Stopping to Smell the Roses
June 25th, 2008 at 02:54pm theresa
I arrived in Portland late Friday night to be greeted by McB and Orangehands holding up a “Dr. T” sign. I burst out laughing. That right there just about describes the weekend for me. Lots of laughter and smiles and hugs.
After collecting Mary and my luggage, we headed back to Mary’s house where the guessing of who people are started and didn’t end until late the next morning. I’m fairly sure I failed this test of CBness, but they let me stay anyways. :+)
The rest of the weekend was full of good conversation, and lots and lots of the afore mentioned laughter and hugs. I didn’t take very many pictures until Sunday afternoon when six of us (Cary, GP, McB, Lou, Pam, JenB and me*) went to the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. I could innundate you with pictures of roses, but I will try to restrain myself. They were beautiful and amazing! And a special thanks to GP for the lesson on roses!
I think I’ll stop now. Hope you enjoyed your visit with the roses!
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized, CB Meetups
90 Comments Add your own
1. CMS | June 25th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Thanks for the rose photos Theresa. I went to the Pacific Ocean instead of the Rose Garden. This way I got to do both
2. CMS | June 25th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Strange. Just as I clicked to enlarge one of the photos, the scent of roses wafted in the window here at work. CB power!
3. K.L. | June 25th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Lori added a comment at the end of the last post. Hi Lori! You’ll be happy to know that everything that went wrong in Portland was your fault. Go figure. BTW, all CBs are invited to Scotland, so yes, you are invited. Dr. T just needs to give us a firm date, and planning will commence. Actually planning has probably already started, but we can’t help that.
OH called last night and checked in. She was waiting for a ferry up in BC to take her to see her Godfather. She’ll call tonight too, just cause I asked her to. I didn’t want to worry.
4. McB | June 25th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
See? We told you there would be CB pics.
The Rose Garden was just gorgeous and so was the day. It had started out cool and misty but as you can see in the photos had cleared up to be a perfect summer day. After the garden and on the way back to the hotel, Cary took us the scenic route which goes through and around the larger park of which the rose garden is part. Aside the from the beautiful scenery, there were also some fabulous old homes. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t stop for photos (Cary was driving as slow as she could get away with as it was). There was one I recall that looked like the seven dwarfs should come marching out the door whistling at any moment. And another that looked like a castle keep looming over the hillside.
5. K.L. | June 25th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I forgot to mention, those are beautiful pics. and thanks for the serenade as we were leaving Mary’s. Very nice.
6. GatorPerson | June 25th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Rose trivia rose is next to the last pic. And I never claimed that I could count? It’s 7 Little Piggies, not 6.
Lori, if we do this Edinburgh thingie, Theresa may have to go with slices of what she can do with her time and the end of her contract and a gazillion other time constraints she must balance. Hmmm. How many CBs can balance on the head of a pin? Depends on what spells are in McB’s wand manual.
7. RSS | June 25th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
((((Scope and CMS and Mr. Scope)))) So sorry about Grandma but glad you were able to make the trip.
If You guys go to Scotland I definitely want to come to. Definitely.
Allright already. What’s the name of that rose? My mind is blank. Well, blanker than usual.
8. RSS | June 25th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Hearing the stories from the Meet, bring back all the wonderful times I’ve had meeting CBs.
Still ROFLMAO about “So Long Farewell.”
9. theresa | June 25th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Hover your mouse over the picture, and it should say.
10. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 25th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Well, I know how many CBs it takes to hang one picture. Answer: 11.
Forgot to tell you all something important. GP, who did have her beloved plaid shirt with her, found it warm enough at one point so that she took off her jacket and her long sleeved plaid shirt. Shocking!!!! Oh yeah, she had a t-shirt underneath.
Beautiful pictures Theresa. I wanted to go to the Rose Garden too but I knew I couldn’t walk it so I appreciate the pictures. I love roses.
No one told all of you that Cerise and Boris had babies. In a pond in Beaverton?? stood Cerise and her hubby surrounded by little baby Cerises. They were very cute.
Also I was sitting in the lobby of the Residence Inn and I was certain Bob had accepted our invitation. A man appeared who had the height and breadth of Bob; even the curly hair. His profile looked like Bob and for one minute my little ole heart skipped a beat. Then he turned full face and mine (face) fell. Not Bob. He went all the way to Amarillo to avoid us. Silly rabbit.
In honor of the CBs I even wore a flip-flog shirt and carried a flip-flog bag (belonging to CMS).
CMS told you about putting on luggage tags that she had drawn cute little cherry bombs on? Well they didn’t check on the way to Portland but when the luggage arrived at llpm. last night there was a note from security inside saying they had decided to check our luggage. Yup, they did. Good thing I had put that chocolate in another bag. CMS thinks the reason was the x-ray picked up the (close your eyes, Bcb) crochet hooks. I think that and the hypodermic needles may have given them pause.
