Monday, July 28, 2014

Jan Interrupted or My Summer Mini-Disaster Saga (Continued)

Warning: the following is a long, only tenuously 
style-tethered story, so feel free to skip down to the photos.)

If I were less aware of just how tiny my minuscule place is in the Grand Scheme of Things, I'd be tempted to think the universe was out to mess with me this last week. Of course we have to take responsibility for what happens to us in life on some level, always, but it is also true that stuff sometimes just happens.

We had been been preparing for what is always our very largest business weekend of the year, and organization is critical. It seems, though, that the Fates needed a good laugh and chose us to be the butt of their joke.

Last Wednesday, when I foolishly looked ahead and imagined smooth sailing after some previous weeks of choppy cosmic weather, the actual weather blew up an unusually violent summer storm that flooded our restaurant. We were in the Big City at the time, trying to make our grocery run, so there was no one there to manage the damage until that evening when Dan arrived to open for dinner. It wasn't very deep water, but it doesn't take much to be a huge pain in the tuchas and do some damage.

As they say on the evening news, "in separate but related incidents" the storm knocked out our WiFi router, which took our credit card machine with it. So on Thursday, I spent some long hours on the phone with a very patient tech-rep, me clambering up and down step ladders to get to the router and carry out her diagnostics. In spite of our heroic efforts, she finally determined that we needed a new router.

That meant an 80 mile round-trip to another Big City for me, and another session of ladder clambering on my return. Once the router fix was accomplished, the credit card machine refused to like the new router enough to hook up with it, so another evening's dinner hours came and went without the ability to accept credit cards. (Imagine a big scowling emoji here. )

And in a "separate but unrelated" incident" that took place while the above diagnostic efforts were going on, Dan's business PC decided to roll over and die a very permanent death. I know at this point you are wondering if I am not just making this all up, but no. I assure you I am not. I spent a lot of that evening setting up my ancient backup laptop to be ready for Dan's use, with hours spent updating essential programs needed to get it up to speed.

After Friday morning and last minute joint efforts with the tech-rep from the credit card machine manufacturer, the machine was successfully rebooted just in time for the onslaught of the lunch crowd on the first day of festival. (Imagine happy emoji face here.) 

 The local wine festival is lucrative but challenging for our little restaurant. It happens in a block-long park right out our front door, and is held on what are invariably the hottest days of summer. And the local wineries (bless them and keep them, really) serve free wine to all the freebie-seekers that converge on our little town that day. So, imagine hundreds of hot and sweaty people, many of whom are already three sheets to the wind from the free wine and are in a something-for-nothing frame of mind, converging on our little restaurant that has eleven tables, and is not set up to do fast food. Always a challenging effort, always a mixed blessing, but this year a surprising success because of our tiny but really good staff.

Seems like the Fates decided to back off and cut us a little slack. Yeayyyy.

However, I'm still behind on my bloggy stuff, so I thought you deserved to know why. I'm trying so hard to come see you all and reply to all your so much appreciated comments for the last couple of weeks here. I probably should just lay down and beg off, but I'm stubbornly persevering, because chatting with you all is my great joy and pleasure, and am really grateful for your patience and support.

Sunday brought a little rest and our customary afternoon run into town for groceries and a bite to eat.
This is What I Wore.



Just before we headed home, I stopped by TJ Maxx for a quick look-see. And almost as if the Fates were trying to make up for being nasty, I found this pair of BCBGeneration black, navy and cobalt suede d'Orsay pumps for next to nothing and in my size. As you see, they'll be perfect with this same dress the next time I wear it, and I see this shoe carrying me on into winter with other things. Excellent. I'm quite sure I deserve these shoes.



Almost like a sweet little cosmic apology for all the craziness, wasn't it?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I'm lucky to be able to link up with the ever-glamorous Plaid Mad Patti at Visible Monday
Come see what all the fuss is about!


