33st Annual Playford Ball

March is less than a week old and yet so much has happened. It opened with a festive dinner [Indian food] to celebrate my wife's recent career successes.

Then the next day was the first Saturday of March which meant it was time for the annual Ball.  Although I made it to all of the practices during February the ball seemed to sneak up on me. Saturday found me making a small tiara to go with my outfit as I was waiting my turn to get my hair 'done'.

Why so last minute? I had the crazy idea that perhaps a tiara would be too much with the elaborate necklace I was planning on wearing. I did come to my senses. Passing up an opportunity to wear a tiara is not to be missed. I also wore my hand painted silk chiffon shawl, an item I love but don't wear near enough.

The ball was a lovely affair.  Several of the dances were charming. Highlander's Humour, Black Heath and Night Watch were highlights for me. It was disappointing though that Wakefield Hunt got cut due to running out of time at the venue. The video can give an idea of it's charm but our group does it as a double progression triple minor instead of a static three couple set at a slightly slower pace and it is so amusing.  A fabulous dance.

I hope everyone started March out with pleasure.

one more ball picture

I find it hard to get action shots at the ball. If people are moving it will turn out blurry half the time. If I am trying to focus in on one person they will be borne out of frame by the action of the dance just as I snap the place they were.

Here is another group shot of some fun people that dance with me. I capture great sleeve movement in this photo. :) A ball tends to be a very happy place and I feel lucky that I was healthy this year and so could really enjoy it. More fun is planned for this weekend -- dancing and a play. I hope you all have time for fun this weekend as well. xo

So much glitter -- Playford 2012

The theme [midwinter gossamer] for this year's Playford confused many but the end results were wonderful. There were lovely new costumes and everyone looked festive.

The ball always has a program which makes it easy for me to give certain dances a miss which increases my enjoyment. My two friends and I wore our tiaras and they were greatly admired. Although I am not a huckster I could have easily worn a button -- "make your own tiara, ask me how!"It would be fun if a lot of people took me up on it next year. Tiaras everywhere.

My wife made me a gorgeous new gown this year.[not pictured] A slate blue chiffon over a salmon pink silk. She is so talented though she says it may be the last chiffon creation she ever makes, it was extremely difficult to sew. It was truly wonderful though and suited the gossamer theme perfectly.

I only took two months off from dancing last year [November and July] and it seemed to pay off in increased stamina. I made it to the after party for the first time in years and didn't leave until 3 am. Although our host envisioned a 'breakfast at Tiffanys' style party, so many of us changed clothing after the ball we were a casual lot. We certainly had fun though.

The one word I would use to sum up this ball was glitter. I'm guessing it will be several weeks before it is all gone. Sparkly is good though.

32nd Playford -- Theme and Tiaras

This year's theme for the Playford ball is "Midwinter Gossamer". I dance with several close friends and I wasn't alone in asking, "what the hell does that mean?" The graphic on the announcement was fairies which helped a little. However my gown from last year has no gossamer qualities and the internets were not very helpful although I did learn there is a whole line of gossamer backpacking equipment. 

So I mentioned my confusion to my wife and she immediately offered to make me a new gown. Her keen engineer mind readily took on the challenge of making a sheer chiffon overdress in a misty slate color. warning--do not use chiffon unless you like a challenge. We found a silk for the under dress and we were set. My duties consisted of admiring as she worked, running errands and feeling very lucky. The last is not entirely dress related. 

I wondered how to live up to my new dress and use that theme. I ruled out dancing in wings immediately. I considered glitter gel. Then inspiration, why not a tiara?

not easy to photo a tiara

This time the internets came through. I found a great tutorial on the old thread banger site and ideas sparked like light flashing on jewels. Using the basic guide I was able to create something in 3 hours with crystal beads and copper wire. Since it is head band style it is comfortable and stays put even when dancing. Although lightweight I need to acclimate to hours of wearing it, so you will frequently find me wearing it while writing or thinking or washing dishes.

We are in the honeymoon phase but I think this tiara might be changing my life. We spend a lot of time together. I talk about the tiara to friends. In fact I suspect I may be boring people about tiaras. I hope you all can hang in there with me [and the tiara].

Wrapping up and the 32nd Playford Ball -- Dances

IMAD aka the 'marys all day play date' was wonderful. We blogged about it if you have any interest. The report is far from complete but one of us will update about the delightful gallery we visited after 'teatime' and the festive dinner with ten friends at Babani's that evening.

This brings us to the next activity, the annual Playford Ball. Here is a list of the dances this year with my personal star rating, which is, I am sure, wildly different from other dancers' ratings.  Just my opinion.

