Well, the Pacers were not very good yesterday, I was hoping for a repeat performance of Thursday but was not really surprised to see a let down. Next game is in New Jersey, then back here for Game Six. The bad news is that the loss breaks a winning streak when Rich and I are in attendance. The Pacers won 6 in a row when we were there, in David Andrichik's seats. Maybe it's the seats, we were in different seats. Had to be the seats.
After the game it was back to the Chatterbox. Jenni eventually arrived with David the son-in-law, Jamie Baker and his girlfriend Brittany. David flew in from Florida on Friday but I couldn't officially talk about it because he wanted to surprise his mother and grandmother, who was having a birthday party. At the Chatterbox the guys got to experience A Freckled Neckline, we had far too many beers and then we all shot off to the bowling alley, where I was using a different ball and alley shoes. I played one game horribly, then walked back to the Chatterbox and drove home, everybody else drove home and they were waiting for me when I arrived. Before the crew arrived at the Chatterbox, I was talking to Heather Basile, who was enjoying her birthday, David arrived all dressed to the nines and they went out to celebrate before David came back to take cover at the door for the evening. Happy Belated Birthday to Heather and To Liz Garber, who both had their birth anniversaries yesterday. I sit here waiting for the Talladega Nascar race, but it is raining there right now, so there will be a delay for the start. Good luck to all the Nascar Fantasy Cup Turkey Fryer League members today.
On my walk back to Mass Ave. I passed by O'malias Supermarket where I noticed the Shopping Cart shaped Aliens patrolling the darkened aisles, I got this shot off before the creature stopped and pretended to be a regular cart (the real carts were all corralled up front). Well here's to a safe and fast race. Dry up Talladega, lets go racin'.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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I was sure there was only one of me when I went to bed. Chuck Pace © 2006

Yesterday I was off like a dirty shirt to work in the yard. Looks like I should have left my dirty shirt on. I was outside nearly every moment after posting my post. I mowed and watered and weeded, and placed my concrete pathways all without a shirt on. Then I put on a tee shirt, but too late. The irradiating flaming gas bag had already done it deed. Alas I will Fade and peel. The concrete pathways were formed on a sheet of plastic this time, instead of in place, because I had to move them and rearrange them to get the tapered effect I was needing. They will all fade in a few weeks, (the ones in the back are covered with sand, which will settle into the gaps and erode away. The darker ones to the right were poured in place three years ago. This is what 580 lb. of concrete can look like). I also moved about 200 lb. of top-soil I got from Maddie and Guy last year and seeded it next to the path once everything was in place. I didn't come inside for the day/night until the Pacers Game started. That was a good game. I hope tomorrows game is as exciting, Since Rich, David A. and I are going to be there. Either way the Pacers have a 2-1 advantage going in.
This morning I took a photo of my sunburn and when I downloaded it I noticed the transporter from the starship had malfunctioned, and the "evil thoughtpuker" was there in the photo too. Since only one of us can be seen at any given time I hope you only have to deal with the "good" Pink Chuck.
The weekend promises to be and interesting one. I know there's one big surprise coming and who knows what kind of mischief we will get up to at the Chatterbox tonight. As always I'll keep you posted (or perhaps the Evil Chuck would like to type a few entries?) Live Long And Prosper.
All yesterday's work was done on the ground, no need for a hard hat, or a sweaty hard hat guy. Those projects are still in the furure. Mr. Son In Law.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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"Pink is My Favorite Color" Steven Tyler-Aerosmith

Rebecca and Shawnessy at the Chatterbox, the Next one is on me.
Chuck Pace ©2006
Yesterday was the last Wednesday of the month. The Chatterbox has a special event the last Wednesday of every month except December, alternating between Wine and Beer tastings. Last night was Shiraz Wine night. Jenni and I had reserved two spots and were going to have the sirloin kabobs. Well Jenni completely forgot, and was tired and decided to just go home after work, so, she did. I went to the box but decided to pass on the tasting, and instead had a few Corona's. Rich, Mike Wilson Bill Brooks, Richard Plath, Pam Walker and Ed were al outside enjoying the moderate temperatures, I was delighted to see one of my store customers and friends Shawnessy Osborn show up with a friend of hers Rebecca Smith (a real rebel) for the tasting as well, this is only the second time I've seen Shawnessy at the Chatterbox, but I often see here during the week, she works across and up the street from me, and she hits "my" Starbucks @ Conseco Fieldhouse on Fridays. Rebecca is having a birthday on Friday, but I doubt her plans will be bringing her to The Chatterbox again. If so I owe her and Shawnessy a (few) drink(s) and birthday wishes. I managed to pull Rebecca and Shawnessy out of a minor "day glow Irish traffic" jam and Shawnessy repaid me by covering my tab (Silly Girl), so I look forward to the chance to repay the favor. Rich left after three beers, and I was on my way out when I saw the need for a heroic rescue. Your welcome miss, but a simple hug and thanks would have sufficed.

I visited with Maggie at Luna again before heading home with two new CD's Donald Fagen, "Morph the Cat", and a new, previously indie group Built to Spill, "You in Reverse" I listened to Built to Spill on the way home, and again this morning as I was preparing to post, making coffee and just generally getting up to speed on my day off. The artwork on and in the CD jacket is awesome too, the artist is named Mike Sheer and I have included a link to his web site. This is fun and harmless music, and the group has been playing and recording around the Portland Oregon area since 1993. Their albums and singles are available through my iTunes link or maggie can hook you up at Luna Music Annex just two doors down from the Chatterbox. Their website says they are scheduled to play the Vogue on September 26th, but that is a long way off. Mel called as I was getting (what I thought was) my last Corona and Rich had already left, so she decided not to drive all the way from the little houses on the prairie, which was probably a good idea, after just one more with Shawnessy and Rebecca I too headed out after the detour to Luna.

I more than half expected to see Travis and Liz last night, but Bill Brooks said they were a little drained from the joys of home ownership and a trip to the Box wasn't on their plate, so it was a wash out. I hope Sasha is getting along with the Spirits. Eeinny weenie chili-beany, the spirits are about to speak!

Today is supposed to be nice again outside, and I have plenty of chores inside and out, only time (and this web-blog) will tell if I get any of them done. So I'm off like a dirty shirt to get my shirt dirty in the yard.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Last night I told Jenni I was empty. That I'd used up my last original thought and I would have nothing to post today. I was wrong. This morning at 6:00 I woke up with a major headache at the very back of my head (the type that often go migraine on me). At 6:05 I launched the web authoring software, it unexpectedly quit. I relaunched it, it unexpectedly quit. One more time I thought, or there'll be not post, no toasties. While it was thinking, I grabbed a shirt, sprayed wrinkle releaser on it, and threw it into the dryer with a damp cloth. The the hike back to the www.chuckpace.com world headquarters. It came up, the software launched (if you are reading this then the built in redundancy, back-up information dispersal system is in full operation, now reach out with both hands a d grasp the obvious) but ever so slowly. The built in redundancy, back-up information dispersal system is in full operation.
I couldn't even start this post until 6:20. Now it's 6:45, and this is all I can come up with. I took five photos yesterday, all after I go home, of some of the gardening and fledgling plants breaking the surface of my flower beds. I don't need to post the photos, they all look like fledgling plants breaking the surface of my flower beds. They all look pretty much the same. Later when they are in bloom, they will look different but they (like me) have a lot of growing up to do in the meantime. Now it's 6:56, and my head is hurting even more. I will sign off here, medicate myself, and put on some socks. That should do it. That's the ticket. Klang, klang, klang went the trolley. So I was wrong, my head is not empty. It is full of spikes and glass shards, and occasional lighting strikes that make me squint and frown. At least I got the back-up redundancy system back online. Time to up-load and log out. 7:07

Chuck Pace © 2006
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The thoughtpuker with Monika Herzig the pianist and teacher: Norbert Krapf ©2006

