The title for this post should be ‘Drive and Deliver’. ‘Stand and Deliver’ sounds better, I think. It also reminds me of the song by Adam Ant, conjuring up a wonderful image of him in his heyday dressed up like a highwayman, all eye-liner, lip gloss and black mask. A good look, I thought. I can’t say I wear much make-up these days. But I do wear a black mask, though not for committing any crime. Then again, if someone coughs near me again at the supermarket, I could be tempted…
The theme of highway robbery ties in nicely with our present crisis and the ‘Unsung Heroes’ story I’m priviliged to share with you today at Carrot Ranch. Thanks for letting me loose, Charli!
The story ends well, thanks not to Adam Ant, but to a man called, Rob.
It began just before lockdown, which in the UK started March 20th. Anticipating weeks, if not months, of isolation, I rushed to order the treadmill I had planned to weeks earlier, but never got around to. I got my online order in just in time; it sold out the next day.
Delivery was confirmed at the end of the following week on Friday. The only time the tracking facility could give, due to extra pressures caused by Covid-19, would be anytime up to 8pm. No problem. After all, it wasn’t as if I had plans to go out anywhere…
But my treadmill didn’t arrive by 8, 9 or 10pm. Nor the next day and the one after that. Tracking had no updates. It just stopped. Disappointed but not too surprised with early lockdown in full chaotic flow, I was, however, concerned. And so began a two-week long flurry of emails back and forth between me and the third-party seller, Rob.
It seemed my treadmill had come as far as the nearest depot, gone back up north hundreds of miles to Wolverhampton or such, and disappeared. Great, I thought, I bet someone nicked it. Everyone wants a treadmill now, and this one was a great price (cheap), so I bet it got “re-routed” somewhere… Memories of my laptop getting “lost” in the Czech Republic a few years ago didn’t help…
Rob, the Customer Services Manager of the sporting goods store that stocks the treadmill, apologised and assured me that he would look into it. Full of scepticism, I figured he would fob me off, I would have to chase (and oh, how I dreaded the energy-suck of all that) and would have a fight on my hands for a refund.
Dear reader, I love it when I am proved wrong.
A couple of days later, Rob emailed me back. In touch with the courier, he told me they were trying to track my order. Yes, it looked as if it had been re-routed, but he could not tell where. He would let me know as soon as he heard.
Sure enough, he got back to me the next day. As part of an entire missing delivery gone astray, he reported, the courier had now traced it and would hopefully find mine. But alas, the news came back that all had been traced… except mine. At that point, we both felt it highly unlikely that my treadmill would turn up.
Rob had one more avenue to check, he said, but if no luck, he would make arrangements to process my refund.By then, several emails had passed between us, and I noticed something. The tone of them.
Rob told me was sorry for disappointing news in these “challenging times”. I expressed my understanding of the immense pressure couriers face meeting their quotas.
We signed our emails with “take care and keep safe”.
As much as we sought to resolve my missing order, our messages acknowledged one simple fact: we all are doing our best in extraordinary times.
Believing the matter at an end, Rob emailed me with a surprising glimmer of hope. Another customer had ordered the same treadmill as mine at the same time, but upon delivery, had changed his mind. Would I like him to send that one to me, provided it passed his inspection once back at the depot? Yes, please, I replied, that would be great!
Easter on lockdown came and went, a few days went by when nothing happened and then, at last, a van pulled up outside my house. A young, bearded and cheery chap bounded out. He offered to bring the heavy box inside, self distancing of course. I relayed the story as we chatted for a few minutes.
He nodded, chuckled. Yes, their work load is huge, he said. A massive increase in online shopping. They run out of the time set by government guidelines, get re-routed, drive hundreds of miles each day.
He asked my name so he could sign me off once back in his van (no touching of any electronics).
I’m glad you got your treadmill, he said, as he left with a smile and a wave.
I looked up the courier service online and found their Facebook Page. Complaints about late deliveries filled the comments. Then I read their “Covid-19” update. They apologised for the problems some customers had experienced. They had cut back on their staff due to sickness and isolation from Covid, no longer delivered on Saturdays, and had taken on extra work for the NHS (National Health Service).
