Friday, January 06, 2006

Won't go there again!

Neville and I went to Naracoorte today, to do the grocery shopping, and a few other errands. As it will be his birthday on Sunday, I shouted him lunch at our usual watering hole. We have frequented this pub for years, as the food was good and inexpensive, and the service good, also. They have introduced a new specials board, with choices at $10.00. The usual specials are $7.50. I ordered pork schnitzel with parmegiana sauce, Neville had the $7.50 fish. While we we waiting to give our orders, he said to me in an aside, "Don't have any of the salads." I thought he may be referring to the fact they are laced with capsicum, which I hate, but when I asked him why, he said there was a huge blowfly landing all over them. Yuk!! We waited for nearly half an hour for our meal, which is longer than usual. There was a large crowd, as there were many elderly patrons today. Suddenly, one of the waitresses came and said. "Excuse me, we have 'lost' some of our meals. Could you tell me what you ordered,please?" It was all I could do not to crack up laughing. I managed to restrain myself, and told her what she needed to know. The meals were duly served about 5 mins later.
I was, to say the least, very disappointed to see the 'chef' had melted elcheapo tasty cheese on my schnitzel. It looked and tasted like yellow rubber! The veges were no better. THe cauliflower was nearly raw, the mixed veg, namely,broccoli, carrots & beans and sweet corn were likewise, raw in the centre and overcooked on the outside. The 'roast' potatos were like bullets. There was a dish of what looked like chook food, which I passed on. Neville had some, and said it was dry and tasteless. I have since discovered the pub has changed hands. I am seriously thinking about writing a letter of complaint.

Banking troubles.
Yesterday, I received a letter from a company who do Christmas hampers. Now, I have been happily receiving hampers from a rival company, but thought I would try this one, for some extra items. The cost spread over a year is not prohibitive, and is taken out by direct debit. I placed my order before Christmas, and was told how much per fortnight would be debited, once I had done the necessary paper work authouising them to do so. This was duly done several weeks ago. Since then, I have had numerous letters, saying they cannot access my account, because they did not have my details.
I had rung them last week, and the girl told me that when another girl had proccessed my details, she had not clicked or pressed the right button/key, and
she had rectified the problem.Therefore, I was most purprised to receive the letter yesterday. When I rang, the girl asked me, once she had ascertained she could not gain access, if I would get in touch with my bank and find out what information was need to start payments. I said I was going to Naracoorte the next day, and would do just that. Then I had a brain wave, or so I thought. I would ring the other hamper company, and find out what account number I had given them! After verifying my identity, I was asked how she could assist me. I made my request, but was told, "I am sorry, we can't give out that information."
I was stunned! While I applaud their vegilance in protecting my details and privacy, I thought it ludicrous she was unable to tell me, what I wanted to know, as it is my account. When I got to my credit union this morning, Rochelle rang them for me, to ask what account number they had/needed and was told the same thing. She got around it by saying, "I will tell you a number, and you say yes or no." She told her the membership number, and the girl confirmed that was the one she had. Rochelle then told her the account number, and suggested she try thet. Rochelle was flabagasted that they were having trouble, as that is the method they always advise customers to use, and they have never had any problems before.I was astonished to find not one, but two, further letters from said company in the mail today!! It would have to be me that hits a snag, wouldn't it? If, after next week, they are still having trouble, I have another idea up my sleeve. If that fails, I will just cancel it. Bah, humbug!

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