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Tread gingerly
Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 06:44PM 
Lowland Gorilla with ginger root snack, and baby :: Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia
Let me be the last to wish you a Happy New Year.
Apologies for staying gone for so long; it was all a trifle overwhelming if I'm being truthful.
And I am.
Funny story for you:
Last Wednesday, I had an appointment for Rizzo to visit the groomer. The appointment had been made several weeks ago, in advance, the last time he showed up for a bath and a nail trim.
We like to stay out ahead of these things.
But, just as I was getting ready to take him over there, I noticed that I'd missed a call and had a voice mail.
It was from the store where I take Rizzo, specifically Grooming, saying that their "system was down" and they could not service my dog that day.
The caller, who identified herself as Courtney, requested that I call back to reschedule.
So naturally, I called her immediately by pressing the phone icon right on her voice mail message.
She picked up. It sounded like she was in a car.
Hello? she said.
Hi Courtney! I sang. This is Jenny, Rizzo's mom! You just called me!
Oh yes! Courtney responded.
I wanted to make a new appointment for him! I said.
Okay but I can't do it right now so how about I call you in the morning, around nine? Courtney said.
Okay that's fine! I said. Talk to you soon!
Bye! she said.
Bye! I said.
The next morning (Thursday), Courtney did not call me.
Not that I noticed; it was a rainy day and we had a house full of company and I was making spaghetti.
Then (Friday), it was New Year's Eve. Andrew and Brittany were here and we were busy making plans to all meet at the zoo that afternoon, then go out to dinner that night.
At the zoo, we saw many animals: lions, tigers, bears -- no I will not say OH MY! right there, like a dimwitted parrot -- flamingoes, otters, sea lions, giraffes, kangaroos, zebras, wallabies, gorillas (the big guy in the picture above was chowing down on ginger root), chimpanzees, ostriches, an alligator, and various other critters.
There were no elephants and no rhinos, and the reptile house was closed, much to our disappointment.
The next morning, we kissed Andrew, Brittany, and Ember goodbye before nine o'clock and enjoyed a quiet New Years Day.
(I do not celebrate that holiday in any fashion except to sit quietly. No cooking and no company is involved.)
The next day, we had church.
Yesterday -- Monday, early afternoon -- I thought I'd better call over to the pet store and get Rizzo back on the schedule.
I asked to speak to someone in Grooming, but the young lady who answered the phone said she believed they were gone for the day.
Gone for the day at one fifty-five in the afternoon? I asked, skeptical. (They're always there until five o'clock.)
Yes, I think something happened, she said. Hold on please.
I held on, wondering if they'd managed to lose a pet from too much washing and clipping and so forth.
A moment later, a gentleman came on the phone and wondered aloud if he could help me.
Well, I just wanted to make an appointment for my dog to have a bath and his nails ground down, I said.
Oh, he said. [pause]
I had an appointment for last Wednesday afternoon, but Courtney called to tell me y'all couldn't see him, and then she said she'd call me on Thursday, but she didn't, so I'm calling back, I elaborated.
You talked to Courtney last THURSDAY? he said, sounding shocked.
No, I -- I began.
Because she is on maternal leave! he exclaimed, then paused again. By that I mean, she's going to have a baby!
Right, I said. Thanks for clarifying what maternal leave means since I was totally in the dark, but nevertheless, I did talk to her on WEDNESDAY last week and she promised to call me on Thursday morning to reschedule Rizzo's appointment, but she didn't, so I'm calling back.
Well she was out having a baby on Thursday, he said.
I understand, I said. But I couldn't tell that from her voice on the phone, on Wednesday. I'm just telling you what she said.
[pause]
So, can I make an appointment for my dog? I asked.
Well I could write your name down and have someone call you but it won't be Courtney, he said. She's --
-- out having a baby, I finished his sentence. See, it doesn't matter who calls me from Grooming. It could be anyone. I just need to make an appointment for my dog.
I offered to call back the next morning (that would have been this morning), to save them the trouble of calling me, which to be honest I did not believe they would do.
