Nat's Brother
Nat's brother came in for a visit last night. We picked him up and I got a couple of the stories he told. He is in the military. He will be out in a bit less than a year I believe. I was kind of tired, so I missed the details. He sounds like he is ready to be a civilian again. He let a couple of cuss words slip in front of Elle. He kicked himself every time. He commented "I have the cleanest mouth in my unit. Including the women." I believe it. Most of the recently ex-military folks I've hung around with had "potty mouths" (I'm getting into the parenting terminology these days). They typically give it up after a while. It doesn't become noticeable until they are around kids.

OOPS

The pilot whose small plane flew over Washington this month and triggered a security scare that emptied the White House, Capitol and Supreme Court, said on Tuesday he thought he was going to be "shot out of the sky." Homeland security and military aircraft, including two F-16s and a Black Hawk helicopter, were scrambled to intercept the Cessna 150 turboprop and escort it to an airport in nearby Maryland on May 11. Reuters

I bet it was scary. I do hope this person gets some kind of punishment. It was a mistake, but pilots should be afraid to screw up. Again, Western Civilization is afraid to use negative reinforcement to control behavior.

Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines Corp. has proposed firing 2,031, or nearly half of its mechanics, in a bid to save $176 million a year, their union said in a document posted in its Web site on Monday. ... Mechanics have been a particular target for job cuts at many traditional airlines, which have found that they can save money by outsourcing maintenance to outside providers who can do the work for cheaper. Reuters

Stay off of Northwest Airlines in about six months or so. It will take while for the crappy maintenance to catch up to reality, but it will.

Wedding Plans
I'm sure you will get details as things develop. Nat and I are going back and fourth over expenses. I'm just trying to say you don't have to spend a fortune to have your family there. I heard somewhere that a few middle eastern weddings can cost over $100,000. Yee gads. I should count my blessings. Nat and I both have heads on our shoulders. We will make it work.
I have no idea who to invite. No matter what happens, someone will freak because they were not invited. What are you supposed to do?
Dress
There is a dress involved, That means I am already in the dark.
Place
Nat and I are talking about what place to have the wedding as I type. I kind of like the idea of having a Fair wedding. I might actually get away with waring armor to my wedding. How cool is that!?
Natalie says her mom might not be able to sit down in some of the smaller gardens at TRF. I offered to hire a rick-shaw for her. I haven't heard back, I wonder if she passed out laughing.
Reception
Inside or out?

Arbor House Brunch $15.50 per person Char-Broiled Chicken Assorted Sausage Cajun Fried Potatoes Seasonal Fruit Salad Rolls, Nuts and Mints Tea and Coffee.

Italian Brunch $15.50 per person Pizza Squares (Meat and Veggie) Italian Breads (Garlic and Cheese) Seasonal Fruits Assorted Cheeses Tea and coffee. [no]

Italian Brunch $15.50 per person Pizza Squares (Meat and Veggie) Italian Breads (Garlic and Cheese) Seasonal Fruits Assorted Cheeses Tea and coffee.

Queen's Celebration $19.50 per person Carved Roast Beef and Pork Loin Seasoned Turkey Breast Ham Deli Tray Fresh Vegetable Crudités Assorted Cheeses Sauces and Dips Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tea and Coffee.

My head is spinning.
They want $600 for a cake. And, they won't let you bring your own in. BASTARDS!!!
That can't be right.

$150 for the reception site...$320 for the food...$125 for the cake that feeds 50 people (that is the smallest cake which is pictured on the website)

That's better. This thing might work out.

Elle's Shoes
Elle got some new sneakers. They light up as she walks. They are pretty cool. They were like $14. I remember some of the adult shoes that cost $150 with the little lights. I remember an interview with a police officer who said something to the effect "I love those lights on shoes because suspects are easy to find at night. Thanks Nike." I liked that. It makes me wonder why the adult shoes are so darn expensive.
We were in the car on the way home last night. I was in the back seat with Elle. I taught her to clap her shoes together and make them blink. It kept her occupied for a while. I ended up giving up on getting her to sleep last night. She wanted to be part of the party (Nat and her brother looking at old pictures) Just as I was about to get her to go to sleep the frigging cat start me-owing and wakes her up. I have never in my life come that close to kicking a cat. I almost did last night. That was bad timing. I decided I couldn't compete and just gave up.