Wishing Upon a Star

July 4 -- Concerts

I've just made it back (in very wilted condition may I say!) in time to see Seiji Ozawa conduct the Boston Pops in the 1812 Overture. It's all a big Boston tradition with the howitzers, etc., but I think the gun fire was late.

I'd never paid much attention to Seiji before I started corresponding with Michael but I couldn't get over his flowery, ballet-like arm movements. I was expecting strong and crisp, but not this flowy overly dramatic gyration. He desperately needs to have his hair thinned too! Keith (be-still-my-heart) Lockhart seems to have a much crisper style.

I had a hard time watching Seiji, clad in a Red Sox jersey and cap, prancing around the stage with Carl Yastrzemski (who didn't prance, but reluctantly strolled) to the strains of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". Keith, of course, looked just swell in HIS jersey!

(Notice, please that I spelled Yastrzemski correctly as any faithful Sox fan can!)

This is all because of the All Star Game being in town next week. Seiji has also danced thru "Stars and Stripes".

I found it uncomfortable to watch.

As for our performance today, I'm wiped out.

It was scorching and the stage was set up so we were looking into the sun. It was also a LOT of work to emcee for the two hours.

I have to say that I enjoyed the intro I'd written for the Star Spangled Banner, that gave the history of the flag. The crowd also likes the intro I give on how the term "Dixieland" came to be. They always expect it has to do with the Mason Dixon like, so are surprised to hear differently. For those of you who want to know what I talk about, e-mail me and I'll give you the scoop.

The reason that I had to emcee alone is that Dee really hadn't recovered from yesterday, and the prediciton was that today would be even worse. She really didn't look good.

We had finished performing (we sang for two hours with breaks at about twenty minute intervals) and decided to go to Durgin Park for dinner. Durgin Park is noted for it's rude waitress and the fact that you may end up sitting at a table with a bunch of strangers.

What they are not noted for is air conditioning.

They have NONE.

Hard to believe.

As we sat there, I could see that Dee was looking more and more ill. She needed ice packs for her neck, and couldn't even touch her dinner. Her face was scarlet. I was so nervous that she wasn't going to be able to make it to the "T" stop at Government center.

We took our time walking there. Stopping in air conditioned stores, or sitting to rest in the shade for a while.

Fortunately the subway was air conditioned and she began to look and feel better. I don't know if it was heat stroke or if the sun and the medication she takes had combined to make her ill.

The forecasts were right (for a change). Temperature around ninety-eight and humidity in the same range, making the heat index about one hundred and twelve.

It made you sweat just standing still.

Very icky.

I literally peeled out of my clothes and dove into the shower as I walked in the door.

I feel refreshed.

Then I cranked the simulcast on the stereo to listen to the Pops in surround sound. The windows were rattling. Especially when I joined the sing along.

Very patriotic.

I'm so glad this place is air conditioned. Who cares if the electric bill looks like the national debt!
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