Things are looking a little better! Actually it got worse before it got better... my van started acting up on Tuesday so I had to find out from the garage if they would fix it. Because of the financial situation (and lack of usual monthly payments) the garage (who have been very patient and understanding for a long time) had to say "We will fix it IF you can pay for the repairs right away!" Panic set in because of lack of funds and a mortgage payment due out tomorrow. I called my mortgage guy, and he is sending me back the uncashed cheque that was due to come out, and is adding that payment on the *end* of the mortgage so that I can pay to have my van fixed.
They had my van there this morning and I just found out that it will cost a LOT less than I was thinking and dreading that it would cost (it turns out that there was a faulty wire that would connect and disconnect as I was driving down the road, and it wasn't the alternator afterall)... so I am on my way to the bank now to get the money... then to pick up the van. With the extra money left over, we can pay more on more bills and likely (note I said *likely*) have a somewhat normal Christmas this year. My mortgage guy said we don't have to make a payment until the 6th or 13th of January (whenever Matthew's payweek turns out to be), and he told me to have a healthy (he knows about my health issues) and stress-free Christmas! High mortgage rates or not... we are sticking with them for a year or two at least... if it wasn't for them, we would be up the creek without a paddle right now.
*HUGE sigh of relief* :o)Gemini