But I forgot.
So I will call after one more sleep and a strong cup of coffee, and see if maybe they can fit Rizzo into the lineup of appointments for tomorrow afternoon.
I don't really know who Courtney is; I usually deal with a young lady named Katie, in Grooming.
But with any luck and a strong headwind, perhaps when I see Katie, she'll have news about Courtney's new baby.
Moving forward on the path
Meanwhile let's treat 2022 with great respect -- gingerly, even. I think that would be the prudent path.
If you have a funny story from the first three days of the year, please do share.
And that is all for now.
=0=0=0=
Happy Tuesday :: Happy January
Reader Comments (23)
First of all, before I forget, the picture of you and TG that you posted for Christmas is absolutely gorgeous!! Loved it!! You make a very good looking/beautiful/handsome couple!
Oh my goodness about the grooming appointment. Now I'm curious about Courtney and her baby. Boy or girl? First child? Baby early? Hopefully Katie will have all the details for you.
It's not necessarily a funny story, but a cute story, for the first 3 days of the new year. Sunday we went out to eat with son/family at the Rain Forest Cafe. Don't know if you are familiar with them, but they have a jungle theme. We thought it would be cute for our 5 year old grandson. He freaked out a bit with all the noise but after I bought him an overpriced stuffed monkey, he settled down a bit :) Anyway, we usually pick up the bill when we go out with them. Son/family were half hour late (I have no idea why except my DIL said it was all her fault and then they got lost). When they sat down and the waiter took their drink orders (just soda and tea) my son ordered the most expensive appetizer on the menu. I thought "wow, that is pretty presumptuous of him" because we hadn't even asked him if they wanted appetizers. At the end of the meal, we had to ask for ":to go" boxes. We needed an extra one that my son asked for. Unbeknownst to us, he slipped the waiter his debit card at the same time the waiter handed him the "to go" box. The waiter brings back the little holder they put cards into and hands it to my hubby since my hubby reached for it. My hubby opens it and the first thing he sees is someone else's debit card so he's thinking "oh great, they gave us somebody's card." Then he looks and sees son's name on the card. He got us good! We certainly were not expecting him to pick up the tab especially since we had invited them as part of our Christmas get together. (I don't get together with them on the actual holiday, I let them "do their own thing" and usually schedule something before the holiday to celebrate together). It was a nice treat and a great way to start the new year.
It will be a great year ahead! Even rocky starts can turn out to be fantastic years down the line!
Happy New Year!
betty
@betty ... awwww! Your son sounds like a real gentleman and a great guy. Wonderful generosity. I'm glad you all had a good time and yes I have heard of that jungle place! Never been to one though. Your plan of getting together after the holiday sounds like a good one. We were all pretty overwhelmed this year what with all of the repeated celebratory occasions. The food just got to us! Haahaha I guess we could all control ourselves but what fun is that? Thank you for your kind comment about our picture! Our son says it's the best picture of us he's ever seen, haaahahaha! xoxo
What a strange thing to happen. WHY would she answer the pet store phone if she was on maternity leave? You have started off the New Year with a mini mystery.
@Ginny ... I know, right? It was SHE who called me! I'm pretty sure she was in the store when she did that. So yes, it's a mystery but when I go in to deliver Rizzo to be bathed, I'll try and get to the bottom of it! xoxo
Good grief on the runaround with that appointment! Honestly, how do some of these places stay in business? Well, my only story is that we STILL can’t wash our hands after using the potty in our half bath. A project that was supposed to be completed in one week has turned into one month. First, someone dropped the ball on cutting the countertop, then it was the holidays, then contractor scheduled plumber for NYE,when I guess plumbers don’t work? So, now they are all supposed to show up today. I’m not holding my breath!
