THESE CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY! MUST STOP!

Yes, We are victims of a hate crime in our peaceful neighborhood. Who would of thought it would happen here? I AM PO'D ABOUT THE TP' ING we were subject to this past weekend. Please if you have any idea who these criminals were that did this to us let me know. You do not have to identify yourself. We must bring these heathens to justice! I cannot understand WHY someone would inflict this senseless pain upon us.

(Mary took a decidedly more lowkey approach-her sign reads FREE TOILET PAPER TAKE ALL YOU WANT!)

No takers observed but we did make a decent take of left behind (pardon pun) rolls of TP;)

Spring it is!

Officially it is now Spring, we have been seeing more sunshine in these parts but few days of really warm. At least our snow is gone.
Some of you may have noticed or will see that I have added my twitter input to the blog. Yes, I have been twitter-patin for a while now. It took me a while of memory searching to remember where I first heard that phrase, twitterpated, and do you remember? Well, I believe it was the wise old owl in Bambi explaining the signs of spring love to the growing buck. Pulled that one out of somewhere and didn't have to google it. Seems appropro for the season. So I twitter very sparingly as I see it is more of a cell-mobile deal than telling people what you are currently doing from your computer at home. Wanted to see what all the fuss was about-much ado about nothing I suppose. I do have two friends in Tonya and Fran. Yeah followers!!
Quick mention that Jazz and I drove up to GR for a three quarters Garage Band reunion with Seaton for some jamming and socializing. We did call NEale the Deale down in Kentucky for a bit of making the Four. I got to play electric drums for the first time and we did remember most of the songs ( that we wrote). Having the Garage Bible there helped with the lyrics.
Other Spring events, of course St. Patrick's Day is one and what a beauty it twas, 72 degrees in Kalamazoo area. Mary met me after work at Harvey's on the Mall downtown and we heard the local band, Belfast Gin, we watched and listened to the mostly twentyish crowd celebrate their pub crawls (literally) around town. Much green beer consumed by those, I stuck to Guinness and Jameson's. We ended the early evening with walking over to dinner at the Old Brewpub. Quite the crowd about town for a Tuesday but everyone was ready for the wonderful weather indeed. Something to celebrate.
Spring will bring with it golf league, outdoor chores, house projects, and gardens-nature do your thing and be!

South is Doing it Again; A quick trip review.

Sometimes the more you try to avoid something it keeps on following you. So it felt like as we awoke on our journey south of Nashville to cold and snow. Had to scrape inch or so off our car in the morning. Luckily our timing was good and the highway was mostly clear as the sun had come out and trucks had been clearing the way. As you can see from the photo there was quite a bit on the ground and on the trees. By the time we were through Birmingham and Montgomery most of it had melted, but it was the talk of the day down south. We made it to the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area by around 6 to much warmer temps. It would remain sunny for the rest of our trip until we hit Indiana and Michigan on our return where precip would again hit us.

My parents winter escape in Orange Beach was condo fantistico and occupancy was only 30%. They pretty much have it themselves. Pools, hot tubs, marina, putting greens, beaches, all the amenities for a limited # of Snowbirds from the north. Mary and I got acclimated to the snowbird culture of fresh seafood dining deals, golf and shopping right away. I golfed with Ron, family friend of my Dad and Bev's from Detroit area, the first day. Ron set us up to play a nice course called the Peninsula, lotsa water, traps and shrubbery. I hadn't played since Nov. and shot 86 (couple of 7's too) with a back to back birdie run which felt good. I lived up to my dad's bragging bout my abilities so I felt good about that. Enjoyable day!

While I was away Mary of course did her shopping thing, lining up her deals for a later excursion. During the stay we also did the poolside thing, went to the famed Flora/Bama Bar in Pensacola for some entertainment with J. Hawkins who sat down with us and talked music between sets, we had some Bushwhackers, did some fresh oysters, the beach was a bit cool because of the wind, but actually warm back near the pool, we had morning coffees and conversation on the balcony looking over the Gulf, and just relaxed. As always the company of my Dad and Beverly was precious time indeed. We thank them for the invitation and hospitality. Mary and I got some insight into the retirement possibilities of southern Alabama. We left the Caribe in anticipation of the Louisiana Bayou and what New Orleans offers.

I was interested in seeing what the post Katrina world 3 years hence looked like in NO. We had already seen some it around the Gulf Shore area. This was Mary's first time to the Crescent City so she was excited to experience it all. Our trip over took about 4 hrs as we stopped for lunch in Gulfport at the Blowfly Inn. (a place I saw on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives). We found our hotel just outside French Quarter quite easily and were out and about and down by the mighty river before dark. That night we took it all in and partied with some Cajuns on Bourbon Street, Waylon Thibedeaux and Co.. Mary and I both played the washboard on the chest with them and danced to their music. Also, all the beads we came home with we earned. How will remain our secret') so We stumbled home as it was just a several block walk back to the room. We had dodged some hustles and taken by a couple. Mary got a nice hat out of one deal.>Friday we did the Cafe du Monde, French Qtr. market area, Jackson Square, went home and rested and came back in the evening for the beginning of Mary's early Birthday celebration, which was Saturday. Saturday night we had a great seafood dinner in the center of the quarter on the balcony at a 200 year old restaurant. listening to the city sounds of jazz and ships, and the smells of good food. After dinner as we walked by Jackson Square we noticed behind the locked gates of the park several cats ( and I do mean felines) wandering about inside. Soon a couple came up and all these cats came running to the fence. Apparently, these cats have lived in the park at night and different folks feed them on a regular basis. The number of cats has increased since Katrina but this has been going on for some time. Just some Nawlins nuances. We took a long walk back to Bourbon St. and saw a fine Blues Band of Bryan Lee's. After a set we were some tired travelers and made it back to crash and rest up for the long trip back to Michigan.

