Monthly Archives: January 2024

I am ready to charge into my Wednesday having achieved several things on my Tuesday docket.  There is nothing of major importance on Wednesday’s docket, but I shall change that, very shortly. I dusted my bedroom and the living room … Continue reading →

On this date in history: On this date in history:  (2014) The United States and Cuba reestablished diplomatic relations that had been in abeyance for more than 50 years. (2011) North Korean ruler Kim Jong Il died; he was succeeded by his youngest son, Kim Jong-Un. (1992) The North … Continue reading →

It’s a lovely sight to see the newly fallen snow in the backyard. A low breeze blows some of the snow dust about in waves, catching the light above the deck and looking like diamonds blowing out of Aladdin’s cave. … Continue reading →

On this date in history: (2021) American record producer Phil Spector, who scored a number of hits with his unique take on pop music but who was later convicted of second-degree murder, died at age 80. (2017) American  astronaut Eugene Cernan, the … Continue reading →

On this date in history: (2009) US Airways flight 1549, piloted by Captain Chesley (“Sully”) Sullenberger III, landed in the Hudson River after the plane flew into a flock of Canada geese shortly after takeoff, resulting in severe damage to the plane’s … Continue reading →

It’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Kettering Schools are off for the day, and most businesses are closed. I am glad it worked out with a holiday coinciding with low temperatures so there don’t have to be school delays. … Continue reading →

For twenty-four hours, we have had winter winds of 20+ mph, and throughout the night they remained at a constant 25+ mph. These strong gusts are to remain for several more hours this Saturday morning. Last night, I was a … Continue reading →

The deck has a light dusting of snow – so light that it looks like there was an investigation to find paw prints. Success! Wednesday was productive on a number of fronts, and I am satisfied. A dear friend and … Continue reading →

(Saturday night) It’s moving in at 11:15 PM, Saturday evening, and my 10-hour shift at Victoria Theatre is over. I try not to work too many double shifts, but sometimes it’s necessary, especially when we have two major events running … Continue reading →

On this date in history: (2011) Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali stepped down following mass protests against poverty, unemployment, and political repression; the uprising was known as the Jasmine Revolution. (2005) The Huygens entry probe landed on Saturn‘s largest moon, Titan; it marked the first time a … Continue reading →

On this date…. (2010) On this day in 2010, a magnitude-7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti, especially Port-au-Prince, killing more than 200,000 people and leaving more than 1,000,000 homeless and touching off a massive international relief effort. (2005) The U.S. space probe Deep Impact was launched, and in … Continue reading →

I have always found a bit of amusement when folks get so excited over the weekend’s approach. I have never really had a true weekend as a musician, an educator, and when the sons were home, a dad. I have … Continue reading →

On this date… (2014) Israeli general and politician Ariel Sharon, who was one of the chief participants in the Arab-Israeli wars and who served as prime minister of Israel (2001–06), died at age 85, eight years after being incapacitated by a stroke. (2008) New Zealand … Continue reading →

There were initial reports that we’d have a bit of sunshine this morning but that never materialized. The rain possibly stopped but a drizzle or light snow, of which I cannot determine, is in the air. The low 30s are … Continue reading →

On this date in history… (2016) British singer, songwriter, and actor David Bowie—who transformed himself from a traditional pop crooner into a trendsetting international superstar best known for his metamorphic personae (on- and offstage), abrupt shifts in musical genres, and status … Continue reading →

Rain. Lots of rain. And it’s cold. It’s only 42°, but feels much, much colder outside. The rain is to stay with us above 75% until 3 AM. It is expected to start turning into snow early Wednesday morning. The … Continue reading →

On this date in history: (2005) Mahmoud Abbas, who was a founder of Fatah in the 1950s and served briefly as prime minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in 2003 under Yāsir ʿArafāt, was elected president of the PA on this day in 2005. (2001) … Continue reading →

On this date: (2016) Mexican criminal Joaquín Guzmán (“El Chapo”), head of the Sinaloa drug cartel, was captured in Los Mochis after escaping prison some six months earlier; he was later extradited to the United States, where he was convicted of various crimes. (2011) U.S. … Continue reading →

On this date in history… (2015) Two gunmen connected to al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, a Yemeni-based militant group, stormed the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo and killed 12 people in retribution for the satirical magazine’s portrayals of the Prophet Muhammad; the attackers were … Continue reading →

On this date in history: Epiphany: Celebrated annually this day, Epiphany is a major feast that commemorates, for Western Christians, the coming of the Magi and, for Eastern Orthodox Christians, Jesus‘ birth, baptism by John, and first miracle. (2021) Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, where Congress was meeting to certify Joe … Continue reading →

It’s 27 degrees on this still-dark Monday morning. By Noon time, tomorrow, we shall enjoy 50 degrees but with lots of rain. I feel as though the new year is finally getting underway with my private teaching resuming, schools starting … Continue reading →

After seven hours away from home, feeding and pottying the pups, a speedy change of clothes, and a brief thirty-minute nap, I was on the 3:45 PM No. 17, heading to the Schuster Center. I was not scheduled until 5 … Continue reading →

When I went to Friday night at 11 PM, the prediction had the snow entering the Miami Valley by 3 AM. It is going on 6 AM and still no snow or precipitation has arrived. From what my radar indicates, … Continue reading →

Despite the typical winter cold, today’s brilliant sunshine made it appear to be an altogether beautiful day.  I have not paid much attention to Saturday’s forecast but I understand snow is predicted. I’ve deeply appreciated the number of text messages, … Continue reading →

Here we are, already on our fourth day of the new year.  The sky is a tug-of-war between steel formidable grey clouds and cheery bursts of sunshine. It was a fairly even draw between the two. The wind made the … Continue reading →