Can I just say that Geico just thrilled my soul? Maybe that's a little over the top, but I just about could have jumped through the Skype microphone to hug the sweet lady who took my call....before the phone even rang on my end (after pushing the obligatory correct department, of course) she answered. When I was debating about paying on-line versus bothering her with punching in the numbers, she cheerfully said with a sweet, not-over-the-top southern accent, "We're here to help. Anything we can do." Really, companies like that still exist?! She even said she'd walk me through paying on-line if I preferred. It took all of 4 minutes on the phone. That, people, is amazing customer service. And that is one thing I miss!!!
Though, to be fair, I was helped rather promptly and thoroughly by someone today from our electric provider. And when I called 2 weeks ago I also had someone very kind and thorough. Neither were annoyed with my questions about how in the world our storage heater worked (that's a long story I won't bore you with!), and both offered to go ask someone else...and then came back to me. So much better than the typical "I'll transfer you" we hear so often.
So here's to two excellent companies! I hope others (ahem...BT, for one - remember, this time last year we were still waiting for a phone?) take notice and work on such cheerful customer service!
17 October 2008
16 October 2008
It's High Time....
....I get back in the blogging saddle...hopefully I still have one or two faithful fans out there!
This past Saturday Mark finally got his birthday gift from me: a half day fishing trip to a local fishery. We had planned to go the day before his birthday, but the weather was dreadful the whole day. Thankfully it was worth the week long wait because this Saturday was an amazingly perfect Scottish autumn day!
So while Mark fished, I photographed. We were both doing things we loved so everyone was happy! There were 3 white swans flying in and out of one of the ponds, as well as 8 juvenile swans who weren't so little, just not yet white. I had quite the photo session with them. I tried to respect them and they tried to ignore me or turn their backs on me as often as possible. I was proud I never once got hissed at, though did get some mean looks, especially from the one I think was mamma.
After exhausting my options at the fishery I hopped in the car and headed to Fyvie Castle about 15 minutes away to try to snap a few more shots. Part of the time I walked along a loch. When I stopped to take in the scene and enjoy the peace and quiet, I heard faint honkings that kept getting louder. I then got mobbed by tons of ducks. I think they thought I had bread! I hated disappointing them, but all I could offer was a moment of fame on blogger.
I'll leave you with two of my favorite shots from the day.
In the below photo, see what I mean about the stillness? The reflections of the pond were great!
This past Saturday Mark finally got his birthday gift from me: a half day fishing trip to a local fishery. We had planned to go the day before his birthday, but the weather was dreadful the whole day. Thankfully it was worth the week long wait because this Saturday was an amazingly perfect Scottish autumn day!
Here's Mark working his magic on the fish...well, trying to anyways? (Unfortunately it wasn't a great day at the loch, though Mark assured me it was still better than a good day at work. He's a fisherman through and through!)
It was a gorgeous place out in the country with small mountains (hills?) in the distance. Probably the most amazing thing was the stillness of the air when we arrived at 8am. It made for great photos.
It was a gorgeous place out in the country with small mountains (hills?) in the distance. Probably the most amazing thing was the stillness of the air when we arrived at 8am. It made for great photos.
One of the neatest things I've seen in a long time was watching take off/landing practice of the young swans. The lead swan honked, waited a moment, then took off running on water, barely got up and then landed....all with his brothers and sisters in succession right in a line. The coolest. But it got better. Then the lead started a line to head back across the pond. He swam slightly ahead of the others and they trailed in a perfect line. They took a few minute breather and repeated the exercise. I got some video of it, but have yet to download it. I'll try to put it on here at some point. In the meantime, here's one of the older swans taking off. They literally run on the water. I never knew that!
I also saw two of the swans chillaxin' with one foot hanging out behind them. Not sure what that was about, but it made me smile.
After exhausting my options at the fishery I hopped in the car and headed to Fyvie Castle about 15 minutes away to try to snap a few more shots. Part of the time I walked along a loch. When I stopped to take in the scene and enjoy the peace and quiet, I heard faint honkings that kept getting louder. I then got mobbed by tons of ducks. I think they thought I had bread! I hated disappointing them, but all I could offer was a moment of fame on blogger.
