Indiana Wants Me

Stuck here in Indianapolis for the week.

Reminds me of a saying a particularly witty ex had. She was from Lemoore in California. She said "It was a dairy area."

I'm a little nervous about being away as the 24-Hour Party People [aka the Roommates] are in charge of the house. I fully expect my dog to be in a roofie coma, dressed in Prada when I return. There is a downside to having 2 Norwegian hotties as roommates. So far the immense charm more than makes up for it.

Everyone who reads this blog should stop and take a moment and witness the convergence of two geniuses: Jennifer Warnes and Leonard Cohen [by way of Bill Elliot who co-wrote the song]: Song of Bernadette. Does this performance make me cry? A little.

Just got some news that my Dad's cousin Phil has had a stroke, and is being cared for at his cousin Loretta's home [where she is also being cared for.] These people are so old and fragile, so wonderful. They've been on the periphery of my life for so long, it's so bittersweet to see them get so frail, they have such intelligence and good humor and vulnerability and grace. The spouses, if they had them, fell a long time ago, and yet they hang on. They're the last ones, next my Dad and his siblings will be become the frail ones.

I'm going to try to get down there and see them on Sunday. It will be emotional.

I have been described as critical. I would think analytical is more accurate. [Now, there is irony. I say something critical defending myself against charges of being critical. But again, what do you do if someone labels you "defensive"? It's a no win.]

I think you can have a low level of ambition and still maintain a fairly high standard of living here in Indiana. The average home sells in the $100s. Irrational exuberance is an unknown combination of words in these parts.

I had more to say, but I'm tired. I saw Crowded House a couple of weeks ago. Kind of a mediocre show by some very talented musicians. Paul Hester's death or absence wasn't addressed. They played a very perfunctory version of "Don't Dream It's Over", which I understand. I think they are trying to de-anthemize the song. And they did. But why the long, sing-along version of "Weather With You"? It's not much of a song. But the version of "Private Universe" was good. And they were very funny. Neil and Nick are like an old, very funny, married couple. Nick is a particularly good bassist.