Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.
Like River I usually run with a theme. And this week I am featuring two positives in my world. As always clicking on the photos will embiggen them.
On my way to Lifeline I generally stop off at Koko Black to buy chocolate to tempt the skinny one's jaded appetite. He loves chocolate and will eat it when he is refusing everything else. While there I pick up some small treats for the paid staff at Lifeline - who do an amazing job, work very long hours and are paid a pittance. Koko Black chocolate is rich and decadent and yummy. A suitable thank you.
This week I did the same. And was astonished by an act of generosity. I picked out and paid for the Lifeline treats and was then GIVEN a large box of Easter chocolates. Yes, I am a good and regular customer and Easter is over, but to give me a box? Gob and smacked.
My other plus is more mundane. Finally, work is underway to repair our driveway after the plumbing disaster earlier this year. Not only did the plumber dig up a section of the driveway but their heavy machinery buckled and warped other bits - exacerbated when the hole allowed our very welcome rain to seep into the foundations and caused the driveway to warp further. Uneven, unsightly and not safe for me to walk on.
Which meant that sadly, most of the driveway had to be ripped out, and the foundations levelled before it could be relaid. $$$$
It rained yesterday so they had the day off, but have promised that if the weather is fine they will continue work today.
And I will be very pleased when it is all over.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.
Like River I usually run with a theme. And this week I am featuring two positives in my world. As always clicking on the photos will embiggen them.
On my way to Lifeline I generally stop off at Koko Black to buy chocolate to tempt the skinny one's jaded appetite. He loves chocolate and will eat it when he is refusing everything else. While there I pick up some small treats for the paid staff at Lifeline - who do an amazing job, work very long hours and are paid a pittance. Koko Black chocolate is rich and decadent and yummy. A suitable thank you.
This week I did the same. And was astonished by an act of generosity. I picked out and paid for the Lifeline treats and was then GIVEN a large box of Easter chocolates. Yes, I am a good and regular customer and Easter is over, but to give me a box? Gob and smacked.
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| The speckled eggs on the right have a candy coating and are filled with praline. And are sold in little egg boxes. |
My other plus is more mundane. Finally, work is underway to repair our driveway after the plumbing disaster earlier this year. Not only did the plumber dig up a section of the driveway but their heavy machinery buckled and warped other bits - exacerbated when the hole allowed our very welcome rain to seep into the foundations and caused the driveway to warp further. Uneven, unsightly and not safe for me to walk on.
Which meant that sadly, most of the driveway had to be ripped out, and the foundations levelled before it could be relaid. $$$$
It rained yesterday so they had the day off, but have promised that if the weather is fine they will continue work today.
And I will be very pleased when it is all over.
sure wish I could have got those fellows to do my little patio out back. My do it yourself patio looks like your driveway did before they fixed it! Nice post!
ReplyDeletemohave rat: It is one man doing it - though sometimes his father comes along to help. And to tell him what he is doing wrong. Which makes me smile.
DeleteAnd, what if it becomes raining 40 days and 40 nights, they will not come at all. I am joking, ha ha. But, I love those chocolates, mmmmmmmmmmmmm.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: We rarely get four days and nights. Obviously we are very virtuous here, and have no need to worry about the forty days and nights caper.
DeleteAnd the pavers skin is waterproof - so I would still expect him to finish the job. If he wants money anyway.
Now I'll have to search my soul about considering commenting on the chocolates but not on the previous post... I'll just say nothing instead (except what I already said)...
ReplyDeleteAndrew Maclaren-Scott: Chocolates are infinitely more comfortable than the big issues. The flavour is better too.
DeleteI bet that driveway will look great when it is refinished. An expense I'm sure you didn't need though but those stones look really pretty. We have a plain concrete one and it looks very utilitarian. The way our house is situated we are the last people on the street to get rid of any snow and ice, because of the way the sun hits us, or in our case doesn't hit us. Next time we buy a place, if that day ever comes, we will look into in what direction any new house will face. It never occurred to us to do that when we were house hunting 22 years ago.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: I hope so. It seems to have been dragging on forever. Your comment about your houses direction reminded me that only yesterday we had commented that we wouldn't live in a nearby suburb for just that reason. There is a hill behind it, and in Winter they get no direct light on their homes till nearly lunchtime. The fog can stay there all day too.
