The Other Blog - Content: Questionable

James taylor & Carole King Together in Concert - It Was All About the Music

2010-06-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

A once-in-a-lifetime concert event swung through Tampa on Sunday evening, bringing the St Petersburg Times Forum almost to capacity. Carole King and James Taylor pushed it to the limit with their “Troubadour Reunion” show bringing their classic rock/pop sounds to the delight of the 16,000+ audience members. There were no lasers, smoke pots or pyrotechnics. Video screens suspended above a revolving stage encircled the performance area providing an intimate setting for an otherwise mammoth venue. The efforts to bring the audience closer personalized the music for a great evening of entertainment.

It was all about the music of 2 singer/songwriter greats of the last half century. 40 years ago, the duo performed at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, a venue showcasing new talent as well as established bands & singers. The Troubadour reunion tour features many of the songs from the original concert as well as the newer offerings of the 2 pop icons. Several members of their original backup band deliver non-obtrusive accompaniment to their music.

James Taylor, appearing a bit feeble for his 62 years, is always smooth and low key, even on his rockier numbers, carrying his offerings with superb showmanship – because he’s James Taylor. Taylor kicked it in several times during the show, but sat or stood at a mic as his music dictated for many of his works. He could do no wrong for his long time fans and they were not disappointed as he presented a generous sampling of his hits, as well as a few lesser known pieces. When introducing “Sweet Baby James”, he shared that the song was a lullaby written for the son of a cousin who named his child after JT. The boy liked to play ‘cowboy’. He was a regular ‘little buckaroo’, Taylor remembered fondly. “Steamroller Blues” takes longer to sing than it took to write and “Shower the People” is his Hymn for Agnostics.

The big surprise of the evening was the performance of Carole King. At 68, she was spot on with her passion for her music and gracious to inform the audience that she was ‘co’writer of many of her compositions, giving credit, by name, to those with whom she shared the bill. She and Taylor shared the mic on her songs “Up on the Roof” and “You’ve Got a Friend” as well as providing background vocals and accompaniment for each other. The highlight of the evening was “I Feel the Earth Move” where Ms King rocked out, jumping and dancing, in some very cruel stilettos, a brave move for a woman pushing 70.

There are still about 20 cities left on the tour schedule, so if you have the chance (not to mention the bucks) try to see this wonderful show. Taylor & King deliver a 2+ hour show that brings great memories and superb performances.

Ya Never Know What Kinda Crap Will Show Up on This Blog - So, Here It Is - Review of Wynonna @ Silver Spurs Arena, May 9

2010-05-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Concert Was High on Attitude - Short on Songs

Attended the Wynonna concert (free tickets) with an open mind as I really was not a fan and did not know her repertoire. She was spot on in the vocal category, tailoring her song selection to her powerful voice and biting monologues, some of them entirely too long, before each selection. Several references gave light to her flawed view of men, most likely due to her own poor choices in that category.
But this woman LOVES her fans and is most grateful to them for putting her where she is, accepting gifts, sending out lots of "I love you"s to adoring followers and encouraging them to respond to her remarks however they wanted. The banter filled lots of time on the concert clock and 70 minutes into the show, after singing Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is", she said "Goodnight" and left the stage as her flock pleaded for more. Of course, this was the fake ending to the show, but is was only 15 minutes later, after another oration or two and two songs, the evening was over. We left the arena at 8:40 (after a 7:15 start time) and were home by 9:15.
She will be out on the road again in November, this time with Mama Naomi ..... ladies will love it ..... guys, I'd stay away from this estrogen frenzy or leave your genitalia at home.

Wassup?

2010-04-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

We're up and running ......

After an absence from blogging for awhile, we're back with

"Week At A Glance"

documenting our lives after the arrival of our daughter

from China.

http://joannamei.blogspot.com

Email us at duoloco@cfl.rr.com for a password.

If you have an adoption blog, please mention it.

The Night of Thanksgiving

2009-12-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

Twas the night of Thanksgiving and out of the house
Tiger Woods came a flying chased by his spouse
She wielded a nine iron and wasn't too merry
Cause a bimbo's phone number was in his Blackberry
He'd been cheatin' on Elin and the story progressed
Woman after woman stepped up and confessed
He'd been cheatin with Holly and Jaimee and Cori
With Joselyn and Kalika The world had the story
From the top of the Tour to the basement of blues
Tiger's sad sordid tale was all over the news
With hostesses waitresses he had lots of sex
When not in their pants he was sendin them texts
Despite all his cryin and beggin and pleadin
Tiger's wife went investin-a new home in Sweden
And I heard her exclaim from her white Escalade
If you're gettin laid then I'm gettin paid
She's not pouting, in fact she is of jolly good cheer
Her prenup made Christmas come early this year

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T06:14:00.001-07:00

The Skinny on the New Pants

2009-09-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

I went to return a pair of pants. The gal at the store's Customer Service asked "Is there something wrong with them?" All 250 pounds of me answered back with a poker face: "They make me look fat." She had a bit of trouble, but she contained her laughter, finishing up the transaction with total poise and dignity. Would have loved to hear the break room conversation ....

Attention WalMart Shoppers

2009-09-24T13:08:00.001-07:00

Is it still a tree house if it’s not technically in a tree? I think I’ll allow it.
Georgia

If you asked a 7 year old to dress himself, he would probably come out looking something like this…probably better actually.
Kentucky

Somebody come here and pick up my jaw, I can’t seem to find it now that my eyes popped out of my head.
Pennsylvania

I always assumed the lemon would carry the man-purse, but thanks to this picture we can now put that argument to rest. You know, with the ketchup they kinda have a nice stoplight thing going on there too.
New York

I don’t think your hamburger is the only thing you need help with.

Canada

We get it. You were in a Paula Abdul video 20 years ago, awesome! Now please change.
Nevada

How did this guy find my Osh Kosh B’gosh overalls from when I was 4?
Tennessee

I have this picture up so that you can stare at it for 5 minutes to decide if she is hot, then try to convince yourself that you don’t actually think she’s hot when you know she really is.
Oklahoma

Save the money, I highly doubt that its going to help you anyway.
Florida

Hey maybe you guys could help me down, it’s a 3 foot drop and my legs aren’t what they used to be.
Nevada

I challenge you to find pants to match fuzzy pink flip flops and green nail polish, then have someone take your picture and send it to us.
California

Now all we need is Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem for a reunion tour.
Texas

I’m not quite sure if Godzilla belongs on the dinosaur van, but since this guy included him, I’m glad he is at the very top where he belongs…..Godzilla would beat down every other dinosaur. That’s a fact. Look it up.
West Virginia

You know that “Bubba” guy that I mentioned…
Unknown

Britney Spears let herself go…….again.
Kentucky

Are those ankle weights, half-socks or sweatbands? Does she think that if things are kind of the same color they can go together? Are see-through shorts only appropriate with shiny blue hats? I wish I knew how these things worked.
Florida

Is it even legal to look this good?
California

2009-09-11T03:51:00.000-07:00

Justin Roberts "Stay-at-Home Dad"

2009-09-01T08:49:00.001-07:00

Potty Humor

2009-08-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

My daughter, The Empress, is graduating from diapers to underpants. Probably no reason to celebrate (save the cost of diapers and, now, pre-school potty trained discount) except that this is another milestone in her growth, one that carries with it it's own consequences.

A few examples:

- "An Inconvenient Poop" - the need to go potty will usually occur while at the furthest point from a rest room in the department store.

- The "Would You Like Paper or Plastic" Poop - usually occurs just as the cashier begins checking out your weekly food order.

- The "False Alarm" usually occurs while driving and one must stop at the nearest reasonably clean rest room before child deposits hiney fruit in her child seat. Upon arriving at the rest room, child announces "No pee-pee - no poo-poo".

- The "Magic Seat Cover" Poop - parent places paper toilet seat cover on toilet seat, turns to lift child onto seat, and the automatic flush activates, flushing paper seat cover.

- The "Sanctified Poop" - occurs just as the preacher says "Let us pray."

- The "Would You Like Some Company?" Poop - probably a "False Alarm" poop, but child wants to keep parent nearby whilst parent ....... never mind.

- The "Tailgate Poop" - answer to several of the above scenarios ....... parent buys a potty at IKEA for 4 bucks and has it handy in his tool box in the bed of his Ford F-150 truck. Parent must supply own wipes, plastic bag and gallon bottle of rinse water.

