songbird's crazy world

 It hit 103° yesterday. I think we broke a record. Commentary on the weather. That song was recorded in 1966.  So long ago …  … we lost another artist from that era yesterday.  Bobby Sherman passed away.  Tribute will be posted Monday. Nothing like losing the performers from your childhood to remind yourself that you’re getting older. Though, to be honest, I feel better, healthier at 65 than I did at 55 or 60.  I’m actually taking care of myself, and it feels good.  So … I am determined to keep my mobility and flexibility as long as I can.  Lately I’ve been doing a lot of walking, as you know, but I’ve also used some workout videos I found in YouTube.   But I’m wondering if I should go back to the gym.  Pre-pandemic I joined Planet Fitness, but stopped going in 2020.  There’s a club here in Levittown, and they’re building a club in East Meadow — the new facility is actually closer to my house than the Levittown club.  I’m wonde...

 Commentary on the weather. I wanted summer weather.  It’s here with a vengeance.  At least the house is comfortably cool.  Thank goodness for modern technology. So, some good news in the neighborhood.  The police found the missing person, the guy they were looking for the other night.  That’s a relief. Waiting on the gas grill.  It should be here Friday.  We’re expecting about 15 people for the July 5 barbecue, so the grill better be here … We’re doing to usual hot dogs, burgers, sausages … I’m going to make my caprese salad, of course.  Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil in balsamic vinaigrette.    I used to make a cucumber salad in vinaigrette, but apparently my friends didn’t care for it.  I’m going to try a creamy cucumber salad, one with a sour cream base.  Almost like tzatziki. I’m thinking of making Oreo truffles.  You crush the cookies, mix them with cream cheese, shape into balls and dip in melted c...

 Commentary on the weather Welcome to summer. First world problems.  Back in March I bought two pair of linen pants from Old Navy.  Perfect for summer.  They fit like a glove … … but now it’s summer and the pants are too big.  Sigh … Certainly not the worst problem to have. It’s been tough to be a Mets fan this week.  They’re breaking my heart. Finally got to meet my neighbor with whom I share a back fence.  He rang my bell and asked to go into my yard to retrieve his kids’ beach ball. Fingers crossed, our gas grill is supposed to be delivered on Friday. Very scary incident last night.  A police helicopter circled our neighborhood for about 30 minutes.  Folks on the Ring app said the cops were looking for a missing person, a 77-year-old with dementia.  I hope they found the person they were looking for,(My Ring app picked up a police car driving past the house while the helicopter was circling, but he didn’t have lights or siren going, s...

 Sad news.  Lou Christie passed away. Before I post a tribute … a word about internet hoaxes.   Most of the time they’re false, but sometimes they’re actually true. Christie apparently died June 17, but  his family did not announce it publicly until the next day.  The rumors were flying, though.  I never believe a celebrity has passed until I see it from a reliable news source. Of course, celebrity death hoaxes predate the internet. Remember in the 60’s there was a “Paul is dead” hoax about McCartney, who just celebrated his 83rd birthday.  Ironically he already outlived two of his bandmates.  And while I hope that Ringo continues to enjoy a long and happy life …  what irony there’d be if Paul is the last Beatle standing? But … back to Lou Christie. I got to see him perform live in the 80’s, at Nassau Coliseum, as part of a massive oldies show. He was exciting, electric, dazzling.  That falsetto … Here are a few of his best songs.  ...

 Two shows down, three to go.   We do the show at various venues.  Saturday night we were in a school auditorium.  I sold tickets and refreshments.  Sunday afternoon we were in a real theater.  The theater has a cafe, so we didn’t do snacks, but we did a 50-50 raffle.   I love my iPhone.  I shot some photos from the back of the house.  They’re not nearly as good as a professional could do, but they’re not bad.  See for yourself.

 Inspired by recent events