Piano Recital

Janine, John and Sarah all played in a piano recital this morning for all of Mrs. Scott's students.

Janine played the theme from the Flintstones and Star Wars while John followed with an arrangement of Chopsticks.

Sarah followed later playing Linus and Lucy from the old Peanuts TV specials and Pachabel's Canon.

Since the recital was held at a music store, the kids got to play a very nice Yamaha baby grand and then shop for music afterwards. Something tells me we will be back there again soon.

The Ballet Guys

It's ballet performance time and here are the three ballet guys, from left, Ray, Dave and of course, John. The four of us had a great time tonight. The three guys all sat in the back seat of my car as we went from the studio to the theatre only two miles away. Then we all had dinner at Wendy's. An island of male bonding in the feminine sea of ballet.

You see. tonight is the dress rehearsal for the big performance tomorrow. As usual everyone in the family but me is dancing in this performance. Bobbie is in something in which she wears a cape. Sarah is teamed up with six of her peer dancers in a piece the features a live pianist playing what sounds like Debussy or some other French composer from the early 20th century.

The guys are in a piece with some of the younger girls, including Janine. It is set to Gustav Holst's St. Paul suite, one of those masterpieces that just plain sounds Celtic even though he was an English composer.

At least Janine and John are now home. Bobbie and Sarah may not be home until much later. It will be a late one tomorrow. I hope we can post something over the weekend.

A Thought

This weekend let us remember all those who have fallen in the defense of our country and freedom itself. It's great to get together and enjoy the spring weekend, but let us never forget the brave men and women who gave all.

Spring Blooms

This past spring has been great for the azaleas and rhododendrons. This one has more blooms on it than it ever had. Even the rhododendron that is heavily shaded under the pin oaks has bloomed more than ever. Perhaps trimming the oaks a year and a half ago helped. Whatever the cause, we have enjoyed the results!

On the Bike

When Dad was here he took this nice shot of Janine riding her bike. She learned about two weeks prior to Dad's visit and just look at her go!

How fast she learned! Just after this photo was taken she told us that she needed a new multi-gear bike so she could ride as fast as her friends!

Babysitting

Sarah had a babysitting job this evening right here at home. One of the younger ballet ladies dropped off her two kids for Sarah to watch while she had a rehearsal.

Sarah did a good job. She got out some of the old toys in the basement but the kids quickly tired of them and made their way outside to the old reliable swingset.

After a dinner of hot dogs and potato chips they were back at it before poor Sarah could finish. At this point Bobbie said, "now you know how I felt running after you guys!"

Overall it was a good experience builder for her. She was able to start at home with the help of her family (like her sister who somehow gets into most of the pictures).

Great Food

My dad visited us this past weekend and we all had a great time. On Saturday night we all went out for dinner at a fine Italian restaurant called the Pleasure Bar.

I always feel that I have to explain myself after eating there. "It has great food, honest! Really! It's a fine restaurant. No this is not the same as saying that I read Playboy for the articles..."

Seriously we had a great feast. Their Wedding Soup is fantastic. It was an excellent clear broth with 1/2" meatballs and coarsely chopped greens. The flavors were distinct and clear. I suggested to Dad that he order the Veal Marsala. He loved it so much that he ate the entire generous portion.

We will return.