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canaryrecords · 4 years ago

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“And then, all music silences itself into duration, measures duration; like duration, it is irreversible succession. Thus the music, whatever else it may be, is concretized time; it is audible time. This precious vehicle permits one to grasp inaccessible time.” Rene Daumal, “On Indian Music,” 1931. Translated by Louise Landes-Levi in Rasa or Knowledge of the Self (New Directions, 1982)

Unlike most of the immigrant musicians we present, many of whose lives can hardly be constructed into the bare frame of a biography even, in the best cases, with the participation of their descendants, there is a wealth of information on Archbishop Samuel David available because of his role for three decades as an eminence of the Orthodox Christian church in the U.S.

He was born John David Husson on August 26, 1893 to David and Gazaly Haddad in a mountain village now called Aita el Foukhar, Lebanon (then Aitha, Greater Syria). The youngest of 6 children, he completed secondary school and was sent to seminary at Balamand Monestary, 5 miles south of Tripoli, Lebanon.

Supplemental to his theological training, he was taught ecclesiastic Byzantine hymnody by the singer and composer Mitri el Murr (b. Tripoli 1880; d. 1969). El Murr taught music to at least a dozen bishops, sang for and was decorated by the Romanov family in Russia, and recorded for the Baidaphon company in Beirut in the 1920s.

Having ascended several levels through the church hierarchy and having survived the destruction and famine that killed about half of the population of Lebanon during the First World War, by the age of 27 John David had been given the name Samuel and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1920. In 1921 he was sent by the church to Toledo, Ohio as a senior celibate priest, an archimandrite. His music teacher visited in 1930, and three of his brothers immigrated to Ohio and Massachusetts. In 1936, Fr. Samuel David ascended to the role of bishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdioceses of Toledo and Dependencies, a territory that extended from Canada to Mexico, but under controversial circumstances riddled with problems inside the patriarchy of the church as a result of the Russian Revolution and the death of the former U.S. archbishop.

Suffice it to say that there was a split in the leaders of the church patriarchy regarding who would be in charge of North America. One faction, those closest aligned with the Russian Orthodox church and New York City sided with Antony (Bashir). The other, closest aligned with Zahle, Lebanon and Antioch went with Samuel (David). Samuel David, meanwhile, traveled and gave communion through Boston, Ottawa, Cedar Rapids, and Lexington in 1936, but in August 1938, was excommunicated in a manifesto by Alexander III, who instructed the laity not to celebrate communion with him. Samuel David immediately responded that the excommunication had no standing, not having been issued by the Holy Synod (the church’s governing body) and without hearings. Two years later the decision was reversed, so that by November 1940 Samuel David was given full and official recognition of his status as Archbishop of the Syrian Orthodox Antiochian Church of the Toledo Diocese and its Dependencies by decree of Patriarch Alexander of Damascus, Syria, spiritual head of the church after action taken by the Holy Synod of Antioch. The schism between the New York City and Toledo factions remained unresolved until the mid-1970s, when they were finally united. A much more detailed account given by Prof. Richard Breaux, a historian specializing in the Syrian / Lebanese diaspora of the midwestern U.S., can be read at syrianlebanesediasporasound.blogspot.com/2018/11/metropolitan-samuel-david-metropolitan.html .

1940-41, Archbishop Samuel David began once again to visit various parishes: Ironwood, Michigan; Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; Ottawa, Ontario; Austin, Texas; Mexico City; Cedar Rapids, Iowa, etc. Between 1945 and 1953, he published at least seven prayer books, made available for free to any Arabic-speaking congregation in North America, and it was likely during that period that he privately published two albums of a total of eight 78rpm discs of his singing, made available to church members with proceeds in benefit of the church.

It’s clear that the sixteen sides he recorded were made at at least two separate sessions. Harvard’s archivists have made a data point of the recordings having been cut at Gennett studios in Richmond, Indiana. While this may be true (although their dating of the recordings to the 1930s certainly is not), I cannot say for sure. The red vinyl discs themselves have, to me, the feel of a post-WWII RCA production, but this is admittedly reckless speculation on my part. Among the repertoire he performed are hymns and doxologies on the subjects of the Day of Judgement (track 1), the angel Gabriel (track 2), the crucifixion (track 3), Epiphany (track 8), and Christ’s miracle at the wedding at Cana (tracks 9-10). I would be grateful to learn the composers; Mitri el Murr would appear to be among them. Similarly, the accompanists are unclear. The quanun throughout has been speculated to have been by played by Samuel David himself. We do not at present know who the drone-singing accompanists on the first session (tracks 1-8) or the violinist on the second session, recorded through a spring reverb (a novel invention in the 40s) in emulation of a large space, (tracks 9-18) are.

In 1955 Samuel David was elevated to the status of one of the Orthodox Church’s fifteen metropolitans. He was found dead at his home on 523 Bush St. in Toledo from an apparent heart attack on August 12, 1958 at the age of 63. Newspapers reported that he was discovered “slumped in a chair, holding an open Bible.” His open casket funeral was attended by high-ranking church officials from Ottawa, Brooklyn, Cambridge MA, Charleston WV, Wichita, Omaha, Grand Rapids, Glens Falls, Louisville, Phoenix, Buffalo, Lowell, and Chicago as well a full house and as many as five hundred others who were forced to listen outside on loudspeakers to the rites performed in Arabic, Albanian, and English.

#Syrian #Lebanese #Byzantine #orthodox #Antiochian #78rpm #78 rpm

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mirage908 · 3 years ago

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How To Decide The Best Wedding Venues In Chicago

As a number as or event manager, one among the foremost important aspects that you must be attentive about at the time of creating arrangements for a grand wedding or wedding ceremony or reception, is that the venue or the situation where the ceremony or the number of traditions are getting to be held. It is often a facet that contributes to the success or failure of the event in a good way.

Chicago, where you'll get all premium services and products in one window. These are the places where you'll plan events like marriages, naming ceremonies, receptions, and sangeets. These halls, banquets, resorts are the places that will support lavish, mehndi, and sangeet decor, sophisticated Indian wedding decoration ideas, and also offer the best polish catering in Chicago.

Now certain aspects have always to be borne in mind so that you'll invest within the best places when booking wedding banquets in Chicago il.

Location - this is often one of the foremost important factors that have to be borne in mind when choosing a marriage venue in Chicago or any city for that matter. Connect the place with the opposite parts of the town, and arriving at the site shouldn't bother the guests.

Space - the space of the venue is additionally vital. You want to consider the number of attendees who will be coming for the ceremony, on the idea of which you would like to pick the situation. Additionally to the locality of the venue, also consider the points just like the approach of the platform, the drive of the hotel, and therefore the parking lot, which may increase the convenience of both the host and the guests.

Special Services: If you would like to travel for a Garden wedding in Chicago or even an open terrace celebration, then the venue selection has got to be done on the idea of those special features being present within the venue.

Extra Services: It is the special and, therefore, the added services that act because the cherry on the cake must be considered. Hence lookout for special added services like valet parking, in-house decorators, etc., for additional advantages.

The cuisine is undoubtedly one of the foremost important aspects and must be looked into very closely. Invite their specialties and, therefore, the amount or quantity they will serve comfortably at any point.

Cost - this is often far and away from the foremost important aspects that have to be considered. To urge the simplest deals to see with a minimum of three or four alternatives.

Booking a venue or a hall for marriages may be a tedious task. It is often a piece that will accompany its challenges. To avoid the push within the peak seasons, book early for the day.

For more info:- Mirage Restaurant Schiller Park Mirage Banquet Schiller Park Mirage Wedding Packages

#Mirage Wedding Packages

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merrybrides · 6 years ago

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How to Plan a Perfect Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal dinners have evolved into full-blown events, but there's no need to stress out about planning your own. You've got less than 24 hours until you and your betrothed tie the knot. Family and friends have all arrived. Only one thing can keep you from having a major anxiety attack—a really fun party. Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner was given the night before the wedding by the parents of the groom. Everyone in both families, in the wedding party, and from out of town was invited. The dinner was a more formal affair, but like everything else wedding-related, couples are making these pre-nuptial parties their own—rehearsal dinner agendas are sometimes much more casual, more intimate, or serve as another raucous party! Now, as weddings have often turned into weekend affairs, the rehearsal dinner has become the grand kickoff to the festivities. Here are a few good ideas for how to plan a rehearsal dinner with our ultimate rehearsal dinner checklist.

1. Decide who's hosting.

Traditionally, the bride's parents paid for the wedding and the groom's parents took care of the rehearsal dinner. These days, anything goes. If both sets of parents are sharing the costs of the wedding, then perhaps you and your fiancé may want to pay for the rehearsal dinner.

2. Consider keeping it casual.

More and more couples are opting to keep the rehearsal dinner relaxed and low-key. Do something chill and outdoors if the season is right and you have a friend or family member willing to let you host it at their home. Aside from ensuring that it won't upstage the more formal wedding, a casual rehearsal dinner will loosen up guests who are meeting for the first time. The dress code can come down a notch or more from the wedding attire. Break out the jeans and beer—or at least khakis and cappuccino. You're going to dress to the nines for 12 hours at the wedding the next day, so you might as well be comfortable at your rehearsal dinner. Even highbrow types, according to our experts, are going for barbecues or casual affairs. To encourage conversation among guests, you might consider open seating rather than assigned tables and buffet or family-style food service.

3. Choose a fun theme.

A fun way kick off the wedding weekend is to incorporate a theme into your rehearsal dinner. You can build the party around your cultural background, for example (as in a colorful tapas-and-paella fiesta to reflect a bride's Spanish heritage), or play up the wedding's location (say, a wine-and-cheese-tasting party if there are some vineyards in the area). Here are a few more rehearsal-dinner themes:

Outdoor Barbecue: A grilled feast and a game of softball is an inexpensive, relaxed, and easy-to-prepare party for groups both large and small.

Seaside Clambake: Lobster and clams on the sand at sunset is a deliciously low-key and informal treat. Add a bonfire and s'mores for a sweet ending.

Sports Night: Baseball-stadium boxes are a fun party spot for all ages. Serve ballpark faves such as hot dogs and beer.

First-Date Celebration: Chances are, the place was romantic enough to inspire the two of you; let that same spirit infuse your dinner. Hold the party at the site of your first date and name tables after other spots that are meaningful to you.

Hoedown: A country-themed bash, complete with a square-dance caller, will keep guests entertained. Serve southern favorites like fried chicken and cornbread so guests can do-si-do the night away.

4. Pick a unique location.

Hosting the party in a unique location can also give the celebration a different feel. Venues to consider: a bowling alley, a beer garden, or even a local park for a casual barbecue. Restaurants are a popular choice for good reason: The staff can handle every aspect of the evening, from cocktails to menu to music to flowers.

A beach or a pretty yard requires little extra decoration (if you're thinkingn about budget). Remember it's not the wedding reception and you don't necessarily need over-the-top centerpieces. If you're tying the knot in a temperate climate, you'll find that the open air will boost your party spirit, especially if you have guests traveling from places plagued with nasty weather. If you can find a location that will allow you to have the party outside, it's even better. People can really relax and mingle.

Guests will love the story behind the locale if you bring them to one of your most memorable spots. Hold your party at the microbrewery where the two of you met, the Italian restaurant where you had your first date, or the beautiful park where he proposed.

5. Create the guest list.

The rehearsal-dinner guest list typically includes close family members and anyone participating in the wedding ceremony (including the officiant), plus their spouses or dates. It's also considerate to invite your out-of-town guests to the festivities. However, if you end up with a long list of people to include, you can keep costs down by serving only cocktails and hors d'oeuvres or desserts as opposed to a full meal.

6. Time it right.

The rehearsal dinner schedule is traditionally held the night before the wedding, most often a Friday. Usually, the ceremony rehearsal begins around 5:30 p.m. (which gives wedding-party members enough time to get out of work and head to the venue) and typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. The dinner takes place immediately after the rehearsal, usually around 7 p.m. For a Sunday or holiday wedding, you have more options, and some couples decide to hold the rehearsal dinner two nights before the wedding so that everyone has more time to relax and recuperate before the big day. If most attendants won't be arriving until late on the eve of your wedding, a breakfast celebration the morning of the wedding is also acceptable.

7. Think about the food.

The easiest way to choose the food? Host the rehearsal dinner at your favorite restaurant! You know you'll be getting top-notch grub from the get-go. Or, serve up hometown favorites—especially if you'll be introducing guests from out-of-town to your local cuisine. Chicago pizza, New Orleans Cajun, Tex-Mex, Maine lobster—your guests will eat it up. Plus, with fewer guests than you'll be feeding on the big day, you will have fewer likes and dislikes to worry about—so be daring. Serve up a fajita-filled fiesta at your local cantina. Or kick in some foreign flavor with Thai, Indian, or Greek food.

8. Pass the mic.

It's customary for the host to welcome guests at the beginning of the party. But because the atmosphere at a rehearsal dinner tends to be relaxed, some guests may also want to get up and say a few words about you, so consider opening the floor. Don't be surprised if there's as much roasting as there is toasting — and take it all in good humor. You and your groom should also plan on making short speeches yourselves (either after the host does or just before the evening ends).

9. Give gifts to the wedding party.

The rehearsal dinner is also the traditional time to present gifts to members of the wedding party (especially if the gifts are items you'd like them to wear during the wedding), as well as to the parents, to thank them for their love, guidance, and support.

10. Make any last-minute friendly reminders.

Before the dinner comes to an end, take a moment to slip in any announcements about the wedding day. Double-check that everyone in the wedding party knows what items they're supposed to bring and when and where they're expected to arrive to get ready. If you have a larger audience, remind guests about any activities for them the next day, as well as pickup times and locations for transportation you've arranged to get them to and from the ceremony.

11. When it comes down to it: remember to have fun!

Experts recommend that you do something fun and simple. After you and your fiancé have worked so hard to plan your wedding together, you deserve to enjoy this evening with each other and your loved ones.

#wedding rehearsal dinner #wedding rehearsal party #rehearsal dinner

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forurevents · 7 years ago

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Indian Wedding Decoration Chicago

Forurevents specialises in the setup of the Mandaps for Indian wedding decoration chicago. We have an large range of contemporary and traditional Mandaps to stage your wedding party. Our Mandap will create an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance on your special day.

#Indian Wedding Decoration Chicago

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hoodiedesigninspiration · 5 years ago

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Finding your interior decoration styleHave you ever looked for similarities in rooms you're attracted to in journals or online?That's one of the better ways to know what you like on your own decor. If you don't know the place to start here are many suggestions to create you on the way to finding your individual decor look.Develop a vocabulary for the styleInitially you may not have the words to describe why you are attracted to an area or why you discover it interesting, but you'll over time if you do enough looking and comparing.Related Images with HGTV Dream Home 2016: Guest Bedroom HGTV Dream Home 2016 HGTVLive Modern With The Chicago Home with MetriconFocus on some bedrooms you can't stand at all.When you have about 10 roughly look at them and decide everything you don't need in an area. This is in the same way important as what you do want.Here's a bedroom that doesn't particularly wedding ring my chimes since it has too much glitz and materialism. It reminds me of a female who is wearing too much makeup and bling, but there are lots of people who take pleasure in a glam glance. I'm not really judging, just declaring it isn't for me.Master Bedroom Design Ideas by HomeChannelTV.com YouTubeYou can be attracted to a space and not like all of the the different parts of it. I take pleasure in that this room is remarkable and artfully conceived. Black wall colours aren't section of my cosmetic nor is classic design, but I get myself drawn to this room. Why?mix of some traditional and contemporary (pieces of furniture and artwork)gadgets in vignette put together colour, texture, kind and diverse stylesan ideal intersection of chair back with artwork making the seat an integral part of the vignettethere is nothing cookie cutter about this space; it's completely individual /uniquethe variety within the vignette arrangement can take my eye back again and againit is the contrary of what I love usually (light interiors, clean ranges and more nominal look)Bedroom Designs India Bedroom Bedroom Designs Indian BedroomThis place couldn't be more different than the one above! This is a space that I think is timeless despite having the strong tile choice.Here's what I like about it:very simple geometric patterning in neutralssimple lines in flat section doorsmix of open shelves with entry doors to supply some aesthetic reliefmix of real wood, light and geometric to add interestthis would maintain style for yearsBedroom Designs India Bedroom Bedroom Designs Indian BedroomAnalytics are continually interesting once you keep a blog site and they can provide understanding into your viewers likes and dislikes. I keep a close attention on my blog analytics and in addition Pinterest. While I look for designs of pins on Pinterest generally there typically aren't any, but previous month was just a little different.Do these photos indicate what is well-known on Pinterest or do they echo what I love professionally or both?Here's a collection of my nearly all liked/repinned pins in order of attractiveness from final monthAre you inspired by what the simple truth is on Pinterest? Can you what you notice changes the way you design your home?

http://myhomedreamshome.blogspot.com/2019/08/hgtv-dream-home-2016-guest-bedroom-hgtv.html

#<center><img src="http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2015/11/11/3/dh2016_gue

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indianweddingphotographerchicago · 1 year ago

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The right kind of wedding decoration can let you have the most royal Indian wedding of your dreams. Here are some important points to keep in mind when choosing your Indian wedding décor in Chicago. Read on

#Indian wedding #Indian wedding decor #Indian wedding decor in Chicago #Indian wedding decoration #indian wedding decorators #Indian wedding decoration Chicago #Indian wedding decorators Chicago

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forureventsus · 2 years ago

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A selection of beautiful fall colors and shades to create a unique and eye-catching wedding decor, from fiery reds, yellows and oranges to muted neutrals and jewel tones.

#indian wedding decorators chicago #indian wedding decorations chicago #indian wedding decor chicago #indian wedding decoration chicago #indian wedding planner chicago #indian wedding planners chicago

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prestigeweddingdecoration · 1 year ago

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Indian Wedding Decor | Transforming Your Dream into a Reality:- Experience the splendor of an Indian wedding with our exquisite decor services. From vibrant colors to intricate details, our expert team specializes in creating awe-inspiring designs that capture the essence of Indian culture and tradition. Let us transform your wedding into a breathtaking celebration of love and heritage. Contact us to bring your dream wedding to life.

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saintjosephabbey-blog · 6 years ago

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St. Joseph, MO History

St. Joseph, Missouri was established by fur trader Joseph Robidoux who lived from 1783-1868. The location in northwest Missouri where Joseph Robidoux developed his Blacksnake Hills Trading Post is modern day St. Joseph, Missouri with a population of about 75,000.

Years before founding one of the current day ten largest cities in the state of Missouri Robidoux grew up on the other side of the state in St. Louis, Missouri where he had six brothers. From an early age Joseph and his brothers were taught the family organisation of fur trading by their daddy who in the eighteenth century began sending Joseph up and down the Missouri River as a teenager to develop his trade.

In what is currently the city of Chicago Joseph Robidoux established a fur trading post beside Fort Dearborn, Illinois however paradoxically his success led to his demise. As legend has it Joseph was such a competent young business owner that more established older males practicing his craft did not believe too kindly of having a young up and comer stepping into their area and interrupting their recognized service. To fix the interruption that Joseph caused the Fort Dearborn locals convinced regional Indians to threaten and disrupt Joseph up until he was quite actually run out of town.

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After leaving Illinois Joseph established himself in contemporary Omaha, Nebraska and settled down with his 2nd other half (after the 1805 death of his first partner Eugenie) with an 1813 wedding to Angelique Vaudry. Between his two marital relationships Joseph had eight children (2 from the first marriage and 6 from the second) and today the names of a number of those children decorate some of the most frequently used streets in the city of St. Joseph, Missouri which he eventually founded. Among names of his kids that have given that been immortalized with streets named in their honor are Messanie, Faraon, Francis, Felix, and Edmond. While those names most likely seem a bit outdated to most folks in the twenty-first century anyone who has actually spent a significant quantity of time around St. Joseph, Missouri immediately acknowledges those names as some of the most high traffic streets in town.

Joseph Robidoux offered his successful Nebraska fur trading service in 1822 to the American Fur Company and decided to leave the area after being encouraged by the American Fur Business with a $1,000 yearly payment for following a non-compete arrangement.

After hanging around back in St. Louis after selling his organisation to the American Fur Business Robidoux was later on hired by the American Fur Business to start a Blacksnake Hills trading post in northwest Missouri near Kansas City and in doing so Joseph Robidoux prepared for the city of St. Joseph, Missouri that has actually held his name for over 150 years.

#St. Joseph #Saint Joseph #Missouri #MO #St. Joe

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bestweddingvenuescolorado-blog · 7 years ago

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New Asian Wedding Decoration Ideas

From http://bestweddingvenuescolorado.com/2018/02/05/new-asian-wedding-decoration-ideas/

New Asian Wedding Decoration Ideas

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travelingtheusa · 7 years ago

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ARIZONA

7 Dec 2017 (Thu) – We went to Cabela’s today to buy some new hiking boots. We also picked up hiking socks and Paul found a nice flannel shirt. At 3:00 p.m., Jana and her husband arrived at the campground. Jana was the former secretary/treasurer for the SMART Nomads. She turned a large binder of records over to me as the new secretary/treasurer. They were a very pleasant couple and we talked for almost an hour about our travel adventures.

At 4:00 p.m., we changed, fed the animals, grabbed Bonnie, and headed out for Les & Rae’s. Les made a delicious dinner of chicken, onions, sweet white potatoes, and peas. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and sadly said our good-byes.

6 Dec 2017 (Wed) – We went over Les & Rae’s at 11 a.m. with Bonnie. We put the dog in the back yard and took a drive to Apache Junction for lunch. We ate at a place called Dirt Water Springs. It was small but the building was old with wooden plank flooring. Christmas lights had been strung up on the ceiling that was like a decoration on steroids. The food was basically pub food but the ambiance of an old western style saloon was fun.

After lunch, we drove into the surrounding hills where Les showed us the property he used to own. The area has built up quite a bit since they had the lot and he is, of course, kicking himself for not holding onto the land. It is worth a great deal of money today.

We returned to the house where Les cooked a delicious dinner for us. As we drove home, it was fun to see all the Christmas decorations on the houses and businesses. Being in the desert, you forget that it’s just about winter. The decorations remind me of the Christmas season.

5 Dec 2017 (Tue) – Rae was not feeling well this morning so they stayed home today. Paul and I went to lunch at a Greek restaurant. The food was good. We then walked across the mall to Fry’s and picked up some groceries. Paul worked around the camper on projects. I worked on plans for our Utah caravan, calling vendors and gathering information. At 3:00, we drove to Scottsdale to the public park and railroad museum. The model trains were great. There were four different scales on display in a large warehouse. Each was set up on a detailed landscape with little people and cars and houses and bridges and such. There were twirling parts and a mine explosion and landing airplanes. We enjoyed it very much. We walked around the park but the museum and two rail cars were closed. There was a small train giving rides to visitors. They also had a Merci train on display that was well preserved and restored.

4 Dec 2017 (Mon) – We took Bonnie and Sheba to the vet this morning. They both gave blood and were examined. Everything looked good. The vet will contact us with the blood results when they come back.

Paul and I drove to Apache Junction and got on scenic highway Route 88. It wound its way through the Superstition Mountains to Roosevelt. The roadway was sharply winding, steeply curved, and only partially paved. It was pocked and full of ruts. You couldn’t drive more than 15-20 mph. It took us three hours to drive 30 miles. We came upon the Roosevelt Dam and stopped to admire the structure.

A little further on was the Tonto National Monument. There were cliff dwellings that dated back to the 14th century. The path up to the dwellings was only half a mile but the elevation was over 300 feet. It was a steep climb! We got up there, looked over the remnants of a lost civilization, and walked back down the hill. We then drove over an hour on highway 60 to Apache Junction where we stopped for dinner at the Handlebar Pub & Grill. We sat out on the patio and watched the setting sun color the sky. It was a beautiful end to a great day.

3 Dec 2017 (Sun) – Paul spent the morning working on building shelves for the cabinets in the living room. I worked on putting together our Christmas letter for 2017.

We went over Les & Rae’s about 3 p.m. Les cooked ribs and baked beans. They invited friends, Jerry & Caroline, over. Caroline made the most delicious cole slaw. Dinner was delicious and the company was very enjoyable.

2 Dec 2017 (Sat) – We drove to Les & Rae’s today. We all went to the Gilbert Historical Museum. It was decorated for Christmas with several Christmas trees displayed around the museum with the name of the organization that decorated and donated it for auction. It was very festive. The museum itself was small. It was a former home, turned museum, with displays in each room. Outside in back were groups of school children singing Christmas carols.

After the museum, we drove to the library. It has a large lake and riparian preserve right outside abutting its property. We walked around the lake, enjoying the wonderful weather and watching the water fowl. There were many different kinds of ducks, geese, and other birds swimming in the lake.

By the time we got back to the house, Rae was feeling pretty tired. We said good-bye so she could lie down and take a nap.

1 Dec 2017 (Fri) – We made appointments for check-ups on Monday for Sheba and Bonnie at the veterinarian behind the Elks Lodge. We were going to go to a museum today but Les called to say a repairman was coming over this afternoon to repair their dish washer. So we spent the day hanging out around the campground. Bonnie has diarrhea (again) so it was good we stayed close.

At 4 p.m. we drove to Les & Rae’s where Les prepared a delightful dinner of pork chops, broccoli, and white sweet potatoes. After dinner, we drove to an ice cream shop for dessert. When we returned to their house and Les opened the garage, Bonnie came running out. She somehow opened the door from the house into the garage. Luckily, we recaptured her fairly easily.

30 Nov 2017 (Thu) – We drove to Les & Rae’s this morning where the guys worked on Les’ truck. The headlight needed to be replaced and they were fighting poor connections, degraded lenses, and broken clips. They finally got it working.

We then drove to the mall where Paul bought two pairs of shoes and I bought some slacks and blouses. J.C. Penney was having a sale and we got really good deals on our purchases. We had lunch at a Mexican restaurant then stopped at Fry’s to pick up a few groceries.

When we got back to the campground, the camp hosts and another couple were enjoying happy hour. We went over to join them for half an hour, then made ourselves dinner, then watched “Christmas Vacation.” Someone had a projector and showed the film on the backside of their RV. The movie was pretty funny.

29 Nov 2017 (Wed) – We went to the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. It was a very interesting museum with basically three separate sections. One part had all kinds of western items on display – saddles, spurs, rifles, pistols, chaps, etc. Another part had exhibits on the wild west, the settlers and mountain men who tamed the west, and the American Indian natives who resisted their “taming.” The third part had paintings of the west – the Grand Canyon, sunsets, desert landscapes, bison, wolves, and people. There were also lots of sculptures sprinkled around the museum and a special exhibit on movie posters was on display.

After the museum, we walked around Scottsdale until stopping in at Boot Leggers for lunch. It was pub fare but good. Later, we met Les & Rae at the lodge for dinner. It was Queen of Hearts night where one ticket is drawn and the winner gets to choose a card from several placed face down on a board. Depending on which card is revealed, the person is awarded a cash prize. Different cards have different values. The Queen of Hearts is usually worth the most money.

28 Nov 2017 (Tue) – We worked around the camper for a while this morning, then pulled up stakes and moved to the Elks Lodge in Tempe. We were here back in April. Both the camp host and the bartender remembered us. After getting set up, we went over Les & Rae’s for dinner. Their friends, Steve & Barbara, joined us. It was a delightful evening with good food and good company.

27 Nov 2017 (Mon) – Paul did some waxing on the RV before we drove to Les & Rae’s at 9:30 a.m. The visiting angel, Dorothy, was there helping Rae. We left with Les and drove to the VA Hospital. I wanted to talk to a counselor about my VA benefits. I discovered that the VA charges a copay for service and the VA is different from Tricare.

After we finished at the VA, we drove back to the campground to close the awning. The news reported that there were going to be high winds this morning and we didn’t want the awning damaged. Les treated us to a lunch of hot dogs at a tiny little hot dog stand. A husband and wife moved there from Chicago many years ago and opened the stand. It is very eclectic and very popular. We then returned to Gilbert where we got our propane tank filled. Then we went back to Les’ house and visited with them until dinner time. Then we all drove to Nando’s Mexican Café and had a great meal. It was a fruitful day.

26 Nov 2017 (Sun) – Les & Rae had to attend a surprise party for some friends so we were on our own today. Paul took me to breakfast on the farm. The Schnepf Farms café was small. There was no one else there. We ordered our breakfast and sat on the patio. Bonnie was with us so she also got to enjoy Sunday breakfast. When we were finished eating, we walked around the farm. It is much bigger than we realized. There are many rides and animals around the place – pigs, goats, cows, horses, peacocks, roller coaster, climbing wall, pedal cars, zipline, motorized swings, etc. Every time we came around a corner, there was another thing. The owners have tried to turn the place into a large amusement park. People we have talked to from the area say the farm is always having some kind of event going on. They even host weddings and receptions in a large barn.

We drove to LaMesa RV in Phoenix (that was where we bought the Big Horn in April). After greeting the salesman, we asked to look at the Vilanos they had on the lot (we wanted to see the Solitude but they don’t carry that line). They only had two Vilano models – both had the bathroom in the front of the RV. Paul liked the model but I don’t like going through the bedroom to get to the bathroom.

We drove to the Elks Lodge in Scottsdale. They had eight spaces and all were full. They only had electric and water hookups; no sewer. We then drove to the Elks Lodge in Tempe (we stayed there when we came to Arizona in April). The lodge has 28 campsites; most were full. We believe we’ll be able to get a space there so we’ll move to Tempe on Tuesday.

When we got back to Queen Creek, we stopped at Olive Mill for lunch. That place was hopping! It is definitely a major tourist attraction in the area. Paul spent the latter part of the day washing the RV.

25 Nov 2017 (Sat) – We went to Les & Rae’s at 11 a.m. We drove an hour to Anthem where we visited the Veterans’ Memorial in the community park. It was a very interesting piece of artwork. There were five pillars, one for each of the five services. Each pillar was lower than the last one and they all had openings in them. Once a year, on the 11th month of the 11th day of the 11th hour the sun aligns in a way that the light shines straight through all five openings and lights up the Seal of the United States on the ground. The pillars are white, the paving stones (engraved with veterans’ names) are red, and the Arizona sky is blue, representing the colors of the flag. There were other items of symbolism there but that was the gist of it.

I called up Trip Advisor to find a nearby restaurant. There was a Mexican restaurant in the area that sounded pretty good. We had trouble finding it because a strip mall had been built and the GPS had not been updated. The route did not go straight through to the restaurant. After some finagling and wandering back and forth, we arrived at the restaurant only to find it closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. We then drove to another restaurant. It turned out to be a barbecue place. Although we all had a taste for Mexican food, we enjoyed our meal.

We then drove back to Gilbert, dropped Les & Rae off, then returned to the campground. It was a long day.

24 Nov 2017 (Fri) – We drove to Les & Rae’s. After enjoying a quick lunch of chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s, we put Bonnie in the back yard and drove down the street to an open field. Paul brought his drone and the two guys operated the flying machine out in the sunny field while Rae and I sat in the shadows. When they were done, we went back to Les & Rae’s house for a while then came home. We did two loads of wash in the campground laundry room with one washer and one dryer. We had to walk back and forth four times but got it done.

23 Nov 2017 (Thu-Thanksgiving) – We met Les & Rae at their house. Paul helped Les take the RZR off his truck then we drove to Steve & Barbara’s house to dinner. Their children and grandchildren were there as well as some friends. There were 19 of us in all. It was a delightful day with beautiful weather, good food, and pleasant company. We were able to Facetime briefly with Travis and his family before I lost the signal.

22 Nov 2017 (Wed ) – We met Les at Octane Motorsports this morning. After signing all kinds of paperwork and putting up a $1,000 refundable deposit to cover damages, we took off for Apache Junction and Superstition Mountain. Paul towed a trailer with two 4-seater ATVs; Les had two 2-seaters. It was almost an hour’s drive out to the desert.

We arrived at the trailhead and unloaded the four ATVs. Les and one girl rode in front and led the group over the trails. The other 4-seaters were filled with friends and we followed in the 2-seater. What a ride! It felt like we were going so fast yet whenever I looked at the speedometer, we were only doing 20 or 30 mph. Cactus and other scrub brush lined the dirt pathway. Rocks and washouts filled the road. The dust was everywhere. We all wore goggles and bandanas. At the end of the ride (which was about three hours), those of us with white hair had been turned sandy, and it felt like sandpaper.

After the ride, we took the ATVs back to the shop (after filling the gas tanks), then we drove to Steve & Barbara’s house to get Rae. After visiting a bit, we followed Les & Rae to Blue 32, a sports bar, for dinner. It was quite good. Then it was back to the campground. A shower never felt so good!

21 Nov 2017 (Tue) – Les & Rae arrived at our campsite at 11 a.m. They toured our new abode then we went to the Olive Mill. It is an interesting restaurant on an olive farm. You order at the counter and get a buzzer that calls you back to pick up your food when it is ready. All around the store are olive products – olive oils to taste, foods and products made with olive oil, all kinds of gift baskets. Paul and I split a sandwich.

We came back to the campground and dropped off Les & Rae, then drove into town to mail some items and do some grocery shopping. Although we started out with a small list of items to buy, the cart quickly filled up and the bill was over $250. I can’t get used to how much prices have gone up.

Another camper has arrived in the farm field. They have two dogs, one of which they do not keep on a leash. They are medium size animals. We saw a coyote cross the road yesterday so I want to go over and warn them to watch their dogs. We are very careful with Sheba.

The temperatures have dramatically risen. They were in the 20s when we were in Roswell, Socorro, and Show Low, but are now higher. In fact, it’s supposed to be in the high 80s the rest of this week – maybe even 90 on Thursday. The sunsets are beautiful. I think it’s the dust in the air that makes the brilliant colors.

We went to Les & Rae’s for dinner. Les made burgers in an onion gravy with his famous lima beans. It was all very good. We made plans to meet him tomorrow for a ride in the desert on ATVs.

20 Nov 2017 (Mon) – We left Show Low at 9 a.m. It was a five hour drive over some very exciting geography. We came over the White Mountains and had to stop to let the brakes cool off a couple of times (one of them was registering over 400 degrees). It was a long drive with some narrow roadway and loads of curves and turns. We found an open parking lot in Globe and stopped to have some lunch.

We arrived at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek at 2 p.m. The campground is on the backside of a farm. The area is very open and we are the only ones in our area. We have full hookups. I made reservations on the internet. There is no camp office here; self-checkins just fill out a form and drop their payment in a box. I tried to call the office but they are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. I’ll call them tomorrow.

I called Les & Rae to let them know we had arrived. They will drive over tomorrow. It will be good to see them again.

19 Nov 2017 (Sun) – We left Socorro, NM at 9:30 and headed out toward Show low, AZ. We stopped in Pie Town and bought a small pie. The drive was uneventful and we arrived at the Elks Lodge at 12:30 p.m. It was a very nice campground with about 40 sites nestled among the Ponderosa Pines. The only problem was that the club was closed for the season. All the electric panels were locked and the water was turned off. We were sorely disappointed.

We then drove to the K-Bar RV Resort. It was a very nice campground, although the sites were a little tight. There were pines around the area. We had full hookups and wifi. The TV didn’t get any stations and the trees made it impossible to get satellite. It was a quiet night with book reading and computer work.

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merrybrides · 5 years ago

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How to Plan a Perfect Rehearsal Dinner in 11 Easy Steps

Now, as weddings have often turned into weekend affairs, the rehearsal dinner has become the grand kickoff to the festivities. Here are a few good ideas for how to plan a rehearsal dinner with our ultimate rehearsal dinner checklist.

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1. Decide who's hosting.

2. Consider keeping it casual.

You're going to dress to the nines for 12 hours at the wedding the next day, so you might as well be comfortable at your rehearsal dinner. Even highbrow types, according to our experts, are going for barbecues or casual affairs. To encourage conversation among guests, you might consider open seating rather than assigned tables and buffet or family-style food service.

3. Choose a fun theme.

Outdoor Barbecue: A grilled feast and a game of softball is an inexpensive, relaxed, and easy-to-prepare party for groups both large and small.

Seaside Clambake: Lobster and clams on the sand at sunset is a deliciously low-key and informal treat. Add a bonfire and s'mores for a sweet ending.

Sports Night: Baseball-stadium boxes are a fun party spot for all ages. Serve ballpark faves such as hot dogs and beer.

Hoedown: A country-themed bash, complete with a square-dance caller, will keep guests entertained. Serve southern favorites like fried chicken and cornbread so guests can do-si-do the night away.

4. Pick a unique location.

A beach or a pretty yard requires little extra decoration (if you're thinking about budget). Remember it's not the wedding reception and you don't necessarily need over-the-top centerpieces. If you're tying the knot in a temperate climate, you'll find that the open air will boost your party spirit, especially if you have guests traveling from places plagued with nasty weather. If you can find a location that will allow you to have the party outside, it's even better. People can really relax and mingle.

5. Create the guest list.

6. Time it right.

If most attendants won't be arriving until late on the eve of your wedding, a breakfast celebration the morning of the wedding is also acceptable.

7. Think about the food.

Or kick in some foreign flavor with Thai, Indian, or Greek food.

8. Pass the mic.

9. Give gifts to the wedding party.

10. Make any last-minute friendly reminders.

11. When it comes down to it: remember to have fun!

#rehearsal dinner #wedding rehearsal

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