Fortune For You

New Blog

2009-10-01T07:45:00.000-04:00

I've moved all the silly personal ads to a new blog.
Check out: Lonesome Whistle

From the Portsmouth Herald

2009-06-30T19:26:00.000-04:00

DUI checkpoints bully innocent drivers
June 23 — To the Editor:

(Open letter response to the Portsmouth Police STEP coordinator regarding DWI checkpoint survey.)

After I was stopped for about 20 minutes at a DUI checkpoint in Portsmouth on June 12, I was handed a postcard survey to comment on my opinions and experience. Instead of returning the survey to the Portsmouth Police, I decided to respond to the survey though this letter to the editor.

I was stopped at the DUI checkpoint on Market Street in Portsmouth. When I first approached the road block, having just passed under the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, I thought there was a large accident, but within a few seconds and as I got closer, I could see it was a DUI checkpoint. I was stopped and asked if I had consumed any alcohol that evening and when I replied "yes," I was asked to step out of my car and I was led over to the sidewalk.

There were huge lights illuminating the area and at least 30 police cars from many different police agencies parked there, including a giant red, police truck/trailer. I was the only person being tested at the time and there were about five or six police officers flanking me on either side, within a few feet of me, as well as the one officer about two feet in front of me, insisting that I follow his every direction — to the word.

The officer asked me to perform all of the tests that most of us are aware of: close your eyes and touch the bridge of your nose with your index finger; walk nine paces heel to toe and count off the steps; follow a pen with your eyes being waved side to side about 12 inches in front of your face only with your eyes, without turning your head; balance on one leg while holding the other leg outstretched for 30 seconds; count 1 to 30, one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand. All of this under the glare of huge floodlights with at least 50 police officers standing around and at least five standing right next to me, staring at me. At one point I was told "I am going to invade your private space now" after which the officer stood nose to nose with me and asked me to breathe on him.

I was asked at least twice where I had been drinking, as if the establishment that had served me was somehow negligent by doing so, and we have all read lately how Margarita's has been targeted by the Exeter police; as if I appeared intoxicated enough that a bartender should have refused me drinks.

I told the officer that was barking directions in my face as if I was in boot camp, that this scenario was quite intimidating and that I was nervous and that was affecting my test performance; he dismissed my comments and acted like I was making excuses for being drunk. In fact, at the end of 15 minutes or so of testing as described above, I was told that I was showing signs of being impaired and asked if I would submit to a breath test. I asked what my options were and was told that if I refused I would be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

After being told that, I agreed to take the breath test and I was told to blow into the breath analyzer as if I was blowing up a balloon, I did, my blood alcohol level was .01. Yes, that's right, .01, about what it would have been had I recently rinsed with mouth wash, yet had I not agreed to take the breath test I would have been arrested for DUI.

Portsmouth Police STEP coordinator: I agree that drunken drivers should be kept off our roads, but I don't think the roadside DUI checkpoint tests for impairment, with the exception of the breath test, are very accurate, nor do I think all of the police officers are good judges of impairment, based on my experience.

I suggest a breath test to start with, that would do the job faster, be equally as effective and much less imposing and inconvenient for responsible drivers, and city patrons like myself, and less expensive too. If six of your officers, with giant floodlights and all of their training, can be so inaccurate in assessing my level of impairment, I don't think that a single, busy, distracted bartender, in a dimly lit bar, should be expected to do better.

Fred Levine
Exeter

You tell 'em, Fred.

Cream Cheese and Apple Juice

2009-02-23T18:51:00.000-05:00

Fortune: You are sociable and entertaining.

Plan for new offices in Kittery challenged

2009-02-12T09:22:00.003-05:00

From the Portsmouth Herald:
By Dave Choate
dchoate@seacoastonline.com
February 12, 2009
KITTERY, Maine — A proposed building project on Route 1 has some unhappy abutters seeking changes.
Abutters Bill and Eileen McCarthy of Adams Drive have enlisted attorney Patrick Bedard of Bedard & Bobrow as they seek Planning Board alterations to aspects of a plan featuring two new office buildings and a parking lot at 240 Route 1. Bill McCarthy said he doesn't want to halt the project altogether, but he has serious concerns and thinks the project's scope is not right for the area.
"This is not on scale with the neighborhood," he said.
McCarthy said he has an issue with the setback, which he said is supposed to be 40 feet under Kittery town code, and the proposed height of the building. He said the setback from a proposed ramp in the project to the McCarthys' property, which also houses a small bed-and-breakfast, is not the 40 feet it's supposed to be. He cites a proposed ramp next to the building as being inside the setback, a definition the Planning Board has debated due to a long driveway that runs in between the McCarthy property and 240 Route 1.
McCarthy also said the height of the building exceeds limits set out in the town's ordinances.
A Jan. 15 letter from Town Attorney Duncan McEachern to town staff states the Planning Board will be tasked with determining weather the developer's use abuts a residential district, in which case a 40-foot setback would be required, or if it does not and a 30-foot setback could be maintained. A Jan. 27 letter from Bedard outlining McCarthy's position offers that a setback of 40 feet should be maintained between the development and the properties of McCarthy and neighbors David and Barbara Durling.
McCarthy said he's been "frustrated" by the process, which he feels has gone by without the Planning Board critically reviewing the issues he has brought up. He has been unsuccessful in his attempts to get answers from staff at Town Hall, he said.
"I'm trying to muddle through this process, and I'm not really getting cooperation from town officials," McCarthy said.
At the Jan. 8 board meeting, when the issue was last discussed, the minutes indicate that members of the board agreed with a recommendation from Town Manager Jon Carter to move the project along for review by the town attorney and CMA Engineering. According to those minutes, CMA was to be tasked with clarifying the setback and buffer issues for the board.
Town Planner Sandra Mowery said in an e-mail to the Herald last week that she could not comment on the issue because McCarthy had enlisted legal counsel. When reached Wednesday evening, Baudo also said he did not wish to comment on the project.
The Planning Board agenda features an item for the board to discuss and take action on a plenary site review for the project Thursday night at their regularly scheduled meeting.

The Planning Board will be tasked with determining weather?

Fair seeks art from recycled materials

2009-02-09T12:22:00.000-05:00

From the Portsmouth Herald:
February 09, 2009
PORTSMOUTH — The arts committee is currently searching for professional area artists who use recycled materials to create their art work.
The work will be displayed throughout the Portsmouth Public Library during May. Work will not be for sale, but contact information will be given. Artwork should be insured and ready by the end of April.
The fair, organized by a committee of volunteers, will again be sponsored by Portsmouth Listens, the Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative and the City of Portsmouth, with support from Seacoast Media Group.

Too bad they didn't think it was important to include contact info...

Here the Fog Horns

2009-02-04T12:31:00.001-05:00

$1100 / 2br - House Across the street from public dock & Frisbees (pepperrell rd)
Reply to: hous-101959xxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2009-02-03, 5:30PM EST
Quaint 1880's built 2 bedroom home in the heart of Kittery Point. Walk to everything. All hardwood floors one full bath with old clawfoot tub. Full unfinished basement. Here the fog horns!! Available March 1st. Please call 603-380-4xxx
Location: pepperrell rd
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Fortune: Your mentality is alert, practical and analytical.

Icicle, Icicle, Icicle

2009-01-22T07:24:00.001-05:00

Fortune: You will be traveling and coming into a fortune.

Cranky & Disturbed In the Wilderness

2009-01-20T07:37:00.001-05:00

Fortune: A window of opportunity won't open itself.

Government Bailout

2008-11-19T11:44:00.001-05:00

George Carlin: I don't own any stocks or bonds. All my money is tied up in debt.

Gilbert at 24 Hours

2008-11-09T19:54:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to the Adams family.

Fortune: There is no greater pleasure than seeing your loved ones prosper.

Forty is Fabulous

2008-11-01T09:51:00.005-04:00

Friends, food, drink, the beach, a bonfire and shhhhh...skinny dipping.

Fortune: Idleness is the holiday of fools

Maine store's ape found in Vermont

2008-09-09T09:49:00.003-04:00

By Associated Press
September 09, 2008 8:59 AM
EAST MACHIAS, Maine — A stolen mechanical gorilla that was a fixture outside a flea market store in Maine has been located two states away in Vermont.
Lowell Miller realized over the Labor Day weekend that his 8-foot-tall gorilla dubbed "Seemore" had been stolen from Sandy's Sales in East Machias. This week, Vermont State Police discovered Seemore in a corn field after a video confession surfaced on Youtube.com.
The video shows the hooded abductor with a sock puppet on his hand first demanding ransom, then apologizing for causing a flap.
The video appeared in response to a video posted by the gorilla's creator, Ken Booth from the Gorilla Robot Factory in Akron, Ohio.

Fortune: Avert misunderstanding by calm, poise and balance.

8-foot mechanical ape stolen from Maine store

2008-09-04T10:21:00.000-04:00

By Associated Press
September 03, 2008 9:51 AM
EAST MACHIAS, Maine — A giant gorilla that's been a longtime fixture outside a flea market store in East Machias has gone missing and its owner is asking that the mechanical ape be returned, no questions asked.
Lowell Miller didn't realize that his gorilla had been stolen from Sandy's Sales on U.S. 1 until closing time Sunday. Miller thought his clerk had wheeled the ape inside, and the clerk thought Miller had.
Miller said he was amazed that anyone would steal such a heavy object. Valued at about $1,500, it has a cement platform and is equipped with motors that turn the gorilla sideways and make its arms go up and down.
State police have put out an all-points-bulletin on the primate, which they suspect may be holed up in some college students' apartment.
Information from The Bangor Daily News

Fortune: Listen to the wisdom of the old.

Spring

2008-07-13T09:32:00.008-04:00

Fortune: Good clothes open many doors. Go shopping.

Men Seeking Women

2008-06-09T20:45:00.003-04:00

handy man plus -
Reply to: pers-71317xxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-06-09, 8:25AM EDT
ladies.....tired of the same old fantasy? we are a team of highly skilled carpenters who are in great shape and love to work with our shirts off just fo you. we do it all from the smallest of jobs to whole house remodels. you will love our attention to detail.

RetroElvis in town visiting looking to meet someone. - 38
Reply to: pers-7131xxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-06-09, 7:36AM EDT

In town for the "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition" in Boston June 9-17th and would love to spend some time with an intelligent and gorgious woman during my stay here. I have just separated from my wife of 13 years and would really love to meet someone willing to have some fun and show me Boston. I am really a down to earth guy that doesn't get all wrapped up in myself just beautiful woman! In case you are interested visit my RetroElvis on the web and see if I am worthy of your loving hands.

