Thursday, June 11, 2009

AFTER THE “CRASH”

Yes, I’m finally back to update the blog. My laptop’s hard drive crashed 2 weeks ago & required 2 new hard drives to get the system up & running. No thanks to DELL – this experience left much to be desired as far as their customer service is concerned. Not the front line techs – they were great. But the mid-management know-nothings and their “Dell doesn’t do that” mantra have finally pushed me across the isle – my next computer purchase will be a MAC.

Dell has forgotten that the only difference between computer companies is the service they offer – as a Gold level service account I was subject to mistakes, defective hardware & a lot of excuses. This was NOT a Gold service event! I spent close to 36 hours installing drivers, removing drivers, re-installing programs (twice) in the effort of restoring my system. And this was over Memorial weekend – the kick-off to the summer season! It was a nightmare & I will not soon forget Dell’s lackadaisical attitude. Nor will I forget to spread the word …

But I do have to sing the praises of www.mozy.com - they saved my life! I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is to back up your files. I bought an extra external hard drive years ago but because I couldn’t understand how to configure it I never used it. BAD move! So when I read about mozy.com’s on-line back up service (costs $6.00 per month) – I signed up. The account is set up to automatically back up my files every day. Although the restore feature wasn’t flawless ( my fault – for crying out loud I don’t know where all my files live!) I was able to restore my document files, e-mail & e-mail contact files & guest reservation database. For the life of me I just couldn’t find my payroll database so I was forced to recreate it – but I’m sure the problem was on my end. Run, don’t walk, to sign up for a mozy account – it’s sure to be the best $72.00 you ever spent!

FINDLEY LAKE “FRIDAY NIGHTS”
Although “Nostalgia” is open on Fri & Sat nights almost year ’round, the big news is that the rest of Findley Lake is now open for business on Fri nights throughout the season!

The restaurants are serving 'al fresco' and the local shops are now open until 8:00 pm every Friday night. Take advantage of the great weather - relax with a cocktail or dine on the Blue Heron deck. There are lots of reasons to kick off your weekend 'Findley Lake-style'! Come browse your favorite shops - we've stocked the shelves with fine gifts for giving and great gifts for keeping!

Add one of several new charms to your collectible Findley Lake charm bracelet. Plan an overnight stay; look around the shops, take in a game of golf, tour the wineries or the travel the Art Trail the next day.

Make Findley Lake part of YOUR summer season!

IN THE NEWS
Just thought I’d share a little blurb that came my way via the Findley Lake, NY “google alerts” that I set up on my computer:

“Showcase” Dining capsules
Published: June 11. 2009 12:01AM

BLUE HERON INN. Dinner at the Blue Heron Inn in Findley Lake, N.Y., is a pleasant way to spend a late-summer evening. Daily specials are offered, but the main menu has ample options. Graze on a "whole earth salad" made with fresh greens, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and raisins. Or satisfy a strong appetite with a 12-ounce New York strip steak.
I ordered the New England clam chowder followed by a mixed grille entree of a half-rack of barbecued ribs and half a chicken with Cajun seasoning. The ribs are parboiled, then char-grilled. I love them.
My companion's Middle East plant, consisting of spiced ground lamb kebabs, homemade hummus, and a small Greek salad with feta cheese, met with her approval. Her husband's crab-cake sandwich was the day's special, and in fact it proved to be very special. If you're inclined to breakfast at the inn, chef and owner Bruce Ahlquist makes a delicious Belgian waffle Benedict and cinnamon French toast with multigrain bread.
The skinny: Blue Heron Inn, 10412 Main St., Findley Lake, N.Y.
(716) 769-7852. 
www.theblueheroninn.com. No smoking. Reservations appreciated for dinner. All credit cards accepted except American Express. Wheelchair accessible.

Full review appeared Aug. 21, 2008. www.goerie.com
-- by Floyd Lawrence

It’s crazy to think that we’re already staring at the middle of June! The year is flying by - hope you’re summer is progressing “swimmingly” (pun intended)!

Cheers to the lazy, hazy days we all love!

Tobi & Bruce

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