Theothercheek

2001-12-23T07:46:00.000-05:00

"The Cheek has left the building................." Santa's elves were very busy this week ! Santa, KD, cracked her whip into the wee hours of the morning. Several of the elves, Dave, Melly, and Eric, may be filling a formal complaint with Elf Local 111. But, the fruit of their labors has given birth to the all new and improved TheOtherCheekMy hat is off to them !!! ( I'd take off other stuff, too --- but I don't want to make them ill !!!! (Those elves have enough problems )

This is one of the best Christmas presents that I've ever received ! Not only do I now have a smashing new blog design hosted at Moveable Type but

"I'VE GOT COMMENTS !!!!!!!!"

YES, Virginia --------- there is a Santa Claus. She's my Interneck Fairy Godmother, KD !

I thank Santa KD and her elves, D, Melly, and Eric from the bottom of my heart !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2001-12-21T23:58:00.000-05:00

Ages 4 and 89

While shopping yesterday, I bumped into the sweetest 4 year old child. She had "stick-up" hair, huge blue eyes, and a smile that wouldn't stop. I asked her if she was waiting for Santa to come..........yikes! Dad got a panicky look on his face and immediately said, "All our gifts are mailed. " I guess my puzzled facial expression came through loud and clear because he immediately spelled out, "S-c-a-r-ed of S-a-n-t-a. We have all our gifts mailed from the North Pole." I commend these parents for their ingenuity. Santa is kinda scary.........big fella with a booming voice, big red suit, little elves running all around, and he's got reindeer pulling a big sled full of gifts. A rather scary sight for a 4 year old. Wait till she finds out about Postal Workers !!!

Visited my friend's Dad, Bill, in the hospital. He's 89. He got hit by a car on Monday night------while riding his bike home from work. Bill rides his bike about 5 miles every day, still works, has all his faculties, and has nary a facial wrinkle. What a guy! His only injury? A Fractured left ankle !! He had a spinal anesthetic for the surgery to pin the fx. and was not "put to sleep". He gave me a blow by blow of the entire event. All in all, he's doing great. He's looking forward to his time in rehab..........he's heard the food there is great. His biggest worry? Why, he just had new tires put on his bike...........he's not seen the bike yet and is wondering if the damn thing is a total loss.

4 and 89 = amazing

2001-12-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

Christmas Memories Cheek Style

Reading BobtheCorgi today reminded me of a Christmas past here in Shickshinny. Memories of Christmas Past----------

Christmas 1980. Joe and I were attending the hospital party..................traditionally, we stayed at the hotel that hosted the party and the Cheek child stayed at my mom's (Nana). This year the Cheek child was 15 and she wanted to "sleep over" a friend's house. So, we broke with tradition, packed her up, and sent her off to Jen's house. OR SO WE THOUGHT...........

The official party broke up around 2 a.m. We went to the hotel room to change clothes and join others for a post party being held in one of the rooms. Upon entering the room, I saw the phone's red button flashing. I assumed it was one of the other couple's who were also staying at the hotel. NOT. Message: "Call your mom's asap." Yikes.......now I am thinking one of my parents got sick, died, fell..............NOT. My dad answers the phone..............."Call Nana. She's at your house." I did. Message from Nana: "You better get home, there's been quite the holiday event here."

Too make a long story short, we get changed and drive home. We are greeted by the site of our daughter's underwear hanging from a birch tree in our front yard.

Conclusion: the Cheek Child was grounded for the entire holiday season. I never found any evidence of alchohol ( key phrase: never found) Initially, she told us the guests numbered around 35---------but as time has passed the truth has arisen from the ashes....................SHE INVITED THE ENTIRE SOPHOMORE CLASS !!!!!!!!!!! and they were joined by other "friends" from as far away as 30 miles)

It's become one of our holiday legend's. Ah, sweet memories! Nothing like the sight of thong underwear belonging to your daughter greeting you as you pull in the driveway, now is there?

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it ?

2001-12-20T18:11:00.000-05:00

Loose ends...

I'll be tying up the holiday "loose ends" over the next four days. I am in fear for my life at this point because this is the furthest "ahead" of the Christmas game that I've ever been in my life. (I just love run-on sentences) 1.Cards mailed 2.Gifts bought 3.Gifts wrapped 4.Interior and exterior of house decorated and lit up to beat the band !! 5.Cookies in progress (to be baked tomorrow: delicious chocolate crinkles, Italian white cookies, and a prune delicacy for a very special friend)

Now I lay me down to sleep, A computer keyboard at my feet, If I should die before I wake, I'll be really ticked that I didn't charge that new laptop ! : : : poetic license pending : : :

2001-12-19T15:26:00.000-05:00

Kindergarten Re-visited

The pushing, the shoving, the back biting, the gossip .........it all simply amazes me. It is alleged that I work with highly educated professional people. Keyword=alleged. These people are "professionals" but I am finding out that education doesn't automatically ensure manners. "All I need to know, I learned in kindergarten".....remember that book? If any of you have 30 copies--- let me know. I'll buy them and give them as late Christmas gifts to the operating room staff at my present place of employment.

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School.

These are the things I learned. Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life-learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup-they all die. So do we. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned-the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living. Take any of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or your government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if all-the whole world-had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had a basic policy to always put thing back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are-when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together. By Robert Fulghum

Amen.

2001-12-17T15:06:00.000-05:00

If I were a Dead Russian Composer, I would be Sergei Rakhmaninov.

I lived in the early Twentieth Century and was well known for my compositional, conducting, gas passing, and piano skills, yet I am melancholy despite this talent. My famous works include my nearly-impossible piano concerto and my baking talents.

Who would you be? Dead Russian Composer Personality Test

2001-12-17T07:39:00.000-05:00

THE MALL

Well, I put it off long enough.........only 8 shopping days till Christmas. I am off to the dreaded "MALL" today. The enticement? A nice big percent off "EVERYTHING' coupon from the Bon Ton Dept. Store. So, in a few minutes I'll be waking up the Cheek Child and off we go......

2001-12-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

Missing comments........

I really miss my comments sections and I can't wait to move. My RL friends are sooooooooooo funny. Dave, from Houston, sent me an order in response to my comment about my new Super Duper Kitchen Aid Epicurean Mixer." I can know mix concrete in my own kitchen. New driveway anyone? I can get right on it." Dave's reply, "Get down here and make me a chocolate chip driveway."

I hate not having comments. I hate it. I hate it . I hate it. Snor and reBlogger are like the Grinches that swiped Christmas.

I'll be moving soon. That's what I keep telling myself.............but it's not making me feel any less pain. So, if you have any comments-----------email me, please. I'll post some of them. I really miss my comments. ("sniff" "sniff")

Speaking of sniffles----------Brooks, I don't see Carol whining about her illness...........I guess it 's a man thing.

2001-12-15T18:04:00.000-05:00

Re: Santa and other stuff from Shickshinny

That Brooks boy just loves to talk about "Shickshinny". Read him today !

Things that happened today, December 15th (9 shopping days till youknowwhat) : a. Had one case at the hospital this afternoon (it's my weekend on call: 64 hours with a pager around my neck like a noose). Psycho orthopod was in a hurry so we finished a hip repair in less that one hour---Yipee! b. Had a "special visitor". Was leaving for hospital when I heard sirens, whistles, and bells-------really startled me! Then, a man came running into our yard. "Do you have any small children ?" he yelled in my direction. I responded, "Why? What do you need?" (I was about to sacrifice the Cheek Husband to this guy---thought it was a reclamation effort of some sort) "Santa's here!" he replied. And, lo and behold, Santa came into our driveway on the Shickshinny firetruck. He had the naughty and nice list with him and he wanted me to check it twice. Especially the bloggers list----------what list do all of you out there in blog land think you were put? Not to worry, Hoopty old boy! I got YOU on the good list by merely "omitting" a few things. c. Started to plan my new blog page. This is sooooooo exciting. Thanks to Ciocia K and Stryj E! Now, those two are at the top of the Shickshinny Santa "nice" list. d. Finished decorating the porch. e. Fired up my brand spanking new Epicurean Kitchen Aid Mixer. I sent Joe to get a new one------I wanted the nice moderately sized 300 watt model. Well, seems this Epicurean model has about 100 plus more horsepower (wattage) so the Mr. bought it. Men and wattage-----what's that all about? I can know mix concrete in my own kitchen. New driveway anyone? I can get right on it. f. I'm enjoying some time alone.............the CheekChild has gone to work and the CheekHubby is gone to his mum's (his brother is here for the obligatory pre-Christmas visit)

2001-12-15T08:41:00.000-05:00

THE BIG MOVE

It's a helluva time to move------- but due to the nature of the blogger beast and the snorland comments-------I really have no other choice. With the help of my Interneck FairyGodParents, Ciocia (Auntie) Kd (pronounced Cho-Chi) and Stryj (Uncle) Eric the html challenged OtherCheek shall be moving to a sub-domain over at Surreally.com

The blogwarming event shall be a gala event. Day, date, time, and url to be announced soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2001-12-13T20:55:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa: Can u please send me the html for a freakin' comments section that doesn't disappear once a week? You must have a geek-elf somewhere in that pack of wee ones running around the North Pole! If he needs help please tell him to call KD. She can be found over at Surreally

P.S. If u can't send a decent comments section, send me a laptop.

