Saturday Go Blue!

Early morning here.  Waiting for the Comcast guy.  My house phone has been "out" for about 3 weeks.  They are narrowing down the problem over time I believe ;-)  If the Comcast guy doesn't show today I am going to be not nice.  Hopefully he (they said it would be a he) will show in the next 50 minutes as my appointment states so I can zip on up to Farmer's Market (last day in Chelsea).  

Spent most of yesterday at Oakwood sitting with my Dad.  He was rushed to ER Thursday about midnight.  I got a call Friday morning at 1am.  My lil sis, Emily called me to tell me ('round about--Denise called her to call me) When I saw her name on the caller ID  and the lateness of the hour, I was so afraid something had happened to Jasper or Mike (police officers).  I listened and realized what was happening.  I texted Denise, she texted back to call her when I woke up.  I got back to sleep near 3am, up at 4:45am and well, the rest of the day was push push.  Morning had me teaching classes while writing sub plans, hiring an afternoon sub and securing all the rooms etc etc--then off to Dearborn.  Jeanine had taken the morning to be with her Gpa so Aunt Denise could go home and sleep, but Aunt Denise did not go home so I saw her as well when I got there at noon.  It was good to see Jeanine.  She is pretty as always.  Some of the time when she wasn't tending lovingly to her Gpa, Jeanine was texting her cousin Larraine in CA.  They are two peas from the same pod! ;-)

Dad told his usual jokes but was in terrible pain when his medication wore off.  I helped him up and down and was generally busy being present.  After Jeanine had left, the man in the next bed fell pretty terribly, right through Dad's curtained area--he yelled a lot, bled a lot all over the floor (I watched them clean it up with one of those disposable pads, but no soap and water--hmm?) I swear 12 people materialized in his room in seconds, including 2 paramedics who were in the hall at the time--amazing!  A surgeon came to see what had happened, probably 10 minutes after.  Dad moved to a private room about 4pm--and the temp was set at 48 (honest!).  The nurse jiggled some buttons with itty bitty numbers and slowly the heat came on.  I gave Dad my coat to put on his legs --brrr!!!!! The room did not have any window curtains or curtain that allows some privacy, so Dad was rather "exposed" to the world.  We asked for curtains and a nice man came a couple of hours and put them up.  The nurse said that they had to do a complete tear down and clean out of that room prior and that's why everything was gone.  I think I should go scrub my hands again ;-)

Well, enough of the Friday Hospital fun.  I drove home in the cold rain, tired--glad to be back home (near 9pm I believe) .  Muffin was waiting for me and none to pleased I had not provided her with evening company.  

Other exciting prior news:  something was in the air on Thursday as kids were up to mischief at school.  Real highjinks.  Kept me on my toes! One of my guitar student's apartment caught fire and burnt to the ground :-(  This is a family that has come from Iraq (in 2003) and struggled to get ahead.  After I felt for the family and their plight, I also realized he had a school guitar at home and I'd have to file zillions of paperwork to cover the department.  argh  Funny how your mind works.

Well, off to organize my Saturday chores (no Comcast guy yet).  I have 2 wedding commitments today--ceremony and reception at the Botanical Gardens. I put it together that I should be packing up and trying to get home JUST as the U of M (Go Blue!) and MSU game is finishing.  Oh joy!  If you don't hear from my until Tuesday, you'll know traffic was bad. ;-)

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Wednesday

Whoa, how the time flies!  Lecture was excellent.  I spoke on Musical Instruments.  Prior to the lecture I presented the "Vote Song" along with about 8 talented students who sang the solo sections.  It is an extra credit project. (and fun)  I'll sing it for you if you like. "Your opinion's in demand, get out and vote! Get on up and take a stand, Get out and Vote!  If you want to make a change, don't just sit there and complain, Get up off your duff and vote!"  It has 8 verses...shall I continue? .... ;-)  Call for your private concert.   Today's lecture was Islamic Art--the balsam blue in the tile work (mosaics) was gorgeous.  I hope I'll go to southern Spain someday and visit those beautiful mosques.  For now, I'll just save for a refrigerator and Hawaii ; -)

Talked with Jeanine for a while tonight.  They are in transition with Hunter and his day care. They made a hard and excellent decision to pull Hunter out of his old daycare.  I will be glad to hear good stories about Hunter's day without goose eggs on his head.  Poor little Pumpkin!

