The Zen of Sarcasm

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.

3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.

10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.

12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

17. Duct tape is like 'The Force.' It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

My Sunday Meme

Here's a list I stole from a fellow blogger, Saintly Nick. Some days I'm just out of "blogfodder."

What do you think of the last person you liked? Still like that person.
I’m listening to ? Nothing
Maybe I should? Clean my house
I want a? Glass of wine
I don’t understand: Algebra and geometry
I have lost my respect for: politicians
I last ate? Country Post’s biscuits and gravy
The meaning of my display name is? To complicated to explain
Is your hair wet? No
Is your cell phone right beside you? No, not sure where it is right now.
Do you miss someone? Yes, my daughter
Are you tired? No, only been up 3 hours.
Are you wearing pajamas? No, I don’t own any.
Are you mad? Nope
Are you upset? Nope
Why? Having a good day, no reason to be.
Recently done anything you regret? Yep
Ever lied? Maybe a little white one!
Ever kicked someone? Probably, but I don’t remember doing it.
Ever tripped over your own feet? Yep
Ever cursed? Oh, hell yes!
Gotten mad at someone? Who hasn’t?
Who? I don’t remember, but students rile me once in a while.
Cried in the last week? Yep
Is there anyone special on your mind right now? Nope
Do you have siblings? Yep 1 brother
Do/Did you want children? Yep, wanted 6, have two. More grandchildren, please!
Do you smile often? Try to.
Do you untie your shoes every time you take them off? Nope
Do you like your handwriting? Yep
What color shirt are you wearing? Sorta pastel green
What were you doing at 7 pm yesterday? Driving my van.
What are you doing tomorrow? Laundry, and working 2-4 pm.
When did you cry last? Last night over a sentimental song
Are you a friendly person? I try to be
Do you have pets? Nope
Would you ever date any of your ex’s? I can think of one possibility!
Ever cried on a friend’s shoulder? Yep
Do you really like someone? Yep, my family (except MIL, the witch)

Books Read Recently

Crying Wind: This is an autobiography. Wonderful read about a Native American's struggle growing up.

Wolf Pass by Steve Thayer. Exciting read for mystery and action lovers.

The Cottage by Danielle Steele. Her usual clap-trap about the rich and famous.

The 5th Horseman by James Patterson. Great read and makes we hunting the 6th in the series.

Dry Ice by Stephen White. A real page-turner. Read it until the wee hours, and didn't want to put it down even then.

When Day Breaks by Mary Jane Clark. Uuuhhh! It was okay, but not especially a grabber. Lots of hype when it came out, but I didn't think it was Clark's best work.

Right now I am wading into Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. Wow! This is heavy reading, but very good and well written. Let you know what I thought when I finish it. It's my first Picoult book.

Pardon Me While I Unload!

Once in a while, I get the urge to just write about my feeling about life in general. I sit and try to figure just what I want to say and how to say it. Sometimes making a list of my thoughts and feelings helps. Here's my list:

• I am not political, but I don't like any of the presidential candidates.
• I think our country has become a nation where only the wealthy can survive comfortably.
• I think educating our young people should take priority over anything else. How else will we remain the strongest nation in the world?
• The price of gas is ridiculous, but what can we as individuals do about it.
• Living alone is not so bad. Being lonely sucks ass!
• Family is the most important thing in the world. Without them, I am nothing.
• I have got the greatest friends a man could ever ask for.
• Buying groceries is a drudge.
• Cleaning house is a drudge.
• Mowing grass is a drudge.
• TV this summer is a laugh! Not the humorous kind, either!
• I love to read. That's why my house is dirty and my lawn needs mowing.
• There is not a rainbow behind every cloud no matter what Hallmark cards say
• Doing laundry is a necessary evil. And another drudge.
• I don't like the feeling of being homesick.
• I still love to sing.

There are some days when I should just not sit down at the computer. But, I have to get some of this shit off my chest somehow!

Peace and Hope

JE

Reading

Did you ever pick up a book and even though you really didn't like it very much, you just kept reading because you were just curious? Well, I just finished Now You See Him by Eli Gottlieb. It was the strangest novel I have read in a long time. And, I sure didn't see the end coming. Usually I am brighter than that, but this one really threw me.
I didn't especially like the writer's style. He wrote in first person, but his literary style was to "highbrow" for me, for lack of a better term. But I told myself to just persevere and finish the book.
I wouldn't recommend that you rush out and buy this book, and I am glad I just checked it out of the local library, but if you run accross it in a used book store, and can pick it up for 50 cents, read it and see how you feel about it.
I have several other possibilities in my book bag, so I am looking forward to reading something more exciting and interesting. This made my 5th novel since school was out. Do I need to get a life or what!
Peace and Hope
JE

Say Cheese!

