No sooner had Grant gone off to see a neighbour than the plumber turned up. As luck would have it he had another job just across the valley, so he popped in to take a look at our problematic boiler.
While I am perfectly capable of dealing with such visits, Grant needed to speak to him about a totally unrelated matter, so he had to interrupt his cup of tea and come running back.
Our plumber is not only efficient but also very nice. He is retiring in the Spring but his son who works with him will be taking over, so we will have continuity. Such people are invaluable.
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An item came in the mail yesterday that presented me with a different sort of problem, also most unwelcome in Christmas week, a summons for jury duty.
While I hope to be civic-minded and responsible, I will admit that jury duty summonses are something I have always dreaded. Years ago, it was a good way to have a few days away from the airport and I am perfectly happy, in theory, to serve as a juror, so what is my problem?
It is the idea of being forced to comply. Being told I must do something gets my back up and I have a particular dislike of petty government officials. Being detained in a courthouse reminds me of being locked up in boarding school.
Still, one must do ones duty and I wouldn’t mind being paid $72 a day, except that sitting for prolonged periods gets uncomfortably painful. I need to be able to get up and walk around. On a good day, maybe I could cope, but one doesn’t get to order up good days to suit, certainly not two or more in a row.
My doctor provides a letter and I get excused, but periodically another summons arrives and another letter must be provided, which is a waste of everybody’s time. In the past I had several week’s notice, but this summons is for January 5th and it is entirely possible I will not be able to obtain the doctor’s letter by the deadline of January 2nd.
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Perhaps I’ll just turn up and squirm noisily.
If you no-show you may be fined $1,000 and possibly imprisoned for 3 days and acquire a criminal record which is rich, given the crimes committed by members of our own government.
Calling to say sorry but I’m not coming, is no doubt unacceptable.
In times past, I would not have been inclined to civil disobedience.
But when the leader brags that he could get away with shooting someone on 5th Avenue, why should anyone obey the law?
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So sorry you got the jury summons. I worked in the jury office in two different courts, so my advice would be… Immediately contact your doctor and ask for the letter, and if it doesn’t arrive in time, as soon as the judge asks if there’s any reason anyone should be excused, raise your hand and tell him/her that you have a medical condition where you cannot sit for prolonged lengths of time and your doctor’s letter confirming this has been requested but hasn’t arrived yet. In both courts I worked at, you would immediately be excused, because the judge and attorneys do not want a juror to potentially need to be excused mid trial. Good luck! And thank you so much for your wonderful posts. Merry, merry Christmas to you all!
Thank you for your advice, Deb. That is helpful. I sent in a request for the letter yesterday and tried to follow up today but no-one is there and with the holidays…if necessary I will do as you suggest! Best of wishes for a very happy Christmas (as they say in England).
I don’t know the answer to your problem, but doing nothing wouldn’t be advisable, Carolyn. Perhaps you could phone your doctor and see if a letter could be collected, as Christmas is still one day away. Maybe turning up on the day and explaining that you have a medical problem could work, but better still, phoning the court now would allow them to find somebody else. I am only thinking aloud, and apologies if nothing is helpful. I know that you can think of a solution yourself, and my suggestions are just friendly thoughts…
Joanna
As it turns out, I’ve been excused, without a letter!
I was not eligible for jury duty in London because I worked for the police. Since moving to Norfolk, I have not been summoned, and as the main court is in Norwich, I am very pleased not to have to go all that way. Should they summon me now, I am sure my doctor could be persuaded to tell them my breathing issues preclude me from service.
Best wishes, Pete.
I’m sure the cats would write a letter to excuse you!
A good plumber is a rarity, a blessing and a boon. (In my experience a good chimney sweep is an oxymoron.)
I understand your issues with jury service. That said – the last time i served was a real insight into how well the process works. The judge directed us well and the jurors took the task extremely seriously. As a result we took a very long time deliberating and came out with a verdict that i thought was very fair, balanced, and reasonable. Together we weighed the evidence, asked for more guidance, considered our prejudices, focussed on the facts, listened respectfully, heard all voices, and changed our minds. It was impressive to see how seriously everyone took their responsibilities as jurors.
I’m sure it could be a very interesting experience. The only time I went I was dismissed after two days without serving.
What a nuisance, and especially a letter just before Christmas – how rude.
I received one of these while travelling overseas and had to furnish proof I couldn’t attend because I wasn’t in the country. I got off lightly…this time.