grateful to Andrew on a music bingo monday

"Andrew, the bartender, at Midtown Sports Grill?"

That's the one. Fortunately, he knows how to do math. Hannah, the new waitress, absolutely was flummoxed. We sat at the table for 20 minutes before we were able to get our tabs straightened out. 

"What?! How many of you were there??"

We were five for this Music Bingo session. Marcia was there with her daughter - Amanda - and with her granddaughter -Batsheva. Merritt had come along with them. Plus, I was there. Like I said, five of us. I'm glad we weren't there last week, as the sound system messed up and the games had to be canceled. All the tunes tonight were the ones that were to have played llast Monday. Really good, too! Summer Vibes #2, with Jimmy Buffett, The Monkees, The Lovin' Spoonful, Bon Jovi, Ed Sheeran... good stuff!

"That does sound like a great mix! Quite a few oldies mixed in there, too!"

You bet! "Build Me Up Buttercup" was a new one for the 11-year-old, but she liked it. Russ then segued into 80's Hard Rock Legends #1, which Marcia said was Elissa's music. Mine, too! Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Van Halen, AC/DC, Foreigner - I was definitely jammin' out!

"What about the third game? Any of y'all go for that?"

Not this time, so that gave us a chance to chill out and talk. That was actually nice! Then came Game 4, Pop 'til Ya Drop #1! Pink, Ricky Martin, TLC, Britney Spears, Bruno Mars, The Bangles, En Vogue, Spice Girls - I know Scott would have been crushin' on that mix! Maybe I should see if he might want to join us some night. Baseball will soon be coming to a close, so he won't be chasing Braves franchised teams anymore. There will be Georgia Southern football games, but not on Mondays!

"Oh, that's a good idea to invite him! It's been ages since you've seen him. Your ex sees him more often than you do."

That's because the Atlanta Braves play the Detroit Tigers. Scott has yet to see the Braves win in the new Comerica Park stadium. I suspect Scott will cease trips to Michigan when that happens.

"Good point. Okay, so what was the snafu with the checks tonight?"

Amanda won Game 4. Ordinarily, that would be a cause to celebrate, as she would have received a $50 gift card as the prize. Right? But now that there is new ownership, there was a new prize tonight: a fifty-dollar store credit that had to be used all at one time.

"Say what??? You'd have to order three meals at one sitting to use that up! That can't be right..."

Oh, but it is. Amanda was not happy about it. As I told her, at least she had her mom and her daughter there, so they could group their tabs. No, she wanted to have it to use on herself, for multiple evenings out. I totally get that. But then Hannah misunderstood and put all the tabs on one check! Now, all of a sudden, the table owed over 36 dollars!!! No, that would not work. I looked at the check, which was entered in some strange fashion, but I could still see that my part of the bill was correct and Merritt's part was correct. So I asked Hannah to separate out ours from the three others. LOL! That blew her mind! She had to go get Andrew to have him talk to us.

"At least she knew she was lost."

Agreed. Andrew knows I can do math, so he came straight to me. I showed him where my tab was and where Merritt's was, and he understood. He returned with our tabs separate from theirs, which had the $50 credit applied, leaving just $2 to pay.

"My goodness! Just what did they have that totaled that much?"

Amanda had a cocktail, Marcia had a beer. Amanda had the spinach dip as well as he pretzel, plus the huge bowl of macaroni and cheese for Batsheva. Marcia had her usual "pick 3" appetizer platter. All of that is easily fifty bucks, especially when tax is added. Honestly, it really was a snafu, but it was also a misunderstanding.

"So, is the store credit how Quinque Martin's F&B LLC going to handle that Game 4 prize from here on?"

I sure hope not. If so, I guess I will be leaving after the third game. I don't want to get stuck with a prize I can't use. I guess we'll see how it goes next time. Maybe Andrew will tell his dad that he needs to stay with it being a $50 gift card, like it's always been.

"Change..." 

Yeah. But guess what happened on "Name That Tune" tonight? A drama teacher won the Golden Medley!!! Caleb said he's going to book a cruise that docks on all seven continents. Good for him!!! Jane literally had to pick herself up off the floor when he won that $100,000 - seriously!!! I'm so glad to end the night on that happy note!

sixty sisters in faith in september

After two months of no sisterly love in Holliday Hall, we were all chomping at the bit to see each other again.

This 'return from summer' luncheon was a true celebration of the friendships within Sisters In Faith, and it was feast for the senses!

 

Eight of the women had agreed to serve as hostesses for this fancy, white-tablecloth, sit-down meal, each bringing their own china and table decor.

I chose to sit at Table 7, the fourth one on the left, and my "springtime" dress can be spotted in the aisle from my seat on the end.

Part of the reason I selected that table was very simple: the white china had the same octagonal shape as my china.

The other reason was because the hostess was CeCe Coleman.

That's her at the other end of the table, and Emily Garrard - my theater-going friend - was sitting to my right. 

Truth to tell, she was the third reason I opted for this table.

Catherine Gilbert, a colleague from Armstrong, was on my left, and that younger woman is a member of the Wesley Oak congregation.

She used to come to Asbury, until the young people she worked with went to Wesley; now, she has returned to Asbury, as that church is defunct.

Word is that the property has been sold, so that's a blessing!

 

And who else was at our table, between Emily and CeCe?

Those are Connie and Madelyn "Mad Dawg", the Georgia Bulldogs fan!

She was a trip to be with today!!!

She and I had several things in common, as we get out of the house far more than many of the others.

Even with this worsened hitch in my giddy-up, I made sure to be here!

 

Like I said, this was a celebration, after two months away from each other.

The food was prepared by professional chefs, just for us, and every bite let us know how very special we are.

Just look at that appetizer: bruschetta with Mediterranean salsa, topped with marinated Georgia shrimp... totally scrumptious!

When Carson Branan brought out a leftover plate of the summery delight, I graciously accepted it, eating every morsel!

The entree featured a rich quiche containing mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomato, and Swiss cheese in egg custard - fabulous!

That was accompanied by a mixed green salad topped with toasted Asbury pecans, cranberries, and balsamic vinaigrette - I would have gladly eaten seconds of that, too!

Ah, but then, how would I have room for that luxurious dessert?

Grand Marnier Chocolate Mousse, it was, with raspberry sauce and fresh whipped cream - I ate it in tiny bites to make it last as long as possible!

 

My gratitude to Philip and Charlene Branan for this feast for the senses!

They were the owners and chefs at the Boar's Head restaurant until just recently when they retired.

Get this: they were born in 1959, the Chinese Year of the Pig.

No doubt that was the inspiration for the fine eatery's name!

Now, they're using their talents here and Asbury Memorial has been reaping the benefits all this year.

Today, they had their son, Carson, helping out, as well as his wife.

Kudos to all for spoiling us with this meal!

 

Kudos to Lynn Drake for the music from the Wesley Oak piano; to Tim Steinhauser for serving as the tuxedo-clad Maitre-d as well as the male component of the Holiday Hall Cafe Trio (along with Carmel Hearn and Kathy Solomons); and to Allexa Schlimmer for her vocal talents with the entertainment provided! 

I don't know who was in charge of choosing which bits of Shel Silverstein's poetry would be used this afternoon, but I applaud the choices!

I can't say that I knew them all, but I definitely was familiar enough with the final one - "Moon-Catchin' Net" - that I was able to sing along!

 

Afterward, I went to Greenwich to visit Mama.

I just felt the need to share this outing with friends with her.

The next time I head out there, I'll have some fresh flowers in hand, as those by the headstone are looking a bit beat from the summer heat.

There was one major change out there: the huge pine tree that had been a few sites down was gone.

Just a ragged stump marked where it had been.

Surprisingly, there was no damage to any of the markers, so perhaps it had been taken down instead of falling.

I'll have to check out the other sites when I return.

What a beautiful day this has been!

i thank You, God, that I was able to share it with so many others.

3 wins out of 4 games!

"You won three games at Music Bingo tonight??? Wow!!!"

 

Not me, g'friend, but two of my friends there tonight. Marcia won the first game, "Summer Vibes #1", so her beer was gratis at Midtown Sports Grill. Pretty nice! Then Elissa won a free appetizer with the second game - that was "Girls Night Out #1" - so her giant pretzel was free! Some other table took the 3rd game, with its "Modern Country Mix #1", but that was just a free drink, as there weren't enough players to have a money pot.

 

"Wow. That's more winning than y'all's group has had for weeks. Usually it's just one of you that manages to get a win. Or, like last week, you have no winners."

As I said then, it's more about the music than the wins for me. Sandy is very competitive, so winning is very important to her. And she didn't have that tonight. Elissa was the big winner, taking the $50 gift card for the 4th game. We were all happy for her, but I think Sandy was a bit put out that she didn't get a prize.

 

"That's okay, there's always next week!"

