Hector: A True American Hero

There is service. And there is Service. Like the time when without being asked, Hector brought Bowman a bottle of water because she couldn't be trusted with open containers. Or the time he asked everyone at the always-crowded one Eastern Market table to move down so the seven of us could sit together. And we can't forget the time he gave us a restaurant recommendation. It's service like this that keeps us coming back. We therefore declare this month "Hector Appreciation Month." Here's to you, Hector!

Eastern Market; Washington, DC

Move it, Move it!

Body started it
Bowman exaggerated it
Sugarplum spread it
Ginger actually fell out of her chair laughing about it
E-Foy went Ahhhh about it
The African Jewel-Box worried about it
Blue Velvet was overly excited about it
Crazy rolled her eyes about it
Marty perfected it
Laurie was unaware of it
Geeves stifled his laughter about it
Morty left it
And DeAnna (D-Mac) moved into it
We miss you Morty.
DeAnna, Welcome to the 2-1-1!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

I really can't stay
(But baby it's cold outside)
I've got to go away
(But baby it's cold outside)
This evening has been
(Been hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice
(I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My mother will start to worry
(Beautiful, what's your hurry)
My father will be pacing the floor
(Listen to the fireplace roar)
So really I'd better scurry
(Beautiful, please don't hurry)
But maybe just half a drink more
(Put some records on while I pour)
The neighbors might faint
(Baby, it's cold out there)
Say, what's in this drink?
(No cabs to be had out there)
I wish I knew how
(Your eyes are like starlight now)
to break this spell
(I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
I ought to say, "No, no, no, sir"
(Mind if I move in closer)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried
(What's the sense in hurtin' my pride)
I really can't stay
(Oh Baby, don't hold out)

Baby, it's cold outside

I simply must go
(But Baby, it's cold outside)
The answer is no
(But Baby, it's cold outside)
Your welcome has been
(So lucky that you dropped in)
so nice and warm
(Look out the window at that storm)
My sister will be suspicious
(Gosh your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door
(Waves upon a tropical shore)
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious
(Gosh your lips are delicious)
But maybe just a cigarette more
(Never such a blizzard before)
I've gotta get home
(But Baby, you'll freeze out there)
Say lend me a coat
(It's up to your knees out there)
You've really been grand
(I thrill when you touch my hand)
But don't you see?
(How can you do this thing to me?)
There's bound to be talk tomorrow
(Think of my lifelong sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied
(if you got pneumonia and died)
I really can't stay
(Get over that old out)

Ahh, but it's cold outside
Baby, it's cold outside

Chapter 1

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.* And so our story begins in Penrose. Seven girls--not necessarily in desire of a man with fortune or of a man without fortune for that matter--but looking to find their own daring paths in the great world were in want of a cheery estate and agreeable companions.

About six months ago, Miss Body, witty, directionless, often erupting into a tinkling giggle, had the good fortune of captivating 211 South Barton Street, of Penrose, in the county of Arlington, and to be thereby raised to the rank of a home-owning lady, with all the comforts and consequences of a handsome house and a piddly income. All the world exclaimed on the greatness of the match--between the lady and her home, that is (but for other matches, she could not be bothered). And soon six strangers (though not for long) joined in the merriment:

Bowman, intrepid, nickname inclined, and socially determined had recently transplanted from the Ohio country to pursue her career.

Morty, disarming, well endowed in the wealth of household provisions (too much for her own good and room size), and abounding in social contacts came looking for an escape to the countryside from the bustle of Pentagon City.

The Laurie, level headed, sensible, adventure seeking, with beau in tow came to find a suitable accommodation.

Ginger, organized, literary, and armed with paint brushes and visions of color commandeered the basement with her sprightly energy.

Crazy, crazy, carefree, full of restless ecstasy, and absolutely uncontrolled was the youngest of the house.

And last, the African, prim and proper with a nervous nature and charmingly exotic manners completed the home.

From divergent backgrounds, they found they had one thing in common: their love for the ridiculous. And so the blog shall continue with tales of their outrageous exploits and adventures in Penrose.

*Many thanks to the inspirational novels of Jane Austen

Let the Blog begin....

This is the beginning of something good. Something real good.