elanknits

Cats Pictures

2012-01-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

I finally got a bit of time & uploaded these this morning.

Not sure why Jack is sideways as I saved him vertical.

SPRING AWAKENING

2012-01-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Based upon the play by Frank Wedekind

Producer Dale Hirlehey
Director Andrew Tribe
Music Director Igor Saika-Voivod
Choreographer Genna Goodwin
Stage Manager Lisa Cardinal
Costume Design Ellen Mallett

Original Kids Theatre Company, on the heels of two successful Alumni/Staff productions, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “Assassins” presents their latest installment, the revolutionary new musical, “SPRING AWAKENING”!

Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Based upon the play by Frank Wedekind

Producer Dale Hirlehey
Director Andrew Tribe
Music Director Igor Saika-Voivod
Choreographer Genna Goodwin
Stage Manager Lisa Cardinal
Costume Design Ellen Mallett

The Show:
Winner of 8 TONY Awards including Best Musical, “Spring Awakening” graphically
celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, honesty,
poignancy and sexual passion you will never forget. Based on the legendary 1891 play,
banned from production for over 70 years, this stunning musical provides a rich challenge to our extravagantly talented grad for the last few OK seasons. This production will explore the trial, fears and exhilaration of the teen years with courageous professionalism.

Eligibility:
This project is open to any former Main Cast member, 18 years or older as of June 22, 2012, of the Original Kids Theatre Company over its 21 year history.

Audition Dates:
Saturday, February 18th (1-5pm) / Saturday February 25th (1-5pm) / Friday March 2nd (1-4pm) at the Spriet Family Theatre, Covent Garden Market.

Audition Requirements:
Please prepare 1 pop-rock song from the Broadway catalogue, in the style of “Spring
Awakening” (Rent, Next to Normal, Jesus Christ Superstar, etc.). An accompanist will be
provided. Sheet music should be prepared in a 3-ring binder. No acapella, CD
accompaniment or songs from “Spring Awakening” will be accepted.

Booking Auditions:
To book your audition, or ask any questions regarding the production, e-mail
triber28@gmail.com. Please specify your preferred audition date. If you are interested in auditioning but are finding conflicts with the audition dates, please contact to discuss potential solutions.

Show Information:
Rehearsals will begin in May 2012 and will run June 22-30 at the Spriet Family Theatre.

OKTC Presents...

2012-01-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

Don't miss our Second Annual Sounds of Love Gala!

Last year, staff, family and friends of the Company raised $15,000 towards upgrading our technical operating systems in our theatre. This year we would like to raise another $20,000 to complete our technical upgrade plan which includes the purchase of microphones, lighting instruments, specialized lighting software and a new projector. Continuing to upgrade our technical systems allows us to give our Original Kids techies the proper training they require, our kids on stage a great experience and a show to be proud of, and our audiences the wonderful production values they have come to expect.

Get tickets here

Last year the show was a lot of fun & we got to visit with present and past OK parents & it was awesome to see adult OKs I used to watch as kids

Missing Stratford

2012-01-13T08:07:00.000-08:00

A top 10 list of things I miss:

10. Walking through the park along the river, this is one of the most used & loved parks I have ever been in.

9. Coffee from Tango.

8. The book stores, yes all of them.

7. Boomers, especially the Black & Blue Burgers and Black Bean Chili Fries.

6. The gardens at the Festival Theatre.

5. The date squares at the Festival Theatre.

4. The drive from London to Stratford, who would have thought? but it was a gorgeous way to watch the changing of the seasons & we saw it all from audition in January to close in October.

3. My sofa in the lobby, I spent hours there, reading, knitting & visiting.

2. The sound of Camelot in the background as I worked or read, the old cast recording just doesn't match the talent of the Stratford cast.

1. The people we met this past year.

Cats!

2011-12-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

First head piece done, I can't wait to get a picture of the actor in full make-up & costume with this on.

Dropped off a costume, will take pictures of the actress with it on, didn't look right flat.

Next up a headpiece for Grizabella the glamour cat.

End of the Year!

2011-12-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

and what a year it was...

All the boys had successful school years & passed major milestones.

A first job for two of them, lots of theatre, applications to University, grade 8 grad, starting high school.

Jim finished Camelot & I jumped right into doing the Les Mis costumes for Jake's cast and then helped with Oliver costumes & the set.

I'm enjoying my break, knitting headpieces for Cats which is on at OKTC in January. It has been fun to actually design something new for a change.

Deuteronmy's headpiece is complete, pictures tomorrow when I have better light, I am so pleased with it I want a picture of Jack wearing it in full make-up for my portfolio.

February & March will be busy with University auditions & then the boys take off to NYC with OKTC.I have a feeling the coming year will go as fast or faster than the last.

Hello!

2011-11-14T06:01:00.000-08:00

Interesting morning, I have the sound track for The Book of Mormon running through my head today.

Heading down to Original Kids in a bit. Groovy sounds like it was a big success. I didn't get to see it as the last shows quickly sold out. Jimmy had a great time helping tech this show.

Not going to make the same mistake twice, seeing Disco Inferno early.

Book by Justin Sepple

Director: Dale Hirlehey, Music Director: Jessie De Souza, Choreographer: Genna Goodwin

1970’s chart-topping songs by Air Supply, David Bowie, Alicia Bridges, Donna Summer, Earth, Wind and Fire, Elton John, Gloria Gaynor, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, and others
By Arrangement with Music Theatre International (NYC)

Spriet Family Theatre, Covent Garden Market Mezzanine

Nov. 17 at Noon & 7pm. Nov. 18 at 7pm. Nov. 19 & 20 at 2pm & 7pm

DISCO INFERNO truly plunges us into the hot inferno of a story based on Faust: a man sells his soul, and sells out his girl friend, for fame and celebrity in the music and entertainment world of the 1970’s. The glitter-ball- spinning glamour, the high energy disco dancing, the platform shoes, the sparkly, vivid over-the-top clothes and the gripping story and characters from clubby London, England to the trendy glitterati-packed New York downtown scene, not to mention the pop hits that made the decade famous, will dazzle you. This is it! The story of a man who wins it all, and then prays for one more trade: all that he has won for the love of his life. One of the spring’s smash hits at OK was Back to the 80’s. Here’s another past from the pop past sure to bring you to your feet! An event not to be missed. (General Entertainment. 100 minutes)

One Show Left

2011-10-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning, busy, bitter-sweet day today.

Jim & I head to Stratford for the last performance of Camelot. A lot of emotion about this one, sad & happy. We will miss the place & people, a bit more free time is going to be nice though, reconnecting with those at home, not having to fill the gas tank quite so often.

I have been knitting like crazy, finished the cowl while supervising at OKTC last night. Oh! I will be able to make it out & watch shows more often now.

First order of the day - pack - we're staying tonight. Then get more cookies & water for OKTC, the new student rush ticket policy is boosting audiences & concession sales.

If I can get 1 more set of gloves knit today it would be good, not sure that will happen though.

Finally checked out the yarn selection at Cotton-by-Post on my way home from Stratford yesterday, they have some of my favourites but not in large quantities, so I will be back, I bet they'd be willing to order stuff for me if I needed it.

Next show on our plate: Les Miserables with OKTC in December.

The Beginning of the End

2011-10-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

Wow that went fast, we're almost at the end, entering the last week of the Stratford Festival run of Camelot.

We've learned a lot, Jimmy & I. I am a better, more confident driver, an unexpected benefit. He has grown and matured in many ways & I have been happy to have the time to get to know him better.

I've spent evenings the last week & will spend the next weeks knitting a few gifts for special people but as I finish each his list grows, it has become evident that they are all special.

He took gloves in tonight for Stanley, Deborah and Nettie. I am casting on another set (I should be doing it right now but I am talking to you guys instead). I have yarn that needs to be wound into a ball for the cowl but that is going to have to wait until tomorrow.

Next Monday I will take a look at where we are going next, thanks so much for a wonderful ride. I can't wait to spend a bit more time with my honey!

OKTC Halloween

2011-10-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

Come for some spooky fun this week, watch out for the mummies!

All performances take place in the Spriet Family Theatre, Home of OKTC. Covent Garden Market Mezzanine level.

Tickets: $11 & $16 from www.oktc.ca / 519-672-8800 / Beginning at NOON ON MONDAY, SEPT. 19.
Door sales before each performance.

5 or 10 play subscriptions are available now on www.oktc.ca by downloading, completing and submitting the Subscription Form.

Special Group prices for school groups for all Noon performances. Kerry at 519-679-0598 / Kerry@oktc.ca

Next Up!

2011-10-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Making this:

into this

as soon as I get the thumbs knit on the black fingerless gloves from yesterday/today.

I stitched in the ends & will wash the gloves tomorrow & block so Jim can give on Friday.

I'll be stitching up the plain pink ones as well to list on etsy. Feels good!

Fingerless Gloves Galore

2011-10-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying knitting again and have a constant set of fingerless gloves on the go at the moment.

I knit them using my Best Friends Fingerless Gloves Pattern.

The Period of PURPLE Crying

2011-09-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

Calling all Knitters and Crocheters ... !

We're organizing a knit-in at Childreach, to knit and crochet as many purple hats for newborns as we can.

________________________________________________________

INFO ABOUT THE CAUSE ...

Here's the information about the "Click for Babies" program.

The Trauma program at London Health Sciences Centre’s Children’s Hospital is recruiting knitters to help raise awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome. Interested knitters are being asked to knit or crochet purple baby caps in any pattern or shade of purple, and to not include strings, pom-poms or wool on the baby caps.

The caps will be provided to parents and caregivers, in support of The Period of PURPLE Crying® program, which provides important information to parents and caregivers regarding infant crying patterns and comforting strategies, and education on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

“The Period of PURPLE Crying® is the phrase used to describe the point in a baby’s life when they cry more than any other time,” says Denise Polgar, injury prevention specialist, LHSC. “We want everyone to know that crying is normal and that it is never okay to shake or harm an infant.”
________________________________________________________

INFO ABOUT THE KNIT-IN EVENT ...

