Price is Right or Deal No Deal?

While spending the past week in Minnesota, I had the chance to watch quite a bit of TV (HD TV I may add). One morning, it may have been Thursday, I tuned in to one of my favorite game shows, The Price is Right, when what to my wondering eyes did appear - a jolly young man in an Armani suit. It wasn't Santa, it wasn't Drew Carey, it was none other than our President, Barack Obama. It struck as an odd coincidence, the Prez speaking to us about the National budget in a time slot usually devoted to giddy, greedy, goofy acting housewives and college students trying to win something they don't really need for nothing. Ironically each prize that's won actually benefits our economy in way of some kind of "now you got it, now pay taxes on it" tax. Barack didn't have a wheel to spin or curtains with unknown stuff behind them or even pretty models with shiny aluminum attache cases, just his mouth and, I assume a teleprompter. I tried to concentrate on what he was saying and, although I won't be expecting any prizes, I guess it pretty much summed up as "The Price WILL be Right!" I don't want to get into anything political here so let's move on to another observation from a week of HD TV viewing.

What the hell happened to Bob? Remember Bob the guy who was the envy of all his neighbors and the idol of all his neighbor's wide eyed wives. Bob who by taking a certain little pill had improved the size of that certain part of the male anatomy. Well, I did did a little research and found out what happened to old smiley. It seems that at a neighborhood cookout one of Bob's many female admirers got her frilly little beach coverup a little to close to the chestnuts roasting on an open fire and lit up like an America's Got Talent contestant. Bob, in his haste to smoother the smoldering suiter, tripped over that certain part of his oversized male anatomy, bonked his head and rendered himself unconscious. Firemen, who were called to the scene, mistakenly grabbed that certain part of Bob's male anatomy and tried to attach it to a nearby hydrant, turned it on and . . . now all parts of Bob's anatomy are scattered over the once lusty neighborhood. So, no more smug smiley face hawking illusions of greater dimensions and giggly, jiggly housewives will have to take their fantasies elsewhere.
At least we all have the assurance of our President that bigger, and better things lay ahead. And, there are plenty of game shows to help provide tax dollars to offset our country's deficit.

I'm not sure which part of this post this photo pertains to.
Take your pick!

Pass the Pepto Please!

Who could ask for more? I'm enjoying a relaxing stay up in the "Twin Cities" while SuperG (Grandma Jo) lends a helping hand to the recent kid havers. Not so little Edith (Edie not to be confused with Eddie) is doing great. So of course there is no end to the constant pampering being applied. (I mean pamper like spoil, not Pamper like diapers. Although she does get involved with a lot of those too) My main job is to stay out of the way so, this trip up, I packed my handy Mini Mac a set up shop in a little corner of the recently remodeled basement. (Right near the bean bag/treadmill) This has enabled me to keep in constant contact with the free (and slightly inexpensive) world as we know it, as well have access to any and all important information like where to find a White Castle in the "Cities" area. As you can see by the photo above, I found one of the two that exist around here and put down a hardy (and I may say, healthy) sack of "sliders" for lunch yesterday. Among the other "Wonders" of the "Cities" I uncovered a good old fashioned, eat until you die, bakery up here. I had gotten a tip that such a place existed not too far away. Armed with a pocket full of cash and a keen nose for the scent of a biscuit, I set out for Shangri-La. What I found was El Dorado . Felt like Indiana Jones as he first cast eyes on the "The Lost City'. There it was, display case after display case filled with mouth watering delights. A case just filled with cookies, one with donut type goodies, one with sweet rolls, muffins and various Danishes, another showed off decorated cakes and still another overflowed with french pastries. The walls are lined with shelves of fresh baked breads of all sorts. Like so many little sirens on a rocky shoreline they all called out my name, clawing at the glass begging me to, "take me home with you!". Right about there my head started to spin. I felt like Alice in Wonderland or Dorothy in Oz. When I recovered my bearings, I realized that a young lady behind the counter was not the "Good Witch of the North" but a powered sugar dusted salesgirl asking if she could help me. Without a sensible thought in my head, feverishly pointing to ahd fro (maybe even fro and fro) I blurted out, "two of those, three of those, a couple of those sugary ones and some cherry things" The next thing I knew I was back at Summer's house. Jo was applying a cold cloth to my forhead and Sammy the friendly Daschund was licking my hand. It wasn't a dream there really were a bag and a box of assorted goodies on the kitchen counter. Those wonderful tidbits are long gone but the sweet taste lingers on. I would have pictures but I have nothing left but memories, a few crumbs and a quite a few extra pounds. I have made another trip to the bakery but with a more sensible approach. (Only one small bag and one small box of treats) I have a bunch of photos of other parts of our visit and I'd love to post them but first - "I NEED A NAP!" Tomorrow I'm off to take in a Twins game and to sample the Target Field fare. I'll report back on Friday.

