Blog Archive '06
Saturday, Dec. 30th/06
Beorn is back in our garage! Just as we were heading out after noon hour to Deb's wedding gig, VW phoned to say the Touareg was ready! And it didn't squeal coming home! It was a worn bearing in the rear prop (?). Everything was covered by the warranty. It drives like a new vehicle (it always has, except for the squeal).
We got a very welcome and newsy e-mail from Jenny Lam this morning. I am so glad we are still in contact with her. Her concert in Thunder Bay was cancelled due to heavy fog the day of her flight! Like most of us, she is using the holiday to recharge her batteries.
Deb's harp playing at today's wedding went very well. We now have enough money to purchase our wood flooring for the main room of our house. After I dropped her off at the church in Windsor (with the white Jetta) I went to VW and switched back to the Touareg. Everything did fit easily into the Jetta (harp, amp, music stand, gig bag), but it was sure nice to drive home in our own vehicle!
It was sunny and warm (50 degrees), and some heavy rain is coming our way for New Years' Eve.
I am now listening to an early recording of Joan Sutherland singing the lead in Lucia di Lammermoor. Truly amazing coloratura! La Splendida to be sure!!
Beorn is back in our garage! Just as we were heading out after noon hour to Deb's wedding gig, VW phoned to say the Touareg was ready! And it didn't squeal coming home! It was a worn bearing in the rear prop (?). Everything was covered by the warranty. It drives like a new vehicle (it always has, except for the squeal).
We got a very welcome and newsy e-mail from Jenny Lam this morning. I am so glad we are still in contact with her. Her concert in Thunder Bay was cancelled due to heavy fog the day of her flight! Like most of us, she is using the holiday to recharge her batteries.
Deb's harp playing at today's wedding went very well. We now have enough money to purchase our wood flooring for the main room of our house. After I dropped her off at the church in Windsor (with the white Jetta) I went to VW and switched back to the Touareg. Everything did fit easily into the Jetta (harp, amp, music stand, gig bag), but it was sure nice to drive home in our own vehicle!
It was sunny and warm (50 degrees), and some heavy rain is coming our way for New Years' Eve.
I am now listening to an early recording of Joan Sutherland singing the lead in Lucia di Lammermoor. Truly amazing coloratura! La Splendida to be sure!!
Friday, Dec. 29th/06
We headed over to Point Pelee National Park for the afternoon. It miraculously turned sunny just as we arrived at the park, then promptly clouded over again as we left. We hiked and photographed three short trails, adding up to about 5 1/2 km of walking on a mild and sunny December day.
On our way to the park we stopped at Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary. There were a large number of geese on site who know a good thing when they see it.
In the evening, Randy and Anita stopped by for a visit. Deb prepared some incredible vegan snacks.
Our truck remains in the shop, and will likely stay there until the new year. We are currently driving a new Jetta TDI.
Thursday, Dec. 28th/06
The holidays are marching on in perfect fashion, with lots of great food, long sleeps, practicing, gaming, mapwork, long walks, photography (working on a folder called "Holidays Winter /06"), movies and reading.
We brought Beorn back to VW today, and he is staying awhile. We came home with a new Jetta TDI loaner. The Touraeg was sqealing a lot this week, and was very loud on yesterday's trip to Essex. Tomorrow we hope to head out to Point Pelee for more walking and picture-taking. Randy and Anita are visiting tomorrow evening. Tonight Deb is up the road at a ladies' harp gathering. Roger came by for a lesson, as he embarks upon a new set of piano pieces. I loaned him my copy of "This is Your Brain on Music", and made plans to hear Angela Hewitt play the Beethoven Concerto in C Major next month with the DSO.
The holidays are marching on in perfect fashion, with lots of great food, long sleeps, practicing, gaming, mapwork, long walks, photography (working on a folder called "Holidays Winter /06"), movies and reading.
We brought Beorn back to VW today, and he is staying awhile. We came home with a new Jetta TDI loaner. The Touraeg was sqealing a lot this week, and was very loud on yesterday's trip to Essex. Tomorrow we hope to head out to Point Pelee for more walking and picture-taking. Randy and Anita are visiting tomorrow evening. Tonight Deb is up the road at a ladies' harp gathering. Roger came by for a lesson, as he embarks upon a new set of piano pieces. I loaned him my copy of "This is Your Brain on Music", and made plans to hear Angela Hewitt play the Beethoven Concerto in C Major next month with the DSO.
Sunday, Dec. 24th/06
We went for a walk today. It was sunny, mild, muddy, and there were insects flying around. The "myth" of global warming is almost coming true!
Hope all you guys in Sudbury have a great time tonight and tomorrow. We nearly made it up this year. We had the truck in for the past 3 Wednesdays, and they cannot fix our annoying squeal. It goes back in next Thursday.
To Cathy and Moreno:
We found your Christmas card in our truck yesterday, the one we thought we had mailed last week. We have been hauling school play props and costumes all week, and when we cleaned out the vehicle there was your card! So, you may get it by New Years, or at least by the time it snows!
To Pauline and Jim:
We had planned to stop in tonight for dessert, and are so sorry that it did not work out. We are both anxious to see you again, and we will try for March Break. I am bringing lots of cameras, so prepare for a major photo shoot expedition, Uncle Jim.
