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.

Band Concert...

Handsome - Pre-Concert

Well, I didn't make it to his concert last night, but I did get a photograph of him before he left for the venue. This was his second-to-last concert of the season, and then he'll be off until this fall (or later, if he decides to go to Florida to play for part of the winter).

He told me his last concert is next week, and I promised I'll be there, come hell or high water. I don't want to miss him playing on the kit which he'll be doing again for that one. He's playing in a separate Dixieland band which will be out front and center that night. I'll definitely be there as his biggest fan.

Me? I stayed home with my knee on ice. I called the doctor's office yesterday and talked with them about the swelling. His nurse reminded me that it's only three weeks. sigh I also got a refill of two prescriptions, and told that I can alternate Tylenol with the other painkiller as long as I stay under 3,000 mgs. I'm way under that, but I'm not going to be silly about not taking it either - which I've been trying not to do. She reminded me it's a good thing to stay ahead of the pain, and I'm not driving anyway so, there's that.

Physical therapy again this morning, and I'll also discuss the swelling with Jenna to see how we can best achieve our goals and minimize the discomfort afterward. As a special treat, I'm going somewhere special with Handsome today, too. I'll tell you about that tomorrow. I'll let you know how PT goes, too. Gotta run!

Saturday Night Concert...

 

 

Saturday night was a night to remember. We scored tickets to the Vince Gill concert in Milwaukee at the Riverside Theater. First, the theater is a wonderful, intimate venue and second, we were seeing someone we hadn't seen in over forty years.

When Handsome and I were first dating in the early 1980s, he took me to a county fairgrounds north of home. There, we watched a young band perform while standing on a hay wagon as their stage. We were able to stand within twenty feet of the band (it certainly wasn't a packed venue), and we spent a memorable sunny afternoon listening to great music.

That band was Pure Prairie League, and the lead singer was a 23 (or so) year old named Vince Gill. He was already a great writer and performer, and had a voice like an angel. I remember going home and listening to a cassette tape of their music until the tape wore out.

 

 

A week ago, Handsome told me that Vince would be performing in Milwaukee this last weekend. Did I want to go? Heck, yeah! He got tickets, and we drove to The Riverside for a night of beautiful music and rekindled memories.

I will say we weren't the only ones. As we sat in row W from the front (by the alphabet, that's twenty three rows from the stage), I scanned the audience. There were a lot of white and grey-haired heads bobbing up and down to the music - just like we were.

 

Handsome and I have had a few "our" songs through the years. The Long and Winding Road was the processional for our wedding. Mel Torme's What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life is another. Then, there's always Anne Murray's Can I Have This Dance. 

Saturday night, Handsome and I looked at each other as we listened to another song. One we hadn't heard before. Sunday morning, I asked him if he remembered the title of "that one song", and sure enough, he did. It struck us both the same way, and our newest "our" song is "Look At Us". 

I brought it up on my iPad, and we ran the music through our little Bose speaker for better sound. We both stood looking at each other with tears in our eyes. If you know us, you know it's a perfect song for the two of us - even after forty four years together, married forty one of them. If you're interested, you can Google Vince Gill "Look At Us", or pull it up on iTunes to listen to it. You may even find it's a perfect song for you and your sweetheart, too!

Our musical taste runs from jazz to pop to country - and a lot in between. The only requirement is that it be "good music". Vince's concert was filled with just that. You know it's good when the band is having a great time, right along with the audience.

He told great stories (mentioning more than once that he's sixty eight years old now), has a wonderful sense of humor, and writes the best music. It was like seeing an old friend again, except that he has no idea who we are. All I know for sure is that he's a part of Handsome's and my story, and it's a concert we'll never forget. 

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.

Friday Evening Concert...

I attended the most delightful concert on Friday evening last. This was the Spring Concert for the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band. Handsome is sitting at the drum set for this particular piece, so he's not as visible in the back as he'd be were he standing. 

Handsome asked me to photograph the percussion section for this concert. L-R: John Neville, Dr. Don Steward, Victoria Essan, Emily Leclerc, Amanda Courtemanche and my heartbeat, Stephen. They worked hard the entire concert and had memorable performances throughout the evening.

The soloist for the evening was Petronel Malan, an amazing pianist - originally from South Africa - performing Gershwin's Concerto #4. I photographed her here with the band's music director, Dr. Evan Chancellor. Her performance was truly breathtaking.

Of course, we did the scrapbook photograph of the Liljegrens with Petronel, and she joined the band for their end of season gathering at a local restaurant afterward.

After Handsome and I returned home, we talked about the concert - as we always do. He asked me what my favorite pieces were, and I told him that honestly, they were all wonderful! Here's the program, in case you're interested...

 

Handsome has off now until rehearsals begin again in June for the summer concerts in the park. I always look forward to seeing all our talented friends and listening to them (and Handsome) make beautiful music. There's nothing quite like those warm summer evenings, sitting on lawn chairs with friends, and watching everyone perform. Soon!

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.

Tuesdays With Tag - A Date With Mom...

 

 

Hi, Everybody!!

 

Here's a picture of me wearin' my bowtie from (more than) a few years ago. In fact, we were still livin' in Florida when I posed for this, so you might say I was still a puppersnapper! Well, I'm gettin' out my ol' bow tie, 'cuz I've got a date with Mom!!!

 

Dad's last concert of the season is tomorrow. Dad told Mom last night - and I just happened to overhear them - that it's supposed to be 96° tomorrow, so they're gonna have the concert inside instead of outside. Not the best of conditions for me to show off, but I'm goin' anyway. I'm sure if there aren't many kids, there will be lots of old people (Mom and Dad's age heehee) who would love to pet my silky fur! 

Dad's had a lot of fun playin' this summer and tomorrow night they're doin' a whole concert of favorites that were voted on by the audience over the whole season. It's gonna be fun. (I wonder if they'll play "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window"?)

People always love seein' Corgis - even though WMBBD and her pretty (nuts) daughter come in a close second - so I'm expectin' to get a lot of attention. It's about time (again), too!

I'm gonna close for now. I've got one more sleep until my Dad's show, so I'd better get my beauty rest. I'm gonna ask Mom to give me a good brushin' and spray some girly smell on me, too. Gotta look my best for my fans, you know! Pictures and stories next week!

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."

Family Night Concert In The Park...

I did work in my studio yesterday - and actually accomplished quite a bit - even though there was no needle dancing. I'm working on something new for the shop, and it's taking a lot of concentration and time, but I know I'll get there. The concert last night was a welcomed diversion.

While it was pouring rain when I left home, the weather cleared off by the time I'd driven the thirteen or fourteen miles to the concert. Once there, the sun came out as the band started to play.

A good wife takes the all-important closeup of her dear husband...and we know I'm a good wife! I can always spot him in a crowd. 

It was family night, so in addition to the invitation for children and adults to dance, there was a teddy bear parade. The backdrop of a setting sun behind a sky filled with clouds and those sweet kids marching is my image for the day.

It's hot right now, but I always remind myself that compared to the Florida heat we lived in for fourteen years, this is nothing. Of course there the house had central air. Here. Not so much. We have all the ceiling fans running and windows open to carry the breeze though the farmhouse. We do have window air conditioners, but they're in the attic and truthfully, it's not as easy to bring them downstairs as it used to be. If it gets unbearable - which so far, it's not - I can always sleep on the porch with the girls! All I need is a mosquito net.

I'll be back in the studio today. More work on my pdf files. I'll remind myself to drink lots of water while I work. That should do the trick! 

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 Perfectly Wonderful, Beautiful Weekend...

Sorry for the lateness of my post today. We had such a great weekend, that posting actually completely slipped my mind. Can you even believe it?

Handsome and I spent most of the weekend outdoors. I planted herbs and flowers, and Handsome worked to get a fallen tree out of the field, just in time for our farmer friend to start his work for this season's crop.

We ended the weekend with a Sunday evening of music. We watched our son perform on drums with their band, Sainted Patrons. (l-r: Al Luening, Wade Liljegren, Jim Dier) We got to visit with both of our guys and their families, too. It was perfect.

Handsome especially enjoys watching his son performing the instrument(s) that he's loved all his life, and he's darn good at it, too! (We're not biased or anything.)

I'm spending today in the kitchen. Chocolate chip cookies, rhubarb custard pie and fresh bread are on the agenda. Handsome is going to a ball game with Grandson tonight, so I'll be sending goodies along with him to leave at their house.

The sun is shining, the temperature is perfect to be able to turn on the oven in our kitchen, and life is good. Have a great day today. Tag will be here tomorrow to chat with you!

Happy Tired...

Brynwood Needleworks - Band Concert - Beginning of Concert

 

You'll remember that I write these blog posts the night before they go live. I'm confessing now that it's been a long day, and I'm happy tired.

This busy day, I baked sour dough bread (from my own starter); took Tag to the vet (he'll be okay); and went to Handsome's last summer concert of the season.

Tag got good news, in that he doesn't have a torn ACL, just some muscle soreness. He's been prescribed a pain-killer to help with his discomfort. Prior to leaving, Handsome and I watched him eat dinner and then just go right back to his kennel. That told us, he was really uncomfortable so he went to his safe space.

After being poked and prodded, and having his leg manipulated by the vet, I was really happy to know that nothing is damaged. It's likely he's just sore from overextending himself. His activity has been limited to leash walking whenever he's outside and no running.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sis and Jim

 

I met up with Sis and her long-time partner, Jim so we could sit together at the concert. Sis (Deb) and I meet up whenever Handsome plays, and we love that we get a chance to visit, too. She hates having her photograph taken (like mother, Mom Grace, like daughter). I told her there needs to be a record that she existed, so happy or not, I was taking a picture. You can see I won that debate!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Last Applause Of The Summer Season

The concerts this year are only an hour long, with no intermissions. By the time they were finished, and the band trailer loaded with all the chairs, etc. it was well and truly dark. 

When we got home, I made an easy dinner, and afterward came upstairs to write my post. I must be tired, because it's all I can do to stay awake. So, before I make a big mistake here, I'm going to close down for the night. I'll get some extra rest today, and be back, good as new tomorrow.

A Kitchen Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Prairie Flea Bane

It was a productive, long day. I baked bread yesterday, and shared three of the four loaves. The day ended with a concert in the park, with Handsome performing in the percussion section. I sat with my dear Aunty and Mom Grace's daughter, Sis (and her partner, Jim). It was a perfect evening, and we enjoyed the concert together.

I also woke up yesterday morning to find that the Lady's Necessaire was claimed and has been sold. I went to bed pleasantly tired. Hard work, some play, and a grateful heart for the appreciation of my work. I'll be back in the kitchen today, baking bread for our freezer. 

 

I'll be stitching again as I'm able. I can already tell, it's going to be another great day. Know that I'm wishing the same for you.

xo

Strike Up The Band...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ready For A Concert In The Park

 

After nineteen months without a single concert (either here or in Florida), Handsome was anxious to get back to playing. So many relieved and happy musicians joined in the sentiment.

Handsome's first concert since November of 2019 was with the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band. I grabbed my favorite straw hat, sunglasses, and my jean jacket in case it got chilly. (I should have grabbed a sweatshirt, too. It got cold!)

Brynwood Needleworks - The National Anthem Begins The Concert

In my hometown, we always stand for our National Anthem. People sing, and most hands are over hearts.

Mom Grace's daughter (Sis) met me on the hill overlooking the band shell, and we caught up when we weren't listening to music. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Enjoying The Concert

There were changes in format this year. The concerts will only be about an hour long. There are no intermissions, concession stand, and instead of passing the donation buckets, there are donation box stations around the venue. 

 

The weather was sunny and there was a light breeze. As it got later, the temperature dropped. Just about the time I began to shiver, the concert was over. The first of many more to come. The symbolic "Getting Back to Normal". It was more wonderful than you might imagine, and we're looking forward to the next one. Life is just better with music.

 

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.