Column: A week of frustrations, with one bright spot

It’s been about two weeks of foolishness and frustration around here. I may start to worry a little about me. First, I set out to tackle a new project: I think it would be wonderful to have a dog park in Dover. 

The one in New Philadelphia is great, but it is a bit of a drive if you want to go often. I thought I might call to find out whose responsibility maintenance is, and other important details before I spoke to someone in Dover. I looked up New Philadelphia's phone number and started asking my questions. The woman said, “We don’t have a dog park.” I argued a bit that they certainly did, and started naming streets to get there. Finally, the woman asked me where I was calling, and it turned out she was in Iowa, and they truly do not have a dog park.

Secondly, why does Dover not have a phone book? Or couldn’t the Dover residents be put in the same book as New Philadelphia?

Other fun: The old game of Ding Dong Ditch has arisen once again in my neighborhood. On three different occasions during the day, and one at night, my doorbell was rung and there was no one there. 

They must not know that last week a child was shot and killed because they did just that. I’m not an old fuddy duddy, and I don’t get too upset with children’s jokes, but this is not too funny in my neighborhood. 

There are elderly and very ill people for whom this would be a real annoyance. Further, the same kids are riding their motorized scooters at top speed down this little street, wearing no helmets and sneering if they are asked to slow down. My question is: where are the parents and why are these children so bored they have to resort to hundred-year-old tricks?

You probably think you’ve heard this from me before, but this is a different printer story. My printer won’t do card stock or photo paper without jamming, so I finally convinced myself I needed a new one, was foolishly talked into a “does it all” program, got the new printer, was unable to set it up after five hours, tried to get the help they advertised and received nothing. 

Each helper sends you to a new place to go to a new place. Finally, after many hours, I got an answer, cancelled the program and they sent me the papers I needed to take to FedEx to send the printer back. They did not send the correct papers. Because of that, the only FedEx I can take the printer to is in Canton. No, I can’t get ahold of them again.

The computer used to be my best friend for writing and researching. It used to be that you asked a question, and it was answered quickly and simply. Today, even asking how long to cook a brisket in the oven takes at least five steps to get an answer. Often, we are recommended to “experts” who give us their life stories and want to charge a dollar or two to get the answer.

There was one plus side this week. “The Road to Damascus” at the Ohio Star Theater is well worth the trip and the money. Those of us who direct, look at productions through other eyes, always looking at lighting, sets, blocking, quality of singers, all the parts behind the production. This one was excellent, leaving you satisfied that it was well worth your time to have been there. What a nice positive ending to a week of frustration.

After I take the printer to Canton, I will be ready to start a new week of full of positivity. I'll bet you can hardly wait.