No Facilities

Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

Sun through pine tree

That Time of Year — 1LinerWeds

Dan Antion
1 minute
, , , ,

Here in the U.S. we are fast approaching the deadline for filing our annual income tax return. Truth be told, the deadline is six weeks away, but as we discussed on Saturday, time is moving faster. Don’t worry, no math is coming.

I’m ready to file my taxes, but I have to make contact with one of the companies who provided me with some information. Unfortunately, my issue isn’t on their menu. When I tried to get through all the standard ways, I was met with technical resistance. When asked by the AI Chat Bot what I wanted to do, I said:

“Can I please speak to a human robot?”

One-Liner Wednesday

Ball field at sunrise
Blue jay
“Hi there. You fed the squirrels. Do you have some peanuts for me?”
Black squirrel
“What was that? Were those peanuts I heard?”
Black squirrel looking out
Smokey trying to see if there are peanuts on the porch
“Good morning! Did you bring my peanut order?”
This was taken through the screen about 4:00 am. But bunny!
Leaf backlit by sunrise
Leaf backlit by sunrise
Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park – This is where I walk
Park entrance
Heading down to the memorial
Black squirrel eating birdseed
One of our neighbors tosses bird seed on her driveway
Squirrel on railing
Sammy likes to take his peanuts to a higher place to eat
Flag in wind
Squirrel eating peanut in tree
This one wants to be even higher of the ground

Books on Gateway Clipper

Knuckleheads — The Evil You Choose — When Evil Chooses You — Secrets held Against Evil

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

93 responses to “That Time of Year — 1LinerWeds”

  1. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    Haha!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Sadje Avatar
        Sadje

        You’re welcome

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply
  2. willowdot21 Avatar
    willowdot21

    Great photos! The yearly Tax returns have to be in by the end of January in the UK. …Our eldest spent ages doing his why I don’t know but we were all grateful when he informed us he’d finally hit send .
    As for bots …they drive you mad!!!!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      The people aren’t much better, Willow. They can’t seem to break out from the script in front of them. If someone didn’t anticipate your question, there is no answer.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. willowdot21 Avatar
        willowdot21

        Lol it’s the same over here and they use your first name as if they know you. God give me patience if you have to speak to more than one person on a call you have to explain the whole thing every time the “advisor” changes!!! Plus they do not have English as their first language!
        “Please willow be assured I will fix this predicament of your in this call” wears thin, however sing song and sweet the voice is, when it’s obvious it’s not going to get solved!! 💜

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I sympathize with you on those experiences, Willow. It really does get frustrating.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. willowdot21 Avatar
            willowdot21

            Absolutely 😦😮

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  3. restlessjo Avatar
    restlessjo

    That’s exactly how it is, in any walk of life now. I let my husband do the head banging… unkind I know. I’d rather watch your squirrels, Dan.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It’s true, Jo. In so many places, no one seems to have the answers. Or, if they do, they aren’t allowed to share them. Head banging is a good description.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. restlessjo Avatar
        restlessjo

        😢🩵

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  4. kzmcb Avatar
    kzmcb

    I have to confess to trying to break through the barriers and reach the soul of the bot who answers me.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Let us all know if you figure out how to do that.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    I’ve done my taxes, and I’m glad I could check that off the to-do-list. Love the Bluejay photo. As for those bots, I hate them especially when they are disguised as a ‘chat’ box because chatting is not possible with one of them. Companies sure work hard to sell you something but then make it almost impossible to contact them if you have a question.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Even when you contact them, it’s: “Press 1 if you want to buy more stuff, Press 2…” There is no option to speak to a human, and no answers on their websites for the questions they never thought would be asked. Mr. Bluejay thanks you.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  6. Rivergirl Avatar
    Rivergirl

    Ugh, taxes. I haven’t even thought about ours yet. We pay every year so I put it off as long as I can.
    But… bunny!
    ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I was glad that bunny stopped where he did. I saw the motion light come on. He was running across the back. Then he ran up to our porch, but he stopped before going under. I managed to get three pictures. One a total blur but two that can be used to satisfy a long winter without new bunny pictures.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Rivergirl Avatar
        Rivergirl

