THE LAST DAY OF MAY.......................................
The last day of May - graduates are graduating, school almost out for another year, June just around the bend, and here I sit, waiting - waiting - waiting, for the service technician to arrive to tell me why my refrigerator is not working.
For some strange reason every tech has told me something different, they have replaced all the parts, and for the icing on the cake, I found water running out from under said refrigerator yesterday. Had to put a towel down to keep it moped up. And you wonder why I am sarcastic. I believe I have more than enough reasons to make me that way.
I am not normally sarcastic, bent out of shape (well, depends on which shape you are looking at), and close to tears. I'm mostly up-beat, just enjoy myself no matter what I am doing. In my hundred plus years (I look pretty good for my age don't I?) it has taken Sears to break me. It only took them 5 weeks. They should write a book on how to make a person's life completely miserable, they are experts.
So today, a beautiful morning, when I should be outside mowing yard, working on flower beds, and moping the deck to remove the stains from spilled food and drink on Sunday, what am I doing? I am sitting here in my house, waiting for the telephone to ring, a call from the service tech, who is supposed to be here between 8 a.m. and noon.
I don't think Sears is sophisticated enough to use service techs that have a GPS in the vehicle. I don't believe they would know how to use one if they did have one. So I sit, and wait, for that phone call "Hi - I'm your Sears Service Technician, could you give me directions on how to find you"
I wonder what frustrations June will bring. I really don't see how it could be any worse than May. I even had one Sears Customer Service rep ask me "How are you keeping your food cold, using an ice chest?"
When I was growing up we did have a refrigerator, but we also knew folks who had the, what was known as, ICE CHEST. Yes, they had ice chests, would buy ice by the block, put it in this ice chest and it would keep their food cooler than room temp. They thought they had it made.
And yes, I am using ice to keep my new, modern, up-to-date, state of the art, refrigerator, a little bit cool. So the saga continues.
If you see on the news some evening the story of the wild-eyed crazy people, unloading a beautiful state of the art refrigerator at the local Sears store, with a huge sign reading A VERY EXPENSIVE PIECE OF JUNK, or some such thing, you will know we were finally driven over the edge. And it only took 5 weeks.
Have a good day and God Bless.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
MEMORIAL DAY 2011
Memorial Day - a Day to Remember.
A friend just sent me, on facebook, u-tube's Lee Greenwood's GOD BLESS THE USA. Always been one of my favorite songs. However the pictures that accompanied the music were awesome - it is what Memorial Day is all about.
We had a lovely day here yesterday. Friends and Family, lots of food, really good food, Tim even brought two of his award winning cheese cake pies, the ones he entered in Cabela's pie contest, he won two awards. And that is our farmer friend, the one who keeps our farm looking good, and the one from whom we buy our beef every fall. And he cooks yet. His wife Kay told us that after 26 years she thought she would keep him.
Went to early Church (8:30), so I could get home early to finish up all the odds and ends. First guests arrived around 11:00 a.m., last guests left around 8:30 p.m. What a wonderful day we had, stories to be told, overeating, laughter, overeating, remembering, overeating, sitting on the deck with a breeze blowing through, and, of course, overeating.
I've always equated Memorial Day with the real first day of summer, just as Labor Day is the real end of summer. I don't care what the calendar says. That is how I look at it. So, to me, summer is officially here, The 4th of July is officially the middle of summer, and Labor Day is the end.
In two weeks my busy season starts festival-wise. In the meantime my artist friend Georgia opens a one-woman show of her paintings at a gallery in New Martinsville WV with the artist's reception on Friday evening, June 3rd. The show will last the entire month of June. I have several of her paintings hanging in our home. After my husband, Tom, passed away 6 years ago Georgia did an absolutely beautiful portrait of him, which is hanging in my home.
Portraits are just one of her things. She does landscapes, still life, old barns, you name it, she can paint it.
There is a barb-b-q looming on the horizon in Sardis Ohio, daughter and son-in-law coming home from Phoenix for a month (which makes a great excuse for another cookout), festivals, mowing, maybe even some gardening, if I get it planted before fall.
Jerry and I did manage to get to the cemetery on Saturday evening and got our flowers planted. We were the only ones there, everyone else had done their planting earlier. At least we weren't arrested for grave robbing.
And, my 48 hours officially passed yesterday evening at 8 p.m., and I DID NOT get my guaranteed call from a head honcho Sears representative within the guaranteed 48 hours. Why am I not surprised.
Tomorrow the repairman is supposed (for the umpteenth time) to be here in the morning. Another day of sitting and waiting, and twiddling my thumbs. Oh well, such is life.
I hope everyone is having a good Memorial Day weekend, I will keep you posted on my on-going soap opera with Sears, and God Bless.
Memorial Day - a Day to Remember.
A friend just sent me, on facebook, u-tube's Lee Greenwood's GOD BLESS THE USA. Always been one of my favorite songs. However the pictures that accompanied the music were awesome - it is what Memorial Day is all about.
We had a lovely day here yesterday. Friends and Family, lots of food, really good food, Tim even brought two of his award winning cheese cake pies, the ones he entered in Cabela's pie contest, he won two awards. And that is our farmer friend, the one who keeps our farm looking good, and the one from whom we buy our beef every fall. And he cooks yet. His wife Kay told us that after 26 years she thought she would keep him.
Went to early Church (8:30), so I could get home early to finish up all the odds and ends. First guests arrived around 11:00 a.m., last guests left around 8:30 p.m. What a wonderful day we had, stories to be told, overeating, laughter, overeating, remembering, overeating, sitting on the deck with a breeze blowing through, and, of course, overeating.
I've always equated Memorial Day with the real first day of summer, just as Labor Day is the real end of summer. I don't care what the calendar says. That is how I look at it. So, to me, summer is officially here, The 4th of July is officially the middle of summer, and Labor Day is the end.
In two weeks my busy season starts festival-wise. In the meantime my artist friend Georgia opens a one-woman show of her paintings at a gallery in New Martinsville WV with the artist's reception on Friday evening, June 3rd. The show will last the entire month of June. I have several of her paintings hanging in our home. After my husband, Tom, passed away 6 years ago Georgia did an absolutely beautiful portrait of him, which is hanging in my home.
There is a barb-b-q looming on the horizon in Sardis Ohio, daughter and son-in-law coming home from Phoenix for a month (which makes a great excuse for another cookout), festivals, mowing, maybe even some gardening, if I get it planted before fall.
Jerry and I did manage to get to the cemetery on Saturday evening and got our flowers planted. We were the only ones there, everyone else had done their planting earlier. At least we weren't arrested for grave robbing.
And, my 48 hours officially passed yesterday evening at 8 p.m., and I DID NOT get my guaranteed call from a head honcho Sears representative within the guaranteed 48 hours. Why am I not surprised.
Tomorrow the repairman is supposed (for the umpteenth time) to be here in the morning. Another day of sitting and waiting, and twiddling my thumbs. Oh well, such is life.
I hope everyone is having a good Memorial Day weekend, I will keep you posted on my on-going soap opera with Sears, and God Bless.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
ODDS and ENDS.....................................................
There is really nothing earth-shattering today, maybe a couple of brain-teasers, but mostly just routine stuff.
First of all, Grandson Coleman (Rebecca's No. 3 son) went to the Prom this year. He is the first of her three to do so. The older two just weren't all that interested. Then came the fun, asking the girl, hoping she will say yes, she did, ordering the tux, ordering the corsage and boutonniere. Which, of course, Rebecca had to do, all except for asking the girl.
Several parents went together and rented a limousine for the evening, and on the big night they all met at this one friend's house for pictures, and an evening out in style.
This is Coleman and his date. I cannot believe all that is involved in going to the prom now. When I was in school, about 100 years ago, you had your date, had your corsage, and of course your gown, the guys usually just wore suits, you went, you danced, you partied, and you came home. Not anymore.
The morning of the prom all the young people had to go to the school to practice the "Grand March" Then all the prom kids had to be at the school by a certain time in the evening for the "Grand March", with parents and families all there to watch. By the time the prom actually started, they were worn out and ready to come home.
This is the five couples that went together. What a beautiful rainbow of dresses.
Enjoy themselves they did, and all arrived home safely. It is such a relief to not have to worry about drunk drivers, young drivers, and tired drivers.
Secondly, yesterday I got all the major pre-prep done of the food for our Sunday Memorial Day cookout. Will finish up that sort of thing today, so on the actual party day, I can actually party.
Thirdly, yesterday I learned three new pieces of trivia, or stuff, or something strange, whatever you want to call it. This from son Jerry.
First of all he tells me - "You have to try this"! What is "this" I wonder. He said to take my age this year either already there or will be there, and add the last 2 numbers of my birth year to it, what would I get. Answer 111.
It just so happens there is something about 2011 that every single person, born through 1999 will arrive at 111 using the above formula. Let's take Jerry - He was born in 1960 and is 51 (actually 51 yesterday) You add 60 and 51 and what do you get? 111. How about Rebecca. She was born in 1965 and will be 46 in June. What do you get? 111. Me, I'm not telling either my age or the year I was born.
Another piece of very important information Jerry proceeded to tell me.
Once every 823 years you will find the month of July has 5 full weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday.) It will only happen if the first day of the month falls on Friday, and the month has 31 days. July of 2011 has 5 full weekends.
Now, if you don't have anything else to do, just sit down and start making calendars for the next 823 years, and see if this is correct.
Thirdly, we are still sort of old fashioned here in our rural community. On Memorial Day we try to have flowers planted on the graves of who have moved on. As of today, the flowers are still sitting here, it is either raining, or Jerry is not available. We are fast running out of time. We may have to go in the middle of the night, whenever we have a night it doesn't rain,and plant by flashlight. Then we will probably be reported to the police as grave robbers.
This entire year to day has been unpredictable, unprecedented, and unreal.
And we still have 7 months to go.
Another piece of trivia - 2011 had one month that will have 1-11-11 (January 11) and will have 11-11-11 (November 11).
And just about when I thought nothing else could happen, it was going on 8 p.m. the phone rang. The conversation went something like this.
Good evening, this is your Sears representative calling about your range.
Me - My range - it is my refrigerator that doesn't work! What do I have to do to get through to your people? Silence. Then this reply.
I am sorry about your refrigerator but am really calling about your range.
Me - What's wrong with my range?
We just wanted to let you know your warranty was expiring and would you like to buy an extended warranty.
After laughing hysterically, I proceeded to tell her no, never, would never buy another product from Sears, etc. etc., and the merry-go-round I have been on for going on 6 weeks.
She replied in the positive, told me she had never heard of such a run-around, she saw on my records about the scheduled, cancelled, appointments, and that I was waiting for another repairman to come. She also indicated that this was not acceptable, she was writing a report and sending it to one of the corporate honchos, and that I would receive a phone call from them within 48 hour.
I wonder if they work on weekends and holidays, because Saturday and Sunday and Monday fall into that category.
She also indicated that the refrigerator should have been replaced before this.
I had a pretty full plate yesterday. Today the sun is shining, hopefully by afternoon the grass will be dry enough to mow. This morning will complete food prep for tomorrow, clean the house, and, this evening hopefully, get to the cemetery to plant our flowers. My husband was a WW II veteran, and he deserves to be remembered in this fashion. Perhaps Mother Nature will be considerate today.
I may, or may not, get around to blogging the next couple of days. Only time will tell. However, if I do hear something from Sears, I will definitely take the time to jot it down for you. Remember, boycott Sears, have a wonderful safe Memorial Day weekend, and God Bless.
There is really nothing earth-shattering today, maybe a couple of brain-teasers, but mostly just routine stuff.
First of all, Grandson Coleman (Rebecca's No. 3 son) went to the Prom this year. He is the first of her three to do so. The older two just weren't all that interested. Then came the fun, asking the girl, hoping she will say yes, she did, ordering the tux, ordering the corsage and boutonniere. Which, of course, Rebecca had to do, all except for asking the girl.
Several parents went together and rented a limousine for the evening, and on the big night they all met at this one friend's house for pictures, and an evening out in style.
The morning of the prom all the young people had to go to the school to practice the "Grand March" Then all the prom kids had to be at the school by a certain time in the evening for the "Grand March", with parents and families all there to watch. By the time the prom actually started, they were worn out and ready to come home.
This is the five couples that went together. What a beautiful rainbow of dresses.
Enjoy themselves they did, and all arrived home safely. It is such a relief to not have to worry about drunk drivers, young drivers, and tired drivers.
Secondly, yesterday I got all the major pre-prep done of the food for our Sunday Memorial Day cookout. Will finish up that sort of thing today, so on the actual party day, I can actually party.
Thirdly, yesterday I learned three new pieces of trivia, or stuff, or something strange, whatever you want to call it. This from son Jerry.
First of all he tells me - "You have to try this"! What is "this" I wonder. He said to take my age this year either already there or will be there, and add the last 2 numbers of my birth year to it, what would I get. Answer 111.
It just so happens there is something about 2011 that every single person, born through 1999 will arrive at 111 using the above formula. Let's take Jerry - He was born in 1960 and is 51 (actually 51 yesterday) You add 60 and 51 and what do you get? 111. How about Rebecca. She was born in 1965 and will be 46 in June. What do you get? 111. Me, I'm not telling either my age or the year I was born.
Another piece of very important information Jerry proceeded to tell me.
Once every 823 years you will find the month of July has 5 full weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday.) It will only happen if the first day of the month falls on Friday, and the month has 31 days. July of 2011 has 5 full weekends.
Now, if you don't have anything else to do, just sit down and start making calendars for the next 823 years, and see if this is correct.
Thirdly, we are still sort of old fashioned here in our rural community. On Memorial Day we try to have flowers planted on the graves of who have moved on. As of today, the flowers are still sitting here, it is either raining, or Jerry is not available. We are fast running out of time. We may have to go in the middle of the night, whenever we have a night it doesn't rain,and plant by flashlight. Then we will probably be reported to the police as grave robbers.
This entire year to day has been unpredictable, unprecedented, and unreal.
And we still have 7 months to go.
Another piece of trivia - 2011 had one month that will have 1-11-11 (January 11) and will have 11-11-11 (November 11).
And just about when I thought nothing else could happen, it was going on 8 p.m. the phone rang. The conversation went something like this.
Good evening, this is your Sears representative calling about your range.
Me - My range - it is my refrigerator that doesn't work! What do I have to do to get through to your people? Silence. Then this reply.
I am sorry about your refrigerator but am really calling about your range.
Me - What's wrong with my range?
We just wanted to let you know your warranty was expiring and would you like to buy an extended warranty.
After laughing hysterically, I proceeded to tell her no, never, would never buy another product from Sears, etc. etc., and the merry-go-round I have been on for going on 6 weeks.
She replied in the positive, told me she had never heard of such a run-around, she saw on my records about the scheduled, cancelled, appointments, and that I was waiting for another repairman to come. She also indicated that this was not acceptable, she was writing a report and sending it to one of the corporate honchos, and that I would receive a phone call from them within 48 hour.
I wonder if they work on weekends and holidays, because Saturday and Sunday and Monday fall into that category.
She also indicated that the refrigerator should have been replaced before this.
I had a pretty full plate yesterday. Today the sun is shining, hopefully by afternoon the grass will be dry enough to mow. This morning will complete food prep for tomorrow, clean the house, and, this evening hopefully, get to the cemetery to plant our flowers. My husband was a WW II veteran, and he deserves to be remembered in this fashion. Perhaps Mother Nature will be considerate today.
I may, or may not, get around to blogging the next couple of days. Only time will tell. However, if I do hear something from Sears, I will definitely take the time to jot it down for you. Remember, boycott Sears, have a wonderful safe Memorial Day weekend, and God Bless.
Friday, May 27, 2011
TODAY I KNOW WHAT TO SAY, YOU PROBABLY DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT.....
What I want to say today is definitely not very lady-like. My cool has been blown away, I've had it up to my eyeballs with Sears, and dumped it all into Jerry's lap. I refuse to make another ridiculous phone call to Sears trying to get my refrigerator fixed.
That's right. They finally came to fix it. After 5 weeks. Put in new parts. Told me working perfectly. Refrigerator cooling, freezer, since it is frost free, should have no more frost. End of story. Right!! WRONG!!!!!
First of all, Sears spent $959.99 on service calls and parts for a "fixed" refrigerator that IS NOT FIXED. The new fridge cost $1400.00. After another run-around today I surrendered. When Jerry came home, it got dumped on him
Two phone calls later, he is as frustrated as I am. Guess what! We are supposed to have a service man here Tuesday May 31 to see why the fridge isn't working properly. I even bought a new thermometer to go into the fridge, thinking maybe the one we had in there was defective.
New thermometer tells us interior temperature of the fridge id 60 degrees. And the thermostat is set for 37 degrees. It is ridiculous to have to freeze jugs of water and put them in the refrigerator to keep the interior temperature cooler than the interior house temp.
The frost-free freezer has a new layer of frost building up in it. Have gone full circle. Jerry planning on being here Tuesday, service man is to tell him what is wrong, then is to call customer complaints - another telephone number to keep track of - and let them decide what to do next.
Jerry has stated that if this doesn't work, he is loading up the fridge, putting a huge sign on it, and delivering it to the Sears store where we bought it. Watch out Sears. Jerry doesn't speak idly. Anyone knowing him can attest to that fact.
I do know one thing - I guess more than one. l - I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. 2 - I am cancelling my Sears credit card, and will never purchase another item from them. 3 - We also have a Sears dishwasher, that every so often will not complete its cycle. Have had repair man here twice, been told twice nothing wrong with the dishwasher, just reset it. What is reset it? He showed me what to do. So now I have become the Sears repair person. After every 5 or 6 washes, it cops out on me. I have to "reset" the stupid thing, and then run it through its cycle again. Until the next time.
See - I have plenty to say today. If I had my way I would go to the shop, pick up a sledge hammer and you know what to the fridge. It wouldn't help the fridge, but sure would make me feel better. Jerry might not be happy, though, picking up all the pieces, and delivering the fridge to Sears in said pieces.
I am sure you will definitely know when I have a real working fridge, the type in my blog will be sooooo biggggg, each word will take up a whole line.
Maybe I'll even show you the pieces of the old fridge, if it comes to that.
I hope you are having a better day than I am, and God Bless.
What I want to say today is definitely not very lady-like. My cool has been blown away, I've had it up to my eyeballs with Sears, and dumped it all into Jerry's lap. I refuse to make another ridiculous phone call to Sears trying to get my refrigerator fixed.
That's right. They finally came to fix it. After 5 weeks. Put in new parts. Told me working perfectly. Refrigerator cooling, freezer, since it is frost free, should have no more frost. End of story. Right!! WRONG!!!!!
First of all, Sears spent $959.99 on service calls and parts for a "fixed" refrigerator that IS NOT FIXED. The new fridge cost $1400.00. After another run-around today I surrendered. When Jerry came home, it got dumped on him
Two phone calls later, he is as frustrated as I am. Guess what! We are supposed to have a service man here Tuesday May 31 to see why the fridge isn't working properly. I even bought a new thermometer to go into the fridge, thinking maybe the one we had in there was defective.
New thermometer tells us interior temperature of the fridge id 60 degrees. And the thermostat is set for 37 degrees. It is ridiculous to have to freeze jugs of water and put them in the refrigerator to keep the interior temperature cooler than the interior house temp.
The frost-free freezer has a new layer of frost building up in it. Have gone full circle. Jerry planning on being here Tuesday, service man is to tell him what is wrong, then is to call customer complaints - another telephone number to keep track of - and let them decide what to do next.
Jerry has stated that if this doesn't work, he is loading up the fridge, putting a huge sign on it, and delivering it to the Sears store where we bought it. Watch out Sears. Jerry doesn't speak idly. Anyone knowing him can attest to that fact.
I do know one thing - I guess more than one. l - I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. 2 - I am cancelling my Sears credit card, and will never purchase another item from them. 3 - We also have a Sears dishwasher, that every so often will not complete its cycle. Have had repair man here twice, been told twice nothing wrong with the dishwasher, just reset it. What is reset it? He showed me what to do. So now I have become the Sears repair person. After every 5 or 6 washes, it cops out on me. I have to "reset" the stupid thing, and then run it through its cycle again. Until the next time.
See - I have plenty to say today. If I had my way I would go to the shop, pick up a sledge hammer and you know what to the fridge. It wouldn't help the fridge, but sure would make me feel better. Jerry might not be happy, though, picking up all the pieces, and delivering the fridge to Sears in said pieces.
I am sure you will definitely know when I have a real working fridge, the type in my blog will be sooooo biggggg, each word will take up a whole line.
Maybe I'll even show you the pieces of the old fridge, if it comes to that.
I hope you are having a better day than I am, and God Bless.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY................
How true. Right now my mind is pretty blank. I spent yesterday just puttering, making up menu for Memorial Day cookout, making grocery list for said cookout, will go shopping this afternoon. I will probably spend all day Friday and Saturday with food preparation, we are celebrating on Sunday this year. Jerry has other plans for Monday, and he is my grill-er.
In addition been checking my picture inventory, getting organized and re-organized for the start of festival season. My first big festival is the weekend of June 11-12. Next will be June 24-25-26. Also Dave and Linda coming in from Phoenix on the 25th for about a month here at home. Always look forward to their visit. Good thing Jerry is around.
