Nothing much went on yesterday until rehearsal in the evening. We were able to get on stage, which is always better, and it went okay, I guess. Of course, we're still very early in the process. I'm sure the actual acting, as opposed to blocking (moving around), will improve as we go along. Geez, I hope so.
Set up an interview date with Leslie and Dennis R. for Sunday. Have a Breeze meeting today at 10:00. Not looking forward to that, as it's beginning to be somewhat of a chore and--maybe I shouldn't say it--a bore. However, guess I'll continue; will certainly submit something about the play to run in the upcoming February issue.
WIDER: An interesting tidbit from William Blum's "Killing Hope" blog:
"During the Vietnam War some University of Michigan students created a brouhaha when they threatened to napalm a puppy dog on the steps of a campus building. The uproar of indignation at their cruelty was heard nationwide. Of course, when the time came they didn't do it, having successfully made the point that people cared more about napalming a dog than they did about napalming people."
This rang a bell with me, as I often puzzle about those I know--and there are a lot of them--who love and champion animals. Yet they so often seem indifferent to (or oblivious of) our country's systematic slaughter and other mistreatment of humans, including children. Seems to me on a par with religious people who abhor abortion, yet support the current mass murderer in the White House. They must know that he's continuing his predecessor's horrors with great enthusiasm, even accelerating them. What could explain this? Dunno, unless it's just the everlasting inconsistency of human personae.
Here's Blum's link: http://killinghope.org/

Feeling better. Appealed to P. to help with getting pictures on Kodak Easy Share, as we have a "viewer share" arrangement. Still working on it.
Thought I'd nap yesterday, but I needed to replenish my tissues and other items, so went to Shop-Rite. Continued washing and putting things away.
Finally opened my mail. Lots of birthday and Christmas cards; nothing else of significance. Got gift cards from brother Larry and friend Marilyn M. for Olive Garden and Barnes & Noble, respectively. Must thank them. Think I'll use the B & N card to get a new book by "Mr Fish," a ferociously aware cartoonist. This guy is from Manahawkin, I was charmed to learn, and his work is sometimes profane, but always to the point when it comes to political relevance. It appears in The New Yorker, Harper's, Vanity Fair, and other for-the-literate venues.
Had a long talk with sister Betty, who also has a hanging-on cold.
Rehearsal tonight and a Breeze meeting tomorrow.
WIDER: As ever, Chris Floyd in his "Empire Burlesque" sums up the what support of any presidential candidate, including Obama, actually means:
"So many millions upon millions of pointless words spent on the "horse race" of the presidential election -- which will be decided solely on the basis of which two corporate bagmen spend the money of their masters most effectively -- and all of them nothing more than witless blather raising blood in the eyes of good people, to keep them from seeing the reality of the evil being done in their names, by the very 'progressive leaders' they champion."

Boy, am I sick. Had to put out the mountains of trash accumulated over the past two weeks, but then told Susan I'm not going to walk. Sore throat and heavy cough. Feel terrible.
Jack B. called to say he had run into my visitors at SeaOaks after they left here. Funny, I was going to ask if I could take them to lunch there, but had the idea they wouldn't want to go.
Went to Manahawkikn to pick up tissues and things. Started on putting away linens and cleaning up. No rush; that will continue for awhile.
Had rehearsal last night, which went well, I think. Another called for tomorrow.
Going back to bed.

Whew! My company left yesterday afternoon. They fly back to London this morning at 8:00 and stayed overnight near the airport. It was a whirlwind two weeks, full of activity and I was glad to have it, but am now glad to resume my life.
Discussed our birthday/Christmas experiences with twin sister, Betty, hers in Palm Springs, CA just with her family.
Talked to the northern visitor and thanked her. It was such a relief to come home and find that she had dismantled the Christmas tree, stored the ornaments away, taken it to the curb, and leaned it away, and cleaning up after.
Did little yesterday except wash clothes and get some of my house back in order; still have a lot to do. Prepared for rehearsal, which Desi had scheduled for 7:00 last night. However, he called about an hour before to say that, although he thought we had permission to use the school, it was all locked up when he went there. Will meet tonight instead. I still have the borrowed wheelchair in my truck. Somebody will get it out for me, as I have to rehearse in it. That's what I appear in during the play.
Got a Skype call from Ellen, always a welcome event. While we were talking, Ellen V., who plays my housekeeper, called from the school. Unfortunately, Desi hadn't gotten to her in time, as she lives all the way in Forked River. She said he doesn't have her cell number and she doesn't keep it on anyway.
I have a bunch of unopened Christmas cards to look at, plus must replenish detergent and so on. Also must organize my bank accounts and continue get my house back in shape.
I hadn't had a cold for years, but contracted little Violet's, as we all seemed to, and now have a deep cough. Should be gone soon, I hope.
A bit later: Was just interrupted by a welcome Skype call from P. and N., then went for our walk with Susan. Have a lot of chores to do and errands to run today. Haven't even opened my mail that Barbara next door collected while I was gone. Must turn my attention to that, too.

My daughter-in-law, Paula, and the beautiful cake she made for my birthday.

 

We all staggered back in close to midnight. Had a fabulous time. Will tell more later. For now, happy 2012 to all.