Blackest Friday

Black Friday got a lot darker with the passing of Steven Sondheim. At 91, yes it was inevitable but still feels like a shock. I imagine this is what it felt like when Shakespeare died. His body of work, the sheer artistry of his words will continue to outlive all.

I didn’t see the news until after finishing a few hours of pulling weeds out back. It’s funny we both responded by getting show tickets. Tomorrow we will see Twelfth night the musical, next Friday I’ll catch the 25th Anniversary of RENT, and February 1st we will see the Band’s Visit. The theater must go on. That said I hope Broadway dims the lights.

One of the things I hope they mention in at least one of the obituaries is his mentoring the next generation of writers. It was surprising hearing his voice on the answering machine in Tick Tick Boom toward the end of the film. Sondheim asked to rewrite the phone message scene and offered his voice to it. Bradley Whitford played him physically in the movie.

In terms of movie musicals, 2021 has been a pretty active year. I’m looking forward to viewing an all new version of West Side Story. If it does turn out to be excellent, I wonder how that will play come Oscar time. The original won many Oscars. In The Heights is worthy and Tick Tick Boom. I hope they all get nods in the Best Musical or Comedy category.

November 27, 2021 0

Safe Puerto?

I guess it was a weird call for one of us.

“I’ve got to tell you something. Don’t be angry. I’m going to Puerto Vallarta with Guy.”

To be more specific, it was a video call so Joel could see I was already shaking my head. “Why would I be angry? I’m glad you’re doing something, obviously be careful.” Joel lost his partner Brian over a year ago. He promptly retired, ditched the house and moved into a nice cozy apartment; not far from his previous digs in North Vegas. His life during the pandemic has revolved around the gym and the groceries. A friend of his in Palm Springs talked him into going to PV over the Thanksgiving holiday. He knows where I stand on the “to be or not to be” of travel at the moment and I guess, he thought that I’d have an adverse reaction. Am I that overprotective of my friends? I have the one gay parent left and his age puts him in the high risk group.

As I watch a whole bunch of SF/ Bay Area folks I know, head off to the very same Puerto Vallarta via Facebook and Instagram posts, I hope that Joel is able to keep some physical distance from crowds. I can’t help but think that this, traveling during the holiday would be a bit of a negative for me to go anywhere. But I absolutely realize that we’re also in different situations. I miss traveling as much as the next person who enjoys it. I long for it. I have great company in the form of a husband and a dog. I’m also still working steadily. So yeah currently, I’ve got more orbiting my local universe. I would find it weird to criticize someone over going away. Everyone’s situation is different. Now If you’re a Maskhole then all bets are off.

On Wednesday, I noticed one of the Mission district testing centers had a line going around the block. Presumably, Thanksgiving travelers getting their COVID tests. In that regard, Joel sent me a text message from SoCal saying: “tested negative”. My response was “Yay!” But I know there was a little voice in my brain that whispered: come back that way.

The company and the travel does beat sitting at home and watching the boob tube. Unless, you’re fortunate to catch a play streaming. Time can stop for a good play.

November 28, 2020 0

Turkey Day Weekend Notes

Enjoyed the sunny weekend even if I don’t physically feel great today. I started the day with a bit of a migraine. I tried walking it off and having an extra cup of coffee. Naturally the extra caffeine helped me to be more awake about my headache. 🙂

We spent Thanksgiving at a friend’s home in San Rafael and the spread was impressive with hands down the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever put in my mouth. It all was good though, the turkey was moist and flavorful, the gravy (for me) sat there untouched because I didn’t want to mess with flavors I had and the string beans were tasty (yes string beans). There were a couple of different pies for dessert and Garry made a pumpkin pie, that I thought was good and creamy but Garry is a harsher critic of his own stuff.

I drove us back in the rain, which is not my favorite. I did get to drive Garry’s Mazda CX3 for the first time. It’s what is called a crossover vehicle; it’s somewhere between and SUV and car. I like the way it handles. The safety features are neat. It let’s you know when you’re getting close to a car, or driving on the white road lines.

It was great to get back home to Luna as she was alone for awhile. She’s having a tough go of it with her best buddy moving out of the neighborhood. She was friendly with the airdale next door. They were play buddies. He has packed his dog toys (with owner) and moved to another neighborhood. Luna has been mopey. Extra treats and love for a special dog

November 26, 2018 0