2012 Christmas/Holiday Card Swap

[Husky_mom]

Hello hello.. it's that time of year again.. almost.. :P ..

I was informed Lut was not able to organize this year's card swap due to health reasons.. so here I am.. I will be helping this year.. and whenever I'm needed of course ;)

so, basic "rules" are:

1.- be over age 16 or have your parents agree to sing up (we are all trusty but some may have concerns about you giving your address, esp if you recently joined) (I will check personally so there are no suspicious signers, everyone needs to be at least 3 months old to the forum, PTers under age 16 will have to PM Karen so she's gives me green light to add you)

2.- send your full address to my email ptcards@gmail (add dot com obviously ;))
(full name, address, zip code, country, email to send the list to, names of pets if you want, as well as your Pet Talk name) no one will have your address but me, and those who sign up for the swap. I will not be posting or sending your info to third persons out of the card swap people and it will be sent via email

3.- once the deadline arrives (Nov 11th), I will send an email with all the addresses of the ones who signed up.

4.- you MUST to send a card to ALL the people in the list, they'll all be sending one to you and they will be expecting one back too.

5.- cards can be bought, printed or handmade.. whatever you feel like.. they are all appreciated the same :)

6.- you must consider the postage: we have had folks from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Argentina, Mexico.. so check your post office for prices so you can be 100% sure before you sing up. average signers go from 20-40 people.

to check prices from USA: https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class.htm
to check prices from Canada: http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/productsservices/send/lettersdocuments.jsf#Rates

7.- also consider delivery times: usually takes around 7-15 days for overseas/internationals to be delivered while locals can take less time, but since it's holiday season you might want to send the foreign ones first ;)

8.- deadline to send your info is Nov 19th, but you can headstart the cards and just leave the envelopes til I send you the info, as signers will be listed in the next post :)

I think that's all.. if you have any doubts you can post here, PM me or email me.. you can also check past card swaps to get an idea

[Karen]

Count us in! I'll send you our info now!

[Freedom]

I'm IN! Sent you the info!!

Thank you for coordinating this, Isabel.

[Husky_mom]

lol.. forgot to leave a post for editing.. oh well..
I'll add the names here in the 4th post :P

Signed up:

FREEDOM
KAREN
PHESINA
CATTY1
KRAZYABOUTKATZ

FELICIA'S MOM
PINOT'S MOM
MAYA & INKAS MOMMY
Lilith Cherry
Lvpets2002

Cassiesmom
Nomilynn
Bonny
RICHARD
Captain

Mrspunkysmom
Barbara
Anna-66
Ramanth
CountryWolf07

Casper
Neko1

and that's it :) .. 22 peeps joined the swap :)

[Karen]

I made this thread "sticky" so folks will always be able to find it, especially as General is such a busy forum!

[krazyaboutkatz]

You can count me in too.:) I haven't missed one yet since I've been a member of PT.;)

[Karen]

Bumping this up, so more folks see it! :) I saw Christmas-wrapped chocolates in the grocery store last night ...

[Felicia's Mom]

I have sent in my info.

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm in, but the email will be coming from my work email; please use the one I'll post - thanks so much!

Maggie & Pinot

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Count me in too!!
Thanks for doing this swap Isabel!!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Oops....! I sent you my info but forgot to add my PT-name...! But I guess you know it is "Maya & Inka's mommy"

[Husky_mom]

bumping it up.. still a few days to join ;) .. do it now!! :P

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

bumping it up.. still a few days to join ;) .. do it now!! :P

Hey come on everybody, send in your name!! This swap is so much fun!!!

[Lilith Cherry]

I just sent my info to you Isabel! the cards are so much fun to get and send! Thanks!:D

[cassiesmom]

I've sent mine too.

[lvpets2002]

Yup Yes Count Me In Too Ok.. I Need To Get Back In The Loop Here.. I Will Go Send My Info In Now.. Let Me Know && I Will Be Checking The List.. many thanks

[wolf_Q]

Is there really only 8 people on the list? I'll join if it's a small list I usually don't join because I can't afford to send to so many any my own list of people outside of pet talk.

[cassiesmom]

We're at 11 now...


lol.. forgot to leave a post for editing.. oh well..
I'll add the names here in the 4th post :P

Signed up:

FREEDOM
KAREN
PHESINA
CATTY1
KRAZYABOUTKATZ

FELICIA'S MOM
PINOT'S MOM
MAYA & INKAS MOMMY

Lilith Cherry
Lvpets2002
Cassiesmom

[lvpets2002]

Yes Thanks For Sending Me A Email && Inviting Me To Join The List This Year..



We're at 11 now...



Lilith Cherry
Lvpets2002
Cassiesmom

[Nomilynn]

I sent my name in on November 1st.. Isabel, did it go through? I just checked and forgot to include my PT name, so I'll resend.

Thanks!
Naomi

[Husky_mom]

just updated the list ;)

ty for sending the PT names :P I had no clue.. hehe..

[Freedom]

*bump*

[mrspunkysmom]

lol.. forgot to leave a post for editing.. oh well..
I'll add the names here in the 4th post :P

Signed up:

FREEDOM
KAREN
PHESINA
CATTY1
KRAZYABOUTKATZ

FELICIA'S MOM
PINOT'S MOM
MAYA & INKAS MOMMY
Lilith Cherry
Lvpets2002

Cassiesmom
Nomilynn
Bonny
RICHARD
Captain

MrSpunkysmom

New Names:

Me, Anne Hesse Mr Spunkysmom, Where do I send the address? Karen did have it?

[Husky_mom]

you can send your info to ptcards @ gmail.com (without the spaces)..

if you haven't joined.. there's still time to do so..

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Maybe a good idea to add a week Isabel??

[Husky_mom]

just added another week ;)

[anna_66]

I'm so glad i didn't miss this! Add me please :-)

[Barbara]

I sent my address as well :)

[ramanth]

Email sent! :D

[CountryWolf07]

Just sent a email. I'm in. :) Also limited this year because of $. But I am looking forward to this.

[neko1]

Just sent mine in :D

[Husky_mom]

I'll update the list with the emails I have received till now..
will set up all the addys and send them off tomorrow... thank you all who joined and hope you have fun and receive very pretty cards.. as always :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'll update the list with the emails I have received till now..
will set up all the addys and send them off tomorrow... thank you all who joined and hope you have fun and receive very pretty cards.. as always :)

Thanks for doing this again.:) Will you also be on the list? If not I'd like to have your current address so that I can send a card to you too.:) I haven't received my list yet but I did receive a strange e-mail that had no subject with an unknown sender. I just marked it as spam and deleted it. I hope it wasn't the list.

[lvpets2002]

Yes I Wish Furr Your Address Too.. Many Thanks



Thanks for doing this again.:) Will you also be on the list? If not I'd like to have your current address so that I can send a card to you too.:) I haven't received my list yet but I did receive a strange e-mail that had no subject with an unknown sender. I just marked it as spam and deleted it. I hope it wasn't the list.

[Husky_mom]

list has been updated.. 22 people joined the swap.. I will just fix the list and send it later today ;) will post here when I do so you know when to look for it

[Husky_mom]

the list has been emailed to you all.. :) if you didn't got it, let me know

[Karen]

Got it, but no address for you? See my email response ...

[Husky_mom]

didn't add my own as I wasn't sure I'd join this year.. but if you still have records from previous ones.. my address is the same ;)

[phesina]

I got it, Isabel. Thank you!!!!!! :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

Now to see if I still have last year's list to get your address from...

[Felicia's Mom]

I got it, thank you!

[Husky_mom]

if you could add CountryWolf07's pooches, Hank and Ryder, to the cards it'd be great ;)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I got it thanks so much.:)

[Andie]

Missed the deadline by a couple days once again! Drats!

[Karen]

If you ask really nice, Isabel might let you sneak in! It's worth a shot!

[Husky_mom]

if the rest of the folks don't mind, I can add you.. I just send them the info yesterday ;)..

[cassiesmom]

if the rest of the folks don't mind, I can add you.. I just send them the info yesterday ;)..

I don't mind if Andie joins and if anyone else asks, that's fine with me :)

[Freedom]

Isabel, may I please have Andie's and Country Wolf's info? And yours? Thanks!

