Day-OH!

Today was my last day of holiday-endorsed vacation from work. Unlike those who get all sorts of upcoming paid holiday, I'm now high and dry until Memorial Day. MLK day? Have to work. Presidents day? Have to work.

And then there is:

January 3 is . . . . .Festival of Sleep Day

January 4 is . . . . .Trivia Day and Humiliation Day

January 5 is . . . . .Bird Day

January 6 is . . . . .Bean Day

January 7 is . . . . .Old Rock Day

January 8 is . . . . .National JoyGerm Day and Man Watcher's Day

January 9 is . . . . . Play God Day

January 10 is . . . . Peculiar People Day

January 11 is . . . . National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day

January 12 is . . . . Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day

January 13 is . . . . Make Your Dream Come True Day and Blame Someone Else Day

January 14 is . . . . National Dress Up Your Pet Day

January 15 is . . . . Hat Day

January 16 is . . . . Hot and Spicy Food International Day and National Nothing Day

January 17 is . . . . Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral Day

January 18 is . . . . Winnie the Pooh Day

January 19 is . . . . National Popcorn Day

January 20 is . . . . National Buttercrunch Day

January 21 is . . . . National Hugging Day

January 22 is . . . . National Answer Your Cat's Question Day and National Blonde Brownie Day

January 23 is . . . . National Handwriting Day, National Pie Day, and Measure Your Feet Day

January 24 is . . . . Eskimo Pie Patent Day

January 25 is . . . . Opposite Day

January 26 is . . . . Australia Day

January 27 is . . . . Punch the Clock Day and Thomas Crapper Day

January 28 is . . . . National Kazoo Day, Clash Day, Rattle Snake Round-Up Day

January 29 is . . . . National Cornchip Day

January 30 is . . . . Escape Day

January 31 is . . . . National Popcorn Day and Child Labor Day

...and those are just in January. Do I get ANY of these days off? Nooooo! Granted, they may be bizarre holidays, but someone somewhere thought they were important enough to think of them, and how can I possibly celebrate National Answer Your Cat's Question Day when I'm stuck at work?

While I ponder how to adequately celebrate Rattlesnake Roundup Day, I've done a slight redesign to the left side bar in order to list books, CDs and movies I've read, listened to and watched in 2007. Today we went out and saw Night at the Museum which was amusing, and frankly, better than I thought it was going to be. It's no epic, but it was a good Christmas vacation diversion. TinyTuna thought it was awesome. The previews today were quite bizarre, and included something that I think is some Fantastic Four movie featuring the new bad guy "The Silver Surfer." After the preview, I turned to TinyTuna and said, "A bad guy called Silver Surfer? It doesn't exactly strike fear in your heart..."

The Tuna clan gave it a resounding thumbs-down.

The second preview started and it was chock full of explosions, more explosions, and loud heart-stopping music to accompany (you guessed it)... explosions. As these mutant robot things kept exploding everything, a horrible thought suddenly occurred to me. Turning to TinyTuna I said, "Do you mean to tell me.... are these guys Transformers?" Sure enough. Transformers. Starring in their own movie.

The Tuna clan gave it a resounding thumbs-down.

Just when hope was nearly lost, the last preview saved the day. Thank God for Homer Simpson!

GreenTuna and TinyTuna said thumbs up!
GramTuna told us to enjoy ourselves.

I can't wait to add it to my list.

Day-OH!

Today was my last day of holiday-endorsed vacation from work. Unlike those who get all sorts of upcoming paid holiday, I'm now high and dry until Memorial Day. MLK day? Have to work. Presidents day? Have to work.

And then there is:

January 3 is . . . . .Festival of Sleep Day

January 4 is . . . . .Trivia Day and Humiliation Day

January 5 is . . . . .Bird Day

January 6 is . . . . .Bean Day

January 7 is . . . . .Old Rock Day

January 8 is . . . . .National JoyGerm Day and Man Watcher's Day

January 9 is . . . . . Play God Day

January 10 is . . . . Peculiar People Day

January 11 is . . . . National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day

January 12 is . . . . Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day

January 13 is . . . . Make Your Dream Come True Day and Blame Someone Else Day

January 14 is . . . . National Dress Up Your Pet Day

January 15 is . . . . Hat Day

January 16 is . . . . Hot and Spicy Food International Day and National Nothing Day

January 17 is . . . . Blessing of the Animals at the Cathedral Day

January 18 is . . . . Winnie the Pooh Day

January 19 is . . . . National Popcorn Day

January 20 is . . . . National Buttercrunch Day

January 21 is . . . . National Hugging Day

January 22 is . . . . National Answer Your Cat's Question Day and National Blonde Brownie Day

January 23 is . . . . National Handwriting Day, National Pie Day, and Measure Your Feet Day

January 24 is . . . . Eskimo Pie Patent Day

January 25 is . . . . Opposite Day

January 26 is . . . . Australia Day

January 27 is . . . . Punch the Clock Day and Thomas Crapper Day

January 28 is . . . . National Kazoo Day, Clash Day, Rattle Snake Round-Up Day

January 29 is . . . . National Cornchip Day

January 30 is . . . . Escape Day

January 31 is . . . . National Popcorn Day and Child Labor Day

...and those are just in January. Do I get ANY of these days off? Nooooo! Granted, they may be bizarre holidays, but someone somewhere thought they were important enough to think of them, and how can I possibly celebrate National Answer Your Cat's Question Day when I'm stuck at work?

While I ponder how to adequately celebrate Rattlesnake Roundup Day, I've done a slight redesign to the left side bar in order to list books, CDs and movies I've read, listened to and watched in 2007. Today we went out and saw Night at the Museum which was amusing, and frankly, better than I thought it was going to be. It's no epic, but it was a good Christmas vacation diversion. TinyTuna thought it was awesome. The previews today were quite bizarre, and included something that I think is some Fantastic Four movie featuring the new bad guy "The Silver Surfer." After the preview, I turned to TinyTuna and said, "A bad guy called Silver Surfer? It doesn't exactly strike fear in your heart..."

The Tuna clan gave it a resounding thumbs-down.

The second preview started and it was chock full of explosions, more explosions, and loud heart-stopping music to accompany (you guessed it)... explosions. As these mutant robot things kept exploding everything, a horrible thought suddenly occurred to me. Turning to TinyTuna I said, "Do you mean to tell me.... are these guys Transformers?" Sure enough. Transformers. Starring in their own movie.

The Tuna clan gave it a resounding thumbs-down.

Just when hope was nearly lost, the last preview saved the day. Thank God for Homer Simpson!

GreenTuna and TinyTuna said thumbs up!
GramTuna told us to enjoy ourselves.

I can't wait to add it to my list.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... And you think:

1. Resolution :: Tis the season

2. Happy :: Glad

3. Bubbly :: Champagne

4. Kiss :: At Midnight

5. Leather :: Fine Corinthian

6. Fancy :: Shmancy

7. Pages :: Of a book

8. Stupid :: Is as stupid does

9. Apologize :: Say you're sorry

10. Secrets :: OK if they are good ones

Lots of obvious New Year's sorts of words, until you get to the random "leather" which sadly seemed to prompt a much longer list of not-PG responses. "Bubbly :: Champagne" reminded me of a waitress who was working the New Year's Eve party last night. She came by our table twice to see if we needed anything. Once we asked for water, and once we asked for champagne. I think somehow we had some miscommunication going on. We assumed when she asked us if we needed anything that she would bring it to us. Based on the fact that she never once brought us anything we asked for, we guessed she must have just been curious. Need some water? OK, then. Good luck to you....

Mutter along HERE

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... And you think:

1. Resolution :: Tis the season

2. Happy :: Glad

3. Bubbly :: Champagne

4. Kiss :: At Midnight

5. Leather :: Fine Corinthian

6. Fancy :: Shmancy

7. Pages :: Of a book

8. Stupid :: Is as stupid does

9. Apologize :: Say you're sorry

10. Secrets :: OK if they are good ones

Lots of obvious New Year's sorts of words, until you get to the random "leather" which sadly seemed to prompt a much longer list of not-PG responses. "Bubbly :: Champagne" reminded me of a waitress who was working the New Year's Eve party last night. She came by our table twice to see if we needed anything. Once we asked for water, and once we asked for champagne. I think somehow we had some miscommunication going on. We assumed when she asked us if we needed anything that she would bring it to us. Based on the fact that she never once brought us anything we asked for, we guessed she must have just been curious. Need some water? OK, then. Good luck to you....

Mutter along HERE

Turn the Page

I have taken down the enormous calendar that chronicled our lives in 2006 and have put up the new calendar for 2007. So far I haven't written in any dates for January because I'm enjoying looking at lovely blank boxes.

___________________________

New Year's Eve was absolutely marvelous. Scout and I went out for dinner, dancing, and general merry-making. The band was none other than Root Doctor, a Rhythm & Blues group that I first heard several years ago with my good friend, SticksTuna. The last song of the night, Been A Long Time Coming seemed to sum things up perfectly. It was a wonderful evening, and Scout outdid himself with his secret plans.

___________________________

This afternoon is family Christmas number I've-lost-count. It's really a kind of "clean up" Christmas for those who were unable to travel east. After the last of the presents are opened, we are having a traditional Tuna dinner of roast pork, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, black-eyed peas and fruit salad. For the less adventurous and those uninterested in good luck, there is spaghetti. I would wager that several in the 10-and-under crowd would consider the spaghetti option fantastic luck when faced with sauerkraut. Not me. I love this meal. Scout will have his New Year's Day initiation. Will politeness reign or will he go for the spaghetti? Only time (and GreenTuna) will tell.

___________________________

Today is the last day of Holidailies. After a summer and fall of less and less frequent posts, I managed to post every single day. I hope to continue the trend through the long winter months, because with TinyTuna, GramTuna, the rest of the Tuna clan and Scout, there is never a lack of stories to tell. Thanks to all of you who stopped by for a visit. I hope I'll see you again soon.

Turn the Page

I have taken down the enormous calendar that chronicled our lives in 2006 and have put up the new calendar for 2007. So far I haven't written in any dates for January because I'm enjoying looking at lovely blank boxes.

___________________________

New Year's Eve was absolutely marvelous. Scout and I went out for dinner, dancing, and general merry-making. The band was none other than Root Doctor, a Rhythm & Blues group that I first heard several years ago with my good friend, SticksTuna. The last song of the night, Been A Long Time Coming seemed to sum things up perfectly. It was a wonderful evening, and Scout outdid himself with his secret plans.

___________________________

This afternoon is family Christmas number I've-lost-count. It's really a kind of "clean up" Christmas for those who were unable to travel east. After the last of the presents are opened, we are having a traditional Tuna dinner of roast pork, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, black-eyed peas and fruit salad. For the less adventurous and those uninterested in good luck, there is spaghetti. I would wager that several in the 10-and-under crowd would consider the spaghetti option fantastic luck when faced with sauerkraut. Not me. I love this meal. Scout will have his New Year's Day initiation. Will politeness reign or will he go for the spaghetti? Only time (and GreenTuna) will tell.

___________________________

Today is the last day of Holidailies. After a summer and fall of less and less frequent posts, I managed to post every single day. I hope to continue the trend through the long winter months, because with TinyTuna, GramTuna, the rest of the Tuna clan and Scout, there is never a lack of stories to tell. Thanks to all of you who stopped by for a visit. I hope I'll see you again soon.

Try To Remember A Kind of December

It's that most wonderful time of the year. Like the Hatfields and the McCoys, it's the time when the resolutionistas wage battle with the non-resolutionists. Do you make them? Of course! Do you make them? Why on earth should I? Tradition! Lemmings!! Tastes great!!! Less filling!!!

As usual, I fall somewhere in the middle.

I find that after the crush of December, the last thing I have the time or inclination to do is to sit and make life decisions 365 days in advance. I'm not even sure Oprah is that good. Or Martha. But you can be sure that you can read exactly how it should have been done in the January, 2007 issue. It's something like equal parts inspiration for the upcoming year and humiliation that you couldn't manage to think of this yourself.

In the absence of a detailed bulleted list, my hopes for 2007 are the same as they were for 2006: To be a shining example and good leader for those who are younger and learning their way; to be a thoughtful and loving caretaker of the path we all travel, and to continue to tell the stories and be a living legacy of those who no longer walk with us.

2007. Ready or not, here I come.

Try To Remember A Kind of December

It's that most wonderful time of the year. Like the Hatfields and the McCoys, it's the time when the resolutionistas wage battle with the non-resolutionists. Do you make them? Of course! Do you make them? Why on earth should I? Tradition! Lemmings!! Tastes great!!! Less filling!!!

As usual, I fall somewhere in the middle.

I find that after the crush of December, the last thing I have the time or inclination to do is to sit and make life decisions 365 days in advance. I'm not even sure Oprah is that good. Or Martha. But you can be sure that you can read exactly how it should have been done in the January, 2007 issue. It's something like equal parts inspiration for the upcoming year and humiliation that you couldn't manage to think of this yourself.

In the absence of a detailed bulleted list, my hopes for 2007 are the same as they were for 2006: To be a shining example and good leader for those who are younger and learning their way; to be a thoughtful and loving caretaker of the path we all travel, and to continue to tell the stories and be a living legacy of those who no longer walk with us.

2007. Ready or not, here I come.

States of the Union

The Tuna clan has returned from its whirlwind trip, and our trip home went something like this:

Virginia:
No visibility due to fog. Blame Maryland.

Maryland:
No visibility due to fog. Blame Virginia.

Pennsylvania:
If you seek bad weather, threatening signs and roads of doom, look about you.

Ohio:
Unless you're going to Cedar Point, it's pretty much just one more obstacle between you and your destination. Hey, where did all this fog come from?

Michigan:
90 is the new 70, and we're not talking Kilometers, people.

States of the Union

The Tuna clan has returned from its whirlwind trip, and our trip home went something like this:

Virginia:
No visibility due to fog. Blame Maryland.

Maryland:
No visibility due to fog. Blame Virginia.

Pennsylvania:
If you seek bad weather, threatening signs and roads of doom, look about you.

Ohio:
Unless you're going to Cedar Point, it's pretty much just one more obstacle between you and your destination. Hey, where did all this fog come from?

Michigan:
90 is the new 70, and we're not talking Kilometers, people.

Bubbles

At twenty months of age, littlest NephewsanTuna is starting to amass a decent vocabulary. Amongst his favorites is the word more, which, in normal use sounds more like moW. When he is fairly certain that we either haven't heard him or aren't doing moW fast enough, it turns into an emphatic two syllable word: moWAH. The WAH is an implied Now!Now!Now! which is simply too cute for words, especially when you're all of twenty months old.

Today at the east coast family gathering number two, NephewsanTuna was having a grand old time because his parents brought his bottle of bubbles!

BubbAW!!

moWAH?

BubbAW!!!

moWAH?

On and on and on it went. When the last bubble disappeared, all he had to do was say moWAH?? and we would send another stream into the sky. With each shower of bubbAWs!!! he would giggle and point and try to catch them. And I found it interesting that he never got upset when the bubbles all burst, because he knew that if he asked for moWAH?? we would bring the magic back again.

I'm not so sure most adults are bubble kind of people. After all, sometimes bubbles come out as one or two big ones, sometimes as a swarm of little ones, and sometimes, despite our best technique, it's a dud, and all we get is a wet face full of bubble juice. Bubbles are unpredictable at best, so when you ask for more you're never quite sure what it will bring.

When we want more, we we seldom ask. If we want it, we get it for ourselves, which allows us to craft our wants into exactly the shape we require them to be. No muss. No fuss. No surprises. Perfectly formed more bubbles to serve our purposes.

As our day ended, I couldn't help look around the room at everybody gathered. Children and parents, grandchildren and great grandchildren were all eating, laughing and sharing stories and presents. The gathered clan encompassed some 90 years, and to boast just a wee bit, I cannot help but admit, Damn, we looked mighty fine. As we all said our goodbyes, we kept saying, "June. We'll see you again in June."

Just like Nephewsan, we don't know exactly how it will happen, or what it will bring. The only thing we know for sure is that we want it again. Like bubbles, we'll accept the unpredictability as long as we can have the magic.

moWAH.

Please.

Bubbles

At twenty months of age, littlest NephewsanTuna is starting to amass a decent vocabulary. Amongst his favorites is the word more, which, in normal use sounds more like moW. When he is fairly certain that we either haven't heard him or aren't doing moW fast enough, it turns into an emphatic two syllable word: moWAH. The WAH is an implied Now!Now!Now! which is simply too cute for words, especially when you're all of twenty months old.

Today at the east coast family gathering number two, NephewsanTuna was having a grand old time because his parents brought his bottle of bubbles!

BubbAW!!

moWAH?

BubbAW!!!

moWAH?

On and on and on it went. When the last bubble disappeared, all he had to do was say moWAH?? and we would send another stream into the sky. With each shower of bubbAWs!!! he would giggle and point and try to catch them. And I found it interesting that he never got upset when the bubbles all burst, because he knew that if he asked for moWAH?? we would bring the magic back again.

