Dinner 4 Five at 6

Last night was Dinner 4 Five at 6 that I host at the Summit Club. It has become a monthly dinner event where four seemingly normal people meet for dinner and share heated discussions, share stories, eat a fabulous meal and make new friends.

This dinner was no exception! It was truly a blast to sit down and talk, relax and learn about my friends through story.

The premise really is that the four people I invite do not know each other and the common thread is myself. By the conclusion of the evening, new friendships and contacts are made which are always welcomed.

We ended the evening with the discussion of Halloween. In the Haunted Hamlets, we have one child that trick or treats. She is adopted from Pakistan and every year she comes dressed as Pocahontas. I am always troubled by the fact that she is dressing up as the wrong Indian!!! My dear friend Barb said, "this conversation is wrong on so many levels!!" I think she must have agreed with me haha, but after typing it out I think she was just glad this one conversation closed.

Happy Halloween my friends!

One by one

Nearly all the invitations have been mailed and I have a bunch to hand deliver for MEXICarbo 2007.

Confirmed the tattoo artist, she will be doing henna tattoo (which are eventually removable).

Confirmed the one man band Mariachi style (he does not speak much English, so requests may be limited)

Confirmed the photographer to make sure we capture amazing photos for the blog or for your own usage.

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Confirmed the t-shirts! They should rock and the official color is GREEN but that is all I will say.

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Confirmed the menu and you should not go away hungry, but you have to eat if you are going to drink.

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Confirmed the bartenders for the endless margarita glass.

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Confirmed that the website is up and running for you to leave your RSVP or let me know you want to be invited to the big ole party.

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I will be away for a few days as I vacation in Savannah. I am going to two cooking classes and then a tour of Ms Paula Deen's followed up with a lunch at Bubba's and dinner at her restaurant.

I am pumped to leave for a few days to learn something, take some pictures and recharge before the big celebration.

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Catch ya soon ... The Creative Mind of Carbo will return November 5 with more updates!

Just weeks a way ...

It is totally unreal to believe that the annual Carbo extravaganza is just weeks away!

MEXICarbO is the theme ... a Mexican celebration that will become a blur before you know it. Whether you come for the food, the free shirt, the endless glass of something or the fun that comes with meeting the Carbo friend chain ... this 11th year tradition will keep you talking until the next 'save the date' card is sent out in July!

If everything goes as planned we should be able to do the infamous "Seven Day Weather Forecast" which has become the favorite drinking game during the winter thanks to everyone' favorite weather specialist!!!

Over the next week, the invitations will be mailed, delivered or shared with my favorite margarita drinkers!

Plan to come early and stay late because MEXICarbo will be loads of fun!

Gourmet Club ...

Last night was the second installment of the Gourmet Club and it topped my diner fling when I walked into the house to find the freshly carved pumpkins that had nice lit smiles and the seeds had been roasted as a side to the mushroom caps, the pita chips and a homemade french onion dip with spiked apple cider.

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Our host and hostess for the evening had an amazing table displayed that rolled out a heavenly fall harvest squash soup with pancetta, followed by a salad that combined blue cheese, pears, garlic and many other great chops into the lettuce with a fig vinaigrette. Dinner as a glistening plate of beef bourguignon (rich man's beef stew) with nice thick fresh bread. Dessert (which almost started before the appetizers) were pumpkin creme brulee and chocolate fudgy brownies. We had a care package of pumpkin glazed cookies to give us energy in the car (or breakfast for someone who had self control).

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Speaking of self control, the table of 8 struggled with control as we spoke about anything and everything from the Kelty scare to dating to mariachi one man band to porn. The conversation rolled with the flow and led to some deep in the heart laughs to realization that plastic surgery can't do a hell of alot under the clothes. We touched upon death, marriage (those are two separate things, I did not realize that before last night) and Patty Duke and her need for porn.

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The evening really was magical from start to finish. Deb rolled out the red carpet and showcased the ease of entertaining without breaking a sweat, I unfortunately, have not mastered the breaking the sweat concept. I bestow my apron to the best chef in the club.

Lick and stick

Have to tell you, had a big ole flash back as I was preparing to send out the Holiday Open House invitations.

See, I went to the post office to find out how much postage it will be to send the invitation and it ended up being $1.30. Well, the first stamp I received was .90 and it was a sunset picture that peeled off a sheet of paper. The last stamp was .40 and it was the old fashion stamp that is separated by small dots and you lick them to stick them.

I thought, no problem, but I started to do it and I realized oh MY GOD (or rather Kelty's God) I have done this before and it was called filling up the S and H Green Stamp books as a child. I remember licking them until the invention of the sponge came along haha. It did not take much time before I realized that I would rather pay a few cents more per stamp, per invitation, to peel off a standard postage stamp and let it stick on it 's own.

The goal is for all invitations to be in everyone's hand before I leave for Savannah! This website now has a link (on the right side) where RSVP'ings can be left or notes taken or if you want to be invited you can let me know too!

I have to say, I do miss the old Green Stamps. I remember going through the catalogs aspiring to gain new home furnishings. The fun sound of the stamp machine as the checkout girl would dial it like a phone and the stamps would come out. We would leave Roger's or Maloley's and I sometimes would carry the stamps to the car. Fun memories, in fact, all these memories will be combined for next year's Holiday Open House, and I will share that in mid December, but until then Happy MEXICarbO.

I da .. don't know ....

Looking back in the Carbo achieves, this date of October 26 stands out as being a day that had always meant buying jewelry and toasting to another year.

Well, zap, that is now a memory. In 1994 I began to date the person who would become my wife, who became the person who gave me Clyde (the blog approver) and who eventually selected the belongings that had most value to begin her new home. In the winter of 2005, the divorce became final and my life began down a new trek.

Sometimes marriage works, and other times, well it is like Brittney and K-Fed. Since the divorce finalization, I have found out that I have the most amazing friends on earth. I have found out that I have an amazing family. I have found out that there are travels across the world that I had longed to see and have and will continue to do it. I also realized, that a bad marriage is like living with a plastic bag over your head.

Today would have been our eleventh year together. This is not a sad time for me, because if it was sad, that would have meant we were still together, being unhappy under the same roof. What we did always have was a happy home, though. There were no fights or throwing plates or sarcastic remarks. We did on the surface have a very positive environment to raise Clyde :)

I still eat dinner alone, most nights, and on different plates at a different table, in a different style home but the fact is I am happy and she has to be happier. So, as the city celebrates another year (because this is the week for our city to turn another year older), we raise our champagne flute to toast new beginnings and new opportunities to find the most happiness we can.

You call it night ...

People say there is nothing ever to do in Fort Wayne. Well, those people must not know about crazy Thursday (aka tonight!)

Tonight the options are: The Blue Man Group and the Coliseum, League for the Blind's awareness event at Catablu, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana's Hot Spot at JK O'Donnel's, Embassy Theatre's Cirque of Dreams part of the Broadway series, Trapt will perform at Piere's,

IPFW's Men Soccer against Wright, and finally the Parkview/IPFW's Health Awareness Cooking Demonstration is tonight.

I am certain there are tons more, but these are things I am personally aware of ... so get out there and skip tonight's episode of ER (because it has been the same episode for 7 years now, like Ground Hogs Day!)

Hate Snail Mail

I took a personal day today, after I did some things I came home to find snail mail hate mail from the Kelty camp.

Well, not exactly, but it felt that way when I opened it. It started out "Dear Friend" and was signed "God Bless You".

In this letter he wants money, go figure. I wonder if I gave money if he would show it as his own personal win fall. But I won't take that leap of faith (ha faith) and test him.

He thrashes on Harrison Square, he thrashes on Henry for tax rate increases, for annexation and a raise that Henry received while serving on City Council. The one thing that Kelty must have forgot, don't throw stones, cuz your glass house may be quick to crumble.

His paper says it is "Paid for and authorized by Kelty for Mayor Committee" Really? I wonder if he really knows this letter went out? He does not seem to know much that his committee is doing.

I do need to take a break from the Kelty and election coverage. This blog was not intended to be political, but I am fired up!

Lets say Kelty wins ... BUT

he does not get to take office because he is going to spend 3-5 years behind bars, or in another Catholic Ghetto ... who could sit in the big chair?

Well rumors are that Marla Irving could be the choice. She has been very active in his campaign. She had been very active in local county politics and does know the players in our community. She has been involved in IPFW activities. She endorsed the American Red Cross campaign, this year. I have always enjoyed my chats with Marla.

