The Charlotte Chronicles. Family Fun is Never Done!

There's Never just one Roach!!

I arrived in Charlotte, NC  on September 24, 2012, after  a couple of smooth flights from sunny Los Angeles.  Gail has lived in Charlotte for many years, and she  says the economy here is Charlotte is "booming."  I decided to spend a few months out here and see if the grass is truly greener. 

After arriving, we stopped at the Harris Teeter for a few groceries.  We wandered up and down the aisles, and we both made  a purchase.  Gail was tired, so she went to bed while I cruised the net as I was still on L.A. time zone.

Mark arrived on Sept. 25, after a delayed flight.  We all laughed and yukked it up, like old times, as we all have pretty good sense of humor. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 3, in the early AM hours, Mark departed for the Florida Keys.  He's an avid Bone Fisher guy, and this is apparently the last month to catch those elusive fish.

His website is fairly comprehensive, and when he decides to ask me to post a link to it, I will. 

We were all up extra early for coffee and chat, prior to his departure. 

There had been a large black roach racing thru the kitchen the night before.  Gail doesn't believe in using RAID or Black Flag, so roaches come and go as they please.  I grabbed a bowl, and attempted to capture it, but the hour was late, and it was a speedy sucker.

I snapped off the light and went to bed.  In the AM, I mentioned to both Gail and Mark that if they ever notice a bowl on the floor, they should expect a roach underneath. 

"It's the South!!,"  Mark bellowed.  "Live with it!"

October 4, 2012.  Apparently the Drag Queens will be performing tonight, Officially, here in Charlotte.  Gail and her manfriend had a one on one last night with them, apparently.  And she was so excited to phone Mark today to tell him that the Drag Queens would be in Key West.

Like that's news?

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

http://chaserscharlotte.com/

Gail gave me a full on recap of  how she was dancin' and smoozin' with them last night; wherever she and her boyfriend,  Sharkey, were "dancin" with them.  

She looked smokin' in my cast off dress; one which I have worn in L.A., and in DC.  But I have another, very similiar print, so I knew she'd wear this one well. 

He looked way older than his 53 years, this AM when he rolled into the kitchen for a cup of  Decafe, French Pressed by Gail, in her little machine. 

Certainly not too bright and chipper for person who would be showin' up for a well paying job at an energy co.   

Perhaps the drive in traffic stunned him into Reality and wakefulness. There are some real roadhogs on the highways around here.  

Gail's going to Key West for Fantasy Fest with a friend, and will be joining up with Mark and our sister Anna for a few days of  "anything goes" partying. 

http://www.fantasyfest.com/

I'll be here in Charlotte, holding down the fort. 

October 5.  An evening in the NoDa District was something to be remembered. 

Gail had suggested we meet up with Nelson, and his friend Dan, at a bar, and then stroll the sidewalks of the monthly Art Gallery Crawl.  I had 2 Miller Lites at a trendy bar with great prices, while Gail kept her friend Nelson entertained and the minutes ticked on.  

Gail commented today that Dan was far from impressed with meeting us, when she and I were rehashing the evening's highlights this AM, over coffee.

"Yep,"  I said.  Gettin him to talk was, as the sayin' goes,  like pullin' teeth.    And he didn't appear to even want to be there, so why was he?"

Around 8:00 PM, the 4 of us walked up and down the NoDa district, and from time to time, the three of them would slip into a biz, and I'd just kinda eyeball the action happenin' on the sidewalk.

I'm not a shopper, and I usually don't go into a store, unless I have a purchase in mind.

Flip side is:  I also don't want to see that which I may desire, but can't afford.  Unless I'm in a museum. 

A Pit Stop at "The Rat's Nest" was a spectacle to go down in the diary.  We walked in, I had a brief glance about, and my ears were assulted with music that didn't ring my chimes.  http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-rats-nest-charlotte

Used clothing shops can be great places for scouting deals, but I'm Downsizing, and want to unload some of my clothing and jewelry, which Gail hasn't already snagged on.

She and I are planning a $5 per item (ballpark) clothing and accessory sale for her friends, in the next coupla weeks.  I can only wear so  much, and other women can look equally stunning in  my apparel, I'm sure.

