Keeping Up

The bump? I thought it was a dance. Well, back in the day, it was. And, I'll have you know, I could do a pretty mean bump. Today, not so much. I think I'm as round as I am tall. I could fall, and roll, and you'd never see me again. Hmmm. Ok, regardless . . . the BUMP is back-- in a new technological-kinda way.  It's a new app for the iPhone that exchanges phone numbers with just a shake. Now, I don't have an iPhone, don't care about having an iPhone (touch-screen challenged here), but I do love hearing about all the new apps. How brilliant is this one? Ok, everyone go and get the new Bump app, K? I just can't keep up with all this technological goo. But, I am trying to keep up with music. Don't ever take that from me. Please. 

Earlier in the summer, a friend told us that ZPZ (Zappa Plays Zappa) was coming to the Schermerhorn, our beautiful symphony hall here in Nashville. I had not seen Dweezil (Frank's oldest son) do ZPZ nor had I been to the Schermerhorn. So yes, I was gonna go--if there were only one seat left in the place, I was gonna go. Of course, all I could think of was my brother Johnny and how he told me about his experience, several years' back, of seeing ZPZ. He said, "When I closed my eyes, I was in Zappa heaven." I will never, ever forget that. Hey, who knows, Johnny and Frank my be somewhere jamming right now. Who knows. Johnny sure could play a great guitar in his day.

You know the most influential music in my childhood was The Beatles and Frank Zappa (w/ and w/o The Mothers). My brothers raised me on those two staples. We never missed a Zappa concert that was within 100 miles of DC. I was probably all of 13 when I first saw him live. It was always the highlight of the year for us. At least it was for me.  My brothers would buy an entire row of seats when they could and then all of our friends would get their tickets from one of them. That many friends in one spot at a concert? Priceless. What great memories.

I'm still grinning thinking about it. No one was disappointed, I don't think. It was a great show by Dweezil and the rest of the players. I was very surprised that the Dweez didn't open his mouth once to sing. Wonder whatup? The young Ben Thomas did the singing. Not bad. Kinda comical, kinda cute --as it should be in that role singing Zappa, right? Well, at least he had all the words correct. Now, Dweezil's channeling of his father on guitar was amazing though. Yes, you could close your eyes at those times and say "Yup, Zappa heaven."

So, you wonder. Could it get any better? Oh yes, my friends. It could. It did.  Looky at who played after ZPZ. Um, yes, that is Stanley Clarke, Jean-Luc Ponty, Chick Corea, Frank Gambale and Lenny White--aka Return to Forever. Who knew? I am definitely going to have to do a better job at keeping up with this music thing.

 

Let me tell you what. Stanley? Still got it, baby. (Did I tell you the first time I saw Stanley Clarke? Well, he opened for Bob Marley. Uh huh. The Bob Marley. That concert was a spiritual experience for me. No, it wasn't the ganja. People! Well, hmmm, maybe it was, ha! That place was smokin'!) Stanley is still smokin'!

Ok, click on the photo above, please. WHO is this guy?? And why is he wearing sunglasses and a business suit? I spied him earlier and thought, well, perhaps he was blind. Nope. Just hot sh*^, I guess. (And yes, of course, Stanley is pointing to me. Yes he is. hahahahaha)

The only thing that would have made the night Zappa Shangri-La? Jean-Luc playing with Dweezil. But, that's ok guys. I'll keep those Zappa-heaven moments close to my heart.

Hazy Days and Lazy Nights of Summer

We're winding down here in Middle Tennessee. The kids have all gone back to school; first full week has come and gone. The hub and Frankie enjoy a stogie in the evenings on the front porch.

Gone too are the county fairs.

But there seem to be plenty of bunny sightings these days. I don't know how they survive so close to "Dave's" house (the cat). Very surprising that we haven't had any bunny-part presents this year. That's a good thing.

Bella doesn't seem to care. She is actually using her new cat "bowl" bed. (Don't tell her, but I rubbed it all over Frankie's bed first since she seemed to enjoy that dog smell. Hmmmm.)

The back trees are needing a little assistance in the watering department.

Unfortunately, the poison ivy seems to be quite content with no help from me at all. Now, if I could only remember to get some ivy killer. I would hate to end the summer with that stuff all over me! Ugh.

As the World Turns

I am so happy to see the first signs that summer will be closing up shop soon. Whenever I notice these brilliant shadows in the afternoons, I know fall is just around the corner. Yay.

As wonderful as summer is, come August most people are just about ready to move along into autumn. My hand is raised high; Me, me, me! I'm one of those people! I am SO ready. The summer flowers are just about spent and I'm already thinking mums in the window boxes. I bought a new hummingbird feeder for Riverside and brought it back to Tennessee with me. I've never been able to attract them here. Hmmmm. Well, low and behold, the new feeder did the trick. (Too far away for a photo, I'm afraid.) How excited am I. They have always reminded me of my Uncle Euell in Carrollton. He was friends with his hummers, and it was heartwarming to watch.

Feed up little ones, soon it will be time to head south!

UPDATE!

Caught. On digital.

Who dat?

