Earl
Babbie PhotoJournal
March 2009
| Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
| 01 ASO |
02 |
03 |
04 |
05 Democrats Civitan |
06 |
07 |
| 08 |
09 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 Blanche Lincoln |
| 15 |
16 Anniversary |
17 |
18 |
19 Civitan |
20 |
21 |
| 22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 Rocks |
28 Sock Hop |
| 29 Piano Concert |
30 |
31 |
March 01
This afternoon, we attended a wonderful performance by the ASO: featuring Beethoven's
Ninth Symphony with the Ode to Joy. The orchestra was joined by six (count 'em) choirs.
Suze and I were inspired to re-watch Immortal Beloved, later in the week. The highpoint
comes during the premier performance of the 9th. Beethoven, now totally deaf, is sitting on
stage watching the conductor and the musicians. At the end of the piece, the conductor gets
Beethoven to stand and face the audience, which he finally realizes are on their feet applauding.
It was a revolutionary symphony in many ways: length and voices being only the most
obvious. Previously, the various movements of a symphony were pretty much independent
of one another--possibly interchangable from symphony to symphony. There was more
interconnection in the 9th, with the themes of the first three movements being reprised in
the fourth. Traditionally, the second movement of a symphony was slow, followed by a
faster third. In the 9th, these were reversed, which seems trivial perhaps, but it was
critical in giving an integration of parts comprising the whole piece. (This is what I remember
from the pre-concert preview by conductor David Itkin. I apologize in advance for any errors.)
What strikes me is that the 9th was so different, so revolutionary--and yet so well received.
That's what gives so much power to the movie moment when Beethoven finally realizes the
audience's reaction.
March
05
For the past week or two, Suze and I have been reviewing the list of available colds and
passing them back and forth like Valentines. When I had a couple of bad days, I could just
stay in bed, or crawl to the couch. Suze, however, is still employed three days a week.
By this past Monday, she was sent home from work with orders to stay there for the rest
of the week. Those of you who know her well can realize how dramatic it is for Suze to miss
work or other obligations.
Tonight, she was still sick enough that I took her place at the Democratic Board meeting
and at Civitan. Actually, I did my regular job as Sargeant at Arms for Civitan, while I
presided at the Democrats (both VPs out sick) and took notes as secretary. It all turned out
pretty well, and I was delighted to support Suze--given how much she does for me all the
time, sick or well.
March 14
We have been continuing our yo-yo recovery from what the local doctors have labeled,
"the crud." Though we both have been getting steadily better recently, we skipped Wednesday's
concert by the Fifth Dimension. Partly, we were being cautious because of our commitment
to attend a fund-raiser for Senator Blanche Lincoln tonight in Little Rock. The guest of honor,
other than Blanche, was Vice President Joe Biden. Moreover, the event was a who's who of
Arkansas Democratic politics.
Blanche is sometimes criticized by the Left as too moderate--a "Blue-dog" Democrat, but Suze
and I have a basic liking for her. We've had an opportunity to talk with her one-on-one, and she
strikes us as someone who shares our basic values and is very thoughtful in applying them in
practical politics. This means that we will disagree with some of her votes; sometimes we will
understand her actions as Realpolitik; other times we'll just disagree. But most of the time,
we are simply delighted to be represented by her in the Senate. So we contributed and attended.
To make the event more manageable, we arranged to stay overnight at the Doubletree, a full
three-minute walk from the evening's event. As we approached the event hotel, we were confronted
by a DC limousine with the license 002, flying an elaborate American flag. I considered taking a
picture but frankly was intimidated--I felt getting arrested by the Secret Service would ruin the
whole evening.
As we entered the ballroom, we were confronted with several hundred people who somehow
got there before us. Here's a familiar face.
After an hour or so of general schmoozing, the speeches began. We heard from:
Senator Mark Pryor Rep. Vic Snyder Rep. Mike Ross (sometimes vague)
Mike Beebe spoke, and then it was time for the Veep, followed by Blanche.
Some have criticized Blanche for criticizing portions of the Stimulus
Package recently, but her comments tonight were completely supportive of
President Obama's efforts to clear up the Bush mess, and Biden, who is
responsible for seeing the Stimulus Bill through to completion thanked
Blanche for garnering a beginning of Republican support for it. There was no
evidence tonight that Blanche was at odds with the Obama administration,
nor that she was perceived as such by them.
So much for Senators, Vice Presidents, and national economics. The real issue
Suze and I faced was whether we would be able to escape from the hotel on
Sunday morning. It had turned out we would wake up in the middle of a box
bordered by the route of the Little Rock Marathon.
Our hotel was located at the big blue dot beside the river. After discussing the matter
with the Police Department and with some of the officers at the Lincoln event, we decided
to get up early and leave the hotel at 4:30 Sunday morning. (Got us home early.)
March 16
Today is the one-year anniversary of our marriage in the Chapman Chapel in Orange.
We celebrated by meeting with our accountant to finalize our taxes. Then we set out for
a wonderful dinner at either of our favorite restaurants in the immediate vicinity--both of
which are dark on Mondays, as it turns out.
We had a celebratory anniversary dinner at the Great Wall Chinese Buffet. Actually,
it didn't really matter. We've been celebrating for the past 365 days.
March 19
On the third Thursday of the month, it's time for another Civitan meeting. Tonight we
had a talk from Ann Hudson, the local head of the Special Olympics. The club made a
financial contribution, which will make it possible for some additional kids to particiipate.
In addition, Suze and I signed up to assist the games on April 25th.
March 27
On her way to work this morning, Suze saw a photo op that prompted a call home. Soon,
I was in the car with a camera. I'm afraid these pictures don't do the beautiful scene justice,
but maybe you'll get the idea.
March 28
Tonight was different. A week or so ago, we read an article about plans to organize a
50s/60s sock hop. Although I had reservations about the use of the term BeBop (which
has a special meaning in jazz), we thought it would be interesting and maybe even fun
to join a bunch of old folks who happen to recall and love the music of our youth.
It was fun. We enjoyed watching others dance, and we especially enjoyed dancing together
for essentially the first time. We liked the slow dances, and we held our own in jitterbugging.
Although the bodies (our included) may have looked old, you couldn't miss seeing the
teen-agers bursting out all over. We'll be out of town when they do it again in April, but
we'll be front and center in May.
The situation wasn't ideal for photography, but this gives a sense of the ambience. It was
actually a lot more crowded than this picture indicates.
For the past week or two, Suze and I have been reviewing the list of available colds and
passing them back and forth like Valentines. When I had a couple of bad days, I could just
stay in bed, or crawl to the couch. Suze, however, is still employed three days a week.
By this past Monday, she was sent home from work with orders to stay there for the rest
of the week. Those of you who know her well can realize how dramatic it is for Suze to miss
work or other obligations.
Tonight, she was still sick enough that I took her place at the Democratic Board meeting
and at Civitan. Actually, I did my regular job as Sargeant at Arms for Civitan, while I
presided at the Democrats (both VPs out sick) and took notes as secretary. It all turned out
pretty well, and I was delighted to support Suze--given how much she does for me all the
time, sick or well.
March 14
We have been continuing our yo-yo recovery from what the local doctors have labeled,
"the crud." Though we both have been getting steadily better recently, we skipped Wednesday's
concert by the Fifth Dimension. Partly, we were being cautious because of our commitment
to attend a fund-raiser for Senator Blanche Lincoln tonight in Little Rock. The guest of honor,
other than Blanche, was Vice President Joe Biden. Moreover, the event was a who's who of
Arkansas Democratic politics.
Blanche is sometimes criticized by the Left as too moderate--a "Blue-dog" Democrat, but Suze
and I have a basic liking for her. We've had an opportunity to talk with her one-on-one, and she
strikes us as someone who shares our basic values and is very thoughtful in applying them in
practical politics. This means that we will disagree with some of her votes; sometimes we will
understand her actions as Realpolitik; other times we'll just disagree. But most of the time,
we are simply delighted to be represented by her in the Senate. So we contributed and attended.
To make the event more manageable, we arranged to stay overnight at the Doubletree, a full
three-minute walk from the evening's event. As we approached the event hotel, we were confronted
by a DC limousine with the license 002, flying an elaborate American flag. I considered taking a
picture but frankly was intimidated--I felt getting arrested by the Secret Service would ruin the
whole evening.
As we entered the ballroom, we were confronted with several hundred people who somehow
got there before us. Here's a familiar face.
Soon after entering, we saw Governor Mike Beebe and spent some time chatting with him. He recently asked Suze to vet a possible appointee, and we are still trying to get him to come back to keynote a meeting of the Village Democratic Club. |
 |
After an hour or so of general schmoozing, the speeches began. We heard from:
Senator Mark Pryor Rep. Vic Snyder Rep. Mike Ross (sometimes vague)
Mike Beebe spoke, and then it was time for the Veep, followed by Blanche.
Some have criticized Blanche for criticizing portions of the Stimulus
Package recently, but her comments tonight were completely supportive of
President Obama's efforts to clear up the Bush mess, and Biden, who is
responsible for seeing the Stimulus Bill through to completion thanked
Blanche for garnering a beginning of Republican support for it. There was no
evidence tonight that Blanche was at odds with the Obama administration,
nor that she was perceived as such by them.
So much for Senators, Vice Presidents, and national economics. The real issue
Suze and I faced was whether we would be able to escape from the hotel on
Sunday morning. It had turned out we would wake up in the middle of a box
bordered by the route of the Little Rock Marathon.
Our hotel was located at the big blue dot beside the river. After discussing the matter
with the Police Department and with some of the officers at the Lincoln event, we decided
to get up early and leave the hotel at 4:30 Sunday morning. (Got us home early.)
March 16
Today is the one-year anniversary of our marriage in the Chapman Chapel in Orange.
We celebrated by meeting with our accountant to finalize our taxes. Then we set out for
a wonderful dinner at either of our favorite restaurants in the immediate vicinity--both of
which are dark on Mondays, as it turns out.
We had a celebratory anniversary dinner at the Great Wall Chinese Buffet. Actually,
it didn't really matter. We've been celebrating for the past 365 days.
March 19
On the third Thursday of the month, it's time for another Civitan meeting. Tonight we
had a talk from Ann Hudson, the local head of the Special Olympics. The club made a
financial contribution, which will make it possible for some additional kids to particiipate.
In addition, Suze and I signed up to assist the games on April 25th.
March 27
On her way to work this morning, Suze saw a photo op that prompted a call home. Soon,
I was in the car with a camera. I'm afraid these pictures don't do the beautiful scene justice,
but maybe you'll get the idea.
March 28
Tonight was different. A week or so ago, we read an article about plans to organize a
50s/60s sock hop. Although I had reservations about the use of the term BeBop (which
has a special meaning in jazz), we thought it would be interesting and maybe even fun
to join a bunch of old folks who happen to recall and love the music of our youth.
It was fun. We enjoyed watching others dance, and we especially enjoyed dancing together
for essentially the first time. We liked the slow dances, and we held our own in jitterbugging.
Although the bodies (our included) may have looked old, you couldn't miss seeing the
teen-agers bursting out all over. We'll be out of town when they do it again in April, but
we'll be front and center in May.
The situation wasn't ideal for photography, but this gives a sense of the ambience. It was
actually a lot more crowded than this picture indicates.