We did indeed get a big bunch of snow. And currently it is 9 degrees Fahrenheit out there!

And because my favorite 95-year-old Japanese man was so kind to me yesterday, I was able to get back home before any serious snow had accumulated.

Oh, and yesterday, during the 2 hours that I was there, he mentioned our trip to the golf course and the beautiful drive there and back, so many times! He was able to remember it effortlessly. He could even remember the other guests in the restaurant while we were there (there were two large groups of people having Christmas luncheons). And he remembered the two women who spoke to us outside and kindly held the front door open for us.

It just shows how mentally engaged he was by the whole trip. It was a complete success.

*************

And as the snow was steadily falling outside, and Christmas lights were twinkling everywhere — indoors and out — I finally had a chance to catch up with my new friend Johnny on the phone last evening!!

We discussed some places we might like to visit (go camping, although he also recommended the occasional Holiday Inn Express??!!).

Anyway.

When I mentioned how I’ve wanted to make a trip to the Civil War cemetery in Cynthiana, Kentucky and finally see my great-great grandfather’s grave, Johnny immediately said, “Oh, sure, we’ll do that. That’s easy.” And we even discussed the easiest route to get there from here.

And I finally got the very distinct impression that I am really going to get to see my great-great grandfather’s grave, and I don’t have to make that trip all by myself!!

What a happy feeling.

The Confederate War Memorial, in Cynthiana, KY. Established in 1869 — the oldest Civil War monument still standing in its original location:

My great-great grandfather, David May. He was a Kentucky State Senator, as well as an officer in the Confederate army. He and his horse both drowned in the river during the 2nd Battle of Cynthiana:

He and my great-great-grandmother had 7 children, 4 of whom were boys. And because of the boys, my great-great grandmother was able to survive after the war. Since she was a war widow on the Confederate side, she was not entitled to any financial help from the Government.

(My Aunt Bobbie Jean had my great-great grandmother’s original Bible, with all her handwritten notes about what had happened to her during the war perfectly preserved, and I was able to hold that Bible, and read all her notes, about 25 years ago.)

David May’s 4 sons, late in life. My great-grandfather, Ashbel Patton May, is the man on the upper right. He was a District Attorney in Lexington, KY, for a while:

************

All right!!!

It is official!!

“Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness” (simply called “Modi” in the US) is now available on Amazon Prime US!!

I bought it last night, and I am planning to watch it tomorrow, during my glorious day off! I can’t wait!

********

And if I wasn’t already feeling lucky enough–

THIS was on Instagram the moment my wee bonny eyes opened at 3AM this morning!!

Nick Cave smoking and looking out an open window!!

And here is the song that goes with that! The beautiful “Song of the Lake,” from Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ Wild God, 2024:

**************

Well, aside from driving in all the ice and snow and freezing temperatures later today, it should be a really nice day around here.

I’m hoping to make more notes on the 12th Street project. And then do yoga, wash my hair. And hopefully spend a peaceful shift with the retired Minister and his lovely wife and cat!

I forgot to tell you that last Sunday, we all watched “Frosty the Snow Man,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and the special Christmas episode of “Love Boat” from, like, 1978…the retired Minister slept through most of it, although it is hard to imagine sleeping through such gripping entertainment!!

We shall see what awaits us today! I’m not complaining!! (Oh, wait, I am complaining about doing all that driving, but not about the actual shift!)

**********

Okay, I’m gonna get started here, so have a great Sunday, wherever you are in the world!

Thanks for visiting, gang!

I love you guys. See ya!

***********

We continue with “A Very Special Christmas” — the first album!

And speaking of E.12th Street, I remember so well listening to this album over and over that Christmas of 1987! I had so many friends back then, gang. And we had so many cocktails, cigarettes — drugs, too. But also Christmas cookies, presents under the tree, and of course NYC in the 1980s!!

“Merry Christmas Baby,” Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band! Enjoy, gang!!