May 29, 2000

One year ago: Well, not exactly a year ago, but close enough. I shell out for my own domain name. It's really hot, but I play tennis anyway. Jim and I continue the eternal struggle over 5 for 5 for 5.

Monday morning, I was lying in my bed in my parents' house, peacefully slumbering. It was about ten a.m., but hey, I'm not a morning person. Suddnely I heard the unmistakeable strains of "The Stars and Stripes Forever" being played by a marching band and I was jolted awake. So that's how my Monday started out. It was the annual Memorial Day Parade, which lasted all of eight and a half minutes, according to Brenda, who timed it. I'm not sorry I missed it. I mean, I'm all for remembering those who served, but if that involves watching Brownie troops and Little League teams walk down the main street in town, count me out.

It was a nice day, so Jim and I decided to take a walk. I had to buy a birthday card, because we were invited to Gretchen's husband's 30th birthday party later in the day, and rather than drive the half-mile to the store, we decided to hoof it. We went to the store, got the card, then headed over to a local pizza/sub shop to get sandwiches. My brother and sister-in-law apparently had the same idea, because they were already there. We chatted with them a bit, and then decided to loop around and take the long way home so we could walk by our favorite house, pictured to the left. How awesome is that house? I covet it. But the family that lives there has lived there for many years, so I don't think it will be for sale any time soon. To the right is the monument in the crossroads at the center of town. It is Jim's nemesis because he's never quite sure who has the right-of-way when driving. Since I grew up there, it's just second nature to me. This year is the 100th anniversary of the monument (which was dedicated by one Teddy Roosevelt) so they're having a celebration later this summer.

As we were almost home, Brenda and Gretchen drove by and Brenda stopped and gave us a ride home. It was almost time for the party to start, so we went over to Gretchen's mom's house (across the street from my mom's) to hang out and wait for everyone to show up. This picture is Brenda (left) and Gretchen (right). The look on Gretchen's face cracks me up because it is so typical Gretchen. I can tell that she's thinking something like "What the hell is that person doing?" I don't know why Brenda was slumped so low in her chair.

Before too long it was time to eat, and then bring out the cake. Gretchen was mad because she had specified that she wanted it to say "Happy Birthday Bob" and didn't want any pink or flowers on it because it was for a guy. She went to pick up the cake and it had pink AND flowers on it, with really ugly turquoise writing that said "Happy '30th'", which was not at all what she requested. At that point, she didn't have a lot of recourse though, and I really don't think anyone cared but her. She did scrape off the pink flowers before the cake was presented to the viewing public, anyway. This picture is of Bob just after he blew out the candles. Gretchen's cousin Kate bought Bob that shirt for his birthday, and he liked it so much he wore it all day. That's Bob's grandmother, sitting down with the red shirt on.

I didn't think it was that sunny at the picnic, but apparently it was because I got quite the sunburn. As we drove home, I started getting that post-sun headache and I was really tired. Jim wanted to stop by his parents' house for a minute when we got back into town, and it turns out that this sister and her family were there too. Jim found out that his dad got a hold of a rototiller, so he put that to use right away. He's crazy with the yard work, I tell you. I mostly stood around and took pictures of the kids. This is Jim's nephew Noah, eating some Oreos and generally making a mess. I ate some Oreos, too. It was a fine way to end a great, action-packed weekend, and a great way to break in my new digital camera.