Inner Monologue

March 12

2008-03-10T21:57:00.001-05:00

Four things, in no certain order:

Today I made the mistake of going to Lowe's. A mistake because as soon as I entered I was struck with the strong desire to buy all kinds of unnecessary things for my home and garden! Why do they have to put the roses right in the front? After I got the things I needed, I walked to the Easter lilies. Lovely things they are! I think I stood by them for five minutes, examining the hundreds of plants for the most beautiful and fragrant one. But then, as I was smelling a flower, it gave me a static shock. Very surprising. Then it shocked me again! I took this as a subtle hint that I didn't need to buy any Easter lilies. My arms were full and I wouldn't have been able to carry it anyway.

Soon it will be St. Patrick's Day. I don't know why, but I find traditional Irish songs endearing. We used to listen to them every Monday morning on KDHX. Recently, I ran across this one. I enjoyed it very much. I wonder why it never made it onto Ireland in America!

I came across this website. They are making maps of "public domain" places to pick produce. Very clever. It makes me envious. I have never seen a lemon tree in person before, and I didn't even know what a loquat was! Neither does Google spell check, apparently.

Been having some water in my creepy basement. Had a waterproofing company come and look at it. It's not like my house is going to fall down or anything, but depending on what I choose to do, it could cost a whole lot of money. Now, I'm not stupid. When I bought the house it was pretty obvious that water had been there in the past, so it wasn't a surprise to see something going on down there. What is interesting is that the seller did not make any disclosures about water. But guess what the waterproofing company showed me--a record of the owner having them come out to look at moisture in the basement! I live in Madison County, the most sue-happy county in Illinois, so it's very interesting that the seller would take a chance on a non-disclosure suit! I'm going to do anything, of course. It's just irritating to find out they knew about the problem.

Okay, that's my lovely blogging update. Should do for a month or so.

March 3

2008-03-02T22:28:00.003-06:00

Pulaski Day.

Disgruntled Loofah

2008-02-25T21:27:00.002-06:00

Don't ask me why, but this made me laugh out loud when I saw it in my TOH magazine. I taped it to my bathroom mirror.

George Crumb would be proud

2008-02-08T20:31:00.000-06:00

Today we talked about double stops in class. I explained that you can only play them on adjacent strings. One of my cello players spoke up and said, "So we can't do A and C."
"Yes, that's exactly right," I replied.
Said cello player proceeds to insert her bow under the strings and play A and C with her bow hair facing out.
Genius! I've never seen anyone do that before. When she makes her big break I hope she remembers me!

Trails

2008-01-21T16:03:00.000-06:00

A review of all the trails we hiked for the MO State Parks Trail of the Month Program...

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park: Sinkhole Trail
This trail led to a cave called the Devil's Icebox, which was great because I love caves. It was amazing to feel the difference in temperature after descending only a few steps. The boring name of this park is misleading. I want to go back sometime.

Castlewood State Park: River Scene Trail
How can you go wrong with the Castlewood trails? They have lovely views, and the history of the park is fascinating. I loved seeing the remains of the grand staircase and the leftover foundations of the resort buildings.

Meramec State Park: Bluff View Trail
Meramec is too crowded for me. The trail was interesting enough, but I would suggest going on a weekday when people will perhaps be enjoying nature sans radios.

Cuivre River State Park: Frenchman's Bluff Trail
Cuivre River is also one of those parks that has interesting history if you take the time to explore it. I think we often forget this park is so close. The trail was fun to hike during sunset-- the light filtered through the trees as we made it to the crest of the hill.

Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site: Barefoot Sam Trail
Well, this trail was nothing to speak of. It was very short, and we could see a little of the noisy and crowded Meramec River as we walked. What was interesting was the museum next to it. The building looked quite modern to me, although I think it was already 30 or 40 years old. I enjoyed watching the video there and looking at the Samuel Clemens memorabilia.

Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site: Clark's Hill Trail
Oh. My. Goodness. Avoid this trail like the plague! Of mosquitoes, that is. This trail is infested with HUGE swarms of the beasties. It was insane. The view at the top was nice, although we couldn't stop moving for fear of being eaten alive. Wow.

