Sunday, October 18, 2009

House - The Tyrant & Karma

So I normally don't post about current shows (I learned my lesson trying to figure out 'Lost'), but I couldn't resist on the latest happenings on 'House'.

I'll be the first to admit that I haven't really watched it since the original Cottages moved on and PPTH tried to force feed us 13 as the next coming of 'Farrah Fawcett'. And WTF kinda name is thirteen anyway? I'm still scratching my head on that one. And now Forteen?) Now I kinda liked what I saw of Kutner & Taub & Amber, but two are dead and one just walked off into the sunset since he couldn't have his House. Too bad the producers can't shove 13 out of the plane into the sunset as she flies to Thailand - hopefully to kill herself legally before her Huntingtons gets too bad.

My first impressions in not watching it over the last almost two seasons were: When did House & Wilson make up after Amber's death to the point that not only have they kissed and made up, but they are living in Wilson's one bedroom apartment! Or at least it was a one bedroom last I heard. And what pushed House over the edge that he had to go into a mental institution? And have we seen the last of the Vicodin?

Also in what world does House's mistreatment of Wilson's neighbor not count as being assaulted, kidnapped, b&e. Gee, a little heavy handed with the "tyrant" label writers?! And the Vietnam vet was just as much a PIA tyrant, but that does not give House the right to go in the guy's apartment to handle Wilson's problems. But that's love. ;)

But all that's just minor compared to Cuddy's clothes! Since when did she become head of the "nursing" division? Geez woman, have some self-respect! I think she just set women's rights back to the 1970s, at the hospital.

Anyway, the main reason I watched was because I wanted to see James Earl Jones & House butt heads as patient and doctor. Imagine my sorrow when I realized they weren't even going to be in any scenes together. And then that sorry turned to shock, surprise and sorrow again at Chase's actions. I just... my mouth dropped open, even though re-watching Dibala's death you could see the guilt written all over Chase.

I just never expected it of Chase. Nice touch of the show to remind us that Chase went to seminary, before realizing he wanted more to be a surgeon. If anything, I might've expected it from Foreman, maybe Cameron or House if written right, but never Chase. Which is why his actions made it more shocking. That heartbreaking 'No' in the locker room when Foreman asked him if he thought he could get away with it without their being any consequence to his actions, just floored me. Chase didn't kill just Dibala, he killed some part of himself, probably his marriage and very likely House's respect. I doubt he killed his career at this point because they can't get rid of all the Cottages without bringing back 13 (No, please, please NO!) I always thought Chase the most boring of the Cottages (except when he's in a scene with Foreman). But not anymore. There are so many ways to play this, but I'll post my thought on the future of Chase at the end of the post.

JEJ was great as usual. Knowing what we do about Chase's relationship with his father, watching it a second time, I half expected him to rise up and say "Robert, I am (the embodiment of) your father" as he rasped his last breath. LOL I still wish we could've had JEJ & HL (no not me) together for at least one scene. Heck, if House could break the rules for the wishy-washy father in 'Karma', then he could do it for a genocidal despot who's about to be murdered by one of his Cottages!

Now, my thoughts on Dr. Robert Chase. Initially when the show started, I thought that Foreman was more like House, but I came to realize that Chase seems to be most like him while still being his polar opposite. Foreman has House's cockiness, without the confidence & only 1/2 the talent. Chase has the charm of Gregory House - before it was destroyed by the pain in his leg and his addiction, as well as the talent. To me, the pain in Chase's soul will cause him to become more & more like House emotionally and possibly cause him to become addicted to his own vice (alcohol, maybe? I can't see Chase doing drugs or porn.)

If they ever did a flash-forward episode, I wouldn't be surprised to see Chase as emotionally closed off and bitter as House. Why not expect an episode like that, they've become so popular since 'Lost' started it.

Anyway, that's my theory.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Lily is a ROM


She's driving us all nuts! She just never stops - running, teasing Daisy, wanting attention, playing, pulling on stuff.I call her ROM - Rabbit on Meth!




She jumps & hops like a little bunny! It's so cute! I took some vid, I'll have to see how to uplink vid from my digital camera to the computer.




She's been better as sleeping, but I think she still doesn't understand that Daisy gets to sleep w/Mommy & Daddy. She whines for a bit, and then goes to sleep in Daisy's bed. I don't want that, so I tilt it upward, so she can't lay in it. Today is the first day she'll be left alone, so we locked her in the master bath with her food & her bed. If she poops or pees, then maybe that'll help her learn quicker. And I made sure the toilet seat was covered & the waste basket on top it (though she can't reach them), and that the toilet paper was removed from the roll and put on top the sink. Don't want that mess when we get home!




Unfortunately we found out she does bark. Or at least yelp. When she wants Daisy's attention, she yelps at her like crazy, but Daisy just looks at her. Daisy has NEVER barked once! And if no one is around her to pay attention, she howls. She also doesn't like being held quietly (like when daddy washed the floor last night) when there's too much to get into and too much energy to expend.)




Today, I'm taking her to the vet, so we'll find out if there are any issues or problems. I'm going to find out how much this vet charges for grooming. I'm tired of paying $55, and if I'm going to pay double, then I want a discount.




I told hubby it was going to be difficult to find Lily in the snow, (bg). He'd have to shovel a path even deeper than he normally does for Daisy.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Welcome, Miss Lily!

We have a new addition: Lily, a 10 week old Bichon Frise. Both Lily & Daisy are pure-bred. But poor Daisy is not happy to have a new little sister.




















Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Sunday, September 27, 2009

How to make doggie food

It's real easy and fun and inexpensive compared to the canned stuff they sell. And this is healthier as well.

