This story gets stranger and stranger. I hope I am not in trouble--though for what I do not know.
Mr FS called the dental office on Thursday (third effort) to get the recommended treatment from a prior visit. We never got any call backs. Then, when we went on a walk, I said "Why don't you go into the office and ask them to make us a copy?" We live right down the street.
Mr FS returned a few minutes later. The dentist had emerged from treating a patient and told him that we needed to seek treatment elsewhere. We were fired.
We called a teacher of our acquaintance whose husband is a dentist and got some recommendations. We planned on calling some next week.
Today, we returned home to find notice of a certified letter in our mailbox. FROM THE DENTIST WHO FIRED US. What could it be?
Does anyone have any ideas? I am kind of nervous about this.
Believe it or not, I don't blame the dentist. Her receptionist/bill person made the initial error and, except for one cordial chat with the dentist in January, we have perforce dealt with the receptionist.
When I saw the certified notice, I was hoping the letter contained our records, but it is a LETTER and not a LARGE envelope. I am hoping the dentist is merely terminating our relationship--only officially. Could it be anything else?
I hope Mr FS and I are not banned from the dental world in our small town. Rather worrisome, since we put several thousand dollars in our flex account to cover the treatment recommended.
ACKKKK!
Custom Search
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
HELP! Frugal Spine Needed DENTIST ENCORE
So many customer service issues of late! Help me stay strong!
DENTIST ISSUE still ongoing: The office "withdrew" the charge from the Collection Agency. I have no idea what that means. Even though MR FS and I were receiving the bills, the charge was put under the name of our 22 year old daughter. I know this because she got a call from the Agency! Does anyone know if this will affect her credit rating in the future?
Mr FS has said that he is willing to stick with this dentist. She IS good, though her receptionist/bill person is awful. We have asked for an itemized list of the procedures the dentist recommended before the debacle. They totaled $5000 (no insurance for this). We have asked three times and not received one.
We have also asked for a letter to be signed by the dentist attesting to the fact that the receptionist sent the $200 bill to collection AFTER we had attempted to pay by phone and left a message. She did not read the messages. We are afraid that years after the dentist retires, my daughter may be haunted by this charge. However, the receptionist has not followed through on this either.
We have also asked that the Collection Agency send us something to the effect that the charge is not part of my daughter's record. the receptionist said there is no way to get in touch with the agency.
As I type this, I cannot believe that we are putting up with this service. The dentist herself is excellent.
There are only two good dentists in the area. I have been appalled by the quality of very expensive service provided by dentists in the area. Our previous dentist was--we now realize--negligent in many ways. So we have been willing to try to stay with a very good dentist within walking distance of our house.
Are we crazy?
DENTIST ISSUE still ongoing: The office "withdrew" the charge from the Collection Agency. I have no idea what that means. Even though MR FS and I were receiving the bills, the charge was put under the name of our 22 year old daughter. I know this because she got a call from the Agency! Does anyone know if this will affect her credit rating in the future?
Mr FS has said that he is willing to stick with this dentist. She IS good, though her receptionist/bill person is awful. We have asked for an itemized list of the procedures the dentist recommended before the debacle. They totaled $5000 (no insurance for this). We have asked three times and not received one.
We have also asked for a letter to be signed by the dentist attesting to the fact that the receptionist sent the $200 bill to collection AFTER we had attempted to pay by phone and left a message. She did not read the messages. We are afraid that years after the dentist retires, my daughter may be haunted by this charge. However, the receptionist has not followed through on this either.
We have also asked that the Collection Agency send us something to the effect that the charge is not part of my daughter's record. the receptionist said there is no way to get in touch with the agency.
As I type this, I cannot believe that we are putting up with this service. The dentist herself is excellent.
There are only two good dentists in the area. I have been appalled by the quality of very expensive service provided by dentists in the area. Our previous dentist was--we now realize--negligent in many ways. So we have been willing to try to stay with a very good dentist within walking distance of our house.
Are we crazy?
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Frugal French (Language Lessons)
The Hostess of the Humble Bungalow, proprietess of a cozy blog, is off to France. She asked for suggestions. Rather than putting my suggestion in a comment (where it might be seen by no one), I will put it here (where maybe someone will see it). I learned about this site from my frugal colleague Merton (his chosen nom de plume that pays homage to his favorite author, Thomas Merton). Merton was in the Peace Corps many years ago and used the Foreign Service language courses for his stint.
These courses are now on-line, with an audio portion and a workbook that looks like the dittos of days of yore. In spite of the retro look, the courses are good. They are in the public domain. Word is that they are the basis of the expensive Rosetta Stone courses, which have jazzed up the visuals.
