The first Liam rollover of each year occurs on a sunny day. The grass has soaked up some warmth. Birds are chirping and darting in and out of the trees. Squirrels teasing. Liam likes that ambiance. The setting is always the back yard safely fenced and framed by foliage. I know when he is going to do the roll. He stands still for a few
seconds turns to look at me and then goes for it. I am camera ready whenever we go
outside. Liam seized his day last Thursday. Have used the word "rollover" in describing
Liam's grassy play. However, this year I became familiar with Adele
and fell for her song "Rolling in the Deep" As I watched Liam I thought that is what Liam was
doing. Rolling in the Deep. And what does that title phrase mean in the song? I researched and found a link with comments- one meaning hers I think-a slang phrase "roll deep"-someone has your back-you are never unprotected- if you ever
get into trouble you will have the support of that someone with whom you
"roll deep" see link for further info http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=21312 if you do check this link you will find some disagreement about the phrase's meaning and its origin.That's okay. I'll go with the Adele version.
As I watched Liam I thought how wonderful to have that "roll deep" confidence. Liam just being free and enjoying the moment knowing he is safe. Even on his back, he does not have a worry. Adele's song (Click on video for a listen) is about an ex boyfriend and a relationship that ended unhappily. The phrase though describes a good feeling and it stuck with me as did the song. Once it gets in your head it stays for a while
The song and the phrase. Additionally for me, the visual of Liam out back just doing his traditional rollover. Carefree bliss.....
The last comment made as The View http://theview.abc.go.com/signs
off for the day usually comes from Whoopi (the moderator's job) and it
has been this "Take a little time to enjoy the view" A play on its
title-and it has worked well. I have been a fan since its debut on August 11, 1997. Read more if you like-it has an interesting history http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_View_%28U.S._TV_series%29 . The show was a new concept-women sitting around talking about issues of the day as well as voicing their opinions strongly.
THE VIEW BACKDROP FROM MY SEAT
I wrote away for tickets 3 years ago and
receive them in April 2012-a long time to wait to enjoy The View. Our tickets are for Monday May 14, 2012.
I
have been to several shows and The View's approach is the most formal.
The tickets are hard copy (no printing off the PC) the attendees must
arrive as a pack, no standing in line waiting for other members, they overbook so you may not get in. The instruction sheet is one page two-sided-
9 rules on the first page and 10 FAQ's on the second side. Even for a procedurally trained retired Federal worker that is a
lot of info. The envelope in which these instructions are mailed
must be brought to the show.
We are ready. Plans set for meeting time and place on Monday.
Then the big announcement -POTUS (President of the United States) will
be on The View on Tuesday. The show will be taped Monday. Will we see
The President? If we are the "live" audience, who will be the taped audience with
President Obama? Liam barks his request, he wants to attend. I know
why. He thinks Bo Obama, The First dog, will be there. This is not an
impawsible (sorry) idea. Paul and I attended a Cesar Millan appearance
in January at TimesTalks. Cesar brought his dog, Junior, with him. see
blog story for more info. http://liamlicks.blogspot.com/2012_01_08_archive.html
Liam believes Bo will accompany PLOTUS (Pack Leader of
the US) and he wants in. After all Bo has been on Air Force One-he knows the drill. The campaign is on-Bo could garner some strong support among the canine contingent-who are very influential with their parents. Liam prepares by getting his toys ready. He has his favorite red Kong stuffed with treats. Bo will like it.
LIAM WAITING
We (pack of three) meet at the ABC Starbucks, Columbus and 67th -
GRANDE SKIM LATTE
everyone meets here before or after ABC shows. and often the celeb guests walk by to stop and chat on the street.
We walk down to the studio that is located near West End Avenue. I thought all ABC shows are on West 67th. There is a police presence-not too strong yet. The President will be in the area in a few hours, speaking at Barnard College.
He will be on The View. Imagine! Not our View. We have a wait. Our numbers are 56, 57, 58. With over 200 in the audience,
not too shabby to have landed in the first quarter
ON LINE FOR THE VIEW-
I
have some issues. My right eye is leaking, causing disturbances in my
eye makeup-bald eye syndrome. This happened with my last show taping-The Chew. I watched the Sunday night Survivor finale and was too keyed up to sleep so I picked up my Kindle and read some of "Fifty Shades of Grey" not a bedtime story (for sleeping anyway) so I am a tad tired. In addition, I have had anxiety in choosing what to wear-the result of a weather forecast that predicted cold and rainy but the reality is
warm and muggy. They say dress bright, and nice. Many folks
apparently did not read the instructions and are barely covered -showing too much of some parts. All that said, I am thrilled to be here. The next pic is our view.
OUR VIEW OF THE STAGE
I
am happy to have the entire View crew there. I do not want a guest
host. We have many guests. Suze Orman, Chris Cuomo, Dan Abrams, a
parenting doctor expert, Jenna Ushkowitz (who?) from Glee. Oh no, I am not a fan of musicals and this show seems to be musical- like. I fear a "glee" CD/DVD as a gift. Our seats are
close, slightly obstructed but I am the closest I have ever been at any
show. Midway through, Barbara does that little audience bit right in front of me and my
big face is on the screen to her right. After she is done she turns to ask how we are-Yikes-Barbara is addressing us - We answer, "Fine" what else?
BARBARA DOING HER LITTLE BIT IN FRONT OF ME
During a commercial break, Sherri comes up and chats about DWTS. The show goes
quickly. Slightly surreal. Everything is smaller in person, the set, the women.
Whoopi, Barbara and Sherri are much smaller than on TV; Joy and
Elisabeth about the same size. The hour flies by. I find segmented blocks of time always do. Barbara ends the show with the request "take a
little time and watch us tomorrow" We are done by 12 and out on the street by
12:10.
Outside the street has changed. Cordoned off. Police all
over. A buzz in the air. Excitement. The President will
be in this same studio later today.
I don't know where they got the audience for the President's
View. He taped at 3PM. I think we could have asked to be standbys and wait the 3 hours. We did not. I am just a tad disappointed to have come so close
to seeing him. I realize that my feeling pales in comparison to
Barbara's who really is chagrined that the announcement of the President's support
of same sex marriage was not done on The View. She even mentioned it to him. I sort of think that might have been his plan, but Joe Biden jumped the gun
GETTING TIRED OF WAITING FOR BO
I had my own problem to deal
with-Liam was home waiting for Bo. He
waited all day. expecting Bo to visit some doggie day care centers,
give a little bark out for PLOTUS.
WHERE IS BO?
It is what family does
in an election year. No, The President does not dispatch any family members to
drum up support. He comes to NYC alone. The family stays home, including Bo.
GUESS HE IS NOT COMING
After a few fundraisers, the president leaves NYC at around 8:30. Liam still waiting. No First Dog.
And to that question often asked after a visit to these tapings -"did you get any gifts?" No, and I am okay with that.. I feel gleeful being "Glee" free. I feared a DVD of all the seasons.
No show can ever top the freebie on Rachael Ray when Tom Colicchio guested. Don't know Tom Colicchio? read up http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Colicchio
He made us all paninis. I have had the best time saying "I had a Tom Colicchio panini http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panini_%28sandwich%29 on the Rachael Ray show.
I
actually say the line differently (usually leaving out the "a" and
adding a "s" after Tom's name) depending on my audience. And I enjoy it
every time. That is the gift that keeps on giving. A funny line.
We
did the Revlon Breast Cancer Run/Walk on Saturday May 5, 2012. Some participants did run-they would be like the elite runners
in the marathon... They had to shoot them off first or we
would all have ended up in a tangled pink heap. Times Square is the
start-felt like New Year's Eve without all the barriers and
rules. We meet up at Planet Hollywood on Broadway and 45th. We have leis, hats, water and I have a grande non-fat latte. Had to. The day is one of many events and celebrations. It is Cinco de
Mayo http://www.history.com/topics/cinco-de-mayo a holiday passionately celebrated in the US- there are teams with sombreros. Though later will be "the Run for
the Roses"-Kentucky Derby-I do not see any teams on horseback-there are the
Central Park buggy horses--they provide some
savory along the route. We are revved up with some stirring speeches, poignant song (Hallelujah) and a rousing wild sendoff by Jimmy Fallon Our team is -We're Half Way There-Captain Lori
Phair
LORI LEADING, SIGN ON BACKPACK SAYS IT ALL
chose the title because she is an avid Bon Jovi fan
and the line "We're Half Way There" is from the Bon Jovi song-Livin' on a
Prayer, which follows
We
are walking at a 40 minute pace when we reach the first mile post. We do gain some speed
down the stretch as the road widens and we angle through the walkers and strollers, pushing aside some children (only kidding) Our team sign is adorned with lei flowers, a brilliant touch, as it
is always visible to help keep us together. At the finish, I think
we are on the west side near Columbus Circle. I even had summoned up a visual of the west side which included the Dakota. Central Park has a way
of turning me around, I sometimes think I am crossing the park and end
up back where I started. Two of us say our goodbyes and trek towards what we think is Columbus Circle.
HOW DO I GET OUT ON THE WEST SIDE OF THIS PARK?
While in the park what I imagined as the tall building on Columbus Circle turns out to be the Plaza. We emerge onto Fifth, not Columbus and race to Penn for the next leg-a drink at
Tracks-http://www.tracksbargrill.com/about.html
this would be the nod to Cinco de Mayo and Ireland. We are fully draped in leis, hats, medals, pink. The bar is lined with a group of Revlon finishers who had cabbed
it back-and we toast with margaritas and a Guinness. Then it is
on to LIRR, with another Starbucks latte chaser- I ride the train covered in Revlon attire.
Once home, I settle in with some chips. Kentucky Derby coverage
starts at 3PM . Liam is out looking for some roses as he has seen the blanket of roses carried in for the Derby winner-only azaleas at our house.
WHERE ARE THE ROSES FOR THE WINNER?
My horse is Dullahan -I have bet him to place-he is Irish with Donegal connections. http://www.kentuckyderby.com/contenders/dullahan
After 3
hours of background stories and jockey and horse bios we are ready. I
love all that up close and personal. Paul is just waiting for the race.
The field is faster than our walkers-but there are only 20 of them and
were thousands of us. Anyway, the winner is- I'll Have Another-Dullahan-third. In the Derby there are winners and losers. I lost.
In the Revlon Walk -all are winners.-everyone gets a medal., We all win.
Our team "We're Half Way There" collected over $5000.00 in pledges.
Lori's message-
"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have."
-Margaret Mead
SHILOH (LORI'S PUP) SHOWING SUPPORT
And don't tell Liam but there were dogs walking in the Revlon walk. Must be city dogs. Liam wants to know if that little cutie Shiloh walked? "No," I tell him- "no dogs walked with our pack."
HAVE TO KEEP TRACK OF APRIL DATES ON iPAD (BTW THIS IS NOT A POSED SHOT)
I am not through with April yet. It may take a while to recover from the enormity and scope of important April dates.
April 2012 was a month of celebrations, commemorations, anniversaries, birthdays, appointments, opening days, concert tours, parades... It was epic. April's important dates were so numerous that anytime I was asked to do something, I would stop and say, "No, I think I am busy." Then I would realize that though April 15 was the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, I was still free (not booked on the commemorative voyage) this same confusion happened quite often. A date would sound familiar. Oh, I must have an appointment. I would check my schedule. Tricked again. I was remembering someone's anniversary, birthday or Bruce's concert dates.
MY PARENTS' WEDDING ANNIVERSARY IS APRIL 24
Birthdays-almost every day was a birthday of someone I knew. April 29, the biggest day, followed by April 24 (includes-Kiera Grace my great niece) then April 15.
Wedding anniversaries- In the last week of April I know of 8 couples celebrating anniversaries, that includes us. The royal couple, Kate and William, share April 29 with my nephew Tim and wife Grace, who picked that date way before the royals did....Theirs will always be just as royal.
Death anniversaries- popular belief is that folks pass away in greater numbers in the spring. In the month of
April many friends commemorated death anniversaries. My father's was in there also- April 30.
Then there were very public anniversaries of beginnings, endings
The Titanic-100 years http://news.discovery.com/history/titanic-shipwreck-anniversary-110415.html
More April 2012 Events
Bruce Springsteen Wrecking Ball Tour- MSG dates April, 6 and 9 see blog story http://liamlicks.blogspot.com/2012/04/bruce-is-back.html
Annual physicals involving 4 appointments for the two of us.
Passover and Easter
Baseball Opening Days
Tax Day
April 7 visit of my McNiff cousins -first time this century
GOTTA WATCH MY BACK, "REVENGE" IS SCARY
Last night we were watching our addictive show "Revenge" whose premise is a daughter seeking to avenge the murder of her father, David Clarke. Last night we learned his date of death- April 22. I know that I will now incorporate this into my April dates and think I must visit the cemetery on April 22. Also, a new character was introduced-Aunt Carol. Her fake death is 4/24. She alive-hiding in Lancaster PA. Guess that is considered close to death. Hope that is Carol without the "e"
I mentioned this April thing in my Meditation class and was offered an explanation. Here it is. One's energy attracts others with similar life event dates, so since I have April anniversaries, I have connected with other Aprils. It is some sort of karmic universe thing. These ideas often float out after my yoga and meditation classes and I seize them as the truth for me, since empirical data does not support My Big April phenomenon.
In my research for this story-that would be googling online- I found that August and September are still the two top baby birth months (April not close) January is the #1death month (April not mentioned), June still most popular wedding month (April # 9)
The following article is about wedding months-http://kenlovephotography.com/?p=13224
There is nothing to show that April is trending.
I know April will continue to expand with important dates (for me, anyway). I am fine with it. I accept that I am an April magnet.
This is the week of our 30th wedding anniversary. April 24. We have not been away since 2010 so we thought this would be a good reason. When we go away, Liam goes away. His celebration of our anniversary is a concurrent stay at Best In Show Pet Resort. https://www.facebook.com/bispr
THAT'S LIAM CENTER AT PLAYGROUP
We then experienced a nor'easter on Sunday and then took off on our trip to our favorite getaway., The Beekman Arms at Rhinebeck. http://beekmandelamaterinn.com/
LIAM STANDING YELLOW COLLAR
Off Liam went to his Inn and then we went to ours. This blog will be photos and links a self guided journey. While away we were able to watch Liam in the posted pix on Best in Show's FB page.
We began the week with Saturday Dog Days at Old Westbury,Gardens, an annual April weekend when
dogs are permitted to walk and sniff around the luxurious Phipps
estate. Do things at trees. Glad we went on Saturday. Met Spencer, the beagle, Samantha's son. Missed her baby girl who was in the car, Guess cause it was Dog Days, not Baby Girl days. No pix of Liam and Spencer. We were all so surprised at our serendipitous meeting that we did not record their meeting, next time.
Sunday
Nor'easter- "April is the cruelest month." Thanks Kevin Grogan ( crazy NYC weather guy) http://nycweatherguy.blogspot.com/ for this special weather gift. Reminds us why we chose this month for our marriage...anything goes, weather wise.
LIAM NOR'EASTER NIGHT COZY AT HOME
Monday
THAT'S OUR BEEKMAN ARMS
We go on vacay for our 30th Wedding Anniversary. Pack up Liam's bag, check him in, he has to be carried in by the staffer. Not a good sendoff. Then off to Rhinebeck. Ferocious storm gone. Cold, rainy grey, raw- perfect Beekman Arms weather- read, eat, drink, sleep, browse, think- in the Oldest Inn in America.
Arielle. http://www.ariellerhinebeck.com/ our Monday dinners.
LAMB OSSO BUCCO
LAMB AND LENTILS
Tuesday
this is the day. 30 years.
and thanks to Oblong books for providing a browsing,welcome respite from the windy chill and a glorious selection of books, media, events. If you love books, check out this store- link here -http://www.oblongbooks.com/ Authors speak here. Reading "Guts" and the author Kristen Johnston is appearing April 29. Bought many cards. Artsy, progressive, friendly-they have ebooks!