11. CMS | June 25th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Click on my name to see a photo from Cannon Beach. It’s a bit of an optical illusion. That rock formationis no taller t han my knee.
12. RSS | June 25th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Thanks Theresa.
BTW have already told DH I’m planning to go to Scotland next year.
You guys are awesome. I came home from a meeting today to kids grumpy because they had no food they wanted to eat, a leaking washer, a dog bed that needed to be cleaned after being pooped on, a fax from our lawyer re the suit the (idiot) contractor filed, and hot, hot, hot temperatures. I took care of all of the above and then grumpily came upstairs and went on the computer. A few minutes later I was laughing and happy. CBs ROCK.
13. Mary | June 25th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Beautiful pictures, Dr. T!
And beautiful timing, all of you Solstice sojourners. They’re saying it will be close to 100 this weekend.
To all the CB Weather Goddesses:
Could I make a teeeensy request for slightly cooler temps?
My first meeting with McB was when she ran up to me, gave me a big hug, then stepped back and said “Y’know, I really hope you’re Mary.”
14. CMS | June 25th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I saw this woman driving a SUV in the hotel parking lot and thought that must be Merry. She recognized me* as well.
We’re having hellacious temps forecast all week for here as well. McBoss must have tripped while waving her wand. Cooler temps for everyone who wants them. And an end to all those fires. Too bad they can’t take all the excess water from Idaho and dump it in California.
CBs really are an interesting lot to put it mildly.
15. BCB | June 25th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Beautiful pics, beautiful roses and beautiful, um, backsides? *snort*
Mary, you can have cooler temps only if I also get cooler temps. Yes, you have to share.
I’m so tired and my house smells like paint. Paint smell gives me a headache. But at least things are finally getting DONE around here.
I know I had more to say but my DD is talking to me and — what? no, throw that away — huh? yes, I’m very happy you’re cleaning — okay, but only if you agree to pack it up and take it with you . . .
Sorry, I can’t type and talk at the same time.
16. Mary | June 25th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
CMS, m’dear, we’ve had this discussion… don’t you mean Iowa rather than Idaho?
I’m reading a collection of Mary Stewart books that I bought in the big P, and it’s fascinating. I’d read these books years ago, back when the world was young, and when I read the first two they seemed slightly different than what I had remembered. Now, with the third one, there are clear and obvious differences in text and plot. It’s like I’m reading a draft written but not edited. Could it be the difference between a presumably abridged paperback and the full hardback version? ’cause they’re really changing the plot here.
BCB, if your DD wants to clean, this is something to be encouraged! Type later
17. CMS | June 25th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
You are so right Merry. Y es, Iowa. It’s because Idaho is not where I think it should be.
I’m watching George Carlin video instead of finishing my homework or writing. He constantly evolved to suit the times.
Okay, Ky wants attention. I can’t imagine how quiet Tanji finds her home.
18. Lori | June 25th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Okay. Just got home from work. Exhausted, but still going to attempt to be coherent.
Theresa: Lovely, lovely, lovely.
K.L.: Of course you should have blamed me! If I had been there, nothing would have gone wrong
Scotland: I know it sounded like I was putting the cart before the horse on this (maybe potential) trip, but if I don’t at least try to figure it out now, neither the cart or horse will exist next year. I’ll just keep an eye out for updates and such, and keep tucking money in my Scotland/laptop fund.
Photo Sharing: I am very familiar with both Flikr and Picasa. Also snapfish and shutterfly. Any of these sights would work to upload photos, but I believe Flikr had private groups you can set up. Another site that allows you to create groups is called Keep and Share. So there are a few options.
When ZaZa and I were helping figure out logos and information for building this blog, we created a Flikr account. I still have the login (cherrybombs_totw) and the password, and I also created a CBLori Flikr account. At that time (was that almost two years ago? Ack!), I also created a Flikr group called “CherryBombs” and cherrybombs_totw is the admin on that. If we used the “CherryBombs” group, anyone who wants access to the group (and in turn the discussions and photos) would have to create a Flikr account (or sign in through your Yahoo! account).
It’s true we could all have one login and password, but that is potentially very dangerous. It just takes one person to screw everything up. Not that I don’t think you are all fantastic people. I just wonder about the comfort level with technology and letting people who are not tech savvy have access and control over the entire account.
The groups have three settings Public (we don’t want), Public but invitation only (we might want to consider), and private (the safest, but we can NEVER make it a public group). Today I created a group called CBs because I want to test the public (invitation only) vs the private group settings. We could also add more admins, and go to people for those people who are struggling with the whole Flikr acount thing.
Um… that is if y’all want to go with Flikr for the whole photo sharing thing.
Right. So that was almost coherent.
Maybe.
Ack.
Talk amongst yourselves… I can try again tomorrow.
19. Lori | June 25th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
and that whole time I meant to say Flickr.
