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Post by chech on Oct 24, 2014 23:41:21 GMT
Woohoo....house closed, money back in my bank account and 12 days to go! It's been a good day. PS ... Oz...let me know if gifs strain the board....
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Post by Oz-T on Oct 25, 2014 3:57:32 GMT
Thank you Purvis and Oz-T, looking forward to read about your trip Oz,, I remember you mentioned on the TT board, now I hope you have the time. This tour also goes to Gent, probably a lunch stop, so I need to research how to get to the church where the famous Altarpiece is. Thanks for the tip Purvis, I was in Brussels briefly, one night stay, in 2002 and I was lucky to see the carpet of flowers, but not much else, same with Amsterdam, so I hope a longer stay gives me the change to visit Anne Frank's museum, Van Gogh's, etc. Haven't been able to book it, waiting for best airline prices. Not sure if this tour goes to Trier now. My travel tale will detail several places you're headed, Californian. The main cities in Benelux were Ghent, Bruges, Liege, Brussels, Ypres, Amsterdam, Gouda, Luxembourg City. Then there were a dozen or more important regional cities in a wide arc around Paris. I can certainly guide you on how to find the church where the prized Ghent Altarpiece resides, and the protocols required of visitors.
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Post by Oz-T on Oct 25, 2014 4:00:42 GMT
No Chech, the animated gifs won't strain the board. However, straining the eyes is a different matter altogether.....
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Post by Boop on Oct 25, 2014 5:43:07 GMT
Woohoo....house closed, money back in my bank account and 12 days to go! It's been a good day. Congrats $$$$$$$.........oh, the shopping I could do!!..........sigh ...va-va-va-voom
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Post by Oz-T on Oct 25, 2014 5:49:11 GMT
"Congrats $$$$$$$.........oh, the shopping I could do!!..........sigh"Yes, I think we have observed that basic fact, Ms Boop....
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Post by chech on Oct 25, 2014 13:41:45 GMT
LOLOL. Funny thing was that the cheque paid off the home credit line and I had a chunk left over....but since the large cheque was In Trust, she said they had no worry if it didn't go through cause they'd just charge it back to my credit line. And I said they had no worries about the other 30k...I couldn't spend that over the weekend... ...and the supervisor perked up and said "I could!" All I could think was that she should get together with Boop....lol
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Post by Boop on Oct 25, 2014 16:27:37 GMT
LOLOL. Funny thing was that the cheque paid off the home credit line and I had a chunk left over....but since the large cheque was In Trust, she said they had no worry if it didn't go through cause they'd just charge it back to my credit line. And I said they had no worries about the other 30k...I couldn't spend that over the weekend... ...and the supervisor perked up and said "I could!" All I could think was that she should get together with Boop....lol ....in Vegas...LOLOL!!!
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Post by purvis on Oct 25, 2014 17:01:12 GMT
Boop:You being a Canadian like myself how do you manage to do so much shopping in the US and get it over the boarder?. I'm off to Florida in 10days for some Christmas shopping but although I can bring back up to $700.0 in goods I can't figure how I would have the luggage space to do so since I will be taking one checked bag and one carryon. Last year before returning from Florida in Nov. I had to buy a second to be checked bag but with the new charges this year have decided not to do that again this year.
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Post by Boop on Oct 25, 2014 20:20:11 GMT
Boop:You being a Canadian like myself how do you manage to do so much shopping in the US and get it over the boarder?. I'm off to Florida in 10days for some Christmas shopping but although I can bring back up to $700.0 in goods I can't figure how I would have the luggage space to do so since I will be taking one checked bag and one carryon. Last year before returning from Florida in Nov. I had to buy a second to be checked bag but with the new charges this year have decided not to do that again this year. Hi Purvis! I always ensure that I stay at least 3 nights when I travel to the States to maximize my duty free allowance and I'm always truthful on my declaration forms and more often than not I'm over my limit. When passing through Canadian customs I haven't been challenged ever on the amounts I've declared. For the most part, I'm not excessively over...usually I declare anywhere from $600-$900. When I travel with my daughter, because we live at the same address and only have to fill out one form, we declare about $1600. I travel very light, with throwaway clothes when off to San Francisco, Seattle or Vegas so I don't lack for room. When I shop in the States, I always keep a running tally mentally of how full my suitcase is before I purchase and I've never had to buy an extra case yet. On my trip to Vegas in November I'm only taking my carry on with very few items of clothing as it's only 3 days and my backup is my daughter...she'll have a suitcase and a carry on so she will be able to "help" Mom out..LOL! When I went to Italy I had two suitcases and a carry on and my declaration form was for almost twice my limit. The customs guy asked for my receipts, which I had every one and there were lots, and started adding them up. About of a third of the way through my receipts he just gave up and sent me through........
