Bits and Pieces

One of my favorite writers-Andy Rooney writes a column where he just puts little thoughts together so this is my version.
Transportation: “The Tang” Purely by accident, I ran across an 89 Mustang to buy at a reasonable price. It has been a fun car to play with but I am hoping it will be my transition go to car before snow flies and I need to change up. It has a few minor problems so I hope I am not jinxing it by talking about it (knock on wood). The rear mirror had to be reglued which took two days because of the way it had been done before. My neighbor volunteered to do it and then last night yours truly readjusted it in a hurry and down it went. Thankfully, he re-volunteered (Thank you Mike!). For awhile , I will feel like a teenager yet knowing an older car is not as reliable. When we were first married, my husband owned a Mustang that we couldn’t wait to get rid of since at that time parts were so hard to get. It spent more time in the shop or waiting for a part than on the road. I think it might have been the “throw-away” car of the ’70′s that I just read an article about in our local Frank’s paper. Maybe that is why in college I always had so much trouble with my vehicles. Does anyone remember the Pacer?
We went to the children’s play with the top down. A little cold but fun! I see why people like them. Daughter I think is in love even though it is a totally IMPRACTICAL CAR! But then chocolate is totally impractical also…..
Just had tea/coffee with retired teachers who meet on Tuesday mornings. Some of us still teaching are “guests” since we are not technically retired. It is a good thing to keep in touch with some that know some of the same people and can share the same experience.
Also, some are coming in that are still teaching to meet with each other since sadly, you can be in the same building and never see each other because of the schedules!
Tomorrow, I have an all-day workshop that I am looking forward to . It will be Project Wild but for younger kids. Our Soil and Water here does a great job and I have always enjoyed all the workshops they do. They have also been a great resource to me during the school with guest speakers and materials.
I have nothing else planned for today and I have “played” long enough. Time to go home, put on “grubbies” and find a project to tackle. Yesterday, I spent the majority of the day in the garage where I made a pleasant surprise find of a violin that I thought was long gone. A blog for another time.
Oh, one last thing. I am going to have my kids try to do a project where we make dresses out of pillowcases and or t-shirts. I was sooooo good, I did not stop at a single garage sale during the longest garage sale. But I will be searching for nice looking pillow cases for this project. So, if you are in my area – please consider that if you go to garage sales. I would really appreciate it.
Take care – Carpe diem!!!

Summary of Summer

Ever since I was much smaller, there was always a time when I knew summer was fading and I would suddenly wake up with sadness and a little regret at the things I did not get done. But as my best friend said – remember it (life) is a journey and not a destination.
I have always had this feeling that if I could get all my loose ends tied up , I could start “living”. But as another wise person said, “Life is one loose end”. This from the man I almost married.
This has been a great summer with ups and one big crash down.
On the plus side, the three amigos were able to accumulate about 25 hours toward our 50 hours by December goal and we did some great work learning more about each other. I highly recommend the peach icees after a hot day.
I resolved some issues, did some great purging of items and some mini-projects.
We as a family had a sadness that may forever change the way that we feel toward the fourth of July, but has brought us closer in some ways.
I was able to work in three school workshops, play in three concerts and see some great theatre.
I helped a friend move after her retirement which has made me look ahead to my own (in four years) with some joyful anticipation.
As a good friend told me recently, I will probably become a nomad in order to complete all my bucket list items.
I was also able to attend an all night ghost hunt in Kentucky with my daughter and a fellow blogger.
Some things are still not complete. I wanted to take a trip to Illinois where many family members live. I was hoping to get to the Titanic exhibit but that may have to wait (for the second time)

Why is it when you have time there is not enough of the green stuff?
My daughter graduated from college and we had lots of friends to celebrate it with.
So all in all, there is no reason to be sad about the season changing.
Fall has its own beauty and great festivals to enjoy!
Well, now that I have to go through withdrawal from orchestra practice, band concerts and other things, it will be a good idea to get ready for the big event of starting school!
Then again, maybe I can slip one trip to Shipshe in before the summer window of opportunity closes……
Carpe diem – especially now…..

