MUSINGS OVER COFFEE BEFORE SANTA'S ARRIVAL!

In the "Lost In Space Department": Dudley Moore and Cleo Laine recorded a fun Jazz LP in 1982. I wish I had never rid myself of that LP. It was fun. Two friends who were once lovers then friends years later finally made good on getting together with a bass player and creating a fun LP. I can't find it anywhere. The story is, that as old friends they had talked for over 20 years of going into the recording studio. Well, we all know about "the road to hell is paved with good intentions". But to their credit, they did it. Dudley on keyboards with Ray Brown, bass. Incidentally, I was in traffic at a stop light. It is generally assumed that morons plaster bumper stickers to painted plastic bumpers whereupon removing said sticker also removes the paint, right? Nevertheless, the sticker on the car ahead of me said "We've been to Hell and we Love It!" A closer look at their license plate frame revealed the existence of Hell, Michigan. I'm skeptical.

I do plan on driving through the areas of town during daylight and taking photos of cool buildings--many abandoned for decades with those old painted-on-brick billboards of defunct soft drinks and beer. This is a very old city.

I have my gifts all wrapped as of last night. Just thought I'd throw that one in here!

Next week I am planning a return trip to North Carolina and it looks like Author Kathryn Magendie and I will meet! Another BLOG BUD!! Don't worry I'll have photos for you when I get the software to upload them.

I realize this sounds a bit lame, but I can't wait until December 26th when I can start using my New Day Timer! New Year, New Life! In fact, when my parents became engaged, my Dad held off for a January wedding and said (in Bulgarian of course) "New Year, New Luck". Exactly! My wish for all of you!!!

Anyone remember when radio broadcaster Art Bell signed off the air on his overnight radio show on Extra Terrestrials and didn't return for three days? The New York Metro Strike led me to figure this one out. Either he took a spin with the B-52's in a flying saucer or his Agent held out for more moolah. Me thinks the latter was the case! In either event, it was always wild to hear this guy interviewing phone callers with such questions as "Did you make physical contact with the aliens when the saucer landed outside?" Questions I should have used on bad dates! Sad, I know.

I once had a rejection letter from a network years ago who said there were "no appropriate matches" with my background. I responded sincerely and asked if there were any "inappropriate" matches? They never responded. How rude! Sort of like Woody Allen asking that woman out for a date when he says: "What are you doing Saturday night?" She says "Committing suicide". He nods soberly then asks, "What about Friday night?"

I've listened to Sarah McLachlan's"Afterglow Live" CD as I ran around town and it was wonderful. Speaking of live concerts, did any of you happen to catch the PBS film of the week-long "Cream" reunion with Eric Clapton, Jack, Bruce and Ginger Baker at London's Royal Albert Hall? Outstanding! I couldn't turn it off!!

In recent weeks, I located a small shop that sells vintage audio equipment. It was fun to see older Sansuii, Marantz and JBL gear. They also sell VHS movie tapes at $3 each--I acquired "Memphis Belle" and for $5 I acquired "The Great Escape". What a cast!

Finally, I've saved several of those plastic half-gallon skim milk containers to saw off the tops and place a candle in base of sand to light up the front of the property for the 24th and 25th (a tradition in this neighborhood). I'll amend this BLOG and otherwise alert the Media if any of the 5 rejected Playmates from Hugh Hefner's mansion show up at my door; I caught his Guest role on "The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch". As several of you have weighed in here, not exactly a riveting show. Hef's down to three Playmates now: ages 25, 31 and 20 respectively. Billed as "Secrets from The Grotto" (there were none). I turned off the television and crashed out.

Ciao for now!