In Which it Snows

It is snowing in Virginia, so the whole world has stopped. In the snow belt 2=4 inches would be nothing. Here, it's the end of the world. All schools are closed, people are driving 5 miles an hour, and cars are still spinning out. Apparently people do not know that you shouldn't accelerate into a slush puddle....

The snow is pretty, and I enjoyed the chance to catch up on reading. It's supposed to turn into freezing rain overnight. I will admit driving on ice does not appeal to me, so hopefully no school tomorrow either. Here's a picture of the snow out my front door.

Inauguration

Yesterday, I went to D.C. to join in some of the pre-inauguration excitement. The official activities do not start until today, but there were a lot of people getting a head start. The tv crews were setting up, traffic barriers starting to appear, large-screen televisions up and running. MSNBC was broadcasting live from the National Mall (that's the strip of land in front of the Capitol Building, not a shopping plaza). I got up front for a few minutes and was on tv for about 2 seconds. It was really quite fun. The camera guys were getting silly. I think they were cold. The temeratures were below 20 degrees, with a wind chill into the low teens. It was cold.

Of course the big news in D.C. besides the traffic restrictions, is the number of portable toilets available to the crowds, and will it be enough. The entire Mall is lined with port-a-potties, so I hope it's enough. It makes for some interesting photos, and everyone I saw had to stop to take a picture of the mile-long stretch of comfort facilities. Those who have traveled with me know how important it is for me to know where the next bathroom is. It was like a dream come true. Toilets as far as the eye could see!

But seriously, it was great to be a part of the excitement. I am really glad my school district decided to close (all the schools in Northern Virginia will be closed). A lot of people are headed in to see this historic inauguration. I'm glad I will be able to watch it live on tv. In spite of the plethora of comfort facilities, I am opting to watch in the warmth of my own apartment.

In Which I Visit Austria

Last night, I went to a concert at the Austrian embassy. It was part of the Embassy Concert series held every year. The concert featured Katarina Michaelli, soprano, Daniel Johannsen, tenor, and George Peachey, piano, and was entitled "An Evening of Opera and Operetta". It was delightful. The vocalists were excellent, the choices of performance were intriguing. Lots of Mozart, and some selections from operettas by various Austrian and German composers which whom I was not familiar with, like Frederich von Flotow and Edouard Kunneke.

The audience was almost as entertaining. They were mainly couples in their 70's, though there were about 2 dozen between 20-40, with about an equal mix of German and English speakers. The people sitting behind me were obviously long-standing opera fans, as the gentleman gave a running commentary about the music, the quality of the vocal style, and the story line of the operas. He was very well-informed. At the end, the performers sang a few old favorites that the German-speakers obviously knew by heart, like the Merry Widow Waltz (click the link to hear what it sounds like, with different performers).

There was a reception after the concert, and I was able to meet the performers. They must have been very tired, adn the concert was well over 2 hours long, but they were very gracious to each audience member who spoke to them. I've posted a couple pictures of the performers and the inside of the embassy for you to see. Enjoy the trip to Austria!

Happy New Year

I went back north for Christmas. There was a lot of snow. It was very beautiful. It was great to see friends and family, and relax for a couple weeks. Here's a couple pictures of the snow. it snowed a lot. And it was cold. Then I cam back south, and it was 45 degrees and sunny. I almost didn't know what to do with myself. I've never had a winter when it has rained more than snowed, and I haven't had to wear my winter coat from November to April. It's very odd. Anyway, Here is a picture of trees in teh snow, and my "Narnia Lamppost" picture. Happy New Year!

In Which I Skin a Cat

I used the expression "There's more than one way to skin a cat" with one of my students today. He looked at me like I had suddenly sprouted gigantic green antlers and said, "Isn't that illegal? Why would you do that?" I think I scarred him for life.

After I finished laughing (in my head), I had to explain what that meant. This led to the observation that there are some truly disgusting idiomatic expressions. I love teaching kids that have autism.

In Which Christmas Comes to Town

Yesterday, Christmas came to town. I attended the 63rd annual Christmas Parade in the old part of town. It sounded like a fun, holiday-spirit thing to do, and I figured it seemed like a nice small-town kind of tradition. So at 9:30am, I drove into town,parked, and walked to the a spot on the parade route. There were a lot of people. Someone said close to 55,000, and I believe it. I found a spot right near the main stage, where all the dancers and bands stopped to do a 1-minute performance.

Surprisingly, winter also arrived in Virginia the same day as Christmas. At 9:50, I was wishing I had worn warmer socks. At 10:00, I was wishing I had brought heavier mittens. By the time the parade finally started at 10:18, I was downright cold. It was so cold, my digital camera refused to turn on. I have pictures on my cell phone. If anyone can help me figure out how to send them to the computer, I'd appreciate it. Then I can show you the parade.

It was very cool. There were over 100 groups marching, and at least 1/3 had floats. There were some really fun ones, like the one made by a middle school orchestra with broken instruments and Christmas packages. There were several dance troupes dressed in sparkly leotards and tights, shivering their way through their dance number. There was the Budweiser Clydesdales, which are really big. "Big" does not begin to describe how massive those animals are. The mayor marched. The local senator marched. There were men driving Harley-Davidsons decorated with tinsel and and Santa Clauses. There were two balloons. Marching bands in full regalia wearing Christmas elf-ear hats. The crowd was fun too, lots of families and children. bundled up in layers of lumpy coats and blankets, and everyone saying "hi" to each other and greeting people they knew in the parade. Stores lining the main street were all open and serving hot chocolate or coffee and cookies, enticing people to step in and warm up, and maybe do a little Christmas shopping.

I couldn't stay to the end. It got to the point where I couldn't get warm even in a store. I left just before noon, and the parade was only about half finished. Next year, I will dress warmer and bring a blanket. What a fantastic local event! The only thing that would have been better is if my family and friends could have been there too. Wishing you all happy holidays.

Thanksgiving!!!!

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I did. i went back north, and enjoyed the cold and snow. Really, I did. It was great to visit with my family and see a friend or two. I got to go see The Nutcracker ballet, always a holiday favorite of mine. I also went to the George Eastman House to see the gingerbread house display. Every year, people donate decorated gingerbread creations to auction off to raise money for GEH. Some are spectacular, and some are obviously by very young girl scout troops. Here a few of my favorites. And yes, that is a landfill.