A Moving Monday...

     This morning would have been the delight of every boy and man!  Not so to ladies.  At 8AM there was this hum outside and then BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! and the sound of motors running and trucks beeping their backup warnings.  At first I didn't pay any attention, but after 10 minutes I peeked outside.  This is what I saw.....

an hour later

     The Pepsi factory next door was repaving it's driveway.  OK.  I kept looking and kept hearing the BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! and windows rattling.  The cement truck was not producing that sound.  BOOM! BOOM!  BOOM!  I went upstairs to look out the back window.  There in the back of the factory a "something" was banging away at a slanted driveway.  By the looks of the equipment there will be more repaving going on tomorrow morning. 

Now, if you are a man, wouldn't that have been a great hour of entertainment?

Grandma G is not a man.

    

    I did do something to my liking this morning.  I wrote out what I hope is my last rent check!  I enclosed a note telling that I am planning to move the middle of August and trust that the security deposits I made before moving in would cover the next 2 months rent.  Moving plans are moving along!

     The afternoon at the music store passed quickly.  A few more customers came in and commented they are sad to see the store close, but wish me well.   A gentleman came in to see if I would hang up a band advertisement for him.  He expressed surprise that I am closing the store.  I asked if he wanted to take over.  He said we could trade.  I didn't know he was the owner of the CCC---Chaquamagon Canoe (and Coffee?) Club.  It is a small cafe with a bistro atmosphere.  All their food ingredients have been grown or produced here in Wisconsin.  We chatted about the challenge of having a small business in a small town and also about music since he has gigs going on certain evenings.  (I was secretly interested because I am thinking about having a show somewhere before I leave.)  Our chat was cut short when other customers came in.  I am finding that a good way to get customers is to have a going out of business sale!

     The high school girl who helps me was the FIRST to sign my autograph book.   We both refer to me as THE BOSS.  She is  friendly, easy to get along with and a capable helper.   Six others signed today.  Another "moving" experience.

      I feel like I am in "finals" week, like I a have a term paper that is due, but am finding all kinds of things to do except get it done.  My recital.  Lots to prepare for but I'm not doing it.   Well, maybe a little and VERY slowly.  That gives me a hint that it is time to RETIRE. 

     This has been a good "moving along" day in the life of Grandma G.

"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." (Proverbs 4:18)

A Good Spring Sunday....

     Today was a good Sunday.  After a refreshing church service I did a little shopping at our local Pamida store.  It is changing over to Shoppco so everything is a little bit on sale.  I also did some grocery shopping---bought soda and water for the recital.  Beef roasts were on sale and all this past week I was thinking of one of the favorite meals we had when the kids were at home---beef roast with carrots, potatoes and LOTS of gravy!  So I bought a roast and prepared it, like in the old days. YUM!  I will eat good this week!

     I haven't talked much with the kids lately, so I made 5 phone calls to family earlier this afternoon.  Later in the day 2 kids returned my call.  Chuck was one.  He and his 4 ladies--Anna, his wife, and 3 young daughters--are coming up this weekend.  Saturday is the youngest's 3rd B-day so we will have a party for her.  Yeah!

      

      I am taking this notebook to the music store with me tomorrow.  In fact I will carry it around in my purse.  It will be my memory book.  I will have people write a message or at least sign it so I have a bit of my friends to take along when I move.
     I am in count down mode---the last of this, the last of that, etc.  I am saying my goodbyes to folks and this area.  At the same time I am mentally preparing for Pacific Northwest living.

 THE QUEEN BEE


   I went for a 35 minute walk.  Our spring has been put on hold
with the onset of colder weather.  Today, though, the wind was mild
and spring seems to have returned.  I think the next 2 days are going to
be close to 70. 

large cast iron cooking pot from lumberjack days

       I spent some time this evening practicing my recital songs.  They will be my focus all week.  I will also need to prepare programs and award certificates for the students.  Busy week.  Its just that I can't energize or work speedily anymore. My mind thinks about all that needs to be done; I make lists and my body just slowly goes about it. 

