guest blather: mark osier

Wow! I get to do a guest blathering! My 15 minutes of fame - is my hair OK? Oh, wait... you can't see my hair online. Good, 'cuz it's awful. :)

Well, I've been bugging Debbie to come visit me in Syracuse for some time now, based on three important things to do in Syracuse:

1) A mall with THREE gourmet chocolate shops
2) The Dinosaur Barbeque - a genuine honky tonk rib joint (FANTASTIC food)
3) Clark's Ale House - home of the world's BEST roast beef sandwich

So finally, this weekend, she made the long and perilous journey from Toronto (kinda like Sam & Frodo trekking through the mountains in those movies that Debbie is so rabid about) to come visit me. Of course, with Kathy away in Arizona dealing with family matters, it was up to me to keep her entertained. I think I've succeeded. And Jeff is gonna KILL me....

I picked her up Friday and we went to the Dinosaur. For those of you who haven't ever been to Syracuse, this place alone is worth the trip. It's a biker bar with some of the most fantastic BBQ that you'll ever eat, and an IMPRESSIVE selection of beers. And MAN, can Debbie DRINK! Oh wait... that was me.



After eating, we went back to my place, where she met the current assortment of pets, and just kinda hung out for the night. Did some music, watched some TV (Powerpuff Girls ROCK! And has anyone but me noticed the similarities between Urban Tapestry and the Powerpuff Girls?), then crashed for the night.

Today (Saturday, for those playing the home game), we went to the mall with the 3 chocolate shops, and Debbie proceeded to buy more chocolate than should be legal. You see, every time she got a free sample of something, it was SOOOOOOOOOO good that she HAD to buy some, for herself and people she knows. Or so she says - I think she's gonna eat it all herself, but don't tell her I said so. *blink* After a while, people were offering her free samples every time she entered a chocolate shop. And make no mistake - these are HIGH QUALITY chocolates. Gertrude Hawk, Godiva, and Lindt all have shops in this mall. And we visited all of them at least once - some TWICE! We also saw a movie (Die Another Day - good flick, for those who like action), then went to eat at Clark's. I can't say for certain, but I think Debbie had a profound spiritual experience when eating the roast beef sandwich there. And ask her about the ring on a string game. :)

I don't know how many of you have had the pleasure of hosting Debbie for a weekend, but she's a HOOT! Though she's kind of demanding - ice cream now, chocolate later, food here and there. And BOY, can she DRINK! Oh wait... that's me again....



So to summarize, I should state a few important things.

1) Jeff, I'm really sorry about the 45 pounds Debbie will have gained this weekend from all the chocolate and ice cream. Truly. Honestly. Now please, put down the gun....

2) Allison and Jodi - next time, YOU guys need to come down as well! So there! :P

3) BOY, can that girl DRINK! Oh wait... that's me again. :)

MarkO