Prologue
Jim has entered the chatroom at 2:40 p.m.
Jim: Hello! Great, ten minutes late and I’m still the first one here.
Brian has entered the chatroom at 2:41 p.m.
Brian: Are we still the first ones? Sheesh, knew those girls would be late but thought Mart and Dan would be on time.
Jim: Yep, we’re first. No surprise there. @@ You doing okay?
Brian: Everything’s fine. Busy. But then if I wasn’t busy I’d think I wasn’t a Navy doctor.
Jim: I know what you mean. I had no idea that Park Rangers worked such odd hours. Wisconsin is beautiful though and that goes a long way.
Dan has entered the chatroom at 2:45 p.m.
Mart has entered the chatroom at 2:45 p.m.
Mart: Assistant Professor Belden checking in from beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan! How goes it with my peripatetic Bob-White family?
Jim: The male contingent of the Bob-Whites is present and accounted for. As for the females …. Your guess is as good as mine.
Dan: None of the girls are here yet?
Brian: They’re all late. Nothing new.
Diana has entered the chatroom at 2:46 p.m.
Dan: Oh hell, I’m in a foreign country and can be on time. Next time let’s tell them 2:00 and we’ll all join at 2:30.
Mart: Snort, right Dan. We’ll all speak your foreign language to make it easy on you, eh?
Diana: Hello everyone! What’s this Danny-boy? Are you plotting against us for being just a few minutes late?
Honey has entered the chatroom at 2:46 p.m.
Honey: Oh no, I’m the last one, aren’t I? That stupid password, I can never remember which is first Hello or Hoppy.
Mart: Of course you’re not last; you’re the penultimate member of our esteemed club to arrive. We all know who the concluding participant will be.
Dan: Trixie!
Brian: Trixie!
Diana: Trixie!
Jim: Trixie!
Trixie has entered the chatroom at 2:48 p.m.
Trixie: Hi everyone! Did I miss anything?
Honey: LOL! Nope, perfectly perfect timing, Trixie. How’s everything in California?
Trixie: It’s great. What about Tennessee?
Honey: Perfectly perfect!
Jim: Okay, let’s start throwing out some dates then. I’ll go first. July 21st.
Trixie: Won’t work. What about the next weekend, the 28th?
Brian: I have to have more time to put in that means it needs to be August.
Mart: It works for me. They all work for me.
Diana: What about August 7th instead?
Jim: No can do. Can we do the 14th?
Brian: That's the earliest I can get off--and I have no guarantee I'll get a full 96 hours.
Diana: No problem. I have some appearances my agent committed me to, but should be able to hit Sleepyside in time.
Mart: That weekend works for me. Of course, being an assistant professor means I have all summer off.
Diana: pppppffffffttttt!
Dan: Even if I can't get the time off, my partner owes me. Big time.
Mart: Oh? Do tell, Mangan! Or should we leave all the gossip for our visit?
Brian: Academics work part time all year.
Honey: Let me check the schedule and make sure that's not my weekend to cover night court.
Dan: He'll cover for me if he knows what's good for him. :evilgrin:
Trixie: I'm going to have call in some serious favors to get the time off. I’ve already used up most of my leave for the year.
Mart: Beatrix, Beatrix...will you ever learn?
Trixie: I was distracted! Besides, I know which chump owes a favor. I covered for his sorry ass last fall, and he owes me.
Jim: I should be able to get time off. We only get one weekend a month with the park service. I'll put the request in tomorrow.
Mart: Don't rain on my parade, Brian. I’m not teaching any classes this summer, just research and writing, so I'm very flexible is all I'm saying.
Honey: Okay, I'm good. I’ll make it official with work, but as long as I’m not on schedule for court … oh wait!
Diana: My agent just better not make any more plans for me after sticking me with this at the last minute.
Dan: Flexible, Belden? I'd like to see you touch your toes.
Brian: I'll be calling in favors for a full 96 hours, but this is an important-enough reason.
Diana: You're right!
