Thus Says Suzanne...

$620.30 and an E-collar

Bella came home from the vet yesterday (courtesy of a transport from my mother) after having a mastectomy for cancer, as well as removal of two other cysts.  Biopsy results should be back next week and we'll know then what her prognosis is.  So now both dogs have had problems with cancer.  Joy.  She seems to feel pretty sparky so that's good news.

The bad news is the E-collar.  She's ramming into stuff all over the place.  I thought she was just having a hard time adjusting to it as it rests on the top of her ears, but that's not what's going on.  She wants it off and she is just trying to get it off by slamming it into anything and anyone available.  I finally put her in the crate so she would settle down but we'll have to go to the pet store later this afternoon to get a new collar as this one will be toast about that time. 

before and after continued...

When Mosker was here last month she took on the task of breaking down the oh-so-hated planter against the front window.  Before it was all done she enlisted the help of Ray and Shel.  Last week I fetched the bricks I needed to repave, and today the youngster and I finished clearing out the dirt, and then paved the area.  Technically this is not the end of the project because there is some painting which needs to be done out there, and I plan to get a table and new chairs before it's done. 

Khan is no more...

Ricardo Montalban died.  The man had some serious mojo.  If this clip of him as Khan in Star Trek isn't enough to convince you, then check out some of his early commercials for Chrysler Cordoba, but beware...I started watching one earlier but I became mesmerized by his voice, suddenly feeling an overwhelming desire to have Corinthian leather seats (whatever that is).

the UPS guy

Last year I ordered a composter from Sam's Club and when the UPS guy delivered it he had lots of questions about it.  Ever since then he asks me how my garden is doing.  Um, it's winter even in northern California, so not much at the moment, but I digress.  Yesterday he asked again and so I decided to pursue it and before I knew it I realized he wasn't trying to be cute, he was genuinely interested.  We talked for a few minutes about greenhouses and composters, and decided we would trade some produce this summer. 

(Still no word from Burpee Seeds at to whether or not they actually received my order.  Rudeness.)

Why can't all companies do business like Amazon?

Seriously. 

When I place an order through Amazon (which I do with alarming regularity) I get an instantaneous notification via e-mail that I've placed an order.  I'm able to track my packages online with disgusting ease.  Everything about Amazon makes me happy.  I even love Amazon Prime shipping. 

A close second place is Land's End.  Great deals in their overstocks section, easy ordering, instant notification, and tracking.  I can even make returns at Sears so I save a trip to the post office.

Yesterday I placed an order - I think - with Burpee Seed Company.  I'm hoping they got the order, and the final screen indicated they would e-mail me to let me know they got my order.  So far that hasn't happened.  I'm ready for my seeds and as soon as they arrive (assuming Burpee got my order, is processing it and it will eventually arrive) I plan to put said seeds to immediate use.  Sure would be nice to know that they actually got the order, be able to check on the order, and know when it's coming.