jazzgirl

Okay, I walked in the door and what do I see waiting for me on the kitchen counter; an anniversary card and.....

A CHOCOLATE DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE!

Of course this is hubby's favorite cake and of course, he works nights so he will be going to bed at 6:00 p.m.....so, it will be just me and the cake tonight...this is not good people!

Okay, who wants to come over and help me eat this cake!

Kim

Count me in for a virtual slice and Happy, Happy Anniversary, aikim! I think the best possible way to celebrate it is with a weekend wedding of your firstborn!

:00003653: ldyjocelyn! Birthdays are a lot of fun!

Still digging out from my basement. Had to replace the water heater, the furnace, and now need to go shopping for a washer/dryer. Does anyone have a stackable unit? If so, how do you like it? Next, need to get estimates for a crumbling basement wall, but need to get the washer/dryer in place first.

I like oatmeal just fine too, but my everyday breakfast food is ......Chocolate Malt-O-Meal.

ETA: I wanted to comment on something annabear said upthread about her mom still being without power, but fortunately having a gas hot water heater, so she still has hot water. I was thinking about getting a tankless hot water heater (mucho bucks!), but read in Consumer Reports online that when the power goes out, so do they, as they have an electrical component. I decided to just get the conventional water heater as a replacement as our power goes out frequently. So glad to have hot water now! Boiling water for dishes is too pioneer for me.

In the midst of this mess, I just received a very welcome phone call - I got my condo!

:nana: Stopped digging out from my muddy basement to say "woo hoo" to annabear. A little bit of hope in the midst of your no power situation.

The water receded on its own! At least, I didn't have to hire an extraction company. I'm surprised by that as so much stuff was floating around that I thought the two drains were blocked, but gravity must have worked. Tomorrow, I will find out how the furnace and water heater fared underwater. The next day, the washer/dryer/freezer. I don't have much hope for the later trio. I would love to have my washer so I could clean all the flood soaked laundry. I "had" (don't know if past tense is appropriate yet) a 15 year old Maytag washer. Never needed a single repair. I'm going to hate to lose it. Hope I can get hot water tomorrow, I miss the dishwasher and showers.

Thanks for the sump pump advice. That's on my "to do" list too.

The fire department will come and turn off your breaker box for you. They have rubber waders that insulate them from the shock. You need to tell them to just turn off the basement power.

Thanks, play :F_05BL17blowkiss: I'm been feeling like my mind is underwater too.

Forget about pulling plugs - turn off the power to the lower power units, you don't want them live! Most of mine are at 4 feet,still below the 5' window height. I awlays said the warter could go out the window, but thsw house would probably catch fire because the power line to the house is below that.

Problems with sump pumps is that they tend to fail when you lose power. What I do to empty things is open the floor drain.It does not have that trap to stop the gasses (or rats or whatever), so I have to be careful to close it and when I leave it, to put a screen over it to kepp sewers things inthe sewer and cellar things from clogging the drain pipe..

Can't get to the breaker box, hence the problem. It's about a 20 foot distance of three foot deep water from the staircase. Never thought about rats coming up the floor drain, yikes! My basement just reminded me of that old movie, The Poseidon Adventure. I'm on a waiting list for a water extraction company. I'm wondering just how long the list is.

jazzgirl, while you're shopping, you might want to buy some breathing masks, too. They're white filter like material. Not expensive. And if you're going to breathing mould (mold?) and/or bleach, the masks might be a good idea. Just to keep your breathing passages from getting irritated. If you have allergies, it might help stave off sinus issues, too.

Good luck!

Thanks, great idea on the masks! I think I need to buy a lot of jumbo trash bags too.

If you really want basement advice <snip>

Things to be careful of when youhave water in the basement, that it never rises to the floor plugs! you could get electricuted! My lowest plug is a foot off the floor, so it is not a problem so far. Juist be very careful about electricity. <snip>

Good point, play. I was lucky that when the water receded the first time, I was able to unload the freezer and pull the plug, that is before it started floating. I also had a radio that was in danger of falling in the water and was able to yank the cord and grab the radio, but yes, very scary stuff. The basement filled up again overnight in a virtual flash flood. I had some things propped up, but the props floated, even wooden platforms floated!

I remember that in 1972, Kim! Woo hoo, indeed.

Thanks to all for the basement advice. I'm buying a lot of bleach tomorrow, making some calls, and hoping the water recedes. I think it's likely I'll be doing some appliance shopping too. Really surprised me when the chest freezer started floating, darn, that must have had some good insulation, but that will be the cheapest thing to replace.

ETA: audson, basements are certainly the norm in my vicinity, some houses, however are on slabs. Basements are useful for a tornado storm shelter.

We are having our own "hurricane" in Chicagoland with a one hundred year rain. I have at least three feet of water in the basement. I am worried that the furnace/AC unit, the water heater, washer/dryer and freezer may all be lost, and no flood insurance or sump pump, because nothing was ever needed before now The chest freezer is actually floating! I had two feet of water yesterday, but it went down, until last night, when it all came back.

Anyone had any flood experience with damaged appliances? Were they salvageable or not? From what I am reading, about three feet of water is when it is recommended they be junked. We thought about trying to bail water, but the basement is a virtual lake.

ETA: Talked with annabear. She is without power in Ohio, due to storms.

When we had the great floods in NJ in the 80's, more damage was done by people pumping their basement's dry, while the water presure in the ground was still strong and the basement walls collapsed. They would have been better if they left the waster in the basements. The houses had to be trashed after that.

I woke up to a flooded basement here in the Midwest, about two feet of water, and just had a guy come over for an estimate on pumping it out. Interesting. It does seem to be receding and I'm debating what to do. Either way, I've got a mess on my hands.

Excuuuuuuuuuse me, but I neeeeeeeed me some cable.

And of my group of family and friends, the only one with power and water...but no damn cable. I expect others to come wandering by later.

It really wasn't that bad for me and the cats.

MSNBC just said that Houstonians have been advised to boil water as a precaution (or drink bottled water). Glad to read that everyone seems to be OK!

From March 19, 2008:

Huffington Post

NEW YORK - Matt Lauer must have really thick skin.

The "Today" show co-anchor will be the center of attention -- and the target of insults and general humiliation -- at a Friars Club celebrity roast Oct. 24. Things could get ugly: The Roastmaster is Lauer's longtime colleague and friend Al Roker, who knows him as well as anyone.

"I fully plan to, like, bring an iPod in my sport jacket and run the headsets up to where they can't see it into my ears so I won't even hear half of it," Lauer told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Wednesday. "But I will tell you right now: I'm not going to invite my mom or anything like that. I have a feeling it's gonna be way over the edge for someone like that to be there."

Lauer, 50, joked: "From what I understand, you basically go in, you pad yourself, you take medication and you sit there and you just kind of brace for the worst."

He's well aware of "how raunchy and filthy" a Friars Club roast can get.

"That's the whole reason I agreed," he said. "I figured, what the heck? Everybody in their career at least on one occasion has got to go out there and just kinda lay themselves bare. ... It's for a great cause. They're a wonderful organization, they've done great work over the years, and if you can't poke a little fun at yourself or have others do it at your expense, then, you know, you should be in a different business."

Lauer said Roker "knows where all the skeletons are buried." When asked what the NBC weatherman could potentially use against him, he replied: "Are you kidding? Do you think I'm gonna give him advanced information or give him a heads-up? No way. I don't know. I'm sure there will be a lot made over our history together. We've had some kind of funny ups and downs -- and I'm sure those will come out -- but, you know, for the most part I think it will be good-natured. Not only with Al -- with everyone."

Lauer said there will be no TV broadcast of the roast, which will be presented at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan.

"Half my friends won't come if there's gonna be press coverage. ... For example, if you choose a high-profile friend who may happen to work in television, well, they don't want to be quoted the next day dropping the F-bomb in the middle of a luncheon," he said.

Come September, he'll start coming up with retorts for Roker and other roasters (possible suspects: Meredith Vieira and Katie Couric).

"I wanna give as well as I get, and so that's gonna take some effort," he said.

New appearance for Clay, unfortunately it won't be telecast...wonder how he will do this with Spamalot:

ETA: It's a luncheon; so it is doable.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20225436,00.html

Kim

Very interesting. Wonder what connection Clay has to Matt that we may not know about, if any.

<snip>

Annabear's story reminded me of how my Mother fit in with my own personal luck since I worked in NYC most of my career. <snip> In 1998, my Mother was getting older, I had spent some time talking to her about an extreme operation her doctor wanted her to have, and finally took her to my own doctor. My doctor told my Mom she would die in a few years without the operation, but she would most likely die or be hospitalized for the rest of her life from the operation, the success rate was small. So, my Mother decided not to have the operation, but the thought of her limited time stayed in my mind.

Play, thanks for sharing your story too. Sometimes, looking back, we can see how fate smiled on us in its own way. Other times, when everything goes wrong, we are left to ruminate on why bad things happen to good people (*useful book, BTW*). .

Hope those in Ike's path keep posting throughout the storm.

*Totally off topic, personal post!* <snip>

Seven years later, my mom is still here, cancer-free and one of my best Clay buds. I sent her flowers today. We'll never forget about all those who lost their lives, but it's nice to have something hopeful come out of that day.

You and your mother were indeed blessed, annabear. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

But honestly? I'm not stressing Ike - I was in downtown Houston when Alicia hit - Greenway Plaza has GOT to be better!

I was near downtown Houston back then too. I remember people taking showers at the downtown Y. Smelly co-workers and no A/C and hoping that my skylight would survive the storm.

Sending safe thoughts to all in the path of Ike. Hope you stocked up on non-perishables, protein bars, peanut butter crackers, etc. Fill the washer and the tub. Hunker down is the word (*starts humming "Grease"*).

Oh good grief. If anybody thinks my stupid post was a swipe at Clay, that's ridiculous. If anything, it's a parody of MY fangirliness, which is at times over the top.

I'll post it myself:

Maybe his bio should read like a CH recap:<snip>

Jemock, welcome to FCA. I liked your post's giddy stream-of-consciousness style. This was my favorite part:

Go to the Gala with a nice dress and $80000 in pocket money!!! GAWD I HATE BEING POOR!!!!

I've had too much real life lately and have been posting too rarely, but wanted to bring over something I linked at CV late last night. I simply found it interesting, given all the hoopla that Clay's TV themes interlude got at last year's SRHPT:

'Tis a pity that Clay wasn't available for this gig *g*. He's a man ahead of his time.

USA Today

Emmys, Josh Groban will salute TV theme songs

By Bill Keveney, USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES — It's the story of a man named Groban, who is singing TV theme songs we all know.

In a musical tribute, singer Josh Groban will perform bits of memorable themes at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards on ABC (Sept. 21, 8 ET/PT).

Groban, teaming up with executive producer Ken Ehrlich and musical director Greg Phillinganes, went over the song arrangements Monday in a studio where Frank Sinatra once recorded, in the iconic circular Capitol Records building. More than two dozen classic openings, including The Brady Bunch anthem, are in the four-minute-plus medley, with many choices being kept under wraps until Emmy night.

"Part of what's going to be fun is the unexpected," in both themes and arrangements, Groban says.

A bit under the weather, Groban didn't sing at the session, but whistled to a snippet from The Andy Griffith Show theme while sitting at the control room board. (The Griffith song actually has lyrics, which Groban will sing.)

The Emmy musical team compiled a list of about 50 classics before whittling down the selections. The Simpsons' and Friends' themes made the cut, but many choices are from an earlier era, before business and ratings strategies shortened or eliminated themes.

The songs are "all trigger points," Ehrlich says. "They remind you of things."

Groban, 27, hadn't been born when many shows were in their heyday, but he saw them in reruns growing up, and watches now while on tour, when he has "a whole lot of hotel room time."

"This has the potential to be a fun, great moment. It's full of nostalgia and nice surprises," Groban says, taking a break from a busy schedule that included singing at Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concert in June in London.

Even though the TV medley varies greatly from the pop-classical sound associated with Groban, he's the right choice, Ehrlich says. "Josh has an incredible sense of humor, but beyond that he's interested in all kinds of music."

Groban, who was introduced to many fans via the small screen as a guest singer on Ally McBeal, says TV tunes don't always get the their due.

"Think how important they have been to the popular culture," he says. "You don't really hear the respect being given to these seemingly simple but memorable-forever themes."

It will be interesting to see what Groban does with this task. I can't quite see him doing "The Jeffersons" dance! *g*

Scarlett, that was indeed a thoughtful reminder about how everyone can help to make a difference. I hope you and our other Texans stay safe from Ike.

Like a snoball down a mountain or a carnival balloon... Hee!

Scarlett, hee indeed! Someone did leave the cake out in the rain.

muskifamily :F_05BL17blowkiss: Hoping for the best with your MIL.

People should be allowed to grow, change, find themselves

Often at the same time...

annabear!. FCA is indeed a very special place with very special people.

Never mind, I found a delightful ex-pat in the Starbucks at the Guangzhou train station - I let him buy me a mango passionfruit frappe and he was sad that I'm taking a different train to HK than him. He thought I was brilliant. Heh.

Talk to y'all in Macau!

Did you exchange contact info? *hums "Love is a Many Splendored Thing", as this is the appropriate continent for it*

The contrasts in parts of Asia are staggering... as you say, no middle-class. Just opulence and poverty side-by-side.

Tom Friedman made this interesting point in the New York Times:

Yes, if you drive an hour out of Beijing, you meet the vast dirt-poor third world of China. But here’s what’s new: The rich parts of China, the modern parts of Beijing or Shanghai or Dalian, are now more state of the art than rich America. The buildings are architecturally more interesting, the wireless networks more sophisticated, the roads and trains more efficient and nicer. And, I repeat, they did not get all this by discovering oil. They got it by digging inside themselves.

As for angst on other boards, it's Clay's life, to run as he pleases. I just decide if I want to observe.

Keeps those "cards and letters" coming, I am hooked on the vicarious adventure

Me too! KAndre and Scarlett, you do AWESOME recaps! I'm very much a non-verbose writer (except when for some reason I am verbose), but I love how conversational you all are.

I'm excited cuz I really get to go to Spam. It was sort of a work 30 hours on job 2 for 3 straight months and maybe we'll think about it pipe dream but I"m determined to go and I'll be able to cash in some miles for a free airline ticket..so that's part of the battle. I've always wanted to go to NYC during the holidays and I finally will. Hope we can have another party for closing night or set of parties along the way. Whooo hooooo.

Yay for couchie! You already have your own fitting emoticon

Just wanted to post that this homebody loves getting a vicarious trip to Hong Kong. KAndre and Scarlett are delightfully entertaining writers!

As for Clay's not being on tour right now and comparative market position, I just think it is harder to determine where you want to channel opportunities if your talents allow you to go in different directions. For instance, Gavin DeGraw doesn't have a triumphant debut on Broadway in his career repertoire. Big Daddy Clay has other priorities now, but I believe he will emerge and follow his heart regarding his career on whatever timetable is right for him.

But I like the Coach shoulder purses, the leather ones, and they don't make them anymore.

Oh, but they do. Click on Coach Official Site and then "Classic Favorites"; a modest selection is available.

Jazzgirl, don't they have a lifetime guarantee? I'm just totally missing a girlie gene...opposite of my mom and sister...I swear if I didn't see the family resemblance I'd swear I was left on a doorstep.

From the Coach website:

Coach products are made to ensure satisfaction and service for the natural life of the product. If, during its lifetime, your item should require repair, we offer a repair service for many of our products. There is a shipping and handling charge of $20 (plus tax, where applicable) for each item submitted for repair.

I'm going to find out soon what "natural" life of the product means, as I need to send an "oldie but goodie" in for work. That is, if I ever get to that item on my bottomless "to do" list. I've never had a problem in the past, but it's been a long time since I've used the service.

Couchie, I'm missing some girlie gene components too, for instance, I have never paid anyone to do my nails for me. I've just never understood not slapping on some clear nail polish myself if I wanted to do anything about my nails.

Annabear, very nice pics of "Big Daddy"! I commend you for being able to combine the board and online courses without missing a conversation or a percentage point on test results.

Scarlett, it is wonderful to read that your aunt is doing so well that she is coming home *makes me think there is a mystical connection between her homecoming and your arrival*.

It must be a day for experimenting; I made fresh pasta today; rolled it out; stuffed it with a mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese; rolled it up...boiled for twenty minutes...cooled than sliced and put it a pan with bechamel sauce and parmesan cheese to bake. Kind of time consuming but I hope it is worth it...should be done in a bit.

aikim, despite how your day has gone today, I wanted to say how inspirational I found your culinary recap from upthread. Almost makes me want to dig out a cookbook *almost*

As for expensive purses, I generally agree that they are an indulgence, except that I am a Coach groupie, but of the "classics", not the newer fabric stuff. I love the leather styles from the 1990s and fortunately bought a lot back then and am blissfully happy in my leather Coach bag time warp. The stuff wears well and I may actually have a lifetime supply given that I wear the bags until they fall apart!

{{{{iseeme}}}} and family on the loss of your MIL. How wonderful that you have such good memories of her that she is mourned so.

<snip> Since I'm having a low-key day, I am following couchie's lead and watching a movie.

My choice today is "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" which I first saw on TV in the late 80's (early 90's??)

and ordered on DVD a few months ago. It's a comedic romp lush with Beatles music

which follows 3 teenage girls trying to crash the Beatles hotel room in Feb 64 before the Ed Sullivan appearance.

YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!

I love that movie and I'm not much of a movie watcher. Another one of my obscure favorites is "Betsy's Wedding" from 1990. Anthony LaPaglia as the mafia hit man is hysterical to me.

As someone who spends a small fortune in allergy medicines for grass and pollen, hanging clothes outdoors is not an option, although I do try to hang things in our unfinished basement when I can.

So good to hear from Scarlett and KAndre. That hotel view sounds spectacular! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Just wanna say we made Hong Kong and the hotel is SA-WEET!

We frickin' love it so far - we're going for some dim sum right now, but I'll tell you all about ut later.

Scarlett wants to live in the hotel - it fulfills a lot of her exhibitionist tendencies.

we are waving madly at everyone!

:thbighug-1: :garfieldodie-grouphug:

So glad to read that you have arrived! This needs some explaining:

Scarlett wants to live in the hotel - it fulfills a lot of her exhibitionist tendencies.