Lose some, win some, but which?

We have received a reply from Jarden Corporation about our deceased and un-guarantee-supported Patton fan. Via an email, we have been offered a replacement fan. It is a 20 inch fan: not exactly like the one that died the death. We don't care, at this point, whether it is a Patton clone or not. Just that, hopefully, it will be more quiet.

We have replied, again via email, to Jarden Corporation that we would be delighted with their solution to our problem. We are waiting to hear what will happen next. There was an automated reply. We should hear something more informative shortly, in say, one to two working days.

Jarden, we're anticipating your reply. Anticipation . . .

Not a bucket list item, but still . . .

Today I achieved one goal that has eluded me.

First you have to be aware that CVS has ICaps vitamins on sale for buy one/get one half price.

After the half off discount, I used $5 Extra-Bucks-off-a-$25-purchase; $2 Extra Bucks; and two (count 'em, two) $2 manufacturer's coupons for ICaps which were printed from the internet.

Bottom line? $40 worth of eye vitamins cost $18.98.

I finally made a profit with coupons . . .

Time . . .

Tomorrow is the mphphth anniversary of Zeta's birth. We are celebrating this momentous event a day early. Because we can? Surely.

I cast my mind back to the actual day, remembering what I was doing before going to the hospital but after the start of labor. I was doing laundry, of all things, and reading "Auntie Mame." In fact, one of those two accompanied me when we finally decided it was time to travel toward the medical people who were becoming more important as time and labor progressed.

I read that book until things got really serious and it did help to pass the time. Dads were not allowed in attendance, then. It was a solo performance. Well, solo except for the woman in the next bed who kept moaning aye-yi-yi at intervals. I determined not to repeat her verbal performance.

In due time, Zeta decided she would make her appearance. I was told that during her debut in the nursery, she lifted her head and shoulders off the sheets, doing a little mini push-up. I didn't even know a newborn could do that.

She has stayed ahead of the curve all her life . . .

They eat snakes, too . . .

The flock was in possession of the swale in front of the house when I stepped out to see what the weather was like. One of the benefits of living in the semi-tropics? Yes, in addition to having toads try to make themselves at home inside the house.

I prefer these . . .

PS: If you know what they are, please let me know. I thought they were Cattle Egrets but they're not. Cattle Egrets don't seem to have the long curved bill. I did see a flock of these fighting over possession of a snake, a few of years ago, in our back yard. They were welcome to it.

SHRINKING, Shrinking, shrinking . . .

CVS has taken a hefty swing at consumers' wallets. There is now a cap of $40 per year for the amount of CVS Extra Bucks one can accumulate by filling prescriptions through the CVS pharmacy.

I telephoned the 800 number on the back of the CVS rewards card to ask why my quarterly Extra Bucks coupon printout was for $5.50, instead of four times that amount. Turns out we maxed out our cap limit in January.

When the Rep began to blame the rules governing controlled substances as being the reason for the change, I just held the receiver away from my ear so I would not be tempted to engage in the conversation any further. Or, perhaps, laugh at his tap-dancing routine. I was polite. I thanked him and hung up.

Because we used the Extra Bucks rewards to pay for OTC items, I had ignored a difficult parking situation and the long waits for service. No longer. I am now a free agent.

So, Walgreens, speak to me. I'm listening . . .

Been greans . . .

We had green beans for dinner. This is a big deal for me because BigEd is away for the day. He is not a fan of green beans. In fact, when I do make them, he makes a heroic effort to consume a reasonable amount. Subsequently, I feel guilty for subjecting him to the attempt.

There is revenge of a sort, however. I made too many. We have been grean leftovers . . .