The Terrible Catsafterme

The newsletter that Carolyn, Ashleigh, and I (with special assistance from Briana) put together for Christmas 2005 was the last one that would include the original ABC Crew. It was a rather difficult one to write, especially where the introduction was concerned. As always, I wrote this intro, and I wanted to convey a sense of ‘we’re not a perfect family’ – even if we were in the midst of trying to work on it. With all of the beating we had taken as a family, I think we all were able to put a positive spin on this, our third Christmas Newsletter. Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve had a crush on Rosanna Arquette since I first saw her quirky beauty in Amazon Women on the Moon. Her appearance in Playboy was on my mind during my 1990 vacation to Sebastian, Florida – although when I finally saw it, I was mildly disappointed. But the one thing that clinched her position as a gleaming star in my mind was her role in one of my favorite films Pulp Fiction. She portrayed Jody, the pierced companion of Eric Stoltz during Uma Thurman’s heroin overdose scene. Read the rest of this entry »

Dick Van Dyke is obviously one of the most well-known names in television, having received three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series in The Dick Van Dyke Show, and then going on to star in the long running medical drama Diagnosis Murder. He is known for his filmwork in the Disney Classic Mary Poppins and his roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bye Bye Birdie, and his more recent appearances in the two Night at the Museum films. Read the rest of this entry »

Both before and after Christmas, my Dad’s family kept busy with not one, but two birthday celebrations in the month of December. My cousin Lora’s birthday is on December 9, so she was celebrating her 9th special day. My guess would be that the little party took place after church on the 8th at her parents’ – Bill and Dottie’s – house. I only have one photo from this gathering and as you can see below, I once again was at the ready with my assistance in blowing out the birthday candles. Read the rest of this entry »

I had always hoped to get a chance to meet Charles Martin Smith. Not just because of his ultra-memorable and hilarious role as Terry the Toad in American Graffiti. Not just because of his great part in the film version of The Untouchables. Not just for his very early appearance on The Brady Bunch. Not just because he was Carter Pike’s brother Lyman on Picket Fences. Not just because he directed the premier episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I wanted to meet Charles Martin Smith because as a teenager, he was a member of the Sons of the Desert Laurel and Hardy appreciation society. Read the rest of this entry »