California Dreamin’

Sunny California has been cool and foggy.  SAM and I atended the 63rd Reuben Awards at the Hollywood Renaissance hotel.  A lot of folks/friends were missing and over half of the award winners didn’t show, so that was a big disappointment.  We still had a great but sometimes chilly time.  More on the terrific talent at table #39 when I can get to a scanner. 

High points of the weekend were Michael Ramirez’ seminar and then the same Michael and his band playing at a local night club where we danced and sang.  Cathy Guisewite’s “picnic” for 350 at her home nearby was wonderful and a chance to talk with many heroes and friends.  Those of you who were alert in the 50s may remember a comedian, advertising genius: Stan Freberg.  He has always been a major talent in my eyes and I’ve memorized much of his material – like his 2-part musical of the history of the United States. At Cathy’s party he said I was the second person in his life who had offered to kiss his feet.  He was nice to let me pose for a few pics while Frank Pauer shot this.   Thanks Frank, and thanks Stan for all those happy memories.

SAM and I are off for a couple of weeks toolin’ around lower Caly-forn-yah and a visit with Stacey and Mark.

Updates to follow.  I also owe a post on the group tour experience in Italy.

Meanwhile, June is cool and folks here drive very aggressively and everyone is 25 years old.   Had our first lettuce smoothy…