Ri-dang-diculous!

Hey, with the dozens of things I need to post about, this is pretty low on the old skidooly (phonetic pronounciation for schedule)
ANYWAY! In preparing a package to send to Geoff, I needed to find out about Stride gum, as that is his preferred chew...so I found their website...and I was hooked!
I find it absolutely hilarious......and the entire style of the site appeals to me as terribly clever......when I clicked on the "Matt's Place" button, I was so delighted with the outtakes, I watched it several times....when I should have been gettting ready for work, btw.....so check it out if you want a chuckle...or at least I hope you'll get a chuckle....take your time and enjoy the whole site...not a dog page in the bunch, in my opinion....

www.stridegum.com

I want to dance around the world, too..........................

Coming Attractions

Coming Soon To Trixie's Circus: Visiting Boise, which will be several different blogs....everything from the brand new Grandbaby (my grandniece) seeing different family members...the Siples, the Bergs, Stringhams and the Furnisses....plus the auctions and board meetings and all kinds of stuff..........
Upcoming posts will deal with Elder Geoff Taylor & Stuff.......so don't be gone long...it'll creep right up on ya, no kiddin......Check back soon, I tell ya' and it will be worth someone's while.............reaaallyy..........

Plus, I admit I have been a bit under the weather so I haven't been diligent about writing.....but I'm doing better, feeling better and starting to feel like posting again....hooray...........................more very soon, I assure you dedicated readers....you know who you are......................don't we?

Where were you in '92??

In 1992 a remarkable new Disney movie was released that set the world abuzz...Aladdin was the most innovative, cutting edge animated film anyone had ever seen. It was filled with jokes that made grownups laugh as well as delightful music that was wildly popular.....how popular, you ask? Well, back then we saw the movie more than once, we bought the book of piano music, and every member of our family knew every word to every song...we bought the video as soon as it was released and Geoff watched it over and over and over and over...and I went with him!
A couple of weeks ago, Mark and I were invited to drive up to Camp Namanu for the second annual Movie in the Meadow.....you recall that Namanu a residential summer camp run by Campfire, USA, and that Chanel has worked there for the past couple of summers......last year they decided to show an outdoor movie...they needed help with the setup, so Mark set up the big screen (thank you Stardust Motel for the big sheet) and the sound system...it was awesome...
So, recently we were invited back to set things up for this year's feature...the ever popular Aladdin!!! WOOHOO! It was a beautiful evening in the mountains...not a cloud in the sky, warm temperature in a beautiful meadow...Mother Nature at her most divine...
As an added bonus,the "sound check" was completed using a DVD of JOURNEY in concert!!! Are you even kidding me??? Can it get any better??? I think not...rockin' out with my friends (free tickets, right????) as the kids gathered with their sleeping bags and blankets...and then....without a bunch of lame previews of coming attractions, the Feature Film burst onto the big screen..er...sheet......IT WAS SO COOL!
Now, here is the most remarkable thing: I know the film, Chanel knows the film...even in Nevada, Geoff knows the film, but who would have guessed that a whole new generation of kids could recite dialogue along with the characters on screen........but, WOW, when the whole, ENTIRE group of campers sang out loud and strong with every tune, I was blown away! Remember, that most of these kids weren't even born when this film was released...but it says a lot that a movie can hold up, be popular, be fun...and be fresh and fun after all these years...I think this is what Rocky Horror Picture Show viewings are all about...minus sleeping bags and blankets, of course...
I was pretty dang proud of myself for my very own recollection of favorite bits of dialogue, (That's SULTAN vile betrayer, to you!) and I will freely brag that I knew all the songs.......
What a great night.....a wonderful setting, wonderful company, and wonderful, wonderful memories brought back to the forefront of remembrance....I don't know if the kids at camp had any idea how much the old folks enjoyed being out in nature with them...and how nostalgic and tender it was to reminisce......."You never had a friend like ME!"
The local newspaper recently ran an article reporting on the fast growing trend in our area of creating outdoor home theatres...just like running Aladdin at camp, only in your own backyard...like what we did for the 4th of July when we showed Independence Day with our friends and neighbors......maybe there's a career in there somewhere for some enterprising person to put packages together for sale or rent............maybe someone with an A/V background could consult on the project....hey, with my brains and creativity, and your technical expertise....shoot, a sheet and a couple of amps and this kid's play could be left in the dust for a total outdoor amphitheatre experience...............Anyone with me on this????? Just send me your resume.............because why???
C'mon, you know why........ It's a Whole New World! For You and For Meeeeeeeeeee" Right, Your Majesty?

