therealtamara

The best, for last?

What foods would you like to make?

Dessert often comes ahead of the appetizer course, as in the adage to which I subscribe:

Life’s uncertain eat dessert first.

It’s advice by which to live and over which to chuckle.

Dogs and Cats?

Dogs or cats?

As of this writing, I have not made a choice of which is the superior pet.

It seems like dogs engage with you more. They want to be petted. Cats often act as if we are a nuisance when we go to stroke their fur.

Of course, both the dog and the cat provides us with companionship.

Conclusion: let’s keep one of each.

Dated

1971 draws a blank for the moment.

In 1967, I had a roommate who matriculated. She was finished with her studies a year ahead of me.

It’s a little game, silly, really, that I like to try. The universe hands me a date and I connect it to a memory.

The idea is not just to stay sharp but also to keep the timeline of my personal history fresh.

The latter has a way of slipping as time passes. It comes in handy, keeping a grip on who I am.

Fun

Are you seeking security or adventure?

Adventureland was my favorite go-to as a child. I would happily drag my parents there every chance they gave me.

As a teen, I visited the World’s Fair so often it started to feel like home. My exploration of the place gave me security.

Adventure once you take to it can begin to feel familiar.

Close

If you could host a dinner and anyone you invite was sure to come, who would you invite?

Close friends and the little bit of family we have are welcome to join.

Dinner is to be served promptly between 6 o’clock and 7. Dress is optional by which we mean that of course you have to be dressed but wear what you like.

See you then.

Better

What do you think gets better with age?

Love grows and ages well.

When we are lucky enough to experience it.

Disasters

The term we use when we experience horrific destruction is ‘Acts of God’. It’s a term of convenience for insurance agents who don’t want to fund natural disasters.

Sometimes, in a more neutral frame of mind, we blame Mother Nature. As if your mama would inflict that upon you.

Of course, the God-fearing among us still turn to prayer when unthinkable catastrophe hits.

I, as usual, turn to a favorite atheistic catchphrase: God has a lot to answer for.

Sing along

What is your favorite genre of music?

🎼Classical music, big splashy symphonies, and intricate piano works are wonderful.

My teenage years played out mostly to Brahms and Bach and Mozart, and Liszt and some more obscure and lesser composers. 🎹*

In college, I bopped to classic Motown and R&B repertory.

As I grew to young adulthood, I started grooving heavily to country tunes.

Yes, folks, let’s sing along with Miss Barbara Mandrell. “I was country when country wasn’t cool.” 🎵🎶🎸

I love the great American musical, like Pajama Game or Hello, Dolly, to name a few. It’s billed as The Great American Songbook and

Jazz was an eye-opener when I was introduced to it. Over the years, I went to many a jazz concert and a few jazz clubs.

Let us not leave out Big Bands and blue grass for a full roster of favorites

*Classical music and the classical music station were part of the family dynamic.

To a flame

A Lovely Time

Describe your most memorable vacation.

I had traveled across much of Europe. I had visited London and Dublin and gone all over Israel. I really enjoyed a short stay in a ClubMed in Western Mexico.

And yet, none of that compares with the first trip we took as a couple. My now husband whisked me off to a long weekend in Newport RI.

A storm greeted us as we crossed the bridge to our destination. We had already slogged through an amazing traffic backup en route.

Of course, this would not have made the weekend notable.

The promise of our love and companionship is what flavored this trip and gave us the memories.

Over the years, we’ve taken many short hops in the eastern states, each a fond memory of joy and laughter.

This was just the beginning, and we all know that beginnings are special.