Dear Andre,
Hullo again.
This will be short and to the point.
I am very sad this week, as my mother has died, I am able to derive great comfort from watching one or other of your DVDs when ever I feel particularly vulnerable. I particularly love your Gala Performance, as I love the Tirol Rock, and the antics you fellows get up to while you waited for the ladies to return after doing The Clog Dance. The ladies do the Tirol Rock so well and it always brings a smile to my face. Thank you once again for all the joy and pleasure you bring to those of us who love you.
God Bless.
With affection,
Susan.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Mum/Kate/Grandma.
It is with deep sadness I 'put pen to paper' and write this posting.
Although it is part of the cycle of life, none of us relish the task of realizing that our parents have died. I have heard it said, one never fully comes to terms with not having someone like a parent to turn to for advice. This however, is the case for me and my family this week.
Our mother. mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma, died on Wednesday morning. She had had a stroke in October last year, and recently had been rapidly declining.It is a blessed release for her, and no one would wish her to be kept alive by artificial means. She certainly did not want that.
Mum was a brilliant academic/scholar, and had several degrees. She was also a teacher. She started training as a Primary school teacher when her youngest child started school. She did it all by correspondence while looking after a family and helping on the farm.
She was transferred to Bordertown Primary School, where she taught for many years. She had resigned from teaching when she was approached to fill in at the local high school a few times. The Principal obviously realized she had great talent, and she finished up teaching full time at the high school. This led to her needing extra qualifications, and she started a Bachelor of Arts degree, again by correspondence, while still looking after a family and the farm with Dad.
She and her youngest child moved to Adelaide in 1970 and mum taught part time and finished her degree with part time study at Uni.
Mum had served in the W.R.A.A.F during the second world war, as a stenogropher and radar operator.
I was reminded today by my mother's youngest sister, (not that I needed reminding) just how kind and generous Mum & Dad were. They would always help others worse off than themselves, even though they had very little money. Mum used to buy clothes and shoes for the poorer children. I suppose that was when she was teaching, I am not sure, but it did jog my memory. They frequently put a box of groceries together for some poor creature, out of their own larder. We kids never felt deprived and would never think to complain. We would have been scolded sverely if we had.
Mum travelled extensively around the world, and was with one of the first groups of tourists who were allowed in to China. She had travelled around Europe and the UK. A lot of the time she travelled alone, something that makes people think twice these days. She had a blast.
She definately lived life to the full.
She had lots of friends and loved her family very much. We are going to miss her greatly. I certainly will miss our games of Scrabble, as I could beat her quite often. Not a small achievement given her vast vocabulary and understanding of words.
Rest in peace Darling Marmy.
Although it is part of the cycle of life, none of us relish the task of realizing that our parents have died. I have heard it said, one never fully comes to terms with not having someone like a parent to turn to for advice. This however, is the case for me and my family this week.
Our mother. mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma, died on Wednesday morning. She had had a stroke in October last year, and recently had been rapidly declining.It is a blessed release for her, and no one would wish her to be kept alive by artificial means. She certainly did not want that.
Mum was a brilliant academic/scholar, and had several degrees. She was also a teacher. She started training as a Primary school teacher when her youngest child started school. She did it all by correspondence while looking after a family and helping on the farm.
She was transferred to Bordertown Primary School, where she taught for many years. She had resigned from teaching when she was approached to fill in at the local high school a few times. The Principal obviously realized she had great talent, and she finished up teaching full time at the high school. This led to her needing extra qualifications, and she started a Bachelor of Arts degree, again by correspondence, while still looking after a family and the farm with Dad.
She and her youngest child moved to Adelaide in 1970 and mum taught part time and finished her degree with part time study at Uni.
Mum had served in the W.R.A.A.F during the second world war, as a stenogropher and radar operator.
I was reminded today by my mother's youngest sister, (not that I needed reminding) just how kind and generous Mum & Dad were. They would always help others worse off than themselves, even though they had very little money. Mum used to buy clothes and shoes for the poorer children. I suppose that was when she was teaching, I am not sure, but it did jog my memory. They frequently put a box of groceries together for some poor creature, out of their own larder. We kids never felt deprived and would never think to complain. We would have been scolded sverely if we had.
Mum travelled extensively around the world, and was with one of the first groups of tourists who were allowed in to China. She had travelled around Europe and the UK. A lot of the time she travelled alone, something that makes people think twice these days. She had a blast.
She definately lived life to the full.
