Having used the Grocery Game for a few years, and never really had any problems with it before, I was disappointed with their new "all-singing-all-dancing" website. It proved to be an eyesore, and produced shopping lists that were hard to follow compared to the lists of the past.
Many had lamented and commented about this on the Grocery Game discussion forum. I had contacted customer service to see if I could solve the issue of bad formatting and too few lines on a page. Their canned response did not solve the problem and demonstrated what I had been coming to suspect... the Grocery Game had turned into a machine, and the customer was no longer king. Teri Gault, the company founder, now appears to be the queen, however, raking in a decent living on this brain child of hers. Good for her - but what about us, the customer?
I had commented on the forum that I was looking at alternatives because I hated the look of the new website. That post was edited by Admin Frugalmama to remove that specific comment.
I posted again with my displeasure at the edit and that we, as customers, were paying for a service and should be listened to (see below). I posted again with a link to the BBB report showing that they failed miserably. Both of those posts were deleted in their entirety.
Is that even legal? To hide the fact that you have a bad rating at the BBB? Knowing what was going to happen, I took a screen print just after I posted it.
And now, the message is in the ether - deleted by a panicked admin.
I did find Teri Gault on Facebook and sent her a message explaining what had happened and asked for her thoughts on that. We shall see what she has to say.
I have a lot of time for businesses that are upfront, willing to work with the customer, open to hearing about their downfalls and willing to fix their mistakes. Businesses that operate with the customer being an afterthought and practices unethical damage control, do not get my dime.
After shipping Kurtis off to Mobile AL, with Nana (Bud's mom), Bud and I packed up a small bag with a change of clothes, basic toiletries, flashlight and map, that got strapped to the back of my Triumph before hitting the road for Bandera, TX - the Cowboy Capital of the world. Four stops, and six and a half hours later, we made it into town. Bud's dad and his wife were kind enough to let us stay at their 'country cabin', in a secluded spot close to the Medina River. You cannot help but be in awe at God's creation in such a beautiful and tranquil place.
Our early mornings were spent drinking coffee on the deck as we watched the deer and axis roam around the countryside close to the river, and listened to the hummingbirds fly past our noses to catch a drop of the sweet nectar in the feeder hanging nearby. We would plan our rides and leave early while the heat index was below triple digits. (As a hardened biker chick of many years, who has seen enough spills to make me always obey ATGATT - all the gear, all the time - it was a few days before I gave in to the heat and ditched the jacket for a long sleeved t-shirt to keep the sun off. I even ditched the lid (helmet) on a couple of short rides out to an eatery of an evening. My old biker friends in ol' Blighty would marvel at this kind of Texas biking liberation!).
We enjoyed some great rides, including the best of the "Three Sisters", Ranch Road 337. 335 and 336 make up the three, which we are saving for another day. We stopped at the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop in Leakey, where they display pieces of bashed up motorcycle parts from wrecks in the area, placed appropriately above the eatery known as the Bent Rim Grill. A couple of t-shirts, some good food washed down with ice-cold sodas, and we were back on the road.
Another trip took us to the Stonehenge replica that is just outside Kerrville. We pondered the stones, took snaps with the Easter Island head replicas that are also there, and once again, shot off around the winding Hill Country roads on our trusty metal steeds.
At this point, I have to share a little of what goes through one's mind while traversing these remote parts. A motorcycle ride in this neck of the woods is an adventure in itself, with the breathtaking views and long windy roads. What makes it more interesting are the signs that are dotted all over the place, such as, "Falling Rocks" (agghhh), "Steep Incline" (weeee), "Sharp Bends" (wooaaahh). Then there is, "Earth Slides" (wut?). There really is a whole bunch that goes through the mind, on top of the gleeful grin and humble thanks to God for providing the experience as you motor through the countryside on two wheels.
