The Elysian Fields

(with a lithp)

Yeth, that'th right! I'm Thor! =)

The moving of dragonflypug went smoothly. Arms and legs didn't turn into Jell-O and the back didn't start hollering and moaning and groaning until most of the truck (a 24 footer) was unloaded. In fact, I think they waited until the last four or so items were left. Of course, the last two items were a love seat and a couch... oy!

I didn't get the manufacturer of the couch, but I may ask Deb to ask dragonflypug. These things were absolutely the lightest bits of furniture I've ever had the pleasure to move, and I mean that with all due respect and not any of the sarcasm that generally springs up during a move. My brother-in-law's couch, on the other hand, is the heaviest one. I am sure, at it's core, it is filled with heavy metals. This set probably has helium inside it. Seriously. You know U-Haul's "Mom's Attic"? aequitaslevitas and I hauled the loveseat down from there without any strain whatsoever. I had pretty much tossed it up there, and, if it weren't for the bulk, probably could have done it myself.

Rachel helped out, too ~ her first time helping us with a move (other than our own, although she was only about five or so for that one!) While we were loading up, her job was Pug Patrol ~ she kept Ike in line (or vicey versa), but she ran a lot of stuff inside for the unloading.

~ ~ ~

In other news patrixa and my brother made it back home safe and sound.

Busy weekend.

In short: Friday, hosted a couple of bikers. Saturday, invented music. Sunday, moved mountains. Monday, cookout!

My brother and one of his brothers stopped by on their way across the country. Talked a bit, ate some food from Trainers Inn, and looked at their route. They spent Saturday night with my grandmother, and were in the Smokey Mountains for Sunday night. I expect there somewhere between there and Phoenix at the moment.

The Lefty Valdez Funk University Band had a practice session on Saturday and new & existing tunes were worked on, and a brand-spanking new tune was created.

Sunday, Justin and I relocated some two thousand pounds (conservatively estimated) of books from the garage to the cellar. Lots of other stuff went downstairs or upstairs or moved horizontally to make it all happen. My guitar rack was de-spidered and set up and still sounds as great - and, unfortunately, as unreliable - as ever.

With some research, we discovered M-Audio keyboards. They have a couple of exceptional instruments, and, conveniently, they're reasonably priced. Justin's saving for them, and I've added them to his wish list. I was guiding him towards their simpler semi-weighted digital piano, but as soon as he heard the vibes and strings on the hammer-weighted model he made up his mind. The 61-key MIDI controller would be a later addition that, when paired with a computer (a laptop, most likely), would give him exceptional capabilities for a variety of sounds.

Monday, we enjoyed the company of noone234, kk1raven, thefrogger, my future sister-in-law-in-law 1jadedhart & my brother-in-law, my niece, my father-in-law, and one of our neighbors. Food was simple fare - burgers, hot dogs, sausage with built-in onions and peppers, grilled corn - along with some homemade salsa from noone234, lemon cake from kk1raven (we officially gave her permission to try some other kind of cake for next time, provided she also brings the lemon cake! =) thefrogger brought some truffles that went over very well, and our next-door neighbor made some spinach dip that was very good.

After the meal, the Lefty Valdez Band set up on the Front Porch Stage and played through the portions of tunes we know. We did a little bit of work, extending noone234's bass parts in The Kraken and Sorrow's End. We also worked a bit on getting Rachel a clarinet part for Breezy. Justin and I both caught our nicknames on our first session - indeed, I haven't played the right-handed-bass-strung-lefty since then, so Lefty doesn't directly apply. I suppose it's still funny, considering I'm the only Righty in the household (Mr. B. is still Undecided.) Valdez referred to the vast quantities of valve oil needed for the trumpet - which is now in the shop and will hopefully not apply in the future. Yesterday, we coined names for the other two band members. Rachel's nickname came up from her occasional blasts from the clarinet - usually when she's frustrated, but sometimes by accident as well. She is now Squeaky, a name which Mr. B delights in calling her over. And over. thefrogger actually suggested noone234's name when he mentioned a flub - thus, we now feature Flubber on alto sax, electric bass, and - someday soon - C sax.

Yeah, my little brother is now a year older than he was yesterday. =)

He doesn't read this (unless our mom points it out to him), so I'll have to try to get a hold of him tonight between work and celebration.