Composition - Life

Day 5 - Westendorf, Austria

2012-01-24T18:34:00.002-05:00

I had to step away from the trip photos for a while. It just has been so very overwhelming, just the sheer number of photos. But as I go back and look I am entranced again with the gorgeous beauty of the Austrian Alps.

If you need a review of the trip I took with my son Jacob in July of 2011, as we traveled with American Music Abroad, here are a few links:

Part I: The Tour Began

Part II: Arriving in Europe. Our First Day

Part III: Day One Continued . . .

Europe Day 2: Monday July 18

Europe Day 2: Monday the afternoon

Still Day 2: Europe (Vienna Austria)

Day 3: Our trip to Salzburg

Day 3: Salzburg: The Old Towne

Day 3: On to Westendorf

Day 4: Hintertux Glacier

And so today - I begin with Day 5. We were still in Westendorf Austria - and we had the morning and afternoon completely free for exploration. Our first "check in" for the day was dinner at 5pm. I decided Jake needed a day on his own - and so I let him go his way, and I went mine.

And so, we chose to walk around the town and over to the ski lift, for a ride up to the top of one of the local mountains. It had rained the day before, so we started out with quite a bit of fog, but the low hanging clouds made for some gorgeous photo's and we road to the top.

The steeple from the local church on the right.

Dana and Sue

A sign advertising our concert that evening at the Village Hall.

Riding up . . . the view was amazing

Outside the restaurant at the top, one could try their hand at milking.

Inside the restaurant. They had the absolute best Hot Chocolate I have ever had in my life. I asked the woman for the name - and it was a red packaged named Tiffany's Shokolade. I have searched the internet all over and cannot find it. It really was good!!

We all had to try the Strudel. They told us that this place had the absolute best - and they were so totally right!

You could have it with a vanilla sauce. I chose real whip cream.
MMMMMMmmmmmm!

Right outside the restaurant.

We were able to get really upclose and personal with these cows!

There were a couple more trails to hike up to some different summits. I was going with this group - but had to turn back - my asthma started acting up - so instead I just walked around at that level - soaking in the glory and beauty that surrounded me!

Don't Drink the Water!

A couple of boys made the hike - from the bottom to the top - skipping the ski lift. Little did I know that my son - was at that moment - lost on the side of the mountain with several of his friends.

One last look on the ride down.

Above and below is the cemetery that was to the side of the local church. How unique looking it was to me. Full gravel yard with wood and metal headstones.

It is actually better than I was told. Someone told me in Germany they allow a person to be buried for 25 years, then dig up their remains and put them in mass graves. I have no clue as to the validity of that claim. I guess it makes tracing your roots very difficult.

I guess that is enough for now. After we came down from the mountain, their was a street market taking place. It was fun to walk around. I got some neat photos.

Just so you aren't worrying - Jake did meet us at 5pm for dinner - although he and several of the boys had ruined their sneakers - and were wearing their dress shoes with their shorts to dinner. That was just a little hint - that something had not gone exactly right.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T08:47:00.000-05:00

ESMARELDA

Happy New Year! Can you believe it is 2012? I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around those numbers. In many ways, I see myself thinking about the 'progress' in the world much the way my parents did.

So many new things, and the old are quickly passing away.

We try so hard to grasp hold of the past and not let go . . . but in truth what is it we are holding on to?

Time marches on and although we can grab a few material things that link us to our past (for example 'Esmarelda ' pictured above, was the Christmas tree topper of my husbands family when he was growing up - she is now the tree topper for his brothers family tree in what was the house they all grew up in), or perhaps the photos we all love to take and store away for future generations to remember us by, we can't make permanent that which was never meant to be permanent.

And so, as I look forward into the blank slate which is 2012 . . . I wonder how I will fill my days, what will I grasp hold of and want to carry with me thru this new year and into the next.

There are many things that I worry about for this coming year . . . top of the list are my husbands health (still we don't know what is the cause of the daily symptoms he suffers), will I have a job after June, and what lies ahead for my 3 sons.

But, I am not going to make any resolutions - except for this . . . I want to try to live each day, one at a time. I want to be thankful for the moments I am given, make the most of them by bringing glory to God thru my actions and trust Him more for the unknowns to come.

I know I can't do any of that alone - and so I will depend on Him to be close by and to be my rock and my fortress, my foundation and my hope.

Happy New Year My Friends!

May God Bless each one of you in the days and weeks and months ahead.

The Gift of Love (Domingo) with lyrics

2011-12-16T18:28:00.002-05:00

The Gift of Love - written by Placido Domingo's son, performed here by Placido Domingo.
The first time I ever heard it was on a Hallmark Christmas tape. Never could get that version on CD. I know this is not the exact same version (in the original he 'duets' with a boys choir near the end) - but it is so close to what I remember. I came across this video today on Youtube and had to share. When he gets to the end and is singing "Glory to God" ... there just are no words . . .

The lyrics: (Placido is Mexican, and although I think his Italian is marvelous -what do I know? I am English! - His English is pretty rough, so the words are the best I could figure out. * means I am not quite sure)

The Father gave His son
To fill the world with glory
He sent His only One
To bring us peace

The shepherds on the hill
Were startled by the angels
The earth around them stilled
With news of joy.

Christ the Son of God
And man his brother
*Has given a beautiful gift
His life for all to see

Glory to God
Praise Him forever
Share his good news
With all who wait in hope

The Father gave His son

To fill the earth with glory

He sent His only One

To bring His holy peace

The shepherds on the hill

We're startled by the angels

The earth around them stilled

With news of joy.

Glory to God

Christ the child

Who came to save us all

Is our gift from God our Lord.

So do you have a favorite Christmas song - by a favorite performer? I would love to listen to some new music!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-16T05:32:00.000-05:00

Almost 1 week away - and I still don't have a tree up!!

Hopefully we will get that taken care of this evening. With everyone so grown up, and going in so many different directions, it is hard to be together in one place at one time. Even this photo was taken late this summer - and was probably the last time all 5 of us were in one place!!

Praying the Season of Remembering the Birth of our Savior is filled with love, joyful and tender memories, thankfulness and peace knowing the Creator of the Universe loves us so much - that He became one of us - so that He could save us from ourselves.

Merry Christmas!
Valerie

Veterans Day 2011

2011-11-11T07:30:00.001-05:00

It is Veterans Day, November 11, 2011. (11*11*11). Formerly Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, when major hostilities of the War were formally ended with the German signing of the Armistice with the Allies in a railway car in the Compiegne Forest, France in 1918.

So many men have served our country in the armed forces in many wars since then, as it seems we will never live together in peace, until the Lord comes.

Today we remember and honor those who have served. I am grateful and thankful for those who have.

A look back in my family tree shows many who have . . .

US Army Soldiers First Day in Yokahama, Japan September 13, 1946

(L to R) Lt Bernard McLellan, Lt Robert Robertson, T/5 Odni Simmons, Capt Deglow, Pvt Carl Wetzel,

Front: Pfc Frank Powley, T/5 Dulch Schultz, Louie Carter, unknown

In honor of Veterans Day, I would like to share some photo's of my father and my father-in-law during the time they served our country on foreign soil. Although they were in different wars and were several years apart, the first two pictures show both men, when they were just 18 -19 years old.

Morris G. Bull, WWII Veteran

1925 - 1995

John J. Acee, Korean War Veteran

1932-1995

My dad served and saw action in the Philippines during WWII

and then in Japan from 1945 - 1946 during the occupation.

This picture above shows him pointing to the 2 stars

in the window of the old farm house.

One represented him (he was home on furlough 1944)

and the other for his older brother Robert, who was also serving.

Not quite sure whether this was the Philippines or Japan.

There was nothing written on the photograph.

This one was November 1945

Written on the back was "B Batry 61st FABN Osaka"

This was also Osaka Japan 1945.

Dad brought that sword home with him.

My husbands Father served in the Korean War.

But, this photo said that he was at Camp Chitose, Japan

April 22, 1952 Hokkaido Japan

May 18, 1953

the 38th Parallel

Korea

January 1953

Choruon Valley

This was in front of the mess hall

Kumhua Sector

North Korea

April 30, 1953

A few years back one of the teachers at school did some research with her class finding out that there were 23 million living US veterans of the military.

About 70% were from active service in a war.

I am in awe of the number of men and women who

serve our country in the armed services.

My dad shared some stories,

but he didn't talk a lot about what went on over there.

My siblings may remember more.

I was born 17 years after he had come home. I was a girl.

We didn't talk about those things.

I feel bad about that, because,

now that he is gone I can't ask him any more,

and I will never know.

Thank you to all the Veterans, who put their lives on the line,

who gave up their lives at home to serve the rest of us,

to help keep us safe and to protect those who need protection.

There is no greater love than this,

That a man lay down his life for his brother ....

Hintertux Glacier

2011-11-06T07:07:00.003-05:00

We left Westendorf - to head out to a Glacier. They called it the Rattenburg Glacier - although when we got there everything called it the Hintertux Glacier.

We visited a town called Rattenburg - that is famous for it's crystal and glass blowing. We had a great time watching the glass blowing exhibit and visiting the other shops - but then headed to the glacier.

It was a messy rainy day. The clouds were very low (okay - so we were really high up in the mountains) and we really didn't get to see much. In fact - after the glacier we were to go to Mayrhofen and sing in an outside concert there - but due to the rain our concert was cancelled and we toured the town and it's shops instead. It was a bit of a disappointment - as this was the place we were to face the amazing Alps and sing (o top of the world!) But we couldn't see much.

The glacier was several different gondola rides up. We started at a place with a restaurant and shops (and parking lot).

Then we got on our first gondola and started the ride up

At our first stop - we got out and switched to the next gondola.

In the distance we could see the snow storm on the top.

I kept thinking to myself, I live in Buffalo NY, why in the world am I excited about seeing snow in July? We live for the summer months of July - when there is no snow!

We got in and started out for the next level.

At the next level we had the opportunity to eat and see some maps of where we were.

More Weiner Schnitzel and french fries!

And off we were to the next level.

These are actually photos of the 2nd last stop on the way up.

We had to trudge thru the snow to get to the next gondola.

It was very cold, very blustery, very UNsummer like!

But we got on and kept going up.

When we got to the top - there really wasn't much to see. The kids all took their clothes off (bathing suits were underneath - although some boys went in their boxers) - and had their photos taken in the blizzard.

I didn't dare take Zach's camera out . It was sooooo windy and cold. Jake got out - and I snapped a quick photo of him, but then we headed back down. You really couldn't see anything - it was a blizzard up there.

We headed back down - Jake's shoes were leaking TERRIBLY so we went and had to buy a new pair (on sale for 49Euros) and we tossed the leaking ones. I also had to get him a new (dry pair) of socks. There weren't many to choose from - so we found a pair of cow socks. He still has them :)

The rest of the kids all joined together on the second level and had a snowball fight. We missed it - but that was okay - We were cold and wet.

We headed to Mayrhofen and had another great dinner.

We were looking forward to our 'day off' and concert in Westendorf the next day.

The next day was my favorite.

We went to the top of the Mountain in the town of Westendorf and had fabulous views.

I tooks lots of great photos - and finally had a taste of a fabulous Apple Strudel.

To learn more about the Hintertux Glacier click the words for the wikipedia link.

Day 3 - On to Westendorf

2011-08-24T09:32:00.009-04:00

I have to say that the next couple of days were some of my most favorite times of the trip. I have many, many favorite parts of the trip. But being surrounded by such majestic vistas - was awe inspiring and magnificent. At times the mountains were so beautiful, I just wanted to cry.

We left Salzburg and headed to the town of Westendorf where our group of 100 would be split between 4 chalets. We didn't stop on the way - and so, again I settled for photo's thru the windows of the moving coach. Although they are not crystal clear - the majesty and power displayed in the following photos was humbling. How small we are - in comparison of our Great and Awesome God.

We entered the town of Westendorf and waited for our Chalet assignments.

We were divided up between 4 Pensions (family run boarding house/chalets). There was the Jakobwirt (where we all had our dinner meal together). Most of the girls stayed there.

The Theresiana - Where Jacob and many of the other boys stayed.

My roommate and I stayed at the Rainer (with mostly college age boys)

No elevators there, so we had to carry our bags up to the top floor - thankfully some of the guys took pity on 'us old ladies' and helped us carry our bags up 3 flights of the winding staircase. When we got to the top of the stairs - we saw this window - that went clear into someone's bathroom. There was a clear view of the shower (and anyone who was in it) and we found out later that one could sit on the toilet and wave to everyone on the stairs. Yes - that was our room. And there was no curtain over the window - so we had to take one of the bath towels and cover it up that way. Of course, we were then short one bath towel, because we couldn't find our owner.

It was a beautiful and comfortable place though. Here is the balcony that our screen door opened up on to. We were the last room - so the brown chair belonged to us.

Across the way (from the balcony) we saw some other Pensions (the 4th one - which I think was the Elizabeth - that had more girls in it) was behind this building pictured here.

And the straight away view from our little balcony was this. I was sad that there was so much cloud cover. And the next day, the weather was forcasted to be pretty rainy all day. But we had 2 full days ahead of us here in this mountainous wonderland. I had hopes that the sun would shine at some point.

Our dinner was at the Jakobwirt Pension and then they had arranged for a dance party for all of the students in the basement of one of restaurants. I think the kids had a great time - Jake isn't a dancer, but he enjoyed being with the group. It was off to bed after a long day - and another long day was ahead of us.

On the morrow we were headed to the top of the Rattenburg Glacier - for a snowball fight, we were told. We looked forward to another fantastic experience in Europe!

Day 3 - Salzburg: The Old Towne

2011-08-18T18:15:00.016-04:00

WARNING ... There are lots of photos in this post - so it may take a while to load ... I guess that is why it is taking me so long to get these up - I just can't choose which of the 1800 photos I want to share!

If you are just joining us - this is a continuation of a trip to Europe (Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic) that my son and I participated in with the American Music Abroad Empire Tour in July 2011. This post is the middle part of our 'day 3' in Europe (we were there about 16 days). To see our journey from the beginning - you can click on the words "OLDER POSTS" at the bottom of this page on the right hand side. Our Journey began at the East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania on July 13, 2011 where we met our directors and joined forces with the other musicians who soon became our extended family.

Today's post is the afternoon of Day 3 (Tuesday, July 19).

We had just left the Mirabell Palace and Gardens - and now arrived in the Old Town of Salzburg.

Some of the students were able to make it up to the Castle Fortress that overlooks the Old Town. In a photo taken from the Fortress we see the Salzach River (Salt River) and the Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral) - a 17th century baroque cathedral. As with many of the buildings that we were introduced to during our tour - we learned that the Dome of this cathedral was damaged by a single bomb during WWII. Reconstruction was completed 1959.

The Choir sang in the Cathedral. We approached it from this side, and next is a photo of our first view of it. It is in a central square area - that we used as our meeting place - where we also found the huge fountain from the "I Have Confidence" song, Maria sang in the Sound of Music. (more on the fountain later).

The Cathedral was too big to fit in one photo - so here is the middle part of it.

after we sang - we exited on the other side and were treated to a view of the other side of the Cathedral.

This was another massive building - as you can see as you look at the size of the people in the photo above - compared to the building.

But before I go any further with the outside area - I want to go back in the cathedral and see some of the amazing paintings and sculptures we experienced.

Back inside - we entered thru a back door and the choir went immediately onto the risers. We sang a couple of songs and our band members sat and took photos. The next couple of photos were from Jakes camera. Everyone commented on how - as we sang - the sun radiated thru the windows and shone down right on the choir. Neat to see in the photos.

There were so many altar areas inside the cathedral. Each very similar to the others and yet so very different as well. I tried to capture as many as I could.

As we left the cathedral, our local guides took us thru the Old City and showed us so many places and shared so much information with us. I wish that I had with me a tape recorder to have been able to capture their sweet voices and accents as they shared a wealth of information about the area. I did capture several of the steeples through out the town. So many and so very different.

At the end of our guided tour we found ourselves in another square, this one filled with a market place, yet surrounded by building that were built (as the writing below says) in the 1300's. Many also had a second date on them, telling the dates the buildings were last restored. We were now on our own to eat and explore.

The market place was pretty interesting and the selections of food and goods was vast. Below Emmanuel was purchasing some watermelon for lunch.

But as I said the variety was vast. Here we have a pastry shop

Huge wheels of cheese

Pretzels and breads

and sausages of every kind!

As we finished eating and looked up we remembered from our tour guide that the building below was the actual house that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in. The open window on the 3rd floor - was the actual room.

So we walked thru to the other side of the buildings and paid to go in what was now a museum, of the place Mozart was born.

We paid 9.50 Euros to get inside.

We were not allowed to take photos inside, but we did walk the floors of the room he was born in, saw his little violin, his keyboards and even a lock of his hair. At one point there was a walkway in the building - so I did take a photo of Jake in one of the doorways - to show - how small the buildings and doorways were. My poor Zach (6'5") would have had a hard time in this place.

It was getting close to the time we needed to meet back with the group, so we decided to go back thru the cemetery near the Cathedral. In the movie "The Sound of Music" they used a sound stage for the set of the cemetery, but we were told that this cemetery was what they created it after. The European Cemeteries we were in, we so beautiful. The flowers were just amazing. The photos below aren't of any specific 'famous' graves - just of the beauty and serenity that surrounded us as we walked thru.

The stone wall at the back of the photo below - was where we were told the cave 'theater' where the music competition took place near the end of the "Sound of Music" movie was filmed. We didn't have time to go in and take a look.

Below is a shot of the same area - just pulled back a bit.

We headed back to the meeting place, which was the huge "I Have Confidence" fountain that I mentioned before. In the second photo below, you can see some steps that are at the base of the fountain. We were told Julie Andrew's couldn't reach the water, so they built the stairs so she could reach the water.

As we walked away with the group, I mentally said goodbye to the area as we passed by many of the shops, and musicians that were set up for the tourists.

It was surely a trick to keep a group of 100 people together as we crossed streets to get back to our buses,

but the view we experienced was amazing.

Day 3 - Our Trip to Salzburg

2011-08-14T06:13:00.011-04:00

The Hills are Alive ... with the Sound of Music!

It is funny - on the trip we were told that only people in the world to have not seen the movie "The Sound of Music" are the Austrians. It is one of my favorite movies and I guess that is one of the reasons I loved Austria so very much. Another reason was the scenery. Wow, did we have a treat in store for us on the third day of our trip.

We left the city of Vienna and headed west to Salzburg, sometimes on a highway called the Romantic Road. The view rapidly changed from city scape to mountain and small villages. It was gorgeous. My only complaint - was that I had to shoot the fabulous view thru the bus windows!!

The first photo is a shot out the front window with the street sign for Salzburg in view.

The next few shots were out the right side windows on the bus - so it would have been looking north. First is the Melk Abbey (for more info on it you can click the word to go to an informative website)

The surrounding areas were just so beautiful . . .

Each little village seemed to have their own church building

Vineyards on the distant slope

Fields and fields of sunflowers, so bright and yellow and happy!

Then - if we take a look out the front of the bus - we see the Alps getting closer and closer

We were following Coach #2 as it had the trailer with all the instruments on it. Most of the time our driver was going about 90 KMP (about 60ish mph)

And out the left side of the bus we saw more of the Alps.

After about a 4 hour (not sure if my memory is right or not - I know it was at least 4 hours) we arrived in Salzburg and after our potty stop - we went right into the Courtyard of the Mirabell Palace and Gardens. Below is a portion of the palace.

There were two separate areas when you entered. The first is the one pictured below. After walking in and up to the palace when one turns around you are treated to the gorgeous view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress in the distance.

Jake stopped to get a photo.

I stepped next to him and zoomed in to get a closer shot. It was built in 1077 - but made larger throughout the years. It is the largest fully preserved fortress in central Europe. Thru its long

history, it has always remained unconquered by enemy troops. (Click HERE for more info). Although we could have toured it during our free time - we chose to investigate more of the city and so never did get inside.

We walked into the gardens on the side of the palace and found the fountain where the children and Maria (in the Sound of Music) sang portions of "Do a Deer."

Of course all the kids (and adults) stood on and around the fountain and danced in circles as they sang Do, a deer ....

After singing it once thru (and video taping it for the DVD we will all get in April!) we headed to one end of the garden where the steps were. These were the steps they (in the movie) finished singing the song (Do Re Mi) on - with Maria taking the high note with her hand on her head. We of course stood on the steps and sang the song again!

After they sang I jumped up on the top step and took a photo of the view they saw as they stood on the steps. (below) The first garden photos were taken on the left side of this photo - in front of the palace.

We then proceeded to walk thru to the other side of the gardens and leave the Mirabell Palace and head into the Old portion of Salzburg. As we left we walked by the green passageway the kids (in the movie) rode their bikes thru and we also walked by the two sculptures at the entrance to the gardens. (They are also in a shot during the movie - but you see them from the other side looking into the gardens).

We walked over a bridge (the Danube River) but were not allowed to stop and take photos (I snapped the above one quick - cause I knew I wouldn't get back to it) and then looked upward towards the Old Town below ...

So many sights to see - I hope I am not boring you. Sorry for taking to so long to post every couple of days. It is taking quite a long time to pick the right pictures to give you just a taste of what we saw (I did take 1800 photos!!)

