Sometimes things go just right. I would be the first to admit that I am not a Walmart fan.  I am not happy with their their over-all business model, corporate culture, or public image.  Ordinarily I am loath to enter one of their stores.

That said, I must say that Walmart made things happen for me yesterday.  I went into the Canton store with the intent of picking up a WiFi adapter for my troubled Toshiba laptop. I had no intention of walking out with a new flat screen television.  True, I had been gathering research on the subject from a few resources lately, and had just about settled on the criteria for what I was looking for.  to wit:

• 40-42 inch
• LED
• HD 1080p
• Smart TV
• Sharp, or equivalent brand.
• Maximum $500.00, or under.

After buying the Wifi adapter that I needed in the electronics department, I thought I'd stroll on over to the nearby TV display area and take a look at Walmart offerings. Couldn't help but observe the common confusing mix of technology combinations and screen sizes; LCD, Plasma, LED, 720p, 32", 52" $700, $3500, Sony, Samsung, Emerson, etc., etc. I spoke to a sales associate who, though dutifully answering  a few questions, seemed rather disengaged and not particularly  interested in whether I bought a new TV or not. When I finally asked him if I could buy a particular display unit, he sad no.My eye had been drawn to a nice 42" Vizio model that had everything that I was looking for, including price. But alas, that model was out of stock and the display item, I had been informed, was not yet for sale. It had originally retailed at $548 and had since been marked down almost 10% to $498.  I decided to ask someone else.

Dave had been very helpful with the WiFi adapter decision and said If interested in TV very knowledgeable. When sked about the Vizio in question suggested that speak to Lorraine, who knew everything. She came over, scanned product tag and, to my delight, informed me that not only could I purchase item, but at additional %20 off the already reduced price, or $398.00. I replied "Wrap it up", or something like that. Dave was sent to back room area to locate a fitting carton necessary tools to dismount unit.  Since I could see that things to do, didn't want to rush them, said I would be back in 15-20 minutes, to which Dave replied that that would permit them sufficient time to ....

Upon returning the unit was neatly boxed and on a hand truck ready to go. Lo and behold, the cashier said that their would be yet an additional %20 reduction, now to $298.00.  I remained silent, asked no further questions so as not to upset the apple cart.  I swiped my Amex card, signed, and got out quick before anyone could change their mind.

What a day. 

The first day of April and not a flower has bloomed anywhere in S.E. Michigan. At least not that I have found. The temperature hovered in the mid to upper 30's today; small comfort when one would anticipate temp's in the balmy 60's or even the occasional 70° here and there. Well, as Gary, branch manager of Canton CFCU said, at least there isn't snow.

Yes, we should be counting our blessings because we are not yet out of the woods until at least the 3rd week of the month. The Daffodils are making progress in reaching toward the sky and do exhibit evidence of blossoms in waiting, but not a one has yet burst forth. Even the stout Hyacinth is not yet observed in full flower. The Tulips, for their part, are cautiously holding in abeyance for more favorable conditions.

This is so unlike previous years when little stems rose from the ground even in late February, poised to issue forth by mid-March.  I can even remember Tulips blossoming in late March.  This year there has been none of the upper 70's, low 80's witnessed (and enjoyed) in years past.  As I said to Gary, we didn't see the temperature reach 60° last month.  Highly unusual, given past experience.

I was in Arkansas back in early January and was pleased to see Daffodils popping up everywhere.  I was in West Virginia in mid-March and was delighted to see both Daffodils and Hyacinths decked out in full regalia, as well as a stand of colourful Pansies arrayed in their typically bright yellows and violets with a splash of white.