AUGUST UPDATES

[Marian]

I can totally understand how livid you were Michele at the incompetence of your bank while you were away, especially as you went to so much trouble to make sure that this didn't happen. Also it is so unfair that you have to sort it all out on your return.
Thank you for telling us how the ceremony in Las Vegas went, so glad you went through with it despite the scare. I thought you were going to end up in jail!

[Seb Lassandro]

Excellent update -as always!

Although the credit card fiasco sounds horrific!!

[maureen & harry]

Poor Michele having yet another trauma to deal with at the Bank. We had a similar experience when our Bank "upgraded" our credit allowance without our permission. We wrote back in no uncertain terms that we were perfectly capable of managing our own accounts and not to do that ever again!

We found the section on Michele's visit to Las Vegas to lay Matt and Mickie at their final resting place very moving. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, we know it must have been very emotional for you. But your sense of humour shone through as you described the scary moment!

[mariana44]

I worked in a bank for over 37 years, but find it difficult to believe how badly Nat West treated Michele. Just about the last thing you would want to happen.

But enjoyed the update as usual-especially hearing about Las Vegas, and the candles, and Mickie and Matt being together again at last.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Well our computor once again true to form, AOL (Always Officially Late) waiting to get the August update to appear
Have tried Internet Explorer but no success this time.

[karl]

L&H I like your definition of AOL. I was with them for years, best move I made was to ditch them. Have you noticed the constant tv advertising from a few years ago has gone, they NEVER advertise now. I have yet to meet anyone that has a good word to say about them!

[Sandra]

Hope you are now sorted L and H-such a fascinating August update too.

Michele- what a traumatic trip you had one way and the other,your next cruises should be far smoother.
So happy that you managed to place the candles and ashes of your Mum and Dad despite the scare.

[Marian]

Lena and Harry. Have you tried refreshing your browser? This usually works.

[mariana44]

I like AOL--I have been with them almost from the beginning of my computer days-I find it very clear and easy to use---but there have been a frw hiccups along the way.

Last month they phoned me and asked if I would like to pay half-price for the next 3 months.!! I now have my phone line and all calls with them at a great price, and only had 1 minor problem, which has been sorted out.

As for the news page--I found that I had to have a different link for the "news" page, which works well for me.

[john]

Many thanks for the August updates Michele, what an awful situation with your bank cards, but I am glad it didn't let it spoil your trip. Lovely to hear about the candles too, your heart must have been pounding.

[ROBERT M.]

Enjoyed reading the August News, apart for poor Michele's experience with Nat West .................the scattering of the ashes was really moving.............

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Well in spite of trying all ways and refreshing the browsre, (thanks Marian) it was late last night when we finally got the August update, and it was certainly eventful.
So sorry to hear about the banks total mess up Michele, but from our experience, we have found that the longer one remains loyal to companies, banks or otherwise the worse one gets treated.
So pleased that in spite of a scare you were able to carry out the scattering of Mickie and Matt, ..your dear Mum and Dad's ashes at that lovely little chapel, and so nice to know that with the candles lit we were thought about as being part of the ceremony. Thank you Michele. !!!

[Marian]

I find myself having to put in a word of praise for HSBC this morning!
Our two sons have been on holiday with friends in Dubrovnik for the last week, one came home yesterday and the other carried on to Montenegro alone where he found a hostel, only to find that his one and only card had been blocked by his bank.
He was in a strange country with no money and his phone couldn't make international calls. He also had no food all day. The hostel were holding his passport as security. He did however have email and managed to email home of his predicament.
On phoning his bank we were told they couldn't do anything unless he could phone them, which we explained he was unable to do.
Our (at son) home decided to give his bank another try, it was now about 4.40p.m and the bank was supposed to close at 4.30. We were by now running out of ideas, and I was thinking of even trying to contact the British Embassy!
That was when the good samaritan from HSBC came on the line. She was prepared to phone him at the hostel but we were told that the phone was likely to be engaged, as the owner of the hostel was always on the line. HSBC tried and of course the line was engaged, and then this lady offered to keep trying until she got through. This she did and then unblocked his card, so thanks to HBSC and a employee who was prepared to put herself out to help, everything was alright in the end. We were so thankful!

[mariana44]

so good to hear that there are some people who are williing to go the extra mile to help a stranger out-well done to that lovely lady.