The Good, the Bad and... That's It, Really.

The Good News

My Dad turned 76 years old today!  How about that?  Which, of course, means that 41 can't be far behind for me.  Lord, that's a bit of a shocker -- and somehow, here I am again making it about me!  I don't know whether I learned selfishness at the feet of my mother, my father, or all the actors I've hung out with over the years, but boy I did a great job of picking up that particular skill, huh?

So anyway, my dad:

He's off in California with my brother Tim and his family (and, of course my mom) on their semi-annual four-month stay.  I think my dad loves these trips best.  It suits the wanderlust that's taken him in his twilight years.  The poor man spent so many years tied down with a wife and kids and (at times) three jobs that there just wasn't a whole lot of time and money for exploring.

My dad is old-school repress your feelings macho, so it might make him a wee bit uncomfortable to see me put this in print, but I love you dad, and I'm really grateful for the upbringing you managed.

So enjoy your day, and enjoy your California adventure.  You've earned them.

The Bad News

There's no joy in Mudville, my friends.

The Irish Tour portion of Henry has been canceled.  The funding just didn't come through.  Andrew Paul, the Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre wrote me today to let me know the 411 on the schedule for the summer, and that's when he dropped the bomb.

I'm a little broken hearted, 'cuz I was really looking forward to seeing the Ol' Sod, and perhaps getting the chance to the the place from whence my great grandparents sprung (sprang?).  Alas, that'll have to wait for another time.  Andrew writes that there's still hope for a tour in 2006, but to be frank, I have no idea where I'll be or what'll be happening then.  I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

in the meantime, you'll forgive me, I hope, if I pout a little.