Mixed Emotions

We unexpectedly found out that orchestra practice was cancelled for today so this has been like a snowday for grownups.
Last Sunday, we closed and struck set for the show we had been doing. Some of us went out to eat and said our goodbyes. I felt very adrift afterwards – it is 6 o’clock on a beautiful day so why did I feel so lost? No place to go like on an island?
This was a show I did not want to do originally but I am so glad I did. What a wonderful experience I would have missed. My major reason for originally saying no was based on very childish reasons.
I was simply tired of some of the pettiness and mean- spirited feelings that has been going on with something that is supposed to be fun and joyous. I was simply tired of it and I wanted to fade out of it.
But because the directors knows that I would walk through fire for them and that I do truly love the theatre, I did and it was one of the greatest experiences that I ever had. What I might have missed for my stubborn attitude.
But we are done and I am at that loss that we all have when we finish a great project. I was saddened too that two people were not able to come . One was my son who probably had a good reason – but that is another blog….
Thank you for those who came -especially my daughter who is winding down her own project of graduating next month. Even with her own busy schedule- she always manages to come at least twice (and flowers to boot!)
I also finished my gardening class and we will be doing a clinic on the 5th of May for the public.
Well, I will close for now and see a great show tonight where I get to be the audience! I need to schedule this weekend or next for one of my favorite shows to see -Auntie Mame!
I have been looking forward to that for a long time!!!!!!!
Carpe diem and happy spring!!!

Spring Fever

Well, we just got back from orchestra practice after my two week absence and THANKFULLY! I had two other cellos to play along with. There is nothing worse that being the only cello and everyone knowing that the cello who played that sour note or on the rest or (as in today’s case) was on measure 12 while everyone else is on measure 5(oops) only possible to be you!! But we cellos kicked it on Star Wars (thank you John Williams!).
We got out of practice and took advantage of that to stop in to two music stores and two used furniture places. Just took our time and enjoyed something different.
Last night , a group of us got to see one of my favorite plays, Curious Savage. I have always loved this one so see it if you can. If you like Harvey and similar stories, you will like it. I have been accused of not being sophisticated enough, but I still love a simple story. This one has many memorable quotes. I was student director/stage manager for it in high school and my brother (who turns 50 on Tuesday) played one of the main characters. A special treat was long time theater friend playing the lead. Great job M!
Spring break has started and with it all the hope of accomplishing great and mighty things. I am still trying to think of what I can do for my brother – I have the week off – should I drive down to surprise him or send something special???? I am just not inspired…….yet. But as he has often told me ….no inspiration like a deadline!!!!!
Well, I will check it next week (or before) and see if I have completed any of my projects. Have a blessed Easter to all if I don’t get to touch base before that!!

Profiles in Courage

Last night, I attended a high school musical. It was enjoyable for many reasons- including the fact I had worked personally with some of the performers in the last three years.
The two most inspiring actresses for me were not the main ones (even those were great).One was a remarkable young lady who was born with birth challenges that have resulted in years of surgeries and therapy. But, in spite of all that, she is a positive , hard working gal. She was on stage as part of the chorus and many of us held our breath as we saw she was walking, slowly , on her own with no cane or walker. I know I felt my heart race when some obstacles on the stage seemed to be ready to trip her, but I think prayer(ours) and our determination(hers) kept her steady. When she was younger, her therapist said his goal for her was to walk to get her diploma. She has three more years – I think she will make it!
The second inspiration was on a personal note. Twelve years ago, I was on my 2 second chemo treatment and having my hair adjusted for a wig. The lady had a picture- before and after of a 3 year old girl who was being treated for leukemia. The little girl had a reddish wig to imitate her real hair.
Two or three years ago, I was coaching a couple of junior high girls and one casually mentioned that she had had leukemia as a child. Guess what? She had reddish hair – only now it was her own. She was on stage last night – beautiful and talented with a bio to explain her many achievements. How can we not believe in miracles?????
Truly a carpe diem moment?
Well, if you were here, I’d treat you to a Lucky Charm latte! Maybe next time……..

