This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
dining at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not. The
way it works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the club,
they tack the food bill onto your monthly dues and the statement
reflects the reduction in the annual assessment.

If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount at
the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work here.
So I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have to
pay for it anyway.

I was looking at the lunch menu for the room they call The Pub and saw this:

Steak Guinness® and Kidney Pie:

Diced Lamb Kidney with Top Sirloin Beef, Pearl Onion, Mushrooms,
Carrots, Celery, Demi Glace and Guinness® baked in a Puff Pastry. $14

I've always wanted to try steak & kidney pie. Not sure about the
Guinness but the chef is Irish. At least it's not something I'd attempt
to make at home.

Oh, and the "chef" seems to be absolutely enamored with Kaiser rolls.
Or he gets a great discount on them. I've never seen so many sandwiches
being served on Kaiser rolls. Burger, grilled chicken, fried fish
sandwiches. Kaiser rolls. They have to jump through hoops on the rare
occasions I eat there because I can't eat poppy seed rolls.

Jill

On Nov 15, 10:27*am, jmcquown > wrote:
> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
> dining at "the club". *They do this whether you eat there or not. *The
> way it works, they charge $830 per annum. *If/when you eat at the club,
> they tack the food bill onto your monthly dues and the statement
> reflects the reduction in the annual assessment.
>
> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount at
> the end of the year. *It's stupid but that's the way things work here.
> So I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have to
> pay for it anyway.
>
> I was looking at the lunch menu for the room they call The Pub and saw this:
>
> Steak Guinness® and Kidney Pie:
>
> Diced Lamb Kidney with Top Sirloin Beef, Pearl Onion, Mushrooms,
> Carrots, Celery, Demi Glace and Guinness® baked in a Puff Pastry. *$14
>
> I've always wanted to try steak & kidney pie. *Not sure about the
> Guinness but the chef is Irish. *At least it's not something I'd attempt
> to make at home.
>
> Oh, and the "chef" seems to be absolutely enamored with Kaiser rolls.
> Or he gets a great discount on them. *I've never seen so many sandwiches
> being served on Kaiser rolls. *Burger, grilled chicken, fried fish
> sandwiches. *Kaiser rolls. *They have to jump through hoops on the rare
> occasions I eat there because I can't eat poppy seed rolls.
>
> Jill

Why not move?

jmcquown wrote:
> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
> dining at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not. The
> way it works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the
> club, they tack the food bill onto your monthly dues and the statement
> reflects the reduction in the annual assessment.
>
> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount
> at the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work
> here.

Condo? Retirement community? My wife's aunt lives in a place where the
norm is having one meal per day in their communal dining room and that's
part of what you pay for. You get to pick which meal it will be. I
don't think you get a choice in the matter, either, although they let
save up meals you've missed and you can use them for guests instead of
having to pay for the guests.

That'll be our Thanksgiving this year, 11 AM to 2 PM because they let
the staff go home for dinner. It's usually a buffet and it's usually
pretty good for institutional food, IMO. I don't really mind eating
there although I guess I'd get tired of it if I had to do it daily for
years on end.

-S-

On 11/15/2012 2:01 PM, Chemo wrote:
> On Nov 15, 10:27 am, jmcquown > wrote:
>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount at
>> the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work here.
>> So I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have to
>> pay for it anyway.
>>
>> I was looking at the lunch menu for the room they call The Pub and saw this:
>>
>> Steak Guinness® and Kidney Pie:
>>
>> Diced Lamb Kidney with Top Sirloin Beef, Pearl Onion, Mushrooms,
>> Carrots, Celery, Demi Glace and Guinness® baked in a Puff Pastry. $14
>>
>> I've always wanted to try steak & kidney pie. Not sure about the
>> Guinness but the chef is Irish. At least it's not something I'd attempt
>> to make at home.
>>
>> Jill
>
> Why not move?
>
Want to buy a house? LOL Don't ask silly questions.

I just ordered the Steak & Kidney Pie and also the batter fried cod with
chips (french fries). To Go. To be picked up tomorrow before it gets
dark, around 5:30. That was recommended because I don't drive after
dark. There are no street lights here.

I figure I'll eat the fried cod and chips within 20 minutes of getting
home. Might have to keep it in a low oven until I'm ready for dinner.
But even if I don't, I can crisp them in the oven.

The steak & kidney pie will go into the refrigerator. It can be gently
reheated in the oven when I'm ready for that meal.

Why don't I move? Because I *hate* moving.

Jill

Jill

On 11/15/2012 2:26 PM, Steve Freides wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
>> dining at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not. The
>> way it works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the
>> club, they tack the food bill onto your monthly dues and the statement
>> reflects the reduction in the annual assessment.
>>
>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount
>> at the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work
>> here.
>
> Condo? Retirement community?

Some of my neighbors call it a "resort". Those are the ones who also
pay to play golf.

