Neither rain nor hail nor sleet ...

"Neither rain nor hail nor sleet nor snow nor heat of day nor dark of night shall keep this carrier from the swift completion of his appointed rounds.”

Postal employee Newman after completing his mail route

Here’s a little known fact from yet another famous postal worker, Cliff, from the 80’s sitcom Cheers. Often incorrectly cited as the motto of the U.S. Postal Service, this quote actually is an inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City, derived from a quote from The Histories of Herodotus, referring to the courier service of the ancient Persian Empire. So there you have it. Right from a U.S. mail carrier’s mouth.

While we’re on the subject of the U.S. Postal Service, Mom and Pappy John stopped at the smallest working Post Office in the United States during their EcoTour while in Fort Myers, Florida. It was closed because it was a Presidents Day, but their tour guide assured them that a U.S. Postal employee reports to duty there every day. Unless they can freely lift their leg on some vegetation like Saw Palm, I don’t know where they relieve themselves. But that’s their problem.

Pappy John at the Ochopee Post Office in Florida

Finally, for those of you who are not Seinfeld fans, I would like to introduce you the classic, short, pudgy mailman for whom I was named.

The Name Game

All expectant parents are faced with the name game dilemma at some point before the arrival of their bouncing bundle of joy.

• What are we going to name junior? Or perhaps even more contentious, will he be a junior? After all, who needs two people in the same household with the same name?



• Will the initial letters spell out some horrible word that kids will use to torment him on the playground? Take Alex Samuel Smith, for example.



• What would the name be spelled backwards? Case in point, Lana.

Expecting to bring home a little girl, I was supposed to be Thelma Lou. Finally, on the eve before my arrival, M & D agreed upon "Newman," derived from Old English meaning "newcomer."

With Mom being one of the biggest Seinfeld fans in the world, she finds the name doubly appropriate - especially when she catches me tramping through her flower beds, plucking whatever plant happens to tickle my fancy at the time. With nostrils flared, lip up-turned in disgust, and teeth clamped together, she mutters "Newman" just like Jerry does after he discovers that his archenemy, Newman, is responsible for something bad that happens in the show.

Enough about the history of how I got my name. What I really need your assistance with is helping my 9-week-old friend, Peanut, decide what her nickname should be. Her sophisticated name is Amity Hall’s Ticket to Vegas, but obviously that's too long for everyday purposes. Just imagine her mom calling out "Amity Hall’s Ticket to Vegas, NO!!!"

Dear Newman -

My name is Peanut. I was named Peanut 'cuz I was the runt of my litter. I was so small and cute that my mom thought Peanut was a good name for me. But now I am turning 9 weeks old and I need a big girl name. My fancy name is Amity Hall’s Ticket to Vegas. My mom has narrowed down the choices to call me either “Nevada” or “Vegas.” But, I just can’t make up my mind! What's a girl gonna do? Could you please run a poll on your blog to help me decide? Thanx a bunch, big guy!

Love - Peanut (for now)

What should my new name be?
Please cast your vote now!

(Poll located at the top right of your screen)