þÿ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <head> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> <meta name="generator" content="RapidWeaver" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../styles.css" /><style type="text/css" media="all"></style><script type="text/javascript" src="../javascript.js"></script><script type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript"></script> <title>Up Chucks</title> </head> <body class="blog-archive-background"> <div class="blog-archive-headings-wrapper"> <div class="blog-archive-month">Up Chucks</div> <div class="blog-archive-link"><a href="../page0.html">Archive 05-06</a></div> </div> <div class="blog-archive-entries-wrapper"> <div id="unique-entry-id-970" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Hardly Routine</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/23/2007 06:02 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="766222591e7eefa2c9b47e14aace6f65-970.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="traveriklizkay" width="264" height="242" src="page0_blog_entry970_1.jpg"/></div> Being Monday, the day required that I stop in at the Chatterbox. It was a pretty good day and a pretty good night too. Will and Dorothy were there when I arrived, they were waiting for David and together they all went to Conseco Fieldhouse to see the Bulls from Chicago (where Will and Dot lived almost forever) and the Pacers. It was a different looking Pacers team after dumping a few of our Players in Oakland and taking some of the Golden State players in trade last week (a sports story slightly overshadowed by the Colts). Before Rich and I headed off to the Chatterbox we had a treasure hunt at the Mall to find the AFC Conference Championship hat, Rich had to buy two and so did I I'm taking one back<div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Meredith" width="192" height="192" src="page0_blog_entry970_2.jpg"/></div> to my dad in Florida when we head down at the end of February with Meredith. So back to the box: Nick was at the back tables with Mel and Wilson, Rich and Ed when I got there, and I walked in with Kay, I was quickly asked by DeAnne if I had been up too lat the night before watching the Colts coverage because my post failed to upload. I said no, but when it crashed I didn't have time to try again so I just left. <br />I went to the car to get my camera before Meredith and Jenni arrived, and walked back in with Erica Embrey this time, then Steve Singleton came in on his own (I'm not responsible for <div class="image-left"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Hush you muskie" width="264" height="147" src="page0_blog_entry970_3.jpg"/></div>that one). Travis and even Liz (much later) showed up and joined the group, then a rare visit from Jeff Jeffries. Ed called Pam and told here to hurry from her classes if she wanted to see Meredith (we had to get home in time to see Heroes) Pam got there after I had tabbed out, but we stayed for a few minutes, when I got home (before the girls) I got the TV on and the channel tuned, and just as it started they walked in.<br />It was another good day and not really too cold, Meredith will disagree, but she's been in Florida for two years. Travis will disagree too, but he's been a big weenie for well over two years so...<br /><p style="text-align:center;" ><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#002bed;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em><br /></em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('01237');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('01237');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('01237');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('01237'); </script></a><br /><img class="imageStyle" alt="Champhat" width="264" height="355" src="page0_blog_entry970_4.jpg"/></p></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-967" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">A Pretty Good Day.</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/22/2007 06:12 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="9de5fc575a42209f1fef0de4b3f338db-967.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body">I had to wait a long time for a day like that. We got three inches of snow overnight. We had pre-Bowling for the evenings league (so that we could watch the Colts game from start to end), and I had to run the greatest errand a dad can run. Oh yeah, and the Game itself. I don't think I have to tell anyone in the state of Indiana (or anywhere else) what happened in the game. <br />Saturday I got a call from Meredith in Florida, she was homesick, and decided the only way to get back to a healthy frame of mind was to get back home for a while. Also on Saturday I got a call from Rich that instead of bowling at 7:00 on AFC Championship Sunday we would be pre-bowling at 1:00 (which turned out a double blessing for me, since I would later find out that I would be picking Meredith up from the airport at 4:30). <br />Preparing for the visit, Jenni and I had to run to the store and pick up a winter coat for the Southern Florida visitor. So I had to clean off the car buried in snow. That's when I slipped on the slick and did a big crash on the curb at the end of the driveway, I landed with all my weight on my rear-end and am still super-sensitive there (I may have cracked it in another place). That has slowed me down and is very painful, but I was able to bowl and pick-up Meredith, and sit in a recliner, and watch the game. I was not able to jump up and down like an insane idiot but I still have two weeks to do that (if not the rest of 2007!).<br /><br />As you may have guessed, I was up a little too late last night, and have not really prepared a post, I didn't even take my camera to the Airport when I picked Meredith up, and I never got it out after we got home. We had a late christmas, and early dinner and an amazing come-back to watch, then all the coverage I could watch before crashing into bed around at 1:00. My phone was bling-ing for hours from all the text message coming and going, and my head was ringing and eventually I fell asleep to hear the alarm clock just a few minutes later (or so it seems right now). Have a great day. The Colts are 15-4 with one more game to play in February! Woo Hooo!<br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#002bed;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em><br /></em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('AFCC');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('AFCC');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('AFCC');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('AFCC'); </script></a></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-966" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">The Run-Around</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/20/2007 06:12 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="3711769db65f08a5f839fa8ca1bd10b9-966.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Thats how you make truffle magic" width="557" height="564" src="page0_blog_entry966_1.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em>...and then they gladly just turn over their hard earned... Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><br /><span style="color:#1a1a1a;">Yesterday I rode in to work with Jenni since I didn't have the keys to the rental car I drove to the bowling alley on Thursday. If you read Fridays post you already know that someone stole my leather jacket from the bowling alley along with my prescription Ray-ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, checkbook, leather Wilson driving gloves and the keys to a rental Kia Optima (a surprisingly spry and very quiet ride), thus the ride in. We did not drive in the usual way, instead we took the 14.4 miles around 465 like we would if we were going to the bowling alley, because we </span><span style="color:#1a1a1a;"><em>were</em></span><span style="color:#1a1a1a;"> going to drive by the bowling alley to see that the rental was still there. Then I went to work ( 4 miles) and Jenni took the truck to her work. Once at work I called the bank to put a stop payment on any checks submitted after the last one I had written, then called Enterprise to secure a replacement set of keys (I would have to pick them up at their offices behind Tom Wood Jaguar) . Then I got a call from Mike at BMW that my car was ready to pick up. <br /></span><span style="color:#1a1a1a;">I talked to Bruce, told him about my evenings excitement and my impending errands, then asked Mike Wilson if I could borrow his CR-V to drive to Enterprise (13 miles) and collect the spare keys to the Optima still at the Sportbowl. He agreed, and I was off. On the way back from Enterprise I picked up Jenni (12.4 miles) and we went back to Sportbowl (4.3 miles) to drive the two vehicles back. On the way to Sportbowl I stopped and gave Mikes CR-V a Mike's Carwash bath (as a token of my appreciation), then it was back to Roberts to give Mike his car back (4 miles) and from there back to Enterprise (12.7 miles) to return the rental car. Enterprise dropped me off at the BMW dealership, I paid for the repairs, and it was back downtown to drop Jenni off at Anthem (12.4 miles) again. Then me back to Roberts (.3 miles). After work I had to run up to "The Best Chocolate in Town" 880 E. Massachusetts Ave. (1.6 miles), Liz DiNicola's confections shop that officially opens today, but she and Travis were hosting a Pre-</span><div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Hilliards Choco Sys" width="264" height="190" src="page0_blog_entry966_2.jpg"/></div><span style="color:#1a1a1a;">opening party for their friends and family. After 10 minutes and ten dollars (two purchases) I had to get to the bowling alley (5.4 miles) for my Friday humbling session, then from there back home ( 14.7 miles) to finish my run around kind of day. When I sat down to write this recount, I launched Google maps and got the distances, I knew I put a lot of miles on three different vehicles but was surprised to see that it was just .8 miles shy of an even 100 miles. <br />The photos are of Liz explaining to Eric how to make money in confections, and the Hilliards Chocolate System machine (I thought it was all done by Oompa Loompas by a river of chocolate, man was I mistaken. <br />Regards to all, now I have to drive to work (13.5 miles). <br /></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#002bed;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em><br /></em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('miles');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('miles');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('miles');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('miles'); </script></a></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-965" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Blue Friday, Not Exactly as Planned</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/19/2007 06:16 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="04bb4ace6b7a5b44eb8833da6e8eb066-965.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#1a1a1a;">Yesterday was a day off, a scheduled day off from work that is. I had plenty of errands to run, principally dropping off the BMW for a windshield replacement (there were pits and small cracks in the old one and the trim that held it in place had cracked and was not doing its job. I also had to pick up a new cable box with a working DVR in it, and do some other general running around. All this before going to the bowling alley to begin our 10 for 12 Beer and Pizza league. Dreyer and Reinbold kept my girl overnight so the seals can properly cure and the windshield height can be perfectly set. They got me an Enterprise rental for the duration that I would be away from my car. A pretty impressive 2007 Kia Optima with only 307 miles on it. Well last night after bowling I went to retrieve my leather coat to drive the rental home and viol&aacute;, the coat she is gone along with the my prescription sunglasses, my driving gloves and of course the keys to the rental. Hopefully someone just walked off with my coat thinking it was theirs, but...<br />I'm supposed to pick up the Bimmer today after my service guy Mike calls me, I'll have to call Nick at Enterprise and tell him o' the woes of the keys, and call my bank and figure out the last check I wrote and, and, and...<br /></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#002bed;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em><br /></em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('01197');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('01197');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('01197');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('01197'); </script></a><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#2d03d3;"><em> </em></span></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-964" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Enthusiastically Putting it Together</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/17/2007 06:26 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="40e3b05602179b146fcb0a5373edfbaa-964.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="pins_closer" width="509" height="232" src="page0_blog_entry964_1.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em>They look so nice, but I still want to knock 'em down! Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><br />The responsible party is looking for a few good bowlers. David Andrichik is the responsible party. He is responsible for my bowling habit. But I can quit any time I want. I don't need it, but I enjoy it and it's not hurting anybody else, besides I only do it in the designated areas, or in the alleys. People should avoid those areas if they don't want to get second hand effects, like high fives or camaraderie, or worse waking up with beer and pizza breath. Thursday night at 8:30 a select few kegling renegades are taking to the alleys again at Sportbowl on East St. We have enough keglers for a couple to three teams, but we want more people to join us. Because it's cheap fun and $12 dollars gets three games, your share of 100 ounces of soda or beer and 1/4th of a handmade alley pizza with teams choice of toppings. Last year we did a couple of these b&p leagues and qualified for the tournament at the end, which was free and offered a big cash prize for the winning team. My team with Jenni and Mel came in 2nd. So this is an open invitation to all you would be ballers out there to do something productive with them. Like they say in Hollywood, "Roll 'em!" If you are interested be there Thursday at 8:15 for registration purposes (getting your rolling papers) and three games, then the next 9 Thursdays at 8:30 just for rolling. If you don't have shoes and balls you can still do it, the alley 'rents' the shoes for free to 10 for 12'ers, or you can roll your own right there with your friends. <br />And now for something completely different...