     One interesting, actually frustrating, story.  I called a phone number to cancel a credit score web program.  I didn't want it in the first place, but unforunately clicked on a wrong tab and got registered for it.  Already then I called to cancel--one of those numbers that has press 1,2,3,4,5, depending on what you need.  When I pressed the 5 for the cancel I was redirected back to the start to start all over.  Tried it again and was again redirected.  I let it go at the time.  Time went on and I was charged $29.95.   I called again yesterday.  Got redireted again.  This time I went for the "rep".  At first she didn't seem to know what I was talking about.  Finally I convinced her that I wanted to cancel.  She wanted to know why.  When I told her I didn't want to the $29.95, she said I could have the program for 12.95.  I told her I wanted to cancel.  She started listing all the wonderful benefits of having this program.  I kept telling her I want to cancel.  I practically had to beg her to cancel me.  She finally did.    Annoying   cyberbullying 

     This has been a good spring Sunday in the life of Grandma G.

"Cast on your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Rock pickin....

    Several years ago when we were in the midst of raising our 7 children I would try various places around our yard to have a vegetable garden.  We had a triple sized lot so there was plenty of space.  There were also tall pine trees so sunlight was limited.
     I recall one particular garden spot.  It started as weedy lawn.  My husband had bought a heavy duty tiller.  First step was to overturn the sod into lumps of overturned sod.  Then he let it dry out.  Next was go through again and break up the dried out overturned lumps of sod.  Then came "refining" the dirt. 
    Wisconsin has lots of rocks in the dirt.  I recall on many occasions there would be rock picking sessions.  Lou would be busy going around and around with the tiller.  Several little kids would be out in the dirt---to pick rocks.  "ROCK!"  "ROCK!"  "ROCK!" "ROCK!" would be the shout of the wild tiller driver.  The kids would scurry to grab the rock and throw it outside the garden patch, sometimes hurrying out of the way of the tiller.  It would take many times around the garden to get sufficient rocks out before it could be planted.  The kids were not happy about the chore, but obediently worked at it. 
     I remembered that scenario earlier today when I was thinking about the many tasks that needed to be done before I can move.  I could hear in my head---"ROCK!"  "ROCK!"  "ROCK!"  "ROCK!"  I don't enjoy the chore but if I want to prepare for things to happen I need to pick those rocks----there are many aspects to deal with in closing the store, the recital to prepare for, stressful personal issues to resolve.  I got the final ads in the paper and an announcement for the recital; there were phone calls to customers and a last order to my supplier.  Rocks!
   I stopped in at a gift shop this morning.  I needed to order flowers for the recital.  The owner is the mom of 5 adopted Chinese kids---all from different families.  They had taken lessons from me
awhile back.  She and I talked a long time about my move and about potential piano teachers.   She, too, wished me well and said I will be missed.
    This evening I attended a rally at my church.  Lauren Bohn, a survivor of the high school shooting in Colorado in 1999, came to speak to the local high school students.  She also spoke at my church this evening.  She told how faith in God kept her safe, but that she also had to deal with nightmares and panic in the following years.  Again, it was faith in God that bought  her through.

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     Today was Saturday.  My daughter in Vancouver sent an email that opened as "Happy Saturday"----a good way to say hello.  She is excited and eager for me to close on the house I am hoping to get.  She'd like me out there by early summer, but I think it will still be late August.  I won't have time to do ANY packing until the store is closed and lessons are discontinued the end of May.  I am looking forward to being partially "retired".
     I spent the morning do more rock pickin.  Doing the financial "bookwork" on the computer takes a lot of time---for both the business and my personal needs.  I also needed to fit in a few trips up and down the basement to do laundry. 
     I did go shopping for a new outfit for my recital next Sunday.  I like to reward myself with something new for all the work of the past winter and getting ready for the recital.  There is only one shop in town that carries nicer clothing.  With me being short and a bit round it is a challenge to find something that looks well on me.  I did find something that I think is attractive, but I am not sure yet.  Need to make a decision SOON.
     I have pains in my stomach and intestines today.  (Thought you might like to know that.)  Don't know what is causing that.   It did give me an excuse to sit and watch 2 episodes of Star Trek on BBC America.   They were ones I hadn't seen before.  I just need to get my Star Trek fix occasionally---but then maybe it's really a Jon Luke Pichard fix.  WOO! WOO! 
     This coming week the entire focus will be on getting the recital prepared, which includes fine tuning the piano songs I am going to perform at the end.  It will be a mini concert that I have thought about for over a year.  18 months ago I realized I had not composed a piece featuring  Park Falls; I wanted something to honor this area as a goodbye sentiment. The Problem?  I found it hard to make "Park Falls" poetic---"I left my heart in Park Falls"?  I will post the words of my goodbye song next week after the recital since it is meant as a surprise to the local folks.  Coming soon!