I'll leave you with two of my favorite shots from the day.
In the below photo, see what I mean about the stillness? The reflections of the pond were great!
P.S. (or should I say N.B) The new header is also from that day. I tried hard all day to find a suitable fallish banner photo.
05 October 2008
The Birthday Boy
My coffee-lovin, UGA college football fanatic, new testament scholar, and sweet dear love is another year older today! If you get a chance email him, write him on Facebook or leave a comment here and wish him a happy birthday!I love you, Mark! I'm so grateful God has given you life and new life in Him--and that I get to share it with you!
03 October 2008
Where Have You Gone?
We are still here and are still alive. I am glad at least one of you noticed we'd been away from the blogosphere (you know who you are!) :) I've been on a blogging sabbatical -- probably not a year long leave like profs get, but an extended leave of absence. I've been off work this week due to some extra hours I had built up from working longer days, etc. It's been a refreshing week of organizing the flat, being still, listening to my Lord, attempting to make new goodies for myself (always an adventure), and trying to just not be so busy. I've needed it. More than I realized. Still not sure I am quite up to posting all the various thoughts running through my mind and heart. Maybe some day.
23 September 2008
A Close Call
Many of you know my brother, Todd, is in Israel to share God's love and salvation plan through Christ with the Jews and Arabs there. I just received an email from him about the terrorist attack last night in Jerusalem. You may have heard of it on the news by now, though I'm sure it would have faded into the zillions of others we have heard about. Amazingly enough my brother was very close when this attack occurred. He heard the gunshots and saw the police cars/ambulance go speeding by. He doesn't even live in Jerusalem, just happened to be there for a prayer meeting last night. What I find stunning is that Todd had two roads to choose from last night -- He could go right or go left. He started down the path to the right, but quickly sensed the Lord telling Him to go the other direction. He chose to listen and turned back to follow left. About five minutes later is when he heard the gunshots (which he thought were fireworks at the time). Then the police cars followed. It was only once he was home, and then again this morning listening/reading of the terrorist attack that he pieced together that the attack occurred on the very road he was originally taking. He may or may not have been there at the exact moment had he continued on the road, but chances are he would have been close enough to see it all unfold. Undoubtedly it would have been traumatic. Will you praise God with us for his protection last night? He will be in Israel until Oct. 30th, then will be home for 3 months deciding if he is to return to continue his work there. It may seem foolish after such a close call to even think about returning, but Todd knows God knows best and is Sovereign. If God desires Todd to work for His Kingdom in such an environment, then he wants to continue doing so. Please pray for clear guidance over the next few months, and also for his continued safety as he completes his term there.
Here's the article Todd sent:
The terrorist who rammed his vehicle into a group of soldiers at a central Jerusalem thoroughfare late Monday night has been identified as Kasem Mugrabi, 19, from Jabel Mukaber in east Jerusalem.
Mugrabi wounded fifteen people, before being shot dead by an off-duty IDF officer, police and rescue officials said. It was the third such attack in the city in as many months.
Twelve wounded in the attack were still being treated Tuesday morning, Israel Radio reported. At Hadassah-University Hospital at Ein Kerem one woman was in intensive care in a moderate to serious condition, having undergone surgery overnight. Of another five patients from the terror attack who were in the hospital's care, two will undergo surgery during the day on Tuesday. In Sha'are Tzedek Hospital two IDF soldiers were in a moderate condition, and two soldiers and two citizens were lightly injured.
The attack took place at the city's Kikar Tzahal near Jaffa Gate. The assailant, who was driving a BMW, crashed into a group of off-duty soldiers on the sidewalk, where his car came to a grinding halt.
Jerusalem police chief Aharon Franco said that the attacker was shot dead "within seconds" by an off-duty IDF officer who was touring the city with his unit. He added that there was no intelligence information ahead of the attack, but noted that Jerusalem was under heavy security alert due to Ramadan.
The city's police chief said that the lone attacker was an Arab resident of east Jerusalem. The pedestrians wounded in the attack were rushed to Jerusalem's Hadassah-University Hospital at Ein Kerem, Hadassah-University Hospital on Mount Scopus and the city's Sha'are Tzedek Hospital.