O.K. - If You Don't Shoot Me, I'll Eat the Okra.

2009-08-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

…… so, you’re out on a day hike in the woods. Mind you, you’re not in the jungle far from civilization. You spot some vegetable like growth on a vine or tree. What are the chances you’ll have the desire to sample something that looks like this …..

Or this ....

Or this ....

Me? No way. I’d be out of my mind! Yet, I’ve actually eaten the delicacy pictured in the last sample. And you know what? It’s okra! I’ve actually eaten okra! Voluntarily! Because I love my wife! She likes okra and I love her so I eat it! Even though I find it totally loathsome! I must be nuts!

Some interesting okra tidbits:

When cut, okra releases a sticky substance with thickening properties. The same thing happens when you lance a boil.

Grown in tropical and warm temperate climates, it is in the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton. Yes, I do believe I’ve had cotton mouth after eating okra.

Its mild flavor can be compared to eggplant, though the texture is somewhat unusual. Now, there’s an understatement!

Whole, fresh okra pods also make excellent pickles. Don’t come anywhere near me with that!

So, if I happen to be traipsing through the jungle, famished and hallucinatory and I come across some okra, yes, I will eat it. Even raw. But when there’s a choice, it goes right on the list along with calves’ liver, rutabaga, beets and eel. Meanwhile, baby, I’ll cook your okra for you – on the grill outside – right next to my corn on the cob. Love ya.

Sarcasm, Please

2009-07-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Please leave me a sarcastic comment on the subject of

not updating my blog.

2009-06-20T07:58:00.001-07:00

Jersey Boys

2009-06-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Being a Jersey Boy myself, I could not pass it up when the show, a musical biography of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons came through town. These guys were from my neck of the woods, and character portrayals were hauntingly familiar including the authentic New Jersey street vocabulary. "F" bombs were dropped as if the players were reciting fine poetry and accents were reminiscent of those heard up and down the streets and alleys of the North End of Elizabeth, New Jersey, where I grew up during the hayday of the Four Seasons.
The script was typical of the rise and fall of a performer. The show had elements of "The Doors", "Walk the Line", "Dream Girls" and "Coal Miner's Daughter". But the thing that had the audience on it's feet was the music, performed by a talented group of singers and instrumentalists. We knew the words to every song, skillfully woven into the story line to create quite an enjoyable evening of music. Recommended for adults (unless you'd like to be embarrassed in front of your kids - wait - maybe you talk like those guys in front of your kids - I don't know - you decide.)

1 Year Anniversary Raffle

2009-06-15T18:31:00.001-07:00

In celebration of 1 year as a family of 3, we would like to do a raffle for a CD of Chinese lullabies sung by the Beijing Angelic Choir. This music has soothed Joanna Mei to sleep each night and we'd like to pass on this beautiful music to a lucky winner. Just leave a comment on this post indicating that you'd like to win. Joanna Mei will draw a winner on July 14, our Forever Family Day.

2009-05-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

Don't mean to judge ...... nope, sure don't.

... and the DUH Award goes to .....

2009-05-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

It had been a particularly noteworthy Sunday.

Church in the AM followed by a short nap and then a 1 hour drive to

meet some friends from way back for a snack in Lakeland, FL.

The drive over was uneventful and considering traffic in Central Florida,

that made it eventful.

Our meeting went as planned and we continued onto the Lakeland Civic Center for a performance of Cirque du Soleil's "Saltimbanco".

Oops ... I failed to mention that we boldly brought along our 2 year old.

You would not have known it. She was on her best behavior and presented herself as a most charming individual.

It was daring of us to bring her along to the 2 hour show, but she was transfixed on the display of athletic prowess and the illusions before her. She danced, cheered, and glued her eyes to the performance area.

But, what followed was most unimpressive ......

For this reason ......

goes to ......

The Staff and Management of Lakeland's

I love this eatery's milk shakes and the sign loomed before us so we stopped for dinner at approximately 7:30 PM.

We placed our orders ..... (22 minutes after being seated)

1 Grilled Chicken Salad

1 Single Steakburger with Cheese and Bacon

1 Vanilla Milk Shake

1 Order of Chicken Fingers

(The chicken fingers were free - special on Sat & Sun:

Free kid's meal with each $8.00 spent)

Our daughter had pooped and so I attended to the primitive ritual of the diaper change. I figured I'd take my time, so we sang and wiped and washed and sang some more. She loved the sounds of her screams ricocheting off the tiled walls. When we arrived back at our table, still no food, although the shake had arrived. 43 minutes after being seated, along comes a different waitress with our order. The Steakburger and chicken fingers were there on the tray, but there appeared to be a chicken club substituted for the chicken salad. We told the waitress and she brought back the whole tray. Leaving us in her dust, we tried to tell her to leave us the bloody burger and chicken fingers (we were so hungry we were ready to eat the people in the next booth) but she flicked us off and went back to the pick up window. 3 minutes later, she returns with the chicken salad and the other 2 items and informs us that she had brought the wrong tray. I wanted to say "You friggin' liar!" but I managed to maintain poise and dignity. Our regular waitress stopped by to see how it was going and I told her what happened and could she bring me a new bun for my burger as there was mustard on the one I was served which I didn't order. She reached down to grab the plate containing the burger. "Just a new bun!" I said in a style reminiscent of Jack Nickolson in "The Shining".

The rest of the meal went without a hitch.

I asked for my check. Our waitress indicated that it would just be a minute.

I told her that I would stand in the aisle until she returned.

It came in 30 seconds.

The Chicken Club Sandwich (never ordered in the first place)

was still on the bill ........

The Child's Meal (should be free) was also charged .....

Our waitress offered to take care of it.

"No, that won't be necessary. I'll do it myself when I pay for the check."

The manager was at the register. We were wanting to get back on the road back to Orlando, so I mentioned the disputed items and he deducted them without question. ....... But here's the best part, folks .......

I paid with a credit card and he asked for I.D.

This is what I presented to him .......

Actual scan of a gag driver's license I keep in my wallet

He compared the credit card to the gag driver's license and said

"Thank you, sir."

And so, Steak and Shake, Lakeland, Florida .......

here's your DUH Award for the most screw ups in one meal

during a 90 minute period. That's right, we were back on the road at 9 PM.

We actually drove to Orlando in less time than

Steak & Shake could put 3 lousy items on our table (not including 10 minutes to consume the marginal fare presented to us.)

Much success to you in your overall incompetence.

The Manhattan Transfer - Concert Reflections

2009-04-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

I don’t let the opportunity to hear The Manhattan Transfer slip by me if the group is singing within 60 miles of my home. We were jazzed to score some great seats for their recent performance at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, Fl – it might as well have been the first time we heard this incredible quartet exhibit their vocal gymnastics – we sat stunned by their performance, even though we had seen them 6 or so times over the years.
MT has had the same 4 singers in the lineup for over 30 years, so the accuracy with which they sing is extraordinary. As an ensemble, the sound is exquisite, providing a spot on vocal blend. Individually, the 2 women far outshine the men in performance and talent. Janis Siegel is a wild woman. Even at 57, she still exhibits a more sophisticated version of the same spunky gal from 25 years ago. Over the years, her voice has become one of the group’s most recognizable trademarks. Cheryl Bentyne has a vocal range which defies science. Her sultry low notes are Karen Carpenter-esque and her high notes provide keen competition for dog whistles. Tim Hauser (founder) and Alan Paul each contribute their individual flavor to the ensemble, giving it fullness and body.
Some of our favorite MT songs include “Route 66”, “Soul Food to Go”, “Ray’s Rock House”, “Operator”, and “The Offbeat of Avenues”. At times during the show, songs called for everyone to get up and dance, but when we looked at the audience behind us, there wasn’t much of a chance of that happening. We very well may have been the youngest kids in the crowd, so we settled for jukein’ in our seats.
Some of their pieces defy traditional harmonic writing causing me to wonder “How the heck do they do that?” Not necessarily something you want to hear a lot of, but enough to solidify one’s appreciation for their excellence at their craft. Their stylings include pop, jazz, rock, Brazilian, a capella, gospel, vocalese, big band and the list goes on. Recently, they recorded some of their old favorites with symphony orchestra, giving the selections a lush character for easy listening.
We’ll be there for the next pass of The Manhattan Transfer through Florida. After 30 years, these remarkable performers have a myriad of songs from which to compose a set list.

Slackin' Again

2009-04-02T04:30:00.001-07:00

Thanks for stoppin' by.

