Yesterday I started talking about shopping online so I want to continue that with one more favorite - Amazon.com.  There are many in my life that when asked what they want for birthdays or Christmas reply with specific CD's, DVD's, books and electronic gaming items.  I no longer waste my time and gas going from store to store, not only to see if they have the item, but also to find out what some of it is.  I keep informed on Amazon.  All I have to do is go to the site, enter the information in the search box and Amazon will answer all my questions and many times offer a variety of vendors - or if I spend the right amount, give me free shipping.  Amazon has never disappointment me.  I have not had cause to return anything to Amazon so I can't address how they handle that issue, but they are always there 24/7, ready to show me what someone wants and how to get it.

I plan to write more about online shopping venues, but for now there is something more pressing on my mind. Last month we switched our car and homeowner insurance from Liberty Mutual to State Farm, a move that saved us a little over $1000 a year.  We received our policies last week.  Today in the mail, I get new policies on 2 cars, both with an increase.  On top of that I get a refund check on one of these same cars.  Talk about confusion.  I, of course, immediately contacted our agent and am now waiting to hear back from her.  She had not received anything on any of this and will get in touch with the proper folks to see what is going on.  What is is with insurance companies (or any company for that matter) that they cannot bother to send an explanation of any increase or refund?  And, why in the world would we be seeing any kind of rate increase in less than a month?  I am sincerely hoping we get a reasonable explanation as to what is going on, and I truly hope this is not indicative of a future problematic relationship.

One last little note, and a plug for Lambert's Paint and Body Shop on Belmar Lane.  Since I had dinged my car some years ago on the right side when I bumped into the deck and since I scraped the left side of my car a few weeks ago on the garage, I decided it was time to get it fixed.  We dropped the car off on Sunday night and got it back last night.  The work they did looks great! In addition, they washed the car and scrubbed the wheels, making everything look brand new.  There was no insurance involved, and they took care of everything for less than $700.  This is the second time we have gone to Lambert's and I would recommend them to anyone needing this service.