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Sarah,

Sorry to hear about your accident, I hope you are okay! I'm with Debi and can't help you with any foreign car...never had one never will! I have a Cadillac CTS...it has the highest resale value of any car on the road, gets great gas mileage, and handles like a dream!! Good luck with whatever you get!

Joan

I had a Nissan Maxima and would buy another one in a heartbeat. I currently own a Honda Accord and a Ford Explorer.

I will stay out of the great car debate because I only have one thing to say about it...Buy American!!

Debi

Thanks, #1....I hadn't realized there was such a gap in postings on this site! That's a shame. Guess people are so used to posting OT on the regular site that this one is forgotten :o) (me included - LOL) As a friend used to say, T'aint no big thang...

Gosh, Sarah....I sure hope you are A-OK!!! I had Datsun/Nissan cars for YEARS and had no trouble with them....but....I haven't heard anything about the Versa. Have you tried Car and Drive on-line? Or perhaps Consumer Reports? Might be some feedback on those sites...

Sharon F - AZ IS2

Hey There Sis Number 2 - You are on the "off-topic" site - the main board is fine and so is this one - Just no one been here for a while -- Gets cornfusing when ya sign up for them all -- lol lol --- Number 1

Debi,
Did something happen on the website? I justn oticed my list of messages skips from June 11th to Aug. 23, and then to Aug 30....all other messages in between are gone. Is this site-wide, or just on my ailing computer?

Sharon F - AZ IS2

I should have said I am looking at a Nissian Versa what's your take on these cars Sarah

Edited by author 08-30-2009 07:35 PM
Way off of salts but ...My car was totaled tuesday by a red light runner I am hurting but OK my question is I am looking at a Nisian Versa for its about what I can afford do any of you have one of these cars or know someone who does and what's your take on them. Sarah

Hi Debi - The salt is not in any of the books - Think it might be quicker to post a request on the chat line for a picture of one -- Will go do that right now -- Thanks - what a mess huh ?? Mary

Mary: This is what I tried to send regarding the Cape Cod salt:

I'm not sure, but Lorraine or maybe Ed himself might have one without the wavy top if you want pictures for comparison. Or maybe it's in OSC. I just don't remember.

Got your column and will fit it together with the pictures you sent previously. It's coming together well. I am just waiting on the convention article and pictures from Jim and Joan.

Might have some questions later.

Debi

Where is the plique? their pictures make everything look like it is just enamel. What a huge price! Still it may be fine, but it just doesn't look like the enamel is transparent or maybe they are just not showing it correctly. Their other auction with "plique" shows no plique at all.

Thanks Nancy for that information on the Cape antiques shops.

Lea, All I can say is "WOW" !!!!!!!! That is really something special...

Check out ebay #280354266515 for a lovely sample of plique-a-jour.

Though you'd really think shipping would be included at that price!

Lea, who hates being nickel-and-dimed

Hi, Sandy, The one in Dennis is on 6A and it is called the Antiques Center of Cape Cod. It is on a corner and hard to see until you pass it, but has a big American flag outside and building is set back quite far. If you pass Tobey farm, you passed the Antiques!

On Rt. 28, there is the Antiques Center of Yarmouth, #325 next to Yarmouth House restaurant. Very large and lots of booths.

Then in Harwich on rt.28, #10, is the Harwich Antiques center. In Harwich Port, 346 Rt.29, (junction of Rt.28) is my favorite, Windsong Antiques. It is smaller, but they usually have a lot of salts. Currently they have many old masters and some intaglios. Bought 3 there this time.
Happy salting. Nancy D

Nancy D, Can you tell me what shops you went to in Dennis, Yarmouth, and Chatham? Maria and I are doing a trip on Saturday. Maybe other club members will join us, but I haven't heard from them yet.

We just got back from 3 days at the Cape and I got salts in all those places I mentioned. We will be in Orleans, Cape Cod from July 18-25th. We rent a house every year so all my sons and their families can come together. Don't buy all the salts before I get there. lol.

I will photograph the salts I just bought and try to put them on the salt chat page.
Nancy D

Hi Nancy,

Thanks for taking the time to give me this info. We did Sandwich on the last trip, but I don't remember Dennis, Yarmouth or Chatham. You all have really been so helpful! I think we need to set aside a few more days!

Hi, Andy, If you are going to Sandwich on Cape Cod, besides the Antique mall in Sandwich, continue on to Dennis on Rt. 6a and there is another mall in Dennis that is good for salts sometimes. Lots of booths, anyway.
Also, head over to Rt. 28 in Yarmouth for another antique mall that I like.
There are 2 more large stores on Rt. 28 as you go toward Chatham, but that road is usually jammed in the summertime.
Happy trip and I wish you many good salts.
Nancy D

We are planning an antique trek through upstate New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Massachusetts in July. We will be hitting Brimfield too. Are there any "must see" stores for open salts? I would appreciate any info that you can give me.

Thanks!

Lisa, I'm right in there with everyone else - your daughter is absolutely gorgeous! It's so exciting to see these bright young people ready to head out into the world.

Alas, Russell will not be coming to the convention with me, as he will be in France until July 15. Can't figure why he was willing to pass up California, can you? LOL! (I would have done the same thing in a heartbeat.) He's actually there to study for six weeks and will earn nine credit hours in the bargain. His life sucks, doesn't it? He sent me another picture today with a similar pose in front of the Arc de Triomphe. My sister's comment was, "I thought he was going there for French, not ballet!"

Have a great day, everyone!

Empress Judy
Overcast Upstate NY

Lisa, Everytime I see Sara she gets more beautiful and looks more like you! I sure hope Weston and Craig know how lucky they are!!

Empress, What's going on here and why aren't you in that picture also? You're taking Russell to the convention with you...how come he didn't take you to France with him??? Sounds only fair to me!!!

Sandy, I'm sorry but you must be mistaken about the age of your oldest. How could that be with you only 49!?!

Joan

Lisa, your Sara is as beautiful as her Mother !!! Give my congratulations to her and her future endeavors....I am sure she will make a wonderful contribution to the world.

And my dear Empress !!!!! Love the picture of Russell...such a wonderful experience for him. That should be entered into a photo contest !!!

Judy and Lisa--what wonderful photos! How cool that Russell got to go to France, and Lisa...your daughter is gorgeous!!

Brenda

Lisa, what a lovely young lady. No wonder you are so proud of her. If you think high school went fast, wait until she goes through college and later. My oldest will be 40 this year. I can't believe it. My youngest will be 31. Time flies.

Judy, what a great picture of Russell. How did they ever get that shot? Somehow I thought he was quieter than that LOL.

You are so lucky Judy. I remember my grandmother's house had a huge and long area of old lilacs. Plenty to be able to cut and bring in the house. I have tried with each house to plant them, but they just don't grow well and certainly not large enough to cut the flowers. I miss them.

LOL!!! What a hoot, Lea! I told Keith one time that if he couldn't make it to his classes on time, and improve his grades, I would go over to the school with him, daily, in my robe and puffy slippers! If he thinks for a moment I was kidding, he's sadly mistaken, and knows it! What a riot! I have a neighbor who has children in grade school, and she said she can't wait for them to become teenagers so she can "relax"! LOL!!! Oh, poor thing, if she thinks she's going to be able to relax for a millisecond!

Lisa :)

OK, so she's beautiful plus talented, caring, and smart . . . What did you do wrong? LOL!

Explain to Keith that before you get to be a mother, you have to sign a contract that you will embarrass your offspring at every opportunity. His only hope is to become a lawyer and try to get that clause nullified.

Thank you Lea! Actually, Sara is more tolerant of the "Mom" things that I do, than our son Keith. I definately (unintentionally) embarass him far worse! LOL!!

Sara is going to go to the community college and take her prerequisite classes and try to get into the nursing program. She has been on the Varsity cheer team since 9th grade at the high school, and tried out for the college cheer team last Friday, and made it! So, this will give her extra incentive to stay in college full-time!

Lisa :)

Edited by author 06-01-2009 07:53 PM
She's beautiful! And you know you're going to embarrass her, don't you? Of course, she's probably used to it by now, lol. Actually, I think kids these days are much more tolerant of their parents' foibles than we ever were.

What are her plans for after graduation?

Thought I would post a photo of Sara, who will be graduating from high school next week. It feels like only yesterday she was on her way to her first day of Kindergarten! How did we get here so fast? We are so proud of her!

Lisa (who will be the blubbering, bawling Mom on graduation day)!

My baby who is graduating in a week! :)

Oh Judy, that is so FABULOUS!!!! What a fantastic picture ~ PRICELESS! I look forward to meeting Russell at the convention!

Lisa :)

Hooray!!!

Just had to share this with all of you - this is my oldest nephew, Russell, achieving one of his life's dreams. I'm going to cry every time I look at it, but you don't have to!!

Empress Judy
Extremely Proud Aunt in Upstate NY

PJ ~ Too cute! That photo needs to be on the front of a greeting card!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Lisa :)

P.J.,
What a cutie!! I don't know much about cats, having had dogs all my life, but she must be one smart little kitty if you could train her to stay in your basket like that!!
Joan

P.J....I love that you got her at the Humane Society. You can actually see the personality shining through in that picture. Kiss her for me!

Brenda

I'd say Cali is one lucky little girl. And quite the looker too - so cute in her basket among the flowers!

Empress Judy
At the end of a spectacularly gorgeous day in Upstate NY

Oh, P.J., Cali is adorable. And what a wonderful way to be with her daily.
She looks so cute in the flowers.

Nancy D

Hi All...
We got Cali from the Animal Humane here in ABQ when she was about 6 weeks old... just a tiny little thing...

I immediately put a harness (pink of course) on her and put her in my handicapped scooter basket... She's been riding in it with me every day since... unless I'm too sick and to take her out... then Olen, fit and hail and hardy as he is, will drive my scooter with Cali in the basket just so she can "chitter" at the birds and visit with the other residents here at "the home"...

It's gotten so when people see me coming down the hall... they look into my basket first - if it's empty they ask "Where's Cali?"... if Cali is in the basket they have to stop and give her a scratching... Never mind about saying Hi to me anymore !!! It's gotten to be a joke !!!

Anyway... I wanted to share her with you...
Make it a GREAT day !!! "The Salty Nut"... P.J.

My Cali Cat just turned 1 yesterday... Thought she'd fit in with the flowers!!!

Judy,
Whenever I look at you lovely Lilac I can smell the beautiful perfume I smelt as a child from my Grandmothers Plant. Lucky you,
Janelle

Few lilacs and very few crab apple blossoms here this year. There was a late heavy snow that hit just at the wrong time. I miss the lilac smell! I don't think we'll miss cleaning up the falling fruit, though. I'll have to suppliment the birds who normally feed on them.
Maisry

Hi, Diane,

Thank you for the kind words. The eBay Store is still very much a work in progress - LOL. It's always a pleasure to hear from you. I hope everything is looking up for you...

Sharon F - AZ IS2

I've been reading the comments and looking at the beautiful photographs of everyone's homes and flowers. I love the lilacs..I only had mine for a week this year!! Anyway, everyone's houses and flowers are gorgeous. I have a 100 year old tutor style home made of brick and stone and I have perennials all over the property. I love flowers and always in awe of other types I don't have.
I haven't been on for awhile as things have been very difficult here. I'm working through...atleast trying. I love Sharon's new ebay shop!!! And Brenda, I'm always on your site and Kerncat you are so funny!!!! Take care.

The Big Picture

Blossoms

Amazing - I found a few minutes to post a couple pictures of my lilacs. They are just about done, but spectacular and they smell like Heaven. If the wind is right, I can smell them at the other end of the house. I'm always able to give my Mom a big bouquet of them for Mother's Day and she loves them.

