12/31/2023

 

Weekly Update 12/31/2023

Because I had been going going going for the weeks leading up to Christmas Day, I was content to spend December 25 watching the NFL games with friends.

The day after Christmas, it was raining, and I talked myself out of going for a walk. Instead, I went to Hobby Lobby, Home Goods and At Home, looking for bargains. I needed nothing, and I wasn’t really looking for anything special. But, I spent about $100 on crap. Something new for my front door to replace the wreath I’ve hung there for years, some cards in case I decide to do cards next year, some cute decorations that I can gift next year as well as holiday gift bags to put them in, a couple of small wreathes for John and Dessie, and green lights - not for Christmas, but to use for St Patrick’s Day.

It looked like rain again on Wednesday, but I was determined to get back into my routine, and I went for my walk. Then I went to GM to give tours in the afternoon. It was not crowded. I was talking to the docent I was to replace and said I thought more people would be interested in General Sherman than Julien Green, so my knowledge of him is minimal. Wouldn’t you know it, the first tour I had was a family visiting from France. They were VERY interested in Julien Green, and wanted to know all about his connection to Savannah. I did my best.

The old group was going to meet at The 90 for drinks late that afternoon, and since I was already downtown, I walked over and joined them. I think it’s been a year since I was there last. Not much has changed.

Then, it was back to GM because I had a ticket to attend the special evening event, the War Years in Savannah. There was a little play in each of five rooms, each from a different year 1860 – 1864. I knew most of the actors, and it was interesting, informative, and fun.

I’ve begun to clean out old files and shred a lot of old utility bills, service receipts and unnecessary paperwork. What a mess. I think I’m half way through, and I’ve filled two big garbage bags already. I’’m not in a big hurry to shred any more, but I’ll probably keep at it throughout January. I don’t do this often, and a lot of useless documents needed to be dumped.

Football was interesting. How about those Dawgs! This team isn’t competing for a national championship because…? I’d sure like to see Alabama get their Tide Rolled on January 1. The Bills didn’t look good against the Pats, but they’re still in the race. Next weeks game should be very interesting indeed and there’s a lot at stake. Today’s game was not on Network TV, so for the first time this season I went to the bar to watch. I forgot how nice it is to watch all the games at once. Miami didn’t survive the Ravens, and I was not unhappy about that. But I really enjoyed watching the Cardinals beat the Eagles. Those rowdy Eagles fans were pretty quiet as they left the bar after the defeat.

Nothing going on for the New Year’s Eve. I’m too old for this. I will probably make it til midnight, because its not unusual for me to be awake that late. But I’ll be in my own home, and the others idiot drivers can weave along the highways without me. Stay safe everyone! And Happy New Year!

12/24/2023

 

Weekly Update 12/24//2023

The week started off very busy with dinner with friends at Denise’s house, meeting friends for lunch, drinks with other friends, trips to the post office, baking, and visiting friends from the “old neighborhood”. But, after Thursday, things got very quiet, and I’m not unhappy about that.

I’ve been walking when I can. To try to keep it interesting, I walk where I think there might be Christmas decorations. Many have inflatables, but since I’m walking in the daylight, often they are just in heaps on the ground. I think there’s something terribly wrong about snowmen, polar bears, and penguins in Savannah, but if they make the homeowners happy, it hardly matters what I think. Some house have nothing, not even a wreath on the door. I think I’ve seen as many Grinches as nativity scenes, and that seems odd that people would honor a mean monster, but not the Peace on Earth motif. I saw this house, and wondered “really?”

At library book club this past week, we did something a little different. Instead of reading a book, we each shared our favorite cookbook, and if we wanted to, we could bring a sample. I shared this book that I received in 1969 as a wedding shower gift! I made one of the Christmas cookie recipes, too. That was a fun way to be with those friends during the holiday season.

I had been gifted a Buffalo Bills Advent Calendar, and each morning I looked forward to opening the next window. I will never need another keychain for as long as I live, but I also got such treats as a tiny Lego player, some earrings and bracelets, pins, and just fun stuff. It was so much fun.

I wish I could be a fly on the wall when Adrian and Annie get up tomorrow. I saw some videos today of opening presents at Brian and Sharon’s house, and Adrian seemed to be just delighted with the Bluey dollhouse (I think that’s what it was) and Annie enjoyed the wrapping paper. Little children, and the magic they bring to the season, makes everything all right. Annie took her first steps this week, and I think there will be no stopping her.

12/17/2023

 

Weekly Update 12/17//2023

This was a busy week, trying to get ready for Christmas. I had a couple of parties and lunchs to attend, and I created my cards. I’m almost done, but if you don’t get a card by Christmas day, it’s probably stuck in Jacksonville.

