working out for Disney

[MinnieM123]

Quick, yet lengthy, note: I think I mentioned that I was having some issues with my lease renewal. I went to the office today and here is what I found out. Some I knew, but, you didn't... A new company bought out our apartment complex last year. Since then they have added on costs to us that had once been part of the rent. Things like trash dumpster provided free, water was included with the rent. All of a sudden, we had to pay for water and meters were installed, then they brought around a new batch of kitchen trash cans and told us that we now had trash pickup (they call it Valet trash collection) at our door and that we would be billed $30.00 per month. (no choice even though that the dumpster is less then 100 years from every apartment in the complex, 50 from mine) Then they started renovating apartments as people moved out. I was happy with mine and since the apartment wasn't empty they had no way of doing the renovation with me still in here. Then I got notice of my lease running out and added another $60.00 per month to my rent charges and said that they were going to replace my perfectly good appliances with stainless whether I wanted it or not and that was part of the reason for the increase.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around how they can just force things upon the tenants and then force them to pay for them at the same time. Seems wrong to me. Anyway, I am on a fixed income right now meaning just Social Security. Now after I pay the rent I have about $200.00 left to pay for all the remaining living expenses I have, like food, car, auto and renters insurance, medical bills, electricity, water and Trash services and of course the obligatory administrative charge of another $10.00 per month. Undoubtedly, that means that I have been hitting my retirement savings pretty hard as of late. I have to figure out how to make that money last for whatever is left of my life, and believe me it means that I will have to become more and more frugal every day.

Anyway I went in to kind of beg because I have reached my end concerning how much I can spend comfortably and hoped they could do something to get me a break. I have lived here for 8 years, my rent along with utilities has been paid on the first of the month every single month that I have been living here, never late. I do some of my own simple repairs, have never complained or had a complaint filed against me. This is what that has gotten me. They want to upgrade my apartment because they want to be able to charge more rent, but, I can't stay in it while they renovate, so I either have to move into one of the already renovated ones and pay the top dollar for it or must move someplace else. They only offered a 6 month lease which they openly admitted to me they would add more to the rent at the end of that six months which kind of knocks me out of ability to afford the place and even if I pay the same amount they are going to not renew my lease after that next six months which leaves me homeless. What a choice broke or homeless. Broke will also lead to homeless. The moral of this story is, if you are not wealthy do not get old. 2018 has sucked so bad for me that it created a vacuum in space. I don't wish it over because I am scared that 2019 will be worse. The wonderful strong economy I keep hearing about as also created a decrease in my retirement investment values of $6000. since the first of the year. It has never done that in the 10 years that I have been keeping track of it. It has never lost any money in any given year, much less the loss of $4K just in October. I am not ashamed to say, that I am getting scared. Sorry, not looking for answers, just needed to vent.

Wow. First of all, sympathy for all you're dealing with. Some thoughts: regarding the housing situation, when a new company comes in, almost always, things change. Been there, and have nothing good to say about it. Always forced a move elsewhere.

Now, in your case, where you are retired and on a fixed income, there may be some services available to assist you. There's a link below that might be helpful--you never know until you either make a few calls (someone knows someone else who might help), or even just drop in to a senior center some day. If it was me, I'd start there. Also, do you have a town or city hall? I'd assume they have a web site, and usually there's something about housing (for all, not restricted to any particular age group or concern). Or, drop in there some day. You have nothing to lose.

I've also found that just by talking to people in the area, there might be someone who wants to rent out a small apt. on their property, but don't necessarily want to advertise it in a local paper. Some landlords hold out for someone who is recommended, by someone they know. So these are just a few ideas only. I may come up with more in the next day or so. (Getting ready for work in a while, and then voting later tonight after work, etc., so it may not be until tomorrow.) Oh here's the link I mentioned:

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/aging-and-adult-services

 

[Goofyernmost]

Wow. First of all, sympathy for all you're dealing with. Some thoughts: regarding the housing situation, when a new company comes in, almost always, things change. Been there, and have nothing good to say about it. Always forced a move elsewhere.

Now, in your case, where you are retired and on a fixed income, there may be some services available to assist you. There's a link below that might be helpful--you never know until you either make a few calls (someone knows someone else who might help), or even just drop in to a senior center some day. If it was me, I'd start there. Also, do you have a town or city hall? I'd assume they have a web site, and usually there's something about housing (for all, not restricted to any particular age group or concern). Or, drop in there some day. You have nothing to lose.

I've also found that just by talking to people in the area, there might be someone who wants to rent out a small apt. on their property, but don't necessarily want to advertise it in a local paper. Some landlords hold out for someone who is recommended, by someone they know. So these are just a few ideas only. I may come up with more in the next day or so. (Getting ready for work in a while, and then voting later tonight after work, etc., so it may not be until tomorrow.) Oh here's the link I mentioned:

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/aging-and-adult-services

Thanks for the link. This all took me by surprise yesterday. I am trying to formulate a plan of action as we speak. I imagined a lot of things happening in my life, but, I guess since I have been a home owner most of my adult life, it just never occurred to me that in spite of doing everything within the rules, being there with the rent and minding my own business that I could lose my home over a freaking granite counter top and a new carpet. Maybe I'll get in touch with the VA and get a government backed loan and buy a condo or something. Without that backing it isn't likely that I can do that at 70 years old. It will all work out, I just wasn't prepared for this kind of hassle at this age.

 

[epcotisbest]

Thanks for the link. This all took me by surprise yesterday. I am trying to formulate a plan of action as we speak. I imagined a lot of things happening in my life, but, I guess since I have been a home owner most of my adult life, it just never occurred to me that in spite of doing everything within the rules, being there with the rent and minding my own business that I could lose my home over a freaking granite counter top and a new carpet. Maybe I'll get in touch with the VA and get a government backed loan and buy a condo or something. Without that backing it isn't likely that I can do that at 70 years old. It will all work out, I just wasn't prepared for this kind of hassle at this age.

"It will all work out" Those are your own words, and strong words with a positive attitude coming from you in the middle of difficult, and what must be confusing, times.
I admire your resolve. Knowing things will all work out is half the battle at least. Stay strong and positive. Believe in yourself just as others here believe in you. Good luck with everything.
Wish I could offer more, and better advice.

 

[Goofyernmost]

"It will all work out" Those are your own words, and strong words with a positive attitude coming from you in the middle of difficult, and what must be confusing, times.
I admire your resolve. Knowing things will all work out is half the battle at least. Stay strong and positive. Believe in yourself just as others here believe in you. Good luck with everything.
Wish I could offer more, and better advice.

Thank you for the nice words. I don't hear them often as of late. There is one thing you could do. Tell me what the winning lottery numbers are going to be. I'm not greedy, even if the jackpot is only a Million, I will accept it happily. There might even be a few hundred bucks in it for you.

 

[93boomer]

Quick, yet lengthy, note: I think I mentioned that I was having some issues with my lease renewal. I went to the office today and here is what I found out. Some I knew, but, you didn't... A new company bought out our apartment complex last year. Since then they have added on costs to us that had once been part of the rent. Things like trash dumpster provided free, water was included with the rent. All of a sudden, we had to pay for water and meters were installed, then they brought around a new batch of kitchen trash cans and told us that we now had trash pickup (they call it Valet trash collection) at our door and that we would be billed $30.00 per month. (no choice even though that the dumpster is less then 100 years from every apartment in the complex, 50 from mine) Then they started renovating apartments as people moved out. I was happy with mine and since the apartment wasn't empty they had no way of doing the renovation with me still in here. Then I got notice of my lease running out and added another $60.00 per month to my rent charges and said that they were going to replace my perfectly good appliances with stainless whether I wanted it or not and that was part of the reason for the increase.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around how they can just force things upon the tenants and then force them to pay for them at the same time. Seems wrong to me. Anyway, I am on a fixed income right now meaning just Social Security. Now after I pay the rent I have about $200.00 left to pay for all the remaining living expenses I have, like food, car, auto and renters insurance, medical bills, electricity, water and Trash services and of course the obligatory administrative charge of another $10.00 per month. Undoubtedly, that means that I have been hitting my retirement savings pretty hard as of late. I have to figure out how to make that money last for whatever is left of my life, and believe me it means that I will have to become more and more frugal every day.

