Goodbye Dish, hello Direct TV

My contract with Dish wasn't up until February, but two different customer service people said I could leave whenever I wanted.  A couple of people on Facebook warned me to get it in writing, that Dish is notorious for being difficult to cancel.  
So I decided to go ahead and cancel our account today, rather than wait until tomorrow, when Direct TV is supposed to be installed here.  That way if something tripped me up, I'd have time to call Direct and cancel.  
I did change my tactics a bit.  I've been calling and telling Dish all the reasons I want rid of them.  Today I stole a page from my mother's book.  
The first person I spoke with asked the same questions they always do; I told him I wanted to discontinue my Dish account.  He asked me why.  
"My husband is getting ready to retire, and we're not going to be able to make ends meet," I told him.  
He transferred me to someone else; I knew what was next.  Somebody was going to try and talk me into staying with them.  
"So, why do you want to discontinue service with Dish," the new guy asked.  
"My husband is getting ready to retire, and we're not going to be able to make ends meet."  
"Well, let's see if we can find a cheaper plan for you," he says.  
"Oh, that won't work; the cheaper plan takes away our favorite programs.  If we give those up, we may as well use an antenna, which is what we're going to have to do anyway."  
"OK, well then.  We could freeze your account for six months and if times get better for you, you could get back with Dish."  
Sighing piteously into the telephone, I said, "Times never get better for those of us on a fixed income."  
So then he proceeded to explain how I had to return the receiver and some things that look like eyes that are on the satellite, and we have to pay the postage.  Fine, I told him.     
Then he said, "When would you like us to discontinue your service?"  
You mean I have a choice?  
"Oh, it would be great if you could do it tomorrow morning," I said, elated.  
And here I thought I was going to miss my favorite Monday night programs.  
Thank you, Mother.  You taught me well.  
Oh, I got nothing in writing, but I think I'm OK.  
Who would want to cause trouble for a poor old widow lady  (that was my mom's line), or poor old retirees on a fixed income? 

A new poll on my sidebar

I was getting ready to leave DISH TV today and go to Direct TV.  I had already signed up and scheduled the installation.  In the nick of time, I realized I might still have time left on my contract with Dish, and called them.  Sure enough, if I leave them before February, I pay a penalty.  So I called Direct TV and they cancelled my order.  
The one thing I was really excited about was streaming video.  I watch Dog Whisperer on my computer, and it would be great if I could watch it on my television instead; Cliff could even watch it with me.  
When I called Dish, the lady said they will have a receiver that allows streaming video in a few weeks.  Unfortunately, the cost will likely be more than I want to pay; it was going to be free when I signed with Direct TV.  
Dish did give me HBO and Showtime free for three months, so I got something out of the deal.  
I'd love for my readers to participate in my latest poll, up there on my sidebar.  Cable out here in the country is pretty bad, so that isn't a viable option for me.  We do get good antenna reception, and one day when streaming video is easier to obtain, we might even go back to using an antenna.  When Cliff finally retires, we'll be using an antenna for sure.  We'll be cutting back on a lot of things at that point.
By the way, did you notice I finally took the snowy picture off the header of my blog?  The picture on there now may not be beautiful, but it's what I see when I step out my back door.  And I was really sick of looking at the snow.

Morning roll call

I don't suppose I'm the only senior citizen who, upon awakening each morning, proceeds with a roll call of her body parts to find out how they're going to perform that day.  
The knees receive attention the minute I get out of bed and start to walk.  This morning, after several days of pretty bad pain, they didn't have much to say; I guess I'll forget about the call I had planned to make to my orthopedist.
  Taking my daily walk in the snow has not been easy on those poor knees; you're probably thinking, "So, why are you walking?"
As long as I can limp along, I will walk; it's good for body and spirit to get outside and move each day, even if the weather isn't great.  Worst case scenario, I will wear my knees out to the point where I'll get knee replacements.   
This morning's roll call received feedback from a normally non-complaining member, my throat; it was raw and burning.  Cliff has managed to pass his cold along to me, the first cold I've had in two years.  After gargling with warm salt water and taking a couple of Arthritis-strength Tylenol, I believe I'll make it through the day.  
All other body parts seem to be present and accounted for with no feedback, so I'll call it a good day.  
Our Dish satellite receiver began throwing fits on us just before Superbowl Sunday.  It would suddenly lose signal, reboot itself (I know that isn't the term, but you know what I mean) and start working again after ten or fifteen minutes.  It did this once a day, at different times of day, for three days.  I called Dish after the second incident and was told I'd have to call while it was actually happening.  Next day, it happened and I called:  I was put on hold for ten minutes, and by the time someone got to me, the problem was over.  The fellow talked to me awhile and asked various questions, finally deciding to send us a new receiver, for which we'll pay the postage.  
I let the box set on the couch for three days after it came, and finally decided yesterday to tackle it.  I couldn't make heads or tails of the instructions, so I called for assistance after hooking up all the wires.  With the tech guy's help, I got the receiver and remotes working.  
Afterward, though, Cliff and I noticed that the picture doesn't cover the full screen of the TV; there's a black area on all sides of the picture.  What's up with that?  I'm sure I could call and get help with it, but I think I'll just wait till our next-door neighbor's day off; he installs Dish systems for a living.  
Oh, and after I talked to Dish and they said they would send a new receiver?  The problem we were having never happened again.  I'd probably have been better off just sending them back their new receiver and keeping the one I had.
I hate trying to figure out technical stuff; it stresses me out.  
Oh, by the way:  Eight O'Clock Coffee still tested best in a Consumer Reports taste test.  Yes, they even beat out Starbucks.