My final blog entry of 2011 has me concluding it's been a pretty decent year! For one thing, neither Deb nor I have to face the trenches of classroom teaching ever again. For exactly half of 2011 we have both been happily retired from that hectic and chaotic world. Though I still miss the kids and the action of a busy music room, I'm continuing to do just fine without it. Wild horses couldn't drag Deb back there, either.
In the world of travel we had an exciting year, completing three major trips and a few minor ones. We made it to Sudbury in July, with a quick overnight in Lindsay, and a return visit to Lindsay over Christmas. The Columbus, Ohio marathon trip was also fun, and we rediscovered a great city and several brewpubs.
We managed to get to New Mexico twice! The March (#30) trip was centered around Albuquerque and the nearby desert, while the August trip (#31) took us back to Knight Peak and then once more into the high country, summitting Timber Peak at well over 10,000'! It was my fifth drive to New Mexico with Beorn the Touareg, and Deb drove west with me for the first time.
Our recent journey to London, UK, was one of the finest trips we have ever been on. Lots of walking, plenty of pubs and outstanding beer, and three fun dinners with our London friend Caroline topped off a very successful travel year. We hope to return in 2012 (after the Olympics, of course).
Other goals achieved include Deb releasing her 2nd harp cd, as well as completing two half-marathons. I managed to give a piano and harpsichord recital, helped by Paula with music for four hands.
Nine months ago I returned to martial arts in a big way with my study of Iaido, something that has gone a long way in helping me stay even more focussed in my daily life. I studied Judo and Karate as a teen, and have missed the discipline and physical workouts greatly. Sensei Blok is one of the great ones, a very inspiring man and a very good teacher. Under his guidance, as well as Randy McCall's, Deb and I have made significant progress in a short period of time. I have advanced to 4th Kyu (senior green belt), while Deb has made it to 5th (junior green belt)! Brown belts will be coming in 2012, and perhaps black in 2013. Very exciting!
Not all news has been good. I had a serious knee injury in late March (at my first Iaido class), and limped badly with a torn meniscus for several months. However, I managed to do some hiking in NM in August, and lots more in London in November. It's still not right, but I seem to be managing.
Then in late September I did something (?!) to my left shoulder. It is painful when moved, and it does not move that much. Torn rotator cuff? Suspected but not confirmed. Three months of physio has helped a little. There is still pain, but nowhere near the levels felt even on the London trip.
Weekly trips to Detroit are also helping keep us sane. The cafes, libraries, bookstores, museums, concerts, pubs and increasing ambience and street life of our favourite city continue to attract us and everyone we bring over with us!
However, despite our love of travel, it is what's happening on the home front that really excites me. I love a good day at home, and there have been many recently. Practicing piano, practicing flute, reading, writing, studying maps, watching films and dozens of other fun activities make a day home seem like an adventure! If I can add a new telescope to the back deck, I should be really set! Not to forget that 2011 was the year Randy G. finally got his 22" telescope up and running. Good times ahead!
Friday, December 30th/11
A fun week, though it has flown by. Some serious piano practicing going on, and a concert date is nearly ready to be announced. Stay tuned!
On Tuesday, Heather O., a former APS and private piano student, stopped by with 6-year old daughter Morgan and boyfriend Jeff (not the dad). I haven't seen Heather in at least ten years, and happily she has changed little and seems to be an incredible mom. We talked for two hours, and seem caught up on things for awhile. Later that night Amanda came over for dinner, and the three of us went to Detroit all day Wednesday. We had lots of fun during our many stops. At our Dearborn mailbox we received our latest DVD box sets, including 100 Mystery and Noir Classics and 100 Comedy Classics. That's a lot of movies to watch! So far we have watched two!
Eating way too much, and not exercising nearly enough. Luckily, I've backed off the drinking somewhat. One out of three ain't bad!
I've been receiving an unprecedented amount of hits on my Ballantine Fantasy page, which has been quietly discovered and enjoyed up till now.
Monday, December 26th/11
A brief but fun excursion to Lindsay to spend Christmas with Lois, Deb's mom, turned out to be a lot of fun. Her condo has a lovely guest suite which we had booked since July! Deb prepared the meal (nut roast, scalloped sweet potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce (all vegan and homemade), and there was salad as well. Raspberry pie rounded out the meal, and there were copious amounts of wine, and even a martini before dinner. Bruno came along, too!
It was a small but cheerful gathering, our first Christmas with family in decades!
Even without transport trucks on the road, traffic was insanely heavy and fast. We drove 70 mph there and back, and it was as if we were standing still. For every car we passed, thousands zoomed past us. The 401 is a nasty road, and getting nastier. 80 mph seems to be the average speed. The police do nothing, either.
Driving home this morning and passing Toronto was depressing. The area around Yorkdale Shopping Center had traffic backed out onto the 401, and the surface streets and parking lots were in gridlock. Such shopping greed seems beyond ridiculous, and getting worse each year. May they all be stuck in traffic until the New Year!
Friday, December 23rd/11
Winter Solstice Day was grey, grim and damp. In addition, we were both so busy as to make any type of celebration virtually impossible. I had physio in the morning. Deb actually had a wedding to play at in the afternoon. We both taught until 8 pm, and then we went to the APS staff party at a restaurant in Amherstburg. Needless to say we postponed our Solstice party until today.
It turned out perfectly, too. It was sunny all day, after a totally crap evening of cold rain. We had our usual holiday all day wood fire, plenty to eat and drink, and we listened to a recording of Wagner's "Gotterdammurung", the final opera in his Ring cyle. We began listening at 10 am and were done by 6 pm, with breaks for food, a long walk, and one of my famous naps by the fire. The opera is on 12 sides of 6 L.P. records!! Truly brilliant stuff. The day was capped off by a gorgeous sunset, one of the finest!
My website has been inundated with hits in the last few days, specifically the Ballantine Fantasy page. I usually get two or three hits each day, sometimes a few more. Over 200 hits in two days!
A busy few days coming up. Will report back on Boxing Day.
Bruno, Deb's pet gorilla, in festive attire.
A fun day today, even though the Wayne State Map Library was closed on Sundays. I'd hoped for an hour alone with some New Mexico maps. Plans for next summer's excursion are already in advanced stages.
After a walk on the Rouge Trail and some superfine vegan pizza at Buddy's, we went to the Detroit Institute of Arts to view a couple of exhibits that are on now (not the big Rembrandt one--that can wait awhile longer). Cask ale at Slows came next (the lovely young barmaid always buys our beer!), followed by unbelievable coffee next door at Astro Coffee. Some grocery shopping at Honey Bee Market in Mex-town rounded out our day. Home for a game of Middle Earth The Wizards and some loaded nachos!
The presents to Sudbury got shipped out yesterday, and should arrive by Tuesday. Incoming ones have all arrived safely, too. Looking forward to seeing Deb's mom soon!
Friday, December 16th/11
Another week of teaching music lessons has sped past, and another glorious 4-day weekend lies ahead. Woot! We continue to use the wood stove to heat the house during the daytime, turning the furnace on low overnight. Bags of wood pellets are on sale this week, too. A $5 bag lasts us a week in October, about five days in November, and about three days in December, if it's cold. We are locked into a nasty gas agreement for two more years, so I have no desire to burn gas...
I went to school today to help a young student with her trombone skills, which are seriously lacking. I was also invited in to help judge the annual door decorating contest! Some completely amazing decorations. Well done, students! Forgot my camera, though. Drat.
Wednesday, December 14th
Just finished an energetic duet practice with Paula M. (things are always energetic with Paula around!). We did our first few run-throughs of the 3rd movement of the Mozart Sonata in D+ for four hands. Quite an outstanding piece, and the third movement is particularly filled with wit and charm. Paula is also my collaborator on several flute pieces I am working on for two upcoming school concerts.
Speaking of concerts, I hope to have my next piano recital up and ready for mid-to-late January, to be held at the downtown Windsor library. Things are going well, though the memorization is far from perfect.
Last night I undertook my 4th Iaido test, while Deb did her third and Alicia her second. I didn't do as well as I could have, but overall I guess it went okay. The farther along you get, the more important tiny details become. My current inabililty to get everything to mesh smoothly is due to inexperience and not enough practice yet. My next test will be for brown belt (Feb.), so let's hope it comes together soon! Deb thought her test went okay. Alicia made one non-fatal error, but took it pretty hard anyway. Considering that due to school and work committments she is only able to go once a week, she is doing amazingly well (Alicia is one of my piano students, now 17, interested in all things Japanese, especially Manga). Deb and I go twice each week, and I still barely manage to catch on to things.
The last of Deb's long line of finches has died. For the first time in about ten years there is no birdsong in the house. It seems strangely quiet as a result.
Thursday, December 8th/11
Another short but busy work week has come to an end. Amidst everything that had to get done I also completed the website update for the latest London adventure (#11). See the first link below the photo, opposite. I still need a careful proof-read, as well as checking that all the new links will actually work. I will send out the link to friends this weekend.
Monday, December 5th/11
Anyone else around here getting a little sick of falling precipitation? We returned from London exactly two weeks ago today (where it was dry the entire time of our visit), and since then we have had just over 9" of rain. That follows upon a very wet autumn and late summer. We are barely floating at this point! Make it stop!
Yesterday we attended an astoundingly good concert by the Detroit Symphony at Orchestra Hall (Free Press review here). In addition to two works by just the orchestra, Brandon Marsalis also joined in for two works featuring alto sax and orchestra. He is a flawless and extremely musical performer, and the sax sound that he produced was sublime! The program opened with a wonderful orchestration (by Bartok) of his Rumanian Folk Dances, seven short works which I have performed on piano. It was a revelation to hear the orchestra version, especially played by the DSO, and especially in Orchestra Hall. Marsalis performed the Glazunov Concerto next, a single movement work for string orchestra and alto sax requiring the smoothest of sounds and flawless technic. The concerto is quite good, giving off strong meditative and inward looking vibes. The next work was the exact opposite, also with sax and this time featuring a brass and woodwind orchestra, with one double bass. It was sassy and very dancey, in a 1930s jazz sort of way, and quickly caught the audience's full attention. After intermission came the true highlight. The Beethoven 7th Symphony has long been my favourite of the 9, and today's bright and rhythmic and meaningful performance was executed with such elan and seeming ease that I could easily say I have never heard the orchestra sound better! Even a day later the dotted rhythms are still pounding in my head. This was the first of 8 subscription concerts for us this season, and we are really looking forward to the remainder of them.
Saturday, December 3rd/11
Just because I've been ignoring my website updates doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about them! I've been working in nearly every spare moment on the journal to London trip #11, and it is nearly done (80+ pages so far)! As soon as it is, I will turn my attention to adding large photos from the trip on new pages here.
We have both been busy preparing for our next iaido test on the 13th. Lots of polishing to do on our katas. After yesterday's class we got take-out pizzas from the Caboto Club and went to visit Heather W. (teacher friend from APS) and her new baby, Isla. Both are doing remarkably well, considering the difficulties encountered along the way (blood transfusions both in-utero and afterwards on Isla). The baby sleeps a lot, though she did wake up near the end of our visit.
Heather and Rob have bought a magnificient old house on Victoria St. that must be seen to be believed! Good grief, it's a mansion and it's in tip top condition, too!
Isla was sacked out on our arrival at Heather's place on Friday, though she did wake up near the end of our visit. She is adorable!
Before jetting off to London we did our best to get a lot of walking in. With five major walks being the highlight of our vacation, we wanted to be prepared. My knee had not been tested since August in New Mexico, and this trip would have considerably more miles of walking.
Late autumn walk on the River Rouge Trail in Dearborn, prior to our London adventure.
From our pre-London walk at Colchester Harbour.
Today we continued to prepare for winter. Beorn the Touareg was put to bed, nestled into the garage until April 1st. Four winter tires are now back on the VW Golf. Outside water was turned off and the hoses put away. Inside, we sealed up two of our doors to stop draughts. We've been heating with the wood stove during the daytime, and using the furnace on low at night. So far so good. I am still burning last years' wood chips, too!
November 2011 has vanished into cyberspace--sorry for the inconvenience! Hope you enjoy October!
Sunday, Oct. 30th/11
I like to keep a journal of all our major trips, usually being New Mexico and London, UK. Once the journal is done, complete with normal-sized photos, I select the best photos for an enlargement album. I am currently working on last year's solo trip to England enlargement album (Nov. 2010), which means that I am falling a bit behind! I still have to undertake enlargement work for New Mexico in March and August of 2011, and soon for the most recent London trip (and a journal!). The only way to keep up is to stop travelling for a bit, though I doubt that will happen. I used to keep a journal for shorter, more local trips (such as this month's visit to Columbus, Ohio), but that has had to fall by the wayside.
I now have 18 katas that are required for my next Iaido test in December. That would be fine, except that we keep learning other, more advanced ones that I will not be tested on for a long time! I can barely get through my test requirements, let alone remember extra things. Still, it's an amazing art and I love to study it.
Piano pieces are well advanced, though will not be ready before the London trip. I'm hoping the vacation will allow the pieces to settle into me a bit, somewhat like leaving lasagna overnight to improve the flavour!
Saturday, Oct. 29th/11
We've been working on detailed plans for our upcoming trip to London, including planning our transport needs down to the last detail. We always use a 7-day travel card, which allows us unlimited bus, train and tube use withing the 6 main travel zones. For the arrival day and departure day, we will use an Oyster Card, which costs every time you use it, though much less than if you were to pay single fares. Our KLM/Delta flight is non-stop from Detroit, which is our preferred method of travel, and the same on our return. As much as I dislike Heathrow Airport, at least the Tube is right there to take you anywhere you may wish to go. Our hotel is in the northwest, specifically in South Ruislip. As a result, all but one of our five walks is planned for that area. A day in Oxford and another in London will keep us very busy. Rain plans, if we are unable to walk, include the British Museum, the V & A, and such like. Whether it rains or shines, there will be pub stops aplenty.
Speaking of pub stops, Motor City Brewing in Mid-town Detroit (which is now one of the most happening urban places in the world!) had two hard ciders on offer. Their apple cider is legendary, and it is as dry, unsweet and delicious as anything England has to offer. Same with their perry, which had a few blackberries added to it. Along with veggie chili, we had a most remarkable lunch stop there today!! Going back for more soon.
