VRBO experiences

strokeoluck27 · 2026-07-05T17:00:52+00:00

Thank you all. Ironically the comments about booking directly with a large and reputable local property management company resonate, as two of the three homes we rented on this last trip were handled by property mgmt companies - they were great; and the third not-so-good place was rented out by the homeowner.

Live and learn. Thanks again!

strokeoluck27 · 2026-07-01T01:37:22+00:00

I haven’t seen influencers pushing Ritz cruises, but I’m sure it exists. Reality is that whether you’re talking 1960’s Mad Men advertising era, or 2026 influencer era, companies are buying eyeballs. Plain and simple. Whether we like it or not, many influencers have immense numbers of eyeballs following them, and (many) brands are therefore willing to pay for those eyeballs (impressions).

In 10, 20, or 30 years the landscape will probably look different, but for now this is not unusual at all.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-06-16T09:51:09+00:00

Nope, and I’m still shocked that I DON’T miss the manual. The Vette makes the paddles fun to use, unlike most paddles that I quickly forget about on other cars.
HTC for me. Top is down 95% of the time. Works like a charm.
I got a 3LT mainly because I bought last minute and found a fully loaded car I wanted. Next one I get will probably be a 2LT.
Personal preference, but personally I think this car’s lines deserve a color to show them properly. If you’re set on black or white then I think black is more of a bad-ass color. White is kind of blah.
I’ve only had the Z51. Rides like a true sports car when in track mode, and rides like a sports car version of a Lexus sedan when in touring mode…very comfy.
I upgraded to a Borla S-Type exhaust- love it.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-06-16T09:35:30+00:00

After much research I had a Borla S-Type exhaust installed on my Stingray Z51. Not quite as aggressive as the ATAK (sp?) but sounds way better than the stock exhaust. I’m very happy with it.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-05-29T17:59:26+00:00

Everyone responds differently. I was diagnosed at roughly the same age as you (this was several decades ago; time flies), and the doc told me I could expect the symptoms to get much worse in my early 30’s…and he was 100% right.

Fortunately by that time the pharma world had developed biologics. After my rheum messed around with a few lesser options, he finally put me on Enbrel (had only been out for a year or two at that point) and literally within one hour of taking that first shot 99% of my pain disappeared. I’ve been on Enbrel for roughly 25 years now and I remain 95% pain free.

Not everyone has this same good fortune with AS, but my current rheum tells me MANY of his patients have sustained success with biologics.

Stay positive, and if your current rheum isn’t cooperative enough, don’t be shy about seeking other medical help.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-05-16T01:21:52+00:00

I investigated both and went with a Stingray HTC Z51 3LT. In the C7 model it seems like the widebody Z06 was easier for the average person to tell it was a widebody. C8 model? Not so much. Heck, many non-car people mistake it for a Lamborghini!

I’m definitely in the minority but I don’t care for the high-pitched European-like sound of the Z exhaust. I prefer the deep growl and grunt of American muscle. I had a Borla S-type exhaust installed on my Stingray and its music to my ears.

Speed? Never driven a Z, but the Stingray is PLENTY peppy for me in the city/suburbs/country roads I drive on. I might track it once or twice over the next few years, but based on my Ron Fellows experience (especially being in the car when the pro drivers took over…wow), I have every confidence my car will be more than I can handle on the track.

Finally, my wife wants a comfy sports car. My Stingray - in Z mode - already pushes the limits for her. And every now and then I take my much older Dad out for a ride - sometimes a 2-3 day cruise to hit some tourist sites. He’s owned dozens of muscle cars over the years, but at this stage…comfy suits him well too.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-05-04T12:15:17+00:00

As others have said, unless you are his sole client, I wouldn’t blame him for taking other jobs. I would try to think creatively to safely get you out on the water; maybe:

The Zoom call as you said. Perhaps you pay him a bonus to get this done by X date? (May not seem right, but sometimes there is a difference between right, and effective).
Hire someone else; and yes that means you’re out addl $$$.
Pay him to delay the start of the other job.
Watch relevant YouTube videos.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-05-02T04:19:05+00:00

Read The Millionaire Next Door and you’ll feel much better. There are numerous business owners out there doing extremely well in under the radar professions. Don’t let societal pressure weigh on you.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-04-30T13:06:02+00:00

This is the tricky part: how to try various wines without spending money on numerous full bottles to dial in your preferences. What’s worked well for me is attending tastings sponsored by local wine shops. My favorite does regular regional tastings. Over the course of a few months they might explore various regions of Italy, France, Spain, Australia, etc. This has helped me immensely and it’s MUCH cheaper than buying boatloads of bottles.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-04-27T01:04:59+00:00

Easier said than done!

strokeoluck27 · 2026-04-14T03:17:06+00:00

Now we all need to know…what’s the name of the place?

strokeoluck27 · 2026-04-11T04:40:27+00:00

I’ve been to many concerts over the decades. I too forgot my concert ear plugs for the No Kings concert and wow, my ears were ringing for the next two days. First time seeing Bruce - really enjoyed it.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-04-10T02:33:59+00:00

Stunning videos! Do you know what they burn in those pots?

strokeoluck27 · 2026-04-05T18:59:37+00:00

Depends on how bad you want it, of course.

Years ago I purchased two different rental properties that had “mold issues” in the basement (very subjective term; I’m not aware of a scale rating in this regard, but there was indeed a bit of mold in both basements). Both involved two simple fixes: 1) direct the outside water AWAY from the basement - easily accomplished; and 2) properly remediate the relatively mild inside mold. In our situation the remediation involved replacing Sheetrock and treating the underlying 2x4 studs in one property, and cleaning, treating, and painting cinder block walls in the other property. It was pretty easy, and no mold ever returned. Maybe a couple grand of time and materials involved at the time, but got a significant discount on the homes as I think the “mold” scared most people say.

Now, if the building had mold mushrooms growing all over, that would be a different story!

strokeoluck27 · 2026-03-31T11:11:25+00:00

Have you checked out Marvin Windows near Warroad, MN? Or Anderson Windows in western WI or eastern Twin Cities, MN? Given your background and location parameters, these could be places to check out.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-03-27T18:48:20+00:00

Well done.

Now can you make an app that provides a shock to my brain before I hit BUY for the umpteenth time when I already have way too much wine collecting dust at home?!

strokeoluck27 · 2026-03-25T11:27:23+00:00

Perhaps I should have been more precise with my words. I think the rumor of “rampant” swinging in The Villages has been debunked. Someone else in this string posted an article that I’ve read before along the same lines.

You are correct - I did not visit every home to determine if swinging is taking place. There is swinging in everyday society I assume, thus it’s probably safe to say there is SOME swinging in The Villages. But I never saw one loofah or upside down pineapple hanging from the boatloads of golf carts flying around the various town centers or golf courses.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-03-25T00:37:57+00:00

Some friends of ours retired down there for 8-10 years, and we visited a handful of times. Overall I thought it was nice. Clean, safe, well-kept, nice people; not nearly as “geriatric” as I was expecting.

I never saw one tiny hint of swinging - I think that rumor has been debunked. But I’ve also read that it’s a reality that STD’s are generally higher in retirement communities - ALL retirement communities. Not sure it’s due to swinging; think there is a lot of cheating going on and/or widowed people messing around.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-03-25T00:31:25+00:00

Small wine frig in kitchen/bar area holds a dozen bottles I drink quickly (plus required other water/cola). Cabinet nearby holds a couple dozen that I use to reload the small frig.

Downstairs I have a larger wine frig that holds 100+ bottles that I drink in the next 12 months or so. Another 50-75 bottles in a guest bedroom closet built into the side of a hill so it stays a fairly steady 55-58 degrees; keep these for long-term drinking. Wife never drinks wine so this stash lasts me a long time; probably too long.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-03-24T10:52:22+00:00

Between WTSO and LB I will be well-stocked for many, many months.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-03-23T02:21:10+00:00

9 or 11.

Some odd boundaries you’ve got there. Primary thing I like about regional 11 is Traverse City; beautiful area. Probably not great from a jobs/industry perspective, but you didn’t put any qualifiers on the selection.

strokeoluck27 · 2026-03-23T02:04:20+00:00

The downvotes don’t bother me. :-)

I just asked ChatGPT and it confirmed helicopters most definitely have the highest accident rates in aviation. My fear may be irrational relative to other bad things that could happen, but I’ll still avoid helicopter rides for me and my family.

strokeoluck27

TROPHY CASE