Items you will need:

1) Three small containers or two medium ones (I reuse the small butter ones, but anything will do.)
2) Four chicken thighs, skinless (I skin them myself, they're cheaper that way.)
3) 1 cup of frozen veggies, thawed (anything but corn, or your breed is allergic to.)
4) 1 cup of cooked rice (or cooked & skinned potatoes)
5) 2 eggs
6) 2 vitamin tablets (can be purchased at any pet store.)

Bake the chicken in the oven at 350 until done. Meanwhile, cook the rice or potatoes.

Let the chicken cool down. If there is skin on it, skin it after cooking - it comes off easier. Remove all meat from the bones and place into a food processor. Follow with al the other ingredients.

Chop until small consistency, place into containers & put in frig. Voila! That's all it takes!

Monday, September 07, 2009

Chicago Brookfield Zoo vs. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Who's idea was it to say that the Chicago Brookfield Zoo was one of the best in the country? This is one of the most rundown, lamest, and smallest zoo I have ever seen.

For example:

1) The food is expensive. Okay every zoo's food is going to be expensive. I get it. They have to pay for all the food & medicine for the animals. But that is no excuse for terrible tasting, wilting, dry, and expired food.
FAIL

2) The Children's Zoo costs extra. Huh? Why? Granted, Cleveland Metropark's Children Zoo isn't the most impressive thing, but it's free, so who cares? As a parent, I would be mighty upset to have to pay to have my childred touch a dirty goat in the first place. FAIL

3) The Playground costs extra. Let me repeat that.... THE PLAYGROUND COSTS EXTRA MONEY! A BIG FAT, UNDENIABLE FAIL!

4) The poor animals are separated from each other (ex. In Cleveland & Toledo, quite a few species are in "enclosures" together because that's more natural). POOR

5) There is visible barbed wire and metal fencing surrounding the animals. In what country does barbed wire grow that an animal would be accustomed to it? FAIL

6) The viewing ports for the large cats is only about 6'x3", therefore few children esp can view the cats up close & personal. POOR

7) Everything is cramped together in a plot of about 216 acres compared to 188 at Cleveland's. The latter does more with a lot less. POOR space management. Duh!

8) The Rainforest in Brookfield is enough to cause someone to laugh. It's a 5 min walk through a smelly indoor house. The Cleveland Rainforest is separate & charges a separate fee, but it's a good 1/2 hour walk-through in a separate building. FAIL (Brookfield)

9) Brookfield costs $19 (unless you get the 'extras', then it's $24), while the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is FREE ON MONDAYS, $10 otherwise with the Rainforest being $7. So Cleveland's is still less expensive!!!! Again... FAIL (Brookfield)

10) Many of the animals were unavailable to view, therefore the pricing should've been reduced accordingly. FAIL

11) While Cleveland Metropark's Zoo is older by 40 years, Chicago Brookfield's feels older and is more rundown. FAIL

So, it's FAIL FAIL FAIL FAIL.... with a few Poors. Nothing was worth the hour long drive, the expensive parking, animals unavailable, and the shitty atmosphere the animals are kept in.

Writing a letter to the Chicago Zoological Society, so if they send me free tickets to "make up for it", I'll give them free to a good home. And by good home, I mean lots of fencing & neighborhood kids sticking their tongues on your windows & you have to charge to play on the jungle gym (my suggestion would be a chocolate bar) & trips to the park, games & school should be charged accordingly as well.

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Stroke & MS & Heart Problems?!

After having worsening symptoms for several days, I finally called the doctor and he recommended I go to the emergency room. On Thur 8/27 I had one of those burning headaches, but this lasted all day and a couple of people at work thought my face looked crooked or lopsided, and I felt that the right side wasn't responding correctly.

On Fri 8/28, when speaking with the IT guys I couldn't say my phone number. An hour later I called back and had no problem saying it.

I've also had issues where it feels like I'm falling face forward - not spinning or dizzy - just a falling sensation.

Anyway, the neurologist scheduled a bunch of tests and the MRI showed no increase in white lesions, but the MRA did show a possibility of a minor stroke, which would fit in with my symptoms.

The radiologist says I have only a 45% working left ventricle something or other. That's quite a low percentage for my age. It should be more than 55%. So they want to send me to a cardiologist to keep an eye on it and a mild mitro valve something or other (left side as well).

Good news for the MS; there's really nothing they can do for the stroke, and not so good news on the heart issue.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009

Family Secrets I

Title: Family Secrets I
Genre: Slash
Rating: PG-13
Category: Starsky Angst, Hutch Angst
Description: My late, late, very late, submission for the ‘Hutch Hurls’ challenge
Notes: The background surrounding the Bonanno crime family & Cesare Bonaventre are as correct as research could determine.


May, 1984

“Hutchinson!”

Hutch sighed. It seemed to be the bane of his career that he and Starsky got called on the carpet by their captain when his partner wasn’t around to take his share of the scolding.

“Hutchinson, now!” Captain Dobey’s holler broke through his reverie.

Pushing himself out of his chair and heading to his superior’s office, Hutch quickly tried to come up with an excuse for disobeying dispatch’s request to stand down from a robbery earlier that day, when they hadn't been on duty and weren’t even the closest cops to the scene. The best defense is an offense, they always say.

“Cap, you know Starsky has a soft spot for Belle ever since she helped save Tom Cole and his wife. So when the call came down with her address, he just couldn’t ignore it.

“Close the door, Hutch. That’s not why I called you in here.” A beat passed as Dobey peered at Hutch’s standing form. “Where’s your partner?”

“He went down to the cafeteria for a snack.” Hutch closed the door and turned back.

“I just got a call from the Orange County coroner’s office. They’ve got a John Doe in their morgue just identified.” Dobey paused and looked down at his desk seemingly in search of a distraction. There was none. “It’s Nick Starsky.”

