Annunciation Day

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the liturgical calendar, today is Annunciation Day, the day the Church remembers the announcement of the birth of Christ to His mother, Mary, by the angel Gabriel.  Given that we celebrate Christmas, the commemoration of the birth of the Son of God, in December, it makes sense that we would remember His conception, if you will, nine months earlier.  So why didn't this remembrance occur on March 25th?  Read more.

This Little Light of Mine

The other day, I discovered this version of "This Little Light of Mine" while I was searching for some Gospel music.  I must admit, I didn't think The Boss sang this kind of stuff.  I kind of like it.  Enjoy!  Read more.

Pork with White Wine

My daughter is such the food adventurer, but she tends to favor dishes with a bit more fat and calories than I can tolerate while trying to lose weight.  Thankfully, at my suggestion, she has been experimenting with some healthier fare...Read more.

My Best Friend's Kids

Over twenty years ago, when King Richard and I moved to Connecticut from southern California, my husband became "Sea Dad" to a younger sailor who was new to our command.  Through his wife, Miss Sandi, I met Koalagirl.  For a long time now, these two women have shared the honor of being my best friends.  Radically different from me in many respects, they continue to challenge and support me in all I do, hopefully making me a better person in the process.  As often as I can, I try to do the same for them.  Last night, I had the opportunity to do just that by attending the latest musical production of Broadway Kids and Company, "Crazy for You."  The oldest children of Koalagirl had primary roles in the show.  Her son played the lead, Bobby Child, and her daughter played Lottie Child, the mother of the lead character.  Yes, you understood that correctly, the sister played the mother...and she was great.  See for yourself the great job they both did in this photo, snapped by their mother.

Photo taken by Koalagirl.

The brother went above and beyond in this performance, singing, tap dancing, waltzing, and doing a lot of physical comedy (i.e., fainting, pretending to be inebriated, etc.), something he hadn't really done before.  A few years ago, he did an awesome job as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, also done with Broadway Kids and Company.  I enjoyed his performance then, but as Bobby Child, the young Mr. Ivins really stepped up to the plate, weathering with grace the heavy responsibility of being the lead.  He really has grown into a confident, talented young gentleman.

All other accolades aside, both kids did a fantastic job and I would like to congratulate them on a job well done.

Related links
Zach Ivins Magic
The Amazing Zacchini