Christmas Lights 2007

Here they are, I know you've been waiting.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I still have comp tickets to The Nutcracker if anyone wants them...

Tuba Christmas

PS: I know PS's go at the bottom....but....I have comp tickets to The Nutcracker for this weekend if anyone is interested. CLICK HERE, let me know what performance you'd like to attend and I'll hook you up!

Today Oda Mae and I went out to see our local Tuba Christmas. 70 some odd tubas and euphoniums playing Christmas tunes should not be missed. I have to admit that I've never been and this was a first for me and Oda Mae. It's really difficult to describe the sound of that many tubas, but I'll try...SCARY LOW RUMBLE with a just a hint of PITCH. I will say that maybe I'm a bit biased 'cause I'm a trumpet player.

It's a novelty really. I may go again next year just to say I went. I suppose some people would go just to say they heard their favorite euphonium player play a gig.... Those don't come up very often. Think about it... Have you ever heard a euphonium player play a solo at someones wedding. How 'bout that kickin' euphonium concert on Friday night? Nope.... Chances are that unless you were in band at some point, you don't' even know what a euphonium is.


If you have the chance to see you're local Tuba Christmas, go check them out. It'll make all the euphonium players feel better about themselves. Here are some pics from today...

Oda Mae and I taking our seats... The masses assemble...
Equipment malfunction...
In awe, amazement, horror (what ever you want to call it)...
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On a much sadder note. Tuesday evening I lost a friend and a colleague who incidentally played the tuba. Mark Wolfe died in a motorcycle accident on Tuesday evening. We played in quintet together off and on during the last 3-4 years. I can honestly say that the gigs I played with Mark were some of the most memorable. We played great music with great players for great audiences. Albeit in some unusual places... I always had fun on these trips and I'll miss them and Mark.

Besides the fact that he passed only a week before Christmas, the worst part of it is that he leaves behind a wife and three children. The local musicians union has set up a fund to collect money for his family in order to assist them through this tragic time. Please go to this website; Dallas-Fort Worth Professional Musicians Association and click on the link at the left that says "Mark Wolfe Fund" read the articles that have been posted about Mark and send a contribution to help his family.

DV,

-OD

The Christmas Party

Last night, we went to a Christmas Party with my sister. We had a really good time. There was lots of good food and I think I ate most of it. Oda Mae enjoyed the kid crafts and the dancing. All I can say is that Oda Mae was one step away from getting on the tables...



Yes, Oda Mae and Aunt Sis wore matching outfits. That wasn't planned, they just have the same taste in animal prints. :)

She was pretty worn out at the end of the night. I think tomorrow we'll stay home all day and rest.

-OD

Dinner and Tournament!

Edit: Here are a couple more pictures from last night.

Last night, we made an and evening of fine dining and an excellent show as Lords and Ladies at Medieval Times.

Thanks to my nephew and former student, Chris, we got comp tickets for the whole fam.

When we got there and safely across the moat I might add, we proceeded to make our way to the souvenir tables. Oda Mae of course picked out a pink princess hat.

We cheered all evening for the Red Knight (YEAH!!!!!!!) only to be disappointed (as he was winning) when he was brutally "murdered" by the Green Knight (Boooooooooo!) and his toadies. I'm pretty sure that Oda Mae (and quite possibly Oda Momma, Aunt Sis, and Gran) all had a little crush on our Red Knight. I'm glad I don't have to compete with him on a daily basis. Oda Mae was especially "in love" when he tossed her a flower!

One of the highlights of the evening was getting to watch Chris in action....(he gets to wear blue tights and everything!)

Oda Momma and I had a great time. The food was pretty good (sans eating utensils of course) as well. You can't go wrong with a four course meal and half a chicken on your plate. We were happy.

After the show was over, we got to fraternize with the hired help.

Then it was time to go home. We all had a great time and it made some of us very tired!

If I'm lucky, maybe she'll sleep a couple extra minutes this morning!

DV,

-OD

Is it December already?

Seems like just yesterday, it was Thanksgiving. (According to my last blog post, it was!)

So I'm a bit busy these days, I'm behind on my posting and my pictures, but I'm pretty much caught up on everything else now. I took video of the lights this evening. I'll try and get that posted soon. Just so you know, I ended up with a grand total of 26,726 lights on the house this year! That's about 8,000 more than last year. Don't worry, I've got plenty more electricity for more lights next year.

As for news on the home front, Allison is doing very well. Remember a post or two ago (back in September I think) when I said that she had a good day and how I wished that would happen more often. I think my dreams have come true. Lately, she really seems to be doing very well. Don't get me wrong, we still have moments, but they are much more rare and aren't as traumatic. We've had more good days than "bad" lately. That's VERY nice. Also, her imagination has really taken off. Just during the last couple of weeks I can be sitting somewhere and watch her start pretending all by herself. I actually practiced for an hour today while she sat there and did puzzles and blocks. Usually we can't go more than 10 minutes without having to play with her and keep her entertained. She loves to talk on her toy telephone. It's very funny because you hear only one side of a one sided conversation.