I left a message of support and thanks and vowed never to complain about White Van Man again. Even when he tailgates.
My treadmill delivery woes seemed trivial, but walking for my daily allotted exercise outside has become a challenge of its own. With narrow lanes used as “rat-runs” by local drivers and many now out walking, cycling and jogging, it’s more a hazard than a pleasure.*
When my weekly exercise class ended abruptly at lockdown (and I was just in the swing of it too, darn it,) I knew I had to do something for my mental and physical health. So my treadmill serves its good purpose. And it even has a Bluetooth link for music. A good time as any for some Stand and Deliver.
I salute you, cheery delivery driver. And I salute you, Rob.
Thank you, my not-so unsung heroes.
*From tomorrow here in the UK, we are allowed to exercise as many times as we want and travel to parks and who knows where to do so. Hmmm. Think I’ll keep to my treadmill, for now.
While bringing her memoir, Stranger In A White Dress, to publication, Sherri’s articles, short memoir, personal essays, poetry and flash fiction are published in national magazines, anthologies and online. Sherri blogs at A View From My Summerhouse about her travels, nature and wildlife, Asperger’s Syndrome and her life as a Brit ‘Mom’ in America. She also contributes as a columnist to Carrot Ranch, an online literary community. In another life, Sherri lived in California for twenty years, but today, she lives in England with her family, two black kitties and a grumpy Bunny. You can connect with her on her on Twitter, Facebook Page and LinkedIn.
I’m so pleased you got your treadmill, eventually, Sherri, and that you will continue to treadmill rather than battle with the crowds outside. I love your photo with the black mask and sunnies – quite intriguing.
There are many who are working overtime at the moment and dealing with people, in person, the way many of us aren’t required to. I’m pleased I can sit at my computer in the safety of my home. I’ve not been bored (I wish – not really) but many haven’t had the opportunity as they have been out there working every day – our unsung heroes.
Thank you Norah…and now with the latest easing of lockdown measures, I will be staying home and using the treadmill just as much, not having much faith in crowd control. Like you, I haven’t had time to be bored lol, as nothing has changed for me on the work/writing from home front. But it’s been a big adjustment with my husband now working from home most days, and looking my mother who is vulnerable and is confined to her home. And I spend a lot more time keeping in touch with my family online now. So grateful for all those working keeping everything going on the outside. And goes without saying for all the medical staff, carers and key workers. On a bright note, I love that you call sunglasses ‘sunnies’! 🙂
“Sunnies”! I hadn’t realised that was an Aussie thing. I guess I should have. We shorten everything. Unless it’s already short, and then we lengthen it. 🙂
While our days may stay pretty much the same, tapping away at our keyboards, trying to bottle our creative juices, there are little adjustments that still need to be made. I hope you are managing well and keep all your loved ones safe. We’re surrounded by too much heartbreak. Hugs. xo
Haha…very Aussie to me and I love it! Yes, you’re right, Norah, we’re all adjusting and managing the best we can, one day at a time, and hope you and your loved ones are safe and well too. So long as we have SMAG and hugs, we’ll be okay 🙂 <3
That’s all we can do, Sherri. SMAG 💖🌻🌞
SMAG, always, Norah 🙂 <3 xxx
Your tale makes many points. It is amazing that some folks still expect immediate uninterrupted services and whine and complain at disruptions and delays, not taking other human beings into consideration, in this case the delivery people with their added difficulties. Sounds like where you are there is also confusion around lifting restrictions. It is a fine thing to get out and exercise, unless it promotes crowding and a false sense of security.
Congrats on receipt of your treadmill. By now you are up to speed and going nowhere fast.
Take care, be safe.
Hi Dee. Yes, I agree. When this all first kicked off, it was awful in the supermarkets with abuse from certain customers who couldn’t get the items they wanted. Once lockdown happened, stock-piling lessened and self-distancing measures were put in place, things calmed down for the most part. But now, with this latest confusion, I fear along with many, what tomorrow and thereafter will bring. Now we have ‘stay alert’ instead of ‘stay home’, yet we are still supposed to ‘mostly’ stay home. Advice to self-distance and not meet in groups didn’t work before; is it going to work now? I don’t think so, sadly. With the highest death rate in Europe, we are still at a dangerous phase. Boris Johnson stated that the government will not hesitate to clamp down on the easing if ‘common sense’ does not prevail. Well…I could put a few memes here to express what I think about that, but they are very rude, so I will leave it at that. Ha…’up to speed and going nowhere fast’. Says it all! Thanks, D…and you too, keep safe in your neck of the woods 🙂
I’m just grateful to actually be in the woods.
Sounds like heaven…
This is really great. Inspiring too that people have become more kind and caring under stress.
Thank you, Sadje, I’m glad you enjoyed it! It helps to seek the better side of the good, the bad and the ugly, though not always easy 😉
You’re welcome Sherri. Absolutely right, we are quick to spot the faults and failures but slow to appreciate the good.
Too true…and even more important to look for the good. Thanks again, Sadje 🙂
You’re welcome 😉
Keep safe, Sadje 🙂
Thank you! You too.
Thanks! 🙂
👍
We all need a Rob – appropriate name for a highway man. Hope you’re well Sherri
Ha…I was wondering if anybody would catch that. Had to be you, Geoff! Keeping well, thanks, and hope you are too. What times…
Well spotted, Geoff. (I didn’t.)
Ha!
Enjoyed your piece, Sherri. Seems there was patience and goodwill on both sides. I don’t envy you on your treadmill – although are you able to combine it with a standing desk? Or a laptop on top of two box files as mine is? Then I might be interested. But I totally agree with you that some outdoor spaces are simply too crowded to be comfortable, and this latest relaxation of the lockdown will just make things worse. I’m lucky to be able to get out into fields across from my house which are generally quiet before breakfast. Much as I am missing the Peak District I won’t be driving out to any beauty spots anytime soon.
Thanks, Anne! It’s boring just on its own, but I plug into music and it helps me do a lot of processing, so not too bad. There are different programmes too to mix things up. That’s great you have fields, and since writing this post, we’ve discovered a walk around some fields just off a lane that we hadn’t known about before. So far, nobody else has gone there when we have, and we did check they were public, so that’s helped a lot. Open space makes such a difference. But like you, we won’t be travelling to any beauty spots anytime soon either. I think we need to brace ourselves for the consequences of this new ‘phase’…
I’m always excited when I discover new walks, or deviations from familiar places, and was almost as excited about you discovering yours. My fields are private land but not used for crops, and I’ve grown to love them since giving up on the reservoir which had got too crowded – there are tiny hills and boundary hedges so I get some variety. Yesterday morning I surprised a deer – or it surprised me – only two metres distant.
Ha, thanks Anne, and yes, likewise!! Sounds idyllic, how lovely, a deer surprise, and a socially distancing one at that 🙂 ‘Our’ fields are left to wildflowers it seems, with well trodden trails around and edges and as with you, hedges full of delights, namely lots of birds at this time of year nesting. Iinteresting, we also have a reservoir near us which we thought about visiting recently, but it’s small and will be crowded on its tiny, narrow path. Did you see the crowds at Lulworth Cove and at some Somerset beaches? Needless to say, we stayed home this weekend as usual and planted out my sunflowers and sweet peas at last, hoping we don’t get a sneaky frost thrown as a last hurrah. Perhaps we shall get to visit our doorstep beauty spots soon, but not at this rate. Meanwhile, bring on those surprises!
Yeah, and a woman at Stratford saying I didn’t think it would be this crowded, as if other people won’t have similar ideas about getting out.
I’ve started transplanting outdoors too. Mostly edibles!
Ha, just about says it all doesn’t it? It’s bad enough without lockdown…
Been lovely weather for transplanting and seems we are safe weatherwise now at last. Lots of lovely edibles to look forward to!
Now the problem is keeping those transplants watered!
I know, it goes from the sublime to the ridiculous! Have a great weekend, Anne. I’ve been on the back hoof all week. Catch up soon. Enjoy the weekend with your six self distancers in your garden. Though what if we need the loo? See…this is how my mind works 😀
My thoughts exactly. Not inviting anyone around to use my toilet for a while.
Ha…same, no way!
Glad you got your treadmill. We are lucky in that we have the park and beach to walk the dog, though if the hordes of holidaymakers come to the town, we shall be staying in.
Sounds great…I long for a walk by the sea! We’re only about 40 minutes away, but even now with the easing of restrictions, we still won’t be heading there. Too soon. If the hordes descend, it will not be good. Keep safe!
Thanks Sherri. Our beach is less than a ten minute walk away.
Sounds like heaven to me…keep safe!
You too
Thank you 🙂
A very entertaining article, Sherri. I am glad you got your treadmill in the end. We can’t buy anything and my son’s practice kit for drums has been in the system for a week before our lockdown so it has been 8 weeks now.
Thanks, Robbie. Wow, that’s a long wait. Yes, I was amazed to discover that deliveries were still being made and have been throughout here. I hope your son gets his practice kit soon. Keep safe and well.
We were on restrictions about the same time as you… Our gov (in our state) wants us to stay in the Red – though a slight uprising of business want to open anyway – and may be fined.
My life like yours has changed with my hubby working across from ‘my’ space at the dining room table 😉
In my suburb area we seem to have plenty of room for walking around the block… It is unfortunate that too many still do not wear their masks or wear them the wrong way (not covering your nose doesn’t help.)
As my guys are in the safety field they often remind others they are talking to that masks are actually your last line of defense in regards to safety. And wearing a mask has its limits if you don’t handle it properly.
Stay safe and yes we need to remember to be kind to all those whose jobs take them out into the public.
Hi Jules, great to ‘see’ you again. Yes, we hear about the uprisings over there in some states. Glad to know you and your loved ones are safe and well. Great point about masks. The first time I wore mine, I immediately felt itchy on my face and remembered just in time not to touch it. I was in the middle of a supermarket at the time! But yes…covering the nose does help! I was very concerned to see the tubes packed out by commuters this morning going back to work, very few with masks…one said it was the train to Covid City…
Glad you have good space for walking. We have since found some fields with lots of open space which has helped. Fresh air…ahhhh!
Thanks, Jules, keep safe.
A modern-day highway robbery with a happy ending! I like how you began to notice the tone of the emails between you and your store manager. That’s how we can make a big difference in each other’s lives. Now, I’m picturing you treading away to Adam Ant. Thank you for your memoir writing to share with us the latest Unsung Heroes!
Haha…well, you know I’ll grab any chance to get in the black mask, Charli! And with too many not-so happy endings these days, I’m honoured for the chance to praise our Unsung Heroes. Thank you so much for that chance; it’s wonderful to ride again with you all at the Ranch! <3
Great story, and thanks for reminding us to keep things in perspective. Those delivery drivers are something else these days; I don’t envy their job.
I like the title of your piece, which is also the name of one of my favorite American films. Stand and Deliver is a 1988 film based on a true story. The movie is about an inner-city teacher from Los Angeles who takes a low performing school of Latino students from working-class families and teaches them AP Calculus. After an exceedingly high percentage of students pass the test, the state questions the results and essentially accuses the students/teacher of cheating. They are forced to take the test over, and an even higher percentage of kids pass the test. It is an inspiring movie.
Hi Pete, and thank you, glad you enjoyed it. You know, I have a vague memory of that film now you mention it. I was living in California then, so chances are I would have watched it, as it sounds like my kind of film. I need to watch it again, thanks for the tip! Hope all is well with you and your family, Pete.
I’m glad you got your treadmill Sherri. We’ve been doing YouTube keep fit videos and yoga ones either everyday or every other day. My eldest is a keep fit enthusiast! Lol. I’m really enjoying the yoga and the salsa dancing type ones. Great fun. Keeping our spirits up. x
Thanks, Marje 🙂 <3 That's great with the YouTube keep fit videos, they're good aren't they! I need to find those salsa dancing onces, always fancied learning how lol! Keep fit and keep safe! xxx
My brother works out a lot, and gym closings affected him a lot. He went to a gym equipment store, but he forgot a couple 95 lb dumbbells. He came back one week later and the cost had doubled! It’s definitely a weird time with new demands.