A highlight to the week was a visit to the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum in Vanderpool, a.k.a. the middle of nowhere. This day brought an adventure of it's own. We had started out early and had not travelled too far when Bud pulled over to the side of the road. His seat bracket had snapped! We had just passed an establishment called Biker Paradise, so cautiously turned around and headed there to see if some kind of help was available. No one was around, but the bike park provided much needed shelter from the already intense heat. Bud was able to secure the seat with some wire from his tool bag, and we continued to the museum with a prayer that the owner might have a welder.
Entering the museum was a sight for sore eyes seeing row after row of beautiful, and many British, classic bikes. The owner, Allan Johncock, originally from Australia, immediately made us feel welcome. We joined many others who were also at the museum to oooh and ahhh over the bikes, before enjoying some tasty morsels at Allan's Ace Cafe, and drooling some more as we took a closer look at the bike collection.
Back to the broken seat bracket... Bud had noticed the fabulous looking workshop at the back of the museum and explained his predicament to Allan, asking if he might be able to help so that we could at least get safely back to Bandera. Without hesitation, and with a visible determination to help out a fellow biker, Allan took the two bracket pieces and soon returned with the pieces welded back together. Allan explained that it took a couple of attempts to get it straight, and even almost apologized for the lack of cosmetic perfection, but that did not matter because he had fixed it! Not only did that welded bracket get Bud's bike back to Bandera, but all the way back to Houston. Allan did not want compensation for his kindness, and seemed satisfied at just being able to help. Thank you, Allan. We are truly grateful.
Bud and I enjoyed hearing stories from Allan's racing days, including the time he rode his Vincent Black Shadow at the Isle of Man TT. The Black Shadow was in the museum, along with other bikes from Vincent, Triumph, Norton, Matchless, Indian, HD. You name it, I think it was there. I asked about an Arial Square Four... Allan pointed to a bike just behind me - there it was! Incredible. I regret that I did not take my dad to this museum while he was here earlier this year. He would have been like a kid in a sweet shop - just as Bud and I were. :)
I cannot emphasize enough how much of a great place the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum is to visit. If you like bikes, you'll love this place. Go visit and tell Allan Johncock that Bud and his Brit wife sent you. An experience and hospitality that is hard to beat.
Our trip home to Houston brought us up to almost 900 miles ridden. A stupendously fun week that was kinda gruelling, but worth every bit of numb bum, road dirt and bugs. Can't wait for the next trip! Enjoy the pics below.
We had so much fun when Bud's nephews, Sam and Dex, were here for New Year, with sincere thanks to Bud's dad who flew then in from Hawaii. We were blessed to be able to spend so much time with them.
We also want to extend sincere thanks to Janet and Benny LeCompte, who threw a fantastic New Year party, where many layers of family and friends were able to see in the New Year together.
Assorted pics from home, the New Year Party and a visit to the Moody Gardens Aquarium, and a video below.
It has been a busy year for sure. There has been fun, excitement and triumphs, blended with trials and tribulation. It is difficult to know where to start, so I will start with the most memorable event of the year... Hurricane Ike.
There had already been one hurricane that had threatened to head toward Houston, but as with all of the other major headlines of, "it's going to be a disaster for {insert major city name here}", nothing transpired and all was well in Houston. That was until the second week of September when Hurricane Ike formed in the Gulf of Mexico. I had travel plans that week, and continued with my schedule of flying to Dallas for Act of Life. The hurricane predictions had Ike going anywhere from Mexico to Louisiana, and it only seemed like a remote threat of coming to Houston.
On the evening of Wednesday 10th, September, I sat in my Dallas hotel room and took a call from Bud who asked if I had seen the news, which I had not. Bud informed me that Ike was making a beeline for Houston. Gulp! We talked about possibilties; should the guys come to Dallas? Should I get on the next flight home? Would my flight be cancelled? I discovered that my flight for the next night was the penultimate flight back to Houston before all others were cancelled. So I continued with my work and prayed for the best.
