Commentary by Dorothy Donegan, before her performance of the song by the same title, "Things Ain't What They Used to Be.
Sure Ain't"
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Surf's Up
I took some time off this morning to go to the beach. Beautiful day. 65°F, foggy, rainy, dripping. Just have to love New England! 'A' and I went first to Front Beach hoping to find some sea glass. We weren't very successful. Tide was still too high, and darn, people just don't use enough glass these days! Prior to heading out, I had tried to check the tide charts. I'm amazed that the Sandy Bay Yacht Club does not post the tides on their web site. Everything else but, it seems. Oh well.After a disappointing walk along Front Beach, we decided to head over to Back Beach. (creative naming, huh?) I had put money in the meter and I wasn't about to waste all that paid for time. At Back Beach we discovered a seagull tethered out on the rocks with a long length of monofilament fishing line twisted around it's ankle. It was alternately struggling to get free, then resting in a crag of the ledge. We had no knife with us (or in the truck) and no way to distract the gull from nipping at us even if we could have got to the line to cut it. We didn't find anyone to free it, no matter where or who we talked to. Hopefully some of the divers in the area will see it and cut it free.
Our third beach adventure for the day was to Cape Hedge Beach, in the south end of town.
Oops, sorry folks in that neighborhood, I guess it should read the South End. It was there that we were entertained with high waves and surfers.
After watching for a while and taking some photos, we called my mother and asked if she would like us to come home to pick her up and bring her to the beach to watch. She did. The three of us then crammed in to my little truck and made a second visit to Cape Hedge Beach. By that time there were six wet-suited surfers. We stayed and watched until our growling stomachs told us to get home to have lunch.So at least it was a somewhat interesting day. No pretty sea glass, but entertainment.
PS - thanks em and mm! and i've got the little thingies printed.
It's Debatable
Yes folks, I watched it. The first presidential debate. I'm a glutton for punishment. I have already decided which lesser of evils that I will be voting for, so why watch? Maybe it's like some people watching auto racing. You know, waiting for the crash and burn? Per the norm, evidenced by online surveys, I was wrong about the outcome. Okay, I still think that I was correct in picking the most confident, competent, eloquent, alert, professional and educated of the candidates. The candidate whose policies made the most sense and importantly, communicated those policies with clarity. However, it seems the computer survey submitters and text messagers radically disagree with me. Sigh.
Idiots, of course.
The most pleasing aspect of the presidential debate is that 'A' actually watched it. In it's entirety. And watched the follow-up commentary. This is totally amazing. And despite my apoliticality (yep, invented that word), I was ecstatic to see her interest.
So what's the next thrilling event that I am looking towards? Why, the vice-presidential debate.
Yes, I think we may have a crash and burn.
Idiots, of course.
The most pleasing aspect of the presidential debate is that 'A' actually watched it. In it's entirety. And watched the follow-up commentary. This is totally amazing. And despite my apoliticality (yep, invented that word), I was ecstatic to see her interest.
So what's the next thrilling event that I am looking towards? Why, the vice-presidential debate.
Yes, I think we may have a crash and burn.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
These Days
There has been a bit of grumbling. Not many of us in our little sub-group of blogland have been keeping up with posting. Dickiebo has been very busy at it, particularly since 'B' was out of town for a little while. Some folks have been on vacations, others have computer problems, some just seem quiet. Actually, this doesn't seem to be exclusive to our corner of blogland. I am a member of six 'mailing lists' or online 'groups'. Those have been slow, too. For me there seems to be a gloom of a foggy night hanging over.
These days I seem to only work. It doesn't seem that I get much accomplished but I guess I do. It's just more stuff gets added to the list. There's still a regular stream of key work, but it's not as abundant as in June or July. Tunings trickle in. However, I'm getting more and more calls from people wanting to sell their pianos rather than maintain them. Bad economy. I work the two days at Tuck's and those really tire me. My feet ache, my shoulders ache, my wrists and neck, too. My left wrist and index finger are especially nasty lately and I'm once again trying a wrist brace. I'm working on the endless 'to-do' list around the house. Today, I trimmed some stray branches from the linden tree and one of the huge oaks. This weekend we are to have some heavy rain and wind, so I thought I'd better get that trimming off the list. Of course, trimming then meant loading the truck and hauling the debris to the dump. I've started preparing the new cabinet doors for my mom's bathroom sink base for her to paint. I need to call the plumber to fix a slowly dripping solder joint in the hot water line before it becomes a major problem. Fortunately, it just drips to the cellar floor. I'll have him take care of replacing that trap under our bathroom sink while he's here. Remember that problem from maybe a year or so ago? The trap that was 'hard' plumbed that shouldn't be? I was going to fix it myself, but quite frankly, I haven't the ambition to be scrunching myself under the sink cutting away the existing mess. Then there's the street light near our house. It had been cycling on and off for a month, then finally stayed off. Two weeks ago, I called the power company and was quite elated when the truck showed up the next night in the pitch black.(yeah, it doesn't take much to please me) The power company guy, up high in the bucket of the truck, fiddled around with the light. Then he was back in the truck and drove off. Still the light was out. After daybreak the next morning, I took a look. The entire lamp was missing. All we have now is the pathetically skinny arm with two stubs of wires hanging out there up the pole. Going to have to call the power company again. That should be good for at least a half hour of 'on hold'.
On to other things. Clustrmaps let me know that my current map will be archived on or about the 28th of this month and a new map will be started. Just thought I'd let you know.
Dickiebo lifted my spirits today with an award. You can see it in the sidebar, under my dickiebouquet!
I drove us all up to Skip's last week. It was pointed out by a reader (guess who) that I had never posted a photo of Skip's. I did post a pic of the sign a couple years ago. Anyway, it's not much to look at, building-wise, but here it is.
Originally, the order and pick-up windows were outside and all dining was either in your car or at picnic tables. He's upgraded over the years and moved indoors. We still eat in our car. Tradition, you understand. The owners live upstairs. At normal mealtimes the parking lot is crammed full. This picture was taken mid afternoon. We don't like waiting in line!
And finally, these days. I'm fed up with our government, the economy, the lack of values, the mess. I'm furious that I must pay for corporate and individual greed. I have no mansion, no big salary, no massive risky investments. I have lived always hoping for the best yet considering the what-if's. I haven't spent and borrowed frivolously. I shouldn't have to bail out those that have. The current economic bailout proposal for the US will cost every adult and child in this country over $2300.00 each. Yes, I understand the consequences of no government assistance, but that still doesn't mean that I have to think it is fair or reasonable to expect the average hard-working individual to accept it.