Mart: I can touch my toes! Walking everywhere helps work off those calories. Being without a car has been a blessing in disguise!
Diana: I'd die if I had to be without a car!
Dan: Should I put you to the test? Run you through the recruitment requirements?
Mart: You'd be out of a job if you were without car, dear Diana! (wink)
Honey: Well, shoot. I'll have court Friday morning, but I can still get there. Worst case, Daddy will let me use the jet. I hate ask him, but just this once, that'll be okay, won't it?
Brian: Trixie, you find a half dozen things that'd cause you death every day
Jim: My car has been acting up as well. I'll probably fly. Can anyone pick me up at the airport?
Trixie: Yeah, but he really does owe me. I've got photographs he doesn't want ever seeing the light of day.
Brian: I'll be driving, but if I leave on Thursday I should miss most of the beach traffic
Jim: Honey, I'm sure Dad won't mind. He's always telling us to use it.
Diana: Jim, I'm planning to fly in from Atlanta. Which airport are you using?
Dan: Flying for me, too. I'd have to take a week off just for driving if I didn't!
Trixie: oh crap, transportation! What do you think a last minute flight from Sacramento to New York will run?
Mart: Do Trixie and Dan work with strippers? How is it they need to cover their colleagues’ asses all the time? LOL! I slay me!
Diana: Mart, how do you come up with those lines every time?
Brian: You slay anyone who has to put up with your so-called humor, Martin.
Honey: Thanks, Jim! I'm going to ask him then.
Brian: More than you can afford, Trixie.
Diana: A small fortune, Trix!
Jim: I'm not sure yet. On second thought I might take the train.
Trixie: I was afraid of that. Hmm, maybe I can Greyhound it. Or Amtrak it!
Dan: I'll have you know I've had job offers, Belden. Can you say the same? :veg:
Honey: Di, are you sure you can't just swing up to Nashville and fly with me? I know that's still over 6 hours away, but ....
Mart: I don't need such offers. My little pumpkin is devoted to me. We're going to enjoy a leisurely drive to Sleepyside and I can't wait for you all to meet her!
Diana: Honey, I don't think I could cut the six hours driving time out of my schedule L. Otherwise, I'd love to fly the friendly skies with you.
Mart: I'm gifted, Diana. You know that.
Brian: Amtrak can be more expensive than flying. You might check Greyhound
Dan: Pumpkin pie? I'm definitely looking forward to "meeting" that!
Diana: But what were you gifted with?
Mart: Hands off, Mangan!!!!
Dan: Possession is nine tenths of the law. I ought to know.
Trixie: OMG
Brian: Pumpin? Why am I not surprised that you've named her after food?
Honey: Oh! The train! I didn't think about the train. Let me check on that!
Trixie: Wait, what are you doing with your hands, Dan? Nevermind, I don't want to know.
Jim: I'm not too worried about the cost. Living expenses are a lot cheaper in Wisconsin. I haven't taken AmTrak before and I think it might be fun.
Honey: Forget the train, the closest one is Memphis and from there to New York … trust me, I’d have to leave the week before! J
Mart: Why is everybody picking on me? Sheesh, Bob-White family indeed!
Dan: Oh, don't you? **wiggling eyebrows at Trix**
Brian: If you can't pick on family, who can you pick on?
Mart: Dude!
Honey: Why, Mart! *blinking eyes innocently* I haven't said anything to you at all! You should be ashamed of that false accusation.
Mart: That “dude” was directed at both Dan and Brian, I'll have you know!
Trixie: Greyhound will practically take me a week! Looks like Old Reliable and I will be taking another road trip together. She got me out here, she can bring me home.
Diana: Mart, don't you know brothers and sisters can pick on each other? Just don't let anyone else pick on them!
Dan: What? *blinks innocently*
Trixie: Ewwwww...Mangan, keep your dirty hands to yourself and your computer screen!
Mart: All joking aside (no, really), Trix, be careful! And I'm only saying that before Brian can ... or Moms and Dad find out!
Jim: or Jim
Mart: James, your worrying goes completely without saying. We simply assume you will worry.
Dan: Yeah. Bad stuff happens to travelers every day.
Brian: Are you sure "Old Reliable" is up to a trip like this? When's the last time you checked the oil? How many miles are on the tires? Do you have a reliable mechanic?
Mart: See what I mean, Trix?
Honey: Maybe everyone would be nicer to you if you hadn't rubbed it in our faces that you were off for the entire summer. Do you know what that sounds like to someone who's averaging a 65 hour work week right now?
Dan: BRB I need a Coke.
Honey: Oh! Coke ... hang on, I'm going to get some ice tea.
Trixie: Oh, please, it's a little road trip. What could possibly go wrong, Mr. Worry Wart?
Brian: Only 65 hours a week? You dare to say that in my presence? I work an effing...well 65 hours is part-time for me
Honey: OMG, I can't wait to show you what I've learned to make since I've been here. It is the best stuff ever --- sweet iced tea. They drink it all the time.
Mart: 65 hour work week? The horror! Are you sure they're going to let you off?
Trixie: The car is fine. I'll get the oil changed and all that jazz. One of the guys is always tinkering with our cars, he'll check it out for me.
Diana: The long range forecast calls for possible severe thunderstorms, you know.
Honey: Trust me, if they don't let me off they're going to be looking for my replacement! Other than the quick trip home at Christmas, I haven't had a vacation in the time I've been there.
Jim: Honey, I don't know how you can drink that stuff. I feel my teeth rot just thinking about it.
Dan: I'm back. Did you know Canadian Coke is different than American?
Diana: How, Danny?
Mart: In what way? Is it French?
Brian: No. I'm going to try to get out of here on the 12th. The interstates are parking lots here on Fridays. Every a-hole and his brother in DC sits in traffic for 12 hours to lay on the beach for 4 hours and then sit in traffic for another 12 hours to get home
Trixie: Dang, Brian, you kiss Moms with that mouth? You sound like some of my coworkers! Don’t let Moms hear you talk like that!
Honey: Jim, it's soooo good. Just wait until I make you some, I'll convert you.
Diana: Coque?
Mart: I know you're familiar with all things French.
Trixie: One of the guys here is from Alabama and he made us tea once...I thought Simon was going to into a coma because of his diabetes!
Dan: *snort* No, Mart. It's bilingual. Get with the program!
Dan: Still spelled the same, Di.
Diana: Oh! La disappointmente! Sweet tea is da bomb, though.
Brian: They call for thunderstorms every evening here. We are long past due for a hurricane or even tropical storm, though.
Honey: Well, you haven't had my sweet ice tea, and trust me, you're going to love it. Danny, sweetie, can you bring us any of those cookies from Canada?
Dan: No hurricanes here!
Dan: What kind of cookies?
Trixie: We've got blue skies and sunshine out here… like pretty much every day of the year
Jim: The weather here has been perfect.
Honey: Were they biscuits? The ones with the chocolate on the outside ... Tom Toms or something like that.
Diana: Perfectly Kentucky here--every day has the potential for crazy changes.
Brian: If we keep having such extreme weather there will be hurricanes in Alberta.
Dan: Shut it, Brian!
Honey: Just hope they can predict the weather better there than they do here, Bri. They get it wrong all the time. It's ridiculous really.
Trixie: You guys want some tofu candy? I can bring some. It's strangely addicting.
Dan: Oh! The Tim Tams! Yes. I think I can smuggle a pack or two across the border. Just for you.
Mart: Since my little gumdrop and I are driving, I'll be checking weather all along our route the closer we get.
Honey: Really, Trix? Yes, please .... bring some tofu candy. I'm dying to try it.
Brian: I'd trade tropical storms for earthquakes and mudslides any day. And our winters are pretty mild, too. Portsmouth is a year-round port
Diana: Tofu candy? How about chocolate?
Honey: Dan! You are the best. That would be just perfectly perfect.
Mart: Tofu??? Surely you jest, Beatrix!
Jim: I'll pass.