I'm off to Adamstown for the OSCAR meeting. I hope all of you enjoy the weekend and the pics. Hugs to all,

Empress Judy
Lilacs blooming in Upstate NY

Debi, I hope you get your health problem figured out and resolved quickly! Isn't awful, waiting and wondering what the heck is wrong? I think that's worse than finding out. I hope you feel better soon!
Maisry

I haven't thought about Japanese beetles in such a long time, since we thankfully don't have them here, but it reminds me of the one time when we didn't live in the desert and Sara was a baby. I was driving and one of those bettles flew into the car window, giving me a heart attack. I immediately pulled the car over, nabbed Sara out of the back seat, and ran into a mechanics shop. The nice man in there came out and got the beetle out of the car for me. I think about it now and it makes me laugh because the guy probably thought I was as nutty as a fruitcake! I have a terrible fear of bugs, so I don't blame you for wanting to put plastic flowers on your patio, Sandy!

Lisa :)

Sandy,

This is the Open Salts PLUS chat page. Just another chat page but it's more off the subject of open salts. Just look at the top of this page and click on where it says "Back to Open Salt Chat." You can get from one chat page to another from the links at the top of each page.

Debi

Am I missing a whole big area of the chat page? I went on line and found a picture of a salt earlier that Kent had and wondered if the mark was a fake LCT. Now I can't find that and I see a lot of garden stuff. Beautiful pictures but I am lost. I don't see my posting to answer that either.

Love the Morning Glories. I tried flowers out on my deck for several years. For the last 2 or 3 years I had a great crop-----of Japanese beatles. I am now planning on plastic flowers---well really not since my husband won't let me. I just give up on the real thing. We tried sprays, but it got to an everyday thing. We tried that yellow bug holder or whatever you call it, and that didn't work either. Now I will have to love flowers that others have or pictures.

Lea: Snow is no stranger to Michigan in May either but I think we are safe for this year. Although it looks like it's snowing right now because the Bradford Pear tree in the front yard is losing all it's little white round petals. The current rain is helping it along.

Judy: Larry says you guys in upstate NY are about 3 weeks behind our area for safe spring planting. He was the horticulture buyer for Kmart and knows those things such as zones for planting. If you have a covered area outside you could put them out without much worry. It's only when dew forms on uncovered plants and gets too cold at night that it creates problems. When I first grew mine from seeds and they started getting longer, I'd leave them in the garage at night and drag them into the sunlight during the day before I put them in the ground. These are my favorite flowers followed closely by Tulips.

Debi

Oh Debi, those are heavenly!! I guess my grampa was right - he always insisted that there was to be no planting until "Decoration Day" (Memorial Day), and he always had a fantastic garden. Thanks, everyone, for the advice!

Empress Judy
Rainy, dreary Upstate NY
(where it's also been known to snow in May!)

Dear Empress,
It is best to wait until the week of Memorial Day to plant anything outside or move it to the outside. As you know I am a frustrated
gardener after planting all over Ocean Grove for the community. Good luck
with those morning glories...Debi's are always beautiful !!!! And I know they are BLUE !!!!

Well, up here in Ottawa we're advised to wait until the Victoria Day weekend, May 23rd, but I think that's for planting in the garden, where there's more of a risk of ground frost. I suspect things higher up, such as on a deck railing, are safe to put out a bit earlier, especially if you keep an eye on the weather report.

I know that temptation to want to put things out as soon as it's habitable outside for humans. Many of my indoor plants play outside all summer while I stay indoors with the a/c.

Cheers, Lea, in a place where it's been known to snow in May

Heavenly Blue Morning Glories

Hey Empress,

My blue Morning Glories come back on their own every year now. When the seed pods mature and break open in the fall and through the winter, they just keep coming back. The leaves are pretty distinctive so when I see one growing where I don't want it, I simply move it. If you want me to let you know when they pop up on their own, I can do that. That should mean it's pretty safe for them to start growing outdoors.

Debi

Hey Kids, does anyone know when it would be okay for me to put my morning glories outside? I started them in planters that can sit on the deck railing and they're going like gangbusters. I'm almost thinking to go ahead and put them out (realizing that I have to watch for possible frost - yes, frost in the middle of May - this is Upstate NY!). As I mentioned, I am completely inept when it comes to things that are supposed to be green and supposed to grow ...... except weeds. I've got those down pat.

Empress Judy
Hit 75 today in Upstate NY

Lisa, What a beautiful view !!!!! How lucky you were to find that home. May you and your family enjoy it with laugher and love....

Lisa,

The land was probably owned by one of the "rat pack" and the dollar signs became more important. Simple moral...everything has it's price.

Debi

Maisry ~ Reminds me of the big hoopla over here one time where the nature preserve folks put a complete halt, somehow, to offroad vehicles, which they accomplished, because of something called a Kangaroo Rat that was on the endangered list. About 2 years later a mall was built on the very same land, and these nature preservers had no problem. Makes me wonder if the Kangaroo Rats are allowed inside the mall? LOL!! Tis a bit two-faced, if ya ask me. I'm off of my soap-box now. :)

Lisa :)

The land where my summer place is, (the one I showed photos of) is a nature preserve. I work with the land managers there on a volunteer basis, and have to interact with the "tourists" about what is healthy or not for the land (eco-system). One of our biggest threats is fire, and we do prevention mitigation. You should hear the "tourists" rage and whine when we cut down a tree or clean out dead fall. Those same people leave trash, burn fires twenty four seven, play loud music to disturb the peace, chase and even capture wild animals, pick flowers, camp right on top of flowers, let their children hack up healthy trees... Arrrrggghhhh!
Maisry

Debi ~ The windmills here cause a bit of controversy as some are all for them because they produce energy, and others against them because they feel they are taking away from the natural landscape. But, these same people that are against them have no issue with developers building a mall. Go figure!

Lisa :)

LOL - Janelle, I'm thinking if I can grow this, you can - even in Australia! I have two black thumbs, so it's a miracle that anything grows within 50 feet of me. My family always jokes that if they want a plant killed, they can give it to me. I think the only reason my lilacs do so well is that they really just pretty weeds, and weeds I can grow!

Empress Judy (but not of gardening)
55 and slightly overcast in Upstate NY

Lisa,

Great looking house and view! I thought you Californians were against the windmills! Learn something new every day...

Debi

Lovely House Lisa and what a view, congratulations and enjoy your new house. I would love a view like yours.

Judy,
Wish I could grow a Rhododendron like yours, We have the tropical ones here but are a bit sparse. Our Azalea's are just coming into flower which will put a bit of colour in the garden.
Janelle

LOL!!! Nope, no good hair days here! If you look very closely in the view photo, those poles you see in the distance are windmills. What you can't see in the photo is off to the right & left are yet more windmills, very close to the house. Needless to say, the wind blows here 99.9% of the time, except when it's 120 degrees, then the wind seems to disappear! Amazing!

Gorgeous flowers, Judy! I'm jealous!!!!

Always the 'wind blown' look Lisa :)

What a great house Lisa!! And I'm so jealous that you must have good hair days 100% of the time, since you don't seem to have much humidity. :) And your view! How cool! Glad to hear that things are going well--enjoy your property and your yard and your view, and thanks for sharing.

Brenda

Rhododendron Bush

Thanks for posting the photos Sharon! :) Quite a difference in scenery from Janelle and Maisry's greenery, but beautiful in its own way. I guess that is why folks who live in wooded areas like coming to the desert, and those of us who see tumbleweeds & sand every day go on vacation to green areas. :)

Enjoy your Saturday everyone! Car/truck hunting for BOTH of the kids today ~ EEEEK!!! The "Mom" in me is fighting it, but I guess there comes a time where you have to allow them their freedom. Sara wasn't ready to drive when she turned 16 (thank goodness), but now that she's almost 18 she is ready. Keith, on the other hand, being a boy, wants his drivers license the VERY DAY he turns 16. Oh, lucky me! Double the gray hair and wrinkles! Yippee!!!!!!

Lisa :)

Lisa,

I'm so tickled for you, Craig and the kids!! The house looks wonderful! So...is the next meeting at your place? LOLOLOL

Chat with ya soon...

Sharon F - AZ IS2

LOVE THE VIEW, LISA!! (and the house ain't too shabby either! Ya dun gud!!!)

Shot of the house

Hi, all...

Lisa asked me to post a couple photos of her house for her (still battling dial-up!) Pics to follow.

Sharon F - AZ IS2

Lisa, that is so wonderful to hear that you are making your new house your home. Have fun planning and planting!

On 5/1/09, QT - Lisa Tiedeman <qtopic-42-NRbBVx5au2uv@quicktopic.com> wrote: >
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hey Brenda! The house is wonderful! :) We are so thrilled. I wish I could post a photo, but still on dial up. Maybe I will have Sharon post it for me. :) We are completely moved in, and I only recently started unpacking my salt collection. The agony of the whole escrow process is all long forgotten and was so very worth every bit of gray hair, now that the house is ours. The feeling of home ownership is the best! Just taking us a bit of time to get used to the fact we have no more landlord, and we can plant things we want, and do things without permission! Too fun!!!

Did you get your red bathtub installed yet? You simply have to post a photo!!!

Lisa :)

Lisa...how's the new homestead?

Brenda

Hi, Brenda, Well that "lady" was nasty to the bitter end! Hope she enjoys her small victory but to put someone like you through the wringer is terrible. If sisters can't resolve a dispute between them (which was really the case here), than how can they possibly get along with others who are not family. There was no need for the level of vitriol that that woman exhibited. You are such a fair and lovely person and you did everything right and stayed ladylike to the end. I might have been tempted to really let her have it!
Nancy D

Brenda,

It isn't usually the well-educated and well-written people that are the scammers and thieves. It's the ones who never took advantage of getting a good education that have to cheat and scam their ways through life. Maybe I only feel this way because I live so close to Detroit and see what the dummies do day in and day out on the news over here. You really have to laugh sometimes at how dumb they are and what they try to get away with.

Debi

My experience with just rewards is that the people who most need to experience uncomfortable consequences as lessons are the very ones who consistently choose to blame others for their discomfort. Sadly, these ladies seem to be such, and experience uncomfortable just rewards regularly, refusing to benefit from those lessons. Pitiful! Worse, I see that they have the care of young ones who will, undoubtedly learn the same traits. Don't you just want to spank some people!?! My children claim I taught them that spanking was another way of saying "I love you."
Maisry

Well, there will definitely be some "carma" working here, but it won't be on you, Brenda!! There's no question that what goes around, comes around. The "super sisters" will be justly rewarded eventually. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Empress Judy
Sunny & maybe 70 in Upstate NY
(the dreaded lawn-mowing season has begun)

Debi--to be honest, I doubt that this gal is smart enough to have thought up such a good scam. Her emails are very poorly written. In fact, I just got another one this morning (see below). Since I don't want to drag this out any longer, I simply told her how happy I was that she got her money back too, and I wished her luck with her new swing (she bought another one on eBay) and with her home daycare. Of course--I also attached the original email I sent her in which I offered to pay for postage, but with all those words to read, she'll probably peter out before she gets to that part!

"hahaha your funny if you think i lost through paypal. I won and they were
going to give me a full refund but i felt bad for you because you have a
family and it was your kids's at one point! So you are welcome, oh and by
the way thank you for ripping me off. Ever heard of carma? Please do call
paypal and ask them if they were going to close it in my favor........ they
offered me a courtesy payment and i took it. You lied and said you offered
shipping back??? Hello I DID NOT RECEIVE THE ITEM......"

Brenda,
Congrats on winning against those scammers. What losers. It has just started Autumn here in Australia and other than all this rain we are getting is usually a lovely time of the year. We have very mild winters here, no snow at all and are reputed to having the best temperatures on the east coast. We do not have extremely high temperatures in Summer nor really cold in Winter. Winter coldest 2 to 5 deg cel. and Summer usually around 26 to 30 deg cel.
Debi,
We are on a 6000 mtrs (1 1/2 Acres) Block next to what used to be state forest but is now Bongil Bongil National Park. About 5 klm from the ocean
through the forest, so we have lots of wildlife and birds around. We have Wallabies ( who delite in eating my plants) Quite a few koalas, Goanna's Possums, Kookaburras King Parrots etc. Usually something wandering around but luckily although there are quite a few snakes around we very rarely see them. We have a family of 8 Kookaburra's who live here and are allways around and they help keep any snakes away. One kookaburra had flown into our windows too many times I think as he is hell bent on destroying my insect screens on the back door and windows. He has been ripping them to shreds. Not the usual behaviour of a kookaburra, the rest are all very tame and will land and eat out of your hand, even steals the cats food from under his nose.
Janelle

Brenda,

If you think about it, that could be a sweet little scam those two sisters had going. Most sellers probably trip over themselves to refund money thinking they made the mistake of sending to the wrong address. By having it sent to a friend or relative, the buyer never lost the item and gets their money back besides. Maybe these two had a similar situation with PayPal before and they aren't going to get away with it any longer.

