Tucked in a Duktig

I love cats. I like dogs, but I'm a future crazy cat lady. I subscribe to a number of cat-related email and RSS feeds for my daily chuckles. A while back, this link appeared in my inbox: Japanese cat bed idea and - voila! - three Xmas present dilemmas were solved.

Typical of IKEA, the beds are solidly built, ready to paint/finish and assemble, and are accompanied by hilarious yet very effective instructions: 

As well as a page of warnings translated into 30+ languages (which, on a rainy day, could in and of itself keep me busy for hours):

On Xmas eve, we presented one assembled bed to the daughter for her big boy, Jackson. We didn't realize that she and Jackson were staying with her mom, who is also a cat lady.

Shortly after she got home that night, daughter texted to say that all of the cats were taking turns trying out the bed and Jackson had to wait his turn before curling up in his new bed.

But in the end, Jackson was tucked in to wait for Santa:

(I'm wondering if Jackson needed a bigger bed!?)

Update: Waffle House Secret Code

Now, as we sip our coffee and gaze upon the Waffle House cooks at work, we can decipher their ingenious jelly packet placement secret code:

You're welcome.

The Carle Place Diner

Northeast diners. The classic, iconic diners with lots of stainless steel, many-paged menus with hundreds of items, and desserts so large and rich they must be shared - who can resist?

We left a consignee on Long Island, in Westbury. We'd spotted a diner with nearby truck-sized parking on our way to the delivery, so we stopped there for breakfast on our way back.

The Carle Place Diner is a large restaurant with several seating areas, marble and tile, stainless, etched glass, and a pleasing art deco design. We were met at the door by a gentleman in a dark grey suit, and seated by a hostess in a black dress. The staff went about their business in black slacks, crisp white shirts, and a black vest and tie.

We wore rumpled t-shirts and fuel-scented hoodies. I felt quite underdressed.

While we waited for our food, I browsed online reviews. The best one, we decided, described a waiter as hefty, with a thick moustache, previously employed as a strip club bouncer, and who shows his disdain by cramming his thumb into your food as he places your plate in front of you. We paid close attention as we were served.

The food, unfortunately, sucked. How does a cook scorch breakfast eggs? Isn't it likely that's the one food you cook the most of? On the same grill, day in, day out?

The Carle Place Diner has much that pleases the eye, but the food doesn't please the palate.

And keep your eye on the big guy with passive-aggressive thumbs.

Santa Train!

Spotted in DeQueen, Arkansas on our way to a delivery:

Kansas City Southern's Holiday Express not only thrills the young ones in the towns along its route, but it's also raised over a million dollars for kids in need. Read more here.

Kudos to Kansas City Southern employees for their dedication to this annual tradition.

Xmas Eve Slideshow

Xmas Eve Pics

A good part of the reason why it took so long to get these pics posted is because Photobucket is a pile of crap. Regardless of what browser I use, the time of day, the color of my breakfast toast - nothing makes this once wonderful software do anything remotely pleasing or helpful. Therefore, these pics are mostly unedited. I apologize. I'm looking for a replacement and am fed up enough that I'm motivated to lease my own server and manage my own damn photo gallery. There. Screw you, Photobucket.

Sigh.