Literature is Beckoning

Dear Jack,

Another week is ending and not much has really gone on. This week has been pretty low-key which has been a nice rest. Yesterday one of my co-workers took a personal day, and I was proud to show that I could help fill in. Last night, Michael and I met up with one of our friends at The Cup diner, and have tentative plans with her and her girlfriend tomorrow night in the East Village. We are also looking at meeting up with Elyse on Saturday. I think this weekend will be fun.

On the works for the weekend are watching Capote and Bollywood. Michael doesn't seem to care too much about the first, but I think it is great. Of course I have always been a fan of Truman Capote since I read In Cold Blood which the movie closely follows the formation of. My favorite Capote piece, however, is A Christmas Memory, which I will always remember Mr. Smith reading to us during our final exam in AP English in 11th grade. Little did I realized how much Mr. Sm3th and Truman Capote sound alike.

This all got me thinking about literature--well really hanging out with Elyse last week got me thinking about literature. There is so much that I have not read, and should try and find time to read. I actually have a great deal of books to read, and should have enough time to do the reading. It is sad to say that the last book I read was The Da Vinci Code, as it is so cliche and, although controversial, upon knowing reality, is stupid. At least, my last book read isn't a Mozart biography...I need not mention names... or one of the Harry Potter books.

New Jersey

Dear Jack,

This weekend Michael and I traveled to New Jersey. We went with a friend from Michael's Mozart group to another member's house in Raritan. We watched a movie on Mozart as well as listened to music of Mozart or contemporaries of Mozart. We also watched some slides of Mozart related places--all great if you are a big Mozart fan, which Michael and his friends from the forum are. I on the other hand, although enjoying myself, found it a bit much. Regardless it was nice hanging out with them and traveling to the country. Oh, last week we hung out with Albert and Jason. It was great to hang out with them. Albert and Jason both look great--I think they're loosing weight or something. We ate at Acme Diner, which always makes me nervous... I mean ACME for crying out loud... Wylie E. Coyote never had any luck with ACME. Luckily though they have sweet tea.

Grandpa Part II

Dear Jack,

Well this past weekend I flew to Ohio to attend my Grandpa Hohne's memorial service. It was a very pleasant weekend over all--in a manner befitting the memory of a great man. My Dad, Uncle Mike, and nephew Kris sang a prelude of music before the service, as well as How Great Thou Art at the end of the service. My Uncle John gave the eulogy, and it was very touching. After the service, we all went to the cemetery where there was a military salute to Grandpa by the VFW of Geneva OH. Following that, we all went to St. Joseph's Catholic Church to use their parish hall for a reception. It was good to see everyone there, and to share in the food with the family.

After that, the immediate family went back to my Grandma's house to talk and relax. I was happy that my brothers Kris and Lee were able to come, and my nephew Kris. After my Aunt Candy, my uncles, and my cousins left, big Kris and Lee stayed and visited with my Dad, Grandma, and myself. This was probably the most in depth conversation I've been involved in with my brother Lee. It was great.

Early the next day, Dad and Uncle Mike left to drive back to Georgia. Grandma and I met my Uncle Tom, Aunt Annette, and her mother Madge for brunch at Lakeways. It was also a good visit.

Later that day, Grandma drove me to the airport. There I ran into my cousin Ron and his family as they were also leaving (only heading to Atlanta rather than New York). It was a very nice coincidence and opportunity to visit.

Despite meeting for the occasion of a funeral, this was probably one of the best visits I have had.