LIAM AND BEAGLE BUDS-LIAM IS ONE QUARTER BEAGLE
Then Inn time-we watch Liam on my iPad. Thanks Steve Jobs... and to Best In Show for posting pix for vacationing parents.
I once did sign up for the dose at work (lead by example) and became paralyzed for a number of moments that then morphed into a semi drugged lethargic day. I decided that was it. No more flu shots.
I never get the flu, why should I have poison injected into my body? Flu shots are for the elderly and babies. I would not think of wasting a dose on myself when such fragile beings are in need. What a thoughtful person I am! I have been offered the shot often; it seems folks know I am not a believer and want me in the flu shot cult. And these flu-ists can be zealots. Last fall my internist offered me the flu shot, I declined, explaining, "I don't get the flu." "Okay," she continued, not missing a beat. "How about a shingles shot?" I took that one. I know many more people who have had shingles than have had the flu. In fact, right now, a close friend is suffering from shingles.
I have never had the flu.
I do not get the flu.
I am neither a baby nor an elderly person
I do not get the flu
Last Wednesday we were watching the ABC TV show Revenge -which was a refresher compilation of the action up until now-not a new episode- but welcome. see clip if you don't watch for a taste-
The characters are always at a party, so I poured a glass of cab and settled in to watch.
CANNOT DRINK THE WINE, WHATZ UP?
The wine did not taste right and I had no urge to finish it. This should have prompted an immediate 911 call, as there has never been an unfinished glass of red wine next to me. Within fifteen minutes, my head hurt, I had rocks in my chest, fever, chills, cough, aches, even my ears hurt and I had to pop out hearing aids for fear they would be melted into my feverish head or propelled out as projectiles from my swollen ear canals. And so it began.
EVERYTHING HURTS, CANNOT GET UP
Is this the flu? I never want it again. One minute you are fine and the next whacked and down. Moving hurts, reading hurts.
OUCH
Fever stats of 103.3, 102.5 lowest being 101.5 for 4 days. Last fever, Monday, 99.5.
I think I have had the flu.
I never want it again.
Cannot sit up, walk, or talk
I think I had the flu
Good things that come with having the flu
1-A perfect manicure-
for the first time my manicure lasted all week in perfect shape.
TOO MISERABLE TO MISS ANYONE
2-Did not feel sadness about missing cherished events
like our weekly Friday dinner at Crabtree's-I felt so miserable that I could not reach an emotional level of feeling of loss. I was in some sort of fugue state of fever and pain and my only goal was to feel less bad. Paul said he could wheel me in on a gurney, but even that kind offer did not appeal to me.
NIGHTMARES GONE, HALLUCINATIONS HERE
3-No nightmares
I suffer from two recurrent themed nightmares -one is that groups of people are trying to murder me and I know some of them; in the other one, groups are trying to exclude me and lose me- I also know some of them
during the flu-these nightmares are replaced by hallucinations of visitations by my mother.
NO ANXIETY, NO ENERGY FOR IT
4-No bouts of anxiety or depression-
I could not feel any brain activity other than headache or fever-so no bizarre unruly serotonin to induce fear, weepiness or my normal deep seated terror of daily life.
LATTE TO THE LEFT, LIAM RESTS
5-Liam stayed with me all day and all night never chided me for forgoing the flu shot. Love this dog!
And you thought having the flu was all bad
Thanks Anita, manager at "my" Starbucks, for the wishes and for my grande non-fat lattes, which kept me semi hydrated since I hate water. http://www.starbucks.com/store/15640/
BTW, Liam did get the flu shot. Really. That is why he is upright.
I am better which is why I am writing this blog while Liam rests. Will I now get the flu shot?
I guess so.
Maybe.
However, this year I became familiar with Adele
and fell for her song "Rolling in the Deep" As I watched Liam I thought that is what Liam was
doing. Rolling in the Deep. 
And what does that title phrase mean in the song? I researched and found a link with comments- one meaning hers I think-a slang phrase "roll deep"-someone has your back-you are never unprotected- if you ever
get into trouble you will have the support of that someone with whom you
"roll deep" see link for further info
That's okay. I'll go with the Adele version.
