(11335,1,'2012-10-01 19:47:52','2012-10-02 02:47:52','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo????  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these bloody Americans playing ftbol/soccer or football/football?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  And it didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.  The plague of bugs that descended on us seemed to revel in the thick, vinegary atmosphere.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat, stuff my face, and try to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-47','','','2012-10-01 19:47:52','2012-10-02 02:47:52','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-47/',0,'revision','',0),(11336,1,'2012-10-01 19:48:15','2012-10-02 02:48:15','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo????  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these bloody Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  And it didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.  The plague of bugs that descended on us seemed to revel in the thick, vinegary atmosphere.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat, stuff my face, and try to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-48','','','2012-10-01 19:48:15','2012-10-02 02:48:15','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-48/',0,'revision','',0),(11337,1,'2012-10-01 19:50:20','2012-10-02 02:50:20','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these silly Tukee kids playing futbol or football?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  And it didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.  But the plague of bugs that descended on us seemed to revel in it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat, stuff my face, and try to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-49','','','2012-10-01 19:50:20','2012-10-02 02:50:20','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-49/',0,'revision','',0),(11338,1,'2012-10-01 19:57:22','2012-10-02 02:57:22','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing futbol/soccer or football/football?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  And it didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat, stuff my face, and try to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-50','','','2012-10-01 19:57:22','2012-10-02 02:57:22','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-50/',0,'revision','',0),(11339,1,'2012-10-01 19:58:42','2012-10-02 02:58:42','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  And it didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat, stuff my face, and try to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-51','','','2012-10-01 19:58:42','2012-10-02 02:58:42','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-51/',0,'revision','',0),(11340,1,'2012-10-01 20:06:48','2012-10-02 03:06:48','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat, stuff my face, and try to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-52','','','2012-10-01 20:06:48','2012-10-02 03:06:48','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-52/',0,'revision','',0),(11341,1,'2012-10-01 20:10:17','2012-10-02 03:10:17','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-53','','','2012-10-01 20:10:17','2012-10-02 03:10:17','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-53/',0,'revision','',0),(11342,1,'2012-10-01 20:12:04','2012-10-02 03:12:04','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-54','','','2012-10-01 20:12:04','2012-10-02 03:12:04','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-54/',0,'revision','',0),(11343,1,'2012-10-01 20:14:24','2012-10-02 03:14:24','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-55','','','2012-10-01 20:14:24','2012-10-02 03:14:24','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-55/',0,'revision','',0),(11344,1,'2012-10-01 20:17:58','2012-10-02 03:17:58','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football? And where on earth is Ahwatukee, and how do you pronounce it?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-56','','','2012-10-01 20:17:58','2012-10-02 03:17:58','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-56/',0,'revision','',0),(11346,1,'2012-10-01 20:22:13','2012-10-02 03:22:13','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?  And what the heck is an Ahwatukee?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-58','','','2012-10-01 20:22:13','2012-10-02 03:22:13','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-58/',0,'revision','',0),(11345,1,'2012-10-01 20:18:50','2012-10-02 03:18:50','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football? And where on earth is Ahwatukee, and how do you pronounce it/spell it/what does it mean?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-57','','','2012-10-01 20:18:50','2012-10-02 03:18:50','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-57/',0,'revision','',0),(11347,1,'2012-10-01 20:23:32','2012-10-02 03:23:32','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?  And what the heck is an Ahwatukee?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-59','','','2012-10-01 20:23:32','2012-10-02 03:23:32','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-59/',0,'revision','',0),(11348,1,'2012-10-01 20:23:42','2012-10-02 03:23:42','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?  And what the heck is an Ahwatukee?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  Well, the ones from our team looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-60','','','2012-10-01 20:23:42','2012-10-02 03:23:42','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-60/',0,'revision','',0),(11349,1,'2012-10-01 20:27:45','2012-10-02 03:27:45','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?  And what the heck is an Ahwatukee?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  For most of the evening, the ones from our team stood with their flashy pom poms on their hips and looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-61','','','2012-10-01 20:27:45','2012-10-02 03:27:45','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-61/',0,'revision','',0),(11350,1,'2012-10-01 20:31:21','2012-10-02 03:31:21','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?  And what the heck is an Ahwatukee?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  For most of the evening, the ones from our team stood with their flashy pom poms on their hips and looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you attended a Friday night high school football game?  Do tell.  (In the comments section below.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-62','','','2012-10-01 20:31:21','2012-10-02 03:31:21','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-62/',0,'revision','',0),(11351,1,'2012-10-01 20:31:29','2012-10-02 03:31:29','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?  And what the heck is an Ahwatukee?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  For most of the evening, the ones from our team stood with their flashy pom poms on their hips and looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you attended a Friday night high school football game?  Do tell.  (In the comments section below.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-63','','','2012-10-01 20:31:29','2012-10-02 03:31:29','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-63/',0,'revision','',0),(11352,1,'2012-10-09 01:11:07','2012-10-09 08:11:07','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo. Which is really more like a patio home. Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.creativeenvironments.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>One had been on Oprah.</strong> </a> Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning home from a long day at work.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,000, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, one last thing! Check out my Dream Patio Pinterest Board! <strong><a href=\"http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/</a>  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','publish','open','open','','playdate-38-im-building-a-secret-garden','','\nhttp://www.creativeenvironments.com/','2012-10-08 20:35:05','2012-10-09 03:35:05','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=11352',0,'post','',4),(11353,1,'2012-10-01 20:40:15','2012-10-02 03:40:15','','IMG00281-20120929-1426','','inherit','open','open','','img00281-20120929-1426','','','2012-10-01 20:40:15','2012-10-02 03:40:15','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00281-20120929-1426.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11357,1,'2012-10-01 20:44:22','2012-10-02 03:44:22','','IMG00280-20120929-1324','','inherit','open','open','','img00280-20120929-1324','','','2012-10-01 20:44:22','2012-10-02 03:44:22','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11355,1,'2012-10-01 20:42:15','2012-10-02 03:42:15','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11353\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11353\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11353\" title=\"IMG00281-20120929-1426\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00281-20120929-1426-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11354\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11354\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11354\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision','','','2012-10-01 20:42:15','2012-10-02 03:42:15','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11352-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(11356,1,'2012-10-01 20:42:44','2012-10-02 03:42:44','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11353\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11353\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11353\" title=\"IMG00281-20120929-1426\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00281-20120929-1426-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11354\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11354\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11354\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nlink to pinterest board','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 20:42:44','2012-10-02 03:42:44','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11352-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(11358,1,'2012-10-01 20:42:52','2012-10-02 03:42:52','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11353\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11353\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11353\" title=\"IMG00281-20120929-1426\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00281-20120929-1426-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11354\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11354\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11354\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nlink to pinterest board','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-3','','','2012-10-01 20:42:52','2012-10-02 03:42:52','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11352-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(11359,1,'2012-10-01 20:32:21','2012-10-02 03:32:21','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?  And what the heck is an Ahwatukee?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  For most of the evening, the ones from our team stood with their flashy pom poms on their hips and looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside that myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you attended a Friday night high school football game?  Do tell.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-64','','','2012-10-01 20:32:21','2012-10-02 03:32:21','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/01/11271-revision-64/',0,'revision','',0),(11360,1,'2012-10-02 09:47:42','2012-10-02 16:47:42','[caption id=\"attachment_11280\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11280\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11280\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11280  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070039-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Just a couple of chicks reliving their glory days![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a fan of football.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHowever, I am a fan of mingling with friends, eating occasional stadium junk food, and jiving to marching bands.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo when Christy Jo invited me to the big local rivalry high school football game, I accepted.  It had been 25 years since I had been to a Friday night football game.  Sounded like old-fashioned fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nChristy Jo picked me up at 6:30 on Friday night with her freshly injured Junior Varsity teenager and 8 year-old in tow.  We all wore white in support of Desert Vista High School.  Go team!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way to the game, Christy Jo informed me that over 10,000 people were expected to attend. She hoped that gang fights didn\'t break out like at last year\'s game.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Whatchyoutalkinbout, Christy Jo???  Gang fights?!?!?!  At the high school football game???  We live in Suburbia!!!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI thought she was kidding.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe wasn\'t kidding.  You can read all about it <a href=\"http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/20120905ahwatukee-bowl-security-plan.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>  Last year\'s game had to be called off in the 3rd quarter due to the violence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered if Christy Jo would let me and the 8 year-old split.  We still had time to catch the next showing of <em>Brave</em> at the mall.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Christy Jo is one of those suck-it-up-buttercup types.  As we entered the stadium, I kept my mouth shut and my wits about me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I made a mental note that I should consider taking Kung Fu as a playdate/preparation for next year\'s game.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, I went to high school in Texas.  I think we would all agree that Texas and high school football are synonymous, correct?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I used to go to <em>all</em> of the Friday night football games!  I even dated a star football player my senior year!  We were so different from one another.  It was very Romeo and Juliet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I have NEVER witnessed anything like the insanity of The Ahwatukee Bowl.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11281\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11281\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11281\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 6.04.20 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-6.04.20-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"528\" height=\"200\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Late Bloomer\'s Tukee Bowl Recap</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>10.  Throngs of people.</strong>  Forget the gang warfare!  I couldn\'t stop thinking that we were about to be the next stadium stampede to make global news.  The rest of the world would be thoroughly confused.  Were these stupid Americans playing fútbol/soccer or football/football?  And what the heck is an Ahwatukee?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>9.  Stadium junk food of the night:</strong>  <strong>Giant pretzel dipped in nasty nacho cheese.</strong>  I ate half, regretted it, and gave the other half to an ecstatic 8 year-old already pumped up on Jamba Juice and hot dogs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>8.  From my vantage point, the majority of the crowd was over the age of 40.</strong>  I was either in a sea of mid-life crises or an ocean of hyper-supportive parents.  Teens steered clear in their own section.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>7.  Boom Boom Crash!</strong>  The thunderous claps didn\'t come from the marching band.  We had been experiencing a rare wet-stuff-falling-out-of-the-sky week in the desert, and a light drizzle sprinkled the crowd.  A crowd clad in white t-shirts, I remind you.  Thankfully, we were spared a downpour and subsequently Ahwatukee\'s Largest White T-Shirt Contest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>6.  The rain was short-lived, and there we sat shoulder to shoulder in a swamp of humidity.</strong>  People started to sweat, and someone smelled like vinegar.  Had my sister been there, she would have dry heaved fo sho.  It was disgusting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe thick, vinegary atmosphere instantaneously attracted a plague of bugs.  Obviously, these bugs were in no way, shape or form related to flies because as your mother always told you, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11286\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11286\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11286\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11286\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070037-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Those black dots are bugs, people!!![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>5.  How about those cheerleaders?