I promise to do an update by next week.

A 2 year old in the house can sure keep you jumpin'.

Getaway

2009-03-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

I've not done an update on this blog in a long time ..... only excuse: life in general. This posting was to go on our regular blog about life with our daughter, but it merits being posted here do to it's content. Enjoy .....

The time came when HomeDaddy required a day off from his appointed duties serving The Empress. MamaBe also desired some ‘alone’ time in the presence of royalty. It was decided that HD would go to the beach while MB remained behind in their humble abode just out the back door of Disney.

After signing off some paperwork at the attorney’s office for the young one’s Florida Birth Certificate, it was off to New Smyrna Beach, a somewhat sleepy beach town about 10 miles south of Daytona Beach. Around this time, it tends to liven up a bit with the overflow of spring breakers, and HomeDaddy found out that he was just on the edge of the revelers making their full blown presence known. The annual event would be in total swing by next weekend.

HD had been suffering from a bulging disc (to match his bulging waistline) for some time, and felt quite good on Friday, after checking in at his oceanfront room (not really as glamorous as it sounds), so a short walk up the beach seemed perfectly in order. Then it hit …. Shots of pain up and down the right leg from the hip to the ankle and back. Turning around to start back, he realizes that he’s gone farther than he should have and limps, gimps and staggers his way south as the last ray of light disappears behind another slinky dink motel marring what once was a pristine natural beach. He sits down and comes to the realization that his trek along the ocean would be a lot longer than originally planned. No more cars on the beach …. Can’t hitchhike back. Limp, gimp, stagger. Finally, the lights of the flickering neon sign came into view …. HD was never so glad to see The Surf High Motel. Back in the bare bones room: “Bartender. A round of Tylenol 3 for everyone!” The snores could be heard out on A1A sounding like a beached sea monster.

Next morning, after trying to stretch out the stiffness, it was off to the nearest Starbucks. A sad fact: not one was to be found between NSB and Daytona. This town is so laid back that residents haven’t the foggiest what a Double MachoCappoFrappoLatto is. It would be totally out of character for a Starbucks to occupy a storefront on Flagler Avenue, a 4 block street with several bars, musty eateries, trendy beach shoppes and rental offices. My favorite dive is The Breakers, located directly on the beach with an open air seating area overlooking all the activity at Oceanside. I avoided my usual basket of fried clams for an ahi tuna salad which hit the spot when accompanied by a $5.00 Blue Moon draft. The entertainment on the beach at spring break brought back memories of college days as I tried to remember if I had a memory back then.

The pain returned to my leg and back around mid-afternoon, so a lounge next to the pool with a book sounded like a good thing. “The Smokers Over 65 Convention” must have been in town. Their smoke, complimented by odors of sunscreen, sweat, and cheap cologne gently wafting my way on an occasional sea breeze made for an aromatic as well as visual feast. I then remembered why I am drawn to the beach – walking and swimming. With my leg on the fritz, it made it impossible to participate in my favorite pastimes and caused me to look at the scene at poolside. I don’t want this to be me in a few years. It caused me to miss dearly my 2 year old daughter and super-woman wife and reflect on the necessity to maintain my health in order to be there when they need me.
I thought “Gee. Sure glad I had the ahi instead of the fried nasties.” Well, it was a start.

A tuna sub for dinner, followed by a Tylenol 3 chaser and it was lights out at 9. I missed the gleaming of the dawn’s early light over the ocean as it was a difficult night with pain and opted to take off early for home in the Magic Kingdom. MamaBe and The Empress were at church (bad HomeDaddy played hookie – I’m gonna die and go to hell – wait – different dogma) and it wasn’t long before being greeted to the shrill screams of “Daddy! Daddy!” It was music to my ears.

This week: more physical therapy and a look at what I’m putting in my pie hole. I need to be around for the important stuff…….

Happy Valentine's Day ..... What? No Magpies?!?!?!

2009-02-14T10:49:00.001-08:00

On the evening of the seventh day of the seventh month on the Chinese lunar calendar, don't forget to look carefully at the summer sky. You'll find the Cowherd (a bright star in the constellation Aquila, west of the Milky Way) and the Weaving Maid (the star Vega, east of the Milky Way) appear closer together than at any other time of the year. Chinese believe the stars are lovers who are permitted to meet by the queen of Heaven once a year. That day falls on the double seventh (Qixi in Chinese), which is China's own Valentine's Day.Most Chinese remember being told a romantic tragedy when they were children on the double seventh. In the legend, the cowherd and the Weaving Maid will meet on a bridge of magpies across the Milky Way once a year. Chinese grannies will remind children that they would not be able to see any magpies on that evening because all the magpies have left to form a bridge in the heavens with their wings.

Change

2009-02-07T13:20:00.001-08:00

I had some fun on obamame.com

Sarah Brightman - The "What the Hell?" Tour Stops in Orlando

2009-01-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

Sarah Brightman is an enigma, a sort of riddle without a punchline or a mystery that has no outcome. To define her would be like trying to find explain Cirque du Soleil or even Cher. I have a real love/hate thing with her music and performances. Here is an incredibly talented woman who can sing opera or pop (popera) and go from one to the other effortlessly, yet she insists on larding her albums with songs using a whispy voice that requires that she push so much air to produce the undesirable sound, that her head must spin for lack of oxygen. This annoyance is quite evident in her 2 latest CDs, “Symphony’ and “A Winter Symphony”.

On the tune “Fleur du Mal” (from “Symphony”) you can hear her inhaling as if gasping (not just a polite breath) to make it to the end of some of the phrases. Yet, she is able to give a credible performance using both pop and opera on several of the other songs on the album. Take “Canto Della Terra” – she starts off the piece in that weak little cherub head voice and then soars into a trained ‘classical’ interpretation opposite Andrea Bocelli. The effect is stunning! Yet she continues to use that chirpy little bird voice on too many of her songs, especially on her “A Winter Symphony” CD. Any hint of vocal substance is missing from this cold and dreary project which includes “throwaways” for the sake of meeting production deadlines. Arrangements are bland and uninteresting.
Yet, in the past, she could take me off the floor with her high-ceilinged vocal interpretations. Her combination of light and airy with classic vocal performance is evident on such tunes as “Anytime, Anywhere”, “Il Mio Cuore Va’, “Figlio Perduto”, and of course “Time to Say Goodbye”. It is a palatable mix.

********
Knowing that she would be covering songs from “my many previous albums”, I went to see her at the new UCF Arena on her latest “Symphony” tour. The show would better have been titled “What the Hell?” The evening’s proceedings began with a lengthly prerecorded music wash with accompanying light ballets and flickers as the diva set herself in place at the head of a long runway protruding from the stage into the audience.

When the lights came up, THIS is what we saw .....

My first “What the Hell?” moment. Did she have a fight with her patio screens while she was storing them up for winter? Is she afraid of being attacked by killer bees? All I could think was …. You guessed it …. “What the Hell?” Several dancing members of her entourage appeared and undraped the mess, revealing Ms Brightman dressed in a red gown. It was my wish at this point that she just sing in the very nice dress. Not to happen. She made it through several tunes from her latest effort, dancers appeared and did a few choreographed wiggles and kicks, the lights went down and Ms Brightman appeared to be ‘suspended’ in a water ballet scene as she sang “Hijo de la Luna”. Don’t call lockdown on me – our diva du jour was actually laying on the floor of the stage being photographed and projected on the screen just above the stage. It was a great effect and the audience appreciated the technology.

Her costumes were just downright goofy. In a duet with tenor Mario Frangoulis, she wore this little number from the Marie Antoinette/Ringling Brothers Collection. Frangoulis just about blew her off the stage with his amazing chops and I don’t know how he kept a straight face while singing with her. It was quite bizarre. See my review of a Frangoulis concert here ….. scroll down to "Tampa Concert Report by a Fan".

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My heartfelt apologies for the steep ticket prices.

It takes big bucks to make a woman look this cheap."

And then there was this item from the What the Hell? Collection. Oy!

"Hello. My name is Sarah Brightman.

Is this the casting call for the Fellini movie?"

About that time, I wanted to yell “Just put on a nice dress and just sing, for crying out loud!”

So she did.