July 8-9-10 will be at Cleveland Heights, Ohio, July 15-16 at Dublin Ohio, and July 28 the one day Barnstormers picnic in Belmont Ohio. That is always a fun day, will be their 10th anniversary, I have been to all but the first one.
You can see how busy I will be, that is 5 weekends in two months. And I still have August, September, October and November to go. At least I know I have something to look forward to.
And then there is yard to mow, still need to get mulch for flower beds, and haven't gotten my garden planted yet - have all the seeds and plants, just can't get enough dry time to re-till the garden so it can be planted.
Behind our machine shed, a short distance from the house, there was a group of wild cherry trees, and because there was a lot of shade I had my "shady garden", there, ferns and hostas and lillies, etc., that like the shade. We also had a comfortable bench out there where you could sit in the shade and enjoy the view and the shady garden flowers. One of my favorite spots.
I say was because during one of our horrendous lightning storms while I was in Boston, the trees got struck by lightning. Did a real number on them. But at least the building was spared. Trees had to be cut down. I still have the garden, the bench, and one lone crab-apple tree that survived the lightning. It will make some shade but not like it used to be. Jerry planning on getting a dogwood tree to plant out there to give more shade. They won't get as tall as the cherry trees did.
Otherwise we have survived all the storms that have moved through this spring. We have broken records for total amount of rainfall for this period of time. And it is still May.
Sort of sad, isn't it.
So, I had better sign out here and get busy doing real work. Sunday will be here before you know it. I hope your day goes well and God Bless.
How true. Right now my mind is pretty blank. I spent yesterday just puttering, making up menu for Memorial Day cookout, making grocery list for said cookout, will go shopping this afternoon. I will probably spend all day Friday and Saturday with food preparation, we are celebrating on Sunday this year. Jerry has other plans for Monday, and he is my grill-er.
In addition been checking my picture inventory, getting organized and re-organized for the start of festival season. My first big festival is the weekend of June 11-12. Next will be June 24-25-26. Also Dave and Linda coming in from Phoenix on the 25th for about a month here at home. Always look forward to their visit. Good thing Jerry is around.
July 8-9-10 will be at Cleveland Heights, Ohio, July 15-16 at Dublin Ohio, and July 28 the one day Barnstormers picnic in Belmont Ohio. That is always a fun day, will be their 10th anniversary, I have been to all but the first one.
You can see how busy I will be, that is 5 weekends in two months. And I still have August, September, October and November to go. At least I know I have something to look forward to.
And then there is yard to mow, still need to get mulch for flower beds, and haven't gotten my garden planted yet - have all the seeds and plants, just can't get enough dry time to re-till the garden so it can be planted.
 |
| One of my flowers in bloom - Oriental Poppy |
Behind our machine shed, a short distance from the house, there was a group of wild cherry trees, and because there was a lot of shade I had my "shady garden", there, ferns and hostas and lillies, etc., that like the shade. We also had a comfortable bench out there where you could sit in the shade and enjoy the view and the shady garden flowers. One of my favorite spots.
 |
| My Rhododendron |
I say was because during one of our horrendous lightning storms while I was in Boston, the trees got struck by lightning. Did a real number on them. But at least the building was spared. Trees had to be cut down. I still have the garden, the bench, and one lone crab-apple tree that survived the lightning. It will make some shade but not like it used to be. Jerry planning on getting a dogwood tree to plant out there to give more shade. They won't get as tall as the cherry trees did.
 |
| What is left of the "Shady Garden" |
Otherwise we have survived all the storms that have moved through this spring. We have broken records for total amount of rainfall for this period of time. And it is still May.
Sort of sad, isn't it.
So, I had better sign out here and get busy doing real work. Sunday will be here before you know it. I hope your day goes well and God Bless.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
WHAT IS STEELER NATION??.........................
I live 45 minutes away from Pittsburgh, Pa. The Steelers are our professional football team, the PITTSBURGH STEELERS. So where does the nation come into play?
It is a known fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers have fans world-wide, yes you read this correctly, world-wide. Anywhere you go in this country you will find Steeler fans, Steeler paraphernalia, clothes, odds and ends. I know in this household, when the season opens in August with the first pre-game, the living room becomes Steeler room, all the decorations, odds and ends, pillows, etc. are arranged. And it stays this way until the end of the season. At Christmas I am permitted to put up a tree and some Christmas decorations, but it is still Steeler Country here. It is also a known fact that when the Steelers are on the road, playing away from home, many many times the sports announcers will tell you there are more Steeler fans in the audience than home team fans.
Why, you are probably asking yourself, am I telling you this. It is because of DANCING WITH THE STARS.
How does dancing with the stars come into play when talking about the Steelers? Because of Steeler player HINES WARD. He has won the award of MVP (Most Valuable Player) for the Steelers on different occasions, is a great guy, loves football, and no matter what happens to him during the game, he always has a huge smile on his face.
He was contacted this year to participate in DANCING WITH THE STARS. And dance he has done, beautifully, wholeheartedly, and ALWAYS with that smile on his face. He and his partner made it to the finals, never worrying about whether they were safe, because of the Steeler Nation. The nation voted, and voted, and voted. Now last night the competition wrapped up, they did one final Judge's dance, and then the MIRROR BALL would be awarded. Only three couples of the original ten made it to the finals.
I have voted. My family has voted. Did you voted? Every week as the dancers performed, there were members of the Steeler football team in the audience, there were members of the Steeler Nation in the audience, all waving their Steeler Terrible Towels. You had no problem knowing who was rooting for Hines.
Last night was Win or Lose night, it has been an awesome undertaking for a football player to show the grace and style on the dance floor and realize that he is a football player.
Last night the fantasy became a reality. They were tied with Kirsti Alley for top spot last night after the Judge's dance, but Steeler Nation came through. The final score consisted of the Judge's score and the votes from Steeler Nation.
If you didn't watch Dancing with the Stars, you missed quite a performance.
If you did watch, I am sure you enjoyed. Hines' Mom was in the audience, and when he and Kym finished their final dance, he slipped over and kissed his Mom. It is the little things like that that makes the Steeler Nation so great.
Have a good day and God Bless.
I live 45 minutes away from Pittsburgh, Pa. The Steelers are our professional football team, the PITTSBURGH STEELERS. So where does the nation come into play?
It is a known fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers have fans world-wide, yes you read this correctly, world-wide. Anywhere you go in this country you will find Steeler fans, Steeler paraphernalia, clothes, odds and ends. I know in this household, when the season opens in August with the first pre-game, the living room becomes Steeler room, all the decorations, odds and ends, pillows, etc. are arranged. And it stays this way until the end of the season. At Christmas I am permitted to put up a tree and some Christmas decorations, but it is still Steeler Country here. It is also a known fact that when the Steelers are on the road, playing away from home, many many times the sports announcers will tell you there are more Steeler fans in the audience than home team fans.
Why, you are probably asking yourself, am I telling you this. It is because of DANCING WITH THE STARS.
How does dancing with the stars come into play when talking about the Steelers? Because of Steeler player HINES WARD. He has won the award of MVP (Most Valuable Player) for the Steelers on different occasions, is a great guy, loves football, and no matter what happens to him during the game, he always has a huge smile on his face.
He was contacted this year to participate in DANCING WITH THE STARS. And dance he has done, beautifully, wholeheartedly, and ALWAYS with that smile on his face. He and his partner made it to the finals, never worrying about whether they were safe, because of the Steeler Nation. The nation voted, and voted, and voted. Now last night the competition wrapped up, they did one final Judge's dance, and then the MIRROR BALL would be awarded. Only three couples of the original ten made it to the finals.
I have voted. My family has voted. Did you voted? Every week as the dancers performed, there were members of the Steeler football team in the audience, there were members of the Steeler Nation in the audience, all waving their Steeler Terrible Towels. You had no problem knowing who was rooting for Hines.
Last night was Win or Lose night, it has been an awesome undertaking for a football player to show the grace and style on the dance floor and realize that he is a football player.
 |
| Hines and Kym from the web courtesy AP/ABC |
Last night the fantasy became a reality. They were tied with Kirsti Alley for top spot last night after the Judge's dance, but Steeler Nation came through. The final score consisted of the Judge's score and the votes from Steeler Nation.
If you didn't watch Dancing with the Stars, you missed quite a performance.
If you did watch, I am sure you enjoyed. Hines' Mom was in the audience, and when he and Kym finished their final dance, he slipped over and kissed his Mom. It is the little things like that that makes the Steeler Nation so great.
Have a good day and God Bless.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
GRADUATION and SALEM, from COLLEGE to WITCHES!.................
The Baccalaureate service Friday night was dignified and complimentary to all the graduates. We had a late dinner after the service was completed, then I returned to Bedford for the night.
Early Saturday morning I left for Worcester, where the graduation ceremony was going to be held in the Hanover Theater for the Performing Arts. A beautifully elegant building. Grandson Kurtis won a drawing held at the college and we had a reserved box seat for 8. Talk about being on the top of the heap.
Our seat was perfect, they had bottles of water beside each seat, talk about being among the hoity-toity. Just like queen for a day, or some such stupid thing. But it was great and we had a wonderful experience.
This picture was taken inside of the theater, from the opposite side where we were sitting. We had the top (4th) box up.
There was so much dignity connected with this college's graduation ceremony, and I had nothing to compare it with as it is the first college graduation I have ever attended. There was a lot going on, but it moved smoothly, you really didn't feel as if you sat there forever waiting for those diplomas to be handed out.
After the completion of the ceremony everyone gathered outside for, of course, THE PICTURES!!!!
This one is me, grandson Kurtis, daughter-in-law Lauri, and son Andy. quite a foursome.
Andy is the outsider. He grew up in Pennsylvania, married a Maine girl while in the Navy, and upon retirement retired to Maine. I was the only member of the family that was able to make the trip to Massachusetts for the graduation, so was greatly outnumbered.
The entire immediate family on Lauri's side was there for the ceremony. Afterwards we went to a beautiful restaurant for the graduation dinner. Ate way too much, thoroughly enjoyed myself. The next picture is of the entire group, a passerby graciously agreed to take a group picture for us.
Once all the festivities were over I returned to Bedford. Sunday was a free day for me, as all the Mainer's had headed home Saturday night. I decided to drive up to Salem, the official WITCH TOWN of Massachusetts.
The town consists of a main area of witchdom, so to speak, the Witch's dungeon, museum, house, and even witches walking the streets. The funny thing about this whole scenario is the fact that there were only 6 supposed witches killed by the Puritans in Salem, and they were not burned at the stake but hanged. But somehow it all grew and grew, and the funniest thing of all is that the statue of the founder of Salem happens to be in front of the building known as the Witches Dungeon. All the gullible tourists visiting Salem get so excited about photographing the founding Witch? Wizard? whatever. Go figure.
