Melody told me about a floral design course she had just signed up for. I have no talent when it comes to arranging flowers so I thought it would be a terrific experience for me.
We had our first course this morning. We started the day off by having breakfast at Summerhays on Baseline. Then off to the high school for our first course.
Within the first few minutes I knew I was going to enjoy this. Our instructor Iris Waung had called ahead of time to ensure we all brought our supplies: a towel, scissors, a garbage bag and a mug.
We thought the mug was going to be for our first project. We expected to be doing a little floral arrangement. I picked the biggest mug and hoped for the best. When we arrived she went through the usual introductory information. There was a nice little vase for each of us. Then she told us that she had made tea for us and lemon cranberry pound cake. The mug was for the tea! Ha ha ha How silly I felt!
The arrangement we were doing today is called a Biedermeier design. It is a traditional design characterized by a dome or round shape.
Iris made up a vase of flowers explaining each step along the way. Then it was our turn to try to do the same. We each started with a bunch of yellow flowers.
And here is my first ever floral design. Not bad for a rookie! I can follow directions. I’m not so sure I can create my own design though.
I brought my masterpiece home and was greeted by Grimace. She really liked my arrangement. She could hardly wait for me to set it down somewhere so she could EAT IT. No matter where I put it she immediately jumped up (on top of the refrigerator) to get at it. I had to put it in our office behind a closed door.
The class went by so fast. I really enjoyed it. Two more lessons to go. I can’t wait to see what comes up next.
Our new dishwasher is fantastic. It looks pretty basic. It has a simple profile which is what I like. It is nice and shiny like all the other appliances.
It has a lot more space inside than our previous one. It is so quiet you can hardly hear it working. One really nice feature is the cutlery rack.
All the utensils lie flat in their own drawer. You can sort them by type so it makes for very easy handling when the cleaning is done. No more pokes from knives or forks!
The other racks are adjustable and include things like fold down stem holders (for wine glasses). It’s a good purchase and although a little more expensive than more basic models it is very much worth it.
We went to a Murder Mystery at Chris & Crystal’s. It was a 51st birthday celebration for Chris.
The evening took place during the height of prohibition in 1920s Chicago. Everyone dressed their part.
Paulette – Jazzy Fringe
The egotistical Jazzy Fringe is a regular performer at Beanie O’Dannon’s club, ‘The Two Aces.’ However, this club is not nearly as popular as The Grand Gatsby – so Jazzy has been after Kara Low’s spot at The Grand Gatsby for months. Jazzy Fringe will stop at nothing to get what she wants and vows to one day take over as the lead performer at The Grand Gatsby Speakeasy.
Dave – Chuck Limberger
Chuck Limberger is the loveable but air-headed American pilot. He is planning to fly a big solo non-stop Trans-Atlantic mission soon but is being delayed by the skeptics around him. This determined pilot will try anything to show that he can take to the skies.
We didn’t guess who did it but we had fun trying.
For more pictures see: Grand Gatsby
The game is available online (see Party Info).
We had a team building ski day at Mont Ste Marie. The conditions were hard. Not what we expected for early April. It was sunny and when sheltered from the wind it was actually quite nice. The patio at the base was warm enough to enjoy all day.
The main chair was running but Cheval Blanc was closed. Other than a handful of people we had the place pretty much to ourselves. This made it feel like our own little private ski resort.
Whether you were on the lift, skiing down the hill or sitting at the base you could see & be part of the action.
We had a special lunch of caesar salad, garlic bread, pizza, lasagna and cake. The food was very good and served quite promptly. No complaints and there was nothing left. Developers are good at finishing off food!
We had a fun race in the afternoon. Here I am at the starting gate. I’ve never skied a course before so I have no idea what I’m doing.
They gave out medals at the end of the day. I won a gold medal! OK I have to qualify that. I got a gold medal for the fastest time by a female skier. Considering that my only competition was another lady who was on skis for the first time (she won the silver) it really wasn’t much of an accomplishment but I’ll take it.
Here’s my first ever skiing medal:
Although the skiing conditions were not the best it was a fun day spending time on the slopes with co-workers.
It is April after all and it could have rained all day. We were lucky to have sunshine and not too cold weather.
I’m an easy mark especially first thing in the morning.
Jen is our lovely gym trainer at Entrust. She looks innocent & sweet. Here she is at our Christmas gift exchange.
She’s an excellent trainer. She is also really good at telling stories. Sometimes they are true and sometimes…
I missed the early morning class today. I guess my NYC trip (getting home at midnight) had caught up to me. I met up with Dave I. a little later for coffee. Here’s his recounting of it:
Dave I. You missed Jen’s news <assumes solemn expression>
Me What news?
Dave I. The real reason behind their trip to Phoenix. The company was negotiating with Lance for him to take on responsibility for the Asia-Pacific region.
Me Wow!
Dave I. They are moving to Vancouver. The transfer is effective, I think, July 1st.
Andy (who was also in the room) What!? Jen didn’t say anything to me about this! <grumbles>
Me So we are losing her…
Dave I. You know what else Jen said?
Me What?
Dave I. April Fools!
Got me. They both did. Dave did an excellent job of telling it solemnly and with conviction. He couldn’t hold it in very long though. The smile was starting to show.
Yup, I’m an easy mark, especially first thing in the morning.