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for dining
> at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not. The way it
> works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the club, they tack
> the food bill onto your monthly dues and the statement reflects the
> reduction in the annual assessment.
>
> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount at
> the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work here. So
> I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have to pay
> for it anyway.
>

This is a common practice with country clubs. They divide the overhead
amongst members equally, not on a pay as you go basis. I guess for some
people that golf every week or so, it is not a problem, but for the light
user, it becomes expensive.

If the bar tab is included in the fee, you can have a few friends for a
drunken orgy and suck up the $830 in a few hours.

On Nov 15, 11:32*am, jmcquown > wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 2:01 PM, Chemo wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Nov 15, 10:27 am, jmcquown > wrote:
> >> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount at
> >> the end of the year. *It's stupid but that's the way things work here.
> >> So I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have to
> >> pay for it anyway.
>
> >> I was looking at the lunch menu for the room they call The Pub and saw this:
>
> >> Steak Guinness® and Kidney Pie:
>
> >> Diced Lamb Kidney with Top Sirloin Beef, Pearl Onion, Mushrooms,
> >> Carrots, Celery, Demi Glace and Guinness® baked in a Puff Pastry. *$14
>
> >> I've always wanted to try steak & kidney pie. *Not sure about the
> >> Guinness but the chef is Irish. *At least it's not something I'd attempt
> >> to make at home.
>
> >> Jill
>
> > Why not move?
>
> Want to buy a house? LOL *Don't ask silly questions.
>
> I just ordered the Steak & Kidney Pie and also the batter fried cod with
> chips (french fries). *To Go. *To be picked up tomorrow before it gets
> dark, around 5:30. *That was recommended because I don't drive after
> dark. There are no street lights here.
>
> I figure I'll eat the fried cod and chips within 20 minutes of getting
> home. *Might have to keep it in a low oven until I'm ready for dinner.
> But even if I don't, I can crisp them in the oven.
>
> The steak & kidney pie will go into the refrigerator. *It can be gently
> reheated in the oven when I'm ready for that meal.
>
> Why don't I move? *Because I *hate* moving.
>
> Jill
>
> Jill

Didn't you know about the fee when you moved in? I don't know why you
are complaining about.

On 11/15/2012 2:39 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for dining
>> at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not. The way it
>> works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the club, they tack
>> the food bill onto your monthly dues and the statement reflects the
>> reduction in the annual assessment.
>>
>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount at
>> the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work here. So
>> I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have to pay
>> for it anyway.
>>
>
> This is a common practice with country clubs. They divide the overhead
> amongst members equally, not on a pay as you go basis. I guess for some
> people that golf every week or so, it is not a problem, but for the light
> user, it becomes expensive.
>
> If the bar tab is included in the fee, you can have a few friends for a
> drunken orgy and suck up the $830 in a few hours.
>
>
ROFL! Only if I can get them to reimburse me for their meals after I
sign the "check". I wouldn't invite people over to have them help pick
up the tab. I rather resent the assessment thing.

I can buy wine by the bottle and it goes towards the assessment. I may
have room to store china but I don't have anywhere to store bottles of
wine.

Jill

On 11/15/2012 2:41 PM, Chemo wrote:
> On Nov 15, 11:32 am, jmcquown > wrote:
>> On 11/15/2012 2:01 PM, Chemo wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Nov 15, 10:27 am, jmcquown > wrote:
>>>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount at
>>>> the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work here.
>>>> So I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have to
>>>> pay for it anyway.
>>
>>>> I was looking at the lunch menu for the room they call The Pub and saw this:
>>
>>>> Steak Guinness® and Kidney Pie:
>>
>>>> Diced Lamb Kidney with Top Sirloin Beef, Pearl Onion, Mushrooms,
>>>> Carrots, Celery, Demi Glace and Guinness® baked in a Puff Pastry. $14
>>
>>>> I've always wanted to try steak & kidney pie. Not sure about the
>>>> Guinness but the chef is Irish. At least it's not something I'd attempt
>>>> to make at home.
>>
>>>> Jill
>>
>>> Why not move?
>>
>> Want to buy a house? LOL Don't ask silly questions.
>>
>> I just ordered the Steak & Kidney Pie and also the batter fried cod with
>> chips (french fries). To Go. To be picked up tomorrow before it gets
>> dark, around 5:30. That was recommended because I don't drive after
>> dark. There are no street lights here.
>>
>> I figure I'll eat the fried cod and chips within 20 minutes of getting
>> home. Might have to keep it in a low oven until I'm ready for dinner.
>> But even if I don't, I can crisp them in the oven.
>>
>> The steak & kidney pie will go into the refrigerator. It can be gently
>> reheated in the oven when I'm ready for that meal.
>>
>> Why don't I move? Because I *hate* moving.
>>
>> Jill
>>
>> Jill
>
> Didn't you know about the fee when you moved in? I don't know why you
> are complaining about.
>
I didn't just move here. I came here to take care of my elderly
parents. After they died, I inherited the house.

My parents hadn't been "members" since 2001. It never occurred to me
I'd have to join their stupid club. I tried to contest it citing a
grandfather clause. I didn't win.

So, I've got to buy food or pay for nothing. I'm ordering food which I
will pick up, re-package and put in the freezer for winter.