She had lots of friends and loved her family very much. We are going to miss her greatly. I certainly will miss our games of Scrabble, as I could beat her quite often. Not a small achievement given her vast vocabulary and understanding of words.
Rest in peace Darling Marmy.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Letter to Andre Rieu III
Dear Andre,
Hullo, again. I do not know why I persist in writing these letters. Maybe it is some kind of mild insanity, because, the likelihood of you ever reading them must be zilch, and the likelihood of me getting a response worse than 60 below zero. But 'never say die' is one of my mottos.
There are some things I would like to know, if you don't mind my asking.
a) As your family is Dutch, why have you all got french names, apart from your brother Robert?
b) You said once in an interview that you can be on stage for three to four hours. As the DVDs only have one and a half to two hours on them, what happens to the other footage? I know some of the presentations end up as bonus tracks, but that still does not account for that length of filming.
c) How much, if any, of the programmes are improvised? If none of them, then you are all very adept at making it look that way. It is all great fun.
d) I think you are a 'ratbag', and I mean that in the nicest possible way. In Australia a Ratbag, can be a devious, scheming person, or, someone with a wry sense of humour, who likes to have fun, but not at someone else's expense. You are the latter.
You have said on a DVD that you get very nervous before you go on stage, and wonder why you do it. Your nerves must disappear once you are on stage, as you thorourly enjoy yourself once there, and your introductions of the pieces are so professional. We who love you and your music, are very thankful for that fact.Bravo!
It is a great pity I will not be able to attend one of your concerts, as I am sure the atmosphere must be electric! I 'sing' and clap and smile and laugh as I watch your DVDs, and can almost believe I am actually there.
I have just bought a 4DVD set with the 2003 New Years Eve concert in Hanover.
I was thrilled to find one of my favourite clarinet pieces on it, played so skillfully by Manoe and the lovely 'chorus girl'. I am referring to Klarinettenmuckl. of course. I have loved that piece ever since I heard Acker Bilk play it.
I was also delighted to see for the first time, the girl band, Bond. They are gorgeous, sexy, talented young ladies. I just love the 'futuristic' looking instruments.
Thank you once again Andre, for all the wonderful music and fun.
May you continue to do it for as long as you enjoy it.
With affection,
Susan
X X X X
Hullo, again. I do not know why I persist in writing these letters. Maybe it is some kind of mild insanity, because, the likelihood of you ever reading them must be zilch, and the likelihood of me getting a response worse than 60 below zero. But 'never say die' is one of my mottos.
There are some things I would like to know, if you don't mind my asking.
a) As your family is Dutch, why have you all got french names, apart from your brother Robert?
b) You said once in an interview that you can be on stage for three to four hours. As the DVDs only have one and a half to two hours on them, what happens to the other footage? I know some of the presentations end up as bonus tracks, but that still does not account for that length of filming.
c) How much, if any, of the programmes are improvised? If none of them, then you are all very adept at making it look that way. It is all great fun.
d) I think you are a 'ratbag', and I mean that in the nicest possible way. In Australia a Ratbag, can be a devious, scheming person, or, someone with a wry sense of humour, who likes to have fun, but not at someone else's expense. You are the latter.
You have said on a DVD that you get very nervous before you go on stage, and wonder why you do it. Your nerves must disappear once you are on stage, as you thorourly enjoy yourself once there, and your introductions of the pieces are so professional. We who love you and your music, are very thankful for that fact.Bravo!
It is a great pity I will not be able to attend one of your concerts, as I am sure the atmosphere must be electric! I 'sing' and clap and smile and laugh as I watch your DVDs, and can almost believe I am actually there.
I have just bought a 4DVD set with the 2003 New Years Eve concert in Hanover.
I was thrilled to find one of my favourite clarinet pieces on it, played so skillfully by Manoe and the lovely 'chorus girl'. I am referring to Klarinettenmuckl. of course. I have loved that piece ever since I heard Acker Bilk play it.
I was also delighted to see for the first time, the girl band, Bond. They are gorgeous, sexy, talented young ladies. I just love the 'futuristic' looking instruments.
Thank you once again Andre, for all the wonderful music and fun.
May you continue to do it for as long as you enjoy it.
With affection,
Susan
X X X X
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Another day shot to ....
There goes anothe day in my humdrum existence. Grocery shopping etc. I did some other shopping this time. Credit card is looking a bit sorry for itself, though not too much. I have needed a black blouse for ages, and I somehow lost one of my favourite nighties when I came home from hospital last year. I bought another one the same. I dunno where it could have gone as I was not in hospital long enough to require someone to do my washing. Ah, well, such is life.
