Homemade Banana Cream Pie

And then, as if in gratitude, the tree released itself, little red pieces falling now, coating us, sticking in our hair like blessings.
-Paul Lisicky
"The Lawnboy"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 20, 1986
Wednesday

I tried to withdraw some money from Chase Manhattan Bank in New York but they weren’t very helpful.  I charged some flowers to give to Ron’s mom and dad.  Their anniversary time is near.  We just caught a taxicab in the nick of time and we took the 10:15AM Bonanza Bus to Connecticut.  It took only a couple of hours to get to Waterbury, Connecticut. Ron’s mom picked us up at this Waterbury, CT bus station.  She was very friendly, outgoing and hospitable.

The Connecticut area seemed very beautiful to me.  Harwinton, CT (where Ron grew up and lived) was small, beautiful and very green.  I really liked Connecticut a lot.  Ron’s mom made a bit of lunch for the two of us.  We showered and eventually got ready for seeing some local sights.

We visited the Pharmacy that Ron’s father runs.  Their bird almost attacked me.
Ron cracked me up when he said, "That bird thinks he's a dog."

We went for a walk on the property connected to their home.  It was quite nice.  I took a photo of a tree frog, mushrooms and trees.   Of course, Ron had to give the tree frog a drag of his joint.  That clearly shows his sense of humor.

I ended up getting electronically zapped by a wire that was intended for cows.  The wire is intended for the cows to keep them off limits from wandering off in to other people’s property.  I also snapped a photo of two of the Connecticut cows.  It has a country charm feeling here.

We prepared for dinner and I was impressed by Ron’s capabilities in the kitchen. For dinner, Ron helped to prepare a rack of lamb. We also had fresh corn on the cob. It was delicious, so fresh. Ron’s grandma made homemade Banana Cream Pie, too! It was too good. More friends and family arrived for the dessert. Ron did a few magic tricks and we talked about New York, Connecticut and California. It really was a nice evening. I enjoyed myself with Ron’s family and friends. I could tell that Ron’s folks liked me. Ron’s father was a tad reserved but he opened-up a little.

PHOTO: Ron Leoni,
Harwinton, CT

I watched the movie AMADEUS before hitting the hay for bed. The musically-inclined AMADEUS movie made me think of Johnny Schaefer and his love for music.

It was great to sleep on a twin bed versus on the floor at Lenny’s apartment in New York. I slept well. I like Connecticut.

He found a clear spot on the floor and lay down on his back to stare up at Michelangelo's ceiling with a wonder he had last felt watching summer sunsets with his three best-friends.
-Christopher Rice
"A Density of Souls"