Happy 45TH Woodstock

A low 70's day with plenty of sunshine. Coco and I went for a nice run on the River Trail. I have about 9 months before the Bravo Challenge next May but I'm getting ready early.

Jim has the Airstream finished and they are using it as I type. They are out at Ottawa Lake near Oconomowoc.

I went and got a haircut today. My first one in just over a year. David my stylist just got back from a 3 week trip to Greece where he was visiting family members. It was 105 degrees yesterday when he left. He said it was pretty much like that for the most part of his trip as he traveled all over Greece.

It's the 45 anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival. Many a great bands were in their early development stages when they performed at Woodstock. The billed headliner was Jimi Hendrix who performed the National Anthem at 11am but few people actually saw that famous moment.

It's strange to see how many of the performers are alive and well and still performing tours as of this year. Great music never dies. There used to be a bartender across the street named Dr. Bob who was an interesting character. I once asked him if he attended Woodstock. He said, "no, I was on my way to it but we got arrested in Michigan and never made it." I sure miss talking to the Doc!

Later

The Airstream

A Classic

Lauren Bacall The Original Cover Girl

Another 70 degree day and we spent part of it at Bradford Beach. Coco and I met my Dad, Mary, Debbie, Sarah and Gabrielle down at the beach. Flew some kites and went for a walk. Then a nice lunch at Northpoint before they had to head back.

The Perseid Meteor shower occurred earlier this morning. I'm sure it was a wonderful sight for those getting up early or those getting home late. I usually fall into one of those two categories but not today so I missed it unfortunately.

Apparently, they don't have any mirrors at the Fox News television studio. I just saw a clip of some fat bald guy telling viewers that Michelle Obama needs to lose some weight.

It's no secret that Bogie and Bacall are my favorite movie stars. I watch a Bogart movie at least once a month. "Casablanca" is my all time favorite movie but the ones that they made together are just pure classics that will last the test of time.

Bacall was a cover girl while she was still in her teens. Director Howard Hawks' wife saw her on a Harper magazine cover and told him that's what a star looks like. A few months later she's playing Slim Browning opposite Humphrey Bogart in the classic "To Have or Have Not." 

The rest was history. She was so intelligent yet sassy with an aura of style that's never out of style.

A few months ago I wrote about the TCM Johnny Carson interviews and Bacall was the last legend still alive. Not quite as true today but every once in a while I have to remind myself that true legends never truly die. They leave a lot behind!

Later

Good Morning Vietnam

What a dreary and sad day. Rainy and 61 degrees on an August day is almost unbelievable. Losing Robin Williams is even more so. What a memorable guy. I always thought he was a very good comic and extremely funny. But I've had this discussion many times including last week. I think he was a much better actor. One of the all time greats. "Good Morning Vietnam" was a great movie with one of the great performances of all time.

Throw in the "Fisher King" " Dead Poets Society" and "Goodwill Hunting" and that's 4 great serious movies for the most part. Then, take a look at "Patch Adams" "August Rush" "The Butler" and "Awakenings" which is another awesome 4 movies. None of them masterful comedies but serious movies. He was a GREAT actor!

Krissy went to the eye doctor today. Some kind of iris infection or virus. They gave her steroids. Can't wait to see those pipes!

Steve Ballmer finally closed on the Los Angeles Clippers today. What a great hobby for a retired billionaire. I collect t-shirts myself.

Just heard that Lauren Bacall died. This day isn't right. I'll write more about her tomorrow. She was legendary!

The graveyard burglar is back at it again in Key West. He or she had been quiet since march after being quite active. Hmmm, maybe someone was in the can for a few months!

Later

November Man Is Coming

It poured pretty good last night and it's been an overcast day for the most part. The rain seemed to be good for Coco's allergies as he's much better today.

It's primary day tomorrow in Wisconsin. It can't get here soon enough. I've been bombarded with robo calls and political mailings. My recycling bin is very full.

The Milwaukee Brewers face off against the Chicago Cubs in a new series tonight. The Brew Crew has played well all year except for one small stretch.

Pierce Brosnan has a new movie coming out. It's based on the late Bill Granger's spy series and this one is called "The November Man." It also stars Olga Kurylenko and hits theaters on August 27th. The previews looked excellent and I will try to see this one at the Oriental Theater.

Later

Coco With Smokey the Bear

Smokey the Bear Turns 70

It was a great afternoon at Pike Lake yesterday. Beautiful weather and it was fun watching the kids play. Plenty of tubing and paddle boarding which Coco took to pretty good.

Today is the last day of the Wisconsin State Fair. Summer seems to be flying with all this cool weather.

A lazy sunday so far. Played a little soccer with Coco and grilled out. Krissy went to church this morning with her mom.

There was a famous birthday yesterday which we celebrated by accident at the State Park. We noticed the sign afterwards but a game warden told us Smokey the Bear was turning 70 and that he would be making an appearance their complete with cake.

Sure enough he arrived with fanfare and took pictures with the kids as the game warden talked about fire prevention. Truly a legendary character and an american icon!

Later

At Pike Lake

Dom and Coco

Coco On the Paddleboard

Paddling Without Falling

The Crowd for Smokey

Pike Lake

Another beautiful day. Sunny and in the 70's so we'll be picking up Coco and heading out to Pikes Lake today to meet up with friends.

Hawaii had their first hurricane in 22 years. That's a pretty good stretch but ironically they have another major storm right behind that one.

The Chicago Bears won their first preseason game yesterday. The offense looked good as expected. The regular season will be here before we know it.

A big welcome to Italy for viewing my blog yesterday. That makes 22 awesome countries that have visited it so far!

Tiger Woods is still having back problems and playing some pretty miserable golf to his standards. A lot of people are writing him off but I wouldn't. Guys like him eventually learn the adjustments they need and come roaring back!

Speaking of Tigers, a lady in India was on a boat when a Tiger swam onto her boat and killed her. I'm not sure if this is one of the tigers that was eating people that I wrote about earlier this year.

Pike Lake is part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. It was formed by a glacier years ago to my understanding. Supposedly they have a great trail to hike so I'm looking forward to it.  I won't be complaining about mosquitos today. I'll take them over tigers anyday!

Later

Moved the Bar Again

Herman's Hermits

A lot of great music last night at the State Fair with an almost perfect weather night.

First we saw the Whiskey Belles for a fabulous set. We're quickly becoming travelers for their shows. Please stop us if you see us selling beads or begging for coins!

Next up was the Tropics to watch King Solomon and grab some caribbean food. We've actually modeled some of our backyard from their place. If only I can score one of those Landshark Lager surfboards for our back wall!

Then we saw part of the original British Invasion with the Herman's Hermit show. Peter Noone was actually 15 years old when that band started. A very nostalgic show and he really is such a nice guy. I have this goal lately to compose a list of all the major bands that I've seen over my time. It's a pretty big list but not nearly as impressive as good ole John Wilson's. He saw Bob Marley in concert! How does one top that?

Last but not least was a blues band by the name the Maple Road Blues Band. What a pleasant surprise. They are on my locals list to see again, they were that good.

Grilling time and happy hour now!

Later

Peter Noone

Such a Nice Guy

John and Jim Talking Music

Food at the Tropics

Nothing But Selfies

She Hates THE Shirt Collar

John and Angela

At the Tropics

The Collar is Back