The Final Note -- Part Three

The recital was a graduation requirement for Meggar, but truly a joy for her own family to share it with her. The party afterwards was a fitting tribute for her closest friends and for a few special friends and relatives who could make it. I knew it was too far away for many more who wanted to attend. Meggar is planning to send a recording of her piano pieces by mail to those who would like that memento.

Captain gave a few words of wisdom and a beautiful meal grace. I got to tell a humorous story to poke fun at her from the first semester's piano recital.

Guests: Gr. Judy and Gr. Gerald came from Wichita,

Gr. Elizabeth came from Colorado with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Terry,

Bill and Constance (from Jane Austen Book Club),

Alison (from church & her confirmation sponsor),

and Alpha Gamma Delta (members and alumnae).

*Credits to Playmaker for being the event photographer.
Not pictured: Heidi (from Pony Express Museum)
and Spencer (the boyfriend) and parents.

The Final Note--Part Two

After the 4:30 piano recital, we hosted a reception for Meggar at the Kirksville Country Club. Our black tables were topped with antique cake stands, black pianos, and vintage sheet music which was folded into fans by Carey Leonard's three crafty girls: Barbara, Hannah, and Rebecca. Each pedestal was accented by yellow and black ribbons.

Out front we placed a table for gifts, which twinkled with white lights and more black and yellow accents. I hope everyone signed the guest book with well wishes. Megan received lots of flowers, pair of wine glasses painted with piano keys, a set of teapot book ends, a Mozart action figure, and a blue window with "Mr & Mrs Wedding Events" vinyl logo.

The appetizer table greeted guests (about 30) by the open bar as they arrived (and Carey's girls had a few nibbles during the decorating time).

The buffet table was decked out with classic colors, and...

it was loaded with my famous lasagna and sweet green beans, homemade bread sticks, and a wonderful Italian salad provided by Spencer's mom (complete with artichokes, olives, and roasted red peppers).

Dessert was a variation on a "coffee and donuts" theme--this is an inside joke with Truman AGDs. The twins helped me load up baby donut skewers and melted chocolate fondue. There was also rum cake, whipped cream, and Donut House coffee.

Hannah sampled the homemade lemonade, which surely tasted better since there was a yellow-striped straw in her cup.

I was happy when Terry asked me how to use the Keurig machine so he could stay awake for the drive back home. Overall, it was a yummy event, which is absolutely the best way to celebrate a special occasion!

The Final Note - Part One

It could not have been more perfect. The graduation recital, that is. (Pity about the weather, as he British would say. There were heavy showers and high winds beforehand, but luckily no one was injured while travelling to Kirksville, Mo.) Our entire family had all been anticipating this day for weeks! It would be a culmination for Megan of her eight semesters of classical piano study. It also would be the degree completion for the first grandchild. And a "passport" that she has been longing for that enables her to take that final step into the "real world." And it was most importantly a celebration, mixed with some emotion as the rest of our family would be moving to Delaware the next day.
The auditorium seats were full with 60-odd friends and relatives coming to Truman State (between 3- and 6-hours' drive for some of the audience). Megan played tremendously well, and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mother! Megan's progression through the years is more evident to me as I've attended her recitals. And I was so proud to listen as she played more difficult pieces for this final semester. It is a testament to her diligent practice schedule, which is often behind the scenes away from family and friends. The head of the piano department and her studio professor both exclaimed their pleasure after her splendid performance.
The first Beethoven Sonata featured three movements (much like his "Inventions" that she was continually memorizing in high school). I love listening to the variations of Beethoven. And luckily, no one clapped in between the first Allegro and the Scherzo. She was so poised as her fingers fairly flew.
Her program next included a Debussy piece, which SHOULD be on the soundtrack of the next "Jane Austen" film or Masterpiece Classic. Beautiful tinkling notes that put me in mind of a spring afternoon tea party in the garden.
Finally, she played a Chopin Nocturne, in honor of Margie Cameron-Jarrett (her high school piano teacher). The way she gently struck the final two notes in perfect unison was enchanting, and the audience seemed reluctant to break the spell.
(More posts to follow soon with photos of the dress, the programme, the Country Club reception, and party-goers.)

Happiness Medicine

Throughout the past 12 months, Captain kept noticing that I was calmer and happier and remarked on it. My regular blood work showed that it was true in the sense that my need for thyroid medicine was less and less. I had been on the SAME dose for 9 years, but this year I've worked my way down to half a dose every day. I think that is significant and says something about my stress levels. Life was still quite busy and full of challenges, but a seven-month adventure to Nashville was good for me.
Today, I am happy because I'll be picking up Captain from the airport for his weekend visit after being separated for two weeks.

Who is the Rowdy Gentleman?

Here's a little secret: Dorito loves Twitter.
He found a couple of clever sites that he can relate to and then he retweets the wittiest phrases.
@TotalFratMove is a play on the "preppy" stereotype of fraternity men and their thoughts about life
@RowdyGentleman takes adages and rewords them to show his advantage
Example:
Total Frat Move is claiming that even Jesus went Greek: Alpha Omega.
Total Frat Move is taking credit where credit is actually due to a pledge.
Rowdy Gentleman likes to go golfing, but he leaves after nine holes if the cart girl isn't good looking.
As a kid, Rowdy Gentleman recalls taking his own putter to the mini-golf course.
So you can see why I have to apologize and explain to people in line at the post office why I am bursting out with laughter. "Sorry, I'm reading Tweets on my phone!"

Doing Their Bit of the Chores

I have been putting the twins to work in Missouri so that our house stays appealing to potential buyers. They have mowed twice, trimmed bushes, spread fertilizer, and sprayed edges for dandelions. Yesterday they were very helpful as I wanted to split hostas. We have also spent three afternoons cleaning oak leaves from under bushes, behind pool furniture, and along the fence line. Today they stained the worn patches on the front and east sides of the house. Tomorrow we vacuum the pool and clean the cover. It's almost enough to make me swear off home ownership.

As a reward, the guys are headed to Buffalo Wild Wings to see game 3 (or 4?) of the series between the Blackhawks and the Blues. 

Final Parties

Spencer won the "Crown Royal" award at AGD Formal. I think Meggar may have the longest-standing relationship in the sorority... But it's also a worthy crown, since he is such a good fella.

So far, I'm out of the family pool since I bet they would get engaged in March.
St. Patty's Day