Well, I did it. I joined the ranks of millions of other people and purchased a digital camera. I'm not sure what I have to take pictures of, but having a new granddaughter to photograph in a few months was an incentive. By the time she arrives, I should be pretty good at snapping those candid shots. At least, I will have learned what all the buttons are for.
I had 2 rolls of film developed the other day. I didn't get prints made, I simply had the pictures put on a disc so I could download them to my computer. At the price they charged to do that, it wouldn't take long to pay for this camera. I didn't get a super expensive one, but when I get really good, I can upgrade! Yeah, right!
Anyway, now I can keep my photo blog more up to date, and have a fun time doing it.
Peace and Hope!
JE

My New Look

Not only am I redecorating my home, How do you like my new "bloglook?" Thanks to the creative skills of Professor, I have a whole new design. And it is so totally "me." Ask anyone who knows me and they will agree, I'm sure. Thanks Prof!

Peace and Hope,

JE

A Tribute to Country Music???????

I just watched a special on PBS hosted by Roy Clark. Egads! There is a reason for retirement. Come on people. Glen Campbell singing some of the songs he made famous, was nauseating. What happened to his voice? Also, he suddenly looks so old. Do I? Maybe so, but I ain't gettin' up in front of millions of people and making an ass of myself. Patty Page sang "Tennessee Waltz." Now there's a song. But, maybe it should now be sung my Martina McBride. Of course, Chrystal Gayle sang, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." Other than the now un-becoming hair do, or lack thereof, she still looks pretty damn good, and sounds good, too. She graduated just a couple of years behind my late wife, Tilly. We knew her when she was still Brenda Webb.

Roy Clark looks pretty rough. Especially with the bad hair piece, and his eyes glued to the cue cards.

By now you are probably asking why I didn't just turn it off. Well, I like country music and I just kept hoping the show would get better. It didn't!

Peace and Hope!

JE

A visit to the "Baby Dr."

New experience #(I wouldn't even venture a guess): a visit to an OB-GYN! Yes you read right. I accompanied my son and daughter-in-law to the "baby dr." today. You are probably asking yourselves "what the hell for?" Well, let me explain. I have never heard a baby's heartbeat. My kids wanted me to hear my grandaughter's heartbeat, so they asked me to go along with them. (*NOTE: When Tilly and I were having babies over 32 years ago, dads weren't included in the process, past conception. No office visits, no delivery room, no nothing.)
We enter the office. We're the first one's there. Lil Bro introduces me to the nurse. She said "welcome Grandpa." All goes well until this lady about my age comes in. She looks at me like I am a alien from Mars. I know she wondered why I was there. Of course, I could about guess why she was there. She was there for the GYN part of the office, certainly not the OB part.
We get called back to the exam room, and the Dr. comes in. He looks like he's about 15 years old, but seems to know what he is doing. After measuring Sistah's tummy with a tape measure, he smears this gel on her tummy, picks up what looks like a small radio with a microphone attached and starts rubbing the mike on her tummy in the gel. Like the miracle that it is, suddenly I could honestly hear my new-to-be granddaughter's heart beat, loud and clear. WOW! I couldn't help but stand there in awe with this stupid (I'm sure) looking smile on my face. "That's my granddaughter," was all I could think. Wow! Then in few seconds of melancholy, I thought how cool it would have been if Grandma could have been there, too. My eyes misted over, not so much from the sadness of that thought, but from the marvel of it all. Science has come so far since my children were born.
It's been over 3 hours since then, but I am still on cloud #100+, and reeling from the experience.
I know I can't be in the birthing room, but believe me, I will be as close as possible when my little granddaughter arrives.

I Remember These

Recently I listened to an old song by the Statler Brothers called,"Do You Remember These." Here are some of the things I do remember from 'way back then."

