Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Snuggie with which I gifted my father is a hit!

I went home over the weekend to attend a concert with my mother on that very rainy, blustery day, dressed in my high-waisted social x-ray windowpane check wool trousers circa 1990 and was met at the train station by my dad, who said, "what interesting pants, Sade. They look like something from a 19th Century minstrel show."

The concert in question was part of a free series at a local mansion, endowed by an elderly eccentric. My parents are regulars, but this was my first time. The mansion was liberally sprinkled with Hudson River School landscapes and festively decorated, and filled with old people and the loner who's always shooting hoops at the playground. The pianist, who was quite the consummate entertainer, entered in white tie and tails and played some very bravuro Liszt. Then he exited, returned in a red velveteen jacket, played Christmas carols in a variety of jazzy styles, cracked wise, and incongruously mentioned a wife. ("Hark the Herald Angels Sing" in ha-cha-cha rhythm was particularly bold.)

Afterwards, there was a small bar serving wine, hot cider and eggnog and a few poor waiters who were attacked by the hungry oldsters every time they emerged from the kitchen bearing miniature Yorkshire puddings and latkes and tiny ham biscuits. My mother engaged the pianist in intense conversation about the new organ in Alice Tully Hall, which saga my mother has followed closely and about which he, having inaugurated the original organ, cherishes passionate feelings.

Back home, my father called me into their room, where he was watching football. He pointed to the foot of the bed where, sure enough, the Snuggy was lying in readiness! "It's become a very important part of my lifestyle," he said.
"It's true," concurred my mother, coming in behind me. "It's risen to the top of the Pantheon, with Big Boy." (Big Boy is a large square pillow favored by my father for TV-watching.)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why say "the Snuggie with which I gifted my father"? Why not say "the Snuggie I gifted my father"? Also, the word "gifted" is irritating. Why not "gave"?

K. No said...

^ Why so anonymous?

GFN said...

I can think of a few other things that are irritating. Your face, for one.

TestOnly said...

Sadie, don't let the turkeys get you down!

I love your blog. You're a terrific writer and have such a unique voice. When I visit and there's not a new post, I'm so sad.

You've even inspired me to possibly attempt my own blog. If it's half as much fun as yours, I'll consider it a success.

Anonymous said...

Nice story as for me. I'd like to read something more concerning this matter. Thanks for posting this data.
Sexy Lady
Escort London

Anonymous said...

Pretty sure she doesn't need an editor. Why read and comment on a blog if you have such immense problems with how the writer chooses to express herself? Why assume anyone gives a shit about your personal opinions on language and usage? Sadie, unlike Anonymous' suggested "improvements," your writing is affecting and interesting. Don't listen to the haters.

Sadie Stein Blog said...

Thanks, friends! And, I guess, the frustrated copyeditor? It's nice that people care - and have strong opinions about words. I do myself. I like the word "sullen."

K. No said...

I like the word "chicanery."

Anonymous said...

nice post. thanks.

Tablet PC Union said...

Good post. Very impressive. Thanks for sharing.
cheap android tablet
business tablet
tablet on sale
wenger backpack
swissgear backpack
lady handbag

Moni said...

Great reaading this