The Orkin supervisor visited today – I knew the barn smelled like dead rodents and sure enough there was a very disgusting dead rat in one of the bait traps. A reader wondered if I had considered a professional exterminator – Orkin IS a professional exterminator! I will say no more.
I am sitting on the porch with a beer and my IPad writing to you – it is just perfect out here – no wind, the mourning doves, the woodpeckers, goldfinches, nuthatches, orioles and even a cardinal in the grove are all singing and chirping. This is good for the soul – anyone’s soul but mine in particular.
Our Xerox copier has been on the blink for several days because I needed a toner waste container – the copier gave me that message. I have tried repeatedly to reach Xerox online but I had to tell them my password. I’ve never had to contact them so I didn’t have a password. Our Xerox rep is no longer with the company but nobody told me and I’ve also never had a new rep call on me even though we have a leased copier and a contract. No copier = no patterns. I had our past repairman’s phone number so I called him. He gave me an 800 number for Xerox – it was all automated and my call was dropped twice after being on hold for 12 minutes each time waiting for customer service. Called the repairman again – he can’t place an order unless he is responding to a service call into the company. I can’t make a service call – nobody will answer. When I tried online of course I needed that password – no password ever. I finally came apart at the seams and told the repairman – who was nothing but helpful, I might add – that I was hauling that ———-copier to the landfill for as much good as it’s doing me! We have been a customer in good standing for 40 years. The final word? The repairman ordered the part for me – like he should have done 5 days ago. How much frustration can one person handle?
Had a simple doctor appointment today – she has banned me from taking Ambien anymore – I can’t remember anything- sound familiar? I told her I wondered if I had early onset dementia and she informed she that early onset dementia happened in young people – not people my age. Oh for cryin out loud – hahaha!!!
On this day in 2016 our little dog Faye died. My friend Jane in Michigan also lost her little JRT named Ember the same day. Faye was not old – about 4 when she died of kidney failure and nobody knew why. I can still feel that heartache of losing her – tears in my eyes as I write this.
Bear with me – I’ll get over this rough patch – thanks for letting me vent to all of you. I do appreciate my blog friends so much!
Hugs to you Mary!!! I wanted to let you know I enjoy your blog and all you do. Thank you!
Mary, I feel your pain with the Xerox. 🥴 I fear customer service is a thing of the past…. That really makes me sad. It is so frustrating! Hang in there!
I know special dogs never leave our hearts. I feel like we are friends. Is that weird? I hope not. I’m the Domestic Violence Prosecutor that met you once at The Country Living Fair in Columbus Ohio.
Malynda – I actually remember meeting you and thinking your job must be very stressful – I wish we could go back to those days of the Country Living Fair!
Xerox needs better customer service for sure. Between Xerox and all the rats I would be nuts for sure. What is going on??? Good you have quilting to keep you sane Mary.
We are having close to 100 degree weather here in Las Vegas – too hot!!!
Hope you are feeling well again and Rick too.
One final question – what Bernina model did you purchase last year? My 1530 wore out and no replacement parts available.
Rhoda – yes, that is tooooo hot!!! Well, actually both Connie and I bought 740’s several years ago but last year I had new motor and all replaced in two 1230’s that are my absolute favorite machines. Each one was approx. $900 but compared to a new fancy computerized machine I thought it was a bargain. And I still have the 740 but hardly use it – just too much machine. I was told my 1230 couldn’t be fixed, too – But I went to another repairman – thank goodness!
And I don’t know what’s going on – I AM almost nuts at this point.
Rhonda ironically I just posted my Bernina 750 for sale on FB as I have a Bernina 570 and that one is enough for my needs. The 740 is a great machine. I probably don’t have 100 hours on mine. On FB I posted it on Mn Quilter group but had two bogus offers but I was wise to these scams so I’m out nothing
Maybe this comment is going to Mary not you.
Maybe I can email Mary to contact you directly but then you’re in Las Vegas & I’m in Mn.
I love Mary’s blog but I’m certain I couldn’t deal with rats….nope no rats for me 😏
Henners – I thought I could find your email address yesterday but I couldn’t – wasn’t yesterday also the day you lost Henners? I have it noted along with Faye’s death – a sad day for both of us.
Rhonda check with LindaZ in Arlington Heights, IL. They are near Chicago. My cousin needed a part for a old cam style Viking and I told her about them and she was able to get the part. Good Luck!
We are here for you Mary. I like a simple life and not junk it up with too much anymore but I am afraid being simple isn’t how it is with technology and plain ole doing anything! So sip that beer, put your feet up, reflect on the babies we have loved in our lives and the ones who are faithfully still cuddled next to us and all will be good. Sleep well tonight my friend.
Kathy – thank you – I knew I could unload on you guys!
Oh my goodness, what a totally rotten day you’ve had. Whew, I’m glad it’s in your rearview mirror though, hang in there!!!
And I’m almost scared to ask you this … but how’s progress on publishing your book coming? Fingers crossed that all is well on that score! 🙂
Quilting Sister – oh, I gave it up. I may not have posted this – probably because I had posted too much awful stuff this year – the “company” I was talking with turned out to be a scam! I lost almost $2000 – to a fraud company based in the Phillipines! It was another hard lesson learned.
What!!!!!! OH Mary, you must tell us what happened. A scam publishing company???? How did you learn of them? I am afraid you are going to say the internet. How awful. Now I just want to hug you and cry as that’s a lot of money to lose.
I am so shocked that I can’t even think straight.
I’m so sorry, Mary … it’s a wonderful story, & you should STILL self-publish it & sell it to us, after you get over being cheated by those creeps.
What a day Mary! My husband and I are laughing so hard at the news from your doctor! At least you know you’ll never get ‘early onset’ Dementia!! That really made us laugh!
Jill Klop – it actually made me laugh, too!
Hang in there. You are doing fine just maybe too much. Isn’t it strange what comes along to drive us nuts!
Customer Service seems to be a thing of the past, doesn’t it? I worked CS many years—it’s hard work—but what has happened to pride in a job well done? Glad you have your porch sanctuary!!!
90 or so today. 89 tomorrow. 10-20” of snow on Friday. I’m so over it!!
Diane in CO – you mean you are expecting 10-20” of snow the day after tomorrow??? Oh for cryin out loud – enough already!!!!! From 90 to snow???
Two beers today sounds like a good idea. Cheers!
I feel your pain and your frustration! I just want to send you a great big ((HUG)) and tell you that this too, shall pass. Another ((hug)) to you.
I am sorry for your pain with all the issues you’ve endured recently. So glad you have a pet or two to give you love. Enjoy the time on your porch.
You should try CBD – puts me right to sleep within 10 – 15 minutes. It’s great…..
Billie – thank you! I’d be willing to try it!
I agree with Billie 110%. I started taking it. First a bottle from the health food store. Worked well, Garden of Life brand I believe. Then I tried Charlotte’s Web. Higher dose, seemed more cost effective. I really notice it helps! I was going to suggest it if no one else did. I always told my kids that someday they would find a way to keep the good stuff and ditch the the, Ha!
Carla – I tried to order some from Amazon last night and got the message they don’t carry it. I will keep looking.
CBD oil that is!!
Hang in there, Mary. Sometimes life gangs up on a person, doesn’t it. But it was beautiful outside. So nice to not be hot or cold.
Mary H – your picture of the mountains was beautiful – tell us about your trip! Did you just go now?
I have a suggestion, I have gotten the mega tank printers and finally I have one that is good. I can replace the waste ink tank and move right on printing. I bought two to have since all the shenanigans in the world. It is a Canon pixma 3260. It was bought for about 300 dollars and the ink bottles that last a long time and is much cheaper then cartridges. I cannot highly enough to suggest that this is the best printer I have evern had. Good luck with your antique Xerox. I miss those days alot.
Rebecca Haughn – I have never heard about this type of copier but will look into it. I have a printer/copier with my desktop computer but that is not working either. Is this something I order online? From Canon direct? Staples? Office supply store?
Vent to us all you want and anytime! You have had more than your share for quite awhile! Now the copier! For crying out loud what an ordeal that was! The peacefulness of your porch was just what you needed. Many hugs are being sent to you!
