Nothing much coming down yesterday except rain. We walked with umbrellas, but I managed to get out late in the afternoon; bought a nightgown and a set of full-bed sheets. Of course, I haven't bought the bed yet, but all in due course.
Stir-fried lunch of garlic, onions, mushrooms, and sausage--very tasty--and worked a bit on my acting course. I need another short play with two females and haven't been able to find one I like on the Internet. Decided to write it myself, as I did the other four.
The only highlight of yesterday was a long phone conversation with my Florida brother, Larry. Very enjoyable, although I'm still somewhat concerned with the results of his bypass and heart valve replacement. It's been months now, and he's still having pain some of the time; also, isn't as energetic as he used to be. I hope that passes.
WIDER: Department of Beyond Belief: The red poppy thing has been transmogrified into yet another pro-military symbol. In Britain, the anti-war stanza in the song, The Green Fields of France, has been omitted in a campaign to promote the wearing of red poppies. Originally meant to commemorate those who died in WWI--not all those who fought--the paper flowers are now used to "honor" all the hired killer sibs of the U.S.--and to perpetuate the idea that they're engaged in a good and noble enterprise.
Here's the link:
Friday, November 07, 2014
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Rehearsal
Cut up, seasoned, and slow-cooked the big cauliflower I had bought the day, and ate half. Still not veggie-sated, I also had the Brussels sprouts.
Went to Manahawkin Mattress to look again at the full mattress. He seems to have the best deal, so will probably buy there.
Frank picked Aline and me up for rehearsal at 7:00. We wore our costumes (just thirties clothes) and Rick was there. He took some pictures, but left before our after-intermission time, so not mine. Fine by me, as I don't like having my picture taken.
Jim brought his sound effects, which are wonderful, including a large, very authentic-looking electrical sign with "ON AIR" on it. Mary handled the background music, actually playing it on an electric keyboard; I'm not sure how that will work, considering she's in Shadow, which I'm directing.
Mary H. distributed handouts. She has us doing ten commercials, with several players involved in each, plus the two ads incorporated into Shadow and Husband. A lot of us think that's much too many and I'll go further: I think the show is too long. We didn't get out of there until well after ten and we didn't even pause to approximate a real intermission.
In my opinion, a show with just three "radio program episodes," plus maybe five or six added "commercials" would have been considerably better than what we have. I don't see the advantage in two Husband programs, plus so many commercials. Better to have people saying, "I wish it had been longer" than "Is this thing ever going to be over?" I'm mulling over whether to send Desi and the H.'s an e-mail to that effect.
Went to Manahawkin Mattress to look again at the full mattress. He seems to have the best deal, so will probably buy there.
Frank picked Aline and me up for rehearsal at 7:00. We wore our costumes (just thirties clothes) and Rick was there. He took some pictures, but left before our after-intermission time, so not mine. Fine by me, as I don't like having my picture taken.
Jim brought his sound effects, which are wonderful, including a large, very authentic-looking electrical sign with "ON AIR" on it. Mary handled the background music, actually playing it on an electric keyboard; I'm not sure how that will work, considering she's in Shadow, which I'm directing.
Mary H. distributed handouts. She has us doing ten commercials, with several players involved in each, plus the two ads incorporated into Shadow and Husband. A lot of us think that's much too many and I'll go further: I think the show is too long. We didn't get out of there until well after ten and we didn't even pause to approximate a real intermission.
In my opinion, a show with just three "radio program episodes," plus maybe five or six added "commercials" would have been considerably better than what we have. I don't see the advantage in two Husband programs, plus so many commercials. Better to have people saying, "I wish it had been longer" than "Is this thing ever going to be over?" I'm mulling over whether to send Desi and the H.'s an e-mail to that effect.
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Coaching Bob and My Sister, Gene
Susan and I stopped at the clubhouse to vote during our walk. I wanted to be sure to vote for Steve Shaffer for school board; Steve was "Tony" in Tony and the Heiress and is a Latin teacher at Pinelands High. He's a neat guy, too.
Brought Aline to my place at 11:00 and Bob arrived shortly thereafter. I'm always sensitive to his feelings when I coach him and try to as kind and careful as I can. However, it's frustrating to point out over and over that, although he's reading, he isn't supposed to sound as if he is. I suggest certain ways to deliver a line, he repeats it reasonably well, then when we go over it again, he reverts back to his plodding, word-by-word rendition. I noticed that it's natural to him to point at each word with a pen as he says it--like second grade, I guess--and I think that encourages the artificiality of his delivery. Asked him to try it without the pointing and he actually improved a bit. Soon, though, he went back to the pointy thing, and in fact, to exactly the way he said the lines before.