The attack comes after two back-to-back bulldozer attacks in Jerusalem in July which left three Israelis dead and dozens wounded. Half an hour after the attack, dozens of angry haredi residents chased two Arab locals who happened to be in the area. Many chanted racist slogans such as "Death to the Arabs" and tried to walk toward the Arab neighborhoods of east Jerusalem. Police on horseback dispersed the haredim, ensuring that the violence did not escalate.
The attack comes after two back-to-back bulldozer attacks in Jerusalem in July which left three Israelis dead and dozens wounded. Defense Minister Ehud Barak called to expedite legal processes so that security forces could demolish homes of terrorists in order to deter future attacks.
Haim, an American yeshiva student, told the Jerusalem Post he came across the attack as it happened. Haim said he was walking near the Old City and heard gun shots, there was chaos and he saw wounded people on the ground who seemed to be "in pretty bad shape." The young man told the Post that as he was running away, he saw soldiers running toward the scene loading their rifles.
Here's the article Todd sent:
The terrorist who rammed his vehicle into a group of soldiers at a central Jerusalem thoroughfare late Monday night has been identified as Kasem Mugrabi, 19, from Jabel Mukaber in east Jerusalem.
Mugrabi wounded fifteen people, before being shot dead by an off-duty IDF officer, police and rescue officials said. It was the third such attack in the city in as many months.
Twelve wounded in the attack were still being treated Tuesday morning, Israel Radio reported. At Hadassah-University Hospital at Ein Kerem one woman was in intensive care in a moderate to serious condition, having undergone surgery overnight. Of another five patients from the terror attack who were in the hospital's care, two will undergo surgery during the day on Tuesday. In Sha'are Tzedek Hospital two IDF soldiers were in a moderate condition, and two soldiers and two citizens were lightly injured.
The attack took place at the city's Kikar Tzahal near Jaffa Gate. The assailant, who was driving a BMW, crashed into a group of off-duty soldiers on the sidewalk, where his car came to a grinding halt.
Jerusalem police chief Aharon Franco said that the attacker was shot dead "within seconds" by an off-duty IDF officer who was touring the city with his unit. He added that there was no intelligence information ahead of the attack, but noted that Jerusalem was under heavy security alert due to Ramadan.
The city's police chief said that the lone attacker was an Arab resident of east Jerusalem. The pedestrians wounded in the attack were rushed to Jerusalem's Hadassah-University Hospital at Ein Kerem, Hadassah-University Hospital on Mount Scopus and the city's Sha'are Tzedek Hospital.
The attack comes after two back-to-back bulldozer attacks in Jerusalem in July which left three Israelis dead and dozens wounded. Half an hour after the attack, dozens of angry haredi residents chased two Arab locals who happened to be in the area. Many chanted racist slogans such as "Death to the Arabs" and tried to walk toward the Arab neighborhoods of east Jerusalem. Police on horseback dispersed the haredim, ensuring that the violence did not escalate.
The attack comes after two back-to-back bulldozer attacks in Jerusalem in July which left three Israelis dead and dozens wounded. Defense Minister Ehud Barak called to expedite legal processes so that security forces could demolish homes of terrorists in order to deter future attacks.
Haim, an American yeshiva student, told the Jerusalem Post he came across the attack as it happened. Haim said he was walking near the Old City and heard gun shots, there was chaos and he saw wounded people on the ground who seemed to be "in pretty bad shape." The young man told the Post that as he was running away, he saw soldiers running toward the scene loading their rifles.
21 September 2008
The Week of Celebrations
The best thing about turning 30 was the week long celebration! Maybe 30 isn't so bad after all :)
Monday: Mark gave me an early gift by passing his driving exam.
Tuesday: Made Snickerdoodles to take to work (since they've been asking for them since the last time I brought them in, so why not spread the birthday cheer). I also made myself a whole pan of allergy free brownies to nibble on all week (a very great idea indeed!)
Wednesday: Mark's presents and sweet card at home in the morning. More cards, gifts and flowers at work, with only a few decorations.