Most UN-Traditional

Well, folks, I could report on the campout in just two short words: Rained Out.
This was the first time in lo these many years that we have actually, factually given in to Mother Nature's wrath...it rained so hard I thought I was inside the world's biggest popcorn popper during the night...the rain slapped and pounded our tent top like a brazillion fire crackers exploding all night long...but let me backtrack a bit....
Mark and I were the first campers to arrive on Thursday around 1:00...check in isn't really until 4:00, but the rangers never say anything if you are moving into an empty campsite....it drizzled as we were leaving Beaverton, but just as we rounded the curve to head north to Seaside on Hwy 101, the sky broke clear and blue and cloudless...we had a beautiful afternoon to set up our camp...and when other folks started to arrive, we drove into town (Warrenton) to buy our groceries...one of our stalwart traditions is to shop at the Warrenton Fred Meyer any number of times...boy, they stock up on the camping goods, so it's actually fun to peruse the aisles to see what exactly we can't live without....
Thursday evening's activity was a bonfire on the beach, and a ceremony to retire some American flags which were no longer in service...our good freind, Austin Maxwell's Eagle Scout project is collecting and retiring flags, as well as teaching local Troops the proper procedure to respectfully retire a flag...it was nice weather, the ceremony was incredibly moving...
But the rain began in the early hours Friday morning.....and monsooned until we left early Saturday.....we had to modify our games and activities, with the exception of the Annual Talent Show/Campfire on Friday night...our very own Chanel single handedly delighted the group with sing-a-long songs...everyone enjoyed it...and the rest of the "skits" were really cute, too.....
Unfortunately, we had to cancel Saturday's beach day...everyone was pretty soggy by then, and there weren't too many tears shed over the decision to get the heck out of camp! The Ward provided the fixin's for sack lunches, which everyboyd made, bagged and then hit the road...it rained all the way home, and all day Sunday.....
And guess what?!?!?!? It is clear and warmer today.....and the rest of the week at the beach is forecast for clear skies, temperatures in the 70's...purt near perfection! And we won't be there......sigh.......since there was very little to remind of our earlier trips, we didn't feel like Geoff would have missed a whole lot.....so we start thinking of the future....there's always next year, right??????

Our summer ritual

Just a couple of quick things...tomorrow we leave for our annual campout at the Oregon Coast...we love Fort Stevens, just outside of Warrenton, Oregon.

There is probably no other tradition which so completely defines the Taylor family as camping for a week at the beach. We started going when Geoff was four years old...we haven't missed a single year. With the exception of last year, every year has been with our ward...thirty families or so...lots of kids, dogs, bikes, and NOISE...it is like nothing else in the world....and we love it. I have always maintained that NO ONE enjoyed the ward campout as much as Geoffrey Taylor. From the minute we pulled into our campsite and unloaded his bike, he was off and riding...we sometime saw him for meals, but he was usually out and about until time to retire to the "Jolly Roger," the tent he always shared with Bobby Peru...(that's Bobby Boland who is serving a mission in Peru...we have shortened it to Bobby Peru)

This is the first time we will ever go to Fort Stevens without our boy...and actually I cannot write about it....suffice to say, it breakes my heart to break a tradition, but never fear...we'll be back at it in 2 short years!

Mark and I are on the activities committee and have a lion's share of responsibility for the festivities....we have a lot planned but Mother Natuer is bent out of shape at me, apparently.....it's pouring rain and the forecast is for more of the same for the entire weekend.....nothing puts a damper on things like a dampener.....seriously.

BUT!!! We will perservere,rain or shine......bcause that's how the Taylor's roll.......especially during shine when one is free to pay homage to the Sun God.......like I always say..."To each his own, right????"

I'll let you know how it goes...we come back on Saturday night (another break with tradition) as I am teaching Relief Society on Sunday.....and THAT is is great story I'll share with you later...

Feb-you-ary

I promised to recap the year 2007 month by month to date, so here is February(which, by the by, seems FOREVER ago) as it was a pretty significant month for me...I (and this is the word I wish to emphasize) I celebrated my 31st wedding anniversary...yes, to the same husband...and I left my son at the MTC in Provo, Utah the same day...what a dumb move to meet Bennett Malley the self same day! Yeesh, who in their right (or left) mind would leave TWO adorable boys within hours of one another??? I put it to you...you do the math, but the equation will always be....HuH??? What were you thinking??

I'll be candid with you here, I can't remember if Chanel and Geoff went through the Portland Temple in January or February, exactly, but I know it was close...somebody set me straight if it was January, but I do b'lieve it was February....the lovely Miss Reyna flew in to be Chanel's escort, and Bishop Garrett was Geoff's...
I freely admit it was a bittersweet day.........but suffice to say it was lovely and I am grateful for children who are so upstanding and decent...my Patriarchal blessing has reference to my being the mother of a "friendly, obedient, loving family." Until just recently, I thought the whole obedience deal was meant to me....but I jut figured out it means obedience to the Lord.......huh! I guess this old dog can still be taught a new trick or two......
I was warned ahead of time that I would be called upon to offer the opening prayer when Geoff was set apart as a missionary........good thing, too! I don't think I would have been coherent if I hadn't had the chance to "steel myself" ahead of time........but I'll be doggoned if I wasn't taken completely off-guard when I was handed Geoff's name tag as we entered the MTC and given the privilege of officially turning him from Mister to Elder.......it still brings tears to my eyes...a hard hearted ol'biddy like me.......I was totally moved to tears.....can you even feature it??? Well, it was something, I'll tell ya!

Mark has become somewhat of an advocate for families delivering the Elderos in person to the MTC, no matter what...he had such an incredible experience, that he can't understand why anyone would willingly send their missionary off from their local airport.........Now, to each his own, I say, but I do agree with him that if it is at all possible, it's a once-in-a-lifetime moment...no one should deprive themselves of that opportunity if they are close to Utah...anyone got a soap box he can preach from????

Funny thing is, I was thinking this morning of last July's camping trip at the coast...and the drive home when Geoff talked at length about his indecision....whether to serve a mission, or not...and it was by no means a "done deal" at that time...bless his heart, tho.......he came to his decision knowing that no matter which way, we would support him completely and without question......and now look at him today....nearly five months into a mission that we live and breath right along with him......ah, February....when it's all about YOU, it becomes quite a month!

Rubic's Cubicle

So....three or four months ago, my office space was re-arranged when we aquired some hand-me-down office fixtures from our parent company. It was difficult and challenging to move things around, but we got it done and it looked sort of newish, and different, and kinda nice...then, I swear, barely two weeks later the guy who runs the office next door came ove to offer us very nice cubicle/office fixtures FOR FREE if we wanted them......much nicer than what we already had......GAD! I thought, why couldn't he have offered just a couple of weeks earlier.......my boss said NO, but my co-worker Jeff and I said YES. So, my boss said as long as he didn't have to be any part of the moving, hupping, shoving, pounding, and cussing...we could go ahead.

The neighbors brought the "stuff" over last week, Nader went on vacation this week, and Jeff and I tore our cubicles down and rebuilt them from the ground up.....giving us much greater appreciation for Rome and all their days.......

Jeff's space is almost completely back to normal...mine isn't.....after two days, it still bad....really bad......and the worst of it is that I lost the counter that held all my beautiful plants....no one believed I would every really make a change that would eliminate my jungle, but I am nothing, if not flexible......besides, I have a new plant plan....I'm going to surround myself with my wonderful green and blooming plants in a whole way.....you won't recognize me!!! You'll be asking yourself......hmmmmmmm, what's different?....did she lose weight? Get a haircut? New glasses??? But it will just be my new floral display!!! Seriously!

Keep checking back...I'm going to have a picture posted soon showing off the new "shading type of arrangement" but I can't do it before things get spiffed.......I only mention all of this because I'm pooped! The last couple of days have wored me right out........BUT the silver linging ito all of this is that the wind is NOT blowing.....

It's hot! I LOVE IT!

Most people don't care for hot weather. I, however, love it. I think I could be happy in any dry, arid location.....as long as it isn't WINDY!!! Something you may not know about me is that I don't particularly care for the wind.......boy, do I hate it. It tells me that the Cosmos is in chaos when the tree limbs are bending, when the napkins are blowing off the picnic table, when your hair swirls about you as if independent of your head!!!! (not an original thought)
ANYWAY! Today was hot, but not windy, unlike the last 20 thousand or so days........and I liked it.....I'm just sayin'...........

