That was the Week (s) that was

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS.

Years back there was a TV show called something like:  That was the week that was - or This is the week that wuz - It was a 30 minute, prime time news show during which they would review all that happened that week.  We watched it.  Back then, I think we were living in Sudan at the time, we could only get 3 channels via our antenna - no cable.  People living a bit closer to Lubbock could pick up the Educ. channel, PBS??  
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Drawing on that show concept, last week was a busy week - or it may have been the week before. Let's do one day at a time here.  I'll skip certain days for ease of reading.
Dec. 1, Monday - wife had a quilt guild meeting in the morning.  It was their Dec. Eating Festival - luncheon with drawings for gifts.  If you bring a jar of peanut butter, you get entered more - turns out that nobody bothered with that.  She won a $25 gift certificate to the local sewing store, expiring in 12 months.  Good deal.  She wins lots of things.
Dec. 2 - The CSO  (see previous email for translation) had a rehearsal.  This was not a "good time was had by all" since several didn't make the practice - Excuses abounded - 
Dec. 5, Friday - The Cors Swing Orch played at the Corsicana Christmas tree lighting.   The H.S. choir  sang for 30 minutes by the tree.  Then, a block away near the food truck, we played for about 45 minutes - all great Christmas songs. There was quite a crowd downtown, but not for us.
      After the tree was turned on, fireworks boomed overhead.  I must admit it was a really nice firework display considering all = I was quite impressed with the thought that went into this night by the city folks.  We had a good time playing even though it was not a full band.  Nobody knew it was not a full band but us.  Sounded good.  It is nice to have some of the Navarro College faculty and students joining us at times.  Nice.  And they play good too.
Dec. 6 -  My wife and I drove into town for the Corsicana Christmas parade.  In the past, this was just interesting.  This year, the parade was big and pretty good - even had horses at the end.  I was impressed with the number of floats and groups that participated.  Kudos to the parade organizers.
       The CHS band led the parade.  They are sounding good and looking good.  The streets are a bit narrow and the band was a bit stretched out making the woodwinds at the drag position seem to be a bit lost in the parade process (they probably didn't realize they were lost - many of us do this:  we put the brass up front to make noise and squander the woodwinds in the back rows).  There must be a solution to that other than widening the streets or shooting band members - (should not have written that - someone will think I am a terrorist).
       Along came the Navarro College band.  I remember seeing them in the past - a terrible band.  They marched - make that walked - down the street with loud drums and no marching rhythm.  They were terrible - not one of them wore the uniform with pride.  NOT ONE.  But this year - it was different.  They have a couple of young, new directors who turned things around in the first semester.  The band sounded good - the percussion matched the band - and it seemed that everyone wore the uniform with Pride.  I capitalize the word Pride here.
        I know that I am a bit strange.  I felt emotional when they marched by.  Their director left his position and came over to shake my hand.  I bragged on the band.  It makes one think that next year will be a major difference as they recruit.
Dec. 9, Tuesday - The wife and I traveled with the Ballews (see CSO boss) to Tyler to see Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Band.  It was first class all the way.  The band was excellent.  I had expected Wynton to stand out in front of the band  (fronting); but, he didn't.  He was located in the trumpet section and didn't hog the spotlight one bit.  Everyone in the band was featured.  All were way way above average.  They played a while - took a break - play a while and quit.  I figure they are all Union Musicians - when it is time to quit, they quit.  A young lady singer was featured.  I hate to admit that I cannot remember her name - She was fun and elegant.
          One more thing.  The Tyler hosts and a snack and punch line set up in the lobby.  It was impressive.  The treats were quite varied.  I have never been to a concert where refreshments are served for an hour before the concert begins.  Gorgeous.  That is what it was.  Gorgeous.  
Dec. 11, Thursday - The spouse and I traveled to the Dallas Arboretum and looked at the Christmas decorations.  These folks are first class too.  If you can, go see before they take 
Christmas down.
Dec. 12 - The local little theatre (Warehouse Theatre) had a performance.  Only 2 people were in the cast.  As always (usually always) it was an excellent performance - The announcer introduced the show saying it would be a "hoot."   He was right.  It was a Hoot.
       Corsicana got on the ball again this night.  They had set up an ice skating rink right downtown by the big Christmas Tree  (we played for to turn on last week).  The downtown area was covered with people:  kids, parents, stragglers, and old people like us who just came to see.   We enjoyed watching the crowd before moving into the theatre for the show.   And, yes, these folks fired off fireworks again for the ice skaters.   
Dec. 14, Sunday - Our church had their Christmas musical show.  The choir sang;  the bell choir rang; and the Flute Choir tooted their best.  I think it went rather well.
Dec. 15 - my oldest granddaughter Megan turned 15 today.  We called her;  she is such a nice young lady.
Dec. 16 - I think I have explained in a previous posting that my brother Jim's wife, Earline, had a heart transplant.   This was her first year anniversary.  She calls it her 2nd birthday.  That is sorta sweet.
Dec. 17 - 20th - Earline had to go into the hospital for her first year medical test.   We took in their dogs for the time.   Cody, Willie, Mason, and Black Jack came to visit.  They had a great time playing with our 4 dogs.  It nearly drove us crazy.   
Dec. 19, Friday - Our little Greta had a Vet visit.  She had been scooting her bottom a lot.  The doc helped her "Express" herself.  Greta is not our most active mutt.  One of her toe nails had made a complete circle and was almost digging back into her foot.  That is sorta sad.   
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So, is that a week (s) that was?   When we retired, we expected to get several days off to just sit and look out the window at our lake drying up.  Things never slow down.  
Thanks for reading.
m3