FedEx vs UPS

We're approaching that time of year when we'll be seeing more and more delivery service trucks on the road.  Part time drivers are being hired and people are sending more than the usual number of parcels around the country. 

This leads me to make an observation about the two leading companies: FedEx and UPS.  Many people would say one is much like the other.  The difference may be in price.  Not me.  I say there's a vast difference in the quality of service and the skills of the drivers.

Many times I've been traveling on a narrow country road only to be passed by a FedEx truck.  I find UPS drivers generally much more skilled.  I also find UPS drivers to be far more considerate of their customers.  My house is situated at the top of a long, steep driveway.  Very often FedEx drivers leave parcels on the ground somewhere by the road.  Not so UPS.  They always come up or if the driveway hasn't been cleared yet, they park and walk up.  You will never see a FedEx driver doing that.  Also, even if the FedEx driver drives up, he leaves the box in the driveway instead of putting it on the front porch like the UPS driver does. 

The latest example of this was when I recently rec'd a large order from Omaha Steaks.  The box was big and on the heavy side. Usually UPS delivers these parcels but this time it was FedEx.  The driver saw me standing on the front porch but instead of bringing it up to me he left it in the driveway.  I emailed Omaha Steaks and complained and they replied that  from now on they would label all boxes to be left on the porch.  We'll see.  My next step is to contact FedEx customer service and complain to them.  I'm sure it will go nowhere but maybe I'll feel a little better!

Book recommendation

I just finished a very good book that others might like also-especially if you liked Where the Crawdads Sing.  The title is This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger.  Generally it's about 4 children who escape a cruel existence in an orphanage to make their way to a place that they think they might be able to call home.  You can read more about it on Amazon.com.  The character development is excellent.  Give it a try.

Veterans Day 2019

Today is Veterans Day.  Thank you to all who served.  When I was a young man it was expected that all young men having reached the age of 18 will register for the draft and providing they are not deferred for some reason, be drafted into the U.S. Army. 

At that time the draft required two years of active duty and six years of inactive duty at which time you could be recalled for any reason.

I was drafted in 1964 at the age of 21 and like hundreds of thousands of others we did not run and hide, moan and groan or appeal to our rich daddies to buy a doctor to get us out of it.  No, we did the honorable thing.  We went, did our duty and hoped for the best.

Pity we can't say the same for some others.

Happy Veterans Day.  And thank you.

Election Day 2019

Today is Election Day for municipalities.  Voters elect local officials throughout the state.  In Newtown where I live the top candidates for the executive branch are running unopposed.  All the other local positions have choices.

After today the political signs that appear on people's lawns will be replaced by signs for national candidates so don't think you're going to escape that particular kind of litter.  It also means there's one more year of intense politics, political commentary, nastiness, mud throwing, animosity, and generally awful behavior.  That in combination with all the impeachment talks is making for a situation where people are afraid to watch the news or even look at social media.  It's times like this when I'm very thankful for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.  And one mustn't forget books.  Lots and lots of reading.  In fact before too long I'll have a recommendation for a book I'm reading now.  So stay tuned and stay calm.  The year will go by fast-or not!