BreyerFest Week - Friday's Activities

Friday's BreyerFest was a wild ride. What a day! I feel badly for Breyer and for those who had difficulty logging in or getting store specials. The frustration level is sky high according to accounts on social media.

Having said that, I still had fun despite the issues I had. Early Friday morning I gathered my Breyer Tervis cup, my Breyer notebook, donned my 70th Anniversary tee shirt, and made sure my list of things that I wanted to see and do was ready.

I tried to get on at 9:00 AM on the dot, but there was a delay - my first indication that something might be awry with the BreyerFest web site.

After about ten minutes I was able to access it, and I headed immediately to the Pop Up and Fling shops. To my surprise, I found all the items available. I put a Kelpie in my cart (the only thing I really wanted) and went to check out. Only, for some reason, it asked me to login again. Hmmmm, I was already logged in, but I complied. The login box appeared again. I logged in five more times before I gave up and figured I'd try again later.

I decided to watch my number one seminar/workshop - Liz Cory's Hobby History. Forty-five minutes later, I was smiling and processing new tidbits of information that I had not known. 

And then, to my surprise, I saw myself listed on the last slide. (Thanks, Liz!) That was a nice thing for her to do!

Back I went to the Pop Up and Fling stores. I could see the merchandise, but when I tried to buy something, I got into the login loop again. I checked model horse Facebook sites and saw that I was not the only one experiencing this issue - everyone was having trouble.

And that became the big story of the day - most people could not order anything or were caught in the login loop. When the hourly tent specials started at 10:00, those would not work, either. Breyer began posting notes on social media sites as well as their own web site that they were having technical difficulties.

 I decided that it was time for me to go to the "horse park," always a big part of BreyerFest.

 My girl was glad to see me and we had a lovely visit.

And looks who's back! Sultanna came home this week - we all hope she is in foal again!

After my visit to the "horse park," I came home, grabbed some lunch and tried again to see if I could get into the Pop Up and Fling stores. No such luck.

So, I did what many other hobbyists were doing - I pulled out another project (sewing pony pouches), set my laptop up where I could reach it, and began periodically refreshing the screen to see if I could get in (I did eventually) and then see if I could order.

Today's pony pouches in various stages of progress.

 I also got a shipping notice for my Ballynoe model. But I noticed a problem right away.

Who is Stephanie? And why is her name on my order? The address was correct, and when I checked tracking, it was on its way here, but I don't understand why someone else's name is also on my order.

Refresh. Stitch and clip. Refresh. Stitch and clip. Refresh. Stitch and clip. Refresh...

I was scheduled to buy the Tent special runs at 3:00 but that was delayed by two hours. Even after waiting until 5:00 I couldn't get in, but about an hour later that changed and I was able to get the Slainte Surprise and Lugh - my two most wanted pieces. (A friend also got me a Lugh, so I have two! Score!)

Around the same time I was able to access the Pop Up and Fling shops, and I got Kelpie, a tee shirt, and the Stablemate set. (I don't really collect Stablemates, but I love the new Lippizaner mold and it's in the set. Couldn't resist!)

I wound up the day by watching the Celebration of Horses evening show and chatting with hobby friends. 

What a day! It looks as though the glitches in the web site have been fixed and BreyerFest will run more smoothly Saturday. I still have plenty  of things on my list to do - seminars to watch, workshops to attend, more shopping, and videos to watch.

I can't wait!