I've been calling this Kum Ba Yah Day tongue-in-cheek, but it has proved to be an emotional, kind of gut wrenching experience to be here until the last service. But first things first.
I spent the day thinking that with the reduced population on the grounds, and the fact that many places are closed: the Refectory (where you get stuff to eat), the coffee kiosk (proudly serving Starbucks Coffee), the shops - that it would be fairly easy to get the message that the season is over and it's time to go home.
The last Sunday service was very touching. The choir was larger than you would expect. . . . It was pretty cold and rainy. Compared to last week when we were dying of the humidity and heat, this was a blessing. After the service the choir had a potluck picnic, under cover because of the rain. That was fun. I ate alot. What can I say. . . the desert table alone was phenominal.
I came back to the room and took a nap after that big lunch. A military jazz band played at 2:30, but I went to my last movie. It was called Gotta Dance and was a delightful documentary about the New Jersey Nets basketball team that hired a senior citizen hip hop dance troup. They picked 10 women and one man and had them perform at 6 games. It was all about the people who auditioned, and then showed them learning their dances and performing. Really a great movie for this crowd. In true Chautauqua style, at the end of the movie the woman who had figured most predominantly in the movie was in the house, and is a life-long Chautauquan. It was fun to hear her experiences and ask questions.
I ate the rest of the turkey chili and headed to the practice preceding the last Sacred Song Service and closing ceremony. The music was beautiful, the service meaningful. They read many passages from early services at Chautauqua. I never cease to be amazed at the rich history of this place. After the service and the final performance of Handel's Largo on the Massey organ, the president of Chautauqua spoke briefly, wrapping up the season, and then had the final three taps of the gavel to close the season. I had been here week 1 to hear the three taps to open the season, so this was full-circle for me. I truly believe that within a couple of years I will be someone who is up here for the entire 9 week season. There just doesn't seem to be any other place on earth that is better for me to be. The end of the season proved to be pretty emotional. I looked out on the audience and saw so many people I knew. I spent the next 45 minutes to an hour walking around the grounds and finding the people I had met to say goodbye.
So tomorrow I leave to go home. I got an email from doggy camp, and Chester has been sort of getting along with others. Even managed to swim in the lake with other male dogs without fighting. That's an improvement.
So that's about it for Chautauqua 2009. Thanks for following. I'm planning to keep blogging as the spirit moves me, probably not anywhere near every day. But I have received emails from people I don't even know, so somehow people can find blogs. I learned that in Julie and Julia yesterday! Love and peace to you all. RP
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
August 29
This day of respite was pretty terrific. With almost nothing scheduled except to allow most people to check out, there was a relaxation of the sometimes frantic movement from one activity to another as everyone tries to cram in as many enriching experiences as possible.
This morning I awoke and went to buy my paper, and to go to the Farmer's Market for the last time. I talked to the soup guy about his recipe for the outstanding beans and greens soup that I have had a couple of times. Today he had turkey chili, and since it is cool and rainy for the next two days, I decided a large container of that would see me through to the end.
I left around 8:45 to go over to the Disciples house where Phyllis and Bill were staying. I knew they were leaving this morning and I figured I could help them load their car in the steady rain. As I turned the corner I saw Phyllis getting into the car where Bill was already in the driver's seat. I had to literally run to make it to say goodbye to them before they pulled away. Again. . . .I'm chasing after a 91 year old, and and 87 year old. I told them I would see them next summer!!!
I jumped on the tram bus and went out to the north end of the grounds where I joined a Peace Pole walk. The concept of Peace Poles was developed by the Japanese after WWII. There are well over a dozen or so poles on the Chautauqua grounds. They are made in Michigan, and people put them in their yards as a testament to the desire for world peace. Most of them are 4-sided, about 6+ feet tall. When you order your Peace Pole you tell what 4 languages you want. The message on each side of the pole is one of peace in the world, or peace in the community. We visited all the poles in the grounds (took about 2 hours). When we got to the house with the pole, the owners came out and told us about their language selections and about the significance of their poles. Some people selected languages of their heritage, and many chose languages from countries where there is no peace. There is also the choice of putting sign language, braille, paw prints to represent animals, and also Native American languages. There are hundreds of languages to choose from. It was a really interesting way to see the grounds, talk to owners, and learn more history of Chautauqua. You can Google Peace Poles for more info. I'm thinking about getting one for my lawn at home. There are Peace Poles all over the world.