[Husky_mom]

haven't received any new info.. ;)

as for CountryWolf aka Rachel.. just add Hank and Ryder as the pets ;)

[CountryWolf07]

haven't received any new info.. ;)

as for CountryWolf aka Rachel.. just add Hank and Ryder as the pets ;)

And Dozer! Oops! LOL :)

Got the list! Thank you. I've already started! I'll be sending out a bunch tomorrow, I plan on getting them done early this year.

[Freedom]

Thanks, Got 3 dogs added for you Rachel, and thanks Isabel!

[Freedom]

Have hit my first problem.

I am in 3 card swaps this year. I ordered 75 cards a week ago. Just tallied the swaps plus family and friends (that list is easier to maintain!): I need 88 cards. :eek:

Good news: For the first time EVER, I have the cat card ready BEFORE the dog photo cards have even arrived! Yes, I have 88 of those, thank you my printer, ha haaa.

[Andie]

I appreciate the offer but after talking with Dustin it has been decided to sit out this year. Thank you all though.

[neko1]

Got my first card today!!! :love: Thanks Bonnie!!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I mailed all my PT-cards today!!!

[Casper]

I got my first card (Thanks Bonnie!) a few days ago. It finally feels like the start of the holidays. :) I will have mine ready to mail out by the first week of December.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Bonnie's card was also the first one that I received. I got it on Mon. or Tues. Thanks so much Bonnie.:)

Today I received two more cards from Rachel (CountryWolf07), and from Michelle (Neko1). Thanks so much for the cards.:)

I still haven't even worked on my cards yet because I decided to try to create a Christmas picture of my cats & kittens. I'm still working on the picture because work is getting in the way. I hope to be able to mail out some of my cards by this coming Monday.

[Felicia's Mom]

I too have cards from Bonnie, Rachel and Michelle. I plan on mailing mine next Mon. or Tues.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I received an extremely cute card on Monday from Phesina. Thanks so much Pat.:)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I received Pinot's Mom's,Maggie's, card yesterday. Thanks so much for the cute card.:)

I mailed all of my international cards yesterday. I finished the rest of the cards on the list and will probably mail them out tomorrow. It was raining today so I decided to wait for a dryer day.;)

[phesina]

I received an extremely cute card on Monday from Phesina. Thanks so much Pat.:)

You're welcome! My cats and I are glad you like it.

[Catty1]

I have received some wonderful cards but didn't open them as I hadn't even started mine...I'm making them this year via computer and it took a bit to figure out which pic goes upside down and then which end goes in the printer on which side LOL! All figured out and will get the international ones out tomorrow! :D

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Did nobody get my card yet??

Weird..... because I mailed all my PT card in 29th of November....

[Casper]

Just finished the cards, which I will mail out first thing monday morning! Had a few setbacks, but at least they'll be on their way soon enough. Please excuse any misspellings or lovely white tape that covers said misspellings. My brain hasn't been working properly today!


Did nobody get my card yet??

Weird..... because I mailed all my PT card in 29th of November....

I haven't yet. Maybe it'll show up sometime this week coming week! :)

[phesina]

I got yours, Lut. In fact, I was just about to send you a thank-you PM!

What a STUNNING card.. You sewed the design?!!!! I'm just taken away completely with admiration, for both your talent and your hard work to do all this!

THANK YOU SO MUCH, LUT!!!!! God bless you and your whole family, and may you have a wonderful holiday season.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love: from Pat and cats

[Felicia's Mom]

I got your card too Lut. Thank you very much!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Did nobody get my card yet??

Weird..... because I mailed all my PT card in 29th of November....

Lut, I got your beautiful card yesterday. Thanks so much.:)

[Pinot's Mom]

Cards have started to come in; Lut - yours came in yesterday. Thank you so much! I'll do a more extensive posting later when I get everything sorted out. :)

[Bonny]

Did nobody get my card yet??

Weird..... because I mailed all my PT card in 29th of November....

Got your card about two days ago & still have last years, they are so neat. Have gotten cards from phesina, pint's mom, felicia's mom, countrywolf07, & neko. Thank you everyone this is a lot of fun :) Even had our first snow of the season today a good 4 inches of the pretty white stuff. :D

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

You sewed the design?!!!! I'm just taken away completely with admiration, for both your talent and your hard work to do all this!!