This picture is of the sailing ship Friendship, a reconstruction of the 171 foot three-masted sailing ship originally built in 1797. She is the "largest certified sailing vessel" to be built in New England in more than a century.
I would have like to gone closer, but of course it was raining, so settled for this long distance view. I also saw the House of the Seven Gables located near the harbor. This house is actually the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion. One of the mysteries of the house is a secret staircase. The house was built in 1668 and is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England.
It was this particular house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his novel, THE HOUSE of the SEVEN GABLES. So today that is how the house in known.
This red house is Hawthorne's home and was moved from its original location to a spot next to The House of the Seven Gables, keeping both aspects of the history together.
The House of the Seven Gables, was built by a Salem sea captain in 1668 and occupied by three generations of the Turner family before being sold to Captain Samuel Ingersoll in 1782. Ingersoll's daughter Susanna was a cousin of Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was upon Hawthorne's visit to his cousin that he was inspired to use that particular house as the setting and title of his 1851 novel.
I think I am going to have to read that particular story.
While taking my tour of Salem I was two lighthouses, the Fort Pickering Light on Winter Island, built in 1871, and the Derby Wharf Light, which can be seen from The House of the Seven Gables. I am sharing two good pictures of these lighthouses I found on line, it was foggy and raining when I took my pictures.
Getting late in the day, time to head to Boston and my Holiday Inn Hotel, where I was going to spend the night. I had checked out of my hotel in Bedford that morning.
I had to be up by 5:00 a.m. to drive to the Enterprise Rental center near the airport to drop off my rental car, then take the shuttle to the airport preparing to fly home.
The days flew by. Another adventure completed. More memories. More pictures. More stories. What more could any one person want.
Now it is back to the real world - refrigerator is still not working, grass desperately needing mowed, if it ever drys off, garden to be planted (running really late this year) if we can ever get the tiller through to loosen the soil, mulch to be ordered and spread, and Memorial Day cookout to prepare for.
Where has the spring gone. With Memorial Day coming up, fall is just a hop, skip and jump away. Then the holidays, then a new year. Is there any way to slow down this out of control merry-go-round? If you have any ideas, please let me know and God Bless.
The Baccalaureate service Friday night was dignified and complimentary to all the graduates. We had a late dinner after the service was completed, then I returned to Bedford for the night.
Early Saturday morning I left for Worcester, where the graduation ceremony was going to be held in the Hanover Theater for the Performing Arts. A beautifully elegant building. Grandson Kurtis won a drawing held at the college and we had a reserved box seat for 8. Talk about being on the top of the heap.
Our seat was perfect, they had bottles of water beside each seat, talk about being among the hoity-toity. Just like queen for a day, or some such stupid thing. But it was great and we had a wonderful experience.
There was so much dignity connected with this college's graduation ceremony, and I had nothing to compare it with as it is the first college graduation I have ever attended. There was a lot going on, but it moved smoothly, you really didn't feel as if you sat there forever waiting for those diplomas to be handed out.
After the completion of the ceremony everyone gathered outside for, of course, THE PICTURES!!!!
This one is me, grandson Kurtis, daughter-in-law Lauri, and son Andy. quite a foursome.
Andy is the outsider. He grew up in Pennsylvania, married a Maine girl while in the Navy, and upon retirement retired to Maine. I was the only member of the family that was able to make the trip to Massachusetts for the graduation, so was greatly outnumbered.
The entire immediate family on Lauri's side was there for the ceremony. Afterwards we went to a beautiful restaurant for the graduation dinner. Ate way too much, thoroughly enjoyed myself. The next picture is of the entire group, a passerby graciously agreed to take a group picture for us.
The town consists of a main area of witchdom, so to speak, the Witch's dungeon, museum, house, and even witches walking the streets. The funny thing about this whole scenario is the fact that there were only 6 supposed witches killed by the Puritans in Salem, and they were not burned at the stake but hanged. But somehow it all grew and grew, and the funniest thing of all is that the statue of the founder of Salem happens to be in front of the building known as the Witches Dungeon. All the gullible tourists visiting Salem get so excited about photographing the founding Witch? Wizard? whatever. Go figure.
This red house is Hawthorne's home and was moved from its original location to a spot next to The House of the Seven Gables, keeping both aspects of the history together.
The House of the Seven Gables, was built by a Salem sea captain in 1668 and occupied by three generations of the Turner family before being sold to Captain Samuel Ingersoll in 1782. Ingersoll's daughter Susanna was a cousin of Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was upon Hawthorne's visit to his cousin that he was inspired to use that particular house as the setting and title of his 1851 novel.
I think I am going to have to read that particular story.
 |
| The Fort Pickering Light |
While taking my tour of Salem I was two lighthouses, the Fort Pickering Light on Winter Island, built in 1871, and the Derby Wharf Light, which can be seen from The House of the Seven Gables. I am sharing two good pictures of these lighthouses I found on line, it was foggy and raining when I took my pictures.
 |
| Derby Wharf Light |
I had to be up by 5:00 a.m. to drive to the Enterprise Rental center near the airport to drop off my rental car, then take the shuttle to the airport preparing to fly home.
The days flew by. Another adventure completed. More memories. More pictures. More stories. What more could any one person want.
Now it is back to the real world - refrigerator is still not working, grass desperately needing mowed, if it ever drys off, garden to be planted (running really late this year) if we can ever get the tiller through to loosen the soil, mulch to be ordered and spread, and Memorial Day cookout to prepare for.
Where has the spring gone. With Memorial Day coming up, fall is just a hop, skip and jump away. Then the holidays, then a new year. Is there any way to slow down this out of control merry-go-round? If you have any ideas, please let me know and God Bless.
Monday, May 23, 2011
BOSTON - DAY 3 - MY FINAL DAY IN BOSTON.........
Actually it will be my final half day in Boston until I return Monday morning to fly home. I arrived early, wanted to take the first harbor cruise so that I could be on the way back to the hotel to change to go to baccalaureate that evening.
The harbor cruise was very nice. I am going to share a few pictures of Boston as taken from the cruise. A completely different perspective.
This was a cargo ship coming into port from Japan full of automobiles.
As we were told while on our cruise "The cargo ships come into port full of cars, will return to Japan full of money."
Look closely, you will see the two small tug boats, one beside, one behind, escorting the cargo ship into the harbor.
These buildings are built on short wharfs, once where smaller ships docked. At that time there were no buildings.
These are apartment buildings, the apartments cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase. The buildings are built on pilings in the harbor, and you receive 2 parking places on the shore with the purchase of the apartment.
This is the skyline of downtown Boston as seen from the harbor.
You do have to admit, it is a beautiful skyline.
I wonder what the earlier Bostonians would think if they saw the skyline now. What a shock to the system.
The next pictures I am going to share are of the CHART HOUSE.
This is the oldest building on Boston's Long Wharf. In this building Thomas and John Hancock had their law offices.
The Hancock safe is still on the premises.
The building was built in the early 1700's, with large cellars for storing cargo.
This is one view from inside the building. It is now a very beautiful restaurant. Upon returning from the harbor cruise, I had my lunch there, felt I was entitled to splurge one time. Had the most delicious coconut crusted shrimp.
They have retained as much of the original building as possible, a very beautiful place.
Upon leaving the restaurant, returned to Cambridge to drive back to Bedford to change clothes and head to Paxton for the Baccalaureate. Was to meet the family at their hotel in Paxton around 3 p.m..
So since this was my last day in Boston I thought I would share some interesting tidbits that I learned while hopping on and off trolleys:
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
Boston was first settled in 1630 by Puritans from England?
That native American presence in the area dates back 8,500 years"
That Boston, when first settled by the Puritans, was an Island?
That in the early 1800's many of Boston's hills were removed for landfill to fill in the back bay to connect Boston to the mainland? It took 50 years to complete this undertaking.
How Boston got it's nickname "Bean Town"?
That Boston is home to more than 100 colleges and universities?
That Paul Revere actually had two additional men riding with him that night?
The warning light on Bunker Hill was actually barrels of tar burning?
That the Ivy League of Universities is not IVY League, but IV league, the roman numeral 4 for the 4 original Universities making up the IV league. There are now 8 Universities.
Boston got the nickname of Beantown because the Puritans did no labor on the sabbath, so on Saturday prepared large pots of baked beans. These could be eaten cold on Sunday, with no cooking involved.
The Parker House Hotel in Boston is where the first Parker House dinner rolls were served. Also this is where the first Boston Cream Pie was served.
Boston built the first subway system in the country in 1897.
The first Mayor of Boston to have an automobile - James Michael Curley, had the FIRST automobile license plate issued in Boston and that the plate number was "567", the number of letters in the Mayor's name. The OFFICIAL car for Boston's Mayor still uses the number "567".
In 1634 Boston Common became the first public park in America.
The Boston Tea party re-enactmant takes place in Boston Harbor every December 16th.
That on January 15 1919 the Great Molasses Flood occurred? In the north end of Boston a tank of hot molasses burst at the Purity Distilling Company, dumping over 2 million gallons of HOT molasses into the streets, killing 21 people. The clean-up took weeks, what a sticky mess this was, and to this day, in that area, when it is hot in Boston, people claim they can still smell the molasses in their basements.
(In case you don't know, molasses is what Boston uses when making their famous baked beans).
Enough now! I am sure you have had all the history lessons you want for a while.
Tomorrow I'll share Baccalaureate and Graduation with you. I'm just positive you can hardly wait, but wait you must. This is probably the laugh of the day. So, have a good day and God Bless.
Actually it will be my final half day in Boston until I return Monday morning to fly home. I arrived early, wanted to take the first harbor cruise so that I could be on the way back to the hotel to change to go to baccalaureate that evening.
The harbor cruise was very nice. I am going to share a few pictures of Boston as taken from the cruise. A completely different perspective.
As we were told while on our cruise "The cargo ships come into port full of cars, will return to Japan full of money."
Look closely, you will see the two small tug boats, one beside, one behind, escorting the cargo ship into the harbor.
These are apartment buildings, the apartments cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase. The buildings are built on pilings in the harbor, and you receive 2 parking places on the shore with the purchase of the apartment.
You do have to admit, it is a beautiful skyline.
I wonder what the earlier Bostonians would think if they saw the skyline now. What a shock to the system.
The next pictures I am going to share are of the CHART HOUSE.
This is the oldest building on Boston's Long Wharf. In this building Thomas and John Hancock had their law offices.
The Hancock safe is still on the premises.
The building was built in the early 1700's, with large cellars for storing cargo.
They have retained as much of the original building as possible, a very beautiful place.
Upon leaving the restaurant, returned to Cambridge to drive back to Bedford to change clothes and head to Paxton for the Baccalaureate. Was to meet the family at their hotel in Paxton around 3 p.m..
