Tell me about your kids...

[WildcatOne]

You mean I have at least 16 more years of this?!
That is amazing, Maritime. Thanks for the post!
My buddy Xavier gave her to us in 2008 when she was a kitten...she had 2 sisters that looked just like her but I took her out of the litter because her face was so unique...orange and white on one side, brown and black on the other...I think they're called "tortoise" cats...Cheers, WC1

[draglist]

Jason and Emily had their Spring Concert last night. It was Jason's last school concert. All the Seniors stood up and got a farewell ovation. I hope it's not his last concert and I hope he doesn't put down the Viola for good. While music isn't his "thing," he has stuck with it with just mild insistence from his parents. And he's quite good. Time will tell... Of course, I'm convinced that Emily will never be without her Cello. I might post a clip this weekend. BP

[bandit]

I'd like to see that clip, BP!!

[draglist]

Don't let me forget. Denise got a new toy... a simple video camera that's not much bigger than a pack of cigarettes. I used it to record the kids, but I haven't seen the end result yet... just what I saw on the little screen. bp

[WildcatOne]

Post the clip! Post the clip!

[draglist]

Will do! Just came back from the Charles County Youth Orchestra concert. The kids tore it up... Tomorrow morning I'm taking Emily up to Baltimore. She qualified for state (she does yearly) and she goes before a judge to play a solo piece and an ensemble piece. She got top marks last year and we're looking for that again this year. Then she's done for the year (until she attends the workshop in Colorado the week before Eddyville). It's exhausting, but that's the path she's taken... But before we get all high falootin' about it, we were all having dinner at Red, Hot & Blue after the concert and my kids were singing along with the blues tunes... how can it get any better? bp

[draglist]

...we were all having dinner at Red, Hot & Blue after the concert and my kids were singing along with the blues tunes... how can it get any better? bp

PS: I was telling Jason how his hair was just like harmonica guru Magic Dick of the J. Geils Band... (which elicited chuckles for another reason ) when minutes later -- if I'm lyin' I'm dyin' -- what starts to play on the restaurant soundtrack but "Whammer Jammer" by J. Geils with Magic Dick "on the lickin' stick." Pretty funny. bp

[WildcatOne]

Very good observation, BP...before there was Magic Johnson, there was Magic Dick. Arguably the best harmonica player around...
http://www.magicdick.com/
Jason will come back around to playing music when he feels the urge. I took a couple of years off after I finished 10 years of piano lessons, and when I came back, I taught myself guitar. No doubt Emily will pursue her music as a career, and she's definitely headed in the right direction from everything you've said. Nodding off, WC1

[draglist]

Thanks, Cat. Well, we had a great day in Maryland. Emily and I went to Baltimore for her to play before the state judges and she got top marks in both solo and ensemble performances. The judge for the ensemble thought the kids in the quartet were seniors... the kids informed her that they were three sophomores and a freshman! She told them that they were really good and should continue to play together as often as they can. However, one of the guys has soccer, etc., etc. She was sweating her solo performance, as a few of the notes came out a little more sour than sweet, but overall she got a top mark for a strong and consistent performance in all other areas. We went to the Inner Harbor for a nice lunch after that, then came home and went over to visit our old friends Sean and Tanya Speer and their daughter Elizabeth. Burgers, brats, beers, and long time buds. Great day... I'll toss together some clips tomorrow if our Mother's Day celebration allows it. Thanks all! bp

[draglist]

Quick check in. Went to see the play Aida today, where Emily has her first paying gig as a cellist in the pit orchestra. 50 bucks a day for 2.5 hour play... not bad for a 15 year old! Of course, that doesn't take into account all the years of practice that she did for free! Jason graduates on Tuesday and we are going to have his celebration tomorrow night. Keeping his gift a secret has been killing me... but it's hidden in plain sight! bp