Vodka Logic

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:59:00 +0000

I have worked hard the last two summers getting my gardens back in order so I thought I would share some pictures with you all. Most of the plants are smallish and will, hopefully, get bigger and better over the years.

My dad's old boots

These Lady Slippers found their way in my yard on their own. :)

Bleeding Heart, you can literally watch them grow.

As you can see we have been working hard to clean up this rock garden.

A new addition to the rock garden.

Hiding in the rock garden.

Hello

I hope you enjoyed the pictures... how is your Spring?

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday...Crazy Passengers

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:15:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago the kids and I were off to the Natick Mall to do some serious shopping when the weirdest thing happened. I have been around a few years and been on a million highways and been in a few thousand traffic jams but this particular afternoon took the cake. My daughter was driving, as usual, on a sunny afternoon when all of a sudden the traffic came to a screeching halt. We would move a few feet and then stop. This went on for a some minutes without incident when we noticed the car in front of us was acting peculiar. Well it wasn't the car but the woman in the passenger seat.

Apparently some sort of disagreement had happened between the car in front of us, a beat up model of some sort, and the nice Toyota beside them. We were in the center lane of three and the Toyota was in the "slow" lane. There must have been a verbal exchange going on between the two cars and the lady in front of us was NOT happy. She was so unhappy in fact that she started to get out of her car....yes get out of her car. At this point the cars were going more than stopping, albeit at a slow rate, but she was actually trying to get out of the car. The man driving was doing his best to drive and grab the lady so she wouldn't get out. I can only imagine the verbal exchange..... probably not for delicate ears.

My daughter slowed down even more so as not to run over the woman should she manage to get completely out of the car. That's all we needed. This woman, who looked like she hadn't missed too many meals, and could take down a grizzly bear, finally stayed in the car and we continued without tragedy.

I have no idea what the issue was between the cars was but was certainly glad we escaped with out incident. We did find out the reason for the delay, two cars must have collided, as one was on the center strip and one was facing the wrong way in the breakdown lane. No one looked injured, which was good. What could have been a disastrous day turned out uneventful.

We did have a great day of shopping and returned home in one piece.

So what's been bothering you?

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:46:00 +0000

The Doctors

I hope everyone had a great Easter. Mine was nice and relaxing. We decorated eggs on Saturday evening and on Sunday had an Easter buffet at a local restaurant. It was very yummy and best of all no clean up.

Enjoy our nerdy Easter Eggs with a Doctor Who theme.

Setting up

My Doctor Who ~~enthusiast~~ obsessed daughter

Extra points to those who can identify any of the characters.. hint they are the ~~bad guys~~ aliens.

The Good guys and companions!

The eggs I made myself!!

How was your Easter?

Foto Finish Friday.

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 06:39:00 +0000

The best cheese ever. Who knew, truffles in cheese .. yum yum

Yep that is what I paid for it. See above... best cheese ever.

Enjoy on "petite toast"

You're welcome!

Concert Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:49:00 +0000

source

I have posted my concert list before and here it is again, updated. I am so excited to be adding a few new names to the list this summer. Best of all I was able to get tickets to see Keane at the House of Blues. I have seen them three times before but always at a bigger venue. To see them at the House of Blues will be amazing. Bring on June.

Elton John July 4, 1976 (the Bicentennial for those too young to remember )
Again in the 80's
Micheal Murphy
Dave Mason
David Bowie
The Kinks
Marshall Tucker Band
Jonathan Edwards (anyone remember The Shanty Song)
Sting
Hewey Lewis and the News
Phil Collins (not sure if with Genesis or solo)
Jethro Tull
Some reggae bands.
Pink Floyd without Roger Waters
Steely Dan
Robbie Williams (in Mexico City)
The Virgins
Jet
Snow Patrol
O.K. Go
Silver Sun Pickups
Roger Waters
Keane
Rocco Deluca and the Burden
James Morrison
Panic at the Disco
Hush Sound
Motion City Soundtrack
Stereophonics... the best gig to date :D
People in Planes
I Nine
Pat Monahan
Jason Mraz
Bushwalla
The Make Peace Brothers
Everclear
Ryan Adams
Oasis :D
Serena Ryder
Eric Hutchinson
Keane
Mat Kearney
Helio Sequence
The Bravery
Green Day
Rob Thomas
Eddie Izzard
Train
Russell Brand
Lady GaGa
Green Day
Jimmy Fallon
Keane
Fran Healy of Travis fame
Ingrid Michelson
Green Day
Say Anything
Motion City Soundtrack
Elton John
Leon Russell.
Jeff Beck
Augustana
The Main
Train
Maroon 5
Motion City Soundtrack
Foo Fighters
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Beady Eye
American Idiot [the musical]

Queued up for this spring/summer 2012

NEEDTOBREATHE
Ben Rector

The All American Rejects

Eric Hutchinson

James Morrison!!