Fortune: A rare source of pleasure will be revealed to you.

Walkin' Home

2008-05-25T22:02:00.014-04:00

Fortune: Your reputation is your wealth.

I dunno

2008-05-20T23:36:00.005-04:00

From the Portsmouth Herald:
Maine resident seeks wife, offers cash reward

By Deborah McDermott
May 20, 2008 2:48 PM
WELLS, Maine — Are you a female between the ages of 23 and 43, an outdoor type with a sense of humor, and looking for love? And, oh yes, could you use $5,000?
Charles Haeberle could be looking for you.
The 39-year-old Key West transplant has been in Maine for six years, hoping to meet Ms. Right. "I dated a few girls here and there. They were very nice, but they weren’t THE girl. I’m just searching for what everyone’s searching for — a girl I can spend the rest of my life with."
Now he’s ready to put his money where is heart is. Haeberle, a Wells resident and general manager of the Lodge at Kennebunk, took out an ad last week in The York Weekly offering $5,000 to the woman he marries.
Actually, he will pay $400 after the fourth successful date, $1,100 at the engagement and $3,500 at the wedding."
Everybody needs money and I have money, so I figured what the heck," said Haeberle. "I know it sounds silly. But really, it costs no more than it costs for an online dating service. And I haven’t had much luck with them. So I figured why not cut out the middle man?"
Haeberle came to Maine at the urging of his mother, who, as the ad states, told him, "Go to Maine. You will find a nice girl."
"When I first moved here, where did she send me but Ogunquit," he said with a laugh, referring to the fact that many gay and lesbian people vacation there. After going to a couple of different bars, "I said, 'Mom, I don’t think this is where I belong.’"
He said he loves Maine and has grown very fond of his adopted home."
If you live somewhere else in the country, the rumor is that people from Maine and New England are stand-offish and cold. I realized once I lived here that Mainers started that rumor so people won’t move here," he said. "It’s not true. It’s a very warm and accepting place. The people are so nice. But it is cold."
He said after several years of getting nowhere on the dating scene, three years ago he wrote a poem about his "perfect girl" that he put in a local paper, but he didn’t include a way for anyone to reach him. "
Maybe I watched (the movie) 'Message in a Bottle’ too much," he said. "I actually put the poem in the bottle and threw it in the ocean. I never heard back from anyone."
He describes himself as 5-feet, 9-inches tall, weighing less than 190 pounds. "I am not Brad Pitt but I am not the elephant man, either," he wrote in his ad. He travels widely, and he’s physically active, hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting and such.
What kind of person is he looking for?"
She has to laugh, because I like to make things funny all the time. She has to love to travel. No grandmother or on the verge of becoming one. But she either want kids or has them. I really want a family. She has to love restaurants and I have two dogs, so she has to like dogs," he said.
He said he knows offering a reward for a future wife is a bit odd, but he said he doesn’t know what else to do. "I don’t drink, so I don’t go to bars very often. And I’ve been to churches, but I haven’t had luck there, either," he said.
"This is my way of being proactive. I know there are so many nice girls who are lonely just like I am," he said.
According to his ad, he already has a four-carat engagement ring, "and I even have our one-year anniversary gift."
So far, the York Weekly ad has only generated four responses. He also put the ad on Craigslist, and is having more success there, although "we’re just in the e-mail stage now."
He said if this latest effort doesn’t work, he’ll probably leave Maine. "I love Maine, but I can’t stand this 15 feet of snow without my soul mate," he said.
Interested? Haeberle’s e-mail address is Thetraveller207@yahoo.com.

This seems wrong. Or hillbilly.

Fortune: The love of your life will appear in front of you unexpectedly!

Dental Hygentist - m4w (Portsmouth )

2008-05-11T19:00:00.002-04:00

Reply to: pers-6747xxxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-05-09, 7:34PM EDT
Are all Dental Hygentists completely crazy, insecure and insane?

No, but the people who think they are hygentists are.

Does everyone else thinks Cardinals are following them, or is it just me?
Every time I go outside the Cardinals start chirping and landing nearby.
Even when I come inside they're hanging out on the porch.
Maybe they want me to fill up the bird feeder...

Rotten

2008-05-11T17:51:00.022-04:00

It only took a few hours, but I did manage to replace the rotten board underneath the back door. When I sat down, I thought it would go quickly. After 30 minutes I was wondering what I'd gotten myself into and perhaps I was highly under qualified for the job.

Before

At this point, I was really wishing someone hadn't built the stoop in front of that board.

Later, I was annoyed when I saw I was not going to be able to pull out these nails with my hammer. Thank goodness for pliers.

Phew. I finally got it all out.

Before I started, I cut off a piece of the gray painted wood, which was blocking the place where I needed to slide in the new board. I ended up buying a chisel 'cuz I still couldn't slide the board in. I had to get it around another piece of decking.

Getting the new board in was not easy, either. I really had to whack it. Bonus: I've been trying for days to set my watch back to regular time. I somehow switched it to military time awhile ago and I have no idea how I did it. No idea how to undo it. While contorting myself in all sorts of strange positions to get the old board out, I sat on my watch, which I was not wearing, and my butt cheek managed to fix it! Cool.
Fortune: Put your mind into planning today. Look into the future.

Attracted to my Hygenist - m4w - 40

2008-05-09T21:37:00.005-04:00

Reply to: pers-6719xxxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-05-07, 5:14PM EDTI
doubt you will read this but just wanted to let you know that I think your gorgeous and I have a hard time maintaining my thoughts when we are together. I keep imagining that as you are over me and doing an exam you lower your face mask and plant a nice long slow kiss on me.Your married and I am married but would love to meet for lunch or something if you are interested. I am not sure if you feel the same way about me or your just doing your job but I thought I would give this a shot. Maybe the thought of finding someone attractive after rooting around in their mouth for an hour or so is beyond imagination but I have been thinking about this for a long time now and this is one way for me to find out. I don't want this to get weird or anything and I do not want to leave my wife so don't worry about that. If you are interested please write me back and tell me something about myself that we have talked about recently and we can take it from there. You work in Dover and are very sexxxxyy : )
Have a great day Gorgeous

YMCA

2008-05-08T19:20:00.000-04:00

YMCA Parking Lot - Porsmouth - Saturday - m4w - 41
Reply to: pers-66xxxxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-05-05, 5:29PM EDT
Last Saturday, May 3rd, the pool was closing at the YMCA- it was about 3:10, or 3:15. I was standing in the locker room door of the Men's room, in my shorts, with no top - waiting for my little son to come back from the front desk. You were coming down the hall and stopped to wait for one of your kids (I think). We just kind of looked at each other. You were wearing jeans, black/brown clogs, you have long, slim legs, brown hair.. you are very beautiful. I would guess mid thirties.. something like that. As for me... I got dressed, and when I went to the Parking Lot, it looked like your husband was waiting for you to get into a mini-van. I think you had a Dalmation out in the Parking Lot, and it was sniffing around. You were waiting for the dog, it was starting to drizzle. As I got into my car, you walked back toward the mini-van, and you waved at me, as i was starting the car and pulling out with my little boy in the back. I waved back... knowing that with your husband there, I couldn't strike up a full blown conversation. I am divorced.. and couldn't take my eyes off of you... you are lovely. You waved, and I understand people wave and just say hello - I am not making more of it than that... but I wanted you to know that I thought you were so lovely, I just could not take my eyes off of you. I would never tire of looking at you. You belong to someone else.. but if you didn't... well.. I can dream can't I? If you see this, you can write and say hello. I'll withhold all the passionnate words I wish to say, because hey, what's the use?

Hey, what's the use of asking her to write and say hello? Keep your top on. Sheesh.

Fortune: The best times of your life have not yet been lived.

New and Improved

2008-04-23T22:06:00.006-04:00

Remember the first project? Done.

Before

After

Kind of a tough angle to get a good shot. If only I was about 10 feet taller. It's hard to tell the old roofing shingles are beige. But it is obvious they were a mess, no? The shingles were peeling up to the left of the chimney. Thank goodness there were two layers of shingles or I might have had a bunch of leaks. There was only leakage around the chimney flashing. Last night I confidently removed the towel in the attic wrapped around the chimney. I almost can't wait for it to rain! It will not leak. It will not leak.

My neighbors-to-the-right put up a fence while the roof was going up. I'm glad to have the privacy. Next on the agenda is figuring out the overhang for the back door (the roofer does carpentry too) and some gardening. I need to move at least one plant that looks out of place with the new fence. I also want to do something about this:

This is out back. Ho hum driveway area. Only about two to three feet beyond the railroad ties is my property (in line where the forsythia is - to the right). First step is to get rid of the wood and rotten railroad ties. I may leave the one to the right. I want to find a shade lovin', low maintenance ground covering. And it's gotta be easy to rake as you can see a lot of leaves end up back there/are always there. I'm thinking Forget-Me-Not or Purple Wintercreeper. Or a huge fence.

Fortune: Working out the kinks today will make for a better tomorrow.

Tourism Saves a Laotian City but Saps Its Buddhist Spirit

2008-04-16T21:16:00.007-04:00

“Here they come! Here they come!” a tour guide cries over his loudspeaker. “Hurry! Hurry!” The monks appear, a column of bright orange robes as far as the eye can see, walking quickly and silently with their begging bowls. The tourists cluster around them with their cameras and reach out to hand them food.

Anyone read this story in Tuesday's New York Times?

I started to but haven't had time to finish it. (Yet I have time to blog. Go figure.)

The photo disgusts me. I imagine tourist coming to my town (which they do) lining up to snap shots of us locals like we were rare birds. Ick.

By SETH MYDANS
Published: April 15, 2008
LUANG PRABANG, Laos — As the sky grows light along the Mekong River here, it is no longer the quiet footfalls of Buddhist monks that herald the day but the jostling and chattering of hundreds of tourists who have come to watch them on their morning rounds.
Luang Prabang, a place of mists and temples in the mountains of central Laos, was until recently one of the last pristine remnants of traditional culture in a region that is rapidly leaving its past behind.
Today, Luang Prabang displays preservation’s paradox. It has saved itself from modern development by packaging itself for tourists, but in the process has lost much of its character, authenticity and cultural significance.
Like some similar places around the world, this small 700-year-old city of fewer than 20,000 people is being transformed into a replica of itself: its dwellings into guest houses, restaurants, souvenir shops and massage parlors; its rituals into shows for tourists.
“Now we see the safari,” said Nithakhong Somsanith, an artist and embroiderer who works to preserve traditional arts. “They come in buses. They look at the monks the same as a monkey, a buffalo. It is theater.”
The Buddhist heart of Luang Prabang — the tranquillity that attracts visitors from abroad — is being defiled, he said, adding, “Now the monks have no space to meditate, no space for quiet.”
Luang Prabang was chosen as a World Heritage Site in 1995 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or Unesco, which determined that its architectural ensemble was culturally significant and worthy of protection by the United Nations.
Its strict guidelines on renovation and new construction have helped preserve the narrow streets, small structures and relatively light traffic of a past era. No tall buildings mar the cityscape.
“The problem is that they took care of the hardware but not the software, the culture,” said Gilles Vautrin, a restaurant owner from France who has lived here for nearly a decade.
“The city is being gentrified,” he said. “It will be a museum city. It will be a hotel city. Maybe the tourists will like it, but it won’t be the same Luang Prabang.”
The morning scene of monks seeking alms is spectacular, a seemingly unending procession that includes the occupants of the city’s 34 temples.
But as they walk down the main street, Sisavangvong Road, they must thread their way through crowds of tourists and food vendors who call out their price, “Dollar! Dollar!”
Looking straight ahead, the monks pass Pizza Luang Prabang, Pack Luck Liquor, Walkman Village, German Ice Cream, Café des Arts Restaurant and Bakery, Khmu Spa and Massage and Tatmor Restaurant n’ Bar.
The scene may be jarring, said Rik Ponne, a program specialist with Unesco in Bangkok, but “it is not a complete disaster.”
“This is a very interesting moment in time in Luang Prabang, when we have probably reached the carrying capacity,” he said. “It is a question of whether the Lao government is willing to make policy decisions about maybe limiting tourism on the site or limiting its impact.”
That would be a difficult choice in one of the poorest countries in Asia, where tourism is a major source of foreign exchange.
But if steps are not taken to control the changes, Unesco warned in 1994, Luang Prabang could become “another tourist town where soft-drink billboards dominate the landscape, where the sound of tour buses drowns out the soft temple prayers, and where the city’s residents are reduced to the roles of bit-players in a cultural theme park.”
Already the core of the city is losing its population as development drives up prices and local residents move away, leasing their homes as guest houses and restaurants.
“You cannot find people living in houses like family,” said Vilath Inthasen, 25, a native of Luang Prabang who is a manager at Couleur Café. “Now we start to live outside the city.”
Mr. Vilath spent eight years as a monk here and, like many others, he used his time in the temple to prepare for what has become the city’s only industry.
“If you are a monk, you can learn English and go into tourism,” he said. “Most of the people who work in restaurants are former monks.”
Traditionally, young men in Laos become monks for several months or years before returning to life outside the monasteries.
While the tourism brings jobs and money, he said, it disrupts the way of life he grew up with.
“I am afraid our culture will start to disappear,” he said over the sound of a buzz saw next door. “Now bars can stay open until midnight. Normally we don’t do this in Laos.”
This loss of culture is critical because Luang Prabang is not simply an architectural monument, like the temples at Angkor in Cambodia.
“There is nothing really outstanding in Luang Prabang,” said Laurent A. Rampon, the former chief architect and director of the cultural preservation office here.
“When you look at the architecture, it is interesting but normal, very normal; the temples are a little bit rough, not refined,” said Mr. Rampon, who is now an independent architect and consultant to the city.
“What is really interesting in Luang Prabang is all that together,” he said. “It is the ambience of the city, the daily life, the temples and the monks. In Luang Prabang, when the ambience is gone, it will not be Luang Prabang any more.”
As in Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, decades of war and repression held back the development that is now despoiling cities and historical sites.
A poor, landlocked nation with a population today of 6.5 million, Laos was a battleground during the Vietnam War and its aftermath and has been isolated from the world economy since then by a Communist government.
Tourist brochures describe Luang Prabang as a place where “time stood still”; poverty and hardship have allowed the past to linger.
“The paradox is that Unesco gives out the Heritage Site label partly to reduce poverty, but reducing poverty is reducing heritage,” Mr. Rampon said. “If you want to preserve heritage, you must keep poverty.”

I can't help but correlate this to what is happening in Portsmouth now (on a certain level).
All the new construction -and so much more on the way- when buildings and retail shops have sat vacant for years. They want to beautify the gateways into the city (Islington and Market Streets) - not for residents' benefit, but obviously to draw in more tourists (and their beautiful money). Anything more than landscaping will be too much.
We need affordable housing, planning board people. We want to buy homes in town. We want to shop at useful stores in town.

Banananananananana

2008-04-16T21:04:00.003-04:00

Yeehaw!
Sorry. Private joke between me and the boyfriend.
(He's the only one who reads this blog anyhow.)

This is the last banana from that gawd awful green bunch I bought last Monday the 7th.

Fortune: With a little more hard work, your creativity takes you to great heights!

Listen

2008-04-12T15:58:00.002-04:00

Can you hear the peepers?

Green Bananas...

2008-04-08T20:28:00.006-04:00

I don't like 'em!

I'm starting to even things out.
I ran this morning and yesterday morning. Not that I ran the whole measly 2 miles I set out to run. I did a good bit of walking. Kittery is hilly. Especially right at the start of my run. Amazing what taking the winter, fall and most of the summer off will do to a body.
I think I have some kind of nasal drip/phlegm problem as well. Since the weekend, I've woken up with my throat feeling all scratchy. It's how it felt when I would smoke a few cigs while out drankin'. You know how some people sleep eat? I think it's called Nocturnal Sleep-Eating Disorder or Nocturnal Eating Syndrome or I'm So Hungry I Eat In My Sleep Disease. I think I have that, only I'm smoking in my sleep instead of eating.
Good golly! I hope I'm not sleep smoking in bed. That could be dangerous. (Wait a minute... Don't I want to be smokin' in bed, boyfriend? Oh no. I guess I'm getting confused with being smokin' hot in bed...)
Yeah, so -the sleep eaters eat the food they have in the house, but I don't have any smoking materials in the house... Am I going down to the corner store and buying the cigs and smoking the whole pack each night? Cuz then I'd be sleep shopping, too. And if I'm not sleep walking to the store, I'm sleep driving. I might not even be sleep smoking cigarettes! What if I'm sleep smoking the pot? Holy crap! This is getting pretty serious.
Maybe it's just a cold. Anyhow, whatever it is, it's making running a lot harder. I nearly died going up the that first hill - both mornings. It was tough.

I've also been toying with a new collage idea. I've started but not gotten very far. Butt even a little art is better than none. (And sometimes a bigger butt is better than none.)
Sneak peak:

The Eiffel Tower reminds me of lady legs with stockings on...

Fortune: You are cautious in showing your true self to others.

Uneven

2008-04-06T21:06:00.005-04:00

Like this tile floor, I'm feeling uneven. I think it's mostly work. I know there are other things, too - lack of exercise, no time spent making art, not enough time outside.
I'm not happy at work. I'm so glad I don't have a doofus for a boss anymore. Daily I'm grateful I don't have to deal with that idiot of an ex-boss. New boss is good -real good, but tells me more than I need to know. So much so, I feel like I'm not sure what the truth is. Am I a good employee? Is upper management pleased with my work? Or am I not working hard enough? Do I need to improve?
I know the field I'm in is not one I want to stay in, regardless of whether upper management wants me to advance (or not). I want to get back into a creative environment. I want to work with hardworking open minded people. I also want to ride my bike or walk to work.

Fortune: Look forward to great fortune and a new lease on life.

Before & After

2008-03-23T17:58:00.009-04:00

Why someone put so much sealer along the edge, I don't know. But it's been bugging me for 2 and a half years. Looks better now.

Fortune: Your winsome smile will be your sure protection.

Dishwasher Upgrade

2008-03-19T18:04:00.003-04:00

Before: the beige dishwasher in a kitchen of white appliances.
The upgrade: the white dishwasher.
Nope, I didn't waste my money buying a new one (I hardly ever use the dw). I found white paintable magnetic sheets (MSI ProMAG - $9.99 each). Cool. I only needed two. I also bought some paint, which I did not use. The magnetic sheets seemed like the sure bet (no drips, no smell, no worries). I did have to cut the sheets (hah - I said 'cut the sheet') but they were very easy to cut. I'm not a good cutter, though. Luckily, I was able to hide the rough cut sides under the black plastic panel of the dishwasher.

I'm so happy. Utter domestic bliss.

Fortune: Eat and drink with your relatives; do business with strangers.

The Crocus

2008-03-16T11:12:00.003-04:00

The pic is not very bright, but can you see the one crocus bud?

When my friend and I got to revamping this garden bed, is was well past spring. We dug out a bunch of weeds and violets. I was worried we dug up the crocuses and tulips, too. Nothing to fear - I see many crocus and tulip sprouts.

Fortune: Speak only well of people and you need never whisper.

What to do...

2008-03-16T06:45:00.006-04:00

I definitely need to put a new roof on my cottage this year, but then what? I'd like to put down some kind of wood flooring in the kitchen. I'm not 100% thrilled with the current beige tiled floor a previous owner put down.

I'm not crazy about the counter top color either, but it's in okay shape and it does add a nice bit of color. Course, a new floor might change that... I want to paint the that darned beige dishwasher, too. (Is that easy to do?) The fridge and stove are white. Hmm, a new fridge would be nice, but it can wait until the current one bites the dust.

I like the slate/slate-like floor in the bathroom, but it's not in the best shape. A couple of tiles are loose. It's difficult to mop, too. I think smaller tiles would look nicer. Something like this by Oceanside Glasstile. (great photo, eh?)

I'd like to put on a carport, but I don't think I can do it legally. The posts would end up too close to the property line. It would be nice to have my bikes outside and have them dry, though. Maybe a small lean-to under the window.

I'd like to get a bigger overhang for the back door. Would be helpful when it rains. I'd like something similar to the one over the front door but a tad smaller.

I also had the idea to put down some decking at the foot of the front steps. I'd like it to cover the asphalt and the lawn from the bottom step towards where I was standing when I took this pic.

I need to find a contractor, prioritize the projects (back door first, bathroom floor second, all other projects whenever) and save my pennies.

Fortune: Working out the kinks today will make for a better tomorrow.

Oh My 'Lanta

2008-03-15T16:42:00.016-04:00

Photos from the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Fortune: You'll always be surrounded by true friends.

