The Show Must Go On

Today's Topic: what happens when someone gets sick during the show?
If you're an actor, this is an easy one. Your understudy goes on. Each actor has at least 2 people that can fill in for them. The 5 swings (3 male and 2 female) carry pagers with them during the show, so no matter where they are they can go on. This is a great system. Now, if you're a musician you find out there's no system.
Take last night's show for example. We started out with a malfunctioning keyboard. While the keys 1 players rebooted his machine the keys 2 player took over the first part and as much of his as he could do. This task proving to be not as easy as it sounds since the keyboard he was playing on only has the sounds for the 2nd part. After 10 mins the 1st keyboard was rebooted and we were good to go.
Well almost..........this is the point where Steven started feeling sick. He had a chicken subway sandwich before the show and well things just weren't sitting well. He was getting the sweats and looking quite pale but made it through the first act. I got him some Pepto during intermission and he spent some quality time taking care of the stomach issue, but as the second act approached he was still not well. I let the conductor know and then slid over into the 1st horn chair. The trumpet player took the 2nd horn part when he was resting and added some flugelhorn harmonies. About 10 mins into the 2nd act, Steven returned and my short stint as horn 1 was thankfully over.

Fitted Sheets

From a crazy sleeper who has tossed and turned since birth comes the question, "why don't hotels use fitted sheets?"
I understand the logistics, they have only 1 kind of sheet so it's easier for inventory. But what about those of us who constantly pull out that sheet during the night and end up sleeping on bare hotel mattress, yuck!
For those still sleepers like my mom and sister, you've probably never noticed this, but as I attempt to take a little snooze on this snowy, rainy, drizzly day in Milwaukee, it's all I'm thinking about.
Sorry I don't have anything more exciting to report in Milwaukee. Keeping my fingers crossed for nicer weather tomorrow.

Kale Chips

If you're looking for a new way to get your greens, try kale chips. We've been eating them almost every night here in Cleveland. It's super simple too. Pull the leaves off the stalk, the bigger the better. Put in a bowl and evenly coat with olive oil. You don't need much at all, just a cap full or so. Place in a single layer on a lightly greased pan and put some kosher salt on top. Bake at 400 for 15 min. I guarantee you'll love this crispy addition to your dinner.

Cute Kids

I call this photo "Flower Girl Bliss". We got Amelia the Barbie bride set today.

The little master at work. FYI, he's playing the same pieces I played to pass out of college piano and he's 7. 

Life in Suburbia!

We are so lucky to be staying at the King's house in Cleveland Heights these 2 weeks. We have a rental car and zip around anywhere. My favorite part of the day is grabbing the orange juice and yogurt from the fridge for breakfast. You don't realize how much you miss cold breakfasts until you go without a refrigerator for weeks. 

Our friend, Susie, has requested photos of our favorite grocery store in Cleveland called Zagaras. It's one of my favorite places. I know, weird, but you walk in there and there's a calmness about the place. I'm one of those shoppers who could just go up and down every aisle, especially here. Check out how amazingly clean this place is too.

p.s. I'm sure you never thought I'd be posting photos of a grocery. I'm surprised too. Imagine taking these with the other shoppers wondering what the heck is going on.

We went with Charlie to get him fitted for his tuxedo. He is going to be one of the three cutest ring bearers at our wedding.

We're sure he'll be the most responsible ring bearer.

I mean look at this. The guy said to stand straight like a soldier. I think he's got that down!

Conn Factory

Yesterday we lucked out and got to tag along on a trip with the CIM horn studio to the Conn factory in Eastlake, Ohio. It was interesting to see the whole process that goes into making horns, all brass instruments for that matter. We got to try the new Vintage 8D and they are fantastic horns. If only they would have been making them when I spent 9 months searching for the "right" horn several years ago.
Here's a cool article about the factory. Find it here!

Cleveland Indians

Lucky break. . . .the Indians had a day game yesterday. We jumped at the chance to see some baseball. Here we are right by our seats. Unknowingly, we purchased front row seats. Who knew row F would be front and center behind home plate.

Steven's Birthday and Cleveland

We started off our trip with a little birthday celebration. Thank you to the Kings for getting this great cake.

On Tuesday, which was Steven's actual birthday, I took him to Tommy's on Coventry for lunch. We just had to get their famous milkshakes!

Our new home. Yes, the pit looks the same everywhere.

The Palace Theater in Cleveland. It seats almost 2,700 people and is supposedly sold out every night.

And finally, his first legal drink at a bar. We headed to the Winking Lizard after the show to complete the 21st birthday celebrations.

Early Birthday Party

We had a little early birthday family celebration for Steven last night. His actual birthday is Tuesday and we'll be in Cleveland by then. I'm looking forward to getting him his first Zagara's birthday cake and celebrating with the King's.