Love, theothercheek
P.P.S. The vodka will be in the fridge this year. (YOU know where the rest of the stuff can be found.)

2001-12-13T06:37:00.000-05:00

"ALL CLEAR" "ALL CLEAR"

Ah, the morning after........Unlike a hangover, the coniption fit morning after has me feeling much better.I only regret I missed the premiere Zlist chat. You can't beat a good coniption fit. Try it--you'll like it. .

2001-12-12T21:18:00.000-05:00

Beware------------

It was overdue---------but it happened tonight. I just finished my annual hormonal psychotic coniption fit of rage. Balancing one full-time and two part-time jobs while preparing for Christmas can probably get to a sane person (which I am not, but I bet it could). I screeched at everyone------"Not enough lights on the damned tree!" "Where are my lights on the damn deck?" "Who the hell put my papers on the damned desk?" (I say damn a LOT during these coniption fits (plus a few other words which might get me kicked off blogger forever). Even the dog gets it: "Look, Mag------it's physically impossible for you and I to occupy the same space. Want to GO to the SPCA? " (Of course , he only hears the word go and merrily wags his tail and looks at his leash.)

They could save themselves a lot of grief if only they would listen to me.To quote a very wise man I knew while growing up : "I tell them and I tell them---------- and STILL they don't listen.

Tomorrow is another day. I am not fit for human company so I shall skip the first ever ZList chat. It's for the best.

NIte, all.

2001-12-12T00:14:00.000-05:00

More Surprises for KD !!!

Let's all run through KD's place Nekkid today! In honor of her birthday ! Ok, everyone ready? Grab YOUR Birthday Suit and let's go !!!

2001-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Who's that LADY? Sexy Lady! "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KD !!!"

Special birthday wishes going out to Ms. Kd of Surreally !!!

I met Kd on the net just a few short months ago. And, believe me it's been all my pleasure ! She's helped me immensely with my blog html (html challenged here as you all know) ! She's always got time for everyone!

She can be read at Surreally and at Bad Sam She traverses the internet with the speed of light----- leaving brilliant comments behind as she goes !

My sincerest wishes for a very happy birthday, Kd. May all your wishes come true !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Nya Nya, Tracy ! I got the first official birthday wish post (e.s.t) ! So there! No matter what this blog time states: it's 12/12/01 12:01 a.m. here in Cheekville !

2001-12-11T02:54:00.000-05:00

Christmas Traditions: "First Star"

Being of Lithuanian descent, I've permanently borrowed a Polish Tradition at Christmas time. On Christmas Eve, as the first star twinkles in the sky, we will all sit down to Wiligia ("vi-lee-a ").

The traditional Christmas Eve supper consists of twelve dishes representing the twelve months of the year. No meat is served during the supper, only fish, usually herring, carp or pike. We digress from this menu because if we didn't no one would eat! Shrimp, haddock filet, and whiting will replace the carp or pike but the pickled herring remains part of the fare. Other traditional dishes appearing on the table include red borscht, mushroom or fish soup, sauerkraut with wild mushrooms or peas, dried fruit compote and kutia, a dessert especially popular in eastern Poland. Kutia is a puddiing of honey, nuts, etc. In it's place we have nut and poppy seed rolls. Boiled or fried pierogis, Polish dumplings with a wide variety of fillings, are among the most popular Polish dishes. For the Christmas Eve supper, pierogis are usually made with sauerkraut and mushrooms (our pierogi will be filled with potato and cheese) Straw placed strategically under the tablecloth signifies the birth of Jesus in a manger.

The meal will begin with the wafer which is specially blessed. It is passed from oldest to youngest at the table. There will be a toast and the feast begins!

This year we expect 14 people but there will be 16 places set at the Wiligia. In prior years there was always one extra place setting for Baby Jesus. This year I have decided to set an additonal place---- the 16th will be to remember those who are fighting for our country across the ocean------ those men and women who will not be able to share Christmas with their loved ones.

As we have no "Santa believers" at this time, we open our gifts on Christmas Eve. Someone near and dear to us has agreed to play Santa. I certainly hope he is practicing his Ho-Ho-Ho's as I write this blog.

At 10 p.m we are off to Christmas Mass.

We've grown so fond of this traditon-----------it's the 22nd Wiligia we're celebrating here in Shickshinny. 'Tis the reason for the season!

2001-12-11T01:53:00.000-05:00

~~Christmas~~ Holiday Cards

Time to write out the ~~Christmas~~ Holiday cards! A monumental task!

The first step is buying the cards. Oy vey! Matka Boja! Which card? Religious? Non-sectarian? Funny? Flashy? Tasteful? Engraved with our names? I can never decide so---- I've got them all!

Onto the next step--- addressing the cards. I never update my address book like normal people -----some addresses are written in the book very nicely----others must be found on the envelope from that person's card from the previous ~~Christmas~~ holiday season. Some are on post-it notes, some on scrap paper, and others I just look up in the phone book year after year.

Joe has the labor intensive job of physically taking them to the post office. He's forced to drive about 3 minutes out of his way, get out of the truck, walk into the post office, and hand them to Jim--- the post office guy. Phew! It exhausts me just thinking about it. The poor guy works so hard at spreading the holiday cheer, doesn't he? (<--- Note: extremely sarcastic tone here)

Now, which person/family gets which card? That's a spur of the moment decision. But, every year I have a favorite card--------this year it's the box of 24 cards I purchased at the Grandma Moses exhibit in Bennington, Vt. I bet your just dying with anticipation, aren't you? Which card will you receive?

The Cheek ~~Christmas~~ holiday cards go out tomorrow! Let's all hope Joe doesn't bend under all this pressure.

2001-12-10T19:43:00.000-05:00

Z-List Zeelist Zlist

It's happening! It's now! It's for one all! It's all for one ! And ---- It's one for the road !

In case you missed all of this -------------a few short weeks ago, there was a revolution in blogville.

Click on the flashing sign to see the results!!!!!!!!!

2001-12-10T07:22:00.000-05:00

"Christmas Memories"

One of my earliest Christmas memories goes back many years. I would wake up on Christmas morning and smell Santa! Yes, you read that right. I smelled him. I didn't have to look under the tree for the shiny gifts----I knew "he" had been there by a lingering aroma.

I have no idea what this "aroma" could have been. It wasn't foody or perfumey...it was more of an incense aroma. I can remember attributing the smell to his beard.

I used to be able to conjure up this "smell" but as the years have gone by it's become more and more difficult. I wonder what that aroma really was?????

2001-12-09T16:52:00.000-05:00

Sub-plot

Last night's dinner party was hosted by one of my employers, C. (He's a periodontist and I administer anesthesia for his pts. on a per diem basis.) Dinner was at a local restaurant which is noted for it's fantastic food, nice atmosphere, and super wine wine list.

We were all having a great time when I noticed one of my fellow CRNA's behavior and that's when the sub-plot started. As I looked around, I could tell that the rest of the medical people had started noticing M's behavior, also. I could hear the underlying buzz of conversations even as the other "normal" party conversations were going on about us. "Jesus, look at him." "That's not just from being drunk..." M.'s speech was getting slurred, his actions were above boisterous, and he was getting out of hand. All of this and his appearance equaled just one thing to us: M was "using" again. Again.

The first I knew of his "problem" was approximately ten years ago.....he had been caught using while he was a student anesthetist. He went into rehab but he's relapsed so many times...

How does he get the drugs? Easy. The incidence of substance abuse in the field of anesthesia is mind boggling. Anesthesia personnel have "candy store" access to potent narcotics.We're most likely alone during cases for long periods of time.........and it's quite easy to substitute a few cc's of saline or dextrose in the narcotic syringe, keep the drugs in your pocket, and save them for personal use.

M's got a wife, two beautiful children, and a great job. He's also an insulin dependent diabetic. Unfortunately, M. has not hit bottom yet. Too many people did him "favors", covered up for him, and enabled the problem to happen over and over and over again.

Even C., our employer, had taken M. back after the last episode. Last night, C. sat next to me and said, "I was trying to tell you in the office the other day when you were there (other office personnel had been close by most of the day)........Tina, M's finished in my office. I'm telling him on Monday. I didn't tell him sooner because I didn't want him to come here tonight and cause a scene."

Maybe this time things will turn out differently. Maybe M. will hit bottom.I hope so cause I think he's going to die soon and I can only pray he hits bottom before he does............................

2001-12-08T15:19:00.000-05:00

Update #2: 3:35 p.m.

Que sera, sera...Got another outfit at the mall. A smashing little suede number in black! With accessories! So, no need to fear.....I won't be nude. Perish the thought!