DeleteThe chocolates were a "pay-it-forward" for all the good you do for others, EC. I now hope similar applies to you with your new driveway. May the "Pay-It-Forward" gods look kindly upon you re the cost of it. One thing leads into another and another, doesn't it? I hope it doesn't turn out to be too expensive.
ReplyDeleteThe westerly and south-westerly winds have struck us this weekend and the temp dropped considerably yesterday (and remains so today)...out came my winter gear yesterday...extra warmth on my bed, too...much to the delight of my two furry rascals. Both were snuggled up as close to me throughout the night as was possible. It's good to have a sign that winter is nigh..
May you and the Skinny One have a good week. Any of those choccies left? ;)
Lee: It was a very generous gift. And we haven't started them yet. Himself is still eating his Easter chocolates, and I have barely started the humungous rabbit he gave me.
DeleteCooling down here too - and the cats have earmarked the warmest, most comfortable spots for their own (which includes the bed).
A good week to you and your furry tyrants as well.
It's fall and your tree is losing some leaves. The drive will be beautiful when it's returned to its former glory. A lot of work, a drive of all pavers!
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: We got a frost this morning too. And yes, Autumn is finally here. The driveway will look better - and will be a lot safer for me to walk on too.
DeleteYou could sit and eat the chocolates while you watch the men at work.
ReplyDeleteFriko: Now there's an idea. I do hope they come back today so I CAN watch them. They were conspicuous by their absence yesterday.
DeleteIt will be lovely when done! I wouldn't share the cookies with the workmen, but I would make them chocolate brownies.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: Despite their promises and a clear day the workies are NOT here today. No chocolates and no brownies. His work is good, but he is completely unreliable about times. And days.
Deletewhat is the first photo? is that the cover to the chocolates? I too love chocolate but can only eat so much due to my celiac disease. Any remodeling or home improvement project is always more work and money than expected, but in the end I think it will be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: The first photo is indeed the cover of the box. The paver started work, and trotted inside and told us that the original driveway hadn't been laid to standard. He could fix it the same way - or triple his quote and do it properly. So I hear you on the more time and money front.
DeleteOh my, that turned into a huge job ... I hear you when you say $$$:( Over here there aren't many brick or stone driveways ... everything is paved which is probably faster, but I doubt if it is cheaper and it certainly doesn't look as good. I'm sorry you have to go through all of that, but I think the results will make you happy.
ReplyDeleteAs for Chocolate ...I drooled all the way through that portion of your post. I am back on my "Switzerland" diet, so no Chocolate for me ... but I can look at your pictures and dream of being a Lifeline staffer and lucky recipient of your generosity (you are such a good heart). I know you have talked about lifeline before, but how often do you go and what kind of calls do you take? It takes courage to sit on the other end of some of those phone calls ... I admire you for that. Hope you have a wonderful week ...
Andrea @ From the Sol
Andrea: I don't know the Switzerland diet. What else is excluded apart from chocolate?
DeleteI think I will probably answer your question about lifeline and the types of call in a post later this week. Complicated question - but the short answer is anything which is bothering people.
The "Switerland" diet is me trying to lose weight before I go to Switzerland at the end of the summer. It really is only a matter of excluding sugar from my diet and then eating balanced meals. I don't lose a lot, but it does help me trim down because without sugar in my diet, I don't crave things. It works for me :)
DeleteAndrea
Andrea Priebe: I like the Switzerland diet. A good incentive.
DeleteLove chocolate, beer fairy buys it I eat it then 3weeks down the track he says where it that chocolate I bought, I always say it was going off so I ate it, works most of the time.
ReplyDeleteI want to rip up our driveway, i would love a pool but maybe more garden.