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Post by purvis on Oct 25, 2014 22:23:10 GMT
Boop: Thanks for your reply on US purchases. I'm going to pack lightly this time as I'm only away for 13days compared to 29 last year. Have 4 days in Lake Buena Vista (Disney World) then to the coast for 8days and a rented condo which has washing facilities. Until moving to Alberta 11 years go I had always lived very near the US boarder so bought most of my clothes and often groceries in Michigan,New York,and Washington states.I really miss the closeness of the US boarder for shopping . Never had trouble buying clothes that fit in the States but have a terrible time here in the Edmonton area. Oh well all good things must come to an end. Thanks again. Purvis
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Post by californian on Oct 25, 2014 23:07:09 GMT
I am surprised and curious, what do you ladies buy in the states that is not available in Canada? and are the prices so different? I buy most of my clothing on line, probably from the same stores/catalogs that you have there?
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Post by Boop on Oct 25, 2014 23:58:03 GMT
Boop: Thanks for your reply on US purchases. I'm going to pack lightly this time as I'm only away for 13days compared to 29 last year. Have 4 days in Lake Buena Vista (Disney World) then to the coast for 8days and a rented condo which has washing facilities. Until moving to Alberta 11 years go I had always lived very near the US boarder so bought most of my clothes and often groceries in Michigan,New York,and Washington states.I really miss the closeness of the US boarder for shopping . Never had trouble buying clothes that fit in the States but have a terrible time here in the Edmonton area. Oh well all good things must come to an end. Thanks again. Purvis My pleasure Purvis. I'm always willing to talk shopping and, oh my, the damage I could do in 13 days if I were in your shoes! I also love the variety of the different groceries in the States and the choice in clothing is second to none. Fashion wise and shoe wise....Canada is far behind. I never have a problem buying clothing in the States!
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Post by Boop on Oct 26, 2014 0:07:12 GMT
I am surprised and curious, what do you ladies buy in the states that is not available in Canada? and are the prices so different? I buy most of my clothing on line, probably from the same stores/catalogs that you have there? Hi cali! I think I answered this in part of my response to Purvis. The choice of food products and fast food outlets (Tasty Creme and Annie's Pretzels come to mind) in the States is superior. As far as fashion, shoes, boots, etc. there is no question in my mind that the States has it over Canada....way more choices, and as Purvis said, sizing is everything. We don't have a Macy's which is my favourite "big" store and I have a Macy's card which burns a hole in my pocket up here in Canada. Yes, I can go to Macy's online but what they will ship to Canada is completely different to what you can actually buy in the Macy's store. The variety of shops and things to buy is endless.....and I do have to remind myself, occasionally...and it's just a fleeting thought, that when I'm in the US my dollar is worth far less, but it doesn't hold me back!!
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Post by californian on Oct 26, 2014 1:02:48 GMT
Well, thank you for helping our retailers' economy Boop!, I am still surprised that it can be so diferent. One thing is true, though, there is so much to buy and so much variety, that will never see two people wearing the same outfits, except may be in the case of prom dresses...there is a drama now and then of two girls wearing the same dress! My weakness is right here, on line...ayyyy, I firmly throw away all the catalogs, but they get me anyway...I am not a basket case, but surely I could use some restraint on this...
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Post by chech on Oct 26, 2014 1:06:02 GMT
I still haven't had a Krispy Kreme donut!
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Post by Boop on Oct 26, 2014 1:35:11 GMT
I still haven't had a Krispy Kreme donut! Problem solved..........I'll have a couple in your honour when I'm in Vegas....I won't be conscious of calories while I'm there....I can taste that Ramsey Burgr.......I have dreams about it
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Post by Boop on Oct 26, 2014 1:37:28 GMT
Well, thank you for helping our retailers' economy Boop!, I am still surprised that it can be so diferent. One thing is true, though, there is so much to buy and so much variety, that will never see two people wearing the same outfits, except may be in the case of prom dresses...there is a drama now and then of two girls wearing the same dress! My weakness is right here, on line...ayyyy, I firmly throw away all the catalogs, but they get me anyway...I am not a basket case, but surely I could use some restraint on this... I love on line shopping...I've completed my Christmas shopping except for one gift so I'll be looking for smaller items when I'm away in November!! Ebay is my worst nightmare..........I can't stop buying more and more Swarovski. I think I may need a shrink..........
