Candyland

Mockingbird knows I love Black Licorice, vintage stuff and anything pink and surprised me today with 2 pounds of Black Taffy which is all three of those things wrapped into a candy! Love the flavor and super love the packaging.

Kettle or Cup?

I filled the kettle for a cup of tea. Then I said to myself, "Self, it would be faster to heat your water in the microwave." While this is true, there is something comforting about the whistle of a tea kettle - brings to mind a warm hearth.

Wish I had a warm scone!

Fall Issues

No, I don't have issues with Fall, I am talking about the September Fall fashion issues of all of the major fashion magazines! It is my favorite time of year! My second favorite is March, when the spring fashion issues come out. I am not a fashionable gal at all, I mainly go for comfort, price and what fits (um, hello, 3 year old cardigan and tank tops), but I love to look at the clothing. It is tres magnifique!

Strange...

This is odd... I took this photo last week while driving (hence the lack of clarity). Even though I was driving, I couldn't resist because the sunset and sky have been really wonderful due to the not so wonderful fires. The interesting thing is the black spot that appeared in the middle of the sun.

Sleepy Sunday

Oops!

I pass this each day while driving to work and it kills me!

-Magpie

Etiquette of a Gentleman

There are very few men in society who embody the politeness, etiquette and manners of gentlemen in days gone by. I know that alternatively, one could say the same for women today. However, I am focusing on men here and this is what I see:

A general lack of attention to appearance (grooming and dress).

Saying please and thank you.

Lack of Respect for the Elderly and Women.

Taking one's hat off while indoors, but especially when eating.

A lack of consideration and self control of bodily functions. This includes, passing gas, belching, nail biting, adjusting ones privates, chewing gum with the mouth open, not being discreet and quite when blowing the nose, spitting and not covering the mouth when coughing and/or sneezing.

Table Manners. Chewing with the mouth open, taking bites too large for one's mouth, talking with the mouth full of food, reaching across the table and a general lack of knowledge with regard to what utensils to use and how to use them.

"Chivalrous Favors." This is a fabulous term that Magpie introduced to me (and... being Mockingbird, I had to repeat). This includes, offering to help with bags, offering your seat on the bus to the elderly, getting up when a lady arrives and departs the table, opening/holding doors and allowing ladies to exit elevators first.

Yelling,Loosing One's Temper, Swearing, Interrupting, Staring - Ogling and a Lack of Introductions.

A lack of boundaries with respect to cell phones and PDA devices.

Bathroom Manners. Leaving the toilet seat up and urinating on the toilet seat and/or floor.

I know that some men feel that the women's movement flushed the idea of etiquette right down the toilet. After all, manners seem to change with societal changes. However, I do think the that women's liberation can co-exist with manners. After all in Peter Post's, The Essential Etiquette for Men, (yes the grandson of the queen of etiquette) says that, "The art of etiquette really comes down to being thoughtful of other people you encounter in your everyday life. We all tend to associate 'proper behavior' with formal social events - but true etiquette involves behaving with respect and consideration for others in everything that you do, from attending a high-society soiree to simply hanging out around the house." Which is to say, mutual respect and consideration has nothing to do with gender. If a gentleman pulls out my seat at the dinner table, I do not feel any less empowered. You may say I am old-fashioned and do not fully grasp the idea of "women's lib," but open a door for me and I say - "I love being a woman and appreicate a gentleman!"

SHRUTE there it is!