So--the hell with it. He'll do as well as he can and I'm just glad he has a small part.
A. and I then went to Olive Garden for lunch (and I got a free one because my Blue Moon was so late in getting to me), then to Wal-Mart for a few items. We also went to Sleepy's, where I looked at mattresses; however, I was so turned off by the snotty salesman--not to mention the sky-high prices--that I intend to look elsewhere.
Took A. to her clubhouse to vote and didn't get home until 5:00.
Yesterday was my big sister's birthday. She was the oldest of us and would have been ninety. She suffered some tragedies; the horror of having her two oldest sons die in accidents within a span of three years can hardly be imagined. Her marriage was not entirely happy, especially as the years rolled on. She was never a light-hearted person, except perhaps when she was a pretty, petite cheerleader at Holy Spirit High School and all the boys were crazy about her. We were good friends for a little chunk of time and I wish she was still here.
Brought Aline to my place at 11:00 and Bob arrived shortly thereafter. I'm always sensitive to his feelings when I coach him and try to as kind and careful as I can. However, it's frustrating to point out over and over that, although he's reading, he isn't supposed to sound as if he is. I suggest certain ways to deliver a line, he repeats it reasonably well, then when we go over it again, he reverts back to his plodding, word-by-word rendition. I noticed that it's natural to him to point at each word with a pen as he says it--like second grade, I guess--and I think that encourages the artificiality of his delivery. Asked him to try it without the pointing and he actually improved a bit. Soon, though, he went back to the pointy thing, and in fact, to exactly the way he said the lines before.
So--the hell with it. He'll do as well as he can and I'm just glad he has a small part.
A. and I then went to Olive Garden for lunch (and I got a free one because my Blue Moon was so late in getting to me), then to Wal-Mart for a few items. We also went to Sleepy's, where I looked at mattresses; however, I was so turned off by the snotty salesman--not to mention the sky-high prices--that I intend to look elsewhere.
Took A. to her clubhouse to vote and didn't get home until 5:00.
Yesterday was my big sister's birthday. She was the oldest of us and would have been ninety. She suffered some tragedies; the horror of having her two oldest sons die in accidents within a span of three years can hardly be imagined. Her marriage was not entirely happy, especially as the years rolled on. She was never a light-hearted person, except perhaps when she was a pretty, petite cheerleader at Holy Spirit High School and all the boys were crazy about her. We were good friends for a little chunk of time and I wish she was still here.
Food and the Scum of the Earth
It occurred to me that Bob needs another coaching session (actually, more like two hundred of them), so I called and asked him to come today at 11:00. Asked Aline to come, too, as I don't want him to feel singled out.
Drove to Shop-Rite and went a little hog wild in the grocery-buying. Got a whole chicken, salmon, Brussels sprouts, lots of salad stuff, and a bunch more to the tune of sixty-some bucks. However, I figure if the ISIS invades and imprisons me in my home, I can last for--uh, two or three years when it comes to food.
I actually sat and read for a bit. I'm deep in Unorthodox, about a young woman who broke out of her Hasidim community. Truly fascinating.
Speaking of fascinating religions, I filled out an application for the Holy Spirit Alumni Directory. It asks for a essay on grads' lives and I briefly described mine, adding that I'm a "happy and relieved free-thinker." Will that be left in? Dunno.
Edited down both Frank's commercial for Goodrich Silvertown Safety Tires and Aline's and mine for Grove's Emulsified Nose Drops. I think they're funnier this way and not as draggy.
So far, my car is tooling right along--what a pleasure.
What isn't a pleasure are the political ads of which I got eight yesterday. What's so infuriating is that all but one was a recording. The other was some moron who said he was with somebody's--didn't even catch the name--campaign and did I need a ride to the polls? I told him I didn't need a ride because I was never going to vote for his candidate or any other of scum of the earth running.
Drove to Shop-Rite and went a little hog wild in the grocery-buying. Got a whole chicken, salmon, Brussels sprouts, lots of salad stuff, and a bunch more to the tune of sixty-some bucks. However, I figure if the ISIS invades and imprisons me in my home, I can last for--uh, two or three years when it comes to food.
I actually sat and read for a bit. I'm deep in Unorthodox, about a young woman who broke out of her Hasidim community. Truly fascinating.