* Anyone is welcome - experienced or 'newbies'.
* We'll be in the playroom, so bringing children is fine.
* There's always tea, coffee and juice boxes available at Childreach, and we're looking into organizing pizza. Feel free to bring additional snacks, if you like.
* There will be simple patterns available, but feel free to bring your own too.
* If you don't have needles or hooks, there will be spares available!
* We have some purple yarn available, and we're working on getting more. If you have purple yarn (any shade), please bring some, and we'll be very happy to accept donations of more!
* If you can't make it on this date, but would like to help, feel free to make hats in your own time and take them to the hospital, Health Unit, Childreach, or anyone who's attending this event!

Knitting is happening...

2011-09-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

I re-taught Jimmy how to knit tonight before I sent him down to get ready for the show. He figures there is lots of help backstage. Hopefully I will get a picture & show you his progress tomorrow.

I started a set of fingerless gloves in pink - not what I wanted to knit but what I had yarn for & there is a young lady of our acquaintance with an upcoming birthday they might just be perfect for.

I met the sweetest little gentleman tonight at Camelot tonight, he started to speak to me about my knitting. He guessed I was making socks because I had 4 needles on the go.

He got talking about the shows he had seen this week & how he was looking forward to seeing Camelot again, he saw the opening of the first run on Broadway when he was a struggling young actor.

He had lots of great stories of shows he saw & was in. After 3 years in bit parts & ensemble roles off off Broadway he decided it wasn't what he was meant to do & got a job with a "little" company called IBM. He is now retired & travels to see all the shows he still loves.

He was so excited to find out Jimmy was in the show & so happy we are supportive of our boys trying this career, he never regretted the 3 years in NYC & wishes still his parents had been supportive when he was younger.

Teenagers!

2011-09-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

We have three of them, 13, 15 & 17.

I run around doing two/three jobs to support their extracurricular activities.

This morning was one of those days when my usually great teenagers were being whiny, selfish, etc - perfectly normal for the species, just very annoying to the parent.

I'm considering a my options, an attitude adjustment is necessary or they are going to drive me nuts.

But is/are the attitude(s) that needs adjusting theirs or mine?

When it comes right down to it, the only attitude I have control over is my own so the answer is obvious, I need to adjust my thinking and happily do less for them, ask them to do more for themselves & in general be a little less available. My tiredness is due to my own commitments & I can make fewer. I can say no. I do not need to spend on everything they want, wants are not needs. I do not need to & won't yell.

Attitude adjusted! Let's see how I do.

True Sign of Fall

2011-09-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

I have started the list & when I get the casting later today I can start to organize costumes.

I am organizing my knitting to take to Camelot, it will be nice to do something constructive while I wait.

Week 1 at OKTC

2011-09-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy week & it isn't over yet.

4 performances of Camelot.

Dan started work at OKTC in the kidlets program, had a great time with the group on Wednesday, looking forward to meeting the Monday group net week & enjoyed watching auditions for the cast of

He was happy to find so many of his Jungle Book cast in this group & looking is forward to being their AD.

Jake has enjoyed the first week of high school.

I got most of their school issues resolved at a guidance appointment yesterday.

Jimmy is missing 2 afternoons this week but not much gets done the first week anyway & most performances seem to be weekends and evenings in the fall.

I am itching to knit & will be organizing that for myself tonight - after I get schwarma, go on a drive to Port Stanley, move my plants in the house & resolve those parking pass issues with Impark. I am sleeping really well lately for some reason!

This has been a week of waiting on the phone at work, but progress has been made.

New Season at OKTC

2011-08-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

Art & I have been putting up info on the upcoming season the past few days, to stay in touch please like our FACEBOOK page.

This season will be as busy as others or more so at our house. Dan is working at kidlets and is the AD (assistant director) for Come on Feel the Noise. He wants Sam to know that if any kids ask for help finding the deeper meanings in the title song Dan will be sending them all to Sam.

Jake is in Les Mis, which made both his brothers jealous. I am the costume head for this show. Ordinarily I would have gone up the ladder & pulled a bunch of stuff by now but today the rehearsal hall was a deconstruction zone. Volunteers are welcome & appreciated if any OK still need to get some hours.

Jim is enjoying his Stratford experience thoroughly. It was funny though he was a little sad the day OKTC packages came out & he realized he wouldn't be getting one.

I'm So Tired

2011-08-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Something had to give.

Last Monday Dan headed for Edinburgh, I like my kids to travel but I'm not comfortable with the travelling part & as his plane was delayed I didn't sleep well. He's coming home tonight full of stories about the Edinburgh Fringe Festival & is under instruction to text me when his plane lands in Canada & when he reaches home.

Mark got up at 4am Tuesday to go to Tilbury to work & stayed until Friday. Strangely I don't sleep well when he is gone.

We planted new plants & have grass seed that needs day & night watering at the moment. Our yard looks great.

The dishwasher is broken so all dishes are getting done by hand.

We had to go to a funeral on Sunday for a close friend of Mark's & I had to scramble to find a driver for Jim, thank goodness for Grandpa Bill.

Jimmy has had his busiest two weeks of the Camelot schedule since rehearsal ended, I've been driving lots, night shows we get home at 12. We also went to see Grapes of Wrath on Saturday night, fantastic!, but another late night.

I've been busy with OKTC, lots of cheques to write when camp is on (we go from 10 employees to 60+) and I got a new computer - once it was finally working correctly yesterday I was a happy woman but I'm one of those people who fusses & can't sleep well if something is going wrong at work & moving from one computer to another was really a pain.

So last night after dinner & dishes, I hoped in bed & fell asleep by 8pm. I feel great today! Good thing, Jim has a Camelot performance tonight at 8pm & Dan is about to start the run of Romeo & Juliet at the McManus.

Keeping Track of Visitors at Camelot

2011-08-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Jimmy & I have been keeping track of license plates of cars since Camelot began, the provinces, territories and states in bold are ones we have seen cars from, many visitors don't drive so I'm sure we've had lots of visitors from places not listed here. We were surprised to see Texas plates this week & then saw a second vehicle from Texas, that is one long drive!

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Yukon.

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
North Carolina
North Dakota
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

HONK!

2011-07-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

July 29, 7pm. July 30, 1030am & 530pm. July 31, 530pm. Aug. 1, 7pm. Aug. 2, 7pm. Aug. 4, 7pm. Aug. 5, 7pm. Aug. 6, 1030am & 530pm. Aug. 7, 530 pm.

Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Ugly Duckling”. Book & Lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Music by George Stiles. Directed by Jeff Crane and Jennifer Mayer. Music Direction by Marque Smith. Choreographed by Genna Goodwin.

You’ll watch the perfect musical for this delightful natural Garden, and be entertained by the story of UGLY, whose “honky” voice and gawky looks separate her from her “quacky” family and neighbours, and cause prejudice and loneliness. Becoming an outcast from her farm home, Ugly is pursued by a hungry Cat, and struggles to find her way back.. and to find herself! Along her rollicking and harrowing journey, she discovers her true beauty, individuality, and glorious destiny, and love and acceptance in every form. You’ll delight in this colourful bigtime musical, its large, accomplished cast, its professional orchestra, its colourful sets and costumes, and you’ll be able to bring the whole family to London’s own Original Kids Company , who ask nothing in return but your applause and your individual generosity! WE KNOW YOU”LL LOVE US, SO... HONK!! An OKTC Anniversary Encore Production. (75 minutes. Family)

I'm Back - kinda!

2011-06-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

This spring has been a crazy ride!

Jim's show is in a rhythm now, I've actually had a few days at home the past two weeks & have recovered from the late night at opening - which was fantastic - thanks for all the messages on twitter & facebook + the phone calls, he's having a great time. The article in the Free Press was great for letting folks know what he was up to, saved me making a lot of calls.

Jake's run of 13 was fantastic & Dan had a great time with Phantom of the Opera.

Dan & his friend Aaron have a show opening on June the 17th in London Fringe. It is one of those proud (but potentially embarrassing) moments in a parents life. My child helped write a show, not just a show - a musical! - book,lyrics, music (mostly Aaron for the music). Hopefully no one protests the content. My eldest son's first play would have to have a content warning on it!

I'm busy with work, both a Western & OKTC, despite the running this causes it is good since we've had a few set backs this spring of the homeowner variety - when Mark went to look at the location for the new air conditioner he kicked the corner of the chimney & its foundation wobbled. That is the only word to describe it & wobbling is something foundations should never do! We got the huge hole rebuilt, waiting through the rainy spring to do so. It is done & the air conditioner is out there but it is not hooked up - will be a gross hot evening again - another good reason to be working - I need the cash & work has air conditioning!

13: The New Musical

2011-05-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

“13” is a new high-powered Broadway musical – a grown-up story about growing up! And it will be “LUCKY 13” for our audiences at OKTC! A strikingly hot rock score from a Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, and a cast of OKs set to lift you out of your seats– well, you’ll be lucky all the way! A coming-of-age story of soon-to-be 13-year-old Evan Goldman, uprooted from a childhood in Manhattan to “the lamest place in the world” – Appleton, Indiana; a story about discovering that ’cool’ is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it; contemporary, rocking, honest and sincere- that’s “13”. Follow OKTC’s “13” on Twitter at http://twitter.com_13_the_Musical (Rated PG. 120 minutes)

As this goes up next weekend, Dan is in previews for Phantom of the Opera & Jimmy's Camelot previews continue - see you in June - unless you look for me in 1 of the theatres

Happy Birthday? Bill

2011-04-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Today is the date of William Shakespeare's death & many celebrate it as his birth as well, seems an appropriate time to mention our next production,

ROMEO AND JULIET

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Martha Zimmerman

Spriet Family Theatre, Covent Garden Market Mezzanine.

April 29 at 7pm
April 30 at 2pm & 7pm,
May 1st at 2pm & 7pm.
$11 & $16. www.oktc.ca / 519-672-8800 / At the door

Groups Preview for Seniors & Students (Grades 7 to 12 suggested) – Noon, Apr. 29. $5.00. To Book: georgina@oktc.ca / 519-679-0598.

