It’s another Monday, the start of another “work week,” as it is so often referred to. Identifying “work week” or “weekends” is non-existent in my personal world as the days, regardless of the grouping, are the same.
There is much I hope to complete today, but the body has other ideas. I will return to bed for a while with the hopes there will be more cooperation in a few hours.
On this day in 1860, Americans elected as their president, Abraham Lincoln, whose victory led to the secession of Southern states and the long and bloody Civil War that lasted until 1865 and ended slavery in the U.S. U.S. President Ronald Reagan won reelection in a landslide victory over Democratic candidate Walter F. Mondale in 1984. The second phase of the Russian Revolution of 1917 began (October 25, Old Style) as the Bolsheviks seized power in Russia. In 1888, Indiana Republican Benjamin Harrison was elected U.S. president by an electoral majority despite losing the popular vote by more than 90,000 to his Democratic opponent, Grover Cleveland. And in 1854, American bandmaster John Philip Sousa, who composed 136 military marches, was born.
As with the previous 19 years, there were no trick-or-treaters coming to the door. In 2003, our first Halloween on Shroyer Road, I was well stocked and seated on the front porch to greet costumed neighborhood children. There were only two beggars, and they were current private piano students who lived around the corner.
As I observed the parade of trick-or-treaters, they were rounding the corner from Rockhill Avenue, or on to the Rockhill Avenue and not bothering to come over to our property since we were the last house before the massive expanse of the high school campus.
The next year, I decided to abandon being a candy host and began a new tradition. After the boys returned from begging the neighborhood, we went out to a movie, stopped for some Bill’s Donuts, and returned home to watch the movie musical, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.
The big event for my day was to meet Mama Kay a little before 3 PM so we could head to El Toro Mexican restaurant to meet Mary for our taco Tuesday binge. However, at 2:40 PM, I let the dogs out to go prepare their dinner, and when I returned to the deck’s door, Colonel Deeds was not with the other four pooches. I let the others in to eat their dinner, grabbed a leash, and left on foot to search for the little snot. I finally sent Mama Kay on to her dinner, so we didn’t keep Mary waiting.
Naturally, this great escape was the same time school buses, and heavier traffic barricaded our island home against the high school campus. I scoured the area for a good 30 minutes, cramping and cringing in pain. At 3:10 PM, I returned home to make one last check in the backyard. The Colonel was waiting at the door. I don’t know if he had been in the yard the entire time or if he had actually escaped. I did a thorough check and could not locate any openings through which he could fit.
I was so aggravated for missing the gathering with Mama Kay and Mary. The remainder of my evenings, until I return the private lesson teaching this Sunday night, will be spent downtown for Dayton Live events.
Tomorrow, the temperatures high shall only be 44°. The following several days we will see temperatures in the 50s and 60s which pleases me.
It’s a frosty morn, a chilly send-off to the month of October. This month arrived and in the blink of an eye, has come to an end. Tonight is St. Hallow’s Eve and tomorrow we will celebrate The Saints who have departed this world.
Last night’s full moon was gorgeous, especially as it struggled to make its entry from the eastern clouds. Even from beyond its cover, the illumination was brilliant.
There is precious little to note this morning. Yesterday was grueling and tedious, and I found my normally good-natured spirit at odds with opportunities to rejoice throughout the day. This morning, crawling back into bed would be such a blessing but that retreat is not to be.
Make it a great day!
Hallowe’en
by Sheri-Ann O’Shea
Oh! Hallowe’en is not about the grave __Or ghosts or horrors fit to make men rave It’s not about black witches and black cats __Or goats or toads or spider webs or bats There’s nought in it of skeletons in chains __Or blood or leering heads protruding brains Or grinning pumpkins lighted from within __Or sound recordings making dreadful din The moans and groans, the creaking door, the screams __The notion that your nightmares aren’t mere dreams What sickness is it in us that craves fear? __And what perverse delight holds evil dear? What view of education and of care __Sends children trick-or-treating every year?
