Traveller's Phrase Book

TRAVELLER'S PHRASE BOOK T-SHIRT

Found this is Gift Ideas and actually something that would have come in handy many times for me.

Once traveling through Germany with a very good friend Nancy A, we were having lunch in a busy little town. I sat writing postcards; she was chatting with other Americans at the next table. When finished writing, I excused myself saying that I wished to mail the cards and would be right back.

Out on the street, I realized I didn't know what a German Post Box looked like nor do I speak/read German. Decided it couldn't be that hard, I walk around looking for something that jumped out at me to be a mailing box.

About a block from the little restaurant was a large medal box with an opening at the top. It sat at the side of the sidewalk which seemed to me to be a logical place for a Mail box. There was writing but no photos ...

A young good looking blond guy stood leaning on the box...German could tell by looking at him. AH!
For sure, it is either a trash receptacle OR a Mail Box.

I excused myself to the young guy and proceeded ....assuming, of course, he didn't speak English.
"Is this where I mail postcard?" (pointing to postcards in my hand and gesturing towards the opening in the box.)?"
He looked at the postcards and looked at the box and looked at me...and I assumed he didn't understand...

I repeated my sentence and jesters...and added "To fly to the Unites States?"
(making an airplane with my arms and making flying movements)

He looked at me...without even smiling, I might add....and in perfect English said,
"I don't know, been trying to figure it out myself."

HE WAS AN AMERICAN !!!!

"OH MY GOSH!" I said, laughing and tossing the postcards into the box...
Guess WHAT?
The postcards never arrived!

Of course, I knew to ask ..."Pardon, do you speak English?" but he looked SO GERMAN.
This shopping idea came the year.....

If you are travelling a lot and don't always know the language of the country you are visiting, then this T-shirt is for you. It has a phrase book printed on it so just point a finger at the pictogram you need and then point it twice at the question mark, which means, 'Where is it?' and in no time you have found what you were looking for... Or not. (Another possibility for the foreign language impaired)

The Christmas Shirt

Favorite stories emerge and are enjoyed once more this time of year.
This is one of mine.

One of our daughters was dating one of Washington's Most Eligible Bachelors and invited him to join us for Christmas Eve gathering. This is the evening we, as a large family, exchange gifts.
She gave me advice about what I could get for her friend, as it was very important to her that I not embarrass her. She asked me to please not even think about a sweater or shirt as he wore only designer brands. " Oh, ok, thanks for the tip."

REALLY? I thought. She was so set up...this was going to be fun...

Of course, going shopping for the most inexpensive shirt was a challenge. Finally, came across a flannel marked 50% off on an already marked down, bring the total to $1.95. Selecting the worst of the bunch was fun. This was PERFECT.

Now, needed a box worthy of this prize. KMart doesn't have boxes with their name on it, but they did have a plain box of cardboard. There just so happened to be a visible straight pen in the collar and tucking the price tag just under the sleeve, we were ready with just the perfect gift.
A little tissue paper, and thin paper wrapping and bow from a bought bag, I was thrilled!

Naturally, there was another little gift for him...but this one brought highly anticipated happiness to the evening. EVERYONE was in on it as well as her friend. The daughter was the only one in the dark.

Gifts were opened one at a time and finally it was time for the Christmas Shirt which still is highly used and named "Casey's Shirt."

Casey opened the box as Molly looked on...she swished her long strawberry blond hair over her shoulder as she peered towards the shirt.
"OH!" he said.
"I hope you don't have one like it," I said.
"No, actually, I don't," he replied in good spirit.
Molly reached and rubbed the shirt and didn't know what to say...
He lifted it and the price tag fell in view.
All eyes were on a mortified Molly......Everyone commented what a warm shirt it will be for him to wear when he is in the country and what a neat color.
Molly was still staring.
Then we couldn't hold back...
Laughter filled the room...Molly looked at Casey who was laughing with us?
It was a fun, fun evening that lived forever in my memories of Christmas.

The shirt is requested by name, "Casey's Shirt" and hangs in my coat closet for anyone who needs another layer of warmth while here.
Molly and Casey were married the following year.
Now our Christmases are all about and for the grandchildren.

~ Weekend of Ballet~

A weekend of special events~

Jean and I together to see our grand daughters up on stage over the weekend. What is that thrill we feel when we see them preforming and being little girls in this big world? It is PRIDE. To see my friends' grand daughter and share this event with her was so, so wonderful. Here, you see why~

She had a very special role in the NUTCRACKER which was totally FABULOUS~ Granddaughter of Jean, a College friend who traveled from Birmingham to be here.

It thrilled me to share this with my friend as this child is so talented as well as beautiful.

Click on the photo below to start video.

Below is my Carolyn...the one on the left with red T class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_1>skT>irt....she is six years old and this was her 7th recital. She LOVES the stage. Her first word was "shoes."
She does so well that I want her to be in the Nutcracker next year. I think she has what it takes to do it with pride. Click on the Video to play. Enjoy~ Wish I had space to put up all the photos.