Merle....................
Merlesworld: More garden. Mmmm. More garden sounds good - except that it also means more work.
DeleteMerle; Pools are expensive to maintain, I'd make more garden if I had that option. But don't you need the driveway?
DeleteRiver: Driveways, and cars, are a bit of a necessary evil here.
DeleteThat was nice they just gave you the box of chocolates.
ReplyDeleteJust keep telling yourself how nice your driveway will look when it is all done.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: It was lovely of them to give me the chocolate. And the driveway will look nice when it is finally finished. At the moment we can't even get to the letterbox.
DeleteKoko Black chocolate ~ I am off to Google it to find out where I can buy it. A nice box of chocolates sure looks very pretty. And like you say chocolate is a whole food group of its own ~ when depressed or unwell.
ReplyDeleteNice way for them to reward a loyal customer.
Don't share them with the tradies until they are finished the job :)
Carol in Cairns: The tradies are not here today, so are not getting any chocolate. And I am a bit peeved at the lies he has been telling me...
DeleteThe chocolate looks wonderful and it must have tasted better being a nice surprise. Sorry about the drive...but glad it is on the way to better!
ReplyDeleteBookie: Koko Black chocolate IS wonderful - and it was a truly lovely gesture. The drive? Will be wonderful. I hope. Eventually.
DeleteI wish there was someway you could be compensated for the damage to your driveway - you should be. It's a real shame that happened, but, will be great when it's finished.
ReplyDeleteAs for the chocolates! I'm positively drooling here. They are GREAT quality. And, well deserved.
Vicki: Aren't they a treat? And it really made my day.
DeleteThat looks like a great big mess! But I bet it will be beautiful again and a lot safer! Isn't it awful how problem can turn into so many more problems!
ReplyDeleteTeresa: It is a bit of a disaster area at the moment, but will be better. Though I am miffed that they didn't show today. Miffed, but not totally surprised.
DeleteIt will be nice for you to have the driveway back to a safe and attractive state. I think it is called breaking eggs to make an omelette.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I think you are right - but would rather break my own eggs. In this instance someone else broke them and we are paying. With luck it will be finished this week and I can put it behind me.
Delete*drool* chocolates *drool*. 'scuse me, I have to go to the shop...mmm, chocolates...
ReplyDeleteYour driveway is going to look so good when it is finished, I do like a paved driveway.
River: And it is very, very nice chocolate too.
DeleteThose chocolates look divine!
ReplyDeleteladyfi: They are. All of their chocolates are good. They make a chocolate spread too which his high and skinniness tells me is excellent.
DeleteWhen it comes to chocolate I don't care whether Easter's come and gone or not! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: Chocolate doesn't have a season in this house either. Or at least it does - every day is chocolate day.
DeleteWhat a lovely gift from the chocolate shop. Must have felt wonderful. I'm sure the staff enjoyed saving it for you as well, it's always nice to recognize good customers. Driveway looking good!
ReplyDeleteJackie K: It was a lovely gift. And I am still on a high about it. Driveway looking very incomplete. Hopefully they will deign to reappear today.
DeleteI couldn't get past the photo of the chocolates.
ReplyDeleteDelores: It is hard to get past isn't it?
DeleteChocolate is definitely a suitable thank you, and you got one to give and one for youself. Niiiiice!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck w/the nice weather. I know you will be happy when the driveway is done! :)
mail4rosey: One of the best examples of customer relations I have come across in quite a while...
DeleteThe weather is good. Chilly but sunny. The pavers are absent. Hiss and spit.
Oh, my do you have a lot of comments. I started off reading them and realized I'd be here all day, so I gave up. Those chocolates are good, as I've been eating them with my eyes. Better for the figure, you know. And that driveway? I do hope one of these days it will be finished and I'll be looking at a picture of it. Finished. Sending you Sunday hugs. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Much better to eat the chocolates with eyes. Not quite as tasty though.
DeleteSome day the driveway WILL be finished. Then onto the next repair/renovation/remodelling task...
