Red-Handed Jill

It's finally starting to warm up around here. It was fairly cold (as in the teens and twenties at night.) We'd probably have had snow, but it's also been very dry. It's still dry, but about ten degrees warmer.

Let's see... perhaps a fashion that requires help assembling? Patrick has already said that he's willing to step up and help whenever needed... And go ahead, mock my taste for this but I really do like this look. I think it's the striped pants. I like the jacket too, though. It's really hard finding decent striped fabric for trousers. I made myself a pair out of blue and silver striped silk, but I want more!

It's been my experience that the folks most deserving of recognition rarely get it and must be contented with knowing within themselves that they've done a stellar job. Still, the external validation is always nice... Is he working on POTC3?

Glad to see you back with us! Now that it's all past you and you're in a better place, what you went through will make for interesting stories. I've found that many of the most difficult times of my life transmuted themselves that way over time.

Old croquet balls can also be painted - they would certainly have that "weathered" look.

Bill Nighy was robbed, then. But as you said, there's always next year. And at least POTC was recognized in the areas that they definitely excelled!

^ Depends. With sewing patterns, I almost always alter them. < Going to be filmed tonight for a local TV show (my band is being featured this week.) V What's the one piece of garb you own that you can't do without?

^ Yea - always. < Yet another project. I'm going to make a sailor's short jacket (one of these months - but I just got the pattern...) V Margarita or daquiri?

Patrick:

^Definitely ahead of time. Reduces the chance of me forgetting something. < Pasta for dinner tonight, I think... V If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

deafeningly loud roars. "Retreat!"

Thanks! The design is mostly Jack's - we both like sumptuous things that aren't too girly.

I went sailing yesterday and am beat up all to hell, but I WILL walk and lift weights today. I've been gaining weight, but getting smaller. I'm not all that big to begin with but at my age am in the "maintenance years" and need to work harder to still fit into my small and medium pants. Although I'm glad to say that some of my medium pants are getting too big in the waist - yippee!

They can be found occasionally on eBay (where else? )

It's been my experience that it depends on your point of view... Not everyone is genetically disposed to be thin. Some folks could starve themselves almost to death and not get that thin - different body types, ya know. Other folks might have the right body type, but are too busy - making a living, raising kids, etc., to be able to maintain that kind of figure. For them, staying that slim takes more leisure time than they have. And a lot of those skinny models pay a big price to stay that thin so they can look good in fashions (e.g. drugs, throwing up...) Most women are not willing to pay that price. Also, any mother will tell you that childbearing can make some major changes to the body that no amount of diet and exersize will erase. Are they "sloppy" because they don't have the time nor money to get surgery to make themselves "trim"? Also, any woman of a certain age can tell you that perimenopause and menopause can wreak havoc with your body and metabolism. Many a formerly trim woman has suddenly found the phrase "rude awakening" very apropos. The greatest swimmer in history (as in she has broken all distance/speed records and has swum in places that most folks couldn't dream of tackling) is Linda Cox. This woman can swim circles around every other person on this planet and she's nowhere near trim - zaftig would be a better description. But, she's incredibly healthy and fit. Being healthy, regardless of your genetic makeup or body type, seems to be most important. Just my $.02

The best advice I can give you is "fake it 'til you make it". Sometimes you have to just go through the motions for awhile and wait for the situation to change. I've found that doing something before I have a chance to think about it (as in just getting out of bed, some mornings) goes a long way. This too, shall pass.

^ Tea during the day, cocoa in the afternoon and evening < I am SO tired right now. It took everything I had to get out of bed this morning. V Toast or muffins?

Patrick is referring to one woman in particular - her spoobage was not a pretty sight. I've seen plenty, but this woman was beyond anything I had ever seen. The men were wincing. And she was strutting around with them thrust out in front of her proudly. I've seen other women who looked similar and wonder if any of them have mirrors that go below the neck.

^ Depends on the situation, but ultimately my head. < Guess what I'm doing this weekend? Sailing! (Big surprise) V Drinks - with or without the umbrella?

Be my guest.

Pink and fruity? Have I got the drink for you! My version of Sex on the Beach Three parts Ocean Spray Moana Lai Two parts Pina Colada mix Two parts rum Two-three parts sparkling water Put in shaker with ice, strain into glass, add wee umbrella. This drink is a lovely pink colour and very fruity.

Hmm... red-handed... Probably something along the lines of rum with a drizzle of grenadine in it for blood.

Wanna hug? Those things are in my attic somewhere... Hey - have a great vacation!!

I remember that - in fact, a friend of mine and I had a party themed with this trend in mind back in the early 80's. I was a pirate captain. I actually dig this look:

I'll bet you're still traumatized by my spiked metal breast cups and loincloth reference... heh. (Yeah, I know, "MY EYES!" )