Last week it came to me that I should recount for you all the circumstances of our first Christmas as husband and wife – 36 years ago now.
Reading between the lines of the last post, you might have guessed that our job is demanding and challenging. As ‘resident’ managers, we’re always on call – even on our one day off. But this isn’t the first time we’ve had a job like this one – but last time, the ‘tenants’ were a lot less trouble.
I can’t remember how Rick heard about the employment opportunity – probably through Student Job Placement at Butte College. Hall-Van Hook Funeral Chapel in Chico was hiring ‘night’ managers. I can’t remember all that was in the ad, but they were looking for a couple to live on the premises and help out after normal business hours – some duties were what you would expect: janitorial services and property security were a given. But, the responsibilities of managing a funeral home are – shall we say – unique.
We learned we were the successful candidates the second week in December, 1973. We had only been married a few months and had been residing in Rick’s old stomping grounds – the huge metropolis of Princeton, California. At least our mailing address was Princeton. I hardly think ‘third rice field on the left past the corner of Road P’ qualifies as an address. Any way, when we learned of the advantages – housing, utilities and $100/month salary provided in exchange for our duties - we gladly exchanged our $100-per-month-three-bedroom-house-in-the-country for the small apartment above the Chapel near downtown Chico.
During the interview and actual orientation/training process we learned more about our new job: We were actually job-sharing with another college couple. As the senior managers, ‘Dan’ and ‘Pam’ lived across the hall from us in the luxury suite. Their apartment was spacious and comfortable – hardwood floors - in fact, there was wood everywhere – a really lovely and well-kept building in general. In fact, they already had their Christmas tree up and it was stunning.!
We were to rotate the duty schedule – we would be on-call every other night and every other weekend. Our ‘work’ day began at 5 p.m. when the chapel business office closed for the evening. After hours, we answered the phone, greeted guests who came for a visitation or the occasional evening funeral service, and did routine janitorial chores. If memorial folders needed to be printed for the next day’s services, we did that too – on an old off-set press where we actually had to set the type and print them one at a time, by hand. Even when vacuuming and cleaning the toilets, Rick had to be dressed up in a suit and tie, in case he got a call and had to fulfill the priority of his job description – helping the funeral director collect the deceased and assist with the actual embalming of the remains.
Nights we were on call, the phone would often ring after we went to sleep. No matter how groggy he might have felt, Rick would answer in his best professional voice, ‘Hall Van-Hook Funeral Chapel.’ The call rang at the funeral director’s residence too. He never answered the call – that was Rick’s job – but if he was on call too, the funeral director – Ric, short for Fredrick, was usually listening in to get the details for the pick up. Rick would have to then get up, quickly dress in his suit and tie, and hurry downstairs to get the hearse warmed up. Ric would soon arrive to meet him, and they would drive together to the hospital, rest home or private residence to retrieve the body and transport it back to the chapel. They would then immediately set to work on the embalming. Sometimes it was daybreak or later when Rick would come back to the apartment. If he didn’t have class he’d come back to bed, if he did, he might have to go right to school. As I recall we were on duty until 8 a.m., so he’d have to hustle to catch the bus – a 30 minute trip to campus from Chico.
So, there we were, in a new-and-demanding job, just days before our first ‘married’ Christmas. Both our families lived close, and both were looking forward to having us spend time with them for the holidays. But Christmas fell on the weekend that year – Dan and Pam’s weekend off – so we were trapped. We couldn’t really leave the building. I couldn’t even go to the store. If Rick was called out, I had to be there to answer the phones in his absence. On our weekends on call, we couldn’t even go to church. We were sequestered from 5 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Monday morning.
And since Dan and Pam’s families both lived in the Bay area, and since as students, they were on a break from their classes at Chico State, we offered to work both Christmas and New Year’s weekends for them. I believe we took all their night calls for the week as well. It was business-as-usual in the Chapel office, so we could go out during the day to get shopping done, etc.
Anyway, since they wouldn’t be around, our co workers offered us the use of their spacious apartment while they were gone. I don’t think we slept in their bed, but we did enjoy their beautifully-decorated Christmas tree. We sat in front of it for hours every evening – Rick in his suit and tie - playing board games – particularly Aggravation – and Rick won game after game after game – until I thought that would be our first and ONLY Christmas together as I would divorce him after his unprecedented (and aggravating) winning streak.
And, you know, I think, the job was kind of off-putting to our families. We lived within thirty miles of both of them. We didn’t even receive a phone call from any of them – let alone a Christmas visit.
At 5 p.m. Christmas Eve, we did get an unexpected surprise from our boss – a $10 Christmas Bonus – and we’d only been with the company two weeks! What a great job this was going to be!
Remarkably, the ‘house’ was quiet and empty for the week – not a single night call either. We were adjusting to our new situation nicely, despite the demands and unusual duties. As Christian believers, we were Biblically taught regarding life AND death. When the soul departs the body, it is clearly just a shell – an empty vessel.
However, we always kept the door leading down the back stairs into the Chapel locked and bolted – just in case!
Merry Christmas from Zombieland!
About Me
- Zepmom
- Las Cruces, NM
- Child of God, Wife of one, Mother of two, Mother-in-Law of two, Grandmother of 3 girls and 2 boys - , Friend...Growing in the knowledge of Christ, always reforming as the Holy Spirit faithfully and graciously applies the Word of God to my heart.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Life and Other Incidentals
Well, it's been awhile since writing a 'Lopez' update, but we're still alive and kicking down here in the borderland. In fact, it's been so long that it's kind of hard for an old person to remember all that's been happening...the days are long and the nights are short - and not just because it's winter! I haven't been sleeping much since the time changed, and it's starting to take a toll. Lately it's not unusual for me to wake up at 3-4 a.m. Hardly enough sleep to keep me functioning - let alone alert - considering how long our days are.
A month or so ago, Rick went to his doctor to be treated for some kind of crud that was going around and found out he's joined the ranks of mature folks with laundry lists of physical ailments. The good news, though, is his doc says nothing - at this point - is cause for SERIOUS alarm. But he has high cholesterol, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and pre-diabetic blood sugar levels and is now on medication for the three. He's getting used to his 'new' pill-popping, salt-free, fat-free, beer-free regimen - in fact, he only mentions it a dozen or so times a day. Sadly, he doesn't think he really feels any better - in fact, with the effect of all the meds, he feels more lethargic than ever. By God's Grace we're making it through each day though. It's a moment-by-moment walk - as with everyone.
The new Discount Storage construction is rolling along - literally - the new buildings arrived on four tractor/trailers from Wisconsin and were offloaded all day yesterday. Boss Max is hopeful the project will be finished in early spring if the weather cooperates. He's hoping to finish the entire expansion now rather than do it in 2 phases. That would be nice for us - it's my opinion that it's better not to drag things out. Applying an old 'proverb' to this situation - is it better to cut the dog's tail off all at once or a piece at a time?
Long-time readers may remember way-back-when I made a bold statement about how Rick and I should be able to do this job for a long time. I didn't know what I was talking about! The demands are harder than we ever considered, and when the 400 new units are added to our inventory, I can't imagine what it will be like. We hope Rick's energy level improves and I start getting some rest, because that's a lot more square-footage and tenants to deal with!
The 'warm' weather has returned for now - It's still wonderful to get up to sunshine almost every day. Which always reminds me that the Lord's 'compassions are new every morning'! And that's what keeps us going!
The so-called 'desert' weather has been interesting to say the least - we had 'snow' twice in one week - one heavier storm than the other, there's actually still snow on the Organs. The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had a terrific electrical storm and torrential rains that caused a lot of general havoc - among which it disabled 5 of our survellience cameras - which are still 'out'. Last week we had the worst wind storm I've ever seen here or anyplace else. The entire dirt construction lot seems to have been blown up on the concrete aisles - maybe we'll find the lost ark of the covenant amongst the devestation! Today I 'accused' Rick of washing the outside of the upstairs windows, which he vehemently denied. We finally came to the conclusion the wind must have 'sand blasted' them clean!
Year-end wrap-up coming soon!
"Your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all "
—Thomas Brooks
A month or so ago, Rick went to his doctor to be treated for some kind of crud that was going around and found out he's joined the ranks of mature folks with laundry lists of physical ailments. The good news, though, is his doc says nothing - at this point - is cause for SERIOUS alarm. But he has high cholesterol, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and pre-diabetic blood sugar levels and is now on medication for the three. He's getting used to his 'new' pill-popping, salt-free, fat-free, beer-free regimen - in fact, he only mentions it a dozen or so times a day. Sadly, he doesn't think he really feels any better - in fact, with the effect of all the meds, he feels more lethargic than ever. By God's Grace we're making it through each day though. It's a moment-by-moment walk - as with everyone.
The new Discount Storage construction is rolling along - literally - the new buildings arrived on four tractor/trailers from Wisconsin and were offloaded all day yesterday. Boss Max is hopeful the project will be finished in early spring if the weather cooperates. He's hoping to finish the entire expansion now rather than do it in 2 phases. That would be nice for us - it's my opinion that it's better not to drag things out. Applying an old 'proverb' to this situation - is it better to cut the dog's tail off all at once or a piece at a time?
Long-time readers may remember way-back-when I made a bold statement about how Rick and I should be able to do this job for a long time. I didn't know what I was talking about! The demands are harder than we ever considered, and when the 400 new units are added to our inventory, I can't imagine what it will be like. We hope Rick's energy level improves and I start getting some rest, because that's a lot more square-footage and tenants to deal with!
The 'warm' weather has returned for now - It's still wonderful to get up to sunshine almost every day. Which always reminds me that the Lord's 'compassions are new every morning'! And that's what keeps us going!
The so-called 'desert' weather has been interesting to say the least - we had 'snow' twice in one week - one heavier storm than the other, there's actually still snow on the Organs. The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had a terrific electrical storm and torrential rains that caused a lot of general havoc - among which it disabled 5 of our survellience cameras - which are still 'out'. Last week we had the worst wind storm I've ever seen here or anyplace else. The entire dirt construction lot seems to have been blown up on the concrete aisles - maybe we'll find the lost ark of the covenant amongst the devestation! Today I 'accused' Rick of washing the outside of the upstairs windows, which he vehemently denied. We finally came to the conclusion the wind must have 'sand blasted' them clean!
Year-end wrap-up coming soon!
"Your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all "
—Thomas Brooks
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Reed's Musical Christmas Advent Calendar
Reed's Musical Christmas Advent Calendar
In honor of a childhood favorite, the Advent calendar, here's an eclectic blend of great holiday tunes - one for each day from now until Christmas.
By Reed Eckhardt
reckhardt@wyomingnews.com
One of the best holiday traditions of my childhood was the Advent calendar.
Each year, my mother would pick one out for my sisters and me to help us count down the days until to Christmas.
I can still feel the glitter on the cardboard and see the brightly decorated scene with the closed flaps, one for each day. And I can remember how hard it was to resist opening them all at once, which was a real no-no. Who would dare risk Mother's - or Santa's - wrath?
I continued the tradition with my daughters, and the search to find just the right calendar brought early joy to my Christmas seasons. One year, a miniature nativity scene was formed as the girls opened the doors to find plastic sheep, camels, Wise Men and, of course, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
I haven't gone Advent calendar hunting in a while, but I thought I would continue the tradition this year with a listing of holiday music.
Unlike my 2008 list - which was more old school - this group is more eclectic. And it features a number songs and artists that I have discovered during recent years' Christmas music searches. It includes songs that make me happy, inspire me or add a little hop to my step.
I love Christmas music, and I know you do, too. I hope this list will add a bit of holiday cheer.
So here is my 2009 Musical Christmas Advent Calendar. It is designed so that you can "open" one song each day, starting today, the first day of Advent, with the last track set for Christmas morning.
Or you can open them all at once and build a holiday playlist to carry around on your iPod of MP3 player. Go ahead and do that if you want to: Mother isn't watching.
