The Top 10 was another disappointment. David Cook once again stood on the shoulders of others. This week Idol admitted he was singing a Chris Cornell rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and while he did sing fine, I'd like to see him do something that is original (since that's the praise he gets) rather than copycat another's alternative arrangement. Cook is leading at this point and would at least have some commercial appeal.
David Archuleta was dull; his vocal was not clear and strong. Simon was right it was as if he was singing at a theme park. And, seriously David, you need to get beyond the "social consciousness" cliche of a 17 yr old. I don't think he'd make a good commercial recording artist. He might be a fine Christian contemporary artist, however.
Carly Smithson did OK with a passable copy of "Total Eclipse of the Heart." Jason Castro was ok, but lifeless. He needs to mix it up. The rest seemed a mess vocally. Seriously, this is a dreadfully dull season of Idol.
GRΣΣK did not get started on a great foot mostly because they have added a severely annoying "national chapter" girl to put one of the sororities (ZBZ) back on the straight and narrow. I'm a bit bored with the Cappie-Casey-Rebecca-Evan thing.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Misc. Items
"Morristown teenager Josiah Leming (Youtube) -- forever known as the kid living out of his car on "American Idol" season 7 -- has signed with Warner Bros. records" according to a blog on Knoxnews.com
Don't dunk and drive.
Dolly Parton will be a guest on "American Idol" April 1-2.
Another study, this time saying circumcised men no less likely to get sex diseases.
Don't dunk and drive.
Dolly Parton will be a guest on "American Idol" April 1-2.
Another study, this time saying circumcised men no less likely to get sex diseases.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Top 11 Results
Amanda is out. Not surprised, but I'm disappointed because she could work the stage and was entertaining to watch. The show will only get harder to watch. The other of the bottom two was the forgettable Kristy Lee Cook, the ex-RCA recording artist Carly Smithson rounded out the bottom three. Only the top 10 tour.
Announced "mentors" include Dolly, Mariah, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond. The Top 10 Idols will perform songs from the year they were born and Season 2 alum, Kimberley Locke, will return to perform on the results show.
Listening to the studio-recording clips on iTunes, Michael Johns and Jason Castro (could win it all) sounded best. David Archuleta sounds alright but the a lot of his charm is sucked out by production, much as happened with Clay Aiken. Clay was far better live on Idol than on his albums.
Sean Astin played a preacher on the original "Law & Order" tonight. I suspect the episode might upset some people since he was cast as a radical "warrior" for Christ in the mold of extremist mullahs. I find it boorish and contrived. On the upside, Carolyn McCormick was back as Dr. Olivet.
"GRΣΣK" returns soon. The second half "Kyle XY" (Season 2) has ended with Amanda missing, kidnapped either by Latnock organization or Taylor, Jessie XX's "father."
Announced "mentors" include Dolly, Mariah, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond. The Top 10 Idols will perform songs from the year they were born and Season 2 alum, Kimberley Locke, will return to perform on the results show.
Listening to the studio-recording clips on iTunes, Michael Johns and Jason Castro (could win it all) sounded best. David Archuleta sounds alright but the a lot of his charm is sucked out by production, much as happened with Clay Aiken. Clay was far better live on Idol than on his albums.
Sean Astin played a preacher on the original "Law & Order" tonight. I suspect the episode might upset some people since he was cast as a radical "warrior" for Christ in the mold of extremist mullahs. I find it boorish and contrived. On the upside, Carolyn McCormick was back as Dr. Olivet.
"GRΣΣK" returns soon. The second half "Kyle XY" (Season 2) has ended with Amanda missing, kidnapped either by Latnock organization or Taylor, Jessie XX's "father."
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Idol Top 11. The Beatles, Part 2.
David Archuleta returned to form tonight with “The Long and Winding Road.” Sadly he was the only real highlight tonight. When I first saw the performance online I did tingle a bit. I'm very happy he's back and the song was spot on for his style.
Amanda Overmyer rocked “Back in the U.S.S.R.” but it just didn't seem authentic this week. It was a bizarre song choice anyway with many of the contestants, and millions of voters, not able to even remember the U.S.S.R. Since I do, it all seemed even weirder. I generally like her but this wasn't her best.