I had to leave the walk for about 20 minutes in order to move my kitchen food stuffs from the house where I'm staying to a neighboring house. So I'm in the same room for the next two nights, but I have a new kitchen.
Once the walk was finished, I ate some lunch (chili and fruit) and decided to drive to Jamestown to see the movie Julie and Julia which was terrific! Then I decided to drive all the way around Chautauqua Lake. The lake is 20+ miles long and 2 1/2 miles wide. It was a beautiful drive, and I admit I stopped for an ice cream cone in Mayville before arriving back on the grounds. I'm listening to Sidney Poitier's book The Measure of a Man, which I started on the trip up. I got to hear a couple of chapters today, and I'm looking forward to finishing that book on the way home. It was pretty wonderful doing my favorite activity. . .driving around. At one time I had a panoramic view of Lake Erie in the distance.
Final choir practice tonight. We sing tomorrow at church, then have our choir picnic, then sing for the final Sacred Song Service tomorrow night, which ends with the three taps of the gavel signifying the end of the season.
One cool story from my walk with the Peace Pole people (say that 10 times fast). . .we got to the home of the man who started Murphy's 5 & 10 cent stores. A beautiful house overlooking the lake. On the shutters of the house there was a cut out V on the left shutter, and an X on the right shutter of every window. It took me a moment to figure that out. . . . . .5 and 10. Get it???? One of many great stories I heard on the walk.
So as the strains of Elvis Costello drift through my window from the concert next door, I'll sign off on this second to the last night of the 2009 season! RP
This morning I awoke and went to buy my paper, and to go to the Farmer's Market for the last time. I talked to the soup guy about his recipe for the outstanding beans and greens soup that I have had a couple of times. Today he had turkey chili, and since it is cool and rainy for the next two days, I decided a large container of that would see me through to the end.
I left around 8:45 to go over to the Disciples house where Phyllis and Bill were staying. I knew they were leaving this morning and I figured I could help them load their car in the steady rain. As I turned the corner I saw Phyllis getting into the car where Bill was already in the driver's seat. I had to literally run to make it to say goodbye to them before they pulled away. Again. . . .I'm chasing after a 91 year old, and and 87 year old. I told them I would see them next summer!!!
I jumped on the tram bus and went out to the north end of the grounds where I joined a Peace Pole walk. The concept of Peace Poles was developed by the Japanese after WWII. There are well over a dozen or so poles on the Chautauqua grounds. They are made in Michigan, and people put them in their yards as a testament to the desire for world peace. Most of them are 4-sided, about 6+ feet tall. When you order your Peace Pole you tell what 4 languages you want. The message on each side of the pole is one of peace in the world, or peace in the community. We visited all the poles in the grounds (took about 2 hours). When we got to the house with the pole, the owners came out and told us about their language selections and about the significance of their poles. Some people selected languages of their heritage, and many chose languages from countries where there is no peace. There is also the choice of putting sign language, braille, paw prints to represent animals, and also Native American languages. There are hundreds of languages to choose from. It was a really interesting way to see the grounds, talk to owners, and learn more history of Chautauqua. You can Google Peace Poles for more info. I'm thinking about getting one for my lawn at home. There are Peace Poles all over the world.
I had to leave the walk for about 20 minutes in order to move my kitchen food stuffs from the house where I'm staying to a neighboring house. So I'm in the same room for the next two nights, but I have a new kitchen.
Once the walk was finished, I ate some lunch (chili and fruit) and decided to drive to Jamestown to see the movie Julie and Julia which was terrific! Then I decided to drive all the way around Chautauqua Lake. The lake is 20+ miles long and 2 1/2 miles wide. It was a beautiful drive, and I admit I stopped for an ice cream cone in Mayville before arriving back on the grounds. I'm listening to Sidney Poitier's book The Measure of a Man, which I started on the trip up. I got to hear a couple of chapters today, and I'm looking forward to finishing that book on the way home. It was pretty wonderful doing my favorite activity. . .driving around. At one time I had a panoramic view of Lake Erie in the distance.
Final choir practice tonight. We sing tomorrow at church, then have our choir picnic, then sing for the final Sacred Song Service tomorrow night, which ends with the three taps of the gavel signifying the end of the season.
One cool story from my walk with the Peace Pole people (say that 10 times fast). . .we got to the home of the man who started Murphy's 5 & 10 cent stores. A beautiful house overlooking the lake. On the shutters of the house there was a cut out V on the left shutter, and an X on the right shutter of every window. It took me a moment to figure that out. . . . . .5 and 10. Get it???? One of many great stories I heard on the walk.