Stunned, Hutch sat down slowly in one of the chairs opposite his captain.

“It’s my responsibility to inform Dave of his brother’s death, but I wanted you to be aware of it ahead of time so you could… be there for him.”

“Shit.” Hutch glanced up, abruptly aware of his lapse. “Sorry, Captain.”

“It’s okay, Hutch,” Dobey said kindly.

“What do you have?” Hutch’s mind was clearing. What was Nick Starsky doing out here? 10–to-1 Starsky had no idea.

“Looks like a gangland slaying. One shot to the head. Wrists bound. They found him near Laguna Beach yesterday. I’m giving you both a week off. I want you two to give me any cases you’re working on, and anything important I’ll reassign.

What the hell did you get yourself into this time, Nick? Damn you. You’ve caused more than enough pain to your brother and who knows how much to your mother.

“Hutch, I hate to ask this, but…do you know if Starsky had any indication that his brother might’ve been involved with the New York families? Considering his history…” Dobey trailed off at a knock on his door. “Hold on a minute, Hutch. Yeah? Come in.”

The door opened and Starsky popped his head in. “Hey, Cap. Duke said that Hutch…here you are.” He looked at Hutch who had turned in his chair to look back.

Dobey instructed Starsky to come in and close the door. “I need to talk to you.”

With a What’s up now? look at Hutch, Starsky closed the door behind him and stood by his seated partner.

“Sit down.” Dobey directed.

“Something up?”

“I’m afraid so, Dave.”

That one four-letter word was enough for Starsk to tense up. Hutch couldn’t keep the sorrow from his eyes, when Starsky glanced briefly at him.

Looking back and forth between the two men, Starsky asked what was going on.

“Sit down,” Dobey requested again.

“No.” Starsky was sure if it was bad enough, he’d never be able to get up.

“Please, Starsk.” Not only were Hutch’s eyes sorrow-filled, but so was his tone of voice.

Reluctantly, Starsky lowered himself to the edge of the empty seat in front of the desk. “What’s going on?”

There was no easy way to say it, so Dobey cut right to the chase. “I got word this morning from Orange County. Your brother was found shot to death near Laguna Beach.”

“Nicky? Dead?” Starsky was stunned. This was not what he’d expected to hear.

“Dave, did you know Nick was in California or what he might’ve been doing here?”

“No. When?”

Confusion showed as Dobey asked, “When what? When did he get here?”

Starsky’s mouth opened and closed, but the only thing he could say was to repeat, “When?”

Hutch recognized the shock and confusion. Knowing instinctively what his lover meant, he said, “Yesterday, Starsk. They found him yesterday.” He gently laid his hand on Starsky’s forearm, touching his lover to let him know he was not alone and that, as always, Hutch was there and would continue to be by Starsky’s side.

“I’ve gotta go…”

“No, you don’t. They’ve already identified him by his fingerprints.” Starsky’s mind might’ve been numb, but Hutch could still read his partner.

Starsky turned glistening eyes toward Hutch. “For Ma.”

At once Hutch understood; he nodded slowly.

Dobey handed over a sheet of lined paper. “Here is the address for the Orange County Morgue. Eventually the detectives in charge are going to want to talk to you, Dave.”

When Starsky made no attempt to grab the outstretched paper, Hutch took it from Dobey.

“I’m giving you both the week off to make arrangements, sit Shiva,” Dobey repeated to Starsky. “If you need more time to take care of your mother, or anything else, let me know.” Then he turned to Hutch. “Hutchinson, I expect you back here a week from Monday. That’ll give you eight days. More than enough to be there for your partner.”

Getting out of the chair, Starsky looked around the room, lost. “I need to… I gotta…” And without another word, he left via the side exit to the hallway, leaving the door open behind him.

Rising to follow his partner, Hutch was stopped by Dobey’s voice.

“Hutch, I know once he’s over the shock, Dave will want to dive into this case. But I’m telling you now to leave it. Let Laguna Beach handle it. It’s their case. You’re too close.”

Hutch started to voice his objection that they were professionals, but closed his mouth abruptly, knowing that their captain was correct. Starsky did have a habit of diving into cases too quickly and in the heat of the moment if they held a personal cause. Hell, this morning’s actions with the robbery proved that. His own arrest for Van’s murder was another case in point, though Hutch would be forever grateful Starsky hadn't kept his nose out of that one.

Hutch found his partner in the men’s room, hands bracing the top edges of a porcelain sink, staring vacantly into the large mirror in front of him.

He approached Starsky and rubbed his upper arm. “You okay?” he asked softly.

When Starsky didn’t reply, Hutch answered for him. “Dumb question, I know.”

With a deep sigh, Starsky turned away from the mirror and faced Hutch. “Let’s go. Get this done. Ma needs to know…” His voice cracked and he didn’t finish.

“I’ll gather everything to give to Dobey; there isn’t much. Go down to the car. I’m driving; you’re in no condition to handle the Tomato right now.”

“Yeah, okay.” Starsky ran his hand through his hair, jarring Hutch’s hand still on his upper arm.


***


All was quiet in the relatively short drive to Santa Ana, during which Hutch glanced occasionally at his partner in the passenger’s seat. He pulled into the parking lot behind the coroner’s office, and killed the engine.

When Starsky made no attempt to leave the vehicle, Hutch asked, “Do you want me to handle this? I can make the official ID.”

Starsky shook himself. “Huh? Oh, no. I’ll do it.”

“Okay, but I’m going with you.”

A look of gratitude and love flashed in Starsky’s face as he grabbed Hutch’s right hand and squeezed. “Thanks, babe.”

Stopping first at the front desk, they were taken to the morgue by a clerk, who assured them she would handle all paperwork and disposition issues. A hand on his lover’s back, Hutch felt Starsky tensing as they entered the cold storage room.

The morgue was never a pleasant place to visit. The smell and cold seemed to linger, even after leaving the building. But now it Starsky appeared to be impervious to the chill, while the smell seemed to taunt Hutch’s brain, nose, and stomach more than usual.

Surprisingly, when uncovered, Nick Starsky’s face had little damage. The bullet had entered the base of his skull at an upward angle and blown off the top of his head, but the coroner had done a good job of piecing it back together. There was some bruising caused by the excess bleeding, but otherwise he still looked like Nick.

Starsky’s cupped his brother’s cold, pale cheek. “Ah, kiddo, what happened?”

Hutch left his partner alone with his brother while he asked the coroner’s clerk if he could, as a professional courtesy, see the official report. After reviewing it and handing it back with his thanks, Hutch walked back to Starsky and placed a gentling hand on his back.

Looking over his partner’s shoulder, Hutch stared at Nick’s quiet visage. Even though Nick wasn’t the image of his older brother, there was a big enough resemblance that, to Hutch, all of a sudden the room became warm and a bout of nausea overcame him.

He stepped back unsteadily and strode through the doors, looking left and right down the hallway for a men’s room. Spotting one, Hutch bounded through the door before his stomach threatened to embarrass both himself and his partner.

Hutch barely made it through the stall before his stomach rebelled. He stood there for several minutes, shaking arms splayed to the sides of the stall as he steadied himself.


***


After wiping his face, Hutch made his way back to find his partner; who was in an office suite discussing the next step with the clerk who was managing Nick’s autopsy paperwork.

He sat down next to his lover and patted his leg. “You holding up?”

“Yeah.” Starsky acknowledged Hutch’s concern, placing his hand over his lover’s. “Where’d you run off to?”

“Men’s room. You sure you’re okay?”

Starsky bent over, hands covering his face, “I’m gonna have to call my mom. Shit. Can’t believe…”

“You want me to handle it?”

“No, I gotta… maybe Uncle Es or Aunt Rebecca… You’re coming, right?”

“To New York?” Hutch asked. “Yes. Dobey gave us both a week off,” he gently reminded.

The rest of the day – hell, the entire day – was nothing but a blur to Starsky. Everything had faded into gray. Thank God for Hutch.

His partner had taken things in hand: made arrangements for Nick’s body, handled travel arrangements to New York, spoke with Starsky’s Uncle Es so that Muriel Starsky was told as gently as possible, packed their luggage, and forced him to eat a grilled cheese sandwich.

Not once did Hutch question him if he knew what – if anything – Nick had been involved in. Hell, he hadn't even known Nick was in town. I’ll bet Ma didn’t know either. When we talked last week, she would’ve asked me to check on him.

Once the body was released by the authorities, health codes trumped Jewish ritual and made embalming mandatory before transport. It was Starsky family tradition, though, that chose Nick’s final destination: the Jewish Memorial Chapel in Yonkers

Starsky’s faculties slowly came back as he sat in a chair in their bedroom and watched Hutch packing their bags. “I’m sorry, Hutch. I haven’t been much help and you’ve done all this for me and Nick. It’s my responsibility, I should be handling everything.”

Hutch’s eyes reflected like pools of clear water. “I want to. I need to.” He stepped over and smoothed his hand against Starsky's cheek. “I love you, you know. And I’m sorry you’re going through this.”

Sighing and closing his eyes, Starsky drank in the comforting presence of his partner. The previous need to place everything on the well-balanced shoulders of his lover was slowly fading; the need to take some control back, gaining ground.

“What else did Dobey say? About what Laguna PD discovered so far?”

“Not much else.” Hutch paused, “You know, Starsk, that even if this case were in our jurisdiction, we wouldn’t be given it. Dobey advised…”

“Yeah, yeah. Like we haven’t heard it before. Terry, Helen, Gillian, Van. Hell, you shouldn’t have even been on the Gunther case.”

“Okay, he warned us to leave it alone.”

“Well, since we’re heading back to New York, it wouldn’t hurt to talk to some of the neighborhood,” Starsky emphasized the word ‘talk’, “to try and find out what’s been going on with Nick. Dobey can’t bar us from doin’ that.” Try and stop me.

“Stubbornness has nothing on you,” Hutch grumbled as he turned away to finish packing.

Starsky let it go with a tight smile. Instead he walked over to where Hutch stood by the bed zipping up their cases, and put a hand on Hutch’s shoulders. “Thanks, Hutch.”

Not much in the way of spoken words, but a wealth in meaning and expression. Hutch reached across with his right hand and patted Starsky’s. ‘Thank you’ accepted and acknowledged as unnecessary.

Starsky’s emotional upset left him with no desire, physically or emotionally, for making love. Even the knowledge that they’d be hard pressed to make love for the next week while staying with Starsky’s mother – both men refused to indulge themselves in Muriel’s home – couldn’t interest Starsky in sex.

Again, Hutch acknowledged the unspoken apology in his lover’s eyes with a gentle, soothing touch to his face. “Long trip tomorrow. Get some sleep; you’ll need it.”


***


Due to the time difference and a layover in Denver, the two men didn’t arrive at JFK until after 7p.m. The first stop Starsky wanted to make was to the 66th District Police Station, which was located in the area of Brooklyn where his brother lived with their mother; in the same apartment that both Starsky brothers had grown up in.

But Hutch stopped him from charging off by reminding him that living family was more important right now. And Hutch was right – he needed to see his mother first; and, more importantly, Muriel needed him.

So Starsky counseled himself to not let his anger show. Whether that anger was directed to his brother’s killers, or to his brother directly, Starsky didn’t know. Hutch tried to distract him by asking about various point of interest, even though he had been back to visit Starsky’s hometown several times.

