Death, taxes, crappy trains and Kacey Musgraves: Jan. 30

It wasn’t going to be as meaningful as a first train ride to New York City or a flight anywhere will be, but Suzi and I were still going to be taking the train into Boston for the first time in two years — long enough for my pre-paid train card, which was never supposed to expire, to expire.

So it was going to mean … something.

We paid for our parking on my phone — that was new — got on the train and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Suzi checked Twitter, and sure enough … 30-minute delay because of a breakdown on the line. We had to a concert to make and time was running short, so we took the chance that we’d be able to drive in, park and get to TD Garden in time.

It actually went pretty quickly. Maybe Thursday at 8 p.m. is the time to drive into Boston.

As for the train, I won’t even tell the MBTA don’t ever change, because it won’t ever change.

It’ll always be terrible.

We made it, just in time for the the second of the opening acts that we weren’t interested in too finish up, but my nerves were still a little frazzled (and I wasn’t even driving).

Then Kacey Musgraves sang the first lines of “star-crossed,” and all the tension went away.

“Let me set the scene

Two lovers ripped right at the seams

They woke up from the perfect dream

And then the darkness came.”

I could never be a music critic — good thing I never wanted to be — because while I can tell you that Kacey Musgraves is amazing, I can’t tell you why other than I enjoy her music and listening to it makes me feel good. (I’m also not the type to try and find deeper meanings in song selection, although, amateur tip, “Merry Go ‘Round” is never a misfire.)

And “Rainbow” is one of those songs that will always hit me just a little different. I was worried that it dropped off the set list, but it was the final song of the encore.

Since we last saw her back in 2019, her concerts have graduated from pavilions to arenas, meaning we spent 90 joyous minutes with about 16,000 of our closest friends, most of whom could have probably been our children.

Everyone had to be vaccinated to get in — mask-wearing once inside was sketchy in spots — but unless I have a tale to share of getting sick in the next couple weeks, based on the outfits some of these kids were wearing, hypothermia may have been a greater threat.

If I had one complaint … an 8 p.m. start time with two opening acts? That puts things way after my bedtime. It may have been fine for those kids, but I’m old!

What I wrote

Seeing other people’s Wordle success had a brief, but surprising effect.

Stuff I read

Follow Renata’s guide for writing blog posts, and you … can’t go wrong?

Michelle O’s age is what it is, but she feels a lot younger.

Paul reminisces about cargo shorts.

Austin hates winter. River is a fan of big snowfalls. I’m on Team Austin.

COVID came for Jeff.

Monty pays a visit to Pea Green’s place, where he explains the nothingness he felt his first time.

I love Fig Newtons … not sure how well they’d go with Scotch, but Ally was thinking something like that might be what she needed.

Giggles has had some weird dreams, but then again, does anyone remember normal dreams?

Vee saved herself.

Michelle is pretty sure she saw old women taking drugs at a festival.

Becky answered reader questions.

Pepper has non-romantic ideas for Valentine’s Day. Since it’s a Monday, we’ll probably go to dinner and then watch one of Michael Portillo’s train trips in Europe.

There are certain types of people Fallon will not date, and I don’t blame her.

The Huntress’ parents had a dream that is turning into her nightmare.

Our cat Sasha is very pleased at this news, and is planning to write a fan letter.

Tweets I liked

I don’t eat Triscuits a lot, but when I do, they don’t last long.

I ordered myself a present. It was like 5 bucks for a box, lmao—and extra for shipping, but I don’t care. Processed food is such a treat! I’m so tired of making shit from scratch all the time. 😂 #expatlife #alpslife #WednesdayMotivation pic.twitter.com/tYgx9pwKoD

— love2teachmom, Ph.Vaxxed (@YPViking) January 26, 2022

I’m not sure there’s anything I could do with my hair to get out of an appointment.

Did I get bangs to delay my next Botox appointment? Yes pic.twitter.com/Vs9TBvgDCb

— Rosie Culture (@RosieCulture) January 29, 2022

We’re hoping to go to Europe for our 20th wedding anniversary. What we actually do … who knows? I will say, however, I doubt Milwaukee will be involved.

a few months ago I truly thought I’d be planning for a tropical vacation this winter to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

instead, we’re planning on moving from one cold place to an even colder place.

— Savannah Nelson (@NelsoSav) January 27, 2022

Bob Sykes … the Yankees traded him for Bob Sykes.

In the fall of 1982, Willie McGee went from a relatively anonymous big league rookie to an overnight sensation.

Read more about the four-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner in our latest #CardCorner: https://t.co/Ehjq5ZZxeQ pic.twitter.com/fHJcMH0RGK

— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) January 29, 2022

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