Sorry about the politics.
Now please excuse me while I run up my credit card debt, travel the world and live in high style, and let someone else worry about it. You'll be happy to pay it all off for me, won't you?
These days I seem to only work. It doesn't seem that I get much accomplished but I guess I do. It's just more stuff gets added to the list. There's still a regular stream of key work, but it's not as abundant as in June or July. Tunings trickle in. However, I'm getting more and more calls from people wanting to sell their pianos rather than maintain them. Bad economy. I work the two days at Tuck's and those really tire me. My feet ache, my shoulders ache, my wrists and neck, too. My left wrist and index finger are especially nasty lately and I'm once again trying a wrist brace. I'm working on the endless 'to-do' list around the house. Today, I trimmed some stray branches from the linden tree and one of the huge oaks. This weekend we are to have some heavy rain and wind, so I thought I'd better get that trimming off the list. Of course, trimming then meant loading the truck and hauling the debris to the dump. I've started preparing the new cabinet doors for my mom's bathroom sink base for her to paint. I need to call the plumber to fix a slowly dripping solder joint in the hot water line before it becomes a major problem. Fortunately, it just drips to the cellar floor. I'll have him take care of replacing that trap under our bathroom sink while he's here. Remember that problem from maybe a year or so ago? The trap that was 'hard' plumbed that shouldn't be? I was going to fix it myself, but quite frankly, I haven't the ambition to be scrunching myself under the sink cutting away the existing mess. Then there's the street light near our house. It had been cycling on and off for a month, then finally stayed off. Two weeks ago, I called the power company and was quite elated when the truck showed up the next night in the pitch black.(yeah, it doesn't take much to please me) The power company guy, up high in the bucket of the truck, fiddled around with the light. Then he was back in the truck and drove off. Still the light was out. After daybreak the next morning, I took a look. The entire lamp was missing. All we have now is the pathetically skinny arm with two stubs of wires hanging out there up the pole. Going to have to call the power company again. That should be good for at least a half hour of 'on hold'.
On to other things. Clustrmaps let me know that my current map will be archived on or about the 28th of this month and a new map will be started. Just thought I'd let you know.
Dickiebo lifted my spirits today with an award. You can see it in the sidebar, under my dickiebouquet!
I drove us all up to Skip's last week. It was pointed out by a reader (guess who) that I had never posted a photo of Skip's. I did post a pic of the sign a couple years ago. Anyway, it's not much to look at, building-wise, but here it is.
Originally, the order and pick-up windows were outside and all dining was either in your car or at picnic tables. He's upgraded over the years and moved indoors. We still eat in our car. Tradition, you understand. The owners live upstairs. At normal mealtimes the parking lot is crammed full. This picture was taken mid afternoon. We don't like waiting in line!And finally, these days. I'm fed up with our government, the economy, the lack of values, the mess. I'm furious that I must pay for corporate and individual greed. I have no mansion, no big salary, no massive risky investments. I have lived always hoping for the best yet considering the what-if's. I haven't spent and borrowed frivolously. I shouldn't have to bail out those that have. The current economic bailout proposal for the US will cost every adult and child in this country over $2300.00 each. Yes, I understand the consequences of no government assistance, but that still doesn't mean that I have to think it is fair or reasonable to expect the average hard-working individual to accept it.
Sorry about the politics.
Now please excuse me while I run up my credit card debt, travel the world and live in high style, and let someone else worry about it. You'll be happy to pay it all off for me, won't you?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Extremes
The first in extremes is told in the story of Lang Lang, a twenty-something classical pianist from China. I just finished reading the book that I have pictured in the sidebar. I'll quote a couple paragraphs here.
"Fortunately, compared to Chinese schools, the American system felt downright lax. Students were not disciplined, and they would think nothing about not completing their homework, which was unheard of in China........In general, schoolwork was easy in America. It seemed that students got by doing very little. As a fifteen year old boy, I didn't object to this. In fact, I liked it. I welcomed being in a country where kids were more carefree about school and independent - and even defiant - of their parents,........To see kids my age question authority was a revelation."
"The more he (father) saw me acclimating to American culture and American attitudes, the stricter he became and the more resentful I became of his interference. In China, parents are in charge. In America, kids are in charge of themselves, and I was primed to assume control of my own life."
Lang Lang's story puts quite a perspective on cultural differences AND certainly illuminates the pressure that China's one child policy has created within that culture. Not to mention the evident lack of respect shown by a large proportion of American youth.
*****************
Towards the beginning of September, I began anxiously awaiting the daily mail delivery. I was hoping that September's Piano Technician's Journal would contain my "Diamonds in the Rough" story that was originally posted on this blog. The editor had emailed the draft to me for approval. It was edited and retitled, and although I felt it was a tad sterile, I approved the version. The file indicated the September issue at the top of the page. So I assumed.....
incorrectly evidently, that it be in the September issue. Very disappointing to have no "Tuner's Life" in the September issue especially since it was to be my story. Maybe next month?
However in the meantime, the editor of the Tools, Tips & Techniques section of the Journal emailed and requested that a suggestion I had made on the Pianotech List (online) be used in an upcoming Journal issue. I went ahead and gave her approval for it's usage. (Thank you 'F' for confirming that my idea would work before I actually used it on a job a while back) So, I'm waiting to see that in print, too!
Last week, the newsletter editor of the Boston Chapter of the PTG sent out an email appeal for material. I sent him a text file and pictures of technical I had written some time back and never used. Yay! A few days ago the newsletter arrived and my technical had the bottom half of the front page and half of page two!
Add to that some really super compliments on the Pianotech List, from a fellow technican, about my keywork and I'm feeling darn good!
*****************
And finally have been our weather extremes. Wet, wet summer, in general, as witnessed by the photograph below.
The following photo will give you some idea of the size of this (these) fungus.
Now this weekend is supposed to be rainy and miserably humid, and instead the sun is shining brightly. Still, we have Sunday for more rain and hopefully Monday, as I'll be working!
"Fortunately, compared to Chinese schools, the American system felt downright lax. Students were not disciplined, and they would think nothing about not completing their homework, which was unheard of in China........In general, schoolwork was easy in America. It seemed that students got by doing very little. As a fifteen year old boy, I didn't object to this. In fact, I liked it. I welcomed being in a country where kids were more carefree about school and independent - and even defiant - of their parents,........To see kids my age question authority was a revelation."