Anyway I went in to kind of beg because I have reached my end concerning how much I can spend comfortably and hoped they could do something to get me a break. I have lived here for 8 years, my rent along with utilities has been paid on the first of the month every single month that I have been living here, never late. I do some of my own simple repairs, have never complained or had a complaint filed against me. This is what that has gotten me. They want to upgrade my apartment because they want to be able to charge more rent, but, I can't stay in it while they renovate, so I either have to move into one of the already renovated ones and pay the top dollar for it or must move someplace else. They only offered a 6 month lease which they openly admitted to me they would add more to the rent at the end of that six months which kind of knocks me out of ability to afford the place and even if I pay the same amount they are going to not renew my lease after that next six months which leaves me homeless. What a choice broke or homeless. Broke will also lead to homeless. The moral of this story is, if you are not wealthy do not get old. 2018 has sucked so bad for me that it created a vacuum in space. I don't wish it over because I am scared that 2019 will be worse. The wonderful strong economy I keep hearing about as also created a decrease in my retirement investment values of $6000. since the first of the year. It has never done that in the 10 years that I have been keeping track of it. It has never lost any money in any given year, much less the loss of $4K just in October. I am not ashamed to say, that I am getting scared. Sorry, not looking for answers, just needed to vent.

I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. My DD always rented an apartment until she got married and they were always finding little things to go up on each month. Then, they started going up on the rent too. I think they do this everywhere. It is hard on older people with fixed incomes.
I agree with what Minnie says. Try all avenues to see what help you can get. I will talk to my DD and see if she knows anything that can help too.
Hang in there! It will all work out.

 

[Songbird76]

So I am a gadget guy and while in Pensacola I got me another gadget, an air fryer. Used it to make wings and potato wedges today. I think I am gonna like this thing.

View attachment 324594View attachment 324595

Wow! Looks great! I've thought about getting an air fryer, but they're really expensive and I wasn't sure what the results would be...would fries still be crispy on the outside, etc. (If they aren't fried, does that make them airs?) But your chicken looks just like they do from a grill or whatever. Nice!

 

[Songbird76]

Quick, yet lengthy, note: I think I mentioned that I was having some issues with my lease renewal. I went to the office today and here is what I found out. Some I knew, but, you didn't... A new company bought out our apartment complex last year. Since then they have added on costs to us that had once been part of the rent. Things like trash dumpster provided free, water was included with the rent. All of a sudden, we had to pay for water and meters were installed, then they brought around a new batch of kitchen trash cans and told us that we now had trash pickup (they call it Valet trash collection) at our door and that we would be billed $30.00 per month. (no choice even though that the dumpster is less then 100 yards from every apartment in the complex, 50 from mine) Then they started renovating apartments as people moved out. I was happy with mine and since the apartment wasn't empty they had no way of doing the renovation with me still in here. Then I got notice of my lease running out and added another $60.00 per month to my rent charges and said that they were going to replace my perfectly good appliances with stainless whether I wanted it or not and that was part of the reason for the increase.

I have a hard time wrapping my head around how they can just force things upon the tenants and then force them to pay for them at the same time. Seems wrong to me. Anyway, I am on a fixed income right now meaning just Social Security. Now after I pay the rent I have about $200.00 left to pay for all the remaining living expenses I have, like food, car, auto and renters insurance, medical bills, electricity, water and Trash services and of course the obligatory administrative charge of another $10.00 per month. Undoubtedly, that means that I have been hitting my retirement savings pretty hard as of late. I have to figure out how to make that money last for whatever is left of my life, and believe me it means that I will have to become more and more frugal every day.

Anyway I went in to kind of beg because I have reached my end concerning how much I can spend comfortably and hoped they could do something to get me a break. I have lived here for 8 years, my rent along with utilities has been paid on the first of the month every single month that I have been living here, never late. I do some of my own simple repairs, have never complained or had a complaint filed against me. This is what that has gotten me. They want to upgrade my apartment because they want to be able to charge more rent, but, I can't stay in it while they renovate, so I either have to move into one of the already renovated ones and pay the top dollar for it or must move someplace else. They only offered a 6 month lease which they openly admitted to me they would add more to the rent at the end of that six months which kind of knocks me out of ability to afford the place and even if I pay the same amount they are going to not renew my lease after that next six months which leaves me homeless. What a choice broke or homeless. Broke will also lead to homeless. The moral of this story is, if you are not wealthy do not get old. 2018 has sucked so bad for me that it created a vacuum in space. I don't wish it over because I am scared that 2019 will be worse. The wonderful strong economy I keep hearing about as also created a decrease in my retirement investment values of $6000. since the first of the year. It has never done that in the 10 years that I have been keeping track of it. It has never lost any money in any given year, much less the loss of $4K just in October. I am not ashamed to say, that I am getting scared. Sorry, not looking for answers, just needed to vent.

