If and when S and I ever get around to throwing a party, you'll be top of the invite list, Kristin, and we'll invite you directly.

Okay, I was being hyperbolic. Generally speaking, I don't get invited to parties except through ND. Not a big deal; just an observation.

We have a few of parties in the neighbohood that are every year and are very much open house sort of events. there is the holloween party the Saturday before Holloween. they alway hire an impersonator to be someone - last yr it was Austin Powers - this year ( same guy) Pee Wee Herman. Somehow he was much funnier as pee wee.

The other big party is the potato party - which takes place somewhere close to St patrick's . The host and hostess do the corned beef,everyone else brings the potatoes. Limericks are encouraged. this year was interesting - because someone that has been coming to the potato party for years - has a restaurant in town now-and wanted the potato party moved .

The other party like this is the big night before the antique faire party. It has to end promptly at midnight so those that volunteer for the over night shift can be there more or less on time.

The host and hostess do the corned beef,everyone else brings the potatoes

I take it that your the host and hostess and attendees are not fond of cabbage...

I take it that your the host and hostess and attendees are not fond of cabbage...

Cabbage shows up - but it isn't as popular. I love it.

I think party invites come to both of us. The odd thing that happens around here is that no one thinks I cook. Matt always gets involved in running and cooking for 50+ people. so no one knows I cook - even though I always cook for the potlucks.

I have Hgtv on - there is a kitchen that is sacrier than mine. foil wall paper.

Question for the hivemind: I drove up the street to the gas station, filled the tank, got back in the car, turned the key in the ignition and... NOTHING. There was a click and then everything was dead. I popped the hood and fidgeted with the battery cables, hoping for the best, but NSM. The only difference was that after I tried turning the key again, there was a constant clicking sound under the dash / below the steering wheel area.

My assumption is that it's the battery, but I just bought one a couple of years ago. My car is still at the gas station. I walked home. I live near a Checkers, so I'm wondering if I just buy a new battery and cross my fingers, will I be able to get my car home?

Might be the alternator (the doohickey that converts the energy from the battery)

It could be your alternator.

But if it is your alternator you'll have to buy a new battery anyway so you might as well try that first.

Ok, I'll start with the battery and go from there, with fingers crossed that I can at least get my dumb car home. I had to leave one of the back windows down since I couldn't get it back up again. Ugh.

Thank you, Vortex and Laga!!