Day 790: Mammo

Men hear: "Turn your head and cough."

Women hear: Lift your arm over your head.  Now grab the bar.  Bend your elbow.  Turn to the right.  Relax your shoulders.  Chin up.  Keep your feet flat.  Lean in.  Hold your breath.  30 seconds of pain.  Zaaaappp.  Breathe.  Repeat. Pain. Repeat.  Pain. Repeat.  Pain. Done! All clear for another year.  Peace of mind.

Another very productive work day on stage.  Lots of crew, cast, alumni, adult staff showed up to work and we got a lot accomplished.  The cyc is up!  For one and half hours, Anna, Aleah and I cranked up the lift and positioned the lift carriage, hauled the cyc and then Steve tied the cyc up on the bar.  The crew also hung the ice house ceiling grid framework, checked out all the lights, and finished painting the telephone hour cubicles.  Then, of course, there was an hour of cleaning paintbrushes, rollers and pans.  Lots of cooperation and teamwork made it all possible. So very proud to be part of this wonderful team.

Angela, Michaela and Bailey

Jake, Bryson, Daniel, Jake and Claire on light bar repair

Day 789: Birdie Paint Crew

Bryson, Anna and Abby

Bri, Taylor, Anna, Abby, Aleah and Andrew

Day 788: Birdie dance rehearsal

Day 787: Maps and Compasses

Our Brocton backpackers are delightful.  Today, they had to fill in the form with their tent partner's name and their request for cook group members.  They actually made me choke up.   Each one of them said they didn't care who they were placed with because they want to meet new people.  And Sierra said she wants to tent with the girl from Silver Creek, even though they've never met.

They enjoyed working with the topographical maps and were very responsive in our activities.  Having a group of six is so much easier to manage than fifty-eight.  Maddie was the only student leader to show up today.  She has become a really valuable member of the team.

Steve was out at another house fire today in Irving for hours today.  He came home chilled to the core and is sound asleep.  Winter fires are brutal for everyone.  Fortunately, no one was injured.

The polar vortex is back and another huge storm will sweep across the country over the next week. Yet, the solar company is coming to start installing the solar panels starting on March 10.  I know that solar power is an important green step for us to take, but the installation process makes me very nervous.

Lady Dianthus

Day 786: Our escape day

We try hard to take one day a week as an escape day, free from fire calls, meetings, backpacking classes, musical rehearsals or construction, emails, parent calls, coordinator's meetings.  It hardly ever works, and that was the case again today.   We had a fantastic lunch at the Sun Restaurant, did some musical fabric shopping, saw Monuments Men, then went back for more fabric.  Steve took a half dozen phone calls, emails and texts.  After a quick dinner, he was off to rehearsal.  He came back early, but still fielded more texts and calls.  So much for a day off.

Steve's black rice lobster rolls with pickled ginger and wasabi

My entree: Mango chicken

Black rice mango rolls

Salad with spicy dressing, vegetable tofu soup and Thai iced tea

Snow boy!

Day 785: Cat eyes

At Penelope, we had the pleasure of playing with Ben and Jeannette's two little cats.  My work was put off till the end of the meeting again, so we did not get to spend much time on my chapter.  The feedback was very helpful, but I would have liked to get through the whole chapter.  

Steve, Jake and I got lots done on the sets.  They started work early this morning on reinforcing the steps and put wheels on them so they can moved easily.  Then when I arrived, we worked on skinning the front of the steps and put shelves in the Telephone Hour set.  

We were able to walk for an hour.  The wind was harsh, but the sidewalks were finally clear enough to wear sneakers!  We haven't seen bare sidewalks in months.  

Ben and Jeannette's cat

Day 784: Got a lot of living to do!

The drill was incredibly successful and Steve is exhausted, but happy.  The Coast Guard's commanding officer was highly complimentary to the entire contingent.  He said it went so smoothly that it was like they had been working together for years.

Then at 9:30 tonight, he got a call because one of the squads transported a patient that had bedbugs.  So, on Saturday night, they called him to find out what to do about their ambulance, clothing and equipment.  Fortunately, he knew what to do since we've had experience.   This incident is on a much grander scale since it's a public service vehicle.  So, now he's on the phone with the hospital supervisor trying to make accommodations for the crew.  What a juxtaposition!  In the morning they ran a drill with the Coast Guard on a plane crash with 43 casualties and now a real life crisis for a crew with bedbugs.

