Hey Yogi I'm in the market for a job, want my resume lol.

BK Has I know nothing of this baseball or of the Yankees, no hard feelings :)

Heidi Hugs go out to you and your family during this time.

Happy Columbus Day, Gang at MM!

Thanks for the offer of job help, Woodlock, my Elfin friend, but I do believe I need someone with signifigant experience. Which is why I had nightmares all weekend about all the things I need to do to get the office in order before my assistant leaves. I just wish she had told me before she helped me book my trip to California. I wouldn't have scheduled it. And thanks for the good wishes WSDude.

Love and prayers sent to suctionprints and heidihug. I know that you have both had emotional weekends, and you have both definitely been in my thoughts.

Looks like it's going to be a big struggle in baseball again this year as the Yankees take on the Sox once again. Oh, let this be the year! (no offense BK, and Congrats on your team's win.)

Now, I'm off to dodge the Columbus Day Parade on the way to the office. It's probably a good day for some pizza. But then again, it's always a good day for some pizza!

Suctionprints, sorry to hear about your dad. How is he doing now? My mother has had a couple of minor strokes, and is okay now, but we are always concerned it could happen again. Sad news also about Chris' aunt. That's just a double whammy for you. Heidihug, how's your grandma doing now? My thoughts are with both of you and your families.

Yogi, Mr Yogi's grandma sure sounded like a very strong woman. And a caring one too, to be looking out for the priest's welfare (and I suspect, everyone else's too). People like that really make the world a better place.

Well, the whale watching. What can I say? I've never experienced anything quite like it. Just bloody amazing. There were so many of them, usually in groups of three - baby, mother and an escort. They came quite close to the boat at times, showing off, making total spectacles of themselves, heh. At one point, there was a turtle and a dolphin on one side of the boat, and a whale on the other. I was so excited, I didn't know which way to look! It was so moving to see these blessed creatures at play, almost a spiritual experience. And you know, while we thought we were whale watching, it occurred to me that it's really the other way around - the whales are there doing some people watching. Just checking us all out, and having a fun time playing too.

I was talking to a man on the boat who said he's whale watched all over the world, but he'd never seen anything like this. There was not a dry eye on the boat, everyone was so moved. The whales are on their way back to Antarctica for the summer, but they seem to congregate at Hervey Bay for an extended play time. The kids had a great time - though Littlest Aussie lost his hat when the wind blew it away and cried for some time, and Little Big Aussie felt a little seasick, they soon forgot about all that and enjoyed this amazing experience. Definitely worth seeing, and if any of you come over here, and it's between July and November, you have to see it.

Yogi best of luck finding a new assistant. Perhaps it won't be as hard as you might think, and the right person will show up real soon. And as for my sister's address to the United Nations, I was so thrilled to hear the news, that I forgot to ask exactly what issues she will be speaking about. I am assuming international relations, as that is what she lectures in, but whether she will talk about any particular country and it's issues or just speak in general terms, I don't know. I'll find out and let you know.

Hildy you just crack me up! A native Masshole! I've never heard of Massachusetans (sp?) referring to themselves in quite that manner, heh.

Now, BK why wouldn't we welcome you with open arms? It's great that you're here!

Hi to everyone else also, and sorry for such a lengthy post!!!

Hola, peeps! I'm back...actually been back since this morning. My trip was fun, albeit quick. I was up at 6:45 Sat (after going to bed at ... 3:45), found out the AirTrain to JFK is great, & a "noise in the nose" will delay an aircraft for 35, 40 minutes. Oh, Matt Lauer was on my flight & his van in West Palm Beach was next to my friend's car, and he had strollers blocking it. Seeing his hair in person, I almost don't think it's plugs...or they're finally growing in. Anyhoo, down to Miami/South Beach, where we got turned around because my friend's roommate's directions from the backseat were, "Oh turn here or wait until 15th Street", here being 79th Street. Bless her heart.

Had a great time although Miami is v. intimidating - everyone has beautiful bodies & people talk about the beautiful people in NYC, but really, gorgeous, healthy. We had some trouble finding someplace to hang out as the S. Beach area is sort of expensive & there are a lot of clubs, in lieu of divey places. A lot of neon, a lot of higher end places, but I was pleased to see such a mix in the bars & restaurants, all sorts of people. One of the most diverse areas I've seen, at least on the surface.

Sunday spent all day on the beach. I'm a partial lobster in the worst places - back of thighs & knees, upper back where my bra is supposed to hit, a bit on the face. And I totally should have bought the special aloe, bah. But it was great - didn't realize the sand would be so shelly & rocky, but sitting outside with just a book or just closing my eyes was great. We drove back & of course had more driving issues getting slightly turned around & ended up in Jupiter late. Not much to do, and it's very odd that all of the bars/restaurants are in strip malls. Then was up at 5, at the airport at 6 & back home by 11 this morning.

So just watched tv all day, caught up on stuff & dreading going to work tomorrow. Sigh. But definitely needed & appreciated. OK, time to eat dinner...Aussie your trip sounds amazing. Amazing. Adding to my to-do list.

SP & Heidi hope things are ok with both of you & your families.

Oh, man, Chistopher Reeve died yesterday. That's just so depressing. *tear* Ruins my Monday.

PiP, that news really bothered me, too. That man had just accomplished so darn much. I saw him speak at a conference once; it was really quite something to hear him.

Aussie, happy to hear that you had a whale of a time--sounds like it was quite incredible. Did the watcher comment that this was unusually busy, or is this par for the course for them?

