A Simple lunch
Last Friday I took my Mom out to Lunch. We discussed where in our "Friendly Northwoods Community" we should go. We chose a Health Food Restaurant which shall remain nameless. It was a late lunch, and we knew that...the hours for Lunch are 11 to 3, but they are open until 5. We walked in, and seated ourselves at 2:50 and looked at the menu. My Mother being the polite person she is said "Can we still get a sandwich?" I glanced at the waitresses watch, to confirm the time. The Waitress said "Nope it's too late for lunch." I said "Gee whiz its just ten til three." The Waitress said "Lunch is over when I say it's over." I just rolled my eyes... My mother politely said "Well, could we still get some soup?" The waitress said sure.."Clam Chowder or Vegetable?" (They were probably going to throw it out anyway) My Mom took the vegetable. I took the Sour Creme and Raisin Pie (at least it has some fruit in it) that is served until 5. We ate our "Lunch" and afterwards my Mother bought a whole bunch of their health food stuff, crackers, tea...to the tune of 50 dollars. The gal at the cash register was polite, but she in no way shape or form made up for the rude waitress.
I walked out..and thought well I am never going back in there again..how hard is it to slap some sprouts and some fancy cheese on a slice of bread? Were they all out of the Natural Peanut Butter?
I have been a silent complainer for years..well not too silent..I do tell my friends..and I am sure that they tell their friends.
Perhaps this establishment had all the customers it could handle that day..there were only two other little old ladies in the place. Well if only four customers (one of which will never go back) floats their boat..more power to them.
The polite customer service in this situation would have been. "You still have time for Lunch, we are glad you stopped by." Or "No, I am really sorry, lunch is over for the day..but we have some delicious soup ..and I could get you some extra crackers." Anything besides the..... I am too tired..I want to get out of here..who do you think you are asking for lunch during lunch hours answer that we got.
This time I have had it and will send a copy of this blog to the owner of the Restaurant. Who knows maybe the waitress was the owner...I will let you know when and if I hear anything back:)
Posted by: farsideoffifty on 5/14/2008 at 12:20 PM | Comments (3) | Permalink
Oprah's Big Give
I really enjoyed the recent reality show that was produced by Oprah. I had to watch it all online..the ABC..you should be able to view it with an antenna from your area thing. Oh well, online works for me!
Episode # 104 has me troubled..I have laid awake at night thinking how would I have done it?
The Mission: You have $100,000 to give away in 24 hours.
The Rules: You cannot give away cash. Limit $500 per person, and $10,000 per location. You can pay peoples bills. You cannot mention Oprah..but you can mention "The Big Give" and ABC.
Only one out of the seven big givers gave away all of their money. Only one??? That's what has bothered me.
As I saw the Challenge it was all about common sense and networking.
Ten worthwhile causes in 24 hours.. it's got to be organized...you need a phone, some numbers and some help!
Where do you go and who do you call? I am not sure what other limitations were put on the big givers, could they get someone to drive for them so they didn't get lost in a strange town?
I would have popped into a restaurant..bought lunch..in exchange for a couple of volunteers and information. What are the greatest needs in the community? How can you touch the most people, and make the biggest impact?
I need twenty volunteers from each organization, to meet me at a store to spend 500 dollars each..and then donate it to the organization. What is purchased could be supplies needed or items that could be used at a Auction Fundraiser.
Food Shelf, Library, School PTO, Woman's Shelter, Homeless Shelter, Humane Society, Volunteer Fire Dept, Nursing Home, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts and a Service Dog Group.. that would be my target ten....if I had any money left over I would just stop by a Clinic and pay off someones bill, or stop by a Pharmacy and prepay all the prescriptions that are waiting to be picked up.
I am not a shopper myself..but I am a fairly good organizer..I am at the ready and willing if Oprah ever needs someone to really give big :)
Who would be on your "Give Big" list?
Posted by: farsideoffifty on 5/13/2008 at 1:06 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink
Sad Plants
Recently I visited the Garden Department of a big box store...
UFFDA..what they had for sale, I would not have put out for sale. I guess I have been out here in the "sticks" too long..trying to grow perfect plants.
Usually this time of year I am stuck in the Greenhouse with a million plants to care for. Now I have some time on my hands ..well I tell ya... I need to put my blinders on and wear a gag if I venture into that Garden Department again. I saw plants laying down, sagging over the side of their pots..begging for moisture. Plants with nutritional problems and pest problems..and people were buying them. Go figure...
I guess times have changed..at least in the Garden Center Big Box World.
I am not a good customer to have in your Garden Center...or anyplace else that has plants.
One time Far Guy and I were in Caesars Palace at Christmas time. It was beautifully decorated with hundreds of Poinsettias. I noticed that many of them were showing signs of dehydration, so I stopped a Security Guard and told him..he just smiled and shrugged his shoulders..not his problem I guess. I asked Far Guy if I should report the problem to someone else..he said "NO..lets just get you out of here."
We have sold our largest greenhouse, to a young man who asked me if I would mentor him next spring. I replied "Sure..what I have learned I am willing to share..honestly..and my truthful opinions too:)"
Posted by: farsideoffifty on 5/12/2008 at 11:29 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink
Happy Mothers Day!
Just a few thoughts...
If you are a Mom and your kids face is dirty, it's okay to spit on a Kleenex and clean his/her face...after all it's better than just licking...
Yes, your Mother does have eyes in the back of her head..covered by hair..
Your Mom never forgets your birthday...she will hunt tirelessly for your lost blanky..and will give you the last cookie..
Your Mom has the most unique talent..she can pour equal parts of chocolate milk in two glasses, and cut two brownies that are exactly the same size....
I remember a story I read a long time ago.....about a Mother and her son. The Mother was a very busy lady, she was never quite organized enough to get all the ironing done. Every morning she would iron his school shirt while he was eating his breakfast..she felt badly about her disorganization...her son felt special ..he loved putting on that nice warm shirt!
I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day:)
Loon Cam Update: It looks like it might be a go soon, Larry does have his 2008 Loon Log up for you to read. I checked the site this morning..and I couldn't see anything but black..but according to Larry's Log ... The Loons have laid an egg!
Snow Update: Yesterday we had snowflakes in the air, they melted once they hit the ground. Our daughter Jen had snow on the ground in Northern Minnesota yesterday morning..it may have been a new record...
Far Guy Update: Nothing new to report..some days are good and some days are bad..
Mom's Overture! Thanks to Jen for reminding me of one of my favorite videos!
7:30 PM Update The Live Loon Cam is up and running..one of the loons is sitting there as pretty as you please!
Posted by: farsideoffifty on 5/11/2008 at 10:17 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Poppies and Thanks Mom!
Yesterday was one of the Poppy Days in May. You may have noticed volunteers from The American Legion Auxiliary out in front of stores accepting donations. The Poppies are handcrafted by Veterans. Proceeds from donations go to disabled and hospitalized Veterans. You can wear your Poppy proudly, honoring all who have served and died for our country. Poppies grew wild in Belgium in the war torn Battlefields during World War I. The red poppies that grow there and the ones in the hands of American Legion Auxiliary Volunteers are forever a reminder ...
My Mother is a volunteer. since retiring..it is what she does. She volunteers her time throughout the community. She has served as President of The American Legion Auxiliary two different years. She helps with fund raisers, marches in parades. accepts donations for poppies, and whatever else the Auxiliary asks her to do. She belongs to the Lion's Club. She belongs to The Hospital Auxiliary, and volunteers her time in the Hospital Gift shop, she also does Pastoral Care, and has been a volunteer for Hospice. She volunteers two days a month at The Food Shelf. She belongs to Ladies Aid and Evening Guild at the Church. She enjoys her volunteer work...she is well known in town..everyone knows her and her quick response of "I can help."
Since my parents moved from the lake into town several years ago, they are hardly ever home. I stop for a visit and more often than not, leave a note in the door or leave their little ceramic doorstop dog out of place..it is a subtle reminder that I have stopped by.
Yesterday Mom was going out with friends for the morning, and then selling poppies for a couple of hours. I met her in the afternoon for a late lunch ( more on the service we received at lunch on another day) we had a good visit and did a little shopping. Just a nice Mom/Daughter lunch... and time to say "Thanks Mom for all you do.. and the differences you make in a lot of peoples lives!"
Posted by: farsideoffifty on 5/10/2008 at 12:46 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink
