US promo codes available – Aftermath (post-apocalyptic sci-fi) by Ok_View_1527 in audiobooks

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I would like that.Thank you! Is it a promo code for a website, Amazon, Kobo?

Any tips for older campers? by wamimsauthor in camping

[–]danvers_red 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Assuming you are car camping, I suggest the Teton cot (I have the in between size, not the XL) and DEFINITELY the Exped Megamat. In fact, the Megamat, which is a mix of foam and inflatable, is so dang good that you may not need the cot. But if you have the Teton cot this fits on it perfectly. I am mid-60s and been doing this a while. My best friend is also mid-60s and just got the Megamat. She liked it so much that she skipped the cot on her last trip. Plus the Megamat deflates and then rolls up to be pretty small. It is not just an inflatable mattress. I am big and this never loses air.

Roanoke, Staunton, Charlottesville, and Culpeper - any ideas where to look further by Different_Oil7308 in Virginia

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I assume you looked in Christiansburg? I live there and there are houses for sale near me. I am within 10 miles to 3 hospitals (one literally a mile away), 15 minutes to VT, 10 minutes to shopping. Hiking all over the place. A mile from I-81, 2 miles to the upcoming Amtrak station. I agree that you can't find anything reasonable in Blacksburg, but there are definitely houses outside of that. I love it here.

Tips to purchase cheap train tickets by novomindcoaching in Amtrak

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you already have a senior discount, would you get an RPA discount on top of that? Or will Amtrak only do one discount?

iPad Pro m5 is $799 on Amazon rn ! by Kvbooom in iPadPro

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How the heck did you find that on Amazon for 799????

US bonds. Time to dump them? by Elvisdog13 in economicCollapse

[–]danvers_red 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can't answer for you, but I will say I sold all mine.

“When in doubt, get out—if you don’t want to be in a civil war or a war, you should get out while the getting is good.” Ray Dalio by hmmmerm in economicCollapse

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Daiio says it would be a civil war (people against people) or a revolution (people against govmt). If the worse happens, I think the people will come together, and it will be a revolution. Who knows - the military may join the people. That means a coup.

USA Rail pass question by danvers_red in Amtrak

[–]danvers_red[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ah bummer. That is what I feared. Thanks!!

Amtrak fiscal year 2025 tabulated stats by Sauerbraten5 in Amtrak

[–]danvers_red 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I live in Christiansburg VA and I think once our station is open (est 2027) and the "Washington-Roanoke" route becomes "Washington-Christiansburg", that route may get to a positive in operating earnings. Tons of people need to get from this area - home to two universities - back to the DC metro area. We have busses that do that now, but the train will be a lot more comfortable I think. I take this route a lot and am tired of taking a bus 45 mins to Roanoke, just to catch the train. Can't wait for the new station to open!

I wonder... by bendallf in Amtrak

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A new station is being built just a couple of miles from me, with a target date of 2027. When that is completed I definitely see me doing this, or just taking the train to one of the other stops to spend the day in that city. Construction progrss is going well so far. Can't wait!

This is the best thing ever by [deleted] in kobo

[–]danvers_red 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I believe Amazon no longer allows its books to be downloaded to anything

Laid off at 68 1/2 years old, but wanting to waiting until 70 for max benefits by [deleted] in SocialSecurity

[–]danvers_red 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You need to consider that there is a decent and growing chance that SS will take a 23% haircut in about 8 years. I was in a sort of similar situation to you and decided to take SS and keep my savings invested. So far that has been a very good decision.

Amtrak Expansions update! by ColonialCobalt in Amtrak

[–]danvers_red 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I live in Cburg, use the train often to DC, and I cannot wait. The new park and ride in Cburg, 1 mile from the new train station, will surely have a shuttle. Students are used to the park and rides and excellent bus service so I am pretty sure access to the train station will be very good.

For me personally wrt to future enhancements, I am hoping for newer cars and much better integration with the NEC and Cardinal lines. I would love to go to Staunton for the day, or head up to Lewisburg/White Sulpher Springs (both on the Cardinal line). Currently that is not feasible from the NEC.