I'm so sorry they are doing that...it's so unethical! How are they even allowed to do that? Aren't there laws about how much you can increase rent in any given year? I get making improvements so you can charge more from new tenants, but there should be laws about the contract and how much can change in a given period! It's just ridiculous!

 

[epcotisbest]

Wow! Looks great! I've thought about getting an air fryer, but they're really expensive and I wasn't sure what the results would be...would fries still be crispy on the outside, etc. (If they aren't fried, does that make them airs?) But your chicken looks just like they do from a grill or whatever. Nice!

Yes, the fries were crispy, but not as crispy as regular fries if that makes any sense. The wings were very good, I suppose because the skin got crispy because of their fat content that allowed them to get a good texture to them, much better than baked wings.
I have read that you can put a little oil in a ziploc bag then toss the fries in the oil for a light coating before air frying, and I will probably give that a try to better replicate regular fries. Worth a try, and a little oil has to be better for you than a lot of oil. I did coat these with non-stick cooking spray, but that is probably trading one evil for another. Maybe I need to get one of those oil mister things.
The air fryer I have is a 3.2 quart capacity. I think if I ever get another I would go ahead and get the bigger 5 or 6 quart capacity one.

 

[93boomer]

Yes, the fries were crispy, but not as crispy as regular fries if that makes any sense. The wings were very good, I suppose because the skin got crispy because of their fat content that allowed them to get a good texture to them, much better than baked wings.
I have read that you can put a little oil in a ziploc bag then toss the fries in the oil for a light coating before air frying, and I will probably give that a try to better replicate regular fries. Worth a try, and a little oil has to be better for you than a lot of oil. I did coat these with non-stick cooking spray, but that is probably trading one evil for another. Maybe I need to get one of those oil mister things.
The air fryer I have is a 3.2 quart capacity. I think if I ever get another I would go ahead and get the bigger 5 or 6 quart capacity one.

I use the olive oil spray in the can. It would probably work really well.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I'm so sorry they are doing that...it's so unethical! How are they even allowed to do that? Aren't there laws about how much you can increase rent in any given year? I get making improvements so you can charge more from new tenants, but there should be laws about the contract and how much can change in a given period! It's just ridiculous!

That is something I am going to look into, but, before I can really do anything I have to figure out what my options are. Right now, the only thing that is relatively solid is that in about 6 months I will be in need of new housing. So far I know that I am not going to stay no matter what they do. Sure they will win, but, I am not a powerful company and I have to make sure that I have someplace to live, at the very most, by June. In fact in my discussion with the property manager, I, of the cuff, said... I'm not sure that this is even legal. That will come up again at some point I'm sure.

I am, of course, upset, but, to ease everyone's mind, I'm not broke yet, I do have money to deal with my needs, but, I have been carefully planning my retirement and have had professional help to map out how long my money would last. Spending at my present rate I had enough to continue with my current life style until I was 85. Mind you, my life style isn't really extravagant, but, I have had some money for luxuries in the past and since rents are probably the same in the area, I will still have to pay someone the same amount of money as they want here. I've probably lost 5 years on that estimate. I guess it shouldn't bother my because frankly, I'm amazed that I made it to 70. I may not need any of it even if I were to make it to 80. The odds aren't really in my favor of doing that at this point. However, there is a principle involved and regardless of what option I chose I still have to pack up and move to a different place. I'm pretty sure it will not be in this complex though. In the words of The Beavers Mom, Barbara Billingsley in Airplane, sorta... "Fool don't want no tenant, Fool don't get no tenant."

 

[Sans Souci]

Thanks for the link. This all took me by surprise yesterday. I am trying to formulate a plan of action as we speak. I imagined a lot of things happening in my life, but, I guess since I have been a home owner most of my adult life, it just never occurred to me that in spite of doing everything within the rules, being there with the rent and minding my own business that I could lose my home over a freaking granite counter top and a new carpet. Maybe I'll get in touch with the VA and get a government backed loan and buy a condo or something. Without that backing it isn't likely that I can do that at 70 years old. It will all work out, I just wasn't prepared for this kind of hassle at this age.

