Making progress

October 21, 2008

The IKEA project from hell is moving right along now. The cabinet pieces are together and Liz started to put the glass doors on last night but I did hear some pretty strong mutterings, well, actually not mutterings, statements about .....never again, NEVER again, NEVER, NEVER again. Once all of the DVDs, photos, etc. are returned to their places and I get back from MI the next project will start-buying the TV.

Over the weekend I went to see the CITG's production of "The Dining Room" which Liz stage managed. I found it to be almost endearing, bringing back many memories of my childhood home as well as my home when the kids were young. The entire focus of the play was the dining room and all of the activities of many different people who had lived in the old house. The direction was wonderful and all of the actors were excellent. Some scenes were very touching (when Mother just didn't know where she was at Thanksgiving dinner and wanted to go home) and some were very funny (the children's birthday party that Mother was trying very hard to control every second while also trying to have a conversation with her lover whose wife has found out about their relationship). There were six actors in this play and I think something like 27 roles. I expected it to be confusing but once it started, it didn't matter who the character was or who was playing him or her. It was the sentiment that was making the play flow and provocative in its own way. After the play Liz took me backstage. It is a little surprising to me that with the involvement I have had with this group, I have actually never been backstage. It served to only increase my admiration for what they do about a hundredfold. The space is small and all of the costume changes take place there. The props are all there and there are sheets about different peoples' roles, the props list, etc., etc. It is amazing that the plays go as smoothly as they do. Kudos to all of those stage managers who make it seem effortless.

Way to go, Tampa Bay. Amazing. I would be delighted to see them go all the way. Sorry, Boston. Cannot feel an iota of sympathy for you. You are all of those things that everyone says about the Yankees and then some---dirty, unkempt, sloppy. You do have a lot of talent. Wish I could have a little more respect for you but it is difficult although Francona is an excellent manager.

Tomorrow I am leaving for MI, driving, actually. Am going to drive through Canada on the way there, staying overnight at St. Catharine's, ON on the way there and in Clarion, PA on the way back. For years I have heard about my brother and sister in-law's Halloween party and have never been there. For four years I have heard about my nephew and niece's pumpkin launch and have never been there. Well, this year I will be there for both. And in between will visit my sister and brother-in-law in the Lansing area. Also expect to meet up with a couple friends from high school for dinner one night. I am actually going to be there for over two weeks and Karen and Charlie will be putting up with me staying with them all of that time. Since I am driving I am taking lots of things to do-knitting, reading, crossword puzzles. It will be a good time.