iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 15, 2021 15:22:53 GMT
My kids were the polar opposite of timid drivers, which is scary in it's own right. But I think the more time behind the wheel, the better the driver. Having a 3rd party instructor would be a fantastic experience. I would go for just the road time only, and not class instruction if possible. In Iowa kids have to take Driver's Ed before they can get their "regular" license. It has been a minute since we did Driver's Ed (also in Iowa). I don't remember it costing a lot, or anything... but it was through the school and the kids got a grade for it on their report card. I seem to remember if kids from out of our district want to be in it, they had to pay more. My kids all took it the summer between 8th grade and freshman year, so that they could drive to school/sports right away. They all had a lot of driving hours under their belt way before Drivers Ed though.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 15, 2021 15:15:40 GMT
Pull a picture of yourself at 14 years old , do you like what you see , your hair ,your clothes ? I am guessing you don’t and rightfully so teenagers have terrible taste This is the best thing I have read today!
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 14, 2021 15:00:57 GMT
His smile looks like he is using someone else's teeth?
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 14, 2021 15:00:04 GMT
I had a toy cash register for my kids. They played store and I would put a small quantity of real money in it. We would play the "change game' and they straight up could make change for anything at a very early age. We are in a saddle club that has a concession stand for rodeos, barrel racing, etc. I went in the stand once and found my 10 year old sitting at the cash register, ringing everyone up and making change. It wasn't the kind of cash register that told you how much change to give back - you had to make change yourself. The club president said, "Your kids are good at this!" LOL My kids all did math through calculus BC and AP stats in high school alone so I’d assume they can make change. Funny about this... as I mentioned above, my kids could make change at a very early age. One of my kids is an Engineer. Started college with Calc 3 and Diff EQ the first semester. Math, math, math. He was working selling ice cream cones at a basketball game for their Club fundraiser. He said "Mom - oh my gosh! I about forgot how to make change!".... he had done so much complex math, that he had to stop for a second to do the super simple stuff! LOL
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 14, 2021 14:51:43 GMT
Always wanted a wedding dress by her. Maybe they’ll come back in style someday. Have you seen the Prairie style dresses at Target? They are not a Jessica McClintock for sure, but of that era. Oh geeze - they look very ... fundamentalist... LOL
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 14, 2021 14:47:26 GMT
Do you know if there's anything a Dr can do about them? She said 2 of the 3 hurt I had mine frozen by my Doctor. This was about 20 years ago, and the only OTC treatments was the Compound W mild acid. I know they have better OTC stuff now - you can actually freeze them with the OTC stuff now. But I would still go to the Doc and have them do it right and get it over with. Tell them you want them gone. It took a week so, but the wart fell out by the root and it healed fast.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 12, 2021 16:33:53 GMT
If I purchase another Silhouette, will I still be able to use the massive library that I've collected/purchased? Just keep your same account, don't change your email or user name. You will have to update your software, if you haven't already. The new Cameo 4 requires the new software. I believe it was 3 but that may have changed in recent years. You can have the upgrades (Designer Edition, etc) installed on 3 devices. I think you can have your Library synced to at least 6 devices.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 12, 2021 15:43:18 GMT
Wow - how pretty! I just love hearing the cardinals in the timber. Their song is so pretty!
I am excited to start seeing my birds again! I love seeing the bluebirds, cardinals, orioles and other colorful birds on my daily rounds! I see so many more eagles and other raptors than I used to. I have some blue herons that hate me and chew me out. The nesting geese also take me to task if I come too close.
I watched the video on the page you linked, about the decline of birds. I am seeing so many MORE birds than I used too. Go figure. I did notice that I am not seeing and hearing the western Meadowlark like I used to though. That is my most favorite sound!
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 12, 2021 15:39:09 GMT
We are farmers/ranchers. What the clock says usually doesn't dictate when we work. Sunup to Sundown is the workday here. Standard time is much better and we are more rested. When it is lighter for longer in the summer, DH just works that much later. I always mumble about the asshole golfers who want a longer day.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 12, 2021 14:12:57 GMT
My local weather guy calls these storms "French Toast Storm" .. since everyone goes to buy bread, eggs,and milk! March snow is typically heavy and if you wait it will suck to shovel. Heart Attack Snow. Seriously. March snow is heavy!
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 12, 2021 14:01:42 GMT
Why are vehicles made with no seat belts??!?! Gosh damn it. I think these are old retired fire trucks, that the Drummond Ranch purchased to use in their prescribed burns. I watched one of her episodes and the truck that was in that looked pretty vintage. 1964 was the year that seat belts became standard equipment in passenger cars. I do not know if they were standard in heavy trucks at that point. We have a lot of old trucks and I can't honestly say what has seat belt and what doesn't I have some mid 70's straight trucks, and I am pretty sure those have a lap belt shoved down in the seat somewhere. No shoulder belts for sure. Fire Departments often sell their older equipment and farmers/ranchers sometimes purchase them. They don't get used a lot, and it is totally within the realm of possibility to have a mid-1960's truck on a ranch. Sadly, I think it's common on farms and ranches to not buckle up or they have such old equipment or vehicles, there never one was or it no longer works. I almost never wear a seat belt driving truck. I am in and out constantly. I never even think about using one. I have one spot where I catch silage that is on a huge side hill, and I slide down it. I put my belt on then, because I am terrified that I will roll over (I won't - it's just my chicken butt being terrified of hills). The only time my DH wears a seat belt in a tractor is when he spreads pasture fertilizer on the big hills. We have rolled two tractors doing that, so that job is a little scary, and he puts the belt on because I beg him too. I can't watch. Just can't watch and prefer to not even know he is doing it. I also have been thinking about the struggle of knowing there was a fire burning and knowing my nephew was hurt. From what I read, the fire was under control, and they were returning. But when that wind blows the dust - it is impossible to see. And a gust can kick up dust in the blink of an eye. I wonder if not wearing/having seatbelts in firetrucks is common (at least in these farm situations) to help with getting in and out of the trucks quickly? For firemen responding to a fire - the belt is on. For a farmer/rancher with their own equipment - I can't see any of them wearing a seat belt. Usually the only time I reach for my seatbelt is when I am trucking grain down the highway. Mostly because I don't want to get stopped by the law or attract the attention of the weigh boys. When I had my kids ride along, I would belt them in, since everything bounces around so much - but we did not allow little ones in trucks or tractors or even around any machinery until they were at least 10 or so. Old enough to be responsible around machinery. They were running equipment (supervised, sort of) by 11 or 12.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 12, 2021 13:35:37 GMT
Can you explain what ELI5 means? Thanks! I don’t do Reddit - I’m old. I'm old. I love Reddit. I seriously think this post should go there, on ELI5 or there is probably a vision subreddit. Someone, who is an actual expert might answer it. I started with contacts when i was 16. My vision was rapidly changing,and once I started with contacts it slowed to a normal rate for my age. Still a daily contact lens wearer 40 years later.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 11, 2021 16:38:40 GMT
I knew it was a Jewish tradition, but I think it has been co-opted around here. I see it a lot and there are not any Jewish persons in my area. My uncle (before he died) always left a whole unlit cigarette at my grandpa's grave - it was nice to know someone else had been there - but what an odd thing to leave, I guess it was because it was all he had with him? I see a lot of odd stuff left at graves here, and I know it has some type of special meaning between the person who left it and the deceased. It pains me to see the liquor and beer left at a grave of a guy who was was drunk and killed himself and another person by getting behind the wheel. Cringe.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 8, 2021 14:33:58 GMT
I think I got a toe nail fungus on my big tow from my last pedicure I have had one manicure about 32 years ago, and I have never had a pedicure. About the time I almost talk myself into one, I read this. Nope. Nope. Nope. Hope you can get it taken care of quickly!
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 5, 2021 16:41:30 GMT
Ha, I didn’t know about filling the toilet tank with water to flush in an outage until we moved to Houston. It had never come up in the Midwest. You didn't live in the country! LOL I have to have "flush water" saved whenever they predict ice. I have two flushes after the power goes out, unless I have some flush water. If it's yellow, let it mellow - if it's brown - flush it down.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 5, 2021 16:39:43 GMT
LOL - Yep! This video is spot on! What about doctor's appointments.. My 25 year old still thinks it is my job to call for her. I started my kids out making their own appointments when they were about 16. I also did not go with them (for the most part). I had one Mom just unload on me because I let my 16 year old drive himself to his orthodontist by himself for the regular checks/adjustments. WTF? He is 16! He isn't going in for major surgery. I wanted them to be self sufficient adults! They had to take care of their cars and get their own oil changes, etc. too. I was shocked at how many parents demanded to make their kids class schedules in college. What! Holy cow - NO! They still call me asking a lot of questions though. The current one is "can I still use your CPA?" ... yes ... and tell them to send us the bill. LOL And a lot of cooking questions. I love getting those
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 3, 2021 17:21:09 GMT
Are you drinking plenty of water? Hydration makes a big difference to me. I notice it first with my contacts. But my skin is affected also.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 3, 2021 16:24:03 GMT
If you haven't already read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, I recommend it. There is a movie too but I liked the book better. The story is set in Savannah Do this! I watched the movie after I stayed in Savannah. I had seen it years ago, but I watched it again after going. I wish I had watched it before going. Forrest Gump also - even though the removed his bench due to traffic snarls. It is very enjoyable to walk around all the squares and along River Street. We so enjoyed having a cafe au late and watching the ships and dolphins on the river in the morning! We loved pizza from Vinnie Van Go-Go's, and that was in a fun area to walk around also.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 3, 2021 1:46:24 GMT
My family has never been big about giving each kid gifts. We always get a new baby gift for each other, and of course as the kids get older, graduation and wedding gifts. But I do not give my nieces and nephews (my side or my husbands side) gifts for every birthday and holiday. My siblings do not give my kids birthday or holiday gifts either. Birth, Graduation, and Wedding. That's it.