I called Coldwater Creek re: THE outfit. Sadly, the outfit is in Allentown, Pa. about 2 hours south of here. Fed Ex had no excuses. Saturday Priority mail-------well, hopefully it'll show up someday. After all this, I'm still anxious to see it.

Shortly after speaking with them..........C.J., the wonderful person I spoke with on Friday, called me. She was all apologies. The way I look at it------no apologies needed from her. If there is a "bad guy " that surface in all this---------it's Fed Ex !

Finally, if this is the worst thing that happens this holiday season-----I'll thank my lucky stars.

All's well that ends well. I gotta go take a nap. Party time is 6 p.m. Cheers!

2001-12-08T10:14:00.000-05:00

Coldwater Creek Update

Well, it's 10 a.m. est..........and no outfit. I did call them yesterday. Unlike Elvis, it seems my original order never left the building. I was lucky enough to get a compassionate and understanding person on the phone over at Coldwater Creek. CJ! She found another outfit in my size.......and they shipped it yesterday. Via Fed Ex Super Duper Overnite Rush Mail! At no extra charge to me! Now there's holiday spirit for you!

The dinner party is at 6 p.m. ..............

Will the outfit get here in time? Will theothercheek be forced to go in the nude? Will I be pretty? Will I be rich? Que sera, sera....................

2001-12-07T15:32:00.000-05:00

Oh, Tannenbaum Oh, Tannenbaum How lovely are thy branches.......

The annual Cheek family trek into the woods of Shickshinny will occur tomorrow ! Trek? Woods? Me? Ok, I admit it. I am definitely not the trekking type. This is the ONLY time I trek. Reason being---- there are ANIMALS in those woods. Real live animals---- real live bear, deer, and racoons.......just to name a few. Enough said about that..........

Tomorrow we have a mission. That mission is to find the Cheek Christmas tree! The Christmas tree that will stand in the family room filled with decorations acquired over many years of wedded bliss. What's that? Do I hear some of you muttering? "What a shame to cut down such a beautiful tree!" Not to fret over this my Cheeky friends---------- see those trees lining the driveway? Can you see the smaller ones out front? Aren't they beautiful? Well, each and every one of those babies had the place of honor in the Cheek family or living room during Christmas........we take our trees with their root balls intact. Yessiree bob! Each and every one ! So, fret not. This years tree is on loan from nature as were all the others!

2001-12-06T23:20:00.000-05:00

Problem in Cheekville

Procrastination is certainly no stranger to me. For example, I ordered an outfit on November 30th from Coldwater Creek. The first dinner party (where I plan on wearing this outfit) is on Dec. 8th. Think I should have ordered it earlier? (I had the catalogue for at least 2 weeks.)

Is it OK to pray for St. Jude to help the UPS guy get it here before Saturday? The only other answer is the Mall. I hate THE MALL!)

2001-12-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

St. Jude

Just wanted to thank St. Jude for all the help he has given me. He's been helping a friend of mine who's needs are great. And, he's been doing a great job! St. Jude Thaddeus Patron Saint of the Hopeless.

It figures.

2001-12-06T15:50:00.000-05:00

"Click Me"

The Z-List blog is up and running. Come one, come all! We're open to to suggestions, critiscisms, and pats on the back. Special thanks to Mike B. for the wonderful graphics, Hoopty's comedic geniuis, Lori's uncanny skills with a puter, Tracy's organizational skills, and to me <-- I served the coffee!

To become a z-lister............just grab yourself a button , paste it on your site, and come on over. Or just c'mon over! Big fatty assed "WELCOMES" to one and all!

2001-12-05T00:34:00.000-05:00

Pretty Girl Marnie

There are times when I stay up pretty late crusin' around on the internet---I enjoy the peace and quiet. P&Q is a rarity in this house. There's always some crisis--- so I enjoy the time alone.

'cept I'm really not "alone". That's Marnie, the Cheek Cat, over there. I can always count on her to come around and inspect things.She likes to get my lap and take a catnap or watch the cursor buzz around. I don't know the conversion of cat to human years but she's 11 1/2 now. Her eyes are still bright and her coat is shiny but she's getting up there in age. She used to big old fluffball but she's becoming very very thin..

We rescued her from the SPCA but she didn't spend a lot of time at there. We went to the SPCA in the afternoon--- she had been dropped off that very same morning. I wanted an all black cat but the Cheek daughter got to pick out which feline would come home with us.

Marn's quite the talker. When I get home from work she's got pahlenty to say about her day. And, she can really drive her point home--- if I'm on the computer and she wants to be fed, she'll smack me with a paw in the back of the head. If I don't get up quickly enough to suit her, she'll sit and "cat-ise" me.

Marnie Monster is clearly an Alpha animal. She rules with an iron paw. She puts Magnus the Springer Spaniel, in his place daily. Harry the Rabbit? She hisses at him something terrible. But, the softer side of Marnie comes through cause she allows him to live here.

So, I'm not truly alone. Pretty Girl Marnie sits quietly by my side.

I'm very glad we didn't get that all black cat.

2001-12-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

Das Willkommen!!!!!!!

Das Linkmesiter ! Er steht auf der Liste !!!!!!!!!

Loosely translates to: Big Fatty Assed Welcome! To the Linkmeister! He is on the list.

The ZEE LIST, silly.

2001-12-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas!

Shelagh,TripeWriting , wanted to know more about Shickshinny. The town where the Cheek Family resides is called --- Shickshinny. ( American Indian for "Land of the 5 Mountains") Is it a real town? Hah! Is the Pope Catholic? Does the bear shit in the woods? Not only are we a "real" town.....we've got a town monument (for those of you who have met him........HE's back!) The town monument is located very conveniently across the street from the State Store ( liquor store for al you non-native Pennsylvanians). The folks over at the Edgar C. Scott Furniture store take care of "him". Bet we're the only town who pulls their town monument "in" at night!

Here he is .. in his holiday finery!

It was inevitable.........wasn't it?

2001-12-04T09:01:00.000-05:00

Christmas in Shickshinny (Land of 5 Mountains)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the Land of 5 Mountains. Shiver me timbers......what's this? Can it be true?

2001-12-03T17:48:00.000-05:00

The Toad and the TripeWriter and A WildRose

F.A. ZEE LISTEr welcomes to CyberToad! Shelagh the TripeWriter! and WildRose!

Cybertoad hails from Houston! (Love those cow parade photos) Photography (more than cows here/she's an A&M grad--whattya expect? Visit her!

SHELAGHG! Love that spelling, girlfriend! A fellow insomniac, she hails from across the sea! She changes her blog template more often than BobtheCorgi changes Vera Bradley purses! Hurry on over! Her Christmas decorations are up! (QUICKLY! TemplatesbyS. subject to rapid change)

Hoopty, I know you've always wanted a "Den Of Iniquity" Merry Christmas! It's WildRose! Chemically induced redheaded stepchild ZeeLister!

2001-12-03T06:03:00.000-05:00

Another one bites the dust.......

He's gone. All gone. All that remains is his final post. No comments. No forwarding address.

He just couldn't stand the heat so he once again---- got out of the kitchen.

I only wish we could view his stats. Dead weblogs = more hits than live ones. R.I.P. Padre.

2001-12-02T07:44:00.000-05:00

~~Martha Stewart~~ Clark Griswold Is Alive and Well in Shickshinny

Incited by scenes from "Christmas Vacation", the 2001 Cheek Holiday Extravaganza is well underway. This "Clark Griswold" wannabe (Joe) has an edge on the rest of the neighbors. He's got a very willing accomplice --- Nana Griswold (much more will be blogged about Nana at another time!) ! Nana (aka Connie aka my mom) has been helping the Mr. reach his goal. His goal? (my fear) He won't stop until a separate generator ( or 2 ) is needed for the Cheek Holiday display!

Nana's latest addtion is pictured below: an illuminated 8 ft. motor driven self-inflating "SNOWMAN" !

Nana is hellbent on purchasing the illuminated 8 ft. motor driven self-inflating "SANTA" !

Can a generator's purchase be far behind?

2001-12-02T07:09:00.000-05:00

Everything but the kitchen sink.........

We're for every blogger ! The ZEE LISTErs ! We've got it all but the kitchen sink...........and NOW we've got the Time Sink. Check it out!

Big F.A. Welcome to "Bloggin' at the Time Sink"

2001-12-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

WORLD AIDS DAY DECEMBER 1ST EVERY YEAR

"I CARE. DO YOU?"

2001-12-01T07:36:00.000-05:00

F.A. Welcome, Peace Dividend!

This blogger's got her eyes at the keyholes and ears to the walls since 1997.........how does she get any work done?

Welcome!

2001-11-30T22:03:00.000-05:00

Your ZEE is showing and so is their's..........

BIg fatty assed welcomes to Mercysspot and Asmallvictory (formerly known as A Fireinside)

Mea Culpas to Sekimori and the Dangerous Monkey (now there's someone you don't want to tick-off!) and of course, Alie (creaturesofcomfort) All of you were on the list. You were invisible until the html was fixed. Sort of undercover ZEE LISTErS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2001-11-30T16:03:00.000-05:00

"He left this world as he lived in it, conscious of God, fearless of death, and at peace, surrounded by family and friends," the Harrison family said in a statement.
"He often said, `Everything else can wait but the search for God cannot wait, and love one another."

1943-2001

2001-11-29T22:39:00.000-05:00

Stuff I Need to Know

I.Does Wil Wheaton need to be rescued from the Alist? 2.Where the hell is BobtheCorgi? 3.Is murdering a surgeon against the law? 4.Why won't my husband put dishes in the dishwasher? (Even when the dw is clean, he puts them in the sink) 5. If I still have checks, do I still have money? 6. If I told you that I auctioned my husband on eBay last year, would you believe me?

2001-11-29T20:02:00.000-05:00

Big Fatty Assed Welcome

A big fatty assed welcome to 3 new ZEE LISTErs!!!! Platypus---why? "Cause some big long aminal name is toooo long to use! Willow Tree----amazing photography. Check it out! And, last but not least, StirCrazy-------a soulmate of mine if ever there was one! ('cept I 'm just "PlainCrazy")

2001-11-29T07:53:00.000-05:00

HTML Challenged

Finally, I got the ZEE LISTErS posted! Bonk me on the head if I missed anyone and please let me know if you want to be added to the list !

The fact that I am HTML/JAVA challenged is putting it very mildly. Remember those "for Dummies" books? Well, I was in the remedial class.

The ZEE LISTErS collaborative blog is under construction ! Fortunately, the other members were in the honors class for HTML/JAVA. We're pretty sure of one thing-------the collaboration will be a good time! How can it miss? Tacy, Lori, Cooties, and Hoopty all in one loony bin ! We're still waiting to hear from one more blogger. If this blog-to-be was a disease---I think it would be chicken pox. Highly contagious and it'll make you itch!

And, now back to RL! My mother and father are due here at any minute. My mother still treats me like I'm 12. Probably would help if I didn't act like I was 12, huh?

2001-11-28T19:51:00.000-05:00

Angels

Call me CRAZY--- but I believe in Angels. Angels come in all shapes and sizes. Angels don't even have to be human. They can be any race, creed, or religion and have any political background they choose. Why--- there might even be a Democratic Buddhist Springer Spaniel Angel.

Angels make soup and buttons, they make us laugh and they make us cry. Angels fly from Houston to surprise us! They create 3D creatures for the amusement of others and they fix your html after you render you blog senseless.

Angels are all around us. We just don't choose to see them all the time.

Special thanks to ALL my angels. O:)

2001-11-28T05:22:00.000-05:00

ZEE LISTErS: Button, Button ! Who's got the button?Disclaimer: Typos are the bane of my existence. It's a good thing I don't have to type in order to squeak out a living. In case you were all dying to know------I pass gas for a living.

E , and ClutteredLife have made more ZEE-buttons for your viewing pleasure. Hoopty's latest personal buttonation's are super cool! Everybody wants a button ! Buttonation is IN!

Remember there are no rules for membership in the ZEE LISTErs.The bare bones musts were posted byCaptain E Here they are: To qualify, all you have to do is answer three simple questions*: Do you have a heartbeat? Are you breathing? Have you ever heard of the internet? Select your favorite ZEE button (or as many as ya like), post it on your blog, and VOILA! you're a ZEE LISTEr !

2001-11-27T18:09:00.000-05:00

MISSING KEYS: UPDATEThe missing keys have been found !!! (Background music: Trumpets blaring-- angels singing Hallejuah) No one will ever be able to convince me that Brooks praying for my keys wasn't the edge I needed.

2001-11-27T17:52:00.000-05:00

ZEE Things

The response to the ZEE LISTErs has been overwhelming !Obviously, Blogger has been overwhelmed, also. The template editing tool is down. "THEY" are moving it to a new server. I have heard that Blogger was created by the Alisters---------I hope "THEY" don't move and forget to give the Z-LISTErS the address. This means----- ZEE LISTErS will be posted here tomorrow--------

Membership requirements are posted here. If you wanna be a ZEE LISTEr------------just copy and button and post on your website. We'll be seeing you on the ZEE LISTEr blog as soon as we get it up and running.

-------BobtheCorgi was "oh so quiet" during this whole episode.

2001-11-26T23:15:00.000-05:00

THE BUTTONS ARE HERE! THE BUTTONS ARE HERE!

Hats off to HOOPTY

Tomorrow I will list the ZEE LISTErS under the buttonation I chose for this ZEE LISTEr Site. ZEEHoopster made 13 buttons! My lucky number!

Thanks to all who participated and to those who are yet to join up. Watcha waitin' for?

2001-11-26T21:03:00.000-05:00

"CLICK ME !!"

2001-11-26T17:54:00.000-05:00

Buttonation

"BE THE FIRST ON YOUR BLOGK TO HAVE ONE !" The buttonation of ZEE LISTErS will occur later this evening or first thing in the a.m. (e.s.t.)

Strike a blow for A-list Freedom

Join ZEE LISTErS Today News Flash from the Hoopster: " Buttonation to begin at 0700 hours pacific this eve."

2001-11-26T15:53:00.000-05:00

Let the ZEE LISTErS line form to the middle. Tired of running with the front of the Pack? Well, kick up yo shoes, light up a whatever, grab a coffee, and chill !

We r da ZEE LISTErS!

2001-11-26T14:45:00.000-05:00

ZEE LISTErS

Ok, if ya can't beat 'em-----------JOIN 'EM!

Calling all non A-List bloggers! Sign up in comments section to join the All New Cool As Hell

ZEE LISTErS

2001-11-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

A List Bloggers versus B List Bloggers
or
High School Re-visited

Four months ago, prompted by my friend, BobtheCorgi, I started this blog. It's a good time, cheaper than the therapy I need, and has afforded me the opportunity to meet fantastic people from all over the world.( For fear of missing someone's name--- I won't even attempt to name them all.)

I shouldn't have been surprised but it seems that there's a "pecking" order or caste system that's alive and well (?) in the blogging world. Seems there are A list bloggers and B list bloggers. Tada! High School revisited! The haves vs. the have nots, a "caste" system, the blessed vs. the non-blessed.

From what I've heard A listers are places like Metafilter, Soul , and the like. From my point of view, there's only one thing wrong with those places. They're all so damn hung up on impressing each other and spend so much time patting each other's egos--- there's not much time to concentrate on content.

Note: This comment is the personal opinion of the author

2001-11-25T21:11:00.000-05:00

2001-11-25T20:41:00.000-05:00

Attention all Bloggers:

Evidently NONE of you are: a. praying b. praying hard enough

MY KEYS ARE STILL MISSING!!!

All together now----------assume the position and start praying. I NEED THOSE KEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hoopty, thinik this might be a case for the Rabid Monk?

2001-11-25T18:39:00.000-05:00

Aftermath

Things I must concern myself with now that Thanksgiving is over. 1.My keys are still missing. We only have one key left and no remote. 2.It's time to find a spot for the Christmas tree. 3.I need to find a Christmas gift for the Mr. 4.I must get Susan and family here in Pa. for Christmas Eve Dinner. (Wilia) 5.I have decided to move in with Hoopty. 6.I must decide which Christmas cookies to bake this year. 7.Mollie must pick out the cheesecake for Christmas day dinner. 8. Christmas Day will not be a sit down dinner this year. Can u say buffet? 9. I must decide what the Mr. will get ME for Christmas.

2001-11-24T18:43:00.000-05:00

My man, Hoopty, has his own brand of cereal. Eat a Hoopty Loop today. (Wasn't this the cereal old Mikey died from?)

HOOPTY LOOPS

They're not just for breakfast anymore !!!

2001-11-24T09:49:00.000-05:00

Help, Please!

Seems we have a new holiday tradition in the Land of 5 Moutains--- and I'm not really crazy about this one. Friday, Nov. 23, I was meeting Susan and Dave for breakfast. Showered, got dressed, grabbed the camera, and then ............I discovered my car keys/remote were missing. The last time I saw this set of keys was Wednesday, Nov. 21st late in the afternoon.

The new tradition? Joe and I just finished going through a mountain of garbage bags but my keys are still missing. Going through the garbage for lost items seems to be the new holiday tradition. I'm not really crazy about it. Joe hates it even more.

It's time to call in the big guns. ST. ANTHONY Hello? Hello? Hello? Are you there?

Prayer to St. Anthony Patron Saint of Lost Things St. Anthony all dressed in brown Please come around Somethings lost and must be found.

