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.