Romance, comedy and heart-rending tragedy overflow the great play that has charmed and fascinated centuries of the young and the young at heart. The OKTC logo features the two masks of theatre, Comedy & Tragedy. Romeo and Juliet embodies both of those perfectly. Two dignified families in a small town who hate each other, and no longer even know why; a hot, humid summer when tempers fray; a masquerade dance where 2 teens meet, dance, kiss, fall desperately in love...and seal their fate...this tale of youthful joy, passion and optimism trampled and crushed by unreasoning hatred and prejudice will touch your hearts and minds, and send you out of the Spriet Theatre renewed in spirit and resolve. That is what Romeo and Juliet has always done. An OKTC Anniversary Encore Production. (120 minutes. Family)

I'm heading to Stratford today, to celebrate the birthday, perhaps hunt a few Stratford Festival Easter eggs (they put tickets in them!), deliver Jimmy to work, and appreciate that dreams, ideas and the magic of theatre can outlive us.

Snowy April Monday

2011-04-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Life is such a mixture of bitter & sweet. Living a very busy life these days. I'm in the Festival theatre at the moment taking advantage of their free internet access & my free time.

I haven't finished Jake's hat yet but maybe later today.

Jim is having the time of his life here and 1 show in is already getting recognized around town. If only some of the ususal teenage challenges didn't plague us. I called the school and hopefully those, under their control, will be sorted today.

A fair number of family members saw & enjoyed the show on Saturday, rumour has it they caught Grandpa with a tear in his eye.

Both workplaces have been very accommodating.

I'm around here so much the tourists are starting to amuse me & I can give directions. I do any errand that takes time here, I'm getting my hair cut this afternoon.

Have a Happy Easter if I don't make it back by then.

Preventing the Intervention

2011-03-31T05:29:00.001-07:00

OK before the knitters come over & sit me down to talk about my blog content, I'm going to admit the facts & prevent the intervention: Theatre has eaten my life!

Yesterday is a fine example.

I got up & headed down to Original Kids (8:00am), wrote the checks we need at the beginning of each month & set them out for Dale & Leigh to sign, mailed the cheques that needed mailing, filed the cheque stubs, put the artistic staff cheques into envelopes.

Took my car in to get looked at - the brake light came on on our way home from Stratford & I'm doing a lot of driving & would prefer to keep doing it.

Emailed, facebooked (?) the members of the 13 costume team. re plans for April.

Picked up a car from my in-laws (TY, TY, TY), went to Costco & got cookies & water for the opening of The Drowsy Chaperone, delivered to the theatre (1:00 ish).

Went & picked up Jimmy (1:20) & headed to Stratford for his rehearsal.

Received a phone call re: Jake's show, costumes, sets, etc.

Drove back to London where a rehearsal for In Pursuit of Triviality (Dan & Aaron's Fringe show) was taking place at our house - met actors, made dinner, fed family + actors (5:15).

Headed to Jake's rehearsal for 13 (7:00) - took pictures of kids in their costume ideas. Waited for Jake - they only called him for an hour, hoping his cold will take a hike, went into the office to check email & listened to Drowsy over the speakers (this one sounds fantastic hope I can see it - you should go if you can).

Knitting? I moved it from my car to the in-laws car. I admit it, this is becoming a stage mom blog.

The Contents of my Trunk

2011-03-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

There are a few permanent items: shopping bags & a bag packed with clothes for Jimmy & I, in case the weather gets bad when we're in Stratford + a box with bungee cords and a variety of other items we may need (my FIL provided these & they sure have come in handy over the years).

So far this week I've emptied & refilled my trunk at least 4 times.

I've had 8 dozen cookies & a case of water for Jolly Roger and the Pirate Queen intermissions.

A case of water for a spaghetti dinner at the school.

Groceries (twice), this includes a case of water.

The laptop so I can check my emails, my knitting, a book to read, a knitting magazine, and two copies of the village voice a friend brought home from NYC for Dan.

An electric guitar & amp that we loaned to OKTC as props for Camp Rock.

A box of paint for sets (forgot that at the Wolff Performance Hall - hope Jeff brought it back).

Jake's theatre bag (these have each kid's script, a snack, a pencil & a water bottle). Jimmy's theatre bag. Dan's theatre bag.

New jeans for Dan that I found at Winners in Stratford, it is hard to find jeans for a kid as skinny as Dan that are long enough for a kid as tall as Dan - these ones need to be shortened.

Jake's crutches - nothing has happened to Jake, the crutches are props for 13.

New shoes for Jake that Lauren brought home from NYC (she went to 4 stores to find them, he's so lucky I didn't end up going, I wouldn't have gone to that many).

Each kid's school bag.

Accessories for Jake's phone, paint & paint brushes for the snow blower, belts for the snow blower.

Dog Food.

OMG! I put a lot of stuff in that trunk.

Daily Grind

2011-03-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Down to doing 1 job at the theatre, Leigh came back from his vacation so I'm no longer responsible for some of his duties, I learned a lot & think I did OK - he hasn't called me yet so he must understand what I was up to.

I'm having a catch up day today.

Errands like getting our wills out of the bank to update (really should have done this one a while ago, we were expecting Dan when we wrote them), laundry, letting the car insurance company know about the driving I'll be doing for Jimmy, are all on my to do list today, some are even completed.

I'll be taking a few pictures today of items for the etsy store, both vintage patterns and a few knits.

I'm packing my camera up to start totting to Stratford + my latest knitting. Tech will start next week, so I'll be spending a lot of time waiting & hopefully being a better blogger.

I took Jake to Stratford with me on Saturday - he'd been missing having time with Mom & we got lots done - most significant for a teenage boy - he got a cellphone - I don't really think kids in elementary school need them but I need an easy way to get a hold of him when I'm out of town.

Super Crunchy Chicken Wings

2011-03-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

What to cook for a household of busy guys? Large amounts all the time, things that are nice as leftovers, easy to eat when you are on the run. These developed from a couple recipes & some experimentation, this version is the best.

Crunchy Chicken Wings

Preheat oven to 375.

1 package of chicken wings from costco
2 eggs, beaten

In a large bowl coat the chicken wings with the eggs. In a small bowl mix together:

1 c. panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
1/2 c. flour
3 tsps ginger
1 tsp cayenne (Heaping)
2 tsps. salt

Coat the chicken wings with the breading mixture and place on parchment lined pans. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn temperature up to 400 and bake for 20-30 more minutes or until chicken wings are brown and crispy.

Awesome - you will be lucky if there are any leftover.

Option in bold, resulted in the most perfect chicken wings yet, we'll never go to a restaurant for them again!

Camp Rock!

2011-03-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

Mar. 16, 11am & 7pm. Mar. 17, 7pm. Mar. 18, 2pm & 7pm. Mar. 19, 7pm. Mar. 20, 2pm.

Book by Rob’t Freeman & Faye Greenberg.
Songs by Kara DioGuardi et al.
Musical adaptation by David Lawrence.

Directed by Jeff Crane.
Music Direction by Adam Floris .
Choreographed by Genna Goodwin

Based on The Disney Channel Original Movie.

It is only March, but on the Wolf stage, it is already time for CAMP! So welcome to Camp Rock- the hottest camp for ambitious young musicians on the way up with a bullet! This summer, it was supposed to be all about making the music and having fun. Trouble is, the new, flashy Camp Star across the lake is sucking up all the publicity oxygen, and poor Camp Rock’s very existence is threatened. Fighting to keep the doors open, Mitchie steps up to rally her fellow Camp Rockers to get into shape for the ultimate throwdown with Camp Star! This brand new stage adaptation, based on the Disney Channel’s Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, is sure to fire up our stage – and your imagination! (Family. 90 minutes)

The Jungle Book

2011-03-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

The show Dan's been working on this winter starts next week. He's had a great time with the staff & kids.

Mar. 15, 2pm. Mar. 16, 2pm. Mar. 17, 11am & 2pm. Mar. 18, 11am. Mar. 19, 11am & 2pm.
Music/Lyrics by Richard & Robert Sherman & Terry Gilkyson.
Book adapted by Marcy Heisler.
Music adaptation and arrangement by Brian Loiselle.

Directed and Choreographed by Ceris Thomas.
Music Direction by Lauren Toll.

You and your kids will be as JUMPIN’ as the jazz- jammed Jungle is when you come to this exciting Disney classic, live on the big Wolf stage. Enjoy our large cast of enthusiatic and accomplished Original Kid performers, as Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and all the gang swinging through their crazy adventures, and struggling to conquer Shere Khan, the ferocious tiger! This musical, cleverly adapted from the treasured film, includes all those favourite Disney tunes like “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be Like You.” This show is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so BE there and BE pleased! (Family. 60 minutes)

Top Ten Clues That You May Be a Stage Mom

2011-03-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

10. You're willing to drive hours at a moments notice after pulling your kid out of school for an audition.

9. A request for a current headshot and resume can be granted at the click of a mouse.

8. You have a list in your head of what each child needs to be working on for the next audition.

7. Your calendar is covered in rehearsals & lessons - and you know which can be missed & which cannot.

6. You have a to do list of what must be done if your young actor gets THE part.

5. There is a large collection of music books and plays in your home.

4. You put up the dollars for a Fringe Production without blinking an eye.

3. You consider purchasing or renting living space in another city, "just in case".

2. You pay attention to what is going on in the local, national & international theatre scene.

and the # 1 clue that you may be a Stage Mom

1. You are willing to consider giving up your vacation so you can drive your little darling to work.

Jimmy got THE part & will be appearing in the Stratford Festival production of Camelot.

13 the Musical, presented by OKTC - Teaser

2011-02-27T17:02:00.000-08:00

Count Down

2011-02-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

Getting excited, trying to get everything that needs doing done, only a week and a half left until NYC.

For NYC
passports - check
suitcases - check
international stuudent card for Jimmy - check
tickets - check
packed - not yet

For Home
Dog Food - check
Groceries - not yet

At Work #2
T4s - check
T4As - mailed to CRA, a few peoples copies still at OKTC.
Rent cheques - ?
Pay cheques - next week
Pay Bills - check
Process Visa & MC payments - check

At Work #1
Monitor email - check

Etsy
Keep up to date - check
Make Knitters treasury - check, check

Archie!

2011-02-19T06:36:00.000-08:00

I love this picture Andrew Tribe sent me this morning & had to share - best to do this while Jake is asleep - though I doubt he reads the blog. It was too bad we didn't get Archie's crutches until the day after the photo shoot.

I started knitting a new hat for Jake yesterday, designed to his specifications & I'm waiting for him to get up & approve how the pattern is looking. No pictures, if it turns out right we'll publish the pattern.

