Picking up the Pieces

Francine, dear,

Here we go again, you and I are forced in the middle of a very sticky, messy situation! And it has to do with, of all things, DISHES!

Just got off the phone with Tina. Apparently Charlotte has yet to return the hostess set and the china service she borrowed for a dinner she gave. I didn't hear the specifics about the dinner or buffet, whatever it was. The story I got from Tina is that on last minute's notice, Charlotte's hubby asked her to host the company anniversary party because one of the partner's wives dropped out at the very last minute (the day before!)

Since Jay is a junior partner, he thought hosting the event might be a feather in his cap, so he volunteered Charlotte's services (she is a smart hostess after all) and their lovely home with that gorgeous golf course view. He came home from work that night and said, "Honey, there may be a Hawaii vacation or a new bauble or your finger if you can pull this one off for me." He then dropped the bomb that the party was for the very next night.

That's why Charlotte was in a panic when she rang Tina. Tina, of course obliged, and brought over the heirloom hostess and china set (from Les's mother's collection). Remember Tina doesn't entertain that much since Les retired from the Air Force and now has the office job. But, that's beside the point, the dishes were a family heirloom that Tina wanted to pass down to her daughter.

It's been two weeks plus since Jay and Charlotte's party, and Charlotte said she'd return everything to Tina the very next day.

Tina told me she suspected something happened and Charlotte may be afraid to fess up. Do you think the set was damaged? Broken? Destroyed? Why hasn't Charlotte returned anything, much less picked up the phone to call Tina to say thanks and explain the delay? I personally think Charlotte may be looking for replacement pieces if some things were damaged. Well good luck because the set is Meissen (from Les's mother's side of the family/the Germans), and I think she said it's circa 1800's?

So, dear, that's why I am contacting you. Tina knows that you and Charlotte are quite close. Could you do us all a favor and ring Charlotte, and in your gentle, caring, and sincere tone, inquire as to why the dishes have yet to be returned? Tina's a big girl, I'm sure she can handle any explanation, even if it might be unpleasant to hear.
You know Tina and Les, they're good, decent people, and they wouldn't let a broken set of china come between them and dear friends.

Frankly, I'm tired of walking on eggshells (broken bits of china?) when I'm around Tina and Charlotte. Let's get this mess swept up and tossed in the trash bin.

Yours,
Vicki

Get it Done

Dearest Francine,

Sitting here at the dining room table enjoying my third cup of coffee and thinking about the fun time we gals had this weekend. Thanks so much, doll, for being my co-pilot (although you did have the jitters most of the time as Old Vic put the pedal on the Caddy to the metal most of the drive up). Was I better on the drive down? Had to be, that darn traffic! Where were all those people coming from and going to after all?

Judging from all those snapshots you took, I could tell you got the bug. You've already drawn up the home's blueprints in your mind, haven't you? What did you say to Jack upon your arrival home? What little hints did ya drop?

Oh, Francine, it would be marvelous if you could get Jack to give the okay to build your dream (modern ranch style)home! Those model homes we saw at the new development were to die for. All that Natural Light! And the furnishings selected by the designers. It was truly like walking into a dreamworld.

Maybe that's what it all was. Was it a dream? The architecture? The decor? The friendly and welcoming people? Those mountains? The sunsets? The clear blue sky? Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't? Who wouldn't want to live in a dream world? Maybe for a weekend, a few months of the year?

I hope your dream comes true. Remember what we talked about on the drive home, don't overdo it with the superlatives, just be calm and rational, and reasonable when "discussing" the idea of a vacation home.

Reasons/Rationale: Tax Write-off, Clients & Partners' Get-a-Way Retreat, Golf Course, steps from the door, more restful time away with His beloved.

Jack enjoys the drive out to the desert, and of course the drive home. The list could go on, but always lead with the financial and business incentives. Jack is pragmatic after all, isn't that why you fell in love with him? His reasonable and rationale and Good Old Fashioned, get it done manner.

You know who else has that get it done manner about her? You! Whatever the task or the challenge (with a person, place, or thing), you do indeed, "Get it Done."

Thanks, gal for a fun weekend, now Get it Done! Tee Hee!

All in a Day's Work

Dear Vicki,

I just returned home from school. I tell you my students are just giddy about this month's baking lesson. I am going to teach them how to bake pumpkin pies. That way a lot of the girls can pitch in and help for Thanksgiving next month. Next month! Can you believe how the year is flying by?