</strong>  For most of the evening, the ones from our team stood with their flashy pom poms on their hips and looked bored.  But across the field, the Mountain Point cheerleaders performed like the U.S. Women\'s Gymnastics Team!  Look for them in Rio in 2016.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>4.  Halftime!  Yay!  </strong>I always love a good show.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>3.  When halftime was over, I was talked out, stuffed, and tired.</strong>  So was the 8 year-old who started to get cranky and begged for a back scratch until she finally zonked.  I, too, pleaded for a back scratch and a lap to sleep in, but all I got was a suck-it-up-buttercup look.  I desperately hoped for a fight and a 3rd quarter release, but no such luck this year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11287\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11287\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11287\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11287\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9070040-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Lucky kid.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>2.  I apologize, but I can\'t tell you a thing about the game because I don\'t watch football.  </strong>I chat incessantly, stuff my face, and attempt to stay awake by dancing to the marching band.  I tried to explain this to you earlier.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11294\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/playdate-36-friday-night-lights/olympus-digital-camera-777/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11294\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11294\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9070042-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Mountain Point wins! Their fans in black rushed the field. Don\'t ask me what the score was.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>1.  <strong>Streaker!</strong>  </strong></span>I blinked, and I missed it.  Except for the very tail end.  Ba dump bump.  I am beside myself that I failed to capture this streaking fool on video to show you today.  A YouTube search turned up fruitless.  Except for this happy memory from the only football game that I have ever enjoyed watching.  (Click <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmguLIpU6C0&amp;playnext=1&amp;list=PL9BA9575EC8DC6D1C&amp;feature=results_main\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here</strong></a> to watch for yourselves!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you attended a Friday night high school football game?  Do tell.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #36:  Friday Night Lights','','inherit','open','open','','11271-revision-65','','','2012-10-02 09:47:42','2012-10-02 16:47:42','',11271,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/02/11271-revision-65/',0,'revision','',0),(11361,1,'2012-10-03 20:26:09','2012-10-04 03:26:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTwo week ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know we were a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you for playing Name That Winery Location!\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37:  Arizona Wine Country.  (Yes.  Wine Country in AZ!)','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-3','','','2012-10-03 20:26:09','2012-10-04 03:26:09','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/03/11301-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(11362,1,'2012-10-03 20:27:09','2012-10-04 03:27:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThank you for playing Name That Winery Location!  ☺\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37:  Arizona Wine Country.  (Yes.  Wine Country in AZ!)','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-4','','','2012-10-03 20:27:09','2012-10-04 03:27:09','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/03/11301-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(11363,1,'2012-10-03 20:27:25','2012-10-04 03:27:25','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for playing Name That Winery Location!  ☺\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37:  Arizona Wine Country.  (Yes.  Wine Country in AZ!)','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-5','','','2012-10-03 20:27:25','2012-10-04 03:27:25','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/03/11301-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(11364,1,'2012-10-03 20:27:50','2012-10-04 03:27:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for playing Name That Winery Location!  ☺\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37:  Arizona Wine Country.  (Yes.  Wine Country in AZ!)','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-6','','','2012-10-03 20:27:50','2012-10-04 03:27:50','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/03/11301-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(11365,1,'2012-10-03 20:29:09','2012-10-04 03:29:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for playing Name That Winery Location!  ☺\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37: Arizona Wine Country. (Believe It or Not.)','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-7','','','2012-10-03 20:29:09','2012-10-04 03:29:09','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/03/11301-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(11366,1,'2012-10-03 20:29:34','2012-10-04 03:29:34','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for playing Name That Winery Location!  ☺\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37: Arizona Wine Country. Believe It or Not.','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-8','','','2012-10-03 20:29:34','2012-10-04 03:29:34','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/03/11301-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(11367,1,'2012-10-03 20:30:22','2012-10-04 03:30:22','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for playing Name That Winery Location!  ☺\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37: Arizona Wine Country. Believe It or Not.','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-9','','','2012-10-03 20:30:22','2012-10-04 03:30:22','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/03/11301-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(11368,1,'2012-10-03 20:30:33','2012-10-04 03:30:33','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for playing Name That Winery Location!  ☺\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37: Arizona Wine Country. Believe It or Not.','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-10','','','2012-10-03 20:30:33','2012-10-04 03:30:33','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/03/11301-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(11369,1,'2012-10-03 20:31:47','2012-10-04 03:31:47','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for playing Name That Winery Location!  ☺\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37: Arizona Wine Country. Believe It or Not.','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-11','','','2012-10-03 20:31:47','2012-10-04 03:31:47','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/03/11301-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(11370,1,'2012-10-04 09:06:57','2012-10-04 16:06:57','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11305\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11304\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for playing Name That Wine Country!  ☺\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37: Arizona Wine Country. Believe It or Not.','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-12','','','2012-10-04 09:06:57','2012-10-04 16:06:57','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/04/11301-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(11371,1,'2012-10-04 09:06:57','2012-10-04 16:06:57','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/04/playdate-37-arizona-wine-country-yes-wine-country-in-az/olympus-digital-camera-778/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11305\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11305\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P9160030-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/04/playdate-37-arizona-wine-country-yes-wine-country-in-az/img00265-20120916-1643/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11304\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11304\" title=\"IMG00265-20120916-1643\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG00265-20120916-1643-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA little over a year ago, I was sipping wine in Tuscany.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA week and a half ago, I wine tasted my way through central Arizona.  I bet you didn\'t know Arizona was a budding wine mecca, did you?  (Unless you live here, of course.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStudy the photos above, per favore.  Now tell me which was taken in Tuscany and which was taken in Arizona.  Share your guess in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThank you for playing Name That Wine Country!  ☺\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #37: Arizona Wine Country. Believe It or Not.','','inherit','open','open','','11301-revision-13','','','2012-10-04 09:06:57','2012-10-04 16:06:57','',11301,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/04/11301-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(11373,1,'2012-10-06 18:26:43','2012-10-07 01:26:43','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignleft\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night.  We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s taken m\n\nlink to pinterest board','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-4','','','2012-10-06 18:26:43','2012-10-07 01:26:43','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/06/11352-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(11374,1,'2012-10-06 18:30:42','2012-10-07 01:30:42','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignleft\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night.  We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling\n\nlink to pinterest board','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-5','','','2012-10-06 18:30:42','2012-10-07 01:30:42','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/06/11352-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(11375,1,'2012-10-06 18:33:42','2012-10-07 01:33:42','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignleft\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night.  We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.  If not,\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nlink to pinterest board','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-6','','','2012-10-06 18:33:42','2012-10-07 01:33:42','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/06/11352-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(11376,1,'2012-10-08 15:47:10','2012-10-08 22:47:10','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignleft\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.  \n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice. \n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nlink to pinterest board','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-7','','','2012-10-08 15:47:10','2012-10-08 22:47:10','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(11377,1,'2012-10-08 15:49:06','2012-10-08 22:49:06','','yard1','','inherit','open','open','','yard1','','','2012-10-08 15:49:06','2012-10-08 22:49:06','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11378,1,'2012-10-08 15:52:15','2012-10-08 22:52:15','','yard2','This is not a Secret Garden.  But it soon will be.  ','inherit','open','open','','yard2','','','2012-10-08 15:52:15','2012-10-08 22:52:15','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11379,1,'2012-10-08 15:50:10','2012-10-08 22:50:10','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignleft\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.  \n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a man glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nlink to pinterest board','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-8','','','2012-10-08 15:50:10','2012-10-08 22:50:10','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(11380,1,'2012-10-08 15:57:17','2012-10-08 22:57:17','','yard3','This is not a table that could recreate an Italy Night.  But soon . . . . ','inherit','open','open','','yard3','','','2012-10-08 15:57:17','2012-10-08 22:57:17','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11383,1,'2012-10-08 19:41:03','2012-10-09 02:41:03','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 alignleft\" title=\"yard2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380\" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table that could recreate an Italy Night. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a man glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignleft\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\nA few of them understood me.','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-11','','','2012-10-08 19:41:03','2012-10-09 02:41:03','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(11381,1,'2012-10-08 16:00:40','2012-10-08 23:00:40','<div class=\"mceTemp\"> <dl id=\"attachment_11378\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 235px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378\" title=\"yard2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">This is not a Secret Garden. But it soon will be.</dd></dl></div>\n I live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380\" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table that could recreate an Italy Night. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.  \n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a man glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignleft\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nlink to pinterest board','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-9','','','2012-10-08 16:00:40','2012-10-08 23:00:40','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(11382,1,'2012-10-08 16:01:40','2012-10-08 23:01:40','<div class=\"mceTemp\"> <dl id=\"attachment_11378\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 235px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378\" title=\"yard2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">This is not a Secret Garden. But it soon will be.</dd></dl></div>\n I live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n After some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n &nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n &nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n &nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380\" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table that could recreate an Italy Night. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn. \n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.  \n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a man glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignleft\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nlink to pinterest board','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-10','','','2012-10-08 16:01:40','2012-10-08 23:01:40','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(11385,1,'2012-10-08 19:42:03','2012-10-09 02:42:03','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 alignleft\" title=\"yard2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380\" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table that could recreate an Italy Night. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a man glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\nA few of them understood me.','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-13','','','2012-10-08 19:42:03','2012-10-09 02:42:03','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(11384,1,'2012-10-08 19:41:28','2012-10-09 02:41:28','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 alignleft\" title=\"yard2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have....well....a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er.  And newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380\" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table that could recreate an Italy Night. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a man glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignleft\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\nA few of them understood me.','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-12','','','2012-10-08 19:41:28','2012-10-09 02:41:28','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(11386,1,'2012-10-08 20:08:14','2012-10-09 03:08:14','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> She almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne had been on Oprah.  Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-14','','','2012-10-08 20:08:14','2012-10-09 03:08:14','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(11387,1,'2012-10-08 20:09:41','2012-10-09 03:09:41','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> She almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne had been on Oprah.  Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe man smiled.