Friday, November 30, 2007

Good News Bad News

The good news is the body work on my car looks great.

The bad news is the car was left where the rain could get to it while the rear window was removed, the headliner is torn, and the back seat is wet and stained.

Bummer.

I was given full assurance that the problems could be taken care of any day next week.

Goody. Another trip to the auto body shop is in my future...

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

A Zippity Do Dah Day


My birthday is this Saturday.

Since Bob will be working in Rancho Mirage and I will be taking several APU flutists to the James Galway Master Class in Malibu, we spent the day at Disneyland yesterday to celebrate in advance.

We happened upon our friend Kurt conducting the Disneyland Band:

Muni Band colleagues Tim and Chris were also present:

Since I am known as Aunt Doda, the band played Zippity Do Dah in honor of my birthday.

That was cool!

It was a truly beautiful day. The skies were clear and the air was warm.

The castle has its new snow overlay (it is especially breath taking at night):

We had lunch at our favorite "casual dining" restaurant:

The canoes were in operation.

Who could pass up an opportunity like that?

I can't remember the last time I was in one of these:

About half way around, I wondered what I was doing in the canoe. That rowing is hard work!

We had a wonderful, laid back day strolling through the park and taking in the sights.

Now, refreshed and renewed, it's back to work!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

A Family Thanksgiving

My entire family gathered in Atascadero for Thanksgiving this year:

Well, there was one member who is waiting for his debut. This is my niece Heather (with husband Matt in the background):

And the soon to debut family member? Meet Hunter:



Expected arrival: February, 2008.

I'll keep you posted!


Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Grandma's Doggie Day Care

I had an exuberant greeting upon my arrival at my sister's house this morning.

Three smiling, feisty canines waited behind the front gate.

I had arrived at Grandma's Doggie Day Care.

Here is "Grandma" with Tim and Bethany's dog Chassie, Matt and Heather's dog Olive, and her resident dog Penny:

Grandma is teaching her charges manners:

And now for the reward:



What a treat it is to visit Grandma's Doggie Day Care!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

On The Road




I'm heading for Atascadero tomorrow morning in my rented Kia. I'm looking forward to escaping LA and breathing some invisible air (as opposed to, well, you know what the air is like in LA).

The down side? Bob won't be able to join me until Tuesday night.

The up side? Lots of blog fodder as the family gathers.

I'll keep you posted.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

In The Shop


I took one last picture of my injured vehicle on Tuesday before I took it in for repairs.

They need it for 9 working days.

I'll see it sometime after Thanksgiving.

Meanwhile I'm driving a Kia Spectra (supplied by the insurance company of the person responsible for the damage). I'm wondering what kind of gas mileage it will get, but have been too occupied to Google it. I'm taking it up north next week so I'll let you know.

And about my car? It may be humble, but it will be paid for next month.

Yes!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

APU Flute Choir In Concert



The APU Flute Choir pulled off a marvelous performance tonight. Congratulations to each and every member for your hard work. You met the challenge well. Now some rest!

Monday, November 12, 2007

An Irish Tenors Pay Check



For the past 2 years I've been fortunate enough to play along with The Irish Tenors for their holiday show at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

I'm very happy to say that I just got the work call for this year's performance.

It is an excellent show.

Please come check it out.

You won't be disappointed.


Having A Blast

Sorry for the blog silence.

I've been doing the usual teaching, practicing, playing thing and returning home in need of sleep instead of blogging.

Thankfully, Bob is slowly recovering from his dental woes. He is submerged in work and will be out of town most of the week.

Today I've got time to further reflect on last Monday's visit to Disneyland.

Mason and Bob took their best shot with their Astro Blasters:


Here I am riding solo:



Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Methinks I got extremely lucky...

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Piratey Encounter and Pain



Mason and I ran into this buccaneer at Disneyland on Monday.

Quite the swashbuckling trio, are we not?

On a more dismal note, my dear husband Bob has been suffering excruciating dental pain for over a week, even after 3 trips to the dentist and a root canal. Ouch! He's back for trip number 4 tomorrow morning. Please pray for the man!

Monday, November 5, 2007

Goofy Day at Disneyland



Bob and I spent the day at Disneyland with our nephew Mason.

We had a blast.

I'll post more later.

For now I'll leave you with this Goofy picture:


Friday, November 2, 2007

...and Baby Makes Three





Fellow flutist Julie and her husband Mike pose with their first child.

Their daughter Jamie was born at 8:14 a.m. on October 23rd,2007.

Congratulations!!!!!!