Double Phew

2008-03-11T22:00:00.005-04:00

It's kind of amazing I survived last year financially. When I did my taxes this year I finally saw the whole picture - I had to add up two W-2's plus a 1099. I made $12,000 less in '07 than I did in '06. There were some scary bill paying moments along the way, but I pulled through. (It would be an understatement to say I freaked out when my car didn't pass inspection because my window didn't roll down.) I'm glad that bumpy road has ended. Of course, the way the economy is headed I can't say I feel 100% secure job wise. I do, for the moment, feel financially fit again. Finally.
Another relief is finding out new boss isn't an uptight doo-doo head. Nothing to worry about at all. New boss likes the work I do. New boss respects me. New boss offers assistance when asked. It's totally f*#$%^g amazing. (I don't feel ashamed about my job anymore.) New boss has quirks, but nothing I can't handle. It's refreshing to work again with a boss who knows how to communicate - and lets me do my work without bother or any type of annoying disruptions.
I think I'm gonna sleep well tonight.

Fortune: You are cautious of showing your true self to others.

What are you lookin' at?

2008-03-08T20:42:00.004-05:00

Fortune: Among the lucky, you are the chosen one.

The Cardinal

2008-03-07T21:28:00.001-05:00

Fortune: You are given the chance to take part in an exciting adventure.

Other Vintage Textiles

2008-02-18T18:55:00.014-05:00

A couple of aprons found at a yard sale this summer. I actually picked up 4 for $3. The others were a child's apron (or a tiny woman's cocktail apron tho' the ties seem rather short for that)and a man's grilling apron, which I gave to boyfriend as part of his birthmas present (he's an x-mas baby). Need to get a picture of him in that. It's a funny apron.

All but the tiny one had stains, which I ended up cleaning with a clorox bleach pen. Freaked me out (but not in a nauseous way) to touch 'em and have 'em around with the stains and all, but since they were all in good shape I had no problem tossing them into the washing machine over and over. Probably shouldn't have, but I did because, as I said in the previous post, I think old should be used not just saved in some closet or drawer.

I like the santa apron because of all its pockets. I have worn it to the beach. Um, not with my bathing suit on - in regular beach combing garb. The pockets are perfect for holding all kinds of beach treasures. I kinda wish I could get away with wearing it out in public - as opposed to the beach combing public. I probably could, if I were daring enough.

The budweiser one is neat in a white trash sort of way. I like that it's unisexual.

I love this old blanket. It has many torn/worn missing squares. I'm not sure if mum made this or it's from another one of her aunts. It was probably made in the 60's or 70's. Most of the squares are so soft. I used to use this as a beach blanket but felt guilty about not returning it to mum's closet. Eventually I did return it but while cleaning out the closet this weekend I reclaimed it since it's just been wadded up with a number of unused blankets (see quilt in previous post).

I suppose this will become a beach/picnic blanket, too. It was also found during the closet clean out. This was the bedspread mum made me when I was a wee one in the 70's. She made my sissy a matching one. It's made out of some of our old clothing and other random pieces of fabric. I have no problem using and machine washing either of these blankets (I just won't wash 'em very much - kinda gross, but whatevah). I think they deserve to be held close and to be seen.

Fortune: Frequent conversations will fill your heart with joy.

Quilts & Nausea

2008-02-18T18:25:00.015-05:00

I always thought it peculiar that Billy Bob Thornton has a fear of antiques. But now I think I understand it after feeling nauseous since putting this quilt on my sofa to get a good look at it. I can't shake that nauseous feeling. There aren't many stains on it. I'm thinking it's the bug factor that is making me feel ill. Are there live bugs in it? Dead bugs? Ick. I feel like my hands have been contaminated - the sofa, too.
Maybe I can shake the feeling if I think about what I like about the quilt. It is beautiful. Fabulous fabrics and colors. Made by a relative - one of mum's aunts? I wonder what she was thinking about while she stitched it. How long it took to make. Who she made it for. Where she got the fabrics from. It's actually a patchwork of (mostly) squares and rectangles covering another quilt.

See the yellow and blue stripes under the torn floral square? That's part of the quilt underneath. It's squares of that with squares of white and squares of a white and pink. I'm sure it was a unisex child's quilt. I also like the patches with the green skirted girls

Now the question is what to do about the quilt. It's not filthy looking, but does have some dirty looking areas and a number of torn/worn areas. Research tells me sometimes dead bugs or bleeding fabrics cause stains that look like old blood or rust. Maybe a gentle shaking out will do. A very gentle shaking.

I told mum I'd like to mend it because she should use an old quilt like this, right? Not stuff it into the back of the linen closet. Some of the squares are actually disintegrating, which stinks. I was thinking maybe I could just cover them with another square of fabric. Of course, I don't want to ruin a beautiful thing. But what good is it, really, if you can't use it?

Hmm...I'm getting that gagging, nauseous feeling again. I'm afraid there are all sorts of bugses between the layers of the quilt. So gross to think of that being anywhere near food or humans.

Mend or not?

Fortune: Ugh. Too nauseous to think of/find one...

The Challenge

2008-02-15T07:01:00.008-05:00

The email I received:

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I'm gonna run a half marathon
and so are you...

My response:

Roses are yellow
Skies are grey
You gotta be crazy
to run a half marathon before May

The half marathon is in early April.

We ran a half marathon in May 2006 - it poured rain all day and was only in the 50's.

Wet, cold and numb by the end of the race.

Do I want to run 13 miles in April? Can I run 13 miles in April? It could very well snow...

Fortune: You will have good luck and overcome many hardships.

From My Valentine

2008-02-14T20:14:00.001-05:00

So glad he is mine...

Be Careful What You Wish For...

2008-02-12T20:25:00.001-05:00

The rumor turned out to be true. Boss -yes, the annoying one- is transferring out of the office! In 2 weeks! Hooray! Hurrah!

Of course, it can't be utterly blissful news because of the flipside. Which is: we are getting a tough boss. Very good for business. And hopefully good for us employees and our clients. But coworker is concerned about new boss.

We are both familiar with new boss. I've worked with new boss via telephone. Coworker has actually trained a couple of new boss's employees (in new boss's old office). Hence, coworker has seen new boss in full on boss-mode. Coworker says new boss wasn't very nice to one staff member. Coworker has always been glad to leave new boss's office after a training session.

I know new boss is going to be an asset. Work will get done. Questions will get answered. There will be communication. There will be listening. Instuction will be given without a bunch of gibberish and nonsense thrown in. There won't be ignorance. Oh my gosh - I can't wait for that!

Will the dress code become more strict? Will time off be harder to take? Will a big fuss be made if you need to adjust your schedule for an appointment? Or are ten minutes late? Will we be unable to use the "bonus time off" we are given!? Those are the little things I'm worried about.

When I heard the rumors that boss might be transferring, I started to think what it would be like to have a "normal" person as a boss. I wondered how I'd feel if new boss was all the things I wanted personality wise, but was a demanding micro-manager. I dunno. I decided I would rather have the non-ignorant, non-phoney boss. I don't mind working hard at all, but I don't won't to lose the bonus time off we get either because of a boss who feels it's necessary to always crack the whip.

*Why is the spellcheck in Blogger not working? It's been this way for about a week now.

Fortune: Your secret desire to completely change your life will manifest.

(gulp)

Oh My Aching Caucus

2008-02-10T19:15:00.000-05:00

Today I participated in my first caucus. I vote for Maine switching to a primary.

Caucus started at 5pm. Sign in was between 4:30 and 5pm.

I was there for 2 hours and 15 minutes. The worst part was waiting to sign in.

4:45pm: One line for registered Democrats. The other for voters who need to register or who are registered Independents. How I wish I remembered what I was registered as. I figure Independent, so I get in the longer, slower moving line.

5:25pm: Someone working the caucus asks the numerous people in line if we know where the nearest copy place is as they ran out of forms. There is also talk among those in line that some folks have been asked to leave. I’m hoping they are talking about people that showed up after 5pm.

5:45pm: There are rumors that those of us still waiting in line (both lines) will not be able to partake in the caucus because it should have started by now. Everyone in line starts grumbling. Turns out not to be true, although folks are wondering why the police have shown up.

6:10pm: It’s my turn! I give my name and find I am already registered as a Democrat. I’m not too bummed about the long wait in the wrong line because I would have been waiting in the gym for the caucus to start anyhow. I’m told to fill out my paperwork in the gym because things are about to start.

6:15pm: I enter the gym and have no idea what to do. A woman is speaking on behalf of Clinton. I can’t understand what she is saying because I am behind the podium. Someone working the caucus notifies us the caucus will start as soon as the last voter is signed in and registered, which should be shortly. Someone begins to speak on behalf of Obama, but I can’t really hear what he is saying because a.) I’m still standing behind the podium and b.) I'm too busy wondering how the hell this caucus stuff works.

6:30pm: I see someone I know who also has no idea how the caucus works. We’re both voting Obama. We move to the Obama section.

6:35pm: The voting is about to begin. They tell us to hold up our form when they call our candidate's name. Delegates will be assigned based on the number of votes per candidate. They start with Edwards then Kucinich - only a handful of votes each. Now Obama. Um. No one working the caucus seems to have a good method for counting the votes. The crowd starts yelling, “count by row.” A caucus worker says, “Count by vote?” No, count by row. They figure counting by row does make sense. They count Clinton votes last.

6:50pm: We are told 550 voters showed up. Edwards 4. Kucinich 7. Neither has the required 15% to get delegates. Ten of the eleven move over to the Obama camp. Clinton has 200 something votes. Obama 300 something votes. Hooray!

6:55pm: It is chaos as voters who do not wish to volunteer to go to the Democratic National Convention in May leave. Voters must turn in their forms. Some caucus workers are only collecting Hillary forms. I find the Obama collector and hurry home to catch 60 Minutes. Yes, in part to catch Obama, but mostly to see the guy who’s in favor of getting rid of the penny. Let's vote on it! But not as a caucus.

7:05pm: Post caucus cocktail.

Fortune: Avoid senseless contradictions with others.

An Employee Walks into an Office

2008-02-04T20:29:00.000-05:00

Kinda like one of those a-guy-walks-into-a-bar stories. Only not funny.

I walk into the office and boss is talking to a client. Blah, blah, blah.

After client leaves boss says, "I told them they should smoke across the street because their smoking is bothering other people."

I say, "Sounds like a good idea."

Boss says, "If they smoke across the street they can just throw the butts into the river."

