Friday, May 30, 2008

Friday Fill In #74.

My answers, like my coffee, are bold.

1. For me boredom is the opposite of creativity.
2. I can't remember what was the last excellent book I read. It seems most of the stuff I've read recently has been just so-so.
3. I like fill-ins because it allows me easy access to fresh stuff to write about.
4. In nature I like looking at the moon.
5. Staunch conservatives should win the US elections.
6. The last time I laughed with all my belly was about 15 minutes ago at breakfast, listening to John Tercyak and Blind Albert confuse each other with their own logic.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Glen driving home from the gig, tomorrow my plans include yet another gig and Sunday, I want to play yet another gig!

Just finished: home made corn beef hash and poached eggs!
Listening to: An Indian flavored Blind Albert tune

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Susan's MI-5

Since I'll be in Bar Harbor this weekend, and since I don't know about the availability of WIFI down there, I'm posting my five a day early.

My beloved wife says: "This week I decided to get my questions from the WWW. I typed "getting to know you questions" into google & picked my five favorites."

1. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
~Forgive. I forgive readily. Forgetting is the hard part.

2. If, like the characters in the Wizard of Oz, you could choose a Heart, Courage, or a Brain--which would you take?
~Brain. Incidentally, in my only real acting role, I played the scarecrow in the 2nd grade, I think. I was the lead male, opposite Dorothy as played by Heather Sewall.

3. Have you ever wanted to change your first name? If so, to what?
~No. I have always liked my name. When I was younger, I liked it less than I do now, but I was still cool with it. Now, I wear the name with honor and pride, and a desire to live up to my namesake.

4. Which insect would you choose to eliminate from the world?
~I really don't like junebugs, but I don't run into them much anymore now that I live in the big city. Black flies and mosquitoes don't really like Birch St. in Rockland, so they don't bother me much, either. I guess I'd have to pick the little family of pill bugs living down in my basement near the sink.

5. If you discovered you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do for the rest of today?
~I would spend the next few hours with my children, and then the last few hours with my wife.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Monday, May 26, 2008

The Holiday Weekend Wrap Up

Let's start with Friday night. Not much happened. Why? Well, Cameron shanghai'd me to help him out on Matinicus. What was supposed to take us until 4pm at the latest ended up getting me home at 7:30. After almost a 12 hour workday, I was beat. We were supposed to have steak. I didn't even bother. I think I pretty much just went to bed.

On Saturday morning, I got up, and grabbed some donuts for the fam for breakfast. At 9am, I was at Pastor Dave's house, helping him move. That was over about lunch time, so I snagged some hot dogs at the grocery store, and then went home and made lunch for everyone. I took a little nap in the afternoon, and then played a local gig with the steel drum band. (Congrats on the wedding, Brenda!) I was home relatively early again.

On Sunday morning, Matt was feeling well; he was complaining his ear and his mouth hurt. And he was running a fever. I made some phone calls, and got people to cover for me at church, and I stayed home with him. I think I cleaned the kitchen too. My Mom sent some lunch my way, but I wasn't hungry, so I took a little nap with Susan. In the evening, we went to Julia's baptism service, and that seemed to go very well. She wanted Chinese food for supper, so she and everyone else had that, and I ate the lunch my Mom sent home.

Today was jam packed. The boys and I made a run to Wal-Mart and the grocery store. In the late morning, I put the new parts I'd bought into my grill. I spent $35, and essentially have a grill with all new guts inside. Once I had it together again, I threw some dogs and brats on it for lunch. Then we went to park in Rockport to play for the afternoon. We were home about 3pm, and the boys and I played in the backyard while Susan and Julia played "Life" inside. Supper was bone-in pork chops and white rice, and a tossed salad. Again, this was something Julia had been craving. Now, it's 7:30, and I'm posting this. Julia is here reading, and Susan is cleaning up from supper, getting ready for her shower.

All in all, an action packed weekend!

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Amy's MI-5, Rather Late

Amy says: The Santa Cruz mountains are burning - I live not far from them and the smoke yesterday was crazy thick in the morning. That is my inspiration for this weeks MI-5:

1. What is the worst natural disaster you have personally experienced?

~I haven't really been through too many. Hurricane Gloria blew into town when I was in junior high. I can remember Dad putting what plywood he had on windows, and putting duct tape on the rest. I was a DJ during the Blizzard of '93. I had the 5am Sunday slot, and in order to make sure I made it in, the station got me a room near the station for the night. I never ended up using the room. I went to the station Saturday night, and ended up staying there, helping the staff. I slept under a desk in the sales office. In Rockland, our power never even blipped during the ice storm of 1998. I did have to play a gig 1.5 hours west that weekend though, and I saw the devastation that happened throughout the state. The state capital of Augusta was a veritable ghost town when we drove through.

2. You were forced to evacuate your home. When you are finally allowed back your house sustained fire damage- but isn't a complete loss. What one room do you hope remained untouched by the fire and why?

~I guess the living room. It contains our favorite art pieces, the hi-fi, all our music and movies, and our computer with all the digital photos.

3. The smoke was so thick yesterday morning until the wind shifted that the sun was shrouded and actually cast an eerie orangish glow over things. Tell us about something or an experience that gave you an eerie feeling.

~The only thing I can think of is Melanie Yattaw telling me the "ghost with the golden arm" story when I was kid.

4. Lots of people are discending on the small town of Corrilitas CA to offer support. The small general store has become a makeshift command center where people gather for support and information. Does your community have a place that everyone would gather at? Where would it be?

~In Spruce Head, it would be Ma's house! It's big, and right in the center of town. Here in Rockland, I guess it would be the high school--which incidentally I can see from my front yard!

5. I love to cook, but in my wake the kitchen looks like a tornado hit it! What is something you love to make and eat but only do it on certain occassions because preparation or clean-up is a hassle?

~I can't really think of anything along those lines, but I do hate a messy kitchen. I'd rather have a dirty bathroom than a dirty kitchen. Susan is usually quite thoughtful, and when I'm on deck to cook, she'll try to get it in order for me. If not, I'll actually clean the kitchen before I start cooking, and then again after.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Friday Fill In #73

It's a day late, but I was stuck out on an island working all day yesterday. My answers are in bold.

1. On my laziest day I like to sleep on the couch!
2. A long day of work makes me feel like I'm being productive.
3. I love little toes and big hugs.
4. This summer I want to buy a convertible or a scooter.
5. Other bloggers in the office made me start my blog. I've been bloging over seven years
6. Red is passionate and orange sparkle is a killer color for drums.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a juicy steak, tomorrow my plans include helping Pastor Dave move and Sunday, I want to see Julia baptized!

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Brushes With Fame

I'm not really famous. In the local area, though, I'd say I was well known. Being a musician, and working with the public, as well as having a very well known father with whom I share a name, makes me easy to remember. Over the last two days, though, some sorta funny things have happened.

1) I went to the dry cleaners. Cookie, one of the ladies who works there, said "I saw your suit on the line. I knew it was yours just by looking at it!" I asked her "How could you tell?" She said "Who else dry cleans a zoot suit in Rockland ME!"

2) I was talking to a customer on the phone. In converstaion, she mentioned my last name. I rarely use my last name on the phone. "Good morning/afternoon, this is Bill" is how I usually answer. I asked her "Did I give you my last name? She confessed "No, but I know it because I hear you on all the commercials."

3) I went into the bank today. The teller said "You look like a movie star with your sunglasses on. I can't think of the guy's name, though." I said "I've had some people say I look like John Belushi. Another teller, over-hearing the conversation, said "I think you look like (local booking agent) Chuck Kruger! Maybe there's some resemblance.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The Happy Customer

I had a really nice experience with a customer today. This guy had his C/C number ripped off in the Hannaford debacle. His credit card company caught it. Some dope thief bought $1 worth of gas in New Jersey. Then, they did it again! The C/C company rightly thought "Who buys a dollar worth of gas, and then buys another dollar worth of gas?" Heck, what's that, a quart?! Anyway, they shut his card off, and called him. And then who did he call? Me! He wanted to let MIS know his card was canceled, and he'd get us the new number just as soon as he gets it. He was so apologetic. "I'm sorry for all the trouble this is causing you," he said. I said "The one who's getting the biggest headache out of this deal is you!" He was so nice, though, I thought I'd blog it.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Friday, May 16, 2008

Mel's MI-5

1. I read several blogs written by Pastor's around the U.S. sometimes their posts have nothing to do with the Christian walk but reflect on their own personal life. Like the one I read the other day by Tally Wilgis regarding the alignment of his coffee cup. He stated "I don't know what it is about me that demands this but I always have to make sure the logo on the Starbucks cup aligns with the logo on the sleeve. Additionally, I have to position the lip of the cup so that I drink in alignment with the logos below." Do you have any weird OCD issues?

~No, I don't think so. I have all the bills in my wallet facing the same way, and increasing in value from front to back, but that's just an organizational thing, not an OCD thing. When I get home in the evening, I like to take my socks 1/2 way off, and walk around with my socks dangling off my toes, but not to the tune of obsessive/compulsive.

2. Some of you know that In April, 4 years ago I left my South Florida home of 23 years and drove with all my belongings to Maine to start a new life. The only thing Maine offered me was a job & it's incredible beauty. Friends and family would have to be acquired after I arrived. What major decision/change did you make in your life that surprised your family and friends & how did things work out?

~Hmm. I can't really think of anything. I'm not one to just make quick decisions that would surprise my family. Lots of them read here. Perhaps they'll comment on something I've done that surprised them

3. We often learn certain behaviors by the folks we spend time with. An accent you pick up, words you add to your vocabulary, a certain way of washing your car, tying your shoes or folding your socks.
What is something you picked up and who did you pick it up from?

~I usually use the term "hedgehog" instead of segue. I learned that from my friend Keith.

4. 2 years ago I was online looking up hiking trails and discovered the sport of Geocaching & found an instant addiction after the 1st time I played. What is something you discovered by accident but has enriched your life?

~I'm not sure how I can pull this together, but let me try. Sometime after high school, I became a somewhat adventurous eater. My Mom is a good cook, but we were a typical meat and potatoes family growing up. But when I got older, I somehow got the idea to try and eat things a little on the outside, if you know what I mean. I can attribute this either to the time I first tried lamb (my brother-in-law Hound Dog let me try some of his) or the first time I tried asparagus (at a wedding I was DJing). Neither of these items did we ever eat as kids, and I don't ever remember Mom serving them. (Though I seem to recall Mom now loves asparagus, too.) Since becoming a more daring eater, I've really found some foods that I really like, that many people have never even tried. I find very few people in this area eat duck or lamb, let alone snails, quail, and portobellos. (Did I mention I really want to try fresh figs? How many of you have ever eaten a fresh fig?)

5. Often we are frustrated by the actions and attitudes of others. If you could influence a behavioral change in someone else, what would it be and how would you go about doing it?

~I know some business people who have, in my opinion, an unhealthy attitude towards profit. As someone who believes in capitalism, I'm all for profitability. You need profit to drive the system. Some people, though, are driven by profit. It's what they live for--the profit. They don't want to make money so they can live; they live so they can make profit. My boss is a good example of a healthy attitude, I think. Yes, he has a nice home on the water. Yes, he owns a Jaguar. Yes, he owns a few other cars too. But he also treats his employees very well. He could, if he wanted, take what he gives to his staff at Christmas time and put it in his own pocket. He doesn't. He could ask his employees to pay some of their insurance costs. He could then increase his business profitability due to lower costs. He could put those savings in his pocket. He doesn't. I wish I could somehow show some of the other guys I know that it isn't all about having more money for you.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Friday Fill-In #72

My answers are in bold.