2001-11-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

There it is! The Thanksgivng Day Table all set and ready to go.........BobtheCorgi, Joe, and I at this point were in the kitchen tending to last minute details. Wearing our stylish new aprons (no, Joe did NOT get one), we were scurrying about tending to last minute details: Reviewing the place cards-- deaf, hearing, deaf, hearing, deaf, deaf, oops, change those two around. Final head count--- We got enough chairs? Where the hell is MY dish towel? This from Susan-----she can't seem to keep one around Last minute change: Ok, here's the new plan for the shift from dinner to the dessert buffet... Tina, taste this stuffing Tina, taste this gravy Tina, taste these pickles (and then they wonder why I can't eat when we finally sit down to the official meal) Where's my dish towel? (again) What do you mean we're out of milk? Let the damn dog out-- he's in the garbage again Where's my dish towel? DOOR BELL RINGS They're here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where's my dish towel? ( I am getting her a set of brightly coloured ones for Christmas with HER NAME on them) As families and friends begin to arrive I take a look around and realize just how much I have to be thankful for again this year.

2001-11-23T21:24:00.000-05:00

THE SURPRISE

Around 6 pm Thanksgiving Day some of the younger folks were leaving to visit other friends and family. We have a large driveway but there's always some "car jockeying" to be done when folks start to migrate. "Dad, can you move Mom's car so Mollie can get out?" or "Who's driving the Camry? We need to get out." I heard some commotion in the driveway but dismissed it as the Great Car Movement. Little did I know.................

About five minutes later I noticed everyone staring at the doorway behind me so I turned in that direction. I saw a fellow with dark hair and glasses. "Hmmmm....must be a friend of the Cheek daughter, " I thought to myself, "but, gee HE looks a little like Dave from Houston." I continued turning and my mouth fell open---------------------------I was speechless.

IT WAS DAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I turned to look at Susan-------It was like looking in a mirror -----SHE had the same look of surprise on her face--- AND --- her mouth was also open and no sound was coming out. WE were both speechless. Dave had flown from Houston to NEPA to join us!

I sprang from my seat and gave this wonderful friend the hug of a lifetime.Dave, Susan, and I met in Jr. High. We quickly became the very best of friends. Dave is THE famous Squash Geese Creator, the Sauerkraut Soup Man, and the guy who destroyed one of my mom's artificial Christmas trees years ago.

Even as I sit here typing this post, I still can't believe he pulled this one off. It takes a pretty foxy fella to fool me and an even foxier fella to fool Susan. But, this fox fooled the both of us at the same time.

Unknowingly, I think I planted this "seed" a few months ago. During one of our daily AOL IM sessioins, I told Dave about our plans to have a joint family Turkey Day Dinner this year, "You know what would make this whole thing perfect? YOU should come to Penna. for Thanksgiving. We won't tell Susan and she'll just shit. " Alas, Dave said that he and his partner had already made plans for Thanksgiving and he wouldn't be able to come. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire, Dave!

What a truly wonderful surprise!

Last year, Dave was my host when I made a trip to Houston and April 2002, Susan and I are going there to be a part of the awesome Art Car ParadeDave is making arrangements so the three of us will actually be part of the event in a volunteer capacity. Were even going to the Art Car Ball!

Dave, you blew me away! What a wonderful surprise!!!!!!!!! Have a safe trip back to Houston!

Susan, Tina, and Dave------------together again.It just doesn't get much better than this !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2001-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

THE BIGGEST SURPRISE EVER

Last night BobtheCorgi and I were subject to one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises of our lives. It takes a lot to stun old Bob and I--- but it happened last night. Right here in the Land of 5 Mountains! I am rushing off to meet Susan as soon as I finish this post.

Just wait till you hear the details of

BobtheCorgi and TheOtherCheek are: SPEECHLESS Yes, you heard it correctly--------WE WERE SPEECHLESS !!!!

2001-11-21T22:45:00.000-05:00

Many wishes
for a Happy Healthy Thanksgiving to all!
Tina
and
family

2001-11-21T08:06:00.000-05:00

Martin works for the President?

Martin Lane works for President Bush?

2001-11-21T06:09:00.000-05:00

ONE DAY TO GO !!!

A few loose ends to tie up and we're ready here in the Land of 5 Mountains. It's all under control. Much like the Corgi family was yesterday, we will be CheektoCheek in the kitchen tonight.

Finally cracking under the pressure, I leave you with this photo (source: NYPOST 11.20.01) I had no idea turkeys were Democrats, did you?

Let's have a little contest here, why don't we? Submit your caption to TheOtherCheek. Prize to be determined at a later date.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!

2001-11-20T07:19:00.000-05:00

Schmoozing As An Art Form

Wegman's is the SUPERSTORE for groceries, et al in our area. You can get almost anything in this store. They've even got a baby-sitting service--- you can drop off the kiddies and shop unencumbered. They refused to take Joe yesterday. They said he was too big. Hence, I was stuck with him.

While traipsing through the aisles I found a "TOFU TURKEY". Yes, tofu in the shape of Mr. Gobbler ! Yum! If it wasn't so expensive I would have bought it as a joke. Could you imagine the look on everyone's face when we brought this beauty to the table? Hehe.

Back to Mr. Joe: He protests grocery shopping loudly but he doesn't have me fooled for a minute. If you all remember Joe is a ladie's man---newborn through 99 plus the xy's of the world just adore him. On his demise I shall submit his remains to medical science to attempt to discover exaclty what the attraction has been all these years.Despite his protesting yesterday, ("I have manly things to do" <--"yeah, well get your manly arse in the car cause you are going grocery shopping, pal.") he came with mois.

Those LOL (little old ladies) were out in full force. You know, the retired ladies employed by temp agencies to pass out food samples. Samples? Hah! As soon as Joe gets through schmoozing them--------he's got enough "sampling" in him to feed a starving nation. One LOL even ran over to another LOL and got him a drink. On the other hand, I get the LOL glare if I remove more than one cocktail weenie from the tray.

I still think he would be better off in the Babysitting Section.

2001-11-19T21:10:00.000-05:00

What horrible affliction would YOU be?

Find out HERE

Well, on occasion I have cleared out an entire room...

2001-11-19T15:55:00.000-05:00

Aortal Pick of the Whatever

"It's a bird. It's a plane. Oh, for God's sake, it's only Hoopty."
Revere him. Revile him. Reiterate him. But, most of all read HIM.

Hoopty Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Long live Hoopty! Hoopty do!

P.S. Tanks for da buttonating, my good person.

2001-11-19T07:04:00.000-05:00

Only 3 days remain

If we're gonna flee the country --- now's the time. Only three days until Thanksgiving. We've got it pretty much under control in the Land of 5 Mountains. Today, I'll be shopping at Wegman's for all but perishable items.The turkey arrives on Tuesday. I'll send Mr. Joe for the "forgotten" items on Wednesday night.

At 6 a.m. this morning, I scurried to the StopNRob for the cappucino fix of the day. Ran a brush through my bed head, put on a red sweatshirt to compliment my green scrub pants, grabbed Joe's jacket and off I went for my fix. Quick! Call the Fashion Police, stat! Do you have any idea how busy that place is at 6 a.m.? Well, I do now. I ran into 4 people from the hospital. Jesus, I will be the talk of the place all morning. C'est le vie!

Gotta run--me and Magnus are cleaning the dust elephants in the family room today. Jill, any luck with that wife for me?

2001-11-18T13:59:00.000-05:00

The Cat Lives.........
and she owes it all to BobtheCorgi

Today, I tackled the monumental task of cleaning the living room and dining room. Upon close inspection of the living room couch I discovered enough cat hair to gag a maggot. Ok, a gazillion maggots. I used about 4 rolls of postal tape but it held fast.

I began to plot a murderous scheme. It involved one cat and two bare hands. I was going to choke her. I love animals but I was getting pretty pissed.

Enter BobtheCorgi....stage: upstairs on internet (where else? we live in two different states, silly) I told her my tail of woe. She suggested damp sponges. It worked.

The cat lives.

Special noted to Jill
Any luck finding me that wife?

2001-11-17T22:33:00.000-05:00

I need a wife...

I had a very busy day today. I did laundry, straightened up (this must be a regional thing-- this straigtening up= same thing as tidying elsewhere in USA) the house. Got called to the hospital-------did an OR case and then the dreaded Obstetrical Dep't. reared its ugly head. One epidural coming right up ! My call relief came at 5 PM (I had pre-arranged coverage) I scurried out the door got into the Rav, and made a beeline for Shickshiny. Once I was home I foo-foo'd, got back in the car, drove another 17 miles, and landed at the Microbrewery. And there he sat in all his glory! Mr. TOC looking as relaxed as ever-----basking in the limelight as usual. (The hardest part of his day was going to the mall for new shoes---------and even then, I directed that move. I bookmarked several acceptable pair on the Internet so he wouldn't come home with something bizarre.) What's wrong with this picture?

I'll tell you what's wrong with this picture----------------------------------I NEED A WIFE!

2001-11-16T05:45:00.000-05:00

Wanted : Bin Laden and Theothercheek

Well, I did it. I pissed off the National Guard. How did I do it? It was easy. Two mornings ago I was minding my own business at the StopNRob...I was making my cappucinowhen I noticed a National Guardsman standing next to me. He wearing his camoflauge uniform and one of those fluffy black berets ( you know--- like the ones the "Green Berets" wore.) I looked at Mr. Guardsman and said, "You and 25 plastic pylons guarding the nuclear power plant--- oh, I feel safe."

If looks could kill you all would be sending sympathy cards to the Mr. today.

I can't help it. I was born this way.

2001-11-15T15:59:00.000-05:00

In the mood...

I picked up a CD set at Sam's this week. Ah! The sounds of Satchmo, Bing , and Frankie singing "It's Christmas Time!"

And, you ain't heard nothing till you've heard Satchmo recite "twas the night before Christmas....."

Sinatra, Armstrong, and Crosby--------whatta trio!

2001-11-15T15:16:00.000-05:00

7 Days

Thanksgiving 2001 is exactly one week from today.There's a small matter of kitchen territory to hash out here in Shickshinny. For many years, it's been me and the Mr. preparing the holiday meals. (HE thinks he can cook; he can--- but only under the direction of none other than me.) He's the sloppiest cook in town. When he's at the stove, it's a flurry of pots, pans, papers, wrappers, etc. Now, I clean as I go. What a novel concept, huh?

This year things are different--I am sharing the kitchen with the infamous Bobthecorgi (who recently came out of a rather bad ordeal unscathed) Wearing our 50's aprons, we shall show the Mr. just how real cooks operate. It will be a flurry of activity here in NEPA!

I just know the table will be a magnificent display of outstanding home cookin' !!!!!!!!

The Mr. will just have to watch football and the Macy's Day Parade. OOH, what a shame!

Bob, we need a dinner bell or a small triangle to call the folks to dinner. Got one?

2001-11-15T06:01:00.000-05:00

Kidnapping Update

We await further communication from the Dastardly Punk who has kidnapped the poor Corgi (and the damn kitten). So, what'll it take fella?

We are ready to come in with guns a blazing. Your kevlar will not protect you. We got them hollow point thingys. So there.

2001-11-14T19:22:00.000-05:00

Kidnapping Update

Just as Det.Othercheek surmised. The kidnapper is a PUNK. He's contacted Dick D.O.C. His message to Dick D.O.C. "You'll never take me alive. " signed D.

Who said anything about alive, Punk? Dick D.O.C. is on the case. Stay tuned.

2001-11-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

"....fat bastard with no legs.......missing over 48 hours!"

It was a routine morning at the office. I sat shuffling through some paper work and then the phone rang. "...fat bastard ...no legs...been missing over 48 hours." there was a sense of urgency and distress in Mr. Sami's voice. Seems that BobtheCorgi's been missing before but never for this long. Shortly after theCorgi was declared missing (and this was after an intense search of the computer room at the Corgi residence) Mr. Sami received a phone call. Amidst the static he stated that he could hear a voice with a foreign accent saying, "I've got the Corgi and the damn kitten. Do not call the police. I'll be in touch."

After deliberating with the Corgi children he called me, Det. OtherCheek.I told him to sit tight and stay close to the phone. I think we'll be hearing from the kidnapper again.

Things change quickly around here. Det. OtherCheek is on the case. The Corgi must be found (oh, yeah and the damn kitten, too)

2001-11-14T06:11:00.000-05:00

Magnus

Magnus the Springer Spaniel, namesake of Magnus Ver Magnusson (one of the world's strongest men) got some fabulous news last evening! He's had a beer named after him! MAGNUS BREW!!!

Daughter of theothercheek, Susan is the ass't manager of the brand new only-one-in-town: Black Rock Brewing Company.The microbrewery is opening Nov. 19th in Wilkes Barre, Pa. (The brewery was a dream that has become a reality for local 35 yr old former stock broker. ) With the opening less than a week away, the task of naming the onsite brewed beers came to the forefront. S. threw out the idea of naming one of the beers after our dog. It was a hit! So, Magnus Brew came into being------ it's a strong, dark, ale (more details to follow)

So, if your ever in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania belly up to the bar at the Black Rock Microbrewery located at 380 Coal St. -- and have yourself a MAGNUS!

2001-11-13T20:34:00.000-05:00

9 days and counting...

The Master List was finished today. All systems are go! Nine days till the huge event-- there will be enough food here for a small army. Turkey , ham, kielbasa, and all all the trimmings. And, don't forget the dessert buffet-------now there's the part I love the most. Me, I 'm a "junk food " junkie. I can skip the whole meal thing and head right to the desserts. Yum! Rice pudding, pies, rice krispie treats. It's heaven on earth!

On the contrary, I decided years ago what my own personal hell would be like -------- I'll be driving a mini-van. There's not gonna be any dessert. Just well balanced meals--------(perish the thought) I'll be married to the same guy who will be even more deaf or deefer in hell. S.H. will be my next door neighbor.She'll still have red hair and be annoying as hell-----in hell. I'll have no computer (Hence, no blogging) And, it'll be hotter than hell. Kinda makes me want to be good--------well, pretty good. Very good is just not my nature.

2001-11-11T23:55:00.000-05:00

Seems like yesterday...

George Harrison has brain cancer. He's being treated ( under an assumed name) in a NYC hospital. It seems like just yesterday the Fab Four arrived from England. o:(

2001-11-11T23:43:00.000-05:00

Rutabaga=good

Won't Susan be delighted on November 22 whn she finds MASHED RUTABAGA on the dining room table? Rutabaga=good !

2001-11-11T20:45:00.000-05:00

It's in the genes...
Time for a Son of Bobthecorgi/Thesouplady story
When Son of Bob was just a little guy, he was fascinated by none other than Julia Child. Once after watching an episode of Julia "first you wash the chicken" (I can listen to her speak for hours!) , he marched himself into the Corgi kitchen, put his hands on his hips, and demanded of his mother---

"WHY DON'T WE EVER HAVE VEAL PICCATA?"

A man of discerning tastes at such a young age! I tell you --- it's in the genes

2001-11-11T05:32:00.000-05:00

Uh oh...Guess who's coming to the dessert buffet on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Countdown = 11 days

Most of you know that I have a daughter, Susan, who is named after someone we all know and love But, what you probably don't know that she has become " seriously involved" with a nice young man. Here's where the "uh-oh" comes into play.

The daughter and the young man have been wanting to get the parents together. Being the smartie pants that I am, I thought "what better time than Thanksgiving Eve for the big meeting?". I whipped up a bunch of invitations and sent one of them to the B. Family. AND THEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT HER....

OH, I could handle the situation if she looked like Morgan Fairchild, had the wealth of Rosie O'Donnell , or was a decorating guru like our Martha. Those things I could take in my stride------but nooooooooooooooo.... the mother of the young man is (and I cower as I say it) A CLEAN FREAK.

Now what am I going to do? We don't exactly wallow in dirt here but we do have a less than sterling attitude towards cleaning. I've started to look around and it ain't pretty. Random cobwebbies (Sue, bring the Webster with you on Thanksgiving morning), the fuzzy perimeter on the rugs, and animal hair everywhere. I am thankful we had the foresight to put dimmer switches on all the lights.

That's right, Mrs. Clean is coming here to Shickshinny. Me and my big ideas---cheesh.

2001-11-09T17:32:00.000-05:00

Egads!

The Mr. just came in the house with a "hang-dog" expression on his face---he looked soooooooo unhappy as he stated, "Pete has a Christmas tree with lights on his deck." In Shickshinny decorating for the holidays is very serious business . The Mr. is usually the first in the neighborhood to start the ball a rollin'------but, unfortunately for the Mr. the house next door changed owners in 2001. The new owner, Pete, is a lively 62 and fully retired. Retired=plenty of spare time to be "first on the hill" to start decorating for the Christmas season. Poor, poor Mr. Joe!

I can hear him clanking, banging, and pushing boxes, etc. around in the attic space over the garage ------- he's getting ready for tomorrow. Ladders, lights, clips, reindeer, etc.--------he's lining them all up.

My biggest fear: He wasn't the first to decorate but he will have the MOST lights if it kills him !

The "Griswalds over decorate" Theme is alive and well here in Shickshinny. You're gonna love these holiday pictures!

Baby Jesus on a reindeer, anyone???

2001-11-08T20:34:00.000-05:00

Aortal Pick

I can't help but wonder what he puts on his job applications...here's my Aortal Pick of the week (oh, ok already --of the month) :Confessions of a Mad Monk

2001-11-08T18:59:00.000-05:00

BLACK HOLE OF Shickshinny...

Do any of you have a problem with things disappearing in your house? Well, Theothercheek family certainly does! Mysterious disappearances of various personal and household articles began years ago. Oh, it started out on a small enough scale.... one of the first things we noted was that single socks were coming out of the dryer. Two socks equaling one matched pair went in but only one came out of the hozone layer.

As the years have passed larger personal and household articles have disappeared. Methinks we have our own personal "black hole" right here in Shickshinny.

Among the missing: dark navy Gap cardigan the dog's black leash the Mr's. Vietnam tire sandals my own favorite pair of jeans and the one that really troubles me-- we had a rabbit disappear (sans black hat) a couple of years ago.

