Forest of the Plains

It's interesting how we grow up with different types of traditions. With marriage we become obligated to uphold many of the traditions valued by our spouse. And sometimes we learn that something we dismissed in the past should not be dismissed any longer.

Take Easter Baskets. One of us could take them or leave them. The other one of us must have them, and they must include Cadbury Creme Eggs, Brach's Fiesta Malted Milk Eggs, jelly beans, and other good-quality chocolate. Those Russel Stover bird nests like Grandma Yoder would sometimes make are also a nice bonus.

The first year we were married, I assumed that John would make arrangements with the Easter Bunny to ensure my filled basket. I was wrong and I was crushed. Apparently John had been under the impression that I would just buy candy for both of us.

The next year I provided a short tutorial on what is required for an Easter Basket. John bought me a whole case of Creme Eggs.

This year I bought myself the Creme Eggs and Fiesta Eggs, and put them on the table by the Easter Baskets. Then I sent John an email about arranging for an appointment to see EB for any other items the Bunny might have in mind for my basket. Good thing I sent the email, because one of them had forgotten.

A while back Ralph's daughter left a comment on his blog and signed it simply "DOR" (Daughter of Ralph). Ralph embraced this abbreviation and soon began referring to his family as DOR, SILOR, SOR, SORSO, etc.

At work I have to access a database that is maintained "at National". National likes to put announcements on the main page of the database. This one has been up recently:

Additional SOR Webinars Added

Every time I see that announcement, I think of Ralph. I can get rather cranky about this database and Ralph is usually pretty funny, so this is a good thing. I imagine Ralph making a joke about "webinars". Thanks to DOR and Ralph, I often start using the data base with a smile on my face.

Oh, and in this case, SOR stands for "Strength of Relationship"measures. Translated, that means we'll soon likely have to do another survey of our clients to see how they perceive their relationship with their Big or Little. I'd rather read Ralph's blog.