Jill

On Nov 15, 11:57*am, jmcquown > wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 2:41 PM, Chemo wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Nov 15, 11:32 am, jmcquown > wrote:
> >> On 11/15/2012 2:01 PM, Chemo wrote:
>
> >>> On Nov 15, 10:27 am, jmcquown > wrote:
> >>>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount at
> >>>> the end of the year. *It's stupid but that's the way things work here.
> >>>> So I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have to
> >>>> pay for it anyway.
>
> >>>> I was looking at the lunch menu for the room they call The Pub and saw this:
>
> >>>> Steak Guinness® and Kidney Pie:
>
> >>>> Diced Lamb Kidney with Top Sirloin Beef, Pearl Onion, Mushrooms,
> >>>> Carrots, Celery, Demi Glace and Guinness® baked in a Puff Pastry. *$14
>
> >>>> I've always wanted to try steak & kidney pie. *Not sure about the
> >>>> Guinness but the chef is Irish. *At least it's not something I'd attempt
> >>>> to make at home.
>
> >>>> Jill
>
> >>> Why not move?
>
> >> Want to buy a house? LOL *Don't ask silly questions.
>
> >> I just ordered the Steak & Kidney Pie and also the batter fried cod with
> >> chips (french fries). *To Go. *To be picked up tomorrow before it gets
> >> dark, around 5:30. *That was recommended because I don't drive after
> >> dark. There are no street lights here.
>
> >> I figure I'll eat the fried cod and chips within 20 minutes of getting
> >> home. *Might have to keep it in a low oven until I'm ready for dinner.

On 11/15/2012 9:43 AM, jmcquown wrote:
> ROFL! Only if I can get them to reimburse me for their meals after I
> sign the "check". I wouldn't invite people over to have them help pick
> up the tab. I rather resent the assessment thing.

Sign that condo over to me and I'll be happy to take care of that pesky
assessment! The condo is already paid for, right? I mean, I'm not going
to take over all the payments on this thing...

>
> I can buy wine by the bottle and it goes towards the assessment. I may
> have room to store china but I don't have anywhere to store bottles of
> wine.

My suggestion is that you have lunch at the club and enjoy yourself. At
least you won't have to deal with the non-member riff-raff. :-)

>
> Jill

On 11/15/2012 2:43 PM, jmcquown wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 2:39 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
>>> dining
>>> at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not. The way it
>>> works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the club,
>>> they tack
>>> the food bill onto your monthly dues and the statement reflects the
>>> reduction in the annual assessment.
>>>
>>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total
>>> amount at
>>> the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work
>>> here. So
>>> I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have
>>> to pay
>>> for it anyway.
>>>
>>
>> This is a common practice with country clubs. They divide the overhead
>> amongst members equally, not on a pay as you go basis. I guess for
>> some
>> people that golf every week or so, it is not a problem, but for the
>> light
>> user, it becomes expensive.
>>
>> If the bar tab is included in the fee, you can have a few friends for a
>> drunken orgy and suck up the $830 in a few hours.
>>
>>
> ROFL! Only if I can get them to reimburse me for their meals after I
> sign the "check". I wouldn't invite people over to have them help
> pick up the tab. I rather resent the assessment thing.
>
> I can buy wine by the bottle and it goes towards the assessment. I may
> have room to store china but I don't have anywhere to store bottles of
> wine.
>
> Jill
Actually, bottles of wine are quite decorative and you could buy a small
rack to hold them. You aren't that beat for wall space are you?

--
Jim Silverton (Potomac, MD)

Extraneous "not" in Reply To.

On 11/15/2012 4:07 PM, James Silverton wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 2:43 PM, jmcquown wrote:
>> On 11/15/2012 2:39 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
>>>> dining
>>>> at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not. The way it
>>>> works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the club,
>>>> they tack
>>>> the food bill onto your monthly dues and the statement reflects the
>>>> reduction in the annual assessment.
>>>>
>>>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total
>>>> amount at
>>>> the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work
>>>> here. So
>>>> I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have
>>>> to pay
>>>> for it anyway.
>>>>
>>>
>>> This is a common practice with country clubs. They divide the overhead
>>> amongst members equally, not on a pay as you go basis. I guess for
>>> some
>>> people that golf every week or so, it is not a problem, but for the
>>> light
>>> user, it becomes expensive.
>>>
>>> If the bar tab is included in the fee, you can have a few friends for a
>>> drunken orgy and suck up the $830 in a few hours.
>>>
>>>
>> ROFL! Only if I can get them to reimburse me for their meals after I
>> sign the "check". I wouldn't invite people over to have them help
>> pick up the tab. I rather resent the assessment thing.
>>
>> I can buy wine by the bottle and it goes towards the assessment. I may
>> have room to store china but I don't have anywhere to store bottles of
>> wine.
>>
>> Jill
> Actually, bottles of wine are quite decorative and you could buy a small
> rack to hold them. You aren't that beat for wall space are you?
>

Nope, I've got wall space.