Hugs to both HH and suctionprints; hope all is well with you and yours.

And I'm going to be in NYC the night of the second Sox/Yankees game! There are tickets available still, but I'm scared to go, not to mention the much more important fact that Yogi and I are going to dinner. Whee!

Thanks for the well-wishes, all. Grandma is in a nursing home and recovering, albeit slowly. At least she is somewhere that she will have 24/7 care. The nursing home is actually a really nice one which she used to volunteer at many years ago when she was mobile. I just hope she does not feel neglected; we just do not have anyone in the family who could move in with her and be with her every minute of the day. Nowadays is so different from 50 years ago - the extended family unit, living together, is a scarcity. A blessing for some, a hardship for others.

Love your whale stories, Aussie. So glad you had the opportunity to do this.

Have fun in NYC, Hildy! Give our dear bear (Hi, yogi!*waves enthusiastically*) a hug for all of us. I am SO cheering for the Sox. Houston or St. Louis would be fine, too. Just not the Yankees. Again. Bleh.

ska, I hope you are recovered from your trip to Miami. Perhaps you got lucky and irritating co-worker was off, or sick, today?

Funny you should say, as she is out although it is for her boyfriend's grandmother's funeral.

Hildy as a BoSox fan & a pretty lady, I think you should stay away from the Bronx on Wednesday...I do know there are bars in the city which are Boston-friendly, however!

I think you should go to the game, just don't wear Red Sox gear.

Or cheer or listen to the things people say about your team. Yankees fans are vicious at home as are Red Sox fans at home. This year could be exceptionally ugly given the fun they had this summer.

I think it's fun to root for an away team at the stadium. I realize this is the most extreme case, but I don't think you're in any bodily harm, and the verbal stuff you can dish out as well as take.

I'm glad to hear that your Grandmother is safe and well cared for in a place familiar to her, Heidihug. I doubt she feels neglected - it sounds like she has lots of visitors and people who love her that will keep her company wherever she is. It sounded like such a scarey fall. I'm so glad that she is on the road to recovery.

I am sad about Christopher Reeve too, PiP and Hildy. I saw him once not long after his accident. Mr. Yogi and I along with another couple were at the Aspen Food and Wine Festival (such a fun event.) We were in the enormous wine tent by the entrance tasting a Cote de Rhone, when Christopher Reeve came through the entrance on a gurney. I believe he was on a resperator. They came directly over to the table where we were standing. I didn't quite know how to move out of the way for a gurney, or if I should move, or was he going to drink wine, or what to do? As we were standing there talking to the vitner, CR and his wife Dana had a little exchange about getting some glasses of wine. I remember it very clearly. She seems to me a remarkable woman. It was a very difficult, crowded situation, and she demonstrated great poise, equanimity, and a gentle devotion. As he was brave and strong, she was also. I've heard some say that Alpha men marry Alpha woman. As a completely Beta woman, I don't know if that is so, but if this couple is any indication, it seems to be the case. Fair the well, Superman, fair the well.

I want to go and watch the whales, Aussie Girl. It sounds so magical. I wonder if they have whales this time of year in Southern California? I think I will google it.

I had lovely karmic rewards yesterday. I started the day by returning a cell phone I found in a taxi to a man and his daughter. When they did not thank me for my trouble, I thought of making a little comment but decided to hold my tongue. Good thing. Later that day, I took Little Yogi to his Computer class while I worked out in the gym. I ended up leaving my earrings on the vanity table in my hurry. I did not realize it until after I had returned home and eaten dinner. I called my friend, his teacher who works in the building. She called her friend who went upstairs and found my earrings intact. Hurray! It was a karmic circle, don't you think?

Also, happily, my assistant has agreed return from Florida to New York for the week I am in California. It's very good news, and really a much kinder way to end our four year relationship. I'm very thankful, and I believe she is happy too.

Tomorrow, dinner with Hildy! I feel very honored that she is going to have dinner with me when she could be getting pelted with everything from popcorn to pacifiers at Yankee Stadium whilst rooting for the Sox. I promised her I would not throw anything at her. No doubt that is what made up her mind - ;)

Hello, duckies! I would say I've missed you, except that I've been keeping up quite nicely with your doings even though I haven't been posting myself. I think I've just been exhausted from trying to be cheerful for Mr. Lu and needed all my inner resources for a while to hold it together. I didn't fall apart or anything - kept going to work, paid my taxes (tm Stacie, The Apprentice), etc. - just didn't have much energy for anything else.

I had quite the nice chat with our yogi a couple of weeks ago. And what did we talk about? Many things, but foremost among them, many of YOU. I wouldn't admit talking behind your backs, except that what we said was uniformly good. We especially heaped praises on skagirl, whom I said I can't wait to meet in person.

Hildy - how lucky to be having dinner with yogi! We want a trip report of all your activities in NYC. And - Go BoSox!

AussieGirl - your whale watching expedition sounded incredible. I've seen whales many, many times, mostly in Hawai'i, but also in Alaska and Cape Cod, but nothing like what you described!

suctionprints and heidi - you know my thoughts are with you both.

And hi to PiP and ptooie to Woodlock (may sound rude to the rest of you, but he knows what I mean) and thanks for your regards (very belatedly) to wasimmerdude and cheers to everyone else!

Ptooie right back at you dear Baba :)

If I knew anthing about baseball, which I don't, I'd be going Go Rangers! but I'm pretty sure they suck, well they have been known to do that after Nolan Ryan left about ten years ago lol.