My mate Sue came around last night as she had been to Naracoorte with her son. She was like a kid when they know or have something you don;t. You know the sort of thing. 'I know something you don't know'. She had bought a 4DVD set of Andre Rieu music and an interview with him. Now, I am what is colloquially known as an Andre 'tragic', and I did not think she was that enamoured.Sue was not brought up with classical music or any refinememts, so I am surprised she likes this music.Sue was like a kid whose birthday and Christmas had come together. It was very funny to see. She had some of the DVDs I was hoping to get, and she said there were only two left. Naturally, I was in like a shot first thing this morning and purchased a set. It turns out, this is a limited edition so I was lucky to get them. Sue is a real mate in things of this nature. If she knows I like something, she will let me know about it. If I can afford it, I will buy it.
We went to our favourite watering hole and had lunch as usual. Neville had Porterhouse steak, I had a large bowl of chicken and corn soup. It was quite nice except for the slight greasyness. It was only $3.00 cheaper than Neville's steak! I had a cup of tea as well. That certainly was NOT value for money. The cup was so small, and, at $3.50 not a lot of it. I thought they would have brought me a pot of tea.
I had been up before dawn this morning, and rang my sister in Britain. Consequently, I was tired and slept all the way home. Not very comfortable, and I woke up every time my mouth dropped open. Not a pretty sight I am sure.
My mate Sue came around last night as she had been to Naracoorte with her son. She was like a kid when they know or have something you don;t. You know the sort of thing. 'I know something you don't know'. She had bought a 4DVD set of Andre Rieu music and an interview with him. Now, I am what is colloquially known as an Andre 'tragic', and I did not think she was that enamoured.Sue was not brought up with classical music or any refinememts, so I am surprised she likes this music.Sue was like a kid whose birthday and Christmas had come together. It was very funny to see. She had some of the DVDs I was hoping to get, and she said there were only two left. Naturally, I was in like a shot first thing this morning and purchased a set. It turns out, this is a limited edition so I was lucky to get them. Sue is a real mate in things of this nature. If she knows I like something, she will let me know about it. If I can afford it, I will buy it.
We went to our favourite watering hole and had lunch as usual. Neville had Porterhouse steak, I had a large bowl of chicken and corn soup. It was quite nice except for the slight greasyness. It was only $3.00 cheaper than Neville's steak! I had a cup of tea as well. That certainly was NOT value for money. The cup was so small, and, at $3.50 not a lot of it. I thought they would have brought me a pot of tea.
I had been up before dawn this morning, and rang my sister in Britain. Consequently, I was tired and slept all the way home. Not very comfortable, and I woke up every time my mouth dropped open. Not a pretty sight I am sure.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Letter to Andre Rieu II
Dear Andre,
Hullo again.
I first wrote to you in May. I was warned you probably would not reply and, so far, that is the case. However, it is not going to dampen my enthusiasm for your music whether on DVD or CD, as I love watching your concerts. It is the only way I will ever be able to see them, as I have very poor eyesight and even if I were to get front row seats, I would still miss so much of what was happening on stage. This way, I can 'go to one of your concerts' any time I choose, and not miss a thing. I also have the amazing luxury of watching them over and over again. I get fresh enjoyment every time I watch them. If it is possible to wear out a DVD, I certainly will! I think my DVD laser will wear out first though. I am able to watch them on my computer LCD screen and using the head phones, I do not disturb my husband.
I was very pleased to read that Marjorie is coming with you to Australia. I know she is terrified of flying, so she obviously loves you very much to put her fears aside to do this for you. I hope she has a great time here.
I recently bought your CD set of The 100 Most Beautiful Melodies. I was thrilled to discover some of my particular favourites on there. Romance. (The Gadfly), The Swan, The Annen Polka, to name a few. There are plenty of 'real' classical pieces too, which prove that you are NOT wasting you training or talent. Enough for the purists to be going on with.
I watch one or other of your DVDs every day, if possible, and feel deprived if I can't. Thank you Andre and the JSO for all the wonderful music and funny antics which give so much pleasure to those of us who love you. I am starting to get to know the orchestra members by name because I look up everything I can about you all. I think Ruud Merx is a great chap. He is a brilliant trombonist and sooo funny. Keep up the good work, you all do a terrific job. I was sorry to read the Carla and Carmen are to leave soon. I will mis them.
Best of luck for your future, and safe travel,
With affection.
Susan.
X X X X X X
Hullo again.
