Tomorrow a whole bunch of people are going to depart this place. Just like every Saturday morning. But there will be no new people coming in come afternoon. At that point, the skeleton crew will be all that is left. However, tomorrow night's program in the AMP is An Evening With Bob Newhart! So there will be plenty of year rounders and locals coming in. I anticipate a big crowd. My dad owned lots of Bob Newhart albums, and this was before his television shows. So I love his comedy and really look forward to seeing him in person.
Last week day service this morning. . .ergo last performance of the motet choir. The last morning lecture was really good. The man who covers the court for the New York Times spoke about what it means to cover the court, and also he spoke about the court of John Roberts during the Obama years. John Roberts, he said, once referenced Bob Dylan in a decision. However, Judge Rehnquist once referenced Gilbert and Sullivan! Behind the scenes stuff is so fascinating and funny. After the lecture I got on the Supreme Court website and began my quest to see the court in session this fall, hopefully.
I drove to Jamestown today. My quest was to see if I could find a bicycle that I could buy and then leave here over the winter. I intended to buy a used bike, and I actually found an old Schwinn with the chrome bumpers like the ones we used to ride. It needed a little cosmetic work to remove the rust. But when I climbed on it and rode around the parking lot, a lot of memories came rushing back. However, I decided to take a look at a new bike for comparison, and once I got on the new one, I realized that the feel of the old one would get . . .well, old pretty quickly. So I bit the bullet and bought a new, 7-speed bike. I was sure there would be no problem putting it in the condo, since my landlady said I could leave stuff over the winter. However, once I got it in there, she was not exactly 100% on board with my leaving it because the cleaning lady would have to work around it. But she relented and was not too put out about it. But tomorrow I may try to find one of my friends who lives up here year round and see if they can keep it in the garage or something. I guess I could have bought it at the beginning of the season, but I took it for a spin after getting it back to the grounds, and boy was it fun. Please don't tell my sons that I did not buy a helmet.
Did not attend choir tonight (we only have to go to two out of three prior to Sunday), but went to the Friday night cookout at the DOC house where I stayed the first two weeks. I wanted to spend time with Phyllis and Bill before they left in the morning. They are wonderful to be around, and I got some pictures of them and of Betty and David, the hosts of DOC. These are such good people!
Neil Sedaka tonight. I've seen him here before. I was able to see the whole show from the balcony of my building. He actually puts on a great show, and perfect for this crowd.
At about 10 this morning I finished the Clinton/Starr book. . . all 690 pages. So I finished all 5 books I bought for this season. I've given most of them away already. I started reading Little Bee which my book club will discuss Monday. I don't think I'll be discussing it with them, because even though I will probably be driving through the neighborhood at the appropriate time on the way home, I will need to pick up Chester at camp! I'm going to savor these last two days. Our weather continues to be jacket cool. I checked the website for weather at home, and it's supposed to be in the 90's with no rain all week. YUCK!!!!!!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Dynamically Cranking Down
One more weekday church service to sing. One more morning lecture. One more movie to
see. We're cranking down, dynamically.
Tonight is a 50's music concert, which I can hear out my window. But instead of rocking out, I'm determined to finish my Clinton/Starr book. . . only 60 pages to go.
After church this morning a was on my way to the post office and I pass the booth where the morning live radio show is broadcasted. Today's lecturer was there. It's always fun to see these people prior to the lecture, and close up. After the lecturer was Ken Gormley, author of The Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr. I have been waiting all week to see this author who wrote this book I've been so involved with. And he did not disappoint. I procured a seat directly in front of him as he was interviewed. I always think about Chad when I'm watching these radio interviews and remember the times I've had the pleasure of sitting in on his radio show.
I was able to chat briefly with Mr. Gormley after his interview. I have enjoyed this monster book very much.
The 10:45 lecture was another big deal lawyer who gave an interesting talk on the various ways the court has of interpretting the constitution. The afternoon lecturer continued this theme and raised points that I had not thought of before. How about this. . .all rules are made in reaction to the past.
Ken Gormley's talk followed the afternoon lecture. It was a cool, sunny, breezy day with people rather bundled up. Almost a hint of fall in the air. However, rumor has it that we're expecting the high 80's on Saturday, so I'll enjoy this while I can.
I was offered a job while I waited for the afternoon lecture. One of the motet choir members is a pastor in a church in Amherst, Va, just south of where I live. He has an organist/choir director position at his church. It has been many years since I did a job like that. I don't want to have my weekends tied down, but how cool to be asked!
Ran into Lois Conrad and her husband Bill from back in Nelson County. They come up briefly each year, and it was fun to show them where my apartment will be next year. My landlady has told me I can leave whatever I want in the apartment for the winter. So I won't have to haul my $3 lawn chair home and back next year! I might leave some other stuff as well. I might look into buying a bike this weekend and leaving it here. I would love to have a bike here, but not at home!
It's getting pretty nostalgic around here. Our choir music for Sunday has some real tear jerkers in it. Brigadoon is about to disappear for another year. . . . .
see. We're cranking down, dynamically.
Tonight is a 50's music concert, which I can hear out my window. But instead of rocking out, I'm determined to finish my Clinton/Starr book. . . only 60 pages to go.
After church this morning a was on my way to the post office and I pass the booth where the morning live radio show is broadcasted. Today's lecturer was there. It's always fun to see these people prior to the lecture, and close up. After the lecturer was Ken Gormley, author of The Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr. I have been waiting all week to see this author who wrote this book I've been so involved with. And he did not disappoint. I procured a seat directly in front of him as he was interviewed. I always think about Chad when I'm watching these radio interviews and remember the times I've had the pleasure of sitting in on his radio show.
I was able to chat briefly with Mr. Gormley after his interview. I have enjoyed this monster book very much.
The 10:45 lecture was another big deal lawyer who gave an interesting talk on the various ways the court has of interpretting the constitution. The afternoon lecturer continued this theme and raised points that I had not thought of before. How about this. . .all rules are made in reaction to the past.
Ken Gormley's talk followed the afternoon lecture. It was a cool, sunny, breezy day with people rather bundled up. Almost a hint of fall in the air. However, rumor has it that we're expecting the high 80's on Saturday, so I'll enjoy this while I can.
I was offered a job while I waited for the afternoon lecture. One of the motet choir members is a pastor in a church in Amherst, Va, just south of where I live. He has an organist/choir director position at his church. It has been many years since I did a job like that. I don't want to have my weekends tied down, but how cool to be asked!
Ran into Lois Conrad and her husband Bill from back in Nelson County. They come up briefly each year, and it was fun to show them where my apartment will be next year. My landlady has told me I can leave whatever I want in the apartment for the winter. So I won't have to haul my $3 lawn chair home and back next year! I might leave some other stuff as well. I might look into buying a bike this weekend and leaving it here. I would love to have a bike here, but not at home!
It's getting pretty nostalgic around here. Our choir music for Sunday has some real tear jerkers in it. Brigadoon is about to disappear for another year. . . . .
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sandy, Bette, Monica and Me
It has been an amazing day. Here's an interesting fact: At Chautauqua, once you turn 90 years old, you get your season gate pass for free. This year, 128 of those were given out!!!! The benefits of being physically and mentally active throughout life!
Okay. . . .Well, I'm still basking in the glow of An Evening with Sandra Day O'Connor. What a great, funny, brutally honest, delightful woman. I remember back when she was on the court, and she had attended a party attended by then Redskin star, John Riggins. Now John could really really play football, but personality-wise could be a little bit of a Neanderthal. And the story the next morning in the Washington Post was that, after a bit to drink, John Riggins had been in the company of Justice O'Connor and was overheard saying, "Loosen up, Sandy baby." My but that was big news back then. But having heard her tonight, I'm guessing Sandy was not in the least offended, and perhaps did loosen a bit, if in fact she needed to. At then end of her talk she made a point of saying that the whole 25 years she served on the Supreme Court, that not one single time did any justice trade favors for votes. She maintains that this organization of judges is beyond reproach in their determination to do the work needed to get the job done correctly. That is nice to hear!
Prior to the presentation, I went to the 6:00 Classic Movie. This time is was Bette Davis in Now,Voyager, made in 1942. I've seen many classic movies over the years up here, but this one was one of my very favorites.
And I spent as much time as possible getting through my Clinton/Starr book, which is now heavily on the Monica Lewinsky situation. I have really enjoyed reading this account and look forward to hearing the author make a presentation tomorrow.
All of those things plus the 2 lectures regarding the Supreme Court, and I'd say that today was indeed Rich and Full. It's nice to have the season ending on such a dynamic theme. Hard to believe that a week from today I'll be at home, trying to keep it clean!
Okay. . . .Well, I'm still basking in the glow of An Evening with Sandra Day O'Connor. What a great, funny, brutally honest, delightful woman. I remember back when she was on the court, and she had attended a party attended by then Redskin star, John Riggins. Now John could really really play football, but personality-wise could be a little bit of a Neanderthal. And the story the next morning in the Washington Post was that, after a bit to drink, John Riggins had been in the company of Justice O'Connor and was overheard saying, "Loosen up, Sandy baby." My but that was big news back then. But having heard her tonight, I'm guessing Sandy was not in the least offended, and perhaps did loosen a bit, if in fact she needed to. At then end of her talk she made a point of saying that the whole 25 years she served on the Supreme Court, that not one single time did any justice trade favors for votes. She maintains that this organization of judges is beyond reproach in their determination to do the work needed to get the job done correctly. That is nice to hear!
Prior to the presentation, I went to the 6:00 Classic Movie. This time is was Bette Davis in Now,Voyager, made in 1942. I've seen many classic movies over the years up here, but this one was one of my very favorites.
And I spent as much time as possible getting through my Clinton/Starr book, which is now heavily on the Monica Lewinsky situation. I have really enjoyed reading this account and look forward to hearing the author make a presentation tomorrow.
All of those things plus the 2 lectures regarding the Supreme Court, and I'd say that today was indeed Rich and Full. It's nice to have the season ending on such a dynamic theme. Hard to believe that a week from today I'll be at home, trying to keep it clean!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Stellar day!
This is proving to be the most interesting week. The fact that it's the last week of the season lends a poignancy to everything.
Our speaker this morning is a woman who has argued more cases in front of the Supreme Court than any other woman. . . .and she has prevailed 27 out of 28 times. These are pretty amazing credentials. But her speech was so interesting and funny. She gave a behind the scenes look at the Court, and explained the process of how an argument is decided upon and then how the oral arguments go. Her speech: Ten Things I've Learned about the Court was so easy to understand, and really funny. In particular she talked about how when you argue a case you have 30 minutes, but most of the time is taken by the judges (except Clarence Thomas who rarely speaks) asking crazy hypothetical questions. The amount of preparation it takes to get ready to argue a case, and then the different directions that the argument might take was truly amazing. I need to put on my bucket list to go into DC and sit in the gallery and watch the justices argue cases. She is so excited about the latest appointment to the court. The other benefit of these lectures is that they are great companions to the Clinton/Starr book I'm reading. I'm understanding the book more by hearing the lectures, and understanding the lectures more by reading the book.
The afternoon lecture dealt with The Supreme Court and Gender Issues, most specifically Gay Marriage. Really informative.
I went to the gym to work out after the afternoon lecture. It's a good thing because cookies and ice cream are hiding behind every door these days. But I love working out once I get there. And today's session was a landmark event as for the first time I arrived at the gym with everything I needed for my workout and shower, and then arrived home with everything I had taken. I think that's a first.
Tonight our choir practice was cancelled so I went to the movies again. Saw Cairo Time with Patricia Clarkson (I LOVE her!!). It was a terrific movie, filmed in Cairo. Very understated, as many of her performances are, but very touching.
Tomorrow night is the classic movie and then An Evening With Sandra Day O'Connor! How cool is that?
Our speaker this morning is a woman who has argued more cases in front of the Supreme Court than any other woman. . . .and she has prevailed 27 out of 28 times. These are pretty amazing credentials. But her speech was so interesting and funny. She gave a behind the scenes look at the Court, and explained the process of how an argument is decided upon and then how the oral arguments go. Her speech: Ten Things I've Learned about the Court was so easy to understand, and really funny. In particular she talked about how when you argue a case you have 30 minutes, but most of the time is taken by the judges (except Clarence Thomas who rarely speaks) asking crazy hypothetical questions. The amount of preparation it takes to get ready to argue a case, and then the different directions that the argument might take was truly amazing. I need to put on my bucket list to go into DC and sit in the gallery and watch the justices argue cases. She is so excited about the latest appointment to the court. The other benefit of these lectures is that they are great companions to the Clinton/Starr book I'm reading. I'm understanding the book more by hearing the lectures, and understanding the lectures more by reading the book.
The afternoon lecture dealt with The Supreme Court and Gender Issues, most specifically Gay Marriage. Really informative.
I went to the gym to work out after the afternoon lecture. It's a good thing because cookies and ice cream are hiding behind every door these days. But I love working out once I get there. And today's session was a landmark event as for the first time I arrived at the gym with everything I needed for my workout and shower, and then arrived home with everything I had taken. I think that's a first.
Tonight our choir practice was cancelled so I went to the movies again. Saw Cairo Time with Patricia Clarkson (I LOVE her!!). It was a terrific movie, filmed in Cairo. Very understated, as many of her performances are, but very touching.
Tomorrow night is the classic movie and then An Evening With Sandra Day O'Connor! How cool is that?
Monday, August 23, 2010
Last Monday
And the rain continues. I was in a jacket, jeans and heavy socks today. I love this weather! I slept until 7:45, which is oversleeping for me.
Only 4 more weekday services to sing. We have no choir tomorrow night. The theme will be great. I feel like I was in college majoring in history today. Morning lecture was a UVa professor giving a history of the Supreme Court. The afternoon lecturer (topic: The Supreme Court and Race), a Harvard professor, couldn't make his plane connections, so the morning lecturer, who is a former student of his filled in at the last minute. She did an admirable job giving the lecture of his topic and sounding like she had always been the one to do it! Her talk reviewed all the famous decisions made by the Court in regards to race. Very interesting.
Attended the book review for the Clinton/Starr book I'm reading. The author will be here on Thursday. I'm about half way through the almost 700 pages!
Went to the movies tonight. . .finally! Saw Solitary Man starring Michael Douglas and a host of other big stars. Very good film.
Hearing more news about the changes in Choral Arts. Quite a few of the regulars have been cut for the next year. I don't know if I've been cut or not, but with several of my good buddies no longer in the group, it will make a decision to not participate much easier. . . .if it's still my option!!!!
I have a potential trip to Florida to see the last space shuttle launch in a few weeks hanging on my status with the choir. Life will go on either way. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my last 6 days here.
Only 4 more weekday services to sing. We have no choir tomorrow night. The theme will be great. I feel like I was in college majoring in history today. Morning lecture was a UVa professor giving a history of the Supreme Court. The afternoon lecturer (topic: The Supreme Court and Race), a Harvard professor, couldn't make his plane connections, so the morning lecturer, who is a former student of his filled in at the last minute. She did an admirable job giving the lecture of his topic and sounding like she had always been the one to do it! Her talk reviewed all the famous decisions made by the Court in regards to race. Very interesting.
Attended the book review for the Clinton/Starr book I'm reading. The author will be here on Thursday. I'm about half way through the almost 700 pages!
Went to the movies tonight. . .finally! Saw Solitary Man starring Michael Douglas and a host of other big stars. Very good film.
Hearing more news about the changes in Choral Arts. Quite a few of the regulars have been cut for the next year. I don't know if I've been cut or not, but with several of my good buddies no longer in the group, it will make a decision to not participate much easier. . . .if it's still my option!!!!
I have a potential trip to Florida to see the last space shuttle launch in a few weeks hanging on my status with the choir. Life will go on either way. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my last 6 days here.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Rain rain. . . . .
Well I can't complain. . . it hasn't rained that much up here. And it's cooler. .better sleeping weather.
Last night's orchestra concert was amazing. . . . a Ravel piano concerto with a superb soloist, and the Dvorak's New World Symphony. It began a steady, but not too noisy rain, in the middle of the Dvorak. I rather liked that. It reminded me so much of my summers up at Interlochen when I was in college.
There was a choir party today at the home off the grounds of one of the members. A wonderful 100+ year old house. Pot luck. . . .wine!!!
Old fashioned hymn sing tonight in the amp. The choir sat in the audience with audience members all around that. It was fun. Reminded me of my days in church camp when I was a teenager. This place really harkens up the memories for me.
Last week starts tomorrow. Supreme Court. I spent the better part of yesterday and today making headway on the 700+ page book that is The Death of American Virtue. It is a step by step (I almost said blow by blow) account of the Bill Clinton scandals from Whitewater through Monica Lewinsky. I never paid that much close attention to just what was going on. This is a riveting, and fair portrayal of both sides of the argument, and is much more interesting and compelling than I thought it was going to be. The author will be here this week.
Also a classic Bette Davis movie on Wednesday night. Looking forward to my last week before getting home and being faced with having to keep a house clean at all times. YUCK!!!!
Last night's orchestra concert was amazing. . . . a Ravel piano concerto with a superb soloist, and the Dvorak's New World Symphony. It began a steady, but not too noisy rain, in the middle of the Dvorak. I rather liked that. It reminded me so much of my summers up at Interlochen when I was in college.
There was a choir party today at the home off the grounds of one of the members. A wonderful 100+ year old house. Pot luck. . . .wine!!!
Old fashioned hymn sing tonight in the amp. The choir sat in the audience with audience members all around that. It was fun. Reminded me of my days in church camp when I was a teenager. This place really harkens up the memories for me.
Last week starts tomorrow. Supreme Court. I spent the better part of yesterday and today making headway on the 700+ page book that is The Death of American Virtue. It is a step by step (I almost said blow by blow) account of the Bill Clinton scandals from Whitewater through Monica Lewinsky. I never paid that much close attention to just what was going on. This is a riveting, and fair portrayal of both sides of the argument, and is much more interesting and compelling than I thought it was going to be. The author will be here this week.
Also a classic Bette Davis movie on Wednesday night. Looking forward to my last week before getting home and being faced with having to keep a house clean at all times. YUCK!!!!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
It's already Saturday!
I know. I haven't written. Partially because of internet frustrations, partially because I haven't written.
It's Saturday again. . . as it's referred to here: Chautauqua Sunday. The Week 8'ers have left the building (and the grounds) and a calm descends before Week 9'ers arrive mid-afternoon. Week 9 is notoriously less populated as people return to their real jobs. Imagine my pleasure to hear so many visitors bemoaning that "school starts next week" and knowing that it does not affect me in the least. Next year the theme for Week 9 will be The Civil War, so I'm guessing there will be an outpouring for that topic, especially if Ken Burns returns. Tonight marks the final performance of the Chautauqua Symphony, and along with the theater and opera seasons being over, and the music students having left, it is certainly more quiet all around. The end of the week's performance will be An Evening with Bob Newhart. I'm looking forward to that.
This should be a good week topic-wise. US Supreme Court. Sandra Day O'Connor, who is in residence most summers, will be a featured speaker. The book selection of the week, which I have just started is The Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr. It's a huge book of over 700 pages, but it is interesting and goes back into the whole Clinton vs. Starr thing in minute detail. I pay so little attention to what goes on in the world, that sometimes its nice to go back and scrutinize an event with a few years perspective behind me.
I did my last grocery shopping this morning as it looked like I was going to run out of grapefruit juice before next weekend. I can endure most things, but running out of grapefruit juice is not an option.
I find my mind occupied with thoughts of home: still not sure what my role in the Choral Arts will be this year. Through a series of events and emails, I find that I'm not sure what my status is with the choir. And I'm letting it play out the way it does, even though to not be in the group ever again would be an adjustment for me. We shall see. Also, my house went "on the market" today, and I am anticipating having to take a huge loss on this house. This is an attitude adjustment as well. I will not enjoy coming home to a perfectly clean house and having to maintain it that way full time until I find a buyer. It is such a glorious home on such a special lot that I can't imagine someone not falling in love with it. But I guess all homeowners feel that way. At any rate, I seem to be proceeding, full steam ahead, to my mission to be mortgage-free and to live as simply as possible. I do like it when my life is in a dynamic place. . . .
So. . one more week here and then back to the un-fray which is retired life. It's an embarrassment of riches.
It's Saturday again. . . as it's referred to here: Chautauqua Sunday. The Week 8'ers have left the building (and the grounds) and a calm descends before Week 9'ers arrive mid-afternoon. Week 9 is notoriously less populated as people return to their real jobs. Imagine my pleasure to hear so many visitors bemoaning that "school starts next week" and knowing that it does not affect me in the least. Next year the theme for Week 9 will be The Civil War, so I'm guessing there will be an outpouring for that topic, especially if Ken Burns returns. Tonight marks the final performance of the Chautauqua Symphony, and along with the theater and opera seasons being over, and the music students having left, it is certainly more quiet all around. The end of the week's performance will be An Evening with Bob Newhart. I'm looking forward to that.
This should be a good week topic-wise. US Supreme Court. Sandra Day O'Connor, who is in residence most summers, will be a featured speaker. The book selection of the week, which I have just started is The Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr. It's a huge book of over 700 pages, but it is interesting and goes back into the whole Clinton vs. Starr thing in minute detail. I pay so little attention to what goes on in the world, that sometimes its nice to go back and scrutinize an event with a few years perspective behind me.
I did my last grocery shopping this morning as it looked like I was going to run out of grapefruit juice before next weekend. I can endure most things, but running out of grapefruit juice is not an option.
I find my mind occupied with thoughts of home: still not sure what my role in the Choral Arts will be this year. Through a series of events and emails, I find that I'm not sure what my status is with the choir. And I'm letting it play out the way it does, even though to not be in the group ever again would be an adjustment for me. We shall see. Also, my house went "on the market" today, and I am anticipating having to take a huge loss on this house. This is an attitude adjustment as well. I will not enjoy coming home to a perfectly clean house and having to maintain it that way full time until I find a buyer. It is such a glorious home on such a special lot that I can't imagine someone not falling in love with it. But I guess all homeowners feel that way. At any rate, I seem to be proceeding, full steam ahead, to my mission to be mortgage-free and to live as simply as possible. I do like it when my life is in a dynamic place. . . .
So. . one more week here and then back to the un-fray which is retired life. It's an embarrassment of riches.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
