HEADS OR TALES!

After an uneventful Sunday afternoon, once again, clearing out the garden area, in the hope that the temperatures will stay above fifty overnight, so I do not have to keep hauling the hopeful produce in and out of the kitchen, I slumped into an easy evening of doing not a lot.  I had a busy day ahead of me and had to make sure my mind was clear.

I decided that I would wear something very trendy.  The day had promised to be warm, but not too hot.  I convinced myself, that in the sixties, boots were worn whatever the weather, and the mini skirt would allow enough ventilation to allow the fashion statement!  However, a mini skirt was not something that I would consider, but something light would suffice.  Out came the 'Mary Quant' special, and I felt sixteen again!  In fact, I felt better than sixteen as I had the confidence of the older woman that I now am!  

"Love the boots", said an office neighbour.  "They remind me of the sixties!"  I thanked him for the compliment and told him that I had succeeded in my mission!  He told me that if we all waited long enough, our clothes would come back into fashion!  How old did he think I was?  To have the outfit in the sixties would have meant that I was at least 70!  I started to wonder if I was, indeed, mutton dressed as lamb for the day!  Others convinced me that he was not talking specifically about me.  We left to go to the session!

The welcome at the radio station was quite overwhelming.  We took a seat, and suddenly Grant noticed a box standing up by the counter.  "Is that your TV?", he asked.  Samantha looked at the box, which
showed one of the most up to date models, and the fact that it was 55 inches!  "Can't be", she replied.  "It's 55 inches.  That is not 'massive' and they said it was a 'massive' TV.  I am sure it can't be".  Of course, we knew it was, and were laughing at the prospect that 55 inches is now not considered big, when for years a thirty inch screen would have been considered 'gauche'!  On top of the counter was the X-Box.  "I am not sure that is the one Edward wanted", said my daughter, tongue in cheek.  Of course, it was very exciting to think that this was a prize, and of course, it mattered not how big the television screen or what type was the X-Box.  It was a freebie!  Our laughter was subdued, but we continued to make jokes. Samantha googled 'Massive TV' and the results came back with television screens that would be big enough for stadiums!  Fifty five inches did not hit the category of big, or medium.  Our laughter was quite raucous and we tried hard not to let on as to what we found so amusing.  It was a freebie after all!

Unfortunately, the crowd before received the lunch, and we did not get to partake.  However, we were treated to beer and water!  Not in the same bottle!  I took a beer and a koozie, and put it in my bag.  I would give it to Jerry in the morning.  

Walk the Moon was terrific!  The session was great!  They played four songs, and then left.  They did not wait to have pictures taken, but this was SXSW week, and they were heading to the rodeo to play in the evening concert.  A little disappointed at not actually meeting the band, I consoled myself with the fact that we had a virtually private viewing, and were part of the radio audience.  This was getting back to normal.  Not 'new' normal, but 'normal' normal!  I received several compliments about my 'outfit', which thankfully, as Samantha pointed out, was not called a 'costume', and was quite thrilled!  No one mentioned my age!

The truck was loaded up with the prizes, and off we went back to the office.  The jokes about being able to take the television on a plane along with hand luggage were being thrown around.  It was like having a 'kindle' or 'fire' tablet.  We must have sounded very ungrateful, but it was fun!

Work had been extremely busy in the morning, but thankfully, things were not too overwhelming in the afternoon, whilst we were out.  It got busier during the later hours, but I was still very excited about our trip out, and seeing the band. The next few days would be interesting, as we were checking out the 'no wristband required' events for the music festival.  I signed us up for a couple of things that would take place on Wednesday and Thursday.  

Getting home on Monday evening was well earned, but as we entered our condo, the smell was rather debilitating.  It appeared that the contractors next door had used something lethal, again!  We kept the doors open for as long as we could, but upstairs was worse than downstairs.  I put on fans to try and defuse the toxicity but nothing seemed to work.  As the evening progressed, I think we became a little more resilient, but by two in the morning, I was having trouble breathing.  I found it to be inconsiderate not to have been told that there would be another round of fumes, especially after last week, and letting my neighbour know that it was rather debilitating.  I vowed to bring this up at the next board meeting!  At a little after four, Dana left for work, and I went into the spare room, where the smell was the least offensive, and opened the window.

As a board member, I emailed my colleagues and suggested that a warning be given, to immediate neighbours, should substances, which require full ventilation, be used!  I also messaged my neighbour to ask her if this was going to happen again. No more Mr. (or Mrs.) nice guy. (Gal!)  She was very apologetic,  My fellow board members agreed that notice should be given before any major work is undertaken.  After all, it is common courtesy!  My 'new' neighbour, is a temporary fixture, as she is a realtor, and I have come to realise (with some digging and sleuth work) that she is a house flipper and oversees renovations from within.  She has been asking about other condos for sale in the complex, and whilst I think it is a good thing that our community is benefitting from newly renovated homes, I am also concerned for the next person whom encounters the fumes.  The young mother the other side of the offending unit had been very worried about her month old baby.  Our community does err towards the 'Peyton Place' concept (should anyone remember that show; personally, I only have memories of people talking about it.) or perhaps in a more 'my age scenario', Knot's Landing, (still not young enough for those under 50!) and although we are (as far as I am aware) not 'bedfellows', we are quite close knit and watch out for each other.  It is as if we have a 'cuckoo' in the nest!  

However, the small hiccup in my week was not going to upset the rest of the festivities, as I had vowed to enjoy myself!  

I did not realise that the tickets I had procured were actually for Thursday, so we did not venture anywhere on Wednesday.  The lure of the festival, this year, was not as alluring, and whilst there was a lot going on, most of the 'daytime' activities required wristbands, and it was a little too political for my taste.  Much as I am all for 'women's rights', I want the outcome to be 'equality' rather than 'take over'.  I object not to women in power, but I am also very much in the 'best person for the job' camp, no matter who they are.  The constant question of 'What are your pronouns?' to me is like saying, "What colour is it?"  Unless you have a full question, you cannot give an answer!  I don't think I am contrary.  However, I digress, and my soapbox would probably be pulled down and put in a soundproof corner!  Allowing everyone to have their preferences respected, means everyone having their preferences respected!  All animals are equal.....!  (George Orwell was brilliant!)

The smell had somewhat disipated by Tuesday evening, and was just lingering Wednesday morning. By Wednesday evening, I could not really smell anything, although my guests could!  I made Cornish Pasties, a dish not made since I was at school, and my domestic science teacher told my parents, "A good cook Tracie will not make!" I reminded my mother of this on Wednesday, and she told me that she, herself, had failed her domestic science class exam.  I could not believe it.  My mother was a phenomenal chef!  I suppose this could be said of most 'genius' high school drop outs.  How many of the world's richest and most successful, dropped out of school, or did not pass their final exams? Samantha's response of "Noooo!" said it all! My mother had never told me this before!  However, it appears teachers do not know it all, as the Cornish Pasties were eaten with gusto!  "Don't wait another thirty years to make these!" said my husband.  I reminded him that it was nearer fifty years!  Perhaps I should look up some other recipes that my teacher deemed me totally incompetent in producing!  

By Thursday, my head was clear, and I was raring to go!  We were not going to avail ourselves of the downtown invites, but instead we were heading back to the radio station.  It was going to be an afternoon of bands and pizza!  I drove Grant, Samantha and myself to the station, and the welcome was, once again, rather overwhelming.  The receptionist was chatty and delighted to see us.  For a while, we thought we were the only three there, but then some others arrived.  However, before they did, the receptionist asked us for a favour.  One of their staff was out for the day, taking her dad on a trip for veterans, who had served in Vietnam.  Many of the vets did not have family, or at least supportive family, and she wondered if we would write a "Thank you" card.  I felt most honoured to do so.  As my husband's father took part in the conflict, it seemed fitting for me to write a card.  

"You know, everyone was asking when you were going to collect the TV.  Everyone was saying they would take it if you did not retrieve it.  After thirty days, we either put it back in the prize draw, or it goes somewhere else", said the receptionist.  Samantha said that she had been told she could pick everything up together and she was sure she was waiting for the television to come in.  "No, that came in first.  I think the X-Box was the last to arrive", said the lady.  "I kept telling them, she will come and get it!  You know, some people don't pick up their prizes.  Some people are really disappointed when they win stuff as they want something else.  I mean, it's free, right!  Some people just complain that it is not what they want!"  We all sat dumbfounded, and then all of us said, "That's mad! Stupid! Rediculous!" (Not all saying the same words, but you get the picture".)  We went on to say how selfish that was, all the while, wondering whether she had actually heard us joking about the size of the screen, or edition of X-Box!  I think she did not, but it made us laugh again!

Eventually, we were invited to partake of lunch, which we did.  Pizza, BBQ wings, salads, brownies, beer and water.  I took a beer for Jerry, and pizza for Dana.  Little did I know that someone was watching me carefully wrap up the pizza, and covertly put it in my bag.  Samantha and Grant, and our new friend,  Madelyn, watched, as I did the deed.  They were laughing, as was the woman watching.  I turned and saw her, then waved.  She waved back, still chuckling.  Of course, we could take it home!  As long as there was enough for all!  There appeared to be plenty.  However, the bands had not yet eaten!

The first band were a bunch of kids, who looked very, very young.  The noise that came from the singer's mouth was little more than screaming, but his brother (whom he introduced, along with friends) had an amazing voice.  However, this was the alternative station, and as such, the music was very alternative. I watched as the bass guitarist jumped up and down, shaking his head so that his hair flipped from side to side, and the second guitarist, who was wearing a pair of jeans that had more holes than denim and wondered, "Does your mother know what you are wearing", and realising that my today's selection of trendy did not match my thoughts!  The lead singer was able to make noises that sounded like he was giving birth, and everyone seemed to be rather impressed!  Upon leaving the stage, they joined the audience outside.  They were five, very young, (very young,) lads who were so shy, it was dubious as to whether they were the same kids as those performing!  The lead singer, twenty years old, admitted that in 'real life' he was unable to raise his voice to anyone.  His younger brother, fifteen, and the rest of the band, three sixteen year olds, were delighted to be here.  They had not been asked to take part in the real festival, but I told the drummer's mother (who was not the mother of the child with the almost bare legs) that to be asked to play anywhere during SXSW was just as good!  Everyone will say that they heard them during SXSW!  It is just how it is!  Thankfully, I only took a couple of pieces of pizza for Dana, as young as these lads were, they had appetites of healthy teenage boys!  The pizzas were nearly all demolished, and the wings and brownies disappeared!  It was a joy to see them eating!

