Yesterday started out nice and turned busy. Michael T. and I met for our usual once a month breakfast but this time we were joined by our wives ... Sue and Tracey. Tracey had to go to work after breakfast so she and I drove separately. It was snowing pretty good when we left but the roads werent too bad and I was surprised to see snow plows out early. The four of us had a nice time and having the ladies present kept the conversation a bit less political.
I noticed the right front headlight was not working on the Hybrid when we pulled into the parking lot. Tracey and I swapped cars when we left so I could get that fixed. Two days in a row of messing with broken cars! I called the dealer to see if they would replace the headlight under warranty and was amazed when the service guy said to bring it in and they would take care of it. He said it was not normally a warranty item but that it didnt seem right it should go out in such a short time. The drive there and back was bit adventurous as the roads were slushy. It was nice to get something fixed without a bill to pay for a change. I was told they would try to get it covered under warranty but that it would probably get charged to Good Will. I like that ... maybe it was just the Christmas spirit?
The Taurus was repaired too. It was the alternator which had busted. I thought the price on the rebuild was bit high but the guy told me it was worth paying for an original with lifetime warranty rather than buy a cheap one and have to replace it in a year or two. I suppose I will have to trust him on this one. Ben and I went to retrieve the car around 4 p.m. and the snow had almost melted off the roads by then.
Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto waves as she leaves a rally in the city of Rawalpindi shortly before she was killed in a gun and bomb attack, December 27, 2007.
A few days before Christmas, a man enters a pet store looking for a unique gift for his wife. The store manager tells him he has just what hes looking for!
A beautiful parrot named Chet that sings Christmas carols. He brings the husband over to a colorful but quiet bird. The man agrees that Chet certainly is pretty, but he doesnt seem to be much for singing. The manager tells him to watch as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a lighter. The manager then clicks the lighter and holds it under Chets left foot. Immediately Chet starts singing; Silent Night, Holy Night.
The husband is very impressed with Chets singing abilities and watches as the manager moves the lighter underneath Chets right foot. Chet now starts to sing Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way.
The husband says Chet is perfect and that hell take him. The husband rushes home to his wife and insists upon giving her this wonderful gift immediately. He presents Chet and starts to explain the parrots special talent.
Demonstrating, he holds a lighter under Chets left foot and the bird sings Silent Night.
He then moves the lighter under the right foot and Chet lets loose a round of Jingle Bells.
The wife is absolutely impressed, and with a mischievous grin asks her husband what happens if he holds the lighter between Chets legs instead. Curious the husband moves the lighter between the birds legs, and the bird begins to sing Chets Nuts Roasting On An Open Fire!