... And Remember To Turn Off The Lights When Ya' Leave.

I wasn't gonna say anything about this because, honestly, I figured no one would notice. I'm amazed - and pleased - to know I was wrong.

I've had more than a handful of folks ask me "what are the jam flavors gonna be this year?" The reason I don't have a response, even 'tho "jamming day" is just around the corner, is that I've decided to push out release day.

You see, the owner - as well as the manufacturing, research & development, marketing, sales, and public relations teams - are all going on vacation ... an official "pack a bag and cancel the newspaper" type vacation.

So, Research and Development will start work on the FMD '09 flavor line-up upon their return. The owner is under the impression that Manufacturing will commence mid-month, and Marketing has already told Sales that Public Relations will continue with the "free with a donation to your favorite charity or random good deed" drive that was so successful in '08.
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All of which is basically my way of saying "everyone be good to each other and to yourselves and I'll be back in a couple of weeks."

How I Don't Order Flowers

When I placed my order for flowers today, my office-neighbor noticed the information I didn't give. I didn't think much of it until I started reviewing the exchange of information in my head. I didn't give an address for delivery. I didn't give any information on what account to bill against. I never said my name ('tho my florist greeted me by my name). I never gave a name to be written on the outside of the envelope (beyond "Mom and Dad"). I never said what I was asking to be delivered. I didn't say what I wanted to spend on the order. And, for that matter, I never asked for a total, either.

In fact, when the florist answered the phone, the conversation went like this:
"Hi Pete - will you have some time to visit the Corvette and the dogs tomorrow? .... Yep, that's right, the annual order. ... Sure 'Thanks for the birthday' will work. ... Ha - they'd BETTER know who it's from! ... Ok, I'll be by for the receipt later this week. ... Remember, they're early risers so you can knock this one out early and then get on with your day. ... Great thanks."

And *that*, folks, is why Pete gets my business. I'd like to see "One Eight-hundred Blossoms" match that kind of service.

Time After Time Traveling

Oh sure, musically I know what you're thinking. You've travelled to 1984 with Cyndi Lauper, or maybe you're in 2000 looking at Eva Cassidy's album, or heck - maybe ya' stopped off in 1991 to visit Ozzy Osbourne. Nope nope and nope.

I'm talking about 1947. Yeah - betcha didn't go there, huh? It was introduced to the general population by this guy Frank something or another (had a nickname of "Blue Eyes" I think), and it's been covered by Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, James Brown, Carol Burnett, The Temptations and a few hundred other folks that maybe ya' know about.

For your musical enjoyment today, I give you "Time After Time", words and music by Sammy Cohen and Jule Styne, and sung - quite nicely, I must say - by Carly Simon.