My dad use to tell me stories about when he was a young buck. His first job was as a shoes salesman in Spencer's department store. The ladies use to come in asking for shoes to match the color of their dress. They use to take white shoes in the back and dye them, at least that's what he told me. Another story he told me was about serving a lady and later found out it was Verna Felton the actress who played Hilda the motorcycle riding mama :o) on the T.V. show December Bride (for those of you that are old enough to remember that show). Annette

Hello All, I do n't want to be the last to celebrate a wonderful weekend, but my internet connection has been fussy. I can't write much because I have to run out and plant a couple of things I got on the Vineyard. I have some wonderful souvenirs, a few of which were bought at the expense of peace of mind about getting to the ferry. But the best souvenir is the experience of gracious hosts, a48 hours of garden imersion, an excellent dinner, getting to see new and old friends, and a newfound appreciation of potential for relationships through the web. Of all the things computers mean to me, these gardening relationships are the most prized. In fact, since the computer is just a tool, it is really amazing that something so alive was discovered and nurtured through computer relationships. So, thank you Katie and Joe, Nan, Mindy and Debra, the weather gods, and whatever/whoever had a hand in this special gift./Idabean Marie

Okay YaYa ~ is this the bragging post? A couple weeks ago I bought a painting, but just found out how much it was worth this week. So I'll post about it here. I picked up this simple watercolor of a barn with some mountains in the background for $2.50 at a garage sale. I'd never heard of the artist, but it was a nice original so I bought it. When I got home, I started a internet search for the artist name, guessing on the spelling and trying different last names because I was unsure of what it said. Finally I type in Joseph Bohler and find out he is considered one of the masters of western art. Although his style had changed quite a bit since 1969 (the pictures date) I was pretty sure it was his. The people over at the Art forum on eBay suggested that I write Mr. Bohler and ask if it was indeed his painting and the current value. He wrote back quickly saying that it was his and had been done on location in his hometown and that the painting was worth between $650. and $850.! My DD's photograph on the mantle was moved and my first "real art" has taken it's place. I think that is my BEST find ever!

I'm back! I wanted to get back to you about my trip, especially because all of you were so nice to help. I am sorry to say, that time went by so quick, we didn't get to do all we wanted to do. Friday night went to Mr. Chow's-and then to The Polo Lounge, which was being renovated, so another club was set up in the hotel. It was much too crowded, got one drink and back to our hotel. Saturday went to Rodeo Drive and to eat pizza at a place on Melrose called Mozza's, I think. It was VERY good! We had a couple of drinks at the Beverly Wilshire, L.A. Reid was at the next table. Then went back to hotel to get ready for the Clive Davis Grammy Party, which was being held at our hotel, so we wanted to see all the celebriites go in and out. Saw so many, and to name a few: Joan and Melissa Rivers, Joan Collins, Gayle King, Hoda Kotbe (sp?), Kelsey Grammer (and his new young wife)-sorry, he just grosses me out, Magic Johnson, Brandy, P Diddy, Miley Cyrus, Melanie Griffith, Yolanda (RHBH) and David Foster, Sting and wife, Trudy, Tyra Banks, and so many more. A lot of them were young artists, and I didn't even know who they were until someone mentioned it. It was fun! I cannot believe how skinny the women are! Have to be a size 0, not to mention tall and long legs, so they really are thin-too thin, IMO. Sunday, went to brunch at the Four Seasons, and to dinner at Mastro's then on to the Justin Timberlake concert. It was suppose to start at 9p and it didn't start until 11:30, which I thought was ridiculous! I truly would have left if my friend wasn't so inlove with him! Got home so late and was tired and left the next day! I am sorry we didn't make it to The Stinking Rose! Someone on the plane said they smelled like garlic all weekend after eating there, so we were a little afraid to go there and then to the events we were going to attend. But, would have loved to have gone there. Oh, somewhere in there we did go to the Farmers Market for awhile. We had already had brunch so wasn't hungry. I had never been to the Walk of Fame, so we went there for a little while one day. Marlene, so glad you mentioned for us to stay at the Beverly Hilton instead of the Roosevelt! We did walk through the Roosevelt, very dark place. We went to have a drink and appetizer at Sur, but, they were filming, so never even got in the door. Had fun and was exhausted, and my feet have been tortured walking in heels all night-how do people do that??? Glad to be back home!