tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29299690324328651442024-03-17T23:01:20.781-04:00Pillsbury PressJacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.comBlogger1248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-23644974457986536392024-03-13T21:31:00.001-04:002024-03-13T21:31:41.445-04:00Words of Wisdom<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In my 50s I'm still learning life lessons. The biggest one is when someone ghosts you, chances are it is about them and not about me. Sure, there are times I tick someone off so beyond repair they'll never speak to me again no matter what I do, but 90% of the time, it is them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the weekend a friend apologized for not replying to my texts. I won't go into it, but it wasn't me. Another friend texted out of the blue and said she'll be in Philadelphia next month, can we get together?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">People are busy. People are stressed. People don't have the bandwidth to do it all --especially since the pandemic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another lesson learned about work, the problems were not about me. My successor has tried explaining she needs to know what tangible items we are using for the donations. Key information is kept secret when asked, and not forthrightly disclosed when not asked. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was never about me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Knowing this, helps me move forward with my life with less caution and more ability to live.</span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-63977301277532599102024-03-13T21:25:00.000-04:002024-03-13T21:25:03.710-04:00Bridge Gala<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Saturday was my first time as a guest at the Bridge Academy gala. Mind you, I still worked my tail off at the event, but this time as a volunteer instead of paid staff.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before the event I was anxious about attending it. I haven't seen most people since before I left, and I left on shaky ground. Though I ended up giving them four months notice, I barely got a good-bye and certainly did not receive a warm send off. Still, I told my successor I would attend to help her with computer details. She also asked for help setting up since they were only given 60 minutes to set up before the event.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Keeping busy meant anytime I felt trapped in a conversation I could (truthfully) say I had something I had to do behind the scenes. In the moment, though, I rarely felt trapped. People seemed genuinely pleased to see me and were curious about what has been going in my life. Conversations felt richer than when I was working at Bridge. I left with <i>promises </i>to get together soon <i>for lunch</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mom had a good time hanging out with the "trailer" teachers. I had a good time sitting in the bridal suite playing tech consultant. Turns out I still remember how to run an event like this and that I am pretty good at finding on the fly solutions to problems. The only one I couldn't figure out was how to find tissue for a mom who expected to be in tears during the speeches. If I was running the event next year, I'd add "bring tissues" to the list.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next year, though, I hope to be someplace else, or be paid for consulting. </span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-49070263215531195332024-03-13T21:10:00.000-04:002024-03-13T21:10:05.792-04:00Four Years Ago<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Four years ago today the world shut down for <i>two weeks</i>. If were were honest with ourselves at the time, we would have known the shut down would last much longer than two weeks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I remember five months earlier when we heard about the strange illness coming out of Wuhan, China and that the country was on a <i>two week </i>lockdown. Vivian, a recent college graduate, said to me she couldn't imagine anything that terrible. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then it happened to us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Around the 40 day mark I was worshipping online at the American Church of Paris and the pastor said the word <i>quarantine </i>is based on the French words for 40 days. Lent is 40 days long. Forty days is a resetting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Clearly we needed a lot of resetting because 40 days was not enough, either.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So where do we stand 1,461 days later?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">At least a year ago the CDC gave up keeping track of cases. About a month ago they officially declared as long as you are fever-free and feeling okay, you don't have to quarantine. It is still advisable to wear a mask in public following a positive test. Basically, they are matching what people were doing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some people still wear masks. Sometimes you see a reminder to keep six feet apart.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Many days I can forget COVID ever entered our lives.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">People are still getting it. Seems to be hitting those who have not had it before. People who thought they were immune. However, hospitalizations are way, way down, and it does not last as long.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The CDC recently recommended people over the age of 65 get a mid-year booster. The rest of us *should* be okay until the fall.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unlike four years ago, Ashley is planning to graduate from college with the hoopla denied this class when it was high school graduation time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are traveling. Unlike our trip to New Zealand where we acquired free COVID tests, for our trip to Cuba we were advised to bring our own tests.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">For much of the time, life has returned to what we were doing just over four years ago. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">One change I noted to someone is that now when you say "I'm sorry I can get together with you, I don't feel well." The response is "rest up, feel better" and not "come anyway." We respect people taking time to get healthy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another is that some companies still allow people to work remotely. That has opened up opportunities.</span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-56133469522488564932024-03-02T14:37:00.001-05:002024-03-02T14:37:31.717-05:00Egg-citing Class<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My head wants to fill this post with egg puns ... it was EGG-cellent. It went EGG-actly as I thought it would. It was EGG-citing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Instead I felt EGG-nored when I wanted help, and YOLK-gotta-be-kidding-me-now when I wanted a moment to breathe.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The topic was learning how to create <a href="https://time.com/6166140/pysanka-ukraine-easter-egg-history/">Pysanki Eggs</a> at church last week. The story begins at church last summer. As we climb out of the pandemic places are realizing we have become disconnected as a society. Many have drawn themselves into tight cocoons only allowing close family and friends to enter. We've forgotten how to socialize. Meanwhile <i>any day now</i> the church will begin a construction project that will shut down the main fellowship room for <i>a few weeks/months</i>, you know how construction goes. They brought back a fundraiser that had worked about a decade earlier: Frolics.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The way frolics work is someone volunteers to run a group activity (pasta making, woodworking, pool party, BBQ, bead making, and yes, making pysanki eggs). They donate all expenses associated with the project and charge a fee to each participant. The church receives the fee as a donation. The participant receives the experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The way the timing happened, most frolics took place in September, the traditional start of the year for people with children. The few that happened in August or October either did not appeal, or filled too quickly. As the frolics were sold in late May and early June I was still trying to decide how long I would be away Down Under. I probably could have attended a couple of more frolics, but I only signed up for the one I knew I could make. The one that would take place at the end of February.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Traditionally Ukrainians make these fancy eggs Palm Sunday weekend. I'm not sure why the date in February was chosen (this year Palm Sunday is March 24). but it was. As we got closer we were told there is a waitlist. If we gave up our slot, someone else would fill it. If an offer had been made to refund the $35 fee, I probably would have taken them up on it even though it is a fundraiser.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Eight of us sat around a table. EGGS-amples (sorry, couldn't resist) were shared. The eight of us thought they were EGGS-eptionally complicated. The three people teaching the class assured us they were simple. Just choose one from the hundreds of samples, and make your decision lickety-split so they can start teaching the technique.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I got off to the wrong start with the class. I was a few minutes late, but arrived just in time for the pastor to open the side door as a pedestrian I use, so I considered that a win.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As soon as I saw five of the seven people set up their stations with candlestick holders and a rag, I realized I didn't finish reading the instructions. I got so hung up on a short, narrow candle, I couldn't process the rest of the instructions. As I was apologizing to the organizer for not following the instructions, he pointed out everyone else got it correctly, so it wasn't his fault -- which is EGGS-actly what I was trying to say to him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then I sat down in an empty seat at the head of the table that seemed to belong to the leader (there was a book at the spot), so I moved to the other end. Immediately a a mother and daughter arrived wanting to sit next to each other, so when I realized the leader wasn't going to sit down, I took my original seat.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Flustered much?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Either they did not explain well, or I did not understand, but the instructions seemed to be even more complicated until the end when I saw the final product.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Step one: put wax on everything you don't want to be dyed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">No wait, step one is choose the design you want to make. They are limitless. This one is easy. <i>No, try this one. </i>Don't touch the egg. <i>Wear a glove. </i>Don't wear a glove. <i>Use a tissue. </i>Don't use a tissue. <i>Why haven't you chosen your design yet?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back to step one: put wax on everything you don't want to be dyed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6G0q7SCFiGfqCwH_sT7e_N_Gd0DQI1bpyRLsQYSoJkT_Wxzp53j_adCd9cBdeeTauo5BZOyvNJIWglM-d28XFmwDfTQvtN6o7ullLLOnoLn22F1CojbcVjSO4-wUzNX3p9rbzxayj7HSsl5HYrS-jpWweFbchv7Nu3owEkJpaBBEkEzqkbB-kp6BjR8/s4032/IMG_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6G0q7SCFiGfqCwH_sT7e_N_Gd0DQI1bpyRLsQYSoJkT_Wxzp53j_adCd9cBdeeTauo5BZOyvNJIWglM-d28XFmwDfTQvtN6o7ullLLOnoLn22F1CojbcVjSO4-wUzNX3p9rbzxayj7HSsl5HYrS-jpWweFbchv7Nu3owEkJpaBBEkEzqkbB-kp6BjR8/s320/IMG_1897.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Put a little bit of wax in the <i>kistka</i> and hold it over the flame near the blue part of the flame at the bottom, but don't get any candlewax in it because you don't want that kind of wax on the egg.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Draw thin lines on it. No, that's too thick.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sketch out your design with a pencil, but don't ever erase it. <i>I don't use a pencil, just freehand it. </i>Don't you know what design you want? <i>I think of one side as the practice side, you can only see one side at a time. It's okay if they don't match. </i>The sides are supposed to match.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Are you finished yet? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Oh, you dropped a glob of wax where you didn't want it. Too bad, it is part of the design now. The charm is in the imperfections. Later as we burned the wax off after dying them, I wondered why we couldn't have just melted those imperfections off?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Add more design. That's too plain. A lot of people add swirls. <i>Why did you add swirls? </i>That looks great! (Said to the people on other side of me.) Hmm. (Said to me.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Amazing how everyone is given the same example and they all turn out differently.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Isn't this relaxing? It is just like a Zen experience (said by another participant). I made hundreds when my child got married (said by one of the teachers). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Step 2: dying the eggs. I wish I took a picture of the table with all the dyes on it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Are you ready to dip it? Use the lightest color first. Each additional level gets darker. Use three different dyes. Which one do you want? There are at least a dozen different colors ranging from yellow to light blue to dark blue to royal blue to purple to pink to red to gold to orange to green to ... I don't know what else because the three leaders were alternating telling me to choose a color. Dip it in vinegar first. Why? To rinse it off to make it easier to hold the dye. Teacher two: I've never done that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What colors do you want it to be in the end? How do you want it to look? Why haven't you chosen a color?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Okay, what about pink and blue?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That sounds good. The pink is very dark, so dip it quickly. Here, I'll do it. Oh, look it is really dark. You shouldn't have chosen that color first. Let's pat it. Now it looks uneven. Let's rinse it off. There! That looks a lot better! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Head spinning having three different people give three vastly different opinions simultaneously. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">No chance to shout -- no, I don't want a dark pink, I want to choose a different color.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Step 4: put dye on the sections you want to stay pink.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">No, you want more pink on it -- even though someone else convinced me it was a hideous color, more raspberry than pink.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Are you done yet? </i>Ready to dye the second color? <i>What color do you want? </i>That color won't turn out so well on top of that pink, you should have chosen a lighter/different color.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I really like that person's blue. I think I'll do that one! (There were three different shades of blue.) </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">That won't turn out the same because you already dyed the egg pink. (Internally I am hearing: </span><i style="font-family: verdana;">you should have thought this through better before rushing into that hideous shade of pink. </i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not what was said, but what my head and heart both heard.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Step 5: after dying, melt the wax off the egg.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-xDeoDkY0D7dAENeuijCtNbF2zkgv5hWpQCeMO_iX7W6JN9lQ-u6gRrFXhoA4cHqDC0i6BwQPfWRvX5PjWjv80ct2DU0q1jrpT9UQp830RUTEy8mozNpp3W2oeBbr3fdq3teABhfotE-fT_YE3BAK7qGDx4qL_bfHSD8TuzyvT_LnIuYMRrnyc-7U2Q/s4032/IMG_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-xDeoDkY0D7dAENeuijCtNbF2zkgv5hWpQCeMO_iX7W6JN9lQ-u6gRrFXhoA4cHqDC0i6BwQPfWRvX5PjWjv80ct2DU0q1jrpT9UQp830RUTEy8mozNpp3W2oeBbr3fdq3teABhfotE-fT_YE3BAK7qGDx4qL_bfHSD8TuzyvT_LnIuYMRrnyc-7U2Q/s320/IMG_1898.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is the slowest, must frustrating stage because by this point you just want to be done. Rushing it makes a bigger mess. Hold the egg too close to the flame and you burn the egg. Hold the egg too far from the flame and the wax doesn't melt. Rubbing too hard you feel like all your hard work will rub away. Rubbing too softly and it won't come off.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is at this stage I started to second guess all of my design and color decisions. To the teachers, they just shrugged and said that is part of the learning process. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Step 6: getting the yolk out of the egg. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here is where the teachers debating the most: one does it before decorating, the other two at the end. If you do it up front, the yolk can be saved and used for baking, which I think is the reason the baker in the group opted for that option. Doing it at the end make the egg less fragile during the decorating stage.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Someone poked the first hole out (the harder one) and told me to poke a hole in the other end, then blow it out. If I had realized I would have to poke a hole in either end, I would not have decorated the ends, even though they did in the example.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unfortunately as I blew the ends, the dye left the egg and landed on my lips turning them blue. Someone quipped that would make me sick -- which I suspect was a joke, but having seeing <i>Radium Girls </i>the day before at Rider University, it didn't feel like a joke. After that, they blew out the yolk for the other seven people (they had blown out the yolk for the first three, then thought it was safe to let me do my own, they realized it wasn't and finished for the others.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBh6OE_lnmZAUfq8xoq5QYhpFjpFEn_zKIVFmqVgKaPLZn2JUtPsPVWhcmnPPpkYFF7mXee_Z5F56bomDjFCL6FsdlmGOQgwUEKRllBT7Diwgdz2wFyKY4Nr0RdRlVEhq-aNyzLJUd7GT6cJKWlGhpT6IdLCO2XJZHKv_9PNZ3FDJwhpmiGk4i2igm1s/s4032/IMG_1899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBh6OE_lnmZAUfq8xoq5QYhpFjpFEn_zKIVFmqVgKaPLZn2JUtPsPVWhcmnPPpkYFF7mXee_Z5F56bomDjFCL6FsdlmGOQgwUEKRllBT7Diwgdz2wFyKY4Nr0RdRlVEhq-aNyzLJUd7GT6cJKWlGhpT6IdLCO2XJZHKv_9PNZ3FDJwhpmiGk4i2igm1s/s320/IMG_1899.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">One teacher pokes only one hole in it and uses a siphon to get the yolk out. The other two teachers poke two holes with an awl and push the yolk out.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">No matter how you do it, it is messy!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you skip this stage, 90% of the time the yolk just dries on its own. The other 10% of the time, though, the egg explodes everywhere -- including all over your walls -- and smells terribly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As we wrapped up, were were offered a kit for $10 (which includes a </span><i style="font-family: verdana;">kistka</i><span style="font-family: verdana;">, wax, six different dyes) so we could make more on our own. I passed. I knew there was very little possibility that I would sit still and do this again. Alone. Doing it with a friend would involve needing another <i>kistka</i>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Things I learned towards the end: </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The person who made hundreds says it takes her 4-5 hours to make each masterpiece. Our class was only three hours long.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">They make <i>kistkas </i>in three different sizes: from very narrow to wider. I could have made wider lines, which I think would have appealed to me.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is more than one way to do things and end up with similar results.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are ways to improve upon the official way to do it. Case in point ... factories where a lot of pysanki eggs are made put them in the oven to melt the wax off. The one teacher uses a blow torch (was he kidding?). Others use a hair dryer. Using a candle method may be the official way, but not the only way.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It didn't matter if the candle was brand-new or old, or thin or wide, it only matters that you can put the egg and <i>kistka </i>inside the blue part of the flame.</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've thought about how I would change the instruction process.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before teaching the class, I would have the three people sit down and do it together so they see how their techniques vary. This way they'll spend less time debating between themselves and more time helping us!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would start with giving people a chance to sketch their design and think about their colors up front. Maybe even have a color chart of what the second color would look like based on the first color. Maybe show step by step what to draw instead of the final product. Once I realized it was like a negative -- cover thee parts you don't want dyed with wax, the process started to click.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5xF0ej3tID0kZ8rI9CugwzpOVlpsQTqHjgymMwcrDrrzwOVTW_dmRgNQaKsZyoRpqY1ywshT4DkgqfY7gWizdAX45o5BonnvL2Ud82AItxhQhUaZ86ZMUHSHD6rhp7VnL7_qmdOqHNdgiaPkqvhsY_2SnmqV-GfYo67Oj3Y-qfTfswQwZ7NyeYTa8gw/s4032/IMG_1900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5xF0ej3tID0kZ8rI9CugwzpOVlpsQTqHjgymMwcrDrrzwOVTW_dmRgNQaKsZyoRpqY1ywshT4DkgqfY7gWizdAX45o5BonnvL2Ud82AItxhQhUaZ86ZMUHSHD6rhp7VnL7_qmdOqHNdgiaPkqvhsY_2SnmqV-GfYo67Oj3Y-qfTfswQwZ7NyeYTa8gw/s320/IMG_1900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">These are ones a teacher recently made. He took the class ten years ago, then waited eight years before making another one. Each one is a work of art. He covers his in oil-based </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">polyurethane (if you use water-based polyurethane, the image washes off).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm really surprised no one's eggs cracked in the process since at times I felt rushed.</span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-78514590284697340722024-03-01T11:32:00.002-05:002024-03-01T11:32:38.063-05:00Six Months Ago<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdBcd7MYm2cdap6WkCGz5LK8Lf3JiKAY9J3pphr2StbUKCdpXpaHV91oJlkASef37qsHsnnz410rAvq95OWCdZI2oXCsGggwWy518kgnPfigtHuwQdj-89jvadUaHKJ1JoAjc2X6dnlIkzozUsYx2E42B92bbvyE7wPEgKz2g5ICDWbCCOoy99j9bS6Q/s4032/IMG_1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdBcd7MYm2cdap6WkCGz5LK8Lf3JiKAY9J3pphr2StbUKCdpXpaHV91oJlkASef37qsHsnnz410rAvq95OWCdZI2oXCsGggwWy518kgnPfigtHuwQdj-89jvadUaHKJ1JoAjc2X6dnlIkzozUsYx2E42B92bbvyE7wPEgKz2g5ICDWbCCOoy99j9bS6Q/s320/IMG_1793.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Six months ago I left my position with no safety net. No plan. Very un-Virgo-like of me.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I spent the first month in New Zealand and Australia.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The day after I came home, Don was laid off.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I spent the next five months figuring out what to do next.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have described this time as feeling like I am on summer vacation without knowing when school will start up again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It also feels like the first year of the pandemic again, but with being able to leave the house.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is so much I want to say to help remember this time, and so much I don't want to say in case I am on a job interview and someone reads my blog to learn more about me. I tend to hide behind knowing only a few people read any of my posts, but you know that always ends up being the <i>wrong </i>person. The one person I am trying to impress with how together I am, when inside I am just as much of a mess as everyone else.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the past six months I have:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Read 67 books</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wrote 103 blog posts</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Saw at least 20 plays (several on and off-Broadway, one in Australia)</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Seeing five more plays this weekend, and three the next</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Saw at least 7 movies</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Volunteered with five organizations:</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Alliance Francaise</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bridge Academy</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dress for Success</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">English School</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ewing Historical Society</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Caught up with friends (and continue to do so)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Doctor's appointments</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rested my left foot to heal it</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Went on three bike rides -- one on the tandem</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wasted too much time playing Spelling Bee, Wordle, Connections, and Solitaire on my phone</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Took a photography class (one class to go)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Took roller skating classes (which is not the best way to heal a hurt foot)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cheerleaded Don as he looks for a new job</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Things I wish I could say I did:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Learned a foreign language</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Traveled the globe (at least after I came home from Sydney)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Started a best selling novel</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Decluttered photo albums</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cleaned out closets</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cleaning out the basement</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cleaned out the garage (detecting a theme here!)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Donated the excess from decluttering and cleaning</span></li></ul><div></div></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I did send out a few resumes, and went on some job interviews. I learned I would rather freelance than have a steady job, that we are financially able for both of us to not work. It would be better if we both brought in some income, but freelancing/gig work would give me the flexibility to follow my dreams. It might even lead to a regular job. A new career. A new passion.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was turned down from one such position by someone desperately seeking people to help her because she sensed I didn't have the passion she needed. She hopes I find it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope I find it, too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-33315111593850264682024-02-19T20:31:00.001-05:002024-02-19T20:31:18.337-05:00SMASH! The Musical<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNu0GAn2mYVrwDZPmDDeWhEcRxZJlA_nahr3bjnkju1I8DryVZIx2IwJjiuUalZ7bjWJK4MeCYCTFYh4kgprVgZzBI7dQOujYP70SceKBOUfbMFvZfv0dv0Q_Tpmi6hbm7iFaHkZdEk6yx6-3i93QSK4AsRKxrciVdKxva4IceR1U0lpv2HILcHB6vZOM" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNu0GAn2mYVrwDZPmDDeWhEcRxZJlA_nahr3bjnkju1I8DryVZIx2IwJjiuUalZ7bjWJK4MeCYCTFYh4kgprVgZzBI7dQOujYP70SceKBOUfbMFvZfv0dv0Q_Tpmi6hbm7iFaHkZdEk6yx6-3i93QSK4AsRKxrciVdKxva4IceR1U0lpv2HILcHB6vZOM" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few weeks ago I received a too-good-to-be-true email from TeleCharge that was actual true. TeleCharge emailed many of their customers (probably all of their customers), inviting them to </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">sign up for a lottery to win tickets to see a Broadway show while it was still in production. Best of all -- the tickets were FREE. We would see the numbers performed, but, as the show is still in rehearsals, we did not see the finished set or costumes or the finishing touches. All we had to do was answer a few questions at the end. To date, this has been my favorite lottery win.</span><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS5eYhWoILTUAp9pcHlEB8YWLGysRfVajT61aQW-hyWDnO5xYZtj1rxiI0zCvmz-FeBX_FFlbclF0okOWPCABix1bgSuNQZuNKKz5hrnFj-VOt7EBTxuiJGRv3USrWOpfZiJImHacvYpjVK4uZY7bPX3r4xgnuAEBboqF3RddaN16ehq0DWeanffzdrE/s4032/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS5eYhWoILTUAp9pcHlEB8YWLGysRfVajT61aQW-hyWDnO5xYZtj1rxiI0zCvmz-FeBX_FFlbclF0okOWPCABix1bgSuNQZuNKKz5hrnFj-VOt7EBTxuiJGRv3USrWOpfZiJImHacvYpjVK4uZY7bPX3r4xgnuAEBboqF3RddaN16ehq0DWeanffzdrE/s320/IMG_1850.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">The musical <a href="https://smashbroadway.com/">SMASH</a> is based on a TV show that ran for two seasons from 2012-</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">2014 about the behind-the-scenes work to create a Broadway musical, in this case one about Marilyn Monroe. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">No knowledge of the show is needed to enjoy the musical. After watching the show, though, Don and I got curious about it so we borrowed the DVD from our wonderful library. In hindsight it is fun seeing how they took 32 hour-long episodes and condensed it into a two-and-a-half hour Broadway musical. They are using many of the songs from the show, combined some characters, and cut others. Before the show, and again right after intermission, the director came out and explained how things will be different in the final version (sets will fly, words will appear on a scrim, etc.). </span></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tdd4mnVwvD5j1ZwGozgeTMzAu3F6nwnO_JIcPrR8SbZ_1yu0PhLy5Zoe8UUI81HBgfgnNLY2YXuwtQ9aem4DgaZhPzRg0nB8JhJ6B2iGnr7CWJCqKTN9diwLrWhPkvvYMhXssDMcU__kTyMGFBhkrvSY7j6bXvHF9kwRRlrYYp33nRw1sz0HTO1zJGc/s4032/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tdd4mnVwvD5j1ZwGozgeTMzAu3F6nwnO_JIcPrR8SbZ_1yu0PhLy5Zoe8UUI81HBgfgnNLY2YXuwtQ9aem4DgaZhPzRg0nB8JhJ6B2iGnr7CWJCqKTN9diwLrWhPkvvYMhXssDMcU__kTyMGFBhkrvSY7j6bXvHF9kwRRlrYYp33nRw1sz0HTO1zJGc/s320/IMG_1849.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Many in the audience were invited guests, people from the industry, perhaps friends of the cast. Us regular folk were in the minority. We were seated together towards the back of the 600-seat CUNY Hunter school theater. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycJC6b7Ax3huXdagFrROG0fJvckFiUMHljzkrkrfwlCnFGCsTo11zHIY-WLLONFiLmXWRGkisqa7LXStxghyb0N7iu98gZi_yW209gcvW2CKYLO8rSOom9gfWmA77kgXkWWb78ydp1d3vRq1JSZL9LdaFwuzhGMQfRb3vBVs0uNc5N6ZXmE4mSYDzD38/s4032/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycJC6b7Ax3huXdagFrROG0fJvckFiUMHljzkrkrfwlCnFGCsTo11zHIY-WLLONFiLmXWRGkisqa7LXStxghyb0N7iu98gZi_yW209gcvW2CKYLO8rSOom9gfWmA77kgXkWWb78ydp1d3vRq1JSZL9LdaFwuzhGMQfRb3vBVs0uNc5N6ZXmE4mSYDzD38/s320/IMG_1852.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />As the show ended, we were each handed a cell phone and instructed to complete a quick survey. They asked us our favorite scenes (I could barely remember any scenes), our opinions on the chemistry between different characters, what we liked, what didn't work (be specific). Then there is the demographic information including how many Broadway musicals do you see in a year, how many Broadway plays, and how many non-Broadway, but still in New York City shows do you see in a year. Tough question. As people keep pointing out, we see A LOT. After that show we had plans to see <i>Night of the Iguana </i>off-Broadway, the week earlier I saw two shows in New York, and we have plans to return in a couple of weeks. Since COVID we have successfully been trying to see more. The harder questions were: what show does this remind you of? and, in the past couple of years, what have been your favorite Broadway shows? </span><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC3ha-xkXmaysjHXKnY8frABrudUBmYIbXnGlRvuMljSJ_sbrZs5zT3a9IhrEiBAyHjI2s6t2YyP7GqpXOTW4TKOdoki7iMrVABa2WRxuLJWit1nW_TEM1KTX6ZQKt2ePnFS2PPX5wk0EDu8278P6jQaaf8ORULNhJnXotTXQG1Z4S2-kxqiXjap-LWI/s4032/IMG_1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC3ha-xkXmaysjHXKnY8frABrudUBmYIbXnGlRvuMljSJ_sbrZs5zT3a9IhrEiBAyHjI2s6t2YyP7GqpXOTW4TKOdoki7iMrVABa2WRxuLJWit1nW_TEM1KTX6ZQKt2ePnFS2PPX5wk0EDu8278P6jQaaf8ORULNhJnXotTXQG1Z4S2-kxqiXjap-LWI/s320/IMG_1847.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the chance to absorb what we saw, I wish I had been given the opportunity</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> to answer the questions again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItpk1QtDyjCFbt7TD09lNLtEa39oiXYesKgvTLV1aeIoDLg6eWQWaUvZKvF-G396OiXa7Fhy9kPKOZXvjmrsl36rwBlwkZKTW3lqrba-Hm76bJOOk3MznnQqlObV0O0vNhlylD-HvKLIugfm7gSV54ILWeO8JgPx7f6kDY8FtitUnDDOi5sHmkUCGXKg/s4032/IMG_1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItpk1QtDyjCFbt7TD09lNLtEa39oiXYesKgvTLV1aeIoDLg6eWQWaUvZKvF-G396OiXa7Fhy9kPKOZXvjmrsl36rwBlwkZKTW3lqrba-Hm76bJOOk3MznnQqlObV0O0vNhlylD-HvKLIugfm7gSV54ILWeO8JgPx7f6kDY8FtitUnDDOi5sHmkUCGXKg/s320/IMG_1851.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We were asked to keep the new plot twists a secret until after the show opens sometime in the 2024-2025 theater year. Since we haven't seen the TV show, I don't know what is a surprise, so I won't share much about the show. I will share Alex Brightman was in the cast as Jerry. We last saw him at Beetlejuice, in the musical of the same name. Completely different role, which made him feel like a completely different character. With Beetlejuice he was larger than life. As Jerry, just about any male actor could fill the role. That is one of the few roles that fell flat.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80NlKaV4oQLaM1DZWjc2Oo0_LNQBdum9FV4Q40skDLsKKmHQuUWLb0pnh-tG9vq9_f7FzYktLba8XOBuJK4T6nXUCrHnjnSVDfV_bwk7r1rwzRHtu8t0yR3cIHWRbh7xNHuqxLrGFJk576kKYJq7h-m4kgXnzhn9dS8ZBZY0f7XS54grZdrBwAy45BD4/s4592/P1090682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80NlKaV4oQLaM1DZWjc2Oo0_LNQBdum9FV4Q40skDLsKKmHQuUWLb0pnh-tG9vq9_f7FzYktLba8XOBuJK4T6nXUCrHnjnSVDfV_bwk7r1rwzRHtu8t0yR3cIHWRbh7xNHuqxLrGFJk576kKYJq7h-m4kgXnzhn9dS8ZBZY0f7XS54grZdrBwAy45BD4/s320/P1090682.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actors hanging out after<br />the show!</td></tr></tbody></table>We are already planning to see the show after it opens, if only to see if any of our concerns were addressed in the rewriting, as well as to see the flying sets and fancy costumes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />We are both wondering how we get on the mailing list to be invited to see more shows in the pre-production stage. It is exciting seeing how the magic happens.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcBqvR9kGGgv8t3YCOgoEqdAL1gUcmLT6M2jBf49WtyKIs6JBdgvq-MiDoKUspfMkAFYvyejFDKIpc-pXoG6Buf8PIz4qtXQyBjyBlUNjd4mWscsVxTgimpwvwwMWDpDdOdZdZWS-eyh_EWZFKDrwIFalJ0qilcGOPpiWJvKqj2vyvL6BMliKf8s5t5k/s4592/P1090552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcBqvR9kGGgv8t3YCOgoEqdAL1gUcmLT6M2jBf49WtyKIs6JBdgvq-MiDoKUspfMkAFYvyejFDKIpc-pXoG6Buf8PIz4qtXQyBjyBlUNjd4mWscsVxTgimpwvwwMWDpDdOdZdZWS-eyh_EWZFKDrwIFalJ0qilcGOPpiWJvKqj2vyvL6BMliKf8s5t5k/s320/P1090552.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the show we walked to our new-favorite theater district restaurant, a Chinese restaurant on 10th Avenue. Last month The Counter closed suddenly forcing us to find a new favorite place.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That morning we tried for the $30 rush tickets to see <i>Night of the Iguana</i>. The day before we tried to win lottery tickets to see <i>Sweeney Todd</i>, <i>Merrily we Roll Along</i>, <i>A Beautiful Noise</i>, and <i>The Notebook </i>and lost each time. The ticket prices without the lottery were starting above $150 each, in one case the cheapest ticket we could have gotten was $319 each. If we hadn't won the rush tickets, we would have paid $42 to see <i>Iguana </i>instead.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqZmFPOMIEXRnysIQ5RUaGcHronHDAsvXV-0iQCboQXcLHfsCB2-xls1ID0MULZHD_IudAicsRrNLSeb4E6mf0x8f0qx0m9ePrtlJFJUXbxwWa-P97egBeuCnCoi5GzEI6gXp4fe8PuMf3Ez5VNc6Ls-InrLAksBwTeLl8i9o93C4tcuKwjwwpu7KSM4/s4032/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqZmFPOMIEXRnysIQ5RUaGcHronHDAsvXV-0iQCboQXcLHfsCB2-xls1ID0MULZHD_IudAicsRrNLSeb4E6mf0x8f0qx0m9ePrtlJFJUXbxwWa-P97egBeuCnCoi5GzEI6gXp4fe8PuMf3Ez5VNc6Ls-InrLAksBwTeLl8i9o93C4tcuKwjwwpu7KSM4/s320/IMG_1857.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Night of the Iguana is by Tennessee Williams. Emily Mann, formerly of McCarter Theatre, is the director. It received decent reviews. A couple of problems. The first was we were in the front row and with the stage elevated on a platform to simulate being on a veranda, our necks were at an awkward angle. The second was I'm not a fan of Tennessee Williams, or at least not of the plot. Rather than listening to the characters whining and repeating themselves, and having the German tourists parading in every now and again to remind us this takes place in the mid-1930s, I could trim the whole thing down from three hours to 30 minutes. It was well done, just not something I'd want to see again no matter who was performing it.</span><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIIwOXhH_wl7n2BOK_oL0JjerE4Wrb-zSSRIvnD59_Q_AsfPXRqnsHlBmupaFzaQH2Z3iAqBPwRV7NZtnflPLSmnKYkbmkb5M0nLEg_v-snfL5IzWnJC3U8ctpgdPVZJ1CJ2XfjYgfs24MYNq0pmQGcIM6_asiKatXrK8IcHQQ_BKbgQHusHLX0TTvuo/s4032/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIIwOXhH_wl7n2BOK_oL0JjerE4Wrb-zSSRIvnD59_Q_AsfPXRqnsHlBmupaFzaQH2Z3iAqBPwRV7NZtnflPLSmnKYkbmkb5M0nLEg_v-snfL5IzWnJC3U8ctpgdPVZJ1CJ2XfjYgfs24MYNq0pmQGcIM6_asiKatXrK8IcHQQ_BKbgQHusHLX0TTvuo/s320/IMG_1859.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0KAC5sLihlNzCtMcYGcpn7z0IEW9Soao2YpWdVvs6hnl52-d14u8MnFPA0JNybpSGzIjAUpNr0deHO3eQLxPwk-EtOKerhwyaVK3JnJ3PkeHHSvk-zYdimBIsrFlzbc_u7KR0queyB0ypCooMvU3NagvVGcmZyGjcUtrQGJ5Z6sHIbIdcXoKEP7k-e4/s4032/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0KAC5sLihlNzCtMcYGcpn7z0IEW9Soao2YpWdVvs6hnl52-d14u8MnFPA0JNybpSGzIjAUpNr0deHO3eQLxPwk-EtOKerhwyaVK3JnJ3PkeHHSvk-zYdimBIsrFlzbc_u7KR0queyB0ypCooMvU3NagvVGcmZyGjcUtrQGJ5Z6sHIbIdcXoKEP7k-e4/s320/IMG_1860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The other winner for the night was I saw on Facebook NJ Transit was having a bring your sweetheart for free deal. Don and I were able to take the train from Princeton Junction for $32 today instead of $32 each. In a couple of years, he'll qualify for the 50% off senior rate. That will be a game changer.</span><p></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-54278028526311400932024-02-13T17:39:00.001-05:002024-02-19T20:32:32.041-05:00Ouchie!<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm not sure when or how it happened, but I have bruised a bone on the bottom of my foot. Ouch!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let me backtrack, in September when I <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2023/09/day-17-september-21-brisbane-day-one.html">got off the plane</a> in Brisbane, Andrew commented I was limping. Until he said that, I didn't even notice I was favoring one side over the other. I shook off his concern saying I was tired (which was true). As the rest of the trip progressed, I realized I was really in pain. There were times in Sydney it was so bad I wanted to cry as I hobbled to a restaurant for dinner. Being alone, if I wanted to eat, that was my only option. The pain was worse when I first woke up, and dissipated as I walked, only to return any time I rested.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A classic case of plantar fasciitis. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Throughout the fall, the pain came and went. It was non-existent when I went for my annual physical in November. As Don kept going for physical therapy (which the Canadians call by the more charming term, <i>physio</i>) and to the chiropractor for an injury he sustained on the trip, I kept shaking mine off.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I reached a point last month when I had enough and went to a podiatrist. He listened to me for a moment, felt my foot and diagnosed me with (you guess it) plantar fasciitis.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gee, why didn't I think of that?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">He did give me a cortisone shot, sell me some insoles, and sent me home with a sheet of exercises to do. He said come back in two weeks if I am still in pain. He also said to take it easy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I dutifully did the exercises.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTk9EtsdEJWhVJXO8I1RO_moG9gOJXCueCMRmUepe9hChXvlJFUTpZ8k_NIzXSrIfqevlXNPyNmaYNCeSOaZZ7qMJurJnwjBQiox4gzv60JxTql-Z50X7UDhaR9gtHcmrVHidxna3OvLUIGPnvbKZ5ik-amwsNIe9hm0SrKNT37Mlgg0kSJuvdENzn4w/s4032/IMG_1693.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTk9EtsdEJWhVJXO8I1RO_moG9gOJXCueCMRmUepe9hChXvlJFUTpZ8k_NIzXSrIfqevlXNPyNmaYNCeSOaZZ7qMJurJnwjBQiox4gzv60JxTql-Z50X7UDhaR9gtHcmrVHidxna3OvLUIGPnvbKZ5ik-amwsNIe9hm0SrKNT37Mlgg0kSJuvdENzn4w/s320/IMG_1693.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I then bought new sneakers. Since Nike brought back the Zoom Structures, I found the shoes online and bought a second pair. They had been my go-to sneaker before they were discontinued.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Feeling better, I went for a gentle run: 60 seconds running, 90 seconds walking. Okay, at the end I ran for 150 seconds straight to round up to a 5k. I felt some pain in my heel, but shook it off. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkkkE_RCg-YkTM-ys7R4B9bo0VuIUsLOECICZAGdpoN3yQQfr0Xs66rAVoLTujJLrq5PJXMQvjuVYfEKgXnCb3TExen-XkIUsmQJXvcODtrmGX-FnW4rz0pBihWSMABRehC_Co8fn_XCF8VlG-Y_NjKvGfxK_TAYdE9jLfZY_fV7xJWG7MufquWXfaKk/s4032/IMG_1793.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkkkE_RCg-YkTM-ys7R4B9bo0VuIUsLOECICZAGdpoN3yQQfr0Xs66rAVoLTujJLrq5PJXMQvjuVYfEKgXnCb3TExen-XkIUsmQJXvcODtrmGX-FnW4rz0pBihWSMABRehC_Co8fn_XCF8VlG-Y_NjKvGfxK_TAYdE9jLfZY_fV7xJWG7MufquWXfaKk/s320/IMG_1793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Two days later I returned to the podiatrist in pain and with a new diagnosis: bruised bone. This appointment was even shorter than the previous one. Left with less instructions, just keep off of it as much as possible.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This time I was told no running, limit my walking, and stick to low impact exercise like biking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">With temperatures in the 50s, I took my bike for a spin in Mercer Meadows. It felt wonderful to exercise without feeling shooting pain in my heel. Two days later, I convinced Don to go for a ride on the tandem. That's when I noticed my butt bones (not sure of the technical name) were sore from the earlier ride. At that moment it was as if a lightbulb went off: bruised bones do heal if you leave them alone and let them rest. So that's what I'll do this time. I've cut my daily walk goal down from 10,000 steps a day to 3,000 steps a day (I had cut it to 5,000 steps after the first doctor's appointment). It hasn't been a week yet, and I do have a trip to NYC coming up in four days.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meanwhile, I signed up for the Spring Lakes 5 miler Memorial Day weekend because I do want to get back to running someday soon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">PS: A week later I had my first nearly pain-free day. The feeling in my foot was tenderness rather than stabbing pain. My limp felt more out of habit than out of necessity. Here's to it continuing!</span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-55780338147429167052024-02-13T15:53:00.003-05:002024-02-13T17:06:18.959-05:00Black History Month<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've often felt listening to a first person reenactor makes history feel alive. Whether it is at <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2022/09/williamsburg.html">Williamsburg</a> or learning <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2012/06/soldiers-without-guns-women-defense.html">Rosie-the-Riveter</a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">, or going to the <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2015/06/spirit-of-jerseys-state-history-fair.html">Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair</a>, or dining with them at the <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2014/01/susan-b-anthony-and-abraham-lincoln.html">Cock and Bull</a> restaurant in Lahaska, PA, it is mesmerizing listening to their story in a way that simply hearing a lecture or reading about them in a book. You walk away feeling as if you have met the person. To be able to ask "them" questions makes you feel as if you are getting answers from the ultimate source. Done well, it is easy to forget they are actors pretending to be the person and they just might not know all the answers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This Black History Month I have had the pleasure of "meeting" Father Tolton and Phillis Wheatley in separate events.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzZr5LXR2RJPLd1d8JnBhiLbcrTX99fdk7h1NU291DKhXwTdhk9py6YgnksTEk5ty36rVfHBec9ZwaZ5cd7WgW-mu4ySiOYReTlFtoW0bz-IZHRh6Jah67OvnbfEeU4Kndk95WykRpSWqH9a-gqq4IxJv74ObRiyAQ__U2IDIHvnfy0kFNIl5b8Zhrk4/s4032/IMG_1765.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzZr5LXR2RJPLd1d8JnBhiLbcrTX99fdk7h1NU291DKhXwTdhk9py6YgnksTEk5ty36rVfHBec9ZwaZ5cd7WgW-mu4ySiOYReTlFtoW0bz-IZHRh6Jah67OvnbfEeU4Kndk95WykRpSWqH9a-gqq4IxJv74ObRiyAQ__U2IDIHvnfy0kFNIl5b8Zhrk4/s320/IMG_1765.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_Tolton">Father Augustus Tolton</a> lived in the mid-19th century. He was the first African American priest (but not the first Black priests as other countries allowed Black men to become priests before we did in the United States), and is on the path to sainthood. He was born in Missouri in 1854 as a slave and escaped to Illinois with his mother and siblings. He was kicked out of a German Catholic school because he was black. The Irish Catholic priest embraced him and encouraged him to learn. His faith, and the faith of his mother, was unshakable. The priest encouraged him to become ordained. After being rejected by all of the schools in the United States, he went to Rome to become ordained. Upon culmination of his program, they sent him back to Illinois to serve. Along the way he learned German, Latin, and Greek. He died when he was 43.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">"<a href="http://www.ToltonDrama.com">Tolton from Slave to Priest</a>: the true story of America's first Black Priest" is a <a href="https://www.stlukeproductions.com/">Saint Luke Production</a>. It was presented at Notre Dame High School. <a href="http://www.jimcolemanactor.com/">Jim Coleman</a> performed the lead role. The others, including his mother, the devil, different priests, and his best friend, were presented on the screen. This format keeps the costs down. Throughout the 75-minute production, Jim changed his outfits representing the different stages in Father Tolton's life. I was disappointed there was not a Q&A session at the end. I entered knowing nothing about his life, and left fascinated by all he accomplished, a little ashamed at how little I have done with my life. Saint Luke Productions also educates people about other saints (and future saints) including Mother Theresa, John, and Saint Augustine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDus4UClZgPr_KJ0BRUysZVUjJuMBgj4rqEh2JlYmZlh338q32gl8K5eRR0hGZCxibnXjHPDiJis9Tv2EqqfBszjkx4iz8ZQHtM570hxow38wOj8_ikN1r7251UleN_i4yY4MT0LfxUxucvdNkSLF3FrR6voeLfZ5L118ESfAufQjeuwIppNywae-sy8/s4032/IMG_1787.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDus4UClZgPr_KJ0BRUysZVUjJuMBgj4rqEh2JlYmZlh338q32gl8K5eRR0hGZCxibnXjHPDiJis9Tv2EqqfBszjkx4iz8ZQHtM570hxow38wOj8_ikN1r7251UleN_i4yY4MT0LfxUxucvdNkSLF3FrR6voeLfZ5L118ESfAufQjeuwIppNywae-sy8/s320/IMG_1787.