Chapter 50

She Says: It is Christmas break and the weather has felt like the North Pole, but all is shared with holiday cheer!

Jomama arrived Thursday and our days have been filled running my errands and initiating my holiday purchases. A great excuse for me to explore local retailers that I had not yet made a priority... One Eared Cow, Jarrett's Jungle (I may have a new addiction) and another walk through of City Art. Yesterday we went to see West Side Story, the dancing and choreography was fabulous! Today I will try Soda City again and then see what other trouble I can get us in to.

Sad to say I apparently deleted the picture of our lunch at Mojito's (with Mom's first ever Mojito), but  I am happy to share that Greene'es carries more varieties of Pacific Redwood. Will report on the Chard and Pinot Noir once I have tried them, both are a tad more $$.

So, the entry reads Chapter 50 when it should read Chapter 51. I guess just I forgot a week in a year I have been chronicling our transition from a suburban to urban living.  All in all a lot has changed and little has changed. Case in point,  I did successfully damage a plant last night... Never even crossed my mind that I should cover up a third floor balcony plant in the city when temp was dipping down close to freezing. At least my green thumb remains crooked! But is has been a great year with wonderful new adventures and opportunities! Still trying to decide what will happen to the blog next year... Only time will tell!

Chapter 49

She Says: A little late in posting, but I have a legitimate excuse... Had our first overnight visitors, survey says... a GRAND success! Dad and Nancy spent two nights here and report they enjoyed our new place and neighborhood:) My biggest worry was the fold out bed, but they report it was fine and no need for the fiber bed I (but I will keep it for the next visitor!).

Friday Jason and I made a brief visist to the Dojo Christmas party (escaping after the annual singing of Silent Night) and then introduced our guests to M Vista, a winner (of course). Saturday the weather started out windy, cool and overcast as we walked up to Cola City Market. I do have to admit I was a bit disappointed after all of the hype I have heard, but will give it a second try before issuing judgement. Then we went to the Columbia Museum of Art for the Rothko exhibit (yup, I'm still not a big fan of modern art). We all enjoyed a video story of the Vogel's. If you don't know about them look them up, a fun story!

We then went to the Nick for Anna Karenina. I enjoyed it the second time even more, even though someone in my party said "yippee" in an audible voice at the tragic conclusion of the story... We wrapped the night up at The Oyster Bar with our bellies full of always good food with very nice staff.

Any nervousness of the hosts about the new home was proven unnecessary. Maaeo did his usual part as a gracious host and shoe guard (despite the return of his pillow paw). His reward? Someone leaving him to roam the hallway for about an hour... but I won't elaborate on that.

A neat surprise from our neighbor Ms. Joanne! After seeing a visitor's car parked in one of our spaces she rang our doorbell Friday and offered her spot. So, yes my new neighbors are kind neighbors. So glad we hosted a holiday drop-in Monday evening allowing us to get to know many of them better.


Next week is a short one and I have no more excuses to delay finishing my holiday gift shopping. I am continuing my protest and refuse to fall prey to the overdone materialistic slant of the holiday... But am more than ready for the next visitor and round of holiday gatherings with family and friends.

Chapter 48

She Says: What a great week to be an urban dweller! Indian Summer combined with crazy South Carolina politics, little could have gone better.

The week started of with a combined Renaissance Plaza COA, Printers Plaza COA and Arsenal Hill HOA holiday party. Met lots of neat people. I didn't realize we moved to the olddest neighborhood in town. Jason met an Oscar grad who graduated as Jason was entering the Citadel and a father and son training at the Meeting Street Dojo. Few of our Rennaissance Plaza neighbors came, but I am glad we did!

Then before we knew it it was First Thursday on Main. We met up with good friends we (mostly) don't see on a regular basis Bill, Jill, Sumner, and Michael. Met the local artist Whitney LeJeune who features woman with nice colors in her paintings. Small world, Mezza features her work and Jason used to work with her Dad.

Good thing the weather cooled down a bit, first time skater Jason got around the rink with cautious concentration while breaking a sweat. In my opinion the absolutely worst way to try to learn to skate is on a tiny rink, in hockey skates, with lots of people also skating for the first time. So many newbies that the rink had more toe pricks in it than I thought possible.