I've begun preparing for an audition coming up. I have to admit that I'd really like to win THIS ONE. It's one of the reasons I'm kind of busy right now. The audition is in March and it's just down the street. Wouldn't have to move across the country, that's nice.

Time to go practice now. I'll try to get caught up on some more posting later.

Dominus vobiscum!

-OD

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks everyone for coming out and making memories today. What's up with the snow in November? This is Texas for crying out loud!

-OD

Turkey Eve

Well, we finally made it. Today is Turkey Eve. The Oda household is in full force, cleaning up, cooking, and getting ready for the big day tomorrow. All of the Christmas lights are up and running and the neighbors are envious. A couple of tweaks today and we'll light up the neighborhood tomorrow evening. I'm just hoping no airplanes try to land on the house this year. There will of course be a "Guess the Number of Lights" contest this year. There will also be a "major award" for the person who comes closest to guessing the actual number of lights.

Oda Mae has been reading books about Thanksgiving this week. Yesterday, she was playing with her play-doh and said that she was cooking Thanksgiving dinner. She was making a turkey! She's so cute. We also got to watch the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special last night on television. She had a good time. I tell you what, there is nothing like watching Charlie Brown and all of his friends eating popcorn and toast for Thanksgiving!

That's about all for now. I'll report back sooner or later. I'll be making a video of the lights again this year so keep watching for that. If I don't see you tomorrow and I don't get a chance to blog, then Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh........one more thing. For those of you attending our little Thanksgiving spectacular tomorrow, my sister is looking for a victim an actor to play the part of a "troubled teenage girl". You'll be given a list certain "problems" to present to your counselor. She needs to video tape a "counselling session" with said girl for a class project. This is a prime opportunity for somebody wanting to show off their thespian skills. Anyone interested? I swear, the video will not make it onto the blog. (Unless it proves to be just too funny not to let the world see.)

Dominus vobiscum,

-OD

So much for that...

Well, so much for NaBloPoMo for me. I've already missed like 3 posts and it's not even the 10th of the month yet. I'll keep trying to post more often though. My Area 365 has gotten away from me as well. That, I just need to update.

A couple of days ago (Wednesday) I was going to blog about Oda Mae, so here it is. Take yourself back to Wednesday.........(I'll wait)..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Today, Oda Mae and went to the Little Gym and to storytime at the library. All day today she was very good. It was like, who is this child? I didn't have to fight her every two minutes about whatever. Now, don't get me wrong, there were still a couple of times during the day that I had to make her do/or stop doing something, but all-in-all she had a very good day today.

It sometimes seems that all I ever do is try and keep her out of stuff or make sure she isn't acting like a fool. Today gave me just a little glimmer of hope. Oda Mae is working on 2 yrs and 8 months right now. Is it possible that she is beginning to transition from the "terrible twos" to the "terrific threes"? Lord, I hope so!............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Are you back?

I'm in the middle of getting up all of the Christmas lights now. There's no turning back. The neighbors pretty much know what's going on now. I've seen a couple of them scramble into their garages and start looking for their boxes of lights. Then they pull them out all in a wad and look discouraged. Hee Hee!

Yesterday......Take yourself back again............Not so far!......
Yesterday was my Momma's birthday! I was going to put up a big ol' birthday post, but didn't get a chance...

Ain't she so cute? Happy (belated) Birthday, Mom! (Yes, I called her yesterday!) I'm glad you were born. So is Oda Mae!

I've got a busy weekend coming up. Many, many lights to put up along with three gigs between now and Monday evening. Wish me luck. Oh, btw....remember this post. Read the last paragraph. Yep, it's coming..........are you ready? I've said this before, sometimes the hardest thing to do in life is to decide to change your life for the better. We have to make changes in our behavior, our mannerisms, our daily schedule, etc. to make something happen in our lives. I have to admit, I'm pretty comfy with my life right now. I'm not sure I want anything to change, but I think I'll go for it. Life it too short to only do one thing for too long. What have you done to change your life lately?

Dominus vobiscum,

-OD

Going in for the Kill

Phase 2: COMPLETE

Now it's time to get down to some serious business (Phase 3)! See you all in 2 1/2 weeks!

"To the mattresses!"

DV/OD

Long Weekend

On Saturday I helped my sister move into her new house. Then I had to go play a gig in Rockwall for Congressman Ralph Hill. It was a very long gig (3 hour rehearsal/2 hour performance with no intermission), but it was fun. We played lots of great music.

Today we drove over to celebrate my mommas birthday. We had homemade cheesecake (by me) and homemade chicken nuggets, mashed taters, gravy and green beans (by Sis). It was yummy. Afterwords, we packed up the Armada with boxes from my sisters storage building and took them over to her new house. Then it was time to head home.

I have to say that Oda Mae never stopped today. She was running, playing, jumping, talking, singing, etc. ALL DAY LONG! I'm pretty sure that if I didn't make her take a nap every day that she would run non-stop like that every day. Since I only have one child, I'm going to ask those of you who are somewhat more experienced than I. Is is just because she is 2 1/2 years old or is it her personality that makes her just go and go and go until she just can't go any more? This child has to be doing something all the time. I have to tell you, if it's the later, I'm going to go insane before she moves across the country to go to college. She NEVER wants to just chill out. She did finally pass out in the car on the way home this evening, so our car ride was actually pretty nice. Thank heavens for small favors!

DV/OD

The New House

Well, my big sis finally did it. She moved into her new house today. Of all the people I know, she has worked the hardest to get to where she is today. She is still working hard too. I'll have some pics of her house in the next couple of days or so. It is a very nice house just her size and what's best is that it comes with "rustic" charm. :) It is also very loyal to the Lone Star State. But the main thing is that it's hers!

Congratulations big sis, we're all very proud of you!

DV/OD

NaBloPoMo

OMG, I almost missed it! It is NaBloPoMo and I didn't know it! Good thing I made this post just before midnight huh?

Actually, I didn't even know what NaBloPoMo was. How silly of me. I had to look it up.

Should I just pick random subjects for my NaBloPoMo, or should I have a theme? What about variations on a theme? Come on people, help me out.

Well, it's bedtime (again) and I'm out of words, so we'll see ya tomorrow.

DV/OD

Happy Halloweeny!

We started out the day going to The Little Gym. At the end of class Oda Mae got to play a couple of games of Hide-and-Seek. Here she is hiding in the big circle. Afterwords, we made our way to story time and listened to stories about Apples and Pumpkins. That put us in the mood to go home and eat a "Pumpkin" shaped PB&J. She got a pretty big kick out of a pumpkin shaped sandwich! We also made bats and pumpkins to color and hang off the ceiling fan. She thought that was pretty cool too.After her nap, it was time to get ready for the big outing. We decided against the princess costume and opted for something a little more original...We decided to go this year as a Punk Rocker. We had the hair, the costume, the safety pins, the boots, and the most important accessory....the Electric Guitar!Then we headed off to the concert! Here are Oda Mae and Oda Momma having a good time.Here's Oda Mae rockin' out before the concert!Here she is with Aunt Sis really getting into the act!Finally, the concert started and she got to hang with Cap'n Jack! At the end of the concert, I'm very proud to say that Oda Mae was presented with a BLUE ribbon and a goody bag for having the "Most Creative Costume"!Then it was off to the carnival at a local church. We scored lots of candy, free hot dogs, games, and cupcakes from the cakewalk!After the carnival, we headed home to partake in the winnings!A big ol' glass of milk with a pumpkin KRAZY straw makes everything go down better. Then, finally, Oda Mea hit the hay and Oda Momma and I divided up the loot! I must say that being a parent has it's perks! I'm not too sure how many more years it will take for Oda Mae to figure out that we end up eating most of her candy. :) We'll have to wait and see.

PHOTOHUNTER: PINK

I found a couple of good "Pink" pictures this week!

Phase 1 Complete

Lieutenant: General, we’ve completed Phase 1 of operation S-D-W-A-M-H-I-B-T-Y-C-L-E, sir.

General: That’s good news Lieutenant! Do you have photographic conformation that the operation was completed successfully?

Lieutenant: Yes General, sir. Here it is, sir.






General: Lieutenant.

Lieutenant: Yes, General, sir.

General: Do any of the neighbors have any suspicions about what is going on?

Lieutenant: General, sir. Some of the neighbors have been peeping out their windows to try and get a look, but I don’t think they know exactly what is taking place. However, General, sir, there was one neighbor who drove by slowly this afternoon, looked at the soldiers and rolled his eyes while shaking his head. However, I don’t think he’ll be a problem, sir.

General: Why do you think he won’t be a problem, Lieutenant?

Lieutenant: Well, General, sir. I don’t think he will ever gain the holiday spirit. He’s never even so much as put a tree in his front window, sir.

General: Never be too cautious, Lieutenant. Make sure you keep an eye on him!

Lieutenant: Yes, General, sir.

General: Lieutenant, it’s time to commence Phase 2 of operation S-D-W-A-M-H-I-B-T-Y-C-L-E.

Lieutenant: Pardon, my objection sir, but isn’t it too early to commence Phase 2 of operation S-D-W-A-M-H-I-B-T-Y-C-L-E?

General: Lieutenant, you want to be in full combat by November 22; do you not?

Lieutenant: Yes, General, sir.

General: Then I suppose you better get to work on Phase 2 immediately.

Lieutenant: Yes, General, sir. Phase 2 will commence at 0700 tomorrow morning.

General: That’s good Lieutenant. I’ll expect a full report when you and your men are finished.

-OD

AREA 365-244

PHOTOHUNTER: PRACTICAL

AREA 365-243

AREA 365-242

The 3:30 am Haiku

She finally sleeps.
Daddy does not sleep. Awwww Man!
"That's what Swiper says."

This is the kind of stuff that goes through my head for a couple hours every other night. I think there might be something wrong.

-OD

AREA 365-241

AREA 365-240

AREA 365-239

AREA 365-238

AREA 365-237

AREA 365-236

PHOTOHUNTER: SMELLY