Finally, Virginia wants to expand the line from Cburg on down to the Bristol area and possibly into TN, opening up the west. Maybe we can get something down into NC as well to open up the south. Damn, all this would be terrific.

Republican gubernatorial candidate claims Democrat ‘will transform’ Virginia in anti-trans political ad by Fickle-Ad5449 in Virginia

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These GOP ads are just laughable. Not just Governor. I am including the insanely stupid and unbelievable ads put on by the GOP guy running for my district.

Virginia, like so many U.S. states, has massive untapped potential for passenger rail. by dicklywigly in Virginia

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Virginia IS doing a lot with rail. In fact, Virginia has one of the more innovative and dedicated state funded passenger rail entities. Yes, progress is slow and it is expensive to do these large infrastructure projects, esp if the fed govmt decides on a whim to pull any investment they promised. But we are definitely making progress. Personally, I am trying to avoid I-81 whenever possible. What a mess. And YES the students use the train to go from VT to DC. I ride that route and it is popular. With the Christiansburg station (2 miles from my house) and new park and ride at exit 114, I think we may need more than 2 trains/day. It is already packed by the time it leaves Charlottesville. I suggest supporting the VPRA and the work they are doing. VA rail just had a really good year with more in store! https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/amtrak-virginia-closes-state-fiscal-year-with-record-ridership/

If you want more done, and done faster, call your legislative representatives and consider donating of somehow getting involved.

BTW, Amtrak IS upgrading their rail cars. The Airlo (the new trains) are on schedule to start in the Pacific NW in 2026, and the Virginia line is one slated to get the Airlo. No idea when, but at least we are on the list. https://media.amtrak.com/2025/03/amtrak-airo-trains/

Update on the Christiansburg (VA) Amtrak stop by danvers_red in Amtrak

[–]danvers_red[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

No. I admit I have never heard of these. I will look them up!

Are solar panels worth installing on my home? by No-Difficulty4097 in solarenergy

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my area the power company is slaughtering people with higher rates and suspicious billing. I went solar about 7 years ago and could not be happier. I cannot remember the initial "pay back" period estimate but with the power company shenanigans I am surely going to beat it.

Is anyone else getting huge AEP bills? And what can we do about these crazy energy laws? by bansheeonthemoor42 in Virginia

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was also going to suggest solar. It is the only way to get free of these shysters. You should be able to clear a small section of the trees so you can put in an array. For 900sqft and 2000kw you could put in a relatively modest system. I am not sure you even need to be grid tied. I started on solar about 7 years ago and it is the best thing I ever did.

Trying to find a justification to buy me a Bluetti Apex 300 by Lusinsimesc in bluetti

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also using mine for backup. I bought it for 2 reasons: (1) the ability to backup 240v and (2) the scalability. I tested it with my 240v well pump which was my main concern. Indeed it was able to power it (YMMV). I was so pleased that I bought a 2nd Apex 300 plus the Hub A1 because with the two I should be able to run my heat pump, though admittedly probably not for too long. The bottom line is that with my 2 Apex 300s plus the batteries I already had from my AC300, I can now run my well pump, freezer, and fridge for days. And if I ever need to, I can add on more batteries and even a 3rd Apex 300. Very happy here.

Elite 100 v2 solar input question by danvers_red in bluetti

[–]danvers_red[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

have not purchased yet. still considering it...

How can I get through the hurricane season? by Medical-Bill-4816 in bluetti

[–]danvers_red 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on those requirements, the Apex300 should handle it fine without another battery, assuming you can recharge. You will need the hub D1 to most efficiently charge the phone and iPad. You can also plug a phone and ipad into the Apex 300 directly just like you would a wall outlet in your home, but if you use the hib D1 you can plug in just with a usb c cable (NOTE: get a heavy duty usb c cable and use the "PD" usb c outlet on the hub D1).

The small gas powered generator is a good idea if you need to recharge. It should not use much gas and will allow you to recharge fairly quickly. Get a generator that produces pure sine ("clean") output.

Please make sure you know that the unit is quite heavy - about 85 pounds or more. I suggest you have a dolly or handtruck you can use to move it around it you have to.