New York plans, so far:

Thurs: How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying
Fri: Driving Miss Daisy
Sat mat:
Sat eve: Spiderman
Sun Mat:
Sun eve: American Idiot
Mon:
Tues: Allman Brothers Band
Wed Mat:
Wed eve: Elton John

Last year I spent 1 evening in & my days exploring the city, I may do that again, in which case my tickets are complete, but if days are miserable with rain (which it was most of last year) I have a few shows I may try to get matinee tickets for.

On My Own

2011-02-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

1 of the reasons I have no time - they are a great reason - I'll be doing the costumes for this group.

Busy getting ready to go to NYC. Mark, Dan & Jake are holding down the fort while Jimmy gets to go to all kinds of Broadway shows. I got a ticket to see Elton John at Madison Square Garden my last night there.

Both my bosses have taken time off & are letting me set my own hours, I've gotten lots done this week (both at home & at work) who'd thunk?

I've been knitting - seems there has been a rash of skullie losses & relacements are required - 3 are sitting in my livingroom waiting for owners to pick up. Jake has requested a hat for him which I'll be starting today. Then I need to knit 2 more skullies for one of his teachers.

I recently found this lovely knitting booklet. Etsy shop sale continues FRIENDSNFAMILY coupon code will get you 50% off.

I sometimes have friends ask to see pictures of my boys, sadly school photos are so terrible I don't buy them, but here are ones I took myself.

Knit Blog?

2011-02-01T08:24:00.001-08:00

Well there will be knitting...

The wrist has healed from my mishap on the laneway last week. I have plans to finish a special order skully tonight.

My shawl will be on sale at the OKTC gala on Saturday. I'm looking forward to some fantastic music & visiting with OKTC parents I haven't seen in a while.

I must control myself when it comes to the silent auction items, I heard there is a London Fringe ticket package & others from the Stratford Festival.

the BIG NEWS today - the camp website goes live in a half hour, so all those who have been after me about how to get their kids involved at OKTC can access the easiest way to get a kid consodered for OKTC. Camp doesn't guarantee an invitation but two weeks gives a child lots of opportunity to shine.

Sounds of Love Gala

2011-01-30T08:34:00.000-08:00

Original Kids Theatre Company has been an important part in the life of London and thousands of kids for over twenty years. While some of its members have gone to the stage in Stratford, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Toronto and New York, all of the kids have benefited from expressing and developing their artistic presence as well as contributing to the community.

The CRTC has made changes to the frequency Original Kids uses for its sound system, meaning that the Company must raise $30,000 to upgrade to a new sound system. To that end and to celebrate the 20th anniversary, we are presenting “Sounds of Love” – a Gala and Silent Auction on Saturday, February 5 at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club. The event will feature entertainment from several OKTC graduates and a silent auction of donated items that will show off the best of London’s businesses.

To find out more about why we are fundraising click on the link to read the London Free Press story.
http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/10/03/15568496.html

It will be an evening filled with delectable treats like smoked salmon bundles and French pastries overlooking a winter wonderland.

The event is taking place Saturday, February 5 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club, 465 Sunningdale Road West in London. Tickets are $75, including a $35 tax deductable donation, and are available from the Original Kids Box Office in Covent Garden Market.

We would also be thrilled to receive silent auction items from stores or services you are familiar with. Silent Auction items can be dropped off at the Covent Garden box office. Questions pertaining to the silent auction should be directed to Kit Silcox at professional.advisors@on.aibn.com.

For tickets please call 519-679-0598

Camp OK!

2011-01-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

I spent the afternoon, helping to edit the camp brochure. OK camp was my childrens' first experience of the company & is still a favourite part of our summer.

Lots of fun shows are on the list this year.

The camp website registration goes live on February 1, 2011

John Lennon & Me

2011-01-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

Opening show of the winter/spring season

John Lennon & Me is a powerful, touching comedy-drama about living life to the fullest. The winner of many awards for youth drama, it takes an uproarious look at life, death, power, and first boyfriends. In a hospital, we visit young Hollywood wanna-be, Star, the ultimate Beatles fan, whose path to fame has been blocked by cystic fibrosis, an inherited disease that promises a young death. She spends her time confronting her fate with her imagination, and making those around her into characters in her fantasies. Then Courtney, a cute cheerleader, Star’s opposite (and apparently not very sick), moves into the room. They are strangers to each other’s worlds, and struggle to understand one another, and ultimately themselves....Then real life enters.... An OKTC Anniversary Encore Production. (Family. 90 minutes)

Spriet Family Theatre. Covent Garden Market Mezzanine.
March 4: 7pm. March 5 & 6: 2pm & 7pm

$11 & $16. www.oktc.ca / 519-672-8800 / At the door.

Groups Preview for Seniors & Students (Grades 7 to 12 suggested) – Mar. 4: 1230pm. $5.00. To Book: georgina@oktc.ca / 519-679-0598.

13: A New Musical -- Again!!

2011-01-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

This time Jake takes on the role of Archie

January

2011-01-10T05:37:00.000-08:00

Good morning, I'm waiting for boy 3 to get out of the shower so I can start my week, New Year's resolution to eat healthy & walk to OKTC is going well.

The boys are in the thick of rehearsals again & all three are happy with the Original Kids shows they are working on.

Dan is stage manager for one of the March Break shows - The Jungle Book.

Jimmy is in a show they'll write themselves & perform in the summer.

Jake is in 13:The New Musical - been there, done that, with Dan, but they have a really different take on it & Jake is having a great time. Last night, I fit 7 girls into cheerleader costumes generously lent to us by Noisy Mime Theatre Company. 1 more on Tuesday, sure saved me a lot of sewing.

I've donated a shawl to the ORIGINAL KIDS SOUNDS OF LOVE GALA.

Saturday, February 5, 2011. 7:30pm to midnight

Sunningdale Golf and Country Club

$75 per person. There will be an income tax receipt for $35.

Tickets available during January and early February at the OK Box Office

Enjoy:

* Delicious h’ors d’oeuvres
* Silent Auction
* Cash Bar
* Entertainment by Original Kids Alumni Stars

All this… AND you’ll help us cover the cost of new, updated sound equipment to enhance our shows and honour our young performers!

If you or the company you run or work for can furnish us something to help us make our silent auction really special, we love you - even more!! Contact Kit Silcox, a member of our OK volunteer board: professional.advisors@on.aibn.com.

Currently Knitting: a skully

Out from Under

2010-12-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

Hi there, 120 + cm of snow in a couple days puts a damper on things.

3 snow days in a row might have meant I could blog everyday but what it turns out to mean is lots of shovelling/snowblowing & kids in your way all the time when you want a computer. We have 3 in the house and three kids - I got to use it in the mornings before they got up.

Thanks to mother nature though I'm doing well on my exercise everyday plan.

I attempted/went to work at OKTC Monday but I was the only one & soon headed home. The trip on the bus took an hour each way & I only live in Old South.

Tuesday was a home day since the University was closed. Mark & I shovelled our way out & then went for groceries & the Christmas tree. We decorated & cleaned the rest of the day & the house looks great.

Yesterday, despite the buses being stoppped, I went to work, walking downtown & got a fair amount done - I'll be filling out T4As on Friday to have them ready to go out with the T4s or be handed out with cheques next week to those working on Annie & Annie Warbucks.

Etsy was OK for the month of November, December has slowed down, even so I think I'll hang on through January (it has been my busiest month in the past, knitters seem to wait until after Christmas to buy for themselves).

Knitting news: Jake wants a hat for his birthday & we have the yarn, stitch pattern all picked out, I just need to swatch & start knitting.

Clearing Out Old Stock

2010-12-03T04:10:00.000-08:00

I've decided to clear out as much of my knit stock & patterns as possible.

Therefore I'm extending my sale to anyone who likes bargains, this sale is on in stock items only, no special orders.

Coupon Code FRIENDSNFAMILY = 50% off

Just a warning though, items going to the US, need to be in the mail by December 8th to have a chance at making it there before Christmas & with no control over Canada Post, the USPS & US Customs, I can't guarantee they will make it. Customers in the past have dealt with this situation by printing a picture of the item & putting it in an envelope for the giftee to open (that said I got a package from Los Angeles in 4 days this week).

MY First Ever Sale

2010-11-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

Etsy got coupon codes this week & I'm trying it out!

The code KNITNOW will get you 10% off upon check out.

If you live in London & want some things from my shop, email or convo me & I'll do you a listing without shipping & we'll arrange a pick-up or delivery.

Coupon is good everything!

LIES & LEGENDS: The Musical Stories of Harry Chapin

2010-11-16T03:45:00.000-08:00

Jimmy's show opens this weekend. He's had a great time with the cast & crew on this one. For those of you who miss your Tommy costumes come on out - it's the 70s & it really shows! The kids ask all who come to bring a canned goods donation for the London Food Bank.

You can get tickets online here or you can call the box office 519-672-8800 or visit:

471 Richmond St., London
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

All tickets are delivered to OKTC on Friday so if you don't get them before the weekend just pop down to the Spriet theatre a half hour before any performance or give us a call (519) 679-0598

Musical Arrangements by Stephen & Tom Chapin.
Creative Consulting by Sandy C. Chapin.
Concept by Joseph Stern.
Music by Harry Chapin.

Director: Debbi Abbott.
Music Director: Geoff Johnston.
Choreographer: Victoria Barber.

Nov. 19, 20, 21: 7pm.
Nov. 20, 21: 2pm.

When singer/songwriter Harry Chapin died all too young, he left behind his songs, the best known being the immortal “The Cat’s In The Cradle”. More than any other popular songwriter in recent memory, Chapin was a storyteller. He celebrated the extraordinary lives of ordinary folk, and whether through comedy or sadness, reminded us of the emotions we all share. This very special revue assembles the most theatrical of Chapin’s musical stories to recapture the wistful, world-gone-by pathos and tattered-blue-jeans idealism of his work. Lies & Legends truly leaps from the stage and into your heart.

Pirate Progress

2010-11-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

I've finished something! I know how to make these with my eyes closed now but it sure feels nice to do some knitting, hat # 2 in the black should be finished tonight & then I want to make another just for stock.

