Our friend Tonya brought her beagle Oliver over to visit Team Beagle last weekend for a little playing and walking. All had a great time.
Kamis, 25 Februari 2010
DIS DISH
The television blew. My folks had the same television for decades. We had this one for 7 years. Fixing it would be a major investment when compared to buying a new one. We're getting a new one. Higher end than we expected but we bought into the reasoning. We call it reasoning now. Had we not bought into it we would call it pitch or nonsense.
It arrives March 11th. Wise thinking - I decided to pause DISH NETWORK. We can't use it. I called and learned from a fast-speaking underage employee that it cannot be retroactive to the day the tech was here and told us it was not their problem but to be sure to ask for the free upgrade to HD. This tech did not suggest a pause in service, thinking we would not be able to survive w/o a television long enough to need one.
We went thru the motions. Pause as of today or tomorrow. I gave a start up date. That requires another phone call. My husband had already set up the appt for the free upgrade. That had to be cancelled in order to implement the pause. We're talking about 2 1/2 weeks of time now. I agreed to make a note to call back to reinstate the service and schedule another appointment.
Then she told me it will be a $20/month charge to pause the service. I was still listening to her but not nearly as happily. Not that $20 is a huge sum. My suggestion was that this be stated to customers at the beginning of the request. It would save everyone a lot of time. And, I mentioned I hoped I was being recorded as I was now displeased with "service".
We undid all we had done. There will be no pause. But I did not have the appt. any longer so we had to re-establish that. She needed a credit card number to make the appointment. Go figure. I suppose you can't trust a technician to handle a check or credit transaction. It's only money. We're trusting these unknown individuals into our homes but it's clear the employer has a great financial risk if the technician has to get the customer to pay.
Fortunately not enough time had passed to have my "slot" given to someone else. I was informed that we're set up for the same 4 hour window, same day. And, by the way, there is a $1 hold charged to the credit card.
Now what? Well, that's to allow you to get the "free" upgrade. It will be refunded in 3 or 4 business days. Can you imagine how many customers pay that $1 for those 3 or 4 days and DISH invests that immediately and makes enough to pay for the free upgrade activity? Speculation on my part but I think someone worked out the details ahead of time. How much does it cost to put a $1 charge on a credit card? Geez.
What choice did I have? The customer no longer is king/queen. We are solely considered tolerated because, gosh, we're the reason they are in business. I paid my buck. I shook my phone-head. I made my notes on the 8 year old contract we have had with them which put someone thru college.
It's not so bad not having a TV. But then who would I call to entertain me in such a clueless way? Guess we'll let this one go.
It arrives March 11th. Wise thinking - I decided to pause DISH NETWORK. We can't use it. I called and learned from a fast-speaking underage employee that it cannot be retroactive to the day the tech was here and told us it was not their problem but to be sure to ask for the free upgrade to HD. This tech did not suggest a pause in service, thinking we would not be able to survive w/o a television long enough to need one.
We went thru the motions. Pause as of today or tomorrow. I gave a start up date. That requires another phone call. My husband had already set up the appt for the free upgrade. That had to be cancelled in order to implement the pause. We're talking about 2 1/2 weeks of time now. I agreed to make a note to call back to reinstate the service and schedule another appointment.
Then she told me it will be a $20/month charge to pause the service. I was still listening to her but not nearly as happily. Not that $20 is a huge sum. My suggestion was that this be stated to customers at the beginning of the request. It would save everyone a lot of time. And, I mentioned I hoped I was being recorded as I was now displeased with "service".
We undid all we had done. There will be no pause. But I did not have the appt. any longer so we had to re-establish that. She needed a credit card number to make the appointment. Go figure. I suppose you can't trust a technician to handle a check or credit transaction. It's only money. We're trusting these unknown individuals into our homes but it's clear the employer has a great financial risk if the technician has to get the customer to pay.
Fortunately not enough time had passed to have my "slot" given to someone else. I was informed that we're set up for the same 4 hour window, same day. And, by the way, there is a $1 hold charged to the credit card.
Now what? Well, that's to allow you to get the "free" upgrade. It will be refunded in 3 or 4 business days. Can you imagine how many customers pay that $1 for those 3 or 4 days and DISH invests that immediately and makes enough to pay for the free upgrade activity? Speculation on my part but I think someone worked out the details ahead of time. How much does it cost to put a $1 charge on a credit card? Geez.
What choice did I have? The customer no longer is king/queen. We are solely considered tolerated because, gosh, we're the reason they are in business. I paid my buck. I shook my phone-head. I made my notes on the 8 year old contract we have had with them which put someone thru college.
It's not so bad not having a TV. But then who would I call to entertain me in such a clueless way? Guess we'll let this one go.
Sabtu, 13 Februari 2010
Give 'Em Homes - Why Wait?
It's time to get back to basics. There are a lot of dogs in the world. In this country. Everywhere: fliers, ads, posters, events, pages of sad statistics. Much of the population problem is the fault of careless and/or thoughtless, greedy humans. These LIVING dogs could die and will die unless responsible humans step in and give them warm and loving homes. If you can, go to the shelter and adopt. Save someone. http://www.benldadoptapet.org/ , http://www.apl-shelter.org/ are some of our close-by locations, crammed with hopeful dogs. Don't spew out that "I want them all..." "It breaks my heart to go there so I don't..." BUCK UP.Our local newspaper ran an article which listed the annual cost of a dog to be $695. It's a bit more for a large dog, say, another $100. Round it off to $800. You cannot put a price on love. Still, to more people than I can imagine, this is a lot of money to spend. Take the pet insurance out of the equation and the costs go down over $200. Work instead to keep your dog healthy by feeding decent food, not overdoing treats, going to an obedience class, exercising your pet, and keeping him or her groomed. Sorry, if it turns out you cannot keep your pet then good care, socialization, and health are important in re-homing, or adopting your dog to someone else.
Maybe a better choice at first is to help out by donating to your favorite shelter and help pets find homes before you adopt one yourself and have to return it. That's no fun for the dog either. It will break your heart to give up your friend but you have other friends. The dog knows only you and has only you and depends upon only you. Talk about broken hearts.
But maybe you only need ways to make having a pet affordable.
Other tips: Get a used crate from a garage sale. Buy bedding at a Goodwill or Salvation Army. Make your own dog treats. Use old tee shirts, cut into 2" strips, braided and knotted at each end, to make toys. Make your own meals for your dogs - be aware: no raisins, chocolate, grapes, cooked bones (they are brittle), onions, garlic, almonds, and check for other toxic foods - you can get recipes on line; you're connected.
It's not just what you spend though. You are apt to not spend money elsewhere.Your dog can save you hundreds of dollars on exercise equipment or club membership and you won't need special outfits to get in shape. Your dog keeps you out of the psychiatrist's office (a bit longer) because you have a therapist with you at home; one who not only will listen to you but will love you. Your dog will entertain you - hours of joyful activity can keep you away from passive time spent watching TV or videos, or other forgettable timewasters. Have your youngest friends read to your dog. Have a family night and include the dog. Cuddle up with Bowser and turn down the thermostat. There are so many ways dogs are good for you.It's time for us to be good for dogs.
Selasa, 09 Februari 2010
Black on White and White On White
Back by popular demand, the W.O.W. photo. Could have repeated this today - snow snow snow. cha-CLING
Last night Doug Wilson was on a local TV channeled in a chef's outfit. The floppy hat thing did nothing for him except cover up his gorgeous hair. He was making 4 Cheese Macaroni. So much for healthy eating during heart month. I still like his restaurant. Never saw Trading Places or whatever show he had.
We've got more snow. Fine by me, a-l-t-h-o-u-g-h, I am noticing that I am a teensy bit stir crazy. So what I did yesterday, while waiting for the snow, was to order up a book copy of my blog. Now, that was interesting! I can hardly wait. But I will because I didn't fork over the rush or express $$$ to get it here in a week.
