Is something wrong with my car? I thought, as that sickly feeling in the pit of my stomach deepened.

Reaching over, I turned off the radio and air conditioner, hoping things would settle down. But, no, my head pounded and my ears were hurting, pains shot through them with each pump of the pulse. Eeeeeeeeow! It was so painful, I put my fingers into my ears and opened my mouth. Even with allergy problems, I'd never had anything like this before.

Oh, nuts, I could still hear the thumping! Jeepers creepers, what's happening to me??? If I live, I'll be good from now on, I promise. Please, just make the pain go away......

As I glanced around inside my car, I looked up into my rear-view mirror. That's when I saw IT. Oh, yeah, the source of all my pain was right behind me.

"It" was an enormous black SUV with dark tinted-windows and a sound system that cracked the dry pavement underneath! It was visibly moving to an invisible beat, sharing its music with the entire gathering at the Five Points intersection!

When the green light finally released me, I goosed my car out of vibration range of that ear-splitting demon Sports Utility Vehicle. Lordy, bless my bleeding eardrums!

Of course, this one's dedicated to that crazy bumper car driver, Captain Morgan. Rock on, Captain!

There's been a lot of music in my life the past week. I love spiritual music and Holy Week was filled with celebration. Our choir had much to sing about at various services for our church and the community. We even sang with another church, performing the "Seven Last Words of Christ," in our combined choirs! Performing in that dramatic Easter cantata was such a moving experience. My husband and I throughly enjoyed singing in a much bigger choir, plus having different musicians playing with us was amazing.

Our college hosted an Open House before Easter at their new Music Department. It is located in one of the huge Victorian houses downtown and the remodeling looked fantastic, although not finished. I'm planning on taking one of the classes to be offered: The History of Rock & Roll!!! I know, I know, I was around at the beginning, but I'm a little fuzzy on the details.  Besides, then I can play "Stump the Streamers" on my blog!

Also, last week, I started reading a book I had bought awhile ago --- I had lost it and found it again at the most perfect time! It is Space Between the Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart by Deborah Santana, wife of the super talented Carlos. So far, it has been a remarkable read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys memoirs about real people.

Other media has brought a few smiles to my face this week --- from my first viewing of the River Dancing chimps in the Arby's commercial to Pink's funny song "U + Ur Hand" --- there's always something to laugh about on the airwaves! Everybody loves monkeys and Pink rarely disappoints.

Which reminds me............ April the 11th is "Eight-Track Tape Day!" We still have one of those prehistoric music players and a stack of classic tapes around this house somewhere. As soon as I find them, I'll put them on eBay and become a rich racketeer! Only serious bidders, please.

This musical post is dedicated to Sweet Six, mother of Needs More Cowbell!

I admire Elizabeth Edwards, especially with her smile exuding such warmth and friendliness during this time of stress. In full view of the public, she's putting up a good fight against breast cancer again. As with all those who are battling cancer, I wish her strength in the months ahead and my prayers go out to her and her family. ~~~ Hugs, Rita B

Have you ever bought anything on eBay? What was it and was the process worth the trouble?

I've received gifts from family members who have bought on eBay, but I have not actually bought anything myself. I think it's one of the most fascinating outgrowths of the internet. It's a great way for people to find something they need or collect. Some of the items people buy, and for such high amounts, is strange. Of course, like everyone else, I have a bunch of old stuff I could sell over the internet! Maybe some day I'll do it, so tell me about your eBay experience --- good or bad?

Today is a special holy day for Christians, marking the death of Jesus which leads to his resurrection on Sunday. But I found out today also has other celebrations in our secular world. Who thinks up these crazy things, I ask???

1. North Pole Day is April 6th set aside as a day to celebrate the beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic Wilderness.

2. Today is Tartan Day for all those acknowledging their Scottish Heritage --- the Americans & Canadians celebrate their Scottish traditions, heritage and culture on April 6th. I had lunch with a couple proudly wearing their plaids!

3. It's Animated Cartoon Day! Yippee --- I would have loved to celebrate this special day when I was a youngster. Many a Saturday morning was passed watching these time-wasters! Some of the cartoons I watched are still around today even though animation has improved a hundred fold.

4. Of course, it's California Poppy Day, and I'm not sure how to spend the day in observance of these bright and graceful flowers. Since poppies are known for other things, I'm not surprised California designated a day for poppy celebration!

5. I had to dig deep for this last unusual celebration, but surprisingly today Caramel Popcorn Day! Yes, they have cards for this one too. I've never sent one, but my husband loves popcorn so, if I ever send an e-card in celebration, he gets the first one!

Have a Holy Weekend, Streamers! ~~~ Hugs, Rita B