Minnie gave you a useful link. Definitely get on the radar of your local area agency on aging. They will send out a case manager who will do a means-tested assessment. You might be eligible for state and federally funded programs for older adults. Contacting the VA is a great idea. If you do decide to contact your local area agency on aging, tell them that you are also talking to the VA. This way the two case managers will be on the same page regarding your case. It's a pain in the backside, but sometimes you have to 'manage your case managers'. I'm sorry this is happening. It sounds stressful all around and I hope you can get some resolution.

 

[Sans Souci]

Isn't there a hardship clause or something that says if serving creates a hardship for you, you'll be excused? You shouldn't have to pay $200 for the priviledge of having jury duty!

I told him that I don't drive and I would be reliant on Lyft and that I had spent $27 just getting there. He didn't care and at that point, the trial was supposed to be three weeks long. He was stubborn. There was an unemployed man on the jury who had an interview the following day. The judge told him to go out in the hall and change the interview!

 

[Sans Souci]

So I am a gadget guy and while in Pensacola I got me another gadget, an air fryer. Used it to make wings and potato wedges today. I think I am gonna like this thing.

View attachment 324594View attachment 324595

I have had my eye on one of these for the past year. One was a Deal of the Day on Amazon yesterday and I almost pulled the trigger. Then I remembered I don't do much frying. I would like to make homemade egg rolls and see how they turn out. When I bake them in the oven, they are a soggy mess.

 

[Sans Souci]

Hello-

I did some yoga this morning. In fact, I sat under my lamp for 45 minutes, did yoga and voted all before 7 AM. It was dry outside at that time and I walk to my polling place. I'm glad I went so early, because it's been awful outside. I also did a quick lower body workout and made 2 dozen Madeleines, too.

I am making chili in my Instant Pot tonight. It's that kind of weather.

 

[epcotisbest]

I have had my eye on one of these for the past year. One was a Deal of the Day on Amazon yesterday and I almost pulled the trigger. Then I remembered I don't do much frying. I would like to make homemade egg rolls and see how they turn out. When I bake them in the oven, they are a soggy mess.

I think it would do well with egg rolls. It is basically a small convection oven, with an element and fan in the top circulating the heated air, which is what crisps up the food.
For lunch today I took a couple of boneless, skinless thighs, sprinkled them with Penzey's Cajun spice and cooked them for about 18 minutes. They turned out great, much better than just soggy baked thighs, and much quicker than grilling.

 

[93boomer]

I think it would do well with egg rolls. It is basically a small convection oven, with an element and fan in the top circulating the heated air, which is what crisps up the food.
For lunch today I took a couple of boneless, skinless thighs, sprinkled them with Penzey's Cajun spice and cooked them for about 18 minutes. They turned out great, much better than just soggy baked thighs, and much quicker than grilling.

View attachment 324826View attachment 324827

Now those definitely look yummy!

 

[epcotisbest]

Now those definitely look yummy!

They were surprisingly good. No breading, no oil, just chicken and spices. One of the things we are going to be eating more of is salads. This, diced in a salad, would add filling protein and flavor without adding unhealthy fat or a lot of calories.

 

[epcotisbest]

Supper tonight is the rest of the thighs simmered in a Thai red curry sauce with peas and carrots. It has been simmering for about an hour, so about a half hour more till my wife gets home. Will serve this over rice for a filling, flavorful meal. It smells great, but a sampling of the sauce seems a bit spicy. Oh, well, we both like it spicy.

 

[epcotisbest]

Easy, peasy using this:

 

[MinnieM123]

Yes, the fries were crispy, but not as crispy as regular fries if that makes any sense. The wings were very good, I suppose because the skin got crispy because of their fat content that allowed them to get a good texture to them, much better than baked wings.
I have read that you can put a little oil in a ziploc bag then toss the fries in the oil for a light coating before air frying, and I will probably give that a try to better replicate regular fries. Worth a try, and a little oil has to be better for you than a lot of oil. I did coat these with non-stick cooking spray, but that is probably trading one evil for another. Maybe I need to get one of those oil mister things.
The air fryer I have is a 3.2 quart capacity. I think if I ever get another I would go ahead and get the bigger 5 or 6 quart capacity one.

You're the first person I know who had bought one of those. I almost bought one this year, but the weight of the thing turned me off--really heavy. Plus it would be another appliance in the kitchen, and we don't have a lot of space. But I'm glad to hear that it seems to be a good solution for you. If they ever make a lighter and slightly smaller one, I might buy one.