happy 250th birthday, U.S.A.!!!

"So, g'friend, what did you do to celebrate this mega-milestone marker in your country's history?"

Honestly, I don't understand what the big fuss is all about. It's like throwing a huge party for a child's 100th-day of life, like they do in Japan. That baby has so much farther to go! A feast at that point just seems so overblown!

"What?! You're kidding, right? You, the girl who loves pomp and circumstance, are pooh-poohing the use of traditions to celebrate anniversaries of birth?"

I'm just rattling my sabre a bit. England has been a country since the 10th century, so that makes them more than 1100 years old. France has been a country for about that long, too. Spain is a bit younger than them by about 500 years, but that's still more than twice the age of the United States of America.

"But there are countries that are younger, too. Take Mexico, for instance. It declared its independence from Spain in 1821 and had its first constitution in 1824. That means that two years ago was its 200th birthday, but I don't recall hearing anything about a big celebration for that."

I don't know why we would have. Our news reports local first, then state, then national. World events don't get much coverage unless they directly affect the USA.

"Sad, but true. Hence our need to get news from the BBC. They had fairly even reporting about our 250th birthday and the wedding of Taylor Swift to Travis Kelce."

That's what I mean. To an old country like England, those two celebrations would have an equivalent weight. I'm not saying that this 4th of July isn't a bit more special than usual, I'm just asking for it to be kept in perspective. Every 4th of July is special.

"Yes, dear. So, how did you celebrate this day?"

I sent messages for a "Happy 4th of July" to those dear to me during the morning, answering as they replied. One of my favorites came from Doug Andrews, the Commander of Post 36 of the American Legion. He wrote: "My heart is swelled with pride for what OUR country has done for itself, by itself, while also lifting up the rest OF the world, who couldn't have done it without us. All done by the sacrifice of many great American military Patriots, 'who loved their country more than Self'. Happy Fourth of July to you, being one of America's most devoted patriots."

"Wow. What a beautiful sentiment there!"

Right? I just may keep that message for a long time. I held it in my heart as I enjoyed much of the "Disney Celebrates 250th Anniversary of the USA" on ABC. Later, I watched interspersed that with NBC's "Great American Block Party", but focused in on CBS's "Macy's 4th of July Countdown". That was mostly because it had the fewest 'mercials.

"Hahahaha! I'm sure! And what fabulous shots you have there!"

Thanks. This, to me, was what it was all about: people with genuine love for our country watching the fireworks over head while they stood and waved the flag. Seeing all of that really made me feel proud to be an American, and proud to be a veteran. I've got that 27-minute, continual, fireworks display recorded, and I plan to watch it again in the morning. Some of the song choices were questionable, but that's okay; you can't please everyone. Most were excellent, including starting off with "The Star Spangled Banner" and ending with "Stars And Stripes Forever". Most excellent.

new owner at msg, new rules

It had been such a scorcher today, with summer trying to come in hot.

After all, yesterday was the official first day of that season.

So, when Marcia sent around the text about meeting up for Music Bingo, I was all for it!

Gathering for fun and singing with friends, in air conditioning I didn't have to pay for?

Yes, please!

I was one of the first ones there, joined soon by Amanda and Merritt.

Marcia came in next, with her granddaughter, Batsheva, in tow.

The girl had a new short 'do for summer, though the reason for the cut had been too many snarls in her hair.

Her mom said cutting the hair was the only recourse.

The bob looked very cute though!

 

Sandy didn't arrive until my Nachos were already on the table.

Just look at that mass of chips and cheese and chili!!!

Russ came in just before 7, with his bag of Bingo paraphernalia in tow.

Hooray!!!

Then Chris, the manager, came over to break the news to us.

There weren't enough players there tonight.

The Music Bingo session was canceled.

Say what???

The new owner has some such nonsense about needing to have at least 8 players for the game to be held.

Ah, but there were  of us and two players at the bar... that's 8!

It didn't make a difference.

We even said we'd play for no prizes, just the joy of listening and singing along with the music being played!

Nope, that wasn't going to happen, captain. 

Well, drats.

I certainly wouldn't have ordered those $15 nachos if I'd known that.

They all felt the same way... but at least we had each other's company.

summer picnic luncheon on the beach!

"That doesn't look like any beach to me, g'friend. In fact, it looks just like Holliday Hall at Asbury!"

That's because you're not squinting your eye and holding your mouth just right! HAHAHAHA!

 

"Wait a minute... I know what this is! It's the Sisters In Faith luncheon, isn't it? I recognize Judy Wilburn and Beth Ballance."

 

You're correct! Neither of them were at the purple-clad table where I parked my keister, though.

I chose it for the color, of course! Patti Steinhauser, on the far left, was already there. Then we were joined by Debbie Wright, CeCe Coleman, Robin Eifler, and Sandra, the mother of Jenni from the April luncheon. 

  

"Steinhauser? Isn't that the surname of the guy in the band?"

 

Yep, it sure is! Tim was there to entertain us this time, too, but the guys called themselves the Beached Bums today! he even had her come up and sing with them for "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow PolkaDot Bikini"!!! Very funny bit, with him wearing that swimsuit!!! Well, kinda sorta. LOL!!!

 

"Nice music for y'all's day 'at the beach'! I see there was even a beach ball!"

 

Actually, that was the "talking" ball, passed around with the holder of it asked to share a favorite story about the beach with us. Guess what? I got up and did that! I told all about Mama taking us four kids to the beach often during the summer, with a jug of water and peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches. We'd play on the beach and in the water there at Tybee for hours! That let her have some peace and quiet. Then we'd stop by the Sugar Shack on the way home and get malteds and milkshakes, and that would keep us quiet for the drive. Fun for all of us!

 

"That's a really nice memory."

 

Yeah, and it got other Savannahians talking about memories of their summers at Tybee. I really loved that! I'm glad that Asbury is one place where I'm not the only local gal.

 

"Me, too. And did you have any hot dog buns to bring home?"

 

Nope! All 16 of those buns got eaten! Good!!! Now, I'm going to take care of a few things here at home, like charging my phone. American Legion Post 36 is supposed to have its monthly meeting at 6 PM, so I'll stay in town until it's done, then head back to Stella. Good thing it's rainy, or she'd be upset about missing the party on the patio. Maybe tomorrow will have a sunny spot in it for her!

swaying with the grey dogs!

The event at Asbury Memorial Church was billed as the "Battle Of The Bands", but that was not quite right!

By the end, both bands were playing together, as shown in the photo.

Just what might that song be that they played?

"Get Together", with enthusiastic accompaniment from the audience!

What a great send off!

The concert began with the Grey Dog Collective's set of 16 covers.

It consisted of Jim McGaw, Tim Steinhauser, Doug Povie, Mimi Witherington, Frank Stuber (on drums), and Eric Nelson, as shown.

They describe their sound as "mostly happy songs about breakups".

"Breakdown", "Sloop John B", "Route 66", "Wichita Lineman", "Daydream Believer", "The Weight", "Already Gone" are a few of their songs.

Those are certainly the ones I sang along with and danced to!

I describe them as a tried and true rock band for Friday night at a club, giving the crowd what they want!!!

After a brief intermission, during which I visited with Rob Norman and Sarah Povie, both there in support of Doug, the battle continued.

 

Sway Tuned was a four-piece that consisted of Bill Oakley, Ginger Honey, Alfred Heath (on drums), and Chuck Eyler, as shown.

Performing only 12 songs, here's where they differed: three of those were originals written by either Chuck Eyler or Ginger Honey!!!

They started with familiar songs - "Superstition". "Son Of A Preacher Man", "Ready For Love" - to get the audience grooving before launching into their own creations.

After their songs, they finished with more familiar works: "White Rabbit", "Can't Find My Way Home", "Use Me", and "Tell Me Something Good".

"Folk rock and blues to thrill and amuse" was their aim.

I'd describe this quartet as jazzy rock and pop served up with a different spin for a cool Sunday afternoon at a cabaret.

Glad I was able to be there for this concert!

I'm sure the fundraiser was a success for the choir!

musical monday!

Get this: it all started with the WSAV weather song.

I kid you not.

Just look at those notes trailing up and down the scale!

Taking a cue from the song in "The Sound Of Music", I figured it out.

Starting with today's high and following through the week, here goes!

LA -- DO -- MI  -- SO  -- MI -- SO -- LA

Very raggedy tune fragment, but there you have it.

