Sing It Brother

     I think that I have mentioned in the past that I sing.  That description of my abilities as far as what I do with words and music is to many people up for debate but I think of it as singing.  Sometimes I do some things in the singing realm that operate in the area of open mouth, suffer the consequences.  That was the case of when I performed in the opera. It went well, but it certainly was outside of my comfort zone.
     I am OK singing in the FresnoCommunity Choir.  There are 110 other voices in the choir so when I really mess up I am drowned out.  Believe me, that has happened a time or two.  My church choir is small and there are not lofty expectations placed on us when we sing on Sunday, although we do sound good and hit the mark every Sunday that we sing--most of the time.  I have even soloed.
     Occasionally, I get the idea that I am better than my actual singing abilities and do some not so smart things.  As I said, I have soloed in my own church on a few Sundays.  Each time went well.   I even sang Amazing Grace in a cruise ship talent show.  That was a real treat and was fairly difficult because I didn't have time to rehearse. I sang it once for audition and then sang it in front of 1500 people for the performance. It kind of scared the bejesus out of me, but you can't describe the applause of 1500 people.  WOW!
     Where am I going with this?  Well, I volunteered to do a duet with a friend in my ladyfriend's church. She is the piano accompaniest by the way.  It is a medium sized church with a fantastic choir.  The choir is not singing, it is just going to be Ralph and I.  I am wondering what I was thinking when I said I would do it.  Open mouth, insert foot again, I guess.  I do that a lot in my life and I am trying to get away from that,  but in this case the dye is cast. Is it OK to admit that I am nervous? I am, Ralph is good!
     Don't get me wrong, I will be there and do well when it comes time to sing.  I enjoy it as well, both the singing and the performance.  The thing is just like climbing a tree, when you go out on a limb that limb may break.  So far it hasn't and most of the time it doesn't, but there is that outside chance.
     I am looking forward to singing next Sunday.



By the way, no pictures today.  My Nikon D50 wanted the day off. It seems that he has a hot date with a Nikon Sure Shot for tonight to celebrate New Year's Eve. Happy New Year to All!  
 

Just a Word--Or Maybe a Few

     I know that I said that I wasn't going to post but I didn't want to just leave you hanging.  I thought that I would just share a few words with you.  They are: its, it's, tremendous, peace, actually.  Well that's it for today.  I have to run.  

Don't Cry For Me, Argentina or Anyone Else For That Matter

     As I explained in my golf blog, I have some bad news for you my readers.  I will be away from my computer tomorrow and will not be able to post.  Don't worry, I am not going to jail and the institution does not want me back.  I am just going to be away form my computer.  At this point, fair warning to you.  I will be back Monday and should have a great post.  Please don't get mad at me, besides I have to dodge the alligator with the ball on it.  He's getting kind of testy.

Strange Now That I Think About It

     You probably think that that is a odd title for me, or given what I write about maybe not. Rest assured though, I am not out of my mind and I have had my coffee. As many of you know, I am a golfer and as such am exposed to some really crazy things. It is this way in all sports, as the word "fan" is a shortening of the word "fanatic" and each sport has its (Did I get it right? I am working very hard on this one.) forms of team  support and player support as well as memorabilia and realia. That's a great word realia, it harkens back to my teaching days.  Some of the stuff--sports stuff not my teaching days though that can also be another story-- is really hideous. In this case as an example, four words come to mind--Oakland Raider Black Hole--enough said.
     Why am I talking about this today other than the fact that I wake up every morning not knowing what to write about, especially if I haven't had my coffee.  Today, I assure you is no different.  No brilliant subjects flashed into my small brain.  It is truly amazing what an unexpected stroke of inspiration will do to you, especially when you are in a jam and don't know what to post.
     There is a rule in golf that says play the ball where it lies.  This is a very famous rule and by the way, not all golfers follow.  That could be another post, but I think I will save it for my golf blog which you can read at http://golfandtravelwithdave.blogspot.com.  Sorry for the shameless plug, but we all have to make a living you know.
     At any rate where was I going with this? Now I remember, I received a small gift from a good friend that knows I am a golfer. It was a small pewter alligator with a golf ball on its back and on the ball is printed "You Must Play The Ball Where It Lies".  It is the stupidest looking thing I have ever seen. It is sitting on my counter where I can see it every day.  I do play the ball where it lies and am very fastidious about the rule.  But, we don't have alligators here in California except in the zoo or in my mind after a long night of drinking.

