What? Darius and Nikki are Headed to Aspen? (Video)

Well it's about time!  They have been postponing this vacation for months now.  Seems like it is finally going to happen.  Nikki is finally using her new luggage she bought from D7ANA.  You know that fancy boutique in Philadelphia.  She just had to have it.

This series is dedicated to my dearest friend Byron.  When I met him in 2000, he was the president of the Black Ski Club here in Atlanta.  Two months after our first encounter, he and the ski club were headed to some country (I'm drawing a blank as to where) to go heli-skiing.  What is heli-skiing, you ask?  That is where you jump out of a helicopter onto the ski slope!  Imagine that!  Hmmm.  I think I will pass.  Don't get me wrong, I love to ski.  I haven't done it often, but it's totally exhilarating to go flying down the mountain without a care in the world, except for maybe that wayward tree you might encounter on the way down.  While on his trip, Byron sent me a photo of him bungeee jumping, too.  Again, I will pass.  

Darius and Nikki will not be jumping out of helicopters.  Nor will they be bungee jumping.  I'm sure they will have a grand ol' time just enjoying each other's company.

Racquel and Halle Discuss Darius

In keeping with my resolution to get better at picture taking, I read my camera manual in it's entirety last night after downloading it on-lne.  Boy, what a difference that made.  I only used one light and I didn't do any photo retouch to speak of.  I adjusted the highlights on one picture.  I made the mistake of leaving the date showing.  My camera is now in (P)rogram mode, instead of (A)uto mode.  Sorry for all the pictures, but I was excited about my results.  I thought about doing it as a mini movie, but changed my mind. I have grouped the pictures and added verbage to the group of pictures, rather than each picture.

Racquel and Halle are meeting in the Tea Solarium to discuss the New Year's Eve party.

 

 

Racquel:  "So what happened to you that night?  One minute, I saw you standing there with James, and the next minute you guys were nowhere to be found."
Halle:  "Remember that guy I was telling you about?  Well he was there with his girlfriend?"

 

Racquel:  "Who?"
Halle: "His name is Darius."
Racquel: "Darius is the guy you were talking about all that time!  He and Terrance work together."
Halle: "Wow.  It's a small world.  Anyway.... that is the guy who still drives me crazy."

 
Racquel:  "But I thought it was over for you, two."
Halle:  "Technically it is, but I just haven't found anyone who can make me feel the way he made me feel.  Not to mention he is incredibly handsome, with his own business, and lots of money.  The brother has it going on!"
Racquel:  "Yeah, but from what I can tell about his girlfriend, she is not one to mess with.

 

Halle: "Do I look scared?"
Racquel: "No, but you are sounding a little crazy.  You are too beautiful and smart to get hung up on this one guy.  You have guys breaking down doors to get a date with you."
Halle:  "I know you're right, girl.  That's why I'm talking to you about it."

 

 

 

Halle:  "I just feel so out of control when I think about him.:
Racquel:  "I think you are so used to men doing any and everything they can to be with you, that you don't know what to do when one doesn't do it.
Halle:  "I think you are right.  I keep asking myself, what does his girlfriend have that I don't have?"
Racquel:  "Girl, you will drive yourself crazy with questions like that.  My advice is just move on.  So what did James have to say about what happened at the party?"
Halle:  "Well you know I didn't tell him the truth.  I just told him I wasn't feeling well.  At first he was a little ticked, but you know they can't stay mad at me long."

 

Racquel:  "You do have that effect on them."

Halle: "Well thanks so much for listening.  I feel a lot better now."

Racquel:  "Well anytime you need to talk, you know I am here for you.  I guess I better get going.  I have to do a little grocery shopping before I go home.

Halle:  "Well, I'm headed to run a few errands myself.  I'll call you later.

Finally Using That Awkward A-Frame House

I have had this A-Frame house for more than 8 years.  It has sat in the basement unused the whole time.  There were many times that I just wanted to get rid of it, but every time I saw what it was selling for on Ebay, I decided to hang on to it.  It never seemed to be big enough to do much with it.  After my post yesterday, I was inspired to dust it off and pull it out of the basement.  I had been thinking of having Tina's office here, but decided against it.  (I did start her office, too, though.  She has her couch all ready.)  Instead I decided to use the top half for Chang's architect office.  I was anxious to debox my recently purchased architect doll.  The bottom half I decided to make as Ian's bachelor pad.  Now that he has a new girlfriend, he needs a place to entertain.

This is the administrative assistant's office.  It's the end of the day and Sunni has stopped by to get Chang.  He has been working late for the past few weeks and he promised to leave at a reasonable hour to spend some time with the girls.  He has been leaving so early in the morning and returning so late at night, that they have barely seen him.

"So have you been keeping crazy hours, too, since they started this new project?" (Sunni)
"No.  I've had a little overtime, but nothing to complain about.  It should calm down pretty soon.  It's usually this way when we first start a project."

"Daddy, are you coming with us?"
"I sure am.  So what did you do at school today?"
"We did numbers, and we colored.  Ummm..."

Amaya continues telling her dad about her day.  I am still decorating Chang's office.


Rick and Darius are finishing up some paperwork in the conference room.

"Well Rick, I will have Chang send these papers and the blueprints off first thing in the morning.  I like what he has put together so far."
"So do I.  Let's just hope they like it." (Rick)
"I'm going to hit the road.  I promised Nikki we could go out tonight for dinner."
"You definitely don't want to stand her up.  Could make for a very long night."


This is Ian's kitchen.  It's nice and quaint.

He has a small table that seats two.  In a pinch it can seat four.

This is his living room.  Oh and look.  He has a labrador retriever.  He is the first person in Morristown to get a dog.  That is thanks to my blog friend Marta.  She frequently features dogs and cats in her dioramas.  It always remind me that I have a ton of animals at the Morristown pet center that are waiting to be adopted.  Poor animals. 

Her name is Goldie. She's a real sweetheart.  Right now she is wondering why Ian isn't taking her for her after work walk.

Ian is actually watching a little TV to wind down after a long day at work.  He also wants to grab a quick nap before he showers for his date with Raven.

His place is in desperate need of a woman's touch.  Some curtains, throw rugs, and pictures will definitely warm up this place.  I am just glad that he finally has his own little place.  It's small, but it's perfect for him.

Darius Returns from a Business Trip (Photostory)

Darius is traveling back from one of his many business trip. One of his business partners, Rick, and architect, Chang Lee accompanied him this time. They are on the last leg of their trip. Another 40 minutes and they will be back in Morristown.

"So when do you think you'll be going back?" (Rick)

"I think they will be fine for awhile.  I don't anticipate going back for a few months."

"You doing okay today, Darius?"
"Doing great. Just ready for a long weekend."


"We are waiting for a couple more passengers, then we will be ready to leave."


"Man, Darius, she was awfully friendly with you." (Rick)
"Oh, Cynthia. There's nothing to that. When you travel as much as I do, you tend to run into the same people."

"Darius? Is that you?!"
"Halle?"
"Wow. It's been a minute. Where have you been hiding?"

 

"Nice to see you, Halle. You're looking good."
"You don't look so bad yourself. Keep my seat warm. I'll be right back."
(Halle heads to the restroom before take off.)

"Let me guess. That's nothing, too." (Rick)
"I wish. That is trouble and I may need you guys to run interference."
"Who is she?" (Rick)
"She is the woman I dated when Nikki and I were 'taking a break'."
"That was your 'taking a break' girl? You are one lucky son-of-a-gun." (Rick)
"I'm not feeling so lucky right now. Nikki and I are in a real good place and I want to keep it that way. Here she comes."


"Halle, this is Rick and Chang. Guys this is Halle."
"Hello guys. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise."

"So Darius, what's going on with you these days?"
"Business as usual."
"So are you married, yet?"
"No. not yet."
"So there's still a chance for us?"
"Well, I didn't say that I was available."
"You didn't say you weren't"

 

"So Halle, what do you do?" (Rick)

Darius has tuned out the conversation. He knows that this is going to be a long 40 min ride. Halle always knew how to get to him. He had to be strong. He and Nikki were going on vacation soon and there was nothing worse than a ticked off woman on vacation. Or even worse, no vacation or no woman.