The other thing I did was buy Abner (http://abnerwisdom.blogspot.com/ ) an official bed. Sure, he's a foster. But he's SO at home here I expect we'll have him till the end. And, if not, well, he can take his bed with him. He hasn't had a chance to use it yet. Winnie is scrunched in it and not about to relinquish the comfort it yields.
Since I was out I got groceries.
Then I went back on line and ordered some blank dog cards. Well, the dogs are not blank, there's not writing on the cards. I get to do that. They're coming from Belgrade, just outside Bozeman. http://www.folkdogart.com/ . Check for yourself. Good stuff. Delightful young artist.
Last week, on a dreary, sloppy weather day, I ordered from another artist, a friend who was lucky enough to spend time in Paris last year. She's helping out Make A Wish Foundation this year. Go ahead. Buy something.
View the catalog:
www.charitylynne.com/dream
To learn more and order:
http://www.charitylynnephoto.wordpress.com/
Clearly I need to go back into the kitchen and bake something before I get all these cards and need to start writing notes to people and while there's still checks in the checkbook. Isn't that how you know when there's no money? When the checks are all gone? OUCH!
We've got more snow. Fine by me, a-l-t-h-o-u-g-h, I am noticing that I am a teensy bit stir crazy. So what I did yesterday, while waiting for the snow, was to order up a book copy of my blog. Now, that was interesting! I can hardly wait. But I will because I didn't fork over the rush or express $$$ to get it here in a week.
The other thing I did was buy Abner (http://abnerwisdom.blogspot.com/ ) an official bed. Sure, he's a foster. But he's SO at home here I expect we'll have him till the end. And, if not, well, he can take his bed with him. He hasn't had a chance to use it yet. Winnie is scrunched in it and not about to relinquish the comfort it yields.
Since I was out I got groceries.
Last week, on a dreary, sloppy weather day, I ordered from another artist, a friend who was lucky enough to spend time in Paris last year. She's helping out Make A Wish Foundation this year. Go ahead. Buy something.
View the catalog:
www.charitylynne.com/dream
To learn more and order:
http://www.charitylynnephoto.wordpress.com/
Clearly I need to go back into the kitchen and bake something before I get all these cards and need to start writing notes to people and while there's still checks in the checkbook. Isn't that how you know when there's no money? When the checks are all gone? OUCH!
Minggu, 07 Februari 2010
Comes Around
This has NOTHING to do with the previous posting, beyond finishing a cliche'. So if you're new or don't want to read the previous posts, worry not. I'm making your day by saying "start here".
Today we toodled up to a small village 20+ miles from here, where in resides a pair of businesses we have learned to love - if only all lessons could be so delightful and fun. I'm talkin' about The Bluestem Bakery and The Copper Rooster. http://thecopperrooster.shopping.officelive.com/default.aspx and http://www.illinois-adventures.com/blog/Exploring_Elkhart.html . The bakery has been there for a few years and its partner used to be a marvelously laid out museum but the museum moved. After an appropriate waiting period the rooster perched. It is now crowing. And, I suspect additional breath is breathed into the bakery now that it has a roommate.
I didn't get a photo of the cookies and truffle we ordered. Silly me, we ate them before I thought of it. But I do have a photo of the eclectically charming arm dangle Mandy created. This is it, a Peace piece, resting
It only seemed right to perch it upon a cross "tatted" or "crocheted" (I can't
tell the difference.) by my grandma, gosh, 80 years ago??? Let's see, she'd be over 140 so sure. That would be a low guess as to how old it is. But, look at this; it's scrumptious. As good as the kringle cookie or the amaretto truffle or the cranberry oatmeal nut cookie.
The good news is each of these places has much, much more. Both are owned and operated by enthusiastic and gentle young women. Reason enough to go as far as some are concerned. But moreso, they are industrious and creative and dedicated and evolving.
We have been with one through some tough times. She has a small son and balances the bakery single-handedly while keeping him fed, clean, and busy. The other is a discovery, by chance, when I was returning from transporting rescued animals. Say it: OMEN. Well, she'd been open two weeks and used to be Two Dogs and a Cosmo! Ha! Dogs! She is a cardiac nurse first and an artist second but how long can that last. This piece is "cool". Some of her work has no words to describe the beauty, the design, the approach, the feeling, the blend...whatever it is, it works.