Nov. 29: "Sleigh Ride," Boney James - Grammy Award-winning saxophonist James turns it loose on this track from his 1996 album "Boney's Funky Christmas." I bought this album on a lark last year, and this track kept my 2008 Christmas in full, funky swing. It will get your 2009 holiday season off to a bouncing start, too.
Nov. 30: "Do You Hear What I Hear/Drummer Boy," Vanessa Williams - This is another song that I couldn't get enough of in 2008. A friend of my wife's introduced me to this track on a gift CD at her Christmas party. I love the beat and Williams' voice. This is from "20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection, The Best of Vanessa Williams (1996)."
Dec. 1: "O Come, Come Emanuel," Sixpence None the Richer - With a name inspired from the C.S. Lewis novel "Mere Christianity," this Christian band offers a sweet, uncluttered approach to Christmas music on its 2008 album, "Dawn of Grace." Lead singer Leigh Nash has the perfect voice for this song
Dec. 2: "My Favorite Things," Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Alpert's trumpet was a staple of my childhood; it was always on the stereo. The group's 1996 "Christmas Album" was ruined by overproduction that pushed the star - Alpert's sterling trumpet - to the background. Still, this song will stick with you.
Dec. 3: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," Jethro Tull - Has anyone every played the flute like Ian Anderson of this 1960s rock group? He gives every tune its all, including this jazzy instrumental adaptation of my favorite Christmas carol. You'll enjoy the piano and guitar work as well on this track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album."
Dec. 4: "How Many Kings?" downhere - Another Christian rock group, downhere's lyrics on this song really hit home - the idea that God sent his son to join man at the first Christmas. This track is from their 2009 album "How Many Kings: Song for Christmas." This one will stay with you all day.
Dec. 5: "First Noel," Chris Botti - In his 2002 album "December," Botti turns his trumpet loose on a contemplative set of holiday songs, running toward the quiet side of the holiday. Some critics have called Botti's sound "chill," meaning smooth jazz with a touch of cool jazz. Enjoy this artist's approach to a wonderful traditional carol.
Dec. 6: "We Three Kings/Carol of the Bells," Kenny G - I know it is hip to make fun of Kenny G's work, but I love the sound of his soprano sax. This cut is from his 2008 album, "The Greatest Holiday Classics," which takes the best of his three previous albums: "Miracles" (1993), "Faith" (1999) and "Wishes" (2002). Yeah, I'm a sucker, but this is just great for the holidays.
Dec. 7: "Nutcracker Suite, Overture," Moscow Philharmonic - It is not Christmas without the "Nutcracker," preferably the ballet with a live orchestra. This 2007 recording is the most complete that I can find of the suite; I commend it to you.
Dec. 8: "Christmas Must Be Tonight," the Band - In order to fulfill its contract with Capitol Records, the Band recorded "Islands" in 1977, after its touring days were over. I'm letting my age show with this choice, but this group still speaks to me.
Dec. 9: "Who Comes This Night," James Taylor - Another old timer, this cut from Taylor's "At Christmas" (2006) is another nice addition to our advent calendar. Taylor's well-known voice and earnest sound make this song - and album - a winner.
Dec. 10: "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Chicago - Take this 1945 Christmas song and mix in Chicago's brassy sound and arrangements and you've got something going. This is from "Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa (2003)." I stumbled across it just this holiday season, and it has risen near the top of my favorite holiday albums.
Dec. 11: "Must Be Santa," Bob Dylan - Dylan, the great cynic, doing Christmas songs? Yep. For the first time ever, the man with the gravelly voice has released a holiday set that will challenge your ears - at least on the first listen or two. But "Christmas in the Heart" grows on you. Besides, it's for a good cause: All the royalties go to Feeding America.
Dec. 12: "Sing!" Josh Wilson - Perhaps not strictly a Christmas song, "Sing" by the Christian singer-songwriter Wilson captures the underlying spirit of the holidays. The lyrics are powerful and the instrumental backing will knock you over.
Dec. 13: "Joy to the World," Brian Culbertson - Ah, some more smooth jazz funk, this time by pianist Culbertson from his 2006 album, "A Soulful Christmas." He sets a gospel tone with the backing of a choir, but you'd never mistake this for a church song.
Dec. 14: "Winter Wonderland," Roy Hargrove and Shirley Horn - This musical Advent calendar takes a turn toward harder jazz with this piece by Grammy-winning trumpeter Hargrove and singer/pianist Horn. Her voice is lush and blends with Hargove's groovy horn. A great combo.
Dec. 15: "I Believe in Father Christmas," Sarah Brightman - This piece by the internationally known soprano speaks about the joy and excitement of the season. Yes, this piece from "A Winter Symphony" (2008) is a bit overblown, but what about this holiday isn't?
Dec. 16: "Jingle Bell Rock," Jo-El Sonnier - Is there any happier music than that which comes from south Louisiana? Fiddles, accordions, singers with French accents. In this cut from the 2002 album "Cajun Christmas," Sonnier cuts loose with the joie de vivre (joy of living) that marks life in a special part of the world. Ai-eee!
Dec. 17: "Here Comes Santa Claus," Ramsey Lewis Trio - Jazz pianist Lewis and his boys keep the happy feelings going in this cut from "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000). Lewis was known as the "great performer," and he shows why in a rendition of this 1947 tune that was co-written by Gene Autry.
Dec. 18: "Christmas Time Is Here," Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas is not the same without a viewing of "Charlie Brown's Christmas." Here, pianist Guaraldi leads his trio in one of the highlights from the 1965 TV special. It's a chance to slow down before the final week of the holidays begins.
Dec. 19: "A Christmas Song," Jethro Tull - Sixties' rocker Anderson and Jethro Tull are back for a message song. A bit preachy perhaps, but it is good to remember what this hullabaloo is all about. Another track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album," Tull is the only performer to make this list twice.