On Tuesday, the ladies who meet for wine on Wednesday had their holiday party at Diane’s lovely home in the Landings (an exclusive gated community near Savannah). I didn’t bake cookies this year, but instead made muffins. I found a new recipe for gingerbread muffins, and I thought they were wonderful. I also made my old recipe of pumpkin muffins, and they are always good. Paired with a portion of hot apple cider mix, I gathered up my little packages, packed up my roasted brussell sprouts, and went off to the party. It was very nice indeed, to spend time with good friends in a relaxed way. And I ate too much.

Wednesday was the day I had been dreading for a very long time. Lisa has always told me that I shouldn’t worry so much, because it only makes it worse: you won’t change the outcome by worrying and if what you fear doesn’t happen you’ve worried for nothing. This was nothing. I had my annual checkup with my doctor first thing in the morning. Not much has changed since I last visited, and he did not need to change my BP meds or prescribe anything new. I had a late morning appointment to have the “software update” on my car. I wasn’t sure if visiting Dr M would take a long time, and I’d be late for the Hyundai dealership appointment, but that was a non-issue and I had plenty of time. I was also terrified of what a “software update” would cost. The bill was for $0! My mood lifted considerably as I drove home. I’m in relatively good health and my car shouldn’t need any repairs for a while. That’s a good feeling.

In addition to my regular volunteer time at City Hall on Tuesday, I went back on Thursday for the office party. There are only three employees and myself, so we went to Vic’s on the River for a lunch. Then, we had a tour of the River Street Inn. It is listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and overlooks River Street and the Savannah River. It is expanding to include a new speakeasy and restaurant. All decorated for Christmas, it was old, rustic, and elegant, all at the same time.

Saturday, Kay, Jan, Denise and I drove to Midway, GA. It was raining, so we didn’t get to walk around the historic cemetery there or the church building which dates from 1792, but we had tea in the museum, and then a museum tour. Midway was organized by Puritans from New England and South Carolina in 1754, and is named because it is half way between Savannah and Darien. The settlers were primarily rice planters who developed large plantations that were worked by slaves. Although the museum is not a historic building itself, it houses many antiques and highlights a display of the three signers of the Declaration of Independence who were from Georgia: Button Gwinnett, George Walton and Lyman Hall. I had not been there in a very long time, and it was nice to see the displays again.

Sunday it rained it all day, part of a weather system that extended from Florida all along the coast to New England. So, I had an excuse to sit in my recliner and watch NFL (and I’d watched a lot on Saturday as well). My streak has ended. I’ve walked for a t least an hour every single day since October 9, but that’s over now. I’m not sorry about missing a day; in fact, it was becoming an obsession, which is not good. The Bills game was almost boring. They played very well on both sides of the ball.

Adrian and Annie just keep getting more and more adorable. I sent books to them for Christmas, all wrapped and ready to go under their tree. For Adrian, I sent Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel, a story I remember from elementary school. I think they have visited with Santa a few times, but neither is enthusiastic about getting close to the strange looking old man.

12/10/2023

 

Weekly Update 12/10//2023

There was a lot going on this week.

I attended a lecture by Andrew Nedd at TLC on Tuesday evening. I’ve know Andrew for several years. He is a professor of Art History at SCAD. I’d never heard him speak until this week. It was sponsored by the Victorian Society, and he spoke on Russian Art, mostly during the Napoleonic Wars.

Wednesday, I went to The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum for an author talk. The book is Air Born Two Generations in Flight by Jan Davis. Her father was a bomber pilot in WWII, and she was an astronaut in the 1980s. She compared their training, leadership, and missions. It was surprising how two very different experiences had more in common that you would think.

That evening, I went to the CMA social gathering for the holidays. It was held in the Colonial Dames House, which is directly across the street from the Cathedral and Abercorn Street. There is no mark to indicate what the purpose of the building is, and I assumed it was a private residence. I was surprised to find that the Colonial Dames (an organization comprising women who descend from one or more ancestors who lived in British North America between 1607 and 1775, and who aided the colonies in public office, in military service, or in another acceptable capacity) use the building. I liked being in the house, and probably will never have another chance.