I have grading that I need to do. I left school about 3:15 pm because I wanted to do a bit of marketing. I went to the new supermarket in Huntington Gardens called "Whole Seasons Market". I don't quite understand their name but it is a lovely store. The fishmonger's fish looked delicious and fresh and everything was sparkling clean. I had a question about work, but I am not in the mood to think about that now.

I am glad that you picked up your medicine. The gal that works there is so professional. She goes to the same hair salon that I do, and my beautician said that she never even mentioned my mother-in-law's ordeal.

Enjoy your evening and remember you can only grade so many stenopads a night. Kick up your feet and relax a little. I better go because Jack will be home soon and I don't want him to see my grading papers.

Sincerely,
Your pal, Francine

Clever Clive?

Dearest Francine,

What the devil is Clive up to lately? The diversions, the conspicuous absence in the teachers' lounge, and darting out of the teachers' parking lot SECONDS after the day's end school bell rings.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think he has something to HIDE! It's a shame really, to see Clive behave this way. It's almost if a big piece of him (his heart, personality, sense of humor) has gone away. Where to? Oh, about 45 miles south east of Washington Heights. I'd place good money on the bet that he'll transfer to Jefferson High next year.

Enough of Clive, this too shall pass.

On to bigger and better and brighter things. What's this I hear about your former student, Cyndi, I'm not sure her married name? I opened the paper this morning and saw a lovely full page spread featuring her winning Pillsbury bake-off recipe, gorgeous photos in her quaint cottage-like kitchen, and an endearing tribute to you, her favorite former home economics teacher, Mrs.Francine Maxwell! Do tell more about this sweet gal. I'd love to hear more, especially since this story has such a sunny and cheery and positive message about the importance of home economics in the public school system.

When you get a chance, give me a ring tomorrow. Better yet, swing by for a cup of coffee on your way to golf.

Take care,
Vicki

Be Too Large for Worry

Dear Francine,

Some horrible news, and I hate to spring this on you, but you must know what just happened.

Just a few hours ago I had an after-school appointment at my facialist’s, and as I was grading shorthand notebooks, waiting for my appointment in the common waiting room, I was startled to receive a gentle tap on my shoulder. It was your sweetie, Jack. Apparently, he had an appointment with his allergist. We barely had time to exchange hello’s when he was called in. We never saw each other again that day because I was called in shortly thereafter.

To make a long story short, I stopped by the pharmacy on the way home to pick up a prescription, and I ran into your “dearly beloved” mother-in-law. I let it slip that I just ran into Jack as he was going into his allergist’s.

Well, I have seen the original version of Jekyll and Hyde starring Lon Chaney, but I have never in my life seen a more Jekyll and Hyde transformation than seeing Mrs. Maxwell go from a docile, placid, poised Republican chairwoman in a butter yellow knit suit to a raging, steaming, nostril-flaring madwoman. Francine, I kid you not, she flew INTO A RAGE!

I actually recoiled in fear.

The pharmacist literally ran from the dispensary and brought smelling salts because he thought Mrs. Maxwell, after her rage-fueled heaving, was going to faint. Francine, I can’t really recall what she was saying because it was just a stream of angry, nonsensical statements, interrupted by heavy breathing, inhaling and exhaling, and head shaking.

Your mother-in-law, in public, accused YOU of trying to KILL JACK!

The pharmacist, the elderly gentleman, temporarily filling in for Dr. Mills, escorted Mrs. Maxwell to the back office. He motioned for me to come with them. Mrs. Maxwell seemed to calm down, and then she began with the sobbing.

Mrs. Maxwell said that she was afraid that Jack’s long work hours, work-related stress, poor nutritional habits (from eating too much salty food at the club) combined with the filth and the dust in your home, were going to kill him. She blamed your going back to work for all the above, and said if Jack were to die, I would be complicit in his death. She would have you arrested and Jack’s partners charge you with his murder.

According to your mother-in-law, if Jack’s allergies go unchecked, he could stop breathing, collapse and fall into a coma and might never recover. Apparently, when he was a young boy, Jack’s allergies were so severe that he had to go into a sanatorium for a year? You never told me about that!

The pharmacist gave Mrs. Maxwell something (he winked at me as he handed her a Dixie cup). Within seconds, she became woozy, and reclined on the office sofa. He had her home phone number on file and was able to reach her girl. Racine is her name? She drove over and picked Mrs. Maxwell up and took her home. I am only telling you all this not to upset you, but so you will be prepared for Jack’s return home.

You know that Mrs. Maxwell’s accusations are ludicrous. You know that you keep a tidy and lovely home. What to do? Maybe nothing? Mrs. Maxwell’s pathetic display was just that. All who witnessed her theatrics just shook their heads in either disgust or pity. She truly looked like a madwoman. I’m truly sorry that you bear the brunt of her rage, misery, and frustration.

You will rise above this latest incident, my dear, as you always seem to do. I remember the words of your favorite creed. Once again, you will,

“Be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy permit the presence of trouble.”

The Ghost and Mrs. Maxwell

Dear Mrs. Maxwell,

Where in the world has Clive been lately? I'm beginning to think he was just a figment of our imagination!

Does he still work at Washington Heights, or has he transferred to Jefferson High (to be closer to his new lady?)

Either way, I have to say I am a bit disappointed, but hey, we always knew he had a propensity for falling hard and fast, right?

Now, regarding tomorrow. I heard all about Marti's request, and I will pitch in to help her. If you can swing by, that would be great. Would Jack mind? If you're not able to lend a hand, just let me know and I will call in some of the other troops. Yes, I know, I have to learn how to say no. I have the bridge tournament on my plate and the last thing I needed to do was to co-host the Las Mananitas Fall Fancy.

Poor Marti, what in the world was she doing riding a unicycle? I bet it has something to do with that nutty son-in-law of hers! I hear a sprained ankle hurts a great deal more than a broken one.

So, what are your weekend plans? Is Jack home yet from his business trip? Hope he brings you back something yummy or expensive or BOTH! You are so good at dropping hints. That is one thing you and Mrs. Maxwell have in common. The subtleties of suggestion. You'll have to show off any little trinkets you get at bridge.

Ta ta for now. See you in the teachers' lounge tomorrow?


Vicki

Entanglements & Temptations

Sitting here, at the dining room table listening to Buddy Rich, when I received your note (letter!)

Dearest Vicki,

It is so lovely of you to write me a note. I do appreciate the written note in these fast moving technological times. That new fangled telephone is useful but I don’t always believe that one’s privacy is protected. It does seem that some of those operator girls don’t switch out so quickly. Also, you know that our two telephones are located in the kitchen and Jack’s office. And when Jack is working in his office or resting on the weekend, he doesn’t always like to hear giggling and our school talk.

I have already noted in my calendar that you will need my silver tea and coffee set. I will drop it by next Saturday before I go to the beauty salon. Will that work for you? Let us hope that my mother-in-law doesn’t drop by for coffee this week like she is sometimes fond of doing.

She will wonder why the set is not “in it’s usual place,” as she likes to say. I can grant you this, she is very observant! I am certain that I will hear that I haven’t hosted anything in sometime since I have been working. Of course, when I explain that you will need it to host the bridge tournament, she will remind me that it has been some time since I have hosted anything. That being a career gal, homemaker and wife isn’t worthwhile as some facet usually “suffers”. Oh, dear, I shouldn’t be complaining. She is who she is.

I don’t know what to make of Clive. His sudden rush, quite frankly, doesn’t sit too well with many of his friends. Stanley even made a comment to Jack at the Country Club this morning. After a round of golf they sat on the terrace to have a “victory” highball, and Bill said that he was perplexed. Personally, any woman who would allow a man to live at her home, may have not heard the expression, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free.”

Next Saturday we are hosting Jack’s law partner, Irvine and his wife, Ruth, are coming for cocktails and dinner. Here is my dinner menu:

Relish Tray, Roast Prime Ribs of Beef, Parsley Buttered Potatoes, Italian Broccoli, Hot Dinner Rolls and French Silk Chocolate Puffs

Does this sound tempting to you? I only ask because Ruth is used to her cook’s food. I don’t know how that woman has found such good and talented help. Her cook was enrolled in a culinary school on the East Coast before she picked up and moved to sunny Southern California.

Let me know if you have any suggestions. I thought about making your Lemon Chiffon Cake that you always dazzle us with when we meet for bridge at your house.

Fondly,

Francine

Where Have You Been?

The most common question I've heard lately. You should know by now that during the school year I. AM. SWAMPED! During summertime, I. AM. NOT! Therefore, I get or have little or no time to write to you, my dearest Francine.

We continue to chat on the telephone, however. I do enjoy hearing that little giggle in your voice when you speak of Jack and his latest shenanigans or heroic golf games or courtroom battles. The gush of enthusiasm you have found again for your career--- Washington Height's beloved Home Economics teacher--- has renewed you, and I do look forward to seeing you every morning in the teachers' lounge.

Now, down to business. What do you make of Clive and his sudden rush to become engaged to this lady friend of his? I am suspicious.

It has been five weeks since I have seen him at the club, in town, or at the Las Mananitas work parties. He was so fond of our company once upon a time. What gives?

I will call you this weekend as I have a need for your silver tea and coffee set. Yes, I am hosting the bridge tournament in two weeks. Bill and Kathy had to leave town to take care of his mother. She broke her hip, and they are taking care of business at her ladies' boutique in Pallmetto Sands.

Apparently the mother has let her home and business go to seed and Bill and Kathy have to go in and clean house, literally and figuratively. I heard the mother has a drinking problem. It wouldn't surprise me a bit because of Bill, and well, you know.

That is all for now, m'dear. I'll give you a ring later on today.

Ciao!
Vicki

Mid-week Wrap Up

Spring break is approaching, Francine! I know Jack will be busy with his new client. So, what's it going to be for your week off? Nesting, a short jaunt to Palm Springs, lazy days at the club, or some leisurely gardening? Whatever you plan, or don't plan for that matter, enjoy your week off. You have earned a week of r & r!

I have created a list of projects to keep me busy. Yes, I know, I am supposed to be r & r'in as well. But you know me, I enjoy keeping busy. Lou will be in Chicago working on Mitzi's taxes. Yes, she has gotten herself into ANOTHER mess with the IRS, and of course, Lou is coming to her rescue AGAIN.

He only does it for the kids. He's so attached to his niece and nephew. Doesn't want them to be the recipients of Mitzi's problems, especially if the feds are involved. What can I do? I just don't get involved. It isn't worth my time, and it's none of my business. That's fine with me.

What is my business however is what's happening at the club with Jean Boyer. Reg called me an hour ago, and told me he was called in for an informal investigation. Reg, being the smart cookie he is, called his brother-in-law, Edward Hanson, the attorney, just as a consultation, and Edward showed up with Reg to the meeting, and guess who there with Mr. Peterson, Jean Boyer!

When Jean saw Reg with Edward, she froze. Edward threatened to sue the club and Jean for defamation of character, and Mr. Peterson said, "Oh, no, no, Mr. Hanson, our intentions are not to accuse Mr. Harrington of misappropriation of funds, not at all."

As you know, Reg and Shirley kept meticulous books, so the accusations are all without merit. Reg said if Mr. Peterson did not ban Jean from the club and any events, he would sue the club, Mr. Peterson himself and Jean. Long story short, Jean is gone, again, and this time, if she sets one foot back in Washington Heights, there will be a subpoena waiting for her when she returns.

How long did she last this time? One week? I hear she's leaving on her broomstick tomorrow and headed for god knows where. Ahhhhhhhhh! We can breathe freely now knowing that ding dong, the witch is gone, not dead, just gone, which is fine by me.

Oh, I forgot to tell you, a new boutique is opening up right next door to Carriage Manor Travel! In the shop window is a freshly painted sign that read, "Cruise wear coming soon." What a coincidence. We'll have to head over there soon to do some damage to Jack's wallet to get you prepared for your summer trip. How are your travel plans coming along? A trans-atlantic cruise! What a glorious time you will have, and m'dear, of all people, you deserve it.

You don't need to ask, I will definitely plan the Bon Voyage party. You know it's what I enjoy doing. Just tell me the date and time and your preferred locale, and it's all set.

See you tomorrow for coffee? We'll have some laughs in the teacher's lounge before our day begins. Hope Jerry's there to stir things up. His little quips today were priceless. Mum's the word. Would Jack be a little jealous hearing about the flattering comments you've received?

That Witch Jean's on Her Broomstick Again

Francine, watch out! That witch, Jean Boyer, is on her broomstick again, and this time hell hath no fury like a deposed guildwoman scorned.

Just got a call from Tina and she said she saw Jean at Faber's Office Supply. Apparently Jean is picking out invitations for the spring gala, and yes, Ronny put JEAN IN CHARGE!

Phone calls have been made, letters of, shall we say, dismissal have been sent out and Jean is running the show single-handedly. Tina overheard Jean flaunting to the salesgirl that, "Amateur hour is over because Jean Boyer is back in town."

Reg and Shirley have been kicked off the committee. Fundraising has grounded to a halt, AND the venue has changed! A new band has been hired, a new caterer, you name it. It's not the same gala because it's got Jean's dirty, filthy, and conniving fingerprints all over it.

I don't know about you, but I'm through with the club. Once they put Ronny in charge, I knew this kind of thing would happen. What shall we do? Start our own club?

Let's get together over coffee to discuss strategy.

Fondly,
Vicki

The nerve!