Perspectives of a Canadian in the Old/Deep/New/Geographic South: This is where I ramble on about nothing in particular and post a few nice pictures.
Random mutterings
The nativity set on the mantel seems to get a few extra visitors each year. The regular nativity set is one that was made and painted by Connie’s mom back in 1975. This year, in addition to the usual cast and crew, they’re joined by (L-R) a decrypted armoured red dwagon, three Chinese gods, Pope Francis, two cats, and Tux.
The Christmas tree got upgraded to something a little larger and a little greener.
It’s one of those pre-lit trees, but we still ended up putting on another string of lights that we had lying around.
On the second week of Advent, some decorations got put on the tree.
The dogs don’t really care (or notice) that there’s a tree there so the lower part of the tree is starting to turn into a “ball free” zone because of their tail wagging.
A few days ago, the special ornaments went on the tree.
Soon, maybe even a star for the top of the tree (if we can find one we like)!
A generically addressed (aside from the envelope) letter arrived from Comcast today.
Dear Valued Comcast Customer,
Thank you for choosing XFINITY® from Comcast. We hope you have been enjoying the features and benefits of your XFINITY services.
During a recent review of your account, we found that you are not being billed for your monthly modem rental.
No shit. That’s because we own our cable modem. Maybe if you had “reviewed” a little deeper, you’d have noticed that the order for XFINITY internet didn’t include any hardware.
Effective with your next bill, your rate for the monthly modem rental will be $7.00.
As a Comcast customer, we know you expect a great customer experience and for your bill to be a certain amount each month. We understand that this change will cause an unexpected increase in your monthly bill. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this causes.
We value our customers and look forward to continuing to serve you. If you believe you have received this letter in error or have any questions regarding your XFINITY services, please call us any time at 1-800-XFINITY.
Thank you for being a Comcast customer.
Sincerely,
Comcast
Obviously just because we have XFINITY internet service, we must be renting Comcast equipment (which by the way is pretty stupid anyway, considering a cable modem can be purchased for less than $80). So after calling and providing info to the automated response system so it can pull up my account info, I reach a customer service rep and proceed to provide info (again) so she can pull up my account info.
After spending a few minutes on the phone, it turns out all the customer service rep can do is remove the rental charge from the bill. The problem of us owning the cable modem needs to be escalated to have someone start an investigation into whether the cable modem is actually ours or not. The rep says I should expect to hear back from someone by Dec 24.
Why oh why must Comcast induce so much shakefist and facepalm.
Christmas tree is up!
11 AM, November 11, 1918
Today marks the 95th anniversary of the end of World War I, the Great War, the War to End All Wars.
In Flander’s Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.– Lt. Col. John McRae (1872-1918)