Another Church Dinner

I was sitting at home Saturday minding my own business when the phone rang and one of the long time members of the Church (is that better than saying "one of the older women"?) called and wondered if I was going to the "Sentimental Journey" dinner that evening. I had not planned to go for several reasons, but since she had "an extra ticket", and was encouraging me to join her, I decided "what he heck!" The dinner is an annual thing sponsored by one of the ladies Circles, and is usually pretty good. Last night it didn't meet expectations. Mostly vegetarian with a small piece of chicken. The Cauliflower and broccoli were all right, but nothing to write home about. The big mound of rice cried out for some picante or other sauce. I noticed that not much of it was eaten by anyone else at our table.

The entertainment was, however, worth it. The musicians took over and sang many of the old favorites of my generation: "I can't stop loving that man of mine", "Smoke get in you eyes", etc. And then the Choir Director (an old southern boy) came on an did an Elvis impersonation. "Hound Dog" was particularly good. And I got home in time for "Waiting for God", one of my favorite British comedies. I spent the rest of the evening with "Havana Bay" by Martin Cruz Smith.

Texas trip

I was going to say that it was a wild, whacky week-end, but that was way to much alliteration after "Texas trip." I'll just say it was great for most of us and glorious for the couple pictured here. I debated this trip for a time and suddenly realized that there would be several grandsons there I had not seen since Christmas 2004. As it turned out there was half of the dozen all there. Christopher, Stephanie, Jonathan, Nathan, Geoffrey, and Natalie. I have had a chance to see the other six in the last half year.

It was also good to meet most of Suzanne's family. We were all well treated. David and Suzanne took us all out to a pre-wedding dinner Friday night. Winona Dees (Suzanne's motherr) and sister Diane saw that there was an ample repast following the morning wedding. Sunday night I was able to take most of the grandchildren plus Cecilia out to dinner. Cec had rented a car with GPS so I rode out to the DFW airport with the NoDaks. Christopher is designated to get pictures from everyone so more will be available soon - or look of the Taylor Facebooks.

If it ain't one thing

it's another. Earlier this month I visited my Optician. He was concerned last year that I might be developing glaucoma. I was back this morning for a follow-up and an OptoMap of the retina. That and another test indicate there are some preliminary indications of the problem, including borderline pressure. I was given some drops to use at bedtime and scheduled for a followup visit at the end of the month. Again, I have a concerned doctor who wants to make sure that further change does not take place. No mention was made of the cataract.

I'll be busy tomorrow finishing up preparations for the trip to Denton and goingto the bank for travel funds and for a roll of the latest gold president dollar - Monroe

Activities

I sat and watched most of the Grammy Awards, etc. Sunday night. Since Grand Old Opry went away I've lost complete track of today's music and "country" singers. What the heck is "Rehab" all about? Then they went back to Gershwin. I don't belive that I have ever heard "Rhapsody in Blue" butchered so badly. Enough already. And 3 1/2 hours plus. They need to take some lessons from the Academy Awards.

Then on Monday afternoon I had a visit with Billings' finest Cardio Surgeon, Dr. Scott Milliken. We talked very frankly and at length about my failing aortic valve, and the possiblities of surgery. It was clear that the man had taken a long look at my extensive medical history. I've been seeing doctors at Billings Clinic since the Fall of 1961, and had have by-pass surgery twice. The final decision was up to me. "I'll would be honored to do your surgery" the man said. BUT it was clear to me that as long as I am able to function the same decision was made (by me) as was made in regard to knee replacement. Let's delay this until it is absolutely necessary, and even then it has already been a long and fruitful life. Taylor males don't typically live into their 80's.

And there IS family on the other side.

Confused?

Last post when I commented that I was "done" I simply meant to tell DD that I had finished the book she wanted next. Not that the Curmudgeon was through Blogging. I'm still sweating out the Turbo Tax thing. Every time I redo it I get different figures. Oh, well. It is still a couple of months to April 15, and I have a wedding to go to next week-end down in Texas. I'll try to update readers one what the heart surgeon has to day Monday afternoon.

Frigid here in Montana over the week-end with a promise of the mid-30's next week.

The Appeal

I'm done!

Reads

I finally finished Michael Gruber's "Valley of Bones" last night while keeping an eye on CNN for election results. I was also able to read the first chapter of "The Appeal" by John Grisham. The first book was very interesting with the story of a hillbilly girl who has more facets to her personality than seems possible; plus a PhD female with health problems who keeps putting off a visit to a doctor, and Detective Jimmy Paz, who has a strange Cuban mother. It turned out to be a good read. Grisham starts out as typical Grishman. I'll probably finish it before the week is out.

I got a kick out of the local Republican County Chairman who commented about how democracy was at work with the Montana Republican Caucus. Democracy?? Taking the vote away from the majority of the citizens. How does that add up to a truly democratic process? Thankfully us Democrats will have our regular Primary in June,.

New Book

I bought a copy of John Grisham's latest book - The Appeal - at Costco yesterday. When I went to add it to my Goodreads list as one to be read it did not appear in a search either of Goodreads or at Amazon. Today (Sunday) I listed "JohnGrishman" in Goodreads and the title still does not appear. I listed the title and it showed up among a long list of books with the word "appeal" in the title. I look forward to reading it as soon as I finish "Valley of Bones".

Otherwise Pete is busy getting dinner ready before he leaves to watch the Super Bowl with friends.