……. And Frangoulis joined her again for The Phantom of the Opera, the high point in the show. But alas, weird became the new black. A guy in a rabbit head, the Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland popped out from a trap door in the floor and chased each other about and before we knew it, there was Ms Brightman, suspended on a stationary bicycle as a somewhat demented Little Red Riding Hood (keep in mind – this babe is 48 years old) peddling away, doing a rap number with Tchkovsky’s “Nutcracker” being chased by holographic wolves projected on a scrim. I’m not making this up. At first, I thought the beer that I had at intermission had distorted my brain's eye, but my wife, who was not partaking of the $6.00 beverage selection, backed me up on what I saw. SB is proud to announce that all of the ideas for her shows come out of her imagination. I Googled it --- she has had no recent head wounds.

But, I am still quite the Sarah Brightman fan, for which I should probably see a shrink. Her purists will say “Oh, but that’s just our Sarah. She is so MANY different things.” Baloney! She’s quite the nutjob and she is one talented gal. If she does half the show without an overdose of the creepies, it’s still worth the ticket.

See you on the "It's All About Me" tour, Sarah.

Beware of the Doghouse

2008-12-08T06:14:00.001-08:00

Guys,
As of today, we have 16 days to get it right ......
Is there really a guy out there who does that "AbCerciser" routine to his wife? Good luck!

I'm Really Slackin' On This Blog

2008-12-02T04:02:00.000-08:00

Stay at Home Dad Rap

2008-10-25T08:25:00.001-07:00

I've been a HomeDaddy since October 2008. This guy's take on his job is one of the funniest looks into the life of a select group on the rise. Truth ...... in rap format.

New Post .......

2008-10-23T00:29:00.001-07:00

....... on "Joanna Mei, Bebe & Home Daddy - Tales from the Cryb".
Head on over there and take a look at "Hu Flung Galumkie".

An Evening With Dolly Parton

2008-10-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

I don't have a single Dolly Parton CD or DVD, but when I found out she was coming to town, I bought some nose bleed section tickets just to have a chance to see this musical icon. Last night, when we arrived, we were informed that they had closed the upper reaches of the UCF Arena and moved everyone much closer to the stage as the show hadn't sold out. Bonus!

I was genuinely entertained by the Backwoods Barbie as she gave her all during the 90+ minute show. This gal looks like she enjoys every minute of her time on stage, thanking her audience for putting her where she is and working through a set of 20+ of the over 100 songs she has composed which have become singles for this multi award winning star.

I love to hear familiar tunes when I attend a concert of a popular artist, but Jolene was the only song I recognized during the first set. Still, Dolly made the songs recognizable by telling stories about the tune she was about to sing and made the listener want to hear them. Many of the evening's offerings were from her Backwoods Barbie CD including Jesus and Gavity (my favorite from her newest project), You Don't Know Love from Shinola (which had me LOL) and Drives Me Crazy (a country version of the Fine Young Canibals' tune). A capella interludes with her backup singers and instrumental solos from her band made an appropriate intro to the end of the show which included her crossover hits Here You Come Again, Islands in the Stream, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You. Note perfect on every song from soft and sultry to full out Country, Dolly Parton was the consumate entertainer. I've already purchased Backwoods Barbie on ebay.

Lake Eola - Orlando, Florida

2008-09-27T13:19:00.001-07:00

The temps dipped into the mid 70s in Central Florida so it called for enjoying the afternoon outdoors. We did it at Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando.

Sorry for the lack of entries on this blog - we've just adopted a beautiful little girl and getting used to parenthood. I'll try to get a few shots from our Hawaii & China trips posted soon.

Signs give park goers a warm welcome to Lake Eola.

Forward to Everyone You Know........

2008-08-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

I usually hit the "Delete" key in a heartbeat when I see an e-mail with the heading "Forward to Everyone You Know". I'm glad I kept this one...........

DO NOT LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH FLIP PHONES!!!!!
A new study has revealed that flip phones can cause very serious side effects to the reproductive development of young children.
KEEP ALL FLIP PHONES AWAY FROM CHILDREN.
Please pass this safety warning on to everyone on your email list. If it prevents even one injury to an innocent child, it will have been worth it.
Do not delete this message! Forward it to everyone you know. Do it for the sake of the children.
If you doubt the importance of this warning,
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN DOWN.........
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Yuelu Academy - Changsha, Hunan, China - July 2008

2008-07-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Exterior view of the temple @ Yuelu Academy
.
We recently travelled to China to complete the adoption of our daughter, Joanna Mei.
During our stay, we had the opportunity to visit several sites which became the subjects for a photo journal of our journey. One of the stops on our itinerary was the Yuelu Academy
(now Hunan University) which dates back 1000 years or so. A famous alumni ....... Confucius.
So, here are the photos of our brief visit.

Bamboo plants line a walkway connecting buildings at Yuelu Academy

Bamboo graffiti - no spray paint here.

Views of the temple through 2 courtyard approaches.

Koi pond.

Window ornamentation in the men's restroom.

Student picking his toes in a beautiful pastoral setting.

Ancient high tech scaffolding.

Ornamental ceramic plates close up the ends of roof tiles.

Dragon roof ornamentation.

Answers to the 'Obscure' Epcot Post

2008-07-26T01:42:00.000-07:00

1. Mexico - aloe plants

2. Canada - looks like it could be the U.K. but the phone booth is located @ Canada

3. The Land - a beautiful mosaic adorns the entrance

4. Test Track - the world map at the attraction entrance

5. Germany - thought the angled windows were a cool archetectural feature

5. U.K. - the sundial at the center of the pavillion (what?! 2 #5s?!)

6. Journey Into the Imagination - lamp posts are found only in the area outside the attraction

7. Universe of Energy - the sphere is at the head of the walkway to this attraction which is groaning with age for a remake

8. Japan - hallway on the lower level

9. Norway - grass and flowers provide insulation & ornamentation on the roofs of Norwegian homes

9. Italy - a dolphin spits water at the Italy pavillion (can't this guy count?)

10. France - cool off on a hot day

11. China - a reflecting pond

12. America - the most interesting item to photograph in this very plain looking area

13. Mission: Space - an unusual archetectural feature through some native Florida foliage

14. The Seas - kenetic art directional signs throughout Future World

15. Morocco - one of our favorite places to eat @ EPCOT

Ever Been to EPCOT?

2008-07-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

If you are a visitor to one of our blogs, you probably know that we are fans of the Disney EPCOT Amusement Park. With our season passes, we use the park (mostly Fall through Spring - Summer is a hot, crowded mess) and sometimes just go over to speed walk around the World Showcase Lagoon dodging waddling tourists as we go.

One morning, we paid a visit as soon as the park opened and had some great opportunities for photography. I took some images of some rather obscure sights in the park which are posted below. For those who frequent the park (there's a few I've met out there in Blogdom),

try to identify where you can see the items pictured below. Some are more obvious than others. Just for fun, leave a comment with your guesses. Answers will be posted in 10 days.

1. A tropical plant adorns a wall at EPCOT.

2. Not a familiar sight here in the States.

3. An intricate mosaic turns a wall into a work of art.

4. A world map at which attraction?

5. An unusual window on a tower.

5. Anyone have the time?

6. These unusual outdoor lamps light up which attraction?

7. A spear sphere.

8. Looks like a nice place to get out of the heat & crowds.
9. Where's the goat? The roof needs trimming!

9. One of 2 'dolphin' in the fountain at this attraction.

10. If there's a breeze, you can get cooled off with the spray from this fountain. Where is it?

11. A water bird relaxes on a rock in a fish pond at this attraction.

12. Silouettes on a wall in this building.

13. An unusual architectural of the building at what attraction?

14. Kinetic art tops off a directional sign at this attraction.

15. Pottery for sale in one of EPCOT's multitude of shops.

Good Luck! And if you're coming to Central Florida,

I'll show you where all these items can be found.

....and the winner of the LadyBug Soap Contest is .....

2008-06-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

........ and thank you to all who participated ........ this will be the last monthly giveaway - it's been fun - as Joanna Mei will be with us soon - perhaps a yearly giveaway on Forever Family Day. Yeah, good idea. We'll have our next giveaway in 2009. Way cool!

Are You a Cat or a Dog?

2008-06-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

For those of us who are the house-bound servants of cats, you will enjoy this. For anyone who isn’t yet owned by a cat but may be thinking about it, read these diaries before locking yourself in.

DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

Ladybug Soap Contest - Help Us Celebrate Our 27th LIDiversary

2008-05-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

In honor of our 27th LIDiversary, we are doing the raffle thing - and all you have to do is leave a comment on this item and let us know that you'd like to be in the running for this month's giveaway.