Me, I like free, especially if paid for by my tax dollars. I'm going to practice my French this very minute!
You can learn a zillion other languages too. Miss Em looked at the Serbian before she left for her gig there. Whoa! It's a difficult language.
These courses are now on-line, with an audio portion and a workbook that looks like the dittos of days of yore. In spite of the retro look, the courses are good. They are in the public domain. Word is that they are the basis of the expensive Rosetta Stone courses, which have jazzed up the visuals.
Me, I like free, especially if paid for by my tax dollars. I'm going to practice my French this very minute!
You can learn a zillion other languages too. Miss Em looked at the Serbian before she left for her gig there. Whoa! It's a difficult language.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Am I Still Frugal?
I have been aroused from my blogging slumber by a comment on my last post wherein I hawked Paula's Choice products.
This is supposed to be a frugal blog.........?
Pleeeeeeeeease !
Nothing like a little derision to put me on the defensive. Lizzie raises a good question, of course. On the defensive side: I buy perhaps 3 items per year from Paula. always on sale. They work well and last a long time.
Further, I use many cheapo products recommended on her site: Cerave, Cetaphil, various sunscreens. In a sense, I feel that I'm paying her back for her excellent advice, which is, at times, better than the advice that dermatologists are dispensing (along with pricy items they sell in their offices). For instance, a colleague who had skin cancer was told by her doctor to wear sunscreen, but the doctor did not inform her of the importance of broad spectrum ingredients as Paula did, way before this info was in mainstream media. My colleague's sunscreen lacked a crucial ingredient, so I gave her some Paula sunscreen from my stash. Now most sunscreens have broad spectrum protection, but at the time, they did not.
I first heard about Paula from a friend who lent me her book. My frugal heart was thrilled to discover advice on skincare, hair products, and make up that got around the always tempting advertisements we are bombarded with. Paula recommends many, many drugstore brands. Paula herself noted that she was skirting an ethical issue by starting her own line of products. I think she handles it pretty well. I've never used much make up, but the friend who lent me the book so many years ago saved a TON of money when she switched from department store to drugstore brands.
Besides, I am 60 years old and have been uber-frugal for many, many years, at first by necessity and now (thank heavens) more by choice. I think my Paula purchases fit into my frugal ethos, but most of us make spending choices that appall both friends and family. I, for one, reserve the right to be appalled by disposable diapers!
This is supposed to be a frugal blog.........?
Pleeeeeeeeease !
Nothing like a little derision to put me on the defensive. Lizzie raises a good question, of course. On the defensive side: I buy perhaps 3 items per year from Paula. always on sale. They work well and last a long time.
Further, I use many cheapo products recommended on her site: Cerave, Cetaphil, various sunscreens. In a sense, I feel that I'm paying her back for her excellent advice, which is, at times, better than the advice that dermatologists are dispensing (along with pricy items they sell in their offices). For instance, a colleague who had skin cancer was told by her doctor to wear sunscreen, but the doctor did not inform her of the importance of broad spectrum ingredients as Paula did, way before this info was in mainstream media. My colleague's sunscreen lacked a crucial ingredient, so I gave her some Paula sunscreen from my stash. Now most sunscreens have broad spectrum protection, but at the time, they did not.
I first heard about Paula from a friend who lent me her book. My frugal heart was thrilled to discover advice on skincare, hair products, and make up that got around the always tempting advertisements we are bombarded with. Paula recommends many, many drugstore brands. Paula herself noted that she was skirting an ethical issue by starting her own line of products. I think she handles it pretty well. I've never used much make up, but the friend who lent me the book so many years ago saved a TON of money when she switched from department store to drugstore brands.
Besides, I am 60 years old and have been uber-frugal for many, many years, at first by necessity and now (thank heavens) more by choice. I think my Paula purchases fit into my frugal ethos, but most of us make spending choices that appall both friends and family. I, for one, reserve the right to be appalled by disposable diapers!
Friday, February 14, 2014
A Good Deal on Skincare from Paula's Choice: UPDATE (another one)
I've been swamped with work in my so-called real life. Then I realized that this is OLD NEWS. Sorry if you tried to use the code. The good news is that Paula has a new deal (these seem to be coming with more frequency). This one is for 15% off everything, free shipping AND a free vitamin C sample if you spend $50plus. Besides the products I mention below, Miss Em and I have used the BHA and AHA exfoliants with good results.
As before, you will get $10 off (and so will I!!!! exciting) if you use the link below. New code is EDDVIPFEB14. Good through Feb 23.
Back soon--or eventually--with the cheapest, easiest, healthiest recipe I have come across in a long time.