After the cab dropped them off in front of the brownstone where Pavlo Starsky had settled his family, Starsky stood silent for a moment to gather his thoughts and the courage he would need to face his mother.

The walk up to his mother’s apartment was made in quiet, each involved in their own thoughts. To the amazement of both men, they heard the sounds of merrymaking and chatter coming from behind the closed door of the Starsky family apartment.

Starsky’s mother was holding up better than he expected. Mother and son enveloped each other with comfort and love. And then both of them – he and Hutch, were passed along to all the other family members that were sitting Shiva with Muriel Starsky.

Muriel introduced Hutch to all the Starsky and Yvanik family and friends as “Davey’s goy kolego.” One of Starsky’s cousins, Tuvok, asked with mistrust if Hutch traveled everywhere to hold Davey’s hand.

“His cop-partner,” explained Muriel. She knew the true relationship of the two men, but it was nobody else’s business – especially not her judgmental male kin. She had just lost one son to the street wars, she was not about to lose another.

Many of his family wanted to know if Starsky was going to find out what happened to Nick. He had to tell them that he and Hutch had limitations and any interference could taint the evidence and jeopardize the investigation. But he assured them he would keep on top of the investigating unit.

Of course, Starsky planned on doing his own investigation while in New York, but he didn’t need to play his hand yet when he wasn’t sure who was in the game.

After everyone had left, Muriel’s mask came down when she asked Starsky how Nick was prepared for his burial. “Did you do the Taharah?”

“It wasn’t possible, Ma.” Starsky shook his head slowly. He hadn’t been in any kind of shape to participate in the ritual cleansing of his brother's body.

Muriel responded with a sad nod.

By 10 p.m., even though their bodies were still on Pacific Time, everything else combined to make them - Starsky especially – tired. Once in bed, trying to become accustomed to all the night noises of Brooklyn, Hutch asked Starsky about his family.

“I know you’ve always said you had a bunch of uncles, but I assumed that most were friends of the family or neighborhood guys who looked out for you.”

Starsky’s right arm was pillowed behind his head as he stared at the shadowed ceiling of the childhood bedroom he’d shared with Nick. “Let’s see. Aunt Rose is Ma’s sister. Uncles Alphonse and Myron were her brothers, but they’re gone now. Her only living brother, my Uncle George is in Florida. He’s married to Aunt Betty, who Ma never got along with.”

“On my dad’s side, you met all his brothers today: Aron, Saul, and Es. Dad was the second youngest, before Esau. He had a sister, but she died when they were little. Her name was Lina.”

“I never realized how big your family is.”

Starsky shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I never talk to any of them except Al and Rose and Uncle Es and Aunt Rebecca occasionally. I haven’t seen most of ‘em since my Dad’s funeral.”

“Do you think any of them could be involved with the mob?” Hutch hated to ask, but they needed to know.

Starsky knew that, no matter what it wouldn’t change how Hutch felt about him. “I don’t know. I haven’t been around for the last 20 years. Nick got messed up with them somehow.” He turned to face his lover. “If I have to take down some of my family, Hutch, I will. That’s the only way the contamination’ll stop spreading.”

“I’m sorry, babe. Now wasn’t the time to bring it up.” His voice was heavy with apology.

“Shit, Hutch, it ain’t like I haven’t been thinking the same thing.”

With a light kiss, Hutch told Starsky to try to let it go for the night and get some sleep; then did the same himself.


***


The morning after Nick’s burial beside his father at Knollwood Park, all three slept in late, Muriel’s slumber enhanced by a prescribed medication.

When Starsky finally got up, after he dressed he made coffee and settled at the kitchen table to read the paper he’d retrieved from outside the door.

Right on the front page of the New York Daily News was an article that froze Starsky as he held his coffee mug up.

‘Alleged Missing Bonanno Leader Found Dismembered.’

The article went on to detail how Cesare Bonaventre had been found murdered with four bullet wounds – two to the head – and then dismembered and dumped in a large drum. Details of his alleged role as a ‘capo’ of the Bonanno family and the suspicion that he had been behind the murder of former Bonanno ‘capo’ and renegade Carmine Galente – the man who had sponsored Cesare Bonaventre’s entry to the U.S. from Sicily.

Damn, why does that name sound familiar? Having been out of touch with New York crime and neighborhood news, Starsky didn’t think he’d heard the name of a minor Mafia head through the BCPD or his mother. Nick? Joe?

So lost in thought, Starsky never heard his partner approach behind him until Hutch placed his large hand over Starsky’s to still the repetitive drumming of the latter’s fingers.

“What’s so engrossing in the paper that you ignore a kiss on your neck from your lover? Bored with me?” Hutch joked.

Starsky hadn’t realized that Hutch had given him a soft, intimate kiss. He turned his hand over to grasp his lover’s. “I think… Nicky mentioned someone named Cesare in one of our phone conversations, but I’m not sure who he meant.” He slipped his hand free and pointed at the article he’d been reading.

“Nick mentioned something about a new business partner name Cesare who was Dutch, but grew up in Italy. They were gonna set up some kind of multi-cultural consulting firm; something like that.” Starsky was frustrated, trying to remember. “I think that’s all he ever said.”

“Starsk, Cesare is a common Italian name. Doesn’t mean that it’s this guy in the paper.”

“Yeah, there’s gotta be five on this block alone. I get it. But it’s awful coincidental.”

Hutch hated to burst Starsky’s bubble, but neither did he want Starsky wasting his time and energy on a dead-end – especially if that line of investigation led to the Mafia, then it literally could be a dead-end.

Running his hand through his morning-hair, Starsky wondered aloud if his mother might know anything.

Alarmed, Hutch put out his arm to stop Starsky. “No. Do you hear me? Your mother has been through enough. It’s bad enough you want to put yourself on the hot seat, but I’m not going to let you draw attention to Muriel. In fact, just to be on the safe side, we should get her out of town – vacation, safety – whatever you want to call it.”

“Okay, okay. I hear ya. Besides which, like you said, we don’t know if this is even the same guy.”

Glad that Starsky appeared more rational, Hutch relaxed. “Here’s what we do: check out Nick’s room, see what we find. Let’s look at the condolence book. We’ll see if anyone named Cesare signed it. Any current or prospective business partner of Nick’s should be in there too.”

“I still should ask her.” Starsky said.

“Ask me what?” Neither man had heard Muriel’s door open or her entrance into the small, bright kitchen.”

“Uh, nothing for you to worry about, Ma.” Starsky stole a quick glance to his partner.

“Coffee, Muriel?” Hutch held up an empty mug as a distraction.

“Yes, please. Cream.” She turned her focus back to her surviving son. “Now, stop with farhaltn, David, and ask me. I’m not some weepy nebbish . I’ve buried a husband; I’ve just buried a son. If I can survive that and more, your question won’t harm me. It’s all bubkis . Nicky was my baby, but that didn’t make me blind to his actions or the hoodlums he hung around with.” Her grimace was sorrowful, but also angry.

Sighing, Starsky asked if Nick had ever mentioned a guy named Cesare who he did, or was going into, business with.

Her reaction stunned both Starsky and Hutch. Muriel spit on her silver flecked white linoleum floor. “Pfui. That schmutz. He’s no good. I told Nicky to stay away from him. I don’t want him here. He may look goy, but he’s momzer.”

Both detectives glanced at each other, knowing instinctively what the other was thinking – that Starsky’s intuition was correct and he was on the right track.

Starsky sprung out of his seat, giving a kiss to his mother’s cheek. “Thanks, Ma. Hutch and I are going to check some things out.”

As they left the kitchen to change, Muriel yelled after them, “What about breakfast?”

They popped back in. “Oh, sorry, Ma. What do you want? I already made some coffee.”

“No, no, my bubchick, for you and Ken.”

“Don’t worry about us, Muriel,” Hutch cut in and leaned over and gently kissed her cheek. “And don’t worry about David. I’ll watch out for him.”

“I know you will.” Even after the Gunther hit, Muriel trusted Hutch. She never held any of her son’s injuries against the blond detective, but she often chided David for not looking after Ken, when the latter received injuries. “You always have my David’s best interests at heart.”


***


After a brief stop at the precinct where Starsky’s father used to patrol out of, Starsky and Hutch began making the rounds of old friends and neighbors.

Initially Starsky just made small talk as Hutch stood listening to shared memories; but eventually the former worked his way into questioning who the local hoods were and the possibility of Nick being involved with them. Starsky was such a skilled interrogator that most of them didn’t realize they were being purposefully milked for information they might have.

But Starsky didn’t get away with his questioning as much as he thought he did.

Three days after Nick’s burial, Starsky received a visitor. When Muriel let the man – obviously known to her – into the apartment, Hutch had just come in from Nick’s bedroom where Starsky was packing his brother’s possessions. He could barely contain his shock when he saw the older, heavyset man with thinning gray hair.

The older man chuckled, “No, detective, I’m not a ghost. Nor did anyone play a joke on you and Davey. We’re twins. Not quite identical, but enough that those who don’t know us personally couldn’t tell the difference.”

It was like looking seven years in the past – and the image of Joe Durniak before him gave Hutch pause.

He didn’t believe they had anything to fear from Joe’s brother, but a tingle went off in Hutch similar to the one he’d had when the detectives had Joe in their protective custody, and he’d made allusions to Starsky’s father’s past.

“Ken, this is Luca Durniak.” Muriel introduced the men. “This is Davey’s partner from L.A., Ken Hutchinson.”

“Actually it’s Lukas, but if you want to be safe or Family in Brooklyn, you need to have either an Italian or Jewish name.” He looked at Hutch to judge his reaction as he pointedly added. “As Cesare found out.”

Since you’re not Jewish, and considering your brother’s past, I guess we can assume you’re part of ‘the family’ without jumping to conclusions, Hutch thought to himself.

Both men stood facing each other, sussing the other out, until Muriel asked Luca if she could take his coat.

Hutch noticed she wasn’t afraid or intimidated by the Mafia man – which made him curious why she didn’t hold him in the same contempt as Cesare Bonaventure. She had to know his involvement with the New York mob.

“So, where is Davey?” Luca looked around as he rubbed his hands together and sat down, without being invited, on Muriel’s couch.

“Hey, Starsk?” Hutch called to his partner, not leaving Muriel alone with the man. “You wanna come out here? There’s someone here to see you.”

His posture loose when he walked out of Nick’s room, Starsky stiffened when he saw their visitor, but Hutch noticed he didn’t appear in any way shocked. What else have you kept from me, Starsk?

“Lukas,” Starsky said cautiously as he nodded once to acknowledge the man.

“Can I get you some coffee, Luca?”

“Muriel, my dear. I would love a cup, black. And then perhaps I can talk with David and Ken for a bit.” He hesitated, “Privately. You understand.”

“Of course. I’ll just step out to Rosatti’s for some more coffee and tea. People have been stopping by all week for Shiva and visits; I’m running low.”

Until Muriel left, and Luca had his requested privacy, he made small talk with Starsky and Hutch. Asking about the California weather, and how they liked their jobs, and the general differences between LA and New York living.

