Date Night With Our Granddaughters...

We had a Friday Date Night with our granddaughters to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee. This was all their idea, which made it even more special!

We picked them up at Son #2's home and proceeded to Milwaukee from there. When it started snowing mid-afternoon, I was concerned that we'd be traveling in crummy weather, but it stopped just before we left home, so the roads were clear sailing. It did snow while we watched the Milwaukee Symphony perform the music track behind the film, but again, it stopped before the end of the performance.

The coolest thing about driving there and back was that our parking spot is almost where this photograph was taken, so all we had to do was cross the street twice to get back in the Explorer!

 

 

Directly outside the theater doors was this little area with the Hogwarts School flag, so people were taking turns posing in front of it for photographs. Unlike the time when I went alone with the girls, there were no big merchandise sales areas. They had a web address shown during intermission if folks wanted to purchase any show souvenirs.

Of course, there was a butter beer (Granddaughter #1), a soda (Granddaughter #2), and popcorn for during the performance. Butter beer, by the way, isn't beer. It actually is a sparkling beverage that tastes like butterscotch candy. It's quite enjoyable!

 

 

One more photo on the way out after the performance. We had a fabulous time, and were so happy that the ladies chose to spend a Friday night with Grandma and Grandpa to celebrate my birthday. Granddaughter #1 is engaged now, and Granddaughter #2 is a college student, so it was a real treat to know that they wanted to be with us rather than the million other things they could have been doing.

 

During the movie, all four of us took turns preempting the dialogue. We've all seen this one so many times that we know exactly what's going to happen next - and who's going to say what. We laughed about that (among other things) all the way home.

We had a great time, and we all agreed that we'll make this an annual event until all four of us (with Potter-loving additions, of course) have seen all seven movies together like this. We're already looking forward to the next one!

 

I agreed to cover an early shift today, so I'll be at work by 5:30 am. I'm sure there's a nap in my future this afternoon. Have a great day! See you tomorrow.

 

Birthday 2023 In The Can...

 

Saturday was a beautiful tribute to my sister. So many friends and family attended her funeral, and we all shared many happy memories. 

When we got home, I changed my clothes into something comfortable, and while I fed the cats, Handsome took care of airing and feeding the dogs. Just as it got dark, it began to snow. I went upstairs and took a two hour nap. I was gassed. 

By the time I woke up, the snow had stopped. Handsome and I had a bite to eat and went to bed at our usual time.

 

Handsome woke me up yesterday morning with a "Happy Birthday", and "you might not want to look out the window". He was right. Mother Nature snow bombed our area of the state - and it was still snowing. We had Birthday plans in Milwaukee, and this weather threatened to cancel everything we wanted to do.

After checking our weather apps, it appeared that most of the weather was north of us, and that we would likely drive out of it on our way south. We decided to go for it, and we're really glad we did.

 

 

Handsome had purchased tickets for us to see a screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 at the Riverside Theater. Just like The Prisoner of Azkaban four winters ago (I saw with our granddaughters), the Milwaukee Symphony performed the music score along with the movie. The maestro encouraged audience reactions, and they weren't disappointed.

The program began at 1 pm and ended around 4. We'd originally planned to stay in town for dinner, but we left the dogs in their crates at 10 am, and felt it was getting to be a long stretch for them, so home we went. We had a joyfully unfancy dinner of hot dogs, tater tots, and homemade applesauce. A perfect meal to end a perfect day. 

 

Of course, you know I'm still going to stretch our my celebration as long as possible, so this is just the beginning. I'm looking forward to seeing what will be next.

Mid-Week Music...

Even though the wind picked up and the temps dropped after sundown, it was an otherwise perfect evening for a concert in the park. Performing was the Milwaukee Symphony and we had a great crowd.

Handsome went to town in the middle of the afternoon to help the MSO staff set up the stage. He came home and picked me up, and then we went back to hear the concert. It was wonderful. It had been four years since their last concert in Fond du Lac, and everyone was glad to see them back.

After the concert, I went back to our vehicle and waited out of the wind for Handsome to finish his volunteering to help the staff pack their setup into their equipment truck, and then we came back home. I made a late (light) meal and we settled in for the night.

All in all, it was just the date night we needed. Handsome will be performing again in a few weeks with the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band, and then we can declare things back to normal for my dear husband, too. I can't wait.

A Most Special Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Handsome and Me

 

For the past forty years, Handsome and I have been enthusiastic supporters of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. We enjoyed attending concerts for many seasons prior to moving to Florida, and have attended more than a few special concerts since our return. 

 

Before we moved back, we had begun reading about the MSO purchasing this property, and turning it into their new home. So, when we were offered a private tour of the facility, we jumped at the opportunity!

Brynwood Needleworks - Bradley Symphony Center Grand Lobby

 

The new home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is a former historic downtown landmark, the Warner Grand Theater. The entire building harkens back to the Art Deco period, and this lobby immediately transports you to that era.

Our entry into the historic section of the new Bradley Symphony Center leads directly into the breathtaking Schmitz Family Grand Lobby (named for the family who sponsored the renovation of this area). While the ceiling resembles tin tiling, it's actually restored, painted plaster work. The soaring ceilings and all light fixtures are original (or in the case of damaged lights, completely restored to replicate the original).

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Concert Hall

 

When we entered the main concert hall, we actually gasped. This photograph really doesn't capture the oppulence and detail of the murals and trim. The decor is reminiscent of a French palace.

 

From this vantage point, we could actually hear the conversations of the workmen on the stage! That's how truly wonderful the acoustics are.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Concert Hall Hanging Light

 

I took many photographs of light fixtures. (You can see them hanging on each side of the main stage in the panoramic photo.) There are two fixtures like these in the main concert hall. We thought they looked like bees, and they're huge! All the lights throughout the building were breathtaking.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Modern Section of Bradley Symphony Center

 

As you pass from the west side of the building, past the Art Deco elevators, the wall opens to the newer east section of the building. There are more soaring ceilings, an entry from the street for ticket holders, and gathering areas for intermissions - with concession areas. This large area (as well as a matching area on the second floor) will be open to the public for weddings and other social gatherings when the Symphony isn't performing.

Brynwood Needleworks - Occulus Above The Staircase

 

At the top of the massive spiral staircase is an occulus that visually opens to the Milwaukee sky. I'm guessing that this staircase/occulus area is easily thirty feet in diameter, which is in keeping with the grandeur of the space. 

 

There are six more floors above this level, housing classrooms, an extensive music library, rehearsal rooms, and offices, but this is as high as we went.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Fritzed" Windows

Our personal guide, Daniel, made sure we saw a hidden secret on the salon level. He wanted us to see the windows up close, as he described them as "fritzed". If you stand within a foot or so of them, you'll see names of musicians and composers embedded in the glass...from floor to ceiling. Handsome and I stood there quite a while, pointing out names to each other. Isn't that a cool feature? We sure thought so.

 

You can imagine just how special this tour was to us as music-lovers, but also for Handsome as a musician. We're anxiously awaiting the return of live music events, and are really looking forward to attending concerts when the MSO begins playing in their new home. 

An Evening of MSO in FdL...

Brynwood Needleworks - Milwaukee Symphony

Last night, Handsome and I were able to sit together in the audience as Yaniv Dinur conducted the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at Buttermilk Creek Park in Fond du Lac, WI. Usually, Handsome is on the stage when he's at the park, but we weren't going to pass up another chance to see the Symphony perform in town.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sunset Over Fond du Lac (WI)

 

The program began at 7:15 pm, and the sunset was appropriately wonderful as the orchestra played "Hymn To The Fallen" near the end of their concert. If you have a chance, go to YouTube and do a search on this piece of music. It's so hauntingly beautiful, made even more so, as the sun set over my hometown. It was a lovely evening for a concert.

I had a busy, tiring day, so I apologize for not getting my patterns listed yesterday. It's first thing on my agenda for today (after my cup of coffee)! See you tomorrow.

A Weekend of Happy and Sad and More Happy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Milwaukee Symphony At St. Josaphat Basilica

 

The weekend began with a trip to Milwaukee for dinner and a Milwaukee Symphony concert. Late Saturday afternoon, I drove to Mequon, with a dear friend, for an early dinner at The Chancery. Our meal was delicious, and "just enough", considering we were going to be listening to an evening of music.

From The Chancery, we headed through downtown Milwaukee to St. Josaphat Basilica, which was this concert's venue. I'd never been there before, and I have to say, it was a magnificent place to listen to the program, which was a performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and two other pieces (one of which is a new favorite Ricard Wagner's Siegfried's Idyll).

You know how people in my generation hear the William Tell Overture and immediately think of the old television show "The Lone Ranger"? (No judgment here. I do, too.) Well, I happen to have that sort of experience when I hear the first movement of the Four Seasons. 

You see, when I first opened my needlework shop here in Wisconsin, I bought radio time to advertise the opening of the shop. I also continued that radio advertising for some time after. The music I chose behind the voice over? Yep. The first movement of the Four Seasons. Even after all these years, I can't hear that piece of music without also hearing the male voice begin to announce "Stitches...". I wonder if it's the same for any of my customers who heard those same ads? hmmm

I took photographs of the Basilica prior to the start of the concert, but was happy to turn off my cell phone to simply sit back and enjoy every single second of the performance. I was swept away by the music, and when it was time (all too quickly) to turn for home, the trip seemed short because we talked about the entire drive. I wish Handsome had been here, too, and when we discussed it, he said the same thing. It was a fabulous evening of friends and music.

Brynwood Needleworks - Critter Update

Every evening, I stop to look out the window to see if Fuzzy Butt has returned to the feeder. I've been keeping him fed since I returned from Florida, and he really likes the kitten food I added to the mix. 

So, I was pleasantly surprised to sit on the floor and watch as he brought another opossum to the feeder Friday and Saturday night. You can see the two of them in the photo with the arrows. I apologize for the poor quality, as I took that photo through the window.

Fuzzy had been to the feeder about four times (while I was awake) on previous nights, so I just got in the habit of looking out the windows whenever I went from the living/dining room to the kitchen. Can you imagine my surprise when I looked out to see a great, furry raccoon at the feeder? 

And, when I saw him, I noticed that Fuzzy was under the feeder roof trying to scare off the raccoon, who wouldn't have it. The raccoon would just back off, reach in and grab a mitt-ful of kitten food, and then stand back to eat it.When the raccoon finally ambled off, Fuzzy stayed there, eating like he wanted to completely empty the feeder to keep it away from the new, neighborhood bandit. I stayed there for at least forty five minutes watching it all play out, before Tag and I finally headed up to bed.

My youngest sister came to visit on Sunday, and after she was inside, she said, "Donnie, I think your 'possum was hit by a car." I was stunned. I asked, "Where?" and she told me that she'd seen it past our intersection, but on our road. I grabbed her keys and drove down to it. 

I knelt down on our rarely-used road (there are only six houses the whole length of it), and I was on the shoulder. He hadn't been dead long, and was still warm. I picked him up, not really knowing until then, whether or not it was a female or male. I wanted to make sure there weren't any babies in the pouch in case they needed to go to a wildlife rescue, as is often the case with hit females. Of course, there was no pouch on a male.

I gently moved him off the road, and went back to the house, but it really bothered me (I was crying when I got home), so it wasn't long before I went back down the road with a towel in my hands, wrapped Fuzzy Butt up (yes, it was him), and brought him back to the farm.

I carried his lifeless body up the hill to where I buried the baby raccoon last year. I couldn't dig a new grave because the ground is still frozen, so I placed him on the marker stones for the baby raccoon and covered him with all the broken sticks and branches I could find. When I was finished I slowly walked back down the hill, and went to spend the rest of the day with my sister.

Brynwood Needleworks - Eldest and Youngest Sisters

I'm sure I've told you that I'm the eldest of six. She's my youngest sister, and there are 12 years between us. I look at this photo it warms my heart, as I see that we squinch our noses the same way when we smile. We share the same laugh lines around our eyes and our mouths, and it's easy to tell we're sisters.

 

We were actually celebrating her "extended" Birthday (which was in February). We just hadn't had a chance to get together sooner. We had lunch, ate Birthday cake, and had a great time visiting until late afternoon when she had to leave.  

 

She's vice-prez of her younger son's lacrosse team, so she had to drive from the farmhouse to Green Bay for a board meeting. She actually stayed a little longer than she planned, but it was so nice to have her here. It was a happy end to a day that had some sadness, too.

 

She helped me see (through tears), that while the little 'possum was gone, I'd made him comfortable and happy through the winter by giving him a sheltered, safe place to get out of the weather and eat. That brings me a measure of comfort. 

 

After she left, I moved the feeder over to the other side of the yard, and away from the house. The critters can eat over there in peace, and while I'll know they've come because there will be empty feeders, maybe I won't get so attached to them. (We'll see about that part, but I'm going to try.)

 

It seems the older I get, the more these things seem to bother me. When I get sad, I'll just try to remember the good parts, and not the sad. Perhaps that the way we should look at life every day, isn't it? 

 

Thanks for reading all the way through my wordy post today. Don't forget to enter my giveaway, linked through the button at the top of my sidebar. I'll be adding more prizes during the week. Of course, Tag will be here tomorrow. Who knows what he's going to talk about? He never tells me until the last minute, so we'll have to see together on Tuesday. As for me, I'll be back on Wednesday to let you know what I'm working on.

Oh, What A Night...

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra "Harry Potter Night"

 

We had a great night with our granddaughters last night. Handsome joined us for dinner, and then drove us down to the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, where our granddaughters and I had a "ladies' night out". (Handsome went back to our elder son's house and spent the evening with him, our grandson and daughter-in-law.)

 

The MSO (and a chorus) performed the entire soundtrack to "Harry Potter and the Prison of Azkaban" movie, while the audience viewed the movie (with dialogue). It was riveting, and the performance lasted over three hours, including a 20 minute intermission.

 

At the start, the conductor invited the audience to laugh, cry, clap, sneer and cheer as the spirit moved us, and we delivered. We were all totally engrossed in the experience, and there were people of all ages. We saw older couples (with and without kids), younger couples (likewise), and plenty of young people cheering for their favorite characters. 

 

Butter beers (described to me as tasting like butterscotch soda - perhaps cream soda?) were served in plastic mugs, as well as HP jelly beans, and other refreshments. Adults and kids, alike, were seen wearing scarves representing their favorite Hogwarts house. Our younger granddaughter chose a Griffendor scarf (naturally!).

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Post Concert - Three Happy Ladies

 

When the performance was over, the audience stood for an ovation for the orchestra and chorus. We clapped until our hands were sore.

Grandpa (Handsome) was waiting for us when we left the concert. He'd scored a parking spot right across the street from The Riverside, so we crossed the street, got into our waiting coach, and headed home. We dropped the girls off to their parents around 11:30, and these two, happy-tired grandparents rolled in our garage after 1 am. 

 

I think a little Christmas decorating is on our agenda, but we'll be otherwise taking it easy today. It was quite the (perfect) night.

 

Done and Done...

Brynwood Kirby Crossbody Bags and "Abby" Custom Clutch

 

It was a busy day, but I finished two "Doxie" and one feather-print Kirby crossbody bags, as well as  the custom "Abby" Clutch. One Doxie and the clutch are packaged and will go out in today's post.

The other "Doxie" and the feather-print Kirby will be listed up in my shop today. While I made the bag with the feather print, I thought about how I'd like to start a special line of nature-themed fabrics. 

 

This feather bag will be the first in my "Nature Girl" Series. They'll be limited edition and all have an outdoor/animal/bird/nature theme. Of course, they'll all have cork as their primary fabric, too. 

I've got a few homekeeping things to do today, and then I'm taking our granddaughter to a special girls' night out concert this evening. We'll have dinner out with Grandpa (Handsome), but then just the three of us will go to a Milwaukee Symphony performance of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. They actually screen the movie while playing the sound track. We're all very excited about going!

The weekend will be dedicated to making Grammie's Jammies for our grandchildren. I won't be able to show pictures until after Christmas, though. Don't want to spoil any surprises, just in case nosey people check out my blog ahead of time!

I'm still fighting off this attempt at a cold, so I'll be medicated the rest of the day. I don't want to spread any bugs while I'm with our girls! I can't wait to tell you about the concert, and I will share what else I accomplish (except the jammies) with you on Monday. Happy Weekend, dears!

A Wonderful Surprise...

Milwaukee Symphony Performs the Score to West Side Story

I've only a little bit of my embroidery project (Flax Farm) to finish, and had planned to do it yesterday. My plans changed when Handsome told me he had a surprise. Instead of stitching, we got in the car and headed to Milwaukee to see the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of music.

MSO Program

The Symphony was performing the music score to West Side Story, while the actual movie played on the screen above them.
 

William Eddins' Biography

 

Guest Conductor William Eddins led the MSO in a stirring performance, moving me to tears more than once. Leonard Bernstein's score is timeless, as is the reinterpreted version of Romeo and Juliet. 

Handsome and I left the Performing Arts Center, as we have done so many times in years past, and headed to our favorite after-symphony restaurant (Mama Mia's on Greenfield Avenue in West Allis, WI). We enjoyed manicotti and their signature garlic fry bread before driving back to the farm. 

I'll finish my piece today. Yesterday was dedicated to music with my beloved. Oh, and we decided we'll get season tickets again. We realized how much we've missed our Symphony dates. It's good to be flexible.

A Perfect Evening...

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Concert

Before Handsome and I moved to Florida sixteen years ago, we had season tickets to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. We so enjoyed getting dressed up, attending the concert, and then sharing a meal in Milwaukee before heading back home. We looked forward to it.

Performance at Buttermilk Park

Last night, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performed a free concert in Fond du Lac, WI at Buttermilk Park. People briught their lawn chairs, wine, kiddos, and/or blankets to sit on the grass. There was no reserved seating, no Best Seat in the House, not even any getting dressed up. Jeans or shorts are normal attire. One thing hasn't changed, though.

The musicians in the Orchestra are still the top-notch talent they always were. I smiled through the entire performance, and even laughed at the impish sense of humor of the conductor, Yaniv Dinur. He was delightful.

Last Evening's Performance Program

 

Last night's program was a perfect blend of classical and pops, and the audience loved all of it. We gave the orchestra a rounding applause and standing ovation at the end of the evening, earning us one final performance - an encore of music from The Raiders of the Lost Ark. The perfect end to a wonderful evening of music and family.

 

Handsome is now under contract to perform with the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band for the summer. His first concert with the band will be the end of June. I can't wait - and neither can he! There will be many more summer nights listening to music in Wisconsin...and I will be in the audience, not missings a single note.

An Evening With Frank...

Photo from Frank Almond's website

We've been together thirty one years, but Handsome still delights in surprising his wife. He told me last week that I had to clear my calendar for a surprise date on Monday, May 21st. He wouldn't give me even the tiniest hint all week, even though I have to admit I might have teased once or twice.

We drove to Milwaukee, WI (Brookfield, actually) and turned into Mitchell Park. As we were entering the parking lot for the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, it occurred to me that he might be surprising me with an evening with my favorite violinist in the whole world - Frank Almond (concertmaster for the Milwaukee Symphony). When I asked, he smiled and said, "Maybe."

The impressive, carved fireplace in the lobby.

The Wilson Center is nestled in an area surrounded with fields and forest. Its decor settles right into the landscape. What a beautiful place for an evening of music.

Glass birds light the ceiling in the auditorium with their changing colors.

I didn't take photos inside the auditorium (except for the ceiling lights prior to the concert), but I can tell you the venue was beautiful, inside and out.

Frank Almond performed a program called "A Night of Tango", with three other artists: Stas Venglevski (bayan), Rosa Borisova (cello) and Nell Buchman (piano). Not all the music was tango music, but every piece was a delight for the senses.

Frank and Stas are obviously good friends as they spent the evening entertaining us with music, humorous banter and information about the pieces they performed. All four were consumate musicians who easily moved from one number to the next.

I have been a fan of Frank Almond's since Handsome and I lived in Wisconsin and held season tickets to the Milwaukee Symphony. For many years, we drove to Milwaukee once a month during each season for their performances. It's one of the major things we both miss about living in Wisconsin.

When Frank plays the violin, I'm frequently moved to tears of joy. He plays the "ex-Lipinski" Stradivari violin crafted in 1715 and makes some of the most beautiful music I've been privileged to hear in my life. 

Thank you, Husband for a wonderful evening of music - followed by a quiet dinner in a fabulous restaurant (NorthStar in Brookfield, WI). It's an evening I'll long remember.