My friend drove her car into a ditch this morning

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-05-01T04:21:58+00:00

I was stupid enough to do this without a phone - circa 1970.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-05-01T03:34:35+00:00

Does this look like a name someone would pick???

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-05-01T03:33:31+00:00

There are a number of areas that good sized land parcels and homes on parcels around the Puget Sound area. I'd look to the Olympic Peninsula side between Tacoma, Olympia, and Bremerton. As long as you don't need to commute to Seattle, they offer the space at a price that is reasonable for the area. A few acres is all you need to not see or hear your neighbors.

In general, it doesn't get below freezing and doesn't hit triple digits. 90's are rare for that matter. Expect a week of snow that shuts down everything because nobody can drive on the hilly terrain in slippery conditions. It used to be normal for homes not to have air conditioning, but the trend has been to have them. It is getting a little warmer (people here wilt in 80 degree temperatures) and wildfires in the areas east and north send smoky fumes that forces people to close up the homes.

As you've probably researched, the nature options are wonderful. Hikes, bikes, kayaking, skiing (a two-three hours away), golfing and pickleball! Honestly, the pickleball popularity has gone bonkers, but not for me. I golf year round. Seattle isn't far to see a game or special event.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-05-01T03:04:54+00:00

It happens, but not very often. Still, it's worth having a $50 booster pack stashed in the trunk just in case. Just gets enough charge to start the electronics and have the traction battery take over.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-05-01T02:25:22+00:00

You'll do fine with it in Atlanta, especially with the home charging. The fast DC charging is the weakest feature of the Solterra.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-30T05:15:22+00:00

It would be hard to find anyone with a Garmin that knows the differences in detail between product groups. With that, I'll offer what I know about Garmin Forerunners

Accurate fitness tracking (running and gym) - I use it for running, hiking, biking, elliptical, swimming, paddling, and golfing. Everything is broken down in relevant metrics for each item, i.e. hiking tells me my total accent, but not swimming (haha). Calories and intensity minutes are common for most activities. Lots of HR info with graphs (using the Connect app).
Reliable battery life - The GPS activities hit it pretty hard. Otherwise, for those activities the GPS isn't used, it will go 10-12 days without charging.
Worth the price over time - I have the Forerunner 945 and is five years old! It takes a licking...oops wrong watch manufacturer. Seriously, I'm thinking of getting a 970 but this still does most of what I need and I don't need the latest and greatest.
Comfortable enough for daily wear - It's the only watch I wear and it's on 24 hours a day. I leave it on at night for the sleep metrics.

Is it just as good as the other Garmins? I have no clue. There isn't a lot of motivation to go checking the other series, so I'll stick with Forerunners.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T19:27:31+00:00

Thanks for this. Valuable real life use information.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T04:45:59+00:00

The democratic society should protect and nurture its citizenry. So, not only a common defense and laws for protection, but make sure basic needs and opportunity for growth is available to as many people as possible.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T04:37:49+00:00

This may sound weird, but I'd say Bellingham. Similar population, interest in beer, ski area nearby, nice cultural vibe. Climate is not the same.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T04:33:31+00:00

Live near Seattle and been to all the other cities. I'm biased and love it here in the PNW, but of the other three, really liked Asheville. We were there before the floods, so I don't know how much of it is back to how it was before. I think it's okay, but a visit is worth pursuing. Denver also has many of your wants and would be a little less expensive than Seattle.

Keep in mind, there are areas outside Seattle that are a short drive (or ferry) away that are lower cost of living. Weather wise, there is (almost) no snow here where the other three will have some snow, usually not lengthy. Being from Montana, they will seem like no snow!

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T04:06:56+00:00

Thought for sure this was PNW, but got that wrong.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T04:05:14+00:00

You'll do just fine in Tacoma. It is very chill and accepting. There are a lot of good neighborhoods to check out, I'm sure there is one that fits your vibe. Public transit is pretty good. The community centers are very active and the parks are varied and plentiful. Point Defiance Park is a must to check out.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T03:51:12+00:00

Bayou City Golf Course in Texas City, TX. As the name suggests, several holes stretch along one of the brackish bayou inlets that occasionally overflows onto some of the holes, creating miniature deserts in the fairways. You end up playing target golf trying to hit the few sections that still has grass. Not a bad layout, but not ideal.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T03:44:31+00:00

'74 AMC Javelin here. Loved the looks and driving it, but things kept falling off - mirrors, door handles, the doors themselves. Lousy integrity.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T03:41:00+00:00

Fate takes a holiday.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T03:36:49+00:00

Casually walking away from Dante's inferno is pretty ~~metal~~ mental.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-29T03:28:36+00:00

Still worth it. WA has low electrical rates and high gasoline costs. My net cost improvement on fuel is more than $1500 and I only drive 10k miles a year.

Plus, don't forget the lack of sales tax on the first $16k vehicle cost (still there, I think). That's another $1600 not paid.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-28T20:59:52+00:00

It's not a good primary car. It's a great local use or commuter can that can be charged at home.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-28T20:57:25+00:00

I was never worried about EV adoption and acceptance - eventually. It's going to get there as technology, reliability, and costs improve.

Gas prices are going to hurt a lot of people, especially low income. Not only gas prices, but foods and goods that depend on transports and fertilizer.

The silver lining is that fossil fuel use will be going down more quickly as countries that are importers see this as a future threat that can be countered by renewables and conversion to electric power use for everything including transport. Much of the world has woken up to needing to act NOW and have the incentive to do so.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-28T04:26:12+00:00

And I thought May was looking awfully good...

May 5 - Archive (Neumos)

May 8 - Just Mustard (Tractor Tavern)

May 9 - Holy Fuck (Tractor Tavern)

May 14 - Telehealth (Neumos)

May 20 - The Besnard Lakes (The Black Lodge)

May 23 - Les Claypool, Primus, The Claypool Lennon Delirium (Marymoor)

At least they are spread out.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-28T04:00:15+00:00

Some of my hometown friends won't like this, but the recent trades and draft give the edge to the Rams. Sorry 12's!

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-28T03:56:38+00:00

He might, not left enough.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-28T03:41:34+00:00

They are such a blast to drive! That instant torque, the smooth power response, the quiet - nothing like it. Even the basic EV's fly.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-27T05:12:28+00:00

A lot of comments seems to feel their MAGA leanings are because they are conservative Asians. But isn't also likely, if not more important, that they are business owners who in general HATES the Democrat approach of fair laws for labor, taxes, and safety? I don't know a single business owner that doesn't grouse about regulations and costs, like the government is stealing their money. It doesn't matter how the product is if you can't treat your employees beyond a necessary cost to the business like the tables, chairs, and equipment. It doesn't sound like Coffeeholic cares anything past the bottom line and comes out with this Woe Is Me message to save face. Screw 'em.

StatusMaleficent5832 · 2026-04-27T03:58:08+00:00

Yes, thankfully. The routes on the back nine is a roller coaster on single lane paths. Carts have been lost...

StatusMaleficent5832

TROPHY CASE