A long chat with the smart Los Angeles folk. Today they talk about Cassidy Hutchinson, observe that the NE and West Coast seem to be living in a different world to the South and the Mid West and wonder what Glenn Youngkin is up to. The likely shut off of Russian gas supplies to Germany also figures large in the conversation.
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We have dined here several times. 'The Font' loves it. Angus remembers that the bar staff all had long and luxuriant beards that made them look as if they spent the rest of their day doing Civil War re-enactments :https://thegreyrestaurant.com/dinner/
July 4th. As a teenager Angus went to a wholesomely patriotic summer camp in Pennsylvania run by enthusiastic but slightly overweight ex-Marines. It was in an era when he was the only 'alien'. Every morning the flag would be run up, the oath of allegiance said and all the verses of 'O say can you see ?' were sung. There is a strangely memorable line in the second verse - 'Where the foes haughty host in dread silence reposes' . The words linger incongruously in the mind years after. All was not lost at summer camp. Angus learnt the technique of righting an upended Grumman canoe while keeping his arms folded. A skill set that he's still waiting to put into practical use. Here's a sprightly rendition of July 4th music . The signer is an absolute marvel :https://youtu.be/00vIPB1FWRk?t=5691
8 comments:
I had almost forgotten it is the 4th until I read your post. I never imagined the Star Spangled Banner being sung in a church with an organ accompaniment, but I guess it makes sense in DC. The 4th was always my favorite holiday as a kid, albeit mostly because of the fireworks my grandparents used to smuggle up from Florida every summer for the occasion. Now I just don't know what to think, although maybe it would be a good idea if everyone just decided to use their summer holidays to travel someplace where they imagine the folks living in that other world to be. I'm grateful my son chose an Ohio university, where people really are "Midwest nice" and my Asian son has always been treated well. If I had never gone and all I knew about was Jim Jordan and J.D. Vance . . .
The sunflowers are looking splendid. Nobby is too tired to comment further after three days of intense activity down in the East Midlands.
Agree, those sunflowers do look splendid, especially the one at the front, on the left.
The croissant end nearest the camera looks a little battered, but it's doubtful Sophie will care - another 15/10?
The Foes Haughty Host refers to Wellington's army attacking New Orleans arrogantly expecting loot.
In Dread Silence Reposes refers to the 2000 of them lying dead in their defeat.
Thank you Pete for the explanation to the lyrics. Actually Angus, it's always been my impression the majority of the country can be frequently baffled by the actions and thought processes of those who live on the wacky west coast. C'est la vie'
Youngkin is busy living up to his nickname Trumpkin. Now he's focused on limiting abortion rights. He was caught on a live microphone before the election explaining his admiration for Trump and that he couldn't reveal his true thoughts on issues because no one would vote for him. Soon after the election the Post sent a report round Virginia and people spoke of the desire to scratch Youngkin and start again. He's a doofus who, like Trump, has been caught in lies.
Glen "Jerkin" , clearly a slippery multi millionaire with too much ambition, and plasticity , nothing to lose, a game player. He would be perfect for the presidency of this lost nation to lead it further down the hole.
Sophie does not mind these trifles- She is happier than any of us.
Yes the interpreter was amazing. I’m actually dreading visit of Midwest relatives. They don’t understand need for vaccination, masking, not gathering in a small space or social distancing and their politics are opposite of ours. Thank goodness they are getting a vacation rental!l. It will be “why don’t we have a nice picnic visit on our deck” invitation from here.
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