The Gathering Of The Tribes

Bunnies:

    

It has taken me several days to decompress - to come down from the high the past weekend bestowed. Yes, it's that time of year when the tribes gather, the clans meld and the prodigals return: PattiPalooza XII. This pagan festival that I've described again and again in these annals, was held in the hinterlands, on ceremonial land passed down through the generations. This year's iteration's attendance ebbed and flowed, as family units appeared, then disappeared, like Whack A Moles. A recap follows.
     DAY 1: As is its wont, the carnival-like atmosphere took some time to create. Of course, the Prince & Princess of the arboreal retreat, our hosts, were awash in preparatory fervor. As quickly as guests would arrive, they were immediately conscripted into service for the royals. None were spared, not even the infants who were utilized as insect bait, placed strategically about the grounds, so the adult revelers could enjoy their frolic without distraction.
     Naturally, much of the reverie in this bucolic Xanadu  took place near the placid reflecting pool that adjoins the main house. In addition to the aquatic pursuits for which it was originally intended, the pool also served as a pseudo-baptismal font, where both full and partial immersion ceremonies were conducted - to the delight of the assemblage and under the watchfully approving eye of Patti, the Princess for whom the festival is named.
     As darkness fell, the trial by combat competitive activities  commenced. The centerpiece of this year's Olympia, was the Bean Bag Toss Of Death. Of course, none were actually required to sacrifice their life; however, the hooting, cat-calling, heckling, jeering, hissing and raspberry noises that followed each unsuccessful toss, were enough to make those unfortunate enough to fail, seek relief in the morphine-like stupor that spirits often provide. The day ended with the rag-tag band of revelers trundling off to their respective nests, to lick their wounds and vow to be better persons tomorrow.
     DAY 2: It's not all fun and games at PattiPalooza - not all libation and liberation. No; it's also about the serious business of eating - an activity that all take to heart. The second day began with a spectacular array of culinary options, the likes of which rival any Comfort Inn. Breakfast lasted until lunch, lunch lasted until dinner, and dinner never ended. Unsurprisingly, I ate like a pig managed to control myself, in keeping to my life-long dictum that my body is a temple.
     Activities occurring that didn't involve either feasting or hydrating included more pool time, and lots of lazing around. As more and more guests poured in, rounding out both the family tree and necessitating the production of additional capacity. Folding chairs of all colors, shapes and styles, held attendees similarly described. As each troupe arrived, they were greeted by those already in attendance; this wolf-like display, where the arriver assumes a submissive posture until welcomed by the alpha male and female, is fascinating to observe. By evening, there was standing room only.

     As daylight evaporated, those spending the evening bade farewell to the day-trippers and settled in for what was to come. As the remaining hard-liners noshed, nibbled, sipped, slurped, gulped and generally tore through the food and drink like locusts in a Kansas wheat field, the happy throng joined in a centuries-old tradition. Generations of young'uns have learned the ways of their elders at the knees of story tellers since time began. This night was another link in that unbroken chain of relating oral history, one story at a time. These stories, some of them true, ran long into the cool night. Throughout the compound, sounds of laughter, words of admiration, calls of "Bullshit!" and other reactions to these tales were heard. Even the gathering storm clouds and occasional lightning flash couldn't dampen the spirits of the kindred. After that, when all returned to their beds, only the sounds of snoring and flatulence disturbed the quiet night.
     DAY 3: At first, I though it was acorns dropping onto the metal roof of the building I occupy during this festival. Years ago, I learned that bedding down by myself, in the UB (Utility Building) guarantees me both a more pleasant nocturnal experience, but provides me with the freedom to use the woods as a bathroom come and go as I please. However, soon enough, the freight train sounds of rain pouring onto sheet metal, became my wake-up call. Happily, the rain stopped about an hour after it started, leaving us with yet another day of promise.
     To the uninitiated, it would seem they'd awoken to Groundhog Day. With regard to both the solid and liquid nourishment, this day was indistinguishable from the previous one. When the passing of time can only be measured by meals (last, current, next) it's nearly impossible to pinpoint when exactly the highlight of the weekend occurred. For me, it was the appearance of the Ginja Ninja - a flame-haired apparition whose lithe countenance and cat-like gait seem to render him invisible. In fact, he was invisible for long stretches of time during the weekend. Hmmmmm.
     Naturally, all things good must end, and PattiPalooza is no exception. As the members of the 5 families <Editor's note: yes, there were 5 families - wonder why he didn't use an organized crime theme?> began their preparations to return to their homes, the inevitable pall this portion of the weekend suffers, set in. I felt it my duty to assist with clean up, so I consumed as much of the remaining food and drink as possible led the effort to return this charming slice of woodland, to its former state - prior to our arrival.
     There you have it dear readers; a blow-by-blow summary of the latest chapter in the saga of PattiPalooza. For the next several weeks, I'll be immersed in preparations for my 5th visit to Sierra Leone. I'm already beginning to feel the tug of the Dark Continent on my soul, and look forward to sharing that experience with you as well. You'll hear from me prior to my departure - oh lucky you... Youll deesset mihi quando egressus sum
      
