2/25/2018

Weekly Update 2/25/2018

For most of this week, I was blowing my nose, sneezing and itching my eyes. It’s allergy season, and I’m miserable.

Monday night, I had planned to meet with some friends at Kevin Barry’s Irish pub to hear Harry O’Donoghue sing. At the last minute, Connie and Jim couldn’t make it, so I went with neighbors John and Dave. How different is that? I’m usually in a group of women (a large group of women, or a group of large women???), and I can’t remember going out when the men outnumbered the ladies; it was 2 to 1. Of course, the music was great, and I really enjoyed it.

Barbara and I went out to lunch on Tuesday. I discovered that my first choice, Back in the Day Bakery, has cut back on business hours, and is only open Thursday thru Sunday. So, we went to Larry’s, an old, but well liked diner near us in Thunderbolt. I had an omelet – typical diner food - and it was good. I’ve driven past many many times, and it always seemed intriguing. And now we know.

The weather has turned warmer, and I'm almost ready to put away my socks and shoes in exchange for flip flops. But, before I could do that, I needed to get a pedicure. Since I’m often not motivated to walk, I decided to try a new nail salon within walking distance, and I did that on Wednesday. It was ok, and cost the same as the place I've gone to for years. Also, because the temps are climbing towards 80, I got to the pool. I didn’t go in the water, but I was there for about an hour on Thursday and for a short time on Sunday. I’m really looking forward to swimming instead of walking.

I don’t have much luck with plants, so imagine my surprise when I looked at my violet, and it was in bloom! I stole this planter from my sister on one of my last visits to Rochester. It’s one that my mother had made in her china painting classes. It never occurred to me that I’d get a nice flower in it!

In addition to my regular DH tours on Friday, I had two other events to attend. Because the admission fees for the house museum tours contribute only a very small part of what funds are needed to maintain the house, there are annual fund-raising events. This year, it was on Sunday, and on Thursday, there was a VIP reception. I, of course, can’t afford to buy a ticket to these things, but I volunteered for set up and housekeeping duties. Thursday’s party was held at the lovely home of a member on Jones Street. The weather was delightful, and things were set up in the house as well as the garden. I walked around and collected empty wine glasses. Sunday, I was at Brockington Hall, an event venue that was a huge home originally built in 1882. Here, I handed out the souvenir wine glasses to arriving guests. I felt almost as if I was Jim Williams, hosting one of his famous Christmas parties attended by the who’s who of Savannah.  

wonderful food inthe dining room

the bar was in the garden

Brockington Hall

handing out the souvenir wine glasses

more great food

2/18/2018

Weekly Update 2/18/2018

The Lunch Bunch met Tuesday at Bella's, an Italian restaurant. It was great. It’s always wonderful to be with these ladies! Who’s the Butch with the short hair and plaid shirt?

Because the restaurant we went to was not far from Habersham Liquor Store (one of the best in Savannah), I just had to buy a bottle of chocolate cherry Bailey’s. And it went to good use as I did get my taxes done on Tuesday, too. Not my favorite thing to be doing, except that I live in Georgia, where my contribution is $0. I’ll be getting a federal refund, too. I never know how to figure it so that I break even, but it doesn’t really matter. My definition of being rich has always been - if I have enough money to do what I want, I’m rich. And I do, so I’m rich. The Bailey’s was rich too. I had a pretty good headache the next day.

Heidi had a “party” on Valentine’s Day for several of us who don’t have valentines in our lives. It was fun – we dressed in our comfy pajamas and met at her house for snacks, roast pork, wine, and wonderful desserts. It’s not the same as having someone special who cares about you, but it’s all I've got!

As a wonderful surprise, when I was at Walmart, pawing through the valentine’s day peanut butter cups that were on sale, I saw that the Cadbury eggs are on the shelves! Hooray! Only a few weeks and I can get those for half price.