"Last Night, talkin' 'bout last night." Another Monday Night at the Chatterbox. A beautiful night on the patio. The warm and mild weather drew out the barflies like a giant bug zapper. The parade of "Boxxers" included nearly all of the usual suspects. Patty Romero and Kris Bowman were there when I arrived, as were Jack and Joan Green, Bill Brooks and Richard Plath. Kay and Mary Ann Beuke were inside in the dim bar, out of the heat and light.
Then my crew started to arrive, Rich and Ed, then Jenni and Mel and later Pam Walker (who is taking far too many classes). The usual neighborhood people were peopling the landscape, and providing the necessary colorful background. There was Jessica walking Lord Byron, and Chris West doing laps with the worlds largest lap dog Mada (Matta?), and Mario half carrying his arthritic hound Lucky into his SUV. Maggie kept popping out of the Luna Music Annex and even sat outside on the bench with Chris "the Unicorn" Overpeck for a spell, and eventually closed the store came out for a beverage with Hal Daniels, Pam, Ed and myself.
David Andrichik and Dick Walton were on the patio when I went in for the last time, Vanessa Nichols and River Day were at the bar. Monika Herzig (accompanied by John the Bassist) was playing for her IUPUI music class, and the first 3 tables inside the door were reserved for them. I came in from the patio, and sat and listened (and sang along to) Stardust. John Basstized us all so we can get into musical heaven, then we all talked about Hoagy Carmichael, and other things musical until I was far too late getting home. Nicci was inside taking over for DeAnne, who opened the "box" after digging 6"x6" trenches along her gallery sidewalk for hour after obsessive hour in the sun, and I had to get the Flux home. All in all, it was an almost perfect night, and I didn't do one iota of yard work for a whole day (I wasn't even sure that could be done on a day like yesterday, now I have proven it can.)

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Rich bought more Jeep Music from Maggie, I figure he had to do at least two laps around 465 just to listen to it all on the soundbar last night.

Well, I almost didn't even get a weekend post up. Here it is 6 minutes before Monday. What happened Friday Night?, Saturday? Even Sunday for crying out loud. Plenty I'm here to tell ya.

Over the Weekend three more Hail Proof Tulips bloomed.

Friday the 21st was the first Friday in 33 weeks that I either didn't have a bowling league to attend or a sub bowling in my place (meaning I was ill or incapable of attending) I missed two games in February with a fracture in my bowling hand, and an earlier on December 9th which Jeff Barber subbed for me, he also subbed on February 3rd, and the team took my absent score on Feb. 10th. I broke 200 four times, had five 500+ series games, improved my average by 15 pins over the 30 nights of bowling and we as a team finished 13th out of 14 teams. It was fun. But time also for a break. Rich and I have bowled almost non-stop since 2000, on as many as 3 leagues at one time and three different "season's" of leagues each year. So, Friday instead of racing to the Alley right after work for a 6:00 o'clock start time, we all went to the Chatterbox for a beautiful evening out on the patio. Jenni, Mel, Rebecca Rich, and Ed were all there for differing periods of time. Rich left early to install his speaker bar he purchased for the Jeep®,

Jenni left next, then surprise of all surprises, Ed and even Rebecca before Mel and I headed home. Rich and Jenni missed Hal and Mary Daniels, but I got a shot of them just in case they forgot what they looked like over the harsh winter months. Still it was a quick night, and the sun was still out saving daylight for me to start a fire in my fire ring, and chiminia to burn fig and apple tree limbs I trimmed earlier in the month. I was out until 11:10 watching the fires and enjoying the unseasonably warm evening.

That's Popeye and Olive Oyle Daniels, Where's me Cornz Cobz pipe, Uck, uck, uck uk.
Saturday was the actual final night (day) of bowling until fall leagues start. I'm re-hashing Friday's post here a little, so sue me. Originally we thought we would be fielding three teams, since The Chatterbowlers (I & II) both qualified for the tournament/roll-off as did Spare Parts. We scrapped that idea because of the difficulty we had getting "eligible" subs for three teams, and spreading ourselves a little thin. We ended up with "Spare Parts" bowling with Jenni, Mel, Me and Jeff Hume as a more that adequate sub. The "Chatterbowlers II" took to the hardwood with David and Will Andrichik, Rich Culy and Eric Schutt as their eligible sub. There were 20 teams in the roll-off, after each game we all stopped to get a tally, and to play some skills sets and receive door prizes. After the first game "Spare Parts" was 22 pins out of first place, in second. After two we were tied for third in the roll, and 120 pins behind 1st place (I had a terrible game, with only 100 pins, Jenni had her new all time best with 144, Mel 142 and Jeff 141). We knew that if we could stay close we had a shot at the $1000.00 pay-out for 1st place. Jenni pulled another big game out (a 136 and had her new high series 371), Mel was well over average again and I had a 188, Jeff pulled in something in the 140's again, and we had the highest single game team score (with handicap) for the whole roll-off with 855 pins, still we came in 2nd, missing the 1st place and the money by only 63 pins (If I'd got my average in game two, and Jeff his in game three...). After bowling Jenni and I headed to Bed, Bath and Beyond (we were never beyond BB&B, that's their name) and bought more stuff to finish the bathroom (now it "almost" looks like two old gay men live in it), then headed home to decorate, and I even did more yard work. Just before dark the nascar Race came on from Phoenix, I had an awesome line-up in fantasy league, started in 8th place out of 25 teams, never fell out of the top 10 in green flag racing and led for over 100 laps. I was in second place when the white flag fell, then two of my drivers ran out of gas before the checkeres and I ended where I started, 8th. Umm. Crud.


Come on, let us out for a little bit, we can do yard work. Puh-leeeeezee!

Sunday, the day begins with Jenni getting me up at 7:00 AM (what? I'm, there's, I was sawing! how 'bout smore Z's?) Umm. Crud. She had a pinched nerve or something in her foot and it was the most painful thing she can remember (I thought that whole birthing Meredith thing was the biggy, but..., so we headed out, Immediate Care Center here we come! I was a little groggy, I didn't go to sleep until after 2:30, and I had worked hard in the yard. But, it had to be so, so it was so, and if I didn't go, I'd be a real so 'n' so, ya know? Back home, talk of yardening again, I do a couple more projects in the great outdoors, then while Jenni is talking to Meredith or David on the phone and doing the whole computer thing in the other room I grabbed two and a half more hours of needed couch time and refueled my tanks. After that I ran to K-Mart and got some more yard supplies, came home and grilled dinner and made two more paver stone path sections out of concrete and concrete dye, watched King Kong and finished the day off by cleaning and repairing three solar powered yard lamps, and then starting this post (it's now almost 1:30 AM Monday).

Chuck Pace © 2006
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David Andrichik, Rich and I attended the final regular season game of the PACERS last night against the Orlando Magic. It was a magical evening alright, they won and are in the playoffs. Rich and I bought Playoff Tickets for the second home game and are taking David since he didn't buy playoff tickets this year and has been our host for countless trips to Conseco over the years. At the game we saw an artist, Pam I think her name was, creating a large mural at the base of the escalators on the East side of the Arena, she was adding Indiana's most prolific player, and all time three point champion #31 Reggie Miller and was doing a great job. She told me she had already been working at Reggie's portrait for over 20 hours when we arrived. Since it was the final regular season game, there were posters and yearbooks and even Mugs (provided by Miller Lite) which lit up when you poured a liquid of choice into them. We had to test this immediately upon our return to the Chatterbox. Don't just ask for a Lite ask for a Mug Light.

