Red Wing, we have a problem...

Once, a long, long time ago I locked my keys in my car - with the car running and a baby in the baby seat. Yes, it was my baby. Yes it was Stacy Jo. It was one of those big old cars that you could use a hanger to squeeze down in between the window and the black rubber stuff around the door, hook the lock, pull up and voila' you're in. I remember it was winter - very cold - and the baby just looked out at me calmly waiting for me to figure it out. I've gotten that same look hundreds of times over the years.

Today I topped even that. When I pulled in to the parking lot at city hall I was talking on my cell phone to the baby (who is now almost 24 years old). I got out of my car, talked to her all the way up to my office, pulled a loose button off the blouse I was wearing, struggled with my purse, the cell phone, the blouse with the missing button and managed to make it to my office. Two hours later I needed to get something out of someone's car to put in mine - went to get their keys and then began the search for mine. Where did I put them? I usually leave them hanging in the lock on my office door. Nope. Checked over/under the very messy desk. Nope. Asked Steve. Nope. Hmmmm - did I leave them in the car? I walk downstairs and from a few paces away can see them hanging inside the car in the ignition. Damn – I locked them in the car. Internal dialogue: I didn’t think these new fangled cars would even let you do that? Weird. Now I'm going to have to walk home, get the spare, walk back....oh well, it's a nice day....it's only a 1/2 mile. Then - I step closer to my car and realize it's freaking running! I got out of my car and walked away with it still running! What the hell?!? It could have been hours before I came back under normal circumstances….as it was it had been over two hours. The good news - the car wasn't locked and gas is at a recent low today of $2.40 a gallon.

Do you think I have a serious problem? Tell me you have done something similar…you have…haven’t you?

Taking a ride on the subway

I recently rode the subway in New York City - It was nothing like this! Take a look!

What happens in the neighborhood, stays in the neighborhood...

The ladies gather around our token male.
Sara hosted a great party - what a fun neighborhood I live in!
Had you been driving by Pine street at the right moment,

you may have caught a glimpse of some interesting characters crossing the street.

Tonight we learned who among us would be the type to rob a bank or organize a rally.
Whose personality is most like a twinkie and who would order rainbow ice cream with sprinkles.
Also, who would be our lighthouse and who, if they were an exercise is a squat thrust.

I'll never tell.

We also learned the many uses of gold (non-toxic) spray paint
on wedding anniversaries.

Ask Yobaby.

I was merely taking notes for possible later use.

Our hostess Sara carved out all of the little squash candle holders - very festive!

A couple of sexy flash dancers!!

Apparently, there is a gang calling themselves the BT's of 3rd street lurking about our alleys.
I'm not surprised considering all the lovely ladies that live here.
No need to lock your doors or be afraid - they come in peace.

Sara and her little helpers - the house looked fantastic
all decked out for Halloween.

Yobaby tries to play the devil, be we know she is really our own neighborhood angel.
Yes, she is in costume. Check out the bunnie ears!

Thanks for a great night Sara - the red blood wine, desserts, and appetizers
were delicious, the conversation lively and fun (as usual) and the
atmostphere was the perfect setting for a cold, clear, spooky October night.