I first wrote to you in May. I was warned you probably would not reply and, so far, that is the case. However, it is not going to dampen my enthusiasm for your music whether on DVD or CD, as I love watching your concerts. It is the only way I will ever be able to see them, as I have very poor eyesight and even if I were to get front row seats, I would still miss so much of what was happening on stage. This way, I can 'go to one of your concerts' any time I choose, and not miss a thing. I also have the amazing luxury of watching them over and over again. I get fresh enjoyment every time I watch them. If it is possible to wear out a DVD, I certainly will! I think my DVD laser will wear out first though. I am able to watch them on my computer LCD screen and using the head phones, I do not disturb my husband.
I was very pleased to read that Marjorie is coming with you to Australia. I know she is terrified of flying, so she obviously loves you very much to put her fears aside to do this for you. I hope she has a great time here.
I recently bought your CD set of The 100 Most Beautiful Melodies. I was thrilled to discover some of my particular favourites on there. Romance. (The Gadfly), The Swan, The Annen Polka, to name a few. There are plenty of 'real' classical pieces too, which prove that you are NOT wasting you training or talent. Enough for the purists to be going on with.
I watch one or other of your DVDs every day, if possible, and feel deprived if I can't. Thank you Andre and the JSO for all the wonderful music and funny antics which give so much pleasure to those of us who love you. I am starting to get to know the orchestra members by name because I look up everything I can about you all. I think Ruud Merx is a great chap. He is a brilliant trombonist and sooo funny. Keep up the good work, you all do a terrific job. I was sorry to read the Carla and Carmen are to leave soon. I will mis them.
Best of luck for your future, and safe travel,
With affection.
Susan.
X X X X X X
Monday, July 07, 2008
Nude Child 'Art'
There is a report in The Australian newspaper today, about the photo of a six year old girl on the cover of an art magazine. Some artist organization has said that KMart's catalogues are more offensive. They also said it is inapproriate for Kevin Rudd to comment. I presume they mean, on art. Kevin Rudd is a free agent, just like anyone else, and is therefore permitted to comment on what ever he so chooses. Kevin Rudd, as our leader, has the resposibility of the safeguarding of our children from any kind of exploitation. It is all very well for these people to critcize Kevin Rudd, but, why can't they be specific in the crticism of the KMart catalogues? What on earth can they find that is offensive in those?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Groovy Sunday.
The Man About the House had not been feeling too well on Thursday. He was giddy, and could not lift his head off the pillow. This is NOT like him, as he is one of the fittest O.A.Ps I know. He therefore, spent the day lying on his bed, and not eating or drinking much. I think he slept a fair bit too.
I asked him if he wanted to go to the doctor, but he said,"How would I get there?" Fair point, as I can't drive. I suggested calling an ambulance, as he could lie down in that. He declined that as well.
He was going to go to the farm that day. That had to be postponed until today.
I decided to go with him, not that I thought I would be of much help, all things considered. I was wrong as it turned out. I wanted to make sure if anything did go wrong with him I could call for help on my mobile phone. There would have been a problem getting the car and myself home in that eventuality though.
When we arrived at the farm, I drove the car, (not the Ford.) around the paddock and rounded up the few sheep in the front paddock. Now, I have stated before, I am legally blind, (in Australia this means the person has 10% or less vision)this however is no barrier to my driving on the farm. But be warned, unless you have strong nerves, don't come with me, as I will put my foot down if I have to to head the sheep off so they go where they are meant to. Stirling Moss eat your heart out!
We then drove into the back paddock, Neville driving, as this is the irrigation paddock, and I can not negotiate the check banks safely.
We were after the ewes and lambs, as Neville was going to tail the lambs and drench the ewes.
Usually, when you have to drive ewes and lambs, they scatter, and go in all directions. We were lucky today as they were not much trouble at all. I got out of the car a couple of times, to head them off I actually RAN a short distance. I have not been able to run for many, many years. I will not be doing that again, any time soon, as it will damage my knee, which has not completely healed yet.
Neville did not want me to get in the yard with the sheep, as he said they are feral, and would knock me over as quick as look at me. I had my best shoes on anyway. I will have to invest in a pair of Wellies.
He got the two tasks done by 1.30 pm. and we went in to town and bought petrol and a couple of things at Woolies, then came home.
I did enjoy my 'day out'
I asked him if he wanted to go to the doctor, but he said,"How would I get there?" Fair point, as I can't drive. I suggested calling an ambulance, as he could lie down in that. He declined that as well.
He was going to go to the farm that day. That had to be postponed until today.
