hippety hoppety!

Easter began early for me this year. As in, late last night, in the wee small hours, just past midnight. The peace guy had said earlier that he had gotten something for me for Easter, then added it was something for both of us - and I was totally, but pleasantly, surprised that he had done such a thing. Something for me for Easter?? Really???
As I've mentioned here, this particular holiday is not especially a favorite of mine. The death of my mother is heavier than usual on me when the Peeps are in bloom.
So, last night, after our return from a late movie, we're just sitting around the table, enjoying a little bowl of the lentil soup he'd made earlier. Yummy soup, too, with a bit of sausage and lots of carrots for splashes of color! He glances at his wristwatch (yes, Virginia, folks still wear those!) and says, "it's close enough to Easter." Then he rustles around in the 'fridge, checking to make sure the surprise had not broken, and... ta da! A golden bunny!
A golden-coated, dark chocolate, HOLLOW bunny!
Wow! I haven't had a hollow chocolate bunny in DECADES!
I don't believe I've EVER had a hollow DARK chocolate bunny!
Super deluxe COOL!
(big grin!)

bass

For such a tiny word, it packs a huge amount of meanings.
Consider this: how many of us have eaten seafood? Or riverfood or lakefood? I'm talking FISH. In this context, bass (pronounced /ˈbæs/) refers to a large meaty fish in the same family as the perch and the grouper. In other words, a fairly mild, yet juicy and flavorful, lean protein source, best when grilled or pan sauteed. Makes my mouth water just thinkin' 'bout it!
But for the past two days, I've been listening to two different types of bass. No, no, no, not those "singing" fish you mount on the wall.
No.
Yes, they are a fun gag gift for your favorite fisherman. But hang in there a moment, sweetpea.
I'm talking bass guitar and double bass. The former was featured in a band last night, a group from California called Sea Wolf. (Yeah, I can hear you: are they Jack London fans?? The answer: Yes, yes, the lead singer is!) The band was going to be in town as one of the offerings of the Savannah Music Festival. I had listened to a playlist of their songs a night or so ago and was captured by their use of water imagery in their lyrics. Very nice! Nice rhythmic music, too, if you catch my drift. Ah, yeah...
[Did you catch my little joke with water imagery?]
(smile)
Anywho, one of the bandmates in this pop-rock group was playing a lovely Rickenbacher bass guitar, a classic with musicians for several decades. Not only do the guitars emit a wonderful deep tone, they're pretty, too.
Well, they are!
That was last night. I deliberately chose a seat in the last two rows, at the end, so I could feel free to get up and dance if I wanted.
I never sat down.
Not once.
True story!
Today, at noon30 as the folks at SMF call it, I was treated to the sounds of a completely different instrument, the double bass. A mainstay in jazz groups and orchestras, the very large instrument tends to produce music that sometimes only dogs can hear.
Seriously, the tone is that low.
This time, the band was a jazz trio, plus one. The Aaron Diehl Trio was to play selections by the late John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet, as well as other pieces. But, for this show, they would be a quartet, with vibraphonist Warren Wolf in their midst. Very nice addition! And an invigorating show, with Jason Marsalis sneaking in to replace the drummer for the final song. Sah-weet!
And so ends my little treatise on bass types.
Well, almost!
How could I possibly leave without referring to one of the greatest bass lines in vocal music?
I could not and shall not.
With no further ado, here's an energetic bunch of young men in a bass choir, treating us to "Blue Moon".
Enjoy - and y'all come back now, ya hear?

what's your name, little girl, what's your name?

The Psychiatrist & The Proctologist

Best friends graduated from medical school at the same time and decided that, in spite of two different specialties, they would open a practice together to share office space and personnel. Dr. Smith was the psychiatrist and Dr. Jones was the proctologist.

They put up a sign reading: "Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones: Hysterias and Posteriors".

The town council was livid and insisted they change it. So, the docs changed it to read: "Schizoids and Hemorrhoids".

