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The Slice: Endless burgers

Colville’s Lan Hellie estimates he has eaten between 80 and 90 hamburgers since Memorial Day.

And remember, summer is not officially over for almost three more weeks. I’m guessing he’ll be able to hit the century mark.

Of course, summer didn’t actually start on Memorial Day. But who’s counting? Let’s move on.

Recurring dreams: Cindy Matthews of Post Falls has two.

“A spider, which would have to weigh in at 5 pounds, is dropping down toward me in bed. Even though I know it can’t be true, I have to turn on the lights for a minute and check the ceiling.”

And here’s her second one. “I’m upside down in a sleeping bag but don’t realize it and want to get out. Can you say claustrophobia?”

David Valandra has not had his dream in many years, but he remembers it clearly.

“My dream is from my time in Vietnam. In my dream we are out in the bush and we come upon a small patch of bright green grass that we need to cross. As I follow the man in front of me, I look down to see my right foot step on a mine and disappear in a dull flash. This is when I wake up.

“After I had this dream a couple of times when out in the bush and we came upon green grass I would not look down. I mentioned this to a couple of the guys and they thought it was stupid not to look down. I didn’t listen to them and I never did step on a mine. The dream ended when I returned from Vietnam, but I can close my eyes and still see the dream in vivid color. Go figure.”

Not quite a broadcasting legend: I had a post on The Slice Blog about a week ago referring to the Spokane/Los Angeles Dodgers connection and listening to Vin Scully on the radio.

That prompted an email from Tom Hudson, 70.

“Many years ago, folks would approach me for autographs, believing that I was Vin Scully. We did look alike and it was fun to be sure. My wife and kids would shake their heads, chuckle and turn away when I would sign ‘Vince Sculley’ for someone. The people would say ‘That’s not how you say Vin Scully’ and I would reply, ‘Well, my name’s actually Tom Hudson.’ The reactions were varied and fun to be sure.”

Today’s Slice question: What is your garden gnome’s story?

Write The Slice at P. O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. How old do you have to be to understand what is meant by “punch the clock”?

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