On June 24, we'll draw a lucky name of a blogster who will win this bar of LadyBug Soap - Ladybug Skips Through A Sunny Orange, Mimosa and Violet Fragranced Bar. Fruity!

So ...... leave a comment and take a chance ........ this MAY be our last giveaway - Joanna Mei will be in her home soon.

Blessings,

Don & Be

...and the winner of the Chinese Goody contest is ......

2008-05-24T05:28:00.000-07:00

More from the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

2008-05-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

We arrived as the gates opened for a morning at
The EPCOT Flower & Garden Show,
avoiding the crowds and getteng some pretty good pics.

Flower Bowls at Italy

Daisy & Be (in an obvious state of quasi-ecstasy about this photo op)

Monarch Butterfly

Swallowtail

A Buckeye feeds on a sponge soaked with sugar water.

A Buckeye (with an identity crisis) dries his wings in the sun.

Flower Bed

Birdhouse Display

Buckeyes - drying their wings, preparing for their first flight.

Japanese Garden Kinetic Art

Ornamental Cabbages

Mother Nature

BJ Thomas

2008-05-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

BJ Thomas sings "Hooked On A Feeling" to Be

Looking a bit dazed and unsteady, BJ Thomas took the stage at EPCOT and showed the audience that you can survive years of substance abuse and still sing circles around some of the biggies. Although removed from the audience to an extent as he tried to remember lyrics and concentrated on several belabored fumblings with his mic chord Hey, BJ, ever heard of 'wireless?' he was quite pleasant to the fans when he focused on them and was most comfortable when singing his big hits. "Raindrops", "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry", and "Hooked On A Feeling" were just some of his long string of hits from the 60s.

We sat amazed that he could still do all the vocal twists, turns and gymnastics in the original keys, just like his recordings - he performed several extended versions of songs where he just about scatted to the delight of the audience.

BJ Thomas has got to be one happy man to be where he is, having survived his drug induced past and mismanagement to the tune of 13 million. He could probably do his own "Survivor" series.

Not unlike a somewhat scary apparition,

BJ Thomas heads right toward Be's camera/phone

at EPCOT's "Flower Power" Concert Series.

Jesus Adopts Child from China

2008-05-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Actor James Caviezel ('Jesus' in "The Passion of the Christ") and his wife Kerri are adopting a SN little girl from China. When I read the following about this pair, it revealed the true character of this couple who seems to have escaped the self-centered
Hollywood nutjob mentality......

When the Caviezels went to adopt their second child, they were first offered a healthy baby girl, but a five-year-old girl with a brain tumour from the Guangzhou region of China also needed a home. The Caviezels reasoned that a healthy baby would be more likely to be adopted by another family and that the child with the tumour had a greater need for a home.

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

Take a look at this article for a detail of their story.

2008-05-10T05:50:00.001-07:00

Yikes!!!! Check out Disney's Chinese Underwear for Kids Ad!

2008-05-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

I thought there were customs in China disallowing the public display of skin on certian areas of the human body!?!? Am I wrong?

http://www.slate.com/id/2190209/

"Celebrate" (we use that term loosely) Our 26 Month LIDiversary

2008-04-29T12:11:00.001-07:00

This month's drawing includes goodies from China purchased at the China pavillion at EPCOT and imported from Patterson, New Jersey. It looks like Pineapple Cake is one of the delicacies and we're really not sure what the other 2 items are - it's written in Chinese and the Nutritional Information box is printed too small to read - sounds inviting, no? Come on, thrillseekers - leave a comment indicating that you want to be considered for the drawing and we'll pick the lucky blogster on May 24!

The Happenings

2008-04-29T07:27:00.001-07:00

Another entry in the concert lineup at EPCOT - The Happenings. Most famous for their hit "See You In September" they also scored some minor chart recognition in the 60s with "I Got Rhythm" and "Go Away Little Girl".
Two of the original members are still a part of this vocal trio - the guy with the painted on stache/goatee combo isn't one of them - and despite their advanced ages, they STILL had incredible range, pitch and harmonic ear. After seeing their names on an entertainment schedule at my folks' old retirement complex, I hesitated to make the 20 minute drive to go hear them, but they were indeed worth the price of the gas. Those jackets have got to go though - what the heck color is that anyway - flamingo?

Topiaries at Epcot Flower & Garden Show 2008

2008-04-27T19:04:00.001-07:00

The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is a real favorite of many.

It's topiaries are a real draw.

Here is a sample from our visit yesterday -

we got through the gates when they opened, so we had the benefit of

viewing them without being caught up in the mob scene later in the day.

In the Flower & Garden display building, a cut-away of a topiary

allows visitors to see the building process.

Click to enlarge for easier reading.

Before

After

Peter & Gordon

2008-04-26T06:04:00.001-07:00

Then .....

...... and now (with beautiful groupie)

Not much has changed since we saw the duet last year at the Flower Power Concert Series - it's not sounding like they've taken any vocal coaching to get their singing chops back to the level of their recordings from back in the 60s. They still sing full out, making some of their softer passages become edgy. The rougher sound is OK, except that the backup band played each song practically note-for-note as on the recordings, so there was a somewhat uncomfortable melding of old and new. Some of their tunes included "A World Without Love", 'Nobody I Know", "Lady Godiva", "I Go To Pieces" & "I DOn't Want to See You Again". Glad we have the Disney season passes - not worth a big ticket price for nostalgia.

And the winner is .........

2008-04-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

...........Paula from "The Baby Journals".

Just e-amil us with your address and hopefully, we'll get it to you faster than a China adoption referral.

Next month's contest will be posted in about a week. Thanks for playing and enjoy, Paula!

Giveaway "Celebrating" Our 25th LIDiversary

2008-04-22T00:26:00.000-07:00

OK Blogsters - here's the next giveaway - win this beautiful set of chopsticks "for special guests" - sure to impress when you order take-out.
Painted in 5 muted shades (lead free paint) these delicate pieces can be yours by leaving a comment indicating that you'd like to be indluded in the drawing.
Hey - while you're here, take a look at some of the items: concert reviews, photographic excursions and my latest entry on weight loss that that was a bit over-the-line for the adoption blog. Enjoy "The Other Blog - Content: Questionable" ........

Drawing will be held on April 24 - Anniversary of our 25th month waiting for Joanna Mei.

Thank You

2008-04-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

I usually don't pay attention to forwarded e-mails, but this one was worth reading......

Subject: thanks for the emails

> Thanks for the e-mails

> I just want to thank all of you for your educational emails over the past year.

> Thanks to you, I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel.

> I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.

> I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pass-time while driving alone is picking your nose. (Although cell phone usage may be taking the number one spot)

> Eating a Little Debbie sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.

> I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom. Yuck!

> I must send my special thanks to whoever sent me the one about poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.

Also, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

> I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny > Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.

> I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.

> I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's novena has granted my every wish.

> I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.

> I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

> Thanks to you, I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an email to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

> Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

> I no longer can buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.

> I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans.

> I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.

> And thanks for letting me know I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face...disfiguring me for life.

> I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.

> I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

> I no longer receive packages from UPS or FedEx since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.

> I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops or the Salvation Army.

> I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , > Singapore and Uzbekistan ..

> I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.

> Thanks to you, I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

> And thanks to your great advice, I can't ever pick up $5.00 dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.

> I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy gas from certain gas companies!

> If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 PM this afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician...

> Have a wonderful day....

> Oh, by the way.....

> A German scientist from Argentina , after a lengthy study, has discovered

That people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse.

> Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.

2 More Entries in the "Flower Power" Concert Series

2008-04-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

EPCOT's "Flower Power" Concert Series continues until the end of May and we intend to see many of the remaining acts in the series. Having bought yearly passes to the Disney parks, we are afforded the luxury of going to whatever concerts we please and since renewing the passes in February, we already have our money's worth for the investment.

"The Fifth Dimension" were on the entertainment menu last week and filled the American Gardens to SRO status. The one original member, Florence LaRue, (red dress in photo) made a valient attempt to being us back to the 60s and the "Age of Aquarius" by dressing in a tight, spangly outfit with a spangly baseball cap, which was not quite fitting for her 60+ years. She sang the leads, but not with the same smooth, covered sounds that we hear on the recordings of decades ago. She and her other female backup singer sang full out to reach the notes, so consequently, that smooth unison sound which she and Marylin McCoo so seductively posessed in the heyday were absent from the performance. Nevertheless,

LaRue and the restructured vocal band performed the old favorites admirably and a fine time was had by all. For the younger folk, some of The Fifth Dimension's songs include "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stoned Soul Picnic", "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine" and, of course, "Up, Up and Away".