Astronomically speaking, I am about to make the plunge and purchase a 12" Dobsonian telescope. The price is very inexpensive, less than I paid for my 8" scope in 1978!! That scope is now officially for sale. My only reason for delay is that I will be gone to England soon, so wondering if it would be better to order it when we return.
Wednesday, October 26th/11
Spent an amazing Monday evening at Randy G.'s house, observing through the new 22" telescope. Views through the eyepieces are beyond amazing, even from suburban skies. We were also treated to a rare south-travelling display of northern lights, filled with reds and pinks! Haven't seen many like that, folks. Looking forward to many more views through that scope!
Iaido continues to be brilliant, as we work our way up the ladder towards black belt and beyond. I am battling a shoulder with a damaged rotor cuff, as well as another bad elbow (both on the left side). The elbow problem is from iaido, because it only hurts after a lengthy practice. I have been twice to physio so far, so still a ways to go before much improvement can be expected.
Our walking program continues on apace, as we get set for no less than five major walks in and around London in just a few weeks. Toby, our gaming friend from London (and best friend of Caroline), has returned to New Zealand, as his work visa has expired. He will be missed by us this time around. Last year he brought over "Galaxy Truckers," a madly complex board game, and we played and dined at Caroline's. This time we may reconnect with Ian and Heather, a couple we met at a gaming session a few years back.
Saturday, October 22/11
A lovely day, with a few more on the way! Three weeks until we leave for London. Excitement is building as we plan our walks and pub stops and transport links. Lots of countryside walks planned, weather permitting, with more time in London proper if it's too wet to walk. We have a day planned in Oxford, as well as one in London, regardless of the weather, as well as five walks.
Today we walked the 4-mile Rouge River Trail in Dearborn, and had incredible pizza at Buddys. In our US mailbox was the latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine. Recently I purchased a clarinet book at Belle Air Music in Windsor. It was only twelve dollars or so, but was published by Rolling Stone. Inside was a postcard for a free year's subscription to their magazine, which I promptly filled out and sent in. Now, every two weeks one of the best magazines ever is delivered to our Dearborn address! In addition to the expected music scene coverage are excellent articles on crime, the environment and other serious issues affecting everyone. Between this magazine and John Stewart's "Daily Show," one need not look much further to keeping abreast of major events. 104 magazines (at $5 each) just for purchasing a clarinet book! Good deal!
Back at home we played a game of Middle Earth The Wizards. In addition to the basic games for which the decks and cards were designed, it is not terribly difficult to create one's own scenarios, and this is what we played at tonight, the fifth one I have created. Games typically take 60 to 90 minutes to play, not counting deck preparation, which we usually do at an earlier date.
Tonight we also watched the first episode of a bizarre Sylvia and Gerry Anderson puppet series called "Secret Service." Bad beyond description! Not even good bad. Just bad.
Randy's telescope is now ready for action. I will be heading over there as soon as possible to have a peek. Good astronomy times ahead!
Monday, October 17th/11
A very fun Ohio weekend, with Deb's 4th marathon of her career thrown in for good measure. The Columbus, Ohio marathon had 17,000 participants. Deb continues to improve her time, which on Sunday was 2:38 for 13.1 miles! Race day was cool and overcast, which was perfect.
We discovered a few very cool new brew pubs and pubs with numerous interesting taps. One place was even more amazing--a fabulous neighbourhood dive bar with a great microbrew beer selection and an all-vegan menu!! Hal & Al's forever!!! Also of note was Surly Girl, up near Ohio State University. Superb cask ale was served at Barleys Brewpub right downtown, and again at Barley's Smokehouse, a little way out of downtown but not too far. All had good veggie food choices, too!
On Monday we hiked at Highbanks Metropark, where we discovered beautiful wooded trails, deep ravines, rivers large and small, and some lovely autumn colours.
North side of a large tree at Highbanks Park, showing tree fungus growing.
One of many trails at Highbanks Metropark, just north of Columbus.
After the race on Sunday (and after lunch) we visited the Columbus Museum of Art. The glass installation "Endeavour" was one of the best things we've ever seen! A remarkable room and installation.
"Endeavour," a unique and intensely beautiful glass installation at the Columbus Museum of Art.
There were enough other masterpieces to make the visit an unforgettable one, including several by Paul Klee, a favourite of ours.
Homeward bound on Monday we stopped in Delaware and Bowling Green, both lively and fun small cities with good shops and cafes.
Friday, October 14th/11
It's Marathon season once again, and we are off to Columbus, Ohio for Deb's fourth half-marathon. The weather looks to be cooperative except for the wind, which will continue right through Sunday, which is race day. We haven't visited Columbus in many years, and are looking forward to the weekend getaway, our last before flying off to London in mid-Nov.
Back on the home front, I have memorized my piano program! There are still some soft spots, but the works are now in my head, where they belong. I had nearly given up hope of ever memorizing on a large scale again, but perseverance has paid off. I also think that the Iaido training has paid off, giving me confidence in memorizing, at least spatially. I now have all 18 katas I need for my December test! In addition, I have a number of other ones that I require for much later tests. We started learning a very, very, very long black belt kata today, in which one has to defeat an entire gang of bandit swordsmen single-handedly. Fun but very complex.
In astronomy news, the mighty 22" mirror has shipped to Randy at last! I'm certain he's more excited than I am, but it can't be by much! Can't wait for first light. It's been an epic voyage, filled with disappointments, bad luck, some shiftiness on the part of a certain mirror maker, needlessly raised hopes, broken promises, and on and on. The end, however, is now in sight. Still some good observing times ahead before winter sets in.
Tuesday, October 11th/11
Promotions were given out tonight, as six of us advanced to the next kyu level after our tests last week. Alicia was promoted to yellow belt, or 7th kyu; Deb to orange or 6th kyu, and me to junior green belt or 5th kyu. Because Deb and I are able to go to classes on Fridays as well, we are zooming along through the kyu ranks. December is the next testing date, and we should both be ready for next level by then! It is excellent training, not too strenuous, and very rewarding. Sensei Blok is an amazing teacher and a heck of a great guy, too, which is both helpful and inspiring. Happy Full Moon to everyone. By necessity, our celebration was last night.
Sunday, October 9th/11
So far, it's been a very fun weekend! Cutting practice on Saturday was well-attended, and the weather was incredible. There was a large gathering afterwards, too, with a lavish lunch (including Saki and 15-yr old Scotch) on Sensei Blok's porch overlooking his woodlot.
Sensei Blok cutting wara.
Sensei Bill, doing the same.
Deb slashes a water bottle.
On Sunday we went to Ann Arbor for the afternoon, mainly to hear Yuja Wang perform a difficult solo piano program, and she pulled it off as if she were merely slicing through a water bottle. Her technic and musicianship are among the finest I've ever heard, and her programs are always interesting and deep. There was Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Ravel, Debussy, Albeniz and Scriabin. She also came out for four encores, virtually adding another full segment to the program!
On Monday, I get to make a pumpkin pie from scratch, using Deb's amazing pie crust!
Thursday, October 6th/11
I'm often surprised by how long it's been since my last post here. Time is certainly not passing slowly around here. Went and voted this morning. It cost us $200, though, as we completely blew a tire en route! Of course it was on an outside wheel, and we were just parked on the side of 2nd Concession, which today was filled with dump trucks roaring up and down. Not much fun. We managed to vote, and go into town and arrange for a new tire. VWs have a drive system where if one wheel or axle is messed up, the others will compensate. Any Jetta or Golf with a flat tire will not be noticed except by the sound made by the tire on the pavement. Steering etc is completely normal. We heard a sound but kept driving. By the time we realized what it was, the tire was shredded. The Treggie has a tire sensor that alerts the driver when things get bad, but not the Golf.
We have tickets to hear Yuja Wang perform this weekend in Ann Arbor, and I'm getting pretty excited. This will mark the fourth time I've heard her play! My own practicing is moving along merrily, though the program will not be ready before our trip to London in Nov. as I'd hoped. Much to my surprise, I am getting the thing memorized, though! Yay me.
I had my third Iaido test last Tuesday evening, and Deb her second. With a bit of luck I may have passed, too. Will find out next Tuesday if I am now a junior green belt. The knee continues to improve, and I am managing to do most of the kneeling in the katas that require it. We have live cutting practice at Sensei Blok's house in Lasalle on Saturday. Looking forward to slicing and dicing more pop bottles! There will be photos, so stay tuned.
Saturday, October 1st/11
A couple of wild weather days of late, with Friday being absolutely miserable and today being a gale. Of course Deb had a wedding to play at today, in Sarnia. And of course it was outside at a golf club. It was ridiculous, and despite it being relatively short, she was frozen afterwards. That concludes the wedding engagements for 2011, unless something comes up last minute. While she earned her money I made a brief visit to a conservation area along the shore of Lake Huron, where I was nearly blown into the landscape permanently. At one point, a gust of wind hit me so hard I thought I would never survive. Once back behind the trees I was much safer, but the beach was off the scale of windiness today!
A windy day at Lake Huron near Sarnia.
Meanwhile In London, UK, they are having their very first major heatwave of the year. I kid you not. Temps are near 30C there right now. They froze all summer. Insane!
I've been getting quite a few website hits from friends looking at the newest photos. Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, Sept. 27th/11
The NM Trip #31 update is complete, and can be accessed from the link beneath the photo, opposite. Besides getting the website done, I've been cramming my head with piano pieces and iaido moves. The next iaido test is in one week, and I have to really get it into gear now.
Even four-day weekends have a way of going by quickly--back to work in 30 minutes!
Saturday, Sept. 24th/11
Happy Autumn! The new season got off to a good start at our house, as we enjoyed our first wood fire of the season in the fireplace, along with the unveiling of our final Arthurian Tarot card of the Celtic year. New cards are coming on Oct. 31st! It is the greenest beginning to an autumn that I can ever remember. It looks like late May or June out there! We also did some planning for our upcoming trip to London, UK (#11).
Deb played at her 2nd last wedding of the season today. It was a church wedding with a full mass. She has one more next week, an outdoor one (in Sarnia!). Jill D., one of our favourite former students, was the photographer!
I have finally finished the written volume to our recent New Mexico trip, and I have officially begun work on the website version. Stay tuned--it should be up soon (at least partially).
Thursday, Sept. 22/11
Well, I've now travelled around the sun 58 times! It's been quite a journey, too. I am slowly beginning to understand things, such as music! Hurrah! I still have not fully come to grips with places like New Mexico, or London, UK, so hopefully I have some time remaining to tackle those problems! Got some lovely messages today on FB., and replied to many of them.
Memorization continues on apace with the piano pieces, with some progress being noted following each recent practice. I will likely use the score for the Beethoven Sonata in concert, but not with the Debussy, Albeniz and de Falla pieces. And I'm still deciding whether or not to perform before going to London, or after. Decisions, decisions!
Two weeks of private music teaching are now complete. The time is mostly going by quickly, but a few lessons tend to drag, namely the ones where students are not prepared when they arrive.
I have not had much time this week for completing the travel journal, or to work on the website update. Things will only get worse once Randy's telescope mirror arrives! Getting rather excited about that event.
Sunday, Sept. 18th/11
We are amidst the first weekend of our new work week life, and we are loving it. Deb has a whole new attitude about Sunday nights, since she doesn't teach now till Tuesday!
On Saturday morning, we paid our first visit in some time to Eastern Market in Detroit. It is such an awesome place, especially in the early autumn. Came home with more stuff than we intended to buy, including some delicious apple/pear cider. Wow, does it ever mix well with dark rum!!
Artistically decorated apples adorned the many sheds in Detroit Eastern Market.
This morning Deb went on her first kayaking adventure with the local canoe club. Mike D., a friend from iaido, is also a kayak enthusiast and invited Deb along for an adventure (my elbows are not yet up to such trials). They paddled up (and down) Cedar Creek, beginning at Lake Erie and continuing about 6 km upriver before it got too confined to continue. Deb enjoyed it a lot. Great, another expensive hobby to add to our list.
Deb passes by Cedar Creek Conservation Area.
Setting out at 10 am from Cedar Beach.
Cedar Beach lake vessel and some of the kayakers.
Friday, September 16th/11
I picked up "The Forbidden Kingdom" for $5 today, a big budget Jackie Chan and Jet Li fantasy flic. It also has an outrageously cute Asian heroine. The movie is completely silly and unconvincing, but Jackie is always amazing on-screen, and Jet Li even more so. More action than any three movies should have.
I actually resumed flute and clarinet practice today, after a one month hiatus. No piano, though. After a very long iaido class this morning we had several errands to run. I find I cannot practice piano well after too many distractions in one day. I still prefer to practice first thing in the morning.
Work continues apace on the written trip journal, after which I will commence work on the website update. So far I have made it to our final hike, and hope to finish that part tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy today's image, opposite. In case you missed one or two, they will likely reappear when the full trip website is up.
Wednesday, Sept. 14th/11
Two days of teaching down, one to go. Then it's back to 4-day weekends. Not a whole lot to complain about here! So far, everyone has seemed eager to get back to practicing and into their routines. I wish more of them had practiced over the summer, though. The ones that came for even a few lessons are ready now to go on, whereas those who stopped in June require at least three weeks of review and drill.
Last night's iaido lesson followed much along the lines of the one the week before, as we try and apply not just physical elements to our cutting, but emotional and spiritual ones as well. I'm glad Alicia, my most advanced piano student, is there with us, because nearly everything Sensei says can be equally applied to piano performance. Yay!
I continued working today on the written and photographic journal of Trip #31 to NM, and hope to finish it by the end of this weekend. I should finally be able to start the website update, too. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, Sept. 13/11
With the arrival of my first piano student this afternoon, my summer vacation came to an abrupt end. Ha ha--it only lasted ten weeks, after all!
Lots of house cleaning today--good thing we do teach, or the house would never get done.
I now have some serious cash in my US account, which I have been saving for a new telescope. Might be time to get serious and have a look at some websites.
Sunday, Sept.11/11
Got a lot done today, including more memorization of the Beethoven Sonata I am trying to prepare for an autumn recital. All of the NM trip photos have been edited, and I have selected the ones I wish to put on this website. I also moved the March New Mexico photos to webshots.com. This gives me room here to mount the next trip exhibit.
Heard from Danielle today--it's amazing what percentage of my Facebook friends are former students, aged 12 to 30+. Some of them (the girls) look pretty much the same, only more beautiful than ever. Several of the guys appear quite different, with or without hair! I met another former student (Ian F.) in Wal-Mart today. Hadn't seen him in years, and his wife and young daughter (8 years?) were with him. Ian had given us a tree when he was in Gr. 3 or 4, and I had to remind him of this and tell him how large the tree had grown since!
Full Moon party tonight, with viewing on the back deck with our dinner (and dark rum). Deb made a five-star moon cake, too!! Lots of music and other delights!
Saturday, Sept. 10th/11
"Normal" days have been rather rare of late, so it was nice to stay home today and just practice, read, nap, and work on the recent trip photos and journal. The photo editing is complete. I now have to select the ones good enough for the website. Then, I have to move the ones already on the site to my webshots.com account to make room for the new ones. So it will still be some time before things are ready at this site. In the meantime, I will continue to post a daily shot on the opposite page. Today's photo is not from the trip, however, but rather of yesterday's Detroit adventure with Jennie and Amanda.
Friday, Sept. 09th/11
A fun day, starting out with a very good Iaido workout at the dojo. This has now become a Friday morning ritual, and is one of the main reasons for our quick advancement up the ranks. Testing again in 4 weeks!
We went to Detroit with Amanda and Jennie, both visiting from Toronto. Started out by having lunch at Slows (always a treat), then coffee at Astro Cafe. Next came a lingering stop at John King Books, and then a visit to the incredible, nearly indescribable Heidelberg Art Project in Detroit. Afterwards, it was back to the homestead for an evening of delicious dinner (prepared by the vegan chef in residence, Deb) and talk.
Thursday, Sept. 08th/11
Still recovering from two weeks of driving and hiking. All day Tuesday I felt like a wave that had washed up on the beach. Evening iaido class went a long way to helping me gain some part of my mind back, however. Wed. went much better, with a decent piano practice and memorization resuming. Amanda is in town for a visit with her family. On Tuesday night she came to watch iaido class. We went out afterwards briefly, then got together again for movies and dinner here on Wed. evening. Jennie arrives tonight from Toronto, and the four of us are heading over to Detroit on Friday afternoon (we have iaido in the morning) for lunch at Slows, and then some time at John King Books.
I continue to work on the photo edits, but it's a slow process to get them the way I want. In the meantime, I will try and keep changing them every day (or night--last night I didn't get the dome picture up until nearly midnight).
Tuesday, Sept. 06th/11
We're both back now, and recovering from some incredible hikes and some seriously long drives! Photos will be a while coming, so please be patient. So much to do! I did get the laundry done, the grass cut, my piano practicing, a walk, and some trip work completed. Photo editing has also commenced. I'll change the main photo, opposite, every day until the website trip details are updated. Check back every day!
Monday, August 22nd/11
Preparation after preparation. We are about half finished packing the Touareg for the next NM adventure. The camping gear is in. Tomorrow it's clothing, etc. We have camping nights planned in Indiana and Kansas on the way down, and motel nights in between in Missouri and New Mexico. In addition, three more camping nights are planned in NM, along with 2 nights in a cabin in the mountains (at the foot of the Mogollon Mountains, to be more precise).
We have two epic back road drives planned, as well as two major hikes, neither of them big climbs.
The knee feels good, and I hope it can muster for the occasion. One more iaido class and we are off! Theresa will be taking care of things at the house for us while we are travelling.
Sunday, August 21st/11
Deb's anniversary card to me (home made), with a photo of where we were last year on this date (Lackey Point, NM).
Yep, it's been 35 years since we were married. Too many fun times to even begin recalling some of them, but it's amazing how many of our anniversary days were spent either in New Mexico or Lake Penage (where we were married in 1976).
As we prepare for our 31st trip to NM, at least our thoughts were there today. We aired out the camping gear, cleaned out and replenished the cooking box, and began to load tent, sleeping gear and such into Beorn. With only two more days to prepare for our huge drive, there is so much left to do. Time will fly. Hoping to camp two nights on the way down to the southwest, with two nights motel. Then camping at Knight Peak, then two nights at a cabin in Glenwood followed by two nights camping at Water Canyon. After that, I drive home while Deb flies from Albuquerque. Not as much hiking this year, as the knee is still recovering from its first iaido lesson. Still, we are hoping to accomplish some new hikes and drive some new roads. Should be an awesome trip!
Wednesday, August 17th/11
Promotions came fast this time in iaido, as we only had to wait a week! In addition to promotions for each of us, Deb purchased a sword! She has been using a wooden one, though Randy M. has been loaning her one of his lately. Now Deb needs 8 new katas for her next test, while I only need 2 of them. One of those is already in place!
Deb is now 7th Kyu in Iaido!
My 6th Kyu diploma!
Last night was an excellent lesson at the dojo, too, with lots of opportunities to work on focus and mindfullness. We return Friday for a lesson with Randy M.
Today was our final teaching day of the summer. We are now off duty until Sept. 13th, when the new year of private lessons commences. I currently have more students than I have time for, and I have even extended my time by 30 minutes over last year (so far).
Starting to think a lot about our upcoming trip. We're hoping that most of the intense heat will have passed on by our departure, which is about ten days later than previous years. The severe drought in parts of the west and southwest will likely still be occurring, though.
Sunday, August 14th/11
Nice to have our lives back, after a busy week. With music camp behind us, and our iaido test complete, we can now turn our focus to our upcoming epic trip to New Mexico in a few weeks. Of course Deb had a harp wedding gig on Saturday at one of the local wineries, adding to our committments for the week.
Our drive west this year will take us through familiar States, but on different roads. From Indianapolis onward we will be following two-lane roads almost all the way to Knight Peak, in the far southwest of NM. We are hoping to camp two nights on the way there, as well as at Knight Peak, and then two more nights in the Magdalena Mtns. Next Sunday we will begin checking the camping gear and loading Beorn. Right now I am polishing the itinerary and getting the maps ready. We have managed two long walks this weekend, so my hopes are still high for some hiking adventures, though not on the scale of previous visits.
We attended Friday iaido class, which has always been something of a private lesson for me and Deb from Randy McCall, 2nd degree black belt. Deb learned two new katas and I got one (my 15th). In addition, some significant polishing went on. I am starting to do the first and fourth katas from the proper kneeling position, though I am not yet ready (because of my knee injury) to try #2 and #3 that way.
The latest news from Randy G. on his telescope mirror is that things are now delayed until at least mid-September. Just about perfect for me! I will now have an incentive to return home from New Mexico.
Thursday, August 11th/11
Summer Music Camp 2011 wrapped up today with a concert for the parents and grandparents. It's a whirlwind three days, with four group rotations each day, two snack breaks, a lunch break and a swim in the pool. In addition, the entire group meets at the beginning of the day and again at the end. This day camp has been going on for 5 years, and Deb has been at all 5--this is my 2nd. The money we earn pays for our iaido classes for the year! Lots of kids from last year returned, but there were many new (and very sweet) faces. Five boys and twenty-three girls kept us hopping from 9 till 4. Adieu until next year!
Youngest (Sammy) and oldest (Cassandra), and a few in between. Music Camp 2011.
Youngest of four groups that went on rotation throughout each day.
The harp ensemble!
Wednesday, August 10th/11
Two days down, one to go! Divided into four groups of seven, they're not really a bad bunch of kids. Do they sit still for even one millisecond? Hardly. Aged 5 to 14, the enthusiastic bunch is having a very fun time. We are there from 9 am to 4 pm, and home by 5 pm (to enjoy some peace and quiet).
The camp theme this year is birds, and we took a walk this morning around Anita's ranch. Though supposedly listening for birds, the horses in the fields were a much bigger attraction.
Walking around the horse pasture this morning at music camp in Woodslee.
Last night, however, we had to go back out for iaido. It was test night. We both tested, along with several other people, and though it is not yet official (until next week), Deb is now ranked yellow belt and I am orange. Huzzah!
Saturday, August 6th/11
Happy birthday today to Lois, Deb's mom! Wish we could have celebrated with you. Hope you had a fantastic day.
Aside from cutting the grass yesterday, a few early morning walks, early morning iaido sessions out on the deck, and some very limited evening sitting within the screened pavilion, it has not been much of an outdoor summer. Typical of Essex County in July, the heat and humidity combine to make a nearly unbearable combination. I am completely unprepared for any type of serious hiking this year in New Mexico. Even had my knee been up to it, I doubt I would have had the stamina to continually exercise this summer in this climate. The upcoming hydro bill is going to be outrageously high. I have nearly paid off the winter heating bill--one more payment to go.
I am wearing an elbow brace on my left elbow, as it has been quite painful of late. A combination of piano and computer keyboarding, as well as iaido, is taking its toll. I've been icing it, and wearing the arm band appears to be helping. Even playing flute has a negative effect on it.
Thursday, August 3rd/11
If a person has to have a job and actually earn a living, then I believe I've found the least intrusive method. Teaching in the summer on Wednesdays gives us a six-day weekend, which is just about long enough to fully recover from the strain. Ideally, of course, weekends would last seven days, but nothing in life comes easy.
Next week will be a different story. We are teaching three full days of music camp in Woodslee, the second year I have participated. Deb has done this a number of times. It's a lot of work looking after 29 kids and keeping them on track for a full day. That happens next Tuesday, Wed., and Thursday. On Saturday Deb has another wedding gig. Thus a busy week ahead.
Next Tuesday evening we both take our test in iaido. Deb's yellow belt test involves performing the first six katas, which she has down very well. My orange belt test is somewhat more of a challenge, involving fourteen of the moves, some being very complex. We are both hoping our brains will still be active after our first day of summer camp teaching.
Today is the exact mid-point of school summer vacation. As a result of both Deb and me being retired (did I mention we don't work much anymore?), we are leaving on the annual Southwest USA drive approximately 10 days later this year. So we still get to enjoy three more weeks of local activities before our departure.
The annual Lone Mtn Homestead Blueberry Festival has come to an end. Featuring a visit to Whole Foods this year (instead of Parks Blueberries), we enjoyed bb sherbet, bb scones, bb pie, bb coffee (really good!) and bb mush, a delicious home-made hot breakfast porridge made from a traditional Native American recipe. Our teeth are now appropriately stained.
News on Randy G.'s 22" telescope mirror is basically that when it's finished it will be shipped to him. The date keeps being pushed back, and is now scheduled for the end of August. Let's hope so. I want to see the newest moon of Pluto with that thing!
Friday, July 29th/11
The hot, humid summer shows no sign of backing off. Wed. night we had 3.2" of rain! Our wheelbarrow was 1/3 full of water. Incredible! Last night we had 0.8", adding up to 4" of rain in 48 hours. That's going to make the grass grow!
Today we went on our 2nd suburban art reproduction hunt. The DIA has placed exact reproductions of many of its best known paintings in smaller communities surrounding Detroit. On July 7th we visited Milan, MI, and today we went to Rochester. Six or seven works were scattered across the small downtown, including one at Rochester Mills Brewing Company. We ate (and drank) our lunch here, enjoying their Cornerstone IPA (Deb) and ESB (me), along with a lovely appetizer large enough to feed us both, consisting of a salad, three kinds of hummous, pita bread and raw veggies for dipping. We explored the lively downtown, hoping for a return in the autumn.
Inside Rochester Mills Brewpub, one of the finest such establishments we have ever visited. Terrific beer and food, right downtown Rochester.
Deb in front of the brewpub, once a knitting mill.
Bronze statue of a fox, along the Paint Creek Trail in downtown Rochester.
Detroit itself is exploding recently in new cafes. Today we went to Astro Cafe on Michigan Ave., next to Slows BBQ. Of course we stopped at Slows for some cask ale. Today's offering was Bell's Amber Ale. This area is really beginning to boom, with at least two more places getting ready to open. We had a fun day, despite the heat, humidity and traffic.
Saturday was a double wedding day, and possibly the most humid day I have ever experienced. Deb played at a wedding at Paulin Memorial Church in Windsor, and afterwards at a reception at the Ciociarro Club. The church was steaming hot and dripping wet, so it was a relief for Deb to get to the air conditioned comfort of the hall afterwards. We arrived home for dinner, showers, and then back out to the Verdi Club for Sarah G.'s wedding. Sarah (whom I taught at APS) is the daughter of a dear friend, Elaine (who retired with me last year). We stayed until around 11 pm, then headed home for some much needed rest, at least in Deb's case.
It has been impossible to plan any outdoor exercise during the past week, other than iaido on the back deck in early am. Hopefully we can resume walking again this week. It has been one very, very warm week, and I hope we don't see that again this year. Usually that is the kind of weather I come across in Missouri and eastern Oklahoma on my epic drives west.
For the first time Deb will drive west with me! She will then fly home while I make the tedious return journey by Interstate. Usually on the drive down I take two-lane highways, and this year I've chosen US 54. It used to go from Chicago to El Paso, but now begins in mid-Illinois, heading southwest. The trip will take us through Springfield, IL (state capitol), the funky town of Columbia, MO and then Jefferson City, MO (state capitol), and then to Wichita, KS, Tucumcari, Alamogordo, and Las Cruces, NM. We will not drive all the way to El Paso, but will turn west and head for Lordsburg and our sacred mountain, Knight Peak ("The Watcher"). At this point it's difficult to say how much hiking will get done. It all depends on the knee.
Despite the intense heat, we have been having a good week. Tuesday was spent doing laundry, practicing and getting groceries and pet food. We also attended iaido class in the late evening, along with Alicia B. Bill is finally back, though his thumb is still somewhat of a mess. He broke it in aikido about three weeks ago.
Wednesday was a busy teaching day, though split evenly between us. Today we went for a walk at 8:30 am. It was already 84 F and very humid. It made it up to 102 F here today, one of the hottest days I've ever experienced, especially when the humidity is factored in. The air has been working, and the power has stayed on. Hopefully this will continue, though the heat is free to depart at any time. 85 F will feel almost cool someday.