I equate skating to skiing... The experience is not like getting back on a bicycle! I made it around in a gentle and cautious manner, but just when my confidence was up, I hit a toe prick crater and was like a toddler learning to walk. Neither of us landed on our behinds, but I do have the feeling the Caiparinha at the Brazilian Steak House gave us the motivation to skate. Nothing like lime, Brazillian rum and sugar to make one invincible! We only had one and yes it was the absolute antithises of our food ethos! Where were you Ed?

Last night was a reunion of the old broad club at Blue. David and Jason are such good sports. My night ended catching up on my Hulu shows, who knew Macka liked to watch TV?!?!  Today will hopefully include Anna Karanina with Holly at the Nick and then it is Willie Nelson and Family concert with Bart & Maria. Hope Willie has a good night:)

47.1

She Says: Maaeo has always spoken loudly... but he still manages to charm all he meets (kinda like some other guy around here). What he forgot to say is everyone here at Unit B307 is looking forward to all of the visitors coming! Maaeo just felt a need to forewarn about the new accommodations. A home is so much more with family and friends, especially during the the holiday season.

Minor clarifications from the human perspective.

This foldout sofa bed has no bar sticking into your back! My complaint was Maaeo joining us as we tested the bed last night. He stretched out and made himself very comfortable. An egg crate mattress pad will be secured for those who prefer one.

Trains are not allowed to blow their horn when in the downtown area.A paper is know delivered every morning and a Wall Street Journal can be acquired with less than a block's walk. This is a great new urban community:)

Chapter 47

Maaeo Says: It is about time. Thank you Mrs. Rouffy for suggesting that that I contribute to this saga. I spend more time in here, so my opinion and thoughts matter more.

So, what do I think about living here? I think it is great! The construction part sucked, but everything else rocks for us felines (humans seem real please with the relocation too)! Our perks include:

• The best part is the porch we can hang out on! At the old place we had to stay inside. Windows here provide us with plenty of entertainment. Fewer birds, but a lot more action. Best is human watching during pool season.
• The new cat lotus tree that all humans think is to big is worth every penny. It keeps the girl cats happy, and we all know what it is like to live with angry spayed felines.
• Us felines have our own secluded powder room (and yes the installation of the cat door was outsourced). There is even a trash chute just a few steps out the front door to relocate our scat.
• There are lots of great places to hide, sleep and sunbath! The less social ones of us do appreciate that there is now carpet is now under the master bed... 
• Neighbors are nice. The folks on our floor don't get upset when I slip out and run up and down the hall (Jenifer's place is most intriguing to me). 
• Mary our favorite cat sitter will still come and take care of us here! Although Tom doesn't understand how two people can live peacefully in a home that is 500 square feet smaller than their former home (us fat cats love not having to walk so far).

So my question to the visitors that are about to arrive is why did y'all wait till they moved into a smaller condo to come visit for a longer period of time?  The accommodations are perfect for them, but less than five star for you. I have identified a few things I think you should know about before you arrive.

#1 Your guest room has no privacy. They cut out holes in the wall to minimize the feeling of claustrophobia in the tiny room. The guest room is now more commonly known as the music room (entertainment may be a better title). They squeezed a piano, book/media case and foldout sofa in this small room. The good news is as far as fold out sofas go, this one is good.

#2 You will probably want to bath in their master bath shower. This place has some dumb architectural issues. It is near impossible for the old fat black cat to jump up on the bathtub rim, how can any human climb in?

#3 Trains! Who knew that this town had so many trains coming through? If you spend enough time here, they become soothing. But if you are a light sleeper, bring ear plugs.

#4 They do have a TV, but no cable (you won't be able to watch the TV with the sleeper sofa pulled out anyway). So to watch TV you will have to go to a sports bar up the street, visit the community room or turn on a computer (they will provide you with the WIFI password) They do nicely with Hulu, Netflix and the web. But then again we all know they aren't normal people.

#5 It is like Fort Knox here! You need a "fob" to drive or walk in, get on the elevator and to get onto the community room. A few quiet neighbors without permanent lodging enjoy lounging on the benches outside the gates, but we are respectful of each other and live in peace.

#6 Good news is they now have a microwave!

Other than that, we all look forward to your visit! If you don't like it, Marriott Springhill Suites is next door!

Chapter 46

She Says: Something I never imagined I would be sharing, but Jason willingly and successfully used a power tool!!!! He even knows what a toggle bolt is now. It started with him noticing the curtains falling out of the sheet rock... The boy is proud of himself. Alas, he has already tried to return the drill to his Dad (who refused because he has two). So a short lived victory, but a proud victory none the less.