<br />Last night Rich had to stop into the Chatterbox to pick up his DeAnne Photo/Artwork he purchased from the Flux Gallery's last show. Normally Rich would have been there with us on Monday, and DeAnne had it there then, but he was a bit under the weather, thus the special Tuesday trip. I went along just because I'm a friend, and I didn't want Rich to feel lonely. As it turns out, there were other people in the Chatterbox and Rich was just fine. Cathy Morris came in and we talked for over an hour, she is excited about a new direction she is taking some of her energies with the Local Musicians Union, and I was glad to hear and share her enthusiasm. Then Nicci came in and I learned that she got her truck timed and it is running better than ever, this was indeed good news. I was worried about her walking again, and I was glad to hear and share her enthusiasm as well. After that I went home to Jenni, enthusiastically shared some of my day's news (as I do now with the world) and played toss with Charlie for few throws. He was bouncing and trembling when I got home he was so pleased to see me and I was glad to see and share his enthusiasm. <br />My apologies to all the inhabitants of Girl Land, whom may have been offended when I inadvertently renamed the area Girl Town in my erroneous enthusiasm on yesterday's post. I thank Kay and her keen eyes for finding the offensive error, and commenting on it yesterday. <div class="image-left"><img class="imageStyle" alt="alleysigns" width="221" height="220" src="page0_blog_entry964_2.jpg"/></div> She should be very glad to see that I have corrected it in yesterdays offering, and I will be glad to hear and share in her enthusiasm. My goodness I'm feeling all happy, positive and upbeat right now, I know there is a word for it, but for the moment I can't seem to be able to put a finger on it. Well I'll try to come up with it as I get ready for work, gotta run now and stay with this feeling and its positive, thingy. You know the, um, whatever it is, that word, deal... <br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#002bed;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em><br /></em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('01177');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('01177');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('01177');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('01177'); </script></a><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#2d03d3;"><em> </em></span><br /><br /></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-962" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Life is Good in Row G</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/15/2007 05:46 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="f7b23997204e12a96ca3310f983b6722-962.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body">After waiting for it for three months the night went by so fast. No I'm not talking about the Colts or football right now. Last night I went to Clowes Hall at Butler for an amazing and wonderful evening with my friends. In alphabetical order: Angela, Ed, Jenni, Kay, Mel, Mike, Pam, Phil and Rich all went to see Guy Clark, Joe Ely, John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett perform an unscripted evenings work on stage. Two tall cups of tea, three tables, four chairs, four guitars, four microphones, eight bottles of water and all the creative and wonderfully diverse music added up to two hours and twenty minutes of an amazing evening of humor and entertainment. Each artist played five or six of their songs plus to ensemble pieces, one before the encore and one after. At the beginning of the encore Guy Clark said, "Ain't this a funny little game we play with each other," and someone yelled back from the audience, you have to play some more. "I don't gotta do nothin'," came his reply along with a warm, crooked smile and he eased into <strong><em>The Randall Knife</em></strong>, a song about his father, and the most important thing he wanted after his passing, The thing that he loved, "The thing he haunted." All four artists where genuine, and funny and I wished the evening would never end. <br /><img class="imageStyle" alt="dip-bowl" width="576" height="384" src="page0_blog_entry962_1.jpg"/><br />Last night Indianapolis got what it wanted. While we were at the concert, the New England Patriots were in San Diego battling the AFC's #1 seed in the post season. When the Chargers missed their final FG attempt, New England advanced to the AFC Championship game, to be held right here in Indianapolis next Sunday. The old adage be careful what you wish for comes to mind frequently, but the Colts have beaten the Patriots this year, and are a 3 point favorite in Vegas odds making. I will have to come up with something for Jenni to make for game time dining again, she has made two wonderful dishes so far, and we have won both games in post season. The photo above is of the taco-dip dish that we enjoyed almost as much as the Colts victory on Saturday. Even though I spent a major part of Sunday in bed or on the couch with back spasms, and cramps I will never forget this weekend, it was one of the best I've had in a long time. One Game at a Time for the Colts, and time for Peyton to get back to Peyton form. Stay defense, Go Colts!<br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#002bed;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em><br /></em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('01157');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('01157');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('01157');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('01157'); </script></a><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#2d03d3;"><em> </em></span><br /></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-958" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Another Day, It's gonna be a long one</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/11/2007 06:47 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="2db8d95c00072f53470bf15ff76bc421-958.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Mr. Intenso" width="264" height="276" src="page0_blog_entry958_1.jpg"/></div>Since I was out on Monday, and Tuesday was the Pacer's evening I passed on Wednesday Men's club activities last night, I think everyone did. I even got a call from John David and still I passed. I bet Travis was there with a thousand stories that I would have been compelled to post, and Kay was there with an 8 course Mediterranean dinner, and Mel showed up with Kara and there was surprise musical guest George Benson with the Dickinson Jazztet, nah, that's just crazy talk. Still, that would be my luck. <br />No last night Jenni and I opted to have a quiet evening at home. Just she and I, a bottle of Oliver Riesling, a movie, Charlie, Tweek and Bela, oh and the fire-trucks 5 houses down on our street. It was a lovely evening and after the movie I wanted to ask Jenni something, but never did, but she will see this post later today, so I'll go ahead now. to Jenni, the love of my life, the mother of my child, the yang to my yin. "So do you think Yanni and Jack's father had Marion killed? Did they get Bella fired (since the "cheater" was in on it too, and saw Jack leave with her in the mini?) what was with the phone call to the casino? Was it a set up job from the beginning, since Jack's father got him the job? There are no coincidences in the world of fiction, they don fit." <br />Well back to all of you. It has to be a short post since it is the long day, and I leave you with the lovely portraits of Jenni and I (the one of me was taken in the store by Robert Henderson one of my regular customers. The other at Ike's at lunch yesterday. Salute! Opah! <br /><img class="imageStyle" alt="Chik'n Hauk" width="557" height="629" src="page0_blog_entry958_2.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#981c1b;"><em>I'm</em></span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#981c1b;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#981c1b;"><em>a Chick'n Hawk! Your a Chick'n, so get in the bag! </em></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007<br /></em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('01117');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('01117');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('01117');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('01117'); </script></a><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#2d03d3;"><em> </em></span><br /></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-956" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Something other than a cup of coffee</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/09/2007 06:51 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="62872a7c97bc9920507ae1cd951a86d1-956.