OLD POST BELOW with LINK
This is the only thing I hawk. I am a true believer in this company's products. Soooo...if you buy using my link, I will get a $10 credit and--guess what???--you will too. If you are a previous customer and the $10/$10 does not apply, this is still a good deal.
This weekend, Paula's Choice is having 20% off and FREE Shipping. And if, perchance, you spend $50, you get a free sample of some pricy vitamin c stuff. Remember: all this is guaranteed, so you can return for whatever reason.
The code for the 20% off is EDD20. The LINK and many thanks if you use it!
AND--you get 3 free samples. These are perfect for travel.
Whew! Even though I am a well-known (in a very small circle) cheeeeepwad par excellence, I am going to avail myself of this marvelous offer. I can vouch for the sunscreens, cleansers, serums, and toners.
As before, you will get $10 off (and so will I!!!! exciting) if you use the link below. New code is EDDVIPFEB14. Good through Feb 23.
Back soon--or eventually--with the cheapest, easiest, healthiest recipe I have come across in a long time.
OLD POST BELOW with LINK
This is the only thing I hawk. I am a true believer in this company's products. Soooo...if you buy using my link, I will get a $10 credit and--guess what???--you will too. If you are a previous customer and the $10/$10 does not apply, this is still a good deal.
This weekend, Paula's Choice is having 20% off and FREE Shipping. And if, perchance, you spend $50, you get a free sample of some pricy vitamin c stuff. Remember: all this is guaranteed, so you can return for whatever reason.
The code for the 20% off is EDD20. The LINK and many thanks if you use it!
AND--you get 3 free samples. These are perfect for travel.
Whew! Even though I am a well-known (in a very small circle) cheeeeepwad par excellence, I am going to avail myself of this marvelous offer. I can vouch for the sunscreens, cleansers, serums, and toners.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
A Thrift Store Miracle
I have a very heavy teaching load, so on my off-days, I permit myself some totally frivolous and time-wasting activities. These involve frugality, of course. It is not really "worth" my time to go to thrift stores, since I don't really need anything. It is not worth my time to check out the reduced for quick sale section at Big Lots and my local grocery because--well--ditto. So I put these activities under the rubric of mental health.
Today I engaged in all of the above. When I hit my last stop--the All Saints Thrift Store which benefits the Food Bank--I had an armful of possibilities. Then I looked at my wrist and realized my grandmother Emmie's delicate bracelet--gold with a tiny ruby and even tinier diamonds--was gone. I've had the bracelet for more than 40 years.
I looked around, informed the workers and other shoppers, dropped my armload of possibilities (which were probably responsible for pushing the bracelet from my wrist) and rushed home. I called the other places I had stopped. Then Mr FS and I headed back to the store.
What karmic message was I getting? Was the universe telling me I was wasting too much time at thrift stores? Should I find a worthy pursuit for my off-days?
A shopper was looking at the armload of clothing I had dropped before I rushed out. I told her she could buy what she wanted, but I wanted to check for my bracelet. She told me that she would pray to St Anthony for me. She mentioned that other saints sometimes were effective, but that St Anthony was the classic.
OK. Mr FS and I headed around the corner to look at the housewares. Another shopper held something toward me and said "Is this what you're looking for?" IT WAS. It had broken and fallen off--it is probably 100 years old.
My two benefactresses discussed St Anthony for a while. The finder told me that she had lost a lot of rosaries--several valuable--but through some miracle had recovered all except the one that belonged to her. This thrift store attracts a spiritual--and very low income--crowd. Goodwill, by contrast, attracts mostly dealers. I wonder if any of those shoppers would have turned in my bracelet.
Mr FS and I are not Catholic. This is a very Catholic area, so perhaps there are miracles everywhere, available to everyone. That's what catholic means anyway: including a wide variety of things; all-embracing.
Today I engaged in all of the above. When I hit my last stop--the All Saints Thrift Store which benefits the Food Bank--I had an armful of possibilities. Then I looked at my wrist and realized my grandmother Emmie's delicate bracelet--gold with a tiny ruby and even tinier diamonds--was gone. I've had the bracelet for more than 40 years.
I looked around, informed the workers and other shoppers, dropped my armload of possibilities (which were probably responsible for pushing the bracelet from my wrist) and rushed home. I called the other places I had stopped. Then Mr FS and I headed back to the store.
What karmic message was I getting? Was the universe telling me I was wasting too much time at thrift stores? Should I find a worthy pursuit for my off-days?
A shopper was looking at the armload of clothing I had dropped before I rushed out. I told her she could buy what she wanted, but I wanted to check for my bracelet. She told me that she would pray to St Anthony for me. She mentioned that other saints sometimes were effective, but that St Anthony was the classic.