Debi

Brenda,

So glad to hear that you won your dispute over the swing. Justice does prevail once in a while.

Yup, it gets cold here, sometimes. Doesn't last long, though. It's colder the higher one goes, as well. Denver is usually ten degrees warmer than up around the 8000 foot level where my other place is. We had massive snow this last weekend. If it had been less wet (colder) we'd be in it up to our ears still. Today it's hot out. Bearfoot weather.

Debi, that's the "summer" place that I only get to spend part of my time at. My house in town is so close to the neighbors that I think I could hear them snoring if the windows were open! I can't wait for Randy to reach retirement so we can head for the hills permanently.
Maisry

Hi, haven't checked in for awhile as had kids from Wisc. here visiting. Was amazed to hear of Brenda's troubles. I've bought from her quite a few times and even when she was in process of having last baby, didn't slow her down on the usual excellent transaction. Glad it sort of worked out. Janelle, was tickled to see pics of your home in Austraila. I have lots of cousins still in Scotland, but their kids and grandkids are tending to migrate to Australia lately. Your collection is absolutely fabulous, loved the pics.

Janelle...is it winter in Australia? (Sorry if that's a silly question). If so, do you get lots of snow where you live? Rain here on the East Coast of the USA as well, with some nice thunderstorms last night, but 70s and 80s is forecasted for the weekend!

Debi--just for kicks, I contacted eBay and asked about feedback removal. According to their policies, I think it can only be removed if she was vulgar, or posted personal information or actually made a reference to the investigation, but it was worth a shot, right? I wonder if I'll get in trouble for leaving the comment about the investigation in my own follow-up comment. This is worse than regular court, I swear!

Brenda

Janelle,

Nothing but rain here right now too, but a promise for a nice few days beginning Thursday. At least all the spring plants are getting the good wet beginning they need. Maybe a bit too much in your area though.

I am partial to ranch style homes too, but we don't have the privacy you and Maisry look like you have.

Debi

Brenda,

I'm so glad clear minds finally prevailed somewhere in this world! Good for you. I too, think that eBay should remove the feedback but the last I knew, both parties had to agree. That was long ago though so I'm sure it's changed now. Since PayPal doesn't have anything to do with eBay feedback, perhaps eBay needs to know you won the PayPal case and then they would remove it?

Debi

Maisry, You look like you have your piece of paradise there. Lucky you.
I guess if your waterfall freezes you must get a cold winter. Our winter where I am is very mild, Put a sweatshirt on over your T shirt and that is about it.


Judy, Looking forward to seeing your garden. I love the old fashion flowers , roses etc that still have perfume. We are still having so much rain that will probably loose quite a few plants. PS Anyone with a spare Ark for sale ?
Janelle

Sharon ~ Even if a complaint through Ebay, or Paypal, is won, or lost, a buyer can still leave a negative. Very difficult to have removed, from what I understand. I've even heard of "non paying bidders" being able to leave negative fb's for sellers, and Ebay doing nothing about it.

I did see where Brenda's buyer left a few neg's & neutrals...one being the fact she found it difficult & painful to open her new phone. Very odd woman, to say the least! Can anyone say "blocked bidder"?????

Lisa :)

Brenda,

Since they lost their complaint, can't you have their negative removed?

Sharon F - AZ IS2

Nosey that I am, I looked at her recent purchases: multiple cell phones, cameras, etc. Also, one seller's fb to her mentions that there had been complications to the transaction. All in all makes one wonder what has really been going on.

Also, of her 17 purchases this year, she has left two negs and one neutral vs your record of receiving 13,305 pos and 1 neg. I think this is all the evidence you need to sleep the sleep of the just tonight.

On 4/21/09, QT - Brenda M <qtopic-42-NRbBVx5au2uv@quicktopic.com> wrote: >
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Brenda, Have you responded to the negative yet? I think there's a time limit on that. I would be as straight-forward as possible in this instance. It would save other sellers this insanity.
Maisry

Good grief--I just realized that I never left HER a feedback. Oh, the things I could write, but it's just not in me:

Paid quickly, hope you enjoy the swing.
Prompt payment...good luck working things out with your sister.
Thanks for a great transaction and excellent communication!

Sigh. I think I'll sit on this one for awhile so I don't do anything I might regret. Off to watch American Idol now.

Brenda

I just saw the negative, and you know what? I'm sort of relieved that she left it. Now I can move on, and don't have to cringe for the next two months, everytime I check my feedback. It also makes me agree even more with you guys. (Lea--great analogy about scratching the new car).

And now those crazy sisters don't have to worry about me sharing any of money with them because the offer is officially withdrawn! :)

Brenda

Well, if the negative can't be removed, there is a positive side to it: you can no longer be held hostage for fear of a negative. Like the first scratch on a new car, it can be liberating.

I think the thing now is to compose a calm, factual reply, mentioning perhaps that she failed to update her ebay info & stopped negotiating. Are you allowed to mention that she launched a paypal complaint but lost? Since people tend to know how difficult it is for a seller to win a paypal dispute, it would put the weight of credibility firmly on your side.
That's one thing I always look for: how a seller responds to a difficult situation. If they fulminate about the buyer being stupid or a crook, my alarm bells go off, but I don't think there's any danger of our Brenda going that route anyway. I also don't think there's any real danger that one neg will damage your reputation, at least not in the eyes of anyone that one might want to deal with. I think most people realize that the longer that you sell, the more likely it is for you to encounter an unreasonable buyer. It's the whole context that matters.

Lea, still relieved that paypal saw the light



On 4/21/09, QT - Lisa Tiedeman <qtopic-42-NRbBVx5au2uv@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Brenda ~ You have more patience than I do, that's for sure. I would have told the lady to stick the swing up her rear...or her sisters rear, and let the cards fall where they may. They were both trying to scam you out of the swing, and thank goodness for Paypals decision.
On a sad note though...will Ebay remove the unwarranted, nasty, ugly negative? I'm so sorry Brenda!

Lisa

Brenda,
I'm with Lea. You offered help in getting it shipped betweeen the sisters - they refused. End of story. They then tried to hold you up for shipping a new swing?...then tried to pull back everything they paid for your swing? I think enough is enough. I'm sorry, but I think you would be foolish to give them anything at this point. If you pay to have one sister ship it to the other, where is your guarantee that she will do that? Now is the time to just leave it alone. The claim was made, denied, and I think that should be the end of it. Any more involvement on your part isn't going to help the situation or make it any more palatable. They can now work it out between themselves. It is no longer your problem.

Sharon F - AZ IS2

I rather think that if they want to 'negotiate' again that you should give them a taste of their own medicine and tell them that when you had been willing to compromise, they had turned you down by telling you that time had passed. Now that Paypal has made its decision--and they were the ones who were insisting on going forward with that--they need to live by that decision, without any further concessions from you.

Brenda, you've been fair, you don't need to do anything else for people who were willing to treat you so shabbily. It won't change their minds about you, it won't change them into better people. It will merely confirm in their minds that nice people are suckers who are meant to be taken advantage of. Both sides need to be of good will in order for a negotiation to be successful and they have clearly indicated that they are not people of good will.

If you end up still feeling like you owe something, take the amount and donate it to your favourite charity, somewhere where you know it will be put to good use, and as a bonus you get a tax receipt for it, lol!

Lea hath spoken. Take heed of it in your counsels.

That's so great, Brenda, that PayPal did the right thing. That renews my respect for them. I wouldn't give those sisters the time of day, after what they tried to pull. In my world, nasty people earn being assertively ignored.
Maisry

Fantastic news, Brenda!

Wowsa, wowsa, wowsa...I just got notification from PayPal, and the claim against me was DENIED!! YES!!! Thanks for all your words of support. It's so nice to know that someone over there went above and beyond what they saw on paper and actually took the whole situation into consideration. I do hope that the buyer and her sister can work something out, and if they happen to contact me again when they get the news, I'm still willing to pay to have the swing shipped from one sister to another, but at least justice has prevailed in this situation.

Brenda

Maisry--absolutely gorgeous. Isn't nature grand? Lucky you!!

As for homes, I've often thought about taking a Sunday and just driving around and going into those, "Open Houses." (Just to be nosey of course!)

Brenda

my mountain place yard plus frozen water fall (part of my playground)

My house in town is no great shakes to look at, suburban brick box, and in a state where water is like gold. But the yard up at my mountain trailer is great. I'll post a few pics.
Maisry

Hi Janelle - I'm with Joan - looks like a little slice of paradise. The flowering tree is gorgeous! I love the idea of everyone posting pictures of their houses and such here - I have a weeping cherry that is about to burst, so I'll take pictures. And the lilacs when they go. We'll want "smell-a-vision" for those - they smell just wonderful.

I'm always very curious to see homes wherever - often thought I would love being a realtor just so I could see a ton of houses - LOL!

Brenda, do keep us updated on your progress and toss in a photo now and then. I've have survived the construction of two homes plus an addition, so it's interesting to see the changes.

Have a happy Tuesday everyone!

Empress Judy
Sunny and pleasant Upstate NY

Note to self,
Check spelling before posting. fingers work quicker than the mind.

:-)

Hi all,
The flowering gums are native to different parts of Australia and to grow here they are grafted on the gum tree stock that will grow in our area, I have a Deep Red, Pale Pink, a very very brillant pink, white and the orange. they only grown about 6 metres tall and are really lovely.
Janelle

Hi Janice...my red bathtub has been sitting on the driveway (in the wooden crate) for the past three weeks! The contractor finally used a forklift just this afternoon and moved it closer to the construction site, but it's pretty much just sitting there in the yard at the moment. The floor and skeleton (studs) are up on the new addition, no roof or windows as of today, as the weather has been working against us the past few days. Tomorrow is a workday, so hopefully the builder will be here with his crew! Thanks for asking.

Brenda

Brenda,&#A0; Did you finally get your red tub?&#A0; We would love to see pictures of your redecorated bathroom.&#A0; Jan
--- On Mon, 4/20/09, QT - Brenda M <qtopic-42-NRbBVx5au2uv@quicktopic.com> wrote:
From: QT - Brenda M <qtopic-42-NRbBVx5au2uv@quicktopic.com>
Subject: Open Salts PLUS
To: "QT topic subscribers" <qtopic-subs@quicktopic.com>
Date: Monday, April 20, 2009, 3:28 PM

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Love your place, Janelle...I think it's interesting to see what homes look like in other countries too! Movies are great and all, but there's nothing like the real thing. For instance, when visiting Venice, EVERYONE lives in a home from the 1400s! Ha ha! It's great!

Brenda

Crud! No luck with the photos! When I crawl out of the dinosaur age over here I will post a photo. :) Takes me 5 minutes to post a message, and upwards of 10+ minutes to send an email. Eeeeeek!!!