By the by....I said I would summarize by month.........January 2007 was cold, and rainy and weird...we bought Geoff's missionary clothes at Remingtons, a very cool CTR clothing store, and met Elder Jeff Hale from Salt Lake...Murrayhill Ward was his very first area to serve and he certainly had a "deer in the headlights" look about him..........and doggone, his bike helmet is still on backorder.......credit trouble, or something?!?!?!

So it's Monday night and we are sitting out in the back yard on my wonderful swing. I got this fabulous swing/bed/hammocky futon for my birthday. I could spend my entire life out lounging in the back yard. Technically, its not my backyard, but since we are the caretakers, it it ours by default.....and it's great. We had a wonderful 4th of July gathering of friends for an ice cream social, and then we showed a movie on a screen we built out of some pop tops and horse glue...I mean a sheet and some 2x2's....it was great...fortunately, our neighbors were all away watching big fireworks displays, so we could have the volume up nice and loud and no one complained...we watched........what else??? "Independence Day" was the feature at the Taylor walk-up movie and ice cream emporium...it was great fun, but a late, late evening...I wound up as hung over as if I'd been drinkin'....whoosh...

Did you miss me???

It's been over nearly 2 years since I posted to this blog, and for some strange reason, I am compelled to start posting again. Maybe it is because of all the other family bloggers and the fact that I enjoy reading them so much, or maybe it is because I figure I can journal this way...and if, by some very slim chance anyone actually reads this nonsense they will see what I have (or have not) been up to, so....I'M BAAACK!!!
Rather than detail the last many moons, let's summarize.....I had a mild stroke, I recovered fairly well, I moved to a different house, my in-laws both passed away, I kept working full time, my son embarked on a full time mission for the Church, my daughter enrolled in a Master's Degree program at Portland State University, I held Church callings..............and cooked a delicious,nutritious dinner every night!

So....while this site isn't exactly what you would call "under construction," it is basically under construction...and man, oh man, the standard is high....if you look at Chanel's blog, or Geoff's blog (which of course is Chanel's, too) or at Art the auction hound at auctionroadtrip.blogspot.com (maintained by the multi-talented Uncle Donald) you'll see why I'm anxious to do my best to portray my life's coming's and going's...NOT THAT IT'S A COMPETITION!!!! I just wanted to give MaryKate something else to do, that's all........
So, now that we're sort of up to speed, I think I'll start with 2007, and recap each month to date......so watch this space for January 2007!!! WOOHOOO!!!!!

Sylvia's...ain't it a beach

So I promised I would report on our stay at the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport. This well-known Bed and Breakfast is located right smack on the beach in Central Oregon. It is a historic building…an old, old hotel that has been transformed into a retreat for book lovers and those who can lose themselves for hours and hours reading……

Every room in the hotel is named after a famous author, food is served in the “Tables of Content” dining room, and there is a resident cat. There are no televisions, no radios, no, phones, no pool, no pets…they ain’t got no cigarettes………..I kid you not. The idea is to get away from all the noise and stress of everyday life and just relax, read, eat, do puzzles, play board games, read, walk on the beach, read, and then read.

We thought it sounded really interesting, especially since we were booked into the F. Scott Fitzgerald room. Did I mention that reading is the popular pastime at this particular B & B? That, and being really earthy and environmental and stuff. Now, I love to read. I could read for hours on end. I also like to work crossword puzzles, so this sounded like just the ticket for us.

What we didn’t count on was the fact that the hotel hasn’t been updated in probably 20 or 30 years. We also didn’t count on the fact that our hosts didn’t seem to care that the place was really not so much charming as it was……….well, just shabby.

We opened the door to our room and walked smack into a room that smelled like the linen closet at a nursing home….and that was just the beginning! The furniture in the big reading room was a bunch of old mismatched chairs with lumpy cushions and couches with broken backs and smelly upholstery…lots of lamps, but the ratty old lampshades were pretty scary…

You know how when you go away for a romantic getaway the bed can play an important part in the festivities? Well, this bed had an old spring mattress that “sproinged” every time we touched it…and get this! The footboard had been nailed to a big old board which was attached to the mattress frame….and the headboard was just sitting against the wall!!!! Think of every joke/gag you have ever seen or heard in the movies about noises in a hotel room (especially having to do with headboards). Add to that image the idea that the walls were so paper thin we could hear the woman next door reading her book aloud to her roomie! Did I mention that reading is very popular at this place? Anyway, she did voices and everything, but we couldn’t quite make out the book….Now, in spite of these downsides, we actually enjoyed our stay. We began to imagine how we would redo the place. I mean, think of it. If the only thing about the room that conjured up F. Scott Fitzgerald was a shelf with 3 bottles of gin and a bunch of his books and letters, there’s nowhere to go but up, right? Although, the wall sink in the middle of the room was quite an interesting touch, I must say….