I managed to post a new review to the Ballantine book series, having just finished Dunsany's "At the Edge of the World."
Emma Lee in her backyard, wearing her fetching swimsuit!
The face that someday may launch a thousand ships!
Harvesting grandpa's peas and onions.
A pool of one's own is a high form of bliss on a hot day!
Monday, July 18th/11
Back from a five-day trip to visit family in Sudbury, and then Lindsay. We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday, and my niece Alicia's 18th! I also got to see lots of Emma Lee, my going-concern two-year old niece. We were in Sudbury from Thursday evening until Sunday morning, when we left for Lindsay to spend a full day with Deb's mom. Lots more pics to come, so stay tuned.
Checked the rain gauge when we got home today around 6:30 pm and found an impressive 0.9" of rain had fallen! We drove into some rain tonight from Chatham to Tilbury, but missed the worst of it.
Wednesday, July 13th/11
Well, our one-day work-week has come to an end! Time for a six-day weekend! It's also the time to go visit my two-yr old niece Emma-Lee! Uncle Mike is on his way! See you soon! Lots of pix of Emma coming here soon, too!
Saturday, July 9th/11
Deb had another wedding today, her 2nd Saturday in a row. This one was at Assumption Chapel, so after getting her set up I walked down to the river for a shady sit down. I read, watched boats go by (3 freighters in 45 minutes, with the mail boat delivering to all three), and generally had a relaxing time.
Detroit River this afternoon.
Snapshot of Detroit River on a sunny summer Saturday afternoon.
It's been exactly four weeks since my piano recital. Things are moving along well with the next set of pieces. The Beethoven Sonata in F Major, Op. 10 #2 immediately follows the c Minor Sonata I played last month. To get the full effect of the contrast between the two, it would be better to play them both at one concert. We'll see... Along with the Beethoven I have three Spanish pieces nearly up. I've also started the 3rd movement of the Mozart sonata for four hands, the piece I'm doing with Paula. I would like to perform these works in late October or very early November. So far so good.
In iaido training, I now have all 14 moves required for my 6th kyu test on August 2nd. Lots and lots of polishing to do, but I am hopeful. Deb should be ready for her 7th kyu test, too!
Thursday, July 7th/11
It was time for a little day trip. Retirement isn't just about staying home and talking about all one's aches and pains! The Detroit Institute of Arts has placed a number of reproductions of their paintings in different Michigan communities again this summer. We drove to Milan, MI for the afternoon, undertaking a short walk to view the art in various settings, from woodland parks to the sides of historic buildings. Called Inside/Out, it's a great way to see familiar paintings in unusual settings. We hope to get to a few more nearby towns and cities over the summer. Though Milan is not the State's most vibrant and interesting little town, it had a lovely riverside park, a downtown cafe and a nearby brewpub! Original Gravity Brewing Company proved to be a perfect place to sit after our artistic adventure. Deb had a dark IPA, while we both enjoyed half a pint of incredible and refreshing OG Ginger Ale. At 6.9% alcohol, it's not your average ginger ale. I had a similar beer in England last November, and this surpassed it. Manifique!
In the park, Milan, MI. There were ducks, geese and turtles (and art).
We enjoyed a rare sighting of a soft shell turtle./
Monet's lovely painting from the DIA hung in reproduction on the old restored fire station, now the Chamber of Commerce.
Tuesday, July 5th/11
Most of the mess has been cleaned up. Chuck Kelly Tree Service came to our rescue, and did a fantastic job at a very fair price. With the number of trees we have on our property, and with the severity of summer storms in our area, this has become an annual affair. We now have a whole lot of wood chips to spread around, though!
Chuck is way the hell up there, dealing with the twisted mayhem of our locust tree. Some of the damage can be seen above his head.
Damage to our locust and maple trees was extensive, caused by last Saturday's storm which saw winds to 110 kmph recorded. I daresay they were a little higher in our area.
Looking forward, as usual, to iaido practice tonight, and hoping to arrange for Friday sessions now, too. Alicia B. is coming along to watch, and perhaps to join in as well.
We finally have our back deck set up for summer, with the much-needed mosquito netting in place over our table and chairs. More fireflies this year than normal, and quite a show at dusk! We have also begun to clean house inside. It will get a top to bottom cleaning over the next few weeks.
Sunday, July 3rd/11
12 noon
The annual bank account-breaking summer storm has walloped us once again. Nearly lost the VW Golf in this one, too. Our tallest tree, a giant locust in the front yard, has had two mighty branches the size of normal trees twisted and broken. They are hanging there, just over our power line to the house. Our maple tree beside the front parking lot took another hit, and lost much of its growth it had regained from a storm a few years back. About four minutes earlier I had run out as the wind and rain began and moved the Golf back up against the garage. Less than 4 minutes later, two large branches had crashed down where the car had been. Windshield and hood would have been wrecked for sure. The lightning was the most intense we have ever seen here, and was constant for over two hours. Oddly enough, our power went out before the storm hit us. It was out for nearly 6 hours, from 8:30 pm until 2:15 am. We ran the little generator off and on to keep the fridge cold and a light on. Despite saving all of our food, this is going to be a very expensive storm.
Two branches came down where our VW Golf was parked, just after I had moved it to a safer place. Whew!
Al, our neighbour, had several branches come down, one right atop our fence.
Our mighty locust tree out front will look very different, if it even survives.
Prior to the storm's arrival, Deb had been playing harp at Essex Golf and Country Club. The temp was around 36C when she was playing, and the air was feeling just a tiny bit unhealthy. We had time to get home, unpack her stuff, have dinner, and then sit back and watch Nature's fireworks. We are expecting a tree trimmer today with a cost estimate. Because of the position of the hydro wires, they may not even take the job.
6:30 pm
We not only got hold of a tree trimmer today, but he actually came out and gave us an estimate! Very reasonable, too. If you need the guy, let us know. He will be here tomorrow to begin the huge task.
Wednesday, June 29th/11
That's all, folks! Though Deb is still in a mild form of shock, she is finished her classroom teaching career! One clean-up day tomorrow and the end will have arrived! Certainly none too soon for Deb, who has been waiting for this day since I retired last June. As a veteran of retirement, I can highly recommend it!
I am now in my 4th week of my basic fitness walking program. Good progress to report! The knee is holding up well, and I think I can safely plan some hiking in New Mexico this summer, barring any unforeseen setback. The question now is what to do to keep up momentum after this program is finished. I might redo it, but make it much harder this time around. I wish we had easy access to hills--any hills.
Another fun night at iaido class, as we learned "tachi furi," a showpiece move we need to know for our 6th kyu test. I am hoping to be ready by August 2nd, the next testing date. Deb should be ready for her 7th kyu test then, too.
Monday, June 27th/11
Another big day down for Deb, as she survived the school good-bye assembly and the outdoor tree planting in her name. She has two days left with kiddies, and one PA day.
Surrounded by her little friends, Deb was presented with flowers, a memory book with student writing and autographs, a song sung by the whole assembly, a plaque, speeches, and many, many hugs!
Outside, her tree was dedicated. It is supposed to turn fiery red in the autumn!
Randy received some mixed news today regarding his 22" telescope mirror, which was due to arrive about now. It will be delayed at least two weeks, and possibly six weeks! Not what he (or I) wanted to hear. Still, the company offered him a 10% discount (significant bucks at the price of that mirror), so that might help his impatience. Can't wait to see first light of that scope--it's likely to be on something mind-altering like the M13 globular cluster in Hercules!!
Sunday, June 26th/11
I have survived my biggest week, and live to tell the tale! Friday night's piano and clarinet performances went so well that I am considering thinking of myself as a performer once again. I was very pleased with the clarinet pieces and the piano duets, all done with Paula's wonderful helping hands. Roger performed two of his Gr. 5 pieces, and Karly two of her Gr. 9 pieces. In addition, several of Paula's adult students performed.
On Saturday morning we drove over to Sensei Blok's home in Lasalle for some live cutting practice. This was our first time with a live blade, essentially a 3-foot razor blade. By examining the cut line on the 2-litre plastic bottle (filled with water to provide the necessary weight), one could critique the cuts. Sensei was very pleased with mine, though they were done somewhat in slow motion to what they should be. About ten members turned out for the outdoor class.
Deb shows no mercy to her enemy.
I also got to cut with a knife, which was even sharper than the sword.
Sue and Deb were honoured by very touching and extremely well-written speeches by Mary, host of the party.
Some of the crowd in Mary's backyard.
Despite the party and the gifts (Deb asked for a donation to Wings Rehabilitation Centre), Deb has four more days to go, including 3 with children. Tomorrow at 9:30 am is a school assembly for her and Sue, followed by tree planting in their honour outdoors. I know Deb will find it difficult to get through.
Thursday, June 23rd/11
One of the busiest weeks of the year is now half over. Too much going on to even stop and think. I had to teach Monday night, since Wednesday I was M.C. once again at APS grad (that's it, though; I'm done as of this year). Everything went really well, but it's always a hot, sticky, long night in the gym. Tuesday night after teaching was iaido, and I learned no less than three new katas! In addition, we worked for the 2nd week in a row with knives!! Deadly little things they are, too, and sneaky. Today I had to go bottle our latest batch of wine (a Shiraz), and am just about to conclude my regular private teaching year. My summer vacation officially begins at 7:30 pm tonight!! Tomorrow night I have a clarinet and piano peformance with Paula. I am playing 3 movements from the gorgeous English folk song suite by Vaughn Williams, and three piano duets with Paula, the same ones we did at my concert a few weeks ago. Saturday morning is a live cutting session in iaido at Sensai's home in Lasalle, and later in the afternoon and well into the evening is the APS staff party.
All of this activity would be fine, except for the fact that my normal day is pretty damn busy to begin with. It usually starts with a walk (I just completed Day 17 of my 28-day program, and the knee is doing well), and that is followed by iaido practice on the back deck (it's taking longer and longer as the katas pile on--I now have 11 of the basic 12, as well as two other required sword sequences), then two sessions of piano, one of clarinet and one of flute! So you could say I'm busy since retiring.
Since Tuesday was a teaching day and iaido night, there was no Summer Solstice celebration. We'll take care of that at the party Saturday night, I guess.
Deb is now 97.5% done her final year of school teaching, though her July will be busy with wedding gigs. She has four more days with kids and one PA day, which is just basically a cleanup. At this point it gets a bit anti-climatic, but things are chugging along all the same. Next week the reality will begin to sink in.
Monday, June 20th/11
My young pen pal Maddy in England is involved in tae kwon do, so we sometimes talk about martial arts. Her style involves actual fighting and competition, something not too many girls are into. She encountered a virtual looney on the mats the other night, and quite an altercation arose when the other girl lost her cool and all her control. Though Maddy was not seriously injured, the shock of the raw and unexpected attack left her feeling quite shaken. Understandable. A young woman at our own aikido/iaido club has been in so many fights where illegal punches were thrown that her jaw is now permanently damaged. She needs surgery and will never fight again. She is resigned to a liquid diet. Which makes me happy that I am in iaido. There are no sparring partners. One fights the imaginary enemy, or even better, the parts of oneself that one wishes to cut out. People do cut themselves, but it is never as a result of someone else inflicting it. If one is not aware of one's sword blade at all times, injuries can and do happen. Still, it seems a whole lot safer than sparring with others, especially crazy people, and risking serious injury. Looking forward to tomorrow night's class--hopefully we will find out our test results from two weeks ago.
Sunday, June 19th/11
Plans are underway to bring a few close friends to New Mexico in late August to help us celebrate Deb's retirement. Flights will be into Albuquerque, and will include a three-day/night stay at Sherri's incomparable B & B in the Zuni Mtns. If any friends are interested, I've got some prices and dates to share. While Sherri's Cimarron Rose B & B can sleep about a dozen, we are hoping for a much smaller, more intimate group. This will be a very memorable visit to an incredible area, and will feature some optional very easy day hikes and scenic drives to a few unbelievably beautiful and unique areas. Three nights at the isolated B & B are planned, with an optional (and recommended) final night in Albuquerque, to visit the top of the Sandia Mtns. via the sky tram.
On Saturday we took a trip out to Ypsilanti, MI, hoping to visit Corner Brewery for lunch. We arrived about 11:30, and the place was shut tight until noon. Not far away we stumbled upon Sidetrack Pub, a microbrewery tap paradise and vegan-friendly place adjacent to the main Amtrak line between Detroit and Chicago. Trains pass twenty-five feet from the pub! We had a great lunch, and hope to return soon with friends. Downtown had a unique costume shop. I bought a very cool men's kimono for $25! It's black, pure silk with woven designs, and fits me perfectly. Photos to follow!
Deb has one more 2-day weekend left in her teaching career--after that, they will be considerably lengthened!
Thursday, June 16th/11
Another in a long list of June hurdles has been successfully jumped, as Angela took her Gr. 5 flute exam today. For the two pieces I played with her she did very well. I had to leave right afterwards to get back home and teach, but I am glad that task is over! I am more nervous playing for students than I am for solo concerts. The Faure piece is devilishly difficult on the piano. We should hear about the results in about three weeks. Good job, Angie!
Tomorrow I am attending a very long ORMTA meeting in Russell Woods, and then staying for a luncheon. Haven't socialized with the other piano teachers in a very long time. Should be fun! Greg Butler is presenting some of the Diabelli Sonatinas for the pedagogy portion of the meeting. Really looking forward to it.
Deb has exactly two weeks of work left. The end is near!
Wednesday, June 15th/11
The ides of June have arrived, and they find Deb in a rather pleasant mood. Her report cards are done and she has a mere 10 days remaining to teach (plus a Graduation Ceremony and a PA day and a staff party).
Iaido continues to be fun (for both of us), though no mention was made to us about last week's test results, which I am anxiously awaiting. The magical world of being a yellow belt may await me, I just don't know yet. Sigh. Deb is no longer low swordsman on the totem pole, as a new member has begun lessons.
The weather of late, though dry, has been amazing. Things were looking very hot and bothered there for a while, and the mosquito population was the worst I'd ever seen. A lovely cool summer would likely be too much to ask.
Randy G. has reported progress on his 22" telescope mirror, and he should be receiving it in a matter of days! Too good to be true!
Saturday, June 11th/11
Today we held our annual student recital at the Windsor Public Library. We had a huge turnout of parents and relatives, and the concert went very well. As usual, the students were great!
Angela performed the incomparably beautiful "Sicilienne" by Faure, accompanied by moi.
Faith and I perform a Ragtime duet!
Holly and I perform "Wild Dance," the finishing number on today's program. I'm not wearing a hair band--it's my glasses!
Alex and Deb at the student concert.
Melissa performs on clarinet at the library.
Sue and Deb, this year's retirees from APS! Do they look excited, perhaps?
Wednesday, June 08th/11
I took my first iaido test last night, which involved performing the first six katas. A basic test and relatively easy, I still made a few mistakes. Two other white belts took the test with me. We will find out our results next Tuesday, so pop back here then to find out if I now have an official rank!
I have been staying indoors as much as possible during the current heat wave. After such a cold winter and spring it might have been nice if we could have been spared high energy bills for a while, but alas, it is not to be. The AC is running flat out downstairs and up, though we have the setting at 78F. Cooler weather promised for the weekend.
Last Saturday evening I performed my first solo piano recital in 3 1/2 years, playing works that I have had up and down for a number of years. Though the entire concert was memorized (except for one piece), I chose to use the music this time (though sometimes never even looked at it). In addition to ten solo works/movements, I played three duets with Paula (which came off splendidly!). Of the thirteen pieces I played, I was reasonably happy with 11 of them. Not bad for a beginner. It will take me at least three years to regain the technic and experience I have lost over those years, though each future concert should see improvement. Overall I was happy with the program, and know where I have work to do. There are certain things that can go wrong in performance that no amount of training can fully eliminate, and a few things did go wrong. Some were avoidable, and hopefully next time will be avoided!
Thank-you to one and all who came out for the recital. I will talk soon about the next set of pieces I am preparing for an Autumn recital.
Friday, June 03rd/11
We attended Peter W.'s funeral yesterday, a very long affair involving a full Anglican mass. As Peter was an ordained Anglican priest, the bishop was there and many other priests. The church was full of friends, too. Church funerals are probably the least fun things to do, especially on a beautiful sunny summer day. Quite a contrast.
This morning I had an appt with a knee specialist. We are going to just observe for now and continue on, hoping things heal up on their own. If they don't, I can go back in three months and have the surgery. I am going to try our 28 day walking program, a beginner program that will get me up to basic fitness levels. If that goes well, I will move on to my mountain fitness program. No kneeling or squatting, though.
The piano is getting tuned as I write, in anticipation of tomorrow evening's recital. I am looking forward to performing again, especially informally. My favourite kind of concerts are intimate ones.
Tuesday, May 31st/11
Our dear friend Peter Wilkinson has passed away. Peter was a wounded WW2 vet (shot in the leg, received a bad batch of penicillin and had a bad leg for the rest of his life). He was an ordained Anglican priest, a Doctor of Philosophy and Professor of same, and an amateur musician with a prize collection of early music instruments. Peter had a severe stroke several weeks ago that left him mostly blind, bedridden, and asleep, so it was with some relief that we received the news of his passing Sunday evening. Deb has been asked to be part of the music at the funeral on Thursday afternoon.
I have an appt with a knee surgeon this Friday, so things are moving along apace. Hopefully at that point I will have some idea as to what will happen next, if not exactly when. The pain is mostly gone now, so not sure exactly what that means. I was able to walk a mile and a half on Sunday in the woods. It was lovely!
Funeral Thursday, my piano recital Saturday night, Deb has a harp gig on Sunday, and Tuesday I have my first iaido test. A week from Friday is Deb's school retirement dinner, and Saturday is the big end of the year concert for our students. Busy times, with a full teaching load as well, and five kids on the fall waiting list so far.
Thursday, May 26th/11
Spirit Rover, the robot that has been exploring Mars since Janurary 2004, has been officially put to rest. It had not communicated since March 2010, and hope has finally been abandoned. There is a very good, concise summary of its accomplishments here.
Its twin rover, Opportunity, still continues to function. What amazing science, and certainly one of the biggest successes ever achieved in space exploration and science!
Looking now at aerial photos of Joplin, MO, including some stunning before and afters. Yikes! Folks, stay out of Wal-Marts and Home Depots and their ilk during severe storm warnings. It was a heart-breaking storm, as many of the survivors have said. Today they found the body of a baby missing since the storm. He was wrenched from his mother's arms at the height of the tornado. Mom and dad survived.
On Tuesday, Deb came out again to iaido, but this time she came onto the mats! She wishes to try it out for awhile, too, so we are now a martial arts family!
The rain gauge clocked 2" of rain in our backyard yesterday and overnight. Our creek is wider and wilder than most rivers in New Mexico!
Monday, May 23rd/11
Joplin, MO is one of many cities I am familiar with from my journeys to and from New Mexico. Ideally situated in the Ozarks, it is an outdoor paradise for hiking, canoeing, rafting, camping and observing wildlife. We have visited the parks in the south end, and hopefully will again. I have visited the downtown, doing some shopping, having lunch, and even giving Beorn a bath at a carwash. Joplin is right on Route 66, too, so lots of other travellers know it as well. Now it is a disaster zone, after being struck head on by massive tornadoes, with winds in excess of 320 kmph. Bark was stripped off of trees, as well as the branches. Their hospital and fire stations and schools are destroyed, and well over a hundred people are dead. What a crappy day for Joplin.
Another photo from last summer's drive through Missouri, showing Shoal Creek in a Joplin park. The area was idyllic.
On a more positive note, Deb is now heading into the home stretch before her retirement in June from school teaching. With 6 weeks to go (3 of them short ones), there's never been a better time to keep one's nose to the grindstone. Luckily that is not difficult for most teachers.
On Wed., I am performing a concert at the school featuring flute, clarinet and piano, assisted by Paula M. It should be fun!
Friday, May 20th/11
Deb now has less than six weeks to go before retiring! As it was the long weekend in May, our Friday "Martini and M*A*S*H" afternoons got off to a fun start, and will continue through Sept. 22nd.
I received my official diagnosis yesterday: I have a complex tear of the right knee meniscus, and it will require surgery to repair. I now await an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.
There are only two weeks remaining before my piano recital, and a mere five days until my school performance with Paula. Lots of work to do on both of those.
Iaido is zooming along. I have now been taught eight of the twelve basic katas, though I only need the first six to get my first belt advancement. Deb is hoping to begin studies as well.
Monday, May 16th/11
Now that the 4th semester fees are all in from the private students, a bit of purchasing has been undertaken. Firstly, I needed a new turntable, as the old one was beginning to change speeds during playback. When I first bought a turntable in recent times, they were $150. Then they went down to around $90. Last week I paid $39!!
I also bought my first laptop! It is an Asus 15", and it is totally incredible! I will use it mostly for gaming, though Deb has found it useful to burn dvds for her school concert coming up tomorrow. She is heavily involved with the primary part of the show, which I will be attending at 11:30 am.
We also bought new hiking boots. Deb's had worn out, and I needed a pair of waterproof ones. They were on sale at Columbia Sportswear. We got INCREDIBLE boots for $88 total, for both of us. Hehe!
Sunday was a busy day (and a miserable weather event, too). At 1 pm I was helping judge the annual local ORMTA piano competition in the Music Building at the School of Music at the university. I was supposed to stay for all three levels of competition, but left at 2 pm after the first one. I was accompanied by Alicia, my piano student (not competing). Deb went for a walk. We met up at 2:30 pm at Assumption Chapel to attend Philip Adamson's lecture/recital about his recent CD release. He performed four short but intensely lovely works, and then we all went downstairs for the reception. After that, we had time to pop back to the Music Building to hear the last competitor, and then stayed to see the awards handed out to all three winners (Junior, Senior, and Young Artist). After that it was on to Sam's for pizza. I owed Alicia, since she recently had received Honours standing in her Gr. 5 piano exam. A surprise to both of us....
Saturday, May 14th/11
It's not that things aren't happening around here, it's just that I can't find time to write about them! I am three weeks away from my small piano recital, and less than two away from my large school flute/clarinet/piano concert. I took it upon myself to get the school Clavinola repaired. Last Friday I brought it downtown to Ouellette's Music. Bob (and Yamaha) replaced the entire keyboard, a $1400 repair, and only charged us $90 for the labour!! The keyboard was ten years old!!! Now that's a good company to deal with. I returned the keyboard to school yesterday. Paula and I need it for our upcoming school concert. She will accompany me on keyboard while I perform a few pieces on flute and clarinet, and then we will perform a piece on piano for 4 hands.
I have also heard some news on my knee, after ungoing an MRI, x-ray and ultrasound. I have a complex tear in one of my knee ligaments, and will follow up with my Dr. next Thursday.
I took one of my older cameras out for a short shoot today. The HP 320 was my very first experience with digital cameras. It has a res of 2 mp, no zoom, and now seems quite quaint!
I will write again tomorrow--so much more to talk about.
Mogi has a relaxing day at the office. Taken with my old HP 320 digital camera, the first one I ever owned!
Spring at Lone Mtn Homestead, as seen through the lens of the HP 320 camera.
Saturday, May 7th/11
I paid my 2nd visit to Peter W. today at Hotel Dieu Hospital this morning. He is recovering from a recent stroke that has left him bedridden and with blurry vision. He has been asleep on both visits, but a little sign hanging above his bed urges visitors to wake him up! I did both times. The first time he was a bit confused about who we were (Deb and I went together the first time), but he was quite lucid today.
I was also at the hospital to finally get my MRI. On Tuesday I go for x-rays and ultra-sound. The knee is so much better, but I still limp.
It was back to Windsor in the afternoon, as Deb had a wedding ceremony to play at. Rochelle L., a former student and now a professional dancer, got married at Willistead Manor, and Deb was hired to play for her wedding. I went to a nearby cafe (Taloolas) and read for an hour.
Back home, we watched one of our favourite films, "City of Lost Children." A fantasy of indescribable imaginative power, it tells the story of a former strongman (Ron Perlman) and a young female sidekick (one of the best child roles in cinema history, and beautifully played) and their attempt to rescue children who have been kidnapped for their dreams. This is such a unique cinema experience, and as the end credits roll Marianne Faithful sings her best song ever, "Who Will Take Your Dreams Away," so don't miss the credits!
Poster for the unforgettable fantasy film "City of Lost Children," starring Ron Perlman.
Still on the subject of Fantasy, I have begun reading "Titus Alone," the 3rd and final Gormenghast novel by Mervyn Peake. Along with it I am also reading "Green Mansions" by W.H. Hudson, a book I loved in my late teens. Seems to be going down pretty well this time, too.
Sunday, May 1st/11
Our week of group lessons went quite well, and most of our students performed acceptably. We do the group lessons three times per year, as preparation for public performance. Melissa made an appearance with her pink clarinet, this time including matching nails.
Melissa performs a clarinet study at the group lesson.
As we were preparing to head out to a Windsor Symphony concert Friday evening, we were drawn outside by sirens stopping just past our house. There had been a two vehicle head-on collision, and the driver of a van had to be extricated by the fire department. Three ambulances also attended, and the highway was still closed down completely when we came home from the concert.
Head-on two vehicle crash on Front Rd. just up from our house. The driver of this vehicle had to be extricated by fire rescue. His legs were in pretty bad shape.
The Windsor Symphony concert was fabulous, consisting of music by J.S. Bach, Telemann, and W.F. Bach. The conductor was an early music specialist and a brilliant harpsichord player. She performed two virtuoso solo works for harpsichord. We spoke with her at intermission as well as after the concert, and also purchased three of her cds! She conducts Apollo's Fire, a baroque orchestra based in Cleveland. The recordings are fabulous, and we will either make a trip to Cleveland to hear her group, or go next year when they appear in Ann Arbor.
Flowers at Jackson Park, Windsor.
A double daff, Jackson Park, Windsor
The bulbs were blooming at Jackson Park.
On Saturday, Deb had a wedding to play. I dropped her at the church and went to pick up my new (badly needed) prescription glasses. It had been two and half years, and my eyes have changed quite a bit. I can see distance much better, but cannot see close up any more.
When we got home, it was time for the first grass cut of the season, preceeded by picking up all the fallen branches that Mother Nature had so thoughtfully trimmed for us over the winter.
Saturday night was Beltane eve, a major pagan holiday for us. We partied like we meant it. On the circle of the year, Beltane falls exactly opposite of Samhain (Halloween), and is just as big a to-do. We had a great night (at home), listening to music, making plans for summer and over-imbibing in single malt scotch.
The next day is the time to visit a woodland area and seek out the first spring wildflowers (at Samhain, the next day is spent visiting a cemetery--this perfectly fits with the two opposing seasons, the present one celebrating the rebirth of Nature, and the autumn holiday celebrating its long slumber). We spent the day Sunday in Ann Arbor, partly at the Nichols Arboretum, and partly at cafes and brewpubs. It was a glorious day to be in the woods. Deb took off for a brisk solo walk, while I limped around on my own less adventurous route.
Wetland wildflowers at Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor.
The greening of the woods is at least two weeks behind this year. Much more sunshine is needed.
Thursday, April 28th/11
This was Group Music Lesson Week, and we held two separate ones in order to fit everyone in. We had ten students come on Tuesday, and another eleven today, making for two fun but very crowded affairs (parents and siblings of some students also attended). Eight more lessons and the year is done! Our group concert will be held on Saturday, June 11th, exactly a week after my recital.
Some progress this week on my knee. Firstly, it is feeling much better. Secondly, I went and saw my own doctor about it for the first time yesterday. He ordered an x-ray, ultrasound and physio. Co-incidently, the hospital called today to schedule my MRI appointment. By the time I get it, it will have taken over five and a half weeks. The knee will likely be healed by then. Then comes the x-ray and ultra sound.
Iaido has been coming along brilliantly. I am practicing katas #4-7. The first four begin on the knees, something I am not anxious to do just yet. I'm sure I must be a strange sight out on the back deck practicing several times each day.
Speaking of practicing, piano has been going very well, and I am slowly getting more and more of the program memorized. I should know about half of it by heart for this recital, and promise to try and memorize even more of the next one. It is a struggle.
I have been practicing flute and clarinet every day, too, and am progressing very quickly. I am planning a concert at my old school in May for the students, assisted by Paula and Deb. I will be back tomorrow to assist with the Gr. 6 instrumental classes.
I am hoping to resume a reduced walking program very soon. In the meantime, there is lots of time for music!
Saturday, April 23/11
Despite mostly poor weather (chilly and extremely damp), April seems to be passing much faster than March! We are currently in the middle of a 4-day holiday weekend (which is status quo for me but a really big deal for Deb!). This morning Deb attended a race-walking clinic in Royal Oak. I stayed in the car and read. She picked up some very good pointers from the coach, hoping to improve her time on her next marathon (October). We arrived quite early, so we had an hour to spend at Royal Oak Farmers' Market downtown. This was our first visit there, despite many visits to Royal Oak. About half of the market stalls were flowers today. There are some very cool food stalls, too, and we made a few tasty purchases. There are also some antiques stalls, since Sunday is antique day at the market. After Deb's clinic, we ate lunch at Royal Oak Brewery. They now regularly have cask-conditioned ale!!! We had a delicious coffee/vanilla bean dark brew today, along with a delicious vegan meal of Michigan Cherry and Walnut Salad and a fabulous veggie wrap.
On Friday we attended the 2nd of 5 DSO concerts of the shortened season. It was an all-orchestra affair, with guest conductor Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos, a 77 year old mastermind who conducted the entire program from memory. We heard the Symphony #3 by Schumann, Symphony #100 by Haydn, and the Suite from Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss, which nearly lifted the roof off of Orchestra Hall! Very fine concert. Afterwards, we ate lunch at a new Midtown Middle Eastern restaurant, ordering an enormous of amount of veggie food and paying less than $13!! Plans for the remainder of the weekend are to stay home, get our taxes finished, do some yard work, and practice our instruments a lot.
Wednesday, April 20th/11
I must admit that snow on the ground this past Monday was not the most pleasant way to begin another work week. Deb had two outside school-yard duties, too (do I ever not miss those!). Our flowers were not very impressed with the snow, either, though I did snap a few good shots.
I had a great lesson last night at iaido, with Sensei working with me and one other beginner for the hour. No wonder the people there learn things so well--Sensei Blok is a fabulous teacher and one very cool guy. My fledgling technics were helped immensely. With luck, I will get to work out with Bill on Thursday night, too. Black Belt here I come!
I just came back from my eye exam (I passed!), and will be getting two new pair of prescription glasses soon. I really need them to read now. I always used to need glasses for distance, but not any longer. Mostly reading, and especially music. It's been causing me a lot of problems lately.
Speaking of problems, nothing new to report on the knee, except that it is feeling better these days. Still unable to walk properly, but I am sleeping better and more comfortably. Still waiting for an MRI appointment. Someday.
Snow in the garden, last Monday.
Frozen daffs in our front garden.
Sunday, April 17th/11
Two outstanding concerts in two nights, courtesy of Detroit! Last night, Roger (adult piano student) and Dave (former adult student) and I trekked into the suburbs to hear Jorge Federico Osorio play a solo piano recital. Each of the major works performed was treated with complete individuality, and the program flowed beautifully from one to another. He began with two pieces by Beethoven, the delightful and seldom-played Variations in F Major, Op 34, a work I am now eager to learn, following with the seldom-played Sonata #30 in E Major, Op 109. This was a virtually new work to me, even though I have heard it played before. Of course by this time Beethoven was writing music he would never hear, not that it mattered in the least as to the quality of the esoteric composition. Osorio finished the half with a major work by Cesar Franck, combining poetry and fiery technic to leave the audience gasping in amazement at the finish. The second half consisted of three Spanish Dances by Granados (I have played one of them, #5), magically done, and then he concluded the printed program with "Pictures at an Exhibition", in grand style, leaving us with no doubt, if any had existed by this point, that he was a pianist of the first rank. As if he hadn't already proved to us that he was an aristocratic artist, for his lone encore he played the gentle Sarabande from Bach's 1st Partita.
Michel Camilo was the Latin wunderkind we heard Friday night with the DSO. Two absolutely amazing artists I had never heard of before this weekend. Wow! I love surprises like these.
Tonight was our full moon celebration, and we went out on a very chilly back deck in moonlight to name the iaito (sword). Its name is now Hogosha, which roughly translates as "Guardian," or "Protector."
Also in the news, Randy and Anita G. dropped by for a nice long visit this afternoon. They both look amazingly well, though Randy continues to nurse his torn shoulder muscle from his winter slip and fall. His 22" telescope is on schedule for an early summer first light. Can't wait!
Deb played harp at and attended Sarah G.'s Bridal Shower this morning at the Verdi Club. She and the harp were a big hit, of course. Deb wrote a romantic harp piece for Sarah's wedding day, and presented it to her on cd. Sarah is a former student of ours, and her mom (retired teacher) is a very close and dear friend.
Other than that, the wind howled all day. I am happy to report that our electricity stayed on throughout. It is bitter cold outside tonight, and a few inches of snow are predicted overnight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, April 16th/11
Two pieces of big news this week: I purchased a sword for iaido practice, and the Detroit Symphony is performing in Orchestra Hall again, after a bitter six month strike. First, the sword. It is quite amazing and beautiful, and surprisingly easy to wield. It makes a very satisfying "swoosh" when the blade is used properly, and makes practicing much more fun than with a wooden sword. Although the blade is not sharpened in the way it would be for combat, it is still a rather dangerous utensil. I am unable to learn the first four fighting sequences, or katas, as they begin in a kneeling position, but I am doing well on three of the standing ones (there are twelve that beginners must master before going on to much more serious study). I am hoping that I have found the perfect martial art for me. I no longer have any urges to go crashing to the mats.
While the edge is not sharpened, it is still a real blade. Made from forged steel, the groove on one side serves two purposes--the blood runs down it, making it self-cleaning, and because it is hollowed out it makes the sword much lighter than a blade without one.
The handle is double woven tightly by hand. A golden lion is on one side, while the other has a dragon.
Detail of the sword handle, showing the dragon as well as the weaving which binds everything together.
A view when it is partially unsheathed, showing the brass habaki.
The very end of the handle.
The Tsuba, or hand guard, is an iron sunburst motif.
On to the symphony--we attended the first of five concerts for the shortened spring season, with all tickets selling for a mere $20. The orchestra is playing as well as ever, and we were treated to an outstanding "Espana" by Chabrier, an unbelievably wrapt session of "Rhapsody in Blue" with piano and orchestra, and after intermission the "Symphony #1" by Brahms, a good workout for the orchestra if ever there was one. Though the hall was not a sellout, there was a very large crowd. We're hoping to go again next weekend, too. Tonight I'm going with Roger and Dave to a solo piano recital, again in Detroit. I was supposed to go hear ORMTA students play piano concertos last night, as I had assumed that the DSO concert would be a sell out. When I found out there were tickets still available, I changed our plans quickly.
Sunday, April 10th/11
This past weekend reminds me of what weekends use to be like all the time! We buzzed over to Detroit on Friday, where diesel prices are becoming even more outrageous, though still appreciably better than in Canada. We rehearsed for the Saturday night gig in the evening, and again in the morning. Roger came over later to help us load the harpsichord into the SUV. We needed both vehicles to get ourselves to Deb's highly anticipated 2nd CD launch. Paula and I thought we would be providing some background music, but people actually stayed quiet and listened, clapping after each piece. It was more like a concert, and just by coincidence the cafe room acoustics were outstanding! Between the three of us, we played for about 45 minutes. By far the biggest hit was the flute and harp combo. In addition to selling many of her cds, Deb also sold two expensive hardcover books about her recent paintings, as well as one of her actual paintings. She was quite happy about that!
Cordoba Cafe, at Deb's newest CD release party on Saturday night.
Accompanied by Paula Morrison, I made my debut as a flautist! The crowd was most appreciative. I've been consistently practicing flute and clarinet for about 9 months now, and it's beginning to show.
My right knee is not well. Still no word on an MRI date. In the meantime I hobble about, usually wearing a very impressive and expensive knee brace that Deb has used on some of her hikes. I did attend iaido class last Tuesday, and hope to attend again this week. I have been practicing my kata (#5), one of two beginning moves that does not require any kneeling, borrowing Bill's wooden sword for the week. On Tuesday I plan to purchase my own sword. Very exciting!
And of course, for the very first time in a long time, we broke the record for warmest temp, reaching 83 F. Quite obscene, actually. It did not feel right at all.
Sunday, April 3rd/11
Deb has successfully completed her 3rd offical half-marathon! Although the race was supposed to be 13.1 miles long, it ended up at nearly 13.5. Somebody messed up big time. Her time for 13.1 was the best she had ever done, at 2:54.
Before the Martian Marathon, Dearborn, MI on Saturday. Deb wears a custom hat and ear muffs.
After the Martian Marathon. Note the cool medal!
Back at home, with the tee shirt and medal.
I am still unable to walk more than 1/4 of a block, and my right knee is still quite swollen. Beorn and I went for a drive for a few hours, meeting up later with Deb at Buddy's Pizza, near the finish line.
I am slowly becoming convinced that this is not a minor injury, and that it will require a long time to heal (assuming it does). I am anxious for a diagnosis so I can begin some physio, but that has to wait for my MRI, whenever that is. Still have heard nothing.
I am still able to practice piano, harpsichord, flute, etc, whereas last year's elbow injury curtailed those activities for over 3 months. Still, having had my body in top walking condition, and now watching helplessly as it deteriorates, is more than mildly frustrating...
Friday, April 1st/11
My knee is a bit better today, though I doubt I could walk any distance. Stairs are still a problem, as is sleeping comfortably. I visited the walk-in clinic in A'burg on Wed. afternoon, and the Doc noticed some fluid in there and ordered an MRI, which likely won't happen until the knee is much better. Just glad I didn't go to iaido before the trip to New Mexico. I still need to find out what when wrong with my knee (we suspect torn ligaments) and how to prevent it recurring. I would guess that regular stretching would help. I'm a great walker and hiker, but don't do nearly enough stretching.
Tomorrow is Deb's race day, and she sure is excited to get the cool tee-shirt and ultra cool medal. Of course there is some slushy snow predicted for tonight, so she may have a wet course to walk.
Today is the day Beorn comes out of the garage for the summer. It is my turn to be very excited! My southwest bear ring also comes out of hibernation. If all goes well, we will drive the Touareg to Essex this afternoon, to charge up the battery and run a few errands.
Our summer trip dates for New Mexico have been firmly set (similar to past years, due to bow hunting season in early Sept.--we do not wish to be in the woods at those times). I am tentatively planning another drive to the southwest with Beorn, and meeting Deb in Albuquerque. Some ultra-big hikes are being planned, on the assumption that I will be better by then. If not, then I will fly down too, and we will spend some time at Sherri's B & B in the Zuni Mtns, and visit some Native American Pueblos.
It's also time to shut off the main furnace, and heat the house only with intervalic use of the wood pellet stove. Have to use up the winter pellets!
Wednesday, March 30th/11
Can it really be the end of March? Will April finally arrive, and with it some actual verifiable spring weather? On Friday, Beorn the VW Touareg comes out of hibernation, regardless, something that always excites me greatly! A true sign of spring, and I will have some mobility again in the mornings while Deb is at work.
Speaking of mobility, I am currently suffering from a bad knee injury received last night at my very first iaido lesson. I did get to use a sword for awhile before it happened, but I doubt I'll be using one again for a while. Somehow, while getting up from a sitting position on the mat, one of my ligaments in my right knee popped. That was an oucher, I can tell you, and it still is. Ice is on and off continuously until I'm mobile enough to get to the clinic, hopefully this afternoon. So, my black belt in iaido will now be delayed even longer, lol. I did get to see Bill T. receive his 2nd degree black belt award--what a thrill for him. He tested for it in December. He is also a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido. He was the one who got me interested in starting lessons. I will need to test 6 times before receiving a 1st degree black, something that will take at least 3 years (and several physiotherapy sessions).
Deb is entered in the Dearborn, MI Martian Marathon on Saturday, and she is hoping to racewalk the half marathon at 13.1 miles. This will be her third marathon, and she already has two more planned (maximum of two per year, and always at different events). After six we'll have to give her a black belt, too! She is aquiring a very cool medal collection at least.
Friday, March 27th/11
In addition to lots of walking lately (Deb is preparing for her next half-marathon walk, next weekend), I have been doing my best to practice the piano, harpsichord, flute and clarinet, as well as write the journal for our recent hiking adventure in New Mexico. Good thing I'm retired. We are also preparing for her cd launch in two weeks. It is going to be a busy month.
It's fun writing about the hikes, examining the photos and maps, and trying to make sense of the whole enterprise. It is so much trouble to plan, organize and finance one of these trips that it is a wonder we have gone even once, never mind 30 times! It's been fascinating and depressing over the years watching the airplane seat in front of you get closer and closer, until by now anyone of six feet in height or over must be virtually unable to sit on a plane! Then there is the gruelling fitness program that precedes each voyage! I'm certain that had we invested all the money we've spent on New Mexico trips, we would now be millionaires. But who cares. I would not trade our experiences for any sum.
Our three trips to Mexico are just as precious to us, as are the 10 to England, the 2 weeks spent exloring Denmark, and the 7 weeks in Spain. Travel is not only addictive, but probably the most enlightening activity a curious human being with an open mind can undertake.
What's next for us? We actually don't know yet. Though I'm certain we will decide on something soon.
Thursday, March 24th/11
The new website is up, after a huge burst of energy overtook me yesterday and today. I still have to complete the journal, and I haven't even printed any pics yet. I only just completed the enlargement project for last March just before we left on this trip. I am now three enlargement projects behind!! Too much travel and not enough contemplation.
Wednesday, March 23rd/11
After a week in Albuquerque of single digit humidity (usually around 7% or 8%), and sunshine and temps into the low 70s, it has been a rude reintroduction to our crappy spring weather in Essex County. Winter temps return here for the rest of the week and into the weekend, and we just barely dodged a big ice storm. Even worse than that, there are no more mountains anywhere I look! Damn. Then there's the beer problem. So much choice in Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico etc from brewpubs that brew their own varieties of delicious, unique beers. This is happening in Ontario, too, but not anywhere near where I live. Not even available in the beer or liquor stores. Sigh. No mountains. No good beer. Can life be worth getting out of bed for?
Luckily there's music. Three days back at the piano now and I'm almost feeling like a musician again. Deb's cd launch is only two weeks away, too. And I have the photos and journal of the recent trip to work on. AND, I brought back 48 bottles of delicious Michigan microbrewed beer with us on Saturday. So life is tolerable for the moment. Except for the lack of mountains :(
Sunday, March 20th/11
Happy Vernal Equinox to all! Christians around the world will now have to wait until the next full moon is over to celebrate their pagan-based festival of Yeostre (oops, I meant Easter). Speaking of full moons, last night we were flying back from Albuquerque during moonrise, and I saw my first full moon rise from 33,000'. Red, yellow and then white colouring transpired within a few short minutes. And there were clear skies in Detroit when we landed, so we got to see the moon from our drive home from the airport!
Tonight's Equinox celebration featured a hot wood fire inside, rain outside, new Tarot cards (already picked for this date in October) for the next cross-quarter (more on mine at a later date), the quarterly changing of the pictures on our walls to the Spring theme, changing of the fireplace lights, and a vegan pasta to die for!
The trip to New Mexico, our 30th, wasn't too shabby either! 7 unique hikes, each one totally different from the other. I am already working feverishly on the photo edits--216 photos to look over--and will begin posting the best of them over on the right in its own album.
Friday, March 11th/11
After New Zealand took a very bad hit from a severe earthquake, it is now Japan's turn, though it looks as if the tsunami did much worse than the actual quake. A 9 metre wave? Give me a break! No defense against that, my friends.
Another little surprise on our awakening today. Apparently the heavens have not yet run out of snowflakes. Still, 4" of snow seems rather insignificant when compared to an 8.9 earthquake, does it not? Which would you rather endure?
The weather for our week in Albuquerque looks splendid, with plenty of sunshine and temps rising to the low 70s. No snow is expected this year (yay!), and there isn't much left in the mountains, so we may get up a bit higher than last year. I've been battling a nasty cold all week, and hope I am better by Monday, the day of our first big hike (smaller ones on Saturday and Sunday). More photos coming soon! Stay tuned.
Monday, March 7th/11
One week to go before our next major hiking experience! Lots of walking planned for the upcoming Albuquerque trip, and each day completely different. From dry canyons to the top of extinct volcanoes, each of our journeys to New Mexico allows us to experience the widest possible variety of terrain imaginable. We will even venture up into the pine forest, if the snow has receded enough. Getting very, very excited!
I have finally managed to memorize the two outer movements of the Beethoven Sonata I have been learning (Op 10 #1). It has been a challenge, but I hope the next one won't be so difficult--it's been years since I memorized new pieces, but I seem to be getting the hang of it once again. Hopefully it will all stay in there while we are on vacation...
Friday, March 4th/11
Deb is now 60% of the way through her 31st and final year of teaching public school. That officially makes it a "champagne weekend," though we shall have to wait until Sunday to celebrate. It is turning out to be a busy weekend.
On Thursday, I had the pleasure of judging the school Science Fair at APS, along with a number of others. Though not up to the quality of years past, I did award a few very high marks to students who had done outstanding jobs (nice going, Brittney!). I also got to see and talk with many of my little former friends.
Tonight, I took Angela and Kady to the annual Belle Aire Band Readathon, where nearly 200 musicians (teachers and advanced students) gather for a few hours to sight read through recently published band music. I managed to play clarinet for 90 minutes!! I haven't played that much all at once since university, and I'm feeling it tonight inside my lower lip. My clarinet is working perfectly now. What a difference. Most years I could only play about 20 minutes and I thought it was me.
Tomorrow night, after a mailbox and bookstore run to Detroit, we are attending the Windsor Symphony's performance of Beethoven's Symphony #9 at Cleary. Karly, one of my piano students, is in the chorus! Should be an exciting night.
Wednesday, March 2nd/11
Welcome to the mid-week report, and the month of March! Even knowing that March is the 2nd cruellest month, once the calendar turns to March our hopes rise eternal. Even knowing that we will be disappointed in the inevitable delay of decent spring weather, hoping is good. For the third time this winter, the snow is melting away. Will it return yet again? I dare not say no, but I will join with all believers in saying "I hope not!" 6 weeks of winter is just enough (perhaps just a touch too much), but this year Windsor has had 12. I fervently hope that this means that we have also had next year's winter, so we may pass directly from Autumn 2011 to Spring 2012 (with perhaps a day of winter in between for diehard fans).
Despite all of the infectious diseases sweeping her school, Deb and I remain healthy. Of course it is next week that we don't wish to contract anything. Fingers crossed and immune system boosters at full throttle. No lesson cancellations this week, either. Our ramped up excercise program should be helping us fight off any invaders, too. However, last year in Albuquerque it was my allergies that gave up the fight against the immortal enemy, and I was very sick all week. The juniper pollen count was nearly off the scale, and it put a serious crimp in my usually jolly mood. This year I will be fully armed with pills and ready to use them.
I'm still enjoying writing to my young friend in England on Reddhead.com. Miowla is a great letter writer for her age, and though her messages are somewhat sporadic, when they come they are long, engaging and of high quality. I foresee a long-lasting literary friendship between us.
Sunday, Feb. 27th/11
Today it really felt like spring--grey, misty and mushy. Tonight we are expecting up to half an inch of rain, which should eat away at the remaining snow. Good riddance.
Because I have been reading a really good sci fi novel lately, and because it just kept getting better and better as it went on, and because I was getting near the end of the epic story ("Matter," by Iain Banks), I ended up skipping my morning music practice and reading instead. The novel was brilliant, escapism at its finest, with Banks' unparalleled imagination going full throttle. I love books that begin rather slowly and gradually get better and more mysterious and more exciting as they go on! Banks is a master at this. It always feels good to have one's brain split wide open by incredible ideas and alien landscapes.
Anyway, I didn't begin to get around to piano, flute and clarinet work until nearly 3 pm. As our sidewalks are still unwalkable, I also put in 30 minutes on the treadmill. As a result, I didn't finish until well after six. Adding Iaido to the mix is going to be interesting, as I will also need to practice that at home a few times each week. May have to give up either flute or clarinet. I'm even half-thinking of taking up Aikido in the autumn, too. We'll see. Might be something for both Deb and I to undertake together.
On March 1st Deb begins to send in her barrage of official notifications regarding her upcoming retirement. Can't come soon enough for her.
Saturday, Feb. 26th/11
For some time now, the price of car diesel fuel has been higher than premium gasoline. Why is this? Because we recently bought a TDI, of course! At some stations in Detroit, they were attempting to extort us for $3.75 per gallon (one of those teeny US gallons). I finally settled for $3.41 at the duty free station at the bridge. Despite the usual amount of driving for a week, however, I was only able to put $14.50 worth of fuel into the Golf, since filling it at the same location last Saturday. Not bad. Prices have never been so high, and it still only cost us $14.50 to drive for a week. A cold week, too. I refuse to complain. As to winter, well that is a different story. If this wasn't a family-type of site, I would indulge in some serious cussin' right about now. The promise of a night of rain Sunday into Monday is keeping my faith up, however. March is coming (such a dismal month), with the promise of at least a few warmer days, and perhaps the blooming of our snowdrops.
Wednesday, Feb. 23/11
I had a fun morning being one of three judges at Amherstburg Public School's Oral Communications Festival. We had to hear and grade 18 speeches presented by students in Gr.4-8, and choose three winners from the younger grades and three from the older. Some very fun presentations, including the overall winner (Gr. 8 girl) who spoke on "Pick-up Lines," informing boys what they should and should not say and do to pick up girls. Very funny, and extremely well presented. I got a few good pointers, too! LOL
Last night I went to Bill T.'s dojo in Windsor to watch an Iaido lesson. Iaido is the Japanese sword thing, which is all based around drawing the samauri sword, making the required cut or cuts and then returning the sword to the sheath immediately afterwards. Bill has a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido, but is also studying Iaido. Since last summer he has wanted me to join up, too. I will give it a six month try beginning soon and see if I can avoid cutting off any of my own limbs.
Tuesday, Feb. 22/11
Ha ha! Winter came back. Very funny. So funny that I think it's about time we all gave a collective middle finger to the year's most annoying season. Muscles have been bruised once more after two days of digging out from one of the biggest snowfalls to ever hit at one time. We got a good solid 10" here. The only thing keeping my spirits high is how fast the last batch melted once the temps went up. Spring had arrived in all of its giddy glory, and then we were robbed! Cruelty, thy name is 'snowstorm.'
Saturday, Feb. 19th/11
My prediction of no snow by the weekend turned out rather accurate! Last weekend we had snowshoed twice--this weekend there is absolutely no snow left. Our yard is snow free! But not for long. We are under a winter storm watch for tomorrow. Sigh. Here we go again.
My new passport finally arrived, so I made a mercy run to the mailbox, which was jammed with mail. There were also about 600 parcels awaiting pick-up. Of course I got stopped coming home to pay the GST. Now our government can easily survive indefinitely on my $10 contribution. The proofs of my novel arrived, and they look okay. I can now list the book on websites such as Amazon to sell. Deb got her batch of new cds. Her launch will be April 9th, at the same cafe in Lasalle. Paula, Deb and I will perform some live music. I will even make my public debut as a flautist!
Last night I attended one of Paula's gatherings of adult students and teachers. We performed the Mozart and Debussy pieces for four hands we have been learning, all to great acclaim. Even I was surprised at how well they went over! We will perform them again at my solo recital in late April.
I heard from Randy today with some good news and some not so good news. The good news is that he has a 22" telescope mirror arriving soon, so his project to build "the big one" is back on track. First light could be as early as June. That will be an event! Perhaps some live music ha ha! The second bit of news is that he took a nasty wipe out on some ice last week, and is definitely a hurtin' and wounded person. Sounds painful (shoulder) and somewhat serious.
Tuesday, Feb. 15th/11
Despite our winter arriving early and thus lasting longer than usual, it is coming to an end right on time! We managed three snowshoe outings so far this season--we are always hopeful one more may arrive, but it takes an awful lot of snow to make for decent snowshoeing. There has been an amazing amount of snow melt already, and it will likely be all gone by the weekend.
The highlight of the local winter concert season has to be Philip Adamson's solo recital on Sunday afternoon. Except for one short piece, the music--all by Ontario composers--was very accessible and eminently listenable. I have never heard Philip perform better--he was at the very top of his game and it was a joy to hear him.
Full student lessons resume this week, after a lull in the action from having a week of group lessons instead of individual ones. Only four more weeks of lessons before March Break, something Deb is already in need of! I've been busy planning hikes and preparing maps for the upcoming Albuquerque expedition. Some incredible new areas have been selected, all easy to reach by car from the city. I wouldn't say that the hiking near Albuquerque is limitless, but there is a lifetime of it to do, easily.
Friday, Feb. 11th/11
We went for our 2nd snowshoe hike of the season today, back to Brunet Park but into other areas of the forest. It was quiet and still, and we saw 4 deer. They are nearly soundless when they move through snow. 40 minutes in the woods with snowshoes is a good workout, and despite the chilly temps we were peeling off layers of clothing rather quickly after a few moments. It was not unlike uphill walking in New Mexico. A good workout. Hopefully we will squeeze in one more tomorrow before the big spring thaw arrives. It looks like winter's back is broken, though I won't declare it officially over until Sunday or Monday. Speaking of Sunday, I am looking forward to Philip's recital. I imagine he is preoccupied right now.
Thursday, Feb. 10th/11
The next New Mexico journey is quickly approaching, and we are now officially in preparation for it. The excercise program is ramping up, and I have begun to plan our series of hikes in and around Albuquerque. This mostly involves selecting possible hikes from various hiking books in our library, placing them in a logical order (easy ones at lower altitudes first, with the 'big one' near the end of the week), constructing the necessary topo maps from my dvd computer program, and then waiting for our flight to Albuquerque! Even though this will the 30th visit for me, I am as excited as my first time.
Wednesday, Feb. 9th/11
I've scheduled no regular lessons this week, holding a group lesson instead. Today 8 of 9 girls managed to attend, and we heard five pianists, a flautist (Angela) and a clarinetist (Mel). Linsey had a sprained finger and did not play.
We are all trying to survive the final days of winter (I will declare it over on Sunday or Monday), as we celebrate Lupercalia and the return of daylight to our latitude. It has now been a harsh winter--I can tell from looking at our gas bills.
Deb has persevered and got my young adult novel back into publication, after another of my endless edits (it's done for good now). Copies can be ordered on-line (see link at top of photo, opposite) or from me, at a cost of $8.
This Sunday is Philip Adamson's bi-annual recital, an event I always look forward to with great enthusiasm. He will play a program of music featuring Canadian composers.
Last Sunday, Deb and I managed to go snowshoeing in the wilds of Brunet Park in Lasalle. We had an amazing time, and hope to go again on Friday if the cold becomes a bit less severe.
Snowshoeing at Brunet Park.
Ditto.
Saturday, Feb. 5th/11
Yup, more snow, nearly as much as the first storm, and this one wasn't even predicted. At least it was fluffy and a bit easier to move aside, though I am still stiff from Wednesday and Thursday. More shovelling tomorrow, though hopefully some snowshoeing as well! Finally enough snow to make it worthwhile. We are going to try walking in the woods at Brunet Park in Lasalle.
Deb tries out her snowshoes at home in anticipation of tomorrow's outing, our first of the season.
Friday was our first group music lesson of the year, as we hosted nine youngsters after school here at the house (and five parents and two young siblings--rather crowded). All went well, and ran on time. The older students will come here on Wed. (hopefully without parents and siblings).
Friday evening we went to a very good concert at Assumption Chapel. The Windsor Symphony hosts their chamber orchestra series every year here in a series of concerts that are always a highlight of our season. We heard two Haydn Symphonies (#56 and #93), and Mozart Violin Concerto #3, all played superbly and in the best acoustics in Windsor. The violinist was completely awesome, a local lad of 17 now studying performance at the Cleveland Institute.
