posted
San Bernardino, Hollywood, Santa Ana, Camarillo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard...and back...
Dana got to visit with rivka. I didn't.
We stayed with Dana's "best seminary friend" (thanks Mooselet for just the right phraseology) in San Bernardino. I'm not sure how "good" it was that I showed up as they were in the depths of moving to new job and first house ever, and the kids were sick and both moms were in town... But Dana was a huge help. I brought toys. I also lifted things. They gave their approval to the concept of a wedding.
We visited my friend (since 5th grade) Joe and his family. Dana was a big hit, naturally. Although Joe did have to issue the traditional threat (don't hurt Bob or we'll hunt you down and hit you). But in the end, they too approved of the wedding. Their daughters were offering very helpful suggestions about what to wear (Converse All Stars) and what to do instead of throwing rice or bird seed (silly string and handfuls of flour).
We got to see the entire Moose family group. And had "pie" although really everyone else had ice cream. Hey, you invite me for pie, I'm having pie! You can never have enough pie!
We got to my mom's place in time for dinner -- her special lasagna. Hung out awhile. Walked on the breakwater. Dreamed of riches and a world without GW Bush... Ah, bliss...
Santa Barbara has gone from crazy, insane real estate prices to "oh what the heck, we might as well accept that this is just an alternate universe where inflation is 1000%." Seriously -- you LOSE a house bid if you go $20,000 over the asking price!!! Sellers actually dream of deals falling through because in the weeks since they accepted your offer, their house has gone up another $100,000!!!
What is wrong with people???
Or the world???
I have half a mind not to want to ever live here.
Actually, I think Dana has decided that it is a badly run town, and, in truth, she's right. The leadership here has systematically turned this into a place where no family could ever start out and have a glimmer of hope of ever owning a home, or a condo, or a pile of sticks...
Silly, really.
Ah well, it was a great place to grow up. Sadly, not many more kids will ever get to see that side of it.
Today we go pick up Dana's mom in Oxnard where she's visiting her brother. More approval tests for me this time!!!
So far, we're batting 1000, but I still think Dana's friends are trying to figure out a polite way to have me murdered in my sleep. Just kidding, they seem to be very genuine in their threats to kill me if I hurt her, but also in their provisional acceptance of me...for now.
I've met Dana's mom before and she's a great person who has already said she thinks this wedding is acceptable...
So, we're "family & friend approved."
Mom's birthday is today. We're gonna party like ladies and gentlemen. Go figure.
Posts: 22497 | Registered: Sep 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
So, you skipped the important part. How did Dana and your Mom get along? Not like the answer's not going to be fabulously, but still...
Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
I had heard that the real estate market in SB was even more insane than here in L.A. (which is starting to slow down a bit). But yikes! That must mean that the people I know there who own a good-sized chunk of land with a couple buildings on it are stinkin' rich! Land-rich, anyway.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
The least expensive home in Santa Barbara listed at realestate.com (3 bedroom 2 bath) is $1,295,000. Yeah, it's pretty bad up there. Or pretty good up there if you're already there.
Posts: 6213 | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged |
I think the only way people can afford to live here is if they don't mind sleeping outside in the park.
Anyway, I don't care. The moms are liking each other. So all is well.
Dana's aunt & uncle approved me -- apparently I laughed at the right jokes.
I almost slipped up and quoted the "God you say" thread, but Dana kicked me under the table and I turned it into a joke about the people at the next table. Phew!
Close one.
Anyway, we're off to mom's birthday party in a few minutes. Should be fun!
For the record, I do not dislike puns -- as long as they are tasteful, and don't multiply like rabbits.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I will not add to Punwit's pun. I will not add to Punwit's pun. I will not add to Punwit's pun.
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
"driving the rental car (geezer mobile) through a red arrow."
Hold on a second. Mister Bob "Drive Safely At All Costs" Scopatz went through a RED LIGHT? What, were you also drinking from a can of beer, talking on your cell phone, and putting ketchup on your hamburger?
I am shocked. Truly shocked.
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I neglected to mention that the Moose family lives on a very clean street where nobody has ever greased their car right where people might step out and pick up said grease without noticing.
Sadly, I did just that and made non-moose tracks throughout the entranceway and living room. Fortunately, Papa Moose did not give us the full tour of the house!!! Imagine that!
So sorry...
The carpet steamer didn't even get the stain to giggle.
Elizabeth...my very supportive family and fiance completely failed to point out how a traffic safety professional shouldn't be running red lights while driving his future mother-in-law to a restaurant. And how appropriate cursing would seem to be in such a situation.
LOL...
Oh well...
The wonderful thing about this particular car is that other drivers see it and EXPECT odd maneuvers to ensue at any moment.
And I rarely failed to disappoint. You should've seen me parking this boat. It should've had a fog horn
Posts: 22497 | Registered: Sep 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Bob frozen, covered in meringue, stuck under a broiler, and then called "da bombe." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
quote:Bob frozen, covered in meringue, stuck under a broiler, and then called "da bombe."
Oh my! That is one of the funniest things I have ever heard!
posted
I could try to Bobble something together, perhaps some cherry Bobbler.
On a side note, I'm thinking someone should put together a Bobble Head doll. What a great addition to Lavalamp and Poseable Man.
Posts: 2022 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey, just because I like to lick maple sugar glaze off of Bob doesn’t mean I want our private life smeared all over the internet!
Oh wait, did I type that out loud?
I guess I shouldn’t be shocked. I spent Friday in the car with my mother and Bob discussing the various possible uses of the term “boffing,” and surely this isn’t any weirder than that.
Posts: 9866 | Registered: Apr 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Bob, just to let you know, baby oil and then the carpet steamer worked wonders. I can't tell where the tracks were. I think Pop can, but that's probably only because he was on his hands and knees scrubbing the spots with the baby oil.
Baby Oil!!! Where'd you get a thing like that? I mean, sheesh! And you actually have a couple of babies!!! I hope that name is just a euphemism!
Actually, up here in Santa Barbara, we know from tar -- our beaches are covered in the stuff. Baby oil is one of the standard substances used to clean "natural seepage" off of feet. The others are kerosene and gasoline.
I'm glad there are no traces left of my visit.
Although, I do try to live by the ecologist's motto:
quote:Take only pictures. Leave only footprints.
Seems I was doing a good job at your place.
Thanks for letting me know it all came up.
By the way, Superstation is a very very cute baby. You shouldn't turn him into baby oil, no matter how much you can get per barrel.
Posts: 22497 | Registered: Sep 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
"Although, I do try to live by the ecologist's motto:
quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take only pictures. Leave only footprints. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seems I was doing a good job at your place."
Oh my goodness. I just busted out laughing.
Bob, I tell you. I am a person who laughs often, but you can make me laugh the hardest of just about anyone. I come from a long line of smart-asses, and I am no slouch in this department. You are the guru of my generation, hands down.
Move over Jon Stewart, Conan, Farrell, Bob Scopatz is coming to town!
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged |