peter pan and the lions!

It's a good thing the SCAD play was a matinee, or I'd never have gotten that many lions wrestled to the ground!

This was another bday68 treat for me, of course!

I'd invited Kathy Mayin to this one and yesterday's musical, but she told me she would only be going to the one next weekend at Tybee.

I had hoped this one at the Lucas Theatre would be a musical, but no.

It was silliness piled on silliness, and the house was full!!!

Oh, have I not yet said its name?

Here it is: "Peter Pan Goes Wrong", composed by the same folks that penned the Christmas mashup two years ago. 

So how did this rendition work?

Well, the boy playing 'Michael' was supposedly a last-minute addition to the play - much like the girl in the last Hive musical - and had a voice in his ear instead of a script in his hands.

'Michael' was not nearly as adept as she had been, as he tended to repeat anything and everything that came through the headset.

Hilarity ensued, naturally!

There were lots of physical gags, too, with trick triple-tier bunk beds playing a role as well as fly-wires that had the actors upside-down most of the time when they weren't crashing into walls and such.

Plus, the stage crew had to keep coming on to fix things, most notably the doggie door when 'Nana' got stuck in it - that was funny!

The most impressive thing for me, though, was the set itself.

With at least three different views that rotated into place, they were works of art and must have been the most time-consuming part of this production.

The scene at the top was of the bedroom for the three children of the Darling family and had two doors, the double windows, the collapsing bunk bed, and other furniture.

The scene above was the opener of the second act and portrayed the Lost Boys' forest and it had collapsing bits, too!

Plus there was one stage that was the outside of the Darling's home, so we could see the children flying off with Peter Pan.

Then there was another stage for Captain Hook and his crew!

Like I said, those were quite impressive.

As for the actors themselves, the online program isn't much help.

It has the names of the characters they are playing, who in turn are playing 'Peter', 'Wendy', 'John', 'Michael', and company.

Still, it was enjoyable... and only $15 for seniors like me!

Oh, did I mention there were lions?

I did... but I never said they were in the play, did I?

That's because they were all part of my MGM+ Film Festival!

I didn't even know Comcast gave me that channel this week until Friday.

I started that day with "Overboard", the 1987 version with Goldie and Kurt - nice and light and perfect for breakfast!

I followed that with "Roofman", the Channing Tatum bit from last year, with him portraying the lovable bandit who lived in a Toys'R'Us store.

Upon my return home from the dinner with my brothers and others, I cued up "A Fish Called Wanda", as I love that 1985 romance!

Yesterday was pretty busy, so it wasn't until after nightfall that I could grab another from the premium channel.

"Novocaine" was the perfect romance-action flick to cap my day!

Today has been busy, too, but I came home from downtown wanting a musical... and there was "Hair", with its 1973 cast of hot actors.

I even managed to dance a little bit.

Then, before the clock ran out on this reward, I grabbed "To Live And Die In LA", just to watch William Petersen in those skintight jeans...

and Willem Dafoe artistically counterfeiting money...

and to listen to the Wang Chung soundtrack... 

yeah, that will do nicely! 

Sweet dreams for me! 

saying "SUMMER!!!" with Sven and Olaf!

 

Here the three of us are, 

mouths wide open 

for that first syllable!

 

'Sven' is brought to life by the very talented Trey Wilner, and I thank him for giving me the strength to have my photo taken on the Starcastle stage.

Had it been anyone else, I might well have abstained.

 

Between the still-healing scab on my right cheek and the enormous bruise on my upper left arm from the ER visit, I've been feeling more self-conscious about my looks.

 

However, I'm trying to not let those temporary blemishes interfere with my social calendar.

 

How crazy would it be if I let those physical issues, like the above or my still-halting gait from the hitch in my giddy-up, detract from maintaining my mental and emotional health? 

 

Hence the partial reason for me being at the matinee today of "Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical"!

The real reason, of course, is my upcoming birthday, as this has long been planned as part of my bday8 celebration.

 

Above, 'Olaf' (Brett Bowling) stands with 'Anna' (a delightfully ditzy Camryn Cothran) and 'Elsa' (Isabella Schmitz, whose voice soars!) and someone's mom.

 

Here, 'Prince Hans' (the ever-handsome Desmond Chaney) poses with a fan, while others chat up the two princesses after their photo session.

The only photo I wanted was with the reindeer and the snowman, and I patiently waited for all the line of children to have their turn after the show.

 

That meant that I missed seeing all the other cast members in the lobby, so I didn't get my hug with Danielle this show.

 

I'm sure she understood.

 

I'll have to share with her my "inside joke" reason for this photo, which I call "reaching for the mustache"!!!

 

See the face in the painting?

It resembles an aging Italian.

The receding forehead in the hairline, 

the bushy mustache covering up the lips, 

the blue eyes...

see it?

I don't know if the volunteer set painters did the design on purpose or if serendipity had a hand in guiding the paintbrushes, but every colonnade featured the face.

I wonder if anyone at Savannah Children's Theatre has noticed...

or maybe it's just me, and my cockeyed sense of humor?

Perhaps I'll see it again and conduct a survey?

But I'll do so after the musical, so no one is distracted by the mustache.

(smile!)

friday birthday fiesta in sandfly!

"Oh, my! Where y'all early celebrating your bday68?"

Nope, but good try! After a month away from Jalapenos, the S&K Friday Fiesta was back on again for two reasons. First, Laura had her bday59 last week, but she didn't get to wear the sombrero and she very much wanted to do that. Second, our favorite waitress had returned from her vacation to Mexico and we all wanted to put money back in her pockets! We really do love Claudia!!!

"Oh, hooray! I know there are some in the party who don't think anyone else can serve us quite right..."

You got that right. See the fellow who took this photo of our group? He's the owner of this particular Jalapenos and he was thrilled that we were back. After all, our table probably accounts for at least 500 bucks of drinks and food every Friday. Smitty and Mary, Laura, Betsy and Jimmy, Mark, and Robin all have at least two drinks apiece, on average. Tony and I both abstain, as we drive. I'm glad I'm there to support him in that abstinence.

"I see everyone except Mary in that shot."

I hear ya. The guy must have taken seven photographs and Mary managed to be hardly there in all except two of them. And in those, Mark was the one invisible! Still, I knew they were there! Neither of the young ones - Addison and Becca - were present this week. However, they were at Molly McGuire's for last Friday's gathering! That was partly in celebration of Addison's graduation from Georgia State University. 

"What a lovely deck for dining!"

Yes, it was, and the guy on the lower patio was playing some good tunes for us! Lots of stuff from the 70's and 80's, but a few more recent hits, too. We were all jamming out to them! The best part is they weren't too loud, so we could still talk.

"Very good. Nothing worse than going out with family and friends and not being able to carry on a conversation and catch up. Did anyone ask about your facial mole at that one? And where was Mary for last week's gathering?"

Betsy did, but I expected that, and she didn't keep on about it. And guess what? Tony and Laura gave me a ride there! It's out on Wilmington Island and they know I'm not keen on driving in the dark. Smitty isn't, either, and he had debated about whether to come or not. Mary was out in Louisiana, visiting her brother Steve, and stayed for a week to catch the last of the graduations of those nieces and nephews.

And guess what else Tony and Laura did? They bought my dinner!!! Tony insisted, so I told him that could be my birthday present. And so there's my bday68 gift, the Cumberland Chef Salad, with Parmesan Peppercorn dressing!!! It was so very delicious!!!

"Another chef salad? You seem to be on a kick with those."

I am on a salad kick, in general, and those are just packed with protein! Ever since I had that inguinal hernia repair surgery, I've tried to bulk up my fiber intake at each meal.

"That's definitely a good move."

I totally agree. Now, before I get distracted by the free movies on MGM+, I've got a piece of news! My younger nephew in Alabama, Conner, has graduated high school!!! That was at 7 PM and Bonnie told me she watched it on a special channel. I am so glad!!!

"That's marvelous news!!! I remember he was talking about dropping out earlier this school year. I'm so glad he stayed the course!"

All puns intended? (smile!) I am, too, and thrilled that he had that special cord for attending lineman class. I told my stepmom that my Uncle Bob had made a good living as a telephone lineman. Bonnie said that Conner is more interested in fighting, MMA style. I suggested that he search for grants and scholarships to help with training in mixed martial arts. She thought that was a great idea! She'll keep me posted on any progress. Now, to the free premium movies from Comcast I go. Happy early birthday to me!

burger at bingo in a booth!

"Say what? You ate a hamburger tonight???"

 

I did!

It was the day's special, and it sounded so good that I took a chance.

And it was good, too!!!

Wagyu beef, topped with chili and pickled jalapenos - wow!!!

That was some kind of tasty, let me tell ya.

Sandy had one, too, but she usually gets burgers.

She opted to skip the jalapenos, but those served as a tasty counterpoint to the chili, so I'm glad I choose to the burger as listed.

 

"I really can't believe you ate a burger at a burger joint."

 

In truth, Midtown Sports Grill is more than that.

They have spaghetti specials and other stuff, too.

In fact, their pork chops are pretty good.

 

"I'll take your word for that, dearie. So, who all was there for Music Bingo?"

 

It was our usual trio, plus Elissa this time, and in our usual booth!

That's three booths away from the Bingo Jockey's table, just in case you're curious or plan to drop in some time.

That "90's Mix #3" was our first game and I was just one away from a win!

The second game was "60's & 70's Mix #1", and all I needed was Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" for a win there.

Then, for the 4th game, "Michael Jackson Mix', I was just one off from getting the $50 gift card!!!

All I needed was "Remember The Time".

Sounds appropriate, like it might be a joke, doesn't it?

 

"Yes, it does! A joke from the Universe for your birthday while you were out with friends, singing and dancing in your seats!"

 

Hahahaha!

Yes, that just may be right.

My blue-sky Penny texted me with a bunch of photos of flowers, so I got to share those with the others and tell them about her horticulturist husband.

This Gallardia Spintop, complete with bees, was our favorite!

Guess what the color is?

Mariachi Red!!!

That reminded me of one of my favorite "Will Trent" episodes.

Titled "Mariachi Shelly's Frankenstein", it was crammed full of puns inspired by two things: the Mariachi band trapped at the police station during a blackout and the book report that Ormwood had been helping his kid write about the 1818 book.

"We have to be strong and MARIACHI on."

"Jesus, MARIACHI, and Joseph!"

 

"Hahahaha!!! Oh, yes, I loved that one! Very serious moments, but interspersed with moments of puns as three of the guys struggled to get a generator up the stairs. I wish I could remember more of them, as they were delightful!"

 

That's for real!

And here's a bit of fun that was starting just as I got home.

"The Quiz With Balls" was having a swimsuit edition, with lifeguards taking on a bunch of beauty queens.

Those guys may be a bit young for a purple panther like me, but I can still enjoy the view!

 

"Incredible!!! What great fun! And how did the lifeguards fare?"

 

That guy in the middle, wearing the glasses?

That's Reigh, who had a delicious sense of humor and good smarts.

He graduated with a mechanical engineering degree!!!

He was the last man standing and he made it to the third question in his bid against the Golden Balls for the $100,000.

He chose "Famous Scientists", getting right the first two.

The third question was "Which one was an oarsman at Oxford?"

I give him credit for knowing it had to be an Englishman...

but he was too young to have ever thought of Stephen Hawking as being capable of such a thing.

Into the water he went!

 

"Ah, yes, the misconception that a disabled person was always so."

 

Indeed.

Still, it certainly was a nice dessert after my dinner with the girls!

(smile!)

ice cream truck!!!

You scream... 

 

I scream... 

 

we all scream... 

 

for ice cream!!!

The shouting of the kids several houses to the west is what drew me to the door!

Quick, where's that $5 bill?

And out the door I went!

The truck had stopped outside Diane Sullivan's house, with a group of kids that included her grandson.

I was just as excited as any of them were!!!

I marveled at all the different types of ice cream in the pictures!!!

I had never heard of some of them!!!

Finally it was my turn!

There were three different Nestle's Drumstick cones - THREE!!!

My choice was the Vanilla Caramel, with that ribbon of extra flavor in the center of the ice cream - WOW!!!

But before I eat it, I need to call my littlest brother!!!

I gotta let Dood know it's coming his way next!!!

Woohoo!!!

vanity...

About this time on Wednesday, I was putting on a brave attitude.

One of the two facial moles which I've had all my life had been determined by my new dermatologist to be a possible hazard to my health.

All I could think of was the loss of self.

It was not the only one taken, but it was the one most important to me.

During the night I was awakened by wetness of blood on my pillow.

That lone mole was seeping, necessitating a second trip to Georgia Skin & Cancer Clinic.

This time, electric cauterization was used to close off its blood vessels.

That was a very different smell from the chemical staunching agent.

I was a bit sadder about the potential loss of that mole.

Today, about another 24 hours later, I am even sadder.

That red triangle around my poor burnt mole speaks volumes about its unhappiness, and my own.

I've spoken with Andew, my British friend in Virginia, about it.

His wife had one taken off, in about the same place on her face, three months ago. 

His brother died of skin cancer three years ago, from a mole gone bad that went internal and poisoned his liver and other organs.

I understand about that, having had a scare with a mole on my chest forty years ago, when I was in grad school at FSU.

None of that logic and science can help me right now.

I need to know how I will find me in the mirror, when my face becomes asymmetrical from the loss of one of the moles that mark me as myself.

I'm tired of marking my birthdays with medical procedures.

How will I adapt to a new face?

Can I?

blood on my pillow, pain in my cheek, caused by you, you

I was awakened at 5 AM by a strange sensation...

my right cheek was wet.

Lyrics from a song written in my birth year sprang to mind.

"Tears on my pillow,

pain in my heart,

caused by you-u-u,

you."

I can count on my mental jukebox to bring forth the right tune for the occasion, usually.

That was as close as it could get for the bright red spots on my pale pink pillowcase.

The chemical cauterization from yesterday had failed, causing my scraped mole to weep blood.

My efforts to staunch the flow failed, leading me to call the dermatologist's office in distress.

LP-C Byrne worked me in for 1 PM, at which time she had an assistant perform an electric cauterization.

That was certainly a different smell.

 

After that, I needed a distraction and a treat, not necessarily in that order.

Alisia was only too happy to set me up with my AMC birthday treats - a large tub of popcorn and a large drink from the Coca-Cola fountain.

That was just perfect, as I planned a double-header for this afternoon!

I didn't bother going for anything new on the screen.

I wanted tried and true, and that's what I got!

First up was a repeat of "The Sheep Detectives" - light, fun, and reminiscent of films from my youth. 

I followed that with another "Project Hail Mary", with its charming dose of science fiction, physics, chemistry, and dancing.

Yeah, that's right: dancing.

Grace and Rocky didn't even need music to shake their booties.

(smile!)

And now I feel much better... and I even completed my A*List with four movies this week.

Good.