A Wonderful Discovery: Grandview Cleaners

I have tried all the dry cleaners in the Tri-Village area. Trust me. Even given second chances as I just don't like to spend my time running around changing service providers. I also have this penchant for using coupons to save money when/if prudent to do so.

Located at 1445 Grandview Avenue (next door to Trattoria Roma, across from St. Christopher's church) you will discover the business established by Mr. Blackburn's parents in 1954. He and his wife have been the proprietors for many years now. They are so friendly, the kind of folks who have worked hard in their community and you feel good supporting them. And there is a loading zone directly in front -- no parking meter to feed!!!

I found my way to them about four months ago. The cleaners I was using was one of mere convenience. Minutes from the house but nothing special. When a coupon caught my eye, I decided 'why not?'. Even though their locale is not as close it is still in an area I patronize doing errands and shopping.

Image my initial, and very pleasant, surprise when I was asked, "When would you like this?" not "It will be ready ...... ". Their prices are wonderful, so far every garment, coverlet, etc, have been well taken care of, and all stains/spots clearly removed. Please give them a try. And tell them "Julie sent you". HA!!

Removing Words from the Dictionary ~ POOF!

Kinda spooky, don't you think?? With one stroke of the old delete bar a little tiny fragment of culture is erased.

Talk about power. Just like that =SNAP= a piece of vocabulary disappears from the planet. Takes a lot of nerve to decide a word is archaic. Or unnecessary. Just because it is not used by the masses. Constantly. Does that make it any less a word? Without a noble history? Or purpose?

I bought a 1966 Random House Dictionary Unabridged Edition for my desk at the library book sale. I love it! Big. Fat. Bulky. Bursting with the thousands of words between the covers.

We've all heard the term 'dumbing down' --come to think of it that term is probably in there somewhere --in reference to the current trends of our casual culture. I can think of no more glaring example than casting an infrequently used word into extinction. It's not spooky -- it is downright scary. Maybe nobody really frets about 'excuviate' ("to shed") being tossed into extinction. But the more important question to me is "What IF nobody cares?". Why not have fun by expanding your vocabulary and watch your friends' faces when you interject 'agrestic' ("rural") or 'nidderly' ("cowardly"), maybe even 'embrangle' ("to confuse") into a conversation.

OH! But you can't!!! Those don't exist anymore!!!!!

Mothers and Sons

It's not like having a daughter, you know. Guys don't want to go shopping or 'do lunch'. (Well, I take that back. Yes, they do because it's free. And it's food. The perfect combo for a male.)

They don't call everyday just to chat. Or just because. There's usually a reason when they do. Like they need money. Or permission to go on Spring break -- which takes us back to the money thing.

They aren't the ideal partner to gossip with. They put up a bored facade like they don't condone gossip. "Whatever" or "Who cares?" is a common response. But I've never seen one get up and leave when a particularly juicy tidbit is shared among friends. Hmmm. Have you?

The latest hair styles or new make-up techniques or what's hot in fashion accessories for the season are not topics they appreciate spending their time on either. Turns out getting a new pair of jeans that are cut just right or ordering this year's latest fleece outerwear jacket (I'm speaking from experience on this subject -an internet purchase from England with some Christmas money. Really??! England?? "My roommate has one.") is important. And acceptable.

But when he gives me a beautiful smile as he turns and bends down to wrap his arms around me in one big warm and wonderful hug, my heart rejoices and everything is ok. Balance restored. Small irritations erased. Head-frustrations disappear.

Oh, all right. ALL RIGHT. I confess. I'm sure glad I have one. (And he's just darned lucky to have me, too! HA!)