Dec. 20: "All My Bells Are Ringing," Lenka - A little bit of sugary pop from this Australian songwriter and performer. Yes, the last few days of the season are supposed to be fun; this will help. This song comes from the 2008 compilation "The Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs."
Dec. 21: "Come On, Ring Those Bells," Kristin Chenowith - Another bouncy number to keep you smiling. Taken from "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas" (2008), this song lets the soprano, who is known in Broadway circles for "Wicked" but who also has appeared on TV and in the movies, to have some fun. Join in on the chorus.
Dec. 22: "The Christmas Song," Dave Koz - Settle in with the smooth jazz saxophonist and his friends on this calm rendition of the song made famous by Nat King Cole. Included are pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Rick Braun and singer Brenda Russell. From "A Smooth Jazz Christmas" (2001).
Dec. 23: "The Christmas Waltz," Beegie Adair - Jazz pianist Adair eases us into the final days of Christmas with a fine performance of this standard from "Jazz Piano Christmas" (1999). The Nashville session veteran lays down this tune with precision and care. Well done.
Christmas Eve: "Zat You, Santa Claus?" Louis Armstrong - Well, it is Christmas Eve, and the kids will be asking that question before long. Armstrong provides a dose of New Orleans jazz as the hours tick down. From "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000).
Christmas: "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Jackson 5 - Fitting, in the year of his death, that the young Michael Jackson wraps up the 2009 musical Advent calendar. A fun song for Christmas morning. What a great voice the young man had! From "A Motown Christmas" (1999). Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year's.
In honor of a childhood favorite, the Advent calendar, here's an eclectic blend of great holiday tunes - one for each day from now until Christmas.
By Reed Eckhardt
reckhardt@wyomingnews.com
One of the best holiday traditions of my childhood was the Advent calendar.
Each year, my mother would pick one out for my sisters and me to help us count down the days until to Christmas.
I can still feel the glitter on the cardboard and see the brightly decorated scene with the closed flaps, one for each day. And I can remember how hard it was to resist opening them all at once, which was a real no-no. Who would dare risk Mother's - or Santa's - wrath?
I continued the tradition with my daughters, and the search to find just the right calendar brought early joy to my Christmas seasons. One year, a miniature nativity scene was formed as the girls opened the doors to find plastic sheep, camels, Wise Men and, of course, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
I haven't gone Advent calendar hunting in a while, but I thought I would continue the tradition this year with a listing of holiday music.
Unlike my 2008 list - which was more old school - this group is more eclectic. And it features a number songs and artists that I have discovered during recent years' Christmas music searches. It includes songs that make me happy, inspire me or add a little hop to my step.
I love Christmas music, and I know you do, too. I hope this list will add a bit of holiday cheer.
So here is my 2009 Musical Christmas Advent Calendar. It is designed so that you can "open" one song each day, starting today, the first day of Advent, with the last track set for Christmas morning.
Or you can open them all at once and build a holiday playlist to carry around on your iPod of MP3 player. Go ahead and do that if you want to: Mother isn't watching.
Nov. 29: "Sleigh Ride," Boney James - Grammy Award-winning saxophonist James turns it loose on this track from his 1996 album "Boney's Funky Christmas." I bought this album on a lark last year, and this track kept my 2008 Christmas in full, funky swing. It will get your 2009 holiday season off to a bouncing start, too.
Nov. 30: "Do You Hear What I Hear/Drummer Boy," Vanessa Williams - This is another song that I couldn't get enough of in 2008. A friend of my wife's introduced me to this track on a gift CD at her Christmas party. I love the beat and Williams' voice. This is from "20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection, The Best of Vanessa Williams (1996)."
Dec. 1: "O Come, Come Emanuel," Sixpence None the Richer - With a name inspired from the C.S. Lewis novel "Mere Christianity," this Christian band offers a sweet, uncluttered approach to Christmas music on its 2008 album, "Dawn of Grace." Lead singer Leigh Nash has the perfect voice for this song
Dec. 2: "My Favorite Things," Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Alpert's trumpet was a staple of my childhood; it was always on the stereo. The group's 1996 "Christmas Album" was ruined by overproduction that pushed the star - Alpert's sterling trumpet - to the background. Still, this song will stick with you.
Dec. 3: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," Jethro Tull - Has anyone every played the flute like Ian Anderson of this 1960s rock group? He gives every tune its all, including this jazzy instrumental adaptation of my favorite Christmas carol. You'll enjoy the piano and guitar work as well on this track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album."
Dec. 4: "How Many Kings?" downhere - Another Christian rock group, downhere's lyrics on this song really hit home - the idea that God sent his son to join man at the first Christmas. This track is from their 2009 album "How Many Kings: Song for Christmas." This one will stay with you all day.
Dec. 5: "First Noel," Chris Botti - In his 2002 album "December," Botti turns his trumpet loose on a contemplative set of holiday songs, running toward the quiet side of the holiday. Some critics have called Botti's sound "chill," meaning smooth jazz with a touch of cool jazz. Enjoy this artist's approach to a wonderful traditional carol.
Dec. 6: "We Three Kings/Carol of the Bells," Kenny G - I know it is hip to make fun of Kenny G's work, but I love the sound of his soprano sax. This cut is from his 2008 album, "The Greatest Holiday Classics," which takes the best of his three previous albums: "Miracles" (1993), "Faith" (1999) and "Wishes" (2002). Yeah, I'm a sucker, but this is just great for the holidays.
Dec. 7: "Nutcracker Suite, Overture," Moscow Philharmonic - It is not Christmas without the "Nutcracker," preferably the ballet with a live orchestra. This 2007 recording is the most complete that I can find of the suite; I commend it to you.
Dec. 8: "Christmas Must Be Tonight," the Band - In order to fulfill its contract with Capitol Records, the Band recorded "Islands" in 1977, after its touring days were over. I'm letting my age show with this choice, but this group still speaks to me.
Dec. 9: "Who Comes This Night," James Taylor - Another old timer, this cut from Taylor's "At Christmas" (2006) is another nice addition to our advent calendar. Taylor's well-known voice and earnest sound make this song - and album - a winner.
