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Random stuff…
- A couple of weekends ago, The Attorney and I went to see Kathy Griffin in Knoxville. He’s not a fan. But, he got tickets because I am. I really don’t deserve that kind of selflessness, but I can’t say I wasn’t happy to hear we were going. It was a blast. We were at the “late” show1 I don’t know if the the first show crowd got it as good as we did, but she was warmed up and on fire for number two. She started off by saying her knees were sore from performing and act on Peyton Manning backstage. He’s pretty much a sacred cow around these parts, so she let us know right off the bat that nothing was off limits. The crowd went nuts2 and so did I…and The Attorney squirmed a little. Even though he really doesn’t like what he calls “abusive humor” he was a good sport and even laughed3 a few times himself.
- I’m back to being employed. At least for a while. My old boss has asked me to come back because he is now shorthanded after some crew quit. I said okay, conditionally: only if I was back to painting and not working in the office; and only through the summer. In the meantime I am going to, as they say, “explore other opportunities,” and come September “evaluate my options.” I started back this week, but only worked two days because of potential weather problems. But let me tell you, it feels good to be working again. Having repainted our own house a couple of few weeks ago was perfect for getting me back in the swing of slinging a brush.
- The Attorney is having a milestone birthday at the end of the month. It’s going to be number 50 for him. I’ve been obsessing the past few days about what to get him for such an important moment in his life. Last night I got the idea to do something related either to his age or the year he was born. I went online and looked up what big things happened in 1960. I found various sites with historical and pop culture events, and although none of them made mention the birth of the handsome, smart, long-legged fella who would grow up to become my sweetheart, they all mentioned that it was the year that “To Kill A Mockingbird” was published. It is one of my favorite books and ever since I have gotten to know The Attorney, his demeanor, fair-handedness, and resolve have made me think of him as a modern day Atticus Finch. I imagine he has a copy of the book4 but what he doesn’t have is a 50th Anniversary edition. But he will come May 29. And for fun, I also got him a copy of “Green Eggs and Ham” which also came out the year he was born. There’s also sort of an ironic bonus gift, too. Back on Granny’s birthday in March, I bought a begonia and potted it up for her. While I was at the nursery, I saw a little rose bush. It was nothing more than some thorny stalks sticking out of a bag of mud and water. But, it said on the tag that it would bloom around the end of May. The Attorney had been talking about roses, so I bought one and planted in his yard hoping it would bloom for his birthday. It actually bloomed a little early5. I guess because we have had unseasonably warm weather. But the ironic part? It’s a John F. Kennedy rose. Kennedy was elected when? 1960.
{ fin }
- Nine P.M. [↩]
- probably because most of the audience could picture themselves blowing Peyton…even the straight men [↩]
- while shaking his head [↩]
- what southern lawyer wouldn’t? [↩]
- last week [↩]
Even your random stuff is interesting. I kept checking and checking to see if you had an update…I’m glad you finally do!
You have inspired me to try to start blogging a bit… I won’t even try to be as good as you though.
Umm….Kathy + painting = a total turnon.
Tony, what a great 50th birthday gift for the Attorney. I assume you probably have already gotten the 50th anniversary edition, but I wanted to let you know that the Monroe County Heritage Museum (http://www.tokillamockingbird.com/) in the old courthouse in Monroeville, Alabama, usually has signed copies of the book. Harper Lee still spends part of the year in her hometown and used to come by to sign books every once in a while. I don’t know if they still have any signed copies or not. Monroeville was her inspiration for Maycomb and the courthouse was used as the model for the courthouse in the movie. Also, each April and May they do a production of “To Kill A Mockingbird” at the courthouse.
My birthday is the 29th also. I enjoy reading your life stories.
Fantastic gifts. I am sure they will be treasured.
Scout!
well, for bargain price of $35,000 (yikes!!!) you can pick up a 1960 1st edition inscribed by Harper Lee.*(see link below)
on the less extravagant side … a few weeks ago we went to a 50th birthday and everyone wore black, brought gifts wrapped in black paper and black ribbons with condolence and sympathy cards … a few people even brought wilted flowers … black icing on the cake …
it was very Morticia Addams and very hilarious …. obviously, the Attorney has to be of a mind to enjoy the joke, good luck!
http://www.baumanrarebooks.com/book-listings.aspx?inputQuery=(price%3a%5b0000000000+TO+1000000000%5d)+AND+((author%3ato+author%3akill+author%3aa+author%3amockingbird+)+OR+(title%3ato+title%3akill+title%3aa+title%3amockingbird+)+OR+(keywords%3ato+keywords%3akill+keywords%3aa+keywords%3amockingbird+)+OR+(longDesc%3a%22to+longDesc%3akill+longDesc%3aa+longDesc%3amockingbird%22+))&selectQueryType=quick&isNewSearch=true&pageIndex=1&pageSize=10&sort=quick&quickSearch=%2bto+%2bkill+%2ba+%2bmockingbird
Tony, you’re the best! The attorney is a very lucky man. Happy Birthday to the Attorney.
Let me add my Happy Birthday wishes to the attorney! That you feel he embodies Atticus Finch, lifts his profile in my eyes.
Paint well my friend and enjoy the summer.
I knew you would come up with something exceptional. Kudos to the Attorney for snagging such a thoughtful man.
Tony, I’ve been reading your blog for quite a long time now but never left a comment. So, after I checked in pretty much everyday this week to see if you had posted something I figured I should let you know how much I enjoy reading your stories. The attorney really is a lucky guy to have you.
Ah, there’s nothing more refreshing than coincidence. And nothing more pleasing to know that there is no such thing as coincidence. We are all brought together for a reason. It’s only the time we find out that is in our control.
Be well, my mountain man.
What a wonderful idea. I love thoughtful presents such as that.
Thank goodness you didn’t take the black balloons route! Ugh! I think that is the worst thing that can happen to a person reaching any of the digital milestones. How depressing!
How sweet and thoughtful your gifts are! What a wonderful boyfriend you must be Tony! You deserved to be taken to the Kathy Griffin show. I just love her too, but I’ve never seen her live. Nice to hear you went back to painting for the summer.
What a super boyfriend/lover you are! The rose, thoughtfull gifts and the greatest gift of your love. He’s one lucky man.
Tony,
Just stumbled across you today for the first time since your previous blog. Really glad to find you again and must say that’s one lucky Lawyer Dude! Sounds like you have a really great Birthday planned for him!
Hi Tony,
5oth Anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird is a great gift. But how can someone not like Kathy G.? I’m glad alllll is well. – David