Day 366: New Years Eve!

The final day of 2012!  Very soon we are off to Rochester for our friend Amy's daughter's wedding.  What a lovely way to celebrate the birth of a new year and to wrap up 2012.  We are excited to share this day with our dear friends.

As I reflect on spending a year writing a blog, I am so very glad that I chose to do this.  I have a pictorial and written account of our adventures this year and a record of the main historical events from our community and throughout the world.  As I have searched for photos for uneventful days, I have looked more closely at the wonders around me.  It's been a compelling process that I am not quite ready to relinquish.  Plus, we have some extraordinary travel plans for the year including a Baltic cruise and a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, that I want to share.

My goal for the next few months is to finish the editing of the book and find a publisher.  There will be more work later, of course, but I hope to complete the entire text by March 1.  So, I plan to use this blog to keep me on track.  A little extra motivation will help!

Two brave firefighters from Webster, NY, were laid to rest today and yesterday, victims of an irrational and crazed shooter who enjoyed killing.  Over the next year, I hope that the people of this nation can find common ground and outlaw the rapid fire weapons and heavy duty clips whose only purpose is to kill people.

So, don't give up on me yet, folks!   I will post photos from the wedding tomorrow.

Allison and Kris

Amy and Dan

Day 365: Annie

We said goodbye to Annie this evening because she's off to study in London for the semester.  She is so excited for this new adventure and we are thrilled for her.  We first met when she was in my hike group during Quest and we bonded over conversations about Smallville.  As a freshman, she joined Steve's stage crew and worked her way up to assistant stage manager over the next few years.  For two years, she came back as a student leader for Quest until illness and injuries ended her backpacking days.  Foreign travel and study has a way of altering a person's perspectives and her experiences will be life-changing.  We wish her a safe journey and many great adventures!

Day 364: Migraines!

A ferocious two day migraine knocked me on my butt, so I missed several important appointments and stayed in all day.  Fortunately, they don't come nearly as often as they did in my youth, but when they do, I am incapacitated.  To get a photo, I simply opened the back door and shot our beautiful snowy backyard.

Day 363: Les Miserables

In 2003, Fredonia High produced the musical Les Miserables.  Jack S. chose the show for his final production before retirement and worked for a year with a stellar cast that barely resembled high school students.  It was incredibly demanding on everyone, cast, crew, staff and volunteers.  Every time we produce a show, we are astonished with the talent that emerges.  That year, Jack knew he had a number of cast members who had done previous shows, but he needed a few more strong men and when auditions were held, new seniors appeared.  

Colin had enlisted in the army and was due to depart for basic training the first week of April.  At the same time, the war in Iraq began.  Steve and I were terrified that he would be sent to Iraq and we would lose him.  Every time we heard Josh sing "Bring Him Home" or Ben sing "Empty Chairs", we would cry.  The same thing happened today when we saw the new production.  Hugh Jackman was extraordinary as Jean Valjean and Anne Hathaway was wrenching as Fantine.

When we look back at the school musicals we've worked on, Les Miserables ranks in the top three for it's production quality, the emotional power of the story line and the student talent.   We love each cast and crew and always enjoy working with the dedicated staff to put on the best possible show.

We stopped in to the Millie dance rehearsal to see how the typewriter desks were working and so I could snap some shots of an early rehearsal.  They look very promising!

Day 362: Stripped beds and leftovers

Evan doesn't miss western New York winters or cleaning snow off cars or even driving.  After scraping ice from the windshield of his rental car, he came inside for his luggage.  By the time he returned to the car, rain had glazed the windows and he had to scrape again.   Fortunately, the worst of the storm moved north very quickly, so they made great time and were back to the city by 5:00.  I'm know they're thrilled to be in their own apartments.

Director and choreographer

Set designer and fabricator

Sandy

So now the house is empty again.  For weeks we cleaned, shopped, cooked, decorated and planned.  Our time together flew by.  I already stripped and remade the beds, washed all the laundry, vacuumed again, and used up lots of leftovers.

Production of Thoroughly Modern Millie is well underway.  The adult staff met at our house tonight so that we can all be on the same page.  As I listened to our young director, choreographer and lighting designer present their  vision and plans, I couldn't help but think how very lucky our students are.  This team is so dedicated and skilled, that they provide an extraordinary experience for our our young performers.

Day 361: Boxing Day

When Evan and his friends were in high school, they began an annual tradition of holding a themed party the day after Christmas (Boxing Day).  They organized crazy, fun events all through college and even for a few years after they graduated.  Now, fifteen years out of school, they are spread out all over the state, some have children and some remain single.  Three years ago, we started hosting since they were only in town a few days and we added new friends from Quest that Evan had gotten to know.

Matt preparing the fruit tarts

Sarah and baby Rowan

His two best friends, Matt and Sarah always cook and they are magnificent chefs!  The theme tonight was "Pizza on earth."  Matt prepared individual cherry and apple tarts topped by almonds and homemade whipped cream.  Sarah made a platter of nibbles made of pear chunks with bleu cheese wrapped and baked in bacon.  Amazing!  She also made two pizzas of whole wheat crusts with caramelized onions and bleu cheese.  I made four pizzas, one of them a Hawaiian pizza.  Great company, delicious food and lots of laughs produced a wonderful evening.

Day 360: Merry Christmas!

Colin and April

Our family

Day 359: Christmas Eve

Ever since we were married, we have spent Christmas Eve with Steve's family.  After his parents passed away and his sister Mary moved back to the area, we have spent Christmas Eve at her house.  She loves to experiment with new dishes, whether it's from their Scottish heritage or an ethnic dish.  Tonight was no exception.  The beef dish was prepared according to a recipe from one of her piano students, Jorge, who is from Puerto Rico.  The second entree was baked salmon and the third was duck breasts, half with a honey sauce and half with a spicy sauce.  For dessert, she made a blackberry tart from an 18th century colonial American recipe.  Delicious!

The entire day was filled with last minute preparations, cookie frosting, great company, easy going conversations and laughter.  A perfect day!

Day 358: Yorkshire pudding

Gravy

Roast beef

I took this photo.  

And the Yorkshire pudding!

It was all about the food today!  Bacon and French toast drew our sleepy sons and daughter-in-law from their beds to a breakfast feast.   While they shopped, Steve and I made sugar cookies.  Then the preparations for dinner began.  A six pound eye of the round roast had to be defrosted and then I cut it in half so it would cook more quickly.  Green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy rounded out the meal. 

The trickiest and most savored part of the meal is the Yorkshire pudding.  A long held tradition passed on from my mother's grandmother Eliza from England, it's made of simple ingredients and it was intended as a filler when there was little else to eat.  Today, however, our family prizes the crispy pudding.  

To make the perfect Yorkshire pudding, you need two cups of flour, two cups of milk, five eggs, a teaspoon of salt and three tablespoons of pan drippings from the roast.   I cook it in two glass pie plates, but my mom always used 9 x 11 stainless steel pan and my sister Laurie makes individual puddings in cupcake pans.  Set the oven to 425 degrees.  First pour several tablespoons of oil in the pie plates and heat them until the oil is spitting hot.  In the meantime, blend or beat all the ingredients on high. Put the drippings in last.  When the pans are ready, quickly pour the batter into the pans equally.  You will be tempted to peek, but resist!  You don't want to release any heat or the pudding will fall.  After 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 350 for another 10-15 minutes.  Each pie plate will yield six big slices.

I love to make it for my boys and tonight they appreciated it very much.

Day 357: Home for the Holidays!

Dreams do come true! 

Day 356: Ready for Christmas

The time for cleaning, decorating, polishing, scrubbing, buying, wrapping and planning is over.  Tomorrow is all about cooking, baking and picking up Colin and April at the bus station.  Justin and Evan will arrive by car around 5:00.  Can't wait to have them all under our roof and around our table.  A ferocious winter storm named Draco is pushing east, fueled by wild winds and carrying lots of snow.  We worry about the boys driving across the southern tier on Rt.  86 through the mountains.  

Five more funerals took place in Newtown today.  In honor of the children and their teachers, we took 26 Christmas gifts down to the Rural Ministry in hopes that a few local children will have a merry Christmas.

Day 355: Rachel's trees

Nine more wakes and funerals took place in Newtown today.  One little boy dreamed of becoming a fireman because he idolized his uncle and cousin who serve with the NYC fire department.  So hundreds of firemen came from all over the nation to honor him and act as the honor guard at his funeral service.  

My friend Rachel could have been an interior decorator or party planner in addition to being an awesome teacher.   She has three skinny Christmas trees, each with a different theme.  They are easier to manage and can be placed anywhere.  Ours weighs a ton.  I can't help thinking about the homes in Newtown where Christmas trees stood ready with presents for the children who will never open them.

Day 354: Rattles and baby shoes

A little barbell shaped rattle was Justin's favorite toy as an infant.  It was the only toy he could grip and he shook it with great delight, kicking his little feet and laughing.  One day when he was three months old, the rattle suddenly went silent so I looked in the cradle to see if he had dropped it.  There is was stuck in his mouth.  Since he had no teeth, one end just slid easily into his mouth.   Startled, I gave it a little tug and pop, out it came.   Evan and Colin both played with the rattle when they were babies, so now it hangs on our Christmas tree alongside their first pair of baby shoes.

Day 353: The loot

Two more funerals today: Jessica and James, both age 6.

The children of Sandy Hook went back to school today.  Their terrified, grief stricken parents released their grips and trusted that the children would be safe and all would go smoothly.  And it did.  Meanwhile, in Texas, some school officials have decided to arm teachers with concealed weapons.  

Working in Tom's shop to build the rolling typewriter chair and desk units for the musical.

Tom cut all the platforms, attached four casters to each unit and then the chairs.  

Steve cut off the excess threads on the bolts.

My job: tighten the bolts and sweep the floor. Glad I could help.

The loot!

Day 352: Getting ready

After finally decorating the tree last night, we completed serious shopping and wrapping today to prepare for our kids' return this weekend.  We paused for a bite to eat in the food court at the McKinley Mall and a tv was focused on the funerals of Jack and Noah, age 6, of Sandy Hook, and the tears flowed again.  The pain and anguish of the families, friends, teachers and first responders in Sandy Hook are unimaginable, but the entire nation is sharing in the agony.  The President's response last night was more prayer than speech and I could see pain, regret and resolve in his face.   I hope that with  collective reflection progress can finally be made in banning assault weapons and high capacity ammunition clips.

The tiny backpacker

Our friend Donna arrived at our door this morning with an amazing bit of information on Fredonia backpacking.  She found a newspaper clipping and photo of Dave and 8th grade backpackers taken in June of 1974!  We had thought Atlantis began in 1975, but now we have evidence of an earlier hike.  Time to talk to the Gilmans and then revise the history chapter.

Day 351: Department party

Amy hosted a wonderful party for the members of the SS department, both past and present.  Dave, Steve and I so enjoy seeing our young teachers who replaced us working together so effectively and socializing with each other.  More tomorrow.

Our Christmas tree

Day 350: Penelope Party

I love Christmas parties and enjoy each group of friends.  The parties of each group, Penelope, book club and the SS dept., have different atmospheres, menus and entertainment.  My writer's group, Penelope, has been together for 25 years so we have long-held traditions.   Our members are amazing cooks and we always have extraordinary meals of unusual dishes. It was comforting to be together with old friends since I spent most of the day crying again.  All the children killed were 6 and 7 years old.  Heartbreaking.

Day 349: Profound sadness

Our nation is gripped with sadness today because of a mass shooting in the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.  Twenty little children and six adults were murdered by a 20 year old shooter whose mom was the kindergarten teacher. I grieve for the slain children and their families who tonight are seized by excruciating pain and profound sorrow.

The debate over gun control has begun again, but it's far too late.  My view: No weapons except for single shot guns expressly for hunting.  That's it, no handguns at all.  No rapid fire weapons.  Stricter registrations, investigations into buyers.  Limits on quantities of bullets and no armor piercing bullets.

But for today, we should hold our children close, give thanks for our many blessings and pray for the families of those who lost so much today.

Whenever I am upset, I head outdoors, and that's what we did.  We walked and talked for miles and while crossing campus, we met Shane.  Ann would call our encounter a "god dropping" because he was the perfect medicine for my grief and heartache.  Full of passion for college and excited for future adventures, Shane loves life so much.  And I can't help wondering about the life of the young man who committed the horrific crime today.  What happened in his life that caused him so much pain that he would act out in such violence?  Such a contrast between two young men; one gripped by rage and pain, while another embraces every moment with pure joy.  Why?  I don't know, but it's the Shanes and Margarets and Annas and Seans that give me faith in the future despite the madness of mass murders.

Day 348: Upper Crust

Thursday's treat: Spinach gorgonzola pizza from the Upper Crust Bakery!  Pepper pizza is also irresistible!

The Episcopal Church

Day 347: Fisherman

It was an honor to join other members of the FTA to wrap Christmas presents for disadvantaged families in our district.  It's an annual tradition that the teachers have done for many years.  

A fisherman enjoying the peace and tranquility of fly fishing in Canadaway Creek. 

Day 346: Novel Women Party

Wonderful friends of more than 30 years.  

Day 345: Baubles and bows

After a long day of Christmas shopping and decorating, I've made progress, but have a long way to go. I need more lights and apparently, we waited too long because several stores are already sold out.

Day 344: Decorating

A lovely holiday weekend with my sisters and brother finally inspired me to start decorating for Christmas.  We started with the garlands, but found that many of the lights don't work.  It will take the rest of the week to finish all the decorations and then soon the kids will be home!

Day 343: Columbus Zoo

Family fun at the Columbus Zoo

Laurie and Caitlin

Day 342: Columbus family

A pounding rainstorm slashed us just as we approached Columbus,  but when we reached Laurie's comfortable house, we were greeted with great warmth and hospitality.  She's been cooking for two days and offered us a feast of her specialties: baked ham, pulled pork, pound cake, Christmas cookies, vegetable soup, roasted veggies, chicken wing dip, fruit and cheese.  Amazing!

Brad and Merv

Day 341: Nesting

When Steve was preparing the car for our trip to Columbus tomorrow, he discovered a nest under the hood.  No critters were in it, but some creature had prepared a warm, cozy spot.  Composed mostly of tissues and dryer lint,  there were also seed fragments sprinkled over the engine.  Those critters have been busy!  It's puzzling to me how this happened when we drive the car every day.  

Day 340: White caps

Twenty six days left to go on the blog.  Twenty-six days left in 2012!

Great news from the Quest parent meetings.  A total of 71 parents attended the four meeting, 65 from Fredonia and 6 from Brocton.  That means we should wind up with about 60 going on the hikes.

The wind whipped the lake into frothy peaks.  Freezing air slashed my face so I took only a few shots and ran back to the car, probably too soon because none of the pictures were good quality.

Day 339: Courtyard

Hooray!  Seven more families attended the parent meetings, six from Brocton and one more from Fredonia.  One mom was a veteran of the very first Quest in 1989!  

The new courtyard outside the Williams Center

Day 338: Dandelions in December

It feels like Spring! 63 degrees, dandelions and snapdragons blooming, turkeys scratching in the backyard.  It was a delightful day to walk through town.

The second Quest parent meeting was more encouraging since 29 more families were represented.  That's a total of 41 so far.  I hope the next two nights are packed!

Day 337: Spaghetti and meatballs

A steaming pot of spaghetti sauce simmered on the stove much of the day filling the house with the wonderful aroma.  Rain is finally falling, it's warm outside, but we stayed in and tackled backpacking paperwork, photo editing for Schoolhouse, and lots of neglected household tasks.  The spaghetti will hold us most of the week while we run out to three more parent meetings and trips to Olean, Buffalo and then Columbus.