Dec. 10: "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Chicago - Take this 1945 Christmas song and mix in Chicago's brassy sound and arrangements and you've got something going. This is from "Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa (2003)." I stumbled across it just this holiday season, and it has risen near the top of my favorite holiday albums.
Dec. 11: "Must Be Santa," Bob Dylan - Dylan, the great cynic, doing Christmas songs? Yep. For the first time ever, the man with the gravelly voice has released a holiday set that will challenge your ears - at least on the first listen or two. But "Christmas in the Heart" grows on you. Besides, it's for a good cause: All the royalties go to Feeding America.
Dec. 12: "Sing!" Josh Wilson - Perhaps not strictly a Christmas song, "Sing" by the Christian singer-songwriter Wilson captures the underlying spirit of the holidays. The lyrics are powerful and the instrumental backing will knock you over.
Dec. 13: "Joy to the World," Brian Culbertson - Ah, some more smooth jazz funk, this time by pianist Culbertson from his 2006 album, "A Soulful Christmas." He sets a gospel tone with the backing of a choir, but you'd never mistake this for a church song.
Dec. 14: "Winter Wonderland," Roy Hargrove and Shirley Horn - This musical Advent calendar takes a turn toward harder jazz with this piece by Grammy-winning trumpeter Hargrove and singer/pianist Horn. Her voice is lush and blends with Hargove's groovy horn. A great combo.
Dec. 15: "I Believe in Father Christmas," Sarah Brightman - This piece by the internationally known soprano speaks about the joy and excitement of the season. Yes, this piece from "A Winter Symphony" (2008) is a bit overblown, but what about this holiday isn't?
Dec. 16: "Jingle Bell Rock," Jo-El Sonnier - Is there any happier music than that which comes from south Louisiana? Fiddles, accordions, singers with French accents. In this cut from the 2002 album "Cajun Christmas," Sonnier cuts loose with the joie de vivre (joy of living) that marks life in a special part of the world. Ai-eee!
Dec. 17: "Here Comes Santa Claus," Ramsey Lewis Trio - Jazz pianist Lewis and his boys keep the happy feelings going in this cut from "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000). Lewis was known as the "great performer," and he shows why in a rendition of this 1947 tune that was co-written by Gene Autry.
Dec. 18: "Christmas Time Is Here," Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas is not the same without a viewing of "Charlie Brown's Christmas." Here, pianist Guaraldi leads his trio in one of the highlights from the 1965 TV special. It's a chance to slow down before the final week of the holidays begins.
Dec. 19: "A Christmas Song," Jethro Tull - Sixties' rocker Anderson and Jethro Tull are back for a message song. A bit preachy perhaps, but it is good to remember what this hullabaloo is all about. Another track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album," Tull is the only performer to make this list twice.
Dec. 20: "All My Bells Are Ringing," Lenka - A little bit of sugary pop from this Australian songwriter and performer. Yes, the last few days of the season are supposed to be fun; this will help. This song comes from the 2008 compilation "The Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs."
Dec. 21: "Come On, Ring Those Bells," Kristin Chenowith - Another bouncy number to keep you smiling. Taken from "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas" (2008), this song lets the soprano, who is known in Broadway circles for "Wicked" but who also has appeared on TV and in the movies, to have some fun. Join in on the chorus.
Dec. 22: "The Christmas Song," Dave Koz - Settle in with the smooth jazz saxophonist and his friends on this calm rendition of the song made famous by Nat King Cole. Included are pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Rick Braun and singer Brenda Russell. From "A Smooth Jazz Christmas" (2001).
Dec. 23: "The Christmas Waltz," Beegie Adair - Jazz pianist Adair eases us into the final days of Christmas with a fine performance of this standard from "Jazz Piano Christmas" (1999). The Nashville session veteran lays down this tune with precision and care. Well done.
Christmas Eve: "Zat You, Santa Claus?" Louis Armstrong - Well, it is Christmas Eve, and the kids will be asking that question before long. Armstrong provides a dose of New Orleans jazz as the hours tick down. From "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000).
Christmas: "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Jackson 5 - Fitting, in the year of his death, that the young Michael Jackson wraps up the 2009 musical Advent calendar. A fun song for Christmas morning. What a great voice the young man had! From "A Motown Christmas" (1999). Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year's.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Extraordinaire
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 orange, peeled and pureed (I used 4 'Mandarins')
1 apple - peeled, cored and diced (I used 'Honeycrisp')
1 pear - peeled, cored and diced (I used an 'Asian' Pear)
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit
1 cup chopped pecans (I eliminated these)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
1. Use a food processor to chop your fruits (fresh and dried) if you have one. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, stir well, cook on 'low' temperature at least 8 hours.
2. Refrigerate to cool, may be divided into smaller portions and frozen.
I made this for our Thanksgiving feast this year. It is delicious, but very sweet. A little goes a long way. Perfect with turkey!
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
1 orange, peeled and pureed (I used 4 'Mandarins')
1 apple - peeled, cored and diced (I used 'Honeycrisp')
1 pear - peeled, cored and diced (I used an 'Asian' Pear)
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit
1 cup chopped pecans (I eliminated these)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
1. Use a food processor to chop your fruits (fresh and dried) if you have one. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, stir well, cook on 'low' temperature at least 8 hours.
2. Refrigerate to cool, may be divided into smaller portions and frozen.
I made this for our Thanksgiving feast this year. It is delicious, but very sweet. A little goes a long way. Perfect with turkey!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving: Just Who Are We Thanking?
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we thine unworthy servants
do give thee most humble and hearty thanks
for all thy goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all men.
We bless thee for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for thine inestimable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we beseech thee,
give us that due sense of all thy mercies,
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful;
and that we show forth thy praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to thy service,
and by walking before thee
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, world without end.
