Day 821: Sunshine and warmth

We were so happy to walk for 3 miles in sunshine without scarves, gloves or hats!  Tomorrow, we may hit 60! If we don't surpass that mark till April 7, that would be a new record.  Everyone is desperate for spring!  I did see a cluster of blooming crocus on Temple Street so that's encouraging.

Backpacking was on the agenda this morning.  We picked up the bulk foods and transported all of it to the middle school.  Boxes and bags filled both of our cars to the brim.  They had just tossed many items into boxes all mixed up so when we arrived at school, we had to sort and count all the food to make sure we had the correct quantity.  The rotini and grape jelly were missing entirely and we were short two boxes of elbows.  That wasn't bad.  Fewer mistakes than usual.

Day 820: new ipad

A new iPad!  I did not want to travel again with my precious laptop.  Even though all the information is backed up, it would be so difficult and expensive to replace if it was lost or damaged. Plus, this baby weighs only one pound.  It will be much easier to carry on trains, planes and automobiles.

Last night, as we waited for the kids to eat and get their make up and hair done, Ben put on the 1997 version of Bye, Bye Birdie.  Our productions have come so far.  Each year, the team of directors, producers and contributors work to improve the show in some way.  In those early years, the vocals were always outstanding, but now we've added dancing, spectacular sets, sophisticated lighting and an improved sound system.  Our shows are so professional now compared to those days.

It was wonderful to see Colin perform as Randolph after so many years.  He was a bit flat, but a good actor.  One of the kids asked me how old he is now and I said 30.  He was an eager, skinny 13 year old when I started helping out with that show and I've now gone a full cycle back to the same show.   I got thinking.  Why am I still doing this?  Kay asked pointedly how long we will continue to work on the musical.  Good question.  What do we want our next 10 years to look like?  How do we want to spend our time?  Definitely with kids.  But certainly more time with our kids.  And less time with snow!  There is much to contemplate.

A foot of heavy wet snow fell since last evening.  We hope it's the last snowfall of the season!

Day 819: Birdie on Saturday

Point Gratiot Bay

A bit of open water at Point Gratiot, but no eagles today.

Meredith and Mary in green room

The next generation!

Choreographer, director, accompanist, music director

Day 818: Birdie Premier

Beautiful Emma

Almost ready! 

Great show on opening night!

Day 817: Birdie dress rehearsal

The kids were fantastic tonight! Lots of energy, animation and humor in unexpected places.   Ben wanted to have the cast photo taken tonight, so Sean came and set up his professional light system.  Unfortunately, they decided to put all 50 cast members on the stair units and they were never built to hold 7000 pounds.  One of the casters was crushed and had to be replaced.  It could have been worse, though.  I had Ben use my camera to shoot a picture of the crew, but they aren't any good.  Sean got a couple and I'm sure his will be good.

We got home at 11:15.  I think of the kids going home to shower and do homework and maybe sleep a little before they start all over again tomorrow.  At least we can sleep till 8 if we want.

I took over 800 pictures tonight, but I'm not going to even download them tonight.

Day 816: Almost here

It's almost here.  Hooray.  The kids need an audience for feedback and appreciation. They need people to laugh at their jokes and applaud their singing.  Then they'll be alright.

Pictures tomorrow.  Just too tired tonight.

Day 815: Assemblies

At the end of the three assemblies this morning, I spoke with the mom of our Conrad Birdie.  It's his first musical and today was the first time he ever sang in front of an audience.  He was terrific!  Every day his movements and gestures improve and his confidence increases.

I wanted to know how she was feeling after seeing and hearing him perform.  She said she had snuck in to rehearsal last night for a bit and had sat in the corner alone and cried.  She had no idea he could sing so well.  This morning she was beaming with pride.  He had commented after seeing Millie last year that he might like to try out and she encouraged him.  Her younger son is also in the musical, playing an adult in chorus and in the Shriner's number.  Both boys are loving it!  One of the great things is that they are athletes so they are modeling for the other boys that it's cool to perform in musicals.