As a Carolina Alum I must say, Go Cocks! Four wins a row,  it was a good game.

A quick shout out to our neighbor Nappyology. They are the only hair salon out of the ten in a two block radius that seems to be doing booming business. Walk by in a Friday or Saturday at 9 pm and they are packed!

I am going to procrastinate one more weekend and not pull out the holiday decorations. There is no denying it, the holiday season is in full swing.

Chapter 45.1

She Says: What am I thankful for this day after Thanksgiving?
#1 I am smart enough not to be out with the Black Friday shoppers. #2 The condo is open to visitors (maybe these two are out of order, but yes the rug is down, shadow wall up and book shelf organized)! Still need a name...Chateau de Shalimar can't be outdone.

To continue with the tradition of bad iPhone pictures for the blog... We had our debut and hosted the immediate Watkins family for the feast. Despite your critical thoughts on our chosen diet, the millet and cauliflower "mashed potatoes" and mushroom gravy where a hit! The debut was well received and Jason and me had a big sigh of relief. After five months we have a home:)

New this Thanksgiving (for me) was the after dinner pull out you iPhone or iPad as the meal settles. This new tradition/strategy gives one hope that with time you will have room for the pear dessert or Marcia's famous whole wheat banana bread in honor of John Jrs upcoming birthday (ooh good idea for breakfast).

And for my I love being an urbanite portion of the entry, I look forward to soon trying out the skating rink on the art museum plaza!The State graciously printed a section giving tips to Southerners about stopping and falling safely on ice. This former Yankee should be less cynical, but I just can't be! Look back on Sunday... in that issue I'll prove that I was right and Jason can can successfully use a power tool!

Chapter 45

She Says: Where do I begin!?!?! The rehab is 99% done, yippee:) Jason proclaimed today as fun day (too much going on) so clean up and putting things in their rightful places will commence tomorrow. I intend to do an update dedicated to the stories of Will and Clayton and their work soon...

So, urban life...it is great this week! Vista Lights was a blast.

The Eau Claire marching band kicked off the event. Had some competition from a great drum band, .but the Shamrock (Eau Claire) dance team stole the show...pretty dancing ladies will do that. Saw lots of friends and colleagues, but no suburban friends (?). It was the place to be in Columbia. Missed the tree lighting and the Mayor, but there was to much going on to see it all.

I had been avoiding City Art. I knew I'd fall in love with art work that is out of my price range. But who knew I'd go crazy for a wax "painting" by someone I know! Tim Floyd is a multi-medium talent!!!!! Learned that what appeared to be over-sized spools of threads when viewed through a smart phone can become a biblical face (I should know who it is, but I don't and am O.K with that). Jewelry, vista landscapes and more. Guess I need to start buying lottery tickets again.

Jasper magazine was having their artist awards and Ed Madden was a winner! Haven't seen Ed in too long, a problem that will soon be corrected. The pressure is on me now... he wants the blog link. Poet/English Professor/ Woman's Studies Professor/my co-winner for Leadership Columbia's most liberal award winner reading my writing? At least my blog isn't for credit...

Horrible picture, but had to include. The people watching was fabulous. This anonymous gentleman wins (hands down) the sexiest metro-sexual dad award. He stopped Jason and me dead in our tracks! The stroller was even sleek.


And it appears that we can't end a night out in the Vista anywhere other than Mezza. Their celebratory contribution to the evening was a very confident belly dancer. They did run out of cider with some "amazingly good" spiced moonshine, will have to look for that. Missed the opportunity to get a picture of the kitchen staff in their  hunting garb, it was cold (and funny). Mezza is about to roll out their new menu! Maybe we will have to eat there twice a week...

Today? Well the Gamecocks play Wofford at 1:00 p.m. Then on to Boyfriend Ronnie and his wife Kitty's backyard oyster party. My contribution?  This non-oyster loving lady got BIG shrimp from the Rosewood market farmers market. I will from now on be a regular customer.

Chapter 44

She Said: A first! The blog did not enter my mind until I was walking down to join Jason in Five Points. I'll blame it on the paint fumes.

Homecoming for the Gamecocks today... Think our holiday card will be with the huge Gamecock by the statehouse. Gotta love Columbia South Carolina! 

This week was my 13th wedding anniversary! So how did we celebrate? We ate out every night: Mezza on Monday, Mojitos on Tuesday, Camon on Wednesday, MVista on Thursday, Blue on Friday, and tonight a home cook meal at Junior and Nancy's:) Guess the two workouts with Angie and walk to Five Points through the the Horseshow will help with the over indulgence. Right?

Side note about Wednesday... we also saw Samsara at the Nickelodeon. Great film! I encourage all to find it and see it.

The election on Tuesday, yeah I am OK with that. New precinct allowed Jason a one hour wait a 7:00 a.m. Me at 10:30, I was in an out in five minutes:) Sorry to the friends who had 4 or more hours  bonding with neighbors. A nice perk to our city living!

Last week was the annual chili cook off and Blues Festival in Five Points. Highlight was Eddie Turner.A late picture, but a worthy plug to all to attend next year.

All hope may not be lost in my electrical endeavors. The small writing notes a repaired circuit in the receptacle box. I did at least one correctly!

I have said it before, but the end I believe really is near for condo rehab. I hope next weekend to be super busy cleaning and moving furniture and pictures back to their final destinations.

Chapter 43

She Says: Wow, what a weekend and week and it is only Thursday... A brief intro to the past week
via pictures.

 Isig turned 22 (and them some) on the way to Jason's reunion. All I'll say about the weekend is prank had its ups and downs in the aftermath and UPS made a nice profit as a silent auction item was mailed back. Correct destination?  Debatable. I will say that Jason has written another poem...will let him share the stories.


You know you live in the city when you see rats. At least this one was only trying to move into our parking place. Picture doesn't due the tail justice. And no I did not hit it, it just decided to take a permanent nap between the time I came home from the gym and headed to work. Jason left about 25 minutes before me and swears he didn't see it.

The highlight of the suburban to urban tale is that we may make our goal of a pre-Thanksgiving completion of round two make condo home project.  Rug and final pieces of furniture have arrived.Will has started painting!!!!!  We are optimistically thinking two weeks... Sanding started today... (I love living in a construction zone, I love living in a construction zone, I love living in a construction zone). At least the cats did find time to play. Either that or they are hinting that I start knitting again.

42.2

She Says: Super fast update... Guess I feel like I can say this since we live in Fort Knox and my blog hasn't gotten the book or movie deal I anticipated, but we are headed out of town. Going to Jason's 20th high school reunion... Hope to see the Mexican Governor or Ce Loo Green, will share more after the fact. I just pray the wives wine tour doesn't get out of hand.

Sad news from the old hood. Our neighbor frmo across the street lost a short but fierce battle with cancer. Don was a great, caring and sincere man that will be missed.

Urban to Suburban updates... few. The floating shelves came in. Painter dealing with life, some anxiety that the Turkey day deadline may not be reached...

The cats, not sure if they are the three amigos or the three stooges, but all (but one) are fat an sassy so I assume happy. Momma Mary will be looking in on them (and then hitting the Vista!) with Poppa Tom:)

42.1

She Says: Pride and Prejudice was great! Even Jason enjoyed it, well he did make sure that I knew if the Gamecock's hadn't lost he would have been elsewhere.

Go if you at all like this type of theater. Diverse and friendly audience. I did have a primarily polite but one way conversation with some teens about how they  sat right in-front of us and were blocking out view... so I would move if they promised not to move an sit infront of us or anyone else... 

Lessons learned: 1. Show up around 6:00 and sit on the front row. 2.  Bring a chair or more than a blanket to sit on to save butt and back (concrete ampatheater). 3. Bring screw top wine (everyone else was more conspicuous).

The Mezza shot show down?  Started with a wine that tasted like Niquil to me. Robbie's Breakfast Shot won... And learned a pickle shot can't be done with Lebanese pickles... Pick up our Italian wine Monday!

Off to the Nick! Hope to see Arbitrage, not sure with new volunteer program guidelines. Beautiful day vs Richard Gere (and Susan Sarandon), will let fate decide! Or will Jason actually join me and we will walk up together!?!

Chapter 42

She Says: There is just too much to do in this city! Sad to miss today's gay pride parade (they finally figured out nobody wanted to stand in the blazing heat) but happy to attend the celebration of the soon to be Hair clan member Thomas. Brandon and Julie have commenced procreation for this generation!  So I won't be late to the baby shower I will have to be brief in today's update.  Battle of the Mezza shots will have to wait for the next edition ... that will also include a review of Shakespeare in the park (AKA Pride and Prejudice 7:30 p.m. in Finlay Park tonight!).