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe read my mind for a second time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-15','','','2012-10-08 20:09:41','2012-10-09 03:09:41','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(11388,1,'2012-10-08 20:09:42','2012-10-09 03:09:42','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home. Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> She almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne had been on Oprah.  Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-16','','','2012-10-08 20:09:42','2012-10-09 03:09:42','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(11389,1,'2012-10-08 20:09:49','2012-10-09 03:09:49','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home. Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377\" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> She almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.  I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne had been on Oprah.  Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-17','','','2012-10-08 20:09:49','2012-10-09 03:09:49','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(11390,1,'2012-10-08 20:14:41','2012-10-09 03:14:41','&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne had been on Oprah.  Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe man smiled.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe read my mind for a second time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-18','','','2012-10-08 20:14:41','2012-10-09 03:14:41','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(11391,1,'2012-10-08 20:15:43','2012-10-09 03:15:43','&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne had been on Oprah.  Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe man smiled.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe read my mind for a second time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-19','','','2012-10-08 20:15:43','2012-10-09 03:15:43','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(11392,1,'2012-10-08 20:16:04','2012-10-09 03:16:04','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne had been on Oprah.  Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-20','','','2012-10-08 20:16:04','2012-10-09 03:16:04','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(11393,1,'2012-10-08 20:16:55','2012-10-09 03:16:55','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . . [/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne had been on Oprah.  Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-21','','','2012-10-08 20:16:55','2012-10-09 03:16:55','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(11394,1,'2012-10-08 20:20:06','2012-10-09 03:20:06','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.creativeenvironments.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>One had been on Oprah.</strong> </a> Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-22','','','2012-10-08 20:20:06','2012-10-09 03:20:06','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(11395,1,'2012-10-08 20:34:47','2012-10-09 03:34:47','&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI live in a condo. Which is really more like a patio home. Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMaybe.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.creativeenvironments.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>One had been on Oprah.</strong> </a> Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning home from a long day at work.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe man smiled.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe read my mind for a second time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,000, we can help you,\" he assured me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, one last thing! Check out my Dream Patio Pinterest Board! <strong><a href=\"http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/</a>  </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-autosave','','','2012-10-08 20:34:47','2012-10-09 03:34:47','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(11396,1,'2012-10-08 20:20:24','2012-10-09 03:20:24','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.creativeenvironments.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>One had been on Oprah.</strong> </a> Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning my home.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-23','','','2012-10-08 20:20:24','2012-10-09 03:20:24','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(11397,1,'2012-10-08 20:22:38','2012-10-09 03:22:38','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.creativeenvironments.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>One had been on Oprah.</strong> </a> Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning home from a long day at work.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-24','','','2012-10-08 20:22:38','2012-10-09 03:22:38','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(11398,1,'2012-10-08 20:25:04','2012-10-09 03:25:04','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.creativeenvironments.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>One had been on Oprah.</strong> </a> Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning home from a long day at work.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-25','','','2012-10-08 20:25:04','2012-10-09 03:25:04','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(11401,1,'2012-10-08 20:32:19','2012-10-09 03:32:19','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo. Which is really more like a patio home. Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.creativeenvironments.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>One had been on Oprah.</strong> </a> Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning home from a long day at work.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,000, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, one last thing!  Check out my Dream Patio Pinterest Board!  <strong> <a href=\"http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/</a>  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-28','','','2012-10-08 20:32:19','2012-10-09 03:32:19','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(11399,1,'2012-10-08 20:26:50','2012-10-09 03:26:50','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.creativeenvironments.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>One had been on Oprah.</strong> </a> Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning home from a long day at work.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,ooo, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, one last thing!  Check out my Dream Patio Pinterest Board!  <strong> <a href=\"http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/</a>  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-26','','','2012-10-08 20:26:50','2012-10-09 03:26:50','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(11400,1,'2012-10-08 20:31:55','2012-10-09 03:31:55','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11378\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11378\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11378\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11378 \" title=\"Before Secret Garden Yard 1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard2-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a> This is not a Secret Garden. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI live in a condo.  Which is really more like a patio home.  Because I have...well...a patio for a backyard.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor a few years after moving into the condo, the backyard/patio consisted of dirt.  I am by no means a do-it-yourself-er, and newly divorced teachers don\'t have extra spending money to spruce up empty yards.  I barely had enough money to survive.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter some prodding, a friend finally convinced to me put some rock and desert bushes back there.  Approximately 8 years later, the bushes have taken over.  Periodically, the sage bushes bloom and invite every bee in the neighborhood over for a soiree.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nConsequently, I never sit in my backyard.  Ever.  Would you?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEven Bella is hesitant to go out there during the bee invasions.  And terriers are not picky about too many things in life.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11377\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11377\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11377\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11377 \" title=\"yard1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bella almost looks ashamed in this photo. Mortifying.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy friends have spruced up their patios into enticing miniature entertainment venues.  Last November, Dina hosted Italy Night. We ate authentic Pasta Carbonara prepared by a Real Live Italian, drank Italian wine, and listened to Italian music.  It was bliss.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI coveted my neighbor\'s patio that night.  It\'s taken me almost a year to get organized with transforming mine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11380\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11380\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11380\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11380 \" title=\"yard3\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yard3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> This is not a table fit for Italy Night II. But soon . . . .[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe main reason for my procrastination is my commitment-phobia with my condo.  I\'m constantly fantasizing about moving.  One week it\'s Italy.  The next week it\'s California.  The week after that it\'s North Carolina.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never even been to North Carolina, but for years I\'ve dreamed about moving there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I don\'t know if my North Carolina yearnings stem from an intuitive calling or from reading too many Nicholas Sparks novels, but the desire seems real.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSometimes I even contemplate moving to central Phoenix.  But that\'s hardly as exciting as the options above.  Yawn.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then wake up and decide to renovate my patio.  I\'ve lived in the condo for 11 years.  I\'m more than likely staying.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMaybe.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf I do choose to shake up my life in a big way and move, then a Secret Garden Retreat will only enhance the property value.  Right?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor Playdate #38, Ms. Unhandy attended the Home and Garden show for ideas and professional advice.  I watched many a male design guy glaze over when I excitedly described my Secret Garden vision to them.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11357\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11357\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11357 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00280-20120929-1324\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00280-20120929-1324-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few of them understood me.  Really <em>understood me.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.creativeenvironments.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>One had been on Oprah.</strong> </a> Something about a beautiful backyards episode.  I was a bit starstruck when I heard the \"O word\" and can\'t remember the specifics.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis man apparently moonlights as a psychic.  Without me saying much, he went on to tell me that what I was looking for an outdoor room.  An extension of my home.  The first place I would head to with Bella after returning home from a long day at work.  A place where I would kick off my shoes, relax, and rejuvenate.  A place to entertain.  My own private sanctuary.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was dumbstruck by his accuracy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI spattered something profound like, \"THAT\'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS JUST TELLING MY MOTHER!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe man smiled.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\">I wondered how I would ever be able to afford a man who had achieved Oprahdom. </span> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe read my mind for a second time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"No job is too big or too small for us.  We will work within any budget.  Whether it\'s 1,500 or 50,000, we can help you,\" he assured me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>No surprise that he was on Oprah.  This man is the White Knight of Landscape Design.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFour days later, he sent one of his right-hand men to assist this damsel in backyard distress.  After measuring, offering creative (and money saving!) suggestions, and more mind reading, Right-Hand Knight left only to return <em>this coming Thursday</em> with a plan (a 3-D computerized image!) and a price quote.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  I have decided that my outdoor retreat will also serve as a writing studio.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.S.  And a meditation room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.P.P.S.  I can also see myself practicing yoga out there.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>P.P.P.P.S.  Do you know anything about landscaping, patios, or Secret Gardens?  Please share your expertise in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, one last thing!  Check out my Dream Patio Pinterest Board!  <strong> <a href=\"http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/dream-patio/</a>  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #38:  I\'m Building a Secret Garden','','inherit','open','open','','11352-revision-27','','','2012-10-08 20:31:55','2012-10-09 03:31:55','',11352,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11352-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(11402,1,'2012-10-11 01:11:24','2012-10-11 08:11:24','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/\" target=\"_blank\">You\'ve met her before. </a></strong> She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.  We share the latest goings on in our lives.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Best Massage Therapist, but she\'s also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at <a href=\"http://www.fmsc.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Feed My Starving Children</strong> </a>or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the <a href=\"http://www.sundance.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sundance Film Festival.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists, and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/11/playdate-39-sundance-or-bust/screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4-22-10-pm/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed by phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUPDATE 10-25-12:  I had my phone interview today, and . . . .  I\'M GOING TO SUNDANCE!!!!    :-)))))\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','publish','open','open','','playdate-39-sundance-or-bust','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/','2012-10-25 16:15:08','2012-10-25 23:15:08','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=11402',0,'post','',10),(11403,1,'2012-10-08 20:37:40','2012-10-09 03:37:40','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision','','','2012-10-08 20:37:40','2012-10-09 03:37:40','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11402-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(11404,1,'2012-10-08 20:47:13','2012-10-09 03:47:13','','Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM','','inherit','open','open','','screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4-22-10-pm','','','2012-10-08 20:47:13','2012-10-09 03:47:13','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(11405,1,'2012-10-08 20:49:07','2012-10-09 03:49:07','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"697\" /></a>','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-2','','','2012-10-08 20:49:07','2012-10-09 03:49:07','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11402-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(11406,1,'2012-10-08 20:50:50','2012-10-09 03:50:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"697\" /></a>','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-3','','','2012-10-08 20:50:50','2012-10-09 03:50:50','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/08/11402-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(11407,1,'2012-10-10 19:39:07','2012-10-11 02:39:07','','14143','Photo Credit:  Jill Orschel','inherit','open','open','','14143','','','2012-10-10 19:39:07','2012-10-11 02:39:07','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11408,1,'2012-10-10 19:41:26','2012-10-11 02:41:26','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407  \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-4','','','2012-10-10 19:41:26','2012-10-11 02:41:26','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(11409,1,'2012-10-10 19:54:27','2012-10-11 02:54:27','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\n\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou\'ve met her before.  She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you her number.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnywho, since we\'ve become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMelody is not only World\'s Greatest Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at Feed My Starving Children or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Making the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHer latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the Sundance Film Festival.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDouble wow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-5','','','2012-10-10 19:54:27','2012-10-11 02:54:27','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(11410,1,'2012-10-10 19:54:28','2012-10-11 02:54:28','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'ve met her before.  She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you her number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since we\'ve become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Greatest Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at Feed My Starving Children or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Making the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHer latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the Sundance Film Festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-6','','','2012-10-10 19:54:28','2012-10-11 02:54:28','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(11411,1,'2012-10-10 19:54:35','2012-10-11 02:54:35','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'ve met her before.  She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you her number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since we\'ve become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Greatest Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at Feed My Starving Children or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Making the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHer latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the Sundance Film Festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-7','','','2012-10-10 19:54:35','2012-10-11 02:54:35','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(11412,1,'2012-10-10 19:57:40','2012-10-11 02:57:40','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'ve met her before.  She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Greatest Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at Feed My Starving Children or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the Sundance Film Festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-8','','','2012-10-10 19:57:40','2012-10-11 02:57:40','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(11413,1,'2012-10-25 16:14:56','2012-10-25 23:14:56','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\n\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/\" target=\"_blank\">You\'ve met her before. </a></strong> She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.  We share the latest goings on in our lives.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMelody is not only World\'s Best Massage Therapist, but she\'s also Volunteer of the Century.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at <a href=\"http://www.fmsc.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Feed My Starving Children</strong> </a>or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the <a href=\"http://www.sundance.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sundance Film Festival.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDouble wow.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists, and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed by phone.  I am next.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUPDATE 10-25-12:  I had my phone interview today, and . . . .  I\'M GOING TO SUNDANCE!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-autosave','','','2012-10-25 16:14:56','2012-10-25 23:14:56','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(11414,1,'2012-10-10 19:58:10','2012-10-11 02:58:10','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou\'ve met her before.  She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Greatest Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at Feed My Starving Children or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the Sundance Film Festival.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-9','','','2012-10-10 19:58:10','2012-10-11 02:58:10','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(11415,1,'2012-10-10 20:01:36','2012-10-11 03:01:36','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/\" target=\"_blank\">You\'ve met her before. </a></strong> She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Greatest Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at <a href=\"http://www.fmsc.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Feed My Starving Children</strong> </a>or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the <a href=\"http://www.sundance.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sundance Film Festival.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-10','','','2012-10-10 20:01:36','2012-10-11 03:01:36','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(11416,1,'2012-10-10 20:01:40','2012-10-11 03:01:40','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/\" target=\"_blank\">You\'ve met her before. </a></strong> She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Greatest Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at <a href=\"http://www.fmsc.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Feed My Starving Children</strong> </a>or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the <a href=\"http://www.sundance.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sundance Film Festival.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-11','','','2012-10-10 20:01:40','2012-10-11 03:01:40','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(11417,1,'2012-10-10 20:02:59','2012-10-11 03:02:59','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/\" target=\"_blank\">You\'ve met her before. </a></strong> She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.  We share the latest and greatest in our lives.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Greatest Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at <a href=\"http://www.fmsc.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Feed My Starving Children</strong> </a>or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the <a href=\"http://www.sundance.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sundance Film Festival.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-12','','','2012-10-10 20:02:59','2012-10-11 03:02:59','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(11418,1,'2012-10-10 20:03:53','2012-10-11 03:03:53','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/\" target=\"_blank\">You\'ve met her before. </a></strong> She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.  We share the latest goings on in our lives.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Best Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at <a href=\"http://www.fmsc.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Feed My Starving Children</strong> </a>or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the <a href=\"http://www.sundance.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sundance Film Festival.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-13','','','2012-10-10 20:03:53','2012-10-11 03:03:53','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(11419,1,'2012-10-10 20:03:58','2012-10-11 03:03:58','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/\" target=\"_blank\">You\'ve met her before. </a></strong> She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.  We share the latest goings on in our lives.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Best Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at <a href=\"http://www.fmsc.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Feed My Starving Children</strong> </a>or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the <a href=\"http://www.sundance.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sundance Film Festival.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-14','','','2012-10-10 20:03:58','2012-10-11 03:03:58','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(11420,1,'2012-10-10 20:04:36','2012-10-11 03:04:36','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/\" target=\"_blank\">You\'ve met her before. </a></strong> She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.  We share the latest goings on in our lives.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Best Massage Therapist, but also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at <a href=\"http://www.fmsc.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Feed My Starving Children</strong> </a>or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the <a href=\"http://www.sundance.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sundance Film Festival.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed by phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-15','','','2012-10-10 20:04:36','2012-10-11 03:04:36','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(11421,1,'2012-10-10 20:31:48','2012-10-11 03:31:48','[caption id=\"attachment_11407\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://press.sundance.org/press/category/festival-photography-and-coverage\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11407 \" title=\"14143\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/14143-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a> Photo Credit: Jill Orschel[/caption]\r\n\r\nI am friends with my massage therapist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/12/23/day-86-tis-the-season-for-a-home-massage/\" target=\"_blank\">You\'ve met her before. </a></strong> She\'s the greatest.  If you live in my fair city and need some TLC, write me and I\'ll give you Melody\'s number.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnywho, since Melody and I have become friends through many massages throughout the years, we talk a bit before I pass out on the table and drift to lala land.  We share the latest goings on in our lives.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody is not only World\'s Best Massage Therapist, but she\'s also Volunteer of the Century.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s true!  The woman is always volunteering.  She\'s either at <a href=\"http://www.fmsc.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Feed My Starving Children</strong> </a>or leading hospital patients in song or showing patrons around the historic Orpheum Theatre or you name it!  She\'s there!  Melody makes the world a better place one volunteer gig at a time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody\'s latest massage table announcement was that she applied to volunteer for the <a href=\"http://www.sundance.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sundance Film Festival.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nShe then proceeded to tell me that she convinced our mutual friend Sarah to apply.  Would I consider applying as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble wow.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly, I\'m not sure I even knew that one could volunteer for Sundance.  Did you?  I suppose that I never stopped to think about it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut when I heard that the opportunity exists, and I\'m on a mission to live playfully and curiously and all that jazz, how could I NOT apply?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11404\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11404\"><img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-11404\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-09-30 at 4.22.10 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Screen-shot-2012-09-30-at-4.22.10-PM-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"614\" height=\"418\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan you say, \"OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME???\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy the way, application doesn\'t necessarily mean you\'re \"in\".  Volunteers are handpicked.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMelody and Sarah have already been interviewed by phone.  I am next.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSundance January 2013 or Bust?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #39:  Sundance or Bust?','','inherit','open','open','','11402-revision-16','','','2012-10-10 20:31:48','2012-10-11 03:31:48','',11402,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11402-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(11422,1,'2012-10-17 01:11:59','2012-10-17 08:11:59','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have dwindled for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  About 6 months ago, Jeff decided it was time to resurrect his music for public consumption.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at the soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird, Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff the GENIUS piano player + Chris the GENIUS drummer = An Uber-Genius Duo!  Just you wait, World!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD at the Late Bloomilicious age of 56.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTriple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','publish','open','open','','playdate-40-jeff-harvey-takes-the-rhythm-room','','','2012-10-16 20:59:19','2012-10-17 03:59:19','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=11422',0,'post','',3),(11423,1,'2012-10-10 20:33:24','2012-10-11 03:33:24','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision','','','2012-10-10 20:33:24','2012-10-11 03:33:24','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11422-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(11424,1,'2012-10-10 20:33:45','2012-10-11 03:33:45','','Playdate #40:  Introducing Jeff Harvey','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-2','','','2012-10-10 20:33:45','2012-10-11 03:33:45','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11422-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(11425,1,'2012-10-10 21:04:16','2012-10-11 04:04:16','','IMG00283-20121004-1946','','inherit','open','open','','img00283-20121004-1946','','','2012-10-10 21:04:16','2012-10-11 04:04:16','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11426,1,'2012-10-10 20:34:13','2012-10-11 03:34:13','Announce that i have a dozen playdates left.  Ask for suggestions!','Playdate #40:  Introducing Jeff Harvey','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-3','','','2012-10-10 20:34:13','2012-10-11 03:34:13','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/10/11422-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(11427,1,'2012-10-12 17:23:36','2012-10-13 00:23:36','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being','Playdate #40:  Introducing Jeff Harvey','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-4','','','2012-10-12 17:23:36','2012-10-13 00:23:36','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/12/11422-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(11428,1,'2012-10-12 17:24:37','2012-10-13 00:24:37','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLate Blooming.  H\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnnounce that i have a dozen playdates left.  Ask for suggestions!','Playdate #40:  Introducing Jeff Harvey','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-5','','','2012-10-12 17:24:37','2012-10-13 00:24:37','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/12/11422-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(11430,1,'2012-10-16 19:33:32','2012-10-17 02:33:32','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLate Blooming.  Hadn\'t played for almost 20 years (in public)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnnounce that i have a dozen playdates left.  Ask for suggestions!','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-6','','','2012-10-16 19:33:32','2012-10-17 02:33:32','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(11431,1,'2012-10-16 20:04:45','2012-10-17 03:04:45','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.   He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you ready for a double whammy of a Late Bloomer story?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext, he teamed up with his former drummer\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLate Blooming.  Hadn\'t played for almost 20 years (in public)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnnounce that i have a dozen playdates left.  Ask for suggestions!','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-7','','','2012-10-16 20:04:45','2012-10-17 03:04:45','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(11432,1,'2012-10-16 20:10:45','2012-10-17 03:10:45','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.   He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you ready for a double whammy of a Late Bloomer story?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext, he teamed up with his former drummer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPhD\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLate Blooming.  Hadn\'t played for almost 20 years (in public)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnnounce that i have a dozen playdates left.  Ask for suggestions!','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-8','','','2012-10-16 20:10:45','2012-10-17 03:10:45','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(11434,1,'2012-10-16 20:33:53','2012-10-17 03:33:53','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.   He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer.  They started practicing at The Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThird,  they returned.  Big time.  Because The Rhythm Room is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCheck them out:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, all right!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-10','','','2012-10-16 20:33:53','2012-10-17 03:33:53','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(11433,1,'2012-10-16 20:32:53','2012-10-17 03:32:53','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.   He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer.  They started practicing at The Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThird,  they returned.  Big time.  Because The Rhythm Room is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCheck them out:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, all right!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLate Blooming.  Hadn\'t played for almost 20 years (in public)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnnounce that i have a dozen playdates left.  Ask for suggestions!','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-9','','','2012-10-16 20:32:53','2012-10-17 03:32:53','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(11435,1,'2012-10-16 20:34:09','2012-10-17 03:34:09','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.   He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer.  They started practicing at The Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird,  they returned.  Big time.  Because The Rhythm Room is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, all right!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-11','','','2012-10-16 20:34:09','2012-10-17 03:34:09','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(11436,1,'2012-10-16 20:39:31','2012-10-17 03:39:31','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer.  They started practicing at The Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird,  they returned.  Big time.  Because The Rhythm Room is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, all right!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-12','','','2012-10-16 20:39:31','2012-10-17 03:39:31','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(11437,1,'2012-10-16 20:39:36','2012-10-17 03:39:36','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer.  They started practicing at The Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird,  they returned.  Big time.  Because The Rhythm Room is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, all right!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-13','','','2012-10-16 20:39:36','2012-10-17 03:39:36','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(11438,1,'2012-10-16 20:41:40','2012-10-17 03:41:40','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer.  They started practicing at The Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThird,  they returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCheck them out!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, all right!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-14','','','2012-10-16 20:41:40','2012-10-17 03:41:40','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(11439,1,'2012-10-16 20:41:49','2012-10-17 03:41:49','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer.  They started practicing at The Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird,  they returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, all right!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-15','','','2012-10-16 20:41:49','2012-10-17 03:41:49','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(11440,1,'2012-10-16 20:41:54','2012-10-17 03:41:54','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals.  He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer.  They started practicing at The Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird,  they returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, all right!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-16','','','2012-10-16 20:41:54','2012-10-17 03:41:54','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(11441,1,'2012-10-16 20:45:59','2012-10-17 03:45:59','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird,  Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  At the Late Bloomicious age of 56.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-17','','','2012-10-16 20:45:59','2012-10-17 03:45:59','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(11442,1,'2012-10-16 20:46:07','2012-10-17 03:46:07','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird,  Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  At the Late Bloomicious age of 56.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-18','','','2012-10-16 20:46:07','2012-10-17 03:46:07','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(11443,1,'2012-10-16 20:46:14','2012-10-17 03:46:14','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird,  Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  At the Late Bloomicious age of 56.  Triple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-19','','','2012-10-16 20:46:14','2012-10-17 03:46:14','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(11444,1,'2012-10-16 20:50:18','2012-10-17 03:50:18','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  About 6 months ago, Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music for public consumption.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at the soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThird,  Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCheck them out!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD.  (At the Late Bloomicious age of 56.Triple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-20','','','2012-10-16 20:50:18','2012-10-17 03:50:18','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(11445,1,'2012-10-16 20:51:19','2012-10-17 03:51:19','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  About 6 months ago, Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music for public consumption.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at the soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThird,  Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer.  Just you wait, World!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCheck them out!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD at the Late Bloomicious age of 56.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTriple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-21','','','2012-10-16 20:51:19','2012-10-17 03:51:19','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(11446,1,'2012-10-16 20:53:29','2012-10-17 03:53:29','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  About 6 months ago, Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music for public consumption.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at the soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThird, Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff is a GENIUS piano player and Chris is a GENIUS drummer = An Uber-Genius Duo!  Just you wait, World!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCheck them out!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD at the Late Bloomicious age of 56.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTriple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-22','','','2012-10-16 20:53:29','2012-10-17 03:53:29','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(11447,1,'2012-10-16 20:53:58','2012-10-17 03:53:58','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  About 6 months ago, Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music for public consumption.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at the soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird, Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff the GENIUS piano player + Chris the GENIUS drummer = An Uber-Genius Duo!  Just you wait, World!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD at the Late Bloomicious age of 56.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTriple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-23','','','2012-10-16 20:53:58','2012-10-17 03:53:58','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(11448,1,'2012-10-16 20:54:12','2012-10-17 03:54:12','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  About 6 months ago, Jeff decided it was time for to resurrect his music for public consumption.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at the soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird, Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff the GENIUS piano player + Chris the GENIUS drummer = An Uber-Genius Duo!  Just you wait, World!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD at the Late Bloomicious age of 56.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTriple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-24','','','2012-10-16 20:54:12','2012-10-17 03:54:12','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(11449,1,'2012-10-16 20:55:09','2012-10-17 03:55:09','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  About 6 months ago, Jeff decided it was time to resurrect his music for public consumption.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at the soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird, Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff the GENIUS piano player + Chris the GENIUS drummer = An Uber-Genius Duo!  Just you wait, World!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD at the Late Bloomicious age of 56.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTriple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-25','','','2012-10-16 20:55:09','2012-10-17 03:55:09','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(11450,1,'2012-10-16 20:57:34','2012-10-17 03:57:34','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  About 6 months ago, Jeff decided it was time to resurrect his music for public consumption.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at the soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThird, Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff the GENIUS piano player + Chris the GENIUS drummer = An Uber-Genius Duo!  Just you wait, World!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nCheck them out!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD at the Late Bloomilicious age of 56.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTriple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-autosave','','','2012-10-16 20:57:34','2012-10-17 03:57:34','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(11451,1,'2012-10-16 20:56:31','2012-10-17 03:56:31','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11425\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11425\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11425\" title=\"IMG00283-20121004-1946\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00283-20121004-1946-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have the great fortune of being friends with some amazingly talented musicians.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOne of them just so happens to be in the midst of a Late Bloomathon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOnce upon a time Jeff Harvey played music for a living.  He was the warm up act for some really famous peeps:  Bob Seger, Pure Prairie League, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then one day 19 years ago, the music died.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy day, Jeff started working hard at a corporate job.  He had a family to support.  There was little time for music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut that was 19 years ago.  Now all of the children have grown.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, so did Jeff\'s waistline.  Jeff gained nearly 100 pounds over the past two decades.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #339966;\"><strong>Are you ready for a triple whammy of a Late Bloomer story?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe music may have died for a long chapter of Jeff\'s life, but the spark never extinguished.  About 6 months ago, Jeff decided it was time to resurrect his music for public consumption.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst, he needed to feel better in order to tackle lengthy practice sessions and late night rehearsals. He put himself on a disciplined diet and exercise regime, and to this date, he has dropped 78 POUNDS!!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSecond, he teamed up with his former drummer, Chris Pitha.  They started practicing at the soon-to-be-famous Drum Shack to prep for their Big Return.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThird, Jeff and Chris returned.  Big time.  Because <a href=\"http://www.rhythmroom.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Rhythm Room</strong></a> is THE coolest spot for musicians to perform at in Phoenix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext stop:  Something even bigger, I presume.  Because Jeff the GENIUS piano player + Chris the GENIUS drummer = An Uber-Genius Duo!  Just you wait, World!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCheck them out!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://jeffharveysongs.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://jeffharveysongs.com/</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.reverbnation.com/jeffreyharvey</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Jeff is about to finish his PhD at the Late Bloomilicious age of 56.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTriple whammy Late Bloomer, I tell you!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo you have any inspirational Late Bloomers in your life?  Care to share their story in the comments below?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #40:  Jeff Harvey Takes The Rhythm Room','','inherit','open','open','','11422-revision-26','','','2012-10-16 20:56:31','2012-10-17 03:56:31','',11422,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/16/11422-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(11452,1,'2012-10-20 01:11:52','2012-10-20 08:11:52','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/20/playdate-41-opa-and-other-greekiness/img00289-20121012-1858/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11458\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11458\" title=\"IMG00289-20121012-1858\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00289-20121012-1858-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you attended a Greek Festival?  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI <em>think</em> the last time for me was when I was in high school.  It was in Houston, and I <em>think</em> it was a Greek Festival in a smallish parking lot of a local Greek Orthodox church.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSorry for the hazy recollection, but my memory (or lack thereof) scares me.  (Help me out here, sis and Carolyn!  I\'m sure one of you were with me circa 1986!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve <em>heard</em> of the Greek Festival here in Phoenix for years, but I had never been.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, I couldn\'t escape the advertising.  Everywhere I looked or listened, it was \"Greek Festival\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOddly, most of the sightings were at work.  There was a never-ending supply of Greek Fest Flyers in the small coffee nook.  There were full-colored Greek Fest pullouts from the<em> Arizona Republic</em> in the lunchroom.  I racked my brain trying to remember if I worked with any Papadopouloses or Onassises, but I didn\'t <em>think</em> so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Where was all this Greek Fest propaganda coming from???</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I even heard a Greek Fest commercial on the radio.  I <em>think</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemind me to take more fish oil.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI needed to check out this Greek Festival to see what all the fuss was about.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI convinced The Buckeye Who Prefers to Remain Anonymous to escort me.  I envisioned us walking up to a smallish parking lot, snarfing a bit of hummus and falafel, and then wondering what to do with the rest of the evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis was before the shuttle bus pulled up to the church with a sprawling campus that resembled either a small liberal arts college or a Kennedy compound.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou would have thought I would have caught a clue about the size of this festival when we boarded a shuttle bus.  Sadly, I did not.