        For someone bereft of bunnies, I appreciate the effort.
        😉

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply
  7. GP Avatar
    GP

    Taxes were very easy this year, it helps when you don’t have much money! haha

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      The taxes were easy, but it turns out a form is wrong. I finally got an email that say everyone’s form were wrong. Correct ones are available on their website, but that aren’t sending correct paper copies. I’m good, but frustrated.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. GP Avatar
        GP

        Only the government can screw up that bad!

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply
  8. Frank Hubeny Avatar
    Frank Hubeny

    Nice response to the robot and nice views of Sammy and Smokey.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Frank.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Sherry Felix Avatar
    Sherry Felix

    When I call Bots never have the answer I need. What I need is a person. Trying to guess at the correct words to get to a person can be frustrating. By the time I do get a person I have to apologize to the person for being extremely angry.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I understand, including that last bit. I feel bad for those people.

      Like

      Reply
  10. Val Boyko Avatar
    Val Boyko

    Lovely captures Dan!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Val.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. marianallen Avatar
    marianallen

    Love the song — thank’s for introducing me to it! I’ve done Per Bastet’s taxes, but I’m just starting on mine. Like the singer says, I’m just a baby; I shouldn’t hafta do taxes!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      This all should be easier, Marian, and we shouldn’t have to creep around the web searching for clues.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Ginger Salvatore Avatar
    Ginger Salvatore

    LOVE your one-liner!

    Beautiful shot of the Bluejay. He appears to be looking right at you! All the little beggars know how to pose so it tugs at your heartstrings.

    That backlit leaf makes a really nice photo.

    Old Glory looking smart and proud, as always.

    Dan, at one point earlier this morning there were so many blackbirds and mourning doves and blue jays in the back yard having breakfast together I could barely see any lawn! One squirrel joined them.

    Lots of rain coming our way over the coming week. Hope that means early spring blooms.

    Happy Hump Day.

    Ginger🦋

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Ginger. I love it when our yard gets covered by birds.

      The bluejay was staring at me. I guess he missed out on the peanut toss. Of course, I threw some closer to his position. They really do know what works.

      We have been getting soaked all night and morning. One wet squirrel came begging – the drowned rat look also tugs.

      I hope you have a nice slide into the weekend.

      Like

      Reply
  13. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Tell me about it. I tried to speak to a FedEx agent yesterday. Was never able to. So annoying!
    Wonderful shots, Dan.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      They make it so hard to get an answer. And their AI bots are near useless. I’m glad you like the pictures. At least the critters are easy to deal with.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        Impossible. And, of course, though I’ve corresponded back and forth with them many times, yesterday, I got the notification that the email address didn’t exist. WHAT??
        Yes, I much prefer the critters.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  14. Kim Smyth Avatar
    Kim Smyth

    If I could get up early, I might be able to see all the birds that have been waking me up with their tweets. However, my pain medication has got me sleeping in these days. Lovely shots of your animals as usual. I’m so glad my husband has already done our taxes and dealt with the bots and maybe even a real person in his case. I guess he got lucky, huh?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      If he managed to get to a real person, he was lucky. I finally have a phone number. I’ll be back on hold in a few minutes.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. Cheryl Wood Avatar
    Cheryl Wood

    Those bits are irritating 😳

    Like

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      “Bots” I understand. I make so many typos, but i-for-o is one of my favs.

      Like

      Reply
  16. Cheryl Wood Avatar
    Cheryl Wood

    And so are my typing skills😳

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. lois Avatar
    lois

    What kills me is after every single darn prompt that you get in hopes of actually speaking to a human, you have to keep punching in your account number, birthdate and last four of your Social. Every time! I got so frustrated yesterday trying to reach someone, I hung up and decided to try their website. But first I had to type in my account number, birthdate and last four of my Social. 😤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      And then, when you do get to a human, they ask you for that same stuff! The last bot actually pleaded with me. When I said I wanted to speak to a human, it responded, “I know I haven’t been able to help you, but maybe if you answer a few more questions.”