I remember feeling exactly the same way when Colin played Randolph back in 1997.  Every time he sang in five different musical, I choked up and tears ran down my face.  Here I am, still working on musicals to make that experience possible for other families.

Day 814: Tired

Matt and Michaela

Day 813: unclogging my computer

As we speak, huge video files are being transferred to my new one terabyte external hard drive.  Once the process is completed, all the operations should run faster and smoother.

I cooked! Two days in a row! Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, peas and gravy last night...one of my favorite meals and it was better than many restaurant meals.  Tonight, I made a big pot of spaghetti sauce and meatballs.  It will last throughout this chaotic week.

So, Astrum Solar has offered us $2400 toward the replacement of our garage roof.  Basically they would pay for the front and we'd pay for the back.  It's not an expense we had planned so it would be very difficult.  Unfortunately, I still don't trust their operation.  I am trying to separate emotion from reason and make a decision that best serves our long term objectives.   On the other hand, we just want to run away, hide and live on a beach.  No more jobs, responsibilities or house hassles.  It's a good offer and obviously the roof must be replaced and then it would be done.  Our home would be powered by green energy.  Or we could forget it all.  Tonight, I'm leaning toward packing a bag and flying to Santa Fe.

Tomorrow, I can start posting pictures again.

Day 812: Dedicated volunteers

Lift is a four letter word.  Steve and Mr. Kennedy were at school by 6:00 am and of course the lift would not work.  Despite an expensive repair job on Thursday, the leads were frayed. Fortunately, they were able to repair them, but it delayed the curtain repair process for hours.

The tech rehearsal was much better than the last two years.  We were done at 3:00 and Steve sent all the kids home.  They have gone above and beyond expectations this year and really earned some down time.  Then the adult crew assembled to finish the last of the construction projects.  Ben S. built a faucet; Tom installed a doorknob and made an oven door; , Rick made the refrigerator door; Sandy and Kevin built another small upright piano; Charlie and his daughter Jasmine finished painting the train engine; Steve installed swing rods on the units and I applied translucent film to the windows.  Tomorrow, Steve and Scott are going to finish repairing the curtain carriage wheels. (If the lift works)  I'll touch up the painted surfaces.  Maybe that will be it!

I've deleted about 300 more photos up to 2007.  I really don't think I have 50,000 photos.  I may have downloaded that many, but a good portion have been deleted.  Perhaps tomorrow I'll be able to post pictures again.

Day 811: Mini vacation

The crew was amazing today.  When we arrived at school, they were sitting together, laughing.  They had already taken the screen down and put it away.  They had stacked up the items that have to be stored at Tom's barn.  We hung the scrim on the tv screen, brought the lift in, loaded Tom's truck and were finished work by 4:00.

Whiskey Hill was mobbed again, even at 5:15.  We  tried a few new menu items, although we were longing for garbage charred wings.  The toasted marshmallow martini was a bit too sweet for me, but the broiled lemon pepper haddock was fantastic.

The tech rehearsal is tomorrow.  I hope it doesn't go as long as it did for Fiddler!  That was 13 hours in 80 degree heat.  Steve will begin work at 6 am when Scott arrives to repair the curtains.

Day 810: Goodbye Clawed

Mary's heart is broken tonight.  Last night she was resolute in her decision, but this morning Clawed brought her his toy mouse.  He went outside to visit the garden and purred while she petted him.  What a contrast to last night when he thrashed in pain with a seizure.

He was so afraid this morning as she caught him and placed him in his basket.  By the time we arrived at the office, he was exhausted and peaceful.  The vet and her technicians were very kind and sympathetic. It was incredibly difficult for her to say goodbye.

She and her neighbor found Clawed and his sister Willow abandoned when they were just a month old.  Betty kept Willow and Clawed moved in with Mary just a few days after 9/11.  He's always been super shy.  In fact, we'd tease her that he was a phantom because he would vanish whenever we visited.  Of all her cats, he was her favorite.