Keane

Wish list:
Foo Fighters.. were amazing
Robbie Williams... need to save my money for Europe

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday...with a Happy Ending

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:20:00 +0000

I haven't done a Justifiable Homicide post in ages and this week seems to have given me several topics to post about. I will save some for another day but this one was very irritating and actually had a pleasant outcome.

Just some background before I ~~bore~~ give you the details. We have two cars in our family. My husband has his car and I have mine. Thing is we need at least three. I know it sounds greedy but the older the children get the busier things get. Afternoons are planned with the precision of the Secret Service to get everyone where they need to be.

So this particular afternoon, the oldest had to work at 3pm and the younger had an eye appointment at 355pm. I drop one off at the mall and go to Starbucks with the other to hang out until her appointment. So far so good. We show up at the eye doctor and check in and wait...and wait...and wait. I go to the desk and ask if they have forgotten us...nope, we are next. They call us to the back and the technician does all the pre-seeing-the-doctor-stuff... you know...what line can you read, and puts the drops in to dilate her pupils. We go back to the waiting room to..... wait and wait......

I am not paying much attention until I see the office staff filing out. It is now just past 5pm. WHAT!! I go to the desk again and ask when we might see the doctor...daughter has a someplace to be at 530. There are TWO patients ahead of us. I never lost my cool but very sternly expressed my dissatisfaction. My daughter is sitting there with medicine in her eyes for NOTHING. I refused to pay my co-pay..to which they agreed and yadda yadda yadda... new appointment scheduled for this Tuesday. Two hours of our lives wasted.

The happy ending part...the next morning I got a phone call from the doctor himself, apologizing. He wanted me to know he wasn't "jerk enough to think my time was less important than his"and "it had been bothering him all night" the office is "short staffed" and "things got behind" and he was sincerely sorry for what happened. He "hoped we would give him another chance" I said we will be back on Tuesday. He was glad but wouldn't have been surprised if we left the practice. I thanked him for calling and I did appreciate it.

I have been left in the lurch by doctors before and made to wait, but I have never had one call and apologize. We have been going to this doctor for years I think he deserves another chance...even if he is a Yankees fan!

How was your day?

Signs of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:49:00 +0000

I did a quick perusal of my yard and saw some small signs of life. I was so excited I had to share them with you all.

Japanese Primrose

English Ivy

My first daffodil :-)

This is the Northeast, how is it in your neck of the woods?

The Season is Upon Us....

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:02:00 +0000

My own signed cd :)

The season of music is upon us. Summer means the concerts line up. Sure we see shows all year round it just seems as the summer approaches more more concerts are announced.

So far we have tickets to see NEEDTOBREATH with Ben Rector opening. I do like NTB ok, but I love Ben Rector. A coworker wants to go so we are tagging along.

We also have tickets to Eric Hutchinson. This will be the second time seeing him. He loves Boston since he went to college at Emerson.

Then we will be seeing All American Rejects. I have been wanting to see them for a while. So another new band for my list.

I just bought tickets to see James Morrison an English artist I saw several years ago when he was just starting out. He is still fairly unknown in the US so he will be playing a smaller club which is the best. In fact all these shows are in small clubs, my favorite place to see a singer.

Enjoy some songs from each of them.

Ben Rector - Loving You is Easy

Eric Hutchinson - Oh it's Alright

All American Rejects - It Ends Tonight

James Morrison - Undiscovered

What shows are you seeing?

Is it Spring Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Our glass sculptures

It is rainy and a bit chilly today, but it still seems like Spring is on the way. It's March it has to be here soon. I need it to be here soon.

Last summer my daughter and I worked hard cleaning up some old flower beds in front and around the house. [check out some before and after pictures] I bought and planted some new perennials and fall bulbs. I am now anxiously awaiting their rebirth this spring. Soon it will be time to poke around in the dirt looking for signs of growth. It can't come fast enough.