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou would have also thought that a fully occupied bus heading to a Greek Festival would be full of rowdy festival goers shouting \"Opa!\"s, but yours truly was the only one in The Greek Fest spirit!  Even The Buckeye refused to cooperate.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs we deboarded the  shuttle bus, we noted swarms of people crossing an extremely largish parking lot to get to both indoor and outdoor festivities.    The indoor festivities contained the food and shopping, so it was logical that we head there first.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11454\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/20/playdate-41-opa-and-other-greekiness/img00287-20121012-1856/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11454\"><img class=\"wp-image-11454   \" title=\"IMG00287-20121012-1856\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00287-20121012-1856-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Breads were on the circular table. Never-ending array of pastries were on the long rectangular table. Opa![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11463\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/20/playdate-41-opa-and-other-greekiness/img00291-20121012-1932/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11463\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11463 \" title=\"IMG00291-20121012-1932\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00291-20121012-1932-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Hummus, no falafel, spanokopita, homemade pitas that The Buckeye had to hunt down and beg for (Stacy\'s pita chips are neither acceptable nor authentic -- Opa!), outrageously delish potatoes, chicken[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Buckeye\'s Hands do not remain anonymous.  Because this was too quirky-funny to not share.  He cut my meat for me.  I ribbed him.  We laughed.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since I was now 3, I contemplated this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/20/playdate-41-opa-and-other-greekiness/img00292-20121012-2006/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11464\"><img class=\"wp-image-11464 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00292-20121012-2006\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00292-20121012-2006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut then I remembered <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/day-167-tiggers-are-not-the-only-one-who-are-bouncy-flouncy-trouncy-pouncy/\" target=\"_blank\">that I had been there done that.</a>  </strong>With The Buckeye\'s college roomie\'s fiancée (now wife at the time of this writing) no less!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLike you really care.  Thank you for humoring me in my game of Six Degrees of Bouncy House Separation.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/20/playdate-41-opa-and-other-greekiness/img00293-20121012-2025/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11459\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11459 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00293-20121012-2025\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00293-20121012-2025-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/20/playdate-41-opa-and-other-greekiness/img00295-20121012-2028/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11460\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11460 alignnone\" title=\"IMG00295-20121012-2028\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00295-20121012-2028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wasn\'t kidding about the shopping.  There was a full blown bazaar!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPurses!  Jewelry!  Belly Dancing costumes!  Pillow cases!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/20/playdate-41-opa-and-other-greekiness/img00296-20121012-2032/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11462\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11462 \" title=\"IMG00296-20121012-2032\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00296-20121012-2032-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> If I had realized how dirty that pillowcase was as I did tonight when uploading this photo, I would have never touched it. Very soft though. 1500 thread count or something like that. Opa![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI asked the blond pillow salesman if he were Greek.  He looked at me as if I had sprouted 3 heads.  (I\'m trying to <em>think</em> of a Greek mythological creature with 3 heads, but I\'m too tired.  It has nothing to do with my memory.  Honestly.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI reminded the blond pillow salesman that we were at a Greek Festival.  He blinked approximately 3 times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suggested to the blond pillow salesman that one might assume vendors at a Greek Bazaar might be . . . well . . . Greek!  He blinked 3 more times.  Then a baby wave of comprehension crossed his face.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBlond pillow salesman chuckled and said that he was not Greek, but Greek Festivals are very good for business.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOf course, there was Greek dancing and music on a mainstage.  It was ginormous.  It was loud.  Would you expect anything less from a Greek Fest on steroids?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wanted to worm my way through the crowd and start dancing right along with them.  But The Buckeye is averse to eardrum-shattering music.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHmph.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>I guess The Buckeye didn\'t blare his Sony Walkman circa 1986, therefore <del>deafening</del> prepping himself for future rock concerts and Greek Fests. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\'Tis a pity.  He\'s really missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, The Buckeye requested tea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou know....Greek tea?  To go with the delectable pastries purchased at the World\'s Longest Dessert Table (pictured somewhere above).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t alarm yourselves if you\'re confused.  Greek tea doesn\'t exist.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe know this because when we approached the Greek Coffee and Baklava Sundae stand and inquired about Greek tea, the vendor looked at us like it was all Greek to him.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBa-dum-bum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat \"joke\" really doesn\'t make any sense because the vendor was Greek, but I am personally enjoying the irony.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd so, after snarfing a bit of hummus, no falafel, but surprisingly delightful potatoes, etc., The Buckeye suggested that we depart the Greek Festival in search of tea and quiet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich we did.  At one of my favorite Indie coffeeshops.  Where we indulged in those pastries which were Greekilicious!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/20/playdate-41-opa-and-other-greekiness/img00297-20121012-2118/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11482\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11482\" title=\"IMG00297-20121012-2118\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00297-20121012-2118-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOpa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you got your Greek on at a festival?  Any funny stories, favorite foods, Greek tea sightings?  Please share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #41:  Opa! and Other Greekiness','','publish','open','open','','playdate-41-opa-and-other-greekiness','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/day-167-tiggers-are-not-the-only-one-who-are-bouncy-flouncy-trouncy-pouncy/','2012-10-20 18:41:02','2012-10-21 01:41:02','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=11452',0,'post','',4),(11453,1,'2012-10-18 17:34:45','2012-10-19 00:34:45','When was the last time you attended a Greek Festival?  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI <em>think</em> the last time for me was when I was in high school.  It was in Houston, and I <em>think</em> it was a smallish Greek Festival in a parking lot of a local Greek Orthodox church.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSorry for the hazy recollection, but my memory (or lack of memory) scares me.  (Help me out her, sis and Carolyn!  I\'m sure on of you were with me!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve <em>heard</em> of the Greek Festival here in Phoenix for years, but I had never been.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, I couldn\'t escape the advertising.  Everywhere I looked or listened, it was \"Greek Festival\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOddly, most of the sightings were at work.  There was a never-ending supply of Greek Fest Flyers in the small coffee nook.  There were full-colored Greek Fest pullouts from the<em> Arizona Republic</em> in the lunchroom.  I racked my brain trying to remember if I worked with any Papadopouloses or Onassises, but I didn\'t <em>think</em> so.  Where was all this Greek Fest propaganda coming from???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I even h','Playdate #41:  Opa! and Other Greekiness','','inherit','open','open','','11452-revision','','','2012-10-18 17:34:45','2012-10-19 00:34:45','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/18/11452-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(11454,1,'2012-10-18 20:50:46','2012-10-19 03:50:46','','IMG00287-20121012-1856','Bread on the circular table.  All desserts on the long rectangular table.  Opa! ','inherit','open','open','','img00287-20121012-1856','','','2012-10-18 20:50:46','2012-10-19 03:50:46','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00287-20121012-1856.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11455,1,'2012-10-18 20:50:06','2012-10-19 03:50:06','When was the last time you attended a Greek Festival?  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI <em>think</em> the last time for me was when I was in high school.  It was in Houston, and I <em>think</em> it was a smallish Greek Festival in a parking lot of a local Greek Orthodox church.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSorry for the hazy recollection, but my memory (or lack thereof) scares me.  (Help me out her, sis and Carolyn!  I\'m sure on of you were with me circa 1986!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve <em>heard</em> of the Greek Festival here in Phoenix for years, but I had never been.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, I couldn\'t escape the advertising.  Everywhere I looked or listened, it was \"Greek Festival\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOddly, most of the sightings were at work.  There was a never-ending supply of Greek Fest Flyers in the small coffee nook.  There were full-colored Greek Fest pullouts from the<em> Arizona Republic</em> in the lunchroom.  I racked my brain trying to remember if I worked with any Papadopouloses or Onassises, but I didn\'t <em>think</em> so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhere was all this Greek Fest propaganda coming from???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I even heard a Greek Fest commercial on the radio.  I <em>think</em>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemind me to take more fish oil.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI needed to check out this Greek Festival to see what all the fuss was about.  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI convinced The Buckeye Who Prefers to Remain Anonymous to escort me.  I envisioned us walking up to a smallish parking lot, snarfing a bit of hummus and falafel, and then wondering what to do with the rest of the evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis was before the shuttle bus pulled up to the church with a sprawling campus.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(You would have thought I would have caught a clue about the size of this festival when there was a shuttle bus.  Sadly, I did not.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(You would have also thought that a fully occupied bus heading to a Greek Festival would be full of rowdy festival goers shouting \"Opa!\"s, but yours truly was the only one in The Greek Fest spirit!  Even The Buckeye refused to cooperate.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs we deboarded the  shuttle bus, we noted swarms of people crossing an extremely largish parking lot to get to indoor and outdoor festivities.    The indoor festivities contained the food and shopping, so it was logical that we head there first.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #41:  Opa! and Other Greekiness','','inherit','open','open','','11452-revision-2','','','2012-10-18 20:50:06','2012-10-19 03:50:06','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/18/11452-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(11456,1,'2012-10-18 20:51:55','2012-10-19 03:51:55','When was the last time you attended a Greek Festival?  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI <em>think</em> the last time for me was when I was in high school.  It was in Houston, and I <em>think</em> it was a smallish Greek Festival in a parking lot of a local Greek Orthodox church.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSorry for the hazy recollection, but my memory (or lack thereof) scares me.  (Help me out her, sis and Carolyn!  I\'m sure on of you were with me circa 1986!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve <em>heard</em> of the Greek Festival here in Phoenix for years, but I had never been.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, I couldn\'t escape the advertising.  Everywhere I looked or listened, it was \"Greek Festival\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOddly, most of the sightings were at work.  There was a never-ending supply of Greek Fest Flyers in the small coffee nook.  There were full-colored Greek Fest pullouts from the<em> Arizona Republic</em> in the lunchroom.  I racked my brain trying to remember if I worked with any Papadopouloses or Onassises, but I didn\'t <em>think</em> so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhere was all this Greek Fest propaganda coming from???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I even heard a Greek Fest commercial on the radio.  I <em>think</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemind me to take more fish oil.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI needed to check out this Greek Festival to see what all the fuss was about.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI convinced The Buckeye Who Prefers to Remain Anonymous to escort me.  I envisioned us walking up to a smallish parking lot, snarfing a bit of hummus and falafel, and then wondering what to do with the rest of the evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis was before the shuttle bus pulled up to the church with a sprawling campus.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You would have thought I would have caught a clue about the size of this festival when there was a shuttle bus.  Sadly, I did not.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You would have also thought that a fully occupied bus heading to a Greek Festival would be full of rowdy festival goers shouting \"Opa!\"s, but yours truly was the only one in The Greek Fest spirit!  Even The Buckeye refused to cooperate.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs we deboarded the  shuttle bus, we noted swarms of people crossing an extremely largish parking lot to get to indoor and outdoor festivities.    The indoor festivities contained the food and shopping, so it was logical that we head there first.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11454\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11454\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11454\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11454\" title=\"IMG00287-20121012-1856\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00287-20121012-1856-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bread on the circular table. All desserts on the long rectangular table. Opa![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #41:  Opa! and Other Greekiness','','inherit','open','open','','11452-revision-3','','','2012-10-18 20:51:55','2012-10-19 03:51:55','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/18/11452-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(11457,1,'2012-10-18 20:52:04','2012-10-19 03:52:04','When was the last time you attended a Greek Festival?  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI <em>think</em> the last time for me was when I was in high school.  It was in Houston, and I <em>think</em> it was a smallish Greek Festival in a parking lot of a local Greek Orthodox church.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSorry for the hazy recollection, but my memory (or lack thereof) scares me.  (Help me out her, sis and Carolyn!  I\'m sure on of you were with me circa 1986!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve <em>heard</em> of the Greek Festival here in Phoenix for years, but I had never been.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, I couldn\'t escape the advertising.  Everywhere I looked or listened, it was \"Greek Festival\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOddly, most of the sightings were at work.  There was a never-ending supply of Greek Fest Flyers in the small coffee nook.  There were full-colored Greek Fest pullouts from the<em> Arizona Republic</em> in the lunchroom.  I racked my brain trying to remember if I worked with any Papadopouloses or Onassises, but I didn\'t <em>think</em> so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhere was all this Greek Fest propaganda coming from???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I even heard a Greek Fest commercial on the radio.  I <em>think</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemind me to take more fish oil.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI needed to check out this Greek Festival to see what all the fuss was about.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI convinced The Buckeye Who Prefers to Remain Anonymous to escort me.  I envisioned us walking up to a smallish parking lot, snarfing a bit of hummus and falafel, and then wondering what to do with the rest of the evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis was before the shuttle bus pulled up to the church with a sprawling campus.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You would have thought I would have caught a clue about the size of this festival when there was a shuttle bus.  Sadly, I did not.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You would have also thought that a fully occupied bus heading to a Greek Festival would be full of rowdy festival goers shouting \"Opa!\"s, but yours truly was the only one in The Greek Fest spirit!  Even The Buckeye refused to cooperate.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs we deboarded the  shuttle bus, we noted swarms of people crossing an extremely largish parking lot to get to indoor and outdoor festivities.    The indoor festivities contained the food and shopping, so it was logical that we head there first.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11454\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11454\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11454\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11454\" title=\"IMG00287-20121012-1856\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00287-20121012-1856-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bread on the circular table. All desserts on the long rectangular table. Opa![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #41:  Opa! and Other Greekiness','','inherit','open','open','','11452-revision-4','','','2012-10-18 20:52:04','2012-10-19 03:52:04','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/18/11452-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(11458,1,'2012-10-18 20:52:46','2012-10-19 03:52:46','','IMG00289-20121012-1858','','inherit','open','open','','img00289-20121012-1858','','','2012-10-18 20:52:46','2012-10-19 03:52:46','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00289-20121012-1858.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11459,1,'2012-10-18 20:54:37','2012-10-19 03:54:37','','IMG00293-20121012-2025','','inherit','open','open','','img00293-20121012-2025','','','2012-10-18 20:54:37','2012-10-19 03:54:37','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00293-20121012-2025.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11460,1,'2012-10-18 20:56:10','2012-10-19 03:56:10','','IMG00295-20121012-2028','','inherit','open','open','','img00295-20121012-2028','','','2012-10-18 20:56:10','2012-10-19 03:56:10','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00295-20121012-2028.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11461,1,'2012-10-18 20:58:11','2012-10-19 03:58:11','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11458\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11458\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11458\" title=\"IMG00289-20121012-1858\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00289-20121012-1858-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nWhen was the last time you attended a Greek Festival?  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI <em>think</em> the last time for me was when I was in high school.  It was in Houston, and I <em>think</em> it was a smallish Greek Festival in a parking lot of a local Greek Orthodox church.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSorry for the hazy recollection, but my memory (or lack thereof) scares me.  (Help me out her, sis and Carolyn!  I\'m sure on of you were with me circa 1986!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve <em>heard</em> of the Greek Festival here in Phoenix for years, but I had never been.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, I couldn\'t escape the advertising.  Everywhere I looked or listened, it was \"Greek Festival\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOddly, most of the sightings were at work.  There was a never-ending supply of Greek Fest Flyers in the small coffee nook.  There were full-colored Greek Fest pullouts from the<em> Arizona Republic</em> in the lunchroom.  I racked my brain trying to remember if I worked with any Papadopouloses or Onassises, but I didn\'t <em>think</em> so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhere was all this Greek Fest propaganda coming from???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I even heard a Greek Fest commercial on the radio.  I <em>think</em>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemind me to take more fish oil.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI needed to check out this Greek Festival to see what all the fuss was about.  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI convinced The Buckeye Who Prefers to Remain Anonymous to escort me.  I envisioned us walking up to a smallish parking lot, snarfing a bit of hummus and falafel, and then wondering what to do with the rest of the evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis was before the shuttle bus pulled up to the church with a sprawling campus.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(You would have thought I would have caught a clue about the size of this festival when there was a shuttle bus.  Sadly, I did not.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(You would have also thought that a fully occupied bus heading to a Greek Festival would be full of rowdy festival goers shouting \"Opa!\"s, but yours truly was the only one in The Greek Fest spirit!  Even The Buckeye refused to cooperate.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs we deboarded the  shuttle bus, we noted swarms of people crossing an extremely largish parking lot to get to indoor and outdoor festivities.    The indoor festivities contained the food and shopping, so it was logical that we head there first.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11454\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11454\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11454\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11454\" title=\"IMG00287-20121012-1856\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00287-20121012-1856-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bread on the circular table. All desserts on the long rectangular table. Opa![/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11459\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11459\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11459\" title=\"IMG00293-20121012-2025\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00293-20121012-2025-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11460\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11460\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11460\" title=\"IMG00295-20121012-2028\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00295-20121012-2028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #41:  Opa! and Other Greekiness','','inherit','open','open','','11452-revision-5','','','2012-10-18 20:58:11','2012-10-19 03:58:11','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/18/11452-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(11462,1,'2012-10-18 21:00:08','2012-10-19 04:00:08','','IMG00296-20121012-2032','','inherit','open','open','','img00296-20121012-2032','','','2012-10-18 21:00:08','2012-10-19 04:00:08','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00296-20121012-2032.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11463,1,'2012-10-18 21:06:12','2012-10-19 04:06:12','Hummus, homemade pitas, outrageously delish potatoes, chicken','IMG00291-20121012-1932','','inherit','open','open','','img00291-20121012-1932','','','2012-10-18 21:06:12','2012-10-19 04:06:12','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00291-20121012-1932.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11464,1,'2012-10-18 21:09:42','2012-10-19 04:09:42','','IMG00292-20121012-2006','','inherit','open','open','','img00292-20121012-2006','','','2012-10-18 21:09:42','2012-10-19 04:09:42','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00292-20121012-2006.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(11465,1,'2011-12-31 21:38:48','2012-01-01 04:38:48','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nfun, fun, fun, fun, FUN!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt all started with a birthday invitation for Laney\'s soon-to-be 7 year-old\'s birthday party.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130199.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4504\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130199-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I heard that Laney was renting a bouncy castle for the event, I knew immediately that I could talk her into it.   :-D\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4505\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Maybe if I stood still for the only photo of the bouncy castle, it would have been clearer. Sorry, peeps.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3120176.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4505\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3120176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_4506\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"I tried not to think of the germs lurking in this thing after 3 hours of bouncing sweaty 1st graders (and a few bloody noses.)\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3120177.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4506 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3120177-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was all fun and games until someone got hurt.  Be careful with the balls in the bouncy castle, kids. You could shoot your eye out with one of those things.\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/J-WL8Z4eycc\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\"></iframe>','Day 167:  Tiggers are Not the Only One Who are Bouncy, Flouncy, Trouncy, Pouncy','','inherit','open','open','','4500-revision-16','','','2011-12-31 21:38:48','2012-01-01 04:38:48','',4500,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/4500-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(11466,1,'2012-10-18 21:31:16','2012-10-19 04:31:16','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11458\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11458\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11458\" title=\"IMG00289-20121012-1858\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00289-20121012-1858-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nWhen was the last time you attended a Greek Festival?  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI <em>think</em> the last time for me was when I was in high school.  It was in Houston, and I <em>think</em> it was a smallish Greek Festival in a parking lot of a local Greek Orthodox church.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSorry for the hazy recollection, but my memory (or lack thereof) scares me.  (Help me out her, sis and Carolyn!  I\'m sure on of you were with me circa 1986!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve <em>heard</em> of the Greek Festival here in Phoenix for years, but I had never been.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, I couldn\'t escape the advertising.  Everywhere I looked or listened, it was \"Greek Festival\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOddly, most of the sightings were at work.  There was a never-ending supply of Greek Fest Flyers in the small coffee nook.  There were full-colored Greek Fest pullouts from the<em> Arizona Republic</em> in the lunchroom.  I racked my brain trying to remember if I worked with any Papadopouloses or Onassises, but I didn\'t <em>think</em> so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Where was all this Greek Fest propaganda coming from???</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I even heard a Greek Fest commercial on the radio.  I <em>think</em>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemind me to take more fish oil.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI needed to check out this Greek Festival to see what all the fuss was about.  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI convinced The Buckeye Who Prefers to Remain Anonymous to escort me.  I envisioned us walking up to a smallish parking lot, snarfing a bit of hummus and falafel, and then wondering what to do with the rest of the evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis was before the shuttle bus pulled up to the church with a sprawling campus that resembled either a small liberal arts college or a Kennedy compound.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(You would have thought I would have caught a clue about the size of this festival when there was a shuttle bus.  Sadly, I did not.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(You would have also thought that a fully occupied bus heading to a Greek Festival would be full of rowdy festival goers shouting \"Opa!\"s, but yours truly was the only one in The Greek Fest spirit!  Even The Buckeye refused to cooperate.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs we deboarded the  shuttle bus, we noted swarms of people crossing an extremely largish parking lot to get to indoor and outdoor festivities.    The indoor festivities contained the food and shopping, so it was logical that we head there first.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11454\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11454\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11454\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11454\" title=\"IMG00287-20121012-1856\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00287-20121012-1856-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bread on the circular table. All desserts on the long rectangular table. Opa![/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11463\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11463   \" title=\"IMG00291-20121012-1932\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00291-20121012-1932-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Hummus, no falafel, spanokopita, homemade pitas that The Buckeye had to hunt down and beg for (Stacy\'s pita chips are neither acceptable nor authentic -- Opa!), outrageously delish potatoes, chicken[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Buckeye\'s Hands do not remain anonymous.  Because this was too quirky-funny to not share.  He cut my meat for me.  I ribbed him.  We laughed.  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since I was now 3, I contemplated this:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11464\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11464\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11464\" title=\"IMG00292-20121012-2006\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00292-20121012-2006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut then I remembered <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/day-167-tiggers-are-not-the-only-one-who-are-bouncy-flouncy-trouncy-pouncy/\" target=\"_blank\">that I had been there done that.</a>  </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith The Buckeye\'s college roomie\'s fiancee (now wife at the time of this writing) no less!  (Like you really care.  Thank you for humoring me in my game of Six Degrees of Bouncy House Separation.  Opa!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11459\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11459\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11459\" title=\"IMG00293-20121012-2025\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00293-20121012-2025-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11460\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11460\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11460\" title=\"IMG00295-20121012-2028\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00295-20121012-2028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI wasn\'t kidding about the shopping.  There was a full blown bazaar!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPurses!  Jewelry!  Belly Dancing costumes!  Pillow cases!