This was also not acceptable, so they again changed the sign. "Catatonics and High Colonics" - No go.

Next, they tried "Manic Depressives and Anal Retentives" – thumbs down again.

Then came "Minds and Behinds" - still no good.

Another attempt resulted in "Lost Souls and Butt Holes" - unacceptable again!

So they tried "Analysis and Anal Cysts" - not a chance.

"Nuts and Butts" - no way.

"Freaks and Cheeks" - still no good.

"Loons and Moons" - forget it.

Almost at their wit's end, the docs finally came up with: "Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones - Specializing in Odds and Ends".

Everyone loved it!

love and golf

Ed and Linda met while on a singles cruise and Ed fell head over heels for her. When they discovered they lived in the same city only a few miles apart Ed was ecstatic. He immediately started asking her out when they got home.

Within a couple of weeks, Ed had taken Linda to dance clubs, restaurants, concerts, movies, and museums. Ed became convinced that Linda was indeed his soul mate and true love. Every date seemed better than the last.

On the one-month anniversary of their first dinner on the cruise ship, Ed took Linda to a fine restaurant. While having cocktails and waiting for their salad, Ed said, "I guess you can tell I'm very much in love with you. I'd like a little serious talk before our relationship continues to the next stage. So, before I get a box out of my jacket and ask you a life changing question, it's only fair to warn you, I'm a total golf nut. I play golf, I read about golf, I watch golf on TV. In short, I eat, sleep, and breathe golf. If that's going to be a problem for us, you'd better say so now!"

Linda took a deep breath and responded, "Ed, that certainly won't be a problem. I love you as you are and I love golf too; but, since we're being totally honest with each other, you need to know that for the last five years I've been a hooker."

Ed said, "I bet it's because you're not keeping your wrists straight when you hit the ball."

it's so tragic that i, in the prime of my life, cannot love someone living instead

Speaking of coincidences, here's another one.
Earlier this month (on the 9th), the peace Guy and I were both home on a Saturday afternoon, not doing anything in particular. I had popped my "Happy Songs" cd into the player and was listening to it while doing stuff on the computer.
Well, of course I'm singing along, since that is what I do.
At one point, the peace Guy comes into the room and says to me, "What on Earth are you listening to?"
You see, the line above had just been enthusiastically sung by me.
He apparently was not familiar with that Fossil tune. "Josephine Baker" is a quasi-mournful, cheeky song that always brings a smile to my face! Hence, it is one of my "Happy Songs"!
So, I explain that to him and he tells me about her - Josephine Baker - being featured in an animated French film.
Say what?!
Super cool!
He brings up the film segment featuring her and we both watch it together.
Super cool!
Then, four days ago, Cercle Francais is showing that film as their free monthly movie.
And I found out about it via an email.
And it was the first I had ever heard about them having free monthly movies, which they apparently do on a regular basis.
Like, monthly, during the school year.
And the movie was being shown on a Thursday, an open night for me.
You better believe I was there!
When the heavens throw a party for you, you have to go!

peanut butter & Elvis, too

So, here's a funny thing!

What? You talkin' to me?

Yep! Guess what I had the other day for lunch at the school? I'll even give you a hint: Elvis would have thought it was pretty dope!

What?! Okay, this is all because you went to that Georgia Elvis Festival, isn't it? So, now you think there is some special significance to this coincidence, right?
You know I'm right.

Hmphf. You know, just because you don't lend an event any importance doesn't mean the event was not significant.

Oh, c'mon, I'm just playing with you. What did you have for lunch?

Okay, but don't laugh... I had the Peanut Butter Elvis Melt!!!

Seriously? The school thought the kids would go for that?

I have no idea what the chef thought. Maybe, just maybe, he knew about the Elvis festival and wanted to pay it homage! Or maybe the stars aligned since I was going there for lunch and he was inspired to create this dish especially for me.

Seriously? I mean.. SERIOUSLY???

Yes. It could happen. Little miracles like that happen all the time to brighten life.

