Welcome to Morgan Terrace

News from Tim and Tony

2009-02-28T18:09:00.002-06:00

The miracle of the journey in life are the people who you meet and become your guides along the way. The best are sometimes the most unexpected. When we crossed paths with each other in the summer of 1993, it was the beginning of an amazing trek with its surprising turns and unanticipated detours.

Throughout most of our relationship, we have been able to serve as each other's guide. This has not been without its challenges as each of us have struggled to stay true to ourselves while supporting the other. Over time, as each of us have grown, staying in sync as we share the same journey has been an increasing challenge.

We have reached a crossroads, and we have decided to change the nature of our relationship as it stands now. Together, we are beginning the process of building separate futures.

While deeply sad for both of us, we part ways with great satisfaction that we've given this partnership the most we are each capable of. We part honoring the deep respect and fondness we have for each other, and celebrating our time together: the shared memories, and the individuals who have encouraged us along the way.

As we work to create new possibilities for each other, it is with great hope that our paths will continue to cross, and we will honor and celebrate the deep friendship that exists between us. In this spirit, we are acknowledging that relationships evolve over time. When they can evolve together, it's magical, but sometimes they evolve away from each other. In either situation, we believe the healthiest thing to do is acknowledge the change and celebrate it for what it is.

No matter how you came into our lives, you now belong to both of us. We know that we will be able to count on each of you for your continued love and support and ongoing celebration of our lives' journeys.

With Love,
Tim, Tony

When One Door Closes, Another Opens

2008-12-25T11:43:00.003-06:00

2008 Annual Report to Careholders Posted

I sat by the fire, today, reading a pile of annual Christmas letters. I was multi-tasking, looking for inspiration to write our own 2008 Annual Report while trying to dry out my inner ear. It’s filled with water. I started swimming regularly this past year, figuring if our portfolio was rolling back the Bush years, then there is no better time to also lose our Bush Weight. Soon, we’ll be back to where we were in 2000, and the past eight years of fear and hate will be a distant memory. While we may very well be living in a global depression, the least we can do is look good while trying to hold on to hope.

Just as we are closing the door in an amazing chapter of our collective history, opening another door to unknown opportunities, 2008 has been a year of transition to new horizons that we look greatly forward to exploring and sharing in 2009.

Warm regards,
Timothy State & Anthony Dornacher

Continue reading our annual report.

Merry Christmas from the Waffle House

2008-12-25T09:25:00.004-06:00

"Merry Christmas" was spelled out across the glass door in a silver metallic plastic holiday script. Fake holly spruced the greeting, which was held in place by suction cups. It's the type of holiday adornment that begs you in from the winter wind we're experiencing today and makes you feel as if you've arrived at home.

And at home we were, for our annual Christmas dinner at Waffle House. With family scattered across the country and friends spending the day with their families, we've found our annual trip to Waffle House a refreshing break from the traditional spread of overeating, box wine and weather talk. For us, it symbolizes the end of the holiday season, culminating in a Double Texas Cheese Steak sandwich with hash browns: scattered, smothered and covered.

Today, when we walked into Waffle House, the entire Waffle House family was there. Not because the restaurant was busy, but because Waffle House had either just gone through a shift change, or they were about to go through a shift change. There were Waffle House Crew members hanging out everywhere, and with no rhyme or reason. Some littered the booths, while others had ponied up and saddled on the bar. A few just clung to a virtual space they had carved out as their own.

In hindsight, I should have sat down elsewhere. Not only was my back to the grill and most of the restaurant, I was also right beneath the air conditioning system. Generally, this is not a problem, but I was in no position to see or hear anything going on in the restaurant, which for me is just as much torture as time out is to a three-year-old. My efforts to better position myself were to no avail: I couldn't hear crap with that damn air conditioning running right above my head. And to make matters worse, the She-He manager came from the back and cued up "Christmas In Dixie" on the jukebox.

By now in New York City
There's snow on the ground
And out in California
The sunshine's falling down
And maybe down in Memphis
Graceland's all in lights
And in Atlanta, Georgia
There's peace on earth tonight

"I told you to never hang out here again," yelled the She-He as the vocal sounds of Alabama proclaimed peace on earth. The She-He had spotted a worker sitting at the bar, who apparently was not to be sitting at the bar, or in the restaurant for that mater. While I could not hear the entire discourse over the air conditioning, I did manage to pick up the gist of the conversation and a few quality sound bytes. I struggled to filter Alabama (apologies in advance to Alabamans everywhere) from the Alabama transplants, but the jukebox was blaring from the corner. I couldn't very well turn around and stare, or maybe that was my mistake.

Christmas in Dixie
It's snowing in the pines
Merry Christmas from Dixie
To everyone tonight

This was shaping up to be a real family dinner. The two yelled back and forth at each other. The She-He manager made it clear he was not supposed to be there. He pointed out his mama didn't give him bus fare. She-He said it wasn't her-his fault his mama didn't give him bus fair. He was not supposed to be there.

It's windy in Chicago
The kids are out of school
There's magic in Motown
The city's on the move

Our server, Mary, set my Texas Cheese Steak Plate in front of me. "You want ketchup with that?" "No," I replied, waving her off and at the same time silencing her with a hand gesture. My Texas Cheese Steak sandwich was more than well-done, but to complain at this moment on this day to a woman named Mary seemed petty.

In Jackson, Mississippi
To Charlotte, Caroline
And all across the Nation
It's a peaceful Christmas time

"If I ever see you here again," piped the She-He manager, "I'll fire your slack-a** so fast you'll never get home to your Mama."

Christmas in Dixie
It's snowing in the pines
Merry Christmas from Dixie
To everyone tonight

"Now get you're a** out of here before I call the po-lice." He got up, pulled his over-sized black jeans to just below his waist, and walked towards the door. He announced his departure, slamming his weight against the door, making a huge dramatic bang, underscoring his rejection by the Waffle House. The force knocked the "Merry Christmas" sign from its suction cups, leaving the word "merry" dangling upside down in poignant commentary as holly hit the floor.

And from Fort Payne, Alabama ...
"God Bless Y'all, We love ya,
Happy New Year, Goodnight.
Merry Christmas!! "
Merry Christmas tonight ...

"Did you want a refill on that sweet tea, hon?" asked Mary.

Granted, Today is Day for Thanks

2008-11-26T20:55:00.002-06:00

On Thanksgiving Day in 2001, we sent out the last of what had become an annual Thanksgiving Greeting of Thanks. In hindsight, it just seemed that each year was stagnant, if not worse that the year before. Sure, we've both achieved individual successes of which we are grateful and thankful for through the years. But they were small victories overshadowed by what was becoming a darker, more divided world.

It's hard to believe that for almost a decade now, we've lived in a world dominated by fear that others are out to get us. That, as a society, we must kill others before they kill us. Today, we are most thankful that this world order is rapidly crumbling and fading into our past. We hold out hope that, collectively, we're coming to recognize our greatest power comes from within us, through loving each other. As we reflect on the past year and ponder our future, it appears that what we wrote in 2001 is just as relevant and important today as it was eight years ago.
Granted, Today is Day for Thanks

When you're a gay man, there are certain aspects of life you can't take for granted. Others sometimes do, but we can't.

As a gay man, you can't take your family for granted. So many of our friends have been banished from their homes, cut-off from their family, simply because they are gay. Simply because Mom and Dad don't believe it's right. Simply because their family has become so distracted by living up to the expectations of others, they simply have forgot what it means to be a family, to love unconditionally, and to accept what you cannot change.

You can't take your friends for granted. People you connect with deeply are so rare. When you do come across a person who touches you, life moves at such a quick pace, we've come to learn you must work hard to keep them because tomorrow, they may not be there.

You can't take health insurance for granted. Or right of survivorship, or housing or employment for that matter. Any of these can be taken away from you without notice, or denied simply because you're gay. Most people don't know the basic rights we all take for granted that can be denied a man simple because he lives with another man.

You can't take your life for granted. Matthew Shepard. Fred Martinez, Jr. And this week, Aaron Webster. The list of names goes on. It's a list of talented, capable people whose lives have been taken by another so filled with hate, they can rationalize killing another person. Every week of the year, we read of another gay man whose life has been taken in a beating or slaying not because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but because they were gay.

