Monthly Archives: December 2023

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: The anniversary of a new dad and current festivities

December 15th is a day of memorable life moments. 39 years ago on this date, my mother married David Haas who was to become our step-father for six months, and our adoptive father for the remainder of his life – … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: The Messiah, Mary Lincoln, and George Washington – a day of favorites!

It is Wednesday and I am not needed at Schuster Center until the evening for which I will, for the first time, hear Handel’s THE MESSIAH in full. I’ve heard excerpts or favored chunks from the 1741 oratorio but never … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: Tuesday, December 12th, 2023

Monday was what I would consider a great day. I was busy but productive. The private lessons were strong, and much was accomplished in a forward motion. Musical callbacks, OMEA preparation, and Christmas solos are all coming together nicely. Other … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: Thursday, December 14th

I’m tired this morning and a busy day awaits me. I have enough time to ward off some of the exhaustion with a few more hours of sleep. I’m waiting on Bailey to finish her breakfast so I can let … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: The Nutcracker, Walmart grocery delivery (or rather, non-delivery)

Friday had some hits and some misses; mostly hits but the misses balanced things out. It was the first performance of THE NUTCRACKER with the Dayton Ballet and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. There was an issue with the lobby monitors, … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: Remembering Aunt Joyce

It is Monday. So often, Mondays get a bad rap because it’s the beginning of the work week. It is not Monday’s fault – it is our responsibility and our attitude. Monday is doing exactly what Monday should be doing. … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: “I Edward VIII of Great Britain…”

“I, Edward the Eighth, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Emperor of India, do hereby declare My irrevocable determination to renounce the Throne for Myself and for My descendants, and My desire that effect … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT TIME: Thursday, December 14th, 2023

On this date in history: (2013) Irish actor Peter O’Toole, who captivated audiences with performances that showcased his versatility in roles ranging from classical drama to contemporary farce during a seven-decade stage and screen career, died at age 81. (2012) A … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: Pearl Harbor Day, 2023

We are now a week into December 2023 with three more remaining before we commence with the new year. With the upcoming year ending in the number “four,” the math is easy enough to determine it is my year to … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: Nutcrackers begin

Thursday was not as profitable as I had hoped at the beginning of the day as I alternated between my desk and my bed. The continued discomfort of gut issues has been exhausting and sleep seems to aid me in … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: Wet & wild weather and aging dogs

Tuesday was mild, but productive and I feel good about what I accomplished. At 4 PM, Mama Kay and I went for our weekly Taco Tuesday at El Toro. The day began and ended with rain, adding to the bleakness … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: A weekend of Canadian Brass, Dayton Philarmonic Orchestra, and Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra – wow!

I dreaded going to Schuster Center on Sunday, and I had to adjust several students’ lessons which is difficult to do. However, I am so thankful I did not miss the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra under the magical musical baton … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: Straight, No Chaser sells out Dayton’s Schuster Center

I loved my Tuesday despite it being a fifteen-hour day. I am tired this morning, but I truly enjoyed yesterday. At 4:30 PM, I was at Schuster Center prepping paperwork for the arrival of our dedicated and enthusiastic Volunteers who … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: The last day of November

It’s the last day of November 2023. My nephew, Fredrick “Freddie” Lee Haas, son of my younger brother, is sixteen, today. Freddie shares his birthday with the legendary British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. I learned former Secretary of State Henry … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: Tuesday, December 5th, 2023

Monday was cold and grey with moments of sunshine peeking through. A front must have entered the Miami Valley sometime mid-morning as the muscle aches were enormously powerful, cramping my hands to the point of having difficulty typing anything. This … Continue reading

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DAILY DEEDS: The Colonel at 13 months

Colonel Deeds will turn thirteen months old on Sunday, December 3rd. While he continues to bask in puppyhood for another five to six months, he has already demonstrated many fine attributes of becoming a great dog with his obedience (except … Continue reading

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MAKE IT A GREAT DAY: Welcome, December 2023!

December 2023 has arrived and it did so with warmer temperatures, wind, and rain. I completed the bedroom | study closet swap, yesterday, and spent this morning finishing up the organization. I like how it has all come together. I … Continue reading

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