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11462\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11462\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11462\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11462  \" title=\"IMG00296-20121012-2032\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00296-20121012-2032-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> If I had realized how dirty that pillowcase was as I did tonight when uploading this photo, I would have never touched it. Very soft though. 1500 thread count or something like that. Opa![/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI asked the blond pillow salesman if he were Greek.  He looked at me as if I had sprouted 3 heads.  (I\'m trying to <em>think</em> of a Greek mythological creature with 3 heads, but I\'m too tired.  It has nothing to do with my memory.  Honestly.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI reminded the blond pillow salesman that we were at a Greek Festival.  He blinked approximately 3 times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI suggested to the blond pillow salesman that one might assume vendors at a Greek Bazaar might be . . . well . . . Greek!  He blinked 3 more times.  Then a baby wave of comprehension crossed his face.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBlond pillow salesman chuckled and said that he was not Greek, but Greek Festivals are very good for business.  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDoes anyone know what Opa means?  I shout it out like a Greek wannabe but\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #41:  Opa! and Other Greekiness','','inherit','open','open','','11452-revision-6','','','2012-10-18 21:31:16','2012-10-19 04:31:16','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/18/11452-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(11467,1,'2012-10-18 21:33:18','2012-10-19 04:33:18','&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11458\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11458\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11458\" title=\"IMG00289-20121012-1858\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00289-20121012-1858-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\nWhen was the last time you attended a Greek Festival?  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI <em>think</em> the last time for me was when I was in high school.  It was in Houston, and I <em>think</em> it was a smallish Greek Festival in a parking lot of a local Greek Orthodox church.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSorry for the hazy recollection, but my memory (or lack thereof) scares me.  (Help me out her, sis and Carolyn!  I\'m sure on of you were with me circa 1986!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve <em>heard</em> of the Greek Festival here in Phoenix for years, but I had never been.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis year, I couldn\'t escape the advertising.  Everywhere I looked or listened, it was \"Greek Festival\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOddly, most of the sightings were at work.  There was a never-ending supply of Greek Fest Flyers in the small coffee nook.  There were full-colored Greek Fest pullouts from the<em> Arizona Republic</em> in the lunchroom.  I racked my brain trying to remember if I worked with any Papadopouloses or Onassises, but I didn\'t <em>think</em> so.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Where was all this Greek Fest propaganda coming from???</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I even heard a Greek Fest commercial on the radio.  I <em>think</em>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemind me to take more fish oil.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI needed to check out this Greek Festival to see what all the fuss was about.  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI convinced The Buckeye Who Prefers to Remain Anonymous to escort me.  I envisioned us walking up to a smallish parking lot, snarfing a bit of hummus and falafel, and then wondering what to do with the rest of the evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis was before the shuttle bus pulled up to the church with a sprawling campus that resembled either a small liberal arts college or a Kennedy compound.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(You would have thought I would have caught a clue about the size of this festival when there was a shuttle bus.  Sadly, I did not.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(You would have also thought that a fully occupied bus heading to a Greek Festival would be full of rowdy festival goers shouting \"Opa!\"s, but yours truly was the only one in The Greek Fest spirit!  Even The Buckeye refused to cooperate.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs we deboarded the  shuttle bus, we noted swarms of people crossing an extremely largish parking lot to get to indoor and outdoor festivities.    The indoor festivities contained the food and shopping, so it was logical that we head there first.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11454\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11454\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11454\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11454\" title=\"IMG00287-20121012-1856\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00287-20121012-1856-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bread on the circular table. All desserts on the long rectangular table. Opa![/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11463\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11463   \" title=\"IMG00291-20121012-1932\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00291-20121012-1932-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Hummus, no falafel, spanokopita, homemade pitas that The Buckeye had to hunt down and beg for (Stacy\'s pita chips are neither acceptable nor authentic -- Opa!), outrageously delish potatoes, chicken[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Buckeye\'s Hands do not remain anonymous.  Because this was too quirky-funny to not share.  He cut my meat for me.  I ribbed him.  We laughed.  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd since I was now 3, I contemplated this:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11464\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11464\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11464\" title=\"IMG00292-20121012-2006\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00292-20121012-2006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut then I remembered <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/day-167-tiggers-are-not-the-only-one-who-are-bouncy-flouncy-trouncy-pouncy/\" target=\"_blank\">that I had been there done that.</a>  </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith The Buckeye\'s college roomie\'s fiancee (now wife at the time of this writing) no less!  (Like you really care.  Thank you for humoring me in my game of Six Degrees of Bouncy House Separation.  Opa!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11459\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11459\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11459\" title=\"IMG00293-20121012-2025\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00293-20121012-2025-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11460\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11460\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11460\" title=\"IMG00295-20121012-2028\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00295-20121012-2028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI wasn\'t kidding about the shopping.  There was a full blown bazaar!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPurses!  Jewelry!  Belly Dancing costumes!  Pillow cases!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_11462\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11462\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11462\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11462  \" title=\"IMG00296-20121012-2032\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00296-20121012-2032-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> If I had realized how dirty that pillowcase was as I did tonight when uploading this photo, I would have never touched it. Very soft though. 1500 thread count or something like that. Opa![/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI asked the blond pillow salesman if he were Greek.  He looked at me as if I had sprouted 3 heads.  (I\'m trying to <em>think</em> of a Greek mythological creature with 3 heads, but I\'m too tired.  It has nothing to do with my memory.  Honestly.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI reminded the blond pillow salesman that we were at a Greek Festival.  He blinked approximately 3 times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI suggested to the blond pillow salesman that one might assume vendors at a Greek Bazaar might be . . . well . . . Greek!  He blinked 3 more times.  Then a baby wave of comprehension crossed his face.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBlond pillow salesman chuckled and said that he was not Greek, but Greek Festivals are very good for business.  Opa!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDoes anyone know what Opa means?  I shout it out like a Greek wannabe but\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #41:  Opa! and Other Greekiness','','inherit','open','open','','11452-revision-7','','','2012-10-18 21:33:18','2012-10-19 04:33:18','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/18/11452-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(11468,1,'2012-10-18 21:33:45','2012-10-19 04:33:45','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11458\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11458\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11458\" title=\"IMG00289-20121012-1858\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00289-20121012-1858-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen was the last time you attended a Greek Festival?  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI <em>think</em> the last time for me was when I was in high school.  It was in Houston, and I <em>think</em> it was a smallish Greek Festival in a parking lot of a local Greek Orthodox church.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSorry for the hazy recollection, but my memory (or lack thereof) scares me.  (Help me out her, sis and Carolyn!  I\'m sure on of you were with me circa 1986!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve <em>heard</em> of the Greek Festival here in Phoenix for years, but I had never been.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis year, I couldn\'t escape the advertising.  Everywhere I looked or listened, it was \"Greek Festival\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOddly, most of the sightings were at work.  There was a never-ending supply of Greek Fest Flyers in the small coffee nook.  There were full-colored Greek Fest pullouts from the<em> Arizona Republic</em> in the lunchroom.  I racked my brain trying to remember if I worked with any Papadopouloses or Onassises, but I didn\'t <em>think</em> so.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Where was all this Greek Fest propaganda coming from???</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I even heard a Greek Fest commercial on the radio.  I <em>think</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemind me to take more fish oil.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI needed to check out this Greek Festival to see what all the fuss was about.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI convinced The Buckeye Who Prefers to Remain Anonymous to escort me.  I envisioned us walking up to a smallish parking lot, snarfing a bit of hummus and falafel, and then wondering what to do with the rest of the evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis was before the shuttle bus pulled up to the church with a sprawling campus that resembled either a small liberal arts college or a Kennedy compound.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You would have thought I would have caught a clue about the size of this festival when there was a shuttle bus.  Sadly, I did not.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You would have also thought that a fully occupied bus heading to a Greek Festival would be full of rowdy festival goers shouting \"Opa!\"s, but yours truly was the only one in The Greek Fest spirit!  Even The Buckeye refused to cooperate.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs we deboarded the  shuttle bus, we noted swarms of people crossing an extremely largish parking lot to get to indoor and outdoor festivities.    The indoor festivities contained the food and shopping, so it was logical that we head there first.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11454\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11454\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11454\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11454\" title=\"IMG00287-20121012-1856\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00287-20121012-1856-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Bread on the circular table. All desserts on the long rectangular table. Opa![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11463\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11463\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11463\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11463   \" title=\"IMG00291-20121012-1932\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00291-20121012-1932-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> Hummus, no falafel, spanokopita, homemade pitas that The Buckeye had to hunt down and beg for (Stacy\'s pita chips are neither acceptable nor authentic -- Opa!), outrageously delish potatoes, chicken[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Buckeye\'s Hands do not remain anonymous.  Because this was too quirky-funny to not share.  He cut my meat for me.  I ribbed him.  We laughed.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd since I was now 3, I contemplated this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11464\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11464\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11464\" title=\"IMG00292-20121012-2006\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00292-20121012-2006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut then I remembered <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/day-167-tiggers-are-not-the-only-one-who-are-bouncy-flouncy-trouncy-pouncy/\" target=\"_blank\">that I had been there done that.</a>  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith The Buckeye\'s college roomie\'s fiancee (now wife at the time of this writing) no less!  (Like you really care.  Thank you for humoring me in my game of Six Degrees of Bouncy House Separation.  Opa!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11459\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11459\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11459\" title=\"IMG00293-20121012-2025\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00293-20121012-2025-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11460\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11460\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-11460\" title=\"IMG00295-20121012-2028\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00295-20121012-2028-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wasn\'t kidding about the shopping.  There was a full blown bazaar!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPurses!  Jewelry!  Belly Dancing costumes!  Pillow cases!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11462\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=11462\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-11462\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-11462  \" title=\"IMG00296-20121012-2032\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG00296-20121012-2032-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a> If I had realized how dirty that pillowcase was as I did tonight when uploading this photo, I would have never touched it. Very soft though. 1500 thread count or something like that. Opa![/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI asked the blond pillow salesman if he were Greek.  He looked at me as if I had sprouted 3 heads.  (I\'m trying to <em>think</em> of a Greek mythological creature with 3 heads, but I\'m too tired.  It has nothing to do with my memory.  Honestly.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI reminded the blond pillow salesman that we were at a Greek Festival.  He blinked approximately 3 times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suggested to the blond pillow salesman that one might assume vendors at a Greek Bazaar might be . . . well . . . Greek!  He blinked 3 more times.  Then a baby wave of comprehension crossed his face.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBlond pillow salesman chuckled and said that he was not Greek, but Greek Festivals are very good for business.  Opa!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDoes anyone know what Opa means?  I shout it out like a Greek wannabe but\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #41:  Opa! and Other Greekiness','','inherit','open','open','','11452-revision-8','','','2012-10-18 21:33:45','2012-10-19 04:33:45','',11452,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/10/18/11452-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0);
