Strong, like bull
Good Day, Neighbor!
I hope this week’s newsletter finds you well. We finally got some decent rainfall this past week, but things are going to stay dry at least until Friday, as far as I can tell.
Back in February when I learned that Pat Metheny would be playing at The Midland Theater tonight, Lori and I immediately ordered four seats for the show - certain that my friend Peter would be joining us, along with his girlfriend. We weren’t wrong, and once we realized that June 18th was also Father’s Day, the whole scope of the day blew up.
Pete and Christine came down from Toledo Saturday night, staying at Ghostwriter’s Air BnB lodging in Johnstown (a wonderful option if you have friends visiting from out of town). This gave us more time, allowing us to play a round of golf this morning (while the ladies enjoy some spa treatments), followed by relaxation and viewing the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament before heading over to the concert at The Midland.
With our kids now all adults, it’s easier for us to indulge in boondoggles such as this. It being Father’s Day, I am compelled to acknowledge the amazing work Peter has done as a father. We lost his wife, Anna, to breast cancer eleven years ago now. Peter single-handedly raised the kids, getting them all through college (Lauren’s not quite done, but she’s a lock to complete her undergraduate degree) while overseeing the merger and growth of his dental practice (which was founded by his father)… Having known Peter since the summer after my freshman year at Ohio State, his accomplishments have kind of snuck up on me over the years. They happened slowly, over time, through dedicated effort. It’s only now, looking back that we can see the true scope of it. He has met every challenge - some of which fall outside the scope of parenting. And he can still hit a golf ball so darned well…
Today’s an extra-great day for me. A confluence of some of the most special activities and people in my life. I’m just soaking it up.
Sunday Supper
Here is my full Father’s Day meal plan. First we have dips and chips, to enjoy while watching the golf tournament: Buffalo Chicken Dip (sorry, Frank’s Red Hot, my favorite wing sauce is Yellowbird’s Bliss & Vinegar). Baba Ganoush. For dinner I’m grilling tri-tip roast marinated in this simple marinade, served with this spicy romesco sauce. We’re browning off these potato pavé planks for our starch, and tossing a fattoush-style shaved Brussels sprout salad in a Za’atar Tahini lemon dressing. For dessert, I made these homemade Butterfinger treats. Enjoy!
Sunday Music
In September 1979, the Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell recorded a live performance at the Hollywood bowl that would be released as a double album titled Shadows And Light, featuring none other than Pat Metheny on lead guitar (and Pat’s long-time sidekicks Lyle Mays and Jaco Pistorius on keyboards and bass, respectively). This video of that concert is fantastic
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,
Neal