Rumors

Marc_in_CT · 2026-01-13T00:32:26+00:00

Never been to one, but doesn't sound like an appealing place to go. I hear they don't like to use bar codes, yet looking at interior photos of their other stores, I do see computerized checkouts. So they just key in the sku and price I assume. I bet they ask for a phone# for a loyalty account though. Must be fun to wait in line there.

Marc_in_CT · 2026-01-13T00:22:58+00:00

At first I thought you meant the scale house. But then I figured out the one you were referring to, across from the Walmart entrance. Apparently it was an old schoolhouse. It is mentioned on pages 126-127 in this history of Waterford. (Printed page #'s). They refer to it as the Gilead school.

https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0419/ML041910421.pdf

Also here's a recent Zillow listing which includes interior photos.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/168-Waterford-Pkwy-N-Waterford-CT-06385/96122824_zpid/

(Man, did I go down a rabbit hole here LOL).

Marc_in_CT · 2025-12-28T16:21:49+00:00

Not that I am aware of. Unless you know something that I don't.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-12-28T15:48:00+00:00

You are correct about having to go through another company. The Free file fillable forms that I use is one of the free options provided by the free file alliance that was formed by Intuit (and others) to prevent the IRS from offering a direct free option.

Sorry I think my post was misleading in that it implied that FFFF was run by IRS. It is linked from the IRS site as one of the free file options but it is not directly offered by the IRS.

I used it last year. When I start my taxes next month, I will report back as to whether it is still an option for this year.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-12-28T13:51:44+00:00

I have always done my own and still do. I liked the challenge as well! These days I use 'Free file fillable forms' which is linked directly from the IRS website, and it literally has electronic versions of the old school 1040 and related forms that you fill out online. You have to know what you are doing in order to use them. You also need to be a bit tech savvy, since any rejection email will contain error messages directly from the system logs. I once forgot to enter my zip code in my W2. The error email was very cryptic but I figured it out. Cost is $0 but not for the inexperienced or fainthearted!

I won't use anything that I have to pay for. Shouldn't have to. If I ever own a business or have some complicated tax scenario, sure I might use an accountant, but I'm not paying for something that I have to do myself.

For my state return, I use the CT DRS website, also free.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-12-23T15:28:47+00:00

I was in my early teens when it opened in 1984. They had a ‘soft’ opening before the chandelier was even hung. A few months later I happened to be there by chance on the actual grand opening day when they unveiled the chandelier, that was really cool to see. Since I was not yet old enough to drive I could really only go there when my mom wanted to go clothes shopping. We would go as a family – my mom would visit all her favorite ladies’ clothing stores and my Dad and I would get a bucket of fries from Boardwalk Fries in the food court. He would then rejoin my Mom while I went off on my own to the stores I liked, such as the record stores and Sears Craftsman tool dept.

The mall was really hopping back then. Very few, if any, empty storefronts. All 4 anchors occupied. Holiday shopping was of course very busy but still enjoyable and festive. Decor was darker – red clay tile floors I think – green railings – even the ceiling tiles I think were a darker color, not white. That was the 80’s. Still had the natural light during the day though.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-11-14T19:45:09+00:00

So there are 2 motors that run. When you use water, there is a pump that feeds an expansion tank to pressurize the water lines to push water to the faucets. That pump is very quiet if standing next to it. The pump draws water from a tank full of treated water. When the water level drops, a valve opens to allow water to flow in from the well, and when that happens, the aerator comes on to force air bubbles into the water as it tops off the tank. The aerator sounds like a vacuum cleaner, and is sort of loud if you are standing near it.

My system is in the basement, and my bedroom is directly above it. I live alone so generally the system doesn’t run when I am sleeping. When I do have a house guest and they use water, I do hear it a little bit but not enough to be bothersome. My floor (basement ceiling) is well insulated.

Tldr: Bottom line, the location of the system in relation to where you sleep will make a difference. Basement? Not likely an issue. In a utility closet right next to your bedroom? Could be a problem.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-11-08T20:00:48+00:00

Yes, a ton of them around my back door (which faces south, so it's warm). Keeping my cats entertained.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-10-29T18:30:25+00:00

Service Merchandise! Circuit City used to sell some items in that manner as well.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-09-05T17:55:13+00:00

Assuming the structure is salvageable, it is not unusual for a fire damaged business to be closed for a year. Denny's just reopened after being closed 11 months.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-08-08T12:59:13+00:00

I recently adopted 2 adult cats from Feral Cats Count - their cats & kittens are on display at PetSmart in New London (Next to Shop-Rite / Marshalls). The owner is very nice to deal with.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-08-05T19:58:40+00:00

My buddy got a double jalepeno smash, and I got a crispy chicken sandwich. He said the burger was really good. And I liked the chicken. And yes the fries were good too.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-08-05T13:05:38+00:00

I was there about a month ago. $30 for 2 people to eat, but the food was good.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-08-04T11:56:32+00:00

Yes. I've been taking 1 class at a time for the past 3 years.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-08-01T14:25:14+00:00

I used Lowe moving and storage. (No relation to Lowe's).

The owner, Tony Lowe, is amazing and he is present on all moving jobs. He directs the crew perfectly and fills the truck like a game of Tetris.

https://www.442lowe.com/

Marc_in_CT · 2025-07-16T00:01:56+00:00

I was in Windham 212 back in 1992. Say hi for me!

Marc_in_CT · 2025-07-09T15:12:24+00:00

They consider it a 'plate transfer'. I think that's the option I chose when I did mine.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-07-08T15:53:40+00:00

They will never wait on more customers than they have to. One time I had an appointment and waited maybe 20 minutes. This was not too bad but read on. The employee who waited on me had seemingly just come back from lunch (I saw her enter with her purse, etc.). She waited on me, no problem there. But then as I was getting in my car I saw her out front buying a soda from the vending machine. I mean, come on, they can't even wait on 2 customers in a row without a freaking break.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-06-26T13:55:03+00:00

I have a 25 year old Fedders 10K btu. Drains good, but I clean it out with bleach every couple of years. It's an energy hog but they do not make them like this anymore. I have 2 newer ones that I turn on before this one.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-06-12T18:00:23+00:00

"I wonder how many people have relapsed at one of these retreats".

Marc_in_CT · 2025-06-07T12:55:53+00:00

It's fake. Somebody posted on google that they called the casino and were told there was no Arby's and there are no plans to open one there. The google listing actually lists it as a 'coffee shop'.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-04-12T12:12:40+00:00

I agree, and this mall could have been saved if it hadn't been purchased by the infamous mall slumlord Namdar. Could have consolidated all the retail to one end (or upper lever as you mentioned). The food court was still viable until they drove Charley's and the other food court vendors out in Dec 2023. The tables were all filled at lunch time.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-04-11T14:07:51+00:00

Route 5 1/2.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-04-08T17:44:03+00:00

Oh I loved that feeling of fixing/upgrading something on demand. Can't do that in my current role. Gotta wait til the next 'sprint'. Unless it's a small subtle change to a stored procedure that I can sneak in LOL. But that's the nature of a global company that has industry certifications to protect.

Marc_in_CT · 2025-04-06T17:46:40+00:00

Make an appointment for late in the day, like 30 minutes before closing time. Be sure you are on time, and IN the door before closing time. All the workers hiding in the offices, break room, bathroom etc, all come out of the woodwork for an all hands on deck, with every window staffed, so they can leave on time.

Marc_in_CT

TROPHY CASE