So since this was my last day in Boston I thought I would share some interesting tidbits that I learned while hopping on and off trolleys:
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
Boston was first settled in 1630 by Puritans from England?
That native American presence in the area dates back 8,500 years"
That Boston, when first settled by the Puritans, was an Island?
That in the early 1800's many of Boston's hills were removed for landfill to fill in the back bay to connect Boston to the mainland? It took 50 years to complete this undertaking.
How Boston got it's nickname "Bean Town"?
That Boston is home to more than 100 colleges and universities?
That Paul Revere actually had two additional men riding with him that night?
The warning light on Bunker Hill was actually barrels of tar burning?
That the Ivy League of Universities is not IVY League, but IV league, the roman numeral 4 for the 4 original Universities making up the IV league. There are now 8 Universities.
Boston got the nickname of Beantown because the Puritans did no labor on the sabbath, so on Saturday prepared large pots of baked beans. These could be eaten cold on Sunday, with no cooking involved.
The Parker House Hotel in Boston is where the first Parker House dinner rolls were served. Also this is where the first Boston Cream Pie was served.
Boston built the first subway system in the country in 1897.
The first Mayor of Boston to have an automobile - James Michael Curley, had the FIRST automobile license plate issued in Boston and that the plate number was "567", the number of letters in the Mayor's name. The OFFICIAL car for Boston's Mayor still uses the number "567".
In 1634 Boston Common became the first public park in America.
The Boston Tea party re-enactmant takes place in Boston Harbor every December 16th.
That on January 15 1919 the Great Molasses Flood occurred? In the north end of Boston a tank of hot molasses burst at the Purity Distilling Company, dumping over 2 million gallons of HOT molasses into the streets, killing 21 people. The clean-up took weeks, what a sticky mess this was, and to this day, in that area, when it is hot in Boston, people claim they can still smell the molasses in their basements.
(In case you don't know, molasses is what Boston uses when making their famous baked beans).
Enough now! I am sure you have had all the history lessons you want for a while.
Tomorrow I'll share Baccalaureate and Graduation with you. I'm just positive you can hardly wait, but wait you must. This is probably the laugh of the day. So, have a good day and God Bless.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
BOSTON - DAY 2 - PART FOUR........................
Finishing up day 2, I hopped off and on at trolley stops 7 - 8 -12. This is a miscellaneous group of things that I thought interesting.
First - do you remember the TV show CHEERS? If you do, I am sharing a couple of pictures with out of the outside of the building, one taken by me and one found on the web. It was interesting to see the exterior of the building where the TV series was filmed. As I said, this is a miscellaneous bunch of stuff. This next picture is the one found on the web:
From there I continued on to the Trinity Church stop. The construction of this building began in 1873 and was completed in 1877. The original Church was founded in 1733, was later replaced by the new building, which stands today.
The exterior of the Church catches you eye immediately. It is very much an unique building.
I took the interior tour, which was quite an experience. It was paid admission, and you received a map and did a self-guided tour. The decorations, statues, and stained glass windows were a sight to be hold.
The entire time I was inside the Church there was an organist on the premises, playing beautiful music. I could have just sat and listened for a while, but time was passing and I did not want to miss the last trolley to Cambridge and my car.
The organ was actually one of the old pipe organs, the sound unbelievable.
At the next stop I photographed the BOBBIE ORR GAME WINNING GOAL
statue outside the stadium. This statue celebrates the May 10 1970 game-winning goal scored in overtime, giving the Boston Bruins their win. the goal was scored as he was falling from being tripped. I'll bet that was an exciting thing to see.
Another interesting fact, when Boston was first settled there were so many languages, so the storekeepers came up with the idea of placing an image of their product or service outside their stores.
I snapped this picture of the tea kettle outside of the coffee and tea business. I saw a tooth hanging outside of the dentist's office. I saw
a ring for a jeweler, slice of bread for a bakery, barber pole (we still have those today) for the barber), I think you get what I mean.
Is was interesting to see these old symbols displayed today in modern Boston. As they say, "one picture is worth a thousand words".
And for the many languages spoken, it helped you to find what you were looking for.
Next stop was the current State House and the Shaw Memorial. The State House was quite impressive with it's shiny gold dome, with the pineapple on top. Why a pineapple? I guess it is because at one time Maine was a part of Massachusetts, and broke away to become a separate state. As the pineapple is one of Maine's symbols, Mass. has kept it on the state house reminding all that once Maine was part of Mass.
The keystone of this State House was set in 1795 by Paul Revere. The building itself was completed in 1874.
Directly across the street from the State House is the Shaw Memorial. This bronze sculpture memorial was created to honor Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Colored Regiment who fought in the Civil War for the North.
Almost all of this regiment was wiped out during the war, it is quite an impressive sculpture.
Hopping back on the trolley, I headed to Cambridge and the parking garage and the $24.00 parking fee.
From there I drove back to Bedford, had supper and called it a day.
Tomorrow, a continuation of Day 2 in Boston, Friday, I planned to drive back to Cambridge (another $24.00) and take the harbor cruise that was part of the package deal. That would use up the morning, then I would return to Bedford, change clothes, and head to Paxton for the Baccalaureate Services that evening for graduating grandson Kurtis.
Unless something exciting happens - like getting my refrigerator fixed - I will cover tomorrow tomorrow.
Until then - appreciate a refrigerator that actually works and God Bless.
Finishing up day 2, I hopped off and on at trolley stops 7 - 8 -12. This is a miscellaneous group of things that I thought interesting.
I took the interior tour, which was quite an experience. It was paid admission, and you received a map and did a self-guided tour. The decorations, statues, and stained glass windows were a sight to be hold.
The organ was actually one of the old pipe organs, the sound unbelievable.
At the next stop I photographed the BOBBIE ORR GAME WINNING GOAL
Another interesting fact, when Boston was first settled there were so many languages, so the storekeepers came up with the idea of placing an image of their product or service outside their stores.
a ring for a jeweler, slice of bread for a bakery, barber pole (we still have those today) for the barber), I think you get what I mean.
Is was interesting to see these old symbols displayed today in modern Boston. As they say, "one picture is worth a thousand words".
And for the many languages spoken, it helped you to find what you were looking for.
Next stop was the current State House and the Shaw Memorial. The State House was quite impressive with it's shiny gold dome, with the pineapple on top. Why a pineapple? I guess it is because at one time Maine was a part of Massachusetts, and broke away to become a separate state. As the pineapple is one of Maine's symbols, Mass. has kept it on the state house reminding all that once Maine was part of Mass.
Directly across the street from the State House is the Shaw Memorial. This bronze sculpture memorial was created to honor Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Colored Regiment who fought in the Civil War for the North.
Almost all of this regiment was wiped out during the war, it is quite an impressive sculpture.
From there I drove back to Bedford, had supper and called it a day.
Tomorrow, a continuation of Day 2 in Boston, Friday, I planned to drive back to Cambridge (another $24.00) and take the harbor cruise that was part of the package deal. That would use up the morning, then I would return to Bedford, change clothes, and head to Paxton for the Baccalaureate Services that evening for graduating grandson Kurtis.
Unless something exciting happens - like getting my refrigerator fixed - I will cover tomorrow tomorrow.
Until then - appreciate a refrigerator that actually works and God Bless.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
BOSTON - DAY 2 - PART THREE.......................
Today I am going to share my favorite trolley stop of day 2. The Boston Public Gardens and the famous Swan Boats.
The Gardens were established in 1937, next to Boston Commons. It was the first public park in the country, so they say.
The landscaping was beautiful, everywhere you looked there was something else to see, and admire. Of course being there in the spring made it all the more beautiful.
This picture is of the, I guess you would call it a lagoon, with their little suspension bridge, supposedly the shortest one in the country. Of course everything there is the best, the first, the biggest, the most historical, etc etc etc. But you have to admit, it is a thing of beauty.
The flowering trees were in their glory, there were folks wandering along, some sitting on the benches reading, some eating their lunch, kids running, but not crowded. It was a Thursday after all, school wasn't out yet, tourist season hadn't gotten underway, I had it made.
Most of the wildlife I saw were the birds, pigeons, ducks, white swans, and the lone little critter, a squirrel.
I'm not sure what this pigeon had, it was some kind of blossom that had fallen from the tree overhead, and this pigeon had grabbed it and was shaking it as hard as it could, you can see the blur that is the blossom. I don't know what was in it, on it, or what, but this poor bird sure was working on it. He doesn't look like he has missed too many meals.
Here is one of the many squirrels I saw, they were all the red fox squirrels. Someone had discarded a sandwich, must not have liked it, but Mr. Squirrel seemed to think it was simply delicious. He sure was working on it, and didn't seem to mind me standing there taking his picture at all. Again this little fellow doesn't look as if he has missed too many meals.
This is one of the pair of white swans that live in the lagoon. I guess since they have the swan boats, they need the swans to go with them. They just paddled around, staying out of the way of the boats, enjoying the sunshine, just like everyone else.
The Swan Boats are very much a part of Boston's history, quite unique.
In 1877 the park still wasn't considered a public garden. It was just a lagoon with trees and grass around it where folks gathered to picnic, relax, and enjoy a day off. That was the year that Mr. Robert Paget had the idea, and introduced small boats where visitors to the park could be paddled around the lagoon. As the boats became more popular, the idea evolved, and he introduced the Swan boats into the lagoon.
They were paddle boats, adorned with white swans, and folks could board them and be paddled around the lagoon by the "driver" of the boat. And it was his idea, to carry out the theme, to introduce the live swans to the lagoon.
When Robert passed away, his wife Julia took over the business. In 1914 Julia's youngest son John carried on the tradition for the Paget family.
As the popularity of the boats increased, larger boats were designed, with two, sometimes three, swans on each.
When John passed away in 1969 his son Paul took over. The Swan tradition began over 120 years ago, and is carried on to this day by the Paget Family. I don't believe there are any other boats like Boston's Swan boats anywhere in the country
I could have spent much more time in the park, there were many statues througout the park commemorating something or other. But there was one statue that got everyone's attention. MAKE WAY FOR THE DUCKLINGS.
There was a family of ducks living in the park, and one day Mom and the babies wandered out of the park into town. Folks were in awe as how Mom herded her babies, across the street, through traffic (I believe it was the early 1940's) safely getting them back into the park.
A book was written titled MAKE WAY FOR THE DUCKLINGS, and after a time this statue was created, commemorating Mom and her babies. Of all the statues in the park, I was told this was the most famous, and the favorite of old and young alike. Kids love having their picture taken with the duck statue.
Enough for today. I am going to share one last picture of the Swan boats with you. If ever in Boston, be sure and make this a stop, sit down, relax, and take a ride on the Swan Boats.