The music at The Rat's Nest wasn't my kinda tunes, so I stepped outside and was standing next to a local celebrity, of sorts:  Ren Elvis.

I wondered why a middle aged plus older guy would stand around a mildly "happenin'" place on a hot Charlotte night in a cheap knockoff of an Elvis styled suit (complete with sequins), but he didn't offer any explanation, and I didn't ask.

He's a real person, but wasn't too chatty, for a show guy.

Maybe he's just spooked by cameras?  Or is camera shy?  I had my point and shoot with me, but decided not to take his.  He looks sorta like his website photo, maybe a plus side of a few pounds. 

http://www.renelvis.com/

I stood outside "The Rat's Nest" and a rather tall man with a lot of facial hair tried to chat me up. I'm usually pleasant and friendly, and there was no need not to be.  After about 10 mins. or less of general CONversation, a young man walked by, and the tall man introduced me to his "son," and the "son" and I exchanged a handshake.

I said something about the "son" being 18 or so, and the "Dad" very quickly said that he was 16.  I'll take his word on that, but that young man didn't look anywhere close to 16; even back when I was. 

However, I have birthed two very different daughters.  And neither of them look anything like me.  But they have some very similiar features, but have different male parents.

Go figure.

 Strolling along on Monroe Road, I saw a man on the other side of the street who appeared to be can hunting thru the garbage cans of others.

Sunday morning, same as last week, had Gail and I headed to Donna's house for light refreshments and an hour of listening to the popular radio show:  "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me."

    http://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/

It was fairly entertaining, but I don't read much news or follow political things much, so I missed most of the humor. 

The early morning thunderstorm had left, and the day was cool, and Gail and I both did some cooking during the afternoon.   No roaches were roaming through the kitchen, as Gail had sprayed with some natural pest repellent a few days back.  Maybe it did work.  She had put on an spectacular chase  for the 2 on the kitchen counter, with a large brush and dustpan, the other morning.  Finally, with a solid Whack, she insured there was one less roach in the world.  

Oct. 8, 2012.  It's another cool and overcast day here in Charlotte, but exercise is important and this story wouldn't be complete without a photo of the possibily soon to be famous, CVS and the Sharon Memorial cemetery, both are on opposite sides of N. Sharon Amity Road. 

 Sometime during the afternoon, I took a walk around the Sharon Memorial cemetery again.  It's truly a beautiful and peaceful place, like walking in a park, only much quieter.  I stepped out again, just after 5:30 PM for another stroll over that way, just as Gail pulled into the driveway.  I invited her to come along, but she said it was "raining", and too cold.  We're from the Rainforest of SE Alaska, so we know what rain and cold is.    It was barely misting, and I think she simply wanted to be home alone, and relax.  She'd knew I'd be gone at least for an hour, and then we'd be off to Food Lion for another grocery store evening of self imposed entertainment.  

I returned to find her sitting on a chair, in front of the open oven.  The downstairs was cozy warm, and I was appreciative of the blasting heat from the oven.  We discussed whether or not it wouldn't be more cost effective for her to use her Nat Gas heating system, but she insisted that using electical appliances such as the oven and space heaters was much cheaper to operate on a room by room basis.  It's her house, so I'm sure she's tallied the bills. 

The heat was / is on.  But not exactly. 

I've always like this song, but never saw the movie.  Maybe I'll add it to my list.  I might have missed something worth watching. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjzXlRzM6PQ



Off to the Food Lion to use a very generous $5.00 off any order of $25 or more.  We don't like to miss any meals around here, and Gail was also shopping for her place of employment for coffee, sodas, and snacks.  I didn't have a list, but knew exactly what I wanted/needed.  I'm a very focused shopper, and only browse products and shelf prices if I'm in the mood.  I wasn't.

The store appeared fairly busy for a chilly Monday night, and we wandered through the aisles just ike every other shopper. The heating system was operating at full speed, and even she commented on how stores are usually on the cooler side.  A woman who was heavily overdressed in a scarf and jacket stood on the end of an aisle we seemed to be "stalled" on, and gave an enormous yawn, as I glanced her way. 

Yep.  I'd have been asleep in that store, if I were wearing the cocoon of clothing that she was.  Especially since she wasn't pushin' a cart.  And didn't appear to be with one who was. 

 We probably picked up, and replaced on the shelf several items more than other folks.  I always have a small talk with myself, when I want something and really don't "need" it.

Apparently, it's a Family Trait.  Gail had put 2 packages of crack and bake crescent rolls into the cart, because she had a coupon for that item, but FINALLY decided not to spend about $4.00 to save 40 cents, because she said she wouldn't use it in the next 2 weeks.  Expiration date was in mid December or so, but I know my sister, and said the rolls wouldn't rot. 

She said something about serving them with a dish of Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts, as she had at a previous party at Beth's, and I mentioned that I don't eat Brie, so she didn't need to make that dish for me.

Over to the Ice Cream section while she scouted out the deals.  I don't usually eat ice cream because I have highly sensative teeth.  I saw a container of Blue Bunny Brand, and remarked that I thought I read that it was a good "East Coast" value brand. 

I think she bought a BOGO store brand, but Black Cherry seems to be her fav.  Folks have choices, and that's a good thing.

Back at the "Nest", which is our historical fam vernacular for home, it was about 8:15 or there abouts.  We'd had to stop for gas, cuz she was on Empty, and seem surprized by the gas guage being so low.  $3.71 per gallon and we were on on way.  Certainly cheaper that the current $5 plus per gallon in CA, which is a big news topic.

After we unloaded the car.  I had a quick glance around the kitchen, and was just about to raise the "All Clear" on the roaches. 

When one ran across the upside of the dual stainless steel sinks. 

AAACCKKKKK!  I squawked. 

She knew immediately what I was makin' noise about.   And did a double down take down, by killin' it with a brush or some other implement. 

Those nasty roaches don't even have the decency to wait until after midnight.

Yuck!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C3dyZ0jKfg

She's becoming an Expert, (2 outta 3), at swatting, and I dislike bugs/creep crawly critters so much. 

This is no game, and has no name.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ90ZqH0PWI

October 10, 2012.  FINALLY, a sunny day.  The last few have been overcast with some light rain.  I consider my self a CA gal, even tho I spent more than 40 years living in Alaska.    I might be returning to sunny Los Angeles sooner than I had planned, as I love the daily dose of sunny weather there.   Heading out now to walk and enjoy the morning.

Thursday, Oct. 11.   A friend had emailed me some numbers from her Fortune Cookie, so I walked over to a local gas station to purchase a Mega Millions ticket for the next drawing.  My website has been having some issues, so I was unable to make additions in some sections.  Gail and her friend, Theresa, were planning to do a  Quantum Touch session, and had invited me to join in.  http://www.quantumtouch.com/

A.K.A. "Wand Waving" in our family, and Gail prepared the room with a scented candle, cranked up the space heater, and we arranged our chairs.  I had taken the QT class from Gail several years ago, and was a skepticle student.  I didn't exactly "graduate" at the top, but some folks are better at things than others.  

Oct. 12.  It was a lovely morning, and I took a stroll around the cemetery.  What a hive of activity, and Funeral Friday it was.  I thought the trend was most folks opting for cremation, but I saw several hearses, and caskets.  Does it really matter which form of burial one chooses?  We all have a plan to go somewhere, or nowhere, depending on one's personal and religious beliefs. 

Friday was the first of two days for the Time Warner Cable BBQ and Blues event.  Gail had a group of friends who were part of the competing teams, and they laid out quite a spread.   I vote for the JJ Young Butz group; the beans they served were the best I've ever had, and the pork was sublime. 

I was warmly greeted by her group, as a few recalled meeting me from when I had been in Charlotte for a few months, several years ago. 

One man greeted me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, which was reminiscient of how a man in Juneau, and another in Key West, had also once done.  There's a saying about a girl never forgets her first kiss, and  while that might not be true for all; I certainly was surprised to see the same style exhibited by three different men, in three different areas of the country.  So much for regional differences. 