"The more he (father) saw me acclimating to American culture and American attitudes, the stricter he became and the more resentful I became of his interference. In China, parents are in charge. In America, kids are in charge of themselves, and I was primed to assume control of my own life."
Lang Lang's story puts quite a perspective on cultural differences AND certainly illuminates the pressure that China's one child policy has created within that culture. Not to mention the evident lack of respect shown by a large proportion of American youth.
*****************
Towards the beginning of September, I began anxiously awaiting the daily mail delivery. I was hoping that September's Piano Technician's Journal would contain my "Diamonds in the Rough" story that was originally posted on this blog. The editor had emailed the draft to me for approval. It was edited and retitled, and although I felt it was a tad sterile, I approved the version. The file indicated the September issue at the top of the page. So I assumed.....
incorrectly evidently, that it be in the September issue. Very disappointing to have no "Tuner's Life" in the September issue especially since it was to be my story. Maybe next month?
However in the meantime, the editor of the Tools, Tips & Techniques section of the Journal emailed and requested that a suggestion I had made on the Pianotech List (online) be used in an upcoming Journal issue. I went ahead and gave her approval for it's usage. (Thank you 'F' for confirming that my idea would work before I actually used it on a job a while back) So, I'm waiting to see that in print, too!
Last week, the newsletter editor of the Boston Chapter of the PTG sent out an email appeal for material. I sent him a text file and pictures of technical I had written some time back and never used. Yay! A few days ago the newsletter arrived and my technical had the bottom half of the front page and half of page two!
Add to that some really super compliments on the Pianotech List, from a fellow technican, about my keywork and I'm feeling darn good!
*****************
And finally have been our weather extremes. Wet, wet summer, in general, as witnessed by the photograph below.
The following photo will give you some idea of the size of this (these) fungus.
Now this weekend is supposed to be rainy and miserably humid, and instead the sun is shining brightly. Still, we have Sunday for more rain and hopefully Monday, as I'll be working!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Sundays and Mondays
Those days are spent here at Tuck's Candy Factory, on the waterfront in Dock Square.
The following picture is Tuck's main store that is just up the hill a block from the candy factory.
Tuck's Candies began in 1929 and has been a family owned and operated business for all of it's nearly 80 years. After work either tomorrow or Monday, I will post a brief history of the business.
Afterthought: Just check out the web site www.tuckscandy.com
Only to add that Walter had a twin brother, George. Walter was the candy maker, George was a pharmacist. The pharmacy was housed in the Main Street building (larger of above) and the candy was and still is sold there. The pharmacy followed in to the second generation but is no longer a part of the business.
The following picture is Tuck's main store that is just up the hill a block from the candy factory.
Tuck's Candies began in 1929 and has been a family owned and operated business for all of it's nearly 80 years. After work either tomorrow or Monday, I will post a brief history of the business.Afterthought: Just check out the web site www.tuckscandy.com
Only to add that Walter had a twin brother, George. Walter was the candy maker, George was a pharmacist. The pharmacy was housed in the Main Street building (larger of above) and the candy was and still is sold there. The pharmacy followed in to the second generation but is no longer a part of the business.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Been Awhile...
since I've written much of anything at all. After all, it does get a bit boring writing about work, work, work. So, I'll get that out of the way right now. I have been.
A lot. Tuck's was extraordinarily busy over the holiday weekend and I'm glad to have survived it!
Key work has been steady as have tuning jobs.
All the windows are installed and I'm now working on staining the interiors. I finally finished trimming out the windows in our house. All that's left for finish work is the woodwork in the upstairs hallway.
We've had not-so-big adventures to Skip's and done a bit of winter weather clothes shopping. Biggest disappointment was the $18 pair of Nikes that I couldn't buy. Why, you wonder? Well, actually it wasn't a pair. We couldn't find the left shoe. Nowhere to be found. Who stole ONE jogging shoe? The right one was sooo comfy. Sigh.
This weekend we are to have the remnants of tropical storm or category 1 hurricane Hannah. Maybe I'll have some fun down at the beach! I promise to take my camera, but, you know those waves just don't look as menacing in still pictures.
And finally, each morning we are held prisoner (if only temporarily) in our house. Spike, the spider, insists on building his home/trap across our porch stairs.
Amanda forgot about it this morning and I had to yell STOP before she walked right in to it. She did stop a mere couple inches from Spike and his web. The entire town may have heard her shriek! Each morning I take a broom and destroy all Spike's hard work and each night he builds it again.
A lot. Tuck's was extraordinarily busy over the holiday weekend and I'm glad to have survived it!
Key work has been steady as have tuning jobs.
All the windows are installed and I'm now working on staining the interiors. I finally finished trimming out the windows in our house. All that's left for finish work is the woodwork in the upstairs hallway.
We've had not-so-big adventures to Skip's and done a bit of winter weather clothes shopping. Biggest disappointment was the $18 pair of Nikes that I couldn't buy. Why, you wonder? Well, actually it wasn't a pair. We couldn't find the left shoe. Nowhere to be found. Who stole ONE jogging shoe? The right one was sooo comfy. Sigh.
This weekend we are to have the remnants of tropical storm or category 1 hurricane Hannah. Maybe I'll have some fun down at the beach! I promise to take my camera, but, you know those waves just don't look as menacing in still pictures.
And finally, each morning we are held prisoner (if only temporarily) in our house. Spike, the spider, insists on building his home/trap across our porch stairs.
Amanda forgot about it this morning and I had to yell STOP before she walked right in to it. She did stop a mere couple inches from Spike and his web. The entire town may have heard her shriek! Each morning I take a broom and destroy all Spike's hard work and each night he builds it again.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Longevity
I just love summertime. Sunshine and a nice ocean breeze. Windows open. Relax on the deck for lunch and enjoy THE NEIGHBOR'S DOG BARKING CONTINUOUSLY FROM 8 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING UNTIL I LEFT THE HOUSE AT 3 P.M.!!!! Now that I'm back home, the neighbor is as well, and the dog has either quit barking or developed laryngitis. You see, now that school is back in, no one is home to keep poor doggy company all day. This WILL get resolved.
On a funnier note...how long should milk stay fresh?