Girl, sit on that porch and have another beer! Enjoy the beauty around you and let that calm soak in. We all have to grab those moments when we can! I blame all your frustration on last weeks full moon! It’ll calm down again soon ☺️
Cathy D – and I watched that full moon every night – including the eclipse! Wasn’t it fabulous?
So glad you are taking some “me time” during this crazy time in your life. Nothing is more important. Self-care is NOT selfish care. Hope that things settle down soon.
Oh, my goodness–Can’t believe how frustrating little things like the copier issue can be, especially when they really shouldn’t be that complicated!!! I understand your heartache about Faye– I have had a lot of dogs in my life, but several were very special & I still miss them! Some lived long lives, but others died way too young. I am crying now thinking about them.
Enjoy that beer! Passwords drive me nuts. So do 45 minute waits to talk to a real person. I can relate to your frustration.
Prayers for your broken heart over Faye. Those eyes! ❤️ Sending big hugs on this sad anniversary; she knew that she was loved.
Ahhh. I remember sweet Faye. It is so frustrating trying to get anything done with some places. They either don’t listen or don’t care. But, an optician at Costco listened when I said I was a quilter and suggested one pair with a wider space for when I look down to stitch. They are wonderful! I am writing to Costco, to let them know. They also sent me $25.00 because it took more than 10 days for one of my pairs of glasses. Good work should be noted.
Take a Be Still day, Mary and get rested up. Life is stressful. I also laughed at what your Dr. said. Good one!
The old adage “when it rains it pours” comes to mind. I do understand your frustration with getting help on computers,copiers ,appliances, etc. nothing goes smoothly. You have wonderful animals and nature around you to help you appreciate the good things in life.And your team of ladies who have your back,and enjoy that you are willing to share the good and the bad times. Cheers! Have a beer and celebrate you!!!!!💗
Oh that doctor’s comment cracks me up! (I am older than you.) I hope she said it with a twinkle in her eye!
You are amazing! You have so many irons in the fire and do sooo much ! I don’t know how you keep it all together! And lots of it is stressful. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Hang in there! Glad you can sit for a moment and enjoy the birds and a beer.
Whew! What a day (quite a few days)you have had!
But there are things that are good for the soul and the porch, a beer and nature is one of them ♥️
I try to start my day on my deck and end my day on my deck. It seems to feed my soul and keeps me sane!
The lost of a furry family member hurts no matter how long ago it was. I have lost few Golden’s and each one was the best and always brings a tear to my eye when talking about what great dogs they were. Always tugs on my heart ♥️
Isn’t it great that you can vent and we all can relate to it! I predict brighter days Mary!
That’s what friends are for!!! Doesn’t matter if it’s in person or online! Love, love, love your blog and you and all the animals!!!!!!
I do not know if I have ever commented, but I truly enjoy reading your posts. I clapped out loud about the copier! I want to know if you really said what I think you said?
I’m from southern California and I think I found your blog several years ago from reading Jo Kramer’s blog.
Tina H – yes, I REALLY said that to Kurt, my repairman and then apologized for my bad mood. He said he understood my frustration. Thanks for being a blog reader!
I’m so sorry you are having frustration upon frustration. Tomorrow will be better. I’m praying it will be. Your posts are always like a chat with a friend. You are appreciated and loved way beyond what you may think!
Oh, Mary, vent away. We are here to celebrate the good times and help you through the challenges of life. I guess I have followed your blog a little over four years. The saddest picture I remember on your blog was you holding Faye while you were sitting on the floor with her. I had just “discovered” your blog a little before that. I knew then you were my kind of people, an animal lover and quilter. Enjoy the calm ending of a stressful day.
Tomorrow will be a better day – it just has to be. That is what has gotten me through these rough months.
I hope things get better for you soon.
