Well if you are not a stranger to my website of late you already know that I have been spending an inordinate amount of time in my garden this year. Well I've been spending an inordinate amount of time telling you about the amount of time I spend in my garden anyway. When I first started my website I had no idea what or where it was going to take me. I just wanted to have a place to put up some of my observations and commentary on everyday simple Hoosier life. As the name implies web log or blog for short is a journal of sorts, a dairy of the peaks. I don't share my failures with the world too often, who would have the time to read that? Who would want to? But I digress.

I have been on a mission since last Saturday, the Arbor mission, last night (after Jenni's post comment yesterday) I finally got to the beginning of the trellis side(s)m of said gargantuan structure. Coming home last night I stopped off at the Home Depot for some more deck screws. I ran out of screws the night before, so my first objective was to climb on top of the arbor and anchor the rest of the vertical elements down. I finished at 9:00, and since I had already done a layout of what I want the trellis sides to look like, began that while there was still a little light in the sky. I only worked until 10:20, then did my clean-up procedures. That is the least fun, clean-up. So here are a few looks at the beginnings of a trellis on the south side of the Arbor. I also picked some of my peppers this morning from my new, but not newest garden. Tonight I have to set up the second season Nascar league, and then apologize to all my co-fryers for not getting it together earlier. Garden projects, don't cha know. I wasn't intending to feature any lyric content today but as I got ready to prep my photos this occured to me.

R.E.M. "Gardening at Night"

I see your money on the floor, I felt the pocket change.
Though all the feelings that broke through that door
Just didnt seem to be too real.
The yard is nothing but a fence, the sun just hurts my eyes.
Somewhere it must be time for penitence. gardening at night is never where.
Gardening at night. gardening at night. gardening at night.

The neighbors go to bed at ten.
Call the prayer line for a change.
The charge is changing every month.
They said it couldnt be arranged.

We ankled up the garbage sound, but they were busy in the rows.
We fell up, not to see the sun, gardening at night just didnt grow.
I see your money on the floor, I felt the pocket change.
Though all the feelings that broke through that door
Just didnt seem to be too real.
Gardening at night. gardening at night. gardening at night

Chuck Pace © 2006
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The view from Wednesday Morning 6:25 AM: Chuck Pace©2006

Tuesday's Gone. It was a mixed bag sort of day. Work was interesting, the Euro's have started coming in for the F1 race and those with British accents are rather free with their money, Rather. Still I was happy to be done with work at 5:30.
My work was far from done at 5:30 though, I drove home through graying and darkening skies with a mission. It's been raining a lot since Sunday and I have been dying to get back to work on the Arbor project. I get home and am walking the yarden just as the next bit of precip begins in ernest (and in Cumberland), I just say "damn" and go back in. By 6:20 that bit has passed and I excitedly go to the garage and bring my father's day present from my wife, still in it's box, around to the patio. Before to long I have assembled my Ryobi 10" portable table saw, replaced the 24 "bite" Ryobi blade with a 40 "bite" Oldham blade (as recommended by Rich the wood-shop guy). I quickly put my new saw to work, cutting my braces for the arbor's cross members. By 7:30 PM I had the end cross member pieces in place just as a short, hard rain began pounding the East-side again. Twenty minutes later I was back out in the drizzle with power tools. You may be shocked to learn that I wasn't. By 10 PM I had only one more cross member to screw into the braces, and that last piece went up under illumination from a mega-flashlight (I still have to buy 4 more 2x6's and a bunch of other wood for the Trellis' I designed on the computer on rainy Monday). I hope to get this well toward completion using the available evenings, weather permitting, before this weekend. I have a family reunion to attend in Marion on Saturday. I still have tonight, Thursday and Friday, but Tuesday is gone.
Todays heading is a Lynyrd Skynyrd lyric from the 1973 debut album Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, which is all but a greatest hit package.
"Tuesday's Gone", Allen Collins & Ronnie Van Zant
Train roll on, on down the line,
Won't you please take me far away?
Now I feel the wind blow outside my door,
Means I'm leaving my woman behind.
Tuesday's gone with the wind.
My woman's gone with the wind.

And I don't know where I'm going.
I just want to be left alone.
Well, when this train ends I'll try again,
But I'm leaving my woman at home.

(chorus)
Tuesday's gone with the wind.
Tuesday's gone with the wind.
Tuesday's gone with the wind.
My woman's gone with the wind.

Train roll on many miles from my home,
See, I'm riding my blues away.
Tuesday, you see, she had to be free
But somehow I've got to carry on.

(chorus)

