Gallimaufry

Just some things on my mind.


   Well, It is officially the Christmas Season.  Yesterday afternoon, I went to hear the Orpheus Chorus sing their Winter Concert.  Instead of sitting in the front, I sat towards the back and I think you could hear the blend better.  Their rendition of Mood Indigo was awesome - not very Seasonal but then folks do seem to get the blues this time of year.  This men-only group has been around since 1902, we've been going since 1997 when our friend, Bill Calliss joined.  They have a Spring Concert as well.  Any of you living in Peoria should make it a must-do.
     Afterwards we went to the Fish House - another good Peoria institution - and I had fried halibut and fried zucchini.  Excellent, but had a hard time sleeping.  Too much fried.  
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     The bulb burned out on my back yard light post, so I went out to replace it and while unscrewing the decorative nut on the top, the screw on the bottom fell to the ground - I had forgotten to hold both sides.  Add appropriate expletive - I did.  Replaced the bulb and I had visions of the winter wind roaring around the garage and lifting the top and destroying the lantern.  I bent down to rifle through the grass  - which is a little long for winter - to see if I could feel where the screw had dropped.  Nothing!  But as I was standing back up, I glanced over and on a leaf on the ground was the screw.   You tell me there aren't miracles or at least Someone looking out for us.  I was stunned - still am.

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      One of the places in this country that touches me the most is The Andersonville Site in Georgia.  It was a Confederate prison during the War between the States and the conditions for the Union Soldiers were horrific.  I have been there three times and every time, I have had an eerie feeling just sensing a presence.  Our daughters felt it too when we were there last Thanksgiving time.  
     While doing research on Ancestry.com, I found that one of our ancestors, Peter Bishoff,  had been imprisoned there. (Is the theme from  Twilight Zone playing in your head?)  Amazing! 
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      Back to the blues and the Season, my new favorite Christmas song is by Marty Stuart, Even Santa Gets the Blues.  I hope it puts you in the holiday mood.