Speaking of fascinating religions, I filled out an application for the Holy Spirit Alumni Directory. It asks for a essay on grads' lives and I briefly described mine, adding that I'm a "happy and relieved free-thinker." Will that be left in? Dunno.
Edited down both Frank's commercial for Goodrich Silvertown Safety Tires and Aline's and mine for Grove's Emulsified Nose Drops. I think they're funnier this way and not as draggy.
So far, my car is tooling right along--what a pleasure.
What isn't a pleasure are the political ads of which I got eight yesterday. What's so infuriating is that all but one was a recording. The other was some moron who said he was with somebody's--didn't even catch the name--campaign and did I need a ride to the polls? I told him I didn't need a ride because I was never going to vote for his candidate or any other of scum of the earth running.
Monday, November 03, 2014
L. to T. Rehearsal
Susan is back and we took our usual 7 am walk. The end of DST fit in nicely, as I awoke spontaneously at 5:00, just a bit before I like to get up.
We had been e-mailed by Desi that we should arrive at rehearsal dressed in our thirties/forties wear, because Rick M. would be there to take pictures for The Sandpaper. Accordingly, I put on my thrift store dress, added a hat with veil that had been my mothers, went heavy on the red lipstick, and took off with Frank to the Community Center.
Well, confusion reigns supreme at the Little Egg Theatre Company (and every other such group I've ever known). Rick was there, but he expected to take pictures of Jim with the sound effect stuff. Because Jim and Mary are in Houston, that would be difficult. Anyway, Rick will come back on Wednesday evening.
Rehearsal went fairly well. Personally, I think two many "programs" are included. I see no reason why two My Favorite Husband episodes are scheduled. Besides, there are too many commercials and the whole thing just goes on too long.
My cast is okay, I guess, but there are some problems. Bob is still just hopeless and after coaching him individually twice, I'm just going to have to accept that. Chuck comes across as simply reading and Frank--well, he does, too. George was okay as "Singing Jim," but too folksy as "Dugan, the pool hall owner." I'm going to send some strong directorial notes via e-mail.
Cold, cold, and fierce winds. Damn, I hate winter.
We had been e-mailed by Desi that we should arrive at rehearsal dressed in our thirties/forties wear, because Rick M. would be there to take pictures for The Sandpaper. Accordingly, I put on my thrift store dress, added a hat with veil that had been my mothers, went heavy on the red lipstick, and took off with Frank to the Community Center.
Well, confusion reigns supreme at the Little Egg Theatre Company (and every other such group I've ever known). Rick was there, but he expected to take pictures of Jim with the sound effect stuff. Because Jim and Mary are in Houston, that would be difficult. Anyway, Rick will come back on Wednesday evening.
Rehearsal went fairly well. Personally, I think two many "programs" are included. I see no reason why two My Favorite Husband episodes are scheduled. Besides, there are too many commercials and the whole thing just goes on too long.
My cast is okay, I guess, but there are some problems. Bob is still just hopeless and after coaching him individually twice, I'm just going to have to accept that. Chuck comes across as simply reading and Frank--well, he does, too. George was okay as "Singing Jim," but too folksy as "Dugan, the pool hall owner." I'm going to send some strong directorial notes via e-mail.
Cold, cold, and fierce winds. Damn, I hate winter.
Sunday, November 02, 2014
Rain and Stuff
The rain came down/Oh, didn't the rain come down...
Or something. But I didn't care; I had my car back and I took it to B.J.'s, then Wal-Mart. It really was pouring and I got wet despite my umbrella, but I wore my boots and paid no attention.
I did spend most of the day at home. Talked on the phone to several people, shaped up some more of The Shadow for rehearsal tomorrow, and generally kept busy.
In my evening, their morning, I had a delightful virtual breakfast with Mr. K., Daddy, and Mum. I love to see him mugging, pointing, and articulating. True, he gets a bit testy when things don't go his way, but he's so adorable nobody could get mad at him. A busy, bustling baby boy is what he is and his Nana dotes on him. He went to a animal festival, with petting zoo, and new pictures on Google + show him on a pony (not enthusiastic about that), "holding"--sort of--a fluffy yellow chick (adults were afraid he'd squeeze), and with his little cousin, H., whom he obviously likes.
Other than that: Susan sent an e-mail saying she'll walk today if I come over, so I will. It worked out perfectly that DST ended today, as I got up at five, but it felt like six.
Or something. But I didn't care; I had my car back and I took it to B.J.'s, then Wal-Mart. It really was pouring and I got wet despite my umbrella, but I wore my boots and paid no attention.
