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I haven’t written in a while. So, I thought I’d share some things I’ve been pleased with lately, and things I have been NOT so pleased with. Let’s start with the good, shall we?

War-N and I rarely go to movies unless it’s something that really makes a statement on a large screen. So, we went to see Coraline in 3D last weekend. While the visuals were stunningly awesome, I felt the movie lacked a lot of the good character depth that the book had (which is usually the case in any book-to-movie scenario). Neil Gaiman’s vision just in his head was much more representative of Coraline and her story. I can always go back and re-read the book if I want to see Neil’s world again. Thank goodness for great books!! While that was meant to be a positive, it did sound rather negative, huh? Well, I mean no harm. Just preferred the book. I absolutely appreciate the work, and talent, that went into this animation. It’s absolutely amazing and I felt like I was inside the screen with her. I loved that the fabric was real, along with everything else, and you got a total sense of depth on the screen. Just not within the story.

Something else that I liked was working on new tunes with War-N. But, again, this had a sense of sadness within it. I think we’re both (War-N and myself) realizing that Hungry Lucy won’t go on forever. It’s becoming so much more difficult just to write a song. We’re not forcing it, and that’s saying a lot about us as a band. Who knows where the road will lead. It’s been a long confusing one for HL the past 4 years. But, we’re not in the ground yet!

Then, we come to something I didn’t enjoy… and I’m not alone in this. I had been so looking forward to trying a new Organic restaurant here in Ohio… in Mason, actually. Its called Basilico Organic. I thought it would be a lovely, cozy place with wonderfully prepared organic food that warmed your soul. I was absolutely wrong. The environment was so sterile, bare and unfriendly. Not to say the people weren’t friendly, but they were strange in their approach. Also, they mention a Vegan menu, there were no Vegan items on the menu at all. First, you go to the “ordering station”, place your order and then put a number on the table. No glamor there. Not to mention you couldn’t read the menu to save your life. It was so small! But, the prices would indicate something fabulous was going to be arriving at your table. But, no. Nothing spectacular at all. I know, I know. I have HUGE expectations of restaurants that tout anything to do with Organic or Natural. Neigh, ANY restaurant! They should know better than to serve what they gave us. It was edible, and the flavor of my Pesto was ok (a bit too much garlic). But, War-N’s cold (yes, it wasn’t even hot) pizza tasted like a party pizza that is $2 at any grocery store. Our dining buddies, Peter & Carol (War-N’s parents) both had a Spicy Vodka Ravioli and Carol’s was more like a soup! Peter’s barely had any sauce. The sauce ratio was so off it was embarrassing! That is a HUGE no-no in any restaurant. You just don’t do that. So, THIS is your idea of Organic dining? Well, I think you’ve got it wrong. They gave a false impression with the “dough twirling pizza maker” who basically just pounded on his dough and chucked it into the wood oven. Yes. A wood oven that produced a cold, flat, tasteless pizza for War-N. Pathetic. They were obviously overwhelmed, but I give them no sympathy. If you want to run a restaurant, you better damned well know how to do it! I heard a few people complaining about the service and the time it took for their orders. It was a lukewarm experience. Oh, and the TWO tv’s in the restaurant. That’s just so classy for an Organic eatery. My overall rating is about 2 stars out of 5! I won’t be going back.

I have never liked the whole tv in the restaurant angle. I thought the idea of a restaurant was to go and enjoy your company. Not watch tv during dinner (I’m guilty of this, too) like a lot of us do at home. If I ever ran a restaurant, I’d abolish all electronic devices inside. I miss the days of casual elegance. Simple tables, warm atmosphere and the ability to hear the other person you are dining with. Wait… when have I ever experienced that?? Ah yes. Pitrelli’s in Mason is a much happier choice if you want to dine in Mason. It is the environment I speak of. The food is good and the service is always friendly. Also, if it’s great Indian you’re after, Raja India in Mason is great or it’s sister, and first of the two, restaurant Ambar India (my favorite) in Clifton.

Well, I do have my opinions. You have yours. I think we’re all entitled to speak our minds. At least I give good praise as well as bad reviews! I’m just being honest on my perception of my experiences. People have done it to me in the music world… so, I think that’s only fair. I can dish it out, and take it

To end on a much higher, positive note, Spring is in the air! I have so many things I hope to do. I got an estimate to help clear our drainage problems once and for all. I’ll hear what that estimate is later in the week. My good gardening guide Marvin, of Marvin’s Organic Gardens in Lebanon, came by to do the estimate for me. He and his assistant Ricky, and Lily the dog, spent two hours with me chatting about what we could do, should do and may do in the side and back yard. I absolutely love Marvin and all he stands for. He’s taught me so much over the years whether he knows it or not. He’s my gardening angel. I’ve never seen such passion in anyone in any other trade. He wants the absolute best for the environment and wants to make it right from the start. A rarity in any trade. So, if you need gardening work done in the Cincinnati area, I HIGHLY recommend Marvin and his crew to assist you!! If you’re looking for a healthier way of gardening, this is the place for you. Give 10-10-10 the boot and learn what organic fertilizers are going to treat you right! To quote Marvin, “Out with the old, in with the ancient!”. Go organic. It’s only natural! That’s their motto.

Well, time to start the tasks of the day. I hope you and yours are well in this fluctuating climate. Enjoy the Spring, if you wish, and know with each new season we get new opportunities to learn from nature. I’ll be utilizing this way of thinking as much as I can. A better earth is better for us all.

Much Love (Organic and Vegetarian!!)

cb