86 comments:

  1. Patti_NotDeadYetStyleJuly 28, 2014 at 7:08 PM

    Wow, the gods did not smile on you last week, dearest Jan. Congrats on getting through, and making some lemonade of it. You look fresh and completely unperturbed in your striped Sunday dress! Thanks for linking up to Visible Monday, xox.

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  2. Oh, Jan! And you still have a smile on your face! You're my hero! In TARDIS blue, no less. And now I am wanting to take a trip to the Maxx to see if I can score similar shoes. I'd given up on them when they started their Maxxinista campaign and their prices started to hike up, but for those shoes, I'd make an exception. :D

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  3. I love when the fates make it up to me with pretty shoes! ;) Can't believe the week you've had, Dear. My goodness. Sending a hug!
    OXOX
    Dawn Lucy

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  4. You deserve those shoes and 4 other pairs as well!


    Sounds like a tough slog. Good to hear you made it through.


    Love the striped dress. If it helps...you don't look any worse for the wear : )


    bisous
    Suzanne

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  5. OMGoodness Jan! With all that going on, I'm surprised you even remembered us eagerly waiting here! You are a joy to my heart! Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your ordeal, but at least you haven't lost that beaming smile and great sense of humour, not to mention those shoes that will match your dress perfectly!

    ♥ carmen

    http://fashionableover50.wordpress.com/

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  6. sad story but amazing dress and shoes

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  7. You so deserve those shoes, and all other good things. We're lucky to have you here sharing your stories, your smiles and your style.

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  8. Holy moly! I thought when I scrolled down you'd be wearing hip weighters! What a week you've had and to come out looking that fresh is beyond me. I hope the water didn't cause too much damage and that everything is up and running smoothly again. Sheesh!

    We were on vacation in Oregon years ago and visiting the Tillamook cheese factory. Everyone was sitting at tables happily eating their curds and icecream when suddenly gallons and gallons of brown fluid started gushing from the bathrooms! Talk about spoiling the appetite! Not sure what that was all about....we quickly left before we ran the chance of smelling something not cheesy. ;)
    This week will be much better!

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  9. Good grief Jan! And I don't think we're in any kind of retrograde either...let's hope you and Dan are well and truly over the serious hiccups of last week!


    Not to trivialize your prose...but can we get to the shoes. the SHOES are da bomb...and I would have begged to wear them out of the store. I can't think of a design more perfect for your dress, in which you. look. STUNNING. (sorry about all the caps, but I need to get my point across.) Just something about the combination of skinny stripes pattern and wide stripes pattern!


    I'm always imagining your little bit of the world, and in a geek moment here, I admit to having already decided exactly what your little restaurant looks like. I'm quite certain I've got it all wrong, but it's a fun little daydream for me anyways!

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  10. HappinessatmidlifeJuly 29, 2014 at 12:22 AM

    I can't image how crazy you and Dan must've felt during this past week. I am glad to hear that everything worked out okay. Just curious - would it be better to use those iPad/iphone credit card swiper things? I see them a lot at food trucks and even at Nordstroms now and it seems to be the way to go for credit card transactions. But I would recommend waiting since all merchants need to upgrade their machine for chip & pin ready in the next year or so.


    Great dress and an equally stunning pair of shoes. They were meant to be.


    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  11. Oh Jan, sometimes disasters seem to come all at once, I hope yours and Dans have now had their way and it is now smooth sailing from now onwards. How you managed to look so put together in that great dress after your stresses is a mystery to me. You so deserved the shoes.

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  12. Jan what a week! I'm glad the universe gave you a bit of respite at the end and things turned out well for the restaurant. Love the dress and those gorgeous shoes are a great buy - you must post an outfit shot when you wear them together xx

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  13. Oh Jan. Oh dear. Oh no. What a story of misadventure! But you and Dan came through it, managed the festival folk well, and you found those fabulous shoes by way of compensation for all the angst and hard slog. And you look just wonderful in that striped dress, a perfect fit (did you have to alter it at all?) and so shipshape and nautical and gorgeous! xxxx

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  14. What a week its been for you Jan and I think you deserve those pumps after all that. Love the colours of your dress and you look amazing!!!