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="pacemate triangle" width="542" height="333" src="page0_blog_entry956_1.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em>And It Goes Something Like.. Chuck Pace &copy; 2007 </em></span><br />Tonight Rich and I join David Andrichik for our first Pacers game of 2007. With everything else going on I have kind of lost track of the team (I have not lost track of Coach Carlisle, tough he is a frequent visitor to the store) so it will be good to get back to the fieldhouse for something other than a cup of coffee. <br />Something other than a cup of coffee was what Florida State had over <em>The Ohio State</em> last night. I had o stop watching at half-time, it was like watching Norwegian furriers bash seal pups. So when do they make the ruling that Boise State is actually the BCS Champion? About the same time that they mandate that all flying pigs have to have on depends to keep our highways clean and accident free would be my guess.<br />Last night was a quiet night for the crew at the Chatterbox. Kay brought some 'feeding frenzy" cookies that were so good my eyes actually rolled back into my head for a half cookie or so. Mel, Rich, Jenni, Mike Wilson and I all took advantage of Kay's baking skills and enjoyed <span style="color:#333333;">two pecan</span> and white chocolate treats a piece. <div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Vines,Berries.Flags" width="264" height="324" src="page0_blog_entry956_2.jpg"/></div>I talked to Tony Shaw at the store earlier in the day and half expected a visit from him at the box as well, but if he showed up it was after a mass Mass exodus from the crew. I stopped into Luna for a brief moment to say to Chris Overpeck and Maggie Hilt to tell them that a new 10 for 12 mini-bowling league is starting on Thursday the 18th. Then it was home, deal or no deal and the virtual trip to the arctic circle with the Norse. <br />Game over Dude, Game over! They mostly come out at night, mostly. (Wilson would probably say that there were no decent segue's in todays post, not like yesterdays which even featured the word segue.) Mox Nix. <br /><span style="font-size:15px; font-weight:bold; color:#4135a3;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#240fd3;"><em> </em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('01097');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('01097');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('01097');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('01097'); </script></a></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-955" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Fun with a Purpose</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/08/2007 06:56 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="513dfa95d225ec4a511d87209881164d-955.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Chatterbowlerz" width="557" height="372" src="page0_blog_entry955_1.jpg"/><br /><strong><em>Chatterbowlers aftermath (no, after bowling, silly): Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></strong><br /><div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="ChatterbowlerDeb" width="264" height="206" src="page0_blog_entry955_2.jpg"/></div>So we did the Chatterbowl thing, there was a good crowd too. 20 people bowled, and a few more spectated. The biggest excitement was Travis' second game, where he started with four strikes before getting an ugly split. He didn't end with the highest score, but still there was the drama of only being 8 strikes away from a 300 game (for a brief moment). The bowling segued nicely to dining and fellowship at Kay's and of course the food was terrific. Then there was the 'grudge match with team "Mel and Them" taking on "H--l I don't know." On Friday two of the principles characters of the HIDK were egging me on that they were going to kick my rear end on Sunday night's contest, well I got to tell them that I was not bowling on Sunday. Since Mel came to the alley to spectate on Friday, Rich asked here if she would allow me to bowl in her place, to try to deflate these wind bags of overconfidence. She reluctantly said yes at first, then warmed to the idea. So it was just in the doing then. <br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#2ea014;">Game 1:</span> Rich struggled, but Will and David were both well over averages, I rolled a 222, and we won by 91 pins (plus I won the singles side-pot with my handicap yielding a 257 net). <br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#b70a0d;">Game 2:</span> I rolled a 184, Rich a 185, but David and Will struggled, and HIDK won and were within 7 of taking series. (I was still in the Average Strike pot, but could miss no more).<br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#30a017;">Game 3: </span>Rich<span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#30a017;"> </span>rolled a 222, Will and David both got back up over their averages and I knocked down a 167 to end with a all bowlers high 573 Series. And we took 2 and series with a 104 margin for safety. (I dropped out of the strike pot on the second frame of the final game, but we accomplished our goal.<br /><span style="font-size:15px; font-weight:bold; color:#379c2b;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#240fd3;"><em> </em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('01087');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('01087');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('01087');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('01087'); </script></a></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-952" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Mention Accomplished</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/03/2007 06:06 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="dc8dee8319ab70d1072177e01c231565-952.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="1st,2nd, 3rd" width="557" height="425" src="page0_blog_entry952_1.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em>Clockwise from "12" Kay, Rich and Mel the 123 Mention crowd! Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><br /><div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Kay Looks away" width="264" height="337" src="page0_blog_entry952_2.jpg"/></div>I had the distinct pleasure of telling Miss Kay in person that she was the Winner of the 4th Quarter Mention Meter, She had not seen the blog all day, or heard my phone message that I needed to take her picture for the post as the reigning Champion. So it was a coincidence that she showed up at the Chatterbox and I got to fulfill both needs at the same time. She was there to talk to her friend Brad Griffith, who is threatening to blog me! Hmm. A Blog-off? I'd kick his apps!<br />My first visit 2007 to the Chatterbox was an overwhelming success. I got to hear more of Rich's cruise stories, I got to tell Kay that she is the beeg weeener, and I got to pay DeAnne more on my Flux Flex account. Life is grandiose. Mel, Jenni and Jody Frick rounded out our little circle, but others were in the area as well, Like Daryl Spurlock, and Jane, Lisa DeMumbrum and the ACT up crowd (Jerry, Jeff and Mary Lou), Brooks and David left shortly after I arrived (their choice? or duties called? I'm not paranoid, who said I was paranoid? Who? Who! I want names you all know I need names). Also in attendance last eve was Rudy Gonzales, and Peter park up to his old tricks too. Well work calls, or duty or nature or something (my internal caller ID is on the fritz), so I am off like a dirty shirt. Chao. <br /><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#240fd3;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007 </em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('01037');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('01037');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('01037');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('01037'); </script></a></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-950" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">I never thought it would end!