The Vulgar Boatmen

Picture on left added

March 4, 2012

I haven't included a picture on this post but as soon as the two individuals, Aubrey and Walter,

get in range of my trusted iphone camera, I'll hang it up there on top. It supports the Title today, February 20, Presidents' Day, when school was at recess and the students were free to have a day's respite. Our grandkids, on the other hand, were recruited to clean Unit 1303 at the Condo. They dutifully did the job in a superb Bowie High School fashion and clearly

earned their pay. As for the Title, you may have heard the Song of the Volga Boatmen in

your travels through music land and if you did, then close your eyes to visualize both of

them toiling as you belt out the refrain, Aya Och Nem, Aya Och Nem.................................

If you're curious about this song, check the Internet for the version sung by the Red Army

Chorus. Duz Vidania, Comrades!

We received 2 visitors this past week. Pete drove up from Corpus Christi where he has

been helping Amber get settled in her new apartment. It was a 3hr+ drive and he only

stayed for lunch and a short walk. (see above) Darrell arrived on Wednesday and is staying

for 2 weeks near Pat's apt. Both of them joined us at the Violet Crown where the Oscar

winning movie "The Artist" was showing. I thought the performance was interesting but

occasionally difficult to get your mind around, however, the novelty of viewing a silent

type movie in this day and age probably made it a good candidate.

Darrell is leaving for home in NYC early tomorrow after a two week visit to Austin. It

was a nice visit and we were able to spend some quality time with him. Yesterday, Sunday,

John and Barri made a delicious BBQ at Isaac Pryor. Besides the Trapps, Darrell, Pat and

H&A, Melanie and her daughter, Adrienne, were there as well. I remember the days

when Adrienne and Aubrey were toddlers and now, both are beautiful young ladies all set

to challenge the future. Today, Darrell and Pat stopped at the Condo for a final Au Revoir.

As usual, we drifted in and out of memories about years passed; people and places he

recalls with animated expressions and gestures. Darrell has a remarkable talent for recalling events in years gone by, probably sharpened by his talent as a pianist, whose skill

in memorization of scores is essential. As he left, he wished us a nice cruise to England this

summer, winking as he referred to" our secret". I countered, that if he had tuned into Despicable Tours three months ago he would have been so informed, and all the wiser.

Just saw Hugo in 3D at the Violet Crown and thought it was very cleverly made. The story

was interesting although a little stretched out in time. Perhaps too much film devoted to

chases through the train station. The 3D and big screen made the story come alive and

the young actor playing Hugo was realistic. Annabelle and I thought he resembled

grandson, Walter, although Walter is better looking.

Getting ready for our cruise to the UK, we are heading to B.D. Riley on 6th street for their

fish and chips. We might even down a half pint of Guiness on draught to wash it down.

Austin is a mecca for all types of restaurants and many of them are within a mile or two of

360 Condominiums. This is a great convenience for us oldsters who are getting a bit

wobbly.