Oh, so now we've gone from "coincidence" to "miracle"? Really?

You know, you don't have to believe, but I choose to do so. When I walked in to The Galley and was looking around to see what was offered for lunch today, this entree brought a big smile to my face and my heart. THAT is what makes it important: it reminded me of happy times at Spring Break, happy times with Mama.

You're right, of course. Just because something is not relevant to one person does not mean that there isn't meaning in it for another. We each have our own version of the world, after all.
Okay, tell me about this food you're talking about.

Thank you, thankyouverymuch.
Sorry, I couldn't help myself!
Actually, I could have stopped myself, but I chose not to do so.
I don't know why people say that: "Sorry, I couldn't help myself." Of course they could have. They simply chose not to do so. Then, as an apologetic thing to smooth any ruffled feathers, they offer that phrase.

Um, weren't you going to tell me about your lunch?

Oh, right. Okay, here it is: two thick slabs of white bread, spread with peanut butter and filled with crispy bacon strips and sliced banana, then smeared with butter on the outside and grilled.
It was gLoRiOuS!!!

Elvis would have agreed, I'm sure! How often do they offer that?

Well, that's the thing: I've never seen it on the lunch or dinner menu. I suppose it's possible that they may have it at breakfast, but I wouldn't know as I don't ever attend that meal at school.
The Melt is a rather labor intensive sandwich, so I cannot imagine they would offer it at such a busy time. Heck, the Galley may well never have it again, as much time as it takes to make it.
I think this may have been a one-time, never-before, never-again thing.
That makes it even more meaningful!

smile!

2 words

Last night, I texted my first niece to let her know I was going to a teaching conference and asking her to look after my mail and such. Here was the response.

"I will.
Love you.
Be safe.
Have fun.
Are there any other 2 word sentences?
Yep.
Good night."

I still have it on my phone.

Kermit was here

Why are there so many songs about arcs of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 380 to 750 nanometers in concentric circles formed by reflection and diffraction through moisture in the Earth's atmosphere?



No, that was not a physicist spouting that bit of pretty talk. Not this time.
It was an analytical chemist steeped in watery research, with an eye on the world around her. She even had the prose displayed in different shades to enhance the Rainbow Connection.

I got it right away, but then, I'm not wired quite right.
That's okay.

Sam would have totally gotten it, too. Sometimes at karaoke, he would even sing that song for me.
He was very good with it, hitting the notes perfectly.

I do hope she gets the job.
She'll be a breath of fresh air through these stuffy halls.
I only hope I will still be here, too.

pull harder, mom

The bfe sent me two comic strips he'd spoken off in the past week or so. They were from the site xkcd.com (ask me some time what that means to me), a self-proclaimed webcomic of "romance, sarcasm, math, and language". Most of the time the sarcasm seems to be the most important focal point. That dominant aspect is what draws the bfe to it and pushes me away with both hands.
So, yesterday afternoon, while I was in class and my phone was flying, he sent the two comics to me, to lie in wait. One was really cool in a positive sense, encouraging folks to become organ donors. It likened body parts to reusable building blocks of construction-type toys. Like I said, pretty cool.
The second one, titled "Dark Flow", is aptly named.

That last panel is the killer, right?
Yes, most definitely.
So there I was, bereft and sobbing at 8 PM on a Monday night, missing Mama. As I told the bfe, "Sometimes, i am so very world-weary from missing my mother. Sometimes i handle the weight of the loss more easily."
All I knew for sure was this: going home to an empty house was not what I needed, was not a sane option.
No. That would pull my essence down, down, down, into a deep pit of sorrow. I was teetering on the edge, as it was, losing my balance along with my mind.
Sounds like time for a bfe to offer a comforting arm, a comforting shoulder, a comforting kitteh. But a thirteen-year-old boy is not hardly going to do so, is he?
No. By his own admission, he is more thirteen-year-old boy than he is man at the onset of his fourth decade. He reckons he might be out of his teen years by the time he hits 45.
We'll see. He just may be right.
But that thought brought me no solace.
I recalled that Brenda, the trivia-playing retired teacher, had said she and John (her gentle man) would habitually go to the CBP for dinner around 8 PM. That would be NOW. That would be good. I like her, and he gives nice, easy hugs, too.
Maybe they would be there. I would just park and get hold of myself a little, then go in and see if they were there. If not... well, if not, I don't know what I would do. Sit in the parking lot and bawl, maybe.
But they WERE there! Moreover, they greeted me enthusiastically, but not prying about my red-rimmed eyes or sensitive state. She mentioned that one of the regulars would not be there for trivia that night, as that regular was spending time with her mother at a theme park. When I started tearing up, the subject of mothers and daughters was dropped in favor of their upcoming trip to France and had I ever been there?
Nice. How very nice to know kind-hearted people with experience of the world. Truly.
So we dined together and talked of travels to Europe and the Elvis tribute artists and the parade last Saturday. Then others began arriving to the booth for the trivia game and we all talked and played and groaned about the wrong answers and celebrated our correct choices. We lost, but that was okay.
We were all together, all trying, each with our own strengths, none of us with much sports knowledge.
By the end of the game, I was almost right as rain. Hugs with those I'm close to, then off to home.
Just before I exit the parking lot, I get a message from my first niece: Are you home yet?
No, just leaving the Crystal Beer Parlor.
Drive safely.

And so I do, smiling that she had contacted me.
Smiling even more when I arrived home and the porch light was on.
And the mail was THROWN into the house!
"hahaha! mail thrown in my house!" I jubilantly texted to her.
"I fringed the porch light for you too" was her reply.
"You fringed it? you KNOW i like fringe!"
And now she and I have this new little inside joke.
And the world is brighter again.
And my tethers are holding.

back in the saddle again

I feel like Mickey Mouse in Fantasia. There, he lifted an arm and a huge wave rose to the occasion. Then he lifted the other arm, and another wave rushed to do his bidding. Suddenly, he was conducting an orchestral maneuver of crashing waters!!!
Then he went back to his regularly scheduled life as the sorcerer's apprentice, sweeping the floor and washing up.
I know just how he felt.
Yesterday was the final day of my Spring Break this year. It was also the final day of the inaugural Georgia Elvis Festival, held in the low country in the little town of Brunswick.
Say what?
I kid you not. Brunswick.
All of the events were in the downtown area, a couple of blocks of eateries and squares near a waterside park. It was all quite pretty, made even more so with bouquets of Presleys everywhere you looked!

Events were scheduled nonstop from mid-morn to late night - and you know me, I just HAD to BE at as many events as I could! Whew! Fabulously entertaining, a treat for the eyes and the ears, too! Songs I loved, songs I never knew, songs I had forgotten... songs from movies, songs from church, songs from the Vegas years! And the clothes - oh my! The many jumpsuits - white, black, blue! The capes, the spats, the blue suede shoes! Well, I lie - I didn't ever spot any blue suede shoes, but I certainly looked for them to be dancin' about!
But the shows ended and I returned home for my first niece's third decade celebration at the mini-golf on the island. Then I sped from that to pick up the bfe at the airport from his Canadian workshop.
And finally I was home again, to prepare for my regularly scheduled week as the waves subsided and rolled off in the distance.
Back in the saddle again. Giddy up!
Translation: Go to bed. NOW!

blessings on the road

I had no idea I was to be blessed today. I certainly did not expect to be blessed simply by being a patron of the EconoLodge on Corridor Z.
How very nice!
And to think I would have missed it had I not opened the guest handbook in the room I had rented for my immersion in Elvis culture in Brunswick. For whatever reason, I did open the guest handbook. I even read it.
I am so glad I did!