We, meaning Amanda and I, went grocery shopping yesterday. Amanda bought a quart of milk amongst other things. I reminded her that she had an unopened quart still in the refrigerator. This morning while we were walking down to the Whistlestop Mall to get the newspaper, Amanda started spouting off about how nasty the cereal was that she had bought just yesterday. "Smells like dog food," she said. "When we get home YOU smell it and you'll see what I mean!" It really annoyed her that she would be throwing away an entire, expensive box of cereal after only eating one mouthful.
So, we got back home and as I was sitting reading the newspaper, Amanda strolled in with the open box of Special K Cinnamon and Pecan. I grudgingly took a sniff. Ehhh, not too bad, I thought. Smelled a bit weak on the cinnamon. Then I had a thought.
"Which milk did you use?"
"I don't know, I'll go check," said Amanda.
She came back and remarked that she thought it was the milk that was bad, not the cereal. The milk smelled bad and she didn't want to be the one to have to pour it down the drain!
Off I went to investigate.
Sure was the milk.
Sell by date: JUNE 30, 2008!
YUCK.
And in conclusion, here's a picture of our ficus.
This beautiful braided tree was sent to us, last summer when my Dad died, by my friends in Florida. But what does one do with such a gorgeous tree when winter approaches? This guy likes a temperate climate. They will survive indoors but they don't like the change from humid summer to dryness in a winter heated house. The 'best bet for survival' solution became to haul it down to the workshop in the cellar. The lowest temperature there through the winter is 52°F and it isn't as dry as upstairs. Not much natural light though, even with placing it just below the tiny windows high in the cellar wall. It wasn't very happy and by March we were dubious about it's survival. Mid-April it was still struggling along but looked very pathetic so I decided to risk the low outdoor temps in favor of moderate days and higher humidity. After two very cold nights, we thought it had succumbed. We waited, fertilized, and watered, and watched. It recovered. So despite poor living conditions, we still have the ficus. It's leaves are smaller than last year, though. I think seeing it through another winter might be a challenge!
On a funnier note...how long should milk stay fresh?
We, meaning Amanda and I, went grocery shopping yesterday. Amanda bought a quart of milk amongst other things. I reminded her that she had an unopened quart still in the refrigerator. This morning while we were walking down to the Whistlestop Mall to get the newspaper, Amanda started spouting off about how nasty the cereal was that she had bought just yesterday. "Smells like dog food," she said. "When we get home YOU smell it and you'll see what I mean!" It really annoyed her that she would be throwing away an entire, expensive box of cereal after only eating one mouthful.
So, we got back home and as I was sitting reading the newspaper, Amanda strolled in with the open box of Special K Cinnamon and Pecan. I grudgingly took a sniff. Ehhh, not too bad, I thought. Smelled a bit weak on the cinnamon. Then I had a thought.
"Which milk did you use?"
"I don't know, I'll go check," said Amanda.
She came back and remarked that she thought it was the milk that was bad, not the cereal. The milk smelled bad and she didn't want to be the one to have to pour it down the drain!
Off I went to investigate.
Sure was the milk.
Sell by date: JUNE 30, 2008!
YUCK.
And in conclusion, here's a picture of our ficus.
This beautiful braided tree was sent to us, last summer when my Dad died, by my friends in Florida. But what does one do with such a gorgeous tree when winter approaches? This guy likes a temperate climate. They will survive indoors but they don't like the change from humid summer to dryness in a winter heated house. The 'best bet for survival' solution became to haul it down to the workshop in the cellar. The lowest temperature there through the winter is 52°F and it isn't as dry as upstairs. Not much natural light though, even with placing it just below the tiny windows high in the cellar wall. It wasn't very happy and by March we were dubious about it's survival. Mid-April it was still struggling along but looked very pathetic so I decided to risk the low outdoor temps in favor of moderate days and higher humidity. After two very cold nights, we thought it had succumbed. We waited, fertilized, and watered, and watched. It recovered. So despite poor living conditions, we still have the ficus. It's leaves are smaller than last year, though. I think seeing it through another winter might be a challenge!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
And Once Again
The mail has arrived.
Nada. Again.
Are you surprised?
update: I had a check to deposit so I headed for the bank. Also, I only had one 'starter' check left so needed more. Officer that was supposed to initiate a trace on the missing checks was not at work today.
There is a problem for these people. Beyond the absurdity of the situation, I have a fantastic memory. Situation went as follows:
Deb: The officer was going to request a trace.
Bank: Oh she was? I know that she checked and confirmed that we ordered them on the 2nd and the printing company shipped them on the.....
Deb: They were charged to my account on the 13th.
Bank: Yes. She's not in today so I can't check if there was a trace.
Deb: I'll need more 'starter' checks.
Bank: Would you like five or ten? They're on us.
Deb: At the rate this is going you better give me ten.
Bank goes to back room and prints 'starter' checks.
She returns.
Deb: Would it be possible to get a debit card on this account so I can actually use my money?
Bank: Yes, but that takes two weeks. We have to send out for them. I know that 'V' was going to do a trace on your order.
Deb: Yes, I was the one that just told you that.
Bank: Even one of our employees hasn't gotten her checks and it's been three and a half weeks.
Deb: Your officer told me that no one else was having this problem.
Bank: Well, it does seem to be the Post Office that's the problem.
Deb: No, the bank's handling of the problem is not appropriate and the entire situation is a very poor reflection on the bank. We are considering relocating all six of our accounts elsewhere.
I turned my back and left, ten relatively useless 'starter' checks in hand.
Don't worry. I'll go back tomorrow.......and every day until my checks arrive!
Nada. Again.
Are you surprised?
update: I had a check to deposit so I headed for the bank. Also, I only had one 'starter' check left so needed more. Officer that was supposed to initiate a trace on the missing checks was not at work today.
There is a problem for these people. Beyond the absurdity of the situation, I have a fantastic memory. Situation went as follows:
Deb: The officer was going to request a trace.
Bank: Oh she was? I know that she checked and confirmed that we ordered them on the 2nd and the printing company shipped them on the.....
Deb: They were charged to my account on the 13th.
Bank: Yes. She's not in today so I can't check if there was a trace.
Deb: I'll need more 'starter' checks.
Bank: Would you like five or ten? They're on us.
Deb: At the rate this is going you better give me ten.
Bank goes to back room and prints 'starter' checks.
She returns.
Deb: Would it be possible to get a debit card on this account so I can actually use my money?
Bank: Yes, but that takes two weeks. We have to send out for them. I know that 'V' was going to do a trace on your order.
Deb: Yes, I was the one that just told you that.
Bank: Even one of our employees hasn't gotten her checks and it's been three and a half weeks.
