Day 42: A Herd of Turtles

HaydnCD42Back at Denny’s this morning. I’m seeing the sames faces here. Just like at Mr. Burger, my usual breakfast hangout.

Well, usual when I eat breakfast with my wife. Not my usual when I write my blogs.

That spot is reserved for Panera Bread.

Seeing the same faces is comforting, no matter where those faces may be.

I guess the theme song to Cheers was right.

I really do want to go where everybody knows my name.

Another benefit to hanging out in places like this: I get to hear old timers say stuff my dad used to say. For example, the guy leaving just now said his good byes and, over his shoulder on his way out the door, said, “I’m off like a herd of turtles.” Continue reading

Day 41: God In Time of War

HaydnCD41My day started early, even by my standards – somewhere around 4:30am.

I don’t know why.

Once up, it’s always tough for me to return to my previous state of slumber. So, I made the best of it.

I watched Sons of Anarchy, Season One, Episodes 1 and 2. I read the latest issue of Tricycle magazine. And then, around 6:30, I headed to Denny’s, where I now sit…listening to Haydn’s Mass in Time of War (Missa “In Tempora Belli”) while watching people who bear a scary resemblance to a Far Side comic.

531901_609303722468316_1408418453_nI don’t know which is worse.

Opera has not been a favorite of mine. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the talent – especially the vocal talent – required to master this art form. I do appreciate it. Deeply. (Well, maybe not deeply. But at least superficially. Earnestly superficially.)

Just between you and me, I gained deep appreciation for two opera singers when I listened to everything Mozart composed: Nicolai Gedda and Pilar Lorengar, especially their electrifying performance of the Love Duet from Madame Butterfly.

The notes they hit…

Well, watch them hit said notes Continue reading