Just hear those angel trumpets sound!

Had my final concert with the Mormon Choir of Washington DC on Saturday. The music is still going 'round and around' in my brain. The concert was at the Harris Pavilion in Manasses, VA. It's an outdoor area, with a roof (that's the pavilion part). There's just something about outdoor concerts. The weather was great, sunny, not too humid, a nice breeze blowing. We were by the train tracks, and several trains came by while we were rehearsing before the show. The best part was when we were practicing "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and the train came by, the horn sounding IN KEY with our song. We have a Dixieland Quartet playing with us on that song, and to have the train come in like that, well, it was great. Talk about accompianment!!

The whole concert went very well. We opened with some vaguely religious pieces, then went into a 'Louisianna tribute' with the Dixieland quartet--one of the songs was John Rutter's arrangement of "When the Saints Go Marching In", which I had performed previously with the Southern California Mormon Choir. Only back then my Dad was the one playing the clairnet--and nothing against our clarinetist this time, but I think my dad plays it better. I'm not prejudiced at all...

Next came a set of songs with a soloist, Sandra Turney (I think that's her name). She has performed on Broadway, and is so amazing. We ended the concert with a set of patriotic songs, which I just love. Of course we ended with The Battle Hymn of the Republic, the version everyone knows by the guy whose name I can't spell. Paul Wershomthingovsky? Anyone interested, that lives in the DC area, the same concert will be performed this Sunday at the Temple Visitor's Center. I will not be there, but it will be a faboulous concert.

And where will I be? In California, for my nephew Dalan's Missionary Farewell. He's been called to the Colorado Springs Mission. So much fun. Although I probably shouldn't announce that I'll be leaving on my very public blog, but my friend will be watching my cat so it should be ok.

Adventure Abounds

Went to Terrapin Adventures last weekend (here), with Shannon and Clare. We did the zip line first--getting to the zip line was a little crazy, but the actual zip line itself was really fun. Then we went on the giant swing. Poor Clare had to close her eyes, but I love being up so high and swinging. I love to swing :D And with this theres no real effort on your part, you just sit and swing. Then Shannon and I went on the High Ropes. Well, ok, we both started, but once I realized what they were asking me to do, I decided I'd rather not and had the guides help me get down. I still had to do it myself, but Shannon was able to do the whole course. It was a bit scarey, although they do have you hooked in the whole way and there are guides to make sure you're ok the whole time. Next time I'm thinking I'll probably do the zip line and the swing, and maybe the Tower, where you climb up the wall. I can do rock climbing. Scaling ropes over a 20-40 ft drop, not so much.

Not much else going on here, just thought I'd check in. Going to the movies with S&C tomorrow to see The A-Team and The Karate Kid. Hmm, maybe I should see if I have any of my old '80s clothes...

June bugs

Yikes, has it been over a month already???

Ok, quick version:

a) end of April went to a Single Adult Conference in Richmond. Was ok, will probably attend next year but only on the Saturday. Although I have to say, the closing testimony meeting on Sunday was worth the whole trip.

b) Movies with Shannon and Clare--Iron Man 2 and Robin Hood with Shannon, Shrek 4, and Prince of Persia with both. Movie with Laura--Letters to Juliet. See sidebar for mini-reviews

c) TV season is over, although I still have a few episodes to watch to catch up. LOST was well done, I will be getting the whole series (it's 50% off on Amazon if you pre-order now). V was good but a little scarey. Don't let your kids watch this one. Flash Forward is over, and has not been renewed. Probably a good thing--nowhere to really go with that particular premise, though they tried. Chuck, well, I love Chuck, but this wasn't his greatest season. NCIS has me a little scared for Gibbs, but I know he'll be ok in the end (he signed his contract). And several more shows not as noteable but which I still enjoyed.

d) Took a trip to Florida to see the Shuttle Launch. Atlantis, on its final trip to the space station. It even launched on time! Which is really amazing for the shuttle program, seriously. Karma was probably satisfied when the shuttle that was supposed to launch in July got moved to November. Met up with my friend Laura who lives down there now, and it was so great to see her and hang out with her. Got to go to Epcot Center as well, and took the main tour at KSC. It was a lot of fun. I do have pictures (I know, I always tease you with pictures)

e) Memorial Day weekend went to movies on Saturday, rested on Sunday, and did some yardwork on Monday before it got too hot. Also managed to finish two (yes, two!) books.

f) bought a lot of books, mostly last week. Mostly off of Amazon. Kitty Norville has a new adventure coming out in July, and Debbie Macomber has been writing more about Blossom Street. Two series I enjoy. And I threw in the Actor and the Housewife since, well, my friends liked it! It all started with four 20% off books at Target. I'm telling you, they have a great book section! Not enough sci-fi, but lots of fluffy summer stuff :)

Ok, I think you're caught up now. Happy June!