If you've read my previous posts here, you know that a couple weeks ago I totalled our van and (probably, haven't heard yet) the car I hit. Thankfully, we were able to find another van. We picked it up yesterday - a 2004 Chevy Venture.
The insurance company representing the man I hit has yet to get back with me with his vehicle damage estimates. I know things could have been worse - much worse - and I'm truly thankful neither of us was hurt and that the damage was to the vehicles. However, I'm still faced with the fact that the accident will cost us several thousands of dollars.
As the adage goes, when it rains it pours. See this? 
Looks harmless enough, doesn't it? It's a Kenmore refrigerator that we bought July 4, 2007. Sears was having an appliance sale at the time. The price had been $595; we "saved" $100 by buying it on sale. It came with a one year warranty and, of course, we were offered the "extended" warranty - which we turned down. I'm familiar enough with these extended warranties to know they are just a means for the salesman to get a sizeable commission for each one he/she sells. Also, in the case of the fridge, you have to have major problems with it (the same major problem) three times within a one year period for Sears to replace the unit. Uh-huh. Verbiage hidden deep in the warranty agreement.
Besides, how long should a major appliance last? Surely longer than one year, right?
Well, there is another five year warranty that comes with the purchase of the fridge itself. No extra cost. It covers things like the compressor, etc. You know, major parts.
This refrigerator started losing its cooling power toward the end of July, just a few days after the one year warranty expired. We adjusted the cooling temperature. It helped a little. Very little. Approximately a month and a half later, we called a repairman who said that the problem was several major parts covered under that five year warranty. *Whew* Sigh of relief. He ordered the parts and returned a couple weeks later to handle the repair. That's when things turned ugly. He had to drain the coolant in order to work on the unit. Makes sense. But, when the new parts were installed and he was ready to pump coolant back in, guess what? He discovered the "real" problem was a clog in a tube that is encased in the wall of the refrigerator and not accessible. The tube is not covered in that 5 year warranty. But that doesn't matter, anyway. It's not fixable because he cannot access it. The fridge is now a worthless (well, not quite worthless - we took it to the scrap yard and were paid $11.25 for the metal).
Soooo, I was wondering what else could go wrong when I opened my mailbox and found a large box inside with my name on it. Hmmm. It looked too friendly to be a mail bomb. The sender had taken the time to make a normally boring looking box interesting and sweet looking. This was on the outside, next to the address label:
And look what was inside:
A ribboned group of handmade cards, a sweet notepad, a darling little votive candle holder, chocolates - all carefully and lovingly wrapped in wonderfully feminine papers. There are so many special touches in these cards - take a peek inside: 
Each has a special little element inside that ties it with the face of the card. How beautiful are these?!!!
Someone knows me well, I'm thinking as I pull another enveloped card from the bottom of the box.
Oh-my-gosh! A THANK YOU card? 
I'm puzzled but grateful. I should be the one thanking God and the sender! When things seem dark, God sends me a friend to brighten it all up.
Thank you so very much, DEB! You are such a treasure and I appreciate you so, so much!
When you think you need a boost or a blessing, sometimes you need only to look as far as your mailbox. Sometimes it comes in through the post office, sometimes it's through cyberspace.
I love each of you!
I love it! It has a tiny little chip: 
other than that, it's pretty perfect. Here's a closeup of two nymph-like dancers on the front: 
He's playing a horn or flute - you can't see him in this picture as clearly as you can her. I'm guessing this is from the early 1920's. And it's yours if your name is drawn for this month's Giftaway! All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog within the month of October. 
(click on the pictures to enlarge) 
It measures 6 1/4" long and is in near perfect condition with gold edging. Use it to hold handmade soaps, jewelry or other trinkets, or just as a beautiful display.
The qualifying names are dropped into the hat, er,
