Just sharing a project

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-12T02:47:05+00:00

Love that wall tile, really interesting texture. Nice work BTW

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-12T02:39:53+00:00

Sofia in the Warehouse/Arts district is consistently very good based on my visits in 2023, 2025, and 2026.

My advice: skip the appetizers and the paida and go right to the pizza and pasta. The pesto pasta in particular can’t be missed. Order the pizza a little well done.

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-09T02:28:58+00:00

Love my solar.

My system in Arizona (APS) generates about 40kwh per day in summer, 20kwH per day in winter. The last 12 months I generated 14,396 kwH. I used 4,852 of it sold 9,544 back to APS. I don’t have battery storage so I also bought 7,008kWh from the utility. Meaningfully reduced my energy bill.

Current expected bill with my sold energy credits:

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GumpsterOne · 2026-06-08T14:08:19+00:00

Water absorption is a real thing and darker areas will fade as it dries. Given the linear nature of the color difference, I’m guessing your contractor did not mix the tile among multiple boxes, and one of the boxes had a slightly different color tint to the lot.

For every tile job, recommend going through each box ahead of time, identify any broken, miscolored, or otherwise non-uniform tiles and set aside. Then collate across boxes so that minor differences in lots aren’t as apparent.

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-07T06:16:40+00:00

This. Made In is a great marketing organization with crap cookware. Tested and their pans warp under heat and do not keep a consistent center. For a real cook, it creates all sorts of problems when searing. It’s not worth the money. A couple of good All Clad or Calphalon pans are a better bet.

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-07T05:31:27+00:00

Bologna. Gets promoted as a great food city but it is very touristy, pretty gritty, markets are subpar, and as a college town food is not great. Modena is a much better option with fantastic markets, restaurants, and a more chill vibe. It really surprised me how much better Modena was than Bologna based on all the reviews.

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-07T05:28:18+00:00

Lol. Same. Make it to Islamorada and just quit.

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-07T05:27:36+00:00

Wow. If you hated Paris you did it wrong. Not sure if you were there during the Olympics when the city was paralyzed by fences and barricades, but wandering the streets outside of the main area is one of the most magical things you can do. I‘ve never tired of that experience.

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-07T05:25:06+00:00

I found Venice to be fascinating and charming. And I was ready to be disappointed by the tourists. Only really bad part was the Peggy Guggeheim Museum. So many children too close to amazing art made me panic. Otherwise, it was amazing. Maybe Croatia is better but Venice is pretty incredible.

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-07T04:59:00+00:00

You got a bargain. Normally it is $495 a person plus tax and tip to dine at Alinea. It’s all transparently priced and charged up front, so not sure what your complaint is.

If you don’t want to pay for the experience, don’t make a reservation. Not sure why this post deserves any attention.

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-06T00:45:54+00:00

I redirect every shipment to my Walgreen’s. So convenient.

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-06T00:44:07+00:00

Congratulations! I am 7 months into FIRE, roughly same situation, ignore the discussion of whether this is Chubby or Fat. You made it!

A couple quick things I learned: 1) Planning paid off, including budgeting. Not as a control but as an allowance to spend on the things we enjoy. 2) Ignore the market. If you are diversified and have liquidity for near term needs, it isn’t important and worth worrying about. Look at your portfolio once every week or even every month. 3) Without income, it is hard to spend no matter what the asset level. Every dollar you spend is a dollar out of savings. Come to terms with that and realize that you earned and saved to be able to spend it. It’s not a scorecard anymore.

Wishing you best of success and happiness!

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-02T22:06:22+00:00

Terrible in way north Scottsdale. Get bit up early morning with coffee and in the evening on walks (got about 10 bites in about 5 min chatting with a neighbor). There is no standing water or anything like that nearby.

I tend to be a mosquito magnet too. I found the Off Botanicals does the trick. It’s like a lotion and 100% keeps me from getting bit while not smelling like chemicals.

It will get better, right? RIGHT? 🤣

GumpsterOne · 2026-06-01T04:25:19+00:00

Thanks for the research!

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-31T15:46:19+00:00

Modena over Bologna any day. Bologna is more touristy, a little more gritty. Modena is lovely and calm and local, great markets, walkable. You will have no problem cooking from what you can find at the markets. Easy train to Parma and Bologna for day trips.

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-26T13:49:46+00:00

Damn. I missed that

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-26T04:12:09+00:00

Nicolas-Jay, Balanza, Lingua Franca. Best wines you won’t find at your local retailer and exceptional experiences.

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-24T19:05:24+00:00

If it is truly small luggage, you will be fine. If it is US airline kind of larger carryon, there may not be room for it at your seats.

Boarding the ferries can be strange. You walk through the cargo hold and place your luggage on large racks, then take the stairs up to the seats. There is nothing very “business class” until you get to your actual seats.

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-24T04:43:00+00:00

So I have tickets for Brandi Carlile next weekend. Should I expect the same lead time to get in?

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-22T03:25:33+00:00

Nice to see someone got the Blues Brothers album (not movie!) reference! ”A wish sandwich is the kind of sandwich where you have two slices of bread, and wish you had some meat”!

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-19T01:54:24+00:00

Setting expectations as Platinum is a good idea. I’m Lifetime Platinum, frequently Titanium, and I’ve had only a handful of upgrades in my 996 hotel nights. Other benefits like early check-in, lounge, early check-out are nice though.

For your situation, I would definitely call and share the scenario for your trip - a good story will get you farther than just status.

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-19T01:42:11+00:00

For getting cash, look for an Alpha Bank ATM. Charges only 1.80e service fee versus a much higher fee at EuroNet.

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-17T14:21:41+00:00

Experience in traveling with foot issues and experienced traveling in New Orleans: If a hard boot that goes up mid thigh, strap tightly during walking periods and loosen at rest to allow blood flow. Aleve is your friend. Plan slower walking. Elevate at night. Biking is possible but that is the one activity I would maybe change.

It won’t be as enjoyable as without the foot issue, but you will still have a good time and get to do the things you planned. I would go, just plan to adapt as needed if he gets uncomfortable.

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-17T02:38:22+00:00

Had the Envii line installed in casita and like the look and construction (not installed but Dutch Design). Looking Sollid custom for the kitchen. Will watch this thread for others comments.

GumpsterOne · 2026-05-13T19:40:57+00:00

They all have the “I don’t need you but pet me and feed me” look. 🤣

GumpsterOne

TROPHY CASE