• gas was 18 cents a gallon when I got my license in 1961
• my brother and I walked a mile on Sat. mornings in summer to the nearest neighbors who had a TV to watch cartoons. We had a standing invitation.
• Penny candy really was a penny, sometimes two for a penny.
• A pack of Winstons was a quarter.
• Pepsi, Coke, R C Cola and grape Nehi all came in glass bottles, and if you took them back where you bought them, they gave you 2 cents for the returned bottle.
• I mowed the neighbor's lawn for a buck
• We went places as a family
• My best friend in the whole wide world died at age 14 of a strange disease called "nephritis." Today, she would have had dialysis and a kidney transplant. Never heard of then.
• Our neighbors to the east of us build a bomb shelter into the side of a hill. I can only imagine the world repopulated by that snooty guy and his bleached blonde trophy wife.
• Our local theater showed the movie continuously all day starting at 10 AM and you could stay for as many showings as you wanted. Cost 25 cents to get in and a box of popcorn was a dime.
• We all went to church on Sunday morning, came home and had a nice dinner around the table, then went either to visit friends, or to grandparents for the afternoon.
• Our parents demanded that they knew where we were, who we were with, and called other parents to make sure it was okay with them.
• My girlfriend actually had morals and a curfew.
• James Dean movies were too "racy" and my parents said NO to going to them.
• We played outside no matter what the weather was. No video games!!
• I actually learned to type on a manual typewriter and thought "eraseable bond" paper was a great invention.
• We had actual chores. Carrying in wood, cleaning out the fireplaces, mowing an acre of yard, shoveling snow just so we could get out to the road, taking care of the dog, and sometimes the neighbor's cats.
• We helped out when other kids in the neighborhood had chores, so they could get done faster so we could go swimming.
• Everyone got along
• We had both parents in the home
• We treated our parents with respect and were loved and we knew it

This list could go on and on. You get the idea, though. I'm not saying that those were the "good old days." Today's life is good. But as I look back, I don't think I would trade.

Peace and Hope

JE

Another School Year Down!!!!!

Whooppee! School is finally out. I love my job, I really do, but, BOY! was I ready for school to be out. I need a break. As a "special ed" teaching assistant, I work with he kids with the learning problems, obviously, but I also work with the kids with emotional problems, and the ones that are mildly, mentally handicapped. Usually this vast group of kids are where most dicipline problems stem from. So, as the only man in the "sp. ed" department, I get to deal with the guys.
I pull guys out and discuss why they shouldn't wear their pants so low that we can see their "crack problem." I also get to discuss personal hygiene and suggest that they shower more often, and put on clean clothes from the skin out daily. I also pass out deodarant to some of the guys, as well as toothpaste and tic-tacs. So you see that my job is not just helping educate these students, but being a surrogate parent to them for 7 1/2 hours a day 5 days a week.

On top of that, I have to read tests aloud to most of my students. They have several learning-skill levels, so I have to read slow enough that the slower kids can keep up. When giving a math test, I often have to talk an individual student thru a problem, reminding him/her of the process used and then give them time to complete each problem. I repeat questions for those students who missed one or needs to think time.

Daily, I am responsible for maintaining order and control chaos two periods a day in a "guided study hall" situation. Bear in mind that students come and go at the classroom teacher's discretion, from 6th,7th, and 8th grades. They can come for help with any subject. So all of the teaching assistants need to be well versed in all subjects for all 3 grades. I don't have a problem with most things, but pre-algebra gives me fits. I just don't understand all the formulas, theroms (or is that geometry?) and stuff. I took one math class in college, and that was a methods class for elementary teachers! Most teachers are very understanding, but some of the ones who are new, will not give us teacher's manuals or answer keys. They are "afraid" we might give a kid an answer. WHAT??? Do they think I don't know how to do my job.

The last few days of school, it was decided that the "Resource Room" as our study hall area is called, needed to be moved into a different classroom next school year. So, we had to pack up everything in boxes, mark it to be moved, mark our desks and supplies, all furniture that goes with us so the janitors can make the move this summer. Of course, we are considered hourly employees who only get paid for the hours that the students are in the building, so we had do all this while trying to stay on "finals" schedule. While the teachers get an extra day paid to do this, we do not.

So, all this being said, I need a break. But come August, will I be ready to go back and face the "troops?" You bet. After spending over 30 years in the business world, and taking this job late in my life as a second career, I feel like I am making a difference in kid's lives. Friday night I watched students walk across the stage and graduate. These were students that I started out with when they were in the 6th grade. I have watched them grow into fine young people. They still come to my room and chat, and to share their lives with me. After the graduation ceremony, the handshakes and hugs I received made the job I do, and sometimes complain about, all worthwhile. I feel that in some small way I may have made a difference in someone's life. If so, my life is full, and I know that I am where I belong.

Favorite Lyric Day

I declare today as "National Favorite Lyrics Day." As such, I am posting the lyrics to a few of my favs.

Turn Me On

Like a flower waiting to bloom

Like a lightbulb in a dark room

I'm just sitting here waiting for you

To come home and turn me on

Like the desert waiting for the rain

Like a school kid waiting for the spring

I'm just sitting here waiting for you

To come on home and turn me on

My poor heart, it's been so dark

since you been gone

After all, you're the one who turns me off

You're the only one who can turn me back on

My hi-fi's waiting for a new tune

The glass is waiting for some fresh ice cubes

I'm just sitting here waiting for you

To come on home and turn me on

Turn me on

-----------

One Flight Down

One flight down

There's a song on low

And you mind just picked up on the sound

Now you know you're wrong

Because it drifts like smoke

And it's been there playing all along

Now you know

Now you know.

The reeds and brass have been weaving

Leading into a single note

In this place

Where your arms unfold

Here at last you see your ancient face

Now you know

Now you know

The cadence rolls in broken

Plays it over and then goes

One flight down

There's a song on low

And it's been there playing all along

Now you know

Now you know

------

The Long Day Is Over

Feeling tired

By the fire

The long day is over

The wind is gone

Asleep at dawn

The embers burn on

With no reprise

The sun will rise

The long day is over

Peace and Hope!

JE

Another List

1. What curse word do you use the most?Shit! Self explanatory.
2. Do you own an iPod?No, but I have a MP3 player, red, with great tunes on it.
3. Who on your MySpace “Top 8” do you talk to the most?I don't MySpace
4. What time is your alarm clock set for?6:30 am for one more week!
5. What color is your room? White, ugly and I am changing it to gold with a red ceiling this summer.
6. Flip flops or sneakers?Love me some sandals, but "heart" my ol' sneaks.
7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?Take it.
8. What was the last movie you watched?Juno.
9. Do any of your friends have children? Most do. And even grandchildren.
10. Has anyone ever called you lazy?Probably, but they better not.
11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster?Yes, 2 tylenol pm's most nights.
12. What CD is currently in your CD player?"Tapestry" by Carole King.
13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?I'm not a milk fan at all but if forced I drink chocolate
14. Has anyone told you a secret this week? Yes, but it wouldn't be a secret if I told.
15. Have you ever given someone a hickey?YES, a long,long time ago.
16. Who was the last person to call you?Lil Bro.
17. Do you think people talk about you behind your back?Oh,I hope so. While they are talking about me, they are leaving someone else alone.
18. Did you watch cartoons as a child?Yes, my brother and I walked a mile to the nearest neighbor who had T.V.
19. How many siblings do you have?1 bro (and a sister in law)
20. Are you shy around the opposite sex?Actually.... yes. Believe it or not, unitl we get acquainted, then of course they aren't strangers.
21. What movie do you know every line to?Dances With Wolves, except the Lakota.
22. Do you own any band t-shirts?NO
23. What is your favorite salad dressing?Bleu Cheese
24. Do you read for fun?Oh hella YES!
25. Do you cry a lot?Too much!
26. Who was the last person to text message you? I don't text.
27. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?I have a borrowed desktop "piece of SHIT" which I plan on replacing SOON!
28. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoo?Sometimes I think I would like a tat, but am I too old?
29. What is the weather like?Right now, 80 and sunny, expecting rain tonite.
30. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos? NO
31. Is sex before marriage wrong?Is this a trick question? I now say "maybe not."
32. When was the last time you slept on the floor?The other night I stretched out in front of my space heater to watch TV and fell asleep. It was 40 degrees outside. Woke up hardly able to move.
33. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?I can get by with 4 or 5, but I really need 7 or 8 hours... otherwise I am crabby and say "shit" a lot more.
34. Are you in love or lust?Again, is this a trick question? Neither, dammit!
35. Are your days full and fast-paced?Full , and fast-paced enough for a guy of 63.
36. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages?YEP
37. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?Just turned 63 last week.
38. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?Yes, and people think I am way over the top when I blog or email.
39. Have you ever been to Six Flags?Drove past it a couple of time. Does that count?
40. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex?These days, in my dotage...both
41. Do you like cottage cheese?YUK!
42. Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back?Usually on my side.
43. Have you ever bid for something on eBay?no
44. Do you enjoy giving hugs?yes
45. What song did you last sing out loud?"I'll Be Seeing You."
46. What is your favorite TV show?Numb3rs
47. Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with?John F. Kennedy
48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?Coming home from Texas on Amtrak.
49. What one thing do you wish you had?Money
50. Favorite lyrics?"Turn Me On" by Norah Jones. (Well, you asked!)

Things I Have Learned Recently

Through trial and error I learned some very helpful and interesting things lately.

• No matter how it is cooked, a TV dinner still tastes like wallpaper paste.
• Any kind of cheap wine goes with said TV dinner. Doesn't make it taste better, but less painful going down.
• I am no longer a good date for a 44 year old. Enough said!
• I still hate doing laundry.
• My favorite wine goes well with Fig Newtons.
• Vanilla Bean ice cream is the best.
• I really like Asian Cusine.
• One never has enough money. This month it's trying to decide whether to buy food or gas.
• 11 hours of work in one day is too much for someone my age.
• Walmart Super Stores are a thing to be avoided. I see too many things I want.
• Grocery shopping when I am hungry is a no-no.
• I really am enjoying working in my yard.
• I am really tired of rain.
• One can never have enough clean underwear.
• I need to watch closer how much toilet paper I have in stock.
• Sheets stay cleaner if I shower at night.
• Chocolate is still one of the five basic food groups.
• There is a big difference in being alone and being lonely.

That's about it. I will probably learn more as I wonder farther into this strange world.

Peace!

JE

What Was I Thinking???

I probably should not share this, but what was I thinking? Last night about 8 I decided to build a fire in my new outdoor fireplace. I built a nice little fire, grabbed a lawn chair and sat. I decided to smoke a cigar. Not something I do very often, but once in a while one is satisfying. I went into the house to get said cigar and decided to have a beer. Should have stopped there. But, being the not-so-wise semi adult that I am, I had another and then another . What started out as a peaceful evening of firewatching, turned into a total sloshing on "firewater." I started the evening with several beers in the fridge, now I only have one.
Today I paid the price. Cotton mouth, feeling like I could puke, headache, and all the rest of the stuff that goes along with a hangover. Boy was that a stupid move. (I contemplated staying home, but went to school as a punishment for my stupidity.)
I do remember yelling at the neighbor's dogs to "shut the f--k up at the top of my lungs. Didn't help. They just kept yapping. Maybe it was my mindless singing that was upsetting them.
Oh well, I learned a valuable lesson. I cannot handle much beer any more. I looked this evening and cannot find all the empty bottles. Not sure where I tossed them. I think I'm too old for this shit.

Lest you were wondering

I think I announced earlier that son Lil Bro and his lovely wife Sistah are expecting a baby, thus going to make me a grandfather again. (My only other grandchild is Kiddo, Prof's son who is now 15.) This is very exciting news, especially since according to the latest ultrasound photos, I am going to have a granddaughter! The kids informed me that her name is Kinsey Faye, and we are referring to her as Kinsey already. Up until now we have called her "Bump" or "Little Bit."
Now that everything seems more real, I am ready to get the cradle that Lil Bro had as a child down from the garage attic, dust it off, and get it into the living room. I told the kids that if they want to go out in the evening, I am the man who can babysit, and will make that my first priority.
A new life coming into this world. How wonderful! My only regret is that Tilly didn't live long enough to see this little one. But I know she is watching out for Sistah and the baby from somewhere out there. I have to believe that this is God's way of telling us all that things will be okay for us all in the future. After the year we have had, we can look forward to this exciting time, and know that God is good, all the time!

Ridin' the Rails

I have just returned from a trip to Texas on Amtrak. Though it was a very long journey, let me say, that if you have the chance to ride the rails, and are not in a hurry, do it. At least once!

I departed from a small station in northern Indiana, and railed into Union Station in Chicago. I didn't know anything about train travel. (The last time I rode on the train was a long time ago. I was maybe 10.) I stepped off the train in Chicago and immediately had to walk what seemed miles to the terminal for Amtrak. I did not have a bag on wheels, so I toted this heavy duffle over one shoulder while carrying a cooler and a carry-on bag in my hands.(the first purchase I made in Texas was a new piece of luggage with wheels!)
One nice thing about traveling by train, and being over 62, I got to board first. I found a good aisle seat, stashed my bags and got comfy and also acquainted with the people around me. Riding the rails was fun. The crew on the way to Texas was a good crew, very congenial, and fun to be around. The guy running the bar in the lounge car was a riot. I met several friendly people, and yes, I actually talked, and in some cases, even struck up conversations around me. It is easy to get a conversation started when you are traveling, because you have that in common with the people around you. Prof and Lil Bro both told me to not be shy and at least talk to people.

We were very late getting into Dallas, my destination, but we found out a few things about Amtrak that none of us knew. Amtrak leases the railroad space from Union Pacific Railroads. Part of the leasing agreement is that Amtrak has to give right-of-way to all freight trains. This means that we had to pull 0ver on sidings and let freight trains pass, or if there was double tracks, we slowed way down because of the closeness of the railcars and the sway of them. We could actually bump, but we were the ones always slowing or stopping. Which made us late. Then only 12 miles out of Dallas, we sat for almost 2 hours because Union Pacific was doing track work. But, all in all the trip down there was fun. I had motion sickness the second day out, so I didn't eat, which probably made it worse rather than better. I got some drammine for the trip home, and that stuff really works.
The trip home was even longer. I was disappointed in the train I was on. It wasn't very clean and the crew was fussier. Our car attendant, Morgana, was a real witch. She acted like she didn't like her job, didn't want to be there, and that everything she did for us was a real effort. She was not helpful at all, and when someone complained that it was too cold in the car, she did something to the heaters, and it got up over 90 in there. Finally after complaining to her about it without results, one of the passengers went to the conductor, complained about Morgana and her attitude and the heat, and he made it right.
We were over 6 hours late getting into Chicago on the return trip, making scads of people miss their connections. Amtrak offered to put us up in motels, pay us cash for meals and cab fares and get us going the next day. I just wanted to go home. Fortunately, there is a train that leaves Chicago at 10 PM nightly heading for NYC, and it stops at my station where Lil Bro was to pick me up. The nice lady at the Amtrak info center got me on it. Yeah rah! You go girl!
Not being a seasoned traveler like so many, I was nervous. I have not traveled anywhere for a long time, so I was lost when it came to finding out what I needed to know. The nicest thing was that the young man in the seat next to mine sensed how nervous I was, so when we got into the station, he took it upon himself to make sure I found someone to help me, then helped me find my gate and even found my train and departure time. Then he shook my hand, wished me well and disappeared to go his own way. I didn't even get his name, but I will never forget him. A young person helping an older, confused, tired adult. Living proof that there really are angels walking among us.
I arrived at my little Indiana station at the same time Lil Bro did. Perfect timing. I had a good time while I was gone, fodder for another blog, but was glad to get home. My shower and bed felt really good!

Another Movie

Tonight I watched "American Gangster" starring my very favorite Densel Washington, and Russell Crowe. It was okay. It was nice to see Crowe play a nice guy for a change. I hated his guts in "3:10 to Yuma." I don't like seeing Washington playing a thug. It's just out of character for him. The role of his mom was played by veteran actress Ruby Dee. What a gal. Still has that spark. This movie is worth watching, but allow lots of time. I didn't look at the jacket info to see how long it was, but it seemed VERY long. Might be good entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
JE

You Must See It!!!!

I just finished watching "August Rush!" It has to be the very best movie I have seen in a very long time. I usually don't review or even past judgement on a movie, but this one is "the best." Watch it!
JE

Recording, and recording, and recording.....

Today, my mixed quartet had their first ever recording sesson. We have been asked to perform for a very large group of professional educations from all around Area 52. We have to submit a demo recording to the committee who plan this event, so today was our first attempt at making a CD.
Now, our quartet has been together for seven year. We have performed all over the northern part of our state, and are pretty well known. But, we have never recorded.
So, we gathered, and each had our own mike, like ususal. Only this time we weren't singing to an audience. The first time through, I was so loud, I drowned out the rest of the group. My mike was too hot, I held it too close to my mouth, the sound man was puzzled with the play back, so we attempted it again. This time through, the bass was too loud, and so was the alto. So, we decided to switch to different miking system. So, Wednesday night at 9:00, we are having another go at it. This was not a professional studio, but we did have professional equipment and a semi pro running it for us. We were recording in our church's multipurpose activity center. It is new, has wonder acoustics, and a great sound system. It was an interesting experience. I have a new respect for singers who spend hours recording, and now know why sometimes it takes months to get a record(CD) out of the production room.
Fortunately, our bass knows two people on the committee for this group, so I guess we're in, even if our recording isn't too wonderful. I think they just want proof that we're not some "fly-by-night group.
Between now and Wednesday, I have to learn the words and music to four songs. Guess I'd better get busy.
JE