- Actually making it through the first week of classes without any major meltdowns!
- Cooler weather
- Curling up with Lil Dude and the other Kitty-Kids
- Finding a treasure trove of my Grandmother's books- - she's been gone 20 years, and we just found out about these!
- Fresh dug carrots from the Produce Market - - SO sweet and tender!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Grace In Small Things: 34/2010
What I am grateful for this week:
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Grace In Small Things: 33/2010
What I am grateful for this week:
Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.
- FINALLY some rain to brighten up my flowers and green up my lawn
- My Student Worker's wife coming through emergency surgery with flying colors
- Weekends - - 'nuff said
- A day of fun at the State Fair with Dear Mr. Dizzy and friends from Chicago
- Breakfast at Panera with Mr. Dizzy - - and it was FREE!
Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
State Fair Time!
Saturday Mr. Dizzy and I took a road trip to Springfield to the Illinois State Fair. We were meeting friends of ours who were coming down from Chicago to spend the day at the Fair as well. Here are some of the "highlights" that we saw while we were there.....
When we first walked in the gate of the Fairgrounds, we saw this guy:
Guess you should never go anywhere without your goat.....
And, I guess this guy was jonesin' for some breakfast - - Mini-dounts, breakfast of champions:
I had heard of this stuff, but never experienced it before now:
Never thought I would say this, but chocolate covered bacon really isn't half bad!
Went into the Artisan's Building, and saw this guy:
Yes, that is Mountain Dew bottles....
We also saw this little fellow:
He is made totally out of milk jugs and staples.
Heh. I can't make this stuff up.....
When we first walked in the gate of the Fairgrounds, we saw this guy:
Guess you should never go anywhere without your goat.....
And, I guess this guy was jonesin' for some breakfast - - Mini-dounts, breakfast of champions:
I had heard of this stuff, but never experienced it before now:
Never thought I would say this, but chocolate covered bacon really isn't half bad!
Went into the Artisan's Building, and saw this guy:
Yes, that is Mountain Dew bottles....
We also saw this little fellow:
He is made totally out of milk jugs and staples.
Heh. I can't make this stuff up.....
Thursday, August 19, 2010
This Is SO Funny....
Have you seen the "Simon's Cat" videos? They are hilarious, and this new one reminds us SO much of Lil Dude.....enjoy!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Grace In Small Things: 32/2010
What I am grateful for this week:
- My feet have finally stopped hurting from Decatur Celebration
- FINALLY, some rain, after a long, HOT dry spell (unfortunately, it's STILL hot, but at least my yard and flowers got a drink)
- Fresh tomatoes from the Produce Market (great on a hamburger)
- Little Squeaky-girl Kitty curling up with me sleeping at night
- My grandson's Birthday....he is now 11.....Happy Birthday, Alex! (*sigh* Where did the time go?)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Decatur Celebration Pictures!
Here are a few shots we got from this year's Celebration:
Ryan Cabrera on our stage Friday night:
The Parade Saturday morning:
Lou Gramm performing Saturday night:
Georgia Satellites Saturday afternoon:
Charlie Daniels!!
All in all, an EXTREMELY good Festival this year!
Ryan Cabrera on our stage Friday night:
The Parade Saturday morning:
Lou Gramm performing Saturday night:
Georgia Satellites Saturday afternoon:
Charlie Daniels!!
All in all, an EXTREMELY good Festival this year!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Decatur Celebration
Okay, this post is a few days late. Decatur Celebration was LAST weekend, but I have been "recovering" from it these past few days, and also work has been nothing short of chaotic.
I know - - enough with the excuses....so here is information on how this year's Celebration went down.....
This was the 25th Anniversary of the Celebration. It also marked the 24th year Dear Mr. Dizzy and I have worked the festival. So it was a happy time for all!
We work the Show Stage, which is the largest stage at the festival, and it usually gets the biggest "headliners" for the year. This year we had four acts to work with - - Ryan Cabrera Friday night, The Lou Gramm Band (he's the former lead singer of Foreigner) Saturday night, The Georgia Satellites Sunday afternoon, and Charlie Daniels Sunday night.
Quite a line-up, eh?
Friday evening Mr. Dizzy and I got downtown around 4:30. When we got to the stage, we were a bit concerned....not band set up; nothing at all onstage! We found the stage manager and asked about it, and he just laughed and said, "All we need is a mic and a pedal for acoustic guitar." Apparently Ryan Cabrera didn't have anyone backing him - - it was just him on stage with his guitar, singing soft pop songs.
I had no idea who he was, but apparently every prepubescent girl in the tri-county area did, because the average age of the audience was about 15. And the screaming? High-pitched and LOUD. Kinda cute, actually - - but I seriously doubt that I was ever THAT young!
Ryan and his manager were nice people, and it was a pretty calm crowd. Also, the weather was pretty mild that evening, so all in all it was a pretty easy (read: BORING) start to the festival for me. Sorry, but - - I like a little action on the stage, and a crowd that is just a touch more mature. Maybe I'm showing my age.....
