RIP

Charles Durning

My favorite moment from this working actor's long career was as the totally corrupt Texas governor in "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," when he was dancing around the capitol rotunda:

He put his Stetson on sideways and whipped his head so the hat then sat properly on his head.

It wasn't spectacular or magical or inventive, but it was effective and clever and funny, especially with that squinchy venal face he could do so well.

Lots of people were astonished that such a short stout man could move so well. Turns out he used to teach ballroom and actually met his wife at a dance studio. When I taught ballroom, there were a lot of stout (not to say fat) men who were very good dancers -- it's all a matter of understanding how to manage weight.

I know Jack Klugman just died, too, but I don't care.

Lights etc

Back in late 2010 I got four fluorescent light fixtures for the rig. Cheap on ebay. Recently, two fixtures died (ballasts blew) so I went back to ebay and got two replacements, albeit a different size (wasn't paying attention). Yesterday, Tillman and I installed the two new ones and now I have light everywhere. Yah. These fixtures aren't top quality but at $20 each and lasting for two years, I figure that's a better deal than the regular ones at $60-70 each.

Two friends and I decided not to do gifts this year but to donate to charities for each other. So I've sent what I could afford to Meal on Wheels and to Manna Food Bank. And they'll be sending something to a women's shelter for me. Good deal.

Rain, glorious rain. We sure need it. I see Sprout the cat walking by outside, totally ignoring the rain.

Thursday was a busy day (for me) -- did a dump/flush for the rig, then off to get hair cut and do a little grocery shopping. I was at a Bi-Lo in Candler (next to the hair place) and wanted some chutney; they only had Major Grey's so that's what I got, but Ingle's has a better selection so I'll go there next time I want chutney. Then met Mary-Anne for dinner at Zen Sushi. She got a Donburi shrimp bowl. I got three appetizers: Spicy Shumai, Beef Negamaki, and Shrimp/Vegetable Tempura. We shared an order of Gyoza. Yum yum. Oh yeah, I had Green Tea Ice cream for dessert.

Amy's going out of town for a week, maybe by Tuesday, so I'll do the grocery and library tomorrow to stock up for not having the car available.

I hope everyone I know has a fine holiday.

RIP

Ravi Shankar

Misc. & RIPs

Nothing new on the job front, though I did find out I wasn't chosen by the City to become a secretary in parks & rec (had applied about 6 months ago). Had a little sickness descend -- sore throat, fever -- lasted about two days; am feeling better now, though stamina is still low. Got enough rain yesterday to test out the tarp -- seems to be working well. Got felt and doubled the curtains over the big side window. Also put a swath over the passage between the cab and the cabin. Snug, now. Second light fixture died (not just the bulb, the fixture), so have ordered two new ones. They have lasted two years and cost about 1/3 what fancier ones do, so on balance a good deal.

RIP Dave Brubeck, jazz musician
RIP Oscar Niemeier, architect