Sunday, May 13, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
After the Party's Over
Well, the party is over. But it was so much fun!
Throughout Chris Mann's appearances on The Voice, we have celebrated his success. We had several Mannfests, we made Mann Menus (my favorite menu item name was Christopher Michaelob beer, though LeMann ade and "Chris"py fries were also fun), we had Mann fans. We watched every episode to cheer him on. We celebrated with his parents.
The last few weeks, everywhere we went we talked about Chris. At Dillons, people would find Mike to wish Chris well. I told the servers at Starbucks and McDonald's, the checkers at Dillons, the retailer at All Paws Pet Store all to vote. The hair salon, the nail salon. At church we were drawn together as we cheered for Chris, talking about him every Sunday morning during the announcements and the fellowship hour. Becky was on the radio; even I was on the radio, all of us talking about Chris.
Although we were disappointed in the final standings, we shouldn't have been. Chris represented Wichita in a classy fashion. He stayed positive. He showed that he not only has a fabulous voice, he has great stage presence. He handled himself beautifully with the media. He is Chris Mann. And we are Wichita, home of and proud of Chris Mann.
Throughout Chris Mann's appearances on The Voice, we have celebrated his success. We had several Mannfests, we made Mann Menus (my favorite menu item name was Christopher Michaelob beer, though LeMann ade and "Chris"py fries were also fun), we had Mann fans. We watched every episode to cheer him on. We celebrated with his parents.
The last few weeks, everywhere we went we talked about Chris. At Dillons, people would find Mike to wish Chris well. I told the servers at Starbucks and McDonald's, the checkers at Dillons, the retailer at All Paws Pet Store all to vote. The hair salon, the nail salon. At church we were drawn together as we cheered for Chris, talking about him every Sunday morning during the announcements and the fellowship hour. Becky was on the radio; even I was on the radio, all of us talking about Chris.
Although we were disappointed in the final standings, we shouldn't have been. Chris represented Wichita in a classy fashion. He stayed positive. He showed that he not only has a fabulous voice, he has great stage presence. He handled himself beautifully with the media. He is Chris Mann. And we are Wichita, home of and proud of Chris Mann.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Indigo Bunting
Did you know we have Indigo Buntings in Kansas? I didn't, but I do now!
This morning, friend Kathy Dunlavy and I were up and at 'em early to go on a bird watching expedition at Chisholm Creek Park. Good thing it is only a mile away from our house, so we didn't have to get out of bed before 6:30. Anyway, for two hours we walked through the park looking at the various birds of the area.
We had two guides, and although they said it was a slow bird day, we were treated to seeing bluebirds, herons, egrets, American Redstart warblers, two different kingfishers, a flycatcher (that looked very much like my sweetie birds at the Pecos but isn't), and the Indigo Bunting. Additionally, there were some goslings and ducklings, many deer, and the normal cardinals, robins, meadowlarks, and sparrows. We even saw a raccoon track in the muddy part of the creek.
The morning was fresh and cool, no wind, sunny, and absolutely gorgeous. I cannot think of a more fun way to spend the morning, and I got to see an indigo bunting. Very exciting.
This morning, friend Kathy Dunlavy and I were up and at 'em early to go on a bird watching expedition at Chisholm Creek Park. Good thing it is only a mile away from our house, so we didn't have to get out of bed before 6:30. Anyway, for two hours we walked through the park looking at the various birds of the area.
We had two guides, and although they said it was a slow bird day, we were treated to seeing bluebirds, herons, egrets, American Redstart warblers, two different kingfishers, a flycatcher (that looked very much like my sweetie birds at the Pecos but isn't), and the Indigo Bunting. Additionally, there were some goslings and ducklings, many deer, and the normal cardinals, robins, meadowlarks, and sparrows. We even saw a raccoon track in the muddy part of the creek.
The morning was fresh and cool, no wind, sunny, and absolutely gorgeous. I cannot think of a more fun way to spend the morning, and I got to see an indigo bunting. Very exciting.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
"Mann"fest "Mann"ia
I had so much fun yesterday. Notwithstanding that it was my birthday and I received numerous well-wishes for the day, it was also the final competition for Chris Mann on The Voice. Since we watched Chris grow up and have a special connection with his family, we, along with numerous others, have watched every one of his competitions. Last night was the icing on the cake!
After Chris won last week, Don told me that he wanted to have a party for me, but he couldn't organize it. That was fine . . . at least he thought of it. I got busy and found a place, which turned out to be Jerseys, a new sports bar in town. It was perfect.
When people arrived, I had Chris Mann masks for them, along with Twizzlers, Chris's favorite candy. I thought our eating them might send him some long-distance good luck. We each had nametags that indicated our relationship with Chris, which included a teacher, a babysitter, a priest, a Sunday School teacher, two of Becky's friends, and many who knew Chris's parents.
The group was talkative and loud until Chris came on . . . and then one could only hear the music. After "The Prayer," many tears were seen around the room; even more were shed after "You Raise Me Up."
Appetizers, pizza, birthday cake with purple and white decorations, and drinks of the guests' choice made for a festive atmosphere. Chuck Morgan dancing during Tony's song and carrying his "Chris Nailed It" sign during Chris's final song, and Suzanne's Facebook posts, including the one that read "Yep, he saw the dress" raised the level of hilarity.
I think a good time was had by all, and Chris had a fabulous night. I can't wait to see what happens tonight . . . I believe Wichita is going to be very happy!
After Chris won last week, Don told me that he wanted to have a party for me, but he couldn't organize it. That was fine . . . at least he thought of it. I got busy and found a place, which turned out to be Jerseys, a new sports bar in town. It was perfect.
When people arrived, I had Chris Mann masks for them, along with Twizzlers, Chris's favorite candy. I thought our eating them might send him some long-distance good luck. We each had nametags that indicated our relationship with Chris, which included a teacher, a babysitter, a priest, a Sunday School teacher, two of Becky's friends, and many who knew Chris's parents.
The group was talkative and loud until Chris came on . . . and then one could only hear the music. After "The Prayer," many tears were seen around the room; even more were shed after "You Raise Me Up."
Appetizers, pizza, birthday cake with purple and white decorations, and drinks of the guests' choice made for a festive atmosphere. Chuck Morgan dancing during Tony's song and carrying his "Chris Nailed It" sign during Chris's final song, and Suzanne's Facebook posts, including the one that read "Yep, he saw the dress" raised the level of hilarity.
I think a good time was had by all, and Chris had a fabulous night. I can't wait to see what happens tonight . . . I believe Wichita is going to be very happy!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Book Signings
I have been a part of three book signings now . . . two at The Independent School and one today at Watermark Books. All three have been interesting and fun. I have had a chance to see students from when I was there - though I frequently didn't recognize them because they have changed a lot - and I have met new people as well.
Today I saw a former student (who is now a tenured professor with the University of Kansas), two families who were there when I was, the father of a newly enrolled kindergartener, a K-State friend, and a woman who was just interested in the story of the school.
I also saw Kirstie Alley. She slipped in, had coffee with a friend, and slipped out. After she left, a woman came in and asked me if Kirstie Alley had just left. She thought so, but her son thought she was crazy. I took the opportunity to tell the young man that he should never doubt his mother - ha, ha!
I love Watermark Books. It is a gathering spot for young and old alike, and the niche Sarah and her crew have created makes it an enjoyable place to be no matter what the reason!
Today I saw a former student (who is now a tenured professor with the University of Kansas), two families who were there when I was, the father of a newly enrolled kindergartener, a K-State friend, and a woman who was just interested in the story of the school.
I also saw Kirstie Alley. She slipped in, had coffee with a friend, and slipped out. After she left, a woman came in and asked me if Kirstie Alley had just left. She thought so, but her son thought she was crazy. I took the opportunity to tell the young man that he should never doubt his mother - ha, ha!
I love Watermark Books. It is a gathering spot for young and old alike, and the niche Sarah and her crew have created makes it an enjoyable place to be no matter what the reason!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Taste and See
No, I am not a foody, but I am learning from my children how to enjoy really good food. So when my friend, Karen Combs, suggested that we go to Taste and See for her birthday, I quickly agreed.