Received an email from my niece, Kristine. Keep her in your prayers as she investigates lumps that have grown on her throat.  :-(  Her biopsy is Wednesday. 

Chilly tonight--worked hard on school work, entered grades, worked on my Test 2 for Humanities (next week) so I'm off to bed with a good book to arise again at 5:30am.  Talk to you then

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Quick Monday Post

Worked hard today.  Was prepared--every student had theory bellwork--now I have to grade it all and enter it in my gradebook as well as online in the online grading system.  tee and hee.  

The MT&T kids have moved on to a new creative melody project, the guitarists eyes about popped out when they saw the music I choose for them today (lots of fancy picking), and the piano students were ready when I came flying in, moving them forward in their books.  Whew! My feet are worn out!  Lecture this morning was Byzantine Art.  I had the pleasure of viewing the mosaics in Ravenna and remembering Jeanine and my trip there when we did our whirlwind "Treasures of Italy" tour. The mosaic tiles were gorgeous, and the intricate Isalamic influenced designs--mmmmmmm.  

Annie-Sophie Mutter was excellent last night. Her accompanying chamber group really kept pace with her.  It was an excellent concert. While we were parking to go into Hill, Cynthia and I saw the most beautiful sunset over western Ann Arbor.  (I love the Old West side).  Cynthia's husband is still out of work.  It is scary times in Michigan.

Tonight, I will prep for my lecture (Tomorrow). I am driving a red Fusion (2008) as my Freestyle is in for maintenance. Palmer still loves that I come there for service.  I think they have not been doing so well.  

Well the rain has begun--I'm ready for a nap.

(In the meantime, did I tell you I am making potato leek soup with ingredients from my garden and the Farmer's Market--come on over for a taste)

Later gators

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Sunday Morning

Listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing "Be Still, My Soul" based on a Sibelius tune (Finlandia)--quite beautiful to start the morning.

The last few days have been very busy, so sorry I didn't update.  Lecture went well on Thursday. I have yet to take my notes out of my briefcase and burn the changes to a new CD and file for next year.  ....next year that is IF I choose to teach Humanities again.  It takes a time toll! Though intellectually stimulating, the pay off is not enough anymore. My friend, George used to say "Wow, you are teaching Humanities? That is quite the heavy teaching load!" Indeed it is.

 Friday was filled with a beautiful weather day.  The students were ready for Friday. My piano students perform on Friday and my Guitar students are assessed on Friday so it was a busy performance day.  I critique and grade each so lots of listening, pencil, paper, and ending with a positive comment.  Unlocked, locked, unlocked and locked 10 practice rooms, that many times ;-) Tuned 28 guitars, though they are making better attempts at tuning their own.  My MT&T class was quiet in the sense that everyone was under headphones and working feverously.  Their assignment had been to compose a 12 bar blues.  Though we covered all the bare essentials, it was pretty interesting what they came up with. (rap over blues chords?)  Many don't seem to understand what a "melody" is.    Stopped at Arbor Farms on the way home, chatted with Even the deli guy, talked at length with a Mom of former students (Sophia and Glen Mitas) Sophia went to Japan with my delegation and then both Sophia and Glen went on to be my Humanities students.  Mrs. Mitas still calls me "M&M Sensei"  :-)  She told me Sophia was finishing at Michigan and Glen is in his 2nd year there.  Though both are doing very very well, she mainly told me about Glen who chose to live in Couzins Hall which had a "focus" of community service.  It had attracted students from around the world.  After freshman year, Glen took all the money he had earned during the year (parents are paying for college) and went around the world visiting all this college friends he had met in the dorm.  By August he ended up in Dubai and flew home.  WOW!  She said it was hard for her to trust and let him go, but all turned out well.  They are having a great Michigan experience (minus the football).

