Voyagers

Last night we inaugurated our new backyard with a potluck for our church group, the Voyagers. We discovered that if we use the inside dining room table, as well as the outdoor tables, we could seat 32 people. Hal grilled carne asada and pollo for tacos, people brought fabulous appetizers and salads, and a few desserts, and we had ourselves a great time.

To cap off the evening, we walked down to Bridges Auditorium for the Claremont High School production of Cats.

Still one more musical event

The school year is officially over now. Last night Pat and I held a joint recital for our private students and a few of our school district students. In our informal concert, we had an ensemble piece with 2 violins, a viola, cello, bass and piano, some cello solos, some violin solos, and a sax solo, which made for some musical diversity. Pat and I ended the show with a violin/cello duet.

Claremont: On the Same Page

Since I will be playing violin for one of the programs for our city-wide book read, I thought I should read The Soloist by Steve Lopez now instead of in the fall. We should have great conversations in October about this book from the way music can enter lives to mental illness and homelessness. I learned things about all these that I did not know before. I have yet to see the movie, but will probably see it when it comes out on DVD.

This is a picture of the Beethoven statue in Pershing Square which features prominently in the book. I ought to see it sometime in person.

Multicultural Day Open House

Last night at Vista's Open House, the Vista Orchestra and 3rd grade recorder students gave a 20-minute concert. We played two pieces together, even though we didn't really practice together - always a fun experiment! As much as I love teaching music to elementary kids, I am ready for a summer vacation!

A Little Aspiration

Today I had a cyst aspirated. Stick a needle in, draw out the fluid. Not nearly as painful as it might sound! This was done by the same surgeon who removed a lipoma from my forehead in 2005. She does good work.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

50 years ago today, my parents were married in Pawnee Rock, Kansas. In July we will celebrate their achievement with a gathering of friends and family in Colorado.

Many congratulations, Mom and Dad!

Facebook

Hal joined Facebook yesterday, so now I can officially be married to him in FB-land.

Google Calendar

Hal has gotten me hooked into Google Calendar. We've linked our two accounts together, so I can see at any time the events he has put on his calendar, and he can see mine. This has saved a bit of emailing back and forth about book club, concert, and other dates. I believe you need an gmail account, just like blogspot.

Progress in the Cottage

We've had lots of activity in the cottage this week, and when I went in last night, I found that the cabinets are being made. Yay!

Pure Enjoyment

I finished the 10th book in The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency series. Pure delight, as with the others. Now I know there is going to be an 11th because of what happens in the end of this one!