Since I forgot my camera, I can't really show you the restaurant, but you can click the link and see it. Its location is a little different - in a remodeled mall that is now an office park. They don't really have signage, but plenty of people seemed to find it! It is a contemporary look with about 20 tables and a large eating bar area. The chef cooks right behind the bar, and there are three or four televisions showing what is going on in the cooking area.
The first serving was water. Serving? Well, I don't know what else to call it because it wasn't just any old water. I have had cucumber, lemon, lime water before, but their addition of watermelon made it scrumptiously delicious! I had more than my share!
The menu features dishes from around the world - Asia, France, Peru, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, among others. We ordered an appetizer of black bean hummus that was perfect, and they served a variety of chips and vegies with which to eat it. We ran out of chips before we ran out of hummus, but that was ok. We had forks!
Gretchen Torline, my New Mexican buddy and Karen's good friend, joined us for lunch. She had eaten at Taste and See several times, and although she wanted to branch out, the fish tacos were so good the last time she was there, that's what she had. Likewise, Karen ordered the same thing. I ordered the Cuban sandwich, and although I have no recollection of what is in it, I do recall that the flavors melted together perfectly. Karen and Gretchen suggested that I have the sweet potato fries, and they were as billed.
I brought part of the sandwich home for Don, and he agreed that it was outstanding. I have a sneaking suspicion we will be frequenting Taste and See more often!
Since I forgot my camera, I can't really show you the restaurant, but you can click the link and see it. Its location is a little different - in a remodeled mall that is now an office park. They don't really have signage, but plenty of people seemed to find it! It is a contemporary look with about 20 tables and a large eating bar area. The chef cooks right behind the bar, and there are three or four televisions showing what is going on in the cooking area.
The first serving was water. Serving? Well, I don't know what else to call it because it wasn't just any old water. I have had cucumber, lemon, lime water before, but their addition of watermelon made it scrumptiously delicious! I had more than my share!
The menu features dishes from around the world - Asia, France, Peru, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, among others. We ordered an appetizer of black bean hummus that was perfect, and they served a variety of chips and vegies with which to eat it. We ran out of chips before we ran out of hummus, but that was ok. We had forks!
Gretchen Torline, my New Mexican buddy and Karen's good friend, joined us for lunch. She had eaten at Taste and See several times, and although she wanted to branch out, the fish tacos were so good the last time she was there, that's what she had. Likewise, Karen ordered the same thing. I ordered the Cuban sandwich, and although I have no recollection of what is in it, I do recall that the flavors melted together perfectly. Karen and Gretchen suggested that I have the sweet potato fries, and they were as billed.
I brought part of the sandwich home for Don, and he agreed that it was outstanding. I have a sneaking suspicion we will be frequenting Taste and See more often!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
May Day
Yesterday was May Day. My friend, Kathy Gunter Davis, loves May Day. She would bring flowers to her friends, take flowers to Betsy's mom, and celebrate the beauty of spring. She was even married on May Day. Because of Kathy, I learned to love May Day, too.
When my kids were young, I would cut iris from our garden, they would make baskets, and then we would deliver them to the neighbors. They loved ringing the doorbells and running away. But now I have no more kids to make May baskets with.
This year was weird in that I have no iris to cut. It has already bloomed and gone. Very sad. I do have blooms from my Japanese tree lilac - which I have never had at this time of year. It usually blooms mid-June. That it is blooming now is scary. But I can't reach the blooms, so try as I might, I couldn't find any flowers to use for May Day.
Nevertheless, we could still celebrate the spring and be grateful for the beauty God has created for us. So whether I had flowers or not, I loved yesterday and thinking about the fun times we have enjoyed on May Day.
When my kids were young, I would cut iris from our garden, they would make baskets, and then we would deliver them to the neighbors. They loved ringing the doorbells and running away. But now I have no more kids to make May baskets with.
This year was weird in that I have no iris to cut. It has already bloomed and gone. Very sad. I do have blooms from my Japanese tree lilac - which I have never had at this time of year. It usually blooms mid-June. That it is blooming now is scary. But I can't reach the blooms, so try as I might, I couldn't find any flowers to use for May Day.
Nevertheless, we could still celebrate the spring and be grateful for the beauty God has created for us. So whether I had flowers or not, I loved yesterday and thinking about the fun times we have enjoyed on May Day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)