It's that time of year, and though I've done some shopping local, the bulk of it was online. I also took the opportunity to buy some things for myself, what with all the sales, and free shipping offers. Merry Christmas to me! 🎄🤶 However shipping comes with it's own issues, especially at holiday time, and to Alaska.
This cut piece of cardboard, and the mailing label were all that I received in my PO box. The cardboard looks like it was intentionally cut into this shape, and whatever was in the box is gone. Fortunately, it was an Amazon purchase, and I applied for a replacement.
How about this one? Don't you feel better to knowing they made this box with less material? That way it can fall apart faster, than it's predecessor, thus scattering your purchases farther afield.
I believe there's a special hell for those people who ship items with this obnoxious filler. I tried to empty these styrofoam pellets into a bag, and of course they are statically charged, went everywhere, and were impossible to get them off my fingers, and clothes. So, of course, I recycled them, and shipped them off to a family member as filler in their box. I might be a candidate for that special place in hell, but I figure the recycling part might save me.
I bought new shoes for myself during an REI sale. My Keens were at least 8 years old, I believe I bought them right before we moved onboard Denali Rose in 2014. The bottoms were well worn, and now were quite slippery on deck, and, (as most of you know), for me a bad falling hazard, also the insides were starting to break down. I figure I got my moneys worth.
Check out the difference between the new, and the old, I'm sure I don't have to tell you which is which. I tried out the new ones on deck, very sticky, and I'm grateful.
The old ones are kind of beat up, I did some painting in them, and have a few spatters, but overall, they could still be worn, except of course for the non-tread. Now they have been relegated to the "shit kicker" category, as Bill calls it, just for messy chores. Keen gets my endorsement for a long-wearing, sticky sole, comfortable shoe.
I also have a pair of Keen sandals, again the bottom is completely worn, but the straps, and topside still look great. I have another new pair in storage somewhere, I need to look for them. I bought 2 pair back when, because they were discontinuing my favorite color.
Then there's the Eddie Bauer debacle. I had ordered a flannel tunic, what I got was a men's black hoodie with fake shearling on the inside. Now, I really like this brand, they fit well, (at least for me), free shipping, and wear for a long time.
What I ordered.
What I received.
They're the same aren't they? Geez. I used the chat feature on the Eddie Bauer website, and after a somewhat difficult exchange, where they said the tunic was no longer available, except that it was still on their website, we got it resolved. I had them refund the original purchase, and I reordered the tunic, at $7.00 less expensive, yay, and they said to keep the hoodie. I'm not sure what I'll do with a men's medium cotton hoodie, but it's mine now.
Update on Gus, he's still on house arrest, instead of wearing an ankle bracelet, he gets to wear his harness, and leash, or tether. At least he has quieted down, hardly any yowling anymore, and we're beginning to see the sweet Gus again. Hallelujah! We don't trust him to not run off though, so no more freedom at the dock. He found a way to wriggle out of the vest harness, so now he wears one that straps around his neck, and straps around his middle. We call it the torture device, and it doesn't stay in place very well. He has several different replacements coming for Christmas, a bit like getting underwear for presents. :-) I made up for it by getting some catnip loaded cloth fish for him to bat around. Shhh, don't tell him, I want it to be a surprise.
Gus is enjoying the intermittent sunshine that comes in the pilothouse windows, and shines on the steps of the companionway. That's his leash on the top step, ready for him to be clipped in before we open the cafe doors.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
