Marine Life

6

2009-06-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

It's a miracle: today she turns 6. Is this beautifuul, polite, wise, funny, strange child really my daughter? I am the world's luckiest woman.

Lew

2009-06-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

We bid a loving farewell to Lew this week. Thanks for everything, you ol' jackrabbit. I'll bet you had a lot of fun!

Girls are Mighty Handy

2009-04-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

She didn't buy a WORD of this. Good girl.

Spring Shearing

2009-04-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

The girlies of Marine Life have had their lovely locks lopped off. Ah, the excitement and liberation! A celebration ensued at our favorite brunchy spot were we savored delish food and yummy drinks. It was that simple.

Date Night!

2009-04-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Behold, a rare view of Papa M and Rock Mama on a date! While Rosebud visited the grands, the grown ups stayed up late to help Jungle J celebrate her birthday. Hooray for date night! Thanks to Bethala for grabbing this happy image.

Shoes

2009-04-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Why do children try on their parent's shoes? Because they're here to replace us!

New Band....Again!

2009-03-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Pointy ladies with Dan way back there.

Julia and Alex rock pointy-style.

What's old is new again and much more rocking. Goodbye Tancho and hello Pointy Birds! Here's a wee look at our debut show.

For Her Fans...

2009-03-04T22:16:00.001-08:00

A lovely current view of the dear Rosebud.

Inky

2009-03-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a little birthday gift from Rock Mama to herself (specifically, to her left forearm). Is it a flower? Is it a snowflake? Rock Mama is a Wisconsin girl, so it's both, all four seasons in one pretty design.

Grandma E

2009-02-17T05:27:00.000-08:00

Goodbye, Grandma Elinor.

01-20-2009

2009-01-20T11:50:00.001-08:00

Summer Flashback

2009-01-19T16:02:00.001-08:00

Here's one of my favorite photos of Rosebud from last summer.

Recovery Report

2009-01-14T21:59:00.001-08:00

Rosebud is recovering nicely from her procedure and is getting a bit closer to normal every day.

44 Whole Years!

2009-01-13T16:54:00.001-08:00

Happy birthday to my dear friend Judge Pete Friendly! We played music together for 15 years; can you believe it?? Now we listen to music together and pal around. He is family.

One Whole Year!

2009-01-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

Happiest first birthday to Jackaboo, son of my dear Fancy! And Happy Birthing Day to the proud mama.

Horn

2009-01-11T16:49:00.001-08:00

Nothing says Wisconsin like an antler chandelier.

Buh-Bye, 'Noids

2009-01-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

The sweet Rosebud has had much trouble getting air through her head these past few months, and it was discovered that she had enlarged adenoids. The cool Dr. Coop recommended an adenoidectomy, so that's what was on our dance card on Friday. It just wouldn't be January if we didn't have surgery scheduled, now, would it??

The 'Bud was a superstar throughout the whole process, and remained brave and cheery. How often does a girl get to wear boots with her jammies, anyway?

The surgey staff let us goof around with medical accessories to keep ourselves amused before the procedure. We took full advantage and it made having to get up at a beastly hour a bit easier to handle.

Of course, the whole family took part in the fun-having. Note Rosebud's fuzzy reindeer, whose name is Comfort. The nurses nearly melted when she told them that.

This was the hard part, and I'm happy to say it was relatively brief. The surgery went just as planned, the evil tissue is long gone, and we bundled her on home before lunchtime. It's been a weekend of hibernation, rest and recovery ( though Papa M was orderd out of the house last night to hear some live music and drink a few White Russians). Today Rosebud made a sign to wear around her neck, upon which she wrote "I am OK." And she is looking forward to going back to school tomorrow. Sigh of relief.

Another Stumper

2009-01-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

Rosebud recently asked me this, "Who was the first one ever borned?"

Anyone.....anyone?

New Year...

2009-01-04T16:33:00.000-08:00

...new hair!

Cool Yule

2008-12-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

We had a good holiday, thanks very much to family, friends, the Zar's extraordinary annual Christmas mix cd, several bottles of HeBrew, lefse, and, my favorite holiday element, having a few days off to spend exclusively with Rosebud and Papa M.

Our Xmas tree as interpreted by Papa M.

No mistletoe necessary for couply holiday exhuberance.

Presents are very popular with her.

NEW UNNERPANTS! He's also holding his brand! new! Stereolab laundry bag.

Snow shoveling on Christmas Day can be more fun than you think.

Blatant holiday horseplay.

We hope you had a lovely holiday/winter break/Solstice/coupla days off!

