spyke

I think you're onto something here! Thank you for suggesting this. It's an absolutely brilliant idea!

Where I live, the city is the provider for electricity, water, sewer, and trash pickup, so it's all on one bill. I also have natural gas service(furnace, cooktop, clothes dryer, and tankless water heater) and that runs $12-14 except in winter months. Last month total was about $240. Water/Sewer $40, trash $24, and electric $176. During the winter it kind of reverses where the gas bill is up into the $90-$160 range, and the electric falls to around $60. Over the years I've tried to do a lot to reduce my electric bill. The city functions as a re-seller of power, so the rates are highly marked up. Back in the day, it was common to get a bill for $350-$500 a month. Once they dropped natural gas in my neighborhood, I converted a lot of things over to gas. Replacing the one water heater to a on demand gas fired tankless system immediately shaved $50 off my monthly electric bill. Replaced my aging heating/AC system that was geothermal (great concept but always had issues) with a high efficiency gas furnace (95%) and 18 SEER A/C. Always hated my electric cooktop, so now I have a gas model and couldn't be happier. Same with the clothes dryer. Guess I'm weird in that I don't mind paying a gas bill, but I've always hated paying an electric bill to the city because of the outrageous rates they charged compared to other providers. 😉

This just made my day @northie! It is so good to have this story continue.

Connor is a bit of a self absorbed letch, isn't he? He's just the type who grows into the stereotypical pervy old man. Poor Maddox has got it bad. I think he's going to keep having the flat tire problem until he comes to terms with who he is and what he really wants. And what's up with none of these kids can do simple math. They're in college, right? 🤦‍♂️ Another great chapter Laura!

Well that just sucks. It might be first day of fall on the calendar, but it's hot and humid here in the South. Glad you were able to at least find a window unit.

The short term solution is that you have to figure out a way to direct their attentions away from you either through subtle suggestions or blatantly throwing out a red herring. Long term, you need to look for another job because micromanagers never change.

I do this but use a cast iron skillet instead of a rolling pin. Good for frustration relief and a mini arm workout all in one. 😁

I hate to hear that you're ill rick. Hopefully you'll be over it in a short time and it won't be too bad. Take care of yourself.

Maybe it's time for you to get a sleep study done to see if you have sleep apnea.

I have no problem giving myself permission to do absolutely nothing. I consider it self care and I honestly don't care what society thinks.

I'm on board with the slow burn/distant dance between these two. I think that it's going to be well worth the wait. Great chapter Laura!

Congratulations Ryan! I'm glad that Justin was able to have the wedding of his dreams and that you were so moved by the ceremony. Best wishes for a long and wonderful marriage.

You stole his blankie and he paid you back. I'm sort of thinking he's not all that dumb. 🤣

LOL. Been there done that! You know you've really messed up when you're walking down a flight of steps and it hurts like hell. You're doing really amazing, and you should be proud. Crack out the ibuprofen and the icy hot. You'll be O.K.

What was the name of that road again that's paved with good intentions?? I understand that Coy has a big heart and all and I'm not saying this is going to backfire from Mitch's standpoint, but there's another side of things that Coy may not have considered. If Mitch and Will really had a "thing" going on in the past, it might be a bit cruel to put Will in the middle of things given that Mitch may not have much longer to live. Guess we'll have to wait to see what @Headstall has in store for us. This story is a great treat for Mondays!

It was impressive how Will got Patrick to tell him what was really going on. That was a serious lack of judgement on Patrick's part. But the most interesting part (for me) was the discussion that followed with JP. Sometimes I forget how truly close they are, and then @Mark Arbourwrites dialogue like this that is a huge reminder. I love how JP is so analytical. He tries to look at all possibilities of a story in order to prompt Will into thinking critically about situations rather than jump to a single conclusion. This 'Gap Year' for Will is really turning into quite the educational experience. Well done, Mark.

We're just going to have to agree to disagree on this topic. If you're really that insistent on doing this, then be up front with your actions rather than take this "cloak and dagger" approach. Contact the man directly and tell him the entire story, rather than having people "surreptitiously" obtain his DNA without his consent and thereby removing all choice and say about the matter from him.

Hope everyone has a good one!

Allright @kbois. You're at 3,899 posts. Post something new to get over the top! LOL Hope everyone is having a terrific Saturday!! 3,8

Bent from birth, bent for life. LOL

So I just got a notification that said I had just earned the "30 Days Straight" badge. Trust me when I tell you that hasn't happened, nor will it ever happen. 🤣

Lol. Kind of like the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

6 beers Wayne, 6 beers...............

Let me have a shot at changing your mind on that Ryan. Go take a couple of spins around Chevy Chase Circle during rush hour and I'm sure you'll change your mind. 😱 It's been horrible for well over 1/2 a century now. And then there's Dupont Circle. The only quick way through that quagmire is on foot. LOL

It's always great to visit Camp Refuge and we got a update on Harry and Gus! They're sweet together and hopefully it will last, but they're really young. Guess we'll have to wait and see (subtle hint there @Wayne Gray) The 2 dads are funny as heck and could have easily become scene stealers. What a nice pre-weekend treat. Thanks Wayne!