So next up will be the Old Town of Salzburg - where we sang in the Dome Cathedral, saw the fountain from the song "I Have Confidence" as well as the cemetery they modeled the last scenes of the movie after (it was actually a sound stage). We also visited the house Mozart was born in. I loved Salzburg!!

Still Day 2 - Europe (Vienna, Austria)

2011-08-11T15:04:00.007-04:00

Back to the Schonbrunn Palace.

After our tour of the Opera House, we went back to the Schonbrunn Palace (where we had our concert in the morning) for a tour. It was the home of the ruling family Hapsburg - and it certainly was gorgeous! I didn't take any photos inside the palace (non were allowed), but did get several of the 'backyard.'

Standing on the balcony at the back of the palace (above) is the view straight back. What I didn't capture, was on the right and left side, there were several pathways leading off to more sculptures and sights. In fact, at the back on the right - the last path led off to a zoo!

We did walk all the way to the back and got some close up photos of the water and sculptures there.

and when I turned around - this was the back of the palace.

The gardens were beautiful. The sculptures plentiful and amazing. We had such limited time - but as I said, there was so much I didn't see. I went back up on the balcony of the back of the palace and zoomed in on our Clarence 5 getting their photo taken by our leader Mr. S and one of the girls moms.

In the photo below - you can see the sculptures on either side of the pathways (I mentioned above) leading off the main part of the gardens -

As we left the palace, our tour guide told us we were in for a treat - as we were going out of the city and into the Vienna Hills (I believe she called the area Grinzing) for dinner.

Along the way, we stopped at a scenic overlook. It was just beautiful (in person) again the photo doesn't do the beauty justice at all - In the center (where the picnic table is knocked over - go to the right - to the darker brown post and right above it - where the city meets the trees) - you may be able to make out the Ferris Wheel from Prater Park - that was near where our hotel was.

The area of Grinzing - I have read - is now a tourist area - but was formerly a village surrounded by vineyards.

From the overlook - we went into the town and to a pub. Plates and bowls served family style of brown breads, potatoes, sauerkraut, and meats. I can't remember the last time I saw a plate piled so high with ham, chicken, and hot dogs. It was pretty crowded, so I didn't pull the camera out - wish I had - it was a sight to behold.

After we finished eating, the local musicians came out and playing the accordion and other instruments - struck up some lively tunes - and the kids were up and dancing. It was a fun night!

Heading back into Vienna we encountered our only really scary moment.

As our bus approached an intersection - a car traveling on the crossing road - failed to stop - and our bus driver slammed on the breaks and turned the wheel hard. I remember yelling as the bus skidded and swerved. We did hit the front end of the car - but had our driver not swerved - as our tour director told us (he was in the front seat and saw the whole thing as it happened) he would have surely killed the other driver. Our bus driver's 6 year old daughter was sitting on the front seat - behind him - and when we stopped - she flew down into the dashboard and the front end of the bus. Miraculously she was not injured, nor was anyone else on the bus.

So we encountered a delay - as we waited for police and rescue personnel to come and take a report and check out the sore necks and bruised knees on a few. It was a scary few moments - but we were so thankful no one was seriously hurt and we had the expertise of an experienced driver.

The next morning we were up bright and early for our drive to Salzburg. It was a long ride - but we were approaching my favorite part of the trip.

Europe Day 2 (continued) Monday July 18th - the first part of the afternoon.

2011-08-09T07:34:00.011-04:00

Sorry for the couple of days off - I guess I am just so overwhelmed with photo's and trying to get back to my normal (boring) life after such a fantastic trip. Even sitting at a baseball game last night - I couldn't help but being disappointed by my surroundings. Granted the Lou Gehrig Baseball diamonds are not kept up very well - but I find myself longing for the mountains, the peace and quiet of the wind blowing thru the trees, the bells of the cows ringing thru the air. The clouds sitting at eye level. I think I am a mountain girl. I truly miss the beauty.

Okay - enough feeling sorry for myself - and on to the reminiscing. For my Facebook friends - I did post several of the photos from the palace day already - but in keeping with the journal I am trying to create here goes.

After our performance at St. Stephen's Cathedral - we headed over to the Schönbrunn Palace which was the home of the ruling Austrian Family "Hapsburg" until they gave up the throne after WWI. This is the view we encountered as we entered the Palace grounds.

The chairs were being set up for the band. They were the ones who would perform as the choral sound wouldn't carry outside too well, although we did join them on The Battle Hymn of the Republic and Let There Be Peace on Earth (our combined numbers).

The trailer crew (which included the percussionists) had to carry the 3 timpani from the gate to the front of the palace. Although the timpani were packed very smartly on home made carts with wheels - the wheels were too tiny to endure the cobble stones and gravel.

Finally a smooth surface.

Once they got them into place they had to set all the equipment up. This often was still taking place as the band began warm ups. Being a percussionist is not an easy job!

Speaking of jobs, some of our non performing adults had jobs as well. One mom from Clarence had the distinction of being the bag lady! Dana's job was to guard everyone's purses during the performances. Most of them went into the big base drum case - but a few she held onto. Always with a smile, I enjoyed getting to know Dana!

The photo below was taken from the balcony on the palace. Jake was on timpani during this photo.

The photo below is also from the balcony - but shows how far the entrance gate was from where they played.

Here is Jake on the drumset. It was pretty neat how the audience could walk around the band and even peer over the shoulders to look at the music while they performed.

The little guy in the foreground of this photo was just adorable. He danced and danced all around the band as they played.

After the band was finished we packed everything up, carried the timpani's back to the trailer and went back to the hotel to change. We grabbed a quick lunch back in the center of Vienna and met at the Vienna State Opera House for a Tour.

Above is a photo of our Clarence 5 outside the Opera House, waiting for our tour to begin.
Finally inside - the ceiling was just a glimpse of the beauty to come.
We walked up the main staircase ...

and then a glimpse back to where we had just walked.

The main hallway on the second floor
we then walked into the auditorium itself.

The curtain covering the stage was so enormous and ornate. These photos just do not do the theater justice.

We then were led into a room where people gather during intermissions. The ornateness was astounding. Encircling where the walls meet the ceiling - all around the room were busts of the masters - with paintings depicting scenes from their famous operas.

Another room full of in-laid marble artwork, was captivating

Outside on the balcony more ornate paintings and carvings.

The painting below was on the ceiling. It is of none other than - the enchanting young Wolfgang Amadeaus Mozart as a 3-5 year old, meeting Maria Theresia Hapsburg for the first time in Vienna

A look behind

and the tapestries ... again the photo's just do not do the sights justice.

The opera house is of course a working building with performances throughout the year. We visited during the off season.

With our tour of the opera house completed, we headed back to the Schonbrunn Palace for a tour of the building and the gardens. This post is already tooo long - and so I will save the rest of our 2nd day in Europe for tomorrow's post.

Europe Day 2: Monday July 18 (8:30am)

2011-08-06T06:13:00.008-04:00

We were up early for our 2nd day in Europe. After breakfast in the hotel (a very nice buffet of rolls - {oh! how I miss the breads of Europe}, cheese, salami, hams, yogurt, fruits and nuts, fish and I can't remember if this hotel had eggs or not - but most did have scrambled eggs as well along with coffee, teas {I took to peppermint tea every morning since I have given up caffeine back in February} and a variety of juices {we loved their multi vitamin juice}) we boarded the buses and headed back into the heart of Vienna.

The choir was to perform our 3 cathedral pieces at the famed St. Stephen's Cathedral. (click the name for a little more on the cathedral)

The cathedral is tightly fit, right in the center of the huge tourist/shopping area. All one needs to do is look up in the sky to see the steeple in order to find your way back to it.

We gathered on the steps as one of our guides told us of the history.

Vienna is a very clean city, and as we stood in front of the cathedral, a street cleaning truck came and forced us all up on to the steps so he could wash the area down and our feet didn't get sprayed. Our tour guide Petra was so cute, but we could tell she was frustrated with his impatience and the noise from the truck.

Then we then entered the giant cathedral.

We sang Vidi Aquam, I Believe/Ave Maria (this piece was originally written with piano accompaniment, but because there was no electrical power in the cathedral - our director rewrote the piano part for woodwinds quintet - it was stunning), and Glory to God (a piece written by our conductor, Dave Dunbar. Jake and several of the other band members played percussion with us.)

Can you see me on the right? 2nd row from the top, second person in.

I was amazed at the number of pipe organs inside the cathedrals, as well as the number of chapels (not sure if that is what you call them) with separate altar areas. In the photo above you see one pipe organ behind the choir. Below, Jacob is standing by the one that was in front of us. It was big - but we certainly saw bigger ones! Then one of our tour-mates snapped a photo of the two of us together.

After we sang we walked around and took many photos. The ones in the post are a combination of Jakes Kodak easyshare C180 and my son Zach's D3000 Nikon that I borrowed. Lighting was terrible inside - so good photos were tough to get.

Below are a couple of the many side chapels.

It is so hard to capture the enormity of the building in these photos. The cathedral was so huge.

Below is another set of pipes for another organ

And another photo of our 'Clarence 5'

We left the Cathedral and headed to the Schönbrunn Palace the home of the ruling Austrian Family "Hapsburg" until they gave up the throne after WWI. Our Band had a concert in the front courtyard and then later in the day we went back for a tour.

Part 3: Day One - Continued . . .

2011-08-04T10:58:00.013-04:00

So we left the Vienna Central Cemetery and were treated to a bus tour of the city of Vienna.

There was a mixture of both very old and very new architecture. Mixing that with the German Language and different street signs as well as different license plates and the unique sounds of the sirens on the police cars racing thru the streets - I actually felt like I was in a movie. It was all very surreal feeling at times.

Jake had to get a photo of Starbucks for Dad. Funny thing, the Austrians and Germans don't like Starbucks. They think the size of the coffee they serve is ridiculous and they like it black - no flavors - no sugars - no creamers (or so our tour guide told us).

We grabbed a Grillwurst Sausage (cross between kielbasa and italian/polish sausage ... they served it cut up on a paper plate with a brown mustard or ketchup and a slice of bread) from a street vendor and made our first purchases with Euros. We then found a nearby park to rest in the shade. We were exhausted.

We had our first experience with Austrian Water Closets in the park. .50 euro to go to the bathroom, but I tell you, it was a pleasure to pay. I don't think there was one restroom that was dirty over there. That was surely a relief! Below was a botanical gardens of sorts. We didn't go inside the building, but it was part of the park we were resting at.

Our meeting point was a fountain and so we took lots of photos there. Can you see how tired I was in this photo?? UGH!

From there we boarded our coaches and headed to our hotel.

We stayed in the Austria Trend Vienna Messe. It was just across the park from the Prater Amusement Park we would spend the evening at.

No stairs at this multifloor hotel, so there was LOTS of waiting at the elevators. Our staff had a nice little routine down to take care of all the details each time we checked into a hotel. We arrived at the hotel. They would go in and get the keys, then come out to the bus and tell us what room numbers we were in, all the while the loading crew was taking our luggage off of the bus. Once we had our room numbers, we grabbed our bags and headed to the lobby to get our key from Mrs. S and they wait in the long line at the elevator. Every hotel, it was the same routine. Near the end of the tour, my roommate and I would get our key and just go sit down and wait while all the kids got to their rooms - and then we would be last to find our room.

Sorry - I didn't think to take the photo until after I had washed my clothes out in the sink and unpacked a bit. LOVED their showers, by the way. The shower head was one of those detachable ones - although - it was always a challenge trying to figure out how to turn it on - every hotel was so very different. Toilets don't have handles either. You have to find and press a button to push in order to flush.

Beds all had a huge down comforter folded in the center and a down pillow. Most hotels we could open the window for fresh air - although - I never saw any screens on any windows. But we also saw very few bugs and insects. That was very curious to me.

On our first day (yes this is STILL the first day in Vienna - and we were going on about 30 hours from the time we got up at ESU on Saturday to head to the airport at JFK) we changed clothes and met out on the hotel lawn, to walk over to Prater Park for the evening.

It was just a short walk from the hotel and was a place full of amusement rides.

Finally it was time for dinner. We ate in an open air restaurant on the grounds - and silly me - forgot to take a photo of my dinner - before I ate it - so I went around the tables looking for someone who hadn't finished yet.

Not sure if it was because I was so hungry (all that walking) but I loved dinner. It was a chicken breast with a light brown spicy sauce, rice and fresh vegetables. They also served a salad that had a sauerkraut type of cabbage on top of it and really big beans.

Finally back to our hotel and lights out for the high school kids was at 11:00pm.

We had been up 36 hours with cat naps here and there.

Our first day in Europe was jammed packed - but it was over -

Only 13 more days (11 more cities, 2 more countries and 9 concerts) to go!

Part 2: Arriving in Europe. Our First Day.

2011-08-03T06:28:00.014-04:00

I know many of you are anxious for me to get to the meat of the trip and photos - but please bear with me - as I am putting this together as a journal of sorts for the 'trip of a lifetime.' So many special memories and events that we experienced.

It was a quick ride from ESU to JFK, but thrilling for me to see the New York City Skyline. Can you see the Empire State Building in the photo below? I have only been there once before - and even though I do not like cities, I get little shivers when I see the famous landmarks of the New York City skyline.

We flew on Austrian Air, and left the US at 5:40pm. Take off and landing were spectacular. Minimal turbulence here and there. I was in the center section and on the aisle -so I didn't get a chance to see out of the window. Jake and I lucked out to be in the same row and that was a comfort for me. I slept on and off - for a total of about 3 hours. When we landed it was 2:15 in the morning New York time - but we were in Vienna - and it was 8:15 in the morning ... and we had an entire day of activities ahead of us.

First off was to de-board the plane - and to my surprise - there was no tunnel! We got off right on the runway. One of our fellow travelers kept a blog on Tumbler about our trip. I snitched the photo below from his site. My husband followed the blog (I had very little access to the internet and was only able to connect with him thru email) and so he was thrilled to see Jake and I coming down the stairs - under our own power.

The next is a photo I took of the plane we came over on and the tram that took us to the airport terminal. This was the first time I had flown in over 16 years. It was the first time I had ever flown overseas, the first time I had flown since flight 3407 crashed a few houses away from mine in 2009. It was also the first airplane ride ever for my son Jacob. He didn't tell me until we got home on Monday - that he was terrified to fly too.

We all wore the same T-shirts so that we could easily find others from our Tour group as we went thru the customs and baggage areas. What a task - keeping 100 people together thru a very busy airport! We had 2 colors to wear. Below is the back of the shirt in white. As you will see a little later, on our trip over we all wore navy blue ones. (No we did not have to wear them every day!)

We had 2 Coaches that carried us all over Europe. (They are coaches in Europe, buses here in the US - so I was told). I was on Coach One with Jake and 48 other people. We each were assigned a number and we counted off every time we gathered at a meeting place, or when we boarded the bus. I was number 7. Jake was 42. I actually miss the count off's, LOL!

Coach 2 had a trailer attached to it. It carried the percussion equipment, including 3 timpani, as well as the larger instruments.

Once all our luggage was stored in the bowels of our buses and the trailer was loaded - we were off on our first adventure of Vienna. Below is the leader of our tour and head director of the band, Mr. Ron Sutherland. A retired music teacher and amazing conductor. What an honor and a priviledge it was to get to know him and his wife Cathy. They rode on Coach 1. The conductor of the Choir and his accompanist wife (Dave and Peg Dunbar) rode on Coach 2.

The area around the Vienna (Wien in the German language) airport was very flat.

There were a few open spaces but a lot of industry too. I captured the photo of the Concorde and Volvo buildings.

Jake caught the McDonalds. (sidenote: there were an abundance of American Fast Food restaurants throughout the areas we traveled).

We were gently encouraged to immerse ourselves in the culture of Europe and the food and not slip into our old American eating habits. We can eat at McDonalds anytime, but once we left Europe we would not be able to share in their specialties again.

We did see the following sign that looked a bit familiar to us in the Buffalo area. In Austria it is known as Hofer, in Germany Aldi. Here in the Buffalo area it is also Aldi. A small grocery store with excellent prices on - NOT named brands, but always very long lines - and you bag your own groceries.

Our first stop was the Central Cemetery of Vienna where many famous musicians are buried.

Translation: The Austrian Central Cemetery

It was a challenge to get photos of all the exciting things we wanted to capture - with so many people in our group. But it was also great seeing things thru so many different peoples eyes and points of view.

There is, of course, a section for just the musicians. Vienna was the center of music for such a long period of time. Composers were either born there, lived there or died there. The 'Musician' portion of the cemetery was quite large.

Brahms

Mozart (not actually buried here - just a monument to him)

Beethoven

Strauss

Schubert

And of course there is a church building on the grounds.

Europe loves their church buildings. Or perhaps this was the Chapel on the grounds?

The size of the people in the photo should give you a sense as to just how large this 'chapel' was.

And here is the view from the top of the steps looking back where we had just walked.

Inside was just a hint of things to come - as we had several Cathedrals to visit and perform in during the rest of our trip.

The view from the back looking towards the front:

Our 5 students from Clarence - all just finished 9th grade. The majority of the students on the trip were in 11th and 12th grades with several college students and adults as well.

Jake is on the right.

And of course there was a pipe organ!

Europeans also love their sculptures. I have lots more of these to come.

Our tour of the cemetery complete, we still had a full day ahead of us. We were now off on a bus tour of Vienna, and then dropped off in the shopping/tourist district for lunch and some free exploration time - picked up and taken to our hotel for check in and then an evening at the famed Prater Park Amusement Park and Dinner.

So much to come - and already exhausted.

But the adrenaline was pumping.

We were in Europe!!

Part One: The Tour Began . . .

2011-08-02T05:09:00.005-04:00

Wednesday morning at 5am, on July 13th, we arrived at the local high school to catch the bus to East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. We were very sleepy as we joined with many others to begin what we were continually told was the 'Trip of a Lifetime." In retrospect, it truly was.

Jake and mom ready to board the bus.

We stopped numerous times along the way, picking up more students, who would become part of the AMA Empire Tour 2011 family. We finally arrived at the University at about 1230 in the afternoon. There was a lot of construction on the campus, and many different events going on. Below is the dorm building we were housed in July 13 - 16th.

I found out later that the dorm building we stayed in, was to be torn down as soon as the new ones were finished being built.

So, needless to say, our accommodations were not a taste of things to come. (In Europe all the hotels and chalets we stayed in were had 4 and 5 star ratings). It had been a very long time since I had been in a college dorm room. And although I had a room to myself there at the college, and Jake shared a room with his tour mate and friend from school (who he also roomed with everywhere in Europe) we did share a communal bathroom and everything else. Below was my 'bedroom' and next was Jake's.

The schedule was very rigorous, as we had only 3 days to rehearse the music we had all prepared, and our conductors and leaders needed to turn us into a choir and band worthy of the American Music Abroad "Empire Tour 2011" name. Although all of the vocalists and instrumentalists were All County, All State and better quality (many were also college music majors or music educators) we still needed to be molded into the ensembles we were chosen for, so that we could perform as one - and not a bunch of soloists. Our leaders were up to the task, and so were we, but it was a lot of work.

We basically lived in 3 buildings at the campus, the dorm, the cafeteria and the performance hall. There was very little free time.

Our schedule on Thursday was:

730 breakfast

830 rehearse

945 break

1015 rehearse

1200 lunch

100 rehearse

300 break

330 rehearse

430 free time

500 dinner

630 rehearse

930 orientation session

1100 in dorms with lights out at 1115.

Take into account that it was a ten minute walk up a very steep hill from the cafeteria to the performance building where we practiced and you can see how we we had very little down time. The weather was steamy the first day, but thankfully cooled the next few days, but we still all sweated bullets as we trudged up that hill to rehearsals 3x's a day. It was great preparation for the rigorous walking tours we experienced in Europe.

Below is the band during a rehearsal session. Jake is on Timpani.

Finally on Friday evening, we were (sort of) ready for our first concert.

It was precious to have my middle son and husband come down and take us to dinner and then be there for the performance. How sweet my husband video taped it and created a dvd for us to watch yesterday when we got back.

Saturday morning, they returned to the college (they stayed in a hotel - that they told us was not much better than the dorms we were in) and took our 'college suitcases' home with them. They waved us off - as we boarded the buses that took us to JFK airport in New York City, for our flight to Vienna, Austria that afternoon.

It was very hard to say good bye. But the excitement we felt for what was about to happen, helped to ease our sadness.

We are HOME!!

2011-08-01T12:20:00.001-04:00

(Westendorf, Austria Thursday July 21, 2011)

Just a quick post to let you know all is well and my son and I returned from our European Tour very early this morning at 2 am. I took so many pictures (1800) and have lots to weed thru. I will be posting on our trip here as well as using photos from the trip for my daily Intelligent Expressions posts.

Can't wait to share the trip with you - thru the photos.

God is awesome!
Everyone is safe and sound - everything went very smoothly. There was an accident that involved the bus my son and I were on (there were 2 buses carrying 100 of us) but no one was injured - and Kudos to our bus driver who by swerving- avoided killing the driver of the car who did not stop at a stop light and ran into us.

Even the plane rides and 26 hours on the bus as we toured Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic were perfect with no anxiety on my part at all.

Working thru my jet lag, unpacking, and getting used to being home - then I will share it all with you!

Hope you are well.
I have missed you!

Valerie

The Hills are alive . . .

2011-07-12T16:12:00.003-04:00

with the Sound of Music!!

Taking a bit of a blog break for July.

Looking forward to some rest, quality time with my youngest son,

and music to create memories with!

(Photo not mine - courtesy of Flickr)

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T08:53:00.002-04:00

Celebrating the 4th of July, American Independence Day this weekend.

(the photo is one I posted over at Intelligent Expressions today) I can't take credit for the quote - I saw it on Facebook this weekend - and it just struck a chord in my heart.

Last night my youngest son and husband and I went to the local AAA Baseball Game (Buffalo Bisons - they are the farm team for the Mets). They played and then we were treated to the World Renown Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (It think the best I have ever heard them!) along with a very long - fireworks display. They do this every year - it was the first time I had ever gone and I have to say it was very moving.

The baseball game was pathetic. Just awful! But the music and moments when they played the theme songs for each branch of our military - and had member of those organizations (veterans too) stand - it was beautiful. I imagined my dad standing with the other veterans when they played the US Army song.

It was a beautiful night with my youngest son and husband! I cannot remember the last time I was out that late! And I cannot remember the last time Coca Cola Field was so full.

It was fun. But now ... there are just a few short days to prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

Nice Surprise

2011-07-02T10:12:00.006-04:00

We had a very nice time with my siblings and their families last night as we celebrated our son's high school graduation. This morning as I came into our family room - this sighting out the window greeted me.

I was excited, perhaps a little too much. The window was closed, but they have such a keen sense of hearing that even the slightest movement to move closer to the window and snap the photo scared them.

As I tried for one more the 3 bounced away.

I am guessing they are some who have been enjoying my bird seed. It was a nice surprise to catch the quick glimpse of them. It isn't very often we get to see the babies.

Blue Jays Are Back

2011-06-30T07:19:00.006-04:00

As you can tell this has been a particularly rough year for me. Not much blogging time as the school year wound down. Even my daily posts at Intelligent Expressions were suffering a bit. But school is over, my classroom is all packed away for 2 months and my Tall One (Zach) has graduated from high school.

Add to all of that, Young One's baseball schedule, a nephew graduating, my sister moving, H's crazy work schedule, and the fact that I have become addicted to LOST on Netflix's - well - there you have the reasons for my absence for so long.

Young One and I are furiously learning our music for our tour of Europe this summer. But yesterday - I actually had a few moments to take some photos of the blue jays waking me up in the morning. Boy they can be really noisy.

I missed the nest, and I missed seeing them as babies .. I hadn't put seed in the feeders due to the large number or grackles, cowbirds and squirrels chowing down on it before the birds could get any.

But yesterday I had no less than 8 bluejays screeching and flying around. Although they woke me up early - it was wonderful to hear the sounds of nature, the sun was shining and it was a fabulous start to the day.

I can see a 'youngness' in the face of this little guy, certainly still a juvenile. I like the look of the eyes, the face and the feathers on top.

This little one just sat on the deck, opening and closing it's wings, screeching away. It was nice that it posed for me.

I am looking forward to the photo's I will be taking in Austria, Germany and Prague. Perhaps I will see some new birds to add to my life list. I can only hope.

For sure there will be photos of the Alps, the famous palaces and cathedrals, I believe we are singing (not sure if the band will be playing with us on that concert) in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. There will be photos of the small towns and of course the Vltava (or Moldau in German ) which is the longest river in the Czech Republic. I only know of it, because Smetana wrote a fabulous piece of music about it. One of my favorites. I am going to love playing it on my ipod - as I see it in person.

Stay tuned -

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T07:40:00.002-04:00

Having Poppies growing in my own yard a few years ago - prompted me to to research the flower. I sure have enjoyed the delicate almost paper like quality of the bright and beautiful orange flower. Then a few years back I learned about the connection between it and memorial day.

I know that holiday's change over time - but I personally find Memorial Day - a day of remembrance and honor. The crazy partying (like it's the 4th of July) just doesn't seem to fit for me.

I went to the cemetery yesterday, to place some red white and blue flowers on my dad's grave. I got there - just after a slew of vehicles had pulled out - they had placed flags on all of the graves of those who have served our country. It is a very small community cemetery, with lots of very old grave sites - as well as very recent ones as well. It is always so quiet and peaceful when I pull in. But seeing the flags at so many of the graves is sobering - knowing thru out the years - so many people have served our country, died in service, or lived to share the stories of horror and heroism.

Sometimes, I think I should put poppies on dad's grave -

I remember as a kid the Veterans of Foreign Wars would sell those little paper poppies. I never knew what the connection was. Poppies as I know them, grow in the wild. We have tried to uproot them and plant them in the garden, but always to no avail.

They do start out kind of neat, with their little hairy buds. and then they start to split open and finally, it looks like they open from the back. But how beautiful and delicate they are when they open. Such delicate paper leaves.

It is said that wild poppies come to a flowering head, when other plants in the area are dead. Their seeds can lie on the ground for years and years, but only when there are no more competing flowers or shrubs in the vicinity will these seeds sprout. For more info check Rob Ruggenberg's website here. He says that the poppy is also a well known symbol of sleep. Some poppies are where opium comes from and which morphine is made,morphine that was often used to put the soldiers to sleep.

In Flanders Fields is one of the most famous poems to come out of WWI. A Lieutenant Colonel named John McCrae, wrote it after witnessing the death of his friend. Poppies grew profusely in Flanders, where many war dead were buried. Here is the poem:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)

How delicate life is and the poppy that represents the memory of it. Hopefully you can take a few moments this weekend to remember the reason behind the holiday and share in the joy and freedom we have so abundantly here in the US with gratitude to those who fought to make it possible.

I am grateful for my Dad who served in WWII, my grandfathers were in WWI, my husbands father, and our uncles. And even today the thousands of young soldiers who are out there today putting our country first, their lives and families second. It is humbling to know - how many have put their lives on the line - for the sake of freedom and protection.

May Flowers

2011-05-16T06:36:00.004-04:00

I know technically a lot of people refer to the dandelion as a weed, and for the most part I agree. But love this shot. I never knew there was so much pollen on the face of a dandelion.

"A weed is but an unloved flower."

Ella Wheeler

Looks like this one is getting lots of love.

If you have visited me before you know how much I love to take photo's of flowers. I am not too good at processing them after the fact - except for a bit of cropping. Here are some of my most favorite shots of spring time flowers:

Check out all the May Flowers at

Early Morning Visitor

2011-05-11T04:44:00.004-04:00

There is a lot going on in my life these days. And so it isn't unusual for my brain to be fully awake and processing things at 2:30 am. Things like the oil and water relationship with one of my sons (who of course I love more than life, but is just like me - whether he likes it or not). He is also a senior in high school, who will hopefully graduate next month, and is preparing for the prom. The department I work in getting ripped apart by layoffs - and watching my coworkers and friends go thru such a difficult time, not being allowed to talk about it is so heavy on my heart. The busyness of life - that keeps us all hoping and jumping ... those were just a few things on my mind this morning. I tried to stay in bed and hopefully fall back asleep, but it was not meant to be, so at 3:30 I got up.

I usually have trouble in the dark. I guess you could say I am afraid of it. Strange, but the night time dark, bothers me more than the early morning darkness. This irrational fear, most likely has it's roots in my childhood, when my brother and sisters ( I was the 2nd youngest of 5) thought it funny to jump out at me at the bottom of the basement stairs or the top of the stairs on our second floor where our bedrooms were. A terrible thing to do to anyone.

This morning, as I was processing some photo's from Mother's Day, I heard behind me, something out on our deck, moving around. I thought perhaps the deer were at the bird feeders, so I quickly turned the lights off inside and turned on the light outside on the deck.

No ... no deer. I was just about to sit down when I heard the sound again and saw the shadow of something on the deck. It was about the size of a cat (sorry cat lovers - but I really struggle with my neighbors allowing their cats - free reign of the neighborhood - because it never fails that they come and sit on my porch cushions and spray that horrible stink - all over. That is just really irresponsible. I wish I knew whose cat it was that does that - as I would surely send all the stinky ruined cushions over to their house) sorry I digress . . .

It wasn't a cat. I grabbed my camera and tried to get some shots out the kitchen door. I have never been that close to a RACOON before. Of course - shooting at 430 in the morning without a flash and thru a window- proved to be a bit difficult - but I did get a couple (of the 50 ) shots that were sort of clear.

That thief ripped the new suet right out of the green holder - hanging off of the deck and carried it over to the stairs and was devouring it.

Of course it's face is what is blurry as the camera couldn't keep up with it's chewing and eating motions. I had my ISO up to 1600, but moments like that make me wish for that f/2.8 lens!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T07:08:00.001-04:00

I was able to get some nice shots of a blossoming pear tree yesterday. I loved the hint of pink on the buds! How each little bud blossoms to become a beautiful flower and then perhaps fruit will be born from the flower.

I can't help but compare it today - to a mom - carefully nurturing her young - from tiny buds - to blossoming flowers - soon bearing fruit in their lives to (hopefully) help others.

Since my mom died - I think May has always been the most difficult time of the year for me. With my birthday and Mother's Day so close to one another - I am usually an emotional wreck during the first week of the month.

I thought when I found this anonymous quote - that it was very true for the way I feel about my mom. My joys are greater, my love is deeper and my life was made fuller - because of who she was to me, and the brief moments of time (37 years) I shared life with her. My mom was not perfect. She had her faults - just as we all do. But as I look back now, as a mom myself, I have a much better understanding of her now. I see past all the difficult times - and think how rich my life is because of her.

I can only hope that one day . . my sons might think the same . . .

Happy Mother's Day!

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

2011-04-30T06:47:00.005-04:00

I was just commenting on Dorothy's Blog "Counting My Blessings" that I had never seen a Rose breasted Grosbeak before - and wouldn't you know - I had two males come and visit me this week. I was so excited - I almost didn't get my camera in time.

Oh how I love seeing new birds!

I was shooting thru the window - so the photo's aren't too clear - but I still am excited to have been able to capture a new birdie!!

I read that the males are usually the first to arrive in spring. My guess is that these guys are just passing thru, as I said - in 47 years - I've never seen these before.

Check out the other Camera Critters Every Saturday here:

Happy Saturday!

Beethoven's Hallelujah!

2011-04-23T06:18:00.002-04:00

You have undoubtably heard of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from his oratorio Messiah. Have you ever heard of Beethoven's Hallelujah? His - is the final chorus from his one and only oratorio Mount of Olives, depicting Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.