Semi slow week in the decorating world. Waiting on the paint and molding/counter estimate... Still hopeful all will be done by Thanksgiving. Have finally found stands to hold the bowl (oh, another picture idea!)... But #1 in decor news is Mom's painting is re-framed. The new frame and mat compliments her talent in a much more beautiful manner (my home will soon be the scene of a painting heist)!!!!! Jane said we needed color so fake lemons and limes it is with a little of John's Mardi Gras beads (need to go back so we can add green and fill it up). Wine corks in a bottle just cause it is the best best I could think of to recycle them (or re-purposing our former door stop).

What else is new?!?! Yes, we will be going to Willie Nelson on December 8 (sorry upside down)! I was 15th in line with a lot of 50+ white males (couldn't figure out a tactful way to take that picture).

And news flash! female cats are smarter! Pictured is the Slovak cat who was first to discover how fabulous the Lotus Cat Tree is.

Happy Sweetest Day! Just so you are in the loop... Sweetest day was created by candy makers as an opportunity for women to treat their men to even out the valentines day holiday.

Chapter 41

She says: Did we have fun Saturday or what! I failed to open with a picture of the first Saturday back at the Salty Nut... still some work to go but looking great. The on to the Jam Room Music Fest...

Bart and Maria dancing the day away, these two has a large time!

 Down time with John Junior.







 
The highlight of the music fest was the Woggles!

 Wrapped the music portion up with Rev Marv at the Art Bar!

Jason's despair at the 21-23 loss, he is OK!!!









Now on the the Village Idiot to catch up with SBHS classmate Terry!

40.1

She Says: Is it not all that I thought it would be? I'll remain optimistic. The people at the UPS store knew of the big box, but the nice young gentleman would not accept my assistance. He was however not optimistic about fitting it in my car. People just don't understand us Mini Cooper cult members, especially convertible owners.  Who cares if it might start raining, where there is a will there is a way!  A little over two hours later it was nearly 100% together. Jason did come to the rescue and new to tighten something to keep the base on tight.

Cats weren't too excited, so used catnip to entice. some interest... But where to put the tree. A tad too big to go where I had hoped (if it was only a little less wavy, but isn't that why we bought it?). So not the view I had hoped for the cats, but I think soon they will warm up to it. They better! It is sturdy and tall with a hiding spot and scratching posts, what not to love (other than the awkward position to lookout the window). What's not to love? Jane was not impresssed, she even has cats!)

Another weekend full of free events and nice weather. I will admit is has been a long tough week so my get up and go may have left without me.
The hope to dos will be fewer, but will catch the new Main Street farmer's market (sorry Whaley Street, parking will get you) but jury still out on  Jam Room Music Festival... 

Chapter 40

She says: No free popcorn for you, and no I am not lying. You come to the movie 50 minutes late at the request of the person leading the baseball question when the movie is just over one hour long?!?! We let you in free, but yes we do take credit cards.

Yes, I was 99% sure I knew who you were... But you lost weight, your face was pink and I guess you had a mole removed... You did not need to give Bradley and me your business card so we would know who you were... You still do not represent me, so $2.50 please.

Construction continues, had hoped to be done by now, but what is ever done on time...

Had first Thursday on Main this week! The Nick organized, or Maria helped to iron out the last minute details that Nick staff never considered and made the parade a success. The photographer stinks so just have a bad picture of the Eau Claire High (a Richland One High School) marching band (Go Shamrocks) and a picture of the almost condo. The top floor, a lady was peeking out at us. We did get so lucky with how our home situation worked out!

So today is a large football match, Carolina vs the Georgia Bulldogs. Only in Columbia South Carolina can an employee leave on Friday to have her boss holler "Go Dawgs" and bark like a dog... To prompt said employee to state Go Cocks". I did pass on the rooster call. We shall see who is standing prouder Monday. Guess I really am a Rebel!


This good picture is from a real photographer at last Saturday's Italian festival. A good looking bunch, not a great picture of me... but a good glimpse of the short hair do. Guess I'll keep it a while.

Life is also good for the steadfast non TV watchers? The new season on Hulu has started and last season from HBO series are now available. A super cool cat tree to be delivered Monday and follow-up meeting with Jane Wednesday...next week is already looking good!