Nobody asked us, but ...: Farewell to our fans, and thanks for the ride

All good things must come to an end (for us anyway) ... the universe, chocolate ice cream, clothes that fit ... you name it. This is our last column after six years and four months, because M has been losing ground with her pep quotient and is feeling tired all the time. When you can't walk across a room without sitting down, it's time to regroup and see what the docs can do for you. If they succeed in "re-pepping" her, we may be back (now there's a nightmare to dream of) ... in the meantime:

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We would like to thank our readers immensely ... you have been greatly supportive, sometimes caustic, but always interesting. We have met many people we wouldn't have if we hadn't been writing for the Nevada Appeal. It was always a thrill to be talked to by complete strangers asking if we were "Maizie?" "Carolyn?" Lots of fun.

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At this point, we'd like to thank our three editors, Barry Smith, Barry Ginter and Peggy Santoro, for their kindness, guidance, and "almost" freedom of the press (yeah, they kiboshed some things we tried to slip in ... but most got printed). Pretty fun.

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In the meantime, we tried to write about what was going on in Carson City and its environs, especially the people. So, to finish this out, we have a few more things to say.

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To the city road crews: Drive down S. Division St. to the "speed table"... it's coming apart and looks dangerous. Time for a permanent one, or get your money back (otherwise, you do a great job). Since we started writing, the OH, the freeway and the Nevada State RR Museum's duck ponds still are in limbo; however, we're betting on the freeway.

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We're giving you a whole host of January birthdays now (in alpha order) ... all older and better: John Ascuaga, Helen Banovich, Cindy Byington, Karen Copp, Jamie Fuller Dunn, Kapono Fuller, Tom Greco, Tamie Jesse, Sarah Kerkla, Reed Lequerica, Betty Mahoney, Anna Montagno, Bill Nutt, Spencer Olson, Troy Olson, Ellie Stevens, Steve Wassner and Jessi Winchester. Phew. Have great parties and a good year.

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And in the tradition of jokes, Bruce Smith sent us this one from the Internet (Elaine ... we don't know why you stay with him): "In the tradition of Charles Dickens ... I've just heard from a friend in the north of England. He says it's been snowing heavily for three days now. His wife has done nothing but stare through the window. If it doesn't stop soon, he'll probably have to let her in." Aaaaargh.

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Don't forget to make reservations now for Proscenium Players, Inc.'s "Eat, Drink and be Murdered" at the Gold Dust West beginning Jan. 15. It also will run Jan. 21-22 and 28-29. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a no host bar. A great dinner will be served at 7:15. Because it's dinner with the show, reservations must be made by calling Carla Wilson, 781-0664. You'll have a wonderful, fun time.

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A pox on the "shoe tree" killer. We hope he's walked on all over in his/her future life. And a big "Goooooo Pack" tonight in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco at AT&T Park. If you didn't go down there, watch it on ESPN tonight. Good luck!

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And one last joke from our friend, Ken Fraser, off the Internet: "A little boy was waiting for his mother in front of the grocery store. He was approached by a man who asked, 'Son, can you tell me where the post office is?' 'Sure,' said the little boy, 'go straight ahead for a couple of blocks and turn right.' The man thanked the little boy, and said, 'I'm the new pastor in town. If you come to church on Sunday, I'll show you how to get to Heaven.' The little boy giggled. 'Awww, come on, you don't even know how to get to the post office.'"

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Again, thanks to everyone ... we enjoyed the ride. Love, M & C.