Here is what I find somewhat odd. She has been behind the scenes supporting him (Kelty) but at the same time she could be his heir to the big 9th floor throne. Beyond the large number of children in the Kelty campaign camp, this has to be an oddity that even Kelty would say "I don't know anything about it"

It is almost like picking a Mayor and Vice Mayor because I have a hunch you get two for one at the voting poles come November 6. However, come January 1 you may only have one who is able to go to the 9th floor while the other may get a few hours a day to go outside to look up at the 9th floor. The blessing of having our jail downtown!

It was not bed bugs ...

Between family/friends and music, the most important thing in life is my sleep!

Well last night, in the pitch black bedroom I call my sanctuary, I am startled by the noise directly under me! It was scratching the carpet and heavy breathing. I thought, oh man, I made up that part about being in the Haunted Hamlets but they have come to prove a point.

So I leap out of bed and go toward the light switch and I hear the clawing getting more energetic. I thought, do we have mountain lions in Fort Wayne?

By the time I got the light on I saw a furry face peak out under the bed, it was Clyde! So I rip into him 'Clyde Grover Chew" what are you doing? He looked, turned his head at an angle walked a few steps and rolled over and demanded a tummy rub.

I truly have no idea why he was under the bed, but he was. In seven years of his life, he has never been under the bed at night time. Normally he sleeps right next to me in bed, on top of the bed. He was there when we turned off the light and somehow he ended up under the bed sometime through the night.

Carbo strikes his vote!

The key race of course is for Mayor of Fort Wayne. The contenders are Republican Matt Kelty and Democrat Tom Henry. This is the most simple pick on the ballot except for Sandra Kennedy, she runs alone as City Clerk. Tom Henry has my endorsement. I would not give Matt Kelty a glass of urine-water from a NASA space station. (see previous blog). If you ask Kelty anything about his campaign he does not know. He did not do it. Did not understand. Comprehend... Sign the documents... Speak with... Ask about or have knowledge about anything.... Can you imagine a Mayor like this? His campaign cabinet are friends. Can you imagine being his friend and always being hung out to dry? Cake? What cake? I don't eat cake? Loans? Don't know anything about them? Vote Henry and SAVE OUR CITY!

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There are no other Mayoral candidates on the ballot, but if I were to be a write in, I would run the platform that no smoking and no children under 12 in restaurants. Anyone who has an "In God We Trust" license plate would have to use special roads too. Welfare can last up to six months then take a fricken job, would ya!

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First district (which I can't vote but will give my two cents): Byron Peters (L), Kevin Boyd(D) and Tom Smith (R). I lean heavily on two candidates. Tom Smith because he has done a decent job on city council so far and Byron Peters because he has his head on straight and is a very articulate speaker. Plus I do love the chicken enchiladas at the 412 Club. That alone wins my vote.

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Second district (which I can't vote but will give my two cents): Jonathan Bartels (L), Karen Goldner (D) and Don Schmidt (R). Well this is a no brainer. Since 1971 Don Schmidt has served and sat in the same seat, most likely with the same plaid jacket. It is time to move into the right century with the right candidate, I endorse Karen Goldner. There is not much debate on this topic. Don is anti-Harrison Square and virtually against anything that anyone under 55years of age would like for our city's future. Or as he might say "Those damn kids"

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Third district: (which I can't vote but will give my two cents): Gloria Diaz (L), Tom Didier (R) and Deb McBride (D). Hmm, well this seems easy also. Have never heard Gloria Diaz speak about what she believes in or stands for. In addition, for the Young Leaders candidate night she not only did not participate but did not have time to give a pitch for the candidate overview book of why she should be considered for the office. You got to love the singing Council man, so I vote for the high note with Tom Didier.

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Fourth district: (which I can vote for, cause I live in Haunted Hamlets): Mitch Harper (R) and Chris Stewart (D). This is a real tough one. I am a Republican by button pushing in the primary, but I have to tell you that both of these candidates bring a great deal of energy to the table and we can't go wrong with either Mitch or Chris. I went to school with Chris so I can attest to his leadership, follow through and personality. Mitch I have met a couple times and found him to be just as sharp. My button will be pressed for Chris Stewart.

