seals, won't fit, will tear, and cause the machine to break down. So they frown on lumpy stuff, but will usually take heed if you write "please hand stamp" on the envelope. Although they'll probably start charging an extra arm for that, too.

House buying is looking more do-able for us than I expected. Partly because DH's mother reminded him of an IRA he'd forgotten he had from the life insurance money when his father died, which when added to what the two of us have in 403(b)s (401(k)'s for government/nonprofit workers), gives us something to work with for a down payment. So we're going to spend this year paying down debts, and try to buy around this time next year.

I still hate the whole process, though. I'm not a big picture money person, at all, and it just feels so risky and frightening, to deal with such big sums and long time frames.

but is anyone here anti_elgorgo on LJ

I got friended by this nutjob as well. Within the past day or two it would seem.

Trudy, did you by any chance just watch King of the Hill?

Alas, I did not. What happened?

But Wild Animal Park? That's an open invite.

Maybe the second weekend in Feb?

Sadly, we do not have 40K for a down payment. We have kind of close to that, but not all that. I don't know. It might be an excellent investment, depending on the work on it that needs doing. A shade over 400K for a single family in Somerville is pretty good.

If you are first time buyers, you might not need that much of a downpayment. If it is your dream home, you should check it out, ijs. Or what everyone else said.

{{{Cass}}} Much ~ma to you sweetie.

Car~ma, Connie.

What you are doing when you ban is preventing the user from commenting in your journal. They can read just as they could before, and unless I'm sorely mistaken, you're still on their friends list.

This is why nearly every post I make is friendslocked. The idea of strangers reading my journal seriously creeps me out.

Teacup guy is amused that he is known as teacup guy here, and he wanted me to tell you that it should be noted that it was no ordinary teacup but a gold rimmed, limited edition, collectors teacup.

He is GRLECTG... But I shall call him "greatly" as I can actually pronounce that.

Maybe the second weekend in Feb?

Off to hot baths, dinner, a glass of wine and any distraction I can find on tv...

Does he really want to be known as Gold-Rimmed Limited Edition Collector Teacup Guy? I can do that.

Not here. Working.

{{{{{Cass}}}}} Take care.