Assuming she is being sarcastic I respond, "Yeah. We can put up a sign telling them to toss them in the river."

Boss says, "We can't put that on a sign. Blah, blah, incoherent nonsense...but if they were to do it at least we wouldn't have to look at those disgusting ashtrays anymore."

Oh. Um. Apparently boss is unaware of a thing called pollution.
Boss seriously thought it would be a good thing if people threw the butts in the river because ashtrays are gross, stinky eyesores.

Loser.

Should I realize a human being who has no idea how to recycle paper, plastic, cans, cartridges, etc. could care less about littering and pollution?

Fortune: The greatest danger could be your boss's stupidity.

More Chronicles of Bah!

2008-01-30T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today boss told me it wanted to review my evaluation with me. I said, "Okay. How about this afternoon?" It agreed.

Boss managed to be busy doing other things all day. Twenty-five minutes before my departure time boss asked if I'd like to do the review now. Note: it takes boss an hour and a half to watch 60 Minutes (on a good day). I said, "No, let's do it tomorrow."

Boss went on blubbering about the evaluation forms stating no one receives Above Standard ratings unless they do outstanding work and have been with the company for many years. And added, "You really can't give a new employee an Above Standard rating because then they have nothing to strive for."

Are you for fudgin' real, boss!?

Boss proceeded to tell me I'm an outstanding employee and I'll probably have a bunch of Above Standard ratings on next year's evaluation. What about this year, you idiot!?

Then boss had the nerve to ask coworker and I if we were pleased with our increases. (Everyone got a 2.3% cost of living increase - supposedly.) We both commented on how it's not really an increase since the cost of everything else is up. It's only about 20 bucks more a week before taxes, so it's not a whole heck of a lot.

So then boss says something along the lines of, "I didn't put in for merit increases for anyone because gibberish blah nonsense gotta fill out a form." And I say, "Uh. What? What is the procedure for merit increases?"

This is what boss does. Boss says a bunch of words I know and understand, but strings them together in ways that make absolutely no sense. Most of the time boss stammers and then stops mid sentence before going off on some unrelated tangent.

I asked boss again to explain. More nonsensical strings of words.

We'll have to hire an interpreter. Now we're never gonna get those increases.

Fortune: Never tell employee you didn't put in for merit raise - she apt to spit in tasty coffee she make for you.

The Chronicles of Bah!

2008-01-29T20:55:00.001-05:00

At work today we met a new colleague. New colleague works for an agency we deal with a lot.

New colleague is cute and petite. After new colleague leaves boss tells me, "I told new colleague, 'Good things come in small packages.'"

Is anyone else bothered by this? Why point out new colleague's size? You want points for that, boss? Geez.

Leave it to boss to always make note of the obvious.

Perhaps I am so annoyed with everything boss says I can't think straight.

Know what it (I haven't wanted to reveal boss's gender, you know...to protect the ignorant - from this point forward boss's pronoun is 'it') said to me today? I was trying to fix some technical issues we were having. I was perplexed. Technology is not my bag. Anyhow, it said, "I like when you don't know stuff."

I said, "I like it when you're not here."

Naw. Didn't really say that. Only because when boss isn't in it will call the office and say, "Hi!!!! (yes - with numerous exclamation points) I'm calling you. On the phoooone."

Yup. It is all about stating the obvious.

Fortune: Tomorrow will be better.

Bah!

2008-01-27T16:35:00.000-05:00

Got a copy of my evaluation from my boss Friday.

My job title at the time was bookkeeper/reception, but the only evaluation form for office personnel is labeled "administrative assistant." All of boss's comments refer to me as an administrative assistant.

Evaluation ratings are; Needs Work, Meets Standard, Above Standard.

Boss is continuously giving me praise - verbally and in emails - yet I did not merit one "above standard" rating.

Unbelievable the person who is considered my supervisor lacks basic writing skills and is clueless about spellcheck (among other things). Boss doesn't even know how to spell my last name and I've worked 9 months with boss.

Here are a few excerpts. I've left the spelling errors - wonder what upper management thought when they read it.

Job knowledge:
Z is the front line of walk in's for applicants and clients for recertification process or paying bills. In a very quick paced office, Z excels at her responsibilities of accounts payables/receivables along with the abundance of documentation such as purchase orders in an organized system. Z has implemented many systems to track and monitor administrative/office functions. Z has mastered excel systems as well as the company's accounting system. Z is exemplary in her roll as administrative assistant as well as her strong bookkeeping skills. Z's level of dedication is exemplary.

Dependability:
Z by far is exemplary when it comes to dependability and reliability. Z is always eager to take on additional work when needed. If Z is uable to, she will be honest and state what she has in front of her to do then ask when do you need it? Z's level of support and dedication is excellent. Z takes pride in the quality of her job performance and can always be counted on.

Productivity:
Z has strengthened the office procedures with her excellent comuputer and organizational skills. Z's communication with office staff as well as with maintenance staff is very positive. Z maintains timely and accurate payroll records. The accounts payable and receivables has improved greatly over the past 4 months due to Z's strong business sense. Z takes her job seriously. Z takes pride in her level of organizational and her ability to achieve quality assurance with all administrative functions. Z is instrumental in achieving accurate client files as well as vendor files and correspondence.

Interpersonal Skills:
In an office that can be extremely challenging, Z has done well with welcoming the general public. All too often, Z is answering a phone with an individual who is demanding and, for example, when explained the application process, can be quite difficult.
Z has developed a great rapor with vendors and agency representatives as well as client relations.

Communication:
Z excels at her ability to clearly and convincingly express her ideas, facts, suggestions and direction in a written and oral manner. Z presents herself well to staff as well as clients. Z is instrumental in her ability to flow the activity within the office as well as on the field with maintenance staff to get the job done.

Boss is exactly the same in person - speech is jumbled and nonsensical. And boss thinks boss is better than most of our clients.

Fortune: One day you will have stupid boss.

MARKET BASKET 3:pm PM yesterday - m4w

2008-01-26T22:52:00.000-05:00

Reply to: pers-5xxxx035@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-01-26, 7:01AM EST
tall good looking blond. you hare nice flowers and I was tolking to you abouter. email me
Location: concord

Heh?

Fortune: Life is not a struggle. It's a wiggle.

HWW=Hot Women Wanted - m4w

2008-01-20T20:53:00.000-05:00

Reply to: pers-5xxx655@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-01-19, 10:09PM EST
Is it too much to ask? One question! Where are all of the hot females in NH? It is so hard to find hot women on the internet, as it probably is to find a hot guy. I just sit back and read the profiles and come to the conclusion that I either have to lower standards or go venture out and try to meet someone face to face. Atleast there you know that your getting the most up to date profile, in person, nothing to hide. I guess what i am getting at is that i have missed the connections with the beautiful women i've been around and am just seeking to regain the things that i took for granted, hot friends. Where the hell are they. Please help!
PS: I am really not shallow, just honest.
Location: All Over NH

Dude. You've got to be kidding me.

Fortune: You may have to repeat yourself to be understood.

Freecycle Gone Wrong

2008-01-13T21:35:00.000-05:00

Offer in Kittery
I have three bags of unopened icing that is found in cinnamon rolls in the refrg.'d section at the grocery store. We are dieting so I don't want these...PU can be today. tx Nancy

What's more ridiculous? The icing being offered or Nancy thinking cinnamon rolls without icing are okay when dieting? (How many have they eaten now that 3 bags have accumulated!?) No one wants this icing, right? I guess there is such a thing as over doing waste conscientiousness (when you are weight conscious).

I picture Will Ferrell emailing her, "Dear Nancy, I'll take those 3 bags off your hands. The wife and I love slathering up in icing and licking it off of each other..."

I dunno. She's asking for trouble with that offer.

Fortune: The wheel of good fortune is finally turning in your direction!

NAPA DELIVERY GIRL

2008-01-03T19:46:00.000-05:00

NAPA DELIVERY GIRL - m4w - 27
Reply to: pers-xxxxx676@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-01-03, 4:25PM EST
YOU THE ONE I EYE EVERYDAY WHEN YOU BRING ME MY PARTS IN ROCHESTER, BEUTIFUL SMILE, KILLER LOOKS MMMMM, I JUST WANT TO HAVE A NIGHT OF WILD TIMES WITH YOU. YOU HAVE THE MOST SEXY EYES I HOPE YOU SEE THIS POSTING. TODAY WE CHATTED OUTSIDE WHILE I SMOKED A BUTT, AND YOU WERE TELLING ME ABOUT THE NEW TRUCKS YOU GUYS GOT, AND I JUST COULD STOP THINKING ABOUT HOW BAD I WANT TO HAVE YOU. I REALLY HOPE YOU READ THIS. I DONT KNOW IF YOIU HAVE A BOYFRIEND, AND REALLY I DONT CARE, I DONT WANT A RELATIONSHIP. I JUST WANT YOU ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!

Just what a gal wants to hear from a guy...

Fortune: Do not rely on those who do not care about you.

One Million Dollars

2008-01-02T22:03:00.000-05:00

This is ugly, right? Bad, bad, bad architect/architecture. Built in 2004. Price tag: $999,999.00.
The ad boasts, "This quality built Colonial has a Victorian flair and is finished in Feng Shui design..." Uh. Right.

Fortune: Think of the danger while things are going smoothly.

Nubble Wedding

2007-12-26T19:22:00.000-05:00

There was a gusty wind. The groom's dad officiated. There was giggling. There were tears of joy. Readings were excerpts from Elvis Costello & Johnny Cash/June Carter songs. Lots of smiles. (I love it when the bride and groom wear jeans.) A lovely Christmas Eve morning ceremony. And the two, with 3 boys from their previous marriages, will have a girl in March.

Looks like I photographed a TV screen...

The big question: how long will my new white fuzzy slippers stay white?

Fortune: A vacation by sea is in store for you.

It is Squirrel Proof

2007-12-20T18:35:00.000-05:00

The suet holder/feeder - hung where the squirrels can't get it.

Fortune: Working out the kinks will make for a better tomorrow.

Your one hot ticket

2007-12-19T22:30:00.001-05:00

Retired the Hullahoop to Shovel Snow - m4w - 41
Reply to: pers-245@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-12-19, 8:47PM EST
I got a kick watching you all summer. Now I have the pleasure watching you shovel snow. Your one hot ticket.
Location: White Mts

My one hot ticket?

Fortune: Versatility is one of your outstanding traits.

I am beyond tired

2007-12-10T21:38:00.000-05:00

I am beyond tired - m4w - 25
Reply to: pers-313@craigslist.org
and after tomorrow I could forever melt in your arms, feel secure, drown in your aura, your scent, tight in the clasp between your legs, I surrender, our bodies, our body heats wax, and into the fire we smile
Location: indoors

It's like nails on a chalkboard when I read that. Is it supposed to be romantic? Is it romantic?

Fortune: You could realize solid gains today.

Tale of an Annoying Boss

2007-12-03T20:12:00.000-05:00

Boss is at the reception desk, which is about 5 feet away from my desk. Boss is assisting a client with paperwork. Boss has been helping client for about 15 minutes. I can hear everything boss and client are discussing. Boss knows this as boss has included me in parts of the conversation. Phone rings. I answer. Call is for boss.

me: It's Bob Bobbers - do you wanna talk to him or should I tell him you'll call him back?
boss: Can you tell him I'll call him back? I'm meeting with a client right now.

Oh. Is that what you're doing? I had no idea.
Really. Boss says it like I have no clue. Perhaps boss wanted me to tell Bob Bobbers, "boss is with a client." But Bob Bobbers doesn't need to know why boss can't take his call.

Boss did something similar awhile ago whilst an auditor was in our office. I answered the phone. Call was for boss. It was the director of one of our programs. Boss was on another line. As per usual, when someone important calls I let boss know - even if boss is on another line.

me: Big Wig is on the other line. Wanna take the call or should I tell him you'll call him back?
boss: (suddenly talking loud enough for auditor to hear) Big Wig is the director of the ABC program - I'll take his call.

No shit? I had no idea Big Wig directed that program. Thanks for pointing that out, twit.

Fortune: Working out the kinks today will make for a better tomorrow.

Downey Woodpecker?

2007-11-28T18:51:00.000-05:00

This guy was spied whilst I was raking a few weeks ago. Maybe he's related the guy who flew in for a visit at Mainelife's pad...

Fortune: The greatest patience is humility.

Spotted Today in Portsmouth

2007-11-18T21:47:00.000-05:00

Fortune: Every day there's sad news, but each day itself is glad news.

What Happens When You Don't Read the Manual

2007-11-01T20:38:00.000-04:00

For some shots from the Portsmouth Halloween Parade by photogs who know how to use their cameras try here here and here.

Fortune: You are sociable and entertaining.

Beach Booty

2007-10-22T20:00:00.001-04:00

Fortune: 7/5ths of all people do not understand fractions.

hot brunnette driving ur dad around - m4w - 34

2007-10-11T19:49:00.000-04:00

Reply to: pers-445xxxxx7@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-10-10, 11:42PM EDT
every time i see u running arons with ur dad ur hott u drive a bmw and come often to my buisness love to chat tell me ur dads name so i know its u if u see this hun ur HOTT!!
Location: nashua

Is it acceptable to be an atrocious speller?
arons = errands
"UR hot" makes sense.
"Driving UR dad around" does not.
Why the extra T in hot? Is that how the kids spell it nowadays?

hot brunette at walgreens rochester - m4w - 42
Reply to: pers-442xxxxx1@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-10-07, 10:45AM EDT
We made eye to eye contact for a few minutes as you walked by , went down to an isle as I walked to other side of store, you left I left you got in white car and went up main st. I watched you walk to car in front of me.....niceeeeee,you are hot........You were looking at me in store I think trying to read my nascar shirt, 8 reasons why I hate #24
Location: rochester

Punctuation is clearly deader-er than chivalry.
I like the "niceeeeee" on account of the E being silent for so long.

Fortune: Son said, "Even Popeye didn't eat his spinach until he had to."

It's illegal to cut across lot to avoid light

2007-10-01T12:54:00.000-04:00

Do folks really have no clue about this? I'm pretty sure it is taught in driver ed.
From today's Portsmouth Herald:

Traffic tip of the week
By Karen Dandurant
October 01, 2007 6:00 AM
PORTSMOUTH — Did you know driving through a gas station to avoid a red light is illegal in New Hampshire?
State police say enough people do not know about that or other small and sometimes obscure laws, so they've decided to issue periodic traffic-safety reminders.
The idea came from Lt. John G. LeLacheur of Troop B. He brought it to his superiors and will lead the charge to educate the public.
One of this week's law tips is the above. It is illegal for any driver to cut across public or private property to avoid a traffic control signal or sign.
"This one happens mostly in congested areas," LeLacheur said. "People come up to an intersection and are third or fourth in line. Instead of waiting, they cut through a parking lot. This puts a lot of congestion in the lots and the owners do not like it."
There are many such laws on the books that people might not be aware of.
"If we can start to do quick reminders on a daily or weekly basis on the things people should be doing, it can help," LeLacheur said. "Some of the reminders might be obvious and some might be more obscure."
LeLacheur said police came up with the idea during traffic-enforcement details.
"We'd been running some details, and people were stopped for violations," he said. "I personally found that people I was stopping had no idea that what they were doing was wrong. Some are violations with set fines, others are up to the discretion of a judge. Knowing it's wrong is key, and we feel it's our responsibility to send out updates."
State police plan to send out updates when laws change, too.
"There were a couple of big ones a few years back — the road clearance law and the move over law," he said.
The road clearance law involves minor accidents. LeLacheur said if drivers can safely clear the lane of travel involved, they are required to do so.
"They can pull into a parking lot or a break down lane," he said. "Many people still have the impression they should stay put. We can still investigate if they have moved by looking at the road and talking to drivers and with witnesses."
Not moving can needlessly tie up traffic, he said.
Cell phones are legal to use while driving in New Hampshire, but LeLacheur said there is a law that says if driving and the use of the cell phone is interfering with operation of a motor vehicle, police can stop the car and issue a summons to the driver.

Fortune: A good memory is one trained to forget the trivial.

View From Four Tree Island

2007-09-23T22:57:00.001-04:00

Fortune: Maybe you can live on the moon in next century.

I Heart Mark & Dave

2007-09-20T19:37:00.000-04:00

Excerpts from the Kisses & Disses section in the local paper:

September 11, 2007
From our readers:

Big DISSES to the City of Portsmouth for putting in big, fancy curbs that look nice, but have sharp edges and cause you to pop your tires while going around a corner! I don't know how many times I've almost popped my tire, until a few weeks ago, in the 90 degree heat and a car full of kids, when I was driving around the corner going onto Court Street, and bam, goes my tire hard against the curb, and the kids are all yelling to me "stop the car, can't you hear the air coming out of your tire! You got a flat!" Not only did I get a big gash in my tire, my rim is now all scraped up! Please fix these sharp curbs, and put in the ones that won't damage car rims and pop tires. My husband did the same things two weeks later, and many of my friends have had this same problem! It looks like the tire companies will be making a big profit on tires in this city!
— Paula Glynn, Portsmouth

September 18, 2007
From our readers:

Man alive, did I ever get a kick out of your KISSES and DISSES column in Tuesday's (Sept. 11) edition. It seems Paula Glynn, and possibly others, believe the granite curbing the city installed is too "sharp." Said curbing is to blame for all their tire woes. Manure I say. The granite isn't popping a (darn) thing, the driver is. Your vehicle has no business being on the curbing. Learn to drive and your tires will be better for it. Just the facts, ma'am.
— Mark Morrill, York, Maine

Major KISSES to Paula Glynn, her husband and all her friends who are unable to drive. Thanks for the heads up! Please publish your license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions so that when I see you coming I can get off the sidewalk.
— Dave Chapman, Kittery Point, Maine

The opinions expressed in Kisses & Disses do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Seacoast Media Group. Readers are invited to submit their own Kisses & Disses by e-mail to features@seacoastonline.com. Please keep them short, civil, and whenever possible - humorous. Sorry, we do not print anonymous submissions. Please be sure to include your name and hometown for attribution.

Fortune: Avoid taking unnecessary gambles.

My Pretty Green Rusty Bike

2007-09-19T19:26:00.000-04:00

1972 Schwinn Varsity

Got her at a garage sale last summer. Five bucks. I really just wanted that bullet shaped headlight - it's peddle/wheel powered. But once I went for a spin on Green Varsity, I was in love - her big comfy seat and upright handlebars. I feel like a kid when I go for a ride.

Fortune: Your eyes will soon be sparkling, keep them open.

People who live in glass houses...

2007-09-19T19:16:00.000-04:00

I seen the most PERFECT man again today!! - w4m
Reply to: pers-xxxx52413@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-09-19, 6:02PM EDT
Again he was working in a hole on 111 in Windham NH Near Delahunty Nurseries & Florist. He was the ONLY one with the yellow hard hat on, Someone HELP ME!!!
Location: Windham NH

RE:I seen the most PERFECT man again today!! - w4m - w4m
Reply to: pers-xxxx8249@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-09-19, 6:23PM EDT
Well, let me help you.... I seen??? Great english! How about trying ' I HAVE seen, or I SAW'??? And, "Most perfect?" Thats as bad as "110%"... If I was the subject of your affection, I'd walk away after reading your post...Definately NOT an English major...
Location: S. NH

Um, definitely not.

Fortune: Put your mind into planning today. Look into the future.

Even Bridges Need Weeding

2007-09-17T17:45:00.000-04:00

Fortune: You have an unusual equipment for success, use it properly.

Irving Goes Under

2007-09-16T18:36:00.000-04:00

Fortune: Man who walks sideways through airport turnstile going to Bangkok.

A Life Less Ordinary

2007-09-11T19:36:00.000-04:00

This phrase keeps popping into my head: A Life Less Ordinary.
Am I living my life as I should? I don't think I am completely.
I need something different.
I need to be more creative.
I can create in my garden, but the gardening season is just about over.
I can be creative in my home with the way I decorate, but that doesn't keep me busy every day. I need to make stuff. This is where I have trouble.
I can make stuff for friends - I think of the things they like and I generally have a deadline (birthday or whenever).
It's really hard for me to sit down and just make something with no one in mind, no deadline.
Do I create with things I like?
Do I pretend I'm creating for a specific friend and their likes?
I'm lost. And I get so lost I don't start. Or I start and don't finish.
Meh.
I dunno.
Obviously, I'm feeling out of place.
I think it's my particular 9 to 5 gig.
I don't mind the 9 to 5, but it has to be worth my time and effort.
I like my job alright, but in some ways it is a step down from where I was.
Part of it is the work. Part of it is the people I deal with at work (clients and a coworker).
There's a plan in the future for me at work, but is it going to happen?
Is it even worth waiting for?
I like that it is somewhat laid back, but there's also an element of discomfort.*
I don't like dress codes, either. This is the first job in many years with a dress code.
It is a business casual dress code, but the fact that I can only wear jeans on Fridays is too uptight for me.
Sigh.

