Mardi Gras

Partly Cloudy - Hi 78 Lo 56 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 37 Lo 25 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Come By Me, Harry Connick Jr.

Saturday Night Special Appearance by Gary U.S. Bonds performed New Orleans

Warning::: a truly disjointed ramble to follow!

Although the party is a little smaller this year, I want to say Happy Mardi Gras to my friends down in the Big Easy. Michael and I will be down just as soon as we can...

Every year, our pal John, is part of the Krewe for Endymion. Endymion was originally scheduled for Saturday, but because of the rain, it was postponed until Sunday. You can watch it here.

John, let me know if the Commodores were everything you hoped they would be. "She's a....Brick HOUUUSSSEE... she's mighty mighty...."

For all the debauchery go to NOLA or directly to Mardi Gras. There you will find live web cams including one on Bourbon Street...

Truthfully, I don't know that I would want to go to the Crescent City during Mardi Gras-- I don't do well in large crowds. I would also not be able to watch and chat with the locals as much as I would like. Since Katrina, I'm not sure who the locals are anymore. In speaking with some of my friends down there, it's hard to go out for a dinner and a movie on a Saturday night because everything closes early... Even McDonald's closes early. This is hard to imagine because this is another city that doesn't sleep... or at least that used to be the case. Folks simply haven't returned. I know some people think "just as well and good riddance"...
Keep in mind this is the city where you can go through a drive thru and get a killer daiquiri.... Forget about Dairy Queen.... I'm going for a frozen Pina Colada.... (Technically if the "to go" cup has a lid on it... it is not an open container and as long as there is 1 less to go cup in the car, in other words as long as the driver doesn't have a drink, have at it-- is there any other place in this country where you can do that? I also realize this has nothing to do with anything, just thought I'd throw that tidbit of information out there... ).

I suspect the folks that could care less if this city survives has not experienced the New Orleans I have experienced... fine southern hospitality --- and another side note... superb customer service, amazing music--- Jazz, Zydeco, the Blues and so much more--- playing in every bar and on every street corner in the Quarter to the mouth watering food- gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish (mudbugs), and po' boys... the history.... the mystique and of course... the party.... oh yes the party.... and Mardi Gras is but one festival...each weekend in New Orleans is a time to celebrate... there is always a party in the French Quarter... the hurricanes (the drink), the hand grenades (another drink), the beads, the boobs.... and of course the nasty King Cake--- find the baby!!

So- every family needs someone that is crazy and helps get the party started. This country needs a place like New Orleans to help us get away from the realities of day to day living... Sadly, this town I adore took a huge blow last year and had to contend with reality... It's time to get the party started again. We have Las Vegas, we have Disneyworld, we need New Orleans too...


Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

Who's Your Baghdaddy? - John made it home safe and sound. He has given us one final post. Be sure to watch the local news piece that was done on John. Have tissue ready. Go now.
A Marine's Journey - While many have come home, there is still work to be done... So more men stand ready to serve their country... Here is the journey of one Marine embarking on a new chapter of his life.
Patriot Guard Riders - My husband is looking to get involved with this group. Are you involved or do you know someone that is? Please let me know.
Cafe Du Monde - mmmm......Chicory coffee and Biegnets
Coffee Cottage - Learn about the history of the King Cake
About Mardi Gras - About Mardi Gras...........
George Rodrigue - One of my favorite artists - his gallery in New Orleans just recently re-opened.
September 4 post - I did a few posts on Katrina and New Orleans. Go to my September archives (left sidebar). I also have some personal photographs posted from our trip last April to NOLA.

Housekeeping:

I did nothing this week... on the blog-- work and other responsibilities killed me this past week.... hopefully you'll see some changes this week if I can figure out what I'm doing...

Have a great week everyone!

Don't Shoot Me, I'm Just The Piano Player

A few days ago, I received the following email from the lovely and talented Diane.

"I just tagged you with an easy blogosphere meme pool game that, even if you've played it before, will likely be a piece of cake. That's what the person that tagged me said anyway. LOL! SEE this post."

