These online orders are entertaining when there is good tracking. I clearly don't get out enough. For almost a week there were no updates on the status of the refrigerator parts (ordered on Nov 9th). Meanwhile I couldn't resist searching for a few more brutal reviews of Sears Parts Direct (SPD). Then things began to stir. The defrost heater arrived without damage Saturday, from Illinois. The bracket is a perfect match and the heat rod is the correct length to fit without bending. Then the other 2 parts arrived at UPS in Louisville, KY, and made it to the old UPS hub just outside of town last night. These parts were shipped via UPS SurePost, which is the name for the cheapest option where UPS hands off to the PO. Delivery in 2-7 days. UPS now says the PO will deliver today. I'm betting the PO says tomorrow. This whole process only took about 10-11 days. Seems much longer. SPD online has been around since 1995. Those reviewers must think it is a network of huge, automated warehouses with everything in stock like Amazon. I could be wrong, but I think it is more like a broker who just matches up 1000's of small Sears authorized repair shops with 1000's of customers. I can imagine how difficult a return must be if that's the setup. SPD online could be just one guy with a pc in his basement. Anyway, this project is now back at the top of the to-do list. While I'm feeling lucky, I might should check the refrigerator in the cabin. It is a 1970's avocado green model bought used in the 1980s. Still running and defrosting (last time I checked).
I had to chuckle. My wood stove takes a proprietary door gasket, so I'm stuck buying it from the local wood stove dealer. Since the market for wood stoves is not very deep, he's the only guy in the region. You can tell it's family-owned because the lazy &$#% who work there (in every location) would have been fired a long time ago in a normal situation. I won't go into lengthy details, but I, too, recently went on a "misery loves company" online quest. I was not disappointed. Regarding SPD: I've ordered from them a few times. Back in the day I would go to Sears stores and order (and pick up) there. Their parts counter was always in a back corner of the store, often with a separate delivery-type entrance. I can remember picking up parts there, but I do not recall what the old school order process was like.
Yes, I remember the Sears store here and the place for special orders inside, near the back entrance to the store. The "counter" was just a Dutch door, open on top with a man standing behind, and a tiny waiting room out front. I ordered many things from them. I miss Sears more than any other store. Ordered many things from their catalog also. They learned to always set the estimated delivery date at least a day beyond when the order would come in. That was smart. You always ended up happy it came early. lol
When I was in my late teens, I broke a small Craftsman ignition wrench. It was my fault. I misused it. But it was guaranteed for life. I took it to the store and the guy refused to replace it. I hung around and eventually a couple came up to talk to him about buying tools. So I walked up to them as though it were the first time I had approached him and asked "You all warranty this stuff for life, right?" What was he supposed to do when in the middle of trying to make a sale? (I got my wrench replaced.)
I, too, miss Sears more than any other store @Nancy Hart. In the little town where I grew up there was a catalog only store where we could place orders and pick them up I bought camping gear there when I was around 12 years old, some of which I still possess, and have fond memories of using for years.
Sears WAS the brick and mortar Amazon of our day--back decades. It was another time. I remember an actual palamino pony advertised in their catalogue back in the 50's that I always hoped would be under the tree. But it definitely was another time from today. The customer was always right and we were mostly honest (except for @John Brunner and his wrench) which kept us coming back. Today, I wonder what percentage of us would be honest. They can't even keep Walmarts open in some places.
Yep; I remember tagging along to Sears with my Dad on a Saturday morning. We'd stop by the little candy/nut/popcorn kiosk in the middle of the store so I could make my 10 cent purchase. That place smelled so good. Then we'd head for the tools so he could pick up whatever we went there for.
The last 2 refrigerator parts arrived Tuesday, just like UPS said they would. No Post Office involved this time. They were perfect matches to the old parts. Put all the parts in yesterday. Cold air started entering the fresh food compartment. After a little frost built up, the ice began to melt closest to the heat coil when the timer was advanced to defrost. It would probably take several hours to cool the fresh food compartment completely after sitting at room temperature for a week. And a day or 2 to make sure the timer motor works by itself. I took a gamble, put everything back together, and left it plugged in (jinx). Will try to check it again Sunday. Fingers crossed. If this works, I'm impressed with Sears Parts Direct now.
The dogwood trees here are dying, I think it's some kind of blight. There are several in town that are already dead. One of mine is nearly dead all over. One of them has a few dead limbs. Have y'all noticed any of them dying near you? Do any of you have any idea what is causing it or what I can do to save mine?
Do you ever notice any chewed places on the limbs? I think the squirrels have been chewing the bark on mine. They even chew on the treated wood on my screened porch.
Do you have agricultural agents near you? Maybe in your technical college? We go to agricultural extension agents for soil tests and pest issues...