Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Irreplaceable

I am embarrassed. I heard a song on the radio today and I really liked it. Much to my shock, it was Beyonce. Eeek!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3URfWTEPmtE

Monday, August 27, 2007

The Boys

My brothers and their friend spent a long weekend in SF. They came for the baseball. I thought it was a good excuse for a party.


"Pre-party" with Heidi, Jenny, Kiira and Evan.


The "real party" with Brian, Noel, Jessie and Mike.


Watching the Brewers lose to the Giants. Sigh.


In the end, even Gin was exhausted.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Cleo


It's been a year since Cleo died. I remember meeting an older German lady walking her dog in GG Park soon after. She told me about separate compartments in our hearts for loving different animals. I didn't really believe her, but it sounded good. Since Arthur moved in, I understand what she meant. I still miss Cleo.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Elvis


I woke up this morning with the lyrics to Gillian Welch's "Elvis Presley Blues" floating around in my head.

I remember Aug. 16, 1977 very well. Odd, isn't it? In my house, the death of Elvis Presley was a big deal. "The King is Gone," by Ronnie McDowell seemed to appear on the radio immediately. Does anyone else remember this song? It was so sad. Especially to a 7-year-old girl.

Lyrics to "Elvis Presley Blues."

I was thinking that night about Elvis
Day that he died, day that he died
I was thinking that night about Elvis
Day that he died, day that he died
Just a country boy that combed his hair
And put on a shirt his mother made and went on the air
And he shook it like a chorus girl
And he shook it like a Harlem queen
He shook it like a midnight rambler, baby,
Like you never seen

I was thinking that night about Elvis
Day that he died, day that he died
I was thinking that night about Elvis
Day that he died, day that he died
How he took it all out of black and white
Grabbed his wand in the other hand and he held on tight
And he shook it like a hurricane
He shook it like to make it break
And he shook it like a holy roller, baby
With his soul at stake

I was thinking that night about Elvis
Day that he died, day that he died
I was thinking that night about Elvis
Day that he died, day that he died
He was all alone in a long decline
Thinking how happy John Henry was that he fell down and died
When he shook it and he rang like silver
He shook it and he shine like gold
He shook it and he beat that steam drill, baby
Well bless my soul

He shook it and he beat that steam drill, baby
Well bless my soul, what's wrong with me?

I was thinking that night about Elvis
Day that he died, day that he died
I was thinking that night about Elvis
Day that he died, day that he died
Just a country boy that combed his hair
Put on a shirt his mother made and he went on the air
And he shook it like a chorus girl
He shook it like a Harlem queen
He shook it like a midnight rambler, baby
Like he never seen

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Minnie

I went to see Minnie Driver perform last night at Cafe du Nord. Because I was reluctant to pay a $5 service charge on the Web, I showed up expecting to buy a ticket at the door. Naturally, they were sold out. As I stood in line a bit dumbfounded (you never know who's going to sell out in this town) the man in front of me turned around and offered me his extra ticket. Plus he had reserved a seat!

Aside from two horrible opening acts, it was a lovely evening. Minnie's voice is very sweet (she had a recording contract before she did her first movie), her band was excellent. She's funny, charismatic and fun to watch.

She was a bit harsh on Ryan Adams, with whom she recorded half of her new album. She said working with him was like "sprinting a marathon." She admitted she couldn't handle it. The Cardinals play with her on the album. They are thanked profusely in the liner notes. Ryan is not.


Sunday, August 12, 2007

The Sun

We found it! Georgia, Linda, Margaret and I spent Sunday afternoon at Zeitgeist. It's one of my favorite places with grimy picnic tables, $5 gardenburgers and the best bloody Marys in town.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Barry

I worked at the Giants game on Monday. My assignment? If Barry Bonds hits a home run, chase down whoever catches the ball. Unfortunately, Barry broke the record the following night, but at least I got to hang out on the field, watch batting practice, then freeze my butt off during the game. If you're suffering through summer heat, take note: I wore pants, t-shirt, turtleneck sweater AND my winter jacket.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

In Search of Sun

Georgia and I drove up to Tiburon on Sunday in search of sun. We were unsuccessful. Instead, we warmed ourselves near the fire at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Usually, we sun ourselves on the patio. SF has been MISERABLE with cold and fog and wind. Summer in SF sucks. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Dr. Green


I saw Dr. Green yesterday for my two-month follow-up exam. He said he was pleased with my progress and decided a second surgery at this point would be premature. Yea! He said I have mild tendonitis in my forearm and need to continue being careful about how much time I work each day. He also said I should continue seeing Olga _ as long as my insurance will pay. I go back again in another two months.
(photo courtesy of California Pacific Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine)