A Stunning Achievement

We at the MerleSneed blog were stunned today to find out from Kurt of the Other People Exist blog, that we are a 2006 recipient of the coveted Blog Excellent Award in the major category, Best Posts About What the Grandkids Did. We are told that the award includes a lovely Lucite momento and maybe a packet of coupons good at many fine quick service restaurants, with convenient locations near you, although the last part has not been confirmed. There will be a gala to honor all the winners and some of the non-winners should they actually show up, at the Best Western Inn, in Fort Lee, New Jersey, this Sunday, February 4, which coincidentally, would have been my parents 58th wedding anniversay, had they not both died. They will be there in spirit, I'm sure. Unfortunately due to the lateness of the notification, we are unable to get the bus fare together for a trip to Fort Lee, New Jersey to accept the award personally. Our blog intern, Stuie Knox, is trying to reach his cousin Larry who lives in the Hackensack, to see if he is available to accept the award on our behalf. Stuie contacted a Mr. Ajay Patel, the proprietor of a 7-Eleven store near the Right Way Blood Bank where Larry has a standing appointment each Saturday morning, in hope of reaching him. Mr. Patel agreed to keep an eye out for Larry and to have him call if he shows up before Sunday's gala. I don't hold out much hope, although Mr. Patel seemed optimistic. He says Larry often comes in after selling a pint, for a pack of Pall Malls and a lime Slurpee. I have also had Stuie roughing out an acceptance speech that I will delivery via speakerphone should Larry be unable to make it. He hasn't made much progress yet because he had to rent a tuxedo and build a podium before he could start. He claims that he can only do his best work if he is in character. Artists, what are you going to do with them? For my part, I am watching the Best of Celebrity Roasts, starring Mr. Dean Martin and featuring a veritable who's who of the celebrity roast circuit, for tips on how to conduct myself, should I somehow make it to Fort Lee in time. Luckily, past experience has taught me to always have a small bag ready in case I have to get somewhere fast. My former neighbor subscribed to Esquire magazine and I would often take the back issues from his trash after he wheeled the can to the curb. In the September 1999 issue there was an article called, Ten Things That You Must Have In Your Getaway Bag. Number 7 was a tux, so I have that covered. Sunday evening should be a time to remeber for all those lucky enough to make it. I can just see my mom and dad, a couple of apparitions of standing in the corner watching the goings on with as much pride as a couple of ghosts can muster and my dad saying, "Where the hell is that dumbass? We come all the way from the other side and he doesn't have the decency to show up." I'm hoping I don't get a phone call from Sylvia Browne relaying a message from my dad's pissed off spirit. I hate when that happens. Anyway, we here at the MerleSneed blog are touched and honored to be selected from among the many fine blogs that were finalists in the Best Posts About What the Grandkids Did category. To the other finalists I say, even though we are taking home the tasteful Lucite award, with genuine hardwood stand, remember there are no losers in the category, Best Posts About What the Grandkids Did. We are all winners and I salute you. Merle Sneed Honoree in Chief Things in this blog represented to be fact, may or may not actually be true. The writer is frequently wrong, sometimes just full of it, but always judgemental and cranky Tag: Daily Life Personal Finance Humor