It’s absolutely beautiful outside. I don’t care that others are bashing the snow now that it is officially Spring. It seems as though some folks just need a reason to complain. It’s weather. That simple. There is little you can do about it. One can move from Ohio to a different, perhaps, warmer climate, but that location will have its own share of weather with which to contend.
It’s Mother Nature at her finest! And it is still coming down!
Schools are canceled throughout the Miami Valley for Monday, March 25th. A beautiful snow has fallen, and continues to fall.
Navi loves to crawl under her blanket, cover her head, and chase Chief. Or, she will simply walk around the room with the blanket over her head. It takes a good deal of effort to capture these moments on video as each time she hears, or sees, the camera, she poses.
The latest video of Navi under the blanket:
Last night, Quintin and I went to see PARENTAL GUIDANCE, starring Billy Crystal, Bette Middler, Marisa Tormei and Tom Everett Scott. The critics bashed the film, but I found it to be quite:
Hilarious.
Tender.
Real.
Thought-provoking.
Artie (Billy Crystal) and Diane (Bette Midler) Decker are slightly estranged from their only child, Alice (Marisa Tomei), who lives across the country with her family. But when Alice and her husband, Phil (Tom Everett Scott), need a babysitter in order to attend a business awards ceremony, they reluctantly turn to her parents. Desperate to see her grandchildren again, Diane convinces a melancholy Artie, who has just lost his job as a minor-league baseball announcer, to be the “A” grandparents for once. After they arrive, the Deckers quickly realize that middle-school music prodigy Harper (Bailee Madison), stuttering wallflower Turner (Joshua Rush), and rambunctious Barker (Kyle Harrison Breitkopf) could use a little of their grandparents’ more laid-back approach to parenting.
One scene at the restaurant offered one of my favorite moments. Young Barker is coloring on the paper place mat and Grandpa comments that he should stay in the lines. Barker’s mother interjects that she is encouraging her children to not focus on the lines.
I loved it!
I could never stay within the lines. In the early years, the lines are there for guides; however, it seems that so many cannot move past the lines in so many areas of life.
PARENTAL GUIDANCE is a great movie! At least it seemed great to me, my son, and 80+ others laughing heartily, and wiping away a few tears. The movie shares some reminders that we need to heed.
So Amy Kress tells me I need to call Dayton History at Carillon Park to RSVP for the opening ceremonies of the 1913 Dayton Flood Exhibit. My membership newsletter arrived and on my iPhone shortly after her message. I scroll down to a telephone, and see that I can push the number for automatically dialing; my first on this phone.
I am excited for this technological first.
Man’s Voice: “Hello, Dayton Art Institute.”
[Darin misses the ‘DAI’ part; remember, he is still VERY excited he could dial the number from a brochure within an email]
Darin: “Hello. I need to RSVP for tomorrow afternoon’s event.”
Man: “One moment please, and I’ll transfer you to volunteers.”
Nice Older Lady’s voice: “Hello, Dayton Art Institute. How many I help you?”
Darin: “I would like to RSVP for Friday’s event at 4:30pm.”
Nice Older Lady: “Which event would this be, Sir?”
Darin: “The 1913 Dayton Flood ceremony which is opening Saturday.”
Nice Older Lady: “There’s nothing schedule here for tomorrow of that nature.”
Darin: “Oh… I was just received an email from Brady’s wife, and was reading my Dayton History email sent today.”
Nice Older Lady: “Ah! This is the Dayton Art Institute. Let me find the number for Dayton History.”
I explained that I had the number, thanked her, and hung up. I pulled up the email on my phone, hit the number again. The man answered.
Man: “Hello, Dayton Art Institute.”
[Guess who missed the location, again?]
Darin: “I called a moment ago to RSVP for the event at Carillon Park, and was accidentally transferred to the Dayton Art Institute.”
Man: “Umm. You were needing Dayton History?”
Darin: “Yes, and they transferred me to Dayton Art Institute, instead.”
[I even said, “they,” so I would not sound as though I was blaming the nice gentleman.]
Man: “OK. And this is for an event here, tomorrow?”
Darin: [Figuring that not everyone might be aware of all the happenings at Carillon Park.] “Yes. Brady Kress’ wife said I needed to call to RSVP.”
Man: “Alrighty. One moment, please. I’ll transfer you.”
And when the call is received, the Nice Older Lady is saying, “I’m still trying to locate the number for you.”
Now, I am thinking maybe one of the telephone buttons at Carillon Park is mislabeled, and for some reason no one has caught it. I hang up and push the linked telephone number. The same nice man answers.
Man: “Hello. Dayton History.”
And so this saga continued. What I did not realize, until three telephone calls, later, was that my email from Dayton History was also advertising for the Dayton Art Institute’s exhibit on the Dayton Flood, and had conveniently, and thoughtfully, supplied the telephone number!
When The Man, which whom I had been sharing brief greetings prior to being transferred to Nice Older Lady, and I began laughing about it, he said, “After the our one discussion, even I was becoming confused and answered the next call, which happened to be yours, with: ‘Hello, Dayton History.” [I was listening that particular time and knew I was not crazy!]
Ahh… for the love of being a blonde…
And, yes! One time I spent 20 minutes on the telephone talking to a lady I thought was my mother… most of the conversation actually made sense. But she was from Michigan and this was long before Caller ID.
Good times!
There is always something fun when grocery shopping with Quintin! He continually keeps me laughing.
We lunched at the China Buffet in Kettering, compliments of the Bomholt family. As we were being escorted to our booth, I heard, “Hello, Mr. Haas.” I looked at the young lady trying to recall a former student’s face; however, it was not a former student but the ever lovely, Kaitlyn Symes, and her equally lovely mother, Kathy Peters. Kathy and I go back as band parents to 2007, and she will always remain one of my favorites. We had a brief “catch-up” and they were scooting out to complete their day.
Quinny and I hit Aldi and Kroger, and when I do not have my list, I am poor at figuring what we need – besides milk, bread and orange juice. Naturally, the cupboard is overloaded with items, which is fine.
No plans for the remainder of the day. My study might get reorganized, and cleaned, but other than that, it is a quiet day.
Will wonders never cease? The fury trio allowed me to sleep in until shortly before 8:00am. I feel two hours have escaped me, but do appreciate the additional sleep. Truth be known, they were not even stirring. Flyer had moved to the entrance to my bedroom where she patiently waited, but Navi and Chief remained snuggled next to me with no hint of budging.
A long, long day of teaching lies ahead. Three teen boys still slumber in The Dorm above. The weather is cold, but the sun is making every effort to peek through the grayness and light up the world.
Spring break is here.
Since all the schools are on different schedules, I am teaching all day on Monday and Tuesday, and my regular Wednesday schedule so I can have Thursday and Friday off with Quintin. Next week, I will load up on Monday and Tuesday, and have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off.
By Noon, Quintin’s friends, David and Alex had joined the Haasienda for
the day, and the sounds of guitars, percussion, laughter, and typical teenage boy goofiness was filling the house, accompanying the 
saxophones, voices and pianists from my study. I don’t think there is a more comforting, exciting sound than children laughing and having fun. The boys have been writing songs, singing, and impressing the parents waiting for their children to finish lessons.
Now, the pizzas have arrived (two were free because I have accumulated Papa John’s points), the boys have settled in the living room with food, sodas, and movies.
I like the sound-energy in the house, especially the laughter.
Spring break has arrived for Kettering Schools, and I will teach Monday through Wednesday, and have Thursday and Friday off to do some things with Quintin. The following week, I will have Wednesday through Friday off since Beavercreek Schools will be on break.
Friday night we inaugurated the start of Spring break by joining Brian, Joanie and Zach Pollock at Rocky’s Pizza in Beavercreek. Awesome tasting pizza! Thank you, Andi, Jim, Emily and Noah for that delicious Christmas gift. I am afraid I am hooked. After dinner, and as usual, some fun conversation, we drove to Fairfield Commons to watch the newly released, OZ, THE GREAT & POWERFUL. Great movie! Tyler Pollock joined us for the movie, and it was nice to see him for a few minutes since he left for Guatemala the following day to complete his student teaching.
Saturday, I picked up a dear friend, Betty Green, who was the aunt of a long time friend,
Susan Cook. Susan was a professional clarinetist and teacher who died this past September. Betty showed me where Susan’s grave is located, and then we spent three hours catching up, and chatting away over lunch. It was so good to reconnect with Betty.
The evening took us to The Dayton Playhouse to see a student, and several other friends in the production, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. A tight, good, and enjoyable production.
Today was quiet. I taught some lessons after prepping dinner. We watched a movie, and then settled in for another movie – the traditional St. Patrick’s day showing of THE QUIET MAN.
Twas a good weekend – relaxing and enjoyable.
I am asking for as many of my Facebook friends to assist with this very special, and quick project!
There is a fantastic young man from an amazingly wonderful family I’ve known for 22 years.
Ian Cali, a senior at Beavercreek High School, hopes to go to The University of Dayton. A special scholarship has been created, and Ian is participating in the process. He has created a video about “Where His Map Will Lead Him” and how University of Dayton would help him achieve this goal.
If you follow the link below, it is listed under “What’s Your Point?” (a green box). You may need to click on “vote” beneath the title “WYP?.” There you shall see all the videos. You may need need to click on SHOW MORE if you do not see the name, Ian Cali.
Click “Like” and Ian has a vote. You can vote once a day until April 7. If you can spare a moment, each day. The top 10 with the most votes will then move on to judging.
This is truly important to Ian as the first place recipient receives a $40,000 scholarship.
If I did not believe in this young man, I would not be sharing this. Ian is an outstanding young man who is active in band, marching band, scouting, and his church. Ian (and his brother, Noah Cali) is the kind of young man you would want for a son – but I am sure his parents would not trade him in!
Here is Ian’s video, but you will need to go to the University of Dayton site below to actually vote.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE vote for Ian!
THANK YOU!!!
https://www.facebook.com/universityofdayton?sk=app_385906548153206
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A new Pope…Like countless others around the world, I am sitting here eagerly awaiting the introduction of the new Pope. Since Pope John Paul’s election when I was in junior high, I’ve been interested in the process, tradition and history of the conclave. I cannot imagine the Cardinal who has been thrust into this position. Perhaps he had a hint what might be around the corner with each vote. I am not certain how this particular component of the process works. One minute he is elected, and within thirty minutes or so, he is greeting the public. What a difference a moment can make. And this is one of those moments…
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From Your Students You’ll Be Taught…I’ve always believed that I learn a great deal from my students, and this morning was one of those reminders. An adult piano student and I were discussing nervousness when playing in front of others, as well as finding a goal to measure success. I explained that I was teaching my self to
My student left, and I pulled out the clarinet. I was determined to begin the mastery of “the break.” I played through the standards in the beginning clarinet book, and went on to search for the piece heard in the movie. It happened to be Acker Bilk’s, “Stranger On The Shore.” He’d originally written it for his daughter, Jenny, but later used it as the theme song for the television program. I discovered the notes were some I had already mastered, but it contained two upper C’s and a B… right at “the break.” I prepped my mind, filling it with confidence and determination. Within an hour, “the break” was becoming easier and easier. This is the result:
I feel a little jubilant at the moment. And, I should. I always worry about becoming stale, or fixed into ruts. Moments like these encourage me to never rest from learning something new – even the clarinet with the hideous “break.” I hope, forty years from now, when I am approaching 90, I will still have this appetite to continually learn. Here is a recording of Acker Bilk’s, “Stranger On The Shore.”
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A Snowy Day…The dogs actually allowed me to sleep until 7:30am, but not without occasional coaxing to pull me from sleep. Snow weighs down branches, and seems to have the world on temporary hold. This will be short lived as the weather is to reach the upper 50’s over the weekend.           
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A Snowy Evening…After an earlier-than-usual supper, Quintin and I watched EIGHT BELOW, a beautiful movie focusing on one’s love for dogs. Naturally, it drove the three dogs I love up the wall. Schools are closed around the Miami Valley as the snow storm blankets everything. Shroyer Road is quiet this night.         