So as the strains of Elvis Costello drift through my window from the concert next door, I'll sign off on this second to the last night of the 2009 season! RP
Friday, August 28, 2009
August 28
CRANKING DOWN, BUT STILL RICH AND FULL
This was a great day, in spite of the noticeable lessening of activities and people.
Our last weekday church service was today, which meant my last singing with just the motet choir and the last time to hear Otis Moss this year. The choir holds a breakfast every Friday, and even though I stick to my regular breakfast, I show up to socialize. Funny how now that we're practically done, I'm beginning to feel a part of this group. They have a winter retreat over a weekend, and I will come if I can depending on the time and the weather. At the end of every Friday service, Jared Jacobsen, our choir master and the organist, play's Widor's Toccata #5 which is always thrilling.
After church, I had arranged to meet a new friend, Jane to drive into Jamestown (home of Lucille Ball) and go to visit the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History. I admit I did not know about this man who is responsible for the Peterson: Field Guide to the Birds, the largest selling bird guide in the world. If you have a bird book, it's likely that it's one of his. The building was an architectural wonder in stone and wood. . .very Mission-style. The original drawings/paintings of the birds were on display and they were spectacular. I was so glad to get to see this exhibit. After visiting that, we made a quick stop at Wegmans where I picked up some pasta salad to take to the choir picnic on Sunday. Then we drove to Mayville to get some lunch.
It was pretty cool being off the grounds. We got back in time for me to attend the final of a group of weekly presentations that have highlighted a different part of Chautauquan history each week. This week they picked 5 active Chautauquans to showcase 5 Giants of Chautauqua. Each person picked someone from the history and presented a slideshow/talk about that person. They were fascinating. One person chose the wife of Mr. Bestor, for whom Bestor Plaza is named. They showed pictures of this woman with Eleanor Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart. Another presented about George Sheridan, the head of the piano department in the early years. And one man chose his own father who was in the audience and had worked on the grounds for 53 years as a groundskeeper and fireman among other things. I really enjoyed this program.
Had choir practice tonight at 6:00. The big choir still has to sing Sunday morning and Sunday evening. Then went to the Sara Evans Concert. I don't know her music, but I know that she is a country star and was on Dancing With the Stars. She had some hard core fans in the audience from off the grounds, but most people were like me and didn't know the songs. However, she got a warm reception and gave an enthusiastic and loud performance. Tomorrow night is Elvis Costello!
Tomorrow night and Sunday night I will stay in the same room, but all of us in this building will move our food stuff to a kitchen in an adjoining building so that they can begin to clean our kitchen. There are going to be some significant renovations taking place on our building soon after the season is over.
It will be hard to leave, but I will be ready to go home, get my doggy and start back into my life at home. But in the meantime, I have two whole days left and I plan to make the most of them. RP
This was a great day, in spite of the noticeable lessening of activities and people.
Our last weekday church service was today, which meant my last singing with just the motet choir and the last time to hear Otis Moss this year. The choir holds a breakfast every Friday, and even though I stick to my regular breakfast, I show up to socialize. Funny how now that we're practically done, I'm beginning to feel a part of this group. They have a winter retreat over a weekend, and I will come if I can depending on the time and the weather. At the end of every Friday service, Jared Jacobsen, our choir master and the organist, play's Widor's Toccata #5 which is always thrilling.
After church, I had arranged to meet a new friend, Jane to drive into Jamestown (home of Lucille Ball) and go to visit the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History. I admit I did not know about this man who is responsible for the Peterson: Field Guide to the Birds, the largest selling bird guide in the world. If you have a bird book, it's likely that it's one of his. The building was an architectural wonder in stone and wood. . .very Mission-style. The original drawings/paintings of the birds were on display and they were spectacular. I was so glad to get to see this exhibit. After visiting that, we made a quick stop at Wegmans where I picked up some pasta salad to take to the choir picnic on Sunday. Then we drove to Mayville to get some lunch.
It was pretty cool being off the grounds. We got back in time for me to attend the final of a group of weekly presentations that have highlighted a different part of Chautauquan history each week. This week they picked 5 active Chautauquans to showcase 5 Giants of Chautauqua. Each person picked someone from the history and presented a slideshow/talk about that person. They were fascinating. One person chose the wife of Mr. Bestor, for whom Bestor Plaza is named. They showed pictures of this woman with Eleanor Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart. Another presented about George Sheridan, the head of the piano department in the early years. And one man chose his own father who was in the audience and had worked on the grounds for 53 years as a groundskeeper and fireman among other things. I really enjoyed this program.
