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.