Monthly Archives: January 2014

Happy birthday, Austrian composer Franz Schubert, 31 January 1797 – 19 November 1828. In 1985, my voice teacher, Mary Hagopian, introduced me to this beautiful hymn to the art of music. An Die Musik is one of the best-known songs by Schubert. Original German English … Continue reading →

I almost hate to leave for the middle school to teach saxophone, this morning.  The pups are in full entertainment form, and Chief is delighting in every moment of it. Each time I get out of bed in the middle … Continue reading →

I returned from Beavercreek High School’s show choir rehearsal at 11:00 PM, Tuesday night.  The students worked hard, and grabbed on to the techniques I encouraged. The Trio von Haasfur was eager to see me, and I was so thrilled … Continue reading →

The past several weeks have yielded some interesting weather for the Miami Valley.  A lot of snow, and some tremendously cold days.  This morning, area thermometers read between -13 and -8. I’ve made a lot of chicken vegetable soup over … Continue reading →

Today, in 1969, 45 years ago, my great-grandmother, Mary Belle Jones Clary, died.  I got to know this great-grandmother, and spent a good deal of time with her.  Grandma Belle, for me, was known as “Grandma Coo-coo.”  In fact, they … Continue reading →

I know the title probably sounds bizarre to many of my friends here in the Midwest, especially when the thermometer reads 8°. While I am not overly fond of cold weather, I cannot dismiss it entirely. In fact, I am … Continue reading →

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” – Winnie The Pooh It’s been one month since the heartbreak of losing Navi began. The house has resumed ringing … Continue reading →

Thursday night, I actually pre-planned supper since I would teach until 9:00 PM, and then busy myself with preparations for the long weekend of judging show choirs in Beavercreek. While my last students were arriving, I put a meat tray … Continue reading →

I was amused at how quickly Bailey and Harrigan acquired the art of “the sniff.”  It did not take them long, at all. Now, at 12 weeks old, they are professional sniffers.  In fact, they seem to enjoy sniffing more … Continue reading →

I look forward to this competition each year. I love spending time with my fellow show choir judges: J.D. Smith, Ron Morgan, and Brian Nabors.  Normally, Kevin Manley is a part of our quintet, but Kevin is taking the year … Continue reading →

It’s Thursday night, and the teaching week is almost over.  Tomorrow, I will have eight students, finishing by 4:45 PM. Immediately after teaching I will hurry to Men’s Warehouse to pick up my tuxedo, and then on to Beavercreek High … Continue reading →

Pups in Progress… I don’t think Chief and I could be happier.  Naturally, the heartache of Navi’s absence is still great, but we are laughing, enjoying life, and keeping up with two energetic little gals. The students, and their families, … Continue reading →

This morning, I woke to this beautiful poem sent by Mary Hutcheson.  I think every dog/pet lover will appreciate this!  Thank you, Mary! I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that … Continue reading →

Pups In Progress continues right along. The potty training is 98% there. We are working on everything “no jump,” “no chew,” and “come.” Bailey and Harrigan are still doing a great job on walks, and are an absolute delight with … Continue reading →

Tonight, I decided to sleep in the guest bedroom. The one twin bed was claimed by Navi and Chief when I first rearranged rooms last May. I figured the pups would join me in the one twin bed, while Chief … Continue reading →

A student’s parent wrote this for Navi. I absolutely love it! Thank you, Missy (and Becca)! If Navi Could Speak If Navi could speak I wonder what she would say? Maybe, “How are you doing on this nice, fine day?” … Continue reading →

A student’s parent wrote this for Navi. I absolutely love it! Thank you, Missy (and Becca)! If Navi Could Speak If Navi could speak I wonder what she would say? Maybe, “How are you doing on this nice, fine day?” … Continue reading →

I am not a fan of new recipes, but now, and then, I get on a kick. This morning, someone on Facebook posted they were making cabbage roll soup.  I’ve tried cabbage rolls, and liked them, but I am a … Continue reading →

Several times upon returning home, I’ve found all three dogs in the living room.  The kitchen gate, which is one of two, is always open. Last night, I returned home to find the gate closed.  Chief, who can easily jump … Continue reading →

The 2014 Winter Puppy Potty Olympics have continued, despite the frigid conditions. Harrigan and Bailey continue to medal in both events, while Chief still holds The Shroyer Arena record for distance. Harrigan is learning that if she does not comply … Continue reading →

There’s not much new to report.  Several lessons resumed this weekend, and Harrigan and Bailey snuggled under the piano bench, quite content with the new sounds coming from, what has been known until yesterday as, the ‘forbidden room.’ I blocked … Continue reading →

New post on Gone With The Wind Book Biggest memory of Alicia Rhett who played India Wilkes in GWTW was her smile by gwtwbook India Wilkes, played by Alicia Rhett By now the word has spread about the death of … Continue reading →

Chief is the best dog. Several years ago, I set out three hogs’ hooves on the kitchen counter. Chief stood up, selected one, and left the room. I figured he had selected his. However, I watched as he went into … Continue reading →