2008-04-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

I'm standing in the queue at EPCOT for the Herman's Hermits concert - I'm standing there, 1st week of April in tee shirt, shorts and flip flops - Be had taken a walk,
the evening was beautiful with a cool breeze coming across the man made lagoon, an evening that makes you close your eyes and breathe in the smells of ethnic foods being prepared in the vacinity and the aromas of the flowers at the Flower and Garden Festival - when suddenly, I'm interrupted by the sounds of wheezing and hacking around me - I look around and have the startling realization that "Hey! I'm the youngest one in this line!" Way cool.
I saw Herman's Hermits with my sister, Maryann, back in 1967 (mom took us because I didn't have my driver's license back then) and guess who opened for them .... you'll never guess ... The Who !!!! .... we sat there wondering why they were attacking their instruments and setting them on fire and thought "How very odd but cool!" I still have the pictures.
Anyway, the original "Hermits" were now replaced by more trendy instrumentalists - the drummer had many, many, many tattoos and appeared angry that the best gig he could get was playing as a replacement Hermit - the lead guitarist did kicks, 'whirling dirvish' moves and Irish folk dancing as he played lead lines and appeared to have a rather good time - and the other instrumentalists did a fine job as well.
Peter Noone (Herman) worked the audience to the max, posing for pictures while singing, giving out CDs and conversing, soliciting cheers, & orchestrating singing competitions and sing-alongs during the 30 minute set. He's pushing 61 and looks dang good - the show was like an event at the largest pub you can imagine as we sang "Henry VIII", "Mrs Brown", "I'm Into Something Good", "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat?", "Silhouettes", and (my favorite) "There's A Kind of Hush".
We walked away saying "What a fun time!" ....... even though we had seen almost the exact same show in years past.

Old Salem, North Carolina

2008-04-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

This past week, while visiting family in Winston Salem, North Carolina, I had the opportunity to breeze through Old Salem on a photo spree. The morning was cloudy and misty making an almost mystic backdrop for the images of this old settlement.

Salem was founded in 1766 by the Moravians – a Protestant faith that began in what is now known as the Czech Republic. The Moravians were missionaries who established an earlier settlement in Bethlehem, PA before beginning "Wachovia" in the North Carolina backcountry in 1753. In the Wachovia Tract of nearly 100,000 acres, Salem was the central administrative, spiritual, craft, and professional town surrounded by outlying congregations.

Although many buildings are now private homes, some display signs characteristic of businesses which may, at one time, housed traders and craftsmen.

The Village Bakery - the only building that was open for my 8 AM visit.

Bakery Interior - costumed characters, representing the 18th century

residents serve up coffee and delicious cakes, cookies and breads.

The Moravian Church and Salem residents kept meticulous records and accounts of their lives, their interactions, their buildings and landscapes, and their evolution into the town of Winston-Salem. These records, diaries, and accounts provide accurate details to tell the stories of those living and working in Salem.

An unusual entry to one of the private homes in Old Salem.

Salem residents were also well respected for their architecture and eye for detail. The architecture and landscape of Salem are still quite accurate, as many of the Historic Town buildings are original structures.

Gunsmith

Stable at the town commons area.

Step down from the street to the sidewalk.

The Old Salem Tavern features traditional Moravian favorites alongside contemporary fare.

Specialties include Sauteed Lobster Crab Cakes and Moravian Chicken Pie.

We've eaten here several times on past visits and return when time permits.

A grapevine arbor at the Old Salem Tavern provides ambiance for outdoor dining

when weather permits.

From the tavern keeper to the doctor, the Gunsmith to the boys’ schoolteacher, every person in Salem played a vital role.

A water pump, still in operation, in the Old Salem town commons area.

Happy Tomb Sweeping Day

2008-04-05T04:57:00.001-07:00

Celebrated two weeks after the vernal equinox, Tomb Sweeping Day is one of the few traditional Chinese holidays that follows the solar calendar-- typically falling on April 4, 5, or 6. Its Chinese name "Qing Ming" literally means "Clear Brightness," hinting at its importance as a celebration of Spring. Similar to the spring festivals of other cultures, Tomb Sweeping Day celebrates the rebirth of nature, while marking the beginning of the planting season and other outdoor activities.
Qing Ming Jie in Ancient Times In ancient times, people celebrated Qing Ming Jie with dancing, singing, picnics, and kite flying. Colored boiled eggs would be broken to symbolize the opening of life. In the capital, the Emperor would plant trees on the palace grounds to celebrate the renewing nature of spring. In the villages, young men and women would court each other.
The Tomb Sweeping Day as Celebrated Today With the passing of time, this celebration of life became a day to the honor past ancestors. Following folk religion, the Chinese believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors looked after the family. Sacrifices of food and spirit money could keep them happy, and the family would prosper through good harvests and more children.
Today, Chinese visit their family graves to tend to any underbrush that has grown. Weeds are pulled, and dirt swept away, and the family will set out offerings of food and spirit money. Unlike the sacrifices at a family's home altar, the offerings at the tomb usually consist of dry, bland food. One theory is that since any number of ghosts rome around a grave area, the less appealing food will be consumed by the ancestors, and not be plundered by strangers.
Honoring AncestorsHonoring ancestors begins with proper positioning of a gravesite and coffin. Experts in feng shui, or geomancy, determine the quality of land by the surrounding aspects of streams, rivers, trees, hills, and so forth. An area that faces south, with groves of pine trees creates the best flow of cosmic energy required to keep ancestors happy. Unfortunately, nowadays, with China's burgeoning population, public cemetaries have quickly surplanted private gravesites. Family elders will visit the gravesite at least once a year to tend to the tombs.
While bland food is placed by the tombs on Qing Ming Jie, the Chinese regularly provide scrumptious offerings to their ancestors at altar tables in their homes. The food usually consists of chicken, eggs, or other dishes a deceased ancestor was fond of. Accompanied by rice, the dishes and eating utensils are carefully arranged so as to bring good luck. Sometimes, a family will put burning incense with the offering so as to expedite the transfer of nutritious elements to the ancestors. In some parts of China, the food is then eaten by the entire family.
KitesBesides the traditions of honoring the dead, people also often fly kits on Tomb Sweeping Day. Kites can come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors. Designs could include frogs, dragonflies, butterflies, crabs, bats, and storks.

90 Minutes With a Living Legend

2008-03-31T05:57:00.000-07:00

It was about 6 weeks ago that I opened my e-mail box and read the header on one of the items - Tickets for Tony Bennett on sale tomorrow at 12 noon. I had just seen this living legend about a year and a half ago, but Be had missed the performance. So, at about 11:00 the next day, I did a speed walk (I had just started Weight Watchers) over to Hard Rock Live to buy tickets (and save the Ticketmaster charges). THe venue is right out my back door and I arrived at the box office by 11:40 - had the pick of the seats when it opened. Meanwhile, we received Joanna Mei's referral and got busy with that, and the show just about slipped by when I discovered the tickets in my desk the day previous ....... how fine it was. Here is the review from the Orlando Sentinel .........

Tony Bennett delivered a good one-liner early in his show Friday at Hard Rock Live about how he and Rosemary Clooney "were the first American Idols," back in the big-band era.
Watching Bennett’s masterful performance of timeless standards with his skillful and inventive quartet, it’s obvious that today’s crop of pop singers could learn something from the old man.
On a range of material representing the giants of American composers, Bennett showed that the power of a song isn’t directly related to the number of high notes that you can cram into one measure.
Instead, his expressive style revolves around nuances: The weathered crack at the edge of a phrase or the almost whispered cadence of a verse that ultimately opens into a big, bold crescendo. Combine that skill, with a versatile crew musicians and timeless songs and the result is an exceptional evening where the only flaw was that it ended too soon.