I did spend most of the day at home. Talked on the phone to several people, shaped up some more of The Shadow for rehearsal tomorrow, and generally kept busy.
In my evening, their morning, I had a delightful virtual breakfast with Mr. K., Daddy, and Mum. I love to see him mugging, pointing, and articulating. True, he gets a bit testy when things don't go his way, but he's so adorable nobody could get mad at him. A busy, bustling baby boy is what he is and his Nana dotes on him. He went to a animal festival, with petting zoo, and new pictures on Google + show him on a pony (not enthusiastic about that), "holding"--sort of--a fluffy yellow chick (adults were afraid he'd squeeze), and with his little cousin, H., whom he obviously likes.
Other than that: Susan sent an e-mail saying she'll walk today if I come over, so I will. It worked out perfectly that DST ended today, as I got up at five, but it felt like six.
Saturday, November 01, 2014
Car Back!
Got my lil' darlin' back, good as--. Well, more like on its last legs, but at least it runs.
My friend came at lunchtime to bring me the farm goodies, then at 3:30 to accompany me to the garage. In the meantime, I washed, chopped, and put in the slow cookers: 1. a combination of cauliflower and chard; and 2. sliced carrots with sliced turnips. Had some of the first with dinner and it was delish. Made a big salad with the green leaf lettuce; only thing I haven't dealt with yet is the radicchio; can't remember if it's actually a cabbage or what and must look it up.
Pat had called at 1:00 to give me another song and dance about how hard he was working on my car. (It was only an hour later than when he said he'd call--must be some kind of record.)
We got there and after listening to Pat, as he compared the fuel pump which he replaced to a heart that runs the car/body and he had to get a stent at Deborah (Jersey heart hospital), but you get older and things wear out and anybody else would have demanded thousands to replace the engine and he was working on it until after midnight again and...and...and...
His wife was there for a time and how she stands that non-stop flow of verbiage without domestic violence is beyond me.
BUT! Before we went in, my friend noticed there was a sign outside saying Pat accepts Visa and other credit cards. What? I had purposely gone to get cash because there's a sign over the door inside that says "cash only." We pointed that out to Pat and he said he never even noticed it; it had been there since before he had the place, but of course, he takes credit cards. (You just don't know whether to laugh or cry. We decided to laugh.)
I didn't tell Pat that when I had the cylinder replaced there, his employee didn't comment when I said I'd go to the bank and bring the $45 back, which I did. One wonders if said employee may have quietly pocketed the--. Oh, Mimi, you're being paranoid, so move on, fer cryin' out loud.
My friend left and I immediately drove to Acme and stocked up on food. I had pretty much eaten down the freezer, so I got a lot for there, plus some beautiful oranges, which I've been without for two days, a real hardship.
My friend came at lunchtime to bring me the farm goodies, then at 3:30 to accompany me to the garage. In the meantime, I washed, chopped, and put in the slow cookers: 1. a combination of cauliflower and chard; and 2. sliced carrots with sliced turnips. Had some of the first with dinner and it was delish. Made a big salad with the green leaf lettuce; only thing I haven't dealt with yet is the radicchio; can't remember if it's actually a cabbage or what and must look it up.
Pat had called at 1:00 to give me another song and dance about how hard he was working on my car. (It was only an hour later than when he said he'd call--must be some kind of record.)
We got there and after listening to Pat, as he compared the fuel pump which he replaced to a heart that runs the car/body and he had to get a stent at Deborah (Jersey heart hospital), but you get older and things wear out and anybody else would have demanded thousands to replace the engine and he was working on it until after midnight again and...and...and...
His wife was there for a time and how she stands that non-stop flow of verbiage without domestic violence is beyond me.
BUT! Before we went in, my friend noticed there was a sign outside saying Pat accepts Visa and other credit cards. What? I had purposely gone to get cash because there's a sign over the door inside that says "cash only." We pointed that out to Pat and he said he never even noticed it; it had been there since before he had the place, but of course, he takes credit cards. (You just don't know whether to laugh or cry. We decided to laugh.)
I didn't tell Pat that when I had the cylinder replaced there, his employee didn't comment when I said I'd go to the bank and bring the $45 back, which I did. One wonders if said employee may have quietly pocketed the--. Oh, Mimi, you're being paranoid, so move on, fer cryin' out loud.
My friend left and I immediately drove to Acme and stocked up on food. I had pretty much eaten down the freezer, so I got a lot for there, plus some beautiful oranges, which I've been without for two days, a real hardship.
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