Happy 2023!

Stealing

 

What song will always remind you of last year?  Doesn't have to be a song released last year. Here Comes the Sun.

What do you wish you would have done more of? Meet people.

What do you wish you would have done less of? Meet people.

What was your favorite new TV program? Movie? Album/Songs? Or if you didn't pick up any new ones, what are you still watching/listening to? Any recommendations? I have not any new TV shows. Are there good ones?

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? Did you feel differently? I am 71. My son and his family took me out to dinner!

What political or social issue stirred you the most? Kari Lake. What a fucking moron.

Who was the most interesting new person you met? I met my neighbors across the street yesterday. They have a bigger house than I and only stay from now to April. Nice 2nd house! Lots of snow birds here!

What changed at your job? If I get one. you'll be the first.

What changed in your home? Just the entire home.

Describe how a relationship changed. I lost a close friend. And not to death.

Do you think you are still the same person that you were at the beginning of the year?  How so? Nope. I was from CT. I am from AZ.

Summarize the year in three words or less. Bonus points for doing it in one word. Explain. Move to Arizona....

Thank You

 

Peace

 

80s in November

Saturday 9: New Attitude (1984)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Patti Labelle sings that she feels good from her hat to her shoes. Do you often wear hats or caps? Only to a baseball game...

 

2) The lyrics tell us that Patti's worries are few. Is anything particular bothering you as you answer these questions? No, I'm good. I went to the singles' groups' Happy Hour. Nice folks. I'm meeting people, no "friends" yet...

 

3) The video for this song takes place in a high-end boutique. What's the most recent article of new clothing you bought, and where did you buy it? I bought golf shirts and jeans from Amazon before I moved in May.

4) In 2019, a street in Philadelphia was renamed "Patti LaBelle Way." At the ceremony, she was referred to as "The Godmother of Soul." Do you have godparents? If yes, tell us about them. If I did, I have no idea. I like the question. My brother and I know we had them, but no idea who they were...

 

5) Patti dropped out of high school during her senior year. When she was in her mid-30s, she went to night school and earned her diploma. Do you have any diplomas or certificates framed and displayed in your home or office? No. Not my style.

 

6) Patti was once engaged to Otis Williams, founder of the Motown super group The Temptations. Who is your favorite Motown recording artist? (Here is a list.) The Four Tops.

 

7) A diabetic herself, Patti has volunteered her time to organizations that fight the disease. Do you know anyone currently dealing with diabetes? Yes. She's doing very well.

 

8) In 1984, when this song was popular, Angela Lansbury premiered in Murder, She Wrote, a show still seen in reruns today. Were you a fan? My mom's favorite show. I used to buy her the books.

9) Random question: What's your secret to a good night's sleep? Medication.

 

Slaughterhouse Five

Saturday 9: W.O.L.D. (1973)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song tells the story of a man who has made a career in radio.  How many professions have you worked in? Five major ones, of which radio was one. Hotel, Furniture, Video and Liquor were the others with liquor longest after radio.

 

2) He describes himself as "45 going on 15." This morning, do you feel older or younger than your years? I spent last night on a first contact phone call. I forgot how bad they can be.

3) He estimates that he's traveled thousands of miles, from town to city, as disc jockey at various stations. Have you ever relocated for a job? Yes. I left Hartford for Boston in 1995 for a radio job at WBCN.

4) This song is written as though he's reached out to an ex. Is there someone from your past who is on your mind this morning? My past is always on my mind. It's unavoidable.

5) Tell us about a radio personality you grew up listening to. Joey Reynolds was primarily on WPOP in Hartford but was on WDRC as well. I met him when he did a guest show on my station 91Q.

6) This week's featured artist, Harry Chapin, was an Oscar nominee. Before he became a musician, he wrote and directed a documentary about boxing called Legendary Champions. When you sit down to watch a movie, would you prefer action, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, thriller or documentary? It depends on who I am with...

 

7) Today Harry Chapin is fondly remembered for his philanthropy. He filled his calendar with benefit concerts that supported local food banks all around the country. How would you like to be remembered? As a good brother/father/grandfather/friend.

8) In 1973, when this song was popular, one of the top-selling toys was a Curious George book packaged with a plush Curious George. Can you recall a favorite book from your childhood? I loved Animal Farm & 1984. And later Kurt Vonnegut

 

9) Random question: Here's $100. What will you spend it on? Dinner with a beautiful woman. Who I've yet to meet. But I'm working on it...

 

Those Were The Days, My Friend

 

Sunday Stealing: Personal History

1.  What would you like people to know about your mother? For a woman who didn't particularly want children, while flawed, she did a remarkably good job.

2.  What would you like people to know about your father? My dad was my best friend. He had a wicked sense of humor and fun. Before my stupid and ill-fated 3rd marriage, my dad and I went out at least weekly while he sang at piano bars. 

3.  What was your childhood bedroom like? It was paneled. I had a bunch of sports pennants up till high school. 

4.  What was your favorite activity as a child? Playing doctor with the girl next door.

5.  What was high school like for you? I was the ringleader of WTIT which had 5 main guys and another 5 who were more social than pivotal. We had parties all the time. Those were the days, my friend.

6.  Write about your cousins. Nice people. Those I know. 

7.  What was your favorite food as a child? Steak.

8.  What was your most memorable birthday? My 40th. I was  newly single and dating a lot of women. My dad told me to enjoy my 40s cuz they were the best. He was right in that regard. 

9.  What world events were significant to you as a child? JFK's, RFK's and MLK's assignations.

10. What did a typical day look like as a child? Bought the same as now. Sun came up around 6...

11. Write about your grandparents. I only knew one well. My mom's mom was widowed young and raised six kids then raised four grandchildren (my cousins). The best woman.

12. Did you move as a child? Only once when I was 7.

13. Who taught you to drive? My dad.

14. Which job has been your favorite? Morning DJ.

15. What was the best part of your 30s? I was wealthy and raised my kids. Great years! (But I learned far more from the lean years that followed)

Not at Giunpoint

 

Sunday Stealing: Hodgepodge

1. What's something you've recently accomplished solo? At 70 I moved from New England to Arizona. I think that qualifies.

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails? I'll go with Dawn.

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it? Apparently it's in Phoenix.

4.  Worst movie you ever saw? The first three-Star Wars films sucked moose.

5. What's the last fun thing you did? I hit a bar with good people.

6. What's your favorite Italian dish? I like Italian, but it does not agree with me. Mama Grillo's meatballs were the best!

7. Have you ever been to France? Any desire to visit there, and if so what would site or city would you most want to see? No, but both my daughter & granddaughter have spent time there, if that counts.
 
8. Have you ever been to Disney, any of the parks at all? Are you a Disney superfan or something less than that? They're open right now so tell us, would you go if you had the time/money/a free trip? Not at gunpoint.

9. Your favorite place to go when you want to be quiet as a church mouse? Would those who know you well describe you as more church mouse or perhaps more like mighty mouse? They'd say "mighty" but they might not be right...

10. Do you bake your own bread? Last time you had hot out-of-the-oven homemade bread? What's your favorite kind of bread? Ha

11. What's something you might say is 'the greatest thing since sliced bread'? A great blowjob.

12.  Share with us five little things you're grateful for today. Small blessings. One catch-they all must start with the letter T. Tuck tou.

13. Tell us where you were and something about what life was like when you were 20- 21.I got my first full time radio job. And I got married for the first of three bad choices...

14. What's on the menu at your house this week? Grubhub.

15.Something you recently purchased where a coupon was involved? Do you regularly shop with coupons? Ha, what is a coupon?

 

Thursday Thunks

A shout-out to the former author of "Thursday Thunks" Kimber! There was a period (short) that I help author the blog. I was just helping out now and then. But I also was still involved with the weekend memes, so it was a very long time ago. We had spoke on the phone years ago, but moving here, we had to meet up. Kimber's daughter works in my part of town, so I bought her lunch!

 

It's A West Coast Thang

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while. Not much is going on. My ankle is better, but it's summer in Arizona. No one is out. I'm not complaining. I don't mind 105 at all....when it's dry. So yesterday was the day I was supposed to meet this guy who lives in my community who's from the next to me back in Connecticut. It was a reschedule because he canceled the first time because "of an existing mold dilemma". Yesterday we were to meet at 11 AM at the communities' golf course's grille. It's a small place. I waited till 11:15 and called it a day. My son said I should have waited longer. "It's a west coast thing".  

So, I worry enough to call the fucker the next day. His wife answers, so I asked for him. She asks who I am, and I answer...then wait...and...wait... finally HIM gets on the phone and I ask if I had the day or time wrong. He responds that he should have called me. It was his "mold dilemma". Oh. That must have knocked out his phone line. Holy shit! How rude can you be? He ends by saying he'll call after the mold thing is over. I said, "Do that".  

 

Happy 4th

It was 2007, and I was having my annual July 4th party. My granddaughter Lauren was turning 5 in this picture. So, she's about to turn 20. I am an old guy! But here she had just asked me, "Grampy, are there gonna be big booms?" I love that age. Now I see my granddaughters Zoey (11) and Evie (5) all the time! This alone was worth the move. My name & number were in the resident's monthly "bulletin" & a guy asked me out to lunch because he's from Hartford as well...

Out & About

I drove for the first time yesterday! I was a bit apprehensive, not only because of my ankle, but also I am not familiar with how traffic works here. I bopped around for a couple of hours, but was always withing 10 or so miles from my house. I am in my studio as I write this, but it's still mostly Ben's bedroom. 

Ben's wife, Maria, and 11-year-old Zoey will arrive on Thursday! Ben rented them a house because their house is being renovated. I'm guessing they will be there a month. I don't get the rest of my stuff that was accidentally put into storage with all of Ben's stuff, until they move in their new home. But I'm just fine.

I'm getting contacted by women on Match, but I haven't done anything yet. I'm in no rush. I still have appointments with two doctors to review my ankle. Plus, it's summer. When it's 107 every day, people tend to stay in. I don't mind the heat at all. Today I've got a few errands to run, so I'll be out and about again.

Even Hedonists Have Their Limits

Sunday Stealing: From Danielle

1. If you could live in a house shaped like anything what would it be? I'll sy a Hobbit house. Not that I'd like to live on the side of a fucking hill, but the answer allows me to move on.

2. What do you think is in outer space? Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock & Dr. McCoy.

3. Where is the most wonderful place you’ve ever been? St. Martin.

4. If you were invisible for a day, what would you do? Find Jill Hennessy.

5. What is the worst smell in the world? Nope. I won't go there. Even hedonists have limits.

6. If you could, what animal would you be? I got asked this in an interview. I responded, "An eagle so I could fly away from this interview. I got the job. It sucked.

7. What is the greatest thing ever invented? 331/3 record album.

8. What is your favorite word? Why? Fuck. Fuck if I know why.

9. Who is someone in history that you’d like to be friends with? Why? JFK for the babes.

10. If your pet could talk, what would it say? My pet is a picture of a dog. Woof?

11. Were there dinosaurs on Noah’s ark? How does Santa get down that chimney? Your turn.

12. What makes you cry? Bad memes.

13. Have you ever played a joke on someone? What was it? No never. I am not a funny personality.

14. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do? Moving four thousand miles. But it will be the best, too.

15. What is the most important appliance in your house? Refrigerator. Need ice for Smirnoff...

The Bigger Question

Saturday 9: Yesterday (1965)


Chosen because June 18 is Paul McCartney's 80th birthday.

1) Paul McCartney sings that yesterday all his troubles seemed so far away. Can you recall a time when your life seemed carefree? College. We never knew what was coming. One night, I was so high on Quaaludes that I fell down 9 flights in an elevator. The elevator was fine, I just couldn't stand up.

2) He has always insisted the melody to "Yesterday" came to him in a dream. Did you dream last night? I always dream, but I don't always remember. Last night, no idea. I was on a narcotic once that allowed me to remember ever detail of my dreams. It was very weird.

3) The lyrics were inspired, in part, by the death of Paul's mother when he was 14. Thirteen years later, he named his daughter Mary after her. Are you named after anyone? If you're a parent, did you name your children in honor of anyone? I am named after my dad, I am a junior. I named my son Ben, is the III.

4) Over the years, Paul has performed on bass, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and drums, but not the first instrument he owned: the trumpet. A present from his dad for his 14th birthday, he exchanged the trumpet for a guitar because, "you can't sing while playing the trumpet." Have you more recently a) exchanged a gift, b) donated a gift you didn't want to charity or c) regifted? No. But I bet there is a bigger story behind this question...

5) Paul grew up seeing how much his dad enjoyed placing a bet and then listening to the horse race from his favorite armchair in the living room, so he took his salary from making the film A Hard Day's Night and surprised his father with a racehorse. After father and son proudly watched Drake's Drum win at Liverpool's Aintree Racecourse, the horse retired to Paul's farm in Scotland. If money were no object, what gift would you give a loved one? I'd love to pay for college for a grandchild. Or ten.

6) Paul is considered one of the world's wealthiest entertainers, worth an estimated $1.2 billion. This month, as he approaches his 80th birthday, he is winding up a 16-city North American tour, during which he performs 30+ songs in a 2 hour, 40 minute show. If you had all the money you needed, would you continue to work? Or would you kick back and relax? As an entertainer, of course. I do not mind that I do not sell liquor anymore.

7) Paul first joined the Beatles when he was recruited into the band by John Lennon. They met as teenagers when Paul showed up at a church picnic where John's band was performing. Paul recalls pedaling over on his bike to hear them, his guitar flung over this back. When did you most recently ride a bike? Not since I got my driver's license. Oh, I got my AZ license yesterday.

8) Paul met his first wife, Linda, at a London club and then again four days later when she was a photographer at a press party for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band. Think about one of your romances. Where did you meet? When I was at a radio station in Hartford, I had to do a promotion at a nightclub for Valentine's Day. It was sponsored by Together, a dating service that was Match before the internet. At 11PM when my role was over, I said to my boss, "One lap. If no women pop out, I'm home." I took three steps and met my second wife.

9) TV journalist Barbara Walters played matchmaker for Paul and his current wife, Nancy. During the summer of 2007, when Paul was vacationing in The Hamptons, Barbara repeatedly and intentionally invited them to the same parties and picnics. Have you had any success in a matchmaking scenario -- as either the matchmaker or one of the dates? Never. 

My stalker has texted twice. Last night I finally replied with, "Please stop." So far, so good. See ya soon!

 

A Break in the Action

So I didn't just hurt my ankle I broke my ankle it. So here I am in a goddamn boot! So, no singles club. In fact I haven't been able to do much. It SOOOOOOOOO frustrating having my car arrive and I can't go anywhere. I love my new house. I;ll be back when there's action to report!  

The Journey of Possessions and a Thousand Stairs

It's Saturday morning in the Valley of the Sun. Or just "The Valley" as they call it here. My shit came yesterday. Most of it. Some glassware and two Ikea type tables did not make it. Some of my stuff, like my 65 inch TV got stuck in my son's storage. No biggie. We have two others  Cable comes tomorrow for internet, although some of our devices, like this HP Google Chrome laptop of my son Ben, work. 

My intent was to play Sat-9 today. But, I can't figure out how to copy questions. So when Ben returns, Ill figure it out. But by Monday, my desktop should be set up. While I have my iPods, it's not the same, but for me, certainly a must. It's still hard to believe all 55 years of recording sessions are on two small iPods.

Ben's away this weekend. I was suppose to have his car, but I couldn't find the keys. Typical, no? But, I had a nasty fall yesterday. I didn't realize I had sprained my ankle until I got up to pee at 3AM. Holy shit! I was in pain! I grabbed a bag of ice from my brand new fridge. Iced it till I awake after 8AM. So, since it's my right ankle, driving would have been problematical, anyway. Sunday night I'll Uber to the single's meeting. I am more interested in meeting single guys, first. I spoke with The Queen yesterday and I said that while I want to meet women, I first want to learn the lay of the land.

There's a lot to learn. Everything is different here. Pot stores are in such competition that it's inexpensive, by 50%!! As compare to Massachusetts, anyway. Where I was in Connecticut, it was legal but we still had no stores. So I bought from a guy who charged about the same as here, and even delivered. A friend of a friend of my son James, he was great the last four years. The medical pot in CT is so expensive that I gave up my license to buy it after 2 years. 

Liquor is the same. A 1.75 of Kettle One (I consider it the world's best) in CT or Mass is $52.99. I bought (shockingly) a 1.75 here for $36,99. I will save. Smirnoff was $19.99 in New England. Ill be interested to see the price here. 

I have not met a soul here. But that should change tomorrow. But once my car is here and my new house is set up, I'll start knocking on doors. My car will be here on Monday. It wasn't until my stuff was here that it felt like my new house! One level! I had a slit-level which means a thousand stairs a day. My house is an open concept, which means my living room, dinning are and kitchen share the space. Everything now is steps away as compared to the aforementioned thousand stairs.

That's about it. I slept in my own bed although my sheets are in storage. I ordered new sheets & a new mattress pad. I'll get it tomorrow. Today I'll even cook for the first time. Dinner though, will be Grubhub. Instead of 5 choices, there are hundreds! I'm in the fourth biggest city in the country. The city that I live in is part of Phoenix metro but has  250 K here and a downtown of free parking and 45 bars and nightclubs. I haven't even been downtown yet. Okay, my buds, see you soon. Same time. Same blog.

-30-

The Eagle Has Landed

Hi again! I'm here, but in a rather empty house. I am on day 7 in Phoenix. We had a cool Memorial Day. It was only 95. I flew out last Thursday. The flight was rather uneventful and as pleasant as a travel day can get.  My son Ben picked me up at the airport and we spent my first night in a hotel. We are on air mattresses at my house. He's sleeping in what will be the WTIT studio in Phoenix. I've got two full bathrooms so we are fine here.

His house, a beautiful home (with a great pool where we spent the holiday weekend) is being renovated. It's huge. Meanwhile, I live in a huge HOA with a pool, gym, golf course. Once a month they have a singles thing. This Sunday is it. So I might meet people! 

Right now I have no car. It's on it's way. I expect it soon. My possessions by next week. That's about all the news from less than a week.

Last Day in Connecticut

It's the last day. The realtor, who is an idiot, called to schedule the walk through for the buyers. Okay great. It's happening after I move. She asked me to lock my door and they'd get in through the lock box. The door doesn't lock by the handle. The only way to do what she asked was to leave with the key. I said yes. She'll find it unlocked. My guess is that it will all work out. 

Meanwhile, I got a loose tooth in March and needed a bridge. We photo finished it. It came in today and my pearly whites are looking good. I got my prescriptions filled today and the movers, scheduled at 9 aren't coming till 10:30 or 11. 

No more contact with my stalker. That's a relief.

Monday, Monday

It's Monday morning. Wednesday morning at 9 AM when the day begins, the movers will be here. I am about as ready as I can get. I ordered some scripts I need. I got my hair cut Friday. My hairdresser asked if I had found a hairdresser yet. I replied that I thought I'd find a doctor first. She has no idea how long I can let my hair grow before it bothers me. I did my wash here yesterday. Now my life is full of "last times".

Soon I'll talk of firsts. My son ask me if I thought about what clothes that I'm bringing. I said, "My suitcase was packed yesterday." I did get good news today. I should have my stuff in Phoenix by June 8th. My car could be sooner. I'll be on an air mattress till then. But I'll be with my son. We always have a good time.

My Bro & My Sis: The Aftermath & Mo "No Pressure"

On one level, we had a great time. We drank heavy (in terms of order not volume) Mark his bone dry Kettle, my little sis kettle & soda and I had a Ketel Rocks & later a coffee drink with both Baileys & Grand Marnier, two brands I was proud to sell. But I did love my brands including all the aforementioned, my scotch was Johnnie Walker (all flavors) my Canadian was both Crown Royale & Seagram's V.O. My bourbon was Bulleit. I just tossed a signed bottle. Not that it was worth anything - he signed (Tom Bulleit - founder) a million of them. My wife at the time was a bourbon drinker, so I let her drink it, I replaced it with Pepsi. Besides Ketel, I did sell Smirnoff (bestseller on the planet and the US.) We also had Ciroc, Belvedere and Chopin. My gin was Tangueray. A had a zillion single malts but of all whiskey? Johnnie Walker Blue sales thrilled me. Bernard Arnault owns the 2/3 of Moet Hennessy that Diego does not. Selling expensive Hennessy was special, too.

Back to our night: Mark decided now eight years past my dad's death to criticize both my sister's and my reaction to the call that my father would be dead within the hour. Mark thought he should be there and apparently thought my sis & I should have too. My sister abba dabba'd so I defended her. Then myself. I said, you wanted to be there. I had seen him Friday. He let me know it was goodbye. I drove his bestie from high school, college and his business partner forty or fifty years. This call was on (the next day) Saturday. I was two hours away. I knew he could not talk and was in pain and would be out of it. But Mark signed on when he moved him from Enfield where I owned a home, at the time, and was within 45 minutes or so to my sister. So he was with my dad because he wanted to be.

When Mark had tried to dictate our visits and said he'd take him and either he or his wife would be with him every day. I couldn't do that to either Kathy or what I thought was my marriage at the time. (I should never have been with her, let alone married) So off to Boston my Dad went. He was there eight moths, I'd say. Either Mark, but more often his wife, was there every day. I had said my goodbyes, and my dad suffered fairly weird dementia. 

Fortunately, Mark saw the error of his ways and issued a long text on how much he loves us, and he was so wrong to project his wishes on anybody else. And all these years later. But he ended by saying we'd do it next year in Phoenix. All in all, very enlightened for him. So unlike before the text besides hungover, I was pissed. But his text made it all go away, and I'm left positive that my brother and sister took the time and expense to treat me to Fillet Mignon with lobster tails.

All in all, I'm very lucky. We'll see who stays in touch. But I communicate at least weekly, one way or the other with each of them separately. I found out last night that they seldom spoke. But they vowed to improve it. So the ups were pretty high. Except for that woman who now says "I HAVE A GIFT"...

I said, "You shouldn't have", and I meant it. She still has zero grasp of pressure. I think by any rational person measurement it's pressure. She does everything but call. Oops. Swear to god my cell is ringing. It is her. Her last ext to me, that went unanswered (now keep in mind I have already told her that I was not feeling well enough for a gift or a visit or whatever.) She had already texted me to call if I felt like talking. I had not called. Just checked her message, "Checking in. I could come ve and help you pack". See, packing is all I plan to do. I don't need help, fortunately I had plenty right up through yesterday. My last town to dump pick up day. A week before I moved. Good timing. I'm mostly adding things to all sides, so when a totally different moving crew in Phoenix ask "where does this box go?" I can read it from across the room. I've never moved without a partner before. Don't get me wrong, Ben and Maria totally packed a lot of stuff to enable Maria to stage my home. She did an amazing job. The offer came on day three.  But I've shared that, already. 

But that's my last farewell, save a chance Bill on Monday. I did say yes & if he remembers (he's flying back from a wedding in Wisconsin, so I doubt it) We had an idea to include him in the 2022 picture. If we that, then we will have a last sign-off. If Bill & I start alone & end alone (on the QT) who cares? Since I cannot locate the sign-off from that night, Bill & I would be worth doing. But he doesn't even know I'm thinking about it. I'll see if I hear again. But if no one needs to see me but my 80-year-old lady neighbor who is my friend from across the street. I want to give her my phone number. That kind of stuff. No texts or phone for over an hour now.

I hope my life is more exciting once I move. Cuz, then I'll set boundaries. How's that working for me so far?

 

 

 

My Bro & Sis

It went as expected. I received a direct message on Facebook that I ignored. Now, this second, she just texted. "Guess where I am?" I checked the driveway. Not there. I will ignore again. This is bad. I feel stalked. That's not what she thinks she's doing...?

I got the lawn cut today! Yes! I had gambled I could leave it - wrong. It was a small (very small) forest. Anyway, my lawn guy is great. He came today, and it looks like a golf course! Which is how I want this family, a week from Thursday, to find their home. 

Tonight I am having dinner with my brother & sister. It could be our last time. I just dion't know. We'll have a great time!

Pay Attention to the Press Clippings

I don't think anybody uses the phrase, "press clippings" anymore, which is rather ironic. I mean that in the sense that we all do so much more than that. It's hard to write about personal stuff, but that's what's going to make this that much more fun. I won't post about nothing. This ain't a diary. But goodbyes are tough. A woman wants another goodbye. I don't want to be rude to her, but we have said goodbye, already. Enough. Yesterday was her birthday. 58th? I think. 

She phoned last night at dinner time. The last such call led to a lovely dinner, but yet another reason "to hang". Honestly, I never heard from her like this when we originally dated. So I did not pick up because unfortunately if I pick I will say yes, to be nice. Again. It ends now. I'll go out of a window, but like most ladies who actually know me, will testify, I often go out the windows. I am very bad at endings. Sometimes on multiple occasions. This will not improve. But it is in my press clippings. I explain it. And the times I try, I fail miserably. Now, how did my third marriage last? A lot of it has to do with what was wrong with me. Then. I am better now. Hence, hello Arizona! Hello, Cubbies' spring training.

Don't NOT Believe the Press Clippings. What I don't understand is, in this case, I've explained it. I find attention as pressure. Am I the only one? I explained this to her the night we met for dinner the first  time.  So Saturday she says, "No pressure, will you come over to my house" (another mistake - I don't want to see your house. Or meet the pets.) "And stay the night". Need I go on? So a goodbye has dragged on two weeks. Not one more word. 

I should have my 80-year-old neighbor talk to her. She gets me. I wish I had met her husband. He passed away since I moved here, but not before I knew his wife. I had met her while he was alive, but not him. I do not want a relationship. It's not because that I am moving. I just want new friends. New places. Men & women process very differently. Even when faced with brute honesty, women can (and have) decided I meant something else. May if I do (whatever) in bed, it'll change. It is not easy being a single old guy. But I will enjoy the initial attention from women in Phoenix. 

The realty is I am not the guy who had twins as girlfriends, but I am not the relationship type. I am WAY too selfish. I recognize that. I am so stressed out about the move. And for no reason. Today I gave an end date to the electric company. I paid off my oil (budgeted for the rest of the year at once (nearly $2K) last month. I am all packed but need more stuffed tossed to the curb. Rugs I won't need. My bedroom & studio in my new home are carpeted. So I have 5 area rugs for 2 areas. I got help on Wednesday for a final go through. I am so bored as well.

Did I mention I hate moving? But at least my mailed can be forwarded directly. That you can do online now for a buck. Now THAT was easy. I am, so, sick of fast food. I know the variety of choices will be plentiful where I'll be. I shoulda learned to cook. Other than breakfast, I sucked. And I've tried.   

 Here (above) we are on Friday.

Here we are in 2013. I think we both look healthier now!

Then there was Bouncing Billy not showing up to the last show. I have no idea as to why. He's explained it and I still do not get it. But he took me out for a nice dinner as a "make good". How does that help? He was on my first show. He should have been on my last. It was so unimportant to him. I'll never understand it. But I'm good with him and it. I think he is angry that I am leaving. 

I think I'll always consider the 50th in 2017 as our swan song. It was Johnnie's last. We made it another 5. But between the pandemic and the fact that it falls apart when I am single. Wives don't like it. I don't get the difference, but it is there nevertheless. Wow, this is a long post about nothing. I'm rusty. I'll try harder. Join me again. Same blog, etc.

Like Sand in an Hour Glass

1. Where do you get your news these days? From the comics' page like everyone else.

2. Do you like crab meat? What makes you crabby? Yes. Questions about crab.

3. Does freedom mean more choices? Have you ever felt there were too many choices? Elaborate. No, but I've often thought there were too few. But, of course I was wrong. There are always choices. You have to look for them.

4. Barbara Millicent Roberts was introduced to the world on March 9, 1959...that's Barbie to most of us. Did you have Barbies as a kid, or did you let your own children play with Barbies? What well known Barbara (living or not) would you most like to meet? No, I did not play with Barbie. Yes, my daughters did.I cannot think of a Barb I'd like to meet. I hope Gal meets Streisand. Final answer.

5. What are three things you value most in another person? Honesty, character and great tits.

6. How would you define “old.”  At what age is a person old? If I ever get old enough to answer this, I will.

7. A place you’ve been that’s “old.”  Tell us something about your visit there. The Tower of London.

8. Something you miss about the “good old days.”  When were they? Just youth.

9. In what way are you a 'chip off the old block'? Or if you'd rather, in what way is your child a 'chip off the old block'? When I finish this book, I will publish it.

10. Old fashioned, Old Testament, old timer, same old same old, old glory, good old boy, old wives tale...choose an 'old' phrase that relates to something in your life or the wider world currently and explain. Old life. As in Connecticut. I move in 10 days.

11. July 5th is National Hawaii Day...have you ever been to Hawaii? Any desire to visit or make a return trip? Pineapple, mango, or guava...what's your pleasure? No.

12. Last time you were 'thrown in at the deep end'? Explain. My job as  a liquor sales guy did not have much training. I survived.

13. Sun, sea, sand, salt...your favorite when it comes to summer? Sun.

14. Bury your head in the sand, the sands of time, draw a line in the sand, pound sand, shifting sands...pick one and tell us how the phrase currently relates to your life in some way. Like sands in an hour glass, so are the Days of Our Lives...

15. On a scale of 1-10 (1 = make your own rules and 10=like a warden), how strict were your parents? If you're a parent where on the scale do you land? No number. They were usually fair. My mom's temper sucked. But I think threy did their best. They were great parents.

 

So Besides Packing

So besides packing, I've been saying goodbye to folks. Last night was a woman I literally have not seen in 40 years. We've stayed in touch on Facebook. She used to work for me. And a bit more. At 18, she was the strongest woman I ever met. It turned out she had to be. Her 36-year-old daughter is autistic and institutionalized. She had a double mastectomy, surviving breast cancer. 

I had thought the focus would be on my three stupid marriages & my soon-to-be 10 grandkids. But her story was fascinating. And she still laughed 

I also connected with my first girlfriend after my first marriage...

My lady Ann was just as nice as I remembered. I was almost 40 when I met her. I had 4 kids. She wanted marriage & kids. I moved on. To another woman who wanted kids. Funny thing? Neither of these women ever had kids or ever got married. Not once. I don't mean the lady above. She is very happily married and besides the child I mentioned, she has a 33-year-old-son. 

Back to packing. My daughter Heather came up to pack my studio (20 cartons of vinyl) and to visit, just us, no kids or hubby, just us. I took her to the best seafood place in West Hartford - Max's Oyster Bar. No pic with my daughter. We did not think of it!

Yesterday, I met with the home appraiser for the bank financing the house we're selling. She could not shut up. Thirty minutes telling me the fucking history of her in her job. This woman climbed six steps gasping for breath. She told me on the way out that the bank wouldn't have a problem. This was really privileged info, particularly since she knew I was not really the homeowner.

Today I removed nails from all those pictures in the studio. Should I paint the new one green too? I think I might.

If you've meandered this far, thank you. Till next time. 

From the last tape show...

 

I'm with Midnight & Rock

Drink a Toast to WTIT Today

Saturday 9: Your Mother Should Know (1967)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's featured artists, The Beatles, invite us to get up and dance to a song that was a hit before your mother was born. Do you enjoy the oldies? How old must a song be before you consider it "old?" To me? As soon as it’s considered an oldie, or whatever passes for that now. Certainly, a year after it’s off the charts.

2) Paul McCartney knew bandmate John Lennon's mom, Julia, and credits her with introducing him to the ukulele. Do you recall any of your childhood friends' mothers with fondness? My friend, Galloping Gary’s mom Nancy, and I were close. She even mailed me a graduation card for high school. She wrote, "Now Bud is wiser!" She did not live till I graduated from college, she died of brain cancer.

3) Paul's own mother, Mary, tried to instill in her son a sense of pride in his appearance and saw to it he always left the house in a clean, ironed shirt. Paul says that, to this day, when he smells fresh laundry, he thinks of his mum. Is there a scent or sound that reminds you of someone you love who is no longer with us? My mom is with me in so many ways. But musically, with “Que Sera, Sera” Her favorite song, which was very ironic.

4) George Harrison was the only member of the band to have any formal musical training. His mother, Louise, supported her son's musical ambitions and made sure he got guitar lessons. Did you take music classes as a child? Yes, I was “taught” the piano by a sadistic son of a bitch who when instructed to teach me popular music taught me “Carolina in the FUCKING Morning” as in “Nothing Could Be Finer”. I hated it.

5) Ringo Starr was a sickly and often hospitalized little boy. His mother, Elsie, took a job as a barmaid so she could work at night, leaving her days free during visiting hours. When were you most recently in a hospital? Were you an admitted patient, there for an outpatient procedure, or visiting someone? I was the patient. I had yet another surgery on my neck in 2018. My ex-wife would later say “she stayed longer because of” the surgery. She should not have done me that fucking favor. Hmmmph. I feel better already.

6) Mother Winters always gave our own Crazy Sam peppermint tea to calm her stomach. Do you have any tried-and-true home remedies to share? Certainly not for stomachs. I just came back from a specialist.

7) Sam's mother always tips 15% in restaurants. Sam has worked in food service and is more judgmental, tipping between 10% and 25%, depending on the quality of the service. What's your tipping policy? Usually at least 25%.

8) Sam's mother still gets the Sunday paper because of the sales fliers. She makes separate lists for each store, picking up grocery and household items where she knows they are on sale. Sam thinks her mother's strategy is a waste of time and gas and prefers one-stop shopping (even better, online one-stop shopping). Are you more like mother or daughter? Daughter. I am totally on line.

9) Sam is celebrating Mother's Day with her mother's favorite, Hershey Bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or chocolate with almonds? Dark chocolate, although they have changed the names. Semi sweet is what “dark chocolate” is. Godiva was the first company to change. For a long time, and during their chocolate-tini craze, “milk chocolate was chocolate”. Now, semi-sweet is chocolate and the old “chocolate” became “milk chocolate”. I still like white chocolate the best.

My move is in two weeks. It’s all too surreal. I know, I've said that before. Hope your Mother’s Day is special to all moms! And if you’re a “fave aunt” I hope that you’re remembered. Tonight, I say goodbye to both my friends at WTIT, but WTIT itself. And while I’ve rationalized that this died with Johnnie’s passing, I know tonight I’ll really enjoy partying with my besties. I expect Billy, Greg, Rock & maybe Midnight. I invited Cos & Gary just CUZ. I haven't from Gary. Anyway, that’s why I ended the other blog. Because it will all be over tonight. You, enjoy your day!

-30-

 

The Longest Grey

I swear, there have been two days of sunshine since March. My mood is effected, infected, affected and misdirected. So-to-speak. OK. Now I know I am a mere 22 days from sunshine, but could I have a couple before then? Do I have to call @myshrink and get new meds? Geez. I'm sorry. But that's why I have this blog. I vent. Who reads my blog anymore? :)

As the World Turnstiles

 Saying goodbye to people isn't all that I'm doing. Checking out my favorite restaurants, thinking "Last time here". Today I saw a doctor and the date of the move is such that there wasn't a lot he could do. It feels a bit surreal. My kitchen was completely packed. (Hence the restaurants).

My daughter Heather is coming up for two days. She's going to help pack my studio. May 25th I spend a night in Boston and fly to Phoenix the next day. I'm not sure whether I'll spend the first week at my house or my son's. It doesn't matter. Neither house will have furniture. An air mattress is what we'll have. And legal pot.

Last night, my friend took me out to dinner. I've seen a lot of her. It's all a bit weird. Saturday is WTIT's final show. I'm happy it's ending. We were never right after Johnnie Walker died. Those are my thoughts on a Monday.

I'd Say First of All

 

 

First Job: Short order cook.

First Favorite Politician: JFK
 

First Record/CD: Rick is 21 (Rick Nelson)

First Sport Played: baseball

First Concert: Chubby Checker

First Foreign Country Visited: England

First Favorite TV Show: The Honeymooners

First Favorite Actor: Humphrey Bogart

First Favorite Actress: Julia Roberts

First Girlfriend/Boyfriend: Debbie

First Encounter with a Famous Person: Peter Falk

First House/Condo Owned: Condo in 1976

First Film Seen: Some nameless sci-fi film...

First Favorite Radio Station:WDRC the big D

First Book I Remember Reading:Catcher in the Rye

 

Ain't No Sunshine

 

Saturday 9: As Time Goes By (1958)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song begins with, "You must remember this." Do you often write things down to help you remember? Yes. Wait. No. What was the question? It was not until late in life I was diagnosed with ADHD. It explained a lot.

 

2) The lyrics tell us that moonlight and love songs are never out of date. Tell us about something else that seems timeless. Romance. I spent Saturday night with an old girlfriend (we dated in 1991). We had the best time. It is bittersweet. I probably will never see her again.

3) Originally written in 1931, "As Time Goes By" is best known as the love theme from the 1942 film, Casablanca. According to the American Film Institute, there's only one song from a movie soundtrack that's more expressly identified with the film: "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. What song reminds you of your favorite movie? "Ain't No Sunshine" from Notting Hill.

 

4) This version is from The George Sanders Touch, an LP recorded by an Oscar-winning character actor. There is scant evidence that it sold well. Tell us about something you thought was a good idea at the time, but looking back, would have done differently. Certainly my last marriage. We got married for the wrong reasons. We were never in love. Need I go on?

 

5) This album was really something of a consolation prize for George. He worked with a vocal coach, hoping to win the romantic lead in the film version of South Pacific, but alas, the role went to a younger man. He had fun making this record instead. Have you recently taken lemons and made lemonade? I think that's what I'm doing with my life. Starting something new to meet new people.

6) He usually played suave but unsympathetic characters. That's why he gave his autobiography the self-aware title, Memoirs of a Professional Cad. What would you call your life story? Ask me in another decade or so. More chapters to be written.

 

7) The night he won his Oscar, George Sanders accepted the statuette, bowed deeply and then, safely behind the curtain and away from cameras, surprised onlookers by crying. Have you ever cried tears of joy? No. I've experienced tears of pride with my children, but of joy, as in from an event, no.

 

8) George Sanders wed perennial talk show guest and occasional actress Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1949. Sixteen years after their divorce, he married Zsa Zsa's less famous but also glamorous sister, Magda. After a month, George and Magda thought better of it and had the union annulled. Sam thinks this is one of the oddest romantic tales she's ever stumbled upon while researching Saturday 9. Have you ever known anyone who divorced one sibling and then married another? (Hallmark movies don't count.) No. But many have wanted to...

9) Random question: You're in a line of 25 people at the post office. How many of those other 24 are more patient at waiting than you are? None of them. I'd come back later if I couldn't wait.

 

It Started Last November

Hi and welcome to an old blog with a new tale. I just turned 70 in November. I have live in New England my entire life.Just prior to the pandemic (great timing) I ended what was a really lousy marriage. It was not either of our first marriages, and we got married for the wrong reasons. She was enamored with having a "do-over" for her first wedding (not a marriage but the wedding) and I settled for a not-so-good situation. I had never done that before. I love living alone.

The timing was perfect. Separate, file for divorce and then a pandemic shuts you down for over a year. Now, we all went through it. No one's situation was any worse. I just want to give it context. In the fall of last year, my son Ben came to me to give me a heads up that he was moving his family to Phoenix. I was stunned. I was instantly depressed. But then came the pitch: "Dad, we want you to come with us. Sell your home. We'll find you a new one. We'll pay for the move and if you don't like it we will pay to move you back." I had never been to Phoenix. It didn't matter. I have never lived in  the same city with one of my kids and their families. Within two to three hours, but not day to day. So here was an opportunity to do it. And more.

Ben explained that we'd go out in January and among other things, we'd look at houses. We weren't ready to buy, but it got me familiar with the city and most importantly I discovered what 55+ communities are like in Arizona. On the flight, my son explained that step one was selling his house. He planned to put it on the market as soon as we got back. In fact, while we were preparing to fly out of Logan in Boston, my daughter-in-law was staging the home. When that house sold, he'd buy his home in Ahwatukee. Then we'd sell my home, and I'd find one nearby. We'd be all moved in by June. As he talked, I could not help but feel there was an awful lot of wishful thinking involved.

So today is April 26th. The real estate market has remained hot. My son's home sold the first day for way over asking price. His wife flew out to Phoenix and Ben viewed homes through Facetime. Within a week, they found one. So last month, we put my house on the market. It took a week to sell my house. I got well over asking price as well. A week later, we found my house in Chandler. What seemed as very wishful thinking had been pulled off without a hitch. In fact it went so well that I will be out there as of May 26th. 

I feel as I did when I went off to college. I knew I was going to make new friends and new women, but I just didn't know who they would be. For a while at college I was very lonely. But this will be different because I will know somebody. And I plan to be active in my granddaughters' lives. So I plan to be very busy. 

Here I have a four bedroom home. Last week I either trashed or gave away four rooms of furniture. My bedroom furniture, my rec room recliners, my radio studio table & equipment and dinette set are all that's left! It's all that I'll need. I bought a two bedroom home. My radio studio will be in one of the bedrooms. I will love the one level. Presently, I live in my rec room. The stairs suck. I am now visiting or arranging to visit friends and family before I go. Yesterday my brother and sister arranged to meet me for dinner on May 18th. My close friends will be here on May 7th. Perhaps I'll be back, but I don't know. My friends are all married, which certainly makes it easier to leave. It just all fell into place.