I decided to go with him, not that I thought I would be of much help, all things considered. I was wrong as it turned out. I wanted to make sure if anything did go wrong with him I could call for help on my mobile phone. There would have been a problem getting the car and myself home in that eventuality though.
When we arrived at the farm, I drove the car, (not the Ford.) around the paddock and rounded up the few sheep in the front paddock. Now, I have stated before, I am legally blind, (in Australia this means the person has 10% or less vision)this however is no barrier to my driving on the farm. But be warned, unless you have strong nerves, don't come with me, as I will put my foot down if I have to to head the sheep off so they go where they are meant to. Stirling Moss eat your heart out!
We then drove into the back paddock, Neville driving, as this is the irrigation paddock, and I can not negotiate the check banks safely.
We were after the ewes and lambs, as Neville was going to tail the lambs and drench the ewes.
Usually, when you have to drive ewes and lambs, they scatter, and go in all directions. We were lucky today as they were not much trouble at all. I got out of the car a couple of times, to head them off I actually RAN a short distance. I have not been able to run for many, many years. I will not be doing that again, any time soon, as it will damage my knee, which has not completely healed yet.
Neville did not want me to get in the yard with the sheep, as he said they are feral, and would knock me over as quick as look at me. I had my best shoes on anyway. I will have to invest in a pair of Wellies.
He got the two tasks done by 1.30 pm. and we went in to town and bought petrol and a couple of things at Woolies, then came home.
I did enjoy my 'day out'
I don't believe you just said that!
This was one of those 'senior moments' we all have from time to time, and wonder how we could have been so silly.
Yesterday, I was doing the washing, when hubby said, " You're washing dirty clothes, aren't you? I had better put a couple of my hats out for you to wash." He immediately realized what he had said and said, "Well, I don't suppose you would be washing clean clothes, would you?"
I gave him the look that said, I don't believe you just said that. He just laughed.
Yesterday, I was doing the washing, when hubby said, " You're washing dirty clothes, aren't you? I had better put a couple of my hats out for you to wash." He immediately realized what he had said and said, "Well, I don't suppose you would be washing clean clothes, would you?"
I gave him the look that said, I don't believe you just said that. He just laughed.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
And she isn't even blonde!
The Man About the House took me down town this morning, as I had to get a few things from the super market, I did not get yesterday, as I had forgotten my shopping list. I have not done that in ages. I must have a better memory than I thought, as there were only about six or seven items I had to buy today. When I got to the check out, the young woman picked up my green shopping bag and scanned it very closely. I could not work out what she was doing until she asked me if I had brought it with me. I said I had. Then the 'penny dropped'. As it is fairly new, she was looking for a bar code. The thing is, it is a Woolworths, the Fresh Food People bag, and I was in Foodland/IGA!!!
I dunno!!!
I dunno!!!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
No pressure. Sure!
I have had no less than three phone calls from charities today.That is a record, as I usually only get one, when I do get them.
The first one, and the one I am writing about, was from a charity I used to support, but have not been able to for some time. They still send me the usual paraphernalia, which I think is a huge waste of time and resources. I also think it is bad business to ring people to tell them that they are going to receive a communication in the mail. The conversation went something like this,: Me. "Hullo". charity worker, "Could I speak to Susan please?" Me. "Susan who?" "Oh, she's not at home." "No. I said, Susan who?" "Susan Ham." "Speaking." "Oh, Susan, this is .... from .... I am ringing to thank you for your past generous support, and to tell you there is a letter on it's way to you, as we are supporting the relief effort for Burma. (Myanma)I informed the lady I was unable to help at this time, and she assured me, there was no pressure to send a donation. Yeah, right!
I have NEVER had a phone call to alert me to the fact a letter from any charity was on it's way to me before. I think this is a very bad use of their charity dollars, and an insult to all who donate for these appeals.
I had a chat to the third lady about the fact I had so many calls today, and she told me that they have to work much harder to raise funds, as the government did not give them anything in the budget. I said I thought it was obscene, as the Treasury is bursting at the seams with the surplus. With interest rates and every other commodity on the up, it is harder for us to make ends meet, and I for one, hate to turn these deserving causes down.
The first one, and the one I am writing about, was from a charity I used to support, but have not been able to for some time. They still send me the usual paraphernalia, which I think is a huge waste of time and resources. I also think it is bad business to ring people to tell them that they are going to receive a communication in the mail. The conversation went something like this,: Me. "Hullo". charity worker, "Could I speak to Susan please?" Me. "Susan who?" "Oh, she's not at home." "No. I said, Susan who?" "Susan Ham." "Speaking." "Oh, Susan, this is .... from .... I am ringing to thank you for your past generous support, and to tell you there is a letter on it's way to you, as we are supporting the relief effort for Burma. (Myanma)I informed the lady I was unable to help at this time, and she assured me, there was no pressure to send a donation. Yeah, right!