At the Chatterbox, where we were met by Travis DiNicola, representative of Young Audiences of Indiana. Every year for the past eight or more, Young Audiences has been bringing the Philadelphia based Tap Team Two to Indiana to perform at schools and venues around central Indiana. They have also been making appearances at the Chatterbox with The Dick Dickinson Jazztet during those visits. Tap Team Two are, as you might guess a two person tap dancing team; Corinne Karon and Robert Burden. Corinne has the singular distinction of being the only Tap Dancer documented to have Tap danced on every continent including Antarctica. The show was very good, and caused me to be quite late getting home. Before I left I acquainted Robert and Corinne with "The Freckled Neckline" which is a drink created by the Chatterbox's own Vanessa. With the Pacemates, Tap Team Two and even the Pacers making the first round of the next big dance I saw a lot of hoofing last night. Let's hope the Pacers can last more than one round.
Chuck Pace © 2006
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Spare Parts without any parts to spare. Chuck Pace ©2006
We are all but done with the Winter and Spring Bowling. Last night we played our last 10 for 10 game. My Team "Spare Parts" (Mel Shoffner, Jenni Pace, -insert vacant player here- and Myself), was up against the first place team in the league "The Chatterbowlers" (Mike Wilson, David Andrichik, Will Andrichik and Rich Culy) and we were trailing them by only one point. They came out in the first game and mopped the floor with us, took no prisoners, and even smacked our mammys! They beat us down, beat us up and beat us by 73 pins, and that was the only game I got to my average. The second game Mike Wilson and David Andrichik both faltered and also failed to reach their averages (along with Mel and I on my team) and we were able to win by 14 pins with another strong showing from Jenni (and a consistent game from our ghost). The all crucial third game, the proverbial marbles. Mel was having none of it. She was bound and determined to get her smacked mammys dignity back. She stepped up to the plate (there are no plates in bowling, except the paper plates that we eat our pizza off of, this is a metaphorical plate), took her best pitch (this has gone from metaphorical plates, to baseball illusionary) and fired a home run capturing her highest game in league play, a 196. That and Jenni's third straight 100+ game (a first for Jenni as well) was enough to cancel my abysmal 17 pin below average final, terminal league game.
Team Scorecard with Jenni's 112,112 and 106 score: Chuck Pace ©2006
We WON. We won the Tuesday 10 for 10 League. We won Sport Bowl/League #324! That is a part of Bowling History Now. Really. On Saturday, at 11:00 AM the final act of Winter Bowling. The first and second place teams in each 10 for 10 league (12 in all) plus a "Wild Card" team, play Three Games for highest score, (and prizes and general mirth), the team with the highest pin count with handicap after 3 games wins, well, those 1000 marbles, valued at $1.00 each (and presented in paper money form actually), to be distributed among the team as they see fit. *Doris McQuain from the Roberts mail-order department arrived for the final game and at least a half dozen Bud Selects, she slammed those pretty quick and then did a table dance in her yard-work daisy dukes. I was very distracting to say the least. Perhaps that's why I bowled a 117 final game.
Rich, Will, David and I all have qualified on more than one team, and will be dividing our efforts to maximize earnings potential, each team has to have two original members, so we will field 3 teams Mel and Jenni will represent "Spare Parts" (with two league approved subs), Will and I will represent "Chatterbowlers I" (with subs) and David and Rich will round out the field representing "Chatterbowlers II" also with subs. It should be grand fun, and for one team (hopefully one of these three) A Grand of fun! Now I've got to put on pants, and go to work.

Tonight David Andrichik, Rich and I are attending the final regular season game of the PACERS, and hope to usher them into a play-off berth with a victory. Go Pacers.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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*Author's note: There was only two Bud Selects consumed, and no Table dancing, since the Chatterbowlers team had their beers on that table too, and Mike Wilson didn't wan any spills. He said that would make it another "Expensive Beer Night!"

It's a 29 step program, but there is a little light on the path. Chuck Pace ©2006

Well I've finally diagnosed myself. I've been asked why do you do a (nearly) daily internet post, where do these ideas come from and where do you find the time? Now I can begin to answer these questions. I am the first to suffer from a new and (and previously unnamed) rare disease, and I have given it it's name. I have a compulsion a compunction if you will to tell the world about myself. A need to tell the world about even the most drab moments of my existence. To blather and blare and bleat on about my blasé blunders in a blissful, boring barrage of blubbering self blandishment. Now I have given this affliction an appellation, a cognomen, a designation, a title, a moniker, if you will. To name something is to begin to know it. To understand it, and Possibly to start to control it. But I can't do it alone. With your help I can even begin to get over it, and myself in the process. Yes I suffer for the egoistic need to saturate the world wide web with my self. I have Solipsistic Cyberosis, an all consuming desire to consume your cyberspace with my drivel. But there is help on the way. If you will only donate at my Paypal banner in the sideblog of my site, I can spend more time at the bar, and less time at the keyboard. A mere two dollar donation purchases 70.3% of a Corona with 1/32 of a lime, not to much to ask to clear your computerspace of the of the endless diatribe of mental dry heaves I have been providing. And each donation gets us all closer to the cure. The less time I spend on self-absorption and soliloquy, the more mentions there are for my friends, and that means a better world for you and me (the glorious and wonderful me, praise me.) Can't you see a need for the cure? Once I get out of my head, I can begin to get out of yours. Donate today, and may Chuck bless you.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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As I walked outside after lunch yesterday, it felt like the buildings were crowding in on me. Not to hurt me, but to hear my every thought, and motivation. The are sadly unable to access the internet and my website in any meaningful way. After returning I took another self-portrait, using only the flood lighting of the facility. With the Cure, I would most likely be turned around looking at the Swimsuit Calendars. By helping Me, you help us all.

Deco Hood Ornament on the Forties Limo at the Redeye on Friday: Chuck Pace ©2006

Well, when you don't post your Sunday post until almost 1:30, you don't have a whole lot of yesterday's news left for your Monday post. It was another day of yard work, because the weather allowed it of course. I applied Scott's Turf Builder 2 at 7:10 AM as Jenni slept. I also did a little in the garage, trying to get to a point where I can get in and out without having to rearrange everything just to get to the tools. At 8:10 I sent a Happy Ester multi-text to about a dozen and a half of my cell phone friends. I went to the store at 9:30 AM, called Meredith left her and David a more personal H.E. message. I even picked up some chicken breast and ground chuck, just in case the weather was going to let me grill out later. Back at the house I did the garden and yard stuff some more, then came in and started my Sunday post (which took over 90 minutes to compose and put together). Then went out and cleaned the grill, in anticipation of a charcoal dream. Jenni went to the store and picked up three vidalia onions which we quartered, wrapped in foil with a chicken bouillon cube and a quarter stick of butter (cut down into 4 smaller pads) each and placed right on the coals when the grill magic finally got under way. As the burgers, chicken (in a special Jenni marinade) and onions grilled, Jen made cole slaw and soon we were in a feeding frenzy worthy of the great white shark himself. We watched Narnia as we sated our hunger (the only real meal we had yesterday) and finished it off with Edward's Key Lime Pie. Yum.

Tonight is the annual Dyngus Day (Polish Easter Monday) event at the Chatterbox. Bobby Slovak is there with his Polka band and it gets really loud inside the Chatterbox. Dyngus day is best observed from the patio, weather permitting. So if the weather permits optimum celebrating I will stop at the 'Box' tonight, if not I will protect my eardrums at a safer distance (say 12.3 miles). My apologies to Brock Kingsley for the 8:10 wake up text message. Nope, no class yesterday buddy. Catch them Z's. Since she apologized I forgive Jessica for her collusion in the creation of Easter, and conversely ask her pardon for my miniscule involvement in the Holocaust.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Since I had the haircut, I wore the One Hour Photo vest. Chuck Pace © 2006

Well Saturday was an off and on day at work, especially for a Demo weekend, but I had a very busy and profitable day. Everyone was afraid I was going to be under the weather because I had been out with friends for my birthday the night before. Nah, I was just fine. Jeff Goshert, our most multi-rep Rep even stopped at Crawford's Bakery and got me a Cake. Bruce made a Starbucks run for cakes and Scones and banana nut bread and coffee for me and him, and Brian the Canon Rep brought in 3 dozen donuts and another coffee cake. After seeing endless the Carbo Highway lined up on the shipping table I closed the birthday cake box and put it away. After work I came home, thinking Jenni and I were going to go to Kay's bonfire/tree trimming party, but Jenni was too tired. I too was exhausted from the Friday night festivities until 11:00 PM and the day at work, but I headed out to Kay's for about an hour. Several of Kay's NC (Non-Chatterbox) friends were there already, as well as Mary Ann Beuke, Jody and Julia Frick, Rich and Melissa Shoffner. I took a tour of the gardens, saw the incredible amount of work that Rich had done with the chainsaw, and sampled the culinary delight that is always a Kay's party highlight. The heavy lifting, cutting and even the starting of the fires was already accomplished, so I beat a hasty retreat. On the way home I had stop at the new Advance Auto parts near Washington and Post and buy a new shift knob for the BMW, the old one was being held down with gaffers tape, and the foam "soft" grip was split so bad that I was starting to tear the top off of it every time I went up (Reverse, 1st, 3rd and 5th). I installed the knob in the parking lot before I drove the final two miles home. It will take a little getting used to a hard, and stationary shifter, but I like it. I like it A lot!