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl664HAtcuoV8BjoisN6x9Vzg0wSVdyg2gEZ_PLkpY8XVSFol6a6yQ0NuK40aSDF6yoXMwJdql6sWn-CgaAfYu1dgFHJJFG5fGchTVDJEw2oGVmYihGdgz_mHz1Bk5kPuctJzhHVIVJWherY93gy_EMtVW5yPYJrRXQEyoPOE8OC6opPGGGwTCzzArRs/s4032/IMG_1788.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl664HAtcuoV8BjoisN6x9Vzg0wSVdyg2gEZ_PLkpY8XVSFol6a6yQ0NuK40aSDF6yoXMwJdql6sWn-CgaAfYu1dgFHJJFG5fGchTVDJEw2oGVmYihGdgz_mHz1Bk5kPuctJzhHVIVJWherY93gy_EMtVW5yPYJrRXQEyoPOE8OC6opPGGGwTCzzArRs/s320/IMG_1788.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib02lCEp7dipJ34ruqv6x15iZEGcLqUwPUhHjuJ15ubFrkBij5Pf1ekHglIBPFLWkOOXWnRePgYl4B3dt5Covi5aKo9ni7sJM12hKOma36QjHwW2SFYBKkyfkcON-Nzlht3BLb15at0lPCERURLg6JWgfLfKibZACgwK8iax-qJcuzL6S_pVnYR6wvuug/s4032/IMG_1789.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib02lCEp7dipJ34ruqv6x15iZEGcLqUwPUhHjuJ15ubFrkBij5Pf1ekHglIBPFLWkOOXWnRePgYl4B3dt5Covi5aKo9ni7sJM12hKOma36QjHwW2SFYBKkyfkcON-Nzlht3BLb15at0lPCERURLg6JWgfLfKibZACgwK8iax-qJcuzL6S_pVnYR6wvuug/s320/IMG_1789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />A few days later I learned about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillis_Wheatley">Phillis Wheatley</a>. Talk about feeling like a slacker! Here is a girl born in Africa about 1753 and forcibly brought to the United States in 1760 when she was only 7 years old. She is purchased in Boston by the Wheatley family. She led an in-between life. Though a slave, she lived in the main house and ate with the family. The Wheatley children educated Phillis (she was named Phillis because that is the boat she came over on). When they went to church, she sat upstairs with the slaves. When Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley died, nothing was left for her. She not only read the entire bible, she translated it into Latin. She could also read Greek. She was that kind of brilliant. She started writing poems, many of them elegies, and espoused political opinions. She traveled to England with the Wheatley's son. She was incredibly well education for a woman of her time, for any race.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.daisycentury.com/">Daisy Century</a>, EdD, the re-enactor is also quite impressive. Through <a href="http://www.AHTheatre.org">American Historical Theater</a>, she presents eight different people, including Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Mme. C.J. Walker, Mary Fields, Bessie Coleman, and (of course) Phillis Wheatley. She did have a Q&A afterwards. The cutest question was from a little girl about seven years old who asked "didn't I see you as Bessie Coleman in the library?" I may be fooled by a wig and a change in posture, but this little girl was not! I asked Daisy how she keeps it all straight and she said it is through the clothes. Throughout her 75-minute presentation she adjusted her clothing in front of us, changing a hat or adding a shawl, to demonstrate how her life was changing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Two very remarkable people. Had they lived near each other (both in time and geography), I wonder what their conversations would have been like. Both brilliant, neither one living in the right time or place.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What would their lives have been life if white people didn't enslave them? </span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-43407784875741011342024-01-22T14:58:00.001-05:002024-01-26T16:15:02.485-05:00Return to Grounds for Sculpture<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2024/01/night-forms-at-grounds-for-sculpture.html">Two evenings ago</a> we went to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ to see Klip Collective's Night Forms exhibit where the sculptures are transformed by lights and electronic music. I've often said Grounds for Sculpture is stunning in all seasons. I love seeing the trees bud in Spring, the bright sunshine in Summer, and the magnificent array of colors in Fall, but there is nothing like seeing everything covered in a fresh blanket of snow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we left the grounds on Saturday night Don felt the snow didn't add anything to the sculptures at night, but agreed they are transformed during the day. Being members means we can stop by for free anytime.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I thought it would be fun to share pictures of how they look in the day vs. how they look at night. We spent more time enjoying them at night with the music and the 4-5 minute changing light shows. The same sculptures were boring during the day. Others, though, were enhanced. When I can identify the artwork, I've included a link to their work on the Grounds for Sculpture website. In some cases, I cannot figure out the name. Apologies to the artists.</span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6QRlFK1QAbqk9t4z0lDjyG5XCquGuhO4Fkg7p4G5FL2Az2tGoAiZKb2nQciRjIOkHdBGcAN3_be5l0ntCuDIAIQOuGPb-8bOIkWaxg1Eb7PBVfHDYvzNm6O0qEXEfefnUiZVEmIjpQoe8jGFdNTX5wyVQooWF7Q9N1LBB7rqijXNVknsPrZlKEgcZsU/s4592/P1090404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6QRlFK1QAbqk9t4z0lDjyG5XCquGuhO4Fkg7p4G5FL2Az2tGoAiZKb2nQciRjIOkHdBGcAN3_be5l0ntCuDIAIQOuGPb-8bOIkWaxg1Eb7PBVfHDYvzNm6O0qEXEfefnUiZVEmIjpQoe8jGFdNTX5wyVQooWF7Q9N1LBB7rqijXNVknsPrZlKEgcZsU/s320/P1090404.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/dorion/">Dorion by Bruce Beasely</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7jTIOVsOoPK0fgIH5Im3vtA0D1kc4PHizeMepvhipw-ZyW5xsedf3PTZpyacX-8E6-ywDXZX4xpdBXNFHD6FOL75MlfEnXA5ObMGmakx7lCEzUgWEmdCNg4MK_O4xCDvD01jOOixUq7YWs4V4lewUyhhv-elimJorJIV3-i6b3lFYjnU5zDJZ509DCA/s4592/P1090468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7jTIOVsOoPK0fgIH5Im3vtA0D1kc4PHizeMepvhipw-ZyW5xsedf3PTZpyacX-8E6-ywDXZX4xpdBXNFHD6FOL75MlfEnXA5ObMGmakx7lCEzUgWEmdCNg4MK_O4xCDvD01jOOixUq7YWs4V4lewUyhhv-elimJorJIV3-i6b3lFYjnU5zDJZ509DCA/s320/P1090468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrM9Zr_mIxhOxj63VUNWQZNgk7pvICe3YcUKBd7H6JFOj1OOKTglgZFummIA-lU0iMPhvImxsr6T_Cp63IBbdd3T4E1ed08J-HkUQw87Y7CB7HZOLVS5WT-O9OKSKrCynEE0kWe2P-9O_WWZBjRrWlQ2gNQClD1o379nlbtkU6AbZgt0kMjGGReOsn9I/s4592/P1090409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrM9Zr_mIxhOxj63VUNWQZNgk7pvICe3YcUKBd7H6JFOj1OOKTglgZFummIA-lU0iMPhvImxsr6T_Cp63IBbdd3T4E1ed08J-HkUQw87Y7CB7HZOLVS5WT-O9OKSKrCynEE0kWe2P-9O_WWZBjRrWlQ2gNQClD1o379nlbtkU6AbZgt0kMjGGReOsn9I/s320/P1090409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/the-nine-muses/">The Nine Muses</a> by Carlos Dorrien</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiizTMxXBU5NKXUYANTL0pm4FZJkxLKl2US3VeVSiQD-AB0WWt1LAZYSfVXNzYSrY-JlHzBwudcCHKWSrkpQqugtDc5fo2J6HYuAcMJdSu90Eldl6MPt2F2tA6IdMUrsm1rOrrDp99lE6FzmlTg8IWB5QnPLlUHIYAFQmH7MWWexJImbKS_xTHwB0x-k/s4592/P1090471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiizTMxXBU5NKXUYANTL0pm4FZJkxLKl2US3VeVSiQD-AB0WWt1LAZYSfVXNzYSrY-JlHzBwudcCHKWSrkpQqugtDc5fo2J6HYuAcMJdSu90Eldl6MPt2F2tA6IdMUrsm1rOrrDp99lE6FzmlTg8IWB5QnPLlUHIYAFQmH7MWWexJImbKS_xTHwB0x-k/s320/P1090471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV8TZANnHxwtNTQHUnSRqe_3x93IZQ7aplX2-gb5fsTlpmDtreuDgSSG9IWyEssaZtAXTf0uRkvLn2TIM3ZcOSYxtZ5EbvDaBRiiXkqz87eMHQXJyzZAEJYCX5fZaKqdB9SRTay26FhlX07yqN7erZbnej9MNE-rHtN__7FI4q1EkcR_iimAGiUIOVYc/s4592/P1090331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV8TZANnHxwtNTQHUnSRqe_3x93IZQ7aplX2-gb5fsTlpmDtreuDgSSG9IWyEssaZtAXTf0uRkvLn2TIM3ZcOSYxtZ5EbvDaBRiiXkqz87eMHQXJyzZAEJYCX5fZaKqdB9SRTay26FhlX07yqN7erZbnej9MNE-rHtN__7FI4q1EkcR_iimAGiUIOVYc/s320/P1090331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/arch-ii-set-ii/">Arch II, Set II</a> by Elizabeth Strong-Cuevas</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZst5WHQPh66hYjwXmwWsLgGR1L4Y5WOeFDy8kkRwSiGF-PZizc2giP0G4ID_0hGsk2cPqZwBtJmRjXZQhOq76EE8PPCN4wp7cDdpOj_6wd6j0UABpzf5RDUZWfcqztJjd1xqLQtqQPFjnvv3A7qzDaEfgSfoMkuiQbDNsXi0K6Bkt0jypCrgbFhbhMs/s4592/P1090482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZst5WHQPh66hYjwXmwWsLgGR1L4Y5WOeFDy8kkRwSiGF-PZizc2giP0G4ID_0hGsk2cPqZwBtJmRjXZQhOq76EE8PPCN4wp7cDdpOj_6wd6j0UABpzf5RDUZWfcqztJjd1xqLQtqQPFjnvv3A7qzDaEfgSfoMkuiQbDNsXi0K6Bkt0jypCrgbFhbhMs/s320/P1090482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXebNbkMqO4JrTrQGbAb5KdBBkj5-3FVTE0n31j3sJFmkXLAp9qDv1Kuit0Vvuj0oEUrbbzeuBrsuDK9GnMzELvSpdgWqW7I18aHR5AW5wjvgV5GMtUp9sQSFBh38YZkTB-C6zAveNFQ4CTEc-4mUBUIYrQVRy1AWHX7Ssq8sRc-fmx91mdivI_q-tGko/s4592/P1090350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXebNbkMqO4JrTrQGbAb5KdBBkj5-3FVTE0n31j3sJFmkXLAp9qDv1Kuit0Vvuj0oEUrbbzeuBrsuDK9GnMzELvSpdgWqW7I18aHR5AW5wjvgV5GMtUp9sQSFBh38YZkTB-C6zAveNFQ4CTEc-4mUBUIYrQVRy1AWHX7Ssq8sRc-fmx91mdivI_q-tGko/s320/P1090350.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/the-oligarchs/">The Oligarchs</a> by Michelle Post</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EmTAE_K11PhiHu5ifOI_k1ZGVNFnKmcPAs1Rn5cYS7zY4MQUw3AwcXhI0HPOHK6Xht0A_a1HcY9qUDo6hU3dcM5DDpBUKZPH6-BWGlRevEFz6qkHVHXO3n9Lo26ZwB8otYmpAtZv1tKb8tO-a6LKGGq58svddd-d7iQdFjjpqEnfk2RoDih8JvILYN0/s4592/P1090487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EmTAE_K11PhiHu5ifOI_k1ZGVNFnKmcPAs1Rn5cYS7zY4MQUw3AwcXhI0HPOHK6Xht0A_a1HcY9qUDo6hU3dcM5DDpBUKZPH6-BWGlRevEFz6qkHVHXO3n9Lo26ZwB8otYmpAtZv1tKb8tO-a6LKGGq58svddd-d7iQdFjjpqEnfk2RoDih8JvILYN0/s320/P1090487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-q11fU5eoQ-2h2vXos2c4xlLsnEIl8oEj2d_kJdY5fHGMkknhPEL8ono9mLBUixybJeUn72ITn5ptSrnSS2vv78Ie8Q3Lf_HPKXh83cKqQEovjgS_awpwjqZn83dQDwF2OvRvgRVjZUuoRuuhSislb13EqijTBTpkNjrdh9XF5voS9y18GkDWidgOWDw/s4592/P1090316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-q11fU5eoQ-2h2vXos2c4xlLsnEIl8oEj2d_kJdY5fHGMkknhPEL8ono9mLBUixybJeUn72ITn5ptSrnSS2vv78Ie8Q3Lf_HPKXh83cKqQEovjgS_awpwjqZn83dQDwF2OvRvgRVjZUuoRuuhSislb13EqijTBTpkNjrdh9XF5voS9y18GkDWidgOWDw/s320/P1090316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/memory/">Memory</a> by Masayuki Koorida</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6Z6hzEMBNoutFiXexdwpAJWGaSbw46sIZi46UwD2NJ1nuYT1hdQAEop2Tld_4_XCHejeGYUVIcl7XZfFp6FBb-ueBak9ptCEZma-Ang2N5JLC64RG93cWAxpoqwHVubSR-DkankWyaqVL2XPSBFWHIxzT1dyjrekev9Rjtxrzi9OMpbOsUJ8XfHkRUk/s4592/P1090474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6Z6hzEMBNoutFiXexdwpAJWGaSbw46sIZi46UwD2NJ1nuYT1hdQAEop2Tld_4_XCHejeGYUVIcl7XZfFp6FBb-ueBak9ptCEZma-Ang2N5JLC64RG93cWAxpoqwHVubSR-DkankWyaqVL2XPSBFWHIxzT1dyjrekev9Rjtxrzi9OMpbOsUJ8XfHkRUk/s320/P1090474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDTIOaMSED8vw93hHDocbM0E0pa_7xxNgXuN0vcouVuKUHkeW6ruIL1zGFbA9IchXXlUMp-UmyNWWhRTZ-DD2HOEdt6ysA93nJwO97yqAM24b5p-2NgItRo0NLDZIq6hd4oqX8NQg1o0HP8O_U-wzqFYK83sA21WjW9jeaGP8klK5zuCI-Hr48Nyk_0k/s4592/P1090440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDTIOaMSED8vw93hHDocbM0E0pa_7xxNgXuN0vcouVuKUHkeW6ruIL1zGFbA9IchXXlUMp-UmyNWWhRTZ-DD2HOEdt6ysA93nJwO97yqAM24b5p-2NgItRo0NLDZIq6hd4oqX8NQg1o0HP8O_U-wzqFYK83sA21WjW9jeaGP8klK5zuCI-Hr48Nyk_0k/s320/P1090440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdODr2wDwQU5LTPVekMS3ENhtz9Pi61C5_vENo-47FJ0Eb2Wn4tah3F45e1E_Xletq3BR0sbLK0KYzAezOU0bKCAwo_5ddsiZmkGDClVNeb8LKIyFiWIqT4K5ic9dS0itZck_3Z23PhSWWNQAvagPrIMU8awW8nLg_RyFVOHmd_8X-6ckW5IgR0772SUA/s4592/P1090485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdODr2wDwQU5LTPVekMS3ENhtz9Pi61C5_vENo-47FJ0Eb2Wn4tah3F45e1E_Xletq3BR0sbLK0KYzAezOU0bKCAwo_5ddsiZmkGDClVNeb8LKIyFiWIqT4K5ic9dS0itZck_3Z23PhSWWNQAvagPrIMU8awW8nLg_RyFVOHmd_8X-6ckW5IgR0772SUA/s320/P1090485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2eg6ZZMoe9DVByp41UTuTSqck3d2CZpLLheVNn4fXVsxvj2fshF4bK_FiiZ4nhenIDRcIH7DTE0BV6h0h2hwLPnULDSnO9eZz2O4gQdqIewCow6UapN3nkjZBcxdcVMEdJ9Qw0Vt20P4VLz6Hj0z8YoCND-5dmvlYjmNEjRzJf4ISUWxlpuRRYSXTAk/s4592/P1090382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2eg6ZZMoe9DVByp41UTuTSqck3d2CZpLLheVNn4fXVsxvj2fshF4bK_FiiZ4nhenIDRcIH7DTE0BV6h0h2hwLPnULDSnO9eZz2O4gQdqIewCow6UapN3nkjZBcxdcVMEdJ9Qw0Vt20P4VLz6Hj0z8YoCND-5dmvlYjmNEjRzJf4ISUWxlpuRRYSXTAk/s320/P1090382.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Allee</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUXuRKqZT8f27MCfMxsn2DckWAXo96mRXPaHikRvQ33NJNOSlSsezmahrJFm52JYy3PSEQfHrJ3SiiBzWEToF3PKNcIQR_z0glmCLEILcM4CF7CkSsrzzrda3zucVh71GGG_x2ncBTN_l0zJ6w97Bij3OQ3bxlixweA6EW1FQ72i5qudgqcNDwjAxZj4/s4592/P1090491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUXuRKqZT8f27MCfMxsn2DckWAXo96mRXPaHikRvQ33NJNOSlSsezmahrJFm52JYy3PSEQfHrJ3SiiBzWEToF3PKNcIQR_z0glmCLEILcM4CF7CkSsrzzrda3zucVh71GGG_x2ncBTN_l0zJ6w97Bij3OQ3bxlixweA6EW1FQ72i5qudgqcNDwjAxZj4/s320/P1090491.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VPf9rIxf9TLA8cj50tlpmobfk9_lZYoG__2Sv0FBTVg6HWT4EhAh5yVDJ85dWsuHWaBVzukq3NX2MGHa5E3-fD2PVcfafG27nNWx3o_0X0N4smfkDaeEOKGIP9mPVJxQTUW0bs18MWFmvzio6DiqDA4zr6GaVnVmY6L7wUet3-Q-8WpmXy8ImaMWtlY/s4592/P1090388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VPf9rIxf9TLA8cj50tlpmobfk9_lZYoG__2Sv0FBTVg6HWT4EhAh5yVDJ85dWsuHWaBVzukq3NX2MGHa5E3-fD2PVcfafG27nNWx3o_0X0N4smfkDaeEOKGIP9mPVJxQTUW0bs18MWFmvzio6DiqDA4zr6GaVnVmY6L7wUet3-Q-8WpmXy8ImaMWtlY/s320/P1090388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz7pBttvv9OaSF9cexaDAs_cU7SEaf5MNkbBw3LkIJ69yxUcGVKKyBveriZXio01lKI4bjivO7D7MBUOxbyJGWjufSHUAGDeFKvxf15_qD3eKy7lpb6QsUJicGoccW22Cjs-QS_sDZ-a-hFXd_lNRDRX0BlXU4tzYUktF06rLpRgHG8YQi9OOfdA40Gs/s4592/P1090493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz7pBttvv9OaSF9cexaDAs_cU7SEaf5MNkbBw3LkIJ69yxUcGVKKyBveriZXio01lKI4bjivO7D7MBUOxbyJGWjufSHUAGDeFKvxf15_qD3eKy7lpb6QsUJicGoccW22Cjs-QS_sDZ-a-hFXd_lNRDRX0BlXU4tzYUktF06rLpRgHG8YQi9OOfdA40Gs/s320/P1090493.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few more that were not part of Night Forms, but ones I like seeing in the snow.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ttxI2OQ9CKeyYl_zpMGBdoa1I6lid0Ro-EYdRtVq0-KgTR2qSGVXlo7Zx8Vnx2Tf-47W-6BG7ODRKEXnxCEnIlm8wH8z97FLcRwmSbwRY6KkOr4XANhJ2emLVCNm-va4c1-_yEXVx8bbsrYvOILwlCn3a7BfHTfPKFHdINENi7AekIiB36-T4ffLk4c/s4592/P1090368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ttxI2OQ9CKeyYl_zpMGBdoa1I6lid0Ro-EYdRtVq0-KgTR2qSGVXlo7Zx8Vnx2Tf-47W-6BG7ODRKEXnxCEnIlm8wH8z97FLcRwmSbwRY6KkOr4XANhJ2emLVCNm-va4c1-_yEXVx8bbsrYvOILwlCn3a7BfHTfPKFHdINENi7AekIiB36-T4ffLk4c/s320/P1090368.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vTJWY8_5B7sjglpRX9ZVQ2IgUpJO_UUZUtrdd4OvV0mb5r-1C9wdJ25X0THjiVt3rp9DnXO0dcmUuLIjM3lxyk3qImvh4HNppfV9wPzNDdQ2MMeX2UPrnDgNWdd6gfznS0xTRN5cYNTEAsqm6KkkdJEyxfcVev6eKf7DqQkdd7FuWF8GvOXMuVUpCtw/s4592/P1090463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vTJWY8_5B7sjglpRX9ZVQ2IgUpJO_UUZUtrdd4OvV0mb5r-1C9wdJ25X0THjiVt3rp9DnXO0dcmUuLIjM3lxyk3qImvh4HNppfV9wPzNDdQ2MMeX2UPrnDgNWdd6gfznS0xTRN5cYNTEAsqm6KkkdJEyxfcVev6eKf7DqQkdd7FuWF8GvOXMuVUpCtw/s320/P1090463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnkZHCRookL3xNfTJ0bcCjqXwHGwj6ZNtqw8sfZwFRbc3Kb44KUgAy4p2jkVeC61-gmC03cExYC-Gj9aXN-7SQcA1O81rtWqgu9FWN8AayVSRe2JqfHqdDiT9rydQCoGEI3Mm3w65rxo2O1fj0c9N3e362wvzYTD1bj2zvtHFZKbOpYKSaPl0C-mMeHY/s4592/P1090469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnkZHCRookL3xNfTJ0bcCjqXwHGwj6ZNtqw8sfZwFRbc3Kb44KUgAy4p2jkVeC61-gmC03cExYC-Gj9aXN-7SQcA1O81rtWqgu9FWN8AayVSRe2JqfHqdDiT9rydQCoGEI3Mm3w65rxo2O1fj0c9N3e362wvzYTD1bj2zvtHFZKbOpYKSaPl0C-mMeHY/s320/P1090469.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5HsIL-wePC76S8sem52ODWn_gkn2OK-WbV9-Ca3Feerzu1X533GFoIEMNA5he2TT2R90XLXA_tW_F8B_t1SXHVzamGLLPJhSVMzzm4yeQmWXRQEZ0EGVNCf0x_aa2CIaHsTpGickGLqhjWHMmsRSXbtAktVIVZ83CPKKa-X2AoxRqtVFTLDhFIbYyE0/s4592/P1090477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5HsIL-wePC76S8sem52ODWn_gkn2OK-WbV9-Ca3Feerzu1X533GFoIEMNA5he2TT2R90XLXA_tW_F8B_t1SXHVzamGLLPJhSVMzzm4yeQmWXRQEZ0EGVNCf0x_aa2CIaHsTpGickGLqhjWHMmsRSXbtAktVIVZ83CPKKa-X2AoxRqtVFTLDhFIbYyE0/s320/P1090477.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/giant-george/">Giant George</a> by Gordon Gund</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M_UJRKjTInWWgTCi1Uo1HHsAnqfxEW1TL_fJEftllAo-w7Bs00j7ClqxO6vYiXJdCZw0_GxMWeS-Bp_BIljAtk6bTs3sBW2Kt9PYTQZUdJLJdIy91lVV7qsHxms7qaWYy2T6eRY1fu5Rll6zNdj1zDBGhu1MjShR9rsbajszAkgfyAQhQ8dWIr4jnDw/s4592/P1090480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M_UJRKjTInWWgTCi1Uo1HHsAnqfxEW1TL_fJEftllAo-w7Bs00j7ClqxO6vYiXJdCZw0_GxMWeS-Bp_BIljAtk6bTs3sBW2Kt9PYTQZUdJLJdIy91lVV7qsHxms7qaWYy2T6eRY1fu5Rll6zNdj1zDBGhu1MjShR9rsbajszAkgfyAQhQ8dWIr4jnDw/s320/P1090480.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/family-secret/">Family Secret</a> by J. Seward Johnson</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5DE2AkM7erh3uVtACy7KAXQsg9iR1EWK6XJqe37UN-i4tkqhR8jYinjnsdYZbROxKwyhQziSiyJAxkS1AAFVyr17tOkDheCX368DM94QnWogDPQ4RVgAOfAPWQuvabZyxfQFb7eUWEjgcMdlw0H8OKNo6jIWk2pcQXADm3_jbj8uJnPPD3j3a3k8AIo/s320/P1090488.JPG" width="320" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/dejeuner-deja-vu/">Dejeuner deja vu</a> by J. Seward Johnson</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJSXBdEQMmfDGVaQ9yo0DS5YoodejFPKLFy4l2fFATFiplMCDjD96sd-TB_H3l3501zMbsWo-Is8_IiUtYC_O2aontc1o22YV3dsvL7TKMwV1srtr-cLZvCl3xKnwoZVa-U2_B7_WAyIhJVxWIRZTCCe6Gzwjjb53k_om-hUITINNVMoUNEQNzwX5iTQ/s4592/P1090497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJSXBdEQMmfDGVaQ9yo0DS5YoodejFPKLFy4l2fFATFiplMCDjD96sd-TB_H3l3501zMbsWo-Is8_IiUtYC_O2aontc1o22YV3dsvL7TKMwV1srtr-cLZvCl3xKnwoZVa-U2_B7_WAyIhJVxWIRZTCCe6Gzwjjb53k_om-hUITINNVMoUNEQNzwX5iTQ/s320/P1090497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6b3KTJBNGysErxNsNRue_reBAhnW4z_mcFWJdJcZAkOz6OzMOECGcXLQSBuTTJEW46Bw7FlbG0oUKnTy12GkndyOzDU_Y73LYtTpYlb6RmVBcBU4Dyor1iXEKv30xcsjwZ0CNkF6nWttMpKKUSO5Iib_SJB5DFIoA9KHJFCMYFFGmD9ixHWYsTIElVY/s4592/P1090500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6b3KTJBNGysErxNsNRue_reBAhnW4z_mcFWJdJcZAkOz6OzMOECGcXLQSBuTTJEW46Bw7FlbG0oUKnTy12GkndyOzDU_Y73LYtTpYlb6RmVBcBU4Dyor1iXEKv30xcsjwZ0CNkF6nWttMpKKUSO5Iib_SJB5DFIoA9KHJFCMYFFGmD9ixHWYsTIElVY/s320/P1090500.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/ex-halations/">Ex-Halations</a> by Linda Fleming</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyCesai52SZKhX22ZqnDy7wi6wXM6afvf3tmOcfFKutBksICSzinspiJhpp4i2JDBjCjDTV-Toz8IxEIvl6lc72bbkXWdykOeeQbcY_ak5iEbuSMb9OJp-uRPr4QQ-54r61WDWB-4mS_FT0BOQpVQ4EG33zSEmTouA_1z5cdTyUGaeedwyDaEFrlHHCI/s4592/P1090504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyCesai52SZKhX22ZqnDy7wi6wXM6afvf3tmOcfFKutBksICSzinspiJhpp4i2JDBjCjDTV-Toz8IxEIvl6lc72bbkXWdykOeeQbcY_ak5iEbuSMb9OJp-uRPr4QQ-54r61WDWB-4mS_FT0BOQpVQ4EG33zSEmTouA_1z5cdTyUGaeedwyDaEFrlHHCI/s320/P1090504.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/the-awakening/">The Awakening</a> by J. Seward Johnson</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kye37RfvCF7MC5dOlHknPsCMLB6b_UbKFSepkea0y38Xes24S23XQKlbcC_EvtR_FPEBupVonbhbjliF_q43mht5ID7WH5mFpCcYyJWFqvVcyeUXuduA_fyljChHUA_HlP0m7HCVV9nEEQP74chpQ6UyHRDiNNaEK_WmN19RVy3ejeuOeMUTj9Kt7Cw/s4592/P1090392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kye37RfvCF7MC5dOlHknPsCMLB6b_UbKFSepkea0y38Xes24S23XQKlbcC_EvtR_FPEBupVonbhbjliF_q43mht5ID7WH5mFpCcYyJWFqvVcyeUXuduA_fyljChHUA_HlP0m7HCVV9nEEQP74chpQ6UyHRDiNNaEK_WmN19RVy3ejeuOeMUTj9Kt7Cw/s320/P1090392.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/king-lear/">King Lear</a> by J. Seward Johnson</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fYG54_AUxy1-QofoN1Fah0I2lELF3T5xKXxbQGeGLSQQPRn54wNwW7ZXaRFkCB29YAqzvnacSYrCc2frwzFHNiVOGtlHTLU4bh3BFSoerD10ecL-bP6yGBTy1MX0cD4cZ8YB-Wos_DRy-Yha1x6sxgXjcAlwBw-m439GxCTMxrX0hqB9dZvicyo7ksY/s4592/P1090496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fYG54_AUxy1-QofoN1Fah0I2lELF3T5xKXxbQGeGLSQQPRn54wNwW7ZXaRFkCB29YAqzvnacSYrCc2frwzFHNiVOGtlHTLU4bh3BFSoerD10ecL-bP6yGBTy1MX0cD4cZ8YB-Wos_DRy-Yha1x6sxgXjcAlwBw-m439GxCTMxrX0hqB9dZvicyo7ksY/s320/P1090496.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/artwork/god-bless-america/">God Bless America</a> by J. Seward Johnson</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WUgv_5syN2teu3CluqpescDe_hsc7WvQ0cDrQ0TqpY3IE5qKV0m8UdX4Cnr1Io2Ln1629Qrs94bOIsoG5_vlDvzWBjxb-_wx43cYNGO7ix2NuOo0ZMXBFSvUlK-okHx6tI4H3D5YcL2iqnuUJxK311Lh49Tk53Q7rDz9cvjxa3agcivjU22phaUxiz4/s4592/P1090390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WUgv_5syN2teu3CluqpescDe_hsc7WvQ0cDrQ0TqpY3IE5qKV0m8UdX4Cnr1Io2Ln1629Qrs94bOIsoG5_vlDvzWBjxb-_wx43cYNGO7ix2NuOo0ZMXBFSvUlK-okHx6tI4H3D5YcL2iqnuUJxK311Lh49Tk53Q7rDz9cvjxa3agcivjU22phaUxiz4/s320/P1090390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-74801642612852524482024-01-20T11:43:00.135-05:002024-01-26T12:26:17.416-05:00Night Forms at Grounds for Sculpture -- 2024<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQc_REtnYSOMk41wM0gO5RBoFNxyijQX4bEcJmKrsrOr3AvO-fSrfME0AOEcjXPsEYi1q-jao8WSwEg28YZMWG7xDTxMEj8RlLiU6rWwj89sFfptzOOuCf_Qx6bVqHB4J5B6zXKUBSx3pxpr5BAjefiVkX0bBtooQ5TsrgNqbKObWBO0DHWAPqgTWPNKE/s4592/P1090404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQc_REtnYSOMk41wM0gO5RBoFNxyijQX4bEcJmKrsrOr3AvO-fSrfME0AOEcjXPsEYi1q-jao8WSwEg28YZMWG7xDTxMEj8RlLiU6rWwj89sFfptzOOuCf_Qx6bVqHB4J5B6zXKUBSx3pxpr5BAjefiVkX0bBtooQ5TsrgNqbKObWBO0DHWAPqgTWPNKE/s320/P1090404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2022/04/night-forms-at-grounds-for-sculpture.html">Two years ago</a> we saw Night Forms at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. The exhibit came back last winter. At the time I made a wish: <b><i>I wish to visit Night Forms at
Grounds for Sculpture following a snowstorm.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I live in New Jersey. That should be an easy wish to fulfill.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hadn’t appreciated the wish had three caveats: it had to snow, it had to snow on a weekend, it had to only snow a little
bit because too much snow would mean Grounds for Sculpture would would be forced to close for safety.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It did not snow at all last winter. It did not snow for 715 days
in a row.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few days ago, it snowed. On a Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yesterday it snowed. It snowed so much Grounds for Sculpture
closed for the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z6MZQROOTCCmxpkA6atW_7POF4RhmRNpmAtxX-nRyzpMySwU0aePufR76lavGPu1qW0aaUAVTf3ycviQaBgulKaUps3zCaOzRxQ35uIFrPTHg8I9sPeI2auCzEfkMiv1W1DQWnM-Cq7vuWgkc_E5x6OsETjdLYO62BoR87aXJkOXHJnKn8LfYwuLdAo/s4032/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z6MZQROOTCCmxpkA6atW_7POF4RhmRNpmAtxX-nRyzpMySwU0aePufR76lavGPu1qW0aaUAVTf3ycviQaBgulKaUps3zCaOzRxQ35uIFrPTHg8I9sPeI2auCzEfkMiv1W1DQWnM-Cq7vuWgkc_E5x6OsETjdLYO62BoR87aXJkOXHJnKn8LfYwuLdAo/s320/IMG_1684.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">That brings us to today. There was still snow on the ground from
yesterday’s storm, and it is a Saturday. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I should have added in a fourth caveat: temperatures near
freezing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was 20 degrees when we went, with a <i>feels like</i>
temperature of 10! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We could have, should have planned a little better. We did wear snow boots,
and pack our <a href="https://yaktrax.com/">YakTrax</a> (which were not needed). We should have worn more than one
pair of socks. Had we thought of it, we would have stopped at Dollar Tree and picked up some
hand warmers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Staff and volunteers were enthusiastic about the small crowd who
came. Though we arrived 10 minutes after the grounds opened, we were not the
first people to say we came specifically because it snowed and we wanted to see
the illuminated sculptures covered in show.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mHz1HmOftHsRUFPBVxkHDvbuuwzf_Uqp2Sjtj6oUDgLVy7QIGMWx_WL9Q_dul3XDI_kik-7DNAY9q0571nLg-YsjQhRSc1FOd-7wZLN0DK6ZuA-_Li47WMLHOu7kQcpmz40v6qWPpbxyVL-L7ZG3gvPiKhrbV3dseu_zIY37m89IZZrSRfws-UoVUfY/s4592/P1090331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mHz1HmOftHsRUFPBVxkHDvbuuwzf_Uqp2Sjtj6oUDgLVy7QIGMWx_WL9Q_dul3XDI_kik-7DNAY9q0571nLg-YsjQhRSc1FOd-7wZLN0DK6ZuA-_Li47WMLHOu7kQcpmz40v6qWPpbxyVL-L7ZG3gvPiKhrbV3dseu_zIY37m89IZZrSRfws-UoVUfY/s320/P1090331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/exhibitions/night-forms-03/">Night Forms</a> is a light and sound show by Klip Collective uses the
sculptures already in the park and adds lights and music. He uses music by
indie and electronic artists to enhance the mood. There was one section between
the soothing music and rhythmic flickering of lights I was being lulled into a Zombie-like
state. I told Don I could fall asleep relaxing in that space. Trouble is, on a
night like tonight I would die from hypothermia and never wake from the zone.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some pictures of Night Forms in the snow. This is its last year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6NFEhJNN_fleAH_g0jolPf9M43KYDm8Z4v_V_sfdCNRaFhLEBXjJPwG4ZhNTm7dLOuQ6fD9bCVUFezNkmzamNZXA9XV_aL_CFpQ6rcIJgA-8FDIW4swVtSch3RJQuo234Ksk1nVerjLM0cjXpdwWVuEsKovCBKbMGGukQWtKd_2rv5Z1U_9sF91_JSY/s4592/P1090409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6NFEhJNN_fleAH_g0jolPf9M43KYDm8Z4v_V_sfdCNRaFhLEBXjJPwG4ZhNTm7dLOuQ6fD9bCVUFezNkmzamNZXA9XV_aL_CFpQ6rcIJgA-8FDIW4swVtSch3RJQuo234Ksk1nVerjLM0cjXpdwWVuEsKovCBKbMGGukQWtKd_2rv5Z1U_9sF91_JSY/s320/P1090409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFIfJcjRQETVGJmTf6BUV0JJUHmY1diJxCGSChuOpuD9mHRU6IOMGJ6L54m3R5gXYRp-mvdV5ok_Y-0G_KSvO-4gEbB06t2MD44kJHbOnhon2gWD1EaSkNo6QUt7co-c4zxg_A6G6wx4k-m5sQHN1PfJDVQ_vWTVrWKhnSK7DdLms6aOnAmyhPeqMYds/s4592/P1090431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFIfJcjRQETVGJmTf6BUV0JJUHmY1diJxCGSChuOpuD9mHRU6IOMGJ6L54m3R5gXYRp-mvdV5ok_Y-0G_KSvO-4gEbB06t2MD44kJHbOnhon2gWD1EaSkNo6QUt7co-c4zxg_A6G6wx4k-m5sQHN1PfJDVQ_vWTVrWKhnSK7DdLms6aOnAmyhPeqMYds/s320/P1090431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4H8f1AgJXl7t0Oe7cpM1BynGYZD_n6iMby21bUFsf5mG1DqXZ3Vhig5mnaMo94nDH20nFhPR2CV7GcLGnkmAf7iI9JIBO-UKz8Ens9W4bluhesbaiy1CNYDMrSLEgo9Te-ZAD9zS-PSknCvoCWio3FuppBGQt8ifTya-4H5syKaCL0ah54j1aRY8h8w/s4592/P1090350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4H8f1AgJXl7t0Oe7cpM1BynGYZD_n6iMby21bUFsf5mG1DqXZ3Vhig5mnaMo94nDH20nFhPR2CV7GcLGnkmAf7iI9JIBO-UKz8Ens9W4bluhesbaiy1CNYDMrSLEgo9Te-ZAD9zS-PSknCvoCWio3FuppBGQt8ifTya-4H5syKaCL0ah54j1aRY8h8w/s320/P1090350.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtlJYEdxakBIJRI_QBuDk-5Awlhlzcb4tAq2V7DIu1ayGQQW8EjrJvNsRJkYLKa6U5ZV3Up6bVF65pRgQkzOX4ANCsV-3DskrUo_wY50LjC_HmrSLRbHshSuKmMHFnf99H0oYmHWFh0Cq1OMgUubC_OOS2vcAvn16veaQhtKfUR6zPJvNZ9DNWDpDV2g/s4592/P1090388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtlJYEdxakBIJRI_QBuDk-5Awlhlzcb4tAq2V7DIu1ayGQQW8EjrJvNsRJkYLKa6U5ZV3Up6bVF65pRgQkzOX4ANCsV-3DskrUo_wY50LjC_HmrSLRbHshSuKmMHFnf99H0oYmHWFh0Cq1OMgUubC_OOS2vcAvn16veaQhtKfUR6zPJvNZ9DNWDpDV2g/s320/P1090388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p2uy6nGOmdTKP7wmB7nMdXy6frSrpIyMn3Jez8ZFPmRQPdW5F9nqmhILHdI85DVZPU9t83kUIU377dsy8fEOvMPk5crF9AwSKWIHyjcXFMljE5nIurHc9f9jTHgd4nthAr8ZKC442TaCW-QYNjTYu4B3MkKbUy3r6W-4lkMx-_H3runQ6vxEcDpUmLQ/s4592/P1090456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p2uy6nGOmdTKP7wmB7nMdXy6frSrpIyMn3Jez8ZFPmRQPdW5F9nqmhILHdI85DVZPU9t83kUIU377dsy8fEOvMPk5crF9AwSKWIHyjcXFMljE5nIurHc9f9jTHgd4nthAr8ZKC442TaCW-QYNjTYu4B3MkKbUy3r6W-4lkMx-_H3runQ6vxEcDpUmLQ/s320/P1090456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were not working when we arrived</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ka5sBO6u7USqAhTuoUd94Ry0pjjLG6rs-38APqD8nWCTHBwyutCGLe1yR88uo9FRQSGu3Dyttznr6uqeVqvU_JU2VuQY3Nr3c9XSgExMlu-rgq0vA8HTOHSRJfCW86hlNgf7Zg7vMrnrJ4A47eFSG1vsZjmxktvBvmBLH4HQn92Xz2HHqeD0BMrT8rg/s4592/P1090414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FcUEl8Uxz17aIFLTmtxtvquD6H1KIj0D8bI8P6gHT-Dj7O-gP4os_lTdS_3AGSHa92qdgGCluQm3CvBIeu3FnpXeqgSZAxJ14eUvbIEweP0WrAnAdAqw-UpPBn82cII5EYvt8V6mYNZig_MpSw5hXhRvSKVQITa3S6oDHe3rbUp856pynGIESdD9KpM/s4592/P1090440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FcUEl8Uxz17aIFLTmtxtvquD6H1KIj0D8bI8P6gHT-Dj7O-gP4os_lTdS_3AGSHa92qdgGCluQm3CvBIeu3FnpXeqgSZAxJ14eUvbIEweP0WrAnAdAqw-UpPBn82cII5EYvt8V6mYNZig_MpSw5hXhRvSKVQITa3S6oDHe3rbUp856pynGIESdD9KpM/s320/P1090440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My favorite is <i>Froghead Rainbow</i> because of how well the
music is timed to the amphitheater seats. It feels as if a maestro is
conducting the rocks. We watched the four-to-five-minute loop several times.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ka5sBO6u7USqAhTuoUd94Ry0pjjLG6rs-38APqD8nWCTHBwyutCGLe1yR88uo9FRQSGu3Dyttznr6uqeVqvU_JU2VuQY3Nr3c9XSgExMlu-rgq0vA8HTOHSRJfCW86hlNgf7Zg7vMrnrJ4A47eFSG1vsZjmxktvBvmBLH4HQn92Xz2HHqeD0BMrT8rg/s4592/P1090414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ka5sBO6u7USqAhTuoUd94Ry0pjjLG6rs-38APqD8nWCTHBwyutCGLe1yR88uo9FRQSGu3Dyttznr6uqeVqvU_JU2VuQY3Nr3c9XSgExMlu-rgq0vA8HTOHSRJfCW86hlNgf7Zg7vMrnrJ4A47eFSG1vsZjmxktvBvmBLH4HQn92Xz2HHqeD0BMrT8rg/s320/P1090414.JPG" width="320" /></a></span>Deferring to the cold, we stopped in the café for hot
chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie (clearly chocolate has restorative powers). We then returned for one final look.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A guard we befriended earlier that night saw us after our fortification asked if we noticed the joystick that controlled the lights on a specific sculpture. We had not. It was on the far side of the sculpture. When we got there someone else was using it. He told them a specific pattern to use and (he swears) that motion controlled the action. I can’t say I noticed anything. Don gave it a try. I suppose I should have, too, but had lost interest by then.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuJ6_2_BLok3N9BnErDsg0-nEdpBv4rQ747_7iYeV3QNIZVps8446SH6nOi64PZFM1qKDpoCTjLatrXFmblnjrXcVF5y-QudcLa7bYj6Gtkpc24jqZDNWsM-CZVoM58U9sSOKBOH8kAi_-xm112x_Pq5J9IzdcLdnymqCNkLF_kX_Pli5aruqOjHTGR8/s4592/P1090295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuJ6_2_BLok3N9BnErDsg0-nEdpBv4rQ747_7iYeV3QNIZVps8446SH6nOi64PZFM1qKDpoCTjLatrXFmblnjrXcVF5y-QudcLa7bYj6Gtkpc24jqZDNWsM-CZVoM58U9sSOKBOH8kAi_-xm112x_Pq5J9IzdcLdnymqCNkLF_kX_Pli5aruqOjHTGR8/s320/P1090295.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A surprise piece of entertainment was watching the peacocks fly between trees as they tried to figure out the best place to sleep. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nighty night, peacocks.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSBSvdFzSwi8CLItPjCWAjPYR-nAsTngO4x4ngNYZV4HPGVg0Gj8yKmkhgA1mn8tg5SBFksyvxeEFwLQl1SGXGBnfXOeJXpTg7pSyGyAcN6BXl0JZb95PTM6BvD1R5PW54Xy91V2ZDSoW4wwIcxfaIMOAoRUuLwhLaw8YkUTUeNHw5XqMN05Duw6APV0/s4032/IMG_1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSBSvdFzSwi8CLItPjCWAjPYR-nAsTngO4x4ngNYZV4HPGVg0Gj8yKmkhgA1mn8tg5SBFksyvxeEFwLQl1SGXGBnfXOeJXpTg7pSyGyAcN6BXl0JZb95PTM6BvD1R5PW54Xy91V2ZDSoW4wwIcxfaIMOAoRUuLwhLaw8YkUTUeNHw5XqMN05Duw6APV0/s320/IMG_1687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On the drive home, neither of us could say the snow enhanced the
experience. In daytime the entire place is transformed by snow, but at night, the light
show is the light show, only much, much colder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, the next day, warmly seated in the family room looking at my pictures, I am so glad we went on that cold, snow-filled night. The snow gave the ground a rippled, snowy look, and I did like taking pictures of the lights on the icicles.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg-ynKq19ukyfwbRjeT5SLj9NNGgK7F3EY3TB4XMBJEkzq1vlj-xGgkR7Vje1tv0PCMcG9hjFW0102cFPhb8Ng8U1ajMG_NPw6ivZN8xTZHJHNqOl1h8pBccz4-Xe5jEGdWlTAWJhnwMRlaERDTG4D_Xhtl9LlutUg3bbnzcHxJlhFbDLGzN4gMLSyQ4/s4592/P1090304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg-ynKq19ukyfwbRjeT5SLj9NNGgK7F3EY3TB4XMBJEkzq1vlj-xGgkR7Vje1tv0PCMcG9hjFW0102cFPhb8Ng8U1ajMG_NPw6ivZN8xTZHJHNqOl1h8pBccz4-Xe5jEGdWlTAWJhnwMRlaERDTG4D_Xhtl9LlutUg3bbnzcHxJlhFbDLGzN4gMLSyQ4/s320/P1090304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbd0p7cXYaF-FgglIpMrylfGKQsJAKtL2FvBdR8HD6umG4vfHu2YRiUGLwlutniA4fRqW1SINU0oKQR5GUr2ecgqaybFUpiFsk1XyMWqPtK_jGnBZDuccpAgZMMsB4h2wngNvzcolmWBHRKmnKCMK6IPRWH_oCLKOrmSrMuz8lGbttbYjqt0sG7lfxoI/s4592/P1090356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbd0p7cXYaF-FgglIpMrylfGKQsJAKtL2FvBdR8HD6umG4vfHu2YRiUGLwlutniA4fRqW1SINU0oKQR5GUr2ecgqaybFUpiFsk1XyMWqPtK_jGnBZDuccpAgZMMsB4h2wngNvzcolmWBHRKmnKCMK6IPRWH_oCLKOrmSrMuz8lGbttbYjqt0sG7lfxoI/s320/P1090356.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite picture that night</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p></div>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-24564460086461845082024-01-10T18:58:00.003-05:002024-01-17T22:43:28.830-05:002024 Resolutions<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are ten days into the New Year. Time for me to commit to the resolutions I have been mulling over for the past couple of weeks. I have been thinking about them for so long I'm actually making progress on some of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1) Celebrate more! Invite people over to help us celebrate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the past two weeks we have had three parties: dad's 80th, Ashley's friends over for New Year's Eve, and Don's 60th. While I don't want to have a party a week, I do want to celebrate Ashley's graduation and my 55th birthday with parties, as well as other celebrations as they happen.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) Learn how to dance on roller skates.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This was one of my unfulfilled goals for <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2023/01/2023-resolutions.html">2023</a>. Jaclyn is working to put together classes. When I started to join her groups, I felt I was at the intermediate level -- after all, I could stay upright. As I watched people move as if they were born wearing skates, and realizing my greatest talent is moving forward, I knocked myself down to the beginner level. There is much for me to learn.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) Go out with other couples.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Don and I started this last year. I'd like to make it a goal to happen at least 12 times this year -- once a month.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">4) Learn how to use the settings on my camera to take better pictures with more intentionality.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am planning to sign up and take a class at the Princeton Adult School in an effort to achieve this goal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">5) Visit at least one country new to me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Last year I traveled to New Zealand and Australia, countries that were not on my list in January. I'm excited to see where 2024 takes me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">6) Take a trip by myself.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2024/01/vision-board.html">Vision Board</a> shows a desire to travel. At least one of those trips needs to be alone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">7) Participate in a race over 5K. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My dream race is still the 10-mile Paris to Versailles race in September.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">8) Brainstorm writing a book.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't know what kind of book, so I'm starting with brainstorming ideas. For the month of January, I want to write 500 words a day about ideas that might lead to a book.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">9) Learn Canva, or some other graphic design program.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't know why creating images, memes, etc. intimidates me, but they do. I also recognize having this skill would help me create content.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">10) Take a class at Rider.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Registration is this week.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">11) Explore teaching ESL.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Through the church or internationally, meet international people and converse with them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm still missing 2024 Resolutions / Goals / Wishes related to professional growth. Last year I left my job, and have no idea what direction I should take to fill that gap. This might change in the next couple of weeks.</span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-59303791383529410632024-01-10T17:39:00.002-05:002024-01-10T18:35:34.178-05:00Vision Board<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc47qdfXrJfwQccAKXcr5l1ITDH6OejWiA1YOs-QLBi9-Tc-3hkYX7yxa27paBXRjeGJPYONV8PYWOIJOBFAsNcZZ93nh1UmwBiAwHpPHymV5peA7lxTDvrNXf9fdHemRwKsqdT1gKpEglgfXunEHvgKvcI0XI3ErvCHIDKvVBhrFnQbZpolNqsgaaas/s4032/IMG_1628%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc47qdfXrJfwQccAKXcr5l1ITDH6OejWiA1YOs-QLBi9-Tc-3hkYX7yxa27paBXRjeGJPYONV8PYWOIJOBFAsNcZZ93nh1UmwBiAwHpPHymV5peA7lxTDvrNXf9fdHemRwKsqdT1gKpEglgfXunEHvgKvcI0XI3ErvCHIDKvVBhrFnQbZpolNqsgaaas/s320/IMG_1628%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I created a Vision Board today. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Maybe that's not the real story. I accepted an invitation to create a Vision Board and <b>actually did it!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That's probably more accurate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the years I have heard the term "vision board," but I shied away. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Too much arts and crafts.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>I didn't want to cut up magazines.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>I had nothing to really say.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>It is not my thing.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As I enter 2024 I am trying to figure out what direction to follow. Don and I both left our jobs in 2023 -- me by choice, his not as much. Since October we've both been floundering.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today Marge offered two shifts: noon and 5 pm. I went with the noon time, though I was invited to return at 5 pm. Due to a variety of reasons, I ended up being the only one, which meant I had the rare treat of Marge's calming and reassuring presence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">She put out a bunch of magazines and old catalogues, scissors, tape, glue, different size and colors of paper and worked alongside me. She focused on words for this year's board (she does one every year) and said at tonight's session she'll look for pictures. As I was finishing up cutting out thoughts, Marge brought out a Viking Cruise Lines booklet because she knows I want to travel. I left with a finished board, and pictures and paper to make a companion board.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Marge also filled me with encouragement and the wisdom that comes from looking from the outside in. Much needed and much appreciated.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Her board was filled with words to encourage others. To connect others.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mine was filled with traveling and seeing the world. There are a couple of other pictures I am surprised did not make it. Once Marge said she had to leave in ten minutes (how did 90 minutes fly by that quickly?), I went with gut instinct over careful thought. She praised my creativity -- a trait I don't think of when I think of my talents.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let's see where 2024 takes all of us!<br /></span><br /></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-25353470746358170542024-01-08T17:43:00.064-05:002024-02-12T18:09:30.613-05:00Happy Birthday, Don<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdeGCEvRm1bQsJTJn_tE6dfJ67-8IfocrXL8jXpAaSI5AsiBuHi5qXg3k5iZq2f5ce01BOghivar1M4rfEyIZMoo0XCT4Eem7BDkg6-0fPo7wqZkFSf4OtXzOFxymGuWDyUfUFki4n6l4NUzW0SnFg1TVRdSlnuDFMWAbH1hmjHuH1EOz-6ysjhFYI_4/s4592/P1090197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdeGCEvRm1bQsJTJn_tE6dfJ67-8IfocrXL8jXpAaSI5AsiBuHi5qXg3k5iZq2f5ce01BOghivar1M4rfEyIZMoo0XCT4Eem7BDkg6-0fPo7wqZkFSf4OtXzOFxymGuWDyUfUFki4n6l4NUzW0SnFg1TVRdSlnuDFMWAbH1hmjHuH1EOz-6ysjhFYI_4/s320/P1090197.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We celebrated Don's 60th birthday with an impromptu party surrounded by friends and family.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anyone whose birthday falls within a couple of weeks of Christmas will complain at some point that they feel their birthday is ignored. That they are told their Christmas gift is also a birthday gift. Having a dad whose birthday is the day after Christmas (and always celebrated because it is a time of year when the whole family gathers), I know the concern well. This being a milestone birthday, I asked Don how he wanted to celebrate. We weren't coming up with a good plan until a random text conversation with a friend sparked a winning idea: we'll invite people over and ask them to bring a pint of ice cream to help us celebrate -- no gifts, just the ice cream.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We pitched the idea to 21-year-old Ashley who added a beer tasting to the event. In her opinion, not everyone likes ice cream (I know, who are those people?). She also recognizes not everyone likes beer, but between the two options, people should like something.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Invitations were sent via text, email, Facebook messenger, carrier pigeon, etc. Then we watched the forecast -- it might snow, it might not snow, it might snow the next day. It didn't snow, so we had the party as planned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifY-Ort5CTGsQajsqmiGvjcra-m4Pq2z9YuQ1EZ9RK2VaCfV4TGzMA2ZQC4MjzNlS9199YyHlN5sbBHxYP6d3i3oL3NATGDzrny2mCflwOgRJjPVq1aiu3DTmhDS5aNy4Xxner-LSNw7qFdbpCcxSGTKJBfLTlukDMgaskyL81m3Jzt_Xk6m2Ml7vv2XI/s4592/P1090204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifY-Ort5CTGsQajsqmiGvjcra-m4Pq2z9YuQ1EZ9RK2VaCfV4TGzMA2ZQC4MjzNlS9199YyHlN5sbBHxYP6d3i3oL3NATGDzrny2mCflwOgRJjPVq1aiu3DTmhDS5aNy4Xxner-LSNw7qFdbpCcxSGTKJBfLTlukDMgaskyL81m3Jzt_Xk6m2Ml7vv2XI/s320/P1090204.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Friends and family from all stages of Don's life ... ranging from CM who rented a room from Don before I met him up to Ashley's girlfriend (Anna) and her parents who only met us a couple of years ago. Friends from college, church, volunteering, and work. Most said yes. Some said, rain check. It was just the right combination of friends.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs1yzfv7AoL_sefmw_QbCMm9z6W9dHyen1sDP3MThLV2vy-q4Gq9DkJezeqpREoEtUr6xsykmWDTWv6Rpdgn0f4WMjwevhTKIMV-J9maI5xc9riaVMV8RjId8aqQUNMLFbDfEEzMOUHI61KmgAyF1j5axBiEbUzVZ-t1keiFsQ0KUo38TiBR-5_RB55c/s4592/P1090205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs1yzfv7AoL_sefmw_QbCMm9z6W9dHyen1sDP3MThLV2vy-q4Gq9DkJezeqpREoEtUr6xsykmWDTWv6Rpdgn0f4WMjwevhTKIMV-J9maI5xc9riaVMV8RjId8aqQUNMLFbDfEEzMOUHI61KmgAyF1j5axBiEbUzVZ-t1keiFsQ0KUo38TiBR-5_RB55c/s320/P1090205.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Extra beer was sent back to school with Ashley. Extra ice cream is still being consumed a month later.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">On Don's actual birthday I gave him a (fake) Lego made to look like him.</span></p><p><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZ0YV0AsRIrjX76L33hjrVed5gP1NaHnzFloOW8jxocif1p5zfmnd8ex0aAgeWVVDfT3aWjchBNCSj6pqBOl2LasLCuiQH1WMdu6AJCzy_KQFEfSu024Os8Luual1m3BH6aPwTKAUqL6SpaQoM8VKLVlTAt2hqVnkIC48gjqjywpvaJDbwJKqn4gQNPE/s4592/P1090221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZ0YV0AsRIrjX76L33hjrVed5gP1NaHnzFloOW8jxocif1p5zfmnd8ex0aAgeWVVDfT3aWjchBNCSj6pqBOl2LasLCuiQH1WMdu6AJCzy_KQFEfSu024Os8Luual1m3BH6aPwTKAUqL6SpaQoM8VKLVlTAt2hqVnkIC48gjqjywpvaJDbwJKqn4gQNPE/s320/P1090221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silvia and Clint</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwclvKZ-FV9XtatdA0iPr7ACPazx-u4GNxyMfNwyfS-X8kiySuL5ErPA-02DrRE5OiLkNOKfJV8McJ2pZXXgVkU9CtaVfb4U18q8cjUJ2adqmI9btk3QASlUNBFuzUFSNzCEj_fg-dwMmroLPm2hQYjfgrFyNBl1AqVb0Dt-iQHKz1t8OEp93q3UaIOf4/s4592/P1090218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwclvKZ-FV9XtatdA0iPr7ACPazx-u4GNxyMfNwyfS-X8kiySuL5ErPA-02DrRE5OiLkNOKfJV8McJ2pZXXgVkU9CtaVfb4U18q8cjUJ2adqmI9btk3QASlUNBFuzUFSNzCEj_fg-dwMmroLPm2hQYjfgrFyNBl1AqVb0Dt-iQHKz1t8OEp93q3UaIOf4/s320/P1090218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen and Katie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPyqPohzD1r_TgYHB6ZemcEVp5WRcQZ5qSogOQYiNQ__Oxe2o0sVbs5VcCSrSeNXJ_0ekmnMmjLuswrEWZx5d6AesqTB4Qpr6tkgP-tfcaOGeml_HYgWI5NCS-vGufF2E7hkpX_YvSx65Tkg0IpmWHdAbEk3OdiP9JMRAEIRZEfur3vYdRXTqHxQuVuc/s4592/P1090214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPyqPohzD1r_TgYHB6ZemcEVp5WRcQZ5qSogOQYiNQ__Oxe2o0sVbs5VcCSrSeNXJ_0ekmnMmjLuswrEWZx5d6AesqTB4Qpr6tkgP-tfcaOGeml_HYgWI5NCS-vGufF2E7hkpX_YvSx65Tkg0IpmWHdAbEk3OdiP9JMRAEIRZEfur3vYdRXTqHxQuVuc/s320/P1090214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wunder-Pope Family</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZwsBpXnq7ScQTx9TLocBQtI11e5P4w3-aJhGPWwz9AydLBtdxVsSOYrjvAw97YI5_vxWJ0j1TgAbOMaD_FOda0doyI1OBr-j0TA1QZnRHMDhwB9Ai6G-nQ3Q_sNMgobMhiW0BHqWihbsyt61hfPkBgutKMneigamkscAch1y2PDysHYJGi5PWzua7QA/s4592/P1090209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZwsBpXnq7ScQTx9TLocBQtI11e5P4w3-aJhGPWwz9AydLBtdxVsSOYrjvAw97YI5_vxWJ0j1TgAbOMaD_FOda0doyI1OBr-j0TA1QZnRHMDhwB9Ai6G-nQ3Q_sNMgobMhiW0BHqWihbsyt61hfPkBgutKMneigamkscAch1y2PDysHYJGi5PWzua7QA/s320/P1090209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiFvly0wt5xao4A2p6gXUP13rEArwbujleGIM4BzosTgWSwxRJEX5J6552QbRKDPVUsrfyOGeQNIMizZ-SSB2P8xKXxoLPWV9CY_499xg0qOciuqrE1FfQk5i2Qti_05pGC_B-MH7XXjKf3PRnVbmbqVMCP0LOs4CyYxF-BOkZ9XUXD2WsTE4ci_SmfU/s4592/P1090208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiFvly0wt5xao4A2p6gXUP13rEArwbujleGIM4BzosTgWSwxRJEX5J6552QbRKDPVUsrfyOGeQNIMizZ-SSB2P8xKXxoLPWV9CY_499xg0qOciuqrE1FfQk5i2Qti_05pGC_B-MH7XXjKf3PRnVbmbqVMCP0LOs4CyYxF-BOkZ9XUXD2WsTE4ci_SmfU/s320/P1090208.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princesses of Dorway<br />(Inside joke)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_7qTxKbE8NwcNn_JJK86c_2ozUDBP5yqaCQQ7wGl_1FbqOG0YDXv3optsPtmHXvaj1J3thG75qRi2qxipWSMZ0CV2qP_6v7BS4FpkHe3Q7UlZfGEYaDSWMrnk8W5AGH79VT_rgutvvAYJwYXj0o5wPqfidCTioCRzGzhmqJByWc8RKxp6UClDlbep0c/s4032/IMG_1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_7qTxKbE8NwcNn_JJK86c_2ozUDBP5yqaCQQ7wGl_1FbqOG0YDXv3optsPtmHXvaj1J3thG75qRi2qxipWSMZ0CV2qP_6v7BS4FpkHe3Q7UlZfGEYaDSWMrnk8W5AGH79VT_rgutvvAYJwYXj0o5wPqfidCTioCRzGzhmqJByWc8RKxp6UClDlbep0c/s320/IMG_1618.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YZuBLi2GxawPyr2q89GcSxHqnjFMnfN9pRDasLjE6k4iUar2iTlRPdr6J8UoFBPuP_6Ir9blA1U_76F14oBbWrV5x3dyfSpWnKV_HCYrNJCsL_HmFlkD41xqVsRRX5g_jCkUtYQUyy9AbaiYhEqSuSkHNVf7qCff2EvtUk8M2RB1vPag9gaHQMrsQRI/s4032/IMG_1622%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YZuBLi2GxawPyr2q89GcSxHqnjFMnfN9pRDasLjE6k4iUar2iTlRPdr6J8UoFBPuP_6Ir9blA1U_76F14oBbWrV5x3dyfSpWnKV_HCYrNJCsL_HmFlkD41xqVsRRX5g_jCkUtYQUyy9AbaiYhEqSuSkHNVf7qCff2EvtUk8M2RB1vPag9gaHQMrsQRI/s320/IMG_1622%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWshXB9ha5bg78UyV6cnMgWg6cDcTgjoVtx0D-NVRuTQpDCSUng_agHhg8t-2zc1e3gj3JUuMNHtYbpqws3z3mWNUEVFbiJYXKTo1AEVeS68RMMqkLHIRY3AMcngX5hOmb8Roeg4qqfNe7xB2Ln-mcd5JdEaSRhJn801_UuBVwQz2QXR8eo6kGbdv7No/s4592/P1090198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWshXB9ha5bg78UyV6cnMgWg6cDcTgjoVtx0D-NVRuTQpDCSUng_agHhg8t-2zc1e3gj3JUuMNHtYbpqws3z3mWNUEVFbiJYXKTo1AEVeS68RMMqkLHIRY3AMcngX5hOmb8Roeg4qqfNe7xB2Ln-mcd5JdEaSRhJn801_UuBVwQz2QXR8eo6kGbdv7No/s320/P1090198.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manny</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">On his actual birthday, Don and I went out to dinner at True Food by King of Prussia Mall. Unfortunately, the mall closed at 8 pm and we didn't have a chance to go in any stores, though we did walk around the mall.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy Birthday, Don! <br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p></div>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-68100082950235199642024-01-06T17:40:00.001-05:002024-01-06T17:40:51.135-05:00First Funeral of 2024<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I left last night's viewing absolutely drained. A day later I still want to hide under my covers, the same way Glinda Dragon is hiding in her cave -- perhaps poke my head out every now and again, but for the most part, stay hidden until I deem it safe to come out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.hillsboroughfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Edward-M-Hayden-Jr?obId=30218506">Dearly departed Ed</a> was someone I knew in passing from high school, and someone Don recently met through theater. He played Ernie the Cab Driver in Somerset Valley Players "It's a Wonderful Life." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Last week Debbi called me to tell me she was shaken by his death. Ed shared an apartment with her during her senior year of college. I told Don. Between the two of us we sort of came up with a face to go with the three decades old memory.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The next day, visibly shaken, Don walked up to me and told me that Ed had died. I told him, I was the one who told him. Its just that, at the time we did not make the connection that Debbi's Ed and Don's Ed were the same person. In hindsight, I don't know how we missed it. Ed still had his trademark moustache three decades later.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I saw Ed a month ago on stage. We passed by each other afterwards at the Opening Night party. We didn't recognize each other. We didn't acknowledge each other. We were strangers to each other.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That's why I was surprised by how much his death gutted me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ed was a little older than I am. A year younger than Don.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ed left behind a wife and a college-aged daughter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">He was healthy at the end of the show's run on December 17th. Had a bad cold a week later. And died before New Year's Eve.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The funeral parlor room was packed with theater friends, plus Debbi and her college friends. Felt like parts of my life colliding.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A sharp lesson in mortality.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As always, writing about it helps me feel a little better.</span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-83073067575889928802023-12-29T15:30:00.001-05:002024-01-04T12:45:50.079-05:00Colonial Ball Through the Years<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Nearly each day during the week between Christmas and New Year's Facebook's memory of the day was of the three of us attending the Colonial Ball during Patriot's Week in Trenton. I was actually surprised by how long this has been a tradition for our family.</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Patriot's Week started about a decade ago now. That hardly seems possible. I think it took until the second year of the ball for me to bring it up to Don. He surprised me by enthusiastically saying he wanted to go. At that point none of us had Colonial attire, but he wore a tux he bought in 2000 when we had several events in a year where black tie was encouraged. </span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The ball is designed as a chance for the reenactors gathering to wear their finery and hang out with each other. The public is invited for a nominal fee (this year it was $17.76 in advance, or $20 at the door). In exchange we were fed sandwiches and salads, and were given dance lessons so we had a shot of understanding what we are doing. The same caller also leads barn dances at Howell Living History farm. The steps are often similar. The barn dances, held three times a year, ask for $3 donation and are extremely kid-friendly.</span><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SzrEOGWWlqLpy5OqScajmJB2I8v9q2dh6Nkm-GIamkEcPOoNqM6iz9jLc8pY4UTSmyx1XAqT6zGJj4YIgqvp_pmouS0PUNXjqA_Dph-_r6nqACkHmPjTMcpojBp1-kKYlucbHc_EFPs/s1600/12-26-08+199.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SzrEOGWWlqLpy5OqScajmJB2I8v9q2dh6Nkm-GIamkEcPOoNqM6iz9jLc8pY4UTSmyx1XAqT6zGJj4YIgqvp_pmouS0PUNXjqA_Dph-_r6nqACkHmPjTMcpojBp1-kKYlucbHc_EFPs/s320/12-26-08+199.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In <b>2008</b> I wore a black dress and pearls. Ashley dressed up, too, as did Elizabeth, her American Girl Doll. Look how tiny Ashley is! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In <b>2009</b>,</span> <span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">a year later two of us dressed in Colonial attire. Carin surprised us by making Ashley her own colonial gown, and a matching one for her American Girl Doll, Elizabeth. Don dusted off his tux. I cannot find the picture from <b>2010 </b>or <a href="http://pillspress.blogspot.com/2012/01/colonial-ball.html"><b>2011</b>, but I did blog about </a>the 2011 ball.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ov2MldZTsoTHZ7JZCzHZJXrS3Xxh9o_lVpWWeamhk8Azvoys4RjSos-CW4N9vhxLT-Iq6Ib4uJqtxtYd1Vs3TTW7LL8mSv0Ybf6B8zeX3wW0UvaYloUb-9113tRmuewK_IzNMqFdS5A/s1600/P1020093.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ov2MldZTsoTHZ7JZCzHZJXrS3Xxh9o_lVpWWeamhk8Azvoys4RjSos-CW4N9vhxLT-Iq6Ib4uJqtxtYd1Vs3TTW7LL8mSv0Ybf6B8zeX3wW0UvaYloUb-9113tRmuewK_IzNMqFdS5A/s320/P1020093.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In <b>2012</b> we decided to go modern again.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwfbml_SSOPOs_LJ7XwKAHojpZ_lXFBum7J-sCGIGBS7tBGvcS5wHg2TU8S33lRl-U6gP3l0HD1URRd2ybUjCiV0F6HqAuhVW5kiPaW-ymIADUy_CiPeJXnx0P1z9LEZLOe4zHBHUl5o/s1600/P1090017.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwfbml_SSOPOs_LJ7XwKAHojpZ_lXFBum7J-sCGIGBS7tBGvcS5wHg2TU8S33lRl-U6gP3l0HD1URRd2ybUjCiV0F6HqAuhVW5kiPaW-ymIADUy_CiPeJXnx0P1z9LEZLOe4zHBHUl5o/s320/P1090017.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><a href="http://pillspress.blogspot.com/2012/01/colonial-ball.html">In <b>2013</b></a><b> </b>we wizened up and brought Maia for Ashley so they could dance together. This is around the time Cousin Hayden started to join us, too. My parents have been attending the ball since 2009. For each dance you need a partner. Everyone is friendly, and it is very easy to find a dance partner (especially if you are willing to learn the man's part), but both of us prefer dancing with Don. Fortunately he prefers dancing most of the dances. Note, Ashley is wearing the same dress she wore in 2009 (which she received the day after the ball in 2008), but with a skirt under it to lengthen the dress.</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Patti and Neil also often join us at these dances. Patti loves dressing up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In <b>2014 </b></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">the ball was held at the Marriott hotel instead of at the Masonic Temple. It didn't feel the same. Again, Maia, my parents, and Hayden joined us. I also visited with Doreen, a classmate from high school, and saw other people interested in Trenton's history. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1QTVops38-AbiFNAKy8be-9p_ejQmZ7llHqhdj2A-vnAjzVs5ijwsti8iI5i-F9T-NOVRq4fxzU0Yupj22bBJEgOkzE_m9eLlIuyKWCMZvHTa4dK2OkgcNVtfK2Tg9wxpY-tjFeHGeM/s1600/P1280024.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1QTVops38-AbiFNAKy8be-9p_ejQmZ7llHqhdj2A-vnAjzVs5ijwsti8iI5i-F9T-NOVRq4fxzU0Yupj22bBJEgOkzE_m9eLlIuyKWCMZvHTa4dK2OkgcNVtfK2Tg9wxpY-tjFeHGeM/s320/P1280024.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">In <b>2015 </b>the ball returned to the Masonic Temple. For the first time my sister Melissa and her daughter, Aimee, joined us. This is the first year we have to place ourselves so Ashley is not blocking our faces. This was also the first year Ashley wore heels to the event.</span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In <b>2017 </b>we did not purchase our ball tickets in time. In previous years we showed up at the door and paid $20 each (could have paid $17.76 plus fees had we purchased them in advance) and partied. That year they instituted a cap. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKNaJy2LDa-DxP4s0rhtgim7Po9pfUL1NW3s-5K3ujs1PnDyafJK1d3OFqOJsiXEtv3XQW2GKNoOEqtv8DI9GICmOfJPhbbpSrYCkOJtCKHLC3SA4r3uukYevldsYwCN49Y_cPXz13Zc/s1600/P1460425.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKNaJy2LDa-DxP4s0rhtgim7Po9pfUL1NW3s-5K3ujs1PnDyafJK1d3OFqOJsiXEtv3XQW2GKNoOEqtv8DI9GICmOfJPhbbpSrYCkOJtCKHLC3SA4r3uukYevldsYwCN49Y_cPXz13Zc/s320/P1460425.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVLNnS4osL_dj_JyDX90oCa-cET45AhAWsI2tkmlzoZq24zMyUDCJxNjJMN1TnEmV04QJFaTKNTYfNDi6hAFEsQki2vNM66W7Z_AM9vgBEpyhd-DNGFISbeQy3BZk-BNc17IuVbCCKXE/s1600/P1460436.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVLNnS4osL_dj_JyDX90oCa-cET45AhAWsI2tkmlzoZq24zMyUDCJxNjJMN1TnEmV04QJFaTKNTYfNDi6hAFEsQki2vNM66W7Z_AM9vgBEpyhd-DNGFISbeQy3BZk-BNc17IuVbCCKXE/s320/P1460436.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In <b>2018 </b>I made sure to purchase our tickets the day they went on sale. Good thing as it did sell out. The ticket price was raised to $25 each. Still a bargain for a night of dancing and light food while wearing period attire. Patti, Neil, my parents, Melissa, Hayden, and Aimee skipped it this year. It was odd just going as the four of us (three of us, plus Ashley's friend, Maia). The biggest challenge was keeping the camera safe and still dancing. Heidi (Maia's mom) has a friend (Jean) who loaned the girls their period attire. Heidi used her seamstress skills to adjust them to their tiny frames. They felt wearing the Colonial dresses would make their evening more fun. As they danced every dance (we sat out one to take pictures), alternating the man and the woman's sides, they looked like they were having fun. I brought my Colonial gown out of retirement for the event. It felt a little big on me. I remember the sleeves and bodice feeling tighter. The waist is a drawstring, and I had to bring that in further, too. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The best part was we remembered many of the steps. Maybe this will be the year we go more often than the ball (there are monthly gatherings in Princeton of English Country Dancers).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFj5V8hf2D4ibRGgDvLh5lnWjPPQFdeFtG0MjNO4prpqvAXFnCxKJ0ywrSHPcOjqyYFIks5zGFMa6vhbfZ5bAgs_ZVSzdRLnTH-T5zrJCRZzTaFaDBsyvNGT0rdFaURY5yrE6TR2mUV8/s1600/P1000631.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFj5V8hf2D4ibRGgDvLh5lnWjPPQFdeFtG0MjNO4prpqvAXFnCxKJ0ywrSHPcOjqyYFIks5zGFMa6vhbfZ5bAgs_ZVSzdRLnTH-T5zrJCRZzTaFaDBsyvNGT0rdFaURY5yrE6TR2mUV8/s320/P1000631.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My drawstring waist kept slipping</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqqUPMZVR4VncIsO_HbItHmJiGJe3ak-A6hOfLe522LzBG8_2YlpiWCx5_lkoqklfTEssmojg-id3HDiJ7XqoXd-xyU4h5EqfGQrWscLQkTEwFIqrVHVqjZCBkg5sV3yjr4B3T-MlKR8/s1600/P1000620.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqqUPMZVR4VncIsO_HbItHmJiGJe3ak-A6hOfLe522LzBG8_2YlpiWCx5_lkoqklfTEssmojg-id3HDiJ7XqoXd-xyU4h5EqfGQrWscLQkTEwFIqrVHVqjZCBkg5sV3yjr4B3T-MlKR8/s320/P1000620.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In <b>2019 </b>we bought our tickets ($25 each) the day they went on sale. They sold out the morning of the ball. Maia came with us again, which is always a treat. Maia and Ashley danced every dance. Don and I had to take a couple of breathers. Our caller, Sue Dupre, threw in a new-to-us dance that required three dancers. Poor Maia was left out, but she made some other friends for the dance. We didn't recognize as many people, but that was okay. We had a lot of fun and danced the night away. One note: they </span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">pushed the tables to the outer edges and opened the library to give us more space to dance. The band only took a brief 10-minute break, barely long enough for us to take pictures.</span><br />
<br /><b>2020</b></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't know how long this link will be available, but in 2020 Sue Dupre gave a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldbarracksmuseum/videos/708921633088689">lovely talk</a> in Patriot's Week (Day) about Colonial Balls. It was a sad substitute for the ball. Hoping the ball can return in 2021.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2023</b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK-qnhI7Qc0FCxuHCytx4GOU22xrDXQ6yAeGpOhFuR4heerAo9rxBBdl-yK6rYSAUK87qtvOPFPZ5qGUCyNQtnu_Q1XI1Zf0H2XsK_3bhiYdN2FhYsH9Vjc8AQaK3mU4Xu_u9RfFCKgfFMgRP3-hKBuDQLd42-i-kA8EzW_3mREJj4ARG_th7yhnUXWU/s4032/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK-qnhI7Qc0FCxuHCytx4GOU22xrDXQ6yAeGpOhFuR4heerAo9rxBBdl-yK6rYSAUK87qtvOPFPZ5qGUCyNQtnu_Q1XI1Zf0H2XsK_3bhiYdN2FhYsH9Vjc8AQaK3mU4Xu_u9RfFCKgfFMgRP3-hKBuDQLd42-i-kA8EzW_3mREJj4ARG_th7yhnUXWU/s320/IMG_1503.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">After four long years, Patriot's Week decided it was safe enough to bring back the ball. I did see one person wearing a mask, but for the most part it was just like it was in 2019. Locally, there is an uptick in cases, but that wasn't the case when the decision was made. Don and I bought our tickets (now $40 each) as soon as Sue Dupre announced the ball was happening. My parents meant to, but they didn't until a couple of days in advance. Fortunately it had not yet sold out. Dad is having troubles walked, so he opted out of dancing. My foot has been bothering me, so I encouraged Don to invite my mom to dance a few with him while I sat with Dad. Maia is since married and living out West. Ashley and Anna were not interested in going.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1CoBu_X3rnxzJ-9MBGrQBoirwF-eRz8QUY5kcHoa6wUUJ_tUKY7_cmZTI5TAj3ejDpkjlkYkaKsrRm5rE7mVPugy_Bv23_Jo2EQnefNQjEo4PvTVb5eUjJIpK_mycQLt0lPoCj3BqO6XQOajBnK2M3_UlOJeEbgkKaPb9DKra2a35sR2Yl9WMH9v82E/s4032/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1CoBu_X3rnxzJ-9MBGrQBoirwF-eRz8QUY5kcHoa6wUUJ_tUKY7_cmZTI5TAj3ejDpkjlkYkaKsrRm5rE7mVPugy_Bv23_Jo2EQnefNQjEo4PvTVb5eUjJIpK_mycQLt0lPoCj3BqO6XQOajBnK2M3_UlOJeEbgkKaPb9DKra2a35sR2Yl9WMH9v82E/s320/IMG_1506.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of note, while Colonial Attire was not required, the vast majority of attendees wore period attire, though not necessarily from the Colonial era. I did see one woman wearing the same Colonial dress that I own, making me glad I did not wear it this year. I know there should be no shame in wearing the same outfit, but my inner high schooler would have been mortified! This way, she didn't know.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mom was happy to dance, and Dad promised to work on PT so he could join her on the dance floor next year. The staff directed him to an exit that did not involve as many stairs, making him a happy camper at the end of the night.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xb8cY4auiJAPjYi_KWV7F-VBkoZwGDHN-yQg2iJxROfUJcJQjaK5yDqYmVO6eb3Ac9T7-wQhLAz6snhBBN_BnzrSxfkc1y0EwQHzHCZFugMKvXFsyN0xGj7b3Wtwx8WTrqGNE5RobIqGCZM4xjg7Yezd9XvVmzBUqfc12fIVB7nA968X0j-nmWLlVpY/s4032/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xb8cY4auiJAPjYi_KWV7F-VBkoZwGDHN-yQg2iJxROfUJcJQjaK5yDqYmVO6eb3Ac9T7-wQhLAz6snhBBN_BnzrSxfkc1y0EwQHzHCZFugMKvXFsyN0xGj7b3Wtwx8WTrqGNE5RobIqGCZM4xjg7Yezd9XvVmzBUqfc12fIVB7nA968X0j-nmWLlVpY/s320/IMG_1525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-15472441129874171332023-12-28T17:52:00.002-05:002023-12-28T17:52:53.901-05:00Reflections on 2023 Resolutions<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is that time of year again when I think about the direction I want my life to take in the New Year. Resolutions might be too strong a term. I started the tradition in 2014. Twelve months later I see think about the things that happened that I could not have imagined when I wrote the list, and reflect on how I want to change the course.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2023/01/2023-resolutions.html">Last year</a> I made the usual goal of travelling more. I knew we planned to go to Italy to see Ashley, but I never would have dreamed that my life would take me to New Zealand and Australia -- fulfilling a dream I first had in 1987 when I wanted to be an exchange student in Australia, and the Rotary Club sent me to Belgium instead.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The second resolution did not happen as I had thought it would. I wanted to bring back the WiNK service, instead we joined the church and both became more active with the 10 am service.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The third was about leaving my job, which I did, but it took until the end of August before I finally left. I still don't know my next step professionally, because in the meantime Don lost his job and my energy went into helping him figure out his next step.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then there was health. A year later I still don't consistently have the energy level I want, but I'm on a new path: treating my thyroid. Dr. Adi assured me I'd start to feel like my old self two weeks into taking the new medicine. It has been fifteen days and I'm waiting. Last night I had a huge surge of energy at 10 pm. Today I napped at 3 pm. It is not there yet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Exercise. Low energy does not help motivate me to exercise. I did some roller skating, but not enough. Hopefully this year I'll take a class to learn some techniques.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Still pondering my new resolutions.</span></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-16740123734986188302023-12-26T18:09:00.022-05:002024-02-12T18:25:32.922-05:00Happy 80th, Day<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dad's 80th <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2023/11/happy-early-80th-dad.html">birthday celebration</a> continued with dinner at our house on December 26th, his actual birthday.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a December baby, Papa John will tell you his birthday is often overlooked. The photo boards of birthday celebrations over the years tells a different story. He was happy to be surrounded by his sister Barbara and her family, and mom, and his three daughters and their families. It was a great time to celebrate.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNNxDfyX63xfDLnMKrHOQpEqnydfrnKuSuWB-K0_gT6Z_bqd44LWqJshbY_Ae2K9mYEnk5B7TiNf2ZnbXZ0ge5E5rVTas7Oj1f0S90Oigx3aSjKyv6jxSfE0bOf1ArctBL-E0FzyAygnJkbLiDr_jaJBO1G8zCpuEfNZdOUBhkOCJxdmQvmp2VsmtiLQ/s4032/IMG_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNNxDfyX63xfDLnMKrHOQpEqnydfrnKuSuWB-K0_gT6Z_bqd44LWqJshbY_Ae2K9mYEnk5B7TiNf2ZnbXZ0ge5E5rVTas7Oj1f0S90Oigx3aSjKyv6jxSfE0bOf1ArctBL-E0FzyAygnJkbLiDr_jaJBO1G8zCpuEfNZdOUBhkOCJxdmQvmp2VsmtiLQ/s320/IMG_1458.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJnodCi2o241lhOtM19FmZpJ7IfEikXJHU8vw1LnR1ZXpfP59w7WhEomywQQG7lJQvxETGusE8q2wp65kWxC72pZB3ccsCBLNPp5yEbfNc9_ganp9VMZ9yjtr8v9APbF9WaDsWrokc3UPwl2fM_8orwUjEaQLZJrTlLV0YCq99R3TWzedfRDGCXXRnHM/s4032/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvPreI5vl7rzQVOsScJXX3iK5FXf6v2SOtqeYSeuiaUk6ULH27kAa0Bf41QkTH04A1pYns4bqCFAIh_H3YMVsYFnRYykPgZPBmdbZq0r9K8u-yKi-YTcQNXFveKEgybNA2RY9adXJrB9iGuCHjWEc7WUVGRE-OROgfBdfZSC7JlswDCaO72PQ9pAUTWs/s4032/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvPreI5vl7rzQVOsScJXX3iK5FXf6v2SOtqeYSeuiaUk6ULH27kAa0Bf41QkTH04A1pYns4bqCFAIh_H3YMVsYFnRYykPgZPBmdbZq0r9K8u-yKi-YTcQNXFveKEgybNA2RY9adXJrB9iGuCHjWEc7WUVGRE-OROgfBdfZSC7JlswDCaO72PQ9pAUTWs/s320/IMG_1484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus visit by NCB -- New "Cousin" Barbara<br />who came down from Massachusetts</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5SEFcwyrukTg-A_QFFBO9o7BMoOIIrsalmWOO7A_ZuA6NPKV-23zaCr5n-Ut1o_L1QDGSFeGB6eoet-a2l2SPR5M7y0V01e4bvpMTc7k7SviyrrrP1iFavYh6H9Zm1EbCGx1Y7WifWK_5csMZ3GghYwwXw9fUghXeGMQQgXUh4VItqF3ooodJ1xbRUQ/s4592/P1090113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5SEFcwyrukTg-A_QFFBO9o7BMoOIIrsalmWOO7A_ZuA6NPKV-23zaCr5n-Ut1o_L1QDGSFeGB6eoet-a2l2SPR5M7y0V01e4bvpMTc7k7SviyrrrP1iFavYh6H9Zm1EbCGx1Y7WifWK_5csMZ3GghYwwXw9fUghXeGMQQgXUh4VItqF3ooodJ1xbRUQ/s320/P1090113.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-80258447303551166912023-12-21T19:30:00.000-05:002024-01-04T12:22:14.139-05:00How to Dance in Ohio: the musical<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lsGezh3rpu-66I9mbDMI7wSeZdq_4BUEXoea_3Qg4t9T66CH2BzvXmCPdlbLOb9nFYuNd7GAWsrtrhyphenhyphenoRSzC34CQ21OSHJa5fRwNlbNPdOYY6OAn_P2HeW1nwIdZZiVb787Zjnj1eKgVm6-iXKFkD-JiOgHNYoWZfCiRkq1dNzp3XboCS9XHfopxwRg/s4032/IMG_4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lsGezh3rpu-66I9mbDMI7wSeZdq_4BUEXoea_3Qg4t9T66CH2BzvXmCPdlbLOb9nFYuNd7GAWsrtrhyphenhyphenoRSzC34CQ21OSHJa5fRwNlbNPdOYY6OAn_P2HeW1nwIdZZiVb787Zjnj1eKgVm6-iXKFkD-JiOgHNYoWZfCiRkq1dNzp3XboCS9XHfopxwRg/s320/IMG_4214.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just when it feels as if there are no new stories to be told, along comes a musical that is both fresh and inspirational. <a href="https://howtodanceinohiomusical.com/">How to Dance in Ohio</a> is about seven autistic characters portrayed by seven autistic actors. The show starts with the house lights still lit, and the seven of them coming on stage to, well, set the stage. To tell us what is going to happen, because "isn't it nice to know what to expect." They tell us about the Cool Down Zones in the Mezzanine and downstairs where people can go if they need a break from the show. They also announce "there is no audience participation, so introverts are safe," a line I suspect most introverts applaud each night.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">"There is a saying," one actor states, "if you have met one autistic person, you have met ONE autistic person. You have now met seven autistic people."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The situations they are going through are relatable to anyone who has been an American adolescent...dating, work problems, taking the SATs, getting a drivers license, having your first car accident, navigating mass transit, and more. In two hours and 20 minutes, the pack not only the stories of the seven youths, but the psychologist leading their group, his daughter, and several parents. If I had to criticize anything it is that too much is packed into the play. There are at least a dozen storylines to keep track of. It helps that there are very few costume changes, so people pretty much look the same throughout the show.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The musical is based on a 2015 HBO documentary by the same name. As they say in the introduction, "it has been embellished for dramatic purposes, because you have to spice things up in Ohio." I loved whenever someone said O-H, the required response of I-O was quickly heard.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS36o6pHur2K0Hc9OmzR5Hn8V3zGrrCwP7ukuGf_NBW4xsdn5Zl2ti9y3uugiQRKukjcasNNi95bokZOkkV8vGyfwlDnKt1e-Cttm-VmIk1m-28J7-Gz_ktydddTG48hCwgJV-R1mN0Xg7GaA7iYbBSj0mqRsY-byArKgvjuMu79-C0pkXv4yf4KOA7Cc/s2638/IMG_1390a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="2638" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS36o6pHur2K0Hc9OmzR5Hn8V3zGrrCwP7ukuGf_NBW4xsdn5Zl2ti9y3uugiQRKukjcasNNi95bokZOkkV8vGyfwlDnKt1e-Cttm-VmIk1m-28J7-Gz_ktydddTG48hCwgJV-R1mN0Xg7GaA7iYbBSj0mqRsY-byArKgvjuMu79-C0pkXv4yf4KOA7Cc/s320/IMG_1390a.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was first attracted to the show because Chuck, a high school friend, said he was one of the co-producers. I like to support my friends.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I continue to tell people about the show and encourage them to see it because it is that good. Each year I see between six and ten show on Broadway. This is the one I have recommended the most.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The actors made you want to root for them. There is a little bit of discomfort (such as when a blogger shares a bunch of negative stereotypes about autistic people, and the students refuse to go to the dance), but you know it will all work.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw38PXMC4aNiv8gUJL4xiuunN6dhUmdfbSRzT0pKhmUMkwWXLlo9gv_nq54bLYmdunUpxG6IIBKiL2dvRQTi2XAmJvs-pj6JnjTR8CTqqB-yZ-XwnXTpmu3zqUxWRqOU0qKahEQyk6ZjEDWfZ0gWnbl926L_NsMLPMMskRy7FXvSDbfcPGAVkxqKO6ZhA/s4592/P1080875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw38PXMC4aNiv8gUJL4xiuunN6dhUmdfbSRzT0pKhmUMkwWXLlo9gv_nq54bLYmdunUpxG6IIBKiL2dvRQTi2XAmJvs-pj6JnjTR8CTqqB-yZ-XwnXTpmu3zqUxWRqOU0qKahEQyk6ZjEDWfZ0gWnbl926L_NsMLPMMskRy7FXvSDbfcPGAVkxqKO6ZhA/s320/P1080875.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Cool Down Zone was refreshing. The night we went someone was using it because they needed it, versus the other nights when people like us went to check it out (at least according to the usher stationed to that area). There is a screen so you could still see what was happening on stage, but you were just enough away that it was quieter. I was impressed there was space to set it up considering Broadway theaters are notorious for using every square inch of space.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UHQ91ctKfBz3pCLd8OW9ldih9ocQqsTf_LJeVBYRAnyC1k4HFCmlPwbaY4M5taMk_KjrkkJ0HVfufwfxnH_vWS2QPFi5hU6uRly1xG4_HZc0wzexE1UvOdCov7cMJ34D2bLUSIpuX1hBz2d7VxtLFh1w5Mj_c4CHMmzVQbMWkuAOfop0gP9ImWEdBfY/s4032/IMG_1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UHQ91ctKfBz3pCLd8OW9ldih9ocQqsTf_LJeVBYRAnyC1k4HFCmlPwbaY4M5taMk_KjrkkJ0HVfufwfxnH_vWS2QPFi5hU6uRly1xG4_HZc0wzexE1UvOdCov7cMJ34D2bLUSIpuX1hBz2d7VxtLFh1w5Mj_c4CHMmzVQbMWkuAOfop0gP9ImWEdBfY/s320/IMG_1394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My other takeaway was watching <a href="https://www.jeanchristianbarry.com/about">Jean Christian Barry</a>, understudying in the role of Remy. I suspected it was his Broadway debut and that the theater was packed with his friends and family because every time he had a scene a section of the audience erupted in applause. After the curtain calls, on stage in the dark they cast leapt on them giving them the biggest, most joyful group hug I've ever witnessed. It was a night they will never form. I confirmed later it was indeed his debut. We should all be surrounded with such love.