All Hallow’s Eve anticipates a Feast __The godly from the bonds of earth released The glory of the saints in heav’n above __Their joyful ecstasy of endless love Whose brightness fills our eyes and draws us on __To go where faithful souls alone have gone If they, like us, were weak and sinful men __They give us hope that we may rise again And tread the path of Calvary to the Cross __Nor turn aside nor dread no earthly loss They all behold us with the eyes of friends __Each one to some lost lamb his arm extends Oh no! there’s really nothing fearful here __Just members of a family most dear And over all there reigns the goodliest King – __They see and love and are possessed by Him.
Sheri-Ann O’Shea is a South African-born teacher, now living in Brisbane, Australia with her husband and three lively boys.
The morning is dark and will remain so for quite some time, today, as the rain and dark heavens will continue. Tomorrow and Wednesday are hopeful for some sunshine, but it can change.
I had great intentions of completing so many things during my three days of having absolutely nothing to do; however, I spent most of my time in bed watching documentaries and nursing the waves of pain rummaging through my body during the interminable rain over the past several days. I went to dinner Saturday evening with Mama Kay and Libby, and then spent five hours on Sunday with my former student and friend, Alex, taking in a Chinese dinner.
The pooches are either feeling the effects of the weather or echoing my own growly disposition that seems to be clinging a bit more. They’ve all been on the cranky end and quarreling with one another. The depressed weather and agitating body discomfort are not lending themselves to cheerfulness, and my generally positive nature is forced.
On with the day, as much as I would rather return to bed for a few more hours.
I was at Schuster Center from 8:15 AM to 11:45 AM and it was a super busy event. I took No. 2 to the edge of The Oregon District to lunch at the China buffet. By 1:45 PM, I had returned home and got to see the pooches.
While blowing leaves in the front yard, Susan Klenk, out on her bike, stopped for a chat. This morning we were greeted with heavy rain, so I won’t be attending to leave blowing this afternoon.
My Thursday afternoon and evening were spent with documentaries. As I was watching a bit of news, for once, I heard more details of the Lewiston, Maine shooting. On Facebook, I had seen a post that included an outline of Maine with a star in the center part of the state and I assumed that was where Lewiston was located. During one interview, my stomach pushed right up to my throat when I heard the gentleman mention the town of Bowdoin, Maine. My cousin’s son is a student at Bowdoin College. I quickly checked their social media accounts and was relieved to know he was safe. I sent an email to his mom and she responded with some details about her son and the students at Bowdoin College which will be on lockdown through the weekend, or until a different outcome to this horrendous scenario.
Today we have rain throughout the morning with a high of 75 degrees. Tomorrow, we begin the gradual slide down through the sixties and into the forties by Monday. It is my fifth week so I will not have private lessons on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The return to teaching will be busy with selecting OMEA solo and ensemble music, audition preparations for spring musical auditions, Christmas concert solos, and continued work on vocal pedagogy.
I am contemplating switching my study and bedroom, as I had it the first ten years of living here. In 2013, I moved my bedroom upstairs and shoved my study into my evacuated bedroom which was the larger of the two back rooms on the main floor. Now that my bedroom is downstairs, I would like to have more space which will require a much-needed downsizing of my study. I have scratched out rough ideas for the planning of this operation. I will be able to move most of the items but may call on assistance for a few items to be moved.
Sending out loving thoughts to my friend, Valerie Gugala, and her family, as they bid farewell to Valerie’s mother this weekend. Know you are loved…
It is Thursday, already, and I feel as though we’re still back at Tuesday – this week has flown by.
Tuesday, I kept busy until 2 PM when it was time to feed the dogs and get ready to house manage an event at Schuster Center. I was overseeing the ticket scanning on the ramps, so I had an early release and didn’t have to stay for the entire event. I was home by 8:30 PM and had thirty minutes before my Walmart grocery delivery was to arrive. My Wednesday schedule was light and I considered staying up later since I had planned to relax most of the day before heading to dinner with Mama Kay and Laura, then returning to teach in-person make-up lessons from Monday’s journey to Columbus.
This morning, I am to be at Schuster Center by 8:30 AM to house manage a private corporate event. I am hoping it stays to the schedule so I can take lunch at my favorite Chinese buffet before returning home.
In between events or lessons, I have managed to keep up with the leaf blowing. There is something therapeutic about running the leaf blower and it is a nice respite from my ordinary life.
It’s 6:45 AM and I need to shower and dress so I can catch No. 17 at 7:23 AM to head uptown.
Monday afternoon, I reunited with my former student, Katie Massey, and her mother, Valerie, when they arrived at The Haasienda. After greeting one another and meeting the pooches, we aimed eastward toward Columbus, Ohio, for a delicious dinner at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, and then on to Capital University in the beautiful suburb of Bexley, Ohio to hear my former student, Treston Haines, in his senior voice recital.
We sat behind Treston’s mother, Amber, who has, in my opinion, been an outstanding single mother, cheerleader, and tremendous influence on her son. I began teaching Treston piano and voice when he was in 6th grade and have always been grateful for his generous efforts in learning and accomplishing, as well as his hard work, based on the firm foundation provided by his mom.
The recital was excellently planned, rehearsed, and executed, and greatly received by the healthy attendance of peers, faculty, family, and friends. Treston’s voice has matured nicely these past four years and his presentation was heartfelt. His surprise tribute to his mother with “Proud of Your Boy” from the Broadway musical, ALLADIN, soaked the auditorium’s carpet from the tears shed by the audience. It was beautiful and tender.
I have added the repertoire below. I knew a majority of the selections but there were a few standouts not familiar to me, especially the pieces by Hahn and Adams.
Monday evening was just one of the many reasons I have loved teaching since 1984. I love reconnecting with former students who I might chat with on social media but seldom see in person. Yesterday was a musical, German food, and heart-filled evening I shall cherish.
Thank you, Katie and Valerie for the trip to Columbus, dinner, and the chat time. And thank you to Treston for inviting me to this momentous chapter in your music education journey.
Make it a great day!
Treston Haines, tenor 6:00 PM Monday, October 23, 2023 Huntington Recital Hall, Capital University
“Music for a While” from OEDIPUS
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
“Ombra mai fu” from SERSE
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
“Amorosi miei giorni”
Stefano Donaudy (1879-1925)
“In der Fremde” from Liederkreis Op. 39
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
“Total Eclipse” from SAMSON
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
“A Chloris”
Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947)
“Mandoline”
Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)
“A Simple Song” from MASS
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
“Amazing Grace”
H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932)
“I Wish I Were In Love Again” from BABES IN ARMS
Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) Lorenz Hart (1895-1943)
“Tonight at Eight” from SHE LOVES ME
Jerry Bock (1928-2010)
“Proud of Your Boy” from ALADDIN
Alan Menken (b. 1949)
“Love Thy Neighbor” from THE PROM
Matthew Sklar (b. 1973)
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” from CAROUSEL
Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960)
The recital is in partial fulfillment of a Bachelor of Music, Vocal Music Education degree. Treston Haines is a student of Dr. Chad Payton.
PHOTOS: Schmidt’s Sausage Haus (Columbus, Ohio); Treston in 6th grade; Treston performing on his senior recital; Treston’s mom, Amber and me; Treston and me.
I am satisfied with all the items I completed yesterday but could have still used a few more hours of productivity to check off a few more things. But it is what it is, and I am still pleased.
The temperature is expected to be 65 degrees today, it will be in the mid-seventies over the following three days. The leaves are not fully turning and falling as they usually do by the end of October, and I am hoping to get some time in hike over the hills of Woodland Cemetery with my camera in hand.
Since my earliest years, I have always believed in angels and can still recall a number of interesting, perhaps even peculiar and unexplained incidents of some kind of “visitation.” I had this article pop up today on my “DailyOM” email.
“Allow yourself to be a human angel for others and also be on the receiving end when needed.
During each of our journeys, there are those inevitable moments when someone comes into our life at precisely the right time and says or does precisely the right thing. Their words or actions may help us perceive ourselves more clearly, remind us that everything will turn out for the best, help us cope, or see us through difficult situations. These people are human angels — individuals designated by the universe to be of service to those in need at specific points in time. Some human angels make a commitment before their births to make a positive contribution to the world at a particular moment. Others were chosen by the universe. All human angels, however, come into our lives when we least expect them and when we can most benefit from their presence.
A few of the human angels we may encounter are in professions where helping others is an everyday occurrence. But most of them are regular people, going about their daily lives until called upon to be in the right place at the right time to bring peace, joy, help, or heal someone when they most need it. You may have met a human angel in the form of a teacher who gave you a piece of advice that touched your soul and influenced your path. The person that momentarily stopped you to say hello on the street, delaying you long enough to avoid an oncoming car or a collision, is also a human angel. They may offer nothing more than a kind word or a smile, but they will offer it when you can draw the most strength and support from their simple actions.
You may be a human angel yet not know it. Your fate or intuition may guide you toward other people’s challenging or distressing situations, leading you to infer that you simply have bad luck. But recognizing yourself as a human angel can help you deal with the pain you see and understand that you are there to help and comfort others during their times of need. Human angels give their inner light to all who need it, coming into our lives and often changing us forever. Their task has its challenges, but it is they who have the power to teach, bring us joy, and comfort us in times of despair.”
I am still not caught up on my sleep and cannot locate the “tired” button to push. I have a doubleheader today and will have a brief break back at home before returning to the Schuster Center for TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD which is packing in the enthusiastic audiences.
Thursday afternoon, No. 17 did not appear, and I contacted a Lyft driver. His name was Dale and he was retired. Dale lived all over the United States and finally settled in Dayton, Ohio for the last part of his career. However, he had, at one time, lived in Herndon, Virginia!
My neighbors, when I was growing up, were Dick and Betsy Herndon. Dick grew up in Hope, Indiana which was where my Barmes ancestors settled in 1834. One summer, a Hope resident invited her niece, Betsy, to stay with her. Betsy was from Herndon, Virginia, and came to stay with her Aunt Bush Bush (the aunt’s name was Ruth, but Betsy could not pronounce “Ruth” and it came out “Bush”) one summer.
When Dick and Betsy would leave town, I would watch their cats, Abigail, Otis, Gnawbone, and others. I remember that Betsy would write her thank you notes on cards that had a copy of the Herndon, Virginia train depot. Several times, when Mother or the sons and I would pass through Washington, DC while returning from the Outer Banks, we’d pass through Herndon, Virginia so I could see the train depot.
My grandfather stopped by our house to share with us he had made a trip down to Hope, Indiana, and went to the cemetery where the caretaker showed him the Barmes family graves and shared stories with him about our family. When Dick learned of this meeting, he exclaimed, “That caretaker is my grandfather!” We got to meet Dick’s grandmother who knew my third-great grandfather who fought in the Civil War and was best friends with his younger daughter. When my grandfather walked into the dining room of her nursing home, she shouted, “Oh, my goodness, you look like Jesse Barmes!” Jesse Barmes was Grandpa Leroy’s grandfather, and she knew him as a young man.
In the end, we discovered that we were distantly related to the Herndons!
Dale also told me his family came over from Bavaria, Germany. I told him that if our trip downtown lasted long enough, we might figure out we’re cousins!
It is time to get my day moving. I have a number of things to accomplish before heading uptown.
Our Dayton Live schedule projected us leaving our shifts by 11:45 PM. The last No. 17 bus heads south from downtown at 11:37 PM so I worked out a Plan B with a fellow house manager who was sharing the loge/lower balcony with me. He agreed to cover my area and Volunteers so I could leave by 11:15 PM in order to make it to Wright Stop Plaza. The show ended shortly before 11 PM and my lobby was entirely cleared by 11:10 PM. It’s 11:24 PM and I am just arriving at Wright Stop Plaza.
Upon arriving uptown, there was tremendous excitement as fire trucks and many police cars raced up and down Main Street, landing at the tower just across the street from Schuster Center. For a short while, we were on lockdown. My first! Thankfully, everything was solved and cleared before our patrons began arriving.
It was another remarkable night of theater in the performing arts right here in Dayton Ohio. Actor Richard Thomas has been a magnificent hit in this show and I love seeing an audience with a wide age span arriving at the performing arts center in droves.
I have nothing on my docket for Sunday until it is time to teach at 4 PM. I have a number of things I wish to complete, but I also recognize my body needs some downtime. I may do the minimal list of things and spend a majority of my time relaxing with documentaries, especially episodes for Josh Gates on The Discovery Channel.
Bus No. 17 is leaving the southern edges of downtown Dayton and I feel myself settling into a stupor. I will need to regain a brief amount of energy before being greeted by the party of fur! Col. Deeds is always hopping with glee and my next goal with him is coaching him to reserve the high energy so that he doesn’t knock me over. He is a powerhouse and only shy of two weeks when he turns one year old. I remind myself that Chief was the same way; however, I was forty-six and enjoying good health for the most part.
And that was my day. I was busy from 8 AM – 2 PM with a short break before moving on to the Schuster for TO KILL A MOXKINGBIRD. I’ve mastered 10,812 steps and been actively productive for eighteen hours.
I had high hopes of grabbing much of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD but house management duties took precedent over watching the show from my perch in the balcony lobby. Tomorrow, I am on early release and won’t get to see the show. Saturday is my only chance. The patrons have been enthralled with the production and at intermission, the air was filled with exclaims of what a solid production it is.
When I can catch a glimpse of the production, I thoroughly enjoy actor, Richard Thomas’s performance as Atticus Finch. I feel like I’ve grown up with “John-Boy Walton.“
I did learn a good deal about author Harper Lee, the author of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. She and fellow author, Truman Capote, grew up in the same town and were good friends. Ms. Lee’s name was actually Nelle (pronounced Nell) which was the reverse of her grandmother’s name, Ellen. She elected to go by Harper Lee so her first name would not be mispronounced as “Nelly.”
Her road to writing the book was quite the adventure.
Today seems to be dedicated to rain, as was Thursday night. I’m hoping the leaves will be dry by Sunday so I can attend to the front yard.
Until Wednesday morning, I was uncertain who Josh Gates was and thought him a comedian. I am sure Laura told me, but I must have tuned it out.
Comedian?
Yes! Josh Gates is funny while holding the boyish charm of a true adult geek and nerd. I could have listened to his presentation and stories for several more hours. Josh Gates is truly engaging and his self-deprecating wit was only part of the glue that held the evening together as he shared fascinating stories of his life, rise to fame, and passion for adventure and exploration. He rekindled my own passions and inspired me.
It was undoubtedly the best evening I have had in a long time. I needed the Josh Gates fix.
Thank you so much, Laura!
Victoria Theatre was packed and there was a healthy-sized audience across the street at The Schuster Center to see TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD starring Richard Thomas of THE WALTONS fame.
In a short while, I will hop onto No. 17 to The Schuster Center to serve as a house manager for TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I have never read the book, or watched the play, nor have I watched the movie. This will be my introduction.
The weather is gloomy, and it has taken quite a few Josh Gates’ YouTube videos to keep me buoyant and cheerful.
It’s time to move along and get ready for the remainder of the evening.
Tuesday was incredibly satisfying and I went to bed, by 10 PM, feeling enormously grateful my energy did not abate me. Taco Tuesday was celebrated at El Toro with Mama Kay and her cousin, Sue Winterstein. I had plenty remaining of my chicken fajita nachos (chips on the side) to make a delicious omelet this morning, and a nice size portion for a lunchtime salad.
I have several items on today’s list, and I am confident they will be accomplished after I have put away my 8 AM-9 AM grocery delivery.
The dreary skies continue throughout today. The temperature is chillier this morning at 40 degrees but will climb twenty-three degrees by the top of the afternoon.
This evening, Laura and I will grab dinner and then head to The Victoria Theatre to see explorer, author, and intrepid investigator Josh Gates in JOSH GATES LIVE! AN EVENING OF GHOSTS, MONSTERS, AND TALES OF ADVENTURES. For some reason, until I looked him up, I thought we were going to see a comedian. This should be fun!
On this date in history: On Oct. 18, 1867, the United States took formal possession of Alaska from Russia. On this date: In 1648, Boston shoemakers were authorized to form a guild to protect their interests, becoming the first American labor organization on record. And, on this day in 1781, Britain’s Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, handing a huge victory to American General George Washington and effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. The world had turned upside down.
I am well past my “get started” time, but I am also waiting for my grocery delivery. I will piddle around until they arrive.
Sunday and Monday’s studio lessons are behind me, and I am delighted with the results of each student’s hard work. The 2020 quarantine threw a wrench into the spokes of students’ and families’ lives, and it seems things are finally returning to normalcy, interrupted by over a year of lessons being taught via Zoom.
This day in history… After much opposition, a deal, negotiated by US, Secretary of State, William Seward, for the United States purchase of the Russian colony of Alaska was approved, and on this day in 1867, the United States flag was flown over the capital, Sitka. In 1931, mobster Al Capone was convicted of income tax evasion for which he was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The tornados of October 17th–19, 2007, was a widespread tornado outbreak that took place across much of the eastern half of North America starting on October 17, 2007, and continuing into the early hours of October 19.
Yesterdays weather was mild with a mixture of gloominess, and very brief sunshine. Did he seems to be a repeat of Monday. According to the weather channel app, sunshine shell hibernate for a spell.
I have several things I hope to accomplish today, and it is time to move along
We are now halfway through the month of October 2023. This month… a day ago. Or so it seems like a big and a day ago.
The leaves seems slower in their exchange of colors, this year. By mid October, the leaves on the tree by my deck have turned fiery red, and have fallen, carpeting the wooden deck. They’re still mostly green and hanging to the wood for dear life. If the chance arrives, I may head to Woodland Cemetery this week for a photo hike, provided my legs are up to it. Saturday, I walked a total of 11,578 steps, so I am confident I can do it – my legs often have a mind of their own these days.
Last night, I locked all the dogs behind the gate in my bedroom. Colonel Deeds took it upon himself to decorate the bedroom, destroying two pillows.
On this day, in history, 1793, Marie Antoinette, the consort of Louis XVI, was guillotined. In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis began with President John F Kennedy going head to toe with the Soviet Union. Pope John Paul II was elected pontiff in 1978, and in 1936, dramatist and Nobel Prize for Literature. winner, Eugene O’Neill, was born. And Noah Webster, US lexicographer, was born in 1758.
The temperature is currently 47° and doesn’t feel cold to me. We shall only see a high of 54°, today.
The Schuster Center was filled with the splendid sounds of “The Force” as the Dayton Philharmonic, Orchestra played John Williams’s magnificent score to STAR WARS as the movie played on the large screen.
In May 1978, I first heard this movie score, and it has since been one of my favorites. Saturday night, I relieved the first feelings I still confidently remember from that first time I heard the score at age 12. The opening credits and the “Throne Room“ scene are golden. Patrons came dressed as various characters and a large percentage remained throughout the closing credits. The lobby was an area of excitement with the arrival of Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers prior to the movie concert. It was an eventful night with several firsts for me, but I cannot divulge particulars since it was work related.
I was physically fried when I returned home, an hour earlier thanks to fellow house manager, Belinda, who lives in the neighborhood. I could’ve welcomed a few more hours of sleep, but the morning marches on. It’s to be a gray day and a bit on the chili side.
On this date: in 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte, that opposed French emperor, arrived on the British ruled South America island of Saint Helena, where he spent the last 5 1/2 years of his life and exile. In 1945, the former premier of Vichy, France, PR Laval, was executed for treason.
My days, it seems, have been terribly mixed up in my mind since Wednesday. I don’t know what threw me off but I have not kept the days straight. Yesterday seemed like Saturday, and this morning, I believe it is Sunday.
The dogs are fed and pottied and it is just now 6:35 AM. A part of me wishes to return to bed as sleep did not easily come. Friday night, I was in bed by 10 PM but the approaching rain showers from the west threw my body into the familiar aches and discomfort. I woke often throughout the night and wrestled to return to sleep.
The day appears to be filled with clouds and intermittent rain. I intend to keep myself productive until I get ready for house management at the Schuster Center. Tonight, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the live-action movie, STAR WARS. This concert was previously scheduled in 2020 but canceled due to Covid restrictions. I can still recall the overwhelming sensation I experienced upon hearing the opening strains of the overture as I sat in my seat in the Elwood Movie Theater. I am not a science fiction type, but the music… John William’s music…
Wednesday morning at the Schuster Center, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra presented two concert sessions for The Young People’s Concert. In total, thirty busloads of elementary students arrived for concerts at 10 AM and 11:30 AM. Conductor Patrick Reynolds took the helm on the podium and from the lobby, I could hear the thunderous applause, laughter, and cheering from the young folks. It was refreshing and invigorating to observe.
Yesterday was beautiful from the start, and since I arrived downtown 50 minutes before my call time at the Schuster Center, I busied myself eyeing photographic moments of much loved architecture. Inside the Schuster Center, I am always finding something you to photograph, or discovering something of individual fascination in the recognizable.
The pet and adoption story project is moving along nicely, and I am enjoying it. My major project is cumbersome due to the colossal volume of research, but it occupies me fast, mentally, physically, and spiritually, since it deals with my family history.
October 12 – on this day in history: in 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue and stepped foot on land that is greatly speculated to be San Salvador and not the mainland of what is today the United States of America. The world became familiar with Soviet premier, Nikita Khrushchev‘s famous shoe pounding incident on television in 1960, and four years later, we saw the first multi person spaceflight. Equatorial Guinea gained its independence and in 1979, Douglas Adams, HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, arrived in book stores.
It’s time to launch myself into what is anticipate to be a beautiful day that is to reach a high of 77°.
I had a productively balanced Tuesday. I accomplished a great deal while also relaxing.
8:45 AM, I stepped into CVS on Ludlow Street in downtown Dayton. There were other CVS stores on this end of town, but the one downtown is easier to get to with a minimal amount of walking. I clocked in through the link they texted, and I was walking back out the door by 8:53 AM to grab the 9:20 AM No. 17 bus to my house. My COVID and flu shots are done.
I worked from my desk for a few hours before feeling the need for a nap. After feeding the pooches, I worked at my desk until Mama Kay came to fetch me for our taco Tuesday supper. By 6:15 PM I was back at my desk; the waste dumpster was at the curb, a whole chicken was boiling on the stove, and I listen to my weekly, YouTube, installment of Thomas Jeffersons Monticello with President Jefferson, delightfully interpreted by Bill Burger.
This morning, I am heading downtown by 8:30 AM to House Managers, a Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s young people’s concert. That should wrap up by 1:15 PM.
Today is the anniversary of Eleanor Roosevelt’s birthday, which occurred in 1884
My grandparents had the record album, “Welcome to the LBJ Ranch,” one of their favorite records. By the end of the 1960s, I was very interested in the United States’ history and politics and found this record hilarious. Naturally, my friends could not identify with the humor.
“Welcome to the LBJ Ranch!” is a political satire comedy album by Earle Doud and Alen Robin, released in November 1965 on Capitol Records. The vinyl album uses out-of-context recordings of political figures apparently responding to interview questions fabricated by the comedians.
Monday’s sunshine made the cooler weather seem warmer, but today, with the warmer weather, it may appear cooler with the overcast skies. At the moment, it is 42° with an expected 61° for the arc.
This morning, I shall receive both my flu shot and the newest Covid vaccination.
Today in history, on October 10, 1970, Fiji, the South Pacific island country that had been ruled by the British since 1874 won its independence. 1967 brought us the outer space treaty which in forced open use of outer space, and created the field of international space law. The treaty declared that outer space, and all celestial bodies were the common heritage of mankind, and could not be claimed by any one nation. in 1933, one of the oldest unsolved cases in aviation history, the airplane, which was flying from Newark, New Jersey to Oakland, California, exploded mid air and crashed near Chesterton, Indiana. All seven passengers and crew members died in the incident. To this day, it is not known white, and who caused the explosion
I don’t think I could have asked for a better night of teaching than the one I had last night. I know there have been other terrific teaching sessions, but there was a great energy stretching from the students. I have only one senior this year, and he is still a new student having only been with me for one month. I have five high school 11th graders and the remainder are all younger. I love this inner leadership springing from this batch.
Six hours of sleep was the goal but owing to a crew of pooches that felt noisy bathing should begin at 5 AM, I lost an hour where I could not return to the sleep zone. I considered starting the day at 5:30 AM but fought that moment of weakness off as I wrestled to find another ounce of sleep.
Our temperatures are to hover in the 60s this week with one day bouncing up to the 70s.
On this day in history in 1871, Chicago was battling the great fire that had begun the previous evening. In 1888, the public was first admitted to enter the Washington Monument.
It’s Monday, and I hope to adopt a positive approach by not dreading the start of the “work week.” I always wish to chuckle when I think of the “work week” as all seven days are a “work week” for me. Even when I am relaxing or doing something fun, in my mind, I am working on storylines and other items that are work-related. I’ve been this way since I was a child. Till she died, Mother was always stressing, “don’t forget to take breaks and relax.”
We finally received the rain we had needed over the past three weeks, and the showers were with us for the better part of twelve hours. The world is chilly and wet, this morning.
Yesterday was productive, except when it wasn’t. I did accomplish a fair amount of writing work, but it was adopting a new system that required my time to be utilized with organization and not creativity. Hopefully, creativity will be boosted by the new system.
My Friday through Sunday will hopefully be more on the relaxing side. Tonight, I will have supper with Mama Kay and Laura. I will be a house manager for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert featuring The Music of Queen on Saturday. Sunday afternoon, I will resume three days of teaching. I wish and hope to accomplish much in the way of writing with minimal research.
I recently saw the movie, GOLDA, which centered around the 1973 Yom Kipper War when Egypt and Syria attacked Israel, which suffered heavy casualties. Israel’s armies bravely and successfully fought back, and the war ended inconclusively. This was fifty years ago, and I do not recall this event, despite being quite aware of current events. Today marks the start of that conflict, fifty years ago.
I thought I was planning for a great night’s sleep when I hit the pillows at 10 PM, Thursday night, but this morning I have tired-weight tugging at me from the rain’s effects on my body. I slept with little interruption, but it was not what I would call “restful.” But the day must march on.
Make it a great day!
TODAY’S ART….
Vincent van Gogh 1853-1890. The Spinner (after Millet). 1889. Oil on canvas. Tel Aviv Museum of art. Photo: Daniel Rabinovich
Last night’s concert at The Schuster Center was incredible with The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus accompanying the Jeans ‘n Classics ensemble with The Music of Queen.
The arrangements were beautiful there were moments that were incredibly thrilling. And to make it all the more exciting, Matthew Benjamin provided a nifty lighting design to enhance the music.
I love these concerts because I am educated on the music of these legendary rock bands. I might be able to identify their key hits but am wholly ignorant of so many other songs originally performed by the artists.
Their repertoire included the following, plus two encore selections:
“One Vision” “A Kind of Magic” “Killer Queen” “Radio Ga Ga” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” “Another One Bites the Dust” “You’re My Best Friend” “I Want to Break Free” “Under Pressure”. “We Will Rock You” “We Are the Champions” “Flash” “I Want It All” “Who Wants to Live Forever” “Don’t Stop Me Now” “Somebody to Love” “Bohemian Rhapsody”
And these are the songs I had no were by Queen.
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” “You’re My Best Friend” “I Want to Break Free” “Under Pressure” “I Want It All” “Who Wants to Live Forever”
The Haasienda on Shroyer... 