Bridal (Spending) Power

A lovely friend of mine is tying the knot in October, so today, I went along with her to a bridal show at the Holiday Inn on Main Street. What we found was both awfully amazing and amazingly awful.

We were impressed with the perky vendor of festive wedding hairdos. Her small business made a big business marketing impression with comb and brush giveaways and a glossy oversized postcard flier featuring cascading blond curls and flowers.

On the other end of the spectrum, there was a fashion show where buttons and sequins were used in ways that God did not intend. The moderator was in a constant state of explaining how the dresses "hide a variety of sins." That was a tough sell when one of the models was testing the ribbons on her corset top. There were stark white veils worn with tea-stain colored dresses. There were tiaras with giant sales tags still attached. God love 'em, it wasn't pretty.

(photo from kristin_a, flickr.com)

Just Cats

If you've notice a little radio silence from SN in the last few days, it's because we had a death in the family that took the wind out of our household sails for a bit. Our cat Ferris passed away on Wednesday night.

He was an affectionate friend for sixteen years and although he ate ribbons and left them in little barf packages by the stairs and once peed in my husband's shoe (where he then put his foot) - we loved him a little more than was healthy. As you know, this blog isn't about me so much as about our fair city, but I thought I'd make a small exception in order to highlight the good care Ferris received at Just Cats.

They diagnosed Ferris' kidney disease early so we could keep him pain free for as long as possible. They also prepared us for what was to come, so that it was not a complete shock when he began to decline rapidly six months later. When I showed up in tears with our buddy's little body, they interpreted my ridiculous sobs and passed a tissue box across the desk. All around good choice if you have a kitty who needs competent medical care.

HGTV? No Guarantee

When you flicked on the set did you foresee,
That HGTV and Food Network no longer would be,
Ready to teach faux finishes and afternoon tea?

Cablevision and Scripps Howard simply can't agree.
The former says the latter wants a 200% higher fee;
The latter says that it has been a true worker bee,

Bringing in big dollars; paid to a lesser degree.
Now viewers are devoid of glee,
Begging for their shows on bended knee.

No "Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee."
No HGTV's "Fun Shui."
Wonder if from Cablevision they will flee?

I guess we'll see...

(photo from schmilblick, flickr.com)

My Giant

When I was young, circa 1985, Richmond VA (my home town) built the Diamond - it was the fancy new stadium that would be home to Richmond's farm team for the Atlanta Braves (aka, the Richmond Braves).

It was also home to a giant statue of a Native American man climbing up and out from a wall of the building. He was massive - especially to the kid version of me - with his face and hands stretching 25 feet wide!

Fast forward a few years and Richmond lost its farm team, but gained a new one in the former Norwich Defenders. That team is now the Richmond Flying Squirrels, and the Native American statue needs a new home. What's the big guy's name, you might ask? Apparently - it's Connecticut! So says Richmond's local CBS 6 - I had no idea!

Anyhoo...Connecticut the statue may now be headed to Connecticut the state (see article linked above). I'm looking forward to seeing my old buddy. I'm sure there are well-founded objections to him, but in my defense, that dude is cool! He's a giant, giant guy climbing out of a building!

(photo from haaaley, flickr.com)

Winter Brrrr with Winter Birds

Looking for a little outdoor winter adventure? Join Audubon Greenwich in Stratford this Saturday (January 9th) from 9am-2pm for a coastal birding trip. Your hosts, Brian and Ted, will be surveying sanctuaries at Long Beach/Great Meadows IBA (which means "Important Bird Areas" for the folks - like me - who didn't know).

They will be on the lookout for birds toughing out the winter, such as hawks, owls and water birds. Cleverly, they advise you to dress warmly and bring binoculars. If you forget the binoculars, they'll lend you some. If you forget to dress warmly, you may just be SOL... Call Ted Gilman to register (203-869-5272 x230).

(photo from law_keven, flickr.com)

Did you see Jesse Jackson?

He was in your backyard, apparently...

Not a Creature was Stirring, Except for Coalhouse

Although the week between Christmas and New Year's is pretty quiet, there was a full house last Tuesday night at Coalhouse Pizza. Coalhouse is the newest addition to Bull's Head Shopping Center on High Ridge Road. I went along with the author of the Streets of Stamford blog and the guys behind the Stamford Pizza Tour, so I was among true pizza connoisseurs. Although my grading system is quite a bit more informal than theirs, I can still cook up an opinion or two.

Altogether, I really enjoyed Coalhouse. The atmosphere was fun and festive, with jazz icons featured on the table and walls. Cigar box guitars hung on the wall over a bustling room full of happy customers. The service was solid. Our table was wet, and our waitress efficiently found and replaced the cracked glass that was the culprit. When I wasn't a huge fan of my first wine selection (one of many by-the-glass offerings), she replaced it with a smile. She even helped me look for a lost pen top (which is still jostling around on the floor somewhere...oh well).

Of course, the main attraction is the pizza. I'm big on sauce, and theirs was savory and fresh. They avoided the cardinal sin of excessive sweetness. We were not particularly adventurous with our topping selection, but the sausage and red peppers were flavorful. The red peppers were left with just enough crunch intact. I'd heard other folks say the crust has been charred black on prior visits, but ours was simply kissed with char - just what you'd want. I quite enjoyed the sprinkling of fresh herbs. I prefer a bit more cheese on my pizza, but reasonable palates could differ.

The menu is impressive, boasting 18 pizza varieties with jazz-themed names and ingredients that are refreshingly outside the norm. For instance, the Minnie the Moocher features "homemade eggplant croutons" and the Lucille features "drizzled white truffle oil." There are small plate selections of veggies, pasta and pork. There are also plenty of alternative entrees, such as salads, ribs and wings.

One more charming and noteworthy addition is the bright neon exterior Take Out window. It's a fun place to dine inside, but nice to know you can take it with you. Either eat in or take out, I'm sure I'll return soon.

(photo from jdn, flickr.com)

Uncrappy New Year!

Well citizens, the "aughts" are for naught, and we're off to another decade. SN can't help but wonder what's in store for our fair city in 2010. Everybody needs a resolution or two, so here is my suggested list of Stamford's:

- I will fill my hole. It's ugly, I know it, and I've been meaning to do it for like 40 years, but stuff just comes up - you know?

- I will have a good mayor. Let's see about this Pavia guy. Hope he's good - if not, I'll think of something else.

- I will really focus on public transportation. I gotta figure out all my train issues - the Metro North cars, the trolley - trains are definitely on the "to do" list.

- I will be awesome.

Ok, that's a good start. Keep me honest, citizens.

(photo from tsuacctnt, flickr.com)