The Betrayed Lover ***

Longways duple minor improper double progression  1974  6//8 

Devil’s Maggot -* why bother? powder your nose. yes that's a negative star

Longways duple minor 1997 6//8

The Fandango ***

Longways for three couples   1774  6//8

Hambleton’s Round O **** 

Longways triple minor  1713 3//2

In the Bleak MidWinter *

Longways duple minor improper 1997  2//2

In the Fields in Frost and Snow -* snore,  get a beverage

Longways duple minor  1713  2//2

Lady William’s Delight **

Longways duple minor  2002  3//2

Mendocino Redwood *

Longways duple minor  2005  6//8

Nymph Divine  **

Longways duple minor  1728  common

The Pilgrim or Lord Foppington -* time for a nap

Longways duple minor  1721  6//8

Prince William *** 

Longways for three couples  1731  common

Puck’s Deceit *** 

Longways duple minor  1997  common

    Saint Margaret’s Hill  ***** 

Longways for three couples  1718  3//2

    Sleeping in the Attic  ***

Longways duple minor  1996  2//2

Tythe Pig *

Longways duple minor  1691  6//8

Well Hall **** 

Longways duple minor  1686  3//2

This year's dances does not mesh with my taste as well as past years. Six dances out of 17 I could miss without a care. Oh well. It will still be enjoyable.

Not only do we practice the dances in February but there is the work of getting one's costume ready. This year's theme of Midwinter Gossamer has generated a lot of chat.  More details to follow about how we are implementing said theme. Something enjoyably absorbing to all.

challenge ECD

It can be hardfor me post Playford ball to keep up with dancing. The summer comes rushing in, trips are planned, weekends at the lake all interfere with Sunday night English country dancing.

This year though I have made an effort to keep my schedule open and I have been enjoying it. The dances the past couple of weeks have been very nice and I have also been making it to 'challenge' night. I love challenge dance nights so much, why on earth don't I do them always?! I think the fact that it's only one night a month makes it harder for me to remember when it is.

The session today was all enjoyable, the stand outs for me:

Astoria Lass (Fried Herman waltz, duple, swirlies and chevrons. )

Trip to the Manors (Roodman 2Cpl dance, Becket formation. Merge into 1/2 heys. )

Abyss (Waltz for 3Cpls. Regency style by Allen Winston introduced by Sue Dupre)

The last one has a very odd name for a really lovely dance. Perhaps all the spinning = dizzy = falling into a deep hole? No matter I really appreciate the effort that goes into this challenge night, and it is nice to occasionally not have beginners to worry about.

Sorry, I realize that if you know nothing and don't care about English Country Dancing then this post is as dust to you. Tomorrow we chat about astrology and later on food relationships! Which may or may not be better :)

yeah for March

A fine time to muse over some stuff that I enjoy.

Here it is, we are a week into March and already it's shaping up to be a bit sweeter than February *knock wood*

Daylight Savings time soon, in just under a week. I love that illusion of more light.

Equinox! No matter how much snow is on the ground still the first day of Spring [March 20th this year in my time zone] is something to celebrate.

Playford and dancing. The first Saturday in March was our 31st Playford ball. That is not a typo, 31 years! It was a lovely affair. My wife sewed me a new gown. Gorgeous brick red/olive dupioni silk. Yet another friend has joined the dancing ranks and a good time was had by all. A full crowd but not crammed this year. I danced three evenings last week and although 3 hours a night is my current limit, I thoroughly enjoyed doing something completely unrelated to chicken pox.

Looking forward to the opera tomorrow. Looks like the snow will be holding off until after midnight. Though I am bemused that the reviewer says the direction 'keeps it real' wtf? I don't go to the opera for 'reality'! I'm looking forward to seeing it for myself.

a february wrap up

As I heal I find I am thinking about writing again and the doing is slowly coming. But I realize there is no way I can catch up on this past month, so I'll try to just hit the highlights and look forward to starting March afresh.

Imbolc this year found me in CA spending all my time taking care of my parents. These visits although it's a nice change to be away from the snow are never vacations. There is always stuff to be done. This year it was ferrying them around to many, many doctor appointments. I felt sick but I just kept ignoring it except when the dry cough became troublesome. I was just very focused on my parents.

Then the first weekend of February found me feeling exhausted, still coughing and with a temperature that was creeping up to 101 most evenings. The first Sunday I went to English country dancing to prepare for the ball and it was tough. On the way home I realized I was getting some kind of bumps all over my scalp.

By Monday the bumps were all over my face and I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. I wasn't thinking too clearly, due to the fever probably, but my wife got me into my doctor and I was diagnosed with chicken pox. Everything you have heard about it being worse for adults is true. I was put on antiviral medication and just felt completely out of it for the rest of the week.

By Valentine's day I was feeling a bit better and able to work some from home since I was still contagious. I had not left the house for over a week at this point. I went back to the office the 17th and made it the whole day.

IMAD was the next day and the Marys celebrated with a low key afternoon of pleasure. Even fun things tired me out a lot after a few hours. But it was nice to do some fun ritual stuff.

The following week I concentrated on working and restarting my meditation practice. Health continued to spiral up and down. I even had several nights of exhausted insomnia. I tried my best to not push too much. I admired my wife's sewing. My scalp healed enough to get my hair cut.

So here I am wrapping up February, still speckled but healing. Hoping I'll be able to do at least some dancing at the ball next weekend. Buying play tickets and plane tickets and still trying to be kind to myself. Looking forward to March and spring.

I really appreciate all the sympathy and good cheer that people sent this month. It really did help.

well hello there 2011

The holidays can certainly lead to seriously blog neglect can't they?

Here we are all firmly planted in 2011 and I hope to start getting used to it. The new year seemed to sneak up on me, although I don't quite understand why. Could it be age?

There I was last Friday night out with my wife. [and 100's of other people] Since the weather was predicted to be cruddy and the roads worse we had a brilliant plan for new year's eve that revolved around not having to drive too much.

We had dinner at Pizza Biga, pizza and salad, wine, coffee, etc.
Digression warning: It was good, but why can I never find pizza as good as in Rome? I promise I am not being a food snob here. Pizza is not a complicated dish, and this was cooked in a wood fired oven, high quality yet it lacks something... is it the type of flour? and digression over. Anyway it was still enjoyed a light dinner after holiday indulgences.

Then it was easy to walk half a block to see Lizz Winstead, whose show was extremely funny. We were sitting there in the theatre and I looked at the stage and saw the balloons printed with '2011' and thought, oh my god, it's going to be 2011! in less than 3 hours, what the hell? I had to laugh, somehow I hadn't realized that fact until right then. Thank goodness for those balloons reminding me the year was about to change.

It's been a good year so far. It's time to get ready for the Playford so my legs are readjusting to English Country Dancing [3 hours last night] and Heidi's has reopened! Many reasons to rejoice already.

Today there is a gentle snow falling like a song in the air. It is beautiful. I'm enjoying a day fit for an introvert and testing my pecan tassie recipe for you all again. Fingers crossed it will be fit to share soon.

I hope you all can see some beauty where you are. xo

various updates and lookbacks

Virus still kicking my butt and it seems likely this weekend will be spent in trying to catch up on work that just couldn't get done when I was feeling even sicker during the week. I just wish I could get some good sleep. Most nights I have to sleep sitting up because I cough uncontrollably when I lay down. So very tired. I have something brand new that may be emerging soon, but since I have such limited brain power I am not going to try to tackle it yet. Soon hopefully.


Its been over 4 months since I started the 'no multi-tasking while eating effort' and I am still struggling with it. Once again I notice that it gets harder when I am sick, it's like I crave old comfy habits even more when I feel under the weather. Frequently the past couple of weeks I have needed to stand to eat in the kitchen to keep myself from reaching for a book, and at work the press of work makes it very hard to not stay on the computer while I consume that apple. Here's hoping that it will eventually get easier.

Luckily I was not sick last weekend because not only did we go to that great concert but a group of us in our quest for a new favorite Vietnamese Restaurant went to Jasmine26 and then to see the Sorcerer [Gilbert and Sullivan], Jasmine 26 was very good, it doesn't fill the void we have had since Saigon closed but I will be eating there again. The Sorcerer was delightful, although not my favorite operetta in terms of the musical score the voices that were part of this cast--some were really first rate. the women who played Constance and Aline stand out for me the most. And all other parts, musicians, sets, direction very well done. This is one of my favorite springtime traditions. Unfortunately this was the second to last performance but next spring is sure to be great as well, circle next March on your calendars. It's Pirates of Penzance in 2011.

Then Sunday night was ECD as usual but not. We welcomed a new caller Margaret who I hope will agree to become a regular. This is in no way a criticism of our other callers, everyone brings their own style to calling, which is wonderful. It can also be very enjoyable to have different styles to experience. I don't know that I had a point except that I really enjoyed Margaret's style and picks for dances, it was joyful for me and before things got lost in the mists of illness I wanted to express that.

