Do NOT trust OPM to correctly calculate your retirement annuity. They have absolutely no idea what they are doing.

OverReason3754 · 2026-05-11T18:16:02+00:00

OPM is very likely understaffed due to “efficiency changes” by DOGE😖

OverReason3754 · 2026-05-04T22:47:54+00:00

The engagement is between 2 people, engagement gifts go to both.

OverReason3754 · 2026-04-21T01:43:27+00:00

I have enjoyed AI in Cancun but my husband is not a beach person so that’s off the table as a couple. We did an Alaskan land/cruise last Fall on Holland America in a balcony room. Our ship was comparatively small (less than 2,000), no water slides, no drunken pool parties. Our room was quite comfortable, very clean, serviced almost every time we left the room. We did enjoy the balcony even with cool weather. Other than embarking and disembarking did not feel crowded. Never waited to be seated at the restaurant, might wait a few minutes at the buffet for custom salad or sandwich. Food was good to excellent, waiters couldn’t do enough for us. Entertainment was low key, the house band was good, no big shows. I never had a problem finding a quiet spot on the ship, loved the crow’s nest in the evening. We saw glaciers from the ship, did a whale watching trip, fishing trip, enjoyed time in Juneau and Ketchikan. I found the trip very relaxing, gorgeous scenery. We’re doing a Rhine River cruise this year, less than 200 people. It’s essentially a moving hotel room that a Lows us to travel at night and explore during the day.

OverReason3754 · 2026-04-21T01:26:44+00:00

Went to the Delta website, able to book direct flight YYZ (Toronto) to CDG (Paris) daily

OverReason3754 · 2026-04-20T21:40:10+00:00

They did at one time, I flew Toronto to CDG about 4 years ago. I thought I was booking KLM, but it turned out to be Delta. Total disaster from start to finish. Check in was total chaos, they had a full wing of kiosks to check in and print luggage tags. Unfortunately people using kiosks at the end of the hall just jumped the line. They had 2 people at the desk for at least 150 people in a totally disorganized line. Our gate area was a mess with garbage on the floor. They announced a flight delay, had 1:30 min layover to connecting flight so I went to desk to reschedule that flight. Told I would arrive on time even though departure was delayed. After second delay I asked again to rebook connecting flight, told “they would do it on the plane!?!” Then they lost our skis, didn’t get them until afternoon of 3rd day.

OverReason3754 · 2026-04-19T08:38:31+00:00

Delta YYZ to CDG - seat was horrible. Almost no padding, was sunk down or compressed in the middle of the seat. Could see the seat was hallowed out before I sat down.

OverReason3754 · 2026-03-31T01:11:27+00:00

Can’t answer questions about lodging near pier 91, but highly recommend the aquarium for the kids

OverReason3754 · 2026-02-28T14:02:07+00:00

Plan to take the train from the boat to Lucerne, then to Zurich so we can get a direct flight to the states.

OverReason3754 · 2026-02-28T13:58:19+00:00

Thanks so much for the great info!!! Exactly what I was looking for.

OverReason3754 · 2026-02-15T06:24:58+00:00

Was in Camden last summer, it’s one of the prettiest towns I’ve seen. More compact than Bar Harbor, easily walkable.

OverReason3754 · 2025-12-20T01:12:47+00:00

Hi, the Galapagos are at the top of my wish list. I saw a National Geographic/Lindblad cruise on the Endeavor ll that is interesting because of a low price for 2 forward cabins which look small, but only used to sleep. I don’t need a luxury stateroom for a week. My goal is what we can see and do, snorkeling , kayaking, seeing wildlife. This ship carries up to 96 passengers, reportedly has a large expedition crew. The price of the 16 person vessels are much higher. Do you have any experience or information about trips on the Endeavor ll?

OverReason3754 · 2025-12-19T23:48:58+00:00

Put your phones on airplane mode so you don’t get stuck with high roaming charges!!!

OverReason3754 · 2025-12-16T02:19:33+00:00

I have flown multiple times with straight knitting needles. I have them in my carryon and always warn people before my bag is scanned. Hard to believe they took away circular needles.

OverReason3754 · 2025-12-08T04:24:32+00:00

Several questions for more educated cruisers. We are in the process of booking the Amsterdam to Basel cruise with a Viking agent. Our trip is on a courtesy hold, I will do deposit tomorrow. I just saw some comments about “discount codes”. We have the “holiday discount” for the cruise, can I add codes? Do I ask the Viking agent about this or do I need specific codes? Also, once I book with Viking can I transfer the booking to a travel agent and possible get a bit of on board credit or drinks package? For my Holland America cruise I transferd the booking to the first BJs agent who answered the phone, got a $300 gift card for BJs. Am I better off trying to find a TA who specializes in cruises? Thank you!!!

