I'm missing Little Rock today. This weekend marks the anniversary of a Labor Day weekend party known by 40 or 50 of my most intimate friends as "Lamb Jam." It began as a housewarming party for me, my college roommate, Z, and our friend, Baby Jane. As I recall the first one started on Thursday evening and ended sometime late on Monday. Jobs, kids, and other commitments have impacted the party along the way. But once a year we all managed to get together on Saturday evening for a meal of lamb and fixin's. The party waned for a few years in the mid 90s. I prefer to think of it as, we had satellite parties at a few different locations rather than one big blowout. Of course, part of the party is free-flowing libations thus leading to some memorable moments.
I guess most of all this year I'm missing Michael. His loss means we can never have the whole gang back together again. So, with nods to Michael here is one of my favorite Lamb Jam conversations:
400 Pine Street, LR, Saturday of Labor Day weekend 1983
Police Officer: Sir, is everything all right here?
Michael: I'm standin' on my front porch, (pause) drinkin' my beer, with my friends (looks to left, looks to right) yessir, everything's all right.
Police Officer: Well, son, do you think you can take your friends and your stereo speakers back inside and tone it down a little?
Michael: Yessir I believe I can.
So to all of my Lamb Jam crew. I'm going to the liquor cabinet to get the Southern Comfort and the Amaretto, and I'm toasting you all with a big kiss. I love you all. Happy Labor Day!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Blessings
While staring at the clock at 4:11 a.m. one morning, I decided that I should start my days by (no matter how corny it seems) counting my blessings. I lead a very charmed life. I'm healthy and happy. I live a very comfortable lifestyle, and basically want for nothing. Perhaps I should spend more time positively contemplating my wealth rather than fretting over things I cannot control. So with that in mind I'm starting a list of things I'm grateful for.
First I'm grateful for Pam, my partner in all things sane and insane. It is very humbling to have to depend on another human to totally care for you--to feed you, to dress you, to drive you halfway across the country, etc. I have been there, and when I was there so was Pam. Pam who, after spending 7 hours with me in an emergency room (when I broke my ankle), followed the moving van to unload our belongings at our new house 10 hours away while I slept on a borrowed couch in a pain pill induced stupor. Pam who has made a complete cat person out of a devoted dog lover and who adopted my dogs like they were her own. Pam who on occasion takes my hand, reminds me to breathe, and then jumps off a cliff with me. Pam who challenges me, supports me, and makes me laugh. Pam who has given so much of herself to be part of my life and so beautifully shares her life with me. For her I am thankful.
Secondly I'm thankful for my family. Most of you are scattered around central and east Arkansas and northern Mississippi. My parents who are in their young 70's and are just beginning to settle into retirement. I am thankful that you are willing to continue growing and seeking new adventures whether it's relocating to a new city or learning to navigate the internet or just admiring the new flowers springing up in your garden. My niece and nephew have become such amazing young adults with families of their own. I couldn't be prouder of the choices they are making.
I'm also thankful for my Lady Vol family. 99.9% of whom I have never met but on any given day thousands of whom will join me in cheering for undeniably the greatest women's collegiate basketball team and organization in the country. These are fans who are perhaps more proud of the 100% graduation rate of our players than of the 8 national championships. This is a fan base that will travel half way across the country to fill the stand with orange--many times in larger numbers than the home team. These are the people who stand and applaud a competing coach who soundly beat us yet because they know what she has meant to the game of women's basketball. These are the people who will honk and wave enthusiastically at your car on a freeway hundreds of miles from home when they see your Lady Vol license plate. My glass is raised in a special familial toast to you all.
First I'm grateful for Pam, my partner in all things sane and insane. It is very humbling to have to depend on another human to totally care for you--to feed you, to dress you, to drive you halfway across the country, etc. I have been there, and when I was there so was Pam. Pam who, after spending 7 hours with me in an emergency room (when I broke my ankle), followed the moving van to unload our belongings at our new house 10 hours away while I slept on a borrowed couch in a pain pill induced stupor. Pam who has made a complete cat person out of a devoted dog lover and who adopted my dogs like they were her own. Pam who on occasion takes my hand, reminds me to breathe, and then jumps off a cliff with me. Pam who challenges me, supports me, and makes me laugh. Pam who has given so much of herself to be part of my life and so beautifully shares her life with me. For her I am thankful.
Secondly I'm thankful for my family. Most of you are scattered around central and east Arkansas and northern Mississippi. My parents who are in their young 70's and are just beginning to settle into retirement. I am thankful that you are willing to continue growing and seeking new adventures whether it's relocating to a new city or learning to navigate the internet or just admiring the new flowers springing up in your garden. My niece and nephew have become such amazing young adults with families of their own. I couldn't be prouder of the choices they are making.
I'm also thankful for my Lady Vol family. 99.9% of whom I have never met but on any given day thousands of whom will join me in cheering for undeniably the greatest women's collegiate basketball team and organization in the country. These are fans who are perhaps more proud of the 100% graduation rate of our players than of the 8 national championships. This is a fan base that will travel half way across the country to fill the stand with orange--many times in larger numbers than the home team. These are the people who stand and applaud a competing coach who soundly beat us yet because they know what she has meant to the game of women's basketball. These are the people who will honk and wave enthusiastically at your car on a freeway hundreds of miles from home when they see your Lady Vol license plate. My glass is raised in a special familial toast to you all.
Friday, April 27, 2007
A bit of patio renovation... This spring we replaced our aging concrete patio with an updated custom paver version. The original had gone through a 60s era astroturf stage at some point and then was painted green. After several years of trying to remove the green paint, we finally decided replacing it was the only option.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Connections
I've been thinking about connections lately. What is it that keeps us connected? How is it that we let some relationships--relationships that we cherish--slip quietly away as memories? I remember from my youth a group of friends bound inexplicably by our shared interests in music and intellectual pursuits. I can still taste the flavor of our energy and enthusiasm. Those young peole have grown into models of American society. We are lawyers, and bankers, and educators. We are parents, and partners. We still eke out tiny moments to share between ourselves--not as often as we used to or even as often as we would like. But still when that moment comes we gather together to laugh and toast each other and yes, even to make fun of a blogger who worries about connections...Hey if you're out there call me. We haven't talked in a while...
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