Day 335: Interplanet Janet

Schoolhouse Rock, Jr. 

The show was a great hit on opening night!  They sold 375 tickets and the audience was really responsive.  One of my favorite moments is when our friend Mark plays the role of Interplanet Janet.

Interplanet Janet!  

Day 334: Mike and Mike

Tonight Steve, Julius, Tony and Erik honored two men who have dedicated a total of 75 years to training EMTs.  Our entire region has benefitted from their contributions.  Thousands of EMT students  have gone on to work with local rescue squads, commercial ambulance services or in emergency rooms.  Some were citizens who simply wanted to be prepared for emergencies.   Think of the lives they have impacted! 

Mike P. served as an instructor for the past 35 years and has spent many more years in the fire service.   A World War II veteran, Mike V. was an instructor for 40 years.  During the war, he earned a Purple Heart and a Silver Star.  A few years ago he was recognized by NYS as the longest continuously serving EMT in the entire state.  

What remarkable role models they are!

Erik, Tony,  Julius, Mike V., Mike P., Steve

Day 333: Backstage of Schoolhouse

Backstage crew

Directors

The preview assemblies went very well and the performers really rose to the occasion.  Having an audience makes all the difference!  

A water emergency occurred in the village today and complicated life for everyone.  Apparently a pump failed at the water disposal so a chemical was not added and the water quality failed inspection.  The pump is repaired now, but we must boil water until at least Friday.  All after school activities were cancelled, so the Quest parent meeting had to be postponed.  

Day 332: Schoolhouse Rock dress rehearsal

Another musical!  Putting on a middle school musical staffed by high school students and a few adults has been an outstanding idea.  We have seen remarkable growth, not only in the performers, but also in the students behind the scenes.  Veterans of HS musicals are directing, choreographing, managing props, lights, sound and the stage crew.  More importantly, they are teaching the younger students so that when they arrive in high school, they will have a strong foundation already.

Day 331: Long ride home

I quickly finished reading The Lotus Eaters by Tatiana Soli while on the train today and then had little to do.  The wifi signal on the train was so weak that I could not delete any of the photos from my blog so that I could enter photos for the last few days.  Many short delays lengthened the trip, but at least this time, everyone was really pleasant.  Traveling east on Tuesday, most of the passengers were students, but traveling west this morning, gray hair was predominant.

We were sorry to say goodbye to the boys and April, but we know they have happy, busy lives to return to and we will see them again in just a month.

I took a math lesson from a help site and figured out that if I export the photo in the smallest size, it will be free because Blogger does not count a photo under 800 x 800 pixels.

Day 330: Reflections

Their pilgrimages complete, thousands of 20 and 30 somethings rolled colorful suitcases through the train stations.  One hand on the bag, the other scrolling on a cellphone, their tired faces reflected little but the coming work week.  The holiday over, they were absorbed in resuming their routines.

Strolling along 34th St., we watched little children and their parents marvel at the animated displays in Macy's windows.  Faces lit up and smiling, the kids ran from one window to the next.  It was so  crowded that all of the pictures include reflections of buildings across the street and the sausage cart parked nearby.

We said our goodbyes in the subway station after seeing Life of Pi and having dinner at the Skylight Diner near 34th St.  Colin and I got seasick from the motion of the film and missed about an half hour in the middle of the film.  Everyone was moved by the story and the high quality animation effects.  The book is on my shelf, so I'll have to read it since I can't watch it.

Tomorrow we all return to our routine lives.  It was far less stressful for all of them that we traveled to NY instead of them trying to drive back and forth.  A busy week awaits us since we have four parent meetings for Quest coming up, as well as the middle school musical.

Day 329: Shopping in NYC

I found a dress, a fabulous dress, and I bought it without looking at the price tag for the first time in my entire life.  Far outside my standard boyish, conservative style, it looks amazing.  Perfect for a midnight wedding on New Year's Eve!

We spent the day shopping and getting ready for a birthday party for Evan and Colin, who will turn 33 and 29 on Dec. 8 and 9.  In recent years we have not been able to spend birthdays together, so we decided to celebrate early.  Unfortunately, the heating pipes in Colin and April's apartment sprung a leak and they were not able to come.

Cupcakes are a hot commodity in NY and one of Evan's favorite things, so we bought six specialty cupcakes.   Evan's was a chocolate milkshake cupcake and Colin's is a pecan pie cupcake.  The rest of us got chocolate frosted mini cakes.

I don't think anybody does their own baking or cooking here.  The restaurants were mobbed today as people crowded in for brunch.  We tried another restaurant on Amsterdam and had a delicious and filling meal.  I can't gain an ounce or the dress will not fit for the wedding on Dec. 31!

View from Justin's apartment

Day 328: Exploring Brooklyn

In order to post photos for the rest of the year, I will have to go back and delete about 40 from past posts since I have used up the allotted space for the blog.  I'll do that over the next few days and then add photos to this week's postings.  Clearly, the NYC photos are far more exciting than many of the standard ones I've taken around our yard and neighborhood.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge today was breathtaking.  Spanning the East River, it extends 1.1 miles.  Construction began in 1870 and was completed in 1883 before anyone imagined that there would be millions of cars and pedestrians crossing it every day of the year.  It is a remarkable feat of engineering and it offered spectacular views of Manhattan's skyline, the Manhattan Bridge and off in the distance, the Statue of Liberty.  Unfortunately, the Statue and Ellis Island will not reopen this year due to the damage from Hurricane Sandy.  Mobs of people were crossing today.  It was a perfect day for November, 55 degrees and sunny.  At home, they are getting pelted with lake effect snow.

Once we reached Brooklyn, April and Colin took us to a popular little Mexican restaurant called The Pequena where we feasted on the best Mexican food I've ever had.  Then we strolled by the Grand Army Plaza which honors the troops who served in the Civil War.  Also, a bust of President Kennedy is in the same plaza.  Yesterday, it was 49 years since he was assassinated.  I remember that day very clearly.  On we walked through Prospect Park, which is Brooklyn's version of Central Park.  This one was wide open though and lots of folks were playing tag football, doing yoga or napping in the sunshine.

It's been wonderful to have these relaxing hours to visit with our sons and April.  We've been very lucky that the weather has been so favorable.  Tomorrow, we will go to a movie, shop a bit and then go Justin's to finish up the leftovers.

Day 327: Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for this year.  I am especially thankful that my sons and daughter-in-law are happy, healthy, employed and insured!  We never know how long that status will last, but for today, it is true.  I am grateful that we are both in great health and have endless opportunities before us for adventures and work that we love.

Cooking a full turkey dinner at Justin's apartment is a challenge.   Even though he has most of the equipment,  he also has the least amount of space.  It's tricky to maneuver with only the stove and 18" of counter space, but we produced a fantastic traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

We missed most of the Macy's parade since we got up so late.  The kids were not interested in attending.  However, Steve and I were entertained by the massive, rapid clean-up operation. Hundreds of cops, EMTs, sanitation police and street crews were on duty.

 It was a gorgeous day, warm and sunny.  Families were out strolling and visiting.  Many shops and restaurants were open and jammed full of customers.  It seemed that everyone wanted to eat out early in the day.  Walking back to the subway late this evening, the streets were nearly deserted, but we could hear laughter and music from inside the apartments.

Day 326: Balloons, Lamps and Starcatchers

Our day was packed with fun activities and time with our family.  We took the subway down to Justin's neighborhood and did the grocery shopping for tomorrow's holiday dinner.  Then we delivered the groceries to Justin's apartment, where we met Mary and the four of us had lunch at the Firehouse on Columbus and 86th.  Crews were busy at work inflating the balloons along the side streets between 81st and 79th Streets for the Macy's parade, so we were finally able to view the process close up.  In years past, they did the job at night and it was impossible to get close enough to see.

Next, we visited the NYC Historical Museum where we explored a display on NY's role in WWII and then watched a film on the history of NYC.  After that, we took the subway south to Spring St. and walked to April's office on Hudson.  We met the one co-worker still in the office and she gave us a tour of Adknowledge's offices.  They'll be moving to a new location in February near Penn Station.  Back on the subway, we made our way to Christie St. so we could see Colin at work.  We were lucky enough to meet his boss, Lindsey Adelmann, ten of his co-workers and see his work station.

He still had to finish up a job, so we waited at the Bodega cafe where we had a S'more shake and coconut curry shrimp.  Delicious!  It seems like everyone in NYC is a 20 or 30 something.  We saw very few people our age until we got to the Brooks Atkinson Theater for Peter and the Starcatcher.  It's the humorous backstory for Peter Pan.  We finished off the evening at a Thai restaurant called Yum Yum for a light supper.  And then we got back on the subway to go uptown  to Evan's.

