<---- CLICK ON THE PROMO CODE to go to the JoAnn printable couponBOOKS A MILLION COUPON
CLICK ON THE COUPON, and you'll be taken directly to the page where you can print it off.
FIRE MOUNTAIN GEMS ( A long time favorite of mine )
HARRY AND DAVID
another favorite, and the pears are to die for!!!
NOTE: All of the companies above issue SALE flyers and newsletters via email, which is most helpful this time of year.
PLEASE... BE INTERNET SAVY: HELPFUL GUIDE
For those of you who are not quite as familiar with the internet and email... please be mindful that during this joyous time of year, spammers and hackers are hard at work creating things that will attempt to fool you, invade your PC, or infiltrate your privacy. No need to be shocked, it's not only through your PC that this kind of stuff happens, so don't think you have to give up on email or the world wide web, just be smart about it all.
Always, always question any email that arrives, especially if it has an attachment, or requires you to visit a website requesting personal information. NO reputable company will ask for personal or private information from you, EVER. That's a telling red flag, when this kind of information is requested.
If you ever receive an email with an attachment, even if it's from your nearest, dearest and most trusted friend, before opening the attachment, write directly to the sender (not through a "reply") , asking if they sent an attachment to you. Once you've confirmed the attachment was sent, and is legit, then it's safe to open it. I have made the foolish mistake, more then once, over the years, of opening what I thought was a "safe" attachment.... OY
Years ago... Fr. Tony opened an attachment from the diocesan office (where one would assume all email was safe), but low and behold it had a nasty worm in it! The diocesan office didn't realize they had a worm in the email, that they forwarded from another source.
Lesson? One can never be too safe.
If you get an email from what looks like a company you do business with, or a company with a good reputation, asking for personal information, go directly to that business' website (not through any link in the questionable email), and inquire about the email or requested information. Some companies will post information on their websites about scams they're aware of. They're always appreciative of information about spam or hacking attempts, using their good name. They have ways to track down the culprit. NEVER be fooled by the professional look, logos, or return email address from these types of emails.
ARE YOU PROTECTED?
If you do not have a current and regularly updated (updated at least every other day) version of Norton Anti-Virus/Internet Security... well... let's just say... it would be like you hopping into bed with every tom, dick, harry, sally, gertrude and bertha, without using a condom! Do you really want to impregnate your computer with all manner of viruses or worse?
All of the above said, there's nothing to fear about the internet or email... It's a matter of simply being smart about using this awesome tool.
FR. TONY UPDATE:
Well, after finding my car key that fell off its ring.... in the yard, no less.... Fr. Tony is off to work! YAY. This morning he seems to have a bit of a cold. The new meds schedule is allowing him to function, without being in a fog! If only you all knew how difficult it is for him... especially when the meds affect his clear thinking, and bountiful brain matter. I guess it would be like cutting off the hands of an artist.... so they could no longer be creative.
There's much to do with Christmas just around the corner... keeping folks "IN" Advent (always a challenge!!!!!), preparing for the upcoming annual parish meeting, keeping naughty parishioners in line, caring for the flock, and remaining sane. Please don't think he's sitting around doing nothing. He may not be "visible" during the week, but he keeps busy daily, with church "stuff".
Which reminds me.... Fr. Tony and I could not be more thankful for the many parishioners who have been so kind and caring, always stepping up to the plate to help, or at least asking what they can do. The parish is in a wonderful state of Grace... growing, prospering, and moving forward in faith. It's a wonderful thing. Yes, there are a chosen few who always seem to keep us mindful that human beings will be human beings, no matter how hard we or God try. One has to feel sorry for them, actually... wondering what dreadful thing lurks in their being, making them bitter, or angry, or spiteful... especially during THIS time of year.
We're especially thankful for Jeanne who has managed to work miracles in the parish office. When she came on board as Fr. Tony's assistant, the office was in shambles, and records were in a deplorable state of affairs.. if they were there at all. I couldn't be more happy about the fact she's a quick learner, and long ago took over production of the bulletin and even the newsletter!! She's a whiz at it now, and is producing very pleasing publications to look at! Over the many years I've worked on bulletins and newsletters, I've never come accross anyone who took on a new PC program, and ran with it!
Jeanne's tasks are many, so do be sure and thank her often.... and do offer to help from time to time. There are always bulletins to copy and fold, newsletters to produce, files to be filed, errands to be run. I know your help would be appreciated, and NO Jeanne did not request this shameless plug from me.... I simply know how difficult the job of office staff can be. Been there! Done it! Got the worn out old T Shirt!
Ah, well... must get laundry done, begin thinking about "what's for lunch", and get busy on making Christmas gifts. I hope you all have a glorious day... in spite of the weather.
Our love to you all!!!
PitterPat
PS: sigh.... Saturday is the big day. JJ will be going to Virginia to live with a very kind, caring and wonderful new mom. ugh.. I hate this giving up stuff, but I have to keep reminding myself what I learned many moons ago.... "We must be able to give up that which we love the most", if it's for the good of all involved.
