Color Glorious Color

Well, this is the week of the painters. Today is their third day here painting all the walls on the first floor. They've finished the BIG room that includes the living room and dining room and hallway and stairs to the loft. Today they do the loft and the kitchen. Here are a couple pictures of the work so far and one of the Kollinger Brothers doing the work.

Kerri had her doctor's appointment this morning and everything is going well. The Dr. said she'd gained about 30# and that that was good considering she's been on bed rest for several weeks. She continues to pray that baby Julian won't come until after Patrick is done with his course on April 4. Baby Julian is due on the April 17, 2009 so we're getting into the "anything can happen" territory.

Bogmeister practice went well. I invited them to the "Bar Louie Party" I'd won, and then found out that Bar Louie has pushed back their "open mic" starting date. It's now after Ester. So we'll postpone going until then. I also found out it is a "martini party" not a margarita party that I won, and that it's for up to 30 of my friends and not 20. So I'll keep you posted as to when we'll do that. Bogmeisters plan to sing that night in the open mic contest. Should be fun.

The raccoon trap was removed by the guy that owns it for another site where his grand son wanted it set up. He'll bring it back in a couple of days. And we'll have another go at it.

Last night we watched a movie with Queen Latifa in it. It was fun to watch. It's called "Last Holiday". We laughed a lot and it's a good story line. We'd recorded it from one of the channels earlier in the week.

Earl and I went to the Men's Bible Study yesterday morning. I led the study and discussion since the pastor was taking his wife to the airport. It went well. Then Earl came over to the house and we worked on measuring and cutting the chair rail for the kitchen. He had a large power saw that did mitre cuts for angled edges. He brought it from his son Ron's house. We set it up on the deck (in the sun) and got things ready for installing the rail at the right time (kitchen will be two colors with the rail as an accent color).

Finally, I'm reading a book called "The Definitive Book of Body Language" by Alan and Barbara Pease. It makes for fascinating reading. The authors point out that more of our communication is non-verbal, rather than verbal. They analyse hand shakes, sitting, standing, smiling and other facial expressions and on and on and on. They say that gestures are in groups and that when you "read" the groups of non-verbal signals you can tell what the person is really about. Hummmm. I'm only about 50 pages into it, so I'm anxious to see what else they say.

A Busy Day - Dancing, Singing and March Madness

Yesterday, Saturday, I went to the Church to practice with the a cappella quartet for our Maundy Thursday song. Dee went to WW. We met up afterward for lunch at Bar Louie's. We had two coupons for lunch and decided to use them. It was a good lunch. she had the Hong Kong Salad and I have the Turkey Burger in a Bowl. The latter had lots of salad with it. We both liked our lunches. During the afternoon we just hung out and started putting china and pictures away in preparation for the painters coming on Monday. I also worked on my sermon for today (Sunday). In the evening we went to a Band Booster's Dance at Seneca Valley Intermediate School. We'd never been there before. There was a Big Band dance band and two of the school jazz bands that played. The latter played when the "Big Band" took their break. The music was excellent. We got there early for a lesson. It was review, but always nice to see how they teach what the do. The Millers from church told us about it. Their son plays in one of the high school jazz bands. It was a nice evening. We left about 8:30 p.m. so I could finalize my sermon for today.

Today, I left home early so I could lead both services at church. Both the pastor and the assistant were gone, so I had to do the whole thing - announcements and all. It's different than I'm used to and so was a little stressful in that I didn't want to forget anything and didn't want to appear clueless. It went well. I taught the little kids a song and a dance step to go with it. And of course everyone in the congregation had to learn it too. It was a fun song, easy to learn and everyone joined in in a good hearted fashion. Lots of fun. I felt the total worship experience of the whole service was both varied and worshipful. Very satisfying after it was all said and done.

The Campbells were there and so we went to lunch with them afterward at First Watch. Earl is going to make the chair rail for us for the kitchen. The painters come tomorrow and start their handiwork. I'm looking forward to seeing the color on the walls.

Our neighbor came by this afternoon, and indicated that there is another raccoon that came up on his deck about 4 a.m. this morning. It was eating his suet that he puts out for the birds. I called the my friend the "great raccoon hunter" and he's bringing his trap over this afternoon so we can get rid of the critter.

We were happy to watch Pitt win over Oklahoma State and advance to the Sweet Sixteen in Boston. Good game. We're not really basketball fans, but this March Madness stuff is fun.

Quartet sings on the road

We've used the hot tub a couple of times this week. The weather was just right for it and there was no breeze. On Wednesday we had a speaker from the "Blind Vision Rehabilitation, Inc." organization. A young man spoke to us about how he suddenly went blind over a two week period about a year ago. He must be in his 40s. He shared how the organization has helped him learn to communicate and to navigate and do everyday things. What he said gave everyone pause. He is a courageous young man dealing with a very tragic circumstance.

Yesterday Dee had breakfast with two friends from Butler at First Watch then she joined me at the Friday lenten luncheon at the Mars UP Church. I was able to put together a barbershop quartet to sing there - just one song - Irish Blessing - for the close of the service after lunch. It went well.

Afterward, we went and sang some songs to a woman for her anniversary. Her husband had hired a Singing Valentine back in February for his grandmother, and now wanted a quartet to sing to his wife. We'd only found out about the request earlier yesterday morning, but since we ha a quartet already together, the group decided we could do it. As it turns out, the woman was a clerk at the Shopper's Choice grocery store in the North Hills. We sang three songs to her from her husband. She loved it, and the customers stopped what they were doing to watch and listen. It went well. I spoke with the husband later in the day and he was very pleased with what we did.

Earlier in the week went to see the painting work of a person that was recommended. The interior decorator who came to the house to suggest colors, used a guy she was pleased with. We went to her house to see the results. Then, we made our decision on the paint colors and the painter we wanted to use. Of the five estimates we received, his was the most reasonable. He came by the house and finalized things, and said he'd be able to start on Monday! So, it won't be long we'll have a little more color in our lives.

I've been working on my sermon for tomorrow. I'll use the text from Exodus 17:8-16. I need to finalize it today. I've given it the title "The Secret Weapon." Today I practice with a quartet from the church at the church. We'll be singing on Maundy Thursday at the church we attend regularly.

A Day of Golf and Shopping

Here are a couple of photos from last Thursday's performance at the Presbyterian Church luncheon. The photo on the left is of a "pick-up" quartet that sang that day. (I notice one of them needs to exercise more.) The photo on the right is of the group of 12 that were able to make it that afternoon. We did put on an entertaining show. The lower photo shows the poster they had created to advertise us to their congregation for the day. Nice.

Well, the Bogmeisters practiced on Monday night as usual. Our director was late because she sold her home in Monroeville. But the guys practiced faithfully under the guidance of the assistant director (He's just one of the guys.) I was pleased to see people didn't just goof off, but came to learn and to get better.

Yesterday we went to the dentist to get our teeth cleaned and to make some appointments for additional work (fillings and crowns). Then I went to the "networking" session at the Chamber and Dee went to get her hair cut and colored. (It looks real nice.) Afterward, we drove to Butler and Dee went shopping with Kathy G. and I went golfing for the first time this year at Lake Vue North. (It went well.) Then, we met up for dinner with another couple. The six of us ate at Garfields at the Clearview Mall. We had a nice time. A beautiful day to be with friends out in the sunshine. I told them about our singing the National Anthem at the Pirates game on the 19 of July. They all wanted tickets, and Russ wanted two more for their grandchildren. Great! We'll sit in the $20 section and everyone will get a Pirate hat to boot. Anybody else interested?

However, a little achy after the first day of golf. We walked the 9 holes - up and down the hilly course. Reminded me of the first time I did it there last year. Whew!

A Little of This and That

Yesterday was a quiet day for me. Dee had to work so I hung around the house. The window guy came and washed the outside of the windows. I did some reading of stuff on selling and wrote an article for the local Chamber of Commerce newsletter. I also decided on a text and title for the sermon I have to preach next Sunday at our church.

I talked with my mother for a while. She seemed to be okay. I keep trying to encourage her to participate in the "bell ringing" at her church. She said she used to like doing that and that she knows she needs to get out more. But when Tuesday comes, she's not very motivate. She does go to the senior center but I don't think she teaches much line dancing any more. She said her group of interested women is down to about 4 people. And often they bring their own music. She says they'll get there before her and have it playing when she arrives. Therefore, they don't need her.

We did talk about the "Irish Jig." She said she'd like to learn it. I went online while talking with her and saw some people doing it on You Tube. I read her the directions for the steps. She was familiar with what I was reading, but just didn't have the sequence of steps down. We talked about 25 minutes. She didn't repeat herself and this was anew topic for her so that was good.

Dee's sister Ruthie called and said she'd been to see the headstone that was installed at the cemetery for their mom. She said it looked very nice. We'd just gotten word that the work was done.

Dee commented the other day that in two days she'd talked on the phone with about 5 friends and couldn't recall having done that while in NJ during the whole 12 years we were there. It's like we were cut off from our past and just didn't connect with folks back here while out there. Each day we both find confirmation that our decision to retire was the right one at the right time.

When Dee got home, she was tired. It was a long and busy day at the store. She has just one more day before she takes a leave of absence. She's looking forward to that. I told her Kerri had called earlier in the day and was doing fine. Though her due date is April 17, she's hoping to make it to at least April 4. That's Patrick's last day for the intense classes he's taking. Kerri said the last week will be very busy and important to him work wise, so she really hopes to make it till then before giving birth.

Rocky Raccoon is gone!, and about Margaritas and the Pirates

Yesterday we were able to get some grocery shopping done. Before the day ended we'd been to three grocery stores! But we found everything we were looking for. Later we stopped at Starbucks for drink of coffee. Speaking of coffee, I just finished making my 7th batch of "cold brewed coffee" at home. We bought a little "frother" that you put in milk (we sue soy) and it whips it into a nice foam to add to the brewed coffee. Yummm.

