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!