Lost T-shirt

Dammit, why can't I find my "Frodo Lives" T-shirt? I really wanted to wear it today.

And no, the "Penguin Lust" T-Shirt is not an acceptable substitute.

Hmm. Actually "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good" probably would be a good shirt wear to wear to kickboxing/sparring.

Note to self

Next time you kit up for sparring, DON'T FORGET THE SHIN GUARDS!

SPCO Gala [or] The Rich Are Different Than You and Me

I had mentioned Fiona's involvement with the Connect program through the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra: her school was selected to be the Connect school this year, and Fiona was selected to be one of the eight students who would learn to build their own one-string dulcimer and play several concerts for 600 elementary students, accompanied by members of the SPCO. (You may remember the rather elaborate arrangements we had to make in order to allow her to attend all the rehearsals.) The Connect concerts were a success, and the coordinator of the program got the bright idea to have just a few of the students from that dulcimer group (the ones most comfortable and articulate and charming in front of a group) appear at the SPCO's annual fundraising gala. Naturally, Fiona was one of the three chosen.

This is a very glitterati affair, tux and long formal-type. Many sequins. We got there partway through the dinner and looked at some of the offerings of the silent auction and then watched the live auction. I am sure that raising money for the SPCO is a very worthy affair, but it still was a very peculiar sensation that made me gulp to see an auction where someone paid $2,250 for four bottles of wine.

The girls then got up on stage in front of this group of people (400? 500? Not sure), answered some questions posed to each of them by the coordinator, and then played a simple piece ("Boil the Cabbage Down.") Although she was quite nervous beforehand (which necessitated some generous hug therapy) Fiona, of course, got right up there, answered the questions with verve, and played her part perfectly. They started another auction immediately afterward which raised several thousand dollars for the Connect program. That was great fun for Fiona (and all of us), to see that her little performance had an immediate positive influence in helping support the program she has enjoyed so much this year.

Still . . .$2,250 for four bottles of wine . . . *whimper* . . .