The sun is shining!!! Starting out to be a beautiful day. Maybe, just maybe, I can get some mowing done.
Have a good Saturday and God Bless.
Today I am going to share my favorite trolley stop of day 2. The Boston Public Gardens and the famous Swan Boats.
The Gardens were established in 1937, next to Boston Commons. It was the first public park in the country, so they say.
 |
| The little "suspension bridge" |
The landscaping was beautiful, everywhere you looked there was something else to see, and admire. Of course being there in the spring made it all the more beautiful.
This picture is of the, I guess you would call it a lagoon, with their little suspension bridge, supposedly the shortest one in the country. Of course everything there is the best, the first, the biggest, the most historical, etc etc etc. But you have to admit, it is a thing of beauty.
Most of the wildlife I saw were the birds, pigeons, ducks, white swans, and the lone little critter, a squirrel.
I'm not sure what this pigeon had, it was some kind of blossom that had fallen from the tree overhead, and this pigeon had grabbed it and was shaking it as hard as it could, you can see the blur that is the blossom. I don't know what was in it, on it, or what, but this poor bird sure was working on it. He doesn't look like he has missed too many meals.
The Swan Boats are very much a part of Boston's history, quite unique.
In 1877 the park still wasn't considered a public garden. It was just a lagoon with trees and grass around it where folks gathered to picnic, relax, and enjoy a day off. That was the year that Mr. Robert Paget had the idea, and introduced small boats where visitors to the park could be paddled around the lagoon. As the boats became more popular, the idea evolved, and he introduced the Swan boats into the lagoon.
They were paddle boats, adorned with white swans, and folks could board them and be paddled around the lagoon by the "driver" of the boat. And it was his idea, to carry out the theme, to introduce the live swans to the lagoon.
As the popularity of the boats increased, larger boats were designed, with two, sometimes three, swans on each.
When John passed away in 1969 his son Paul took over. The Swan tradition began over 120 years ago, and is carried on to this day by the Paget Family. I don't believe there are any other boats like Boston's Swan boats anywhere in the country
There was a family of ducks living in the park, and one day Mom and the babies wandered out of the park into town. Folks were in awe as how Mom herded her babies, across the street, through traffic (I believe it was the early 1940's) safely getting them back into the park.
A book was written titled MAKE WAY FOR THE DUCKLINGS, and after a time this statue was created, commemorating Mom and her babies. Of all the statues in the park, I was told this was the most famous, and the favorite of old and young alike. Kids love having their picture taken with the duck statue.
The sun is shining!!! Starting out to be a beautiful day. Maybe, just maybe, I can get some mowing done.
Have a good Saturday and God Bless.
Friday, May 20, 2011
BOSTON - DAY 2 - PART TWO..........................
After hopping back on to the trolley, I visited stops 3 and 5. I skipped stop 4, as the afternoon was progressing, there was nothing there I had seen on the first circle that I particularly want to take the time to see. More important things, for me at least.
I went to the Charlestown Naval Yard, where the USS Constitution is docked.
To access the area where the ship was you had to go through security - just like the airport, but you didn't have to take off your shoes. I thought "not again!"
So through security I went. No problem, just a nuisance.
While viewing the Constitution I also learned quite a bit about her, little bits of information that I did not know. I am going to share this info with you, and I will also be adding several different pictures as we go along.
March 27 1793 President George Washington called for the construction of six frigates, to be built at shipyards along the eastern seaboard. The 44 gun USS CONSTITUTION was built in Boston in the shipyard. She was launched in 1797.
The ship was made entirely of wood, pine, oak, and live oak. Her hull is 12" thick. During her heyday she carried a crew of 450 sailors. She was a thing of beauty to behold.
The Constitution is the OLDEST COMMISSIONED SHIP afloat in the world.
The above pictures shows one of her 44 guns.
During the battle of 1812, when the British canon balls bounced off her sides she was nicknamed OLD IRONSIDES, that name still holds true today.
In 1830 as newer, better, faster frigates came along she was headed for scrap.
The fact that Oliver Wendall Holmes had written a famous poem about her, the public set up a cry to save the Constitution. She is now one of the historical parts of history, and is protected to this day.
Today she carries an active crew of 55 duty sailors of the U S Navy caring for her, giving tours, history, and stories.
On July 21 1997, to mark her 200th birthday, she set sail for the first time in 116 years, sails blowing in the breeze as she skimmed along over the water.
The above picture was taken the next day when doing the harbor cruise, as seen from the water. The picture below was taken the day I did the tour, just something that caught my eye.
Time to hop aboard another trolley and proceed. The next thing I photographed was the Old State House. The Boston Massacre too place here. The declaration of Independence was read for the FIRST time from the balcony.
There was so much to take in, so much history, not enough time. But I learned so many things that I had never known before, things that are not normally taught in school.
The golden lion (left) and unicorn (right) are the symbols of royal authority. These symbols were placed by the British, as this was their official state house. After the revolution ended, the new Americans removed these symbols, as they did not want to be reminded of the British tyranny.
Several years later, the symbols were replaced, to preserve a part of our history.
Well, this is just another part of day 2. I will continue this narrative tomorrow, hopefully. That is the plan. We'll see what happens.
Still trying to get my yard mowed. If it ever quits raining. So far behind in yard work, might as well just wait until next year now.
Refrigerator still not working. Still getting the run-around from Sears. Had repairman here to do repairs, repairs did NOT work. Have reported Sears to the Better Business Bureau. Sears is still scheduling apts., then cancelling, or not showing up.
Back to happier things. I hope you are enjoying your history lessons. Have a good day and God Bless.
After hopping back on to the trolley, I visited stops 3 and 5. I skipped stop 4, as the afternoon was progressing, there was nothing there I had seen on the first circle that I particularly want to take the time to see. More important things, for me at least.
I went to the Charlestown Naval Yard, where the USS Constitution is docked.
To access the area where the ship was you had to go through security - just like the airport, but you didn't have to take off your shoes. I thought "not again!"
So through security I went. No problem, just a nuisance.
March 27 1793 President George Washington called for the construction of six frigates, to be built at shipyards along the eastern seaboard. The 44 gun USS CONSTITUTION was built in Boston in the shipyard. She was launched in 1797.
The Constitution is the OLDEST COMMISSIONED SHIP afloat in the world.
During the battle of 1812, when the British canon balls bounced off her sides she was nicknamed OLD IRONSIDES, that name still holds true today.
In 1830 as newer, better, faster frigates came along she was headed for scrap.
The fact that Oliver Wendall Holmes had written a famous poem about her, the public set up a cry to save the Constitution. She is now one of the historical parts of history, and is protected to this day.
Today she carries an active crew of 55 duty sailors of the U S Navy caring for her, giving tours, history, and stories.
On July 21 1997, to mark her 200th birthday, she set sail for the first time in 116 years, sails blowing in the breeze as she skimmed along over the water.
The golden lion (left) and unicorn (right) are the symbols of royal authority. These symbols were placed by the British, as this was their official state house. After the revolution ended, the new Americans removed these symbols, as they did not want to be reminded of the British tyranny.
Several years later, the symbols were replaced, to preserve a part of our history.
Well, this is just another part of day 2. I will continue this narrative tomorrow, hopefully. That is the plan. We'll see what happens.
Still trying to get my yard mowed. If it ever quits raining. So far behind in yard work, might as well just wait until next year now.
Refrigerator still not working. Still getting the run-around from Sears. Had repairman here to do repairs, repairs did NOT work. Have reported Sears to the Better Business Bureau. Sears is still scheduling apts., then cancelling, or not showing up.
Back to happier things. I hope you are enjoying your history lessons. Have a good day and God Bless.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
BOSTON - DAY 2 - PART ONE............................
Left my hotel early Thursday morning to Cambridge - I DID NOT WANT to drive into downtown Boston, and through my research discovered that Cambridge had Trolley stop #13 out of 15, which was at the Cambridge Marriott Hotel, with a parking garage 1 block away. Got it made. Until I got to the parking garage. $24.00 per day - yes per day, not weekly or monthly, but daily! My first indication that this was not going to be an in-expensive trip.
Little did I know!!!!!!!
I had bought my 2 day trolley pass on line before departing home. This pass also included the harbor cruise. So I hopped on the trolley Thursday morning and rode the entire route through Boston and surrounding areas, which was about 1-1/2 hours. Second and Third time around I hopped on and off.
I did not have time to tour the inside of the house, but was able to photograph a poster outside showing some of the interior. Of course, there was a charge for just about everything. Par for the course. This next picture is of the poster
The Paul Revere house was originally built by Robert Howard in 1676 following the great Boston fire that destroyed his original home. Paul Revere purchased this house from Mr. Howard in 1770.
Did you know that Paul Revere actually had two additional men riding with him that historical night? There were the three of them riding from Lexington-Concord to Boston to warn about the British soldiers. The reason we only hear about Paul Revere is because of the famous poem about Paul Revere's Midnight Ride.
Enough for history and stories and pictures for now. I will continue my Boston saga tomorrow, the Good Lord Willing. Enjoy your history lessons and God Bless.
Left my hotel early Thursday morning to Cambridge - I DID NOT WANT to drive into downtown Boston, and through my research discovered that Cambridge had Trolley stop #13 out of 15, which was at the Cambridge Marriott Hotel, with a parking garage 1 block away. Got it made. Until I got to the parking garage. $24.00 per day - yes per day, not weekly or monthly, but daily! My first indication that this was not going to be an in-expensive trip.
Little did I know!!!!!!!
I had bought my 2 day trolley pass on line before departing home. This pass also included the harbor cruise. So I hopped on the trolley Thursday morning and rode the entire route through Boston and surrounding areas, which was about 1-1/2 hours. Second and Third time around I hopped on and off.
 |
| Quincy Market Building |
My first hop off was at Stop #1 - Boston Harbor. I visited Quincy Market,
 |
| Faneuil Hall |
with all types of outdoor and indoor vendors, you name it, they had it.
By this time it was almost noon, and I had real Boston Clam Chowder. I have found from visiting Maine, that New England Clam Chowder was the best, and what I had at Quincy Market lived up to all expectations .Quincy Market Building was erected in 1822 when Boston was incorporated as a city. A good chance to rest. I also photographed Faneuil Hall while there. Then it was on the next trolley to Stop #2, the historic North End of Boston, including their "Little Italy". It was while I was there that I visited Paul Revere's house.
Did you know that Paul Revere actually had two additional men riding with him that historical night? There were the three of them riding from Lexington-Concord to Boston to warn about the British soldiers. The reason we only hear about Paul Revere is because of the famous poem about Paul Revere's Midnight Ride.
Enough for history and stories and pictures for now. I will continue my Boston saga tomorrow, the Good Lord Willing. Enjoy your history lessons and God Bless.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
BOSTON - DAY ONE............................................