Blizzard Wonderland

2008-12-23T05:04:00.000-08:00

You may have heard that Mother Nature has been having a HILARIOUS time tossing down inch after inch of snow on our fair state. And who can begrudge her the fun, really? Even longtime 'Sconnies are all meow-meow-bitch-bitch-I-hate-Winter after all these years. It's pretty ridiculous. I'm sad for such folks that they cannot revel in the wearing of big, fur hats and cool boots. I must say, however, that I hope Ma Nature gives us enough of a break to let us travel to see our families for the holiday.

I do believe we've had nearly two feet of frozen fun so far. Rosebud, though she loves school, still cheers on snow days.

This used to be our car. Maybe you remember it.

Papa M has become a local hero for his magnificent battling of the elements with these mighty weapons.

SnowBud

My Loves

2008-12-15T19:53:00.001-08:00

These are my current favorite photos of my beloveds. There are new faves every few days, it seems.

One of the best things about this photo is that Papa M is wearing Rosebud's necklace for some reason.

This is the guy that I fell for within the first few moments of meeting him. Is it any wonder I married him? I should say not.

Question of the Week

2008-12-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

The other day Rosebud asked me, "Mama, what comes after blue?" Anyone...?

Glorious News

2008-12-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

Sir Loin has been getting BUSY! My long-time friend and first-ever bandmate is going to be a Papa!

Festy

2008-12-06T19:03:00.001-08:00

We got another beautiful, fluffy layer of snow, which cast an inescapable festive sense upon us. Now we're thinking about the upcoming family-and-friends-love holiday and have embraced it!

It was decided that this year we would get our first-ever REAL holiday tree. While I love our wee, lime green glitter tree, I was very excited at the idea of the pine-scented reality. We hit the urban evergreen forest where Rosebud fell in love with a white pine.

Piney was transformed in our livingroom with sparkly, colored lights and ornaments collected over the years. The highlights of the latter include spray-painted music cassettes from the Pregnant Christmas, which read "Happy holidays 2002 from Papa M, Rockmama, and ???", a vintage, metal treble clef, and a tinfoil angel that has miraculously survived since Papa M's childhood.

The whole family is feeling pretty festive. Rosebud expresses her happiness in no uncertain terms.

Happy December!!!!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-06T07:56:00.001-08:00

Holiday season kicked off in the Marine Living Space with a delicious four-day weekend full of giving thanks, family, long-lost friends, a MamaPapa date and feasting. Much good living was savored.

Jenryan left Alaska to visit us! She brought a moosie for Rosebud and a chocolate Grizzly Bar for we, the parents. Jenryan and Papa M have been friends for many a year, so her return was like a family reunion.

We had a traditional, intimate dinner with Amazing Grace in R10 (Grandpa Dave was in the woods with his buddies, as usual), and were so busy being familyish that few photos were snapped. Rosebud was spotted in front of the house playing in the hedge.

Our girl had such a great time with Grandma Amazing Grace that we left her there. Papa M and Rock Mama luxuriated in one another's company and had a soothing two-day date spent sleeping late, thrifting, going for drives, watching 'Weeds', and snuggling.

This is the view from our table when we went a-brunching at our favorite neighborhood bar. Though the place used to be blue with smoke and stinky with spilled libations, it's kept its charm and offered up some daytime vegetarian benedict and mimosas.

After fetching Rosebud, we connected with our long-lost dear Lady T at her brother's holiday brunch. It was another happy reunion! She is a unique beast, a wonderful writer and my own personal Zsa Zsa, and was missed by all very much.

Oh my. The brunch was divinity itself. Thank you, Andre! We're now well-fortified to continue holiday season.

It Snew

2008-12-05T05:41:00.000-08:00

The snow looks really beautiful to me. I am not in the majority around here in that thinking, but all the better for me! This lovely little oasis is a brief jaunt from Marineland. Viva la teeny city.

Stay tuned for a Thanksgiving weekend flashback, coming soon (if I can comandeer some sit-on-my-butt time)!

One Year

2008-12-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

We've been missing this guy for a year now. I'm thinking about him (and her) today with love, happiness, and sadness.

T'is True

2008-12-03T07:24:00.001-08:00

Hey, You!

2008-11-27T16:52:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU! You know how great it is to have you in our lives. Thank you very much. XOXOXOX

Silly Walks a la Marine

2008-11-26T10:45:00.000-08:00

Apparently, all the hours that Papa M logged watching Monty Python have paid off. It seems that Rosebud has inherited, without encouragement, the compulsion to perform silly walks at any given moment. Earlier this week she emerged from her bedroom in the morning doing The Narwhal down the hall. She was also seen doing The Mosey on her way to class. Delightful.

The 'Bud

2008-11-25T09:56:00.001-08:00

Rosebud informed us yesterday that she knows everything. This was pretty cute for a minute.