I sadly had to turn down the chance to be Mrs. Claus again this Christmas since I didn't have time to test fibres, design & knit slippers.

shhh! it's a pressie

2010-11-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

I took 224 pictures in an hour and a half this weekend - no you can't see them!

Well yes you can see some of them - the good ones - once the gift is given.

I started knitting a skully in tuquoise and white last night, I hope to finish tonight & then do the standard pirate version for a cute family of 3 pirates (lucky me I had 1 already made in my bin). I'm hoping to see pictures of this scurvy bunch after the holidays.

I found another UFO in my bedside table - I appear to have started a shawl in a varigated curly mohair yarn at some point this year.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel with work - this may be levelling of for a bit - the good news here is that NYC (for both Jimmy & I) and Fringe are paid for.

Jimmy is super busy this week, he's the Assistant Stage Manager for Stuart Little, if you have small kids this will be a fun show for them, get tickets here.

STUART LITTLE: The Musical Fantasy

Adapted from the book by E. B. White by Joseph Robinette.
Music by Ronna Frank.

Director: Jessica Isard.
Music Director: Andrea Stevens.
Choreographer: Nicole Harper

Nov. 11 to 14: 7pm.
Nov. 13 & 14: 2pm.
Student Matinee: Nov. 11: 1pm.

You’ll love this musical version of the children’s classic tale about a mouse, Stuart Little, born into a normal New York family: the charming story of a determined underdog trying to survive in a real people’s world. The clever musical score contains melodic ballads and rousing chorus numbers, and the adventuresome plot, filled with surprising twists and turns, is jammed with wonderful characters, both animal and human, for our Original Kids to play. Here’s a show that will really get you rooting for the little guy in his struggle to rise to the top! (Rated G)

I Want to be a Producer!

2010-11-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

& I am, Monday morning 9 am, drop off Fringe application & cheque, Dan & Aaron are writing a show.

Life is life

& it may just be slowing down a pinch...before it revs up again, no doubt.

Dan & Jake are both done their recent shows.

I finished the Halloween costume in time - picture to follow.

I was considering shutting down my etsy shop but have had a number of recent sales so I may stay open until after Christmas

If you're local & you want something from the shop let me know & I'll do you up a listing sans shipping & we can arrange pick up or even delivery.

Mark & I are planning a Stratford getaway, with the end of the Festival, it's a great place to visit to do some Christmas shopping, hotel prices drop & there are fantastic restaurants.

Alice?

2010-10-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time for being creative lately, but in the few odd moments I've been sewing a costume for a young friend.

hope I've got these symbols right

finishing tomorrow

Currently Knitting... you'll be sorry you asked...or a list of my UFOs

2010-10-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

A light blue (with a tiny thread of navy, these little touches in yarn make me happy) & lime green mohair scarf.

A set of ballett flat slippers - more than half way done.

A keyhole scarf - the knitting is finished on this one but I grafted it backwards & it's mohair so I need to put it in the freezer & unpick it & regraft - not what I pick up when I want to relax - although I could throw it in the freezer so I can claim some "work" has gotten done on it.

I have a sock in progress somewhere out there.

A sweater for Des - I'm glad I'm making a toddler size since he must be getting that big soon.

If there are more they'll be on my ravelry page, please don't remind me of them, at least until I clear up those above.

Busy as usual Jake is in The Headless Horseman at OKTC this week & Dan is in Dracula with NMTC.

Running on Empty

2010-10-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

It's been one of those weeks, thank goodness I can't get into either building I work in on the weekends.

The rebuild of a year in the computer (thank goodness for paper records) & keeping up with this year has me on the run. I complain but this job is fun! not the computer entry part, the part where we listen to Broadway show tunes, tease the co-op students (where is that cheesecake) & plan what we're up to in NYC.

I discovered a fellow comic book collector on the staff who I'm planning a trip to Midtown Comics with - Mark now wants to come to NYC! I'll be checking their website for Gaiman titles I don't have. I can't believe Dan hasn't been there, I'll have to ask him, he certainly didn't mention it.

I'm also planning a bit of a knit tour while I'm there, fewer museums.

It's been nice being back at the University as well - quiet here - but a lovely atmosphere to work in.

It looks like additional employment may be in my future, just when the computer mess will be winding down.

A virus has been making its way through the boys - it's actually been nice - they've had to miss some school but rehearsals as well which frees up my evenings.

Favourites

2010-10-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

I love these items from the "new" pile of mostly vintage, all used knitting booklets I'll be putting up in my etsy store over the weekend.

I listed this lovely one from the 60s this morning

These will start going up tomorrow

Real Life

2010-10-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

or some thing like it...

I bought my first turkey ... Thank goodness Kathy was cooking it.

I had a great weekend & hope all the other Canadians out there had a great Thanksgiving weekend.

The theatre company shuts down for long weekends (for some reason they had attendance issues before they decided on this policy) so I didn't have work or rehearsals competing for time or energy. We all went to the cottage on Saturday for a Mallett family get together. I hadn't been for a few years and it was lovely and relaxing but far too short. Lots of great food, time with kids and games of Uno. Adam came up with us & took Mark, Cola & Dan back with him, I stayed with the boys & went home Sunday afternoon.

Sunday evening we had a get together with my family, good food, great weather - Mom almost always gets to let us eat outside & bocce.

I knit a bit this week - a scarf that grows but isn't as long as I want it yet.

I'm back at UWO today & of course this morning my parking transponder, decided not to work, so I went to the parking office (had to pay to park here) & they didn't open until 8:30, which is of course when I start, so I parked close and walked - I'm thinking I'll return the transponder for the deposit on my way home tonight & just keep walking - that would be a guaranteed 4 walks a week.

I couldn't sleep last night getting everything organized, it will be nice to get back into a routine.

I had my $ set aside for my trip to NYC last week & then I decided it was more important to pay off the MC, feels good, we don't owe anyone anything & I can start saving again.

Learning from Co-op Students

2010-10-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

We have some co-op students at OKTC right now. I thought I knew a lot about teens, having three that live with me & working on shows with so many here, I even travelled to NYC with 33 & still have stuff to learn.

They have no idea how to use a photocopier, they can learn but the wasted paper will over flow the blue bin. I must teach boys the basics of this.

Some teens have no idea that "they @#$% you at the drive through" and need to learn to check they have everything before they leave. This takes a few lessons (I was aware of this learning curve from the boys).

They will answer each others cell phones. I'd never do this seems a horrible breach of etiquette but they do it quite naturally. I'm now surprised I've never ended up talking to someone I didn't know when calling one of the boys - I bet this happens when Jake gets a phone.

Not all teens know where they are & how to get around downtown London. This one seems obvious now but I don't come in contact much with kids who aren't downtown on a regular basis. Mine practically live down here & when I add it up, spend almost as much time (between OKTC & school) downtown as at home.

I knew this one already - They are fun! I miss them when they aren't around.

Is there anybody out there?

2010-09-30T05:02:00.000-07:00

It's been one of THOSE times in a bloggers life.

Lots to say - some of it couldn't or shouldn't be said online, some of it personal to me, some of it personal to others and some of it just the most unprofessional behavior I've ever seen, of course if I ranted about it here I'd be just as unprofessional - and I had no time to say the rest, and once it's in the past it just doesn't seem as necessary to say it.

I'm checking in on my job at Western from home & working everyday at OKTC, great progress has been made in fixing the computer records up & I've been backing them up religiously onto a thumb drive. The computer itself has shown me the blue screen of doom twice. Strangely, despite the sheer amount of work that needs doing here, I'm enjoying the work itself, I finish a task & can see the progress, I'm learning something everyday and the atmosphere is great - broadway show tunes keep me happy but sometimes I hear Leonard Cohen coming from Leigh's office & the change is nice.

I managed to knit a baby hat this week for the Grandson of my boss who was born this summer.

Etsy sales have picked up as the weather has gotten colder, thank goodness both jobs are close to post offices.

Jimmy is loving high school, is busy with band, is asm for Stuart Little which will get him his volunteer hours & loving learning the music for Lies and Legends: the music of Harry Chapin. Jake has a new friend at school, just moved from Kitchener, who seems to be moving into our lives very smoothly, so nice when they make a close friend.

Ticket sales are live for both shows.

Life is good!

Original Artwork

2010-09-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

emmarts had an anniversary contest on etsy, we (the friends on this list) had to look at the second photo in this listing & supply word for imaginary dialog bubbles above the two containers.

I wanted to come up with something brilliant but my initial thought & the one I went with was of Senor Wences

In the dialogue boxes I saw his classic bit, of one hand answering the other "s'alright", "s'okay".

He was a piece of my childhood and I still find ventriloquists amazing.

Maybe Gabriele remembered him as well!

I won!

This gorgeous piece of artwork. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I'll be taking it to be framed soon, I was going to go on Friday but ran out of time admidst my disasters

As it Starts...

2010-09-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

Some days you should just go back to bed.

I couldn't find my glasses after I got out of the shower today, I searched the house, started getting a headache, took advil, Dan searched, finally found them at Dan's suggestion beside my bed - I had looked there - just not under my knitting - someone must have knocked the knitting & put it on top because I haven't had time for it this week.

I went to put my phone in my purse & it was dead - I loaned it to Jake last night when he went to Marianas Trench.

I went to the bank to deposit my paycheck - it was closed due to a power outage - so I drove to the next closest one - got stuck in a construction traffic jam.

I noticed on my way downtown to deliver Jimmy's field trip $, that I was almost out of gas, stopped at my local gas station & the power was out there too!

Dropped the envelope & permission form off at Beal, headed to get gas, got cut off in line at the gas station by a rude corvette driver.

Ended up at a pump that only took credit cards since it was the only one free.

Headed out to the Costco for basics, misplaced my credit card, found it, put my keys in my coat pocket, organized my purse, found my costco card, headed in to get supplies.

Got the groceries, checked out, even got one of the last copies of Halo Reach, my day was looking up, went into my pocket for keys & they were gone. Found them on the front seat of my car, must have fell out when I stood up. The car of course was locked.

Went in & found the pay phone, got change - IT WAS BROKEN!

Gave up got them to call me a cab & came home. I'm almost afraid to go back out there.