     This has been 2 good "rock pickin" days in the life of Grandma G.

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:2)
     

Do you believe it???

     I was busy at the computer at 9AM when I glanced outside to see......to see.....to see.....SNOW.  I bet it isn't snowing in Vancouver, WA.











Do you see the "feels like 26"?   Disregard that 50 degree stuff.  The wind blows icicles at you--well, at me anyway.  Even our hardy guys at the gas pump were wearing coats.








     I had a restless night....too many things on my mind.  But I am having an enjoyable time writing out some thoughts for a memory book that my daughter-in-law is putting together for my grandson, Josh, who is graduating from high school this spring.  He is going into premed in the fall.

      In 2007 I took Josh on his Grandma G/Josh great adventure to the Pacific Northwest.  (I have the goal of taking each of my 18 grandkids on a trip with me when they are around 12 years old---5  have gone so far.)


Grandma G and Josh in 2007





Josh and Grandma G in fall of 2012

three friends



Cousins Zach and Josh with Astoria bridge in background---a 4.1 miles long bridge spanning the mouth of the Columbia River in Astoria, OR.







                      My favorite NW Pacific Ocean scenery photo ( summer 2007 )

     I had to fight off negatives thoughts and fears throughout the day---some personal issues to be dealt with.  Working with my music this afternoon and these pictures this evening has put my mind at ease.  I reason that if one works on something creative and positive during times of stress, there is something beautiful left over when the stressful time has past. 

     

This has been a good reminiscing day in the life of Grandma G.

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

(Philippians 4: 8)



International Blogger!

     The past few days I was studying some aspects of blogging and my personal blog.  I came upon the "stats" page.  Since joining the blogging community and "publishing" the first of February I have had 748 page views.  Coming from a small town that sounds like a lot to me for 2 and 1/2 months.  There are folks from 10 different countries.  HI!
     I am still a learner in the art of blogging.  I am ignorant of many computer skills.  I have not figured out how to allow comments.  I have a son who is an expert at all this, but he lives 300 miles south.  Sometime soon when we can get together he will instruct me how to do these things.  I plan to eventually include video, sound, and links to pertinent issues.  In the meantime I hope all of you, my new friends, will continue to check in on Grandma G, to see how she is doing.
     Each time I click to publish it is an exciting, yet fearful moment.    I am sharing my life on a global scale.  Having lived on this earth for 66 years I sometimes feel there are 132 years of stories, experiences and adventures to tell---some happy, some sad, some scary, some almost unbelievable, some humorous, some serious.  Yet all of them are part of the human story of each of us no matter where we live on this earth.  I invite you to share these with me and hope they add enjoyment, encouragement, entertainment and enthusiasm to your day.

                                                                                                         



The parking lot in front of my store at noon.  Are they all here to
enjoy my 20% off sale?







Same parking lot 2 hours later.  How many came into my store?  none


WHERE were they?

       As you might observe from the pictures, MY place of business was quiet this afternoon.  That did make for great studio time for me.  I continued to rehearse for my recital in 11 days.  Since it will be the last one here in Park Falls I hope to make it special and memorable.  I thought of another song to include---this one just for fun.  Dark Chocolate.  I haven't worked on it for a long time and at first could not recall it.  If I can get it together, it will be a fun last "encore" song.  I also spent time on the 2 choir songs for the neighboring school.
    A mom of a student (his brother was a former student) come in this afternoon to give me a hug and express her sadness at me leaving.  She was gracious and said I have influenced a lot of students over the years and will be missed.  She also said there are many more students to be reached in Vancouver.  These encounters make me feel sad to leave, but also comforted to know that I am loved and appreciated.

   This has been a good International day in the life of Grandma G.

"There was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)
    

A Home for me?

The "Max" in Portland, OR

         My realtor from Vancouver called this morning.  She had forms to fax to me.  I needed to sign them and fax them back.  I am grateful to have a copier/fax machine at my store.  Then I needed to send some forms by priority mail.  I spent 2 hours getting this done. 
        A home for me in VC is getting closer to reality!  I am not well off financially and this contract is a gift from God.  I am excited, yet nervous waiting for the closing to happen.

        The community seems eager to have me join them.  Word is already getting around that the new lady will have a piano teaching studio.   

        This afternoon at the store I spent an hour rehearsing my songs.  I really enjoy having "studio" time.  I reviewed a song titled Monkey Tail Tree.  That reminded of other songs I recorded 2 years ago for my grand kids.  I have a Clavinova in the backroom (to keep it from kids playing it).  There are several songs stored in it.  I played some and sang with them.  My voice is much stronger since I had the heart ablation done last August.  Maybe there is still a singing career in my future!  I also listened to the CD I produced 6 years ago.  I hadn't listened to it for several months.  All that made me want to put on a show here in the local library before I move.  I plan to look into that!

         After the hurry to do paperwork this morning and being absorbed in music this afternoon my mind was disconnected from routine life.  I had to sit awhile and refocus on the students and customers that would be coming in later. 
         With under 2 weeks until the piano recital there is "polishing" to do on the pieces the students are playing.  Most are ready, but there is always counting or rhythm or unsureness to work on.  I give the kids a little leeway if they are apprehensive or have creative ideas.  One kindergarten girl wants to sing Mary Had a Little Lamb--- just singing it 2 times and then playing piano while singing it.  That is what creativity is all about!

HI!










This has been a good faxing/musical day in the life of Grandma G.

"Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young."  (Psalm 84: 3)
        '

Took the Day off...

Nick and Sandy and little dog, Christmas, 2009

     I took the day off from blogging yesterday--Sunday.  It was a quiet day.  Betty J and I had supper with my brother, Nick and his wife.  Nick just turned 65.  He has Picks disease. I guess it is related to Alzheimer's.  He is docile, though unable to communicate other than smiling.  He does sing and knows TV jingles.  Sandy said it has been 7 years since he was diagnosed.  The symptoms started as getting driving directions mixed up and then confusion at work.  The medical world doesn't have much explanation of what causes it.  One possibility is a blow to the head in younger years.
     I am number 9 of 11 siblings.  Nick is number 10.  He and I and another brother settled up here in Park Falls, though the rest of our family live in Indianapolis.  Our dad grew up on a farm about 10 miles south of here; met our mom while in school in Indianapolis; married and lived there.  His heart was always in Wisconsin and sent us kids up here as much as he could.

      In the evening I spent a couple hours working on the cover and info for my new CD.  It was (is) much more involved that I thought it would be.  I hope it will be all that I hope it will be!

     I spent Monday morning working on miscellaneous paper tasks.  There are oodles of "small" issues to be taken care of.  They muddle up my brain like cobwebs.  I also sent out by email the changes for the cover of my new CD.     Oh, The Places I've Been!


     I sold a few more items at the store this afternoon.  With only 5 weeks remaining to be open I am eager to sell as much as I can.  In May I will lower prices again. 
     I spent more time practicing the pieces I want to perform and sing at the piano recital on Sunday, May 6.  It will be my last one here in Park Falls.  I know it is the students' recital.  I have routinely played something at the end.  This year I hope to have a mini concert of 4 of my original pieces.  
    I also tried out the 2 songs I'm going to accompany for the Butternut school's last concert of the year.  They are somewhat involved, but they will be a good mental and musical workout for me.
    I had only 3 lessons.  One 5th grade girl is nicknamed, George.  We have a great time greeting each other, "Hi George". "Oh, Hi George".  She is a little go-getter.  I told her there are only 2 lessons left until the recital.  She wanted to make sure there will still be lessons in May so she can come.  She'll miss me when I leave.  That makes me feel loved.  George. 

   After work this evening I went for a 30 minute walk.  The sun was nice, but the wind was cold.  Yet it is great to be  able to get outside.  At home I did 30 minutes of stretches as I watched an episode of Departures.  The program relaxed my mind while the exercise refreshed my body.  Later in the evening there was another episode featuring Sri Lanka. I hadn't seen that one before. (I just looked up Sri Lanka on the map.  It is off the south east coast of India.)  Good stuff.  Jason and Scott, my Canadian traveling boys!


grandson, Jake, and Nemo

GUARD DOG     














This has been a good 2 "day off and back on" days in the life of Grandma G.