Fridays storms kept me from going to the Indians game, which was eventually called after a few innings. The hail, high winds and torrential downpour had a devastating effect on some of my gardening work. Here is the same daffodil bed and the shot from the 13th to show the one lone survivor of the hail (someone should have said Daffy's Duck!). I lost at least a dozen tulip blossoms and all but two of my red ones, and a lot of the small delicate stuff is just gone. I know it's just nature's way, no use getting too upset or seeing in a Red State! The last photo is from around Noon,my Tulip tree will be blooming soon (barring another Super Cell Hail storm).
That's my story, I'm sticking to it. Now off to fire up the grill. BTW, the new Mention Meter 2nd Quarter is now up (or will be before Monday morning).

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Revelers and Cajolers, Cajoling with Revelry. Chuck Pace © 2006

Yesterday was day one of the demo at Roberts. It was also my 46th birthday. It was everything I could have hoped for, and more. To start with, I got garden stuff from Jenni, a really cool wind chime and a gnome (to replace one of the ones that took a hike last year) a card, and of course the continuing love and patience of a good woman. Then at work I got more garden stuff, Rita and Rachel Morris gave me a pot of snap dragons to plant in the garden beds (and Rachel was returning the Dragon favor, snap snap!) and a starbucks card and three oranges. I also received the first ever Bob J. Pote Nutty Buddy Store "Gift Certificate." There was something else at the store, umm what was it. I'm sure I'll remember later.
After work, It was off to the Sport Bowl for fun, fun and fabulous winnings, pay out night! Two patches and a 200 game keychain. Rich has a bad back (Thanks to Sasha's cohorts) so we opted to go back to the Box instead of the no-tap bowl. Just as we got onto Mass Av. the skies opened up for a 10 minute fusillade of hail and high winds. Just as I got near the Box, a parking spot also opened up. I sat in the car fearing the rear window was going to be broken by the golf ball sized hail, and waited out the worst of it. When we got to the door after it slacked off, there was hail inside the tavern about twenty feet in, several rips in the awning and a broken window upstairs. The skies cleared for a while, and we (Jenni, Rich, Mel, Eddie and Pam) sat under the awning and watched the street. Nicci was the employee of note, and Nick W. came on later. I have a habit of meeting people and engaging them in conversation, there was an interesting fellow looking at his reflection behind me windering and wondering if his queer purple bandana made him look gay. I said if it was pink maybe, but purple is very butch. Next thing you know, I'm inside getting a birthday shot from the very same fellow, Ian Kingsley (no relation to Brock, but a Chicago Southy, Mick none the less). Who was in town with a buddy and two young ladies they happened to rear end at a fast food drive through. He was in town to blow 2 grand before going back to Chicago to be sworn in as the newest Checker Head CPD Kingsley (like his father and his grandfather afore him). Rebecca showed up and joined the assembled on the window lineup for a while. After the sun gave up and packed its bags we went inside and soon the band began to play, I didn't catch their name but they were great. Things wound down, and Jenni and I took the sun's advice and headed home just before 11. It was a great birthday adventure, and I met some interesting people. Today is Nikki Barker's birthday, She want to Herron and is now an Art teacher. See what can happen if you study and pay attention? Whew, if I hadn't been careful that could have been me. Well I've rambled off and on now I have to go to work again. Oh yeah, the thing that happened at work! It was work. I knew I'd remember. Thanks to DeAnne, the Chatterbox and all of my friends for the drinks. And the group effort that also bought me the other big birthday surprise, Fall Bristol Tickets!!! Winnah, winnah, Chicken Dinnah!

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Bumble Boogie. Chuck Pace ©2006

Today, Good Friday. Roberts bi-annual store demo weekend begins. We've had an ad out since last Sunday. It's also the "payout" at the bowling alley and no-tap bowling afterwards, as well as opening day for the Indianapolis Indians minor league team at Victory field. I am not sure the weather is going to cooperate with baseball tonight. I hope so.
Yesterday was my Thursday off, which means I work tomorrow and the following Thursday to have Saturday the 22nd off. I spent much of the day outside, I went downtown and took Jenni to Bynum's Steak House for lunch, then back home to do more outside stuff, while the day was cooperating. At some point I lost a whole lot of hair -Summer Cut- (I think all are cut), and later I got a wicked sun-burn on my shoulders taking photos and making new concrete "faux stone" pathways. I found a juvenile Robin in the yard, that didn't have confidence in it's flying abilities, and took a couple snaps of that as well as the yard in bloom. That's all I've got. Sorry for being boring, have a good Good Friday.

Open Tulips, Asiatic Lilly #2, and Peach Blossoms.
Chuck Pace © 2006
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No Smoke on the water, just The Fire in the Sky! Chuck Pace © 2006

After work yesterday, Jenni and I decided to stop at the Chatterbox for two or three. Just two or three. Really. It was a beautiful night and the masses were again assembled on Mass, en masse. At the table I chose to join on the patio were Ericka Embrey, Pam Walker and Jenni, at the adjacent tables sat Jack Green, Travis DiNicola, Bill Brooks and 'Honky Tonk' Judy Grimes. Soon we were joined by Ed Sipes, Mel Shoffner, the Limping tree of Lancastershire David Sherry (who quickly decided to seek the shade inside) with Mary Anne Beuke and Jody Frick. Vanessa and David Andrichik were doing the more than adequate job of replenishing beverages as soon as they appeared to dwindle. My three Corona's came and we went, home that is, but not before Liz and 'Sasha' arrived on the patio. Travis, Judy, Brooks and Jack had vacated the premises before Liz's arrival also and it turns out that was just fine. Jack reappeared wearing a navy blazer, stated that he was not crazy, but was going to diner at Elements, I told him there was no correlation between the two things, his sanity and his satiety, and he ambled off towards the restaurant.
I came in to get a close-up, and they all crowded in to see what I was doing, so I took a group shot instead. Silly Daffy's. Chuck Pace © 2006

At the patio there was considerable talk of my birthing anniversary, and opening night of the Indian's at Victory Field, which coincide on the morrow. I, the father of the mention meter, may get a Major Mention on the Scoreboard at the game. Speaking of Birth anniversaries and mentions, I have to say Happy Birthday to the matriarch of the Mason clan my mother-in-law Peggy Mason. Many happy returns. I have done a quick run around the yard this morning and noted the Tulips are finally making an effort, the daffodils just won't quit, and a lot of other seeded treats are poking their tiny leafy coifs through the topsoil. Looks like a great day to be outside, so why do I sit here at the keyboard. I shan't much longer. Nay, I shan't.