20. Mary | June 25th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
More memories… CMS playing a drum (bongo) as background music while the Midsummer sunset fades into darkness. And of course who can forget her frog, Rosie the Ribbiter? (Not her real name.) Did you know that in Los Angeles frogs don’t go ribbit, ribbit but rather toot toot? I never knew that.
21. Christina | June 26th, 2008 at 4:51 am
My mom’s family lives in Iowa. Thankfully most have not been affected by the flooding, but it’s a bit scary because they went through all this in ‘93 too.
So glad the Whack enjoyed themselves. When you nail down dates for the Scotland trip, inform me asap. Depending on the month, there’s potential for me not to be on the island (possibly another research trip or excavation) and I would REALLY like to make it to the next CB meet.
22. CMS | June 26th, 2008 at 7:06 am
The good news on the Iowa flooding was the difference I could see from the plane between Thursday and Monday. The water had definitely started to recede. Still devastating.
Christina - your desired presence was part of the discussion. IIRC, Theresa is only there until next summer so we do have a deadline. Team CB did do the 5 secondK in the parking lot. Moot stood in for you. Sorry, no pictures of that.
On that happy note, I’m off to try one of Merry’s bellydancing videos before I head into work.
23. Christina | June 26th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Oh, I feel so special now! *blush*
Funnily enough, my mom and aunt are coming over sometime in the spring (dates still to be determined) so we can visit Scotland. Of course, I don’t mind visiting Scotland twice, since I know my mom and aunt want to visit the Highlands and such. Plus, I adore Edinburgh and could never get sick of it.
And it’s the CBs. Come on! How long have I been harping about wanting to see you all? Feels like forever. 
24. Theresa | June 26th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Over the next few weeks I will be checking dates on things that will likely be on my schedule for next year, and I’ll confer with Christina on dates that will be possible for her. Hopefully that will result in a couple possibilities for a Scotland CB meet.
Once I have possible dates, I will put up an on-topic post for discussion and possibly voting on a final date.
Sound good?
25. GatorPerson | June 26th, 2008 at 8:45 am
And to think this all started with Mary buying a house and us joking about visiting her at the summer solstice. Are we nuts, or what?
As for me*, I’m thinking I’ll be looking at a longer trip with DH. I’m kidding myself to think he’d be ok with my going to Scotland w/out him. Portland was all right, but there are limits. Sooo, I’ll plot having him either arrive or depart w/out me so’s I can concentrate on CBs only and then him only.
Ummm…. Is it a long way from the airport to Dr. T’s abode? That is, I’m guessing we’ll hang out near Dr. T’s place, and I really don’t want to navigate for Wapak or DH driving on the wrong side of the road for an hour. Those foreign cars aren’t big enough for me to cower in the footwell. And I bet there’s at least one HIGH bridge to cross. Maybe even a TUNNEL.
Am I jumping the gun, or what? La, how jolly. Going to open my veins for platelets in a little while. Obviously I’m still tired. Being a tad dippy, still.
26. eidlhe | June 26th, 2008 at 9:45 am
I want the weather wand to come my way too. 90’s today in CO. Ugh.
I will say that I’m thinking I may talk DH (this may take the rest of my life) into moving to a more humid state. I didn’t sneeze at all the whole time I was gone in OR or MO. 5 mins on the ground at home and I’m sneezing again.
Scope, I have more rose pics for you but must wait for DH to get home to download on his laptop.
I think that you should all land in Scotland on the same plane and I’ll navigate for you if I can talk DH into letting me go without him….
27. Wapakwoman | June 26th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Oh my Bob, poor GP. She is still traumatized by my driving in Portland (so am I) that she is already fretting about a year from now.
It is NOT MY FAULT that they put tunnels right after high twisty curvy bridges. Foul language ensued.
It took GP with a VERY snippy GPS, and Google directions, CMS looking for the signs and me at the wheel of a very tall Black Whack mobile to get from the airport to the hotel. We made it all the way until I missed the turn into the hotel. Miss GPS got very annoyed that I did not do as she said and was not pleased. We turned her off and turned on EVERGREEN and there we were. Oh, Scope was in charge of looking at things while CMS giggled and GP nearly flung herself out of the car in terror. Then we would add Jenb and McB to the back for adventures with Mary. Nothing but good times.
28. Cary | June 26th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Okay, the funniest movie review I’ve read in a long time. Love the bit about the Warren Commission:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2008018424_wanted27.html
29. McB | June 26th, 2008 at 9:57 am
That sounds like my cue. If anyone wants to hear my version of the weekend, or hear about Men In Uniform follow the bouncing ball.
30. GatorPerson | June 26th, 2008 at 10:04 am
DH is ready now. Almost started packing. So, whether we (Dr. T) manage a CB Whack next summer, apparently the Gators are going to Scotland.
Just a teaser about THE ADVENTURE from the airport back to hmm, don’t know where (since the destination kept changing), after navigating Wapak to the airport. There’s about a mile of tunnel about a mile below ground. Looked like solid granite 2 inches beyond the sides of the train. The tunnel(s) were a long way after a bridge crossing OVER the Willamette River.
31. Mary | June 26th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Last year a car ended up driving down that tunnel for about a mile. Apparently it was /not/ driven by a CB.
32. RSS | June 26th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I’ve been wanting to get DH and the boys over to the British Isles. I’m with GP on this. I’ll let them come either before or after the event.
GP you might want to bring a blindfold or borrow two of Scope’s eye patches so that you won’t see where you are being driven. You might miss a bit of scenery but you won’t see the inside of a Scottish emergency room when they rush you there to jump start your heart.
33. Theresa | June 26th, 2008 at 10:20 am
There are at least three ways to get from the airport to my flat that do not involve me* or any other CB or CB relation driving. Just sayin’.
34. me | June 26th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I was rudely shoved back into reality yesterday; seems the punishment for going on vacation is 5 and a half hours of overtime. In one day. Which meant I wasn’t able to pick up the Oregon pictures til this morning. They are safe in my hands now; got some good ones, some cute ones, and lots of rocks. Some I will share some when my turn to post comes up in a few days; the others will have to wait for whichever private Web site we decide on. Yes, I am a tease.
35. K.L. | June 26th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I can’t wait to see all the pictures. Since I forgot my stupid camera at home, I will need to share other people’s. I’m good with whatever you all set up, as long as it is password protected from general public viewing.
36. K.L. | June 26th, 2008 at 11:35 am
BTW, I explained to my DH that we have a trip to Scotland in our future. It turns out that he has some imaginary friends there too, so we will make a trip out of it.
37. Christina | June 26th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I’ve driven in this country before, if that helps any. There may be a wee bit of a problem with the legality of my being able to drive, but my driving technique itself is fine. Of course, this would only really be needed, as Theresa has pointed out, if we want to explore outside of Edinburgh and not use the trains.
38. jenb | June 26th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
GP, you are not jumping the gun at all…
by the time we all arrive Dr.T will have Scotland ready for us.
We are making it a trip too. DH wil go and play a few rounds of golf while
the CBs party.
It is HOT here. I sure hope BCB has been given hazardous pay if she is working without air conditioning. But she should always receive it just to be working with such a boss.
Happy Belated Birthday to you Louis!
And I am continuing to do the happy dance for you, Jenni.
Great going and sure hope you are feeling better as the days go by.
39. Theresa | June 26th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Oh, Bob, that’s a tall order.
40. Marcia in OK | June 26th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
How many gazillion dollars does it take to get to Scotland?
Would brownbag lunches FOREVER get me there?
Thanks for the post and the pics. Awesome.
If I can’t afford to cross the pond, maybe there will be a Mini-Meet that I can attend. That beach thing on the right coast sounded awesome also.
After crossing the pond, maybe we could visit our friends up north and see Niagra Falls. Cbs are getting better at this long range planning thing. Driving still sucks, but the planning is way better.
41. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 26th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I was the big surprise in Portland but if I make it to Scotland it will be a big surprise to me. I would love to go as DH went several times with the Air Force and has always wanted to take me. Of course, if we win the lottery I will definitely be going. I keep trying.
If you think I was excited in Portland just imagine how excited I would get crossing the ocean to the British Isles. Although the ocean doesn’t have any mountains or states or provinces to see on it.
I’m still high on Portland and all the wonderful CBs out west. We need to find a location that everyone can get to easily. I suggest somewhere in Canada. It can’t be here because CMS can’t think of anything we could possibly show you here. (Truly, that is what she pondered.) Oh, we have Niagara Falls she said.
Wapak and GP-Have you two been married long? They sounded just like that to those of us in the back seat when they were trying to find our way back to the hotel. It was CMS that asked the question.
I promise I will calm down soon….about spring of 20010. I just wish you all could have been there with us in reality instead of just in our hearts. Were your ears burning?
42. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 26th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Marcia in OK-you and any of the CBs are welcome here anytime. Just call ahead to reserve the attic floor. CMS just had it put in for any possible CB meets. She also has a spare room that has a revolving door.
Both sets of DH’s grandparents came from Scotland. I know his maternal grandfather came from Dunfermlin but I don’t remember where his paternal Great-Grandfather and family came from…oops I do. It was Wales and he changed his last name.
43. BCB | June 26th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Scope, I hope you DON’T calm down soon. I love it that you are so excited about the trip. I’m not sure it’s a good idea to be putting CBs back into the attic, though.
I want to go to Scotland. It’s #1 on my list of places I want to see and has been for a very long time. Might be time to start accomplishing some of those things on that list.
Thanks for being concerned about me, JenB. My boss had a rare moment yesterday and suggested I take today off and work Saturday instead. I had a brief hesitation about working on a weekend, but then I remembered that by Saturday he’d be gone on vacation. So I’m home today. I’d forbidden myself to get on the internet other than to check email, so I could get some things done. It’s very hard. It’s scary and somewhat pathetic how hard it is to stay off the internet. But I did get a lot done.