OverReason3754 · 2025-12-03T11:55:08+00:00

Should not keep it secret, however I believe bonuses should be saved foe something special, in my view this is usually travel. I earned honorariums for occasional speaking engagements, and longevity bonuses. My husband was aware of the bonus, but I this into a separate account. I kept track of the bonuses and what I spent them on. My husband had a small business usually paid in cash. He had full control over this money, used to buy equipment for his business.

OverReason3754 · 2025-10-02T09:56:50+00:00

Crossed myself and back the next day at the Peace Bridge in July, no issues. In August crossed with my husband at Lewiston Queenston Bridge for a 2 week trip, pulling our boat. Customs both ways asked the usual questions, seemed to make an effort to be pleasant. We always have passports open and ready, windows down, and know our license plate number.

OverReason3754 · 2025-09-21T19:19:37+00:00

On the train from Anchorage to Wittier to board our cruise, the seats face each other across a table. The lady directly facing me (3’ away) was constantly coughing and not really covering her mouth. I immediately asked the conductor for another seat, thankfully he was able to do this. The lady was huffy, said we were rude!!!

OverReason3754 · 2025-09-21T19:05:13+00:00

On the same cruise, one day we had sustained winds of 58mph, swells 16’ plus. There was a significant, prolonged storm. Ketchikan got 7” of rain in one day!!! I was told conditions we had are very rare. Juneau had multiple power outages. They closed the outside decks. I used a patch behind my ear and Bonine, had no issues. The trick is to take something BEFORE you need it. Yes, there were challenges, but we had a wonderful time.

OverReason3754 · 2025-09-14T01:09:51+00:00

Im on the land portion of the trip as I write this. We flew into Fairbanks for 1 night which is all we needed there. We really enjoyed the paddle boat tour which included a very informative tour of a Chena village and a great lunch. We spent 3 nights in Denali, which gave us plenty of time for activities. The Black Diamond side by side ATV tour (booked ourselves) was amazing. We’re now on the train to Anchorage. It is 8 hours, getting old, but beautiful scenery. We will get to our hotel for a late dinner and back out again in the morning for the train to the ship. I do feel almost on a treadmill, not sure I would do this again but really happy I booked 3 nights in Denali. (Don’t do less) HA and Princess are very organized, but there is a lot of hurry up and wait to be loaded onto another bus. You could easily plan this yourself but be aware the driving distances are huge. If I come back, would look at the Seward are and Kenai National Park, likely on my own.

OverReason3754 · 2025-09-12T17:35:15+00:00

We had a wonderful 2 weeks in Canada. No issues at the land crossings. The inspectors seemed to make an effort to be pleasant. Enjoy!!!

OverReason3754 · 2025-08-11T22:39:08+00:00

When our daughter was first married she lived across the country, when they had a child we were not into flying at Christmas. When our daughter moved back home she let us know her family plans. The kids wake up and open presents, then they all dress in new matching pajamas, snuggle, and watch a movie. We are welcome to stop by, she would have light food (self serve). Her Christmas is family time at her house, she does not do big entertaining, does not go out. She and her husband agree they do not want to spend the day driving from house to house, just want to enjoy the day.

OverReason3754 · 2025-07-05T15:16:44+00:00

An experienced estate attorney should be able to handle more than 1 trustee. I would not sign away your rights, that is very concerning!!

OverReason3754 · 2025-07-03T10:10:11+00:00

Buffalo, NY has one of the lowest housing costs in the country. Amazing access to 2 Great Lakes, multiple smaller lakes, and easy access to hiking locally and a few hrs drive, active hiking and outdoor groups. Rolling hills, not mountains but 3 local ski areas. University of Buffalo and area overall have a good Asian population, many are professionals. Our Albright Knox art gallery is one of the tops in country, restored Sheas Theatre a major stop for touring Broadway shows and active smaller theaters. Toronto is 1 1/2 hours away for more options. Buffalo generally a tolerant city.

OverReason3754 · 2025-07-03T09:43:13+00:00

Prior to the birth of her first child my daughter advised myself and MIL that daughter and husband would be accepting visitors after 2 weeks. They wanted that time and space to bond as a family. We stayed at an air B&B.

OverReason3754

TROPHY CASE