Jill

On Nov 15, 10:27 am, jmcquown > wrote:
> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
> dining at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not.
> The way it works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the
> club, they tack the food bill onto your monthly dues and the
> statement reflects the reduction in the annual assessment.
>
> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount
> at the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work
> here.

News flash: That's not ridiculous; that's the way that just about
every country club, yacht club,or tennis/social club with a kitchen
in the entire country works. What's "ridiculous" and "stupid" is that
people will sign a home purchase or club membership *contract* without
understanding and accepting its provisions.

They're the same kind who bitch incessantly about the provisions of the
homeowners association documents that they never bothered to read.

BTW, that's also dirt cheap for such a club.

-- Larry

On 11/15/2012 3:19 PM, dsi1 wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 9:43 AM, jmcquown wrote:
>> ROFL! Only if I can get them to reimburse me for their meals after I
>> sign the "check". I wouldn't invite people over to have them help pick
>> up the tab. I rather resent the assessment thing.
>
> Sign that condo over to me and I'll be happy to take care of that pesky
> assessment! The condo is already paid for, right? I mean, I'm not going
> to take over all the payments on this thing...
>
It's not a condo. And unlike other "associations", the fees don't pay
for maintaining the yard. You'd have to pay for that or do it yourself.
That pesky food assessment is in addition to your paying for the
membership plus $285 a month. (If you have a spouse double those fees.)
That's completely separate from another $1900/year assessment for
maintaining the streets. BTW, that doesn't count paying annual county
property taxes.

> My suggestion is that you have lunch at the club and enjoy yourself. At
> least you won't have to deal with the non-member riff-raff. :-)
>
I don't mind dining alone but I don't want to have to adhere to a dress
code. I'll just order a few meals between now and the end of the year.
I'll pick them up and stash them in the freezer for when I don't feel
like cooking.

Jill

On 11/15/2012 11:37 AM, pltrgyst wrote:
> On Nov 15, 10:27 am, jmcquown > wrote:
>> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
>> dining at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not.
>> The way it works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the
>> club, they tack the food bill onto your monthly dues and the
>> statement reflects the reduction in the annual assessment.
>>
>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount
>> at the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work
>> here.
>
> News flash: That's not ridiculous; that's the way that just about
> every country club, yacht club,or tennis/social club with a kitchen
> in the entire country works. What's "ridiculous" and "stupid" is that
> people will sign a home purchase or club membership *contract* without
> understanding and accepting its provisions.
>
> They're the same kind who bitch incessantly about the provisions of the
> homeowners association documents that they never bothered to read.
>
> BTW, that's also dirt cheap for such a club.
>
> -- Larry
>

That does sound dirt cheap. Don't real country clubs cost something like
$5,000 a year?

On 11/15/2012 4:52 PM, dsi1 wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 11:37 AM, pltrgyst wrote:
>> On Nov 15, 10:27 am, jmcquown > wrote:
>>> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
>>> dining at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not.
>>> The way it works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the
>>> club, they tack the food bill onto your monthly dues and the
>>> statement reflects the reduction in the annual assessment.
>>>
>>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount
>>> at the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work
>>> here.
>>
>> News flash: That's not ridiculous; that's the way that just about
>> every country club, yacht club,or tennis/social club with a kitchen
>> in the entire country works. What's "ridiculous" and "stupid" is that
>> people will sign a home purchase or club membership *contract* without
>> understanding and accepting its provisions.
>>
>> They're the same kind who bitch incessantly about the provisions of the
>> homeowners association documents that they never bothered to read.
>>
>> BTW, that's also dirt cheap for such a club.
>>
>> -- Larry
>>
>
> That does sound dirt cheap. Don't real country clubs cost something like
> $5,000 a year?

You folks have no idea. This is just the annual DINING assessment. It
has nothing to do with any of the other fees.

Jill

Chemo wrote:

> Sell the house and move.

Sounds like a good idea to me, too, although if you're old enough to be
taking care of aging parents, you're old enough to be considering a
place that provides some meals to you in your own retirement. Maybe
rent it out for a few years if you think you'd like it in your own
retirement.

-S-

On 2012-11-15, James Silverton > wrote:

> Actually, bottles of wine are quite decorative and you could buy a small
> rack to hold them. You aren't that beat for wall space are you?

Not to mention possible good investments. I had 4 bottles of wine,
none of which I paid over $17 per, and eventually sold all 4 for over
$300! Wine collectors are jes as stupid as most other collectors.

nb

--
Definition of objectivism:
"Eff you! I got mine."
http://www.nongmoproject.org/

"Steve Freides" > wrote in message
...
> Chemo wrote:
>
>> Sell the house and move.
>
> Sounds like a good idea to me, too, although if you're old enough to be
> taking care of aging parents, you're old enough to be considering a place
> that provides some meals to you in your own retirement. Maybe rent it out
> for a few years if you think you'd like it in your own retirement.
>
> -S-
>

take some hobos into the club and treat them to a good meal.