Also sports related, one time for thanksgiving we went down to dallas to watch the cowboys play, and behind us were some drunken Vikings fan, which I found funny, but again not really a sports nut here, but my poor dad he was kinda fuming and not wanted to say anything.

Hildy, apparently at this time of the year, it is quite common to see so many whales at Hervey Bay. While there have been times when none show, and the boat operators specifically say they can't guarantee sightings, the numbers that we saw are a common occurrence. There were so many of them, I was just stunned! And my sister, who went up there a little over a month ago, said that they saw even more than we did. I truly understand and appreciate now why they call Hervey Bay the whale watch capital of the world. Until 2 or 3 decades ago, they used to be hunted here, almost to extinction, and apparently now they are making almost as much money from the tourism as they used to from whaling, which is entirely a good thing! I so recommend seeing some of these magnificent creatures if you ever have the chance.

Skasunburned did you forget to pack your sunscreen? Ouch! Glad you had a good trip, mate.

Hi Babalu! It's so nice to see you posting again here! How is Mr Lu doing now? Been thinking of you mate, hope all is going well with you. And I want to know exactly what you and Yogi talked about, heh! Speaking of our wonderful Bear, hope you and Hildy have a great dinner. Have fun!

Heidi I'm really glad that your Grandma is in a good nursing home, especially one that she is somewhat familiar with from her volunteer work. I'm sure they will take good care of her.

[B]Pip - very sad about Christopher Reeve's death. An amazing man, as a father, actor and spokesperson for those with spinal injuries. They are showing Superman here on Friday night as a tribute to him, and I am going to get both Little Aussies to watch. RIP, and fly....

Hello everyone: My online pseud is Warbunny, a name I loved from an old Gamble Rogers comedy album, but now dislike because of the war going on. Haven't gotten around to changing it, so I'll probably keep using it. But feel free to call me Suze.

I've been a Survivor fan since midway through Australia. I usually like the people who others don't like (Africa Frank, Marquesas Sean) and don't like the people who are universally liked (the perky Florida adventure guide whose name escapes me). Sean is my all-time favorite because he saw through the veneers of people and spoke his mind no matter what.

I have a 7 YO son and watching Survivor has become a tradition in our family. My husband makes pizza and we all watch the show. Over the past few seasons I've become discouraged over the sleaze factor that has taken over. Not that Survivor was meant to be a kiddie show, but the entertainment of strong personalities like Jerri and Richard Hatch is totally gone.

Last year my son's entire first grade class (including the teacher) watched Survivor Pear Islands and All Stars. All the girls wanted Amber to win, all the boys wanted Boston Rob to win. This year, none of the kids are watching Vanuatu. They're watching Fear Factor instead.

Some random thoughts:

Vanuatu: it reminds me of the 1961 Irwin Allen sci-fi movie "The Lost World" with Michael Rennie, Jill St. John, and Fernando Lamas. Every week I can hear Claude Rains as Professor Challenger asking, "And just what is this Cave of Fiah?"

Diversity: I was one of the people who was troubled by "win a native" RC, as well as the lack of diversity in this year's cast especially. I lived and went to school in Detroit, and would like to see a Jerri or a Penny or a Burton as the one white person on a cast of color.

Rupert: I do have a soft spot for him, who was my son's favorite on Pearl Islands (I admit he wasn't at the top of his game on ASS). I did a Google search, found his address, and wrote him a polite letter asking if he would please send my son an autographed photo. Rupert could have ignored the letter or written back cursing me out for invading his privacy. Instead, not only did he send a photo, but also a handwritten note. My son was thrilled. He wrote Rupert a thank you note and received another letter.

I live on a hobby farm and don't have a lot of free time for posting, but enjoy lurking through the snark here. I'll chime in when I can!
Suze

Hi, suze, welcome! Glad that you decided to chime in. Yes, this season's Surv is nothing great, I agree. And I, too, loved Frank from Africa - what a character! I really enjoyed when he was talking to the elephants. Rupert was here in the Green Bay area for the weekend and even stayed over through Tuesday morning to help with a Coat for Kids charity drive. I think he really is a nice man, as evidenced by his response to your son's request.

The good news? Beep tried out for, and made it onto, Jazz choir. The bad news? His practices for Jazz are every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Starting at 7. Ack. Until he gets his license and his own car, I will be driving him in. I'm not used to getting up that early *whine*.

Hello, lu!!! How are Alan and the kids? Give Alan a hug and the kids kitty kisses for me.

yogi, thanks for sharing the Christopher Reeve story. I really have admired his wife for her resolve and caring.

Hey, woody, any news on the job front? Dodo, any interesting temp jobs?

Of course I used tons & tons of sunscreen Aussie!. My back hasn't seen daylight in about 10 years, and while I tried to keep reapplying it just wasn't enough. It's actually quite severe & I am in horrible pain -- I can barely sit up at this point & am dying with my bra straps.

Babalu I have been talking about you too...with the spastic mouse that scared the crap out of me this morning. Need to go get traps. He wasn't a good listener.

HH I'm sure the early hours will be worse for Beep than you. You get to go home & enjoy some coffee, he's at school. You get the better end of the deal!

Welcome Warbunny!

Morining all!

Welcome Warbunny, I'm one of the freaks who loves this season so don't feel bad :)

Heidi, no news just yet, but if nothing by friday, I'm probably just gonna go back to the old job, Oh tell Beep congrads on jazz choir, sounds fun, I know I enjoyed show choir back in H.S., does he still play with his Magic cards?

