I'm typing this is large type because I just need it!
Earlier today, I got an email that said the USPS (USPostalService) could not deliver. I was home and nobody had rung the bell. As I was eagerly awaiting my new patio umbrella, I tried to call the Post Office to see if it was there. No dice. After four calls and dealing with a "phone tree" that just kept asking me what I wanted, I gave up and drove to the Post Office.
There were two patrons in front of me and one woman clerk. A male clerk came out of the back and the woman asked him if he would take the next person because her computer wasn't working. So the male patron went up and quickly became semi enraged, but eventually left. There was a woman in front of me with three hyperactive kids and she had spread out about 20 sheets of paper with documentation such as a copy of her driver's license on the counter where there could be other clerks. Luckily, she let me go in front of her. (I suspect she had all of the documentation for a passport -- but I know the only person who does passports was not there and I didn't want to be around for the mini explosion.
"Do you have a tracking number?" he asked three times as I was getting it on my phone. He looked it up saying, "It might still be on the truck." He disappears into the back for about an hour (that's my famous hyperbole) and says, "The carrier has it on the truck and he will be back in about 20 minutes." So I say, "Then what?" And he says that he will give it to me. Now here's where, I admit it, my thinking was wrong. I know it's a nine foot patio umbrella, but it doesn't occur to me that it comes in pieces. I said, "I don't know if it will fit into my car." He says if it won't fit into your car, it won't fit into the truck. And he adds, they couldn't deliver it because I don't have a mail box (on the street. I have a box at the Post Office). Since they should know (I just paid them yesterday!!) that I have a postal box, I said, "Why did they put it on the truck?" He said, "Oh, that's automatic."
So I sit in my car and after 15 minutes I go in and get my umbrella. He slides it over to me on the counter and when I go to pick it up -- it's a heavy son of a gun! At this point, I'm so annoyed my adrenalin kicks in and I use some leverage and heft it onto my shoulder and stagger out to the doors to the outside. As I come out of the PO a lady is getting out of her car and she says, "Do you want me to open a door or something for you?" She helps me off the curb into the parking lot and I ask her to wave my purse near the door so I can unlock it. She's amazed at the "modern convenience." I thanked her profusely. The umbrella is still in my car. It's so windy today, there's no way I'm putting the umbrella outside. Besides, I'm still waiting for the 26.5 pound base for the umbrella.
My next stop on the way home was at the General Cleaners to pick up my winter bed quilt and two bathroom rugs. They even have a rubber chicken for you to squeak! I couldn't believe the woman remembered my name and everything.
Two doors away is Absolutely Hair and I was delighted that there was only one car in front of the shop. I was very hopeful to get my hair cut. Dana (my favorite) came out to greet me and said she's booked for three weeks since the other operator is out for surgery. So I'm going to have to hack at my bangs until June 2. Sigh.
And I have just been apprised of a tornado watch here and Connecticut. I knew it was windy, but that's ridiculous. Oh, when I got home, I saw this (outside on the ground in front of the steps).
Most of you have seen my meager flowers, but here's a recap for those who haven't.
Below are the purple polka dot petunias. I have been dead heading them so they don't look as nice as when they were full.
Finally, I hope to get flowers out of these!
Enjoy, enjoy, Enjoy! Cheers!