As usual, my job kicked me in the butt all week and I had little time to work on this post. But since I have wished the week away (My mantra during the week is -- I wish it were Friday or I can't wait until Friday or some variation like, I prefer to be anywhere but here... hmmmm root canal or the job-- root canal hands down wins every time... ), Friday has finally arrived... Before I get the weekend started w/ my husband... I wanted to finish this...

My assignment:

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to. Just link here and trackback when you make your list, and tell the folks you tag to do the same so you can enjoy their posts.

This is a fun meme!! Now, when I listen to music... I'm old school and listen to an entire album... so to pick one song is really kind of tricky and in some cases, impossible. I felt pretty good about the fact that I bent the rules only once. So, with that said, here is my list...

Artist // Song // Album

1.Frank Sinatra: Fly Me to the Moon, Sinatra at the Sands with Count Basie and His Orchestra

This is one of my all time favorite albums. Sinatra is the epitomy of cool... He's in Vegas... he tells some stories and sings a song or two...

2. Jack Johnson: Good People, In Between Dreams

I have Josh to thank for turning me on to this guy. I can't get enough of Jack. I am instantly relaxed and in Hawaii when I listen to him.

3.

Hem: the entire album, Eveningland

I am blown away by this entire album and I'm not just saying that because I knew one of the guys in the band once upon a time. I am taken to another place and another time when I listen to Sally's voice. The arrangements are comforting and soothing to the heart and soul.... Probably my favorite band right now...

4.
Elvis Costello: Tokyo Storm Warning, Blood and Chocolate

I have always liked Elvis. I like what he is doing today. He even collaborated with Burt Bachrach a few years ago and I loved that. I liked Elvis so much that I once dated someone because he looked like Elvis Costello...

5.

Dionne Warwick: I Say A Little Prayer, The Very Best of Dionne Warwick

Before Dionne was part of the Psychic Network, before she was Whitney "crack is whack" Houston's aunt, Dionne sang a song or two. There is a part of me that will always love those goofy poppy songs from the 60's and 70's... (this was a toss up between Dionne and Petula Clark- love her too)....

6.
Talking Heads: Naive Melody - Speaking in Tongues

I think if I were to comment any more on the Talking Heads would be a bit much...

7.
Three Dog Night: Never Been to Spain, Harmony

I have 2 good memories of my Dad... Listening to Three Dog Night with him is one of those memories. Joy to the World was a song the SD used to sing at the top of his lungs... I will always be grateful for Three Dog Night.

That's it... I'll let this meme die here with me therefore I will not pass it on to anyone else. If you are so inclined, feel free to start it up again!

See you Sunday!

Home

Partly Sunny - Hi 62 Lo 44 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 31 Lo 22 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: This Must be the Place (Naive Melody), Talking Heads

I'm sure I've written this before, but the best concert I ever attended was The Talking Heads, Stop Making Sense Tour. It was at Miami University's Millett Hall (Oxford, Ohio). As you can see to the left, I'm a pack rat and I still have my ticket stub and yes the concert cost a whopping $10.00 and yes we had really good seats too! David Byrne and company could actually carry a tune - live. It was a concert that filled the senses and one that I didn't want to end... it was completely theatrical, besides, I loved them. As I recall, the concert started with David Byrne alone on stage singing Psycho Killer. With each song, the road crew continued to add props and instruments to the stage and one by one a different member of the band came out on stage to perforn until this crescendo of sight and sound had everyone in the hall standing and singing and dancing. It was pure entertainment... no political blah blah blah... It was truly a great night and one that I don't expect to ever forget.

I was 18 at the time. I went with Jimi, Monkey, Bubba and Sophia. We had a blast. I remember looking at my friends and thinking and believing I would be with these people for the rest of my life... Funny, how things change. So, I am left with the fond memories and of course with The Talking Heads...

So, today as I was looking for a song for this Sunday's post, I came across Naive Melody. I've always liked the song... It is optimistic with a tinge of cynicism... right up my alley... And as I listened to the words for the one millionth time... I looked around my home and I thought of my husband and realized how fortunate I am. Michael is my home. Without him, I'd be lost and homeless. Funny, how the meaning of a song can change as we get older...

