Talisman

Yikes, is it really only Monday? Well, all and all not that bad even though I could not reschedule the PODS for my parents move, which means Josh and I load up the first one and then schedule movers for the rest of the stuff to go in the second which is not exactly what I had hoped for originally. I just want to make sure it all fits, and now we'll be leaving with the car on the Drive West Summer Adventure before the whole house is packed. But we should be able to get my parents ready to go and we will have movers lined up for them, so in some cosmic way I am sure it will all work out.

We had dinner with our friends, Heather and Collin, tonight. Heather had bought one of Collin's childhood games, Talisman, as a surprise for him and we got to get in on the surprise. It is a great game, but unfortunately no longer in print. Talisman was and originally published in Great Britain, and is sort of a board game version of D&D without all the math and 20-sided die. The art on the board and cards is great and its really smart how it all fits together with the details. The expansion packs are apparently where it is at - some go for up to $500 on eBay. It was such a good game, I might just have to do a little eBay sleuthing and see if we can pick up the original 2nd edition for under $30 or so. (Per Heather, the 3rd edition is a bit lame).

Speaking of good things from Great Britian, only 26 more days until Harry Potter 6 is here!! Only bummer is that after all of Josh's great planning and expense to have the 1st Edition British version shipped on time to get here to PDX on the big day, we will likely be somewhere in the range of the Rockies or Hells Canyon driving back to Portland. Oh well, it will be good incentive to keep on driving!! (But I may have to read ahead a bit by picking up a US 1st Edition while on the road!)

Strateloutions for Father's Day

Gotta love corporate babble speak - this one is from some recent commercial and I think I will try it out at the next meeting to see if anyone recognizes it. We're up in Seattle this weekend and so far the weather has been beautiful. Its at bit cooler up here but sunny - I hope there was some rain in Portland because we didn't get a chance to water before leaving. Of couse, since we're up on Bainbridge, I just *had* to go to ChurchMouse. It was pleasantly non-snooty, at least in terms of the salesperson who helped me - the island customers (and you can always tell which ones they are verses the visitors) were the same, but alas, they do have nice things. I even managed to finish an entire quick easy shoulder poncho with yarn that refused to stay in the 3 other projects I started with it. I might make another one to sell at the Christmas bazaar this year - if I make it that long and don't find another fun use for the yarn.

We're headed out to the Casino for brunch this morning - Ted's choice as it is Father's Day. They have a yummy brunch, but since we had an awesome dinner and 2 servings of ice cream cake (courtesy of Gail) I'm not sure how much brunch room there is. I'm sure we'll rally as soon as the thought of unlimited bacon makes it thru my sleepy head.

Oh, and we finally got to get down to Chrissie & Kevin's and meet Kulia in person. She is very cute wrapped up like a baby burrito. She's already got a head of dark hair and word on the street is that she's favoring the Terry side in terms of looks. Her big sis Leina has the McLaughlin side, and is very cute when talking about her sister. Which is kinda funny since everything, including the Melo without hair, is "cute" right now to Leina. Leina almost didn't recognize Melo at first with her new shaved look, but then reverted back to Melo, Melo, Melo - it must be the furry tail part that gave it away!

So Happy Father's Day to Dad and Ted(dad)!! See you at the buffet!