Season's Final Concert...

Brynwood Needleworks - Suncoast Concert Band Final Spring Concert

 

I'm sure I grinned through the entire concert. The band was in fine form, and the music was wonderful. I'm so glad I could watch Handsome playing in this year's final spring concert. I know he was glad I could be there, too.

We had dinner with a number of our musical friends, and then headed back to our Florida home to pack. Nearly everything is now in the truck, and our plan is to say our final goodbyes and be on the road by 9 am. It's time to head back to the farmhouse until next season.

Tag has so much to tell you, so he'll be writing to you tomorrow. I'll be back with updates on Wednesday, as we hope to be home by then. I'd better close for now. It's time to leave sunny Florida until next winter. This farm girl is taking her musical snowbird husband home. 

Fun, Friends and Music...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ronan Tynan and Bill Lewis Performed at St. Christopher's Cathedral in Hobe Sound, FL

Handsome and I packed up an overnight bag, Tag and Bella, and headed across the state to see dear friends on Friday. We spent the day training dogs (or watching, in my case), and then went back to Sommers' home. It was Mike's Birthday, so we were most pleased to be able to celebrate with him and his wife.

We went to see Dr. Ronan Tynan perform with accompanist Bill Lewis at St. Christopher's Cathedral in Hobe Sound (on the East coast of FL). If you aren't familiar with Ronan, he performed most recently at the funeral of his dear friend, President H.W. Bush. He spent part of the evening speaking about their friendship, the last time they were together, and then he sang one of the pieces he sang at the President's funeral - The Lord's Prayer. It was a truly delightful performance.

Following the concert, we went to one of Mike and Joann's favorite restaurants for a delicious, late night dinner. Then we went back to their home, continued our visit, and then turned in for the night. We drove back to Bradenton on the West coast mid-morning.

I know I told you I'd finish my butterfly wing on Saturday, but by the time we got back, I just didn't feel like stitching. I felt more like napping, so I went with it and slothed about the rest of the afternoon.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Suncoast Concert Band Performing at Church of the Palms in Sarasota, FL

 

Sunday brought a Suncoast Concert Band concert at a larger church venue than their usual home. Most of their performances are at Northminster Presbyterian Church (Sarasota), but twice a year, they pack up the band (and all the percussion section's equipment) and play at the Church of The Palms, across town. It's always a busy time for Handsome and the rest of the drum/percussion section.

 

Special guest performer was Aaron Romm, son of one of the founding members of the Canadian Brass, Ronald Romm. His father and mother were in attendance. Aaron's performance of the three-movement Haydn Concerto for Trumpet, as well as a second piece called "When It's Sleepy Time Down South/Swing The Music" (arranged by his father) both brought the audience to their feet. His crystal clear sound lifted to the rafters, and thrilled all of us who were there to hear it. 

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend of fun, friends and music that will be remembered for a long time to come. There will be time for needlework, but days like these are savored, not rushed. 

Tag will be here tomorrow to tell you about his weekend. I'm getting ready to head north this week - right into record snowfall and bone-chilling temperatures. I'll tell you all about that on Wednesday. I'm going to work on that wing today, and we'll see just how much I can accomplish.

We Won...

Brynwood Needleworks - At The Ballgame

 

We hadn't attended a Stone Crabs game in quite a while (for no good reason). I really enjoy baseball, and I think it's truly Handsome's favorite game (second only to his shareholder status for the Green Bay Packers - See the cap he's wearing?). 

 

We originally took this picture to send a text to our sport-crazed grandson. He giggles that Grandma and Grandpa take selfies to text to him. (I know. We're dorks!)

 

I learned the basics of the game in grade school, but have since learned the subtle nuances and elegance of the game from my husband. I love seeing the game through his eyes.

Brynwood Needleworks - Presentation of Colors for the National Anthem

From the National Anthem, all the way to the final out, I'm completely engaged. Something about guys in uniform, you know? Although, I do admit, I find myself wondering, at random moments, who cleans those uniforms, and how the heck do they get that red clay out of the fabric?

Brynwood Needleworks - Play Ball!

I also love people watching, and that can be pretty interesting at a ball game. If you sit with young families and couples, I guarantee lots of smiles. There was even a tiny baby at this game. Guess Mama and Daddy want to get him started early! He was adorable in his mini jersey.

Charlotte Stone Crabs played against the Ft. Myers Miracles. We won 2 to 1, in a 4 hit game. There were fireworks scheduled afterward but the dogs were waiting for us at home, so we left as soon as the game was over.

Brynwood Needleworks - The Ball Park on a Perfect Evening

We decided we're going to add a few more games to our schedule this summer. I'm already looking forward to our next trip to the park!

Handsome's final concert of the season was yesterday afternoon, too. The crowd was enthusiastic and appreciative. The music was wonderful, and it was another fine day spent with patrons and musical friends.

Today, I'll be working on that video Tag told you about last week. If I don't finish editing it so he can post it tomorrow, I'll never hear the end of it! Better get back to business. 

Happy May, my friends.

 

Merry Christmas!!

Brynwood Needleworks - Liljegrens Christmas 2015

  It's time for our annual Christmas photograph. This year, our beautiful Bella joined our family.  

Direct link: https://youtu.be/YI-E2FYXxq8

 

I'm adding a video I put together from one of the Christmas medleys Handsome helped perform with the Suncoast Concert Band in Sarasota on Sunday, December, 20, 2015. I hope you'll enjoy listening to it as much as I did that day.

 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.