Waiting a few minutes until he was sure his mother was out of the brownstone, Starsky’s voice changed to granite and ice as he asked, “No bullshit, Lukas. What do you want? You told Ma that you didn’t hold us responsible for Joe’s death. What other reason could have for coming by to see us?”

The older man refused to be intimidated. He leaned back, resting his arm across the top of the couch as he studied his long-ago friend’s son. “Your father and Joe and I were best of friends growing up – did he ever tell you that?”

Starsky’s confidence was equal to Luca’s. “Yeah, Joe filled me in with all the details after Pops died. You aren’t here to re-hash old memories, so can it and get to the point.”

“You’re too intense, Davey. You need to slow down and relax.” Luca turned to Hutch and asked, “Is he always like this? He’s gonna give himself a heart-attack before he’s fifty.”

It must’ve been a rhetorical question, because Luca didn’t wait for an answer. “You know, David, you should be more careful who you visit.”

“Starsky has ever right to visit whoever he wishes!” Hutch was beginning to get riled.

“Yes,” Lucas nodded slowly, “but some people, some very important people, aren’t too happy with some of the questions he’s been asking.”

Then Luca abruptly changed the line of discussion. “You know, with the exception of myself, Cesare, Nicky and a few other guys, the Family rarely invite non-Italians into their fold.”

The admission that Nick was involved in mob-related activities did not go unnoticed, but for now Starsky and Hutch let it go.

“Which is why Joe went off on his own,” Starsky finished.

“As long as he respected their territory and played the game by their rules, the Five Families left him alone,” Joe finished.

“Until he decided to talk,” Hutch added, calmer now. “And Cesare?”

“Who said anything about Cesare?” Luca smirked.

Hutch addressed his partner, “Let’s make this assumption, Starsk. If Cesare was trying to break out on his own…”

“And for an Italian-raised Dutchman, that would’ve been very stupid…” Starsky interjected.

“Or if he started making decision on his own within the confines of the Family…”

“Then they’d need to eliminate him before his brand of independence started giving others ideas,” Hutch finished.

Starsky turned to Luca. “So how did Nick place into this?”

Luca raised his arms as if surrendering, “I never confirmed that your theories are correct, gentlemen. For all I know, Cesare was a robbery victim and Nick was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Both detectives picked out the message in Luca’s statement: Cesare was robbing someone and was hit in retaliation.

“Or Nick was in the right place at the right time,” suggested Starsky. “A planned hit; he was lured to his death.”

With a tilt of his head to the side in acknowledgement, Luca gave them their answer without having to say anything. “But I will tell you this… leave it, David.”

His stern request and hardened hazel eyes took Starsky aback. “Why? This was my brother we’re talking about. Doesn’t my mother deserve justice?”

Repeating himself for emphasis, Luca said, “I’m telling you to drop it, David. Trust me; there’s more than Nick’s actions at stake here. Your mother does not deserve more pain and suffering. I would not like for her to have to bury all her children. She is, and always has been, a very special person.”

Hutch stood up and pointed at his partner. “Are you trying to say that ‘they’ will go after Starsky?”

Ignoring Hutch’s question, Luca asked Starsky another question. “Did Joe ever tell you anything about your father’s death?”

Starsky frowned at the sudden turn. “Pops was killed by a bank robber. Though Joe did mention something about secrets and that I wouldn’t be happy with some of the things he was going to tell the Feds.”

Luca nodded in reassurance. “Good.” He paused and looked between the two men, Hutch still standing, and Starsky sitting across from him. “That was the reason I was sent here today, by the way. To find out what, if anything, Joe may have told you about your father’s death, or if you’d heard any rumors.”

“That sounds like a warning to me.” Hutch could give Luca a run for his money in steely-eyed glares.

Waving his hands, as if it was no consequence, Luca dismissed Hutch’s concerns. “Consider it a message of generosity from one Family to another.”

Starsky was flabbergasted. “Wait a minute, wait a minute… Are you trying to tell me that my dad wasn’t killed during a robbery?”

This news on top of Nick’s Mafia involvement and death looked like it could fold Starsky in half. Hutch hastened over to the chair where his lover was seated, just in case.

“No. He was killed by a bank robber, that part was true. But it’s more complicated than that.” Luca looked intently at both men as he added furtively, “And that’s all I can give you.”

Hutch was becoming hot again. “What the hell does that mean?”

“It means to drop it… all of it.” Luca finally became brusque. “The problems of Cesare and Nick have been taken care of to the satisfaction of the Five Families. Any more exploration of Nick’s death will lead you into areas that you not only don’t want to go to, but that you may not come out of.” He softened his voice and expression. “And your mother doesn’t deserve any wounds being re-opened.”

Luca stood up and straightened his jacket. “You’re a good son, David. You go on back to California and continue the direction you’ve been going. You’re momma is proud of you. Perhaps you can encourage her to move out there, get away from all the bad memories.”

Luca walked to the door, but as he opened it, he turned back. “I’m sorry I had to visit under these circumstances. As a long-time friend of the family and keeper of promises made to your father, I’m officially offering my condolences on the loss of your brother.” He tipped his head solemnly. “I won’t be seeing you again before you leave, Davey. Continued good luck in California.” And he walked out the door, closing it tightly behind him.

Neither Starsky nor Hutch could say anything for a few moments. They walked into the kitchen and over to the coffee pot silently, before sitting down at the table.

“What do you think of that, Hutch?”

Hutch shook his head. “I don’t know, Starsk. What I do know is that he’s right about the continued digging. If you keep it up, you could be hurt – or worse. After Gunther, I don’t think either I or your mother could handle that.”

“So that’s it?” Starsky waved his arm toward the closed front door. “We just leave and let them get away with this shit?”

“No. We leave it to the local PD and in the Laguna Beach.” Hutch held up a hand before Starsky interrupted him. “Okay, technically we are the best team out there, and if anyone can figure out what your brother was into and who killed him, it’s us.”

