4 Bits and tidbits

Dale's family
Under the heading "Coincidence . . .  I think not," Sarah posted the following announcement last Wednesday, February 17:

"Would you believe that exactly 9 months ago, Dylan was told to lock up the store, and our journey of unemployment would begin? What a very long and difficult journey it has been. In fact it was just yesterday, I was crying on the phone to Janie—I just can't handle anymore.

"I am happy to report that our journey through the dregs of unemployment has officially reached its end. I still am struggling to process it. It seems so unreal. But real it is. Dylan received an offer today. A job that suits him almost perfectly. Something that was placed in our path.

"Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been such a strength and support during this time."

Beware
Claudia's dad sent out the following e-mail after a scary experience he had on Friday, February 19:

"This morning when I answered the phone, my grandson, supposedly, was calling me from Toronto, Canada. He had been arrested and was in jail. He asked for my help to get him out, but not to tell his folks. He handed the phone to a supposed police officer, who told me how to send the $2,138 fine via Western Union to Stuart in Canada. Then I was to call a number and report the receipt number for my transaction.

"What saved me was the thought that we had no international phone service. I stopped at Claudia's to see if she did. She recognized it as a scam, which it was. By returning to the Western Union office, I was able to get a full refund since I had not yet given the receipt number to the scammers. When I got home I learned that the scammers had called repeatedly for the info they needed to get the money from Western Union."