Yesterday and today I spent time on the phone making sure the new electric company I wanted to switch to has my information. Long story short, even though I know how to find and use the public information source that compares companies I still managed to land on the agency that masquerades as them. I'd set up a company then the agency wanted me to join them - arrgggh! I called and canceled (the company I was cancelling was very helpful and professional; I told the guy that if I hadn't landed there by accident I was sure I'd be just fine with them). The preferred less expensive plan is now set to pick up my power needs for the next two years. My next door neighbor worked in the energy industry so was all ears when I told her about this. And even for a professional, she says it's a struggle to really get the best price.
In mid-December I spoke with an NYC camera store about selling the Canon camera; I mailed the body, lenses, flashes, etc. It was appraised this week and turns out they wanted everything except the camera body and one lens (they work, but have issues). The check will arrive for about $100 less than the original quote and they are returning what they don't want. I'll list them on eBay for parts or repair, and will make back that $100. The camera store will note what the problems with the pieces were, so I'll share the camera store evaluation in my eBay listing and it makes the sale to someone who wants to do the repairs even easier.
I've ordered a table-top music stand so I can set up the electric keyboard on the dining table and practice there; the upright grand piano is so far out of tune it's hardly worth attempting, as beautiful as it is and lovely to practice there. Trying to have it tuned at this point might be pointless, but I'll check around one of these days.
Dorothy hasn't posted on FB since Dec. 25; I worry when she's absent for long stretches, then we learn the computer was left behind somewhere or an Apple device went pear-shaped and needed help. Fingers crossed it's just a technical issue.