Great food, Great music, and plenty of people watching for all. 

http://www.charlottebbqandblues.com/competitions/2012-competing-teams/

Oct. 14, 2012. Saturday was a fairly low key day.  Gail and Donna knew  that the Sunday radio show was going to be some sort of repeat, so  Gail said we wouldn't  get together for the Wait Wait Don't  Tell Me!, and refreshments.  It is a taped program, that is replayed here in Charlotte by the local PBS station, and the website gives a heads up to the content. 

Gail spent  several hours on the front porch, basking in the sun, while wearing the Briefest of  bikinis, which she hiked up into an almost Thong style, as she warmed her buns. 

After she was parading around her driveway to retrieve items from the car, and perhaps the mailbox; I finally had to say something to the effect of: "Your neighbors don't want to see your butt."

She later mentioned that jogger passing by had given her a "look."  

"No doubt about it", or words to that effect, came from me. 

She's going to Key West for Fantasy Fest, and workin' on her tan seemed to be highly important.  I also have light skin, and burn easily, so I use sunblock and avoid over exposing my skin to the rays. 

 It seems like no matter how many times I say to her:  "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should,"  simply doesn't register with her.   

I went to the Fantasy Fest in 2002, and when I can find a pix of me in my getup, I'll post it.  It was quite modest, compared to many. 

It's an event to be remembered, but not necessarily repeated.  I'm a HERmit, for the most part, and the crowds were amazing.   Not my scene, but worth seeing, and experiencing, once.

 Sunday, Oct. 14.  We both dug around in all the rooms for a workbook she thought she had for Microsoft Excel, from a class she'd taken within the last year or so.  She's had some issues at her place of biz recently, and needs to learn more about the program, and I haven't used it in an office for about 18 years.  We both need to brush up.

It's a great program, and can do so much.  As with most things in life, one has to put real data in, and code/enter it correctly, to get Real/Accurate data Out. 

I've seen what Garbage In / Garbage Out can look like, on a spreadsheet, or in a text document.  So I need to brush up, and make sure that "creative accounting" can't happen, if I'm responsible for delivering reports/spreadsheets, etc., in my next job. 

 Critter CONtrol Update:  We had a Flying Roach the other night, way up on the wall, and when one of us did the big Swat with a broom, that SOB disappeared.  It seemed to take a Flying Leap acress the stairwell and didn't seem to quite make it to the Loft area, but must have.  We searched the stairs, and behind all the paintings and Kitchy stuff Gail has parked on the stairway, without success. 

I made sure both of our bedroom doors were closed, and we haven't seen it again. I've never been to Hawaii, but I heard they have flying roaches there.  I think I'll now always be a California Girl.  There are creepy crawly critters there,  and some of the same outdoor roaches, but nothing like what I'm seeing here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AepyGm9Me6w&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PL9DBB32413D4DCBA8



 Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012.   Food shopping is a regular activity when there are a coupla chowhounds like us around, and an hour or so wandering thru the aisles of the  Super G International Market was a foodie's delight.  Gail was searching for a specific brand of middle eastern styled coffee, and the amazing array of fresh produce at terrific prices kept me busy.  I couldn't find a website for them, but Yelp.com had some info.  

http://www.yelp.com/biz/super-g-mart-charlotte

Thursday, Oct. 18.  I puttered around the house a bit,  watched the stocks trade until the close,  and walked down to the Rite Aid. I meandered through the peaceful and tidy subdivision, enjoying the Halloween decorations,  while a woman with a black dog on a bright red leash strolled ahead.  The dog was very alert, and glanced back several times; its pointy ears were up, and it was handsome.  I like beagles and labs, but this dog reminded me of a small Black German Shepard.

It was late afternoon, and there was plenty of traffic on Monroe Road.  Folks must have been in quite a hurry, as three cars turned the corner and onto N. Wendover, as I was attempting to step into the crosswalk.  I'm an average sized gal and certainly not invisible, so I'd have to assume that some folks don't expect people to use the crosswalks?    As I was entering the Rite Aid, I noticed a sign for the lottery.  I was pleased, as I was feeling kinda lucky and had some numbers that a friend had given me to play from her Fortune Cookie.   The cashier was very helpful and friendly, and as I was paying for my item,  I asked about  the slips for choosing the numbers.   Unfortunately, I couldn't find the slip of paper in my bag, after much rummaging, so I went with a Quick Pick.  (Not one number of mine was on the Oct. 19 drawing., but that's very common!)

Monroe Rd. was very noisy with all the traffic, so I got back on the residential streets as soon as I  could.   The leaves were falling, and the breeze had picked up as I strolled down  Elder Ave.   I was surprised to see a bright red full sized sofa at the edge of  a lawn, near the sidewalk.  It didn't have a sign on it, and appeared to be in very good condition.  Rain and Thunderstorms had been forecast for the 6:00 pm hour, when I had checked the weather, and it had been heavily overcast for at least an hour.   Seeing that sofa near the sidewalk reminded me of a photo project that was done by a major magazine back in the 1970's.   Something about a red sofa going to all 50 states with the crew, and having a local sit on it for the shoot.  The story I heard was that my Grampa was photographed on the sofa, but the photo he was in wasn't selected for the photo spread.  

 Kung Pao Chicken was on the menu for dinner, and as I was tidying up the cooking utensils, the doorbell rang.  There stood a black man wearing my old high school colors of Red and Black.  He was selling some sort of subscriptions for some fundraiser, and I explained I was visiting and didn't need any, and asked if I could just make a donation.  He said something about not being able to accept donations, and I asked him to wait while I went to get some money.   I asked Gail if she wanted to purchase any of whatever he was selling, and she said "no."  I dug round in my bag, and decided $2 was enough.  The whole thing seemed fishy, but I was curious. 

I've never heard of an organization who is raising funds be unwilling to accept cash donations, and I knew he'd take it.  He did.   He opened up the folder or whatever he was carrying and put it inside with the stack of cash that was visible under the clear flap. 

Friday, Oct. 19, 2012.  On my way to the cemetery for stroll, I passed what appeared to be some sort of auto  accident near the day care center.   There was a black car parked haphazardly in the street, and some sort of motorbike on the far side.  There was a woman sitting on the sidewalk, and a man and a woman standing.  No one appeared to be injured, and I didn't see any visible damage as I glanced at the scene.  I did notice that all three people were wearing some shade of Red shirt.   It must be the color of the week, as a man wearing Red was dilly dallying on the sidewalk near the CVS, as I waited for the light at the intersection.  While I was crossing, he began to whistle and shout something, but I had my headphones in, and ignored him.  I was wearing exercise pants and a tank top; not exactly worthy of wolf whistles and cat calls, but it must have revved his engine. 

Saturday AM, Oct. 20.   After coffee and a shower, I suggested to Gail we go out for a walk, as it was a beautiful sunny morning.  She put on her orange baseball cap that Mark had made for each of us with his ThreeBone.com logo.  While tying my sneakers, she put on her sunglasses and remarked "It's amazing how we're both wearing the same color of lipstick." 

"No, your's is more Pink than mine," I replied. 

"Close enough for Government Work."  she said. 

"You bet!" I thought to myself. 

I pulled on my Three Bone hat, adjusted my sunglasses, and out the door we went.   From the neck up, we probably looked like twins. 

  A few paces up the street, she bent down and picked up something.  I asked what is was, and she said it was a driver's license.  She began to walk back to the house, and I suggested it wasn't heavy, why not simply put it in her pocket.  She mumbled something, so I followed her, and she put it on the chair by the front door.  I glanced at it and said,  "That looks like the guy up the street."

The address wasn't for this area, but folks do move around, and I suggested we put it on the car of the possible owner.  She didn't listen, and knocked on the door.  Fortunately, nobody answered, and back to the house we went, where she again left it on the chair.  So much fuss and fumbling around, over a piece of plastic that could have easily fit into her pocket, with the $5 and my keys she was carrying.  We were planning to stop at the CVS for laundry soap on the way back from the walk.  I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever get started. 