I was first introduced to it when I was in high school and sang in a sectional All State Choir. It has become one of my most favorites.

Although written in German, this version is sung in English. Here are the lyrics:

Hallelujah! unto God’s Almighty Son.
Praise the Lord, ye bright angelic choirs,
In holy songs of joy.
Man, proclaim His grace and glory!
Hallelujah! unto God’s Almighty Son.
Praise the Lord in holy songs of joy.

And of course the meaning of the word Hallelujah?

Praise The Lord!

Who is the Boss

2011-04-20T07:54:00.008-04:00

I've been enjoying the wide variety of birds at my feeders the last couple of days. Yesterday there was quite a show. A flock of grackles (yeah, not my favorite birds) have been demolishing the seed and suet at an alarming rate. I'd guess almost as fast as the deer! But, yesterday I captured a little altercation. Seems I am not the only who thinks these critters are taking more than their share . . .

Meet Mr. Male Red Bellied Woodpecker: we know he is male because the red on the head comes down to the forehead. The female has it only on the back of her head.

And here we meet the Grackle. Don't know if it is male or female. I think it is a menacing creature. That yellow eye and long beak. I don't like these birds much.

Seems they empty my bird feeder as fast as the deer!

And of course they come in flocks. Here are 2 of the many that were at one of my suet feeders.

But oh, what have we got here ... Mr. Red Bellied comes and scares one away.

And now to defend it's territory Mr. Red Bellied begins to shout at the Grackle.

Looks as if the Grackle is having second thoughts about a comeback.

What's this? The Grackle is shying away?

Not only shying away, but flying away!

Although that Grackle looks very menacing, it seems we now know that the Red Bellied Woodpecker is King over the Grackle!

But it would seem there is one that is a bit stronger. Yep, here is the king of the suet, strong enough to steal the whole cake and haul it up on top of the bird house and keep it all to himself.

I love to photograph squirrels - they pose so easily for the camera

but they sure can be frustrating!!

New Book -

2011-04-06T06:54:00.003-04:00

As I have waited in Dr.'s waiting rooms this past week(for my husband and myself), I have carried with me a new book, I have been trying to read. It is called:

"One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are"

by Anna Voskamp

It came highly recommended by a friend and a cousin. I am having a hard time getting thru it, as the writing style and phrases seem to confuse me. But there is something in it that keeps me going, wanting to see what is next.

So far, I see that is the author's journey, and a very difficult one at that. People gave me strange looks as I broke down into tears as I waited for my mammogram on Monday. I couldn't help it. At times her words cut me to the quick.

When I finish it - I will share more. If your curiosity is peaked - have a look at her website:

ANNA VOSKAMP: A Holy Experience

If you have (or are reading it) will you share your thoughts?

From Intelligent Expressions

2011-03-23T06:28:00.001-04:00

Today I am using the same post for both blogs. It is just really heavy on my heart right now.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future"

Jeremiah 29:11

These are scary times in our town, our state, our country, and our world, wouldn't you say? How strange when you hear of so many losing their jobs and homes, it doesn't affect you (deeply) until it is someone you know. I am a music teacher in the public schools. You may not have heard, but New York State is just about as bad off as California. Just about bankrupt, but hey let's keep paying for all that pork ........ Let's keep spending money that we don't have Mr. President ...

Sorry, I digress. In looking to the future - and trying to save the state - the powers that be - have thought it most prudent to cut MILLIONS of dollars that go to the education of our children. Gee what do children need an education for anyway? They are only the next leaders of our country, they don't need to be educated, do they?

Well, that in turn has forced the school districts to find ways to deal with the fact that they do not have MILLIONS of dollars next year. So instead of cutting out administration and the GROSSLY DISGUSTING WASTE of paper and other supplies, they are cutting - go figure - teachers. And well - you DO know, that every child who comes out of school is going to be a doctor or engineer - right? We don't need the arts or athletics. You know, the things that make people feel, help people be healthy, you know, the things they learn to use to deal with life?

I learned yesterday that 4 elementary vocal music positions are in the plans to be cut for next year. I didn't hear about the middle school and high school music program yet, we have a meeting today after school. We are a K-12 department. All of us certified in Vocal and Instrumental music. They say they will cut from the bottom. There are 4 1/2 positions below me.

In all, they have advertised that 36 positions in our district are being cut. (NOT ONE ADMINISTRATIVE POSITION - and it takes about 3 of me to equal one of them). And oh by the way, our property taxes are going up too.

I am scared. (can you tell? I get negative when I am scared)

7 years ago, my husband lost his job. I was a stay at home mom. God made a way for us then. I was able to get this amazing job, and work for a year, when my husband could find nothing. He eventually found work - but, I had to keep working, too. A new normal for us. We always have just been able to make ends meet.

Earthquakes, tsunami's, wars, rumors of wars, floods . . . thousands have lost their lives.

I heard someone say, what else can happen - you know - I am not even gonna go there. I know I have my health, my children are healthy, we have a roof over our heads (for now anyway), and at least one of us has a job although who knows how secure his job will be.

Corrie ten Boom lost so much. After helping so many Jews to freedom from the Nazi's, she and her family were arrested. She lost her father and her sister in the concentration camps. She was released, come to find later, by a clerical error. All the other woman her age in the camp, were killed the week following her release.

She has been quoted many times (like the one above) and also here, "God does not have problems. Only plans." We sure can learn from our experiences (if we survive them). Life isn't easy. But God has promised never to forsake us or leave us. If God is for us, who can be against us?

Proverbs 3:5 and 6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

So, I am trying to trust. It's so hard.

Some New Birds (for me at least)

2011-03-21T06:30:00.004-04:00

Sunday Morning, before church, I drove over to the Tillman Road Nature Preserve here in Clarence. It is such a peaceful and quiet place to sit and just watch the waterfowl. Personally, I guess I would call it a swamp - but there is beauty in even that.

I guess if I were to walk in the woods, I might see a greater variety of wildlife. But since I was alone, and this is quite a deserted place - I opted to stay on the road and in my car. But even that afforded me the pleasure of getting - pretty close to a few critters.

The Canada Geese were making some pretty strange noises, when I saw these two. It was almost like they were stuck in the thin layer of ice that covered that part of the swamp. They were marching and rolling their bodies up and down in the water - actually breaking up the ice so they could sit in the ice cold water.

My heater was on!

I saw a couple of new waterfowl I had never seen before. I guess with the number of birds I have been trying to learn at my feeders, I wasn't too interested in the vast variety of ducks and waterfowl that there are, and I never really came across them before.

I think the one pictured above may be an American Coot.

I could be wrong, I searched for them on Google Images and found waterfowl that looked similar. Below is a Hooded Merganser. Again, this is just a guess. But that one stood out to me when I first got their. I had never seen 'duck' with a white head. Although the road is very close to the waters edge, the swamp is pretty vast and they were quite a distance from me.

I was so enthralled with the water fowl, that I didn't catch this guy til it was almost too late. I guess he might be a muskrat (eeeww!) He was making quite the noise - almost like - hey don't you see me? But as soon as I trained my lens on him - off he swam.

Everything is still brown and dirty, but I feel like I am getting my desire to shoot back. Winter has been hard this year - I lost the desire to get out and take photo's of the same things over and over. But Spring is here - and I am looking forward to the opportunities of new life and new growth, in nature and in me!

More photo's from the preserve will be showing up over at Intelligent Expressions in the next week. Happy Spring!!

Signs of Spring!

2011-03-14T06:41:00.003-04:00

Yipee - We've got snowdrops!

I love those little flowers - they pop their head out of the ground, at times even when the snow is still in the air.

Surely a sign that spring WILL come

We didn't really have any doubts, did we?

So Terribly Sad

2011-03-08T05:32:00.003-05:00

This past Saturday, a freak accident took the life of a 15 year old girl in my youngest son's freshman class. I certainly do not want to sensationalize the story - it is horrific. The agony her family is going thru must be unbelievable. Please be in prayer for the family.

Driving home, the day before her 15th birthday, mom and dad were in the front seat, she was in the back. All of a sudden a tree branch 24 feet long, and 54 inches wide - fell 20 feet to the ground, landing on the moving car, crushing the top in. Mom and Dad suffered minor injuries. The daughter was in critical condition. She died on Monday.

Here is a link to the story: WGRZ NEWS

I can't seem to grasp this one. All the usual sayings come to mind including one my brother so often shares with me. "When it's your time ... it's your time."

This story certainly makes you think that. My goodness - a tiny bit faster (or slower), a different route, a few seconds longer at the stop sign ... was it really because it was her time? Could that really have been avoided?

Don't get me wrong - I am not questioning God. I do believe many terribly things happen in the world and God doesn't cause them. No, in fact scripture tells us he can take the bad and make good out of it in Romans 8:28 tells us "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him , who have been called according to his purpose" (although I believe this verse is often misquoted and misused too often).

Such an unbelievable moment in time - it really makes me wonder.

Magnificent Predator

2011-02-26T09:36:00.004-05:00

Nice little snowstorm yesterday. 10" of snow (I measured each time I went out to clear the driveway - it was the heavy wet stuff!)

So I was watching the activity of the birds at the feeder right outside my family room window yesterday - snapping away at the cardinals and sparrows and doves and chickadees all getting their fill of seed - when all of a sudden ....

WHOOOOOSH!

All the little birdies flew away - and there sitting up in the tree ... right outside my kitchen door was this:

I have always been fascinated by the power of the hawk.

Just beautiful isn't it?

I'm a little sad that it was hoping to feast on the little birds at my feeders - but was wowed with the opportunity to snap away at it while it posed for me.

It wasn't alone. It stayed on the branch only about 30 seconds - before it's partner (mate) came and they both flew into the back of the yard.

I am thankful for the little inspiration to use my camera and get some great shots.

Spring .... where are you???

CHECK OUT THE OTHER CAMERA CRITTERS HERE (<--- Link)

Winter Blah's

2011-02-22T06:37:00.005-05:00

I guess I've got them .. the Winter Blah's.

I have not picked up my camera in a couple of weeks. Always getting the same bird shots - always getting the same snow shots - it's too cold to go out and shoot anywhere - and before this week - I didn't have the time - with work and being the taxi driver for my kids.

I have been thru and thru all the old shot (these flowers you have probably seen before - I just dressed them up a bit)

One thing I have continued to follow thru on is the genealogy. I am obsessed. I think I told you in my last post - that I took out a 1 month membership on ancestry.com. Holy Toledo are they expensive. But it has proved very fruitful.

My sister found a little scrap of paper with some disconnected names and words on it. I plugged them in and got past the brick wall I had been at for so long. In fact - with that bit of information - if it is true - I can now trace my roots back to England and France - thru my Great Grandfather's mother. And cooler still - they lived in Plymouth Massachusetts between the 1600 - 1800's before moving to New York Sate.

