By Mac Neely

Paint & Sip seems to have caught on, at least with some of my family who took it to all levels. We had a pile of empty bottles and, I must admit, only a few paintings. But such imagination! Such fun! They almost compared to the pictures at the Louvre (and I’ve been there). Maybe Herb, our local framer, should take a look at them. I’m sure someone might be famous someday. Kim’s classes will flourish when some of them sell.

Sip & Paint. No, no that’s not right. It’s Paint & Sip. The results are not quite the same, but you get the idea. Thursdays at the Painted Turtle. Ask for Kim.

Drew Pierson, a teacher of physical education and the gifted and talented students in kindergarten through eighth grade, is starting the 100 Mile Club for grades K-8. This is going to be something special for everyone, so keep watching for updates. Drew says he is going to beat Cathy Epps. Sounds like a challenge to me.

This year Breakfast with Santa will include home schooled kids who are in kindergarten, first and second grades. They will be included in the grade level they are in. We will put up a sign in the Absolute window, so please sign up your child. If your child is not signed up, we will not be able to feed them.

If you travel to Holland, Ireland, Alaska, or anywhere away from home, I’m sure you will find a picture of the Absolute Bakery. Or maybe a picture of the dog riding on a cow who passed by the bakery (many diners dropped their coffee to run out and take pictures.) The Absolute became famous long before that, however. This is the 10th year that the Blaines have owned the Absolute, and as David Blaine says, “They just keep coming.” He seems amazed, but we all take it for granted – the wonderful staff, the congenial atmosphere, the eclectic mix of tables and china, the wild wood carvings on the walls.

And then there is the food. No one ever complains because it is always delicious and the large portions leave no one hungry. I once ordered the single pancake as large as the plate it’s served on and had leftovers for the whole day.

This is just a hint of what’s at The Absolute Bakery. Next week I’ll continue and maybe share some of its secrets.