We enjoyed our little trek very much. Saw places neither of us had seen. Hung out and talked to interesting folks, many from Michigan. The south especially from Indy to Bama seems like they are doing well. Lots of growth. We passed the Hyundai factory,and several others along the way. You can see how much industry has left the north for the warmer climes. We did see lots of folks spending $ though, makes you wonder. On our way our out of NO we saw the areas hardest hit by Katrina and much of it is still as it was after the water receded. Driving on the highway leaving where I know bodies were left and people stranded for days spooked me throughout the trip. Bourbon St. and the French Qtr. area seem to be thriving and making a strong comeback. That was good to see. They are a friendly bunch all over the south. On the way back Mary had dropped her wallet out of her purse at a gas station and a "biker gal" who found it told Mary she turned it in to the store clerk. Whew, that saved us some grief. That was on Mary's birthday too.

So, now back in Michigan where Spring is looking to be slow to move in, we reflect and are recharged and thankful for the opportunities we are fortunate to have, for we did see many along the way that are not as fortunate. Again, count your blessings, ya'll.

Ready to Vacate:

A Word or 2 before we leave for the south. I am ready for a change from the day to day retired way and Mary is ready for a change from her scene at work. Both ready to see Flora/ALAbama/Louisiana coastal region. Has to be warmer than the 15 degrees it is supposed to be tonight and into the Michigan March. LOoking forward to a trip away from the daily news and routines. A traveling antidote of hopes. The review(s) upon return.

Name Droppin Moanday

OK, another version of Name Dropper coming at you. Since I last wrote Jazz and I made it over to the Clone Studios and did some recording. Jazzman laid down some bass tracks to the Surf Song while I drank wine and Melvis worked his studio wizardry. When it came time for me do my vocal part I couldn't quite get it all right. (Try again next time). I also had plans that night to try and catch friend Susan performing down at Martini's new and improved performing area upstairs. Jazz caught up with me down there amidst the inclement weather. It was an enjoyable hour plus with Susan and band providing the entertainment. Friday was soon upon us and Susan and Michael invited us over for a delicious dinner and after we decided to head out to friend Dana's Sauna as Mary and I had never made to one of these Friday night rock heated events before. It was a fun, refreshing night as various other friends were present which provided a pore and more cleansing experience. It was a snowy but safe ride home.

Saturday, of course, was St.Valentines Day and Mary and I had a most enjoyable stimulus package plus evening home. I fixed her dinner, we listened to Lucinda Williams latest songs (her gift), we watched Vicki Christina Barcelona and had a warm cherry wood fire. The photo should say it all or most of it. Strawberries and Champagne are in there somewhere. So some great mid-winter festivities on the way to spring. Mary and CAllie are now counting the days til our trips south begin. Gulf Coast here we come. R U Ready Don and Bev?

25 Random Thoughts (not Things) About Me or Not

• Realizing I am home too much when I feel bad about missing Regis and Kelly in the morning if I sleep later than usual.


• Feeling sorry for the Italian Chef in the Bertolli Lasagna commercial because no one is coming to his restaurant


• Anyone can get on the Internet and spew out things, factual or not, that is American alright;) and many will automatically believe it.


• An old favorite of mine: We never know what anyone is really thinking or feeling about us, even those closest to us, it is just the way it is and the way we are. No matter how they may act when they are in our presence.


• There are people out there doing good, volunteering for those with less fortunate conditions. I have met some recently at meetings where I intend to join them.


• From a song I wrote Temptation, " Budget Cuts mean nothing to me for I have none". (1981)


• Or from song Private Sector during same year, " Since WW11 it's been all you, you and yours, you count the money keep in black, we do the chores".


• Ok, so this is only a few random thoughts. I ran out of intellectual gas. I am not sure if you are interested in 25 things about me or anyone else that you may or may not know about.


• I am only willing to go so far telling all or saying what I think on this blog. ( Scardy cat).
• The Best thing about Valentine's Day reminds us we should be loving one another with actions not that we have to do something or necessarily buy something for someone.

More of the Same?

It has been a couple of weeks since the Inauguration and the honeymoon seems to be over for the new administration. We have seen the Super Bowl and Groundhog Day come and go, the weather continues to be cold and snowy here in these parts. Many of those who can have left for the south or west for the winter yet many of us stay here in the frigid yet picturesque north.

Politics and the economy seem to be showing us more of the same as the poly parties dig in their heels for the fight for the fix of the country. I want to remain hopeful but not working myself and seeing the lack of possibilities for employment, watching the news (too much I am sure), I sense a real change in expectations for lifestyles for the middle class. The Reality becoming much closer to doing less with less. Our SuperPower being a Super Mess.

Now, I do see some reason to be positive; the sun has been out frequently amidst the recent cold, the are mornings bright, the days remaining lighter longer, wife and I should be getting a decent tax return in the next month or so, I hope to start doing some volunteering soon, Mary and I are planning a trip south to visit my parents in Alabama in March, Callie is doing well in her new semester in school, and things seem to be improving for Ashley and her job, so I can't really complain for the day to day but the overall picture is just tough to not be really concerned about. So, for the next month I will keep pursuing leads for volunteering, work, keep my cooking coming, enjoying hanging out and soaks in the hot tub with Mary and with friends like Corrie and Betsy (fun evening), get the music going again, check out the museums, keep making myself write, read, watch interesting movies, comfort the aged (dogs and all), and remember to think and dream of the positive that could happen along the way.

Help me now and dig that crazy Betty Boop seeking a snowy shelter from the storm;)