It's the horse I won with the picture I submitted at Five Minutes For Mom. A free rocking horse for my great-granddaughter! Because I'm so happy to have won this lovely item, I put a link on the sidebar to "A Rocking Horse To Love". Feel free to go browse their pretty horses, chairs, and other nifty things they have for babies and toddlers. Once again, thanks for all the people on Facebook and here on Blogger, and most especially to the guys (and a couple of gals) on the Tractor Tales Message Board. You all came through in marvelous fashion and voted for my photo.I hope I didn't make it sound as though I thought Cliff would be one of the people downsized out of his workplace, although of course anything is possible. Because of this economy, though, we've had lots of discussions about changes we'd make if his job were to end. We've talked about it for months now.
We'd cut way back on home owners' insurance, insuring only the old house (we have to insure that, since the bank holds a lien on it). We'd get rid of Dish and use an antenna; reception is excellent out here on the river bluffs; we receive signal from six or more stations. We'd drop collision insurance on the car and only carry liability. I know how to cook cheaply. We'd both quit buying everything we want, and only buy what we need.
If worse came to worse, the place could be sold. One thing about it, it seems land has held its value while homes in town have fallen badly.
Cliff will be sixty-four in June, so he could go on Social Security if need be. The only retirement plan he has is a minuscule 401K fund; and we have a little money in various savings accounts.
I've found out since joining AARP that the Medicare tie-in insurance I can get (free) through them is almost as good as what Cliff and I get through his employer! My friend Carol actually pays less for her Lipitor than we pay for Cliff's, and all she has is the AARP/Medicare plan. As soon as I'm 65, I may very well drop myself off Cliff's insurance.
I don't think we have to be concerned at the moment, but no matter what happens, we'll survive.
*added at 5 PM: Cliff called from work telling me he still has a job, but fourteen of his co-workers in the plant are out, plus some in the office.
I'm thankful for the good news about Cliffs job.
ReplyDeleteAnd glad to see the horse made it's way to you. Now we'll be waiting for picture of her on it too. 'On Ya'-ma
So glad Cliff's job is still intact! These are scary times and it has affected us all in one way or another. I think it's good to talk about what if's. Hubby and I did the same thing the other night and made some plans if business falls off. So far it's okay but not what it once was.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you love having your animals right in your back/front yard just like I do. I miss them so when they are at the stable in the winter. Can't wait to get them home but with the ice around the barn right now it's going to be a while. I almost hit the barn with my truck when I went down to feed Barnie yesterday! It's glare ice, I almost slid right into the door!
Hang in there and I hope everything stays well!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy Cliff is ok, but I'm sorry for all the others. Love the horse.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear Cliff is still gainfully imployed...and I think it is great to talk things over...what we would do or not do...I think we all need to do that from time to time...and I am thankful we both have hubbies that will talk things over with us...instead of waiting for the "ball to fall" so to speak...God Bless...hugs...Ora
ReplyDeleteI feel for the families of those who were laid off. I hope they will find something soon or get called back, but I am glad Cliff is safe. Thomas and I have had that same conversation, discussing how we'd cut back and what we'd do differently. For one thing, we put all of our tax refund in the bank. We'd like to have three months of living expenses socked away as a cushion in case anything happens.
ReplyDeletethat is a pretty rocking horse and free is a perfect price too isn't it. are you going to save it for a birthday or christmas? just wondering. thanks for posting a pic of the one you chose
ReplyDeleteSandra
I'm glad Cliff still has his job. Stressful, I bet! Just seeing all of the others lose their jobs.
ReplyDeleteLove the rocking horse. She's a bit small for it now, but just wait!
I am happy that you've won the prize and that Cliff still has his job too.
ReplyDeleteTimes are so bad everywhere. We are expecting something like this before end of the month. Anticipation is the worst feeling.
Hope spring time brings you more joy.
I'm so glad Cliff still has his job and sorry to hear about those who do not... sending prayers for them... love that rocking horse!! Way to go grandma!! Hugs,
ReplyDeleteLisa
I'm glad to hear that cliff isn't one of the statistics.. unfortunately my son is and they are refinancing their home hoping not to loose it. the times are scary for sure.
ReplyDeleteGlad to read Cliff made the cut. I wish everyone well who didn't. It's good that you have a plan in place already just in case though. You're one step ahead of so many.
ReplyDeleteOh THAT'S SO AWESOME!!!! What a great rocking horse. good for you!
ReplyDeleteThe rocking horse is adorable. i am glad about Cliff. Good news about the AARP. I need to check it out. Pat is a few years short of retirement but it is coming. I need to be on top of stuff for him.
ReplyDelete