I can't close out without a least one picture of the newest Grandkid, Edie.

Just About Too Much!!!

This blog is definitely about "Too Much". Part of the reason for so much dead time between postings is that so much has been going on that I haven't had the courage to select just one thing to write about. We've had births and birthdays, graduations and congratulations, grand kids and Grandkids, sport's moments and moments in sports. So, in no particular order, I'll try to briefly recap a few of the recent highlights. Starting with the biggest news this week. On Wednesday, June twenty ninth, Jo and I hit the road once more to get Up Nord in time to be on hand when the newest Grandkid dropped into our lives. Not wishing to disappoint Grandma Jo, Edith Ann (Edie) arrived Thursday night at around 10 o'clock. No lightweight, she weighed in at 9 pounds 10 ounces and stands at 1 foot 10 inches. In typical fashion, she eats, sleeps and poops. I guess that's a sign of that everything's working okay. Big Brother Eddie seems to accept little sister Edie as a permanent figure around the house. Little does he know what's in store for him. For real details and numerous photos, Mommy Summer and Grandma Jo will be happy to provide enough to satisfy any interest. Here are a couple of my favorites -

Eddie meets Edie.

Grandma Jo wastes no time explaining
the fine points of the "Granny Code".

Wow! Kids nowadays learn sign language at really early age.
She could already pass her driver's test.

On other news fronts we had Grandkid, Elizabeth graduate from the University of Chicago, Catherine from Prospect High and "West Coast Roy" the San Jose longboard expert will be heading to high school next year. Elizabeth is pursuing continuing education at Chicago while sister Catherine takes her musical (and social) talents to Saint Louis University in ....St. Louis. (you know it's right across the street front Wash U.) The West coast Blumes Rey, Mina and Roy continue to wow thousands with their musical prowess. Rey on trumpet attends U of California at Berkley, Mina, on Trombone, has traded her soccer cleats for whatever you wear to play Lacrosse and Roy reels off saxophone riffs while reeling off some hot longboard moves. (I'm told that a longboard is a, dah, long skateboard) Rounding off the Grandkid news, Saffron is hoping to enter either Yale or Harvard this fall. (I don't think she will meet the height requirement) In the meantime she's extremely busy teaching little brother Sebastian how to wrap Grandma around your finger. And, Veronica (Jr.) and Harrison are being Jr. and Harrison down in Arkansas. I've been told that this is the end of the line as far as Grandkids go. A nice round number of ten with an equal number of boys and girls. Great Grandkids anyone?
Now the "Rest of the Story" or maybe a story of rest.

What a great idea. A treadmill with a built in beanbag.
This is really a deluxe model complete with built in speakers for your ipod, a fan for cooling and even a little time keeper so you don't over exercise

In the sporting arena, been to a couple of Cub's games and have absolutely nothing to say about that. On the other hand, I have returned to my old friend, Golf. Not nearly as friendly as I remembered. Seems like the course is longer, harder and has larger bunkers and smaller greens. I tried to use my age and health as an excuse but even with new meds and my youthful mind (second or third childhood???) my head comes up my shoulder drops down and my back snaps crackles and pops. The only part of the game that hasn't completely deteriorated is cart driving. There's a good possibility that you won't read much about the Cubs and my golf game any time soon unless stranding 50 or 60 men on base or shooting seventeen on a hole is considered newsworthy.