Let's hope they survived the winter

For me, once the forsythia and daffodils start to bloom, it is officially Spring. I will be off to the garden centers looking for new additions to the gardens.

Last summer we also made some glass sculptures. We still have pieces of glass left to create more. I have also pinned some cool ideas on Pintrest, that I hope to try out. This will involve visits to yard sales and thrift shops... I can't wait.

Some of the ideas I have "pinned" are growing carrots in pots, creative ways to plant succulents, and interesting items to use as planters. Check out my garden board [and follow me]

What are the signs of Spring for you?

When I grow up.

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 22:33:00 +0000

When I was a kid I couldn't wait to grow up and do all those things adults do. That meant, whatever I wanted. I didn't think about bills and jobs etc., just the "fun" stuff. Now that I am "grown up" I found it wasn't quite that simple. Sure I can do what I want, after the bills are paid, after I work my job and after I have taken care of the children........

There are certainly perks to being an adult, I can plan a trip, eat what I want for dinner and go to bed when I want. Sounds fun right?

What's my point you ~~might~~ wonder? Basically it isn't all that simple. Today the thought occurred to me, when am I too old to do certain things? Basically the opposite of when I was a child.

Do I get too old to stay a blond?
Can I still enjoy rock concerts [yes but will I get strange looks from the youngsters?]
Will the younger generation still want to hang out with me?
Can I still be entertained by gadgets and the newest phone?
Will celebrity crushes go away? Certainly they aren't the same as when I was younger but will I still see the adorable....
Spontaneity is a must, will it go away when the knees no longer cooperate?

I am sure there are more......what have you got?

Red Letter Day

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:15:00 +0000

Today, this Thursday,

It's a red letter day.

I'm getting a break,

In an unusual way.

Three appointments, me and the kids,

Help me, I pray.

Can't be in three places at once,

Understand? Okay?

Then to the rescue,

Guess who, can you say?

It's the husband!

He's leaving work early, today.

Tis a bit unusual as I'm home,

During the day.

He offered, I accepted,

Without a moments delay.

Maybe a treat is in order for hubs,

But I've cooked this week, out to dinner I'll pay.

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:09:00 +0000

Don't tell but....

I can cook!! I don't tell many so shhh.

It started with some homemade sauce.....

then I made the layers with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and noodles....

I may have cooked it a little too long but it wasn't full on burnt and it still tasted yummy. Some garlic bread and a delicious dinner was had by all.

Can you cook?

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:40:00 +0000

Thank you Davy Jones

I want to thank Davy Jones for the memories. Unfortunately it took his untimely death. I have been listening to a lot of 60's music since his passing. I bought a greatest hits yesterday, much to my daughters dismay. I've always thought I would have made a good hippy. I even had flowered jeans that glowed in the dark....ok back on topic.

A coworker took her phone out at work, the day he died, and set Pandora to play The Monkees. The rest of the night was a rush of memories and flashbacks. Music does that to me, fills me with thoughts of the past. Mostly good, so I enjoyed the night of nostalgia. I was constantly going to the phone to see who was singing the song. Some of the names were familiar some not. I was amazed at how many I could sing along with.

Here are some of my favorites: I hope you enjoy them like I do.

The Turtles: Happy Together... notice Tommy Smothers.. loved that show

The Tremeloes: Silence is Golden

Hermans Hermits: Mrs Brown You Have a Lovely Daughter

The Association: Windy

What are some of your favorite flashback songs?

Davy Jones vs Whitney Houston.. who do you mourn?

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:34:00 +0000

We have lost pop icons recently, Davy Jones and Whitney Houston. Both were shocks as they died too young. Who do you mourn?

Whitney has a long history of drug and alcohol abuse, and the last I read was her death was ruled accidental but drugs are believed to play a part. Does it really matter?

I was never a big Whitney Houston fan. Sure I appreciated her talent but it wasn't my "thing". She passed and my thoughts were "oh well, another wasted life." I do feel sorry for her family and friends but seems she lived a hard life and ultimately payed for the price. Flying flags at half mast was a joke to all those that do deserve such honors. I don't have a problem with all the tributes but seems Hollywood was tripping over themselves to honor her. Lots of important and meaningful people die without half the accolades. I was quite blase about the whole thing.