My friend, the C/W Gospel singer called Friday night.  He reminded me he would be singing at a Christian coffee shop downriver Saturday night (no, I didn't go).  Saturday arrived crisp and bright. I went to the Farmer's Market, bought leeks for potato leek soup (Will make later today), kale (for the chicken soup I had in the frig), and next door for a nice roast.  Jan and Fran (Fran is Marshall's sister from Mississippi) came past and invited me out to the apple orchard and to see the colors.  What fun!  Cider, donuts and fresh crisp apple tasting!  I bought enough apples to make several batches of applesauce.  Jan just finished a class on the Underground Railroad in Western Washtenaw County, so she dragged along showing us all the beautiful sights on the path in Freedom Township.  We spent time at the Zion Lutheran Church on Waters and Fletcher--established in the early 1800s.  They conducted services in German until late 1930.  The old cemetery behind the church has people from the early eras.  They are buried not by family but by year they died.  Interesting.  Once home, I made my pot roast and apple sauce (yum!), worked on my lecture for Tuesday (Musical Instruments), talked to my Dad, my sister Denise, and my friend, Cynthia.  Doug stopped by to help me move my harp from the lower level back up to the upper level.  We had housed the harp downstairs during the summer to keep it cool and happy during those hot snotty months.  Now she prefers to be upstairs.  We sat and talked for about an hour. He has very wise investment advice.  He told how his friend bought $50.000 worth of Ford stock last week.  

Chelsea tidbits: Chelsea Pharmacy is moving across the street to join the Post Office in the old Polly's building.  The builder sold the land development to Reinhart and they are selling the lots, including the lot at the bottom of the hill.   They have free Zingerman's bread and pie tasting at the Chelsea Market on Saturdays.  Word has it that one of the Zingee owners moved into town.

At my Humanities meeting on Thursday, did I tell you they asked me to lead the class trip this year?  After wanting to go on the trip for the last 2 years, and saying so and being bypassed.......finally the guy in charge does not want to go and they asked me to lead (trip is to Greece)....I said no.  Huron Band had asked me to chaperone at the same time.  I will go with Huron.  For those of you who don't know, I highly respect the Huron High School Music Team.  They are mature, ethical, moral, and kind to one another.  They work as a functional family, daily.  Where are they/we headed on tour? Hawaii ;-)  

It is Sunday morning so I'm working on my lecture, laundry, hopefully go for a walk in the beautiful weather, read a bit of a book, and attend a UMS concert tonight. I am not headed to my Dad's--just can't do that every week.  With Denise there on and off, it does give Dad some company.   Will be a late night for me, with an early start tomorrow but eh....

I"ve included a picture of my student Alexi singing his "Ode to Ms. Martinez" song.  Brought a smile to my face.  

Happy Sunday everyone!

long

week and glad it is Friday.  I look nice ;-)  I have on my painted purple/decorative shirt (art fair), black skirt, black tights and shoes--wrapped here at home in my black cashmere (ala Beijing) shawl.  Tired as all get out.  I stayed at school last night to listen to the choir and orchestra concert.  Being a public forum, I'll decline to comment about the concert here.  It was nice to see so many of my students on stage and in the audience.

The time waiting, I graded papers, entered grades, made copies for next week, began organizing my Tuesday lecture. (yeah, it was just yesterday that I wove my way through "Form").  I had a Humanities meeting after school as well, so the day stretched into the night. I left Pioneer shortly after 9:30pm.  It was good to come home!

The alarm rang too early and I was up and out the door.  It was a beautiful orange and yellow tree filled day.  I primarily noticed on the drive home (Jackson Rd!).  Seemed like pods of kids were missing in classes (nice day + Friday) and there was word there was an off campus grillfest in the park at lunch--several seniors had trouble finding their way back to school.  I myself was out of lunch items, so I was particularly delighted when the orchestra kids invited me to their party at lunch.  BIG SUBMARINE SANDWICHES!!!   Later on my MT&T class was full of pizzazz.  They were writing a blues piece and working on lyrics.  They definitely got the hang of the whiney lyrics ;-)  Tonight is the big football game between Pioneer and their arch rivals--Huron.  Both bands will be marching but I will be home (hopefully in bed) before half time.  

Hope all of you had beautiful Fridays.  Until later...........

Damp

and chilly but wrapped up warmly.  Once home from school it's been steady work getting ready for my lecture tomorrow morning.  I find it takes ALOT of time to reorganize the musical excerpts.  Since it tends to freeze my computer to have the music played while displaying my Power Point presentation, I have begun to transfer all the music on to my "real" computer (there is something wrong with the extra school computer and whenever we try to play music on it, we get horrid feedback)...so my evening was spent burning music on to a disc to transfer to my "real" computer and then organize all 47 excerpts to be ready for quick listening tomorrow am.

Actually, I'm planning on watching the debate and going to bed.  

Muffin has been more of a companion since Houdini died.  Muffin likes hanging around my feet, sleeping in my bed.  She is a snuggler.  Houdi used to poke me with her paw to get me to scratch her ears--Muffin has started to do that.  Amazing...like Houdi whispered in Muffin's ear.  We've had Muffin, how many years?  12 perhaps? and she never did this before. Muffin makes a good companion.

