Life has been less than kind to us for a long time but right now...

Dh got layed off his job.
Blew up the engine on dh's truck, not worth fixing and too expensive.
Tried to repair my car, no one can figure out the problem.
Bought another car from a junk yard for $500.00.
Used money we were saving to pay our taxes to buy car. Taxes are $530.00. (Called IRS, put us on installment plan but have to pay $630.00 now.)
Dh found a job.
Tranny went out on new/old car 2nd day of work, so, no job.
Car has been at shop for 2 weeks. Got call yesterday...$1150.00 for new tranny. Will try to find cheaper tranny and have a friend install.
We are on foot and at the mercy of neighbors for rides. I don't go anywhere but dh does walk to town and job hunting sometimes but it takes 2 1/2 hours for him to walk to town! Taxi charges $20.00 one way from our house so that's out of the question.

This has all happend in the last 2 months! There's more but I'll save that for later. It sucks!

I am so sorry to read what you are going through.:hugz:

Has your dh applied for unemployment to keep at least a little money coming in while he looks for another job?

If his interviews are in town, is there anyone you know in town that would let him stay at their house the night before he has a few interviews scheduled? Or do you have a bike that he could ride into town? Just a couple of small ideas...

You'll all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Yes, dh is getting unemployment. Problem is, he is drawing from a previous claim since he got layed off last year on Dec. 27. It took him 3 weeks to find a job then so he only has enough left in the unemployment claim to last about 5 more weeks.

There's no one in town that we know he could stay with. Our son has one of those short trick bikes. No way can he ride that, lol. So, he walks. The other day he walked to the convenience store to get bread, dogfood, milk and that was an hour walk but he got a ride part way home then another guy picked him up when he saw him carrying the groceries and brought him the rest of the way home. Thank goodness for good samaritans.

Dh walked to the new boss' house today and he told dh he had some work for him for 2 days in another town and that he would pick him up and take him and bring him home but it would probably be real late he came home and dh would have to just hang around at the job site till he came for him. Dh told him he would do it so this will help. We should find out Monday if we can get a cheap transmission for the car.

I'm going to start listing some more books and stuff on ebay this week. Last month I made $100.00 selling about 22 books and patterns. It just takes so long cause we're on dial-up but then it only costs $14.95 a month and if I sell that much on ebay each month, then it's paid for.

Oh, honey when it rains it pours, doesn't it.

I admire your husband. A lot of people would simply shake their heads and say, well I can't get there, so there is no sense trying. Good for him that he is willing to walk.

A couple of suggestions:

1.) Up here there are a few jobs that not many people want to do so they hire immigrants and people without transmportation, and they pick them up. There is a large chicken farm that does that for chicken catchers.
2.) There is a temp agency that hires people (mostly men) for a day here and there for some labor jobs - it is called, in fact Labour Ready. You have to get there early in the morning to the office and then you wait until they have something for you. I did this for a while after I left my husband. If you can get to the office, then they get you to and from the jobsite.
3.) Is there a city bus or any type of public transit?
4.) This might be out of the question, but what is the possibility fo relocating somewhere that you might not need a car?

Just throwing out some ideas. My thoughts are with you. Hang in there, because you can only go up from here!

You're all in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of great ideas here. Check Freecycle and Craigslist in your area for bicycles. Public transportation was another one I was going to suggest.

It seems things have hit rock bottom but they have no where else to go but up from here. Hang in there...we are here for you!

Thinking of you!!!!!

Dolphin I am so sorry you are going through this. Big hugs and I pray things get easier soon.

I am so sorry this is happening, i know after dh got hurt last year how tough things can be, hang in there and i will keep you and yours in my prayers

I am sorry you are going through this. Years ago when my oldest was 3 we were carless, even though we lived in town we had to walk everywhere. In the winter I would pull my daughter on her sled to the grocery store, etc. I hope you get reliable transportation soon so your hubby can work and not have to worry about rides

Carolyn, your family is in my thoughts. :hugz:

I hope everything gets better soon. I'll be keeping y'all in my thoughts and prayers. :hugz:



--Michelle

Carolyn, I am so sorry you are going through this. I wish there was something I could do to help you. Where we live, one of the local radio stations is having a "Cars for Christmas" promotion. You can nominate people with circumstances like yours, and if their are chosen, they get a free (used, but in good working order) car. Our Goodwill store even operates a used car lot. We bought our bicycles for $59.99 new at Kmart, so maybe that would be an option for your DH to get to work.

:hug2:

thinking of you

I am so sorry you are going thru this difficult time

WOW, your husband really does not give up!

I am sorry to hear what is going on.