The good news is that breakfast was included with the room. The bad news is that meals are served “family style” so you can get to know the other guests. If you choose to have dinner at the hotel, you will find yourself seated with 6 other guests playing games like “Two Truths and a Lie.” It may surprise you to learn that Mark and I don’t exactly jump at the chance to participate in that sort of social activity. But we don’t. So we ate breakfast in the dining room but took our meals at some other wonderful restaurants….we had great food and even greater company…each other.

The weather was gloriously warm and clear on Saturday and Sunday. During Sunday night a squall came up with winds that shook the old building and rattled the windows. A few shingles even blew off the roof…and the rain poured. It was fantastic!!! We could see the ocean waves from our bed and we were able to watch the storm rage…it was awesome!

Turns out my boss, Nader and his wife Martha spent their honeymoon there some 15 years ago and they go back every year on their anniversary………..but if you ever decide to spend a weekend in Newport, Oregon, be sure you know what you’re getting into before you rent a room at the Sylvia Beach Hotel….OR just win some money on your way there and you won’t care a bit about anything else!!! Trust me…

What happens at the beach stays at the beach...

So Mark and I went to the Coast for the weekend. Not the beach, the Coast. North Oregon is the beach. Central Oregon is the Coast. We haven't gone away together by our ownselves in almost ten years. Hard to believe, I know, but true. Because we don't share weekends off work, its a scheduling thing. One, or the other, or both of us have to take vacation days...this time Mark took Saturday and I took Monday and we were off like Bally Riddle's hair!
Mark made meticulous...and that is the word I want to emphasize..Meticulous...arrangements for the entire weekend. Several days I ago the thought came to me that I wanted to visit one of the Tribal Casinos so newly popular in Oregon. As soon as I said the words aloud, Mark was all over a plan to visit Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City...but when I didn't pursue the idea, he didn't think I really wanted to go until Monday when I asked him what we were doing for our beach weekend..with just four days to put together the perfect romantic weekend, he really outdid himself....damn near gave himself an anal retentive ulcer, but boy, did he make it happen...

Like most lounges around the country, the casino showroom "headlines" the circuit of B-list performers and acts still making the rounds and this particular weekend featured a favorite comedian, Bill Engvall...apparently we weren't the only Oregonians who wanted "Our Sign." Turns out, the show had been sold out for months, so we didn't get to see him, but we didn't care because we were booked into a room at the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport...but wait...I'm getting ahead of myself.

WELL! Even though he had everything planned to down to the minute, Mark spent a sleepless night before we left...he worried that if things didn't go exactly according the his schedule, he might not be able to flex...and more than anything, he wanted to be flexible this weekend...

Flexible he was, and it was a DEE-lightful time! The highlight reel will show us driving through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northwest with a Saturday morning breakfast stop at Alice's Country Restaurant just outside Tillamook (yes, the cheese)...you know, one of those "side of the road" places you see when you are hurrying to McDonald's....greatest breakfast ever!! Ever..no kidding.

Now, I didn't realize Mark's carefully detailed itinerary put our stop at the casino on Monday during our return trip. After a quick look-see at the Chinook Winds golf course, I insisted that we stop NOW at the gambling hall. Taking a deep breath, Mark decided to be flexible...we stopped.
Now, this could be a very long story...and it is...but the short version simply tells of a dufus middle aged couple who had never been into a gaming establishment...What, never? No, never...is there anything more awkward than a couple of old rubes?? I'm thinking not....but a very nice floor attendant patiently explained exactly what we needed to do to quickly lose our money...and with $7 (yes, exactly seven dollars) in quarters, we were ready to rumble! Since we had to exchange our quarters for dollar bills in order to feed the video poker machines, we went all out and got an even $10....Clutching the bills, we searched the rows and rows of nickel machines until we found the most secluded, loneliest machine in the place. I didn't want a bunch of seasoned players eyeing us with disdain and whispering "Rookies!" under their breath...We fed our first dollar and right off the bat, when the first game ended we were up thirty cents!! Woohoo...Flush with winnings, we fed another dollar bill and went "all in." We played all 20 lines with 5 credits per line..if you understand what that means, glory go with ya, cuz it was Greek to us....we just pushed random buttons, sat back, and watched as the lights, sounds, and glory of a JACKPOT flashed before our eyes...Yes, folks...we hit a jackpot! One dollar + one machine + no clue = WINNER! No one, and I mean NO ONE has ever been more stunned than we were...dumb, dumb beginner's luck!!! We were open mouthed idiots staring at the message on the screen to "Please call the attendant." Two nice ladies came and verified, certified, and legitimized our win...brought us cash..CASH! They congratulated us and commented that we were, indeed, lucky...and all we could think was......"We're outta here!!"

