Inspired by a little-known picture book from the pen of Bethany Tudor, this is a diary, of sorts, where I document some of my thoughts, activities, and ideas as I explore the challenges met by the characters in the story: hard work, the care and nurture of others, housekeeping skills, life changes, charity, community, and cooperation, among others. Like Samuel and Samantha, the ducks in the tale, I struggle and succeed, cope and celebrate, work and play, handling the tasks that come my way. I invite you to join me on my journey.

Friday, June 20, 2008

‘Tis the First Day of Summer

This morning, one of my girlfriends wished me a happy first day of summer. At the time, I thought she a day ahead of herself. Then, I found this from WikiAnswers:
When is the first day of summer in 2008?

It depends where you live, since the first day of summer is timed with the summer solstice. For most of the United States, summer begins on June 20. In Europe, it’s June 21. In Australia, it’s six month later, on December 21.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an “official” first day of summer, there is no such thing. The United States, for instance, has never declared when the seasons start. The International Astronomical Union hasn’t either. In many areas of Europe, May 1st is considered the first day of summer (as the meteorologists in the United States do) with the summer solstice being the “midsummer” (as in Shakespeare’s play).
So there you have it. Today is the first day of summer. I wonder if my girlfriend celebrated by taking her girls to the beach? I went to the chiropractor, took my daughter to church so she could practice the organ, and spent the afternoon sorting through old books and paperwork in my house. Sad, I know. What can I say; I’m not a beach person. I am a person with a summer cold, though. That’s my real reason for laying low today.

How about you? How did you spend the first day of summer 2008?

Thursday, June 12, 2008

One Down, A Few To Go

In a musically inclined family (like ours), the end of the “academic” year is filled with recitals and performances, and this year is no exception. Tonight was our daughter’s piano recital. Performance piece: "Allegretto from Sonata in B-flat" by Mozart. Tomorrow night is the last handbell concert featuring a program of twelve pieces, some classical, some modern, and some just for fun (like "Plink, Plank, Plunk" by Leroy Anderson). Saturday sees the first music theory exam by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Last, but not least, Sunday is the year-end recital for Calvary Music School. This performance includes an original setting of Psalm 23 for voice and organ (written by Katherine the Great) and a voice solo piece --- "Build My House" by Leonard Bernstein from the musical Peter Pan.

Busy weekend afoot around here! What’s going on in your neck of the woods?