Sunday, May 31, 2009

Week 22

I have attended Memorial Day services at St. James in the past, but this was the first year I saw Darien and Antonia sing the Requiem, by Maurice Duruflé. They hope to perform it at Notre Dame next summer. It was a very moving, complex performance. I did not hear any unintentional solos.

I'll toss a coin on this week's counter project. At least it is no worse than last week's.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Week 21

I brought home from work both a Kindle and a Sony Book Reader to play with a bit. Darien ended up enjoying them much more than I did. It helped that Pride and Prejudice was already loaded, so she had fun reading that. She didn't get through the whole thing, but she did find four or five typos. It makes you wonder. Not to be outdone, Antonia was also taken with the technology. Too bad they are still priced so high and that their use model is onerous. It is hard to imagine them being successful unless the pricing drops.

This was also the first time I have ever witnessed anyone reading an electronic book in a bathtub. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen anyone reading an electronic book in a Starbuck's either, so that is another first. Who are these people?

I sense a bit of backsliding going on with the kitchen counter.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Week 20

I went to The Homestead for the first time, with my way paid courtesy of the Gates Foundation. The Homestead isn't decadent like Hefner-decadent, but it is somewhere along the way to there. Not content with just horseback riding and golf, the resort also offers archery, skeet shooting, and falconry, all for a price. Everything has its price. I didn't even KNOW one could hire out a falconer, but for $65 you can get an introductory lesson at The Homestead. You can even pay to have a guide take you hiking. I did wonder if Gates would notice a $260 bill on the statement for an in-suite massage, or $155 for a Highlands Maple Sugar Wrap.

You can tell it is a high class place if there is no telephone in the bathroom, and no coffee maker in the room. For coffee, you have to get room service, which will cost you $7.50 a pot. "For your convenience a 17% service charge and 5% tax are added to your check. Dining charge of $5 per person applies." For juice to go along with that coffee, plan on $8.50. You could always skip the service charges and pay for the food that is in the room already, such as the bottled water for $5.00 or the eight ounces of jellybeans or cashews for $15.00.

I don't think I'll be going back to The Homestead in the near future. Unless maybe Bill wants to hire me.

I'm sensing a trend.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Week 19

I've been to many a farmer's market, but this was the first time I visited the one at Forest Hill Park. There were probably as many dogs as there were people. Darien bought some veggies, including some fresh asparagus for the homemade ravioli with walnut sauce she also picked up. Who knew that farmers grew pasta? Darien selected some herbs and a tomato plant for our garden. We ran into several people we know, including Bill-the-furniture maker and his wife. Darien spoke with a retired librarian, a former colleague, but couldn't remember her name. She needs to look more deeply into people's eyes.

As a reward for accompanying her, Darien bought me a coffee and scone. (Well, she was going to buy it for me, but she didn't have the right bills, so I ended up paying for it myself. I need to remember to get that money back.) We sat on a stone wall, but there seemed to be some sort of seepage, as my shorts were dripping wet after just a few moments. When I got home, I discovered the water bottle in my pocket was the real culprit, since I didn't have the top closed. I was roundly scolded.

Steady as she goes.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Week 18

A & J moved into their log cabin this week. I was their first visitor. Yay me!

In an admirable show of consistency, the counter showed no signs of deterioration this past week.