Could we have built on sacred American Indian grounds? Or are we living a Carlinism ---just suffering from having "too much shit"?

2001-11-07T06:06:00.000-05:00

Bleeech!

Fever, achiness, stomach feels like a roller coaster on a windy day... yes, I'm sick. Am I staying home to utilize one of the gazillion sick days I have in the bank? Oh, my no! I am nurse I will plod along today. My feet will feel like lead my head will pound I will sneeze I will be nauseated I will continue to administer anesthesia in the face of adversity. I am nurse.

2001-11-06T19:31:00.000-05:00

"THE PERFECT PASTRY"

2001-11-06T08:09:00.000-05:00

The countdown continues: 16 days

Inadvertently omitted from the menu was one of the most desired (next to the bird) culinary features of the Turkey Day menu. Mr. Samiwill be whipping up a Syrian/Lebonese/Arabic delight stuffed grape leaves or Dolma! Each tiny grape leaf is stuffed with a filling comprised of meat, rice, and many spices. You can use other medians to stuff such as zucchini, cabbage leaves, eggplant, or bell peppers but we're purists and they will be grape leaves. According to internet sources, this is not a difficult dish to make, however, it is time consuming to roll each individual dolma.That 's putting it mildly.

Many moons ago, Susan and I attempted to make dolma (under the guidance of Mr. Sami) for a very special occasion--- the marriage of Mr. Sami and BobtheCorgi. What a riot! Mr. Sami prides himself in making each and every Dolma with great care. Mr. Sami's were perfect-- each one within nanometers of the other. Being the Lithuanians that we are, our attempts were less than sterling. Our stuffed grape leaves resembled cigars that had seen better days. After many years of wedded bliss, Mrs. Sami, Susan, has become an accomplished Dolma maker.

The dessert list has been posted over at BobtheCorgi! I must figure out a way to request another dessert. ( Ahem, cough, cough) Said in sweetest voice: "Oh, Bob, how 'bout some Baklava?" This dessert is to die for!!!!!!!!

2001-11-05T23:05:00.000-05:00

He's Baaaaaaack! Amen!

Ladies and Gentlemen: He's been down but never OUT......... He's endured more than any father or husband should.......... He's one helluva guy........................
AND

HE'S BACK!!!

2001-11-05T05:56:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving: 17 days and a wake-up!

We wholeheartedly agreed that we won't have appetizers. This crowd don't need no stinkin' appetizers. My Dad, 81, has the appetite of a running back for the Oakland Raiders.I can't even imagine him delicately eating a sliver of salmon on a Ritz--this is a man who can devour an entire Tastycake chocolate cupcake in one "bite".

We made a list and checked it twice. Susan mentioned having corn in honor of the Indians. Never thought of this--- so I'm adding it to the menu. Too bad Thanksgiving is in November or we would be getting corn on the cob from Doran's farm. Now there's a tribute to the Indians! Row after row of white and yellow kernels "sugar and honey" corn --each bite sweeter than the next. In days gone by we would "shuck" the corn and boil it for about 3 minutes, but more recently we take the corn "au naturel" loosen the husks, sprinkle some water over it, wrap it loosely in foil, and place it on the grill. (For an extra added delight don't use a gas grill--fire up that hibachi or charcoal grill).

So, in addition to the store bought fresh bird with the Mr's famous stuffing and gravy , we're having the following:
Garlic mashed "make-a-head" tatoes Potato salad Baked Beans Steamed broccoli and cauliflower Ham with a pineapple maple glaze Kilebasa (two different horseradishes) Tossed salad Mother-in-law' cole slaw Fresh bread and rolls from a bakery owned by the Mr's friend (rye, pumpernickel, etc.) Sweet potato casserole Baked sweet potatos

I can only hope that Wegman's has those adorable little butter pats in the shape of Turkey's again this year. They are so damn cute!

Then, the piece de resistance: THE DESSERT TABLE Stay tuned.

2001-11-03T19:54:00.000-05:00

Mad about Cows...

Not much of a television viewer here.........but did catch some commercials today. The commercials are the only things worth watching.

I am in love with the Gateway Computer Talking Cow. The Cow raises his eyebrow just so as he mentions the price of $999. "999 dollars!!??!!" says the sleuth in astonishment. The Cow replies, "Teddy, did I stutter?" Excellant.

2001-11-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

Another "Twin Towers"

Almost a photographic oxymoron, isn't it? A beautiful pastoral scene in northeastern Pennsylvania with greying near winter skies, wheat field , an old red shack, and smack dab in the midst of this are the cooling towers of the Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant.

A ten-mile "no fly" zone has been mandated just this past week. Commercial airliners and choppers are still allowed access to this zone. I think "they" have it wrong--------I envision some Bin Laden freak , a well trusted ten year employee, who's got the know-how to cause this disaster.

I had to be very sneaky while taking this photo from the side of the road. I did not want to arouse the suspicions of the State Police. Four Pa. State Trooper's and two cruisers were posted on the inroad to the plant. Surrounded by at least 15 plastic orange pylons the road looked like a veritable fortress of safety. (Please take note of the intended sarcasm)

2001-11-01T18:33:00.000-05:00

Potpourri

Only 21 days until Thanksgiving! This weekend, Susan and I will be finalizing the menu and the all important logistics. The table linens this year are atrocious. Downright ugly. I may have to be inventive this year. Good thing there are several auctions this weekend. I just might get lucky and find something at one of them.

We had a few long cases in the OR today so we started talking about famous people who live in NEPA. Davey Jones, "hey, hey, he's a Monkey!" lives about 30 minutes south of my home. He's pretty chummy with one of our orthopods.

Jack Palance, lives about 30 minutes north of here. . My friend, Deb owns a biker bar in Nescopeck. She just saw Jack a few weeks ago when he sauntered over for a beer while waiting for a pizza from the place next door. .

My Aunt Betty babysat for Jerry Orbach. Jerry lived in Kingston, Pa. as a tot. He was Baby Houseman's father in the flick Dirty Dancing. Aunt Betty and my mom got to chit chat with him in NYC a few years ago.

All our Hallowen decorations have been packed away.. The Mr. loves to decorate but for some reason despises Thanksgiving decorations. He'll be jumping right into Christmas decorating this weekend. The "Griswald's Celebrate Christmas" theme is being repeated this year. The neighbors make jokes about the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Airport using us as an auxilary landing strip every year. Hmm... in light of recent occurrences, we should cut back about 10,000 white lights. Don't want anyone mistaking us for the airport this particular season.

Sunday , November 4th, is our daughter's birthday. We're planning cake and coffee. She and the new squeeze are dining at one of her favorite haunts in Bloomsburg, Russell's. We gave her this year's gifts already. A new cell phone, a coat from the Gap, and paid for her latest purchases from her make-up supplier, Mary Kay. It's just not the same..................I am so ready for grandchildren.

There's another important birthday next week. I'll let BobtheCorgi fill you in on that one.

Last but not least, this year's lack of door-to-door Trick or Treaters held a silver lining. YOU should have seen the candy in various departments of the hospital today! Yikes! Pounds and pounds of chocolate, smartees, tootsie rolls, snickers, etc. I was in my glory!

I really had nothing to say tonight.Was pretty obvious wasn't it?

The End.

2001-10-31T20:54:00.000-05:00

An American Tragedy

Since 9/11/01, millions of Americans have opened their hearts and their purses to the many organizations collecting for the surviving families/significant others. The American Red Cross has 546 million dollars in its "Liberty" Fund. 546 MILLION DOLLARS! To date, only 46 million has been dispensed to those people for which it was intended. The Red Cross has now declared the Liberty Fund closed. The Red Cross has earmarked money from this fund for office supplies, other disasters, etc. It's my opinion that folks were giving their hard earned money to provide food, clothing, and shelter to those in need after 9/11 not to redecorate the Red Cross offices.

To add injury to insult, 26 million dollars is being targeted for community outreach programs The focus of these programs will be tolerance. Tolerant of what? The Red Cross' misappropriation of funds?

I'm usually not "in bed" with the likes of these two fellas.....but, O'Reilly of the "O. Factor" and Mike Gallagher, radio talk show host, have done their investigative homework. Both these men are hot on the trail of the Red Cross. The only reason that this money may ever reach its intended target may be largely due to these men putting organizations like the rogue Red Cross into the "hot seat". It was just 10 days after the attacks when O'Reilly began the drumbeat. On his program that night, he teased it with this: "There is a major story developing about all the money being raised for the families of the victims."

I implore you to call, write, visit the offices of the Amercan Red Cross and let your feelings be known. This organization and all others need to be accountable for every red cent collected for these people.

Tom Ridge, former Governor of Pennsylvania, who has been sitting around with his thumb up butt since his appointment as Homeland Whateverthehell, needs to remove said appendage from said orifice and get to work. There's been a robbery and we know who did it.

Another "CLASS ACT" by the Red Cross. The same organization that continued to collect blood from volunteers for weeks when within 24 hours everyone knew that massive amounts of blood products would not be needed. All of the blood collected during that time period has expired and been thrown away. And, just in case you did not know it, this blood is not free. When you get blood from the Red Cross, there's a charge.