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Yesterday, after saying good bye to my parents and Bejo for a week (I'll see them at our family reunion event in Marion on Saturday), I beat a hasty retreat to work. Hasty because the final 10 minutes of my leaving ceremonies were an attempt to find my 'Bluetooth' phone adapter, and my new sunglasses. The bluetooth I had put in my briefcase, the sunglasses I had handed to Jenni while Dad and I were arboring thoughts of entrances and exits to my garden paradise. Turns out as the drizzle turned to a productive rain on Sunday about 2:45, Jenni who is crafting a bowling ball into "something with beads and glue" chose to sequester the sunglasses in the bag with the beads and glue and sit them in an under trafficked area for delayed discovery. 10 Minute delay to be exact. I was on my way to work, on the exit ramp to Ohio St. where I can pop over to the Pennsylvania Starbucks at Conseco in route to the store in the quickest, least backtracking manner. Where the ramp officially becomes Ohio, at College St. the interstate drivers have to come to interurban speeds and deal with traffic lights and such. The line going through College was slowing and I was behind a mini-van that was just entering the intersection as the light went yellow, a woman coming off of Ohio from the other side and turning unto College started to go, so me still coming and stopped. This action caught my attention and as I saw her 'not pulling' in front of me I looked back straight ahead at the now stopped 'in the intersection' mini-van. Already downshifted into 2nd and going no more than 20 mph I still covered the distance quickly and at the pavement change, with the ABS front brakes modulating the brake pedal I pushed the mini-van through the intersection (into the four or five car lengths of open space in front of it?!?) and came to a stop clear of College street myself. I re-fired the engine and we drove to a nearby parking lot to assess the possible damage. The husband got out from the passenger side and asked about the angled screw covers in the bumper fascia which were angled by design and not the least bit damaged, I looked up from his pointing finger as we examined the bumper to notice he was already wearing a neck brace. The paper plate in the window was only two weeks old. As for damage, there was none to either vehicle, I gave her my insurance and all other pertinent info and she gave me a card with the home number and the words State Faurm scrawled on it. As we went our separate ways I wondered if she had possibly intended to turn (from the wrong lane) onto College, or was confused or lost entering the down town grid. I also wondered if this was not the first time she had made an erratic or unexpected stop in traffic, since here husband was wearing a neck brace and their "new" car is only two weeks in their possession?
Needless to say I had an interesting morning, the adrenaline rush wore off an I crashed into a angry, melancholy mood until after lunch with Jenni. After work we popped into the Chatterbox for a few minutes. Just Rich, Eddie Jenni and myself. Richard Plath was there with an associate, David Andrichik preparing for F1, DeAnne doing the honors, and Jack Green fresh back from his adventures in England. Kay brought treats and loaned me two more Michael Franks CD's. Jody Frick was inside talking about the next Gerga mobile a top down model (green envy).
Leaving the Chatterbox Rich and I drove past a horrid wreck at Alabama and Michigan street, complete with two smashed mvehicles, ambulances and stretchers. I recalled my earlier tangle and considered myself lucky. At home and I designed the trellis' for the arbor on the computer since it was rainy outside, and after 10:30 we crashed for the night. I don't think the TV was turned on at all yesterday. Who needs it?

Chuck Pace © 2006
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The Grand Garden Entry, during a rain stoppage.

Another project, well under way. The Arbor frame is set. The posts are set and in concrete (which needs to set up for a little longer before I continue) and the load bearing end caps are in place. Tonight weather permitting I plan on putting the 2"x6" PT cross members on, after a quick stop at the Chatterbox to catch up with the crew there, of course. Dad and I worked from about 10:30 until it started raining just before the Nascar race at Infineon. Somehow I finished ahead of Kay (Sweet Treat), who was in the top three almost all day. I nodded off in "the chair" as did the folks on the love seat and couch during the middle of the race, and missed "Mr. Grudge/Battering Ram" Robby Gordon getting multiple laps down (and that would have been worth watching). Kay had Robby and P.J. Jones so that probably explains how I finished one position over her in the Turkey Fryers league, although only one of my ringers, Boris Said finished i the top 10 (9th), Ron Fellows my other ringer finished 36 laps down. Another amazing outcome, Kevin "Old Man davispc" Davis, who almost assuredly had a hangover and never changed his drivers for the race was missing Travis Kvapil, in the Tide ride. Kevin was in last place for almost the entire race, but finished seven places out of that basement in 19th due to the strength of his remaining racers who all finished on the lead lap.

I will be glad to get back to work, where I can rest the manual labor physical parts and used my wits instead. Later today, of course tonight I will be back up on rickety ladders to further assemble the arboreal retreat and get it to "look like something," unless it's raining canines and felines that is.
Speaking of canines, Bejo, the excitable boy, will be heading North with my folks to stay with Dennis and Cathy, (my brother and sister in law) and their four dogs, Luke, Bailey, Sadie and Molly for the rest of this week. This should test his resolve as the biggest little dog in the world.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Opening Shot, Pre-dusk, pre-labor Arbor Site, and materials.

First let me make my public apologies to Mr. Kevin Lee Davis, who still managed to turn Forty Years old on Saturday without my presence at this celebratory party.
I had planned to be there with Jenni and to usher in the first day of his fifth decade with Kevin and friends at the palatial VanDenBerg estates, but as many may know but didn't care, or even didn't know and didn't care, or possibly do care, my parents are up from Florida for about a week, so I had to take advantage of their presence.
First I don't get to see them much, and second with my busy "social butterfly" obligations I don't get to talk with them over Al G. Bell's tele-phone device much either, and they have yet to embrace the other Al G's internet. My mother Madge is a well read and very intelligent person, who can talk to you on almost any subject while my father is an accomplished "jack of all trades." Right now I need his help with some of my projects in the World HQ.
Today father and son are planning on fixing a plumbing problem in the public restroom of the primary facility at www.chuckpace.com and last night we began an undertaking that I have been visualizing for about 10 years on the greenspaces outside the Indianapolis home offices. Not that I have been procrastinating or anything, I have been doing other projects and enrolling in self-enrichment programs to bring you a better "thoughtpuke!"

