Here we go a Caroling among the leaves so green!

Do I feel guilty that the entire country is experiencing bitter cold weather now, while we in Florida life in warm weather?  You bet I do.  But I for one have spent many a year living through the Chicago area winters and truly feel that I have put in my time for bitter cold winters in the north.  The lovely flower above has a beautiful aroma and I took this picture at the home that I recently pet-sat four cats and one dog.  The flower was in the pool area.  Just beautiful! 

We have a lot of Christmas birthday’s in the family.  My son’s was December 7Th, mine is December 19Th and my brothers K is January 4Th.  Today, we celebrated K’s birthday, while he is here visiting.  It is good to see him again.  It’s been a while since we have visited. 

We had a nice dinner made by my sister C; baked Zita with salad.  Delicious!!  C can really cook.  I made K’s birthday cake, dang!  I forgot to take a picture.  The cake was devoured, not a crumb left.  Of course, there would be a least one slice left but C’s lovely Labrador H note picture, ate the last piece! Double Dang!! 

I used a white cake mix box.  Followed the directions, added almond flavor 1 tsp. and baked as directed.  Then I frosted with a low sugar Chocolate frosting and layered bananas in the middle.  I was doubtful that the bananas would taste good in the cake.  And surprisingly, they really made the cake.  The blend of flavors was delicious and everyone seemed to enjoy it. 

We also went Christmas Caroling around the block, about 8 pm after dinner.  My brother in law, E played the Tuba and sister C played her trombone.  The rest of us sang, but to no avail as the Tuba and trombone drowned us out.   Fun was had by all.  A few neighbors even acknowledged our good-hearted greetings, by coming out side and Thanking us for the music.  The picture is of a house that actually had their lights and music coordinated very nicely.  They also won an award from the village for their decorations.  One of our troupe is ringing the doorbell, while another runs willy-nilly around the yard.  She is just three (3) years old, so she’d allowed. 

Quick pic of the Christmas Carolers.  Quite a motley crew if you ask me.  But we had fun, even Dad joined us and brought along his little dog Caitlyn.  Dad told jokes to the people who opened their doors to Thank us.     Dad loves to be the life of the party.  My brother K’s didn’t get a ton of presents, just one that the whole family went in on to purchase and that was an ipod.  Which he seemed to enjoy.  He disappeared into his room to read the directions straight away.  We were all tired from the excitement and retired early to bed. 

 Wishing you and your the happiest of Christmas Holidays.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Monday, Monday

So good for me
Today started out a little slow.  Dad had a hard time getting out of the bed.  Brody and I drove Dad to the Senior Center.  We got there later than usual. 

Monday morning it was all I hoped it would be…
After wards Brody and I went swimming for a couple of hours.  Molly, our visiting Labrador, wanted to play.  And joined us in the pool with her pool toy soon after we jumped in. 

Oh, Monday morning
After we were done swimming.  Again, I was exhausted, and I took a nap.  Brody spent the afternoon with my DS and DBL during this time.  They sounded like they were having a good time together. 

Monday morning couldn’t guarantee
Later on after dinner, Dad, Brody and I played five (5) card draw.  Dad was teaching Brody how to play the game.  And he was as clear headed about this as possible.  Very impressive teacher.  We enjoyed mango sherbet (eat your hearts out, this mango is the greatest!).  During which my DS and DBL practiced their instruments (trombone and tuba respectively), (They play in a community band and another professional wind ensemble) They sounded pretty good while they practiced and it reminded me, that I too needed to practice my clarinet as well (I too play in the community band). 

That Monday evening you’d still
About 9 o’clock we folded up the game and started to get ready for bed and I practicing the clarinet.

Be here with me
I started practicing my music for the upcoming September 14Th concert.  Some of the clarinet parts are a little challenging – and we have a sectional coming up as early as August 20Th.  During sectionals, the odds of being asked to play by yourself in front of everyone are pretty high (something I dread). 

Monday, Monday
[author’s note:  as it has been at least 25 years ago since I played clarinet professionally – I’ve been picking up my skill (again – with practice) over the last two (2) months, but I’m still not 100%.] 

Can’t trust that day
Sectionals are when only one instrument practises together to help increase that sections’ technique, tone and ability to play together.

Oh, Monday morning you gave me no warning
Later after practicing, Dad came out looking for Brody and I (about an hour later).  We shared hugs and good nite kisses.  And every one went to bed.  Except that Molly – she wanted to play again and picked up her rubber hot dog and was trying to get me to play keep-away-her, I did so, for a few minutes and then made a mad dash to my bedroom.  Where I curled up with my computer and wrote this blog. 

Of what was to be
Many thanks to The Mamas & The Papas for the use of their lyrics.