The Year of The Dragon is underway. L is teaching some (1 course), J is teaching some (1/2 day per week) but most of the time the winter rains keep us in by the fire. We did leave long enough to spend a weekend in New York City, rendezvousing with Alden and Laura Snyder, and family.
2 × Mr. Snyder + 2 × Mrs. Snyder
The main reason for the trip was to hear niece Miggie sing at Carnegie Hall! It was tremendous fun -- beautiful acoustics, high school students singing like angels, families full of excitement!
News & Notes
Margaret Jo (a\k\a Miggie) was invited to participate in the American High School Honors Performance at Carnegie Hall. She's a freshman soprano, and sang under the direction of Dr. Jeffery Ames.
Honors Chorus
While in New York City, we ferried out to Ellis Island, waving to the Statue of Liberty as we sailed past. Millions of European immigrants, including L's grandfather Frank Lorenc, entered the US at Ellis Island. His name is listed with other immigrants on a large outdoor plaque. There is also a wonderful museum and among the exhibits is a wicker basket like the one the Lorenc's brought with them to America a century ago. It is still in the family and ours, like the one exhibited, has taken a beating!
L by the plaque listing immigrants who entered America at Ellis Island
Our friend Hilde Borgir is visiting from Norway. Though she and J immediately began cooking, it isn't all fun; Hilde is also attending meetings in her role as Vice President of the Thor Heyerdahl Foundation.
Hilde and J cooking in unison
Dave has published three poems in the Fall 2011 issue of the Seneca Review, titled "Chicago 2," "Chicago 3" and "Chicago 5". The titles may seem unimaginative, but the poetry is not!
Seattle had snow! From the perspective of places that regularly receive snow, it was hardly worth noticing, but in Seattle, it closed the city for 3 days. Open or closed, satay must be barbequed!
"Not snow, nor rain, nor gloom of night can keep a grill master ... "