Amen.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Pumpkin Pie-Lets
Just in case you need a new take on an old favorite:
Pumpkin Pie Tartlets
16 (2-1/2 inch) foil baking cups
Nonstick cooking spray
1 c. granulated sugar
1 T. cornstarch
1t. ground cinnamon*
1/2 t. ginger*
*(or 1-1/2 t. Pumpkin Pie Spice)
1/2 t. salt
2 large eggs, beaten well
15 oz. pure pumpkin
1 can (15 oz.) evaporated milk
16 Nabisco brand Gingersnap Cookies
or 2 c. or more graham cracker crumbs
Garnish:
whipped topping
gingersnaps - broken in
1/4 in. - or smaller - pieces
or graham cracker crumbs
Method:
Preheat oven to 350*. Place baking cups on baking sheet with sides. Spray each cup with cooking spray (you may also want to put parchment under the baking cups or at least spray the baking sheet with cooking spray as well). Place 1 Ginger Snap cookie or spoonfull of graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of each baking cup.
Combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon/ginger/pumpkin pie spice (if using) and salt in a small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Spoon in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mixture into prepared baking cup.
Bake for 25-28 minutes or until knife inserted near centers comes out clean. Do not overbake or cookie may over-brown...(but even if it does scorch, it still tastes good, it just won't be as pretty)
Cool on baking sheet for 20 minutes. Refrgerage for at least 1 hour. Carefully remove each pie-let from baking cup. Place on a pretty serving plate and top each with whipped topping and cookie/graham cracker crumbs.
Attractive mini-dessert, great for little hands to manage! Hendrik loved his 'baby' pumpkin pie!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Random Thoughts for a Saturday
After work yesterday we actually went on a date. We watched a matinee showing of 'The Men Who Stare At Goats', it was pretty enjoyable - lots of funny stuff. Afterward, Rick preceptively commented on the casting of Ewan McGregor. I'm the one who usually notices vagaries - this one slipped by me - I must be slipping too!
Funniest sight of the day #1: Flock of pigeons - unofficial state bird - roosting in the top of the giant 'advertising' bucket of KFC up the street. That's what that new recipe is, eh?
Most recent observation on the aging process: No one can 'tell' you what it's like to suffer the infirmities of age - it's something you have to experience in order to fully empathize. You don't really know what it's like to BE old until you ARE old.
Funnier sight of the day: Esther and (willing participant) Hendrik playing 'cow'. Esther put a rope around her brother's waist (thankfully not his neck) and proceeded to run across the back yard at break-neck speed with her prize steer scootching along in the grass behind her. (Note to self: always have the camera along in case unexpected local wildlife appears)
Friday, November 20, 2009
For Want of a Banana, a Purse Was Lost
Every morning I deliver my bank deposit to our 'head' office across town. Most mornings I also get a few errands done before the craziness of the business day begins. Today was an 'Walmart' day. I needed to start some Thanksgiving-feast shopping.
On the way back from Walmart, I delivered my deposit and got my company-gossip fix. The bookkeeper had just finished telling me that a patron at the company-owned car wash had been robbed at gunpoint. She also happened to mention that she'd run out of the house without her morning coffee. Of course I immediately felt sympathetic and offered her a packet of my instant Starbucks from my handbag.
When I went to the car to get it I couldn't find my purse anywhere. My mind immediately jumped to the possibility that it had been stolen from the car, but after looking for it in the office and the car trunk, I realized I needed to rush back to Walmart to see if I could find it there.
I told my friend what had happened and sped off, praying all the way. If I lost my purse it was my fault for being negligent, but 'Lord, would you please help me get my purse back!'
Arriving at Walmart I checked my shopping basket, which was still sitting where I'd left it. My recollection of the chain of events was fuzzy. I paid for the groceries, so I knew I had the purse at the check-out counter. However, when I got to the car, I was ravenously hungry and tore into the closest bag for a snack. Nothing else was clearly in focus until my blood sugar raised a little bit.
Having determined the purse was no longer in the basket, I rushed inside to Customer Service. I asked an employee if I was in the right line for 'Lost and Found'. He asked me if I'd lost a purse and I said, 'Yes'. He said a customer found it and brought it inside. My spirits soared and I began to feel hopeful. The woman behind the counter took my name and went into the back room, returning a few minutes later with MY purse. 'It was just like this when it was brought in,' she said.
I pawed through it. 'Cash? Check. Credit cards? Check. Cell phones? Check. Keys? Check!!'
Praise God, everything was there and intact!
My low blood sugar had clouded my judgement as well as my thinking processes, but our faithful and loving Father was in control - as He always is! I had little cash, but replacing the credit cards, ID, cell phones, etc. would have been a major hassle. 'Thank you, Lord, for once again giving me what I didn't merit or deserve!'
On my way out of the store, I stopped to pick up a freshly-brewed coffee for my friend - who is also a believer - and when I delivered it and recounted my adventure, she could rejoice in more than a caffiene rush.
Sometimes it's GOOD news!
On the way back from Walmart, I delivered my deposit and got my company-gossip fix. The bookkeeper had just finished telling me that a patron at the company-owned car wash had been robbed at gunpoint. She also happened to mention that she'd run out of the house without her morning coffee. Of course I immediately felt sympathetic and offered her a packet of my instant Starbucks from my handbag.
When I went to the car to get it I couldn't find my purse anywhere. My mind immediately jumped to the possibility that it had been stolen from the car, but after looking for it in the office and the car trunk, I realized I needed to rush back to Walmart to see if I could find it there.
I told my friend what had happened and sped off, praying all the way. If I lost my purse it was my fault for being negligent, but 'Lord, would you please help me get my purse back!'
Arriving at Walmart I checked my shopping basket, which was still sitting where I'd left it. My recollection of the chain of events was fuzzy. I paid for the groceries, so I knew I had the purse at the check-out counter. However, when I got to the car, I was ravenously hungry and tore into the closest bag for a snack. Nothing else was clearly in focus until my blood sugar raised a little bit.
Having determined the purse was no longer in the basket, I rushed inside to Customer Service. I asked an employee if I was in the right line for 'Lost and Found'. He asked me if I'd lost a purse and I said, 'Yes'. He said a customer found it and brought it inside. My spirits soared and I began to feel hopeful. The woman behind the counter took my name and went into the back room, returning a few minutes later with MY purse. 'It was just like this when it was brought in,' she said.