Twice blessed

I feel that I have been twice blessed this week with experiences provided by others who have traveled my “bucket list”. Saturday, I was able to have a wonderful Greek dinner with friends. Lemon grass soup, salad, homemade yogurt, feta cheese and bread – all started with a traditional Greek welcome , music and a little vino! Next, came the main course and three delicious samples. Lasagna, (Greek style of course) spinach pie and lamb. Some had reservations about the lamb due to past experiences but tried a little and liked it. My mother would talk about raising sheep and pigs but these two dishes were never on their family table. Therefore, even though I had tried pork, I don’t think I ever had had lamb.
Very good experience!
Desert was cream of wheat with phyllo dough on top with honey.
Our surprise fortune teller was uncannily accurate. Hmmmmm?
Today, my second ethnic blessing came in the form of a grandmother of one of my students. She had returned from a trip to Irael and spent 9 days there. Unfortunately, her grandson, who had set up the visit was sick and could not come. But not only were we all blesses with the story and pictures she showed us, she presented myself and the teacher aide with prayer shawls. The kids each received a kaliedascope. (Sorry, neither spelling is working). She also told us that she took almost 3 hundred names (ours included) to the Wailing Wall and now we are being prayed over as the rabbis collect these every night. She was able to visit Golgotha and other holy places.
She had saved for ten years for this trip and encouraged the students to reach for their dreams also.
She talked about setting off a security alarm with the eyelets in her shoes and being yelled at by the guards for looking them in the eye. I guess in Israel, this is not allowed. Fortunately, a kind person assisted her before she was detained. Sad to think of the instability of the holy land….
My prayer shawl will be a treasured piece(my favorite color) but I appreciated the time it took (one hour and a half ) to drive to talk to us.
The journey was part of the gift!
Carpe diem…….

Spring???

It must be spring because I am digging out information on St. Patrick’s Day and my beat up posters.
I just finished a major report for Columbus for school and that has occupied most of my mental capacity for the last few months. I pulled a couple of all nighters the last two months which I can still do, but I can not recover as quickly as I used to!!(Sigh)
Just returned from our first orchestra practice of the season and we have a great group. Of course, I was the oldest one there and I did terrible but being the only cellist there was not as scary as I was afraid it would be.
The first song I was completely lost- it was one by Brahms(you know, the one who wrote the lullaby) But we switched to a Blue Grass and it was wonderful. We didn’t get to the Star Wars but we will start it first thing next week.
Our concert is in June and I am hoping we can play in town here around then.
So many talented young people. I met a young man who traveled from 45 miles away to be with us. We will also be working on our third piece written by a young person in our group.
I am not a true talent so I feel sometimes like an invader but I love playing , even badly, and I think this the true music therapy.
That and I am enjoying the play “Working” we are doing. If I only could have my memory back I used to have. I love my part and I want to do her justice.
Well, I worked late to clean up all the paper work I had neglected the last two months. I now have filled a box with papers to return, two boxes of recycling and I can actually SEE the top of my desk. Life is good!
Well, tonight I am off to a Greek dinner with friends and have my fortune told!
Tomorrow will be an Oscar party with friends between dinner and practice and back to vote. I will be looking for someone I used to babysit . I think his film is in one of those categories that they don’t show on national tv because of time but I understand he plays the bad guy!
Till then Carpe Diem – and forgive all the typos. I spend all day looking for them and I get a little lax on my days off!!!!!!!
Today, I had my turkey carnberry (no soup) and a Pot of Gold Latte. Irish don’t you know! Creme de menthe and caramel -Yum, yum!