The second band arrived.  I am familiar with the name 'Metallica' and the drummer, Lars Ulrich, but he was not here!  Instead, his sons came on stage, and delighted the audience, all of whom, except us three, who had been in the front row during the previous performance and had moved back to the fourth, were sitting on the left side, far away from the speakers!  We were still too near!  However, it was a great performance, and they performed a version of Eleanor Rigby that was outstanding!  

Unfortunately, we did not stay for the third band, a local group called Darkbird.  It was already gone four and I was a little concerned about the traffic.  My 'crew' had suggested that they were ready to leave, and we did.  It had been a wonderful afternoon!

By Friday, we felt as if we had been to the festival, despite not setting foot downtown.  We all agreed that spending time at the radio station, was better than collecting caps, bags and t-shirts, most of which we already had!  Perhaps we would have thought of going to see what was happening on Saturday, but then Edward came up with the perfect solution for not going!  He had tickets to a ball game!

The company with whom my son-in-law is employed, somehow (and I am n
ot going to begin to explain, as I know I will get it wrong) gets access to a private box at the baseball grounds of the University of Texas.  After going shopping, early, Samantha dropped me off and went to get Edward.  Then he and Samantha dropped off the dogs, with Dana, and collected me. We drove to the grounds and went to the box.  It was quite wonderful.  A small room, with hotdogs, and other bites to eat, with all sorts of beverages, leading out to two rows of stadium seats, overlooking the pitch, was just what the doctor ordered!  I have never been to a baseball game, and this was going to be very exciting.  I took my can of lager, can of sprite (to make a shandy) and headed outside with my hot dog.  After the National Anthem,, and the Eyes of Texas, the announcer said, "Play ball!" and they did!  I watched as the rules were explained and understood!  Texas gave away the first run, but then went on to win 12-3.  Watching from my special seat was an excellent first experience.  I saw people outside the pitch, with tents set up on a hill, eating their own barbeque and drinking their own beer (no doubt) watching with just as much enthusiasm as those inside.  It was wonderful that they were not moved on, and that this is an acceptable thing.  This is Texas! 

Kids were watching themselves on the big screen, and people were waving to themselves on the television, which was massive!  Next to us was the opening pitcher, who had thrown the ball at the start of the game.  He was honoured during the match.  Jim Gideon was standing being honoured in the box next to ours.  Unfortunately, none of us knew who he was, and it appears he was enormous in college football, but only played for one season for the professional team, Texas Rangers.  However, he played in the major baseball league for one season!  Many of the lads on the field would never get to do that!

After the game, we chatted for a while with Edward's colleagues.  One of the guys had been born in England and moved Stateside when he was ten.  We chatted about football for a while, and I told him that I used to go and see Watford play on a regular basis.  He supported Liverpool.  He told me that one of Liverpool's greatest players started at Watford.  John Barnes.  I felt rather old letting him know I saw John Barnes play for Watford!  He then asked about British television and we were discussing old shows.  One of the ladies started talking about using her phone as a remote control, and another said her mother won't do that.  Samantha pointed to me.  I told them that as a child, I was the remote control!  We laughed at how there were only two real channels in England, with a third being very part time.  I still say, "What is on the other side!"  The English guy asked about my favourite programme and I told him, "Coronation Street.  It is as old as me!"  He asked if it was still going and what was it, fifty years old.  I realised that being called fifty was a compliment!  Wow!  How old did I feel then!

Edward and Samantha took me home, collected the dogs and went to see a showing of "The Price is Right", for which I had won front row seats!  I chose to give them away as I knew they and their friends would have far more fun!  They did!  However, they were moved several times, as the front row seats were for contestants only, and according to my daughter, a fight nearly broke out between staff at the event, as one told them to move, and another told them to stay seated.  It sounded rather funny, and apparently was witnessed by another of Edward's colleagues, who had tickets further back!  However, all's well that ends well!

Dana and I crashed with baked beans on toast for dinner!  It was perfect!  I had enjoyed my hotdog, and shandy, and did not feel like going out at all, let alone eating a decent meal!  I am not a teenager anymore!  Despite being a boy, Dana's appetite is not longer than of a teenager either!

Sunday is Sunday and rather relaxing. It had been a wonderfully exciting week, without stepping foot in the real arena of the Southby festival.  I did not actually miss it, but will probably attend another year!  I think my different experiences were more enjoyable, and like in the days before video recorders, and recording television shows for another time, I had to make a choice between two sides.  I am pleased with the sides I picked.

Next week will be the aftermath of the fest and a little quieter.  Everyone will be back at work, and at school, after spring break.  I look forward to some more 'meet and greets' and perhaps some more prizes.  I have already some activity in store for ........ another story!