In just under 90 minutes — without an encore, although the audience clamored for one — Bennett hit all the essentials: "Just In Time," Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "The Best Is Yet to Come," "I Got Rhythm," "The Way You Look Tonight," "For Once In My Life" and, of course, the signature "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."
He also reminded the crowd of the subtle charms of other tunes, such as the dramatic slow build of "Maybe This Time" and the frisky rhythms of "They All Laughed."
Although Bennett has done these songs thousands of times, there was a freshness to the performances that stemmed from the creative influence of his band.
Pianist Lee Musiker, bassist Paul Langosch, drummer Harold Jones and guitarist Gray Sargent were given ample turns in the spotlight. The reward was a set that elevated the songs and yielded an intimacy that was almost like a living-room jam session.
The pinnacle of the band’s contribution was the round of solos that ignited a breakneck run through Duke Ellington’s "It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)."
Bennett followed it with an impressive "Fly Me to the Moon" that he performed without a microphone, accompanied only by Sargent’s soft guitar.
Like much of his singing, it asserted its brilliance in a quiet way that makes Bennett a genuine American idol -- if not a flashy one..

70 Year Old Man in Tights

2008-03-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

EPCOT's next offering in the Flower Power Concert Series was Paul Revere and the Raiders. Dick Clark was the man behind the concept of a band dressed in the revolutionary war garb as an answer to the British pop invasion of the mid 60s. The esentially became the first 'concept' band where the character of the group was 'themed'.

Paul Revere (keyboardist) and Mark Lindsey (singer & producer) were the project's recognizeable members, however Lindsey departed the band in 1975. Revere continued recruiting new members and added slapstick comedy and synchronized dance steps, elements which still exist today in the current lineup which includes 3 members from a 70s reincarnation, Darren Medley (Bill Medley's son) and Revere.

They kept the party going during their 30 minute set which included "Kicks", "Just Like Me", "Good Thing", Hungry" and "Indian Reservation". Despite their AARP status, the Raiders were quite agile and ready to do a good show. They have never disappointed - except last year when Revere had surgery on his shoulder and did the show anyway - guess we can cut him some slack.

Not Bad for 76

2008-03-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

When you're alone and life is making you lonely, you can always listen to a Petula Clark recording. A child star in England during the World War II years, Petula achieved a tremendous level of fame in the 1960s with such pop hits as "Downtown," "I Know a Place," and "Don't Sleep in the Subway" ..... and she did as many of her hits as she could cram into her 30 minute set at EPCOT's Flower Power Concert Series. At 76, she was most remarkable in her stage presence and ability to sell songs 40 years old like they were current hits.
Backed up by a 10 piece band (our drummer at church played the concert for her and he said that she is a real kick to hang out with between shows), she gave the players a break when she sat at the piano and sang a smokey jazz lounge version of The Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand". She had a few pitchy things going on during this quiter number, but I gotta remember - she's 76!
Some other songs she included were "My Love", "Who Am I?", "A Sign of the Times" and "This Is My Song". Liked it so much, I stayed for the second show (same songs) as the music brought me back to some good times and resurrected some pleasant memories.

We Have A Winner!

2008-03-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

May we have a drum roll, please ........ Be, please elevate the official contest mixing bowl ....... a stunned hush comes over the crowd (Diva was sleeping soundly, and the cat retreated under the bed, so it qualifies as a stunned hush) ....... and the winner of the 100% polyester Wine Bottle Jacket is ..... Gail and Loren from "My Answered Prayers".

Gail & Loren, you have 3 years to forward your mailing address to us at duoloco@cfl.rr.com - we'll mail it out to you as soon as we feel like it - thank you for entering this 'one of a kind' drawing, and even if you didn't win, just draw a picture of a ladybug or the Great Wall of China on a paper bag and cover up your wine - we tried it - it works just as well.

Next month's contest will be posted within the week - we can just feel the anticipation mounting .......

Not Your Prettiest Lookin' Band

2008-03-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

Canadian imports, The Guess Who, rock n' rolled into EPCOT's Flower Power Concert Series and opened the event with a bang. Two of the original members from the 60s still participate in this band of aging rockers whose mission it was to throw a party and ensure that the audience had a good time. Their lead singer, Carl Dixon (in the pic, the guy with then good hair), sings every lick of the old recordings featuring Randy Bachman and sounds hauntingly like him. The 30 minute set included "Shakin' All Over" (their first hit), "Laughing", "No Time", "These Eyes", "Undun", & "American Woman".

The band sent the younger members, on guitars, running out into the audience and had the crowd going wild and singing along with their many hits. Several even snapped pics of themselves with a band member during a few longer instrumental jams. A VERY fun time!

More on other bands as the series progresses. A total of 20 GeeserRockers will perform up until the end of the festival during the first week in June.

What I Also Did for Love - Part 2

2008-03-20T19:17:00.001-07:00

....... so today it's been 21 days since I started on Weight Watchers - it's supposed to be a target time period for bridging into a new lifestyle. We'll see. This Michelin TireMan Wannabe has cut down on portions of all his favorite happy crap (the term our meeting instructor/cheerleader has assigned to all the things one should not eat) but continues to reach for the second portion as if guided by some unseen force. Could it be Satan? (I'm hearing Church Lady in my head again.) Have experienced success in resisting temptation all but 2 times - there was no holding me back from the dessert choices while dining with friends on as many occasions.So, first week, I lost more than the official WW guidelines and I'm thinking They're liable to make an example of me. What will they do? Stuff a couple of Krispy Kremes in my mouth? Those ladies don't like the guys losing more weight than them. So I ended up slugging down about 16 ounces of water before the meeting and I wore my hiking boots for the weigh-in. Whew! I slid by......

I sit down at the meeting in the back row. I hope they don't use any intimidation techniques. I already know those from working at the airport. The instructor, a 50ish Susanne Sommers type, begins with some kind of chant - like a field holler - where she says something about losing weight and all in the room answer with a resounding "Yes!" Oy, what have I gotten myself into?" Then came a short instruction followed by "Celebration Time" where you're supposed to broadcast to the class how much weight you've lost. Yikes! I'm thinkin' I really gotta pee. The 16 ounces of extra water in my system had run it's course and it wanted out! If I get up now, will it call attention to myself? After 5 minutes or so of debating whether to pee or not (I didn't hear a word that Suzanne Sommers said during the time I deliberated) I decided You're a big ol' 240 pound dude. You can take it. The meeting kept going as my heart raced and sweat poured down my front as I exited the crowded meeting area for the men's room. Whew! Made it out of there without a hitch. I must have stood there for 3 minutes until I finally peed, I was so stressed.

Here's an interesting tidbit - on their new 'points' program, you can deduct activity points (up to 4 per day) for having - sex. That's right. 1 for low intensity, 2 for moderate, 4 for high intensity for each 20 minute workout. Zippadeedoodah! Sure beats speed walking with Diva!

So, as of today, I'm down from 243 to 236.4 - a loss of 6.6 pounds eating what I want, only less of it.

Part 3 coming up - when I hit the 10# mark ....... to be continued.

Catholic Elementary Bible Exam

2008-03-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine yourself to be the nun that is sitting at her desk grading these papers all the while trying to keep a straight face and maintaining her composure!

PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE WORDING AND SPELLING. IF YOU KNOW THE BIBLE EVEN A LITTLE, YOU'LL FIND THIS HILARIOUS!

IT COMES FROM A CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEST. KIDS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE BIBLE WERE WRITTEN BY CHILDREN. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RETOUCHED OR CORRECTED. INCORRECT SPELLING HAS BEEN LEFT IN.

1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.

2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE.
NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.

3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT.

4. THE JEWS WERE A PROUD PEOPLE AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH UNSYMPATHETIC GENITALS.

5. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.

6. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.

7. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS

8. THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT. AFTERWARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

9. THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.

10. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.

11. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHED CANADA THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.

12. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.

13. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.

14. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.

15. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.

16. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.

17. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION. 18. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.

19. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE.

20. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.

21. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.

22. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.

23. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.

24. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.

25. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.

The Gopher Tortoise - Another Resident of Shadow Bay Park

2008-03-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Within earshot of tennis balls being projected off the rackets of would be Pete Samprases and Chris Everettes, is the pine flats environment of the Gopher Tortoise. The slow moving creatures don't seem to mind being in such close proximity to the tennis courts at Shadow Bay Park and they shouldn't - the area is a protected and harassing the creatures carries a stiff penalty by Florida law.

The park is a favorite of mine for speed walks with the Diva dog. I choose the primitive walks to the paved ones as they offer glimpses of old Florida, before the developers moved in and plowed down nature for strip malls and gated communities. In the process, the Gopher Tortoise is close to becoming endangered. We encounter about 5 'regulars' on our walks. One of them measures 11" or so from head to tail and we call him 'Max'. "Tortolini' is one of the smaller guys, measuring about 7", and the guy pictured above is "Shrek", so named because his borrough is reminiscent of the lair of the famous cartoon ogre. In the pic below, you can see him retreating at our approach on one of our walks. Surprizingly, the Gopher Tortoise is not beyond sharing his accommodations with other woodland creatures - rats, snakes and other assorted small wildlife inhabit it's domain.