Beauty on Parade. Peggy's April 13th planted birthday card.
Chuck Pace © 2006
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The Crapper Caper, the Men's Room Mystery, The Case of the Air Unapparent, twists and turns. Yesterday I drove into work, as usual, did the normal behind the scenes actions and activities to open the store and let in nearly all of the staff. Then a little before 9:00 AM, after most of my coworkers had been let in, I came through the department, and was asked by someone. "Did you write it?" I'm sure I had a confused look on my face. Before I could ask write what, James says, "I know, Chuck wrote it, that's how he writes." "Wrote what?" I finally said. "The note down there." "What note, down where?" "In the men's room," came the collective answer. Well, I made my micro-pot of decaf, and inventoried the 'wall of inks' (the two birds, one stone scenario) before I made the trek downstairs, I pulled the inks and then on the way back upstairs I stopped at the facility, expecting to see a handwritten note. Instead there sat a can of Lysol™ Neutra
The Toilet Treatise, Or Fresh Air Manifesto: Author unknown, 2006

Air™, and taped to the wall a computer printed "Fresh Air Manifesto." I took a moment to read it. Sat down the basket of inks, and took a couple of photos for the purpose now being served.
I definitely am not the engine behind this change, but can now understand its impetus. I have theories. Too many actually. My first thought was Randy Cox, it would be his style to explain the motivations, and to bring about the change. Another very plausible perp (in my humble opinion) is Mike Novak, while a powerful polluter of the very air (that someone) is trying to purify, I can see him drafting this letter, and taking action for the common good. I came up and "faced" the ink department, then I went to Phil, Jody and Rich with my Randy theory, Phil said he thought it was an O'Brien thing to do, then Jody said he had complained about the very things mentioned in the "Manifesto" to those who purchased the purloined purifier/disinfectant. Hmmmm, more suspects instead of less. It occurred to me later that Vince had asked me on Monday who wrote the song that had the lyric, "Ooh, Have Another Hit, of Fresh Air," which after a few minutes of scanning the mental storage unit I came back with, (the correct answer of course) Quicksilver Messenger Service, early 1970's. Now you might say, Vince is the one who brought to light the "cadging of the can" in the first place, to which an obvious answer presents itself. Misdirection! Oldest trick in the book, -Hey, look over there! - add another suspect. How can we get to the bottom of our foul air folly, when there is no end in sight (thankfully)!
Chuck Pace (except for the Treatise) © 2006
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There appears to be a sneak and a criminal in our midst. A real stinker of a mystery at work. Yesterday, according to plausible sources, someone in the building removed the Lysol™ disinfectant and deodorizer from the mens bathroom in the basement? Lysol™ Liberator at large! We've asked the Privy pillaging perpetrator to come clean, and clear the air on the whole messy affair, but still it remains a mystery. Who enjoys the odoriferous emanations from the facility so much that they would purposely purloin the purifier? Have we a foul-air felon in the facility? The Sh#* really hit the fan when the men's room misappropriation mystery was made public. Someone did the can-can with the can from the can. Only one suspect was not in the store yesterday, that being C.Scott P. It stinks butt everyone else is under the umbrella of suspicion. We will get to the bottom of this, and the stinker will pay. Until then remember a Flush beats a Full house, and Texas Hold-em is definitely down the drain until our disinfectant defective is detained!

Onto less crappy news. My bowling team " Spare Parts" did the necessary deed, last night. Winning 5 and losing 2, next week we take on The Chatterbowlers less their secret weapon, Will with his new ball. We will still be short handed since David Sherry destroyed his knee several weeks ago, and we cannot have substitutes (knees or bowlers) on the final week of league. With our two and series victory last night we are guaranteed 2nd place, and a roll-off berth in the up coming tournament (a roll-off berth is a good thing here, unlike on a sleeper car or bunk bed). I'm proud of my team mates, Jenni in particular she had her highest series and game last night a 335 and 134 respectively (making it three 300+ series in a row now). Mel pulled off another night over average as did I and we got the job done. Oddly Mel and I's strongest games (167 and 170) were the second game, the only one we lost, team 1 took game 2 by 2 pins (Jenni's weakest game).

Later kiddies. Keep the faith. I'm wiped out. As the mother skunk said to her babies on the church, "Let us Spray"
Chuck Pace © 2006
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Micro Plants in the front bed greeted me home from work. Chuck Pace © 2006

First days back are just plain hard. Getting over a vacation mentality, and back into a work flow. It helped a little that we have and awesome sale going on right now. The ad was in Sunday's Star. Killer prices on popular products. So I hit the ground running, had a eleven hundred dollar sale before I took lunch at 11:50 with Jenni. I get back from lunch and James Willis is up next, he asks me to take over his customer so he can go. I do and it's one of those customers too. The ones that make you work for it, the pains in the neck. I take over, James goes to lunch, James comes back, the next guy goes to lunch, I'm still trying to convince my customer and his wife that he "needs" to have a back-up if he's going to shoot weddings, they are both shooting the weddings together, so really there should be two systems, with critical backups. Finally, two hours after I start we finish, $9200.00 give or take a $1.19. In the meantime while Mr. and Mrs. Hemhaw are deciding to make up their minds to come to a conclusion that borders on a decision, I have been taking phone calls, and stuffing notes in my pocket to follow up. Plus I am billing out our Bloomington store's transfer merchandise while Mike Wilson is away. I followed up the big sale doing a bunch of follow up calls and sales. Sounds like a perfect Chatterbox after work scenario doesn't it? It was, and could not be. The latin community was having this big rally at St. Mary's Cathedral Church on Vermont and New Jersey, you couldn't drive up New Jersey, it was barricaded as was Mass Ave, Michigan St, and the whole enchilada.
No Box. Home. And with the saved time and it's daylight implications, a lot of yard work with Jenni. We planted a Hortensia Hydrangea and two Rhododendrons, and trimmed a couple of trees back and generally got our clothes dirty. We dug up a Joe Pye weed that was the size of a small tree, I even took a photo of Jenni holding the base of it with "growth" rings on it. Then in a reward we cleaned up a little, and went to the Long Horn Steak house for steaks. I actually had a hankerin' fer a Rib eye, order the varmit and sat back with Jenni and waited, I was half way through my refreshing drink when Ashley the waitress comes back all apologetic like and says they have no more medium rare or medium rib eye left. So I get a small Renegade (which is a menu item, not a quirky sidekick) and all is well. O.K. not really. Just before we left for them vittles, my Lil' darlin' of a wife tells me that Mel called, a little upset because she struggled to get to the "Box" only to find out that Rich, Eddie, Jenni and I had deigned to distain due to the sudden overpopulation in the neighborhood. None of us called her, and I had not remembered to take my phone off of silent mode (required at work) so I missed her eight or nine incoming calls. Sorry Mel. Tonight the Spare Parts bowl in the next to last game of the 10 for 10 league. That's Mel, Jenni, (vapor-Dave) and Me. Next week we will be bowling the Chatterbowlers for position (most likely). Well off to work. "Until we meet again, Happy Trails to you."
Chuck Pace © 2006
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Well the move went pretty well. We got All of Travis' lamps, and toys and pictures into the new house, we got the book cases and drafting tables and guitars and such that the 'real' movers didn't and we got to watch the race and have a couple of 'zas too. The place is very nice and they should fit and conform to it nicely. I'm not sure what (if any) of the stuff from Travis' old apartment was Liz's, other than Travis and one guitar that is. It was a good day, the sun was out and the bird parade started in their new backyard after we all settled down. There were just enough people to help, not too many or too few, Brooks, Richard, Glen Bucy and Theresa, Josh and Emily, Connie and several people I don't know, all pitching in and loading the trucks, vans, and more than a couple of cars too. I took a photo of Liz and her little friend Sasha, the smash of the moving party, before I left, I was looking for that small window of oppurtunity, and it knocked (hard). Liz also provided us with some amazing candy coated popcorn after the major moving was done. Wow! The joke was that Sasha was a "gift" from a Commie Candy Cartel, trying to put Liz out of biz , of course that is purley a joke. The truth of the matter is the new house is haunted, and required a blood offering from Liz before they could move in. There may even be a body or two buried in the back yard. Ahh, sweet home ownership. To top the day off, Travis won the Nascar Fantasy League! Rich and I came to my house, for a while then headed to the Chatterbox to see Cathy Morris and her Band, and once again a good time was had by all.
Today I have to go back to work, after a week off to do a bunch of manual labor, hard work chores and the Move. It will be good to get back to a paying pace, where they will be paying a Pace.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Out of an apartment into a Home. Chuck Pace © 2006

It looks to be a beautiful day, I am going to have a top 5 finish in the Nascar league, and we are helping Mr. DiNicola and Ms. Garber relocate to the East Side, to that deluxe location under the Sky. They are Movin' on Up. Jenni and I am obligated to be there to help since Travis mentioned that there could be mentions galore for the helping hands that show up to assist. Well there is only ONE mention meter I know of, so it's gotta be me. I expect there to be a lot of light things, like, oh. Books in boxes! More books in boxes! Additional books in boxes! etc. etc. etc.

We shall see. Beer, Pizza and Chocolate.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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The Cloudman Pukes out the Sun! Chuck Pace ©2006

Yes. Absolutely. Yesterday, I absolutely failed to post. Why, I was busy, what else? I got up when Jenni did, got dressed and followed her to an auto mechanic's shop that was recommended by Lisa Andis (one of her Jenni's coworkers). The truck has been without wipers for several months, and these people said they could fix it. We dropped off the truck, then wound a circuitous route back through the high velocity wind scarred downtown and the multiple closed and detoured streets to Conseco and "my" Starbucks. Two venti coffee purchases later I got Jenni to her work and started home. I chose to drive the back way even with the wet streets glaring sunlight up so terribly that I could barely see. Before I was more than a mile away from Anthem "Big Mike" called from the shop, the truck was ready to pickup. Shazamm! I called Jenni and arranged to take her to lunch and then to the truck at, well you guessed it, lunch time. So I continued home. Weather predictions were for storms for most of the day, so I thought I'd take advantage of the wonderful pre-rain time and started laying some paver bricks along side the driveway. I thought I had about 3 hours before meeting back up with Jenni. I went in for a second to change cloths, then right to work. Jenni calls at 10:35 and says Rebecca, (the aforementioned) Lisa and Bruce Fletcher are all going to lunch with us as well at The Claddagh at 11:30. I worked for another 15 minutes, cleaned up the tools and mess, hosed down the bricks and drive, took a shower, dressed, blowed dry my hair and went to pick Jenni up (a 15 minute drive) and we were at our table at 11:36. Lunch was furry nice as Bruce said over his furry hot clam bowl. Then the Jen-meister and I went to get the truck from "Big Mike" and Kevin, who had done the work. Jenni was ready to drive off, I suggested she try the wipers before going back to work. One half a pass later we were asking "Big Mike" to figure out why we only got a half pass from the wipers. They asked for a half hour, so Jenni stayed with the truck, I walked around Woodruff Place and photographed stuff. I got back as they were closing the hood. Rebecca had asked me in front of Jenni, Lisa and Bruce if I'd like to go get trashed after I Jenni picked up the truck, originally I said I would have a few, then have time to recuperate before bowling in the last night of the Fall league, and position night. I said sure but don't tell Jenni (I think she heard though since she was sitting between Bec and I), but was having second thoughts after the extended repair work at "Big Mike's." I called Bec and told her when the (re)work started that I might not, but after the photo walk, the beautiful day and the successful second repair completion I called her back and agreed to see her at the Old Point on Mass.
I arrived 20 minutes before Bec, had a beer and took some shots inside which I will make into a collage print (later). Went outside to look around, shot a photo of a young man named Ben (with his dad's permission) who was helping to disperse a water puddle beside the Old Point. A little later sitting on the brick wall across from the Point I spotted and talked to Roz Wollen and her sister Sonya (forgot to snap a photo though) before they dispersed quicker than puddle water. Next I saw Jim Strain walking with some other well-dressed "at lunch" people, caught up with him for a minute and then walked to the other side of the point, just as Rebecca was pulling up to a meter.
We chose to sit outside where we could keep an eye on the meters, and enjoy the 74° Sunny/puffy cloud day. A few beers in, the person sitting at the next table directly to the west of us spoke to us. Before long we were having a great time and conversation with Marcy Ferree, (pronounced, Fur-EE) who was in a pall waiting for a friend named Paul. I asked her if she had heard of Marcy Playground (a band) then I took her picture, she said "Hey, don't take my picture", I said "too late." She offered to take a photo of Rebecca and I. It looks like a vacation photo. Then Marcy approved the use of her photo and mine on the website.

"Sex and Candy," Marcy Playground, 1999
Hangin' round downtown by myself
And I had so much time
To sit and think about myself
And then there she was...

The song's first four lines are appropriate, I think.

Yes, I am quite obviously on Vacation: Marcy Ferree © 2006
I was snapping shots of the buildings and the shapes of clouds making spectacles of themselves when I saw the cloudman with his back to us open his mouth and let the sun out in a sequence. (I don't think he knew anyone was watching), then we called Jenni and told her it was foolish to pretend to work when the boss was already at the Point with me, she saw my point and was on her way in 15 minutes. I invited Marcy to join us, but she was still holding out hope that the 83 minute late Paul was going to show up. We all talked a while longer then Marcy left. I decided I wasn't going to have time to go home and recuperate from the "surprise" afternoon before bowling in a little over 45 plus minutes and decided to head to the Box for at least one more, since they were open. David was in a great mood, sharing with Brooks, Jenni, Rebecca even Richard Plath and myself that he was going to be going in for a colonoscopy early next week, obviously that steered the conversation to Travis and Liz, and the moving party on Sunday. Then off to the Sport Bowl.
We took care of business, won all 7 points and took 13th place away from "Three Men (down one) and a Lady. Rich had another 500+ series, but I took team high game honors with a 202, Ed hung just over his average, and Mel had a parabolic over under over series. Night over? Not likely. Next up, Flux for an opening of Kipp Normand's Cabinet of Wonders which will be there until April 29th. I told DeAnne which piece I liked best and she said, "Me too, I bought it." It figures, oh well I can't afford more Art purchases until I paint the hallway and then build the shelves in the world HQ, and then finish the pavers along the drive, and then the patio, and then the gardens and then, and then, and theeeeennnn?
Well this wordy exercise should fill in the gap left by my non-post of 4/7/06. Until Travis' then, where I expect to do some hand pumping with my constituents, Chuck off. BTW, it never did rain downtown. Castleton yes, hard even, but not on my parade, baby!

Chuck Pace © 2006
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No And Then! No And Then!

The view from section 205 Row 2, lucky seat 13; Chuck Pace ©2006

Just three more work days off, then Sunday the Race day, the Travis and Liz move day, the Pizza, Beer and Chocolate day. As the pinky finger once said to the window sash, "Smashing idea, eh wot?" In these three remaining days I have to paint, paint, and paint. A final yellow coat in the bathroom, a primer coat in the hallway, so as not to repeat the calamity of the yellow, then an orange coat in the hallway, and lastly four doors and a funeral. No, four doors and seven years... wait for it. Four doors and the baseboards, yeah that's it. I've run out of time and money for the shelving project, maybe next Thursday, which I will have off -because it's the first day of passover?- Well no, because it's my regularly scheduled day off, alternating Thursday and Saturdays, you ninny, how long have you been reading my posts? What does this have to do with painting or shelves? No, I refuse to get into a second person argument with myself. Chuck sat there at his wits end trying to juggle too many projects and his need to write a daily post even when his mind was a vacant as a pork butcher's shop in Tikrit. As his vacation time dwindled away he wrestled with himself over what to do next when all of a sudden.. Hey! When did the third person step in? What the heck is going on here? I refuse to be a part of this any longer, -and you're the ninny- I'm putting our foot down! Done. Over, now back to the post (am not).


The Pacemates "Sealing" off the perimeter in the 4th quarter. Chuck Pace ©2006
David Andrichik took Rich and I to the Pacers vs. the (purple deprived) Raptors of Toronto last evening where we all watched as the home town boys took care of business, never trailed and ended with a eight point victory. The place was at about one quarter capacity for some reason, the wind damaged buildings downtown, or the 5 game losing streak or something. Too bad it was a fun game, not overly exciting all the time but a good effort for Rick's boys, none the less. When we returned to the Box, Dick Dickinson was on the drums again with the Jazztet for an entire set. It was good to see Dick behind the skins and cymbals, just like old times. I had a couple of Corona's and paid my tab, shot a picture of a marionette behind the bar I don't remember seeing before and drove home to be with my lovely wife, who taped Lost for me. Now, just when do you think I -we- "they" will have time to watch that?

Well, I won't have time for any of my projects if I keep sitting here with these voices inside my head, Echoes, things that you said. Great, that Stings. Now the Police have been called in, I'm out of here. "Chop, Chop!" Like they said in October of 1980, Bomb's away, because when the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around. You don't have to be driven to tears like a man in a suitcase, or live your life like a canary in a coalmine to see that. Well, now I'm definitely behind my camel, looking for shadows in the rain, hey camel, don't stand so close to me! De do do do, de da da da looks like I found the other way of stopping. Zenyattá Mondatta everybody.
Chuck signed of with his usual Chuck Pace ©2006 closer, and steeled himself to the task of painting again.
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A True Long Shot: taken after the sorry third game. Chuck Pace © 2006

While I'm at home projecting and doing projects , I keep myself very busy. I approach my lists of tasks like I do my posts, randomly. But I do seem to get a lot done albeit distracted and pulled in multiple directions at times. It's more relaxing and satisfying to spurt here, and there for little accomplishments, than to slave at one big "deal" until it's done. Having said that I do get engrossed in the accomplishment so much that at times I have to stop and remind myself to take nourishment. That was the case Yesterday. Yesterday was my first time out of the house since Friday night's bowling extravaganza, except for a brief trip to Meijer with Jenni on Saturday for groceries and crappy paint, that is. I fixed myself breakfast at about 10:20, then began my days activities. I cleaned up some yard waste, painted the accessory items (switch covers, curtain rod ends, etc...) for the yellow nightmare. Did some web-site maintenance, and plenty of other micro-chores. I called Travis at about 3:00 to see if he would be at the Box before Jenni, Mel, Rich, Mike Wilson, David Adrichik and I all had to motor to the Bowling alley for another nights kegeling. Since I had only breakfast to fuel me (and about a pot of coffee) there was little to prevent me from feeling "a little more outgoing and friendly" from the three Corona's I had at the box. That "friendliness carried over to the bowling alley, where I had my share of the "tower" as well, and a third of the pizza, too. I bowled O.K. in the first two games, which we won. Jenni and Mel also did quite well, but by the third game my excesses got the better of my aim, and I dropped 30 pins from the previous 170+, Jenni ruptured a blood vessel in her hand and could only think about that the last two frames, and failed to capture the 100th pin in her brag bag of tricks. She bowled a 99, after 117 and 109 in the first two sets. Mel tried desperately to carry us in the final game, but my poor showing in the 9th an 10th frames served to insure a loss. We took 5 and lost 2, as did the Chatterbowlers whom we trailed by 7 points (before and after the evenings fun). I was disturbed by my performance and didn't want to hash it over with the crew, so I went around taking photos, which ultimately led me to the opposite parking lot from where I parked. I drove the BMW over there so as not to walk the length of the lot more than 3 times while exploring (or exlporing if you are Jody Grober) photo opportunities. I intentionally avoided the others, and when they saw the car not where I left it they assumed I was gone. I arrived home about 20 minutes after Jenni, since she left to try and catch me. We were alright last night, but... I acted irresponsibly, and received for my performance a stirring monologue from Jenni this morning. The "Sermon on the Amount" I think I shall call it. All of her points were valid, and I had no defense. I just didn't want to be around the people I had let down, I'm too competitive some times and I was competing with myself. I lost. Sorry team.
Now the good news. I got some good shots. I got to see Brooks and Travis and my friend Cathy Morris (sans violin) and had an overall good out of (home) body experience until the end. You know, looking at the patio shot I have to say it seems like there's always a shadow hanging over Brooks. Add to that about a dozen photos already today that I will share a few of before I go tasking and errand running outside the in yard, and I think I'll be alright. Tonight Rich and I are joining David Andrichik at Conseco for a Pacers game, I haven't been since Thanksgiving weekend, because of the now finished Wednesday 10 for 10. Fun.
Sunrise and The Mornings Glory (yes, I now they're Dafodils!)
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Pieces Of April, Around the Yard: Chuck Pace ©2006
So of the things I plan to accomplish during the week I'm being paid not to be at work the top of the list was/is painting the hallway and the little bathroom. Yesterday about five minutes after I posted the Springboard post I got started, cleaning out the bathroom, removing the shower curtain rod, light switch and outlet covers, the toothbrush holder and towel bar. Then I swept and mopped the floor, and washed the baseboards. After that I thoroughly stirred the yellow paint Jenni and I chose at Meijer for the task at hand. The paint? At Home with Meijer, Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel, One Coat Coverage. Well I wasn't painting a coat, I was painting pale blue walls. I started doing the top and edges above the trim. The first coat left a streaky green horror. I let that dry for two hours, then re-did those areas to a more even lime color, and rolled the larger surfaces. An hour later I applied a second roller coat, waited and then applied a third. In frustration I cleaned out the rollers and the brushes. Took a shower, and watched a little (well, 27") T.V., was riveted to the Montel, "I cheated on my fiancee with his bess friend, is the baby his?" episode for as long as it took to read the episode caption I just typed, surfed and started to get a massive headache. By now it's almost 4:00 and I was planning on going to the Chatterbox, but an impending migraine said otherwise, I think it was a combination of one coat catastrophe frustration and paint fumes in an enclosed space that brought out the 76 trombone marching band in my cranium. I didn't care for the "Music Man" when I was a kid, and I certainly didn't care for the effects that brought it to mind now, literally.
I called Jenni, asked if she could get home all right (it may have been preparing to rain, but thats a different post altogether [everyone: "That's a Different Post!"]). So I climbed in bed with a damp rag (no Jenni was not there, I thought I just covered that), and slept until 7:00 PM. When I awoke I wondered why Jenni had not checked in on me, she is usually home by 4:45. Well, she was not home, but Charlie was sure glad to see me, he desperately was trying to behave after the scolding I gave him yesterday morning, so I walked him. then I called Jenni's cell. The rest is hearsay you honor, I repeat its as told to me later by my wife. Jenni went to the Box with Rebecca, met up with the other men's clubbers, Ed, Rich, Mel (honorary) and Travis. (I heard Liz injured herself in the Amityville Horror, the House, I was told what the injury is, but I can't put a finger on it). The Chatterboxers were there to talk about what to do on Good Friday April 14th. Kay was there as was Brooks for a bit, and Jody F. and of course DeAnne serving up joy as well as ordered drinks. I heard that there was a furry of comments directed at Rebecca concerning my post, and she had to laugh. I thought she would be furrious -when I was a kid we had a Plymouth Furry, it was sea-foam green and had cloth seats, they were standard seats though, not at all furry- but Jenni said she took it all in stride. There are still the threats that I got yesterday morning after she got the "April Fool's" joke I perpetrated on her. If she follows through on some of them she will be the perpetrator!

