Almost May~

April has been a busy month, and I'm glad to see May peeking around the corner on the calendar. Just six weeks until school lets out for the summer, and it will be nice to have the kids at home all day. Less running, too, and more sleep which always improves my mood and my health.
I've been busy in the yard despite the colder than normal April, fixing my stone patio (needed a fill between the crevices, that kind of thing), raking and cleaning up the backyard in preparation for the warmer months. I can't wait until it's time to put out bright pots of flowers and open the pool. We scored a free patio umbrella on Freecycle and it even matches our cushions, so that will add to the deck's usability this summer as well.
I hope to have my eons old student loans completely paid off this week - just in time to take out new ones, as I will be registering within the week for the summer session at DePaul. Looking to take Digital Photography and either a creative writing or Truth in Democracy class (or, perhaps, all 3 if I'm feeling particularly energetic.) I can't wait to begin!
This weekend, I played in the Wausau Symphony and Band's spring concert - "The Greatest Generation", featuring wonderful music from the 40's. Porgy and Bess, some Irving Berlin, Sentimental Journey......all that terrific music that reminds me of my parents. I cried on the way home, wishing Dad had been there to see it. He would have loved it. My dear friend Duff Damos was kind enough to make the trek here from Rhinelander to narrate a very special piece called the Navajo Code Talkers - a piece honoring the Navajo marines who developed an unbreakable code that helped the Allies win World War 2. His deep, wonderful voice was perfect for the narration, and the larger than usual audience appreciated every word. What a wonderful gift to share with us - thanks Duff!
Tomorrow, a new rite of passage for Rowan, who after 11 years wearing glasses will finally get contac lenses. He is so excited - and I'm so happy for him! It will make him so much more confident, which is especially important now that we know he'll be going to Horace Mann next year. (The Montessori school only goes through 6th grade, and isn't ready to expand quite yet.) I'll be sure to take a photo of Rowan, sans glasses, and post it tomorrow night.

Arts Alive

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

The girls and I at Arts Alive 2008. From left - me, Ann, Tabby, and Kathy. It was Ann's 40th birthday, so Kathy drove up from Rhinelader. We had a great time!

Arts Alive is an annual fundraiser for Aspirus Hospice - a cause near and dear to my heart, especially after my father's experience last year. I have been on their advisory board for three years, helping to plan this event that honors the life of the late Kathy Ferris, an old friend who deserves all the honors she can possibly receive. She was an incredible woman.

The event includes a three hour auction/cocktail party that I host annually at the Jefferson Street Inn. This year we had approximately 50 pieces of art donated by regional artists. Some were offered in a silent auction, some in the live auction part of the evening. There is live music, food, and a table of specialty beer available for free, always a big hit. Typically we raise between 15 and 20 thousand dollars after expenses - this year should be no exception, with over 400 tickets sold.

Kathy came from Chicago - one of my oldest friends - and stayed to celebrate Ann's 40th birthday. She was here for the whole weekend, and we had a nice time. It was great to see her, and nice to take a break from my hectic life for a change. Thanks, Kath!

Views From the Pit

Photos taken from the pit during the Allegro dance performances last month. I was in the orchestra pit, and it was hard to get a decent angle.

Happy Spring

April showers bring May flowers. So what does the snow bring? A headache! But some gorgeous views this morning! Still....the late snow is not doing great things for my psyche. Can summer really be just around the corner? Stay tuned.....

Better Hair Photo

Okay, here is a better look at the new hair.

It Doesn't Take Much....

....to make me laugh. Your video of the day:

Ahhh.....Spring.....

....when a young girl's fancy turns to - new haircuts! I went in for a trim and a highlight today and wound up having six inches cut off. What was I thinking? It was just getting too long - and I was feeling "too forty" - maybe this will help perk me up a bit.