September 1956. A Borscht Belt comedian and performer from Brooklyn scores a Billboard Top 40 hit with a comedy single. It was still a hit at Burgundy Farms Country Day School for Animals and Children in 1979.
That’s a wrap, friends. It’s Friday and I’ve got too many chores to do. What are your plans for a marvelous summer weekend? What? Well, here are a few ideas:
1. Lawn party replete with Chinese lanterns in the trees.
2. Moroccan dinner for six seated on cushions around the coffee table.
3. Cocktails, the theatre, an after-theatre omelette supper, followed by dancing (roll up the rug!)
If you do any of these, I will be on the next train down.
Your weekend suggestions for Aug 1 reminded me that I may now undertake my annual reading of Great Gatsby – something I do every Aug. Find new phrases, impressions, views in every reading – such a treat and so summer. Here’s a romantic little Zelda quote for those who love Gatsby and the Fitzgeralds (and we’ll include the Murphys in this toast as well): “And it was a radiant night, a night of soft conspiracy and the trees agreed that it was all going to be for the best.” (Zelda Fitzgerald describing night of 7/14/18, her birthday and first date with Scott.)
PS: “Chinese lanterns in the trees” – one of my favorite things on earth – have a file full of such images. Thanks for the reverie… sitting at my desk in a Chicago highrise office building on 3:00 on a Friday afternoon.
Aesthete, the cocktails/theatre/dancing is on for the 14th. The show is “Guys and Dolls” and the guest list comprised of many younger teachers who are colleagues of Mrs. E.’s . I’m trying to get my mother to part with the huge Chinese silk cushions for the Moroccan evening…. Once the weather is more clement, we will shoot for the lawn party. I will keep you informed of dates. With a lack of guest rooms though (children…), Mrs. E. and I will have to put you and your spouse up in the B&B down the street. It would be a ball.
Ms. Nell E., mine are “The Sun Also Rises” and “Tender is the Night.” I’m always torn between the Chinese lanterns and simply stringing little white lights… Hope you’re catching the breezes in the Windy City.
It is hot here…so very hot here in St. Louis. The humid haze softens the harshness of the shimmering heat — but one wonders just how our parents and grandparents survived it all and wore ties and vests (men) and girdles and stockings (ladies).
Tonight for us will include a nice cold brut champagne and some hors d’oeurves at our favorite local wine bar. We’re celebrating in a cool way. I’m wearing white bucks. My bride will wear something fetching and sleeveless.
One of your correspondents mentions Gatsby. When we were in Maine earlier this summer, I read a book called “The Double Bind.” While not a great book, it was interesting because it was set in present-day Vermont, but incorporated characters from the Great Gatsby — and had the “twist” ending one wants from summer reads. If you get a chance, take a look. Stick with the early slow part…it pulls you in.
Cheers.
Elegant, all your weekend suggestions sound splendid! Did nothing quite as adventurous, but had the first really relaxing weekend in a long time — no cases to pack or flights to catch, but rather, tried four or five new restaurants, drank champagne, and lounged by the pool, making plans for the last remaining summer weeks.
TIG, share some good planning if you’ve a mind to.
RJW, thanks for the tip. I’ll look into “”The Double Bind.” Am reading “Them” (a memoire) at the moment.