What else could go wrong?

p.s. I shouldn't have asked that last question - I cut my finger cooking dinner & then dropped & smashed the butter dish (dangerous greasy mess)

13: The Musical

2010-09-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Dan performs as ARCHIE, Friday, Sept. 17, Satuday, Sept 18 @2:00, Thursday, Sept. 23and Saturday, Sept 25 @ 2:00 - I hope this is right

PLEASE NOTE A CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE TIME ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20 TO 1:30 PM

Based on the book by Dan Elish, with lyrics and music by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, '13' is a funny, exciting love letter to childhood and to the elusive moment when the child in all of us embarks on the path of adulthood. That moment, illuminated with song, dance and wit is performed by a very talented cast of teenaged actors.

Evan’s mother has uprooted him from his home in New York right on the heels of his parents divorcing. What's worse is that poor Evan is now friendless only weeks away from his Bar Mitzvah. Thus begins a young boy's quest to become part of the cool crowd so that there will be someone at his party besides himself, his mother, and the Rabbi.

Wolf Performance Hall
251 Dundas @ Central Library
Galleria Mall

Tickets:
$25 adult, $15 Student
School performance Sept 20 $10

Performances:
7:30 September 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
2:00 September 18, 25
1:30 September 20

Tickets may be reserved at:
(519) 281-8284
(519) 868-3539
noisymime@live.ca

KIDLETS CHANGES NEWS!!

2010-09-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Kidlets which starts next week is now open to 6, 7 and 8 yr. olds.

It runs at a new time - 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Sept. 15 - Nov. 3

Mighty Minds! The "Brainy" Musical

$175

Please share this with friends who might be interested!!

General Inquiries: (519)-679-0598 Fax: (519)-679-1070
Kidlets: (519)-679-3316

Cola got Skunked!

2010-09-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

A great start to the long weekend last night but I found a recipe that actually worked to remove the stinky, oily residue from Cola's fur. I'm going to share it with you because the vet behind me in line at the drugstore said it happens a lot at this time of year.

Do not wet your dog down!

In a plastic bucket mix:

1 quart hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
3 tablespoons dish soap
lukewarm water (if needed for large dog)

Mix together and use immediately, work into dog's fur using a sponge or washcloth to apply. Avoid getting it in your dog's eyes. Discard any leftovers after use.

Rinse the dog with water.

Do not put in a spray bottle to make application easier - it will continue expanding and explode.

Patrice

2010-09-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

Here is Dan's friend Katie & here video blog for the character Patrice in 13.

August Recap

2010-09-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

August was busy starting with Jake in Geppetto & Son and Dan heading off to Stratford Festival Shakespeare School.

I'm glad I'm getting some practice for them moving out I really didn't like Dan being gone for two weeks then arriving for 1 night & heading straight out to Goderich for a week.

The rest of August has been 13 rehearsals for Dan, Ready for High School for Jimmy, & hanging out with friends for Jake.

This week Jimmy and Jake were anticipating the end of August & OKTC casting packages.

Jake is in The Headless Horseman and Jimmy is in Lies & Legends: The Music of Harry Chapin.

and August is over except on my accounting software - off to work to get this year finished.

Plans for the weekend include a possible canoe trip, friends over for dinner & taking apart a furnace from 1955 (we may wait on that last one, not sure disconnecting the air con is a good idea).

The Girls Join In

2010-08-31T03:55:00.000-07:00

All Hail the Brain

2010-08-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

I'll be sewing a couple cheerleaders costumes for this show.

13: The Musical Vlog

2010-08-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

Take a look at what Dan is rehearsing for now:

For Christmas

2010-08-23T14:48:00.001-07:00

I'm not religious but I'm not sure I can resist knitting this for Christmas

Learning Curve

2010-08-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Still working away & trying to figure out how to balance everything before September when demands will get more extreme.

Got Jimmy's school supplies for high school & his hair cut today - the blue hair isn't bothering me as much now that it's short so we may let it grow out a bit more before we cut again rather than over dying wth brown - which I've been warned may turn a funky colour over blue - not that turquoise isn't a funky hair colour.

I had a short week the past two & got a few major errands done.

Found some great patterns for babies & little people which will be going up on the etsy site over the next week or so.

Need to get Jimmy's passport & a new health card for Dan.

Dan's book bag & the $75 text book came back (thanks Ms. Iddison) so I'll be getting a refund on my cheque - always a good thing.

Jimmy is at Beal this week for an intro to high school & Dan is deep in 13 rehearsals, I'm going to split my OKTC work between Monday & Wednesday to allow me to drive them more easily. Need to get them bus passes for September.

Looking forward to Labour day weeeknd & another canoe trip.

Anticipation is high for the announcement of shows for the 2010/2011 season & learning the shows Jimmy & Jake are in, Jimmy will be able to pick up his own package on the way home from school.

Summer Update

2010-08-05T06:06:00.001-07:00

It's still crazy busy here, so a quick update of summer goals accomplished

1. Dan got off to Stratford (& I solved his spending money woes, TY TD Canada Trust).

2. Pinnochio got made and repaired as necessary.

3. I got through all the archives marked for possible disposal at work.

4. I spent a day in a canoe & got dumped in a river for the first time.

5. I'm learning my job at OKTC & believe I'm now caught up on all past expenses.

6. I got the kids back & forth to OKTC Camp & they had a great time.

7. I got Stratford paid off.

8. We had Dawn come for dinner & must do again.

9. We went to Stratford to see the Tempest.

10. We saw Bruce Cockburn at Home County.

Pretty good July really!

Introducing Pinnochio

2010-07-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

He's got strings but is hanging out at the Rotary Reading Garden now - I'll try to get a picture tonight.

We open this weekend! It's pay what you can!

Pinnochio

2010-07-26T05:02:00.000-07:00

Well the show opens this weekend, so of course I spent the past weekend gathering supplies

and doing prep work

for

a puppet

2010-07-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

ANNUAL FAMILY SUMMER OUTDOOR MUSICAL

In the Rotary Reading Garden, London Public Library

A PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN-EVENT. No ticket required.

DISNEY’S GEPPETTO AND SON:
The “When You Wish Upon a Star” Musical!

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by David Stern

Director: Jeffery Crane
Musical Direction: Marque Smith
Choreographer: Kyla Piccin

July 31, Aug. 7 at 10:30am
July 31, Aug. 1, Aug. 7 & Aug. 8 at 5:30pm
July 30, Aug. 2, 3, 5 & 6 at 7pm

The classic tale of an aging toymaker and his puppet, Pinocchio, takes on new meaning in this new musical, with songs by Stephen Schwartz of Wicked fame, and based on the touching Disney film! Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli, and a lively cast of characters, as Geppetto journeys beyond the toyshop to discover what makes the “perfect child”. This lovely family musical, a magical mix of heart-warming fairytale and action-packed adventure, is a perfect fit for family audiences. Everyone will love following Pinocchio’s journey from awkward puppet to real live boy, and will be charmed by Geppetto’s transformation from tyrannical creator to real live father. 75 minutes. (G)

Jimmy got a Ride

2010-07-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Lots of excitement yesterday afternoon in the Mallett household.

I got to go to my favourite restaurant for lunch since Atul came to town. We caught up for a couple hours without interuption since we left Jake at home, Jimmy was at camp & Dan was out.

We finished our late lunch just in time to pick Jimmy up from camp OKTC. He couldn't figure out who was in that car for a couple seconds but hopped right in once he realized & I think he was happy we'd taken the top down. "Who was that?" was the question I got at camp while I waited for my ride to make the trip home & back to get me - picking up a kid at camp in a two seater isn't the best idea but the wait was worth the smile the ride brought Jimmy.

Atul stayed for a light dinner & then headed home but not until we took pictures of the boys in the Vette.

Another nice surprise today, cake for my brithday at work! If anyone else wants to do something nice for my birthday, please feel free, I'm having a great time.

Summer Busier?

2010-07-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

...is busier even a word?

We're nuts here - I'm learning new stuff all the time which is good & keeps me happy but for goodness sakes it might be nice to relax a bit. I'm enjoying the new job at Original Kids.

Jake's show (Disney's Geppetto and Son)is entering it's last few rehearsals - I'm making some lion costumes, a cat & dressing a horse - just need a set of brown pants to finish that costume off - need to shorten some pants for Jake for when he's a "perfect child" - boy I'm not sure what Jeff was thinking with that casting.

Dan is starting a show tomorrow night in London's Pride Festival - I thought it started next week - time flies.

We had a busy weekend - Dawn came for dinner Friday, the boys had fun having a cousellor over - Saturday we went to see Bruce Cockburn, definitely worth staying up late for - Sunday was rehearsal & a BBQ for Quinn's first birthday.

Mark & the boys were inspired by the metal work at Home County & made some of their own over the weekend.

Today, I'm off work but sewing sashes - shopping for costumes (I snagged a few patterns for the etsy shop) & best of all getting a vist & lunch with Atul.

Jimmy is at camp this week & next.

1 more week & then I have a week off from Western - will work 1 day that week at OKTC & be able to help with all the last minute costume issues - you'd think I'd actually planned it.

Our Graduate

2010-07-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Picture as promised, we're very proud of Jimmy & glad he's moving on to high school

Rocky Start to Summer Blogging

2010-07-06T05:45:00.000-07:00

Hi there! We're still alive it's just been a crazy time.

Jimmy graduated - pictures asap - I haven't even taken them off the camera yet!

I started the new job at Original Kids, fun music I got to listen to The Rocky Horror Picture Show on my first day - day 2 tomorrow.

Jimmy & Jake went to the cottage for the weekend, while Mark & I ran all over the place on the weekend - we did some wiring at Kathy's, went to the fireworks with Dan & Lindsey (forgot the camera), went to Delaware Speedway with Phil & Chris, Phil & Mark went to help Nate at his new house (I made & brought them lunch), I cleaned out the boys rooms.

I took the boys to the Tempest on Sunday, great show, as usual Christopher Plummer was fantastic & now all the boys have seen him on stage. The boys found Art Fidler in the gift shop & as soon as I saw the side of Art's head (he's tall) & the shoulder of his Hawaian shirt I knew where my boys were.

Jake is at OKTC camp this week & next & Jimmy goes the following two weeks & then Dan is off to Stratford for the Festival's musical theatre program.

