An Incomplete but Unforgettable Show

In Memory Of LeRoi Moore, 1961-2008, DMB, originally uploaded by phlyersphan.

I can't believe it's been a year already since my last DMB post but here I am again writing about my most favorite day of the year... I believe this to be my 15th show, though admittedly I have only been able to log 13 because a couple of the shows were so long ago I can't remember the dates and the ticket stubs have been long missing.

Attending this year's show held greater importance for me as founding member and saxiphonest, LeRoi Moore passed away unexpected on Tuesday from complications stemming from an ATV accident. I didn't see it coming as I had heard he was on the mend and found out early Wednesday when I logged into my email at work finding several emails from friends who figured I hadn't heard the news. Personally, I didn't think the show would go on but am sure I'm not alone when I say it was a communal healing experience for the band and all the old time fans.

Speaking of old timers, I have to admit this years crowed was better then it has been in years. Maybe because I had just been complaining to Denise at work about how the crowed just doesn't "get it" like they used to. Well they got it this year as everyone around me was feeling the vibe, singing and dancing in unison.

This years show, though incomplete without Roi, ranks in my top 3 of all time for its mix of somber notes, heart stopping classics, out-of-control covers and sheer goofy Dave moments. The seats we had were phenomenal too, probably the best in the last 5 or 6 years. (Shout out to Lauren for the ticket hook-up!)

This year I brought my friend Vero with me as she has never seen DMB before and actually told me this was her first American concert. She said she had a really good time as was impressed with the band's instrumentals. (Basically my reason for bringing newbies every year is to show off their talents in a live setting... the way it's meant to be enjoyed.) I always find it interesting to know which songs people like when they have never heard the band before. I've listened to each song a thosand times so I hear them differently then someone listening for the first time. Vero was especially fond of Dreaming Tree and Don't Drink the Water... Vero happens to have very good taste.

My favorite part of the show was... well there were two. No 1. When Dave broke into Burning Down the House. Words can not explain how cool and totally unexpected that was. Bob Lefsetz described the band performing Burning Down the House better than I can...

And just like a modern jet, everything was working. It has to in order to move. And boy was the band moving. Musically. There were no dance steps, everybody was almost rigid in his place. But Carter's arms were churning, Dave was spitting into the mic like he was seventeen, and he needed to show the bullies, who he was, where he was coming from.

(That link is to a candid article about Roi's last day. Very touching if you're a fan reading this.) I can't find a video from last night so I'm grabbing one from the performance at Alpine Valley.



The No. 2 favorite moment was Dave's silly dance onstage to Danny Barnes playing the banjo during Corn Bread. I'll post a YouTube video but I can't guarantee how long it will be up on this site before it's removed from YT.



Here's the set list from last night

Friday Aug 22 2008
Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre


Bartender *
Old Dirt Hill *
Eh Hee *
Water Into Wine *
Sledgehammer *
So Damn Lucky *
Stolen Away On 55th & 3rd
Crush *
Sugar Will *
Everyday *
Ants Marching *
Dreaming Tree *
Burning Down The House *
Lover Lay Down *
Corn Bread *+
Two Step *
__________________

Louisiana Bayou *
Don’t Drink the Water *


Show Notes:
Send good thoughts for LeRoi
* Jeff Coffin
+ Danny Barnes

Here's a short tribute video to LeRoi.

Warning: Drunken Shopping May Be Hazardous to Your Wallet

i D o l a t r y, originally uploaded by js wright.

Ok, I admit it. I’ve been terrible about keeping up my blog but I’m starting anew! So for those few of you who are interested in the goings on of Jeff and myself here in San Diego you can once again get your fix. :P Yesterday I got a call from my friend (and coworker) Vero who in a sad sad voice pleaded with me not to be mad at her. I couldn’t imagine what she might do to upset me. She’s not one to be intentionally hurtful and I’m not one who allows things to bother me. Then she told me that she bought me a new Macintosh laptop (I’ll call it a “MacTop” for short.) Well, didn’t buy it FOR me so much as bought it while establishing a new no-interest line of credit though the International Bank of Veronica. Otherwise, she bought it for me with the caveat that I could pay her back as I can afford it. You may wonder what may provoke someone to do this sort of thing.