Anybody else enjoying the "PieMaker?"  Isn't it clever ;-)

Well I'm off to prep for morning.

Night all. Enjoy the noctural rain serenade.

 

the colors danced

with the sunlight today.  The shift in the shadows was so inviting.  I bounced out the door after dinner and there was the turkey sitting on the front step.  He has grown used to my enthusiasm, merely stepping aside as I came bouncing out.  I didn't realize he was there, didn't wish to upset his serenity, so I slowed my steps and took the long path around up to the garage for chores.  He waited for me to return and then walked slowly up the hill.  

I just love the thick yellows and oranges.  My favorite oak on E Old 12 was full of herself today.  It was very tempting to STOP and sit under her spreading branches.  I love this time of year! It is my favorite time of year.

I went out to my deck and checked in with my garden.  I gathered enough green beans for two servings tomorrow (yum) and three ripe luscious tomatoes.  I have dragged my toes getting rid of the garden.  I "guess" this weekend I will have to being the closing ritual for deck gardens.  I had many flowers planted this year as well, colored asters, mums (3 kinds) snapdragons, white azalea, spider plant, petunias and sweet potato vines--along with the veggies.  I've enjoyed rubbing my hands in the rosemary, or pinching a leaf of basil, or cozing up to the lavender.  It has been a very good garden year.  I sat for a while on the glider, listening to the hundreds of birds gathering down at the pond.  They took off with one secret signal.  The turkey soon followed--flying up into the tree.  He always sounds like a balloon taking off.  I'm not sure the kids would remember, but we used to get a lot of balloons out this way.  Sunday mornings there would be the " 'allo!" call from above.  Friscobaldi in particular would announce their arrival. 

It was a spicy dinner.  I put aside soups and broths to have one of my Dad's inventions.  Spicy sausage with refried beans, sprinkle of cheddar, chopped onions, rolled into a fresh,warm tortilla.  I know my friends swear by A2 and Co tortillas--but I prefer the kind my Gma made and follow her recipe (Bisquick ;-)  I had a steamed ear of sweet corn. The sweet corn came from the nice farm on Scio--where you put your money in the door of the frig and help yourself.  It's the best corn in the county!

The sun has gone now, the moon to rise soon. I think I'll rock in my big brown chair and just wait her arrival.

Good Evening All

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Gorgeous Day!

I hope everyone that I love leaves their work place and goes home and plays this afternoon. It is so gorgeous out!  I had to give a makeup exam after school, but zipped out after that.  I dragged down my favorite country route home (Scio Church)...and marveled with the trees.  Lots of orange and yellow on Scio Church.  Red burst out in the underbrush.  We used to have a red underbrush at the corner of the yard garden, but two landscaping projects ago, it was killed :-(  Too much digging. (I am going to bet I am the only one who remembers this plant.) The colors were just popping.  I had my windows down and my moonroof opened. I was burning up my $2.86 gas but I was happy. Reminded me of rolling through Hawaii in the convertible...the North Shore turn!  (that's where I saw the giant sea turtle ....ah) As I drove home I smelled that-- Two farms had refertilized and turned their soil over..such a nice rich flavor filling the air.  There is another farm for sale.  I hate to see it go--107 acres, horse barn.  It is a very old farm. I guess they just can't make a go of it anymore. Their neighbors left about a year and half ago.  There was a tunnel of trees right after the Heil's old house--and they too were beckoning eyes with color.  Being such a beautiful day, I noted many farmers out working.  One farmer was processing his grain and shooting it out the equipment, up a pipe, into the wagon.  I think it was corn fodder for the winter.  I love living in the country. 

I made the curve around to the house, noted that the developer that bought the land from Nadeau--appears to be selling again.  The lot at the end of our road is also back up for sale.  Things are so tight, I doubt that they will have much interest.  

Hope, finishing up my Dearborn Inn meal (thank you, Dad and Mo) topping off with a few carmels and sliced apples.  I am brewing chai ice tea for later.  Perhaps will end the evening with some pear jam on sourdough toast.  Jan and I picked the pears at one of my friend's farms--but that's another story.