The flight home had few passengers. Who on earth wanted to fly into Houston at that time? Me! I wanted to get home to my guys. Flying over the highways in the dark, as we approached Houston, I could see lines of lights as far as the eye could see, from cars that were sat bumper to bumper trying to evacuate the city. Surreal to say the least. Did I mention that the date was September 11th? The seventh anniversary of the WTC terrorist attacks. I had flown past the WTC towers just two weeks prior to the attack in 2001. Not only did I have a small fear of flying, an apprehension about flying on the 9/11 anniversary, but I was also flying into a city in the path of a major hurricane. Talk about testing your faith in God! I have to say that I was (almost) completely at peace about it all.
So, on the night of September 12th, Bud, Kurtis and I hunkered down in the living room, prayed and tried to get to sleep before it got really nasty. The winds picked up and were soon howling around the house, bringing intermittant crashes and bangs. The power managed to stay on until about 2a.m. Kurtis and Bud slept some, but I stayed awake throughout most of the night and tried to get some cam corder action.
Daylight brought the abililty to see the aftermath, quieter winds, but still pounding rain. What we saw was just a mass of tree limbs lining the perimeter of our house, and a flooded yard. What a mess.
We were without power for two weeks and had long trips to try and find supplies, like a chainsaw. We were okay for food, bottled water and gas - we're always fairly well prepared - but were not prepared for the complete breakdown of operational functions that you normally have in your day to day lives, like running water and air conditioning. We managed to make hot meals on our gas stove, but options were dwindling. The Red Cross started to make daily rounds in the second week without power, to bring hot meals and water to anyone who needed it. They were a very welcome sight. As power started to come back on, family and friends shared their ameneties with others. We showered at Bud's dad's house. We ran a water hose from one neighbor who had water and an electrical extension from another neighbor who had their power restored, so at least we could run the fridge and keep ice. I did not mention that it was unbearably hot and humid through much of the aftermath. Kurtis' school was also closed for two weeks. The kids saw the whole ordeal as a bit of an adventure and probably coped with it all a lot better than the rest of us.
Now here we are three months later with hurricane damage still evident around the city, our seaside town of Galveston almost obliterated, and thousands of people battling with insurance claims. But you know what? The whole experience really brought home to us how blessed we are with what we have been given; we cherish our friends and neighbors more now than ever before, and there are things that we do not take for granted any more. Our church, Sagemont Church, was also instrumental in a huge way for many, many people, including us as this video demonstrates.
If you can't be bothered to watch the YouTube vid, here are some pics.
Well, that was a lot about a small section of our year. It has to be said that this episode was probably the most stressful time of my entire life, and we got off lightly!
Let's see, what else...
Bud has had a pleasing year with LeCompte Electric Bass. Business growth has been consistent with more and more people taking an interest in his unique designs, excellent workmanship and the bottom line... a great sound! This year was LEB's first year at Summer NAMM - a mega national music exhibition where several big names in the industry got their hands on a LeCompte Bass, and Bud was interviewed by Bass Player Magazine - THE bass magazine! We had an absolute blast hanging out with bass buddies and soaking up the atmosphere in Nashville, Tennessee. Video and pics of the trip here.
For this trip, Bud and I drove to Mobile, Alabama first, where we dropped off Kurtis with Nana (Bud's mom), and then we drove to Nashville, Tennesee. The whole trip was almost 2,000 miles, which was fun in the Magnum.
Kurtis had a great school year with good grades, and spelled his way into the spelling bee earlier this year and again for Jan 2009. He and his friend, Nicolas, entered the talent competition with a Karate routine they had worked on as seen in this video...
Kurtis is now a third degree purple belt, which is the penultimate belt that can be reached at the children's level. He has to go two seasons at this level before he can test for his red belt, which also includes a red uniform. We are so pleased that he has percevered with it for this long. However, now he is asking for a dirt bike... It seems that the love of two wheels from Bud and myself have made an impression. We attended a bike show in Houston recently where Kurtis sat on every bike he could get his leg over. And then last night, he asked if Santa would bring him a dirt bike this year. Probably not this year Sonny Jim!
As for me, I have been working hard with Act of Life. I established a new office space so that I did not have to work from home, and am pleased to be part of the huge growth in the outreach of the ministry. Times are hard for everyone right now, which does impact Act of Life, and as a non-profit that relies on donations, it is a struggle to keep things afloat. Having said that, the experience and strength that today's challenges provide will come into their own as time moves on.