2001-10-30T20:04:00.000-05:00

B-I-N-G-O

Most of you may remember "BINGO" as the little dog in that song. "...and BINGO was his name-o." HAH--not here in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA--pronounced Knee-Paw). Bingo in NEPA is almost a religion. Most BINGO nights here begin at 6 P.M. But, the Bingo ladies with their Bingo bags in hard, start arriving at the halls around 4 P.M. cause there is pahlenty to do before the first BINGO number is called. The Bingo bag containing magnetic markers and sweeper, dabber, lucky trolls (just like Roseann), snacks, glasses, etc ...all of these are vital elements in this game of chance.

Upon arrival at the "Bingo Hall", the Bingo cards are purchased. These are paper cards that have a "serial number" in the middle or free spot and are sold in tablets of 25. My maternal grandmother played 125 of these cards. That's right... one hunnert and twenny five of these babies! She had a "system". She always requested the same tablet by serial number. There was hell to pay if this group of tablets were sold by some unknowing personnel to another Bingo Lady. When Gram passed away, I went to a Bingo Hall and secured a hard Bingo card with her signature O-66 in the upper right hand corner. I took it to the florist who put the card in the middle of a most wonderful flower arrangement.

I can remember going to Bingo with Gram when I was just knee high to a grasshopper. When Gram was in her 80's she continued this tradition by taking MY daughter to Bingo. I can still see my little girl running to the screen door when she was only 2. Alll the while screaming loudly, "I wanna go to Bingo with Ga-Ga!"

My mother took Bingo to a new family level when she started to take bus trips to Bingos. Her favorite Bingo weekend is held in Canada at an Indian Reservation. The prizes are amazing and include new cars and up to 25G's.

I am so thankful that I was spared this gene.

2001-10-29T19:59:00.000-05:00

Soup, mystery objects, and new terrorist attack

First, please note the addition of the "Soup" button.This charming web site holds the secrets to the mystery of soup. Direct quote fromFeral Living : SOUP of the Web seeks out and showcases only the best, most nourishing soup-related sites on the internet. In an arcane selection process, secretly-nominated candidate sites nominated by secret nominators are evaluated according to a highly-selective set of criteria. Only the very best are then added to this selective list, accessible by this button: " (button is below) Go there! Now!

Secondly, Miguelcorrectly identified the What the H*** is it?object. His correct guess was a sterling silver fingernail guard. Fingernail guards were worn by the nobility and were often times made of gold, ivory, and other precious materials. By the end of the Ching dynasty (late 19th century), this fashion was adopted by young men, who grew the nail of the little finger especially long. This became a visual symbol to indicate the wearer did not engage in manual labor. Mig, please send your address and choice of dessert to me, Tina at theothercheek.

Last, but not least: The horrifying threat of another terrorist attack possibly happening this week on U.S.A. soil has been on all the news stations this evening, and I live three miles due north of the Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant. My worst nightmare is an attack of any kind on what I've begun to think of my "own personal twin towers" right on Pa. Route 11. If I have a chance, I'll get a digital image of the twin cooling towers posted here tomorrow.

All I can think of are those stupid philosophical questions i.e. "if you could invite anyone living or dead to dinner...... WHO would you invite? or "if this were your last day on Earth ... HOW would you spend it?"

Note to Miguel: send your address and choice of dessert to Susan at BobtheCorgi. Just in case.

2001-10-29T05:26:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Canvas

Seems we've jumped right into the menu for Thanksgiving on theothercheek and BobtheCorgi. Wild turkey out: store bought bird in! Living in a rural area has its advantages. People out here eat what they shoot! Squirrels, pheasant, deer, and wild turkey are consumed by some of the locals.. I questioned a few neighbors and it turns out that wild turkey is rather gamey and can be "stringy". Can you imagine putting something like that on the table with the crowd that will be dining here? NOT. So, off to Wegman's I shall go for the more traditional bird but it will be a fresh not frozen bird.

Almost as important to me as the menu is the table setting. The Mr. makes fun of me as I search for the ideal tablecloth, the just right centerpiece, etc. The dishes are a very pretty off-white and can easily be worked into any color/holiday scheme. Right now I am searching for the ideal placecards. Anyone out there know how to make Pilgrims? Lady and gent pilgrims? I thought they would be rather cute but I have no idea how to make them. Alas, even Martha Stewart has failed me. Her "Living" magazing for Thanksgiving is a bust.

Keep in mind that placecards are very important with this crowd. The seating arrangement is tres consequential. The guests must be placed strategically. The hard of hearing men must be alternated with the hearing---otherwise the conversation starts to play out like the game truth-----where each person whispers to the next and by the time it gets to the last the original thought has long been lost. This is what happens to most conversations between the Mr. and I.) The Mr. is getting "deef" as my dear friend, Susan (aka BobtheCorgi) would say.

Susan and I must be strategically placed near the kitchen. WE are the grande dames of the meal.The orchestrators--- we are in charge!

We've invited a very special guest and his family. (and if HE doesn't show he'll have the rath of the twocheeks to contend with forever and ever). As soon as he confirms, we'll be sure and let you know just WHO will be here with us on Turkey Day. We really hope he comes. Really and truly.

2001-10-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

What the H*** is IT??????

Alrighty, here's the mystery item!

Clues:
1. Ok, wise guys/girls, I know it's a brooch. But, that's not its original use
2.Sterling silver
3.It's hollow. Check photo's: the opening is at the left hand/wider side.
4. Age: unkown Origin: Oriental

Prize for winner: Undetermined. Hmmmm! Maybe a piece of BobtheCorgi dessert? Nah, no one wants mail nowadays...

2001-10-28T06:37:00.000-05:00

Autumnn in New England

A blustery day in Massachusetts with blue grey skies and the threat of impending rains evident in the skies.The temperature was quickly dropping. Good thing we had packed for "warm" and "cold" weather. It was time to dig the polarfleece and turtlenecks out of the suitcases.

Winter in New England was on the way.

2001-10-27T06:12:00.000-04:00

Goblins, ghosts , and gremlins

Methinks some goblins stole me comments. My comments disappeared. "Again." (sigh) Hopefully, the replacement of re-blogger with Snorland has rid my site of those comment swipping little gremlins once and for all.

Give the new comments section a try....let me know how you like it!

Special thanks to the Good Witch, Kd , for her much appreciated time and effort with this change.

2001-10-27T06:05:00.000-04:00

Leaf Peepers be gone!

The motoring trip we just finished is one that is well thought out. Timewise, we plan this trip so it occurs after the peaking of the fall foliage. I don't think I would want to be in New England during "Leaf Peepers" season. Hordes of unruly crowds driving rather large SUV's hogging the roads, peepers cause many a commotion in the gift shops which feature "real" maple syrup in cutsie containers shaped like maple leaves, and peepers clogging the antique stores. The latter, of course, being the most important to mois.

Keeping in mind that the season to "peep" at the leaves is officially declared over for 2001... check out this image: (Taken on historic route 7A in Vermont at about 3:00 p.m. )

This brilliant burst of color is part of the reason I don't think I'll ever live in a non-seasonal climate year round. Another is the "smell" of the season! That's something you've got to experience for yourself.

The MR. was not pleased with the gas prices in New England. The last time we got gas in good old Pennsylvania we paid $1.06/gal. The pumps up north averaged $1.40/gal. Perhaps, no one told them the peeping season had come to an end?

2001-10-26T20:50:00.000-04:00

It's good to be home!

Well, here we are back in good old Shickshinny. We were in several states and cities this past week. Certain cities have a kind of magic, an elusive, indefinable something that sets them apart. The city that held the magic for me this trip was Saratoga Springs, New York.

We arrived in the early evening hours and one of the best parts about Saratoga Springs was the fact that this town, unlike others, didn't "pull up the sidewalks" after 5 P.M. So, we quickly checked into the Holiday Inn du jour and went on a walking tour. Here's a pic of a wonderful church steeple with the late October evening sky as a backdrop.

Bethesda Episcopal Church, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

We continued strolling down the main street admiring the architecture of all the buildings, peering in shop windows, and reading the menus posted outside the restaurants. We stopped in several local shops including a wonderful art supply store. Bobthecorgiwill be overjoyed to hear that I picked up some "official grave rubbing" medium here! Also, got a good look at some good quality paper that we'll have to purchase for further cemetary jaunts.

Speaking of Bob, I just finished reading the update on the Corgi/Cheek Family Turkey Day Dinner. Carbohydrate overload! And, I'm loving every delightful dessert she's got planned. I think she forgot to mention that the MOTHERS will be adding to this list of "sweet treats". Homemade pumpkin pies by the Corgi Mom and traditional nut and poppy seed bread rolls by the Cheeky Mum.

Please, please, please if you're in the neighborhood or even near the vicinity this Thanksgiving...............................

"Do drop by.........we'll be glad to see you!"