Hit the hyperlinks for more on the Gopher Tortoise and Shadow Bay Park.

In and Around ------ Paris

2008-03-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

We fell in love with the city of Paris when we visited some wonderful friends back in 2002.

After they picked us up at the airport, they helped us adjust to the time change by taking us to some of the tourist high points of the city before returning to their home that evening.

The trip is etched in our minds still today.

Click on the pic to enlarge.

Be & Don at the Arc de Triomphe.

We waited 5 minutes or so to snap this pic absent of traffic and crowds.

The Seine River as seen from a bridge adjacent to Notre Dame.
The hyperlink takes you to a page displaying the river in familiar artwork of
Van Gough, Monet & Renoir.

Stained glass in Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Eiffel Tower as seen from Montmartre.

Love this pic of Be on a Paris side street.

The Place de la Concorde Luxor Oblisque.

I ran madly around the busy intersection in the rain

looking for the right space to line up this shot.

With PhotoShop, I converted it to black and white, added the tint and

painted the top of the oblisque gold to match the actual monument.

The Library at Chateau Fountainbleau, about 45 miles south of Paris.

I love the perspective, lighting and subject of this "walk by shot".

No PhotoShop was used.

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

The pics below were shot in the quaint village of Moret sur Loing, 50 miles southest of Paris.

Castle on the Loing River.

Snapped in late afternoon - no PhotoShop used.

My favorite - tinted and titled with PhotoShop.

Win a Beautiful Oriental Wine Bottle Jacket

2008-03-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome over here to "The Other Blog - Content: Questionable"

Many have been following our adoption journey on "Pregnancy by Adoption". To celebrate (I use that term loosely) our 24 month LIDiversary, (24 months of waiting for further word on our progress) we are giving away the wine bottle jacket pictured. Made of totally natural 100% polyester, the jacket, in a muted heather green is delicately accented with 2 small bows in contrasting burnt gold (the color, not the precious metal) and is in the shape of a traditional Oriental 'happy coat'.
The drawing will take place on March 24, our 24 month LIDiversary. Don may even put on some pants for the event.
To win this finely crafted piece, hit the comment blob and leave a comment indicating you'd like to be included in the drawing - we'll put names in a hat (well, probably a mixing bowl) and contact the winner by e-mail for their mailing address. While you're here at The Other Blog, enjoy the pics of Paris & vicinity and St. Augustine.

FYI - wine and Diva not included.

Good Show, John

2008-02-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

Always liked the greater part of John Tesh's music. He's composed for the Olympics ("Barcelona" was the theme of the 1992 Olympics in the city of the same name) and other sporting events as well as TV and easy listening. Many a reviewer has blasted him for crossing over from New Age to Christian music ..... 'cause I can make money doin' that.

Truth is ..... he was never a 'New Age' artist - there wasn't really a classification for his music, so music stores just stuck his CDs in that section.

Anyway, 2 days before his show, some fat cat seats opened up on the front row and we bought 'em. Glad we did - although it wasn't spectacular or fabulous, we enjoyed it like he was playing in our own living room. As a Christian, I particularly enjoyed his vocalist, Christine Miller, as she interpreted some worship & praise favorites. If I was a Krishna, I would have been ticked off - oh well, there probably wern't any Krishnas there anyway.

He also featured a hip hop dancer who interpreted some of Tesh's music in - yes - hip hop. Never would have thought it.

Teshy interspersed stories and audience participation between songs and brought a fine balance of entertainment to the crowd. Good Show, John.

Turn or Burn

2008-02-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

On our way home from our St Augustine getaway, we detoured to the Mt Dora Art Festival, a yearly event which we have enjoyed in the past. We met up with our friends, Jeff & Kathy, and we toured the booths exhibiting a myriad of objects d'art which were, for the most part, quite out of our price realm and when it came right down to it ..... we really didn't need any of it. This particular festival displays a hodgepodge of quality levels ...... a particularly fine artist might be assigned a booth next to an exhibit of 'Art Defecado' and street vendors sell all manner of delicacies which could only be labeled "Carnival Food".

As we made our way to the main intersection of the closed-off downtown area, the sound of a street preacher pierced the din made by the art afficianados of Central Florida. We came closer and saw that about a half dozen of the faithful accompanied the zealous quoter of the scriptures

as they held signs which displayed a 'doomsday' message. The group was canvasing the festival handing out leaflets with the salvation message. Everything the street preacher said as well as the text of their handouts was scripturally relevant. We saw no error in their mission.

So, why was I unsettled about the whole scene? It was almost as if I happened upon an extremeist religious group in the throes of rebellion.

I am a believer in the fundemental teachings of Christ and attend a Christian church ..... just like the street preachers. However, my methodology of evangelism does not include the street scene pictured above. I tend to ascribe to more of a 'lifestyle evangelism' as I personally believe Christ Himself practiced. Christ talked in the words of the common people and wove His teachings into beautiful parables incorporating the customs of His time. So, running into the street preachers was apparently outside my comfort zone and even disturbed me ..... these people with the same fundamental beliefs as myself. Perhaps it is because Christ saved the 'religious' jargon for the pharisees, saducees and teachers of the law - and He didn't waste time putting them in their places when confronted by them - after all, they 'knew it all ' - and so I felt as though the street preacher was coming at the innocent passers-by as if they 'knew it all' - like we were all in rejection of their messages. This glimpse at Christian evangelism was as foreign to me as being approached by a member of another faith with a different god.

Several years back, I was on the same street corner where I witnessed a street sage with a different attitude. His words were angry and his presentation was inappropriate for the sleepy little community out enjoying a beautiful spring afternoon. My wife and I watched and listened at a distance, embarrased that this guy supposedly represented our faith. I told my wife that I needed to go and talk to the guy. She did not encourage it, but I'm a nut job and I went anyway. As I approached him I let him know that I, too, was a Christian. He increased the volume of his homily. I basically let him know that Christ came to earth in love. He spoke in love. He acted in love and eventually gave His life as a sacrifice of love for him (my preacher friend). All the time, he kept up with his sermon, overpowering my promptings to put down his bull horn and listen to a different approach. I did let him know that I thought his approach should be just a tad more Christlike. No response. Oh well. At least he didn't shoot me.

So, am I wimpy? Am I judgemental? Am I luke-warm? Am I right-on? There are more 'sects' to Christianity than Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream flavors and I believe I had encountered just one which caused me to stop, open my eyes and examine who I am in Christ.

Your views are welcome ..... hit the comment icon. Keep it clean, be responsible and no hate mail, please.....

To All My Friends......

2008-02-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

..... in 2007 who e-mailed me promises of GOOD LUCK if I forwarded something. It did NOT WORK. For 2008, could you please just send either money, chocolate or gas vouchers. Thank you!

First Post of Historical Significance

2008-02-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

Central Floridians routienly escape to the historic city of St Augustine for a break from the Disney mentality and this past weekend, it was our turn. Having done the Bed & Breakfast thing in the past, we opted to stay on the beach, as the B & Bs are quite pricey on the weekends.

(I've wondered how lumpy beds, uneven floors, tiny toilets & bad plumbing are referred to as 'charming' - of course the breakfasts are great - but you can get The Big Stack @ Denny's for less than 5 bucks - but ..... I digress ....)

The following are some images taken on various trips to our favorite getaway. Hit the hyperlinks (in light blue) for a detail or click on any pic for a larger image.

As we began the 2 hour drive to St Augustine, we spotted a group of White Ibis on a lawn as they pecked away in search of insects. They are generally found in marshy areas and lakes. This picture illustrates the way that civilization has encroached upon another species in our beautiful State.

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

Our particular locale sports tract homes, condos/apartments and gated communities, so when we pedaled through the cobblestone streets of St A, porches, gates, doors and walkways became a focal point for pictures. Although part of the day became overcast, I decided to snap away in spite of the flat image the lighting would produce - they were memories.

Charlotte Street

Tolomato Cemetery

Aviles Street - a side street near the village center, St George St

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

The pictures below were taken on and around St George Street, the center of commerce for the Old City of St Augustine, Florida.

Kids in the Old City