Of course, since we literally had nothing to lose, we played the remaining eight dollars, came up with $3 more in winings and immediatly cashed out and walked out!

We decided right then and there that the theme of our trip was not "Flexiblity is the Key" but was instead, "Thank you Chinook Winds." Even though we couldn't get into the Bill Engvall show, we still had a good time at the Casino..................

Now, lest you think that's the only thing to tell you about our weekend....stay tuned. Tomorrow I will tell you about the Sylvia Beach Bed and Breakfast........it's gonna take awhile..............

I have a dream....

"I had the weirdest dream last night..." Whenever I say that, Geoff puts his fingers in his ears and loudly sings LA LA LA. He won't even listen to me describe my dreams anymore because he says they are too long and boring...and besides........"It's a DREAM!"

So, close your ears Geoff, cuz I had the weirdest dream last night. My dreams are always clear and vivid and very realistic in a very surrealistic way. When the radio alarm went off this morning, I needed it turned OFF (not just snooze) so I could re-conjure the thing. Most of the time I can't remember details of my dreams, but today was total recall.

How weird is this? The whole dream took place in the 30's or 40's....I was young and had long hair..............aren't dreams supposed to be in real time??

Anyway...I won't tell you the whole lengthy, involved and highly interesting scenario excepy to say it ended while I was skinny dipping in a public pool with a George Lucas look-alike who was my cousin "not by blood, but by marriage." This is the weird part. I don't like the way George Lucas looks. Nothing personal. I think he's a nice enough man to just sit and chat with ...I just don't care for his looks. Weird, right?

There was much, much more that transpired prior to the actual swimming pool business but that was the part I wanted to remember after I woke up...

Clearly, the only logical interepretation of this dream: I NEED a pool...or a pond....a pool would be nice, for me....I think...

Quick! Call 911!

Today the City of Portland Fire Chief came to our office. He blew in with an entourage of four fabulous looking firefighters.....wow! They look reeaallly good!

So, apparently The Department of Homeland Security has tons of bucks to disperse in the form of grants to the nation's Police and Fire Departments. Weather stations, especially vehicle mounted or portable (which we specialize in) are high on the "wish lists" for these grants. Only problem with a grant is that you are required to spend the money in an allotted amount of time or the gov'mint takes it back.....so today Portland Fire and Rescue is here to hurry and spend money. Never mind the fact that we've been trying to finalize this order for nearly a year, running into bureaucratic nightmares at every turn....now they want their weather stations immediately...like we have them sitting on the shelf, or somethin'. And they want us to install them. We don't install. And they keep changing their minds about the exact configurations they want for their HazMat vehicles, their Command Vehicles, their Fire Apparatus Vehicles, and the Chief's pretty red Expedition...vehicle. But frankly, I don't mind, cuz Man, them fireboys do look handsome in their uniforms...the longer it takes them to decide on the "logistics and specifications" (apparenly that's firefighter lingo) the longer they stay here, and the longer I can eyeball them through the conference room window.
The cutest one of all (did I really use the word "cute")even asked me for some sugar...........well, technically he asked if I would mind if he ate a piece of Kandy Korn from my festive litte jack o'lantern candy dish.........but I think we both know what he really meant...(eh?....eh????? wink, wink)!

All I can say is, Good thing we have our fire extinguishers displayed in prominent places.......

The light comes on

I think I have discerned why blogging is so popular. It gives people a way to say things to each other without actually having to talk or engage in a real dialogue..........anyway, that's my idea...........

I have a laundry fetish. I wrote about it.

