Since March the cashiers at the grocery store have continually asked me if I would like to apply for a “gas card.” But I repeatedly replied no. Why, I thought, should I bother with another credit card in my wallet that would simply lower the cost of my gas by ten cents when I filled up the gas tank of my car. But recently, a neighbor told me she applied for a gas card because for every fifty dollars of groceries she buys, her gasoline bill is reduced by ten cents per EACH gallon of gas that she buys. In other words, if she buys ten gallons of gas, she saves a total of one dollar – ten cents times ten gallons.
Wow. I had assumed I would receive only ten cents off on my entire gas bill. I didn’t realize it would reduce my cost by ten cent for every gallon I bought. In addition, the grocery store keeps track of my purchases, so that if I buy $30 one week and $20 the next, they apply the two-week total of $50 towards my ten cent discount. This was better than I thought and last week when I purchased $163 of groceries, I received 30 cents off each gallon of gas I bought at the gasoline station. I bought nine gallons of gas and saved $2.70. WOO HOO. As they say, “Not bad for a day’s work.”
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
GLORIA
What a shock! The minute the elevator door opened and the woman took one step into the lobby, I recognized her immediately. I hadn’t seen her since she moved away 18 years ago. But now, by complete coincidence here she was. “Gloria,” I called, “It’s me Hannah.” We both looked at each other in complete surprise and excitedly re-established a long lost friendship.
I had arrived a few minutes early for my eye doctor appointed and sat waiting for my turn. Although I had thought about her over the years, little did I ever dream, I would see Gloria again in my doctor’s office. She had moved back to Madison recently and I can only guess it was meant to be that we would both appear at the same place at the same time.
In addition, she told me she had moved into the Oakwood Village retirement center. That too surprised me, as I, myself, had submitted an application to Oakwood five years ago and at some point will possibly move their also. We immediately exchanged our phone numbers and she invited me to visit her next week, so that she could give me a complete tour of the center.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
I had arrived a few minutes early for my eye doctor appointed and sat waiting for my turn. Although I had thought about her over the years, little did I ever dream, I would see Gloria again in my doctor’s office. She had moved back to Madison recently and I can only guess it was meant to be that we would both appear at the same place at the same time.
In addition, she told me she had moved into the Oakwood Village retirement center. That too surprised me, as I, myself, had submitted an application to Oakwood five years ago and at some point will possibly move their also. We immediately exchanged our phone numbers and she invited me to visit her next week, so that she could give me a complete tour of the center.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
BUMBLE BEES
Since Monday, an entire week, I have not opened my front door. I don’t dare, as I can see through the door’s window that bumblebees are flying around between the screen door and the front door. If I open the door, they will fly right into my house. It all started when I contacted a pest control company to spray my house as I do every spring. Unfortunately this year, the spraying somehow stirred up a nest by my front door and the bees are tormenting me.
I would have taken care of the problem immediately, but I live in a 4-unit condominium. Any work done on the outside of the building must be approved by all the owners -- which takes time. Before hiring anyone, I had to obtain a few estimates then email the owners and wait for them to make a decision and give their approval.
On Tuesday morning, the Kwik Kill Company will get rid of all the bees and hornets around my building. But until then, I still don’t dare open my front door. And so, the Sunday newspaper that I can see on my front porch will remain outside until Tuesday afternoon when all the bees will be gone.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
I would have taken care of the problem immediately, but I live in a 4-unit condominium. Any work done on the outside of the building must be approved by all the owners -- which takes time. Before hiring anyone, I had to obtain a few estimates then email the owners and wait for them to make a decision and give their approval.
On Tuesday morning, the Kwik Kill Company will get rid of all the bees and hornets around my building. But until then, I still don’t dare open my front door. And so, the Sunday newspaper that I can see on my front porch will remain outside until Tuesday afternoon when all the bees will be gone.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
LUXURY CARS
My cousin visited me this week and attended his 50th high school reunion. I always enjoy his company and we had an interesting discussion about retirement and finances. We both have worked hard throughout our lives, saved diligently, and invested wisely. But now he said, “It is time to enjoy the money we have acquired.” “In fact” he said, “we (his wife and he) have decided to spend our money, to buy things we want or see.” And he encouraged me to do the same. “Buy yourself a nice luxury car,” he suggested. “You’ve never treated yourself to something really nice and now is the time to do so. This will probably be your last car. So buy something great, a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz with leather seats, etc.”