“However, I happen to agree with Lukas to some extent.” Hutch stood up and began pacing. “I don’t like the idea of just giving up, but it might be better if we go back home, let things settle down here, and then do some checking around LA and Orange County.”

“And what about my mom, Hutch?” Starsky was worried. “If the big guys here find out we’ve been doing some digging – they might make take it out on her.”

Hutch was worried about Muriel too, and he had a solution. “She comes back with us for a long visit. We use the excuse that she needs to get away – which is probably true.”

“And if she says no?” Neither his mother nor Hutch’s parents had ever stayed with them in their home since they’d told their families they were partners in life as well as on the job.

Hutch gave his lover a tender, empathetic look. “She can stay with Al and Rose. They’d love to have her visit.”

“Yeah, they’d like that.” He looked up hopefully at Hutch. “Maybe I can convince her to move out there permanently. All the family here is getting older; she needs me more now.”

“I think that’s a great idea, Starsk. But let’s get her out to California for a visit first and then discuss it. No need to make abrupt changes right now. She’s going through enough.”

Starsky walked over and smoothed Hutch’s cheek with his forefinger. “You know, I think I love you more right now than I ever have.”

Blushing with embarrassment, Hutch dipped his head.

“The care you take with me, but more important, the respect and care you show Ma.” He leaned and gave Hutch a quick kiss on the lips. Nothing passionate or sexual, but filled with love. Sometimes Hutch liked those quick, gentle kisses more than their passionate mouth dances.

Then Starsky stepped back. “Okay, then we’ve got some things to take care of, so I guess we better hit it, Blondie. We’ll take Ma out to dinner tonight. Treat her real special.”

They had a lot to do, and only a few days to do it. But with a rejuvenated purpose, Starsky and Hutch set out to convince Muriel Starsky that she belonged with them in California. It gave Starsky a reason to push his brother’s murder on the back-burner, and not feel guilty.

Time would come later for him to find out what happened to Nick… and to his father.

To be continued?

Goy kolego: Gentile Buddy/Acquaintance
Nebbish: Weakling, simpleton
Bubkis: Nothing
Farhaltn: Delay
Schmutz: A detestable person
Momzer: An untrustworthy person

Amye's MS travails

Okay, so far here's the fun of tests and drugs:

In Feb '08 I went to the doctor with concerns about these sharp, stabbing pains in my head (temple & sometimes back of head) that would numb half my face for 1-2 min. Ed had been diagnosed with a minor aneurysm, so I was thinking the same thing - or at worst a minor stroke.

Anyway, Dr. Lees scheduled me for some strength and balance tests. The diagnosis was less strength on the right side, and that everything was slower & slightly off on my right side (smiling, hopping, waving, etc etc).

She scheduled an MRA/MRI. After these were read, she called me on 2/19/08 to tell me I had demylineation and lesions of the white matter. What? I was confused, but she didn't seem too concerned. She wanted to set me up on Neurontin to see how that would work.

Later I found out that demylineation & lesions in the brain are high indicators of MS. That totally floored me. Completely. After reading up on it, I realized that it's a high probability.

The stumbling, tongue tied syndrome, forgetfullness, walking into walls & furniture, the sharp pains & facial numbness - all are some of the symptoms of MS. Now I wonder if my foot numbness is related to damage to the sciatic nerve or MS.

Anyway, the Neurontin works very well. The pains have subsided for the most part, or lessened.

Since the move, I hadn't had it for more than six months, so I finally found a doctor and went over everything with him. He definitely put me back on the Neurontin and then scheduled me with a Neurologist in Hoffman Estates. He also feels that it's MS, however he can't make that diagnosis, only the neuro can. More than likely they will want to do an updated MRI/MRA and possibly CAT. Also an LP (lumbar puncture) would be required to do a definitive diagnosis.

Fuck that - I'm not having an LP. If the Neurontin works fine, then that's good enough for me.

I'll keep this blog updated.

A YEAR?!

My God, it's been a year?! since I've posted?

I'm sorry, this is supposed to be my diary/writing blog.

Lots have happened. We tossed Luis & Marilynne, they messed up the house to the tune of $3,300 (including lost rent). They stole stuff, damaged windows & trim, ruined carpeting. So now we're renting to Julie & Bill. They can help fix it up and they have a smaller place to rent with less money to pay. They wanted back in the neighborhood anyway.

Since they moved in, we're going to fight the stupid HUD/Civil Rights since we will never rent the house again to someone we don't personally know. I'd rather lose it to foreclosure.

What else.....

Hmmm Kelly thought she was pregnant earlier this month. Thank God she's not. I'm not ready for that yet. Andrew starts college on Tuesday. Keith got divorced and is now living with a really cute Brazilian girl he met, who's 15 yrs younger. Personally I think not only did he get tired of Karen's drinking, but he wants kids and it seems there's been a problem there. I don't see Karen much (I hate bars), but Ron sees her a couple times a month. Ed just got back from a state-of-the-art high-end cruise to Alaska for 3 weeks. Cost him $8,000. Ron's jealous, he thinks we deserve some of that money since we took care of Grandma while he was in the hospital for 6 months. Oh, Ryan moved to Chicago and then back to Ohio.

I have a great new job! I'm the Executive Assistant for the VP of Consumer & Computer Business Unit at ST Microelectronics, a worldwide company with headquarters in France. So far it's temp-to-hire, but it's my understanding that they hire all their assistants like that. It can take anywhere from 6 mos to 2 yrs for them to hire you permanently. I'm hoping this works out, because it's my dream job. Tony's great, there's travel, setting up events, and lots of Excel work.

More later about the fun tests I'm going through!