I think we have a winner!

Yesterday, Mark & I test drove the Mazda 3 Hatchback and the Mazda CX-5.  Both full of zip and seemed high quality.

After debating over lunch (at Toot's) we came to the decision that we don't really need two big cars and it would nice to put the extra savings towards our aggressive debt plan...SO

We have chosen the Mazda 3 Hatchback - ZOOM ZOOM

Now I need to crunch my numbers, get some quotes from the area Mazda dealers and wheel & deal - my favorite part!!

Kris

CAR SHOPPING 2013!

So the lease on my 2010 Toyota Matrix is up on July 10th, 2013 so we have started the process of looking for new vehicles for me to drive.  I totally geek out on the research, the test driving and especially the "wheeling & dealing" of buying a new car...so I really started looking in oh...December :)

We have narrowed it down to 5 models including a late addition that I just spotted on the highway yesterday - the super cute new body model of the Toyota RAV4.  I have previously HATED the RAV4 because of that god awful exterior spare tire and did not even consider it until I saw this cute little back end sans tire!

The next option is the Subaru Crosstrek.  Another super cutie that we spotted on the road.  The car & wheels make a statement...like "I rescue dogs", "I am a vegan" or "I kayak in my spare time."  I like, but don't feel I need the full Outback ($$) so this seems like a good alternative.

Other possibilities include, the new styling Ford Escape, Mazda CX5, Hyundai Tuscon, and the Toyota Venza (while we are at Toyota might as well...not in love with it)

We will go test drive at Subaru and Toyota tomorrow - BUT NO BUYING!!  Just to test drive - not to buy!!!!  If I put it on the interweb machine, perhaps it will be true - I have a tendency to impulse buy if I get a good deal/vibe).

I will post more on our checklist of requirements and how the two first test drives pan out.

Wish us luck!

Kris

I just found this on a message board posting a warning people about Culebra...it is pretty accurate and perhaps it will keep the tiny island just the way it is...because I LOVED it!  Every chicken-y doodle doo last inch of it!!! 

- If you like resorts and pampering, don't go to Culebra.

- If you want perfectly manicured Disneyfied streets lined with perfect- looking little shops, don't go to Culebra.

- If a hen walking down the street next to you bothers you, don't go to Culebra.

- If you get irritated if a business isn't open during it's posted hours, don't go to Culebra.

- If you just have to have certain foods or don't like the idea of eating whatever the store happens to have in stock, don't go to Culebra.

- If a rooster jumping out of a bush at you upsets you rather than making you laugh, don't go to Culebra.

- If you like things to happen on a schedule, don't go to Culebra.

- If you get upset at having to wait for dinner, or after dinner waiting some more for the bill, don't go to Culebra.

- If you'd never consider buying a lobster out of a bucket from a man by the gas station, don't go to Culebra.

- If you can't stand the thought of wearing mosquito repellent, don't go to Culebra.

- If you've been to Mexico and didn't like it because the streets needed repaved and the buildings repaired, don't go to Culebra.

- If you want to go shopping or nightclubbing, don't go to Culebra.

- If shopping in a small, independent market scares you, don't go to Culebra.

- If going to a beach and not seeing a single other person there "creeps you out," don't go to Culebra.

- If not having hot water or the electricity going out would ruin your day, don't go to Culebra.

- If you expect people to stop what they're doing and cater to your needs, don't go to Culebra.

BUT, if you can see the charm in a small island that doesn't fall in step with the rest of the world and can understand the desire to travel somewhere that there's not a resort or spa anywhere to be seen, and you can find charm in potholes, crooked sidewalks and never knowing when the grocery store might be open, you might actually like Culebra.

Viva Culebra!!

So Mark & I are back from Culebra, PR...a little island that we never knew exsisted...just off the coast of Puerto Rico. 

I have never been to a place that was so easy to relax or an place that fit what I picture in my head as "paradise".  There was just enough "civilization" to be eat & drink well when we wanted to (I mean come on...an Organic Sandwich Shoppe!!!) but also deserted enough to get away from most everyone also.  All we had to do was pack our beach gear and head to Tamarindo or Zoni for the day with a cooler of water & beer...and our organic turkey & pesto sandwiches!  Then when it got too hot...headed into town for a tropical drink.  Then back to our place for a nap/reading/songwriting before a yummy dinner.  Wake when the sun came up...Sleep when the sun went down...

Sure it was third-worldy with chickens and stray dogs/cats everywhere...and sure sometimes not speaking Spanish was an obstacle (uno mas cerveza, por favor!) but after you got used to it...that was part of the charm.  Enough like home - since it was the good old USA for currency, etc.  - but enough like a foreign land to be foreign.

I am having a REALLY hard time adjusting to being home.  Not just the weather...it is pretty warm & sunny in Cincinnati this week...but just having to worry again...having to keep the house clean again...having to drive on a freeway again.  I do not giggle while driving on the freeway - ever!

But perhaps most people feel the same let down after a vacation...mine just feels more like an ache...like I am missing where I belong...

Poor me...back to work!

Kris

Mark & Kris Love Adventures 2012!!!!

(Click on the Photos to make them larger...to read...and enjoy!)

Thank you, Marky B!!  Best Christmas present ever - Love you!!!  And those Pork Belly Sliders were no kick in the pants either!

New Roof!!!

From Old Roof...Photo taken Sept 2006

To New Roof...Photo taken today 8/9/2012

Next projects include:
Painting the aluminum siding a gray/blue color
Fixing the hole in the floor/ceiling
Painting and re-flooring the kitchen
Refinishing the hardwood floors

Mark should be very busy...

Kris

Walk this way...

Mark and Nick Mavridoglou woke up at the crack of dawn to venture down to Kentucky to fetch a pile of rocks.  Mark had found a guy on Craigslist that was selling a bunch of flat river rocks for pretty cheap (all you could haul away for $50!)  So they borrowed Joe's truck and loaded it up.  Glad the Craigslist guy wasn't a murderer who wanted to steal their identities.

So when they got home, Mark quickly laid out our future walkway - Picture is partially through this process.  Eventually, we want to put some kind of walkable plant or flower between or just leave as grass - very rustic. 

I can now get in the car that is parked on the street without slogging through grass, mud and doggie bombs!  Oh happy day!!

Kris

p.s.  this is my first post on the "new" Blogger.  Very nice!