I would also check with public transit system. Here there are a bunch of options besides just the regular bus with public transit.

Hopefully things will get better for you soon.

God Bless all my Frugal Friends. I don't know what I'd do without you! Lots of hugs to you too!

Unfortunately, there is no public transportation in our town. We live 60 miles west of Las Vegas in a desert town of about 35,000 people that grew way too fast. Our house is 12 miles from town. We're still a town with no city government and no extras. Our town was featured as one of the fastest growing towns in the USA.

You all are right about dh, he won't give up! He has worked all of his life and has provided for us for 32 years. He had a stroke last year and went back to work in a week!!!! We are 52 and 51.

I mentioned buying a bicycle last week to dh and he said he would rather walk.

Today, Sunday, our neighbor towed my old car up to the repair shop and dropped it off and picked up the car with the tranny problem and towed it home. That saved us lots of money. We figure it will cost about $100 for the repair shop to diagnose the problem with my car. We had a really good mechanic over to our house to check it out a couple of weeks ago and he said he couldn't figure it out and it would have to be put on a machine that tells what is wrong. He does think it is something expensive but we have to try.

I will call the Senior Center on Monday and see if they can schedule transportation for us to go to the grocery store this week. I am disabled and on Social Security so they may be able to help us.

Wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you all.

Carolyn, I'm so sorry life is so difficult for you and your dh. :hugz: and prayers :angel:

I'm so sorry you are in this hard time right now. I'll put you in my prayers.

Sorry for your situation. Could you advertise and see if anyone who lives near you drives into town each day your husband could carpool with? You could put a sign up at the supermarket in town or similar.

I am so sorry you are in this position.

I did a search and found some links for you. (I have to say that the State of Nevada's website is awful!) Craigslist is a good place to post for ride sharing. You can also post barter type requests maybe for auto repair.

Sending good thoughts your way.

NV Finding help webpage (clearinghouse type - categorized by various needs):
https://uwayreno-portal1.communityos.org/

Ride sharing webpage:
http://www.erideshare.com/

Craigslist:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites.html

AARP State Guide to Transportation Assistance:
http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourlife/state_by_state_transportation.html

NV transportation services:
http://health.nv.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=384&Itemid=662

Low income energy programs
http://www.liheap.ncat.org/profiles/Nevada.htm
http://www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/cfm/index.cfm/state_abbr=nv
http://welfare.state.nv.us/ess/eap.htm

Geared towards families with children, but there is an application for assistance (medicaid and food stamps) for disabled
http://health2k.state.nv.us/cshcn/applications.htm

Carolyn,

What is your email? I have something for you.

I am so sorry, Man when it rains it pours. I wish I have something better to say but remember no matter how hard it gets there is always a rainbow after the storm.

You have a good man and I roof over your heads , that more then some folks I know have.

Maybe he can get a cheap bike. Sorry you are having such a bad time.My husband had to walk 2 hours to work when he first came to the USA til someone gave him a ride part way. I guess he can look at it as great physical training. Make sure he has enough water since you are in the desert.I will be praying for you.

Carolyn, I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. :hugz:

Prayers for you, what trying times. You have a great hubby there, way to man up.

Another suggestion: throw the word out to people you know that you are in need of some temporary wheels. Often times someone knows someone that has an extra vehicle they may be willing to loan for a short time. My dad always had an extra beater, he loaned them out often.

Hang in there. ((((hugs))))

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your wonderful husband. I am so sorry you are going through all this. I will be praying for you all , for blessings to ease things for you.

Hugs,

Angel

Hi Dolphin

I sent a little pick me up to your email.. I signed it with the wrong username..lol. not Justme, but mommy4ever is who sent it..

Merry Christmas!

Hi Dolphin

I sent a little pick me up to your email.. I signed it with the wrong username..lol. not Justme, but mommy4ever is who sent it..

Merry Christmas!

I got it and had a feeling it was you. Thank you! I'm so blessed to have you all as friends.

I believe people are put in your path for a reason. Have always believed it. Thank you all for all of your prayers and hugs and good thoughts.

I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your hard time. (((HUG)))

Dh gets to work tomorrow. :) His new boss is picking him in the morning and he has to work in Vegas. He is excited even though it is only maybe a 2 day job. He can't stand not working. We packed him a lunch and cheap pop that we buy so he shouldn't have any expenses tomorrow.

Your prayers are working already!

That's good news! It's something. Put the word out you're looking to share a ride so he can get to town easier. Hopefully the vehicle can get looked at and fixed!!

That is great news Dolphin!