Lisa :)

Oh, Janelle, how gorgeous your home & yard is! So lush and green! I am working with slow, slooowwww dial-up service, so I'm not sure if I can post a photo. I will give it a try though. :)

Lisa :)

Hi, Janelle, Thanks for the pictures of your house and the flowering gum.
Beautiful! I have never seen a flowering gum is that different than a gum tree or a relative of it? or is it the tree? Dumb American here.
Took a look at your salts on your collection page and I am overwhelmed by the depth and beauty of all your salts. You really have a wonderful collection.
My grandaughter will be in Australia this July for the People to People program. Her brother did it 2 years ago and loved your country.
Thanks for sharing with us all. Nancy D

My House in Australia

Australian Orange Flowering Gum

Lisa,
I have been following your progress in purchasing your new home, any chance of a picture please, It is interesting to see the different homes in America to here in Australia ( Is this OK Debi? )
Photo Following - My flowering gums have just about finished and I thought you ladies may like to see one.
Janelle

Thanks Earlene. I spent a good chunk of the morning whipping off emails to PayPal left and right, and after a few exchanges, one of the PayPal reps actually called me without me even requesting it. He was so nice and so helpful, and it was absolutely the best customer service I've had in years. Even though I don't have much of a case without a true tracking number (and the fact that I sent it to the address that wasn't attached to the PayPal account), he assured me that nothing is completely cut-and-dried. I mean, I'm not getting my hopes up or anything, but it was nice to know that there are actual human beings behind all the red tape.

Brenda

Brenda, I have been following your troubles on line. I'm so sorry that you have been through this. It kind of sounds like maybe these two women may have done this on purpose - as a way of getting something for nothing. I hope that is not the case but I would be suspicious. There are always bad apples out there looking to ruin things for everyone else.

Just know that we are on your side,

Earlene

It's just stinky all around, it really is. According to PayPal's timeline, I should find out by the end of the weekend who will prevail, so I'm just going to wait and see before I act too hasty.

This happened to us last year too, almost to the exact week, but that time is was a CAR! We sold our awesome little Mini-Cooper to a fellow in California for $10,500.00. We loved that little car, but couldn't fit two baby seats in the back and decided to upsize to a Volkswagen Golf. My husband listed the Mini-Cooper on eBay along with a dozen photos and a fairly in-depth description of the vehicle. A man bought it without asking any questions at all--just used, "Buy It Now," and sent a cashier's check soon afterwards. The buyer wanted the car trucked to the west coast ASAP because his daughter needed the car right away, so my husband even took two days off work to run around and get the necessary paperwork and have a few last minute repairs made before signing the car over. The man got the car and immediately started nitpicking it to death. First he said that he took the car to the garage and the clutch was burnt out. Then he said the exhaust was horrible and the brakes were ready to go. He then complained about everything from spots on the wheels to scratches on the windshield wipers and a missing lid on the cup-holder. When he was finished, he presented us with a formal statement that he wanted $8000.00 worth of repairs made on the $10,500.00 car. We offered to pay for a few of the things (about $500.00 worth), but he wasn't satisfied and claimed that we deliberately sold him a lemon. He filed complaints with eBay AND with an independent eBay mediation company, and we had to make statements to insurance companies and representatives from both sides. It was CRAZY!! He eventually said that he just wanted his money back, and wanted us to pay $1800.00 to cover the shipping costs both ways. I was eight months pregnant at the time and it was extremely stressful.

So how did it turn out? We ended up winning, after submitting everything from recent mechanic repairs to personal statements, photos and testimonies. It was wild, but justice prevailed. Basically, he was a nutcase who bought a 2005 pre-owned Mini-Cooper from us and then wanted us to cover the costs at his high-end dealership for everything it would take to make the car into a brand new vehicle.

Luckily the baby swing isn't as nuts as THAT whole fiasco!

And with that, I wish everyone and safe and happy weekend!

Brenda

Brenda, I agree with Maisry. Just protect yourself however you can. I doubt there will be any reprecussions, however it's always important to play it safe. These people sound like very cold, inconsiderate scammers. You can never trust people like this and certainly DO NOT be hurt or bothered about their comments. They obviously have no sense of fairness and just because they say something slanderous doesn't make it true. I understand these kinds of situations are difficult to shrug off, especially harsh people like her, but it's disgusting and sad this woman and her family are such...well, I could say many things but probably shouldn't.
Brenda, enjoy your family. People like that are not worth our thoughts.

You can report illegal mail handling to the post master general. There's on-line access. It isn't a way to get recourse, as they consider that an office of the civil court. It is most definitely illegal to open mail addressed to another person, even one's husband. The exceptions are children in your custody or persons you're awarded custody for, and person's you function as a legal agent for (under specific power of attourney). I once handle mail in an A.P.O. and remembered the law, so I asked my nephew-in-law who works for the post office. Still the same.

Brenda, you're right about their having personal information about you. Backing down doesn't necessarily aleve the threat they present. Unscrupulour people take advantage of easy marks. I would report this to post master general.
Maisry

Hi Debi! When the auction ends, eBay sends out an, "End of Auction," notice. It states, "Dear Brenda,
Congratulations! Your item just sold. Please ship your item as soon as
possible after receiving cleared payment. You can send an invoice to the
buyer as a reminder to pay for this item." It goes on to list the item, the buyers email address, and their MAILING address!

Alas--that must not mean much in the eBay world! Ironically, I just received an eBay email yesterday and apparently in June, they're changing the resolution process so you complain through eBay rather than through PayPal. Just my luck, because I probably wouldn't even have an issue if that was the case!

For now though, I'm letting it ride. If I lose this time, I'm not worried anymore, because karma and things like this have a way of evening themselves out. Thanks for all your support you guys!

Brenda

OK, probably a silly question but like I said, I have not sold even one item on eBay in a very long time. Where does the address of a buyer show up through eBay? And if they don't match, why is it the seller's responsibility to figure out which one is correct? Brenda, unfortunately, however you were getting your shipping addresses will obviously have to change and you'll have to go strictly with PayPal addresses from now on.

But, I think Lea's comment about the sister opening a package that was not addressed to her is a very valid one. I know you can keep things that were sent to you even if you didn't ask for them...but that swing was clearly not addressed to the sister who opened it. She should have refused it and told the mailman the sister moved. Then at least it would have been returned to you. Sister is a thief and that's all there is to it.

Do not worry about how much you write or what the subject is. That's what this chat page is for.

Debi

Dear Brenda,

You have definitely not lost your dignity. And you're probably following the course of wisdom.

So [sniff, sniffle] I guess you won't be needing my services after all. I'll just console myself with the thought that you probably couldn't afford the retainer fee.

LOL! I just wish I had that kind of job!

Cheers, Lea

Lea--can you drop me a line? Thanks!

brendamcleod at verizon dot net

I thought about it Lea, and even talked to the PayPal rep. But these people are really loopy. This morning, I was ready to fight the fight, and I'm not one to back down once I get my mind set on something. But then I started really thinking about it. What have I lost? (Other than my dignity, to be shot down by some crazy housewife in Arizona who stole from me and isn't mature enough to compromise). $77.00 and a baby swing that has sweet memories but that I'll never use again. If I go after these people, they might start a vendetta. They know my address, they know my eBay information--on and on. The buyer actually told me last night that she no longer lives with her sister because of the the sister's husband--that's he's an abusive, white supremecist a**hole. And that's coming from a buyer who is already unstable. As weirded out as I am, I think I'm going to let this one ride. I'm just happy I have my amazing husband, my healthy babies, and my well-adjusted life.

Thanks Lea.

OK, here's a silly thought, especially since I don't know American postal law!

Isn't it illegal to open mail that isn't addressed to you? So, if it was sent to the name of the buyer, the buyer's sister shouldn't have opened it. If two roommates share a house, for instance, surely each has mail privacy rights that aren't trumped by the fact that they share the same physical address.

She could have refused delivery; even if it arrived on her porch while she was out, I believe you can take something back to the post office if it's unopened and refuse to accept it. Then it would have been returned to sender, though probably at your cost. But that is moot at this point, since she opened the package. If she did so without consulting the buyer, then that might have been illegal. If she first called her sister and got her permission (which is what it sounds like), then an argument could be made, m'lords and m'ladies, that the buyer deemed it as delivered to her at the premises to which it was actually sent.

It might be worth a call to the post office, though I would advise going higher up than the counter clerk at your local outlet. Heck, most of them don't even know the regulations of mail to Canada. I'm sure the postal services has banks of lawyers on retainer and you might be able to sweet talk some advice out of them, especially if you make it clear that your not thinking of launching a suite against them.

Lea, who isn't a lawyer and doesn't even play one on TV

(I know I said I was done but this is killing me now):

"nahhh ill just go through paypal and be refunded for not ever receiving the item i paid for to the address i input.because obviously none of this was my fault nor my sisters it was all you not paying attention. Paypal even says you were in the wrong not paying attention to what you were doing and that since i did not receive it at the address i input through paypal when i paid for it you are responsible for getting it to me from the address i put in when i paid for it...Its obvious that we arent able to work anything out so i am sorry i am just going to continue my claim through paypal. Your not flexible neither am i for being ripped off"

Just for kicks--this was her email to me this morning. She clearly states that none of this is her fault whatsoever. And after that is the most recent email that was in response to my, "Can we work something out here?" request!:

She wrote: Actually this is the exact reason i paid for this through paypal. Its called buyers protection. I have already spoken with them and they said since I myself did not receive the item that you are at fault because I have the correct shipping address on paypal where I request it to be shipped. They do not care what address is on ebay....... they care about the address that was entered where i paid for it and specified where i wanted it shipped. Sorry for your inconvienience but it is pretty darn inconvienient for me as well.... I tried to work something out with you due to it being your booboo, you didnt want to work it out and it was a pretty good offer too... So sorry it had to come down to the claim but this was all not fair to me at all because you sent it to the ebay address???????? and now i am not willing to budge i never received the swing and thats all there is to it. Call paypal if you need to they will talk to you :)
about this comment>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I then sent you this, to verify your information, and you never said anything about the address being incorrect:
IThe address i told paypal i wanted it sent to is correct !
You are suppossed to go off the address specified through the place where we pay not ebays address for me ???????????????????????????

Then I wrote: Thank you for writing, Nicole. I understand that we're both frustrated right now--you paid for the swing and your sister has it, but I sent the swing, and now stand to lose $77.00 on top of that. If you've got any type of solution that would make this easy and fair for both of us, I'm in...drop me a line. We're both humans and adults, so let me know what we can work out.

Thanks...

Brenda



And she responded: Ive already tried to work it out with you and you shot it down saying it wasnt yr bad...... Your were willing to pay the 35.00 to get it back to me. Now my sister isnt going to pay me any more than 60.00 for this new swing that i did win on ebay. so now out up front 88.00 that i will get 60.00 of it back in two weeks when she can get the money to send me if that even actually happens which i dont have any faith or trust in, then i am out 22.00 for the shipping plus an extra 6.00 for the remainder of the winning bid. I am not at fault for this what so ever....when nor should my sister be at fault for it going to the wrong address..... She doesnt have the money for this, she has to work her ass off for something she wasnt going to purchase in the first place do you see where i am coming from ??????? she said if you want to send her the 35.00 to ship back she will do it, but then i am responsible for the swing i won ?????????????

Lea, you should definitely be a lawyer. Your writing is completely thought-out and easy-to-follow and your verbage is fantastic! I do appreciate your research, but am afraid I've got stinky news. I got one more email from this lady (I'll attach it below), and it looks like I'm out of luck. I did call PayPal AND eBay like she suggested, and though the reps were warm and gracious, they both pretty much said I'm out of luck. The buyer has until the 18th to respond to what I sent in to PayPal, or to cancel the complaint. The PayPal rep said that it's definitely working against me that I relied on the eBay address rather than the PayPal one, which puts me out of the running for any type of seller protection. And like I figured, the "insurance," slip I have doesn't prove that the item was received--only that it was sent, and even that's not 100% because there's no tracking involved. I was very nice and am hoping that perhaps someone felt bad for me and put a, "Side with this gal--she's a good one!" in my PayPal file, but I doubt it works that way!

So what did I end up doing? I wrote back to the buyer, and said basically, "Look--we're both adults and we're both frustrated. If you've got some fair way to end this amicabally, drop me a line and I'm in."

Now I'm just waiting for the, "You fool--NOW you want to work something out, because I have your swing AND the money?" email. Oh well...can't say I didn't try. I'm over it, and there are worse things in life that could be happening right now. And look how I've hogged up this whole forum with my nonsense! Sheesh.

Brenda

I've just been trying to research your situation on the 'answer board', Brenda, and so far I've come up with some possibly contradictory statements.

