Saturday, March 7, 2009

This Time it's Saturday This and That

We have been having such gorgeous weather lately. I hope it lasts for a while.

Last weekend we went to the Maple Syrup Festival near Salem, Indiana. It was freezing cold, but we still had fun. I forgot to take my camera though, so we went back today. It was absolutely gorgeous, though very windy, so pictures will be posted soon. We had a wonderful time again. There was quite a crowd there today.

Thursday, March 26, Eler Beth finally got her ocarina!! (If you are a reader of her blog, you already know how excited and happy she was when it came!) She has been saving her allowance for an ocarina for many weeks. When she finally had enough and ordered the one she wanted most, she was disappointed to find that it had been a special edition that was no longer carried. But she ordered and received her second choice, and I think she's just as happy with it. She is already playing several songs on it. It is a 12-hole sweet potato ocarina. She can play some songs from tabs (tabulated music) and some by ear. I do want her to learn to read music, so I have hired Andrew to give her music lessons two or three times a week. During the first lesson I listened in for about 10 minutes and was impressed by Andrew's teaching style as well as Eler Beth's aptitude. Andrew says she is a quick learner. He is going to make a good teacher some day.

She wears that ocarina around her neck all day long, and plays it all through the day. I'm hoping soon she'll let me videotape her. Here is a link to one of her favorite songs and ocarina players. She met a Native American gentleman at the festival last week who played his little ocarina for her. Here is a link to his web site, where you can hear some more ocarina music, by clicking on the first box.

Good news on the job front. Two Friday's ago, Thomas' company put out the word that there were no more layoffs on the horizon. They let all of the contract workers go. The rumor had been that they would then let 200 company workers go, but after getting rid of those who were still on their probation period (and giving early retirement packages to several foremen), they decided they didn't need to do anymore layoffs. So, so far so good.

I did a pork roast in the slow cooker last night, so when we got home today, dinner was over halfway done. We all took a little nap, then I finished up dinner with mashed potatoes, a very simple salad, and some crusty rolls. It was SO good!! The pork was so tender! Now I'll take the leftovers and make BBQ sandwiches for lunch tomorrow. I think we'll go out for dinner tomorrow.

I have a lot in mind to write about, but I want to read some blogs and upload my pictures from today, so I'll try to get back on here tomorrow with more news.

Hope everyone is having a very good weekend!

11 comments:

Paula said...

Good to hear from you. Glad Thomas doesn't have to worry about his job for now. Not so for so many people. Take care.

Ken Riches said...

Sounds like a good couple of weekends, and even better news on the job front. Hugs to you all and you are in my thoughts.

Beth said...

Sounds like good news all the way around. Wonderful about Thomas's job!!

Hugs, Beth

Lynne said...

I'm going to have to check out the "ocarina". Never heard of it.

I hope you and yours have a lovely day!

Yasmin said...

I'm glad to read thomas job is safe, that must be a huge relief for all of you. I too have to catch up on blogs..lol.

Take care

Yasmin
xx

sober white women said...

I am so glad that was able to save her money and then make a purchase. That is a great lesson. I hope to see a video of her soon!
Kelli

Sage Ravenwood said...

Delighted Thomas doesn't need to worry about his job now. Sounds like Eler Beth is happy with her ocorina. Would love to see a video of her sometimes. (Hugs)Indigo

Leigh/BlueDragonfly said...

Good news about Thomas's job.

It's not quite maple syrup time here. Soon though. :)

I'm looking forward to hearing the ocarina music(going back to go to the link) by Eler Beth.

:) Leigh

DB said...

You might like to know that the ocarina is also known in some musical circles as a "globular flute."

DB

Lisa said...

That is awesome about Andrew giving Eler Beth lessons on her ocarina and how well she is doing with it! I am so glad hubby has his job. This is great news! Your dinner sounds absolutely delicious! I love coming home to a nice home made meal ready to go! The festival sounds like it was a lot of fun. Nice catching up a bit in your journal... I have been out of commission on blogging due to the project I took on for the wrestling team and then my journal was broken for a few days LOL so I am really playing catch up!!!! Hugs,
Lisa

Traci said...

I'm off to read the rest of the entries.