We hate to have to do this…
M and I have gone round in circles trying to figure out ways to keep Rott Fest on schedule, but we had to face the crappy truth that we just can’t do it this year. Back in January it seemed doable. Now….there’s just no way. We are getting the crap kicked out of us financially, and I know we aren’t the only ones. We have maintenance issues with the house, we’re up to our ass in tax bills, etc. etc…and we finally faced reality today that we have to cancel. I know this is going to be a bitch for those who have already gotten time off to come. We apologize for screwing that up. We apologize for doing this at the 11th hour, but we were trying to be optimistic that we were going to find a way around the problems. Looks like we will have to settle for being optimistic for next year.
Again…our sincerest apologies to you all.
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That much-heralded extension of the Bush tax cuts apparently didn’t apply to Federal retirees. While we’re WAY below the “rich” margin of $250K (way, way, way below, my Fed paycheck is about $24K a year) we had a huge increase in Federal withholding this year. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
DAMN!!!..but I think a lot of us can relate. Well, it just means we have to make next year TWICE as good!!!
It sux for sure Draco. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but when you’re losing sleep trying to figure out how to get it done…it’s time to just accept it wasn’t going to happen.
I’m sorry, you guys! I wasn’t going to make it – also because of financial constraints – but I know it sucks to have to cancel because of it. I feel your pain as well. My Fed paycheck looks like it’s been gnawed on by particularly vicious smurfs every 2 weeks.
Oh well, there goes my surprise. And the time off I took- all 2½ years- wasted.
Isn’t there some way we can light a fire under some peoples to get this done?
Now I know how Obama feels about not getting invited to the Royal Wedding.
That sucks.
ok, so the Fest is off, how do you feel about random incursions of marauding norsemen? I promise to wipe my feet, and put the toilet seat down.
joking aside, it would seem that I’m actually moving to texas. San Antonio to be precise. It would be nice to meet some of the Rotts in texas.
Bummer. Sorry to hear that. I wouldn’t have been able to attend, but it’s a real drag that the rest of
the pack loses a fine blow-out.
I’m sitting here bawling my eyes out and feeling like shit.
I’m praying for answers and I feel like the only one listening is the cat and she doesn’t give a damn.
We can’t pay our property taxes. The IRS is taking $300 a month out of M’s retirement check for back taxes we can’t pay. We can’t fix the plumbing. We’ve got little Niagara in both bathrooms with the showers. We can’t run the AC because the drain pipe is clogged and I have to keep pans under the closet unit to catch the water. We can’t afford to get the pool cleaned and ready. We can’t afford the food to feed everyone. We can’t get the fence fixed.
Yeah I’m having a freaking pity party right now.
If anyone has a spare Fairy Godmother they aren’t using at the moment…would you mind giving them our address?
ah, well… I happen to be a fairly competant, if unliscened plumber. I’m going to be in your area fairly soon, I might be able to swing by and ‘fix the sink’ as it were. you’ve got my email, shoot me a line.
Lady M…no need to cry about the RottFest. I think I speak for all when I say, there ARE some things more important than guns and booze. (It may be a short list, but it they are still there!)
And the missus and my Fairy Godmothers are headed North to your location!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO………..!!!!!!!!!!!!
Say it ain’t so. It’s some kind of elaborate hoax to throw off the Rottfest Czar. Right? Right???
D’
Sis- If I can manage to get some coverage, we’ll take a flying trip up there. Doesn’t seem like any problems I can’t handle. The problem is I lost my Asst Manager and am making do with a barely competent keyholder that can’t do anything administratively. She’s ready to walk because it’s so damn busy and can’t handle that by herself.
This really sucks, especially cuz I know I can fixee-fixee those things easily DAMMIT !!!LC Roguetek says:
Alrighty !!! WELCOME to Texas, there’s always room for more here. *waving from Austin*.
Response to Lady M-ITT™-Imperial Sniper G.L.O.R @:
Sweetie, I don’t know if this will help, but in my experience with property taxes, if you call the county and explain the situation, they’ll work with you on either some kind of payment plan you can afford or a deferment. Have you tried talking to someone there?
*hugs* to you guys. Hope it gets better soon!
Honestly, I think if we tag-team this, we can Make It Go Away. Seriously. I’m not good at the whole ‘planning’ thing, but if someone wanted to take that mantle, I’d be delighted to get out and push.
Response to Lady M-ITT™-Imperial Sniper G.L.O.R @:
I wish I lived closer so I could come and give you a hug and help out with the things around the house. I truly understand…..am sad but completely understand and wish I could help you out.
Sir and Mrs M, No AC…in Texas? I have, still in the box, a little five or four thousand BTU bedroom air conditioner, never been used and I do not need it. If you could use it, let me know, management has my e-mail and phone. I would cover shipping. Got some friends. It isn’t much, but it will definitely cool a bedroom. Please consider it…….
Make that a six thousand BTU unit, just checked, still in the box, never been used. It is yours if you want it.
Gimme your phone # or just come by the place I “live” at, on a Saturday or Sunday, and I’ll fix what I can fix. Free.
Response to Lady M-ITT™-Imperial Sniper G.L.O.R @:
Your need my lady???
Response to Lady M-ITT™-Imperial Sniper G.L.O.R @:
IVE rescued other rotties, ask misha, what can we do for you??
Let us know what has to be done and what you need. If it’s at all possible let’s pull this off.
Just when I want to throw up my hands and play car tag on 395 I read things like this and realize I’m not the only one bobbing in the water after Obongo drove us into the iceberg.
Let’s us know if any of us can do anything. Some of us have only prayers to offer but sometimes that’s all you need.
I have the time off anyway, just need a small corner for my tent, have tools and can travel.
I understand Mrs. M, believe me. While I’m gonna miss seeing ya all this year there are things way more important, like Draco said. The girls are gonna be disappointed, they’ve been talking about seeing y’all again like crazy, but they’ll understand. Once I tell them the money is tight for y’all and mention taxes, they’ll blame it on Ogabe and be just fine.
Now, what can we do to help you M?
Then,, what’m I gonna do
with all this un-swilled brew?
Oh hell guys. I make an ass of myself, then go off to deal with the day and I come back to this. This is one of the reasons I love you all so much. I know damn well that most of you are going through the same if not far worse, yet you are willing to lend a hand at the drop of a hat.
I’m sorry if it sounded like I was begging. I was having a good old fashioned pity party and let it get the best of me. You folks are the most generous people on the face of the earth and I would never, ever take advantage of that. Yeah we could use the plumbing help if there’s anyone that can swing a wrench, but other than that, we’ll suck it up and deal with it. M is feeling pretty low about everything, so I will have to see how he feels about it, but I will see if we can go ahead with the fest. Hell even if we don’t officially have it,….if anyone shows up at the door…what are we gonna do? Throw you out?
Gimme 24 hours to see what we can do.
Response to LC Cheapshot911, Dept. of Redneck Tech @:
I think you need to have a chaplain pop over and “bless” it for ya!
-Jim+
Kinda what I was thinking. Ain’t like we drove all day and night to get turned away.
D’
ps.
My wife goes in for a knee replacement on the 6th. After hosting the October-fest, she understands why her sisters will be helping with her recovery for a few days.
I also happen to know a good carpenter…
Gladiator says:
You definitely have, myself being one of them. I don’t know anybody with a bigger heart.
As to the plumbing, I’m with the rest here. Granted, I have about eleven thumbs so I can’t offer my expertise, but I’m sure we can find somebody who might. Such as Mark The Pipeman Jackboot. Only thing I can say about the clogged condensation drain is pour a lot of bleach in it and watch the problem go away. Never met a clog in a lab that bleach didn’t fix. If it’s a bit more stubborn, all you need is a) One tank of compressed air, b) a hose attachable to the former with a selection of nozzles suitable for creating a seal in your condensation drain line. Jam appropriate nozzle attached to hose and compressed air tank into drain in such a way that the only way out for the air is through the drain and outside your house and then let loose the PSIs From Hell.
What I’m saying is that we can surely find somebody who can fix your plumbing (boy, didn’t that come out wrong?). As to the cost of holding the whole shebang, it may be time for a modest attendance fee, perhaps? We can always work out something for Rotties who can’t cover it themselves if that’s the case.
Just thinking out loud here.
Misha,
Can we start a fund to help out M??? Id be glad to donate.
M, I live down in Ellis County, have a chainsaw, nail gun and compressor, access to lumber, and some experience replacing fences. Management has my contact email — I’d be glad to come help out.
Well I spoke to M this morning, and he feels there are just too many no go’s to do this. He can’t afford to take the time off work for the weekend, we can’t afford to get the pool cleaned…etc.
So…officially….no Fest.
..unofficially..like I said before, if you guys show up, the chances of us telling you to go home are about as good as Obadimbo producing his actual original birth certificate and his college transcripts all in the same day.
Ok, so we’re officially unofficial for the non-Fest that isnt happening…. got it.
Lady M-ITT™-Imperial Sniper G.L.O.R says:
What would it cost to get it cleaned Mrs M ???
Gladiator says:
Roughly $400. That’s draining, pressure washing and refiling. If the fire departments still filled them for you for free (well a cook out and a case of cold beer) it would be half that. Dey don’t do dat no more.
LC Roguetek says:
*wink*
Response to Lady M-ITT™-Imperial Sniper G.L.O.R @:
Do you have a paypal account Mrs M?? I can help.
I suggest getting a Gallo Gun to unclog that A/C drain line.
Approximately 800 PSI of “funk blasting power” in an easy to use, hand held device!
Check your local hardware store.
Dammit, forgot to “block quote” The Emperor’s quote
(I got ya covered E-man. Jeesh, a guys work is never done ’round here. – crunch)
Mrs. M,
I am very sorry to hear about all of your troubles down in the Great State of Texas. Unfortunately, I am stuck in Ohio, so I am unable to hop on a horse and give y’all a hand. If I were close, I would be glad to come by and lend a hand.
Also, I know that we spoke on Facebook about me attending this year, but, like you, financial constraints have put a damper on my attending. Mrs. LucysDaddy’s car got hit-and-run a few months ago and even with insurance, it still cost us over $1,000 to fix it (damn high deductibles). Add that in with the usual sundry bullshit that goes with trying to keep your lips above the water line and it all adds up to no trip to Texas this year. I am truly hoping to make it next year.
I will be praying for both you and M. Here’s to Rottfest 2012!!!! Gonna be twice as much drinkin’ and shootin’ to make up for 2011.
Emperor Misha I says:
Yeah, he knows his way around a pipe alright.
OK, couldn’t get any farther in the thread without batting that low hanging “fruit” out of the park. Pardon the pun.
Now back to the rest of the thread.
Response to LC Sir M – Imperial Tobacconist™, K.o.E. @ 1: Yep, my retirement check dropped about $40 a month. Thought they were supposed to go UP.
And it sucks that everything has gone to shit so. Ah well, next year. And there is that paypal button with comments. Just sayin’.
Deej is right about going easy on the pressure you use blasting the drain out.
Right now you’ve got a plug in the pipe, but if you shove with the air pressure from the high end, you could end up packin’ things up. If you’ve got a wet/dry vacuum, use that on the other end. It should be all the pressure y’need, no packy-pack of bilge mung..
And,, if there’s no joy from the other end,, give it the bleach, take a break, n’ try sukkin’ from the inside, then outside,, patience,,…that’s how we finally evicted them fuggin’ cuban frogs,, (imported globs of flyin’, sticky snot)
For once deej is right. This happened to me arguing with a lib about obungles at work the other day. We still haven’t gotten the stain out of the carpet and the paint touched up.
Gotta go easy on those truly committed donks.
As for the Fest, I’m in the Desoto – Duncanville area and have a guest room, front yard and back yard on a culdesac, a rebeerferator, barbecue, five dogs (one foster), no kids, high alcohol tolerance and willingness to harbor errant Rotties.
Response to DJ Allyn, ITW @:
That’s a good note of caution but it’s been my experience that clogs in A/C drain pan lines are usually wet blobs of dust and mold (also pet fur if you have pets) that’s been built up in the trap over a period of time and will blow out of the line rather than burst the pipe.
If your A/C drain line is standard 3/4 inch PVC pipe (a requirement here in Florida), the likelihood of it bursting is minimal.
The good thing about a Gallo Gun is that it has a trigger so you don’t have to commit the whole PSI blast in one shot.
If you want to be careful, just give it a few quick squeezes and you should be OK..
However, if your drain line is old copper pipe or CPVC, then I’d go with the “shop-vac/bleach” solution suggested by Cheapshot.
R6 sez:
If you use a “Gallo Gun of Truth” on truly committed donks, this is usually the result.
I haven’t tried it myself since I cringe at the thought of where I’d have to stick the nozzle…
(Image shamelessly
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stolenborrowed from PJ ComixOK …just so I go this straight, we’re not having a Rottfest but “If” some people were to show up, and “if” those people had tools there could be a impromptu DIY Fest. I think the idea of 12 to 15 Rotties under the influence of various medications and alcohol, with power tools, sounds like rotts of fun! What could possibly go wrong?
Im as good with plumbing as I am with ranges….sounds to me ( using my extensive expertise on the subject) like the framitz is stuck in the whatchyamacallit and we’re going to have to get the finklemachine out. Luckily I am a framitz expert and a pretty good finklemachine operator.
I would also be willing to take one of Mr. M’s shift so he could participate in the
destructionfestivities as long as I get to taze / pepper spray something. I’m not that picky, dog, cat, squirrel,democratSocialist.Well, I might be floating around the neighborhood somewhere, drop in to see what I can help with, that sort of thing.
Would someone please let me know whether or not I’m supposed to be cooking Jack & Sulfuric Acid Chili™ for this big if???
Have saw. Will Travel.
Also have a Home Depot card. (Slightly used.)
Darth Venomous says:
I think the answer to your inquiry is self evident…what the hell did you think we were going to use to clear the clog with?
R6 says:
Howdy, neighbor. Midlothian here. NO spare room at the moment (wife and four kids eat up a lot of space), but ready and willing to help with a DIY weekend.
Steve
LC TerribleTroy says:
I think you are gonna have to show me your certification card before anyone gets close to a finklemachine
Ya don’t want someone losing an eye.
Oh hell guys, I didn’t mean you all had to show up and do a Bob Villa reunion special. Just need a bit of help with some leaks and such. Not like we’re doing a full on This Old House remodel.
Lady M-ITT™-Imperial Sniper G.L.O.R says:
heh, not yet…
Hey, anything worth doing is worth over-doing… can we do my place next?
LC Roguetek says:
Only if I’m in charge of the decorating.