So on this day, we take a moment as gay men to give thanks. There is plenty for us to be thankful for.

We are thankful for the family we create. We are thankful for all the Moms and Dads out there. Even though you are not our Mom and Dad, your love and acceptance has touched us at the deepest level, and it gives us great comfort to know that we don't just have to rely on our Moms and Dads who brought us into this world. We are thankful for the entire network of Moms and Dads who open their doors and their hearts and welcome us into their lives. And of course, we are thankful for our true families, who are unconditionally supportive.

We are thankful for the friends who stand by us. You are our foundation. You give us strength when we have none. You make us smile when we feel nothing but a frown. The ups are twice as high when you're around, and the downs half as low. We are thankful for all the time you give us, and the moments we share.

We are thankful there are people in our lives who value the contributions of others over what goes on in their personal lives. We are thankful we don't have to live in the constant fear our job will be terminated simply because a superior cannot evaluate our performance, and feels the need to make a statement about their personal prejudices. And we are thankful there are experts who can help us to protect what others naturally have, so that one unfortunate moment will not unravel our lives forever.

We are thankful we have our life and we are able to live our life to the fullest without narrow-mindedness standing in the way. And that we are able to reach out, touch and move others. We are thankful that our life and the way we live it makes a difference in the lives of others.

Because of our families, our friends who are like family, and those around us in our daily lives and interactions, our life can and does make a difference in the world. That might just be what we are most thankful for.

Best,

Timothy State & Anthony Dornacher

An Open Apology to Boomers

2008-11-08T09:00:00.002-06:00

This article that showed up in the Salon today captures exactly how I feel, and my overall world view. It's so on target, I'm jealous I didn't write it.

Living the Obama Rally

2008-11-05T07:24:00.004-06:00

Check out our first-hand report of the Grant Park Rally on my blog.

More on the Obama Election Night Rally

Tony's Obama Rally Photoset
Tim's Obama Rally Photoset, Includes a few videos
Tony's Twitter Page
Tim's Twitter Page
Chicagoist's live-blogging report on the Obama Rally with Tim's contributions
Chicagoist's Obama Rally Photo Galley I
Chicagoist's Obama Rally Photo Galley II
Chicagoist's Obama Rally Photo Galley III

Was that Tony on NBC?

Yes, we bumped into Kevin Tibbles moments before he went live, and Tony jumped in the background. And the facial hair? Yeah, that's new, too. Tim was busy snapping photos.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Jessica, a.k.a. Little Mary Sunshine, who was able to get us the tickets so that we could tag along as "+1."

2008-11-03T18:21:00.002-06:00

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather Tuesday night in Chicago's lakefront Grant Park, where Senator Barack Obama will speak from a stage facing the skyline. And we have tickets for the ticketed event in Hutchinson Field.

We'll have our cameras and cell phones in hand, and will be “live blogging” via Twitter. You'll be able to follow-along on our Twitter pages:

What is the Barack Obama Rally?

Check out the Tribune's Guide to the Rally
Tribune Photos
Grant Park Map

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a service that allows people to stay in touch through the exchange of quick, frequent messages. Registered users of Twitter can "follow" us to have messages pushed to your own Twitter page, or even as a text message on your cell phone. Check out Twitter now.

"Weenie Scallopini" to be Published in Anthology

2008-09-08T19:44:00.002-05:00

Timothy State's recently completed short story, "Weenie Scallopini" will be published in Nine Hundered & Sixty-Nine: West Hollywood Stories, set for release on Tuesday, September 23 in time for the book's debut at the West Hollywood Bookfair on Sunday, September 28.

Nine Hundered & Sixty-Nine is edited by Steven Soucy with an introduction by Patricia Nell Warren, New York Times best-selling author of The Front Runner. Fourteen stories make up the collection, which explores the unique culture of West Hollywood from a variety of perspectives.

"Weenie Scallopini" shares pages with the stories of other award-winning and celebrated authors like Felice Picano, Jameson Currier, and Shaun Levin.

The book will be available for purchase on-line later this month.

About "Weenie Scallopini"

When a male couple relocates from Des Moines to the gay capitol of West Hollywood, they're in for a bit of culture shock. Joe acclimates into a world of protein shakes, gym schedules, and elite social circles like a pro. While his partner Frank flamboyantly expresses his love through the art of the casserole.

When the two host a dinner party to meet new friends, Joe is embarrassed by their Midwestern roots, leaving Frank confused and wondering who has the better recipe for life.

Excerpt from "Weenie Scallopini"

"Ta-da!"

Frank emerged from the kitchen in oven mitts. He carried a large casserole dish, flashing it at an angle.

It was bubbling hot; the cheese had formed a black crust covering the top. Little hot dog bits swam amongst sliced celery, onions, and potatoes in a creamy sea of mushroom soup. He set it down on a hot pad at the end of the table, before a circle of silent gay men.

"This is really hot, so you're going to have to pass your plates."

David broke the silence. "Is there any, umm, salad?"

"Oh, yes, here." Frank scooped red beet salad onto David’s plate. "It's my grandma's recipe."

"Is there anything leafy without a cream base?"

Frank looked at Joe, who merely shrugged.

"Zucchini fritter?" Frank handed him a serving dish.

"Sorry, fried."

Frank had never had a guest refuse a dish back in Des Moines, or at least so overtly.

David thumped his abs. "Carbs are the enemy."

"I've been trying to tell Frank that ever since we moved. But he loves his casseroles. He's slowly killing me with cream of mushroom soup."

Frank glared at Joe, confused.

"I haven't had a casserole in years. Come to think of it, the last time was when I went to Kansas City for my grandmother's funeral. The neighbors brought over some mystery casserole topped in shredded potato chips."

Walk Score

2008-07-19T11:40:00.001-05:00

Our Walk Score here at Morgan Terrace is 86 out of 100, placing us in the "Very Walkable" category, just four points from being in a Walker's paradise. Chicago is #4 on the list of most walkable cities.

That's a significant improvement over our score where we lived in Lake Forest - 40, which is "Car Dependent."

And in Atlanta, at Barnes Place, we had a score of 77, "Very Walkable."

Long John Strives for Top Dog Status

2008-06-26T21:07:00.004-05:00

Come out and cheer Team Long John to Victory!

MidWest Dachshund Races
Arlington Park Race Track
Thursday, July 3
Races start at 7 p.m.

Weighing in at 10.5 pounds, and at 11 years old, classifying for a prime position in the Senior Sausage age category, Long John Dornacher will hit the speedway for top dog prize at next week's MidWest Dachshund Races.

"We really hope that he'll cut the mustard and more than ketchup with the crowd, but set the pace," said Team Long John manager, Anthony Dornacher.

Long John has been training, doing morning laps around the block in the West Loop.

"Now that Oprah is on summer hiatus, we don't have a gaggle of Oprah fans lining up to see the show. Their 'Ooing' and 'Ahhing' and 'Is that one of those wiener dogs?'-cooing just offered up a distraction," observed his coach, Timothy State.

Manager Anthony Dornacher is concerned about the fragility of Long John's aging spine. To counteract any discomfort, State has been icing the arch of his back, giving daily massages, and providing him fish oil capsules for lubrication.

"Everything's moving faster, and I suspect he's going to do well." said State. "I mean, this dog is all rib cage and abs, suspended under one supple spine, his bottle nose breaking the wind. I dare any Oprah fan to try to catch him. Sans their gold lamé heels."

Long John Overcomes Adversity

CUE: Jim McKay 'Wide World of Sports' Sympathy Music

Jim McKay: Having recently lost his lifetime companion, Sheleata Kanatuna, to a dreadful cancer known as feline fiber sarcoma, Long John succumbed to a downward spiral of doom -- depression. For weeks on end, he failed to get out of bed.

In March, he hit rock bottom, incessantly licking his paws while longing in the bed all day.

It was during this period that Manager Dornacher left town for for a business trip with his new job. For two weeks, he was in Macon, Georgia, with parachuting Elvi (the plural of Elvis) and Miss Georgia, where Dornacher grand opened an upscale shopping center. Irony aside, Long John was left at home to care for State.

When State forgot to eat, Long John was forced to take charge. With vivacious energy, Long John circled the block. He ran freely, ears flapping in the breeze. A liveliness not seen since before the days of Sheleata Kanatuna's sudden demise.

They say that the body heals through motion. They say that the body heals the mind. And so, through motion, he healed his mind, and his depression. Long John, he runs. He runs like the wind. To be free again.

But he had such a long way to go, to make it to the border of Mexico. So he runs like the wind.

And then injury.

While Manager Dornacher was schmoozing Georgian Beauty Queens, Long John's rear right foot was consumed by the building's entry door in a tragic morning walk accident. What was left was skin, flapping in the breeze. In a role reversal, State scooped up the hobbling wiener, whisking him away to the emergency vet where a team of medial experts patched his foot back together, ironically, by applying glue to his hoof.

CUE: Jim McKay 'Wide World of Sports' Rebound Music

Long John worked through his inner depression through taking to the streets. His hoof now healed, he's back, and he's stronger than ever. Next week, will he take the title in the Senior Sausage category? Will he achieve a dream only Sheleata could have hoped for?

# # #

Happy Memorial Day

2008-05-26T08:58:00.002-05:00

Hoosier House, originally uploaded by Timothy State.

Wishing everyone a relaxing day. Take a moment to remember those who gave their lives to set up this day for relaxing.

A Wake for Sheleata Kanatuna

2008-03-30T15:00:00.001-05:00

A small intimate crowd came together last night to remember Sheleata Kanatuna while celebrating Earth Hour. Taking photos was a bit of a challenge with the only light provided by 200 votive candles. But we did manage to snap a few, and they are now posted on the web.

Friends hosted a wake in Atlanta last night as well. They sent us a few snapshots that we've also posted.

Four items were left, and they have been posted in the Gallery of Lost Dishes.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T09:53:00.001-05:00

Hope your Easter is a Scream!

Long John Banged Up

2008-03-17T21:14:00.004-05:00

Long John got in the way of the door this morning -- as it was opening. Another dog barked, and he turned into the door to bark at him, his foot getting stuck underneath the door.

The resulting flesh wound wasn't too bad, but the flapping scrap of skin and fur about made me vomit, especially when he plopped down after eating his breakfast to lick the wound.

So I scooped him up and we were off to a 6:30 a.m. visit to the animal E.R. I won't tell you what they did, but here you can see his new look with the lampshade and a coordinating gauze bow. I'm concerned that tomorrow's Oprah fans are going to eat him for breakfast, he looks so cute.

A Wake for Sheleata Kanatuna

2008-03-09T15:57:00.006-05:00

Celebrating His Life, One Casserole at a Time

Saturday, March 29, 2008
7:05 p.m.

Join us for a celebration of Sheleata Kanatuna's Life.

Please bring a dish (a cat-serole, if you will) to share and the beverage of your choice. Appetizers and mixers provided. Mourning bonnets strongly encouraged.

R.S.V.P. Now.

Earth Hour

The evening also celebrates Earth Hour. Please turn off all your lights before joining us. If you cannot join us, please consider signing up for Earth Hour, and turning off your lights and powering down all electrical items from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m..

Better Late Than Never: Annual Report to Caregivers Now On-Line

2008-02-16T12:25:00.007-06:00

Our Annual Report for Caregivers is now available on-line. For the past several years, we've found ourselves in transition around the holidays, which have made it difficult to send out holiday greetings and our annual summary of all things Morgan Terrace. And this year, Sheleata Kanatuna's illness and passing delayed the announcement.

We had some down time over the holidays to pull together an update on the animals, quick links to trip photos and stories, and a feature new this year: "Is This Thing On?" podcast, featuring the Best Voicemail Messages left us in 2007. It's now all posted and ready for your browsing. We hope you'll check it out.

Our very best for a prosperous year: may it be filled with love, laughter, and healthy living.