Had choir practice tonight at 6:00. The big choir still has to sing Sunday morning and Sunday evening. Then went to the Sara Evans Concert. I don't know her music, but I know that she is a country star and was on Dancing With the Stars. She had some hard core fans in the audience from off the grounds, but most people were like me and didn't know the songs. However, she got a warm reception and gave an enthusiastic and loud performance. Tomorrow night is Elvis Costello!
Tomorrow night and Sunday night I will stay in the same room, but all of us in this building will move our food stuff to a kitchen in an adjoining building so that they can begin to clean our kitchen. There are going to be some significant renovations taking place on our building soon after the season is over.
It will be hard to leave, but I will be ready to go home, get my doggy and start back into my life at home. But in the meantime, I have two whole days left and I plan to make the most of them. RP
Thursday, August 27, 2009
August 27
More Big Guns. . .just not quite as big. . . .
Today's lecturer was Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. He was a great speaker, very knowledgeable, personable, and he made some great points. Sandra Day O'Connor was in the audience as well. She is a regular Chautauquan. After the lecture I ate lunch and went back to see Mary, my massage therapist. She spent a half hour showing me how to do hand and forearm massages on seniors. To teach this to me she had to give me a great hand and arm massage, and then I had to give her one. It was fun to be on the other side. Now I have to take what I know and go back and just be brave enough to march into that nursing home and get started. That seems like the hard part.
After that I went to the gym, as I hadn't been in two days and to tell the truth what I really needed was a shower! This is the last time I'll work out in the gym by the water this season. I may work one more session in at the main gym on Saturday or Sunday.
On the way back from the gym, I saw the crowd gathering for the talk by the author of the book, The Hemingses of Monticello. This was one of the book selections for this season. I dropped my stuff in my room and went back and found a place on the grass. I would love to read that book, it is on my list. Let's see. . . . should I read it before or after all of the David McCullough books? How can I keep up with my two book clubs and all this new reading I have to do?
Had choir tonight. There's an end of season choir picnic on Sunday. Doesn't that sound like high school???? The weather has been sweatshirt cool, so I hope it's like that and not rainy for the picnic.
Tomorrow I'm doing something I haven't done. .I'm leaving campus with my new friend Jane to go to Jamestown for the better part of the day. Stay tuned to see how that went.
Sandy is home, and showered and napped. Can't wait to talk to her! I'm in my room with the strains of some guy from New Orleans performing in the amphitheater. Decided to listen from my room. Sara Evans is tomorrow night! Until then. . . .RP
Today's lecturer was Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. He was a great speaker, very knowledgeable, personable, and he made some great points. Sandra Day O'Connor was in the audience as well. She is a regular Chautauquan. After the lecture I ate lunch and went back to see Mary, my massage therapist. She spent a half hour showing me how to do hand and forearm massages on seniors. To teach this to me she had to give me a great hand and arm massage, and then I had to give her one. It was fun to be on the other side. Now I have to take what I know and go back and just be brave enough to march into that nursing home and get started. That seems like the hard part.
After that I went to the gym, as I hadn't been in two days and to tell the truth what I really needed was a shower! This is the last time I'll work out in the gym by the water this season. I may work one more session in at the main gym on Saturday or Sunday.
On the way back from the gym, I saw the crowd gathering for the talk by the author of the book, The Hemingses of Monticello. This was one of the book selections for this season. I dropped my stuff in my room and went back and found a place on the grass. I would love to read that book, it is on my list. Let's see. . . . should I read it before or after all of the David McCullough books? How can I keep up with my two book clubs and all this new reading I have to do?
Had choir tonight. There's an end of season choir picnic on Sunday. Doesn't that sound like high school???? The weather has been sweatshirt cool, so I hope it's like that and not rainy for the picnic.
Tomorrow I'm doing something I haven't done. .I'm leaving campus with my new friend Jane to go to Jamestown for the better part of the day. Stay tuned to see how that went.
Sandy is home, and showered and napped. Can't wait to talk to her! I'm in my room with the strains of some guy from New Orleans performing in the amphitheater. Decided to listen from my room. Sara Evans is tomorrow night! Until then. . . .RP
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
August 26
Wednesday of Week 9 and Chautauqua is not going to go quietly. Today they brought out the BIG GUNS for sure.
The morning lecture featured Jim Lehrer "interviewing" Thomas Jefferson and his slave Jupiter. These were portrayed by some well-known historic portrayers from Williamsburg. First there was a skit by the two men, and then Jim Lehrer spontaneously interviewed them. . . first in character, and then as their real selves. This lecture was so popular that they had to close the gates during the church service so that people could not clomp in during the sermon (by Otis Moss and already well attended) in order to secure good seats. The service was over a little after 10, and people poured into the place for the 10:45 lecture. The 5,000 seat amphitheater was pretty much filled for it. I got a good seat because as a choir member, I was allowed to re-enter the space after we sang. It was a great "lecture" and pretty cool to see Jim Lehrer. We speculated that he must have had to fly out pretty quick afterwards in order to get back to his tv show which would inevitably be covering the Ted Kennedy funeral plans.
It rained most of the day. I had lunch in the restaurant - portobello melt sandwich - and then went to my last class. It was a good class, but I'm glad it only lasted 3 days. I had planned to go to the gym after that, but the rain and the fact that my legs are sore and I was sleepy kept me from doing that. I had a decaf cappocino (I have no idea how to spell that word) and read at the cafe. Then went home and took a 45 minute nap. After dinner I read until time to stake out my seat for David McCullough. Only at Chautauqua could an author invoke the same manic response as a rock band. The people lined up very early in the rain to get in and get their seats. The place was filled to overflowing by 7:45 for an 8:15 appearance. I swear, Jennifer Anniston could walk across this campus unrecognized, but give us an author, documentary film maker, radio personality and the like, and we will go beserk!
David McCullough did not disappoint. And I can give out the scoop on his latest book that he is now working on (without a title). It's about the period of time between 1830 and the beginning of WWI. It's about the large number of Americans who went to Paris for education and enlightenment. I had no idea that Paris was so progressive and influential a place for learning. There were no medical schools in this country at the time. . . most doctors had apprenticed with other doctors with no medical training. Doctors could go to Paris and receive state of the art education for FREE! Other figures in the group are Harriet Beecher Stowe, Samuel Morse who was a well-known artist before ever giving us the telegraph. Also Charles Sumner and others who we really don't know about but who were really significant. I thought one of the most interesting and valid points he made was that in Paris at that time, people were outside. . . in the cafes, on the sidewalks, going to artistic and intellectual events. Much like we do at Chautauqua. And it made me realize that at home I'm in the house a great deal. But here, my room is just a stopping off place and a place to sleep. Up here, we're outside with the other people all day long, rain or shine. And it is this social contact that is so stimulating, along with the commonality of what we are all experiencing.
Another interesting detail is that David McCullough's high school history teacher was in the audience. Can you imagine the experience for him seeing one of his students who has achieved such fame and admiration for his ability to relate history to the masses? As a teacher, that part gives me chills!
Tomorrow the lecturer is Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. These heavy hitter lecturers, and Otis Moss, have assured Chautauqua of big crowds even though the symphony, opera, and theater are done for the season.
Now as for Sandy. . .she arrives home tomorrow morning and many of her friends will be there as she comes off the trail. She was able to take her little dog, Winnie, with her for one leg of the trip. Winnie, a pug who is pretty chubby, apparently scared off a 350 pound black bear that was coming up behind Sandy. I hope Sandy writes a book! Can't wait to hear the adventures when I get home.
Until tomorrow. . . .RP
The morning lecture featured Jim Lehrer "interviewing" Thomas Jefferson and his slave Jupiter. These were portrayed by some well-known historic portrayers from Williamsburg. First there was a skit by the two men, and then Jim Lehrer spontaneously interviewed them. . . first in character, and then as their real selves. This lecture was so popular that they had to close the gates during the church service so that people could not clomp in during the sermon (by Otis Moss and already well attended) in order to secure good seats. The service was over a little after 10, and people poured into the place for the 10:45 lecture. The 5,000 seat amphitheater was pretty much filled for it. I got a good seat because as a choir member, I was allowed to re-enter the space after we sang. It was a great "lecture" and pretty cool to see Jim Lehrer. We speculated that he must have had to fly out pretty quick afterwards in order to get back to his tv show which would inevitably be covering the Ted Kennedy funeral plans.
It rained most of the day. I had lunch in the restaurant - portobello melt sandwich - and then went to my last class. It was a good class, but I'm glad it only lasted 3 days. I had planned to go to the gym after that, but the rain and the fact that my legs are sore and I was sleepy kept me from doing that. I had a decaf cappocino (I have no idea how to spell that word) and read at the cafe. Then went home and took a 45 minute nap. After dinner I read until time to stake out my seat for David McCullough. Only at Chautauqua could an author invoke the same manic response as a rock band. The people lined up very early in the rain to get in and get their seats. The place was filled to overflowing by 7:45 for an 8:15 appearance. I swear, Jennifer Anniston could walk across this campus unrecognized, but give us an author, documentary film maker, radio personality and the like, and we will go beserk!
David McCullough did not disappoint. And I can give out the scoop on his latest book that he is now working on (without a title). It's about the period of time between 1830 and the beginning of WWI. It's about the large number of Americans who went to Paris for education and enlightenment. I had no idea that Paris was so progressive and influential a place for learning. There were no medical schools in this country at the time. . . most doctors had apprenticed with other doctors with no medical training. Doctors could go to Paris and receive state of the art education for FREE! Other figures in the group are Harriet Beecher Stowe, Samuel Morse who was a well-known artist before ever giving us the telegraph. Also Charles Sumner and others who we really don't know about but who were really significant. I thought one of the most interesting and valid points he made was that in Paris at that time, people were outside. . . in the cafes, on the sidewalks, going to artistic and intellectual events. Much like we do at Chautauqua. And it made me realize that at home I'm in the house a great deal. But here, my room is just a stopping off place and a place to sleep. Up here, we're outside with the other people all day long, rain or shine. And it is this social contact that is so stimulating, along with the commonality of what we are all experiencing.
Another interesting detail is that David McCullough's high school history teacher was in the audience. Can you imagine the experience for him seeing one of his students who has achieved such fame and admiration for his ability to relate history to the masses? As a teacher, that part gives me chills!
Tomorrow the lecturer is Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. These heavy hitter lecturers, and Otis Moss, have assured Chautauqua of big crowds even though the symphony, opera, and theater are done for the season.
Now as for Sandy. . .she arrives home tomorrow morning and many of her friends will be there as she comes off the trail. She was able to take her little dog, Winnie, with her for one leg of the trip. Winnie, a pug who is pretty chubby, apparently scared off a 350 pound black bear that was coming up behind Sandy. I hope Sandy writes a book! Can't wait to hear the adventures when I get home.
Until tomorrow. . . .RP
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
August 25
CELEBRITY AUTHOR SIGHTINGS!
This morning I was on my way to choir practice in the amphitheater when I notice a man walking ahead of me with two young boys, probably grandchildren. Even from the back, without seeing his face at all, I knew from his beautiful mane of white hair that it was David McCullough!!!! I said, "Good morning, Mr. McCullough! Thank you for coming. We're so glad you're here." (Real original!) He responded that he was really glad to be here. Then as we approached the amphitheater, he said to his boys, "And this is where I'm going to speak!" It was really cute. Pretty thrilling to see him in person that close up.
Then, at the lecture this morning, I was all seated and noticed a woman going up and down the aisle looking for a seat. Then I realized it was Gail Sheehy! She found a seat right down from me before I could offer her the opportunity to sit with me! These were two Chautauqua moments!
So I did church, Otis was superb, and then the lecture. Ate lunch at Hurlbut Church where I sat with two women from my class. Walked back to the class with one of them. Getting lots of good hints about traveling.
Scheduled a massage for 3:30 with Mary, the best massage therapist in the world. As I was getting my massage I decided it was time to spring into action on a plan that has been percolating in my head for a long time. I want to learn how to give hand massages and then go to nursing homes and give free hand massages to the patients. I signed up for a half-hour massage on Thursday so that Mary can teach me how to do that properly. I'm hoping to get one or two other women who might want to do this as well when I get back. If not, I'll do it alone. Like everything else, it will either work, or it won't.
Went to the early evening movie: The Way We Get Back, a deeply touching documentary about the senior citizens in Bangor, Maine who make the effort to greet each and every arriving and departing plane carrying soldiers to and from the wars. Apparently Bangor is the airport for many of the arrivals and departures of the troops. These seniors, many with health issues, find out when the planes are coming or going, and sometimes go to the airport in the middle of the night to greet the soldiers. Having driven through Bangor in Maine, I can attest that it's a smallish town with a small airport. But for some reason, this is where the troops are sent out. Great movie to see or rent.
