Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/653460
Callmeold;callme socially rigid. I'm not sure why, but I freaked out when I heard that banks and credit unions now allow ac- count hold- ers to de- posit checks via smart- phone and a simple snap. Are you kid- ding me? How can that be legal? Forget legal. How can that be safe? It still kinda bothers me, but it's the new way to handle banking. And as much as I hate to admit it, it's very cool. Now that I think about it, I don't know any- one who still drives to the bank, fills out a de- posit slip and gives it to a teller. How archaic! In these modern times we do everything online, on our smartphones and us- ing credit or debit cards. I'm trying hard to wrap my head around all this because — in case you've forgotten — cash is my fa- vorite commodity. I was thinking about my own need to keep up in these digital times when I got a letter from Jessica. She questioned whether she should order prescription eyeglasses and frames online. I knew she was old and rigid when she said that order- ing online seemed mis- guided. It does seem weird to buy prescription eye- glasses online. I mean re- ally: What kind of per- son trusts their eye- sight to some unknown folks working in a virtual store? You can't expect an online purchase to be well-made, stylish and fit correctly for a fraction of regular cost. Or can you? I am actually shocked to admit this, but I'm a believer. What an amaz- ing way to save money. Remember, I paid more than $750 for one pair of eyeglasses with pro- gressive lenses and fancy shmancy frames — which, by the way, never fit right and I could never get used to. I console myself know- ing that I wasn't aware of an online option at the time. So, for Jessica and other doubters, let me ex- plain how this works: GET AN EXAMINA- TION. You cannot get an eye exam online. You need to see your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a proper eye exam. If you require corrective glasses, request a written pre- scription. SELECT AN ONLINE PROVIDER. I recommend two providers for pre- scription eyewear: Zenni Optical and Coastal. PICK OUT THE FRAMES. Both providers mentioned offer frames for men, woman, teens and kids. And the selec- tions are amazing. No optometrist I know has more than 700 frame choices. And let's agree that if you must wear glasses, it's all about the frames. Select a few frames you like, upload a photo of yourself — or whomever — and virtually try on every frame. It's very cool. Both of these providers also offer a chat feature where you can speak with a representa- tive. Once you've selected your frames, you'll get in- structions to measure the pupillary distance of your eyes. It sounds scary at first, but it's not. Or your optometrist may have taken your PD before. OPEN AN ACCOUNT. Upload your doctor's pre- scription to the site. Visit the FAQ page or initiate a chat to answer questions. COMPLETE PAYMENT. It's as easy as ordering from Amazon. Make your payment with a credit card or bank draft — never a debit card. ANXIOUSLY AWAIT. In just a few days your new glasses will arrive. NOT HAPPY? NO PROBLEM. Both Zenni and Coastal offer amazing return policies. Imagine getting new glasses, wear- ing them for 364 days and still being able to return them on the last day of the year. Read each com- pany's return, refund and exchange policy. I'm quite certain you are going to be surprised by the total cost for pre- scription eyeglasses us- ing these methods — no matter what type of lenses you need. You can splurge on designer frames and still pay a fraction of what you may have paid in the past, but will never pay again in the future. Wouldyouliketosend a tip to Mary? You can email her at mary@ everydaycheapskate. com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Ste. B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. EVERYDAYCHEAPSKATE Prescriptioneyeglasses at bargain prices Mary Hunt The following hikes are being offered this spring by The Nature Conser- vancy. All hikes are free of charge, but space is limited so registration is required by calling Khanh Tran at 415-281-0400 or writing to ktran@tnc.org. Vina Plains Pre- serve, 10 a.m. to noon, March 27 and April 10 During springtime Vina Plains Preserve comes alive with colorful wildflowers which carpet the grass- lands and ring the vernal pools in spectacular bands of color. The pools support many rare, threatened or endangered species and attract a large array of wa- terfowl and shorebirds that feast on small crustaceans that fill the pools this time of year. The one-mile walk is rel- atively flat but the surface will be uneven, and may be slippery and wet in places depending on the weather. The hike will be led by CNPS botanists who are very knowledgeable about the flora of the site. Wear hiking boots for uneven and often muddy terrain. Bring wa- ter, snacks and binoc- ulars. Dogs are not al- lowed during these events. Vina Plains Preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy, a leading in- ternational non-profit or- ganization that conserves the lands and waters on which all life depends. Learn more at nature.org. Dye Creek Canyon, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 9, 16 and 30 The 4.5-mile hike follows the course of Dye Creek, which cuts through volca- nic buttes, hills and blue oak woodlands. Expect a lush variety of spring blooms and occasional wildlife sightings. Participants should have a good level of fitness and agility to complete the group hike. Hikers will tra- verse a running creek and navigate areas of steep, rocky terrain. Wear appro- priate footwear and bring water, snack and binocu- lars. Hikes are led by The Nature Conservancy's knowledgeable docents and volunteers. Partic- ipants should arrive 15 minutes early, and no dogs allowed. Space is limited so book your spot early. NATURE CONSERVANCY COURTESYPHOTO Pictured is Campo Seco Bluff, as seen during the Dye Creek Canyon hike. DyeCreekCanyon,Vina Plains hikes offered 530-526-9887 645 Antelope Blvd. • Suite 8 Red Bluff, Ca 96080 www.countrycaninedayspa.com info@countrycaninedayspa.com Professional Groomer for 10 years, serving Tehama County and surrounding areas Country Canine Luxury Day Spa We care for the whole dog Comejoinusforanight of CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE Proceedsbenefit American Legion Post# 167 Veterans assistance program. $8.00 WHERE: Red Bluff Veterans Hall 735 Oak St. WHEN: March 17 th 2016 4:30 to 7:30pm The regular Thursday Night Dinner menu will also be available Sponsoredby The Saturday Market SlowFood Shasta Cascade ® Your community YEAR-ROUND Certified Farmers & Artisan Market 9-12:30, every Saturday Home Depot parking lot SPRINGHAS SPRUNG! 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