Deb: Your officer told me that no one else was having this problem.
Bank: Well, it does seem to be the Post Office that's the problem.
Deb: No, the bank's handling of the problem is not appropriate and the entire situation is a very poor reflection on the bank. We are considering relocating all six of our accounts elsewhere.
I turned my back and left, ten relatively useless 'starter' checks in hand.
Don't worry. I'll go back tomorrow.......and every day until my checks arrive!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Can't Bank On It
May I take you back to August 1st? Okay, thanks.
I went to my desk to grab a new 'book' of personal checks. The box was empty. Oh yeah, it was a while back that I turned in the 'time to reorder' slip at the bank. Where were the new checks? I hunted all over. No checks. I headed to the bank for answers, but I was still somewhat concerned that I had misplaced the new order. I have been kinda busy, y'know.
So I got to my bank, just down the street about a half mile. As a family, we have had accounts at this bank for over 35 years. When I spoke to one of the bank officers I was informed that they had no record of an order being processed and that they had changed printing companies. It had probably gotten missed in the transition, I was told. Just marvelous. What was I to do? The officer put in a new order and gave me five free 'starter checks'-the limit for freebies.
Now in this case, starter checks are a funny predicament as they are not really starter checks being that the account has been established for over six years. Starter checks are NOT funny because most business establishments will not accept them. Can't use them at the mall, supermarket, Home Depot, Ace, pharmacy, etc.
You get the picture? I can't do diddly unless I pay cash, have either Amanda or my mother write a check to pay, or put it on my credit card (I won't do that). Thankfully, ESP, my shipper will accept them from me and I can use them to pay the bills that get mailed like utilities, etc. (Gee, I hope :-/)
Anyway, back to ordering the new checks...the bank officer assures me that I'll have them in 5 - 10 business days.
Let me now insert the fact that I have just written 'starter check' number twelve. The first five disappeared quickly even though I tried to hold off on stuff until my REAL checks would arrive. I tried to be patient, but when the tenth day rolled by with the checks NOT being in the mail, I headed back to the bank to complain. They assured me that the order had been placed on the 2nd (it evidently took them an entire day to place it?) and that I would have the new checks within a day or two. I insisted on five more 'free' starter checks. They weren't too pleased about that.
Saturday morning rolled around and my mother was heading for the bank. I owed her for half the fuel oil delivery and the water bill. She had been patiently waiting for my checks to arrive. I gave up and wrote out a starter check to her. A couple funny things then happened. I decided to go to the bank as I needed to get some cash to buy some food. My mother was still at the bank when I arrived. Funny number two was when she tried to deposit that starter check and they discovered that they had printed the wrong account number on it (and the other 4)! Good thing that I was there because they went in to panic mode about those other four checks. Thankfully for them, I hadn't used any of the others and gave them back...again asking for more 'starters'.
Sadly, the question "do you think my checks will be in the mail today?" has become a family joke. We are convinced that I am cursed. I went to the bank once again last Friday morning. I had a nicer officer who at least made the effort to look up my account to see if it had been charged for the missing checks. She said that they post the charge to the account the day that the checks are shipped. My account had been charged on Wednesday 13th.
Yay! I should have them shortly. If not that week, certainly by Monday's mail.
Tuesday's mail came and the curse lived on. I was furious and headed back to the bank. I had bills to pay and not enough 'starter' checks. And besides, I really needed to blow my top at someone.
Back to the original officer, drat. I told her that my checks STILL HADN'T ARRIVED. It was now two and a half weeks. It was MORE than inconvenient. And what did she do? She passed the buck, of course. After all the bank HAD ordered them and the printing company had shipped them. It was the United States Postal Service at fault. Well, I was not pleased with that 'not me' attitude and I told her as much. I told her that I should not have to pay for the checks, if and when they ever arrive. She offered to reorder!!!!! Huh????? and wait and wonder once again? Then she offered to order additional checks, leaving the original order in place. The additional order would be at no charge to me. This I agreed to (although I'm somehow sure that the 'no charge to me' part will be conveniently forgotten by the bank and more 'meetings' will ensue over that one). Then she said she thought she might have a trace put on the original shipment.
HUH??? THOUGHT???MIGHT??? I truly believe that this should be at the top of the list of follow-ups! ... followed quickly by the offer to issue me a debit card at no charge so that I, a longtime, loyal customer, will not be so inconvenienced in the meantime. Pfft. Haven't heard a thing.
I asked for five more 'starter' checks and got them with a glare from the teller.
I went home and paid more bills. Then off to ESP to ship some keys. I've got two more sets left to ship this week. One tomorrow and another Friday. Guess what? I'll then be needing more 'starter' checks. As........
I still haven't gotten my new checks in the mail.
The curse idea just might have some merit. What do you think, tomorrow maybe? 20 days and still counting...................
I went to my desk to grab a new 'book' of personal checks. The box was empty. Oh yeah, it was a while back that I turned in the 'time to reorder' slip at the bank. Where were the new checks? I hunted all over. No checks. I headed to the bank for answers, but I was still somewhat concerned that I had misplaced the new order. I have been kinda busy, y'know.
So I got to my bank, just down the street about a half mile. As a family, we have had accounts at this bank for over 35 years. When I spoke to one of the bank officers I was informed that they had no record of an order being processed and that they had changed printing companies. It had probably gotten missed in the transition, I was told. Just marvelous. What was I to do? The officer put in a new order and gave me five free 'starter checks'-the limit for freebies.
Now in this case, starter checks are a funny predicament as they are not really starter checks being that the account has been established for over six years. Starter checks are NOT funny because most business establishments will not accept them. Can't use them at the mall, supermarket, Home Depot, Ace, pharmacy, etc.
You get the picture? I can't do diddly unless I pay cash, have either Amanda or my mother write a check to pay, or put it on my credit card (I won't do that). Thankfully, ESP, my shipper will accept them from me and I can use them to pay the bills that get mailed like utilities, etc. (Gee, I hope :-/)
Anyway, back to ordering the new checks...the bank officer assures me that I'll have them in 5 - 10 business days.
Let me now insert the fact that I have just written 'starter check' number twelve. The first five disappeared quickly even though I tried to hold off on stuff until my REAL checks would arrive. I tried to be patient, but when the tenth day rolled by with the checks NOT being in the mail, I headed back to the bank to complain. They assured me that the order had been placed on the 2nd (it evidently took them an entire day to place it?) and that I would have the new checks within a day or two. I insisted on five more 'free' starter checks. They weren't too pleased about that.