I know he’s right. Why shouldn’t I do something nice for myself. But all my life my parents taught me that I shouldn’t waste money and so I have always purchased economy cars. Old habits die hard and I can’t see spending lots of money on a car that will get me the same places a less expensive car will. But I will give it some thought. My current car is 10 years old and has only 45,000 miles. I had no thought of even buying a new car for several more years. But maybe I won’t wait and maybe I will buy at least a little better car. But parting with $30,000 or more will be a real emotional struggle,
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
I know he’s right. Why shouldn’t I do something nice for myself. But all my life my parents taught me that I shouldn’t waste money and so I have always purchased economy cars. Old habits die hard and I can’t see spending lots of money on a car that will get me the same places a less expensive car will. But I will give it some thought. My current car is 10 years old and has only 45,000 miles. I had no thought of even buying a new car for several more years. But maybe I won’t wait and maybe I will buy at least a little better car. But parting with $30,000 or more will be a real emotional struggle,
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
MICHAEL JACKSON
As a senior citizen, who did not “grow up” with Michael Jackson, I have not been paying much attention to all the news stories that have flooded the airwaves in the last couple of weeks. I never listened to his music and couldn’t even tell you the names of any of his songs. And if the radio announcers hadn’t repeatedly mentioned one of his top albums, “Thriller” in the past several days, I would not even have know that either.
But yesterday, I heard so many interesting and positive statements about his memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles that I became curious about the event. Knowing that YouTube.com would no doubt have many videos of it, I immediately opened YouTube when I turned on my computer. And I was impressed. Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine sang Smile, a beautiful song from the 1930’s that I have always loved. Mariah Cariah sang another wonderful song, “I’ll Be There.” And both Brooke Sheila’s and Michael Jackson’s youngest daughter delivered moving speeches about him.
Although I didn’t know what to expect when I opened YouTube, I must admit, I was touched by the beautiful memorials to Michael Jackson and seeing Michael’s silver casket covered with roses.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
But yesterday, I heard so many interesting and positive statements about his memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles that I became curious about the event. Knowing that YouTube.com would no doubt have many videos of it, I immediately opened YouTube when I turned on my computer. And I was impressed. Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine sang Smile, a beautiful song from the 1930’s that I have always loved. Mariah Cariah sang another wonderful song, “I’ll Be There.” And both Brooke Sheila’s and Michael Jackson’s youngest daughter delivered moving speeches about him.
Although I didn’t know what to expect when I opened YouTube, I must admit, I was touched by the beautiful memorials to Michael Jackson and seeing Michael’s silver casket covered with roses.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
GROCERY STORE
I had to chuckle this morning when I called the grocery store. I only shop at the grocery store every other week and hate to make extra trips in between to pick up forgotten items. Since I always like to buy my favorite ice cream, I have gotten in the habit recently of calling the store a day or two in advance to reserve two cartons of butter pecan ice cream made by Soy Dream. Not many people buy this soy ice cream product and so the manager doesn’t stock very much of it and on occasion all the butter pecan is sold out by the time I get there. So to avoid this problem I simply call ahead.
Anyway, this morning when I called to ask the manager to reserve some ice cream for me he immediately responded, “Butter pecan”? I smiled as he obviously recognized my voice or my previous requests. “Yes,” I replied, “Thank you so much. I’ll be in tomorrow to pick it up.” He didn’t even ask for my name, but I gave it to him anyway.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Anyway, this morning when I called to ask the manager to reserve some ice cream for me he immediately responded, “Butter pecan”? I smiled as he obviously recognized my voice or my previous requests. “Yes,” I replied, “Thank you so much. I’ll be in tomorrow to pick it up.” He didn’t even ask for my name, but I gave it to him anyway.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
WONDERFUL PARENTS
WONDERFUL PARENTS
My 13 and 11 year-old grandsons are so lucky. My daughter, Cathy, and son-in-law, James, are fantastic parents. They are devoted parents and do so much for and with the boys. Today, for example, they drove to the Wisconsin River near Arena, WI and took the boys canoeing -- with Cathy and Jared in one canoe and James and Jacob in another.
Over the years, they have vacationed in Mexico, visited James’ sister in the state of Washington, and attended my son’s wedding in Las Vegas. James and Cathy have also taken the boys to Packer Games in Green Bay and the SummerFest musical festival in Milwaukee. In addition, they spend a week every summer at the family’s cottage on the ocean in TopSail, N.C., and camp often at their cabin near Portgage, Wisconsin. James is also teaching my grandsons to hunt, a great male-bonding hobby.
