The week in review

Last Wednesday we went to see the new production of Sweeney Todd. Being a big fan of that show, and having seen the original (yes, I am getting to be old enough that I saw the original of some of the shows having revivals)I have to say that I was very disappointed. Dinner before the show was excellent in a new hip and happening place that Eileen had chosen called Teatro.

We are still waiting for the paperwork for the mountain house. There was an interesting clause about dynamite and blasting that we needed clarification on. We wouldn't want to be responsible for a mud slide or an avalanche.

Finally knitting a sweater for me, pics soon as I am about to finish the back in 4 inches or so.

Whatever happen to a dress code

As you saw from my previous entry, we were at the Berklee Gala last night. It is a black tie affair and the invitations state so. I can understand men doing the black suit (no pin stripes please) with a solid tie; after all, you are not going to a board meeting. However, there was everything you can think of. There were guys with a fancy white T-shirt and a dark suit (please!) to patterned shirts, to someone who had a ruffle tuxedo shirt (how 70's for god sake). It was not only the men... and that is always a major dissappointment.

Some women can't understand what a formal cocktail dress is. What is so difficult about that?? I understand this is New England, but I don't care how reserved you are, at least ear rings and perhaps a simple necklace. Is that too much to ask? The organizers of the event were thrilled with how much money they raised, thus the crowd has some serious money, at least dress a little better!!!

Berklee Gala

Every year, my friend Luis invites us to the Berklee Gala. This event is the biggest fundraiser the school has and there is a ton of money raised every year. As usual it was a lovely event. At the table, there is usually one guest worth meeting and if possible talk to at some length. This year, it was Phil Ramone. It was very interesting to talk to him and it is always fascinating to me to speak to people that create art. Also at our table, Michel Camilo, a jazz superstar at a lovely person.

There is always a core group of people that we look forward to meeting and since we didn't see them last year (we were in Italy) it was a lot to catch up.

Oh look there is a mountain there....

Finally on our 3rd, or is it our fourth trip up to Waterville we see what the builder said we would see. The other side of the valley, and there is a big ass mountain there. Interestingly there is a house in our view...weird. I think that by next week, we will be either committed to it, or out of that race. I can price just about anything, from handicapped toilets to granite counter tops. More information than my head should process. IF we go ahead, I will post what the house should look like, but I don't want to spoil the surprise. The process is too much fun!

life is very interesting

Today was a very strange day. But to give you a little background... The small group I have at work is dealing with a lot. We have someone who is going to the hospital for major surgery, family turmoils and personal turmoils. I would say that we are just a microcosm of the world, but it seems the we are of our usual axis. Thinking about lifes turns has been in my mind all week.

As coincidence would have it, someone in the family just had a visit with my surgeon. Who would have thought the odds possible. Lucky for them, I believe they are getting the best team in the universe. Having been there, all I can say is concentrate on the ride and learn from it.

As I was waiting for them in their consult with the doctor, another patient asked me what was I in for (it is a weird jail mentality). We compared notes and turns out he was 1 year ahead of me. It was a weird bonding experience to talk about things and almost universally respond... that is how I feel, or yeah, that lasted for a few weeks.

The sad part is that after 1 year of being clean, he develop fluid in his lungs and it turns out the fluid had cancerous cells. He had a pretty wonderful outlook and considering that he was going to start round 2 of his fight for life it was very encouraging to see that it didn't matter how many rounds, his frame of reference was to keep fighting.

Of course, I had my cry in the car on the way home. Interestingly, my cry was not for the possibility of a recurrence of cancer (which is always possible) but the fact that the narrative of my illness has included such wonderful people, and that they (the wonderful people) have understood so clearly how to help me through it. Going at this alone is not something I recommend.

so once again for those diehards that still read my crazy thoughts, enjoy every second of life, you never know when those seconds will be gone.