Down South

I am here in southern Indiana where it seems balmy with warmer weather.
We ran into traffic problems due to construction but otherwise a good trip.
I am not sure where we will be going but I am up for any adventure as I am waiting for my brother and his girlfriend to pick me.
I found a very humorous publication about this town at the hotel (by the way- we were upgraded to a beautiful king room. We think this is because there are many wrestlers here for a big tournament. Many young people were downstairs this morning eating breakfast. Hopefully, this helped fuel them up for their competition.
We watched the Olympics – so tragic about the young luge player that we lost.
Hot tea this morning, but yesterday we stopped at a Starbucks and each had a bagel . I had a carmal mac steamer. So I still had a yummy treat – just 24 hours earlier than usual.
Hope to update later today on the adventures. Great things to see here.
I read a interesting article on Brain sandwiches which are very big here (no pun intended) I think I will pass on that. Maybe that is something to try during summer and fall.
Our garden class was all (and I mean ALL) about insect pests. My uncle was an entolmologist at U.of I. so it made me appreciate his work. Bad thing after listening to info on different insects for three hours, we all felt very “itchy”. We redeem ourselves since we three did the refreshments with Mexican pinwheels (homemade salsa from Peg’s garden), homemade cookies and chipped beef dip. We discovered a new steamer flavor: Ginger spice. I was a little reluctant since no chocolate was involved. But yum! If you like gingerbread and/or gingersnaps- it is a nice change. However, I would need cookies to dunk in it next time!
From the “south”. Carpe diem!!!

Life is Good

Well, once again, I am racing to finish before the lights go out, but it is a good incentive for me to make it short and sweet!
I show a great show last night by our local people and best of all was invited to the cast party afterward.
Considering the weather, it was a slow crawl home – but, all worth it.
My brother came through with paperwork that we have been waiting almost 5 years for- the secretary in charge called , asked me if I was sitting down and told me it was in. She said she had been whooping it up in the office! I love life in a small town!
We are not done yet, but the light is brighter at the end of the tunnel and we can make some real plans for spring. Unfortunately, we have had p’t problems with vandals and looters so we will need to deal with that also. But life is too short and material things don’t matter. People do. It has taken too long for me to learn that, but I know it now.
I just finished my homework for my class. But- I am not sure about my diagrams for the root system and the parts of a flower. I am NOT good with diagrams(maps, charts,etc.) Otherwise, the class has been fun. We are already labeled the “problem children” and we have already picked out the “over-achiever”. All in fun of course! We were each given a bulb to force so we will see who can successfully do that.
Well, daughter’s take out is ready. Guess what drink she wanted? A dirty snowman!! I had the house coffee(Chocolate raspberry) Yum! I am hoping she will not want all her turkey cranberry. Last week, this place was closed and my whole routine gone! Tragic!
Have a good week! I will be singing with a group about the 4 Chaplains. If you have never heard the story – look it up- Great story!
Carpe diem!

Ups and downs

Well, a different coffee shop, but a good place to blog nevertheless.
The beverage today is Carmel Mac in a steamer. One of us tried it Thursday at the sister coffee place and pronounced it -”desert” so I had to try it. Very good!
Our local theatre is doing a Blizzard Auction to raise money . I stopped in and though it is calm now, I guess earlier it was very busy.
My shift will be coming soon, so I am relaxing after errands (most which included paying something)
I stopped at our fairly new yarn shop where I bought some supplies to introduce cross-stitching to hopefully help with cabin fever.
I agree with a fellow blogger – children have been a little “ancy” this week.
This week has been sad because two great ladies have left us that were a part of the theatre.
Gerry and I were in a play years ago about sisters in the 30′s and 40′s.
We had to age ten years during intermission! The play was based around bridge playing and she was the only one from Catholic school(as in the play) and bridge player. We marked and stacked our decks of cards so that we could follow script.
She also played the lead in our Golden Pond the first time we did it.
Just two of many parts she did.

Our second loss was Barb who many may not realize the impact she and her family had on the theatre. She was a kind and loving person who helped with props, costumes, and fund raising. She was also a great friend to me personally by providing me shelter in her home when I most needed that along with her friendship.
Bless you both ,ladies :I am a better person for having known both of you.
Have a great week everyone and cherish those you love while they are with us.
Stay warm.