70 Years of Mom!

2008-11-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

Loving birthday wishes go to the beautiful woman who birthed me. Amazing Grace, you make the world a better place every day.

Super Schoolgirl

2008-11-14T12:42:00.001-08:00

Who is the happiest kindergatener EVER? You got it, t'is the beloved Rosebudly. Behold her first ever school picture. She did a magnificent job in smiling for the camera (even though I hear they no longer give the kids their own little, black, plastic comb). It's probably very easy for the 'Bud to look this happy because she loves school.

School apparently loves her back, which Papa M and Rock Mama discovered at our first-ever parent/teacher conference. We really got to sit in the tiny kindergarten-size chairs, which was very fun for some reason. Ms. Y confirmed that our one and only is doing wonderfully in school and loves to learn. She also told us that Rosebud is a kind and bright friend to the other children and loves to try new things. We're so proud and so lucky, we can hardly stand it. Thank the stars for this glorious girl.

Surprise Visit!

2008-11-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

Look who it is! Our dear friend Fun Uncle John, fresh from his home Fort Comfortable The Bronx (in Brooklyn), appeared suddenly at our door last weekend. The Marine environment is always very happy to welcome him in.

We went to the local sandwich shop for some delicious food. During dinner I gazed in awe at F.U.J.'s notebook artwork, which we still have.

Rosebud, who is a big fan of the fun uncle, gets a lift home. Come again soon, F. U. J! We heart you!

Back to Election Day

2008-11-07T15:30:00.001-08:00

We are still amazed. After the anxiety, the waiting, the yapping, the weeping for joy, and the thoughts of departed friends, we now have so much more hope.

Halloween Adult-Style

2008-11-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

Flashback to Halloween! We had a blast doing what we do: dressing up and hearing live music. Let's have a look...

The "Kinks" appeared to play their best songs ever.

Rock Mama and thee! actual! Ray! Davies!

Bless the fun-havers at our own rock club.

Rock Mama and The Dude.

Squinty Pete, Stevie Nicks and Country Dan!

VOTE

2008-11-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

For the love of Pete (and your country and yourself), be sure to VOTE today, especially if you're a blue person voting for a black man in the White House.

Halloween Kid-Style

2008-11-02T13:56:00.001-08:00

And so the festivities begin! We get into our fancy duds and launch our trick or treating four days before actual Halloween. Rock Mama winged it on her costume; one kid gave her the big stink-eye. Yeesh!

We have learned that if one is young and cute enough, one can trick or treat anywhere and everywhere, especially if that wee charming person is dressed as a mythical creature. Halloween was a blast this year! Behold the cuteness and sugar-coated joy:

Trick or treating at the library didn't turn up much candy, but there werre pencils aplenty.

We live in a college town, so why not trick or treat at the dorms?! The students know where the fun is fer sure.

Pretend animals unite! The Runicorn pals around with Bucky.

Rockmama and the Rosebud sort out the loot. This is merely the tip of the candy-berg.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-01T18:18:00.001-07:00

The first step to Halloween preparedness is a visit to the vast pumpkin patch and choosing exceptional Jack-o-lantern material. We joined our friends on a cold day, tromped around the very muddy fields, drank apple cider, pet the horses, and had an autumnal blast.

Rosebud and Double May mull over whether it's a keeper or a smasher.

Luckily, we found a couple of keepers.

Rockmama and Rosebud poking around the boneyard.

Out standing in her field (of many fine pumpkins).

After School

2008-10-30T05:44:00.001-07:00

School is exciting for Rosebud and sets her eager, hungry brain into action. Learn and play, learn and play!!!! She comes home and collapses into a smart, nappy heap, and I get to wake her up upon my return from work. We love school.

Midwestern Autumn

2008-10-23T16:40:00.001-07:00

This is what it looks like here. The colors are overwhelmingly vivid and gorgeous. I feel like I need to absorb them and store them up for the wintery white days that will come very soon.

Rosebud

2008-10-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

I've obviously fallen woefully behind in posting the story of Marine life, so please allow me to appease you by sharing these gorgeous shots of the thriving schoolkid Rosebud (lovingly taken by Papa M).

Summer Flower

2008-09-18T09:24:00.001-07:00

I think that Papa M's flowers are getting ready to say good-bye to summer. After this weekend I'm willing to do the same.

RIP DFW

2008-09-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

I heard just yesterday about the suicide of Dav1d F. Wallace. This makes me sad.

TCOTW-Pick Axe Blonde Ale

2008-09-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

Tanch0, the band in which I have the pleasure of bassing and yowling, is fast becoming a canned beer band. According to a brewmaster at this week's featured brewery, “In terms of packaging, the can is better in almost every way. It’s kinder to the environment, it’s more convenient, and most importantly, it’s better for the beer. Basically, it’s a fist-sized keg.”Our weekly tastings happen in the course of rehearsals and luckily, all four of us enjoy exploring new and various hoppy delights. This gives me a great opportunity to share with you the Tanch0 Can of the Week (which may not be a weekly installment).

This week's can was chosen by Zero, who easily admits that the choice was based on artwork alone. He said the pick axe girl reminded him of yours truly (must be the big, uh, braids). It was a fine Pick Axe Blonde Ale brewed by Keweenaw Brewing Company in Houghton, Michigan. This is a light, super-drinkable ale, probably best enjoyed on warm days, but good when you want something just flavorful enough that won't kick you in the head. Definitely malty, just a bit hoppy. Excellent band rehearsal beer! We each enjoyed two cans and hit each note throughout the evening.

After School

2008-09-12T14:30:00.001-07:00

La la la, home from school. Perhaps a visit to the local liquor store/playground/family bosom is in order.....

Nothing like a cold can of faux lemonade while chatting with Teena and Conrad, then....

...Bam! Out cold after long hours of filling the eager little brain with kindergarten knowledge.

School Report: The Second Week

2008-09-12T13:34:00.001-07:00

Kindergarten is going beautifully for our little Rosebud. I can't believe how quickly we've all become accustomed to such a stunning change in our lives. Our girl learned within the first few days of early rising to hit the snooze bar on her alarm clock and dive back under the blankets (clearly, she's her mama's daughter). Overall, she's great about rising and eventually shining, eating breakfast while watching S1d the Sc1ence K1d, because, according to herself, she's outgrown Sesame Street. She crashes hard after school and welcomes a nap on the livingroom futon just about every day. I come home from work and wake her up with loud smooches on her ear. Then she tells me all about her day. So far I've learned that Eli picked on her, Dustin missed his mom so Rosebud comforted him, and Wolfie is very cute. And she brings us artwork! I'll keep you posted on School Life for the next 13 years or so.

Welcome Back!

2008-09-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

My dear, sweet friend Buddycakes and his family have moved back from Dublin and are once again nestled in the bosom of their local family! It is a blessing to have my dears near. Welcome back, darlin's.

Wee baby Freya, the image of her papa.

Buddycakes and his babycakes.

Mrs. Buddycakes and Rock Mama have a yack.

Brass Blast

2008-09-11T11:22:00.001-07:00

Apparently, there was a lot of brass band action last weekend. We were very pleased to join this group of fine, fun-loving and talented fellas as they celebrated 15 years together as our city's quintessential brass band. We spent all of Sunday relishing happy music, free spaghetti and lots of sunshine in their honor. Ah, just another day in Paradise, basking in the joy of the life we have here.

School Begins: The Rosebud Report

2008-09-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Rosebud? The transition from little girl to school kid was seamless. She's a natural and school couldn't have come too soon. Papa M and Rock Mama are bursting with pride (between bouts of personal weirdness). The days ahead are crazy and exciting!

Rosebud pow-wows with her teacher Mrs. Y.

Rosebud comforts Rock Mama in the schoolyard.

First day stroll to school.

Rosebud and Claudia Le Kitty wave good-bye.

School Begins: The Mother Report

2008-09-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

The mother seems to have survived the one and only child's transition to School Kid, after Second Day Ever of studies is completed. The expected level of Mother's recovery is indeterminate, though we remain optimistic as long as the current regime of comfort food & drink is not interrupted. Our basic report follows.

Total number of weepy breakdowns: 4 (and counting), the first of which occuring during a family viewing of Wall E, culminating in a grand display upon depositing the child in her classroom and stepping slowly away from the building.

Comfort items ingested during 24 hour period prior to beginning of school year: 1 bottle of Bell's Oberon (during aforementioned viewing of Wall E), 1 bottle of Sprecher Abbey Triple, 1 boiled egg, warm rotini with salt, 2 cocktails (Milagro Tequila and apple juice), 3 slices of pizza (previously frozen), 1/4 oz. of Rescue Remedy (essence of clematis, impatiens, cherry plum, star of Bethlehem, & rock rose mixed with brandy and water).

Both mother and child are doing well. Especially the child. The child is, in fact, FABULOUS. Report on child to follow (possibly later today if the child bothers to call her poor mother during mother's work hours). Photos will be included (images may include weeping mother).

Report on Father expected within 5 business days.

Rosebud Milestone

2008-08-29T22:22:00.001-07:00

Our girl, our one and only, starts school on Tuesday. Oh, my...

