rajafacesbothways

Past Life

Five years ago I spent my last night in the old farmhouse I had rented from the Jordans for 5 and a half years. Papers had been signed by the new owners to take possession a couple of days after I left. (the Jordans retained 20 acres of the farm and their home and continue to live there.)

And  ironically, tonight I attended a gala party at the Jordan's home as part of Alltech's sponsorship of the WEG games next month. It was a very nostalgic experience; I felt as if I was at the wedding celebration of a lost love. I'm still impressed that I was able to have the experience of living in such a beautiful setting. And so glad I "rubbed that experience in my pores" and enjoyed it to that very last day.

I'm sure a lost love could have never pleased me as much.

 

Gift From the Desert

Have three days running as a docent for the exhibit at the Horse Park--the Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse. It is probably the most outstanding exhibition occurring in the U.S, right now, with priceless artifacts on loan from museums and collections located all over the world. When it is dispersed in mid-October all will be crated and returned to the 40 museums and private collectors. One of the most unique pieces, The Standard of Ur from the British Museum (c. 2600-2450 BCE) is insured for 30 million dollars. There are many incredible artifacts illustrating the development of the Arabian horse.

And where are its origins? The middle east, of course. And Arab culture is emphasized, including the Muslims who spread the breed throughout the world. Comments I've heard:

1. "How come everything is marked in BCE (before common era) or CE (common era)?" Some cannot accept this is now the standard of indicating dates. "Those people don't believe in Jesus Christ. That's why you changed it from the right way."

2. "Why is there is no mention of the Jews in the exhibit?" (Hmm. Did Moses ride horseback for 40 years in the desert?)

3. One docent quit because the exhibit was about heathens instead of Christians--"Those people don't believe in Jesus Christ. They cause nothing but trouble."

 Duh! It's the history of the horse, not of religions. That's why it is held at The Museum of the Horse.

Revving Up

Returned to dance class in Lexington today; I've been too busy to go into "town". In anticipation of WEG games, a lot of road work is being done--making me happy I've been too busy to go there. Taking a cue from Chicago's Cow sculptures from 1999, there are decorated horse statues on many corners.

The games are less than a month away. The anticipated crowds have been reduced from 500,000 to 300,000--still a lot of people. And wow! Lexington has also given its approval for people to drink outside in specified areas of the city. (not Georgetown though--no dead drunks throwing up on our sidewalks--so there!).

Workmen hard at work?

Still Humming

Three hummingbirds have been performing in view from dawn to dusk, darting between the feeders and sticking their beaks into the morning glories almost before my eyes. Fantastically entertaining.

When I was young, I thought "old" people who were content to just sit and watch the birds needed to get a life. Now I consider "young" people who don't take time to watch the birds, focusing instead on tiny screens, need to get a life.

The computer screen will be with me all winter--the birds will woosh off at their whim. For now, I'm for the birds.

Return of the "Bumming" Birds

Last year a renegade hummingbird visited the backyard feeders--not the most attractive hummingbird and a true loner but still a delight. This year, despite weekly fresh sugar water in two feeders, not a one appeared. The hummingbird was history--or so we thought. one feeder taken down, the other waiting to be cleaned and stored.

However Saturday two--one ruby-throated and one emerald breasted flitted in! Only a bit of syrupy sugar water remained. They treated it like bourbon on the rocks; the feeders were quickly refilled and they have been showing off ever since--maybe preparing for a flight to Peru.

A zen-like lesson? Relax. Don't anticipate things happening on your own timetable. And when you least expect it, your wishes will come true. (especially if your wishes are for the birds)

100 Years of Deep Fat Frying

Well, it didn't exactly compare to the Taste of Chicago, yet Fava's had a fine 100 year birthday celebration. The restaurant was jammed with customers and well-wishers, entertained inside by an Elvis impersonator, Outside a large grill was fired up for burgers and hot dogs with all the fixens while a male singer and a guitarist who did a decent Johnny Cash offered live entertainment.

 

 Above: Waiting for the burgers and music. A drawing for donated gifts and a Frickle eating contest added to the evening's excitement.

There will always be an Elvis Wanna-be!

Of course I had the best location---a pigeon's eye view from the rooftop.

Big Time in the Old Town Tonight

Tonight from 5-9:

1.  The main block (my block) on Main Street will be closed to parking and  traffic

2.  Music will be played in three locations, including an Elvis impersonator

3.  BBQ and Burgers will be sold on the street

4.  A drawing for donated gifts (I donated a photograph)

4.  Free Frickles

5. A Frickle eating contest

The reason for this celebration?  Favas is celebrating its 100th Anniversary!!

There is something charming about small town events like this. And I have the advantage of enjoying  it from the street and from the rooftop--the only place one can have a beer outside.

ZHC Disease

My family suffers from ZHC--aka Zany Humor Condition. Below are two examples gathered on my trip north:

This is a gate to Catman's front garden. Since the rest of the fence is non-existent, it is no wonder the Unicorns escaped.

Below is a tee shirt my nephew, Bobby-Bob designed for me. We call him Bobby-Bob to distinguish from his Dad, another brother, who is just plain Bob.

Harvest Time

Since returning, I've been cooking up all the veggies I brought back from Catman's garden--eggplant tartines, BLTs. green beans with peppers, onions, garlic, potatoes and cherry tomatoes tossed with olive oil and basil--the combinations are endless. And I've only been back one day!

Catman's garden

Intensive Training

Feel like I've completed a week of intensive training, including driving through a tremendous rainstorm late afternoon yesterday, with only a vague idea of where I was going, determined to get to the 70th birthday party for a longtime friend. Judy was once a neighbor in the Cleveland area, we both landed in Chicago suburbs when she took a job with United, and I lived with her for over a year during my divorce dislocation.

Great party thrown by her son and daughter; I had once photoed their weddings in Ohio and Stanford, CA. Also attending was our other roomie, Kathy, who now owns a nearby farm in Amish country. We were referred to as the Golden Girls (tho we called ourselves two sluts and a widow) Also saw United Airline friends whom I had traveled with to Thailand and Italy.

Leaving for the land of Dixie tomorrow morning. My Virgo brother, Catman, may never recover.