But, before we entered the main door I stooped to pick up a business / appointment card settled into the dampness on the sidewalk. It looked interesting. It'd been there awhile. It was a Christmas list.
Three items:
Ear Muffs (sound)
pen - pop-open bullet (Circuit City)
receding lamp for bed
The other side revealed...ta-DAH...an appointment for Snickers at the vet's on December 22, 2009!!! Hope Snickers got there and is A-OK.
But, did someone want ear muffs that had sound built into them or do they want to keep it out? And, the gift giver needs to know that Circuit City was closed by then, for good. Really, FOR GOOD. And, I'm just not sure what a receding lamp is, for bed or other uses.
Personally, I think I would have given a card with a promise to each of the lucky recipients.
"Your choice: bakery treats, jewelry, or a combo."
Go for it.
Today we toodled up to a small village 20+ miles from here, where in resides a pair of businesses we have learned to love - if only all lessons could be so delightful and fun. I'm talkin' about The Bluestem Bakery and The Copper Rooster. http://thecopperrooster.shopping.officelive.com/default.aspx and http://www.illinois-adventures.com/blog/Exploring_Elkhart.html . The bakery has been there for a few years and its partner used to be a marvelously laid out museum but the museum moved. After an appropriate waiting period the rooster perched. It is now crowing. And, I suspect additional breath is breathed into the bakery now that it has a roommate.
I didn't get a photo of the cookies and truffle we ordered. Silly me, we ate them before I thought of it. But I do have a photo of the eclectically charming arm dangle Mandy created. This is it, a Peace piece, resting
It only seemed right to perch it upon a cross "tatted" or "crocheted" (I can't
tell the difference.) by my grandma, gosh, 80 years ago??? Let's see, she'd be over 140 so sure. That would be a low guess as to how old it is. But, look at this; it's scrumptious. As good as the kringle cookie or the amaretto truffle or the cranberry oatmeal nut cookie. The good news is each of these places has much, much more. Both are owned and operated by enthusiastic and gentle young women. Reason enough to go as far as some are concerned. But moreso, they are industrious and creative and dedicated and evolving.
We have been with one through some tough times. She has a small son and balances the bakery single-handedly while keeping him fed, clean, and busy. The other is a discovery, by chance, when I was returning from transporting rescued animals. Say it: OMEN. Well, she'd been open two weeks and used to be Two Dogs and a Cosmo! Ha! Dogs! She is a cardiac nurse first and an artist second but how long can that last. This piece is "cool". Some of her work has no words to describe the beauty, the design, the approach, the feeling, the blend...whatever it is, it works.
But, before we entered the main door I stooped to pick up a business / appointment card settled into the dampness on the sidewalk. It looked interesting. It'd been there awhile. It was a Christmas list.
Three items:
Ear Muffs (sound)
pen - pop-open bullet (Circuit City)
receding lamp for bed
The other side revealed...ta-DAH...an appointment for Snickers at the vet's on December 22, 2009!!! Hope Snickers got there and is A-OK.
But, did someone want ear muffs that had sound built into them or do they want to keep it out? And, the gift giver needs to know that Circuit City was closed by then, for good. Really, FOR GOOD. And, I'm just not sure what a receding lamp is, for bed or other uses.
Personally, I think I would have given a card with a promise to each of the lucky recipients.
"Your choice: bakery treats, jewelry, or a combo."
Go for it.
What Goes Around
More about Galapagos...the one island that had a (known) human population with scientific research underway had a facility which was raising the famous Galapagos tortoises, from eggs. Each infant had been "dated" on its undershell, when it hatched, using a marker.
Years later when we moved to a town north of here we visited a zoo. In that zoo was a teenage tortoise from, yes, the island. And, yes, its date remained on its undershell and yes, it was there when I was.
doooo-do-doooo-do
Years later when we moved to a town north of here we visited a zoo. In that zoo was a teenage tortoise from, yes, the island. And, yes, its date remained on its undershell and yes, it was there when I was.
doooo-do-doooo-do
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