McMillin Release 8/27

We were up early Saturday (the first Saturday after school started) to be out at the McMillin home release. We were #94 on the priority list. There are only 100 spots on the list - and after this weekend we expect to be in the mid-50's if not much lower. Considering Saturday's turnout - we expect to get a lot at the next release.

We're on a few lists around town. But, we've really decided on McMillin and it looks like we've got it sown up... pretty much. The floor plan is perfect for us and the lot size, even if it is modest, will be perfect for a pool and a small entertaining area. Which is fine by us - because our next step is to purchase a lot and / or cabin up in the mountains near Glennville where Mike grew up. We're even considering a place up in Camp Nelson. We just want something with fishing nearby, cooler temps, and a mountain view... snow in the winter will be an added bonus!

After the release Mike had some 442 pictures to do (appraisal updates) and an appraisal to do up in Sugarloaf. Fortunately we were able to tag along, which was great because we haven't seen a lot of him lately since he's been completely bogged down with work. We had such a great time! We even got to see one of Mike's old friends that he had known since he was just a little kid.

This has turned out to be a wonderful weekend. Tonight the boys (Mike and Ethan) have their guitars out and are playing everything from Elvis to Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Even though tomorrow is Monday and everyone is going back to work and school after a weekend like this it's a small price to pay!

An Interview With Maggie

I recently sat down with Maggie to pick her brain and find out what it's really like to live like a true princess. Maggie has a fast-paced, jet-setting, fashion filled lifestyle that is truly the envy of dozens, if not hundreds, perhaps even thousands.

At a moment's notice she can be whisked away to a restaurant where her every wish is met with rapid response. She travels about in elite vehicles cushioned in a custom chair that is fitted specifically to her body. Refreshments are maintained in her vehicles and are simply waiting for her to reach for them. When shopping she is not relegated to walking like your average shopper. Instead Maggie is carried through the store in a contraption not unlike the one used by Cleopatra. The seat is covered in a cushioned cover, custom made for just for her.

Living like Maggie is something most people can only dream of. I was fortunate to catch her in between appointments to find out what really goes on inside that blonde, blue-eyed head of her's. When we sat down she was dressed in a lovely, 3 tiered, skort in a wild green and pink pattern reminiscent of the patterns in the late 60's. Her shirt was lime green with white, lettuce trim. On her feet she wore stylish, pink, strappy sandals. There is no question that she is a trend-setter.

Q. Maggie, it's so great to see you. Thanks for taking the time to sit down with me. What is your favorite word?

A. No!

Q. That's very interesting! What is your favorite expression?

A. Oh no!

Q. Fascinating. What are you currently watching on television?

A. Blue's Clues.

Q. Such amazing taste for someone your age. Do you have a favorite movie?

A. A Bug's Life

Q. Ahhh, yes, the cutting edge of animation technology. Fabulous. What is your favorite destination?

A. I'm currently fascinated with the car wash. There is something so therapeutic about having a clean car. As the car rolls through the car wash I truly feel like I am part of the process.

Q. Favorite food?

A. I love going out for Mexican food, but I also enjoy a good barbecue at home. My head chef is an absolute genius at the barbecue. Of course, I do occasionally have a sweet tooth and I keep a pastry chef on hand specifically for those occasions, he makes the best snickerdoodles.

Q. Is there any food that you don't care for?

A. I'm not a fan of chinese. I can tolerate sushi... but it's far from the top of my list. I prefer a louder, club-style, atmosphere when I eat out. I love live music and great service. I always go out of my way to make the server feel appreciated, I believe that they are some of the hardest working people on the planet and truly deserve our gratitude.

Q. Wow. In spite of your obvious status, you really are a girl of the people. What do you do in your down time to relax?

A. Ahhh. Well, I love a good, hot bath followed by a massage. I keep a personal masseuse on staff to attend to all of my relaxation needs.

Q. Who do you prefer to hang out with when you have free time?

A. Oh, my best friend, Molly. She's the best! She is such a great listener, she never interrupts. We have lunch together and almost always split a dessert. We like to watch our weight so it is helpful to share desserts and reduce our calorie intake that way. We are so much alike, it's amazing. We both have curly blonde hair and are very picky about who we hang around. It's lovely to have such a wonderful friend.

Q. I see our time is up, it's been great talking to you. We should do this again soon.

A. Yes, well, you can set that up with my personal assistant, I call her Mom, she's just so motherly, sometimes I get the distinct impression she thinks that she is in charge of me! Well, I've got to go, I have a spanish lesson with Dora. I'm still trying to talk her assistant out of wearing those awful red boots!

Summer Cleaning... Doran Style

Every once in a while you just have to get things cleaned out. Empty the trash, get rid of old clothes, clean out the closets, etc.

Well, it's that time of the year for us as well. We've got to clean out the DVR. That's right, all of last year's episodes of TV shows we DVR'd so we could watch them later have got to go. I have to admit, I was a little freaked out when I realized we only had 17 hours left on the DVR.

Things deleted today:

• That episode of the TODAY with Amy Grant in concert
• several episodes of Veronica Mars
• Arrested Development
• Gilmore Girls
• LOST
• Las Vegas
• Elf... from last December when we purchased an all day Pay per view of it.
• SNL
• The Simpsons
• Fletch with Chevy Chase (that was Ethan)
• Comedy Central's Roast of Jeff Foxworthy
• The Blue Comedy Tour Rides Again
• 2005's Tournament of Roses Parade (no, I am not kidding)

Ahhhh... we now have 70+ hours of DVR'ing left. Onward to the next television season!

Anniversaries and Birthdays!

Happy Anniversary to Scott and Jan Salsedo who just celebrated their 1st Wedding Anniversary! Congratulations guys!




Happy Birthday to Nana!

And, a Happy Birthday to our nephew, Timmy Doran.

We haven't seen Timothy in several years because his father is a psycho, nutty, fruitcake who loves to use his children to hurt people and isn't smart enough to realize that he hurts his own kids the most by taking them away from the people who really love them. So, we hope that Timmy knows that we think of him all the time and that even if we can't see him, we still love him.