Optimistic Assumptions Made Good

Monday morning I looked up from the sink -- toothbrush in hand, mouth full of foamy paste -- to the sight of Josie coming down the hall holding the phone toward me. "It's for you, Mom."

I rinsed, then spat. "Who is it -- can I call them back?"

While she inquired about this possibility, I heard my cell phone buzzing on the bedside table in the other room. As soon as Josie hung up, the phone rang again. What gives? Who calls a family with school-age kids ten minutes before the first bell? Did Andrew forget his wallet again?

It turned out three different people were calling to tell me they'd just heard on the KUOW pledge drive that I had given money because "Mikala can't get going in the morning without hot coffee, a hot shower, and Morning Edition."  I was forced to admit the donor was some other (cleaner) Mikala. But since it was two-thirds true of me as well, I sheepishly called in. I told the volunteer who answered the phone the whole story, and she said she'd share it on the air too -- which would leave any remaining Mikalas out there without a leg to stand on, NPR-guilt-wise.

That afternoon I got a call from Steve, who didn't even wait for me to say Hello before crowing, "Hot shower, huh?" But it turned out the real reason he had called was to confirm that we were having our annual Pumpkin Carving Party, and to inform us that he was planning on coming through with his usual amazing lasagne.

We'd like to take a moment to thank those of you who have called, texted, Facebooked, e-mailed, shouted out rolled-down car windows, and sent psychic inquiries through Unseen Channels this week: Are you having that party again this year? Am I invited? When is it again?

We'll also give a nod to those of you who quietly figured, Well, they're probably pretty busy this year... Maybe that last one did them in... Besides, it's soccer season, and roller derby season, and Andrew still doesn't know for sure if his job will exist next year (though signs are good so far, knock wood), and isn't Mikala trying to cram nine months of work into three months flat? Oh well -- maybe next year. We appreciate your absolution, are glad to report it's unnecessary in this case, and will hope you are willing to hold it in reserve for some other, direr, dereliction of duty. If you have gone ahead and made other plans -- Well, it serves us right, and we'll hope to see you next time.

Finally, and perhaps most especially, we'd like to honor those of you who -- like Steve -- would absolutely, positively, and without a shadow of a doubt show up on our doorstep on the afternoon of the Sunday before Halloween bearing pumpkins, platters, and bottles, whether we invited you or not.


To all of you aforementioned kith and kin -- along with new friends who have no idea what chaotic joy awaits them; curious neighbors who happen along and join the fun; visiting relatives, friends-of-friends, and other taggers-along; and anyone else who you think might enjoy it -- we dedicate our

16th ANNUAL PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY

Sunday, October 24th

Open House, 2-8 pm

Our House

Please RSVP by 10/22 or BYOP

jojoma3 AT aol.com 

For the rookies out there, here's the drill:

We provide pumpkins, knives, and candles. You create cucurbitic works of art, which we light up when it gets dark.

Dinner is served between 5 and 7. We make mac 'n' cheese, peanut stew, and pumpkin pie. Steve brings lasagne (see above). The lovely Higginses bring Jell-O wigglers (we're hoping!) You bring drinks, salad, side dish, or dessert to share.

Hope to see you there!

Mikala, Andrew, Josie, and Simon



P.S. Please stop by the Seward Park Playground Grand Opening on your way here! It's from 1-3 pm and it looks like fun!