44. Diane(TT) | June 26th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
OK! I, too, wish very much to go to Scotland. When I went to England, we made it as far as Hadrian’s Wall, so - no Scotland (my sister and I managed 2 weeks away from grad school, my parents stayed another week and went many more cool places; we got on the train in York and left them to their travels). If it’s at a do-able time, I’d love to go, but I can’t say for sure what “doable” means yet.
Got a job offer this morning. Very low pay, but it sounds like fun, so I’m thinking about it. Definitely better than either a) continuing to pay rent here or b) moving in with the parents. Yikes. Since my lease is up in about a month, I’ve gotta make some decisions!
I dropped by my friend Emily’s office this a.m. to pick up her check for the Pampered Chef party we gave on Sunday - and she gave me the pitcher I ordered, too! The stuff had already come in. I submitted on Tuesday afternoon, they packaged it on Wednesday afternoon and it arrived at noon today. Wow. VERY close to headquarters!
Anyway, thanks for all the CB good wishes for my job search - I was so relieved to hear SOMETHING this morning. Even if it won’t pay much….
45. cbpen | June 26th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
RSS: The blindfold comment reminded me of the time the family was in OKC and following my brother’s car. My mom was yelping and carrying on about how he was driving. So I said, “Take off your glasses. Then all you can see is all the pretty lights.” Then my sister kept going, “Oooh look at the pretty lights, Mom.” We got a bit hysterical.
So if anyone is as blind as me and my mom all they have to do is take off their glasses. Of course, then you get a warped Salvador Dali idea of the scenery! 
Diane: I would just about take ANYTHING right now. I have a low pay part time offer myself. But it wouldn’t start for another month or so. So I can continue to look around. I keep telling myself “Some money is better than no money.” But it does not bode well for Scotland for moi.
The more I read about PNW, the more fun I see I missed and the more I want even a mini meet myself.
46. Mary, though the computer insists on calling me BCB | June 26th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
CMS, you have /lots/ of things to show us besides that place with all the water falling off a cliff. I mean, you could show us the GAM, Ky, Yoda, the back yard, and a chair where a CB could rest their tired feet.
Pen, TT, and GG — I’m sending you all positive vibes. I think this situation calls for some wand action as well. Oh, McBeeeeeee…..
hey, why does the computer want to link my name with BCB’s blog? Woman, how much are you bribing Bryan, anyway?
47. BCB | June 26th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Bribes? Who, moi? I don’t need to resort to such things. It’s my pervasive ineffable charm that does it. All your computers just want to get closer to me. Really.
[we interrupt these delusions for a whine]
My head hurts. Just thought I’d share.
[end whine]
CMS, you only need to worry about seeing sights if Lori shows up. And really, she’ll take pictures of anydamnthing. And make them look good. As we found out.
48. Mary, though the computer insists on calling me BCB | June 26th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
So… that picture Lori took of you in Raleigh, the one where you’re perched on a railing squaking, that photo shows off your p.i. charm? Oh my.
Sorry about your head. Here, have some mint tea and a couple of ibuprofen.
49. RSS | June 26th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
and we’ll try to be quiet. Really
I’m that blind without my glasses too CBPen. I’ll have to try that the next time DH is driving in the mountains.
Looks like there will be a lot of GAMs in Scotland. We just need to make sure they don’t have a meet. That could be dangerous.
Diane–glad somethings come through but hope a better paying job will turn up
BCB so glad you aren’t sweltering in a place with no AC today
Scope–we all love it when you are excited.
50. GatorPerson | June 26th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Pervasive? Ineffable? Uh, my language gets to the five dollar words when I get mad. Are you mad?
I always wanted to write a book entitled “Esoterica and Her Ramfications.” But I never did.
51. GatorPerson | June 26th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Ramifications. I can spell, but my fingers tripped over the keyboarrrr.
52. cbpen | June 26th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
You have to watch out for that finger tripping. You could end up with someone thinking you’re cursing at them.
That’s a cure for ‘most anything.
BCB: take care of the headache. I’ve had the edges of one all day. I have my last workshops tomorrow so I hope it was only sitting in the heat waiting for my mom doing her appointments that started it. Since I’ve been in the A/C, it’s been better. Or maybe, it’s reading all the CB adventures, past and future.
53. btuda | June 26th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Sounds like everyone had fun at the latest CB meet. *sigh* Someday soon I shall have another one. You can’t stop at just one, you know.
Went to DH’s 20 year reunion last weekend. It was fun with the exception of his ex being there. It was OK though. He refused to mention they were ever married. I did get to meet someone DH had spoken about often — the mysterious “Mongoose” (he doesn’t go by his given name). He’s a weapons collector and looks like a scary biker dude. And he brought his own beer. Actually, that wasn’t such a bad idea.