Thankfully not too embarrassing or over the top. I didn't have to wear the "Today I'm 30" badge/button that another girl who turned 30 earlier in the year threatened for months to make me wear when the big day arrived. (When I thanked her Thursday she was disgusted with herself she forgot to get it out!) Fun driving around with Mark for the afternoon seeing the great scenery of Scotland and not having to cook my birthday dinner. Also talking with family on Skype and receiving tons of greetings on Facebook and elsewhere.
Thursday: Receiving unexpectedly a small tray of cut fruit with a plastic wrapper on top, which my co-workers punched holes in to hold up the "3" and "0" candles. (I'm seeing a forgetfulness theme here.) I was impressed at how they improvised since they knew I couldn't eat cake! I did enjoy the fruit :)
Friday: Celebrating with old (as in familiar) friends, and also several new wives who have just arrived this month, by going out for coffee. It was another friend's birthday yesterday so it was a joint celebration. I think everyone in the small coffee shop was wondering why the crazy Americans were taking the place over...then we loudly sang Happy Birthday and left no more questions! Always a blessing to chat with other women. Thanks, ladies, for the love :)
Saturday: Mark orchestrated a surprise party that was mostly a surprise :) I say mostly because while I had some idea it was maybe coming from piecing together various things from the previous two weeks, I wasn't definite. God again blessed us with gorgeous weather so that we were able to actually soak in the sun during the BBQ (cookout). So nice! I was thoroughly impressed by Mark's thoughtfulness in details big and small. Again I felt the love from friends, but even more so by my sweet husband. I am blessed greatly.
What a splendid week. Guess it is back to reality.
Monday: Mark gave me an early gift by passing his driving exam.
Tuesday: Made Snickerdoodles to take to work (since they've been asking for them since the last time I brought them in, so why not spread the birthday cheer). I also made myself a whole pan of allergy free brownies to nibble on all week (a very great idea indeed!)
Wednesday: Mark's presents and sweet card at home in the morning. More cards, gifts and flowers at work, with only a few decorations.
Thankfully not too embarrassing or over the top. I didn't have to wear the "Today I'm 30" badge/button that another girl who turned 30 earlier in the year threatened for months to make me wear when the big day arrived. (When I thanked her Thursday she was disgusted with herself she forgot to get it out!) Fun driving around with Mark for the afternoon seeing the great scenery of Scotland and not having to cook my birthday dinner. Also talking with family on Skype and receiving tons of greetings on Facebook and elsewhere.Thursday: Receiving unexpectedly a small tray of cut fruit with a plastic wrapper on top, which my co-workers punched holes in to hold up the "3" and "0" candles. (I'm seeing a forgetfulness theme here.) I was impressed at how they improvised since they knew I couldn't eat cake! I did enjoy the fruit :)
Friday: Celebrating with old (as in familiar) friends, and also several new wives who have just arrived this month, by going out for coffee. It was another friend's birthday yesterday so it was a joint celebration. I think everyone in the small coffee shop was wondering why the crazy Americans were taking the place over...then we loudly sang Happy Birthday and left no more questions! Always a blessing to chat with other women. Thanks, ladies, for the love :)
Saturday: Mark orchestrated a surprise party that was mostly a surprise :) I say mostly because while I had some idea it was maybe coming from piecing together various things from the previous two weeks, I wasn't definite. God again blessed us with gorgeous weather so that we were able to actually soak in the sun during the BBQ (cookout). So nice! I was thoroughly impressed by Mark's thoughtfulness in details big and small. Again I felt the love from friends, but even more so by my sweet husband. I am blessed greatly.
What a splendid week. Guess it is back to reality.
19 September 2008
The Stillness
Today Mark and I had lunch together outside on campus to enjoy the nice fall day. What a treat! While we were sitting on the bench I noticed how still and quiet campus was. Part of it is because most new students don't arrive until this weekend or Monday. But then as we were walking to the library I knew without a doubt what made it really still....there was barely any wind! Just a gentle breeze. VERY unusual for Aberdeen....so unusual I noticed it as being quiet. On my walk home I enjoyed the still, quiet day...savoring it knowing it won't last long! It's weird that wind brings so much noise. I guess it's just something else we've somewhat gotten used to. (I say somewhat, because there are days when I definitely still notice the crazy wind, it's howling, and the noise it makes on our roof!)
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