Saturday morning rolled around and my mother was heading for the bank. I owed her for half the fuel oil delivery and the water bill. She had been patiently waiting for my checks to arrive. I gave up and wrote out a starter check to her. A couple funny things then happened. I decided to go to the bank as I needed to get some cash to buy some food. My mother was still at the bank when I arrived. Funny number two was when she tried to deposit that starter check and they discovered that they had printed the wrong account number on it (and the other 4)! Good thing that I was there because they went in to panic mode about those other four checks. Thankfully for them, I hadn't used any of the others and gave them back...again asking for more 'starters'.
Sadly, the question "do you think my checks will be in the mail today?" has become a family joke. We are convinced that I am cursed. I went to the bank once again last Friday morning. I had a nicer officer who at least made the effort to look up my account to see if it had been charged for the missing checks. She said that they post the charge to the account the day that the checks are shipped. My account had been charged on Wednesday 13th.
Yay! I should have them shortly. If not that week, certainly by Monday's mail.
Tuesday's mail came and the curse lived on. I was furious and headed back to the bank. I had bills to pay and not enough 'starter' checks. And besides, I really needed to blow my top at someone.
Back to the original officer, drat. I told her that my checks STILL HADN'T ARRIVED. It was now two and a half weeks. It was MORE than inconvenient. And what did she do? She passed the buck, of course. After all the bank HAD ordered them and the printing company had shipped them. It was the United States Postal Service at fault. Well, I was not pleased with that 'not me' attitude and I told her as much. I told her that I should not have to pay for the checks, if and when they ever arrive. She offered to reorder!!!!! Huh????? and wait and wonder once again? Then she offered to order additional checks, leaving the original order in place. The additional order would be at no charge to me. This I agreed to (although I'm somehow sure that the 'no charge to me' part will be conveniently forgotten by the bank and more 'meetings' will ensue over that one). Then she said she thought she might have a trace put on the original shipment.
HUH??? THOUGHT???MIGHT??? I truly believe that this should be at the top of the list of follow-ups! ... followed quickly by the offer to issue me a debit card at no charge so that I, a longtime, loyal customer, will not be so inconvenienced in the meantime. Pfft. Haven't heard a thing.
I asked for five more 'starter' checks and got them with a glare from the teller.
I went home and paid more bills. Then off to ESP to ship some keys. I've got two more sets left to ship this week. One tomorrow and another Friday. Guess what? I'll then be needing more 'starter' checks. As........
I still haven't gotten my new checks in the mail.
The curse idea just might have some merit. What do you think, tomorrow maybe? 20 days and still counting...................
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Key Difference
"When you receive the box of keys that I just shipped, please call me if you find 
......my car keys inside!"
Yep, there they were.
......my car keys inside!"Yep, there they were.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
DDD
Oh my, I did not want to get out of bed this morning. First off, it had been soooooo nice not having storms during the night. I had stayed up watching the Olympics until nearly midnight and slept soundly until 7 a.m. How nice it was to relax and doze until 7:30. But of course that had to come to an end. I needed to get up and have some breakfast, do a few chores around, and mentally prepare myself for Dreaded Dentist Day. Doomsday time was 11:30 a.m. Scheduled was a cleaning and hopefully a repair to that chipped molar.
My adult life has been plagued with dental problems. No matter the treatment, I have a few decent problem-free years and then get hit hard with expensive problems. This doesn't mesh with no dental insurance and limited financial resources. So, this visit promised to be nasty, I figured.
I arrived about ten minutes early and kept myself calm staring blankly at the walls. The dentist was running about 15 minutes late.
This should not be allowed. Fight or flight sways heavily toward the latter during that wait time!
Finally, I am summoned to 'the chamber'. I'll be right with you, he says. Got to go numb someone in the next room. Grrr. More waiting. Until finally....he arrives for my treatment. I'm informed that a seriously thorough and deep cleaning is necessary. Yikes, doesn't sound like fun. I'm told of a wonderful new tool that he has. Designed just for this particular torture.
"It's super effective, but it can be painful," he says.
Flight is sounding even better!
I'll leave out the details as I know a lot of you love the dentist as much as I do. Yep, it did hurt a bit, but not nearly as much as I had anticipated. And my dentist is very committed to 'less pain equals better dentistry'. My gums are sore now, but only really bad in a few spots. Still haven't gotten that chipped molar repaired! Wouldn't you know I've got another appointment for that.
This afternoon I treated myself to some shopping. Mom and Amanda were waiting for me to get home and saw their dreams realized when all was well enough with me to drive us all to the mall and then up to Skip's for burgers. At the mall, I bought a winter shirt and some nice shoes for the colder weather.
Tomorrow night I'm rewarding myself with an outing to a slide lecture presented by Fisk Organ Co. and hosted by the Sandy Bay Historical Society. 7:30 at the Community House. Hope to see y'all there!
My adult life has been plagued with dental problems. No matter the treatment, I have a few decent problem-free years and then get hit hard with expensive problems. This doesn't mesh with no dental insurance and limited financial resources. So, this visit promised to be nasty, I figured.
I arrived about ten minutes early and kept myself calm staring blankly at the walls. The dentist was running about 15 minutes late.
This should not be allowed. Fight or flight sways heavily toward the latter during that wait time!
Finally, I am summoned to 'the chamber'. I'll be right with you, he says. Got to go numb someone in the next room. Grrr. More waiting. Until finally....he arrives for my treatment. I'm informed that a seriously thorough and deep cleaning is necessary. Yikes, doesn't sound like fun. I'm told of a wonderful new tool that he has. Designed just for this particular torture.
"It's super effective, but it can be painful," he says.
Flight is sounding even better!
I'll leave out the details as I know a lot of you love the dentist as much as I do. Yep, it did hurt a bit, but not nearly as much as I had anticipated. And my dentist is very committed to 'less pain equals better dentistry'. My gums are sore now, but only really bad in a few spots. Still haven't gotten that chipped molar repaired! Wouldn't you know I've got another appointment for that.
This afternoon I treated myself to some shopping. Mom and Amanda were waiting for me to get home and saw their dreams realized when all was well enough with me to drive us all to the mall and then up to Skip's for burgers. At the mall, I bought a winter shirt and some nice shoes for the colder weather.
Tomorrow night I'm rewarding myself with an outing to a slide lecture presented by Fisk Organ Co. and hosted by the Sandy Bay Historical Society. 7:30 at the Community House. Hope to see y'all there!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Deprivation
Sun, sleep, fun....none.