Here, in its entirety, is the welcoming message. I hope that you may read it and, perhaps, also benefit from the blessing.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Welcome to Our Guests

In ancient times, there was a prayer for "The Stranger Within Our Gates". Because this inn is a human institution to serve people, and not solely a money-making organization, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof.

May this room and inn be your "second home". May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be as comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house.

May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe.

We are all travelers, from birth until death, we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable in society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best.

Thank you for choosing our hotel during your stay in Brunswick and the Golden Isles. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you. We are committed to giving you the best possible service and hospitality.

Ravi, Inc., management for EconoLodge

hey (hey) you (you), get offa my cloud

Something has changed. Over the winter break, something in the dynamics of our friendship was altered.
Now, every time we get together, it ends with me getting fussed at.
Every bloody time.
No matter what I say, it gets his feathers ruffled and he pecks at me mercilessly.
Every bloody time.
Last night, as I was driving him home from a home-cooked meal, I finally got my nerve up and asked him about it.
I find it easier to tackle tricky topics when I'm not going to be staring at somebody while I'm doing it.
Or so it seems these days.

I'm glad I brought it up.
My opening the can of worms made him talk freely, too.
Apparently, I was contacting him too often. So, instead of talking to me about it, he would just ignore my texts. I would get my feelings hurt because I knew he was deliberately ignoring me.
And neither of us were actually talking about it when we were physically in each other's presence.
Crazy.

I do hope that is in the past.
I do hope he will let me know when I'm taking up too much space.
I am well aware of how easily I can become overwhelming to others.
All they need to do is let me know and I'll back off.
But no fussing at me just because you don't have the balls to tell me what is REALLY on your mind.
Friends don't behave that way.

it's not for lack of bread, like the Grateful Dead

I had a dinner guest over tonight and we were enjoying a bit of conversation while i was putting the meal together. I was asked what kind of day I had and I replied that it was a good one, I was catching up on my blogging. And that response led to the inevitable follow-up query: Why do I blog?
First and foremost, it's therapy. I don't always have an ear willing to listen to me without judgement as I natter on about whatever devil is troubling me. Sometimes, not always, but sometimes, it's just good to be able to get the words out of my head, out of my heart, OUT, to see and hear and feel them. As I had written once upon a time, I've always lived near a beach to drown my demons and this special virtual place serves that purpose when the physical beach is not an option.
However, there are other times I want to share something special with whatever WhoVille denizen might be bopping through the ether. A photograph clicked on a whim, an especially fun joke, a pun or two, a quote. Sometimes the pieces are more serious, concerning death or cancer, but with a reassuring slant. I even hang out one of my bits of special writings from time to time, to allow them to blow in the breeze and be fully aired out. My rap, my poems, my songs! One of those eventually made it to an open mic nght for an actual visible audience to hear and feel and taste. Sometimes I just think about doing that with the others, though I have the jellyfish lightning one ready when my moxie is.
And then we have those times when my imagination gets hotwired and simply MUST be expressed. What's the story, morning glory? Why did that happen in THAT way? What do you mean, you have fingernails now? How about a tale for the kids!
You know... weaving tales of alternate realities, when this one is not enough.
Every once in a while, I talk of music, even going so far as to re-print the song lyrics to make sure I'll always have them at my beck and search. Music has definite charms for me, whether it's blues, good ol' rock'n'roll, Motown, jazz, pop alt or not! Ear candy! Some music calms, some encourages me to rage against wrongs, some simply entertains, and some gets me up and wigglin' my butt! It all has a place in my life, in the mental filing cabinets of my brain, in the soft softs of my heart. And every once in a while, a featured place or two on the sands and surf here.
I think it's time for a few tunes now, y'all. Later!

touch me touch me touch me touch me!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show song is totally appropriate!
I was in SUCH a great frame of mind today! My mood ring would have glowed warm purple for mellow and loved. Truly!

And I have figured out why, too.
Touch.
I scored major touch from all kinds of sources today! It's been pure magic, the transformation of a physical sensation to a balm for my mental, emotional, and spiritual self!

How did it begin?
I met my stepmom for lunch and a movie, something we haven't done in far too long. Schedule conflicts, what with my Fridays being consumed either by meetings or special make-up tests for students. In other words, lots of special favors for others, none for me. Boo hiss!
So this was an especially nice way to celebrate my first day of Spring Break! Oh, yeah! Hugs, first, then a leisurely lunch at what has become our favorite twice-named restaurant. The manager even brought us a free sampler of their new treats: fried mushrooms for her and fried pickle chips for me. Yum!!! Nice and crispy and zingy pickles!
Then off to the movies! She even got an extra dollar off because it was Senior Monday. Nice! We got the popcorn & soda special, too (and a free refill on the large tub before we left, of course!) and had a good time laughing at the movie.
I may have enjoyed "Identity Thief" more than she did, as it had the expected harsh language in it, and a bit more than she liked. Still, we totally enjoyed being with each other and ended our day together with more hugs before going in our opposite directions.
I went home, put away the popcorn, and checked facebook. Oh, yeah! The indomitable JinHi had received a clean-of-cancer decree by her doctor! The evil marshmallow was gone and had left naught behind!!! Woohoo!!! A quick call then to my house-mate. Had he heard the news? Nope, not yet. Yeah! Definitely a night-brightener for both of us!
Then north I headed to downtown for some improv to add more laughter to my life. Great idea! Hugs for the loving husband of the indomitable JihHi! Hugs from friends there when I entered! Hugs from friends there when I exited almost wo hours later! Hugs, hugs, hugs!!!
Then to the Liquor Posse for a bit of camaraderie around a team trivia table. Nice! Some of the Philo Cafe crowd were there, too, adding to the merriment. I can't recall if our team won or lost, but we sure had fun trying! Then hugs before we all dispersed into the night.
Wow! What a fabulous day!

sweets for the sweet

Today, I shared more of the delectables purchased on Friday! These are three of the chocolate-clad, pecan-drizzled, toffees, made with that fabulous sourwood honey- smoky, tangy, anchoring the sweet to this realm. Fabulous, I do declare!
I had purchased a small bag of these treats, taste unknown, but knowing my love of caramels in all of their incarnations. I treated myself to one as a post-brunch dessert on Sunday, after dining sumptuously on a bratwurst and leftover kale from the night before. The toffee hit just the right note, singing a delicious melody to my eager palate. MmmmMmmmmMmmmmmmmm!
I celebrated my first day of Spring Break by having lunch and a movie with my step-mom in Bluffton. Before leaving home, I placed three of the toffees into this little plastic Chocolat sleeve, especially for her, to share the goodness with another who would truly appreciate the quality and nuances of the tastes. I waited until our time together was nearing its close, so she would have a treat to enjoy when she returned to Beaufort and got settled in for the evening. A sweet before-bed "hug" to remind her that I love her.
Later that evening, after the first part of the ODDitions at Muse Arts had successfully hit my laugh button for two hours, I headed over to the Crystal Beer Parlor where the Liquor Posse was holding court. Monday is team trivia night and the LP, in various configurations, can be found there reliably, usually winning. This night, some folks from Philo Cafe were there, as were some from Drinking Liberally, but to no avail. The team was losing. Losing badly, too. But the contestants were still in a wonderfully happy mood! Definitely a good place to be for the tail end of my evening!
Sometimes, even my scant knowledge of Trivia lends an occasional correct answer, generally in the sphere of the sciences, but tonight I was of help on the movie trivia. The question was a bonus question with ten parts. I helped on three of the questions of linking movie stars to the movies for which they received Oscar nominations. Not enough of a help, but we had fun together in the attempt. I need to make sure I do this more often!
A woman was there celebrating her birthday, which is actually March 17th. That's right, Saint Patrick's Day. She had decided that she should celebrate HER special day ahead of time, to make sure it didn't get lost in the backwash of green flowing over this town next weekend. Good idea! At the end of the party, she had extra green armbands and was generously passing them out to folks in the Parlor. How very nice! These elastic bands sported little filigree shamrocks chasing each other along the expanse of green. Even nicer! We each received one, and one of the folks gave me theirs for my house-mate. What a pleasant surprise for the peace guy!
What a wonderful day for me!
And tomorrow I shall feed stale popcorn to ducks and geese and gulls!