I pawed through it. 'Cash? Check. Credit cards? Check. Cell phones? Check. Keys? Check!!'
Praise God, everything was there and intact!
My low blood sugar had clouded my judgement as well as my thinking processes, but our faithful and loving Father was in control - as He always is! I had little cash, but replacing the credit cards, ID, cell phones, etc. would have been a major hassle. 'Thank you, Lord, for once again giving me what I didn't merit or deserve!'
On my way out of the store, I stopped to pick up a freshly-brewed coffee for my friend - who is also a believer - and when I delivered it and recounted my adventure, she could rejoice in more than a caffiene rush.
Sometimes it's GOOD news!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Show-Offs
Esther, Hendrik and Pancho help Charity show off her new cap
Esther and Hendrik show off their considerable 'hanging' skills
Rick and Judi show off progress at Discount Storage
Potty Training: Extreme Measures
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Pardon Our Dust!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
That Used to Be Me
After work today, Rick and I were shopping at Sam's Club, and we ran into some friends from church. After greetings, one of the group told us she just lost her job. She'd had it less than a year, but when she accepted it, she was hopeful the position would provide job security and retirement benefits. Her position has been entirely eliminated, so she has neither at this time. My friend is a single gal - intelligent, capable and a consummate professional. She has lots more potential - humanly speaking - than I did when the same thing happened to me nearly six years ago. But, nonetheless, she's feeling pretty devastated, I'm sure.
I won't tell the story entire story again, but my experience was devastating to me as well. At the time, I was bringing home 2/3 of the family income, and we were in major financial difficulties too. The new job I was so hopeful about - and so sure were we of God's Hand in the employment when it was first offered - turned out to be a major nightmare.
And I had prayed for deliverance. When it came in the form of 'termination', I wasn't really shocked or surprised. A chain of events was put into motion - like carefully placed dominoes when they begin to fall, 'Click, click, click'. God insulated me and gave me grace to endure. He took my hand in His and led me through the valley of the shadow, and it was a dark, dark time in my life.
That was six years ago. And sometimes I'm still in the valley of the shadow, but much of the time the skies are bright, and sometimes I'm journeying in full-on sunshine. The constant is the faithful Shepherd who continues to lead.
I'm praying with good confidence for my friend, He's her Shepherd too.
I won't tell the story entire story again, but my experience was devastating to me as well. At the time, I was bringing home 2/3 of the family income, and we were in major financial difficulties too. The new job I was so hopeful about - and so sure were we of God's Hand in the employment when it was first offered - turned out to be a major nightmare.
And I had prayed for deliverance. When it came in the form of 'termination', I wasn't really shocked or surprised. A chain of events was put into motion - like carefully placed dominoes when they begin to fall, 'Click, click, click'. God insulated me and gave me grace to endure. He took my hand in His and led me through the valley of the shadow, and it was a dark, dark time in my life.
That was six years ago. And sometimes I'm still in the valley of the shadow, but much of the time the skies are bright, and sometimes I'm journeying in full-on sunshine. The constant is the faithful Shepherd who continues to lead.
I'm praying with good confidence for my friend, He's her Shepherd too.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Kindermusik Day with the Aggie Pride Band
Too 'yowd', he's not covering his ears, but it's what he's thinking...
Junior Color Guard, Esther
Great stuff!
Not so much...
Not Quite Facebook
Quite suddenly - mostly on a whim - I decided to go Facebook 'free'. I've deleted my FB profile and am trying to get back to blogging. I've really enjoyed keeping in touch with family and old friends through this particular social utility - I still love (most of) you :-) and I'd still love to hear from you, but my expectations aren't very high. 
Facebook makes it SO easy to find out what 'friends' are up to and how they're feeling about what they're up to. Our culture seems to live moment to moment, and if you can't tell me in a few words 'how you are' and what you're doing I'd just as soon not be bothered. In fact, I've had the experience of writing a newsy-but-lengthy e-mail to a loved one only to find out it hadn't been read because it was 'too long'!
I've heard from my still-Facebooking daughter that some have asked for me...I love hearing that I'm missed. I didn't quit Facebook because I want more attention (although I DO). I just DID it...and now that it's DONE, I'll be hanging out here instead, so surprise me - stop by...or send me a long e-mail...or (shock, horror) call me on the phone..
BTW, I got new glasses this week
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Our Little 'Housemate'
Rick found this little creature in the downstairs-office bathroom recently. It's the second one we've found inside in the last 2 weeks (click on the picture to enlarge, from the angle, you can't really see how menancing this thing's fangs are!)This Solfugid(Wind spider, Sun spider, Camel spider) is pretty common in these parts. When Rick found the first one on the floor by the kid's play table we were pretty freaked out. We've always known there was the potential to find a desert critter, ie scorpion, tarantula, centipede, etc., inside. But this fellow was like nothing we'd ever seen. The one pictured above is actually smaller than the other one we found, but this one had a 'baby' with it. We released it back into the 'wild' by carrying it in a plastic cup across the street to the arroyo.
Rick sprayed with our heavy-duty commercial product we use on the rest of the storage property. But, we're not walking around barefoot in the dark anymore, just in case this guy had friends...
Follow the link for more info.
http://www.spiderzrule.com/sunspider.htm
Friday, February 27, 2009
P.S. More From the Last Post
Following up on my last post...I'm more than a little peeved-but shocked-that the so-called 'RUINED' hand towel I paid for on my vacation is NOT ruined after all...I threw it in with a load of other towels, etc. and lo-and-behold it came out nearly-perfect in C-O-L-D water. Since I was told by a 'professional' that there was no way the item would come clean, I didn't even examine it before I threw it in the dryer with the rest of the load. So the slight discoloration is now permanently 'set'. Imagine if I had first used hot water and bleach - as I would assume a hotel would do....