I was debating about whether or not to go to mine. Now I kinda want to. We’ll have to see. WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?!?!?!?!?
Take care all.
54. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 26th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Bcb and cbPen hope the headaches go away quickly.
I don’t remember hearing Wapak or GP curse. I on the other hand couldn’t stop saying Oh,Sierra Hotel India Target the whole weekend. Bad Penny! Of course the good thing about me being around to witness things is that I don’t remember them five minutes later…or at least most things.
Before I left DH bought me a new t-shirt. Now that I am 67 I try to stay away from immodest or sayings t-shirts but this one was so appropriate.
The Positive Side About Memory Loss Is That You Meet New People Every Day. Ain’t it the truth? Sorry K.L.
55. BCB | June 26th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
GP, I might be mad (bwahahahaha), but I’m not angry. My brain spits out words like that all the time. I can’t help it. It’s what happens when your favorite book is the dictionary. Maybe someday I’ll get paid for them. When I get angry, my words become very precise and clipped and formal and the dots over my “i”s and the crosses over my “t”s come out in bold font. Usually someone gets hurt when that happens. Or so I’ve been told.
My DD has the same headache. It’s from the paint fumes. Paint always gives me a headache. [if mystified, see latest blog post for explanation]
Scope, my DD has informed me she needs new clothes to go to Argentina. Apparently it is Frowned Upon there to wear clothing with words on it. Especially if they’re “American” words. They have been Strongly Cautioned against that type of thing. Pun intended. So, the check list for preparing to travel to Argentina includes typhoid medicine, yellow fever shot, plain t-shirts. And hiking boots.
56. glamour-geek | June 26th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Ooof. I was in a marathon interview today. I got there for 9:30 interviews, but I ran late with the second (of 5) people I was supposed to meet with, everything got pushed back, then the hiring manager had to go to a meeting. He asked if I could wait for him for an hour. So they fed me lunch (Thursday is free lunch day there), I met with a sixth person because he was available, and then I waited.
And waited.
And waited.
He was in that meeting for *2* hours, so by the time I met with him it was after 3pm. We talked for about 30 minutes, then I finally left at about 4.
Whew!
So one of the key people is going on vacation tomorrow, but they were going to have another candidate in next week, so I don’t know how that’s working out. The hiring manager, of course, was going to meet with everyone and see what they said.
I dunno. I think this one went better than the others, it is more senior, the position could be interesting and the people are nice. But it’s a HECK of a commute and would mean beau and I get a place together in San Francisco instead of Oakland. I don’t really want to leave Oakland, but a 15 minute commute would be better than a 40 minute one for sure, especially a 40 minute one with high gas prices and a $4 toll (one way).
I have another interview with some place else on Tuesday. We shall see….
Meanwhile, I already put on sweats and a sweatshirt and my slippers, but it is long past time to wash the make up off my face!
Weather here is moderate, but VERY smoky. The whole sky is gray from the many fires burning in Calif. and it smells like wood smoke and makes the eyes ache. Considering we’re only at the start of fire season here, this is all very bad.
57. What i want to know is, why does it always choose BCB? | June 26th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I’m confused. Nothing new there. Whose eff’n charm is invasive? Must be BCB.
I’ve got both wands working here, people. You probably can’t see for all the glitter floating in the air. Looks like the inside of a snow globe in here.
58. glamour-geek | June 26th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
It’s not a snow globe, it’s a disco! Everyone dance now! To whatever music you’re listening to at the moment!
Woohoo! It’s another party!
I think I’m going round the bend from lack of sleep and too much interviewing.
Think about it Diane. You have to weigh money and happiness. They both matter.
But it’s nice having a little extra to save up for Scotland, right?
59. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 26th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
“Choose your pardner and doe-si-doe, kiss that girl and around we go”
Thanks a lot GG. That was the music I heard at the time. I don’t have a pardner here to dance with and I am not kissin’ any girl, so there. My feet did their own thing.
Good luck job hunting cbPen, GG and Diane. I am waving my magic wand and you will all have good jobs that you are happy about by the end of next week. I have spoken!
60. Mary | June 26th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
ooooh! where did all these cowboys come from?
61. Lori | June 26th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Wyoming.
62. cbpen | June 26th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Disco with a cowboy? mmmm. I could do that. Maybe. Well, I was never very adept at disco, but cowboys…
And Indiana has a considerable lack of cowboys….
63. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 26th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Oops sorry McBoss. it is you that waves the magic wants. I just will wish very hard I guess.
I also wish for lovely weather for everyone that wants it. It worked for Portland. I took sun block.
64. Scope Dope CherryBomb | June 26th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
That should be wands but maybe wants is the right word too.
