I've got to make myself the best river-contemplation mix ever! You know it's got to be part sad, part hopeful with a small triumph at the end. It's time to bust out the Lomo, too. I'm 80% ready to go!

A trip to Florida may be in the works. Want! There was mention, too, of a field trip to Texas to hit up some museums and Ikea. We've got the best family & friends.

House hunting is a difficult & emotional venture. I knew that getting into it, but like most any other thing, you can't really know until you're in the middle of it. Our next and most logical step is to get pre-approved. I know, you're probably thinking, "Why haven't you done that yet?!!!" I don't know! But, we're fixin' to!

One option that we've been thinking about is having one built. The obvious perk is that you get a whole lot of what you want and need. We'd like to start really small, like 4 basic rooms, and eventually build on as necessary. I just hope that the designer and contractor is willing to work with a small, no, miniscule budget. It'd be a challenge; maybe they'll be willing to take that sort of thing on? The have-nots want to live in a spectacular, GREEN pad, too!

There's a potluck with an Asian theme @ the Peek's this evening. Should be delicious! They've got a KILLER porch that is up in the trees, screened, and roomy. We've been so desperately busy that it will be lovely to sit down for a minute with friends. Maybe it'll rain? We need it for the impending float trip anyway.

Last night, I bought Guillermo Del Toro's The Strain. I don't know when I'll be able to crack it open, but I can't wait! I've been wanting to read some fiction.

I am looking forward to river revelations.

I feel so much better having cleaned my nasal passages.  I don't know why I do this --  I know that running a saline solution through my nasal passages will clean them and clear away post nasal drip, yet I either put it off or don't do it at all.  I guess it's because it's messy, weird, and is akin to vomiting in that there are tears and fluids in places where it shouldn't be.  Hopefully, I've learned my lesson.  GUH to allergies.

It wasn't all bad, though.  Even though I've been feeling tired and crazy (from the meds), there was sun tea:

We had pancakes w/ strawberry butter & strong coffee:

Last night, we had supper w/ Keiko & Rett & Collin @ Flying Fish.  I know!  We totally ventured into the Rivermarket for supper on a Saturday night, but it wasn't that bad.  The food was great, but I don't recommend the calamari.  They bread it with a corn meal based breading; it's not the right texture for something like that.  After supper, we loitered at the space, but it wasn't long before we all wanted to go home.  I mean, me and Collin were suffering allergies and, really, I think we're just a bunch of old folks.  Hee.

Tomorrow, me & ATM are going to look at a house.  We both really like this one.  I don't know why, and I know it's foolish, but I'm feeling good about this house.  The location is less than ideal in that the nearest grocery store is a billion miles away.  But, we'lI be closer to KMHD and will live in yet another historic district.  We'll still be close to work.  And the house (AND backyard w/ a mature Japanese maple!) is pretty awesome!  



Hee, I've been lugging around this roll of toilet paper for my sniffles. Anyway, I left it on the couch. Me & ATM ran out to do some chores yesterday. We came home to one wore out kitty who pulverized that roll of t.p. I wish I didn't clear away some of the mess before I took this photo. I love this thing!

We're getting ready to go to see the Star Tr3k!  

I loved reading Archie comics as a youngster. My grandmother would pick me up several issues whenever I visited. Obviously she knew how to keep me quiet and occupied for a solid hour. Too, she would tell me how dad enjoyed reading them when he was a kid. I think that was something we both liked. Anyway, imagine the shock and horror I felt when I found out that Archie is (finally?) choosing Veronica over Betty for marriage! B-b-but she's so MEAN! And snobby! And it stinks of "rich girls always get their way", don't you think? A part of me is like, "Awww, poor Betty." But then again, she can do so much better. Hi, female mechanic on duty! Despite her badassness, I'm still disgusted & disappointed.

All weekend plans have been derailed by allergies.  I feel terrible.  I could honestly use a stack of Archie comics now.  I took (awful) medication to clear the congestion, but it's just making me feel some kind of crazy.  All of my will and energy is gone.  I can't even get excited by the fact that I got new glasses yesterday.  

Aren't they rad?  

Long Wknd 2009 UPDATE II

In short, last night turned out to be a Taco B3ll kind of night.  Ew.  That stuff gave me the nightmares.

