Wrappers

This year Oompa helped me wrap presents!  No purchased wrapping paper!  Saved over the years, we cut up holiday gift bags, grocery store bags, plain newsprint packing paper, even rolled up white butcher paper with magic - markered notes from a UUBN workshop. We were finished in 1/2 the time.  Our precious Neal, Carla and 4 1/2 month old Gabriella arrive later today and Laurie, Tim, Signy, Roslyn, and Liesl arrive tomorrow. 

Orchestra of Exiles

Orchestra of Exiles is one of the most moving films we have ever seen to the point where we ordered a copy for Laurie and for Neal.  Carla told us her Grandpa Bill and Grandma Riva already gave her a copy!  What is especially exciting, Oompa and Meema became engaged in 1965 when we sang with the Mendelssohn Choir that performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony directed by Maestro William Steinberg.  What we did not know, William Steinberg was the rehearsal director of the Orchestra of Exiles with the great Arturo Tosconini conducting.  This group of the most talented musicians rescued  from Europe during the Holocaust became the Palestine Symphony and later the Israel Philharmonic Symphony.

Polish Violinist Bronislaw Huberman

On the brink of World War II and the rise of Nazi-occupation, one man’s remarkable four-year odyssey helped rescue Europe’s premier Jewish musicians and their families from persecution, while preserving the musical heritage of Europe. Orchestra of Exiles, a 90-minute documentary film by Academy Award-nominated Josh Aronson, tells the dramatic story of celebrated Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman (1882-1947). With courage, resourcefulness, and an entourage of allies including Arturo Toscanini and Albert Einstein, Huberman bravely stood up to racial intolerance, ultimately saving almost 1,000 Jews from 1933–1936 while forming the Palestine Symphony Orchestra.

100th Birthday, Dr. Jonas Salk, Medical Pioneer

The late Jewish American researcher Jonas Salk, who discovered the polio vaccine, was honored Oct. 28 with a “Google Doodle” for what would have been his 100th birthday. Before the polio vaccine was introduced in 1957, many children became paralyzed as a result of the illness.  Dr. Salk was from my beloved hometown, Pittsburgh, PA. 

Desperately Seeking Symmetry

Desperately Seeking Symmetry is mesmerizing, a brilliant video from RadioLab.

Jad Abumrad and Robert Kruwich, the stars of RadioLab

The Prairie Garden Is No More

Too many gardens so I wanted to remove half the prairie garden but Ed thought it would be a good idea if the entire garden were gone.  He was right.  (As usual!) Kevin Neisen transplanted several of the plants to the patio garden and besides, I have some of these magnificent specimens there. 

In 2011 in its heyday although the very tall Prairie Dock 
and Compass Plant are not up yet.  These monsters are 20' tall!   
The leaves of Prairie Dock are at least 12" long.  No foolin'!

Because the tap roots of some of these plants are so long, 
I wouldn't be surprised if a few show up next year. 

"20 Years Ago" Kenny Rogers

We love the song, 20 Years Ago, sung by Kenny Rogers.

What a cool dude!!!!

Fungus Flower

My friend Martie Honan told me about this amazing fungus she found at her house when she was here for lunch last week. 

Gabriella Riva Hines: Cooing for October

Baby Naming Celebration in Seattle for Gabriella Riva Hines, September 17, 2014

Rabbi Aaron Meyer led  a Baby Naming Ceremony at Neal and Carla's home at 6 p.m.  In attendance  were Meema, Oompa, Aunt Laurie, Maggie, Nama and Will.  Afterwards we feasted on brisket, kugel, salad, Neal's homemade applesauce, and angel food cake smothered with fresh strawberries and blueberries created by Laurie.  Happily Rabbi Meyer stayed for the good eats!

 

Hummingbirds

Procrastinating -- so much to do to get
 ready to meet Gabriella in Seattle next week but
the body refuses to move.

The other feeder leaked.  This is the kind they use
 down at Sugar Grove Nature Center.