We're heading to Wisconsin

Alex and I are headed to Appleton WI today. He is auditioning for a tuba spot at Lawrence University.....a college that changes lives. Everything I read and hear tells me that the school would be the perfect spot for Alex., except it is 14 hour drive away!It comes recommended by his tuba teacher so we're going to check it out. Keep fingers crossed although I know he doesn't need it.

Where I am spending my vacation.....

Well, it's not here.....the "real" Key West. I will be spending a week in the Disney-fied Key West. I bet there won't be roosters crowing at 6am and pub crawls down Duval St. I just hope it is warmer than Rochester!

What an incredible day

"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. "

These are my favorite quotes from Obama's inauguration speech. I truly hope this country can begin to heal and that we are starting out on the right foot into a world without prejudice. One where we don't need to qualify a man as the "first black president". He is a man. He is the president. Period.

Why didn't he take up the piccolo?

Who knew it was going to be so hard to take a tuba to Wisconsin. The tuba is a beloved member of our family and as such should be treated with more respect by the airlines. Yes, the tuba weighs a little more than baggage should but he's a big boy! It's adding insult to injury making him pay all that money and then having to ride in the cargo hold. I knew we should have just driven there!

I am so happy for Alex

Alex got his packet from Ithaca College and he's in. It's his first choice and second acceptance. Three more to go. We'll see what he says after we go to Wisconsin. Lawrence is the only school he hasn't visited...applied sight unseen. I am very happy for him because Ithaca is where he wants to be....and it's closer to home than Appleton :-D

This is where I want to be.....

It's colder and threatening to get colder still. It's snowing to beat the band AGAIN! My planned vacation is no longer going to happen. I want to go back to Key West so I can walk in the warm morning air, enjoy the sunsets with everyone else in the world at Mallory Square, eat outside and enjoy a drink or two on Duvall St. Mostly I want to pick out my condo in Truman Annex so that Alex knows which one I want when he's a famous tuba player and he's ready to buy me a new home. Oh yes, and I want a cuppa joe from the southernmost Starbucks in the USA.

I woke up today. I went to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". I went to a meeting. I came home. Goodnight.

Dome Day 08 ~ Seniors on the fire truck

I was looking at pictures from marching band this afternoon and found this picture of Alex (and Emma and Jeff) up on the fire truck for the traditional senior cheer and send off. I couldn't believe how long his hair was. He really did cut a lot off!

Hollywood 2008

In February we spent a week in Los Angeles because Jack had missed the trip to Orlando AGAIN! I wanted to go to Key West but life is a compromise. I was loathe to say it but, I really did have fun. John and I went to California (LA and up the coast to San Francisco and then across the mountains and through the desert to Las Vegas) for our honeymoon. This was the first time I had been back since then. Jack loves the idea of Hollywood. He is my actor. We spent quite a few hours one night in front of the theater where the premiere of Semi Pro was happening. We put Alex up on a chair so he could take pictures with his camera. Most of what he got was very dark and very fuzzy but this is a picture of Will Ferrell signing autographs. It was an experience like no other and something the boys can tell their children. To which they will say, "Who is Will Ferrell?" We were definitely tourists but, when in LA, do as the tourists do.

THE cut!

After 5 years Alex finally cut his hair. More than a trim. He cut off 11 inches to donate to Locks of Love. Even after losing 11 inches his hair is still shoulder length. It was a momentous occasion. We took photos and videos so that we could show Dad. He had been asking every time we went for haircuts if he was going to cut it. He didn't ask this time....figures!

We are very proud of him...even if Ally is mad that he cut it!