:ouch: ugh! My car that's in the garage needs a new engine! So, we will have to get that one towed home as well.:skept:

Last night I went on freecycle and asked for a vehicle and was surprised to see that someone had emailed saying she would ride share here in town if the the timing is right. I couldn't believe it! I'll let dh know tonight and see if he can work something out for when he is working here in town. Otherwise, the boss will have to give him the rides into Vegas or not hire him. It's about 140 miles round trip depending on where in Vegas or Henderson the jobs are. :kitty:

I hope that works out. It is tough without a vehicle.

I didn't know if you'd be interested in working at home, may help to get a reliable vehicle faster
http://apply.westathome.com/
I work for them taking customer service calls and taking infomercail orders

very good news about the potential ride share! Hope it all works out - keep us posted.

Sounds like things are looking up - fingers and toes are crossed here!

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Have faith that things will improve. My wish for you
is peace of mind and smooth sailing soon.

How are things?

Hope things are getting better for ya. Do you live in Paruhmp? That makes us pretty close to neighbours=)

I hope things start getting easier for you soon

Thinking of you and your dh I hope things get better soon. Sending prayers your way.

Bump--how are things going? I hope it's smoother now!

Thanks for bumping this post up. I have a fantastic update!:mdance:

While I was in Missouri last week, I checked my emails on freecycle and a lady left her ph. # and I called her and she said she "may be able to help you out and you may be able to pay it forward at the same time." They had a car for us and they needed some electrical work done and maybe we could trade. We talked for an hour, LOL. They are Real sweet people.

Their little girl had just had emergency heart surgery a few weeks before. She was doing fine but they had just built a new addition onto their house and got it almost finished when the medical bills started so they couldn't finish it. DH went over and looked at the work to be done. He got 2 references from a co-worker and an electrical supply company and they said he could do the work and they could trust him. Instead of holding the car till the work was done they went ahead and gave it to him!!! He switched over the tags and insurance and drove it home. DH cried because he was so grateful!

We got a 1990 Cadillac Seville!!! It's beautiful! Silver, hardtop, all electric, 4 door, no dents, 150,000 miles but most were 3 road trips by the family. New it cost $36,700! New tires, AC has been updated. Red velvet interior. The heat is staying on but that just happend when they had the AC retroed so the garage says they will fix it for us. Radio doesn't work but we can replace that easy. I saw it for the first time Wednesday night when dh picked me up at the airport. I was so shocked at how pretty it was and it rides so smooth and gets 24 mpg. I drove it to WM last night to get my perscriptions and it drives great!

Oh, they were giving it away because God has been good to them and the dh got a promotion so they bought a newer vehicle. They actually gave it away 5 months ago but the couple never came to get it and the other couple has been buying animals and having parties so when she saw my request for a vehicle she said she just knew that was what God wanted her to do with it. They didin't need it anymore and felt it should go to someone who needed it.

DH met the guy for breakfast again on Saturday morning in town at his request and dh thanked him again and cried again, lol. He just couldn't believe that someone had given him something so special that he needed so badly.

They will call dh when they buy the parts needed for the job so he can go over and do it. DH says if they had to pay an electrical company to do the work that it would cost them atleast $600.00 for the work.

Now I can go to the doctor again and we don't have to get rides to the store and dh doesn't have to town to run errands and pay bills and buy groceries when he couldn't get a ride! Yeah!!!!

Also, yes, I do live in Pahrump! Maybe we can meet sometime! Thank you all sooooo very much for your prayers and help and advice. It's the only thing that got me to thinking about freecycle and although I was begging for a car I just had to try and this has worked out so well!

I forgot to mention...our neighbor told dh this week that he has an engine and transmission that will fit our Ford Probe and we can have it for $250! :applause: We will have to save up for it plus the cost of installing them but we will eventually have 2 cars again so we won't be in this mess again! :smted:

That is excellent!

That is great news! I'm so happy for you two!

That is great!

How amazing, they must have a great sense of community!

That is fantastic. I am so happy for you and your dh.

Thanks for the update. God is so good to provide for ya'll.

I am so glad that things have gotten better for your husband and you.

Have a wonderful new year!!!!!

Always remember this: Tough times never last, but tough people do.

You hung in there and it eventually worked out. I'm thrilled for you.

Wonderful news

I am so happy for you and your family. It sounds like 2008 is starting off to be a good year for you.:clap:

Monner

THAT'S AWESOME DOLPHIN!!! GOD IS TERRIFIC AND HAS BLESSED YOU IN SPADES!!!!:flowers:

Kim

I'm so glad for you Dolphin. I'm glad things are going well.

Wow, dolphin, thanks for the update. God is so good, what a great answer to prayer! :)