Right after 9/11, TH and I were fortunate enough to go to Sun Valley, thanks to Jenny the old boss and her free tix to see James Taylor. The world at that time seemed quite upset and wrong, as everyone knows. He made us feel so, so much calmer and optimistic. This video is earlier, but quite representative of the reaction he got in Idaho. His daughter, Sally, played with him. I remember him saying, "It's so important we keep on going, though right now it's so hard." Those words have resonated with me, over and over, to this day.

James, I need you to come play a concert in my backyard. Just sayin'. Please?

One of the best times in my life, that concert was, even in the face of such tragedy in our country. Always remember.

I'm Not Dead Yet

Just enjoying the summer and keeping busy with any variety of things. Trying to post pics of some of them this weekend. In the meantime, I'd like to share (in a gently humorous vein) what apparently some of my family want to do to me. Yes, in this scenario, I am Satchel Pooch (in Bucky Katt's worldview, that is, I would say that things are never black and white on either side, which is why, for the most part, I don't flaunt my opinions. Those of you who share gently as well and respect others opinions when in a mixed forum, THANK YOU). Click on the image to get the whole comic - sorry it crops funny.









And in world news of others who have come to their senses, Brett the Jet apparently figured out he's too damn old to play football. And the Vikings STILL suck. I think practice opens in the next few days, yes? I'm ready for football season, though not for summer to be over just yet.

A Time To Remember Heroes

I remember 9/11 - as we all do, I suspect, like yesterday. I was one of the horrified mob at the Mother Ship overloading the Internet as we searched in panic for information...worried about people we knew who might be in the building (an ex-assistant of mine was now a broker for Morgan Stanley but thankfully worked elsewhere) or worried about family who were not in the safe confines of Idaho. Big Bit was on the way to Disneyland with his Dad and when they announced it had been shut down I officially went on Mommy freak. Of course, it was fine and he was actually on his way to Palm Springs with his Dad, but I didn't know that until late that night.

Prayers to America and those who still suffer a loss greater than our collective one as a nation.

Idaho News - and - A Wedding

First, before the meat of this post, I must say (and please note that 90% of my paternal family that's attended college went to the University of Idaho and that was my unfulfilled desire, so I'M JOKING ABOUT MOST OF THIS) - the fact that a Vice Presidential candidate for this year's election graduated from the University of Idaho is INTERESTING.

Although she attended said school at the same time as TH, it does not mean they dated (future Idaho Statesman inquirers, please note). I've already fended off that question and a request for the VIP tour of the White House from friend Steve the attorney today. (He was kidding, and he offered up gratitude that McCain picked a woman, although one as a gratuitous grab at Hillary votes. I agree. Then again, we're for Obama so if you don't agree with us, you will discount anything we say as totally biased anyway).

Considering the sorry state of the Vandal football team, and if that lends any meaning to this election (i.e. they lose a lot) I fear that any opportunity for a VIP tour would be out anyhoo. I also think that as it seems also that no one the Statesman could find so far that was at U of I at the same time as Ms. Palin remembers her is kind of weird. Heck, even Larry Craig gets remembered...oh, never mind.

I will note that back in the day there was a proper football team for the Vandals and they had an awesome QB named John Friesz, who could have been Brett Favre, except he played for a sucky team once he got to the pros and it turned out in that situation he was fragile. So maybe she's a winner because she's from that era. Obviously, I hope not.

Off the diversion to the real important stuff - The Wedding.

I'd said I would post about the wedding I went to during our last Weekend at Willie's. My cousin on my mom's side, "Gertrude", (my dad's pet name for her as a girl) has 23 year old twins (as of mid-August), and one of them, Z, was getting married at the Rose Garden in Julia Davis Park and while it meant we didn't leave for Utah until late Sunday afternoon, I really wanted to stick around for the nuptials.

Two reasons:

It meant we could stay "home" longer, got to sleep in (and we did), run a few more hurried errands, have lunch (I will not say where we went, because it's a chain, not even one that's local to Boise, but it's good and I was HUNGRY) and then get to go to the park for the wedding.

The other reason? Getrude and her (slightly) younger sister are the closest things I have to older sisters, even though we don't see each other as often as I'd like or stay as plugged in as I'd like. I lived 5 minutes from my cousin for years in Idaho, and we just didn't always keep in touch. Stupid.

The Rose Garden is where I would have gotten married to TH, except it ended up we got married on New Year's Eve, thusly that venue was a little cold and we ended up in Lake Tahoe. Maybe we can renew our vows or something later, at this place.

It is so pretty this time of year:






I don't have really any pics of the ceremony, because we ran over from parking on 8th Street and forgot the camera. However, we brought the car and the camera to the reception, also in the park.

Some pictures...first, of the groom and his groomsmen including his twin. Here's why they make me feel old. The week they were born, their aunt (who I shall dub "The Godmother or TG", since she is Big Big's godmother was getting married for the first time (of two), as was I. Gertrude made it to her sister's wedding, but not mine. Understandable, but as this wedding occurred 23 years almost to the week of her son's...I feel OLD. TG was in denial, I had to point out to her that those kids were the reason that her sister almost didn't make it to her wedding. She looked kind of shocked, then started to laugh. It sucks to get old, right Godmother?

The groom is kneeling. His twin is to the left with the green bottle in his hand. Beer, I ask you? Perhaps. Duh....

A few more snaps. Here's Gertrude. To end the mystery for my other pregnant cousins (at least two of whom lurk here from time to time), this is the fourth pregnant one. She's way ahead of you all though, she's due in about two weeks from now.

Without divulging her age, I'll just say she's a hair older than me. She and her SO are thrilled and she will be a great mom, since she already is. I'm in awe. I just couldn't deal with sleep deprivation anymore, so I'm looking forward to grandchildren in 15 years or so.

She looks great though! Here she is dancing with the groom.

What else...oh, yes, one of my many uncles was up from Arizona and he and my mom had a lot of fun. Love you Mom and Uncle Larry!



Don't get pictures of Grandma and the Bits very often, I realize this isn't the best picture in some ways, but it does illustrate why I kept calling Big Bit "P Diddy" all day...



Here's The Godmother and her husband. He rocks and she is cool. Man, I feel like a commercial for Bud Light around here! Count the cans in this post!


Another pic of "Diddy":

Last, and definitely not least, this day was about Z & K, the happy couple. Congratulations, and Z, I forgive you for your mom not making it to my first wedding. As things turned out, I wish I hadn't made it to the event either(!) in most respects (other than Big Bit). You guys, however, have a good relationship, good prospects and my prayers go out to you for a long and happy marriage.

They are cute, aren't they?

Happy Labor Day,

lostinutah

It's About That Time

Who do you hope to see for VP candidate picks? It's going to make things more interesting...I really hope McCain picks Romney...yes I do. (Evil Grin).

On the other side? Hm. I think I've turned against my own gender because although there are some great women options (no, not Hillary), I am really leaning towards John Edwards. But, as with my work situation, I have to let "the guy in charge" make decisions that impact my future and hope that he has my best interests as well as those of the greater good at heart.

So as the "big guy" at work makes his decision on Sybil's replacement, and John and Barack make their decisions, may they all be guided with wisdom and strength.

Happy Birthday!!!

To America...and Malia Obama, age 10 (I suspect she's getting ready to start 4th grade too, like Little Bit).


Best wishes and deepest respect to you both.