The Slice Take Us On Your Ornamental Journey

There’s no turning back now.

So here at The Slice we’re plunging into the holiday spirit. And what better way to celebrate the season than by asking readers to start digging around in their closets?

We want to hear about your family’s favorite Christmas tree ornament. And we might want to take a picture of it, too.

The ornament doesn’t have to be valuable in monetary terms. Nor does it even have to be all that beautiful. It just has to have special meaning in your household.

Maybe it is something that has been handed down from generation to generation. Or perhaps it came from a fast-food restaurant on a day that proved to be momentous for your family. We know there are some good stories out there.

So here’s what we would like you to do. Call, fax or write to The Slice and briefly describe the ornament and why it’s a family treasure. Be sure to include a daytime phone number. We’ll take it from there. Thanks.

CHARGE!: “The budget picture looks brighter for us at Robert E. Lee Elementary,” wrote Cathie West, principal of the grade school in East Wenatchee.

It seems the school has received a pre-approved MasterCard made out to the general himself. No “Elementary School,” no nothing. Just “Robert E. Lee.”

“We’re delighted the old soldier’s credit rating is still good after all these years,” added West.

Someone should alert that moving and storage company: Tim and Joyce Crabb’s 5-year-old niece Makena heard all about the Pilgrims the other day in kindergarten. And she was delighted to share some of what she had learned.

Contrary to what you might have heard, it turns out those intrepid settlers came over on a vessel called the “Cauliflower.”

Slice answer: (If area high schools placed ads similar to the eye-catching “Look Who’s an SFCC/SCC Graduate” series, which school could present the most surprising lineup?)

“North Central, because it’s surprising if anyone graduates from there.” - A Loyal Shadle Student

Pie charts that explain life in Spokane: Judy Nielsen’s has big slices devoted to “Talking about the good old days” and “Telling jokes about Californians.”

Bob Kirlin’s chart indicates a 4 percent slice of the pie devoted to “Time spent waiting for a bus that STA is trying to eliminate.”

Today’s Slice question: What’s the most effective way of making sure someone doesn’t take this area’s many assets for granted?

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing

MEMO: The Slice appears Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; fax (509) 459-5098. If you aren’t psyched up, steer clear of full-contact shopping.