The Daily Duck

I just got back from the Duck Goodwill, where I hit the jackpot. Five skirts, two shirts and cool wall art for about $30. You can't beat that with a stick.

This is turning out to be such a wonderful week. I love when you have great expectations for something and you aren't disappointed. Yesterday we went to the J.Crew outlet on the way to the fish market. Everything was 20 percent off and I got a cute shirt. I also had a good long run yesterday. There's this bike path that goes a long way and I followed it for a few miles, into what I think was actually the next town. Ships Watch? I need to look on a map. Anyway, it was pretty and less populated.

Last night we watched "The Bachelor" finale. I hadn't watched any of this season but I quickly started rooting for Tessa so I was happy when she won. Right now half of the girls are watching "After the Rose Ceremony" and half are watching the "American Idol" almost-finale, and most of the guys are down at the beach playing bocce ball. I'll probably join the "American Idol" group after I finish this.

I'm also collecting some fantastic recipes this week. A different couple is in charge of dinner every night. So far my two favorites are chicken with beer and shrimp creole. Those of you who live near me might get to sample one or both of these soon.

On another note, I did finish that article yesterday about why it never hurts to ask. I would like to thank the following people for their contributions: Amanda, for the stories of getting $100 back from H&R Block for sucky service and of successfully using a 10-year-old gift card to a Golden Corral that was no longer in business; Lib, for the story of getting free candy after finding Tart 'n' Tidys where there should have been Rainbow Nerds; Matt, for giving everyone who asked extra ice cream the summer he worked at the Santa Cruz, Calif., boardwalk; and Ron, who rented a lake house for a month for the price of a week.

I almost forgot. Congratulations to Carrie, who passed her real estate exam today. Hooray! I'm very proud of you!

(This post is dedicated to Lauren. Thank you for reading, and please get a blog of your own. The world needs more pictures of baby London.)