Yesterday after I got home from work, there was considerable talk of both dining and the creation of a trellis/arbor entry into the back yard from the northern side yard. I have been making mental notes and preparations for this next garden element for a few weeks, and Phil Pace, my dad, agreed to assist me in the raising of the primary elements of this structure which we will complete later today. I will add elements for climbing plants, seating, lighting, acoustics, etc. later, but for now the basic frame is in need of completion. The photos show the materials being brought in, the ground broken and the beginnings of the Arbor. It looks like all it needs is a cross-member and a noose, but trust me it will soon be a functional arbor, entry , not a gallows pole. Well, I best be off to get some of these things done. Again happy 40 + one day to Kevin, I'll get down to drink in your honor soon, promise.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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It only took 20 minutes to determine that "both" dogs are charge!
Thursday night I went to bed after taking two Naproxin and two Ibuprofen's hoping that I would not wake up with the headache I was putting to bed. I didn't, I woke up with a Migraine and nausea. I took a dose of Imitrex, called in to work and laid back down. I woke up about two hours before Jenni got home from work, groggy and confused, with a terrible headache. A little straightening up and ate a late breakfast. I didn't even think about trying o d a post. Before 7:30PM the doorbell rang and my parents arrived from Florida with their Yorkie Bejo in tow. Charlie and Bejo did not get along very well at first, but after a few skirmishes and territorial squabbles they decided to try playing. Soon tails and tongues were wagging and the humans were in need of sustenance. Bejo was caged in Charlie's kennel and we offed to Long Horn Steakhouse for a fabulous dinner. Then home to continue catching up and sharing, soon it was 11:00 and I was, believe it or not exhausted. Mom and Dad had driven from middle Alabama so they two were ready to take to bed and rejuvenate.
This morning I awoke at 5:32 Am, reset the alarm a couple of times and finally got out of the sack, with, you guessed it a smashed head and headache. So I made coffee, the folks were already waking up by the time I started this post at 6:20, the dogs had to be walked and another set of sorties and skirmishes managed. Jenni has to pop into work for a couple of hours to quell another "brilliant" idea coming out of Ohio before it gets any momentum and can start taking down a company that is older than air travel. I have to head to work and then try to figure out a game plan to entertain the parents after 5:00, the dogs can take care of themselves.

Tai Kwon Dawg, block move #13, the Chuck Norris!

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Today I am franticly trying to put my affairs in order here at the World Headquarters of www.chuckpace.com. The reason? An impending visit from the "parent corporation" which merged The Pace-Martin concerns in the late 1950's. I have to be able to present the right image here at the world HQ, and the offices and meeting areas are in disarray. We have been doing a lot of grounds work to make the HQ site more presentable, now I have to turn my energies to the work areas, the cafeteria, the restroom facilities, and the entertainment and lounge areas. The heads of Pace & Pace, Phillip Pace and Madge Pace (formerly Martin before the merger) are personally coming to inspect the operation from Old Town Florida, they are bringing a member of their "watchdog" committee know by the code name Bejo (bay-o)Yorkie. I have a lot of work to do to get the HQ in order so I will cut short this prelude. I still have to get to the photo shop, where there are some new image imports that will be going seamlessly into todays offering, Busy, busy, busy. A full report will be made in the next week and a half or so. Until then I must get bizzy wid it. Ya'll. Todays Photos: Squeezing Bloodgrass from a Turnip bed. And the Yellow Rose from Mother's day flourshing.
Chuck Pace © 2006

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A different Asiatic Lily, we can't wait to see what it blooms into.
Last night, Jenni's birthday, last night of Spring. All rights of passage alright. The day started like most others, reluctance to get out of bed and start a day. Then the compiling of random elements and imagery to "puke " another post onto the web widened world, and finally the mad scramble to get to work on time. I felt bad because I hadn't prepared anything for my beloved's birthday, even after a few finely placed embraces and smooches she left the house empty handed. After an uneventful day at work for me (yeah, right) I asked if I could leave 20 minutes early, to beat Jenni to the Chatterbox, stop at O'malias's and Urban Lilly, Inc., to buy some birthday cards, a bouquet of flowers and a scented candle for Jenni, as semi-lame tokens of how much she means to me. Mario Samaro was at the Flower shop instead of his wife Caitlin (the owner) and we threw together a bouquet which I was able to hide in the car until the appropriate moment to spring it on my bride. DeAnne and the Chatterbox purchased Jenni's first Corona, Melissa Shoffner her second, and I got the rest. Mike McDaniels came out and broke his promise to his medical practitioners by having a grain based beverage or two. Pam was there and gave Jenni a couple of wickedly funny items for her birthday. Ed, Rich, Mike Wilson, and Kay were all at the box to well wish the birthday girl as well. After a couple apiece we decided to head home, but then Rich and Ed recommended going to Bazbeaux's Pizza and Jenni decided that she wanted to, since she hadn't been there in a long while. Jenni and I had a Buttershots snifter apiece and I tabbed us out. As everyone was settling their tabs Rebecca Martin arrived and bought Jenni and I another snifter for the birthday girls celebration. We tried to persuade Rebecca to join us at Bazbeux's but she has her own agenda to pursue and the core of the Chatterboxer's (Mel, Pam, Eddie, Rich, Wilson, Jenni and I) headed to the Pizza Emporium without Rebecca or Mike McDaniels. The entertainment was an innuendo laden barrage of verbal artillery that had both Jenni and Pam in tears for a while and the evening was a stunning success.
I was so behind when yesterday started that I skipped another ritual, my Starbuck's stop. I cannot do that this morning, I wouldn't dream of starting a summer day, the first summer day, the longest daylight day of the year without my coffee, plus I'm out of the same stuff at work, so I have to purchase that as well. The images today (except McDaniels) are more garden shots from yesterday morning.

Chuck Pace © 2006

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Happy Father's day to all fathers, father in-laws, step fathers and foster fathers. Your work is important and appreciated. I know two brand new father in-laws who are to be congratulated. Bill Garber and Bob DiNicola both have a new son in-law and daughter in-law respectively.

Yesterday afternoon at the Bill and Roxie Garber home in Columbus Indiana, "Father" Rich Roos, in a church sanctioned bondage ritual, bound the two new younger in-laws in a stole tying them up in front of a multitude of well wishers. The outdoor ceremony took place under beautiful 90° sunny skies. Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues were among the guests, but until they can put the band back together they refuse to provide musical entertainment. Melissa Gallant was playing a harp on a purple stage near the front of the place of union (the back of the yard) and after the ceremony and feasting (provided by Kay Niedenthal) Meredith Garber (sister in-law), provided the first tunes on a karaoke machine.
Brock and Jessica may be getting the nod for farthest distance traveled to see Travis (an only child) finally have to share his toys. I know Liz has been dying to play with the Hogwart's Express, I say after the honeymoon, tear into it sistah! Most of the visitors and guests came from Indianapolis, the Blues bros. may have come from Calumet City Illinois, but they weren't saying much, so unofficially the Kingsley-Zeller traveling road show from the other Columbus (the big O) get the long distance nod. John Gentry was tapped as event photographer (because his equipment checks out pretty well) and Deanne Roth, and I also were also firing off a few shots (I took 61 photos during the event), I noticed a lot of digital cameras in the hands of guests, so I don't think there will be any great lack of imagery from this wedding.

Liz had a brilliant idea (I'm not sure it offsets the bad one she agreed to on Beaujolais Nouveau night, oh wicked fruit of the vine!) instead of a guest registry book, the new couple brought sharpies to have their guests sign an Oak Bench for the garden de DiNicola. Hopefully it survived the downpour that ensued right after Jenni and I left just after 10:10 PM. Rich Culy is going to Marine Varnish the bench (once a few tests are made to insure the ink will withstand the process) so I hope the rain was kept off the artworks and sentiments expressed on the "register seat." I can not mention everybody that was at the wedding, but rest assured the Chatterbox, where Travis proposed to Liz, was well represented with David Andrichik as the best man, Deanne and Nicci (not serving drinks), Brooks finally out of his seat at the first patio table, Rich, Mel, Pam and Eddie, Wilson, Mark Smith and so any others all on hand to see the blessed event. Best wishes to the new couple have a great Honeymoon, and we'll see you in a little over a week.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Last night I went to the store for last minute provisions for the Travis and Elizabeth hitch-up, hook-up nuptialization celebration. While there I remembered to pick up the new (eponymous?) Queen Latifah, The Dana Owens Album which contains 40's and 50's standards as well as more recent songs like, "California Dreamin' " and an awesome duet "Simply Beautiful" with and written by the Reverend Al Green. Since Queen Latifah was born Dana Owens in March 1970, I call this the eponymous album, get it? I recommend it to anyone who likes Sinatra era female singers. The real shocker here is not the amazing voice and beautiful music on the album, it's that Jody Grober recommended it to me, right after I let him hear the new KT Tunstall, Eye to the Telescope album and Leo Kotke's, 1969 6 and 12 String Guitar albums.
Yesterday at work while I was on hold waiting for a Dr. to give me some credit card info to ship him a camera accessory I watched Jeff "Skippy" Barber looking up something on another computer and in Chuck Pace phone hold fashion doodled his portrait. Enjoy. Tomorrow I will do a "tell all" exposé about the ring exchange and heartbeat synchronization event scheduled for later today, provided I am sober enough to remember it. Till then keep cool and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Travis this a perfect day to throw away your life...

Chuck Pace © 2006
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... your old life, for a much better one, I mean. Congratulations to Travis condolences to Liz. Good luck to both.

Charlie gazes over at Woodsie through a curtain of Bloodgrass Chuck Pace ©2006

As I walked around the yard yesterday and this morning I discovered some new flowers. O.K. noticed is more like it, I don't get to name them or anything, they were probably discovered thousands of years ago. It's just that I noticed a few new additions to the flower beds. My poppies are blooming again, and they have a flourish of red on the otherwise canary yellow blooms, cool.
Jenni bought a decoy bird of prey to ward off rabbits
from the garden of mirthly delights. I decided to name him Woodsie Blowfish. I also planted some Japanese Bloodgrass in the new bed with some Dusty Miler plants last night.

Tomorrow is the big day, I have to mow the yard before it gets out of hand. Then I have to don my Bon Scott and go to Columbus for something or other, it will be a long day but I think a memorable one. We'll be Rocking and Rolling to the old 33's for sure. Sunday is father's day, and Race day and a much needed day of leisure I hope I can fit some leisure into the busy schedule.
Enjoy my garden photos I'll be checking in again tomorrow before the hectic turns frantic.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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The last discovery was the Flaming Blue Eye of Sauron in the Southern beds!

First, Welcome to Ava Grace Demumbrum, the 27 day old daughter of Lisa and Gary. When I found out they were expecting, about 7 months ago, and the due date was late May I told them to hold off and have their child on May 27th. That is the best day of all to be welcomed into the world on, ask anybody, ask Meredith.
Last night Rich and I stopped at the Chatterbox. Part of the reason is of course the Wednesday Night Men's club, but we also were there to shore up some of the wedding essentials info with one Travis DiNicola. We all agreed that Brooks was there, in his usual chair, exercising his finely honed wit. I brought a stack of the carting/bachelor party photos for David and Travis to keep at the bar for any of the participants or anyone else interested in seeing how the fun went down on last Sunday. Brooks left, Liz's friend Jennifer Osterman dropped off some glasses for Travis and the wedding, then went to work out. Before James W. from the bachelor party showed up and sat with us, waiting for Jen to finish her workout, Travis did the unthinkable. The wedding preparations have started to take their toll on him. In an unprecedented move, Saturday's groom told us that he wanted to buy a round! Around the globe clocks all stopped, babies started to cry and gravity lost its grip for a nano-second as this was one of the foretold signs that the world was coming to an end. I went inside and told Vanessa, she said. "Really? O.K." and the fabric of time, with only a small snag in it continued to unfurl. Here is the conundrum, without any other witnesses it's like a biblical event, it requires faith to get your head around such an event, but had there been other witnesses, it would not have happened. It's like the invisible kid in "Mystery Men" he can only go invisible if nobody is looking, or looks at him while he's invisible.
"Hey, I Wanna Buy the Next Round" Chuck Pace ©2006
I took a photo right after the "announcement" and there two other people in the shot but Travis was invisible to them, and the moment had no weight to anyone but us three. Rich and I actually refused the gesture at first, thinking TD had snapped, then we both agreed that this had to happen, once in a lifetime.

"Letting the Days Go By
Letting the Water Hold me Down,
Letting the Days Go By
Water Flowing Underground,
Into the Blue Again
After the Money's Gone
Once in a Lifetime
Water Flowing Underground"

And You May Ask Yourself
Am I Right? Am I wrong?
And You May Say To Yourself
My God! What Have I done?!

Thanks to David Byrne and the Talking Heads for having a lyric to express the moment, "Once in a Lifetime" on the album Remain in Light.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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As I close todays post I am Listening to Once in a Lifetime. Listen Travis.

"And You may Find Yourself
In a Beautiful House,
With a Beautiful Wife,
And You May Ask Yourself
Well, How Did I Get Here?"
"Same As It Ever Was (repeat)"

New section viewed from the "Mini-Patio"
So, the last two evenings when I get home from work I've been going right outside and working in the garden again. I moved part of my firewood a few days ago, and laid out some landscape timbers in a "trial fit." Monday night I dug out the space and cut the first 6 pieces. Last night I finished the flower bed and put in the top soil and garden soil. It was dark by the time I was done, so this morning I grabbed a few shots.A few days ago I also got a photo of a bee on one of the mystery plants Jenni bought last year. Most of the Morning I've been trying to get the CD burner in my computer to... well, burn, don't you think?
I may be hitting the Mac Experience to have a tune-up on the old iMac soon. Then there's that pesky Sharon Stone. I may have to get a restraining order or something. She just keeps calling me and telling me she wants my clothes (or something , this is a pg-14 site, so...), she calls two or three times in a row every couple of months. I feel like I'm being interrogated or something, I'm having a hard time keeping it together. I'm getting tired of your pick-up lines and promises. Sharon.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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The First Heat Starts! cpi photo:Rich Culy ©2006

Ten men took to the track that day. Only one would leave with the 1st place trophy. A grueling practice session allowed the combatants a chance to "shake down" the cars, and get a feel for the track that was "green" after storms and inclimate weather had washed the previous days rubber from the high speed surface. After a brief practice 5 men buckled in for the first of two elimination races. The First heat saw Chuck Pace, Mike Wilson and Josh Myers advance to the trophy round, eliminating Mark Smith and Glen Bucy. The second heat pitted Travis Dinicloa, Rich Culy, Mike Garber, David Andrichik and James W. one the grueling 5 turn road course. When it was over James and Travis were relegated to audience members for the main event. The stage was set, the field of six were in the choice cars and the flag dropped on the 20 lap main event. Michael Garber jumped out to and early lead, Chuck was burdened with a "restrictor plate" cart and fell to last place by turn two, by the mid point Chuck had picked off three drivers and was in contention for second place, with no acceleration out of the turns Chuck had to set Josh Myers up at the end of the long front straight, with two laps to go Chuck got his nose inside and held the line from 1 through the entry to turn three. "With a half a cart lead I threw both fist into the air in jubilance only to have the cart steer itself toward the rail, recovering I inadvertently allowed Josh to retake second place. Still, I went home with a trophy, and a Stellar podium finish event hat," said an only slightly daunted Chuck Pace after the main event. Mike Garber won the event from the pole (in an illegal car, but with the win already in the books, only a formal complaint letter can be been sent to the sanctioning body), and Josh Myers took the second place. The grandstands were packed with well wishers, Richard Plath (doing most of the packing), Mark Smith, James W., Glen Bucy, Travis DiNIcola and Will Andrichik.

Heat 2 Finish! cpi photo Chuck Pace ©2006
Then off to the party room and awards presentation. Travis received a consolation "Groom" (last chanced to driver away) trophy, and we all had our fill of Subway sandwiches and sides. Everyone agreed that Brooks was not there, and we all went to the Chatterbox for a toast to the fiance's. Liz and her possee, Meredith 1 (Garber), Meredith (Kay) 2, Jen and Teresa arrived with a buzz on from a bowling and drinking, I mean Drinking and bowling adventure at Jillian's and we toasted and congratulated the happy couple yet again. Emily (Josh's girlfriend) and Heather Basile joined the party and madcap revelry inssued.
That was a very good time. For The Record, Liz gets her consolation Trophy on Saturday. I did get a couple of details wrong on yesterdays post, but I have a forum where I can now set the record straight. First, Brooks did not attend the event at all, David awarded Travis a Little Buddy hat in Brooks absence and honor. Second, even though there is an indoor track (an oval) at the Post Road Carting facility, there are not Euro Style carts, fire suits or helmets. Everyone agreed that this should be and Semi-annual Chatterbox Event, but we don't know how to get Travis and Liz to re-marry every 6 months or so.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Giv' A quick shout-out to my peeps, said the Notorious MAG!

Sunday. Cloudy, chilly , rainy, perfect for this afternoon's esfuerzo del machismo! Hoy los hombres del Chatterbox, tomamos a nuestro amigo que va Travis Kart que compite con para su partido de soltero (Today we the men of the Chatterbox, take our friend Travis Go Kart Racing for his bachelor party). This is a mans right of passage, and since Travis is 37 he is indeed a man, there will be no drunken tomfoolery, no strippers or exotic dancers, no jello or belly shots, we as a group will act like civilized men not a pack of wild dogs in frenzied herd mentality! ¡Maldición! ¿Por qué tuvimos que hacer esto el domingo y dejamos David Andrichik tomar las medidas? Even tough we are going to be proper gentleman the whole while, this is a bachelor party and therefore no women will be allowed. We all agreed that even on our best behavior men are still, rude, crass and generally offensive to the fairer sex when assembled in large groups (two will usually do it) and that heading to a bachelor party someone is bound to bring something tasteless, repulsive, inappropriate or revolting along (I tried to get John David or Mike McDaniels) that would inflame a genteel, timorous, maidenly psyche. Then we would get in trouble, and feel bad for a nano-second.
The fun starts at 3:00, and we can have the track for up to two hours. The carts are capable of speeds approaching 64.5 KPH, and there are fire-suits and helmets required, this is serious fun and can be dangerous (but Brooks, the Karting Wookie Moving Chicane of Torment, has said he will not drive this time unlike at David's 50th birthday Karting party). There will be further updates about this adventure and right of passage of Mr. DiNicola's solitary awareness. Count on it. Even pictures probably (usually a bachelor party no-no) since there is to be minimal debauchery, only a modicum of ribald and robust male repartee (that's exaggeration and confabulation, to the aforementioned timorous feminine vessels of male desire). Until then, Zoom, Zoom!
Oh, yeah. What's with the stinkin' Yankees hat looser!

Chuck Pace © 2006
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I prefer my Travis and Liz lightly Toasted, Please. Rich Culy © 2006

So it looks like I have several things to add to todays post, just general house keeping and maintenance. First there is a overdue Birthday greeting to the Princess of Avon, who had her 10th birthday last week, unheralded in the local papers. Happy belated decade achievement day to Miss Mary Martin, ten is an important number, if you are as good with math as your mother you will now have to start adding your toes to the mix to continue to track your yearly anniversaries on Terra Firma.
Second, on to bigger people (in radius if not stature in Travis' case). Mister M.Travis and his betrothed (The Lovely Elizabeth Garber, the Chanteuse of Chocolat, for she makes the taste buds form a choir, eh?) were on the Patio at the Chatterbox last night for a myriad of reasons. One being Travis' birthday anniversary as well. Yesterday Travis was 3.7 decades old. Or 444 months old as his mother would be quick to point out! A primary reason was to receive a early wedding present from THE Bill Brooks. A toilet brush decoy was implemented to throw the gift hounds off the scent and the recipients plunged into the silver wrapped, silver box fully expecting to find the seat of Travis future empire! Nay, verily. The surprise was typical Brooksian misdirection. The commodious Urban Timesmith had supplied the loving couple with something they never expected from him, a truly thoughtful gift. A Twelve Inch Everyday Pan, from Bed, Bath and Beyond! Not a diminutive mythological flutist, nay, instead a cooking implement. The two were flushed with excitement, swirling and spiraling with emotional discharge and relieved to a point where you couldn't wipe the grins off their feces, er ...faces. Good show Bill (the clerk at the BB&Beyond said Brooks' heart grew three times it's size the day he bought it, dammu voray)!

Thirdly! Yesterday yet another one of my adoring readers implored me to be photographed with her, and begged a mention for her unending fealty (she also wanted a free hat, silly, preposterous, deluded girl). So yesterday at the Slippery Noodle I dained to grant two of her three wishes (buy your own hat! When Jeremy returns your credit worthiness status, that is), so here without further adieu I present Kelli LaFara and the egoist his own self.
Lastly, I want to thank Jenni's abductor(s) for safely returning her to her vehicle unscathed (I thoroughly checked her for scathes last night, and there was nary a one). I could barley, I mean barely bring myself to order another round after I heard her pleas for assistance from an undisclosed speeding grey coupe, last evening, such was my distress and torment. I asked myself, Shouldn't Rebecca have been looking after my beloved? Where was Rebecca at the time of the abduction?

Enough foolishness, maintenance complete for the time being. I now return you to your regularly scheduled boring life.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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In just 8 days the Travis and Liz hitch up, happens. In under three weeks my parents will be up from Florida for a visit, and a family reunion. In one hour I will be at (or near) work. Yesterday was the Strawberry Fest on the circle. It seems like I'm off every Strawberry Fest. I didn't make the trip. I had my own running to do. I went to Forum to have my new temporary ATM card officially activated. The one I got at the Circle Forum on Tuesday. I took some cash out at the bank, yhen sat and waited for the "Manager" to free up. A nice older gentleman sitting to my right a few seats was already waiting (so were three other people at another set of seats), he looks at me and says, "I have a nose problem." I politely said , "Oh yeah?" and nod my head. "Yeah, I have a nose problem. What's that thing sticking out of your ear?" It took a full half second to realize his nose problem was nosiness. I laughed and said, "Oh, that's connected to my cell phone, I drive a stick shift car and can't hold a phone while I drive." He sort of waived me off, and I thought we were done. Then after I went back to staring off into the boring carpet, the boring wallpaper and the tops of boring pamphlets on the boring kiosk pamphlet display, came his next salvo. " I wear two hearing aids all the time, the are small enough you can't see them. " I nodded, and mentioned that I know someone who has a pen-like remote control for his. He said his have little wheels on his and stuck his fingers in his ears to illustrate. Without missing a beat he then said, " I don't have mine in right now. I went to the barber. I leave them out so they can trim the hairs in my ears. They are at home on my table. " We sat in silence for another 10 minutes, (some more than others), then having exhausted all the boring visual material, I got my phone off it's clip and played Tetris , I got the highest score I've ever gotten, noticed I'd been doing that for almost 20 minutes and that the "manager" was still with the same couple as when I sat down. Since I was fifth or sixth in line aI decided to go to another Telco, the new one at Pendelton Pike. I looked at the old man, said "I got nothing to do all day, so I'll come back later, and I didn't mind the Nose." He smiled and nodded, I left, I was at that branch for nearly an hour. I drove the few miles to the Pendelton Pike Forum, walked right in and sat down at the Assistant manager's desk and in 5 minutes was on my way. She said that the girl downtown had inverted two of the numbers in my account information. Dyslexia eh? I hvae probelms with taht sometimes too, so I wasn't too uspet. I stopped and looked at plants at the Wal-Mart (but didn't buy any) then got a Rally's big Bacon Buford, and drove home to eat it, In all I was gone for over two hours on a simple bank mission.

