Greetings from the Postage Stamp

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Me, Ages Ago.

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2005-06-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

2005-02-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

My living room.

2005-02-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

Myself in the bedroom mirror.

2005-02-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

Myself in a bathroom mirror.

2005-02-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

The bathroom mirror, reflecting me, the camera and my room.

2005-02-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

Luigi (orange, foreground) and Bianca (pinkish-white, background) reading a book.

2005-02-15T12:02:00.000-08:00

My pulpit/writing desk. Still haven't decided what color to paint it.

2005-02-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

Maximus, looking playful.

2005-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dulce, looking sweet.

2005-02-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

My bed.

2005-02-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Pheonix checks out a rose from JR.

2005-02-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

View out my kitchen window.

Is there an Early Warning System for Idiot?

2005-01-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

Fritz and Sheldon, when I created the tsunami in your cage last night, I was just trying to create a layer of wet sand that you could burrow into when the weather was hot and dry. I did not intend to turn your happy crabby shack into a half inch deep sandy rice paddy. I realize that you are a strictly air-breathing species of crab and flooding is a very unpleasant way of being woken up. I hope all the sand and gravel I've added to lift you and your belongs to dry ground rectifies the situation. If it makes you poor guys feel any better, I wrenched my back moving all that wet sand and gravel around. Karma is on your side.

Sincerest apologies,
OFL

Meet Phoenix!

2005-01-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

Phoenix Augusto Fanucci

Species - Beta Fish

Description - Bright red. "I'm told that I look like the flames people paint on the side of a cool car."

Activities - "I'm VERY active, I like flitting around my tank and doing flips. I eat A LOT of food to maintain my energy level, and I go crazy for freeze-dried bloodworms."

Favorite Spot - "I'm very happy on the bar, because then I can see the kitchen and the living room. I like a view."

"I'm having a lot of fun in my new tank, and today I hope to beat my time in the agility race I created between the pillars in my tank. Wish me luck!"

2005-01-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

Meet the newest member of the Postage Stamp crew - Phoenix Augusto Fanucci!

The Postage Stamp remember Caspian

2005-01-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

Bianca - "He was a perfect gentlemen. He opened doors and carried heavy things for me. He always made me feel special."

Luigi - "I always enjoyed his Travel Notes. I took Bianca to Santa Fe at his suggestion and we had a great time. He also help me pronounce some foreign words I ran across in books."

Sheldon - "I will always miss our after dinner cigars together."

Fritz - "As a young crab he told me stories of his travels that captured my imagination. He was my hero."

Maximus - "He and I were an unstoppable team at games like Charades, Pictionary and Taboo. I'll miss that."

Dulce - "I didn't know him long, but when I first arrived, it was Caspian who coaxed me out from under the bed and convinced me that I was safe here."

Curious Weather Phenomenon by Sheldon

2005-01-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

Summer came early to the Postage Stamp. Last night temps rose to 102 degrees. OFL has some strange explanation involving a thing called a heater, but being Californians, we know not of which she speaks. In the spirit of the (apparent) season we will be having a tofu BBQ at two this afternoon. Bring your swimsuit and your favorite flavor of popcicle.

A loss for the Postage Stamp.

2005-01-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

I'm sad to report that as the New Year dawned, Caspian Luca Irving passed away. I shall always miss his little face, his bubbling blowing when he wanted attention, and his adorable little yawns. He kept me company in the lobby, and many employees came to wave at him when they needed a lift. After that he retired to the Postage Stamp on my dressing table. Every morning he waved a flipper at me, and every evening we chatted while he ate his dinner.
He was buried in the Postage Stamp front window box, next to the lilies and under a small stone etched with a cross.
I think he is now in some little pond in heaven, with a good plant to lean on.
-Valancy Jane

Motion by Maximus

2004-12-28T11:20:00.000-08:00

I move we bring back the wrapping paper from all the opened presents. I have never had more fun, and it's recycling, in a sense. I don't see why it had to be thrown away.

2004-12-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

Friend of the Postage Stamp crew, JR's puppy Keno, asleep in my car.

Excuses, excuses Part 2 - Editorial by Luigi

2004-12-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

Bianca and Luigi's photo portrait is not ready for viewing, but we hope to post it soon.

2004-12-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

The way to the Postage Stamp.............

2004-12-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

........... past the christmas lights reflecting in the pool.

2004-12-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

Home!

2004-12-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

Maximus, closely guarding the front door.

2004-12-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

The lovely Lady Dulce on her magic flying carpet, which she nightly rides across the tile.

2004-12-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

Fritz and Sheldon's Crabby Shack

2004-12-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

Caspian, being a little shy.

Pet Politics

2004-12-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

Maximus has registered to run for office in the 'dubiously elected with the backing of the military after the current ruler mysteriously died' party.

Dulce is a registered democrat, and will be the Vice President of the Red Cross again this year.