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Post by purvis on Oct 26, 2014 7:46:43 GMT
Well, thank you for helping our retailers' economy Boop!, I am still surprised that it can be so diferent. One thing is true, though, there is so much to buy and so much variety, that will never see two people wearing the same outfits, except may be in the case of prom dresses...there is a drama now and then of two girls wearing the same dress! My weakness is right here, on line...ayyyy, I firmly throw away all the catalogs, but they get me anyway...I am not a basket case, but surely I could use some restraint on this... Before my husband and I moved to Alberta from BC we would drive over to Washington state (45mins. from our home in Chilliwack) every other week and stay over for a few days and buy our groceries and do some shopping. At that time 1993-2003 we were then paying somewhere around 50cents on the US dollar but what the heck we were retired and enjoyed getting away if only for a few days at a time. My husband was not a long distance traveller like I turned out to be after becoming a widow a few weeks from moving to Alberta. I find the cost of articles more reasonable and the selection much better than anything here in Canada . Last Nov. I did a fair amount of Christmas shopping at the Florida Van Heusen and Izod outlet stores and hope to do so again this Nov. We Canadians are more than happy to aid the recovery of the American economy. Here in Alberta the economy is going full blast so my contribution to the economy is not really needed. Purvis
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Post by Tonnet on Oct 26, 2014 11:20:14 GMT
I still haven't had a Krispy Kreme donut! I can assure you that they are scrumptious!
We do have them here in Australia!
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Post by purvis on Oct 26, 2014 15:35:08 GMT
I have never had a Krispy Kreme donut so must try one this time while in Florida since so many of you say they taste great. We have Tim Horton's here in Canada and I love their donuts so will have to compare the two.
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Post by Boop on Oct 26, 2014 17:01:59 GMT
I have never had a Krispy Kreme donut so must try one this time while in Florida since so many of you say they taste great. We have Tim Horton's here in Canada and I love their donuts so will have to compare the two. Hate to say it Purvis, but no comparison....try one with the "kreme" in the middle..........ahhhhh, so good!! I hope you have some nice warm weather down there. Will you be going to Disneyworld more than once, I love Disneyland and wish I had some little ones around for an excuse to go!!
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Post by purvis on Oct 26, 2014 17:12:08 GMT
You don't need little ones to go to Disneyworld. I have been there probably 8or9 times and most of those visits were after the boys left home. We will be visiting the parks once again this year. I never get tired of the magic of Disney World. There are many exhibits that are purely for adults such as the World of Science and Epcot which again this year features wines and foods from many countries (this is not for kids). I want to for the last time visit The Animal Kingdom . The weather is listed as of now to be in the mid to high 70"s so will have to pick days when it's not too hot. Once on the coast we plan on driving up to St. Augustine to visit The World of Golf and down the coast to Kennedy Space Centre. All in all looking forward to a great holiday once again in Florida. You can always pick up a stray child to take with you to Disney World. I have never heard of a child who didn't want to go there. Purvis
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Post by chech on Oct 26, 2014 18:21:23 GMT
You can always pick up a stray Newfie...
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Post by californian on Oct 26, 2014 18:29:08 GMT
For years we had the tradition of going to Disneyland the Friday after Thanksgiving, but now the kids have grown and they'd rather go to a football game, we have a big one this year: Stanford vs. UCLA , I expect a few "friendly fights" between siblings and cousins...I am staying out of it...
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Post by Boop on Oct 26, 2014 19:00:39 GMT
You can always pick up a stray Newfie... got Newfie??? I'd take one in a heartbeat, beautiful dogs!
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Post by Boop on Oct 26, 2014 19:02:12 GMT
For years we had the tradition of going to Disneyland the Friday after Thanksgiving, but now the kids have grown and they'd rather go to a football game, we have a big one this year: Stanford vs. UCLA , I expect a few "friendly fights" between siblings and cousins...I am staying out of it... Isn't that "black" Friday?? Perfect time to go to Disneyland, if it is black friday, while all the hoards are fighting over the deals............. Just two more posts Cali......you're on the cusp!!
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Post by chech on Oct 26, 2014 19:22:39 GMT
*woof*
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Post by californian on Oct 26, 2014 20:35:59 GMT
Isn't that "black" Friday?? Perfect time to go to Disneyland, if it is black friday, while all the hoards are fighting over the deals............. Just two more posts Cali......you're on the cusp!! This year we are counting on you Boop and Canadian friends to bail us out, we are broke!
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Post by purvis on Oct 26, 2014 20:53:21 GMT
Have family in Florida, Michigan and California. Some live in the Detroit area and some in Stockton Ca. If my memory serves me right both Detroit and Stockton are in deep trouble . By the way some of them are realestate agents. I think it's safer to stay here in Alberta where the unemployment rate is 4.2% and the average family income here in the Edmonton area is over $100.000.00 and rising. Not bad for a bunch of cowboys,indians and oil persons. People are flocking to this area of Canada regardless of our lousy weather. I guess money wins out over weather.
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Post by Oz-T on Oct 26, 2014 21:47:05 GMT
Krispy Kreme donuts? Mmmmmmm. It's been a couple of years since Mrs Oz purchased a box of their standard glazed donuts... .... I think I'll be finishing the last one in 2018.
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