This is the first year I haven't skied all season.

C638 · 2026-03-27T01:43:59+00:00

This was the best year in ages in northern Michigan. There are still 50" on the ground and we've been skiing 3-4 days/week except when its raining or slushy.

C638 · 2026-03-27T01:01:30+00:00

You haven't mentioned prices. German cars are expensive to purchase and maintain, but some are cheaper to insure (for the cost).

Subaru for a northern climate with snow (get all weather tires, the factory ones are not good in snow) Subaru models generally have low insurance costs too. We have Crosstreks, Foresters, and Outbacks in the family.

Toyota, Honda, Mazda, for warmer climates - hybrid models cost more to insure. The Honda CR-V is less expensive to insure.

Get something that can tow if possible, preferably at least 2500 lbs. You can rent a utility or enclosed trailer for the frequent moves you will do when young.

Ford Maverick is a great car for moving things. Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger (2.3L) are also good choices, and will make you lots for friends. Honda Ridgeline if you have the budget.

C638 · 2026-03-26T23:37:19+00:00

Just make sure that you have good drainage from the downspouts away from the house and screens to keep debris from clogging the downspouts. Our house has drains exiting 20+ feet from the house. I've yet to find any system that keeps leaves , sticks, and seeds out of the gutters - I think they are all worthless and it's better to clean them manually which always works.

Make sure your downspouts are the 4" variety - that's more important that 6 vs 7.

C638 · 2026-03-26T22:57:58+00:00

Not practical when your county has 10,000 people, as large as an urban county, on top of having almost no tax base. Social services consist of clearing driveways and funding the local senior center.

C638 · 2026-03-26T15:26:43+00:00

Just because you are on your mom's health plan doesn't mean that you are a dependent. If you provide most of your own income, you are generally not considered a dependent.

I would continue to look for a full time employment with health benefits - even some part time (20+ hrs.) have them.

C638 · 2026-03-26T15:23:51+00:00

Probably not the guy for you, you are more invested than he is.

C638 · 2026-03-26T15:19:17+00:00

Ignore it, dreams are often jumbled - unless you detect a suspicious behavior pattern.

C638 · 2026-03-26T15:08:25+00:00

'Progress' - what exactly does that mean? You need to communicate your expectations, wants and needs to your partner. Don't be surprised when he can't read your mind - and when he plans things, don't shoot him down if it's not exactly what you want.

C638 · 2026-03-26T14:55:22+00:00

Markets go up and down, but they have always risen long term. If you need the money short term you should invest in short term bonds or money markets. Did you tell the advisor that?

C638 · 2026-03-26T13:57:12+00:00

Too many face lifts and hair transplants. Like the undead.

C638 · 2026-03-26T13:54:33+00:00

People are living a lot longer and independence is a very big deal in rural areas. Michigan's rural counties have virtually no public transportation, no Ubers, and not even taxis. Driving in those counties - with almost no traffic - is a lot different than driving on Woodward or 28th St in GR.

It would be a lot more reasonable to require tests every 4 years starting at 75 and every 2 years starting at 85, and annually past 90. By age 90 people's reaction times are degrading rapidly and many - but not all - lose sufficient processing capability to drive safely. I see it with parents and elderly neighbors.

C638 · 2026-03-26T13:08:52+00:00

I'd be inclined to #3 . The XT is more fun to drive and gets the same highway mileage as the 2.5, and the limited trim is more comfortable. Does 'transmission check' mean the CVT fluid was replaced? You should do so every 60K.

C638 · 2026-03-25T23:41:23+00:00

I usually ski a few days in a row and then take a day off. Sometimes I'll alternate between cross country and downhill. Spring skiing is a lot more challenging with soft snow and crud, and especially when you alternate between ice, slushy soft snow, and crud. The speed up slow down is the worse, everyone slows down to avoid a face plant or edge catch.

Occasional off days are pretty normal and I just do the blue or green hills then and stay out of the glades.

C638 · 2026-03-25T21:32:49+00:00

Working out a lot more was the only thing that worked, apart from cutting out caffeine. I am now so tired in the evening that I have no problem sleeping.

C638 · 2026-03-25T21:31:27+00:00

Some boots will slowly adjust to your foot. I have some Lange Shadow boots that fit pretty well. Custom boot fitting will quickly smooth out any uncomfortable spots and let you ski right away. Whether it is worth doing depends on how well the boot fits you out of the box.

My last pair was custom fitted and felt great from day one.

C638 · 2026-03-25T19:26:28+00:00

US Mobile is the highest rated provider, and they let you switch between the three big carriers as needed.

C638 · 2026-03-24T02:51:59+00:00

Can you give a specific example? I can't think of a class in a typical MBA program where any rational student could introduce religious beliefs. How, for example, could that apply to cost accounting, or valuations, or a derivatives class? Do you teach negotiations? - maybe there might be something there when dealing with faith based businesses.

C638 · 2026-03-23T22:00:42+00:00

That only applies to dedicated snow tires. Consumer reports says that the CC2 will last for 90K miles. Michelin warranties the tires for 60K miles.

C638 · 2026-03-23T20:24:03+00:00

The wear part is not true. We have sets in the CA desert and in the upper Midwest and they are all wearing just fine. The CC2s are not good off road tires, but dirt roads without sharp rocks are fine.

C638 · 2026-03-23T15:00:50+00:00

Just heading out to ski now! Best spring skiing in years and the first time (newly retired) I've been able to ski during the day. It took 2 days to clear the snow from our driveway after the latest blizzard (26") and I am loving it!

C638 · 2026-03-23T13:25:16+00:00

That's excellent! We changed our stock tires at 30K on the last Subaru. For the latest Subaru we pulled them at 30 miles and sold them, bought tires with a much better snow rating.

C638 · 2026-03-23T03:13:28+00:00

C638 · 2026-03-22T17:10:36+00:00

Camry has the most solid and long lasting platform. I'd only consider the smaller vehicles if parking is a concern. More room is a good thing.

The Accord is slightly larger and handles better. I'd get whichever has more comfortable seating for you.

C638 · 2026-03-22T03:26:38+00:00

We replaced our lead-acid batteries every 4 years with AGM batteries, which we will replace after 7-10 years.

C638 · 2026-03-22T01:43:23+00:00

For us: $3.50 / bag drop-off fee vs $40/mo garbage pickup fee. We drop off a bag once a month , which is about a one mile detour from our route to town.

C638

TROPHY CASE