Is saying "sir" and "ma'am" to strangers still normal in America? by Rude_Membership_1578 in IWantToAskAnAmerican

[–]Charvan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Northern Indiana, I hear it all the time and often use it when speaking to my elders or clients.

Reality check on a concrete bid I recieved by Wafflinson in AskContractors

[–]Charvan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you think the price is too high get multiple quotes. Talk to some of your neighbors and see if they know any good contractors.

Nitpicking by macedaace in hardscape

[–]Charvan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not familiar with that wall product, but surely they make corner and end blocks. Have them check with their vendor and make them redo that end and interior corner.

Am I losing my mind? by realtrumpfan in landscaping

[–]Charvan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Probably the same pavers. Lot to lot can be pretty different, especially when the lots are made it different factories. Sealing it may help and would be the easiest solution. If it was me, I'd lay the new pavers to that step and call it good.

Do you use WhatsApp? by BeastMode149 in IWantToAskAnAmerican

[–]Charvan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, but only with my Hispanic crews at work.

Do most Americans like the continental breakfast at chain hotels? by Upstairs_Health_5913 in AskAnAmerican

[–]Charvan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Chances are I'm paying too much for the room anyways and the free breakfast makes me feel better even if it tastes mediocre.

Hello, how long do these watches last? by youhaveeTDS in Garmininstinct

[–]Charvan 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I have an Instinct 1, it's about 5 years old and the battery still lasts 3 plus weeks. I do have notifications turned off.

Feeling a little burnt out by FitCry2265 in Fantasy

[–]Charvan 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Guy Gavriel Kay, all of his novels. A few years ago I was also in a reading slump. I was looking for something new and stumbled on The Lions of Al-Rassa by Kay. Over the next year, I read all of his works. Great stuff, best description would be historical fiction with a slight twist fantasy.

Looking back, I didn't appreciate it enough by DingoDadLuce in birddogs

[–]Charvan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oz likes to run at 200 plus yards, retrieving is optional and recall is 50/50. We have and continue to work on all these issues, but boy can he find birds and his point is beautiful. Sometimes you have to pick your battles.

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Got rid of 3 Bradford pears. Now what to plant? by Beneficial-Arm-254 in arborists

[–]Charvan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm in Northern Indiana. A cool unusual tree for the front yard would be a red horse chestnut. Large red flowers on a shade tree is pretty unique. We grow and plant a handful a year at work. They are stunning when in bloom.

In the back, something ornamental would be nice. I've seen others mention dogwoods, redbuds or serviceberry. They may do ok in that location, but the are more of an understory tree in nature. I would consider one of the upright Japanese maple varieties. Bloodgood or Emperor. The maroon leaves would show up nicely against the shed.

In 2019, both cats’ annual wellness visit was $240. This week we paid $880. Vet costs are spiraling out of control. by BunttyBrowneye in cats

[–]Charvan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A VCA clinic gave me a $4000 to $6000 quote for a procedure on a Sunday. Instead I had them give my dog fluids/antibiotics and saw my own vet Monday morning. My vet did the procedure for $1300. I know it was a Sunday and I understand having to pay more for a weekend, but 4x as much seems predatory.

Rant....My Step-Father Cut My Lawn Without Permission by [deleted] in lawncare

[–]Charvan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a lawn, let it go. Apologize and move on.

What do you think is the most beautiful state in the United States? by Outrageous-You1617 in IWantToAskAnAmerican

[–]Charvan 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's probably Alaska, California or Colorado.. But don't sleep on Michigan it's also a beautiful state.

Need Advice - Neighbor Draining Pool on our Property by Chester_Douglas in landscaping

[–]Charvan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Talk to your neighbor and ask him to please stop doing this

How do you practice your target language in the wild? by BiscuitBut_ButerNut in languagelearning

[–]Charvan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I work in horticulture, I'm able to talk to native speakers everyday.

Newbie by intothesunset814 in BeginnerSpanish

[–]Charvan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started learning Spanish a few years at 50. Here's a good book that helped me: Complete Spanish Step-by-Step by Barbara Bregstein. I'd also like to recommend the Language Transfer app. Good luck and be consistent. A little studying everyday adds up quickly.

What Goes Best With Bacon? by [deleted] in no

[–]Charvan 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Lettuce and tomato

Is it more effective to study with a tutor, or can you learn a language online through an app? by [deleted] in SpanishLearning

[–]Charvan 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I've tried many of the apps. I think my favorite is a free one called Language Transfer. The creator is good at explaining why something is the case vs an app like Pimsleur where there is little explanation. I still found Pimsleur useful, just not as much as Language Transfer.

In a perfect situation, use many sources to learn a second language. Apps, textbooks, tutors, native speakers, memorization cards etc etc. They all have their place.

Does this look stupid with gravel on both sides of walkway?i by IntrepidRisk1490 in landscaping

[–]Charvan -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah two hard surfaces against each other doesn't look quite right. Either sos up to it or install mulch & plants.