up and coming author - woo hoo

I just finished reading the manuscript that Tia Nevitt is working on to get published, Starcaster. The story is action packed and takes some unique concepts that are morphed with high society which makes for a fun and intriguing read. I can see this series really taking off with readers. What a cool movie it would be! Think James Bond crossed with Xenia Princess Warrior.
Summary - it's fantastic, I loved it. I hope that I don't have to wait too long to see it AND its sequel in print.

The only problem, now I'm moping because it's over and I want more.

New Airline rules

Been busy lately! A friend had her baby and I spent some time with her eldest - what a treasure that little girl is!
Thought I'd share this little not so far off the mark joke about airline rules.

New Airline Rules

Attendant: "Welcome aboard, sir. May I see your ticket?"

Passenger: "Sure."

Attendant: "You're in seat 12B. That will be $5, please!"

Passenger: "What for?"

Attendant: "For telling you where to sit."

Passenger: "But I already knew where to sit."

Attendant: "Nevertheless, we are now charging a seat locator fee
of $5. It's the airline's new policy."

Passenger: "That's the craziest thing I ever heard. I won't pay
it."

Attendant: "Sir, do you want a seat on this flight, or not?"

Passenger: "Yes, yes. All right, I'll pay. But the airline is
going to hear about this."

Attendant: "Thank you. My goodness, your carry-on bag looks
heavy. Would you like me to stow it in the overhead compartment for
you?"

Passenger: "That would be swell, thanks."

Attendant: "No problem. Up we go, and done! That will be $10,
please."

Passenger: "What?"

Attendant: "The airline now charges a $10 carry-on assistance
fee."

Passenger: "This is extortion. I won't stand for it."

Attendant: "Actually, you're right, you can't stand. You need to
sit, and fasten your seat belt. We're about to push back from the gate.
But, first I need that $10."

Passenger: "No way!"

Attendant: "Sir, if you don't comply, I will be forced to call
the air marshal. And you really don't want me to do that."

Passenger: "Why not? Is he going to shoot me?"

Attendant: "No, but there's a $50 air-marshal hailing fee."

Passenger: "Oh, all right, here, take the $10. I can't believe
this."

Attendant: "Thank you for your cooperation, sir. Is there
anything else I can do for you?"

Passenger: "Yes. It's stuffy in here, and my overhead fan
doesn't seem to work. Can you fix it?"

Attendant: "Your overhead fan is not broken, sir. Just insert
two quarters into the overhead coin slot for the first five minutes."

Passenger: "The airline is charging me for cabin air?"

Attendant: "Of course not, sir. Stagnant cabin air is provided
free of charge. It's the circulating air that costs 50 cents."

Passenger: "I don't have any quarters. Can you make change for
a dollar?"

Attendant: "Certainly, sir! Here you go!"

Passenger: "But you've given me only three quarters for my
dollar."

Attendant: "Yes, there's a change making fee of 25 cents."

Passenger: "For cryin' out loud. All I have left is a lousy
quarter? What the heck can I do with this?"

Attendant: "Hang onto it. You'll need it later for the
lavatory."

Jonathan given the boot

Oh no, Jonathon Burkin was voted off America's Got Talent - I'm so upset. I loved him. He's what the show is about.
Although the singers on the show are good, moving even, I feel like we have American Idol for that so I'd rather not see (ok hear) the singing.

The little 4 year old Katlin, although is adorable, really shouldn't have made it as far as she did. I think the judges screwed up by bringing her to the next round. She sings cute- but like a 4 year old would sing. The troubling thing is that I find it disturbing seeing that little girl on the stage by herself as her fate is decided if she is to go forward or not. And a group of kids: Wright Kids made it, oh please, Jonathon Burkin was way better and who are they kidding, I just don't believe a group of children would be a big Vegas pull. I think they need to put age restrictions for who can audition!

As I said, it also disturbs me to see the children on stage - alone - without their parents. I think that they're too young!

I might not continue to watch the show as I'm not impressed with the final 10 contestants.

Great talent on America's Got Talent!

I just LOVED Jonathon Burkin and SickStep on America's Got Talent - so much so I made a point to keep watching the show live so that I could vote for both of them.

Jonathon twirls,juggles and is quite the gymnist. Sickstep is an amazing theatrical dance team. I'd love to see them all win.

I think America's Got Talent is usually on Monday and Tuesday night but this being a holiday week, the schedule was a bit off.

Newron Skate update

I used the Newron Skates on Sunday - I skated a total of 16 miles on a trail.
They really aren't skates meant for distance skating. Even their website compares them to ice skates, and it does say they are good for skating distances. I found them to be slow and hard to push off on.
The two front wheels are smaller than the two back wheels. The glide is slower too. My husband was skating with me he'd quickly and easily roll by me on his K2's.

I can see that someone who wants to dance skate, or play ice hockey might really enjoy them.
A friend is going to try them out soon and I'll be sure mention what she has to say about them.

I prefer to use a heal brake and the design of their brake, between the wheel and the chassis isn't a reliable braking system for me. Even on the trail skate, there were at least 2 occasions where I went to brake and my skate rolled out from under me as the brake didn't engage.
I know how to T stop but I'm not that fond of it.

Newron Sport Skate Demo that I received!

I received a demo pair of inline skates from Newron Sports I haven't gotten to try them out yet.

They have a different sort of breaking system. Rather than a heal brake that is dragged on the ground to slow, it has a brake that is in between the wheel and the frame and has weight is applied, it slows the wheel.

Nooks and Crannies Tour- Beauport Sleeper McCann house

The Beauport Sleeper House in Gloucester

Yesterday my sister and I toured the Beauport Sleeper McCaine House in Gloucester, MA.
We took the special Nooks and Crannies tour and we able to view almost all of the rooms, go up many different stairs, see behind hidden closets, it was amazing!

I understand better why tours of historic homes can't often show us everything. This tour took three houses, we had a refreshment break at the half way point.


Vicki and I on the grounds of the Beauport.

Vicki and her husband Tom were visiting all this past week, they left today. We went to the Nantucket, and had a great time!


Vicki and Tom on the widow's walk on top of the Martin House in Nantucket.