It was another exhausting day.  On top of all the routine stuff, we had to clear the entire auditorium in preparation for the health and wellness day program tomorrow.  Plus, Steve and the crew had to get out the screen and set it up.  So much work.  If only they would buy a retractable screen!

Day 809: Another long day

Rehearsal and notes lasted till 10:00.  I wish they would let the kids go home after rehearsal, do homework and then go to sleep at a decent hour.  They could begin each rehearsal with the notes and then the kids could more readily apply them.   But what do I know?

In the morning I must accompany Mary when she takes her beloved cat, Clawed, to the vet for the last time.  He has been very ill for a few weeks and will not get better.  She had hoped that he would pass away peacefully at home in his garden or wrapped in his blanket.  She loves her kitty children dearly and it will be a very difficult day for her.

Day 808: First aid class

The subject of backpacking class in Brocton today was first aid.  Usually Steve does the class since he has the background, but since he was tied up with stage work, I got to teach.  I'm surprised how much I've learned from listening to him for years.  There was no depth to my instruction, but I have plenty of stories to illustrate each topic.  Tyler, MaryAnn and Maddy offered lots of encouragement and anecdotes.

The kids had lots of questions.  They wanted to know what the worst injuries were and so I told them about Colin's broken collar bone and Anna's knee injury.  Considering that it's been 25 years and over 2000 people have backpacked, we have been very fortunate.

We still haven't heard from Astrum Solar.  The salesman called cause he had just heard what happened.  Apparently, they are having a big meeting in Rochester tomorrow to discuss the case.  Since they have been so uncommunicative, we suspect they are marshaling their forces and lining up their lawyers.  We may be forced to accept an unpleasant solution, but it will be with great regret and reluctance.  Treating us poorly will have very negative consequences for them as well.  We will not be recommending them to anyone.

Day 807: St. Patrick's Day

I didn't cook corned beef and cabbage.  In fact, I have barely cooked at all this month.  After his meetings, we got a mediocre Irish meal in Olean at the Beef n Barrel.  I liked the sauce and sauerkraut, but the beef slices were like thick slabs of cold cuts.

On the way home, he promised me he would retire from the coordinator's position and this new chairmanship when he is 69 instead of 70.  That will give Julius six months to train his replacement before Julius retires.  What will the county do without them?

Too tired to write any more tonight.  I can't post any pictures till my new external hard drive arrives and I transfer my video files to it.  My computer memory is full!  Plus, my gmail account has crashed.  I don't know what's going on.

Day 806: Stage painting

Paddy is padding on my lap.  Purring and blissful, soaking up the warmth from the wood stove.  It's 12 degrees and he's been sitting on the picnic table for the last hour enjoying the moonlight.   He refused to come in.

It was another busy day at school.  I finished the new brackets for the flats and painted them.  Charlie nearly finished painting the train car.  Tom and Steve rehung the train station so it hangs straight, reinforced the stairs and mounted the ladder for when Kim climbs out the window.  Ben and I installed the kitchen window frame.   Then everybody pitched in to clear the stage so I could vacuum and then we painted.  It looks terrific!

Tomorrow, I expect that we'll hear from Astrum Solar and find out what their counter proposal is.  We are going to suggest that they pay for the garage roof replacement and then proceed with the installation.  They made the mistake and that's what's holding up the entire project.  It will cost them less to pay for our roof than it will to lose the account.  We'll see.

We have to go to Olean in the morning so Steve can complete the transition work because he is now chairman of SWREMS (Southwest Regional Emergency Medical Council).   His term is two years, but can be extended for two years.  I can't believe he is taking on another responsibility.  He's been a member for many years, but this is another huge job.  He says he'll retire at 70, that's two and a half years.  Ever since Glenn died,  I have wanted him to cut back

Day 805: Costume day

Nearly everyone began in one costume today and then we switched them around by trading sweaters, pants, hats, trench coats until the combination was just right.  Now we'll focus on the hems, buttons, zippers, mending, adjusting, hats, scarves, jewelry, tights, and shoes.  They look pretty good, although I would prefer brighter colors rather than so much white and cream.  Budgets are tight now so we will have to make due with what we've got and spruce up the outfits with accessories.