I followed that with a music documentary on PBS, "Looking For Cole".

Wilfried Van den Brande was inspired to make this documentary about Cole Porter after singing "So In Love" with Kim Criswell.

That duet was in 2007.

Seven years later, the film was completed, full of the music of the man that Van den Brande regards as "the greatest American songwriter".

I loved that Porter's journals were included in this!

All those notations about "Love For Sale", "Anything Goes", "Night And Day"...

his life in Paris with his wife, Linda, the only woman he loved...

spending his inheritance from his grandpa on fun in the sun with men...

what a vibrant life he led until a horse-riding accident in 1937.

I'm so glad that PBS gave this slice of his life to me!

(smile!)

Then I was off for something different: a concert film at AMC!

"Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour" was even part of the A*List!

That meant it was free for me, perhaps as a bday68 gift from the Universe.

See, Barbara Nixon was a fan of the young American, perhaps because of her math students, so I went to the movie in memory of my friend.

The Universe was looking out for me.

I'd chosen the 2 PM, 3-D, movie time, but that had been a mistake in the schedule and wasn't actually a thing.

However, Brooke set me up with my very own private viewing...

and I could feel Boo's presence with me as I watched the 24-year-old singer/songwriter bounce all over the stage in Manchester, England.

I only knew four of her songs - "Bad Guy", "Ocean Eyes", "Birds Of A Feather", and "No Time To Die" - and that was rather glancingly.

Not so for her fans!

They knew every single word of every single song.

I should note that no one in that concert audience was my age.

The vast majority were females, in their teens and twenties, with a few male sprinkled in, as well as a few moms.

I came away knowing Billie to be a good role model for her peers, emphasizing knowledge and not sex appeal.

No wonder Barbara liked her music!

Then I finished up this day with Music Bingo in the company of our mutual friend, Sandy, as well as Marcia.

I opted for the Chef Salad at Midtown Sports Grill, topping it with the peanut vinaigrette usually reserved for their Thai Salad.

Wow, what a flavor sensation!!!

That used up the last of my winnings, too, from two months ago.

Sandy was the only one of to win this time, taking the free-appetizer prize for the second game, which was, appropriately for her, "80's Mix #2 - New"!

She does so love that era!

My card was pretty useless for that game, as well as for the first game, which was all about country music.

However, for the last game, that music was more the speed for me and Marcia, and I was only one song away from that 50-dollar prize card!

All I needed was "Feels So Good", by Chuck Mangione.

Better luck to all of us next time!

What a day full of music, and friends, for me!

i thank You, God!

two by two for the a*list to finish april

 

That's partly due to the AMC 11 not having enough new movies.

Wait, let me amend that statement.

It isn't that they had no new films, but most were horror movies.

Nope!

If only they had been more like that one, I would have gone.

As for the two movies in my A*List this week, those are shown above.

"Michael" was about the King of Pop, and follows him from his childhood days as part of the Jackson 5 up through his heydays in the 1980's.

He would have been in his 20's then, just like me.

This year, he would have been 68 years old, just like me.

However, he died in June of 2009, two months before his 51st birthday.

I admit to liking the latter half of the movie more so than the first half.

I'd liked watching the family performing on TV in the film, as it brought back memories of watching those same exact scenes when I was a kid, too.

However, the music from the 1980's was fabulous, made even more so by the actor portraying him.

That was his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson.

I thought it was nice to have someone related to MJ playing that role.

As for "Over Your Dead Body", I saw that purely because of Jason Segel.

I had always liked him in "How I Met Your Mother", but I started outright loving him after "Forgetting Sarah Marshall".

What deadpan comedic chops he has!!

The movie has a couple who've gone to a cabin in the woods as a vacation, though their real intent is to kill each other.

That goes out the window when three murderous fugitives go after them and the couple end up defending each other against the outsiders.

Really has a lot of laughs mixed in with the action!

Both were seen on Tina Tuesday as a double header.

The week before, I only saw two movies with my A*List, and those were also as a double feature for that Tina Tuesday.

No, I don't have a photo for that, as I somehow forgot to take one.

The first of that duo was "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie".

That featured Mario and Luigi venturing into outer space with Princess Peach to rescue Princess Rosalina.

As far as I know, the two women are not related and rule in different areas in the video game world.

