We are not exactly next door to the Oakland Coliseum. There were fireworks scheduled to follow tonights A’s game. I have wanted to go, but it turned out George had tickets to a concert at Freight & Salvage. Tickets in hand trump tickets yet to be bought. I had tried the “but they are sold out.” Wasn’t true, and the reason was obvious at the concert.
The second half of the concert – The Keith Greeninger Band was excellent. I am sorry to say that I wasn’t in the mood to hang around. They were coordinated, professional and would have been enjoyable. The first half? Meh. George bought the tickets because two of the singers he had heard as “Blame Sally” several years ago. Those two are good musicians, although I seriously could have done without the one’s drivel at the mike between songs. The lead of this new group, Jill Knight, may have excellent instrumental skills and a good voice, but her songs are dull, boring and repetitive. “Rich in the details of everyday experience?” Most would want more than the same three lines over and over in their lives. Plus, please turn down the flipping base – you are supposed to be an acoustic group. Most of us do not want our internal organs vibrated at 6-10 cps. Not good, very not good.
But I did get a nice hike both into town and back.
It was on that hike back that I heard what I first assumed to be thunder in the distance. It is only partly cloudy with city lights reflecting off non-threatening skies. Ok – looking at my watch – the game should be over. Fireworks in Oakland at the Coliseum. Looking at Google Maps – it is 12 miles (20 km) to the Coliseum by the most direct route and a crow would probably fly a bit less.
The distance was too far with trees and buildings in the way for my height on the hill to be any advantage. I supposed if I had run down toward the Marina and arrived prior to the end of the display I might have been able to see the final burst in the distance. Hiking up Eunice which most nights seem to be a mountain rather than just a hill, I met a springer spaniel out walking her human. No, fireworks didn’t bother her but all the wonderful smells in the neighborhood had turned what he had hoped would be a quick outing into a 15 minute happy waddle.
The house was empty when I let myself in. I left on the lights, unlocked the door then got back up to let George in when he knocked….
You walked faster than he drove? That’s funny. Although, having accidentally bisected the President’s route today, I can definitely relate right now.
Actually, I don’t know how he got home. We both walked into town….