Shifting Gears

I’ve encountered several businesses recently that have either given me a big high or low.  So today I’m sharing my Picks and Pans. 

Here’s my disclaimer – please remember that these are MY opinions – you are free to agree or disagree but please share comments nicely!  The Picks won over the Pans 5 to 3.5!

PICKS:

• She’s Crafty - my favorite local yarn shop.  Owner Anna is such a delight and through this weekend you can purchase a $100 gift certificate for only $60.  Such a deal.  I bought two – just in case!  I’ve heard you can never have too much yarn in your stash!
• One City Market – another neat yarn shop – located in and old home in Rogersville, MO.  No website but they do have a large, varied and excellent selection of yarn.  This week all yarn in 20% off – and yes, I went to the sale and yes, I bought some yarn!
• Springfield-Greene County Library – best tax-payer bargain in town!  And the librarians are always friendly.
• Meyer Center – best fitness center in Springfield – and I love, love, love the weight-lifting classes that Angie teaches.
• Show-Me Institute – non-partisan economic thank tank that looks at state and local issues.  On Wednesday I attended a luncheon where they gave an excellent overview of the current police and firefighter pension plan.  Unless some tough political decisions are made, this plan is on track to consume a major portion of the city budget in the upcoming years.  They gave great food for thought and emphasized that no one suggestion will solve the problem – it will take a combination of changes to succeed.

PANS:

• Newsweek Magazine – if the first edition of their newly revised offering is any indication, they need to remove the word “news” from their name.  It’s probably a good thing I just renewed my subscription for a year or I might have opted to save my money (and buy more yarn!).  I’m keeping in mind that as a reader for over 30 years, I need to give it time – and I will.
• Fishel Pools – we called these pool folks over 6 weeks ago – they sent out Dave The Pool Guy shortly after that and he promised to get us in the queue for service.  Now we’re told “we’re busy getting pools open” and found out something “happened” to our work order.  Numerous calls this week have resulted in lots of promises but no action.  We’ve drained it and don’t see any leaks but obviously there’s at least one.  I’m betting they just tell us we need a new liner – that will be the quick and expensive solution.
• Dell Computers – for poor customer service – very slow to call back (several days) and unfriendly.  Even if you can’t help me – or want to charge me $129 an hour, please be nice!
• Altec Computers – they only get half a Pan and mostly for customer service – or lack thereof.  We bought a used laptop in December knowing it came with a limited warranty.  The hard drive fried after 5 months (yep, the warranty was over!) so we bought a new one.  We prepaid for the service and then when it was finally ready they gave me some grief over all they had to do that we got “free”.  If the job was bigger than they expected, they could have called to discuss – or shut up!  Still can’t get a wireless connection at home but not sure where the problem lies given the state of flux with the home PC.

I’m told we’re going into a holiday weekend – but since we enjoy 24/7 holidays and weekends, the only thing we’ll notice different is higher gas prices and no classes at the gym on Monday.

Tonight we’re doing a motorcycle ride and dinner with friends from our Shrine motorcycle unit.  Tomorrow we’re going to Poplar Bluff on the bike to visit our friends Pam and Charles who moved there last summer.  We’ll be treated to hearing Charles preach on Sunday – then plan to drive down into northern Arkansas for our homeward route.  Monday we’ll do yard work and play 9 holes of golf.

Whatever you do this weekend, may you be safe and have fun!