It was entertaining, but would I ever see it again, on purpose?

Nope.

However, I did see another movie set in outer space, and it was my second time viewing it.

"Project Hail Mary" was absolutely as attention-grabbing as it had been the first time a couple of weeks ago.

At 45 years old, Ryan Gosling is at the right age to portray an intelligent science teacher who is well aware of his own limitations and willing to learn from others, and that would include the Eridian on the spaceship that comes across his path.

Both of them are sole survivors of the long trip sent to find a cure for the astrophage that is threatening their worlds.

I do wonder one thing: is the fact that the initials of his character's name are the same as the actor's name meant as an inside joke?

'Ryland Grace', Ryan Gosling... see what I mean?

Being that Gosling put a lot of his own money into bringing this film to life, I'm inclined to believe that is a nod toward humor.

Very nice!

Now, I'm going to watch some "R.J. Decker", which has a bit of humor, too.

Plus, I like its lead actor, Scott Speedman!

He happens to be 50 years old, which no doubt helps that attraction...

just sayin'. 

Later!

a penny - thoughts of italy - and the odometer

"Ken, what are three things that said I was in the right place, right time, on this Monday evening?"

Ding, ding, ding!

Here's the penny, lying on Habersham Street, just to my left as I was used the crosswalk to get from the handicap parking spot to Midtown Sports Grill.

I actually had to look twice to make sure it was real.

Just look at how dinged up the poor cent is!

The only part of the date that's legible are the first two digits: 20.

Which year of this century is anyone's guess, but it was there to encourage me that I'd made the right choice to come out tonight.

Right place, right time!

And just why was I there?

Music Bingo with my friends, of course!

That's Marcia having a chat with Russ, the bingo emcee, checking to see if she did know him from the Habersham YMCA.

Yep, that's right!

She and I had a great talk, sharing memories of Livorno, Italy, as well as Florence and some of the Amalfi coast.

Her husband was stationed there three years while he was in the Navy.

 

Such a lucky break for them!

And what's this that I selected for dinner tonight?

Chicken wings with Hot Honey Garlic -so totally addictive!!!

Marcia had recommended them, so that's what I had.

It took me the entire time that we were there to make my way through the six wings and drumsticks...

but how delicious!

They were like candy... so sweet and sticky... RAWR!!!

I'm sure the reason I didn't win was because I was too distracted by the dessert-style meat on that plate!

I came closest on the last game, "Random Mix #2", needing only "You Oughta Know" for the win.

Guess I oughta know to keep the food simple for these games!

 

Then we gave our hugs of goodbye and were on our way!

But what else did the Universe have in store for me?

Nothing but a fancy mix of numbers on my odometer when I got home!

Yes, that's right.

The mileage read: 245757 - that's two pair, a winning hand!

That "57" corresponds to Sandy's age right now, too, but that's due to click over to "58" next month.

(smile!)

Right place, right time!

today, i wore an easter bonnet!

"Put on your Easter bonnet

with all the frills upon it

and we will have 

a very merry

Easter Parade!"

That Irving Berlin song from 1933 has been on my mind ever since the theme of this Sisters In Faith luncheon was announced last month.

Such a catchy little number!

I fashioned my head-topper by wrapping the Periodic Table scarf around the bright pink bowl of the hat that always brings happy thoughts of Mama.

Thanks, Cathy of El Cerrito, for that gift!

It went so well with my Spring-time dress!

That's what Linda Combs and Michelle Meece told me, so I know it to be true!

Here they are, with our gracious event planner wearing one of the cutest hats there!

Just look at those bunny ears!!!

Linda, I just know Bugs Bunny would be thrilled, too!!!

Those were more bunny ears, too.

That's Sherry Giddens, at the end of my table, sporting huge ears atop her bonnet!

Judy Wilburn's summer hat boasted flowers against its straw!

And there were three ladies at the table beside us who all wore flower-bedecked bonnets! 

That's Kathy Hodges, in the pink dress, in the middle, between the lady in the orange hat and the one in the green.

My table had a mother and daughter wearing bonnets!

The daughter, Jenni, had her 61st birthday yesterday.

Her mom, Sandra, tried to scoot out of the photo, but I caught her!

To me, they were the belles of this ball at Holliday Hall - they brought three boxes of Chick-Fil-A nuggets!!!

