Dear So and So

[IFjane]

IFJane,

As sad as it is, you experienced a classic florist scam. If you order flowers to be wired, they will assume you will not see the flowers and will use the least expensive arrangement and pocket the difference. Many florists will do this unless you specifically tell them you will be there to see the flowers. I had this happen to me when I ordered a funeral spray for my grandmother, who lived out of state. I came to her funeral and my $55 spray was 3 flowers in a tabletop vase.

I'm sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon.

sundial - I was horrified when I saw the flowers but I did not let-on to my mom. She has always loved arranging her own flowers. I send her flowers every year and this is the first time this has happened. I am so angry I could scream. My local florist is closed tomorrow (Sunday) but I plan to call them Monday and also call the florist that delivered the flowers to my mother. Grrrrr.....

[bmccasland]

IFJane - was either florist FDT or Teleflora? They have licensing standards, so the shop can be reported. On the other hand I remember seeing one of the morning news shows some years ago.. they ordered the same arrangement from different florists (either all FDT shops or Teleflora shops), then had the various staff members bring in their "gift". Was pretty shocking the difference from the arrangement in the order flier, and the actual received. Some shops were spot on, one as I recall had to make a substitution, but added to the arrangement to make up for it; and a couple were really bad. My GreatAunt, who owned 2 small town shops, would have been shocked.

Does make a difference if you actually SEE your flowers. Also if you know of a decent shop in the town close to the recipient, call them directly (you can skip the *wire* charge too). Look on the interent at the arrangements, then call the *local* shop with the arrangement number, and confirm with the florist what the flowers will actually be, or if they have to make a substitution.

If I was about 5 years older, I would have inherited my Aunt's flower shops, but I wasn't out of college when she was ready to retire (and was dieing of cancer). And as far as SHE was concerned, I was definitely going to finish college. Which I did.

[Tuckervill]

Dear Neighbor who called Animal Control on me for barking dogs:

It was Saturday at 4:00 pm. The noise ordinance states that quiet hours are between 10 pm and 6 am. My dogs sleep inside. They don't bark at night, so you've never heard them. I'm sure when you peeked out your window and saw me laughing and joking with the AC officer, you were aghast. We were talking about his run-in with an armadillo, but I'd much rather like you to think we were talking about you!

By the way, I know the little white dog has a loud Beagle bark, but she doesn't live here, and she'll be gone when her owner is through moving. You would have known that, had you simply come to my door to speak with me about it, instead of calling the police (which you had to do to get an AC officer on Saturday).

And he said I was doing nothing wrong, and he could clearly see all the dogs were cared for, licensed and just having a good time, and there's no law against having four dogs, even if they were all mine. Doesn't that chap your butt?

Signed,
Dog lover, but not a moron

[sundial]

Tuckervill, LOL!

[Geonz]

Next thing would be to walk over to her and chat *her* up about it, as in face to face, to show her how it's done Oy!

Dear weatehr,

You completely changed between last night and today - I mean the forecast. It was going to be rain, then cold with tapering flurries at the end - standard stuff that I would disgruntledly bear even if it is March and time for spring.

Oops, now the Gulf has gotten involved and is blowing in another 6 inches. Howe about just changing to snow *now*, and giving us ten so that everything's closed and we can all stay home?

[Tuckervill]

But I'm not sure it was "her". Probably was, though. She's the only one who's not home during the weekdays--the other neighbors would have called earlier.

Karen

[sundial]

Dear knee,

I know you are pretty unhappy today and you were cranky all day. Now I'm worn out. Think I'll grab the comforter and head for the couch. Wish you didn't hurt so much.

me

[elk]

But I'm not sure it was "her". Probably was, though. She's the only one who's not home during the weekdays--the other neighbors would have called earlier.

Karen

I have a collie who likes to go out on the back patio and stand there yelling,"Hey everyone! What's going on? Have you seen my beautiful long nose and my glorious winter coat? Did you watch the SImpsons last night? DO you know my sister? Would you like to sing a duet? Have you got any stuffed toys? Do you know where that dachshund is? Let me tell you about my work as a therapy dog...and of course you know you have to stay on the other side of the fence there, SLick, this is my yard and I have these little dogs to take care of. Hey, I smell BBQ..."etc.