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 11/15/2012 4:52 PM, dsi1 wrote:
>> On 11/15/2012 11:37 AM, pltrgyst wrote:
>>> On Nov 15, 10:27 am, jmcquown > wrote:
>>>> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for
>>>> dining at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not.
>>>> The way it works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the
>>>> club, they tack the food bill onto your monthly dues and the
>>>> statement reflects the reduction in the annual assessment.
>>>>
>>>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount
>>>> at the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work
>>>> here.
>>>
>>> News flash: That's not ridiculous; that's the way that just about
>>> every country club, yacht club,or tennis/social club with a kitchen
>>> in the entire country works. What's "ridiculous" and "stupid" is that
>>> people will sign a home purchase or club membership *contract* without
>>> understanding and accepting its provisions.
>>>
>>> They're the same kind who bitch incessantly about the provisions of the
>>> homeowners association documents that they never bothered to read.
>>>
>>> BTW, that's also dirt cheap for such a club.
>>>
>>> -- Larry
>>>
>>
>> That does sound dirt cheap. Don't real country clubs cost something like
>> $5,000 a year?
>
> You folks have no idea. This is just the annual DINING assessment. It
> has nothing to do with any of the other fees.
>
> Jill


Isn't that all about keeping out the riff raff? I guess you are in the
early stages . . .

On 11/15/2012 5:42 PM, Steve Freides wrote:
> Chemo wrote:
>
>> Sell the house and move.
>
> Sounds like a good idea to me, too, although if you're old enough to be
> taking care of aging parents, you're old enough to be considering a
> place that provides some meals to you in your own retirement. Maybe
> rent it out for a few years if you think you'd like it in your own
> retirement.
>
Jill is already retired, but I agree, I wouldn't want to stay where I'm
not happy. Maybe a few years away while renting would help out some!
If I were in that situation I'd sure consider it.

On Nov 15, 9:29*pm, Cheryl > wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 5:42 PM, Steve Freides wrote:> Chemo wrote:
>
> >> Sell the house and move.
>
> > Sounds like a good idea to me, too, although if you're old enough to be
> > taking care of aging parents, you're old enough to be considering a
> > place that provides some meals to you in your own retirement. *Maybe
> > rent it out for a few years if you think you'd like it in your own
> > retirement.
>
> Jill is already retired, but I agree, I wouldn't want to stay where I'm
> not happy. *Maybe a few years away while renting would help out some!
> If I were in that situation I'd sure consider it.

100% agree- I think Jill should live where she wants. There is some
risk in renting, but with a good agent on her side, I am sure there
have to be older folks looking to rent and use the dining options for
a short term.

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> I can buy wine by the bottle and it goes towards the assessment. I may
> have room to store china but I don't have anywhere to store bottles of
> wine.
>
> Jill

Why store it when you can drink it? I'd stay drunk all the time! (Hey, hey ,
what can I say?)

On Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:26:02 -0500, "Steve Freides" >
wrote:

> Condo? Retirement community? My wife's aunt lives in a place where the
> norm is having one meal per day in their communal dining room and that's
> part of what you pay for. You get to pick which meal it will be. I
> don't think you get a choice in the matter, either, although they let
> save up meals you've missed and you can use them for guests instead of
> having to pay for the guests.
>
> That'll be our Thanksgiving this year, 11 AM to 2 PM because they let
> the staff go home for dinner. It's usually a buffet and it's usually
> pretty good for institutional food, IMO. I don't really mind eating
> there although I guess I'd get tired of it if I had to do it daily for
> years on end.

My ex-next door neighbor moved into a one bedroom apartment in a very
nice retirement home. She gets breakfast and dinner through her
monthly rent (not cheap) and they have a tiny '50s soda parlor decor
type place where residents can take guests for lunch. We ate there
and were only charged $5 per person. She told me at the two year mark
that she'd never used her kitchen. I imagine she makes tea or pours
juice, but she hasn't cooked. Good for her! She's the gregarious
type and needs to be in the dining room socializing.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 15 Nov 2012 22:51:41 GMT, notbob > wrote:

> On 2012-11-15, James Silverton > wrote:
>
> > Actually, bottles of wine are quite decorative and you could buy a small
> > rack to hold them. You aren't that beat for wall space are you?
>
> Not to mention possible good investments. I had 4 bottles of wine,
> none of which I paid over $17 per, and eventually sold all 4 for over
> $300! Wine collectors are jes as stupid as most other collectors.
>
Especially if they buy from some numbskull that hasn't stored them
properly.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 11/15/2012 4:07 PM, James Silverton wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 2:43 PM, jmcquown wrote:
>> On 11/15/2012 2:39 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total
>>>> amount at
>>>> the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work
>>>> here. So
>>>> I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have
>>>> to pay
>>>> for it anyway.
>>>>
>>>
>>> This is a common practice with country clubs. They divide the overhead
>>> amongst members equally, not on a pay as you go basis. I guess for
>>> some
>>> people that golf every week or so, it is not a problem, but for the
>>> light
>>> user, it becomes expensive.
>>>
>>> If the bar tab is included in the fee, you can have a few friends for a
>>> drunken orgy and suck up the $830 in a few hours.
>>>
>>>
>> ROFL! Only if I can get them to reimburse me for their meals after I
>> sign the "check". I wouldn't invite people over to have them help
>> pick up the tab. I rather resent the assessment thing.
>>
>> I can buy wine by the bottle and it goes towards the assessment. I may
>> have room to store china but I don't have anywhere to store bottles of
>> wine.
>>
>> Jill
> Actually, bottles of wine are quite decorative and you could buy a small
> rack to hold them. You aren't that beat for wall space are you?
>