Friday, as I was walking back to my car after being at The 90 for a drink with Kay after DH, a crew had set up to film a movie outside of DH. I think the title is Writers’ Block, but I don’t know. It was interesting to see the street blocked off, and people in costumes ready to be called to act. Many films are shot in Savannah, but I don’t usually get an up close look at the process.

I had a tour at BC on Saturday morning. The bus with 50 people was supposed to be there at 9 am, but they were a little early. Luckily, so was I, but unluckily, the other tour guide never showed, and I had to give the talk to all 50. I thought I would lose my voice from yelling so loudly so all could hear me, but (once again) I’m a trouper and do my best for the Historical Society. In the afternoon, I sat at the desk at the Visitor Center with my friend, Kathryn, to hand out maps and answer questions. This was the weekend of the annual Book Fest, a program that I have enjoyed so much in years past. I was too busy to attend this year, but I’m not sure I even missed it. It’s become so large, it’s hard to get into the venues to listen to the authors I want to hear. Maybe next year I’ll get back to it.

Last week on this blog, I sang the virtues of the coming spring. This week, I’m lamenting that I was happy to see new growth on the trees. Along with the lovely magnolia flowers and cherry blossoms, comes pine dust. It is a terrible irritant, and I’ve been sneezing and blowing my nose for a few days. It will only get worse. And my car suffers with all the yellow pollen on it, too. Two days after I’d washed it, it was covered with the fine yellow dust. Yuck.

As the temps promise to climb to near 80 this week, I packed away my snowmen stuff and dragged out the St Patrick’s Day things. I made a leprechaun for my outhouse. I’m getting a little bored with this outhouse craft thing, and this might be the last one I make (I can use the ones I’ve already created). I did not make any thing for Valentine’s Day, although for people like me who have been dumped and do not celebrate a day of romantic love, a shit house actually seems like an appropriate place for cupid.

2/11/2018

Weekly Update 2/11/2018

I started the week by Getting Some Things Done. The Library is demanding that we get new cards because they are joining a larger system which will give us better access to more materials. So I did that. I went to the post office to apply for a passport renewal. Mine is going to expire in August, and I want to get a new one. I may never travel again, but I still think it’s the best kind of ID to have, so I’m good for another 10 years. I re-sealed the ceramic tiles in the foyer. I’m supposed to do that once a year, so I just got that done. I even got started doing taxes. I didn’t do much, and it’s such a hassle, I’m not looking forward to it, but I did get some ducks in a row.

And, I got my hair cut. It’s something I’ve been thinking of doing for a long time, and I finally did it. I had a coupon for Great Clips (probably not worth the savings, as I should pay a good price and a really great cut), and I have time to grow it out again before The Wedding in January. But I wanted to get rid of the long, ugly hair and try something different. And it sure is different! Too bad I did it just before applying for the passport! This is my passport photo, AKA mugshot:

This week, Jane and I took a free second Tuesday tour of City Hall. I have done this before, but I always enjoy it. This was the first time for Jane.

city hall

looking up at the dome from inside

  

Thursday, I went to a lecture at TLC about the Savannah Bananas baseball team. It was pretty good. The publicity manager for the team explained to us that this is not about sport, it’s about entertainment – a fun evening for the whole family that includes not only a game, but a dancing first base coach, groundskeepers dressed as bananas, senior line dancers, and just a lot of fun. The season tickets for 2018 are already sold out, and there’s a sign up list for single game tickets. I don’t know if I’ll get to a game this year but I plan to try.  

Friday was a very busy day for me. It was supposed to rain, but it held off long enough for the Georgia Day Parade. I try to get to this event every year. It’s when the school children in Chatham County parade down Bull Street in costume to celebrate the day of the founding of the Colony of Georgia. They are darli

some paraders, marching down Bull Street

some costumes were really elaborate and creative

I sat in Forsyth Park for a while after the parade and before the rain and DH. The blooms are coming out! Yes!

Then, DH, followed by The 90. Kay and I had dinner there and a couple of drinks before walking to the Savannah Theater in the rain to see a local production of Mama Mia. It’s the same group that does all the Savannah Theater performances, and it was really fun.  There isn't a lot of this type of entertainment in Savannah, so it was great. 

Donna and the Dynamos

the Grand Finale

Saturday, rain was forecast again (seems as if it ALWAYS rains for Georgia Days), but in a lull, I drove out to Wormsloe Historic Site for the annual colonial Muster. As always, I loved it. Families learning about history and nature, vendors showcasing 1700’s goods, demonstrations of cooking, smithing, and other crafts, native American interpreters, a parade, canon and musket firings, all sorts of interesting displays. And the rain held off. I even got to talk to James Oglethorpe!  

native American cooking

Colonial dancers

Jimmy

Sunday was Super Museum Sunday, when most museums all across Georgia are open and admission is free. Because it’s also the second Sunday of the month, I needed to be at BC to give a tour. I can go to most museums any time, so this isn’t a big problem for me. And it didn’t rain, it was warm, and I liked being outside. Spring is coming – to Savannah, anyway.  

2/4/2018

Weekly Update2/4/2018

I have trouble getting motivated to go for a walk. And I truly do not like to drive to someplace, like Daffin Park (I’ll do that if I’m already out doing errands, but to just go there and no place else seems silly to me) to walk when there’s a perfectly decent trail right across the street from me. But, Tuesday, I drove to Bluffton TO WALK. I really wanted to go there because I’ve heard that they have a lot of very nice consignment shops, and I will need to have some sort of party dress or gown for The Wedding next January. It’s too early yet to shop seriously, as I don’t know what style, what color, anything about what I’m supposed to wear, but I wanted to check out some stores. When I got to Bluffton, about a 45 minute drive from home, I walked around the historic area. After I did that for more than hour, I didn’t want to shop. I just went home. Settled in 1728, Bluffton was made up of mostly cotton and rice plantations until the American Civil War. The Federal army occupied Bluffton after the Battle of Port Royal in November 1861, and destroyed most of the town in June, 1863. It was slow to rebuild, and today is primarily a tourist destination, half way between Savannah and Hilton Head. I’m sure I’ll be back to look for wedding dresses again before next winter, but on this trip, I just wandered around.  

Heyward House

Church of the Cross

along the May river

Jane and I went out to fort Pulaski to take a walk. The weather was cool, but sunny and it was a nice day to walk.

the Fort in the background

I went out to eat both Thursday and Friday evenings. Restaurant Week seems to bring out the desire to get out and enjoy something besides Lean Cuisine. On Thursday, I met friends at 45 Bistro, and had a wonderful chicken and risotto dish. Friday, I was at The 90 with other friends for filet of beef slices over garlic smashed potatoes. I meant to take photos, but whatever was on my plate was gone before I could get to my phone.

I’m back to giving tours at DH after enjoying time off during the month of January. I still remember how to do it, but it’s was a little difficult as I need to incorporate a bit of the stories of Nancy, Bella, Davy and Ned into my tales, along with Sarah and Isaiah. And on my second tour, a tourist was wearing a Buffalo Bills cap. I couldn’t concentrate, as all I wanted to ask about was Jim Kelly, what about next year, etc.

It rained all day Sunday, but I didn’t want to go out and do anything anyway. I watched a Tottenham Hospurs game, that was very exciting as they tied the score at the very end when Harry Kane got his 100^th goal on a penalty kick. And then it was just waiting for The Game. I had predicted that the Patriots would allow the Eagles to lead at the half, and then come back in the fourth quarter to break our hearts. And that very nearly happened. But somehow Philadelphia held on to win. Amazing. And, did everyone see the commercial for I’m 85 and I wanna go home, which featured a guy who got a job as a lifeguard in Savannah? I’m pretty sure he doesn’t work at Tybee, but how cool was that? There were some good ads.  

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