My Fellow Americans

Last night I recorded the Letterman Show because I thought the Betty White segment might be funny. After watching her present her "Top Ten Ways to a Long Life", I was ready to switch channels when Admiral Michael Mullen came on. I thought this was going to be a real yawner and it was until, Dave asked him about his early life. Well this guy was a number one Goof Off. His time at Annapolis and early naval career made my wasted youth look like time spent in a mountaintop abbey somewhere in the Himalayas. This guy bumbled his way through The Naval Academy graduating in the BOTTOM third of his class and went on to become The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff. Now, three of the guys that helped me Goof Off my way through high school went on to fair heights in the military, one a Colonel in the Army (ours) another, I think, a Commander in the Navy (again ours) and the other has never admitted to me how high he went while serving in the armed forces. Although I have almost (not any) military experience, I do have extensive Goofing Off experience. Does this qualify me for a high level government post? I think so! In today's world it seems like indiscretion and poor judgement are essential to holding high level political positions. Here again, I'm sure that, if that is what it takes, I can be as indiscreet as the next guy and, poor judgement, did you ever see some of those outfits I wore in the Sixties? With some major elections coming up soon, watch for campaign flyers and commercials pushing for my election. In the mean time I'll be working on as many indiscretions that time will allow by studying up up on Tom Jefferson, Tricky Dick Nixon, Billy Clinton, that Edwards guy and "Home Photography for Fun and Profit" by Senator Tony D'Weiner. I will appreciate your votes and promise to live up to the standards set those who (or whom) served before me!
(for a humorous peek at Admiral Mullens, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YLsETCKd7Y&feature=related)

How Grand

Last January Newsweek listed Grand Rapids, Michigan as one of the top ten cities in decline. I lived in Grand Rapids for a few years working for a couple of ad agencies. Actually, we packed up our "62 Beetle with our treasured possessions, along with daughter Elaine and baby Derek, and left our downtown Chicago apartment for the call of the wild North. Now GR is no NY, NY, but it has its charm and its own brand of excitement. Amway is just one town away, Holland MI with its tulips is a short distance in the other direction, Lake Michigan beaches are fairly close and former President Jerry Ford came from GR. (It even sports a museum bearing his name) At one time GR was probably the "Office Furniture Capital of the US and SteelCase Corp, is still located there. (I think) At any rate, GR, undoubtedly had its hackles hackled by the Newsweek article and have replied with what Roger Ebert called "The greatest music video ever made". Even though I was never madly in love with GR, I did enjoy living there and met some wonderful folks, some of who are friends to this day. After watching this video I what a nice place it really was and how I hope that their spirit will keep it off of Newsweek's (or anybody else's dying town lists. What makes this video even more incredible is that it was (supposedly) shot in one take. Take a look at a "dying town".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPjjZCO67WI

Who the hell is Carl???

Now that I've recovered from the freezer burn that hit me as I deplaned in Madison Wednesday evening, I'll try to report on our recent Florida trip. (A thirty or forty degree drop in temperature can sure get your attention.) First I would like to thank the Florida Welcome Council for providing a torrential downpour, complete with lightening, thunder and hail, for our arrival. Nothing is more interesting than driving a strange car down a strange expressway in strange weather. Armed with a set of very specific directions, we found our lodgings, checked in and plotted out our four day adventure.
Saturday we decided to head down to Tampa for a visit to Busch Gardens. I have heard many horror stories about driving in Florida. (I guess because some of the other drivers are older than me) Much to my amazement, I found that, if I drove the speed limit (within five or ten miles an hour), I would not be tying up traffic but would be way ahead of it. I know that you will not believe this but, I swear it's true. Driving at fifty five miles per hour, I actually passed, not just one, but two BMWs. I blew by Cadilac Escalades and Lincoln Towncars. Undoubtedly the owner's manuals didn't include the clauses about local speed and traffic laws not pertaining to owners of these vehicles. Busch Gardens was pretty much as advertised and the weather held out until after lunch before pouring some buckets of "Florida Sunshine" on us. Fortunately we had covered most of the outdoor activities in the morning and found a number of "shows" in sheltered areas in the afternoon. After returning to Kissimmee (I believe this is an old Seminole word for "kiss your money bye, bye") we searched out a restaurant for dinner. How cool is Florida? They have slow BMWs, big talking mice, alligators in many forms (shoe, purse and and biting) and restaurants for every taste including the one we chose for Saturday night dinner. This place could have easily been featured on the Sapranos. Greeted by hostess Mama Marie, waited on by daughter Teresa, bartended by son Vito and tables bussed by Aunt Sophie's goofy kid Vinnie. Food was great, we avoided any direct eye contact but after stating how much we enjoyed the meal "Artie the Cleaver" came out of the kitchen to give us appreciative kisses. Needless to say, we left quite a healthy tip.
Sunday we chose to head to the opposite coast to Cape Canaveral/Cape Kennedy/Coco Beach. Once again I was lead dog on the highway passing more than my share of fellow AARP members. The Space Shovel was due to be launched on Monday so, The Space Center was really crowded. This led us to bypass it and head to the beach. It was beach weather to the max. Probably 80ish and an occasional cloud to give a little relief from the Florida sun. The only thing(s) that can disrupt a fine day on a Florida beach is "LOVEBUGS". I had encountered them once before on a photoshoot up on the Florida Panhandle years ago. These delightful little guys seem to swarm in beach areas at certain times of the year (the times of year when I'm at the beach). They are aptly named "Love Bugs" because these horny little devils are seldom seen unattached. They are entirely plural in nature as you can see here.
Monday and Tuesday were devoted to Walt's place. Monday at Epcot and Tuesday at Disney Hollywood Studios. Both were loaded with constant entertainment and lived up to all their hype. We caught as many exhibits and shows as possible and stayed for the final fireworks presentations at both parks WOW!!! Interspersed in the excitement of Disney was a reunion with one of my best high school buddies, George. George along with Ken, Rich and I were were thrown together at a school where, to say the least, we were somewhat out of place. The student body was made up of North Shore elite. Our group was from the Northwest side middle class. But with our DA haircuts, pegged pants, long key chains and box toed suede shoes or engineer boots we made our presence known. Unfortunately after graduation we parted ways. I guess Ken, Rich and George kept in touch to some extent as they took their places in society while I did my best to avoid society. At any rate last Fall after Ken, who lives in the Chicago area, found me via FaceBook. I got together with him a couple of times and got in cybertouch with the other two. Now I had the opportunity to see George after over fifty years. He lives in Fort Meyer and as luck would have it had planned to drive up to Orlando at the same time I was visiting the area. Had a great, but too brief, gab session with George and his wife Anne at Epcot. It was truly wonderful to catch up on each others exploits of the past fifty years. My next goal is to visit Rich in Maryland some day soon.
All in all we had a fine vacation with good weather, great entertainment, good food and a fantastic reunion.
Well we're back all refreshed and ready to face our day to day duties. (A little more for JoAnne to face than me)

A photo moment with George and Anne
Too bad he's aged so much!

Oh Yeah, I almost forgot about Carl! As we were waiting to board our plane to Florida, a salesmany looking guy approach me and said, "pardon me, but has anyone ever told you that you resemble a movie star?" "Well yes I replied" "I'm often mistaken for George Clooney, Ben Affleck or that Reeves kid". "Oh no not any of them but you look a lot like Carl, you know the old guy in UP?" He even went to the bother to bring up Carl's picture on his iphone to substantiate his claim. Well I hope he enjoyed the next hour or so after I reported to a security guard that I over heard him on his iphone saying something about a special device on his ibook. That's what I call ivengence!

Okay! I'm the one on the right.

We're goin' to . . .

A picture is worth a thousand words!

Old picture. But, it works.
Just replace remove the beard, add glasses (and a few years) and it's up-to-date.