My roses are still blooming, too, they must be really hardy as we have had some hard frosts already, and temps down to the 20's. Your flowers are gorgeous, Addy! Is that a hydrangea maybe? I don't have one of those, and they sure have changed that type of plant, so wondering if that is one of the newer varieties! Whatever it is, it's beautiful, and in December no less! WOW!
I just signed up for an interest bearing checking account at the same bank I have banked at for 35 years. Always has been free checking, no fees, EVER! Now they are going to pay for my ATM fees, I will get 3.5% interest (which is unbelievable to say the least!!!), and all I have to do is have at least one direct debit (I have 4 of my bills direct debited, so I'm good there) and use my debit card at least 10 times a month (I usually use it for everything, so that's no problem). Does everyone know that retailers that accept debit cards pay something like 1.5% to the banks? Those debit cards are quite the money makers for our banks. Credit card companies get 2-3% from retailers, which is why you will see those swipe machines wanting your PIN number when you use your debit card. They used to ask "debit or credit", but most of them now don't give you the choice. if it's a debit card, you have to use your PIN number to use it. Wal-Mart is that way anyhow around here, and other bigger chains, too. I don't blame them! We use them as a convenience, and it's a convenience to the retailers, too, as they know if there is money in that bank account, but they have to pay for the services, too. Glad we don't have to pay to use our debit and credit cards! Well, I guess we really are, as those fees are figured into the bottom line of purchases.