Kristy Lee Cook attempted “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” a song I don't really know. It was worse than bad because it was unmemorable and I suspect she's headed for the bottom three on Wednesday.
Former frontman Michael Johns did ok on “A Day in the Life” but the song is too long to be trimmed to about 90 seconds. He may have pandered a bit after the judges critique saying he chose the song as it was his dead friend's favorite. He's fine on stage but there's just a bit of passion, of authenticity, missing. He might be in danger because he's not really standing out compared to David Cook who some might put in the same rock-style voice category.
Brooke White warbled “Here Comes the Sun” and was boring but at least I remembered her. The dress was a very sunny yellow. She could be in danger.
David Cook acknowledged copying a rock group's rendition of “Day Tripper.” He needs to be careful. He's been borrowing arrangements a lot, some acknowledged and some alleged. I'm tired of seeing him with his guitar.
Carly Smithson chirped “Blackbird” and I found it boring. She looks bizarre with the eye makeup. I'm just not impressed with her and to say she's like the broken winged bird with struggles to break into the industry after millions were spent on her by RCA is ridiculous. She generally leaves me cold.
Syesha Mercado did better than last week with a version of “Yesterday.” I don't know, however, that it was good. I think she was trying to hard after almost being cut last week.
Chikezie attempted to play harmonica on “I’ve Just Seen a Face” and switched from a by-the-numbers R&B opening to a country thing mid-song. It was just all very, very weird. I hope he's gone soon but suspect he won't. I just don't get him at all.
Ramiele Malubay did not have a fantastic vocal with “I Should Have Known Better” but the beginning and end were fine and, unlike more than half the contestants, she looks like she knows how to perform on stage. I'm concerned she might be cut but I'd like to see her hang around a bit.
Jason Castro did a fair version of “Michelle” and at least put down the guitar this week. Still, it wasn't great and I think he looks quite goofy. He's definitely safe, however.
I watched season 6's performance shows again last night and there really is a difference. There might be more technicians this season but there's a bit of fun and performance that's missing which over-all makes the show boring.
Amanda Overmyer rocked “Back in the U.S.S.R.” but it just didn't seem authentic this week. It was a bizarre song choice anyway with many of the contestants, and millions of voters, not able to even remember the U.S.S.R. Since I do, it all seemed even weirder. I generally like her but this wasn't her best.
Kristy Lee Cook attempted “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” a song I don't really know. It was worse than bad because it was unmemorable and I suspect she's headed for the bottom three on Wednesday.
Former frontman Michael Johns did ok on “A Day in the Life” but the song is too long to be trimmed to about 90 seconds. He may have pandered a bit after the judges critique saying he chose the song as it was his dead friend's favorite. He's fine on stage but there's just a bit of passion, of authenticity, missing. He might be in danger because he's not really standing out compared to David Cook who some might put in the same rock-style voice category.
Brooke White warbled “Here Comes the Sun” and was boring but at least I remembered her. The dress was a very sunny yellow. She could be in danger.
David Cook acknowledged copying a rock group's rendition of “Day Tripper.” He needs to be careful. He's been borrowing arrangements a lot, some acknowledged and some alleged. I'm tired of seeing him with his guitar.
Carly Smithson chirped “Blackbird” and I found it boring. She looks bizarre with the eye makeup. I'm just not impressed with her and to say she's like the broken winged bird with struggles to break into the industry after millions were spent on her by RCA is ridiculous. She generally leaves me cold.
Syesha Mercado did better than last week with a version of “Yesterday.” I don't know, however, that it was good. I think she was trying to hard after almost being cut last week.
Chikezie attempted to play harmonica on “I’ve Just Seen a Face” and switched from a by-the-numbers R&B opening to a country thing mid-song. It was just all very, very weird. I hope he's gone soon but suspect he won't. I just don't get him at all.
Ramiele Malubay did not have a fantastic vocal with “I Should Have Known Better” but the beginning and end were fine and, unlike more than half the contestants, she looks like she knows how to perform on stage. I'm concerned she might be cut but I'd like to see her hang around a bit.
Jason Castro did a fair version of “Michelle” and at least put down the guitar this week. Still, it wasn't great and I think he looks quite goofy. He's definitely safe, however.
I watched season 6's performance shows again last night and there really is a difference. There might be more technicians this season but there's a bit of fun and performance that's missing which over-all makes the show boring.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Idol Top 11, Like Top 12
I missed out that Idol is doing a SECOND week of Beatles songs. One was bad enough, thank you!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Idol Top 12 Results
The first two announced on the bubble tonight were not a surprise to me. Syesha Mercado and Kristy Lee Cook were pretty awful last night. David Hernandez joined them in the bottom with the lowest vote totals.
The first eliminated from the Top 12 was David Hernandez! I didn't see that coming. I'll be interested in what people consider his downfall. There are many possibilities from the gay stripper past to coming across like a smark-alec having taken a class on the Beatles' music.
E-Online reports fan-favorite David Archuleta might have a "stage dad" and be the cause for David's rattled nerves on Tuesday's show.
Youtube has a clip of Josiah Leming singing the full version of Mika's "Grace Kelly"
The first eliminated from the Top 12 was David Hernandez! I didn't see that coming. I'll be interested in what people consider his downfall. There are many possibilities from the gay stripper past to coming across like a smark-alec having taken a class on the Beatles' music.
E-Online reports fan-favorite David Archuleta might have a "stage dad" and be the cause for David's rattled nerves on Tuesday's show.
Youtube has a clip of Josiah Leming singing the full version of Mika's "Grace Kelly"
Top 12 Idol Thoughts
It was Beatles night on Idol. I expected a mess and they delivered.
David Archuleta fumbled the lyric of "We Can Work It Out" but was ultimately uninspiring. He had the "pimp" spot, the final slot before the show wraps for the night. It was definitely not his best. He was apparently trying to do the Stevie Wonder cover version and by now Idol contestants should know to avoid his songs. They also turn out badly. He was frank with his lack of comfort and unfamiliarity with the Beatles.
David Cook was one of the top performers of the night with a convincing rock version of "Eleanor Rigby."
David Hernandez, the gay stripper, has usually been among the best but he was way over the top tonight by trying to go 50's rock-and-roll, saying the guitar in "I Saw Her Standing There" was inspired by Chuck Berry.
Brooke White played piano and worked through a passable version of "Let It Be."
Carly Smithson got effusive praise from the judges but I thought she yelled "Come Together" more than sang.
Ramiele Malubay underplayed "In My Life" too much and is probably in danger of elimination.
Jason Castro did his usual guitar strumming on "If I Fell," but it didn't work. He was working too hard to selling the emotions for the song. Still it was one of the better performances tonight.
Michael Johns, the Aussie, was alright on "Across the Universe" but a bit forgettable.
Amanda Overmyer, seemingly no ones favorite, was in top form with "You Can't Do That."
Kristy Lee Cook tortured "8 Days a Week" in a country arrangement and mirror mosaic dress.
Syesha Mercado, the first on state tonight, was awful on "Got To Get You Into My Life" and my pick to be in the bottom Wednesday.
Chikezie was a bit weird in his outfit but he sold the song "She's A Woman." Unfortunately I can't tell what he is as an artist.
I cast no votes. I'm not particularly wed to any of the singers this season.
I got free movie passes good through the end of June. Maybe something will be available between now and then that I'd like to see.
David Archuleta fumbled the lyric of "We Can Work It Out" but was ultimately uninspiring. He had the "pimp" spot, the final slot before the show wraps for the night. It was definitely not his best. He was apparently trying to do the Stevie Wonder cover version and by now Idol contestants should know to avoid his songs. They also turn out badly. He was frank with his lack of comfort and unfamiliarity with the Beatles.
David Cook was one of the top performers of the night with a convincing rock version of "Eleanor Rigby."
David Hernandez, the gay stripper, has usually been among the best but he was way over the top tonight by trying to go 50's rock-and-roll, saying the guitar in "I Saw Her Standing There" was inspired by Chuck Berry.
Brooke White played piano and worked through a passable version of "Let It Be."
Carly Smithson got effusive praise from the judges but I thought she yelled "Come Together" more than sang.
Ramiele Malubay underplayed "In My Life" too much and is probably in danger of elimination.