To Mom and Dad:
We were even bringing our own Tofurky, which is now thawing out for tomorrow's dinner!! Glad we sent the package up by bus. We thought we could fool you that way, but as it turns out that is the only way the presents were going to arrive. Hope your eye heals quickly, Dad. Don't forget to gross everyone out at the dinner table by telling them (in detail) about that needle in the eye.
Deb just talked to Sharon. Thanks for dropping off the gifts.
To Everyone:
HAPPY RAMA-HANU-KWANZ-MAS!!!!
Saturday, Dec. 23rd/06
A very windy day, making it seem colder than it really was. We went to Dearborn to our mailbox. I got my newest camera, an inexpensive digital to replace my non-functioning HP 370. I got a Fujifilm A400, which will now become my new "backpack" camera. It is very tiny and light, giving half-way decent pictures at 4 mp. I only paid $100 for it, and it will earn its keep. I also got a pretty cool bear tee-shirt from Deb to go with Beorn's silver bear, now firmly attached to his rump below the Touareg lettering. It looks really great!
We both managed to practice this afternoon, a rare enough event lately. I tried a few pics with the new camera. In the evening I began listening to Schumann's "Scenes from Faust", falling madly in love with Part 1. More later on the performances.
We went for a walk today. It was sunny, mild, muddy, and there were insects flying around. The "myth" of global warming is almost coming true!
Hope all you guys in Sudbury have a great time tonight and tomorrow. We nearly made it up this year. We had the truck in for the past 3 Wednesdays, and they cannot fix our annoying squeal. It goes back in next Thursday.
To Cathy and Moreno:
We found your Christmas card in our truck yesterday, the one we thought we had mailed last week. We have been hauling school play props and costumes all week, and when we cleaned out the vehicle there was your card! So, you may get it by New Years, or at least by the time it snows!
To Pauline and Jim:
We had planned to stop in tonight for dessert, and are so sorry that it did not work out. We are both anxious to see you again, and we will try for March Break. I am bringing lots of cameras, so prepare for a major photo shoot expedition, Uncle Jim.
To Mom and Dad:
We were even bringing our own Tofurky, which is now thawing out for tomorrow's dinner!! Glad we sent the package up by bus. We thought we could fool you that way, but as it turns out that is the only way the presents were going to arrive. Hope your eye heals quickly, Dad. Don't forget to gross everyone out at the dinner table by telling them (in detail) about that needle in the eye.
Deb just talked to Sharon. Thanks for dropping off the gifts.
To Everyone:
HAPPY RAMA-HANU-KWANZ-MAS!!!!
Saturday, Dec. 23rd/06
A very windy day, making it seem colder than it really was. We went to Dearborn to our mailbox. I got my newest camera, an inexpensive digital to replace my non-functioning HP 370. I got a Fujifilm A400, which will now become my new "backpack" camera. It is very tiny and light, giving half-way decent pictures at 4 mp. I only paid $100 for it, and it will earn its keep. I also got a pretty cool bear tee-shirt from Deb to go with Beorn's silver bear, now firmly attached to his rump below the Touareg lettering. It looks really great!
We both managed to practice this afternoon, a rare enough event lately. I tried a few pics with the new camera. In the evening I began listening to Schumann's "Scenes from Faust", falling madly in love with Part 1. More later on the performances.
Friday, Dec. 22nd/06
The final day of classes has come and gone. Thanks to Desiree (Gr. 7) I am now all prepared for Band practice the first day back. We sorted the old music and removed it from the folders, then added two new pieces. Despite indoor recesses due to heavy rains, things at school generally seemed to go well. Brittany (Gr. 8) came to my classroom and updated the calendar for January on the Amherstburg Public School website.
After school five of us (teachers) went out for a drink (Ruth, Mary, Sue, Deb and I). Got an e-mail from Amanda L., who is back in the 'burg for a short time. Always look forward to her visits.
I talked to my brother Steve some more about the Touareg squeal.
I also resumed my in-house listening program, continuing to go through the Haydn Symphonies. Tonight I played #23, a perfectly charming piece of music. The final movement is a two minute outburst of amazing caliber! I also picked out a new opera to start tomorrow, "Faust" by Schumann. The holidays have arrived!!!
The final day of classes has come and gone. Thanks to Desiree (Gr. 7) I am now all prepared for Band practice the first day back. We sorted the old music and removed it from the folders, then added two new pieces. Despite indoor recesses due to heavy rains, things at school generally seemed to go well. Brittany (Gr. 8) came to my classroom and updated the calendar for January on the Amherstburg Public School website.
After school five of us (teachers) went out for a drink (Ruth, Mary, Sue, Deb and I). Got an e-mail from Amanda L., who is back in the 'burg for a short time. Always look forward to her visits.
I talked to my brother Steve some more about the Touareg squeal.
I also resumed my in-house listening program, continuing to go through the Haydn Symphonies. Tonight I played #23, a perfectly charming piece of music. The final movement is a two minute outburst of amazing caliber! I also picked out a new opera to start tomorrow, "Faust" by Schumann. The holidays have arrived!!!
Thursday, Dec. 21st/06
Winter Solstice arrived this evening at 7:22. It was warm and pouring rain, so we didn't bother to light a fire. We got our winter pictures up on the walls (Japanese winter woodblock prints and our Pueblo Mudhead Kachina print), and got out our next cross-quarter Tarot cards. More on these later, but mine seems to promise a good upcoming 6 weeks.
Our final Holiday show is now over at school, and seemed to meet with great success. My soloists did well again, and most things got cleaned up afterwards, leaving very little to do tomorrow except survive the last day of term. Due to a forecast of heavy rain, we will likely be cursed with indoor recesses. Drat!
Winter Solstice arrived this evening at 7:22. It was warm and pouring rain, so we didn't bother to light a fire. We got our winter pictures up on the walls (Japanese winter woodblock prints and our Pueblo Mudhead Kachina print), and got out our next cross-quarter Tarot cards. More on these later, but mine seems to promise a good upcoming 6 weeks.
Our final Holiday show is now over at school, and seemed to meet with great success. My soloists did well again, and most things got cleaned up afterwards, leaving very little to do tomorrow except survive the last day of term. Due to a forecast of heavy rain, we will likely be cursed with indoor recesses. Drat!
Wed., Dec. 20th/06
My third trip to VW in as many weeks has come to an inglorious end. Despite a lot of time and money spent (by VW) the vehicle was still squealing on the way home. Called Steve for some advice before calling VW back tomorrow. I also posted on a VW Touareg forum on-line. We were actually planning to drive to Sudbury on Sunday, but can't now because the noise is very uncomfortable to hear, especially for 8 hours each way!
The unbelievable weather continues, more like late October than mid-December. This was the main reason we decided to drive up north for Christmas.
The first school performance went well today. The APS Band sounded great, and my four soloists (Kady, Jessica, Alicia and Amanda) were excellent!! My fifth soloist forgot her music at home. Oh well.
Another show on Thursday. Deb's homemade DVD of junior art with a short play/poem in the background worked perfectly, and was quite awesome.
My third trip to VW in as many weeks has come to an inglorious end. Despite a lot of time and money spent (by VW) the vehicle was still squealing on the way home. Called Steve for some advice before calling VW back tomorrow. I also posted on a VW Touareg forum on-line. We were actually planning to drive to Sudbury on Sunday, but can't now because the noise is very uncomfortable to hear, especially for 8 hours each way!
The unbelievable weather continues, more like late October than mid-December. This was the main reason we decided to drive up north for Christmas.
The first school performance went well today. The APS Band sounded great, and my four soloists (Kady, Jessica, Alicia and Amanda) were excellent!! My fifth soloist forgot her music at home. Oh well.
Another show on Thursday. Deb's homemade DVD of junior art with a short play/poem in the background worked perfectly, and was quite awesome.
Sat., Dec. 16th/06
We both have fought off a minor flu bug. Yesterday I skipped the staff party due to a low grade headache, light and noise sensitivity and a low fever. I have slept a lot lately, too.
Our masterclass was successful yesterday, with all but two students there. Even parents came to watch. I came home and slept afterward, while Deb went to the staff party for a while.
Today we went to Dearborn for our mail pickup, and to Borders Books. I have been looking for Vol. I to the Sandman series for Caroline. No luck, though I did buy Vol. 9 for myself. I also began reading another Inspector Morse mystery. Some of them are real gems!
We also dropped off the Sudbury gifts at the bus depot, and picked up our box of goodies from home. Mom and Dad leave for Ottawa tomorrow, to get Dad's eye checked on. Sounds like things are not going so well...
We both have fought off a minor flu bug. Yesterday I skipped the staff party due to a low grade headache, light and noise sensitivity and a low fever. I have slept a lot lately, too.
Our masterclass was successful yesterday, with all but two students there. Even parents came to watch. I came home and slept afterward, while Deb went to the staff party for a while.
Today we went to Dearborn for our mail pickup, and to Borders Books. I have been looking for Vol. I to the Sandman series for Caroline. No luck, though I did buy Vol. 9 for myself. I also began reading another Inspector Morse mystery. Some of them are real gems!
We also dropped off the Sudbury gifts at the bus depot, and picked up our box of goodies from home. Mom and Dad leave for Ottawa tomorrow, to get Dad's eye checked on. Sounds like things are not going so well...
Wed., Dec. 13th/06
Despite a long visit to VW Windsor, the Touareg is still squealing. It's not the differential lock, because they put in a new one. Next week they want to replace the whole differential, so back we will go once more until this thing is solved and fixed. I drove a 2007 City Jetta back to A'burg, and it is a truly great car to drive. It corners and handles like you wouldn't believe! Still, it was so nice to get back into the Touareg later in the day. Nothing like it anywhere.
Despite a long visit to VW Windsor, the Touareg is still squealing. It's not the differential lock, because they put in a new one. Next week they want to replace the whole differential, so back we will go once more until this thing is solved and fixed. I drove a 2007 City Jetta back to A'burg, and it is a truly great car to drive. It corners and handles like you wouldn't believe! Still, it was so nice to get back into the Touareg later in the day. Nothing like it anywhere.
Tues., Dec. 12th/06
If even one of these rain events we have been enduring of late turns into a snowfall, we are done for. We have had more rain this summer and autumn than I can ever remember. We could possibly get buried in snow more than once this winter. Not something I look forward to anymore.
Two very grueling days of teaching are over, with 8 more until holidays.
