Back to posting...

Wow! It's been a while since I posted last. So much has happened....

Ken has celebrated his 20th high school reunion, we've taken 2 trips to the beach, Kevin has started 2nd grade, and our pool is shot.

As for the reunion, we only went to the dinner Saturday night, but had a blast. Unfortunately, there were a lot of friends that didn't get to make it. But, there were a lot of people now out of state that did make it.

The trips to Panama City Beach were wonderful. The first one was just Ken, Kevin and I. The second, we crashed at my parents condo. We had a great time on both trips. And luckily, there was no oil seen anywhere. But, on the day we left while visiting with my parents, a large 5,000 lb oil tank washed up right in front of our townhouse. They had to close the beach for 3 days. So, we really missed that by the skin of our teeth. On both trips, we did get to visit a new beach...Crooked Island. What a find! We walked for miles, only seeing a few people. But man, did we find the shells and sand dollars! This will be our new "Mexico Beach". Mexico Beach used to be the desolate area to find all sorts of treasures. But since the town is building up, there is too many people. It's sort of lost that inhabited feeling for us. But hey, all in the name of progress.
So, Kevin has now started 2nd grade. That will be in another post, as I am still trying to recover from the first week of school. Man, no one told me home schooling would be this hard!

As for the pool. We noticed last week that the level had dropped in the pool. We knew it had been pretty hot lately, but not that hot! We tried to find the hole, but no luck. Oh well, it's a slow leak...should get us through till we close. Then next spring, we'll have to buy a new one. Good thing there was a hole too. A few days ago, Kevin "accidentally knocked" Fluffy the cat into the pool. The cat managed to claw 3 good sized holes in the side, not to mention in Kevin's hand as he tried to "save" him. Funny how kids can turn the story around to make them look like heroes. The cat was fine, although a little traumatized. He's been much more loving to me, not so much to Kevin. The cat knows the truth!

Sick of dealing with misleading ads...

I have recently begun my quest for finding the perfect Spring/Summer getaway. And, as many of you that already know me, I am always on the lookout for a good deal. As the search begins for a rental unit, I usually start with VRBO.com. I've always had good luck in finding some really nice places at good rates, and I love the fact that you can see photos of the exact unit your are checking on. Not to mention, you get to deal with the owners directly....well, most of the time. After all, isn't that what VRBO stands for - Vacation Rentals By Owner?

Anyway, I was able to find several units (34 to be exact) that had a great rate, unfortunately by a rental company. I do not like dealing with rental companies since they have so many added on fees, etc. So, I see that this one unit is listed for $495 plus taxes and fees. So I call the company, since they will not return any of my email's requesting a quote. So, I speak to this lady today that tells me that the particular unit I am asking about rents for $1295 a week PLUS taxes and fees. I ask her to look it up on VRBO and explain why the rate has jumped from $495 to almost tripled. She states it says under the rates that "rates are subject to change without notice". I guess that means that even though the page said it had been updated that very day, you can put whatever price you want to get someone to call long distance, only to be mislead. I mean, I could understand if it hadn't been updated for the next year or something, but to list a low price just in the hopes that someone will "bite" is so dishonest. I was furious! I fired off 2 letters, one to the company in particular, and one to VRBO to let them know what kind of company is using their site.

My main argument is....if you are not held responsible for what you post, heck, I could post I have a studio apartment in a secluded, wooded area with wildlife around and great views to rent out for a $1 a week. Then when you call, you find out that it's my son's playhouse in the back yard next to the dog's pen, with a view of my vegetable garden. And, oh, that $1 a week is now $100 a week!

I know, I need to get off my soapbox, take a deep breath and realize that there are some very dishonest people out there. But, when are these people going to be called on it and held responsible for their actions? When a company prints the wrong price on a product, what happens? Can they just decide once you get up to the register that they are going to charge you triple instead of the price printed?

Even though I have had a very bad experience with this one particular company, I will continue to use VRBO. There are some very nice and reasonable people out there. I don't want the bad ones to overshadow the good ones. But, I will definitely put this "lemon of a company" on my naughty list. Someone has to speak up.