Wendy in Victoria BC
Hi Mary, too many problems in this day and age! I guess we have to be grateful we have all these 1st world problems and not have to worry about if we can eat tonight and where we will sleep. Sometimes it’s just hard, but having friends and 👪 family helps.our love goes to you ❤ Mary, take care, best wishes from Sandy
A big hug to you! Bless your ❤️
Oh Mary! Rough patch indeed. I’m sending you every calming vibe I’ve got! ❤️❤️❤️ Gosh what’s with Xerox? That type of customer service (or lack thereof) can have real repercussions as in ALL of us now know how they’ve been treating you and won’t forget it when we need to make our own buying decisions. We had a COVID scare this week. My husband got very sick last Friday and he’s never sick. But we’ve tested him twice and both tests were negative, so we’re guessing it was a weird flu. Sigh… Our San Diego weather is phenomenal this time of year. My roses are going crazy and my two prized avocado trees are sprouting a couple of hundred baby avocados. We also have a mango tree plus several citrus trees. Retiring to SoCal had been life changing for this newbie Gardner! 🤣
Take Care and breath deeply! Nilene
What dear and loving dogs. I too have about the same variety of birds at my feeders. They bring me such joy and comfort. I have had similar experiences with dealing with customer service over the phone. My blood pressure goes up. I loved your description of early dementia . I am right there also. I love your posts.
Hugs to you Mary.
Oh! Mary, I do wish I could offer more than listening. We have big shoulders, so vent all you can.
I’m at a retreat in the beautiful Colorado mountains. Today was incredible, green everywhere, flowers blooming, slight breeze, doors and windows open. Friday is forecasted to bring lots of snow. We’re going home Sunday, so I’m sure the roads will be fine. Just a load of vehicles.
It’s kinda sad we can remember what “service” means. Are we that old?
I hope the orkin rep finds resolution to the rat infestation. I would think they could fix that much sooner.
The story about your visit to the doctor had me laughing out loud, nothing like a dose of reality from the good doctor. I hope your day goes better tomorrow.
I hope tomorrow will be a better day for you, and remember we’re all here for you so vent. When. I have days like yours I enjoy sitting outside enjoying all the wonderful gifts God has given us. The peaceful moments calm my soul. 🌸
WHEW !!! 54 comments–you are loved and appreciated. Breathe Breathe
Your Doctors response but a smile on my face😄😄! Hope you had more then one beer you deserved it! Love reading on your life on the farm ! Do you have hummingbirds yet? i have only see a few so far where I live in Mass.l
I love reading your blog Mary for several reasons but especially because you help me see that I am not the only person this age (70) that faces frustration from things like your Xerox problem. Also hope you get your sleep issue resolved. Not good when we can’t sleep!
So much for customer service…I feel your frustration!
So glad you feel comfortable to vent! When so much frustration happens, and it seems to be universal lately, a person Needs to have people that understand!!! And, as you can see we all understand and have (been there!). So sorry that everything happens at once, hang in there!!! Know we are all here for you! Give Hazel a hug! We all love you!!!
God bless you. I love your messages.
Sweet little Faye. Thank goodness for you Mary. I am sure her short life was wonderful spending it with you and all of your animal friends. Saying goodbye to our pets is so, so hard.
Good Lord Girl, you have been through a lot lately. One thing after another. I know you are grateful for many things, but it does get you down with the rodent situation, the hellish automated phone loops, inability to complete tasks and being reminded we are getting older….HA!!
I remember Faye, online only. She was such a sweet dog, even through internet air flight, I could tell she was a sweetie.
Have a lovely day, the sun is shining….I believe in IL and IA.
Hi Mary – so sorry you’re having a rough time lately. The copier issue sounds so frustrating. When will companies realize we just want a real person to answer the phone and help us reach the right department?? I hope things will be looking up for you very soon.
Love reading your blog posts! Keeping it real instead of making life seem all roses and sunshine, which it’s not! I scrolled through all the comments (love those also!), but may have missed it. What did the Orkin supervisor have to say about the rodent situation? Any end in sight? I know it’s not the same, but we have been battling yellow jackets for almost a year. I swear I don’t know where all those mean, ornery, painful flying aggravations come from! Take care of yourself. After washing refillable water bottles and cutting low lying branches off trees in my little “forest”, I’m going to sit on my back porch with a cold Diet Coke. It’s going to be in the 90’s again today with no rain in sight, but we do usually have a nice wind to help keep it cooler in the shade. I’ll be back substituting tomorrow.
