Summer officially began yesterday. Liam has been in summer mode for a few weeks using every part of the yard for lazing about http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laze
We both love sitting outside, together and apart When Liam goes off to sit in the grass I stay in my chair. For the outside "sits" I bring a bag with books, newspapers (yes, we still have them)
LIAM LIKES BEST SELLERS, BRAVO!
Carol's Kindle (per its Amazon name) camera, phone (a smart one) a pencil case stuffed with items from Staples- iPad usually stays inside-too delicate for the yard
We hope to have a session with no machine noise- see last week's blog story titled Noise-June 14, 2012 http://liamlicks.blogspot.com/
Though there are many chairs, Liam prefers sitting next to me or opposite me. He also has a lawn spot that affords him a view of the street and passersby. I think he feels the happy vibes of laughing Buddha behind him and assumes a similar position.
BUDDHA LIKE LIAM WITH KONG TOY
Then a move to a contemplative sit near Ruth's Rose Garden. There are roses coming, they have just been under a canopy of overgrown bushes. Now those are cut back and the garden is again visible.
A latte in the yard always tastes better.
LATTE LICKINGS
LAZING WITH A STARBUX CUP FOR SNIFFING
Summer arrives with temps in the 90's. The relaxing in the backyard quickly morphs into conservation of energy and migration to the shade. The pavers are cool. Liam in shades of grey, next pic.
Update-for those asking, we have not had any thunderstorms since the arrival of the thundershirt -see blog story Thundershirt dated June 7, 2012. We do not know if this doggie snuggly will calm Liam's terror of thunder. He does sleep well next to it and makes a wolfy like den in his chair for nighttime rest.
AFTER SUMMER DAY OF OUTSIDE FUN
We expect storms Friday afternoon -check out this crazy forecast-see link http://nycweatherguy.blogspot.com/
Thundershirt tryout maybe
Happy Summer all
while we are getting hotter
the days are getting shorter
Planes have a direct route over New Hyde Park in the late afternoon. A constant droning. As the child of two airline employees, I still feel the thrill of the sound of an approaching plane. Planes were our livelihood as well as our escape to other places.
IS THAT A PLANE?
PLANE OVER OUR BACKYARD
Several other communities are also affected by plane noise. Homeowners are so perturbed that formal complaints have been made at town meetings. Planes do produce intermittent thundering sounds obliterating all others. I am not joining the groups to complain about planes flying overheard. Yes, they do fly over every 4 minutes between 6 and 8PM. I like that they do. Always wonder who is up there in them and where are they
going. Liam looks around and up at the biggest birds he has ever seen. A treat for a curious dog. Sweet.
Parties -talking, laughing, music, drinking, singing. I do not mind loud parties. I actually enjoy sitting in my backyard and being part of them-peripherally and secretly. Fun.
Block parties invade every space and have huge imported playgrounds replete with water slides and Ferris wheels. Volunteer firefighters unleash water from hydrants sending it roaring into the street. A gesture of community. Refreshing.
Landscaping, roofing, tree chopping, all are a free show and at the finish, there is a new look, more light, vibrant colors. Beautification.
DO I HEAR A PARTY?
All of the above-good noise, welcome, even joyful- an expected part of life. A diverse symphony of unrelated sounds. Signs of hope. However, we have NOISE. bad. Read on. Cacophony.
NOISE
It is a neighbor drilling, a machine running so loud and so long that it
is impossible to sit outside. I don't know what machines they have but
several of my neighbors have machines that are relentless in producing noise. The machines need no rest. Are they operating on their own? Or are relay teams of humans assigned to keep them going? There is incessant drilling and pounding from 9-6 on most Saturdays and Sundays. I am sure that it is not legal. I do not want to complain and be one of "those types of neighbors"
These projects will be done and then NOISE will cease until the next project. Nothing new is ever visible except maybe by Google Earth. At least on HGTV we are there in the yard with them and get to see the creations.
I grew up in an apartment; I
did not understand that many homeowners just keep running machines in their yards-it is NEVER over.
SOLUTIONS
Take out hearing aids, put in earplugs, stay out all day and return at night, play very loud music, have TVs on in all rooms, shut all windows, turn on AC.. no, I
do not have to do any of those things for I have my own NOISE and here is his picture
I CAN MAKE MORE NOISE THAN ANY MACHINE
I have Liam. He is a barker. Liam is my secret weapon. Bark away little guy. BOL
I've heard about it and seen demos of it. Time to try it. 'Tis the season for thunderstorms, hail, fireworks. What is it? The Thundershirt. You wrap it around your dog to calm him/her during storms, July 4th festivities, extended loud noise, running household appliances and much more.. Here is a look and a lot more info.
The idea is like a hug. Being wrapped is calming to babies. The shirt wraps around the dog. Velcro is used for fastening. The snugness lowers the heart rate. There is skepticism. Here is a video about it from an initially skeptical reporter who tried it on her dog. Warning-some readers might find it pretty cute.