 It was a sunny day, and Jeff had made a comment in one of his emails as he called me "Sunshine." 

I'll find it, and post it under the Emails To / From Jeff chapter. 

I've always liked this song, so it fit the bill. 

And she looked so pleased to be in matching caps and almost shades. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQe8Mk19_s4&feature=related

 Sunday AM, Gail fussed around the house, and Finally went out for her walk for the Sunday Paper up at the nearby gas station.  I was busy workin' on my website, and was on a roll, diggin' thru material; so I chose not to go with her.

When she arrived back at the house, about 10:15 AM, she made it a point to mention that the gal who was the cashier at that  place of biz, had  "wondered where I was." 

"You must have really made an impression," Gail said.  As she relayed her story.

"Why?"  I asked.

Because she thought we were Gay, because of our matching hats."  Gail replied.

"We weren't wearing matiching hats when we were in there, and I've only been there 3 times, and one was without you; when I purchased a lottery ticket."  I said. 

She hummed and fumbled some sorta excuse, and said:  "Well, she thought we were Partners, or something."

Which is quite a step away from the other line that some folks we've passed in public places have asked, once or twice that I've heard, but she mentions regularly; sometimes only when she's within earshot, apparently:  "Are you two sisters?"

I usually don't assume what others think, but apparently Gail does. 

She took a shower, and made a big deal about opening and closing some of the interior doors.  Switching on the fan in the bathroom would have drawn out much more dampness, but it's her house, so I let it ride.

Gail hollered into the bathroom while I was in the shower about inviting me over to Donna's for omlettes, but I declined.  I was on a roll on my website, and was planning on taking a walk, that didn't happen. 

She left in the early evening for a meetup with her boyfriend, but arrived back at the house within an hour.  Apparently, he wasn't home when she had arrived. 

I thought that was odd, as he lives about 30 mins. away,  and most of us wouldn't waste the time and gas for an uneventful trip.

Especially when she arrived back well under 60 minutes.  Traffic must have been Fantastic.  Love is Blind, as the old saying goes.  Thank GOD, most of us aren't.  

 Monday, Oct. 22,2012.  About 3 PM I took a short stroll around the hood.  It was relaxing and enjoyable, until one neighbor unwisely left his gate open and his dog lunged at me.  I was a bit shaken, and sorta smiled and waved when the owner called his pooch back.  I said "Thanks!"

[This is the South, and I expected more.  Especially from a White Man, who appeared to be a Homeowner.  He made no comment, nor apology.] 

Apparently, some White folks don't have the grace and class that Blacks do.  Even in the South. 

Walking up on Monroe Rd, was remarkably uneventful.  No unaware drivers were encountered, and it was a lovely evening walk to the Rite Aid, for some wine and a lottery ticket.  The clerk seemed to not have a key or whatever for using the quick pik machine, and he took my $1, and apparently used his driver license to A OK the transaction on the NC License Specific machine.  He knew I was from out of state, because he had wisely asked me for ID, when I was purchasing wine.  Not that anyone would mistake me for 21 or under; but it's probably in his job description to do so. 

I said to him something about if my ticket was a big winner, I'd be back to share with him.  The gal hovering near the door seemed annoyed; I didn't know if she was Security or not, but she wasn't happy, and her day seemed long already.

Gail was at her book club meeting, and the Steve Jobs book was the topic.  Every genius has briliant minds in their pool.  Usually unnoticed. 

 Ya can't please everyone, so you gotta please yourself.., Wise words from the song Garden Party. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAHR7_VZdRw

 Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012. 

Green was the color of the day, as I walked up the street, and a White gal was fumbling around with her stuff, as she was preparing to drive away.  Purple was the color of the day, yesterday;  I was wearing it, and the only gal I passed in this 'hood was wearing a brighter shade of it than mine.

Today,  I was wearing my very bright green pullover, black vest, and grey workout pants.    I was amazed to see 2 Pike Electric Trucks parked up at the nearby Day Care Center.  It was during normal working hours on an beautiful morning, and I didn't see any employees around, so I wondered what was up?  The Day Care Center appeared to have the lights on, but ya never know.  They might have backup generators. 

 As I stood on the corner of N. Sharon Amity and Monroe, I saw what appeared to be three males, in green safety vests headin'  in my direction from a short ways up N. Sharon Amity.   Which would kinda sort fit in with the yellow Pike Electric trucks I had just passed by, and were unoccupied. 

When I passed by the Day Care Center about 45 minutes later, and the possible 3 Pike employees in their green safety vests made it a point to parade past me on the sidewalk, and one was nice enough to say "Hello."   I returned the greeting, and wondered about their seemingly coreographed walk down the sidewalk, but figured they must have had some reason; they weren't climbin' poles, and they weren't carrying tools. 

One of the  crew members was passing what appeared to be some sorta medallion to another, and I was much more interested in that exchange, as I passed by.  The last man on the match, so to speak; said "hi" to me, and I returned the greeting.  He looked vaguely familiar, but some folks resemble others. 

Dowsing.  It's not conventional.  But perhaps it works for finding electrical problems?

 And 3 guys on a job site is so typical, and was a local joke in Juneau and Douglas, Alaska. 

Full Disclosure:  I am a former Common Stock Shareholder of Pike, and I think I lost money on that trade.  I may choose to purchase their stock again, at some point.  Or not. 

Another gal who was in my immediate view was also wearing a combination outfit of green and black.   She was Black, and quite attractive.  You wouldn't miss seeing her, and neither did I.  The gal with the Pink pants and squawkin' kid near the Day Care Center, we'll just ignore.  She wasn't wearing the color of the day. 

Stocks dropped a bit today, and I watched the markets and worked on my website.  Gail brought me some boxes, as I'll be heading back to Los Angeles on Nov. 3, and mailing is more convenient than hauling two heavy bags thru the airport.  I regret bringing so much stuff to Charlotte, but I had planned to stay for several months.  The grass isn't greener here, and I love being in California. 

Gail mentioned she was going to color her hair before going out with her boyfriend, and I asked her to look for the brand and color number I use.  (Clairol Nice and Easy Color Blend Technology Number 122 Natural Black).   I asked why she was going to recolor, as she had done so very recently.  She said she was going to dye it black, but I knew she wouldn't.  Box in the trash is Revlon Colorsilk #43  Medium Golden Brown, and her hair is a shade of brown.  My roots and grays might be showing, but you'd have to be close and looking hard to notice. 

 October 24, 2012. 

I notice patterns, trends, and when folks in different places do some of the very same things.  Sometimes things appear to be random, and other times not.  Like the placement of a kitchen sponge.  Most folks who leave it in the area of the sink place it near the faucet, or just toss it into the sink.  Someone I used to rent from would occasionally leave the sponge between the two sinks (wet) at the edge of the counter.  Gail also places the sponge in that same area of the sink, from time to time, and did today.  Two people in two different places doing the same odd thing is noteworthy.  But some things about humans are the same.  She also had a table knife lying next to it, which is unusual.  Habitually, she washes up her dishes and utensiles immediately after use, and refuses to wash any dish she didn't use.  But, she's in vacation mode, and left for Key West this AM. 

Grey and Black were the colors of the day, and as I walked up Monroe Rd.  and through the Cemetery for an AM stroll, at least two of the four men I saw were wearing that color combo, as was I, and one older woman was wearing 2 different shades of grey on her pants and top, and had a grey / silver car.  She was standing on the grass among some graves, but didn't appear to be visiting any one in particular.  I waved, she didn't.  Shortly after I passed by, a black vehicle pulled up directly behind hers.  Perhaps she was waiting on a friend. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LDqQ6e6BTE

I think some Shrink Wraps have a name for certain things being drawn into one's attention; say for instance  you have recently purchased a Blue Ford Pickup.  It may appear to you that there are now many more Blue Ford Pickup Trucks on the road than you've previously noticed. 

Jeff sent a bit of info. on a stock, that apparently operates medical airlift services.  I'm not currently doing much active trading, but I noticed he had sent it to several of my email accounts, and 2x to my Paula Rose Images account.    Amazing how one thing leads to another. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIe-Cj071l0