The Queen of Disco

Thanks to Jack and Carolyn, we got to have a really fun time last weekend when they treated us to a night in their very cool Hollywood Bowl box seat to see Donna Summer. (Without my camera, I only have video clips to show you how it's done - will put them together hopefully, soon!)She hasn't lost her style or energy, and I'm pretty sure I enjoyed her show more in 2008 than I would have in 1978! Here's a link to a review from the Orange County Register and here are some excerpts:

While her peers from the '70s have retired or died or settled for peddling nostalgia, Summer remains not only popular enough to play two nights at the Bowl, but also has the confidence to spend half her night on songs from her new album instead of simply packing her set with hits from 30 years ago.

The show balanced old hits – "I Feel Love," which practically invented electronic dance music way back in 1977, followed the opener, and then came another classic, "Dim All the Lights" – with new songs from her first album of new material since 1991.

"It is 17 years since I've had a studio album out," Summer announced before introducing "I'm a Fire," a new tune that nonetheless had a strong '70s dance vibe.

"I was raising kids," she joked. "There's only so much a woman can do."

The first half of the show focused more on the new material, from the romantic ballad "Sand on My Feet" to the reggae-tinged "Crayons," the title track from her new CD.

Her voice might not have all the purity it did three decades ago, but it remains a powerful and passionate instrument, swooping and soaring – and "MacArthur Park," with its different movements, gave her plenty of room to shine.

It also led to a sweet diva moment. As the biggest applause and cheers of the night caused Summer to dab at her eyes, she told the crowd, "Don't make me cry, c'mon!" which only brought louder cheers for the singer to bask in.

After a few more new songs – the dance-rock "Stamp Your Feet," the bluesy "Slide Over Backwards," both showing off different colors in her musical palette – the show built to the finale for which everyone had been waiting.

"She Works Hard for the Money" got the dancing into high gear again. Then "Bad Girls," with its catchy chorus, flowed straight into "Hot Stuff," performed here in a faster, harder-rocking style.

Just as "The Queen Is Back" served as the perfect opener, there was never any doubt what would wrap up the night, and from the opening chords of "Last Dance," a huge cheer went up and nearly everyone in this audience of more than 14,000 rose to their feet.

As Summer sang it, you could see the joy in her face.

Looking at fans filtering out of the amphitheater once that last dance was over, it was clear the feeling was shared.

It sure was fun to eat, drink, and "dance the night away", but boy - were my legs tired! Here are a couple of video clips from that night:

Dad's 85th Birthday

It was actually on the 15th but we celebrated Saturday night because Sam was able to join us and I had a teen event at the library in the afternoon. The three of us got meat at Just Barbeque and headed to Costa Mesa where April, Lindsay, and Jane met us at Dad's house. We are so blessed to have our only living parent in such great shape! It was fun to get together, even though for just a couple of hours; our family is so tiny that any time together is good. Sam had to be back up north on Sunday so it was extra quick - and extra special!

Alaska Fishing

Much more about our Alaska trip will follow, but I took so many pictures I still want to edit, it will take me a while to get organized. I did finish this video though; nothing we read before the trip prepared us for the sight of all those people fishing! To add another dimension, I'll add a video of pinks swimming up the Resurrection River in Hope - as soon as I can.

Summer Soiree 2008 - A Great Time Had By All!

The Pattons and Richard & Nancy outdid themselves again - they organized a better weekend than any of us could have asked for! It was great to see everyone again, especially so many of our kids, who are about the age most of us were back when these Summer Soirees first began back in 1976! Thankfully, I got my cast off last week, so after a nice visit with Julie and Gabe in SLO, we arrived at Wildwood and I got to enjoy the pool as well as old and new friends, great food and drink, and beautiful views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. As we would often say while floating in the pool with our drinks, "They sure run a great place here!"

A New Pond Visitor

We were lucky to see this guy before he saw us!
We hope there isn't enough flying room between the bridge and the avocado tree for him to try catching fish in his talons because he is gorgeous and we'd love to see him up close again!