12/28/2014

Weekly Update 12/28/2014

Thanks to everyone for all wonderful Christmas cards and greetings. It is great to be remembered, especially at this time of year. I appreciate every lovely reminder I received from those who I'm not able to say “Happy Holidays” to in person.

so many cards from many wonderful friends

 Monday, I had bought a ticket for the Dickens Victorian Christmas Walk in the historic area of Savannah. I did this walk last year and enjoyed it very much, so I wanted to do it again. Unfortunately, I was the only person signed up for Monday evening, and rain was in the forecast, so the walk was canceled. Next year I'll have to try again.

Tuesday Donna invited me, Dave and Lisa over for a tasty dinner and to play some games. Mostly, however, we sat around and chatted about Christmases from our pasts. Dave is interesting because he has lived all his life in UK, so he has different traditions and memories. But it was a lot of fun. And good food.

Wednesday, I decided to go to the Children's Service I'd heard about when I attended church last Sunday. That was a mistake. It was NOT a service for and by children; it was communion service that had a a brief appearance by and adult Mary & Joseph. That was disappointing, as I'd expected something very different. I walked out before the end of the service. It was raining steadily all day, so braving the wet weather for such a performance was not something I may try again. 

 

At least it gave me an opportunity to take a few more photos of some of the lights. As I headed toward home, I drove through the Ardsley Park area of Savannah. It wasn't quite dark yet, so the lights that were on were barely visible. And, also to be sure I didn't waste a venture out into the dreary afternoon storm, I stopped at the liquor store to get more peach schnapps. Oh, my! peach schnapps, orange juice and 7 up - looks like I've got breakfast ready for Christmas day. 

pretty wreathes and poinsettias 

 

Christmas Day began with me opening the packages that had arrived from Marcia & Ishy. I thought I had made it clear that I would NOT be exchanging gifts this year. After all, how many pralines or jars of peach jam do you need before they just aren't a treat any more? So, while I didn't ship any gifts, I was lucky enough to have a few surprises to open in the morning. Donna and I had been invited to Dave & Lisa's for a traditional Welsh holiday meal. It was wonderful! We spent the day eating, talking and playing games. This was the best Christmas I've had in a very long time. 

prawn cocktail

roast turkey with gravy, roasted root vegies and potatoes, sausages wrapped in bacon, dressing balls, brussel sprouts

brandy snap and mince pie

good friends, good times

 

Friday I was back into my schedule of DH. Since last week had been so quiet there, I was expecting more of the same. But it was incredibly crowded; in fact, we gave 3 tours each hour instead of the normal 2 because there were so many people. It made the afternoon go quickly.

Saturday I needed to open BC, but I was a little under the weather. Instead of continuing on my way to search for after-holiday sales, I just went back home to take a nap. I may get out to the Mall next week some time, but probably not. I have very few needs for more Christmas crap.

Sunday, I met Dave & Lisa at Coach's for my final NFL Sunday. I was not surprised that the Bills won, since this game meant nothing to either team, and Brady didn't play for the second half (and EJ didn't play at all - what's up with that?) I've eaten my last buffalo wings until next September, and can pack all the t-shirts away again. I should be pleased that the record this year was not as dismal as in the past several seasons, but I was really hoping the EJ would lead them to the play offs - the drought continues. Maybe next year.

And now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are behind me, I will be back to having nothing to write about and no pictures to post. I feel a influx of 1-page blogs coming beginning next week.

Happy New Year to all.

 

12/21/2014

Weekly Update 12/21/2014

  

Another busy week. I'm just about done with all this holiday frivolity, and I can't wait to have it all behind me. My face hurts from having to smile so much, and I can’t think of one more innocent, stupid topic to discuss at a party or gathering. I wanna go back to sitting in front of my tv and reading my books. I'm just not that social, and I’m proving it.

Monday, I invited friends Charles & Sylvia Snyder over for a Christmas cookie and some Bailey's. Sylvia cannot navigate stairs, so although I had hoped they might be able to walk up to my second story condo just this one time, it didn't work out. I wanted to entertain them, though, so we sat in the condo club house and visited for a short time. After that, we drove around to visit some amazing light shows that were in our neighborhood. I'm grateful to these decorators because thanks to them, my Georgia power bills are certainly lower!

not often do you see a garbage truck included in Christmas lights

anyone reading this who knew me in my past life will know why I think this worthy of a photo

I walked with Lisa on Tuesday. She came out to my condo, and we walked at the Y. We made firm plans to begin walking and watching what we eat starting January 5. Maybe. Lisa and made a wonderful fruit cake for me, and she stayed for lunch so we could eat it. Later that evening, Donna and I went to wine tasting at Johnny Ganem's liquor store. We've done that before, but never at the holidays. The wines this time were quite pricy, but very good. On the other hand, I think a $10 bottle of Chianti is very good.

Wednesday was the Lunch Bunch holiday luncheon. It was at 17 Hundred 90, one of my favorite places, although I generally just go to the bar for a drink after DH on Friday, not a lunch or dinner. It was the largest gathering there's been in a while. I had invited Lisa to join us, and I hope she wasn't overwhelmed by it all. I really enjoy this group, and was delighted to wish them all a happy holiday. 

lunch bunch dining at the Christmas Luncheon

 

DH was really dead on Friday. Luckily, I was still able to get to 17 Hundred 90 after I finished there, and I met Donna for a nice drink, so the whole day wasn't a complete waste. 

I mention 17 Hundred 90 often on this blog, so here it is. It's only one block from DH, so it's easy to walk there on Friday afternoons

 

I had to open BC on Saturday, and then had to go back in the afternoon to answer questions. It, like DH, was not busy. I had invited Anne and Andrew Nedd over for a cup of eggnog and a cookie. At the last minute I asked Bob & Suzy to join us. It was a nice, informal get together for friends at the condo development.

Sunday, I was busy. I went to church in the morning. I haven't been in more than a year, so I went to Wesley Monumental Church in the historic district. I don't know why I wanted to go, but there's something nice about listening to familiar carols and seeing a beautiful church all decorated with poinsettias, and all the kids dressed up and excited because of the time of year. It was a misty, rainy day, but after the service, I walked around a little to get some photos of some of the lovelier homes in the area. I was able to watch the early games at home, but I had been invited to a party at 4 pm. so I needed to get there before the late games started. Jan's home is huge and lovely (and not far from my condo, but in a gated community; I’d always wanted to drive around in there, but riff raff like me can't get past the gatehouse guard - this was my chance!) But I needed to make a rather early exit so that I could get to Coach's to watch the 2nd half of the game. Not that it mattered. How can the Bills beat Green Bay one week and then lose to the Raiders the following week? Anyway, the playoffs are a lost hope now. For the 15th year, I've been hoping that this season will be different, and it never is. Crap. 

Wesley Monumental Methodist Church - if I have to go, this is the church I attend

Jan and Greg's beautiful mansion

 

I think Dave Winkler has way to much time on his hands. This week, he created several little buildings and sites for his model railroad that my little VW can visit: The Rail Pub (in reality, my car has been parked outside The Rail on several occasions, but I rarely get a spot this close) or the Ralph (if this were a true shot, Kyle Orton would be under the car) or my good friends, the Crawley's. There's some others, too, and they all make me LMAO.

12/14/2014

Weekly Update 12/14/2014

This week was loaded with things to do, so this blog will be loaded with pictures.

Monday was a fun day. I met Lisa at her house in the historic district, as we wanted to “walk”. Lisa “walks”, I “amble”, but we hit upon an agreeable pace. We started by going to the Christmas shop on Bull Street, because I was going to buy a nutcracker to add to my collection for 2014. Since Donna had made me the delightful Buffalo Bills one, I didn't need to get a new one, but we went in there to look anyway. We went in and out of shops as we meandered toward River Street, with a nice stop at Goose Feathers for lunch. Lisa had already seen the Gingerbread House display that's an annual display at the Westin Hotel across the river, but she humored me because I like it so much. We got on the water taxi and rode over to see the fabulous creations - seems that each year they get better and better. Altogether, I spent almost the entire day with Lisa, a very nice way to wile away several hours.

Lisa & Santa

me & Santa

my favorite gingerbread creation

 

That evening, there was a presentation at DH that explained about the archeological dig that was conducted last summer, and shared some of the findings. It was interesting, because there were items that were found that predate the 1815 beginning of construction of DH. So, they are supposing that the Davenport family may have lived in a frame house on the property while brick mansion was being built. I hadn't realized that, as I believed they lived with Sarah Davenport's mother on York Street. But I've been wrong about a lot of things before, so this will just be added to that list. I think what I learned will be helpful in the tours I give.

Wednesday, I didn't leave the condo. But it's not like I wasn't busy. I finally started putting the graham crackers together to make little houses. And I made a batch of cookie dough that needed to be refrigerated. All this was in preparation for the MP cookie exchange / gingerbread house decorating party to be held on Saturday. How do I get talked into this stuff?

Thursday, I had signed up for a lecture and luncheon with The Learning Center. A new movie - Savannah in the Civil War - had just been released, and I wanted to see it. It won't be in theaters, but is on dvd for sale in all the gift shops in Savannah. It is a documentary, but Ken Burns need not fear that his reign is over; this was good, but not that good. I especially liked recognizing people and places in the movie. Many “interviews” were held at different rooms at DH and many people I know there were “interviewed”. The newspaper editor, the mayor, an wealthy woman who feared Sherman would burn Savannah, a not-so wealthy woman who supported the Southern cause even though she had less to lose, some of the soldiers both north and south, and others. There were also historians that I know or know of. That made it more interesting for me. Because my belly was full, and it was my mid-afternoon nap time, I was threatened with nodding off from time to time, but held it off by watching for more people I would recognize.

And then that evening, I did one of my favorite things to do in Savannah at Christmas time - I went to The Journey with Donna, her friend Jane who's visiting from Maine, and Lisa. This production is absolutely amazing! Thousands attend each year, and this is the third time I've seen it, which is pretty amazing. You are made to be part of a group of Jewish citizens who must go to Bethlehem to pay taxes and be counted. Along the way, you encounter Roman Centurions, you cross the Sea of Galilee (the life jackets in the “boat” bring you immediately back to the 21st century, but hey, it's gotta be done), there are scenes from the story of the birth of Jesus including Mary & Joseph, Herod, the Magi, the Shepherds as we walk along to get to Bethlehem. This entire show covers many acres, and is done very well as far as moving many hundreds of people along. You finally get to Bethlehem where you have to pay your taxes (with a coin you are given at the start of the journey) and then wander around the town where you see trades people of every kind - potters, spice sellers, jewelry makers, animal keepers, cheese and bread makers (giving samples), grain grinders, all sorts of things. All through the journey, you see real animals such as camels, goats, sheep, horses, and two white tigers! Then, you are led to a stable just outside the city where you see Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus - A REAL BABY! This is such a wonderful event, and even I like to go, although the Christmas story is not something I believe in and a mega church is something I avoid. But this is so good.

coming to the gates of Bethlehem

lots of live animals

and a live baby!

 

Friday was another busy day. Jane, Donna's friend, wanted to visit BC before she returned to Maine, so I toured them around and amused them with my stories in the morning. They kindly treated me to lunch, where I slobbered crab stew on my DH shirt (I was dressed to leave from there to go right to DH for my afternoon tours) and had to return to the condo to change. But I did my tours in a clean shirt and then went to 17 Hundred 90 for a drink. It was customer appreciation night, and the bar was crowded. Donna, Helen, Jane, Dave, Lisa and I all sat snuggled up on the couches by the fire while enjoying wine and the hot and cold appetizers that had been set out. It was really nice. Connie came after she got out of work about 7 pm, and we visited for a while. Jim, her husband, is the head chef at 17 Hundred 90, so it was thanks to him for all the good eats. 

part of the buffet set up, free to loyal customers of the bar (that's me)

my favorite bartender, Martha - she makes some incredible drinks

 

Before I got in my car to drive home, I took a few photos of the main shopping street in Savannah. There are lights strung across the street, and it reminds me of what shopping was like in the olden days, before everything was in the Mall. 

lights across Broughton Street

 

Saturday was the MP Christmas Cookie Exchange. The gingerbread houses were pretty much a bust, as no one was there to decorate them. But the cookies were all good. I wasn't even sure if my oven worked, but I gave it my best shot. I made my favorite cookies from childhood (although I altered them a little; instead of a chocolate / walnut layer, I substituted a green / pistachio layer to make them more “christmas-y”). And I tried a new recipe, butter cookies surrounding a Hershey's kiss. It was all good. 

 

my cookies to share - hidden kiss cookies and Christmas ribbons

 

And then - Sunday. Being the Second Sunday of the month, I was giving an afternoon tour BC. And, since the Bills were playing against Green Bay, there was really little chance that this would be a good game to watch. But I was wrong. As I was talking on about Little Gracie and the symbolism in a Victorian Cemetery, I was also glancing frequently at the NFL app on my phone. Tied at the half, then 13-10, then 16-10. When the last visitor left, I got in the car and drove to Coach's which is only a few blocks away. I watched the last 8 minutes of the game. I felt I should have stayed away, believing that I”m probably a bad luck charm, and that if I watched the end of the game, they, naturally, would come up short. But they didn't. They hung on to beat the Packers! I was all smiles!

And lastly, how cool is this? Dave has a model railroad, and he's been adding scenery to his set up. He has a tiny VW, which is about as big as the tip of finger. He painted it in honor of my car! Of course, having it parked next to tent in his countryside is not quite accurate - my VW would be outside a Westin or Hyatt, or a nice B&B. 

my little car - hand painted by Dave Winkler

 

 

12/7/2014

weekly update 12/7/2014

This was a week to decorate for Christmas. Monday morning, I dragged the boxes from the bedroom to the living room. I put the things that I already had around the condo - a few things here and there. Then, in the afternoon, I went to the clubhouse to help put up some festive decorations there and also around the grounds of the development. Tuesday, believing that I needed a few more lights for my ficus tree, I went to walmart to get some more stuff. I had thought about stringing the lights on Audrey, but she's got such big leaves, I didn't know if they would be hidden, and I ended up with the lights on the fake ficus again this year. Not to have Audrey feel ignored, however, I did put some red balls on her.

Audrey dressed in her holiday finery

the dining room table with the ficus tree all lit up nearby

 

Monday was also the December Book club meeting at the Library. This month we were supposed to “report” on our favorite read from last year. Actually, I think my favorite was Boys in the Boat, but I'd read that long ago, so I took the book I'd just finished, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Although this book has won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2014 and was a best seller the year before, I didn't like it. I really can't read anything deep or meaningful because it all goes right over my head; I have to have a story! I got some good ideas for reading from some of the others in the group, however.

Holiday parties began on Wednesday when the Victorian Society hosted their party at the Visitor Center Museum. It was nice and they had several hot punches - wassail, mulled wine, hot toddies, and a cold Chatham Artillery Punch (always good).

There was a Thursday evening lecture on the history of the Port of Savannah that Donna and I attended. It was followed by a reception, so we had some things to eat before going to the Design District. The boutiques and upscale shops there hold a holiday open house where they offer drinks and munchies in order to get shoppers in to look at what they have to offer. Since I will not be doing any shopping for gift giving this year, it was quite pointless, but, hey, it was a nice evening to walk around and visit some shops that I never go into. 

the Victorian Society gathering inside the Visitor Center

Friday I had to get up early because it was the day that Donna and I were going to Madison, Georgia (about an hour east of Atlanta) for the holiday open house tour. Because Madison (pop. 3,636) has nearly 100 antebellum homes that have been carefully restored, it has been called “The Prettiest Small Town in America”. On the drive across Georgia, we stopped at a Tea Room in Greensboro, the Potted Geranium. That was wonderful - just the way a nice English Tea should be. We each had a pot of the tea of our choice, then quiche with a fresh salad. After that, we had the tray service with the finger sandwiches, scones and tiny pastries.

Donna and me at high tea

We arrived in Madison in the late afternoon, and picked up our tickets. We had purchased passes for the evening candlelight tour and the daytime tour on Saturday. Both days, all the houses were decorated for the holidays by designers and all the homes were lovely! The last house we saw Friday night was 7,500 sq ft (HUGE), and was recently built. And, it had THREE KITCHENS. That's gotta be my idea of hell - three kitchens to have to cook in and then clean (although I liked the idea a small one, rather like a Butler's Pantry, near the master suite for morning coffee). There was a house on Saturday that was a historic home, but has been updated. To say the least. The shower in the master suite was so big that they had actually hung a big wreath in the SHOWER! Isn't that a little over the top? There was another that is a huge Victorian mansion that is currently being renovated by the granddaughters of the original owners. Where they can see possibilities, I saw Too Much Work. I'm sure it will be amazing when they are finished (and have spend a fortune on it), but now it lacks a certain appeal. Many of the other houses were more sensible and homey. But all were perfectly accented with antiques or family heirlooms or collections (many nutcrackers). After two days, I'm suffering for overload. Getting back to my comfy condo on Saturday was so nice. 

one of the small houses on the candle light tour

the parlour in one of the older historic homes

a wreath in the walk in shower. I've got a santa nightlight, and I think my bath room is festive!

 

Sunday, I was again treated to having frineds with me as the Bills lose to the Broncos. Lisa and Dave joined me at Coach's. I pretty much knew it wasn't going to be pretty, but the defeat was more easily accepted when I had my good friends there to share it with me.

How cool is this? I've made it clear that there will be no gifts from me this Christmas, and that I don't want any gifts from friends. Friendship is the gift I want, and a bottle of wine or some bath soaps aren't going to get the job done. Donna understands this, but still wanted to do something. So she made me a nutcracker! Is this the best? And Donna doesn't know football, and actually had to do research for the jersey number (she said it would be either Jim Kelly or OJ Simpson - good choice!), so it really is a gift from the heart. This is wonderful! 

isn't this great!

 

 

11/30/2014

weekly update 11/30/2014

I finally got to watch the Bills play twice this week. Because of the snow in Buffalo, last Sunday's game was moved to Detroit, where they could play inside. The game was pretty much a runaway right from the start (could the Jets really be that bad???), but at last I got to sit at Coach's and watch a game where I wasn't embarrassed to wear my Bills t-shirt. Of course, there were only about six other people watching the game, but I still had a good time watching my team win. This week, Dave and Lisa and (surprise!) Donna met me at the bar to watch the game. I had hoped to meet there all season, but with one thing or another, this is the first chance we've had. We had a booth, so I could have that tv turned to whatever channel I wanted. The game wasn't exciting, or very good, but it was another win. That made the whole afternoon that much nicer. Lisa had a nice photo taken of me and Dave watching intently, but he threatened me of what might happen if I posted it to this blog. Use your imagination.

Tuesday, the Lunch Bunch met at B Mathews. The group was small, with many getting ready to travel for the holiday, but it was great to be with these friends. Donna joined us, too, so that was nice. It was a dreary and rainy day, and I didn't feel like I wanted to go out again, but I visited a friend in the hospital in the afternoon. Beth's husband suffered a stroke almost 2 weeks ago, and I wanted to offer what tiny encouragement and friendship to her that I could. So, Tuesday afternoon, I did that.

Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, was a quite, peaceful day for me. I had ordered a turkey dinner from the same take out place that Allen and I had used last year, and it was just as good. I stayed in my pajamas and watched the three footballs games (not very exciting ones, but hey, it's Thanksgiving!). I had turned down invitations to join others for the feast, so I didn't have to be by myself, but I wanted to be. It was nice. 

enough for more than one meal!

Go Lions!

Friday, guess what? I didn't go to the mall! I ordered some books online - ones I've wanted to read for a while, some for book club because we just got our list for next year, and a few by authors that will be at the Book Fest in February. That's all the shopping I want to do. I returned all the my turkeys and pilgrims to their boxes in the closet, and dragged my Christmas stuff out. But, aside from a wreath on the door and the poinsettia door mat, I didn't decorate the condo. So, the boxes are sitting on the floor in the blue bedroom waiting for me to get some enthusiasm.

Saturday, I expected to have another leisurely day. Perhaps I'd get at the decorating, or just finish reading my book. Suzy was participating in a craft show and sale at a gallery downtown, and I wanted to go, but I also read in the newspaper that Fort Pulaski was having a Civil War Thanksgiving with demonstration of how the soldiers may have spent the day during the war. Hum, let's see - shopping? or history? - that's pretty much a no-brainer for me. The fort had an old time band (the instruments were interesting), costumes that could be donned by visitors (some really cute Civil War 10-year-olds), and wheel barrow races ( no one wanted to try to push me across the course). There was probably more to do, but in the afternoon I was scheduled to be at BC, so I had to leave. The cemetery was crowded, so I was kept busy for the entire three hours. Donna and texted that she was going to the light parade on River Street, and asked if I'd like to go. So, when I left BC, I went to 17 Hundred 90 for a drink because it was a little early to stand along the river and wait for the show to begin. I was surprised to meet Jeff Freeman, one of the directors at DH, sitting at the bar, too, after a long day at the museum. We chatted for a while about history and DH until Donna joined us. Then we wandered down to the riverfront, where we met Dave & Lisa to see the boats. They all sailed from the Westin across the River, up to the port, and we waited for them to sail back again, but they seemed stuck. We decided to give up and we left.

the Union Band (after all, the Union held Pulaski through most of the War)

one of the wonderful lighted boats

 

Overall, it was a lovely holiday week. I hope everyone who reads this also had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And while I was thinking of what I'm most grateful for, you all came to mind. The friends I have made in Savannah and the friends I still have in Rochester, friends everywhere. You are all important and special to me. And if I never have a chance to tell you, let me do it now: THANK YOU!

11/23/2014

weekly update 11/23/2014

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

Last week was a dull, inactive time, but this week it was just the opposite. I was busy every day.

My week began with a trip to the auto restoration shop. The rear window of the VW has come undone, and I needed to have the entire roof replaced. I made this appointment just after I returned from my trip in October, but it took this long to have a new roof shipped to Savannah. I had to drop the car off early Monday morning, and picked it up again on Tuesday. I took a few photos, but you really can't see how bad it was. But now that repair is finished, it looks as if I'll be able to keep this car for another little bit.

Since I didn't have my car Monday evening, Donna was kind enough to drive me to a lecture at DH that I was very interested in. Dr. Jonathan Bryant spoke about the Federal prosecution of the slave ship The Antelope in 1820. It was a loaded with legalese, but I was able to follow enough, and I know enough, to understand that this was one of many cases that led up the secession of the Southern States and the start of the War of Northern Aggression.

Tuesday, Donna drove me to the auto shop to pick up my car. We stopped on the way home to have coffee at Cohen's Retreat. She wasn't able to join us for dinner a few weeks ago, and I wanted her to see this place. They have a nice coffee shop in one of the rooms, so we stopped there. In the evening, the condo HOA Board hosted a meeting. I've been upset at meetings in the past because some residents are rude and inconsiderate and meetings have tended to disintegrate into shouting matches with name calling and accusations. I don't need that; in fact, I wasn't going to go. But elections were going to be held for open slots on the Board, and I was curious about who might be appointed. As it turned out, the very few owners who have caused such dissension in the past weren't in attendance, and the meeting as orderly and civil. It was wonderful Three new members were elected and the budget was passed. And I didn't get an ulcer or have to leave early.

 

HOA Board President, Secretary (Suzy), Treasurer and Management coordinator

Wednesday, I attended the dedication of a historical marker at the Jepson House Education Center. To show how out of my league I was, I walked 5 blocks from where I parked my car so that I wouldn't have to put $1.50 in a meter, while I'm pretty sure most of the others in attendance had donated tens of thousands of dollars to the restoration and furnishing of the center. The women's jackets alone must have cost more than my whole closet full of clothes. But, I was interested, and I wanted to see the building, so when I had an opportunity (I was invited because I am a member of the Georgia Historical Society), I went. 

 

Thursday, I joined Lisa and Dave at the Rail for a very quick Guinness. We talked about the snow in Buffalo, and how it looked as if there wasn't going to be a Sunday afternoon game for us to watch together at Coach's (turns out we were right - the game was switched to Detroit on Monday, and Dave & Lisa will be out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday. Perhaps we're doomed not to watch a game at the bar this season). I couldn't stay there too long because the MP condo social committee was hosting a wine & cheese party that evening. Building on the good feelings I had following the HOA meeting, I wanted to go.

Friday I was gone for more than 12 hours. DH had a docent “day” which began with a tour of City Hall. I had done this tour before and enjoyed it, but I was hoping that more would be said about the maps in the gallery. Donna, Lisa & I saw them a week ago, and they were interesting, but a little difficult to see. I had hoped there would be more explanations, but there wasn't. Instead, it was a history of the building, and a tour to some places that the public is not ordinarily allowed. After that, we went to Skylar's for lunch. It was interesting to visit with other docents, because I hardly ever get to say more than “hi” as we pass when changing shifts and I don't know many of them. There was also a lecture about Johnny Mercer in the afternoon, but Friday is my day to give the tours, so I had to miss that. As soon as DH was finished, I met Donna and Helen at 17 Hundred 90 for a drink (or three, as it turned out). And then went to the lovely Lucas Theater for a viewing of the movie classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. That is one of my all time favorites, so when I learned it would be on the big screen at this wonderful theater, I bought a ticket. It was grand. But it sure made along day for me!

DH docents in City Hall Counsel Chambers

 

 

 

Saturday, since I had to get up at the crack of dawn anyway to open BC at 10, I continued out to Oatland Wildlife Center to the Harvest Fest. Suzy's group of weavers always has a display, and I like to see them. There are also other demonstrations going on at the frontier village display. I was surprised when someone I know from BC was cooking cabbage over an open fire. I chatted with her for a while, as well as Suzy, and wandered around the exhibits. It was a very nice day weatherwise, and I enjoyed being there. There are a pair of Bison that are in an exhibit at the Center, and I walked past them on my way back to me car. I got close to the gate and said to one of them “why aren't you in Detroit?” and he looked back at me as if he knew what I meant. After a nap in the afternoon, I went to Donna's for soup and Rummikub. She made wonderful homemade turkey soup and it really hit the spot.

Kathryn, who works with me at the BC visitor center, also volunteers at Oatland

stroller parking outside the log cabin

 

Because there was no Bills' game on Sunday, I didn't have to go to Coach's. I didn't even leave the condo. I had a lazy day, watching the NFL games, reading my book, and just hanging around my home. I like those days.