Saturday the temps started out pretty mild, and the humidity was down a bit, so it was not an uncomfortable day. We had Lou Gramm's Band that day, and when they all arrived for setup and sound check, we were very happy with the way they were - - friendly, nice, easy to work with. And the show that night? Nothing short of AMAZING!!
And it seems that his performing is nothing short of a miracle....a few years ago, Lou was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and he found a doctor who was using a new laser surgical technique. He agreed to the surgery, but was given a LESS THAN 50% chance of survival.
Well, he survived - - and started performing and touring again, and sounds better than ever. He put on an amazing show! After the performance, the band was backstage with all of the workers, and they were as nice and down-to-earth as you could hope to find. A very nice second night of the festival!
Sunday, the heat and humidity returned. WITH A VENGEANCE. It started out early morning hot, and as the day progressed, it just got worse. And of course, it was to be our busiest day....we had TWO BANDS and THREE SHOWS to work with.
The work day started at 9:00 AM, with load-in for Charlie Daniels' band. Also, the souvenirs needed set up, because they wanted them on sale ALL DAY, not just during the performance. Then, the Georgia Satellites showed up with their equipment. And THEIR souvenirs. Keeping the sales straight for two different groups was going to present a definite challenge....
Charlie Daniels' band did a two-hour soundcheck, and once that was done, it was time to set up Georgia Satellite's equipment in front of the other band's stuff. They were playing two shows, and Charlie Daniels was playing one show later in the evening.
All this time the heat and humidity are rising, the sun is beating down, and it's HOT under the awning were souvenir sales were going on. Which is where I was trapped.
Georgia Satellites put on a great pair of shows! And, they were very nice, funny, down-to-earth guys, and we had a ton of fun with them. I never have cared for their music, and still don't (sorry guys), but they were good people.
About 6:45, I headed into the Civic Center to help with the Charlie Daniels Meet & Greet. Again, I have never been a country music fan (and still am not), but was looking forward to meeting a man who was such a music legend. And, I had heard that he was a very nice person.
Well, Charlie did not disappoint. When he walked in the room, and heard everybody cheering, he ducked his head and actually look embarrassed! But, pleased at the same time.
I assisted keeping the Meet & Greet people in line and signaling them when to come up, and it was a fun time. Near the end, one of Charlie's people walked up, handed me a picture, and asked me if I would like to meet Charlie also. Well, HELL YEAH! So when everyone in the line was through, I came up and got to talk to him. He chatted with me for a bit, and I said I was one of his stage workers; he actually thanked me for helping with his show that night! He then not only signed the picture, but my Volunteer Work Shirt as well.
Charlie Daniels treated everyone he talked to the same, whether it was the Producer of the festival, the Media people, the Mayor of our City, or a stage worker like myself.
And you better believe the show he put on that night? Nothing.Short.Of.FABULOUS.
Before, during, and after the snow, his band and road crew were just as nice and friendly as the Big Man himself. So even though the weather was miserable, it was a great ending to a great year.
I have pictures, but will post them tomorrow. Hope you enjoy them!
I know - - enough with the excuses....so here is information on how this year's Celebration went down.....
This was the 25th Anniversary of the Celebration. It also marked the 24th year Dear Mr. Dizzy and I have worked the festival. So it was a happy time for all!
We work the Show Stage, which is the largest stage at the festival, and it usually gets the biggest "headliners" for the year. This year we had four acts to work with - - Ryan Cabrera Friday night, The Lou Gramm Band (he's the former lead singer of Foreigner) Saturday night, The Georgia Satellites Sunday afternoon, and Charlie Daniels Sunday night.
Quite a line-up, eh?
Friday evening Mr. Dizzy and I got downtown around 4:30. When we got to the stage, we were a bit concerned....not band set up; nothing at all onstage! We found the stage manager and asked about it, and he just laughed and said, "All we need is a mic and a pedal for acoustic guitar." Apparently Ryan Cabrera didn't have anyone backing him - - it was just him on stage with his guitar, singing soft pop songs.
I had no idea who he was, but apparently every prepubescent girl in the tri-county area did, because the average age of the audience was about 15. And the screaming? High-pitched and LOUD. Kinda cute, actually - - but I seriously doubt that I was ever THAT young!
Ryan and his manager were nice people, and it was a pretty calm crowd. Also, the weather was pretty mild that evening, so all in all it was a pretty easy (read: BORING) start to the festival for me. Sorry, but - - I like a little action on the stage, and a crowd that is just a touch more mature. Maybe I'm showing my age.....
Saturday the temps started out pretty mild, and the humidity was down a bit, so it was not an uncomfortable day. We had Lou Gramm's Band that day, and when they all arrived for setup and sound check, we were very happy with the way they were - - friendly, nice, easy to work with. And the show that night? Nothing short of AMAZING!!
And it seems that his performing is nothing short of a miracle....a few years ago, Lou was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and he found a doctor who was using a new laser surgical technique. He agreed to the surgery, but was given a LESS THAN 50% chance of survival.
Well, he survived - - and started performing and touring again, and sounds better than ever. He put on an amazing show! After the performance, the band was backstage with all of the workers, and they were as nice and down-to-earth as you could hope to find. A very nice second night of the festival!
Sunday, the heat and humidity returned. WITH A VENGEANCE. It started out early morning hot, and as the day progressed, it just got worse. And of course, it was to be our busiest day....we had TWO BANDS and THREE SHOWS to work with.
The work day started at 9:00 AM, with load-in for Charlie Daniels' band. Also, the souvenirs needed set up, because they wanted them on sale ALL DAY, not just during the performance. Then, the Georgia Satellites showed up with their equipment. And THEIR souvenirs. Keeping the sales straight for two different groups was going to present a definite challenge....
Charlie Daniels' band did a two-hour soundcheck, and once that was done, it was time to set up Georgia Satellite's equipment in front of the other band's stuff. They were playing two shows, and Charlie Daniels was playing one show later in the evening.
All this time the heat and humidity are rising, the sun is beating down, and it's HOT under the awning were souvenir sales were going on. Which is where I was trapped.
Georgia Satellites put on a great pair of shows! And, they were very nice, funny, down-to-earth guys, and we had a ton of fun with them. I never have cared for their music, and still don't (sorry guys), but they were good people.
About 6:45, I headed into the Civic Center to help with the Charlie Daniels Meet & Greet. Again, I have never been a country music fan (and still am not), but was looking forward to meeting a man who was such a music legend. And, I had heard that he was a very nice person.
Well, Charlie did not disappoint. When he walked in the room, and heard everybody cheering, he ducked his head and actually look embarrassed! But, pleased at the same time.
I assisted keeping the Meet & Greet people in line and signaling them when to come up, and it was a fun time. Near the end, one of Charlie's people walked up, handed me a picture, and asked me if I would like to meet Charlie also. Well, HELL YEAH! So when everyone in the line was through, I came up and got to talk to him. He chatted with me for a bit, and I said I was one of his stage workers; he actually thanked me for helping with his show that night! He then not only signed the picture, but my Volunteer Work Shirt as well.
Charlie Daniels treated everyone he talked to the same, whether it was the Producer of the festival, the Media people, the Mayor of our City, or a stage worker like myself.
And you better believe the show he put on that night? Nothing.Short.Of.FABULOUS.
Before, during, and after the snow, his band and road crew were just as nice and friendly as the Big Man himself. So even though the weather was miserable, it was a great ending to a great year.
I have pictures, but will post them tomorrow. Hope you enjoy them!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
BLAZING Heat....
It's hot here in Central Illinois.
Uncomfortably, miserably so.
Not just the kind of normal Summer weather you would expect....no, we are talking temps in the high 90's, high humidity, and Heat Indices (feels like) temps in the triple digits. Anywhere from 105-125. Degrees. Fahrenheit.
No, that is not a typo.
Yeah, it's not fun.
I grew up LOVING Summer. LOVING it. I was always outside, always playing, you could hardly get me to come in the house. But these days? You can hardly get me to leave it!
Don't get me wrong here - - I will still take warm weather over Winter any time! I hate being cold, and during the Winter months never seem to be able to get warm enough.
But a Heat Index of 125? Degrees? Fahrenheit?
No thanks, had enough.
I can has my usual Summer weather back now? Please?
Uncomfortably, miserably so.
Not just the kind of normal Summer weather you would expect....no, we are talking temps in the high 90's, high humidity, and Heat Indices (feels like) temps in the triple digits. Anywhere from 105-125. Degrees. Fahrenheit.
No, that is not a typo.
Yeah, it's not fun.
I grew up LOVING Summer. LOVING it. I was always outside, always playing, you could hardly get me to come in the house. But these days? You can hardly get me to leave it!
Don't get me wrong here - - I will still take warm weather over Winter any time! I hate being cold, and during the Winter months never seem to be able to get warm enough.
But a Heat Index of 125? Degrees? Fahrenheit?
No thanks, had enough.
I can has my usual Summer weather back now? Please?
Monday, August 09, 2010
Grace In Small Things: 31/2010
What I am grateful for this week:
Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.
- Grilled turkey/cheese sandwiches with fresh garden tomatoes in the middle.
- Helping orient new Scholar students embarking on their College path....a whole new batch of fresh faces on Campus!
- Passed my online MOT class with 100%!
- Air conditioning, especially with heat indices at 100+ degrees.....
- Another successful Decatur Celebration festival done and in the books - - this was Year #25, Silver Anniversary.
Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Grace In Small Things: 30/2010
What I am grateful for this week:
- Friday was Payday!
- Lil Dude bringing out the "kitten" in Squeak - - she's getting so much more playful and fun! And affectionate.
- My latest ION (Illinois Online Network) course is done, finished and through, and my grade is 320 points our of 320 points. An "A" in the books!
- Fresh tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon and more from the Saturday Produce Market.
- My life - - I am truly blessed with an amazing husband, and sweet, lovable, fun kitty-babies.
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