Delicious Food

On Saturday we had eggplant, and tomato, and garlic on the grill. We also had sausage but the tomato and eggplant was the best.

Bad Winds, Good Winds

Busy week. Saw some interesting dynamics at the airport gate when the rubes of United Airlines tried to explain how our delay was due to "budget cuts." It almost resulted in rebellion: it seemed everyone knew better and shouted down the PR talking-points being read by the hapless gate attendant.

Actually, it wasn't her fault -- she explained she had been instructed to read a prepared statement and didn't feel comfortable doing it. We could see why: United was on the wrong side of a political campaign and passengers were having none of it. "It's a political stunt, don't tell us it's budget cuts!"

Maybe United has a bad case of Stockholm Syndrome? Or maybe the head honchos let their party affiliation cloud their thinking? Either way, a disgraceful performance by United. And everyone noticed. Heh.

As for today, we finally have spring weather. To celebrate, we did some yard work and got our grill on.

I mean, we really got our grill on. I wish you could smell this. YOU wish you could smell this.

It doesn't take much: take some eggplants and some roma tomatoes, slice lengthwise and lay them facedown on a really hot grill. Flip them, lower the heat, brush with oil and garlic and let them sit for an hour or more. I even laid on some wild arugula leaves for extra flavor. The stuff is growing in every corner of my yard. Yeah, springtime is here.

Dig the umbrella. Living large.

Hey, You're Both 12 Years Old Today

A dozen years ago today, Mojo made his appearance among us -- and boy was he mad! He wasted no time making his mark in the world. By pissing on the delivery room paperwork, among other things. Come to think of it, he's been doing some form of that ever since...

So today, we celebrate Mr. Furious!

Oh, and we also celebrate those four days of each year when Mojo is nominally the same age as his older brother.

Yes, until this weekend they are both 12. And according to the time-honored (and much-loathed) tradition of this household I must remind them of this as often as possible for the duration of those four days. And urge others to do likewise.

Let it be done: tremble and obey.

Or, in the words of that other monkey-in-a-turban: I am Mojo Jojo, obey me!

Race Matters?

Hey, I thought the NRA500 was running tonight? Mets game just ended so I got the car race on but this must be some other race. WTF? What network is airing the NRA500?

Eh, screw it. Maybe see what's on Netflix.

Four More Vitos

We last took this photo in 2005 (see sidebar for link to that one). Herewith the updated version:

Vitos? We got 'em. We got four of 'em.

We are the world.

No Roto

Well, Cookie got a freebie today -- he's been fine all day, following his morning "wet and wild" thrill ride. Better safe than sorry (or so we've been saying since December 2000).

And speaking of maladies, I've been suffering the last few days with a terrible brain infection -- the song "We Are the World" keeps looping through, flattening the brain-waves, raising the blood pressure. I need to break out of this. Maybe later I'll fire up some K.C. and the Sunshine Band.

I'm gonna put on...
My my my my my boogie shoes.

That'll clear the clutter. Or worse.

Saturday's intense, alcohol-fueled conversation with Tommy later put me in the mind of a story Stefan Kanfer told me some 25 years ago.

A wealthy man desired a certain drawing of a certain bird. So he went to a famous artist to commission the sketch. The artist agreed and a large sum of money changed hands. Shortly thereafter, the man called the artist to ask if the piece was done. "Not yet," was the response.

So the man waited, then called again. "Is it done yet?" But the answer was always the same. "No, it's not ready."

This kept happening. Finally, the man went back to the studio to confront the artist. The artist took out a clean sheet and while the man stood there he quickly sketched the bird exactly as requested -- it was everything he wanted, maybe even better. It was so good he suddenly forgot his frustration over the long wait. He thanked the artist and turned to leave. At the door he stopped.

"Don't take this the wrong way. This drawing is perfect. But it only took you a few minutes to do it. Why did I have to wait so many months?"

The artist nodded and waved the man over to a back room where stacked in the corners and pinned to the walls were hundreds of drawings of his bird, some of them complete, none of them as inspired.

Or at least I think that was the story Stefan told. I'm sure I'm botching the telling, but cut me a break -- "we are the world, we are the children" still wafts through my head like the scent of an odorous gorilla. A dancing gorilla. One who dances with the bride, then departs in mystery.

What does the story have to do with Ree's wedding? Absolutely nothing. But if I keep trying to explain what I saw there, I might eventually produce... a sketch of a bird.

But it'll be a good sketch. A really good sketch.

Sickness Stinks

Today I was sick and could not go to school. I possibly had the stomach bug that has been going around. It was a pretty boring day and I hope I can make it to school in the next one or two days.

Wedding thing.

The wedding was amazing and I thank people for inviting us. The food was great and I am happy for Maria Rose. It was the most fun I have had for a while and am glad I could go. The best part was the insane dancing. Oh and Janine cooking food in the bathroom with her memo hat on. Ah pancakes and poo poo.

Maria Rose's Wedding

I had a great time at the wedding. There were a lot of fun things to do, and good food to eat. Talking to the family was great. There were many odd and interesting topics for discussion. I especially enjoyed the wedding itself where Jenia presided over the proceedings. Jeanines breakfast buffet was great. Over all I had a fun time in Florida.