I decided to stay in tonight after I got off from work at the theme park. While I watched the news, I got on to the computer and looked up the television listings for tonight. So what is on Saturday Night Live?

In honor of George Carlin, who passed away earlier this week, NBC aired the first episode of Saturday Night Live, which was hosted by George Carlin. Musical guests were Billy Preston and Janus Ian.

Talk about a blast from the past! I remember watching this when it aired, and I remember watching Saturday Night Live during my years of high school. The NBC affiliate for Cleveland was WKYC. And after Saturday Night Live aired, Second City TV would come on. And I remember laughing my ass off the whole time.

The years have passed, and George Carlin passed away. Andy Kaufman, who made his first appearance on this program that Carlin hosted, also passed away. John Belushi and Gilda Radner left us as well. And Second City's John Candy, I miss the most.

I enjoyed watching this again as George Carlin talked about the differences between football and baseball. Too bad that he could not do his "Seven Words You Cannot Say On Television" routine on the program. That would have been classic.

I will miss George Carlin, since he was a part of my life growing up in Cleveland during the 70's. We would listen to his comedy albums, along with Cheech and Chong and Richard Pryor, and we would laugh our asses off. Are there any comedians out there today that are as good as these guys? I think not.

And I miss Rodney Dangerfield. And even though he said that he didn't get any respect, he sure had mine.

So now George has left, and more of the people that were in my youth go away. The people that made me laugh during those tough times of growing up. And I sure can use some good laughs now. Where's the old Second City when I need them. Especially Count Floyd?

So George, thanks for the laughs, and you will be missed. And it was nice to see you one more time.

Now if you excuse me, I am going to find those "seven words" on CD and put it in my collection.

I can use the laughs.

Whoever the person was who said how wonderful the sound of children at play is never has been in a roomful of children making noise. And that is while they are eating!

Which leads me to the question:

Is it Friday yet? If not, is it five o'clock yet? I know it is five o'clock somewhere.

Funny how things get busy after you come back from a vacation or a long weekend out of town. For those who read this blog, or for those who came in late, I am currently at work taking a break while the summer campers watch "Alvin and the Chipmunks".

"Alvin?"

I returned from Atlanta well over a week ago. I had a really nice time at my brother's place, and it was really nice to see my sister and the rest of the family. After I flew in to Atlanta, my brother arrived at the pick up area of the airport where I waited. Shortly after, my sister's flight landed, and we went to pick her up. We then made our way back to my brother's house and visited with friends. I then made my way down to the pool to join my nephew, Tyler, and his friend, Patrick.

By 4:00 o'clock that afternoon, we went to my nieces for dinner. Their mother and stepfather had a buffet style set up of make your own tacos. Some of the guest talked as they lounged by the bar in the downstairs rec room, some shot pool, and some ventured outside to play bocci ball. The girls then opened any presents while we ate homemade ice cream. In case you did come late, one niece, Jill, graduated college, while my other niece, Lana, graduated from high school. So we had a celebration the first weekend of June.

The following Saturday, we had barbecue chicken and ribs at my brother's place after a day poolside. With the weather being hot, many made their way to the pool. After being poolside, everyone went inside to watch Big Brown blow his chance at making history, then we had dinner. A good time was had by all.

Sunday was quiet as we cleaned up after the party. I came back from Atlanta on Sunday night, only to get up and start the first day of summer camp that Monday.

What a way to start a Monday than to face one hundred children running around.

"Alvin?"

A week has since passed, and life is slowly getting back to normal. I did have a dentist appointment last week, and I need to get some crown work done. Oh, and I got a summons for jury duty in July. And Citi-Card keeps calling. And it's not because they want to say they love me.

"ALVIN!"

At least the neighbors from hell moved. Amazing what can happen when someone makes a phone call to code enforcement. Being a government employee, it is nice to know what departments can do for you. And I did not sign a new lease, so I will be looking into getting a new apartment after I get my dental work done. I have had it with where I currently live. Time to find some new digs.

"OKAY, DAVE!"

Well, I have to get going. Lunch time is over with, and that's about it for now. Take it easy, and I'll holler at you later.

Georgia...Sweet Georgia....

It has been a busy week, and I am currently working the neighborhood center by myself as the summer camp staff attends training today.

I will be off tomorrow and out of town until Sunday night. I am catching a flight up to Atlanta tomorrow morning to visit my brother and his family. My brother has two daughters from his previous marriage, and his oldest is graduating college. She plans on continuing post graduate studies this fall. His other daughter has just recently graduated from high school and will be attending college in the fall. So instead of trying to attend both graduation ceremonies, my brother and his ex-wife plan on having an open house weekend.

My brother's ex-wife and her husband will be hosting a dinner party at their home on Friday. On Saturday, my brother will be hosting a pool party. And on Sunday, we will be recovering.

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing my nieces, as well as my nephew and niece. They are the children of my brother's third wife. I got a feeling that with everything going on, my nephew may want to go see "Kung-Fu Panda". That will be up to his father and mother.

My sister will be coming in on a flight from Columbus, Ohio. She is looking into possibly moving to Atlanta. A few months ago, I spoke to her on the phone, and she told me that she was tired of the winter weather in Ohio. I know my brother would love to have her there, as well as my brother's ex-wife. Although divorced, we have been able to be friends through the years. And my ex-sister-in-law married a wonderful man who did a great job as a step-father to the girls.

Now that they are both grown up, I wonder what in the world those two will do?

Anyway, I am going to be busy packing and getting any business taken care off before I go. So I will not be posting anything until next week. And as Ray Charles plays in my head, I am counting down the time until I get to put my arms around all of those family members that I love and miss so much.

Have a great weekend everyone, and I will holler at you soon.