Now, I wonder if I bought a doggie bed for Bella, you think  she would use it? I doubt it. But Frankie's? Geesh, ya'd think she were a pig in mud wallering around in it. She keeps her eyes on the dog at all times, though--you know, just in case he wants his pad, or at least his purple baby, back.

Kritters. Gotta love 'em.

Sunday Afternoon on the River, View Nø. 4

A boat anchored across the river and let the kids swim about. It was a lot of fun watching them and looking through my magazines. Lazy summer days on the river.

Rosie's Corner, View Nø. 3

My little corner in the back of the house. Things are looking a little worn now. Perhaps when I get back home, I'll do some plantings for Autumn.

Nø.2

Room with a view.

I can hardly believe our summer is almost coming to an end. Honestly, I am always about ready to move along to fall. It's been a wonderful summer at Riverside (my first long stay). We have had lots of company and a lot of new memories were made.

School starts in a little over a week. The hub and kid went back to Nashville yesterday. I stayed and am preparing (cleaning) the house in order to close her up. We'll be back in the fall, but I like to get most of the outside things put away. You never know who will come visiting (storms) while we're gone.

Can you believe it's August??!! Next thing you know, it'll be Christmas!

A View a Day Nø. 1

Perhaps this will make it easier for me to post.

Good Food, Good Drink, Good Friends, Good Love

 Cheers to dirty dishes in the sink!

And fries fried in duck fat at Hopjack's in Pensacola. Uh huh, ya wonder why I've gained over 5 pounds since arriving at Riverside in May? Read on, my friends.

What's better than cooking up some syrupy sweetness with local blueberries, a little butta and Gran Gala? Only the waffles you pour it over!

Opened the deep freeze and found a skull staring back at me. And . . . on top of some Gulf shrimp and beside Petron. Goodness!

 Friends over for a delish LA Boil. Mmmmmm.

Another trip to Pensacola for lunch at McGuire's, a must if you're in the area.

Not that I quite know what a New Orleans Sno-Ball is, but they are the shaved-ice variety (rather than the crunchy crushed ice) --and good.

Oooopsy, the last of the Gosling's. Hard to find in these parts. Guess a trip back to Bermuda is in order?

Of course, a trip to the Fish River grill is always in order.

Oooopsy, the last of the BB Stoli. Great with lemonade. 

Mom's green beans, cooked for hours. Even made her creamed corn. Stick a fork in me and call me done!

But, then there's the jaunt to Mississippi that found us at Mary Mahoney's with Mississippi Mud Pie and MM's goodness in a bowl. No, it's not grits and gravy. That be bread pudding with whiskey sauce! Bring it on baby! "More?" you say.

Oh yes, of course there is. One must never miss a chocolate merengue pie from Sweetie Pies in Gulf Shores. Well, someone couldn't wait, obviously! Reminds me of my dad with a spoon. There was always a piece of something missing whatever was being served. When it was, whatever it was, put out for everyone else to enjoy, there'd be a big ol' hunk taken out! Poor mom. ha!

The sweetest local watermelon you'll ever sink your teeth into, right here.

And the last frozen glass of the best margarita made North of the Rio Grande (and thus no more Petron). Thank YOU N&P! I think some shopping at the local ABC store is in order before the next batch of friends arrive!)

Local wild brown Gulf shrimp with my "Key West" recipe.  

Marinate in orange and lime juice--grill with orange marmelade, butter and some spices.) Voila! More great-googly moogly deliciousness!

 Clams? Why yes--several varieties, in fact.

 A special white wine broth for those babies? Sure, don't mind if I do, says Dean.

 Salad by Dar. LuLu has nothing, I mean nothing, over Dar!

A drive into Mobile for ribs and Q at the Brick Pit. I can see why Man vs. Food tried it out! PS Banana Pudding--TO DIE FOR! (Sorry momma.)

And a new fave from TX. Mr. Parker brought this bottle down from Nashvegas to try, knowing I'm a vodka-drinking-fool at times. He--the afore-mentioned friend--turned into Riverside's resident bartender for the weekend of the 4th. Holy moly, great memories. Those I can remember anyhows.

What's next??? More poundage, I'm sure.
More fun, oh yea.
More love??? You BETCHYA!

You only live once, maybe.

Why not make it a good one.

Riverside in Bloom

I've been doing this and doing that. Truly enjoying Riverside for the first time, appreciating the beauty like never before.

I've never had enough time to plant here. I'm normally only here for a mere week or two. It's been so wonderful. Kelly and Amy had saved some seed from a vine at Panini Pete's after I left several years' back.

I finally got the tiny seed planted. They popped up within a day!

Here is a couple of days' worth of sprouting. 

And then today, I transplanted them, only after a week or so. Fingers' crossed they survive!

Darlene found this little lady burying her eggs in her back yard. We had more spots, or so I thought, next to our house. Dar dug and dug, but nothing. I wanted baby turtles too!

 Dar's ducks.

My window box in the back yard seems to be doing better. Everything was in shock after I transplanted them.

Including the hibiscus. It really went down hill quick; but I'm happy to say, she looks good now.

 And here is a planting to remind me of Seymour, the snake Amy found in this spot several years back. Ew!

 My old ladder is filling out.

So, c'mon, walk this way. 

You're always welcome.

Hope this find you all well and enjoying the summertime.