When Did This Happen?

I've gotten old and didn't know it. My mind doesn't tell me that. My internal perception of me is still spry (not slim and sleek). Of course, the aches and pains are coming one after another but that is a fact of life, isn't it? I watched one of the PBS doo-wop specials the other night. This one was produced in 2007 and more groups were highlighted: The Drifters, for one (old and new, with Bennie King, Charlie Thomas, and Bill Pinkney). Pinkney, the basso profundo (White Christmas) was 82 and died shortly after the taping. Did it ever bring back memories of days at the Howard Theater, parties at the Stevensons', dances at the Y, dancing with the broom, trips to Waxie Maxie's, and more. Remember Clyde McPhatter? "For Your Precious Love?" Shep and the Limelights? Am I ever sorry I couldn't pledge for the cd/dvd sets. Maybe next time.

As I looked at the audience, my first thought was: "They brought the entire senior citizen complex in for the show. Isn't that nice?" Then I realized that I didn't come late to this music. I grew up on it and can remember going to see these groups. That makes me just as old as they are. What a hoot!

A word about the pups. They are slowly learning about puppy chow. Cindy, of course, being the greedy little hussy that she is, wants to eat their food and hers. So she has to be separated from the group feed. She's starting to knock them away when they try to nurse, so it won't be long before they are on the chow full-time. They pee constantly, do the bonding thing that puppies do, jumping on each other, yada yada, and when not peeing, sleep. 70 degree temps meant they could go outside for a minute. Cindy was hysterical. So was I when I saw that a little mounting train had been started. They're also trying to run, so comical, and do the leap thing. Legs aren't strong enough, yet. One had the audacity to bark at me when I came in last night. Such a deep voice for such a cheeky little fellow. I think there is some Rottweiler in the mix. The brown ones have the thickest coats. Someone said they looked like teddy bears. Too bad that I can't keep all or some of them but I don't have enough newspaper or patience for that experience! Runt was sleeping in when these photos were taken.

Is it me or is Mike Vick getting a raw deal? Hear me out before you get vociferous. He has to do his time, no problem, but is it really fair to blame him for the team's abysmal season? After all, these are supposed to be professional athletes who get paid extremely well to perform and at the top of their game. They have been through 2 quarterbacks and working on their 3rd. Obviously, they are not leaders or winners at the position. The stands are empty because the team is sooo bad. This is Vick's fault? N O T!!! The team has been exposed, plain and simple. Face it, folks. The quarterback had more yards rushing than all of the vaunted backs. Vick WAS the team. And how long did they think they could ride that horse? What excuse would they find if he were injured or died? Give me a break. It must be me.

Sharing an email I received. It says it all.

'Twas the Month before Christmas

'Twas the month before Christmas when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets are hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "DreamTree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !

And just a little TN history for you and me. I'd never heard of Fort Negley in my life:

http://www.aaregistry.com/detail.php3?id=2185