Persevere

Saturday, June 15, 2013 – Cotacachi, Ecuador

I finally was able to cancel our Directv-Ecuador service.  We had ordered it in January but for the amount we were paying for the Platinum Package ($54.54) it just wasn’t a wise expense for us.  We rarely watch TV and when we do we can usually find something on Netflix that suits us at only $7.99 a month.

I had emailed them in April letting them know I wanted to suspend service for the month of May since we were traveling.  I received a call back.  The gentleman who helped me was courteous and efficient.  I was quite impressed.  However, Bruce and I talked about the service while we were away and decided to cancel.

Upon return, I once again sent Directv-Ecuador an email letting them know I wanted to cancel, but got no response.  I had the cell phone number for their technician so I called him and told him I wanted to return the equipment as I was canceling service.  He was out that same afternoon.  He asked me if I had called Directv-Ecuador.  I told him I had emailed, but got no response.  He asked that I call the office to be sure it was okay for him to take the equipment.  I did so.  The person on the phone this time was not very cooperative.  The gist of her speech was that she would not help me without a contract number.  I didn’t have a contract number.  In May they found my account with just my name and phone number.  This time no dice.  I was on the phone for at least 5-minutes when the technician motioned for me to hand him the phone.  It didn’t matter, she wouldn’t help him either.  I whispered at him “tell her I’m going to cancel my credit card so they won’t be able to charge me anymore”.  I thought that would get her attention.  He relayed that info to the clerk on the phone, but it didn’t matter.  She still wouldn’t help.  I say wouldn’t because she could have, she just wouldn’t. Finally the technician hung up the phone.  He was very upset.  He then asked if we had internet.  He sat down at our computer and tried to register us on the Directv-Ecuador website, but it would not accept the data.  Obviously frustrated, he apologized for all the trouble.  I thanked him for his attempts to help.

The next week I called my bank, Capital One, who I have always received great service from.  I asked if I could block a certain vendor or did I need to cancel my credit card. I was told it was best to log the complaint and place a block on the card.  It was further explained to me that if I simply canceled my card, the vendor could insist that the account be reopened, and continue to bill me, since they had a signed agreement with me.  I placed the block.  The bank representative said maybe they will be more willing to let me cancel now that they will not be receiving anymore payments.  That was my hope too.

Bruce and I have always had excellent credit and I did not like leaving this open.  We decided to go to the sales office in Ibarra where we opened the account to see if they could help us.  The girl at the sales desk was very nice, but unable to help.  She did give us the address and phone number of the local office and suggested we try there.  It was already past noon, and typically offices close from noon to 2PM for lunch, so we opted to head to lunch ourselves and try and call them later.  I tried to call, but did not get an answer.

Then yesterday I received a text on my cell phone from Directv-Ecuador reminding me of my June payment.  I tried replying to that, but only got a canned response.

Then today I thought I’d give it one more try.  I emailed Directv-Ecuador again, but this time I simply asked for my contract number.  Then I notice something I had not seen before on their website.  I could register using the Smart-Card for the Directv-Ecuador receiver. It worked.  Through the website I was able to get my contract number!  It was all coming together.  I called Directv-Ecuador to cancel service.  This time I was on the phone with another very pleasant representative who was happy to help.  She even authorized the immediate cancellation (usually, they require a months notice) because she could see in their system that I had called in on May 30th and I explained to her the nature of that call.

In retrospect it was one uncooperative clerk who briefly soured me on Directv-Ecuador.  They offer good service.  They have a great local technician.  Their phone reps (two out of three) were courteous and helpful.  I guess the lesson learned here is perseverance pays.

If you are trying to work with Directv-Ecuador and run into a wall.  Hang up the phone and call back.  Chances are (2 out of 3) the next representative will be courteous and helpful.

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Dust!

Friday, June 14, 2013 – Cotacachi, Ecuador

I was working in the study and could hear the sound of drilling in the background.  I didn’t give it much thought. Bruce is always busy working on one thing or another.  The drilling continued and I continued working.  I’m not sure what turned the light bulb on, but suddenly I went to the door of the bodega (storage room/pantry).  Dust was sneaking out from under the closed door.  I opened the door.  The dust swirled around the room.  I could see the pantry shelves coated with a fine red powder.  I shrieked “Bruce” and then quickly closed the door.  I was shaking my head side to side telling myself I was not going to yell at my husband.  It would solve nothing.  It would only create tension.

Bruce was busy installing our new security system for the garage.  The “installer” thought plugging it into the wall and leaving it vulnerable was sufficient.  Bruce, thankfully, did not agree and he was fixing it.  I do wish he would have given me notice, so I could have cleared the shelves, or hung plastic; but what’s done is done and he had only the best intentions.

Bodega

Bodega

Bruce hadn’t even really noticed the mess until I opened the door and shrieked.  When he turned around and saw the mess he felt awful.  When he was done with his work, I began mine.  My job is to be a helpmate to my husband.  I reminded myself of that as I went about cleaning.  I thanked God for this chance to be a helpmate.  To show my husband just how much I love him.  Bruce helped carry things for the bodega to the kitchen and back.  We work well together.  I thank God for that too and for my freshly cleaned and gleaming bodega!

Wait a Minute

Thursday, June 13, 2013 – Cotacachi, Ecuador

Yesterday I was freezing!  I couldn’t pile enough clothes on me to get rid of the chill.  It wasn’t really that cold outside.  It was around  68 degrees F.  But still,  I was cold.  Maybe is was the damp gray sky.  Maybe I’m just getting acclimated to the point where I think 68F is cold.  I see the locals walking around in quilted winter jackets and think “seriously?”.  Am I becoming a local?  I hope so, but not because they are cold natured,  because I think they are some of the nicest people I’ve known.

Today is a much warmer 72F.  You wouldn’t think 4-degrees would make a big difference, but the sun is shining, it’s a beautiful warm day.

I went into town today to help in the teardown of the gallery space that was used for the Ecuador Project Hope fundraiser.  There were several things I needed to bring home with me, so I called a taxi.  The taxi driver was very nice.  We chatted on the way home.  He said this time of year is called “Los Dias de San Juan” (The Days of Saint John) because of the dramatic swings.  I’m not sure I understand the reference, but I like knowing the local sayings and customs.

Back in Texas the locals say “You don’t like the weather – Wait a minute”.  I guess Cotacachi is trying to make me feel at home.  I told you these people are nice!

So Little Time

Monday, June 10, 2013 – Cotacachi, Ecuador

We’ve been home for a few weeks now.  So much has happened.  Although I’m “retired” now, I have such a little bit of time to get everything done.  I’m not sure how I got things done when I worked full-time.

I resigned from my position as a realtor.  I wasn’t very good at it, plus it was taking up more time then I initially thought it would.  My two, four-hour days a week in the office, quickly turned into a full-time job.  It was nobody’s fault but my own.  There was just too much to be done for the office to run efficiently – files to be organized, databases to be created and maintained, forms to be developed. I took more and more of it on myself.  My very patient husband never complained, but when I asked, he admitted it was frustrating.

One of our biggest goals when moving to Ecuador was to spend more time together.  Even if we’re both just fiddling around the house, at least we would be together.  We’d have meals together.  Usually after a meal we linger and chat.  We were both missing that. So I said goodbye to real estate.

I’ll still be doing the glass classes at La Espinosa.  It’s only twice a month.  I enjoy the classes and the students.  The extra income is a bonus.

We helped with a local fundraiser.  Ecuador Project Hope is raising money to help support a local soup kitchen that should be opening soon.  A local photographer Johan, offered to have a showing.  Part of the proceeds would go toward the soup kitchen.  A space was donated to hold the exhibit, but it needed a lot of work to make it show ready.  Painting the walls, installing lights, cleaning, hanging a cloth room divider.  Many hands came together to get it all done.

Friday I helped sew curtains for our Bible Study room.  They help diffuse the bright morning light and provide a good backdrop to the podium.

Tren de la Libertad

Tren de la Libertad

We took Saturday off.  We had purchased tickets to board el Tren de la Libertad, a scenic train ride from Ibarra, north to Salinas-Imbabura.  Salinas is a very small, mostly Afro-Ecuadorian community, rich with culture.  It’s main economic crop is sugar cane.  The train helps bring new resources to the area.  Customers for the local handicrafts, and a chance to get to know the area better.  The price for the round trip ride, including a show and city tour is only $15 ($7.50 for seniors).  The train was filed with mostly Ecuadorians, including a large group of boys, all dressed in gray sweats.  The boys were very well behaved and a pleasure to watch.  They were so excited!

Show at Salinas Depot

Show at Salinas Depot

I’m also working on some illustrations for a children’s book a local author commissioned.  I’m nervous about the project.  It’s been a long time since I’ve done any drawings.  I put pencil to paper and I like what I’ve come up with so far.  Hopefully he will too.

A friend of ours is opening a deli next week.  I’ll be exhibiting some of my small glass plates there.  It’ll be a different venue, but one I think will be fun.

So much to do – so little time.  It a good thing . . .  ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Last Night in Texas

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 – Irving, Texas

We had dinner with the family one last time at Terra Mediterranean Grill, Irving, Texas.  It’s a nice, quite place.  A good place to gather and chat.  The service was good, the food was good, and the prices were reasonable.

After dinner we headed out to the parking lot and lingered.  It seemed like nobody wanted to leave.  I know I didn’t.

When we got back to the house I stayed up half the night packing, weighing suitcases, then repacking.  After several attempts I finally found the right balance.

It was early morning before I went to sleep, but that was okay.  I’d be sleeping on the plane.  Maybe the exhaustion would keep me from dwelling on leaving the kids again.

I miss my boys, including my grandson.  He was just beginning to get to know me.  If his Mom wasn’t around, he’d run to me when he was looking to be comforted.  I’m going to miss his knee-high hugs.

Hopefully the video chats will keep the memory strong until I can return.  I love you Baby B!

Oh Baby!

Sunday, May 19, 2013 – Lake Ray Roberts, TX

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  A perfect time to go to the lake.  Baby-B’s (our Grandson) upcoming first birthday provided the perfect excuse. So off to the lake we went.

We had the usual picnic fare, hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, chips, and potato salad.  I bought a large 5-lb. container of red potato salad then divided it into two portions.  I left one half alone and added 1/2 lb of bacon and a 8-oz wedge of crumbled blue cheese to the other half.  That Blue-Cheese Bacon Potato Salad disappeared quickly.

Enjoying B-Day CupcakeThen came cake time.  Baby-B thoroughly enjoyed his bright blue cupcake, as did all those watching.  He normally doesn’t get to eat that much sugar.  His Mom and I wondered what the aftereffects would be like.  However, shortly after chowing down on the cupcake, he nursed in his mothers arms then fell fast asleep.

Oh to be one!

Gone to the Dogs

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 – Denton, TX

BounderWe had an appointment to take Bounder (our 14-year old Chow/Shepherd mix) to the Vet (one certified through the USDA) in preparations for taking him back with us to Ecuador.  We found Dr. Nathalia Adams through the Regional APHIS office in Austin.  She is a rare breed!  She truly cares about her patients.  Even staying 1.5 hours past her regular office hours to make sure we could get the paperwork expressed to Austin in time, which we did.  Her fee for the shots and treatments required came to $131.  Not a bad deal!  Then there were the fees to express the paperwork to Austin and back ($28), we needed to include $38 for the USDA endorsement.

The paperwork was returned to us by Friday.  Everything was looking good!  We still needed to take it to the Ecuadorian Consulate in Houston for their approval (another $50 plus travel expenses), but, I had checked on the forecast for our day of travel first.  The temperature was projected to be 89-F!  That is 4-degrees hotter than allowed when transporting an animal in the baggage compartment and Bounder is too big to ride in the cabin.

Bounder is a wonderful old dog and has a home with my son in Texas, but he would have really enjoyed Ecuador.  The cooler year round temperature would have been perfect for him.  As he has gotten older, he no longer tolerates Texas summers.

I cried as I hugged Bounders neck.  I’m sure he has no clue why he is being left behind.  Thankfully he is with family who love him dearly.

Away Too Long

Sunday, May 5, 2013 – Denton, Texas

We arrived in Texas around 2:00PM.  Our flight was actually 25-minutes early and our bags were #1 and #3 off the belt – unheard of!  Nicole, Raymond, and Baby-B picked us up at the airport.  It was good to see them.  Bruce mistook Ray for Justin since he was with Nicole.  That gave us all a good laugh.  I wondered if we’d been away too long.

I sat in the back seat next to Baby-B.  He looked at me with a furrowed brow as to say “who are you?”. Bruce said he probably didn’t recognize me as a 3-D person.  He’s used to seeing me via the computer.  I wondered if we’d been away too long.

We stopped for lunch at La Madeleine’s in Lewisville.  I’ve always loved this place.  We had eaten on the airplane so Bruce and I just had pastry.  It was still worth the stop.  I wondered if we’d been away too long.

We saw Justin briefly later that evening.  He’s studying for finals but wanted to come by and say hello.  It was nice to see him and his big bold smile.  I wondered if we’d been away too long.

Truth is no matter how long we’re away, it seems like we can pickup where we left off in just a few short moments.  That’s how love works.  It fills in the gaps and makes every second count.

May Flowers

Tuesday, May 7, 2013 – Ball Ground, GA

Gibbs Gardens 2Betty suggested we head to Gibbs Gardens today and enjoy the beautiful spring day with a leisurely stroll through the gardens.  As soon as we walked through the entrance I knew we were in a very special place.  Jim Gibbs opened the grounds surrounding his private estate as a public Garden on March 1, 2012.  His talent is skillfully displayed in the many gardens that seamless meld together and with nature to form the over 220 acres of gardens.

Gibbs GardensI usually walk at a very fast pace, and have often been accused of running.  No one needed to ask me to slow down for this walk.  There was just so much to see.  I could literally feel my pulse slow with each turn of the path.

We spent 4-hours there.  If I lived in the area I would be a member for sure, as I know I would want to visit again and again.

Percussion

Monday, May 6, 2013 – Jasper, GA

atlantapercussiontrioRay and Betty took us to a concert by The Atlanta Percussion Trio held at their church, New Lebanon Presbyterian.  The energetic trio put on a wonderful and informative performance.  They engaged the audience not only with their talent, but by involving the crowd with handheld instruments in several numbers.  Even ultra conservative Ray got into the beat!  It was a delightful world-tour of music.  If I lived in the Atlanta area I’d be looking for other performances of theirs.

The concert was hosted by Casual Classics  which is under the management of Jasper Muse, Inc. and the Creative and Performing Arts Academy.

After the concert we headed back to Ray and Betty’s for more of Betty’s delicious Queen Anne Cake.  A great end to an enjoyable evening.