Holiday Party #2

I'm a member of the local chapter of the AAPC...it's a work-related thing...don't worry about it. Anywho, they had their holiday party last Saturday at Jonny Carino's. The food was good, a little heavy on the pasta maybe, and we were kind of squeezed into a small room, but I had a nice time. Here's a picture of me, looking extra gray for some reason, and my coworkers, Pooh and Flossie. I've got 3 more parties to attend this year, plus we will probably go to Terry Anderson's annual birthday party on Christmas night. My social calendar is full. It's exhausting being so popular.

I heart NY

My cousin Keiko and her husband Tak were visiting over the weekend. It was so nice to see them again. They've been living in NY for the past 18 years or so. The rest of mom's family lives in Japan. Mom recognized Keiko and spoke to her in Japanese. Keiko always brings Japanese food, which is a big treat for mom.

Some more family pix

My most excellent brother was visiting over the weekend, so we took advantage of this photo opportunity. Pictured here with my bro, Taumi, are mom and dad and my number 3 child, Bert. You can see mom still looks radiant, even though she has a mild case of pneumonia. Her dexterity is pretty good, she is eating sushi with chopsticks. She doesn't talk much these days, but otherwise, she seems okay. She still putters around the unit, always keeping busy. She never was one for sitting around doing nothing. The staff at the nursing home realizes this, so they let her "help" out. Honestly, this Alzheimer's stuff really sucks, but we're all coping the best we can. When mom first started getting sick, when her behavior was so bizarre, I kept reminding myself and everyone else that she was doing the best she could with what she had to work with. And you know, if the truth be told, that's all any of us can do.

Sweatin' to the oldies

Miguel's band had a gig at the Lincoln Theater last Saturday night. For some odd reason, they played AFTER the headliner. The headline act (which shall remain nameless) was an OLD, fairly well-known band that I saw back in 1979. Apparently they bussed in their fans from the nearby nursing homes and when they were done, the geriatric set packed up their walkers and oxygen tanks and went back to bed. I'm just sorry they didn't time their medications more carefully so that they were able to stay alert through the Stratocruiser set. Miguelito and the boys rocked the joint. I love seeing Mike play guitar. He does it so well and is so natural on stage. Anyhow, the headline act was competent, but cheesy. They stopped evolving musically in the mid 70s and the singer's fashion sensibilities are firmly rooted in the Miami Vice era. It's the only show I've seen recently where the roadcrew had to set up a defibrillator along with the keyboards. OK, I'm probably being unnecessarily cruel for comic effect. But, it was great being at a club and being the youngest person in the room for a change!

It's Fall, finally

It took a long time for the tree to turn this year. It was so warm in October...we had some 90 degree days. I think the drought affected the colors. They're not very vibrant. But, it's cooler now, we've had some frost and the holiday season is here. We went to a Diwali festival at the Hindu temple in Morrisville last Saturday. This is the Indian Festival of Lights. There were lots of kids performing and crowds of people in traditional dress. It was very colorful. Whoever thought NC had such a huge Indian population?! Anyhow, we had some terrific food and heard great music. I took a picture of the road in front of the house. You can see a little color out there. The leaves will be dropping soon and then maybe we'll get some SNOW!!

I meet a celebrity

I know it seems like I go hang out at that sleazy dive, Local 506, all the time, but really I don't. When Miguel is working, I can see the bands for free. I am all about the freebies! Last night, Juliette and the Licks were playing. Juliette is Juliette Lewis, the actress. There were two opening acts, Suffragette and Scissors for Lefty (I think I got that right). Before the show started I was hanging out on the street with Miguel, thinking about getting some Indian food from the place next door and Juliette Lewis walks up (alone, no entourage). We chatted a few minutes about Indian food and her tour. She's very nice and normal, and skinny. So, that was kind of cool. She and her band put on a great show. The place was packed so I wasn't in a good position to get pictures. SO, I took a picture of my Bert, front row center...she came home from college for the evening. She's my little superstar!! And I did get up early and go to church...so you see, I'm not a total degenerate.

Happy Halloween

It's my favorite holiday. Last night Miquelito was running sound at Local 506 for Evil Weiner and Dexter Romwebber. I think they play 506 every Halloween. Anyhow, that gave me an excuse to go to Chapel Hill for the festivities. Halloween on Franklin Street is like a little Mardi Gras and it's the closest I'll ever get to the real thing. They block off the streets for the pedestrians...and then it's costumes on parade! I didn't see as many really clever costumes as I have in the past...but then again, 506 is right on the edge of the action and the serious Halloweeners were probably downtown. I only took a few pictures. Here's me at the club with the human cannonball and starman, flashing my gang sign. And I found Kid Rock on the street.