Sadly, the portion of Anne‘s vacation that involved hanging out with us has ended, but we had a lot of fun.

We found employment for Nathan:

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Since it was supposed to rain, we decided to go to Blennerhasset Island instead of Blackwater Falls.

This had the added advantage of taking us to Parkersburg so we also got to spend time with Julliene. (OK, and Brian & Stacie as well.)

It didn’t rain at all, and was instead gorgeous.

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This was Vince’s last day with us, so we decided to visit Fallingwater on the way (sort of) to the airport. The nice thing about being on vacation is that getting lost doesn’t much matter.

Which is good.

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Monday we took Jeri & Vince to Cooper’s Rock. Since the weather was hazy, hot, and humid, we waited until late afternoon to go, and even so still didn’t stay long.

Despite the heat, it was gorgeous, and we had a good time. The only sad part was that because I’m still limping along, jumping and climbing (even just a teeny bit of climbing) were right out.

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Right now–AS I TYPE THIS–members of the UCF (besides myself) are sitting in my living room.

Here are some pictures from our adventures so far.

Jeri and the Very Small House
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You may remember this post from last week regarding Kit and the UPS man.

Then earlier today I posted the following on Twitter:
“Interesting. Kit will run to the door when the UPS man parks at the bottom of our driveway, but not when the postman does.”

Because I watched the postman pull up precisely where the UPS truck parked, and she watched the postman, but never got down from her perch in the window.

The, a little later, there was a knock on the door.

The UPS man had a package addressed to Kit. (?!)

Yup. Treats for Kit.

Gift from Eric. Gift message: Miao.

So did she like them?

Yes. Yes she did like them. In fact, she already knocked the container on the floor in hopes of getting more.

The only unfortunate thing is it was the late afternoon UPS guy who does not park in front of our house, so Kit was caught all unawares at his arrival.

When I realized I was going to need to wear skirts because of my broken ankle I was depressed–I don’t have OWN any skirts.

However, a txt conversation with Jeri made me realize an awesome pair of boots would ease the sting of the girlishness of skirts. As I was drooling over the selection at Dr Martens and deciding precisely how to tell Michel he was going to be required to go out and find a pair of boots for me (I had three pairs selected, in order of desire that it looked like he could find at a local store) the amazing, fabulous and wonderful Jeri sent me a “gift certificate” for some Dr Martens boots.

To be honest, I almost cried. Sometimes when you’re feeling your lowest, someone does something so unexpectedly wonderful–something that will remind you of that wonderfulness every time you get dressed to leave the house–it’s impossible to remain miserable.

Thank you Jeri. Your kindness and your generosity will be remembered every time I put my boot.

Was sitting here thinking how my foot was aching and how miserable I was when KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

I have the best friends EVAR! (I’ve received other loot, but as it wasn’t perishable, I haven’t yet documented its existence.)

Thank you so much Natalie & Larry and The Pink Thing! (TPT ordered the balloon.)

People must know I love flowers! Because I got flowers on Saturday!

Note: I did not take these pictures, Michael did. I’m not yet up for standing still, and I’m pretty sure taking pictures while balancing on crutches is an invitation for another trip to the ER.

From my aunt & uncle and Grandmom.

From my parents

The card from the UCF was Teh BEST!
“To the Most Graceful Member of the UCF. Heal Fast!”

Happy Birthday Eric!

You’re 47 this year, right?

For going out to counter-protest the Westboro “Baptist Church” and braving the cold to do so.

Y’all are the best!

So why all the love for Prince?

First, Purple Rain was the first album I ever purchased (second was Crowded House, third was Pet Shop Boys “Please”) I wore out that tape, listening to it again and again.

Second, although I am by no means a musician of any sort, I played guitar for about 10 years, from the age of 8 or 9 all the way through high school. I can also figure out the basis of most instruments with a little bit of noodling around. (The reason I am not a musician is because I am incapable of getting past the beginner stage on any instrument.) But my history of musical training and playing gives me a tremendous appreciate for musicianship. My friend Andy used to tease me because I’d like music and he couldn’t understand why, then I’d go, “wait, just LISTEN to this bass line!” From the very start, I was awed by Prince’s music abilities. The guitar on Purple Rain never fails to astound me.

Third, Prince has never rested on his laurels, but has always sought move forward, to change his sound with every album. Which is why I am always astounded by people who say they don’t like Prince. Period. Every album has a different sound and a different feel? With that much variety how you can dislike everything? I admit, there are some albums I like better than others, and some albums that don’t do much for me, but it’s always something different, every album.

Fourth, as much as I sometimes find rock stars mortifying in their actions and behaviors, and as much as Prince can be way way way over the top, he is always a consummate showman. And as over the top as he is on stage, one hears very little about his private life. Nothing about drugs, nothing about alcohol binging, nothing about getting picked up by the cops for who knows what. Which leads one to believe that his over-the-top showmanship is just that: showmanship. You have to be impressed by anyone who manages to be in the public eye for so many years, and not have had illegal or immoral actions repeatedly smeared across the headlines.

Which leads me to the fact that he doesn’t seem to care what you think: he does what he wants, and he seems to be very happy being himself, and living the dream of doing what he loves. Yes, that can not help but make one a little jealous, but it’s also something to be admired. Be yourself and say what you think. He does it, and I admire it.

But for me, it always comes back to the music.

Speaking of which…

(There’s no video here, just the song)

Here’s another cover, this time of “While My Guitar Gentle Weeps.” Jim & Jeri, please take note that Prince doesn’t sing a note–it’s all guitar. (Tom Petty is the main vocalist.)

Here’s something I think both Eric & I have been trying to get at with our series of posts: even those who say that “don’t like” Prince, probably like one of his songs as covered by another musician. And sometimes those songs were the launch pads for the careers of those musicians.

Chaka Kahn covered “I Feel for You”
Prince wrote “Manic Monday” for The Bangles
“Nothing Compares 2 U” launched the international career of Sinéad O’Connor
“The Glamorous Life” and “Love Bizarre” were both hits written by Prince for (and with) Sheila E
“Kiss” was covered by Tom Jones
The Goo Goo Dolls covered “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” *
Cyndi Lauper’s hit “When U Were Mine” is a Prince cover **
Living Colour did a rendition of “17 Days”
“The Cross” was covered by Soul Asylum
Mavis Staples has covered Prince songs, as has Tina Turner

There are plenty of other songs, but decided to limit the list to bigger hits covered by more famous artists.

In other words, I have a hard time believe that there aren’t a number of songs liked by those who claim not to like Prince.

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* This is a great cover on the Goo Goo Dolls album Hold Me Up
** Eric discussed this cover in his Tuesday Prince post.