Remember how I said I was going to send in the hotel's 'comment' card? Well, the chain sent me a survey e-mail...and I slammed them...probably too hard...the desk clerks were actually really nice and helpful. And that was BEFORE I washed the towels...Guess I'm still not THAT sanctified!?
Remember how I said I was going to send in the hotel's 'comment' card? Well, the chain sent me a survey e-mail...and I slammed them...probably too hard...the desk clerks were actually really nice and helpful. And that was BEFORE I washed the towels...Guess I'm still not THAT sanctified!?
Monday, February 23, 2009
In Which I Narrowly Escape a Melt-Down; or A Tattle-Tale Housekeeper Gets No Tip
The road to sanctification is rutted and rocky...and sometimes a lesson must be re learned or, at least, re tested.
We've been on vacation in Bellingham this past week. I was sitting in the Las Vegas airport, waiting for our connecting flight back to El Paso, while composing most of this post. The visit was wonderful, but this post isn't about those details. It's about how God graciously helped me avoid total melt-down on our last morning.
As we were on holiday I decided to treat myself to a salon hair color - something I never do at home - it's been about three years since the last such luxury. I went to a nice place, was treated very kindly by the stylists and was quite pleased with the result.
The color was advertised as 'permanent', but after the first shower, I noticed the color bleeding on to the hotel towels. I showered every day since Friday with the same 'red' color coming off on the drying towel. Everyday the soiled linen was picked up by housekeeping, with me none the wiser about what was happening in the front office...
Long story short, when we checked out I gave my room number to the desk clerk. She stepped into a side office and immediately another woman - presumably a manager - emerged, holding a baggie with a 'red' towel wrapped inside. She informed me that because they couldn't get the hair dye out, I'd have to pay for the ruined hand towel - at a cost of $4. Further, she asked me if I'd like to take the towel with me, since I now 'owned' it. Unless you knew me back in the day, you won't believe how hard it was for me NOT to fly into an indignant fit of rage. Unbelievably and uncharacteristically, I said, 'Yes, I'll take the towel.' I even made a joke about suggesting to my hair stylist that she should pay for the ruined item.
I went back to the room and told Rick the story. I felt more upset than I let on. In fact, I realized I could have avoided the entire incident by not using the motel towel once I saw my color was washing out. I made a faulty assumption that the strong bleach and hot water used in the motel laundry would be able to wash anything out.
The other thing is that I kind of dodged the bullet. As I said, I'd showered at least 3 times and used the motel towels to dry my hair. I suspect that #1 the regular housekeeper was 'off' and someone else cleaned our room - finding the 'red' towel and alerting the manager. OR #2, the regular person just had enough of my daily abuse and decided to roll over on me to her boss...I mean, I could have owed more for all the laundry I probably ruined and the trouble I caused.
I brought home the motel's 'comment' card which I intend to complete and submit to the company office. I don't know if I'll mention the hair-dye incident - they may still have my credit card number lying around and I don't want to send up a 'red' (pun intended) flag that might prompt them to add more charges.
I do want them to consider having their webmaster look up the meaning of the word 'adjacent'...One of the reasons we chose that motel was for its close proximity to a Denny's restaurant. The website described several amenities we were interested in: reasonable (cheap) price; wireless internet, and the fact that Denny's was noted as being 'adjacent' to the property.
I hardly think a brisk, 1/4 mile walk under the freeway overpass qualifies as 'adjacent' in anyone's dictionary.
We've been on vacation in Bellingham this past week. I was sitting in the Las Vegas airport, waiting for our connecting flight back to El Paso, while composing most of this post. The visit was wonderful, but this post isn't about those details. It's about how God graciously helped me avoid total melt-down on our last morning.
As we were on holiday I decided to treat myself to a salon hair color - something I never do at home - it's been about three years since the last such luxury. I went to a nice place, was treated very kindly by the stylists and was quite pleased with the result.
The color was advertised as 'permanent', but after the first shower, I noticed the color bleeding on to the hotel towels. I showered every day since Friday with the same 'red' color coming off on the drying towel. Everyday the soiled linen was picked up by housekeeping, with me none the wiser about what was happening in the front office...
Long story short, when we checked out I gave my room number to the desk clerk. She stepped into a side office and immediately another woman - presumably a manager - emerged, holding a baggie with a 'red' towel wrapped inside. She informed me that because they couldn't get the hair dye out, I'd have to pay for the ruined hand towel - at a cost of $4. Further, she asked me if I'd like to take the towel with me, since I now 'owned' it. Unless you knew me back in the day, you won't believe how hard it was for me NOT to fly into an indignant fit of rage. Unbelievably and uncharacteristically, I said, 'Yes, I'll take the towel.' I even made a joke about suggesting to my hair stylist that she should pay for the ruined item.
I went back to the room and told Rick the story. I felt more upset than I let on. In fact, I realized I could have avoided the entire incident by not using the motel towel once I saw my color was washing out. I made a faulty assumption that the strong bleach and hot water used in the motel laundry would be able to wash anything out.
The other thing is that I kind of dodged the bullet. As I said, I'd showered at least 3 times and used the motel towels to dry my hair. I suspect that #1 the regular housekeeper was 'off' and someone else cleaned our room - finding the 'red' towel and alerting the manager. OR #2, the regular person just had enough of my daily abuse and decided to roll over on me to her boss...I mean, I could have owed more for all the laundry I probably ruined and the trouble I caused.
I brought home the motel's 'comment' card which I intend to complete and submit to the company office. I don't know if I'll mention the hair-dye incident - they may still have my credit card number lying around and I don't want to send up a 'red' (pun intended) flag that might prompt them to add more charges.
I do want them to consider having their webmaster look up the meaning of the word 'adjacent'...One of the reasons we chose that motel was for its close proximity to a Denny's restaurant. The website described several amenities we were interested in: reasonable (cheap) price; wireless internet, and the fact that Denny's was noted as being 'adjacent' to the property.
I hardly think a brisk, 1/4 mile walk under the freeway overpass qualifies as 'adjacent' in anyone's dictionary.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
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