I have NEVER had a phone call to alert me to the fact a letter from any charity was on it's way to me before. I think this is a very bad use of their charity dollars, and an insult to all who donate for these appeals.
I had a chat to the third lady about the fact I had so many calls today, and she told me that they have to work much harder to raise funds, as the government did not give them anything in the budget. I said I thought it was obscene, as the Treasury is bursting at the seams with the surplus. With interest rates and every other commodity on the up, it is harder for us to make ends meet, and I for one, hate to turn these deserving causes down.
For Yu-Jin.
Hey Yu-Jin, how are you today? I am going to try to post a picture of some of the sheep and lambs on our farm. I have not done this on my own before so hope it works.
I believe it was a warm day over there, today. It is quite cool here. Grandpa will be warm, as he is cutting wood again.
See you soon.
Name sakes
Today, in our daily paper, there is a picture and short story, about a young female postie who is going to Beijing to help deliver mail to the athletes. I was surprised and delighted to see she has the same name as my mate Sue. And it is spelled the same. I thought, 'I am going to have some fun with Sue.'
When Sue arrived to take me out, I said to her, "You have been holding out on me."
She of course, had no idea what I meant. I thought I would be able to show her when we arrived at the coffee shop, as they usually have a copy of each day's paper. Not this morning. I had to let her in on the secret, and she played along with me. She said, "I have to have SOME secrets." Then she said, "You are forgetting the quiz we did yesterday. I said no flying." I said, "Are you going to swim, then?" She just laughed and said, "Oh, sure!"
I showed her the article when we went to the news agents. She was quite surprised to know there is another Sue M......
There is another lady in town now who has the same name as myself, though I have not met her. I know there are several others in this state alone. Never met them, either.
When Sue arrived to take me out, I said to her, "You have been holding out on me."
She of course, had no idea what I meant. I thought I would be able to show her when we arrived at the coffee shop, as they usually have a copy of each day's paper. Not this morning. I had to let her in on the secret, and she played along with me. She said, "I have to have SOME secrets." Then she said, "You are forgetting the quiz we did yesterday. I said no flying." I said, "Are you going to swim, then?" She just laughed and said, "Oh, sure!"
I showed her the article when we went to the news agents. She was quite surprised to know there is another Sue M......
There is another lady in town now who has the same name as myself, though I have not met her. I know there are several others in this state alone. Never met them, either.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Letter to Andre Rieu.
Dear Andre,
I first became aware of your existence late last year, when I purchased your 'New York Memories' CD. I love some of the tracks on it, particularly, Pie Jesu and Yackety Sax. I will be honest, I was not immediately enamoured. I must say, although I did enjoy your rendition of The Music of the Night.
I was in my local Post Office a couple of weeks ago, is it only so short a time, and saw they had some of you DVDs for sale. I purchased your Live from Dublin, and watched it that day. I was instantly hooked! I purchased the only other one that was at the Post Office, The Flying Dutchman, and loved it too. I love the Dublin one so much, I have played it nearly every day since I bought it.
I have since acquired seven of your DVDs and was fortunate enough to be able to buy the last copy of New York Memories DVD. What a joy that is. It is so much better to be able to see what you did, and there is so much to see. The lovely young Saxophone player is brilliant! You and your orchestra obviously have a great time when you do these concerts, and I pray you will be able to do it for a long time yet.
Akim Camara is, as you say, adorable and a prodigious talent for one so young.
I intend to buy everything of yours, whether CDs or DVDs, that I can.
I have read recently there are some who think what you do is irrelevant and 'over the top' pure schmaltz and showmanship. That you are dishonouring your classical training. In other words, wasting your talent. What a load of garbage!
I have also read that the 'purists' think Johann Strauss was a light weight in the music genre.
Well, what a lot of snobby, stuck up stuffed shirts. I am a lover of music, that is, anything with melody and tunefulness. There is a lot of so called classical music I would not give you tuppence for. It is lots of clanging noise, and not worthy to be acknowledged as music. I could not possibly sit through an evening of such a racket. These people are of course, perfectly at liberty to 'enjoy' this kind of classical music. Why do they think it is necessary to criticize those of us who do not like it?