If even one of these rain events we have been enduring of late turns into a snowfall, we are done for. We have had more rain this summer and autumn than I can ever remember. We could possibly get buried in snow more than once this winter. Not something I look forward to anymore.
Two very grueling days of teaching are over, with 8 more until holidays.
Sat., Dec. 9th/06
Finally beginning to warm up a bit. We returned to Detroit this afternoon, going for lunch at our new favourite downtown Thai restaurant (lots of veggie choices!). We stuffed ourselves for $10, total bill! Deb went to see the Moscow Cat Theatre, a troupe from Russia that performs with house cats! Needless to say, she loved it. I went up to the Wayne State University map library for a while and looked at maps of New Mexico. We also completed our family holiday shopping at Borders. Deb also bought herself "Whole Health for Happy Cats", whereas I went for another in the pre-Dune series written by Frank Herbert's son. They are as good as the original in many ways.
Tonight we watched a few episodes from Black Books DVD Volume 2. Quite hilarious, and a thank-you to Amanda L. for turning us on to this BBC comedy series. Not for everyone's taste, but highly recommended regardless.
Finally beginning to warm up a bit. We returned to Detroit this afternoon, going for lunch at our new favourite downtown Thai restaurant (lots of veggie choices!). We stuffed ourselves for $10, total bill! Deb went to see the Moscow Cat Theatre, a troupe from Russia that performs with house cats! Needless to say, she loved it. I went up to the Wayne State University map library for a while and looked at maps of New Mexico. We also completed our family holiday shopping at Borders. Deb also bought herself "Whole Health for Happy Cats", whereas I went for another in the pre-Dune series written by Frank Herbert's son. They are as good as the original in many ways.
Tonight we watched a few episodes from Black Books DVD Volume 2. Quite hilarious, and a thank-you to Amanda L. for turning us on to this BBC comedy series. Not for everyone's taste, but highly recommended regardless.
Fri., Dec. 8th/06
Another cold and breezy day, but this time sunny. London ON is under 50 cm of snow, but we got about 1/2 cm. Couldn't be happier for them! I biked to school and back, but it was chilly.
Another large turnout for camera club at school today. Lots of interest, but not that many pictures coming in. Only about half have their own camera. Only ten days left of school and we are off (for ten days).
We took Kady and Ashley, my most advanced wind students, to the Detroit Symphony tonight at Orchestra Hall. On the program were Brahms' 3rd Symphony and Respighi's Fountains and Pines of Rome. It was our first symphony concert of the season, as Deb and I scaled back a lot this year to pay for the Touareg. The concert was fabulous, and we stayed to meet de Burgos afterward.
Another cold and breezy day, but this time sunny. London ON is under 50 cm of snow, but we got about 1/2 cm. Couldn't be happier for them! I biked to school and back, but it was chilly.
Another large turnout for camera club at school today. Lots of interest, but not that many pictures coming in. Only about half have their own camera. Only ten days left of school and we are off (for ten days).
We took Kady and Ashley, my most advanced wind students, to the Detroit Symphony tonight at Orchestra Hall. On the program were Brahms' 3rd Symphony and Respighi's Fountains and Pines of Rome. It was our first symphony concert of the season, as Deb and I scaled back a lot this year to pay for the Touareg. The concert was fabulous, and we stayed to meet de Burgos afterward.
Thurs., Dec. 7th/06
Very cold and breezy with some blowing snow. Not a day to be outdoors. A very rewarding day at school. The Gr. 7 & 8s were treated to a visit by two naturalists with bins full of reptiles. After a talk and demo with snakes galore, the students got to handle the critters themselves! Kady B. walking around with a snake draped over her shoulders? Now I have seen everything! The students really responded well to the display. I got some good photos to put on the school website! I will put the link in this column when I upload the images.
Very cold and breezy with some blowing snow. Not a day to be outdoors. A very rewarding day at school. The Gr. 7 & 8s were treated to a visit by two naturalists with bins full of reptiles. After a talk and demo with snakes galore, the students got to handle the critters themselves! Kady B. walking around with a snake draped over her shoulders? Now I have seen everything! The students really responded well to the display. I got some good photos to put on the school website! I will put the link in this column when I upload the images.
Wed., Dec. 6th/06
I took the Touareg into the VW dealer today. It has been squealing lately, off and on. It is likely a fault in the Differential Lock, which will have a part replaced next Wed. On the way in this morning I stopped to take photos of a red sunrise over the Canard River, using the Rollei 35.
Due to a mild spell, I had my first bike ride to school in a week. Last Thurs. and Fri. it was pouring rain, and on Mon. and Tues. it was very cold and windy. It is supposed to be very cold tomorrow and Friday...
I heard from Amanda L. this morning. She is coming back to the 'burg around Dec. 21st. It will be fun to get back together and listen to some stories from the big city (T.O.). Better stock up on single malt...
I took the Touareg into the VW dealer today. It has been squealing lately, off and on. It is likely a fault in the Differential Lock, which will have a part replaced next Wed. On the way in this morning I stopped to take photos of a red sunrise over the Canard River, using the Rollei 35.
Due to a mild spell, I had my first bike ride to school in a week. Last Thurs. and Fri. it was pouring rain, and on Mon. and Tues. it was very cold and windy. It is supposed to be very cold tomorrow and Friday...