Okay, a teeny bit.
We're soggy here in New England. Today, on the weather, they said that it has rained over half the days so far this summer. That's not a tan, ma'am, it's rust. So here's the rainy view out my kitchen window.
Window number four out of six that I am installing...weather permitting. The fungus are thriving for the most part. 
Actually, a few are getting mold growth on them.
The sun has come out late this afternoon. This is spectacular as now, with the heating of the sun, we should have gigantic thunderstorms again tonight. Last night I got out of work at 10 p.m., came home and had a quick bite to eat and watched the Olympics until 11:30. I was just dosing off for the night when...
BAM!!
Scared me wide awake. Just how I want to be at 1 in the morning! I knew I should have shut the computer down and unplugged it. Lights on and up I get to take care of the computer. What a storm! I do like a good thunderstorm, but not when you see the lightning and hear the crack of thunder simultaneously. That's just too close for me, up on this hill amongst the tall oaks. So...not a heck of a lot of sleep last night.
Today I've been trying to have an 'easy' day. I've been working on more ivory necklaces. This photo doesn't do them justice - really. Sort of bleaches them out. Remember, these are only about .75" X 1.5". Not all have been 'strung' yet and some of the newer ones will have the necklace part threaded directly through the ivory, side to side, so there will be no visible hole at the top.
Another design that I have come up with uses both the ivories (naturals) and the ebonies (sharps). 
These are on a trial basis as they will be more expensive. I've made two ivory and ebony, and one ivory and walnut.
Tomorrow is another triple D day (dreaded dentist day). Can't wait for Thursday!
Okay, a teeny bit.
We're soggy here in New England. Today, on the weather, they said that it has rained over half the days so far this summer. That's not a tan, ma'am, it's rust. So here's the rainy view out my kitchen window.
Window number four out of six that I am installing...weather permitting. The fungus are thriving for the most part. 
Actually, a few are getting mold growth on them.The sun has come out late this afternoon. This is spectacular as now, with the heating of the sun, we should have gigantic thunderstorms again tonight. Last night I got out of work at 10 p.m., came home and had a quick bite to eat and watched the Olympics until 11:30. I was just dosing off for the night when...
BAM!!
Scared me wide awake. Just how I want to be at 1 in the morning! I knew I should have shut the computer down and unplugged it. Lights on and up I get to take care of the computer. What a storm! I do like a good thunderstorm, but not when you see the lightning and hear the crack of thunder simultaneously. That's just too close for me, up on this hill amongst the tall oaks. So...not a heck of a lot of sleep last night.
Today I've been trying to have an 'easy' day. I've been working on more ivory necklaces. This photo doesn't do them justice - really. Sort of bleaches them out. Remember, these are only about .75" X 1.5". Not all have been 'strung' yet and some of the newer ones will have the necklace part threaded directly through the ivory, side to side, so there will be no visible hole at the top.
Another design that I have come up with uses both the ivories (naturals) and the ebonies (sharps). 
These are on a trial basis as they will be more expensive. I've made two ivory and ebony, and one ivory and walnut.Tomorrow is another triple D day (dreaded dentist day). Can't wait for Thursday!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Almost Pitiful
Last week there was a teeny, green grasshopper hanging on to the antenna of my truck as I drove around town and even all the way to Gloucester and back. Sometimes he was only gripping with one leg, the others flailing in the wind and his little wings splayed and shimmering in the draft. Eventually, while my truck was parked, probably during the night sometime, he gave up and let go.
Unlike a certain person from my past. Seems my ex (you know, the one with the criminal harassment charge pending against him) tried to submit an application to be a volunteer with WHOA, Working to Halt Online Abuse. That's the organization in which I volunteer. For obvious reasons, his application was denied and he was told not to contact anyone within the organization. You'd think that he'd have better things to occupy his time rather than trying to be a nuisance to me. Pathetic. 6 years and still can't leave it alone.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Picture Puzzle
Got an email today in my blog emailbox. It reminded me of something from a couple years back. Here's a picture.
Do you know what it is? Totally correct answer wins.........
my admiration.
Do you know what it is? Totally correct answer wins.........my admiration.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Hurry Up August
I'm ready to be rid of July.
July has been a month of extremes and I'm too tired for extremes.
As you may recall, I was swamped with work at the beginning of the month. A good thing but more equal timing would make me much happier. Nevertheless, paying work is always welcome!
I've installed three of the six replacement windows. I've had some words for each of the installations. Most of the poor language has been due to the fact that the guy that measured for the new windows did not leave enough 'wiggle room' in his top to bottom measurement. This has made for major headaches in fitting them.
Then there was the craft fair date change. No more to be said about that.
The same day as I found out about the above date change and had words with the organizer (seems to be a poor noun choice, oh well), I had asked a fellow employee at Tuck's if he would like to work my Sunday hours this week. (Today to be exact) He agreed. I was ecstatic. I was invited to attend a cookout and sing-a-long on Thacher Island. I was actually going to have a day of fun! Yippeeeeeeeeeeee!
You just know that can't last, right?
So, this morning I got everything together in a carry bag for my trip to the island. This WAS going to be a good time. The sing-a-long was to be accompanied by THE reed organ. I might have the chance to ride out to the island on the Ocean Reporter, a real workhorse of a boat for marine salvage, diving, and other heavy duty water work. Every girl's dream, right? (Told you I'm a bit different). Just after 11 a.m., my mom drove me down to T-Wharf. I knew better than to expect a parking space in town on a Sunday. There was a space! Mom parked and we got out, looking around for a familiar face. No one was around except BL and BS loading a mushroom mooring down to a work boat. Why wasn't BL on the Ocean Reporter? Maybe he wasn't going to help ferry the attendees after all. We wandered over to the yacht club to see if anyone was waiting around there. We got some glares as we walked through the club to the front porch. (We're no longer members, you see) One of the guys that had told me about the cookout and had sort of invited me was sitting on the porch. I asked when they would be starting out to the island.
Canceled. Nobody had let me know. Three different folks had known that I was planning on the trip. Not a word from any. Pfft.
Day off, half wasted. I went home and did chores.
Only four more days to survive this month.
July has been a month of extremes and I'm too tired for extremes.
As you may recall, I was swamped with work at the beginning of the month. A good thing but more equal timing would make me much happier. Nevertheless, paying work is always welcome!