The Quintet

The Lift

Day 804: Tom

None of the musical sets would be possible without our friend and colleague, Tom.  As a master carpenter, he can build anything and he is such an amazing problem solver.  We worked on hanging the train station and Tom installed the railings on the staircase.  There are lots of things to finish, but all the main items are now composed.

It was 55 today, but will be 15 on Sunday.  More snow is on the way!  Our exercise has been very inconsistent this week between projects, musical and horrible weather.

TV dials constructed by our wizard, Sandy!

Tom at work on the railings!

Day 803: Long day

Up early, thinking 

Gorgeous, sunny morning

Send emails

Internationalization meeting 

Backpacking class

Back stage work

Junk food for dinner

Rehearsal

Clean up

Cook eggs

Big Bang

Crash!

Morning after the blizzard

Pit rehearsal

Day 802: Winter storm Vulcan

After an hour on a conference call with Astrum Solar, we have a decision to make.  If we accept the new layout that puts all the panels on the house roof, we will lose 2000 kWh of production.  The district manager wants to work with us, but will not force us to comply with the contract since now the conditions have changed.  So, what to do?

We got about ten inches of snow with winter storm Vulcan.  Many schools, colleges, the thruway and lots of business were closed due to the storm It was great to simply relax and watch Harry Potter next to a blazing fire.  Of course, I'd enjoy that in 80 degree temps too.

Steve is out at another fire tonight. This one is out on Route 20 at the West Wind Archery and Taxidermy business and it burned to the ground.  There's also a pet care business.  Fortunately, no one lives in the building and the animals were not present.  But, the story from Manhattan was much worse.  A gas leak caused an explosion that collapsed two apartment buildings on 116th in East Harlem today.  At least three are dead and twenty-seven are injured.  Justin could see and smell the smoke from his office at West 120th.

Dueling snowblowers!

Day 801: More PPP

Gorgeous day!  Spring is on the way!  I saw the first yellow crocus in a neighbor's yard and many of the willows are greening as well.  Of course, a blizzard will strike in the morning and all will be buried in snow again.

Installation of the solar panels was supposed to begin today, but there were many more screw ups.  The electricians arrived and explained their plans.  Their wiring diagram from Astrum Solar showed that they would be drilling through the logs on the east side up near the roof.  We never agreed to  that.  We finally came up with an alternative based on our discussions with the project manager and they proceeded.

The installation team finally showed up at 11:00.  We consulted with Tony, the foreman, about his plans for the day and then set out for a short walk.  When we got back, Tony informed us that the garage roof was too compromised for the panels.  It would surely leak afterward.

He called Lisa, the project manager, and she said oh, we can help you find a contractor so you can get a new roof.  No, no, no!  They never indicated there was a problem with the roof.  We never would have signed the contract if we knew they couldn't use the garage roof, or taken the tree down!

We are so angry with them!  We closed down the whole project for the day and sent everyone home.  I told them that we cannot afford to replace another roof since we are still paying off the house roof.  The district manager accepted no responsibility that no one checked the roof in advance.  We had told them it is 19 year old.

I don't know how this is going to work out.  The D.O. had to consult with the corporate offices and will get back to us.  They will have to design a new plan and conduct a new site study.  If they had sent an expert to check the roof at the very first meeting, all of this could have been avoided.  I am ready to back out, but we signed a contract and we may be screwed.

Just before we found out they could not use the garage roof.  

Thank goodness that we were home today to prevent more screw ups.

Day 800: Solar project begins

It didn't start out well.  The crew didn't show up till nearly 11:00.  Of course, they were coming from Rochester and one of their trucks broke down on the thruway.  But does anyone use a phone anymore?

We didn't want the project to begin today.  We asked for April.  But no, they had to start today.  The first job? Dig a trench 10 feet long from the garage to the house right through my lily garden.  Two feet deep and a foot wide.  Oh, and go under the sidewalk.  Through ground that is frozen solid.  It took them five hours to dig that trench.  They never even got to the roof.  It was a beautiful day and they could have accomplished a great deal.  Now, they will still be working on the roof when winter storm Vulcan strikes.

As Steve says, PPP.   Or piss poor planning.  That's Lisa's fault, not the guys.  She's the project manager and she will be getting an earful.

A wonderful sign of spring!  Daffodil sprouts in the back garden!  

The trench digging underway!

Day 799: Penelope advice

Penelope helped me tremendously with the field sanitation chapter this morning.  I had been pretty satisfied with it until I read out loud to them.  That is such an important step in the editing process.  I felt myself getting bogged down in the stories and they weren't nearly as funny as I imagined them.  While I read, I listened to their responses.  A few titters and a couple snorts.  That was it.  I also picked up on repeated phrases and rhythms.

One of the problems I asked them to consider was about how and where to place the Leave No Trace principles.  They are woven through the entire book, but I thought they fit as the foundation for field sanitation since they provide bathroom guidelines along with personal hygiene.   I've also included a portion in with expedition behavior as they relate to trail etiquette, trash disposal and interaction with wildlife.

Several ladies suggested taking both chapters and laying out all the pages on the floor or table and reorganizing them.  That's what I will do.  I think two chapters will become three.  They also suggested cutting down on the number of stories and tightening them up.  That's hard for me because the anecdotes make Quest real. They represent the experiences of my family, friends and students.

Late this afternoon, one of our adult leaders came to see us to let us know that he will have to cut back on his participation in Quest.  His wife's cancer is advancing and the governor has called upon him to step up his presence in western NY.  It's going to be so difficult for him to reconcile his many responsibilities.  We are so sorry for him and his family.

We made progress on the kitchen set and on the train car.  Emma and her dad came to help today and they were very helpful.  Steve also finished the front door set so it can be painted tomorrow  along with the tv frame set.  Emma promised to get other cast members to pitch in on the painting.  Most of it must be done this week since we need to paint the stage next Sunday.

Day 798: Back to winter

Yesterday was so lovely that we felt spring was finally here.  We walked a couple miles through town and actually became too warm in winter coats for the first time since last October.  But now we're back to winter.  It's depressing!

Sweet Mr. B!  It's blurry, but the photo captures his agreeable nature.

Jody and Doreen at work on the cheerleaders' outfits.  

The Quintet in vintage dresses from the 1950's.  

The girls are so tiny and slim that the dresses fit perfectly without alterations.

Rick, Jake D., Bailey, Andrew and I spent the afternoon working on the McAfee's kitchen.  We built a refrigerator, stove and cupboards.  The detail paint crew finally finished the bar backdrop. Rick, Dustin and Jake E. hung the front door and installed the doorknob.   

Everyone was happy to see Margaret and Lauren who dropped in to visit since they are on their break.  

Day 797: War Horse

At the Opera House tonight, we saw London's live theater performance of War Horse.   It was a powerful story of devotion and the futility and senselessness of total war.  The puppeteers were masterful and were able to convey so much emotion.  I was very glad we already had the tickets because I felt so lousy that I probably would not have gone out otherwise.

Day 796: Bald Eagle Colony

It was a full day, even though I felt awful.  We visited the bald eagle colony at Point Gratiot first thing this morning and saw at least a dozen eagles either perched in the trees or flying overhead.  I definitely need a new camera lens so I can capture the magnificent birds in flight.

We were also happy to walk in sunshine.  It felt warm, despite being only 22. The ladies' class in Fredonia was next.  Our student leaders were outstanding, as always, as they shared their insights and anecdotes.  I hope the girls feel less fearful and anxious because of our discussions.

Then, we moved on to stage crew.  We skinned the front door unit, painted the two large panels, touched up the underside of the stairs, hung the clock and cleaned up.  Steve stayed for the sitz probe, which is when the orchestra and cast first work together.

I went to book club where we discussed The Paris Wife about Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson.  The book was fascinating and I loved it.  Now I must read a biography of Hemingway and more of his work.

Day 795: Work Party

Crew and cast are joining forces to get the jobs done on stage!  

Clare, Aubrey and Evan painted the metal grid work meant to define Penn Station.  A giant clock hangs from the center.  We also painted the living room set and touched up the stairs, stacked wood and cleaned the stage.  

This week's classes are for the ladies only.  Thank goodness for our wonderful student leaders.

Somehow I managed to catch a miserable cold.  Steve was sick weeks ago, but I escaped.  Now, it's my turn. 

Day 794: Deer feeder

Every day the deer trot up to the bird feeders, stand on their back legs, tip the feeders and slurp the seed. They have to be starving to seek out tiny seeds.  Relief, all critters need a reprieve from this intense cold.

Day 793: Bitter cold, painting and writing

Birdie hypnotizing his fans

Our fantastic paint crew!

It took us 2.5 hours to paint the entire underside of the stairs.

Crazy Screwy, hanging off the feeder by one foot!

So, it's minus six degrees and the wind chill makes it minus fifteen.  In March.  

Will we ever be released from this winter ?  I thought last night was the last super cold night, but no.  Winter storm Titan has gripped most of the U.S. 

The Russians have moved into Crimea and have demanded that Ukrainian troops surrender.  I doubt there is much any nation or alliance can do to force the Russians to withdraw.  I just hope that the conflict does not further escalate and erupt into war.  It will require delicate diplomacy and incredible resolve by the entire E.U. and NATO.  

I spent a couple hours working on the expedition behavior chapter.  It's hard to do that, teach the backpacking classes and devote hours to painting and costumes. Last year, I stopped writing on March 5, but I refuse to do that this year.  I guess one advantage of the awful cold is that I have not been able to garden.  Even if I miss a day here or there, I have to keep going.  The book is too close to completion to get distracted by other activities.  

Day 792: Rare bird sightings

Tom, Steve and I met this morning to work on a few more set projects.  Tom was busy building railings for the two story bedroom set.   Bryson and his dad showed up to do inventory, but Bryson joined us instead.  He was a big help as we attached casters to two massive units that will hold flats.   Then he helped Steve split the bar unit in half.  He's a wonderful young man.  The last three days have been highly productive and it couldn't have happened without the efforts of the volunteers.

Late this afternoon we drove down to Point Gratiot hoping to see the eagles that have been resting there and feasting on the dead fish and birds on the lake.  A group of bird watchers was set up at the entrance to the power plant with lenses pointed at the building.  I approached and asked about the eagles, but they said, "Oh, you can see eagles any day.  Up on the roof is a peregrine falcon!"  A gentleman handed me his binoculars and I spied it perched high on the rooftop.  Just then, an eagle flew over our heads on its way out to feed.  Nearby, several hundred geese rested along the shoreline. 

We searched around the lighthouse, but found no eagles in the trees.  We drove home along Brigham Rd.  Just as we approached the thruway bridge, I spied a huge white bird on a telephone pole.  OMG, a snowy white owl!  Unfortunately, I couldn't move quickly enough to photograph it.  Driving into our driveway, we startled a flock of turkeys in our yard.  What a joy to see such spectacular and unusual birds here in Dunkirk-Fredonia! And the common ones are pretty amazing too.  

Day 791: Costume day

Doreen, Kay, Sandy and I rounded up groups of actors and got them into preliminary costumes.  Teen girls scrambled to find skirts,  sweaters and pants.  The adult women tried on dresses, while the boys got dress shirts and ties.  I hope Kathy likes what we assigned, but my guess it that half of the outfits will be fired.

 Detail painters 

Dustin, Jake and Bri helping to assemble the tv screen.