Day one was mostly travel - to the airport, landing in Boston, taking the Enterprise shuttle from the airport to their facility, getting my car, figuring out what all the buttons and whistles were about, hooking up my GPS - Yes I took my GPS with me. Good thing I did. Without it I wouldn't even have been able to get out of Enterprises parking lot!
I arrived early afternoon, traffic was heavy, really heavy, and it wasn't even rush hour yet. I'm thinking - "what in the heck am I doing here. I must be out of my cotton-pickin' mind". Luckily my car had Florida license plates on it, so some, a very few some, drivers took mercy on me and let me merge, or change lanes, or whatever was thrown at me.
By the time I reached Bedford and my hotel, I was exhausted. Literally. But after an hour or so decided to do some exploring. I had found info here at home on a grist mill somewhere in the area. So off I went.
Luckily traffic at Bedford is not heavy, small town stuff, and with the mill's address plugged into my GPS, I was on my way.The travel time indicated on the GPS was 40 minutes, I think I arrived in 45. Pretty good. If the rest of the week goes this well, piece of cake.
This little mill was just a few miles beyond the Wayside Inn, which is a lovely old Inn and restaurant.
I was able to tour the mill, saw the grinding wheels that made grain into flour, etc. There was also a display of freshly ground items you could purchase.
I probably took two dozen pictures of this little mill from different perspectives, and will, down the road, decide on one to be added to the business.
After I finished at the mill, I returned to my hotel, went out for supper, and then called it a day. I wanted to be in Boston first thing in the morning to ride the Old Town Trolley, see what was what, and decide at which stops I would hop off the trolley.
All in all it had been a long day, I was definitely ready to crash. I remember turning on the tv to watch my normal Wednesday night shows, wakened up sometime during the night, turned off the tv, and that is the last I remember.
I'll share day 2 with you tomorrow, or at least a part of it. One thing I know for sure, you couldn't pay me enough to live and drive in Boston, and I had several more days of it. Pray for me and God Bless.
Day one was mostly travel - to the airport, landing in Boston, taking the Enterprise shuttle from the airport to their facility, getting my car, figuring out what all the buttons and whistles were about, hooking up my GPS - Yes I took my GPS with me. Good thing I did. Without it I wouldn't even have been able to get out of Enterprises parking lot!
I arrived early afternoon, traffic was heavy, really heavy, and it wasn't even rush hour yet. I'm thinking - "what in the heck am I doing here. I must be out of my cotton-pickin' mind". Luckily my car had Florida license plates on it, so some, a very few some, drivers took mercy on me and let me merge, or change lanes, or whatever was thrown at me.
By the time I reached Bedford and my hotel, I was exhausted. Literally. But after an hour or so decided to do some exploring. I had found info here at home on a grist mill somewhere in the area. So off I went.
Luckily traffic at Bedford is not heavy, small town stuff, and with the mill's address plugged into my GPS, I was on my way.The travel time indicated on the GPS was 40 minutes, I think I arrived in 45. Pretty good. If the rest of the week goes this well, piece of cake.
This little mill was just a few miles beyond the Wayside Inn, which is a lovely old Inn and restaurant.
After I finished at the mill, I returned to my hotel, went out for supper, and then called it a day. I wanted to be in Boston first thing in the morning to ride the Old Town Trolley, see what was what, and decide at which stops I would hop off the trolley.
All in all it had been a long day, I was definitely ready to crash. I remember turning on the tv to watch my normal Wednesday night shows, wakened up sometime during the night, turned off the tv, and that is the last I remember.
I'll share day 2 with you tomorrow, or at least a part of it. One thing I know for sure, you couldn't pay me enough to live and drive in Boston, and I had several more days of it. Pray for me and God Bless.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
JERRY'S LAP - MY TRIP - AND THE WEATHER................
Got back yesterday from Boston. Good trip, learned a lot, saw a lot, and really tired today. Was tireder yesterday, but managed to stay up long enough to watch Dancing with the Stars - Got to watch Hines. He should have gotten the extra 15 points!!!!!
In a few days will go into depth about my trip. Grandson's graduation was a neat experience, first time for a college grad.
Jerry's lap full. Fridge still NOT working properly. Part ordered, came while I was gone, tech SUPPOSED to be here Wed. to install said part. Other parts will not be in for 6 weeks. YIPPIE!!!
Guess we had a horrendous storm while I was gone, lightning hit one of the large trees behind the machine shop, the one we are putting the new roof on. By we - I mean Jerry and his friends. I guess it was very much a hair raising experience, as he was in the shop when it happened.
Got my pictures downloaded, but still have to edit. So won't say much more today, but watch out down the road - you will have lots to read about and pictures to look at. After the lightning strike the dogs in the house were trying to break through the window to get out, they were scared to death. They don't like little noises, gigantic ones make them panic. Luckily we have double strength glass in our windows.
Now that I have whet your appetite, I will leave you hanging until..........
Have a good week and God Bless.
Got back yesterday from Boston. Good trip, learned a lot, saw a lot, and really tired today. Was tireder yesterday, but managed to stay up long enough to watch Dancing with the Stars - Got to watch Hines. He should have gotten the extra 15 points!!!!!
In a few days will go into depth about my trip. Grandson's graduation was a neat experience, first time for a college grad.
Jerry's lap full. Fridge still NOT working properly. Part ordered, came while I was gone, tech SUPPOSED to be here Wed. to install said part. Other parts will not be in for 6 weeks. YIPPIE!!!
Guess we had a horrendous storm while I was gone, lightning hit one of the large trees behind the machine shop, the one we are putting the new roof on. By we - I mean Jerry and his friends. I guess it was very much a hair raising experience, as he was in the shop when it happened.
Got my pictures downloaded, but still have to edit. So won't say much more today, but watch out down the road - you will have lots to read about and pictures to look at. After the lightning strike the dogs in the house were trying to break through the window to get out, they were scared to death. They don't like little noises, gigantic ones make them panic. Luckily we have double strength glass in our windows.
Now that I have whet your appetite, I will leave you hanging until..........
Have a good week and God Bless.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
WATCH OUT JERRY -- IT's IN YOUR LAP................
This is actually tomorrow's blog, but am doing it tonight, as I leave early tomorrow morning for the airport and Boston.
Yep! You guessed it! Sears called me this morning, cancelling the service call, as the "technician call off sick".
In the meantime last night I wrote a very long, very descriptive, e-mail to Sears customer service e-mail address.
Shortly after I got the cancellation call, called customer service, they could not reschedule before Friday!
Then I checked my e-mails - lo and behold Sears replied to my e-mail, apologizing for the "inconvenience" ( being without a working refrigerator for two weeks is and "inconvenience?") and gave me ANOTHER customer service number.
Called that number, actually went to a real live person without having to push buttons. After a long conversation, she scheduled the service call for tomorrow morning sometime between 8 a.m. and noon. Dumped it in Jerry's lap. Jerry not happy. He will be home, but had other things that needed done, not babysitting the house for a supposed repair technician.
I am completely fed up with Sears customer service, which is SUPPOSED to be sooooooo goooood.
I'm glad I'm leaving in the morning. It may not be pretty here.
Looking forward to my time in Boston. Will be off line until I return, which will be Monday, May 16th. I'll catch you all up when I return, both about the trip and about the refrigerator. In the meantime - DON'T DEAL WITH SEARS. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE STINKS BIG TIME.
I hope you checked out Rebecca's blog. She is featuring the cover she designed for the new book that is being released in either June or July. I think she did an awesome job. She is the one who owns her own publishing house, and she is also the one who designed the majority of the covers of the books she has published over the years. You can catch her blog if you go to my facebook page.
Enjoy the rest of the week and God Bless.
This is actually tomorrow's blog, but am doing it tonight, as I leave early tomorrow morning for the airport and Boston.
Yep! You guessed it! Sears called me this morning, cancelling the service call, as the "technician call off sick".
In the meantime last night I wrote a very long, very descriptive, e-mail to Sears customer service e-mail address.
Shortly after I got the cancellation call, called customer service, they could not reschedule before Friday!
Then I checked my e-mails - lo and behold Sears replied to my e-mail, apologizing for the "inconvenience" ( being without a working refrigerator for two weeks is and "inconvenience?") and gave me ANOTHER customer service number.
Called that number, actually went to a real live person without having to push buttons. After a long conversation, she scheduled the service call for tomorrow morning sometime between 8 a.m. and noon. Dumped it in Jerry's lap. Jerry not happy. He will be home, but had other things that needed done, not babysitting the house for a supposed repair technician.
I am completely fed up with Sears customer service, which is SUPPOSED to be sooooooo goooood.
I'm glad I'm leaving in the morning. It may not be pretty here.
Looking forward to my time in Boston. Will be off line until I return, which will be Monday, May 16th. I'll catch you all up when I return, both about the trip and about the refrigerator. In the meantime - DON'T DEAL WITH SEARS. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE STINKS BIG TIME.
I hope you checked out Rebecca's blog. She is featuring the cover she designed for the new book that is being released in either June or July. I think she did an awesome job. She is the one who owns her own publishing house, and she is also the one who designed the majority of the covers of the books she has published over the years. You can catch her blog if you go to my facebook page.
Enjoy the rest of the week and God Bless.
THE BATTLE GOT NASTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you read my blog yesterday, you ain't seen nuttin yet.
I spent all morning waiting for the phone call that the sears repairman is on his way to fix my refrigerator. Lo and behold about noon the phone rings. Thank goodness.
There is a recorded message stating: "We do not have a technician available for this afternoon, we are rescheduling your appointment for Wednesday May 11".
I flip out. I mean big time.
I call the customer service number, in my local phone book, the number I called to schedule said appointment, go through all the button pushing, finally got a real person.
This "real person" proceeded to tell me that I had NEVER scheduled an appointment for Monday May 9, the my appointment was for Wednesday May 11, which is the day I am leaving for Boston!!!!!
We went around and around. When I asked if I had never scheduled the appointment, why did I get a phone call telling me the appointment had been changed. I was disconnected!
Call again, went through same button pushing scenario, got real person, same conversation, same reply, just scheduled for Wednesday, disconnect. By this time I am beyond upset, beyond mad, I was furious. I have not had my refrigerator working properly since Easter Sunday - back in April!!!!!
Started calling repair services in our area to see if I could find any kind of repair service - another joke. Either you had to buy the product from them, or they were too busy to take on another customer.
Went on line, decided to try refrigeration repairs in the Wheeling WV area instead of the Washington PA area. I am 14 miles east of Wheeling, 14 miles west of Washington, right on the state line.
One of the services that popped up was SEARS HOME SERVICES. The customer service number on that web site was completely different from the one in our phone book. I called, went through the same button pushing scenario, and when I finally got a real person, she was actually willing to help.