More New Hair

2008-08-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the current Big Girl theme around here, the lovely Rosebud paid her first visit to a salon to have her first Real Haircut. Such an exciting event! Rock Mama nicked away from work to witness the specialness, as Rosebud thoroughly enjoyed her first time in the snippy chair at the hands (and scissors) of superstar Gen. Oh! the delight!
Mama stays close as her girl prepares her transition to Big Kidhood.

Gen works her magic on yet another Marine.

The golden strands of the past.

After-the-salon shot of Rosebud and neighbor Eliza tending to the gardening. Such a beautiful kid!

New Hair

2008-08-18T17:03:00.001-07:00

I got new hair!!!

Aunt Onette!

2008-08-15T17:55:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago we had the immense pleasure of a visit from our dear friend Aunt Onette! She and Rock Mama have maintained effortlessly a strong music mama and sisterly connection for lo, these past 15 years since they were roomies in the local palacial digs formerly occupied by the Haus Frau and the Chef. My goodness, the staying power of such friendships is a beautiful thing! I enjoyed being on vicarious vacation (though I WAS the one going to work every day), as we shared meals, libations, friends, delicious conversation, musical duets and my family. Oh Aunt Onette, do come back soon!

The lovely lady with the fabulous green hat of summer '08.

Rosebud sharpens her guitar skills with Auntie.

Hungry mothers are very attentive to the child with fries.

At the end of our trip, she waves good-bye as I get weepy (of course) in the airport car park. SMOOCH!

Kind of Anniversary

2008-08-11T05:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the anniversary of the fateful and auspicious yard sale where Rock Mama and Papa M crossed paths for the first time. Mama was a goner instantly and Papa was very soon to follow. Six years later, we're still honeymoonin'!

Zero Worship

2008-08-11T05:05:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday (one day late) to my dear pal and bandmate Zero! May his new year be filled with mountains of blue jello and canned beer (and pretty ladies)!

B*Side Surprise

2008-08-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

I went to one of my two favorite local indie record stores yesterday to look for a sonic treat for myself. I was VERY surprised when my former bandmate directed me to a new release which included a song featuring bass and vocals by ME (and at least two other former bandies). This was recorded on a lark about 5 years ago, and we NJ folk are in fine company on this compilation:

http://www.firerecords.com/site/index.php?page=release&releaseid=00000000300

Oh, PLEEEEEEASE!

2008-08-08T05:05:00.000-07:00

During the past few days I've heard about 100 times more than wanted or needed about Bert Ferver and sports and which team and WHO CARES!? The only good thing to come out of this manly soap opera is that it inspired my friend Kel and her brother to have football jerseys made for themselves that display the sentiment "We'll never forget you, Brent.".

The 'Dozer

2008-08-06T10:01:00.001-07:00

The bad news is that my band TT will soon be on hiatus. The good news is the reason for said hiatus is our dear drummer Hobs's former band is reuniting for a tour in the coming months. This will be good news to many a rocker. While chatting about it at rehearsal, Hobs noted, "We're a nostalgia band. Kind of like Sha Na Na."

Shutterbuglet Goes Artsy

2008-08-06T04:52:00.000-07:00

More photography from Rosebud. I don't know how she does it, but she does. Wow.

Weekend of Nonstop Fun: Sunday

2008-08-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, patient friends, it has indeed been weeks since the Weekend of Nonstop Fun actually occured, and I am finally wrapping it up on ye ol' blog. I may not be punctual, but I guess it is indeed better to be living la vida bueno than sitting around writing about it.

My last installment features the famed and notorious SSP! You know, the fine potluck for middle-aged rockers, such as yours truly and pals. Wow, what an evening, which went beyond the wildest imaginings of me and my dear co-conspirator Biffers. We called; they came in mighty droves. Hundreds (literally) of rockers, fans, friends and fiends came bearing food, photos and artifacts from the rocking days of yore. There were three picnic tables loaded with food, and there was enough beer (two kegs of WI's finest!) and Blue Sky sody to float a battleship. There was a photographic rock and roll heaven to honor those who've passed. Amalgamations of musicians created band reunions and the music had to end way too early. As Feeny said, it was a great experiment and I say it was an inspiration as well. If you hear someone wishing out loud, don't be afraid to wonder, "Hmmm. We could really do that, couldn't we?"

Below are some great visual tidbits from the evening. For more photos, go here: www.photobucket.com/seniorscenesterpotluck
The door to Merlyn's!!

Viva the Tar Bab1es!

Lisa Double and Biffers reappear in an old photo.

Tip of the foodberg.

A buncha G0mers, a coupla Feenys.

Andy and Blunt incognito.