Hurray for Babalu, my sister! I'm so glad you posted. :) Love to you and yours.

So, my Minnisota friends, what's with your senator going back home until after the election? What would Jesse Ventura say? Over reaction? Prudence? What's the word in the land 'o lakes?

Ahhh, skagirl, another human who glows in the dark. I never tan - I either burn or beige. Beige is the best I can do. So sad, so sad.

I can't believe you have to drive someone, anyone, regardless of the reason or how beloved at 7 AM, Heidihug, actually probably 6:30 as practice starts at 7. I'm afraid Beep would just have to quit the jazz choir if it were up to me. You are such an excellent Mom! I definitely think you should be driving him in your jammies. Or on second thought maybe not as I would hate to break down in my jammies out on some country road with nothing but cows for comfort. Ugh.

I like this season too, Woodlock, but the Apprentice has just about put me off MB for good. I just can't enjoy watching people so personally attacked. I'm not sure Survivor ever got that nasty, and it's been pretty nasty. I think MB might be having some personal difficulties that are making him a big nasty grump.

Welcome, Warbunny.

Unless they are cowprint jammies, with cow slippers. That would be awesome, although probably embarassing to Beep.

Dodo emailed me that he is swamped at work & hasn't had time to play here at all...I think he is actually up to something naughty...

Yah, that would be about it. Oh, they look like they would be good company, but have you ever tried to engage a cow in conversation? They're not much better than mice.

I actually will be going directly from dropping Beep off in the morning to work, since it is a bit of a backtrack for me to go home. So, to work by 7:30 (what am I, insane?) on those days.


Well, just about everything I do is embarrassing to my children. What can I say? I've turned into my mother.

Welcome to Warbunny and BK. Awesome Trump salsa in the pixel challenge, neptune!

Mr. Lu is feeling pretty well, thanks for asking. He finished treatment and we're just in a wait-and-see mode right now. The kids are as cute as ever - except that {the real} Babalu is in big trouble right now because he got off his leash the other day and disappeared for a long stretch, so he's never going outside again.

Package on its way to NY for a bear! And, while I previously mentioned how lucky Hildy was to be having dinner with yogi, I neglected to mention how fortunate yogi is, as well. Hope you had fun, you two!

Welcome Warbunny/Suze to the Meet Market! Nice to have you here. I also liked Frank, I thought he had a real affinity with the wildlife in Africa. And as most people here know, I like Rupert too! And your account of him replying to your son is not the first time I've heard of that. Apparently he does that a lot, and really does seem to care for the people and charities he supports. That's good enough for me.

Poor Ska - I do sympathise. That sunburn does sound quite severe. Lots of Aloe Vera mate, or lavender oil.

Congratulations to Beep, Heidihug! But poor you, that's way too early. I have a hard time getting Little Big Aussie to school at 8am for sports practice. Such an uncivilised hour, I say.

Yogi The Apprentice 2 starts here tonight. I watched most of the first one, thought it was alright, but well, it has no Peachy in it, so.... I've also been watching TAR, the first series, which is showing on cable. But the bad news is that TAR, the current series, also starts tonight, (they are finally going to show it in Australia, yeah!) at the same bloody time. I will be taping one and watching the other. But I'm going to have to make a choice, as every second Thursday night I have a book study group I attend and will only be able to see one show on tape. Which one's beter? I have a feeling it will be TAR, besides, I want to see more of this Philiminator guy. He's not bad, is he? (Hildy? Where are you)? And as for MB, he's now with Roma Downey, that beautiful woman from Touched by an Angel. I've heard that she's very much like her character on that show, so if that's true, he should be feeling calm and peaceful, not grumpy.

Hi Babalu! **waves** I'm glad that Alan has finished his treatment. That he's doing so well is in no small way due to you too, I'm sure. Glad you are posting again, this place just isn't the same without you!

Wow, what a fabulous evening I had with our Hildy. It was a total gastronomically ridiculous feast. We went to Bouley, and the food was nothing short of amazing. The most amazing thing? They just kept bringing us additional food and drink that we neither ordered or payed for. It was wild. I suspect we had about four extra courses, maybe more. Who can remember with all that indulgence. The best one? Well, for me, it's a toss up between foie gras with concord grape sauce and "mango pearls" and the white chocolate foam with this outrageous dessert wine from Italy. Oh, so lovely. Best of all was the great conversation, because Hildy is only more engaging and charming in person. I only wish our Skagirl had been able to join in, that busy sunburnt woman.

Hey Miss Babalu! I'm sorry your kitty namesake is behaving so badly. I wouldn't take it personally. I think he was just trying to have an adventure, that bad kitty. I hope he learned his lesson and will be a good cat on his next excursion. I'm glad to hear that all is quiet with Alan's condition right now. You are both always in my heart.

I hope you are right, Aussie Girl, and MB is feeling calm and peaceful, because this season of the Apprentice is just about doing me in. If I had a choice between TAR 1 and TAR now, I would definitely watch the first season of TAR. It was brilliant. You will enjoy it a great deal. And by the way, what'cha reading in your book group?

I'm wondering how many times our Heidihug tried to engage a cow.... or a mouse for that matter. Mmmmm.

Hi to everyone at MM. Welcome to warbunny.

