Lola at the Coffee House, Cafe 101

Do you Frank ? Ahh I forgot, you are in the US - the land of (some) polite people.

I am in London - the only expression on the face of (almost all) Londoners is a frown

...indiscriminate grabbing is generally frowned upon...

I live in New Jersey. Here, "indisciminate grabbing" is much less likely to evoke "frowning"...than it is a busted arm or a black eye.

But by and large...there is plenty of everything...and most people are quite friendly in stores.

In fact, in New Jersey...if someone does some frowning at someone else...the most you will hear is:

"I gotch yer frown...right heah!"

At this time of year, everyone is on a mission...too many maniacally determined faces in the crowds, and people coughing. I avoid the malls entirely on the weekends and only shop late at night or online. We're cutting back on commercialism this year, buying gifts only for children and animals. More time to enjoy traditions, rituals, and food. More time to concoct sumptuous desserts to tempt my loved ones...

I'll be away tomorrow........back in a few days. I'll see what kind of people nice people I can meet in shops while I'm away. New Yorkers are lovely people.......unless they work in Best Buy, Staples or Macy's........oh, but really Macy's has gotten much better lately. The people in Saks were lovely last night.......but of course, I was spending money. That always makes em smile.....me included.

I'm trying to cut back, Cinn.......I'll let you know how well I succeed.....let's not hold our breath though.

hello everyone..........see you later

Lola, tell us about your spectacular finds...

I brought truffle confections, who wants one? Chocolate-pistachio, white chocolate raspberry, Grand Marnier, Amaretto, and most decadent triple chocolate.

......maybe that homeless guy on the corner, see him through the window, holding the cardboard sign lettered "WILL WORK FOR JUST DESSERTS?"

I bought two hats, one light suede and the other purple velvet. Fun hats to wear. And I also bought some gifts, like those fingerless gloves for my girls and jewelry, scarves and hats for them too, with gloves with fingers. That's all so far. No candy, I've eaten too many desserts lately. But you guys enjoy.

Joe Nation bursts through the doorway carrying a box full of wrapped boxes, all shapes and sizes, he is holding another under his left arm. Behind him are three burly types in bluish overcoats pushing large shopping carts filled with bags all labeled with the names of Fifth Avenue stores. They begin stacking the boxes over by the hearth but there isn't enough room so some are placed in pyramids on the bar.

Joe looks over the scene happily.

There is one box for each of you. You may take it but first you must tell what it contains, for in each is the one thing that you have lost in your life that you would most like to have again.

Joe(elvish)Nation

I want Joe Nation in mine.

















....I'll be back later with a real answer.

You sound great Lola. I am so happy you having fun in NYC and I envy you the shopping. I would reather deal with Macy's basement on a Saturday than try to really shop in San Diego.

I've been spending lots of time thinking about another Lola, these days.

Pale Male's mate!

Pale Male and Lola are flying around Fifth Avenue trying to find out who in hell swiped their nest...and now, just as the winter is setting in with a vengeance.

Goddam humans.

You just never know what they are gonna do next.

That kind of human arrogance is of one the reasons I want to move to Jamaica. But didn't someone relent and give them their nest back?

There are hawks in this small city, nesting on building ledges. No one disturbs them.

I think I saw that Lola wearing a purple hat and Pale Male was wearing an overcoat and carrying a walking stick. They were posing for a photo in front of the big BIG christmas tree in Rocky Center..........I'm so glad they were allowed to build a new nest.......the purple hat should come in handy.

Just wanted to dash in and say Happy Holidays to everyone before I go into launch mode for vacation....


Joe (I'm taking a book, a swimsuit and sunscreen.)Nation

Nice, Joe. No fair. I'm travelling too. But I'll be around. Must go today however.

Just in case Lola forgets during this holiday season

Ditto

merry christmas, all