Archive for the ‘Miscellaneous’ Category
Our New Deck
August 1st, 2009 at 11:09 pm by Livvie
Muffie cat enjoying the new deck.
I’m so excited, I’ve got to share our news…we’ve just had a deck installed on our home!
Our 1 - 1/2 acre lot is very wooded and as the sun goes down behind the trees our backyard is completely shaded, making it the ideal spot for a nice, private retreat!
We originally had a 12 x 18 foot concrete patio that had seen much better days. Jack, my husband, had the contractor build the deck 12 x 16 foot with an extention for his Webber grill. This way the grill doesn’t take up any of the actual deck area and the 2 extra feet of concrete gives us a level place to step as we step off onto the “ground”.
I have a problem with steps. With the patio, there were four brick steps the width of our atrium double doors leading down to the patio and really created a problem for me going in and out. So we had him construct the steps 1/2 the height of regualr steps. This makes it so much easier for me to go up and down.
But what I think I enjoy most about the deck is that it is flush with the bottom of the atrium doors. I can just open our door and step out onto our beautiful deck without having to deal with any steps. What a wonderful feeling!
My daughter,Stacey, posted my previous post and she introduced our cat, Muffin, to you. Well, Muffie has made claim to the deck already! In fact we have named the railings “Muffin’s Peak” because she walks the railings or she lays down on them in certain spots as she overlooks the “North 40″. If you look closely, you can see her in the corner of the picture getting ready to jump up on the railings.
We’ve added our deck furniture since this picture was taken and when Muffie isn’t walking or laying on the railing she enjoys laying underneath the loveseat or the table. We are so fortunate she allows us to share HER deck with her! If you have a cat, you know what I mean. 
Part of the reason for these last two posts is Stacey has been showing me how to add images to my blog and these pictures were on my computer.
Thank you for sharing our deck with us. We’re looking forward to many evenings of sitting outside…Jack with his diet Pepsi and me with my sweet tea (I’m a Southern girl!). Hey, we’ll even leave the light on for you!
Posted in 
Identify Theft Or Will The Real Me Please Stand Up!
June 9th, 2009 at 6:47 pm by Livvie
There is a new thief on the block. An identity thief and YOU are at risk!
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime today and is effecting approximately 900,000 NEW victims each year!
Everyday transactions such as writing a check, using your cell phone, making a charge purchase, applying for a credit card, mailing your tax returns, even simply placing your outgoing mail in your mail box may put you at risk.
Can identity theft be completely prevented—No, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk by managing your personal information better.
1. Protect Your Social Security Number
Don’t carry your Social Security card with you or in your wallet. Leave your drivers license, social security and home telephone numbers off your personal checks.
2. Shop Online at Secure Web Sites
Always make sure you are dealing with a secure web site. Look for https:// displayed in your web address bar located near the top of your screen. The “s” after “http” stands for “secure”. https://
3. Destroy Information and Papers You Throw Away
Shred (crosscut shredders are best) bank information, credit card information, offers for credit and payments made with receipts given.
4. Know Your Credit Accounts Billing Cycles
In case your bills are late coming in, you can call the company and request a duplicate copy. This will help you see right away if there is a problem on your account.
5. Check Your Credit Report
Once a year check your credit report with the three major credit reporting agencies. Don’t overlook the Inquiries” section of the report. This will give you an overview of creditors, accounts and inquiries made on your report.
Even though you can’t totally prevent identity theft from occurring, following these few steps will help you lower your risk. When the time (credit report) comes….The Real You IS Standing Up!