This morning I found 3 pink dish towels sitting in a soggy pile on top of my washing machine............yes, they were originally white.

And I shook it at her...

And I said...............Chanel, dis blog's fa yuu!

Apparently, one must blog long and often to stay in the good graces of those who lovingly search for updated writings.

It's Friday afternoon. As my work week ends, my work weekend at home quickly fills with just one item on the old skedoolie.....Laundry.

Now, some might say I have a laundry fetish...and they might be right.My family has slowly come to realize that I have a genuine "thing" about my clothes and how they are laundered. And yes, it might border on psychotic, but I prefer to think of it as careful and meticulous in the care and upkeep of my wardrobe. I subscribe to the theory that it is not quantity, it is truly quality when it comes to the wash.

Now I've heard every story and disdainful comment from those who claim to do their wash in just two loads...lights and darks....the cliched "pink" load of whites.......blah, blah, blah.....the fact of the matter is, you MUST (and this is the part I want to emphasize) MUST separate your articles of clothing into . Some claim to quickly empty their hamper without so much as a thought to water temperature, tub load size, the correct wash/rinse cycle or the exact amount of detergent for the specific load...and believe me, there is a science to all of that! My rantings have finally sunk in..........no one touches my laundry but me....

Lest you think I don't put as much thought into how I dry my wash, don't worry. I concentrate even more on properly drying than washing, I'll wager. Not everything goes into the dryer...and when you hang things to dry, there is a delicate art to shaping the garment just so as to maximize it's life and appearance....I'm a master, but it's taken me years to pefect my craft. it's too detailed and complicated to go into here, but suffice to say, I never vary, I never stray, I never shorttcut, and I never fail to bitch and moan if someone else in my family "does it wrong."

The way I figure it, I've got about twelve to fourteen loads of wash to do this weekend...I'll start tonight and see how far I get. I never panic if I don't have an empty laundry basket by Sunday night...like I said, it's quality, not quantity.So many clothes, so little time............................Besides,there's always next weekend...

Going postal...

So today I had a classic, stereotypical moment at the dang USPS...that would be the post office, slangily. I encountered the WORST(and YES, I could know that) POSTAL WORKER ever. I was sending two packages to South Africa...don't ask...just know that it does not involve Nigerians or money transfers and is one of the worst tasks assigned me in my otherwise "that's why they call it work" job.

I found out today that, even though I have received numerous email messages from the US Postmaster hisself extoling the virtues of "click and ship" (No, that's not a typo, its "ship") along with tutorials on both clicking and shipping parcels, apparently no one actually employed by USPS is privy to any of the information on their own website. None of the employees know anything more than what the customers tell them. Of course, I take partial blame as I foolishly went to a different branch of the PO as it was closer to home. The WORST POSTAL WORKER EVER announced that the labels I had prepared using the UPSP's own "click and ship" program were, in her words, "Not valid." She repeated this over and over and even held up one of my carefully prepared labels and asked the clerk next to her if "didn't he think it was invalid?" From six feet away, he squinted and agreed with the WORST POSTAL WORKER EVER that the label was, as far has he could tell.....invalid...Rather than argue with them, rather than explain that I had mailed to this customer a bajillion times, I simply gathered my paperwork and quietly announced that I would take my packages to the Hillsboro Post Office where Ben, my postal guy, works. He never tells me my labels are invalid. He always tells me that my scales need calibration, as my package weights always differ from his by at least 2 ounces....sometimes as much as 6 ounces, but he still puts labels and stickers and lots and lots of rubber stamps on the parcels. Somehow they always end up in the right place...Halfway House, South Africa even though the WORST POSTAL WORKER EVER said Hafway House doesn't accept Express Mail. O YES THEY DO, you dumb......WORST POSTAL WORKER EVER!

I drove to my regular PO and Ben accepted my packages with a smile and sly wink when I told him that I wouldn't be surprised if my package weight was off by an ounce or two! Oh...postal humor! In and out...zip, zap, take a crap!
I only mention all of this as I believe it may well be the Aloha Post Office where I possibly...and I emphasize POSSIBLY...may have left my very best, most cherished pair of reading glassses. I don't look good in glasses...loathe and despise them, frankly, but I like my little tiny Microvision Pen readers. I couldn't find them anywhere when I arrived at work today. I searched my car three times, emptied the duffle I call a purse twice..........no glasses............they are gone. I loved those glasses.....and that's why I hate the PO.