After giving all the necessary info - phone number, address, etc etc., she told me she had my records in front of her. Yes, I had scheduled the appointment for Monday May 9. Thank goodness! I was starting to think that I really was crazy. She also saw where I had been called cancelling said appointment and rescheduling it.
Anyway to make a long story a little less long, she called the dispatcher and was able to schedule my appointment for this afternoon, Tuesday. Now the waiting game begins again.
In addition she advised me that my warranty had just expired on the refrigerator, but I was eligible to renew it for another year, and the visit scheduled for today would be covered. The other sears customer service number had told me I could renew the warranty, but it WOULD NOT cover the current visit, as it was prescheduled.
Anyhoo this really really nice young lady I was dealing with at the new number went all out to help me.
She also mentioned that for customer service I should call - you guessed it - the number I had previously called umpteen dozen times. I started laughing and told her that was who I had been dealing with. She had to laugh also. I do know that I have this new number I found on line on speed dial for future reference.
Hopefully by the time I leave tomorrow morning my refrigerator will be working properly. If not - then the entire problem is dumped into son Jerry's lap. He will love that. Have a good day and God Bless.
If you read my blog yesterday, you ain't seen nuttin yet.
I spent all morning waiting for the phone call that the sears repairman is on his way to fix my refrigerator. Lo and behold about noon the phone rings. Thank goodness.
There is a recorded message stating: "We do not have a technician available for this afternoon, we are rescheduling your appointment for Wednesday May 11".
I flip out. I mean big time.
I call the customer service number, in my local phone book, the number I called to schedule said appointment, go through all the button pushing, finally got a real person.
This "real person" proceeded to tell me that I had NEVER scheduled an appointment for Monday May 9, the my appointment was for Wednesday May 11, which is the day I am leaving for Boston!!!!!
We went around and around. When I asked if I had never scheduled the appointment, why did I get a phone call telling me the appointment had been changed. I was disconnected!
Call again, went through same button pushing scenario, got real person, same conversation, same reply, just scheduled for Wednesday, disconnect. By this time I am beyond upset, beyond mad, I was furious. I have not had my refrigerator working properly since Easter Sunday - back in April!!!!!
Started calling repair services in our area to see if I could find any kind of repair service - another joke. Either you had to buy the product from them, or they were too busy to take on another customer.
Went on line, decided to try refrigeration repairs in the Wheeling WV area instead of the Washington PA area. I am 14 miles east of Wheeling, 14 miles west of Washington, right on the state line.
One of the services that popped up was SEARS HOME SERVICES. The customer service number on that web site was completely different from the one in our phone book. I called, went through the same button pushing scenario, and when I finally got a real person, she was actually willing to help.
After giving all the necessary info - phone number, address, etc etc., she told me she had my records in front of her. Yes, I had scheduled the appointment for Monday May 9. Thank goodness! I was starting to think that I really was crazy. She also saw where I had been called cancelling said appointment and rescheduling it.
Anyway to make a long story a little less long, she called the dispatcher and was able to schedule my appointment for this afternoon, Tuesday. Now the waiting game begins again.
In addition she advised me that my warranty had just expired on the refrigerator, but I was eligible to renew it for another year, and the visit scheduled for today would be covered. The other sears customer service number had told me I could renew the warranty, but it WOULD NOT cover the current visit, as it was prescheduled.
Anyhoo this really really nice young lady I was dealing with at the new number went all out to help me.
She also mentioned that for customer service I should call - you guessed it - the number I had previously called umpteen dozen times. I started laughing and told her that was who I had been dealing with. She had to laugh also. I do know that I have this new number I found on line on speed dial for future reference.
Hopefully by the time I leave tomorrow morning my refrigerator will be working properly. If not - then the entire problem is dumped into son Jerry's lap. He will love that. Have a good day and God Bless.
Monday, May 9, 2011
WHY IS EVERYTHING A BATTLE??......................
Why is it that everything seems to turn into a battle, and you are always the loser? Especially when it comes to appliances, service, warranties, etc.
Today, right at this moment I am not happy. I wasn't going to blog today as I have a bejillion things to do before leaving for Boston on Wednesday to attend a grandson's college graduation on Saturday. But right now I am sure that the smoke is just pouring out my ears - !!!
We bought a new refrigerator two years - that's right - ago. It is practically brand new. We have loved it, until now. It is a double door refrigerator on top and freezer drawer on the bottom, with water dispenser in one of the refrigerator doors. You know the kind. There is so much room, and I do need room with all the family doings that happen here.
Easter Sunday, during our dinner, the water dispenser quit working. So that evening after everything was back to normal, son Jerry read the manual, found nothing to explain the problem. He went on line, did the unplug, wait 30 minutes, plug back in scenario - which was described on line, NOT in the manual. On line also suggested we replace the filter inside the fridge. We did both.
Now, not only is the water dispenser not working, the refrigerator itself is not working. All the lights come on, the freezer part is staying at 0 degrees, but the refrigerator is not cooling. The ice maker is making ice, the refrigerator is gradually warming up. Good thing we have a back up refrigerator in the downstairs family room.
Called Sears repair. The new refrigerator warranty had expired. They would be happy to sell us a new one year warranty, or they could schedule an appointment to have the fridge looked at. The service call and diagnosis would be x number of dollars. Repairs would be additional. But if I desired I could take out a new warranty for one year. I SPECIFICALLY ASKED, since Jerry is the bill payer, could I make a decision on the warranty when he was available. They said that would be fine. In fact they told me that I could even wait until the service man ARRIVED to pay for a new warranty. Sounded good. So in the meantime I went ahead and placed a service call.
The first available service call would not be until today, May 9th. The repairman is scheduled here between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. There goes my entire day.
I called Sears this morning, requesting to pay for the 1 year warranty, but first I wanted to be sure that today's service call would be covered. Put on hold. Waited. Waited. Waited.
Finally another real person came on the line and told me they would be more than happy to renew my warranty for another year. I asked, just to make sure, if today's service call and repairs would be covered.
You guessed right. The answer was NO! Since the service order had been placed, the warranty would NOT cover today, or any repairs needed. If I wanted I could cancel today's service call, take out the warranty, reschedule the service call, etc etc etc.............
We have not had the use of our refrigerator for a week now. And they wanted me to wait another week or 10 days!
I kept today's appointment, what else could I do. Then called Jerry at work, told him the story, he said I did the right thing, but he wanted their telephone number. I don't think I want to be the person he is going to be talking to.
Don't get me wrong. Jerry is a very kind-hearted, easy-going type of person. He is not a get mad, scream and holler, pound on the desk or throw the telephone type of person. Just the opposite. But he can get his point across without ever losing his cool. I know the phone call won't change anything, but Sears will definitely know how he feels about their entire warranty policy and the way they do things.
So here I sit - can't even go outside and work on flower beds, or something, as the service man will call before arrival to get directions. And he will need directions. Tomorrow I have to run last minute errands and pack, to be ready to leave for the airport Wednesday morning.
Hopefully the refrigerator will be working. But I am not holding my breath.
The way this scenario has started out, I will probably need some major repair parts, which will have to be ordered, then another service call will have to be scheduled, days down the road. Maybe I'll have a refrigerator in June when Linda and Dave come home from Arizona for their annual summer visit.
Keep your fingers crossed for me and God Bless.
Why is it that everything seems to turn into a battle, and you are always the loser? Especially when it comes to appliances, service, warranties, etc.
Today, right at this moment I am not happy. I wasn't going to blog today as I have a bejillion things to do before leaving for Boston on Wednesday to attend a grandson's college graduation on Saturday. But right now I am sure that the smoke is just pouring out my ears - !!!
We bought a new refrigerator two years - that's right - ago. It is practically brand new. We have loved it, until now. It is a double door refrigerator on top and freezer drawer on the bottom, with water dispenser in one of the refrigerator doors. You know the kind. There is so much room, and I do need room with all the family doings that happen here.
Easter Sunday, during our dinner, the water dispenser quit working. So that evening after everything was back to normal, son Jerry read the manual, found nothing to explain the problem. He went on line, did the unplug, wait 30 minutes, plug back in scenario - which was described on line, NOT in the manual. On line also suggested we replace the filter inside the fridge. We did both.
Now, not only is the water dispenser not working, the refrigerator itself is not working. All the lights come on, the freezer part is staying at 0 degrees, but the refrigerator is not cooling. The ice maker is making ice, the refrigerator is gradually warming up. Good thing we have a back up refrigerator in the downstairs family room.
Called Sears repair. The new refrigerator warranty had expired. They would be happy to sell us a new one year warranty, or they could schedule an appointment to have the fridge looked at. The service call and diagnosis would be x number of dollars. Repairs would be additional. But if I desired I could take out a new warranty for one year. I SPECIFICALLY ASKED, since Jerry is the bill payer, could I make a decision on the warranty when he was available. They said that would be fine. In fact they told me that I could even wait until the service man ARRIVED to pay for a new warranty. Sounded good. So in the meantime I went ahead and placed a service call.
The first available service call would not be until today, May 9th. The repairman is scheduled here between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. There goes my entire day.
I called Sears this morning, requesting to pay for the 1 year warranty, but first I wanted to be sure that today's service call would be covered. Put on hold. Waited. Waited. Waited.
Finally another real person came on the line and told me they would be more than happy to renew my warranty for another year. I asked, just to make sure, if today's service call and repairs would be covered.
You guessed right. The answer was NO! Since the service order had been placed, the warranty would NOT cover today, or any repairs needed. If I wanted I could cancel today's service call, take out the warranty, reschedule the service call, etc etc etc.............
We have not had the use of our refrigerator for a week now. And they wanted me to wait another week or 10 days!
I kept today's appointment, what else could I do. Then called Jerry at work, told him the story, he said I did the right thing, but he wanted their telephone number. I don't think I want to be the person he is going to be talking to.
Don't get me wrong. Jerry is a very kind-hearted, easy-going type of person. He is not a get mad, scream and holler, pound on the desk or throw the telephone type of person. Just the opposite. But he can get his point across without ever losing his cool. I know the phone call won't change anything, but Sears will definitely know how he feels about their entire warranty policy and the way they do things.
So here I sit - can't even go outside and work on flower beds, or something, as the service man will call before arrival to get directions. And he will need directions. Tomorrow I have to run last minute errands and pack, to be ready to leave for the airport Wednesday morning.
Hopefully the refrigerator will be working. But I am not holding my breath.
The way this scenario has started out, I will probably need some major repair parts, which will have to be ordered, then another service call will have to be scheduled, days down the road. Maybe I'll have a refrigerator in June when Linda and Dave come home from Arizona for their annual summer visit.
Keep your fingers crossed for me and God Bless.
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