"The noble man (woman) makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he (she) stands." (Isaiah 32:8)

Rest day.....

      I had a restless night, probably from tension and nerves.  I wasn't able to sleep past 7:30  even having gone to bed at 1AM and not sleeping well.  An hour of walking the treadmill and stretching helped to relieve tension.   

      I had arranged to receive fax forms from the realtor in Vancouver.  I needed to do that at the music store around 1PM.  I hadn't faxed for a long time so wasn't sure if it would work.  It did.  The forms are for a contract to purchase the house in Vancouver!  Yeah! Plans are moving on.
        The realtor  has been really nice and encouraging to me concerning moving out there and being wanted in the "55 and older" community.  That makes me feel relaxed and even excited on occasion.
 

     All day the BBC America had a Planet Earth  marathon.  I turned it on after I got home.  That was the end of any "chores" for the rest of the day.  I napped a bit, then watched and marveled at the beauty of the world, even in depths where no one sees--up to now.  The rest of the day was....restful. I  simply watched TV in between washing dishes and doing laundry. There is a lot of paperwork that needs to be done, but it is nice to just relax and rebuild one's stamina.

    Yesterday I received cover proofs for my new CD.  I haven't decided yet if I want changes or what they will be.  Another project that is finally moving along!

    I had contacted a recording studio last fall when I was in Vancouver.  I met with the technician and we seemed favorable toward each other.  I gave him copies of the CDs I want to work on after I get settled.  He also  had sent me an email in February saying he had found an illustrator for me.    
    Now I am concerned because when I was out there over Easter weekend my grandson drove me to the address of the studio and we couldn't find it.  There was a generic message on his answer machine (woman's voice).  Nor has he returned the 2 emails I sent him.  His web page has not been updated since last fall.  I am beginning to wonder if he moved, quit business, is ill or even worse. 
A disturbing mystery. 

    This has been a good rest day in the life of Grandma G.

"For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.  In his hands are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.  The sea is his for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land." (Psalm 95:3-5)

   

Mountain crossing...

     Today had many aspects.  I slept in until 9AM since I went to bed at 1AM---blogging.  I spent the morning leisurely before going to the music store.  The sun was bright, but the air cold.  We were  fortunate to not have any snow.  About mid state they received 5 inches. 
    
     If you want to have lots of activity put up a  "going out of business" sign!!  Wednesday a lady came in to see if we had any computers.  She thought she might buy a half priced computer.  A number of guys are coming back when they get their pay checks.  Some folks want to know when I am lowering prices below 20% off.
     This afternoon was busy.  A fellow came in to browse.  I can't say he was an elderly gentleman because he said he's in his 60's (and so am I).  He is looking to buy a guitar, but at his age he is not looking to be a rock star or folk legend.  He is also left handed.  I showed him the one left handed guitar in the store and also explained that I am left handed and play right hand.  I thought he might do fine learning that way.  After some discussion he  seemed to think he need the left handed guitar---and his social security check the first of the month.   He stayed around to explain he has been in town only a few months.  He is just getting acquainted with folks.  Didn't quite get the whole story of where he came from, but there is some native American in him from his mother's side. 

     After he left I started practicing my song again when, Deb, a mom of 2 of my students came in to buy a supply of books so she can keep their lessons going after I leave. (She was also in school with my oldest son several years ago.)  While she was looking and I was bringing out more books a frequent visitor came in---the fellow who is friendly towards me.  He played guitar a little, played the piano more, sang a few songs---Deb said she'd like to work at the store just so he would sing to her.  Deb stayed a long time looking through books.  My friend also hung around.  I had given him my older CD the day before and he said it was very relaxing.  I told him of the girl who said whenever she listens to my CD she goes to sleep--compliment or problem?  We also discussed a problem that I think I have with my digital piano.  I think there is too  much reverb or sustain or something in the bass.  We didn't settle anything except that I should dig out the manual and start pressing buttons until I get the sound I like.  Maybe.
    

     I had agreed to go to dinner with Louie.  After work we drove out to a rustic restaurant and cabin resort about 8 miles out of town. (I have to be careful of the word "resort" since our northern Wisconsin "resorts" are drastically different from big city resorts.  My oldest grandson was appalled when he first saw our resort a few years back.)  BUT at our resorts you can watch the deer eat while you eat (and the occasional wild turkey).

     We had a pleasant dinner.  We agreed to remain friends and talked about various family activities. We also agreed that it is painful to end a relationship after 46 years.  Yet I need to get on with my life and let him live his as he wants.  We will still always be mom and dad; grandma and grandpa to our family.

     And the mountain crossing?  That was it.  I had something I needed to present to him and I did.  I had something I needed to say to him and I did.  I had a fear in me to do so and now that fear can recede.    I am on the other side of the mountain and can get on with life without apprehension. 

     This has been a good "mountain crossing" day in the life of Grandma G.

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."
(Psalm 68:19)

Men, Men, Men, everywhere.....

     ....in my store this afternoon.  I no sooner got somewhat settled around noon when this giant fellow comes in.  He was looking for some valve oil.  He was overjoyed to spend $2.50 for the needed oil.  THEN....he got to talking.  Inquiring at first.  He was looking for a large powerful amp.  He is a polka player on the concertina.  Seems a "friend" of his spilled beer on the old one. Had to take him to court to get him to go good for another one.  Big Guy had the judge annoyed at his persistence and even though the judge knows what polka music is he DOESN'T know how involved it is to create this glorious music on the concertina.  Actually, Big Guy didn't need an amp but some tiny microphones to insert into the four corners of the squeeze box to produce a balanced sound---"we" realized that after scrutinizing 3 catalogs for what he needed IN his price range.  No amp was powerful enough or had enough inputs. (Did you know that concertina low notes are so powerful that  a "normal" amp will be jumping off the floor when Big Guy gets jamming?  I didn't.)  Turns out that Big Guy also tinkers with tractors and trucks. Yep.  He has his workshop all set up. His propane tanks hang upside down behind his off centered door.  That door is off centered on purpose, even though his best "critique" buddy thinks that is stupid.  Buddy thinks it's stupid to have propane tanks hanging upside down---even if they are more efficient.  And the same with air compressors.  When you're sand blasting it's best to run them until most of the pressure is gone and then take a break while they are recharging---or recompressoring or whatever it is that air compressors do.  And did you know that concertinas are worth thousands of dollars though some people think they are junk?   Big Guy also plays the tuba.  That worked better because even though folks said he had great hands for the guitar he could never get his fingers to press just one string at a time.  Did you know that you don't get callouses on your fingers when you play tuba, you gets them on your lips? 
 
  Have you ever practiced looking interested and knowledgeable about stuff you don't give two hoots about and know even less about?  After close to an hour I couldn't remember if Big Guy was looking for an amp for his tractor or an upside down propane tank to put inside his concertina, or was it an off centered door that was jumping off the floor and that his tractor wheel needed 6 inputs rather than 4.  Seems the judge was playing his tuba and got annoyed with Buddy and had him study 3 catalogs until the air compressor took a break while Big Guy spilled beer on the polka because of the callous on his lips.   But, then, he DID spend $2.50 on valve oil. 

     Another man came in as Big Guy was leaving inch by very slow inch. This gentleman was smaller in size and a bit more calm in the mouth.  He took out the only banjo in the store, tuned it and played it a bit.  I asked him if I could take his picture---I just happened to have a camera in my hand.  I told him I do a blog and like to take an occasional picture to include.  He said sure.  I noticed his van had an  Iowa license plate.  I asked if he was from Iowa.  He said.....yes.  He is just passing through; his band is playing a concert tonight in town.  Oh.  (I was one up on him.  I knew all about the concert.  Betty J and I already had our tickets.)  We chatted for a while.  I informed him that my grandson and I had attended a Bill Monroe bluegrass festival in Bean Blossom, IN last summer.  (By now HE was probably practicing being interested in stuff he didn't give two hoots about.)  As he carefully put the banjo back he said he was looking for one that costs more.  I said I could charge him more for it, if that's what he wants.  He did buy a polish cloth for $3.20.  I shook his hand before he left, got his name and told him I would see him at the concert.

     A fellow who is friendly to me stopped by on his way to work (a block away from the store).  He was in yesterday.  He played a couple songs on a piano and said how he is trying to get back into his music.  He is looking for places around town to play some gigs. We talked about recording CDs and local studios.  

     Soon  a dad of one of my students came in to say his daughter couldn't make her lesson tomorrow or today.  He stayed briefly to ask about the store closing and to tell how busy the girls are with school and activities. 

    Lou came in with a buddy just as I was saying goodbye to the dad.  He asked if I wanted to go for dinner with him tomorrow night or Saturday.  I said I would call him in the morning.  We chatted a while and then they left.  Banjo man came back with the drummer, but they didn't find anything to buy.

     I sat down at the piano to practice my new song for the recital.  I was almost through when I saw Jamie's car stop in the parking lot.  I decided to sing the song for him for practice before an audience.  When he came in I asked if he wanted to hear it---like he really had a choice.  Actually he said he liked it.  He brought along a tape recording of a guitar player he is in awe of and wanted me to hear it.  The guitarist is quite remarkable.

     When he left the time was going on 3 o'clock.  Finally I had a chance to eat some lunch.  Frank stopped in about then, but he is used to see me eating lunch.   It was a busy "man" day, but I did take in $5.70. 


 Evening concert....


Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50's 

    great rock n' roll music!

Richie is 21 years old!  They are on a 7,000 mile tour circuit.  Watch for Richie Lee in your local area!  There's a whole lot of shaking going on!







Dan Jones on the left---my friend from the music store.









This has been a good "men" day in the life of  Grandma G. 

"The sun rises....Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening."
(Psalm 104:22 & 23)

It's a Golden Day!

  Happy Golden 18th B-day on the 18th to my first granddaughter, Angie!!  I love you and am proud of you!  Way to go!!  In February we girls went to Macaroni Grill in Portland for B-day dinner.  Grandma, mom, Micaela have Feb B-days; Angie's is TODAY!

Micaela, Angie, Debbie, Georgia

       

Angie was born in Minneapolis (I remember that day when Papa Lou and I drove 4 hours to go see her).  She moved to Vancouver, WA when she was 5 years old. 

Last summer she came to visit me (and several cousins) for 10days.

at Copper Falls State Park, WI

                                                    visiting 99 year old Grandma Rose
                                                        Grandma Rose, Angie Rose

                                                   





ferry ride on Lake Superior

                                                    checking out The Angie Tree--planted as a seedling the spring Angie was born.






encountering shadow folk.....

 

This has been a good Angie Golden B-day in the life of Grandma G.

"You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."

(Psalm 139:13)

High Hopes!

     I think I have a house--a home!!  It's the one for me.  There is the financial aspect to work out yet, but I think it is doable!!  I am excited, yet nervous.  I will be totally excited when all the details are worked out.  Yeah!  Keep checking in!

     This has been a fast paced day.  I have a lot of issues on my mind and don't know if I am tending to all of them.  As one gets settled it is easier to focus on the remaining.  This is actually a fast paced week--many tasks to be finalized.

     The afternoon at the music store passed quickly.  My friend, Barb, stopped for a visit.  We chatted for a half hour or more.  Students started coming for lessons at 2:30 and continued until 6PM with a few breaks in between.   I sold a guitar, ukulele and bongos. One customer was interested to see my name is Schmidt.  That is her maiden name.  She spent quite a while telling how she found out some very interesting information about  her German ancestors when she needed in depth blood tests because of a cancer she had.  She went on to say how 3 years ago the doctors told her she had only 6 months to live.  Today she is cancer free and doesn't know why.  People like to chat.  That's OK.

     This evening at home I watched a new episode of Deadliest Catch.  After I worked on the  info and pictures for my new CD, AND emailed them to my studio man.  This project will get completed yet!

     Tomorrow I get another new crown put on; need to drive 6 miles north to get accompaniment music for the school's spring concert; and get to celebrate my first granddaughter's  golden 18th B-day--though from a distance!

   Preparations to move west are progressing.  There is still one gnarly situation to be dealt with.  I keep putting it off because it is gnarly.  Yet maybe only in my mind.  It's one of those ogres under a bridge that I have to cross.  I will feel "home free" once bridge is crossed.

 

  An abandoned old time silo along a side road in northern Wisconsin---a favorite icon for me.
(just a fun curiosity picture)




This has been a good "progress" day in the life of Grandma G.  

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you."  (Matt.  17:20-21)