You don't have to go crazy and get a gift every birthday and every Christmas for nieces and nephews (or whatever holiday). It just isn't necessary.
My Aunts and Uncles never gave us any gifts other than graduation (a small cash gift) and weddings.
Don't get hung up on gifts.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 3, 2021 0:34:41 GMT
Iowa dropped the mask mandate in early February. I do still see quite a few people wearing masks inside stores, etc. Cases are dropping and the rate is going down quickly. My county has 8 cases currently. I am hearing of many getting the vaccine, and I truly hope that it works. I'm hoping by mid-summer it is OVER! I know that is quite wishful thinking, but things are looking good in my area.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 2, 2021 15:21:24 GMT
As a small family farm, it is our goal to not pay any taxes. It is more difficult to not pay state taxes. There are many more Federal tax credits/deductions. We also pay a very large property tax bill.
There is a lot more nuance to this than it first appears. To get to a goal of not paying any or a large amount of tax we do have to SPEND a lot of money that supports other businesses. You also have to balance the fact of what you are spending it on. Sometimes, it makes more business sense to pay the tax, than to purchase something that is not beneficial to our business.
I am NOT saying these big corps are shining examples of corporate good. But there is way more to 'not paying taxes' than that simple phrase elicits.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 1, 2021 18:03:08 GMT
Two years of maternity leave one year for mom then the next for dad. This sounds awesome, but how would it be financially feasible? Especially for a small business? How could you afford to pay an employees salary for an entire year that they did not work, plus the salary of their replacement?
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 1, 2021 17:32:49 GMT
I would love to do the Rocky Mountaineer trip but it is so expensive. Over $5,000/pp. That's what always make me stop ... ooof! Too spendy for me.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 1, 2021 16:30:25 GMT
I bought an entryway sized rug.
I didn't care for it at all. It was 'slick' and it felt really pre-printed, as far as looks.
Washes well, but is a paint in the butt to tack down on backer with the velcro, and not have it off a bit. And that was with a fairly small sized one.
What I disliked the most was the slickness. It didn't have a soft nap feel. And it was ugly. LOL
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 1, 2021 15:53:37 GMT
I would love to do the Rocky Mountaineer train excursions in Canada. We enjoy train travel, but our only experience is Amtrak... and that is an experience, let me tell you! LOL But the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada is more of a luxury excursion. It looks quite amazing!
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Feb 28, 2021 13:38:56 GMT
I’m sitting down with our youngest son this week to teach him how to do his. He’s excited to be a first time filer. Bless it. He’ll get over that I’m sure. Here is the form for you son to fill in... LOL I remember when my son was about 14. He had worked hard for a year and was going to get paid at the end of the year by his grandpa. Nothing had been taken out for taxes, so he had to see what that big check was and then how much of it went away. He asked me "Who gets all my money?" .. I mean he was SHOOK!
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Feb 28, 2021 13:35:06 GMT
Done and paid. As farmers we have to file and pay by March 1st. Paid state, federal and our fertilizer/chemical bill and there went $150k. OUCH. I feel ya! We pay our seed/chem/fert/fuel in November and December to get discounts. Painful! Sometimes we have to order our seed before we have even gotten the harvest done. Plus we have cattle. LOL It used to scare me to write a check for over 100K.. But after buying calves every year, it gets easier. Still makes me clench up a bit! Trying to decide if I want to buy 200 calves now. Also can't find 200 calves right now that fit our program, so that is making the decision easier. DH is on the 'no sleep' cycle now.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Feb 27, 2021 17:46:50 GMT
We have to wait until the end of March since that is when we get three of out tax documents. Last year they came in April. I hate waiting on stuff! Most forms have to be sent by the end of January or February 15. I wait on K1's. K1's can't be sent until that companies taxes are done. It sucks because our tax deadline is the end of February, not April 15. I usually end up calling them and having them email me my documents.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Feb 27, 2021 15:48:36 GMT
ummm...I guess I won't complain when we owe $3000 And we even managed to end up with a net loss on our farm income for 2020.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Feb 27, 2021 15:42:48 GMT
Ours are due on Monday. Did the final meeting with our CPA on Thursday and will drop in on Monday to sign the papers and write a check to the state for about 30K ... ouch. Came out ok on the Federal side.
Taxes start hard for me at the end of December. That is when we have to get things figured out to know if we need to spend big $ in December or January. That makes Christmas fun. Not.
Still missing one K1. I had to call and have them email it to me.
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