Mixed shale?

I teach the adult Sunday School class at church. Each year at Christmas, they usually put together a gift bag for me that includes various goodies. This year's gift bag included Emerald Deluxe Mixed Nuts. I'm a big fan of their products, so I opened and ate much of the can almost immediately.

Being that they were mixed nuts, I inspected each handful before eating it to see if I was getting walnuts, almonds, cashews or small rocks..... Rocks?..... Indeed.

I nearly bit on a rock neatly nestled in my yearly treat. It was salted and seasoned just like all the rest. Taking a cue from my good friend Paul who has a genuine talent for turning tragedy into free-product replacement, I wrote a brief message to Diamond Foods, the producer of Emerald nuts. Here is their brief reply.

Dear Mr. Stange:

Thank you for your recent e-mail to Diamond of California.

We were sorry to learn of your disappointment with Emerald Deluxe Mixed Nuts. I will be sending you a letter and refund coupons by US Postal Mail.

We appreciate your interest in our products.

Sincerely,
Donna Samelson
Manager Consumer Affairs

I will be sure to update you when I receive their letter and coupons. Buyer beware.