A laughing day, sort of.....

I just plucked my cat from the chandelier--she leapt up there when I burst out laughing at an episode of "Frasier". Lynx is so skittish, at the slightest movement or outburst of laughter, zoom!, off she goes. That's almost as comical as the program itself! She then looks back at me as if to ask, "Must you?!?" Often I'll tell folks that I love not having to answer to anyone in my life except the Lord, but should perhaps amend that to include my wide-eyed cat.

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Last night after dinner at Koko's, Justin and I picked up the new Sarah CD. We each have a copy, mine spinning as I write. In my opinion, and, I may be spoiled, it's too "pop", with only half the songs sung, "in a foreign tongue", (a little "Phantom" lingo there) which is my preference. I don't need to know what she is singing about, simply enjoy the lilt of Italian in her voice like "butta".
It's not spoiling really, it's simply personal taste. Three of the tunes are duets with Italian or Mexican gentleman, plus the one which she's lowered herself to sing, in English, with some guy from the "old" group of KISS, believe it if you will, for the next "Pokemon" movie!!!! The end of civilization as I know it!

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It's difficult to consider the name "Pokemon" without remembering the time our neighbors on Misty Lake Drive ended up taking a van load of kids to see the long-awaited Pokemon movie. The plan was for Lynn to have the 'hard duty' of taking the kids, but was suddenly called into work (her good luck!). Therefore, Dan ended up with the job, escorting about 8 children, including my two boys. Their foreign exchange student, Philipe, studying aerospace engineering, also found himself sitting in a theater surrounded by a zillion enthralled kids, who were absolutely riveted to the movie!

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After Dan brought the brood home, Philipe announced in his inimitable English/French fashion, "That was the stupidest movie I've ever seen." No exclamation needed, it was as flat a statement as one could make. Nearly brought me to tears, both of appreciation AND amusement. What a picture that had to be--these two men herding the kidlings into the theater, getting the snacks, and then watching them watch the movie. If the walls had crashed down around them, not one would have noticed. Wonder if "Pokemon" won any Awards that year???

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We used to have so much fun with Dan, Lynn and family, being very close neighbors, in more than one way. Our yards abutted, nearly our driveway approaches, we liked each other and our kids enjoyed playing together. Lovely! Not many folks can say this anymore. Dan can be credited, I don't know how appropriately, with introducing me to the "fruit of the vine" or blender, as the case might be. He'd host periodic game nights for the neighbors, whip up something frothy in his blender, and we'd play games like "Catch Phrase". Even my mom got involved in that one!

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It wasn't very long after the famous movie outing that we moved away from Waterford, while waiting for our house in The Preserve to be completed. We stayed in contact with our dear friends, however, as would be expected. In fact, the first Saturday in our new home, their family was invited for one of our famous pancake breakfasts.

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Timmy was excited to help dress the table for our friends and proudly placed a package of individually wrapped snacks at each seat (not a menu item, rather, a lunchbox item). When Dan came in, Timmy went immediately to the fridge and grabbed a can of beer for him. I didn't see this happening but Dan came to me and declared, "Well, Tim's got me fixed up!" Such a good laugh that was. You can't explain to a five year old why beer is not for breakfast, but Timmy was simply being an excellent host! Dan loved to grab Timmy and toss him in the air, or flip him around upside down, just to make him laugh. Dan loved to play with Timmy, and Timmy loved being tossed about like a rag doll!

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Less than a month later, Dan was one of the six men that carried Timmy's coffin...........

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Sorry, time to go, I'm not laughing any longer.

Rekindling friendships

What an awesome day today! No lingering under the covers watching the news this morning, as I had places to go and people to meet--or meet again!

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The Friday Musicale program to which Christine introduced me was featuring a harpiscord concert at 11:00 a.m. This was a bit earlier than the previous recital and since I sort of found the music hall by mistake, thought I'd better leave enough time to find it on purpose this time. Jen would like to have gone but wasn't sure we'd be out in time for her to collect Memrie from school. Martie was going to visit our friend, Chris, who had knee surgery, so I was on my own. Never even thought to call Christine about it, just found myself on a mission!

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Proudly I arrived in the parking lot of the Musicale early enough, allowing time to put the finishing touches on my face. Another layer here, another scoop of foundation there---voilà, a masterpiece, bound to crack at the slightest provocation. Walking up to the Hall, a couple ladies complimented me on my outfit which consisted of the lovely ruby blouse from Mom, red shoes, red purse, red sweater on the arm, and blue jeans. So what?!? The lady minding the door welcomed me as 'the Valentine', which was very nice. She said she liked my red shoes, saying, "you can't have enough of those". Seems as though I told Mom that a time or two. She chuckled when I told her that even my car is red!

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While waiting in the parking lot I'd noticed a woman getting out of a car with something on her head and I couldn't quite make out if it was a hat or hair. It turns out she was right in front of me in the doorway to the Hall, when it occurred to me who this was---my author friend from the First Coast Writer's Conference several years ago! Wearing a hat is her trademark, so I should have recognized her. DH wrote the book "The Osceola Community Club", and was a speaker at the Conference in 2004. Christine and I had spent some time with her between seminars, finding DH absolutely delightful.

Here is a photo taken at the Writer's Conference, 2004 (that's me on the right)
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When Mom and Lynn were here visiting that year, we attended her book signing event at Barnes and Noble. I'd previously purchased two editions, one for me and one for Lynn, both personally autographed. DH was serving cookies which were made using a recipe featured in her book and was again, delightful. Justin was with us that day, as well, and we went to the marble slab creamery for a treat afterward. First meeting DH, then cookies, then ice cream....a perfect day.

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Later that year DH had a publishing party at her home where guests were served hot dogs, moon pies, root beer and so on, a sort of sock-hop theme. It was great fun, and as many people as could gathered 'round their backyard pool and in the house. I considered it a privilege to be included in this bash, met many wonderful folks, and have a lasting memory of the night, including having her husband, Wally, sing some of his Classics IV hits for us.

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When Justin and I moved into our house on the lake in 2004, DH was invited to the housewarming party but had to decline. Instead she sent a lovely gift, a tea pot that housed a kitchen timer in its base. And she followed up with a phone call to find out how the party went. Of course I told her it paled next to her publishing party, and she encouraged me that MY publishing party would be just as grand!

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Back in the Hall, I chose a seat directly behind DH and Ginger, who was later introduced to me as her editor. Cool! I tapped DH on the shoulder and was about to re-introduce myself when she turned and said, "Oh, Kim! How nice to see you again!" She introduced me to Ginger as being a writer, gulp! (Now I'd better get going, huh?). And then DH asked about Justin, which simply blew me away. He is evidently a memorable young man, which pleases me.

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It was great to re-connect, and after an interesting chat, I let them enjoy the wonderful harpsicord presentation. Following the concert, I slipped DH a piece of paper on which I'd written my blogsite info, at her request, if you please. I did title it "shameless self-promotion" and she admitted being the queen of that herself. Ginger asked her to forward the information so she "can read what she writes". Another gulp!

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And, upon leaving the Hall I realized that Jen would have gotten out in plenty of time to collect Memrie, even allowing enough time to grab a bite somewhere. Now we'll know for upcoming concerts. I've made a sign-up sheet for the next presentation on the 15th, in case anyone from church would be interested in coming along. We are always looking for activities to do in the light of day when folks can see for driving purposes. And it being a "free" event doesn't hurt one bit, either.

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In 2004, DH wrote in my edition of her book--"write uniquely"! I pray I am up to it!!!!!