So as you can tell things haven't slowed down - Jake is still in rehearsals for Geppetto & Son & yesterday I added some of the finishing touches to the vests - I hope to have the marionettes all figured out at Thursday's costume parade

Not so good...at staying awake

2010-06-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

Good morning - up early again despite my late night.

I should never blog/go out/plan anything when I'm tired.

Did anyone catch that the last link last night went to an event that happened a week ago, turns out that despite my university education I cannot read a program. The good side of this was that I felt no guilt about not staying up even later. The bad side was friends looking at me like I was a loon.

I managed to spend most of last night annoyed with everything.

I did get to see the DeSouzas leaving Saucy Jack - the cake for the cast party was as phenomenal as the costumes & Nancy and I made a tentative plan to get together - now to just follow through on it.

I also ran into my friend Liz from childreach & managed to give her the annual fringe updates on the boys lives.

Jim was out as well and I was very happy to see an enthusiastic face, he was surprised I'd let Jimmy see Saucy but not as shocked once he discovered Jimmy is going on the NYC trip this year - they will see what they want there!

The No Show didn't go on as scheduled and I was so tired that at 12 when they still hadn't started I headed for home, with kids in tow. Thankfully they were tired too, or at least let me think they were so as not to annoy me further.

Do you ever have something you want to say on the blog but just can't find the right words to say it? without hurting feelings? want to retaliate?

I think I need a break from facebook

Staying Awake

2010-06-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to stay awake - I woke up at six am this morning & spent a half hour trying to get back to sleep.

I want to go to the No Show tonight at Fringe - I really must go since I told Dan & Lindsay I would & they are counting on me for rides. Jimmy wants to come along - not sure if that is a good idea or not but Dan was going to the No Show at his age.

I had planned to see An Adult Evening with Shel Silverstein today but the immediate need for a new toilet in the basement could not be denied and $150 later + the lose of my afternoon we have a functioning (and attractive) toilet in the downstairs bathroom - the joys of home ownership. On the good side today, Phil popped over & we went out for an awesome breakfast.

We may try to see a few pieces of "la petite nuit blanche" taking place in a variety of locations around downtown London.

It makes me a little nervous to be in downtown London at night these days hopefully events like this get more people down there at night & there will be less to be nervous about.

"New" Patterns

2010-06-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love it when you find Patons booklets you've never seen before!

Cute shrug on the little girl.

Does anyone else remember the TV show "Family"?

Some of these are already up in my shop on etsy, others will go up this week.

Reviews

2010-06-24T20:02:00.001-07:00

I'm not the greatest one for reviews but I try to fulfill requests when I can & I've got two shows to recommend so far (Jimmy, Jake & I all rate these two as top of our lists so far).

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - fun for most ages but be warned my favourite part of the show was Trevor Horman singing "My Unfortunate Erection". This one really show cased the Original Kids Alumni well.

and

Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens - this one blew me away with sheer fun & political incorrectness. Glitter boots & disco = fun.

Jimmy & Jake saw Cassandra and said it was good.

We're seeing An Adult Evening with Shel Silverstein on the weekend.

Hoping to see Monster as well

I'll let you know how the rest go.

Fringing

2010-06-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Don't worry we're still alive just busy fringing.

Jake gets the prize for seeing the most shows - Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens and 25th Anuual Putnam County Spelling Bee are his tie choices for first place.

Jimmy adds another vote for Putnam but that may change as he's only seen the one show & he's off school for the next three days.

Dan has only seen An Adult Evening with Shel Silverstein which I hear is very odd/strange/funny. He has a free evening tonight so I'm hoping he'll start using his student pass and see a few shows.

Jimmy & I are planning to see Saucy & Shel in the next couple nights (I'm trying to convince Mark that Saucy will be fun but even those character names aren't getting him to the theatre).

Jake has plans with friends this weekend to see Kicked.

FRINGE!

2010-06-16T11:54:00.001-07:00

It's one of our favourite times of the year, it's the Fringe Party!

The boys got student passes and backer buttons today, so we're ready for show openings Friday night.

On our list to see over the next week:

Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens

is an interactive, high-energy musical set in a futuristic cabaret bar. Since its creation in 1995 at the Edinburgh Festival, it has been performed to ecstatic audiences in all manner of venues from West End theatres to Victorian railway arches; tiny back-street bars to giant big-tops. Wherever it has played, it has consistently delighted people with its explosive energy and its unique relationship with the audience.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

It’s the funniest thing in seven consonants! Jubilant and touching, this Tony Award–winning musical comedy pits quirky prepubescent overachievers against one other in the spelling challenge of a lifetime. Amid infectious songs such as “My Friend, the Dictionary,” “Woe Is Me, and “I Speak Six Languages,” the nerdy and wordy learn that winning isn’t everything.

An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein (Dan is the assistant director for this one)

highlights a darker side of the man known mostly as a children's author. His poems are sweet and silly and encourage a playful, imaginative love of poetry in many young readers. An Adult Evening is not what you'd expect. I think we need to emphasize the "ADULT" portion of the title. As in, Adult Content.

Monster

A one man show about the nature of evil.

Emma

Based on the Jane Austen novel, "Emma" tells the story of a young woman in England who plays her town's matchmaker. When attempting to match up her friend with the Reverend Elton, Emma starts to run into complications, which multiply amongst themselves with cases of mistaken intentions of love, a cast of supporting characters who each love someone else, but Emma doesn't know who loves who, and Emma finally realizing the one person she truly loves

+ Kicked, Spilt Milk and lots more if they can find the time

New Job, etc.

2010-06-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Nothing has been touched on the list since the 8th - in my defence I've done a lot of work around the house - ran tons of errands - you know life in general.

I found a few vintage treasures on Monday for the etsy shop & they'll get listed daily until they are all up.

I've been waiting to start the new job at OKTC & if Simply Accounting is finally running I'll start on Wednesday. Mark spent an hour on the phone with Simply today & his is finally working - they are swamped because of the July first date for the GST/HST switch.

I am resisting knitting the family below, there are additional patterns besides those pictured - Uncle Angus with his bagpipes & haggis and a monster.

1 item left!

2010-06-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

That's right my to do list is done with the exception of Des' sweater so tomorrow & even tonight I plan to work on it so he receives it sometime this year (even though it won't fit for a few more).

New list

1. Finish Des' sweater
2. Get backer buttons for Fringe
3. Get student passes for Fringe
4. Clean out & consolidate stash - I discovered room during the making of the thneed
5. Start a shawl - donation for October
6. Finish the Christmas present that is almost done - hope I can felt them at Marg's
7. Figure out the animal costumes for Geppetto
8. Pump up tires on bike
9. Find lock, helmet, etc.
10. Get Father's Day gifts

A Thneed

2010-06-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

is a something that everyone needs!

As ordered, as crazy as possible in multiple colours - great for using up leftovers and a wonderful excuse to keep my freeform skills fresh.

Weekly Recap

2010-06-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Jimmy at OKTC Grad

Our daily visitor - safe on the front lawn - Cola keeps trying to catch the bunny whenever it's in the back yard, lucky bunny so far!

Thneed #1 is completed & delivered, I'll try to get a picture Monday night - knitting #2 presently - crazy as requested.

Random Tuesday

2010-06-01T11:22:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post:

Tomorrow I'll have pictures of Jimmy, OKTC grad was last night, Jimmy's cast performed well. I cried (thanks a lot Hannah) & laughed and cheered & for the first time, knew almost every kid on the stage.

Jake's cast also performed & for parents out there Geppetto & Son is going to be fantastic this summer. It's our pay what you can event at the Rotary Reading Garden (Central Library) July 31, Aug. 7 at 10:30am, July 31, Aug. 1, Aug. 7 & Aug. 8 at 5:30pm & July 30, Aug. 2, 3, 5 & 6 at 7pm.

Note the highlighted word, I got a 2nd job yesterday, once a week for OKTC I'll be the book keeper.

Finished off my to do list:

Phil's pants
The vests for Geppetto
Jimmy's Grad gift
Picked up stuff from Sam
Dad's book

Good Thing!

2010-05-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

One of the things that always bothered me when I wore a uniform to school was that we all got blamed for the bed behavior of a few & nobody seemed to notice the good.

Today I have to say good job to 3 boys from CCH. When I was coming home a dog walked out into the road in front of me, 3 boys coming down the street (just off the school bus), got the dog off of Andover Rd & started knocking on doors to find where it belonged - good job taking care of someone who couldn't ask for help in this aweful heat.

List is not working

Well ok I got two things done today - the pickup from Sam & I made Phil's pants into shorts

I went for iced coffee, TY Dascha! made for a nice break on this hot hot day

I'm going to blame the weather for my lack of action

I did get side tracked by Jimmy getting another migraine & me having to go to the school & get his clarinet before it closed so he has it for Monday

To Do List!

2010-05-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Well I've hit the wall, I'm having to make a major effort just to get through the day to day tasks so I'm trying my old method, I'll let you know tomorrow how I did.

1. Finish vests for Geppetto & Son
2. Set up knitting machine
3. Knit some thneeds
4. Shorten pants into shorts for Phil
5. Find & purchase Jimmy's grad gift
6. Finish Des' sweater & parcel gifts to take to Dave & Sandy
7. Make appointment for Cola with the vet - just the annual shot, etc.
8. Pick up skin care stuff from Sam
9. Bake for Gathering on the Green - only doing this if it cools off
10. Pick up book for Dad

Other things that need doing? tonight - fun night at the school & driving to rehearsals. I'm having coffee with a friend tomorrow afternoon.

Successes:
- yesterday I found awesome 650 count sheets for a bargain price, washed & got on bed for a terrific night's sleep. I also managed to find a swim suit I love that I could afford & feel good wearing!
- today I got asked to come talk about a possible second job, 1 day a week which would help with all the boys expenses.

Harry Potter

2010-05-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

What a fun day!

It was totally worth the the time & drive to Toronto (especially since Kathy drove) to go to the Science Center.

The kids were sorted (by the real hat), we have 2 hufflepuffs, a ravenclaw & 1 slytherin (he belongs to me).

One of the best part for me was seeing all of the amazing knits from the show up close, they stayed still as well so I could get a really good look - I wish Molly's poncho had been there - but you can't have everything. I've got a few ideas for sweaters for the boys.

The costumes and props were totally amazing. I wish there had been a few "how we do it" exhibits.

