A Few of My Favorite Things!

#10. A Fabulous Palm Springs Weekend

#9. Drugstore Cosmetics & Toiletries

#8. Saturday Nights at the Club

#7. A Sparkling Clean Kitchen (with floors you could eat off!)

#6. Cocktails, Cocktails, Cocktails!

#5. Yellow Roses

#4. The Artistry of Shorthand on a Brand-new Steno Pad

#3. Cary Grant

#2. Summer Fruit

#1. My Invincible Bridge Partner, Lou

Santa Fe Roadtrip Anyone?

Dearest Francine,

Darling, the dust has settled and you managed to keep nice and tidy and above it all, like you have always done in the past! I don't know how and why I seem to get pulled into all the drama. Maybe it's because (between you and me) Lois and Evelyn enjoy stirring up the drama and rattling my cage. Why? Maybe because, frankly, they are missing drama, excitement, and passion in their own lives. There, I said it. Lois and Evelyn need to get a life.

The next time one of them calls, I've got to take the high road and refuse to listen to their gossip, or more so, spread it around. Will you hold me to that?

Now, on to more pleasant things. Tina has invited us out in March to her lovely home in Santa Fe. I will drive. The Caddy needs a tune up and a tire rotation, so I'm taking it into Venrean's next Tuesday. All you need to do is get permission from Jack. Can he live without you for a week? You know the fellas from the club will take good care of him!

Tina has ulterior motives for our trip, actually. Her ladies guild is having a charity ball for the mission and she needs her gals to pitch in.

We will also be working with the children from the nearby reservation. Tina would like me to see if the club, Washington Heights High School and First Imperial Bank could donate typewriters, adding machines, carbon paper, steno pads, and other ancillary stationery supplies so we can teach the girls secretarial skills.

I will be setting up learning labs at the women's club and will need to have three other ladies to lead the tables at the other labs. Darling, do you need to brush up on your shorthand? I can give you a mini lesson at the club after our Tuesday golf game. If you are unable to make it or if Jack can't live without you, I understand. I can make reservations on the Super Chief.

I don't mind flying solo, but it just won't be the same without you, my dear. Remember the last road trip we took and the "incident" at Coyote Falls? As long as I live, and as God is my witness, I will never divulge, forget, experience anything like "that" ever again in my life.

I do need to get back to Tina by the end of this week, so give me a buzz. Again, I will understand if you are unable to go with me. I know my situation with Lou is different than yours with Jack. Since Lou and I aren't married, I can leave at the drop of the hat. Also, Lou is away two-three weeks out of a month on business, and I have the liberty of coming and going as I please, and he does not mind in the least. I think that's also why Lou wanted me to keep working for so long, to keep my little mind occupied. Most of March, Lou will be back east on business. I think if that man could, he'd live in that damn office. That's another letter. I don't want to bore you to tears, darling.

That's all for now, my dear. I hope all went well with Jack's presentation at the lodge. I know how interested he is in politics and speaking on behalf of Senator Aldridge was a great honor. You must be so proud of your handsome, brilliant, and prosperous sweetheart.

Fondly,
Vicki

I am NOT Surprised!

Dear Francine,

Well, well, well. Just got off the phone with Lois. You would not believe what she witnessed today sitting by the picture window at her kitchen table. I got a play by play as the inevitable was happening.

Here goes:
Jean, as I'm sure you heard passed away this weekend. I am truly sorry for her daughter. She seems like a nice young lady. BUT, she also seems awfully naive and trusting, because as soon as her mother's body was taken to Calder & Sons to be prepared for the viewing, Cookie came in for the kill. That's right, Cookie immediately started to ransack the house.

Lois saw boxes and boxes being carried out by Cookie and Art into a U-haul. Yes, they rented a U-haul to cart away their loot. Lois said Cookie was carrying clothes, Jean's two fur coats, that gorgeous oriental rug Jean's husband brought back after the war, the Reushanheimer paintings, and the antique walnut armoire from her master suite. Lois said Art asked their down the street neighbor, Glenn to help him get the armoire in the U-haul.

