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!

Good Things Happen in Threes?

Dearest Tina,

Let's change that old expression into a positive one, shall we?

Let's also count our blessings. All is well with Francine and she and Jack will be touring the Betty Crocker kitchens in November (remember, sssh!).

Now I hear that Lou's darling niece, Helen, will be working at Bonwit Teller (in Lou's hometown, Chicago). Helen has dreamed of working at the Michigan Avenue store since she was a little girl when Uncle Lou would take her there for her annual shopping spree!

"Do not let her get away," Store Manager, Mr. Davenport warmly advised Personnel Secretary, Miss Eunice after Helen left her interview to sit in the office and fill in additional paperwork. She was hired within minutes!

Helen began her training in both the junior's and women's departments. She told Lou that Miss Eunice said Mr. Davenport has already commented on how poised and professional she appeared to be on the sales floor and that he remarked that he has "high hopes for this young lady."

So, now that good news happens in threes, what's next? Do let me know if you have any good cheer to share!

Yours truly,
Vicki

All is Well

No need to worry. All is well with Francine. Yes, the sisters at St. Luke's and Dr. Robert Chisholm took fabulous care of our gal. Nothing was broken, just a little bruised. Nothing that a little ice pack and a gin and tonic couldn't cure! And yes, she was back at work the next day.

Francine knew she would get quite a bit of teasing from the girls. She is, after all, know as being on the excessive end of safety-conscious, okay to the extreme. All the girls said, "Mrs. Maxwell, the very first thing you taught us in Home Economics I is to turn the handle of a pot or pan into the middle of the stovetop!" (And she left her's dangling out on the edge of the right-front burner!) The girl's teased lovingly because they adore her so.

Apparently while demonstrating a technique, Francine swept lightly by the stove, and the cast iron-skillet's handle caught onto her apron's pocket and got knocked off the stove and landed on Francine's right foot. That's how it all happened.

Enough of that story. Even though all the teasing was in love, Francine is a little "sore" about what happened because after all, she is a perfectionist, and wanted everything to run smoothly during her first year back at Washington Heights. Remember how nervous she was prior to her return?

Let's all put this behind us and carry on. Do me a favor, and do not bring this incident up when you see Francine at the bridge tournament next weekend. Let us just focus on the positive whilst there.

For example, did you know that Jack is treating Francine to a tour of the Betty Crocker kitchens in Minneapolis next month? Yes, for Thanksgiving break, Francine and Jack are traveling to Minnesota. First they'll visit Francine's Aunt Marie, who lives nearby (they'll be celebrating Thanksgiving there), then the kitchens.

Jack has arranged a special tour for Francine. Sssh. She does not know. Normally, around the holidays, the kitchens are closed, but Jack (his firm represents General Mills) managed to set up the tour.

He also requested the ktchen manager to invite the Home Economics teachers from the local high school area to attend, so that Francine would not feel lonely or odd on the tour. It would be much more fun to share the experience with a group of gals who have the passion and excitement for cooking and baking and organizing and cleaning, just like Francine. And who knows Francine better than Jack (well and little old me). Isn't Jack thoughtful?

Girls, thank you so much for your concern. You are all such special ladies. What would one do without friends? I remember a quote another dear friend once said to me, "Friends are the family you choose for yourself."

Take Care, Francine

Dearest Lois and Evelyn,

Oh, dear! Just heard from Vicki. Francine dropped a cast iron skillet on her foot during Home Ec class today! Smart girl that she is, she knew exactly what to do (first-aid wise). Jack was contacted by the principal's secretary and he FLEW over to Washington Heights. She was taken to St. Luke's in the afternoon.

I have not had an update, as of yet, but I do hope she is on the road to recovery and stays off her feet. Knowing Francine, however, once she left the hospital, she probably wanted to rush back to school to work on her lesson plans and get the kitchens set up for the next day.

Do call me if you hear from Vicki.

Yours truly,

Tina

Back-to-School Buzz

Dear Lois,

Saw Vicki at the Y. She was just exiting the steam room. We had a chat, and yes, talked about Francine.

Tomorrow is Francine's first Back-to-School Night and our gal is a little bit nervous. Of course she wants everything to go smooth as silk.

Vicki reported Francine stayed in her kitchens until 6 PM tonight organizing her pantry and setting out ingredients for the kids to make her famous coffee cake to serve to the parents.

Tomorrow morning, she's heading out to the flower mart (yes, in DOWNTOWN) to pick up fresh-cut flowers for her floral arranging unit in Home Ec IV. Their arrangements will adorn the auditorium stage for the PTA meeting and each table in her classroom will feature a student's arrangement. I can't wait to pop in her room to see what's she's done. She's really going all out. I can't wait to see what she'll wear!

Washington Heights is so fortunate to have our favorite home economics teacher back on their illustrious staff.

Take care,
Evelyn