Jason Castro did his usual guitar strumming on "If I Fell," but it didn't work. He was working too hard to selling the emotions for the song. Still it was one of the better performances tonight.
Michael Johns, the Aussie, was alright on "Across the Universe" but a bit forgettable.
Amanda Overmyer, seemingly no ones favorite, was in top form with "You Can't Do That."
Kristy Lee Cook tortured "8 Days a Week" in a country arrangement and mirror mosaic dress.
Syesha Mercado, the first on state tonight, was awful on "Got To Get You Into My Life" and my pick to be in the bottom Wednesday.
Chikezie was a bit weird in his outfit but he sold the song "She's A Woman." Unfortunately I can't tell what he is as an artist.
I cast no votes. I'm not particularly wed to any of the singers this season.
I got free movie passes good through the end of June. Maybe something will be available between now and then that I'd like to see.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Oscar Tribute Snubs
Brad Renfro was snubbed in the tribute to deceased entertain persons in last night's Oscars. Their explanation? "We can't pay tribute to everyone." I've heard that before.
Jonathan Brandis was also snubbed by the Oscar tribute segment despite having been in 46 projects. They claimed he was more widely known for TV work but any look at his filmography puts a lie to that.
Jonathan Brandis was also snubbed by the Oscar tribute segment despite having been in 46 projects. They claimed he was more widely known for TV work but any look at his filmography puts a lie to that.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Two Years Later
Today marks two years since Mother passed on. I feel I owe her a bit of an apology for not making better use of the time and the resources at my disposal. Still, you can’t exactly skip steps.
I ambled up to Brother’s at noon to try to sign those documents but no one was home. I wandered off to the bank and made a deposit and moved some money from savings to checking so I can pay my March bills online. It was off to the grocery to pick up food for kitty. I got a few piggy items. Nutella, ice cream, stamps. Ok, I don’t eat stamps. Not yet anyway. On my travels I took note of who was hiring.
The walk was comfortable and easy although my feet are groaning. I picked up “active maturity” food for kitty and am mixing it in with her other food. I’m hoping it’ll smooth things out for her digestion. It was cooler today than expected.
When I left there was a notice from the complex someone wants to repair my metering system next week. Yeah. Whatever. They probably think it’s broken because my use is not as high as surrounding apartment. I’m just frugal.
I ambled up to Brother’s at noon to try to sign those documents but no one was home. I wandered off to the bank and made a deposit and moved some money from savings to checking so I can pay my March bills online. It was off to the grocery to pick up food for kitty. I got a few piggy items. Nutella, ice cream, stamps. Ok, I don’t eat stamps. Not yet anyway. On my travels I took note of who was hiring.
The walk was comfortable and easy although my feet are groaning. I picked up “active maturity” food for kitty and am mixing it in with her other food. I’m hoping it’ll smooth things out for her digestion. It was cooler today than expected.
When I left there was a notice from the complex someone wants to repair my metering system next week. Yeah. Whatever. They probably think it’s broken because my use is not as high as surrounding apartment. I’m just frugal.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Coroner on Brad Renfro Cause of Death
Knoxville News Sentinel
An old demon defeated Knoxville-born actor Brad Renfro...
"The results have come back, and we have closed the case based on those results," said Craig Harvey, L.A. County chief coroner investigator.
"The cause of death was established as acute heroin/morphine intoxication," said Harvey. "The coroner has indicated the injury occurred by injection, and the coroner has ruled the death an accident."
Renfro had finished shooting "The Informers" with Winona Ryder and Billy Bob Thornton shortly before he died. He gained national recognition starring alongside Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones in his first film, "The Client," which he made the summer he turned 11.
Renfro's legal problems involving drugs began in 1998 when he was charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana seven weeks before his 16th birthday. He reached an agreement with Knox County prosecutors to submit to random drug screenings in order to avoid a juvenile record.
Renfro was sentenced by a judge in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in January 2001 to two years of probation for attempting to steal a yacht in August 2000. In May 2001, he was arrested in Knox County for underage consumption of alcohol. After he was arrested in Knoxville for public intoxication in January 2002, he spent a short stint in a Florida jail before being ordered to enter a three-month substance-abuse treatment program.
In November 2005, Renfro was arrested in Los Angeles for driving under the influence, but the incident that signaled the depth of his substance-abuse problems was his December 2005 arrest for attempting to buy heroin in L.A.'s skid row district. After a brief stint in jail on his DUI charge in March 2006, he entered a rehab program in lieu of jail for the heroin arrest...
Harvey speculated that Renfro's overdose could have occurred because the actor had not been using drugs in a while.
"Other people had told us that he was off of the injectables; he wasn't using anything injectable," said Harvey. "You have guys that … go to prison and they were IV drug users, and they're in prison for a period of time. Then they get out of prison, and the first thing they do is they'll score some drugs.
"They buy the same quantity or level of drugs that they were buying before they went into prison, and they use the same quantity or level they used and they'll end up overdosing immediately because their bodies detoxed while they were in prison. They don't take that into consideration.
"And I'm just wondering if he (Renfro) might have done essentially the same thing. He hadn't used it in so long, and when ultimately he did use it again he just simply used the same quantity he did before without thinking, not realizing his body no longer had the same tolerance to it as before."
Despite his legal problems and struggles with addiction, Renfro starred in 21 feature films, including "The Informers," and reportedly he had other film prospects on the horizon...
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
An "Accidental" Ending For Ledger
Two painkillers, two anti-anxiety meds and two sleep aids let to an "accidental overdose" and his death from "acute intoxication" according to the medical examiner. His drugs of choice were "oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (ibuprofen), diazepam (Valium), temazepam (Restoril), alprazolam (Xanax) and doxylamine (Unisom)"
NYC medical examiner rules Ledger died of accidental overdose
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
La-La-La La-La
What a fun time! This is the worst election cycle since 1976. Makes me sigh and grind my teeth. I wouldn't give you two cents for any of the remaining major candidates. (Duckie loves Hillary.)
There was good news this morning. CA Prop 93 failed. It was a sham attempt by termed out incumbents in the state legislature to get an additional 12 years. In the YES ads they claimed it reduced term limits from 14 years to 12 years while conveniently failing to mention the loophole for incumbents. Causing us a third statewide election this year, these same people said we couldn't afford an off-year election in 2005 for Schwarzenegger's reform agenda. Speaking of the governor, he support Prop 93 by itself even though earlier he refused to support it if it wasn't coupled with a redistricting proposal. The redistricting proposal never came.
L.A. voted to approve a 9% phone tax, publicized as a "tax cut" from 10% to 9%. Unfortunately, that existing 10% sales tax has been declared illegal by a court. So the "cut" is from a potential 0% to 9%. The opposition only raised thousands for advertising while the establishment had a few million to run ads.
I talked to Brother tonight. Apparently the estate lawyer sent him more papers to sign. WTH!? I guess it's not over yet. It'll be two years in several days. That's just stupid. He also thinks she's ended her private practice and joined a separate firm. Oh joy!
There was good news this morning. CA Prop 93 failed. It was a sham attempt by termed out incumbents in the state legislature to get an additional 12 years. In the YES ads they claimed it reduced term limits from 14 years to 12 years while conveniently failing to mention the loophole for incumbents. Causing us a third statewide election this year, these same people said we couldn't afford an off-year election in 2005 for Schwarzenegger's reform agenda. Speaking of the governor, he support Prop 93 by itself even though earlier he refused to support it if it wasn't coupled with a redistricting proposal. The redistricting proposal never came.
L.A. voted to approve a 9% phone tax, publicized as a "tax cut" from 10% to 9%. Unfortunately, that existing 10% sales tax has been declared illegal by a court. So the "cut" is from a potential 0% to 9%. The opposition only raised thousands for advertising while the establishment had a few million to run ads.
I talked to Brother tonight. Apparently the estate lawyer sent him more papers to sign. WTH!? I guess it's not over yet. It'll be two years in several days. That's just stupid. He also thinks she's ended her private practice and joined a separate firm. Oh joy!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
RIP Brad Renfro's Grandmother, 76
Brad Renfro's grandmother, 76, dies
Joanne Barron Renfro, the grandmother of Knoxville-born actor Brad Renfro, died Friday. She was 76.
Mrs. Renfro raised her grandson from the time he was 5 years old at her home in North Knoxville's Lincoln Park community. Her grandson drew national attention at the age of 10 in 1993, when he was cast to star in the film adaptation of John Grisham's "The Client.