Just yesterday (December 12th), I had a 'women's medical procedure' performed. Nothing major, but enough that I have to rest for a couple of days. I had been anemic, which severly impacted my ability to carry out daily tasks as I was (am) constantly fatigued. The procedure should prevent future anemia and I should slowly start to see an increase in energy. A complication of the anemia is heart pains that I was given nitrates for, but have not had to use them. I tried one, but felt so strange that I decided I would avoid using them unless absolutely necessary. Bud has been an absolute star in taking over the household duties while I rest, including taking Kurtis to the school carnival this morning. Bud may roll his eyes, but I think he actually enjoyed it as much as Kurtis!
Bud and I have enjoyed taking a few motorcycle rides during the year. There are some pretty routes outside of Houston, and have ventured into Galveston a few times - before and after the storm. I still only have about 1,200 miles on the clock though!
Onwards and upwards for 2009. We are planning more of the same for next year, and are not fearful about the future with the economic uncertainty that surrounds us all at this time. God has always provided as and when we have been in need. Often, it has been just what we need, and usually, just when we need it.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, with peace and blessings for 2009.
Just when I thought that this was going to be a frugal Christmas with nothing much more than joy and love to take us through the season, my wonderful husband, Bud, pulled an amazing stunt that I will never forget.
A few days prior to Christmas, he had told me how he was going to take his trailer to help his dad, Jerry, move a patio set that was a Christmas present for his wife, Kim. It all sounded very nice and I was impressed at Jerry's desire to set up this secret surprise present. So, Bud disappeared with his trailer for a few hours and answered my questions about the new patio set upon his return. Nothing to see here.
It was a couple of keys, one larger than the other. I held them up and announced that it is a set of keys and asked what they are for. Is it for a safe? I had been thinking about where to store those data back ups that I had been dutifully taking and then leaving on my desk! "What does it say on the keys?" says Bud. I study the key in the low lighting as the realisation dawns on me when I slowly read out the word 'Triumph'. It says Triumph!
I look at Bud who is grinning and beckoning me to follow him. We walk out to the garage and there she is in all her glory. A brand new 2007 Triumph Speedmaster, with a big red bow!
The next half an hour or so was like a dream where everything was blurry and surreal. Everybody came out to the garage and witnessed my elation, tears, huge grin and repeatedly saying, "I can't believe it!" while hugging Bud. I had wondered where Kim's patio set was, but didn't want to say anything. Well duh! As well as the surprise of the bike, I also marvelled at Bud's ability to pull one over on me like that. Very clever!
On Christmas day morning, Bud rode my new Speedy home while I followed in the car. It's a very nice looking bike and exactly what I had wanted. As I said... best Christmas ever!
Microsoft didn't really save humanity, but they certainly have restored my faith in humanity, or customer service at least.
My new Dell Vostro 1700 notebook arrived this week, courtesy of Act of Life for my work. It is a superb piece of kit and has Vista installed, which, on the whole, I am impressed with.
The only downside I found is the incompatibility with the firmware that is installed on my old Linksys WRT54G wireless router. I was able to connect, but with limited access. After some research, it appeared that it was a known problem to which hot fix 930517 should be applied; Message when a device on a Windows Vista-based computer uses a network bridge to access the network: "Connected with limited access". This was a red herring for me. I had the "Connected with limited access' problem, but it was not over a network bridge, however, I thought I would apply the fix anyway.
The hot fix is not available for direct download. You have to request it from Microsoft. I sent a web request and called the 800# as I was not expecting impressive or speedy results. I was most impressed when I called as I only had to wade through a couple of levels of automation and spoke with a pleasant sounding American girl called Jennifer. Jennifer took my call with high efficiency, located the hot fix that I had requested and emailed it to me instantly. I mean... instantly. The whole telephone episode lasted about seven minutes.
While that was all very efficient, the hot fix did not work. I ended up disabling the WEP security so I could at least get connected on my new laptop. I have not mentioned that there are three other computers already connected, all three running XP, which helped me to establish that it was a Vista specific problem. I figured that I would sort it out some day... while feeling uncomfortable with the lack of security on the network.
