And something about this song makes me feel like I'm on a road trip. Which is why I listen to it almost every day, much to my man's dismay. There are few bands we disagree on, but, unfortunately Felice Brothers are one of them - in the distinguished company of Thao and the Get Down, Stay Down, Cold War Kids, Ryan Bingham and the non-musical husband-torture of the RHONY and RHOBH - I refuse to expand those acronyms. Those of you who need to know already do. The reunion shows are particularly painful for him. He can't just leave the room, it must be the whole house.
There is some music he loves that I cannot abide as well. Rush. Frank Zappa (ok, I can tolerate small doses) and most all 70s-80s "butt-rock." When I got home from my trip to France, a mysterious Deep Purple LP had appeared in our collection.
Anyway, whenever I start gushing about a new band I have discovered, he asks "Is it a young guy trying to sound like an old guy?" UM, no... except maybe, yes. I am looking at you, Low Anthem. And Felice Brothers. Anyway, you can decide for yourself.
I mean, accordion? What's not to love.
Anyway, the road trips. I can't take one this year. And last year, no. Does driving 10 hours in separate cars to move across the PNW count as a road trip? No, it does not. I have had some epic road trips throughout the years. Some were horrible where I was trapped with maniac pseudo-hippies trying to touch my face with their dirty, disgusting pseudo-hippie feet and camping at sewage treatment plants (this is two separate trips). Some were wonderful filled with deserts and national parks and grilled cheese sandwiches and Wall Drug visits. Speeding tickets and snow camping in May.
Tennessee to North Carolina
TN to MT to TN not sure how many times, but once it took almost a month. Variously by way of Denver, Dayton OH, Chicago IL, literally every state and national park in Utah and some in Arizona.
MT to Banff
MT to Arcata, CA - through Eugene!
I want a road trip with my man down Highway 1 and next year, my friend moves to San Francisco and IT IS ON. I am already looking forward to it. Also, another friend has a quite significant milestone birthday, to which I have already RSVP'd. Don't know where it will be, but I am hoping we can drive there! Of course, because my car doesn't currently drive on the highway, or to South Eugene, because there are hills, so I may need to learn to drive my man's stick shift. I know. The other day I didn't fill my tank all the way, not because I am short on cash, but because why waste a full tank of gas in case my car breaks down?
Anyway, that was a tangent, but it's summertime! I have been neglecting the blog. I don't like to write too long at once, so the next time I will cover some recent developments such as:
I passed my comprehensive exams! - Do you really want to hear about this?
I went to France - I have to be brief here out of weak respect the people who I traveled with who I am unsure if read this blog. There is really no disguised identity around here. I will post some pics though.
Venus De Milo
I went to the Louvre. Some of you may know of the ill fated Paris trip of '02... Not a road trip but rather a train trip. Where my brother and I valiantly tolerated each others constant company for over a month before the eventual and inevitable blow up(s). Anyway, we left from France, leaving the only day to go to the Louvre A TUESDAY which EVERYONE KNOWS is the day all museums in France are closed. I finally got to go and although I went directly from the 10 hour flight and it was about 3am body time, it was worth the nine year wait. More later on this trip. The current one, not the brother one. Although, that trip is a goldmine...
We went to the Country Fair - I heard a bluegrass KIDS cover of NIN's Closer "I want to pet you like an animal. I want to feel you from the outside. You get me closer to dog."
My garden is growing - let me just say this now. Why can I only grow leaves and no vegetables? Lettuce is the only thing I like to grow in Oregon because everything else just makes leaves and flowers that never produce. Any tips?
I have two weeks left of the last course I am require to teach for the next two years. I have been loving the summer course and the students. Of course, this love will be gone when I get my evaluations. Two more weeks of love.
Will write soon friends. Block Party next weekend VIVA Whiteaker!
xo pigeon xo