Yesterday, Zach was telling me & ATM how the 209 Victory St. space might be bought from under us.  Too, we're on a month-to-month lease.  Basically, all major projects must be halted until we know where we stand.  How frustrating.  There is another rental down the street on Victory, across the street from Cotham's, but that's not even up for discussion because the guys want to try to stay where we are.  I guess that's o.k., but I don't want to be held "hostage" by some new dumb owner guy.  I know, I'm not being fair and I'm not giving this guy a chance, but I also know how people can be.  It's a classic case of being weary of "new guys" and expecting the worst.

Moving on, the cookout turned out alright.  The food was great.  The music was awesome.  I did feel a certain emptiness, though.  There were a few times when I felt ready to pack up and go home.  Did the endless rain finally get to me?  Poor Zach.  He didn't want to give us the bad news about the space until after the holiday, because he didn't want it to bum us out, but maybe it did anyway.  

The silver lining -- our first pick from the herb/tomato/pepper garden:

Dark chocolate cake w orange zest:

Rain be damned! We just moved the picnic table inside. Cozy and D-R-Y!

BBQ tofu steaks at it's finest. LOOK AT THAT!

Listening to records:

We just got done cleaning the dishes from yesterday's soiree & tidying up the house.  Mayumi will be here around 5 p.m.  I think we're supposed to have dinner and then...?  It'll probably be an easy evening.

Long Wknd 2009 UPDATE

I didn't fret when I woke up to rain.  I just opened a window and enjoyed it.  I mean, we have a whole building that we can sit around in and enjoy each other's company, amirite?

Eventually, I got up and went over to the space to see what we needed to do to make our Memorial Day cookout a pleasant inside event.  Easy!  Just move the picnic table indoors! 

I've got my BBQ tofu marinating, the cake baked, the salad assembled & some fruit cut.  

I figure we won't have the turnout that we desire; I'd be content if it was just us.  I do wish KMHD was here, though.  

Long Wknd 2009 (SO FAR)

I got off work early yesterday and stopped by an ATM so I could exchange $$$s for "Riverbucks".  

I attended Riverfest last night so I could support Eclipse Glasses & see the B-52s!

E.G. played in the "Arkansas Music Tent", which staged local acts only.  I really enjoyed watching them here, it was set up in a way that encouraged intimacy.  Too, they allowed me to wander in about every nook and cranny to take photos and just loiter without giving me a hard time.  Many thanks to the guys for letting me take advantage of the free drinks & snacks!  I didn't have to spend one Riverbuck last night.

Collin's dad said last night Eclipse Glasses are getting better and tighter with every passing show & I could only agree.   And we're not just being a "band dad" or a "band girlfriend", just factual.

Here are the fellas w/ a DJ from Power 92 Jams:

B-52's:

Kate & Cindy's voices sounded so so good.  I was blown away at how well they sound live.

Dancing!


Fred Schneider did not fail to be his over-the-top self.  There used to be a show that Jon Stewart hosted called You Wrote It, You Watch It and there was a skit where a viewer had a dream that Fred Schneider followed him everywhere.  It was awesome!  It was about the funniest thing ever and ever since I saw that, I've had a bizarre fascination with Fred.  I don't know a thing about him, but I don't think I would mind if he followed me everywhere.  Eh, anyway, he is great onstage.  And I didn't mind that he took a dig at Bill O'Reilly either.  Heh.

A good show, but you could see them hating life on stage when they played "Roam" and "Love Shack".  It was sloppy & lacklustre.  I guess no hard feelings, ladies & gents.  I did have a fantasy, though, where Iggy Pop dropped in from nowhere and performed "Candy" with Kate.

We walked home from the festivities, completely exhausted.  Somehow, I managed to eke out some dinner.  Zach came over w General Chang.  We ate, watched some Kids In The Hall and crashed, sleepover style.  

This morning, SOLO continued her front that she "hates" Chang, but we all know it's a lie.

Me & ATM got so much done today, including going back to Riverfest to get a corn dog, smoked turkey leg & funnel cake.  And we still have a lot to do.  I need to bake cupcakes for tomorrow's cookout at Victory St.  I need to semi-straighten up around here because Mayumi will be staying with us Monday night.  We're going to stop by Donna & Micah's house here shortly to enjoy a beverage and company and then we're supposed to go to see the American Prince's play their 120 minutes of 90s music at Rev Room (ugh).  Collin called me a moment ago to tell me that Jonathan is in town.  That's a whole lot of hangin' out!

