Get Out the Chalk.....

It's getting closer - Chalk Fest 2007 happens this year on July 7th and 8th.
The City Square in downtown Wausau will once again be transformed by artists and their colorful chalk drawings. This is the fourth year for this community event which is for artists of all ages and levels of ability to participate and for art lovers to observe and enjoy. Last year, Devon and I both entered drawings - he with an anime character, and I with a favorite Picasso reproduction. Of course we didn't win, but it was so much fun to participate. Looking forward to this year - we always meet interesting artists from all over the place, and it's an atmosphere of camraderie and artistic support, more so than you would expect. I have posted some of the photos from past festivals - such amazing artwork, all done in chalk. Now I just have to find the perfect pick for this year's entry - another Picasso? We'll see.

Simon

Thank goodness for second opinions.
After nearly throwing in the towel with Simon, I took him to another vet for a second opinion - one that came highly recommended. More blood work, more examinations, more head-scratching - until on a hunch they looked at a smear of his blood under a microscope, and Voila! - a parasite in his blood! It seems he is badly infected with a tick-borne parasite that is rapidly multiplying in his blood, causing the joint pain, malaise, severe weight loss, fever and more. The bad news is that he is acutely infected, more so than this vet has ever seen in a cat - but the good news is that the condition usually is treatable with doxycycline, which we started him on immediately. I again have hope that he's going to pull through this and once again be my curious cat who loves lying in sunny window wells and chasing his sister, Sasha.
Meanwhile, another gorgeous day here in central Wisconsin. A mama duck and thirteen ducklings were crossing the road in front of our house - very cute.

Wednesday

Today was my day off, and thanks to a bit of beautiful weather I really enjoyed myself. Getting up early, I bummed around downtown on my scooter, hitting my favorite coffee shop, Allister Deacon's - then getting some new reads from the library. Afterward, I stopped at our Wednesday farmer's market which was brimming with fresh, locally grown produce, and picked up the few items I needed to make dinner tonight - some fresh tomatoes, basil, cucumbers, and strawberries picked this morning. I love the farmer's market - for ten bucks I had a full basket including a bunch of flowers for my table. Then, much of the day was spent reading in my pool lounger. The kids were up north so it was unusually quiet today.
The day was marred only by the deterioration of Simon, my cat - who has again taken a turn for the worse. Now he's not using the litterbox - and it's awful. I had his records faxed to a different vet for a second opinion and will take him there on Friday. I just cannot accept that my formerly robust two year old cat has something we can't fix. I love my animals - so this is just devastating for me and for the kids. I don't understand how, if it's leukemia, the antibiotics would have initially helped - that doesn't make sense. But we'll see on Friday.

Get out the ALOE

Ouch! Five days in Mexico and I didn't have a sunburn - but give me two or three hours in the pool and I'm lobster red. Cripes!
The weather was gorgeous today and I truly appreciated having the pool and deck. One of those perfect weather days. Summer in Wisconsin can be beautiful, but the colors don't seem as bright this year without my dad.
The cat started eating again today. He hadn't eaten in almost a week and was all skin and bones....collar hanging from his tiny little neck....but finally I'm seeing marked improvement in his behavior. Not the curious cat quite yet, but he's doing more than lying on the chaise lounge refusing food.....so I have to say I'm guardedly hopeful that he may in fact have the systemic infection rather than the cancer. Time will tell, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a full recovery.
Meanwhile, I sat down over the weekend and mapped out our finances. My goal this summer is to trim the budget any way I can. Instead of buying books this summer (my two a week habit) - I'm hitting the library. Not buying books will save a bibliophile like me nearly $300 this summer alone. I'm considering giving up my Blackberry and switching to a normal phone without the $40 a month data charge. For a week, I'm planning to keep track of how much I actually USE the Blackberry's features, and whether it's fiscally responsible - or just another luxury for the tech geek that I am. And, whenever it's not raining and I'm going anywhere alone, I'm taking my moped - a 2006 Yamaha Vino Classic I bought last year that boasts 100 miles per gallon. And no more car washes - I can do that myself!
Why the change? After spelling out how much I make vs. how much I spend - it's ridiculous that I can't be farther ahead in paying off the house or the car. Time to save the money for the really important stuff.
The photos here are the boys playing instruments during their end of year program, all of us (including my brother David) at the Holy Name festival having the first cheese curds of the season, and Devon holding Sasha, the sister of the cat who is sick.

Summertime, Summertime

After an admittedly long hiatus, I am back to posting. David and the kids and I went on the first cookout of the season Memorial Day weekend - David was trying to teach Rowan how to grill properly! We had a good time at Marathon Park in Wausau.
Summer vacation began Wednesday afternoon and we have all breathed a collective sigh of relief. Looking forward to long, hot summer days and getting into the pool. But the summer began on a sour note, as our beloved cat Simon has fallen ill with what we now believe to be leukemia. We are still hoping it's a massive system infection that can be cured, but as the days pass and the antibiotics are failing to make a difference, that seems less likely. Then, on Thursday night, we found our little guinea pig, Cheddar, dead in her cage.
Not a good week for small animals around the Flynn household, I'm afraid.
On a brighter note Devon has tried out for the Wausau Conservatory Choraliers, a singing groupu that he is interested in perforning with, and we are anxiously awaiting a letter in the mail to tell him whether he is in our out. I think he has great potential.....but then, I'm awfully biased!

More Photos from Mexico

I don't think I've quite recoverd yet. Today is my first day back at work, and all I've done is slept for the past two days.....and I could sleep more! Time to snap out of it.
The thing that struck me in Mexico was the contrast between beauty and poverty. Average pay is four dollars US per day. It made me appreciate the things we take for granted.....the cars, the clothes, the extras that these people will never have....and it explains too why so many are willing to risk so much to get here. Their houses are impossibly small and broken down.....the schools are tiny. There is garbage everywhere. Yet even on the ugliest street you'll see a flash of color - gorgeous flowers, a brightly painted wall....that can make you smile.
When I go again (I say when, not if) I know I'll go to Tulum to stay, because this area was by far the most beautiful that I had seen. We spent a half day touring the walled Mayan city of Tulum, where the archaeological ruins sit atop the highest point of the Yucutan peninsula, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. At the end of the tour, we climbed down the cliff and swam at the pristine beach. The water tasted like the salt on a margarita glass. After drying off in the sun, we shopped at a flea market and sat at at a small outdoor cafe eating tacos and drinking beer, watching the world go by. It sounds benign, I'm sure, but it was the best day of the trip, and I'd love to capture that feeling again.
More photos!

Mexico

All I can say is.....incredible.
Great trip. Horrible time getting back home, but I'm here - a day late - but here!
Mexico was an enigmatic mix of beauty and poverty. Lush greenery, breathtaking seas and beaches. Bright, bold color everywhere. Interesting people.....but the poverty....oh, it's just insane. More ruminations on this later - but for now, some photos!

T Minus 9 hours, 18 minutes

....and counting. Dana has called me a record NINE TIMES in the last three hours with questions about flying. It's been awhile - years, in fact - since she's flown. So many questions, it's hilarious. A week ago, she was trying to tell me that she was going to only have a carry-on because she knew she wouldn't need much for Mexico. Uh-huh. This is from the woman who packs three duffel bags, two pillows, five beach towels and a blanky when we go for one night to the cottage for the Hodag Country Music Festival every year. Skeptical? You bet. Was I right? Oh, yeah. Five minutes ago she called to ask what the weight limit was, and would she be better off checking two bags or three since we're flying first class? I'm dying laughing.
I must admit, however, my own bag is a lot heavier than intended - but of course one MUST have the proper shoes, yes? Can't wear flip flops with everything!

Production Sample

Audio sample of recent radio ad production:

Saturn Aurai

MEXICO

By this time tomorrow, I should have my toes in the sand at the Sandos Caracol in Mexico. It finally started to feel real when I began packing. It's been a long time since I've had a competely carefree vacation like this. I know I'm going to miss my children, but I am finally beyond feeling guilty about taking a vacation solo. If I have the capability while there, I'll post photos....otherwise photos will have to wait until I return late Wednesday night.
Hasta la vista!

Finished Deck

The pool is up and treated, and the deck is done! Unfortunately, it's about 55 degrees and raining. But I'm so pleased with how it all turned out. The wood is green treated so it will have to wait about 2 months before we stain it - but in the meantime I think it looks great. Devon's birthday party is tomorrow and I'm hoping the weather will cooperate so we can have everyone outside. I love it when things come together....
oh, and FOUR DAYS TO MEXICO!

Sleeping Beauty

The ballet was beautiful - better than ever. Devon did a great job - ALL the dancers were spectacular! Photos of Devon with Jack, and me with Rowan in the Great Hall after the performance.

Green is Beautiful

Every spring a morning would arrive after months of bleak, dreary weather when my father would come to my house in the morning and say - "everything's green today". It usually happens after a night of gentle rain - you go to bed one evening and wake up to a world of green grass, leaves on the trees and the scent of lilacs in the air. Today would have been the day that my father proclaimed the world outside green at last. It has been a beautiful day.
Devon is feverishly getting ready for his role as a Hessian prince in Wausau Dance Theatre's production of Sleeping Beauty this weekend. Rehearsals every day, two school performances on Friday, and the big shows at the grand for paying customers on Saturday. This is by far my favorite of the Storybook Productions series, with exquisite costuming - I can't wait to see the newly revamped scenery. I was able to snap a photo during last night's initial dress rehearsal of Devon (on the left) with his friend, Jack Karkar Collison, my dear friend Annaluna's son.
Ten days to Mexico!!!!!

Keyboard Waffle Iron

Because breakfast isn't nerdy enough, I present to you the Keyboard Waffle Iron. There's really nothing else to be said about this wonder of modern technology, but I invite you to make your best keyboard/waffle puns in comments. Come on, let's see what you've got.

Pool Progress

ALL RIGHT, ED, here are some photos of the pool and deck as it has progressed. Some are "before" and some are "after" photos. Right now it looks odd because it's missing the platform that will connect the deck with the pool itself. You will be able to step onto the platform and get into the pool. There will be railing on one side and down the steps when it's finished as well. It's not a huge deck - 10 by 12 - but if it was any bigger we wouldn't have much yard left. There is also terrace outside that you can see a bit of that is made of cobblestone that we have our chimnea and grill on along with some chaise lounges. The hot tub is not pictured, but is in what used to be a screen porch attached to the garage - you can see the roofline in the photos to get an idea where it is.
I can't wait until it's all done, and decorated properly - it's going to be great!

Pool and Deck

I have been waiting to post until I had a finished pool and deck in the backyard, but this project is taking F O R E V E R. So far the pool is up and filled, and the deck is partway finished. Today Jason built the steps that line two sides of the deck, and he just informed me that he won't be back until NEXT WEEK to put on the platform that goes up to the pool itself. I am dying to post photos but would rather have the finished product! I'll have to think about that. At any rate, though it's slow going (much to my frustration - I am so GOTTA DO IT NOW) it will be worth it, and my backyard is going to be great.
In the meantime, I'm loving my new convertible, and it's actually been warm enough to drive around with the top down. Fabulous! Should have bought one years ago. John broke the XM antenna while trying to install it, so I'm without it for now - finally going to have Sound World do a "real" install on Wednesday.....and when I can, I want to put in a better stereo and better speakers.
Mexico in 16 days - and counting!

RIP, Saturn SL-2

Well - it's official. Our 1996 Saturn SL-2 is finally kaput. We bought it new, and it was my car until we started in with the SUV's. Right now I drive a Honda Pilot, and the Saturn has been John's car. We've traded in the Saturn for a "new" used car - a 2002 VW Cabrio GLX convertible that will become my car now. Since I do most of the driving with the kids, I'll be happy to get 35 mpg or better zipping around in this little beauty. The Pilot seats 8, so when I have to go places with the kids AND their friends, I'll have to swap with John - but 75 percent of the time it's me and one or both kids and that's it. (Can you hear the rationalization in my head????) At any rate, it's in terrific shape - low miles - black with black leather interior and a power roof. And it'll be nice to go back to driving a 5 speed instead of an automatic!

LETTERMAN 'TOP TEN GEORGE W. BUSH MOMENTS' CORRESPONDENTS' D

The Flute Is Here

.....and it's FABULOUS. Boris Popovich at Professional Flute Repair in North Carolina did an incredible restoration of the vintage (1950) Armstrong flute I picked up. I used it for tonight's symphony concert - as you can see in the photos from warmup. It has an incredible sound - I'm so lucky to have found it.
Music continues to be an integral part of my life - and it seems, my children's lives as well. They attend every concert without complaint, and have practiced their own instruments daily. Rowan is loving the guitar, and Devon's violin sounds so sweet.....they both attend the Wausau Conservatory of Music for their lessons, where I myself spent years learning the flute. Devon has also decided to pick up the piano and loves to make up his own songs. I'm looking for a good computer program to transcribe as he plays. You never know, perhaps he'll be the next Beethoven - and Rowan the next Eddie Van Halen.....regardless of where it takes them, I'm pleased they have an interest, as music is such a huge force in my own life.

Home Depot

Haven't tried Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs yet? Would you give one a shot if it were free? You'll have your chance this Sunday. Home Depot has earmarked one million CFLs for giveaway in observance of Earth Day. (The offer is open to U.S. customers in the 48 contiguous states.) The company says its promotion will result in a $12 million saving in annual energy costs, reduce almost 200 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, and offset the emissions equivalent of over 70,000 automobiles.

Recycling Unwanted Items

In last week's City Pages, I enjoyed an article about a worldwide organization dedicated to recycling products instead of adding to the landfill. Since one man's trash is another man's treasure, this is a great way to get rid of unwanted items, or pick up gently used items for you and your family. The only catch - it has to be free. You can't ask for anything in return. So this weekend, I posted my kids old Crabby Sandbox and my old washing machine, both in great shape, but just sitting unused in the garage. Within hours I had emails from folks who were thrilled to take them off my hands. The sandbox is now in the yard of a 5 year old boy, new to town - and the washing machine went to a young military couple getting married in June. I felt great about putting these items to use. The site is www.freecycle.org - you can sign up for your locality and browse postings for everything from comic books to ponies - and you can also post the things you want in hopes someone will supply you with it for free.

Arts Alive for Hospice

Tonight I emceed a hospice fundraiser at the Jefferson Street Inn. Arts Alive is in it's second year, and this year was especially important to me - a small way to give back to Hospice for the gifts and help they were able to give our family during my father's illness. I'll have an update on how much money was raised after the tally is in, but I do think it was significant. Good crowd, great artwork up for auction. I didn't have time to take many photos but I did get this photo taken of me with Dana and Julie at the event.

Best DUI Ever

Write A Letter!

Betty Eldridge, of New Port Richey, Florida, mailed her teeth first-class to Tallahassee. That was more than a year ago, and she's seen them only once since. But she doesn't miss them. Edlridge, who's 71, wrote to the dentist who made her teeth, "Without a doubt they are the worst set of dentures I have ever seen, and I've seen lots." After writing the dentist she sent her dentures and a complaint letter to the state Department of Health. That was a year ago. Now, as she waits for some sort of resolution, Eldridge is sticking to meals of mashed potatoes, rice and twice-cooked chicken nuggets.

Flute

At an estate sale recently, I found a vintage Armstrong 80 French style flute with a B foot - solid silver head, silver plated body - for an absolute song and picked it up. I'm excited to report that I've found someone both reasonably priced and well recommended to give it an overhaul. I'm currently playing on a Gemeinhardt that works just fine, but I miss the brilliant sound I have always found on an Armstrong. Many would argue that Kurt Gemeinhardt's flutes are superior - and at one time they were, but that was years ago. I don't think this flute will need too much - in fact, the pads look pretty good, (two keys are sticking) - cosmetically, this instrument is beautiful with no scratches or dings, and a gold mouthpiece (no more flute black on the lip!). I'm hopeful for a good result and expect it back in-house in two weeks tops. Would love to have it back in time for our next symphony concert but I don't think that's going to happen. You never know, though!

Ipod Body Armor

An iPod saved a soldier's life in Iraq. The MP3 player stopped a bullet from an insurgent's AK-47. Kevin Garrad (3rd Infantry Division) was on a street patrol in Iraq and as he rounded the corner of a building an armed insurgent came from the other side. The two of them were within just a few feet of each other when they opened fire. The insurgent was killed and Kevin was hit in the left chest where his iPod was in his jacket pocket. It slowed the bullet down enough that it did not completely penetrate his body armor. Fortunately, Kevin suffered no wound. (Here's a photo of the iPod.) An Apple engineer got wind of what the iPod did for the soldier and plans to help Garrad get a new one.

Lazy Dog Days

Novel

For the past three years, I have been working on a novel. Not just one novel, but I get halfway done, hate it, and start over. I have taken two novel writing classes, both of which have been extremely helpful in figuring out how to flesh out characters and plotlines, but haven't found exactly the right story to tell. When my father became ill, I started fresh and have been working on it ever since. Someone I work with who is a published author gave me advice a few weeks ago that I have adhered to since - write one page a day. Every day. No matter what, one page. Like it or hate it, it's the best way to get your creative juices flowing - and so far I think he's right! I have been writing a page a day, even on the busiest days - and so far the result has been some solid work toward my goal - and I really love the storyline.
Aspiring authors - take the advice of my friend and write a page a day. If you do, you'll have a novel in a year.....and that's a reachable goal.

The Smartest Dog in the World

I love this!

Swimsuit Season

Summer is creeping up and I can't wait. Hands down it's the best time of the year. For the past three years we have had a snapset pool from Intex in the backyard - the White Trash version of a luxury pool. We loved it and used it every day it was warm enough. The tough part is putting it up and taking it down every year - it wasn't one of those inflatable ring pools, it was a PVC frame pool that took hours to set up. So this year I've taken the plunge and have bought a "real" pool from the Pool People. It's all being delivered on Monday, and I've hired our friendly neighborhood handyman, Jason, to come install it for me, which should take him roughly a day or so. My backyard is too small for the 24 footer I wanted, so I bought the 21 foot round Doughboy - that way there'll still be plenty of room for the dogs and kids to play, and to fit the trampoline. After the pool's in, Jason is building me a deck, too - nothing fancy, just a rectangle off the house that I can put some furniture on for cookouts and parties. Right now, thanks to the dog, our backyard looks absolutely terrible, so I'm looking forward to the upgrade - and plenty of lunchtime breaks reading on my lounge chair in the pool!

Happy Easter!

In Vino Veritas

Got my wine from the Wine Club and have totally fallen in love with an Australian called Henry's Drive Pillar Box Red, vintage 2005. Here's what the writeup looks like:

Pillar Box red is an opaque red/black color with a scarlet rim. It displays aromas of sweet, ripe red berries underpinned cinnamon spice and dark chocolate. The palate is rich and fleshy with vibrant raspberry & blackcurrant fruit intertwined with a citrus like cedary oak complexity. The tannins are full yet soft and supple, combined with the gentle acidity to produce a lingering harmonious finish.
This wine scores a 91 and is one of the best values available from the Wine Club.

Buy it here:
http://www.thewineclub.com/187701?id=7cnmwytW

Elks Club Night

John joined the Elks club back in September and has gotten quite active with the organization. Last month he was elected as an officer and last night was installed as the organization's Lecturing Knight for the year. We all dressed up to celebrate and attend the installation and dinner. He's pretty excited about it. I have been all for this Elks thing but after last night it has become clear that they expect spouses to be just as active, attending national conventions and that kind of stuff with the officers. I won't go this year, but I might go next year to Anaheim and the year after to Portland. What the heck - a chance to see places I otherwise would not.