65. cc | June 27th, 2008 at 1:59 am
stopping in long enough to say “I’m home” I may have been at the whack a do the shortest amount of time but it somehow took me* the longest to get home- correction, second longest, forgot about OH’s sojourn into the frozen north-
I had fun everywhere I went this week and in WA I saw a baby black bear- not quite as scary as meeting a whack of CBs face to face, but….
66. GatorPerson | June 27th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Here’s a little quiz for you. I’m reading Mary Doria Russell’s latest novel, Dreamers of the Day. It takes place around 1920, etc., some in Egypt. In it is T. E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia. Maximize the book cover so that you can see his photo at the top. Then guess what height he was, not Peter O’Toole’s height.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/1400064716/sr=1-2/qid=1214575804/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1214575804&sr=1-2
I have no idea why gp is part of the address. I always recommend Russell’s novels. They’re heavy duty, but really good. The Sparrow and the sequel Children of God were life-changing, or life-enlightening, or some such novels for me*.
67. RSS | June 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Lawrence of Arabia was quite short. don’t remember the exact height–maybe 5′4″ or is that Tom Cruise–and I got that tidbit (Lof A not TC)thanks to Laurie R. King’s books.
Sounds like we might want to bring respirators when we come to San Fransisco for RWA. Last weekend at the beach we were getting smoke from the NC fires. Scary how far the smoke travels and even scarier how many fires there are.
All the glitter makes me think of “Tiny Bubbles–make me happy”spins on toes like the ballerina in the jewelry box Oooh, I’m dizzy–er than usual.
68. BCB | June 27th, 2008 at 10:34 am
GRRRR!
My boss needs to leave for vacation RIGHT NOW.
This is going to be a Very. Long. Day.
69. K.L. | June 27th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I just saw a news report that we are sending Washington National Guard firefighters down to California to help with the fires. GG and Lou, take good care of them. Keep OH away from them when she gets back.
CC, glad you made it home ok. I had fun visiting on the trip back to Seattle. And your strawberries were very tasty.
70. McB | June 27th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Somebody said the new Stephanie Plum hadn’t got good reviews. Well mom read it in one sitting, LOL the whole time so it couldn’t be that bad. I’m next.
CC - good to hear you made it home safe.
GG - thank you for the earworm hustling through my brain.
I might be dark for a good portion of the weekend. No furries.
71. Cary | June 27th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Uh, BCB, if it’s election season, the DD should be sure to take some plain white tees too. My friend was down there(?) and there’s this whole thing about parties having colors, and you can’t wear the colors of a party anywhere near a polling place. (? because it might have been a bordering country like Uruguay? I don’t remember. I think she’s somewhere in Africa now, but I lose track of her a lot. I just remember the story about the colors and election week. Imagine if we couldn’t wear red or blue on that first Tuesday in November!)
And, yes, tees with words on them do mark you as “Other”, so they should be avoided. So do money belts. Best your daughter just wear clothes with many pockets and split the important stuff between. Heck, my friend goes so many (dicey) places, she learned to sew just so she could stitch in hidden pockets on some clothes.
Hope the boss leaves early. Isn’t it good golfing weather? Somewhere?
And BTW, they make paint that doesn’t emit chemicals or odor. And it doesn’t cost much more. And painting contractors know this, so they should have offered. (Or maybe that’s just our “green” northwest painters.) Anyway, anybody else planning to paint and worried about fumes, look for “low VOC” paint. Again, it doesn’t cost much more, can usually be found in a pretty decent array of current colors, and it’s worth every penny.
72. Cary | June 27th, 2008 at 11:13 am
An important reminder & new information for all dog-loving CBs:
http://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/so-you-think-you-know-about-bloat
73. Louis | June 27th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I enjoyed Stephanie Plum’s latest caper…chuckled thruout. Even went to JE’s website and offered a couple of titles for the next one.
Dr. T…gorgeous rose pictures! DW and I enjoy roses…have quite a few plants here…both shrubs and climbers. The David Austin varieties are our favorites.
From all reports, the “Whack-a-do” up north was a tremendous success….but then any CB effort is.
74. Lou | June 27th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Cary - good information!! Thanks.
gg - good grief… they certainly put you through the wringer!! I’m thinking I would have to be caucious about a company that was like that???
K.L. - gg and I will take good care of those Washington National Guard guys. Bob knows we need them. And yes, people coming to the RWA will need gas masks unless they get the fires out by then. The smoke here in the Central Valley is thick and pervasive. The news is telling everyone to stay inside - period. It is so thick right now, that it was actually making me cough on the way to work. Not good for anyone!!
cc - glad you are home. For those who don’t know, cc has a huge heart. She does crafts with kids with joy and patience. It takes a special person to do that!!
Good luck with job hunting everyone…
75. Lou | June 27th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Well, if I could only spell: /cautious/
Also, I can comment from work again. Weird…
76. Lou | June 27th, 2008 at 11:50 am
P.S. Scotland next year sounds fab… I would actually have stamps on my passport - maybe I could drop by Ireland on my way back.