    
    

PattyPalooza Redux

Thorn Birds:

     In today's fantasy, I find myself in Texas, enjoying the big, vast, open vistas - driving down the long, solitary winding highways in my shiny convertible, with my flaxen haired cowgirl by my side. As we drive along, singing together in perfect harmony, I am at peace with all the world. This often happens when I'm under-stimulated. Unemployment has dulled my razor sharp senses to the point that original, creative thoughts occur less frequently than usual; this nadir resembles the state that's best described for the rest of society as normal.

     Sadly, the by-product of this fallow season is a disinclination to generate anything new. Happily however, I am feeling the initial stirrings of anticipation; PattyPalooza XIII is on the horizon! Many of my faithful readers are aware of this tribal festival's hold on my soul, but I recognize there are newer devotees for whom this event has no resonance. So, the coeval forces of lethargy devotion and sense of duty combine to produce this, a re-publication of an earlier post, that details the genesis and legend of this great event. Don't hate me 'cause I'm on auto-pilot!

 

THE LEGEND OF PATTYPALOOZA

 

     Long ago, in a land far, far away, there lived a beautiful Princess and her dashing husband, the Prince. They enjoyed a peaceful existence, blessed with 2 fine sturdy children, making their home in a bucolic setting, deep within an enchanted woodland. All was well. But then, inevitably, their children grew and developed interests outside their forest home.

 

       At first, this seemed a benign development; the empty nest had been a foregone conclusion to child-rearing, but somehow, the emptiness that enveloped the royal couple was palpable. This was especially true for the Princess - Patty. Whiling away the days with sundry employment and decorating tasks just didn't fill the void in her life that this natural progression had wrought.

     It was just after hosting the perfunctory family gathering, that the Princess had an idea; why not create an annual event for family and assorted townsfolk to enjoy? This would surely provide the missing spark and likely result in mirth and merriment for all involved. 

     

      She quickly set to the task, incorporating ideas and assistance from the farthest reaches of the kingdom. The resultant pagan festival that bears her name - PattyPalooza - was born. Over the years, the Princess and her Prince transformed their arboreal homeland into a theme park, of sorts. 

     Featured attractions, added throughout the years include: the slip & slide of doom, the duck regatta, fireworks (the real ones, not those dopey fake ones), karaoke, bean bag/washer toss tourneys, talent contests, awards ceremonies, and last years' crowning jewels, the pool and Tiki bar. Theme t-shirts were added over the years, some of which made their way to other lands, destined perhaps to inspire other fair-haired princesses. 
   

     So there you have it; as we prepare for this year's edition, the 13th, those fortunate souls holding the golden invitation tickets will surely rest their heads each night, their hearts full of wonder - anticipating what's to come. Of course, I'll provide a recap of the weekend's events, in nauseating detail. Of course, that'll be original thought. Sweet dreams meo daemonia.....     

First, Do No Harm

Gerunds:
     At this point, even I've become bored with the telling and re-telling of my pathetic unemployment saga. From this day forward, dear ones, I shall refrain from lambasting your sensitive retinal units with my unyielding whine sad, but fascinating story. Civilizations have risen and fallen with less angst than you've been force fed.

     In an effort to lighten the mood, I've
decided to utilize one of my lesser known, but incredible gifts - arm's-length medical advice. But first, a word of warning: I strongly suggest those readers with only double digit IQs, who've somehow stumbled blindly upon this eclectic tome, to stop here. Putting yourselves through the mental gymnastics necessary to follow my C. Everett-esque diagnostics will serve only to increase your frustrations and lower (as if that was possible) your Marianas Trench level of self-esteem.

     Simply, this exercise utilizes the basic rubrics that serve as the basis for all my logisms; that being, an arrogant assumption of my infallibility good, solid reasoning and sound situational assessments. In this vein, I've divined the dominant medical issues of some well known celebrities, to determine the most appropriate palliative response. <Dullard alert: stop here; I mean it. if you don't, I'm not responsible for your failings - you are!> By the way, as always, you're on your own to research those herein named, with whom you're not familiar. Some of these will take some thought; hence, the above admonitions. Here we go.
 
Patient: Oprah Winfrey
Malady: Caustic overreactions / acute sense of self worth

Prognosis: I've started with a tough one. Here's a woman who is responsible for incredible philanthropy, yet pitches a hissy fit because she believes she was wronged - in a store that sells $38,000 purses. She may have been mistreated, but she was in a store that sells $38,000 purses!  Take 2 chill pills and call me in the morning.
 
Patient: Wayne LaPierre
Malady: Tone deafness
Prognosis: Has anyone done more to threaten the 2nd Amendment than the very guy charged with being its preservation's most vocal spokesman? Think about it. This thick-headed spawn of Muhammed Saeed al-Sahhaf & Annie Oakley continues to be the worst enemy of the very organization he leads. I prescribe a transfusion - completely new blood.
 
Patient: Alex Rodriguez
Malady: Artificially inflamed muscle mass / Stratospheric ego (I know one when I see one)
Prognosis: When has a player ever accomplished so much, and had less to show for it? Our poster boy for all things disgusting about professional sports is prescribed the one medicine he's fighting so hard not to take: an asterisk!
 
 
Patient: Barbara Walters
Malady: Separation anxiety 
Prognosis: As Babs creaks and groans her way to the finish line she clearly doesn't want to reach, her horrified legion of fans sees only Willie Mays, as a New York Met. They shoot horses, don't they?
 
 
 
Patient: Dan Miller
Malady: Chronic indecisiveness / irony blindness
Prognosis: Harrisburg's City Controller is isn't is isn't is running for Mayor. He's decided that he will now stay in the race because our city needs a confident, forceful leader. Sadly, I fear there's no cure.
 
     Well, there you have it, my little terrapins. With my flaxen-haired cowgirl awaiting me, sweet dreams beckon. I trust you've found the foregoing useful; if you haven't, examine yourselves carefully, as perhaps you are in need of a personal session with Dr. Speed. My staff awaits your call. Medicus est.....

Idle Musings

Corndogs:

           By this time, devotees of these pages are so over hearing about my situation  aware of my enforced idleness and the reasons therefore. Suffice it to say that unemployment retirement produces a profound change of perspective; that is, what was once of interest, is no longer – and that which once received nary a shrug of indifference, now consumes me.

Case(s) in point: workaday routines such as what to wear, what day it is, etc. have no place whatsoever on my radar screen. My beloved Yankees, who once dominated my summertime interest, now barely rate yawning notice. On the flip side however, news that was previously met with high-browed disdain like the missing person, salacious gossip, or murder trial of the week, now fascinates me. It’s gotten so bad that I slept at my desk all week, in preparation for the royal birth, to ensure I'd not miss the blessed event.

Of course, little occurs that isn’t fodder for the transparent attention grab that my musings have become doesn’t inspire me to share my copious insights with my subscribers. That being said, I’ve compiled an UNEMPLOYED acrostic – consisting of insight into just what my world has become since that dark day – March 13. Numerologists are left to ponder the significance that is 72; for it was on that, the 72^nd day of the year, that my soul (and body) was loosed: http://www.greatdreams.com/72.htm - coincidence??? You decide. <Editor’s note: This is yet another example of the maniacal, senseless tripe that Speed is producing these days. Looks more like a cry for help to me> So, here’s my world – in 10 letters:

U – Undaunted: I thought I’d begin this exercise with a lie an inspirational tone. I’ve pasted dozens of trite quotes designed to fool one’s self into thinking that this is just some sort of bump in the road. “What doesn’t kill me will make me stronger” – “Temporary inconvenience for permanent improvement” Does anyone really believe this?

N – Nice: In a not entirely unpleasant development, friends and relatives seem oddly compelled to pick up my tab. I suspect it’s rooted more in pity than genuine affection, but what the hey –

E – Every: As in, every day is the same. It’s kinda like Groundhog Day, but without Andie MacDowell.

M – Mercury: No, I’m not likely to be confused with the winged-footed messenger of the gods, of Greek myth; corpulence will do that. I’m referring to that which is contained in our thermometers. Inexplicably, I’ve become slavishly interested in weather reports. I believe it’s a sickness, transmitted by AARP members, yet I now hang on the words of TV meteorologists as though they were Messianic proclamations. I have no explanation for this.