First, a lot of the answers stress that for paypal protection, the seller must ship to the address listed with paypal. That, if true, is the bad news.

Second, there are also statements that stress that the buyer has the responsibility to make sure both paypal and ebay addresses are up to date. This might be good news.

Why would they allow different current address on ebay? Because you then have a choice of getting a parcel at your home, your office, your cottage, etc. If a buyer won't send to a verified address, then these other addresses also need to be on paypal and verified, which, evidently, is possible. Except that somewhere, someone stated that according to new policy, paypal no longer requires an address to be verified in order for the item to have paypal protection, but a lot of sellers aren't aware of this policy change.

Arghhhh! The only place to look is in the official policy statements of ebay and paypal--and I haven't got there yet!

Another policy change that hasn't been understood is about needing/not needing to pay by paypal. Most sellers are now stating that they only take paypal because that's all that is allowed. Not true. It's the only method that a seller can advertise in a listing. But if a buyer asks for another payment method, the seller is allowed to oblige. It doesn't seem to be a misunderstanding that ebay is in a hurry to straighten out, lol.

I also suspect that with some policy changes, not all parts that are implicated in the change are rewritten to insure consistency, resulting in many circular situations.

Lea, who always wanted to be a lawyer but is now glad the fates didn't oblige me

Well, the sisters certainly are a pair of thieves. I wonder if they have gotten away with this before. I am confused on where the eBay address even shows up, but I have not sold on eBay in over two years so I'm sure it's all changed now. When I buy and pay for something, my PayPal address is the only one I ever see. I know it's of little consolation at this point but you should send them the link to this page so others can see what a pair of real winners we think they are. Then again, maybe not. They would probably spoil this too.

Debi

This is just too awful, Brenda! It sounds as if you are dealing with a family of sociopaths, who have no sense of right and wrong and who are totally oblivious as to why their actions are so repugnant to the rest of us. I sure hope paypal can apply a little common sense to the situation.
Gentle hugs and best wishes, Lea

On 4/15/09, QT - Brenda M <qtopic-42-NRbBVx5au2uv@quicktopic.com> wrote: >
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Well, she's filed a PayPal complaint against me, and now they've locked the $77.00 as they investigate. How much you want to bet she wins this, and gets not only the $77.00, but also a free baby swing for her sister? All I have is proof of insurance, and not any type of tracking numbers, and our email exchanges. At one point, she even suggested that I just report the item as, "lost," so that the Post Office pays the insurance fee.

This is out and out thievery! Her sister in CA has the baby swing! ARRRG I am so frustrated, and thought I was doing the right thing by insuring the thing, but that might not even be enough. In any case, I sent copies of the insurance slip, the shipping receipt, and the fact that she has the wrong address listed with eBay...I bet they'll say that since the correct address was listed with PayPal, I'm out of luck. I'm very sad. :(

Brenda

Brenda,

You are not the dummy. eBay owns PayPal, but they are separate. You might be signed up with PayPal through any number of other websites, charities, and on and on, and not even registered with eBay, and vice-versa. If she isn't smart enough to check that her changed information is correct when buying something, than it's certainly not your fault. If it happens that one sister lives in the house where the other one now lives, it could be that they lived together and split for not getting along. You just got caught in the middle of their mess. Let them sort it out. You try to be too nice and before you know it people will be taking advantage of you from all directions. You did everything correct. The mess is not your fault. Are you going to start making more work for yourself by double checking everyone's shipping address now? People need to accept responsibility and consequences for their own actions (or inactions). Hmmm...Where have I heard that before?

Debi

You guys are right and I know that, but I'm always trying to resolve all conflicts in the best possible way, since I really hate conflict. She had the correct address listed with PayPal, but the old address still listed with eBay, and dummy me never compared the two. I guess that's why I made the offer for the forwarding postage in the first place. If she IS smart enough to file a claim (I didn't suggest it of course), then I will certainly point out the error, and I do have the insurance tracking as proof that it was shipped. This family seems very twisted, and it makes me sad that my kids' sweet little baby swing is caught in the middle (stupid and sentimental, isn't it?).

My last exchange with her was basically that I offered the forwarding postage out of kindness, but certainly can't pay another $25.00 just so her sister can keep something that wasn't hers to begin with.

Thanks for all your support--I know I'm going to get a negative out of this one and it's breaking my heart. :(

Brenda

Brenda,

I'm with Debi. Her fault she didn't make the address change. Since Sister 2 is creating the problem now by not sending it to Sister Buyer, then it is between the two of them to work out. You have no responsibility at this point. Don't let them hold you hostage. I would, however, contact eBay and let them in on the problem (your emails were through eBay, weren't they?). Be proactive before they try to get a full refund under Item Not Received.

Sharon F - AZ IS2

Brenda,

You can only bend over backwards so far before you hurt yourself. Tell the buyer it isn't your fault she didn't make sure her address was changed on all her eBay and PayPal accounts and since she is actually related to the person who actually received it and is holding it hostage, they should work it out themselves. Let the feedback fall where it may.

BTW, what happened to the box the swing came in? She must think everyone is as dumb as she is.

Debi

Most people would have minded paying that 12 bucks, and would have said "your fault, your problem." I don't even know if I could be polite to them at this point. You should submit this one to e-Bay for their WIERD collection. Maisry

--- On Tue, 4/14/09, QT - Brenda M <qtopic-42-NRbBVx5au2uv@quicktopic.com> wrote:

From: QT - Brenda M <qtopic-42-NRbBVx5au2uv@quicktopic.com>
Subject: Open Salts PLUS
To: "QT topic subscribers" <qtopic-subs@quicktopic.com>
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 7:15 PM


�A;�A;�A;
< replied-to message removed by QT >

This gets stranger and stranger. Now sister #2 is keeping the swing but will pay for sister #2 to purchase another one for herself, but they want ME to cover the postage! I didn't mind pitching in $12.00 to get the swing from CA to AZ, but I'm not paying $30.00 for her to get a whole different swing. This is bizarre!

I like option number #3
Maisry

Brenda,

You could offer Buyer two solutions:
1. Sister #2 goes dumpster diving for the boxes and does the right thing by forwarding it to Sister Buyer (after all, you offered to cover the postage, even though none of that was your fault)
2. Sister #2 reimburses Sister Buyer (in effect, buys it from her).

Then there is always solution $3 -- Sister Buyer goes to California, beats the CRUD out of sister #2, and repossesses the swing!!

eBay caused the problem, you shipped as promised, now the resolution should be between the two sisters. Strange family, for sure.

Out of Patience Lately with dingbat buyers....Sharon F - AZ IS2

Really weird eBay situation!

I sold a baby swing and sent it insured to the address listed on the eBay, "End of Auction," notice, which was in California. The buyer emailed me today and said, "You sent the swing to the wrong place." I investigated, and she now lives in Arizona, and though she has that address on her PayPal account, she never changed it on the eBay account. The WEIRD part is that the old address is her sister's house. Her sister recieved the swing, opened it, and assembled it. The buyer figured out what happened and called her sister, but the sister isn't budging--says she loves the swing and intends to keep it for her own baby. Me, feeling bad for the buyer, even offered to pay for postage if the sister boxes it back up and ships it to the original buyer, but no go. Sister #2 apparently called me, "crazy," for thinking that she's digging in the dumpster for boxes to send back a swing that she loves.

Some very odd families out there.

Brenda

Hi Lisa...so glad to hear that you're alive out there. Keep the faith!

Brenda

Nina,
   Do you ever sell your salts? I saw you collection and just can't believe it. So many of you have ALL the salts in the world!! Beautiful. :)

Hi Everyone!!! I haven't fallen off the face of the earth...yet! We have been without phone or internet for over a week now, and Elaine has been kind enough to let me use her computer today. If anyone has been trying to reach me either by phone, or internet, I am not ignoring you! Still waiting for escrow to close, and I'm about bald from pulling my hair out, strand by strand! If luck is on our side, we MIGHT get the keys tomorrow, and maybe have internet/phone by Friday. Sorry to any of you who have been trying to reach me, and I promise to answer emails as soon as I can. :)

Also...on a salty note...I have had the wonderful opportunity today to see Elaine's Royal Doulton Book! She has the hard cover ones, and the soft cover ones, and I can assure you it is a MUST HAVE, with gorgeous photos, and so much fabulous information!

Until later......Lisa :)

Inez,

I have had nothing but AOL my entire online life. LOL But I have used the software the entire time. Sometimes it's wacky but then in a couple days it's straightened out. It does me no good to call because I no longer pay so I'm not entitled to tech support. Every time I get mad and try to start using my IE connection for AOL, but after a few days I forget and sign on. it just comes naturally after all these years.

Actually I do have an additional email address through WOW, but I never go there at all.

Debi

Debi loved your snow picture it brought back memories of my last Easter in Upstate New York. I had a pink Spring coat and my first pair of high heals, ( also pink ) my Grandmother lived across the street from the Church and down a couple houses and there was 15 inches of snow on the ground. Yes I went to church with my heals and coat on and didn't break my neck either. I can still picture all the rabbit tracks in the snow my sister and my cousin still believed in the Easter Bunny so it was so great. Thanks for the memories. From sunny with a cold wind California. Sarah

It looks like all the weather is going to pass through here for a couple weeks. Maybe it will alliviate our extreme drought problem some.

I agree with the others, Lisa, call for the supervisors. It's amazing how well people can solve problems in the presence of their supervisors when it was an impossible thing before.
Maisry

Lisa,

You do need to start getting a little more witchy with them. I'm sure your landlord isn't letting you stay longer rent free, so ask the brainiacs just who is going to pay for their incompetence. I think I would ask for the bosses next time you speak with one of them. That will get their butts in gear.

Blizzard?!? I don't THINK so!! We finally got to where we can depend on 40 degrees in the daytime. Hopefully we are also past our ice storm season which is usually March. The mountain of snow in the back is finally gone as of a couple days ago.

Debi

Hey Shirley! Now I don't feel so alone! Thanks!!! I told the escrow officer yesterday that I had already given my landlord the 30 day notice, and now have to explain why we're going to still be here. It fell on deaf ears, unfortunately. Craig is so bad at phone communication, so I end up doing all of the calling. I'm waiting for him to lose his patience (he's more patient than I am), and get on the horn and chew someones rear-end out. He seems to be able to get his point across better than I do. LOL!

A blizzard? It's hard for those of us out here to even fathom that, as we're having temps. in the 80's. Stay safe, Shirley ~ and Maisry!!

Lisa :)

Good luck Lisa, When I closed on my foreclosure 2 years ago I ran into snags like that until I got really mad and forceful with them. I told them I had a deadline to be out of the place I was in, and had to move by ___ date. It was amazing how quick they got their act together when I gave them a deadline or they were losing the deal.

Greetings to all from the Blizzard in Denver! We have about 15" on the ground now and still snowing and blowing.

Lea & Debi ~ I think you are both 100% correct. Maybe it would do some good to stop being the "nice guy" all the time, and make some noise ~ that is, IF you can get anyone to answer their phone. I knew that the whole escrow process was tedious, but I fear we have encountered people that simply don't care.

I'm not a big drinkin' gal, but a cocktail about now sounds FABULOUS! Make 'er a double!!! LOL!!!

Lisa :)

Lisa,

I was going to suggest that you tell those women that you want to deal with their bosses if there's one more error that puts you weeks behind in your move. If their jobs are on the line or their carelessness or incompetence is seen by a higher up, you might see better results.

Debi

Lisa, you probably already know this, but if you're out of pocket because of these delays, then in most jurisdictions people like that have to carry 'errors and omissions' insurance, which should pay your extra expenses. Of course, going after them may involve more hoops than you want to jump through, but it's just a thought.



On Thur, 26 Mar 2009 20:42:56 GMT, QT - Lisa Tiedeman <
qtopic-42-NRbBVx5au2uv@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Sharon ~ I don't think it's the seller, necessarily, delaying the close, as much as it is the errors made by the escrow agent, and real estate agent. These two ladies brains, put together, don't quite add up to one single working brain! Blows me away!