I signed up to bring finger sandwiches, substituting two trays of sushi.

(That's them between the chips and tower of cucumber sandwiches.)

Cheri Hester brought sushi, too, as did one other - so much for me bringing something different!

That just meant I had sushi to take home for dinner tonight.

(smile!)

Here's the array of Easter bonnets that came today, arranged in competition on the stage here at Asbury Memorial's social hall.

I bet there were at least fifteen!!!

That's Linda and Michelle, making sure each entry has been assigned a number for the voting process.

 

The winner was worn by Cece Colman!

That's her, on the left, with the Mexican sombrero-style hat with all the fringe and little Easter bunnies.

I bet that laden bonnet weighed at least ten pounds!

That's means I wouldn't have been able to pick it up, per post-surgery orders, for at least another three weeks.

That's pretty impressive, as was the hat with the twinkle lights!

Here's a funny story!

Right after I snapped that photo, the two women realized their hats had gotten snagged.

Oh, no!

But I have plenty of practice with branches in my long hair, so set to work untangling Cece's fringe from Mary's foliage.

I just let my fingers feel their way, loosening the two from each other, just as I've done in my yard on many occasions.

Hooray!

And who was our guest speaker today?

Kim Polote, someone I'd rescued from a clothing emergency years ago!

It was while I was a volunteer usher at the Lucas Theatre.

She was to perform in a Christmas show, but the gown she was in didn't quite fit at the top of the bodice.

I happened to be in the bathroom when she was in distress about her dress...

and I happened to have several safety pins with me...

so, calamity avoided and distress dispersed!

Right place, right time!

Of course, that's been at least fifteen years ago.

Today, she was there to share songs with us at this happy luncheon!

"Wind Beneath My Wings" was merged seamlessly into "Over The Rainbow" before she said her first words to us.

Later, led us all in singing "This Little Light Of Mine", clapping joyously!

Then she gave us "Change Is Gonna Come" and one her own songs, "Everything Must Change".

In between all that music, she told her life stories and encouraged us to "find the message in the mess" life sometimes hands us.

Absolutely lovely!

She also talked of celebrating the joy wherever we find it, even in a movie, such as "Me, You & Tuscany"...

and I spoke up that I'd just seen it yesterday!!!

That made her smile and got everyone's attention. 

Right place, right time!

let them eat cake!

So spoke Danny Beam as he was leaving the stage!

He was talking about the enormous carrot cake waiting in Holliday Hall for all gathered to celebrate his 70th birthday.

That actually occurred on February 12, so I know what that means...

he has the same birth date as Abraham Lincoln!!!

Right place, right time for me!

I missed the first song at Asbury Memorial Church, but I was there for the other six that he'd chosen from his writings, as well as two penned by others. 

"I Wouldn't Know" was done solo, followed by the George Strait song that he sang for his wedding with Barbara, the one who set up this concert.

"God's Family Table" was the last solo from this once-Baptist minister, a song about communion open for all walks of life.

Doug Povie came up with his guitar after that, to join him for the next two.

"Go Forth And Set The World On Fire" was in memory of his dear friend, Dale Thornton, a fellow pastor who would end his sermons with that line.

My favorite song, "Forgiveness And Healing", came about after a request from Reverend Billy Hester, who needed something to go with his sermon some few years ago.

Here's the line that sparked my memory: "faith, hope, and love cut a hole in the ceiling, to make room for the man with forgiveness and healing". 

That actually made me tear up as I thought of the man's kin having enough trust in Jesus' ability to cure the man that they would deliberately damage their home for that chance.

Wow.

Bill Oakley was the next guest musician, on guitar, for two songs.

"In A Thin Place" was the result of a New Year's resolution that Danny made in response to one of Rev. Billy's sermons.

The last song, "Lord, Wake Me Up", was written in 2018 but based on something he heard at a 1988 Baptist convention.

The speaker was from China, if I have that right, and said we Americans tell our children the wrong prayer.

Instead of "if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take", we should teach them to say "Lord, wake me up before I die".

He said that one took its time coming to him!

Then we all went to eat cake!

Danny's older brother took the stage and said a few words, mostly hearkening back to their childhood, that reminded me of my brothers - nice!!!

Then, as I came over to wish Danny a happy birthday, he introduced me to his one-and-only sister, Mary, and her husband, Harvey, down from New York.

My guess is I'm the only other scientist Danny knows!

Why would that matter?

His brother-in-law is a marine scientist!!!

How very nice to be regarded so highly!

I had quite a nice chat with them, too.

(smile!)

Now, I'm going to watch "The Wizard Of Oz", mostly because I can.

Comcast gave the musical to me, as a reward, on Thursday.

Yes, being a Diamond member definitely has its perquisites!

(smile!)

rhapsody in blue is one hundred and two

 

Hint: I meant the title to be read as if it were a poem. 

That 26-minute composition by George Gershwin was the highlight for me!!!

I'm fairly certain I've not heard it before in its entirety, and I know very well that I've never heard it from just a piano and a clarinet.

This was not just any ordinary clarinet, either.

Seth Kibel bought the silver-bedecked instrument from a man in Pennsylvania that custom made it.

Isn't it absolutely gorgeous?!!

Here's Seth playing that opening glissando, while Daniel Weiser's hands waited, poised to strike the piano keys at the precise moment that the clarinet ceased its wail - so awesome!!!

I'm glad this was the finale at today's concert!

I cannot imagine anything trying to follow that piece!

When it first premiered in 1924, on what would have been Abraham Lincoln's 115th birthday, it had been the penultimate of 26 musical pieces.

What a long concert that had to have been!

How did I know all that?

Daniel Weiser was absolutely full of such tales and regaled us with them several times during this matinee concert at the Savannah JEA.

The two men together are AmiciMusic, who came here last year, too, with their musical history lesson.

Today's was titled, "Jewish Jazz, The Sequel: Return of the 'Jew'di" - gotta love that "Star Wars" pun!!!

I'm sure that's what had drawn Rabbi Haas and his family there, though his little girl was quite disappointed to not see Princess Leia or Luke Skywalker there, so they left fairly early.

Not I!

I was there from Scott Joplin's ragtime ("The Favorite") through all three Hassidic Tunes collected by Lev Kogan.

I stayed for two that built the house of Sammy Cahn (the Anglicized Yiddish tunes, "Bei Mir Bist Du Schein" and "Yosl, Yosl"), the man known for "Three Coins In The Fountain".

There were also two pieces from famous clarinetists Ziggy Elman and Bela Kovacs before a little dessert reception.

Very sweet!

Then we had "Viktor's Tale", by John Williams, as well as a funny anecdote.

Apparently, when he was approached to do music for "Schindler's List", Williams told Steven Spielberg that he didn't think he was good enough.

Spielberg apparently replied, "I know, but all the good ones are dead."

Hahahaha!!!

Williams won the Oscar for Best Original Score for that movie!

What else today?

Oh, yes, three pieces from the prolific Harold Arlen: "Stormy Weather", "It's Only A Paper Moon", and "Come Rain Or Come Shine" - all magnificent!!!

Ella Fitzgerald once described him as "the Negro-ist white man she'd ever known."

High praise indeed!!! 

Then the concert ended on that fabulous "Rhapsody In Blue", with its mimicry of a train clack-clack-clacking along at one point.

Of course I thought of Sheldon Cooper!

You don't spend twelve years with a man in your house and not think of him when his favorite topic comes up!

(smile!)

Now, I'm going to catch the 5 PM screening of "Sinners"!

That should set me up right nicely to cheer it on at the Oscars tonight!

disparate singers, but winners for me!

What do Barry Manilow, DMX, Cheap Trick, The Alan Parsons Project, and Phil Collins have in common?

No, seriously, I'd like to know how those five entities wound up on my "Bar Favourites Mix #12" card at Music Bingo tonight.

Perhaps this is some kind of British joke, right, as the only unifying factor is that they were all American artists.

Regardless of why they were on my card, let me just say this: THANK YOU!!!

This was the last game of the night, which is usually a "blackout" game that nets the winner a $50 gift card to Midway Sports Grill.

That's what I thought we were playing, too, until I pointed out "my first bingo" and Elissa said, "You've won! Get up and let him know!"

So I did and she was right!!!

Holy mixed bag of songs, Batman!!!

Wow... I have FIFTY DOLLARS for MSG... wow!!!

I almost didn't come because I thought they might already be leaving.