I’m in…
77. glamour-geek | June 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Lou: actually I could hear them in the next conference room (well, at least rise and fall of voices) and there was certainly some issue that they had to work out. What I do like is that that means there’s some room for dissent at the company before they decide on a direction and not everyone is in lock step. The person I’d report to is new, but he’s making waves and very influential, so that’s good by me!
Turns out beau and one of the women on the team were undergraduates together. Same program, same university, same years. Also, she’s done work with the company he’s now at. Go figure on the coincidences.
I promise I will give a fire/air quality report to those coming to RWA if you remind me to closer to the dates. San Francisco will be better than further inland regardless, because of the proximity to the ocean and the sea breeze. The other day when I said I smelled smoke in Oakland, beau said it was fine in SF.
78. Lou | June 27th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Ah - dissent… much better than belonging to the collective (unless it’s a CB collective/whack). Nothing worse than a leader that insists on surrounding him(her)self with “yes” people.
79. Cary | June 27th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Oh, I forgot to mention: While watching the local morning news this a.m., I discovered that there is an “Outdoor Bootcamp” that works out IN THE ROSE GARDEN every morning. I can’t decide if that’s good or bad…
80. me | June 27th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
So I figured I’d post my pictures, but huge nasty storms last night knocked out power at home (I’m at the office now, which has power) and more huge nasty storms are expected tonight and tomorrow. Which means no computer for me. So, if I haven’t posted by noon Saturday, someone else feel free to do so and I’ll just go with my regular time slot on Monday .
81. jenb | June 27th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Dr. T mentioned that we should probably just rent a flat/condo or two when we all take over Scotland. Seems like an excellent idea.
Hot again here today.
So I had to shop once more at Southern Season. And I did find a few goodies. Just wish I could take you all with me.
RSS, are you still planning a get together in September on the bay?
82. GatorPerson | June 27th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Outdoor boot camp at the roses… Well, somebody has to deadhead, prune, spray, rake, cart stuff off, poke holes in thumbs. Every day! I didn’t see a single dead blossom hanging on anywhere. That requires massive effort. My guess would be at least a dozen trained people working full time. Volunteers are fairly easy to get to do something like pretty up a rose garden. And they’re FREE. Feed a gardener occasionally, pat them on the head, and they’ll work for hours.
Ah, it’s raining at last. Hadn’t rained since I took off for Portland LAST Thursday. Grass was getting crispy. Sigh. Can I turn the clock back a week and do it all again? Thunder. Bye.
83. glamour-geek | June 27th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
When I did bootcamp, sometimes our coach had us work out in the rose garden part of the park. Smelled very nice and relaxing, even if the workout wasn’t!
84. Lou | June 27th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Hey Cary - get up early some morning and go check it out… there might be sweaty men without shirts. One never knows…
GP - please send some rain this way. It’s probably the only way all those 1000 (yes, 1,000) fires are going to be put out. Right now, the town of Big Sur is treatened (as well as a bunch of homes in the Sierras). 16 homes in Big Sur have burned already with no end in sight. No one has even been able to count how many homes have been lost in the mountains. Meanwhile, I can’t see more than a mile because of the thick, heavy smoke. We have been warned to stay inside. Guess I’m going to have to do my filing.
85. Cary | June 27th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Sorry to ruin your vicarious fantasy, Lou, but it was all intimidatingly fit women in expensive workout gear except for the TV station’s “local color” guy and his cameraman. And sorry, but “ewww”. And it wasn’t free.
And by all means, stay inside with windows closed (I’m assuming you have a recirculating a/c system). Smoke that bad can make even healthy people sick.
86. RSS | June 27th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
JenB Yes I’m planning on a get together in Sept. Hear that everyone.
Hope everyone has a good week. I’ll be at the beach and no internet there so don’t worry if you don’t hear from me.
DS13 is antsy to go so better head out.
87. glamour-geek | June 27th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
RSS: where?
And who IS going to RWA in San Francisco next month?
88. Lou | June 27th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Well, ewww… no sweaty men. Shucks!!
89. Lou | June 27th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I’m not going to RWA next month, but I’m close enough to drive down and have dinner if anyone is going to do that…
Just sayin’
90. GatorPerson | June 27th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Lou, say that again after the weekend when RSS gets back. Some of us (remember my post with JD visiting,) stayed at RSS’ family cottage(!) on the Chesapeake a few weeks ago. It looks like it’s gonna happen again. Maybe some more of you all can come.
I know RSS is to be in SF for RWA, but I don’t know about others. RSS read McB and me* a passage from her current WIP. She wanted us to flesh out the hero with the few words she had used. We hit it right on. Which just means RSS was superb in her minimalist descriptions to allow us to fill in the right blanks. I think we’ll be able to say “we knew her when….”
Cary, that sounds like some la de da garden club has decided to invade. Real gardeners know they should wear old stuff that has gotten snagged previously.
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed