Hooray

The nun and I went to New York state today and checked out a cement factory for the nephew. The nephew will be going up there next Thursday. The nun was thrilled to find something that was half way reasonable and glad to get a break from the nephew. It's overdue, way overdue.

No pastor

Our pastor moved into his nursing home today and it felt weird going over to our parish tonight for our Wednesday night get-together. They showed a movie about Thomas Merton and it was very good but on the way back I cried and cried.

Lord have Mercy

The Church of the Crucified has a nice bible class but no pastor. The pastor was promoted and now the woman who is the head facilitator is leaving. She asked for volunteers to take the groups to a monastery and to a shrine. I volunteered and she made the announcement to everyone by e-mail. Promptly, she got an e-mail from her church office that everything has to be approved by the off site pastor including trips and the e-mail request to the pastor has to be channeled through the office. Oh how anal! I am tempted to let these groups go with our seniors at the Church of the MandMs who, coincidentally, want to go to the same places. I hope there is a special place in hell for pompous, self-important office staff. They seem to grow in every church office.

Moving Day

Mr. Finkelstein is moving this morning. I hear that some of his business meetings he will have to conduct in a foreign language. It will be Mongolese for the Mongoloid or something that sounds similar. I think moving is always worse for the people left behind. The people moving have so many new impressions. I had a business meeting for some of the staff the morning. It's the broom detail. I am in charge of them. I don't think much will change for me. I am not really busy and this gives me time to get involved with various outside activities. I have time to write, time to read, time to socialize. I am starting to appreciate it more and more.

Atonement

Four of us saw the movie tonight. Three of us liked it but the nun did atonement for all of us. She did not care for it. She wants to see movies with happy endings. Can't blame her. We want to start a movie night once a week. Better than a book club. Saw a homeless on the way. He accosted us for money. Once he had it he went in the opposite direction from the fast food place he told us he wanted to enter. Well, he blessed us. I reminded the nun that in Italy we enabled a drunk there, why not here? It was unintentional in both instances.

Breakfast

I had breakfast today with my fellow employees and everyone is talking what will happen after Mr. Finkelstein has left. One thing is sure that Miss Fitchley will take over. How this will play out is another story.

Our beloved priest

We celebrated our last Mass with our priest today. It was very emotional. He is elderly and on his last leg and they will move him into a nursing home on Wednesday. In the nursing home, he will have a bird to keep him company. They keep crows and cardinals. I think he is getting a cardinal. That should cheer him up every day. Next month we will visit him. Puff up his pillow. Make sure everything is OK.

I am a Jewish Mother

I am a Jewish mother and I had one son. He was getting to be middle age and still he did not have a wife, not even a girlfriend. When I went to the market, all the people looked at me and whispered behind my back: "What's the matter with her boy?" They would ask: "Why isn't he married yet?" I kept telling him he was depriving me of my grandchildren but he would just look at me and say: "Women, my hour has not yet come!" It was all very peculiar. I did not understand anything he said but he just stayed in his room all the time and prayed. He did have a few male friends but I did not trust any of them and I kept warning him to keep better company or his reputation would be ruined but he assured me that they were OK. Then we got this invitation to a wedding in Cana. His cousin got married and I thought this is the opportunity to get him out of the house and find a wife. So we went to the wedding but even there he stayed mostly in his room and prayed. I ran around and helped at the wedding as much as I could when suddenly I realized that they had run out of wine. At least I thought he could bring up a few extra bottles from the cellar. But, no, he told the waiters to put water in those tall flower pots where I had planned to arrange the roses and suddenly we had wine. I was confused and surprised and everyone congratulated me. All of a sudden, they thought that I had a fine son after all. I figured we go home and start this import export business and sell wine. I would have kept the books for him. I could picture myself going to the market and everyone pointing to me saying: Here goes the mother of the wine merchant. But it was not to be. Instead he took off with his friends and visited his cousin who ate locusts and ran around half naked. I had warned him. I told him that this boy was no good for him. Since he ate locusts, what was he smoking? But he kept telling me that John was a nice guy. I wanted so desperately to be proud of him. Our neighbor, Mrs. Feigelstein, had a boy who served in the Roman army and was a doctor. The other neighbor, Mrs. Bernstein, had a boy who was a lawyer in Jerusalem. They had it made. They were respected in town. It turned out differently. Oh, yes, he became well known but never as a wine merchant and I never kept any books for him either. We stayed poor but he changed the world. Sigh.

From this old bag

I am looking at women's handbags. I love handbags but would never purchase what is now in style. It is not so much the style as the insane money. But here it is:
Marni Sculpture bag for a cheap price of $1,347, the Loew Geranium bag, better, for a better price of $3,025, the Phillip Lim Omai bag for a real bargain of $625, the Zagliani Star Python clutch for $1,65O. If you did not know: a clutch is half of a bag. The Jamin Puech Sami bag for $1,105. An now the Grizzly Bear bag: slightly worn, not for sale.

Mr. Finkelstein's farewell

We entered the belly of the whale today and got soused. It was a fun afternoon being together. I don't know how many olives were consumed but I think a lot. On Wednesday Mr. Finkelstein's possessions will be moved to his new sales territory. I inherited a lovely picture of a rowboat from Mr. Finkelstein and forever will have to think of poor Annette who got thrown into the sea. Cheers Mr. Finkelstein. You are one of a kind. Next week Mr. Finkelstein's current boss is coming for a short visit. His name is B. Shop. Nobody knows what the "B" stands for and we call him "Chucky."

What to do?

Went out with the nun to our Italian pizza place. Her adopted son is giving her a migraine. What to do with a 16 year old who wants to do whatever he wants to do? We are tying to hatch a plan how to help. Very difficult. Since strangling is not an option, we are debating back and forth how to reach him.

French Trader loses Seven Billion......

If he lost seven billion then somebody else gained seven billion. Will you come forward? I want to marry you for your money.

Reading the Paper

I get up in the morning and I have to read the paper. Cup of coffee and the paper. There is something soothing even if the news is not good. Look at the front page picture, turn the pages, read the letters to the editors, learn what is going on in the rest of the world. How is our campaign doing? Read Dear Amy - an absolute must. What would you do if your husband cheated on you with your best friend, whose mother-in-law supports you financially? By the time I have figured out the complicated relationships, I need a fresh cup of coffee. Turning the pages back to the front page. One more look. "We are exporting democracy to the world". Don't make me laugh. If anything, we are exporting XXX movies. The paper gets re-folded like an old shirt. I'm finished.

Wer soll das bezahlen, wer hat soviel Gelt?

We broke Iraq and it is ours. Yep. It cost billions to break it and it can't be fixed. Unfortunately, by breaking it, we also broke our own progress: the infrastructure of mass transit, air safety, schools and medical care and our waterways like the Chesapeake Bay. Our government is inept, corrupt and in debt. The debt is making our dollar worthless. Our greed strategy left the stock market in shambles. Anyone having heard any good news?

Do you believe in Reincarnation?

You live a good life here. You have a car, a house, nice family. You want it all and you want to experience life on earth again. You believe you can come back and deserve a slightly better car, better house, nicer family. Perhaps you have this feeling that you roamed the earth once before as King Henry VIII or perhaps just as King Henry VII. Perhaps you think you were a toad once, a very good toad in toad kingdom and that's why you came back as a human. But by what authority? The One Living God never talked about one soul sharing two human bodies, one soul - human that is - in an animal body, one soul, like a hermit crab switching bodies like houses. What we do know is that we have a body, have a soul, the body and soul separate at death and you will get your own body back in glorified form at the second coming. If you read revelation you will read that "there will be a new heaven and a new earth." Nothing about a different body, new car, new house or being a toad. Sorry. If you believe any of this you will be worse than a toad, you will be toast.

Visit to the Book Store

I thought I should go to the bookstore today. Just so, to lift my spirits. I love bookstores. There was a big table in the main aisle with Valentines books. Sextrology, Sex for Dummies. When I grew up every dummy could have sex. Now that we get so many babies through in-vitro fertilization, I guess we need a book for sex. If you thought Valentine has anything to do with sending your sweetheart a card or candy or roses and staying kosher, I mean celibate, you could not tell by the books. If books on western sex did not satisfy your lust, there were books on eastern sex. Nothing on southern or northern sex. Too hot? too cold? No idea. Bought a few history books, a Java script book, a Rome travel book. Went and got milk. Emptied my heart out to Pater Wolfgang, sent it my mistake to Mr. Finkelstein. Just as well as it also pertained to Mr. Finkelstein. Well, Mr. Finkelstein responded. I understand his position better but this issue gives me nightmares and all my hairs stand up. If I could drink, I would drink now and not the milk either that I just purchased.

Cooking Class

On my way to the cooking class there was a beautiful orange moon. It is rare that one sees an orange moon. We cooked with much gusto tonight: slice, slice, dice, dice, add the butter and the rice. The topic was the moral and ethical issues of cooking. We drank a lot of sherry. That boosted the morale. The meeting was very good. We decided to share our resources at the next meeting. Afterwards went to the Diner to get some food. Time to give New Jerusalem her English lesson.

Sixty-three years ago

Sixty three years ago the Russians entered our home town and we got hit with the revenge. Mass killings, rapings, lootings. No food, no medical care and no home. My brother was 11 at the time. He gets sick every January and he continues to live through it each year. Concentration camps, torture. These are his memories. Some time ago I told someone I came from this area. She was surprised that we had survived. I am, too.

Pater Wolfgang

Pater Wolfgang took a new assignment that is two hours away from his old one and six hours away where we live on the hill. Pater Wolfgang is one of my favorite priests. Pater Wolfgang also belongs to the Hoods. A few months ago I got mad at him about being or not being at a certain Mass but I decided to get over this perceived slight and I am glad I did. Now we are friends again. I am not sure he ever realized that for one week at least he was NOT my friend. In fact, I was very hurt. Well, life goes on and the bible says to forget slights. I like to pray for Pater Wolfgang and his intentions. I think Satan tried to come in and mess it up. It was an interesting lesson. Oh yes, I am praying for Pater Wolfgang all the time.

Lovely evening

Attended a Eucharistic Retreat tonight. Very nice. Came out, saw the full moon and beautiful clouds and ate my now cold hamburger. Not many people from our parish at the retreat. Too bad. I am in such a funk, this was good for me.

Time to read a little of Emmerich. New Jerusalem, my dog, can't wait to share this moment.

The Factory

The factory burnt down over the weekend. Weird - just weeks before Mr. Finkelstein is leaving. Instead of doing very little, I can't do anything at all. We have a temporary office but the computers are all somebody else's computers. Mr. Finkelstein offered me his computer this morning for a few minutes. I just had junk mail anyway but did not want to tell him either that without a mouse, I am lost on a laptop. I never liked that little pad. Mr. Finkelstein thinks I know nothing about computers. Well, I am not that stupid but I sure must look that way to him. To boot, we were told that we would not get a new boss right away, just "help" for at least a month. That really funked me out. Finally, I learned that someone on the staff of the pastor at the Church of the Six Flags over Jesus thinks that he is nuts. Well, I knew that but it saddened me anyway. I am surprised that everyone is looking the other way. This guy commits spiritual abuse and everyone pretends it does not happen.

St. Padre Pio

I pulled a saint out of a bag today and that is what I got. Could not be happier. Today many of my friends walked for the right to life. We all have that right. Pray that everyone honors God's gift. A child is made in God's image. Therefore it is holy. We are one holy nation in Christ. Christ asked that we let the children come to him. Do not destroy what is holy. Do not prevent a child to come to Jesus.

A friend sent me this recipe for simple living which I am happy to share. When asked, answer "fine."

1. How's the weather? Fine.
2. How are you? Fine.
3. How's your daughter and her girls? Fine.
4. How's your mother? Fine.
5. What do you pay for a mortgage? Fine.
6. When was the last time you were at the Six Flags over Jesus Church? Fine.
7. How was Paris? Fine.
8. Do you like Starbucks? Fine.
9. Don't you just love Fr. Kahuna? Fine.
10. We heard Fr. Jeremy was leaving. How is he doing? Fine.
11. Did you know Fr. Kahuna was out of town? Fine.
13. What are you doing here? Fine.
14. Would you like a beer? Fine.
15. Do you think that Cluster Group stuff will work? Fine.

The Bucket List

Here comes a new service - movie review. Cute little flick but steriotypical: the rich guy with no morals versus the middle class guy with family values. No in-your-face sex, some inuendo. Story line is pretty good.

Dear Friends

This blog is fiction with a big F. The ands and ends, the thos, thous, thoughs, and thouses are all plagarized from other blogs. The bad things that are noted occur because I have stolen your identity, the good things are all mine - as should be with good Fiction.

A Mass to Enjoy

I went to Mass this morning where the Big Herod usually celebrates Mass. I knew he is away and so I went. Some of the saints were missing because the wonderful priest who filled in told us that he was not supposed to be there this morning. It had just been planned as a communion service. Good for me all around.

This letter shows we are surrounded by nice people

Dear Lara,

The world is FULL OF....all these crazy people:
The "Dee Lor' toad me" ones!
The vindictive ones!
The "St. What's-er-name of the high heels!"
The enigmas in the condoms!
The "I have a jerk of sister who is the ONLY living heart donor!"

Then, there's you and me! Obviously, we are the only sane ones! Well, with the exception of a few priests you know....and my neighbor, Harold!

But, that's it! There's only you and me, a few priests, my neighbor, Harold, and.....my neighbor, Suzy.

But, that's it! There's only you and me, a few priests, my neighbor, Harold, and my neighbor, Suzy, and a caregiver name Linda who took care of my Dad.

But that's it! There's only you and me, a few priests, my neighbor, Harold, and my other neighbor, Suzy, and Linda and, Edith, my daughter and all your relatives and friends!

But, that's it! There's only you and me, a few priests who are friends of yours, Harold and Suzy, my neighbors, Linda, Edith, my daughter, and all your relatives and friends!

But, that's IT! There's only a few people like you and me, Harold and Suzy whoever they are, some priests that you know, and some lady named Linda and....Edith? Oh, she's my daughter! And, then, there's all your relatives and friends!

But, that's IT! Finish! Caput! Frito-Lay! Lays Potato Chips, Chip and Dale Dancers, Prancer, and Vixen!

I think I'm tired! HAHAHHAHA!

Beth

Year of the Rat

The Chinese will get the year of the rat coming up. Well, I have had a rat around me for some time and I am wondering what I will get. An anniversary of another rat year? Rats.

When someone dies

I have a friend whose mother is dying and I thought back when my mother died almost two years ago. How I miss the human companionship, the smell, the eyes. Mother was quite confused at the end and somewhat crazy even and when you go through it it drives you up the wall but now I can see some humor in it. I had purchased a car before mother died and took mother along for the purchase and she gave her blessings to the purchase. No sooner did I have it at home than she told me she hated the car. Told me she could not understand why I bought it and actually tried to refuse to ride in it. Then she told every visitor about the car! It was a big story for her to tell and she never got tired of it. Well, mother died and I still drive the car.

C'est la vie

Fr. Andrew was out here and celebrated Mass with us. He belongs to the Order of the Hoods. I like the Hoods. Besides Fr. Andrew always gives very good and interesting homilies and his delivery is very different from any other priest. Out of the box. I like out of the box. I also like to go to confession to him because he is not so busy as my own priest. Took him to the local eatery and it was full with people from the Church of the Six Flags over Jesus. Lots of greetings all around. Tomorrow I will go to my own church. It is more painful to go these days because my priest is leaving shortly for the nursing home. I hope to be able to visit him regularly in the nursing home. Once a month I have business close to the nursing home and I should be able to visit then.

Is is verifiable?

I learned that the pastor at the Church of the Six Flags over Jesus apparently apologized to the congregation after his last evening Mass before he departed with all his points to Siberia to "all the people he ever alienated." Strange that he would do that in front the of the people he has not alienated but not reach the people directly whom he really has alienated and who were of course not there. Perhaps he was just afraid of flying. I have set the barr of expectations very low. Can't get disappointed that way.

Can a dog pray?

New Jerusalem, my little lap dog, was in bed with me last night and, as usual, I talk to her before I turn off the lights. I told New Jerusalem that she could pray by offering up her little breaths while she was sleeping. New Jersalem fell asleep and for the first time ever started to snore. It was so adorable and hilarious that I was motionless for a while because I did not want to disturb her. She made little fzzz sounds. That was her prayer. I listened for a long time.

To you keep or do you sell?

I have a really a big problem with all of the art works that the bosses have in their executive suites. I mentioned it once to Mr. Finkelstein and he said this art work belongs to the factory and is our heritage. Well I understand some of it. Our company originated in Europe and they want to keep all the original cuckoo clocks. Here, many of the poor workers were once asked to contribute to buy this wonderful art work and they don't even see it. It is the art work that is kept in the executive suites. I hope Mr. Finkelstein sells some of that stuff. I never understand why this bothers me so much but it does

Dining Etiquette

Mr. Finkelstein is going through a crash course in fine dining. At his new place he gets a cow bell at his place setting and he can summon the cow to the table. He then puts his dainty cup under the cow and milks the cow for his cup of cappuchino. Of course the milk is hot and steaming. Only the best.
The cow is kept on the roof. No wonder the place leaks.

Number 1

My play group met this morning. We are discussing our grandchildren, movies, diets and doctors' appointments. Not in that order necessarily. It is really a fun group. All of us were or still are early risers and met in the pool once. Now we meet weekly for breakfasts and occasionally for lunches and other diversified stuff. This group has been unbelievable generous with their contributions to the homeless. They are my number 1 contributors and helpers: Protestants, Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Lapsed and Nothings religiously. The Lord has provided very generously through this group.

It's all relative

I am taking phone calls from friends in Arizona who have a huge portfolio and who are wondering about the stock market. A hundred years ago, I gave them a good tip and they have not forgotten and think I know everything. So I had to look into my crystal ball and do some hand holding. Buy Merrill Lynch preferred with a 9% interest rate and Berkshire Hathaway which is better than gold. There - that was easy.

Sunday Mass

What does it mean to you? I am in a parish that has a lot of young kids and the distractions can be endless. While I am there I don't feel necessarily uplifted but often I do. The main point is that the effects of the Mass carry me throughout the week. The grace of God enters into my life. I have consumed the Body and Blood of Christ and know He is with me and I am in Him. There have been saints who have been so blessed that they ran to Mass. They had that special connection to the Eucharist that was irresistable for them. I have to drag myself out of bed like million of other ordinary people. Yet, I will do it. The redemption is in Christ but for the salvation I have to get out of bed. Sunday Mass keeps the soul alive. In fact, it is the Eucharist that keeps me in the Catholic Church. God obeys man at Mass. It is neat to watch. Watch when the priest calls down the Holy Spirit. Biggest miracle of them all, every week. Why? For the love of you and me.

About Snow and Stocks

A little boy just came to the door and offered to shovel the snow for a few dollars. "What are a few dollars?" "Two." I could not show him how amused I was. I decent job costs about fifty and I wonder if the saying will apply: one gets what one pays for. If he cuts out a path to walk I will give him five or ten. The dogs went out while it still snowed and New Jerusalem wanted none of it. She looked at it and stayed at the edge of the garage entrance. They did not make her a lap dog for nothing.

p.s. I gave him ten. For a little boy he did remarkably well.

The stock market is sinking like the Titanic. Not a pretty picture but one has to suck it up like so many other things.

Somewhere in the Bible it says God knows what you need. Are you listening God? I need a little chart where the line goes up and not down. I don't mean a blood pressure chart either.

Eating your garlic in private

I have this garlic blog. I invite people who love to eat garlic to put their name on the blog. Garlic Eaters United. So this morning I got a reply from one of the Humble and Faultless church members that they like to eat their garlic in private so that only the Father can see and they don't want their name on the blog. The Humble and Faultless church members know on which side their bread is garliced. I would just love to come up with a good reply but can't think of anything.

A case for God

Our elderly pastor gave a beautiful lecture on the Gospel of Matthew tonight. I was tired and annoyed at myself that I had already forgotten some of the details that I had looked up myself a few months ago. I am reading Emmerich again and to me it complements the Gospels. I always pray to her that she may share some of her visions with me. Somethings I get something but it is always the size of mouse droppings. However, in this case even mouse droppings are better than nothing. This was our pastor's last evening with us. He is retiring to a nursing home.

Open Letter to Mr. Finkelstein

Dear Mr. Finkestein:

I have a problem. I have been the sales intern in the factory for a number of years and I am getting tired of my title. I like sales. I don't like intern. Could you recommend to your replacement something more imaginative? Like sales gofer, sales anything? Intern has something temporary about it that I don't like and it started like an itch but is becoming a sore.

Sincerely,

Lara
Sales Intern

Business as usual

On Wednesday mornings, a group of us in the factory go out for breakfast and talk shop. We have the latest business reports in front of us and we read and discuss it. This morning we talked about Mr. Samuel and his business. Mr. Samuel was told to tell Mr. Saul to kill everyone, kill all the competition in the neighboring sales territory, but Mr. Saul did not do this and Mr. Samuel got sort of ticked and is telling Mr. Saul that he will get fired. Mr. Samuel is telling Mr. Saul that this is no way to start a Wal-Mart. Mr. Saul makes a few lame excuses but Mr. Samuel tells him that obedience is what counts. Next time we will learn who replaces Mr. Saul. Will it be Mr. David? Will it be somebody else? Will the futures of pork bellies in the stock market go up or down? Stay tuned.

The picture

Picture a tree that is very wide, not too high with a big, wide canopy of leaves and a bench that is circular and goes around it. I can never picture the table clearly but there is also a table. There sit two women. One is called Elizabeth and one is called Mary. They don't knit but they work with their hands. It looks more like they are making lace or working on lace. It is an absolutely lovely setting. Rural and peaceful. It speaks of holy friendship. It is a wonderful gift to give and to receive. The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth is my favorite segment in the rosary. It is a scene where I could be for hours. Mary's voice is higher than that of Elizabeth although I do not know what they are saying to each other. Mary's voice is that of a clear, high bell. Elizabeth's voice is deeper but not too deep. It is also very pleasant. They talk but they are happy just being in each other's company and they enjoy each other. There is trust and love and understanding. Sheer bliss.

Three Blind Mice

This morning I did my bible class homework. I go to the Church of the Crucified once a week. Right now we are studying the Acts of the Apostles. Just as I was finished, there was a big swishing sound in the kitchen and I hoped for the Holy Spirit but the lights went out because a fuse had blowed. The smell was not right either. Hopes dashed. I guess tonight when I open a can of beans for myself in the dark and a can of dog food for the two doggies, I will have to do a blind taste test to figure out what is what. On second thought, I might as well just open two cans of dog food because in the dark nobody sees what the dog food looks like and it might taste quite delicious. Perhaps it is even more nutricious than beans. I am only worried that I might grow fur. If Mr. Finkelstein tells me tomorrow morning that I not only smell like a man but ALSO look like a dog, I will throw myself off the sidewalk in front of the factory.

Dance

I danced with the Lord and Ladies tonight. Found out I actually might finally be replaced from the dance routine. Incidentally, I learned a lot about grass tonight, kitchen renovations, low spots in sprinklers and lousy interest rates. All the things that are essential to daily living. Well, the Knights are bright. Must be the red meat they eat.

Respectfully submitted,

Lady Hooker

Is that It?

Mr. Finkelstein told us today that he would refuse another promotion. Sort of sad. He actually would make a good company president. For that he would have to go abroad because our company started as a European company and then the Americans bought out the European company when the stock was low. That was in the sixties. Headquarters is still in Europe. I think initially this company made cuckoo clocks. Not any more. Now we are in artificial intelligence. That takes brains. I never quite understood it but Mr. Finkelstein is honest and a computer buzzard or, rather, a wizard. We are trying hard to recruit people into our field but have very few potential applicants. Either the applicants are too artificial or have only intelligence. We need people who are artificially intelligent. We need a happy mix and that is rare.