P – Paycheck: Clearly, my focus on this is not unlike the castaway’s on food & drink. “You never miss something ‘till it’s gone” (another dopey quote taped to my desk). My earning frequency is now best described not as “Annually”, “Monthly” or “Bi-weekly”; rather, it is “Sporadic alms from spouse”.

L – Liquor: Speed Demons will likely gasp at the inclusion of this; however, take heart my little ones – your paragon of virtue has not fallen. Rather, most days he’s stumbling around in a fog I think often of the insidious effect of alcohol on the jobless masses. Naturally, and unsurprisingly, I have a solution: why not hire the unemployed - at way less than minimum wage – supplement that paltry income with generous rations of their favorite cordial, then put ‘em to work delivering the mail? Think about it; much criminal activity is traceable to either unemployment, or substance abuse. Bang – both problems solved; and, because of this, we wouldn’t have to sacrifice Saturday mail delivery, as the costs are now manageable. You’re welcome! <Editor’s note: Yet another one…>

O – Odd Jobs: Yes purists, I know this is two words (my blog, my rules). These have sustained me while I patiently wait for my ship to come in. Here’s a sampling: Gardener, Landscaper, Babysitter, Driver/Delivery Boy, Tree Trimmer, Funeral Aide, Surveyor’s Assistant, Wall Builder, Pond Contractor, and Brick Walk Builder. Notice a pattern here? Most require more horsepower than brain power; hmmmmmm.

Y – ‘Yaking: Again, purists; I know the proper term is kayaking. However, those of us who answer the mermaid’s siren song, use this contracted version. It is this, dear readers – more than anything – that salves my spirit and takes me far from the madding crowd. My water borne exploits are the stuff of legend; no doubt, you’ve heard this over, and over, and over, and over – ad nauseum. I credit this activity, above all others, for keeping my violent tendencies at bay.

E – Emasculated: Duh; do I really need to explain this one?

D – Doppelganger: This is what I’ve become, or more accurately, what I believe I’ve become. Again, in keeping with my avowed determination to teach y’all to fish, rather than catch them for you, consider this your homework assignment.

            There you go mon petit chous; a deeper look into the cavernous, Texas-sized crania that resides atop my impressive anatomy, than you’ve ever been gifted with. Doubtless, this treat will be coveted and long remembered. Consider it my birthday present to you all. Cherish this and take comfort in the knowledge that I remain steadfast in the anticipatory knowledge that, phoenix-like, I shall arise from these ashes to prevail – against all odds. Birds of a feather.....

Sailin' Away

Landlubbers:
     The wait is over. Your agonizing, breathless, anticipatory interlude is at an end. The wondrous tale of the 2013 Killa Flotilla may now be told. While guarding against an embarrassing premature explanation, I've held back - thereby ensuring the most complete, detail-rich recap possible. Strap on your PFDs; this is a lengthy story.

     First though, a few explanatory notes. As many of you know, this year's Flotilla was originally scheduled for the prior weekend; however, owing to my uncompromising ethical makeup and top of the line moral compass, I originally cancelled, then rescheduled the voyage. Naturally, there were ruminal grumblings from some of the scurvy-laden crew; but as Captain, I was bound to do what I always do - - the easiest right thing. Because of this, this year's trip more resembled a raiding party, than a flotilla. Undaunted, I pressed on.

     Dawn broke earlier than usual last Saturday; Mother Nature often does that for me, when there's sailin' to be done. Assembling the pitiful few loyal crew members took some doing. Almost immediately, plans to begin our voyage with a hearty breakfast began to unravel, as one of the crew ran afoul of the law. I later learned that a high-speed chase ended poorly for one of the more seasoned members of our merry band. Substantial tribute will need paid to the civil authorities. Speed kills.
     When the entire crew was finally assembled, much grumbling was heard regarding the quality of the repast set before us, and - in a borderline mutinous harangue - complaints regarding your captain's footwear. It seems that because I'm a stupid old man, I forget a lot of things; in my fog-like state that morning, I forgot my river shoes downplaying my crew's reverential regard for my safety, was a concern for them. So, I relented, and returned to my dockside home to retrieve them.

     By now, our ETD had been blown to sh**, but my killer experience as a seven seas navigator, and uncanny prescience in all things hydro, once again saved the day. Unlike the inexperienced water bugs that participated in this particular tour at sea, I reckoned that the river was flowin' fast enough to make up the lost time. Unsurprisingly, I was right. The Captain and the balance of the Raidin' Party boarded their personal Nina, Pinta & Santa Maria, and cast off.
     We entered the Juniata about 6 miles from the confluence with the Susquehanna, at Clarke's Ferry. Soon enough, the grog was flowin' faster'n the river, and the crafts upon which we depended were quickly swamped by a treacherous elevation drop, from a perilous rock ledge. Undaunted, and at no small risk to my own safety, I led the ragged band to a safe backwater, to dump the excess water from their crafts and return to our charted course.
     Soon thereafter, we found ourselves at the midway point of our first day's float. Owing to the progress we'd made, and the time of day, we decided to stop for lunch at a convenient, and seemingly bucolic spot on the riverbank that looked inviting. All was going well, with both our solid and liquid refreshments hitting the proverbial spots, when we suddenly found ourselves the object of a maniacal rant by the purported owner of this (now seemingly less so by the minute) shore side paradise. This was, he asserted, private property.
     My hair-trigger fight or flight impulse activated immediately. I knew my safety, and that of the crew, might be compromised. In an effort to offer this renegade an opportunity to settle this dispute peacefully, one of the senior officers attempted to negotiate a withdrawal plan. This only served to further enrage our unkempt provocateur; he continued to gesticulate wildly, reasserting his claim that we were "blocking his ramp" and that we'd "put him in a bad mood". Rather than counter his claim with the obvious fact that there was no one within 200 yards of his ramp and that, given his obvious unfamiliarity with physical/oral hygiene and sartorial elegance, or education beyond the 4th grade, it was probably not us that controlled his mood, we bid him a jaunty farewell, re-entered the river, and continued our voyage in a southerly direction.
     The miles passed slowly as we sailed through the portion of the river known as the Sea of Disinterest. This is actually a 2 - 3 mile stretch that is so bromidic that even fish and crustaceans avoid it. However, we eventually emerged to sight our target for the evening - Island 81A. We've landed on this spot before, and it's bounty has served us well. One of the other senior offices declared this the "Augusta National" of campsites; his assessment is right on the mark. This idyllic spit of land became our personal Eden, providing for us the safety, security and comfort that, by this time, the entire crew so desperately needed.
     Landfall was quickly followed by a flurry of well organized activity; tents were assembled, firewood was gathered, dry clothes were donned, and the centerpiece of it all - the campfire - was lit. Shortly, the evening devolved into a frenzy of nutritional replenishment and re-hydration. Some of the crew, not fully sated by their personal stores, combed the island for indigenous menu additions. Frog legs and crayfish were the tasty late night snack. Through it all, your Captain, and his cigar, glowed approvingly. This rag-tag group of plebes and pollywogs had become a tight-knit group of seasoned tars.

 
    
     The sun visits early on the river. Vestiges of the previous evening's rollicking good times were everywhere - evidence that the food, drink and song (Robert Cray's "Playin' In The Dirt" was my favorite) flowed as fast as the current. Fresh from my comfortable repose in the Captain's quarters, where I dreamed of mermaids and such, I set straightaway to the task that's become the centerpiece of these adventures, the preparation of the morning's breakfast, Captain Speed's River Chow.
     Sworn secrecy prevents me from sharing the recipe, but suffice it to say, this concoction provides ample carbs, calories, proteins and the energy necessary to push further on down the river. It was, as usual, delicious!
    
     Reluctantly, we said goodbye to our little Xanadu. After packing up the tents, sleeping bags and personal protection arsenals, we shoved off. One final over the shoulder glance later, we steamed forward toward our final destination, Fort Hunter. Along the way, we encountered treacherous waves near Lady Liberty. It was here that I got stuck on a rock and cried like a little girl until I was able to extricate myself Undaunted, I fearlessly led the mini-armada safely through the dangerous roiling whitecaps.
     It wasn't long before we sailed triumphantly into port, greeted by a few indifferent family members a wildly cheering throng.
     Now that I've returned to the dry, safe, solid land, plans are already fomenting for next year's excursion. It's likely that, having tamed both the Juniata and the Susquehanna, we'll set our sights on more distant shores.
     Stay tuned for the decisions that emerge from these pages in the months to come. I'll scour the waterways to find a suitable 2014 venue, in my tireless effort to provide a challenge to my crew, and entertain myself in the process.  Semper paratus............