I've installed three of the six replacement windows. I've had some words for each of the installations. Most of the poor language has been due to the fact that the guy that measured for the new windows did not leave enough 'wiggle room' in his top to bottom measurement. This has made for major headaches in fitting them.
Then there was the craft fair date change. No more to be said about that.
The same day as I found out about the above date change and had words with the organizer (seems to be a poor noun choice, oh well), I had asked a fellow employee at Tuck's if he would like to work my Sunday hours this week. (Today to be exact) He agreed. I was ecstatic. I was invited to attend a cookout and sing-a-long on Thacher Island. I was actually going to have a day of fun! Yippeeeeeeeeeeee!
You just know that can't last, right?
So, this morning I got everything together in a carry bag for my trip to the island. This WAS going to be a good time. The sing-a-long was to be accompanied by THE reed organ. I might have the chance to ride out to the island on the Ocean Reporter, a real workhorse of a boat for marine salvage, diving, and other heavy duty water work. Every girl's dream, right? (Told you I'm a bit different). Just after 11 a.m., my mom drove me down to T-Wharf. I knew better than to expect a parking space in town on a Sunday. There was a space! Mom parked and we got out, looking around for a familiar face. No one was around except BL and BS loading a mushroom mooring down to a work boat. Why wasn't BL on the Ocean Reporter? Maybe he wasn't going to help ferry the attendees after all. We wandered over to the yacht club to see if anyone was waiting around there. We got some glares as we walked through the club to the front porch. (We're no longer members, you see) One of the guys that had told me about the cookout and had sort of invited me was sitting on the porch. I asked when they would be starting out to the island.
Canceled. Nobody had let me know. Three different folks had known that I was planning on the trip. Not a word from any. Pfft.
Day off, half wasted. I went home and did chores.
Only four more days to survive this month.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Incompetence
or......the end of paying with frustration for a bit of fun.
The Old Firehouse Craft Fairs are expensive for table rental. Higher than most other fairs around. The reasons I haven't minded are because it's right here in town and it's indoors. No worries about inclement weather.
On the very negative side. Not only is it expensive to rent a table, it is one of the most poorly publicized events that I have ever seen/participated in/whatever. Most of the townies don't even know it exists, never mind any tourists. Any customers exist purely by accidental wandering in as they 'tour' all the shops in town.
As I said in the title of this post - incompetence.
And now....
I was reading the little 'agenda' section of the paper when I noticed the usual tiny mention of the crafts fair. The next is scheduled for August 2. I won't be there as I have been frantically working on more necklaces, some with autumn themes and some for Christmas/winter. They won't be dry in time. I was astonished when the newspaper said that the following fair would be on August 31. That's a Sunday rather than a Saturday. The problem is that we were all given a schedule of the fair dates and that schedule lists August 30, the Saturday. Must be a typo in the newspaper, I thought. So I called the woman (above blog title applicable) who is in charge.
And I was told...
I changed the date because I decided to rent out the place to someone else for the 30th.
Yes, I'm furious and I told her so. She had a prior commitment for usage IN PRINT.
No notification of the change. NOTHING. I can't just switch to Sunday. I work that day. I will not give up a day's pay and pay for an exorbitantly overpriced table rental. I'll never make THAT much at an UNADVERTISED NON-PROMOTED craft fair.
Suppose I had personally rented that facility for a function, would she then 'go with a better offer' and merely say sorry to me and offer to refund my deposit? I can think of many, many words that I cannot put in print to describe what I think of the situation.
So, the next definite opportunity that I have to sell at that fair in Rockport will be Oct 11. Assuming she doesn't change that at her whim.
I may just say "to !##! with it and her", save my rental fees of $50 per fair and use the money for the big three day, indoor event in Essex next spring.
Yes, I am fuming - big time.
The Old Firehouse Craft Fairs are expensive for table rental. Higher than most other fairs around. The reasons I haven't minded are because it's right here in town and it's indoors. No worries about inclement weather.
On the very negative side. Not only is it expensive to rent a table, it is one of the most poorly publicized events that I have ever seen/participated in/whatever. Most of the townies don't even know it exists, never mind any tourists. Any customers exist purely by accidental wandering in as they 'tour' all the shops in town.
As I said in the title of this post - incompetence.
And now....
I was reading the little 'agenda' section of the paper when I noticed the usual tiny mention of the crafts fair. The next is scheduled for August 2. I won't be there as I have been frantically working on more necklaces, some with autumn themes and some for Christmas/winter. They won't be dry in time. I was astonished when the newspaper said that the following fair would be on August 31. That's a Sunday rather than a Saturday. The problem is that we were all given a schedule of the fair dates and that schedule lists August 30, the Saturday. Must be a typo in the newspaper, I thought. So I called the woman (above blog title applicable) who is in charge.
And I was told...
I changed the date because I decided to rent out the place to someone else for the 30th.
Yes, I'm furious and I told her so. She had a prior commitment for usage IN PRINT.
No notification of the change. NOTHING. I can't just switch to Sunday. I work that day. I will not give up a day's pay and pay for an exorbitantly overpriced table rental. I'll never make THAT much at an UNADVERTISED NON-PROMOTED craft fair.Suppose I had personally rented that facility for a function, would she then 'go with a better offer' and merely say sorry to me and offer to refund my deposit? I can think of many, many words that I cannot put in print to describe what I think of the situation.
So, the next definite opportunity that I have to sell at that fair in Rockport will be Oct 11. Assuming she doesn't change that at her whim.
I may just say "to !##! with it and her", save my rental fees of $50 per fair and use the money for the big three day, indoor event in Essex next spring.
Yes, I am fuming - big time.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Being Different
Just like this Hydrangea I am usually juggling multiples. I have to have many different types of things going on at once. And frankly, I enjoy being a bit different and having a variety of interests. As a point of fact, this plant is supposed to have deep, rusty rose blooms. Until this year, it did. Now it's pink, purple, blue, and a very pale rose.
Anyway, my point...Dickiebo did a 'what your taste in music says about you' questionaire and posted his results. Annette then did the same and got the same results as Dickiebo. So....I gave it a go.
And of course, came up with a different result:
Your musical tastes are reflective and complex. You are intellectual to the point of being cerebral. You are very open to new experiences, and even more open to new ideas and theories. Wisdom and personal accomplishment are important to you. You are naturally sophisticated. You are drawn to art, especially art by independent artists. You are likely to be financially well off... and not because you were born that way.
It was doing okay until the finances comment. Oh well maybe there's hope!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)