Good idea! I could easily make room for a wine rack. There's a
bookcase I stuck in one corner of the living room because it was an
empty space. (There used to be a bar there, made of teak, but one of my
brothers had asked for it and I was happy to let him take it.) The
bookcase contains not books but useless tchotchkes people have given me
over the years. I could box up the nicknacks and sell the bookcase.
That space would be an excellent place for wine racks!

Jill

On 11/15/12 10:15 PM, Pico Rico wrote:

>>>> BTW, that's also dirt cheap for such a club.
>>>
>>> That does sound dirt cheap. Don't real country clubs cost something like
>>> $5,000 a year?
>>
>> You folks have no idea. This is just the annual DINING assessment. It
>> has nothing to do with any of the other fees.

I do have an idea -- and I meant that that is cheap for a dining
assessment. Yes, many, many clubs cost far more in annual dues. But most
of the ones I'm familiar with (including the club in the neighborhood
we're moving to in FL) have annual dining assessments of at least $1500.

-- Larry

On 11/15/2012 2:39 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> This ridiculous place where I live charges an annual assessment for dining
>> at "the club". They do this whether you eat there or not. The way it
>> works, they charge $830 per annum. If/when you eat at the club, they tack
>> the food bill onto your monthly dues and the statement reflects the
>> reduction in the annual assessment.
>>
>> If you don't eat there, they'll still charge you for the total amount at
>> the end of the year. It's stupid but that's the way things work here. So
>> I figured I might as well get a meal or two out of it since I have to pay
>> for it anyway.
>>
>
> This is a common practice with country clubs. They divide the overhead
> amongst members equally, not on a pay as you go basis. I guess for some
> people that golf every week or so, it is not a problem, but for the light
> user, it becomes expensive.
>
Indeed it does become expensive. But even my father, who *did* have a
full golf membership (that's not cheap!) didn't like being told he had
to pay for meals he didn't eat. Over the years when I'd visit he and
Mom and I would go to the club just so he could count it towards the
dining assessment. I still can't figure out why, since he'd have had to
pay for it whether we ate there or not, and he was always complaining
about the food. LOL

As for the food, it's nothing to write home about. The current chef is
either obsessed with or gets a rally great deal on Kaiser rolls.
Practically every sandwich, even a hamburger, is served on a Kaiser
roll! I have to avoid the poppy seeds so if I want a burger they have
to scrounge around to find a regular hamburger bun without seeds. Hey,
they're taking my money so I should be able to have it "my way"


> If the bar tab is included in the fee, you can have a few friends for a
> drunken orgy and suck up the $830 in a few hours.
>

If I *wanted* to splurge and throw a drunken orgy, I'd rather do it at
home

Jill

On 11/16/2012 9:34 AM, pltrgyst wrote:
> On 11/15/12 10:15 PM, Pico Rico wrote:
>
>>>>> BTW, that's also dirt cheap for such a club.
>>>>
>>>> That does sound dirt cheap. Don't real country clubs cost something
>>>> like
>>>> $5,000 a year?
>>>
>>> You folks have no idea. This is just the annual DINING assessment. It
>>> has nothing to do with any of the other fees.
>
> I do have an idea -- and I meant that that is cheap for a dining
> assessment. Yes, many, many clubs cost far more in annual dues. But most
> of the ones I'm familiar with (including the club in the neighborhood
> we're moving to in FL) have annual dining assessments of at least $1500.
>
> -- Larry
>
Hope you like the food! Or the bill at the end of the year. LOL But
you're *choosing* to move there. This wasn't my idea.

Jill

On 11/15/2012 5:42 PM, Steve Freides wrote:
> Chemo wrote:
>
>> Sell the house and move.
>
> Sounds like a good idea to me, too, although if you're old enough to be
> taking care of aging parents, you're old enough to be considering a
> place that provides some meals to you in your own retirement. Maybe
> rent it out for a few years if you think you'd like it in your own
> retirement.
>
> -S-
>
>
Another one of their rules: not allowed to rent the house without
getting specific permission from the Board. Assuming I got permission,
the renters would have to agree to join the club on a temporary basis.
And I suspect if they defaulted I'd still be responsible for those bills.

Then there's the horrors of being a landlord. That's definitely not
something I'm interested in becoming.

I'll just pay the damn bills and hopefully will find a job soon

Jill

On Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:32:23 -0500, jmcquown >
wrote:

> Good idea! I could easily make room for a wine rack.