ice cream man

What better site to end a movie tour in Savannah than Leopold's on Broughton? Julie, our guide for the Savannah Movie Tour, knew to show off one of Savannah's own as her last stop of the day. A native Savannahian herself, she made sure the folks on the tour truly appreciated what the people of this seaport have offered to the world at large.
Leopold's, located between the two large-screen bookends (the elegant Lucas Theatre and the more spacious Trustees Theatre for the Savannah Film Festival, has been serving ice cream to the movie stars for years now. But it's the owner, Stratton Leopold, who is the main attraction, as he has had a presence in the world of Hollywood for decades. As an executive producer for many films for the past few decades, he lives and breathes star dust. Even now, his latest film, a fine action flick, is gracing the screens of cinemas across the nation.
I had decided on a double scoop, combining an old favorite with a newly created flavor. Yummy butter pecan topped with the Girl Scouts' inspired Savannah Smiles! But first, I had to wait for them to use clean scoops on virgin ice cream, especially for me. You see, I have a deathly allergy to a fairly common foodstuff. But Leopold is mindful that even folks with allergies should be able to enjoy ice cream without risk of anaphylactic shock. So, his staff are trained with the proper response to insure that all comers may enjoy these frosty treats.
How cool is that?
Very!

sugar pie honey bunch

The morning was spent grading tests. At home. And my mood was much better without that extra added stress of going to a place where I dearly want to stay, a place where my time may be up. I do believe that stress has been noticed by my students, as I have shown up worn out emotionally and sometimes with red-rimmed eyes.
Today, though, I resolved to not go out there, as I have no classes on Friday. I gave tests to both lectures and decided to grade those instead of making the trip southside. Then, because I knew the students would fret about the grades, I taught myself to use the gradebook function on the new Learning Management System (seriously, this is how academics talk). I taught myself how to use it. I had attended a live webinar, hosted by the folks on campus, late on a Monday evening, hoping to glean knowledge on that particular topic. No. The webinar was to have been an hour, but was barely thirty minutes and was split over two online systems.
So, I taught myself to create the gradebook and the categories and the items. Then I entered the grades into the LMS, even entering the grades for the previous two exams, and setting it up so the students get an updated standing as future grades are entered.
I must say, I was quite proud of myself at the tail end of the working day! I had graded the tests of both lectures, created the gradebooks for each group, entered all of the grades currently attained, and notified the students. A very good day's work!
Then it was off to the No Kidding! gathering downtown! The baseball girl was there, as was her mom later. The Eagle had already landed, as had the chemyst, encouraging me to try a new drink... which I did! I even liked it so much that I treated him to the next round. I don't usually like the pale wheat, but add some orange juice to that Shocktop and it's more than palatable - it's tasty! The math teacher was there for a while, and the bird formerly of Charleston, as well as the tall economist, and we all had quite a lovely time together! In fact, after two hours, some split off to other parts, but the Eagle and the economist joined me for dinner at Taco Abajo, lured by my descriptions of the bread pudding fashioned into french toast triangles. So very good!!
But firt things first: dessert! Off to search for Chocolat, a place boasting sourwood honey caramels. And we found it - and, amazingly, it was OPEN!!! Very nice! So after the shop mistress regaled us with the tantalizing descriptions, I bought some of the chocolate-covered, sea-salted caramels - one for each of the fellows, one for the fellow at home, one for me, and two for my bff and her honey. After all, chocolate is best when shared with friends, n'est-ce pas?
So, after loading up with sweet morsels for now and later, we bopped on down to fire up our taste buds on spiced meat. Yum! And as we were leaving, a band was rehearsing for their midnight gig, and their sound was so unique that I had to find out more. Plus, this was the first trip to the basement eatery for my the fellows, so I took them on the grand tour, as it were.
Ambassadors was the name of the band and you can enjoy their two-drummer sounds here. That first cut is the one that snagged my ear. I may go back at midnight to hear them, but probably not, as it is a bit too cool out for my sensitive self. I just may buy their album, though!
After we came back up streetside, we parted company at our cars. After all, it WAS a bit cold out!
And as I was driving home, I thought I might as well check out the free concert at Forsyth and see if the music was still flowing. It was! So, even though it was cold, the tunes were hot, so I parked and hustled up to get warm. I am so very glad I did! of Montreal (yes, the "of" is NOT capitalized) put on a very nicely theatrical show to accompany their overhead screen scenes and alt-poppy sounds. Scantily-clad, long-legged nymphs in sparkly blue capes, a huge moth man, pirate-clad bassists - oh, yes, my dears, all that and more! I managed to stay over an hour before the cold started to invade my bones and I was forced to leave... but that wasn't until the last song, which then regaled me to the edge of the park and beyond, all the way to my car.
Such a lovely Friday evening!

