I got very bad news yesterday. It occurred to me that I hadn't heard from my cyber-pal, Jonathan Versen, lately and I went into his Facebook page. The first thing I saw was the picture of an eye with a tear in it. I knew what that meant and reading comments, I learned he had died on May 3. A "guestbook" from a funeral home in San Antonio was linked and a number of people had written their condolences. I tried to bring up his obituary, but was unable. I called the funeral home and was told there was no obituary. I asked the woman who answered if she could put me in touch with someone in Jon's family and gave her my number. Five minutes later, a women named "Nebila" called. This is Jon's aunt, with whom he lived. We talked for some time and she told me Jon had driven to the parking lot of the college from which he had graduated and taken his own life by gun. She also told me he had no siblings, but many friends and many books.
Jon had a political/current events blog called "Dead Horse," although he hadn't written in it for almost a year. I contributed an essay or two at his invitation. So did others, including another kindred spirit named Rob Payne. He also maintained for a time a blog called "Hugo Zoom," in which he wrote about movies, music, and so on.
On Facebook, I wrote Jon a private message a few months ago and he responded that he was at loose ends and unhappy at losing his job--I think he had been in computers--and felt useless. His aunt told me he was being treated for depression, an old, sad story for suicides, I'm afraid.
I never saw Jon or actually spoke to him, but we were friends. He was a pacifist and wrote so well and clearly on topics in which I am interested. He was of Arabic descent--Syrian, maybe--and once he wrote a piece about his late mother and posted a picture of her. She was quite beautiful and she had a beautiful son who didn't deserve to die in a parking lot with blood on the window. Jon was 49. What a loss and what a shame.
http://deadhorse1995.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Music Program
Susan and I walked with umbrellas, although we escaped the cold, drizzly rain that started later. Picked up Aline at 1:00 and drove to Buckalew's on LBI. We both had chili and salad (and I a Blue Moon*)--very tasty.
The music program wasn't until 4:00, so we had plenty of time after lunch for a drive to the southern end of the island. There's still a lot of work to be done in removing sand and repairing homes. Went to the church a bit early and sat down. The singers were rehearsing at the altar and when they finished, Brent (my son-in-law's brother), a member of The Capital Singers, saw us and came down to give me a hug.
The program was magnificent! It included mostly religious, but some secular selections, sung by The Capital Singers and The Trenton Singers combined. Aline was pleased to see listed a selection in Hebrew by Leonard Bernstein. I noticed a frumpy and dumpy middle-aged woman in the group and thought little of it--until she stepped forward to sing Amazing Grace solo. It was so beautiful I cried.
Aline, who is a music lover and knows a lot about it, enjoyed it immensely, and so did I. After, we drove down to the northern end of the island, just to see the ocean. Miserable as the weather was, though, the water was calm.
When we got back, A. stopped in and I gave her a script for Telephone. I had cast her in the psychiatrist role and we read a bit of it. Took her home, talked to Ellen on Skype, and that was my day.
* Usually, I don't bother to check the bill when I go out to eat; just look at the total to calculate the tip. I did yesterday, though, and was shocked to see the charge for the beer: $6.50! Good grief, that's almost the price of a six-pack and you could get a whole lunch for that amount! Think I'll go for iced tea from now on.
The music program wasn't until 4:00, so we had plenty of time after lunch for a drive to the southern end of the island. There's still a lot of work to be done in removing sand and repairing homes. Went to the church a bit early and sat down. The singers were rehearsing at the altar and when they finished, Brent (my son-in-law's brother), a member of The Capital Singers, saw us and came down to give me a hug.
The program was magnificent! It included mostly religious, but some secular selections, sung by The Capital Singers and The Trenton Singers combined. Aline was pleased to see listed a selection in Hebrew by Leonard Bernstein. I noticed a frumpy and dumpy middle-aged woman in the group and thought little of it--until she stepped forward to sing Amazing Grace solo. It was so beautiful I cried.
Aline, who is a music lover and knows a lot about it, enjoyed it immensely, and so did I. After, we drove down to the northern end of the island, just to see the ocean. Miserable as the weather was, though, the water was calm.
When we got back, A. stopped in and I gave her a script for Telephone. I had cast her in the psychiatrist role and we read a bit of it. Took her home, talked to Ellen on Skype, and that was my day.
* Usually, I don't bother to check the bill when I go out to eat; just look at the total to calculate the tip. I did yesterday, though, and was shocked to see the charge for the beer: $6.50! Good grief, that's almost the price of a six-pack and you could get a whole lunch for that amount! Think I'll go for iced tea from now on.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Players & Playwrights
Got to P. & P. under lowering skies, and they lowered all day. Leader John was recuperating from Lasik surgery, so the meeting was run by Denise. We discussed who would take over when J. leaves in July for Arizona State, but at this point, there are no takers. Ed S. e-mailed that he wouldn't be able to participate on June 15--darn--and was withdrawing his play--double darn. I had cast him as the devil in my Hell On Wheels--triple darn. However, John called Denise during the meeting and through her, I asked him to take over the role; he accepted.
We then read through the plays we'll do at Dante Hall. I was cast as Laura in Grey's play, which is partially done in rhyme. I have a strong suspicion that he got the idea after hearing my Hell, wholly in rhyming couplets. Annoying, but there's nothing I can do about it.
After the meeting, Louise and I went with Bobbi to see Shalom House, where she lives. She offered to have us rehearse in the meeting room there and I'm taking her up on it. It's pretty nice and the meeting room is adequate. Now I have to figure out how to schedule two rehearsals at times when everybody can come.
Louise and I then went to Italian Gourmet for dinner. We both had salmon, which was okay, but I didn't think it was up to their usual standards. Maybe that's because I often cook it at home and always buy fresh; I think this had been frozen. We had a nice talk, though, and it was a pleasant evening.
I had sent granddaughter-in-law Noelle a picture of a wicker table I thought they could use and she wants it, so will bring it up over Memorial Day.
We then read through the plays we'll do at Dante Hall. I was cast as Laura in Grey's play, which is partially done in rhyme. I have a strong suspicion that he got the idea after hearing my Hell, wholly in rhyming couplets. Annoying, but there's nothing I can do about it.
After the meeting, Louise and I went with Bobbi to see Shalom House, where she lives. She offered to have us rehearse in the meeting room there and I'm taking her up on it. It's pretty nice and the meeting room is adequate. Now I have to figure out how to schedule two rehearsals at times when everybody can come.
Louise and I then went to Italian Gourmet for dinner. We both had salmon, which was okay, but I didn't think it was up to their usual standards. Maybe that's because I often cook it at home and always buy fresh; I think this had been frozen. We had a nice talk, though, and it was a pleasant evening.
I had sent granddaughter-in-law Noelle a picture of a wicker table I thought they could use and she wants it, so will bring it up over Memorial Day.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Hydrangeas And Other
I wanted to look for a jacket at Boscov's, so made a lunch date to meet Betty there. Started out several hours early to stop at Produce Junction first.
Boy, it was mobbed! I wasn't surprised, as they have a huge array of plants and flowers and their prices are simply rock bottom. I was blown away by their huge, wonderfully showy hydrangeas and bought two of them, as well as some pretty New Guinea inpatients. Think I'll go back today--I have Players & Playwrights in Ventnor at 1:00--as there are plenty more I'll like to get.
Not, however, including the azaleas I wanted to put on Pat's grave. I stopped at the cemetery office and was told I couldn't, as I already have an azalea on either side and, it seems, two is the limit. I'm debating whether to appeal to the board of trustees or owners, or whomever, or just skip it. I was pleased to see the Gerber daisies I had put on Jay's grave were still there; watered them and went on my way.
At Boscov's, I was pleased to see they had a large selection of jackets, and I bought one. I also bought two bathing suits--didn't try them on, but was assured they were returnable, if tags and guards are not removed.
Waited for Betty at Boscov's entrance, where chairs are thoughtfully provided, and and who should walk in but Connie H. She sat down and we chatted--lucky them, she and Tom are going to France thanks to a house exchange situation. Betty came in fifteen minutes or so, and we went to TGIFriday's for lunch.
We had a leisurely one with sisterly conversation, then parted. I stopped at Marge's to return her charge card and receipt, as I had exchanged some items at Kohl's for her.
Went to the Laundromat to wash, then dry my king-sized spread, which I always remove from my bed when spring comes.
Revised and printed out the two plays of mine selected for our June 15 show, then had leftover salad with chicken for dinner.
A good, active, productive day.
Boy, it was mobbed! I wasn't surprised, as they have a huge array of plants and flowers and their prices are simply rock bottom. I was blown away by their huge, wonderfully showy hydrangeas and bought two of them, as well as some pretty New Guinea inpatients. Think I'll go back today--I have Players & Playwrights in Ventnor at 1:00--as there are plenty more I'll like to get.
Not, however, including the azaleas I wanted to put on Pat's grave. I stopped at the cemetery office and was told I couldn't, as I already have an azalea on either side and, it seems, two is the limit. I'm debating whether to appeal to the board of trustees or owners, or whomever, or just skip it. I was pleased to see the Gerber daisies I had put on Jay's grave were still there; watered them and went on my way.
At Boscov's, I was pleased to see they had a large selection of jackets, and I bought one. I also bought two bathing suits--didn't try them on, but was assured they were returnable, if tags and guards are not removed.
Waited for Betty at Boscov's entrance, where chairs are thoughtfully provided, and and who should walk in but Connie H. She sat down and we chatted--lucky them, she and Tom are going to France thanks to a house exchange situation. Betty came in fifteen minutes or so, and we went to TGIFriday's for lunch.
We had a leisurely one with sisterly conversation, then parted. I stopped at Marge's to return her charge card and receipt, as I had exchanged some items at Kohl's for her.
Went to the Laundromat to wash, then dry my king-sized spread, which I always remove from my bed when spring comes.
Revised and printed out the two plays of mine selected for our June 15 show, then had leftover salad with chicken for dinner.
A good, active, productive day.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Breakfast And The Military
Anne Mary took Susan and me to breakfast at Dockside yesterday, as a thank-you for helping her after she broke her hip. She's doing well; uses a cane, but is pretty good on her feet. I had scrambled eggs and scrapple, Susan bacon and eggs, and A.M. one egg and one-half piece of toast. She's emaciated, as she has been for seven or eight years because she rarely eats.
We were there for an hour and a half and I endured an excruciatingly boring conversation that centered around dogs--they're both animal lovers--with some cat and bird mixed in. They also vied with each other as to whose kitchen is cleanest, a contest I didn't enter. I guess Susan won, calling hers "sterile." That kind of thing always makes me want to say I eat baked beans after they drop on the floor. I refrained, however, stoic that I am. When I ordered my eggs soft--I usually tell them "slimy, you might say"--they both looked at me as if I had expressed a yen for fried baby.
Oh, I'm in a mood, I guess. It was so refreshing to be with grownups yesterday--Aline and Louise--who can use a few choice curse words instead of silly euphemisms.
Drove to Kohl's to return Marge's items and have her card credited. I had intended to look for a spring jacket, but just didn't feel like it. After I got home, I talked to Betty, then actually bestirred myself to pull weeds out front and tidy up a little. Looks better.
Called and had a long, good talk with my dear "Cincinnati Sis," my cousin, Marifran K. She has some medical stuff coming up and I hope it goes well.
Made plans to go up to Wellsboro over the Memorial Day weekend. Looking forward to seeing my sweet boys again.
WIDER: "By making a few subtle changes to a regulation in the U.S. Code titled “Defense Support of Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies” the military has quietly granted itself the ability to police the streets without obtaining prior local or state consent, upending a precedent that has been in place for more than two centuries."
That's from this truly horrific article that should raise a loud alarm in everyone's minds, but surely won't penetrate the marble skulls of most Murky-kins:
http://www.longislandpress.com/2013/05/14/u-s-military-power-grab-goes-into-effect/
We were there for an hour and a half and I endured an excruciatingly boring conversation that centered around dogs--they're both animal lovers--with some cat and bird mixed in. They also vied with each other as to whose kitchen is cleanest, a contest I didn't enter. I guess Susan won, calling hers "sterile." That kind of thing always makes me want to say I eat baked beans after they drop on the floor. I refrained, however, stoic that I am. When I ordered my eggs soft--I usually tell them "slimy, you might say"--they both looked at me as if I had expressed a yen for fried baby.
Oh, I'm in a mood, I guess. It was so refreshing to be with grownups yesterday--Aline and Louise--who can use a few choice curse words instead of silly euphemisms.
Drove to Kohl's to return Marge's items and have her card credited. I had intended to look for a spring jacket, but just didn't feel like it. After I got home, I talked to Betty, then actually bestirred myself to pull weeds out front and tidy up a little. Looks better.
Called and had a long, good talk with my dear "Cincinnati Sis," my cousin, Marifran K. She has some medical stuff coming up and I hope it goes well.
Made plans to go up to Wellsboro over the Memorial Day weekend. Looking forward to seeing my sweet boys again.
WIDER: "By making a few subtle changes to a regulation in the U.S. Code titled “Defense Support of Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies” the military has quietly granted itself the ability to police the streets without obtaining prior local or state consent, upending a precedent that has been in place for more than two centuries."
That's from this truly horrific article that should raise a loud alarm in everyone's minds, but surely won't penetrate the marble skulls of most Murky-kins:
http://www.longislandpress.com/2013/05/14/u-s-military-power-grab-goes-into-effect/
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Lunch, Louise, And LBI
It turned out to be a delightful day, although it didn't go exactly as planned. I picked Aline up at 10:30 and we chatted at my place while waiting for Louise S. Louise's doctor's appointment lasted longer than she thought it would, so she wasn't able to get here until after 12:00. We left for Manahawkin almost immediately, but Aline had to be at work at 1:15 and by the time we got there--.
Aline suggested we go on to Long Beach Island for lunch and just drop her off to pick up a yogurt, then she'd walk the half-block to the library. We did, but not before--happily--Louise accepted our invitation to accompany us to see The Boyfriend at Surflight on June 2. L. and I went to Buckalew's and had a satisfying lunch, along with an even more satisfying "getting to know you" conversation.
It's such fun to exchange experiences with Louise. She's a bright, articulate person who, as virtually all of us do, has had variations of light and shade in her life. After a leisurely lunch, we drove down the island to Holgate, noting the mounds and mountains of sand still covering so much of the place.
Home, Louise came in for an hour or so and we continued talking--naturally, what else? I showed her around the house, then we said goodbye. I'm looking forward to seeing her again at Players & Playwrights on Saturday.
Earlier, I talked to dear friend, Marge D., to tell her I had been going over the old scripts from the drama club and had found the original of Tootie! I was so excited, as it isn't on this machine and I remembered how hysterically funny it is. I thought it had been lost forever.
After I said goodbye to Louise, I sat down to read it and realized it was a great undiscovered masterpiece that not only will wow 'em at P & P, but should probably be staged at Surflight at the very least and I wouldn't be surprised if it's Broadway bound with just a little light--.
NOT! Boy, it really stinks, which goes to show--well, something in the wishful thinking category, I guess. Possibly, the premise could be reworked and expanded, but it sure isn't the laugh riot I thought it was. No matter, now I know, and I'll just put it in the "dead, but not mourned" file.
Aline suggested we go on to Long Beach Island for lunch and just drop her off to pick up a yogurt, then she'd walk the half-block to the library. We did, but not before--happily--Louise accepted our invitation to accompany us to see The Boyfriend at Surflight on June 2. L. and I went to Buckalew's and had a satisfying lunch, along with an even more satisfying "getting to know you" conversation.
It's such fun to exchange experiences with Louise. She's a bright, articulate person who, as virtually all of us do, has had variations of light and shade in her life. After a leisurely lunch, we drove down the island to Holgate, noting the mounds and mountains of sand still covering so much of the place.
Home, Louise came in for an hour or so and we continued talking--naturally, what else? I showed her around the house, then we said goodbye. I'm looking forward to seeing her again at Players & Playwrights on Saturday.
Earlier, I talked to dear friend, Marge D., to tell her I had been going over the old scripts from the drama club and had found the original of Tootie! I was so excited, as it isn't on this machine and I remembered how hysterically funny it is. I thought it had been lost forever.
After I said goodbye to Louise, I sat down to read it and realized it was a great undiscovered masterpiece that not only will wow 'em at P & P, but should probably be staged at Surflight at the very least and I wouldn't be surprised if it's Broadway bound with just a little light--.
NOT! Boy, it really stinks, which goes to show--well, something in the wishful thinking category, I guess. Possibly, the premise could be reworked and expanded, but it sure isn't the laugh riot I thought it was. No matter, now I know, and I'll just put it in the "dead, but not mourned" file.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Various
It was deemed too chilly to go to Wheaton Village yesterday, so we in The Red Hat Sparklers (ugh!) just lunched at ScoJoe's. I had a fried oyster sandwich sans the sandwich, which was pretty good.
Got a l-o-o-n-n-g and strange phone call from strange Rachel about the Ad Hoc Players and I'm still not sure what she was talking about. I'm beginning to think I should jettison this group as not worth the aggravation.
Cleaned a bit because I'm expecting Aline and Louise today. I wish A. hadn't accepted extra hours at the library, as she starts at 1:30 and that won't give us time to do anything except have lunch. Think I'll suggest we go to the Chinese place near there. L. won't be able to get here until "11-ish," as she said, so it will be much earlier than I prefer to eat, but it can't be helped.
Finally got the antique prints for my nephews packaged and sent, and the takeout menus to the woman in Michigan. Talked to Betty, pulled a few weeds, and that was it.
Got a l-o-o-n-n-g and strange phone call from strange Rachel about the Ad Hoc Players and I'm still not sure what she was talking about. I'm beginning to think I should jettison this group as not worth the aggravation.
Cleaned a bit because I'm expecting Aline and Louise today. I wish A. hadn't accepted extra hours at the library, as she starts at 1:30 and that won't give us time to do anything except have lunch. Think I'll suggest we go to the Chinese place near there. L. won't be able to get here until "11-ish," as she said, so it will be much earlier than I prefer to eat, but it can't be helped.
Finally got the antique prints for my nephews packaged and sent, and the takeout menus to the woman in Michigan. Talked to Betty, pulled a few weeds, and that was it.
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