Wow, yes, this is happening a lot. I notice at the supermarket there are no ‘specials’ or offers anymore on anything. Top price for many items. I am not surprised about your brother’s experience. My eldest son uses the gym a lot too but as with your brother, can no longer do so. Weird time for sure…
Omg, why does your delivery life sound so much like mine? Lol. Wow, halfway around the world and back, but finally glad you got it! Sounds like my boxes of masks and gloves I ordered in March on a slow boat from China, still not here! Lollllllllllllllllll. Hugs <3 xxxx
LOL…who knew!!!! These days, we’re lucky to get anything delivered at all. You need ‘my; nice delivery driver on that slow boat to speed things up! Hope you get your masks and gloves soon, Deb. Meanwhile, take good care, keep safe and hugs back! 🙂 <3 xxxx
Lol, thanks Sher. It’s getting ridiculous! 🙂 <3 You too! Stay tucked and masked Sher! Hugs <3 xxxx
Yes it is! Thanks, Deb, will do! Big hugs and keep safe, my friend! 🙂 <3 🙂 xxxxx
<3 xxxxxx
Sherri, What a great article about our unsung heroes. My son is a 20 year UPS driver in western NY state. He is working his regular shifts which include 145 stops in one 9 1/2 hour day. The same as at Christmas time with so many people at home ordering on-line. But at the holidays, he gets a helper, no such thing now. He says there are full semi-trucks sitting at the UPS depot that they just can’t get to for a few days that’s why things are late. I worried about him out in public all day but he told me he is in his truck, not around people though he has to touch a lot of doorknobs. He related that his hands are cracked from all the hand sanitizer and when he puts it on, it just moves the mud around. Packages are dusty dirty by nature. He is happy to be working as he is not a sit at home kind of guy. His fiance is also going into work each day. She works at the county health department and her boss says she can’t function without her. So far so good on the health meter. I have not seen them in person since February and they only live an hour away. He did call on Mother’s Day and we talked for over an hour. That was a true gift.
I so enjoyed your Brit terms. I haven’t heard or used the term “nicked” since I lived in the UK in the ’70s. Great memories.
Take care and stay safe.
Aww Susan, my heart goes out to you. I haven’t seen my two older boys since February either, they live about 4 hours away. What a gift indeed to hear their voices! We had our Mother’s Day in March, right after the beginning of lockdown…and here we are, with you too experiencing the same. When I lived in California (my eldest was born in the UK but 3 when we moved, his siblings born there) I took on American holidays and celebrations and kept the British ones I could, but as the years went by (I was there 20 years), I kept forgetting about Mother’s Day here being in March. But my mother did well out of it, having one from my brother in March and another from me in May, albeit from afar. She loved it! 🙂 But yes, to your son. You must be so proud but of course, worried too, as with his fiance. That’s a lot of deliveries in one day and with no extra staff now and the full-on quotas to meet, it makes for high stress. Not to mention, all that hand gel…yikes. Good to hear both are keeping safe and well and that’s what keeps me going too, knowing we are doing the same, keeping in regular touch and carry on as we are, one day at a time. As for those Brit terms, it’s funny, I forget sometimes what’s what! Even now my husband will catch me using a certain expression and say, haven’t heard that one before! Usually the rude ones! Great sharing such memories and thank you for chatting, Susan. Likewise, take care and keep safe <3
More sunshine from your Summer House!
Thank you! <3
Thank YOU, Liz…glad you enjoyed! 🙂 <3
It was great you got your treadmill, Sherri.
Back in early March, my brother in Hong Kong said the stores ran out of masks. He couldn’t get them anywhere and asked me to send him some! Masks made in China are not available in China or Hong Kong and I tried to buy them from the US to send them to Hong Kong!! Well, I tried. I sent to the stores. I sent online. Yes, you got it, I couldn’t find any. After searching for days, I found some dust masks. My husband who worked in the hospital for years said they were no use for protection. Hospitals use N95. He helped me to find some on Amazon. He did, but the price was many fold. I was afraid even the price gauging would prevent from running out. I brought some and sent them to Hong Kong by first class mail.
It was panic buying!
I’m glad you can exercise on your treadmill now!