All our love,
Tim & Tony

Remembering Sheleata Kanatuna

2008-01-30T20:58:00.000-06:00

Related Links

Earlier this evening, Sheleata Kanatuna, Tiger Prince of Barnes Place and then Morgan Terrace, peacefully succumbed to feline fibrosarcoma, an invasive cancer in the connective tissue. He was nearly twelve.

Mr. Kanatuna was diagnosed in August and underwent an exorcism to remove the demon tumor that had appeared in the roof of his mouth. There was a chemotherapy and radiation treatment option, and his medical team suggested an air lift to Purdue University where he could have been attached to a machine.

Always noble and not one for travel, Mr. Kanatuna opted for the less-invasive home hospice care. On his last evening, he dined on chicken liver, surrounded by family and the books he so loved, purring loudly as he gazed from his perch one last time.

Not one to follow another agenda, Mr. Kanatuna scratched at the face of death in his final moments before crossing over to a place of peace.
Continue Reading Sheleata Kanatuna's Biography

Remembering Mr. Kanatuna

Mr. Kanatuna is survived by Director of Catering and Guest Relations Anthony Dornacher, Director of Ambiance and Entertainment Timothy State, Long John, and Buster Highmen.

In lieu of flowers, fans of Mr. Kanatuna are encouraged to make a donation in his memory to the Atlanta Humane Society, or Chicago's Anti-Cruelty Society.

Dornacher and State will be hosting a wake for Mr. Kanatuna on a date in March, still to be set. More information on Sheleata Kanatuna's wake will be available at www.MorganTerrace.net.

Elvis Birthday Party All Shook Up

2008-01-06T15:05:00.000-06:00

Over 80 people came together to pay tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, singing happy birthday as the banana creme-filled cake was cut. The best cape prize goes to Roxilana Hays and Synoma Hays. A runner up nod goes to Rich Saucedo and Mark Liberson.

Photos of the evening have been published in a quicktime slideshow, which is now available in the Events section of MorganTerrace.net.

Five items were left behind and are now posted in the Gallery of Lost Dishes. Guest can go to the Gallery to claim their dish and arrange for the item's return.

The best Guest Book Comment of the night goes to Bobby Murphy, who penned, "Thanks for the invite to pi."

Many thanks to all who joined us for the evening. We hope you had as much fun as we did hosting you at Morgan Terrace.

Our Next Event

2007-12-16T20:31:00.000-06:00

Dornacher Accepts Employment Offer

2007-10-30T08:17:00.000-05:00

Months of keying recipes into the computer, swapping grocery store novels over the internet, and dozing off mid-afternoon while reading the Wall Street Journal have come to a close for Anthony Dornacher. Since March when he was right-sized (for the forth time) after 13-years of service with American Express, his sole title in life has been Director of Catering and Guest Relations. Today, he took on a new role, reporting to the corporate headquarters of General Growth Properties as their Manager of Gift Card Technology.

Dornacher will oversee the technology components of the gift card program to be implemented at General Growth's 200-plus shopping centers around the country.

The position taps into his account and project management experience, and technical oversight. It represents a venture into the quickly expanding industry of gift cards, and a departure from the shrinking industry of travel management.

"This is a huge adjustment for all," said Timothy State, director of ambiance and entertainment, referring to Dornacher reporting to an office after working out of the house for nearly 10 years. "I suspect the animals will start behaving better, now that they will not be held, stroked, and coddled throughout the day."

At the completion of his first day, Dornacher brought home stories of "the ladies at the office," observation from the cube farm that is his new surroundings, and a keycard that provides access to the toilet.

Photo Links and Travel Links Updated

2007-09-15T12:57:00.000-05:00

We spent some time updating the links on the Photos page and on the Travel page. Included you'll find photos from our summer trip to London and Italy, Labor Day weekend photos, and the Macy's protest.

Breaking News: Cancer Confirmed in Sheleata

2007-09-06T23:15:00.000-05:00

Another phone call during the dinner hour confirmed that Sheleata Kanatuna's tests came back positive for Feline Fibrosarcoma, a malignant (invasive) cancer originating from fibrous connective tissue. It can spread to other parts of the body. Sheleata has a follow-up appointment scheduled for next week, and more details will be available at that time.

