The Cappucino Corral

[Luddly Neddite]

buffalo NY might be in for epic flooding and evacuations after the snow melt. They say they have an evacuation plan if it gets to that

I saw some footage of the area - they're gearing up for the worst. They showed a river that just looked horrible, filthy. Ugh.

 

[Statistikhengst]

buffalo NY might be in for epic flooding and evacuations after the snow melt. They say they have an evacuation plan if it gets to that

I saw some footage of the area - they're gearing up for the worst. They showed a river that just looked horrible, filthy. Ugh.

Mother Nature can really be a bitch, but Buffalo is used to really heavy snows. What Buffalo is NOT used to is such extreme snow within only about 96 hours and then a quick melt. That is guaranteed to wreak havoc. Plus, it is then likely to freeze again. Ugh.

 

[Luddly Neddite]

I'm so disappointed with Home Depot.....we were trying to get a bi-fold door to go between our den and our sunroom so we checked with them. Had a guy come out and measure, and told us that Home Depot would be able to cut if need be, one of the many bi-fold doors they carry. After waiting for 3 days and not hearing from them, we called, they couldn't find the paperwork they started on us, but finally the guy was able to find the "measurements" that one of their workers took 3 days before!!! So, we went in, and had to wait for a while as no one was in the "door" area. Finally, after Mr. Mertex went up to customer service and inquired, they sent someone to help us. Well, long story short, they didn't have a door to fit our measurements, and they don't cut or custom make doors, so we just wasted a whole week with them, damn. I found another place that has a web-site and advertises just what we need. Hope this one doesn't do the same as Home Depot!

I have had a lot of trouble there recently as well. They have screwed up several orders for us. I wish we had the old fashioned local hardware stores here but they all went out when HD and Lowes opened.

I guess they are okay for plants, tools, and other things they carry, but not so sure about major jobs, unless you have a lot of patience and don't mind dealing with people that may not be experts in that particular field.

Another big issue is they contract out work. So you never know what you will get. A friend of ours had her kitchen done by them and it was beautiful, another did as well and it looked like a high school shop class built it. It was awful. Of course its warrantied by the Home Depot so they do come back and fix it but its a hassle.

I went through Lowes for my kitchen and they did a great job. I spent a lot of time hands on supervising which might have made a difference but I knew exactly what I wanted and that is what I ended up with. I have had friends comment that it looks like we spent 3 or 4 times what it actually cost.

Speaking of Lowes I had to take back an outdoor lamp that failed. They swapped it out without any hassle at all. In that respect they are better than HD in my opinion.

I haven't shopped at Lowe's since they displayed their religious intolerance towards Americans.

However...I haven't stopped going to Chik-fil-A as planned. I love those sandwiches.

This was pretty cool -

Note that although he talks about problems he had with the VA, I'm posting this because I think its a good example of people helping people. Good stuff.

Lowe's employees come to the rescue of disabled vet with broken wheelchair
(UPDATE: The VA has given a brand new wheelchair to Michael Sulsona)


By Michael Sulsona of Graniteville


In 1971, I stepped on a land mine in Vietnam and lost both legs above the knee.


For the past two years, I have been waiting to receive a new wheelchair from the Veterans Administration. In addition, I have been told that I am not entitled to a spare wheelchair.


On the evening of July 7, my wheelchair fell apart again, while shopping at Lowe's Home Improvement Center in on Forest Avenue in Mariners Harbor.


Three employees, David, Marcus and Souleyman jumped to my assistance immediately. They placed me in another chair while they went to work.


They took the wheelchair apart and replaced the broken parts and told me, "We're going to make this chair like new."


SEND YOUR STORY

Are you a veteran and had problems dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning health issues or other services?


If so, post your experience in the comment section below this story, or read the follow-up report posted Tuesday by clicking here, and post your experience in that comment section.


I left 45 minutes after closing hours in my wheelchair that was like new.


I kept thanking them and all they could say was, "It was our honor."

 

[Bonita Louise]

Stat...prayers ascending for your BIL and his family and friends. for you..

Bonita Louise - thank you for the kind words. I believe you joined USMB right as this all was happening with me and so I have not had time to welcome you to USMB, so let me do that now:

Welcome to USMB!

The Cappucino Corral is for everyone here. A person's ideology or party preference, religion, gender or sexuality are all irrelevant here in terms of how we treat each other. Here is a place for people to park their hats and shoot the shit with the best of them, without worry of any attacks at all. So, just as a reminder to all of us: no politics, no religion, no trolling, no attacks. This is my standard disclaimer and it has nothing to do with you personally at all. It's just a friendly reminder to us all, nothing less and nothing more.

I hope you stop by very often. There are a great many very good people from all over the spectrum who often stop by for some Cappuccino and chat.

By the way, I liked the phrase "prayers ascending". That was very, very kind of you.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I wasn't sure if prayers might be considered out of boundaries but it is a big part of my life and just comes naturally, so i figured someone would tell me if they are unwelcome here as they are a reference to spirituality and/or religion. Please let me know if you would rather i didn't use that wording as i can adjust my vocabulary accordingly. I am not easily offended and strive to not offend others.
Be well Stat..

 

[Bonita Louise]

I didn't win anything last night at our Xmas Bunco party, but the food was good, we all had a good time.

I've only played a couple of times but it was fun!

I didn't win anything last night at our Xmas Bunco party, but the food was good, we all had a good time.

I've only played a couple of times but it was fun!

Are you still watching Homeland? I can hardly wait for tonight's episode. Also, we started watching "The Affair" - that's another one that is really good.

Funny that I've never gotten into Homeland. Everyone says its great but I've never seen it.

But, love Masters of Sex and The Knick.

Just caught a CSI: New York episode where a pro voice-teacher was murdered. Got a chuckle out of that one.



You know, I could get hooked on CSI. The funny part is that I had never seen CSI in English until I was home in Ohio last week and caught one episode on the telly while my sister was sleeping - I am used to the German synchronization. The original voices all sounded thin and nasal. The gal who does Bonisera's voice sounds totally sexy in German

I love listening to people talking German and wish i had taken the time to learn from my Gramms. I'm almost full blooded German with just a fraction of French on my other Gramma's side. My people have been in America since about 1860 and settled in Nebraska by 1890. Gramps and Gramms moved to California after they married in 1925.

 

[Grandma]

The wind was crazy here today. One gust actually shook our house. This house is solid, the last time it shook was during an earthquake. I've never known wind to do that here in NE Ohio, short of a tornado.

The power went off, then came back on, then went off, back and forth, for a couple hours.

Looks like winter's coming.

 

[Grandma]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I wasn't sure if prayers might be considered out of boundaries but it is a big part of my life and just comes naturally, so i figured someone would tell me if they are unwelcome here as they are a reference to spirituality and/or religion. Please let me know if you would rather i didn't use that wording as i can adjust my vocabulary accordingly. I am not easily offended and strive to not offend others.
Be well Stat..

I'm speaking just for myself here, but I don't mind the offering of prayers. During my several hospital stays some very nice people would go through the whole building, stopping in each room to offer a prayer for the patients.

I'm a pagan, so my beliefs are very different, but their kindness and thoughtfulness did wonders for me. I always felt a little bit better after a visit.

 

[Michelle420]

 

[mdk]

The wind was crazy here today. One gust actually shook our house. This house is solid, the last time it shook was during an earthquake. I've never known wind to do that here in NE Ohio, short of a tornado.

The power went off, then came back on, then went off, back and forth, for a couple hours.

Looks like winter's coming.

It was very windy here today as well. Still windy in fact. I spent most of the day in the yard finishing up the last bit of stubborn leaves that finally fell over the last two days. It was quite a challenge raking and bagging with the wind.

I didn't know you are from NE Ohio. I am from Western PA. We're practically neighbors. Cheers!

 

[Pogo]

It's been raining here all day. Which is fine, I'd much rather it were all rain than snow - we'd be as bad off as Buffalo!

They showed a picture of the stadium there in Buffalo where they were supposed to play the game, it's so snowed in, you can't tell where the field ends and the seats begin....wonder how long it'll take to get all that snow out of there?

I think that's a perfect setting for football.

Unless you're a referee. But everybody else -- players, spectators... yee hah!

 

[Pogo]

Firestorm of feelings, or simply the worst of Kismet.​

Hello, everyone, and a good Saturday to you.

You might want to grab a Cappuccino before you read this.

