Today is the 79^th anniversary of my mother’s birth. Diana Kay Barmes, born in 1945, entered this world at a historically significant time. Six days following her birth, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died, and was succeeded by Harry Truman who would celebrate his  birthday, the same day as my grandmother’s, on May 8^th along with the celebration of Victory In Europe Day. When Mother was born in 1945, the Titanic’s maiden voyage had only occurred thirty-three years before, and the ending of the United States Civil War would celebrate its 80^th anniversary on April 9^th.

Amazing!

I have one more Dayton Live event tonight, and I am even more excited for tonight’s concert. Last night’s the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra concert, “Total Eclipse: The Sun and The Planets,” was outstanding. Guest conductor Keitara Harada, originally from Tokyo, Japan, was a true master on the podium. The program began with Carl Neilsen’s “Helios Overture, Opus 17,” and concluded the first half with Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 16 in D major, K 451.” It’s been nearly twenty years since I last heard Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” and that was performed by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Last night, while sitting on duty in the loge lobby, I was emotionally and spiritually transported throughout “The Planets.” Naturally, “Jupiter” gave me all “the feels” and I am eager to be moved one more time, this evening.

I do hope Keitara Harada is on the list as the next conductor for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. He would be magnificent!

I am bad about not frequently giving the dogs treats. I do offer them lots of carrots and celery, but not the purchased dog treats. I finally realized that Hoskins has somehow learned to catch on her own. I generally toss out a handful items and the dogs scramble to grab up what they can. As I tossed out the carrots, Hoskins is very acrobatic about catching her treats. I don’t know how she picked this talent up, but she’s the best of all the dogs. Harrigan, Hoskins, and Colonel Deeds never miss a toss!

I had two connections to St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday evening. I caught some of the philharmonic’s pre-concert chat with Maestro Harada, and he mentioned he had gone to St. Petersburg, Russia for his undergraduate degree in conducting. I opted to take an Uber home since I was caught between the final two No. 17 departures. The driver was exceptionally friendly and asked if I was native to Dayton. When I asked him the return question, he said, “No, I grew up in St. Petersburg that is in Russia.”

Well, it is time to shower, dress, and prepare for tonight’s final offering from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s salute to the impending eclipse.

Make it a great day!