It was 1983 or '84. The Jackson Five was doing a reunion tour.Cranky and I lived in Florida at the time, and I had a freelance job as a rock video reviewer for the local paper. Really. I was totally attuned to the MTVideos, 24/7. Michael Jackson was huge then, and I was not going to miss this show, even if we had to drive up to Jacksonville. ("Jacksonville!" Cute.)
The show was great. Michael got star billing, and he did a wicked moonwalk.
When it ended, they set off fireworks. Ooh. That meant as soon as the fireworks were over, there'd be an encore! You'd think.
We didn't think.
Cranky and I bolted out of our seats and dashed out into the completely deserted streets, on our way back to where we had parked.
Just then, a big van careened around a corner, Hollywood movie style, all tilty and weavy and speedy.
We were doomed.
But it missed us, by inches. Zoom.
You know what? We believe, to this day, it was carrying the Jacksons away from the arena, before the fans figured out they had Left The Building.
And we also believe that if the van had hit us, it would never have stopped.
Oh, and the picture? Lobster risotto for our 28th anniversary lunch today.
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27 comments:
Great Michael Jackson story...
Happy Anniversary...
the Lobster risotto looks delish.
Happy anniversary #28, wow, do you think it'll last? ;)
Terrie: Thanks! The lobster was leftover (frozen) from Cranky's birthday. We really know how to do the special days... Hee.
Mouse: Let's see. He wigged out on #10. Still here on #20 and plus... He'll be kinda old on #30. Yeah, we made it. :D
Aww! (I mean of course the reason for the risotto) But cute story. And wow: the very idea of going UP to Jacksonville! We're all glad the van missed.
Incidentally, all five of my bantam chicks have turned out to be boys, and one of them is a creamy white so I thought (before this week) that I would call them the Jackson Five, with little Michael in the lead, as he's the one who flies to the roof of the barn and crows. But now, well, now it's just too sad!
Fast: We were in Orlando. Ehfg. Three years.
Anyway. Your Michael is the emotionally healthy legacy, yes? "Who's bad?"
Yeah.
Happy Anniversary and what a delicious way to celebrate. Fun Michael Jackson story!
Glad that I found your relatively new gluten-free blog when you need to eat that way as well.
I was so lucky to be diagnosed in March just when I could expect and grow the spring veggies that I love to ease the transition.
Being gluten-free is not always easy, but it is not as hard as one may think...summer is an easy time to be gluten-free.
My local chef friends are anxious to meet the needs of gluten-free customers in many types of restos to make it easier to dine out. I am sure that there may be many in your area.
Bonne chance...
happy anniversary, you crazy kids :)
Did you make the risotto with your lobster shell broth? That is simply gorgeous. If the Jacksons had hit you, you'd be stinky, filthy rich today - or dead. I'm glad they swerved.
Anna: Thanks. I like to say I was *thisclose* to Michael Jackson. :)
Terrie: I have not been diagnosed. I'm just doing a home experiment, and I'm probably not even doing it right. You're right; it's not hard-hard, but it's different indeed. Merci.
Anita: You two too! xx
Zoomie: Yes! Cranky's lobster shell stock, with meaty leg bits. You remembered!
You ever heard the folklore about a country we both lived in briefly that says "if you hit someone with your car, go back and run him over to make sure he's dead"? Presumably so you don't get sued? That's what that van would have done. :D
I always thought you guys were in your early 30's so unless you are elementary school sweethearts (and drivers) I'm wrong
happy happy Anniversary
love your blog
Happy Anniversary!
Marni
JodyJane: Oops, did I out myself? No, see, we got married in nursery school, and my mom drove us to that concert. :-)
Thanks for introducing yourself. xx
Marni: Thank you!
ohh yeah, i love this story. Lobster risotto looks good too. fitting for such an occasion. Congrtaulations on makin' it!
Happy Anniversary!
MJ was a bit before my time...though I am glad you were not made into roadkill.
Also, the only thing Orlando is good for is leaving. I fly in and immediately drive out to the coast - oh Florida beaches, I do miss thee so.
happy anniversary!
and what a lovely mj story :)
Happy Happy Anniversary!
Great story. Happy Anniversary to my favourite Cranky-person & my favourite person named after a biscuit.
Kel: That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. We did enjoy the risotto; Cranky was hovering while I stirred it up. I think I'M the risotto chef.
Sweet Bird: Orlando is for leaving, for sure. Ew. BUT: New Smyrna Beach? Heaven.
Natalia: Merci beaucoups! I'm really glad I caught that concert.
EB: Funny, huh? Thank you.
Sam: I'm a biscuit? Wow. My favorite Brits (Haley Mills, Sir Paul -- Michael's friend, and YOU) thank you. (Can you thank you? I do.)
Happy Anniversary! I think celebrating your close call might still be in order.
Hey, did you hear that he died?
Peter: I think you have him confused with Billy Mays.
Amy: I love a good memory like that, especially when I'm alive to think about it. Thanks.
Just out of curiosity did I mention NSB previously? Because if not that would be one hell of a crazy coincidence considering that's where my sister lives and it's where I spend pretty much all my time while in Florida.
Weeeeird....
If not, maybe one day we can meet up and get tossed on wine at the Om Bar.
Sweet Bird: No, as a matter of fact, you did not mention NSB! Funny. It's where I spent all MY time, whenever I could get out of the armpit.
Happy anniversary! Sorry I'm a little late. Hope your day was fab.
AuntJone: Thanks, doll.
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