Plans gone awry...

This evening's plan was to take the trash and recycling to the dump and go straight from there to auditions for "A Bad Year for Tomatoes" at the Community Theater. That's not quite what happened, and THIS is why:Why is she showing us a picture of the door hinges on the truck, you ask? Look closer. Does that hinge look a little odd to you? It does? You bet it does! That is a wasp's nest! Inside the door, on the hinge. See?

The wasps were annoyed that I bothered them by opening the door, and showed it by sending a representative to straighten me out--before my brain even registered the nest, there was a wasp up my sleeve, stinging my arm! Twice! Admittedly, the second sting was worse than the first...and did you know it is very difficult to take a picture of your own upper arm? Now, the rule for insects in my house is, if I see it, it dies. I decided the same applies to the truck. So off I went to get ice for my arm and wasp spray for the intruders. Now, normally, Tom is my wasp guy. He takes care of removing all wasp nests without my even asking. He's very good about it, but I needed to go and just did not have time to wait for him. So, I've got the spray and I'm ready to zap 'em. But I'm really nervous and have no idea how they will react once sprayed. As I said, Tom usually handles this for me. So I stood nervously behind the door of the truck, held out the can and sprayed the nest thoroughly. It even looks smaller in the 'after' picture. That spray works really well--those bugs died instantly. Thank goodness. The amount of spray on the ground, that both dripped from the truck and was follow-up to be sure the fallen insects weren't just 'playing 'possum' is a testament to how much I did not wish to be victimized again. Yes! Now I could be on my way.

While on the way to the dump, I noticed that my shirt was wet from the melting ice...not just a small spot, either, but the whole right side of my shirt had a lovely round wet spot. And after taking care of business at the dump, it was a dirty round wet spot. I looked REAL CLASSY. I decided to stop by home and change before going to the auditions. Once there, I couldn't even get any sympathy for my wasp stings because poor Nancy Lee got run over by her own car today! Compared to her bruises and scrapes, my wasp stings didn't look like anything. Nancy Lee and I will both be OK, but I think her bruises are going to get worse before they get better.

So. How was YOUR day?

My bookcases are being recycled... :(

The set for "A Bad Year for Tomatoes" is in the process of being built. As with all Community Theaters, we recycle our sets and below you will see bits and pieces from both "The Music Man" and "I Hate Hamlet."

I waited until the final performance of "The Music Man" to take pictures of the set at the end. This theater does that--they will stage scenes after the final show so that friends, family and the 'official photographer' can get good shots without interrupting a performance or disturbing actors with the flash. Except this time. This time the lead actress had someplace else to be and she was gone before they could remind her of the photo session...it was decided that enough pictures were taken during rehearsals and the performances that the 'staged' scenes were not necessary. Darn it! I never did get a good photo of the sets while they were in use--and I have yet to get a copy of the CD with all the photos that everyone was promised. Hmm. But, for those of you interested, below are several of my bookcases, rearranged to look like a rural Vermont home.

One of the bookcases, here at stage left, next to the fireplace from "I Hate Hamlet."

More bookcases as living room walls and leading up the stairs, here at stage right.

The walls from the Paroo Parlor in "The Music Man." Center stage.

The other side of the fireplace, stage left.

Of course, this set will be painted entirely differently--the audience shouldn't be able to TELL we recycle our sets! There is still a lot of work to be done and furniture to be chosen. The pieces here are just 'rehearsal' furniture. What color should we amke the walls? Should the freplace be stone, brick or wood? (I already have one vote against brick--'they didn't use brick for fireplaces in Vermont.' I don't know, so I guess I'll have to accept that.) What about the floor? Any ideas?

Tear - down

I discovered today that I am not very good at tearing down set pieces by myself. I have helped before, but my job usually entails removing screws, carrying small pieces general 'go-fer' type work. Nobody else was there when I was there today, so I did what I could. I had a terrible time with the cordless screwdriver--no power, no speed and the batteries needed recharging really quickly. I finally happened on a battery that fit but didn't actually belong to the driver, but held some power.

I disassembled sections that I knew how to do. I had trouble with some screws that the driver didn't have enough power to get started. Eventually I skipped over those to get done what I could. I could NOT figure out how to disassemble the 'bleachers,' though, so I gave up and went home when I reached that point. Augie called me later to apologize for not beoing there and to explain that the bleachers were held together with 'lag bolts,' which he considered 'overkill.' I'd rather have the piece stronger than it needs to be than the other way around! Those bleachers were holding 20 - 25 actors each night of the show, a lot of them kids! No room for accidents.

Work on the next play, "A Bad Year for Tomatoes" begins Monday. I am set painter and set dresser for that show. It shouldn't be too difficult--one set throughout the show, that is supposed to look like it came from Sears & Roebuck. I think I can handle that. Heck, that's my life!

Done!

My sleep patterns are ALL messed up! I re-read the sixth book in the Potter series and I'm glad I did. I had forgotten a LOT of the details in that book! As soon as I finished that one, I started on "The Deathly Hallows." I took the book to bed with me and next thing I knew, it was dawn! Yipes. I haven't done that since I was a teenager!

Anyway, I enjoyed the book immensely--but I still have lots of questions! Did anyone else find this was true for them, as well?

That was yesterday, the day we were supposed to strike the set for Music Man. Oops! I did go in, but found most of the work was completed by the time I got there. I did put a few things away, carry some smaller items back to the workshop and help repair a curtain that got torn during the production. Then we went to the workshop to complete the process...and T.J. called. I stepped outside for better reception and we talked for about 20 minutes. It was good to hear from him, he sounds good, says he is looking forward to seeing me soon. Anyway, when I went back in, Augie was not in the workshop...so I worked on cleaning up. When he finally got back, he was on his way out and said he'll be back on Wednesday. There is a lot of tearing down to do, but I cannot do it alone, nor would I attempt it. There is not much help in this theater on the technical side, especially for the cleanup after a play part....although I honestly have no idea if any announcement or request for help was made. I certainly did not hear one, I just know there is still work to be done.

Today, I am catching up on things at home. I have some maintenance to do with the pool, the yard and the house. I also have to return a borrowed item to the base. Sort of dull, but there it is...

Have a good day, y'all!

I am so excited!

I was looking forward to a week with NO plans, when I stopped by the base library and found four (count 'em FOUR) copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I've been far too busy since it came out to commit to reading it, and I wanted to re-read the Half-Blood Prince beforehand anyway...but now? Now I have time and I got both books from the library! Hee! Gonna go get started.....

Review

The play has been reviewed by the local paper:

http://www.theitem.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070814/PANO/108140155


There is one criticism that (in my opinion) was blamed on the wrong person. The director was criticized for 'bad blocking.' The truth is the actor working as a stage hand placed the piano incorreectly -- with the child actor playing it COMPLETELY hidden by it! Hopefully that little error will be corrected in future performances. This kind of thing happens in community theater--what do you want from a bunch of amateurs?

Oops!

Can you guess what happened?

Hint #1: I live in South Carolina where we are in the throes of a heat wave.

Final Day -- The Music Man

The show goes up tonight. There is still painting to be done. I honestly thought it was close to finished the week Jen and the kids arrived. What I did not know is that a LOT of set pieces were still to be built! By a lot, I mean seven benches, two sets of stairs, three sets of 'bleachers', a doorway, a footbridge, and pool table crate, and a counter for the library. Not a drib of paint on a single one of these items Monday evening when I went to the rehearsal. Katie asked me if I was available to come paint. I would be working with Augie because Ken had 'walked.' Huh? So the last two days I have been at the theater about eleven hours, painting and watching the rehearsals in order to prioritize work. Ken has been coming in to help, which I don't understand, but OK. Yesterday though, he and Augie had words which was both embarassing and annoying. At one point, Augie walked up to me, stated angily "He needs to learn to shut the %$#@ up. This is no longer HIS show!" and walked away. He later apologized for his outburst, which I appreciated but I didn't like being put on that spot in the first place. When Ken left the building he made a point to say goodbye to me, which was nice, but he totally ignored Augie which was awkward. Last night I tried to work during the show, but that was a nightmare. I got very little done due to a lack of tools at the Hall and lack of space as well. The poor actors-60 of them-were in the 'holding' room with just enough space for all of them, and I was in a corner trying to line a flat to make it look like a clapboard house. Not pretty.

Today, I am waiting for a delivery before I go into the theater. Then I will be spending the day finishing that house flat and anything else I can do. I do enjoy the work, but I hate the rush. It is helping me learn to be faster, though! Hoping for better pictures soon. I got these during Tuesday's rehearsal.

Sorry for the blurriness--I took them without a flash because the rehearsal was ongoing. There was no real lighting, either. But if you look carefully, you can see the books in the background of the library scenes. Oh, the cast has discovered their names on the books. I hear they were really excited to find their own names.

Perseids

It is sort of creepy being out of doors all alone at 2:00am, lying on a bench in the backyard while waiting to see the famed Perseid Meteors. I saw ONE. Maybe there is too much ambient light or maybe I wasn't looking in the right direction, I don't know. But scientists say there will be about one per minute. I was out there for about half an hour. By my reckoning, I should have seen thirty meteors. I saw ONE. It was cool--it streaked across the sky and left a trail behind it for just a nanosecond. The trail had a yellow cast to it. That is my Perseid experience for this evening. I am going to bed.

A quiet house today...

I took Jen and the kids to the airport yesterday. I really enjoyed their visit. I hope they did, too, in spite of the horrendous heat wave that struck the east coast while they were here...

We played indoors.

We played in the pool. (You've already seen photos in the previous post.)

We watched movies.

We went to EdVenture in Columbia.

Where we climbed,

and climbed,and climbed some more.

We got to sit in a real fire truck!

Lily waved to Grandma. Ryan played and played with the other kids checking out the 'fire station.' He had a great time sliding down the fire pole!

Ryan played in sand,
and played in water.

Lily played in the water, too. The water play area was outside--and temperatures were above 100 degrees!

Ryan really enjoyed the water fun, which necessitated his complete change of outfit.

Lily drummed,

and slid,
and built things! ...with pipes,and blocks,

and Ryan used a working digger!
On Saturday, we said goodbye at the airport.

The house is quiet and a little lonely today, but I will be seeing them again soon!

Random Photos

Happy Birthday, Renee!

Today is my sister-in-law's (mumble, mumble)th birthday! Renee is the first of Tom's three sister's. Just a week or so ago, Renee passed her boards to become a Registered Nurse. How cool is that? Over twenty-five years into her career as a Paramedic, she decided she didn't want to do that the rest of her life and she went to school to become a nurse--and she did it! The whole family is very proud of her, especially knowing how much time she had to devote to her studies these past two years.

Happy Birthday, Renee! Celebrate big time--you deserve it!

I have visitors!

On Sunday, Jen, Ryan and Lily arrived for a weeklong visit. Jen seems pleased with the change to her routine, Ryan is very excited about getting in Grandma's pool, and Lily just seems happy. I am so pleased that they are here! This morning after breakfast, we got all sunscreened up, put on swimsuits, sunglasses and hats (you'd think we were going on an African Safari) and headed for the pool in the backyard. Jen brought floats for both kids and a lifejacket for Ryan, so he was ready to rock 'n' roll! Until he finally realized the water is too deep for him to touch bottom. We have told him this before, but he didn't quite believe it until Grandma got into the water and he saw that it came up to her chest. He was a little reluctant to just jump in until Jen handed him a swim ring. Then he climbed in from the ladder...after a minute he was off and floating! Lily liked the pool, too, but didn't really like being held onto all the time. Lily also likes the 'loveseat' swing on the deck.

After a morning of waterplay, we were hungry. Lunch was sandwiches and juice. Lily was really tired, so she went down for a nap. I wished I could join her! I was really sleepy myself and kept dozing off while playing cars with Ryan. Tom reminded me of some old Matchbox cars he has been keeping for the kids, so I hunted up some of those and Ryan was ecstatic! You should have heard the chatter: "Cool! These cars are awesome! I LOVE this! This is so cool. I'll bet my friends would like them, but they're not here. These cars are very cool. Really cool. Did Grandpa lose some. I bet he did, cuz this whole side is empty. This is so much fun. I've never seen these cars before. Is this a race car or a sports car? AAAAAAH! Pkkkkk! Look out! Ma-ack! Wait for me! Mack!" and on and on.... The cars made a very positive impression on him.

After naptime, we got ourselves together and went to the store for some supplies, like Pull-ups for Ryan, and a booster chair, life-jacket, blanket and plastic dishware for Lily, as well as some food. I think we may have bought some toys, too.... Anyway, the shopping kept us out after 7:00! I made dinner when we got home while Jen put The Tigger Movie on the TV for the kids. I let them eat picnic style in the living room. Only problem with that is they forget to eat because they are so enthralled with the movie! They are in bed now, having had teeth brushed, stories read, prayers prayed and songs sung. I hope they let Jen sleep through the night.

We have been considering ideas for tomorrow. The Zoo popped to mind, but it is SO hot--predicted 102 degrees in Columbia tomorrow. Maybe not the best zoo weather, so I suggested EdVenture. I think we might give that a try. I hope to have pictures tomorrow. ;)

I don't like the books!

I spent over ten hours today, putting titles and spine decorations on the books, and I don't like how they look at all! We used black, as instructed, but really should have thinned it or grayed it down some. It is too harsh..and there is no time to go back and change it. Argh!

Happy Birthday, Tom!

Thirty-six years ago today, my youngest brother became a part of our family. Tommy had four siblings, but because of the age difference seemed almost like an only child with six parents. It was a lot of fun watching him grow. I loved it when he learned Cathy's name, but it came out "Hat." I was the one who realized he had said his first sentence, too-- "Steve bring bears?" I could almost sense his little mind thinking what he wanted to say. He was asking if Janet's boyfriend would bring gummy bears (or, as we called them, 'Bouncing Belgian Jelly Bears') home from college when he came to visit.

I hope your birthday is a good one, Tom, with lots of fun and surprises. Love you!

Days Twelve and Thirteen--The Music Man

I finished painting books on the final bookcase yesterday. The Stage Manager asked us to please lock the workroom when we left as she has been having trouble with one little boy who had been in and out of there all during the rehearsal the evening before. So I locked the doors and decided to watch a bit of rehearsal on my way out. Turned out to be a good thing as a woman, who had said every day for the past several days that she would come by in the evening and paint titles on books, chose last night to actually come. She found the workroom locked even though she had been told it would be open for her. I was able to let her in and get her started. When I went in this afternoon (I had lots of errands and other things to do thins morning) I found two dozen books with titles on them. Not bad. Not great, but not bad. Every little bit helps. So I got started painting book spines with titles and border decorations, as requested by the Technical Director. I finished what I could reach of two flats and will go back tomorrow for more. Ken said that the flats will be up against the walls of the stage, which will be much easier for painting words than trying to lean over it sideways, or lean several feet over from a ladder while trying to paint words. Sylvia emailed me a list of cast names to use on the books. I think the cast will love finding their own names on the set, don't you?

Pictures tomorrow.

Is this cheating?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkA3nxuMJoM

Day Eleven -- The Music Man

Arrived at the theater at noon--I heard the church bells ringing as I went into the building. I love church bells. Anyway, I worked alone on the flat until Patricia arrived at about 4:00pm. We managed to finish getting all the books painted on the flat by the time rehearsal got started, and Ken lifted it off the tables and replaced it with the LAST flat so it will be ready when I go in tomorrow, when I expect to be all on my own for the book painting. I still think I can finish a flat by the time rehearsal starts. I hope so, anyway, because we have some other less-complicated painting to do, too.

Today's painting project. I drew in all the books this morning before I started painting. By the time Patricia arrived, I was finished with the purple, blue and red books, leaving green and brown to finish.

A close-up of the books that have my name on them. See? At the bottom? It looks like I am the author. Hee!