*It's kind of ironic that I didn't take a job awhile back because the owner of the company came across as a hot head. Now I have a coworker who causes a lot discomfort - I cannot think of a better word. She's mostly a nice person, but she's got a lot of annoying personality traits. She lacks time management skills. She's borderline racist, if one can be. And she continuously says inappropriate things to clients and around the office - which I'd prefer not to hear.
I've got to do something. Learn to shut her out or tell her to "shut it".

I've also got to create so I can finish this and move on to other projects:

Fortune: Your path is arduous but will be amply rewarding.

Mmm-mmm

2007-09-10T06:29:00.000-04:00

Dear Keebler elves, you make the best Animals Crackers ever. "Good source of calcium" - how can I resist?

Fortune: You are never bitter, deceptive or petty.

What is this?

2007-09-09T18:02:00.001-04:00

Found: under the back stoop - just there, not attached to anything

Length: about 6 inches

Weight: approximately 5 pounds

Material: some kind of non-magnetic metal - or stone - or concrete?

Fortune: Happiness always accompanies you.

Birthday Gifts

2007-09-09T17:51:00.001-04:00

Cinder block and slate garden bench

Printer/Scanner/Copier

Both installed by a handsome, smiling handy man.

Fortune: You will be rewarded for being a good listener.

Charge!

2007-09-09T17:41:00.000-04:00

One of my brother's toys...lovingly restored since 1988 (?).

Fortune: Others see you as lively, friendly and witty.

Before & After

2007-09-02T10:31:00.000-04:00

(skirtless)

Fortune: A journey must begin with a single step.

upper middle class couch bears no evidence of contact with naked ass - $500

2007-08-28T18:41:00.000-04:00

I dunno - is this funny, or does it go just beyond funny and into weirdville?

Reply to: sale-xxxxxxxxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-08-28, 4:31PM EDT
I am offering a very nice, upper middle class couch for sale. The wife and I bought it from Ethan Allen two years ago for thousands. But you know how it is. It doesn't go with the new drapes my wife bought when she was pissed at me for having that obvious affair with my secretary. So we're redecorating. Again.
I'll put it to you this way, this thing has clearly been used. I mean, it's had 3 kids and the dog all over it. But it's a fricking Ethan Allen sofa, people! I paid two grand for it, not two years ago. And it's not like you could afford to buy one of these babies new, now can you?
It's a hell of a couch, if not for the fact that it's from Falmouth, but also because it's particularly resilient. It's had my naked, sweaty, hairy ass on it more times than I can count but you wouldn't know it. That's because I paid extra to have it Scotch-guarded. I'm telling you. It's repelled the stains of semen, vomit, sweat, shrimp scampi, wine, baby spit up, and urine. And that's just what I can recall off the top of my head as I sit at my gorgeous mahogany desk in my Portland office between clients.
There is one place where my extremely high-end exotic cat has badly scratched the couch, but that won't be noticeable to you, Mr. Munjoy Hill.
So please contact me and let me know when you can bring your rusted out Subaru to my semicircle driveway to pick it up. My wife will be happy to pretend she's heartbroken to see her couch go as she looks down her beautifully reshaped nose at you. And I'll be glad to stare hungrily at your 22-year-old girlfriend's fine, fine art school ass as the two of you haul it out through the double doors of our mcfoyer.

Fortune: You may have to repeat yourself to be understood.

Oh Summer - don't leave me

2007-08-27T21:27:00.000-04:00

Fortune: Find release from your concerns and have a good time.

"Rod Iron Metal Scrolled furniture shelf like a small bakers rack - $15"

2007-08-22T18:56:00.001-04:00

Reply to: sale-xxxxxxxxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-08-22, 1:44PM EDT
This is a cute shelf made of a rod iron like metal. It has a green finish and nice scroll work and embellishments. Could have many uses. Cleaning house and making room for new furniture. In New Condition Measurments 19 inches Wide 8 and 1/2 inches Deep 48 Inches Tall $15.00 Priced to go
This item has been posted by-owner.
Location: Gorham
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial

"Rod" iron?

Fortune: You gotta know how to spell it in order to sell it.

What?

2007-08-16T22:07:00.000-04:00

Police: man who lit himself on fire was a local; Suffered from depression
By MICHAEL GOOT
KITTERY, Maine — Police have identified the man who committed self immolation Sunday by dousing himself in gasoline and setting himself ablaze as Nathan C. Gagner.
Gagner, of 135 Whipple Rd, was 27 and suffered from depression, police said.
Police have concluded their investigation and are calling his death a suicide by fire, according to a release from Police Chief Edward Strong.
It was just after 4 p.m. Sunday when Gagner sat himself on the sidewalk outside 75 Whipple Rd. — across from Gate 2 of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard — poured gasoline over his head and ignited a flame.
Witnesses, including one who Foster's has chosen not to name, watched in horror as Gagner burst into flames, seated and silent.
The witness was driving through the area when she came across the incident."
As I was coming down the road, I saw this man pouring gasoline on himself, and a minute later, he was all ablaze," she said. "When I got closer, I couldn't believe it."
Not knowing what to do, she stopped and got out of her car.
The witness added that although she did not get a good look at the man's face, she believed he had long hair and was wearing shorts.
"I've never seen him," she said. "I have no idea who he was."
She said she saw an "older couple" in the area attempting to get the attention of nearby residents.
"They came out with their garden house and they were bringing water out with coolers, pouring it on him," she said.
In photos taken on her cell phone, several people can be seen rushing back between the man and a nearby house with buckets of water, while a couple took turns dousing him with a garden hose.
Steve Alexander, who lives nearby, said he did not witness anything first-hand, but heard that the gentleman bought a container of gasoline at the Exxon station at about 3:30 p.m.
"They said he seemed normal," he said.
The Kittery Police Department and the Kittery Fire Department responded to the scene soon thereafter, extinguishing the fire. Gagner was then taken by ambulance to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead at 5:30 p.m.
Portsmouth police became involved when he died.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard spokeswoman Danna Eddy confirmed that the incident happened off shipyard property, so the public relations office was not involved.
Multiple ambulances and fire trucks from the Kittery and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Fire departments had responded to the scene, Alexander said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with his family," Alexander said.
An evidence technician from the New Hampshire Medical Examiner's Office said the medical examiner would determine the cause of death, but had no other information.
Any further questions should be directed to Chief Edward Strong by phone or email, edstrongkitterypolice.com

This is perplexing - tragic, sad, etc. But what I think is strange is the witness taking pictures. Was she doing it upon request of police personnel? Or just thinking, "this is something you don't see everyday..."
I don't get it.

Fortune: Your courage will bring you honor.

The Loons on Lake Sunapee

2007-08-13T20:25:00.000-04:00

Fortune: A smile is your passport into the hearts of others.

If I had some money...

2007-08-05T23:37:00.000-04:00

I'd buy her and restore her...even though she has no heating, plumbing, bathroom, or kitchen. Sigh. I thinks she's so pretty, especially her curlicue dormer trim...
Details here. Sale pending.

Fortune: What's vice today may be virtue tomorrow.

Birdhouse Project

2007-08-01T22:08:00.001-04:00

before after

Fortune: Fortune truly helps those who are of good judgment.

Sick Boys

2007-07-30T20:34:00.000-04:00

Saw Social Distortion (only 2 of these gents are currently in the band..?) last night at the Casino Ballroom in Hampton and had quite the fun time. A hot, sweaty, good time followed by a dip in the ocean. It always feels good to be surrounded by loud music, fun friends and the heavily tattooed.

Fortune: Happiness is a state of mind.

Another Rant

2007-07-30T20:15:00.000-04:00

While I was away for the weekend, a young man lost his life while speeding through our small Wallingford Square. I feel for the family, friends, and others in his life (I wholeheartedly do - I know the sadness and pain of dealing with an unexpected death, especially the unexpected death of young person - and I understand mourners need to grieve), but I'm a little pissed off about the memorial that has popped up at the crash site.
Aside from the fact that the young man died there, (he didn't live there - why do those that know/knew/didn't know him feel the need to commemorate him there?) he also narrowly missed at least 2 pedestrians there. That's the site where 2 more meaningless deaths might have happened. That's the site where a thoughtless guy drove recklessly (60 mph in a 25 mph zone) - endangering other people's lives. I feel it's disrespectful to Kittery residents that this young man is being memorialized at the spot where others could have been badly hurt or killed by his actions. That's my route home - my friends' and neighbors' route home.
One of the pedestrians who wasn't seriously hurt was a neighbor - he was sprayed with glass from the crash. (The guy walking with him supposedly got glass in his eyes.) I'm sorry Justin Harding lost his life in such an awful way, but I don't think his memorial belongs in the square.

Weekend Getaway

2007-07-30T20:05:00.000-04:00

Went down to the Albany, New York area for the weekend. Hung out in the country with friends and llamas.

The old(er) Fosters gang.

Everyone.

Celia Thaxter's Garden

2007-07-30T19:29:00.001-04:00

My friends and I went out to Appledore Island Wednesday to tour the surprisingly small garden of Ms Thaxter. It was beautiful and we had a nice (albeit hot) clear day. I took around 50 pics - these are a few highlights....

Fortune: You are heading for a land of sunshine.

I Spy

2007-07-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

This week it was a crane and a heron (Tuesday's drive home from work). Last week it was 4 turkeys.

I wish I had been able to take photos.

Fortune: Be prepared to receive something special.

Turkish Delights & Greek Treats

2007-07-23T20:15:00.000-04:00

Fortune: Today's a day to nourish yourself. Feed yourself well.

