Ali's getting Married

Yes, this little pixie.

Happy Birthday Mom

This time of year Mom is always on my mind. Halloween, the World Series, every holiday at her house, and especially her birthday. She would have been 83 this year. She would still be doing her own yardwork, she would still be hosting every holiday - and we all would come - and she would still be my best friend. I miss her so much sometimes it's like a physical pain. She would be so proud of her great grand children, and so much in love with them. Michele reminds me of her so completely it's scary.
I spent the day doing Mom things... helped out at a Renaissance Faire, worked on costumes for "The Sound of Music", and even talked to Fanny. After all that I came home and wished she was still here (I'm selfish that way) and even cried a little. I always felt like I was special to her, but she made every one of us feel that way.
I was very lucky to have such a great mother.
Happy Birthday Mom!

The Commodores

So Long Fair

It's been almost a month since I've written an entry. The Fair has come, the Fair has gone, work gets busier, all the little ones are getting bigger... The most fun in this last couple of weeks was the pranks we tried to pull on each other in the office area back stage at the Paul Paul theatre (mostly involving rigging up chairs at the desks). I'm always pretty tired by the end of the run, but I'm also sad when it's over. Last year I had one of the crew stay at the house so they didn't have to sleep at the fairgrounds - this year I had two of them stay with me. It was nice having people to talk to when we got home so late, and they even did yardwork (volunteered, not required). I've already invited them to stay with me again next year.
Next on the line up - costuming for Sound of Music in Reedley, working production at the Johnny Mathis concert playing at the Warnor's theater (both due the first week of December), and costuming a new play that will run at the tower theatre. There are a couple of operas and concerts in addition to these, but I think these will be the most work. At least I'm ready for Halloween.

I'm Back On

I've been without internet for about 2 weeks, give or take a few days. So I've been really disconnected... the only saving grace was being able to check my email while at work. I guess I never realized how much time I spent on the computer.
I'm glad to be back.

Sometimes I Feel So Cool

When I work at the fairs or other music venues I get to be in the vicinity of some pretty iconic people. This summer I went to Santa Maria and worked the Santa Barbara County Fair as a runner (driving the bands around and running around for them if they request anything special.)

The fair was only 4 days, but I was excited for two bands that were playing. The first day Grand Funk Railroad played. It was my teenage years all over again!
The last day The Beach Boys played. I actually drove Mike Love around quite a bit, and sat and visited with Bruce Johnson backstage. It was my most fun day there.
I have been trying to upload the pictures I have with both groups but something is wrong with this blogger or the way I've saved the picture. Arrrgh!
I'll put a call in to Nick to see how I can get it posted.
I have to say, even though this was cool, the coolest group I've worked with is still ZZ Top.
Billy Gibbons just rocks!

Has It Really Been a Year?

Nick called me this morning to say he arrived at school the night before and only had energy to go straight to sleep. His road trip with fellow SVU-vian Colby was a good time for him.
His comment - "Colorado and Utah were beautiful, but the mid-west sucked!"
I also got a list of things forgotten that I'll send to him.
I'm so proud of the man he's becoming. It was wonderful having him home this summer. And having all of my electronic devices put in perfect running order wasn't a bad perk either. My plan is to go visit him this fall, and I'm really looking forward to it.