Hi Miriam! Thanks, yes, it all worked out! That’s crazy about masks made in China not being available there or Hong Kong. But it’s hard to get masks now anywhere and I’m amazed you managed to find some on Amazon. They will be like gold dust now in price and availability. My youngest got a large box of masks way back, even before coronovirus, from Japan. Keeping up with all the latest online, they had read last year of a warning of a dangerous virus heading our way. Of course, at the time, I didn’t really take it all that seriously… Well…that’s the only reason I have them to use for our shopping trips. Didn’t see that coming! The UK government is now urging people to wear them on public transport (for those who have to work and use the underground and buses and can’t walk, cycle or drive for whatever reason) and in small spaces. But they are not mandatory. As soon as the resitrictions were lifted on Wednesday for some going back to work (not all by any means), the tubes were packed out again and from what we saw on the news, very few wore masks. I don’t know where we are supposed to get them from now. I hope your brother gets his package, if not already! What times. Hope you and your family are all keeping well and safe, Miriam, and you will soon see your beautiful granddaughter <3
I sent the masks to my brother in early March. He got them. I happened to go to a hardware store before getting the masks on Amazon, I got two of the 2-pack. Sent one pack along with the Amazon ones to my brother. I’m using the other ones when I go out. This virus is crazy, no pattern and unpredictable. The US just said we may have the vaccine in 12 to 18 months. Many will die before it’s available.
Good to hear you and your family are well 😊. Take care, Sherri!
Oh that’s good to hear, Miriam, glad your brother got his and now you have masks for yourself too. Yes, it is crazy and unpredictable and we are worried here with the restrictions on lockdown easing and a swell of crowds in public places. We aren’t going anywhere. Let’s hope and pray for that vaccine as soon as possible. Take care, Miriam, and I’ll catch up at your pad asap. Thank you, and you take care too! 🙂 <3
Yes, we’re cautious to ease back. Good to know you’re well! <3
Thanks, Miriam, and you too! <3
You’re welcome, Sherri! <3
Thanks, Miriam. Have a lovely weekend and keep safe as always. Crazy heatwave here…! >3
You’re welcome, Sherri. The weather here has been crazy also. 💖
<3
I love my treadmill, especially here in the winter when it is tipping down.. glad that you experienced the commitment from Rob and his team to get you yours…lovely post.. hugsx
Thanks, Sally! Yes, that’s exactly why I wanted one, for those cold, rainy days. No excuse then not to exercise, right? Keep safe and well and hugs back to you 🙂 <3 xxx
Reblogged this on A View From My Summerhouse and commented:
This week, I have had the honour of writing my first guest post for an ‘Unsung Heroes’ column at Carrot Ranch. Many thanks to all who have left lovely comments there, and to Charli Mills, Lead Buckaroo, for this wonderful opportunity. My post this month features a cheery delivery driver, a customer services manager called Rob, and Adam Ant. There is a point in there somewhere… Keep safe! <3
Great story, Sherri. There are so many good people out there who really do their best and they deserve a thank you.
Thanks so much, Mary, glad you enjoyed it. It’s good to remember the good out there when there’s so much that isn’t. Take care, Mary, hope you and your family are keeping well. You’ve got the right idea your way, keeping on lockdown. Not easy about things here…but as always, one day at a time… <3
We’re fine thanks and glad our First Minister is being more cautious than Boris.
It’s nice that you were so thoughtful. It’s mean of people to complain – they must realise that things are difficult for everyone. It’s like people in small shops, they are all working so hard, it is a real strain for them.
This makes me wonder how a whole consignment could lose itself – it would be so big – and reminds me of a Guardian consumer page where some poor person couldn’t get get anyone to come and collect an enormous item that was delivered by mistake, as it wasn’t high value and so wasn’t worth the company’s while.
Hope you are well!
Hi Denise, and thanks so much for reading at Carrot Ranch! That’s a very interesting point you make about whole consignments getting lost and what can happen. It does make you wonder, doesn’t it? When all this first kicked off, in those bad old days of panic buying and stock piling, I was shocked at the abuse supermarket staff were getting from customers. One young man told me about an older man throwing a pack of chicken at him at checkout because he had more than the limit of ‘only’ 3. And one young woman telling me the vile name she was called by someone. Things have calmed down in that sense, but even before Covid-19, there was a feeling of so much self-entitlement in a lot of quarters, I felt. All the complaints, demands and rudeness. The crisis brought it all out, sadly. But it’s good to focus on the good and give our key workers the praise they deserve. And so many others behind the scenes, as I hope to explore in this column in the weeks ahead, those who just roll up their sleeves and get on with it. Lovely to hear from you as always. We are well, and hope you and yours are too! Keep safe, Denise. Hugs <3
I loved it! Even tho I have referenced Adam Ant over the years, I never watched any of his videos. I think what I really was referencing was the cartoon by the same name!
Yay for Rob!! Very clever usage of the name!
<3
Haha…that’s funny and now you mention it, I remember that cartoon too! Yay for Rob indeed! Thanks so much, Melinda! <3
My pleasure! <3
🙂 <3 🙂
So enjoyed another good read! Especially the happy ending! How I could relate and I love how you keep it real my friend. 😊💕💕💕
Thank you, Diane, and I love that you enjoyed it…and yes, good to have a good ending especially at such time. Keeping it real with you, my friend 🙂 <3<3 <3 xoxo
It’s well to recognize the stress and strain of delivery services in these times. While a rant is sometimes on one’s lips–or fingers on a keyboard, it’s likely more productive to be patient, at least with a responsive and courteous customer service person. Good that it all worked out well for you.
Thanks, John, and totally agree, patience, if possible, does get better results!
I was so excited to have a “quiet” Sunday morning to read your lovely column! I say quiet, but these days are anything but. There are protestors in our cities marching against racially based police brutality, riots in the streets–many reportedly fueled by manipulative groups with ulterior motives, viruses lurking, bodies being stockpiled, not to mention men newly orbiting in space. How much can a country stand I woke wondering this morning. So, thank you, Sherri, for lifting me up. Thank you for sharing this lovely gem of humanity and kindness in this very dark space we are in. Thank you for sharing a story of basic goodness. It was just what this soul needed. I think it’s what we all need right now. I love the inclusion of Adam Ant–who I haven’t thought about in a very long time. I love your wit and matter-of-fact approach to the trials and tribulations of ordering online, and I especially love the dialect–the terms such as “nicked” and “fobbed me off.” I love that you spell apologise with an “s” instead of the “z” that we use here. I feel connected to you through your language, and I couldn’t have enjoyed that more! Happy treadmilling, my friend! May we all emerge from this time kinder, more gentler humans.
Oh Theresa, my heart goes out to you and yours and every city under seige…and during a pandemic, no less. We would not believe it if not for the horrifying images flashed in the news every day, all day. And yes, here we have a momentous occasion with a space launch which we watched from our living room in Somerset, England, in mutual awe! These are terrrible and heartbreaking times, we need some good news for sure. I am so so glad you enjoyed this post! I smile, because when I first moved back to the UK, having lived in California for almost 20 years, I applied for a job and had to type a letter as part of the interview. I didn’t get the job, because, apparantely, my letter was to ‘Americanised’ (with an ‘s’ lol)! I forget when I’m using Brit or American lingo, and probably the American I do use now is out of date!! I love connecting here, at Carrot Ranch, with you and among such a wonderful, diverse and kind, caring community and buckaroo, and I love that Charli brought us together. I share your heaviness for your and ‘my’ adopted nation, the America I love and the life I had there. And I share the great hope in your heart for a kinder, more gentle world. Oh Theresa, what times these are. If Adam Ant can raise a smile for a few minutes, then so be it! We shall prevail! Hugs, my friend, and thank you so much for your lovely message <3
It’s been a strange old time Sherri. We’ve been getting a fair few deliveries here too. I’m still waiting for a Tee-shirt that hasn’t arrived hope to get it soon! Patience and hopefully we’ll get there. Marje x
Hasn’t it just, Marje. Hope you get your tee-shirt soon! I ordered an additional face mask from your friend’s website raising money for the NHS. I got a blue ocean design, I love it! That came right away. But yes, it is still very hit and miss and will be for some time to come! Take care, Marje, and thanks so much for reading at the Summerhouse and the Ranch! <3 xxx
Yes me too, still not got that tee-shirt. Glad you got the NHS masks. They’re great, mine came right away too. All the best Sherri. xxx
Thanks, Marje…you too… xxx