The concert tonight was Jay Unger and Molly Mason whom I had never heard of. But they, along with their daughter and son-in-law have a family band playing country/bluegrass type music. Their claim to fame is that he is the man who composed the haunting tune Ashokan Farewell, which is the main theme for the entire Ken Burns Civil War series. Burns is using another of their tunes for his theme for the National Parks series that will premier on PBS on September 27. This is a wonderously talented family and the concert was terrific. There was such a line for their CD's after the concert, that I came back here and have a couple ordered from Amazon!
I'm am loving how I can walk across this place and recognize by sight many many people, and by name more and more. I'm feeling so much more a part of the family this year. Being here 4 weeks certainly helps with that. I may be going "off grounds" on Friday as one of my new friends has invited me to go into Jamestown to see an art gallery, I think. My class is over tomorrow, so my afternoons are blissfully empty!
SANDY UPDATE: Sandy is almost home from her hike. Apparently she is becoming quite well known on the trail as the "70-year-old woman who is hiking length of the Shenandoah National Park." Her husband Bill talked to a hiker who was anxious to get back on the trail because he wanted to meet Sandy. Then he told Bill about her and asked him if he had heard of her! Isn't that a hoot?
Until tomorrow. . . . RP
This morning I was on my way to choir practice in the amphitheater when I notice a man walking ahead of me with two young boys, probably grandchildren. Even from the back, without seeing his face at all, I knew from his beautiful mane of white hair that it was David McCullough!!!! I said, "Good morning, Mr. McCullough! Thank you for coming. We're so glad you're here." (Real original!) He responded that he was really glad to be here. Then as we approached the amphitheater, he said to his boys, "And this is where I'm going to speak!" It was really cute. Pretty thrilling to see him in person that close up.
Then, at the lecture this morning, I was all seated and noticed a woman going up and down the aisle looking for a seat. Then I realized it was Gail Sheehy! She found a seat right down from me before I could offer her the opportunity to sit with me! These were two Chautauqua moments!
So I did church, Otis was superb, and then the lecture. Ate lunch at Hurlbut Church where I sat with two women from my class. Walked back to the class with one of them. Getting lots of good hints about traveling.
Scheduled a massage for 3:30 with Mary, the best massage therapist in the world. As I was getting my massage I decided it was time to spring into action on a plan that has been percolating in my head for a long time. I want to learn how to give hand massages and then go to nursing homes and give free hand massages to the patients. I signed up for a half-hour massage on Thursday so that Mary can teach me how to do that properly. I'm hoping to get one or two other women who might want to do this as well when I get back. If not, I'll do it alone. Like everything else, it will either work, or it won't.
Went to the early evening movie: The Way We Get Back, a deeply touching documentary about the senior citizens in Bangor, Maine who make the effort to greet each and every arriving and departing plane carrying soldiers to and from the wars. Apparently Bangor is the airport for many of the arrivals and departures of the troops. These seniors, many with health issues, find out when the planes are coming or going, and sometimes go to the airport in the middle of the night to greet the soldiers. Having driven through Bangor in Maine, I can attest that it's a smallish town with a small airport. But for some reason, this is where the troops are sent out. Great movie to see or rent.
The concert tonight was Jay Unger and Molly Mason whom I had never heard of. But they, along with their daughter and son-in-law have a family band playing country/bluegrass type music. Their claim to fame is that he is the man who composed the haunting tune Ashokan Farewell, which is the main theme for the entire Ken Burns Civil War series. Burns is using another of their tunes for his theme for the National Parks series that will premier on PBS on September 27. This is a wonderously talented family and the concert was terrific. There was such a line for their CD's after the concert, that I came back here and have a couple ordered from Amazon!
I'm am loving how I can walk across this place and recognize by sight many many people, and by name more and more. I'm feeling so much more a part of the family this year. Being here 4 weeks certainly helps with that. I may be going "off grounds" on Friday as one of my new friends has invited me to go into Jamestown to see an art gallery, I think. My class is over tomorrow, so my afternoons are blissfully empty!
SANDY UPDATE: Sandy is almost home from her hike. Apparently she is becoming quite well known on the trail as the "70-year-old woman who is hiking length of the Shenandoah National Park." Her husband Bill talked to a hiker who was anxious to get back on the trail because he wanted to meet Sandy. Then he told Bill about her and asked him if he had heard of her! Isn't that a hoot?
Until tomorrow. . . . RP
Monday, August 24, 2009
August 24
This week is going to be Rich and Full.
Today I sang in the church service, as usual. Only this week I stick around to hear Otis Moss preach. Amazing, as ususal.
I skipped the lecture in favor of the gym, but caught the end of the lecture on the way back and I could tell it was a goody, so I may buy the CD. The theme this week is Liberty. The lecturer was Hunter R Rawlings III (that doesn't sound too pretentious!). He is president emeritus of Cornell University and also teaches Classics and History. He spoke of the Greeks and Romans ideas of liberty, as well as speaking about the Enlightenment in the 18th century. However, I got my weight training done. I can listen to the lecture going home in the car.
My first class session today was fun. The class is Women Traveling Solo, and I like the women in the group and I like the teacher. It only meets M,T, & W so my afternoons will be more free than last week. After the class session I went out to the front of the Turner Center where the Chautauqua Labyrinth is. The circular labyrinth pattern is created on the lawn and is a twisting turning path towards the middle and then out again. It is used for meditation, relaxation, etc. I've never used them much, but I enjoyed walking this one.
This afternoon's movie was Frost/Nixon which I had not seen. It is a very powerful movie about a period of time which I don't remember all that well. The performances are spectacular, and of course little Ronnie Howard does not direct a bad movie!
I went to the Disciples house where I stayed on week 6 and joined my friends, Phyllis and Bill Duty and some of their friends for dinner. 87 year old Phyllis threw a dinner party after going to activities all day. I personally saw her on her way to a chamber music concert at 4:00, but dinner was served by 6:00! Lots of fun.
Tonight's performance was a singing group called 5 By Design, and they sang themes from old TV shows and commercials among other things. Very enjoyable. I was knitting while I was waiting for the concert to start and met a woman who wanted the pattern. So after the concert I followed her back to her house. She and her husband are host and hostess for the Unitarian house, which is new and which I had never seen. It's really beautiful. It's fun to meet all these new people in such off-hand ways.
Highlight of the day. . . a call from Casey to see how I was doing. Always nice to be checked up on!
My friend Sandy is getting closer to home. Her husband is planning a party to welcome her off the trail on Thursday when she arrives on Afton Mountain. Wish I could be there, but certainly don't mind being here! RP
Today I sang in the church service, as usual. Only this week I stick around to hear Otis Moss preach. Amazing, as ususal.
I skipped the lecture in favor of the gym, but caught the end of the lecture on the way back and I could tell it was a goody, so I may buy the CD. The theme this week is Liberty. The lecturer was Hunter R Rawlings III (that doesn't sound too pretentious!). He is president emeritus of Cornell University and also teaches Classics and History. He spoke of the Greeks and Romans ideas of liberty, as well as speaking about the Enlightenment in the 18th century. However, I got my weight training done. I can listen to the lecture going home in the car.
My first class session today was fun. The class is Women Traveling Solo, and I like the women in the group and I like the teacher. It only meets M,T, & W so my afternoons will be more free than last week. After the class session I went out to the front of the Turner Center where the Chautauqua Labyrinth is. The circular labyrinth pattern is created on the lawn and is a twisting turning path towards the middle and then out again. It is used for meditation, relaxation, etc. I've never used them much, but I enjoyed walking this one.
This afternoon's movie was Frost/Nixon which I had not seen. It is a very powerful movie about a period of time which I don't remember all that well. The performances are spectacular, and of course little Ronnie Howard does not direct a bad movie!
I went to the Disciples house where I stayed on week 6 and joined my friends, Phyllis and Bill Duty and some of their friends for dinner. 87 year old Phyllis threw a dinner party after going to activities all day. I personally saw her on her way to a chamber music concert at 4:00, but dinner was served by 6:00! Lots of fun.
Tonight's performance was a singing group called 5 By Design, and they sang themes from old TV shows and commercials among other things. Very enjoyable. I was knitting while I was waiting for the concert to start and met a woman who wanted the pattern. So after the concert I followed her back to her house. She and her husband are host and hostess for the Unitarian house, which is new and which I had never seen. It's really beautiful. It's fun to meet all these new people in such off-hand ways.
Highlight of the day. . . a call from Casey to see how I was doing. Always nice to be checked up on!
My friend Sandy is getting closer to home. Her husband is planning a party to welcome her off the trail on Thursday when she arrives on Afton Mountain. Wish I could be there, but certainly don't mind being here! RP
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