No alligators in this pond, just huge bass.  The snakes are in the weeds and trees behind the green.

That's not exactly right though, you can rest easily my dear, I don't drink I just thought this was getting boring and I needed a great line.  The pewter alligator is not what you would call world class art, but I look at it every day. Why, I don't know but I do look at it every day. A defect in my character, I guess.
     I do want to state for the record that if the ball I am playing rests on the back of an alligator I am not playing the ball where it lays.  We do have one dangerous animal hazard here in California where I play, rattlesnakes.  If my ball lands near a rattler that is coiled and making a beautiful noise with his rattles, I ain't going near it to save a $3 Titleist, HECK NO!  I should confess here that I don't play $3 Titlists but 79cent used balls.
     The pewter paperweight is not correct however, and I want to let you know that here.  I don't know what rule it is but as is true with all the rules of golf the ruling is quite clear.  If your ball did come to rest on the back of an alligator or in the mouth of a rattlesnake you would have one ticked off animal and you would not want to play the ball from there.  In the rules, you can take a drop no closer to the hole with no penalty. I'm glad we cleared that up and you can sleep tonight knowing the correct ruling.  

No snakes or alligators here, just sharks 

    

The Tree

     You all know how I like coming up with what I call The Question of the Ages.  As I sat here wondering what I was going to write about,  I really didn't have a clue until just a second ago.  The brilliant light went on and it hit me, almost literally as a bulb in the light fixture which has a short in it came on suddenly without warning.  
     The Christmas tree nearly fell on top of me when I got up to answer the door.  This incident in and of itself would  give one cause to ponder many things but something else hit me as far as the tree was concerned.  Here is the latest Question of the Ages.  Today is December 28 and Christmas was five days ago.  Why is our tree still up?  When will it be taken down so that we can walk about our small apartment? I realize that is two questions, but I have problems counting anyway so cut me a break on this one.
      I open the questions for discussion.  How long should a Christmas tree be left up after Christmas? After all, it looks kind of naked after all the presents are gone.  They also have a tendency to dry up. Its (did I get that right?) color has gone from a fresh and brilliant green to a dull grey green.  I love watching all those news reports on TV as to how fast a dried out Christmas tree goes up in flames.  That is a great encouragement.
       Our solid waste division here in Fresno wants us to cut them up and put them in the trash.  They are to be no more than four feet sections.  OK, I would be willing to do this but I don't have a saw.
      This particular post I realize is not up to my high standards of work.  I understand that and must beg your patience.  I am rushing to get some things finished so that I may clear the weekend to get to my New Year's celebration and am sure that many of you will cut me some slack on this because you are going through the same type of things.

     One last thing by the way.  I am listening to the Masters and Commanders CD which has some great music on it.  Mr. Crowe, again I say that I love your work but I still think you struggled with the singing in Les Miserables.      







     One last last thing and this doesn't have to do with anything.  I just thought I would share this with you, Batman's view of St. Louis, Missouri when he is flying around in the Bat Copter.

This Is Hard Work

     I just want the world to know that it is not easy being a blogger and writing wonderful things on a daily basis. The idea of being sharp each day and creating a thought let alone putting it down in writing is a daunting task. You shouldn't worry though, it's (or its) my pleasure to keep writing these little vignettes for you so that you can enjoy them. Basically my personality is of a giving nature so it gives me great pleasure and enjoyment writing this for you. This is hard work.
     I hope Russel Crowe doesn't read my blog.  Russel is a bit touchy and can react to things a bit negatively.  I keep looking out the window waiting for Russel to show up at my door to show his dissatisfaction for saying what I did about his performance in Les Miserables.  Well Russel, I say this to you and please don't take offense because this is just my opinion.  Who am I but just a bad blogger whom (or is it who) nobody reads.  You can't sing and I don't know the difference between it's and its so don't come looking for me, I think its a wash (Did I do that right?) .  Hey man, I loved you in Gladiator and Masters and Commanders.  In fact, I am playing the soundtrack to Masters and Commanders right now.  You probably don't read my blog or care what I think anyway. I also apologize that I have been spelling your name incorrectly, I know that because I looked on the CD cover and it is Russell.  Funny thing though, I didn't spell Hugh Jackmon's name wrong. Hmmmmm.....
     Here are some pictures of boats, just to let you know that I really enjoyed Masters and Commanders and it would help you understand how much I respect you.  I also threw in a picture of a cannon just for you.

     By the way, was it you playing the violin in Masters and Commanders. I hoped it was you. I know you could because you are so talented. If it wasn't I will forgive you man.






     Last thing and this is very important.  When is the next Masters and Commanders coming out?  

OK, I'm Ready

     I know that I was busy this morning and my special lady was getting impatient.  She was getting hungry and wanted breakfast so I had to hurry.  I am sitting in front of my computer now and am ready to write. Let's see, what do I dazzle you or baffle you with today?  I have got just the thing.
    Did anyone go to Les Miserables yesterday?  We did, and I enjoyed it very much.  The performances were outstanding and I didn't know Wolverine could sing. There are many things in life that surprise us.  Hugh Jackmon really carried the day and there were some outstanding performances including some surprises. I will leave it at that so that you can enjoy the movie.
     I am a Russel Crowe fan, but in this movie I have some questions.  Did the producers and directors of the film audition Crowe to see if he could sing? There is some doubt in my mind as to what they were thinking because as a singer, I know my range and not to try something that I just can't bring off.  Again, I am not too sure about his performance. Don't get me wrong, I admire his courage for trying something that difficult and am a big fan of his, but as Jobert his singing abilities have to be wondered about.
     My special lady and I discussed this issue.  She thought that his performace was as directed by the director so that it contrasted that of Jackmon's. Her take was that Jobert's character was one of dispare and anger compared to the Jean Val Jean's character of hope and redemption.  I guess that is one way to look at it and it is a possible angle, but Crowe's singing did leave, in my mind at least, something to be desired.  I respect her opinion and Crowe's performance as far as his singing was almost adequate, but still not what you would say stellar.  His acting was fantastic, and OK I'll say it, was weak at best. I also don't want to say that I am right and she is wrong, but it is what it is and I don't want to get in trouble so that is all I will say.
     Many years ago I went to see the stage production of Le Mis and enjoyed the music. I knew the story but with my attention deficit was having trouble following the story. There was too much going on at the same time.  The movie on the other had was very different for me.  Since it was concise and linear, I had no trouble following the story and enjoyed the music even more.  It was also good to see a variety of people watching and enjoying it, not just musical snobs. The audience was diverse and seemed to enjoy the film.  I am not a film critic, but I do give this movie a high recommendation.  Go see it.

     Sorry to disappoint you on one thing in this post.  What is the correct usage of it's?  

This doesn't have a thing to do with this post, but I know you are getting a kick out of my pictures so I though I would share this.  Have you ever seen the back side of water?

Wow! What Time Is it?

     Oh my gosh.  It's (or maybe its) 9:39 and I just got up.  The day is getting away from me and I need to post but I don't have time right now.  Give me some time and I will get to it.  If you could be patient for just a while longer, I will dazzle you with another brilliant bit of my twisted wisdom or observations. As a very noted and wise man has said, "I'll be back."  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and I will talk to you soon.  

Not Much To Say Today

     I don't have much to say today other than wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.  I am going to Merced today to be with my special someone. She is going to cook a Turkey and we are going to see Les Miserables with debuts in theaters today. I wish everyone a great day.
Dave.

Dear Santa

     It's (or maybe its, you decide) Christmas Eve Day and I guess in some places it is (I wimped out there with the its) Christmas Eve and maybe even Christmas Day in Japan so I thought I would share my Christmas Letter to Santa.  Here Goes.

Dear Santa

     Today I want to apologize to you.  I have impersonated you on many occasions. I am not going to take full responsibility for this heinous act because I was either goaded into it or I could not turn it down.  The grey beard that I had most of this year I have shaved off  and have lost 70 pounds. The Santa suits that I was forced to wear don't fit, even when I try to put the pillow in it.  I promise never to impersonate you again as there is only one Santa, and that is you.  With that said, I hope that you will put me back on the nice list and take me off the naughty list if I was on it.  Here is my Christmas list, just ideas of course.




Hmmm, maybe.......





I think that something like, uh.....





Well, I really need......





     You know Santa, I have been really blessed and really don't need anything.  Save whatever you were going to give to me and give it to someone who is in more of need.  After all, giving gifts is not what Christmas is all about.  Give it to someone else and make their Christmas blessed.
     Wait a minute, there is something small that I would like to have and probably can only get it from you on Christmas.  Could you give me the knowledge to know when it is correct to use its and it's?  I would be forever in your debt.