Blogs to Check Out This Week:

I would be remiss to not mention that most of the blogs I have "discovered" came from perusing other blog rolls of some of my favorite reads... among them are Diane's Stuff, Laura's Miscellaneous Musings and Spiced Sass. So, thank you ladies!

Musings from the Imperial Senate - A military dude that "once was a staunch Republican, but now a Libertarian" oh and just a hunch, but I believe he likes Star Wars.

Clear Lake Reflections - What a wonderful blog! Fun-- Mark offers up "warm fuzzies" photos and posts like this one. I like this guy!

Kool Aid Report - I like Kool Aid and according to my liberal friends, I drink a lot of it... so, when I found this blog... how could I resist a big gulp?

The Texican Tattler - I'm not sure why, but I have noticed I have a growing attraction to everything Texan. Is it true that everything is bigger in Texas?

Semicolon - A great place to go and get reviews on books and an interesting perspective on life. A mom of 8!!! Yes 8!!! - not to mention, another Texan!

Artcyclopedia - A wonderful resource to locate art museums and to study art movements and masterpieces.

Housekeeping:

After careful consideration, I've decided to maintain my weekly music video. It's my signature and to remove it would be taking away my inspiration- if you will. It was suggested that I take the video off for a few days so that anyone with a slower computer might have a better chance of reading my blog. OK- great suggestion! So, what I will do for now is pull the video off on Mondays and Tuesdays. That way all 16 of you that visit me then will have a quicker time of it.... Again, let me know if this helps the speed...

Home is where I want to be
Pick me up and turn me round
I feel numb - born with a weak heart
So I guess I must be having fun
The less we say about it the better
Make it up as we go along
Feet on the ground
Head in the sky
It's ok I know nothing's wrong . . nothing

I got plenty of time
You got light in your eyes
And you're standing here beside me
I love the passing of time
Never for money
Always for love
Cover up say goodnight . . . say goodnight

Home - is where I want to be
But I guess I'm already there
I come home she lifted up her wings
Guess that this must be the place
I can't tell one from another
Did I find you, or you find me?
There was a time Before we were born
If someone asks, this where I'll be . . . where I'll be

We drift in and out
Sing into my mouth
Out of all those kinds of people
You got a face with a view
I'm just an animal looking for a home
Share the same space for a minute or two
And you love me till my heart stops
Love me till I'm dead
Eyes that light up, eyes look through you
Cover up the blank spots
Hit me on the head Ah ooh...

By the way, if you don't have it in your music collection I highly recommend getting it...

OH-- and to Vice President Cheney- I still love you!

Have a great week everyone!

Sunday Song

The Sunday Song will reappear on Wednesday after giving a couple of folks an opportunity to pull my blog in less than 15 minutes....

TGIF

It was 67 degrees last night... This morning snow... I'm going to think about daffodils.... join me?




5:30 can't get here soon enough... The end of a long painful work week...

Wednesday Blahs

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Let's see... Bill Bennett is no longer on Cincinnati radio because some bright schmuck decided it was a good idea to buy a radio station and change the format to oldies.... this I'm certain is a ploy to make everyone run away in horror... So, because I'm up to my ears in crocodiles at work I'm off to start my day-- bright, chipper and early despite the fact that I've not had the proper amount of coffee.... this blows....

wah wah wah whining....

Passion

Rain & Wind - Hi 62 Lo 48 for Baghdad, Iraq
Snow - Hi 31 Lo 22 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Smooth, Santana and featuring Rob Thomas

Well, it happened. "I got the fever." -- Spring fever, that is.... This can be such a trying time of year.... Antcy to get out and do something, but not wanting to actually be outside in the dreary weather.... It's currently cold and snowing... as I write this (Saturday evening) Michael is outside in the snow grilling chicken... so...it's not just me... (by the way, it was delicious.)

