My Music Man...

Fond du Lac Symphonic Band - Last Concert of the Season

I made it! I got to Handsome's final concert of the season. Rather than climbing up the hill with my lawn chair for my usual vantage point, I opted for a more conservative location down in front on the flat part of the yard. There I sat for the two hour performance.  In case you're wondering, my husband is standing in the percussion section on the left side of this photograph (second from the left). Yep. He's the tall, handsome one.

Handsome on the Drum Kit

Handsome was front of the stage for three or four pieces last night. A Dixieland piece which was well-received by the audience. He also played a Tribute to Count Basie medley which was my favorite. His first love is jazz and swing, so he's always the best choice to play the kit for those pieces. I've witnessed an occasional partial derailing either by the band or the conductor that's he's brought back on line with his playing. It's a beautiful thing to watch. He's not only my heartbeat, but truly the heartbeat for the organizations with which he plays. Can you tell how proud I am of him and his talents?  

Handsome on Kit for the Dixieland Piece

My post is late going up today. We went for a little while to the after party that the band sponsors at the end of each season. Last night it was at a pizza place that everyone likes. We got home around 10:15, and by then, I knew I might have been on my butt and feet too long. Rather than write my post, I took my meds, stacked a few pillows in bed so I could elevate my leg, and called it a night.

This morning, I'm happy to report that although my knee feels really tight, it's not warm to the touch (signifying inflammation), or swollen. Progress! I'll be taking my morning meds, refilling my ice machine and doing a little cold therapy next. I nice hot cup of coffee will hit the spot, too.

I'll be taking it easy the rest of the day, as will Handsome. He'll be taking care of the dogs this morning, and then pampering his back. It's not just the playing. When you're a percussionist, you've almost always got the most lifting, toting, and heavier equipment than anyone else. He doesn't just show up to play and then leave after a performance. He deserves a rest today, too.

Once again, I find myself asking, "Aren't we a pair." I hope you have a great day. We'll just be hanging out in the farmhouse in case you're looking for us.

It Was A Good Day...

My day began by processing and bottling ten and a half 12 ounce bottles of hickory syrup. The whole farmhouse was filled with the aroma of the woodsy, sweet syrup. I was finished by four o'clock, and then I could do clean up and change clothes to run a couple errands before driving over to Buttermilk Creek Park for Handsome's first summer concert. 

I saw rain clouds in the distance, so I grabbed my umbrella along with my folding yard chair and set up my spot to enjoy the music. I parked myself under a huge, lush tree which protected me from the light drizzle we got before the concert. It was a perfect place to sit, but I was prepared to bolt if there were any signs of lightning. As it turned out, the sprinkles ended and we had sunshine again before sunset. There was a light breeze, and a nice crowd that came to watch the show.

This is the whole percussion section in one shot. Ladies on each end, and the guys standing in the center. The music was wonderful, and my favorite drummer sat at the drum set for a Duke Ellington medley near the end of the concert.

Handsome asked for "breakfast for dinner" once he saw the beautiful bottles of syrup, so we made homemade waffles, topped with fresh syrup along with farm fresh fried eggs. Just the right amount of food, considering he was sleeping in his favorite comfy chair shortly after he settled into it.

So, the day was productive and entertaining. That's a definite win in my book. I'm running errands this morning. Craft Day is this Saturday and I'm leading the project. I have a few things to pick up for what I have in mind, and then I'll grab a few groceries before coming back home. I can see already it's going to be another great day! Hope you can say the same.