Last weekend was fabulous like the one before it in Austin. This weekend very different flavor, or really no flavor at all thanks to this virus. Just work and self care, sleepiness and head aches and gratitude for all the great stuff in my life. I hope all attending minicon, my favorite Easter tradition, are having a fabulous time. I'm with you in spirit.

week went whoosh

I was shocked when I realized today that I haven't posted for a week! The time went by so fast, my hormonal fluctuations were a drag and now I know I am not remembering even half of the great stuff this week contained. Before I forget even more I better post something.

This weekend was our 30th annual Playford and it was fabulous. We were back at an old location, Mt Olivet Church over in St Paul which is a nice facility with a great floor. The program had some really lovely and fun dances on it though not as fun as last year's program I think. That meant I had planned times for breaks and chatting so it all worked out.
Favorite dances for the night: Well Hall, Key to the Cellar, Hamilton's Round O.

The food was outstanding as usual. I think I saw only 2 people not formally dressed so we were quite an elegant group, and there were some outstandingly beautiful costumes. My hair done by Andrew held up all afternoon and evening and I really loved how my hair vine turned out and the huge ring I wore. My feet are handling the hours of dancing better and better all the time.

Mental note: next year either go with a long skirt or try harder to find more neutral dancing shoes. and anything you can do to avoid wearing tights do so!

All in all in was a lovely, enjoyable evening. I spent most of Sunday trying to catch up and resting. Next week looks great but grueling. Hopefully it will be mostly great.

imad 2010 was sublime start to weekend

Although every IMAD is cherished for the special day it is [in 2007 I survived getting hit by a car but that is a different blog post] 2010 was fantastic. Hopefully we'll go into more detail on the IMAD blog [no shoulds here!] but let's recap: there were enormous breakfasts with buckwheat pancakes, there were pedicures [my toenails are sparkly green], there were perogis, there was shopping, the first IMAD anthem was created and sung and then we celebrated with 11 others at dinner.

I spent most of Saturday recovering. Then had dinner at the fabulous Thai place, sen yai sen lek with my pack, attended a Betsy-Tacy Twin Cities gathering and laughed so hard. Then ECD Sunday night, last week before the ball! It has been a blissful cure to the February crabbies.

I hope everyone had at least some fun this weekend. Here's to March, spring is around the corner.

exercised

Wow I am still sore from Sunday. Before I dive into that
word count: 58,467, feeling happy about writing.

Back to my soreness, for some reason I thought it would be fun? easy? smart? [perhaps I just didn't think] to go to my first yoga class in 9 months on Sunday morning and then later that evening do 2 hours of ECD again, for the first time in 9 months.

I think it was the yoga that caused the overall soreness, my almost 3 months of steady exercise notwithstanding, yoga uses stuff that doesn't get used often enough. I went into pigeon and almost had a panic attack. But I tried a new teacher and really enjoyed it. Especially the stopping part, I do love it when yoga is over, and I know I am not alone in that.

The dancing was great. My ankle did stiffen up during the break though I realized the next ball is just a little over 2 months away and I better get ready for it. It is always surreal to walk outside afterwards and feel warm at 5 degrees Fahrenheit. I was happy with how good it felt although my search for the perfect dancing shoe continues.

Did you notice?

I managed to get a picture to display yesterday?

Here's another one of the cutest border collie in the world, to me at least. She is 14 and deaf but still loves to chase her frisbee. She is not thrilled about water but she will get her feet wet to drink. Our other dog loves water she has already gone up to her chest.

Easter, I had a nice and relaxed morning. I slept so well which was much needed because it was so horribly cold the night before at the cottage. Strange I didn't have any chocolate the whole day. Wasn't a deliberate choice, it just happened. Carolyn's family made the most fabulous brunch, timbales, spinach tart, fruit, sweet rolls. We just brought the bubbly, since we spent the rest of the weekend working at the cottage and other paid projects and had no time for cooking.

I made it to ECD last night. It was one of those weeks where the music all started to sound the same to me, and not in a good way. I had my first bike ride a couple of days ago. I feel like exercise is a good thing again. I'm sore but not too bad. The weather is finally a bit more spring-like around here. It's all looking up.

I read the above and I realize that my attitude must be improving because unhappy things also happened. A close friend lost her dad to cancer this week. This is the third friend in a year to lose a parent. Another friend shared her daughter is really bad with the cancer, they hope that they may be able to use radiation and chemo to put her in remission but, well what a thing to hope.

Yep, time to write my parents. *sigh*

Playford Ball 2009

The 29th annual Playford Ball was this week. It was a lovely occasion.