If anyone sees my parking pass for PHS, put it aside. It disappeared.  Perhaps it got tossed into the recycling and I did do gobs of recycling this weekend.  (oops)  In the meantime,

go play!  "oh this is a tale of a man named Chris, who sailed the ocean blue....in the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria in 1492, Sailed the Ocean Blue."  (thought that would make you smile, Jean-Pierre)

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3 snooze alarm morning

So I'm on the run but couldn't resist checking in with the world.

I noted I received calls and messages in the evening last night when I was off with my book and the ocean sound machine--I'll return your calls this evening, promise.

Just before the first alarm, someone, something poked me on the back right shoulder blade.  Houdi used to wake me up this way--a reach out and "Hello, Kitty!" touch.  He's been gone now 3 weeks so that would have been a long distance touch.  I also smelled wood smoke ashes.  Nothing is burning in the house so it was just a pleasant reminder from when we heated with wood.

It is Monday and promises to be a beautiful day.  I just may spoil my guitarists and let them play out of doors.  It is necessary to meet in the classrooms for the rest of my classes today.

So off to invent a decent packable lunch, feed the cat (rubbing at my feet), find a calm breakfast, shower, tame my new hair, and make clothing choices.  Everyone have a great Monday!

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little late

but it was chilly in my room and I had missed dinner so I left my book and crawled out of bed for a snack with evening TV.  The dryer is still running so I'll wait it out.  Wow, three loads of laundry and all the ironing, one Power Point presentation, and two phone calls returned all since I got home from my Dad's.  A rather productive night.

I went out and said good night to turkey before dark.  He is perched in his tree up over the kids old room.  

It was such a beautiful blue sky day.  We had whisps of white cloud, mare's tails.  So hard not to spend time just lost in the sky.  This is my favorite time of year and it has to be the October blue skies that lead my smile. As you've all heard me say, it reminds me of my beloved New Mexico and Colorado skies. (Roundtrip tickets are $203 on Travelocity today ;-)  I first went there with my good friend, Chrissy.  We were 19 and on our own, traveling, enjoying. I immediately loved the area.  I've been back 4 more times.  Funny, I always figured I would retire to Colorado/New Mexico but this last year I realize I want to retire near my little sister, Emily.  We have spent too much time apart already.  I feel very close to her--I love her soul.  She is hard working, deep thinking, considerate, practical.  I respect and trust her spirituality.  I can be myself with Emily. I love her sense of clean play and fun.   I always wanted to live closer to her, be available as the aunt for after school check ins, check out the attire before homecoming, meet the beaus and belles as they come and go and come and stay.  Two regrets at this point: Not being able to attend Larraine's wedding, not playing the harp at Jeanine's.  Well.....life goes on.   

Finished "Little Heathens" --the story about growing up on an Iowa farm during the Depression. Excellent!  I hated to end it.  Now I am reading "Make my home in Glory Land" a story about the Underground Railroad. (You know my interest there!)  Jan Carr, walking partner, neighbor recommended both.  

Well, I'm off to read.  4:45 comes early.

Hope everyone sleeps well with their turkeys over their heads but down range ;-)

6 o clock

The joy of 6 o clock on a Sunday night is Jean-Pierre touches bases with me via voice.  It is ALWAYS a joy to hear from him.  He fills me in on his week, his work, his travels, and Nicole's coming and goings. Jean often has excellent articles to share, podcast info, and what's really happening behind the headlines at WSJ.   He listens patiently while I tell him of my latest date, the current student issues, what's happening in the family.  I really appreciate his listening intelligent ear.  Jean always gives good advice.

I had a good time with my Dad. He was looking forward to company. He had driven to church today.  He has been reluctant to go of late.  The ministery has changed hands and the new minister is just not up to my Dad's thoughts on who and how a minister should be.  Dad isn't into theater at church--and that does sound like a big focus now.  I know he misses Mom being there with him as well.  He feels guilty for not volunteering to do more at church. (In the past he has ushered, fed people, tended the gardens, played on the baseball team, gone door to door on their membership drive.)  I remind him he has put in his time and now it is time for someone else to take on that opportunity.  

We went to see our "friend" Mo at the Dearborn Inn.  Mo is very kind and patient with my Dad.  Mo always remembers what Dad likes to drink, eat and offers that first.  He makes good recommendations and quickly brings bread to keep our stomachs happy.  

One of my delights was finding gas for $2.86 a gallon.  I had purposely run in on fumes hoping gas was lower than here (It is #3.09 here).  I have included a picture of the gas sign for those who will doubt me.  The drive in was spectacular as the trees were bursting with orange and yellow colors.  My Dad and I took a short drive around the west side to see some of the trees off the main streets.  

When I was driving past the airport, a 747 was coming in from ??China???Japan??? somewhere special.  I slowed down so it could go right over my open moon roof.  I flashed my lights and yelled "WELCOME TO DETROIT!!! WELCOME TO THE USA!!!"  I always feel it is important to great travelers in a kind way.  

Ah a big shout out to Brad Bobenmoyer on his birthday!!! "Brad Brad he's our man, if he can't do it, nobody can!"  I am sure Jeanine is taking good care of him on his birthday. Reminds me that your Gpa, Jeanine said he is saving some fertilizer for the two of you.  It should go in the ground soon (as in prior to winter).  Gpa removed it from his car because it was smelling up the new car.  Aunt Denise offered to drive it over to your house.  Perhaps you can connect by calling Gpa.

Talked with my sister, Emily, late last night.  Jasper was splitting wood, Lucas stacking the wood.  Our call was interrupted when Jasper careened down the hill and gash opened his elbow.  Life in the country can be so exciting!  Veronica got a new kitty (after losing poor Wheezy to a stroke)--though he came with the name George--they are not sure what they will call him.

Well that's all the Sunday night news.

Hope you are enjoying your bliss-filled day.

Not much

time to be able to post all the news.  I am rushing to do house chores and get out the door to the woods before leaving for Detroit.  What a beautiful day.

The cat insisted I get up at 7 this morning--so I fed her and jumped back in bed with my iPhone. (I love my iPhone)  I read all the pertinent emails, news and made some wise choices in forwarding articles from the nytimes. (Everyone check out Maureen Dowd: Tu Brutus)  Thought I'd post some pictures from last night's walk and a few from school.  

Those thirsty for more info will just have to be patient.

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Saturday Afternoon

Unable to reach my daughter by phone, it has been so entertaining reading about my daughter, THE BABY and Brad's exploits at their blog, so I thought I'd join her.

Having a lovely Michigan afternoon, where the weather is perfecto, the trees shifting from their summer wear to gorgeous colors.  I made chicken soup and took it to a sick neighbor, did all my recycling, went to the Library's book sale, picked up my mail and soon will be headed out to the woods for a walk.  Unlike last weekend's Obama Barn Bash, I don't have any political events planned other than wearing my three Obama buttons.  My good friends at school have encouraged me to submit my "No Pitbull with Lipstick" button to Jon Stewart and Steve Colbert (hmm on the spelling).  Heard today from my good friend-the Country Western Gospel Singer, whose new CD has hit #8 on the Rockabilly charts.  I knew that would bring a smile to everyone's face. 

I did talk with my sister, Emily and unfortunately they have fallen on very difficult financial times at her work.  Though she works for a grant foundation giving away money to needy causes, the company which funds the grant foundation is not doing well due to the economy slow down (no new construction/they are in construction) --They laid off a large amount of their work force (46 people in one afternoon) including Emily's favorite co worker.  There will be more lay offs in 6 months if things don't turn around quickly.  Emily and Jasper are still planning to build my Dad a place (house) in their meadow.

My Dad bought a new car. The dealer was glad to see him and his cash.  He misses his old car.  He likes the Frank Sinatra station in this car, but his old Marquee turned more easily he says.

My neighbor "kid" bought a dump truck on eBay last week, and yesterday came home with a bobcat (the construction type, not the animal)  He has more toys than anyone on the road.

We still miss Houdini around here.  At night sometimes Muffin goes out into the living room and cries so pitifully.

My friend, George died last Saturday.  He wasn't all that old. His death was unexpected.  He had a lot of dreams, loved his children, adored his grandchildren.  He planned to retire from teaching this year and travel.  ahhhhh  

I am headed to Youngstown or Warren or Canfield or someplace "down there" to play my cousin's daughter's wedding.  I will be driving through on October 31st, the wedding is November 1st at night.  I hope to drive back up on Sunday.  Jeanine's 31st birthday is Monday the 3rd.  I remember her arrival very well.  It rained, it snowed, it was cloudy, it was sunny--all on her special day. 

I have plenty of weekend homework to do--lecturing this week on Form.  For those of you who spoke with me last week, my Texture Lecture went extremely well (the music selections were incredibly well rounded, well chosen)--but alas, you are only as good as your next performance.  Onward.

well I am off to ponder the world and walk in the woods.

Thanks for catching up on my news.