Church of the M and Ms

I belong to the Church of the M&Ms. We are small but come in every flavor. Our Jesus is brown. I had to get used to a brown Jesus but now I like it. You have to chew on this Jesus, just like the bible says. When mother was still alive two years ago, she did not like the brown Jesus but mother was elderly and when I brought her communion home, I made sure I brought her a white Jesus. The only thing I don't like is that our Jesus is often flaky and little crumbs are left behind and one has to go with a wet finger to the palm and pick up the pieces quickly like a sponge otherwise little Jesuses fall to the ground and then he is lost because one does not see him any more. I was told once when he gets that small he really isn't Jesus any more. Well, he was until he got broken up. I guess I look at it as Jesus with dandruff. Might not be Jesus any longer but the little pieces came from his body and so they are still holy in my book.

Factory Life

I went to the factory this morning. As Mr. Finkelstein is departing shortly, one wants to be around a little. I also updated my sales blog.
Tonight is a meeting of the Lords and the Ladies who decide what to do with the Knights. I was asked to be a Lady some time ago, then, unfortunately, I was told I was a better hooker and my being a Lady was time limited until they could find another Lady. That left me a Lady in the lurch, ready to be recalled. Call me Lady Hooker. Oh yes, please curtsy.
Mr. Finkelstein invited us to come visit his new sales paradise. I can just see him go around and point to everything, extolling the heavenly surroundings. Can't wait.

New Jerusalem

My little dog "New Jerusalem" has a fit because my larger dog has started to jump on the bed. This has always been her bed. I am just her guest. When she realizes that the larger dog wants to jump up, she runs around on top of the bed along the three sides making sure the larger dog does not have enough jumping space to come up. The larger dog ends up on the bed anyway and New Jerusalem is very unhappy. I get the feeling that she has to count more than one sheep now to go to sleep at night. Does she know what comes after "one?" Hmmm.

Chili

Today my chili cook off class met. Ate the most delicious chili. And the winner is......a great and dear friend. I remember eating great chili in Sidona once. That was at least twenty years ago. Today's chili was on the same level and I had many cups of chili in between. Offer me a good cup of chili and I will follow you anywhere. Almost.

Help wanted

Good man wanted to share house. Must be willing to move in each morning to fix things and move out at night.

Inherting things

Sometimes we get things that become just dustball gatherers in our homes. I inherited from Mr. Finkelstein a high quality, Italian leather, Italian paper diary. It is rather nice and I think I will keep it. It's too nice to collect turkey recipes in it and, therefore, I will make it a spiritual journal: Lara's martini book.

Oh Mr. Finkelstein

Mr. Finkelstein told us he could not take his cat to his new job. The previous owner left a bird behind, a red cardinal. So now Mr. Finkelstein, instead of emptying the kitty litter, will have to change the bird's paper every morning.
Pause.
The nun just called. Her adopted son ran away again. There is always a girl involved lately. The trials and tribulations of being a "mother."

Park and Pee

Mr. Finkelstein will inherit a little park next to his new office where he can let his dog pee. What a perk.

Mr. Finkelstein's last days

Mr. Finkelstein will leave some big shoes in his office for his successor. The new guy might not think it is so funny. It was one of those meetings tonight. One half of you is there and the other half is not. One can't really settle down until one knows who the new guy will be. I am afraid I will be at the bottom of the food chain again until the next guy is ready to leave. Just as well. I won't be tied down.

The nun and I walk around in the am on the property of the Church of the the Six Flags over Jesus. I'll be interesting to see how long we will be permitted to do that. The pastor will come up with some lame excuse to chase us off, like: You will prematurely wear off my driveway and we are so poor.

Mr. Finkelstein is leaving

Mr. Finkelstein is getting a new sales territory. We will miss him. Everyone at the factory is upset. It will be tough to get used to somebody new. He has only been with us for 2 1/2 years. All of us expected him to last at least 6 years if not 12. That is customary. His bosses came through on December 6 and told him. He kept it quiet until after Christmas before he told all of us.