For once, the clip art and the background match perfectly.

Today’s Gratitude Item: Getting a brand new (half price) hiking pole. The original pole that I ordered from Trade-Me^* did not materialise which was rather disappointing. Lets just say that I now know more about Trade-Me’s complaint procedures than I’d like to. Happily, my dad spotted a pole for half price at Katmandu (an outdoor sports store) and he bought it for me. Which means I’m one step closer to being ready for camp. Now all that I need is to get a refund for the pole ordered from Trade-Me. I’m $16.00 out of pocket on that one but am hoping the situation will be resolved soon.

^*Trade-Me is a large on-line auction site here in NZ. I’ve bought goods on Trade-Me before and this is the first time that I’ve had a problem.