What you do is wonderful. You make people feel happy.You touch their very souls and, make some of us weep with the beauty of the melodies you play. I wept when I watched your Romance DVD, and you played the Nightingale Serenade. Don't ask me why, I just did.
I also laugh at the antics of members of the orchestra. They are so funny. I 'crack up' every time I watch the Dublin DVD, especially the poor lass running out of the theatre being chased by the fake bull. I am still not sure if that was a 'set up'. I love The Chianti Song, The Red Rose Cafe and the Marino Waltz.
My all time favourite though is, Carmen Monarcha's rendition of, O, Mio Babbino Caro. It has been a favourite of mine for over thirty years, and always moves me to tears, because it reminds me of my late father.
You said once in an interview, you had reached a place where you are happy in your skin, Bravo!
You are living your dream, and you are very fortunate to have such a wonderful wife, who supports you and who gives you the freedom to pursue it, even though it means lengthy
separations.
I firmly believe you are doing what you were put on this earth to do, Please keep doing just that and ignore the stuffed shirts and knockers. There are millions who love you for what you do.
God Bless you and your orchestra and the people behind the scenes,
With affection,
Susan.
X X X X X
I first became aware of your existence late last year, when I purchased your 'New York Memories' CD. I love some of the tracks on it, particularly, Pie Jesu and Yackety Sax. I will be honest, I was not immediately enamoured. I must say, although I did enjoy your rendition of The Music of the Night.
I was in my local Post Office a couple of weeks ago, is it only so short a time, and saw they had some of you DVDs for sale. I purchased your Live from Dublin, and watched it that day. I was instantly hooked! I purchased the only other one that was at the Post Office, The Flying Dutchman, and loved it too. I love the Dublin one so much, I have played it nearly every day since I bought it.
I have since acquired seven of your DVDs and was fortunate enough to be able to buy the last copy of New York Memories DVD. What a joy that is. It is so much better to be able to see what you did, and there is so much to see. The lovely young Saxophone player is brilliant! You and your orchestra obviously have a great time when you do these concerts, and I pray you will be able to do it for a long time yet.
Akim Camara is, as you say, adorable and a prodigious talent for one so young.
I intend to buy everything of yours, whether CDs or DVDs, that I can.
I have read recently there are some who think what you do is irrelevant and 'over the top' pure schmaltz and showmanship. That you are dishonouring your classical training. In other words, wasting your talent. What a load of garbage!
I have also read that the 'purists' think Johann Strauss was a light weight in the music genre.
Well, what a lot of snobby, stuck up stuffed shirts. I am a lover of music, that is, anything with melody and tunefulness. There is a lot of so called classical music I would not give you tuppence for. It is lots of clanging noise, and not worthy to be acknowledged as music. I could not possibly sit through an evening of such a racket. These people are of course, perfectly at liberty to 'enjoy' this kind of classical music. Why do they think it is necessary to criticize those of us who do not like it?
What you do is wonderful. You make people feel happy.You touch their very souls and, make some of us weep with the beauty of the melodies you play. I wept when I watched your Romance DVD, and you played the Nightingale Serenade. Don't ask me why, I just did.
I also laugh at the antics of members of the orchestra. They are so funny. I 'crack up' every time I watch the Dublin DVD, especially the poor lass running out of the theatre being chased by the fake bull. I am still not sure if that was a 'set up'. I love The Chianti Song, The Red Rose Cafe and the Marino Waltz.
My all time favourite though is, Carmen Monarcha's rendition of, O, Mio Babbino Caro. It has been a favourite of mine for over thirty years, and always moves me to tears, because it reminds me of my late father.
You said once in an interview, you had reached a place where you are happy in your skin, Bravo!
You are living your dream, and you are very fortunate to have such a wonderful wife, who supports you and who gives you the freedom to pursue it, even though it means lengthy
separations.
I firmly believe you are doing what you were put on this earth to do, Please keep doing just that and ignore the stuffed shirts and knockers. There are millions who love you for what you do.
God Bless you and your orchestra and the people behind the scenes,
With affection,
Susan.
X X X X X
Friday, May 09, 2008
Humans. We're funny/strange creatures.
I thought i would note down some of the odd things people have said to me, or I have seen them do.
Last week, an elderly couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. I happened to walk down the street, something I have not been able to do for some time. I passed their house on the way home, and as the lady was in the front yard, I stopped to chat, and congratulate her on the occasion. I said it was a wonderful achievement, and wished them well. I then said,"1948 was a good year," and she said, "Was that the year you got married too?" I laughed and said, "No, that was the year I was born." She must have felt a bit silly for her faux pas, but we do these things and wonder at our stupidity.