Spring fever usually doesn't hit me until the end of February, but for whatever reason, the music I've been listening to reminds me of spring and summer and I find myself mumbling and cursing the cold air in the morning as I trudge off to work. Even though the days are getting longer, this weather just blows... Now--- keep in mind we in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area have had probably the mildest winter I can remember... We have had days up in the 60's... then the following day it snows a couple of inches, but then the following day it goes back up in the 50's... Go figure... one can not have a proper winter when it fluctuates that much... I'm sure it is President Bush's fault... Global warming can be traced to him.... swear... OK.... Be that as it may, Michael and I have been reviewing all the gardening catalogs including Burpee. Michael has already decided on some of the varieties of tomatoes he is going to plant, but he will need to come up with a means of protecting his garden from the local population of deer that discovered his knack for producing delectable salsa... Me, I have been mentally plotting where I can dig up more of our yard and start yet another flower bed... I love spring and I am passionate about gardening...something that my mom has passed on to me. It is such a wonderful excuse for playing in the dirt at my age....

For me, spring is a rebirth... it is the reward that God gives us for enduring the gray winter months. I love the smell of springtime... do you know what I'm talking about? The earth has thawed and you can smell the leaves after they have decomposed.... wow... what an incredible smell... seriously.

One of the most delightful springs Michael and I had was our quick road trip to Washington D.C. a few years ago. We caught the tail end of the cherry blossoms... It was absolutely beautiful... (I normally would post a picture that I took, but they are upstairs and quite frankly I don't feel like going up there, hunting them down, getting aggravated because I have fallen so far behind in my scrapbooking, scanning it... blah blah blah... so the ones I found on the internet will have to do) What am I trying to say? I'm saying Hurry up and get here spring!! Damn you, Phil!!

CPAC and WonderWoman

I have to send a heartfelt "salute" to WonderWoman-- She is in our nation's capital spending time at CPAC. Well... it's over by now, but I'm sure she is still hobknobbing and dining with the likes of Michelle Malkin, Newt Gingrich and who knows who else... I just know from reading her blog that she is passionate about her politics. Good grief... she is passionate about everything. I'm glad that she and Right Girl had a good time. I am sure we will get a full report. She has now officially stepped over the threshold into the kingdom of super blogdom. I get to say "I knew her back in the day..." Yes, WonderWoman is on the pinnacle of reaching "rock star success" in the blogosphere and I couldn't be happier for her.

XX Winter Olympics -Torino, Italy

I'm not a huge sports fan- not anymore. Another topic for another day... However, at one time in my life I was passionate about figure skating. From the time that Dorothy Hamill stepped on the ice I have enjoyed figure skating. Nancy Kerrigan and Tanya Harding were just annoying bumps in the road... Michelle Kwan on the other hand, has been grace on ice and the personification of sportmanship. She is dedicated and disciplined. She is passionate. She is honorable and represents the best that the United States has to offer. I was saddened to read this morning (Sunday) that she has withdrawn because she has re-aggravated her injury. Go here to read the New York Times article. Like so many, it broke my heart every time that she came so close to winning the gold... I will secretly share with you that I resented Tara Lipinski...however, she too was amazing on ice... For more photos of Michelle click on Kwan.

Thank you to my Italian friends and your beautiful country for hosting the winter games. I wish I could say that I was pleased with what the Olympics Committee put together... but from the portion of the opening ceremonies... more crap --more political correctness... I mean... Susan Sarandon???? oh and Good LORD--- OH NO YOKO ONO!!!!! WTH???

HOWEVER, the Italian people welcomed the United States contingency with warm applause. I have to think it was the likes of Otimaster, Robinik, Bisqui, Daisy, Stefania, and George that were cheering the Americans on. Make no mistake, the people of Italy support and like Americans. These folks are passionate and wear their emotions on their sleeve and I adore them for it. There have been times where I believe they are uncomfortable writing the truth... but they do. It is our responsibility as Americans to support the Italians, these lovers of freedom and liberty and lift them up...

Go here for the Olympic Schedule.