I'm not real chatty, but here's the Cliff Notes. They figured my dad wouldn't make it through Friday on Thursday when they brought him in, but he was moving both sides of his body and trying to talk. By Saturday, he could flip me the bird. (I taught him that, I'm sorry to say. And took a picture, which is worse.) By Monday, they sent him to Marquette General, about 100 miles east, for rehab. My oldest younger sister reports that he's doing okay, and the problem will not be him refusing to do the occ therapy, but rather overdoing it. My stepmom is a hero; she's got a fractured back, but she's so concerned about him. I'm hoping that once she got to Marquette, she got some decent sleep. My youngest sister will be down there this weekend, so I'll get a report then.

Chris' cousins at the visitation for their mom were amazing - they were devastated about their mom, but were worried about me. Nice, nice people. Then right before his aunt's funeral, I got abdominal pains that sent me to the emergency room. So I missed the funeral. But made it to the lunch, where everyone knew. It is funny how fast news travels in a small town. I've been visiting doctors since I got back, and hopefully one of them will figure out what the hell happened. In the meantime it seems to be getting better on its own, which is nice. And I got some Darvoset out of it, so yay me.

Anyway. That's it for now. Huge, huge, huge, huge hugs to everyone. I have the best friends and family. And hell, yeah, I'm gonna be at TWoPcon, so see some of you Saturday...

Thanks for the welcome, guys!

Yogi Bear, check out www.startribune.com and go to Opinion, then letters. You'll find the word about Mark Dayton. (I live in MN-- are there other TWOP people in MN, too?) I've supported the guy in his DC career, but I'm afraid this move might be career-ending.

Also, is there a tutorial on TWOP where I could learn quickly how to cut/paste/etc? I'm HTML-impaired, unfortunately.

Warbunny
(if you guys are OK with the name, so am I)

Hey, Yogi beat me to the punch! It was a splendid and sumptuous dinner--I've never had anything like that happen before, what with the pressing of extra courses upon our unprotesting selves. I think my favorite extra was the fois gras, too, although the little tasting plate of chocolate desserts was nothing to sneeze at, either. And you will not be surprised to hear that Yogi was every bit as charming and lovely in person as she is on the boards. The one tiny problem? The maitre'd was a Yankees fan. But he was very polite and gracious to us nonetheless. No tacks on my chair or anything like that.
suctionprints, best of wishes to both your dad and yourself. You've had a tumultuous time there. We'll be thinking of you!
Warbunny, welcome! If you're looking for instructions on how to quote people, the best place to start is the FAQ/Rules page, where they have instructions on such things.
Aussie, definitely go with TAR1. It's classic--most of my favorite teams are from there. (Swing, you fat bastard! Swing!) And lucky you, to be able to watch it! I'd love to see that season again! Plus, MmmmmmmPhil. We'll have you renouncing your Peachy allegiance in no time!

Oh now Hildy, the maitre'd actually told you he hoped the Sox would win tonight. More gracious he could not be. Plus, for some reason, he kept bringing out little plates of extra mashed fingerling potatoes (to go with our lamb perfection) and spooning little heaps of potato richness right onto our plates. I would say there wasn't one bit of animosity in that Yankees fan.

Speaking of Yankees fans, did we scare off BK with our lack of support for his favortite team. Hey, BK - some of my best friends are Yankee's fans - heh ;)

I'm so glad you stopped by, suctionprints. I'm sure you know how dear you are to me, and I have had you in my thoughts this past week. Your father sounds like a trooper - no doubt due in part to all the pickled garlic he eats to "keep him stinky all winter." I'm very, very happy to hear the news is positive. And I'm even happier to hear that you were surrounded by people who love and care for you deeply at all these difficult events. It's no surprise to me, because you are fabulous, and I told Hildy so last night.

In fact, warbunny, you are surrounded by fabulous Twin Cities folks here at MM. I visited the Twin Cities for the first time this summer to eat Dim Sum and watch TAR with Heidihug, Babalu, Suctionprints, and Tracey Bee (haven't seen you in a while, Tracey Bee - love you, miss you.) What a beautiful city, what delicious food, what great company! You should go to the TC Con that suctionprints is organizing this weekend. Go to the drop down forum menu and scroll down to the nuts and bolts section near the bottom. You will see a TwoP Con section. Click on that, then click on your Minnesota.

I think the op/ed piece was very objective. Thanks for sharing that with me.

Why, yes. Yes I was. Purchase orders and markdowns. Ooh baby!

Although speaking of being naughty, I was out WAAAAAY too late last night with one of my friends and his boyfriend, and I am paying for it dearly today. I had fun though, at least! That's the one downside of office work...I'm used to going out a lot and closing out places, and that's kind of hard to do at age 32 with an 8:30 start time (places here close at 4 am). Ah well. Just lots and lots of coffee and going to bed early the next night!

Speaking of coffee, has anyone had the new pumpkin latte at Starbucks yet? I'm not quite ready to give up iced coffee yet, but I'm intrigued. I absolutely LOVE the egg nog and gingerbread lattes come the holiday season.

I'm glad to hear your dinner went well, yogi and Hildy! And Hildy, if you ever make it up this way again I'd love to meet you too!

Welcome Warbunny! And suctionprints, I hope everything turns out OK!

And speaking of turning out OK, after over two weeks of miscommunication, rude customer service operators (my favorite was the one who just kept laughing at me when I demanded to speak to a supervisor and refused to get one...or possibly the one who told me when I called to see why the technician hadn't shown up to my place like he needed to, "Well, if you know so much about what we're supposed to do, why don't you fix it yourself, then?"), and sitting home two Saturdays in a row for nothing, not only is my phone line fixed (there was this loud background hum that was progressively getting worse...turned out to be a grounding problem with an old line so they had to rewire with a new one), but I got a month's free service for all the hassle! Whee!