I really enjoy English County Dancing anyway but the ball makes it extra fun. So many people put their sewing skills into making wonderful costumes. The live music is always wonderful. Virtually everyone dresses formally even when not in costume.

Truly, the only downside this year was the floor on which we danced. Hard as the concrete under the hard wood. No spring to it at all.

I was very pleased that I was able to dance that many hours and my shoes held up and I really enjoyed it. My outfit of black velvet skirt and ruby red velvet and chiffon top were a hit. I don't believe there was one dance I really disliked, which is a bit unusual.

Exercise is just so much easier when you do something you really enjoy and although none of my closest friends do it often the ball was full of people who all wanted to be there. I would love to be able to make more room in my life for that kind of exercise commitment. I'll keep looking.

Hopefully next year will be Cecy's year again and she'll be able to resume going to the Playford. But until then I can feel pride that I am able to step out by myself when need be and do the things I so need to do. Must be one of the rewards of age.

recuperating

Wow, it was quite a weekend. It warmed up nicely on Saturday, I think I heard it was in the 40's. [of course it is 4 right now but we shan't speak of such things] We got up and went cross country skiing first thing in the morning. I lasted twice as long and went twice as far. I really enjoyed it. It's nice to have something winter specific to anticipate.

Then we got ready for our dinner party on and off the rest of the day. It was great fun. The stew was fabulous. It was interesting serving it over potatoes but I am not sure I would do it that way again. The beet salad was ok. I had the wrong type of goat cheese, creamy not crumbly and that made it less good.

The apple tart was yummy and a relief to me since I had an awful fight with the pastry while making it. The fact that it didn't turn out as tough as shoe leather is miraculous. The cinnamon ice cream yummy, but it was a bit soft. A bit longer in the freezer would have been ok, we'll remember for next time. The crostini were edible but need some major tweaking, the spiced nuts and olives fine. The wines and juices thirst-quenching.

Basically just a great time with friends old and new. People didn't leave until after 1:00 am and we were sooooo tired but happy that everyone seemed to be having fun.

The next day was spent in clean up, of which there wasn't much and some rest. It's strange but I love cleaning up after a party, it's my favorite type of cleaning. Putting things back in order after arranging them for my guests seems fun. Hand washing silver and glasses is darn right enjoyable. I seem to be alone in this quirk though, at least I have never found someone who felt the same but for all I know there is probably a website devoted to it somewhere.

I celebrate Imbolc on February 1st so I went out with 2 close friends for an early quick dinner before we all enjoyed a lovely evening english country dancing to live music. That was quite the work out. We are starting to learn the dances for the Ball in the spring. So far not one that I dislike.

So a lovely weekend and now I am feeling worn out and ready for some downtime this evening. I want to be awake for yoga tomorrow. I realize I have the energy to report but none to reflect, oh well. basic blogging, I guess.

Blissful Monday, again

Here it is Monday and I am feeling very cheery. Second Monday in a row. Huh. It is a company holiday for me but I still have 9 reviews to do so I am clueless as to why I am happy. I will just enjoy the cheeriness.

Some random babbling [burbling?] rapidly approaching or
'How I keep from thinking about reviews and cabin buying'.

I really enjoyed dancing last night. I go to Tapestry for most of my dancing needs which if you are in the Minneapolis area you should totally check out. My favorite is English Country Dancing and has been for about 20 years off and on. If you have ever seen a british movie based on a Jane Asten book with dancing then you have seen English Country Dancing.

ECD is an exercise I enjoy and it is fairly gentle for someone shortly after back surgery. I proved this twice myself in the past. We had a large crowd with a lot of new people in too small a room last night but fun was had.

The annual Playford ball which is the first Saturday of March is rapidly approaching so there will be a good crowd all winter long. I need to find myself a new fan for it.

We are planning our next dinner party for January 31. If you haven't been invited and you know us offline please don't take offense. We love all our friends, some we haven't seen since the wedding, and are sending out invites to one small party after another. We do want to see you all but since we can only fit 6 guests around the DR table it is going to take awhile

This will be our third dinner party. We talked about doing this for years but we only started last October and we are feeling proud of ourselves and having a blast.

Since it is January and pretty frigid out I am thinking beef stew w/wine for the main course. If we have a vegetarian in the group, I will make it with mushrooms instead of beef. For dessert apple tart with cinnamon ice cream. Because we want to play with our new ice cream maker. More menu choices need to be added and decisions like should the stew be server with noodles or dumplings will need to be decided.

Progress is being made on Katrina's sweater I am working on the border for the body curently.

This is like a comfort post. All happy making and as you can see totally unrelated to writing up reviews for work. [which must get done today] Whew.