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  15. You've had a tough week... Hopefully things are looking up. You certainly give the Fates the finger by looking so perfectly put-togethet in that gorgeous dress.

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  16. Wow. Just wow. That's all I've got. But on the bright side...those shoes are killer!! Good for you, you do deserve them!
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com

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  17. Oh what a series of minor calamities! Tech problems are the worst...how much we've come to depend on those gadgets! Cute dress and shoes. Simple but with impact.

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  18. What a nightmare, you totally deserve a brand spanking new pair of killer heels to ease a little of the pain. That dress is wonderful. xxx

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  19. You have mastered the art of colour blocking, extremely flattering and beautiful outfit!!!

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  20. Jan, you just have to believe that the Fates will get tired of your persevering and bouncing back, and they'll go bother somebody else - someone who deserves it! At least they threw you those nice shoes as they flew away - they're gorgeous, and very Jan. The dress is gorgeous, too. I love the big stripes and little stripes!

    Hang in there!!!

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  21. So sorry to hear about all the problems with technology. I'm happy to know that the issues have been resolved. What a beautiful dress! It has a retro feel to it, which I love! The shoes are perfection Lucky you! Have a wonderful week, no more disasters of any kind!

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  22. Well, dear friend, Uranus (the planet that rules over technology and the unexpected) is retrograde in Aries. That would explain your "Fatal" problems. I hope the damage from water and life in general has all been managed.Lots of improvisation going on here, too. The standing joke at my house is 2014 is the year of rolling with the changes - something we don't do well.
    Your outfit looks so put together you'd never know your world had exploded by looking at you! Love the shoes, both pairs, actually. And you ALWAYS deserve the shoes, darling! ;-)


    Alicia
    spashionista.com

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  23. Northern mum down SouthJuly 29, 2014 at 4:25 PM

    Oh dear Jan, sounds like you have had a bit of a week, good for you for hanging in there and finding solutions to the problems. Those new shoes are just perfect for next time you wear that gorgeous dress which suits you perfectly. Hope smoother times are coming xx

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  24. Deserve? INDEED!!! I am so sorry to hear about your crazy week you had and bless you living heart for being so dang positive and up-beat through it all. We can all learn from you, great lady. Now I just wish I could have been there to help out at least a little, I'm good at climbing ladders or at least being a travel companion for those rode trips, better yet, a shopping companion when it was all said and done.
    Absolutely love this ensemble, every little thing about it from the color to the fabric to your fun hair style.
    So glad to see your adorable smiling face again.

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  25. Not sure I meant to say "hip weighters" but you know those things the fishermen wear when they're up to their waist in water. haha!

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  26. VersatilestylebytraceyJuly 29, 2014 at 10:08 PM

    A crazy week deserves some cosmic positivity and those shoes Rock! A perfect pairing for the dress.

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  27. Oh, my! You poor thing! It does seem like things pile up all at once some times. I'm glad all is back to rights and I daresay, you look stunning! And yes, absolutely, you were MEANT to have those shoes.

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  28. Oh yikes. Don't ya just love it when everything goes haywire at once. I am sure the shoes where some sort of "hey, I am sorry, here's a little make up present" from the universe ;-) They are really pretty and you are right they will be perfect for that dress.

    Alex - Funky Jungle

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  29. With such a week I totally agree you have absolutely deserves the beautiful shoes. And I love your dress.

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  30. Wow. A really great dress. I love these colours. And the cut of the dress is very cute an female.
    The shoes look fantastic to complete this outfit. Have a good time. Sunny

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  31. O...MG, those shoes are perfect!!!
    http://whosaprettygirl.com

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  32. You look adorable in that dress and I love the new shoes! So sorry about all those disasters! It sounds like it should have been some sort of reality tv show. I don't know how I missed your blog post but I did so I'm late getting here, but better late than never right? Sending you a hug and hoping things are all smooth and uneventful for a long time now!
    xoxo

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  33. What a crazy week! You look great & those BCBG pumps are amazing!!
    Marta
    www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com

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  34. What a challenging week! I'm glad there was a happy ending! And you look so fabulous in the dress, I love it! :)

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  35. PinkCheetahVintageJuly 31, 2014 at 9:54 PM

    You look fantastic!! Great dress and your new shoes are killer! That sounds like an absolute fiasco with the flooding and W-Fi situation :(

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  36. Definitely an apology for the craziness! How can you still muster up a smile after all that, and still get dressed up! is beyond me. Mind you dressing up can be helpful to raise the spirits:-) Those shoes are such a match for your dress, people will think you had them dyed to match! Let's hope all the craziness is past and you can settle down with the new router for a while. Had to laugh at all the climbing up and down ladders! What a farce :-D XO JJ

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  37. You certainly deserve those shoes after the week you had Jan. They match perfectly with your dress.


    Catherine
    Joly Look

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  38. Nice dress: stripes do the job ! I hope next week will be better... Madeco

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  39. Forget about the rain. Today we have a beautiful sunny day - living not too far away from Fort Smith, AR. I like your picture.

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  40. The dress is perfect and the shoes are perfect. And I feel soooooo sorry for you. And I admire you so much for all your driving and climbing on ladders. I am curious to know, if the credit card machine doesn't work, do you then have to turn customers down? Or can they usually pay with cash because they can withdraw that from a nearby ATM?
    And we readers forgive you everything. You are too sweet to ever be cross with.
    Greetje

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  41. No rest for the wicked yet, Patti, but this weeks serving of craziness has been more fun. All is operational and we had a good fiscal week ... much needed! Glad you like my dress and that I looked unperturbed. That's just how I wanted to look!

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  42. Still nuts here, but that's a very good thing. We're busy and that's what is needed. More crazy this week, but a better kind. Will catch up more thoroughly when I can. Thank you for your patience and your kind comments. I thought of you when I saw these shoes! They're really Tardis-travel-ready, aren't they? I buy fewer shoes there these days, too, but I thought it was because they kept all the good 6.5s for the new online store.

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  43. I was forced to buy them by the Fates. Best excuse ever. Still mad busy, but with more fun involved. Thank you for the cyber-hug ... nothing's ever better online than that. Backatcha, kid.

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  44. Thank you, darling. Still crazed but more fun on the agenda and less stress. So happy I don't look any worse the wear ... at that moment, it was all I could hope for! I so love the shoes ... and they are seriously wearable for long-haul days!

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  45. Thank you, Carmen! Gotta get the blog in even when things are nuts. It's a good habit for my psyche, and I'm devising strategies to keep up with everyone in other ways. Writing, for me, is a way to find the humor in situations.
    Back to the busy-ness, but so glad to hear from you, lovely lady! Thank you for the support and empathy!

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  46. Awwh. Thank you, Linda. Mostly solved, and up and running with another nutso-and busy week, but more fun and much nicer. Nothing like a crap week to make me appreciate even ordinary ones!

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  47. Thank you for that so-nice thought, Laurie! That's the whole reason I blog, and I'm really happy to know you enjoy what I write. Made my day.

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  48. Yup, I could have used some wellies, no doubt. Did me a world of good to clean up and calm down and just smile for the camera.
    Yikes and ewwww ... The Great Tillamook Disaster!
    Thank you for the sympathy!

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  49. Ha! Got it. Hip "waders" I think you mean, yes?
    Sweet girl, you got the right idea, no doubt!

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  50. Awww, thanks, kiddo. All is vastly improved and we're actually getting a second to breathe. Busy still, but the good kind. More about that in my not-yet-posted blog.
    Ah, those shoes! They are also as comfy as can be ... I wore them to work on Saturday evening. Doesn't get better. They are, additionally, guilt free. I earned 'um!
    Someday I'll post something substantive about the restaurant, but my blog takes me away from it and all the attendant worries. Not a big secret, but I just don't associate it with my writing much. It's very tiny, very shabby pub style, and completely unique. I'll drop a picture or two if I remember to do it one of these days, if you wish.