Weekend of Nonstop Fun: Saturday

2008-07-28T09:33:00.001-07:00

Yes, my friends, it IS possible for a hootenanny to take place in one's backyard. In our case, our back yard is a parking lot and our dear in-house likker store thought it a fine place to celebrate their Grand Re-Uncorking. All hail to the beloved wine haven/beer carnival/think tank/playhouse we know as the Cork Und Bottle! The 25 years of wonderfulness were celebrated in traditional Midwest style with beer (Central Waters Weiss)! food! AND music! All of that included a child's-portion side of face-painting, puppet theater, and hula-hooping, all fueled by a half barrel of root beer. Sa-weeet.

Greg & Dave get high & lonesome.

Weekend of Nonstop Fun: Friday

2008-07-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Miss Heather says, "Howdy!"

Yes, there really are pillow-strewn, powder blue banquettes on which to lounge while enjoying good company (see above) and sensible imbibing.

How about some shuffleboard whilst watching the Cartoon Channel?

Papa M reflects upon his luscious, shaggy locks.

Finally, I have a few moments to document our weekend of nonstop fun, which began with our dear Miss Baker's Inheritance Sale. The sad news is that we fogot to take photos, but it is certainly worthy of mention nonetheless. Miss Baker attaches emotional weight and meaning to inanimate objects (a notion to which Rockmama is no stranger) and therefore has accumulated piles of STUFF. In a liberating show of disipline, Miss Baker decided to have a mighty yard sale and sold her beloved stuff on the condition that each new owner must hear the story of the object being purchased. I became the very fortunate owner of a pair of red cowgirl boots with gold stitching that had been worn once by Miss Baker as a part of a Hee Haw girl Halloween costume.

As documented in the images above, we celebrated my acquisition by going to Rosebud's favorite bar to visit Miss Heather and have a cool drink(including the world's best kiddie cocktail for our good-looking daughter). This lounge is now one of my favorite relaxing joints!

Aqua Maid

2008-07-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am a bit behind in our summer story, as Marine Life has been nonstop fun for several weeks now. To tide you over until I can post photos of The Weekend of Nonstop Fun (last weekend), please enjoy Aqua Maid Rosebud at Grandma Ninna's luxury pool.

Librarian's Special Day

2008-07-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again: damn, I'm glad she was born.

This photo was taken by Haus Frau (who is very patient with me) during Slumber Party '08 weekend.

FIVE!

2008-06-25T05:51:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrate the five fastest, most amazing and blessed years of our lives, which is her life. Happy Big Girl birthday to Rosebud!!!

Shutterbuglet

2008-06-20T05:00:00.001-07:00

We discovered a new talent in Rosebud whilst dining at the local delicious sandwich shop last weekend. When Papa M and I stepped away from the table to retrieve the lunch, our darling daughter made quick and fascinating use of the camera that was left within her reach. Please enjoy her first photographic series (especially the selfportrait!).

Happy Birthday, Papa M!

2008-06-18T05:20:00.001-07:00

I really must yet again heartily, humbly, gloriously thank his parents for making him. Huzzah for the day he was born!!!

Happy Fathers Day!

2008-06-15T10:17:00.001-07:00

How 'bout that guy in the teeny orange hat? He is the man who ca meinto my life (still, to my amazement) and with me created the most fascinating, delightfully weird, beautiful child I know. Blessings, both of them! Today we're celebrating Papa M with new coffee cups, a CD, pictures drawn in magenta marker, a lunch of deluxe Mildred's food, and ample time for him to indulge in his music-listening pleasures. Happy Fathers Day to the man I love!

New Rule

2008-06-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Red shoes go with EVERYTHING.

The Floods

2008-06-10T05:23:00.001-07:00

Forces of nature can be frightening, especially when the power of them creeps up to one's front door. Dig if you will the view out our front window showing the fancy car place across the street be-sludged in mud and rain. When Papa M went to retrieve Rosebud from my parents, he found that the rain was trying to swallow the roads. One of the regional lakes actually busted out of itself and drained yesterday. Yeeshh. Too much.

Home Again

2008-06-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

After a rolicking weekend in St. Paul, MN that included tearing around Minnehaha Park in a surrey, Kim Bitter and I loaded our gear into the Bittermobile and hydroplaned home in smacking rainstorms, with lightning cracking the sky in a spectacular, scary way. We arrived alive and I was soon warm at home, tucked next to Papa M. I glanced out the window into the stormy eve and saw a guy walking past our home in the rain with his enormous wolfhound, wearing nothing but a loincloth and a Viking helmet (the guy, not the dog). "Ah yes, "I thought, "It's summertime in Madison."

I always hate to leave St. Paul. I'm always happy to get home.

Birthday Month

2008-06-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to start planning birthday celebrations for both Papa M and Rosebud, my June babe and baby. Yesterday I asked Rosebud what she was going to get Papa for his birthday gift and she replied thoughtfully, "I don't know. Something manly."

Presenting Tanchox2!