OK. Mr FS and I headed around the corner to look at the housewares. Another shopper held something toward me and said "Is this what you're looking for?" IT WAS. It had broken and fallen off--it is probably 100 years old.
My two benefactresses discussed St Anthony for a while. The finder told me that she had lost a lot of rosaries--several valuable--but through some miracle had recovered all except the one that belonged to her. This thrift store attracts a spiritual--and very low income--crowd. Goodwill, by contrast, attracts mostly dealers. I wonder if any of those shoppers would have turned in my bracelet.
Mr FS and I are not Catholic. This is a very Catholic area, so perhaps there are miracles everywhere, available to everyone. That's what catholic means anyway: including a wide variety of things; all-embracing.
Novena to Saint Anthony to Find a Lost Article
St. Anthony, perfect imitator of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things, grant that I may find [name the item] which has been lost. At least restore to me peace and tranquility of mind, the loss of which has afflicted me even more than my material loss. To this favor, I ask another of you: that I may always remain in possession of the true good that is God. Let me rather lose all things than lose God, my supreme good. Let me never suffer the loss of my greatest treasure, eternal life with God. Amen.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Cold Weather Attire: Frugal Style
It is supposed to get down to 15 degrees F here in the Deep South. That may make Mainers, Minnesotans, and Canadians et al roll their eyes in derision. But it's not the cold (only), it's the precipitation. It's the threat of a thin sheet of ice on bridges and roadways that accounts for the all the closings.
I post now and again about what I'm wearing in my cold house. I have 12 foot ceilings and big windows, so even running the ceiling fans backwards doesn't do all that much. I also posted recently about sending Miss Em's friend Mr C off to Serbia in December with a puffy down jacket, acquired by yours truly for a mere $5.00.
Right now I'm wearing the neatest pants. I hardly ever succumb to things in thrift stores because the label is interesting, but these were irresistible. They are ski pants, with stirrups (natch) and all sorts of zipper compartments. For some reason, ski pants are a common sight in Goodwill in Louisiana. I am not a skier--and, since I'm the opposite of sportive, I am unlikely ever to go skiing. These pants, however, are WOOL (my fave fabric), not the puffy synthetics of today. The label says "Herford Original" "Made in Western Germany for [drumroll] SAKS FIFTH AVENUE."
There have been many blog discussions of late lamenting the quality of clothing, especially in the women's department. Everyone agrees that store labels are no longer a guarantee of quality. Not all wool is created equal.
However, older labels can be an indicator of quality. These pants are--at their youngest--almost 30 years old. The print on the label looks older than that to me. SAKS is, of course, a luxe department store. And WESTERN GERMANY was known for the high quality of its consumer goods. (Perhaps that is still true of the united Germany? ) I doubt that many--or any--of my Goodwill competitors would have been interested in these. But I was also helped by the fact that I found them last summer.
My whole outfit was bought last summer: in addition to my ski pants, I am wearing a down vest topped with a Patagonia fleece jacket. I feel quite chic.
If you anticipate EVER needing something for cold weather in thrift stores, look OUT OF SEASON. It's too late now.
I post now and again about what I'm wearing in my cold house. I have 12 foot ceilings and big windows, so even running the ceiling fans backwards doesn't do all that much. I also posted recently about sending Miss Em's friend Mr C off to Serbia in December with a puffy down jacket, acquired by yours truly for a mere $5.00.
Right now I'm wearing the neatest pants. I hardly ever succumb to things in thrift stores because the label is interesting, but these were irresistible. They are ski pants, with stirrups (natch) and all sorts of zipper compartments. For some reason, ski pants are a common sight in Goodwill in Louisiana. I am not a skier--and, since I'm the opposite of sportive, I am unlikely ever to go skiing. These pants, however, are WOOL (my fave fabric), not the puffy synthetics of today. The label says "Herford Original" "Made in Western Germany for [drumroll] SAKS FIFTH AVENUE."
There have been many blog discussions of late lamenting the quality of clothing, especially in the women's department. Everyone agrees that store labels are no longer a guarantee of quality. Not all wool is created equal.
However, older labels can be an indicator of quality. These pants are--at their youngest--almost 30 years old. The print on the label looks older than that to me. SAKS is, of course, a luxe department store. And WESTERN GERMANY was known for the high quality of its consumer goods. (Perhaps that is still true of the united Germany? ) I doubt that many--or any--of my Goodwill competitors would have been interested in these. But I was also helped by the fact that I found them last summer.
My whole outfit was bought last summer: in addition to my ski pants, I am wearing a down vest topped with a Patagonia fleece jacket. I feel quite chic.
If you anticipate EVER needing something for cold weather in thrift stores, look OUT OF SEASON. It's too late now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