1. There is absolutely NO way you can get me to eat fish eyeballs!
2. The increase of crazy pedestrians reminds me that summer is almost here!
3. I cannot live without my Palm Pilot--my electronic brain.
4. Hang gliding and fresh figs are two things I'd like to try.
5. When life hands you lemons, whip up a batch of lemon squares, or maybe lemon cake! I love lemon!
6. I don't think I can pin down what is my favorite childhood memory. I have far too many.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with my kids and making Susan portobello and asparagus risotto, tomorrow my plans include making breakfast at Church and billing day and Sunday, I want to do something awesome, but I haven't figured out what that is yet!


Listening to: You Know That I'm No Good Amy Winehouse

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Big Bird Band in the Bushes

Had some neat things happen yesterday, and I thought you'd be keen to know.

One, we've got a pair of cardinals building a nest in our forsythia bush. They hang around these other bushes we have in the back yard (I don't know what they are), gather twigs, and then bring them to the forsythia out front. Interestingly, Julia made a bird feeder on Sunday out of a bagel, peanut butter, and some seeds. She took the liberty of hanging it near the nest. We've seen the cardinals feeding out of our bird feeder out back, but I haven't seen them gnawing on the bagel yet.

Two, I played drums for the Monday Night Jazz Orchestra last night, and had a good time doing it. The group was really, well, jazzed to have me, and I had a good time playing for them. I love to play Jazz, and I really like playing with a big band. Many of them said I was welcome any time--they really want me to come back. But if you've read here much, you know I keep pretty busy behind the drums, and to add another band for fun (read: no money) just can't happen. I like spending time at home too!

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Monday, May 12, 2008

Dickinson Poetry Question

I learned something today! Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" is also called "The Chariot." I had never heard that before. Most of Dickinson's poems are untitled, and are usually referred to by the first line--or maybe the number if you're a crazy poetry geek. In any event, I'm trying to find where the title comes from, and can't seem to get the answer out of Google. Can anyone help me?

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Friday, May 9, 2008

The Chocolate Chip Cookie MI-5

This MI-5 was inspired by a recent batch of absolutely, outrageously yummy chocolate chip cookies my beloved wife recently made.

1) Flour is one of those basic ingredients that's used in just about every staple we eat. What's a staple in your life? What is that makes you tick? What's that thing that gets you out of bed in the morning.

My family. If it weren't for them, I bet I'd be in Mexico right now, sleeping on a beach, trying to live off the land. There are some days I feel like I should chuck the job, the car, the house, the whole thing, and just get out of it all. But I couldn't leave them.

2) Sugar. Not only is it an ingredient, but it's often used as a pet name for a loved one. Share with us a pet name you've used towards someone you love/loved.

I refer to Susan as "My Beloved," or "Beloved Wife." If you haven't read Song of Solomon, you should. This story of love is told, basically, between a man and a woman, the Lover and Beloved respectively. That's where it comes from. In casual conversation, I usually refer to Susan and "Honey." There's also this other Victorian style greeting we use when we write to one another, but I'm not telling you what it is. Nothing risque, or anything, but it's a little thing we do that I don't mind you knowing, but I'm not going to share! :-)

3) You go to a restaurant for breakfast, and the item you order comes with "two eggs, any style." What style do you pick? Why?

"I like eggs, from my head down to my legs." When I eat eggs out, it's a toss-up between: over medium, so I can sop up the yolk with the toast, or scrambled, so I can douse them in Tabasco.

4) I'm not much of a baker, but I think there's baking soda in chocolate chip cookies. With summer soon upon us, some of us may start drinking more soda. Is there some beverage that you like to drink especially in summer?

My soda consumption goes WAY up in summer. I'm looking forward to Tab, ice tea, Fresca, and Sierra Mist Free.

5) Sandra Boynton says there are two kinds of people: those who are the chocolate sort, and those who are of the jellybeans. Which kind of person are you?

I guess I should've explained this question a little better. Sandra was implying that people were either a) chocolate freaks, or b) other kinds of sweet freaks. This wasn't supposed to be a "do you prefer chocolate or jellybeans," but "What camp do you belong to?" My grandmother loves any sweet she can get her teeth into, and just likes chocolate sorta ok. I, on the other hand, love chocolate, and probably won't order dessert unless there's some kind of chocolate involved.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Friday Fill In

The Friday fill in. As always, my answers are in bold.

1. The sandwich had an extra secret ingredient; it was rabbit--it wasn't chicken salad at all!
2. She came in through my window.
3. Right now, I need a vacation in Bermuda, a nap, a cup of coffee, Susan, and some time without children. Other than that, I'm all set!
4. To my new neighbor's is where I went Thursday night; it was something we'd been planning on doing for some time.
5. Why does having your eye poked out with a shard of dull coconut shell hurt so much?
6. All I can think of is the lyric to "Hello" by Lionel Richie.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to coming home from my gig, tomorrow my plans include shopping for flowers and Sunday, I want to grill steak for my wife and mom!

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

A Leftover Post from Saturday

Saturday. The motel. 5:45pm. I'm here, in Ellsworth. No WIFI. For real. A motel with no WIFI. It's a pretty bare bones place, but what do I need, really? A place to sleep, a shower in the morning. The in room coffee will be nice in the morning, and I'll probably snag something off the continental breakfast just to get my money's worth. Oh, how happen I'm at a motel, and not camping in my station wagon at the Wal-Mart Plaza Parking Towers? Blind Albert's had the flu for three weeks. I told him my plans, and he said he really didn't think he'd feel like driving home at like 1am. He wondered what I thought about splitting a room. The cheapskate in me didn't like the thought of spending $30 on a room, when I'm only making $100 at the gig. But I know Susan was worried about me sleeping in the car, and Gina voiced some concern, and probably my Mom wouldn't dig it too much, so I figured I'd splurge. Too bad I didn't splurge enough for a motel with WIFI. Maybe I'll get a chance to post this tomorrow (Sunday) from my gig in Blue Hill. After all, that gig's in a school, so maybe something will be available.


Listening to: Clarence Frogman Henry

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Friday, May 2, 2008

Pastor Dave's First MI-5

Pastor Dave says:

"Hello Blogging Family,
This is my first time at coming up with weekly the questions. I hope its OK with protocol - I'm going to give you FIVE RIDDLES to solve. My sister sent them to me earlier this week. ENJOY!"

#1 A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?

~I guess it doesn't much matter, since he's condemned to death anyway!

#2 A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?

~She's taken a photo of him, and then developed it, then hung him up to dry. (I figured this out on my own.)

#3 What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away?

~I need more time on this one.

#4 Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday?

~Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. (I figured that one out on my own too.)

#5 This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious as to just how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so ordinary and plain that you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is highly unusual though. Study it and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out. Try to do so without any coaching!

~There are no "e's" in the paragraph. I've seen that one before, though.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Friday Fill-In

My answers are, of course, in bold

1. Two of my favorite ingredients in a drink are coldness and milk! (I'm not much of a mixed drink guy.)
2. Nature often amazes me.
3. You can keep doing that forever, the dog is not going to come to you. He has no legs!
4. Take a lime and a coconut, mix it all together and voila! You have a tummy ache!
5. If I had a yard with a garden, I would love to grow hollyhocks.
6. Sleeping is best au naturel. Did I say that out loud! Mom, don't read that!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Susan's roast duck, tomorrow my plans include cooking with Julia and Sunday, I want to find a place to shower, since I'll be spending the night in my car!


Just Heard: We Want the Funk, Parliment

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]