Thursday, I gave my first tours at GM House. Unlike DH, docents do not give tours of the entire house, but I was stationed in the upstairs and just had to talk about what is up there. Not my favorite because most of the history is explained downstairs, and the upstairs is where Julien Green’s furniture and memorabilia is located. Julien Green, grandson of the builder of Green Meldrim House, was a famous author, but he was born and lived all his life in Paris France. Following an extended period of negotiations, much of his furniture was returned to Savannah a few years ago, and many of the items had originally been in the house when the Green family lived here. But, that’s kinda boring since most Americans neither know nor care who Julien Green was. I think I did ok with my talk, but it pointed out to me how much I still have to learn. Following that, I went out to TLC for the British Mysteries Book Club. Our read this month was The Santa Klaus Murders by Mavis Doriel Hay. It was not Agatha Christie, but it was a fun December read. I next went to Daffin Park so I could walk, and then I went to Barnes and Nobles at the Mall. I was looking for a specific book, and they did not have it in stock, in spite of saying they did on the website. That was a rather wasted trip. But, I really didn’t have time to drive all the way home, and then just turn around and drive back for this evening’s meeting. I attended a lecture at Bethesda Academy. Bethesda is an orphanage that was founded in 1740 by evangelist George Whitefield. I’ve been wanting to visit this museum, but it is open by appointment only, and I wasn’t going to have them open it for just me. When I learned there was going to be a talk, I wanted to go. There were things to eat and drink in the museum, and I wandered around reading all the info for an hour before the talk. Then, a lecture was held in the chapel of the Academy. I think this was the first of a series of lectures, and I hope to attend them all.

Thursday was a very long day.

Friday was much easier. I met Jane and Denise for lattes at Whole Food, and I went out for dinner with Kay in the evening.

Saturday morning, I was back at GM. The museum was open as part to the Tour of Homes. I didn’t need to give a tour, but I stayed in the dining room and talked about some interesting things to notice in that room. It was easier to do just one room. While that was going on, St Johns was hosting Breakfast with Santa in the garden area between GM house and the church. There were some very delightful little children, all dressed up to have photos taken with Santa. That was so much fun to watch.

In the evening, I had a tour of Savannah in the electric car guided ride to see the lights.  Because it was at the same time as the downtown parade (poor planning, as the traffic was awful), I didn't get to see much except other cars.  I did get a glimpse of Santa driving one of the horse drawn carriages, however. 

Sunday, I had a ticket to go to a Johnny Mercer event at the History Museum. I regretted that I wasted an NFL Sunday for information that I already knew. But I was back home in time for the Bills game. I thought the event was the opening of new exhibit, but the things in the show I had seen many times before. I also understood there would be a guided tour, but that didn’t happen. I sat in the lobby and “watched” the games on my phone until the movie began. Clint Eastwood made a documentary of Johnny Mercer’s life. That I had never seen, so I was interested I that. Again, I knew everything, but it was rather fun to listen to so many familiar songs.

The Bills beat KC, but it was a tough win. They started strong, then faded. At least the penalties and turnovers were minimal. Except for the HORRIBLE mistake that would have given the Chiefs the win.

I saw this sticker on the gas pump when I filled the car up this week. I’m not sure if it means that Joe Biden I responsible for the high prices, or if he’s being thanked because the prices are coming down. I suspect it’s the first option.

Adrian and Annie are adorable. When I was watching the Breakfast with Santa, and the excitement of the little kids, I really made me think about what I was missing by being so far from my greats. It also made me very grateful that Sarah is so kind to continue to send photos all the time. That helps me feel not quite so distant.

12/3/2023

 

Weekly Update 12/3//2023

There was training this week for the interpretation of the Green Meldrim House for Christmas. It’s decorated beautifully. I’ll be doing my first tour there next week.

I attended a meeting at Savannah State University on Tuesday. I thought it was going to be about the history and plans for the Kiah House, but it was a symposium requesting input about what interested people would like to see at the site. I most enjoyed listening to people talk who knew Virginia or Calvin Kiah. I had only been to SSU one other time, so this was something new for me. I had to ask a student for directions to the library where the meeting was held. I felt very very old!

On Friday, I met other volunteers from The Bonaventure Historical Society in Monterey Square. We had offered to assist the City in decorating the square for Christmas. I’d never done this before, and always assumed it was the neighborhoods surrounding the squares who did the decorating. We were supplied with the greenery and red bows, and had to attach them to the lightposts. It only took about an hour. I did not get on any ladder – I’m too smart for that! But I tried to be helpful.

What could be nicer than an Advent Calendar to get me in the spirit of the season? Answer: a Buffalo Bills Advent Calendar. Thanks, Dave and Lisa. I get a little surprise every day. The first window I opened was a teeny Cleveland Brown – I liked that. Today I opened a teeny Dallas Cowboy - I was hoping for something better. At least I didn’t have to watch Buffalo lose this week. That will happen next Sunday.

Here’s a few things I noticed as I took my walks this week:

Remember when a bell ringer would stand in the snow and cold outside the mall with a red Salvation Army bucket hanging nearby? I passed a bucket this week, but no one was ringing a bell or smiling and wishing passers by a Merry Christmas. Instead there a code with a link to make a donation. Happy Future!

Richard Kessler may be the richest man in Savannah, and have the biggest house, but that doesn’t make have good taste. Whey would he do this?

Adrian and Annie are beginning to look a lot like Christmas.