My Favorite Podcast, Everything Is Alive, by Ian Chillag

It is new, it is creative, and I've never heard anything like it.  When Signy was here this summer she fell in love with it!

So far, Ian has interviewed, Louis, Coke Can, Maeve, Lamp Post, Dennis, Pillow, Tara, Bar of Soap, and this morning, Ana, Elevator dropped. Just listened to Ann who had to get used to going higher.  Learned Frank Lloyd Wright wanted to build a mile high skyscraper in Chicago. 

You can hear the episodes on the website by clicking on the white arrow to the right of each episode. 

What Will Need To Be Replaced Next?

This Spring/Summer Ed and I were asking each other "I wonder what will break down next?"

•  We replaced the sump pump because they say it needs to be replaced every 5 years.
• The dishwasher was old, and it was time for it to go and it told us so by not working.
• The Maytag washer, again was old, and decided not to work.
• The clock on the mantel, from Grandma Pete's house,  stopped working but luckily we have a good clock repairman who rebuilt parts.
• Our Rough Neck Rubber Maid wheel barrow has a hole but Ace Hardware was able to order us a new one although we had to drive over to the Ace in Clinton to pick it up.
• Ed rearranged quite a bit of the mulch (stones) around what used to be the Bradford Pear.

Illinois State University Civic Chorale to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

On November 3rd, over 100 voices plus chamber orchestra will perform two John Rutter pieces, each very different.  We will "pack the house" with beautiful invitations sent to people via snail mail to include 2 complimentary tickets to the concert with a reception following.  ISU is helping to organize this event, and those people who have already received their invitations need to RSVP because seating is limited.  Two John Rutter pieces, each very different.  Take a listen to The Magnificat!!!

A 4' X 10' banner like the cover of the invitation which you see above, will hang in the lobby of the concert hall and will remain there all year.  A Gala!!!!

Southwest Airlines Tragedy

And an engine dropped from a Southwest 737 causing the death of a 32 year old mom when she was sucked out the window, hauled back into the aircraft but succumbed to death when taken to a Philadelphia hospital.  The plane was going to Dallas.   Herb Kelleher, in his 80's was featured on "How I Built This" hosted by Guy Raaz.  The episode where Herb describes how he "built" Southwest Airlines is one of my favorites.

Here is an excellent article from the Washington Post that details the tragedy. 

The article tells about the FEMALE PILOT who landed the plane. 

Flooding on Kauai

We kayaked the Hanalei River twice.  
Now you cannot see the river.

We are feeling sad.  Our beloved Hanalei is flooded to the point where you would not recognize it because of 27" of rain. People are being airlifted off the island.  One article said people could pick up supplies at "our" Hanalei Colony Resort but Ed and I cannot figure out how because HCR sits low.  We are having trouble finding out anything about HCR.

Morning Ritual

Best time to read. Oompa took this without my knowing. 

My Friend and Artist, Susan Palmer

Soozin came over today to meet Wubble.  Upon leaving, she presented me with this. 

Everybody's Fool by Richard Russo

A Pulitzer Prize author, this book had me laughing out loud.  He also wrote Nobody's Fool which was turned into a movie starring Paul Newman, and also Empire Falls.  

Inadvertently, Laurie Killed a Squirrel

Ok, I had THE WORST experience riding my bike back from our riding-bikes-to-school this am. I hit a squirrel! On my bike! I killed it! It was awful. I mean, what are the odds? I went back home, got a piece of cardboard and a fly swatter, and gently moved him from the concrete trail to the forest. (!@#$)

(The above was copied from Laurie's Facebook page.) BE SURE TO CHECK THE 1 COMMENT BELOW.

Laurie and Tim Surprised the Girls with a Trip to Harry Potter World

Laurie and Tim created this letter. The girls thought they were being picked up at school to go to a dentist appointment!  They spent a wonderful 4 days at Harry Potter World in Orlando. Signy's friend, Lacy, invited her to go to there 2 years ago so was able to lead her family to the sites.

Click on this link and watch one excited family.( This sentence!!!) It may take a moment for this to load.

In front of Hogwart Express

This photo reminds us of the place in Sienna where we had lunch with John and Vicki.  Click on the sentence below --
They ordered their breakfast