We were supposed to go to Detroit tonight for a solo piano recital, but sadly had to cancel due to weather conditions.
Wednesday, February 2nd/11
That was quite severe enough for us, thank you very much! Three massive shovelling sessions, aided for a bit by a John Deere tractor with the neighbour, and we still aren't done. That was with only 7" in our yard--had it been 15" we would have been in serious trouble. There are going to be some stiff muscles tomorrow!
Deb is forging ahead with plans to host her second cd launch in April, so stay tuned for more info. There will be some live music at this event, too! Same place as last year. The cds are currently being copied somewhere in Oregon. I've heard all the songs twice now, and they are really good. The cover, back and inside will feature some of her recent art.
Too tired for words just now. Good night...
Monday, January 31st/11
Other than being nearly unending, it has been a relatively decent January. A bit cold, but certainly not a lot to complain about for winter in Canada. Will still be glad to see it left behind, and hopefully we will survive February, too (or at least this week's approaching storm). As long as we don't get ice, I won't complain too much. Might be time at last to dust off the snowshoes!
We went to Detroit yesterday to see the Joffrey Ballet, a wonderful Chicago company that we have been out of touch with for too long. The show was at the Detroit Opera House, one of the city's finest spaces. Along with the Fox Theatre, Music Hall Center, Orchestra Hall, and the DIA auditorium, the Opera House makes Detroit one of the best equipped cities in the world for the arts to be showcased in magnificently restored surroundings.
Speaking of dancers, I have reconnected with Melissa Williams recently, one of the most talented students to ever come out of Amherstburg Public School (and one of the sweetest). She danced for us nearly every year at APS, and also played a decent saxophone in the band. She has worked with some amazingly big names, and even had a starring role in a Hollywood movie, "Showgirls." She is now mostly a choreographer, largely for Prince and MTV things.
Detail of the Detroit Opera House, where Deb and I saw the Joffrey Ballet Company on Sunday.
Our Sony Mylo, with Deb's thumbs. It is not a cell phone, but a tiny wi fi device. It will travel with us for e-mail contacts, weather updates etc., instead of the laptop. Works anywhere there is wi fi.
Sony Mylo next to a pint of Bells Amber Ale at Buddys in Dearborn.
Friday, January 28th/11
I've just had a relatively decent week, missing only two students due to illness. Disease is rampant at Deb's school, and hopefully will give us a miss. We finally got our flu shots on Monday, though that won't help us for at least another week or so. Still, the goal is to be healthy for March Break, enjoying a week of hiking and exploration in and around Albuquerque once again. Deb finally got her report cards done, the worst set she has ever undertaken in terms of hours of work. They were endless. They have to be done on-line now, with a brand new program (no training provided), and the computers at school don't work well, and the school wi fi does not accept laptops from home. In short, all the teachers at APS had to do them at home, unable to use their prep time or lunch time (or the PA Day that was granted to work on them in school!). Typical bureaucratic bullshit. Anyway, they are done!
Paula and I had our third rehearsal today on the Mozart and Debussy pieces for four hands we are performing in February. Depending on how that endeavour goes down, I will decide if I wish to perform a solo recital before or after March Break.
We have nothing planned for tomorrow (besides some snow shovelling), but Sunday we are hoping to attend the Joffrey Ballet at the Detroit Opera House. It's been years since we have seen them, and we are looking forward to the performance with great enthusiasm.
Monday, Jan. 24th/11
Another lovely 4-day weekend is ending, and a three-day work week approaches. A new student arrives tomorrow evening after Roger, marking #20 in a year that I wanted no more than 12 (10 would be perfect). Amanda used to take trombone lessons, and she did two exams with me. She now wishes to try her hands at piano. The weeks get busier...
We had a fine walk this afternoon at Malden Hill Park. A gentle, light snow was falling, enough to obscure this crazy world from our hilltop location, enabling us to forget for a moment or two the mass shootings, airport bombings, and the ever-growing madness that has come along with our modern "civilization."
Saturday, Jan. 22nd/11
With our winter cold front in full bloom, we went out for a walk this morning in full gear. Our 35 minute walk in Dearborn was quite pleasant, despite temps to chill a former Sudburian. Afterwards we went downtown Detroit for lunch, after picking up our sony MyLO 2 at the mailbox, a tiny device that works like a miniature desktop computer wherever wifi is available. It fits in Deb's purse and even takes pictures, and will be our companion when travelling by air, rather than taking a laptop. Photo of it to come tomorrow.
Yesterday, Paula and I had our second duet practice for an upcoming performance. We are learning the first movement of the Mozart Sonata in D+, as well as "En Bateau" by Debussy, both for four hands. Great pieces, though certainly challenging. Our rehearsal went very well, and we had great fun. The Mozart is already up, but the Debussy needs a few more rehearsals.
Thursday, Jan. 20th/11
It's now official--as our major winter cold front begins to grip us for the next few days, it has been announced that 2010 tied for the warmest year ever recorded (along with 1998 and 2005). Of course people on-line are yapping about how cold it is blah blah blah. The Arctic had its warmest year ever, and the severity of the past year's weather, from devasting fires over half of Russia to the current floods in Brazil and Australia, are further evidence that things are not as they should be in so many different places. One thing I remember about last summer was that daytime highs seldom broke any records, but it was consistently hot almost all summer. We broke frequent records with night-time highs, as many times the ground was so warm that night time cooling just did not happen.
Anyway, the stove is full of pellets, and tomorrow we go in search of some serious cold weather gear. If the snow comes soon, we want to be able to get out there on our snowshoes in relative comfort!
Wed., Jan. 19th/11
It wasn't much of a birthday for Deb, as I taught until 8:30 pm and she worked all afternoon and evening (and last night) on her report cards. It was a full moon, too, usually cause for major partying around here. We have postponed most festivities until Friday. Oddly enough, my birthday hit on a Wednesday last time around. Student #20 has called and asked for lessons, so it doesn't look like my work week will be getting shorter anytime soon.
It was -25C in Sudbury this morning. Now that's a wake-up call! We are going shopping Friday afternoon for some serious winter gear, as winter is on its way here, too.
Tuesday, January 18th/11
There has been a news article appearing in a few papers about the ten worst things about winter. All of them have been silly and trivial, none of them taking into account the deadliest factor, nor even mentioning it. It's also the factor that makes winter the most unpleasant season, though it often makes summer the most pleasant. Know what it is? Some of you might have guessed temperature, and that certainly is a factor, but growing up in Sudbury temperatures of minus 30C were not uncommon, and we still went skiing and skating outdoors. The answer is wind. When the wind blows, winter becomes as unpleasant as it can get, and the skates and skis have to come off and it's time to go indoors. Wind chill only affects exposed skin, or someone who does not have enough layers on, so technically if one is fully garbed with sufficient thermal gear one can stay outside indefinitely, even in a howling wind. Look no further than snowmobilers for proof of this, often zooming along at 100 kph or faster and having a great time. Try that sometime with no gloves and facial exposure! I used to have a snowmobile suit and boots, and I must get another one. The warmth provided is completely unbelievable and total. Going outside is a bit cumbersome, but toasty warm. I am going to look at Wal Mart on the weekend, and try to enjoy the major cold wave that is coming our way!
Sunday, January 16th/11
I spent a wonderful morning reading, and managed to finally finish The Children's Blizzard. It is not a book meant for light reading; in fact, it is not a book I could simply sit and read cover to cover in a short period of time. Sometimes I would have to just stop and put it away for a few days, or even a week, before getting up enough courage to continue. The author provides enough discussion about the weather service, the history of the families and such to give readers a bit of a break from the suffering caused by the storm and its deadly aftermath, but it still isn't enough to make the book any easier to digest. The glimpses of pioneer life are daunting enough without the country's worst cold wave and blizzard added to this suffering. I have read a few books now on early times out on the prairie, including books detailing the Santa Fe Wagon Trail. I am always left in awe at how strong and determined the early settlers were, and also how unfortunate. Their routine, daily suffering could not be matched by anything we could ever imagine today. Yes, we have it pretty good these days, but that is not necessarily what we should always seek. Those people were like another species, and would never understand how we (especially me!) became so soft and unprepared to survive without modern conveniences. Think of people stranded at an airport these days during a snowstorm. Doesn't impress me anymore. Anyhoo, the book is amazing. It will break your heart over and over, but at the same time it leaves you thinking about so many things that need to be thought about, amd puts many other things into a new perspective. Locally, we are expecting a big push of cold air on Wednesday. I just may venture outdoors to experience it, if even for a few moments.
Friday, January 14th/11
Despite a very real nip to the air, we ventured as far west as Ann Arbor this afternoon. Deb had a non-teaching day, as report cards are just around the corner. We headed first to one of our favourite brew pubs, enjoying a pint and a half of cask ale, and also sharing some food. It is nice to break away occasionally, and Ann Arbor is a fabulous town to visit. It is filled with restaurants, pubs, bookstores, cafes, and many other fine shops. You are always going to have a good time in Ann Arbor--we are thinking of coming here for New Year's Eve next year, including getting a room for afterwards. Hopefully a few good friends will wish to join us!
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co., Ann Arbor, MI
Wednesday, January 12th/11
4 more inches of the Devil's Dandruff fell upon our driveway last night, and I expended a formidable amount of energy moving it aside this morning. All of our students made it to their Tuesday lessons, though tonight there were two that didn't arrive, freeing me of 1 3/4 hours of work. At any rate, we are both over the work week hump now! There are no big plans for the weekend, but we may try and sneak away to Ann Arbor Friday afternoon, just for the heck of it. A good lunch, bookstore browse, a walk and cafe stop would be on the agenda if we went. Saturday evening we have tickets to the Windsor Symphony concert, so we may wait until next week for Ann Arbor.
The bird-feeding area was busy today, as fresh snow covered much of the landscape. We received about 4" of fluffy stuff, not enough to break out the snowshoes.
Monday, January 10th/11
I would never admit it aloud around here, but it sure is nice having 4-day weekends!
Deb managed to finish another great song for her newest cd over the weekend. Called "The Ballad of Eowyn," it is a fitting tribute to the Lady Eowyn, a major character in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings." I have just completed my rereading of the entire series, including "The Hobbit." During my first year of retirement I wish to reread the three main series that most influenced me as an older teen. I have now read the 4 amazing books by E.R. Eddison, and now have completed 4 by Tolkien (I also wish to reread "The Silmarilion" soon).
I have now begun to read the third series, the "Gormenghast" trilogy by Mervyn Peake. This is the least "fantasty-oriented" group of the three sets I have chosen to reread this year, and yet at the same time it is the most fantastical. Taking place in an enormous castle behind high walls (loosely based on Arundel Castle in Sussex), Peake gathers the strangest group of characters ever assembled in one place at one time. The first book, "Titus Groan," deals with the aftermath of the birth of Lord and Lady Groan's first son, who will someday become the new Earl, the 77th. Never in the history of literature has there been an opening chapter (or three!) to compare with that of "Titus." The books are spellbinding, and I wonder why it took me so long to get around to rereading them.
I continue to make progress with "The Children's Blizzard," a true story that is worse than any horror novel I have ever read. Not only was this one of the worst and most sudden storms ever to hit the USA, but the day it arrived (January 12, 1888) was the first mild day experienced for weeks. Children went to school for the first time in almost six weeks, and they went poorly dressed because of the mild air. When the storm hit mid-day, the temperature dropped 18 degrees F. in three minutes, and it only got worse from there. Much worse. If you read descriptions of truly foul weather from Antarctic weather stations, you will have a good idea of what hit the plains that day. This is not a book that will have a happy ending.
Thursday, January 6th/11
Is it June yet? That was a long week of teaching! First lessons back after a two week vacation are not fun for the teacher. Most kids didn't even look at a piano for almost three weeks, and then show up and expect me to be in a happy, playful mood! Grr. At least some of them had pounded quite a few keys. One girl said she practiced every day, except for a short family visit to Toronto. Good for her! A few others paid sporadic visits. Ah well, things will improve again as the month goes on. At least every single student came for a lesson this week, the first time that has happened in quite some time.
On Friday I meet with Paula for our first practice on two new duets. Really looking forard to that. In addition, she will be my accompaniest for some flute pieces, which I may perform at an upcoming concert.
Weatherwise, we now have way too much snow (nearly an inch) and it's way too cold (far, far below 75 degrees). But the wood pellet stove in on, and all is warmth and coziness throughout the house.
Tuesday, January 4th/11
You will all be sad to hear that my 18 day winter vacation ended today, as I returned to the job of private music instructor! Oh well, in two more days I'll have another 4-day weekend in which to shed my tears. Odd, but Deb wasn't at all sympathetic to me.
I am pleased with the state of my piano and harpsichord pieces, and confident that they can be ready in about six weeks. I am going to try and memorize the first and third movements of the Beethoven sonata, though it may still be perfomed with the book open. Paula and I will perform at a gathering in Lasalle in mid-February, and I will likely play one solo work as well. We'll see how that goes.
And Deb has completed work on her second cd. She recorded much of it during the holidays, and it will soon be ready to send off for mastering and then duplicating. So stay tuned for another cd release party in early spring! Good stuff happening around here.
Sunday, January 2nd/2011
Well folks, it's 2011 and we still don't have a colony on Mars. A sad reflection of a society that dreams of not much else besides shopping, momentary entertainment and short-attention span news (such as "disaster of the day"). Why there is no Martian colony yet is no surprise, really. Only for a brief period of time in the 1960s did people remember how to dream and how to live their dream. There will no Martian colony in my lifetime, even if I should live another 40 years. On the bright side, there have been, and will continue to be, some extraordinary smaller missions to other planets, including Mars. Wandering on a near-daily basis with the Mars Rovers has been something of a dream come true, and almost as good as being there myself. Venus, Pluto, Mercury and the Moon continue to interest scientists, if not the general public, and some funding still allows for such exploration, even of comets and asteroids! Still, it is sad that lights continue to dim the night skies at an alarming rate, distancing people even more from what once was the greatest view from earth. I am hoping that 2011 is the year I return to a full-fledged astronomical observation program, equipped with the latest technology and a larger and better mirror. So much to see, so little time...
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