@Bijoux ... oh noooooooo! See, I had the good fortune of our contractor for our bath remodel being retired and a friend of TG's who is as reliable as the dawn. He did exactly what he said he'd do and finished ahead of schedule. But I know that's not the usual experience of folks with contractors. I cannot imagine the nightmare of a larger project, or a project done at the mercy of tradesmen who don't show. And I don't know how that store stays in business, but it's close by and convenient, and they do a good job on Rizzo, but wow I hope I can get him in there this week! Haaahahaha Happy New Year! xoxo
What a hassle with the groomer. It seems every single business is short handed and having trouble getting things organized. I called to make an eye appointment for my husband and the first opening they have is in May. I'm calling around to see if I can find something sooner. We live in a small town and even if EVERYONE in town has an eye appointment it wouldn't be May before an opening.
Today is day three back to work after my 10 day vacation and I'm not sure if I will ever get caught up. I'm taking it all in stride though.
Have a great rest of the week!!
I'm not a fan of having to schedule my Libby and Buddy for their nail appointments...but...Pugs, all Pugs, absolutely scream bloody murder if you try to clip their nails!! Buddy just cries...real tears so...needs, must and all that.
The Christmas photo card was gorgeous!! What a beautiful couple!
And like you, Larry and I spent the New's Year evening on the QT. Nothing fancy here...
And I DO have a Christmas story I'm Dying to tell but we have been sworn to the utmost secrecy!!
I'm about to bust... :0(
Love you girlfriend....stay gorgeous!
hughugs
Donna
@Lori ... Ugh, going back to work and getting caught up. I know you will prevail but it's agony. No eye appointments until MAY? You're right: that is ridiculous. I need an eye appointment too so thanks for reminding me; I have been procrastinating for nearly a year. I hope it doesn't take five months! You have a great rest of the week too. xoxo
@Donna ... Whaaaat? A secret? Do tell! Do tell! Haaahaha I'll make sure to check your blog on the daily for when you can spill the beans. Poor Buddy and his nails being clipped! I stopped having them clip Rizzo's and now I pay extra to have them ground down with a Dremel tool. Early last year the girls in Grooming gave me a hard time about not wearing a mask (I have never worn one) and I pushed back and the manager put them back in their place, and in my conversation to him I said, I have been bringing Rizzo to your store since the very DAY -- Saturday, January 7, 2017 -- that I rescued him. And I know how to bathe a dog, and yes he will fit into my sink, and I can purchase a Dremel tool for the price of ONE appointment with your groomers. He said, I will adjust the attitudes of the workers in Grooming and you are welcome here sans mask any time, and we hope you will continue to patronize our store. Good man. But now, it seems one has to move heaven and earth to find a groomer available to perform the service. Ah well ... I shall try until I succeed. Happy New Year to you my dear friend! xoxo
Mmmmm, I'm wondering if you really want to go back to this place? Seems they are a bit "at wits end," with their scheduling.
But anyway, you are very, very funny. With your subliminal messaging. -gigggggggles-
Good luck!!!!
Merry Midwinter Wishes,
Hugs,
🌲 🌲 🌲 🌲 🌲 🌲
Maybe you spoke to her on her way to the hospital! Lol... that's dedication! No really funny stories. Blew a fuse ... our house is soooo old... and melted/welded a plastic spatter guard to the outside underneath of my oven... had to clean it to get the exterior hot!... cleaning and all that... so n glad you are back!
@Mari-Nanci ... Haaahaha well if I were not so lazy I would find a good place to take him but it's so close and so convenient. We shall see. As of this writing I have not yet called them back! I hate making phone calls! xoxo
@Gayla ... Please do be careful with the fuse blowing and plastic melting, haaaha! I will begin to worry. Your house is old in such a wonderful way. I adore old houses. I will get to the bottom of Courtney's labor and delivery story if it's the last thing I do, haaaha! xoxo
HA .. I love the story. It is a grand way to start the New Year.
I'm starting to think it's you! I mean - why do these crazy things always happen to you? :) :) :)
I do appreciate what you go through to make me laugh - and I did laugh out loud while reading this.
I have to tell you that I read lions, tigers, bears - and inserted my own "oh, my!"
Nothing so crazy happening here - except a blizzard! I got sent home early and it took me an hour with a nasty drive. Now they say it will continue to Friday and we may get 20 inches. Yuck!
