The Yellow Beast Is Dead

I have slain the beast. After roughly 40 years of faithfu service (7 of which were to me alone) this old monster has died it's last death. We were forced to find a nice used dryer when parts for the yellow gas dryer my grandmother bought in the early 70's were no longer available.

The worst part? I had replaced an idler just a month earlier and this thing was quieter and more powerful than ever. I guess I should rejoice at ridding the kingdom of this menace, but I can't help but be a little sad at the passing of an appliance that has been around as long as I have.

DIY

Today Emma lived the dream. Place a check next to: 'Make my own pizza at dad's restaurant' cause that's exactly what she did. After going to great lenghts to preserve food safety, Emma was able 'pat' her pizza flat, sauce, cheese, and top her pizza with her choice of ingredients. She did a darn good job too.

Emma deserved a little fun for being forced to go to the store while dad caught up on paperwork and such. I am continually amazed at what an adorable, well behaved kid I have. I am a truly blessed man. I have hoped to never utter the words "I hope your children turn out like you so you can see what you're like to live with." Now I think a greater wish for my child may not exist than to be granted happy, healthy, well behaved children just like her..
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Don't Tell The Chairman

I have long believed - and have recently confirmed the belief - that every song is better when sung by Nat King Cole. With the exception of "Paper Moon" (for which I find James Taylor to be the superior troubadour) any song performed by another major jazz artist from the 50's and 60's is performed better by Mr. Cole.

Case in point: "Mona Lisa." Cole enters the song just a half beat ahead of time, but that subtle nuance immediately tells me that something grander is in store, something special awaits. Nathaniel Cole was a wonderful vocalist, but more so he was a brilliant musician. Listening to" The King" is an experience to be absorbed and I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the experience.

So whether you've left you heart in San Francisco, are having a pizza pie or are just somewhere beyond the sea, remember that "Ol' Blue Eye's" may be "The Chairman of The Board" but Nat Cole is still "King."

P.S. I need to figure out who his guitarist is, because that guy can play a steel guitar like nobody's business.

Life Will Never Be The Same

Emma went to her first day of (pre) school Wednesday, Sept 3.. She was more than happy to hop off to three days a week with Mrs. "K" and as she did, Dad had one of those life changing moments where he could see his daughter's life in the blink of an eye, her future through a looking glass and was amazed at the journey he was on.