Later that day, I received another call from Microsoft asking if the problem had been resolved. Wow! A follow up call. They really cared! I explained that the hot fix had not worked and what I had done to allow connectivity. The rep expressed that they were keen to have the issue resolved for me and would do whatever was necessary. She arranged for a technical guy to call me the following day in a four hour window. For free support, I was not going to grumble about that.
Sure enough, I took the telephone call the next day and after a short discussion, he explained that it was not a Vista problem and I needed to upgrade the firmware on my Linksys router. I proceeded to make it clear to the tech that I was not your average girly computer user and knew what I ws talking about. It is a known Vista problem. Poor guy... he had caught me at a bad time and I was feeling a little grouchy. I decided that he probably did know what he was talking about and assured him that I would try upgrading the firmware. He insisted on a follow up call just to make sure that the problem was resolved, so we set a date and time.
I immediately got onto the Linksys website and discovered that my 2003 firmware could be upgraded to a 2006 version. It had to be worth a stab. So several minutes later, I had newer firmware on the router and I was connected on my new laptop with WPA2 security enabled. Woot!
In the meantime, "Richard G" from Microsoft (I wonder if it was Richard Gere?! Nahh, amusing thought though!) had emailed me with confirmation of our 'date' for the follow up call. I replied to let him know that his advice was sound, and congratulated him and Microsoft on a sterling customer service. Perhaps those hilarious PC v. Mac commercials have something to do with their wanting to bend over backwards to help?
So, that's the end of a heart warming story. Well, not quite actually. As many will know, technology is never that straight forward and my elation was quickly diminished when my hubby, Bud, shouts from the office that his network connection had dropped. I was connected, the other laptop with XP business was connected, so I just hollered for him to disconnect and reconnect to get the secured connection... I was so sure of myself... "It ain't working!" he exclaims. 'Move!' I think to myself as I walk into the office to check the connection on my tower, running XP home as is Bud's tower. It wouldn't connect. Okay, I figured it had to do with the extra security level that I had set and after a couple of downgrades, realized my fear that XP home would only work with WEP encryption. Bah! I'll probably do some more research to see how I can get the extra security.
Anyway, the point of this ramble is to share with the world my new found faith in Microsoft. You go, Bill, heyyyy!
So, the PT Cruiser was dirty and I decided that I would just get a new car. I had known for months what I wanted. Remember December '05 when the tranny went out on the PT, and how I wanted a Chevy HHR? Well, that novelty soon wore off when I realised that's exactly what the HHR is... a novelty car, just like the PT.
Several months ago I fell hook, line and sinker for the Dodge Magnum. The first time I really fell for it was when the show Overhaulin' had overhauled a brand new, shiny black Magnum. It belonged to a spunky little English woman and she reacted the same way that I did when I saw it. It was pure beauty on wheels and she had a hefty V8 Hemi under the hood (bonnet).
If you don't know your American cars, let me tell you, this is a muscle car and a half. It's actually a station wagon with the same chassis as the new Dodge Charger. I seriously considered the Charger as an option, but decided that from certain angles it looks just like any other car on the road these days.
So, I knew it had to be a Magnum, I knew the model I wanted... the SXT, which is one up from the bottom with all the extra doo-dads, like fog-lights, powered seat, sexy alloys and stuff, to make it a nice ride without getting too silly on the price. It also has more horses, with 250 powering that 3.5 litre V6 block.
After much deliberation on color, and having driven a brand spankin' new red model on a test ride and realising that I would get bored with red, not to mention how it would clash with all my purple clothes... I decided upon the bright silver. It's stunner let me tell you. To get to the monthly note that I wanted, I drove away an '06 in superb condition with 14k on the clock. I've got me a whole lotta car for the money!
Pictures are yet to come as the weather has been awful, but rest assured, as I did with the PT was she was spanky, there will be a Magnum gallery, which will be for my benefit just as much as everyone elses!
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