Rise of the Gazebos . . .

In light of the recent heatwave . . .
A tale set in a hot, not too distant future . . . (maybe even this weekend)

No one knows when it actually happened. No one can pinpoint the exact moment in time when things started to change, but it happened. The warnings that were given on the news and printed in newspaper's across the country were completely ignored. All the advice on how to take care of yourself and others were classed as foolish and unnecessary dribble. No one cared. It was a heatwave. They just concentrated on the fun they could have in the sun.

The first signs of attack were told by the plants. In the height of July, the green leaves turned brown and limp. The ground become baked and everything died in the staggering heat. But still this was over-looked. The change was taking place right before our very eyes, and no one noticed, and nothing was done to prevent it. Life was ignorant back then.

By the time help arrived, it was too late. The sun's rays scorched everything it could. Vengeance was its way, and you couldn't fight against it. A Resistance grew, with a few, brave people wanting to overcome the blistering heat, but it was useless. All plans were torn apart by the sun, and the future looked bleak . . . until they rose.

From where they came was a mystery, but one thing was certain. They withstood the attack. The sun pelted us with its intense heat, its aim to destroy everything wearing less than a factor 50, but they survived. In fact, they did more than just survive. They thrived.

More and more arrived, standing sturdy and strong upon four legs, and soon we discovered that we could use the shade that they provided. It was as if they had been sent to save the human race from incineration, and we were thankful. With these came hope . . .

I've seen the future . . .

I'm buying a Gazebo . . .

http://www.cybercheckout.co.uk/p-1028-3-x-3m-green-white-gazebo-with-4-sides-free-pp-.aspx

A rather warm D. Ilott

CyberCheckout

It's like a HEATWAVE.....

The weather predicts a heatwave this week, with temperatures set to rise to 32degrees.

In other words, it's going to be hot, hot, HOT!!!

They've issued warnings on how to keep cool, and what to do should you become too warm - because us Brits need it. We're not used to this hot weather. In fact, most of us have probably forgotten what it's like to have sweltering temperatures. We seldom get it.

And of course, who follows rules. You'll probably do exactly what everyone else will do when they get spare time and nice weather . . . go in the garden and enjoy. As you know, we sell many things that can entertain you in the garden. We sell numerous pools that you can use to keep you cool in the sun, we sell gazebos if you want to enjoy the great outdoors but stay away from the sun's rays, AND we also sell BBQ's, did you know that?

We have, just landed into the docks and soon to go on sale, a brand new bbq. Check it out! It's swish-swoo with sausages and burgers on top . . . okay, and what the hell, chuck on a few kebabs, a few steaks, bacon, and a few bbq'd peppers whilst you're at it.

This means you can continue in your garden all through the evening too. What a a glorious idea! Just don't set anything alight . . .

And remember, be sensible in the sun . . . (God, I'm sounding like my mum!)

D. Ilott

Cybercheckout

Warning! Long Blog Ahead!

I've just realised that I've been nursing this blog for three months now, posting three times a week, and taking pride in what I write. I hope, if you're a regular reader, you have enjoyed them as much as I've enjoyed publishing them. I've tried to keep it professional whilst adding a personal touch and a splash of humour. This idea was intended to show you, our customers, that Cybercheckout Ltd is run by approachable people, and not just a machine that makes you think twice before buying from us or running away.

As a team we work hard to keep this company going, especially in the current climate, and to provide a good, friendly service to our customers. You are, after all, the most important part in our equation. Without you, we would not be here today, so a big thank you to all for your support over the years.

But, how well do you know us? Seeing as I had nothing exciting to blog about today, I thought I'd take this opportunity to introduce you to the team. It's about time we all made ourselves known.

Firstly, we have our wonderful Customer Service Team. Introducing Marsha, Beci and Sarah. These three wonderful people take care of all your calls and queries. Sometimes I honestly wonder how they can do their job so well. However, soon the team will be numbering two. The lovely Sarah is a mum-to-be and will be leaving us for a time over the summer. But don't panic, she will be back, and we'll have her baby answering your phone calls in no time at all.

Then we have our superb marketing team. Introducing Rob the Guru, Alison, Lisa (our equestrian expert) and Kieron the creative. They do a wonderful job looking after our website, advertising our products, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Kieron does most of our website designs and does a great job (although I often wonder what heights he could achieve in his creativity if he were awake and sober more often).

Next we have Marie - someone who would rather be sitting on a toadstool at the bottom of your garden - and Wendy. They deal with our accounts and buying. Brainy pair, they are.

And then we have our Spiritual Guide - AKA Andrew - and the Farva, Pete, our two directors. Just between you and me, I'm actually quite proud to be working for them, but don't tell them that, especially Andrew. I'll never hear the end of it if he finds out.

Lastly, there's me! Short, tubby, as blond as they come, and apparently full of innuendos, so I've been told (Shrugs with confusion, but with a knowing grin) I work behind the scenes here. I'm the one who sends all your orders out every day. I also do a little work for the marketing team, doing the things they don't want to do usually, but I can't moan. They gave me the blog.

So that's us. Hopefully we seem a little more human to you all now - or a little bit more boring, as I've waffled on long enough for someone who hasn't got much to blog about. Ho-hum. I am a woman after all.

I think I'll go and join Marie at the bottom of the garden now. . . .

Keep buying our pools!

D. Ilott

Cybercheckout Ltd.

Sun and Shade

Okay, hands up who got caught out by the sun this weekend?

It was such a glorious bank holiday weekend. The patio furniture came out, the BBQ came out, the food was cooked, and the drink was flowing nicely. The sun was shining, and the smiles and laughter was just as bright.

Unfortunately it was a bit too bright.

I woke up the next morning feeling like a cooked lobster. I know it was all my fault. I should have considered the affects of a sunny day spent in the back garden, but when you're merrily enjoying yourself those thoughts are non-existent.

And I blame the fact that we haven't had many weekends as nice as this one for a long time. With us being used to the British climate, the thought of getting burnt on the first real sunny weekend isn't possible in our minds. It's as if after the winter months, we need proof that the sun we are seeing is real and is still just as capable of burning us to a frazzle as it was last year.

Oh yes! I've seen enough proof, thank you very much!

Note to self: Apply cream and invest in some shade covering.

http://www.cybercheckout.co.uk/Items/300088630?&caSKU=300088630&caTitle=3%20x%203m%20White%20Gazebo%20with%20Mosquito%20Mesh%20**%20FREE%20P%26P%20**

http://www.cybercheckout.co.uk/Items/300155828?&caSKU=300155828&caTitle=3%20x%204%20Blue%20Gazebo%20/%20Pavilion%20**%20FREE%20P%26P%20**

D. Ilott

Cybercheckout Ltd