</div><div class="blog-entry-date">01/01/2007 12:01 PM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="930bd686d59838a96174a38a86ce51e5-950.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#333333;"><em>Thank goodness</em></span><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"> that's over, I know it's a paradox, the year went by so fast and yet I thought it would never end. There were some highlights; Travis and Liz's wedding, the Garden Arbor, the New German Girl, parts of the partsunknown vacation, the night race at Bristol, Irish Fest and a few Kay party's to be sure. There were also the low points; Not seeing Meredith for an entire calendar year, Ben Lawrence, Mpozi Tolbert and Ed Sanders funerals, the reason I had to get a new car, bowling humiliations, work strife, life strife, migraines, day to day dissapointments, missing a few of the parties and events of my friends. All in all it was another year, and I don't expect his one to be much different. There will be another wedding of two of my good friends, and a Florida vacation (barring chuksidence), more wins and losses at all of lifes endeavors, more of the same, but you gotta' be there. <br /></span><span style="font-size:11px; font-weight:bold; color:#333333;"><em>My apologies</em></span><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"> to Travis and Liz for my failure to assist in the relocation of Liz's company the Best Chocolate in Town (it's still the best chocolate, it's just in a new town now, the right town). Jenni and Mel were my proxies and they had the truck for futon and incidental item transport. Jenni said that Glen Bucy was a machine and if we ever move we need to hire him to cooridinate it, then there was David, Kay, Theresa, Mike Wilson, THE Bill Brooks, Mike and Meredith Garber and James and Jennifer (and a few others Jenni could not name; I told her that was o.k. their parents should have done that, and it's just not her fault if they didn't), so the Move went off well I am told. <br /></span><span style="font-size:11px; font-weight:bold; color:#333333;"><em>2007:</em></span><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"> Last night Jenni and I drank a cheap bottle of Spumante, and toasted each other at 0:00.03, 2007 and so far it's been one of the best years ever. I hope you are having as good a year as I am, without a hangover, a headache or a summons to appear in front of a judge. Here's to an even better year. More happiness, joy, friends and emotional and financial successes to you all. Here's to a </span><span style="font-size:11px; color:#3419d3;"><em>Colts </em></span><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;">victory over the </span><span style="font-size:11px; color:#c31a1a;"><em>Chef's </em></span><span style="font-size:11px; color:#333333;"><em>(great mooglie wooglie) </em></span><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;">on January 6th!<br /></span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#240fd3;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2007</em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('0117');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('0117');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('0117');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('0117'); </script></a><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"><br /></span><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_1" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_1.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_2" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_2.jpg"/><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"> </span><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_3" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_3.jpg"/><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"> </span><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_4" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_4.jpg"/><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"> </span><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_5" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_5.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_6" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_6.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_7" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_7.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_8" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_8.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_9" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_9.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_10" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_10.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_11" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_11.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry950_12" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry950_12.jpg"/><span style="font:35px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; color:#250cd3;">- 4 </span></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-948" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">IT Is Alive, and Bitchin'.</div><div class="blog-entry-date">12/31/2006 09:31 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="6167be39622bd80af8161bbdb099f024-948.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body">Over saturation point met on Friday. One of those days where absolutely nothing goes right. I got out of bed and stepped into a bear trap. Well, to put it more accurately, there was a bear waiting for me when I woke up. It said I have to say something that will ruin your whole day. (a poetic bear is still a bear, mon frere). I assured the bear that it snarls and growls didn't scare, that I was fine and I didn't care. (Zeus! I've got to kill this right now Dr. Seuss!) I didn't feel I had anything to contribute to the ether-world so I passed on post. I showered, and made pretty for the coming day, happy that it was a 5:30 end instead of a 6:30. Holiday hours and overtime were finally done with and we returned to regular store hours and day off rotations on Tuesday the 26th. Well, technically everybody else got back to the regular day off rotations. I arrived at the store early, around 8:10 like I usually do and have since Meredith started 4th grade, and went to the door to be let in with Mike Novak, and Jo. Bruce's car was not there, which we took as a sign the he found a way to Colorado for his scheduled ski trip (being slower after the holiday He was taking much needed r & r; <em>that</em> was on the schedule.) With Bruce gone the duty fell to Jody and Rob to let the employees in. After a few taps on the door glass (each of us taking turns) Rita walked up and joined us outside the portal to employ. Mike called Jody's phone, which rang several times then went to voice mail, he tried again. Same result. I said Rob's truck was in the lot try him (Rob got to take the 26th, 27th and 28th off to be with his family, an exception to the no vacations after Thanksgiving rule, <em>gooses and ganders, and </em><strong><em>that too</em></strong><em> was on the schedule, </em>admittedly a rule that does not apply to Bruce or Jody, or Rob I guess, but a rule none the less, right?) Rob's phone (still on DND )goes straight to voicemail, in a moment of inspiration I try Jody's cell, to no avail, it was on his desk next to his regular phone. The time now is 8:22 and we've been tapping, and knocking and banging since 8:10, eager we are to be inside and doing the tasks and duties assigned to us. So I walk down to the metal door that is adjacent to the stairs up to privilege land, and soundly open hand whack it four times. In less than a minute Jody opens that door, surprised that people want to work. Then as a manner of explanation comments that ,"We (he and Rob) were having a great conversation (pesky, trivial employees)." Something I didn't need to hear. Boiling point. Now every little thing is compounding, and I can't ignore or dismiss, I'm trying to be calm outside but still boiling inside, I stock the areas that are my responsibility, notice several short falls in inventory, which I had attempted to set straight a few times, but we have a system in place now to assure that once it's off whack it will always stay off whack and are out of some of the crucial things I am in charge of. Two hours after my first outburst, I snap again, tell Phil I'm leaving, and I'm taking my Saturday off too! If I was singled out, I 'm not putting up with it. If I was overlooked or an oversight, I'm not putting up with that either. After 19 years, and hundreds of oversights and overlooks, I'm not going to just take it this time. I went home. With the anger energy coursing through me I decided to put up the new lights I got for Jenni and the house for Christmas. I did kitchen first, then the bedroom as well, and after three hours on ladders working and wiring overhead the place was illuminated and I was having back cramps and spasms. Anger and energy partially excised, I sat and just scowled for the rest of the evening, until Jenni and I watched <strong><em>"My Super ex-Girlfriend"</em></strong> which lightened my mood enough to sleep. <br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#a6150a;">Chuck &copy; 2006</span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#168f12;"><em> </em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><a href="javascript:HaloScan('1231');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('1231');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('1231');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('1231'); </script></a></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-947" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Meter Repaired, Day Salvaged</div><div class="blog-entry-date">12/28/2006 06:38 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="776579e712102a7141a37d0a1ead798a-947.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Jazztet5" width="557" height="373" src="page0_blog_entry947_1.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; "><em>The Dickinson Jazztet </em></span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; ">Swings</span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; "><em> into Action; Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span><br /><div class="image-left"><img class="imageStyle" alt="deeindenim" width="264" height="384" src="page0_blog_entry947_2.jpg"/></div>Yesterday's tally faux-pas is now repaired and resurrected. When I calculated the totals before I forgot to apply my own "chase" format. When I had done the redeux I was surprised and pleased to see Kay tied with Rich for the #1 spot. Kay had previously said that she had no chance to beat him because of the bowling league recaps I do. Well Kay, Rich did not throw the biggesest and bestest Christ-fest feast now did he? I think this was the first time DeAnne made the Top ten as well, so she gets a geek magnet for her fridge too (when I get around to making them), I still owe prizes for last quarters finalists too. Time and effort have both eluded me. Speaking of DeAnne, last night she told me that I need to pick up my photos from her now finished gallery show, and there are bonus caged balls in my package, yea! Last night at the Chatterbox, a Wednesday tradition. Jenni, Mel, Rebecca and I were about all of the attendees until about 8 o'clock, when drifters and Dickinson Jazzteters finally started to make a night of the day. <div class="image-left"><img class="imageStyle" alt="smilinMel" width="264" height="245" src="page0_blog_entry947_3.jpg"/></div>Vanessa was our hostess until just around 8:30, when DeAnne arrived and I told her <div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="rebec-reclin" width="264" height="334" src="page0_blog_entry947_4.jpg"/></div>she made the finals and she told me about the caged, wax orbs. Rebecca (also a finalist) and Jenni had started with a business meeting at the Point along with Kathy Harrer (who had the good sense to go home) and after business was finis, moved down to the Box with me and Mel. Mel and I stopped over to the Starbucks to spend some of our holiday bux-card bucks, the it was off to the missus, who left when the getting got good earlier. <br /><p style="text-align:center;" ><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#36892a;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#168f12;"><em> </em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><br /><a href="javascript:HaloScan('1228');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('1228');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('1228');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('1228'); </script></a><br /><img class="imageStyle" alt="cig-heil" width="120" height="122" src="page0_blog_entry947_5.jpg"/></p></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-945" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Package's Checked</div><div class="blog-entry-date">12/26/2006 06:08 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="ec65bf1bdb16c9d3838a675ad25a5bde-945.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="World HQ" width="557" height="136" src="page0_blog_entry945_1.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; "><em>The Official World HQ plaque has arrived. Thanks to Mrs. .com, Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span> <br /><p style="text-align:center;" >Was it really only one day off? Was it really Christmas? With such a long string of days on, it seemed like more than one off. I still got up at before 7:30 yesterday. I should have slept in, Jenni did. I thought there was a lot for me to do. As it turns out, the first project I started became an all consuming one. One of the gifts I received from Jenni was the Engraved plaque above. Well when I got up the World HQ was a mess. So I started by throwing away a trash bag full of papers and magazines and just genera detritus. I made a pot of coffee, and kept at it most of the day. We talked our families on the phone, and Jenni heated up a spiral cut ham, which was a hit with the quadrapeds as well as the bipeds. Among the gifts that Jenni got were some new lighting solutions for the house, a couple of months ago Jenni saw some ads from <img class="imageStyle" alt="lights & ornament" width="530" height="177" src="page0_blog_entry945_2.jpg"/><br /><strong>The festive Lights, Beads and Ornaments at the World HQ parking lot.</strong><br /><div class="image-left"><img class="imageStyle" alt="dia-sphire" width="264" height="359" src="page0_blog_entry945_3.jpg"/></div> the home improvement stores for hanging lights, and asked me if I thought we should finally get rid of the ugly ones that came with the house. So I will be wiring and hanging those over the New Years break. There is also a new ceiling fan lamp assembly with hand blown blue tulip globes for the bedroom. While I'm talking of hanging there is also the sapphire blue pendent that will be seen around Jenni's neck that Santa snuck into the house on Christmas eve, before Jenni and I went to the Chatterbox for Kay's birthday and the unofficial sing a long directed by Jane Pozek. I also wanted to share the lights and ornaments photos that I took early on Christmas morning. I got a couple of CD's I've been missing since David and Meredith went to Florida, a great stadium seat that will come in handy at the nascar races, health and beauty items to make me even more handsome, and the cat in a bag that I ordered for the past few Christmas' but usually got the cat in a box. <br /></p><p><img class="imageStyle" alt="cat-in-a bag" width="545" height="445" src="page0_blog_entry945_4.