I have a lot more research to do - but now - I want to read about live in that area during that time. We are trying to see if we can connect somehow to the Revolutionary War. I have no idea how I will get more info. Once I found my Great Great Grandmother - someone else had already done the work on her father and back - so I am just verifying and testing the waters on all those folks - it does kind of bog you down. And that is only one line of one person.

Very fascinating though. I bet we are all related -

We still don't know what is wrong with my Dear H. One trip to the ER last week in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, several trips to the doctor, many, many tests and ultrasounds - and there is still no answer. We sat up again many hours early this morning - because of the strange sensations whenever he tries to sleep.

So I guess we just keep trusting ... and keep praying ... it is all I can do - and pray they can find what it is and they can fix it.

Still Hung Up on Genealogy

2011-02-17T06:22:00.003-05:00

When my parents died - I became the keeper of all photos. Many have no writing on them at all. There is a lot of guess work. Many I had never seen before. Like these two.

The older lady - I was told was my Great Grandmother

Sarah M. (Armstrong) Bull

I am guessing this photo was taken shortly before she died at the age of 79.

Here is what I know about her.

Born: in April 1854

Died: in January 1934 (79 years old)

Married: Thomas Leonard Bull

Had two children:

Bessie b. 1883, m. 1902 (age 19) d. 1905 of TB (age 22) she had no children.

My Grandfather was her second child: Clarence Leonard Bull.

He was born in April of 1899.

He died of a heart attack at age 41 in 1941 (6 days before Pearl Harbor).

He left his wife and 4 children behind.

Then there is this photo:

I have no idea who they are.

So I tried some guessing.

Here is what I thought:

Could be around 1900 (I have other photos from that time frame with ladies wearing similar dresses).

Maybe this is my Grandfather Clarence at about 1 - 1/2 years old (taken then about 1900).

Perhaps this is his sister Bessie?

She would have been about 18 here.

But she is wearing a wedding ring (she was married in 1902 (age 19) and died at 22 (in 1905 of TB).

Then I thought no - Clarence would have to be 3 1/2 if this was taken then.

This baby looks to be about 12 - 15 months old.

So then I thought could this be a 46 year old Sarah?

Then I compared the photo's closer:

Sarah and the lady both have glasses and wedding rings.

Sarah has big ears.

The baby has big ears.

Clarence has big ears. The baby has big ears.

Clarence and the baby have frowny lip shapes.

(PS the photos of Clarence were taken (top - around 1930) bottom I was thinking maybe earlier.

I love a good puzzle. It would be cool to figure this out - but I doubt we will ever know. But I must say I have come to appreciate Facebook. It is an amazing tool. Many of my cousins have all connected and we are sharing photos and talking about them. It is so much fun to be talking about our family again.

Do you have a moment?

What do you think about these photo's?

Any comparisons?

Family History

2011-01-31T06:36:00.006-05:00

Taking advantage of the fact that I haven't been able to get out side - I found out one of my cousin's children was doing family history - and so I decided to post many of the old family pictures on Facebook for my extended family to see.

It has been so neat - all of a sudden to connect with cousins I haven't spoken with in ages.

When my mothers - mother died - My mom got many of her photos from her teen years in the early 1900's. When my mom died (dad was gone 6 years before that) and we had to clean out the house - we found that my dad had some photos thrown in a box with ancient old glass negatives.

Since I am the photo freak in the family - I am now the keeper of all the old photos. I have slowly been scanning some in - to share with my family. I love the direction technology has taken with regards to being able to save and share old photo's.

This past weekend I was mainly looking at photos of my Dad's family. Here are a few:

Clarence Leonard Bull

Born April 17, 1899 near Oswego NY

Died December 1, 1941 in Clarence Center of a heart attack.

My dad was 16 years old and found him in the yard.

I can't imagine.

Below is one of my favorite photos of him. He was a newspaper man.

He had a great interest in photography.

Below is his mother Sarah M Armstrong

She was my Great Grandma.

I know she was born in Lockport NY on April 22, 1854-56

She died in Buffalo January 31, 1934.

I am guessing this photo was taken not to long before she died.

This next lady was my Grandmother. She was my father's mother.

Gladys Sarah (Coleman) Bull

She was born in Brockport NY on June 1, 1900.

She was a twin to Horace and they both survived.

Her mother had 18 children. 2 sets of twins died along with another single child at birth.

She died January 17, 1972 in Lockport, NY

Next are my fathers parents sitting next to each other. My one cousin said they looked like Bonnie and Clyde. They sure don't look too happy. I remember hearing stories of how Grandma would get mad at grandpa and take the kids - and haul them off to Rochester several times a year cause she and he were fighting.

Below looks like happier times.

Clarence and Gladys with Robert and Morris.

Morris is on the right. He was my dad. Born in 1925 Geneva NY.

My dad had 3 siblings. Pictured here are

My father Morris, his sister Evelyne (married Otis Neff), and my uncle Robert.

Their younger brother Edward is not pictured here. I wonder if he had even been born yet.

Below is Gladys (my grandmom) with her mother

Henrietta (Itha, Etta, Havens, Johnson, Parks) Coleman

I have no idea how to trace info on her - she has so many names.

That 'little' 5' tall by 5' wide great grandmom had 18 kids -

WoW

My Aunt Evelyne and Uncle Robert are pictured with them.

So many more photos to scan and write about.

I love glimpsing into the past!

WFW: He is STILL working on me!

2011-01-26T06:32:00.004-05:00

This is post 26/365 over at Intelligent Expressions.

This morning I am also linking up with WFW (Word Filled Wednesday).

As I was going thru my library of photo's this morning, trying to find the right photo for my IE post, I was getting more and more frustrated. Of late, I have been floored by some of my blog friends clear and perfectly lit bird photographs. I know I could blame it on the fact that I couldn't buy my new camera (someone needed new tires for his car - so my fund has been depleted! 2 years of saving ... now driving on the roads of Western NY), or I could blame it on the weather, you know - anything but me ...

As I looked at the shots I have taken as recently as this past Saturday morning

1. Everything is dark (our sun is hiding behind the clouds)

2. Everything is blurred (it was snowing that morning) and

3. Everything is cold (we had a delay in the start to our day on Monday due to minus 8 degree temps, windchills at minus 19) as our buses would not start. (AND I AM SO THANKFUL I DO NOT LIVE IN MINNESOTA OR WISCONSIN! I COULD NEVER LIVE IN THOSE TEMPERATURES!)

And so my favorite flower brought a bit of a smile to my face - but I must admit ... not to my heart. God is working on me this morning. My conscience is hurting. I am feeling terribly guilty.

One of my biggest faults (I have many) is - I cannot keep my mouth shut.

I always have to say what is on my mind, I always have to correct everyone else for the errors that they make - never looking at myself for being the over judgmental freak that I am.

So as I was looking for a sunny and clear quote to go with my sunny and clear photo this morning - I first searched for "breath of fresh air." One of the first quotes I read, was listed as author unknown. It said "It is far more powerful to live your truth than to preach it. "OUCH! That one hit me.

Next up ... scripture search for the word Truth ... I read John 3:21-22 and felt another slap.

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:20-21)

Yes, it all came together in my mind. I am too busy pointing out everyone else's tiny specks in their eyes - while I have a huge log in my own. That is sin, that is evil. And what is worse is that I usually point out everyone else's specks ... behind their back to others. Not even brave enough for a confrontation. How can I be so awful?

Oh how I long to live in the sunshine! To have all my deeds in plain view, with nary a chance of hurting or maligning someone else. But to be known as one who builds up and encourages others. I thought that was what I was trying to do thru this site. Encouraging words, and photos and scriptures . . . and this morning, that is where the quote hurt me:

"It is far more powerful to live your truth than to preach it."

(The more I read it the more it brought to mind the passage from James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.)

I don't want to be a person who tells everyone what to do. I want my life to be lived purposefully for God, to be an example that others can see Him in me and never doubt WHO I belong to.

Another struggle. But, the fact that I feel God pointing it out to me this morning, allowing me to feel so guilty is one way I know He hasn't given up on me. I am 48 years old and He is still working on me. Oh the joy's of being human and imperfect (sarcasm).

But one day ... one day ... we will be perfect and in His presence ... (thankfully the blood of Christ will cover our multitude of sins) and the guilt and anguish over our imperfections will be gone.

But today, I will strive to find the good, the positive in those around me, and I will tell them. I will look for the efforts and strides they are making towards the goal of being Christlike, and I will tell them.

I hope I can be encouraging to someone.

I hope I can build someone up.

I hope I can give someone hope.

I hope I can live in the light.

I hope it can be plainly seen Whose I am.

I hope ... I can be like Jesus today.

Zero

2011-01-17T07:59:00.003-05:00

I had to carry the trash to the curb this morning -one step outside of my warm cocoon in the house ... I knew that the temps were much colder than the 15 degrees I couldn't bear last night.

One look at our little weather station on the deck - confirmed my suspicions. This photo was taken at 835am this morning! We got us some nostril hair freezing weather. Seriously - as soon as you walk out the door and take a breath of the stuff - you feel the stiffness begin. Glad it is as still as it is - and there is no wind.

So glad today is a holiday and I get to stay home - all day!

I am not going out unless absolutely necessary.

Except ... Oh d a r n . . .

Jake has basketball practice.

Jake and I have Chiropractor appointments after that.

Zachary needs to be picked up.

I need to get bird food for my feeders.

Yesterday I was able to get all the fixin's to make a wonderful lasagna dinner tonight - so once I am back home from running around this morning - then I will stay in . . .

I hope!

Several Celebrations!

2011-01-16T09:57:00.003-05:00

What a weekend!

So glad it is 3 days long!

We started out yesterday on a bit of a dreary note ....

My youngest Jake (14) had his All County Auditions in one of the towns that is typically known as the snow belt around here. The drive down there (only 30 minutes) wasn't too bad. The plows were out in force - you can't see it - but they had 3 plows on the road taking care of the one side of the two lane highway. So mostly wet sloppy roads on the way there. We arrived at the High School with plenty of time.

He was originally scheduled to do 3 different auditions: 12:45pm Timpani (aka: Kettle Drums) 1:30pm Mallets (Marimba) and his favorite at 2:00pm Snare Drum. The Timpani solo included 3 timpani and 1 bass drum (you know the big one in the marching bands?). The host school provided the timpani - we brought the bass drum (thanks to our school).

As we walked into the school - he got such funny looks - carrying in a bass drum (you typically don't play bass drum solos!). Anyway - he got all set up in the room to play his solo (level V - the hardest you can play for this audition). I enjoyed listening thru the door. It sounded great (we don't have timpani at home so I only heard him practicing on some books!) We trudged back to the car to put away the bass drum and get the snare and it's stand. He decided a month or so ago - that 3 solos was really challenging - and so he is saving the mallet solo for the State Adjudications.

They let him play the snare solo during the mallet time - so we knew we would get out a little earlier, the weather was getting awful. He is very hard on himself when he plays and so came out of the second audition - not feeling he had done his best. I should have done this and this ... he said to me. We went to wait for the scores - they post them in the cafeteria for the kids to see before they go home.

For his first ever attempt at a Timpani solo he received a score of 99 out of 100! He said the 1 point that was taken off because while playing the sight reading portion of the testing he had to change the pitch of the drum but he also had to change the dynamic level. For me ... too many things to do at once! Hey 99 on a first timpani solo ... yipee!

Then came the score for the one he was dreading...

It was a 100!

He was pretty excited - and it was a great teachable moment for him to see that he is often too hard on himself. Well it was time to pack every thing else up and head home -

By this time the above photo was what we had to contend with!

Slow and easy we started out - but at one point - we pulled over and stopped for lunch - just to wait out a little of the blowing and drifting! We got home safe and sound and this morning ...

... we are at Day 2 - in our three day weekend - and it is a special day for us!

My Husband was born many years ago on this day! Although he really hates having attention focused on him - the boys and I will have a fun time showering him with our love and affection today - making sure he knows how very special he is to us!

Today is also the day - that 10 years ago - my mom left us and met our Savior! So it's kind of her birthday too. Her heavenly birthday. Back when she first passed on - it was so hard. We counted the days, then the weeks, then the firsts of the special days without her. It has been 10 years - but I still miss her -

We have learned to go on without her - but the hole is still there - how proud she would have been about Jake's day yesterday. And she would have loved to see him play basketball this year (my dad was a big basketball player too!)

So - this weekend is full -

Full of opportunities and blessings.

And I am very grateful to be able to here to celebrate and share in both the joys and the bittersweet!

God is Good - all the time!

The Cardinal

2011-01-14T06:27:00.005-05:00

Today I am using the same post from my 14th post of this year at INTELLIGENT EXPRESSIONS (my 365 blog). I just love the shot of the cardinal I got - trying to get out of the snow - perhaps it was bathing - but it brought to mind several thoughts - and I just thought I would share that post here today as well. It is the busy time of year - my 4th graders concert went great this week -now on to 300 report cards.

This photo brought to mind - many of the usual connotations - snow - clean - pure - bath - 'wash me clean' - but as I searched for something meaningful in this photo - it was this quote that struck me - as I read it this morning.

A couple of days ago I filled the bird feeders and yes ... the next day the deer had eaten everything except what was in the highest feeder :( But the highest feeder is the one the cardinals like - and there were perhaps 4 pairs (male and female) flitting and floating all over. I lucked out in this capture - as this one 'fell' into the snow and was attempting to get out.

I can't help but think ... Isn't that just like us ... well I guess I should speak for myself. Isn't that just like me. I fall - and instead of just trying to get up gracefully and not draw attention to myself - I make a bigger mess than is necessary.

I can see my path in the snow very clearly. A straight line of little footsteps - with the big steps of my parents walking with me. Yes and just like the footprints story - at times my feet disappear and only my parents are there as they carried me for a bit.

As my feet got bigger, my tracks are more solitary - but with many 'messes' as I learned from my mistakes. Often times their are huge battlefields in the snow - where I just couldn't get back up on my feet. Wow, sometimes I really made a mess. I think I made it worse - because I tried to make excuses for the failing - instead of just dealing with it and getting up.

Yes, this quote has deep meaning for me. And as I think of those who will come behind me - I need to realize I need to be a better example as I lead the way. Oh I know they will fall into the same traps - and maybe some different ones, as they create their paths - and in the same way I am continuing to learn from my mistakes - I pray that they will learn as well.

But most of all I pray they will remember that they are never alone:

I surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ~Matthew 28: 20b

Mosaic Monday: Kraus Road Trio of Trees

2011-01-09T18:38:00.004-05:00

Wow! It has been a really long time since I have been able to participate in Moasic Monday. But felt really good to take a few moments and put some shots together and join you all once again.

Participating in some of these meme's is one of the ways I worked hard to improve my photography. Getting out there and using my camera, looking for ways I could put photos together to create something nice.

This mosaic is of photos that were taken over the span of a year. If you are observant you will notice my header was taken from the series of shots I took on a snowy blue day last winter. These trees are just out in a corn field on one of the local roads here in my town. I liked how they looked and so in different seasons I go back and take a photo - to compare.

To view some other Mosaics created for Mary's Little Red House meme please visit here.

My New Favorite Food

2011-01-08T09:14:00.001-05:00

We have a local restaurant that offers Brick Oven Pizza's. We had the opportunity to sample some of them, not too long ago - and I was intrigued with the different toppings and flavors they put together. And so I have begun to experiment.

With my crazy, busy life - I don't have time (very often) to make my own dough anymore. I have found a ready made crust in our diary section at my favorite grocery store Wegmans. All I do is throw the toppings on and bake. It is thick - but comes out nice and crunchy. No - it isn't the best - but it does in a pinch and my family likes it.

So here is my 'latest' favorite food!

On a prepared pizza crust spread:

1-2 TBS of pesto.

Sprinkle with shredded mozzeralla cheese

Sprinkle with parmesean cheese

In a separate pan brown and cook thru 1 boneless skinless chicken breast in a little bit of olive oil and pesto. salt, pepper and garlic powder. Shred it as it cooks.

Spread cooked - shredded chicken breast meat over cheese.

Sprinkle some sundried tomatoes and artichokes (both chopped) over the top.

Bake at 350 for 20 mins.

I of course made a pepperoni and cheese for the boys too.

Do you have favorite pizza toppings?

I'd love to hear about them!

In it Again!

2011-01-05T06:44:00.004-05:00

My yard before Christmas:

After a wonderful week of rest and relaxation, beautiful weather and walks with my H - we are back into the throes of a regular routine and winter again.

Although last week the warmer temperatures had melted all of our snow.

On Sunday it began again.

And it snowed Monday and Tuesday lightly. So we have another couple of inches.

Here we are this morning:

That's okay, it is winter, and it is Buffalo.

(sorry for the blur on the last shot - it is still dark outside!)

Have a wonderful week!

What Did You Do on New Year's Eve?

2011-01-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year my friends! I trust your celebrations were memorable and sweet on New Years Eve. I actually stayed awake up until 1 am - a huge feat for me - as I usually struggle to keep my eyes open at about 8pm - but make myself stay up til 9 most nights.

My H (incase you are wondering - that doesn't actually stand for husband. When Larry and I were first married - we called one another 'honey.' He was the Big Honey and I was the Little Honey. It got so that we shortened the name and even began signing cards and such with a big H and a little h. We still (after 23 years) refer to one another as H (aye-ch).

ANYWAY ... My H and I stayed home and watched 3 episodes of the "Scarlet Pimpernel"

It is part of the A&E Romance Collection he had given me for Christmas.

You see, he knows that my favorite movie (it is actually a mini series) of all time is A&E's production of Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle).

Even when I read a book - I usually choose the 17th - 19th century as a historical backdrop for the setting (although I don't typically read novels that were written in the 17th ad 18th centuries, I admit the language is tough for me to get thru). So this collection of movies and mini series was a perfect gift for me. This past week we also enjoyed "Lorna Doone"

as well as "Jane Eyre."

and one of my favorites this week was "Victoria and Albert"

I had never seen any of these before. The lush scenery (and for the most part) clean language - not hampered by embarrassing 'private scenes' I am addicted to this type of movie. I admit - I did want to fast forward thru two scenes in "The Pimpernel."

My boys wanted chicken fingers, shrimp, and mozzarella sticks as a smorgasbord type of dinner - before they all headed out in their separate directions. So with a roaring fire in the fireplace - after they had left, H and I settled down to learn a bit about the French Revolution! I stayed awake the whole time - H did fade a bit here and there. Such a good sport to watch these with me. There is just so much historical value to the time periods that these movies are set during. So much to learn! To learn more about who was fighting who in France, and the family lines of each monarch in England as well as revolts and day to day life is exciting to me.

I linked each of the photo's to Amazon - so if you want to read a bit more about each you can. We still have a couple more stories to go: Tom Jones and Ivan Hoe. With school starting up again - we will save them for another time.

Have you read (or watched) any of these 'classics?' What are your favorite kinds of books and movies and why? I am always open to learning something new!

New Year's Resolutions??

2011-01-01T03:00:00.001-05:00

I am excited!

A few of you know about my second blog, "Intelligent Expressions" and have been daily readers/visitors this past year. Your encouragement has meant the world to me and I thank you!

For those of you who haven't ventured thru the tabs (up above) below my header - let me tell you about it. At the end of 2009, I happened upon the idea to try a 365 day blog project. I had started this (Composition-Life) blog in April of 2009 - and was learning so much. On January 2010 I embarked on my second blog, Intelligent Expressions. 1 photo, 1 scripture, and 1 quote everyday.

I had been missing my time as a Worship Leader - when I would create slides with other peoples photo's that had scripture and song lyrics on them. They really helped me to worship. I thought ... well ... now that I have so many photo's of my own - why not try making some combinations of my photos with words and scriptures, that would be appealing to the eye and heart.

It was neat, how everyday - all 365 of them - I was able to come up with a post. Sometimes the photo, the scripture and words were all in unison - the same thought. Other times the quote showed how how our culture interprets something - and the scripture shared the biblical view.

They made me think - and contemplate scripture more. That was a good thing for me.

I used a software program called iRemember to crop, zoom into, add text and sometimes textures to the projects. The photos needed to be edited (lighting and color if needed) prior to being brought into the project.

Not the perfect program - but so far it has worked well for me.

At first I was nervous. I had never kept a 'New Years Resolution' before - always I had failed. But this last year - I was successful and I have so many favorites! The entire library of 365 posts is still available on the INTELLIGENT EXPRESSIONS WEBSITE - but the site has been revamped for 2011 with a fresh new look. . .cause I am going to do it again!

I have made a few additions - thanks to the comments of some who have journeyed with me. I will be better about tagging the photos with the scripture verse (and plan to go back and tag last years as well) so that new search box can be used. I changed the template so that the archive is easier to find - although some of the photo's from last year do not fit so well on to the new page.

I have made available all of the posts over at my FLICKR SITE: INTELLIGENT EXPRESSIONS. It does make it easier to view them as a whole and individually.

I am excited to see how it will all come together this year. I hope (although I have also made several others) this is one resolution I will be able to keep (again). Would love it if you would join in the journey!

Happy New Year!