We covered a lot of miles, and although it is crowded and dirty, there is something so invigorating and refreshing about this incredible city.  In Queens alone, 168 languages are spoken!  It is the most diverse, energetic, vibrant and resilient city on earth and we can certainly understand why our kids are so happy here.    Every newcomer has a chance to make it and there is a place for everyone.

Colin at work

Papa Smurf balloon

So, when I tried to upload the photos for today, I found that I had run out of storage space on the blog.  Tomorrow, I will have to upgrade.

Day 325: NYC bound!

It was a gray, overcast day for our train ride to NYC.  When we reached Schenectady, a water line had broken underneath the track so the train had to pull over for an hour while it was repaired.  Then a freight train that had passed us got stuck and they had to bring in extra engines to pull it out before our train could continue.  At the same time, an older woman started talking with her seat mate and didn't stop for hours till he finally took a nap.  

Penn Station was insane at rush hour.  When we exited the train, a crush of people surrounded us.  Some strode purposefully with a clear target in mind while others, like us, were trying to read signs and were temporarily overwhelmed by thousands of people crammed into the terminal.  We crept toward the tunnel for the A train and fought through the flood to reach the express train.   The A train was jammed.  We were breathless by the time we climbed out of the subway and walked five blocks to Evan's.  He sensibly suggested we stay in and order our dinner from an Asian fusion restaurant on Seamless Web.   Great idea!  

The Hudson River

Day 324: Out of ideas

It's a good thing we are traveling tomorrow because I am out of ideas for photos.  I have photographed every plant in the yard, Canadaway Creek and the college campus multiple times.  Boring!  On to NYC!

Day 323: Little Shop of Horrors

Seven fat turkeys were hiding out at our backyard bird feeders this morning.  They must have known they were safe since we are not cooking this week.

I went with dear friends to see Vince perform as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors.  It was an excellent student directed and produced production.  Vince was outstanding, as always, and the dentist was extra creepy and frightening.  It was a more mature production than FHS offered a few years ago, because they did not have to tailor their performance to a young audience.  Six of Vince's closest friends from H.S. made the trip to view his performance.   They are so supportive and encouraging of each other's adventures. They rented their Audrey II plants, so we all liked our homemade versions better.

Dinner was at Aladdin's, a Mediterranean restaurant located right on the Erie Canal, near the campus of St. John Fisher.  I'd like to visit the neighborhood again because we did not get to explore the shops and restaurants along the canal.

Day 322: Red and blue bellied

The red-bellied woodpecker has such a distinctive call that I perk up whenever I hear it approaching and today I caught it on camera.  However, it's time to consider another lens that will enable me to zoom in closer to the birds.  

We walked out on another movie tonight.  Generally, I love Denzel Washington, but Flight was incredibly depressing and I couldn't take it.

Day 321: Observatory

Construction crews continue to make rapid progress on the new science building and the campus center.   Outside the Williams Center, a crew planted shrubs, liriope, razor grass and other perennials, around the perimeter of the patio and between sections of concrete pathways.  A worker told us that two gazebos will be soon be installed and then they will plant climbing vines.

At the science building, we could see that the observatory has been enclosed,  some windows have been installed, insulation sheets are hung to protect workers from the wind, and more concrete block is being laid around the lecture hall.  It will be magnificent!

Our backyard feeders were alive with birds this morning: cardinals, tufted titmice, juncos, bluejays, nuthatch, chickadees, doves and sparrows.  They startle so easily that it's very difficult to get good photos.

Day 320: 65th Anniversary

Today would have been my parent's 65th wedding anniversary.  I spent hours tonight hunting for their wedding photos which I should have on display.  They were such an attractive young couple when they married at ages 19 and 21.  They almost made it to 49 years, but Dad died just a month short of their 49th anniversary.

Day 319: Mirror Mirror

It seems that whenever we do a household job, it is never simple.  I worked on stripping and painting an old mirror to go in the blue room.  I put it on the dresser and then thought, why don't I just turn it vertically?  I grabbed it with my left hand, moved the lamp with my right and promptly dropped it down behind the dresser.   Broken, after all that work!  But no, it was not broken, although the paint is marred.  But it bent the prongs on the lamp's plug and snapped the electrical outlet right out of the wall. Nothing is simple.

Day 318: Snowfall

It was a great day.  The best news is that our son got a new job and is healthy again.  On the down side,  another nor'easter is headed toward NYC next week.  Crazy!  I hope it pulls farther out to sea than the projected path.  The residents of the coastal areas cannot take any more.

Day 317: Dinner with classmates

A cold front swept in from the west and carried away our 70 degree autumn days.  Walking through the village today, we still encountered trees full of brilliantly colored leaves.  The yard is all cleaned up, storm windows are installed and the mums are trimmed.  Let the lake effect snow come!

I topped the evening off with the monthly dinner with my classmates.  We so enjoyed planning for our class reunion that we decided to keep meeting straight through till the next reunion in 2017. More and more friends are joining in the fun as word spreads.  It's a far more comfortable setting for people who don't like crowds.   Plus, we can really talk when the group is small.

Day 316: Veteran's Day

Today we honor American veterans and current military personnel who have served our nation so selflessly.  Our family, like many, includes many veterans.  My Dad was a Marine who served in the South Pacific at the end of WWII.  My husband Steve served in the US Army in Vietnam from 1968-69 as a combat medic.  Our son Colin followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the Army after H.S.   Greatly influenced by the events of 9/11, we expected that he would be shipped to Iraq or Afghanistan, but we were incredibly relieved when he was assigned to Korea.  

My sister's  daughter and son both enlisted in the US Navy after H.S. and that's where Jennifer met her husband Rob, who was also in the Navy.  They both worked on helicopters and Rob moved up the ranks to become a master sergeant.  He did a few tours in the Middle East.  Adam, my brother's son, also enlisted in the Navy after H.S. and worked as a nuclear power technician on a nuclear submarine for 13 years.  Unfortunately, he developed kidney stones and they forced him to retire.

It was a gorgeous day of 71 degrees, highly unusual for mid-November.   Many of the flowers in my pots are still blooming including petunias, geraniums and the African daisies.   As I plucked the mushy remains of the the sweet potato vines from the pot, I discovered a huge tuber.  It's no wonder the possum has been raiding the pots!  The blooms won't last much longer.  Snow is predicted for tomorrow night.

After we walked five miles this morning, we raked, mowed, trimmed, and cleaned up the gardens.  Then Steve was off to fight fires and run rehab in Ripley and Portland for the afternoon.  This evening, someone has been lighting piles of leaves on fire.  With the winds whipping up tonight, that could create a very dangerous situation.

Boy Scouts preparing for a Veteran's Day flag ceremony

Day 315: NYS XC Championships

Fredonia girls took fifth place in the state XC meet and Claire led the team!  It was thrilling!  Poor Lauren is injured and struggled through the meet.  Steve was very proud of these talented girls that he so enjoyed coaching.  We spent the meet spotting the first group of runners in each of the eight races and then reporting in so they could be announced to the crowd.

Day 314: Appendicitis

Our son Justin is in the hospital with an appendicitis tonight.  We've been on the phone talking and texting with him since noon.  Steve finally persuaded him to see his doctor this afternoon.  However, since NYU is still closed because of the storm, Lenox Hill is overcrowded.  He's still waiting in line for an OR and a room.  The surgery may be tonight or it could be in the morning.   Evan is with him, but now their phones are dead, so we're in an information black hole.

Day 313: Smashing pumpkins

Thursday is pizza day!  I never thought I would like spinach gorgonzola pizza enough to make sure we are in town on Thursday at lunch time.  We had a long walk through the village we love, stopping at Upper Crust and Fredonia Hardware, wandering through the cemetery and along the creek.  Each time we approach the bridge, I ready the camera, hoping this time we'll catch the heron fishing in the stream.    Instead, today pumpkins bobbed in the water.

Day 312: The day after...

Fifty one percent of  the nation is filled with joy, satisfaction and pride, while 49% is distraught and despairing.  Yet, the world did not come to an end.  The republicans are baffled and already pointing fingers at Mr. Romney, claiming that he was not conservative enough.  One of the greatest things about President Obama's victory was the repudiation of Karl Rove, the Koch brothers, Sheldon Adelson, Grover Norquist, and all the pundits.  I always found the statement, "take our country back," as offensive.  Back from what?  As if those of us who support Mr. Obama were somehow unworthy or unAmerican.  Well, there are so many problems, that we all have to pull together and work hard to find common ground.  

I stayed up till 2:30 am to watch all of the results, Mr. Romney's gracious concession speech and the President's powerful victory speech.  The entire country is thrilled that the advertisements and robocalls are finally over!

Gov. Romney concedes

The Obama family

Our President!  

A maple stump on Central Avenue

Paddy

A gorgeous sunset lit up the sky tonight!