Later, Jenni and I went to see The DaVinci Code, I had a problem reading the book (Meredith has it in Florida) so it was all pretty much new to me. I liked the twists, thought I knew who the teacher was, then kind of believed that the "butler" did it, instead of Col. Mustard in the dining room with a lead pipe. Way to go Audrey Tautou, "Sophie" will always be Amelie (one of my all time favorite movies) to me, but she was great in her first "Anglis" speaking role.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Yesterday, was the type of day that makes me glad to have today off. At work the day was hectic, but unprofitable, crazy and exhausting. I was glad for lunchtime just to get a chance to be out of the store and to see Jenni at Giorgio's ristorante. I had enough moolah to make with the Giorgio's Chef salad lunch. Jenni had something from the pizza side of the lines, so I didn't have to spring for hers. I usually walk around the Circle to meet up with Jenni (since it is a slightly shorter distance), but yesterday I decided to come up the Symphony Alley which is where Jenni usually waits for me (and Mike and Rich sometimes too) next to Giorgio's door. (That's exactly where I got the photo, because she didn't see me approaching). So yesterday, after Jenni went her way and before I could go mine back to the day of hell at work, one day after the Identity Theft thing, I attempted to use my temporary ATM card at the institution that issued it. It didn't work, it said the card was invalid, it said NO! The CSR people at the Forum CU were both two or three deep, and I only had 10 minutes to walk back, so I decided to save it for today. I also decided that a day like yesterday would be best ended at the Chatterbox. Jenni and Rebecca joined me and Rich was already there talking to a vapor that both was and wasn't Jack Green. It was because HE was there. It' wasn't because he had airline tickets that said he was only two hours from landing at Heathrow Airport London. So the Jack London character sitting across from Rich could not possibly be in two places at once. John David arrived and Jack attempted to summon Vanessa by holding his empty wine glass in plain sight (an approach that works well with DeAnne and Nicci), but after a minute or two he appealed to her feminine side and replaced the glass with a "Gold Card. " The card was barely there a full five seconds before Vanessa said from out of nowhere, "Are you tabbing out Jack?" He said. "Yes, I'll have another one and tab out please." (Jack has the wisdom of his years.)
Later that same day...
Rich, Jack and John David had left, I had tabbed out but before I could leave Steve Weakly awesome guitarist, Brian Eaton saxophone and bassist Michael Holtz all joined Dick Dickinson at the Chatterbox Stage to make the most recent iteration of the Dick Dickinson Jazztet. I implored Jenni and Rebecca to stay for a couple of songs, but had no more libations. A few tunes later we headed home and our evening ended before 11:00 PM.

Above, a Bee Pollenating some flowers and a very porcine pooch, fat Charlie the torpid Terrier by the new micro-patio and bench (as promised in yesterdays post closing). Is there more? Sure on tomorrows exciting episode of... As the Stomach Churns, erp!

Steve, Dick, Brian and an invisible Michael at "Work"

Chuck Pace © 2006
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I never get tired of bragging about my daughter. I never get used to being surprised by her boundless capabilities. I can never be mad at Jenni for..., Well Meredith looks just like me in my baby pictures, she has so many of my traits, she also has her mothers strength, ambitions and patience (what's to be mad about?). She is truly a mixture of the best parts of the 'donor' pair, which tried to nurture and inspire her just enough to leave us in her dust! Her husband David is a great musician, artist, poet and truly wonderful husband and person as well, we are eternally thankful that these two found each other. Meredith's bridesmaid Jessica? A beautiful, and charming woman who's infectious smile and warm, good nature could make withered flowers bloom again. The best man? Vlad the Impaler? No Jamie Curtis Baker, he's been dating Brittany Spears for two years now, yes that's right, OMG! Brittany Spears! There must be something in the water in Warren Township! No, not the Brittany Spears with the hammerhead shark oculars, the pretty one!

Last night Jenni and I joined Rebecca Martin, Mel Shoffner, Rich, Ed Sipes, Mike Wilson, Travis, Jack Green, Richard Plath, Kay, Jody Frick, DeAnne, David Andrichik, Nicci and a cast of dozens at the Chatterbox. It was nearly perfect weather. No better way to rinse the mire of a mirthless, moribund Monday than to mollify it with merriment and fellowship, accompanied by a few hardy ales and fist full of festive friends. I have been truly blessed by association with good and decent people and friends. I continue to try to be worthy of their company, and beg their indulgence of my foibles, as I permit and dismiss theirs. If we had a perfect person in our midst, I think we would all conspire in their sudden and permanent disappearance. I like my friends just the way they are; real, honest, accepting, struggling and fully human. I think Meredith and David have that same sphere and core of friends as a base. If so, then they are truly blessed as well.

Until the next puking of the thoughts, your time is UP, Chuck! There are no photos of my yard, because some gardens are only in our hearts and souls, and I've spent the last few hours in my secret garden with my friends and memories.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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Images shamelessly stolen from David and Jamie's Blogs!

Yesterday was Kay's Big Cajun Party with Rich deep frying the Turkeys and hush puppies me deep frying the beignets, Conch Fritters and Shrimp. 5 turkeys went into the oil, dozens of people came to eat them. Like every one of Kay's shindigs the food and atmosphere were awesome. Her garden is inspirational and the evenings fireworks (also provided by Rich) were, with one exception great. The one exception was a dented "ball shooter" canister that just completely exploded right there in the wheel barrel staging/launching area. No one was hurt, and all the kids there to watch the pyrotechnics were (just) beyond range of the smoking shrapnel chunks that were distributed 18 to 25 feet in a radius from the Wheel barrel. Liz and Travis, who were expected to arrive late were no shows, but for the first time that I can remember more than one Chatterbox bar-maiden was on hand, in fact a veritable bevy of bar-maidens were there, Alysha, Nicci, DeAnne and Andy Short (coming out of semi-retirement) as was David Andrichik (the owner of the 'Box'). Mel, Will and Dorthory, Matt Theobald, Heather Basile and David and MaryAnn Beuke rounded out the 'Box' regulars roster.
Rich "Satan" Culy, with his god(less)-childred (I did not photoshop Ella) Chuck Pace ©2006

John Qualkenbush and his family (Sheryl, John Ivan and Ella) made a rare appearance. John haus in stitches with John Ivan and Ella stories, including one where John was replacing a light bulb in John Ivan's room that was broken off leaving the metal and center element exposed when he heard John Ivan's little voice say "No Ella, don't," just as Ella turned on the switch. He said he just sat on the step stool for awhile waiting for the tingling to cease. Later, on the phone with Sheryl he said that Ella had taken his will to live. I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my cheeks.

Once the food was done, and the eating well under way, Rich went about one of his favorite things to do, tormenting John Ivan, including a mega wedgie, that had his underwear leg holes above the waist line of his pants. At about 11:15 I headed home to Jenni, who had left after the fireworks. Thanks to Kay for another great per-summer party.
While I was making the conch fritters I had to snap a photo of the Babar fritter after I pointed it out to Rich. Here is the Elefritter in the oil and isolated for those of you who can't "see" it. Have a good Sunday and Monday.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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1/8th, 3/4 and Full Plath "Pots" on proud display! Chuck Pace ©2006
Richard may be a little too proud.

Last night I asked Rich to join me tonight at the Chatterbox for a couple (turned out to be three) beers so I could tell him my news. I wanted to tell him about my wonderful and amazing daughter, and the job offer (as I, a simpleton understand it), brag about my most amazing offspring, and share my joy with a good friend. While there I was also able to (without tears this time) tell Travis of my pride in progeny. He surprised me by telling me that he and Liz enjoy my writing style, and feel that I have improved, that possibly the most perfect sentence I have crafted was on one of this weeks posts, and that he feels that it would make a great epitaph on his tombstone, I knew of the sentence he referred to before he uttered it, and misquoted it to him. He said you are para-phrasing yourself (I had no idea that was even possible with just one set of genitals?). I properly quote myself now. "How as the American he was brought bowls of corn and catsup when he entered restaurants (western food) as a courtesy and had learned the root of the Korean written language in just a couple of weeks, he learned of their ways and traditions, but not of their schedules." I'm proud of that affirmation, but not nearly as proud as I am of Meredith. Travis further surprised me by stating that the days post impressed and surprised him. He has a 10 disc changer in his car, and the #5 disc is (and has always been) Skylarking by XTC. I told him he should add "Earn Enough for Us," and "Big Day" to his wedding music plans. He said, "Oh, my god. I'm going to Meredith's (his future sister in law) tonight to put together some songs for the wedding, I'll take that in and let her burn some of the songs." I mentioned I have 6000 CD's and can make suggestions if needed, but time is getting pretty short (14 days), so he better have pretty much gotten his tunes in a row. Before Travis' departure Richard Plath said something I thought a little cruel, he asked Travis if he was going to try to do something about his "gut" before the 17th? I thought he has a lot of room to talk. Travis sorta of stumbled, and then sheepishly said, "I know...I should have..." I interrupted and interceded on Travis's behalf and said loud enough for all to hear, "Yeah, it's gotten so large we are rating it a half-plath!" Richard laughed but said come on now it's bigger than 1/2?" So he a Travis stood side by side and poked their middles forward, Nicci came out as I was preparing to record the momentous midsections to memory, and said she wanted to be in the shot (not knowing the preceding actions and commentary that prompted the photo). Sure, why not. So now I have a new and better title for the photo.
Yesterday Darryl Jones, renowned Indiana photographer, and my 2nd photo instructor at Herron in 1979, came in with his latest book, a collection of polaroid transfer and manipulation photos, accompanied by poems by Norbert Krapf (a friend of the Chatterbox and www.chuckpace.com). The photo above is of Darryl signing my personal copy which is pictured below (I have all but one of his books, and most are signed.) I will have to e-mail Norbert and meet him to get his signature as well.

Today is Kay's big precursor to summer party and Rich is handling the deep frying of the Turkeys and I will have Kay's "conch" fritter frying duty. I know I will see many of my friends there and look forward to another fabulous Kay shin-dig, complete with explosions (fireworks, not turkeys) also by Rich.
Chuck Pace © 2006
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It rained nearly every day in May. It has rained every day in June so far and I have limited time for a post this day. I could never match Andy Partridge of XTC for verbal imagery or brilliance, so I will just post the lyrics of one of my favorite (and there are literally dozens) and appropriate songs from XTC.

XTC, Skylarking "Ballet For A Rainy Day"1986

Orange and lemon
Raincoats roll and tumble
Together, just liked fruit tipped from a tray
Pineapple wet heads
Watch new hairdos crumble
As scenery sunlight shifts away

Ballet for a rainy day
Silent film of melting miracle play

Apples and cherries
Are varnished in water
Despite, striped awnings bright dismay
I push my paintbrush
To conjure a new world
While this one is slowly washed away

Ballet for a rainy day
Silent film of melting miracle play
Dancing out there through my window
To the backdrop of a slow descending grey

When it rains it rains
All the colors in my paintbox
When it rains it rains
Tickets for the front row seats
Up on the rooftops

Orange and lemon
Raincoats roll and tumble
apples and cherries
Together, dropped in diamond disarray

Ballet for a rainy day
Silent film of melting miracle play
Dancing out there through my window
Behind the curtain silver falling
Ballet for a rainy day
Silent film of melting miracle play
Dancing out there through my window
To the backdrop of a slow descending grey


Peonies weep for their fallen comrades, like so many tears in rain.

Chuck Pace © 2006
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