      I’m like, “What? Are yo afraid of losing your job?” This is getting crazy.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. lois Avatar
        lois

        Oh my gosh, Dan! They actually responded to you to stay on the line?! I have never had that. I’m not sure if I would laugh or cry. Wow. When did it all get so weird?!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          It’s going to get weirder :(

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  18. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    That happened to me last month and I was never able to get to a live person. So FRUSTRATING!
    I’m still waiting for one piece of tax info before we can file that too is frustrating. It used to be all the forms were in by the end of January now I’m waiting for this last one until the end of February every year. Grrr! That too is frustrating. It’s that time of year!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      The company finally sent an email to all customers saying that the form they sent us was wrong. There’s a new form available on their website, but they aren’t going to mail a replacement. So, we’re a month late, AND we have to do the work ourselves. Auuuugh!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. circadianreflections Avatar
        circadianreflections

        Ugh! 🤨

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  19. Tails Around the Ranch Avatar
    Tails Around the Ranch

    Bwahahahaha…did you get any satisfaction with your question? 🤞🏼

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      No. The company has shielded the humans very well. Seems like there’s no such thing as customer service any longer.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. Tails Around the Ranch Avatar
    Tails Around the Ranch

    So sorry. Yeah, I think you’re right though I wish you were wrong.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  21. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    Your one-liner cracked me up. It is so hard to get to a person I think I would be grateful to get to a bot that was programmed to act like a person. Great photos.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks John. I was just on the phone with a real human being (from a different company) and she was the nicest person ever. I don’t think companies understand the value of that kind of customer service.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. John W. Howell Avatar
        John W. Howell

        They don’t for sure. WP leads the pack in bad customer service.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  22. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    I guess all the little hoarders have burned through their Winter stores, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We’ve seen some burying peanuts in the yard, so maybe they’re getting an early start on next year.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. dweezer19 Avatar
        dweezer19

        Smart fellows.

        Like

        Reply
  23. Bruce@WOTC Avatar
    Bruce@WOTC

    I may have mentioned before our local blue jays tend to get very feisty when they think we’re in their way. If they want peanuts someday, by God I’ll put out an entire jar in an attempt to avoid future run-ins. Ironically, just this morning a solo rabbit almost entered our garage area before figuring out it wasn’t gonna be a for-long destination…and then took off into the bushes. I do think the 60 degree weather at dawn here has all the wildlife spinning a bit lol.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Here’s hoping a human robot came along to get you moving…
    The number of times I end up hollering REPRESENTATIVE into my phone would be funny if it didn’t raise my blood pressure so much.😂🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It certainly doesn’t help 😂

      Like

      Reply
  25. quiall Avatar
    quiall

    Your line is perfect! Too many people in jobs like that work from a predetermined list of phrases. They don’t think, they don’t show compassion, they are simply robots. Living breathing ones. I particularly love the backlit leaf. I don’t know why it says spring to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. Mae Clair Avatar
    Mae Clair

    I love your one-liner, Dan. That’s one I need to borrow, LOL.
    And great photos as always. Your critters look happy :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      The critters around here have good customer service, Mae 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan Riordain Geneviene

    Ha!!! That’s spot-on, Dan. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Teagan!

      Like

      Reply
  28. Dave Astor Avatar
    Dave Astor

    Dan, taxes and business phone hell in one post? Epic! :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I wish it wasn’t true, Dave.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. JT Twissel Avatar
    JT Twissel

    Sometimes the human robots are not that helpful! I thank God our taxes are quite simple these days but then that also means quite boring!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Ours are boring, too, but I needed a form that wasn’t on the menu.

      Like

      Reply
  30. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
    Liz Gauffreau

    Of course my favorites are the squirrels, bird, and bunny!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Excellent choices.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
        Liz Gauffreau

        I thought so!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  31. Resa Avatar
    Resa

    Yes, human robots are few and far between these days.
    I luv this! It’s all animals, and some fab shots.
    Thank you, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      My pleasure, Resa.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
    Miriam Hurdle

    I laughed at your “human-robot,” Dan! Robots are getting close to human-like. Speaking of filing taxes, we have to hurry up also. Hubby did it by himself last year. We used a CPA when he and I had our individual businesses. The taxes are getting simpler for us these days. I hope you get your answer from a human-human soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think I have what I need, now, Miriam.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
        Miriam Hurdle

        Good to hear, Dan. I better put ours together soon.

        Like

        Reply
  33. John Holton Avatar
    John Holton

    Human robot… I like it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  34. memadtwo Avatar
    memadtwo

    I hate those chat bots too, and they do their best not to ever let you speak to a human. Then when and if you do find a human, they often have no idea how to help with your issue…(sigh).
    But the squirrels always give me a smile. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I think the humans are trained not to help.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. memadtwo Avatar
        memadtwo

        That makes sense, sadly.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  35. Sharukh Bamboat Avatar
    Sharukh Bamboat

    The AI is the new menace about to be unleashed. In India as well, I get annoyed when I get these so-called bots. The moment the call connects you hear this mechanical lady’s voice – Welcome to XYZ Bank. For English Press 1, for Hindi Press 2, For Marathi Press 3. So, I press 1. For Savings Account Press 1, for Credit Card Banking Press 2, for Forex Press 3, for Demat Trading Press 4. So, I press the relevant number and then she gives me another list, then another, then another and this goes on. Even when you connect sometimes there is no help from the other end because that person is working in a call center probably outsourced somewhere in India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, or Indonesia. Now I have worked in such conditions for 7 years so I know what it is like being on the other side of the phone. I vividly remember when I was working on a Microsoft project. The person on the call was unhappy with Microsoft Explorer (which is Microsoft’s browser) which uses Internet Explorer in the backend. However, as per Microsoft’s rules, I am not authorized to resolve any Internet Explorer issues. The other person was aged so I went out of my way and helped him resolve his issue, I also resolved his Internet Explorer issue on the same call. The aged guy went off happily and he mentioned that he would give me a good survey rating. However, the Quality Controller gave me a Zero for breaking protocol and helping the person with the Internet Explorer issue which was out of my authority.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I sometimes leave some things out of a survey when I think the person might get in trouble for what they said or did. I tend to stick with “They were professional, helpful and knew what they were doing.”:

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sharukh Bamboat Avatar
        Sharukh Bamboat

        Good, but that doesn’t always help. Sometimes it is vital for the other person to know where he/she failed. All the bad ratings I received actually made me a better Tech Rep. As a customer support guy I love all the praises showered at me, but all the abuses hurled at me helped me in knowing where I was failing. I know I sound philosophical, but I learned that lesson a very very hard way.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          Of course, you’re interested in improving. Not everyone is.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  36. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Human robot…funny! Love the photos, a great one of Old Glory.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        You’re welcome, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  37. Oddment Avatar
    Oddment

    We have invented so many ways to not communicate! Talking to the critters makes more sense. Me, I seem to be talking to appliances. But then I do have a word or two for the tax forms. As for tax prep, how dare you want something not on their menu? The data gods frown! Great capture of that blue jay!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I know. What was I thinking wanting a form the IRS says I have to have? Selfish.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  38. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
    robertawrites235681907

    HI Dan, adorable pictures. I am very busy with our company filings now. It is a madhouse.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I can imagine (a little) I remember the tax folks working very long hours.

      Like

      Reply
      1. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
        robertawrites235681907

        Yip!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  39. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
    Kirt D Tisdale

    Great pics!! I already filed…..yeah!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Good for you, Kirt! I think we’re done now. I finally got the information I needed.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Add your thoughts or join the discussion. One relevant link is OK, more require moderation.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending