Keep it Between the Ditches

A couple of weeks ago, I had an unfortunate adventure while driving on an unfamiliar country road on what seems like the darkest night ever. I was looking for the road I was supposed to turn onto when I realized I was already past it. Okay- find a road to pull into and turn around. No problem!

So I am driving along looking for another road and spotted it just as I was about to pass it. I could have braked but that would have met inviting the guy behind me into my bed. Being that I just had my beloved Dodge painted I decided to pull over and back into the road. It was so dark I couldn't even tell there was a road there but I could see the street sign.  Knowing that the road would be two to three feet away from the sign I aimed accordingly. My aim was true and I reached my destination - the ditch. That's right, I backed my truck into the ditch about four feet from the street sign. What I thought was a street was actually an old unused driveway. The actual street was located across the road from the sign. In my defense it was a really deep ditch and I stopped as-soon-as I realized I was backing into a lower spot than I had intended. There I am - the front of the truck on the edge of the pavement and the rear wheels catching nothing but loose grass. Having nothing to put under the wheels for traction and knowing digging holes would get me nowhere fast, I admitted defeat. I hit the four-ways and called for a tow.

Being prepared means having a plan and it is times like this that I love technology. I get out my phone, search my contact list for the number and voila - tow truck is on its way. Okay, it wasn't exactly that easy - it took me a few minutes to explain to Jimmy where I was. Meanwhile a cop and a local "Rescue Rodger" (who just happens to be one of the guys from the nail salon, where I get an occasional pedicure) pull-up. The "Rescue Rodger" gets to the door of the truck first.

"You okay Miss. Lawna?"

I could blame this butchering of my name on the fact that he is Asian but the truth is he speaks perfect English. He is very nice and is trying to assist me so I ignore the mispronunciation.

"I am fine."

"Good! You coming in for a pedicure this week?"

At this point the last thing on my mind is my next pedicure. Part of me wants to laugh but the other part of me realizes that marketing and promoting your business every chance you get is important.

"Probably not this week."

Our foot care conversation is cut short by the cop who is now out of his vehicle and needing attention. He approaches and when I say approaches I mean he has his upper body through the window into the cab of the truck. He gets close enough to make-out and I assume he is checking my breath for alcohol because at this point I was smelling his.

"What happened?"

I dole out the tale and he seems to believe me. He wants to call someone to pull me out and doesn't seem happy when I explain a tow truck is already on its way. He gets impatient waiting for Jimmy and repeatedly offers to call someone else. He claims to know someone who can get here fast. I explained it would be wrong to give the call to someone else after Jimmy was already on his way. I was informed it happens all the time. (Can you say kickback? HELLO!)

Jimmy pulls up. Tows me out. Just like that - 30 seconds and I am rolling. Eat your heart-out NASCAR.

When I ask about paying him he tells me not to worry about it. He is happy to help me out.

That's right - left his house at seven o'clock at night to tow me out of the ditch for nothing but a Thank You.

This past week the Dodge wasn't charging. I took her to Jimmy's for an alternator. (At 12 the old girl is starting to show her age.) Jimmy didn't mention the towing incident. I brought it up and thanked him again for everything he does. He totally down played it an told me I missed the driveway by inches and that anyone else would have thought it was a road next to a street sign. No dumb women driver jokes, just courteous and reassuring comments.

Marston says it gives him peace of mind knowing that Jimmy looks out for me and it means a lot knowing I am safe. Two years ago the Dodge was sick and could go no further. I pushed her out of the road and called Jimmy. He left his family and supper to come to my aid. We took her to his garage for repair. After several days he gave up and referred me to another garage. (He didn't charge me because he was unable to find out what was wrong.) The next garage claimed nothing was wrong with the Dodge and charged me a lot for their diagnosis. A couple of hours later I broke-down again. I called Jimmy and he came and was able to diagnosis what was not wrong while she was still not running. We took her to his garage for a second look. I don't know how long it took him to discover what was wrong but I know his time was worth more than what I paid him.

Big Thanks to my friend and soon-to-be new neighbour Jimmy McGowan. Please add him to your contact list for those unforeseen emergencies. He is located at:

My savior's noble steed.

McGowan's Service Station
1011 George Street
New Bern, NC  28560
(252)637-2410











Big Thanks to Paul my "Rescue Rodger" for responding to the call and waiting with me until I got pulled out. He was there with his emergency vest on and emergency lights flashing. Please support your local volunteer firemen by visiting their businesses.  You can find Paul at:

Tips to Toes
2065 S Glenburnie Road
New Bern, NC
(252)635-6245
(In the Harris Teeter Parking Lot)

Auctions - You Never Know What You Will Find

Saturday was the Trenton Volunteer Fire & EMS Farm Equipment & General Auction. Appropriately named with everything from tractors to bathtubs on the auction block. Everywhere you looked there was a treasure waiting for a new home. It is probably the first auction I have been to that I haven't bought anything. Temptation was everywhere. I was prepared with truck and trailer to haul it home. So why didn't I buy? There comes a time when you decide you only want the treasure you cannot live without (i.e. you have a place to put it). There were things I loved but I settled for a couple of photos of the best finds (the ones that got away).

Tractors to Bathtubs & Everything Else

1930s General Electric - Still Works

The find of the day & my only regret. As clean & beautiful inside as outside.

1965 Pontiac Grand Am

Love These Jack Stands

There were plows everywhere you looked.

An Amazing Safe

What Happened to Customer Service?

Do you ever feel like good customer service is a thing of the past? Perhaps it is the consumers fault because we accept it. Maybe it is the cost to consumers for lower prices. Sometimes it is like a hostage situation where we are forced to buy from the only store locally that sells a desired item. The reasons for this acceptance will vary but one thing is certain, we all have experienced poor customer service. Day five of the flu and my spirits are running a bit low. I woke-up this morning and realized I needed to perk-up. I decided I needed to get my day started so I called Gary over at East Carolina Paint Centre and asked him if he would mind mixing some paint for me to pick-up? Of course he was happy too. Okay, so far, so good - I decided to get ready for my daily adventure. Before I left the house I checked my blog, e-mail, Facebook, etc. Lots of positive messages about the blog and "feel better wishes". (Big thanks to everyone who sent them.) Finally I was ready to go out and greet the world.

First stop on today's mission was the paint store. Customer service at its very best. Gary was coming out to the car with the paint before I even had a chance to kill the engine. He was worried I was too sick to come-in for it. I could have hugged him. Ironically my way of thanks would have brought him in closer contact to my germs (not a great way to repay someone for their kindness.)

Next stop the river house. Checked on today's plans and discussed closet ideas with the guys. Everything looks great and progress is apparent. The journey continuous with a visit to John Micheal's Jewellery on Trent Road. There I am greeted by name. I bought my husband a new-to-him ring for Christmas from an auction and needed to have it inspected for loose and/or damaged stones. For $10 I bought the piece of mind that the ring is fine, along with two watch batteries (happily installed). Another great experience on the journey to a great day.

Hubby's New Bling

Then I got a phone call. It was my husband calling to check on me and asking me out to lunch. I knew instantly I wanted to go over to Thai Thai on Neuse Boulevard. They have the best lunch buffet ever. I arrived before Marston and was greet with, "Nice to see you is your husband also coming?" I replied and was immediately led to a table where I was asked, "Would this table be alright?" Of course it was. Next question, "Did you want your usual drinks?" We go there a couple of times a month for lunch and the guy remembers what we like to drink. Needless to say everything about this experience was fantastic.

The moral of the story. Poor customer service experiences can often be eliminated by supporting the local businesses who have a vested interest in providing the very best service possible. Sadly, there are a few owner/operators who haven't realized this vital business secrete. Shop local: get to know your local business owners and support the local economy. I think you will be pleasantly be surprised by the people you'll meet. Those who say a small town has nothing to offer them - need to take a second look.

Best

FYI - Check today's new post on the project page.

Another Closet

Little progress was made today. It is day four of the flu and honestly I am ready to move past it. The final touches on the kitchen island started this afternoon and will be finished tomorrow in preparation for the counter tops being re-installed on Thursday. They had to removed and placed in storage so we could fix hurricane damage. I eagerly wait our reunion.

Closet design progress has been slow. Final plans for the Yellow Bedroom's closet are done. Meanwhile I keep re-drawing and configuring our Master Bedroom closet. The problem is that it is huge closet with hard to use space (it has two large windows in it). Not exactly what I would have planned but I am trying to make the best of it. A couple of possible designs have emerged but nothing that screams - This is it!

The good news is that another closet design has been completed. The bad news is that I created two plans for it and have to choose between the two. This bedroom would be perfect guest room or child's room. At this point some may be questioning: Why go to all this trouble for a room that may never get much use? Which is a great point but the truth is resale. Really great closets and storage spaces (along with great kitchens and bathrooms) helps sell houses. Marston says this is our last house and I hope he is right. But I am leaving all our options for resale open just in case he changes his mind.

