Un-Thanksgiving

I started coughing last night, but didn't really think too much about it.

So, I rose early and prepared for Mass. But, in the time between bathing and leaving . . . .

Although Arianna had been sick, she recovered in a relative short time.

Today I've been feverish, coughing, and feeling rotten. Sharon, upon her arrival home from marching in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade downtown began to feel bad too.

We didn't get out of the house to Linda and Michael's today.

Around 5 o'clock I pulled myself together and made pancakes for dinner.

Supplies

Box by box . . .

It's just so much easier carrying a few boxes up from the basement at a time.

Smoosh . . . Arianna's interpretation . . .

Chaperon

Today Arianna went on a field trip. The St. Ed's Choir participated in the Metro Suburban Conference Choir Festival. Ten high school choirs gathered at Riverside Brookfield High School, where they sang and received feedback from a college choir director.

Mr. Jones, St. Ed's Choir Director, had asked for parents to chaperon the group. From what I understand every member of the choir dissuaded their mother from attending the field trip. Including Arianna. 

Insensitive ogre that I am, I encouraged Sharon to disregard Arianna's request. I knew she would thoroughly enjoy the day. And, as it turned out, Mr. Jones was especially appreciative for her presence. Especially so because St. Ed's Choir is predominantly female (only one male in the group).

Notwithstanding the fact that Arianna ignored her mother most of the day, it was a wonderful excursion. And, according to Sharon, St. Ed's Choir is in fact extraordinarily gifted. They were one of the very best and received praise from the clinician.

56

Not every birthday is particularly memorable or exciting.

Falling on a week day, everybody's commitments precluded a raucous celebration.

Still, there were a few gifts. And of course a cake - which tasted better than it looked.

Little Thespian

The St. Ed's school play opened on Friday evening and ran through this afternoon. The play, Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play, sought to duplicate a 1940's radio drama. Three stories were presented: The Lodger, Sabotage, and 39 Steps. Arianna had roles in Sabotage and 39 Steps.

Sharon, Bruno and I attended opening night. Bruno opted out last night. And, today I went alone. Although shortly before the show started Arianna's friend, Peyton J., appeared and asked if she could sit with me.

The performances were all good, though each night seemed to suffer from technical difficulties with the microphones. Last night was probably the best night overall. But, in this afternoon's performance, the actors demonstrated a comfort-level they probably would have liked last night in front of a full house.

Since this "play" is a radio drama, there wasn't too much action. There were certainly opportunities to make things more interesting, but the amount of time taken to rehearse and pull things together probably didn't lend itself to exploring possibilities too deeply.

Arianna did a splendid job. She grows in her ability to speak in front of an audience and she always carries herself well.

Three Little Thespians . . . Amy A., Kim G., and Arianna. They all performed for Sharon at St. Catherine at one time or another.

In Sabotage, Kim G. and Arianna played Scotland Yard detectives. 

Jingle singers . . . all the girls are members of the choir (as is Arianna).

Another St. Catherine alum, Adam D., whose portrayal of a witch in June brought down the house.

Curtain call . . .

For some time, Arianna was not sure she wanted to try out for the play. I don't know what made her change her mind, but I'm glad she did. Poor health did not allow her to go to the cast party, but I cannot imagine that she didn't make at least one new friend.