My Sad, Sad Visitor Counter :(

27 October 2012

Crazy Cat


This might look like a mild-mannered cat but he is surely crazy!

He's not a young un - about thirteen - but in the last six months he's suddenly taken to hissing and attacking the vacuum cleaner when I bring it out and start hoovering.  He's never done it before.  Apparently he only does it for me.  Hubby says he never does it for him and, sure enough, today he merely sat in the chair watching.

What is up with him?  And why didn't he do this years ago when I was the only one who hoovered???


23 October 2012

Photos and mumblings

Finally getting back in the grove of things and my cold is finally clearing up.  Seems strange to be back to work - nothing has changed and I already need another holiday!  Sadly no more time left this year.  Groan.  Back to the grind.

GOALS (told you this was a mumblings post)

Cut down our food bill!!!!!  I would really love to go part time and know we could do it money ways IF we could cut back on our food bill.  When I was home we spent at least half what we spend now because there is no planning and, if there is, no one wants to cook that day.  I have planned meals for three days this week!  Now I just have to do it and stick to it (something I'm not really good at).

BTW I added a couple more books to my read pile.  I'm not up to date but - once again - not good at sticking to it :)

Pic below - Trafalgar Square early in the evening.  I loved the play of light/darkness on the water features. 



19 October 2012

WICKED

This is a REALLY great show!

While in England Mum and I went up to London to see a maitinee.  We picked WICKED!  Great show - unbelievable cast.  I really had a good time - felt kinda sorry for that 'wicked' witch in the end.  I couldn't take pictures of the actual show but I did take pics of the scenery.

16 October 2012

OMG where have I been? And - DON'T FLY American Airlines!

I took a trip home to jolly ol' England to visit my Mum.  A present for myself as a pick-me-up as DD has moved away to Uni.  Had a GREAT TIME (did come back with a horrible cough and cold though).

I didn't look up any airline disputes before leaving - something I will NEVER do again!  I booked American Airlines.  I've flown once with them before and don't remember it as a bad experience.  One of the reasons I picked them was because of the time the planes left in the afternoon on the way back.  Mum's is a about 2 hours away from the airport - longer since I have to use coach or something to get back.  American Airlines had a 5.15pm flight - perfect for me!

Let me say - good thing - the flights back to US were on time.  Thank goodness as I had the last connection back to Kalamazoo at night.  Wasn't sure what I was going to do if I missed that one!

The outgoing flight - nightmare.  From Kalamazoo to Chicago was fine, on time and okay.  Chicago was going fine.  It was on time right up until the time we were to board and then - NIGHTMARE - there were three or four delays on time and then they announced the plane had 'maintenance' issues.  Well, we've all heard about those - they've been in the news for weeks!  A new plane would be coming.  We all had to move to another gate.  Okay, we all thought.  New plane arrived.  It sat on the runway in total darkness - two, three time delays, 'maintenance' issues we were told again.  By this time people are getting upset - there is no way some people are going to make their connections. 

'Decision Time' the customer service manager announces when the time of departure changes again.  They will make a decision at x time.  x time arrives. Another time gets posted.  'Decision Time' the customer service manager announces.  x time arrives.  Time changes.  'Decision Time' she announces again.  Nobody seems to be able to make a deicision and decision time seems to mean nothing.  Of course by now everyone's had it.  It's getting later and later and planes can only fly until a certain time at night.

The customer service manager at this point decides to hand out free food coupons and drinks.  Most people have eaten hours ago though some people do take them.  Some people have asked to be moved to another plane.  No good they are told - bags are already on the plane.

Another announcement - Plane can't fly.  Another is on the way.  They are hoping to get it ready before the cut off time.  Change gates again.  We move to another gate and none of the customer service people come with us.  There is a queue at the desk (of people needing to fix connections) and no-one there. 

Three more time changes and half an hour after that - 5 hours after our original flight and we are on our way - after midnight when we take off!

Across the pond in England - before setting out in the morning to pick me up Brother-in-Law and Mum check the incoming flights.  On time it says.  Obviously at this point the airline KNOWS the flight isn't on time.  We'd already left at this point and they knew we were five hours late.  Almost to London and Sister calls up to tell them flight has been delayed.  It's about 2 1/2 hour drive so no point turning around only to have to drive back later.  They can't stay at Heathrow as parking charge would be ridiculous.  They go to a shopping centre.

BTW I had signed up for email notifications for this flight - not sure why as I had no way to check my email at airport and such.  When I got to Mum's house I found 23 emails about time changes on this flight.  The first one was at 6.48pm (plane due to leave at 7.10pm) telling me flight was on time and would arrive early.

What a day!  I do write to them and first all the do is 'give' me 4000 airmiles.  Not sure what good that will do me.  Subsequently they do give me a $125 voucher but I'm not sure I'll fly with them again so they are not out anything. 

Until this whole dispute is settled my advive - DON'T FLY WITH THEM!  We were not the only flight delayed that day. 

Disclaimer : - This is just my rant - yes, I know safety is a big issue and planes need to be checked, but it has been all over the news that 'maintenance' issues are the way the workers are choosing to deal with a dispute with the management.