The meeting of Two First Posts had run until 7:30, so I didn't arrive until 8.

Monday had clocked in with a high in the low 80's, as forecast last Friday, so the weather was perfect for sandals and shorts.

This would be my first time at Music Bingo this year, due to issues with weather (me) or Jewish holidays (them) or American Legion meetings (me).

How wonderful to see Marcia and Sandy and Elissa again!!!

How wonderful to sing along with my friends to so many songs!!!

And how wonderful that the Bingo DJ had technical issues that delayed the games for almost 40 minutes, allowing me to arrive while the first one was still in progress... wow.

I'm taking this odometer reading as a right place, right time sign.

Is it a palindrome?

No, because 245146 is not what the reverse reads.

Is it a poker straight, perchance?

Nope, 'tis not, as those numbers only yield a pair of 4's.

Then what's my deal-i-o with this mileage???

I like the way it sounds when I say it: two four five, one four six.

It's a nice mixture, just like those five artists on my bingo card.

(smile!)

getting some culture: part 5

This event for expansion of my world was also part of the Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF37), just as part 2 and part 4 had been.

The Annual Future Of Jazz concert is one that I've attended for almost two decades, after my good friend Deborah Ray first turned me on to them.

(She's been living her best life in Costa Rica ever since she retired from working on the garbage trucks for the City of Savannah.)

This one, like last year's, featured the same instruments, with the saxophone man being the only repeat performer.

He's the one in the middle, in case it's hard to tell in the photo.

The male trombone player and the female bass player, both on the right, were both students of Donald Anderson School of Arts.

Sadly, I don't know their names, as there was no program, nor does the website say.

The show, dedicated to the memory of Ben Tucker as always, began with two of his songs, the same as last year - very nice!

Then we had a brand-new one from Teddy Adams!

Titled "The Patron", it was in honor of Bob Faircloth, notable not only for supporting jazz in Savannah, but also the Savannah Music Festival and Savannah VOICE Festival.

Thanks, Bob, for helping to keep all that culture alive!

Altogether, there were three more tunes that Adams had written: "Hutch Is Much", for 85-year-old Laurence Hutchins, his friend since the first grade; "A Piece For Reese", for another friend; and "Calypso Kelly", a really swinging number that led with a drum solo.

That Caribbean-flavored beat really rocked the Savannah JEA!

The song that stood out above it all, though, was "Georgia On My Mind", performed by the talented young woman who was one of the vocalists last year, and the only one this time around.

For SBHF37, she was the only vocalist!!!

Such great phrasing, such fine breath control, and a voice smooth as silk - oh, I wish I knew what her name was!

Perhaps Tina Tyus-Shaw will have her on the 5:45 "Wind Down" segment of WSAV's news broadcast.

I'm so glad I was there for the entire show this year!

All told, it went into overtime from its scheduled 90-minutes.

The last song was another Tucker tune, "Comin' Home Baby", which has been recorded by Michael Buble, along with Boyz II Men.

I wonder if Ben's widow, Gloria, still gets royalties for that tune?

I'm sure she does!

What a nice bit of music culture for me!

(smile!)

front porch of the jea!

This was meant as a gift for members of the Savannah JEA, but they opened up the comedy show for any and all... so I accepted the invite!

I tried to get a few others to come, including my Monday-night crew, but they had other plans... so I took myself there!

After all, 'tis the season and I love gifts!

I was amazed by how much talk of Christmas there was by the children at the Jewish Educational Alliance!!!

Right place, right time!!!

Front Porch Improv had five members of their troupe present.

I never caught the name of the keyboard man, but the others are Jesse, Abby, Beth, and Ava, and they put on a fabulous hour of fun!!!

I was delighted that they used two of my lines in the comedy skits, too!

The first of those instances was in the second sketch, with Abby and Jesse over at Grayson Stadium playing baseball on the diamond, kinda sorta like I have done there as well as when  I was in Iowa. 

Jesse had just hit the ball, then he pulled the slip out of his pocket and said, "Are we there yet?" - hahaha!

He told her it was his catchphrase... was that a baseball pun?!?!

I'm saying it was!

(smile!)

The next skit that used a suggestion from me was near the end of the hour.

Jesse was up again, this time for "Press Conference", where he had to guess why he was being lauded.

