Gaskets, brackets, and end caps

My new patio furniture is green. I have it because my broker sent me a check and I could finally get a patio set. I went all over town in June and July, looking for one I thought would be pretty, functional, and most of all, comfortable.

About 5 years ago my daughter was in college sort of part time, working, and had run up a spate of bills. She whined about wanting to return to school full time but knew she had to deal with her unnecessary bills. Finally I explained a consolidation loan to her, and agreed to assist. We went to the bank, and found that she could get a loan for $90 a month for 15 years and eliminate her creditors. But, the catch was, the bank wanted it in my name and to put a lien on my house.

Child assured me she saw the evil of her ways and could handle the small payment with ease. She repeatedly assured me she had a strong desire to return to college full time and pursue her studies. I relented, signed the loan, and crossed my fingers.

She made the first payment. I insisted she pay me, not the bank, and I would pay the bank. I had experience with her by this time. She resented it, but I told her my credit rating was now on the line, and she could hand me the money, and I would get it to the bank. She made the second payment. You can do the math. 14 years times 12 payments plus 10 for the first year - all my responsibility as she refused to pay another.

Included in the consolidation loan was her credit card debacle, money she had borrowed from her dad to pay her past car insurance, the money she owed her dad for her second car, the money to buy her third car, car insurance for the coming year, and enough money to pay college tuition for a year. I wanted her to show me she could put that tuition money in the bank, not let it burn a hole in her pocket, and pay her tuition herself like an adult.

Two months later, she asked me for money for tuition. She had spend the tuition money already on - who knows what?

So when I say that I will not pay for my daughter to finish college, that is why. I already did. Twice, actually. I worked full time and paid my own way, paid for my ex to get a pharmacy degree, put myself through graduate school. She can do the same. Sadly, she hasn't been in school at all now for a few years.

I paid extra payments, and did my best to pay off that loan early. I don't do loans, and wasn't happy to be paying interest. Interest is for earning, not for paying. The check from my broker allowed me to pay that off, finally, too. That loan was a burden for someone dealing with a pension for income. The child? Still partying every night.

The patio set? It came with a broken bracket so I was unable to set up the table. I was assured by the store that the furniture company would replace the part. For weeks I called the number I was given, but could not get an answer. I finally got someone on the phone, and was told it was the wrong number. She gave me the correct number.

I carefully explained that I needed a bracket, a small piece of plastic that screws in on both sides to hold the leg in place, as it had been snapped in the middle before I got it. I was assured of having the replacement piece within 7-10 days.

Yesterday I came dancing up the driveway from the mailbox with a package. Finally, after almost 2 months, I would be able to use my patio set! It's MI, here, people. Summer is over. I can use the patio maybe another two weeks. If I wear a sweater and take a blanket for the second week.

What was in the package? I admit I do not understand a gasket. But I know what a green bracket looks like.

I found 4 beige end caps to put on the bottom of the legs. They aren't open again until Monday.