7/27/2015

Weekly Update 7/27/2015

The anticipated trip to Rochester began on Monday. My flight wasn't until 12:45 pm, so I had plenty of time to get to the airport and check in. Both the flight to Charlotte, NC and then on to Rochester were uneventful, although the second one was delayed about an hour. I picked up the terrible rental car - a Toyota Yaris (who even knows that they make cars without cruise control?) that was already banged up. Whatever. I went to Ishy's where she had held dinner until I arrived. My brother Dave and sister-in-law Kerry, and Brian were there. 

Kerry, Dave (visiting from Kansas City), me, Ishy

I stayed Monday night at Ishy's, and spent the day with the Kansas City folks, including a drive to Avon to Tom Wahl's for a burger and a root beer float. But in the evening, I left to go to Marcia and Andy's Lloyd's house for a few days with them, and to try to give Ishy a little break from being full-time hotelier. I made a quick stop to visit one of my mother's friends for just a few minutes; it was good to see her.

you gotta understand, our family name is Wahl, but this Tom Wahl is no relation. Too Bad - good burgers and fries

 

I wasn't with Marcia for much of the time on Wednesday. I met a group of friends that I'd traveled with when I went to Europe on the trips I'd taken a long time ago. Then I visited Mabel & Vicki in the afternoon. And met Deb Wait at the Cheesecake factory for supper. 

 

Thursday, I had the great pleasure of spending time with Marcia’s terrific grandkids, Maddie & Zack. They are adorable and a lot of fun. Then Marcia took me to the Webster Arboretum to see some trees and flowers. It's a wonderful little park-like place that is used for things like weddings, or high school senior photos, or for a place for plantings as a memorial. I was a little confused by the dolphin fountain, as that would seem more appropriate to Savannah than up north where there are no dolphins. We had lunch at a diner in downtown Webster, and then went back to her house. I swam in the her pool, and it was a lot more refreshing than the warm water I swim in at the condo. Dinner that night was a grand steak dinner, cooked on the grill to perfection. And then we went to a concert in downtown Fairport. The music was big band era, and I was sorely disappointed that I didn't hear one Johnny Mercer song!

Maddie, Marcia and Zack

at the Webster Arboretum

enjoying good big band songs at the concert

I had thought there was a garage sale being held at The Friendly Home, which is the facility where my mother lived. The sale was to benefit Alzheimer’s research, so I thought I could stop by and buy a paperback book or something to support that cause. Unfortunately, I got the day wrong, so I had extra time to leisurely drive around some well remembered sights around Rochester. I picked Kathy up at City Hall and we went to meet another friend whom I used to work with, Roberta, who is retired. The three of us had a nice lunch and I got all caught up on the gossip around the old hell hole. Since my rental car was costing more than the flight, I took it back that afternoon to save some money. I figured for the next few days, while I was staying with Ishy, we'd be going to the same places together, so I didn't need a car. 

 

Saturday was busy, but instead for meeting old friends, we just toured around. Ishy and I went to a “pioneers and leaders” tour at Mt Hope Cemetery, which was interesting. Then we went to the garage sale that I'd missed the day before. After that we went to the Rochester Museum and Science Center because I had read they had a special exhibit featuring new technology during the Civil War - the telegraph, photography, railroads, repeating rifles, etc. Well, the whole “exhibit” was as big as a closet, and there wasn't much to learn. The museum has changed tremendously since we would occasionally go there on a Sunday afternoon when we were little. In the olden days, you learn by looking a dioramas (some are still there and haven't changed at all) and reading the accompanying text. Now, its' all hands-on, and you can make your own invention or create an architectural masterpiece, or watch yourself deliver the weather on TV. Gone are the days of just looking and reading. By the time we finished there, we were famished, and I suggested going to Abbott for a hot fudge sundae. I've been wanting one of those for a long time. Unlike the Civil War technology exhibit, the frozen custard did not disappoint. And then we were off to Brian's house to visit for a short time before going out to supper. We listened to Sarah play her piano, and I got to see how Emily has all her gymnastics trophies and medals displayed. We played a game back at their house after supper, and I didn't do well, but (like pretty much all the games I play) I didn't care.

Sarah at her piano

Emily's closet - no clothes, but lots of trophies and medals

out for supper - Ishy, Sharon, Sarah, Brian, Emily

 

Sunday, Allen must have driven most of the night, because when we woke up in the morning, he was sleeping on Ishy's couch. It was good to see him. Ishy finished making the five pounds of macaroni salad that she needed for the graduation picnic. Knowing what a help I am in a kitchen, I just took a walk around her neighborhood and left the two chefs to do the work. The graduation was that afternoon. It was nice to see some people I haven't seen in quite a while, especially the Flynns. Rachel had just returned from Paris, so I enjoyed hearing about her trip. On the way back to Ishy's after the picnic, we stopped and bought some grapefruit flavored vodka. Bad idea. Because I was so glad to be going home the next day, and to have the graduation behind me, I really overdid it. I don't think I've been that inebriated since college, but I sure was sick. Poor Ishy and Allen! 

Sarah and Grannie

 

And then it was Monday. I met Marcia and another friend Donna for breakfast with Ishy and Allen, but my head was pounding, and I wasn't very good company. Vice President Joe Biden was in Rochester to make some announcement which made me want to get to the airport extra early in case traffic was detoured, or if security was even tighter than normal and my toothpaste and all other toiletries would be weighed and measured before I'd be allowed to pass through. But there was no crowd, no hassle. By 5 pm, I was on the flight to Charlotte, and then on to Savannah. My little car was waiting for me patiently in the airport parking lot, and I was back to my condo just before 11. 

 

SO GOOD TO BE HOME!!!

7/19/2015

Weekly Update 7/19/2015

I completed a project this week. I've been meaning to caulk my windows for a long time. Water condenses on the sills during the winter and sandgants enter through the gaps in the summer. I bought the gun and caulk last week, and when Monday turned out to be rather cloudy, I decided it would be a good day to have the blinds open and get this job done. Of course, I'm no handyman; in fact quite the contrary, but I did it. I'll have to see if it helps.

hard at work

 

The first of the series of classes I'm taking at TLC started Wednesday. Sylvia and I went to listen to the first talk on how TV sitcoms in the 50's changed (and reflected) the times. I'm pretty sure this is all stuff I've thought about, but it's going to be interesting. There will be some tv shows that are the usual icons (I Love Lucy) as well as some I've forgotten (I Married Joan).

Thursday, the Lunch Bunch met at the Jepson Center to have a bite to eat in the restaurant there. Since I've already seen the art exhibits, I only went for the food and company. It was wonderful, as always. I parked far the art gallery, and walked past several squares. I'm trying to learn the squares for a summer project, and it's not going well. You have to know that I often don't remember my own name! I'm getting a little better at the squares, however.

the lunch bunch group

 

I think I forgot to add last week that I met with Jim and June, residents here at MP, for rummikub last Thursday. We've set up a standing Thursday night game night, and I think this could work out well. June is a WONDERFUL cook, and I am not. Last week she made fresh guacamole, and this week, she baked pretzels. Luckily, they are content that I show up with a bottle of wine. I don't win many games, but I enjoy the company. 

 

We had quite a storm Sunday afternoon. It was my weekend to both open and lock up BC, so after I was there in the morning, I left the windows down on the car. Since I never do that, I didn't give them a thought when the thunder started to crash all around the area. In the middle of the downpour, there was a timid knock at the door, and the little boy upstairs reminded me that the inside of my car was getting really really wet. It was almost time to go back to the cemetery to close up, so I grabbed a towel and drove - very slowly and carefully - the short distance to Bonaventure. As I was bringing in the signs, some of which are placed under the huge live oak trees, the thunder was announcing that the lightning strikes were close, and the little lanes that I needed to cross were flooded up to my ankles. Delightful! Well, the car needed a good cleaning, and I can always do with another shower. 
 

After that, it was housework, laundry and packing to get ready for my trip. Next week's blog will be a day or two late, because I don't get back to Savannah until late Monday night. But I will have a complete update (an upbeat account of true events, I'm sure) when I get back.

7/12/2015

Weekly Update 7/12/2015

If you thought my last week's update was boring - prepare yourself, because I did even less this week. Ah, summer!

I did my usual - book club on Monday, DH on Friday, BC on Sunday. In between, I watched Wimbledon. The scores of the finals weren't close, but there was really some wonderful tennis during both those matches, as well as some of the early rounds.

Monday, I also go my laptop back. I was sure I was going to need to buy a new one, and I may still do that, but at least I was able to get my files on this one. And I will be much more conscientious about backing up my important files. Apparently, it was a virus, and I'm not just sure how that happened, as I rarely link this 'puter to the internet. In fact, about the only time I do that is to update the blog. But, for a hefty fee, the repair shop was able to rid the bad program, and now I’m back in business. 
 
At my tour at DH this week, I was all excited when I noticed that one of the tourists had a Buffalo Bills glasses string on his sunglasses! I asked if he was a Bills fan, and then wanted to just stop the tour and talk to him about Rex Ryan and who the best QB will be and that sort of stuff. I was not the best tour guide for that group, but I think I did ok, and I did get a chance to talk to this man following the tour. He lived in Buffalo during the glory days and had season tickets for many years. He is also an SU alumni, and was going to school there during the Ernie Davis days. It was great to talk with him. 
 
I went to 17 Hundred 90 on Friday, but since I was alone, when the thunder started to boom, I quickly left and got to my car before it began to rain. I don't really like going there when Donna isn't in town, but I thought I'd stop in for a few minutes this week. Jim Deja, the chef (and my friend Connie’s husband) was voted as the best chef in Savannah by Savannah magazine, I saw him when I was there and congratulated him. I think everyone must know how wonderful his baked brie is! 
 
I met Kay to “walk” on Sunday morning. Well, not exactly. She twisted her ankle a couple of weeks ago, and aggravated it again this week, so we didn't walk. Damn! We merely met for coffee and to catch up a little. It's delightful to keep up with her. She and Lisa have a walking schedule and meet regularly, except that Lisa's in Wales now. On a whim I contacted her and asked if she'd like to meet me. We've done this for a few times, and it's worked out well. 
 
To illustrate how very boring I've been this week, did you know that TCM's Star of the Month is Shirley Temple? I've watched four of her movies so far, and have three more in my recording queue. This weekend, they hosted a 50's monster movie marathon and I watched both The Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Day The Earth Stood Still, two of my very favorites. And the Hallmark Movie Channel showed some of it's Christmas Classics, so I also watched a couple of those. I have to find something else to amuse myself! 
 
Since there was no activities this week, I have no photos, but I thought I might add this one of the a lovely crepe myrtle tree. They have been blooming in Savannah for a few weeks, and they are wonderful. There are many at Mercer Point, but this one was at Colonial Park Cemetery. 

 

7/5/2015 (revised)

Hurray!  the laptop is back, and it works!  so I'm revising this to add photos

Weekly Update 7/5/2015

This will be an adventure. My laptop died. I know I will have to replace it, but I wanted to see if I could do my blog from the iPad. Here goes--

I went to a Sand Gnat baseball game on Monday. I don't like baseball, but I try to get to one local "professional" game every year. This will be my last chance. The owners of the Gnats held the City hostage to build a new stadium, but apparently Savannah needs a lot of things more than an expensive venue for a mediocre Class A team. So next year, there will be a Mets farm team somewhere in South Carolina, but not here. The Gnats won, 3-1. It was not exciting. 

a  little fuzzy behind the foul ball screen

a nice full moon over historic Grayson Stadium

The front doors to all the units in this end of building 5 were painted this week. They really look nice. So now the railings and doors in my building are done, and they look a lot better. 

I spent a lot of time at the pool this week. But also in front of the TV. I watched a lot of Wimbledon, and will watch during the coming week, too. I borrowed the first two seasons of The Office from the library, and I watched episodes late at night. I'd forgotten how truly funny I find this show. I often wonder about bothering my neighbors with the volume of my TV set late at night, but this week they might have been more bothered by the loud laughing. 

Saturday, the 4th of July holiday, I went downtown to Colonial Park Cemetery for the annual DAR presentation of wreathes at the grave of Button Gwinnett, Savannah's signer of the Declaration of Independence. There was a talk given by a reenactor that I think I recognize from Old Fort Jackson about James Habersham. The program was short, but that was ok - it was hot and the bugs were out celebrating. I thought about driving to Fort George, but decided against it, and instead watched the tennis. After BC on Sunday, I intended to go to Forsyth Park for Shakespeare in the park, but a storm rolled through as the play was about to begin so I didn't do that either. 

4th of July ceremony at Colonial Park Cemetery

patriotic Wilma

I can't load photos from my camera to this iPad, so I have no pictures this week. Depending on whether my lap top can be fixed, or how quickly I can get a new one, I may be able to add some to next weeks update. Stay tuned. 

(So, now that I've been able to add a couple of photos, I have to say that I'm quite proud of myself that I was able to load the blog on the iPad. It's easier when I do it the way I've always, but I was at least able to figure it out when I was forced to do something different.)