9/27/2015

Weekly Update 9/27/2015 

 

An amazingly busy week – two lectures, two meals out, a visit to a historic church, rummikub, a firehouse visit, an art sale, and my usual DH, The 90 and opening BC. I'm tired just writing about all the things I did this week. 

 

I went to lectures on Tuesday and Thursday this week. Donna went with me both times because I think she is curious, just like I am. The Tuesday one was the first in the fall series sponsored by the Coastal Heritage Society and was at the visitors center. As an added bonus, the “reception” snacks included marvelous cupcakes with icing as tall as the cake itself - just what I love. There were so many to choose from (peanut butter, chocolate and chocolate chip, carrot, red velvet) that I couldn't decide, so I passed on the them all. The talk itself was presented by an employee of Old Fort Jackson that I have heard several times before, but he is always enthusiastic and interesting, and this time he spoke about James Jackson, for whom Fort Jackson is named. Donna and I had planned to try a new burger place in Savannah - Betty Bombers - that we'd heard about from friends. When I saw the lecture that was to be given on Thursday, I really wanted to go, so I told Donna that I'd have to postpone the supper until another time. Well, come to find out, Betty Bombers in in the same building where the lecture was going to be given, so eats are back on! This was the first of the Armstrong University's Moveable Feast lectures that are held throughout the year. The focus of this was Jose Carioca, a Disney cartoon figure, and his role in Brazil becoming an ally of the US during WWII. You might think this would not be interesting, but the wonderful professor from the university who presented this made it fascinating. And as a bonus here, we were given coupons entitling us to a free drink at the American Legion bar following the lecture, and I discovered that they serve Genesee Beer! 

Tuesday's talk

Thursday's talk

Thursday's treat - I should have taken a photo of the cupcakes!

I had to go to a preview of the new fall production that DH will be offering this year. In past years, there's been a interpretation of Yellow Fever, but it's been going for 14 years, and they felt they needed a change. So, this year they will be doing something new. I was excited to see what it would be like, BUT... I arrived on Tuesday morning for the preview, and decided that I wouldn't park in the lot because other docents might want to be closer to the building. I parked at a metered spot not far from DH. And proceeded to deposit my 4 quarters into the machine. Then I realized that it didn't register, and the meter was proudly proclaiming “EXPIRED”. I didn't take my phone, so I wasn't able to call the number to report a malfunction. That rather spoiled the show for me, as all I could think about was whether or not I was going to get a ticket, for something that I really shouldn't since I had put my coins in the meter. I didn't get a ticket, but I was pissed, as only I can get. I will see the program when it's given during October, so I haven't missed much, I guess. 

 

Wednesday, I had to get up early because the Lunch Bunch was meeting at a restaurant in Bluffton, SC. Connie, our leader, had been introduced to author Pat Branning, who wrote Shrimp, Collards & Grits, a cookbook. Naturally, I didn't know who this was since I don't cook, but I'm always ready to go to a new restaurant to eat. It was great, especially the company. 

 

 

I drove back to Savannah in time for my Historic Churches tour at Christ Church that afternoon. Bluffton is really less than an hour's drive away, and I enjoyed the drive with the top down on the car. Christ Church was the first organized church in Savannah, dating to 1733, although the building was not erected until 1744, and the building we were in is the third structure on this site, having been erected in 1838. There is a bell that was forged in New England by the Revere Company in 1819, and this was the home church of Juliet Gordon Low. It was really interesting to be inside the church again (I’d attended a long time ago with Jan Waggoner, and more recently to attend the compline, which isn't sung here any longer) and to learn about it. 

 

Also on Wednesday, as if I hadn't been out and about enough, I went to June and Jimmy's for my weekly Rummikub game. Tom was there because Donna had someplace else to go. I think it's a nice group, and I think we could play, even if there are 5 of us, not the 4 that the game requires.

 

I turned off the a/c this week. I don't know if it might not be a little early, but I did it. Friday was a rainy and dreary day, and I didn't think I would have to fear the sun shining through my west-facing windows and heating up the interior. Besides, I'm ready for some fresh air in here. Perhaps my electric bills will come down to more reasonable levels now. I did receive a COLA increase in my pension - less than $9 - but my property taxes went up almost $200 this year! There's no way anyone can get ahead. 

 

Friday, after DH, I went to The 90. So, what else is new. This time, Helen Jordon joined us, because she's just returned to town from a summer spent in cooler climates. Jan Vach also was there, and I know her through DH and she's a great friend of Suzy, my neighbor. Kay also was there, and we had a wonderful time talking, drinking and eating. 

 

Saturday was another early day. I was on the schedule to open BC, so I was there at 10 am. From there, I went to an open house that was being hosted by the fire department on Wilmington Island. It was really interesting, but actually it was set up more for kids and families than old people. I enjoyed watching the kids, and seeing some of the trucks and equipment. And I talked to one of the firefighters about my smoke detectors. These guys will probably never save my life, or (as I told Officer Snively, I hope to never see him!), but I wanted to thank them for all they do to keep all of us safe. 

 

And, after that, I drove out to Tybee Island (again with the top down - it's been a long time because in the summer here, it's generally too hot, and it's been a rainy fall so far, so having the top down of the little VW was a nice treat) to an art show. My friend Donna Waite, who lives at MP, was exhibiting some of her oil paintings, but there was also jewelry, glassware, watercolors, etc. I bought a print of one of her creations, the Cockspur Lighthouse that is in the Savannah River, not far from Fort Pulaski. I haven't decided if I should put it in the beach room where I sleep, or in the dining room where I have some original artwork - two Carl Lloyds, a Wm Archdeacon of my childhood “swimmin' hole” and an original fabric design by Hannah Flynn. I think I like the dining room.

 

Sunday, I was almost ready to go to Coach's for the football, when I noticed that the Bills didn't play until 4:25. I watched a couple of ho-hum games in my living room before going to the bar. Since there were only 3 games being played late in the afternoon, I got a parking spot right by the door, the waitress was attentive and I got my Millers and wings, the Bills game was on the huge screen that is usually on for Steelers games, and I was able to sit instead of standing up like I sometimes have to do. And it was a great game. Well, actually, it wasn't a good game, but it was a win. Watching the Lions on the Sunday night games wasn't as much fun. I went outside at half time to try to see the eclipse, but I couldn't even see the moon. I don't know if it was too cloudy, or if the moon was too low in the sky. 

I had a great view of the biggest screen at Coach's

not my photo, but if I'd been able to see it, it would have looked like this