Blogs to Check Out This Week:

Miami Valley Conservative Alliance If you are in the Dayton area (or not), you'll find this website and blog useful for becoming active or just vocal in local, state and federal issues.

Word from the Counter Culture Like punk rock? What about someone that leans right?... an odd combination, indeed....

Ohio Boating If you love being on the river or near it, you will find this useful and entertaining. This gives you some insight into what it means to be a rivertown. Tall Stacks will be in Cincinnati this fall... it is something to see and hear...

Jump the Shark I had to have one sophomoric link....


Housekeeping:

Again- huge thanks to Bisqui at I Diavoli Neri (The Black Devils) for taking pity on me and sending me the HTML code for making the slide box thingies for all my blog rolls.... pretty snappy, huh? For this, he has my devotion and a place of honor on my sidebar.

You may have noticed I've added/changed out some buttons too... Click on the new ones- all are links.

One of the obvious reasons for my blog to load so painfully slow is because of the music videos... Let me know if you are of the opinion that I dump the music videos... I like them, but if I have enough folks drop me a note, I'll consider it...

Ann over at Spiced Sass mentioned to me that my blog is now taking even longer to download, even on Internet Explorer.... good grief. Let me know if that is the case for you too. If it is.... might I suggest this as a possible Sunday morning routine....

1. wake up
2. stretch
3. go downstairs and make your way to the computer... click on your favorites and go to SMC {{grin}}
4. walk away from your computer and
5. go make coffee
6. run outside and grab your Sunday paper
7. get dressed
8. hop on the treadmill for 30 minutes or whatever (now is a good time to peruse the paper)
9. shower
10. get dressed
11. pour yourself a cup of coffee
12. walk over to the computer and
13. there you go... Sunday Morning Coffee is there!!
14. WOOHOO- Victory is mine!! {{at least I hope...}}

Don't forget Tuesday is St. Valentine's Day so have a passion filled week!!!

Photos courtesy of:
Vintage Postcard Gallery
GCS
Yahoo Sports

Hillary

My brother in law sent this to me- one that has been circulating for a while... You may have already seen it, but it's worth a smile and a chuckle again.... poor poor Hillary....

;-)




Thanks Sam for checking it out. Go to Snopes.

I had forgotten how angry I was...

Morning Clouds, Afternoon Sunshine Hi 65 Lo 46 for Baghdad, Iraq
Snow Hi 31 Lo 19 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Live and Let Die, Guns N' Roses

Shortly after the events of 9/11, first hand accounts of the day began to unfold quickly. Some actually happened others did not. The events that took place on United Flight 93 captured my attention more than the others. Don't get me wrong the scenes in New York City and in Washington D.C. were horrific. Images of people making the conscious decision to die by smoke and fire or by free fall from 95 stories are images that will be embedded in my mind for the rest of my life...The necessity to make such a choice as those souls did on that day keep my life and the minor problems and inconveniences of daily life in clear perspective. The sight of those jets flying into the Trade Center is simply mind numbing...

But like most Americans, life goes on and I sort of forgot... This post is a reminder to myself of the reasons why I woke up that day.... that awful awful day...

By now, you know as well as I what transpired on United Flight 93. If you don't, there are several books out there... I will list a few of them at the end of this post... Here were normal everyday folks doing everyday routines... Nameless faces that one may sit next to at a ball game or walk past in a shopping mall or get irritated with while in traffic. Ordinary citizens... Who knew that they would be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice for one's country? Based on phone calls to loved ones and transcripts we know that every man and every woman on this flight was a hero. Why did Flight 93 capture my attention? The passengers and crew knew what fate their flight held. In conversations with loved ones watching the terror unfold on television, these men and women were told about the World Trade Center, were told about the Pentagon... These men and women had no idea why their flight was hijacked... they just knew that the fate that was in store for them was death and surely their destination was a building of significance to the United States. We now know that the terrorists had planned and rehearsed for several months (if not years) for this attack. The men and women of United Flight 93 had minutes to plan a counter attack... What ingenuity... what an American thing to do!

A number of years ago, Michael and I watched a show on aviation test pilots... a crazy breed of pilot that risks life and limb to advance aviation... Chuck Yeager and Bob Hoover come to mind. In the face of a major malfunction leading to a probable crash... a test pilot does not say.... "I only have 10 seconds!" (to eject or crash or whatever)... Instead a test pilot says... "Hey, I still have 10 seconds!" (to save this jet).

The latter is what I believe the men and women of Flight 93 had... They had the attitude that they could beat the living crap out of those bastards that were trying to harm them and their country. I believe they felt that they not only could subdue these jerks, but had a good chance of surviving. That's the way Americans are built... I think about the wives and mothers of the men on that flight... Could I have been as strong as them? Could I tell Michael, "You have to overtake these men."? I don't know what I would have done. I don't know that I have the intestinal fortitude to be as strong as those women were that day... Despite the circumstances, could I have said the Lord's Prayer with a stranger? I just don't know. All I know is that these men and women... all of them... their true selves were exposed that day. Heroes all of them... They died gallantly. They thwarted the enemy's mission.

So, nearly five years have passed... I had forgotten how sad... then angry I was. This past Monday on A&E, the movie, Flight 93 aired. It was a moving and accurate depiction of the events on that flight. I cried during most of the movie. I knew all the names... I knew their bios.... all 40 of them... I remember.... I'm sorry that I had forgotten... if only for a brief time... It won't happen again...

... oh... and the next time you see a car with a bumper sticker that has a picture of President Bush with the caption "American Terrorist"----Flip 'em off!

Let's Roll

The Crew of Flight 93
Lorraine Bay
Sandra Bradshaw
Jason Dahl
Wanda Green
LeRoy Homer, Jr.
CeeCee Lyles
Deborah A. Jacobs Welsh

The Passengers of Flight 93
Christian Adams
Todd Beamer
Alan Beaven
Mark Bingham
Deora Bodley
Marion Britton
Thomas E. Burnett, Jr.
William Cashman
Georgine Rose Corrigan
Patricia Cushing
Joseph DeLuca
Patrick "Joe" Driscoll
Edward Porter Felt
Jane Folger
Colleen L. Fraser
Andrew Garcia
Jeremy Glick
Lauren Grandcolas
Donald F. Greene
Linda Gronlund
Richard Guadagno
Toshiya Kuge
Hilda Marcin
Waleska Martinez
Nicole Carol Miller
Louis J. Nacke, II
Donald A. Peterson
Jean Peterson
Mark "Mickey" Rothenberg
Christine Snyder
John Talignani
Honor Elizabeth Wainio
Kristin White Gould

List courtesy of A&E



Click on the picture for a link to A&E's website for Flight 93.

Related Articles and Web Sites about United Flight 93:

Photos from 9/11 and Aftermath
Flight 93: Forty Lives, One Destiny
ESPY 2002 Awards
Attack on America
September 11 News
Shanksville Memorial


Books about the heroes of United Flight 93:









Blogs to Check Out This Week:

The Truckin' Blog - A nice perspective of life from the road.

Oriental Redneck - The name alone works for me.

Gone Underground - Hell is empty, And all the Devils are here. Shakespeare --The Tempest

Thank You America - This blog is courtesy of cutie pie, Riccardo --- He's 16 and Italian and one of the good guys.

Housekeeping:

OK... I have MSOffice installed-- finally... I believe we are getting all our email now-- sometimes the same email 2 and 3 times... makes for a full mailbox, huh? I'm also playing w/ the settings on Spamkiller and having temperamental issues with Windows Media Player and QuickTime, I just haven't had time to get on with Dell Support... I'm still tweaking the blog , let me know if it is any faster. I'm going to try and change the "skin".... all this new lingo... but don't let that fool you...I still have no freakin' idea what I'm doing. Thanks to sexy Italian friend Bisqui for sending me to DynamicDrive.com--- Some of it is over my head and way too technical... but... I have 2 count 'em 2 drop down boxes... working on more.... multiple drop down boxes cause issues as well... blah blah blah....


Have a great week everyone. Enjoy the SuperBowl!