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Fifth district: (which I can't vote for but I do have an opinion on this one too) Ron Buskirk (R), Robert Fuller (L) or Tim Pape (D). This one is kind of funny because I almost want to vote Fuller because I want to see what our community could be like with segeways and mulch in parking lots, but then again if Schmidt is at the table we won't have any of this talk. I have liked the Buskirk name, because I was a two time voter for Linda. However, Pape came out strong for Harrison Square and I would cast my vote in his direction.

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Sixth district: (again, I can't vote in but will tell ya what I think): Robert Enders (L), Joe Smith (R) or Glynn Hines (D). Umm, Glynn Hines - need I say more. Something about the simple name of Bob or Joe in this race makes me want to think complex with a name like Glynn!

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Council at Large: what a tough field of good candidates: Marty Bender (R) Michael Brightbill (L) Liz Brown (R) John Crawford (R) Tom Essex Jr (D) Doug Horner (L) William Larsen (L) Denise Porter Ross (D), John Shoaff (D). Lets start backward: the following I have no interest in because I have not heard a strong enough case: Dough Horner, William Larsen, Michael Brightbill and Tom Essex. A no vote because I never thought he did much the last time he served, Marty Bender. Well this narrows the field to Brown, Crawford, Porter-Ross or Shoaff. I can only select three so Shoaff is out because he does not support Harrison Square. Porter Ross seems to be full of fire and energy. She is not going to let brush grow under her feet. Crawford took the city by storm and voted for Harrison Square and Liz Brown, she is attractive. Well, that is not why I would vote for her, but she is. She also is pro Harrison Square and has vision.

So there you have it ... the Caro pre-election vote.

Not TANG!

Water is a great commodity that is lacking in many parts of the country. Even in Atlanta, GA water rationing is on high alert. The United Nations estimates that more than 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and that 10 million die each year as a result of contaminated water supplies and inadequate sanitation

As a child, sometimes the aspiration to be an astronaut has been top of the list. Well, this story may just stop your child dead in his track. Over the past five years, Nasa has spent $60 million delivering potable water to the International Space Station on the space shuttle (6 tons at a cost of about $40,000 per gallon). But they have found a way to save money without cutting coupons ...

The water filtration system allows NASA to solve two problems at once. It eliminates the gray water disposal issue and recycles urine into drinking water for the astronauts. The agency is testing the system at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama - where employees run on treadmills as their sweat, respiratory moisture, and urine are collected, cleansed and consumed.

How does it taste?

The water tastes pretty good - it's definitely not Evian, but it is better than most city tap. Certainly more palatable than many light beers I've had, and not at all, uh, urinous. Move over, Tang: There's a new space drink in town!

Well, for more fun filled water stories on the web do a search on urine to water ... Thanks to Wired.com for the detailed story.

I don't want to be an astronaut ever!

Had his cake and ate it too!

Here are a few highlights from Clyde's party. He celebrated with Chewy and Fluffy, while I was at Sara Evans last night.

His cake was courtesy of the Pet Bakery on West Jefferson.

Honky Talkin'

Last night, in order to celebrate Clyde's birthday, I went to see Sara Evans at the Coliseum. Third row seats, up close and personal. It was an awesome concert.

It began with dinner at Uno's. Have not been there in ages, split nachos and a peanut butter dessert. I know, hate mail is coming I can tell, I am well aware Uno's is a pizza place, but the menu has more selections than Flannigan's! Not that I have been to Flannigan's in about three years, but it was fast, simple and sharable.

The concert began with newcomer Luke Bryan (I think, I had not heard of him). Nice guy, very flirtatious with the female audience and he got great audience response. I don't think you will see him opening for Garth Brooks, or being Garth Brooks rival in the near future. Next was Josh Turner. He sings the same songs about 17 different ways. Deep voice, low register and if you close your eyes the songs sound like they never end.

Finally, Sara Evans took the stage, by storm. Pumping out all of her greatest hits, from her newly released Greatest Hits album. Her two sisters sang back up and her brother was front and center too.

I have been to see Sara twice this year. Oh no, I am a stalker and did not know it until I just wrote it out. I saw her in February in Indianapolis. Saw her in June in Nashville, and finally October here in the Fort. She looked and sounded the best in the Fort. She has slimmed down, she has learned to take full advantage of being on the stage, and her dancing has improved greatly.

What I also noticed with Sara this time, she is a "super star" that craves the attention, but she did not make eye contact with the audience directly. You know what I mean, when they get to the section and look, or point or act as if the artists singled you out and sang the song to you. Nope, not this round with Sara, she was filming for a video not performing on the stage for a live audience. So, mixed review: great highlights but some deep low registers, oh, that was not meant to be about Josh :)

Seven!

Over the years, the number seven has had some great and positive legacies. Take for example the seven dwarfs, or the seven wonders of the world.

Today, little buddy, Clyde, turns seven and he seems like a dwarf and truly is a wonder. He is an amazing dog who is quiet and polite, yet interactive and friendly.

For his birthday, Sara Evans has come to town. Umm, well okay, it really is not for him. So tonight after work and before the concert I am stopping by the Pet Bakery to pick up some special treats for Clyde.

For breakfast he may get Cottage Chhhheeeeesssseee (those who know Clyde, realize that he will spin like a tornado when you say this). He also loves egg yolk too. So I am going to make it a special day for him because he really is a big part of my life. Some say he is just a dog, and I say those are just words.

Celebrate ... Good Times!

I am not sure how I know this, or why I am sharing this, but if you are celebrating today, you must know that today is National Menopause Day.

But don't feel left out this week is Freedom of Speech Week, National School Lunch Week, Getting the World to Beat a Path to your Door Week, Celebrate Micro Small and Home Business Week, World Rain forest Week, National Chestnut Week, Infection Prevention Week, Build Your Business with Business Cards Week.

I kid you not, these are all things which are being celebrated in our lovely nation. Amazing what we will all do to forget that Kelty made headlines now in USA Today. Who would have thought? Duh, who would have thought any of these things could happen in my life time.

College flashback ...

Last night I had dinner with my Ball State roommate. What a great time to flashback and laugh and rejoice about the fun, the good times and the memories.

I met his wife, their adorable child and the new puppy who had more energy than any three people.

My first college was Ball State University, there were many that followed, but BSU was first. You always remember your first, right? I was a senator while on campus. I was a pretty studious student, earned decent grades but made an erupt decision to come home and figure out what my focus and future would be.

If I would have stayed at Ball State, I would have graduated with a degree in Criminal Law Psychology. I would have had my own show: CSI: Carbo! But the cards shook out different, and no prime time television program.

Our dorm room was on the main level on the way to the cafeteria. In true Carbo fashion, the door would have quips and stories along with pictures and other fun facts that would be a stopping point on the way to eat nightly. It was funny, because in the middle of the night (or at least the middle of my night) people would stand outside the door and laugh as they read the material. It would change weekly and it became a big attraction until something more interesting would happen, like a keg would go through our dorm room window.

Ah the memories!

Don't walk this way ...

As you all probably know, I live in the haunted Hamlets. I normally leave for work before the sun comes up and nearly every day there is some old person walking down the center of the road.

Here is the deal, we have sidewalks on both sides of the road. It is dark out, there are trees which produce enough shadows as it is anyway. You can not see these people. One would think their white hair would reflect and I would be able to see them, but I can't.

I know that one day I will speed bump (or speedupppp) on one of these neighbors and never know it.

Which reminds me of when I was growing up Carbo and the President's Council on Physical Fitness. I was not the skinny child, so if you are looking at old school photographs you will probably recognize me. Yes, swiss cakes and zingers were popular then also. Anyway, I remember standing in the gym, being no more than 8 and looking up this crazy rope that was hanging from a beam. Somehow I was expected to shimmy up that rope and touch the top of the beam. Why? I didn't understand. Did I do it? Hell no! It really defies gravity for a little rotund child to levitate two stories up a scratch rope.

I don't have a problem with exercise or programs or incentives I just think that when your exercise comes between me and you, then there is a problem. Use the sidewalk! When you see the headlights, or my music blaring over 10 decibels (because I can listen to my music as loud as I want, it is American haha) then get over onto the sidewalk.

Words of advice ...

I have something to admit ... I am going to rehab!

It has become the craze, and I don't want to be left out!

I have issues too. I eat too many Swiss Cakes. I listen to too much music. I love to cook.

I am going to check into rehab. I am hoping for a 17 stay, long enough to know what it is like to go without, or without too much of anything. Now, I won't promise to change or anything, I am just going to call my 17 day Italian adventure a rehab trip. Perhaps it is covered under my insurance, which would really make my day.

Doesn't everyone need a bit of rehab? I mean seriously. Every day someone else is going in for an extended stay. Joe Nichols (a country singer) Lindsay Lohan (a .. well who knows) Tom Collins (oh, that is a drink you get in rehab), well really there are alot of people checking in.

My note for economical development for our downtown, start a posh rehab clinic. No better way to get our community in the lights than to serve those stars which are suffering from the pressures of everyday life!

A look ahead...

Election time is rapidly approaching. Yesterday at the Downtown Rotary Club, Matt Kelty spoke to give his views of how he would take our city by storm if he was Mayor.

One thing I can say about Matt Kelty, he could talk a crazy man from the top of a roof and promise him a raise. He is an excellent speaker. Except every time he speaks I am playing a game of true or false in my head. Though I do not get a prize for my winning answers.

Another change coming up is the lead chair at the Chamber of Commerce will become vacant at the same time the Mayor's chair will. Timing is everything isn't it?

If I were to vote today I would for Tom Henry for Mayor. Not a tough decision in the least bit. Registered Republican but proudly striking the Democratic button the Mayoral race. I wish I could vote for Karen Goldner, but I live in the wrong part of town. Don's time has come (or is at least very near the last breath stage).

One must question the impact Invent Tomorrow has had on our community. I am sure the list of milestones reads like a political campaign, but I can say that three adventures to other cities has not yielded anything of noteworthy news on our riverbanks.

I know the sun will come out tomorrow, but I am not sure we have the most amazing leaders coming out tomorrow. I fear more about our city's future than I do about the environment. I feel that the environment will slowly erode. Our city will crumble if the right leaders do not step forward and take charge.

Wishy-Washy

Bloggers are uniting today to discuss environmental issues facing us across the globe.

I can say that I have not been the most aware about how to be more green. I am more of a brown person anyway, but there are a few times I do green-ish.

For example - bottled water is bad. BAD. So you should do 5 gallon jug dispensers. I guess it is not how much water we consume, it is the manner in which you have it. I have a water dispenser. Thank goodness it is connected to the electrical socket to maintain steaming hot water or ice cold water. Can't get that out of a small plastic bottle.

Another example is cotton! Don't even think about wearing cotton clothes. The warmth, the feel of cotton. The clothing choice is hemp. Sorry, but in this column I don't do hemp either in a cigarette paper or as a Kenneth Cole original. Now, organic cotton, well that is okay. Huh? Organic!?! From my growing up Carbo days, I remember that the slaves all picked bale of cotton and it was grown outside, is there other ways now to create cotton?

So I really do not do my fair share of keeping the island of the United States green. I don't recycle paper, I don't check out my appliances before I buy them to see if I can pay an addition two grand more up front to save something later. I guess I am part of the trendy ban wagon folks that say green and people cheer and clap.

All I can say is thank you for your support :)

Bloggers Unite!

Over on the other side of the information highway, fellow blogger of the: http://bepartofthesolution.blogspot.com/ wrote a piece to announce that on October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future

Blog Action Day is a non-profit initiative, and will be an annual event. As an alternative to blogging about the environment on Blog Action Day, bloggers can opt to participate by donating their blog's proceeds from Oct. 15 to one of several environmental organizations chosen for this purpose: Greenpeace International, The Nature Conservancy, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the Conservation Fund, and the Sierra Club.

Bloggers who would like to participate in Blog Action Day should visit BlogActionDay.org or email Collis Ta'eed at collis@eden.cc, so they can be listed on the Blog Action Day site. To participate, a blog just needs to write about the issue of the environment on Oct. 15, 2007, or donate its proceeds for the day to one of the chosen environmental organizations.

I guess I had no idea I could profit off my blog. Uggh, always a day late and a dollar short. Well, in this case, I am a day early and still a dollar short. Anyway, following the lead of other bloggers, I will write about our environment tomorrow in Carbo fashion. It probably won't be a tree hugging story, but you never know!

Where are they now ...

Ever wonder what become of the bobby pin?

"Bobby pins" (which are small springy folded wire clips) being the "bobbies" (a British term for a police officer) of unruly hair is inspired. The "bobby pin" was invented for use by men during the late 1800s trend of complex masculine hairstyles. Bobby T. Plympton manufactured and sold them out of his own home for years before selling the patent at the turn of the century. Though the date of origin is unknown the term itself came into use in the 1930s, at a time when female hair fashions were tending toward shorter styles. Such hairstyles were called "bobbed," from "to bob," meaning "to cut short."

So now you have had your flashback to a former common place item that is not as popular as it once was ....

Coming up tomorrow ...

What is green and read about tomorrow ..... Stay tuned as Bloggers Unite .... I will tell you more tomorrow.

Seven in Seven ...

As you may know, this blog is officially approved by Clyde! Well, Clyde will be seven in seven days. His birthday is October 19 and every day for the past week I have been telling him that his birthday is coming very soon.

I will be going to the pet bakery to get him some fresh baked treats for his birthday. Hard to imagine the little guy being seven, but his day does only consists of sleeping, stretching, eating and itching, it pretty much is a dog's life.

(Birthday) Hats off to Clyde on his upcoming birthday!!

Speaking of nuts ...

Just the other day, when I was coming in from being outside, I saw this critter sitting on my roof top eating his breakfast.

No real story, just thought it was kind of funny to see ...

That's nuts ...

Growing up Carbo, my Mickey Mouse lunch box (which I still have and it is on the bookcase) was filled with pringles, a snack treat (perhaps a zinger), a fruit (like a banana) and a sandwich.

During the winter months I normally could have had Bologna or old fashion loaf or ham but when the weather started to spike I would have peanut butter and jelly.

Well, the world is a changing boys and girls. You can't bring peanut butter and jelly to school. According to an article in the Washington Post, administrators fear law suits and death from those who have peanut allergies.

School officials find themselves balancing the rare risk of death against the
danger of being swept up in a faddish hysteria and of trying to anticipate
potential legal repercussions of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Even
those who wonder if the bans have gone too far fear that if they do not act
aggressively, they may face liability lawsuits and accusations of discrimination
against children disabled by a peanut allergy.

All I can say is if you have a peanut allergy, what are you doing sticking your head in my lunchbox! Eat your ham sandwich that, if it was like it was yesterday and near 90 degrees, you will be going to the hospital for a different reason.

Bored to run

I can tell you after watching last night's episode of 60 minutes, that I became a lesser fan of Bruce Springsteen than I was before it all started.

I always find it ironic that singers think and even state that they can shape the world by a song they sing, even write. Perhaps the song can become part of our energy, or event become a shirt or a craze but I am not sure that it will shape the world. However, "Car Wash" has not changed the world nor has "Queen of Hearts"!

Well Bruce said that not only does he think this, but he also is a fan of himself. His looks, his ego, his power. Well, perhaps that he has a new album out and a year long tour scheduled, he plans to take the world by storm.

Through his music, he will change and shape politics. Our politicians can't shape it and they work full time on it. Bruce is going to sing a song and he is going to change the world. Perhaps he should run for office and really make a huge impact on the country. But wait, could you imagine a singing President, like Cop Rocks! was a dismal success on television.

Thanksgathering ...

Well, I am just a month away from Thanksgathering. It is the annual Thanksgiving party where I make the turkey and the guests bring some sort of side dish, dessert, bottle of beverage or something to add to the feast.

It began as a singles event, where we all could celebrate a holiday together. However it has evolved into a bit more and needless to say, it is a grand time.

How do you get invited? Well, it is very simple, just tell me you would like to attend. Some lucky people were personally invited because they have attended in the past, but nothing says a party like coming to a Carbo gig. Space is limited, because it is a sit down affair.

Second Sunday in November at noon. I provide a few turkeys and some wine and other amenities and the rest is up to you. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I think because the entire day is focused around food. Easter is about eggs and chocolate (and oh yeah, the religious aspect). Christmas is about gifts (and I really don't need anything). Valentines Day is a dreadful day for romance (I lost that in the divorce). Halloween is about candy and goblins (I am all about the candy, goblins - I can do without). Arbor Day! Well, who doesn't love a tree, now come'on!

For many years, Thanksgiving was not able to be shared with my family as they were not around. I was not going to let this holiday pass me by so I created Thanksgathering. It has grown from about a dozen people to probably close to three dozen this year. That may be a lot of PIE for me! Woohoo.

Drop me a note and let me know if you would like to be part of the second largest annual event in the Carbo house.

Match point

A few years ago, I saw Rob Thomas in concert in Fort Wayne. It probably was one of the most fun concerts I have attended. We were near front of the stage, stood the entire concert and danced until my hips lied!

I had never been much of a fan of Matchbox Twenty ironically but I did buy the newest CD, a greatest hits package if you will. It is 2 CD's with 6 new songs and 11 hits from their past.

It is a nice CD and I really am enjoying it.

This is greatest hits release month for many artists because we are nearing the Christmas holiday. Faith Hill has one also, Chicago, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, coming soon Garth Brooks, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger and Sara Evans.

I received my advanced copy of Sara Evan's Greatest Hits in the mail on Saturday. This won't disappoint either. Great time to buy CD's for the car - Greatest Hits all the time.

Chain chain chain ....

Today I am going to be working with a stained glass creator to do some work at the house. I saw this stained glass picture but I am thinking someone may pitty da fool who had this in their house, so I may opt out of this option.

The glass work will be on both side of my front door and re-working the family crest. The family crest was created as an anniversary gift while I was married. It is the two "C's" that represented my Carbo and her, well, I try not to use names in my blog .... anyway, it is frosted white glass with green letters and a purple heart. Trust me the symbolism still is valuable but the mix of colors does not match the home as it is today.

The entire house has gone through a uniform transformation, or will be when the funds become available, but for now the warm rich earth tones are going to carry onto to the glass.

I will share more as more information becomes available. If you think I should go with giant Mr. T side glass panels, let me know.

Huge issues facing our community...

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Tonight was the YLNI the Vote! An educational forum for the candidates running for public office to give insight to the matters affecting and effecting us as a community and as individuals.

Well what I heard, from the front row as I sat with trusty timer and flip chart, was our community is up in arms concerning the laws on the books that prohibit smoking to riding a "saidgway" to mulch in parking lot islands. Oh, don't get me started about those topics, I could go on for days.

Some talked about being a fiscal conservative, while others spoke about being libertarian, though the democratic candidates never claimed to have that title but who needs a title anyway. The questions stumped a few candidates and sometimes needed repeated. Sometimes the answer was not to the question asked, but you have that don't ya?

One candidate should have said, that if elected for Mayor but not serving a prison term ... blah blah blah, but we all were polite and acted like we had not idea that the grand jury had been called.

Proudly, I was handed a Republican for Henry bumper sticker. I have to say, that as common as it has been for me to vote the "R", this year I am going to have no problem splitting my ticket. Speaking of tickets, you don't want a ticket for riding your saidgway around town now, do ya? So get it off the sidewalk.

Learn, Listen, Live

Are you one of those people who finds out about things a few minutes or days too late? Well, today is your lucky day.

The Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana will be hosting an evening with the candidates at the Allen County Public Library - Downtown. The forum allows the candidates to give an introduction followed by a couple questions related to the campaign and vision.

More information can be found on the website: www.ylni.org. There are many candidates running for office and the city needs the best leadership possible. Why not find out who stands for what you believe should be the future direction of progress?

I have the opportunity to be the time keeper for the evening. So if the event last ten hours, it would be pretty much my fault. See you tonight at YLNI the Vote!

No lines?

Growing up Carbo, I remember a conversation that would resurface time and again from my grandmother on how she could not come out to see us late at night because there were no lights and no lines on the road in the desolate country home where I grew up. Well, it was not like we lived 5 corn rows from the Engall's or anything, but in contrast to 300 metal trailers on a 1 acre plot of land, we did live in a country hideaway.

Last night driving home on West Jefferson (between Main Street and Ardmore) I swear I was grandma for a split second. It was impossible to tell where I was to be going. There were big orange bucket dividers (like pictured above) and then there were the crazy dunce cap orange cones and they all must have been drunk, because not one cone was in the same straight line. The road had virtually no lines and driving and drivers seemed to be making up their own path to get to their destination. Some places there were two lanes of traffic, at one point there was barely one.

Mind you there were construction workers on big machinery, but I am to assume that someone should have been on the ground directing some sort of traffic. It was almost 9 pm, so perhaps they had to break, but it was like scene out of Roger Rabbit.

Luckily, for you the reader, I made it home to complain and write this entry but it should serve as a word of caution, if you are taking West Jefferson at night, good luck. Say your prayers and hope you make it to the other side of the road.