Preparing for Andrew's Departure

We're getting ever closer to Andrew's departure for American Idol Camp. He and I appeared on the Fox Morning Show this morning. His voice was hoarse , and he was a little cranky. That's something we'll have to work on. He didn't have to sing much except for a teaser.

I think he's featured this week in The Indianapolis Recorder and also was supposed to be interviewed by the Hendricks County Flyer. That fell through when the reporter went on vacation. All the way around, though, the media experience is good for someone who professes a desire to entertain.

Andrew and I had a heart-to-heart the other night about the trip. He's a little nervous about The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Though there will be a chaperone at the hostel where he'll live, he's nervous about being somewhat on his own. But he'll be fine. He knows how to cook, do his laundry and handle emergencies. I'm sure he'll also make friends who will invite him home for the occasional home-cooked meal.

Fireworks in the Cul-de-Sac

As usual, we here in the Majestic Perch cul-de-sac celebrated Independence Day early with our annual block party. As usual, the food was awesome, and the fireworks were better than I'd ever remembered them being.

Jeff got great reviews for his ribs, which practically fell off the bone. We didn't even have to cut them with a knife. He started those pretty early in the afternoon.

The kids did the traditional thing and went swimming this afternoon. There was total chaos with all the kids that appeared, including my cousins Warrick and Jaylon.

We're still working on Andrew's presentation for the Fox morning news show on Thursday. The movements that go with his songs are not yet second nature.