Temptation

Hollyoaks is losing the run of itself these days, and today's omnibus offering really wasn't all that great. Afterwards, Carl's recently purchased microwave had to be packed up and brought over for replacement (the turntable doesn't turn). Currys in Carrickmines is like any other electrical outlet anywhere else, and The Park in Carrickmines is like any other retail park elsewhere in Dublin. The internet directions for getting there were vague to say the least ('take Exit 15 off the M50'), but we managed to find it quite easily with the help of Google Maps. It took ages and ages and ages, first at the (un-manned) Customer Service desk and then at the checkout. There was lots of barcode scanning and keyboard tapping and receipt checking and replacement receipt issuing, but after all that (and we're talking about what may well have been half and hour) we ended up leaving without a replacement. The reason given was that Panasonic need to provide a reference in order for a replacement item to be handed over from stock. Unfortunately, Panasonic aren't contactable on Saturdays or Sundays, so Carl has to get in touch with them direct during the week, get a reference number from them, and then bring that along another time to arrange the switch. Grrrrrrr ... customer service how are you! At least I had plenty of time to look around me, and to catch this quick blip.

After a calming hot chocolate in Costa's, I dropped Carl off home and headed in to town to meet up with a friend I meet now and then for chew and chat. After yesterday's Grand Slam success in the Six Nations, there were traffic restrictions in place in the city centre in readiness for the team's return and Civic Reception, all of which was happening right beside where we'd arranged to meet. We had a pleasant couple of drinks in The Bailey and then went on for an equally pleasant meal in The Millstone on Dame Street (basic, but okay). We parted company around 9.00 pm and I came straight home to unwind and relax.