The Dregs…

Yep. Thanksgiving with family spices things up and provides a respite from the gray cave that is winter. But only if you have nice or entertaining family to be around.

We are currently in Michigan enjoying John’s family. Unfortunately, John has been practicing quite a bit to get ready for a chamber music recital coming up. The unfortunate part is not the recital coming up, it’s all the practicing that must be done over Thanksgiving. It’s the only free time he’s had to practice recently. The recital promises to be an enjoyable evening. They will play my favorite Brahms violin sonata, some Mozart, and a piece for violin, cello, and piano by Shostakovich.

One of John’s brothers arrived today, his sister and family will arrive tonight, and another brother will arrive tomorrow with new niece, Emma. (Finally, we will be able to meet her!) Along with John’s parents, they provide a nearly ideal way to spend a holiday.  I plan to make the most of our time here.

I enjoyed the sunshine of the day, although the wind was punishing.  I also enjoyed filling up my gas tank and not feeling as though I ought to take out a second mortgage on our house.  However, it’s bittersweet knowing that low gas prices mean a very poor world economy and a more drawn-out period of time before the powers that be are forced to explore alternative fuel with complete seriousness.

I’m finding that crossword puzzles and sudoku are good pick-me-ups.

Yesterday was the perfect way to spend a winter Sunday: sleeping in, reading the paper in bed, taking a long, hot shower, and doing the Sunday sudoku and crossword.  In the afternoon, I took the kids to a recital performed by Christian’s trumpet teacher.  It was very well played, and the kids enjoyed it.  Sophie came home and practiced her trumpet almost immediately after the recital.  (That’s the kind of inspiration kids need!)

Today, there was snow on the ground when I awoke – curses!  It has been dark and windy all day, the sky producing snow and sleet off and on all day.  On days like this, the only thing that saves me is my Slanket, candles, and hot drinks.  I feel listless and completely unmotivated to do anything, but I will bake some almond poppy seed bread and make a pot of chicken noodle soup in an effort to be less than useless today.

Listen to some marvelous CDs.  My latest choices are very different from each other.

First, Crooked Still’s Still Crooked is a terrific new disc.  They are the only bluegrass/newgrass group I know of that has a cello that plays wailing blues like a fiddle.  This occasionally doubles the 5-string fiddle and always complements the other stringed instruments, string bass and banjo.  The singer, Aoife O’Donovan, has a lighter than air voice, and it is impossible for me to resist humming along with her.  It’s a great pick-me-up in the winter.

Next, in a completely different realm is The Eroica Trio, The Best of Eroica Trio.  I love this trio (piano, violin, and cello), and this is a wonderful introduction to them if you’ve never heard them.  They play everything from baroque to tango on this disc.  The melody of the last piece on this CD is so hauntingly beautiful (Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5) that I usually hit the repeat button on my player a time or two just to drink it in more deeply.  This is a must-have if you’re a classical music fan or you want to get started in the world of classical music.

If you’re new to classical music, here’s a helpful hint:  Always read the liner notes of a classical CD.  They help you to understand and appreciate the music much more.

Burrow into the depths of a deliciously warm Slanket with a cup of hot tea and a great book.

Clean the house and light a candle to fill the house with a pleasant aroma.

CELEBRATE the ending of predatory lending in Ohio!!!!!!!

Thrift store shopping – I’m still looking for the perfect black dress after ruining the Most Perfect Black Dress at brother-in-law, Pete’s, wedding.  (I’m still pining 6 months later.)  Still, the hunt is fun.

Have a full-body massage and a nap afterward – zzzzzzzzz.

Enjoy a warm, sunny day as a beautiful surprise.