If you're going to store decent wine for any amount of time, then you
might as well make it a wine cooler. The smaller ones cost about the
same as a microwave.
http://www.beveragefactory.com/Wine-..._Coolers.shtml

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:34:13 -0500, pltrgyst >
wrote:

> On 11/15/12 10:15 PM, Pico Rico wrote:
>
> >>>> BTW, that's also dirt cheap for such a club.
> >>>
> >>> That does sound dirt cheap. Don't real country clubs cost something like
> >>> $5,000 a year?
> >>
> >> You folks have no idea. This is just the annual DINING assessment. It
> >> has nothing to do with any of the other fees.
>
> I do have an idea -- and I meant that that is cheap for a dining
> assessment. Yes, many, many clubs cost far more in annual dues. But most
> of the ones I'm familiar with (including the club in the neighborhood
> we're moving to in FL) have annual dining assessments of at least $1500.
>
I think it's a great way to have a no fuss party once or twice a year.
Invite a few people for lunch/dinner at the club house.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

jmcquown wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 5:42 PM, Steve Freides wrote:
>> Chemo wrote:
>>
>>> Sell the house and move.
>>
>> Sounds like a good idea to me, too, although if you're old enough to
>> be taking care of aging parents, you're old enough to be considering
>> a place that provides some meals to you in your own retirement. Maybe
>> rent it out for a few years if you think you'd like it in your
>> own retirement.
>>
>> -S-
>>
>>
> Another one of their rules: not allowed to rent the house without
> getting specific permission from the Board. Assuming I got
> permission, the renters would have to agree to join the club on a
> temporary basis. And I suspect if they defaulted I'd still be
> responsible for those bills.
> Then there's the horrors of being a landlord. That's definitely not
> something I'm interested in becoming.
>
> I'll just pay the damn bills and hopefully will find a job soon
>
> Jill

It's been interesting for me and my wife to watch her parents - they
moved into Ann's Choice, a retirement community, in around 2005, I
think, when they were both in their mid-80's. It was a tough decision
for them, but watching them as they've aged, it was a good one. The
place reminds both me and my wife of things like summer camp or a cruise
ship. They have their own apartment, complete with a fully functional
kitchen, but they pay to eat one meal per day, usually dinner, at one of
several community dining rooms. It's a big place, a couple of thousand
residents, I think, and thus they have several choices of where to eat,
e.g., they often take us when we're there to the cafeteria style place
where we can get pretty much what we want, e.g., they'll make a sandwich
to order from whatever they're serving that day. The place they usually
go to is sit-down with waiter service and several choices of entree,
sides, dessert, beverage, etc., every time.

The place also has a nursing home and that was where my wife's father
spent a few months during his last year - it's got an assisted living
portion and a portion that's closer in feel to a hospital.

My wife's parents became very friendly with their across-the-hall
neighbors and they do things like shop for each other. One could do a
lot worse than a place like this when you get to the age where things
like driving and even walking are difficult. You have quite a good
measure of independence but you're not alone.

I ramble - best of luck with your dining, uh, requirements.

-S-

On 11/16/2012 12:29 AM, Cheryl wrote:
> On 11/15/2012 5:42 PM, Steve Freides wrote:
>> Chemo wrote:
>>
>>> Sell the house and move.
>>
>> Sounds like a good idea to me, too, although if you're old enough to be
>> taking care of aging parents, you're old enough to be considering a
>> place that provides some meals to you in your own retirement. Maybe
>> rent it out for a few years if you think you'd like it in your own
>> retirement.
>>
> Jill is already retired, but I agree, I wouldn't want to stay where I'm
> not happy. Maybe a few years away while renting would help out some! If
> I were in that situation I'd sure consider it.
>
>
I'm only unhappy with the fees, mostly because I don't feel I get
anything out of this membership. I don't need 12 tee times a year (no
interest in playing golf). I don't play tennis or croquet or bridge.
They hold "events" at the community center but they charge extra if you
attend. *If* was interested in planting a garden I'd have to rent a
plot, then drive over to tend/weed/fertilize and water it. Oh, and you
have to bring your own hose but they charge for the water. Sheesh!

If they could figure out a way to charge for the "library", they'd do
it. They can't because the books are all donated by residents and
shelved by volunteers. It's the only saving grace

I'm not sure what the hell I'm paying for! It's not like they maintain
the lawn. Then there's the fact that they charge people like plumbers
$10 to get on the island for a service call! Collect $10 or do not pass
GO. The contractors in turn pass the "gate fee" on to the residents in
their bill. So we're paying more to have our toilets fixed than other
people do.

For the most part I really like this house My last memories of my
parents are in this house. Sentimental, but there you have it. I've
lived here for five years. One tends to get attached.

Being a landlord (let's pretend the Board granted me permission) and
moving for a few years seems like an even bigger hassle.

I know I'm complaining, sorry about that. I *did* investigate selling
the house. It would have cost me thousands of dollars to get it ready
for listing. Houses here are on the market for 3-5 years. It's
actually cheaper to just bitch about it and suck it up

I *am* looking for a job, BTW. Even a part time office job would
alleviate the (to me) useless monthly fees.

