Summer 2013: August 7

79 degrees today.  Stars were out when I exercised, cloudy now.  Rain? 

Spent over $900 yesterday on correcting what, in my opinion, illustrates  incompetence on the part of the plumbers (Arlington Plumbing) and the builder (Grant and Company).  Defects included the dishwasher not being hooked up to hot water (meaning we have been washing dishes in cold water all these years), defective parts in faucets and stools,  etc.  Now we have to correct the squeaking in all the doors etc.   If we ever build a house again, I plan on an inspector being there all the time.  Overall we love the house, but the defects like these shouldn't have happened.

I will be so glad when the political season is over.  While I realize they may be necessary the campaign signs make me feel like I am living in an unregulated commercial zone.  I dread the thought that it is still a month and 1/2 to the election.

English Garden did an excellent job of replacing the bushes.  The yard looks so nice now, I"ll try to get some pictures.   

Summer 2013 August 1

79 degrees this morning.  Still slightly coolish from the rains last night.

I am amazed that Staples Office Supplies and Dell Computer stay in business based on their horrible customer "service".  

As discussed before, an item I bought at Staples Office Supplies quit working.  I following instructions and, in spite of having purchased an "extended warranty" that guaranteed in house repair, I was advised to "call the 800 number".  I did and was advised a "box to return the item will be sent to you".  That was over three weeks ago.

I even received an e-mail from the Staples "Office of the President" and they apologized and said I would be send a "store card" to purchase another item to "fulfill the contract".  Guess what?  That was two weeks ago, still no action!!!  Pathetic.

Dell Computer isn't much better.  I have written on this before, so I won't bore you with it.

I always like August.  Of course, my birthday is in August and the weather is usually the type I like.  I actually enjoyed going to school so I alway anticipated returning to school.

One think I don't personally like about election campaigns is all of the yard signs.  I realize they are necessary and all that, but I am so glad when the election period and (most of) the signs are picked up, at least no new ones are put out.  

August ought to be an interesting month.  I hate to see baseball season end, but it also means (college for me) football will begin. 

My six (or seven?) year old MacBook battery is finally going out.  I get a message to "replace soon".   I hope that is referring only to the battery.

The morning "hyper time" continues.  I don't really know where the time goes in the morning. It is like someone forwards the clock.