I have decided to announce to the USMB community what has just happened in my life and with my family in the USA. It's hard to write this and not get tears in my eyes. I will only be reporting this here and then that's that.

On October 20th, my dog died. That was two or three days before the Cappucino Corral came into being.

Siox days later, on October 26th, my sister called me from Ohio. Her husband, my brother-in-law, was taken to the hospital. My BIL never had to go the hospital for anything in his life. Apparently, in the summer of 2014, he was beginning to have some back pain, but took Tylenol and Co. to ease the symptoms.

3 hours after my brother in law was admitted, after a number of scans, he was diagnosed with cancer inside every major organ of his body, already fully metastasized. It was already wrapped around his spinal cord. The doctor told him that outside of radical chemo, which he thought would kill my BIL instantly, there was nothing to do. He was given between 3-4 months to live, but one specialist who had seen a number of these cases told my sister right then and there that it was likely 3 to 4 weeks, and not months.

7 days later, my BIL had to go through emergency surgery because his intestines essentially exploded. 5 days after that, once the hospital had set up a hospice bed at my sister's house, he was brought home. During that time, I telephoned with my sister about 50 times. 2 days later, on November 8th in the USA, late evening, November 9th in the AM my time (and that day was also my birthday), he died in his wife's arms. Just 15 days after such a horrifying diagnosis, he was already dead. It should be noted that my sister's line of work in the last 10 years was that of private hospice worker. She went into the homes of people in home-hospice care and tended to them in their last months or even weeks. And now, she had to do this with her own husband.

I flew home with the next available flight, getting in to Dayton on November 12th, to assist in preparing his funeral and all of the many unpleasant and very sad tasks that go with it. When I got through the door of my sister's house in the Dayton, OH area, she fell to pieces. They had been married 20 years and had been together almost 25 years - and it was a true love story in every way.Seated on the couch, I held my sister in my arms for almost 4 hours and let her cry herself slowly to sleep. And over the last 10 days, I spent pretty much every waking moment with her.

The funeral was one week ago, on November 15th. About 300 people were there: family, friends, work colleagues, etc.

I want to tell you something about my BIL: he was the most decent man I ever knew. He never missed a day of work in 42 years, until the week he was admitted to the hospital. Sam (no, that is not his real name, but I am going to call him that here in USMB) always said to me and my sister and to their 5 kids: "work hard, really hard. And when you do go on vacation, make it count." And he decided to do that with his own funeral.

In the 2 weeks between the diagnosis and his tragic death, he made his wishes known for the funeral and the immediate aftermath: he explicitly wished for a knock-down, drag-out, racous party in his honor instead of the usual staid and subdued reception. So, I ordered a boatload of catering and since his one daughter lived down the block from the funeral home, we threw a party there, for about 3 hours. He wanted people to drink his famous "Sam-Special" (Rum, Coke and a special spice, which I am not going to divulge), dance to 70s music and toast to him. And that's exactly what we did. We celebrated his life the way he wanted to be remembered.

My BIL and my sister moved into a new home in the Dayton area in 2008, one with a huge backyard, and immediately, my BIL planted two gardens: one for vegetables, and one for roses. And when the roses were in bloom, my BIL cut roses for my sister every single day and put them in a vase on the dining room table. He even kept a yearly count on a pad on the refrigerator. In 2012, he brought his wife almost 500 roses from the garden! So, for the funeral, I ordered almost 300 roses so that each participant could take a rose home in memory of Sam's loving act for his wife. Pretty much everyone who was there understood the significance of those roses.

Now, I am sure that all of us have suffered loss and tragedy, so in no way should anyone think that somehow I think that this is an isolated case. But I did want to, in the presence of a number of USMB friends and acquantances, bear witness to a man who was more like a brother to me than "just" a BIL. He was a great man, a great brother and a great friend: I miss him terribly, but even more so, my heart breaks into about a thousand pieces for my sister, for he was truly her A and O. Now, in her mid-fifties, she must go on alone, without him. They worked all these years to live the American dream of a home paid-off, kids off to college and finally, some fun in their golden years. But he didn't live to see those golden years.

Between the funeral and the party, I also transported all of the flower arrangements from the funeral home to my sister's house. There were 40 floral arrangements. It was an amazing sight. Thank goodness the rental car company ugraded me from compact to a big mini-van. Good Kismet.

In the five days following the funeral, my sister and I did a ton of paperwork for things she will be needing in the years to come, financial and legal things and such.

Yesterday afternoon, I flew back to Germany and landed just this morning. The last 10 days I just spent in Ohio, at my old "stomping grounds", have been without a doubt the darkest, saddest days of my entire life. So, now you know why I've been scarce most of the time in USMB in the last weeks. And also why I was so subdued on the kind birthday thread that Mertex made for me. Thanks still, Mertex!

In closing, I want to bear witness to an amazing phenomenon concerning my sister's neighbors. She is surrounded by six of the kindest, most caring neighbors I have ever seen. The entire street was in mourning for my BIL, who died at the age of only 61, just three months away from early retirement. I got to know those neighbors in the last ten days and I know they will be visiting my sister quite often and helping her around the house.

I ask of you to keep my sister in your prayers. I would be deeply appreciative of the support for her.

In closing, many thanks to Hossfly , who greeted me at the airport in Charlotte, NC, during my layover. We drank coffee together and talked. What a fine, fine gentleman, a truly kind and decent human being. He took the time out of his day to do this for me. That was just awesome.

Equally awesome was Derideo_Te , who greeted me at the airport in Philadephia during that layover as well. Also a fine, fine, fine gentleman, a truly kind and decent human being who also took time out of his day to do this. What a pleasure it was to get to meet both of you, two very different individuals, but very much alike in your kindness and humanity.

I wish you all a good weekend.

-Stat

Thank you for sharing this, Stat.

You're very lucky to have a close, loving family and your sister is very lucky to have you.

You got served quite a plateful Stat. How you holding up?

Prayer flags awind, for you and your sister...

 

[Mertex]

I didn't win anything last night at our Xmas Bunco party, but the food was good, we all had a good time.

I've only played a couple of times but it was fun!

I didn't win anything last night at our Xmas Bunco party, but the food was good, we all had a good time.

I've only played a couple of times but it was fun!

Are you still watching Homeland? I can hardly wait for tonight's episode. Also, we started watching "The Affair" - that's another one that is really good.

Funny that I've never gotten into Homeland. Everyone says its great but I've never seen it.

But, love Masters of Sex and The Knick.

I kept hearing people mention Homeland, so I told my husband we needed to watch it. I don't remember how we were able to get the previous episodes, whether it was thru NetFlix or On Demand....but we started from the beginning and I got hooked right away. Every episode leaves you hanging and wanting to see the next one.....same as with Breaking Bad and Dexter. Very few programs do that for me. We watched Master of Sex, but sometimes I feel like it just drags on and the episodes don't leave you hanging....I guess I like excitement.

 

[Mertex]

I'm so disappointed with Home Depot.....we were trying to get a bi-fold door to go between our den and our sunroom so we checked with them. Had a guy come out and measure, and told us that Home Depot would be able to cut if need be, one of the many bi-fold doors they carry. After waiting for 3 days and not hearing from them, we called, they couldn't find the paperwork they started on us, but finally the guy was able to find the "measurements" that one of their workers took 3 days before!!! So, we went in, and had to wait for a while as no one was in the "door" area. Finally, after Mr. Mertex went up to customer service and inquired, they sent someone to help us. Well, long story short, they didn't have a door to fit our measurements, and they don't cut or custom make doors, so we just wasted a whole week with them, damn. I found another place that has a web-site and advertises just what we need. Hope this one doesn't do the same as Home Depot!

I have had a lot of trouble there recently as well. They have screwed up several orders for us. I wish we had the old fashioned local hardware stores here but they all went out when HD and Lowes opened.

I guess they are okay for plants, tools, and other things they carry, but not so sure about major jobs, unless you have a lot of patience and don't mind dealing with people that may not be experts in that particular field.

Another big issue is they contract out work. So you never know what you will get. A friend of ours had her kitchen done by them and it was beautiful, another did as well and it looked like a high school shop class built it. It was awful. Of course its warrantied by the Home Depot so they do come back and fix it but its a hassle.

I went through Lowes for my kitchen and they did a great job. I spent a lot of time hands on supervising which might have made a difference but I knew exactly what I wanted and that is what I ended up with. I have had friends comment that it looks like we spent 3 or 4 times what it actually cost.

Speaking of Lowes I had to take back an outdoor lamp that failed. They swapped it out without any hassle at all. In that respect they are better than HD in my opinion.

Well, an update on my Home Depot episode.....I posted where I tried to find some other company and was unsuccessful as all the door companies that I called, don't seem to do bi-fold doors, even though their web-sites say they do. So, Mr Mertex and I were talking and I said, if they only make a certain size door, why can't we hire a carpenter to come and do whatever he has to do to our door frame to make it the size that is needed. So we went back, and this time the other employee, (John, contractor on the side) was really happy to have us come back. He was disappointed that the other employee just let us go without suggesting other possible solutions.....he said we could buy the wider doors and he can cut them to fit, but he's going to do it outside of Home Depot....on his own time and we pay him separately. Anyway, we got a call the other day from him, and he was very apologetic, said Home Depot messed up the order and didn't send it when it was supposed to, but that he had resubmitted it and was checking on it and doors should be here next week. I tell you, if it wasn't for employees like John, Home Depot would probably go out of business....and some employees would help that with their lack of knowledge or interest. Anyway, we think John is going to do a good job....fingers crossed.

 

[Mertex]

We've had hard rains too but the temperature is back up. I took these yesterday. The lake is always changing and always beautiful. View attachment 34281View attachment 34282


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can't see the lake!.......

 

[Mertex]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I wasn't sure if prayers might be considered out of boundaries but it is a big part of my life and just comes naturally, so i figured someone would tell me if they are unwelcome here as they are a reference to spirituality and/or religion. Please let me know if you would rather i didn't use that wording as i can adjust my vocabulary accordingly. I am not easily offended and strive to not offend others.
Be well Stat..

Not at all. I think what they mean is they don't want people discussing religion, because it is such a personal thing and people disagreeing with one's religion or making critical remarks about it just pushes buttons. I pray all the time, mostly for forgiveness as I tend to stick my foot in my mouth too often!

 

[Mertex]

Stat, I keep forgetting to tell you. One of the ladies in my Bunco club is from Germany. She has such a cute accent....anyway, for some reason I always thought that she was a war bride/GI bride. At the Bunco I was fortunate to sit by her husband and through our conversation I found out that he was from Germany as well. So, I asked him, if he had been in the military and he said no, they are both from Germany and they decided to come here because he is a cook and he knew there were a lot more restaurants here in the US than where he lived. He said they first came to Cleveland, Ohio, then moved to Cincinnati, then some other place and then finally ended up in San Antonio. He just retired a few years ago and moved out here to the Hill Country. He speaks good English, which he learned on his own! I need to find out what part of Germany....I forgot to ask.

 

[Sarah G]

My daughter bought me a christmas door hanging that looks like a bow and has some metal parts to it. Anyway the wind got so bad here I t had to take it off the door. It didn't fly off but it kept sounding like someone was knocking. .Seems to have died down npw but it was bad here today.

 

[Dot Com]

I almost needed some prayers after encountering a pothole on my motorsickle last night. I was/am fuming over that episode. The reason is it was apparently "fixed" but they didn't fill it enough. Its still deep enough to wreak havoc on motor vehicles & cause accidents. I'm going to report it to have it addressed.

 

[Bonita Louise]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I wasn't sure if prayers might be considered out of boundaries but it is a big part of my life and just comes naturally, so i figured someone would tell me if they are unwelcome here as they are a reference to spirituality and/or religion. Please let me know if you would rather i didn't use that wording as i can adjust my vocabulary accordingly. I am not easily offended and strive to not offend others.
Be well Stat..

I'm speaking just for myself here, but I don't mind the offering of prayers. During my several hospital stays some very nice people would go through the whole building, stopping in each room to offer a prayer for the patients.

I'm a pagan, so my beliefs are very different, but their kindness and thoughtfulness did wonders for me. I always felt a little bit better after a visit.

Tis the power of positive thinking ..eventually i'll get to know the people here and that will help me adjust my words. Thanks for the help.

 

[Bonita Louise]

I almost needed some prayers after encountering a pothole on my moptorsickle last night. I was/am fuming over that episode. The reason is it was apparently "fixed" but they didn't fill it enough. Its still deep enough to wreak havoc on motor vehicles & cause accidents. I'm going to report it to have it addressed.

Love your avatar..my daughter has a dog that looks like that..without the pie of course, lol.