There's still no determination on Brad Renfro's cause of death.
Joanne Barron Renfro, the grandmother of Knoxville-born actor Brad Renfro, died Friday. She was 76.
Mrs. Renfro raised her grandson from the time he was 5 years old at her home in North Knoxville's Lincoln Park community. Her grandson drew national attention at the age of 10 in 1993, when he was cast to star in the film adaptation of John Grisham's "The Client.
There's still no determination on Brad Renfro's cause of death.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
RIP Brad Renfro, 25 ("The Client")
Actor Brad Renfro, whose career began promisingly with a childhood role in "The Client" but rapidly faded as he struggled with drugs and alcohol, was found dead Tuesday in his home. He was 25. (Yahoo)
"Brad was raised by his grandmother Joanne Renfro following his parents' divorce when Brad was 6 years old. He broke into movies at age 10 when he impressed an audience member during a D.A.R.E. skit (he was playing a drug dealer)."
Select filmography:
"The Client" (1994)
"The Cure" (1995)
"Tom And Huck" (1995)
"Sleepers" (1996)
"Apt Pupil" (1998)
"Bully" ("2001")
"Brad was raised by his grandmother Joanne Renfro following his parents' divorce when Brad was 6 years old. He broke into movies at age 10 when he impressed an audience member during a D.A.R.E. skit (he was playing a drug dealer)."
Select filmography:
"The Client" (1994)
"The Cure" (1995)
"Tom And Huck" (1995)
"Sleepers" (1996)
"Apt Pupil" (1998)
"Bully" ("2001")
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas? Bah-Humbug.
Happy Christmas to Murray, Leon, Bernie and dearest Duckie. :P
I haven't heard from Brother so I dunno if there's a cemetery visit in the works or not. I got up at 4am. I've been trying to keep busy. I just scrubbed the toilet and sink and mirrors and floor in my bathroom. The kitchen's cleaned up. I'm running out of stuff to scrub.
I've been avoiding holiday music and specials completely. I haven't done a lick of gift shopping. It's just that kind of mood. Kitty's napping in her lounge chair. We didn't put up the tree or anything.
I want a nap. Ugh.
It's now early afternoon. Still nothing from my Brother. I called his cell and got voice mail. If we're going to the cemetery we'll have to go relatively soon. It closes in about three hours and it's almost an hours trip.
I called the house. The SIL answered. Brother's out "running errands" because they didn't get a gift for the niece. Right. Ok. She said as far as she knew he wasn't going to the cemetery today because he's too busy running around and doesn't have the traditional mini tree to take. She said she thought he was going tomorrow but um they're closed tomorrow. Oy.
I think I can see Duckie laughing from here!
Another update. I ate. I used more of my few-months-passed "best by date" sauce. Mother would be proud of my dietary daring. Brother called me to tell me he was coming to pick me up. It was late, less than an hour til closing at the cemetery. I'm like uh... time? He's like "it only takes 15 minutes to get there" and I'm thinking "yous [sic] crazy." I barely had my pants on when he was ringing the bell. Kitty was nonplused, barely roused from her lounge chair, probably because I warned her we might have company.
He explained he never did find a mini-tree. The tree has been a tradition Mother started after Father passed away and I continued last year with Brother after she passed. No worries, I had earlier hacked a length of branch off a pine tree in my landscaping as a back up plan.
I didn't pay attention to the time because I knew that would only annoy me unnecessarily. This is progress. In the past I would've been obsessive about watching the time. Ok, I admit I was eyeing the radio in the truck but couldn't make out a time (if it even has a clock) but I should get points for not checking my watch.
The gates were open. We parked on the gravel and walked in. The sun was quickly heading into the day's oblivion on the ocean horizon. I took photos of the setting sun and Brother rambled to the cold stone with a slight patina of algae. We left.