Sheleata Kanatuna Diagnosed with Potential Cancer

2007-08-21T20:10:00.000-05:00

Sheleata Kanatuna, tiger prince of Morgan Terrace, has been diagnosed with oral spindle cell sarcoma. Dr. Scott called this evening to follow-up on tests run following last week's removal of a growth in Sheleata's mouth. The growth was discovered by Director of Ambiance and Entertainment Timothy State when he found the cat sitting in the bathroom sink.

"He appeared to be panting," said State, who noticed a pink tongue-like appendage sticking out of his mouth a week ago last Saturday. "I yelled to Tony to turn on the air conditioning. I figured the cat was practically passed out, panting in the porcelain sink. But then I noticed it was his upper lip that was pink."

Sunday, the pink appendage, Demarris, was large enough to name, and when the the vet examined Sheleata on Monday morning, its grotesque proportions caused the vet to cringe and dry heave. "I've never seen anything like this," she said as she whisked Sheleata away for a second opinion. Within the hour, Sheleata was under the knife. Director of Catering and Guest Relations Tony Dornacher sat in the waiting room as the exorcism was performed. Extracting Demarris from his soul, the growth and a bad tooth completely removed.

When State returned home from the office, Sheleata was stumbling around the house like a drunk frat boy. He sat on the counter, admiring the kitchen knives before making love to them by rubbing against them repeatedly. He's recovered comfortably this week, and all was well until tonight, when the phone rang -- bad news always comes when the family has just sat down to dinner.

More tests need to be run. It might be cancerous, it might not be. We just don't know. There's a machine at Perdu University we could hook the cat up to and it would do something, but the machine is not working right now. If it is cancer, we can sit down with a cat oncologist and discuss treatment options. The cat jumped up on the dinner table and lounged like Elizabeth Taylor in a Turner Classic Movie, Demarris just a distant memory. Tony hung up the phone. Sheleata's tail fanned the table.

"Depending on cost..." Dornacher's voice trailed off as he ate some applesauce.

"I say we put Buster down," said State, cutting a pork chop. "Let's let the cat live his final days in peace."

There are many unanswered questions. But truth lives no farther than the internet, particularly once one figures out how to spell. Spindle cell sarcoma is a type of connective tissue cancer where the cells take on a spindle shape. "Oral" is attached to indicate it's found in the mouth, or oral region. Google knows all.

Tour Morgan Terrace

2007-08-19T16:48:00.000-05:00

You can now click on individual rooms in the Morgan Terrace Floorplan to see current photos of those rooms. Check out the photos snapped last night before welcoming guests to dinner.

Frisky Kitchen Blog Now Incorporated

2007-08-19T16:26:00.000-05:00

See what's cooking in the Frisky Kitchen on the new Frisky Kitchen Blog. Director of Catering and Guests Relations Anthony Dornacher posts recipes he's preparing, as well as menus. And when he gets a recipe to share, he also posts it.

The new Frisky Kitchen Blog is located in the writing section. You can also get to it through the new sub-domain, friskykitchen.morganterrace.net.

Welcome to Morgan Terrace

News from Tim and Tony

When One Door Closes, Another Opens

Merry Christmas from the Waffle House

Granted, Today is Day for Thanks

An Open Apology to Boomers

Living the Obama Rally

"Weenie Scallopini" to be Published in Anthology

Walk Score

Long John Strives for Top Dog Status

Happy Memorial Day

A Wake for Sheleata Kanatuna

Happy Easter

Long John Banged Up

A Wake for Sheleata Kanatuna

Celebrating His Life, One Casserole at a Time

Saturday, March 29, 20087:05 p.m.

Earth Hour

Better Late Than Never: Annual Report to Caregivers Now On-Line

Remembering Sheleata Kanatuna

Elvis Birthday Party All Shook Up

Our Next Event

Dornacher Accepts Employment Offer

Photo Links and Travel Links Updated

Breaking News: Cancer Confirmed in Sheleata

Sheleata Kanatuna Diagnosed with Potential Cancer

Tour Morgan Terrace

Frisky Kitchen Blog Now Incorporated

Saturday, March 29, 2008
7:05 p.m.