Update times two....

First update....I received an email from the librarian at the Muscatine library re: my Message in a Bottle...

I received your 'message in a bottle' in our interloan item.

I could find no Sharon Lewis listed. I did find a listing for Elizabeth
Ashby but when I called, I was told I had the wrong number.

Sorry we couldn't help you.

Marianna Haas
Musser Public Library
Muscatine, IA  52761

I was very surprised and grateful that this woman took the time to read my note, look for listings, call and then email me back. Not the response I was hoping for, but at least I got a response. And I knew that it was a long-shot. I think I may use my investigative skills and look for those listings myself and give them a try. Of course, I'll let you know if I turn up some good news!

Second update......we're meeting for breakfast at 9:00 tomorrow morning!!!! Yikes! He was very sweet saying that he'd be happy to drive out this way to meet up, as I had done the driving in the past (when we'd met for coffee near the college). So, I was on the spot to find a place. Since I hardly ever go out, and any of you reading this know that my eating habits make it very difficult to find a place. And, seriously, what's the point of seeing a movie besides spending two hours together not talking just so you'll have something to talk about afterward? Don't get me wrong, I love going to see a movie just not the best for a first-ish date. So, last night I Googled and Googled (why is "Googled" coming up as misspelled on my spell-checker? Isn't that one of those words that has been incorporated into our language and thus, should be in our dictionary?) I digress. I was talking about Googling somewhere to meet on Saturday, since we hadn't set a time, that was wide open, too. I ended up finding what sounds like a quaint cafe in the historic downtown area of Lockport (the neighboring town). It's called Old Stone Cafe and it's located in an historic limestone building. I called from work this morning to ask about the menu and they have lots of fresh fruit on the menu as well as oatmeal. I emailed Zach the place and we agreed on 9:00. This really sounds like a date!!??!! Seriously - YIKES!!! I mentioned to him that I had checked the art museum/gallery there but they were closed on Saturday (why on earth, I have no clue!). Zach's the chair of the fine arts department, so I thought it might be a good place to go. Anyway, here's why it sounds to me like a date: "The museum may closed but we can walk around the area—I think there are several interesting buildings." What do you think??

Whatever it is......I'm trying to relax about it. I'm going to bed early tonight, I'm in need of a good night's sleep. Tomorrow will be so nice because I will: 1) get out of the house, 2) talk to someone who is intelligent and interesting, 3) have coffee and breakfast prepared for me, 4) spend some time outside (just checked the weather, it's supposed to be gorgeous tomorrow - sunny and a very fall-ish 64 degrees), 5) spend time with someone who actually listens to what I have to say (one of the things that impressed me from the beginning was when I would stop in his office, he would come out from behind his desk and take one of the side chairs while we talked. I thought it was just so polite.), and 6) I have the entire rest of the day to do whatever I want!!

Tune in for an update! ;)