Hi, everyone. I've been lurking, but not posting, recently due to time-crunch issues. The last couple of weeks have been busy 'round the office.

suction and heidi, you both are in my prayers. I'm glad Alan is feeling better, Babalu, and you guys are in my prayers, too.

Welcome, Warbunny! Are you in the Twin Cities area, or somewhere else in our fair state?

I thought that was one of the job requirements of parenthood. Isn't "how to embarrass your children" like, chapter 3 in the manual?

We're hoping to get together with MrBee's sister this weekend, either here or in Northfield. And I'm taking tomorrow off from work. Yay, me!

Tonight is Earthquake Night on Survivor. That should be fun, but I suppose it's too much to hope for that Eliza will be thrown into a very deep crevasse. Not that that would shut her up.

Happy Survivor viewing, MMers!

Edited because, after all these years, I still mess up the tags.

Happy Peachy Day everyone :)

Tracey, did they have any new fried stuff this year at the fair?

Dodo, you naughty boy, you better watch yourself now!

Yogi, Hildy it's awesome that Y'all could get together like that and share a fantabulous evening toghether, I'm sure the night was full of fun and whimsy.

{{{Suction}}} You know we are here for you if you need it Sweety.

Oh, since VB had to go and dissaper, if anyone needs any thing to drink I would be more then happy to get it for y'all.

Yes, Woodlock, they did. The new thing this year was fried corn on the cob. They take the corn (on a stick, of course), dip it in a light, tempura-style batter, and deep-fry it. It was delish, nice and light and not greasy at all.

Fried corn on a stick sounds delightful, Tracey Bee. I'm glad you and Mr. Bee are doing well and hanging out in the land of contentment. It just sounds like a nice place to be.

I have never had any of the flavored lattes at Starbucks, though I have a Decaf Grande Skim Milk Latte almost every single day, Last Dodo. I can't believe what I have been missing! Egg Nog latte, oh yum.

But in honor of Survivor earthquake night, I would like a Martini, shaken not stirred, Woodlock, thank you very much. ;)

Hey, gang! We have 8 new kids as of yesterday evening. Their names are Chet, Chet, Darryl, Chet, Darryl, Darryl, Chet, and Chet. They're turtles. Alan saw Mama Turtle laying eggs in our yard in late spring and knew the babies hadn't made it to the pond yet, so he went to the DNR web site and discovered they were going to freeze to death. He rescued them last night, and we're building a little habitat for them right now.

Good to see you, TraceyBee! And glad to see you're part of the MN MM contingent, Warbunny! And mmmmm, yogi and Hildy!

suctionprints wow, what a time you've had lately. I'm relieved to hear your dad is doing better. What wonderful relatives and in-laws you have. And huge, huge hugs right back at you!

Sounds like a wonderful meal, Hildy and Yogi. And what a great restaurant, to keep bringing you all the extra yummy food and drink! That's so cool! Wish I could have been there with you!

Yogi you asked what my sister will be speaking about in her address to the United Nations. I finally caught up with her last night, and she said she will be speaking about peace and conflict studies, her work as the director of Rotary International in Australia, and how she interacts with the Government here and overseas. She is an amazing woman, very much an academic, but incredibly down to earth. We are all so proud of her.

Pumpkin latte, Dodo? The mind boggles....

Well I watched the first ep of The Apprentice 2 - where do they find these people? Some of them seemed to be just so strange - ie Pamela, Raj, Stacie, and even Jennifer C imitating Trump had me wondering if they have deliberately cast all these very weird personalities. Why don't they just act professionally? You can have ambition and a sense of humour and still have tact (Pamela's comments about the kids) and be business like. Please tell me it gets better, guys. You're the experts, and I trust your opinions.

Also saw most of the first episode of TAR - the newest series, I think, with the identical twins, the daughter and father (the one who cut his leg badly). Again, there seem to be some pretty unpleasant characters (can't remember their names -Brandon and Donny?). I think the first series of TAR ends next week on cable, and we have jumped straight to TAR5 on free to air TV here. The consensus here seems to be that the earlier series were better. I will keep watching though, I am just glad that we are finally getting it here.

And this

Yeah right, like that will ever happen!

That reminds me - Woodlock, I'll have a Peachy Mark Rita, and please make a Philiminator drink for Hildy. Put it on my tab.

An earthquake shaken Martini for Miss Yogi, and a Mark Rita for Aussie Girl, and a Philmanator for Hildy

AussieGirl, you will be asking that question a lot during The Apprentice 2. :-)

The good news in my life is that the Alberta government just put into effect new legislation regarding auto insurance. I'm no longer being charged a high rate because I went two years without a car, and insurance. I just got a credit for $203!

The bad news is that I loathe the company that owns my apartment building, with the heat of a thousand nuns. Last spring, my storage closet had to be torn apart to find the source of a water leak, and it took a month to get them to repair and clean it.
Last week, the sewer line had to be plumbed, and my bathroom was chosen as the site to do it from, since my toilet is closest to whatever it needed to be closest to.
They brought in a contractor who cleaned up the mess somewhat ... but the bathroom floor is still dirty whit dog-knows-what.
I'm normally a nice person but I have been a raving bitch trying to get them to clean it, because being nice didn't do me any favours last spring. And it's still dirty. I called a health inspector to report them, and left a voice mail, but they haven't called back.

So that credit of $203 will go towards the expense of moving when my lease runs out in December. I can't live here any more!

Oh, I was being silly--he was extremely professional, gracious and delightful. By the way, that little tea loaf? Delicious. I really did have a lovely time, which made up for my day of hell yesterday, spent in stultifying boredom at a conference.

And I forgot to say thank (hic!) you for the Philiminator, Woodlock and Aussiegirl! Just what the doctor ordered!

That is so true, Neptune. The women are just shameful. I've got to think MB did it on purpose. Also, Congratulations on the Found Money. Nothing better.

Thanks for the earthShaken-Not-Stirred Martini, Woodlock. I enjoyed last night's Survivor all the more for having the appropriate virtual beverage.

You are aquiring a menagerie, Babalu! How do the kitties like the turtles? Did Babalu the Cat help you pick out those names - heh? Reminds me of Newhart with Larry Darrel and Darrel. I loved that show.

I wish you were at dinner with us too, Aussie Girl. I think you would have enjoyed it! Also, speaking of out of town visitors, if your sister needs anything when she is in town, I would be happy to give her a hand. I'm sure she has lots of support from the UN and her organization, but another friendly person never hurt. She sounds as lovely as you are, and her topic is very timely and useful. Is she addressing the General Assembly? This is really such an honor.



News Flash!!!!
Hildy's cookbook is now available at Amazon.com. I got my own copy as a gift on Wednesday night. I have shown it to everyone. Why? Well, in addition to being thrilled and proud of our Hildy, let me just say - look at page 45. A certain Bear, who is mentioned by name, has a recipe in said cookbook from her very own pic-i-nic basket. Heh. I think I'll give a copy to everyone I know directing them to the page. Heh.


I totally agree. The food was all outrageously delicious. I can't believe how much they fed us and how tasty everything was. What a memorable feast. But for me, the best part was meeting Hildy.

Quickly - sorry I couldn't make dinner with the lovely ladies who dine. Work is very hectic the last few days, launching new website plus our class and now I'm scared I'm starting to fight a cold. Blerf.

Hildy whoot! That's awesome. Congrats - you worked so hard & I hope it's a success.

Lu that is too cute...but how do you know if it's a boy turtle or girl turtle?

Neptune what a pain. Landlords are poohheads sometimes.

Heh. Yogi, you should also look on page 503.
So I hope I get down to NYC for the next TARCon and see all y'all again. It was such fun!

FYI, Hildy's book is titled "500 3-ingredient Recipes" if anyone wants to run over to Amazon and order it. Ahem. Right now.

Congrats on the Chets and Darryls, Lu! I remember you talked about the clutch of turtle eggs when we visited you and Mr Lu this summer. How wonderful that they hatched!

Sorry to hear about the rental difficulties, neptune. I used to be a landlord, and I just want you to know not all of us are bad. I fretted and worried over every little thing with our property; was so glad when we sold it, it was stressful. Hope you find a much nicer place to move into.

Hi, TraceyStateFairExpert and YogiYayYou'rePublishedToo and Woodelf and skabunny! Have a wonderful weekend, all!

Hey Neptune, what a hassle! Sounds like you are making the right decision to move. And what you said about The Apprentice 2... sigh, I suppose I will keep watching for awhile anyway.

Congratulations, Hildy! That is so awesome! We all know how hard you worked on that book, and it's wonderful to see it come to fruitition (no pun intended, heh). And it's so cool that you gave a shout out to our favourite Bear!

Yogi was that the first time you and Hildy have met? BTW my sister is addressing the General Assembly. I told her about you and asked her if she would perhaps like to link up, and she said she'd love to. She will be in NY from about the 4th November for 5 days, but she has yet to finalise her travel plans. It would be great if you two could get together for coffee. I'll email you when I have more info of her travel plans.

ska, sunburn and a cold? You poor thing. Here's to you feeling much better real soon.

Hope everyone's having a great weekend (it's already Saturday arvo here)!

Hard to believe, Aussie Girl, but it was. It sort of amazing how the folks I've met from this board have never failed to be even more tremendous in person than I had expected from my time spent here. It's been a real eye opener for me, because for many years I argued that I just didn't believe that one could make a real friend or have a real relationship with someone they met on the internet. How wrong I was! You all make me laugh; you make me think. I learn about different perspectives, different parts of the country, different parts of the world. My life is all the richer for having this little Meet Market a part of it.

I'm very happy that things are falling together at the office. Although my assistant leaves next week, she and I put a lot of time and energy into putting things in order, so it's all good. I've decided to hire someone with a great deal of experience - a professional office administrator - this time around. In the past, we have hired people who had other interests, other education, etc, and in the end, their lack of desire to run the office left me doing a lot of the job. My partner has always shyed away from hiring someone with years of experience, but last week, we had a "come to Jesus" about the fact that I am tired of this dynamic. I want someone in the office that know how to do this, is willing to do it, and will do it. He believes that these strong woman we are interviewing will try to "run our lives." I'm not sure what that means, but I'm feeling that if I can get a strong woman to run the office with skill and organization, I'm not going to complain. Hopefully, I'm not making a terrible mistake of judgement.

Sending good thoughts to suctionprints. I hope you are feeling better. Have a wonderful time at your TCcon tonight.

Unfortunately, I'm going to be out of town a good part of the time your sister is in town, Aussie Girl, but I would love to see her if we can put it together. I will send you an e-mail so that we can share schedules. I welcome your sister as your ambassador, but selfishly I can't help but wish you were coming too! And by the way, what does arvo mean?

I looked on page 503, Hidly, and I'm feklempt.

Not to jump in, but it means "afternoon". My dad still uses it a lot.


Well, the nice combination is the interesting person who can help you find the stamps. You never know - just because someone's ruthlessly organized at work doesn't mean they don't have an exciting outside life. Skydiving. Cockfighting. Backyard wrestling. Extreme Ironing. Give it a shot, and worst case scenario, you have someone who knows how to order enough copy paper to get you through to the next assistant hiring. ;)

Little Yertle Turtles, ms. lu! How exciting! And yay, Hildy! I will be checking that book out. And TracyBee, Northfield should be just beautiful this time of year - we went there for our friend's wedding, and what a charming town!

My tummy ache seems to be an irritable bowel episode - painful, but not life-threatening. And I get little blue pills that make my mouth dry. Yay. I'll call my bro-in-law today and get an update from Dad, but I haven't heard anything in a couple of days, so I'm assuming decent news.

Would like to chit chat more, but I gotta muck my house out so I can go hit the TWoPcon tonight. rabrab, bless her heart, couldn't make it, but made the best sign, which I'll put up on the web tomorrow. Or sometime around then... Heh. I'm looking forward to wearing my "I'm Too Punk Rock For This" t-shirt.

You know you guys are the best, right?

Whee - I'm going to Barnes & Noble later on and try to find the book. If it's not there, I'll order on Amazon (and will almost certainly a few copies later on Amazon later, anyway, for gifts). Congratulations, Hildy!

ska - their names are Chet, Chet, Darryl, Chet, Darryl, Darryl, Chet, and Chet. They're boys. Du-uh. No, really we have no idea if they're boys or girls, so we just decided to use the names Darryl (a la Newhart, as yogi suggested) and Chet (which we use many times in our house for objects both animate and inanimate). They seem to be as happy as, uh, well, as turtles, I guess - swimming or basking on the rock under their heat lamp. They're about the size of quarters. We thought we'd lost a couple of them the first night, but they all seem to be fine.

Sent you an e-mail, suctionprints - I won't be able to come tonight, but I hope you have fun.

Did you get your package, yogi?

Hugs to everyone.

Absolutely right, suctionprints. And that's what I want, someone who is ruthlessly organized at work, and likes this work to support an exciting outside life. Not someone who pines for another occupation and considers everything they do for the job a boor and a favor. I'm really hoping that things go well in the search department.

I'm glad to hear that you are going to be OK without too much medical intervention. I suspect the intense stress of the weekend and your father's illness exacerbated the situation. It's amazing how radically the body can react to stress. I know that mine does.

Speaking of the body, chocolate covered almonds from Candyland are some of the yummiest treats imaginable! Thank you, Babalu for my Minnesota Care Package. I'm waiting to try the peanut butter cups. I doubt I will be able to practice any self control once I start down that road. I'm also very excited about the hand picked, naturally grown wild rice. It just sounds beyond lovely. I picture scantily dressed young men that look like My Man Matthew or Brady out wading around lakes carefully gathering one grain of precious rice at a time. I realize this is probably not the case, but my little dream is very pleasant, so I will hold on to it. I must decide on just exactly the right meal to serve it with... I was thinking wild rice soup, but I believe it's always made with cream, and I don't eat cream based soups very often anymore. Maybe as a side dish with a nice roasted bird? Mmmmm

Speaking of lovely things, Mr. Yogi and I went out to lunch at a little neighborhood restaurant yesterday, and the chef/owner brought out a new dish he is trying - veal roulades with white truffles. White truffles are the most exquisite food items on the planet. They are also the most expensive. Next to white truffles, black truffles and caviar are cheap. Also, they are only available about 8 weeks out of the year. I beg Mr. Yogi for one white truffle every two years as a very, very special treat because white truffles are also the most intensely, beautifully flavored food to ever grace a plate. Perfection on a plate? Fresh porcini mushrooms with shaved white truffle. Anyway, we got to help the restaurant decide on their new fall menu. It was so fun. And maybe I will get to convince Mr. Yogi to take me back for a special white truffle tasting. Yum.

I'm very happy because tonight is Desperate Housewives (so good) and The Surreal Life. I really didn't like Surreal Life last season, but Flavor Flav has added so much fun and good humor to the show, this season it's been a blast. Plus, there are three (count 'em three) crazy women in Charo, SomeNastyBitchFromAmericanIdolWhoThinksShe'sAllThatButIsn't, and the truly insane Brigette Neilson. It's been an amusing season. Just what my Reality TV palate craves.

Now, I'm off to run off some of my Goody Bag - thanks, Babalu!

Bad news, guys. Chet died. Or maybe Darryl. The other 7 seem to be doing fine, although we're worried because we can't tell if they're eating at all.

Glad you liked your care package, yogi. When I make wild rice, which is seldom, I usually just cook it (maybe add a little meat broth to make it richer) and then add sauteed mushrooms and maybe some sauteed onions. You could do slivered almonds, too, if you want.

How was the Con last night, suctionprints?

[bYogi[/b] I love your image of the rice picking, that would be good huh? :), also good luck with finding the right person for your assistant, you desirve the best sweety :)

Baba I'm sorry about Darryl, or Chet hopefully they are eating and will be healthy little turtles.

Oh by the way next thursday's drink special will be Naked on the beach, to go with what seems like will be happing at lopevi, so Yay Naked John!