 

Actually, there isn't. Yom Kippur is coming, so they won't be available for Music Bingo next Monday. I was a little bummed out, but Marcia said we can do dinner on Tuesday next week. That will work! I'm supposed to have a Two First Posts meeting that day, but it's been moved to Monday... so I would have missed Music Bingo, too!

 

"Hallelujah! That's going to work out great for all of y'all!"

 

Right? I just love when the Universe sets it up like that! Here's proof positive that I was in the right place, right time this evening, if I had any doubts. My odometer wanted to catch my eye before I turned off the lights in my driveway! The mileage read "247586" - that's a straight, and that's always a winning hand in poker! Plus, it's my second straight in less than a week - that's unheard of for me! So glad I was out with my friends on this Monday!

 

"I'm glad you were, too! And is that what you had for dinner? It looks like one of those sandwiches from Panera."

 

Good eye, g'friend! Yes, that's the Chicken Pesto Ciabatta Dipper, which is back for a while. I was there for a luncheon with Kathy Mayin last Friday. She and I are working on building a friendship, so when she suggested we get together sometime soon, I went right ahead and said, "Let's do it today!"

 

"Wow. And she went for that?"

 

Surprisingly, yes. She really does admire my getting out and about so often. As I told her, sometimes I have to "throw myself out of my house", and she may want to consider taking that action herself. I picked her up for this luncheon, as the restaurant is just around the corner from her. However, I told her that if she arranges for the CAT bus to get her to an event that I'm going to, I'll gladly take her home afterward. it's just that if I have to come and get her to go to an event, that's easily an hour that gets lost in driving. She understands, and tells me she wants to do that, but we'll see. I do hope it will! She definitely needs to make a commitment to herself to get out more.

 

"Yes, I know. She sold her car because the insurance had increased so much. She had looked into her options beforehand and was sure the CAT and Uber would be fine. The thing is, she just needs to plan better, as CAT requires several days' notice to come and pick her up. She insists that she doesn't want any of us to go out of our way to take her places, and I'm taking her at her word. I do hope she will join me for future events!  

 

"I hope so, too. Events are certainly more fun with friends!"

another cabaret at the UUC!

There were two differences, however, from the one yesterday.

First, I was the only volunteer usher for "Night And Day: Cabaret with Samantha Talora", as the other three had opted for the salon event later tonight.

Yesterday, I'd worn my green, flowing dress, with my hair in a high ponytail.

Today, I took my hair down after I arrived.

I wore Mother Pat's summery Hawaiian dress with the golden dolphins.

Nice to give the audience something different!

Second, this event was actually double-billed, as it also featured Assaf Gleizner on the piano, as well as his talented arrangements of some of the music.

Remember, this event was titled "Night And Day".

Well, it turns out that the singer knew of two songs with that title, but different lyrics.

When she'd asked Assaf which one he'd prefer, he replied, "why not both?"

So that's what they'd done, blending the Cole Porter oldie with a much more recent one by Roxanne Seeman and Billie Hughes that Bette Midler sang about 30 years ago.

Magnificent fun!!!

When I talked about the mashup afterward with Assaf, I just had to share the one I'd done some years back!

He thought "I Feel Pretty" and the James Brown funk was an exciting idea!

Maybe I'll hear that being played at a future SVF concert?

That would be grand!!!

Samantha wove a story for us from the songs tonight.

She mentioned that she'd been on an episode of "Stories From The Stage", one of the short PBS programs I enjoy.

I'll have to see if I can find the one she was on!

That was early on in her time of saying "Yes" to scary things.

My guess is that change in quest began after her younger brother's death from cancer in 2013.

I know very well how that can change one's perspective.

Her story in song carried us from childhood ("Little Voice") to a change in attitude ("I'm Not Afraid Of Anything") to a realization that there will always be differences between people ("The Other Man's Grass Is Always Greener" and "The Secret Of Happiness").

Those last two made me think of Erma Bombeck and her humor!

After that biographical intro, she then sang a song for her dog, a song for her husband (that involved a gender swap from the Ray Charles version), and a song in memory of her brother.

Those were all straight from the program... but then came a change!

Instead of the listed tune, she sang one of my favorites: "You'll Never Walk Alone" - oh, yes, so beautiful it was, too!

Then she performed the next listed one... and encored with "Oh Shenandoah" instead of the posted Simon & Garfunkel song.

Nice change, y'all!

Yes, this has been a pretty amazing day, with plenty of lovely surprises!

(smile!)

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!)