1956

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956#Events
Here is a few highlights:

June 29: Marilyn Monroe marries playwright Arthur Miller
July 4: The Ant Farm was invented at a picnic
August 17: West Germany bans the communist party
April 19: Grace Kelly marries the Prince Rainier III of Monaco
Feb. 26: Elvis enters the American music charts with Heartbreak Hotel

Born this year: Joe Montana, Tom Hanks, Judy Davis

Died this year: Alfred Kinsey, Bela Lugosi, A. A. Milne

50 Years

This is my lovely grandparents on their wedding day. This year they celebrate 50 years of marriage. Can you imagine? I can hardly imagine being alive for 50 years, not to mention married!! What does it take to be married that long? I am guessing they will say a good sense of humor, but I will ask them and report back. Last night, they had a celebration in their retirement park for all the 50 year anniversaries. There were 8 couples celebrating. They also have another party for the 60 year couples. It's just amazing to me that these are annual events at their park. Every year they have a party to celebrate the people who are nuts enough about each other to stick it out for 50 and 60 years.

We will go visit them in Arizona this Friday for 10 days. 80 degrees, sunny in the desert. Grapefruit growing in the backyard and water aerobics every morning!

Music High

I am currently addicted to the Wailing Jennys. The album is called 40 days and it is the sweetest. For anyone who cared.

My parents are here for the weekend to visit. It's nice to have them.

Hold on for next week's adventure to the land of the exotic snowbirds!

Colder than Cold

Only in Wisconsin and maybe Minnesota could it be 53 degrees on Tuesday and now minus 5 (windchill -10) on Friday. That's just too much for a body to handle. I am about to venture out into the cold to a dance party at a friend's house, a few blocks away. I think people weren't really built for this weather. I plan to bundle up and wear boots and even despite my preparation, I will likely swear and complain about it most of the way there. I just can't let cold like this pass by easily. Not that cursing at it makes one feel any warmer. Even the warmest thoughts I can conjure can't touch how cold it is. Sunbathing in Mexico, saunas in Germany, hot springs in Colorado....all the places I would rather be. Remind me why I live here????

Snow and more Snow

Snow Day here!! I bundled up to shovel and take pictures. Everyone was out and about...I saw a many people cross country skiing down the street. That was the only sensible way to be out and about. As a personal rule, I don't get in a car on days like this. I don't need to go anywhere I can't walk to. We have over 12 inches and it's still snowing.

Sweet Days

Sunday we took the day to drive out into the country and head to Devil's Lake. That is such a sweet, sweet place. Carved out by glacial ice so long ago, it remains untouched in a way. It was just us and the ice fishermen. We ran across the frozen lake and I only fell once, banging my knee hard. It's OK now. Nice to get out of town once and awhile.
On Highway 12 is the famous Dr. Evermore. Drive through and you will discover the inner workings of a madman genius. His sculptures are both eloquent and big pieces of junk to be appreciated.

The Snow Bird

Soon we will journey to the land of the exotic snowbird, Arizona. Flocks of these rare birds gather by the dozen around swimming pools and shuffleboard tables in the desert each year. They are known to have youthful qualities, some possessing the ability to hike many miles in the desert despite being an ancient species. They do strange dances with each other, the polka, daily water aerobics. The "I just got a new knee" walk is particularly characteristic of many of these snowbirds.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more reports on these rare birds.

Internet boredom

I'm bored. Sitting on my computer attempting to be entertained by the internet. This is what I've found.

Celebrity Mugshots are always funny.

Check out Noel Bush, she was just trying to get something for the pain of being the niece to our dear president! Too bad her daddy Jeb couldn't write her a real prescription.

Even Bill Gates has a mug shot! I'm starting to feel left out!

Where I ate lunch today. I had a burger. It was quite tasty.

A Madison favorite has hit the road for a tour. The Kissers are touring Texas and New Orleans!

Now, onto something funny. Cats have hilarious antics. Maybe you prefer dancing dogs...??

There in my garden!

There was a virgin siting in my backyard! Isn't she lovely? She is so inspiring for my garden. She looks as if she is willing the flowers to grow (which they are!). It's cold again now here, so winter is the season, for now. And the flowers will have to wait.

Slipper Club

Every Thursday night at the Slipper Club (just off the square) is the Caberet show worth seeing. Everything about it is infectious, the crowd, the band, the singing...What a fun show. Everytime I go, I wonder, why don't I do this more often?? It was started by Joy Dragland, a stunning performer who has moved onto bigger and brighter things in NYC. We miss her dearly here in Madison.





This is the only thing you should know before you go:
Sing with me!! (it helps if you sway with the music)
I love this song. Que Sera Sera....

When I was just a little girl
I asked my mother
What will I be
Will I be pretty
Will I be rich
Here's what she said to me
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
When I grew up and fell in loveI asked my sweetheart
What lies ahead
Will we have rainbowsDay after day
Here's what my sweetheart saidQue sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to seeQue sera, sera
What will be, will be
Now I have Children of my own
They ask their mother
What will I be
Will I be handsome
Will I be richI tell them tenderly
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que sera, sera
What will be, will be
Que Sera, Sera
This song was written for Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 re-make Of his 1934 film "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Starring Doris Day & Jimmy Stewart