I'd been thinking that his kids never had their grandpa's holiday candy. For a week or more I'd been kicking around trying my hand at it. He was amenable to the idea so we stopped at a grocery. I didn't have the recipe nor had I even looked it up so I went on memory. It was sad that Brother didn't really have an idea what went into the recipe. It turned out I got was right on all counts but did get margarine that I didn't need. I still swear Father used it even if it isn't in the written recipe. I've been pondering what else he could've made that would've called for melting butter in a large pot. Doesn't matter; it was on sale at only 83 cents per pound--shockingly inexpensive. Not everything was so affordable. The tiny bottle of real vanilla was $4, on sale, for the store-brand!
(more to come)
I haven't heard from Brother so I dunno if there's a cemetery visit in the works or not. I got up at 4am. I've been trying to keep busy. I just scrubbed the toilet and sink and mirrors and floor in my bathroom. The kitchen's cleaned up. I'm running out of stuff to scrub.
I've been avoiding holiday music and specials completely. I haven't done a lick of gift shopping. It's just that kind of mood. Kitty's napping in her lounge chair. We didn't put up the tree or anything.
I want a nap. Ugh.
It's now early afternoon. Still nothing from my Brother. I called his cell and got voice mail. If we're going to the cemetery we'll have to go relatively soon. It closes in about three hours and it's almost an hours trip.
I called the house. The SIL answered. Brother's out "running errands" because they didn't get a gift for the niece. Right. Ok. She said as far as she knew he wasn't going to the cemetery today because he's too busy running around and doesn't have the traditional mini tree to take. She said she thought he was going tomorrow but um they're closed tomorrow. Oy.
I think I can see Duckie laughing from here!
Another update. I ate. I used more of my few-months-passed "best by date" sauce. Mother would be proud of my dietary daring. Brother called me to tell me he was coming to pick me up. It was late, less than an hour til closing at the cemetery. I'm like uh... time? He's like "it only takes 15 minutes to get there" and I'm thinking "yous [sic] crazy." I barely had my pants on when he was ringing the bell. Kitty was nonplused, barely roused from her lounge chair, probably because I warned her we might have company.
He explained he never did find a mini-tree. The tree has been a tradition Mother started after Father passed away and I continued last year with Brother after she passed. No worries, I had earlier hacked a length of branch off a pine tree in my landscaping as a back up plan.
I didn't pay attention to the time because I knew that would only annoy me unnecessarily. This is progress. In the past I would've been obsessive about watching the time. Ok, I admit I was eyeing the radio in the truck but couldn't make out a time (if it even has a clock) but I should get points for not checking my watch.
The gates were open. We parked on the gravel and walked in. The sun was quickly heading into the day's oblivion on the ocean horizon. I took photos of the setting sun and Brother rambled to the cold stone with a slight patina of algae. We left.
I'd been thinking that his kids never had their grandpa's holiday candy. For a week or more I'd been kicking around trying my hand at it. He was amenable to the idea so we stopped at a grocery. I didn't have the recipe nor had I even looked it up so I went on memory. It was sad that Brother didn't really have an idea what went into the recipe. It turned out I got was right on all counts but did get margarine that I didn't need. I still swear Father used it even if it isn't in the written recipe. I've been pondering what else he could've made that would've called for melting butter in a large pot. Doesn't matter; it was on sale at only 83 cents per pound--shockingly inexpensive. Not everything was so affordable. The tiny bottle of real vanilla was $4, on sale, for the store-brand!
(more to come)
Monday, December 17, 2007
RIP Dan Fogelberg, singer-songwriter
Dead at 56 of prostate cancer.
"His best-remembered songs include his biggest hit, the affecting ballad "Longer" ... ; "Leader of the Band," a tribute to his bandleader father, Lawrence; and the evergreen seasonal standard "Same Old Lang Syne," which originally hit the top 10 in 1980." USA Today obit. They missed "Rhythm of the Rain."
"Leader of the Band" is one of the very finest of the tributes song genre. Gives me chills.
Rest well, Dan Fogelberg. Thanks for the songs.
"His best-remembered songs include his biggest hit, the affecting ballad "Longer" ... ; "Leader of the Band," a tribute to his bandleader father, Lawrence; and the evergreen seasonal standard "Same Old Lang Syne," which originally hit the top 10 in 1980." USA Today obit. They missed "Rhythm of the Rain."
"Leader of the Band" is one of the very finest of the tributes song genre. Gives me chills.
Rest well, Dan Fogelberg. Thanks for the songs.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
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