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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

Hot Potatoes Log — Saturday 1/8/05

5:30 p.m. Just returned from walking with my wife three times around Person Field for exercise. Usually, we go four times around, but the deep snow tuckered us out after three. Should I look to see who won the Seahawks game. Or take it for granted that the 'Hawks blew it at the end?

2:30 p.m. I had a Doug Burr moment at Taco Bell on Appleway this p.m. Remember? Doug said he'd like to buy a quality pizza from a place in town where didn't have to depend on a 14-year-old for taking his order and service. At Taco Bell, I ordered lunch for three from a cashier who was more interested in gabbing with a co-worker. Result? He short-changed me a buck -- and a double-decker. Yeah, I know he's probably making minimum wage ... and with this approach he'll probably be pulling in $5:15 for some time.

10:15 a.m. During a pause in the snow removal, I griped about my insurance premiums jumping over $400 per month next year, with a $1,000 deductible (although the company chips in quite a bit, too). And my neighbor trumped me by saying he pays over $600 per month (with company participation, too). Yo, Eagle Eye, mebbe Michael Moore should tackle the HMOs as well as the drug companies.

10 a.m. My world, indeed, is perfect. My neighbor took care of my sidewalk and entryway. And I hand shoveled the driveway.

9:30 a.m. What a gorgeous morning -- sun shining brightly on new-fallen snow, and the fireplace popping in the background. All I need to make this winter's day perfect is ... a snowblower (or my neighbor to use his on my sidewalk).




Huckleberries Online

D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.