Jumpin' At The Woodside

A little foggy this morning on the eve of the New Year, but the sun is breaking through looking for a nice change to the rain from the last couple days. Supposed to be 62 and sunny today. Perfect for an outing downtown this afternoon for the Bobcats game and then some eats and drinks before we settle in at the Woodside for the New Year's festivities. If I don't get a chance to post anything later this evening, I'll try to post any captured antics New Year's Day. Got our Mad Elf on last night while screening the flick "Superbad" from the peops who brought us "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up." Very funny, but definitely not for the wee people (the smallest Monkey was asleep) or if you don't appreciate foul-mouthed, goofball comedies. My favorite line, "Get him, McLovin!" I won't explain for those who have yet to see it. On a different note and to be filed under "People who should be shot on sight" ... just ...

Preparations have begun for New Year's Eve here at The Woodside and there's nothing like a nice, cold Heiny fresh from the tap! As you can see in the photo there's another Heiny Draught Keg on deck as New Year's is still a few days away. The Monkey Clan heads south tomorrow, or as The Beasties say "No Sleep 'Til Woodside!" The Monkey is in the Boo-Yah Championship this weekend and we'll also be part of the small crowd checking out the afternoon tip off New Year's Eve between the Bobcats and the Pacers, so plenty of excitement... on tap. On a different note... listening to Oscar Peterson on the jukebox in remembrance of the legendary jazz pianist who passed away recently. Thanks Oscar, you'll be missed. Oscar Peterson 1925-2007 Salut'

Back from Holiday in Florida with a new addition to the bar, a commemorative shot glass "I Got Tipsy in Fort Lauderdale." Hope everyone had a great holiday and early New Year wishes to y'all! - Salut'

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap— When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter, Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon, on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of mid-day to objects below; When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! ...

Arrived in Florida yesterday greeted by a mass of holiday travelers probably making their way to their Christmas cruises, unlike Luther Krank in "Skipping Christmas." There was a big moon last night, I guess you could say a Moon over Miami, and I'm sure it was over Miami but I was not in Miami so there you go. Warm here, supposed to be 80 today. Will be weird to run in only shorts and a T-shirt. Heading to a cocktail party this evening at the optimal cocktail time of 5pm. If I don't get to post again today, a Merry Christmas Eve to all! And don't forget to track Santa's travels tonight... NORAD Tracks Santa Below is a photo I forgot to post from my trip earlier this month to Easton, PA. It's the annual holiday candle in center square. Normally a civil war statue is on display here, but at holiday time it's covered with the candle.

Ah, the wonders of Holiday travel... the local news had me believing their were big delays this morning here at the airport, when in fact the only "delay" was that most parking lots were already full including the daily lot where I normally park. I had to park in the hourly and will pay a little more per day, but worth it not to have to take a bus to and from the terminal. I was able to walk to the terminal and get directly in line for security as I had already checked in online and printed my ticket at home yesterday, ah technology! The line for security wasn't long at all, I've been in longer lines flying to Chicago, not even close to a holiday. Breezed through security and into the Starbuck's where the line was not long either. So now here I am waiting at my gate, I was here so early that I watched the flight to Fort Lauderdale before mine board. All flights are full so there's no chance to jump on the earlier one. I was going to throw some holiday DVDs in ...

Representing the Ghost of Christmas Present is The Monkey or should I say Elvis Claus . Rob posted this video on his new blog a "Barrel Full of Mud Monkeys" and I had to share it in case you haven't had a chance to visit his blog. » Elvis Claus is Coming To Town Christmas Past... I remember that one Christmas Eve when I could not get to sleep. I went downstairs. It must have been 4 or 5 a.m., still dark out. I turned on the tree lights and basked in their soft warm glow. I sat in my pajamas watching the lights and ornaments sparkle among the green branches. Santa had already arrived. I gazed over the packages wondering what I might discover once Christmas officially began. That feeling of anticipation leading up to Christmas morning was almost more than I could stand as I counted down the days until Christmas. Here is a video of one Christmas morning from long ago. I have many of these home movies that I converted to video years ago and gave copies to everyone ...

Last night there was a bit of excitement here in the neighborhood at the house across the street. This is the same house of the infamous Night Mower from this past summer. I was watching the beginning of the new Dave Matthews Band DVD "Live at Piedmont Park" recorded this year in Atlanta in the TV room, and don't recall why but walked over to the the living room which was only illuminated by the Christmas tree lights. Outside I was surprised to see the flashing lights of an ambulance, a firetruck and two police cruisers parked in front of the Night Mower's house. It looked like every light in the house was on and I could see movement inside, but no one was on the street. After a moment, emergency crews brought out a stretcher and loaded someone into the ambulance. From my angle it was difficult to see who was being carried out. Then the crews loaded a second stretcher into the same ambulance, but again from my position I could not be sure if two people went into the ...

I chose the name "Jumpin' at The Woodside" because I love jazz and this is a classic Count Basie tune. I always thought that if I ever owned a bar & grill-type joint, I would call it "The Woodside" just so I could have "Jumpin' at The Woodside" on the jukebox. Check out Count Basie and his Big Band performing "Jumpin' at The Woodside" in the video below.

Woke up to snow this morning in Bethlehem, Pa.