2008-06-03T20:59:00.001-07:00

In the growing tradition of opening (and closing) local rock clubs, my NEW band made our debut at the NEW venue last weekend. We are Tanch0 Tanch0, and let's just call the club The Freq for short. I'm quite honored to have broken the figurative champagne bottle on this one, as the look and, more importantly, the feel of the place is already full of soul and goodness. One can tell after all these years, so long may the Freq reign.

Zero and Alex

Tanch0*soundchecks! Alex blinks. Zero thinks. Rockmama gasps. Hobs is looking at YOU, baby.

Sweet Baby Enzo

2008-05-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

Ah, the little North Carolinian love is finally here. He's a beauty, isn't he???

RIP Uncle Joe

2008-05-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here's to my Uncle Joe, favorite brother of Amazing Grace, who helped to see him out of the world. (clink!) He made famous this exchange:

Hostess at a restaurant about to seat Uncle Joe & Family: "Smoking or non-smoking?"

Uncle Joe, looking her right in the eye: "Ehhhh...whaddaya mean?"

Chicken Teeth

2008-05-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Brilliance from Papa M:

Sweet Alice

2008-05-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

Such a sweet little Missus.

Holes in Me Head

2008-05-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

I had all of my wisdom teeth (and a baby canine for good measure) pulled a couple of days ago. My devoted husband was in the recovery room, camera in hand. My good sportsyness is probably largely due to painkillers. I look forward to my return to planet Earth, and solid food.

The 'Monkey

2008-05-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

It would seem that while I'm slaving away at work, demanding to be taken to L!berace's jacket, Rosebud and her pal Lulu are hitting their fave lounge The Jade M0nkey for kiddie cocktail happy hour. Their favey bartendress Miss Heather makes the best kiddie cocktails in town with SECRET INGREDIENT pomegranite juice! She also accepts payment in artwork from the under 5 set. Does it get any better than that? I think not.

As the ladies relaxed, Papa M sipped his sody pop and got this dreamy photo of the 'Monkey. He is a very patient man with a creative eye. Or maybe that's exactly what the place looks like?

The Jacket!

2008-04-29T05:28:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I see historical photographic treasures at my job on a daily basis. It's wonderful and I am lucky. Last week I caught wind of a workplace rumor that another treasure had arrived to the building and was locked away safely in the depths of the labrynthine basement. I demanded to be taken to the jacket of L!berace !! That's L!berace of West Allis, WI to you. And so I was taken to it, camera in hand. It was rolled out on a table like a body and glittered in all its magnificence. How could it not, with 7 lbs of rhinestones and sequins? He wore this in the photo that appeared on the cover of the biography that his creepy boyfriend (who kept getting plastic surgery to look more & more like his main man) published a year after Libby's death. This jacket was no mere showpiece, I can vouch for that. He wore it, and man, could he sweat!

Yap Yap Yap

2008-04-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

You! Keep it down! She's TRYING to talk on the PHONE!

Mucho Relaxo

2008-04-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

I've gotta hand it to Rosebud; the kid knows how to relax.

The Hairs

2008-04-17T11:28:00.001-07:00

Three years ago, when he left his job, I was put in charge of Papa M's hair. Back then it was barely hair, more of a horse-muzzle fuzz. As you all know, I did next to nothing, letting his luscious locks grow long and free. I though that perhaps it was time for a trim, so I made an appointment for him with my stylist Gen and sent him off. He got to sit a totally hot barber's chair (see flames below) where he requested a trim of about 4 inches of his beautiful hair.

He returned home with this very handsome, frisky haircut (see Miss Heather above).

You're Soaking In It!

2008-04-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

It appears that our name is now a dishwashing liquid scent. Is YOURS?

Five

2008-04-14T19:34:00.001-07:00

This is what I looked like exactly five years ago today.

Happy Haus Frau Day!

2008-04-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Happiest birthday to our one and only Haus Frau, the super, shining Ktel of our lives! May her day be as vibrant as her everyday life, may the everyday nothings be in abundance, and may she feel very loved.

(A special thanks to the Librarian for helping with math.)

RIP Cosmo

2008-04-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."--Dr. Seuss

Last week the light went out on a truly unique man, and this week we said a very tearful goodbye. Cosmo was at home in his favorite chair listening to music when he slipped away. Not a bad way to go, and he deserved everything good. State Street has been so quiet without his boistrous "Buhhuhuhuh!!" laugh, so still without his happy, skeletal stride. He was an empath (thank you, Ed Breakfast), a schizophrenic bon vivant, a lambie, a fucking rock star.

