God save our gracious Queen,
God save our noble Queen.
God save the Queen.
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious
Long to reign over us
God save the Queen!

Those glorious words were ringing through the vast beams of the tool crib this morning. After the torrential downpour of yesterday there was a large puddle across the entrace to the tool crib (or kingdom). Upon entering the crib this morning Stephanie and I quickly decided that this was not just any pond - but THE pond. I hope you know what I mean (if not, find an encyclopedia pronto)

The dreary morning became much jollier when we realized the power of this pond. It was not a mere puddle of brown mud slush and water - but it held the ablitlity to transform even the most southern of speech into the sweet accent of the mother-land. Suffice to say that Stephanie and I quickly dubbed today, July 26th, a national tool crib holiday....Brithish Accent Only Day!(da da da!!! horns sounding)

I must admit that when we began enforcing the rules of this beloved holiday - volunteers were a little resistant. When we stopped a few bonnie lasses and strapping young men from engaging in speech that didn't have the proper tonal influx. However we had one you lad who upon hearing the rules jumped in head first with a "right-o, jolly good show!" He was a definate favorite of ours. After he broke the ice, others became less shy of their accents and began to follow suit. Its never about the quality of your accent - because being from Texas, Steph and I have absolutely horrid accents, but its the heart. (sniff sniff - could you please send us tissues if you think about it...)

One poor man, was a little self-conscious about his accent and refused to speak. He would only write, and I quote, "Desperately seeking strap" Another man attempted to communicate solely through sign language, unfortunately he was about a week to late, since "Sign Language Only Day" in the tool crib was last week. Poor planning indeed. But we did have a visitor stop by wary of the British accent and so he donned a New Jersey accent. While our New Jersey native, TJ, picked up an Irish accent in defiance. It was a cacauphony of accents - quite confusing. Overall we found that British accents are the best way to prevent un-needed questions, since many of our volunteers are gun shy about donning accents and would therefore leave and ask the other interns their questions - leaving us quite satisfied. (disclaimer - we love volunteers and questions...)

For any of you who have loved ones here at Lagniappe this week, you might want to call them and let them know that this Friday is karaoke day! We will not accept any tool requests or returns without a song and/or dance - just give them a heads up so they can begin practicing!
Cheerio to all, and God save the Queen!

****all this must be read in a British accent of course****