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  51. Thank you, Alice! It's been nuts this week, too, but the nicer kind of nuts.
    We haven't had smart-phones until this week (this week's upcoming post,actually!) and it would mean a steeper set of fees with the swiper on an iPad or any other kind of pad or phone ... we're not really Apple users. I hear great things, but investigation tells me they're problematic f0r our needs. I hate credit cards from the taking end. They take it out of the customer's account right away but make us wait days to see it post to our account sometimes. Especially as most of our volume is on weekends, and it seems that there is a bank holiday Monday every time we turn around ... that puts it back another "business day". They're the bane of my existence.
    Thanks for the suggestion, though. I keep looking for "better ways thought technology!"


    Love my dress and shoes and so glad you liked, them too ... they were meant to go together!

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  52. Soooo glad most elements are resolved ... hiccups here and there, but vastly improved. Still nuts and too busy but with more fun things this week. More on the blog, later, about that. Glad you liked my dress and late-arriving shoes. As I'm guessing you know, sometimes all you can do is dress up, put on fragrance and smile for the camera. Shallow or not, it's a coping mechanism that cheers me always.

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  53. Thanks, V, for the sympathy. The last couple of months have been problematic and then some, but I woke up this AM with the thought that this week might just be a decent one. So far so good! Still busy but with better stuff with which to concern myself. The good kind of crazy.
    Glad you like the dress and accidental shoes ... will do when the opportunity presents itself. Can't imagine it will take long to introduce them!

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  54. Crapola ... what a freaking awful, sucky week. Better now, but miles. Nobody died, no one is ill (unless you count our frazzed-ness) and although things are still a bit crazed, it's the good kind of nutso stuff today. jI actually woke up looking forward to the day today. Phew. Thank you for the sympathy. It really does help. I'll take a cyber hug if you feel like it, too.
    No ... no alterations at all. Lucky and unusual. This dress reminds me a lot of one I had as a tween-aged girl that the tailor-grandma whipped up.
    Am on my way over to see what you're up to right this minute!

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  55. Nice thoughts, Elsie! Thank you. The worst is over, but I'm still running, but for better, happier reasons. More about that later.
    So glad you stopped by with a bit of sympathy. Much appreciated!

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  56. Yes, thank you! Busy still, but nice busy instead of horrid busy. On my way over to see what you're up to as well ...
    Glad you like my dress ... I'm looking for an occasion to formally introduce the shoes and dress.

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  57. Thanks, Debbie ... it was that kind of week. Still behind, still busy but good busy. Maybe I'll get my blog out tomorrow. Maybe ...
    Yeah, those little shoes were a much needed treat. I'm so shallow!

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  58. So glad it's over and the weird weeks that preceded it. Thank you for the sympathy. It means a lot and I'm such a wimp that the smallest kind wish helps a lot! You're kind about the dress ... I know the style doesn't appeal to you, and I kind of get that. So extra thanks to you, Vix.
    Still need to make a play date for the shoes and the dress ... a treat ahead!

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  59. Can't take much credit for the color blocking, Nicolene, but thank you for the kind compliment! Extra nice to hear them this week! Glad you like the outfit.

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  60. I neglected to mention before that the content of your posts read like a beautifully narrated story, and I find as much joy in reading your posts as I do in looking at your outfits. The re-conciliation between router and credit card is actually the best description I ever heard. You should be paid for writing, you are very multi talented, cooking, business acumen, blogging, writing, technical support.....

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  61. So happy to see that you received a cosmic apology and that these gorgeous shoes have found a place in your closet. They are perfect for the stunning dress that adorns you!


    I too have fallen behind with blogging and other details in my life. But then, our lives are rich and full. What could be better?

