My Crappy Day and More

[lydamorehouse]

First, Mason and I had a lovely day today so far.  As you may have read here before, Mason is a bit of a music lover, but it's difficult for us to find venues that are kid-friendly.  We found a list of summer concerts in the park (there's one nearly every night, but most are past Mason's bed time.)  Some, by chance, are afternoon.  Today was one.  We went off to see the Capitol City Wind Ensemble play at Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul.  My only complaint was that they decided to point the trailer band shelter toward the Landmark Center and the central fountain, what that meant was that there was only hot concrete to sit on (or a ring of park benches with a view that mostly obscured the musicians.)  If they'd only faced the other way, we could have sat on the grass and in the shade.  Luckily, I'd brought a blanket so we sat under the sliver of shade the band shelter provided. 

Mason was so excited (or, in his words, "jazzed") to see a contra bassoon.  Unfortunately, they didn't have one.  They did, however, have a regular bassoon, which made Mason pretty darned happy.  There was much directing and hopping around.  The only problem was the heat.  We had to leave before the concert was over because we couldn't stand the temps.  Official temperatures were only 85, but I bet with the glare from the asphalt/concrete it was a hundred.  Plus, we both managed to get sunburned when we were at the beach last Friday, so it was probably just as well that we got out.  We bought a hot dog from a hot dog stand, just to complete the urban experience.

The crappy day was last Thursday.  It was just one of those days when, if I could stub my toe, not only did I, but all five of them, while knocking over a vase, you know?  I had a podcast that night, which I was looking forward to (details coming, though I think Shaun said it would be up on Wednesday of this week), but as I was taking some garbage out to the alley I came across a very injured starling.  Worse, it looked like our makeshift gate (just a piece of board to keep neighboring dogs from pooping in our backyard) may have fallen on it.  At first, I thought it was dead.  Flies had found it.  Then, it moved.  I have no doubt that the poor thing didn't have long for this world, but despite my various fishy adventures, I can't just throw something living away.  So, I had to get my garden gloves, paper towels and a shoe box and take the poor thing to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on Dale Street in Saint Paul.  Luckily, it's not a long drive, but, of course, I got lost.  I made it back to the house with a minute to spare.  Anyway, the podcast should appear at:  http://adventuresinscifipublishing.com/.

Oh, other quick news, Mason discovered the Fantastic Four  (or, as he says, "Four Fantastic") while we were shopping at Target on Saturday.  Marvel apparently now has what they're calling "all-ages" comics, which are meant for the younger reader.  The FF we picked up had four very short moralist stories in it that read a bit like classic SF from the 50s.  It was AWESOME.  I must have read it to Mason twelve times already and it's not getting old for either of us.  We're going to subscribe to it and two other "all-ages" titles: Avengers and Spider-Man.  Mason has been spending his free time running around the house shouting "Flame on!" and "I'm going super-nova!" just like I used to as a kid.  My work here is done.  I am raising the next generation of fan.

Hooray.
 
Oh, and there may be a "Free Mouse" tee-shirt on the way.  Could my life get any better?  (Well, yeah, I could have Tate's revisions finished and six new book deals, but let's not be greedy, shall we?)

Comments

[skinismy13.livejournal.com]

a few things
1) i keep forgetting, what is the date of mason's birthday...the 23rd?
2) i saw tall dark and dead in a bookstore in grand marais...there was one left in the "chick bit" section, which housed several copies of other LESSER authors; but only ONE tdd. w00t.
3) i am currently jealous of the sweltering outdoors, as 8 hours a day i am locked in university buildings with air conditioners that bring the temp to about....60 degrees. brr.

[lydamorehouse]

July 24, at least that's what Mason says. :-)

Sorry you're stuck indoors.

[xochiquetzl]

1. Be greedy! Be greedy!
2. Let the world domination begin. ;)