By the way, we did catch the raccoon. Seems he was lured into the trap and we found him trying to get out on the morning we were leaving for the trip to Kerri's (Friday a week ago). I called the guy who owned the trap, and he came over and took the raccoon away. He brought the trap back to see if there were anymore around. After three days, he took the trap home.

That being said, we concluded we could use the hot tub again, so we used it last night about dusk. It had been quite a while since we used it. We were in maybe about 25 minutes - very relaxing. Afterward we watched a movie we'd rented. The movie was called "Nim's Island." It was a nice tale with pretty scenery and a good story line. Very imaginative.

We're starting to get the bids of the people who came to give us estimates on painting the interior of our place. The bids are all over the place. Quite a wide range of prices. We'll likely make a decision this week and then get on with it.

A couple of weeks ago we went to lunch after church at a place called "Bar Louie". They'd advertised a Sunday Brunch and we had coupons so we gave it a try. It ws good and we noticed that had live music. I filled out survey while we were there. Well, yesterday I received a phone call saying I'd won a free "Margarita party" for 8-20 people. It included 2 Margarita's for each person and a choice of two appetisers for everyone. And I can use it anytime I like between 5-7 p.m. through April 30, 2009. They're going to start an "open mic" night on Mondays starting on March 30. I'm thinking that the Bogmeisters could go there after practice some Monday night, have the Margarita's and also enter the open mic contest.

Speaking of the Bogmeisters... We now starting to promote the " Day at PNC Park" when we'll be singing the National Anthem. Part of the deal is we have to promote our being there in hopes of other people ordering tickets. The important thing is that they use our account code #722466 and they'll get a discount of a buck or so. We're singing on Sunday, July 19 at the 1:35 p.m. game with the SF Giants.

People can order their own tickets (and if you want to use it as a fund raiser for your group, the Pirates organization will give you an even better discount). And you can order them for anywhere in the Park.

Another option is if you want to sit with us (either (section 325) $11 tickets or (section 125)$20 tickets (with ball cap)) I can order the tickets for you, but I'd need to know by April 13, 2009 because our chorus is placing one order for us and our friends and families.)

Also, we're inviting other men to sing the National Anthem with us barbershop style. The requirement is they have to attend 5 rehearsals for about 30 minutes each time so they know their notes and part. We rehearse on Monday nights starting at 7 p.m. at the Richland Elementary School on the Red Belt in Gibsonia. (They wouldn't have to stay for the whole rehearsal, just the first part when we'll be practicing the National Anthem.)These practices begin on May 4 when we're having an "Open House" to launch this "once in a lifetime experience."

Let me know as soon as possible that you want to either attend the game or sing with the men's chorus that day. It should be fun!

Visit with Kerri and Patrick

It's been a week since I last dropped a note on this blog. We went to visit our daughter Kerri. She's now in her 35th week and doing well. The baby is due April 17 but "low". So the Dr. has put her on "bed rest" for two more weeks. That means being in a horizontal position most of the day. She works out of the house right now and so has her laptop, and phones and water by her side.

Patrick had to work some over the weekend and so we decided to go down and keep her company and take care of some errands for her and deliver the many gifts people brought to the shower for her. It worked out well. It was great seeing her and being with them for a bit. Patrick is taking some course work for work and so has to put in extra hours on the course projects. The course will end on April 4. So Kerri doesn't want to do anything that would cause the little girl to come earlier than that if possible.

Since getting home, Dee has been working at McGinnis'. Although she's given them notice regarding the anticipated birth. They asked if she'd take a "leave of absence" and then return when it's convenient after the baby arrives. Her last day is Sunday afternoon.

We've had some painters in to give us estimates on painting our dining room and living room and kitchen (for sure) and then estimates on the master bedroom and bathroom as well. It's interesting how wide ranging the estimates are.

Our Bogmeisters had a performance yesterday at a Presbyterian Church in the North Hills. There were about 80 people there for a senior citizens' luncheon. We had about 12 singers and it turned out well. Some of our guys couldn't get off work, but we did a good job. I got to sing in a quartet -"My Wild Irish Rose." Fun.

I also attended a training seminar put on by "Sandler Training Institute". One of the people in the Chamber told me about it. It was for "sales people". So I thought it might give me insights for doing PR for the Chorus. Really good stuff. They have a whole curriculum but I didn't sign up for that. Although I'm sure it would be helpful for sales people who have to make a living selling. They gave us a free book called "Five Minutes with VITO (Very Important Top Officer)". Really Good Stuff.

When we were at Kerri's I went to a worship service at a church nearby. The service I went to was a "contemporary" one. First class all the way, but not something I'd want a weekly diet of. They have a traditional service earlier, but I didn't know about it when I went... That's all for now.