Davy Jones died yesterday and I feel like a part of my youth went with him. As children we loved The Monkee's tv show and all their great catchy songs. They made me laugh and what a cutie.

I did a quick perusal of the internet and found no reference to him being involved in drugs. Granted I didn't do any investigative reporting and I wouldn't be surprised if he dabbled like most in the music business. I, at least, never heard too much about Davy other than the occasional rumor of a Monkees reunion. Does this make him a better person than Whitney? I don't know. I am sure their families feel the same grief and shock.

The Monkee's Theme Song

To me, and most of my friends, his passing has had much more affect on us. Perhaps it's our age, perhaps it's our gender, I'm not sure, but Davy's passing has left me much sadder than Whitney's. Will he get the tributes that Whitney got, probably not, but my heart is sad. I will miss him...

No one can dance like Davy :-)

Scorn

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:28:00 +0000

There is nothing like a child scorned
Youth lost, innocence mourned

No longer playing, or riding a bike
But worrying about school, and what life is like.

Deeper thoughts, haunt and snake
Through the mind, through the ache.

Too young to know, time will pass
Old enough to see, pain in the glass.

Thoughts muddled, on the verge
Adult and child trying to merge.

Cross my fingers, I've already cried
Trying to help avoid the slide.

A mother's heart, it breaks in half
Longing to hear, the childish laugh.

Help is there, on our way at last
Smart enough, glad she asked.

One day at a time, let the healing begin
The work is hard, but in sight the win.

picture source

"Happy" Birthday to me!!

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:28:00 +0000

source

Today is my birthday, I'm now fifty-three.

Such a big number it seems to me.

"You're as young as you feel," so I'm told.

Tell that to my body, that feels so old.

The joints ache, so do the bones,

My knees protest and let out groans.

As hard as I try the blood pressure on the rise,

The perscriptions increase, much to my surprise.

Luckily I feel, the mind is still young,

Although a bit forgetful, especially when over hung.

The husband shakes his head, the daughters laugh,

As I stumble and forget, all chuckles at my behalf.

It's all okay, it doesn't bother me,

I go on each day, pretending I'm ~~twenty~~ ~~thirty~~ forty-three?

"Reelin' In The Years"

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:39:00 +0000

I have been lucky enough to see many concerts this year with a lot more lined up. I get notifications from the leading ticket sales companies telling me who is coming to town and I buy what I can. Steely Dan was one of these groups and when I looked at the ticket prices I decided to take a pass. I have seen them before, way back in the late 80's but they are a favorite of mine so I was disappointed to miss them. Then, to my surprise, I get an email from Steve A who blogs at Long Haired Boy, that he has two tickets he can't use. Seems his trip to Boston was cancelled. Would I like them, he wants to know? OF COURSE I would. Steve A has been a great friend, not only supporting my blog but also supporting my concert addiction. He was kind enough, before, to pass on some unusable tickets to Jeff Beck.

My husband and I headed into Boston early so get some dinner and drinks. We settled in at a bar/pub/brewery called Rock Bottom and enjoyed some appetizers. We still had time so we wandered around and explored Chinatown and the streets of the theater district. There were a lot of people out and about and the atmosphere was great. It was warm and the walk was pleasant.

Waiting to go into the Wang Theater and looking around the crowd was definitely older. Most concerts I go to I feel like I'm the oldest. It was nice to "fit in".

We bought some tee shirts, got a couple of drinks and found our seats. They were fabulous. The show started right on time. I don't remember the name of the opening band but they were ok. A jazz group that didn't leave a huge impression on me. Steely Dan however was great.

They jumped right in and played the entire The Royal Scam album [yes album, it was vinyl when I bought it the first time in 1979]. This was followed by 8 or 9 of their big hits. There were a few of those I didn't know but just a couple. I can sing along with just about all of their songs. It was a perfect night to attend since The Royal Scam is my favorite and contains my favorite Dan song The Caves of Altamira.

My husband introduced my to Steely Dan in college and it was great to share this night with him. We don't share too many bands in common but this is one of the first we bonded over in those early years of dating. [unfortunately I didn't get any good pictures]

Thank you again Steve and don't forget there is a ticket to Beady Eye for you. I hope you can make it.

