alexandriacardinals

[(Strategizing over post-game dining options?)]

It was busy on the streets of Alexandria last night . . . very busy.  As the entertainment capital of Douglas County, things were happening everywhere.  The supervisor and I lit out for the high school about 6:30, for our appearance at the volleyball section quarterfinal game between our No. 1-seeded Cards and 8th-seed St. Cloud Tech  Along the way we had to pass the hockey arena, where it appeared the Blizzard were drawing their usual big crowd. Then we passed the Maritime Museum, where we were glad to see the front parking lot was already full for a concert by Bill Staines (we really wanted go to this, but . . .).  Then down Broadway, where it looked like the AAAA theater was drawing a good crowd for the opening night of Haunted Theatre.  Then the Johnson’s were hosting a 4-table bridge tournament, with trail mix.  Then we were delighted to see a terrific crowd at the volleyball game.  🙂  We were hoping for a three-game sweep so we could hurry off to SAWA and still catch most of the Paul Meland and Adam Astrup extravaganza.  But the Tech Tigers had other ideas.  They basically said, “Not so fast, buffalo breath!”  Nevertheless . . .

[WE WON!]

I cleaned gutters in the afternoon in anticipation of a fun-filled evening.  I had taken out the lake pump a week or so ago.  These are not fun chores for “Mr. Maintenance,” who if you look up white-collar worker in the dictionary, you’ll find his photo.  I just hate cuticle damage.  And when I get done, I usually just throw my clothes in the burn pit, and then head down to the fire department to be hosed off.  Every year I think, geez I hope that’s the last time! But, back to our story . . .

[Psssst, don’t tell anyone . . . I think despite her years of protestations, the supervisor is becoming a volleyball fan.  She’s not averse to voicing criticism (constructive, of course) if the team isn’t on their “A” game.]

[Our first task upon finding our seats (well, after berating ourselves for forgetting our seat cushions again) was to see if Liz would be playing.]

[She hadn’t played since dislocating a finger in the Mounds View game.  But here she was in warm-ups, taking a set from Amanda H, preparing to smack one down (you can see her right ring finger and pinkie are taped together).]

[She looked OK here.  🙂 ]

And here’s your first volleyball video of the year.  It begins with the team introductions,  the back of Dave Harris’s head, the band (so you knew it was the playoffs), and the first few points of the game.  Yeah, we weren’t clicking then:

Start of the game:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw8lsj-0P7Y

Tech won games 1 and 3, to take a 2 -1 lead into game 4.  This mirrored the early season Cards when several times the team overcame that deficit to win.  And we did again this time.  Tech was just sharper in the games they won, having just come off an opening round win against Becker.  But the Cards were often their own worst enemy, never being able to string any kind of run together because of bad serving errors.  We did take all the mystery out of games 4 and 5 early though – the supervisor noted she thought the Tigers were worn down by then.

[The start of the match.  Little did we know at the time, but looking back all we can do is give a big thanks to the “old ladies.”  Amanda C and Emily, the two seniors, both played great, particularly when the rest of the team was struggling.  I think they may be the only team members (well, maybe Amanda H, too) who have played in sections before, so no doubt the rest of the team were feeling some nerves.]

[We noticed Amanda C was giving words of encouragement to her teammates all night.  She was rightly named player of the game.  And I don’t recall Emily ever having a better all-around game, blocking and killing.]

[Amanda H serves early.]

[Wensia and Emily go up on a block attempt.]

[Then pull back to stay out of the net.]

[A serve series with Kalley.  I don’t know how she does it, but she serves a hard drop, kind of like a split-fingered fastball.]

[Then Katie, another fastballer.]

[The net judge signals Cardinal point; Wensia is happy about it!  🙂 ]

[Are we placing DQ orders yet?]

[Have you guys placed your orders yet?]

[Good, coach is calling us over to talk about it!]

[With whipped cream!!]

[And cherries!! ]

[We’ll pan around the huddle as the team discusses Blizzard options.]

[When her teammates were faltering, Amanda C was solid on serve.]

[Amanda H ready to set . . .]

[And does.]

[Will it . . . or won’t it?]

[Amanda H, Liz, and Wensia on the defensive front.]

[A Tiger goes up . . .]

[As do Liz and Wensia . . .]

[And the ball disappears?]

[“The Voices”]

[Dave soothes his throat with his ever-present Coke.]

[Well, let’s see how the band is doing.]

[Wensia lunges for a dig . . .]

[But I don’t know what happened then?  😉 ]

[Anatomy of a kill.  As Amanda H sets, Liz breaks to the right and Wensia moves toward the net.]

[So, who’s going to get it?]

[If you picked Wensia, you win a cookie!]

[The defensive line.]

[Amanda H and Liz go up.]

[Did they stuff it?]

[How ’bout a serving sequence by Liz?]

[How ’bout a drumming sequence?]

[How ’bout a student section solo?  Keep an eye on ’em, Sheree!]

[How ’bout a team get together sequence?  The Tech fans in the stands are texting . . . each other!]

[And don’t forget the blue garbage can.]

[Does Kim Kardashian really like pickle Blizzards?]

[If this is going 5, I want double hot fudge!]

[OK, back to work!]

[Ooops!]

[Wensia!]

[Get it, Liz!]

[Block . . .]

[And one-legged landing.]

[The triple option.]

[So, it’s decided then?]

[Double hot fudge if it goes 5?]

[But no super-sizing!!]

[Coach Jackie discusses the finer points of the science of the Blizzard with Wensia.]

[Really, Kim Kardashian likes pickle Blizzards?]

[I saw Jackie leading an aerobic weightlifting class at the ‘Y’ recently.  I asked her if she ever puts the volleyball team through that routine.  She said no, but it’d be a good idea!  (Sorry, team!)]

[Did you hear the Super Fans asked Jackie if we should do her workout routine?]

[Thank goodness I’m a senior, so I don’t care.  😉 ]

[Ooops, how’d that one get by?]

[Game 2 result.]

[Game 4 result.  Since these are shot in sequence, I must have given the ole Brownie a two-game respite?]

[How ’bout a cow bell sequence?]

[The start of game 5.]

[It’s win or go home.]

[And the Blizzards become Dilly bars.]

[Liz and Wensia go up . . .]

[How’d the ball get on this side of the net?]

[Uffda!!]

[Get it out of here!]

[Somebody else hit it!]

[Positions!]

[Let’s wrap this up, ladies!]

[Here we go!]

[Be Happy!!!]

I started running the video in the 5th game when the Cards were up 12 – 4 (the 5th game is played to 15) in anticipation of the victory celebration.  Then the Tigers scored three straight points and the Cards called a time out.  So, I stopped and deleted that video and started again when play resumed.  Here’s the win and celebration:

The video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9i0zLv2NEQ

The fan jumping up and down in the red jacket is Gideon Hartsell.  He was homecoming king in 2011 (“search” him in this blog), and he had at least a couple of brothers who were terrific Cardinal athletes.  He’s a special guy who was the football team’s student manager.  On the last game of his senior season, the coach had him suit up and then sent him out to kick the extra point on the team’s last touchdown.  Unfortunately, Gideon hesitated and his kick was blocked. The Echo did a story on that.  It was great to see him back cheering on his Cards.  🙂

We then bolted to Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale, two games later than we’d hoped.  But, hey, win and move on.  When we got to SAWA, it was a packed house – the kids’ reputations had preceded them!  And the boys were joined by bass player, Kirby Karpen, for a little icing on the cake! What’s not to like?  According to on-site fans, Paul (on sax) and Kirby are now seniors in high school, and Adam (guitar) is a freshman (?).  Adam’s family moved to Cold Spring a year ago, so it was nice to see this group get together again.  We couldn’t get any videos – the place was just to noisy and we were sitting on the side.  I plucked a few of their videos off YouTube for you and took these stills:

“So What” – Paul & Adam (1 year ago):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUc9L6iC0Ag

“Take the A Train” – Adam:  http://www.youtube.com/user/urlovedbeetle

“Straight No Chaser” – Alexandria Jazz Combo (includes Kirby, 2012):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcKExPscy3w&list=PL6BA86444B4351EBA

“Silent Night” – Paul & Adam (1 year ago):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNT7Q-ECb6w

[Paul’s dad, Jeff – he’s usually at the volleyball games!  😉 ]

And a few more items of potpourri. If you missed the photos of the new high school construction in the last Echo:

[School board member Sandy Susag looking tres chic in construction vest and helmet.]

[We can hardly wait!  🙂 ]

Up next:  The volleyball teams hosts the section semifinals on Tuesday.

