Today was one of those days.
I remind myself that tomorrow is another day. I can hope that it will be better.
I will probably lose myself in a book until I fall asleep.
I’m not looking for pity. I’m ok. I’m just in a valley.
Time to climb back up … tomorrow is another day.
If you have followed this blog, you know that the majority of the home projects I do are done with my father-in-law. He is always there to help me with things and I am so grateful for him.
Recently, you may recall, we got a second hand playscape. We knew it would probably need a bit of patch work. The other day, when Ella was climbing the rock wall, one of the rocks just fell off.
Most of the wood on it was starting to dry rot. So I went into my garage and took a look at the wood I had left from the deck/porch project. I had plenty of boards and a couple 2×4’s. That was really all I needed. I knew that Menard’s had the little “rocks” that were mounted to the boards, so I could pick those up after I put the new wall together.
It didn’t take long to measure everything out. The speed square I bought got a lot of use that day. Once the wall was finished, I packed the kids in the car and drove to Menard’s. The problem was, that they were out of the “rocks.”
I began to wonder how I could get around this problem. We looked at some of the other “swing set/playscape” accessories and there it was. It was a big plastic thing with holes in it. Basically, you build a square frame and mount this inside the frame. I, of course, thought “Why can’t I mount this thing right onto the wall I built?”
I ran to the tape measure aisle. Measured the plastic piece and saw that it would fit! So 8-12 screws later – it was mounted and guess what? The kids love it!!
An entire project finished without having to call my father-in-law for help!! Woo hoo!!
I apologize for not posting a dedicated blog to an update on my son. Many blogger friends have reached out and asked how he is doing after surgery a week or so ago.
We are blessed that he didn’t need to be in surgery very long. They had booked the operating room for 4 hours, due to the “possibility” of other surgeries, but he did not need them. This was good news mostly, but there are now other questions. From my wife’s social media post:
Surgery went amazing. You would never know this kid had anything done. He bounced back fairly fast and is eating and drinking like a champ now. But surgery left a TON of questions and opened up new concerns. Andrew has severe sleep apnea as well as a speech delay, which we have always blamed on the laryngeal cleft and his Laryngomalacia. Both of which are still there, but surgery revealed they are not the cause of the obstruction like we were thinking. We have an appointment at the end of September with neurology to start looking at different things.
Some of the stuff we are witnessing is really leaving us scratching our heads. In speaking to the neurologist, some speech delay or speech regression could be neurological in nature. There is also some concern about muscle tone loss in some areas. We’re working with PT on that.
He’s been a toe-walker for a very long time and that can cause future problems. So this week, he received his braces. Both feet go in them and he needs oversized shoes so the braces fit in them. He wears them off and on for a couple hours and as the days progress, he’ll eventually be wearing them all day. This will help him stop toe walking and with those lower calf muscles.
He continues to have non stop energy and leaves mom and dad exhausted at the end of each day. He has come up with creative ways to climb up to counter tops, turn on and off lights, and destroy anything in his path. He is our little firecracker!
We will continue with his speech therapy and physical therapy and hopefully he’ll keep making progress. We are praying that the neurologist will provide further answers.
Thanks for keeping him in your thoughts and for sending positive messages our way.
Every Vow You Break is the third Peter Swanson book I have read this year. So far he’s 3 for 3. I have enjoyed each one of his books and will add his remaining 7 to my list of books to read. This one was a bit more of a suspense/thriller than the last two. It had me guessing and questioning characters all through the book. There were some very shady ones, and there were times I thought I knew who I could trust and was wrong.
I could easily see this one being made into a film. Here is the Goodreads synopisis:
A bride’s dream honeymoon becomes a nightmare when a man with whom she’s had a regrettable one-night stand shows up in this psychological thriller from the author of Eight Perfect Murders.
Abigail Baskin never thought she’d fall in love with a millionaire. Then she met Bruce Lamb. But right before the wedding, Abigail has a drunken one-night stand on her bachelorette weekend. She puts the incident—and the sexy guy who wouldn’t give her his real name—out of her mind, and now believes she wants to be with Bruce for the rest of her life.
Then the mysterious stranger suddenly appears—and Abigail’s future life and happiness are turned upside down. He insists that their passionate night was the beginning of something special and he’s tracked her down to prove it.
Does she tell Bruce and ruin their idyllic honeymoon—and possibly their marriage? Or should she handle this psychopathic stalker on her own? To make the situation worse, strange things begin to happen. She sees a terrified woman in the night shadows, and no one at the resort seems to believe anything is amiss… including her perfect new husband.
While the synopsis was a good enough tease to get me to read it, the book is so much better than what synopsis gives you.
Side Note:
When I first started book thoughts on my blog, I was doing it more for me. I never thought these little teases and recommendations would come to anything. The fact is, that they have. I have gained some new followers who also read many books. I have gotten some fantastic recommendations from my own followers (Beth – I’m reading yours now and love it!). Dave, another blogger friend used an off the cuff comment I made about whether or not to finish a book and turned it into a very insightful blog. He also read one of the books I had read and liked it.
That, in itself, makes me very happy. I’m glad that I am not just typing stuff that doesn’t offer you, my reader, something. I hope that my writings gives you something to think about, something to laugh at, something to read, something to listen to, or something to share with others. I appreciate you making this blog a small part of your day.
Keith
This morning, I had a telemedicine visit to discuss whether or not I qualified for ADHD testing. You may recall a few months ago, there was some discussion with my PCP and my therapist about whether or not this is something I am dealing with. I blogged about it here:
In the 45 minute call the doctor asked me many questions and by the end of it all, I was told that I was to come in next week for about 3 hours worth of testing. It looks like it is very probable that this is an issue for me.
She asked me about things I had really no idea were ADHD related:
Do I often misplace things?
Am I disorganized?
Am I quick to anger?
Do I often zone out when people are talking to me?
Do I have a problem with motivation?
Do I sometimes hyper-focus?
Am I easily distracted?
Do I drink a lot of caffeine?
Do I have time management issues?
Am I forgetful?
Am I impulsive?
Do I have trouble falling asleep?
Do I have mood swings?
Do I have issues multi-tasking?
Do I get frustrated easily?
Do I cope with stress well?
Do I worry?
The questions kept coming and almost all of my answers were “yes!”
She asked about my relationships with my folks, my wife, my brother, and my kids. She asked about family history and more. It was eye opening. I am sure that the testing and questionnaires that I will be working with next week will help further some sort of diagnosis.
She stated that in most cases a simple medication change can help with things. I certainly hope so.
It seems like it took forever to finally talk with someone. I’ll be glad to have some sort of answers in the near future.
In the meantime, I wanted to tell you … (head turns quickly) …. Squirrel!
Today is the 99th birthday of WIlliam “Count” Basie. He was one of many legendary jazz pianists, and big band leaders. He formed the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and led the group for almost 50 years. He is noted for creating innovations like the use of two “split” tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, riffing with a big band, using arrangers to broaden their sound, and others. So many musicians came to prominence under his direction.
He worked with many well known singers including Tony Bennett, Jackie Wilson, and Frank Sinatra. His list of accomplishments and recordings would take forever to write about. Instead, I’d like to share a couple of my favorite Basie tunes by Basie and some covers.
One O’clock Jump
Amazing cover by Doc and the Tonight Show Band
April In Paris
Again, Doc and the Tonight Show Band
Fly Me To The Moon – With Frank
Please Be Kind – With Frank
With Plenty of Money and You – With Tony Bennett
Chain Gang – With Jackie Wilson
It is said that one of Basie’s biggest regrets was never recording with the great Louis Armstrong.
There is a neat album that has been referenced as the “concert that never happened.”
This is concert vocals from Ray Charles and members of the Basie Band mixed together for a unique album.
Georgia on My Mind
Busted
Ok, a couple quick movie clips that feature Basie just because …
First a classic pantomime by Jerry Lewis in The Errand Boy. He uses Basie’s “Blues in Hoss’ Flat” as the basis for this gem.
…and finally, the Count and his orchestra’s cameo appearance in Blazing Saddles (using April in Paris)!
Happy Birthday, Count Basie! You were FANTASTIC!
My friend, Eric, was the choir director at my high school. While I was never in choir, music brought us together. We played many Easter services together, he matches with the alumni band, and he even provided music at my first marriage.
Every day on Facebook, he will play a song on his piano. Selections vary from classical to jazz to pop. He is currently playing a series of ballads.
Last night he played “Speak Softly Love.”. You may know it as the Love Theme from The Godfather. It was a huge song for Andy Williams. It reminded me of a version I was introduced to by my brother.
I had never heard of Petrizio Buanne. My brother shared his first album with me and I loved it. He covers the Godfather tune, entitled “Parla Piu Piano.”. Sung in Italian, it sounds SO good!
I figured I have been so focused on books lately, it was time to once again share some music. Here are all three versions of the song. Enjoy.
Petrizio Buanne
Andy Williams
Nino Rota (Soundtrack Version)
With my shift change, my drive is a bit longer because of traffic. It doesn’t bother me, though, because it gives me a bit more time with the audio books I am listening to. The extra time (and extra day’s commute) is also allowing me to get through each book a little faster than before.
A few friends of mine have been on vacation and posting photos on Facebook. Many of the pictures show my friends in hammocks, on the beach, or by a campfire. All of those photos include a book they are reading. So I figured I would post the last couple books I read as suggestions … in case you are looking for something to read this weekend.
Circle of Death – James Patterson and Brian Sitts
Last May I stumbled on the first book of this series and I enjoyed it a lot. It took me back to the Shadow radio shows I used to listen to. I blogged about that book here:
At the time, I had hoped that there might be a sequel and Circle of Death is it. This one was a bit harder to get into, but that may be because I listened to the audio and didn’t physically read it. The narrator was a bit bland. Over all it was ok. I bet if I had read it instead, I would have liked it more.
Here is the Goodreads synopsis:
When a ruthless killer seeks to overturn the world order, our only hope is vigilante justice.