I heard from Amanda L. this morning. She is coming back to the 'burg around Dec. 21st. It will be fun to get back together and listen to some stories from the big city (T.O.). Better stock up on single malt...
Sun., Dec. 3rd/06
The weather turned very cold and breezy today, but we still managed a walk in the woods at Ojibway Nature Centre. We also did more Christmas shopping, leaving only Lois left to buy for.
This afternoon Paula came over and we recorded our piano duet and the recorder and harpsichord pieces. Then Deb and I recorded "Mandala", and we were all done! Deb needs to engineer the performances now, getting them up to a high standard preparatory to burning a CD and getting them copied.
News from Sudbury wasn't great today. My Dad needs to return to Ottawa for more treatment to one of his eyes. Deb's sister Sharon, diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, is not doing very well. Her treatment continues.
The weather turned very cold and breezy today, but we still managed a walk in the woods at Ojibway Nature Centre. We also did more Christmas shopping, leaving only Lois left to buy for.
This afternoon Paula came over and we recorded our piano duet and the recorder and harpsichord pieces. Then Deb and I recorded "Mandala", and we were all done! Deb needs to engineer the performances now, getting them up to a high standard preparatory to burning a CD and getting them copied.
News from Sudbury wasn't great today. My Dad needs to return to Ottawa for more treatment to one of his eyes. Deb's sister Sharon, diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, is not doing very well. Her treatment continues.
Sat., Dec. 2nd/06
We put in a very full day, starting out by getting our flu shot at the Lasalle clinic, then picking up my pics from McClaren's from the old Herco Imperial box camera (some very good ones) as well as my Minolta 16 "spy" camera (some not so good ones and a few good ones). I have been engaged in a long-term project of trying to get film and use all of my historic cameras. Perhaps a few of them will get posted on here someday.
Next we crossed into Detroit and enjoyed a day downtown. We had free passes for the day on the People Mover train, and explored a few areas we hadn't been to for awhile. We managed to buy some gifts, but still have a lot to go. We ate at a great Thai place on Monroe St. at the Compuware building, bringing home enough leftovers for our supper.
Despite Detroit's giant strides, the downtown still lacks for major shopping areas. There is a great collection of restaurants, including several with loads of vegetarian offerings for us, and even a totally vegan one! Lots of people with kids were skating at Campus Martius Park, and a few were out shopping, or trying to.
Our greatest discovery of the day was the Detroit Puppet Theatre! This was like stepping back in time and turning onto a lost corner of an old world city. We went to the short production of "Close the Window...or Helm's Law", inspired by I. B. Singer's story "The First Schlemiel". The artistic director and half of the cast was the undeniably talented Igor Gozman. We hope to return often to this little stage and newly discovered Detroit jewel. The story and production were wonderful.
We put in a very full day, starting out by getting our flu shot at the Lasalle clinic, then picking up my pics from McClaren's from the old Herco Imperial box camera (some very good ones) as well as my Minolta 16 "spy" camera (some not so good ones and a few good ones). I have been engaged in a long-term project of trying to get film and use all of my historic cameras. Perhaps a few of them will get posted on here someday.
Next we crossed into Detroit and enjoyed a day downtown. We had free passes for the day on the People Mover train, and explored a few areas we hadn't been to for awhile. We managed to buy some gifts, but still have a lot to go. We ate at a great Thai place on Monroe St. at the Compuware building, bringing home enough leftovers for our supper.
Despite Detroit's giant strides, the downtown still lacks for major shopping areas. There is a great collection of restaurants, including several with loads of vegetarian offerings for us, and even a totally vegan one! Lots of people with kids were skating at Campus Martius Park, and a few were out shopping, or trying to.
Our greatest discovery of the day was the Detroit Puppet Theatre! This was like stepping back in time and turning onto a lost corner of an old world city. We went to the short production of "Close the Window...or Helm's Law", inspired by I. B. Singer's story "The First Schlemiel". The artistic director and half of the cast was the undeniably talented Igor Gozman. We hope to return often to this little stage and newly discovered Detroit jewel. The story and production were wonderful.
Fri., Dec. 1st/06
While the wind howled outside we remained cozy and warm inside. We've had 3.2" of cold rain in the last 24 hours, and our creek is raging through our backyard ditch. Deb finished recording her harp pieces, and I completed the upgrade to this website, specifically the New Mexico photos. They now reflect much more accurately what we actually saw there. I am excited by my new Adobe Photoshop skills, even though they are still pretty basic.
While the wind howled outside we remained cozy and warm inside. We've had 3.2" of cold rain in the last 24 hours, and our creek is raging through our backyard ditch. Deb finished recording her harp pieces, and I completed the upgrade to this website, specifically the New Mexico photos. They now reflect much more accurately what we actually saw there. I am excited by my new Adobe Photoshop skills, even though they are still pretty basic.
Thurs., Nov. 30/06
It has rained all day, meaning that kids were indoors for recesses all day, meaning that it was an especially challenging day of teaching. Parent interviews lasted until 7 pm. Deb and I have Friday off, and the weather looks like it might be worthwhile to just stay home and practice.
I have officially began learning my new solo pieces, as well as finally having time to practice the accompaniments for my student flute and clarinet players. I now have as many private woodwind students as I do piano ones!
I am learning two Scarlatti Sonatas (K. 158 in C- and K159 in C+), Playera by Granados, Op. 5 #5, the Leyenda by Albeniz, and Gate of Wine by Debussy, from Preludes Book 2. This is much more ambitious than my last set of solo pieces, especially the Leyenda and Gate of Wine, which are both major repertoire.
We still need to record the recorder pieces, my duet with Paula, and the remainder of Deb's harp pieces.
It has rained all day, meaning that kids were indoors for recesses all day, meaning that it was an especially challenging day of teaching. Parent interviews lasted until 7 pm. Deb and I have Friday off, and the weather looks like it might be worthwhile to just stay home and practice.
I have officially began learning my new solo pieces, as well as finally having time to practice the accompaniments for my student flute and clarinet players. I now have as many private woodwind students as I do piano ones!
I am learning two Scarlatti Sonatas (K. 158 in C- and K159 in C+), Playera by Granados, Op. 5 #5, the Leyenda by Albeniz, and Gate of Wine by Debussy, from Preludes Book 2. This is much more ambitious than my last set of solo pieces, especially the Leyenda and Gate of Wine, which are both major repertoire.
We still need to record the recorder pieces, my duet with Paula, and the remainder of Deb's harp pieces.
Sun., Nov. 26th /06
It was an amazing weekend, though absolutely no yard work got done. By next weekend winter is supposed to have set in. Today, meanwhile, the temp hit 60 degrees!
Thanks to Deb's expertise with her Accoustica computer program, I managed to get all of my piano and harpsichord solo work recorded from last week's concert!! All that I have left are the recorder pieces, Deb's "Mandala" piece, and the duet with Paula. Hopefully next weekend all will be complete. Once all the music is recorded (Deb began her harp solo work today also) we then start filming it as a DVD presentation.
It was an amazing weekend, though absolutely no yard work got done. By next weekend winter is supposed to have set in. Today, meanwhile, the temp hit 60 degrees!
Thanks to Deb's expertise with her Accoustica computer program, I managed to get all of my piano and harpsichord solo work recorded from last week's concert!! All that I have left are the recorder pieces, Deb's "Mandala" piece, and the duet with Paula. Hopefully next weekend all will be complete. Once all the music is recorded (Deb began her harp solo work today also) we then start filming it as a DVD presentation.
Sat., Nov. 25th /06
I have become obsessed with trying to get my photos to look more like they do in the field. The eye can see much more colour range than a camera, and by learning to use Adobe Photoshop I am getting closer to my goal. I have updated most of the photos in Part 1 "The Drive to El Paso", and am much more pleased with the colour and contrast.
Today I finished shooting my first roll of 126 film with my Kodak Instamatic SLR and three lenses that came with it. If the camera is working properly, I plan to use this one a lot.
We went to Detroit today, and rediscoverd Westborn Market in Dearborn. What a place! It is everything Remark Farms in Windsor could be. One of the best fresh food stores in existence, and it is very close to our Dearborn UPS mailbox. We bought a picnic lunch here today and ate outdoors on the campus of Wayne State University. It was a very mild day. Afterwards I went to the topographic map library whilst Deb ventured over to the music department at Detroit Public Library. She is still hunting down new pieces for our next concert.
Fri., Nov. 24th /06
At last, a whole weekend off! No concerts to organize, no performance to give, and nowhere we have to be. It feels really strange!! I am including a photo of Paula M., Deb and me after our concert last week.
It has been sunny much of the week, once the dense morning fog lifted. Mild, too. A true "Indian" Summer.
We are hoping to record many of the pieces this weekend, and get the DVD started.
I have become obsessed with trying to get my photos to look more like they do in the field. The eye can see much more colour range than a camera, and by learning to use Adobe Photoshop I am getting closer to my goal. I have updated most of the photos in Part 1 "The Drive to El Paso", and am much more pleased with the colour and contrast.
Today I finished shooting my first roll of 126 film with my Kodak Instamatic SLR and three lenses that came with it. If the camera is working properly, I plan to use this one a lot.
We went to Detroit today, and rediscoverd Westborn Market in Dearborn. What a place! It is everything Remark Farms in Windsor could be. One of the best fresh food stores in existence, and it is very close to our Dearborn UPS mailbox. We bought a picnic lunch here today and ate outdoors on the campus of Wayne State University. It was a very mild day. Afterwards I went to the topographic map library whilst Deb ventured over to the music department at Detroit Public Library. She is still hunting down new pieces for our next concert.
Fri., Nov. 24th /06
At last, a whole weekend off! No concerts to organize, no performance to give, and nowhere we have to be. It feels really strange!! I am including a photo of Paula M., Deb and me after our concert last week.
It has been sunny much of the week, once the dense morning fog lifted. Mild, too. A true "Indian" Summer.
We are hoping to record many of the pieces this weekend, and get the DVD started.
Wed., Nov. 22nd /06
Normally this is the day I would phone my brother Steve and wish him a happy birthday! Except I never remember that his birthday is the 10th! He has to phone me on his birthday instead. Sigh.
Today we had an old oil tank removed from beneath our verandah. It is only accessible from a small outside crawl space. There was still oil in it and it was beginning to smell. Anyway, it's gone, and so is nearly $500!! Add that to last month's rebuilding of our chimney ($600), and we figure that if we have any more unexpected expenses it will be a very lean holiday season.
Enjoying a bit of slack time tonight, working on photo projects and getting more practice with Adobe Photoshop. The photo is just the beginning, I am finding out. The more I learn about Adobe, the more improvement I am making to existing shots.
A sunny warm day, with more promised. Great bike rides to school and back.
Last night's Astronomy Club meeting was fun, as a member's new Celestron 3" refractor got assembled and used (it was clear!). I had to leave early, though. A very nice 'scope, and a "Go To".
Normally this is the day I would phone my brother Steve and wish him a happy birthday! Except I never remember that his birthday is the 10th! He has to phone me on his birthday instead. Sigh.
Today we had an old oil tank removed from beneath our verandah. It is only accessible from a small outside crawl space. There was still oil in it and it was beginning to smell. Anyway, it's gone, and so is nearly $500!! Add that to last month's rebuilding of our chimney ($600), and we figure that if we have any more unexpected expenses it will be a very lean holiday season.
Enjoying a bit of slack time tonight, working on photo projects and getting more practice with Adobe Photoshop. The photo is just the beginning, I am finding out. The more I learn about Adobe, the more improvement I am making to existing shots.
A sunny warm day, with more promised. Great bike rides to school and back.
Last night's Astronomy Club meeting was fun, as a member's new Celestron 3" refractor got assembled and used (it was clear!). I had to leave early, though. A very nice 'scope, and a "Go To".
Mon., Nov. 20th /06
We awoke to sunshine this morning, a very rare event of late. I managed to bike to school and home again after. My report cards are now finished and submitted, and Deb is nearly done hers. Happy days are ahead!
We now have the huge job of recording the concert program, and will hopefully get much of that done this coming weekend. We also have yard work to finish, having been tied up for the past four weekends with music events.
Talked to Mom tonight and John H., my old Cambrian College piano teacher. Philip A., my current piano teacher, is performing in Sudbury this weekend, and I wanted them to know about the concert.
Both cats are now fine and eating normally again. Not sure what happened, but likely was something to do with some of their raw food Deb prepares. She is now blanching it before feeding it to them.
Sun., Nov. 19th /06
Saturday afternoon's concert went quite well, and we continue to build up our audience through word of mouth. There was a good turnout. Deb's harp pieces went off quite beautifully, and I had some luck with the piano solos as well. The duet for harpsichord and harp was well received at its world premiere, and Paula and I gave a rousing conclusion to events with our Spanish Dance duet Op. 12 #3 by Moszkowski. A big thank-you to Roger P. for his assistance in transporting equipment to and fro.
Afterwards, we went to the D.H. pub with Dan K. and family (including the very charming Indica), Paula and Barb D. Here we watched U of M losing to Ohio State....
Today we went to a huge Pet Expo in Novi, a Detroit 'burb. We were very impressed with The Bird Guy and his show. Lots to do there, and we stayed about three hours. It snowed lightly much of the day.
We awoke to sunshine this morning, a very rare event of late. I managed to bike to school and home again after. My report cards are now finished and submitted, and Deb is nearly done hers. Happy days are ahead!
We now have the huge job of recording the concert program, and will hopefully get much of that done this coming weekend. We also have yard work to finish, having been tied up for the past four weekends with music events.
Talked to Mom tonight and John H., my old Cambrian College piano teacher. Philip A., my current piano teacher, is performing in Sudbury this weekend, and I wanted them to know about the concert.
Both cats are now fine and eating normally again. Not sure what happened, but likely was something to do with some of their raw food Deb prepares. She is now blanching it before feeding it to them.
Sun., Nov. 19th /06
Saturday afternoon's concert went quite well, and we continue to build up our audience through word of mouth. There was a good turnout. Deb's harp pieces went off quite beautifully, and I had some luck with the piano solos as well. The duet for harpsichord and harp was well received at its world premiere, and Paula and I gave a rousing conclusion to events with our Spanish Dance duet Op. 12 #3 by Moszkowski. A big thank-you to Roger P. for his assistance in transporting equipment to and fro.
Afterwards, we went to the D.H. pub with Dan K. and family (including the very charming Indica), Paula and Barb D. Here we watched U of M losing to Ohio State....
Today we went to a huge Pet Expo in Novi, a Detroit 'burb. We were very impressed with The Bird Guy and his show. Lots to do there, and we stayed about three hours. It snowed lightly much of the day.
Fri., Nov. 18th /06
Final rehearsal with Paula went okay after school tonight. Deb played her harp pieces through for me--quite a few gorgeous pieces should be crowd pleasers. Ready or not, the concert is tomorrow afternoon!
Got an e-mail from Kati, to say that her grad recital won't be until January. Not a great time of year to drive to Bloomington....She is happily performing and recording an awful lot.
Dying to do some photography. My weekends have been so restricted of late. So much gloomy weather lately I am actually adapting to it. I have adjusted my personal "F" stop to f4 (bad photography joke).
Currently reading a book called "This is Your Brain on Music". Quite informative, though the author's writing style is quite dull. More on this book later.
Final rehearsal with Paula went okay after school tonight. Deb played her harp pieces through for me--quite a few gorgeous pieces should be crowd pleasers. Ready or not, the concert is tomorrow afternoon!
Got an e-mail from Kati, to say that her grad recital won't be until January. Not a great time of year to drive to Bloomington....She is happily performing and recording an awful lot.
Dying to do some photography. My weekends have been so restricted of late. So much gloomy weather lately I am actually adapting to it. I have adjusted my personal "F" stop to f4 (bad photography joke).
Currently reading a book called "This is Your Brain on Music". Quite informative, though the author's writing style is quite dull. More on this book later.
Thurs., Nov. 17th /06
Another night and day of steady rain--1.2" as of dinner time tonight. Should this pattern continue into the colder season, it could become a very snowy winter.
Two days until the library concert. Practices have gone okay, but not great. There comes a time when the pieces can't be polished anymore without a performance in which to test them.
Speaking of performances, haven't heard a peep from Kati G. in far too long. I would love to attend her grad recital in Bloomington. Where are you, Kati? Send me the date!
Wed., Nov. 16/06
A very taxing day, including last night. Awake with two sick cats--some bad food? Ferdie pretty well back to normal by bedtime, but Gustav still not eating--a very worrisome sign.
Raining after school, and it's supposed to continue for a long time. We made a trip to Windsor for different cat food. I also dropped off some classic film at McClaren's and picked up some music books across the street at Belle Air. Next, we crossed through the tunnel over to Detroit to our mailbox in Dearborn. Rush hour in Detroit during darkness and a steady rain is not a wisely-chosen activity. I 94 was pretty much blocked so we had to sneak around the back way. Fueled up and headed home with our US Mail. Coming back, the bridge was backed up all the way heading into the US. Luckily we were going the right way tonight!
We finished watching "Night in the City" with a running scared Richard Widmark. A great noir film, and we own it!
Tues., Nov. 14/06
Got an e-mail from one of my favourite former students. Rachael and her family moved to Barrie over the summer, where she has started high school. Rachael had made my job more fun since I met her in Gr. 5, and she participated in every music group ever offered, including recorders, choirs, band and advanced band. She was also my main helper with the school website. Glad to hear she is adjusting to her new life and making lots of friends!
Mon., Nov. 13/06
Spent a very frustrating afternoon at school trying to chase down work owed to me by students. I did enjoy a good night of teaching at home, however. Ashley even showed up for band today! First time this year.
This has been the grayest autumn in memory. I am able to bike nearly every day, but the sun just refuses to shine.
Ran through my program three times today--I think I am almost ready for Saturday's concert at the Windsor Public Library!
Sun., Nov 12/06
And another weekend bites the dust! At least a good practice was had today, though I decided to drop the Chopin Mazurka from the program. It just does not fit well with the other works, so I will keep it handy for future use. We enjoyed a short walk and climb at Malden Hill Park in Windsor, but were very dismayed to find the circle trail had been recently paved. Good Grief! A perfectly good hard-packed dirt trail is now open to fast street bikes and roller bladers. Guess we are pretty much done with that trail.
Sat., Nov. 11/06
A day that went by very fast! Drove to London with Kady and her parents. She and Ashley received Medals of Honour for high marks in their flute and clarinet exams! Makes a music teacher very proud. Both are now studying for their Gr. 4 exams. Let's hope we get to go back next year!!
Friday, Nov. 10th/06
Every Friday at noon hour I host the school Camera Club, made up of around ten or so enthusiastic students in Gr. 7 & 8. They are given a project to work on, using a photo theme for the week. Next week we are going to delve into the world of Adobe Photoshop Elements in the school computer lab. After school I took a few shots with some of my historic cameras in my yard. I also added two photos to the Ohio Trip, under the title River Walk. One is of the truly stunning Clifton Mill, the largest working mill in the USA.
I was able to bike to school and home every day this week except for Tuesday, when it rained all day. I think this is helping me stay healthy--no colds yet!
Deb and I practiced the Mandala, a harp/harpsichord duet written by Deb for our upcoming recital. It is a very fine piece, and it is fun to play and I think will be an audience favourite.
Thurs., Nov. 9th/06
I just read an article in the Toronto Star that says we have had one of the gloomiest and least sunny autumns on record. As an avid bike rider, I can attest to that! It was sunny today and very mild, and it made a huge difference. I missed the transit of Mercury across the sun yesterday afternoon due to clouds--coulda used that sun on Wed.
Two students did not show up for lessons today--at least one of them called. Don't know what happened to Holly... More time for me to practice.
Only nine more days until the piano and harp recital Deb and I are giving at the Windsor Public Library. Pieces aren't bad, but still some work to do. Will be glad to start some new pieces afterwards (when report cards are done).
Wed., Nov. 8th /06
A very gloomy day, following a day of rain and night of fog. School buses were cancelled this morning, but it didn't affect attendance very much. I biked to school, stopping to take a photo of the fog on the Detroit River. Lost a lunch period trying to load the report card program at school. It won't work. Instead, decided to bite the bullet and load the program at home. This brings school work into our living room, which I am not happy about.
Trying to prepare for our upcoming piano and harp concert on the 18th. Got a nice e-mail from Jenny Lam yesterday regarding her visit and concert last Sunday. She is a very wonderful person, and one heck of a piano performer. It is a great loss for the music community that she is heading into medicine, but what a gain for that group!