Mastodon State Historic Site: Spring Branch Trail
Mastodon is one of several State Parks along the Highway 44 corridor, in the "broccoli" section, as I like to call it. The trail itself is on the opposite side of the park as the museum. The trail was wide and paved with gravel. It wasn't the most interesting of the park's walks, but there were some pretty wildflowers along the way. This trail backs up to homes in a local subdivision, which perhaps accounts for power lines in the more wild parts of the park.

Graham Cave State Park: Fern Ridge Trail
Graham Cave isn't much of a cave, considering that you can't go into it. The trail isn't that memorable--I actually remember the first time I went back in middle school more than I do the trip this summer, hmm...

Washington State Park: 1000 Steps Trail
This is also one of my favorite parks. Though we did not take time to count them, the many stone steps lead the trail a long way up and then down again. This is another trail I remember from years ago. I don't know why, but the exercise from this hike felt by far the most rewarding to me.

Katy Trail State Park: North Jefferson Trailhead
Okay, it's the Katy Trail. It looks like the Katy and it feels like the Katy. There was a nice view of Jefferson City; but other than that, it was just a walk in the blazing sun.

Babler Memorial State Park: Dogwood Trail
We went to this one in December, so there was a lot of mud and not much else. Oh, one woodpecker, I think. Maybe I should go back when there are plants that are green.

Sam A. Baker State Park: Shut-ins Trail
This trail was the most difficult of anything we hiked. The easy part led to the shut-ins. We weren't really equipped to go swimming, but still had a good time wading with Archie. The second half of the hike had a huge incline (from our our amateur perspective), and I wasn't sure if our entire party would survive. We did, of course, but I'm not sure I could convince everyone to go back there.

Hawn State Park: Overlook Trail
This is not really a trail, but rather a path to a bench. If you are going to take the trouble to go to Hawn, you would do better to hike on some of the other trails in the park, as they are quite beautiful. We, unfortunately, did not get to do so, as we had another park on our itinerary. It was sad, because I would consider the Pickle Creek trail one of my favorite trails of all time.

Okay, so that's my rundown. I'm interested in what everyone else thought of the hikes--what was your favorite, etc.

Hey, Look!

2008-01-21T15:15:00.000-06:00

I can post again.

December 13

2007-12-13T21:34:00.000-06:00

I am ready for Christmas break. Ready to go hiking, ready to go clearance clothes shopping, ready to practice violin, ready for a break from atonal "Jingle Bells" and "Twinkle" every half hour. However, I am not ready for Christmas Day. I have not bought any presents for my family. I have lots of ideas for one person, but no one else. Michelle, if things were left to their natural course, you would make out like a bandit!

I just read that PBS is showing 4 new Jane Austen films this winter. At first, I tried to not be too interested (some of my friends have me put into a J.A. box!). But really, I'm sure I would enjoy watching them a lot. Especially Persuasion. I like that book. Problem is that I don't have a TV. Not that I want one--I'll just have to find a different way to watch them.

Ugh. Does anyone know why the dogs are barking outside my window? I'm about ready to go out there!

November 24

2007-11-24T16:23:00.000-06:00

Whew, finally got the washing machine installed. And yes, it does play music.

Neighbor

2007-11-07T20:28:00.000-06:00

I've discovered that I live across the street from Edwardsville's biggest celebrity!
Article 1
Article 2

October 28

2007-10-28T22:20:00.000-05:00

Today I reattached the liners to my bamboo shades. This was the third time I had to do it, so instead of using the hooks that came with them, I used paper clips. The paper clips are far superior to the hooks. This makes me happy because I am going through daylight withdrawals, not just from not being able to open my shades without things falling all over the place, but because of how dark it is in the morning. I absolutely hate having to get up before the sun; it is miserable. Daylight Saving Time cannot come soon enough.

I bought some mittens and a matching scarf. This makes me happy as well, since I couldn't find any last season. Last night we had a little frost for the first time. Tonight, my browser tells me there is a severe weather alert. For what? A frost advisory. Seems a little silly, but I guess people need to bring in their garden hoses and banana trees and whatnot. My mother told me to bring in my hose, but did I listen? No. Guess I'll risk it.

That's all for now. Saturday we will attempt ivy abatement. I'm excited.

Oh, yeah. Today I tried some Jones Soda in the "candy corn" flavor. It tastes like maple syrup. Weird...

Oct 20

2007-10-21T12:27:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is report card time. And who has to do them all by hand when everyone else gets to use the computer? Yours truly. Where is the love?

Teacher Student Moments

2007-10-11T22:26:00.000-05:00

I think the kids are trying to flatter me this week...

"You're a really neat orchestra teacher."

"Thank you, thank you!" (two girls who attacked me with hugs after receiving A's on their assignment)

"You smell nice."

"I LOVE your color coordination! Your pants match your shirt exactly, and your boots match your pants exactly."

Event

2007-10-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

SIUE Choir and Orchestra Concert
Thursday and Friday, October 18 & 19, 2007
Dunham Hall Theater
7:30 p.m.
Approximate Admission Cost: $6

Program:
Mozart Exultate Jubilate
Mozart Solemn Vespers
Bach Cantata 51 (Praise God in All Lands)
Bach Cantata 140 (Sleepers, Wake)

P.S. I have big solos at this concert.

September 16

2007-09-16T18:31:00.000-05:00

Hmm, I think my TV just bit the dust.

September 5

2007-09-05T20:24:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a long time, have I? I have a lot more unpacked at the house and have shades on some of the windows, which is good. None in my bedroom yet, so needless to say, I don't hang out there at night with the lights on.

I'm finishing up my incomplete for violin lessons from last semester. I have a HUGE solo in the next orchestra concert, so it's actually good to have some lesson time to focus on that.

Today was my first day with kids! Yay. I think it's a good sign when students who are not registered for your class show up to it. :)

Well, off to bow some orchestra parts...

Saturday, July 28

2007-07-28T20:04:00.001-05:00

You know what I got in the mail today, the day after my offer was accepted? A letter which raises the rent on my apartment beginning September 1! I had no warning it was coming (not that I didn't expect it at some point). How's that for coincidence?

Ugh

2007-07-21T18:19:00.000-05:00

I don't know, I don't know, I don't know.

Plus, I feel lazy.

The Little Things

2007-07-11T12:15:00.001-05:00

This week, I...

Used my apartment's newly-instituted curbside recycling! It is single stream (which means no separating the paper from other materials), and they accept like seven types of plastic!! My bin was overflowing, and I've nearly filled it again in just one morning.

Discovered that my "Tizzy" will indeed focus on tiny wildflowers. I just need to figure out how to apply this chart. I also learned a new word: telemacro. And also, bokeh.

Suddenly remembered that I had three (well, two, now) Lindt Gold Bunnies in my freezer. Yay!

Strawberry Moon

2007-07-02T02:21:00.000-05:00

Last night, but close enough. 'Tis 2:30 a.m. and I can't fall asleep. *sigh*

For those interested, here is where you go to get ticket information about Fiddler. I don't recall getting comps last time. I found out today that I am not the one who is going to play the show's namesake. I'm none too heartbroken about that. I don't know how the pit will sound. The music director has not found but a few people to play, and it doesn't seem like he is going to look for an accordion player. That's too bad, really, because it lends such an interesting character to the music.

Mmkay, time to go back to bed.

June 26

2007-06-26T15:26:00.000-05:00

Boo to surprise staff meetings! I thought this curriculum review was over. Why can't I just have a nice summer playing my violin and watching videos of my new favorite polar bear? I'm beginning to understand why some teachers leave the state once school is out.

Eisbär

2007-06-25T07:39:00.000-05:00

So in Googling the maker of my violin (Knute Reindahl), I discovered that the Berlin Zoo has a baby polar bear named Knut. He is a huge celebrity, as he was abandoned by his mother and then rescued by the zoo. The videos of him are really, really cute! Polar bear cubs may even be cuter than puppies.

Vanity Fair Photo Shoot
Der Knutsong

P.S. Notice any similarities to Archie?

2007-06-22T23:20:00.000-05:00

It's lonely here. And my tummy hurts.

Igudesman and Joo

2007-06-19T22:11:00.000-05:00

Here's a clever violin and piano duo I found on YouTube. Their material is quite entertaining, but the great thing is that they are good musicians. The violinist, Aleksey Igudesman, must practice hours a day. Now we all know that violinists get "hickies" from their instruments, but this man has a gaping wound (see the I Will Survive video). I've never seen anything like it! And if you listen, you can tell he's not just playing and dancing around with any old fiddle. Nope. I looked on their website, and he plays a 1717 Santo Serafin. Oh. My. So anyway, check them out. Too bad they are based in Vienna.

Rachmaninov had Big Hands
Piano Lesson
Riverdancing Violins t
I Will Survive
Mozart Bond
Ticket to Ride
(Looking for Mozart 1)
(Looking for Mozart 2)

Trail 3

2007-06-11T19:59:00.000-05:00

On Friday evening Mom and I drove up to Cuivre River State Park. We were looking for Frenchman's Bluff Trail. First we followed the sign to Frenchman's Bluff. This, however, did not lead to the trail, but to the horses. They and their owners (who sat in lawn chairs facing the road) looked intently at us as we drove by. Obviously, this was not the right place. So we retraced our path and decided to consult the map we had picked up at the visitor center, which helped a little.

We drove to a picnic area and parked in front of what looked like a map. "It's only a sign saying that Lewis and Clark were here," Mom informed. She was teasing. Haha, good one, Mom. It turned out we were in the right place, and off in the distance was the entrance to the trail. After we had saturated ourselves in insect repellent, we headed out. There were two sets of signs on the trail. Horses took the red course, and humans the blue. Neither one of us had brought our horses, so...

The first part of the trail was in the woods. The path was nice and clear, with the exception of some webs. Somehow I always go first. It is a creepy feeling, running into those things. We were both hyper-aware of anything that touched us, as our area is on a "tick alert." It must have paid off because neither one of us found any ticks at the end of our hike. Anyway, the first part of the path ran parallel to the bluff. It was a little suspenseful because we could see the ultimate destination, but didn't get closer for quite awhile. It was nearing sunset, so I really wanted to get there fast for some pictures. Along the way we tried to think of how to act out the name of the trail for a picture, but it's hard to portray a Frenchman without some sort of prop. Oh, well.

Well, we finally did get there. It was a nice view of some green farmland, though not especially interesting photo material. In one direction, we could see the lovely town of Troy, Missouri. It kinda took away from the atmosphere to see the Golden Arches in the distance. The path continued awhile amidst a narrow strip of trees, with the ridge on one side and a road on the other. This part was the most interesting. We were able to identify some wildflowers. We also saw the bones, hoof, and fur from a deer. Michelle asked if we brought it home. Um, not so much! There was also quite a bit of horse manure since the trails coincided at this point. Eventually, the trail tuned a bit and we walked above the river. I was glad because I didn't want to come all the way out to Cuivre River State Park and not see the Cuivre River!

The trail went back into the woods and back to the parking area. As we were heading towards the car, we saw a raccoon just standing in the parking lot. He allowed us to get fairly close and take some pictures. We even followed him in the car for awhile as he slowly headed towards the woods. I've been to Cuivre for summer camp as a child; as I recall, like this one, the raccoons then were accustomed to humans and were not shy about getting into the trash. After the photo-op, we left the park and headed home.

That is my story. A little long and boring perhaps, but probably not as boring as the other things I've been doing, such as checking my FICO score and extracting middle school orchestral skills from a spreadsheet. I did learn how to make a decent iced caramel macchiato this week--that's pretty exciting... ;)

June 7

2007-06-08T00:08:00.000-05:00

I'm still here.

I can't think of anything to say, except that

I think these are very clever:

Link 1 Link 2

Thanks to Rick for sending them (perhaps inadvertently) to me.

Good night. Don't let the tornadoes bite.