Back

Well, it all worked out in the end. Shaunn's cousin and his girlfriend showed, and the food was just as tasty a day later. It just wouldn't be the holidays without a little mood swing. We got back tonight, now counting down to bedtime probably around 10:30. I haven't seen midnight New Year's Eve in several years. Stay off my grass. Happy 2008 and have a beer for me.

Arrrgh

Shaunn was at his parents for Christmas. Today, I was going out there to celebrate the holiday with his family. I had said I'd like to make dinner for everyone tonight, and they all thought it was a great idea.
So last night, I baked some bread, marinated the pork loin, and bought everything else to bring to PA.
This morning, I was informed that Shaunn's cousin and his girlfriend are fighting, over whether they can squeeze in both dinner and a visit to her aunt's house. So, they decided they can't do dinner. Shaunn's parents decided if they won't be there today, then they don't want to have a big dinner either. (I wasn't coming out to make dinner for his cousin, but I guess that's irrelevant.) So, all my preparations last night were a complete waste of time. Lovely.

The Flying Bra Saga Rides Again

My more seasoned readers may remember the story last year about the 2 hillbillies in Toledo who crashed their car to avoid a bra flung from another vehicle. Well, there's more to the story.

The short version - the passenger in the crashed car is suing everybody he can think of.

The laywer for one of the girls is quoted saying "We're taking the position the two guys were encouraging the girls and that they tried to catch the bra"
Who could believe something like that coming from these two? I'm glad the driver thought enough to put on his best drinking shirt for the camera.

Stay tuned for more thrilling updates.

My First Love

I just saw on of these cars driving up Broad St., and it instantly took me back in time. I was fresh out of High School, and was looking around Toledo for a car for college. I wound up inheriting the old Buick Skyhawk, but I will never forget when I saw one of these in my searching...

It's called an Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV. Great little cars, about the size of a Honda Civic. I remember spying it in the back lot of a local Buick dealer. I must have spent the better part of a weekend walking around and around it. I called the dealer to inquire, and was told the car was a '74 model, was owned by the daughter of one of the salesmen, hadn't been run in at least a year, and the price was $7000 firm. Ouch. On $3.35 an hour as a bagboy at Kroger, the price might as well have been a million. It was completely out of reach.

I still went back a few times to look it over, and eventually noticed that it was sitting on a halo of rust, as it slowly disintegrated from neglect. I realized it was probably my luck that they didn't make a reasonable offer, as I'm sure the upkeep costs would have quickly turned the love affair to hate. But still...what a cool car. And they only look better after all these years.

mmmm...beef

I've got about a pound of the tasty roast from last night at home in the fridge, taunting me, calling me home to make some mashed potatoes and gravy to go along with it. But I think I'l put that off until friday, when I can savor the wonderful flavors without the cloud of work the next day hanging over me.

Christmas Past

So, we had a wonderful time in Cleveland this year with the Barkers. Gifts were exchanged, little Geo did his best to entertain everyone, and we had what was quite possibly the most exquisite meal I've ever had. Really. It started off with homemade Sauerkraut Balls that put the ones at Barley's Brewing Co. to shame. We also had bacon wrapped water chestnuts and chicken livers, which lasted about 20 minutes. Then cheesy potatoes and a strip steak roast that Don grilled. It just melted in your mouth. Wow.
George was mesmerized by the tickle me Elmo that he got for Christmas....he was talking with him, and kept trying to help him back up when Elmo would fall over laughing.
I drove back this morning so I could be here at work bright and early, to count down the time to go home.

Miracle On Imperial Drive

Dad reprising his role as Santa Claus

I think it was 1982 when dad was one of the Santas at Woodville Mall, so this is the 25th anniversary. Several years later, our memory of it was clouded when Homer Simpson did the same thing (And then dad went to the track...no, wait that was Homer). But he loved doing it, and would always tell us about how he'd say 'ow' when kids pulled on his fake beard, and convinced a few non-believers during his stint.

Merry Christmas Pop!