Oh yes, I did!! All year round i am looking for nice designs, and then while watching tv, I sew the designs; Same thing with the 3D-part too!
I love doing this so much, it is my hobby! Here we NEVER buy cards!!! Here are a few more cards....

http://www.kattensite.be/uploads/gallery/album_717/gallery_383_827_1351069402_44458.jpg
http://www.kattensite.be/uploads/gallery/album_717/gallery_383_827_1351069138_11561.jpg

http://www.kattensite.be/uploads/gallery/album_717/gallery_383_827_1351069138_11562.jpg

http://www.kattensite.be/uploads/gallery/album_717/gallery_383_827_1351069138_11559.jpg

[phesina]

Amazing... to say the least!

EXCELLENT, Lut!

[Felicia's Mom]

I have gotten cards from Tracey, Pat and Maggie. Thank you all very much.:love:

[Freedom]

This morning I delivered 102 Christmas cards to the post office. I am in THREE card swaps this year, LOVE receiving cards; but oh my hand / arm did get tired addressing all those envelopes! I already have 28 cards up on the wall!

Before anyone freaks out, let me say this: I have no children, no nieces or nephews, only Dad to buy one gift for, so the card swaps are THE item in my Christmas Budget.

Lut I also received a card from you, not a sewed one though, it has lovely stamps on it? I'm not sure how you do that, very pretty!'

And Tracy, your card arrived today and that kitty insert was WELL worth the wait!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm glad to hear that some of you have now received my cards.:) Yesterday I received two more cards from Nomilynn (Naomi) and from Felicia's mom(Nancy). Thanks so much for the cute cards. Thanks for the extra kitty surprise inside too Naomi.:)

I wish I was done with all of my cards but work and other things have been getting in the way. I still need to send out many more to family and friends.;)

[issop]

this is for another time of the year but it is special.. this is God's love to us started at christmas time love joy peace to all

[cassiesmom]

I have the first batch ready. They are going to points farthest from me because the last time I was in the card exchange, I waited too long. So those will go out in tomorrow's early morning mail which I believe is 6 AM. I am still writing. I did get your card, Lut and I set it aside to place in a frame :D

[Felicia's Mom]

My latest cards are from Ramanth and Freedom. Thanks so much for the nice cards.:love:

[Catty1]

All my PT cards were in the mail as of Tuesday. :)

I have received beautiful cards from Lut, Nomilynn, Pat, Rachel, Nancy, Bonnie, Michelle, and Pinot's Mom, Barbara...

To live alone and have so many cards come in, and to have people to whom I can send them - it's wonderful!:D:love:

[Freedom]

My latest cards are from Ramanth and Freedom. Thanks so much for the nice cards.:love:


Oh good, so mine are flying to their destinations! Yippee!


All my PT cards were in the mail as of Tuesday. :)
To live alone and have so many cards come in, and to have people to whom I can send them - it's wonderful!:D:love:

I know the feeling, Candace, which is why I sign up for the swap! Plus, it makes decorating fun! ;)

[phesina]

Me too, Candace and Sandie. I love sending and getting all these wonderful cards!

[Freedom]

Thought I'd mention:

Dad was in Rehab and that one was just across the street :D from the credit union where we take the photos! So they let me check Dad out for 1 hour with a warning not to let him eat or drink ANYTHING!! And they said they just wouldn't happen to mention it to either :eek: the doctor or the insurance company. ;) I am very glad they allowed us to do this! It was about 10 days later he developed a UTI and pneumonia and was rushed back to hospital.

Every day, I take the mail to the Rehab, and sit opening all the cards with Dad, so he doesn't miss out on the holiday spirit. We are having such fun with all the cards, very enjoyable visits. Thank you all!

[Husky_mom]

not PT related.. but thought to post here.. in regards of the tragedy that happened this morning in CT

If you would like to mail sympathy cards, postcards or letters of support and solidarity to the school, the school address appears to be:
Sandy Hook Elementary School
12 Dickenson Drive
Sandy Hook, CT 06482
Please copy/paste/share widely. Sending a card is something small but at least it's something we can do.

[Felicia's Mom]

I have received cards from Helene, Anna, Naomi and Courtney.

[krazyaboutkatz]

My latest cards are from Ramanth and Freedom. Thanks so much for the nice cards.:love:

I also received these a few days ago. Thanks so much.:) I also received a card from Anna, Richard, Courtney,and Helene. Thanks so much for all of the beautiful cards.:) I also live alone and now I look forward to getting my mail every day.:)

[anna_66]

I haven't been keeping up on this, but just wanted to let those of you that have sent me cards, I received them:)

Freedom
phesina
krazyaboutkatz
Felicia's Mom
Pinot’s Mom
Maya&Inkas mommy
Bonny
LVPETS2002
NomiLynn-Just wanted to let you know Caelum's hair was Huney & Roxey's favorite :D
ramanth
CountryWolf07
Casper
Neko1

They're all beautiful and we thank you so much!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Today I received 2 more cards from the card swap list. Thanks so much Candace and Barbara.:)

I finally managed to finish the rest of my cards to those of you not on the list and I mailed them out Sunday night. I hope that everyone will receive them before Christmas.:)

[Felicia's Mom]

Today, I want to thank Candace, Barbara and Richard for the beautiful cards.

[mrspunkysmom]

I just found my stash of cards that I had packed away, thinking I was moving. Will be in the mail by this weekend. I've received some cards, but haven't checked my mail this week.

I know. I am just terrible! :D

[Catty1]

Yesterday I got 3 cards, from Ramanth, KAK and Felicia's Mom. Today one came from RICHARD, Doris, Tucker and Ed. How RICHARD got Ed to pose for a pic with those antlers on I don't know - but it's a cute pic!:)

Beautiful cards - thank you!:love:

[K9karen]

Hi my friends! Please excuse me for not sending cards again,this year Thank everyone who didn't forget me and sent lovely cards and beautiful photos which I cherish. John & I have been busy trying to get my independent 99 yr old uncle into assistant living which finally occurred dec 13, Not a happy dude but fairing well I see him everyday for lunch don't want him to think I dumped him no house sale or major traumas for him right now
My eyes are still lousy I see retina specialist every 6 weeks as a precaution but I am getting a little used to it but I'm not a stoic person and get grumpy sometimes I miss my independence boo hoo. Right?
Hee HEE broke my toe and nose (2nd time in 5 months) cause I can't see clear stuff or white on white black on black...a color/contrast problem so I'm getting bubble wrap and a helmet:D life is a Blur but could be worse

I miss you all and am practicing my iPad as you can tell love you all and wishing you all a beautiful holiday season and healthy new year! Xoxoxo:love::love::love:

Ps Mz Logan is 11 yrs 4 mo and still healthy despite arthritic hips, she's as smart as a whip and my life's joy

[cassiesmom]

Dear PT Friends, I have to confess that my final batch of cards just went out in yesterday's mail. So I hope you will receive them either Saturday or Monday. Thank you, everyone for the wonderful cards! I have them in a basket that I look through at least once a day. Most days more than once! :love: :love:

[Bonny]

Love Barbara's good sense of humor at Lily & the Barn Cats. She mentioned it sounds like a band. Yes, a band of cats purring & meowing. :D

[mrspunkysmom]

I don't mind if Andie joins and if anyone else asks, that's fine with me :)

Ummm

This is embarrassing. I'm ready to write and mail my cards and I can't find the list. I know I downloaded it because I looked at the list. It's not at any of my email addresses either.

Can someone send me the list, quick?

[mrspunkysmom]

Ummm

This is embarrassing. I'm ready to write and mail my cards and I can't find the list. I know I downloaded it because I looked at the list. It's not at any of my email addresses either.

Can someone send me the list, quick?

Will be sent this afternoon or Monday!

[Barbara]

Thankyou for all the lovely cards that made Christmas time special. My sister was here yesterday and we had so much fun looking at them again.
Up to now I have cards from
KAK -with Snowflake kitties
Bonnie
Lut
Neko1
Phesina
Felicia's mom
Ramanth
CountryWolf07
Catty1
Nomilynn-with 4 flavors of kitty fur;)
Richard
Casper
Freedom
Cassiesmom
Pinot's mom
Lilith Cherry
Anna-66
Thank you all so much for these personal and wonderful cards :D

[Felicia's Mom]

Thursday and today I have received cards from Lilith Cherry and Karen & Paul. Thank you for the nice cards.

[Karen]

Oh, good, glad they are arriving some places!

[phesina]

I just got yours yesterday too, Karen! Thank you.

Pat

[krazyaboutkatz]

Sorry I haven't been on PT in a while because I've just been enjoying my time off with all of my furkids.:o I've received a few more cards from the list. I received one from Lilith Cherry just before Christmas and one from Karen & Paul yesterday. Thanks so much for the beautiful cards.:)

[Catty1]

They're all beautiful...I've done the card collage on my wall, and some cards are hanging on a string that runs some length on the wall. I just plugged in my wee pre-lit tree on Wednesday and it sure looks pretty with all the cards - so Christmassy! Thanks, everyone! :D:love:

[*LabLoverKEB*]

I got a beautiful card from Amy, Corby and their canine clan! Still need to send one though! :( :o Also received a beautiful card from Karen and Paul! Thank you!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I also received a card from Cassiesmom on Christmas Eve. Thanks so much for the card Elyse.:)

[mrspunkysmom]

An apology. I was waiting to get my place really clean to get some new pictures of the kitties to send along, but it needed a lot of cleaning and I still have more to do.

SO the cards are ready (whew) and I when I went to mail them earlier I discovered the UPS store had closed early today. This is life is a small town that isn't even incorporated. So I will send them Wednesday. Sorry.

I haven't opened any cards because I wanted to wait until I mailed them, but I will open them tonight. And put them up. I used to have a card door where I posted all cards and such.

I am going to create an online letter/album with pictures and brief stories for all to see.

Happy New Year!

[Karen]

It's funny, I don't allow myself to wear my Christmas lights necklace (or jingle bells) out and about until I have my cards mailed, but I open cards as soon as they arrive!

[Barbara]

Karen, you can wear your necklace- your cute card arrived yesterday;) And I loved especially that Miss Hoppy was in it..

[Catty1]

I haven't been posting as I have been receiving...I think I omitted a person or two. :(

I got Barbara's today and Karen's last week. Thank you!

[mrspunkysmom]

Cards sent yesterday. Small town so probably went out today. I use the UPS store so I know the cards went out with correct postage. The only Post Office in town is inside a print/sign/office store and is only open during store hours.

Haven't opened cards yet. Will post when I do. Probably this weekend.

[Karen]

I'll let you know when we get yours!

[Felicia's Mom]

Got a card today from Mrspunkysmom. Thanks Anne, for the cute card!

[Freedom]

Got it, Anne!

[phesina]

I got mine today, Anne.

[Bonny]

Your cute card arrived today Anne. It is giving me some ideas when grandson comes over & the snow is good for rolling a up a snow cat. :)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I got your card last night Anne. Thanks so much.:)

[Karen]

We got your card, too, Anne!

[Barbara]

Anne, I got your card beginning of last week and itwas well worth waiting for as it was so incredibly cute-the kitty schoolgirl that had bulit a snowkitty-actually I feel like framing it:)

[Casper]

Hey guys, I was just wondering if any others that participated ended up not receiving a few cards? Its nearing the end of January and I am a little sad to say that I didn't receive 3 cards. :( Just wondering if it's just me...

[Freedom]

Sure hope you received mine, Casper! I don't mark them as the arrive, so I really have no idea if I got one from all the participants or not.

[Pinot's Mom]

Hey guys, I was just wondering if any others that participated ended up not receiving a few cards? Its nearing the end of January and I am a little sad to say that I didn't receive 3 cards. :( Just wondering if it's just me...

Which ones are missing? I didn't do a tally yet :eek: !

[Casper]

I can only remember one name off the top of my head (forgot to write them down), but I don't want to single them out. I remember getting them from you two (Freedom and Pinot's Mom), though. I'm visiting my mum right now, but I'll be going back home tomorrow and I'll figure it out. :)

I'm also in a different house than last year. Maybe the postal service in my new town isn't the greatest?