Frenzied Daddy

I’m rapidly losing respect for the Banking Industry. First US Bank earned my hatred, and now Chase Manhattan is striving to best them.

Ok; I admit that a big part of this was my fault. I thought my limit was about 5,000 higher than it apparently was. But I wrote a “courtesy check” on our account, paying for our new windows with a 5 percent loan through Chase. Unbenownst to me, this check sent us over our limit (but still under my imaginary limit) by a considerable amount. Chase happily paid the checks and then sent us our monthly bill.

Now, they expect us to pay them a $1950.00 monthly payment; our normal payment, plus the overage, plus an over-limit charge (woo, $35.00), and probably our rate will shoot up because we’re over our limit. I’ve called them twice to try to get them to extend us more credit (just enough so that we’re not over, I’m not going on a spree here, I just can’t see sending them a $2000 check on my montly budget). If they had bounced the check in the first place, well we do have other credit.

I hate banks.

We finally got our Christmas Tree up yesterday; six feet of sheer Noble Fir pleasure. Toddler K was truly offended that there was a tree in the house. Then, once it was in a stand, she defended the tree from all comers- Perrin was wagging his tail too close to the tree’s branches, and she valiantly hollered and screeched at him, batting his tail and threatening him with dire consequences. Or maybe inviting him to a Christmas dance. Who knows? And Miss B was extraordinary; sweet and helpful. And excited to see each and every single ornament that came out of the box. It was a gorgeous afternoon.

And then the snow begin to fly; little flakes floating in the blowing wind. It’s been pretty cold lately, chilly and a strong wind. But today it wasn’t as clear as it’s been, and actually we had some snow. Followed by more snow. Don’t laugh. It is too a lot of snow. We got almost an inch! Of course the city shuts down because these people don’t know what snow is, but it’s a real treat to see the one year old fascinated by the Christmas lights and then totally overwhelmed with the white change to the world. We took her outside where Miss B was already out throwing snowballs, and she liked it for a while, ten we left the yard and she wigged out.