Trixie: Nah, it's pretty good. Got this bizarre spongy texture...they can dip it in carob, kind of like chocolate. Really good stuff.
Dan: Just don't tell Maypenny about the tofu. He'll disown me if I try it...
Brian: Mart, Trix, do you still want me to get that package from Harry and David’s for Moms?
Dan: Not that I'm going to try it...
Honey: Jim, you can bring us some of that chocolate cheese. That stuff was excellent.
Mart: I will bring some Mackinac fudge. We were up there earlier this summer. Almost as good as your Idaho bear fudge, Diana!
Diana: Yummy-yum!
Jim: So what are we going to do for our reunion weekend? Swim at the lake, grill out and find missing diamonds?
Mart: Harry and David’s? What package? Are you and Trix buying anniversary gifts without me again?
Diana: I'll bring some cream pull candy... drool!
Dan: Did I tell you about the jewelry robbery here last month? Good times!
Jim: I'll bring the cheese. I wish I could figure out a way to get fresh squeaky cheese curds.
Brian: There's this sweet little clerk at Harry and David's and...
Mart: And she talked you into buying something Moms and Dad can't possibly use?
Dan: Picture, Bri?
Honey: No diamonds, Jim. Thank you very much ... my life is full of dealing with crime and criminals. This is our VACATION!
Trixie: You just wanna go see the girl! The gift is a cover! ha!
Brian: It's Harry and David's or Forbe's Taffy.
Mart: I think you just made Trixie cry, Honey.
Trixie: Brian's got a crush! Brian's got a crush!
Dan: So, I take it that's a no on the picture? *sigh*
Brian: No woman has ever had to talk me into doing anything...but I could persuade her...
Diana: Two words: travel lite!
Honey: Your Moms will like either of those, Brian.
Trixie: Since when has vacation ever stopped us from having an adventure or finding a mystery, Honey?
Diana: I hope nothing scary!
Mart: Gleeps! I think Brian is channeling Dan!
Dan: I hope nothing I lose my badge over...
Honey: Do you think Sleepyside is still a mystery magnet or was it just us? We'll have to compare cases when we get there.
Brian: I'm not the one with the crush. It's the uniform. A doctor and a uniform...the women can't keep their hands..I mean eyes off me.
Mart: I think it's time for another...Dude!
Dan: It's true about the uniform. *grin*
Mart: Why, oh why, don't professors wear uniforms?
Brian: The only mystery is if there will be enough food to sustain Mart and some woman named pumpkin or gumdrop or whatever
Dan: Who was the "dude" for this time?
Trixie: Surrrre big brother. I bet that whole ironing you jeans thing just ensures your uniform is spotless and extra creased, to be super impressive for the ladies.
Diana: Shallow! Just like the guys who fall all over me because of a sparkly purple jumpsuit and a car!
Brian: There is no uniform sexy enough for you, Mart.
Mart: My little lambchop is as svelte as a ... skinny person.
Honey: Have we seen any pictures of this mysterious gumdrop? I don't remember seeing any.
Mart: If you would get on FB more often, Honey... I posted pics of our Mackinac trip.
Dan: So, Di. Are you bringing this sparkly purple jump suit? I mean, car. You're bringing the car, right?
Mart: DUDE!!!
Trixie: I think his gumdrop is a giant edible confection. I doubt she really exists. Note we haven't once gotten a name, or description, or anything.
Jim: I was in Michigan a couple of months ago and Gumdrop was no where to be found.
Diana: *sigh* I'm not allowed to drive the REAL car off the track.
Dan: But you can bring the jumpsuit, right Di?
Brian: I'm beginning to wonder if Gumdrop exists. Guess we'll find out at our mini-reunion
Honey: I barely have time to sleep, much less do that Spacebook stuff. Remember, Mr. Belden -- not all of us get the ENTIRE SUMMER OFF!
Mart: Hold on...I'm looking at the pics. I think they're all of the fudge shops.
Diana: But I plan to put in a request for a really sweet rental.
Trixie: Mart....have you been reading Cosmo McNaught and watching Dr. Who again? Did you try making a woman out of fudge?
Dan: I can't imagine why that is, Mart. *rolls eyes*
Diana: I will bring the jumpsuit, Dan--and I think you'll like it.
Mart: Trixie, "svelte as a skinny person" IS a description. Just not a very good one, I'm afraid. Like I said, I'm on vacation. For the entire summer. (Sorry, Honey)
Dan: Di, baby, I *know* I'll like it. *grin*
Brian: I'm still driving the Civic. Well past it's prime but still reliable.
Mart: Whoa...a woman...made of fudge? ::drool::
Honey: Hmmmppph.
Brian: Fudge or gumdrops.
Diana: I don't know if I'll let Mart see it though.
Mart: What? Why not?
Dan: Good call, Di. *nods in approval*
Trixie: it's got to be one or the other...I told you all that sci-fi watching was going to make him soft in the head!
Mart has left the chatroom at 3:12 pm
Honey: Absolutely, Di. I mean your suit's not covered in chocolate covered gumdrops so really, he wouldn't want to see it.
Diana: It all depends on how you act. And the gumdrop pumpkin.
Mart has entered the chatroom at 3:13 pm
Honey: Oh, good grief. Did Mart go get something to eat?
Dan: Probably just a gum drop or two.
Mart: So sorry. My cupcake called and I accidentally closed out my browser.
Diana: Even professors who aren't working get hungry, I suppose.
Dan: Only you, Mart. Only you.
Trixie: Maybe he needed a bite of his gumdrop. LOL
Mart: She's looking forward to meeting you, but she seems nervous. I can't imagine why. :eyeroll:
Mart: Trixie!!! Are you gonna get a "Dude!"???
Honey: Well, Mart we are all looking forward to meeting her.
Diana: You definitely won't be seeing my purple jumpsuit.
Mart: See, I knew I could count on Honey to have some manners.
Diana: Speak for yourself, Honey. Not that I really care.
Brian: A nurse just popped her head in here. I need to get to NICU. Low pressure system last night and we always have a bunch of deliveries...I have three in NICU right now. I hate to cut this short, but I AM a doctor, you know. AND I work during the summer. Tell cupcake/gumdrop/fudge girl I can't wait to meet her, Mart. Trixie, mechanic? You know what to do. Jim, Dan, I'll tell you about the cutie in Harry & David's if you buy me a pitcher in Sleepyside.
Trixie: That's just because she went to fancy boarding schools. If she had grown up with us, she wouldn't have them either.
Honey: I hate to be the party-pooper but believe it or not, I'm going to have to leave in a minute. We've agreed on the date right? Everyone can make it.
Mart: 65 hours, right?
Diana: I have to go too. My GPS needs to be set up.
Trixie: Yeah, Dorneget's gonna have to cover for me. Hehe or he'll be sorry!
Dan: I'll be there. With gum drops on.
Jim: Can't wait to see everyone, travel safe.
Brian: Saturday the 14th. Wimpys?
Mart: Looking forward to it!!! All jokes aside, I love you guys!
Diana: Right, I'll be there.
Honey: Actually, Mart ... no. I have a date tonight. Be nice.
Diana: Love you all!
Dan: See you soon!
Trixie: Take care! Love you guys! See you then!
Honey: Oh! I just realized. I’ll be leaving on Friday the 13th. That won't matter will it?
Diana: See you!
Diana: No problem, Hon!
Trixie: Why, you're not superstitious, are you?
Mart: Honey dear, did you mention Friday the 13th? Since when are you superstitious? Since when are any of us superstitious? I laugh in the face of superstition. Hah!
Dan: Honey, I'll be travelling on the 13th, too. We'll be fine.
Diana: I have my lucky purple rabbit's foot on my keyring.
Jim: No problems here
Brian: I'm a scientist...I have no superstitions.
Honey: You’re right. It’s that I just noticed it. See “y’all” then! (Oh – remind me to tell y’all about y’all because trust me, y’all will just die when y’all hear some of the lingo I’ve picked up down here!)