When my two children, Cathy and Rick, were growing up, I was divorced and they did not have the wonderful opportunities my grandsons have. Although I wish they had, they were fortunate that my parents took them to Florida, the Six-Flags Amusement Park, Badger Hockey games, etc. It wasn’t, of course, the same but it must have been O.K. as Cathy and Rick have turned out to be wonderful adults
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
My 13 and 11 year-old grandsons are so lucky. My daughter, Cathy, and son-in-law, James, are fantastic parents. They are devoted parents and do so much for and with the boys. Today, for example, they drove to the Wisconsin River near Arena, WI and took the boys canoeing -- with Cathy and Jared in one canoe and James and Jacob in another.
Over the years, they have vacationed in Mexico, visited James’ sister in the state of Washington, and attended my son’s wedding in Las Vegas. James and Cathy have also taken the boys to Packer Games in Green Bay and the SummerFest musical festival in Milwaukee. In addition, they spend a week every summer at the family’s cottage on the ocean in TopSail, N.C., and camp often at their cabin near Portgage, Wisconsin. James is also teaching my grandsons to hunt, a great male-bonding hobby.
When my two children, Cathy and Rick, were growing up, I was divorced and they did not have the wonderful opportunities my grandsons have. Although I wish they had, they were fortunate that my parents took them to Florida, the Six-Flags Amusement Park, Badger Hockey games, etc. It wasn’t, of course, the same but it must have been O.K. as Cathy and Rick have turned out to be wonderful adults
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Friday, July 3, 2009
SPEEDING TICKET
What a waste -- $186 for a speeding ticket. But actually, if I had to do it all over, I must admit I would probably speed again anyway. I had to in order to reach my destination on time. Last Saturday morning, I left my house early to drive to Chicago for the reunion of my sorority pledge class. And during the previous week I had spent hours on Google maps, Yahoo maps, and Mapquest to make sure I had the correct directions.
I planned driving via Milwaukee, but two miles outside of Madison when faced with the sign for Milwaukee on the left and Chicago on the right, I absent-mindedly veered to the right. “On no” I scolded myself the minute I did it. I knew I took the wrong turn and then spent 45 minutes to an hour trying to find my way back to the Milwaukee exit.
By now, I feared I would not arrive on time in Chicago and so I pushed harder on the gas pedal and began driving 80 and 85 miles an hour. I kept watching my rear view mirror, all the while, forgetting that some police officers drove in unmarked cars and others hid in the weeds on their motorcycles just waiting to pounce on speeders.
When I pulled over to the side of the road, I rolled down my window and waited for the policeman to approach. “I am soooo sorry Officer,” I said, “I got lost as I left Madison and I have to be in Chicago at noon.” “Well,” he said, “You are never going to make it.” I tried to cry, but unfortunately I couldn’t. Nevertheless, I was very lucky. Although he clocked me at 85 miles hour he only wrote the ticket for 80. “It costs less money,” he said. And I was truly grateful. I also discovered that if had he given me the ticked for driving 85 miles, my license would have been revoked for 15 days !!!!
I hope I’ve learned my lesson. But the good news is that I have no plans to do any highway driving in the near future.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
I planned driving via Milwaukee, but two miles outside of Madison when faced with the sign for Milwaukee on the left and Chicago on the right, I absent-mindedly veered to the right. “On no” I scolded myself the minute I did it. I knew I took the wrong turn and then spent 45 minutes to an hour trying to find my way back to the Milwaukee exit.
By now, I feared I would not arrive on time in Chicago and so I pushed harder on the gas pedal and began driving 80 and 85 miles an hour. I kept watching my rear view mirror, all the while, forgetting that some police officers drove in unmarked cars and others hid in the weeds on their motorcycles just waiting to pounce on speeders.
When I pulled over to the side of the road, I rolled down my window and waited for the policeman to approach. “I am soooo sorry Officer,” I said, “I got lost as I left Madison and I have to be in Chicago at noon.” “Well,” he said, “You are never going to make it.” I tried to cry, but unfortunately I couldn’t. Nevertheless, I was very lucky. Although he clocked me at 85 miles hour he only wrote the ticket for 80. “It costs less money,” he said. And I was truly grateful. I also discovered that if had he given me the ticked for driving 85 miles, my license would have been revoked for 15 days !!!!
I hope I’ve learned my lesson. But the good news is that I have no plans to do any highway driving in the near future.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
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