Jill

On Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:56:48 -0500, "Steve Freides" >
wrote:

> It's been interesting for me and my wife to watch her parents - they
> moved into Ann's Choice, a retirement community, in around 2005, I
> think, when they were both in their mid-80's. It was a tough decision
> for them, but watching them as they've aged, it was a good one. The
> place reminds both me and my wife of things like summer camp or a cruise
> ship. They have their own apartment, complete with a fully functional
> kitchen, but they pay to eat one meal per day, usually dinner, at one of
> several community dining rooms. It's a big place, a couple of thousand
> residents, I think, and thus they have several choices of where to eat,
> e.g., they often take us when we're there to the cafeteria style place
> where we can get pretty much what we want, e.g., they'll make a sandwich
> to order from whatever they're serving that day. The place they usually
> go to is sit-down with waiter service and several choices of entree,
> sides, dessert, beverage, etc., every time.
>
> The place also has a nursing home and that was where my wife's father
> spent a few months during his last year - it's got an assisted living
> portion and a portion that's closer in feel to a hospital.
>
> My wife's parents became very friendly with their across-the-hall
> neighbors and they do things like shop for each other. One could do a
> lot worse than a place like this when you get to the age where things
> like driving and even walking are difficult. You have quite a good
> measure of independence but you're not alone.

Cruise ship is right! That's the kind of place my ex-neighbor moved
into. I used to think I'd never do it; but now that I see the
independence you have in that type of living situation, I'm warming up
to the idea. Mid 80's sounds like the right age to move into one too.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 11/16/2012 10:28 AM, sf wrote:
> On Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:32:23 -0500, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> Good idea! I could easily make room for a wine rack.
>
> If you're going to store decent wine for any amount of time, then you
> might as well make it a wine cooler. The smaller ones cost about the
> same as a microwave.
> http://www.beveragefactory.com/Wine-..._Coolers.shtml
>

There is indeed an outlet in that wall I could get an inexpensive
wine cooler and set a small rack on top for the few reds. I rarely
drink red wine but if I've got to spend my assessment on something (and
the food ain't so great) might as well get a few bottles of red for guests.

Jill

On 11/16/2012 10:56 AM, Steve Freides wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>> On 11/15/2012 5:42 PM, Steve Freides wrote:
>>> Chemo wrote:
>>>
>>>> Sell the house and move.
>>>
>>> Sounds like a good idea to me, too, although if you're old enough to
>>> be taking care of aging parents, you're old enough to be considering
>>> a place that provides some meals to you in your own retirement. Maybe
>>> rent it out for a few years if you think you'd like it in your
>>> own retirement.
>>>
>>> -S-
>>>
>>>
>> Another one of their rules: not allowed to rent the house without
>> getting specific permission from the Board.will find a job soon
>>
>> Jill
>
> It's been interesting for me and my wife to watch her parents - they
> moved into Ann's Choice, a retirement community, in around 2005, I
> think, when they were both in their mid-80's. It was a tough decision
> for them, but watching them as they've aged, it was a good one. The
> place reminds both me and my wife of things like summer camp or a cruise
> ship. They have their own apartment, complete with a fully functional
> kitchen, but they pay to eat one meal per day, usually dinner, at one of
> several community dining rooms. It's a big place, a couple of thousand
> residents, I think, and thus they have several choices of where to eat,
> e.g., they often take us when we're there to the cafeteria style place
> where we can get pretty much what we want, e.g., they'll make a sandwich
> to order from whatever they're serving that day. The place they usually
> go to is sit-down with waiter service and several choices of entree,
> sides, dessert, beverage, etc., every time.
>
> The place also has a nursing home and that was where my wife's father
> spent a few months during his last year - it's got an assisted living
> portion and a portion that's closer in feel to a hospital.
>
> My wife's parents became very friendly with their across-the-hall
> neighbors and they do things like shop for each other. One could do a
> lot worse than a place like this when you get to the age where things
> like driving and even walking are difficult. You have quite a good
> measure of independence but you're not alone.
>
> I ramble - best of luck with your dining, uh, requirements.
>
> -S-
>
>
My aunt Winifred lives in a community like you describe. She has her
own cottage (think of the movie 'Cocoon'). There are activities (for a
while she taught water color painting). There is a full time nursing
home on the premises. She calls it "being In Care". She's not in the
least ready for that. She's still very active. There are shuttle buses
that take them into town for shopping, groceries and stuff. If she
wants to she can eat in the community dining room and I'm sure she often
does.

I'm not quite to that point And this isn't that sort of retirement
community.

Jill

On 2012-11-16 05:45:32 +0000, merryb said:

> 100% agree- I think Jill should live where she wants.

After much consideration on what Jill should do with her life I've
settled at the same point. Jill should at least have a partial vote in
our decision over what she should do in life.

"gtr" > wrote in message news:2012111609203153090-xxx@yyyzzz...
> On 2012-11-16 05:45:32 +0000, merryb said:
>
>> 100% agree- I think Jill should live where she wants.
>
> After much consideration on what Jill should do with her life I've settled
> at the same point. Jill should at least have a partial vote in our
> decision over what she should do in life.
>

except how much taxes she pays, and how we care to deal with her health
care.