Thank you

David


PS:  The Pitts Special is not on my list. I just thought it was a cool picture and I didn't really have a Chrristmas picture to put in this letter so I thought that you wouldn't mind.  By the way, it is red and matches your sleigh. Maybe it is time to retire the sleigh and upgrade.



MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED 2013
   

Better Late Than Never

     What time is it?  Uh-oh, it is after two o'clock and I have been out of church since twelve.  Will you ever forgive me.  I am very sorry in that I promised you that I would post directly after church.  It was the gourmet tuna fish sandwich that did me in.  The football game had something to do with it as well.

     I got home from church and was hungry, it was lunchtime you know.  I also had to feed my son.  What gourmet meal could I fix for the both of us. Let's see, what do we have in the pantry.  How about tuna fish on cracked wheat, a gourmet lunch all the way.  Open the can  of tuna and throw in some mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish and voila, you have a gourmet lunch.  Top it off with some fruit punch crystal light and your are really there.  Life doesn't get any better. Serve it on paper plates in front of the T.V. with the Cowboys playing the Saints and you have ascended into Sunday afternoon heaven. You just kind of drift off into a carbohydrate fog and then sleep. I amaze myself at just how easily I can access the good life.      

No Time Right Now

     I am on my way to take a shower to go to church and sing in our choir.  This is normally the time that I write my blog.  All I can say is since it is Sunday, I will be back after church to post.  I don't want to disappoint you and I know that you faithfully read my blog.  I don't want you to stop doing that.  Right now though I do need to take a shower.  If you are interested, I sing bass in the choir.
     By the way, I would  to invite you to Central Presbyterian Church in Mercedon January 6 as I am soloing  at the church.  I don't know what I am going to sing yet, but I do know that I am going to have an excellent acommpianist on the piano. My water is running and I have to get going.  I will have more for you later today.

Well I Woke Up this Morning...You Were On My Mind

     Guess what--Its December 22.  I guess the Mayans were wrong after all.  Hold on, let me go outside and double check.  The Mayans may have been right and this could be a ruse or we could be living in another dimension and were transported during the night.  What I am seeing could be a ruse.


     Nope, its raining outside and John Wayne is going to be in "Sands of Iwo Jima" tonight on The Military Channel's "Officer and a Movie". That's reassuring, John Wayne. Now that is the height of normal.  I can feel the cold of the rain.  All my fingers and toes are still there, and I still have to take my son out to breakfast.  He eats a lot, yes I do too but he always gives me a strong dose of reality when I see him. I love you son!  All those "800" numbers are making my cell phone ring like a bad Presbyterian bell choir. Ok, I don't mean to insult the Presbyterians and I do attend a Presbyterian Church so let's say a bad marimba band since my I-phone ring is set to the marimba tone.  My head hurts from my over celebrating that I did last night--we had our familly's Christmas celebration. The cigar and conversation were wonderful. I woke up this morning and I was still here.

    The bottom line is this, we are still here and we are open for business. Now what? I know what I am going to do, I am going to go to breakfast with my son.  Maybe he will treat this time, after all it s a "New World Beginning" today. Hmmmm.......

Was That It?

     It is 9:00 here in the West Coast and midnight on the East Coast.  As you can see, I am writing this.  I guess the world is not coming to an end. Oh well, this may disappoint a lot of people.  As for me, I am going to have a piece of pumpkin pie and go to bed.  I'm still here, I think.  Somebody was very wrong on this one. So much for the mighty Mayans.  By the way, are there any Mayans around today?   Good night all, and I will see you in the morning.

This Is It Folks

     This will be a very short post.  I told you that I would have a comment before it all ends.  We have exactly seven minutes to go. I would like to wish everyone good luck!

Today's The Day

     Today is the day.  We will find out if the Mayan's were correct.  I am kind of angry because of a cartoon that is circulating that shows a Mayan that has made a calendar and says "I ran out of room on the wheel." Another Mayan watching him says, "You are really going to freak some people out in 2013."  I though about this a long time ago but didn't act on it.  Somebody is going to make a lot of money on this. Oh well, It's not exactly the end of the world.
    Let's see what is happening in my world today.  My back is still hurting and I can't play golf.  Oh well, its not the end of the world.
    I get confused about the correct usage of its and it's.  Oh well, its not the end of the world. By the way, I do know the difference between they're, there, and their.  I'm OK with that.
    I'm out of milk and coffee and my daughter has asked me to buy some unsalted butter for our Christmas gathering tonight. Oh well, it's not the end of the world.
    My old TV is going out and I can't afford a new one.  Oh well, Its not the end of the world.
    My son didn't put the top on the peanut butter and it is drying out.  Oh well, It's not the end of the world.
    Today is going to be very cold and rainy.  Its  the first day of winter by the way.  Hold on a minute, rain is welcomed here because we need it.  Our year is behind as far as rain. Oh well, it't not the end of the world.
    OK, maybe I am not correct. We will find out at midnight tonight whether or not its the end of the world.  By the way, when will the end end? What time zone.  You would think that it would be 12:00 Eastern or in my case 9:00 PST. But the world has 24 time zones and it is already Saturday in Japan. The world would have ended because it's tomorrow.

   I am going to end with that.  I have thought too much and the sun isn't even up yet here in California. I can feel my head about to explode because I have been thinking about this too much. I will be OK though.  Even if my head does explode, it is (that was a cop out) not the end of the world.  Or---maybe its,(sorry I couldn't resist). That was a cheap shot.  Maybe it is the end of the world.  
       

Tomorrow-Tomorrow-It's only a Day Away

     It is once again time for me to post on my blog.  What humorous observation do I have for you today.  Let's see--I will get right to it, I haven't had my coffee yet.  Give me just a minute, I will be right back.







     OK, I can start my day now.  I have my coffee. There is something about fresh brewed double French roast freshly ground coffee that can start a wonderful day.  My day begins with the brew and its kind  the starter pistol for my journey through the day.  Sometimes I make a slight change and buy a batch of Kona blend.  It is great too, with a milder flavor. One gets tired of the same old thing day after day, week after week.  Yes, I do go to Starbuck's, but I have decreased the Starbuck's visits due to my poor financial status right now.  Breakfast has been at home and not at Starbuck's and my usual everything bagel or sausage breakfast sandwich.
     Hold on a minute.  I hear my son waking up and promised him that I would make him pancakes this morning. Go get yourself a cup of coffee or whatever drink is appropriate for where you are living and put your feet up for a minute.  I am going to go make his pancakes.  I will be right back-don't go away.  This is going to be one of my best posts.





    Those were some wicked pancakes.  I am becoming quite the cook since my divorce.  The other night I made a great batch of Spaghetti Carbonara.  It was fantastic.  I kind of specialize in Italian, but I am trying to expand my reciepe base.  I know I misspelled reciepe but hey, I can't spell everything correct and my grammar is not always spot on either. Bottom line is though, I enjoy writing and sharing my thoughts with you.
     I fully intended to share my thoughts about tomorrow's end of the planet. Relax, its not like it is the end of the world.  Well, maybe it is the end of the world but I choose to relax and not worry about it. I would give to you my pearl of wisdom which is there is nothing you can do about it so treat it as just another day. Bobby McFerrin was right and had some very profound advice.  "Dont' worry, be happy." That's what I plan to do and expect to wake up Saturday morning just as I have since my birthday 58 years ago. So all I have to say is "Tomorrow, tomorrow, its only a day away". Enjoy the day today and live it to the fullest.











   

Relax, Its Not The End Of The World--Or Is It

     Today is Wednesday on its way to the end of the Earth on Friday.  I was wondering if you could give me some suggestions for some interesting things to do before it all ends.  I am stuck here at home because I can't afford to go out so if anyone has any creative ideas I am open to suggestions.
     Don't get depressed, I plan to be here and watch the sun come up on Saturday morning as will most of the rest of us. I would have liked to have gotten up and played golf on Saturday, but that is not going to happen. I can't afford that and truth be known I can't play for a long time because I am still healing from my severe sciatica attack.  I couldn't swing a club if my life depended on it. I take it back. If I had to ward off the evil Mayan spirits to save the planet, I probably would make the human sacrifice of swinging a club. We all have to decide our priorities, you know.

I Gotta Do This

      I don't know why I go great guns with this, and then back off.  This is very fun to do.  It is scary because I have to be very witty and bright, providing you my reader with humor and astute insights into life.  that is a great responsibility.  It is my intent to apologize in that I have dropped the ball.   Empty promises of being more faithful to posting and bringing you my best and excellence in writing. Please accept my deepest apology that I am not placing this higher in my list of priorities.  I will do better.