Tag: friends

LOTR Extended Editions

“If I were going to watch all the extended edition of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy in one day, would anyone be up to watching them with me?”  So the query was posted and so people replied in the affirmative and so the Lord of the Rings Butt-Numb-A-Thon came to be.
Laurie and Burt provided us with three meals which was good, because we were watching movies from 9:00am to 10:00pm.  Here was the spread for Breakfast.  We also had sandwiches for lunch and tacos for dinner.

And we begin.

And we continue.  And some of us discover that sitting on the top part of the couch is preferable to the couch.

And so it ends, and I take a picture of the liquids that got me through my day.  Tea in the morning, water through the day, hot chocolate to get me through the last two-hour stretch.

I confess, I didn’t really know what I was signing up for, and it was rough going in the middle*, but I’m proud to say I did it.  There were nine of us (if you count Lily the dog) who watched all three movies.  We should get tattoos.

*I actually left to feed the cats simply so I could get up and walk around.  I even did lunges, my legs were feeling so dead.  Since I stand at work now, I really never sit down for long stretches any more.

The Lorax Setup.

Kelly and I arrived at the park in Vancouver, Washington ready to see the Lorax.  We were early so we claimed a seat in the front and got to witness the trouble with the inflatable movie screen.

The wind was a problem.  It wasn’t big and gusty, just a persistent blowing that blew that screen right over.  They tried to raise it a few times and then called for backup in the form of stakes.
 

When the stakes arrived, up it went again.
 
And employees held steady.
 
And pulled.
 
And tugged.
 
And stood patiently while stakes were pounded into the ground.
 
Like what is happening here.
 
Some support?  Or just looking busy while chatting?
 
There was a lot of standing and waiting.
 
And phoning.
 
And waiting.
 
The mom said, “Okay 1-2-3 open your eyes” and the kids eyes flashed open for a second while she snapped the picture.
 
Still waiting. (Tom Petty says, “The waiting is the hardest part.”)
 
But that waiting ends eventually.
 
A band of caution tape to keep everyone safe.
 
And a tie off.
 
Go City of Vancouver!
 
An announcement about how it will all work.
 
More tying off.
 
These were darling.  This outing marks the first time I’ve seen the fold-y chairs with sun shades.
 
 All that hard work means kinks in the back.  Luckily, someone can do something about that.
 
Success! 
 

Laurie Notaro

Kelly and I wandered down to Powell’s for our third Laurie Notaro reading.  She was funny as ever, in her hilariously charming over-sharing way. If you are looking for a bit of a pick-me-up any of her books of essays will do.

ps.  The gallery installation behind her was incredible.  A whole heap of author portraits done by two artists. I especially loved the style of Allison Bruns (the top one pictured here).  She was great at capturing expression.

More pictures of the exhibit.
http://powells.tumblr.com/post/51569909347/travelingbookgirl-powells-city-of-books

Great Scott! Look what came in the mail!

A part for a blender we bought.  That was one thing that came in the mail.  It was waiting patiently on the porch along with…

What’s this large package underneath?

Once I saw it was addressed to Patricia Clark, I knew who it was from.  Then it was only a matter of unwrapping to find:
(Cue sound of angels singing.)

  A cake carrier.

And not just any cake carrier, but a Tupperware carrier in perfect condition in the always-winning shade of Harvest Gold!   I can transport my cakes in comfort and style all thanks to Sara and Shawn at Pike Schemes.  You guys are awesome.  Thank you so much.