Below are a few of my favorites of Steely Dan. What are yours?

The Caves of Altamira

Kid Charlemagne

Reelin' in the Years

Come on Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:12:00 +0000

I've bought the bulbs and will plant them if it ever stops raining.
Now I can't wait for spring to see the results of all my gardening over the summer!

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Foto Finish Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:38:00 +0000

I guess Fall is here. It's bittersweet for me, I love Fall but not so much the cold Winter.

These flowers and gourds are on my front step waiting for the first frost and Trick or Treaters.

Have a great weekend.

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Surprise!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:48:00 +0000

I think I just gor engaged to a clown!
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Good Byes

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:58:00 +0000

I hate good byes,

They are so hard to say.

Why is it the best,

Are so far away?

Across fields and forests,

And oceans and rivers.

The heart can travel,

The love it delivers.

In person or spirit,

The soul is accepted.

Nothing in the way,

No love interrupted.

Boats and bicycles,

Cars and planes.

Hearts are joined,

Just a hug remains.

Save the sorrow,

And think of this rhyme.

No more good byes,

Only until next time.

I took the picture this past Saturday in Boston Public Gardens.

Foto Finish Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:57:00 +0000

I love Cosmos. The flowers are pretty and the plant is interesting. I can't wait 'til next year, my garden is going to rock.
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My Favorite Lyrics

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:31:00 +0000

As a music lover my first attraction to a song is the melody. I have to like the music to get any further into a song. The lyrics come next. Not long after, but second to the music. If the music offends my ears I can't listen to the most amazing lyrics. I have had heated discussions with other music people about this. It usually ends up with an "agree to disagree" settlement.

There are certainly cases where this changes. Some songs are "growers". They take several [or many] listens to get me too like them. A few even become favorites... now of course I can't give you any examples... too many songs "out there" to remember.

Although the music is what attracts me, what keeps me is the lyrics. I love when a song really grabs me...touchs me somehow. Below I have listed some of my favorite lines. I have included links should you want to have a listen. [lines in italics are my favorite]

This is the song that prompted this post.
The Origin of Love [from Hedwig and the Angry Inch]

You had a way so familiar,
But I could not recognize,
Cause you had blood on your face;
I had blood in my eyes.
But I could swear by your expression
That the pain down in your soul
Was the same as the one down in mine.
That's the pain,
Cuts a straight line
Down through the heart;
We called it love.

Strong; Robbie Williams

You think that I'm strong you're wrong

You're wrong
I'll sing my song my song my song

Life's too short to be afraid
So take a pill to numb the pain
You don't have to take the blame

The Importance of Being Idle; Oasis

But I don't mind

As long as there's a bed beneath the stars that shine
I'll be fine, if you give me a minute, a man's got a limit,
I can't get a life if my heart's not in it, he-heah

Undiscovered; James Morrison

You think that I want to run and hide

That I keep it all locked up inside but I just want you to find me

I'm not lost; not lost, just undiscovered
And when we're alone we are all the same as each other

So Much to Say; Dave Matthews Band.

I find sometimes it's easy to be myself

Sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
......
Open up my head and let me out little baby

Everything Is Different Now; Don Henley

I dropped down and I called out to heaven
“Send me someone to love.”
And heaven shot back, “You get the love that you allow.”

That's a start. Maybe I'll make this a multi-piece blog, there are so many great lyrics.

What are your favorite lyrics?

picture source

Foto Finish Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:20:00 +0000

Who knew gardening was so "dangerous". While I have been enjoying my renewed interest in horticulture I had forgotten the perils. It is a good work out so I have had some aches and pains, especially the knee. Most of the damage however has been plant related, go figure.

I don't even know how or when this happened. We were trimming back some large evergreen bushes when I noticed the blood. My legs were also scratched up and I didn't notice those until I was showering and my skin was stinging.

This is worse than it looks. My arm is scabby, oozing and itching like mad crazy. It is poison ivy. It is the scurge of my garden and flourishes in the woods around my house. It is growing in a patch of pachysadra I was transplanting. It is driving me mad. I have bits on my other arm and a few small patches on my face... Joy.

How was your week? What is your scurge?

Happy Birthday !!!

noreply@blogger.com (Vodka Logic) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Happy 17th Birthday to my baby girl.

I love your individuality. I love your creativity. I love your stubbornness.

I love you!!

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