The other troupe members asked him questions and he found out he was a swimmer who had crossed the Atlantic Ocean, pulling an elephant, with Barney as his travel companion... very funny!

And that bit about the elephant... that was mine!!!

Wondering why that would have been on my mind?

A couple of skits earlier was all about asking the audience for jokes.

Why did the chicken cross the playground? To get to the other slide!

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Frostbite!

Why was the bee's hair spiky? He used a honeycomb!

Hahahaha!

I was going to tell one of Mama's elephant jokes, but missed the chance.

Nice that I got the elephant in there another way.

i thank You, God!

Now, I've been home again, watching the Grand Prix ice skating highlights, aired instead of football by one of the local stations.

Guess what I just saw?

My man, Yuma Kagiyama, winning another silver medal at this event!!!

He's 20 years old now, and still just delightful to watch!

Right place, right time!

(smile) 

catching up with keanu and channing

Trust me, this post is practically already written.

That's because I'd waxed rhapsodic a mere two days ago about the two movies that I'd missed, partly or totally, last week.

Those were "Good Fortune", with Keanu Reeves as a kinda sorta angel, and "Roofman", with Channing Tatum as a kinda sorta escape artist.

But lets check the A*List reel to see what else was screened, shall we?

Yes, there was a third movie, wasn't there?

"Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" was not the concert fest that I'd hoped for.

The last time I'd been to a movie that featured his music was in 2019, I was dancing in my seat almost the entire time.

"Blinded By The Light" this was not.

Instead, it was a deep look at Bruce Springsteen at a troubled time in his life, when mental illness was threatening to destroy his career.

Had it not been for his support network, that made sure "Nebraska" was recorded and released exactly as he wanted in 1982, there might not have been the music several years later in 1987 that inspired the journalist Sarfraz Manzoor to pen his memoir of the impact of Springsteen's music on his life.

Come to think of it, I do hope the musician has seen that 2019 movie.

We each and every one of us have an impact on others, whether we are aware of that impact or not.

That's important to remember.

We are not alone. 

back to back meals with asburians

Last night, the first Wednesday Night Supper was held!

The meal was Chicken Tetrazzini, made with penne instead of linguini.

Pasta is pasta, right?

Still tasted just fine, with or without opera singers in attendance!

I sat with four members of the choir, though, so music was in the air.

(smile!) 

I got to visit with Ray Ellis and his mom, Deloris, as well as Beth Balance.

Then, when they went to choir practice, I had time with Pam and Walt!

Somehow, talk went to her daughter's death, so I made sure she knew that I had known Nichola and Dan.

I think it eased Pam's heart to know someone still remembered her.

I'd hoped to make it downtown for the tenth anniversary of Cafe M, but I did not.

I would have enjoyed having some of that French pastry!

 

Then I was back at Asbury Memorial for a luncheon today!

Sisters In Faith were together again and it took six tables to hold all!

I'm glad Linda Combs made sure to pass out reminders on Sunday.

Today was all about soups and sandwiches - perfect for this cooler weather.

That's Taco Soup, hummus sandwiches, and pumpkin cake!

Plus, a pretty little bag of Halloween candy to take home with me -

many thanks, Linda!

I sat with Michelle Meece - we keep running into each other in the halls! - and she mentioned that she wanted to work with Jayme Tinti.

I'll have to pass that along to the SavStageCo founding member!

And who was the guest speaker for our women's luncheon?

Chris Kinkade, the man who keeps the youth group running on all eight cylinders, that's who!

The topic was providing a safe space for children, whether they have parents at Asbury or not, whether they are straight or LGBT - the important factor was making them feel safe.

Safe spaces.

Afterward, I talked with Chris about my office being an official Safe Space at Armstrong State University while I was there.

My students knew they could speak to me about anything, always.

I had needed a safe space after my divorce and the monthly lesbian potlucks provided that for me, as all there knew I was "strictly dickly". 

I was talking with Chris also about the trans man I had known through his transition from Daphne to Phoenix to Dustin.

He knows him, though by the name he finally settled upon: James.

I think of Dustin often, as he is the one who painted my living room and my bedroom, transitioning them from "mine and his" to "mine".

The living room always welcomes me home with its Maize Gold walls, Lifevest Orange accent wall, and Surfboard Yellow trim. 

Safe spaces.