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET8CpX4Sw2cO8m-7DzB9vku_DxRqTsTD_L4rCBdZ5HALVyPGbSxhn2_jhRubqlBkJtbJnuY2bI7AMqua7Toud39_tahf_Tz3qBuwwWhzVUUANX8JXzFWJkXA8QhwTzzN2YWSE86Sra1ZTC6r_7oM_RIIKxbMLwkRDFW8g8H_Oj06IDdPXhflHibK5LQg/s4032/IMG_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET8CpX4Sw2cO8m-7DzB9vku_DxRqTsTD_L4rCBdZ5HALVyPGbSxhn2_jhRubqlBkJtbJnuY2bI7AMqua7Toud39_tahf_Tz3qBuwwWhzVUUANX8JXzFWJkXA8QhwTzzN2YWSE86Sra1ZTC6r_7oM_RIIKxbMLwkRDFW8g8H_Oj06IDdPXhflHibK5LQg/s320/IMG_1393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are a lot of deals happening, including buy 3, get one free, and day of seats being sold for $50 at the box office. They are trying to be accessible to most. Tickets are on sale through June.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzqBj85ZauwBhcUG2FDkHMwjUBJtfFy4mec20o3qbtZcGeXKRaEsUllRFnNtE4oM2JoFU2S2-nB856UfdKxmHky4MBabmPXbtlYoNdE4dQdF4Gdd2Iwnv2w09gDNA4rNSgNrIAHrXw_Uj-DYKJgGEpzMDfAg5l5hV8basvc5AWBoahtLi9XbYSxuXpHk/s4032/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzqBj85ZauwBhcUG2FDkHMwjUBJtfFy4mec20o3qbtZcGeXKRaEsUllRFnNtE4oM2JoFU2S2-nB856UfdKxmHky4MBabmPXbtlYoNdE4dQdF4Gdd2Iwnv2w09gDNA4rNSgNrIAHrXw_Uj-DYKJgGEpzMDfAg5l5hV8basvc5AWBoahtLi9XbYSxuXpHk/s320/IMG_1427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-85040222947487490762023-12-21T16:23:00.003-05:002024-01-04T12:23:08.894-05:00Christmastime in the City (NYC)<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There isn't anyplace more magical at the holidays than New York City. Living two hours away from New York, it is a tradition to visit to see The Tree, The Windows, and The Crowds. In <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2021/01/city-sidewalks-not-busy-sidewalks.html">2020</a> we saw two out of three.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unable to coordinate with Ashley, Don and I got tickets to see <a href="https://howtodanceinohiomusical.com/">"How to Dance in Ohio"</a> -- a new musical based on the documentary about seven autistic young adults navigating life, starring seven autistic performers. The show had the added draw that one my friends from high school is one of the co-producers, and I like to support my friends at all levels, even if we haven't been in touch much.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The show deserves <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2023/12/just-when-it-feels-as-if-there-are-no.html">a separate post</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Due to a doctor's appointment, we did not get as early of a start as hoped. We decided to drive to Secaucus and take the train into New York -- a method my sister Melissa and her husband Chris swear by, but the one time we tried it they were working on the lines and it was pure torture. By arriving after 5, parking was only $14, and the train tickets were $8.50 each, making it cheaper and easier than taking the train from Princeton Junction, even factoring in the tolls for taking the NJ Turnpike and the extra gas.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm6hyphenhyphenYRtxyv4mCj3_zfZxEYKzDWGam7cvQFwzt50lkde1eBzxB_u4vZ01AfMNSDT9syUjOM1hS18YiRivauiHRdNE01r3Rfljy7FaPfyFMajEKBP-2txtiDIb14rsSL3rxSUW8vRyMkfAY4ktpcjv2eZOz9rSIanr5N8KqkNUoHZfqWgMPcmNMCqnwls/s4032/IMG_1388.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm6hyphenhyphenYRtxyv4mCj3_zfZxEYKzDWGam7cvQFwzt50lkde1eBzxB_u4vZ01AfMNSDT9syUjOM1hS18YiRivauiHRdNE01r3Rfljy7FaPfyFMajEKBP-2txtiDIb14rsSL3rxSUW8vRyMkfAY4ktpcjv2eZOz9rSIanr5N8KqkNUoHZfqWgMPcmNMCqnwls/s320/IMG_1388.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPicVU_es9hKjTGxqdYBZSLHMSEIlgKCqTZeOqJ3gQuGq-peXVxaMFRxphYHbL88t8IhrEENp3N_CLobQLfkhIJ6IdtWjFo4dZXCa6aI8yowUlzU5pYnNsrxNDLaABzAuAWydKwgfljXHzjmwrA1VM4ZJTLd0sJfZRPvsQRLZkCpHLe9PgY3Oq9zsjBIc/s4032/IMG_1389.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPicVU_es9hKjTGxqdYBZSLHMSEIlgKCqTZeOqJ3gQuGq-peXVxaMFRxphYHbL88t8IhrEENp3N_CLobQLfkhIJ6IdtWjFo4dZXCa6aI8yowUlzU5pYnNsrxNDLaABzAuAWydKwgfljXHzjmwrA1VM4ZJTLd0sJfZRPvsQRLZkCpHLe9PgY3Oq9zsjBIc/s320/IMG_1389.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We made it to New York with barely enough time to shop at the <a href="https://www.broadwayupclose.com/giftshop">Broadway Up Close kiosk</a> in Times Square and buy a gift for Ashley. As a bonus, we saw the owner, Tim, and his mother, who was visiting from Michigan. As Tim said, "timing is everything." Five minutes earlier he wasn't at the shop. Five minutes later and he would have been closed until 2024.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DLEJ63_vZDFjlmKJSlWwKH3y2SCqhDAG7kBCZf-t_Ibuqr_GlAcy7QZP5hYEKi8fXPt7CBvpJPcdkgv_wq5iEo7eJB9Lp1TShbRngj0WSEymXrMYTKsoL-iZaCPya5Kw2L-YumlajFifwtrODhGLfXehPFjwpIVUGyFgGmtkxgzaycIMAnb0TiOUxKM/s3088/IMG_4196.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DLEJ63_vZDFjlmKJSlWwKH3y2SCqhDAG7kBCZf-t_Ibuqr_GlAcy7QZP5hYEKi8fXPt7CBvpJPcdkgv_wq5iEo7eJB9Lp1TShbRngj0WSEymXrMYTKsoL-iZaCPya5Kw2L-YumlajFifwtrODhGLfXehPFjwpIVUGyFgGmtkxgzaycIMAnb0TiOUxKM/s320/IMG_4196.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unfortunately our tight timeline did not allow us a chance to eat dinner before the 7 pm curtain. We only had 45 minutes left until curtain. I thought through my Christmastime in the City goals: The Tree. The Windows. The Crowds. This time accomplishing one and a half of those goals: The Crowds and a crowded view of The Tree.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We fought the crowds once more to reach the Belasco Theatre on 46th between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, fortunately we were on 49th and Sixth (and a half) Avenue, and 49th was closed to cars. We made it with plenty of time to spare, even factoring in we had to climb to the last row and wanted to eat the granola bars we packed before the show started.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQb76f36mapqyp4dBH71SdOO2MSYciayctDGsbffxlFy3rU2u0rN2zUJF9_3dtpgdt-z_h_W0QfFboquRyngjp4AEGsD6SjbBb30kPbkHLkpMXDBlW9m3n-MvbOtAuo3zA9a5qVx3JgTmev3-d8xS2Qvdek5MxoYR63F4u8YxQN3iKkfffuVK08iER6E/s3088/IMG_4208.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQb76f36mapqyp4dBH71SdOO2MSYciayctDGsbffxlFy3rU2u0rN2zUJF9_3dtpgdt-z_h_W0QfFboquRyngjp4AEGsD6SjbBb30kPbkHLkpMXDBlW9m3n-MvbOtAuo3zA9a5qVx3JgTmev3-d8xS2Qvdek5MxoYR63F4u8YxQN3iKkfffuVK08iER6E/s320/IMG_4208.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jJF1eZzEefj5lZRqkxdJBy8Y3GVyascICVckBeh1pNqAbOXfcFciDVt4zheiMWDz6wRQ7HuMEF9eLBtUZWXtwMmRKRD4Y0Ea0EhL__7HHgx_NR-ULvUss9yLTH4M42lFSM1YoZkyYawczYEQ1gHtfPShr_-gkmIG-E0p9lStUa-HmFE_3iveI5RqGnE/s4032/IMG_4214.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jJF1eZzEefj5lZRqkxdJBy8Y3GVyascICVckBeh1pNqAbOXfcFciDVt4zheiMWDz6wRQ7HuMEF9eLBtUZWXtwMmRKRD4Y0Ea0EhL__7HHgx_NR-ULvUss9yLTH4M42lFSM1YoZkyYawczYEQ1gHtfPShr_-gkmIG-E0p9lStUa-HmFE_3iveI5RqGnE/s320/IMG_4214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Safely ensconced in our seats, we enjoyed the show. The audience was excited because someone was making his Broadway debut. Every time he came on stage, it seemed a third of the audience cheered extra loudly for him. You couldn't help but smile and get caught up in their enthusiasm.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the show I looked at Don and said if we leave now, we should be able to catch dinner at <a href="https://www.thecounter.com/">The Counter</a>, if we hang out at the stage door for autographs, I can't make any promises. It was already 9:30 pm, and even though New York is considered "the city that never sleeps," we've also noticed places close earlier than they did before the pandemic.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoc-hsG9J-uto3n9TCzjkeLgPky-8VBBEkDr5H005IcEFo1WTpf0-s53r3hPKmQGCidSn9AR8er01yUguRM7B8XMRn9yE5sAd35ZEqMQzDSXRU8J8im9R_cLS1-ieasYqWIC64TZ6mhu8AP1sY2h4HXuVSk7CfKEuf0S4bvclkY4Mul56-utUgfi1Ue8/s4032/IMG_1418.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoc-hsG9J-uto3n9TCzjkeLgPky-8VBBEkDr5H005IcEFo1WTpf0-s53r3hPKmQGCidSn9AR8er01yUguRM7B8XMRn9yE5sAd35ZEqMQzDSXRU8J8im9R_cLS1-ieasYqWIC64TZ6mhu8AP1sY2h4HXuVSk7CfKEuf0S4bvclkY4Mul56-utUgfi1Ue8/s320/IMG_1418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As we dashed into the restaurant we were greeted by Mike, our favorite server. He took one look at us and said he was just about to tell the kitchen to shut down for the night, but we can order first. It was the perfect bookend to our evening in New York. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Located at the corner of 41st and 7th, in Times Square, The Counter is a burger place a friend turned us onto at least a dozen years ago. They hand you a piece of paper and you mark off exactly what you want your burger to be like -- what kind of meat (or "meat, in Ashley's case), which toppings, what kind of bread, cheese, and sauce. You can add fries, cole slaw, or upgrade to toppings like avocados. They are consistently good. It is one of the few places where I order my burger cooked Medium, and it comes out Medium. Most other places will ask how you want your burger cooked, but their cook makes them all the same way. I've given up trying and save my red meat orders for The Counter. Our order is often a giant salad with a burger in the middle. Reasonably priced. We are in and out within an hour -- important when we are there to see a show.<br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW09A8rs0ktCyvzF5AA418xXZmC6oklC1hFom9AfbiLSh_IMcRbg119WoNzIpWhqwkJqb7Hrbe4e1xncLwzONthizs78Pcdh3s4pA9IVIdHChopnQ9vg7h2qUgkaX4K92eO5LaAtOH38DQ2TcgmQvyRa2OqKk6DSSVrGEenzEvfh6hLdjdKJmInj8CF8/s4032/IMG_1423.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW09A8rs0ktCyvzF5AA418xXZmC6oklC1hFom9AfbiLSh_IMcRbg119WoNzIpWhqwkJqb7Hrbe4e1xncLwzONthizs78Pcdh3s4pA9IVIdHChopnQ9vg7h2qUgkaX4K92eO5LaAtOH38DQ2TcgmQvyRa2OqKk6DSSVrGEenzEvfh6hLdjdKJmInj8CF8/s320/IMG_1423.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">The weather was seasonally brisk, so we went back up to 50th and 5th to see the windows at Saks Fifth Avenue, and visit The Tree again. Saks often has the most elegant windows, and this year did not disappoint. It is clear Christian Dior was their corporate sponsor, something I don't recall from past years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Below are a few windows:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ-PrPrim3CoWKVCvmCNm6HsKIjM4Ja5wacI3A3cFpaS0ZuHtpdBuFr76UERhEAxWC8wodHUYGH7Pt1FwiHauSLSfc2coOBzwe20zG36__NW5zKHmIeHnKTgsmALfQN5OPxSCF8crDpI-7XTJwE72LACVzqcH9LkX-Y7FBuouqYZujKDx-HfC58k9SYw/s4592/P1080883.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ-PrPrim3CoWKVCvmCNm6HsKIjM4Ja5wacI3A3cFpaS0ZuHtpdBuFr76UERhEAxWC8wodHUYGH7Pt1FwiHauSLSfc2coOBzwe20zG36__NW5zKHmIeHnKTgsmALfQN5OPxSCF8crDpI-7XTJwE72LACVzqcH9LkX-Y7FBuouqYZujKDx-HfC58k9SYw/s320/P1080883.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rnF89dDvac6t7fQ-2-pq06kNozsy0Ww5VGV7WKpIQsbafjyDXFKtdTT9OuKPv-8qHkxgRt0Z9mz6urQlIFL_SNnJTMSCvGuXPbh8UN7iFcNQ7BunHpnSCEO0P2bkhyphenhyphenYrw8rPy7lC3M_8YiG2ck-hMfiovSanlF8c3n4oipr9t1JVENExsLqHvDK8VGE/s4592/P1080889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rnF89dDvac6t7fQ-2-pq06kNozsy0Ww5VGV7WKpIQsbafjyDXFKtdTT9OuKPv-8qHkxgRt0Z9mz6urQlIFL_SNnJTMSCvGuXPbh8UN7iFcNQ7BunHpnSCEO0P2bkhyphenhyphenYrw8rPy7lC3M_8YiG2ck-hMfiovSanlF8c3n4oipr9t1JVENExsLqHvDK8VGE/s320/P1080889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwVpU0nzYxPnqjfho4FJFBTauTlPwBx7YofWNmmgvZNi2twUvixBjYIjqBdO1Ebx1af55se3dCLzXRSHDR4h7An05_UxOpGUali0akoOxeQCX5lhIOdbLwnjQJSjEZBac_4ucEUY8T6dRcAJ-hhESeYVnHUmgDVmzZhnprGKiOg-ffhcZ6772Ivw7HTg/s4592/P1080892.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwVpU0nzYxPnqjfho4FJFBTauTlPwBx7YofWNmmgvZNi2twUvixBjYIjqBdO1Ebx1af55se3dCLzXRSHDR4h7An05_UxOpGUali0akoOxeQCX5lhIOdbLwnjQJSjEZBac_4ucEUY8T6dRcAJ-hhESeYVnHUmgDVmzZhnprGKiOg-ffhcZ6772Ivw7HTg/s320/P1080892.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmkq0JwAWDVnD3pr9KAtYiuS7cjtuXIC0B22-ryP3q7iPu9O7zqUgma9Tav_R0AtonEKvXnuBZPAlBs5DwuwhQhero1gAs6UP5wY4pgjIeWCeh97pmOb_ye1AdRY-L3U1Ci6D0it80IBGJIhmD2T8x7ARuVhcKnxLwe1MRhunPGAqy-LYJ_Y4us6z4Bw/s4592/P1080893.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmkq0JwAWDVnD3pr9KAtYiuS7cjtuXIC0B22-ryP3q7iPu9O7zqUgma9Tav_R0AtonEKvXnuBZPAlBs5DwuwhQhero1gAs6UP5wY4pgjIeWCeh97pmOb_ye1AdRY-L3U1Ci6D0it80IBGJIhmD2T8x7ARuVhcKnxLwe1MRhunPGAqy-LYJ_Y4us6z4Bw/s320/P1080893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn1dcGAaQ4bLY_2S8UAMx55_AN5LhIOBO4O-OLL5j1Bk9gvhxgf-BJJQ1eDlfO1aI2kaakG8c8atuhfIKf7wAs4oBubQoV2CcHAnI0DH7N4bCYdBG8G5LjPOjOiiEYou9DMU87plnpqyDPmAc_J2dd7i3gP4vKquxmyQbKwpaJTiWqV0NtyV1DF4QzhU/s4032/IMG_1420.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn1dcGAaQ4bLY_2S8UAMx55_AN5LhIOBO4O-OLL5j1Bk9gvhxgf-BJJQ1eDlfO1aI2kaakG8c8atuhfIKf7wAs4oBubQoV2CcHAnI0DH7N4bCYdBG8G5LjPOjOiiEYou9DMU87plnpqyDPmAc_J2dd7i3gP4vKquxmyQbKwpaJTiWqV0NtyV1DF4QzhU/s320/IMG_1420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoCxWwrIxxPKrt3OVusLVnEJFRF353SKXd4taOKFP4DFAWrODYLfEhzUzFBFnxiDB688_7FO-EapS5lQV0tH8L4K4uJmtQN3TVVSFLsG5nOmnRapxucCv4ilhXUbQ1kAHH2UWV94_CniOqfFm5SIVOpqDkXauissqEZtcQEujQy6MS9zVWLeWaUtqWB4/s3088/IMG_1425.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoCxWwrIxxPKrt3OVusLVnEJFRF353SKXd4taOKFP4DFAWrODYLfEhzUzFBFnxiDB688_7FO-EapS5lQV0tH8L4K4uJmtQN3TVVSFLsG5nOmnRapxucCv4ilhXUbQ1kAHH2UWV94_CniOqfFm5SIVOpqDkXauissqEZtcQEujQy6MS9zVWLeWaUtqWB4/s320/IMG_1425.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We walked across the street to see The Tree. As we waited to get closer, I overheard an engagement taking place, reminding me it was the 32nd anniversary of Don proposing to me at the top of the Empire State Building. Unlike this new bride, though, I did not have a fresh manicure nor was I dressed for a photo shoot. They traveled from England to become engaged. We only crossed the Hudson River. Still, it brought back the feelings from that December day in 1991.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFc4IQlFdEF7tUheqKiRrJ9uDTWC3NlTC_8t9zwMwfwkwJk4ZulrWgo6dSkz-mTQQTCrq8WM3vrpLaBGc0TpbRACCFWLZBcrzzLoIfNykN-PvH-CZh59ZMxAWrdTAgfkd7arnTAItjWaJViwgzN2cas1ziwSbYPaOW1AyMrn9QNw-vaRgugymPkTyWFk/s4032/IMG_1427.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFc4IQlFdEF7tUheqKiRrJ9uDTWC3NlTC_8t9zwMwfwkwJk4ZulrWgo6dSkz-mTQQTCrq8WM3vrpLaBGc0TpbRACCFWLZBcrzzLoIfNykN-PvH-CZh59ZMxAWrdTAgfkd7arnTAItjWaJViwgzN2cas1ziwSbYPaOW1AyMrn9QNw-vaRgugymPkTyWFk/s320/IMG_1427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We paused in front of the Belasco Theatre for a picture without the crowds before ending our evening studying the windows at Macy's. Whereas Saks' windows have always been elegant, Macy's have always been high tech. I miss the windows at Lord & Taylors as they were my favorites. <a href="https://secretnyc.co/holiday-window-displays-nyc/">HERE</a> is a link to the other displays we did not study. Shame on me for not realizing FAO Schwartz's windows are something we were supposed to study. We passed them a couple of times that night. I always think of the time we bumped into Ashley's friend Maia when we all just happened to be in NYC at the same time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcoDqgpDK0cXGQSnn0NUyQOVS3RPW9GgMbgJg0g7rz4ctLE9_jkjGgtiB9Lhjyq5vqEGJJyhy4v4ohEpBHfmJ7cn6eS2QU97aA4Nlm7vV7GRTg3rt2OK6HT1IRwPNKdtuz0fquOWCWDjhqu2aFiz5RpjUKv4f2M94XiZEoqVAAig_XwxzxdmHM9Dlxtc/s4592/P1080921.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcoDqgpDK0cXGQSnn0NUyQOVS3RPW9GgMbgJg0g7rz4ctLE9_jkjGgtiB9Lhjyq5vqEGJJyhy4v4ohEpBHfmJ7cn6eS2QU97aA4Nlm7vV7GRTg3rt2OK6HT1IRwPNKdtuz0fquOWCWDjhqu2aFiz5RpjUKv4f2M94XiZEoqVAAig_XwxzxdmHM9Dlxtc/s320/P1080921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1p2oknam68E9Vtud8fH0GVcOqUXfVhatNfqBIgzHQxWdcyu8mthtEU0H_hVPzCnNSZO3L75Dlx7e3OLxp6rKSbRHRSHSbtFnWj1fI32dACqMOP8UEOMz4nLVowmFwzyynhbs86LuTLBub5L_gKCeRSVlolL0PREljFLJZuAy-D44hPV53vQ3ZKmLxy0/s4592/P1080927.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1p2oknam68E9Vtud8fH0GVcOqUXfVhatNfqBIgzHQxWdcyu8mthtEU0H_hVPzCnNSZO3L75Dlx7e3OLxp6rKSbRHRSHSbtFnWj1fI32dACqMOP8UEOMz4nLVowmFwzyynhbs86LuTLBub5L_gKCeRSVlolL0PREljFLJZuAy-D44hPV53vQ3ZKmLxy0/s320/P1080927.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to see, but we appear in each opening</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscVW8Guaonwrs2K86uMj5VWpQLdl3tCwStK9OGl2lKN8Fr8iGD9118XO2D8UpZcVYdxFZ2VqlPX2G9z3sWzOtr9bO3a-knX4XFvZMItUqgJDYzzeuRtndaUr057PM_zjBjlHXGtHStdg8Oz0cdWwrs_laP41g-f1RjI9xREVpB_MAXDJDoF2b70foytc/s4592/P1080929.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscVW8Guaonwrs2K86uMj5VWpQLdl3tCwStK9OGl2lKN8Fr8iGD9118XO2D8UpZcVYdxFZ2VqlPX2G9z3sWzOtr9bO3a-knX4XFvZMItUqgJDYzzeuRtndaUr057PM_zjBjlHXGtHStdg8Oz0cdWwrs_laP41g-f1RjI9xREVpB_MAXDJDoF2b70foytc/s320/P1080929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhOgaUSA7AiDblpWX-yizO7F5cBY6Fbldaeuq9le7LoBS9hK39g-iOVuW9qBLMyTNfeOH2Ed_MB2Y0y945Nqj8WsrAF_cMhgAEC3ATbSrNxuLd-ycsFWE9Rt26kyeQKXcjd044yq0eOg1FXdOgVEweGDxGSyix_Mgs_TNxnznBcAx1wePQuCq22UwV0E/s4592/P1080933.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhOgaUSA7AiDblpWX-yizO7F5cBY6Fbldaeuq9le7LoBS9hK39g-iOVuW9qBLMyTNfeOH2Ed_MB2Y0y945Nqj8WsrAF_cMhgAEC3ATbSrNxuLd-ycsFWE9Rt26kyeQKXcjd044yq0eOg1FXdOgVEweGDxGSyix_Mgs_TNxnznBcAx1wePQuCq22UwV0E/s320/P1080933.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jgi10n6HkFE44cChseNzQ6cIr6a2zIjwMq9naNktoma8WrOqnqpYhvxiEcndHyzPrr88d6aQATnCRJMsi6e8frFz-s8YRAB9hfFTTR8pCg2L9uhHpqj0hlH16OH7OaleSildqAt7kdnztLpVTICjo8-f_cap7jHUtwyHJbxBViw1SJHD18FDtp3_368/s4592/P1080936.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jgi10n6HkFE44cChseNzQ6cIr6a2zIjwMq9naNktoma8WrOqnqpYhvxiEcndHyzPrr88d6aQATnCRJMsi6e8frFz-s8YRAB9hfFTTR8pCg2L9uhHpqj0hlH16OH7OaleSildqAt7kdnztLpVTICjo8-f_cap7jHUtwyHJbxBViw1SJHD18FDtp3_368/s320/P1080936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-ksUa6RYQt9_6dS_yXMIAUEtTuWIFTBN4W7nkFvoziNKggPbZnkNVFQJbZ-QQS1nNqqyX9p2l5d8gOhwcP7mlhsB6JdkczRMytduGhjMk6L3L9S9HIlzL9EoS32yYQRGuVZYOBCoBH7fTHC61DoYjJwuy5fnl7MrzOafjuzhAJz38ozslOwi_kimEHM/s4592/P1080937.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-ksUa6RYQt9_6dS_yXMIAUEtTuWIFTBN4W7nkFvoziNKggPbZnkNVFQJbZ-QQS1nNqqyX9p2l5d8gOhwcP7mlhsB6JdkczRMytduGhjMk6L3L9S9HIlzL9EoS32yYQRGuVZYOBCoBH7fTHC61DoYjJwuy5fnl7MrzOafjuzhAJz38ozslOwi_kimEHM/s320/P1080937.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEGO</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgiFENnMNj2etqvY8aodSo6Xprs-XePRBOmIibGCn-UT9dwkbk2a2v3cNDF5sm6S7l1GRxWhQfljpw2OwKYbpC_5Xmikgjp9lfw01DxHP7Biax5PMwVQtyRrc7X-KXG2_72TQkZ-6w0GyKtgERmPxa91sT3sQZY4qb3dK24en5YcxQLs53bbwvxVIRC0/s4592/P1080939.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgiFENnMNj2etqvY8aodSo6Xprs-XePRBOmIibGCn-UT9dwkbk2a2v3cNDF5sm6S7l1GRxWhQfljpw2OwKYbpC_5Xmikgjp9lfw01DxHP7Biax5PMwVQtyRrc7X-KXG2_72TQkZ-6w0GyKtgERmPxa91sT3sQZY4qb3dK24en5YcxQLs53bbwvxVIRC0/s320/P1080939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbie -- very 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">From there it was a quick walk to Penn Station. By parking at Secaucus we had our choice of trains. My feet were hurting, so I opted for the one closest to where we were standing vs. the one leaving the soonest. There was only a two-minute difference between times. Worth it to sit sooner.</span></div>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-64627451095340756532023-12-20T22:48:00.000-05:002023-12-20T22:48:17.542-05:00Carols of Many Nations at Princeton Theological Seminary<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwxJgY1Ef_3mDhZEuJbbn7Hacj2h1Mu-srfqxumUpz2Q6aAB8MeViFx7O72_ElnN720Y2aS2pPeBmox8SXdZnDWUWED27eL79rwpb_MobeMNaUD9ezZ2POU0mFtW4hJj9smV9_29YYCHRMNULgggqOTQbGf9UjQd0g1cvDNLfOz9Lff0QPVISp25nyJ4/s4032/IMG_1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwxJgY1Ef_3mDhZEuJbbn7Hacj2h1Mu-srfqxumUpz2Q6aAB8MeViFx7O72_ElnN720Y2aS2pPeBmox8SXdZnDWUWED27eL79rwpb_MobeMNaUD9ezZ2POU0mFtW4hJj9smV9_29YYCHRMNULgggqOTQbGf9UjQd0g1cvDNLfOz9Lff0QPVISp25nyJ4/s320/IMG_1216.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the years I have written about how much I enjoy Princeton Theological Seminary's annual <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2011/12/church-services.html">Carols of Many Nations</a> service. As our blog only goes back to 2011, I am not sure exactly when we started to attend this service. According to the 2011 post, it was already a solid tradition in our household.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love hearing the familiar scriptures read in a multitude of different languages, in many cases obscure languages I would not otherwise have the opportunity to hear. It sends a strong message about how Christianity has spread all over the globe. That we share the same message about Jesus coming to Mary and Joseph as a baby and his light shines throughout the world.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu8mvy93XtmBY82QHtxWIGXYy58jdwS6z83aCjovdzGCkKNjghou0UtbNcQpaoEB7UuhZQ1QuX-HgZaZxxWUPAShu2_tpFb5FTzErczxXtwsh1rLAKy_ZiKtuN7A4bX4N9Ie7X3d0OQmy1t9l2Ycl2Bka4F1XUsOuSf6fdlqfJ7sOr0Uj3DF3RPbaQlg/s4032/IMG_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu8mvy93XtmBY82QHtxWIGXYy58jdwS6z83aCjovdzGCkKNjghou0UtbNcQpaoEB7UuhZQ1QuX-HgZaZxxWUPAShu2_tpFb5FTzErczxXtwsh1rLAKy_ZiKtuN7A4bX4N9Ie7X3d0OQmy1t9l2Ycl2Bka4F1XUsOuSf6fdlqfJ7sOr0Uj3DF3RPbaQlg/s320/IMG_1217.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFSDaBu39Ngntgdo8WeBgE1H6l_9HBv-el7lWRLd0sRECEh9ieL_XRHU77ITBHz8l9za635UsPCLX51hz9uH8reeCPJYArf3Bj-GnibxEKbxoYZsftSnTjSADlv3R1bH2JEjqwkObN3k0GDyJS5Ne3perhih81cSYHJU9s_Y1IEzr_uJMsOl1uyt_lB0/s4032/IMG_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFSDaBu39Ngntgdo8WeBgE1H6l_9HBv-el7lWRLd0sRECEh9ieL_XRHU77ITBHz8l9za635UsPCLX51hz9uH8reeCPJYArf3Bj-GnibxEKbxoYZsftSnTjSADlv3R1bH2JEjqwkObN3k0GDyJS5Ne3perhih81cSYHJU9s_Y1IEzr_uJMsOl1uyt_lB0/s320/IMG_1220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end, the different readers<br />say "I am the light of the world"<br />in their own language<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">There were two differences for us this year. The first is since neither one of us is working, we went to the 3:30 pm service. The second is we sat downstairs. Dad is 79 years old and keep saying stairs are no longer his friend. My parents arrived very early, we only arrived 20 minutes early, but they were already at the front of an ever growing line. So, yes, we did cut the line. A few years back, even before the pandemic, PTS issued free tickets for the event. I was the one who procured the tickets for the four of us, they were the ones to make sure we got good seats. A fair deal.</span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A_gxdZqalxT6r0i73vCYhtRDknKhMjxios4ZC08x7xMUdAmWiznnNzW61LLHq8CPfvX2g3dz4mWmd-JHrYEIJ5QZWXAtaLMuCSGNb475QBX8WFiLt4SC3Zi9CStrKK6jcUYnTvnlVOGhkrrI1SeUjwGOfuJdX3gVEAa8D1zOxlkmyBLVoWl_FpnEhIo/s4032/IMG_1221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A_gxdZqalxT6r0i73vCYhtRDknKhMjxios4ZC08x7xMUdAmWiznnNzW61LLHq8CPfvX2g3dz4mWmd-JHrYEIJ5QZWXAtaLMuCSGNb475QBX8WFiLt4SC3Zi9CStrKK6jcUYnTvnlVOGhkrrI1SeUjwGOfuJdX3gVEAa8D1zOxlkmyBLVoWl_FpnEhIo/s320/IMG_1221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Somehow the service felt different from this new vantage point. When the choir spread out to stand next to the pews, our pew was included. At the end, rather than taking a picture from up high looking down, I took a picture from down low looking up high.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This year I noted it felt faster than in past years. I feel the director included more opportunities for the congregation to also sing, which made the time pass quicker. It felt more inclusive to me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the past couple of weeks I've been surprised by how many people have told me they went to the same service -- in many cases, the exact same service. It holds a special place in the hearts of those who know about it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Typically on the same evening, Princeton University also holds their Lessons and Carols service, which is another beloved tradition. It feels like too much on the same night, but if I ever find them on different nights again, I'll go to both in the same year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdIEey6m_RQZqF2xC1CKJSNxDnqb4PpAqne8SdZsHLuM9QmJhCTk-o1XJ7x4adguH8kyUewX10-1g6LnGLw-VY0t5OJUCzxD_yQyyisTBX6zm2SSBuYXrQlTrWqg-8bHM2NpZsHW_iTbhjQDctCCbvFWY8zPd6XkPiXNWQO8r6yuFP3ZHA_YA2yr7avM/s4032/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdIEey6m_RQZqF2xC1CKJSNxDnqb4PpAqne8SdZsHLuM9QmJhCTk-o1XJ7x4adguH8kyUewX10-1g6LnGLw-VY0t5OJUCzxD_yQyyisTBX6zm2SSBuYXrQlTrWqg-8bHM2NpZsHW_iTbhjQDctCCbvFWY8zPd6XkPiXNWQO8r6yuFP3ZHA_YA2yr7avM/s320/IMG_1223.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPk5bKnQGym03SYTjRQJDZjM4VXPlOkyL05HMqUCPmBk1YujueCrEZQFoeHL-6FcPiHiBj-hY0d4MNxdmrfO24XHiYvpZ1-AiAAXjWnUdo4FIEki5Sw2QYPBoPhhQdZLQMNcE4azUU_GK3WwBoXuFm7NrDCckNvZ3KaLQ2GBfISEDT2g5T-L-SlXtF6U/s4032/IMG_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPk5bKnQGym03SYTjRQJDZjM4VXPlOkyL05HMqUCPmBk1YujueCrEZQFoeHL-6FcPiHiBj-hY0d4MNxdmrfO24XHiYvpZ1-AiAAXjWnUdo4FIEki5Sw2QYPBoPhhQdZLQMNcE4azUU_GK3WwBoXuFm7NrDCckNvZ3KaLQ2GBfISEDT2g5T-L-SlXtF6U/s320/IMG_1224.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3:30 service ended <br />at sunset<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyCLydnsM8oTWvgT8dpvVXrwvXOfbBJ5LCRjHKMCndiVel0OOtwwX8YIE-ICG9ts4CxjU0NGj8fTR7d-72Vl60DgyZO36leLhzcVDwikPs93_6wbavMyKKzDvieZGzE-Tz9dPqUMOLT0nThWC2nP8zYjXSDd5I6KsO-nfbyaNSsYa-nJf6rk62iFHT-w/s4032/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyCLydnsM8oTWvgT8dpvVXrwvXOfbBJ5LCRjHKMCndiVel0OOtwwX8YIE-ICG9ts4CxjU0NGj8fTR7d-72Vl60DgyZO36leLhzcVDwikPs93_6wbavMyKKzDvieZGzE-Tz9dPqUMOLT0nThWC2nP8zYjXSDd5I6KsO-nfbyaNSsYa-nJf6rk62iFHT-w/s320/IMG_1225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caroling at the end</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the service the choir director leads us in carols printed (in English) on the back of our booklet. This gets us to leave the sanctuary fairly quickly so they can clean up and prepare for the 6:30 and 8:30 services (each service is about 80 minutes long).</span></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f6G2skvmuqhPmux-q5NEze8FJxd5-7yUcgkLtF4QOO-CGaV3YNAFo1PHVACFJ5SMi2WeR3nY-iotBe4NGUEXJYWXTKqN3Q0H2K1SMVT4Wc1u2xuwsAYl8GNXqkz6-TPhBo6l5jAzObSdvipNOeBdXyjACLdiDwgDCQ9z8c2z1PC1DQ6s3I8c4QK7cWA/s4032/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2f6G2skvmuqhPmux-q5NEze8FJxd5-7yUcgkLtF4QOO-CGaV3YNAFo1PHVACFJ5SMi2WeR3nY-iotBe4NGUEXJYWXTKqN3Q0H2K1SMVT4Wc1u2xuwsAYl8GNXqkz6-TPhBo6l5jAzObSdvipNOeBdXyjACLdiDwgDCQ9z8c2z1PC1DQ6s3I8c4QK7cWA/s320/IMG_1227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spending time with my parents</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxgdvREtAVZVIdaux182gRVyCZyXVuJVfVEguej8RhDYuPKOSKbtysOwj_dQHnRtWqN2DqsiE1avLdnmDTBSgTzd_Bsc0GFcOM00Er1UmSUb5CShTiHjjBBb7I5AQK5QuvdqpVST2PwtLp5f7yFo3JkcBbXJS49P8cXvdwv7BcfcLpa4qnwFCico_swI/s4032/IMG_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxgdvREtAVZVIdaux182gRVyCZyXVuJVfVEguej8RhDYuPKOSKbtysOwj_dQHnRtWqN2DqsiE1avLdnmDTBSgTzd_Bsc0GFcOM00Er1UmSUb5CShTiHjjBBb7I5AQK5QuvdqpVST2PwtLp5f7yFo3JkcBbXJS49P8cXvdwv7BcfcLpa4qnwFCico_swI/s320/IMG_1228.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-3233622829038045622023-12-20T22:12:00.007-05:002023-12-20T22:12:55.365-05:00Christmas at Drumthwacket<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYf7i8Fy1mLFoh9vgHNzaI6dkHCzb_bWOYLlDhVUkpzy8jLCUNLl4z6PRofPhs_TkgdNCIQJYTvIQNOvBON4oqnEDni64OqvbXyl4hKumrAZK9hx8szP024lsPjnln8xOS10BM7PaGSJxP0NrEkvEVeFtt44Ed1pWQWP8D1RZSvXYdY6Rhv_vm1IEuaE/s4032/IMG_1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYf7i8Fy1mLFoh9vgHNzaI6dkHCzb_bWOYLlDhVUkpzy8jLCUNLl4z6PRofPhs_TkgdNCIQJYTvIQNOvBON4oqnEDni64OqvbXyl4hKumrAZK9hx8szP024lsPjnln8xOS10BM7PaGSJxP0NrEkvEVeFtt44Ed1pWQWP8D1RZSvXYdY6Rhv_vm1IEuaE/s320/IMG_1322.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back in the early 1990's when I was working for The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation a group of co-workers asked me if they wanted me to join them for a Wednesday afternoon holiday tour of Drumthwacket, the Governor's mansion located on Route 206 in Princeton, NJ. Every year different gardening clubs from around the state decorate the ground floor public rooms. There is a competition to be chosen. It is a great honor. Outside in a large tent, New Jersey's First Lady, Lucinda Florio greeted us at the end of the tour. When his successor, Christine Todd Whitman was elected, I figured her husband would not continue the tradition.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This year Ellen asked Janie and I if we wanted to go for <a href="https://drumthwacket.org/visit/december-holiday-open-houses/">the public tour</a>, now held on Saturdays in December. We both said yes, and Janie made the reservations. Over the decades the tours have grown in popularity. We were given a time slot to enter. The biggest challenge was parking behind the mansion. I remember on the first tour they had us parking on the front lawn, but since then they want us to use the tight parking lot in the back. After the State Trooper crosses your name off the list, volunteers with walkie talkies direct the cars. It felt like controlled chaos as we all arrived and left at the same time, just as the prior and next groups were leaving and arriving. Somehow we made it through.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFhBzGiygMqVMGuTmayKohJEBHebs8Pf6G3HjFm0L4cFe280jNuU4QZQA-K1noI8X_BBuEX7A6_rCB4E9VhaNx_AtjEKk91IB3sw9P6lZqOh_iEbQ8H26nm96-TlhlvJPsuo0UMtc1mi_tZiovHcaVLUsLVKUKjwfxZXjqF5OHVvfw2_fo-Ma2ZeJbio/s4000/20231216_122004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFhBzGiygMqVMGuTmayKohJEBHebs8Pf6G3HjFm0L4cFe280jNuU4QZQA-K1noI8X_BBuEX7A6_rCB4E9VhaNx_AtjEKk91IB3sw9P6lZqOh_iEbQ8H26nm96-TlhlvJPsuo0UMtc1mi_tZiovHcaVLUsLVKUKjwfxZXjqF5OHVvfw2_fo-Ma2ZeJbio/s320/20231216_122004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The gardening clubs ranged from Allentown and West Trenton to Keyport and Long Valley. Each was given a room (or space) to decorate and show off the talents of their club members. We wanted to take pictures, but were only allowed to photograph the library -- a particularly favorite room of mine. Janie, a librarian, and I admired the collection of children's books by New Jersey authors. I've noted in the past everyone claims a success, such as both New Jersey and Ohio claim to be the home of Thomas Edison, I did wonder what the criteria was to be considered for the collection: birth, amount of time lived here, attended college in the Garden State? It was a charming collection in what could be considered a dark and stuffy room.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqd8FjqUKFmqR_w6nYuj7zComSFIJbbbq7akW3HeZ6zqTC0UHrSuzVqnzFko5_N1sVIBq3FLY5IBCVjSSvD4-terM_ZBcDPPgLChCHSI-Tf-naz1wZpfu1FYh4fRhnHLaSCENLZnrRDOif1ROFt3__7_iQdgQ9va6NJLod0ADQKmUUkQ1ThZTMns6u6Y/s4592/P1080832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqd8FjqUKFmqR_w6nYuj7zComSFIJbbbq7akW3HeZ6zqTC0UHrSuzVqnzFko5_N1sVIBq3FLY5IBCVjSSvD4-terM_ZBcDPPgLChCHSI-Tf-naz1wZpfu1FYh4fRhnHLaSCENLZnrRDOif1ROFt3__7_iQdgQ9va6NJLod0ADQKmUUkQ1ThZTMns6u6Y/s320/P1080832.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His Jersey authors children's books collection<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAffwHQvgAfjNAoCkZTrprlPIrbW2dHiPwYW6vzmQ_hBIXMoIj3cNRUMPDAHMckOxpj1QVQTEhtmSAgktsmkiZeWDeNu1fknZYoDuhOW3o53d1LwVmBJFq15WeG7GZNx1taLTQ0ckMn2hhw4pCagatb43gwKxgp1Tdua-5oktCiy-kVRxF232QBI87OZY/s4592/P1080835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAffwHQvgAfjNAoCkZTrprlPIrbW2dHiPwYW6vzmQ_hBIXMoIj3cNRUMPDAHMckOxpj1QVQTEhtmSAgktsmkiZeWDeNu1fknZYoDuhOW3o53d1LwVmBJFq15WeG7GZNx1taLTQ0ckMn2hhw4pCagatb43gwKxgp1Tdua-5oktCiy-kVRxF232QBI87OZY/s320/P1080835.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His version of the Oval Office is the rounded<br />room closest to the camera</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My favorite room was the governor's office. I was not allowed to </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">take pictures in this wooden room. When you face the mansion, it is the room to the far right. His massive wood desk sits in a rounded set of windows giving it an oval office feel, but with stained wood instead of white painted wood, and not nearly as spacious. The windows overlook the side yard, which likely has many deer, foxes, birds, and other wildlife roaming throughout the day. I asked if Governor Murphy uses this space much for ceremonial signings. The docent said he has only used it a couple of times. What a waste of a photo op!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As we exited Drumthwacket I was glad the tradition of having the governor's wife shake hands is a thing of the past as Tammy Murphy recently announced she is running against Andy Kim for US Senate. Mrs. Murphy has no other political experience, whereas Andy Kim has been in Congress since January 1, 2019. I met him 18 months ago and was impressed.</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-85181065702887225112023-12-20T17:56:00.001-05:002023-12-20T17:56:19.743-05:00Philadelphia Christmas Phun<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkLLWWyj5btdplswNoYCSVgc_lRep12XbP-WndKbKJiqz8Iali8F5flTNacR4IsrK6d79MN3oFHVLcjNDrdFI5xrEVU6NxjM0HKlks_pEiIlrrKHDeIkrj2ZSPNv3EIvLfOwdcH9u0Mb7Et6D9DJlw6-du9gpMXJx0LItrDv3n1cKnsXKzvMQW13faGk/s3088/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkLLWWyj5btdplswNoYCSVgc_lRep12XbP-WndKbKJiqz8Iali8F5flTNacR4IsrK6d79MN3oFHVLcjNDrdFI5xrEVU6NxjM0HKlks_pEiIlrrKHDeIkrj2ZSPNv3EIvLfOwdcH9u0Mb7Et6D9DJlw6-du9gpMXJx0LItrDv3n1cKnsXKzvMQW13faGk/s320/IMG_1364.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Four years ago Don and I dropped Ashley off at a friend's dorm for the night. We met up with Kevin and walked around Center City Philadelphia. Though spending time with Kevin is always fun, for some reason I did not blog about the evening, but I did remember it. I particularly remembered the light show on the side of City Hall. Between the pandemic and life, we did not make it back to the city at the right time of year. This week, for some reason, I decided it would be fun to go back and see it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Don and I went on a Tuesday night in the middle of December. It was about 40 degrees out -- so not warm, but also not bitter. We had fun strolling around the Christmas Village which starts in LOVE Park and continues across the street to City Hall, and inside its courtyard around the two-story carousel they bring in for the season.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKswff56B0PiSTr1tCjAJCHqi2d5lT_MMZ71q9ApMEUtY_vVgNOMiFi567fP7BbfpOJZ0c-tw0yrPW9jXVYxTpW3yNz2zhO-LWnDZpF5XCrBburOoMmkHe5ZPshl3gE7uBCh26neLtMYVML0SpSTrh_PibsS5x_s6qHMdQbVfIZlBD7CjHXgjlDfN-OhM/s4592/P1080847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKswff56B0PiSTr1tCjAJCHqi2d5lT_MMZ71q9ApMEUtY_vVgNOMiFi567fP7BbfpOJZ0c-tw0yrPW9jXVYxTpW3yNz2zhO-LWnDZpF5XCrBburOoMmkHe5ZPshl3gE7uBCh26neLtMYVML0SpSTrh_PibsS5x_s6qHMdQbVfIZlBD7CjHXgjlDfN-OhM/s320/P1080847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p>The Christmas Village booths ranged from mulled cider to local food to ornaments to Philly-inspired souvenirs with a few international artisan and jewelry booths thrown in. There was something for everyone. I picked up a gift for Ashley (shhh...don't tell her). By going midweek we could enjoy the shops and the vibe without feeling crowded.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzq7I8dg70daW0mZmUVxt617wwW0_ejepa9KyevywbTkSCQOqKuxS9hYtrdm8y4Eec1HwLGfG5wjVnsIBoTdSOAlxMSVEuS2MFTIo0UbZOsMJb-JuFCPoWHSMQSvpebWUyIrBAx0opC68G3Q2QoNi54JRglLFNZ2gBEB4DIHLcmzC3DwLoAkWBW7TRvc/s4592/P1080851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzq7I8dg70daW0mZmUVxt617wwW0_ejepa9KyevywbTkSCQOqKuxS9hYtrdm8y4Eec1HwLGfG5wjVnsIBoTdSOAlxMSVEuS2MFTIo0UbZOsMJb-JuFCPoWHSMQSvpebWUyIrBAx0opC68G3Q2QoNi54JRglLFNZ2gBEB4DIHLcmzC3DwLoAkWBW7TRvc/s320/P1080851.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We walked down Market Street to Second Street, past where Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, and where lawmakers voted on it in 1776. I still get goosebumps every time I pass these places because they make my elementary school history lessons come to life in ways I never imagined growing up in North Jersey. <p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPqDSan4-8exwui1XbSUm2Mx9kIdeszloI7fMsACNv5-aQL_54pkFq1FHUxtn0C9tSpZfp_kTjugGil1ccOzS-ON1Mxq-c_xi60mt3utIWV8LKIoRCKrEJ57zzxdK-R8HzN7JPaq4r6MayiEOcP2XwuzV3Mk7su-Nt0N5iaUSGeKacWb8j5_dTosCYnQ/s4592/P1080856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPqDSan4-8exwui1XbSUm2Mx9kIdeszloI7fMsACNv5-aQL_54pkFq1FHUxtn0C9tSpZfp_kTjugGil1ccOzS-ON1Mxq-c_xi60mt3utIWV8LKIoRCKrEJ57zzxdK-R8HzN7JPaq4r6MayiEOcP2XwuzV3Mk7su-Nt0N5iaUSGeKacWb8j5_dTosCYnQ/s320/P1080856.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street view of City Hall</td></tr></tbody></table>We also walked around the entire City Hall trying to find the side where the light show was taking place. It had to be taking place, right? This was a Philadelphia tradition. We even asked someone at the information booth. After a quick search, she said it only takes place on the weekend. Confused, we walked away wondering if we should return on the weekend.</p><p>Over dinner at the Iron Hill Brewery on Market Street we did our own Google search. Turns out this the first year they <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-city-hall-deck-the-hall-light-show-20231212.html">have not done</a> the light show because they did not receive a corporate sponsor. It also said, it was only a six year tradition and they are fundraising for a new, permanent LED lighting system for 2024. Mystery solved. We don't have to return.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU5izy_-5kUTn6FJCV0OEyWoI90eceyqxHRuji0CwLyRhev16YB3GE5eiEpDDjKuryqrQF1c9TuyBNeCXHjjb44TS7s3EpgO068rSp1MAB3pOawM2PF4HMR7qwPyg9H_v9fDTQpWLOAw1eljRkiwthHrv5ocTXapJPPeG2ZNMB7N8S4phQkyEp0GPvHc/s4592/P1080858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU5izy_-5kUTn6FJCV0OEyWoI90eceyqxHRuji0CwLyRhev16YB3GE5eiEpDDjKuryqrQF1c9TuyBNeCXHjjb44TS7s3EpgO068rSp1MAB3pOawM2PF4HMR7qwPyg9H_v9fDTQpWLOAw1eljRkiwthHrv5ocTXapJPPeG2ZNMB7N8S4phQkyEp0GPvHc/s320/P1080858.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Independence Hall<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_Cp3TkeLsGzJBhqC5PApicmxem4vBRLsOYv77r0-KBBmXutYJgP_qm9qJh2tAqzPLnMlzejnK3qPRnA3dmUhS6ucDG9iM2YLS0C48MDXAXtTD-lrkzJIfX1Vtjun6QtrGgUDXfHp097lw4EO2aubhsU6nK8UBWn3k1DTRHQ16UH5qP3L2-fpkYQYK3I/s4592/P1080866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3448" data-original-width="4592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_Cp3TkeLsGzJBhqC5PApicmxem4vBRLsOYv77r0-KBBmXutYJgP_qm9qJh2tAqzPLnMlzejnK3qPRnA3dmUhS6ucDG9iM2YLS0C48MDXAXtTD-lrkzJIfX1Vtjun6QtrGgUDXfHp097lw4EO2aubhsU6nK8UBWn3k1DTRHQ16UH5qP3L2-fpkYQYK3I/s320/P1080866.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt9TXOWQ-WZx6mPR8CrMWNw3YVtS3b7Dh7UlvHlLuBni2lPkT45EWrLGxgrSn4ahdMni4TcppLHPt4zv0drVGQHLNfv7PXDpLaoPpbBwpxpR_cbsNHfCDD0Cw4x9F7_JeQgIwwFXan6dHI3e7i1FW_ywA95ycRgnx2ZOBR9KE9ulY52rWS3UjMhXLAG8/s4032/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt9TXOWQ-WZx6mPR8CrMWNw3YVtS3b7Dh7UlvHlLuBni2lPkT45EWrLGxgrSn4ahdMni4TcppLHPt4zv0drVGQHLNfv7PXDpLaoPpbBwpxpR_cbsNHfCDD0Cw4x9F7_JeQgIwwFXan6dHI3e7i1FW_ywA95ycRgnx2ZOBR9KE9ulY52rWS3UjMhXLAG8/s320/IMG_1374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5lkpokLr7ofq42-ymebMyvAFBPZCH6IGQ55cdcbcX4Xx5TMEL-g7tJsYRBFtpGiPg01kVD1eM3-RcLNRYlmsdINrfnlyZgtnqzF61z40xhOcKgBRYp2PHRcYUK3Y68-ez8jVlMpk66Hz7FrfmIn8ihnvcg6ROIZcx9NOJzA2iCKcTGGxMPp9JPxgHE4/s320/IMG_1365.JPG" style="color: #0000ee; text-align: center;" width="320" />Research brought up another option for the night: <a href="https://guidetophilly.com/miracle-on-south-13th-street-christmas/">Miracle on South 13th Street</a>. The 1600 block of South 13th Street lights up like the Griswold Family on steroids. Every house (except for the one for sale) brings out the lights. It made me think of a Christmas version of Bordentown's Thompson Street.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg671jTAAek3ofWCGYTQh_J9-Hdyi0-WPb2kmIIQ6e19qa-5r5L3Lhj500LoltSCtvk9oJ6aF0UhQW44e6Qjc-ylhYw1HYv1JucKew4VDZH3DMOOS2uwgEQgAHW4IXHYE5EAqovR8i1ARUvQoDvpWaCOHRevr44G6vSY1aBrCo-olM3IsMXbgvkNFKBRJ0/s4032/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg671jTAAek3ofWCGYTQh_J9-Hdyi0-WPb2kmIIQ6e19qa-5r5L3Lhj500LoltSCtvk9oJ6aF0UhQW44e6Qjc-ylhYw1HYv1JucKew4VDZH3DMOOS2uwgEQgAHW4IXHYE5EAqovR8i1ARUvQoDvpWaCOHRevr44G6vSY1aBrCo-olM3IsMXbgvkNFKBRJ0/s320/IMG_1371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A few years ago Don and I went on a group bike ride through this area with a Philadelphia bike group. We thought about going back this year with the tandem, but the date did not work out for us. We made a note to try to go next year. I think a running group also goes together. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp4Fwv07nKj9pWws6FLmYrZfjydqQ_72Y3qnlmhj2iuqHHuPkGWK6ffC1Tna_rFCrAqFZz-eZDr_b841Oti6FptxdSRq3w4JXPUI8F4Kcb8zN1gteY-S2LB86LIRZ2Zr1rE3_7FGaXzwkjqMQJ5xKvpGTu78X93hkiXVKihRV3vsiut7Dzg4F7waU1h0/s4032/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp4Fwv07nKj9pWws6FLmYrZfjydqQ_72Y3qnlmhj2iuqHHuPkGWK6ffC1Tna_rFCrAqFZz-eZDr_b841Oti6FptxdSRq3w4JXPUI8F4Kcb8zN1gteY-S2LB86LIRZ2Zr1rE3_7FGaXzwkjqMQJ5xKvpGTu78X93hkiXVKihRV3vsiut7Dzg4F7waU1h0/s320/IMG_1368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Parking as you can imagine is impossible, so we opted to drive down the street. Unfortunately there was someone who wanted to go faster than us gawkers, so we went around the corner and drove down it a second time. Out of nowhere a small white sports car was behind us and wanted to go faster. So, we looped a third time and were able to savor it and take some pictures. When we asked our waiter about it, he said to take an Uber and expect a traffic jam. The traffic jam would have been preferred to the tailgaters. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiMkwDlKqIykqa8eUigBgsKszXTyqiB91QsmyrE4lJPhZQ1_nYcOZrfHABY9EblvmtRWp16U847IlImFLP0UdaKBByF_JcfGIHjrsPd0t0kms7cuwzT52rlmKyNvTG20NzM719GrOYx0rOEUb0knfFDkWy2ZMwUFHRonQA_HAF1P9lphwORAebncV1vA/s4032/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiMkwDlKqIykqa8eUigBgsKszXTyqiB91QsmyrE4lJPhZQ1_nYcOZrfHABY9EblvmtRWp16U847IlImFLP0UdaKBByF_JcfGIHjrsPd0t0kms7cuwzT52rlmKyNvTG20NzM719GrOYx0rOEUb0knfFDkWy2ZMwUFHRonQA_HAF1P9lphwORAebncV1vA/s320/IMG_1375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This only shows, there are free opportunities to get into the holiday spirit in Philadelphia.</p><p>Merry Christmas!</p></span><p></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-24015671687179176972023-12-20T16:49:00.003-05:002023-12-20T16:49:57.873-05:00Visiting the Johnson Atelier<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">While attending the <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2023/11/celebrating-lawrence-hopewell-trail.html">Lawrence Hopewell Trail celebration</a> last month, Silvia and I struck up a conversation with Lynn, who is the program director at the <a href="https://www.johnsonatelier.com/">Johnson Atelier</a> in Hamilton. Further conversation and she said she gives tours in exchange for a small donation. Those of us gathered making small talk during the cocktail hour expressed an interest in such an event, with Silvia taking Lynn's electronic business card and offering to set it up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Oftentimes these types of conversations fade away with vague "we-should-do-that" conversations happening whenever we see each other. Silvia, though, made it happen less than a month after the initial spark.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Silvia shared the invitation with other friends. In the end, about 20 of us gathered for a personal tour.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lynn began by educating us about who the Johnson Atelier is vs. what we think they are. Most people feel the atelier is a part of Grounds for Sculpture because not only are the located on the <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2011/12/grounds-for-sculpture.html">Grounds for Sculpture</a> property (though with their own street access), and their backyard is visible from GFS, they also have pieces of their artwork in their studio for repair.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Both were started by J. Seward Johnson, of the J&J Johnsons. Unlike most of his family, Seward had little interest in business. Instead he had a passion for business. After getting married and having a child, they realized he needed to make a living. He took one art class, was frustrated the moment the instructor talked about theory, and decided never to take another art class. He is one of the most famous American sculptors. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">JA was <a href="https://www.johnsonatelier.com/experience/history">created</a> in 1974 as a place for up and coming artists to work alongside established artists. Johnson fought for artists to have the right to own their own art -- a battle still going on today in the music industry with Taylor Swift. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">GFS opened in 1990 as place to showcase the work being created by arts at the atelier. Honestly, I'm still a little confused where the line is drawn, especially since the atelier website shows pictures of their other atelier located inside GFS. Our tour was at the 60 Sculptors Way location.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf7XE0MKiAa_xyviH_RLBt9PK7q8ItW5KvBqTZiOaP47tRmdshOAgScgL64O2qjvVe_4nJJcid461ejavHQ8ly9AZkkw6Ir58Y3n89BdrdULHv5_B6VunaxBqc0q9D4Qp-Ew7pDFxBXbFGQ_ala6HhAJ1zS8s1fS6FHDO4hfac_DHcBK-6jNY7DCmBNc/s4032/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf7XE0MKiAa_xyviH_RLBt9PK7q8ItW5KvBqTZiOaP47tRmdshOAgScgL64O2qjvVe_4nJJcid461ejavHQ8ly9AZkkw6Ir58Y3n89BdrdULHv5_B6VunaxBqc0q9D4Qp-Ew7pDFxBXbFGQ_ala6HhAJ1zS8s1fS6FHDO4hfac_DHcBK-6jNY7DCmBNc/s320/IMG_1260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lynn led us behind he scenes. Tall. Vast rooms. There were some sculptures. Some raw materials. A meticulously bright and clear room sealed off for painting. We saw <i>maquettes </i>(sculpture models), some of which we recognized having seen the full-size ones in person, others we hope will be turned into sculptures. With the March 2020 death of Seward Johnson, I wonder how many new pieces will be created. He enjoyed being part of every last detail down to the materials for the clothing and highlights in the hair. Details that are hard to complete without his input.</span><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DQPN8UFiLjUIZZ13j48HvQ8PoMdF5g7gJ8XvI8Xr7vp4_jOUZof0XxOq_7G6iomZ7OOU2ScVu0iubwzIHeqxu99hIdKQRwTIkykkuF7PBR8osvod8iWYroLZMszdVG2xoKhlc3kEr5QFy7nVErMGIfwizSrxXjPjmCPbwj9JaTdAGMDiRmpWrDY27LQ/s4032/IMG_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DQPN8UFiLjUIZZ13j48HvQ8PoMdF5g7gJ8XvI8Xr7vp4_jOUZof0XxOq_7G6iomZ7OOU2ScVu0iubwzIHeqxu99hIdKQRwTIkykkuF7PBR8osvod8iWYroLZMszdVG2xoKhlc3kEr5QFy7nVErMGIfwizSrxXjPjmCPbwj9JaTdAGMDiRmpWrDY27LQ/s320/IMG_1261.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lynn told us about traveling to Key West, Florida in early 2020 for Seward's (my words) last "brain dump" of information to help them finish some projects. He used a term like "light" (for example) which she interpreted one way, and other artists had different ways of interpreting it. Unable to talk to him again, they started digging through old materials to see when he used that term and what did he mean by it --- in this case was it the weight, or the coloring, or something else? Other than the few statues that she described as Seward's last project, we were free to take pictures throughout the workspaces, so we did. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We saw some works in progress and some work done by students. The studio is open for up and coming artists to create alongside with professionals. Sometimes the artists submit their vision and ask the artists in the studio to create them on a larger scale. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHJAtQ6a948m9Bv4FUTQb4IRvyRxX6F7fQqDwZ8AvtCO8l7GQXf3o2NMlVGjZd2UtzMwIQnfqx3MNACW3rmtkT72YsXmqciOewvN7ZPT4tMWRcmbnlS71i3mHMPB9YVHyDW1QagwG1teFkU7ryYCH0_J-2iug7rXLhJyX5iaIVr39IINCKX2_n4NNlOg/s4032/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHJAtQ6a948m9Bv4FUTQb4IRvyRxX6F7fQqDwZ8AvtCO8l7GQXf3o2NMlVGjZd2UtzMwIQnfqx3MNACW3rmtkT72YsXmqciOewvN7ZPT4tMWRcmbnlS71i3mHMPB9YVHyDW1QagwG1teFkU7ryYCH0_J-2iug7rXLhJyX5iaIVr39IINCKX2_n4NNlOg/s320/IMG_1262.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzFJxSA9jiTFNNlWHli2LFEqDxphyphenhyphen2kmViKs3FXIWriQoXBOgFuz9P1csyhSw4IsWRjuzUDwchDGy_ruezmg1BjW-WqQ9idSFiDdtHhbPRnzMYquLheA06Nsdxht3i2a8tbafLwaSbRBHhqjHb9c4pWvsT9VIOFFN57_zir_pen7itQqO0DttrLKFcOA/s4032/IMG_1263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzFJxSA9jiTFNNlWHli2LFEqDxphyphenhyphen2kmViKs3FXIWriQoXBOgFuz9P1csyhSw4IsWRjuzUDwchDGy_ruezmg1BjW-WqQ9idSFiDdtHhbPRnzMYquLheA06Nsdxht3i2a8tbafLwaSbRBHhqjHb9c4pWvsT9VIOFFN57_zir_pen7itQqO0DttrLKFcOA/s320/IMG_1263.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the people on our<br />tour are cyclists</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ49Z3j-bji9BxG1bwlHG6JWl5Ako680zc8_Rl0VnYWqwtVfw1VrJrx6kXJcb4Sd3r0KSfbWPyflH4FG8rgPSZrvWUHz4RCzEy5r7LQp2c2itK9cRYOedNXHFaKZvGSqL0lWfgWCoG_30muzmTIw62dpFOVSZjoIjrJl2oRHLcTDu8B2w7i8U2932Kr6k/s4032/IMG_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ49Z3j-bji9BxG1bwlHG6JWl5Ako680zc8_Rl0VnYWqwtVfw1VrJrx6kXJcb4Sd3r0KSfbWPyflH4FG8rgPSZrvWUHz4RCzEy5r7LQp2c2itK9cRYOedNXHFaKZvGSqL0lWfgWCoG_30muzmTIw62dpFOVSZjoIjrJl2oRHLcTDu8B2w7i8U2932Kr6k/s320/IMG_1264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found the lemonade stand charming</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sm_0BBJFm7xtiQBCZ3_Xrb9rSFhaSK4Af0IB59KtXbhT-Z3RDKyFHXruVMRwhPv027S7p7XBIKqdCwAMEzs4VBsJ9FY3aOlNzBq_rvQtwDVVs27-cUvS2k6d7M4LzkuBtgKVyO909-AdbSh8rK46xFZKBjud9PIIld3ajz23vty6qqmuJuxyV-4nhm8/s4032/IMG_1265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sm_0BBJFm7xtiQBCZ3_Xrb9rSFhaSK4Af0IB59KtXbhT-Z3RDKyFHXruVMRwhPv027S7p7XBIKqdCwAMEzs4VBsJ9FY3aOlNzBq_rvQtwDVVs27-cUvS2k6d7M4LzkuBtgKVyO909-AdbSh8rK46xFZKBjud9PIIld3ajz23vty6qqmuJuxyV-4nhm8/s320/IMG_1265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local legend, Einstein</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHylco0xKxwEST4NL5PTSsb-I8Z_0pjOqqHRcsYp1W9drI9bCi0eNxfyKgwz6rS_SUgV37Ku-nchQz7D8CXxn9sm8P-xLfaMaoOGuRkf5gdpQlr8OzuU_WQrMib7u7pMgol3jfyT0ktFyjpcnFVPKfBIXttQc-eWFPmrmz_tXIgX9yNKedVTUGItulATQ/s4032/IMG_1266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHylco0xKxwEST4NL5PTSsb-I8Z_0pjOqqHRcsYp1W9drI9bCi0eNxfyKgwz6rS_SUgV37Ku-nchQz7D8CXxn9sm8P-xLfaMaoOGuRkf5gdpQlr8OzuU_WQrMib7u7pMgol3jfyT0ktFyjpcnFVPKfBIXttQc-eWFPmrmz_tXIgX9yNKedVTUGItulATQ/s320/IMG_1266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A full-sized version is in Princeton's<br />Palmer Square</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBBU-A89nxGXkdVL2w499jZYsP-xILWIeQ-8N7vQ_gpg04qJKd00ocjtpO4YFEfmoFjIizzSydzxG4wkbT7MM_b1YFMllZtavoKS4gCzv_dIIkEf79KW9_XCWN6o1gEH-44OFahDXT6Etd2NWGS_S-HTA_Lt8o_YLSqWOlRA3b4-mhvbMrFxMUSt-YuA/s4032/IMG_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBBU-A89nxGXkdVL2w499jZYsP-xILWIeQ-8N7vQ_gpg04qJKd00ocjtpO4YFEfmoFjIizzSydzxG4wkbT7MM_b1YFMllZtavoKS4gCzv_dIIkEf79KW9_XCWN6o1gEH-44OFahDXT6Etd2NWGS_S-HTA_Lt8o_YLSqWOlRA3b4-mhvbMrFxMUSt-YuA/s320/IMG_1267.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her dress seems to swoosh</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazY1MZRcy3Hw3Q8FbYKXheBhQ0jR9qig5qhVkXTESKQG9vNEvx6qeT4FKrrblbfDYS56agf1o9YP2imxdbxBEoOo8Pvs3rfAylqrkkFvklCATtd3YEXXxG8ldq9v_leRvDYoHmakch1Tiyl6AQXUd2br4m8IaUWC9zPI0ULEwHKQamAWOMTuJKYXPlks/s4032/IMG_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazY1MZRcy3Hw3Q8FbYKXheBhQ0jR9qig5qhVkXTESKQG9vNEvx6qeT4FKrrblbfDYS56agf1o9YP2imxdbxBEoOo8Pvs3rfAylqrkkFvklCATtd3YEXXxG8ldq9v_leRvDYoHmakch1Tiyl6AQXUd2br4m8IaUWC9zPI0ULEwHKQamAWOMTuJKYXPlks/s320/IMG_1271.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a lot of dogs!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PgXOPCY9VrjnrbwV62z46XMnH-t3B9h7KhZ2oGec06o-ZxSdbkWSlDziPzzZmnUzo2aE7X3fbRa1a2JdxWt3x9ehNxkjKqWo4gLPXrmLeAGv0D_szP6Wo69HyhWDGu4DB8n0gq-Dlww8G8af3rp0rR3berbjuYTh5ySieIHRkNfRdXkbmARZyC7wk7M/s4032/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PgXOPCY9VrjnrbwV62z46XMnH-t3B9h7KhZ2oGec06o-ZxSdbkWSlDziPzzZmnUzo2aE7X3fbRa1a2JdxWt3x9ehNxkjKqWo4gLPXrmLeAGv0D_szP6Wo69HyhWDGu4DB8n0gq-Dlww8G8af3rp0rR3berbjuYTh5ySieIHRkNfRdXkbmARZyC7wk7M/s320/IMG_1272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full-sized version is in Grounds<br />for Sculpture</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhMy8KHKVUzNuWLsOanrJ5JPFMRrWDSXHkwLiq1mOIsaCTESUTSXwOE5fSfpwAuXCdQJOp4t1ZiXEWNYQI7vpWC6UYVhOEVlFrCK9aMZUWbwPsYzd90CdVb-cqR7ZoDurigyB6zpo9EHAEpDcja_yLtbf33dqiKNF4ewhAb5pxUuCFYQAkZbRxcBWGvQ/s4032/IMG_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhMy8KHKVUzNuWLsOanrJ5JPFMRrWDSXHkwLiq1mOIsaCTESUTSXwOE5fSfpwAuXCdQJOp4t1ZiXEWNYQI7vpWC6UYVhOEVlFrCK9aMZUWbwPsYzd90CdVb-cqR7ZoDurigyB6zpo9EHAEpDcja_yLtbf33dqiKNF4ewhAb5pxUuCFYQAkZbRxcBWGvQ/s320/IMG_1276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paint room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk9Kk7cu0XjAeR9g5_e7ls3MYucQjvOhAmiAUX_KeQN3fxesIrEbTJCeVVQ-wZNZpQIDMev97EVpHUj2kiyxLZnYuOpjmgNQFUuwbPkeNWHtT08uRcCZZMUSLprkK-i_uiljW9178eE3DyL0DUFhyoey8CmlDH9CUk7RNBXr_tqDjxBLlkXmu-VyUIhY/s4032/IMG_1277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivk9Kk7cu0XjAeR9g5_e7ls3MYucQjvOhAmiAUX_KeQN3fxesIrEbTJCeVVQ-wZNZpQIDMev97EVpHUj2kiyxLZnYuOpjmgNQFUuwbPkeNWHtT08uRcCZZMUSLprkK-i_uiljW9178eE3DyL0DUFhyoey8CmlDH9CUk7RNBXr_tqDjxBLlkXmu-VyUIhY/s320/IMG_1277.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2z3FOvZMtyrCfQoHbPznne9FzgFmd83z7Z15n20k2c7Ri9SNzalb9y6ZbjHcOqr67jYmAATl6Y5ASQEd7QQEUsYEnytasHnIKwT_74frKrNrDQmxmv8HeZ_lV-W9AWunaFWEVJ3UQZZRMa1lp_F1uWY0arIdSfitrReE1W5Gbt5LEtaJ3ceiYxAhfHA/s4032/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2z3FOvZMtyrCfQoHbPznne9FzgFmd83z7Z15n20k2c7Ri9SNzalb9y6ZbjHcOqr67jYmAATl6Y5ASQEd7QQEUsYEnytasHnIKwT_74frKrNrDQmxmv8HeZ_lV-W9AWunaFWEVJ3UQZZRMa1lp_F1uWY0arIdSfitrReE1W5Gbt5LEtaJ3ceiYxAhfHA/s320/IMG_1278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room where they do repairs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYHT-6D1fmaqmYZE6zaNSfd-yomEBlqJlvJi6lgt1sTF_SPGpnnRQXo3kvesZmRqNl-LdG2CmNtXwQye_Xduqc6xrjDhTOfXnTYB9DB1kouL3ht31lZeA-KrkHXwwoyVcHbJ4Bwt3apoct7NhDNNmv6PZQuXH89Wn5ZB6CazJX1g_7J3IMJkyX-MVhGA/s4032/IMG_1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYHT-6D1fmaqmYZE6zaNSfd-yomEBlqJlvJi6lgt1sTF_SPGpnnRQXo3kvesZmRqNl-LdG2CmNtXwQye_Xduqc6xrjDhTOfXnTYB9DB1kouL3ht31lZeA-KrkHXwwoyVcHbJ4Bwt3apoct7NhDNNmv6PZQuXH89Wn5ZB6CazJX1g_7J3IMJkyX-MVhGA/s320/IMG_1279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZsJ6uJ02skp6s7aA0_ZxAe_7ofcYrkjhUzcFV44nBeJJjO334KoO-Fh8p3yja6Jvtsc2mE3wDpcH-ENveqdjow9Y_qVF-oSk5dfkXqypzJsPNDNT0jjs-yuD3OP-uvs_QcMXeV10LSml_XAYBw0Ck3kmfjOJBtWfb3rbqtTjf73TvbkADg_tfGFCFdc/s4032/IMG_1282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZsJ6uJ02skp6s7aA0_ZxAe_7ofcYrkjhUzcFV44nBeJJjO334KoO-Fh8p3yja6Jvtsc2mE3wDpcH-ENveqdjow9Y_qVF-oSk5dfkXqypzJsPNDNT0jjs-yuD3OP-uvs_QcMXeV10LSml_XAYBw0Ck3kmfjOJBtWfb3rbqtTjf73TvbkADg_tfGFCFdc/s320/IMG_1282.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abraham Lincoln</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWN-GjH1L552CJBr5GiTfbFvDTKrtgOmTzLwZUjBd9lECYd-J5RDy4MBSS7QrrhyphenhyphenYtztlqPvJiaH5HmHzYJH6WigjRuTLz3mmadGUg6zKg2V6cLbvGKeyGYM4UWczcqPqGUL1By0xF9tmEwNqMWgSINmSyW5KDH3TPb4nqYNAX5bTKOBPEm_VNLq3K8k/s4032/IMG_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWN-GjH1L552CJBr5GiTfbFvDTKrtgOmTzLwZUjBd9lECYd-J5RDy4MBSS7QrrhyphenhyphenYtztlqPvJiaH5HmHzYJH6WigjRuTLz3mmadGUg6zKg2V6cLbvGKeyGYM4UWczcqPqGUL1By0xF9tmEwNqMWgSINmSyW5KDH3TPb4nqYNAX5bTKOBPEm_VNLq3K8k/s320/IMG_1283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their backyard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqagTXvlrHA2xWZeh6yc8pWJ2kDvjc-ZXrgr0pVfvNX3hLNfWnXsbQzwjQTWafzVKtU4rWrT4KkJfVMLwg4pPRZyswQZ0slTihCKf8w__48VXocoe1k4pfdd0PdZJRpEddRrkjbTEHk738AFmJLVBO8cmS3ecTKVF0KTiPmvQWbpEEf_jLKn8K58Gimk/s4032/IMG_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqagTXvlrHA2xWZeh6yc8pWJ2kDvjc-ZXrgr0pVfvNX3hLNfWnXsbQzwjQTWafzVKtU4rWrT4KkJfVMLwg4pPRZyswQZ0slTihCKf8w__48VXocoe1k4pfdd0PdZJRpEddRrkjbTEHk738AFmJLVBO8cmS3ecTKVF0KTiPmvQWbpEEf_jLKn8K58Gimk/s320/IMG_1284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normally on the water by Rats!, this<br />sculpture is in the back being<br />winterized</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuct58e8DwWYkU31a631gcjsZ3AilCY9Fdbvgbs5jmEByEfpEtBDEk5fqvRgMwnbeR4Lt-1eEKEOI7Sr3XmdkS9EWFqcIlco1-CzCujnHDj2-Nd3cYgTLGWHQ-X4Mm5AA38dBtMk1Fe0EXIk03BkSinXQT3gTNnbnRqJTsqc4s-74AsTa4zdjWoZ_kk3E/s4032/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuct58e8DwWYkU31a631gcjsZ3AilCY9Fdbvgbs5jmEByEfpEtBDEk5fqvRgMwnbeR4Lt-1eEKEOI7Sr3XmdkS9EWFqcIlco1-CzCujnHDj2-Nd3cYgTLGWHQ-X4Mm5AA38dBtMk1Fe0EXIk03BkSinXQT3gTNnbnRqJTsqc4s-74AsTa4zdjWoZ_kk3E/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw materials waiting to be sculpted</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT_3yp4HwLcQrzNuQLJvm6jDkQciwONA3jYuIwBLNM2H1Bb2aA8HcJpVeLqaGJFu898uh95LS_BcvFBuW1fgAQA62z2fVl_GukrgE86ujmKONs6zz3ilFFd7yPRWwJKlrInX5dE37pYE2nnUF87rp5prafnjDXzOqS32Lw3aeYZbytmY1gZ1zmYXmP9M/s4032/IMG_4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsT_3yp4HwLcQrzNuQLJvm6jDkQciwONA3jYuIwBLNM2H1Bb2aA8HcJpVeLqaGJFu898uh95LS_BcvFBuW1fgAQA62z2fVl_GukrgE86ujmKONs6zz3ilFFd7yPRWwJKlrInX5dE37pYE2nnUF87rp5prafnjDXzOqS32Lw3aeYZbytmY1gZ1zmYXmP9M/s320/IMG_4102.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We noted it was very quiet in the atelier. Lynn said that's normal. They have a very small staff. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">As we were leaving, someone asked Lynn how long she has been with the organization. She said over 20 years. She started with Grounds for Sculpture as a ticket taker and has grown with the organization.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BMSntZVbQs9iNCA1EsFYvnmoPgJnUZm-tO_CCI0cyYfqSSlM4UbSJr2ny2TKDVvRfb3pLAHRd6bbGkRW4uUIJ5HKVxeUhC1eh_WW9y4O6bC4z-CNI2ZptB7-cDbbITwoiVcAJszqjDi5AJvR81F62NpKWcNaCm120CL8I_PlUkCMnjF5huriKR6KuVA/s4032/IMG_1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BMSntZVbQs9iNCA1EsFYvnmoPgJnUZm-tO_CCI0cyYfqSSlM4UbSJr2ny2TKDVvRfb3pLAHRd6bbGkRW4uUIJ5HKVxeUhC1eh_WW9y4O6bC4z-CNI2ZptB7-cDbbITwoiVcAJszqjDi5AJvR81F62NpKWcNaCm120CL8I_PlUkCMnjF5huriKR6KuVA/s320/IMG_1288.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We were next door to Grounds for Sculpture, and since I have a Plus One membership, I suggested to Don we stop in for lunch at the Van Gogh Café. It also gave us a chance to walk around on a brisk Monday afternoon. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. </span><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdydNemDT0hicc8J-_DuhsTKPLwJFjZR4hD9PpZQLFG9gWZksT9CtRInOmGZHDaogYb1uzZjDJN83RdVBwf2xGbiDdMW4LZWs-sB0voD_qb388n0k31Nyoi6FSNAxg5vAQ1Iw3A6KKU1RuHNCDdlcWVrqLK6jNZGf1LqwqSxqJ5dwb0lghDMeZ3_DSSc/s4032/IMG_1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdydNemDT0hicc8J-_DuhsTKPLwJFjZR4hD9PpZQLFG9gWZksT9CtRInOmGZHDaogYb1uzZjDJN83RdVBwf2xGbiDdMW4LZWs-sB0voD_qb388n0k31Nyoi6FSNAxg5vAQ1Iw3A6KKU1RuHNCDdlcWVrqLK6jNZGf1LqwqSxqJ5dwb0lghDMeZ3_DSSc/s320/IMG_1289.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbk6_aLWTqrRGgPmadr6yNxhX4qtUjQhOVAHJGbjm8LH3ieEJwduz6_JzDFnY7zMbl75RYfzUrWBQ8L0aaZZWeBEKLuWz5IOwa2ikbwK3weMhfb1luhBwXgWEIXZ2xy13mc2FM9-RXkN4bVt0CYCEDh50h8UUPDRZ3ENCmGHanJMbYNPKLGQ71rOeHAM/s4032/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbk6_aLWTqrRGgPmadr6yNxhX4qtUjQhOVAHJGbjm8LH3ieEJwduz6_JzDFnY7zMbl75RYfzUrWBQ8L0aaZZWeBEKLuWz5IOwa2ikbwK3weMhfb1luhBwXgWEIXZ2xy13mc2FM9-RXkN4bVt0CYCEDh50h8UUPDRZ3ENCmGHanJMbYNPKLGQ71rOeHAM/s320/IMG_1287.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-57621395248708457442023-12-17T18:07:00.007-05:002023-12-19T15:56:30.037-05:00Intergenerational Christmas Pageant<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZfAvTh4p5buKaXUMHdOja0hGHPB3Xl4fGCvyeQaGvGffN3HVAJzBsRp8EjprgZ3Z3c7QxuXaj83WYolBDexo8YcV1HpTpvVhX-r38PoY-PB9EeU8_JBgbTAdYYwtdzD4YtacQy5HySQn70DMi_qVdXpBs9ZQ-cNgJb0mZcHCJNX7TppxZa1GJjQwy2I/s1799/IMG_1294.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZfAvTh4p5buKaXUMHdOja0hGHPB3Xl4fGCvyeQaGvGffN3HVAJzBsRp8EjprgZ3Z3c7QxuXaj83WYolBDexo8YcV1HpTpvVhX-r38PoY-PB9EeU8_JBgbTAdYYwtdzD4YtacQy5HySQn70DMi_qVdXpBs9ZQ-cNgJb0mZcHCJNX7TppxZa1GJjQwy2I/s320/IMG_1294.JPG" width="256" /></a></span>This year <a href="https://pillspress.blogspot.com/2023/11/made-commitment.html">our new church</a> decided to shake up the usual pageant. For many years, on Christmas Eve during the 4 pm family service, the children told the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Even though we never attended, I'm sure it was adorable. I'm also sure it was a lot of work.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first Christmas after the pandemic they created a Zoom-like version of the pageant. We watched in social isolation as everyone shared their part of the story. All I remember was the running gag of "Mary, you're on mute!" I believe it was pre-recorded. Like the pageants of the past, I am certain it was a lot of work.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This year the pageant was opened up to everyone -- not just children. There was a tiny glitch in that the costumes lovingly used for generations, were designed for grade school sized children. Instead of holding it on Christmas Eve, it was held on the second Sunday of Advent. There was a two-hour rehearsal held the Wednesday before the service, but if you couldn't make that rehearsal show up a little early for the costume fitting and guidance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Warmed by memories of years of participating in the pageant (not much choice when your mom is one of the mothers running the event), I signed up hoping for a small role in the back. Instead I was asked to be one of the two narrators. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">*Gulp* I knew I would be at least a half an hour later because I already had a ticket to Princeton Theological Seminary's 3:30 PM service <i>Carols of Many Nations</i> -- an annual treat. There was no chance of arriving in time for the 5 PM rehearsal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back to the pageants of my childhood. We would rehearse for hours and hours and hours the day before the pageant. We may have even rehearsed on two Saturdays. The choir stood up front and sang our cues as we did as directed. For years afterwards me knees still wanted to genuflect upon hearing the soloist sing <i>"Fall on your knees" </i>during <i>"O Holy Night." </i>My sisters and I were often cast as angels -- "angels do not wear nail polish or have anything in their hair." There were standards to being an angel in the 1980's era Dutch Reformed Christmas pageant. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We would gaze at Mary, a teenager wearing a light blue costume similar to our white gowns that covered us from our necks to our ankles clad in white tights (angels don't wear shoes, nor are they barefoot in December in New Jersey), as if she were a rock star. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">One year when I was in high school, or maybe even college, the new choir director attempted to modernize the pageant and included people from "today." I was cast as a nurse. I remember wearing my plain white confirmation dress, but without the red belt. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fast forward to my thirties when I was finally cast as Mary. Mom was still the casting agent for the pageant. By this point she preferred to have a live baby Jesus. Typically the parents who had the youngest baby were cast in the roles of Mary and Joseph, and there was a baby younger than 7-month old Ashley, but we were asked (voluntold?) to be the Holy Family. The other family was invited to portray the new parents during a regular worship service. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Two years later, my sister, brother-in-law and five-month old nephew were asked to be the Holy Family. Two-year old Ashley was cast as a lamb (lambs are allowed to roam free as they are too young to corral). I believe I was a shepherd for the first time so I could keep an eye on lamby. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soon my parents left that church and moved to be closer to their grandchildren. My acting career in the pageant had come to an end, at least until I saw the announcement in the bulletin. This being a church, all who want to participate were encouraged. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1AI0AZlTKLexQwB51STpt1YIETjeKXEYEjY4tbarj9_GHNreyQmA3_tnDLveFp8Eif5z0rzZ1dx9uPfe6rr255VDp3fvbZlvoKS6BrmQ-4vcw8UmSmgE8-796ElxyxS__mdBqg2XxEbqsEKM0Xh_x9HaHN9YAq8Syi6uAMvXuF-HVtJfuAU7beqwvXY/s1799/IMG_1293.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1AI0AZlTKLexQwB51STpt1YIETjeKXEYEjY4tbarj9_GHNreyQmA3_tnDLveFp8Eif5z0rzZ1dx9uPfe6rr255VDp3fvbZlvoKS6BrmQ-4vcw8UmSmgE8-796ElxyxS__mdBqg2XxEbqsEKM0Xh_x9HaHN9YAq8Syi6uAMvXuF-HVtJfuAU7beqwvXY/s320/IMG_1293.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am happy to say I was not the only adult. A retired woman played an angel. She said she didn't think she ever participated in a pageant before and was happy to finally have the opportunity. Two of the pastors participated as shepherds. A dad was another adult angel. All of us adults knew the congregation was packed because they wanted to see their children. My mom even commented that people seemed to sit closer to the front than usual.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm not as well trained as the rest of the family, meaning while they look at my mom while performing and she takes their pictures, I kept looking at my script or away from her. I wasn't much better for the official church photographers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was fun.</span></p><p></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CIfZYXMneW8Tv7FTFrUGBM00_GJ2KtFmCt8MVIPFNYboeVc88cwIxNZgDwpr2wMbgPcbbSuxWtSpZrbucEewaVEgoE2hdDxrnAVTlwr-QGT9d1j897s56ZkNrmqAeBGHaIjgs2gAjzZ1SydbFxQ4FDCN42lMVE109x6qyLDxLfj413me_ftxvuy5MzU/s1800/IMG_1295.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CIfZYXMneW8Tv7FTFrUGBM00_GJ2KtFmCt8MVIPFNYboeVc88cwIxNZgDwpr2wMbgPcbbSuxWtSpZrbucEewaVEgoE2hdDxrnAVTlwr-QGT9d1j897s56ZkNrmqAeBGHaIjgs2gAjzZ1SydbFxQ4FDCN42lMVE109x6qyLDxLfj413me_ftxvuy5MzU/s320/IMG_1295.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Someone described my performance as "spirit filled." Someone else chastised me for not remembering all of my lines even though they were written in front of me (harsh criticism considering she missed her cue and I had to make up dialogue to give them enough time to make it to the front). I skipped a paragraph and tried to make it up. The other narrator, thinking I had forgotten to speak, started to read my lines. I was pausing to allow the angels to get into place. Dad chuckled when I looked south to say "people came from the north," and I made it worse by commenting on his chuckle. It felt good to hear him laugh. To have my parents there.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkpOgPyvuLihSLSJ5lnUzpARR20qxAhRlY3Kp4rbz42-v827MfnuYbUJDI36tWPo-yUQrDYEQ7k4uSjI4mI1sQJKrHMrVgPGl-HB3EUaBLwpAysfsF6xTCwlhUda7zUT_dnGomU2Uy5QUDM14p2xd97bNnr7plOCYkjFB9ltW3RuTIFN5niJKbKqWcLY/s1799/IMG_1296.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkpOgPyvuLihSLSJ5lnUzpARR20qxAhRlY3Kp4rbz42-v827MfnuYbUJDI36tWPo-yUQrDYEQ7k4uSjI4mI1sQJKrHMrVgPGl-HB3EUaBLwpAysfsF6xTCwlhUda7zUT_dnGomU2Uy5QUDM14p2xd97bNnr7plOCYkjFB9ltW3RuTIFN5niJKbKqWcLY/s320/IMG_1296.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was only 15 minutes, but felt so much longer! Renewed appreciation for the family members involved with shows. Though, I wouldn't have objected to a repeat performance so I could do it better the second time. Maybe next year?</span><p></p>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929969032432865144.post-30660341229415649192023-12-09T14:05:00.002-05:002023-12-09T14:05:18.360-05:00TubaChristmas<span style="font-family: verdana;">On December 22, 1974 in New York City's Rockefeller Center <a href="https://www.tubachristmas.com/whatis.htm">TubaChristmas</a> was born. Dreamed up by Harvey Phillips as a way to honor his music teacher mentor, William J. Bell, it has grown into an international event honoring all music teachers.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Don's dad, Pop-pop, was a huge fan of tubas. Don remembers his dad read about the first tuba concert and was determined to go into New York City to hear the next one, or maybe it was the first one. Don remembers being about 10 or 11 or 12 and going into NYC with his dad for the concert. One of his fondest memories of one-on-one time with dad.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">More recently I would hear about our local TubaChristmas at Princeton MarketFair right after the event. Friends would share pictures on Facebook, and I would think <i>next year</i>. As is typical, next year would come and the cycle would repeat. This year I was reading Town Topics list of things to do in the area (I was waiting in the car while Don was setting up the stage for <i>It's A Wonderful Life) </i>and I saw the listing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgz5zQOvNiXDlFiL8CMmuOIMdiKjMc7o_eftMJP8WQb2y6iQWtHbFL5lOwi4FMVHEfP2DcRMBWy1M-oFYVATBT8gJCD6ctUVU-k4VTic1twyoNdlSPGvlR2ZtmThggcDqZ92lW7xuS0VKnDkU0l9Qn3YdVwHuYFPBf5oYVMCcfGCfNXoBCrMGplVthmQ/s4032/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgz5zQOvNiXDlFiL8CMmuOIMdiKjMc7o_eftMJP8WQb2y6iQWtHbFL5lOwi4FMVHEfP2DcRMBWy1M-oFYVATBT8gJCD6ctUVU-k4VTic1twyoNdlSPGvlR2ZtmThggcDqZ92lW7xuS0VKnDkU0l9Qn3YdVwHuYFPBf5oYVMCcfGCfNXoBCrMGplVthmQ/s320/IMG_1176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The first event had 300 tuba and euphonium players. This year's first return to MarketFair since the pandemic had 37. Prior to the 2 pm concert, an ensemble from Rutgers University performed. Retired Rider University professor Jerry Rife conducted the community group, which included the Rutgers ensemble, for an hour. He told stories about each song before it was performed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoEQVovQgOSH-SNi5L1mWO8flts24swr0FYJvwWlT2prkz9MkuGFybq8Suf5Babvlm0O_bh9WJil8qge7MiANDkPId2BCou71z2asnsATvz3BeevZloktD70rdUC0xFJHspaO7-bz_zgYSLZS3hCm5Jb_JzapoiAruR2AMIojtsToIKg7ZoIuXSA4IUE/s4032/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoEQVovQgOSH-SNi5L1mWO8flts24swr0FYJvwWlT2prkz9MkuGFybq8Suf5Babvlm0O_bh9WJil8qge7MiANDkPId2BCou71z2asnsATvz3BeevZloktD70rdUC0xFJHspaO7-bz_zgYSLZS3hCm5Jb_JzapoiAruR2AMIojtsToIKg7ZoIuXSA4IUE/s320/IMG_1179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">While there we saw people we have not seen in years -- a woman I worked with when newly married, friends from our old small group from before Ashley was born, and parents of friends of Ashley -- a nice cross-section of the decades we have lived here.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't know if it was the music, or seeing familiar (unmasked) faces, the holiday decorations, or the excitement but for the first time in well over a year, I felt the excitement of Christmas. A feeling that grew at Muhlenberg's Lessons and Carol's service, and again at Princeton Theological Seminary's Carols of Many Nations. I feel we have emerged from the pandemic (though I know people are still getting COVID, it is not the panic or death sentence it was in 2020) and I feel happier and more at peace than I did before it started.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are some pictures from TubaChrismas. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Visit <a href="https://www.tubachristmas.com/readtcloc.php?TCState=NJ">https://www.tubachristmas.com</a> to find one near you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdXxKfzaMZ_9Oyj7LVpRCa2iCiJgQQn7L0Nev26mEdjBrZpNWlizBY498XMed8C5uhR1Dsqa73BVYTa3Ig7UsK1nlWcmwRiubh70y9ArUxX2u5f77XjQ9qbIMc1AfxSAGXhQdYX1vu62vL5jcv3cVEEA2nSK-OMLzKNiq7kdLqMLbCEPAvZ060iX0EPM/s4032/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdXxKfzaMZ_9Oyj7LVpRCa2iCiJgQQn7L0Nev26mEdjBrZpNWlizBY498XMed8C5uhR1Dsqa73BVYTa3Ig7UsK1nlWcmwRiubh70y9ArUxX2u5f77XjQ9qbIMc1AfxSAGXhQdYX1vu62vL5jcv3cVEEA2nSK-OMLzKNiq7kdLqMLbCEPAvZ060iX0EPM/s320/IMG_1180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv2pP_rszFz0ROdMDNPlpwwusPB0UefnEdZ3D1liGmQeqauBsVkYvfwDsQVl_8Z5cKgtpgInHTsVVyKR6wlMc4zZ1QZ2v3h8hP_a_jQsEWbu6rHte3v8nQgwuPOjJ4ywgJFNVSJ2mwTxtxMhcrwhw-ct5nkBhmTt0CyHnn1AIrLR1P1m8qFH0yG9tUec/s4032/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv2pP_rszFz0ROdMDNPlpwwusPB0UefnEdZ3D1liGmQeqauBsVkYvfwDsQVl_8Z5cKgtpgInHTsVVyKR6wlMc4zZ1QZ2v3h8hP_a_jQsEWbu6rHte3v8nQgwuPOjJ4ywgJFNVSJ2mwTxtxMhcrwhw-ct5nkBhmTt0CyHnn1AIrLR1P1m8qFH0yG9tUec/s320/IMG_1181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG0yPR54o3KpX5JHCgSlSw-dvy1qdkhIBu5Ulaq2LTJ6FxHyjOpfHLm3AZ3tQXShWOJLYWDgwDorv0Gq9EOzozQ8HQrNydOLs2oNPrs9qdcJfwILit87Z5MK4gGTVHxp-cS6qQkHC6oWE4zT8ARIUQSUY9PqrxVFMddm86Z8KDeJMG0DvRAFFF1FQgSs/s4032/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG0yPR54o3KpX5JHCgSlSw-dvy1qdkhIBu5Ulaq2LTJ6FxHyjOpfHLm3AZ3tQXShWOJLYWDgwDorv0Gq9EOzozQ8HQrNydOLs2oNPrs9qdcJfwILit87Z5MK4gGTVHxp-cS6qQkHC6oWE4zT8ARIUQSUY9PqrxVFMddm86Z8KDeJMG0DvRAFFF1FQgSs/s320/IMG_1182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_IffRWA3_kh0YMyP7gZnJypcrBVF6B7S4i9QERFDCB-dgp4QzBShdGZUdxhxRICo_vhTY6VJvEN79oQBjCw81D5YhV28wvLdZywy2P9qHPShUSHvQ7-faNt1E3gpHILJIIiFTEQlOTGexMZa8WlmqIT_eD2WPJYmWg0Fbp9mPNf6cCFnXnEZ2SrZS3M/s4032/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_IffRWA3_kh0YMyP7gZnJypcrBVF6B7S4i9QERFDCB-dgp4QzBShdGZUdxhxRICo_vhTY6VJvEN79oQBjCw81D5YhV28wvLdZywy2P9qHPShUSHvQ7-faNt1E3gpHILJIIiFTEQlOTGexMZa8WlmqIT_eD2WPJYmWg0Fbp9mPNf6cCFnXnEZ2SrZS3M/s320/IMG_1185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jacquelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09540227396775458009noreply@blogger.com0