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#36892a;"><em>The Cat in a Bag was terrific, thanks Santy Claws.</em></span><span style="color:#36892a;"><br /></span><span style="color:#000000;">I hope you all had a happy December 25th, I will see you all soon, but if not before next Monday have a</span><span style="color:#36892a;"> </span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#36892a;"><em>Happy New year!</em></span><span style="color:#36892a;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align:center;" ><img class="imageStyle" alt="25th" width="264" height="242" src="page0_blog_entry945_5.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#36892a;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#168f12;"><em> </em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><br /><a href="javascript:HaloScan('1226');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('1226');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('1226');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('1226'); </script></a></p></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-944" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Weak Start, Weekend</div><div class="blog-entry-date">12/24/2006 03:30 PM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="501e399fb5fc11e2115d9ca478f215f1-944.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body">Saturday and Sunday at the store were both anti-climatic. Most of your last minute customers are dicks anyway, and thankfully the internet has taken much of the <em>"I guess I better buy something or I'll look like a dick,"</em> dick contingent away. Still not every dick has the savvy to surf, or the intellect to intel, but when there is no guaranteed overnight or 'before Christmas' delivery available they do surface. Still, from a retailer viewpoint though a few showed up, the 'choice items' were already sold so it's the "buy a whatever was left to avoid looking like a dick scenario, which inevitably has the recipient saying, "You know the Dick just bought what ever was left, or what ever they had to much of so he wouldn't look like a complete dick. That Dick!" From a retailer viewpoint this is actually the best scenario (except for dealing with the dicks) because you can get rid of whatever you had too much of or what ever you feel like selling, as long as the 'premium' items are gone. And trust me it feels <strong><em>so</em></strong> good to tell a last minute buyer, 10 minutes before closing, <div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="sm-clause" width="163" height="165" src="page0_blog_entry944_1.jpg"/></div>that you sold the last one two hours ago, or better yet two days ago at 10% below cost. When being in retail strips the last semblance of Christmas spirit from you, the 'you get what you deserve factor' at least lets you feel like at least some things are as they should be. <br />Merry Christmas to you all, and to all a good night. <br />Chuck Claus.<br /><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#168f12;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><br /><a href="javascript:HaloScan('1224');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('1224');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('1224');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('1224'); </script></a></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-943" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">From Coma toes, to Missile toes.</div><div class="blog-entry-date">12/22/2006 06:54 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="e5c96f91615b73a42bcc34bbf7f6b59b-943.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Pozek practices" width="545" height="376" src="page0_blog_entry943_1.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#d00a20;"><em>Jane practices her sheet music, 'lean and read' form (there is a lot to playing a piano). Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span><br />Did I mention that I get Monday off? The whole day. I work tonight until 6:30, tomorrow until 5:30, Sunday until 3:00, but have the whole day off on Monday (just when I thought I wasn't getting anything for Christmas*). I'll be back downtown at the Chatterbox for the unofficial sing-a-long on Sunday night. There I expect toe see Travis and Liz. you know liz right? She's the one who Married her job, as the best chocolate in town girlie, then she married Travis. She is incredibly busy tis time of year, but then again she's incredibly busy all the time. Brock and Jess are supposed to be in or the holiday as well, and joining the fun at the US-A-L as well. It should be an interesting evening. Jane Pozek will be the person in charge of causing spasmodic movement and laughter at the ivories. Tickle my dear friends, tickle, she is a pianist, and she will be there to bring great joy and amusement to the Christofori's keys for Christmas, not just the same ol' song and dance, my friend. <div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="jane & friend" width="264" height="198" src="page0_blog_entry943_2.jpg"/></div>The photo is of Jane and a friend at Wednesday event. If you've only seen Jane on the bench at the piano from inside the Chatterbox Box, then this is a whole other side of Jane. If you are there I'll see you, if not maybe I'll see you, either way I will be on my long Christmas vacation when I'm there, so wish me well (drinks).<br /><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#168f12;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><br /><a href="javascript:HaloScan('1222');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('1222');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('1222');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('1222'); </script></a><br />* I should mention that I already got a <strong><em>"sno-baller"</em></strong> from Travis, and a nifty <strong><em>Serge Storms</em></strong> tee and some flower seeds from Kay, lest I appear unappreciative here. </div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-942" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Caroling, Caroling We Go</div><div class="blog-entry-date">12/21/2006 06:38 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="c963bb61778d75c26f7b7b9481c7c2d7-942.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Park Place" width="576" height="231" src="page0_blog_entry942_1.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#629361;"><em>Was Somebody in a hurry to get to the 5 Golden rings table?</em></span><br /><div class="image-left"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Leslie M" width="264" height="384" src="page0_blog_entry942_2.jpg"/></div>Last night over one hundred close friends got together to wish Leslie Mastin happy birthday at the Chatterbox. There was singing, and fellowship, and good company but we never got around to singing the birthday song. It seems like a lot of the people were only there for the Christmas Sing-A-Long, in fact there were people there I've only seen there on Chatterbox sing-a-longs and the place was packed. After the singing was done and Dick Dickinson was setting up for the live jazz portion of the evening several people noticed the Travis had once again gotten one of the choice parking spots right in front. In fact he had two of the choice parking spots, it seems he had a little trouble getting right between the "lines" and made it a little tough to park next to him. Thanks to Daryl Spurlock for the extra muscle. Inside the 'box I got a shot of Cathy Morris chastising Travis for his inconsiderate parking practices. Our host for the evening, and every evening was David Andrichik, who was decked 'like the halls' with Heather <img class="imageStyle" alt="tuxedo junction" width="586" height="411" src="page0_blog_entry942_3.jpg"/><br /><div class="image-left"><img class="imageStyle" alt="Cathy chastises" width="264" height="210" src="page0_blog_entry942_4.jpg"/></div>(instead of holly) and Mel. Rich received his annual blessing from Mel, and, thanks to her efforts will be able to walk and sit in a chair again real soon. Kay was seen standing on the bar, with her new Nikon camera that the Roberts Gang (past & present) pitched in to provide for her at her Christmas party, she seems<div class="image-right"><img class="imageStyle" alt="handsome JD" width="264" height="306" src="page0_blog_entry942_5.jpg"/></div> to be getting the hang of it pretty quickly. She was wearing the other present i got for her, an apron the reads "Many Have Eaten Here, Few Have Died" I think she should wear it for the sorority gals, they will love it. Along with Travis, and Mel John David was one of the first "G-Ring singers" there and I got a photo of him doing his I can swallow my own teeth trick. When Rich saw this photo he started laughing so hard he fell off his chair, and we had to get Mel to bless him, as seen in the Tuxedo photo, just to sit and walk again. Now, there are just 4 shopping days before I get a day off. Woo, hoo.<br /><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#ffbf23;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><br /><a href="javascript:HaloScan('1221');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('1221');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('1221');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('1221'); </script></a><br /></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-940" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Hangin' 10 in the Yule Tide</div><div class="blog-entry-date">12/19/2006 06:35 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="e9a93b6bcfc2a4467a7820e1908df8a4-940.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" alt="shrimps boil" width="545" height="289" src="page0_blog_entry940_1.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#c03523;"><em>Momma Mia, That's a spicey Shrimp Boil! Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span><br /><div class="image-left"><img class="imageStyle" alt="polar song" width="264" height="213" src="page0_blog_entry940_2.jpg"/></div>Well, Kay never ceases to amaze. There was probably over forty people in the Niedenthal home last night for warm Christmas Cheer. Connie was not the only person to want for a chair a time or two, but nobody was unhappy or uncomfortable. All were welcome, and fed, and filled with joy. Outside the polar bear (that Kay's mother made from paper machete) sang to the copper frogs (You dirty frog, you'll never take me alive, copper! See!) like James Cagney in "Yankee Doodle Dandy." On the driveway Mark Niedenthal was making a spicy shrimp boil. At the front of the house there was a bonfire, and on the deck deck and at the back stoop were the smokers. Inside and out everybody was happy, inside and out. Quotes were quoted from Monty Python and Mel Brooks. Hugs were hugged, stories of past glories were embellished, and all was warm and wonderful. <br /><img class="imageStyle" alt="Kay spotlight" width="545" height="645" src="page0_blog_entry940_3.jpg"/><br /><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#c42d5b;"><em>Spot Light Dance!</em></span><span style="color:#c42d5b;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:11px; font-weight:bold; color:#c42d5b;"><em>(You can almost hear the cheesy organ version of Dizzy fro Tommy Roe)</em></span><span style="color:#c42d5b;"><em>. </em></span><span style="font-size:13px; font-weight:bold; color:#c42d5b;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy;2006</em></span><br />Even before Kay called a spotlight dance, (which, judging from the photo was a can,can) she was the star of the night, like a ray of welcoming sunlight warming us all with her glowing presence. The Roberts Gang; Ed & Pam, Rich, Mel, Mike, Jenni and I all got together to buy Kay a better digital camera for her garden and macro photo exploits come spring and greening time. Kay retaliated with <strong><em>Serge</em></strong> wear and stories from one of our (collective group) favorite authors, <a href="../../page8/page7/interests.html" rel="self">Tim Dorsey</a> from sunny Florida. <strong><em>Serge Storms</em></strong> is the principle character of Tim's books, and apparently has his own web site now, which Tim administers, which including the on-line store and merchandise. Kay bought both Rich and I t-shirts and also a <strong><em>Coleman</em></strong> hip-flask for Rich to take on his cruise, so he will never have to be too far from his <em>Orange Crush</em>. I also got more beauty from Kay, some flower seeds to put in my garden, so I can have a little (more) of the growing paradise of Kay's yard in mine. Then it was home to watch the Colts busting Bengal butt's and dreams from the 2nd Quarter on, on Monday Night Football. <br />The next partial update had been done on the <a href="../../page12/newmention.html" rel="self">mention meter</a>. We're two thirds of the way through November!<br /><span style="font-size:14px; font-weight:bold; color:#333333;"><em>Chuck Pace &copy; 2006</em></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.haloscan.com/load/chuckpace"> </script><br /><a href="javascript:HaloScan('1219');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCount('1219');</script></a> | <a href="javascript:HaloScanTB('1219');" target="_self"><script type="text/javascript">postCountTB('1219'); </script></a><br /><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_1" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_4.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_2" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_5.jpg"/><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"> </span><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_3" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_6.jpg"/><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"> </span><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_4" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_7.jpg"/><span style="font:11px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; color:#333333;"> </span><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_5" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_8.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_6" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_9.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_7" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_10.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_7" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_11.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_8" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_12.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_8" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_13.jpg"/><img class="imageStyle" alt="page0_blog_entry903_8" width="36" height="27" src="page0_blog_entry940_14.jpg"/><span style="font:35px 'Lucida Grande', LucidaGrande, Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight:bold; color:#0f398f;">- 3 !</span></div></div><div id="unique-entry-id-939" class="blog-entry"><div class="blog-entry-title">Banquet</div><div class="blog-entry-date">12/18/2006 07:23 AM <span class="blog-entry-permalink">Chummin'<a href="e87106a0c2ccc35333b9bde0664a9267-939.html">Permalink</a></span></div><div class="blog-entry-body"><img class="imageStyle" al