Caspian becomes confused and distracted in voting booths and tends to consult the voters in nearby booths. He tends to ask older people and as a result, votes mostly republican. Adding to the confusion is the fact that he is registered in both the district the Lobby is in and the district the Postage Stamp is in. Caspian has also decided to abstain from voting until he knows more about the issues, but continues to volunteer for the P. Diddy's 'Vote or Die' campaign.

Fritz is a libertarian and never votes for the incumbant.

Sheldon is a republican and always votes for incumbants.

Luigi is a Union leader and votes for whoever is most sympathetic to his cause.

Bianca votes on intuitive feelings about the candidates, whoever goes to church or has brown eyes. She tells Luigi that she votes democrat, but in truth she is registered independant.

Lady Dulce Dishes

2004-12-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

Cheddar & Scallion Turnovers

1 17-½ oz. package frozen pastry puffs
2 Tbs. Raspberry Mustard
1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 cup
Scallions or green onions, chopped
As needed Shredded coconut

Roll 1 puff pastry sheet out on a lightly floured work surface to a 12 inch square. Cut pastry sheet in half (2-6 x 12 inch sheets). Spread one half sheet with 1 tablespoon mustard. Sprinkle with half of the cheese then half the scallions. Place the second half sheet neatly over the filling and lightly roll a rolling pin over the pastry just to press together the dough. Trim edges to keep them even. Cut filled pastry rectangle into 32 squares by cutting the short side of the dough into 4 equal strips 1 ½ inches wide and the long side into 8 equal strips 1 ½ inches wide. Transfer the squares to a lightly greased and foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat the process with a second sheet of puff pastry. Preheat oven to 400°. Bake turnovers until puffed and golden, about 10 minutes. Yields 64 squares.

Fritz's Animal Poetry Corner

2004-12-27T15:21:00.000-08:00

A Birthday
by Christina Rossetti

My heart is like a singing bird
Whose nest is in a water'd shoot;
My heart is like an apple tree
Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit;
My heart is like a rainbow shell
That paddles in a halcyon sea;
My heart is gladder than all these
Because my love is come to me.

Raise me a dais of silk and dawn;
Hang it with vair and purple dyes;
Carve it in doves and pomegranates,
And peacocks with a hundred eyes;
Work it in gold and silver grapes,
In leaves and silver fleur-de-lys;
Because the birthday of my life
Is come, my love is come to me.

Excuses, excuses - Editorial by Luigi

2004-12-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

The members of the Postage Stamp would like to apologize for taking such a long break in blogging. We have been very busy grooming to have our portraits taken. We hope to post pictures tomorrow.

Fritz's Animal Poetry Corner

2004-12-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

Your Soul Shines
by Alice Walker

Your soul shines
Like the sides of a fish.
My tears are salty
And my grief is deep.
Come live in me again.
Each day I walk along the edges
Of the tall rocks.

Editorial by Luigi

2004-12-13T11:40:00.000-08:00

We here at the Postage Stamp would like to proudly announce the completion of the Christmas decorating. Tilly, the little 2 year old red-hair neighbor, has pronounced them, "pwetty".

Lady Dulce Dishes

2004-12-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

CREAMY MASHED POTATOES WITH GOAT CHEESE AND FRESH SAGE

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
5 ounces soft fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup (or more) whole milk
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
4 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
Fresh sage sprigs

Cook potatoes in large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 12 minutes; drain well. Return to same pan. Add cheese, 1/4 cup milk, and butter; mash until smooth. Mix in chopped sage; season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over low heat, thinning with more milk, if too thick.) Mound potatoes in bowl. Garnish with fresh sage sprigs.

Resident Petition by Sheldon

2004-12-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

We have circulated a petition to have all the blinds remain open during the day.

Signed

Sheldon
Fritz
Caspian
Dulce
Bianca
Luigi
Maximus

As you can see, it passed with an overwhelming majority.

Travel Notes with Caspian

2004-12-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

Today's reccomended destination is the Basic Brown Factory in San Francisco. Located in the Cannery, near the historic Fisherman's Wharf, the only real working Teddy Bear factory in the US offers custom bear orders, and interactive tours. Drop in and help to stuff your own Koala, Lovie, Scooter, Sparky, Beatrix, Ivy or my all time favorite, Rusty. Dress them in a casual hoodie, sweet tutu, or as an adventurous pilot.

Miss Bianca Advises.

2004-12-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Miss Bianca,
How many times can I knock over the same stack of video tapes on the floor before OFL goes crazy?
Signed, Lap Runner

Dear Lap Runner,
One less times then you have, it would appear.
Signed Miss Bianca.

Fritz's Animal Poetry Corner

2004-12-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

Be Like the Bird
by Victor Hugo

Be like the bird
Who,
Halting in his flight
On limb too slight
Feels it give way beneath him
Yet sings,
Knowing he hath wings.

Travel Notes with Caspian

2004-12-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Today's reccomended destination - Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Activities and side trips include - Carlsbad Caverns, the Palace of the Governors and of course, lurking outside Julia Roberts ranch with a telephoto lense on your camera hoping to get a shot of little Phinnias and Hazel.

Lady Dulce Dishes

2004-12-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first edition of Lady Dulce Dishes. All recipes featured will be kosher for the sake of OFL and won't feature fish or shelfish out of deferance to our housemates.

Butternut Squash Kugel

16oz bag frozen butternut squash cubes
1 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup coffee rich
3 eggs
1 stick margarine
cinnamon

Place squash in pot of water and cook until soft (when water boils - test with fork against side of pot) Drain squash. Mash in margarine stick. Mix other ingredients together in mixing bowl. Add squash to mixture. Mix all together place in a 9x13 tin (or two 9x9 tins). Sprinkle top with cinnamon. Bake at 350 for ~1 hour (until top turns slightly brown) Serve cold or hot. Enjoy!

Editorial by Luigi

2004-12-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Postage Stamp is glad to welcome our newest housemate, Lady Audrey Dulcinea Pontenescu. She asks that you all call her Dulce and stop by to say hello. She will be posting recipes on our blog and hosting free musical purring concerts on OFL's bed every night.
Dulce hails from the Santee Petsmart, taken there by Shelter Pet Partners from a dank and scary city pound. Previous to that unfortunate incarceration, she was a debutant and a champion polo player.
We look forward to getting to know her better in the coming weeks.

Lady Audrey Dulcinea Pontenescu

Species -
Cat of unknown regal heritage

Description -
Brown, Medium Haired, with black stripes fading into silky black paws. Green eyes. Smallish.

Activities -
So far, exploring the Postage Stamp, sniffing corners of furniture, and looking ladylike as I nap. "I'm just getting my bearings, but I like to play with feather toys and eat treats."

Favorite Spot -
"I like tucked away little corners, and my soft little cat bed (the exact color green of my eyes)."

"I'm a little shy, but once I decide that you are safe, I can't get enough petting. I would like to start a food drive for needy kittens in the area."

Miss Bianca Advises.

2004-12-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Miss Bianca,
What is the proper wine to serve with Chef's Blend cat food?
Signed, Consumer in the Kitchen

Dear Consumer in the Kitchen,
Your cat food contains both chicken and lamb, so either red or white would be appropiate. I reccomend a good scotch, however, as the most fitting choice.
Signed, Miss Bianca

Concern

2004-12-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

OFL, I read today that goldfish grow to be two feet long and that unlike what you often hear about us growing in proportion with the size of our tank, we will grow regardless. I was just looking around at our tank, and thinking, um, this could be a problem. Can we have this?
-Luigi

From Fritz's Animal Poetry Corner

2004-12-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat
by Edward Lear

The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea,
In a beautiful pea-green boat,
They took some honey, and plenty of money,
Wrapped up in a five-pound note.
The Owl looked to the stars above,
And sang to a small guitar,
"Oh lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love,
What a beautiful Pussy you are,
You are,
You are!
What a beautiful Pussy you are!"

Pussy said to the Owl, "You elegant fowl!
How charmingly sweet you sing!
Oh let us be married! Too long we have tarried:
But what shall we do for a ring?"
They sailed away, for a year and a day,
To the land where the Bong-Tree grows,
And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood,
With a ring at the end of his nose,
His nose,
His nose,
With a ring at the end of his nose.

"Dear Pig, are willing to sell for one shilling
Your ring?" Said the Piggy, "I will."
So they took it away, and were married next day
By the Turkey who lives on the hill.
They dined on mince, and slices of quince,
Which they ate with a runcible spoon;
And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
The moon,
The moon,
They danced by the light of the moon.

Request from Bianca

2004-12-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

OFL, could you put a book or something in front of my tank before you watch 'Deep Blue Sea' again? I had nightmares all night.

Memo from the Safety Committee

2004-12-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

Will the owner of the small round cat toy currently in the doorway between the bedroom and living room, please reclaim your property? It's becoming a safety hazzard.

OFL

2004-12-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

Henceforth, Valancy Jane will be known in this blogs as OFL, Our Fearless Leader.

Letter to Santa

2004-12-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I am writing on behalf of myself and the members of my household.
Maximus would like six full sized army tanks, four nuclear warheads and a bag of baby carrots. Bianca would like the movie An Affair to Remember and some knitting supplies. Luigi would like the book How to Suceed in Business and a subscription to Time Magazine. Fritz would like a small shower installed in his dry tank and a red bow tie. Sheldon wants a tuxedo shell for formal dinners and a new log to climb. I would like more of those little worm treats and a very low heat lamp. And Dulce isn't here yet, but we talked it over and think she would like a soft pillow, maybe in purple. And Valancy Jane would like a waffle maker and two parakeets.
Thank you for all the lovely gifts last year.

Sincerely,
Caspian Luca Irving on behalf of the members of the Postage Stamp Family.