Cavelady!  I know, I know, you don't see no lady! (Photo by ATM):

Photo by ATM:

That's OUR funnel cake!

I miss KMHD, who is enjoying herself in NYC.

TO BE CONTINUED

The herb garden @ 209 Vic. St. Lots of wild basil on the right there!


We had a hangout session @ the space yesterday evening. It was fun! One of my favorite parts, after the billions of laughs, was when we ordered Chinese delivery. That probably won't be the last time, for sure.

We had to use my projector screen for that intense evening sun (Photo by ATM):

Photos by Collin:


Tyler & Kyle:

KMHD & AMD:


I think we're having a "thing" at the space on Sunday for Memorial Day weekend. I don't know the details. All I know is that I'm making fried pickles. Maybe there'll be a performance of some kind?

We rushed to the space after work on Friday because there was sun -- we quickly put the protective waterproofing coat on the picnic table.  Because rain was expected on Saturday & the protective coat needed time to dry, we figured it'd be Sunday before we could assemble it.

Yesterday, Collin called and said, "Hey, your picnic table is cute!".  Apparently, Lorenza went ahead and assembled it for us; a very lovely surprise!  Of course, we immediately went to the space to 'try' her on.  We done did good, ya'll.  The blue is very weathered/beachy.  And somehow we managed to match the address.  We all agree that we should probably get a couple of more tables.

My apron is about 90% complete, I still have to sew on the ends of the straps.  As you can see, I made some changes.  New strap colors, new pink pockets.  I'm very pleased with my first apron.

A lousy shot, but as you can see, the straps cross in the back:

Almost done:

This evening, we are having a little 'thing' @ the Vic. St. space.  With the new picnic table in place, it'll make loitering a lot more comfortable.  I built a cake for the occasion.  Amazingly, I managed to make a decent looking cake, but it's gonna be crunchy, I went nuts with the nonpareils.  See?

Next weekend, the American Princes are playing a 90s set -- they will be playing 120 minutes of 90s covers. [Wouldn't it be AWESOME if Dave Kendall emceed?]  I plan on dressing the part just a little.  A flannel shirt over my little dress, high top converse, and a lunchbox for a purse.  This is a for-serious AiLien outfit from '92.  Maybe I should seek out some Manic Panic and go all the way!  

I'm a little sad that Monday is nigh upon us.  But, there are things to look forward to:  Getting to see the B-52s & Eclipse Glasses @ Riverfest, the A.P. 90s show, three-day weekend, the Buffalo River float trip (in June) and Gonerfest in Memphis (in September).  The Clean are headlining!  

I'm so pleased because me, Keiko & Heather held our very first craft night last night. We didn't just talk about it for a year, we made it happen! Our first project? Aprons! I won't say that my apron is badass, but...it's pretty badass. First of all, we didn't have a pattern; we totally drew and cut it out freehand style. Secondly, me & Heather have never touched a sewing machine; Keiko has used one before, but not much. (This automatically made her the "pro" of the lot.) Considering all of that plus the fact that we don't really sew, well, see for yourself:

I still need to add the neck strap, ties & pocket. Cute though, right? When we're done done, I'll see if they will let me post them here to show off. Next project is pillows! I'm going to search high/low for pillow patterns that look like sushi. Or a bowl of pho, heh.


Another project completed:


Collin is playing somewhere in the Argenta Art Walk this eve. I've got too much to do and all I want to do is work on the picnic table while the rain is away. It's supposed to return tomorrow, so I'm anxious to get it halfway completed. Too, I'd like to finish my apron.

Enjoy yourself.

Collin performing at Satellite Cafe on 9 May 2009:

I nearly cried early this morning when I was awakened by the thunder and rain. It just will not go away! I'm frustrated because we can't work on Vic. St. space until it stops.

Yesterday, even though it was gray, the rain did hold off long enough for us to go to Flatside & marvel.

Not even halfway up:

At the moss line:

At the top!  We were in a cloud, so visibility was limited.  I regret not taking more photos of the valley.:

Nice face, AMD.



We needed a jump:

Feelin' restless.