I'm not so sure most adults are bubble kind of people. After all, sometimes bubbles come out as one or two big ones, sometimes as a swarm of little ones, and sometimes, despite our best technique, it's a dud, and all we get is a wet face full of bubble juice. Bubbles are unpredictable at best, so when you ask for more you're never quite sure what it will bring.

When we want more, we we seldom ask. If we want it, we get it for ourselves, which allows us to craft our wants into exactly the shape we require them to be. No muss. No fuss. No surprises. Perfectly formed more bubbles to serve our purposes.

As our day ended, I couldn't help look around the room at everybody gathered. Children and parents, grandchildren and great grandchildren were all eating, laughing and sharing stories and presents. The gathered clan encompassed some 90 years, and to boast just a wee bit, I cannot help but admit, Damn, we looked mighty fine. As we all said our goodbyes, we kept saying, "June. We'll see you again in June."

Just like Nephewsan, we don't know exactly how it will happen, or what it will bring. The only thing we know for sure is that we want it again. Like bubbles, we'll accept the unpredictability as long as we can have the magic.

moWAH.

Please.

Friday's Feast

It's the after-breakfast, before East Coast family gathering version of Friday's Feast. Can I finish before GramTuna shows up with the car?

Appetizer: How do you usually celebrate on New Year's Eve?
New Year's celebrations are generally extremely low-key. In the past we have hung out at Peace Tuna's house for awhile, gnoshing and yucking it up, but returning home far before the clock strikes twelve. This year? I. Have. A. Date. With a new fancy dress and the whole nine yards. I'm looking forward to this just a wee bit. SQUEEEEEEE

Soup: Name one thing unexpected that happened to you in 2006
See: I. Have. A Date.

Salad: Where was the favorite place you visited in 2006?
As I don't recall traveling anywhere out of the ordinary, my favorite was and remains The Atlanic Ocean at Hatteras and Ocracoke, North Carolina.

Main Course: What resolution is your top priority for 2007?
I generally don't do them, so maybe my top priority for 2007 is making one. Or maybe coming up with a better reason for why I never make one.

Dessert: Using just three words, describe 2006
1. ScoutyellowshirtconcertsmorecowbellIhaveadate
2. Stillhereattheendofit
3. Lookingforwardto2007

Friday's Feast

It's the after-breakfast, before East Coast family gathering version of Friday's Feast. Can I finish before GramTuna shows up with the car?

Appetizer: How do you usually celebrate on New Year's Eve?
New Year's celebrations are generally extremely low-key. In the past we have hung out at Peace Tuna's house for awhile, gnoshing and yucking it up, but returning home far before the clock strikes twelve. This year? I. Have. A. Date. With a new fancy dress and the whole nine yards. I'm looking forward to this just a wee bit. SQUEEEEEEE

Soup: Name one thing unexpected that happened to you in 2006
See: I. Have. A Date.

Salad: Where was the favorite place you visited in 2006?
As I don't recall traveling anywhere out of the ordinary, my favorite was and remains The Atlanic Ocean at Hatteras and Ocracoke, North Carolina.

Main Course: What resolution is your top priority for 2007?
I generally don't do them, so maybe my top priority for 2007 is making one. Or maybe coming up with a better reason for why I never make one.

Dessert: Using just three words, describe 2006
1. ScoutyellowshirtconcertsmorecowbellIhaveadate
2. Stillhereattheendofit
3. Lookingforwardto2007

Two on the Aisle

Today TinyTuna and I spent part of the afternoon watching Eragon. The movie is best described as equal parts of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, combined with a dash of Wizard of Oz, Old Yeller (mythical beast version) and Last of the Mohicans. Stir in enormous special effects and a lush yet majestic soundtrack set at 11. Shake, dump onto celluloid, and serve with popcorn.

Overall, it wasn't a bad way to spend an afternoon. I'm just hoping my hearing comes back before tomorrow.

Two on the Aisle

Today TinyTuna and I spent part of the afternoon watching Eragon. The movie is best described as equal parts of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, combined with a dash of Wizard of Oz, Old Yeller (mythical beast version) and Last of the Mohicans. Stir in enormous special effects and a lush yet majestic soundtrack set at 11. Shake, dump onto celluloid, and serve with popcorn.

Overall, it wasn't a bad way to spend an afternoon. I'm just hoping my hearing comes back before tomorrow.

Heart and Soul

Consider the computer desk.

Some desks are a jumble of papers, machines, wires, routers, pencils, pens, and other office supplies we deem important. In my case it's sticky notes, paper clips and a rubber band ball. Of course, I've never, ever used a rubber band ball to actually retrieve a rubber band for use, but I've always felt like I should have one. Just in case. In addition to the practical, there is often an element of quirky that goes into the mix. At home, my monitor is decorated with three plastic rubber duckies, and a pelican beanie baby. They are the guardians of my computer and they watch over me while I work.

Some desks are neat, clean, open-spaced surfaces. These are very appealing to me on a certain level, mostly because all these elements are so seldom present in my life. They speak to calm and orderliness, two things for which I strive but seldom achieve.

Writing from a borrowed desk this week, I'm intrigued by my surroundings. The desk definitely falls into the jumble category, but I don't say that in any sort of accusatory manner. In fact, it has a real homey quality to it, and while I sit here, I don't feel as if I'm intruding. Instead I feel as if I can slip in, do my work and then quietly leave without anybody noticing.

Near the monitor is a wonderful ribbon board. It's full of cards, bumper stickers, button and other assorted trinkets. Just like my guardian duckies, everything here has a special meaning to the owner of this desk. Maybe the computer is the heart of our electronic universe. But the desk, the desk is its soul.

Heart and Soul

Consider the computer desk.

Some desks are a jumble of papers, machines, wires, routers, pencils, pens, and other office supplies we deem important. In my case it's sticky notes, paper clips and a rubber band ball. Of course, I've never, ever used a rubber band ball to actually retrieve a rubber band for use, but I've always felt like I should have one. Just in case. In addition to the practical, there is often an element of quirky that goes into the mix. At home, my monitor is decorated with three plastic rubber duckies, and a pelican beanie baby. They are the guardians of my computer and they watch over me while I work.

Some desks are neat, clean, open-spaced surfaces. These are very appealing to me on a certain level, mostly because all these elements are so seldom present in my life. They speak to calm and orderliness, two things for which I strive but seldom achieve.

Writing from a borrowed desk this week, I'm intrigued by my surroundings. The desk definitely falls into the jumble category, but I don't say that in any sort of accusatory manner. In fact, it has a real homey quality to it, and while I sit here, I don't feel as if I'm intruding. Instead I feel as if I can slip in, do my work and then quietly leave without anybody noticing.

Near the monitor is a wonderful ribbon board. It's full of cards, bumper stickers, button and other assorted trinkets. Just like my guardian duckies, everything here has a special meaning to the owner of this desk. Maybe the computer is the heart of our electronic universe. But the desk, the desk is its soul.

The Morning After

Things I learned while travelling today:

1. According to my Trivial Pursuit cards, bowling was a popular sport in Ancient Egypt. Somehow, I cannot see King Tut knocking down a few frames.

2. If you're in Pennsylvania, the probability of crappy weather is equal to the probability the day has a "Y" in it.

3. Nobody in Michigan was working today. They were all driving. East. Right in front of me.

4. Maryland traffic continues to be a mystery wrapped in a 95 mph enigma. Traffic jams happen instantaneously for no apparent reason whatsoever. After sitting and not moving or creeping along at 10 mph, there will suddenly be open road. All the cars in front of you have disappeared and there is no evidence of accident. It's just plain weird.

5. Despite all the adventures in travelling, we're happy to be safe and sound with family.

The Morning After

Things I learned while travelling today:

1. According to my Trivial Pursuit cards, bowling was a popular sport in Ancient Egypt. Somehow, I cannot see King Tut knocking down a few frames.

2. If you're in Pennsylvania, the probability of crappy weather is equal to the probability the day has a "Y" in it.

3. Nobody in Michigan was working today. They were all driving. East. Right in front of me.

4. Maryland traffic continues to be a mystery wrapped in a 95 mph enigma. Traffic jams happen instantaneously for no apparent reason whatsoever. After sitting and not moving or creeping along at 10 mph, there will suddenly be open road. All the cars in front of you have disappeared and there is no evidence of accident. It's just plain weird.

5. Despite all the adventures in travelling, we're happy to be safe and sound with family.