Love your blog of all the wonderful things of nature and four legged kids and the frustrations
of life that seem to come to all of us – some more than others… Yes we should not wonder
at times why so many businesses are having issues – the mail thing is customer service and
way to help them so can surely feel your Grrr of all things… Hoping soon the rats will finally
be gone and Xerox gets off their butts and does what a reputable company should do and
that is good customer service.. Blessing to you and may your day be a better one…
Mary Lou
Bummer of a day! Maybe 2 beers would put you to sleep? Heehee. The doctor prescribed some muscle relaxers for me (yes! I now have bursitis in my hip from aggravating it in therapy) and they will make you sleepy! Wow! Not sure I want to take them. I may have to cut them in half if I can’t stand the muscle spasm next time. We went to the Orange City Tulip Festival’s car show last evening with our restored 70 chevelle. It was a beautiful evening. So many cars! So many people to watch. I sat in the car and watched people! There was a beautiful beautiful 57 Chevy across the street rom me that I really drooled over! Hope today is a better day!
Love your blog. I think customer service is a thing of the past, everything is automated or if you get to talk to someone they are in India. Oh well ,hope you get all the rats .
Customer Service-what happened to it?
Mary, I’m thinking with all the stress with Rick, his wound care & the trips to the Mayo Clinic, problems with medication, your knee replacements, the rodent problem, the xerox machine…..have I left anything out? No wonder you can’t sleep!!! You’re a high energy person & it’s hard to settle down enough sometimes to sleep! My husband passed 1.5 yrs ago & I’m just now able to finally get back into quilting & get a good night’s sleep! Most of the legal work is finally taken care of, but have to have a “talk” with my lawyer about his fees to update my trust! Glad I did most of the leg work before contacting him! Feel free to vent anytime you want Mary, venting really does help help! We can relate! And our animals help us so much. My little dog that I rescued in 2018 must have come from a very abusive home. This week he finally rolled over to let me rub his tummy! It’s taken him this long! He’s my constant companion!! I remember when you lost sweet little Fay❤️
Mary, customer service has gone downhill to non existent since Covid yet all the wages seemed to go up
Go figure that one! Loss of an animal that is part of the family is very hard and it seems like after 2years with Covid restrictions our weather could help us out by being a little nicer for us to finally be outside .sending you a hug and thank you for your blog as it has helped me get through many days after my husband passed from Alzheimer’s
I enjoy birds so much! I like to shut my eyes and pick out the different ones as they call.
Today’s customer service stinks and I am not going to say any more. When I find a good company I am so grateful- they get my devotion.
Happy bird watching to you!
Oh God bless you, Rick and your farm and animals. You are one strong woman, for sure. DEE
Vent away my dear – hopefully it makes you feel better. I know the frustration of having a problem with something electronic and not being able to talk to a breathing human being anymore. People need to realize that the entire world is not tech savy and older people need to talk their way through things. Hopefully your days will improve as spring turns into summer.
Hi Mary,
I love your blogs, you share real life.
The ups & downs of it. Every thing you touch on we all can relate.
I’m glad you hired a professional to take care of your rat issue. That should get it under control. We had a rodent problem last year in out garage & inside walls. That was enough to send me over the edge!
Last count we killed 31.😝
I’m so sorry you lost sweet Fay so young. That precious face. Anniversaries are hard. All the memories come flooding back. We lost our Rylee April 1, 2018 & my husband & I are still grieving. They are such a huge part of our lives!
Take care of yourself ,
Lori
Montana
So sorry for your bad day or should I say bad days!!! I have been there and the only thing to do is just sit down and have a good old cry. It seems when it rains it pours. Maybe you should have had more than one beer and something a little stronger like a shot of whiskey. I think you are doing the right thing by just sitting outside in the beautiful weather and listen to the birds chirp. I just love to go in the back yard and listen to the birds. They are so happy and glad that we are having nice weather.
Good luck to you and hopefully your days will get brighter and better.
I remember sweet Faye…so special a dog…It is my Lily’s birthday today..she would have been 12…..She had cancer and left us last Sept….I think we always feel the loss of them.. I so miss having a dog.. Now I don’t know who would take my dog if something happens to me….fun getting older!!!!! ..I have so much trouble getting anything fixed too…horrible……
Linda – I have decided that if I die when I have dogs they will be euthanized and buried with me so I don’t inconvenience anyone. They will want to be with me.
i agree on this. my cat won’t let anyone near him except me. won’t eat for anyone else. it took him two years to let me pet him. i’ve been wondering what to do. maybe he can be cremated with me (after euthanizia of course). no worries then. hang in there. patti in florida
Linda – you really should think about getting another dog – if you’re a dog person deep down it’s hard to live without one. Talk to people before you get a dog to see who would be willing to give the dog a home if you die first. There are actually rescue groups who step in to take dogs whose owners have passed away. Just a side note – one of the camp pictures I came across recently has you in the foreground at the cutting table.
I am totally a dog person…I have loved animals all my life….My dogs are spoiled pampered things.. and when they are gone, I am so glad that they were so loved…..It is too quiet in my house now–I guess I need a little friend….I would have to go the recue dog route if I die first…In my house, I don’t have things on the floor etc that can’t be just tossed if damaged….I put throws on the couch etc because we like the dog sitting beside us…I am not sure how friends would do with a dog in the house….They just have their little mishaps sometimes don’t they???….
Camp was so fun……
Thanks for writing back–I just felt your pain remembering Faye….I believe we will see them again…
I certainly know your frustration with customer service. When I need to call them. I start by remembering the old adage that “you attract more bees with honey than vinegar”. After a half hour on the first hold, transfers to 4 more people where you have to repeat your entire problem all over again, I lose my patience and the “honey” thing goes out the window. When will companies realize that good customer service is what brings return customers.
Connie R – I started out calm and cooperative at first, too.
Holy cow! You really do have a lot going on there. I seem to often hear myself saying, “it’s always something”. I suppose it’s a side effect of life.
Awh thinking of you.
Hang in there! I have days like that especially since losing my hubby 4 years ago. I find myself saying “Nothing is simple any more!!!” I know part of it is my age but things ARE more difficult and more frustrating!!! 😃👍
SandiMcGuire – I know I’m not imagining all of this frustration with passwords, internet, and all the issues I’ve had this spring. You’re so right – nothing is simple anymore.
I don’t know if you can get my comments but just wanted you to know Ive been taking Ambien for almost 20 years and it still works fine for me. I am 74 and during chemo treatments for breast cancer, sleep was awful…and they prescribed it for me. Only thing that has ever helped me get a deep sleep. My whole life I’ve had trouble sleeping. I think sometimes doctors don’t know what to do, so they just pick something to change. Don’t know about you, but if I can’t sleep, I’m gonna get sicker than ever! You are probably under so much stress lately, that’s causing you to forget some things. You know YOU best! Good luck! Bonnie
Bonnie – if I don’t sleep the next day is miserable and I get nothing accomplished. Ambien is very habit forming and the last two nights have been miserable without it.
I am so glad you can say all of these things out loud to us. I think sharing everything helps us all. Seems like sometimes it goes in waves. Littles one at first then huge ones that just knock us down. But we are listening and relating, wishing we could be of help. Hang in there and know we feel you pain. Love your blog – reading that there are lots others that have the same stupid things happening to them.
Agatha B – isn’t it comforting to know you aren’t experiencing these things alone? Honestly it helps to know I have friends out there listening to me vent!
I love this weather also. Wish we could skip winter and just have 3 seasons. If I drunk beer I would drink one for you but I will drink a glass of Metamucil instead. haha
Dee in Ohio – now there’s a chuckle!!
glad it gave you a laugh
That is what friends are for! Vent all you want. I am totally amazed at how much you do do! I puts alittle and am crawling with my back. I do love gardening but I think that is over for me.
Sounds like you have too much on your plate. Take some calm time for yourself Mary. I have to do that quite often. I had a huge rat in my bird feeder. I no longer can put food out for the birds. I would die if I had your rat problem! Take care😍!
Are you getting any nasty weather there? The map didn’t look good on GMA this morning. We’re supposed to be getting cold, maybe freezing, rain/snow. The snow won’t stick to the road and probably just on the higher hills? Time will tell. Jo, don’t put the snow shovel away yet?