Lisa :)

LOL -- Wow, Lisa....you are a faster typist than I!!!!! LOL Here I thought I'd beat you to the punch.

It's a good thing you read everything! I'm still not understanding tho, given the terms of your sale, why the seller has delayed the close.

Talk with ya soon.....

XO Sharon F - AZ

Maisry,
She's talking about a different kind of escrow. You are right...The impound account with a loan for payment of taxes and insurance is call an Escrow Account.

However, the process of buying/selling a home in California does not go through a roundtable closing with attornies...The procedure is called Escrow. In Northern California it is a division of the title insurance company. Here, the Escrow Department prepares the title transfer documents and handles the collection and distribution of the funds.

I spent 22 WONDERFUL (??) years in that business :o)

Sharon F - AZ IS2

Hi Maisry! Yes, escrow is required to clear the title, as the house is a reposession, and bank owned. We are, indeed, doing our own taxes & insurance (no impounds), to make things a bit easier. Unfortunately, our escrow agent & real estate agent have been making some serious errors, which is now delaying the process. If you can believe it, they have the house on their paperwork with the wrong address (wrong city!), as well as our names being misspelled. We keep signing all of these "addendums" and we were told yesterday that we may not actually get the keys to the house until the 17th. Was supposed to be the 3rd. We're the ones that are suffering due to the unacceptable errors being made. All we can do is just hang in there, and just know that it will all work out in the end. :)

Lisa :)

Rosie, I'd use those on my more formal dinner settings! They are lovely. The knife rest could be used for the butter knife, and all you need is a tiny silver salt spoon to make the picture complete. Yes, that's some kind of collection. It can be a collection of that pattern if nothing else.

Lisa, Escrow? is it required in your contract for the loan? If not, I strongly recommend you save your own money for taxes and insurance, rather than paying a bank to do it. They charge an arm and a leg to escrow. I keep a seperate little saving account and put my tax and insurance money in it, so it earns me interest instead of interest for Wells Fargo.
Maisry

Rosie,

That is a very nice set all matching. Maybe we could interest you in a few more salt cellars... You already have two, and I understand three makes a collection.

Debi

Thanks Lisa! I'm thinking of putting the set on my stove top with salt and pepper and actually using it for cooking. Maybe I can use the knife rest as a spoon rest. I enjoy things more when I use them and have them in a place where I see them on a regular basis.

Rosie - the pattern looks like Quartered Block by McKee. Gorgeous matching knife rest, and I've never seen one in the Q.B. pattern! Lovely!

Lisa :)

The salt cellars match the knife rest and have not only a starburst design but also a design that looks like a small Christmas present or wrapped package. Hard to see in the photo.

Salt cellars and knife rest

That would be super, Rosie. We all love to see pics of the treasures that are out there :o) I'm so glad you found the info you were looking for. Success is always rewarding. We'll be looking forward to your pictures :o)

Sharon F. - AZ

Hopefully I can take a few minutes (in the nex day or two) from my busy schedule and get a pic on here of the salt cellars and the knife rest.

Well Sharon...you are exactly right! I did a search on "cut crystal knife rest" and sure enough that's what it is! Thanks again. My husband's grandmother was from England and we figure she must have brought it with her to the US. It's in perfect condition, as are the salt cellars, and I plan on displaying it in our home. Thanks again!

Rosie,

If you run into any trouble, Debi can best help you navigate this site, or you can send them directly to me at sapphirecactus@yahoo.com and I'll up load them here for you.

Sharon F - AZ

Yep, that certainly sounds like a knife rest! My Dad collects them, and is going to be the speaker at our next salt meeting. :) Pictures would be great, Rosie, whenever you get a chance to upload them. :)

Taking a break for a minute from YET MORE packing, and dealing with escrow. The only way for me to stay somewhat sane right now is to take a break and do "salty stuff".

How is your room addition coming along, Brenda?

Lisa :)

Ok..just noticed the "upload image" button. Will do this evening...thanks again.

Hello Sharon and thanks! How do I post pictures. If I have to join to do it here I'd rather send the pictures to your email address. Thanks

Hi, Rosie,

Could you post pictures? It sounds as if the crystal dumbbell might be a knife rest. My aunt used to have several of those. Pictures would be great!

Sharon F - AZ

Hello all! My brother in law recently gave me a box of china that belonged to my deceased mother-in-law. In the box were three pieces of cut crystal. Two pieces are identical and measure 1-1/8 in. high x 1-3/4 in. in circumference. I think they are salt cellars. The third piece is not as easy to describe. It is 4 in. long with a ball at each end, the balls each measure 1-1/4 in x 1-1/2 in. The balls are attached by a piece of crystal that is 1-3/4 in long and 3/4 in. in diameter. It kinda looks like a crystal dumbbell. The only thing I can figure is that it is a set of two salt cellars and the dumbbell sits on top as a lid to the salt cellars. If anyone has any idea what this is or if I am correct I would really appreciate a response...it's driving me crazy!

Hi Diane,

Send me an email at opensalt@frontiernet.net and I'll send you the membership form. With it, you can sign up for OSCAR and the national newsletter. We look forward to having you on "board"!! :-)

Empress Judy
Sunny but cold Upstate NY

How would I go about paying dues for OSCAR? I was planning on filling out the form for a newsletter, but wasn't sure if I needed to join and sign for the newsletter together. Judy...Do you take care of that? Diane

Thanks Sharon...I'm devouring all the information about home improvements that I can get my hands on. This day and age you really need to watch out for yourself and know what's going on so it's done right the first time.

Brenda

Brenda,

There is a Home Improvement radio broadcast in our area that is really quite reliable. They have a website http://rosieonthehouse.com/ where you can send questions and they will answer them. You might want to give that a try.

Sharon F - AZ IS2

We're pricing different contractors to install stone veneer to the front of our new addition and along the existing foundation of the rest of the house. Anyone have any experience with veneer and have any advice or suggestions?

Brenda

I understand.

QT is Quick Topic and yes, I think the reason for the strange symbols is because you replied to an email instead of directly on the board.

The gray star means you are logged in. It gives you the ability to edit or delete your posts. If you are not logged in, you will not be able to do that.

Regarding asking about buyers or sellers, or any eBay IDs: I guess I would say that we do not hesitate to point out bad sellers to make one another aware. In the case of a seller with 100% feedback rating, I don't understand the need to ask questions since there's apparently no known problems with them. If you just wonder if anyone has dealt with them, then I suppose asking anyone to write to you should be accompanied by your email address for responses. I don't want to make or impose a lot of rules on the boards so we just need to keep in mind that anyone, especially buyers or sellers of open salts may frequent these boards and see anything written about them.

Debi

This may seem like a rediculous question but, why is there a tiny gray star by my name?

What's QT mean and all those funky fonts?? Is that because I sent my email straight from my own account? D

Yes, I understand this is an open forum and saying something in favor of or against isn't a great idea. Is there a place where we could be more candid? &#C2;&#A0;I guess private email, correct? &#C2;&#A0;Diane

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Green Valley Auctions did the selling of the Berghold collection plus a couple other collections, I want to say they also sold part of the Tucker collection but this one I am not sure of. Debi did a great job on making these auctions and results available to us. I have always wanted to know the names we go by on ebay at one time I did start making a list but gave up after awhile. Sarah

Before the end of the year, there were live auctions on eBay where you could bid from your computer right at a live auction as it was taking place. That was discontinued December 31, 2008. Green Valley Auctions is a major auction house. I do not remember offhand who rowhouse is, but the name eBay ID is familiar to me. One thing we must always keep in mind is that this board is open for anyone to read or comment on. Without know full circumstances it's often hard to determine why someone either left or received a negative feedback. The only one I ever got was from the seller after I left only a neutral for her. The item was so poorly wrapped that it broke. No refund for me because I paid in cash to another country. There's always two sides to a story unless someone is piling up bad feedback. Then they probably are a problem to deal with.

Debi

That's who left them negative feedback. Go to www.toolhaus.org and type in "rowhouse."

I just looked up greenvalleyauctions and it appears to be a major auction house, right? It also seems reputable. This can't be the same person on ebay, right?

Brenda how do you know the name greenvalleyauctions? Where is that listed? D

Diane...I'm not sure who it is, but they seem to have good feedback, with only one negative in their history: (Payment was fine but his emails were very rude. Overall unpleasant experience.Seller: greenvalleyauctions).

It might be one of the salts members, because they seem to have some knowledge about what they're selling. I hope that this helps!

Brenda

Hi! Does anyone know anything about the seller, "Rowhouse" on ebay? D

Brenda...I remember you mentioned a while back that you were putting an addition onto your house. How wonderful that it is underway! Yes, the decision-making is difficult for me too, because I constantly second-guess myself. Let us know how the addition goes, and when you get stressed, or overwhelmed, don't be feeling alone over there! LOL!! You have company!

Lisa :)

Lisa...I think that 1/2 acre is quite substantial, especially in a developed area, so you enjoy your yard! We've got five acres here in PA, but most of it is wooded or hilly, so our, "yard," is probably about 1/2 acre as well. We're currently putting a decent-sized addition on our house, so I can relate to the stress factor. My biggest thing is choices, and hoping that I'm making the right ones! I'm so happy for you and your family and know that you'll have a blast after all the red-tape and paperwork part is complete. Have fun!

Brenda

Oh my gosh, those of you who live back east and have houses on MANY acres must be laughing at me right now by considering 1/2 an acre as huge! LOL!!! But...in California 1/2 an acre is a big hunk o' land! :)

Lisa :)

Hey Brenda! Escrow opened last week, and we've had a chance to get it inspected, and go in and do measuring. All is going well! Escrow should close around the 30th. :) We had to deal with a small hole in the roof, which was repaired the other day, but while the hole was open, we had a bee infestation, which made me so nervous. As of today, all the bees are gone. One thing we love, and are going to have to get used to is the massive size of the yard. We're so used to our tiny yard, and this house has 1/2 an acre ~ all of which right now is sand, tumble weeds, and scrub brush. I have HUGE plans, and our son, Keith, will be as buff as the Incredible Hulk by the end of the summer with the work I have lined up for him. LOL! I have to say, this whole house buying process has been more stressful than I thought it would be. I was warned about the stress involved, but I had no idea! I'm looking forward to the fun part, which will be actually moving in, and being able to say the house is OURS!

Lisa :)

Well Lisa...what's the update on your new abode?

Diane if you go to the web page and click on clubs then OSSOTW NC there is a link for all convention info and forms to order the salt. If you have any problems email me directly at hgsalts@earthlink.net. It is not to late to order a convention salt. Sarah

Hi on one of these board some one asked about new salts. A fun collection are the new ones that commemorates either a clubs anniversary or a Conventions. If you want to start collecting these salts the 11th Convention salt can still be ordered. This salt is beautiful. All the convention salts are in limited supply with usually just the number ordered being produced.
Sarah

Yeah Lisa! Got all my fingers and toes crossed this comes off smoothly and you're moving in before we know it. Do, please, tell us more about it!
Maisry

Diane, Ohhhh yes! So difficult, heart breaking for a parent. Sounds like she's doing better now. Hope that sticks! I was lucky with Daniel as an adolescent, but as a young child ####! Daniel is the most effective passive agressive person I have ever met. I retired from a public school district where I worked with people of all ages, (staff as well as students.) Never met anyone able to be so utterly unreachable as Daniel when he decided to be. He was also dangerous. He scarred foolish teachers who didn't believe me that it was best not to touch unless trained and ready for his possible reaction. All the struggle paid off, though. He's a wonderful man. People out of the blue tell me just how great my son is. He's a person who radiates peace and good will.

Hang in there mom! It used to seem just terrible to me. Now it's kind of like the way we remember labor. I know it was hard, but now I forget the pain, and keep the pride that I got us through it, as well as the joy of this friend my son has become.
Maisry

Maisry I don't know where to begin with Sarah. As I'm sure you'd agree, daily tellings would stress others just by hearing them. Sarah is currently under the umbrella of Nonverbal Learning Disorder(Spectrum of Asberger traits) which means she can function academically but has aspects of the disability. She's a very black and white thinker, she doesn't see the gray in life. She's quite literal as far as her understandings of the world and she has emotional difficulties as a result of that. She grew up very bossy and not popular. Would make friends very easily because she's very articulate but had difficulty keeping them. She was bullied and cyberbullied to the point of almost harming herself in eighth grade. We pulled her out of public school and began the never ending search for an "apprpriate" setting. She was hospitalized 12 times over the course of 3 years and switched medications dozens of times. She attended three different schools which were for children with some form of anxiety/depression and each would go well for awhile, then she would grow out of them. About a year ago we had her going to a Therepeutic school where she learned about her disability and matured. They took her off most of her medications and she was fine. We've had minor adjustments since. She currently is a junior in a high school for kids who struggle and is doing grade level work. She's made friends and is happy. She still has a lot of difficulties but the social skills work, tutoring and constant, minute by minute reinforcement has helped. It's a hard life as a parent to see your child go through life with such difficulty, but I try very hard to focus on how far she has come and hope one day she'll have a job and a happy life. I just hope she is happy and can be self sufficient in the way she wants to be.
I think we may have a lot in common. Though our children have difficulty in different facets of their life just the understanding of the trials and tribulations that come having a child with these kinds of problems leaves a lot of respect and understanding.

That's great, Lisa! I look forward to photos documenting you turning the front door key for the first time, hopefully with a bottle of sparkly in the other hand.

Hi everyone! Great news!!! The house we wanted goes into escrow today!!! We are so excited ~ and nervous! :) We will be homeowners in 30 days! YAY!!!!!!!

Lisa :)

Diane, I don't mind you asking at all. Daniel has Aspergers. It was diagnosed as Autism when he was small, but later the presentation proved mild enough to change the diagnosis. I used some rather radical material to work with him all through, things I learned from books about brain damage. It worked far better than anyone trusted back then. He's now twenty nine years old (going on twenty or so.)

People don't detect that he has a disability until they ask him to write something (writes at about 1.6 or 2 and is still improving.) He's savant like in his perceptions of certain aspects of human behavior, while nearly unaware of things most of us perceive without effort in early childhood. He can watch retail customers shop then reorganize merchendize in such a way that they buy more of specific items. I had to consciously and repeatitively teach some social skills, and that seems to have made a huge difference. He was a difficult two year old, a terrifying nine year old, and an angel teenager.

What sort of challenges are you and your daughter dealing with, if you don't mind my asking?
Maisry

Edited by author 03-04-2009 06:12 PM
I missed three days of reading this board and I can't believe the sheer number of emails and important information I missed.
Debi, yes I have the open salt book and love, love it. I would die for a cameo salt or others on those first few pages!!Your cobalt is outstanding. Cobalt is my favorite color and I have several pieces. Beautiful, beautiful color. Infact, one of the sellers on this site is/was selling a cobalt open salt.
Lylean, thanks for getting back to me. I live 5 minutes from Ocean Grove and my sister in law lives in Jackson as well. She got a beautiful house many years ago with great property. She's a Real Estate Agent. I love the Grove and in the spring and summer go often to the shops or have lunch. My husband and I would go to the coffee shop there where there was entertainment last summer. It's just a very serene, pretty area to walk around. When I was attending Monmouth College my husband and I lived on Webb Ave. in an apartment.
Chris, I enjoyed your story about your kids. My son is 19 years old and he has expressed SOME interest in my salt cellars. I always say to them to sell my salts..don't put them on the curb or sell at a garage sail when I go. (pretty glum) I'll be 47 next week and I feel a lot older these days!!
Lea, the sewing machines are hystericle!!! My house is 100 years old and very small. My husband would definately have a stroke if that were my collection.
Maisry, if you don't mind my asking what is your son's disability? I'm a special education teacher and have a daughter myself who has many emotional and educational issues.
There are so many names on this chatting board I can't keep track of all of you. I've never done a chat thing before!!

Judy,

The cleaning part is easy. Once every year (or two) it all comes down a section at a time, into the dishwasher and back up after dusting off the shelf. Got smart the last time and put some of that really thin foam wrapping down. So the shelf stays clean and I only have to shake off the dust. Also, the stuff can't vibrate around so it all stays put.

I picked all of those up at flea markets and antique shows, but never paid a lot for any of them. Some I've found out are actually pretty good. Like there's a really small pair of Imperial threaded rosebowls with a pretty good value. I really have not seen any in years that I don't already have up there. I could probably do my own "cobalt book." LOL

Debi

Debi, I have to be careful to not spend to much time gazing at your cobalt glass, or I'll run out and buy some! I've always been attracted to it, but I just don't have the room for larger glassware. Yours is lovely!
Maisry

Judy, no, haven't read that author, but will, since you mentioned her. Actually, I'm an utterly addicted bookworm and will read cereal boxes if nothing else is close by.

Lea, I'm actually building doll's houses for doll's houses. I've gotten kind of carried away with the last two larger pieces, and these, even though they're scale, wouldn't work in a doll house. They're monstrous mansions, one Victorian and one extreme-modern. Building these, for me, is a lot like crocheting or something. Messier, but more fun.

My son is doing great, Lisa. He's got a management position in a local department store. He's driving a very nice car he's had fixed up, and has rented the ground floor of the house he and his dad share. (Dad needs the rent, since retiring.) Daniel is very solvent, very responsible. He's a wonder! I'm proud of his accomplishments in the face of his disability. Who would have thought that a child with his disabilities would grow up to be able to help his aging father? The most important accomplishment, though, is that he is a wise and compassionate man. I hope your son does as well! Thank you for asking.
Maisry

Oh, Debi - you know I'm drooling right now! But the "cleaning" part would keep me away from something like that, lazy slob that I am!

Maisry, have you ever read Lois McMaster Bujold? I actually dated her brother, so spent some time with her. This was at the very beginning of her now extremely successful career. Neat lady.

Okay, off to check the "regular" board!

Empress Judy
Still frozen Upstate NY

Those should be put together with #1 on the left followed by #2 and #3. That's the long kitchen wall.

Debi

Picture 3

Picture 2

Picture 1

Lea,

In answer to your question about what else some of us collect, I must say I started out with stamps but that was just something to pass the time at home. Once Larry started collecting old gold item, especially wood shafted clubs, I soon tired of looking for those and started looking at everything else at the Indy fairground shows we went to every other weekend or so, or when we traveled around Indiana on weekends. The open salts caught my eye in Ed Bowman's booth and I bought a handful of the newer pretty colored glass ones. After that I was buying every other one I could find. Just wish I'd taken the time in the beginning to keep track of them and what I paid for them. But other things attracted me too, like kitchen glassware. I bought old refrigerator dishes, reamers, measuring cups etc. Also millefiore glass with all the colors. Just love that and still have a lot of it although not on display anywhere. I should sell most of that, but I think most of mine is old and with all the repros out there now, people won't buy the old expensive stuff online. Can't say I blame them. Just another example of how seeing is believing. But I guess the biggest collection other than salts is cobalt glass. It's all around my kitchen on a shelf about 15" lower than the ceiling. Must take pictures of that someday. I have 3 pics of just the wall with all the vases and rose bowls, but not all the rest. I am going to see if we can post pictures here too.

Debi

Gee, Maisry, I'm having enough trouble in 1:48th scale; I can't imagine going even smaller!

I also like to think that we collectors and packrats are the evolutionary product of successful hunter-gatherers. In prehistoric times, we not only brought home the nuts and berries, but also snaffled up the interesting looking branches and stones that later proved to be the beginnings of useful tools. And because we felt the need to share our discoveries and the stories of how we got them, we also probably pioneered the arts, a.k.a. show and tell.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Yeah, Maisry, why is it that the men's "collections" are much bigger, and more expensive? LOL! Craig can't complain about my salts because his fishing stuff is much more expensive, and takes up lots more room! So there! :)

I hope your son is doing well! I think about him often because he and Keith are a lot alike. :)

Lisa :)

Lea, I collect minerals (rocks,) birds (sculptures,) boxes, Tarot decks, certain science fantasy authors in paperback, and I make miniature doll houses, as in 1/8"=1' down to 1/32"=1' in full detail. I make other stuff, too. My husband doesn't fuss, because his collections are bigger and more expensive than mine. My kids like the stuff I collect, though they don't quite get some of it. My son seems to be more interested in my salt collection than anyone. Wierd, but then, he's the one with the most similar personality to mine, too. The girls are are all into modern, money, or very expensive.
Maisry

Hey Diane - please shoot me an email so I can send you the OSCAR newsletter. As you can tell, we're all "enablers" here!!! LOL!

opensalt@frontiernet.net

Empress Judy
11 degrees in Upstate NY

Hi Diane, We lived in OG for 14 years when we moved from Pa. Then two years ago we headed 17 miles west to JACKSON, NJ. It is about 6 miles from Six Flags Great Adventure....What is your association with OG ???? I spent my summers there as a kid...and when we were transferred to NYC we decided to move there....Send me an email and we can talk more when I get back home.

By the way....it is cold here today.....45 degrees...but better than the 12 inches of snow awaiting us when we return to NJ !!!!!

I guess she's not entirely 'anti', since she did get me a viking ship salt as a stocking stuffer. She figured I already probably had that one, but she was proud to have found it and at a thrift shop price. She was right that I already had it, but I was pleased as punch that she thought of it for me.
I had also been avoiding swan salts, because there's so many and I'd want them all, and at first I got one, and she looked at me rather sternly, then I got another handful and she acted sorely disappointed with me. She says she's not at all keen on the old glass ones. I think the details escape her notice and they all look alike to her. But she loves the silver and enamel ones and any that are truly tiny, such as the Satsumas that are under an inch in any direction.

I wonder what she'll do with them when I'm gone. I think maybe she'll keep the viking ship salts, since I've managed to collect about 60 different ones and they have such a strong theme.

Of course, I don't just collect salts. There's the two dozen complete set of Twelve Days of Christmas ornaments. She's definitely aided and abetted on the Mouse King ornaments. There's the mineral collection, the spoons, the charms, the pendants, all the dollhouses and furnishings, the mini perfume bottles, and on it goes. But it could be worse: my daughter's losing the moral high ground now that her knitting stash is flowing beyond the room set aside for it. Also, I have a friend who collects sewing machines and has dozens and dozens of them around her house, and is now moving into spinning wheels. At least most of the stuff I collect is pretty small individually. It's the collective mass of it all that's daunting.
 What do the rest of you collect besides salts?

Oh Lea, you poor thing, must re-train that daughter. My daughters all aid and abet my addiction to salts, even though they don't collect. They have fun seeking them out, and it solves the gift problem for them. One likes to find them at yard sales, another hunts antique shops and another actually finds them in thrift stores. They proudly recant the stories of their "finds" or "bargains".

I definitely collect new salts, though I'm trying to stay away from ones like the chicken-on-a-nest type, not because I don't like them, but because as a saltoholic I know I'd want one in every possible colour and variation! (I have a total of one--and if I feel the need for more, I call my mentor, a.k.a. daughter, who disapproves of all of it anyway.)

What I do like to get are new salts that are good examples of modern design or are imaginative, such as the open salt&pepper combinations like the sandbox and pail, or the split heart with spoons that look like one arrow when they are in place.

I also decided to get stuff like the Avon repro, because one day these will be valued for themselves. After all Royal Derby Imari started as a homegrown repro of Asian designs, and have you looked at what even the brand new stuff goes for today?

Lea

Diane,

Do you have the book, The Open Salt Compendium? If not, make sure hubby knows it's what you want for your birthday, anniversary, or whatever is coming up next. They should have sold the book with drool cups.

In answer to your question...New salts are worth collecting if they are reasonably priced and you really like them. That's what any of what you collect should be...Something you really like. You have already found out that intaglios in holders go quickly and you have some stiff competition in that arena. We have several people who collect all sorts of intaglios.

Regarding the brass cleaning, we have had that discussion several times but it's always worth repeating for newcomers...So you guys that own those things...Let's hear from you again.

Debi

Are new salts worth collecting? I tend to purchase old ones. I die for the Cameo salts...too high for me. The Monet Stumpf is intersting...I saw one up on the site. The Intaglios in the holders are beautiful. I have many not in holders. I have some of the brass looking holders but unsure how to shine up. Any suggestions??

This is fun. I don't have anyone I can share my obsession of salts to!!

I think if we had a disposable income it would be easier. I'm a teacher and use my tutoring money and holidays to get them. I'm really into french opaline lately and they run quite high. Also, the art glass ones are stunning. Expensive taste here. I started with small ones and it took no time to get to the more elaborate. Think hubby would like me to use that $ for more sensible things. What's the fun in that?????

I guess I am one of the lucky ones, my husband supports my collecting habits, and he doesn't collect anything.....he goes with me salting and doesn't complain, in fact, he even moved his mothers china out of the cupboard the other day to make more room for my salts.

Welcome Diane. I live in Delaware and Lyleann was the one who introduced me to OSCAR and I have been hooked to the club since! I had a small collection and had dabbled in it before joining. Last year we had two meetings in your neighborhood!! The meetings are so informing and everyone is just "FAB"!

Lyleann: You sure picked a great time to go South! It looks like we are getting about an inch an hour and it doesn't stop until Monday sometime!

Sure would like to have some of that snow and cold here. We're having one scary drought/heat wave, bugs already, and the trees are budding. Trouble is March is our snowiest month and winter usually lingers until mid April or later. When this kind of year happens, we often end up with killer storms that knock down those budding trees. If we don't get the storms, we're so dry we're going to blow away.
Maisry

Diane: Welcome! Collecting open salts is a bit strange. Most people don't even know what they are but once they find out, they think they're pretty neat. It helps if your husband has his own collecting interests, then he can't criticize. Just fill in the blank next time he mentions the salts ..."I have my salts, and you have your ______________!! (cars, golf, fishing, football, poker, etc.) Works every time. Take some time and look over the website and if you have any questions you can always email one of us or just ask on the chat page.

Earlene: I do feel a little sorry for you that you have snow and are not used to it or cold weather, but not that much. I like when someone else gets a little taste of what we've had since November. You can do it for just one day! You will hit 70 again long before we'll ever see it. I still see that mountain of snow looking out my back window. It's pretty ugly and dirty now but it's not going anywhere when we still have single digit temperatures in the morning. Not that I ever see it but Larry tells me so! LOL I don't do mornings.

Debi

Diane ~ Welcome! ALL of our husbands think we're a bit nuts for collecting, but in time they come around to our way of thinking! :)

Lisa :)

Nancy how nice of you to send me a message. Lately I seem to be getting to the Intaglios in holders a little late. I don't sell, I just collect. My husband REALLY thinks I'm nuts!! I'm a full time teacher, so unless the shows or gatherings are on the weekends or over the summer, it would be difficult. I don't even know what all of this is about yet. Any information would be great!!

Hi, Diane, Welcome to the salt collectors of NJ. There are quite a few of us in the NJ and PA area. I am in North Jersey (Bergen County) and I am a charter member of OSCAR. You would love us all and Lyleann is great! It would be nice if you could come to our meeting next week in York as Judy mentioned. We have a lot of fun and we have "buy and sell" there also.
I think I have been competing with you for the intaglios and art glass in holders as I have been buying a lot of them lately.
I am so happy you found us. Nancy D

Hi Diane,

I am the editor of one of the salt club newsletters and would love to email or snail mail you a copy. The group is OSCAR (and you can find all sorts of information about all of our great clubs on our even greater web site at the opensalts.info link above). OSCAR is the logical club for you based on geography, but lots of us are members of all of the clubs. Please email me at opensalt@frontiernet.net. We actually have a meeting in the York, PA area next week (March 7) and would love for you to come! We always have a great time and everyone is very friendly and welcoming. I hope to hear from you!

Judy

I'm here in Northern Alabama where we just had our first snow fall of the season. The wind is just howling. The temperatures are on a roller coaster. It is in the sixties one day and the next will be the twenties. we have snow today and we are suppossed to be close to seventy by Friday. And of course everyone is sick with the fluctuating temps.

Edited by author 02-28-2009 05:37 PM
Hi Lyleann
I'm an ebay customer. I had purchased a salt from you awhile back and when I saw your ebay listings and then your name here, I knew you must live in New Jersey. I just recently sent you a question regarding your salts on ebay. Do you live in Ocean Grove? I saw those prints you had had and I thought you may live down here. You have beautiful salts on this site. I've been collecting for over a year and am very interested in the more unusual. Currently I've been purchasing the art glass salts in the holders. The intaglios are beautiful and I attempt to get ones that are in the holders. There's a few on this site that sold that were stunning! Do you live in the Grove??

Lyleann,

Hope you are far enough south in Florida to stay warm because they just predicted snow in the Carolinas today or tomorrow. Could get a little nippy in northern Florida.

Debi

 Hi everyone, We are in Florida visiting with the grandchildren. It it so warm and beautiful...not like cold NJ !!!

Hang in there Lisa! My niece is moving into a rental with a former college roommate. They are so excited because it looks like they are going to get one of those renovated brownstones in downtown San Fran. She now rents a unit with 3 male friends and has had it! But, it was all she could afford when she went out there. It's even worse than New York City where she formally lived! because of the Sale market the flippers are now offerings rental leases....some are for 2 years!

I want to sell my place and move to a bit larger one and perhaps return to the ocean area in Delaware. Even though this was a new condo and it's great I am so frustrated with the builder (he left us high and dry!) and the assessment fee keeps going up and up. It could take 5 years or more to level off......I can relocate closer to family, gain another bedroom and a gargage as well as a community room and pool! I just have to bite the bullet and let it go at cost to sell fast. They even have villas and single homes in this new community! Just far enough away from the tourist but 15-20 minutes from the ocean. In fact, I can take the Ferry across the bay to Cape May and visit Lyleann faster than driving it now in traffic. And, the view is nicer! Just further from PA OSCAR folks but closer to Virginia! Delaware is so small that it I should not complain...especially to those of you in the Mid West!

Getting sick the last 3 months has not helped as I am piled high with boxes, more a lot into a storage unit, but have not sold any of the things I inherited or want to keep from my parents. We are selling their house. People think I should buy it and let my daughter and family live in it with me......it's large on 2 acres of land, 3 garges, and a workshop! I have lived with adult children in the past on a temporary stay and I am not sure I can handle it full time!!

I like my quiet time and not getting dressed, etc. With web cams, etc. you just have to be careful and make sure your's is off when you aren't ready to be seen!! I forgot once and was in an old college tee shirt and sweats! In fact, it was so cold when I was sick that I lived in sweatshirts and pants!! For once I was cold and not hot!! And, that's not up for discussion!!

Great idea Debi!

Lisa, Good luck on your search. I know there have been lots of foreclosures in that area. Perhaps you might get lucky and find one of those available. With HGTV, it amazes me that in Texas and the south you
can get a McMansion for $200,000 !!!! Here in NJ it would be over a million !!!!! Let us know when you find your "treasure".

How sweet you are, Brenda! :) We just got home after spending 8 hours today going from house to house, and saw some nice ones. I am, admittedly, a wishy-washy kinda gal, and very indecisive. I haven't yet found the house that screams at us yet, but tomorrow is another day of looking. :)

Lisa :)

Lisa...good for you for getting into the homeowners game--there's nothing like having your own place. Sorry you haven't found anything great yet, but your special place is out there, and when you find it, you'll know that it was meant for you! Keep looking and keep us posted on what you find!

Brenda

From the looks of the economy in California right now, Lisa,there may be tons of houses sold at a huge loss there before too long. Colorado is gearing up for an immigration. Our state government is actually discussing where they're going to put transportation funds based upon the likely influx of California refugees. Last time Ca had a deeper recession then Co, we had a big boom that lasted for years!

When I was a kid we said "Kansas bred people for Colorado." After the last recession it turned into "California manufactures people for Colorado." I watch those HGTV shows, too. It's flat weird how much house one can buy in one place compared to another.
Maisry

Lisa,

I know what you mean about how much house you get for the money. I watch HGTV a lot and see what people pay for a small wreck of a house in LA and fix it up and try to flip it. Our house is about a half a million out there and it's still under 2000 sq. feet. But we do have a full basement under our ranch style, so it's a huge basement. You could get a mansion over here compared to CA for the same money. And without the bars on the windows unless you are in Detroit, Southfield, or Pontiac.

I wish you luck in your house hunt. I understand about moving. I was stuck doing all the packing both times we moved because Larry had to go ahead of me because of his job. He stayed in a company apartment and did some house searching in free time. It took about 3 months both times to find a house and start moving. If we ever move again, he retired now so I figure it'll be his turn to pack, but I'm not going to hold my breath. LOL

Debi

Yeah, isn't CA wonderful? As if everyone who lives here has money oozing out their pores! LOL! We thought of leaving the state, but our families are here, and I've never lived in any other state! I know Sharon wants us to move to AZ, right Sharon? :) I'm always amazed at how much actual "house" you can buy in other states in comparison to CA. You're lucky if you have room between each house to park an RV, and anything over 1,300 square feet living space is considered a mansion. LOL! My head just buzzes by the evening after looking at so many houses, and getting more and more confused as time ticks by.

Lisa :)

Lisa,

I was thinking of you and all my other CA buddies when hearing of the great plan to save CA by taxing even more. Was silently wondering how many of you might think about leaving the state altogether!

Debi

What a great way for me to get this off of my chest....Craig and I have been searching for weeks now for a house to buy, due to the market being so low right now, and with so many foreclosures. We sit here amongst pillars of boxes because I refuse to wait until the last minute to start packing 11 years worth of "stuff". Been renting the same house for 11 years now. We've spent weeks searching different areas, only to be knocked back down again due to the prices being too high, or the area being too cruddy. I'm starting to lose hope! I know it sounds silly to those of you who own homes, but being a first-time home buyer is kinda scary. Just wanted to get that off of my chest ~ and thank you Debi for this great way to "vent" to those who will understand, and listen. Heck, men don't get why we women fret over things they find so trivial ~ like packing, kids changing schools, etc. LOL!!! Guess it all falls right on the stronger-sex's back! Yep, us women!
Thanks for letting me vent!
Lisa :)

Hi! Hate to get dressed, too. <grin>
Maisry

Sorry about the noise Lea. Other than that small apology I'd better keep my comments to myself.

I'm with you on "getting dressed." I don't leave the house often, especially in winter, so there's no real reason to gussy up.

Thought this might be a good place to talk about the weather, ask each other how they're doing, or just bitch about something in general without affecting the open salt chat page. Should have thought of it ages ago. There's no cost for the Quick Topic page, but I think posting pictures is very limited unless you pay. But just about anything we'd want to post pictures of can go on the regular chat page anyway.

Debi

OK, how many of us think putting on a clean nightie constitutes 'getting dressed'?

The be-robed masses thank you, Debi!

BTW, I'm having trouble having my afternoon nap because of all the helicopters buzzing overhead. I live in downtown Ottawa and we have a certain President Obama in town for a visit. Did anyone bother to tell him that, going by average January and February temperatures, he's in the third-coldest capital in the world, after those of Outer Mongolia and Khazakstan, which he's pretty unlikely to visit?

Lea, wondering what sort of nightie is appropriate for a state occasion

Love it!!

Brenda

Great idea Debi! :)

Lisa :)

Debi, you've done it again. You have the best ideas!! Woo-hoo!!!

Empress Judy
Finally above freezing in Upstate NY

Ditto - Ditto - Ditto everything Lyleann said...Yep, even nighties, too LOL

Nice to "see" you again, PJ and Lea. Wondered where you'd been...

Sharon F - AZ IS2

Good idea Debi......but then you always do have excellent ideas.

It's so nice to hear PJ and Leas back on the board. You know I have been worried about you PJ !!!!! And yes, Lea, just as you said I am sitting here in my niteclothes....don't laugh !!!!

Take care everyone....

Feel free to talk about anything else you want on this board...

Debi