Well, I have been using a hand-me-down desktop Mac that I bought off my old company in what was probably 2001. It’s old and slow and I, evidently, had been singing the praises of the MacBook Pro so-much lately that Vero had offered to buy it for me a few weeks ago on her no-interest credit card so I could have it and not have to worry about paying it back right away. It was very thoughtful but with several trips coming up for me in the next year I knew I really needed to focus on saving. Even so, I guess I talked about this MacTop quite a bit and maybe even had a certain sparkle in my eye as I envisioned myself at Starbucks sipping my Iced-grande non-fat soy latte and updating my numerous weekly blogs. I politely declined her offer and then thought about just buying it for myself. Online, I selected the computer, the free iPod that it comes with and all the software that I needed and then totally choked at the payment screen. I decided to leave the page open and to go eat lunch. If I still wanted the computer after lunch I would buy it. This was about 3 or 4 weeks ago.

On a full stomach I had a reality check and bailed on the computer. I told Vero about my moment of weakness and I suppose it stuck in her head because over the weekend, in a shopping haze brought on by one too many tequilas Vero went online and bought one… A really REALLY nice one. A day or so later, in her version of buyer’s remorse, I got the call from her. She sounded sick and even a little fearful. But honestly, how could I ever be mad? I get the computer I’ve been coveting for months and without all the guilt associated with making a large purchase for myself. It’s great!

So, the bottom line is, if anyone wants to buy me something that I really really want without my knowing about it, I won’t be mad, I promise. Just give me another 6 to 8 months so I have time to pay off my MacTop.

Christie's Walking for the Animals - May 3rd

HumaneWalk07_13.jpg, originally uploaded by fuzzles.

Hi,

I recently accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the San Diego Humane Society in their 14th Annual Walk for Animals, which will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Crown Point Shores. So, please consider supporting me as I walk to raise funds for the many wonderful programs offered by the Humane Society.

I'm sure the next animal that comes through their doors won't know it is because of your generosity that the Humane Society was able to help them, but I will know.

Your contribution will not only help me reach my fundraising goal, but the money will go to feed and care for animals looking for loving homes, rescue animals in need, and educate individuals about responsible pet ownership.

I know you are busy, but supporting my efforts is faster and easier than ever. You can make a tax-deductible donation online by visiting my personal walk page, or if you prefer, you can send your contribution to the address listed below.

Whatever you can give will help - it all adds up! I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Thanks so much,
Christie
_______
If you would like to make a donation via mail, please print out this page, and inclose it with your gift. That way the Humane Society will know its to support my efforts. Their address is: San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA, 92110

Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://www.sdhumane.org/site/TR/Events/2008WalkForAnimals?px=1103762&pg=personal&fr_id=1050&s_tafId=4540

Click here to view the team page for Jain Malkin Inc.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://www.sdhumane.org/site/TR/Events/2008WalkForAnimals?team_id=3570&pg=team&fr_id=1050&s_tafId=4540

Justin Visits San Diego

Justin came to San Diego for a visit last weekend. It was so great to see him and hang out. Hopefully he'll be back again with Lauren in tow. He was only in town for three full days so the trip was jam packed with adventure. On Friday we walked around PB, though the weather wasn't great we saw the beach, checked out a surf store or two and did a little shopping. We also hit La Jolla where I showed Howie the sites, including the beaches and harbor seals that were back for their pupping season.

On Saturday morning Justin, being the proactive guy that he is, had arranged to meet the UC Cyclery bike club folks for a 50 mile a.m. ride all along the north county. I, of course, slept in and sipped coffee until his return. Then we hit the road again for some fish tacos at Fins and a day of exploring Balboa Park.

Saturday night was an adventure in and of itself. Jeff, Justin and I tried to get dinner at Cafe Sevilla in the Gaslamp Quarter but after an hour and fifteen minutes of the hostess telling us, "just a few more minutes", we decided to bail and find foodage elsewhere. We ended up popping into Ole Madrid and had an amazing dinner with live entertainment. It goes to show you that sometimes it's better to play things by ear then to plan them in advance.

Since dinner went so late we headed straight to the Ivy Hotel for some cocktails and good conversation. We got in line for Envy, the hotel bar and after waiting in line for an hour we realized why they call it Envy. (You envy your friends who decided to stay home for the night.) Jeff couldn't take the wait anymore and bailed so Justin and I ventured in together to see what all the hype was about. We finally made it in, skipped straight through the club and headed up to the roof deck, known as Eden, where spent the evening sipping mojitos and catching up next to San Diego's trendiest bonfire. While I wouldn't wait in line on a regular basis to get into Eden, I do think it's worth the wait when you are looking to show out-of-towners a good time. It could be especially fun on a warm summer evening.

The next morning we drove to Del Mar for brunch at the Cafe Del Mar. This was another unplanned excursion that turned out to be a lucky choice. We all loved the cafe and can't wait to go back. We all wished Lauren was there with us and pledged to take her back there when she comes to visit next. The Cafe Del Mar definitely gets rave reviews from us. After brunch we walked Torrey Pines beach. The day, which was supposed to be cold and rainy, turned out to be quite nice and we enjoyed some photos and site seeing there before we had to drop Justin off at the airport. Here are a few photos from our last day with Howie, chillin in Del Mar.



Jeff and I at Torrey Pines



Howie on the beach.



Torrey Pines Beach



Justin and I at the beach.



Howie at Cafe Del Mar



Del Mar hang glider.



Me at the beach in Torrey Pines.

New England Christmas

Freckles eats bows.

Ok, I know. I've been Slacky McSlacks-a-lot when it comes to keeping up with the blog. It's not that we haven't been up to much, really. It's that we've been up to so much I haven't had the chance to download all the photos and get up online. For the sake of catching up, I will post a bunch of threads with photos and start fresh next time with our newest of adventures.

I will go back to Christmas and start there. For the holidays, Jeff and I went back to Oxford to spend the Christmas with his family. It had been three years since we had been there last for the holidays. It was always eventful with family visiting and squeezing in time with friends.


Jeff's cousin Jonathan provides the entertainment.



Jeff cleverly disguises his Dad's gift in a Victoria's Secret box, causing gasps and fainting all around.



Donna and Vanessa check out their news gifts while Jamie's laser beam eyes glow red as she uses her powers of X-ray vision.



Brenda and Jonathan discuss what to name their band.


The highlight of Christmas day was definitely Joe and Kristin's announcement. Guess who's getting married? You can't miss the twinkle of passion in their eyes. Planning has already begun and we can expect a big Italian wedding next year.


Note the big fatty ring on her finger.


Halfway through our trip back east, Jeff and I split ways and I headed to the island to visit with friends and catch up with old classmates. I met up with with Kristina and Solan in Boston to take the kid's out to the Children's Museum before we sent them off with their Dad's so Kris and I could have a girls night on the town.


Kris and Sammy getting messy at the Children's Museum in Boston.



Solan, Kristina, MacKennah and Samantha experience a little healthy family competition.



Camden gets commissioned to work on the Big Dig.


After we dropped the kids off, Kris and I hopped on a plane to Nantucket. We had a nice dinner at Pi, which was a bagel place when I lived on the island. For a pizza joint, it has the ultimate in ambiance and was a warm and cozy get-away as I worked to adjust to the cold New England weather.

The next day was a usual day on the island. We had breakfast at the Downey Flake and ran around town chatting it up with people we haven't seen in ages and managed to make enough time for shucking scallops and feeding chickens. You know, the usual. That afternoon we stopped at the Cisco Brewery for a wine tasting. Their sweet Pinot Grigio is to die for.


Chris and Kris killin' time at the Cisco Brewery.

Later that evening we met up with some of Kristina's friends at the Muse, or whatever they're calling it these days. We chatted it up with lots of folks we haven't seen in years and then headed over to Kitty Murtagh's where we intended to stay a short time but ended up closing the place. It was a really fun time but I could have used an extra week to catch up with everyone.

After returning to the mainland, Jeff and I met up at my Uncle's house in Providence where we had another Christmas. We had some of David's amazing chili and watched football with the neighbors, Mike and Danielle. The visit was way too short but I'm so glad we were able to make it over as we haven't seen them in too long. Mike and Danielle got us a surf lesson in Mission Beach not far from our home in San Diego. We can't wait to use it this summer and will post the photos of us making complete idiots of ourselves.

On our last morning in Massachusetts we met up with Lauren and Justin at their favorite little breakfast joint, SoundBites, in Somerville. I have three words... "Stuffed... French... Toast!" Yum! We so miss them and was thrilled we could get together.

Well the next thing we knew we were on our plane and heading back to sunny San Diego. The trip was great fun but it was nice to be back in the warmer climate. Next year, we'll have Christmas at our house.

2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5

I did it! I got my license and bought my first car all in a weeks time. I've been car shopping for a few weeks now and had narrowed my search down to a 3 Series BMW, a Z4, or possibly a Pontiac Solstice. Then on Friday morning, the day I was heading out to test drive cars after two previous visits to dealerships, I got a car insurance reality check. Being a brand new driver some places wouldn't even insure me. Those that would had astronomical premiums. Insurance alone was higher then the car payments I had planned on so I had to completely rework my budget and put off my dreams of driving a luxury/sports car. Boo.

I went back to my car research and came up with a plan B. At the top of the list, a Volkswagen Beetle and a used BMW Z3. Both had everything I was looking for and were priced right. Off to CarMax to spend the afternoon test driving. I brought Jeff with me so of course we had to take out some cars for him too. The first on the list, a Chrysler 300 with the SRT8 package. Ooooo, Ahhhhh. It has everything, power, luxury, a big fat price tag.

Moving on. Next we took out the convertible VW Beetle. Immediately we started having problems with the top indicator light. It kept saying there was a problem so we couldn't test that specific car. We took out a second Bug, which was fine, but the problem with the first one tainted the whole thing for me. I also felt it was a little too low on power. You really have to hit the gas to get it to go. Jeff suggested a Jetta. DUH! Of course. I had considered it many times before. We glanced over an older model Jetta and then discovered a 2005 across the lot in Silver. I never thought of myself as a silver sedan sort of girl. Booor-ing! But as soon as I was behind the wheel I knew this was the car. Aside from lacking in the sun-roof department it had all the bells and whistles I was looking for and then some.

6 Disk CD Changer
Dual Climate zones
Leatherette upholstery (no cows harmed in the making of my Jetta)
Two seat warmers
Power everything
and it came with Z rated tires to boot.







We finished the day test driving a BMW 330i, which was REALLY nice but out of my price range. Jeff says it's his next car. He loved it. Secretly, I hope it is his next car.

In the mean time, if you see me cruising in my Jetta, give me a wave.

The San Diego Zoo - 1st Visit

The day the wildfires started Jeff and I went to the San Diego Zoo. Being "zoo people" we knew that we would be buying a membership so that we could visit often. As you all probably know, the San Diego Zoo is slated as being the best in America and of the best in the world. Seeing everything in one day is virtually impossible not to mention they have a second location, The Wild Animal Park we still haven't seen north of the city. If Jeff and I go to each once the membership has paid for itself so it was well worth it.

That Saturday afternoon we made it through about 2/3 of the park. There is almost too much to describe. For me, the highlights were the Polar Bears, the Great Apes, the Koalas and Jeff and both agreed our most favorite animal to watch was the Black Panther (Jaguar) which was very active as he paced just in front of the visitors. Even as an avid zoo enthusiast I can't recall ever seeing one before. It was pretty cool.

We didn't take a lot of photos but here's what I do have.



Many of the Tortoises at the San Diego Zoo arrived full grown in the early 1920s. Their actual age isn't known but they are believed to be over 100 years old.


Birds were fluttering all around the bird house.