The Sound of Music -- Part 3

My Favorite Things

Okay, I'll admit, raindrops on roses can be heartwarming, and even though I don't like cats, whiskers on kittens are kinda cute.  But If I were being completely honest, I really don't have much affinity for bright copper kettles.  Even warm woollen mittens would never make the list of my favorite things.

So in my final attempt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "The Sound of Music" I give you MY favorite things (in no particular order):

• Live theatre -- Whether it's a Broadway show or a junior high school play, I really love watching a live performance.  And if it's a musical, even better!  For me, the anticipation of the event is almost as exciting as the show itself.
• Games -- I love playing card games and party games.  I love it when someone suggests playing a game, and I love it even more when they want to keep score.  I don't care if I'm the winner, but I want someone to be the winner -- how else do you know when the game is over? 
• Mashed avocado and tomato slices on toast -- As mentioned in my last post, this has become my favorite breakfast.  Love, love, love it!
• Squeaks on the basketball court -- I love entering a gymnasium once a basketball game has started and hearing the sound of the basketball shoes squeaking on the floor.  I think it reminds me of my high school days.  I wasn't a ball player or a cheerleader, but I don't think I ever missed a game.
• Popcorn and a glass of milk -- I'll admit I'm a bit of a popcorn snob.  Microwave popcorn will not suffice.  Nor will the kind made with oil.  A hot air popper, real butter, and salt are the three necessary ingredients.  This will NEVER get old to me.
• Showbiz Kids -- I love running my little musical theatre classes.  The children are amazingly sweet and very talented.  I love watching the final production to see what is going to transpire.  Oftentimes it's nothing like what we have rehearsed.
• Jigsaw Puzzles -- I really enjoy working on a puzzle with a fun picture.  No scenery pictures for me.  I much prefer doing one that's fun and entertaining.  Think:  Dogs playing poker.
• Crossword Puzzles -- Six days a week that's the first thing I go for in the daily newspaper.  It started out as a means of staving off Alzheimer's, but now I think I'm just plain addicted.
• Lindt chocolate -- Creamy.  Smooth.  Goodness.
• Lunch with friends -- I have to admit, this is one perk I have definitely enjoyed now that I'm older.  Time and money is more readily available than it was in the past.  And I like it!
• Watching cheesy Hallmark movies -- I'll admit this is pretty pathetic, but I really do enjoy them.  
• My family -- I just love them so much!  Most of them don't live around these parts anymore, so it's a real treat when they come home to visit.  Especially if they're willing to play games, work on a jigsaw puzzle, and watch a cheesy movie with me, all whilst eating popcorn and lindt chocolates!

So, when the dog bites, when the bee stings, and when I'm feeling sad, I'll simply remember my favorite things, and then I won't feel so bad.

Dixie 

The Sound of Music -- Part 2

In honor of the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music, I give you "Do-Re-Mi" --  Dixie style.

Doe, a dear, a female dear.

Ray, a drop of golden sun.

With a peculiar yo-yo-ish weather pattern these past few months, and the onset of April, I really do believe I'm ready for that continual "drop of golden sun".  A couple of months ago when several of my children and grandchildren were home for a visit, we tried to infuse a little sunshine with a Hawaiin Night.

Me, a name I call myself.

Interesting facts about my name:

1. I was named after a woman that my mother claims was my dad's former girlfriend.  My dad's side of the story is that she wasn't his girlfriend, but she was the type of girl that every guy would have wanted for a girlfriend -- cute, friendly, talented, and kind.  Apparently every man, woman and child in town loved her.  I've always wanted to meet her.  I wonder if she's still living?....
2. When people have been introduced to me for the first time, and then subsequently use my name, it usually comes out as "Diane" or "Tracey".  I think it's because they either remember the D, and assume it's Diane, or they remember the "ee" sound at the end and think it's Tracey.
3. When I was growing up, our family acquired a little black dog named "Daisy".  Since Daisy and Dixie sound very much alike, my mother was forever getting the two of our names mixed up.  "Dixie, go lie down!"  "Dixie, you're driving me nuts -- get out of here!"  Suffice it to say that my self-esteem has never quite recovered!

Far, a long, long way to run.

The Mr. and I are still going to the track each week-day morning.  We've worked up to running half time, and walking part time.  It's only four kilometres, but for a chubby, middle-aged woman -- who would previously only run if a bear was chasing her -- I think it's pretty good.

Sew, a needle pulling thread.

It's that time of the year again when my sewing machine has taken up permanent residence on my kitchen table.  My Showbiz Kids final show is a month away, and I'm busy whipping up pantaloons, corsets, marching band jackets, flapper dresses and several other odds and ends.  

La, a note to follow Sew.

Singing, singing and more singing.  I love directing my children's musical theatre group -- they are the sweetest bunch of children, and so musical!  We're learning so many fun songs for the show, and every week I've got some new song stuck in my brain.  My current favorites are "Puttin' On The Ritz", "Everything's Up To Date In Kansas City", "Heaven Hop" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie".

Tea, a drink with jam and bread.

Jam and bread has kinda gone by the wayside at our house.  Our new favorite breakfast is spreading pureed avacao and garlic on a piece of toast with tomato slices and salt and pepper.  I'm salivating just writing about it!

That will bring us back to Doe.

 

Dixie