An Overwhelming Kindness

Dang. No photos due to some kind of computer or blogger glitch; oh well, it is what it is.

The last two weeks plus have been overwhelming in a variety of ways. We went from Blackberry Blizzard with a "wintery mix" to, a week later, 3 or 4 inches of rain in thirty-six hours. As Andy Griffith said, "It rained and it rained and it rained...it was a real frog strangler!" It's been raining for about the last eight days and, not to disrespect God or anything like that, I'm a mite tad tard of rain. As they would say around here
-smile-. That horrendous rain came with an electrical storm of ginormous magnitude. Not only did it blow out my telephone system, it blew out three house phones and my computer tower. YEOUCH!

Speaking of Mayberry, the Jasper, Alabama native George Lindsey passed away; remember Goober? What a classic that show was and is fondly remembered. I still watch Mayberry, it's comfort television for me; how about you? Mr. Lindsey via his celebrity golf tournament raised more than $1 million for the Alabama Special Olympics and will be missed by many. Prayers are with his family during these difficult days.

Another icon of my youth, Dick Clark, passed away. Rememer American Bandstand?

Yep, that's right...no telephone service for the last fifteen days or thereabouts. I cannot begin to tell you how much time and expense the V...and it doesn't stand for Victory!...phone company has cost me. They promised me a "one time credit of $25" the first week and a "one time credit of $40" the second week and are now trying to weasel out of paying. Additionally, I'm not paying for the days I didn't have telephone service and am not paying the fifty cents per day for 911 service...which I didn't have.

Did you know V. charges tax on services they don't provide? That's right, boys and girls. On my bill from February, when they were strong arm twisted into giving gave me what they promised, they charged me tax, state and federal, on services not rendered. Did you know, (on a roll here...) that whenever a V. employee is able to not give you what they owe you, that employee gets a bonus?! That is so immoral and unethical! I recently was told the top V. ceo's, presidents, vp's, etc. were given $1.2 billion dollars in salaaries, bonuses, perks, golden parachutes and the like. So, ya think employees are learning from example? Looks like to me.

 I'm a big letter writer. I write to friends, family, folks I don't know...and to the State Corporation Commission.  This will be my third letter to the SCC this year and each time, they have been able to prod V. into giving me what V. promised me. Let's see if it works this time. If you're having problems with a utility company, put the problem in writing and send the letter to your State Corporation Commission. I guarantee you'll get results.

The boots on the ground guys are fantastic to deal with; they work in all kinds of weather and I've never dealt with one who had a bad attitude. Of course, I hand out shortbread when they get here so perhaps that helps. -smile-

Remember Russell and the fire? So many of you have sent help to Russell and his family; thank you! He has been overwhelmed by your kindness and several times has begun crying at the outpouring of kindness. May God bless each of you tenfold for reaching out to a stranger and making his life, and the lives of his family, a bit easier.

Before the rain started, I was able to plant a couple of rows of potatoes and beans but still have so much to plant. I like to raise extra because there are always folks who enjoy fresh produce and it's not all that difficult to raise extra.

It's late for me and no matter there's more to say, I'm hitting the hay. Tomorrow is a l.o.n.g. day and miles to go before I sleep so good-night for now. God bless you and keep you; He does me.

Blessings ~ sleep ~ phone service that works ~ boots on the ground guys and gals ~ gardens ~