CANNES

[Our first view of Cannes, famed locale of the international film festival.]

[Our second view of Cannes.  As near as I can tell, it is pronounced “can,” as in we kicked the “can” down the road.]

[Our first daylight view of Cannes.]

[Our second daylight view of Cannes.]

[Looks nice,  but not a movie star in sight?]

[We did not port here.  This was our only use of tenders on the trip.  These are the ship’s lifeboats that would ferry us to shore.  You may have heard about the kerfuffle in Venice where locals protested being overrun by giant cruise ships (yup, such as ours).  I can certainly see their point.  It seems likely that giant cruise ships will no longer be allowed in many ports – that they will have to anchor offshore and use tenders. Hey, it’s kinda fun!  😉 ]

[Our breakfast area.  Still had it almost all to ourselves.  Unbelievable.]

[I think we were scheduled off in the second hour, so we just sat and enjoyed the comings and goings.]

[Oh, there’s our lady photographer again.  The other usual guest in our breakfast “nook.”  😉 ]

[I could do this on a regular basis!]

[Anchors away!  Our turn to board a tender.]

[Our tender rooftop view of our destination.]

[Two tenders at a time were loaded.]

[We heard a shout from above.  The Joaquins were staying onboard – they’d been to Cannes before.]

[Bye, guys!]

[Cannes, here we come!]

[Au revoir, Royal Princess.]

[Our pilot looks like whack-a-mole.]

[Don’t leave without us.]

[A tender returning for another load.]

[Kim Kardashian?]

[Entering the harbor.]

[Couldn’t find the “sine” or “cosign” though?]

[Auto tires have universal use as rubber-baby-buggy-bumpers.]

[Houston, the tender has landed.]

[What you report when the bathroom lights go out.  😉 ]

[I think this is what Venice has in mind – just don’t land here!]

[Why, yes, we are indeed on the French Riviera.]

[Or are we in Miami or LA?  Remember, the French Riviera is on the same north latitude as Minnesota!]

[A sign to set an older person’s mind at ease.  😉 ]

[We were on our own in Cannes, no tour group.  Armed with maps, the supervisor, Anne, Bill, and I mmediately hiked through old town (Le Suquet) and up to the watch tower, Notre-Dame De L’Esperance (this), and Lerins Castle.]

[A view of the city from our aerie vantage point.]

[The supervisor checks for a route out.]

[The city harbor]

[Mary and Jesus statue overlooking the city.]

[Here Bill offers perspective.]

[Where we were (OK, we may have to check with Anne Riggs).]

[It was 9:25 am.  😉 ]

[I can’t see!  Did that photo take?]

[Walking down from on high.]

[The harbor from halfway down?]

[And looking back up as we head down.]

[Mary and Jesus, again.]

[Oy, the stairs, the stairs!]

[What?  More stairs?]

[Ahhh, back on flat land, in the commercial area.]

[The permanent flea market.  Didn’t buy a single flea.]

[The Importance of Being . . .]

[Leaving the flea market behind.]

[Love the quaint narrow streets of the old countries.]

[Nope, didn’t buy a tee shirt either.]

[Now it gets tempting as we head into the food area!  😉  ]

[And all I had to do was follow my nose.  😉 ]

[Marilyn!!]

[Downtown Cannes]

[No, I didn’t stop to buy a tie . . .]

[The ocean front hotels. La Croisette Boulevard separates the hotels and shops from the water front.]

[The Palais des Festivals plaza area]

[Both our ship and Kim Kardashian’s (?) are still here.]

[I guess the nude beaches were outside the range of our walking tour?  😉 ]

[Still morning, not a lot of activity.]

[The plaza and beach area.]

[The Palais des Festivals, host of the Cannes Film Festival.]

[This was the best vacation ever!   🙂  ]

[Home of the Fighting Irish?]

[Not the slightest urge to enter, likely way out of our league anyway, nor did we ever visit the casino on the ship.]

[Bill shoots another luxury hotel across La Croisette Boulevard.]

[The bus to Palm Beach. 😉  ]

[Somewhere along here we stopped at an outdoor café for a snack and a beverage just to sit and watch the world go by.]

[Gives you an idea that we’re in a place that’s all about movies.]

[We’re heading back to the ship now.]

[And now we’re back on our balcony.  Some yachters came by to say bonjour.]

[The tenders are still going.  We came back to the ship about an hour early – it was not a deadline we wanted to miss.   😉 ]

[I didn’t have the opportunity to use a telephoto lens much on the trip.  But here’s a few from the balcony shooting back at the city.]

[Our last day (and night) on the ship, so let’s sit out by the pool and watch a movie.]

[And comes the final March of the Baked Alaska!]

[The supervisor approves!  🙂 ]

[Mmmmmm!!!!]

BARCELONA

[The next morning we arrived in Barcelona.]

[Our last Mediterranean sunrise.]

[Shooting hillside from the top of the ship.]

[So long, Old Paint.]

[We tried to figure a way to spend some time in Barcelona . . .]

[A morning tour of the city we were advised would be cutting it too close to make our plane connection . . .]

[And trying to arrange an extra day or two in Barcelona seemed to almost double to cost of the entire trip?  So, some other time . . .]

[Our last photo in Europe, such as it is, through a bus window.]

For those of you who suffer withdrawal symptoms when someone else’s vacation slide show comes to end . . . not to worry.  The supervisor is whisking me away to San Diego this winter and to France for a river cruise next June.  Good will offerings are appreciated.

By the time we got home, I’d gone through so many scanners I’d taken on a glow.  The supervisor uses me as a night light now.  Advice for those planning similar cruises – wear comfortable shoes.

Up next:  Volleyball sections, as we return to full-time local coverage.

[*  Not an illegal drug, not a species of rutabaga, not a good name for a pet goldfish, but a place to put stuff that didn’t otherwise have a place.  This is some stuff that happened at home both before and after the longest cruise ever.]

[We had our first snow on Sunday.  Big, gloppy flakes came down in a couple separate interludes.  The ground turned white . . . momentarily.  Then it was gone.]

How did I get myself into this mess?  The following is a brief history:

Tom, I wasn’t sure if we have a commitment to lead the discussion for the “2001, A Space Odyssey” that is penciled in for March 3^rd.  I suppose it would depend on if you are gallivanting across the globe at that time. I am checking to see if you are willing to do this film.  ~  Deb  [Editor’s response:  Yes (?)]

[Dec 3, 2008 (initially published in April 2009 in a different venue)]

This morning, over steaming cups of Caribou coffee, the AGC club president-elect tendered the position of editor-in-chief of the club newsletter, and I, rather foolishly, accepted.  He made this offer in full recognition of my total lack of professional credentials and extreme penchant for silliness [Dame Judi Dench (when 74) proclaimed ,”I get sillier as I get older.”  A great woman.].  I accepted in full recognition that the position doesn’t pay much – somewhat less than six figures – but I will have the opportunity to negotiate performance bonuses if I should ever be awarded a Pulitzer Prize or a Nobel Prize for Literature.  Maybe in anticipation of this prestigious offer, or more likely merely by coincidence, Ruthie is out purchasing a new camera even as I write.  Damn, there goes the possibility of ever again blaming it on the equipment (I will report more fully on this matter, in response to a previous request from Mrs. Wicken, upon receipt of said new camera).  I expect to do full investigative reporting on such issues as why do all old men have the same funny-looking swing and how do “mature” women play 18 holes of golf in less than two hours.  I also expect to do full features on club members, so start working on those exaggerated resumes right now!  The “publisher” has requested that this be fun.

[We begin by flying the wayback machine to July, where find Corky Krogstad expertly exiting the large bunker in front of the new hole No. 7 at the Alex Golf Club . . .]

[Now I had no particular reason for featuring Corky, though he is a fine fellow and a retired school principal, other than this photo with Katie Iverson . . .]

[And we’re featuring Katie because she was one of the cart vendors this summer (we featured Kaitlin Becker previously), is a past Cardinal athlete, and is older sister to oft blog-featured Shelby (last year’s hockey captain.]

[And is long as we’re in her neighborhood . . .]

[Another shout out to course gardener Steph Olson.]

[And wrapping up the golf season (?), card vendor Kiley Gorham.  Her dad grew up in Victoria Heights, her aunt was my high school classmate, and her uncle played golf for the first time with me (as I recall) and then went on to become the first native Alexandrian to win the Resorters.  🙂 ]

[Anthony Miltich was at the winery in August.  That’s not unusual – he’s part of the regular rotation.  But this was the first time we’d ever seen him on the keyboard (instead of guitar).]

[He’ll be back in the neighborhood soon – at the Evansville Arts Center on November 1 and at the winery on November 2.]

[At the end of last month, we went north of Itasca to visit son-in-law Danny, who was just wrapping up his second 6-week stint in Minnesota working on the “harn,” their retirement property.]

[Windows, a porch, and a breezeway are all new additions to the pole barn.]

[A cistern (to be put underground), a portable outdoor shower, and a portable storage facility.]

[The garage side.]

[Making a home in the barn, where they will live while they build their house.]

[The supervisor beams at Danny’s handiwork.]

[He’s making a rocket stove for heat.]

[Burn wood for one day, have heat for 3 or 4 days.]

[We did, when we left.]

[Lisa Lynn was back at SAWA again earlier this month.]

Lisa Lynn (October 5) “Don’t Know Why”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SRDv3xMpI

Lisa Lynn’s “Make You Feel My Love”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNM_JWGePhU

[The plight of the lonely golfer . . .]

[“Robo” marches down the 6th fairway at the AGC.]

[The 6th green.]

[The autumn leaves . . .]

[Harper’s Chord dropped by SAWA . . .]

[But it was too noisy that night . . .]

[To try for a video.  😦 ]

[Took the lake pump out . . .]

[One of the few treks down to the Moby Obie-absent lakeshore this year.]

[Then it was back to SAWA again . . .]

[The supervisor captured Components for . . .]

[Her Facebook page.]

Components (Oct 17) “Fields of Gold”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEE-cfCdkH4

On this night composed of Bill Engebretson (Glenwood) – drums, Dave Strom (Fergus Falls) – keyboard, vocals, Marty Sarlette (Melrose) – sax, and Erik  Vigesaa (Fergus Falls) – bass.

[New wine – we liked the label.  😉 ]

[The supervisor’s red maple on October 19 . . .]

[Well planted it ourselves . . . a few years ago.]

[That afternoon it was off to the winery for Applefest and Patchouli.  The supervisor gets her Facebook shot (Missing you at . . .).]

[This was Julie and Bruce’s . . .]

[Last performance in the Midwest . . .]

[Until next spring . . .]

[As they were about to embark on their annual seasonal relocation to Florida.  No videos again – too noisy.]

[Because we move to a new high school next year, last week the last football game ever was played at Citizens Field.   Though it was a tough year for the Cardinals, they closed 42 years on this field with a 21 – 14 win over Fergus Falls.  (Photo, and a darn good, on loan from the Echo.]

[Congrats again to the Cardinal girls’ soccer team for its undefeated in conference season.  They lost all-state goalie, Sarah Bruzek, early in the 2nd half to injury and were upset in section play.  And a reminder to the freshman goalie who took her place – you win as a team and you lose as a team.  You will help the team to many wins in the future. (Echo photo)]

[The conference champ volleyball team begins section playoffs at home on Friday.  (Echo photo)]

[“Weakie” hiding out somewhere in Stillwater three years ago.  He’s anxious for the girls’ hockey season to begin.  🙂 ]

[And finally, Lake Minnetonka on October 20 as captured by the HQ.  🙂 ]

The readers write (mostly about the cruise and those most flattering, of course):

Loved the pictures! It was fun traveling to il Bel Paese with you two! Tom I’m glad the Supervisor was there to make sure your trip was a success!  ~ Linda Z

Trying Cecil’s right now!  ~  Marnee’

Longest cruise ever.  ~  The Nanner

Some gorgeous photos.  You sure have your settings down close to perfect.  (Content…… ah….  a little touristy in places…… but still superb picture taking.!!)  ~  Tom Mc

Yes. We got home on Oct. 8th. As you know it takes 2-3 days to settle…sleep, mail etc. So now we are raring to go.  As far as the trip is concerned a river cruise is a brand new experience unlike ocean cruising. Summing it up in three words… It was TERRIFIC!! Sitting on the top deck as the boat sailed the rivers was awesome. The sights of vineyards, castles, churches, small villages were breathtaking. I recommend a river cruise to be tops on your bucket list when you decide on where to go on your next vacation.  ~  Crazy Dave

I can’t remember much about Pisa, other than the tower, but I love Florence and Rome! Thanks so much for sharing your photos – think I’ll save this so I can enjoy them again!  ~ Bonnie

Oh, thank you so much, Tom! Hey – where were you all when the beach/Ravi Shanker’s kids photos were taken? It looks like Greece – Santorini? I am not caught up on the travel blog yet, but I am saving it for when I have time to enjoy the whole trip with you! 🙂 peace ~ Lisa

Due to a lapse in funding, certain government activities have been suspended and I am unable to respond to your message at this time.  This email account will not be monitored.  ~ Libby (well, her auto reply)

Heh.  Thanks for the chuckle, Tom.  ~ Jon

A nice Sunday morning concert with a cup of Java.  Is there a Josie Nelson CD now?  ~ Marcus

Josie Nelson’s “Don’t Know Why”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaiFZiDdjWo

[Editor’s note:  If Josie (or Linda) read this, looks like I’m going to need three more autographed CD’s  🙂  Unfortunately, we’ll be out of town for your November 16 date at the winery.]

I was told that this is Big Ole’s grandfather Norbert. ~  Crazy Dave

When were in Istanbul the [Timber]Wolves were playing there.  ~ Uncle Tom

They haven’t erected the historic marker yet.  ~  Roooggggg

Abby left for Bemidji early this morning for a few days.  I will try to remember to ask her next time I talk to her.  Fun to see you two’!   You are very busy people!!   Never a dull moment!!!  ~ Martha

Latest post from “Lorraine of Arabia”!  ~ Ken

I’m sure your cruise was fantastic.  But Tom, on behalf of the Midwest you could have put on a tie.  ~  The Nanner

Nancy…if you don’t “reply to all” I won’t see your hilarious comments which make my day….including this one!!!  ~ Patty

I agree with Patty and I don’t even know Nancy.  (I do love her sense of humor.)  ~ Paul

She’s a hoot! Her incredible dry sense of humor…she can say more with two words than most people can with a paragraph…I have belly laughed so many times…  ~ Patty

Aw, I was just happy to see you two!! Xoxo  ~ Lisa

Nice photos. I would HATE to get dressed up on board to dine. For heaven’s sakes — it’s a VACATION and time to RELAX. I’m glad you bucked the system with your Hawaiian shirt — Roy would be proud.  ~ Gretchen

Maybe it was ok to see it in “the old days”—minus masses of other people!  Wow.  ~ MLT

Have been to Turkey 3 times — sensational.  Next time we convene — whenever that is — perhaps we can drink wine & talk Turkey.  Cheers till then.  ~ Tom Mc

PS:  A darn lovely picture of the two of you.

Hey, nice to hear from you! Have a great trip and we can compare notes when we return. My biggest excitement thus far has been riding a camel!…..and that is probably going to be the extent…..pretty conservative in this area so we cannot go anyplace by ourselves…… ~ Jeanne

Hi Tom, Thanks for sharing your great photos of the Grape Stomp.  We took the liberty of saving some of them to our personal gallery.  Look forward to seeing you and Ruth again in the future. Warm regards, Harper’s Chord

Latest (and last) note from Jeanne. She gets home next Friday. Guess I better wash some dishes and make the bed.  ~ Ken

Tom…you are priceless and “one of a kind”. You had me laughing out loud. I would have loved to have seen Henny Youngman’s live performance at the Ephesus Theatre. I understand that his famous line “take my wife…please” was said there first.  Keep ’em comin’ big boy.  BTW, nice hat!!!! (I wanted to say it first before Nancy did.)  ~ Crazy Dave

This is one of the nicest pictures that I have seen of both of you.  A good one for the grandkids to get a framed copy of.  ~ Fitz

I finished the book last week [“Tamarack County”]! He was here signing books at the Poison Pen bookstore. Your cruise must have been great. MK and I did that trip few years ago. We sailed on The Wind Star.  Take care.  ~ UncleTom

You both look wonderful; you should frame this one!  ~ Katy

You are the best reporter in all of West Central Douglas County.  ~ Paul

I made my usual 4 days (MTThF) of the first week (though Maria did not due to some physical malady) [re: The U.S. Tennis Open]….may be my last visit, due to the tiring hassle of the 2.5 hr commute each way and the continually increasing throngs that make it very hard to move between matches like I prefer to do.  Maybe I’ll have to take up globe-trotting like some of my 1-percenter friends.  ~ Basketball Dan

You guys look beautiful and happy!  ~ Jami

Dear Tommy, The cruise ship pictures took my breath away.    I’ve been in some gorgeous places (we had most fun in Venice, by the way), but the ship’s opulence — oh my goodness!  I’m so happy for you and hope that good health is now in progress.    Love, Aunt Pearl

Ick. Sorry. Air kisses?  ~ Lisa

Oh, I am loving this trip blog! Thank you SO much for sharing – I feel like I was there. Well, sort of. Ok, I’m just as jealous as can be that I wasn’t there with you – what a lovely trip this must have been, so happy for you both! Honest! 😉  ~ Lisa

This is worthy of a look!  I’ll have to take it in “chunks.”  ~ MLT

Welcome back.  We missed your e-mails..  Happy Birthday, Tom.  Larry had dinner with family last night at Zorbas.  Isn’t it wonderful to be one of the elder statesmen.  ~ Laura

Young and in love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  ~ Katy

Bore me with the details of the trip!! What line did you take? This is something on our list; I’m retiring in Jan. and moving to Crofton.  We really didn’t want to rush into anything J wanted to be sure he was the one!!  Look how cute we were!!  ~ Katy

LMAO!  ~ Fran

Thank you for covering the concert.  I have played with this great group several times but never with the audio and pictures that you have provided with this coverage. Your archive history will be so treasured by musicians in the future.  Just think of the value of your work to the 7th grade drummer who could be the next Buddy Rich. I have always enjoyed your coverage of the SAWA musicians.  ~ Bill

You are being a wimp. Medicare will pay for it and your doctor will say it is necessary. I had both eyes done years ago and the improvement was amazing. It is painless and easy.  ~  The Nanner

Displaying some of the Tom Obert charm again?  ~ Rosie

Thanks for the laugh, or should I say – thanks for letting me laugh at
your faux pas! I needed that today.  ~ Sue

Why do I want to kill myself every time I look at your pictures? I know you guys have a much more interesting life than I do, but looking at all those old people is such a downer. My problem, not yours.  I still love the pictures!  ~  The Nanner

That’s pretty funny!  ~ The Nanner

An exciting video from an afternoon at Elden’s:

http://biggeekdad.com/2013/05/grocery-store-opera/

[New high school visual status report from October 21 and from across the street at Grand Arbor.  BTW, in anticipation of increasing traffic in this area, traffic lights have been installed at the intersection of 34th and Pioneer Road, though not yet in operation.  This will now allow crossing of 34th without having to dodge high speed vehicles racing through in ever increasing numbers.]

[The entire athletic complex appears to be in place.]

[The football “stadium.”]

[The fields and the high school.]

[The high school.]

[The Alex class of ’65 met at Fat Daddy’s on Tuesday for our “48th reunion.”  We’re cutting edge that way.]

[Acknowledgement to Rosie.]

PISA & FLORENCE

[From the port city of Livorno, we boarded a tour bus for a ride through Tuscany to Pisa and Florence.]

[We disembarked in a Pisa parking lot.]

[Led by our tour guide, Rosa (lower left), we wandered through the streets of Pisa on a beautiful Sunday morning.  Rosa would prove to be a real pip who drove the Gang of 17 crazy!  😉 ]

[We’re heading to the Leaning Tower, of Pisa fame.  Turned out to be a bit of a walk.  🙂 ]

[And there it is!  The supervisor rushes ahead for the first photo op!]

[In Pisa’s Cathedral Square, the first building is the Baptistery, the second is the Duomo (Cathedral), and the third is the Tower (a bell tower). They were constructed mainly over a 100 year period beginning in 11th century.]

[The Duomo]

[And the supervisor performs the ritual all tourists rush in to do – she supports the Tower from falling, here with her backside.  🙂 ]

[And then uses her hands.  😉 ]

[My turn . . .]

[Ever the rascal, I’m pushing it over.]

[Others follow suit with the Baptistery in the background.]

[On Facebook pages everywhere.]

[Hands up!!]

[The Tower side of the Duomo.]

[Munchkins]

[The mandatory tourist eating area adjacent to a historic site.]

[The “mandatory” eating area is directly at my back here.  Hey, the Tower’s not leaning here!]

[The Baptistery, the Duomo, and the crowds.]

[The supervisor enjoys the shade.]

[Is this Facebookable?]

[No, we didn’t go up.]

[Plains animals looking for shade.]

[If you’re a tower, and you can lean, you can see around the corner.]

[Looking across to the “mandatory” eating area.]

[Wow, was that bright in the cloudless sky!]

[Something on top of a building.]

[The supervisor chances a bolt across the lawn in the blinding sunshine.]

[The line for the Duomo . . . no, we didn’t.]

[The Tower hiding behind the Duomo.]

[The line into the Duomo . . .]

[The supervisor finds a slot into which to shoot.]

[Did she Facebook this?]

[The Golden Arches . . . no, we didn’t.]

[Human statues are popular here.]

[Hmmm, was a purchase made?]

[On the road to Florence . . . ]

[We could see the Apennine Mountains in the distance.  When the Apennines were first mentioned by Maria when we were on the Naples tour, it was like a word out of the distant past.  When was the last time we had heard the name “Apennines”?  School daze, long ago.  Apennines, as the spine of Italy, it’s nice to meet you!]

[That mountain in front of us induced a comment from Rosa.  I forgot what it was.]

[Appears we are approaching Florence . . .]

[Well, maybe not yet?  Just another view of the Tuscan country side.]

[Oh, here we are.  Welcome to Florence!  🙂 ]

[The road less taken?]

[Students . . . or tourists?]

[And we’re walking.  I assume The Nanner likes the hat of the gentleman from Brisbane?]

[Florence is all about art.  In “If I Had a Million Dollars,” it could be a Picasso or a Garfunkel.]

[Approaching the Piazza del Duomo.]

[The Cathedral . . .]

[Quite the facility.]

[The Baptistery in the square.]

[And views from all around the square . . .]

[That may be Jack Nicholson on the left?]

[OK, get the herd back in the shade again.]

[And more around the Duomo . . .]

[Yup, the place is monumental.  🙂 ]

[Where to next?]

[Piazza della Repubblica]

[And another human “statue” at the Column of Abundance.]

[Felt sorry her – it was bloody hot that day!]

[The Orsanmichele Church, on the “trail” between the two major piazzas.]

[Looks like rebar is necessary . . .]

[To hold these archways together.]

[Porcellino!  Drop a coin in the pig’s mouth and rub its nose to ensure a return to Florence.]

[Ms. Shankar gives it a go.]

[In search of . . . ]

[Ahead is the Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace).]

[Welcome to Piazza della Signoria!  We will now begin a tour of the statuary therein . . .]

[The Joaquins checking for dining potential on the plaza.]

[David.  OK, it’s a replica – but a darn good one!]

[Neptune]

[Heads on swivels.]

[Probably not George Washington.]

[Rosa lined up a fine dining experience . . . with a view!  🙂 ]

[It was time to move out to the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) – we got separated from the supervisor here as she was determined to go her own way.  Oh, this is walking through the Uffizi Gallery courtyard.]

[We’re heading through that archway to the Arno River.]

[We’re heading through that archway to the Arno River.  (Oh, I already said that.)]

[And there’s the Old Bridge, built in medieval times over the narrowest point in the river.  An obvious spot for a photo op!]

[Undiluted by photo opees.]

[Let’s head for the Old Bridge.]

[This view is a continuation up the Arno – we’re taking a left turn to the Old Bridge.]

[That’s amore!]

[The Arno]

[We reunited with the supervisor – she’s in the background with Anne.]

[And here she is with, I believe, a bust of Knute Nelson?]

[Yup, it’s Knute!]

[Let there be commerce.]

[Shop till you drop.]

[Street artists – literally.]

[Pastries!!!!]

[Hey, Roy-san, send this to Minnie!  🙂 ]

[Santa Maria Novella]

[Rosa!  She was a pistol, not a movie star.  She must have been an elementary school teacher in her previous life.]

[Marching to Pretoria?  Rosa led us on a forced march across the city to find our bus – the Gang of 17 were unhappy campers.]

[Remember Moby from Day 1?]

[Rush hour for boats?]

[I have no idea why I shot this in the vertical?  Is that the Statue of Liberty?]

[I’ll take it at face value.  🙂 ]

[A dining room visit with the Joaquins.]

[I just love dress-up!  😉 ]

[Sound Idea (I believe)]

[A pastry!!  And we say arrivederci to Pisa and Florence.]

Up next:  More stuff, but we only have Cannes and leaving from Barcelona to go.  May have to interject some more coverage until then.