bonny, 295 is longer than the TP, but is often faster, or at least less stressful, because there's usually less traffic and less road work. That said, I usually took the TP anyway, unless it's rush hour. Expect the trip to take longer than you expect! Good luck with the new doggie!

I used to do NJTP & 95, bonny. I'd love to meet the potential pup with potential! I will be wishing good things for you.

Sparky, I would LOVE for you to meet him.

Will you and the sprout be around this weekend? At 6am, I dropped a friend at BWI, so I have a car for a week. If you aren't up for a Market stroll (though it's going to be gorgeous I hear) I could come up your way.

Zen, I would definitely opt for the less stressful on this trip. The pooch travels well, but I'd like to be prepared with a couple of places to stop along the way.

While I'm not a huge fan of the Turnpike rest area as a cultural phenomenon, they could be useful in this case.

I just don't know!

It just occurred to me that it has been more than a decade since I've driven the Jersey turnpike. How is that even possible.

How much cash should I expect to need for tolls round trip?

NJTP

Is it just me or did someone think that bonny was going to get her dog using Myers-Briggs?

Is it just me or did someone think that bonny was going to get her dog using Myers-Briggs?

That's exactly what I thought!

Laura, I completely feel you. We almost lost the house (ex-fuckery, but still) and no, we weren't allowed to make payments for a while either. The whole thing is insane.

Oh my, I think I may have to settle into a bit of a daydream about the team righting this wrong for me.

Oh....my. *fans self a bit* I think that is a fantastic plan! But realistically, yes, hire yourself the biggest shark of a lawyer you can afford. And have him/her go for the 'nads.

Jilli! That's really fun and exciting! YAY! (And how cool would it be to have a Jilli doll?!)

hoping smonster's Treme experience is FUN!

bonny, I am so thrilled for you getting your new pup! Yay for you and this big and important step. Best of luck. And yo, pix!!!

I did. Did I leave something or forget something?

No not at all, it was like no one was there! Which is why I asked.

We will be around, bonny. It would be great to try and meet and give K a chance for a lesson in how to meet and greet a dog.

and no, we weren't allowed to make payments for a while either. The whole thing is insane.

I think I missed something. Why would the bank NOT allow you to make payments? That is so confusing. Was it a partial payment thing, and they wanted all or nothing? (sorry, don't have to answer if it opens wounds. Not my intent. Just trying to understand things, as I am trying to be a first time buyer at age 40).

I did ask around about my Credit Union, and they are known to work with folks instead of forclosing. Yes, in the current economy, that was a question. Not that I am looking to have problems, ya just never know when income gets yanked out from under you. I'm also going with a fixed rate, to help eliminate mortgage increases. So, if/when I get the place, it's a matter of keeping the HOA steady, and then my housing costs will be fairly fixed.

Sometimes I wonder why I am wanting to jump into the ownership world. NoiseDesign and I have talked about this a bunch of times in the past. At times, it really is a racket. Especially here in Southern California where prices are outrageously high. I guess that is the advantage of trying to buy now, while the prices are dipped into almost normal range.

Why would the bank NOT allow you to make payments?

Because they want her house. Laura missed a payment three years ago. The bank used this as an excuse to move forward and say she defaulted. Though she's had the money to make all payments since, the bank is not interested and only wants to foreclose because she doesn't owe that much on the house so it would be an excellent investment. They are being predatory and evil.