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  62. Exactly the picture I had in my head about flying Fates ... and as the shoes were tossed from a quickly climbing altitude, one said to the other, "If she can catch 'um, she can keep 'um!"
    Thank you for your kind remark. Glad you liked the shoes and dress. They have yet to hook up, but soon. Very soon.

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  63. Thank you, Oksana. I appreciate your sympathy! Still up to my neck, but with more pleasant stuff to deal with. Just how it should be this time of year. Yup, the dress is absolutely retro. My grandmother made one for me when I was a young girl that looked a lot like this one. More colors, but otherwise much the same. Haven't worn the dress and shoes together yet but will soon!

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  64. Hey, again! This is how I'm rolling these days ... you don't hear from me in forever, then lots of catch up. I have reasons, if not great excuses, but it's still busy. Which I need it to be! So I punt.
    Crap. Uranus retrograde ... good to know. Was it weirder because I'm an Aquarius Sun/Cancer moon? Dan's a Cancer Sun/Aquarius Moon. Because weird it was. I'm not a good astrologer (too lazy) but I read that it's going to be a crazy year with lots of upheaval. Perhaps I should be looking at the restaurant's birthday.
    Thank you for liking my dress and calm demeanor. Dressing up ALWAYS helps my state of mind.
    You're looking particularly gorgeous these days. Whatcha doin' to yourself?

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  65. Nothing ever picks up my spirit more than dressing up a little. Glad too, that the worst of the mini disasters seem to be finished for the moment. Haven't introduced the shoes and the dress yet, but they will meet soon! Thanks for your patience and sympathy, Natalia!

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  66. It was a week, no doubt. Not much choice but to troubleshoot, and I'm used to that, but not all at once, Thank you for the sympathy, and for liking my dress and shoes. I know that all the good wished helped a lot, so I appreciate you sending your share! Things have settled down quite a lot, thanks, and are even looking up!

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  67. Hey, Trina! I could have used your help, kid. Thank you for the kind comments and and sweet wishes. Don't kid yourself ... I didn't get up-beat and positive until it was all fixed and we got through the weekend! Crazy days here, but definitely looking better.
    Your black and white outfit inspired my skirt / blouse combo on today's post, which I finally got done. So often, I think of what you've worn and you always inspire!

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  68. Doesn't it? The best thing about a rotten day is that tomorrow is bound to be better. Almost always is. Thank you for your kind thoughts and comments. Sympathy and positive comments always help!

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  69. WOW! I LOVE your new hair! You look like Michelle Williams' younger, prettier sister! Flat-out, freaking adorable. Wow.
    Thank you for the sympathy and the kind comments. And yes, it all got resolved an hour or so before the Grape Fest crowd hit. All is better now.
    I'm sorry, I just can't get over how much I like your hair ! Stunning is a good word for your new look. Wow, again.

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  70. Yikes, indeed. But things are looking up considerably now, and I appreciate your sympathy. I haven't sent the shoes out and about with the dress, but it is their destiny, I'm convinced. Soon. Very soon.
    Tickled that you stopped by, Alex!

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  71. Oh, thank you Anne-Marie! Not sure I really deserve my shoes, but so happy I have them anyway! I'm looking forward to wearing them with my dress soon.
    So happy you dropped by!

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  72. Thank you, Darlene! So glad you like them ... they have yet to go out and about with the dress, but soon ... very soon!

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  73. Awwh! Thank you Shawna! I appreciate the sweet comments and am lapping up the sympathy like a two-year old and an ice cream cone! I'm so far behind on everyone's blogs I will never get caught up, so not to worry about being behind! I'll take all the cyber-hugs I can get, and can tell you things are much improved. Smooth sailing is exactly what I need!

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  74. Thank you, Sunny! I'm happy you like my dress, and I will wear the shoes with it soon! So pleased you dropped by ... hope you are still having a great summer!

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  75. Thanks, Marta ... so glad things are back to normal. And thanks for appreciating my shoooooeeeessss, They will get to go out and about very soon!

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  76. Oh, me too, Laurie. Me too! Could have been much worse. So glad you like my dress. Thank you for all!

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  77. Thank you for all the sympathy, Becky, and nice thoughts, I appreciate your support.
    So sorry ... I've been so slow to get back to your about "The Thoughtful Dresser." Did you like it? It goes next to Pao ... drop me a note at kelts (at) centurytel (dot) net and I'll send you her email! Thanks for your patience!

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  78. Farce ... yes, the perfect description for all of it. And your are so right, dressing up helps. At the time this picture was made, I'd had a decent night's rest and was on the way out the door for a more pleasant evening in town. The worse things get, the more attention I give to my outfit ... it's a coping mechanism that never hurts.
    Thanks so much for your sympathy, and I'm pleased you got a laugh from it ... that was my hope, otherwise I'd just be whining!

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  79. Thank you, Catherine! Glad you stopped by with some sympathy and kind thoughts ... always helpful!

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  80. Hi, Mimi! Hope you are feeling well this week and are able to get out and about. Thank you for your comments and sympathy ... much appreciated!

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  81. Hihihihihiiii...you are a sweetie! Thanks so much. I wanted something to snazz me up, I was feeling a bit bored.

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  82. Don't apologize for the delays in responses, we all do get busy and I too sometimes feel guilty not being able to catch up with visiting my bloggy friends, commenting and responding. And I realize that it will be a never ending play of trying to catch up and all that. I personally love your blog and I know even if I failed to visit on a regular basis, I know that I love reading your blog and will eventually find my way back here with or without any prompts.


    I'm so sorry about the unfortunate series of events that happened to you and your business! I'm glad everything is business as usual again but we could all do away with the flooding and credit card break down. Since both you and hubby tote smart phones now, have you considered Paypal Here or Square payment? They mail you a very small credit card reader you attach to your smartphone's headphone slot and using your phones data capability, can process payment via credit card. I think this is a great back-up option should it happen again. *knock on wood*


    That's a beautiful dress your wearing and good for you that you found those shoes at TJ Maxx for a steal!


    Sending you sunny happy weather from Sacramento!!!

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  83. Thank you! This week has been much, much better ... must be the kind wishes from friends like you!

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  84. Thank you, Greetje, for the sympathy, kind words and patience! I'm so glad you like my dress ... I have yet to wear the shoes with it, but wore them yesterday with my cobalt, black and red Pilotto dress and had lots of compliments! Comfy, too!
    Credit cards are such a big part of our business, and a massive pain in the butt, as well. If the machine is out, we'll happily take cash or even a personal check, but our local ATM is a block away ... people don't like to walk even that far here. We can record the card and enter it later, but that's a risk for us, and on a $7.00 tab, it's annoying to have to pay over a $1.00 to enter it manually. I'd much rather have cash because our business is primarily on the weekend, and it sometimes takes from Saturday until the following Thursday to arrive in our account. It's sometimes faster, but it seems there's ALWAYS a bank holiday on Monday, which always messes with our deposits. Many of our regulars bring cash automatically as a favor to us, but we have to take cards as well. The bank always takes money out of our account instantly, but is slow to put it back in ... probably that way the world around!

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  85. Hello, lovely Judith! So happy to hear from you, especially with such nice comments! I haven't worn the shoes with that dress, but will soon ... and they go really well with a lot of things in my wardrobe. Particularly with a cobalt, black and red Peter Pilotto dress that I wore to town yesterday. Got lots of compliments on the combo, as well.
    Rich and full? I could look at my recent fiascoes that way, but it's a stretch. But there are surely rich elements to appreciate, and it's undeniably full! You are quite right.

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  86. Hi, Karen! So nice of you to be patient. It makes me feel guilty, too. Everything is all fixed and looking up, and I appreciate your nice thoughts. Thanks for the suggestions about card strategies ... but I find both a bit expensive for our needs. I'd love more freedom, and perhaps we'll find a similar solution.
    I'm sending some rain if you need it, but I'm enjoying the rain we're having today. No flooding, just a welcome bit of coolness!

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