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Winding down…The Haasienda is winding down from a not-so-busy weekend. FRIDAY
SATRUDAY
SUNDAY
Gearing Up For The Weekend…This week has been relatively quiet, even mundane. I completed a good deal of writing, and research, created more meals in the crock pot, taught three new students, and watched several movies with Quintin. Tonight, we will see one of my students starring in BUS STOP, by William Inge. I’ve always wanted to see this play as my mentor, Joshua Logan, directed the movie version. This production, at Centerville High School, is student produced and directed – always an impressive venture from this school. Saturday seems rather bare. However, in the evening we will spend time with our friend, Suzanne Grote, and Becky Trestor, to see a production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Quintin has heard many stories about this show but has never seen it. I am excited to share this experience with him. Sunday morning we will traipse next door to the Trent Arena to volunteer for the MEPA winter guard and indoor percussion contest. I will be working admissions, and Quintin will be an escort for one of the ensembles. Following that I will rush right home to teach for three hours. Other than that, there is little to report from The Haasienda…. Blonde Guy Jokes…BLONDE MEN JOKES
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A Most Satisfying Day…It is 2:20am, Saturday morning. I woke Friday morning at 6:00am, only to discover Flyer, who had gotten into the kibble food bin the previous night, had urinated all over my study’s area rug due to her diabetes. At 7:30am, I took the rug to the basement and deep cleaned it. I quickly decided to clean the carpets and area rugs upstairs. That followed mopping and shining the floors. This was quite a process in my study as I moved my piano and a number of cabinets. At 2:45pm, I was finally finished, and hopped in the shower 15 minutes before my first student arrived from the high school. Lessons were completed by 6:00pm, and fifteen minutes later, Quintin and I were in car, heading to several stores to grab a few items. After scarfing down a quick supper at Wendy’s, we arrived at Wright State University’s theatre auditorium at 7:30pm to greet our family friend, Suzanne Grote. Up in the balcony we were led through an amazing production of W. Stuart McDowell & Timothy Nevits’, 1913: THE GREAT DAYTON FLOOD. Incredible. Before returning home, we stopped at Kroger and the video store. In the past several hours I’ve completed several loads of laundry, written several blog entries (prior to this), and completed a few of the housecleaning items from earlier in the day. I am physically exhausted. But, I am exhilarated from the exceptionally productive day, and the production that was so moving. My days tend to be satisfying, but this one was most satisfying! Wright State presents 1913: THE GREAT DAYTON FLOOD
Incredible!
One of the neatest elements, for me, was hearing the voices of Dayton’s own, Martin Sheen, Ruby Dee, and her husband, the late Ossie Davis. What a wonderful touch!    Reviews of the production: Wright State University Newsroom
The Knit Jumper…
At Washington Elementary School, Roger Smith and I were the only ones in our class who did not have any siblings. In first grade, Roger became a big brother. That left only me with a single sibling. The summer of 1972, just after my first grade year ended, I learned I was to be a big brother for the first time. Mother walked out of Dr. Behnken’s examining room, looked across the lobby, smiled, and nodded. I can still remember the overwhelming sensation of physical and emotional excitement that seemed to resound within. Mother and I walked across the parking lot of the strip mall on West Jackson Street to Zayres Department Store for I was eager to purchase something for the new baby. I selected a white knit full-body jumper with blue flowers lined up down the chest, and a waist-tie with yellow and white pom-pons. February 1973, Mother brought home the first sibling home from the hospital wearing the new outfit. Nearly nineteen months later, my brother, Destin Lang (Jolliff) Haas, wore the same outfit home from the hospital. Destin’s first three children wore the outfit home, as well. And today, nearly forty years since the first baby arrived home from the hospital wearing the outfit, my newest nephew, Jude Lang Haas, continued the tradition. This was a tender moment for me to see this little fellow wearing something I had contributed to what would become a tradition.  Stacia & Jude
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Just Another Week…This has been a good week, but an ordinary one in many respects.
Last night we ventured next door to the high school to see the winter play, FATHER OF THE BRIDE. PHOTO Tonight, we head out to Wright State University to see 1913: THE GREAT DAYTON FLOOD. This play was written by WSU Theatre/Dance chair, W. Stuart McDowell and Timothy Nevitts about 15 years ago, and is being revamped to commemorate the 1913 Great Dayton Flood.  YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, Centerville HS Tomorrow night, we head to Centerville to see YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU. Centerville High School’s Theatre Department, is, without challenge, the best theatre program in The Miami Valley. It is amazing what strong adult leadership, instruction, and direction can create with these young, extremely talented students. Mike Cordonnier’s set design, from the photographs I’ve seen, is outstanding. Although I professional quality sets from this exceptionally creative gentleman, I still marvel at each production’s set(s). The next few weekends, we will attend other productions:
It is great to live in The Miami Valley where theatre thrives, however, it is always a challenge in juggling the schedule when they tend to hit on the same weekends!
Presidential Sites
This morning, I made a quick list of presidential sites I’ve visited since my youth. My bucket list includes the Harry Truman sites in Independence, MO, the Adams’ sites in Boston, MA, as well as several presidential sites here in Ohio.
Presidential Graves…
 History & Presidential History   
Posted in Abraham Lincoln, Documentaries, Eleanor Roosevelt, First Ladies, Franklin Roosevelt, George Washington, Harry Truman, History Channel, Jackie Kennedy, John Adams, Kennedy Family, Lincoln Presidential Museum & Library, Martha Washington, Mary Todd Lincoln, Netflix, Rosalynn Carter, Theodore Roosevelt, Thoma Jefferson, U.S. First Ladies & Families, U.S. History, U.S. Presidents, Uncategorized, White House
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The Haasienda on Shroyer... 