This week I was in hospital overnight, as I had to have day surgery on Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock, the RN in the day surgery recovery room rang my husband to tell him I was ready to go home. An hour later he had still not arrived, so she rang him again. Five minutes later, Linda, the ward clerk brought him in to where I was waiting. He told me later that when he came to collect me the first time, he went into the ward where I had been, but of course I was not there. He then asked one of the nurses where I was. She said I was still in theatre, so he went home. The second time, a nurse asked if he was looking for Mrs. Plumb. He said "No, Ham." She said there was no-one there by that name. Linda must have happened along at this point, and brought him to me. When Linda rang the next day to see if I was OK, I told her about this, and she said they did have a patient called Mrs Plumb. I don't know the lady.
Yesterday, while I was doing my shopping, I was walking down an aisle, keeping to the left, as there was a young woman coming the other way, with a small child in the trolley. Next thing, and elderly woman came barreling down the aisle, head down and going full steam ahead. She never had any intention of stopping, so the young mum had to back pedal to avoid a collision.
As we passed each other, I pulled a face, and said, "Oh, excuuuse me!" She just laughed. When I told the check out operator, she said there is one old woman who rides a Gopher/motorised scooter through the forecourt and around the supermarket, at top speed, and is a bloody menace to everyone. She said if she hit someone, it could be very serious.
It appears thoughtlessness is not just the perogative of the young.
Last week, an elderly couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. I happened to walk down the street, something I have not been able to do for some time. I passed their house on the way home, and as the lady was in the front yard, I stopped to chat, and congratulate her on the occasion. I said it was a wonderful achievement, and wished them well. I then said,"1948 was a good year," and she said, "Was that the year you got married too?" I laughed and said, "No, that was the year I was born." She must have felt a bit silly for her faux pas, but we do these things and wonder at our stupidity.
This week I was in hospital overnight, as I had to have day surgery on Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock, the RN in the day surgery recovery room rang my husband to tell him I was ready to go home. An hour later he had still not arrived, so she rang him again. Five minutes later, Linda, the ward clerk brought him in to where I was waiting. He told me later that when he came to collect me the first time, he went into the ward where I had been, but of course I was not there. He then asked one of the nurses where I was. She said I was still in theatre, so he went home. The second time, a nurse asked if he was looking for Mrs. Plumb. He said "No, Ham." She said there was no-one there by that name. Linda must have happened along at this point, and brought him to me. When Linda rang the next day to see if I was OK, I told her about this, and she said they did have a patient called Mrs Plumb. I don't know the lady.
Yesterday, while I was doing my shopping, I was walking down an aisle, keeping to the left, as there was a young woman coming the other way, with a small child in the trolley. Next thing, and elderly woman came barreling down the aisle, head down and going full steam ahead. She never had any intention of stopping, so the young mum had to back pedal to avoid a collision.
As we passed each other, I pulled a face, and said, "Oh, excuuuse me!" She just laughed. When I told the check out operator, she said there is one old woman who rides a Gopher/motorised scooter through the forecourt and around the supermarket, at top speed, and is a bloody menace to everyone. She said if she hit someone, it could be very serious.
It appears thoughtlessness is not just the perogative of the young.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Question in need of an answer, or just a dumb question.
I had a filling done in February, when I went in for a check up, and possible clean. I was advised to take $100.00 with me, to cover the 'gap' payments of my health fund. The filling was not scheduled, but I understood the reason for the dentist deciding to do it there and then. It cost me $170.00, and I had to use some of my grocery money to make up the difference, as I only received $38.00 refund from my health fund. I told the dentist I had another tooth that had lost some of it's filling, and he said to make another appointment for that. I said I would, further down the track, when I had saved some money. I had a message on my answering machine a few weeks ago from the clinic, reminding me I needed to get the filling done. I tried to call back, but the line was busy.
I have just had a very 'bright' dental nurse ring me, to once again remind me about the filling. I told her I do not have the money, and, as it is not giving me any trouble, I would get back to her when I have got some money to spare. She said,"Alright, I will put it in the closed file, just so long as you remember it is there to be done."
Question in need of an answer:- as it is my tooth, am I likely to forget about it?
I have just had a very 'bright' dental nurse ring me, to once again remind me about the filling. I told her I do not have the money, and, as it is not giving me any trouble, I would get back to her when I have got some money to spare. She said,"Alright, I will put it in the closed file, just so long as you remember it is there to be done."
Question in need of an answer:- as it is my tooth, am I likely to forget about it?
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