Liam trembles and paces and races during storms, shaking so violently that his 34 pound vibrations give me the shakes as well. Liam also has problems with the toaster popping, the dryer buzzing.
Just this week Cesar Millan talked about the thundershirt in his online blog- he is for it- if used properly
.http://www.cesarsway.com/dogtraining/thebasics/Do-Thundershirts-Work-for-Dogs
The Thundershirt acclimation procedure
We have to make Liam like the thundershirt and see it as a good thing. How to do that? Put a treat on the shirt.
Check
Have Liam wrapped up in a peaceful session. No storm. No fireworks. No toaster. No
clothes being dried.
Check
Leave it on and watch for Liam to sink into a coma like trance.
Check
A routine disrupted. I arrive at yoga without the required items for class-my mat, blanket and pillow. I keep the pillow and blanket rolled inside the mat-looks like a big burrito. A neat package that I take with me each week, How in the world have I arrived without my equipment? Just took a series of occurrences to derail my routine. As I tell the story I will highlight the deviations from routine in red.
Here we go
Paul's 60th birthday is Thursday, May 24. He is off Thursday and Friday in observance of this milestone (note red highlights-first deviation, after this you are on your own) I do not say celebration because he does not feel celebratory about this particular birthday. He has been quoting my mother Ruthless "Sixty is old, nothing to be happy about" Thanks Mom-and you thought he did not listen to you. I do not remember this quote but I have no doubt it was said.
Thursday's yoga class is at 10:15 AM. However, this week is registration for the next session. We must be early to be ensured of a spot-I have the necessary items-a check and completed form. I plan to arrive before 10.
They are repaving our street. That means Paul's car will be behind mine in the driveway. Yes, we should change them. We do not.
I sleep in the den. At least that is the place I try to sleep. I have sleep issues. I read. I hope that at some point the herbs and drugs kick in and the restless leg thing calms. Tonight though my powerful reading lamp goes out. Then the secondary lamp goes out. What is this- a mini blackout in the den? Both lamps have unique bulbs and I have no replacements. They are guaranteed for life. Guess I have lived a long time. I take out my mini book lights clip one on each side of my book, I have a Kindle, iPad but the book I am reading is a real hard cover library book.
Paul stays up, he is off, no work, no worries about getting up. All lights on in living room, TV blasting...forget sleep...Liam on the couch...Paul nods off...I turn down the volume on the TV and turn off the lights. Does not work. Paul wakes up and all are back on full blast.At some point, everyone sleeps. Paul first, then Liam then me.
Morning comes. It always does.
With Paul off from work (I get up when he leaves) I have to be sure I get up in time. I do. The phone rings at 8:45 AM. I miss getting to the landline, chase down my cell-caller is NRAD- about recent mammo, more tests needed, a probable procedure. I make the necessary appointment that will cause re arranging my schedule-must do that after Yoga. Paul asks, "What's that call?" I explain. We remember-Paul has to move his car. I notice my phone in red-no charge. How? I usually charge it at night. -will use car charger for phone--trip only 4 minutes. Not much juice will be added. What to wear- weather has been showery but decide no slicker needed-forecast agrees. Have to go to lighting store, post
office-have that ready, Have check ready. Hands full with packages, dead light bulbs for examples for store, long mental "to do list" What? a heavy downpour occurs just as I open the door to leave. I run to car-no time for jacket switch.. Not a thought of my yoga equipment.
TOO MUCH DISRUPTION
All these red highlighted happenings have a cumulative effect.
I arrive in the parking lot to see my classmates lugging their mats. Oh no! I have nothing! I briefly consider using my jacket as a mat.
A SHIRT MIGHT BE A GOOD SUBSTITUTE MAT
Good news. Our teacher has an extra mat. After my matless story is told my yoga mates suggest I leave my mat in the car trunk-no taking it back and forth from the house to the car. Great, that's the solution! No matter what disrupts my routine my equipment will always be there in my car. I like this idea a lot. Seems so obvious. I keep my Bed Bath Beyond coupons in the trunk and never enter the store without. This will work.
As I walk to my car, another classmate catches up to me. She says, "I noticed you did not have your mat and that you borrowed one. I do not have mine either." "Really? You too?" I recommend she keep her mat in her car. I feel generous passing along the wonderful advice I have been given. "Oh, but mine is in my car trunk" she says, "My car broke down this morning and was towed; I got a ride here, my mat is in the car trunk at the gas station."
I just shake my head. Sometimes you cannot win.
My mat, blanket, and pillow are now in the trunk. Hoping car stays healthy. Namaste
LIAM ON HIS MAT CHILLIN'
Woof, Woof
Liam and I were experimenting with a new look for LiamLicks. A new background, wider reading panel, color changes. Then I clicked "apply to blog" and had to keep going. A work in progress. Might be different next week. Stay with us. Comments are welcome as we play with layout and settings. I already miss my green.
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."
When Liam goes off to sit in the grass I stay in my chair. For the outside "sits" I bring a bag with books, newspapers (yes, we still have them) 