However - I can be thankful for this job. They already called me and told me to stay home tomorrow and do what I can from home. So nice!
@Carla ... ain't it the truth? Love ya friend! xoxo
@Mari ... You're STARTING to think it's me? You've thought that for YEARS, haaahahahaahaaa! Can't fool the pirate. TWENTY inches of snow? You HAVE to stay home? I think that sounds totally wonderful as long as your power stays on! I'd like to see that snow fall but I'll take our sunshine and mild temps. xoxo
Well, I'm probably the only one that thought something ominous happened to Courtney like she was in a car accident right after she called you and didn't make it or something happened in childbirth! Yes, I am morbid! Going to the zoo on New Year's Eve! How great is that. We would have frozen our butts off here! Hope you were able to get Rizzo into the groomers yesterday! Happy New Year to you and your family!
@Jeanette ... Haaahaha no, I'm pretty sure that Courtney is alive and well and cuddling her new baby. Not only did we go to the zoo, but it was 75 degrees and humid! Perfect zoo weather, actually. No, Rizzo remains ungroomed. We'll get it done eventually. Happy New Year to you too! xoxo
Hahahaha...well, wouldn't you know?! I laughed through the whole thing. I have our Scruffy set up for every few weeks to get himself clipped and groomed. I always have the same gal and I know she is good to him because he trots right in the place as happy as a clam. Some groomers can be pretty rough, I am told.
Sounds like you had a very busy holiday and I bet you are looking forward to some down time now.. I hope the New Year is very good to you, Jenny. Hugs- Diana
@Diana ... Go Scruffy! Our groomers are great to Rizzo but he detests going in there and I have to carry him every step of the way. So silly my puppy. BUT we have an appointment to get him all taken care of this Thursday! Finally. Down time sounds good. Hugs to you my friend! xoxo
Oh my GOSH!!--very strange behavior with the pet scheduling etc!!?? What in the world?? Anyway, hope they got Rizzo in by now??!! Hope your Christmas was great and I loved the picture of you and TG you posted on the previous post, y'all are a great looking couple and you LOOK SO GLAMOUROUS my friend! happy new year, best wishes for a great January and a great new year! Hugs!
@Debbi ... It was interesting and because of continued weird goings-on at the pet store, I will now be washing my dog in the sink and grinding down his nails with a newly purchased Dremel tool. We're good and that's one less thing I have to leave the house to do! Thank you for your kind words and I wish you a happy new year too! xoxo
Well, I'm glad to read from the comments that Rizzo has finally been groomed. Luckily, you at least got a cancelation call from Courtney or you might have gone and been turned away. Here's my story: We purchased a refrigerator/freezer and had to wait about 6 weeks because of supply chain issues. It's an "extra" appliance for us so we waited - why do old people even need a second fridge/freezer, but we do. It came December 30th and right from the get go, the control panel was faulty. After spending way too much time on the phone over several days, talking to nice people from India who couldn't solve the problem, I finally got a warranty repair order. The person came and within 10 minutes left, saying he could not fix it. The fridge is cold and frozen food is frozen, but we have no idea about the temperature because the control panel doesn't work. Finally we called our own very competent appliance repair person who doesn't service the brand we bought, but is trying to research the problem. Unfortunately, an appliance is not an easy return (we bought it on-line). I think we've about given up and maybe will just hope that the temps continue to work even if we can't control them.... I'm assigning this fiasco to 2021, even though it spills over to 2022. Hopefully, the rest of the year will go smoothly!
@Barb ... Oh my WORD that is horrible! I'm afraid I would have lost my patience early on with that whole situation. It's as though everything that has happened in the last two years has primed us to wait longer, pay more, and expect less. I am so sorry that you have to live with this faulty appliance. that would drive me nuts but maybe you'll find that it's fantastic except for the panel telling you why it's so fantastic. As for a second fridge, we have one in the garage and could not live without it! Your age is not a factor, haaahahaha xoxo