"The Lady Suzanne"

This poem is dedicated to my dear friend, Suzanne, in Toronto


"THE LADY SUZANNE"

My ship commands ocean and sea
She takes me where I want to be
To lands beyond the sky and sun
To where my love has just begun

There with My Lady I have found
True love has become unbound
Her heart could win any man
She goes by the name of Suzanne

She wears Christmas lilies in her hair
And throws the sailors into a stare
She knows that my love is true
And waits as I sail the ocean blue

Wherever this skipper might be
She is always there with me
My love for her is known on sea and land
For I've named my ship "The Lady Suzanne"

Marionette Opera in Prague

Time did not warrant a visit into this marionette theater in Prague. I am, however, mesmerized when it comes to the theater's display of differentiation to cultural aspects, intrigue, and essence of life. I will have to go into this little theater on my next visit to Prague. And look at that beautiful curved street showing off the beautiful varied architecture. There is so much to discover afresh and anew when it comes to theater, choreography, opera, set design, and story line. I'm so thankful for those who have creative talent in these fields to bring productions together for those of us who have deep appreciation for the arts. Let me hear from you opera and theater lovers!

Dog Days of Summer

Now that warmer weather is upon us and we are loving the opportunity to get out and enjoy our yards and the sun, the even hotter days are soon to come. I love to eat watermelon this time of year. Sometimes I eat so much I have to make several trips to relieve myself. Let me know what your favorite summer treat is and we'll see what wins out as the overall favorite. Join the fun.

Chester Lewis

Today I honor my dad for his continued support throughout my life. He passed away last year as I have mentioned on a previous post. He was 93 years old. He lived a long and enjoyable life. Dad was very good about demonstrating his faith by volunteering his time to a children's evangelistic organization for many years and seeing that we were in church every Sunday. He was always there to lend a helping hand when he could be. I can remember him one time working very hard replacing a radiator in my car back in the 70s and I didn't even asked him to. He was a computer whiz and also enjoyed working with wood. In the attached picture is a peanut vendor he made for me some 30 years ago sitting on the little desk he made in his high school shop class. The wooden die with pennies and the box under the window were made by my grandfather. The pencil holder was given to me one father's day by my son when he was a little boy. So I'm blessed with some nice items to remember 3 generations of men in my life. Happy Father's Day Dad and thanks for all of your help and support.

Patio Pleasures

I've rented where I live for 2 years now. My landlord supplied the walk squares and I provided the labor. I had fun building this walk to my back gate from my patio. I go through this gate to take my morning walks. On work days I come home for lunch and it has been so nice to sit out on the patio during that time. I wish I could invite all of you over for iced tea and sandwiches. Have a nice weekend :)

I've Been Tagged......

If I remember correctly Steviewren initiated this tagging but mmm was who tagged me. So here goes it:

1. What was I doing 10 years ago.
In 1997, my daughter had graduated from Purdue University with a major in retail management and had found a job out in Las Vegas, Nevada of all places. I had never been to Las Vegas before but I did enjoy the visits out there. She had a good job, but decided to move back in 1998. So I went out to help her move back. It was a very hot move; the temperature all three days coming back to Indiana were over 100 degrees. Thanks to the Lord, we didn't have road problems. I was working at General Motors and still putting my son through college.

2. My five favorite snacks
cheese, crackers, and wine
vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup and peanuts on top
apple
orange
banana

3. Five things on my to do list today
clean strawberries given to me by one of my piano students
instant message and email some pictures to my friend
teach 4 piano students
call and talk to a friend
go cash a check at the bank

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire
pay off any debt of mine (currently that would be $3700 car loan) and all of my family
set up trust funds for family members and friends
purchase a home and have maids and butlers
travel, travel. Did I say travel? England, Scotland, Wales, and all of Europe,
purchase a villa in Prague
probably dive into the film industry in some fashion.
create foundations for the arts
I don't trust world missions, so I would start one myself in some fashion.

5. Five jobs that I've had
Stock boy
Deli attendant
Production employee
Accountant
Sales person in charge of all shipments to certain car divisions

6. Five bad habits of mine
Eating too fast
Going back for seconds and thirds when eating
Wasting time piddling around
Using the weather as an excuse to not walk
Always running late to work and driving too fast but always getting there on time.

7. Five places I've lived
Kokomo, Indiana
Burlington, Indiana
Dublin, Ohio
Omaha, Nebraska
Aleutian Islands

8. Five random things people wouldn't know about me
High School Drum Major and Cheerleader all 4 years
I have my funeral music already selected ... hee hee I'm crazy, I know
Have taught piano for about 18 years as a second income
Adopted two Asian children who have done me proud
Served in the USAF during Vietnam Era in communications

9. Five cds that I'd have to have on a desert island
Bryn Terfel
Pride and Prejudice soundtrack
Various piano artists, David Osborne, Stan Whitmire, and Earl Wild for starters
Various popular classical orchestra selections
Various Cole Porter and George Gershwin selections

10. People I want to get to know better... yes you've been "TAGGED"
Blog Princess G
Eamon
Eaglewing
Keanan Brand
Sometimes Saintly Nick
Strider

Delft, Netherlands

In 2006, I had the pleasure of touring the town of Delft, Netherlands. I visited a Delft pottery factory where they demonstrated the art of Delft glaze. Items in the factory gift shop were very expensive. I purchased a replica tile which is pictured here in a less expensive town square shop; however, it cracked on the trip home. I was unable to carry my treasures with me due to security measures. While there, a wedding was held at the church in the square. I was able as a bystander to capture the happy couple with my camera. It was so very special to visit the town where Johannes Vermeer actually lived his whole life and painted his Mona Lisa of the North, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" in 1665. If per chance you are into period movies or an art buff, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" starring Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Wilkinson is a must. Its attention to detail in color and set design is top quality in my book.