I spent most of my day at school working on costumes and taking pictures.  Kay's lovely granddaughters and I made progress pulling items from the racks.  Jody and Doreen cut out the two polka dotted coats for the dancers.  There is lots of dancing in this show and the lights are not adjusted yet so my photos are not great.

The kids rehearsing We've Got a Lot of Living to Do! 

Day 783: First pansies!

A two mile walk in 40 ish temps was wonderful.  We strolled through campus since the sidewalks in town are treacherous.  I was so happy to spot early pansies sprouting in pots in the front yard.  Maybe spring is really on the way.   A rapid snow melt has swelled the creeks and flooded our yard again, but we are fortunate compared to many other regions.  The east is waterlogged and the west is devastated by droughts.

Steve spent the day in meetings and was scheduled for another tonight, but flooding in Sunset Bay kept them occupied till tonight.  In 24 hours the drill will be completed and they can relax for a bit.

Day 782: Red breasted merganser

Bald eagles have been gathering in the Dunkirk harbor, so today we went down to see them.   No eagles arrived today, but I can see why they are attracted to the harbor.  There are thousands of dead birds and fish on the ice surface.

I photographed clusters of birds to identify later and discovered one I had never seen before: the red-breasted merganser.   It's such a rich environment for birds, that I am again wishing I had a better zoom lens.  Time to think seriously about that.

Gulls in the harbor

Red-breasted merganser

Day 781: Steve's new Terrain

For the first time in over thirty years, we don't own a van.  I remember when Evan and Justin were just two and five, before Colin came along, we went camping in our old Omni.  Every square inch of that car was jammed full of sleeping bags, a tent, food, cook gear, toys and clothes.  It was wild!

We had a grand time camping that summer in Pennsylvania and New England.  Not long after those trips, we bought our first van, a Plymouth Caravan.  Adding another baby and all his gear required not only a new car, but also a second tent.  The last time we went tent camping up in Canada, I had one tent with Colin and Evan, and Steve slept in the second tent with Justin.  It rained constantly and Colin wanted desperately to creep around in the mud.  After that, we added a pop-up trailer for the van to haul.

Now, of course, Steve's car is always packed with fire and emergency medical gear for his job.  When he retires from that position in a few years, this newer car will be ideal for new camping adventures for two old folks.

Grumpy old Molly actually went outside today to enjoy a few hours of sunshine.  

What a joy to have warmth for a little while.  It didn't last, of course.  By 4:00 we had snow, sleet and ice.  And next week, the polar vortex is coming back!

The new (to us) 2011 Terrain.

Day 780: Ice Castle

It was a sleepless night after an exhausting day.  A ferocious wind storm blew through about midnight and the grill decided to depart the front porch, so Steve went out to retie it to the swing.  We'd just fallen asleep when Molly planted herself outside our door and cried her little heart out.  Steve got up and fed her and she was quiet for awhile.  Then, at 5 am she did it again.  This time, I got up and put her in the basement.  I guess she missed us.  Finally, we fell back to sleep, but it certainly wasn't enough.

The Ice Castle in Mayville

Paddy kept me company while I wrote this morning and made lots of progress on expedition behavior.

Day 779: Sunny Hudson

It was hard to say goodbye to our precious sons and daughter and return to our busy routine. They are all so gracious and welcoming, but they have their own lives and we don't want to be in the way.  We did not realize they'd all be off today, so we could have stayed another day.

It was good to have a brief escape, but there's so much on Steve's schedule for this week that he was getting very stressed out as the train chugged west.  The huge Coast Guard drill is on Saturday, but there are a few more meetings before it begins.  They are simulating a plane crash into Chautauqua Lake with forty passengers.  Four ice fishermen will be fatalities, and the passengers will have various injuries.  Some will have to be plucked from the lake. Coast Guard personnel will fill the roles of victims in the water and their rescuers.   It will be a stressful day.

When we checked the news this morning, we discovered it was minus 14 in Fredonia, while it was 20 in NYC.  By the time we got home at 8:00 tonight, the temp was up to 32!  Predictions for the day of the drill are dreadful.  Flooding is coming later in the week, so actual emergencies could be taking place while half the county is tied up with the drill.

On the long train journey, I was daydreaming about sandals, a gauzy dress and bare legs.  I want to ride my bike, swim in our pool and feel the velvety petals of lovely day lilies.  Winter seems endless.

I have made great progress on the Expedition Behavior chapter.  Between Friday and today, I nearly finished it, so maybe two more days.  In the next week, I intend to revise the first chapter entirely to include the section on getting started and probably rename it.  After that, I will write the conclusion!  I only have fragments of that done, so it will take time.  I am leaving the songs, games and activities till the very end cause that will take a month.  At some point, I must go through the entire book and plan more revisions.

I actually started thinking about getting readers to do fact checking!  I foresee six more months of work revising, editing, seeking consistency and fluidity.  This summer, I will not put it aside.  Looks like I will be alternating laps and chapters.  So close!  So exciting!

Day 778: Brunch in Brooklyn

April and Colin prepared a splendid NY style brunch: fluffy blueberry pancakes, crisp bacon, fruit salad, scrambled eggs and our choice of a Bloody Mary or Mimosa.   Certainly not something we've ever done in Fredonia.

Colin fried up two pounds of bacon!  April scrambled eggs.  Both are such gracious and generous hosts.  We were all together for a meal... at the same table.  Laughing, joking, telling stories and having thoughtful discussions on issues and of course, Star Trek.  Such precious time, so fleeting.

We walked for an hour through Prospect Park.  It was a joy to see so many families out with sleds, and skis and snowshoes.  Lots of children laughing outdoors.  It doesn't get much better.  That's what we have always done as a family, no matter where we happen to be.   Long walks and great conversations.  We miss these common rituals so very much, and are so very grateful when we have a few days together.

The Audrey Tree in Prospect Park

Look closely and find Audrey's mouth!

Then this evening, at Evan's apartment, we ordered sweet and sour chicken, pineapple fried rice and sushi rolls on Seamless Web.  Another thing we never do at home.  Not just the food choices, but who  in Fredonia uses the internet to order a meal and have it delivered to your door in a half hour?

Day 777: Museum of Art and Design

So much has happened in two days!  It's our first trip to NYC in deep winter.  As Evan says, NYC does a snowy winter better than it does the heat of summer, but what a mess it is!

The train trip was quiet, hot and bumpy.  Flowing silently beside us, the Mohawk was frozen over and only a narrow channel was carved by a Coast Guard cutter through the Hudson.  Huge heating oil barges crawled upstream pushed by tugboats.

Delayed about an hour, the train pulled into Penn Station at the peak of rush hour.  Evan was there and so were a million other people rushing, crushing, pushing, all intent on a distant destination.  Dozens of last minute shoppers queued up to buy flowers, inflated balloons and hearts full of candy.  Dodging through the crowds, we cut toward the subway and lost Evan completely.  There's no place in Penn Station for disoriented out-of-towners.  Without crowds or pressure, we function competently, but you can't hesitate for even a moment.

We could barely breathe on the A train uptown to 125th, but then climbing up the stairs to St. Nicholas Street, warm air greeted us!  Thirty degrees felt balmy compared to our freezing days in Fredonia.  Side streets were piled with snow, cars buried and trash bags buried.  Every intersection was a lake of slush surrounded by mounds of ice.  Frustrated drivers were digging out cars, spinning wheels till the smell of rubber filled the air, rocking and gunning the engines.  Many just let the cars or little Vespas remain buried and wait for spring.

April hosted dinner in her office at 7 Penn.  We ate pizza, played pool and visited without shouting.  Colin recounted hilarious tales from his first comedy show.  He is so happy.

Today, after a Greek lunch, Justin, Steve and I spent hours exploring two museums.  First, we viewed fiber and costume art displays at the Folk Art Museum at 66th St. Then, we moved on to the Museum of Art and Design which was incredible.  The displays were of art created using fractals, 3-D printers and computer design.  More on that tomorrow.

A three-D printer created this twisted cathedral dump truck!

Cross bred chairs created by an artist on the three-D printer

Evan and Justin at dinner at Yum Yum Bangkok

Sheep milk dumplings at Kefi for lunch

A weather vane on display at the Folk Art Museum

Brunch in Brooklyn tomorrow!

Day 776: Slushy NYC

Too exhausted to write tonight, but here's a photo of the frozen Hudson from our journey today.

Day 775: Our bags are packed...

We're ready to go... NYC got ten inches of snow today and now it's raining.  Tonight, more snow.  Perfect conditions for a visit with our family!  Long visits, exotic foods, crowded subways, a stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge.  The weather doesn't matter.

The sun was deceiving... still bitter cold.  Today I am dreaming of rich blue hyacinths, velvety tulips and sweet cherry blossoms.   Next weekend = 50 + !!!!!

Day 774: SC crew

Our Silver Creek crew with two student leaders

The turkeys have worn a path from the woods to the bird feeder.  We open a door and they take off.

Too much to do and too little time.  How does that happen in retirement?

Steve got news today that he has to have a full knee replacement.  The partial lasted just short of four years when he expected it to last for ten. The hardware is fine, it's the deterioration of the knee itself.  That adds a wrinkle to many endeavors.

Day 773: Dreaming of daffodils!

It was an awesome class with wonderful kids in Brocton!  We were so impressed with Maddie's leadership in the discussions.

More progress on the expedition behavior chapter.  On Friday, I can write on the train.  I decided there will be just two more chapters: the games chapter and a conclusion.  The "Where do we start" piece I've been contemplating will be incorporated into chapter one.

I started hunting for travel information on Bluffton, SC and Savannah, Georgia.  It's 13 hours away.  Do we really want to drive all that distance?  At least then we would not have to rent a car.  The hotels away from the beach are reasonably priced and there is lots to explore.  It would be fun to visit the historic center of Savannah, too.  We'll be able to connect with Nancy, Jeremy, Kendall and Jason.

Warmth, sun, a sandy beach, green grass and palm trees.....please!  Although I will happily settle for daffodils and forsythia!  Hopefully, this is the last night of sub zero temperatures.

Day 772: The Beatles

I made great progress on the expedition behavior chapter today.  Paul Petzoldt, who wrote the Wilderness Handbook identified six sets of relationships that should be monitored and directed to assure a successful expedition: individual to individual, individual to group, group to individual and group to group.   Individuals and groups must fulfill responsibilities to each other and can expect that others will care for them in turn.  So, I have related stories that reflect what happens when individuals do not fulfill their obligations to others and thereby disrupt the cohesion of the group.  Originally, this content had been in another chapter, but I decided it was too important to limit. That's happened a few times now.

Our snowy creek

Paul and Ringo

Paul was always my favorite Beatle

Last night's Beatles concert was fantastic.  New artists performed their classic songs then both Ringo and Paul performed several songs before concluding the night with "Hey Jude"!  They said that when they perform, they are always thinking of their friends, John and George.

Day 771: Wax lips and cappuccino

Susan loves holidays and always sends the members of Penelope a special treat to spur laughter.  For Valentine's Day, a box of wax red lips arrived.  We know how much she misses her friends and our Sunday morning meetings.  We got some hysterical shots that she will surely enjoy.

Carolyn and Valerie

Penny, Carolyn, me, Carol, Pat and Sarah

Penny's newest project: A series of photos on the quest for the perfect cappuccino!

Fifty years ago tonight, the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan show.  I fell in love with them that night, just like millions of young girls around the world.  In 1965 or 1966, our sorority took a  trip to Toronto for their concert.  We never heard a single word of the lyrics or a note of music because of all the screaming.  In fact, it was difficult to see them because we had seats in the very top of the auditorium.  After the concert, we were walking down a long corridor when someone screamed, "there they are!"  and a crush of crazed girls rushed through the halls searching for them.  Hysterical girls fainted dead away.   The music is so classic and timeless it is sure to last another hundred years.

Day 770: Equipment Seminar 2014

I waited a whole year to get pictures of the equipment seminar.  I charged the battery, attached the wide lens, wrapped the camera carefully and tucked it into my bag.  And there it sat for the entire morning.  All that prep and as soon as I switched on my teacher mode, I completely forgot the camera.   I could have passed it to one of our amazing student leaders, but I forgot!  So maddening.

The seminar went very well.  Jill took attendance as each family entered.  Of course, two thirds of them were late.  Lee would have been crazed and we were very irritated.  Masses were walking in at 9:05 when the program started at 9:00.  Why?

Should we have started at 9 when there were only thirty people present?

Grrrrr.

At the end, a boy from Brocton approached me and asked if he could still participate.  Rules, deadlines.  I don't even know his name and I really want to say yes.

On to musical.  No rehearsal today because of All-County music festival.  The crew worked hours on the sets while we worked on costumes and props.

Evening: Two episodes of Sherlock and one disappointing pizza from a new pizzeria.   Why do they all make their pizzas in the same identical way?  No originality, no flavor, no thin crust!

A long week, productive week, but no new chapter completed or list of publishers prepared.