beautiful

My bff sent this to me! I share it with all the beautiful women in my life!

that girl is POISON

Today, a cat was reprieved. She was to have gone to the oncologist for an ultrasound and biopsy.
But he forgot his keys.
The plan was to pick her up from his home and then go to the only-in-town-once-weekly specialized vet for a four-hour oncology visit.
No rain to contend with for this pet's vet visit, but the path would be beset with obstacles as we were to travel in lunch-time traffic. Time would be one of those obstacles, as we needed to complete the journey from the school to downtown to midtown in about 40 minutes. Doable, but no spare time built in.
So after fleeing northward to retrieve the cat, we arrive to to his home to find: he has left the keys southside.
Really?
Really. The keys were left on his desk in his locked office.
Reprieve for the kitty.
Reprieve for me, too. I had not wanted her to go through this procedure. I had made it clear that I was not in favor of this action. I know it will be painful for her and may well shorten what little time she has left in this world. Pain is such an energy-sapping vampire.
As it stands, this thirteen-year-old has done quite well. The cancer now accounts for about a third of her total body mass. You read that correctly: a THIRD of her mass. In about 8 months' time. But she has seemed pain-free, maintaining a good appetite and good bowel habits and good response to her master's touch.
The key to her existence is for her to continue to have a managed pain level. The key is for her pain to be under her control, rather than the other way around.
His key was left southside.
Coincidence or subconscious thought?
Either way, the cat was safe to continue managing her own pain, her own way.

blackberry promises

Today, my bff and I travelled to now-wild lands where once two plantations stood. We drove past the rice paddies, now untamed and growing in fractured row. The little white-billed, black-backed ducks floated on the cold waters, dipping their bills from time to time. A dark lavendar crane stalked through the greenery on the side of the road, fluttering away as I approached for a closer picture. I hurried back to the warmth of the car on this chilly, blustery, overcast day.
We drove and talked, talked and drove, watching the drifting ducks and rippling waters and streaming moss raining down from the limbs of the trees and bushes and vines.
It was as if we had stepped into a long-ago once upon a time.
We had reached a place to pull to the side of the narrow lane, so we exited the vehicle to take a quick walk around the ancient cistern... and the sky became bluer and the sun shone and breeze slowed. We walked the path, admiring the flora and fauna. The giant dandelions, standing waist-high and already boasting new yellow flowers and older wish-puffs of seeds. The lovely five-lobed periwinkles, blue-purple amid dark greenery. The tiny gray sparrows and more black ducks and even a white crane.
And the blooms of the blackberry brambles. Among the tiny sharp thorns of the woody vines, the small white flowers promised the arrival soon of succulent, sweet fruit.
I hope that is a harbinger of future success for me after the recent prickliness of my job search.