What a fabulous box of chocolates and I think that them giving it to you is a lovely gesture. It always feels special that someone thinks of you and values your custom. And a gift is so much better when it comes as a surprise. Enjoy! And if you are having trouble finishing it, I know a chocoholic who'd be happy to help out. As a public service of course :-)
ReplyDeleteOh dear about the driveway. Money that could be spent on fun things like plants going instead to something so dull (but necessary I know). It's enough to make one cry.
Marie: I am resenting the commitment of money to the drive. And they are not working (again) today. Or not yet at least. Which is a pain.
DeleteKoko Black chocolates are special. His high and skinniness tells me they leave Lindt chocolate in the dust. So, no there won't be any left for poor deprived LG.
Poor deprived L-G? Ha, ha! I've never in my life seen anyone eat so many chocolates and so much icecream each day and still remain toothpick thin. I bet Elvis would kill for his metabolism :-)
DeleteI'd be spitting chips about the money on the driveway. Just think of the books one could buy.....
Marie: It sounds as if the smaller portion and LG share similar metabolisms. Never mind Elvis, I am jealous.
DeleteAnd yes, the books and the plants that the driveway is 'depriving' me of...
Ugh! I know you'll be very glad when the driveway incident is done and finished. As for the chocolates...what a nice thing for them to do! I'm drooling as I look at the photo. :)
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: I will be very, very, very glad when this debacle is done and dusted.
DeleteOhhhhh man the driveway, I bet you groan about it in your sleep tsk. I hope it's all over and sorted out asap, as headaches go, you have enough without all that extra crap. Free chocolates though, they know you well enough to want to do that, therefore they are good people. I'm really pleased about that *smiles.
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: The driveway does indeed cause some on-going irritation. The chocolates help to relieve it. Very, very good people.
DeleteI love the box! Now I want chocolate. Nom. Shouldn't the plumber pay for the work on the driveway?
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: If there was any justice the plumber would pay for the damage to the driveway. There isn't and he isn't.
DeleteThere's nothing to say that hasn't already been said :) And my brain is fried.
ReplyDeleteSo I'll just send a hug. Hope you have a good day today!
jenny_o: I hope your brain recovers. Quickly. And hugs returned.
DeleteOh my gosh, those chocolates look so good when I'm on a snack diet of spinach.
ReplyDeleteMay the work conclude soon!
John Wiswell: I like spinach - a lot, but it isn't my first thought for a snack.
DeleteWhat a wonderful surprise, not that you didn't deserve it and I hope you enjoyed some of those chocolates as well as the SP. It's strange, but years ago my dad, as he aged, couldn't always eat all his dinner but could always eat his sweets (dessert).
ReplyDeleteI do hope the rain will cease long enough for that driveway to be completed. Will it be paved again as it did look so nice before the disaster happened.
Our driveway was laid with house bricks (long before we moved in here) and unfortunately tree roots are causing big bumps in it. I was told perhaps a bob cat could fix it but that's beyond our means at present. I think it is only a huge bottlebrush (King's Park Special) that is causing the problem but just wish it hadn't happened. There's always something isn't there?
Mimsie: Neither of us have started these chocolates yet - but I will get one or two of them.
DeleteThe rain was brief - but the pavers didn't return until after we had rung them several times. They finally materialised around 2.30 today, worked for a couple of hours and disappeared. Hopefully we won't have to chase them up tomorrow as well.
And yes, there is always something. Usually expensive. How are your renovations going?
That is such a special surprise - getting that beautiful box of Easter chocolates. And that is lovely of you to provide treats for the caregivers.
ReplyDeleteLynn: It was a very special surpise and a lovely gesture. It warms the cockles of my heart.
DeleteKindness repaid by kindness, how lovely :-)
ReplyDeleteRepair work to a home is such a "botheration" (as we say), but if it's not done, oh boy....
Guyana-Gyal: Lovely to see you are able to visit again. And yes, on the botheration front. When this one is over there are others to come.
Delete