Jean's daughter is basically so grief-stricken, she told Cookie and Art they could take anything they wanted. Lorraine (that's the girl's name) said she just wanted the family photo albums and the dining room set. Lois told me not to have too much pity for her because Jean left her the title to the house (which is now worth something like $995,000) and a savings/checking account with over $375,000, so she did well for herself.

I don't know about you, but I'm sickened by Cookie and Art's latest display. I knew deep down in my bones that Cookie's act last weekend was nothing but crocodile tears. Francine, I've had enough of those two. As my dear old mother would say (when she'd get a little soused) "They can all rot in hell, for all I care."

Count me out for the get-together/going away party at the club. Who is hosting this party anyway? I thought Art burned all his bridges at the club when his membership lapsed and his bar/restaurant tab of over $12,000 has yet to be paid. And by the way, what in the hell does Cookie need with two fur coats living in Cathedral City anyway?

Ta ta for now,
Vicki

Let's Give Jack Some Time to Cool Down

Vicki, dear,

Needless to say, Jack was put off at the remembrance of Art's behavior last summer. He had just settled into his favorite chair, newspaper in hand, pipe in his mouth and wanting to unwind after a hard day at the office. So the timing was not quite right to bring up Cookie and Art's arrival in town. I don't blame Jack's having a grudge. It is not the first time that Art has thought about Art first. We don't have to mention the sale of our old Lincoln a couple of years ago. Remember when they were living in Santa Monica and so "broke."

I think that I will let Jack cool down a bit before I ask him about getting together with the gang. I know that I might be able to interest him if he learns that Joe and Shirley will be there also. He really enjoys Joe and talking about golf and the likes.

I will be over at noon to pick up the silver. I look forward to a cup of coffee. (That new percolator coffee pot is dreamy. You make the best coffee in town. And I won't pass up a piece of your Cake-Walk winner coffee cake either.

Ta, ta.

Affectionately,

Francine

News Travels Fast

Charlotte,

Just read my mail and realized what a state Vicki is in. You have met Cookie and Art before. They were the loud couple at the Bridge Club party at Les and Tina's a few years back.

Fondly,

Francine

You Won't Believe Who's Back in Town!

Francine, dear,

You won't believe who gave me a buzz this afternoon? Are you on the edge of your seat yet? Who have we not heard from in ages? Who left town in a frenzy and a huff? Who never even had the common decency to say good bye? That's right, Cookie and Art are back in town uttering their mea culpas to whoever will listen.

Lois and Evelyn phoned me as soon as they saw Cookie's Buick in Art's sister's driveway. Apparently Art's sister, Jean is not doing so well. She had another stroke last week and her daughter asked Art and Cookie to come out because, well, it doesn't look good. Remember Jean from the Black Velvet masquerade ball at the club? She was the gal who arranged to have Robert Taylor show up to meet the little girl who just recovered from polio.

Evelyn mustered up the nerve to trot across the street and Cookie greeted her at the door and then just burst into tears. Evelyn felt awkward at first and then realized Cookie's tears were genuine and she went inside to have a drink. Long story short, Cookie and Art want to get together with you, Jack, Lois, Evelyn, Joe, Shirley and me.

What do you think? Shall we let bygones be bygones? Let me know tomorrow. Remember you're swinging by for coffee and to pick up the silver for the event at the club.

Can't wait to hear about your reaction to the news. I know you'll have to consult Jack first. That's quite understandable, especially since (from what I hear) Art has yet to make amends for the broken lease agreement.

Fondly,
Vicki

I'm Always on the Go!

Dear Francine,

Des called and asked if we could assist him at the Harbor Bayshore event this weekend. I know, I know, it's so last minute, and that's Des for you. But, he has been good to us in the past (remember the cakes from Shawnie's?) I said I'd give you a ring and find out if you're free. He just needs us to set up, about 1-2 hours on Saturday morning. His assistant broke her leg water skiing and he said to me tonight, "Who other than Francie & Vick could help out in a pinch?"

Call me and let me know by 9 AM tomorrow if you can help Des and his event out. Des said he'd send the car service to pick us up. Isn't he thoughtful! Oh, I forgot to tell you, the event is a charity auction and luncheon for Las Marionatis, the ladies guild at St. Martins of the Sea Hospital.

On another note, Tina called. She'll be in town next weekend and wanted to get together with us. She's off to Hawaii and will be in town to visit with her kids. She's going to stay in our condo on Maui. Did you know that Bobby and Laraine had a baby last week? This will be Tina's fifth grandchild! Her name is Leslie Christina, in remembrance of you know who. Tina was so choked up when she heard the news. Sadly, but happily, I guess, the baby was born on Les and Tina's anniversary. Do you know that Les has been gone for 15 years!

Which reminds me, aren't you and Jack approaching an important anniversary next year? Do the kids have any plans for you two, or have you hinted at anything yet? I thought I saw Jack's car outside Carriage Manor Travel the other day. Oops! Was I supposed to mention that?

I ran into Don and Patti the other day at the butcher's, and they asked about you as well. They are having a big, and I mean big barbecue/corporate function for Don and his partners' clients at the Woodhouse. They are renting out all the grounds! Have you EVER heard of this. Don wanted Jack to get in touch with him about transferring the records over to the G75-98 database, whatever that means! I said, "Honey, you'll have to ask him yourself. I don't know what the hell you're talking about." I guess his clients are switching over to some new system that Jack is in the know about. Do you have any clue about this?

Well, that's all for now. I am turning in for the night. Tomorrow I've got a 9 AM tennis match with Jeannie. It's actually a grudge match, and you know what I mean by that. At noon, it's lunch with Betsy and Clem to talk about redecorating the Shellridge condo on Maui. They will be in Hilo next month and said they wouldn't mind swinging by Wailea to "freshen up" the pad. You've seen Betsy and Clem work their magic on Lou's office and our Lake Arrowhead cabin, right? I thought Tina could fill me in on what needs to be done when she gets back.

Yes, I am going to rent out the condo for the summer. I know, I said never again, but I might as well. My agent said the area is really hot right now, and basically I'm just sitting on the property. The kids don't have the time to go out anymore. I can't foresee going out until the winter or spring anyway. I would never dream of selling it. That location and the amenities, you just don't see that anymore. Boy, Lou got a steal when he bought that place in the early 60's. It was and still is a real gem.

Call me tomorrow about helping Des out. If you're busy, I understand.

Take care,
Vick

Thank you, my dear!

Francine, dear,

I thought I told you I was going to stop having birthdays . . . After all, a girl doesn't like being reminded she's a year older!

Despite that fact, you never forget my birthday, do you? No wonder you are such a dear and special friend! So, how can I scold you when you've been so generous!

The Borders gift card was a lovely idea, and it's just what I needed because I had Borders Bucks to use and a coupon in my inbox. Imagine that, Vicki Deveraux on the net! The kids get such a kick out of the old gal knowin' all the lingo!

Darling, you'll never guess what I purchased with the card-- the Buddy Rich CD from his Caesar's Palace engagement in Las Vegas in 1968! Does that sound familiar to you? Remember the getaway I had with Lou, Tina, Les, and Maxine? Remember you had to have that emergency tennis elbow surgery because of your "accident" at the club and you and Jack couldn't come with us? Well, the gang and I went to see Buddy Rich and his band, and this was the concert recorded for the cd! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the cd in the rack. (I also purchased Three Coins in the Fountain on dvd. Right now, I can't take my eyes off Rossano Brazzi!)

Oh what happy memories flooded through me when I put the music on. "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" was one of Lou's favorite songs, and listening to it brought a tear to my eye. Oh, but they are happy tears. Lou was so good to me, and I know you and Jack adored him so.

We'll have to take one of our notorious road trips so I can play the cd for you and we can reflect on the good ole days. Give my love to Jack and Charlotte and thank them for the birthday wishes. My love to you, always!

Fondly,
Vicki