I think about him riding his bike through the Pharmacy, smiling like Christmas morning when he asked for a match and I gave him the whole book, him blasting down the sidewalk in his courtin' clothes, and how good I felt every time he said, "I love you, baby." Some people were scared of him, but tons of folks around here loved him. Here's a good link for those people especially, but for everyone reading this: www.cosmodimadison.blogspot.com.
We hear you, Cos. I love you, baby.

Astonishing

2008-04-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

This just in from Rosebud the Wonder Child....

48 Years

2008-04-09T22:32:00.001-07:00

As of today, The King and Amazing Grace have been married for 48 years. They still love each other, and better yet, they still really, really like each other. I just celebrated my first wedding anniversary, so they pretty much have me in awe. Thanks for getting married, Mom and Dad.

Special Day!

2008-04-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to Sir Loin, my good friend and former musical coconspirator! May his new year be this much fun.

Proxy

2008-04-08T05:14:00.000-07:00

In an effort to catch you up on Marine life, I'll attempt to post a few stories this week that are a bit overdue for blogland. Let us begin with the baby shower! The conundrum: impending Mama Deenie, who is an original member of the local Ladies Salon, has moved to North Carolina where she is about to birth her first and very special child. The rest of the Salon remains in Madison and wants to celebrate the wee one with a baby shower. The resolution: we have the baby party here, plan to call her mid-celebration to let her know how much fun we're having, then pack up all the gifts and mail Deenie a shower-in-a-box. Brilliant!

And so the inspired gathering commenced one Sunday afternoon. It was a humble crowd of 4, Thuy, the Future Novelist, Dre, and yours truly, though we tucked into a tabletop of enough food for all guests invited, including those who couldn't make it. Dre's 4 year old son Thunderball borrowed my camera and took a photo of his bed, which he clarified is on the floor so he doesn't tumble off anymore. The delicious array of food included slices of fresh, crunchy jicama sprinkle with fresh lime juice and a dusting of chili powder--YUM. As expected, Thuy, having recently purchased a case of wine on a whim, brought a nice bottle (or two). We couldn't reach Deenie via phone and ended up having a lovely hanging-out time until I received a somewhat panicky call from Papa M. Rosebud's cold was escalating and she needed a trip to Urgent Care. An exciting end to a wonderful baby-bration! The 'Bud enjoyed her star mask and was fixed up straight away with the proper meds, which were very helpful. The Deenie baby is due in mere weeks and will be surrounded by local love (and onesies and nursing pillow and bibs...). The moral of this story is that if you want to give a party for someone you love who is not near you, don't let distance stop you.

April 2nd

2008-04-02T05:32:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so yesterday's post was kind of a joke. Heh heh....

Happy spring!

Fascinating Facts a la Rock Mama

2008-04-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

I was pretty amazed to learn that penguins can actually fly. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrxmpihCjqw

And also, did you know that the word "gullible" isn't even in the dictionary?

XOXOXO

The First

2008-03-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Today is the first anniversary of the wedding of Papa M and the world's happiest, most amazed (still) bride. I have a cold and look like a horse, so our special dinner date has been postponed, yet I am still so happy I can hardly believe it.

X!

2008-03-23T20:32:00.001-07:00

Oh, my! After some recent talk about revisiting the music of our favorite rock geezers, I must say that X, I allow you the passage of time! It seemed as though the set, with it's two encores, was about ten mintues long, so absorbed in the music was I. Every song was my favorite. They performed beautifully, brilliantly and looked like they were having a good ton o' fun. John and Exene still reign with best! harmonies!ever! Exene's argyle stockings were icing on the rock legend cake. Billy Zoom, though mildly creepy in his agedness, is still grinning and playing with effortless powah. They were genuine. They were still one of us. I, an official senior scenester, do indeed grant this band the passage of time.

I must commend my friend Dammitz for taking the B&W photos posted here, while I grabbed the pitiful, tiny color shot of Exene and Mr. Zoom. Wow. I finally saw X!

X

2008-03-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight I'm going out with all the other local old people to hear X. The closest I've ever gotten to this was when I saw The Knitters. Billy Zoom is the charm and I can't wait!

The Back Burner

2008-03-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

(Thank you, Haus Frau)

As Johnny Cash said, I don't like it, but I guess things happen that way. Many of you know that I've been playing music as the head mamacita of MaeR*e aka briefly the Wrong W+ys for a big lotta years now (I think about six). On Feb. 26 we played what may have been our last show together. We can't stand to say that we're breaking up, so the band is officially "on the back burner". That keeps an opening for possibilities, which I like. Meanwhile, I will really miss making good music with Ed, Patrick, Peter and Steve, and will miss being in their company so regularly. No bad blood runs between us and we're all a bit sad, but I believe it's wise to know when a good thing has come to an end. Viva rock and love to my band mates who are my dear friends!