Festival: From the Greek for delicious

2007-07-20T19:12:00.000-04:00

By Rachel Forrest
features@seacoastonline.com
July 18, 2007

The menu at this year's Greek Festival at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Portsmouth reads like ancient poetry — dolmathikia, those tangy, tender packets of rice and beef stuffed inside grape leaves; spanakopita, flaky filo-layered spinach; and all those pastries, well, some of the names might require a little help to pronounce if you didn't grow up with them. There's koulourakia, kataife and galaktobouriko, all a mouthful on a few different levels.
On July 20, 21 and 22 there will be plenty of Greek chefs on hand at the festival to help navigate not only the words but the cuisine of Greece, all the fresh ingredients from the Mediterranean, the eggplant, tomatoes and sweet dripping honey, all the dishes that so many have been working on for months.
John and Lorry Hartofelis oversaw the creation of thousands of pastries for the festival this year.
"We had a Greek and American pastry shop in Manchester where we did all scratch baking. We do the homemade cookies. It's all butter, not margarine. We made 3,500 butter twist cookies alone with the ladies," Lorry Hartofelis says.
Hartofelis says that consistency is key in making so many cookies, including the 2,000 sweet butter cookies called kourambiethes, with finely chopped almonds and powdered sugar.
"My husband does all the mixing and I set up the ovens. We have to organize the ladies and make sure the cookies are all one size. It all needs to come out the same way and you need to be sure of the product. We're very fortunate to have the older ladies to help us. There are some younger ladies, too!"
Bess Jack helps with the festival every year.
"We gathered 17 women to make the cookies and someone donated the baklava, someone the shredded cookies with filo. It's all homemade, not store bought this year and the Hartofelises came four times to watch us make it all," Jack says.
Also homemade is the moussaka, layers of eggplant, cheeses and beef with a rich bechamel sauce. This year, the dish is being made by one person.
"At our Taste of Greece Festival last year there were a few different moussakas but everyone came back to the one made by Moutoula Miminas. Everyone was crazy about it. We called her the Queen of Moussaka," Jack says.
This year Miminas, who owns Town Pizza in Kittery, Maine, where she sells Greek specialties in addition to traditional pizza, is making a whopping 50 pans of her family-recipe moussaka.
"My mother made it the way I do," says Miminas. "It's made from all good and fresh stuff — 90 percent lean beef, fresh eggplant, tomato, zucchini. It's taking me two days to make it all."
Miminas is also making the fried dough cookies called, loukoumathes,deep fried dough balls traditionally drizzled with warm honey syrup.
"But I don't use honey, I use 100 percent sugar that becomes a syrup. I've been making it for about 10 years for the festival."
Sam Jarvis, happy in retirement since New Year's Eve after decades as the owner of The Metro Restaurant in Portsmouth, is also looking forward to helping this year.
"I'm going to be working in the kitchen! I might be a prep cook. I'll help make the barbecued chicken, the lamb shanks, the skewers. It's all the foods I'm familiar with and I like the music, the dancing, the socializing. This year there's also a Greek shopping section where you can buy the Greek staple ingredients."
Pastichio with macaroni and beef, grilled loucanico sausage and grilled souvlaki with skewers of chicken will be offered as well in complete dinners all for under $11. And get ready to enjoy some new words when you ask for some of the many delicious pastries this year, all made with the love of Greece and Greek cuisine by the people who know it best.
"We enjoy making all these cookies" says Hartofelis. "The congregation is wonderful and it makes us feel good."

GO & DO
What: Greek Festival 2007
When: Friday, July 20, from 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, July 21, from 11 a.m., to 11 p.m.; on Sunday, July 22, from 1 to 7 p.m.
Where: On the grounds of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Portsmouth, 40 Andrew Jarvis Drive
Cost: A donation of $3 per person is appreciated. Proceeds from the Greek Festival 2007 go toward the operating expenses of the church.
Contact: Contact the church office at 436-2733.
Details: A splendid variety of Greek foods will be offered and there will be music to dance to, a dance exhibition by church youth, cultural tables, church tours, souvenirs, raffles and more. Live musical entertainment will feature Ta Pethia and The Makredes Ensemble. Continuous music also provided by D.J. Meleti.

Fortune: May you have a good appetite.

Kitchen Corner

2007-07-15T20:26:00.000-04:00

I love these colors together. I used to use a towel under the dish strainer/drainer/dryer, but a thrifted fitty cent cafeteria tray really is a better idea.

Gardens

2007-07-15T17:52:00.000-04:00

Boyfriend's parents' beautiful, wonderful garden peppers in the buckets along the edge of the upper garden

tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, and grapes
onions and green beans

cabbage too

In my garden: the elusive, cookie-eyed boy

caught one! he's yummy

Fortune: You won't be bored for long! New adventures are on their way.

Tear it Down

2007-07-11T20:54:00.000-04:00

I hope they salvaged that beautiful finial.

You lazy, crazy dog owner, you...

2007-07-11T20:01:00.000-04:00

It's disturbing to ride your bike down a little, dead end, residential public road and have a huge doggie run out at you barking, lunging it's head at your peddling feet. More disturbing is seeing no human owner. Hearing not a yell from the owner. Nothing.
My instinct had me raising my foot up and away from the peddle and the doggie who was surely trying to bite my ankle and tear it into shreds. I did not have the instinct to kick the doggie in the head, at least not until my heart stopped racing.
What the hell, dog owner? Why should I have to deal with your dog when I'm riding my bike? Where the hell are you? And who's watching your dog?
This is one of my peeves. It is so annoying when I'm out running and a dog starts to run at me and I have to stop because it's up righted itself and has its paws on me. And always the dog owner is chit-chatting away with someone - too busy to make an effort to control their dog until it has already interrupted my run. "Oh, he won't bite." Lady, I don't care - if it's charging at me and jumping up at me I'm bothered.
Once, this dog owner was on the stoop letting his little doggie out in the morning. I ran by and little doggie is at my heels yipping and snapping at my running pants. I had to stop so I wouldn't step on it as it ran around my feet. All the while dog owner is calling for the dog but not moving from the stoop.
Would the dog I encountered today have attacked if I was on foot? Or was he all excited by the speed of my bike? What would have happened if I had been pushing a baby stroller or had little children with me? (Caution: tangent and a lot of poor sentence structure. I like using that question when referring to dogs and idiots who stop on or cut off folks walking in crosswalks. Because: everyone always questions whether events are child or family friendly and I get so sick of no one questioning whether events are people-in-general friendly. It's as if those without family or children aren't considered. Don't get me wrong. It's great to have all types of people involved in events, but children and families aren't the only ones who count in the tax paying populous. So, I use the "what about the children" question when talking about dog attacks and crosswalk malfeasance because these are the few times the question should be asked. But it actually diminishes the fact that no person -regardless of age, size, speed, intelligence- should have to put up with other people's thoughtlessness. I'm so glad only about 3 people read this blog. Raving. Lunatic. That's what happens to me when dogs attack. Or at least sort of attack. Or bark viciously and chase.)
Do you think I have the right to kick and/or step on threatening dogs? Can I get arrested for that? It would be in self defense. I'm not a violent person. I couldn't even kill the mouse I caught ransacking my kitchen.
But, you - dog owner, what gives you the right to let your dog out unattended? Or to be so lax with your dog's behavior in public places? To the dog owner on Lawrence Street in Kittery Point, if it happens again I'm gonna tell!

Fortune: Ideas you may believe are absurd ultimately lead to success.

Holy Moly

2007-07-10T20:42:00.000-04:00

Today was hell day at work. Hell I tell you.
Yesterday I was thinking, "maybe I should stick with this job." The pay sucks, but there are lots of holidays and we get to leave at 2pm on Fridays during the summer if all our work is done. And the hours are only 9-5, not that I ever have time to take my paid lunch break. Nope, I'm not utilized to my full potential, I'm doing clerical work half the time, but the time off is great.
I know, I sounds like an airhead.
Today my mind was completely changed. My thought was, "Run away - fast!" Between one client hosting an underage drinking party, to another client calling the cops on yet another client, to one client punching another - it's like babysitting children. And that was only part of it.
I don't even want to think about it anymore.
You know how the good (old) self help guides tell people to surround themselves with successful people to become successful? Surround yourself with positive people to become more positive - whatever. Insert your own word. I'm surrounded by losers and all their negativity. It's like being trapped in a cage or something. It's miserable. And it won't be long before I become a miserable loser, too. (See - the negativity is already seeping in and I can smell the loserness on my clothes when I get home.)
No thanks.
I feel like giving 2 weeks notice tomorrow. Not the smartest thing to do with no job lined up.
Come on job prospects (shake, shake, shake - roll the dice).

Fortune: You are soon going to change your present line of work.

Market Square to Wallingford Square on foot

2007-07-09T19:08:00.000-04:00

Fortune: You will step on the soil of many countries.

Who invited you?

2007-07-08T18:47:00.000-04:00

There were 2 hawks (the photos are of the same one) whom attended Baruch's* first birthday party.

Fortune: You have richness in your soul.

*spelling help please, boyfriend.

The Works

2007-07-06T18:25:00.000-04:00

Where was I when 4th of July firework displays got moved to the 3rd?
I don't like it.
I bypassed Portsmouth's spectacular display because I wasn't in the mood on the 3rd. By the 4th I was, but by then it was just too late. My other peeve about Portsmouth's display: it goes on too long. I love watching fireworks, but after 30 minutes it's hard to remain impressed. Especially when you know they're saving all the good stuff for the finale. Maybe if I was in a horizontal position it would be better. I dunno.
Maybe I'm just old.

Fortune: Idleness is the holiday of fools.

4th of July

2007-07-05T19:34:00.000-04:00

Fortune: He who hurries cannot walk with dignity.

Moonlight

2007-07-01T23:17:00.000-04:00

Fortune: A heavy burden is lifted with a phone message or letter.

The Evening Commute

2007-06-27T19:49:00.001-04:00

I may not be thrilled with my current job or its Dover location, but I certainly cannot complain about the commute...

Fortune: Every truly great accomplishment is at first impossible.

"Daryl Hall is... at home in Kittery"

2007-06-24T17:21:00.000-04:00

You would think a title such as this would be a piece about -well- Daryl Hall feeling at home in Kittery. I didn't expect a bio on his music career. Very disappointing, Ms Cicco/Portsmouth Herald.

I can't believe the weekend is drawing to an end. Too short. Four day work week. Four day work week. Makes so much more sense to me...

The job search continues this week. Stay where I am with slowly added responsibilities, slowly added pay increases? (Leaning away from this because I don't think the added responsibilities are where my interests lie. And why can't they increase my pay now?! I've proven my abilities and skills above and beyond expectations - 25 more days until my probationary period is up.) One prospect on the horizon, but not enough info as of yet to make a decision about whether it is worth pursuing or not. Two resumes on their way out. My pet peeve with job hunting: job listings with no mention of pay range. You're wasting my time and yours by not telling me the salary before I even send you my resume. Is it okay to ask about the bucks when they call to schedule an interview?

Fortune: The hard times will begin to fade. Joy will take their place.

Friday Sky

2007-06-22T20:06:00.000-04:00

Fortune: Get your mind set - confidence will lead you on.