Opps, I got off track a little. So when Jenni got home I was feeling a little better, it was a few minutes before 8:00 (but I swear the sky was more like the 7:00 Indiana skys of early April I remember) I'm so confused. Anyway, I showed and explained my frustration with the painting fiasco to Jenni, then uncorked the enamel genie again and tried to finish with a 4th coat. The walls look better, but there is still need for more paint around the ceiling and above the baseboards. It took the full gallon to do a room with less than 78 sq. ft of walls (that's before you subtract the shower/tub enclosure, the sink, vanity mirror and the entry door, another 40.8 sq.ft., [yes I have some extra time on my hands, vacation] pretty crappy, for a one coat paint that should have covered a 120 sq. ft of walls! Lesson learned. Don't skimp on the paint. My biggest fear here is the hallway and trim paint I already bought at Meijer will also SUCK! I will be going to Home depot to have them match a gallon of the yellow paint to finish, and have plenty left over.
I've been walking around the yard every day since the 1st and taking a few shots of the growing things. The shot to the right is a mud spattered Daffodil shot Sunday morning after some wicked Saturday night weather. O.K. I've used up my word quota for the day (and some of tomorrows too, I fear, so I'll shut the heck up and post already).
Chuck Pace ©2006
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Future Shelves, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Chuck Pace ©2006

Well I spent several hours yesterday planning the bookshelves I would like to build in the chuckpace.com World H.Q, while I'm on spring break vacation from the store. I have two designs one for the north wall and one for the south. I drew them up in photoshop, then did 3d perspective renderings. I worked on these into the waning hours of the morning. I am also set to repaint the hallway and re-deco the small (ugly) bathroom this week. Yard work, laying pavers and general maintenance if the weather ever cooperates.
I got up at a little before 9:00, though my internal clock was saying 8:00ish for some reason. Charlie is a little confused by DST also, and left me a tubular prize in the floor by the new recliner this morning. Time to reprogram his internal clock as well.
The Missing Time post had a shot of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the Mention Meter 1st Quarter. Those are actually refrigerator magnets, that I have ordered, for the podium finishers. Swell. Looks like last quarter's (not to mention) winner is in a early lead. 3 mentions counting the photo, Mel with 2 (now), and Travis with 2 also, followed by the Governor, who is also (like family members and affiliates, add politicians to the list) not eligible for prizes.
Like I said I got up just before 9:00 on this my first actual day off for vacation. I had to get up the phone was ringing. It was Jenni calling to warn me that Rebecca was a little put off by my April Fools Day post. Let me put it this way, trees were uprooted, light poles broken off at the base, and 5 stories of windows in the Regions Bank that face the Anthem Building are smashed out. Rebecca rested the phone from Jenni's trembling hand and delivered a cold benediction to me, which, this being a family site, I care not to repeat, suffice it to say pulling the comforter and blankets up tight around my neck did not help. I see that Rebecca has also left me a post on Saturdays blog. I quote it here.
"Hell hath no furry like a woman's scorn!
Reb | 04.03.06 - 9:04 am "

It's creepy how similar that is to that famous quote, "Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned." I wonder why there won't be 'furry' women in hell? Who would want to scorn the furry women! Be forewarned there will be no furry scorned women in hell. So get used to the Idea! The "red" photo above show's Rebecca in a flurry of activity. Do you think she would be in a fury if she were furry? It's a good way to avoid the depths of Hell, apparently. When I first read the comment I thought I was being warned or threatened, nope It was an exercise to befuddle and confuse. And It worked.

Well I have two pages of chores and activities to finish before the "vacation" is over. I'll still see my trusted friends at the Chatterbox tonight after 5:30, so I've got to get busy, now.
Warm and Fuzzy (furry in a way) Chuck Pace ©2006
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I seem to be having a lot of trouble with my computer, or is it daylight saving time? Is Mitch Daniels to blame? Several things went amiss yesterday. Even Saturday, now that I think of it. Is this a doomed vacation?



How did I close my post on Saturday? I can't remember/ Oh, yeah it was... Still driving the bus to Smartassville, with frequent stops, your Captain, Chuck Pace. What it didn't say was April Fools Day! Congratulations to Rich, he is the Mention Meter winner. He got the most mentions, he is the Big , Big Winner. Who's the Big Winner? Not Mikey. Nope Rich.

The Short Post has been a happy post (at least for some).
Captain, Chuck Pace ©2006
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Like so many days leading up to my vacation, I was really just wanting to put yesterday behind me and get on with getting off (work that is). I was in a foul mood most of the day. Several things played into the making of this mood, but suffice it to say that the day and the mood are over, I'm on vacation, and I don't have to deal with the logistics of the major college basketball tournament any more, or parking or being downtown. I'm in the www.chuckpace.com World Headquarters in lounge pants that Melissa Shoffner hand made for me for Christmas, listening to jazz music Keiko Matsui, "Kappa (Water Elf) "from The Keiko Matsui Collection and posting todays blog, taking my time drinking coffee. The biggest worry I had up to now was how much coffee to put in the basket of my new DeLonghi coffee maker I purchased from Heather and Shannon at Starbucks on the way into work yesterday.

Subdued Hawaiian Shirt # 36. Chuck Pace ©2006

One of the first customers Friday arrived in Indy from Washington D.C. to cover GMU's cinderella season for the NBC news affiliate there, her name is Lindsay Czarniak and she is doing blog style articles for her TV channel's web site. She arrived sans USB download cable for her camera but I was able to get her a 512mb card and card reader to download into her laptop for the big event. Many of you already know that Friday is (more) casual at Roberts, and I usually wear a Hawaiian shirt on this special day, yesterday was no exception. After I helped Lindsay she asked Scott Proctor, Mike Novak and myself, all wardrobed in Hawaiian garb, to step in for a shot she might use on the blog about helpful friendly Hoosiers and the Circle (Really whopping Big Stage) City. I gave Lindsay my web address, but I'm sure she's up to her pearly whites in fun and frolic, so I doubt I'll ever actually be on the be seen on the DC blogosphere. The work day ended, mercifully, and I headed out to the bowling establishment.

Bowling Then. We were against "Us and Them," the third place team, but it wasn't only us and them. We were still 10 points behind "Three Men and a Lady" for "not last" place going into the evening. We really needed a big night, and we needed "Are We Done Yet?" to mop the floor with "3 men..." We lost the first game in a stunning 50 point route when their lead off bowler pulled a 248, Mel had a giant Ape of a Game with a 169, I had as stellar 185, Ed a 20 point over average 158 and Rich struggled with a 131 (still only 16 below his average, we would all have had to be King Kong to win that game). We were all King Kong the next game. I had a 210, Rich a 167, Mel another monster 168 and Ed a 155 and we won game two by 93 pins, in the running for series, we never looked back. Ed, Mel and I all dropped off, while Rich stomped and growled and beat the unsuspecting Us and Them crew with a tree he uprooted to swat away those pesky Pteradon's, pulling a 257 up by it's roots as well. Rich finished with a Four Get It team season series high of 555 (beating my 554 from several weeks ago, and my 552 last night)! Way to go Satan Kong!
We go into the final game and position night 7 points behind because Three men etc... won the middle game of their contest. If we win all, we win 13th place, come on Lucky 13, come on Lucky Strikes.

Pam arrived just as we were putting away our gear, and we talked a few, then all headed in our different directions. I came home and watched the Flaming Lips on Letterman from the night before on the VCR, then beat a hasty and exhausted retreat to the boudoir. We did not see or hear from Kay, Travis or Rebecca so they should go unmentioned, except that I will be tabulating the final numbers for the Mention Meter Race for the Cup and posting them on Sunday or Monday. I feel sorry for Rebecca, she has been and is suffering from pneumonia (some of you though it was parkingsome's disorder, eh? the both start with a P), and has missed several visits and opportunities to showcase her Mentionability. I do have a really good photo of her from the last time I saw her. So here is Rebecca parked at the box, not being a moving violation of any kind, to coin a phrase. She can still work the old meter, well the Mention Meter anyway. Cha' Ching! That being said, I've just decided something!!! I've decided to award the Grand Prize and the Meter win to Rebecca. Congratulations Rebecca, well done.

Still driving the bus to Smartassville, with frequent stops, your Captain, Chuck Pace ©2006
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