I also wished we could have touched & taken pictures. Sitting in Hagrids giant chair in his hut was awesome & the candles floating in the last room/ great hall were a fun touch.

A warning for all parents - the exhibit ends directly into a gift shop loaded with Harry Potter goods.

The LTC - A Rant

2010-05-20T06:32:00.001-07:00

The London Transit Commission

First Strike - The Strike got me off the bus by showing me how I could get to and from work faster, cheaper & more conveniently by driving.

Strike Two - This one really wasn't the LTC's fault but they obviously hadn't communicated well with distributors - The bus pass ($81) has two pieces, a picture card with a number & a monthly pass they put the matching # on, a Western employee refused to sell me the monthly pass for Dan because I didn't have the actual card (despite the fact that I had the # & it could only be used with that card) - this would have ensured that no parents up here could buy passes on their children's behalf, needless to say the LTC cleared it up but I did have to go downtown that night & spend a half hour in line.

I've had an interesting year with these folks - aside from a couple "customer service representatives", on the phone and in person at the main office, the employees have been unfailingly polite and try to be helpful but are hampered by archaic policies on the management level.

Strike Three? - On Tuesday, the plastic flip open pass holder the LTC gives out split down the side & Dan's picture was lost. He got a bus ticket from a friend, & got to vocals & home on the transfer the LTC gave him (good point of the LTC).

We immediately went to the downtown office, where they told us that they unfortunately can't print the pictures but they were digital and I would have to call the main office at Highbury Avenue, but wouldn't be able to pick a new one up there until the morning.

We bought some bus tickets to get Dan home from school.

When I got home I called the help line to get the hours and expressed my dismay to the customer service rep about the hours since they were the same as work & school for most people and got such attitude back that I simply hung up & emailed a complaint (I still haven't heard back from them).

Dropped Dan at school Wednesday morning.

Arrived at the main office to have the customer service rep there tell me I should have called in advance to get approval for a replacement picture & that she couldn't give me one. I didn't yell but my tone of voice changed drastically & she quickly got her manager, who was able to approve my request for a new pass picture.

They questioned why Dan wasn't with me - he's at school! They found his picture on the computer but since it wasn't taken at Highbury, it would have to be printed downtown, they called downtown so it would be ready when I got there, employees there can't print they are locked out of the system for security reasons (management seems to be worried about twins & people that look like each other copying & using the same pass - time to upgrade the system so this won't happen, perhaps?). They eventually sent me downtown to wait & then sent an IT guy by cab to open the system & print me a card.

The employees downtown (who were wonderful through it all) were talking about it when I arrived & hoping management would leave it open so they wouldn't have to deal with irate customers anymore, my picture was printed & last I heard as I headed out was it would be brought up at the next meeting.

LTC, you must join the 21st century if you want to get ridership & by the way a student rate on the bus pass for High School students is long overdue, I'll have two kids in high school next year & at $162 a month it may just be cheaper for me to drive them, the next year it would be $243 a month when the third starts & I can definitely drive for less than that, make it worth our while.

Happy Birthday Jim!

2010-05-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Our middle son turns 14 today - wow that went by fast - he spent the past weekend with his theatre friends from the cast of Bugsy Malone - 6 performances, 3 dinners out, a great closing performance & an amazing silly string fight (I hope it came up off the stage).

Jimmy's picture is an old one from last year's Beauty and the Beast.

He works very hard & is a good actor, singer, musician, son. Jimmy we're proud of you!

BUGSY MALONE JR. : THE MUSICAL COMEDY

2010-05-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

1 show down, 1 show to go, 2 in rehearsals, 1 to start rehearsals in August. These kids are busier than I am. Finished sewing vests for Jim's show yesterday.

BUGSY MALONE JR. : THE MUSICAL COMEDY

Book by Alan Parker
Music & Lyrics by Paul Williams

Director: Jessica Isard
Music Director: Jennifer Floris
Choreographer Andrea Gittens

May 14 – 16 at 7pm
May 15 & 16 at 2pm

You’ll thrill to the rat-a-tat-tat action, brilliant Roaring 20’s songs and zany comedy of Bugsy Malone, the stage adaptation of the renowned kids’ gangster film. Paul Williams, composer of The Muppet Movie, has outdone himself with this swinging show, and the script by Alan Parker is filled with fascinating gangsters and gangster’s gals and unforgettable slapstick comedy routines. Come to our Speakeasy, and tell ‘em Joe sent ya! Check your machine gun at the door! The music is ready to start! We’ll count both our actors and our audiences equally lucky to be a part of the great - Bugsy Malone! 90 minutes (Family)

Tickets available through the Grand Theatre 519-672-8800

Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Fame

2010-05-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dan's show opens this week:

Do you like Glee or High School Musical? Then see the show that started it all…

The students of the New York High School for the Performing Arts all share the same dream: Fame. Fondly remembered as a TV show and film of the 1980s, Fame tells the story of students struggling to find the balance between academics and the pursuit of the arts, pressures from parents and society, and their desire to live their dream. Featuring powerful music and dance, this show will inspire students and teachers and dreamers alike.

Remember my name….Fame!

May 4, 2010 7:30 pm

May 5, 2010 7:30 pm

May 6, 2010 7:30 pm

May 7, 2010 7:30 pm

May 8, 2010 7:30 pm

Tickets: $15, available online or at the Grand Theatre box office, 519-672-8800.

Book by Jose Fernandez

Music by Steve Margoshes

Lyrics by Jacques Levy

Directed by Megan Moorhouse

Presented by Beal Musical Theatre

Location: H. B. Beal Secondary School

With Claire Halko, Dayton Hill, Rebecca MacCauley, Heather MacCrone, Erin McCrady, Cameron McDaniel, Christine McKeon, Nicole Nadeau, Steph Rapacz, Sarah Seachrist, Andrew Varkaris and Cory Wallis

Produced by Paige Foskett, Tracey Iddison-Gubbels, Katie Komarnicky, Erin McCrady and Megan Moorhouse

Choreographed by Tracey Iddison-Gubbels

Music Direction: David Weaver

Lighting Design: Oz Weaver

Sound Design: Rob Richardson

Costume Design: Carrie Chappell

Handmade Festival

2010-05-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 8th The Handmade Collective is having a festival celebrating Handmade!

Handmade clothes, jewelry, Knits, Silk screens, Photographs, Books, paintings!!

so many thing! all local, all handmade!

From 10am - 4pm it will be a corridor of amazing art!

We will also have mini workshops, and information about our upcoming fall workshops.

The handmade festival hires artists from our community to teach workshops and hand down skills.

These free workshops, are aimed at teaching everyone, regardless of age, experience or income to sustain themselves through art, and craft.

Come to the show, support your community, learn a skill, and meet your neighbours!

The Orthodontist

2010-04-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Third trip today to the clinic at the University of Western Ontario, fortunately as an employee I already have a parking pass & Mark is dropping Jake off to me here at Clinical Skills so I can just leave work & meet him rather than rush across the city to scoop him.

Jake has been for 2 assesments already, they've agreed he is a good subject (quite a relief as the costs here are half what they are elsewhere) but his teeth haven't been "ready". Last appointment, they wanted 4 teeth pulled (1 on each side of the top & 1 on each side of the bottom) in the hopes that the 8 above & below would come into the spots & the 4 extra teeth might put some pressure on his mouth to grow. 4 teeth have started to come in. Evidence of a bigger mouth is purely circumstantial.

I'm hoping they put braces off yet again but we'll see what the word is.

The word is - COME BACK NEXT YEAR!!!!!

They need his 4 bottom teeth to come in (there is enough room down there for all of them. The two teeth currently coming in on top need to fully erupt, we'll have another assesment & then they think those will get pulled so the next two can come down & then braces. Looks like next year.

Lap Dog

2010-04-28T12:16:00.001-07:00

This dog was meant to fit here somewhere!

Found it! The perfect spot!

Baby it's 1970, 1978, 1986, 1989

2010-04-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

I've found when it comes to babies it really doesn't matter what era your knitting or crochet pattern comes from.

We can easily update with a change of yarn, fibre or colour.

My favourite trick when Dan was little was to knit a traditional sweater in black, which no one seemed to put on babies at the time.

I found these great baby patterns the other day & am slowly posting them in my etsy shop.

I can see the one above in navy with pink embroidery, very cute with the modern blue jeans available now for babies.

Unrealistic Expectations

2010-04-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

We all have them sometimes, I started thinking about them yesterday when I found the vintage pattern booklet above. The picture on the front was an impossibility when I was home with a newborn (never mind that I'm shorter, not so thin & have dark hair), I was lucky to get a shower some days.

We set ourselves up to fail sometimes by having expectations beyond what is achievable. I've got great kids but they are nothing like the "perfect" kids of the "when I have a baby" day dreams and I'm nothing like that Mom either. Thank goodness!

Our kids teach us that we can't control the world around us, that they are who they are and we need to accept that (still have to work on accepting myself sometimes), that we can get better if we try and that patience and repetition can teach us a lot.

I'm proud of my actors, also glad that one of them will be able to drive the others to rehearsals sometime soon.

Earth Day

2010-04-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I'm pondering the choices we make to benefit ourselves, our pocket books, social values, etc., and those forced upon us by governments.

The first two seem to make more of an impression on me though the last ones may make more of an impact if they (our government) ever get around to making laws that have a real effect.

A year ago I thought we were trying our hardest, recycling, hanging wash on line, buying vintage/used, etc., this year is even better.

We got rid of an ancient chest freezer and fridge downstairs.

We updated our washer & dryer - significant water and electricity saving are realized here, the financial benefits aren't huge but they help.

We bought a new furnace last week, it hasn't been installed yet but our old one is turned off at the moment. We'll be purchasing a new air conditioning unit as well this year. Hopefully these show financial benefits as well. There has to be an environmental imporvement, the old furnace was installed in 1955.

Mark installed new low energy lights wherever possible through the house. Not sure this will work for me come winter but maybe I just need more task lighting when I'm sewing for example, an extra lamp turned on for that period only may solve the problems.

Failings - I no longer ride the bus to work, the bus strike forced me to drive and the convenience (and actual cost & time savings) kept me doing it.

Am I/are we doing enough? I'm sure we aren't but we're trying. Those sheets off the line sure smell fantastic when I crawl into bed.