Ain’t life grand? All these trials and tribulations we have to endure. Just another day, tho it doesn’t seem like that when it is happening.
Your rats and mice have had a very nice home for several years and now you have really upset them. You’d think with all the cats there wouldn’t be any mice in the house. Maybe you should tell the cats they are going to have to work for a living? Yeh. I find that most animals don’t like mothballs, except you can’t use them around little kids. And our fur friends make such a huge mark on our lives. My cat met her maker in 1981 and I could cry just like it was yesterday.
Take care everybody. These things will pass. Betty in Rapid City
i’ve had a week similar to yours. first my cell phone had issues, and they changed my network password. that created a snowball effect. no cell, no internet, no t.v. yikes. all because i put the wrong number in and caused an error that could not be fixed. two days later my hus band fixed it. then while eating dinner got a call from one of my credit card people. i live in florida but was in houston spending $500 on my card that day. it got to the point i hung up. they asked too many questions i didn’t think they should ask. this companty (USAA) has a fantastic fraud department. i called them. geesh. i had just had my card replaced (less than 6 weeks ago) because someone hacked it. i was a busy person, in houston at the walmart and in santa clara eating at two high end restaurants (over 500 each). yikes. so now i’m waiting for the new card.. it is the one i use for automatic payments for my charities. i’ll be on the phone again for days on end fixing this. i just read an article on the copd network about making time to care for ourselves. something i seldom do. i keep thinking i have to try to do twice as much as usual. today i took an hour to stitch and later another hour to sit and read. have a better attitude right now. (i had ice cream instead of beer – hehe). patti in florida
Sorry to hear about your troubles. A couple weeks ago I received an email from walmart thanking me for my order. It was an order for a $600 stroller/carseat combo. I live in NC &
the order was to be shipped to a “Patrick Young in Houston Texas”. I about fell out of my seat. Oh they also ordered a Pink Lady apple, yes ONE apple to be picked up at my local walmart in NC. How odd. Thankfully I was able to stop the order. Thanking the good Lord! If they had hacked me while I wasn’t looking at my phone, I would’ve missed it & they would’ve had the order the very next day! It’s sad that these people hack others & get rewarded for being so mean!!! Later I figured out they had hacked my walmart online account. Evidently even if you don’t want them to save a form of payment you use while ordering online, they save your card info anyway. Plus they do not automatically log you out. Even if you’re just looking at an item, you’re info is evidently easily accessible. Also walmart does not require the 3 digit code on the reverse of the card to place a new order. Just hit order & it orders! I couldn’t believe it! I got to reading online & there’s so many – literally thousands of folks that this has happened to. I don’t know if it’s people that work there or former employees or just plain hackers. I looked up the shipping address on Google maps that the order was to be delivered to in Texas & It’s in a very pricey subdivision & the house recently sold, about a year ago for almost $300,000. I did contact their HOA & explained what happened to me & told them they may want to warn others there or be on guard. From my researching, Mr Patrick Young does live at that exact address. So If it wasn’t a person living there that placed the order, it had to be someone who knows them well. Looking at street view on googke maps, the houses are very close together & their house is at the end of the cul-de-sac so there’s no way to just “sneak away ” with a package that large & no one notice. I googled “hacked from walmart” & things like that & found out how frequent this happens. It’s scary. It’s sad. I just don’t understand it. Anyway, just wanted to let you know what happened. Take care. God is on our side. angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
A person who adds their email at the end of every comment is asking for trouble.
Angela – I am appalled! And gratified that you followed this through to the end – I do not know how people can do this sort of thing. It actually makes me sad – our life today is hard – in so many different ways than our parents and grandparents. I’m not sure why you think Mr. Young wasn’t the person who ordered. I order many things from Amazon because my local stores simply don’t have the stuff on their shelves. I have not had trouble with Amazon until last week when I got a notice that someone was placing an order with my password – what???? I called Amazon immediately and they said there was no order – whew! I hate having to be on guard all the time – gives me anxiety. Thank you for saying God is on our side – yes! I agree.