Since Lamont Cranston – known to a select few as the Shadow – defeated Shiwan Khan and ended his reign of terror over New York one year ago, the city has started to regenerate. But there is evil brewing elsewhere. And this time the entire world is under threat. Which is why Lamont has scoured the globe to assemble a team with unmatched talent.
Only their combined powers can foil an enemy with ambitions and abilities beyond anyone’s deepest fears. As their mission takes them across the globe and into the highest corridors of power – pushing them beyond their limits – can justice prevail?
Just Another Missing Person – Gillian McAllister
Wow! This book was awesome! There were so many twists and turns and I loved every second of it.
I read this one because the author wrote one of the best books I’ve read this year – Wrong Place, Wrong Time. I wrote about it here:
While I saw some things coming, there were things that blindsided me. It was such a good read.
Here is the Goodreads synopsis:
22-year-old Olivia has been missing for one day…and counting. She was last seen on CCTV, entering a dead-end alley. And not coming back out again.
Julia, the detective heading up the search for Olivia, thinks she knows what to expect. A desperate family, a ticking clock, and long hours away from her husband and daughter. But she has no idea just how close to home this case is going to get.
Because the criminal at the heart of the disappearance has something she never expected. His weapon isn’t a gun, or a knife: it’s a secret. Her worst one. And her family’s safety depends on one thing: Julia must NOT find out what happened to Olivia – and must frame somebody else for her murder.
If you find her, you will lose everything. What would you do?
This clever and endlessly surprising thriller is laced with a smart look at family and motherhood, and cements Gillian McAllister as a major talent in the world of suspense and a master of creating ethical dilemmas that show just how murky the distinction between right and wrong can be.
Other “book” Things
A blogger friend told me about a site called NetGalley. You can request books not yet published and review them on your blog. I signed up and am excited to start reading. There are two books I had on my Amazon Wish List that aren’t due to be published until next year. I requested them hoping to get the chance to read them.
I’ve never really did a “review” before, but I’m sure going to try. Wish me luck with that.
I have three physical books from the library that I am hoping to get done with before they are due. One of them was recommended by my blogger friend, Beth. So far I am loving it and I’ve found myself laughing out loud already.
As always, I would love to hear your recommendations – I’ll add them to my “want to read” list.
The construction continues on our street. That in itself is bad enough. They have pretty much ripped out all of the concrete from the street itself. They had removed all the sidewalks from the other side of the street early in the project. This week, they began ripping up not only our sidewalk, but our driveway.
They began doing this about 90 minutes before I had to leave for work. Naturally, I wondered if I was even going to be able to get out. Thankfully, they did lay down some sort of gravel type mess to create a way for our cars to get in and out.
We knew they’d be coming up the driveway a bit. What I didn’t know was that they were going to rip up half of my front lawn!
They had to be sure that the pipes leading to the house were copper and not galvanized. You would think that someone would have some sort of notes on something like this, right? Well, the construction guys told me that the city has NO blueprints whatsoever about our street. They don’t know where pipes are, gas lines, etc… This sort of explains why they keep hitting them while they are digging I guess.
“Plans? What plans?!”
The hole they dug in my yard is no laughing matter. It’s deep. And this picture is when they were about half done with it.
And you know, why not kill the rest of the grass by just piling the dirt you are digging up on top of it?
I can only hope that they dug up the mole – or moles – that were making tunnels under there earlier in the year!
I did give myself a chuckle, though. As they were checking the water pipe, I remembered the Three Stooges short “A Plumbing We Will Go.” In that short, Moe tells Larry to find where the water turns off. He ends up digging up the lawn. In one scene, his head pops out of the grass and he says, “I’ll find this thing or else!” and then goes back under the lawn. It cracks me up every time!
I guess I should be happy that they are working outside on the pipes and not inside …
I am about to pose a question to you. I already have my answer, however, I hoped you might contribute to the “conversation.” Let me set it up for you.
This morning, Sam and I are sitting in the living room drinking coffee. She tells me that we are supposed to be getting some really nasty storms this afternoon. I opened up my weather app and sure enough, it looks like there will be some heavy stuff rolling through.
While the kids eat breakfast, Sam jumps in the shower. When she gets out I tell her that I want to shower early before the storm. She chuckles and says, “You don’t believe that old wives tale, do you?” I stood their looking at her thinking, “It’s no wives tale. It’s a fact.” She keeps staring at me and can’t believe that I don’t want to shower during the storm.
Now, my wife is usually right about things. So I wait a bit before getting ready to shower. I know I want to shower early anyway because rain always slows the drive. As the rain starts, I look at my weather app.
It’s really coming down. I tell Sam I am going to shower real fast. She laughs again and says, “You are not going to get struck by lightning in the shower!” So naturally, I Google it. “Hey, Google. Is it safe to shower during a thunderstorm?” The response read:
I show this to my wife who laughed it off. I know that this was not something that I learned second hand. I want to say that they even told us this in school – probably the same time they told us not to stand under trees during a storm.
So I know the answer to my question. It is not safe to shower during a thunderstorm. So let me pose another question to you –
Did you know this to be true or die you think it was an old wives tale or urban legend? I’m interested to know.
Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian 