The Haasienda on Shroyer…

It’s Thursday, July 4, 2024, and it is my favorite holiday. 

Wednesday, I was up at 6 AM, as usual, and prepped the kitchen for a new appliance that was to be delivered by Lowe’s between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. I had a meeting at Noon so I was on speaker phone. At 12:35 PM, Lowe’s arrived and within ten minutes they were on their way. 

My meeting ended and my son-in-law’s mother, Anne, from Boston, called me to see if I would be interested in an impromptu movie party for the musical, 1776. 

Of course! 

At 6 PM, folks in four different time zones collected to watch the movie musical. Joshua was in Los Angeles, I watched from Kettering, David was watching from Orlando, Phil and Anne, and two of their three daughters gathered in Boston, and Mavis, a darling neighbor, friend, and Bella sitter, watched from Mayfair, London, England. I found it interesting to watch this particular movie with both USA citizens and British citizens (Joshua and David have dual citizenship). 

At 3 PM, the No. 28 bus delivered me to The Greene where I took a late lunch (early dinner) at El Toro and then on to Kroger to grab some vegetables and other needed items. 

It was, for me, a full day that was capped with sharing history and musical theatre with two od my favorite 36 year old sons, and my extended family from abroad. 

The remainder of the evening was spent on the deck with the sounds of firework celebrations from various surrounding communities. However, the nearby non-professional fireworks continued until 1 AM with some sounding right over the easement and my house.

Today, I shall be away from The Haasienda for a spell and will continue the day quietly. I’d prefer to remain home with the pooches while fireworks are sounding. Many communities are rescheduling their celebrations due to oncoming rain.

Make it a great day!



July 8, 2023 | by NCC Staff

On July 8, 1776, popular legend says the Liberty Bell rang to symbolize America’s independence from Great Britain. But many “facts” about the Bell, such as its 1776 ringing,  are shrouded in mystery.

For example, how did the Liberty Bell get its famous crack? Did it really ring on July 4, 1776? And where was the Bell hidden from the British?

Here are some of the facts we do know about the Liberty Bell, and some theories to answer the other big questions about the Bell’s travels.

1. The Liberty Bell pre-dates the Revolution. The Pennsylvania Assembly had the Liberty Bell made in 1751 to mark the 50-year anniversary of William Penn’s 1701 Charter of Privileges, which served as Pennsylvania’s original Constitution.

2. What is written on the Bell? The following Bible verse is on the Bell: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Also included is information about the Pennsylvania Assembly and the Bell’s maker.

3. No one knows today when the Bell was cracked. The crack is a big subject of debate among historians. One theory is the Bell got its first crack in 1752 when it was tested upon its arrival in Philadelphia.

4. The last big crack happened on Washington’s Birthday. The Liberty Bell cracked up, literally, in February 1846, when it was rung on President’s Day, celebrated on Washington’s birthday, and then stopped ringing because of damage from a major crack.

5. The Liberty Bell rang often during its functional lifetime. Between 1753 and 1846, the Bell tolled for many people and occasions. It rang to mark the signing of the Constitution, and the deaths of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson.

6. The Liberty Bell wasn’t the first name of this icon. The bell was originally known as the State House Bell. In the late 1830s, it acquired the name of the Liberty Bell when it became a symbol of the anti-slavery movement.

7. The bell probably didn’t ring on July 4, 1776. A magazine writer in 1847 made up the story of the bell ringing on the first Independence Day.

8. The bell may also not have rung on July 8, 1776. It is known that bells in the city of Philadelphia were ringing to celebrate the public announcement of the Declaration of Independence. According to the Independence Hall Association, the statehouse steeple was under repair at the time, making it unlikely for the Liberty Bell to be in use. But with no contemporary accounts, we just don’t know.

9. The Bell did go on a Revolutionary road trip. In 1777, the Bell was removed from Philadelphia under armed guard and taken to Allentown, Pa., where it was hidden in a church. The fear was the British would melt the Bell and use it to make cannons. It came back to Philadelphia the following year.

10. The Liberty Bell last hit the road in 1915. Back in the day, the Bell went on tour around the United States, but in the days before World War I, it became clear the Bell had condition issues. Today, it resides at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, where it is occasionally tapped to mark special occasions.

Make it a great day!

This is one of my favorite historical debates and sometimes, I agree with John Adams.

From THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER:

“When is the real Independence Day?”

There’s no doubt the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. But which date has the legitimate claim on Independence Day: July 2 or July 4?

If John Adams were alive today, he would tell you July 2. Other Founders would say July 4, the day that is currently recognized as a federal holiday by our national government. And still, other Founders would say, “what Independence Day?” since the holiday wasn’t widely celebrated until many of the Founders had passed away.

Officially, the Continental Congress declared its freedom from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, when it voted to approve a resolution submitted by delegate Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, declaring “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

John Adams thought July 2 would be marked as a national holiday for generations to come:

“[Independence Day] will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival… It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” Adams wrote.

After voting on independence on July 2, the Continental Congress then needed to draft a document explaining the move to the public. It had been proposed in draft form by the Committee of Five (John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson) and it took two days for the Congress to agree on the edits.

Once the Congress approved the actual Declaration of Independence document on July 4, it ordered that it be sent to a printer named John Dunlap. About 200 copies of the “Dunlap Broadside” version of the document were printed, with John Hancock’s name printed at the bottom. Today, 26 copies remain.

That is why the Declaration has the words, “IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776,” at its top, because that is the day the approved version was signed in Philadelphia.

On July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon of Philadelphia read a printed Declaration of Independence to the public for the first time on what is now called Independence Square.

(Most of the members of the Continental Congress signed a version of the Declaration on August 2, 1776, in Philadelphia. The names of the signers were released publicly in early 1777.)

The late historian Pauline Maier said in her 1997 book, American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence, that no member of Congress recalled in early July 1777 that it had been almost a year since they declared their freedom from the British. They finally remembered the event on July 3, 1777, and July 4 became the day that seemed to make sense for celebrating independence.

Maier also said that arguments over how to celebrate the Declaration arose between the Federalists (of John Adams) and the Republicans (of Thomas Jefferson) and that the Declaration and its anniversary day weren’t widely celebrated until the Federalists faded away from the political scene after 1812.

In an 1826 letter – the last he ever wrote — Thomas Jefferson spoke of the importance of Independence Day. “For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them,” he said.

Jefferson and Adams both passed away two days later, on the Fourth of July.

Scott Bomboy is the editor-in-chief of the National Constitution Center.

Make it a great day!

Welcome, July 2024!  It’s the beginning of the hump month of summer.

It was the start of the three-day Civil War battle in 1863 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Sunday was both off-balance and productive, but I did manage to complete several items that needed my attention. Most of the time was spent, relaxing on the deck with audiobooks and the dogs.

Teaching was off to a great start but by 6:30 PM, I began feeling wretched and discovered I had a slight fever. My lessons from 7:30 PM to 11 PM will be rescheduled.

I have things to take me away from the house for the majority of each day, today through Sunday. I will make it home today to teach from 4 PM to 11 PM. Several of my Colorado are preparing audition material of the musical, BRIGHT STAR, which is one of my favorite shows. I first saw it several years at Epiphany Lutheran Church, with a number of my students, and then, again, at Wright State University. It’s such a great show. It is such a joy to revisit this score.

It was a tad too cold to sleep on the deck and I am looking forward to warmer nights, so I have that option. I really love it. It’s as close to camping as I ever desired to come.

There is little else to report this morning.

Make it a great day!

June 2024 has less than 48 hours remaining before turning the reins over to July, the hump month of summer. The athletic and music activities have resumed on the high school’s campus, signaling the new academic year to come.

A mild wind swishes all around the neighborhood, offering a great deal of comfort on the deck. The force of movement through the leaves creates a sound much like waves on the beach, rather than rustling leaves. A long, wide band of thunderstorms is moving across the midwest, but from the latest radar indication, it may be missing the Miami Valley.

Friday morning was spent relaxing on the deck with audiobooks and documentaries before joining Mama Kay, Libby, and Ruth for lunch at Applebee’s. After returning home and feeding the dogs, I hopped on the bus to return an icemaker to Walmart. The replacement had arrived several weeks ago and for some reason, Walmart did not offer a pick up for this replacement. It was a quick and easy transaction, and I caught the same bus back to Kettering, arriving by 4:15 PM.

At the last minute, and for want of something to do, I traveled downtown to watch the Neon Movie 7:30 PM showing of THE BIKERIDERS. I am not a fan of gang or bike movies since they always tend to be brutal, even barbaric and content. It was pretty much the same for this movie and I spent at least 1/3 of the two hours sitting with my eyes closed. While the acting was quite good, the plot weakly meandered. I’m certain that this was a terrific movie for those who appreciate these themes; it was not my kind of movie.

The pooches and I spent the night on the deck, and I slept like a baby. It’s moving on 10:30 AM and I’m still in the chase lounge listening to audiobooks and documentaries. The wind continues, the sun is struggling to be a part of this day, and Colonel Deeds and Hoskins are busy exploring the yard and participating in frequent games of Chase. The three older dogs have taken my lead and are lounging.

I am content with having nothing on the docket because once I begin teaching Sunday evening, I will commence in a lengthy stream of activity for nearly 2 weeks. Thursday is Independence Day, perhaps my most favorite holiday.

Make it a great day!

Eleven years ago on this date, another Saturday morning, Flyer, 13, and I entered the van, leaving Chief and Navi at The Haasienda. I knew Flyer’s health was rapidly failing.

We visited our favorite haunts in Dayton: the Wright family graves at Woodland Cemetery, Orville Wright’s Oakwood home, Hawthorn Hill, and Carillon Historical Park at the base of the carillon tower erected by Colonel Edward Deeds and his wife, Edith.

We spent about forty-five minutes lying in the grass beside Wilbur Wright’s grave. Normally, we’d spend a few minutes with the Wrights before taking off on a sixty+ minute hike. This morning, our hikes were now our history.

Back at home, she rested on the deck with Chief at her side. By the end of July 2013, over seventy-five people came to say “goodbye” to Flyer, including my mother who spent nearly a week with her favorite pooch for whom she often watched during our trips.

Flyer continues living in my thoughts and heart.

It is an early day to be off to Schuster Center to house manage a private corporate event. I will grab the 7:24 AM No, 17 to downtown, which means I will more than likely step onto the bus by 7:30 AM. Knowing who some of the regular bus drivers are on this route allows me to know which ones will be 4-11 minutes late – always. From what I can detect from the apps, it has little to do with traffic and more to do with the urgency to stay on schedule.

Yesterday was somewhat wasted. I had anticipated an appliance delivery that Walmart postponed with no “hey, it should arrive…” I am greatly disappointed with this lack of communication and poor customer service. I lunched at El Toro and returned home to nap on the deck while the pooches played. I went to the 7:20 PM Neon Movies playing of THELMA which I tremendously enjoyed. I strongly encourage folks to go see this delightful romp.

My next several days will have me slightly confined as I await word from Walmart regarding my delivery, as I do not trust the company’s communication efforts in helping me to plan ahead which greatly infuriates me.

Today, at 2:15 PM, is the anniversary of my beloved grandmother’s passing. Donna Mae Clary Barmes, 8 May 1924 – 27 June 1992. Grandma Donna is still greatly missed.

Ah, well… it is time to move on with my day so I can make the 7:24… 7:25… 7:26… 7:28… 7:29… 7:30… 7:31… 7:32… etc. No. 17 bus.

Make it a great day!

This is a photo of Flyer, eleven years ago, today.

We would often walk next door to the high school to relax in the shade of the small grove of trees out front beside the parking lot. I’d sit to read or write on a notepad while at the same time, throwing her sticks to fetch. After she tired of the game, she’d lay down close by to observe traffic on Shroyer Road and passersby.

Flyer’s health, which had been up and down for several years, was sliding downward and at the time of this photo, she had one month remaining.

Those last weeks, I would find her staring at me and it was a different gaze than I had witnessed for those past thirteen years. A friend suggested she was saying “thank you.”

Flyer and I were together for thirteen years and she was a wonderful “mamma” to the first four sons.

The relief in the high temperatures has felt wonderful. But to be honest, I really never seemed affected by the heat. In fact, I don’t think I ever broke much of a sweat except for the balcony lobby of Schuster which always feels like a sauna. We will have a streak of temperatures in the 80s until a week from this Saturday when the 90s return.

My last student last night was my neighbor boy and one of my key Canine Crew. I needed to grab some ice from Speedway and he walked with me so we could grab some milkshakes, too. Years ago, we had Awesome Yogurt a few blocks away, and I often took sons and students if they were the last, or if there was a lesson break. It seemed as though Gwen Stamper, Gabriel Berlean, Kariane Kramer, Andrew Kremer, and Cody Campbell were always in a place to go with me to Awesome Yogurt. I miss those days. Last night, Ian Wintrow helped me relive those long-gone days. I still miss having Friendly’s at the corner of Stroop and Shroyer roads. It was a staple for post-concert meals or ice cream treats.

Tonight, we celebrate Laura’s birthday. Laura is my bonus sister and at one time, a neighbor for several years. Three months from today, I shall join her for the next decade’s chapter of the sixties.

It’s time to begin preparing for the day.

Make it a great day!

The cooler temperatures have been with us since yesterday and dipped to a wonderfully comfortable evening. I spent most of the night sleeping on the deck. I fell asleep at 11:30 PM and woke at 1:30 AM because I was a little chilly. I grabbed one of the English capes sent to me from England by my son-in-law and returned to the chaise lounge.

I will be away from the house all morning and will return to teach the remainder of the evening. Tuesday, I have something to occupy most of my day and will join Mama Kay and Laura for dinner to celebrate Laura’s sixtieth birthday. Three months from tomorrow, I welcome my own sixtieth anniversary.

My studio manager, Rita Bomholt, is on vacation and I am fully running the show. I had one flub of not seeing the date in a student’s email of when they’d be gone, and I filled in their spot last night with a Monday student. The student will be away on June 30^th. Ugh. I had been doing so well up to that point.

Thursday morning, I will house manage a private event at Schuster Center, and will only have four more house management events until September. I will miss being with my fellow house managers, the bartenders, and the patrons.

One week from today, we will welcome the month of July. 2024 has been like the lead car in the Indy 500, racing to the finish. We are almost at the halfway point of this year.

It’s time to prepare for the long day.

Make it a great day!

It’s a sweltering morning, but we may see a break in the weather, today. A lengthy thunderstorm cell will be moving through, and the temperatures are to only climb to 85 degrees. It will be a most welcome arrival.

Since Wednesday, I have enjoyed sleeping on the deck, the pooches surrounding me. Erma will spend some time with us but prefers to return to the bedroom. It was enjoyable, and since I have been having no bathroom visits several times throughout the night, I wonder if being stretched out on the chaise lounge is why.

Last evening was spent at Schuster Center with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra closing their season with a tribute to movie composers, mostly John Williams. It was a fantastic concert but I was disappointed that one of the founding fathers of film composition, Max Steiner, was omitted. Known primarily for the sweeping score, GONE WITH THE WIND, Steiner composed over 300 film scores, nominated for 34 Academy  Awards, winning three. Some of his scores include SINCE YOU WENT AWAY, NOW VOYAGER, THE INFORMER, and A SUMMER PLACE.

I will be away for a good chunk of the morning and return for a few hours of rest before the teaching portion of my day begins.

It is time to charge into the day, although, I am not much for moving, this morning. I would rather return to my bed.

Make it a great day!

PHOTO: Max Steiner

Today, Darin Lee Jolliffe-Haas is forty years old. Darin Lee Jolliff is three months away from turning sixty.

In this date, June 20, 1984, my sister, Dena, younger brother, and I were adopted by our step-father, David Haas.

June 20th is also the Gotcha Day of my son, Joshua.

Happy Adoption Anniversary to my sister and myself, and happy Gotcha Day to my son.

Wednesday was mostly a repeat of Tuesday; hot. Actually, it wasn’t too awful as I was comfortable throughout the day. At 6:30 AM, however, it is horribly muggy.

At 9:15 AM, I began mowing the lawn and it was completed just under thirty minutes. I didn’t even break a sweat and the temperature was 86°. There was no need to trim, this time, and the front yard still looks nicely manicured.

I worked on research the remainder of the morning and early afternoon before setting out for Bright Moon Chinese Buffet, followed by a trip to Kroger for a few necessities.

The pooches seem to be handling the heat without much discomfort. They’re consistent with hydration. I get a kick watching Hoskins and Colonel Deeds fly onto the deck to rush inside for water before returning to the yard for more play.

I’ll be away from the house for a few hours and hope to continue with the progress I made with Tuesday’s research. It felt great to accomplish something and make a dent.

I spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday night lounging and napping on the deck. I slept most of the night outside with four of the five pooches nearby. Erma always goes to bed in the bedroom. This morning, I woke at 4 AM and it was so comfortable and cool. I spent the remaining two hours in my own bed.

June 20th marks the 87th anniversary of the death of my great-uncle, Ronald Monroe Clary, who died from injuries sustained while riding a horse on the family’s Boone Township, Madison County, Indiana farm.

Ronald Clary, 22 October 1921 – 20 June 1937; aged 16.

And it’s time to get the day moving along.

Make it a great day!

There’s a cool breeze blowing across the deck that keeps the wind chimes dancing, but there’s also a foreboding of the heat to come. Yesterday, was uncomfortable at times, but doable. The pooches and I remained hydrated.

I decided to take Monday lunch at Bright Moon Chinese Buffet, but upon arrival, I discovered they are closed on Mondays. I walked across the street to Frisch’s.

I decided to hang the laundry out on the line after I returned from lunch, and within 10 minutes, a rapid five minute rain and windstorm blew through the area. The wind was so strong it blew a plastic deck chair into my study!

Monday afternoon and evening, the lessons were just fun! several more pop-up storms passed through.

I considered hiking through WoodlandCemetery, but decided to hang at home with the dogs so that the two younger ones don’t have to go into their crates during in the heat.

Colonel Deeds and Hoskins I’ve been playing pretty hard this morning, and even got the older two girls, Harrigan and Irma, playing with them. As usual, Chief is lounging next to me. Colonel Deeds did stop for a moment to lay beside Ch

ief.

On with the day, whatever it is. I may not do much of anything.

Make it a great day!

The 94 degree weather will be here soon enough, so I am enjoying as much deck time as possible. There’s been a good deal of walking and running activity passing The Haasienda as others take advantage of this beautiful morning filled with gentle breezes.

Chief is lounging beside me while Harrigan and Erma nestle against the houses brick wall. Colonel Deeds and Hoskins have kept busy, for nearly 2 hours, racing and chasing one another throughout the backyard while acknowledging all the passersby. in fact, Harrigan has even joined Colonel Deeds for a few rounds around the yard. The younger duo also takes their guarding of the yard very seriously.

I made it home from Schuster center with enough time to eat a late lunch and grab a 30 minute nap before teaching. By 11 PM, I was feeling pretty fried but managed to keep going.

I know I should mow the yard this morning, but I do not intend to force anything. It may just wait until Tuesday or Wednesday. I teach this afternoon and evening, and Tuesday will be my first completely free day since June 4.

The chaise lounge remains comfortable and I may just stay put for the remainder of the morning.

Make it a great day!

Monday morning. Rain is expected all day. Fairmont Industries, next door at Kettering Fairmont High School, begins its big week-long plant and flower sale which funds many of the students’ camps and other wonderful opportunities for special needs students and classes. I usually purchase my impatiens to plant around the front, as well as a hanging basket or two.

I do not plant things in the ground and haven’t done so for years. I plant them in the containers and then set the containers on wire plant stands all over the front yard, so they are at varying heights and stand out against the shrubs or other taller ground cover. Plus, it is much easier to trim and mow without damaging the plants which I tend to mutilate.

Sunday morning, I took full advantage of sleeping and watching documentaries. At 1 PM I began mowing, trimming, and blowing the yard. I had mowed the backyard earlier in the week, but it was already in need of another going-over. I was grateful no folks walked their dogs in front of the house to distract and interrupt my progress.The front yard looks great, and I hope to get my flowers prepped and ready to go for the remainder of spring and into summer. Last afternoon and evening’s lessons were super. A few students had a full Saturday evening of prom life but still worked hard and no complaints or hints of fatigue. Bravo!

I have some errands to accomplish today before I begin teaching, and I would love to complete my flower planting. However, it is unlikely I shall finish anything if the forecast for rain holds true.

Folks are always telling me, “You’re so busy.” Sadly, I am not. What I post about my day is nothing compared to what I use to accomplish in one day and not feel the full effect of fatigue. When my Facebook memories appear each morning, I will scan through some of the accounts of much busier days, and it saddens me that I no longer have the energy or design on my days. However, I am proud of the fact, and appreciative that I can still master a few daily tasks, teach, and enjoy my time with Dayton Live for a man of nearly sixty with MS.

Wednesday, my beloved grandmother, Donna Clary Barmes (8 May 1924 – 27 Jun2 1992), would have been 100 years old. She was forty when I was born in 1964, and I clearly remember her milestone birthdays throughout her life of sixty-four years.

Also, on Wednesday, Hoskins will turn eight months old. The Colonel, as of May 3^rd, is now eighteen months old.

Make it a great day!

I walked over to the Fairmont Industries’ flower and plant sale prepared to return with one hanging basket of impatiens and three flats of impatiens to plant in pots and set about the front yard. Sadly, their supplier could not fulfill the order for plats, and I returned with two hanging baskets. I will just go with the hanging baskets for the summer.

“I bet you are glad that paper dumpster was moved!” exclaimed one of the teachers.

Two other teachers commented about how aggravated they were getting when they’d see paper blowing into my yard. This cheered me a lot.

Tonight, I return to the jungles of Africa to begin the final week with THE LION KING. I loved having two days off, but I did miss the show and the energy it brings.

My refrigerator search seems to be a rough journey. The last time I purchased an appliance was 1992 and that seemed to be easy. This morning, despite constant freezer pack exchanges throughout the day, I had to toss out two half-gallon milk jugs.

I have some things to accomplish but I am returning to bed, first. I am just physically and emotionally tired this morning. The impending rain is raising a ruckus in my body, and my hands are aching.

On with this day.  Make it a great day!

My grandmother, Donna Mae Clary Barmes (8 May 1924 – 27 June 1992), would have turned 100 years old. Grandma Donna has been gone for nearly 32 years, and I still miss her. I am sure she and her sister, my wonderful Aunt Joyce, are having a whale of a time.

When my grandmother, still in the hospital from giving birth to my mother on April 6, 1945, learned about the new president the following morning, she claimed she knew she would love President Harry Truman. They each shared May 8^th as their birthday.

Yesterday, we had storms move through the Miami Valley, and there was a nice dry break for the time I had to take No. 17 downtown to Schuster Center for a return to the jungle for THE LION KING. It felt good to be back. I will revisit this show five more times and will hate to see it move on. It’s been refreshing and terrific.

Last night, at intermission, it was obvious that many patrons had been checking the weather during the show as I had many questions about emergency procedures. By the show’s end, the storms had passed through and there was not a hint of a sprinkle. Today seems to be free of rain but tonight will bring more back through the valley.

It will be a long day. I shall be occupied until 2 PM and will return home for an hour to prepare for my return to Schuster.  My body is feeling the tug but I am eager to get moving.

Make it a great day!

It’s Saturday morning and we’re still hanging in the 60s. Tomorrow, we shall finally see a return to the 70s and 80s.

Tonight, I will make my final visit to the musical jungle for THE LION KING. It’s been a long tiring run that has absorbed a tremendous amount of time and energy, but I love seeing the eager energy as patrons arrive and then observing their huge smiles and ecstatic energy as they leave. Even the little peeps, leaving long past their bedtimes are still wide-eyed and wanting more.

My body feels like it has been used as a battering ram. Friday, I was kept busy during the day, and when I arrived at Schuster for my 5 PM shift overseeing the house-right ticket scanning area, I learned two house managers could not make it in. I took over supervising both entrance ramps for scanning. We had two great teams of ushers/scanners at each end to make things run smoothly, and it did. Working the ramps for ticket scanning is referred to as “early release” and those working that component get to leave early or seat to watch the performance. I grabbed an Uber and was home by 9 PM.

I wish I could rest today but I will be away from the house until 2:30 PM, only to return to feed and potty the dogs, and head back to Schuster until 11:30 PM. Tomorrow, I will also be away from home during the day and will return to spend some time with the pooches before teaching. While I have loved working at THE LION KING these past two weeks, the dogs have not received a lot of my time.

My laundry and dishes are completed, but other areas of the house and my writing research have taken a huge hit. My personal emails are backed up and my personal text messages have mounted. Monday and Tuesday will find me away from the house during the day with Monday afternoon and evening filled with teaching, and Tuesday will return me to Schuster to house manage a private event. Wednesday, I will finally have a day to rest and love on the dogs. I am sure it will be a full day of staying in bed trying to find the button to alleviate the tired spot. And I just remembered there will probably be grass to mow… sigh.

Ah, well… it’s life.

Make it a great day!

Last night at 11:15 PM, I exited Schuster Center, ending my two weeks in the musical Serengeti of Disney’s THE LION KING. I am thrilled that it has come to an end, but I cannot deny how much I loved listening to this musical, catching a few glimpses of the production, now and then, but most of all, basking in the atmosphere of eager energy. I stepped inside to catch the final few moments of the very powerful finale of “The Circle of Life” and could see why I was always hearing thunderous applause and stadium season cheering. For me, it wasn’t about cheering for the product on stage, it was a testament to the power of the performing arts.

Today is Mother’s Day, and I am fondly remembering both those beloved mother figures living, and those who are no longer with us, particularly Mother, Grandma Donna, and Aunt Joyce.

The weather is expected to return to the seventies today and stay with us for a while. As much as I would like to enjoy the weather, or better yet, rest the remainder of the day, that is not an option. I shall be away until almost 3 PM, returning in time to teach until 11:30 PM. Tomorrow will be a repeat. Tuesday will be more of the same except my early afternoon and evening will find me at Schuster for a private event.

I am ready to rest but it will not be possible until Wednesday, at which time I will need to also catch up on emails, text messages, and items around the house. I will also need rest. Much, much rest.

“The Circle of Life” from THE LION KING

By Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer

“From the day we arrive on the planet,
And, blinking, step into the sun,
There’s more to see than can ever be seen,
More to do than can ever be done.
There’s far too much to take in here,
More to find than can ever be found.
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky,
Keeps great and small on the endless round.

It’s the circle of life,
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope,
Through faith and love.
‘Til we find our place
On the path unwinding,
In the circle
The circle of life.”

Happy Mother’s Day!

Make it a great day!

The rain is upon us and will be sporadically visiting us throughout the day, and maybe into the evening. It appears that the heavier portion will be as I am heading to Schuster to house manage a private event.

It’s May 14^th and we are nearing the midway point of this month. Soon, we shall approach the halfway mark for this year.

I have gotten away from audio books and attending movies at Neon Movies in downtown Dayton. I’ve missed these fulfilling items and need to get back to them.

Several current college students and about one half-dozen former students are preparing for WICKED auditions this coming week to be held in Chicago, I have been assisting them with these preparations. A former longtime student, Katie Kress, who just completed her second year at Denison University, will perform in several professional shows at Weathervane Playhouse in Akron, Ohio and I hope to see her in something. I did not get to see her in the lead role of Denison’s SHE LOVES ME, this spring. I have had a lot of former students perform at Weathervane and they each had marvelous experiences.

I just need to make it through this day to find my day of rest on Wednesday. Of course, I already have a list of items I need to complete but I do intend to collect some rest-points. I need them.

Last night, when I finished teaching at 11:15 PM, I laid down on my study floor with Chief, closing the gate on the others from entering.  Chief’s back legs are almost useless, and it pains me to see him struggle to rise. He is still involved in family life, enjoys being in the yard or on the deck, and even enjoys playtime with Colonel Deeds, Harrigan, and Hoskins, although he pretty much remains in a stationary position and offers verbal commands. I know the day is coming. I will know. He will know. Chief is thirteen and Erma will soon turn fifteen.

On with this long day.

Make it a great day!

Today is a day that I could use the invigorating sunshine to lift my spirit and energy. Life-juggling seems to be my lot in life at the moment and it is draining.

Last evening’s private event at Schuster Center was a nice affair but with little excitement for the two of us who served as house managers.

I was home and in bed by 9:15 PM, rising only to let the pooches out to potty. I woke several times throughout the night, believing it to be close to 6 AM; however, I was surprised and relieved to see 11:25 PM, 1:00 AM, and 4:15 AM.

We were in a pinch for coverage this morning, so I agreed to come in. Today was to be my first free day since April 30^th. I immediately regretted agreeing to pinch-hitting this morning, but we are a team and I always remember that I may need coverage for myself. Now, Friday is to be my only day off with my next free day on Tuesday, May 21^st. I feel my body grinding against the strain.

Chief went out to potty this morning but did not touch his food. He’s very alert and seems comfortable. This impending decision is overwhelming. I have numerous other heavy items I am currently juggling with little time to consider planning as I work and move about on No. 17. I am finding my optimism and joy on the decline.

It is time to move on with my day so that I can nudge myself to upload positivity.

Make it a great day!

I turned my Wednesday around despite being a bit down about not having my entire day free.

I got home by 2:30 PM and fed the dogs before laying down to take a two-hour nap. I woke at 4:30 PM and decided to grab the No. 28 Loop around Kettering to grab some food at Elsa’s Sports Bar on Stroop Road. On the bus, I decided to move on to The Greene to eat at El Toro so I could go to the T-Mobile store to get an upgraded phone.

After eating, I was on my way to the T-Mobile store only to discover it was permanently closed. Great. There was a store at Town & Country I could visit and take No. 17 directly home.

Well, that store, too, was closed. I will revisit this issue next week.

Now, before leaving The Haasienda, I discovered Colonel Deeds munching on a recently killed squirrel. I shooed him away and grabbed a shovel to dispose of the remains on the other side of the fence into the easement.

It’s a beautiful day and the pooches are loving their time outside. I wish I could spend some time outside but it’s time to get ready for another event. I should be home by 9 PM. I will have another event on Saturday evening and will be away from the house from 8 AM – 11 PM.

Chief has been more animated the past twenty-four hours. Flyer (2000-2013) was a roller-coaster finale, great days to “We’re getting close to…”  I continue to monitor Chief and to trust my gut. He is a trooper!

As I finished writing this blog entry, Chief was playing in the study with Harrigan, Hoskins, and Colonel Deeds.

Make it a great day!

The morning skies let loose with at least six hours of solid rain, and I was out in some of it.

I returned to bed until 8:30 AM, excited to have a full day off. At 9:06 AM, I stepped onto No. 28 Kettering-Loop to make my way to T-Mobile to upgrade my phone and then to Dollar Tree to grab a few items.

At T-Mobile, the sales associate was honest with me and explained it would be better to wait until August or September to get the iPhone 16 and avoid the iPhone 15 which is not a true upgrade as to what I currently have with the iPhone 13. I appreciated his integrity.

I returned home and decided to make a second stab at Bright Moon Chinese Buffet near the intersection of Wilmington Pike and Dorothy Lane. It was very good. By the time I left, the rain had ceased.

Back at home, I napped until 3 PM when my grocery delivery arrived. At 4:30 PM I decided to grab No. 17 for downtown where I watched NOWHERE SPECIAL at Neon Movies. Whoa!

The Overview: “John, a 35-year-old window cleaner, has dedicated his life to bringing up his 4-year-old son, Michael, after the child’s mother left them soon after giving birth. When John is given only a few months to live, he attempts to find a new, perfect family for Michael, determined to shield him from the terrible reality of the situation.” It was an emotional movie but one that kept the heart brimming with joy while the eyes finally brimmed with tears.

I had some time before No. 17 arrived so I picked up with one of my favorite past-times by capturing some photos.

Chief is on a rollercoaster of life. Some moments, he’s listless and unmoving while at other times he’s boisterous and playful with the others. I’m forever riding the fence of making “that” decision and continue to trust my gut.

Saturday and Sunday are double-headers with Dayton Live. Downtown Sunday will end early enough for me to return home for teaching the remainder of the afternoon and evening.

By 6:15 AM, the golden rays from the east were pouring through the windows, bouncing between all the openings in doorways and around cabinets and furniture. We are expected to have temperatures in the upper 80s for the next several days.

Saturday was a doubleheader and despite having a grand time, my body is feeling the effects this morning. The evening concluded with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s tribute to the legendary Whitney Houston. It was nice reliving the melodies of songs I’ve known since my college days, and I was fortunate to work with another quartet of outstanding volunteer, ushers.

The concert was scheduled to conclude by 9:30 PM and I knew I would be cutting it close to making it to the 9:58 PM departure of No. 17 heading southbound. However, my tired, aching legs got me to the bus terminal within five minutes, and I even had a few minutes to spare before the bus pulled out.

Today is another doubleheader only this time my afternoon and evening will be spent with students.

Chief is on the rebound, again, and was greeting me at the hallway gate with Erma and Harrigan; Colonel Deeds and Haskins are created in the living room and kitchen. I know my time with the old boy is terribly limited. I laid down on the floor of my study beside Chief keeping the other four on the other side of the gate. He and I have had over 13 wonderful years together and it will be heartbreaking when we arrive at the final farewell.

It is time to move on with my day before leaving the house in an hour.

Make it a great day!

PHOTOS: downtown Dayton on Saturday evening