We had a siamese kitten many years ago who passed away when she was barely a year old. We fed her Iams brand food, and she died of kidney failure as well. Later we learned that there are many people who have lost pets from kidney failure because of that brand of food. We never fed any of our animals Iams brand anything again.
Dealing with companies and people can be so frustrating. I hope you sit on your porch and relax. Listening to the birds is a wonderful way to unwind. I had my fourth Covid shot today. I hope I don’t have any reactions like previous times. Here’s to better tomorrow.
🌻Sending you hugs.♡♡ I take cbd chocolate & gummies. The cbd oil by itself didn’t do much for me personally, but the cbd gummies & cbd chocolate & caramels help me relax & they help me sleep deeply. I live in NC & I order online directly from “Laura’s Mercantile” in Kentucky. She has a great company & sends discounts occasionally. Her cbd chocolate & cbd caramels truly help me. I’m not affiliated with her or her company or anything, I just know from experience that her company & her products are legit. ♡♡♡♡ “Liberty” cbd gummies are helpful too but my local cbd store stopped carrying those when they changed company names. I think Liberty sells theirs straight from their company online though. There’s a lot of companies out there selling cbd products that are not real & other bad things. 🕊 Better days are ahead Mary. ♡♡🌞 angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
Angela Short – a friend brought me CBD chocolate several years ago and it’s been in my frig so I tried a small piece last night – I was very disoriented in the night and really didn’t sleep well at all. Maybe I’ll try it again tonite – it was thundering last night so Hazel had to be very close to me.
Hello Mary. I am loving reading your blog. A good friend of mine introduced me to it. Loving the beer and time out on your pourch ❤️. You sure have a way of sharing your life experiences in a way to have one get engrossed to following you ❤️💚💙💜💛🧡. I love your pin cushion collection. In fact I was so intrigued that I have decided to start one of my own. I am going to try and post some pictures of my beginning collection of ones I have purchased at antique stores along with some I began making. I recently made two from one of my mother in law’s old quilt. I would love to send you a couple of pin cushions for your collection if you are interested. Please send me your address, if you would like to receive a couple of homemade ones to add to your collection. Thanks for sharing your journey. Peace and hugs to you ( I know in the world we live in today a hug and a bit of peace can be treasured ❤️❤️❤️ ( couldn’t figure out how to share pics 🤔, any advice?
Jane – I would love a couple of pincushions for my vast collection!!! My address is listed on the right side of the blog home page – 2345 Palm Ave. Garner, IA 50438. And thank you for being a blog reader – I wrote our small newspaper called the Goat Gazette for 20 years and when we closed the shop I started writing the blog – my blog readers are my best friends and I enjoy chronicling life on the farm. Readers are not allowed to post photos – can you imagine if everyone started posting hundreds of photos? The blog would crash. You should send your photos to my email maryehazel2020@gmail.com and I upload them, edit, transfer and put them in my photos before I can even post them – it’s a real process but readers love to see them.
All mailing and email info is at ChickenScratchCountryThreads – please go online and look at that info for future use.
This may be too late as your post was a couple days ago. Recently, I was visiting with my doctor for my annual. When I asked about my failing memory, she said ‘that is perfectly normal’. She didn’t say ‘for your age’ but I got it – haha. Anyway, I told her I take Provasil for memory and she said to go ahead as it won’t hurt and may help (which I think it does). It is just a bunch of vitamins and herbs and is a little spendy but not bad. It’s available online and seems to be a real reputable company. Take care of yourself – this too will pass.
OH, I remember when Faye died, I was so sad for you – and know how badly it hurts to lose a beloved furry family member!
What a hassle you had with the company – it always seems to go like that with these things, You have had way too many hassles this year, I pray that you have some better days and that things start going better and easier for you!! You are always in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Oh Mary, sorry about your frustrations. Hug Hazel and the troubles will go away. I love your blog and marvel at how you keep it up. Lots of bad weather happening here in S. MN. Tornado warnings and hail. I wish for peace and quiet in your life. Sitting on that porch with a beer sounds good to me. Be still…
Marian – we have watched with much interest all the bad weather that has hit your area as well as south of us. We have been extremely lucky to have missed most of it!
Mary I don’t know how you keep going!!! Your plate is so FULL! You have my respect and admiration.