Sometimes...

... the stars just line up right.

Back in December I was doing a little after-Christmas shopping on Amazon and came across a really pretty 5-pc nativity set I liked, so I ordered it. I also ordered an additional 2 pieces to complete the set - an arch and a shepherd.

The next day I wanted to show my friend what it looked like so I pulled up my open order, clicked on the photo of the set and got the following message:

Looking for something? We're sorry. The Web address you entered is not a functioning page on our site Go to Amazon.com's Home Page

Hmmm, thought I, that's strange. Maybe I got the last one? (not likely, but I was reaching!) So now I'm feeling a skosh uneasy, but figured I'll just wait and see how things go.

Well, to make a long story short, I spent several weeks waiting for and then returning the partial order they sent. After much back and forth dialog with the Amazon supplier (Christmascentral.com) I ended up with no nativity set, the news that the 5-pc set is out of stock and no longer being manufactured, an apology, and a credit to my credit card. Well, poop!!

Since I already have a child's nativity, I wasn't really devastated but I was disappointed because this one was really cool - contemporary and unique. Oh well.

So, fast forward to this month. I'm putzing around on Amazon and decided to look at nativity sets again. Hello!! Staring back at me in the very first position of indoor nativities is the very same set I wanted in December!! The one that was out of stock and no longer being manufactured! Hmmmm, curiouser and curiouser, thought I. Sooooo...

Oh no, you din't!! Oh yes, I did!! I ordered it again. And don't you know that when I tried to look at the picture on my order the next day I got the same message as above? That was on April 24-25.

All righty then - this is getting old and I'm really not expecting to get this thing, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?? And I was having a slow week anyway. Well, lo and behold, on April 27 I get an email that my 5-pc nativity has shipped! Get outta here! Now I'm wondering what they're sending me cuz I'm just not believing that I'm really going to get THE set.

So now, I'm tracking the package on FedEx... it's in Buffalo, NY on the 27th; then it's in Syracuse, NY; then it's in Hagerstown, MD on the 28th... with delivery estimated on the 29!! I'm still leery, wondering what will arrive...

Ta Da!! Looky what I got today!!

Oh me of little faith!! Isn't it purty??
(and I don't care about extra pieces!)

Simple pleasures

Mmmmm, mmmm, mmm! Earlier last year, I broke down and joined the reed diffuser lovers crowd. I bought a scent at Target, Lavender Lemongrass, and have been loving me one of the the yummiest aromas I've ever sniffed. What a treat!



As this totally intoxicating aroma wafts about my desk, it's almost enough to make one swoon! Not overwhelming or cloying like some of these things can be, but more of a delicate, clean, fresh scent. Delicious stuff!

The only problem is you can't get refills. Erg! For some strange reason the company (Method Home) makes all kinds of refills for their other products, but not a one for the aroma sticks. Very puzzling... not to mention frustrating.

Hopefully they'll rectify the situation soon cuz my last bit of supply is about to run out and while it may be the manufactuers strategy, I won't be buying a new diffuser every time the scent fades, no matter how much I like it. I'll just enjoy it while I can, then write a letter of complaint or reluctantly try something else.

*sigh*

Neighborly nicety

Earlier today, our next-door neighbor came over for a friendly chat while we were outside planting. We needed a few more fill-in plants, so Lew said he'd run over to the nursery to get some. Neighbor asked if he'd mind picking up a couple of pumpkin plants for her and she'd pay him when he got back. Sure thing, no problem.

So off he goes, gets what we need, as well as the plants for the neighbor, and takes them over to her when he returns. Much to her chagrin, neither she nor her hubby had small bills and Lew had no change. No biggie, Lew said, don't worry about it. I mean we're talking a few dollars, here - it's not going to break the bank and don't leave town, okay? ;)

No, no, that wouldn't do for this proud lady. So, she goes in her kitchen and sends him home with this:

Oh.my.soul!! This stuff is delicious!! It's a type of cheesecake from her homeland, Germany... and I'm gonna get me a recipe!

We have lovely neighbors. :-)

Sharing...

I think I may just be one of the most fortunate grandmas I know. Who knew there could be such pleasure in a spontaneous phone call from #1 grandson at 9:30ish at night just to tell me:


"Guess what!!" he squealed

"I give up," says I...

"It's snowing down here!" says he, with #2 grandson squealing the same message in the background.

After talking about the joy of getting snow in SC, I was then treated to a burst of devilish laughter as he proceeded to try to belt his brother with a snowball! :D

It's the little things that count... even when they're icy snowflakes.

Bummer!

When we were in Carolina for Christmas, Tammy had some darling holiday-themed serving dishes that she had bought on sale at Kohl's. After Christmas, they had their end-of-season clearance sale, so I picked some up for myself, both at the store and online. So, my online order arrived today and bummer... of the two dishes in one of the boxes, only one survived the journey. The other one looked like this...



Darn! Back to Kohl's with it since it's clear it was inferior packaging and not UPS' fault. Oh well, maybe they'll have them again next year... like I really need any more dishes!

In record time...

This is one for the books. From beginning to end, it took less than a month! That just doesn't happen at our house. Usually we have to talk things to death, agonize over the decision-making process, and then put it on the back burner to stew awhile before we finally get around to doing whatever it is. It's an exercise in futility that, trust me, you don't want to go through.

So anyway, earlier this month, after deciding that a red front door just might liven up our nice but boring white house, we collected numerous paint chips, made a decision, and Lew painted the door yesterday and this morning! It's over, it's a done deal, and we have a beautiful red front door. Damn, it looks good!!

Ain't it purdy?? :)

*sniff*

There's nothing more special than to get the most beautiful Mother's Day card from your grown (43 yrs grown) child with loving words that bring you to your knees and dissolve you into a puddle of happy tears. I am such a fortunate woman. :)

Hot damn!!

Oh joy! Finally! After not finding one lousy box last year, Lew just came home with 5 of them! Yeah buddy! And he's got info on when they'll be selling them at other localities 'round and about town.

Mmmmmm, mmm! I've already opened a box and had three... and I'm ready to scarf up more.

I be a happy camper. :)

It's the little things...

Who'da thunk you could ever get excited about getting a bill? I got me one today, with MY name on it, and yes, I am excited! Wellll... maybe pleased would be a better word, but still.

A brief history - when I got divorced umpteen bazillion years ago, my lawyer at the time advised me to not change the name on specific documents so as to avoid grievous complications for myself - loss of my house, for one. While not technically illegal, it wasn't totally kosher either and could have created major problems had the right questions been asked by the right people.

At any rate, here it is, some almost 30 years(!) later, and finally, in the past year, the name situation has been remedied. None of my legal documents, mortgage, deed, insurance bills, county bills, etc. no longer have my previously-married name attached to them.

I just got my first county water and sewer bill in my present name and I'm thrilled!