Option 1 - Has drawers possibly eliminating the need for a dresser in the room.

Option 2 - Has lots of short rod storage and is less expensive to build than option 1.

Basically the bulk of the material will be IKEA products with upgraded hardware and a few personal touches added. To start designing your own closet system visit their website http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/bedroom/19086/tab/pax_planner/

Foyer Closet Design

Day three of the flu and it is cold and rainy outside. Perfect weather for curling-up with a quilt on the coach. Just me, the laptop and my two assistants (Jack & Oreo - my cats). It was the perfect time to start designing closets (all seven of them). Actually managed to finish one today and quite possibly will finish another tonight. Yeah!

The foyer closet design was created using the IKEA website and thus their products. Other items will be added, like hooks for keys and a pullout rack for scarfs. One of the nice things about moving locally is the ability to relocate "areas" from one house to the other, one at a time. Unpacking into an organized space should make getting used to the new house easier and faster. Visit http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/bedroom/19086/tab/pax_planner/  to plan your own IKEA closet.

River House - Foyer Closet

Day 2 Paint Choices

Day two of final colour choices. I could use the excuse that it is too cold to paint but the tile guy is coming Friday. The looming deadline provided inspiration for me to brave this cold day. I knew I could delay the inevitable because I had a meeting at the office. (I am a real estate agent with Prudential Clear Water Realty.) Decisions are final and I was in no hurry to buy the paint. Jumped in the truck to take off and she (my truck is a girl) was not excited to see me. Instead of her usual good morning "Room-Voom-Voom" she greeted me with an unenthusiastic "Re .. Re . . Re . .  Re". Understanding the importance of my impending meeting and the need to get paint, she turned over. (I am sure my loving words of encouragement helped.) Five minutes later we made it to work. Reflection is a wonderful luxury. This morning I was faced with a choice "to go to work" or "not go to work", but that never crossed my mind. I knew that the Dodge would get me there but I am not delusional: I knew it was time for a new battery. I stopped this afternoon at the Advanced Auto Parts store in James City. I pulled the hood before I went in to take my spot in line. Being the first in line did not mean much - I was the last customer waited on. Being used to bad customer service experiences I figured this was par for the course. I was not happy about it but I figured there was nothing to do but grin and bear it. Peggy tested my battery and confirmed the diagnosis, Everett installed the new battery and Mac/Mat? rang-in the sale. Peggy makes a point of apologizing to me profusely and insisted it should not have happened. Mac/Mat then discounted my bill $20. All the while I am standing there thinking that the whole experience was better than my average customer service experience before the discount and apology. Now I am thinking it was FANTASTIC! For everyone out there driving an experienced vehicle remember the folks at Advanced Auto in James City. Colder weather means slow/no starts for weak batteries. Stop in and have your battery checked for FREE! Normally it only takes a few minutes and it beats starting your day with a no-go morning.

After a brief stop at the office I forced myself to go to Lowes for the non-existent customer experience. I needed four more colour samples. The price is right at $2.94 even if the customer service is non-existent. The old adage "You get what you pay for certainly applies." The actual paint purchase happens at my local Pittsburgh Paint Centre, which happens to East Carolina Paint Centre. I am a huge fan of the ceramic wall hide. Great finish, excellent one coat coverage, and washes great with the magic eraser. The best part is touch-up jobs match the existing paint. This also means it is user friendly during application. Have you ever been painting and had to stop for an interruption? (Someone always calls when I am painting.) After you manage to put out the impending fire you discover the wet edge you were maintaining as you roll is not exactly wet anymore. No worries, I have continued where I left off with seamless results. Ideally I would not recommend trying this but as we all know "stuff" happens. Honestly I would buy paint from Gary even if it wasn't the BEST paint because the customer service is worth it. Fast friendly service with expert advice, offered by someone with years of experience, operating his own business speaks volumes to my checkbook. Don't take my word for it go for a visit. When he is carrying your paint out and putting it in your car for you - please remember to tell him your heard about it from me.

Today's mission was paint choices. Did I succeed? Happy to report that all the colours that had to be decided (this week) have been decided and purchased. Even managed to select some of the other colours that were not on this deadline. Yeah for me! Look for future colour choice dilemmas because there are still 5 rooms to decide.

It was a great day. Thanks for checking in. Be sure to check the project page for my tip of the day, Colour Coding Your Keys.

Ciao