Our weekend away went by too fast like every weekend really — away or at home. But fun in the sun with my folks is always time well spent and it had some nice highlights. Surprisingly, because our expectations were fairly low really, one of the most fun things we did was go to a Tony Orlando concert! I mean, c’mon, the guy is near 70 still – touring and performing – but how good could he be?
Turns out, “darn good”, would be an apt description. We were shocked to realize his songs were hits 40 YEARS AGO! Seems impossible. Music bridges generations. He has been entertaining for 50 plus years and, needless to say, is a polished entertainer. He did all of his best known hits, classics really – Tie a Yellow Ribbon, Knock Three Times, Candida - largely in a medley and then did loads of hits from a wide array of famous musicians ranging from Van Morrison to the Beatles. The most touching came in a tribute to the men and women who served in the armed forces. He had veterans stand and be acknowledged which was powerful and sincere.
He was also a generous performer and gave loads of stage time to his back-up band ranging from his youngest brother to Toni Wine — a huge talent in her own right. I’d put her in her late 60s as well and as unassuming as a person could be — slight, short, gray hair, nice smile, simply dressed. Turns out they’ve been playing together since they were children. She penned Candida and Groovy Kind of Love. She also was the voices on a bunch of cartoons including Betty and Veronica in the Archie comics. And did a mess of commercials the most popular being the voice on the Meow Mix ads. You know the one that goes, “meow, meow, meow, meow, meow” — like a hundred times! I know you know the one — that’s her!
I was also hugely struck by what interesting lives Orlando had lived. He said when he started out Columbia Records had him working on songs in cubicles next to Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel and Neil Diamond. Can you even imagine?!? Some people live such interesting lives! I mean I’m not knocking on mine — it is a life full of good things — but how interesting it would be to be exposed to that kind of talent all around you.
Check it out and see if he’s coming through your town anytime soon. You’ll know every song and have a great couple of hours reminiscing and learning.
Tony Orlando wasn’t the only thing on our agenda though. Mom and I beat the guys at a rousing tournament of Hand & Foot (sorry dad! : ) ) and our wonderful relatives, Gen and Lew, had us over for yummy salmon burgers with some of their friends. We got in a movie, shopped some, had breakfast with more friends of my folks and walked and walked and walked. It was 70 degrees and sunny — soaking in the sun was a requirement. Plus check out the big bag of grapefruit my parents sent us home with! I got this cute new Vera Wang bag (on sale!) and then filled my old purse up with the grapefruit my dad picked off the tree in their back yard. Made the airport scanner guy smile looking at it. : )
Back here at home, it’s been hectic, cold and windy. Work has been on tilt and I always wonder why I went for a couple days while I scramble to catch up — even being gone for so little time. I mentioned we flew Southwest Air this time (big thumbs up) and I couldn’t help but give a silent shout out to the Universe on our descent into Seattle yesterday. We had THICK clouds for miles. Not just miles around — miles up and down too. You couldn’t see up from down or more than 20 feet away until we were about 30 feet off the runway. How thankful, I found myself thinking, I am for skilled — brave — pilots who know what they’re doing. For air traffic controllers who pay attention and for the engineers who invent clever things like radar and sophisticated flight instruments. Thank you! We live in marvelous times.
In fact, marvel at something around you tomorrow. There are things all around just waiting to be marveled at. : ) Thanks for checking in. I miss you when you’re gone too long! : )
