Shopping or Real Estate

Think of the molding consistancy of dough that features the texture of sand — then you have it - the power of moon sand. However, unlike similar fun-dough-craft mixtures,  moon sand will never dry out. Whether it’s carved & molded into dog-faced kittens, houses wit cows for doors, or elephants with giraffe necks (oh, wait, you do have kids, don’t you? Those are the kind of things my grandsons make… ) this great product — Moon Sand — does not dry out or stain clothes. If you (uh… or the kids) want to save and preserve for future generations an amazing sculpture, the piece can be baked and voila! instant family heirloom. We’re going to try this Moon Sand out on our two little rug puddlers. We think they’ll love the stuff.

Let me start off by explaining the title. While at the BOJ (Bojangles) for sweet tea and a chicken biscuit a few weeks ago, Val introduced me to a man she’s known for years. “Bill Ted” seemed an interesting fellow and we chatted for a few moments. (name changed to protect the sock-less) He wasn’t. Interesting, I mean.

But there is one curious fact about Bill Ted. He’s never worn socks. Ever. In his 50+ years of living. Difficult to imagine, isn’t it?

Val buys Ruth crazy socks with cartoon characters like the Tazmanian devil or Bugs Bunny on them because a flashy sock speaks volumes on a 90-year-old woman wearing Columbia sandals and pants with one leg longer than the other.

As for me, I wear socks. Aside from escaping from captivity during the transfer from washer to dryer, my socks seek to confuse me as they refuse to be paired off correctly. Fortunately there’s an answer, color-coded Jazzy socks with heel-toe compatibility. Christmas idea here… anybody… anybody… socks for Rob?

Yes, Rupert, you are right. Blogging about socks is fun. Mens suits? Not so fun.

I’ve been shopping around trying to educate myself about which grandfather clock to buy for our home. There’s an interesting blog about clocks which describes makes and models of grandfather clocks as well as the internal mechanisms of each brand. Turns out, 1-800-4clocks.com features ONLY German movements. It is an ever-increasing discussion — cheap-o internal parts made in … China, let’s say… with quartz mechanisms versus the high-quality, true to form mechanical grandfather clocks. This is one instance where you surely get what you pay for. The clock I buy will be the best. It’s to be passed down from generation to generation. Like the wall clock my great-aunt bought years ago, a Seth Thomas, my clock needs to last throughout time. Get it, thoughout time? Anyway…

I’m checking out the Grandfather Clock Selection from America’s Top Clock Shop™ . Yes, it’s true, I want, no change that, I need a grandfather clock. To me, grandfather clocks represent stability. Since there’s no possibility of me inheriting a nice clock, it’s time for me to consider buying a grandfather clock that can be passed down to grandchildren and then their children. This means buying a really high quality timepiece. Like a Kieninger — known for their incredible beauty and elegant design. I’m placing this in the category “gift suggestions” for a reason — hint hint hint.

Before moving to Washington, NC, I lived in Atlanta’s beautiful Buckhead area. Absolutely wonderful shopping and dining - this is where the beautiful people went to see and be seen. Shops with designer shoes, private showings of jewelry, clothes - and everything in-between — can be found. The hardest part is deciding where to shop, but that’s after one researches what is in and what is out.

If you happen to be shopping for a jewelry boutique, one that offers jewelry design, appraisal, repair; one that provides a selection of engagement rings, diamond rings, bracelets and necklaces friends tell me to look no further than Palas Jewelers.

As fate would have it I need a formal dress. Before you gasp or laugh at the idea of me wearing a dress you need to know this is for my wife not me. We’ve been invited to a tech. related conference where a blogger much more Technoratistical is set to be honored. Since the the whole affair is currently hush hush the only details I can discuss are the outfits.

With all that said let’s continue with what I picked out.

My wife and I bought our first house about five years ago. For us, we hope first is last but for many people the average length of time between moves (usually for careers) is 5-7 years. Renting each time you move is a real pain. There’s first and last month’s rent and pet deposits and sketchy landlords that may or may not take care of the property — you’re paying someone else for the privilige of living in a place you can not control. Out-of-date kitchens, no yard, no parking… all that money flows from your paycheck and never returns. When you buy your own place — it’s a no-brainer — you get your money back, you’re investing it in your property, not paying for someone else’s. Even condo’s are better than apartments, hands down.

Mortgages are confusing, from the first time you buy to last, you’ve got to consider rates, fixed or variable, what lender to use, how to apply… and you have to compare mortgages. Don’t let it make you crazy. You can do it.

We’re restoring a 100-year-old house in the historic district of a small southern town near the coast, our niece just bought a house in Charlotte,  NC. They had to look through a lot of real estate offers but in the end, it wasn’t too confusing. Charlotte real estate is booming. One of our close friends is about to purchase some land in the mountains of North Carolina. He’s checking out Asheville real estate– so we get to visit him and cool off in the mountains. Three great homes, three reasonable mortgages, three owners - not renters.

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