December 24, 2005 Archives

Though I was taping the performance, I still convinced Steffie to let me come downstairs, interrupt whatever slice of reality was currently airing on VH1 or MTV, and watch Darlene Love perform "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on David Letterman's last show before Christmas.

This is more than an obsession to me. I start pining for Darlene around Thanksgiving.

Tonight's performance was great.. spectacular... choose your own superlative.

David Sanborn, who stepped out of a box to play saxophone last year, flew in from the lighting grid this year, ending his solo as his feet hit the ground.

Later this morning I'll convince Helaine to watch, then I'll watch again... and again. I'm sure I watched last year's performance at least 20 times.

I came downstairs around noon today. It didn't take more than a few seconds to realize who was in charge - Sydney, the visiting dog.

Sydney had gotten up from her bed (the first actual movement I have seen) and was walking over toward Helaine. The reaction from Helaine and Steffie was along the lines of what you'd expect just before an eruption of Mt. St. Helens.

Nowhere in the world does slow walking get as much scrutiny... and I'm including Tyra Banks and America's Next Top Model!

Helaine has become Sydney's spokesman. "She wants to be petted." "Be gentle."

As a cloud of dog fur fell off Sydney, I rubbed her back. I've never met a dog who didn't crave this, including Sydney.

When next I caught sight of Sydney, she and Helaine were in the kitchen. Sydney was standing up, but Helaine was on her knees. I think this is also how it works when you meet the Queen.

Only two days here and Helaine was on the floor feeding Sydney piece-by-piece. Are we trained yet, or what?

When Amy returns, there's a better than even chance Sydney will find a way to avoid detection... hiding in some hidden corner of the house. Even dogs don't want to leave a vacation at the spa.

I arrived at work yesterday and found a large box from Staples sitting next to my desk. It was from my friend Farrell's mom, Ruth.

Ruth Meisel was a lifelong New Orleans resident. She's in Connecticut now, permanently.

Ruth was among those who had heard dire warnings before and decided to stand her ground, in place, against Hurricane Katrina. I'd like to think I had some influence in getting her to change her mind before the storm hit.

Looking back, Ruth knows she made the right choice to leave. Though her house stands, a look inside only hints at what she would have experienced. It must have been an astoundingly hard decision at the time.

When I opened the box, I smiled.

I will get more elaborate and more expensive gifts this holiday season, but none more thoughtful or meaningful. What you see in the photo is a New Orleans care package.