Will your homeowner's policy cover the theft, Cashmere?

I hate to have to say this, but homeowner's insurance companies routinely cancel people who file claims. It is evil and wrong, but true. Most people are better off raising their deductibles and saving money that way.

I'm sorry about the bike, Cash. That's not only depressing but also creepy. I had a bike that I kept on the same bike hanger in the carport for years, and then someone stole it. It was an older bike, so it wasn't a big money thing, but the idea that someone would come into the carport in plain site and take down a bike on a fairly complex hanger creeped me out.

The whole '80s video conversation was pretty much like Gary Larson's "what dogs hear" cartoon for me, something like: "i %^&$# _+)(&xxx#@ Bon Jovi +_$^^&&* Total Eclipse of the Heart _()&^%$ iconic."

I hate to have to say this, but homeowner's insurance companies routinely cancel people who file claims. It is evil and wrong, but true. Most people are better off raising their deductibles and saving money that way.

They didn't cancel us after our $12K roof & siding replacement a few years ago. We've been really happy witho our homeowner's insurance (we also have car insurance through them). We've had a tiny rate increases, but that was expected. We can always shop around for other policies (something we do pretty regularly).

Cash, I'm so sorry - both for the loss of the bike and the creepy invaded feeling.

What are they going to do about the windows, Vortex? Were they properly apologetic? Was this a structural change they made without informing you?

Um, yeah. How did they miss the schematics that say BIG HOLES IN THE WALL HERE!! But I'm glad everything else worked out. I can't wait to see it!

Bev, I hear ya. I've felt the same way sometimes.

Cash, I'm so sorry. Um, I have a bike - it's a Rockhopper, about 8 years old, suitable for a guy 5'10" or up, and I haven't done a damn thing with it for 2 years. You'd need to get it reassembled & tuned up, but I'd be more than happy to ship it out to y'all, if you want it.

Many sympathies, Cash and family.

I love the Take on Me video and I loved a-ha, and I'm rekindling that love.

Also Bon Jovi videos, loved those. Now I have Livin' on a Prayer going through my head but that's fine, it reminds me of the F2F.

We had a sales rep come through here, actually a duo, the young woman is wearing a button down shirt a size too small. The top button is straining to stay in mplace and you can see her bra without trying, because there's a huge gap in teh shirt. She keeps tugging at the hem and pretty soon one of those tugs is going to pop the button loose and we'll be able to see her ill fitting bra in person and not just know it's ill fitting becuase the top is so tight and see through.

I adore Williamsburg!

Me, too. As kids we went often enough that my eldest sister had the tape they'd play on the bus memorized. Of course, no more bus, but still the same movie. My Aunt and Uncle live there (when not in Maine) and can buy us all tickets at 50% off, which makes it even more attractive. The friends we're going with have two kids who have never been -- I predict many trips through the hedge maze, although I will be trying to kindle Wig and Peruque maker love in them.

Cash, that's terrible about the bicycle. If you have to replace it, craigslist is usually a great place to find used bikes. My DH got a good one there that he tricked out for triathlons.

one of those tugs is going to pop the button loose

I hope she doesn't poke someone's eye out.

I will be trying to kindle Wig and Peruque maker love in them.

The paper maker was my thing.

Thanks, juliana and Sparky. We'll most likely get the cops over here and file a report and then check into filing an insurance claim. If they send us a check, DH can check around. We've got a good relationship with our bike shop--my SiL just came over here from Indiana to buy a bike from them. They may cut us a deal.

I need to order a new coupler for the kids' trailer for now so I can at least take them for a ride with MY bike. After DH fixes the seat, anyway.

Jilli, I have a link that the Lady of the Manners might want to address in a future GCS column: [link] -- specifically, the caption for the Brunkrissla quilt cover.

(Unrelatedly -- except for the IKEA factor -- I really want to buy the Skubb, just for the name.)