Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.

Oscar Wilde

So apparently I’m unimaginative today.

My weather app said rain beginning today at 10:00 am and continuing all day. Shoot. Oh well. We’ll make the best of it.

We left home at 9:00 to have a walk on the main public beach before the rain. Lovely. People already setting up. Even the seagulls. And no rain.

Brunch at our favourite restaurant, Cobalt, https://cobaltrestaurant.net/ is only offered on Sunday so today was our last chance to go. We love to sit on their outside patio and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Decided we could always sit inside depending on the rain. We had to go as it was Richard’s last time to enjoy his favourite Crème Brûlée.

It opens at 11:00 but we arrived at 10:50. Interestingly the receptionist told us they actually open at 10:30 but don’t advertise it. The “locals” know it though so they can easily get in before the tourists. What? I’ve never heard of that before. We’ll certainly remember that little tidbit of knowledge for next year.

Lucky us. We sat on the patio. No rain. Now weather app changed and said rain to begin at 12:00 pm. Yippee.

I decided to change things up today and instead of my usual cheese omelette I ordered the Potatoes O’Brien and Egg Skillet: Oven roasted Potatoes O’Brien with homemade tasso, three eggs, and topped with melted cheddar cheese and roasted red bell pepper hollandaise. I purposely discussed this with the server as I wanted the white of the eggs well cooked. Too often eggs come with the white undercooked. He assured me they would be well cooked. Ahhhhh. Nope. I should have known better. Stay with the tried and true. Whites were not cooked. Richard chivalrously offered to switch with me. So I got his cheese omelette. Thanks. It was delicious.

Brunch over. No rain. Happiness.

On the way home we saw a motorcycle with a sign on the back. Now I realize it’s hard to read but that’s probably just as well.

Ok. I’ll tell you. “ I ❤️ guns and tit_ ies.” Really? Give me a break.

Back to the beach house. No rain. Was able to sit on the deck the whole afternoon. In the lovely sun. Not a hint of rain. Me? So glad the weather app was wrong.

Sorry about the snow PEI.

It’s 6:34 pm here as I post this and it still says rain. You just never know.

Just Like The Weather – Nolan Chance

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As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Be thankful for everything that happens in your life; it’s all an experience.

Roy T. Bennett

We’re on the final countdown and today’s quote really spoke to me.

I’m thankful.

Thankful that I’m able to spend these months in Gulf Shores, Alabama with Richard enjoying the warm weather, reconnecting with snowbird friends, meeting new people, visiting new places, and discovering new restaurants. At my age you can’t take health for granted. Who knows what the next year will bring.

Thankful for family and friends back home who I’ve missed but soon will get to see.

So the countdown is on. Hard to believe four months flew by so quickly.

This past week the weather was absolutely beautiful. Highs of 23-26 C. Sorry PEI. Spent afternoons (and some mornings) on the deck simply gazing at the water and reading. Super serene. I’ve discovered, although a bit late in the game, that for reading in the sun large print books work the best. Not as hard on my eyes in the sun. Thursday was particularly wonderful watching dolphins swim by. Mid afternoon we took our beach chairs (actually Richard carried the chairs) down to the beach and sat near the water’s edge. Glorious. I even took a dip in the water. It was shall I say, refreshing. Tried to encourage him to join me but no luck.

Friday really started us on the countdown. It was our last Friday for gym and yoga. For the next week there will be a lot of lasts. But today was also our first Sunset Yoga down here.

Friday was a hot, sunny day. Or it was until we neared the spot for the sunset yoga. It became overcast and very damp. But we stayed. Wow! A lot more people than I expected. There were over 50. Even some families with their children. How wonderful! Can you spot Richard? Me? Haha. Nope. I’m taking the photos.

And to prove I was there. Poor picture but you can recognize me.

This morning one job to do was sort our shells. Over our months here we amassed quite a collection but not all can go home with us. Some large ones we saved to go on the kitchen window ledge. Some small ones for my crafts. And some for our special wall arrangement. I may have shown this before.

This morning it was nice out, not sunny but warm. We again sat on the chairs by the surf. Crashing waves. Awesome sound. At times they even encompassed us.

And now hopefully an afternoon reading on the deck.

The Final Countdown- Europe

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This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.

Maya Angelou

We’re down to two weeks left. So now we’re on the counting the ‘last time’ things. Last time buying flavoured cans of water. Last time shopping at TangerOutlets (well, maybe). Etc.

Today was our last visit to Fairhope. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairhope,_Alabama A bit more exciting today because it was their 71st Arts and Crafts Festival. https://www.fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com/welcome

The Arts and Crafts Festival originally started as a tour, planned to coordinate with the Mobile Jaycees’ Azalea Trail and Mobile Mardi Gras celebrations, with the idea that visitors attending these major events would be attracted across the bay, allowing visitors and local residents a chance to see some of the talents of Eastern Shore residents.

Multiple streets were closed to accommodate the 230 exhibitors coming from across the United States. What a variety: Fibers/Leather, Functional Crafts, Glass, Graphics, Drawing, & Watercolor, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Pottery/Ceramics, Sculpture, and Wood. Besides the numerous local restaurants there were also 16 Food Court Vendors. An Entertainment Stage was set up to enjoy local and regional talent including live music and dance performances. A Children’s Art Tent was available where children could make crafts or take art lessons given by local artists. And hundreds of visitors.

There was so much that at times I felt overwhelmed. We didn’t buy anything but enjoyed looking. The downside was the weather. It was cold and windy. Thank goodness we had the foresight to take sweaters.

A few pics from the Fair.

Music Vendors

Cute local park.

Left Fairhope and drove twenty minutes to Silverhills https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhill,_Alabama to have lunch at Café Acadiana. https://www.datsgoodyeah.com/.

How exciting to discover this place. And how could we not go here. Although not Acadian having lived my life on Prince Edward Island I certainly know the history of the expulsion of the Acadians.

https://canadaehx.com/2022/09/20/the-expulsion-of-the-acadians/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_the_Acadians

Small café but full. Has a great reputation. Our server was lovely. How could I not say that. She loved my hair. We don’t often order an appetizer but having discovered Boudin sausage while wintering down here and loving it we had to choose the Fried Boudin Balls. They did not disappoint. Spicy and delicious. I had the Crazy Cajun Burger with fries and Richard had the War Eagle Burger with red beans and rice. These were just ok. The strangest thing was you’re served coleslaw and crackers at the beginning of the meal instead of bread or rolls. That was a first.

In a past post I mentioned signs on the gym and library doors that said no guns allowed. When paying for lunch I saw the following sign behind the cash register at Café Acadiana. That was a first for me. I wasn’t impressed. If I’d seen it when we entered I don’t think we’d have stayed. Unbelievable! What has the world (or the US) become.

Silverhill – Edward David Anderson

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No gesture is too small when done with gratitude.

Oprah

Sometimes you don’t realize the effect a simple gesture can have.

When I was in the play a few weeks ago one of the cast members, who also was a costume mistress, went out of her way to help me with my costume. Me being me, I didn’t want to be any trouble and didn’t want to bother her but she was thoughtfully persistent and I truly appreciated her. For her closing performance I bought her a small bouquet of flowers to show my gratitude. I didn’t realize how grateful she was for my small gesture until this past Tuesday. She invited me to lunch. Lovely lunch. During our conversations she expressed how much the flowers had meant to her. In her seven years of volunteering in productions it was the first time anyone had ever given her flowers or said thanks. What? Blew me away. For me a small gesture but for her it meant much more. Simple things, right?

One day going through a long wait in the Starbucks’ drive through I was told the previous car had paid for my drink and the woman wanted me to have the following card. Simple gesture.

Thursday breakfast buffet at Foodcraft at Gulf State Park. Pricey for us for a breakfast ($22.95 per person) but a beautiful view of the Gulf. We had hoped to sit on their patio but no way. It was way too windy. Oodles of food options. All very tasty. Ate too much. Won’t need to eat the rest of the day. Our fav? Yogurt with crunchy granola and fresh raspberries.

Neat how they do this on their parking lots. Better than just the sand.

I was just sent this pic of my grandson playing with one of his toys. Proud Grammie had to share. I absolutely love getting these everyday. They make my day. This simple gesture of sending photos and videos means so much to me.

Gift To Be Simple – The King’s Singers

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It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

More bits and pieces while down here. I smiled. Hope you do too.

Previously I’ve told you how each Christmas I make Nuts and Bolts for my family and friends. Some people call them Bits and Bites but this was a new one for me. Saw these in Rouses Grocery Store. https://www.rouses.com/

Yesterday we went to Pensacola, Florida for some shopping and sightseeing. Shopped at the Cordova Mall. https://www.simon.com/mall/cordova-mall It’s a nice mall. Smaller than expected but still lots to see. Still much bigger than those at home. I especially enjoyed looking through Dillards. https://www.dillards.com/ I just explored the womenswear. A great variety of clothing, purses, and footwear in multiple price ranges. So much fun looking at the designer stuff too. Way out of my price range but still fun to look. Sadly it rained so no sightseeing.

While walking through the parking lot I glanced across the street and saw this. Too funny. I have a son named Jared. I think it’s a jewelry store. Had to send him a picture of it.

Our Michigan friends Joanne and Jeanne left here and went travelling further west. Messaged me this photo they took of a cowboy across the Rio Grande. Pretty cool.

The following was posted on Facebook posted by South Baldwin Community Theatre. Memory of a fun time.

I often mention how we enjoy going to our local coffeehouse , Happy Pappys. https://happypappyscoffeehouse.com/ Love this sign at the entrance.

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile – Annie

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I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me – like food or water.

Ray Charles

Just a short post today. I had to share this picture of my darling grandson.

My family’s love of music goes back generations. Looks like it’s continuing. Nothing better. ❤️

You are My Sunshine

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Forever is composed of nows.

Emily Dickinson

And there have been lots of nows.

I’ve been busy.

Sunday was the closing of our show so I decided to attend. Seeing the show from the audience perspective and being a part of their reactions was enlightening. The audience often laughed where I wasn’t expecting it. You just never know how an audience will react. Isn’t that usually the way. After the show the theatre sponsored a cast and crew party in the theatre’s lobby. How sweet was that!

One thing that was a new experience for me was the director emailed us a YouTube link to the shows. They had recorded each of the three shows. Now I know why movie actors often say they don’t watch their own movies. Haha. Hard to watch myself and not be extremely critical.

March is a different month. Trying to do all those missed things on our list. Saying goodbye to various friends who are returning to their homes, as we will be at the end of the month. Who knows what next year will bring. We’re booked to return next winter although March isn’t available from our owner. We think it’s because more money can be made renting to March Spring Breakers instead of Snowbirds. We’re hearing a lot of places are even discontinuing renting to Snowbirds. More money to be made just renting out weekends. We’ll see what the future holds.

Monday saw us heading to the Orthopedist for a checkup on Richard’s sore knee. It’s improving but Richard is extremely careful with it. Then we had friends Joanne and Jeanne from Michigan, over for supper. (It was supposed to be Sunday but I switched it to attend the show and party.) Great meal and great company. Loved our weekly dinners. I was ecstatic with how the meal turned out. You just never know do you. Appetizers were hummus, veggies, grapes, rice crackers and two special jams we bought at Marshall’s. Richard did a fabulous job of the entree: Coronation Chicken on a bed of greens with sliced mango. Richard makes his own variation.

A bit of Coronation Chicken history.

Constance Spry, an English food writer and flower arranger, and Rosemary Hume, a chef, both principals of the Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London, are credited with the invention of coronation chicken. Preparing the food for the banquet of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, Spry proposed the recipe of cold chicken, curry cream sauce and dressing that would later become known as coronation chicken. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronation_chicken

My contribution to the entree was smashed potatoes. My daughter gave me the recipe she uses. Thanks Kathryn. You’re always such a great recipe resource. Dessert was a miss mash. We’re trying to use up what we have so they had choices: ice cream, carrot cake, Twix ice cream bars, and chocolates. It all worked. They loved the Coronation Chicken so much they wanted the recipe. Great compliment. Wonderful to get together but sad at the same time. Their time in Gulf Shores this year is at an end. On the plus side they’ll be renting closer to us next year.

Tuesday and Wednesday being beautiful sunny days were enjoyed (after yoga and gym) by relaxing on the deck reading and gazing at the calm water. Hard life.

Thursday was a rainy day but we had things to do as our friends, Caroline and Steve from Minnesota, were coming for supper. Monday’s supper went so well we decided to create basically the same meal. Minus dessert as they don’t eat dessert. What will power. We just served some chocolates. What a great evening. And again they loved the Coronation Chicken and wanted the recipe. Two in one week. Good feeling. We’re so blessed to have made such wonderful friends. But as per usual I forgot to take photos.

Friday was another gym and yoga day plus we planned on a new experience. The local brewery, Big Beach Brewing https://www.bigbeachbrewing.com/copy-of-home was having a special event. The Cordial Brothers Band, Future Astronaut Production Company, and Big Beach Brewing Company were teamed up to bring the biggest celebration of Pink Floyd‘s music that Gulf Shores had ever seen. The Dark Side of the Moon album was to be played in its entirety to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its release, as well as a couple more hours of material, exploring favorite Floyd albums. Sadly we didn’t attend. 🥲 This was an outdoor event. When you watch the following video you’ll understand why we didn’t go. Even the sand was blowing. Reminded me of a windy PEI day at the beach. We’d have been blown away at that outdoor concert. People out walking had to tightly hold onto their hats. Some with two hands. What a wind.

Saturday it was off to the Ballyhoo Festival, https://ballyhoofestival.org/ a fine arts festival and cultural exchange here in Gulf Shores. Ballyhoo is an event of the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, whose mission is the development and promotion of the arts on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Richard was still on the hunt for some art. We had gone in previous years and enjoyed viewing the various booths. And did today too. Lots of prints, paintings, pottery, woodworking, and jewelry. Richard almost purchased a heron painting done on two old boards. Here’s just a few pics.

While writing this post the old song Windy came to mind. Who remembers it?

Windy – The Association

And today you get a bonus song because every time I see Ballyhoo my mind immediately thinks Bali Ha’i. And even though I realize what I’m doing I can’t stop myself. Just always see it as Bali Ha’i. And when I do say Ballyhoo, in my head I’m singing Bali Ha’i. Yup. That’s me. There’s usually a song happening up there. Richard will often ask if I heard something on the radio or the TV and I’ll have been oblivious. Not listening. Singing in my head. And my daughter teases me that I always sing what I say. 😊 But how lucky was I to see a performance of this musical in Toronto 12 or 13 years ago during one of my many fabulous visits with my daughter and son-in-law. Loved visiting them.

Bali Ha’i – South Pacific

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The energy of live theatre is indescribable. You are just in the moment for an hour and a half.

Adrianne Palacki

And just like that my hour and a half is over.

What a great night. We had a full house. The director was pleased as this was the first time in their five year history.

Being new to this theatre I had no idea how they did things. It hadn’t been discussed. Makeup? Costumes? Do they get ready at the theatre? Do they do opening night cards or gifts? I had no idea. Since there were so many various members cast for different performances I opted not to do the cards/gifts. Good decision. No one did. My costume was at the theatre so that was easy. (Although I noticed that many of the cast members arrived at the theatre in costume.) Makeup? I decided to apply mine at home. That gave me the option to experiment as I had to make due with the limited products I brought with me. (Again most arrived in makeup.)

This is something I never do but Richard convinced me to allow him to take photos of me in my stage makeup. Remember I’m no makeup expert.

One last time going over the lines with Richard’s help. But I did stand in front of the bathroom window a few times rehearsing the last soliloquy. One thing I detest about aging is how much harder it is to memorize. Never was an issue previously. It came so quickly. Not now. I got it but it wasn’t easy. The sad part is that it wasn’t even that long. Ugh!

Packed my bag: water, lozenges, script, shoes, jewelry, and makeup. Then off to the theatre.

The call time was 6:30 for a 7:30 show. But I love to walk the silent stage before everyone arrives. It grounds me. Relaxes me. Gives me a sense of peace and oneness with everything. So I went early. I enjoy that moment of solitude. Even when directing a show I followed that ritual.

Show went well. I was happy. I’m just a lowly amateur but I try my best. One blip as I mistakenly turned two pages at one time and walked to the music stand at the wrong time. Oops. But quickly averted. Whew. And several times another character stood at my stand leaving me to go to the third one. Not a huge deal except he was now between the character I had most of my interaction with and me. That left us constantly looking around him plus making some on the spot blocking changes. Awkward but not the end of the world. Been in worse situations.

Show over. Now in any show I’ve been involved with it was always a given that you did not go out to see people in your costume. You changed and then went out to see your friends and family. Not here. I went to the dressing room but no one else was there. Apparently the cast had a meet and greet in the lobby. Oh well. Just a little lack of communication. They were used to this ritual and never thought to relay that to the newbie. Just as well. I wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing that in my costume.

One giant plus from tonight was a lot more cast members spoke to me. Maybe they got used to seeing me. Maybe it was the excitement of opening night. Maybe I was more comfortable with instigating conversations. Whatever the reason it felt better tonight. Some of the onus is on me. When I’m in a new place, not knowing anyone, I’m very quiet. I realize that can come off as standoffish. But it’s not. It’s just my introverted self. Eventually I open up.

I especially send a big thank you to one of the actors who’s also the costume mistress. Tatyana, you are wonderful person. You were so helpful and so generous in trying to make me feel comfortable. I sincerely thank you.

Richard and a couple we know from Minnesota attended the show. And how sweet was that. They invited us back to their condo and had drinks and appetizers for us. Numerous appetizers. Caroline had spent the day preparing as she said it was my special day and wanted to do this for me. Super sweet and I really appreciated it. This was a perfect way to wind down. It’s hard to just go home after a show. At least it is for me.

I always find myself at loose ends after a show closes. I spend so much time preparing and then it’s over. Takes a bit of time to re-adjust. (And how awful am I for thinking maybe I’d get a last minute call that they needed me to stand in for one of the other Norma’s? I know. Really awful aren’t I.)

So…

Today at around 11:00 am we headed off to the Seafood Festival & Car Show at The Wharf in Orange Beach. https://www.orangebeachal.gov/428/Seafood-Fest

We weren’t interested in the car show or the seafood but were interested in exploring the arts and crafts vendors. We’d been in previous years and throughly enjoyed ourselves. We really hadn’t done many days out together lately so this would be nice. Richard was hoping to find art work for his bathroom. And you never know what other delights you’ll find. And as I had been forgoing any treats the past few weeks I looked forward to this excursion with great anticipation. My special treat? An ice cream cone. To be exact, a Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream.

Best laid plans.

Our first clue to a disaster was the line of traffic headed in that direction. Then? No parking. Now they have multiple massive parking lots. Why you ask did this happen? Because of Richard’s soccer game. His hometown team, Nottingham Forest, had a game being broadcast here at 9:00 am. To top it off he tried and tried but he couldn’t get it on his computer. Great. (Note the sarcasm.) To add insult to injury he found out they lost 4-0.

So no festival for us.

And I must admit I was a bit sulky about the whole thing. Well, honestly, I was a bit more than sulky. maybe even b_ t _ h _ y. When I’ve been looking forward to something for a long time I’m not very receptive to it not happening.

In previous posts I mentioned making pluses out of minuses. Here goes.

1. We went to Bad Ass Coffee and I had a delicious Chai Latte. For me, they make the best ones down here.

2. When we got home I did laundry. I know that doesn’t seem like a plus but it saved me from doing it tomorrow when we’re going out to brunch with the Minnesota friends and then having our other close friends over for supper as they leave this coming week.

3. I enjoyed the beautiful sunny day sitting on the deck reading.

4. What did I read? This is where Richard’s guilt kicked in. From the library he had checked out the book The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith. It’s his latest book in the Cormoran Strike series. We both have enjoyed the author’s previous books and the TV series. Richard was to read it first but to soothe my irritated spirit he offered it to me. And I took it. Yup. I’m ok with that.

The Party’s Over – Shirley Bassey

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Curtain up, light the lights…

From Gypsy by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim

Yes. Tonight’s the night.

It’s been an interesting week.

Four evenings of rehearsal for the show. Oh yes. You read that correctly. And because parts were multi cast that meant there was only one evening allocated to run through the Sunset Boulevard performance that I’m in. A first for me. Anyone who knows me knows I have to feel prepared. Heaven help me.

Rehearsal went well. A few notes and that was it. We do have our scripts on stage as we’re recreating the golden age of radio and that helps, but me being me I still really need to have a clear grasp of my part. I am not a ‘wing it’ person.

Three women were cast as Norma Desmond, one for each performance. Tonight’s opening night and it’s my night.

Fun to see this.

One thing I’ve missed by having so few rehearsals is getting to know my fellow cast members. Not too bad for most of them as they knew each other from previous shows. Me? I knew no one. I think I’m the only ‘Snowbird’.

The last couple of weeks Richard and I have been going to thrift stores to see what I could put together for a costume as we’d been told to just dress in ‘40’s or ‘50’s style. I discovered during my rehearsal on Wednesday that they have quite an extensive costume room. So I went to their rehearsal last night to see if what I had was suitable plus look at some of their items. Glad I did. The costume mistress and I found better items. Funny note. Being down here for the winter I don’t have the proper shoes. Have to wear my black casual walking shoes. Not my first choice. So that limited my costume choices. Can’t wear a shorter dress with those shoes. Nope. Not me. Not Norma. And being so short all their long dresses were about a foot too long. The trials of being short. So black pants and a top it is.

Makeup is a whole other issue. Going south I don’t take a lot with me and usually don’t wear much anyway, especially with a tan. Again I’ll make do with what I have. Guess it will be all about the eyes.

A bit of yoga and gym, then a little script review. Richard’s been a real sport reading my cues for me.

And that’s it. I’ll let you know tomorrow how tonight goes. 🤞🏼

Another Opening Another Show – The Muppets

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