HONESTY is the Best Policy!

I have really enjoyed my new big Olfa cutting board and rotary cutter, but not as much as I will later this week!

I must tell you I haven't gotten much pleasure from the rotating mat yet.  I've been troubled a bit about it.
You see, Monday night as I was putting the sales slip for my birthday purchases with my credit card records, I looked carefully at each item listed, and realized that a mistake had been made by the cashier at JoAnn's, who had assured me that the total was correct for the three Olfa items and some thread.  In fact, she had NOT included the rotating mat in the charges at all! 

Hmmm ------ what to do?  After all, I had questioned the cashier, but I didn't even look at the ticket I signed; I just assumed it was correct, and came home with my treasures!  (I'm sure you've heard what happens when you "assume" things!  *wink*)  As I mulled a few minutes about what to do, I knew that if the mistake had been to the store's advantage rather than mine, I would have been upset, and I would expect a refund.  So --- feeling so strongly about that, I knew I had to make the error known and make proper payment for the rotating mat. 

I don't go that approximate 35 miles into the city very often, so I decided to call the manager, explain the situation, and ask that the additional amount due be charged to my credit card by phone.  I was told they don't do credit transactions by phone, and that I could just take care of it the next time I'm in the store.  The manager asked for the transaction number on the sales receipt, said she was making a note on their records, and would put a note in the cash registers that would verify the amount and my name when I came in to pay at a later date.  I told her it might be three weeks before I get there, and she said very graciously, "No problem; the next time you come in, whenever that is, will be just fine.  I just appreciate your honesty; we would have never known.  I've never had a call like this before, so there is no rush at all; I appreciate your call."  I just told her I was taught that honesty is always the best policy, regardless of the circumstances, and that I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep until the mistake was resolved, at least verbally. 

The result of that experience is that the cost of the big Olfa mat, the rotating mat, and the rotary cutter and thread went up from $61.20 to about $90 with the additional tax.  See --- I told you (and the cashier) that I found a really good deal!  --- And it STILL is a good deal --- 40% off on the three Olfa items! 

The best part of this story is that I was able to sleep that night after talking to the manager, AND ...I get to make another trip to JoAnn's in the near future!  *grin*

Remember the new quilting friend I met at Walmart last summer and invited to my home, never having met her before?  She moved to Missouri last fall, but is back in Texas this week.  She called and came for another visit.  We talked quilting all afternoon, and had a wonderful time! 

I finished the borders on the kaleidoscope this morning and got it hung (very poorly) for her to see.  Thought I'd share it again, and an up-close and personal look at the fabrics.  Then it goes out of sight until I get the stack and whack quilted.  Hope to start on that next week sometime. (Remember to click on the pictures to enlarge them.  I always forget that!)

Thanks so much for all your sweet birthday wishes.  It is so good to have so many friends here, and also at my home.  (Now I'm 27 in reverse!  I've told you I'm the oldest in the group!  You can believe it now!)  I don't think I've ever received so many phone calls, e-mails, cards by mail, flowers, and visits from friends.  Some are still in line to take me out to eat.  My house has been like a three-ring circus!  ....And I've loved every minute of it!  Thanks to all of you for helping make it so special!

I guess this old lady better hit the sack!  I will be quilting at the church tomorrow if I can wake up!

Have a great time quilting this week-end!     ---"Love"