For your mirth, an M&M's knockoff:

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Laura,

I would have designed something from their templates, but my work computer lacks a plug - in.

{{{Connie}}}

I found another hand control installer close by, but he said he had trouble fixing the hand controls I currently have because he can't get the parts. He wants to sell me a completely new system for $1100.

Laura, tell me again where you are located.

Delray Beach, FL. I think I would have to get something locally because of the time line. Last moment Laura. I'm thinking something like the political signs would be quick. Just a teaser. It would also force me to get the website done since that address would be listed. Not all the pages are done. But I can manage that. eta: there is an instasign close enough. I will likely put up the website address later for Buffista advice. Not done yet.

The real real estate sign won't be here until Monday.

sj, clearly a cupcake, or two, is appropriate.

Oh Connie, that is tough. Let yourself have some time. You can't be strong all the time.

Bonny = awesome, therefore clearly you need to go to the Con. Bring some hand wipes.

Thanks, Laura. I stopped at one, but I really wanted the entire half dozen. I have to be at the hospital at 7 AM for fertility testing, and then we're supposed to head to Mom's for Easter weekend. I'm not really feeling like going anymore.

Bonny = awesome, therefore clearly you need to go to the Con. Bring some hand wipes.

This.

I know that rabbit hole well.

Trust me, Bonnie. You are way cooler than most of the people at the con.

Ah, the mid-afternoon hot flash. To be matched by the wee hours of the morning hot flash, almost exactly 12 hours later. But I haven't had a period in months. So far I'm OK with this.

bonny, I went to the site to try to gather info for reasoned discussion (How long has the con been running, what size crowds expected, etc.), but then I saw that Cary Elwes is doing a panel and that was that. You Must Go. (Sorry, my PB LoveIsSoPure). But seriously, wear comfortable shoes, bring hand sanitizer, & pack snacks. Have fun.

he said he had trouble fixing the hand controls I currently have because he can't get the parts. He wants to sell me a completely new system for $1100.

Really? I'm...shocked, shocked, I say! Seriously, if the guy's just going to try to squeeze you for the extra bucks, you're probably better off with the guy you already know (& hopefully trust).

Connie, sorry for the sad thought spiral.

Since I'm not likely to be near a computer much tomorrow, just in case - Happy (pre)Birthday, bonny!

Really? I'm...shocked, shocked, I say! Seriously, if the guy's just going to try to squeeze you for the extra bucks, you're probably better off with the guy you already know (& hopefully trust).

Yeah, I know, but the thing is I really don't trust the guy I go to. He spends an hour fixing my car and two hours later I broke down. I really don't want to be on the highway and suddenly have no ability to get the hell out of the way. There are so few people that do this kind of thing that I really feel screwed over either way.

I don't have the money so the local guy putting in the new system isn't an option right now, but next car I'm going with him. At least he's willing to pick up my car, do the work, and then drop it back off. I was especially pissed that the current guy didn't offer to driver here and at least look at the car tonight. Sorry to be so wordy today, but I can't seem to stop being really really pissed off.

Don't be sorry, it sounds like a total rock-and-a-hard-place-style pain in the rear. I'd be pissed, and frustrated, too. I feel so lucky to have a mechanic that I do trust. I doubt my shop in San Diego is going to have any recs for you, unfortunately. Don't suppose there are any "differently abled" orgs or support groups or anything locally that might have recs?