Sundays with Marion & Jude

Marion and Jude have been here in Florida since the first of the year, living just 3 miles from us. We've spent lots of quality time with them, primarily at the beach or sharing a meal. Without fail, we have dined together every Sunday, traditional family dinners. Even Fran joined us during a short late January visit. I'm not looking forward to Sunday, March 1; the day after M & J head north for home. I'm sure we'll still eat, but with a little less laughter, a little less enthusiasm.

We have shared so much more than just bright sun and delicious food. We shared comaraderie, condolences, secrets. We shared memories. We made memories.

M & J even shared family and friends; we dined with Jude's nephew Michael, and his friend Ron.

We traveled to Bradenton to enjoy the hospitality of their friends Jim and Jeannie, Charlie and another Ron.

It was on our way home from that visit that I heard a most poignant version of one of my favorite songs. Simon & Garfunkel were singing "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," accompanied by the whispery and slightly slurred voices of a sleepy Marion & Jude.

I don't mean to suggest that there are any troubled waters here; there is no 'woe' in me. Still Marion and Jude have provided a bridge for us as we transition to the life of snowbirds. We are used to a steady stream of family members in our daily lives in New Milford, so it has been comforting to have loving family members so close by.

Upon returning to New Milford in a couple of months, we will quickly revel in the joys of family once again. But I will remind myself that Long Beach is not that far away. (And neither is Boston.) I look forward to many joyous occasions in the company of my sisters, Fran and Marion, and my brother, Jude. My siblings, my blessings.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEMA!

It's probably no coincidence that my biggest blog supporter is the person who has known me for the least amount of time. Apparently, Babs has yet to tire of my schtick. (She will.)

Kirk is also a reliable responder; he hasn't known me too long either. Amy is next - she's known me all her life, but obviously craves any form of family communication.

But, enough about me. A big Happy Birthday shout out to the left coast! Have a great day, Mema. Check your politics at the door.

Dear Mr. Lamb

I finished your book; impressive effort. Still, if I thought the first 600 pages were disheveled, you can imagine my dismay for the next 100! (Suggestion - lose "lachrymose" :p665, too verbose and ubiquitous.) Also, the fact that the last line of the book is also the title; a bit too contrived, don't you think? I'd also consider shorter chapters, better to hold the reader's interest. (Check out books by David Balducci.)

As to the general content of the story, you really are all over the place; is your personal life okay? How was your relationship with your mother? Your sisters?

As the father of 3 daughters, I must express my regret with your loosely veiled suggestion that Lizzy Popper whored herself during her lobbying efforts. Grow up, sir! Even females who throw like girls have intrinsic values and qualities that you seem to summarily dismiss. Many women can be successful, human beings!


Having said all of that, I reiterate my pleasure gained from your work. You should blog.

DEAR WALLY LAMB..........

I'm almost finished with you most recent book; I'm enjoying it very much. Quite amitious in scope; I suggest you limit the time frame in your next effort. ("Write what you know," - isn't that what the professionals suggest?) Maybe a less disturbing central plot also. I suppose it is somewhat presumptuous of me to make suggestions, but I am a writer also, as this blog provides evidence of such. I suppose also, that if sales are a measure of success then you must be considered more successful writer than myself. But if success is measured by the number of people who enjoy the results of your efforts, well, then I suppose you again must be considered more successful than myself. After further consideration, I concede that you are a more successful writer than I, regardless of what measure is utilized.

But, enough about me.
I am enjoying your book, despite the all too frequent time frame changes, the too many characters that nobody could possibly care about, (I especially loathe the mother of the car accident victim) and the too many historical references that cannot be verified, and must therefore be considered coincidental and contrived.
You are one of the favorite authors of my twin daughters. (Twins are unique - you should write a book that evolves around a pair. I know this book mentions twins, but why does one have to chop off his hand? Isn't being a twin interesting enough? I think you went too far here.)
Anyway, one of my twins lent me your book. This is a big deal because she is very protective of her books. Also, I'm not known to take care of books, although most of the books I've ruined have fallen into the pool. No pool here; just an ocean.
The book is holding up well, though the sea air seems to be loosening the binding somewhat. Still, I think my daughter will consider it returned in satisfactory condition .

But, in case it doesn't, please send me a new copy. You might as well autograph it as well -
"To Sara, one of your father's best accomplishments." (That's just a suggestion - write any inscription you think appropriate, though I would like to see it before you actually write it in the book.)
Please utilize the vast array of resources you have to determine my address (and last name.)

Thanks! You're one of the best.

SELLING OUT

Now I know how aging rock stars feel as their fame declines. You try to be artistic, but, in order to maintain popularity, integrity is swallowed, and you give the people what they want.

So.....considering the fact that my blogs that received the most responses in the past have centered around a potential hair cut...............I'm thinking of shaving my back.

What do you think?

(Obviously, my relevancy is rapidly diminishing.)

GIVING BACK.............

Geeg more than me, but I do continue to monitor beach activity; free of charge.



Geeg volunteered at the library one day last week. She took her earnings and bought us fresh air sandwiches for lunch. She is also now a member of the church choir. With those earnings, I look forward to an all expenses paid tour of the beach, including all the shells we can carry! Good times. I gave my soul to Florida several year's ago. Now, I offer my heart, sort of. We gave blood earlier this week. Geeg gave hers willingly; I was more reluctant. I have bad veins; I'm stingy with my blood. I don't make many friends at the blood bank, but I do get lots of attention. Still, I eventually provided the necessary amount, for which I received a stinkin' tee shirt. I had heard a rumor that Florida gives you a $10 gift card for a restaurant in exchange for the fluid that maintains life. I have yet to confirm that rumor; I won't be eating my tee shirt.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!

I have no real rooting interest in this year's game, so I am throwing my support to Pittsburgh. My allegiance is to Sara and John; the Steelers being Johnny C's favorite team.

Before Kirk questions how I can do this when I cannot and will not support my son-in-law's favorite sports team, the Yankees, let me explain. While I am basically ambivalent about the Steelers, the stinking Yankees have been a festering boil on my ass for over 50 years. Were my preference to be considered, they would be disbanded.

Having said that, if in fact any of my grandchildren become Yankee fans, I will set aside my prejudice, and, if not root for, at least become ambivalent about them. I will ignore them.

Sorry, Julie; this pertains to grandchilldren only. I cannnot alter or hide my feelings for the punk Cowboys. (I don't really believe Miles is a Cowboy fan - he is a Tony Romo fan. He's okay.)